journey

Some Favorite Summer Salads

June 21, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Over the years I have been looking for healthier recipes to enjoy as either a side or entree. Here are a few recipes that I have enjoyed, especially during the summer months.

Deconstructed Guacamole Salad

I found this recipe when I was looking for something to make with ripe avocados. I didn’t want to do my usual quick-prep of cutting them up and adding to my basic salad. I love guacamole so when I found this recipe I was thrilled and gave it a try.

I loved how refreshing and satisfying it was by itself. I baked some pita chips and used them for some crunch with the salad.

For an alternative recipe I would add some red onion to kick it up a bit.

Click here for the original recipe.

Strawberry, Almond and Spinach Salad

I found this fabulous recipe on the Taste of Home website. Since strawberries aren’t always in season, I used dried strawberries and pre-sliced almonds over my spinach. I used the oil and vinegar but I didn’t add any of the sugar. I thought the strawberries were sweet enough.

Click here for the original recipe.

Balela Salad

I found this recipe as I was looking for vegetarian options to decrease my meat consumption. I figured the chickpeas and black beans would be a great substitute. The first time that I tired this I fell in love with it. It is so great that I have never needed to change or alter it. I felt very satisfied after eating it.

Click here for the original recipe.

Filed Under: Adventures, Culinary Tagged With: adventure, choices, Culinary, Green, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, salad

For the Love of My Hands

February 5, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

The winter months can be hard on the skin. However, I find my hands and cuticles take the biggest beating. One day of not following my routine and my hands go from healthy to dry and cracked.

I have several products that I have fallen in love with that assist me with keeping my hands looking healthy throughout the winter.

Burt’s Bee Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

One of the toughest area on my hand to keep healthy during the winter are my cuticles. For years I have tried numerous products claiming to help keep them soft with little success. Then I discovered my holy grail, Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (Approximately $7.00) I stumbled upon it in a sample set at Walmart when I was looking for a new hand cream. The first time I tried it I felt a difference in my cuticles. Within a week, they were no longer dry and tough to manage. The best part was my cuticles weren’t cracking anymore. If you have ever had this happen, it can be painful and a bit bloody. Once my cuticle split, it took weeks to get it back into shape. As long as I keep using this product on a regular basis, I no longer have this issue. On a side note: the cream smells great, is made from 100% natural products and is cruelty-free.

Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer

I stumbled upon this product by accident while in Ulta (Approximately $15.00). I am always looking for new creams to help keep my hands from drying out and cracking in the winter. I tried it out in the store and held onto the bottle while I wandered around the store. It made my hands feel soft without getting them all greasy. I loved the smell but I wasn’t sure about the price tag that came with it. I decided to splurge and invest in it.

I was hoping that it would make my hands look and feel as great without a greasy residue. The results were amazing. I used a small amount everyday and my hands are soft. This product did not leave a greasy film on my hands. It absorbed right into the skin. I found that if I use it on a regular basis, I only need a small amount to keep my hands looking and feeling great.

Moisturizing Gloves

My next favorite tools for my hands is the Moisturizing Gloves. I purchased mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond (Approximately $7.00). I use these when I want to add a bit more moisturizer to hand, like after a day of hiking in colder temperatures. I will add more than the usual dollop of moisturizer on my hands and place them into the gloves. I then attempt to sit quietly as my hands soak up the extra lotion. To help I will put my feet in their spa socks and a moisturizing mask on my face. I will do this about once or twice a month, unless I have gone camping or hiking. Then I may do it a few more times.

Especially during the colder months, I have to stick to my routine if I want to keep my hands happy and healthy.

What products work for you? Please share your experiences and preferred moisturizers below in the comment section.

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: Girl, Girls, hands, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, winter, Woman, Women

From Grief to Peace

January 2, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

I have never been a stranger to grief. In 1993 I lost my father and thanks to friends in Florida, I found the joys in life again. I lived life to the fullest most of the time. I did have my down days but I was able to pull myself out of it. However, in October 2014, my world came crashing down around me when Mom passed away. I became bitter and angry with God, the doctors and her. I was mad at God because he let her die and the doctors because they couldn’t save her. I was furious at her because she chose to let herself die. Part of me said she was at peace with Dad but my heart and head only knew anger and heartache.

To understand my journey from anger to peace, you will need to the last two months of her life. In August she announced that she had been to her Doctor and was waiting for the results. Her appointment came and I went with her. I wanted to hear the results for myself. My heart sank as the doctor spoke about uterine and ovarian growths and certain blood levels. I knew instantly that we were fighting cancer. I just wasn’t aware how bad it was.

On Sept 6^th Mom, accompanied by her children, went to the Gynecologic Oncology expert in Morristown. Our worst fears were realized and a plan was put into place for a September 26^th Surgery. I cried and told them that it was going to be too late but since Mom hadn’t been to any Doctor in years, she needed tests to make sure she was healthy enough for surgery. Jenny, our nurse and God-sent scheduler, worked with us to get everything we needed to get done. Mom and I ran all over the countryside for the next two weeks getting this and that done. She was a trooper trying to hide how bad it was and how much pain she was in. I was positive that we were going to beat this.

Sept 18th was our last hurdle before surgery. She was scheduled for an upper and lower GI to see if there were any blockages or abnormalities the medical team needed to be aware of during her surgery. It was a medical center about 15 minutes from the hospital. My heart sank when 30 minutes after she went in the nurse came out and asked me to come inside.

What was going on? Was she done already? Mom and I were informed that her oxygen levels were too low and they wouldn’t put her under at the facility. They suggested taking her to the hospital where, if something were to happen, there was the right equipment and specialists who could jump in to help.

The nurse arrange for EMS to pick up Mom and take her to Morristown Medical Hospital. I called my brother and Dave, my then-fiancé, to let them know of the changes in the plan. I wait quietly with Mom for the ambulance to arrive and then I jumped in my car to carefully drive over to the hospital. The ER was waiting for her and started running tests as we waited for the GI test to be done.

By that afternoon Mom was admitted and taken to the Simon 5 where a team specializing in cancer waited. By this time, it was determined that the cancer had spread and blocked her bladder diminishing her kidney functions. There were several attempts, test and other procedures before we got the tubes in to help with this hurdle

However after two weeks had past, I learned the cancer had spread everywhere. A few days later, Mom gave in to her fate and past away. It was only 24 hours earlier that I watched her and her Doctor decide that she was done fighting.

Thanks to a crazy friend and Dave, I was able to stay with her thru out the night so I was there when she took her last breath. I hated everyone that day. I looked at people to blame. The easiest three were God, the medical team and Mom. I spent a lot of time recounting what had happened to see where we went wrong. That was the beginning of the journey.

My Mom’s final wish to me was to not mourn her but to celebrate her. In public where people could see, I did just that. However, when I retreated behind closed doors, I was angry and bitter. Only one person witnessed this, Dave. He knew that I wasn’t doing well and suggested I reach out to people. I would snap that I was fine and handling it in my own way.

I fought him for a year and a half before I realized I wasn’t dealing with it and I needed to seek help. I turned to one person I was ticked at, God. I started asking for my heart to find peace. I told myself that the medical teams did everything they could for her. I had to accept that she wasn’t responsible. No one was really responsible for Mom’s death. It just happened.

I bought an interactive book about grief so that I could privately work through it. I began to journal about my feelings and memories. Slowly the anger and bitterness melted away. I started finding small bits of joy in her memory that I had lost. It wasn’t until Christmas Eve service when I really realized how far I had come.

I struggled as to whether or not I wanted to go to the service. Was I just doing it because it was what we always did or was I looking for something else? I went to see what would happen. If I got nothing out of the service then I didn’t have to go back next year.

Surrounded by the ghosts of my past (after attending the church for 42 year, there were a few), I walked into the church. I didn’t tear up from grief but saw the magical way the church looked at this time of the year. It was dressed with evergreens and candle as well as adorned with the nativity, which Barbara had purchased while traveling to Germany. Then the organ came to life and it filled the air with a kaleidoscope of sound. Halfway thru the service I listened as Father Tim spoke about finding wonder in this crazy world. I started to get teary eyed and wondered if this was going to be the point where I cry. I didn’t but still realized I was getting emotional.

Following communion came the one song I dreaded singing for the last 23 years, Silent Night. It is the one song that took me back to my childhood when my parents would constantly sing it so I would know it for the church pageant. I always cried during this song. There were years I cried so hard I couldn’t get the words out.

However, this year was different. Something changed within me. I found the joy in the song and sang the whole song loudly and slightly off-key with a smile on my face. I was surprised and proud of myself that I was smiling and not crying! The song ended and my heart felt free. I felt at peace.

I will miss my parents and there will be moments when I wished they were here, but my heart and soul accepted their fate and granted me peace to start the New Year!

Filed Under: Be True To You! Tagged With: Cancer, choices, Christmas, Church, Family, Friends, Grief, Health, healthy, Holiday Memories, Holidays, journey, Peace, Traditions

2016 – A Year That Didn’t Go As Planned

December 24, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

In the beginning of 2016 I was hopeful. I was working at UPS temporarily as a pre-loader but 2016 was going to be the year I found my dream job and got married.

At the end of January I had caught a cold that was making its way around the hub. That last week I struggled to keep up with loading the trucks properly. Those weeks taught me to appreciate UPS workers and how they bust their butts. The first week of February is when I fainted on Dave and my world turned upside down. All my plans for the year went out the window. It was severely anemic from uterine blood loss.

I no longer could dance, run around the neighborhood or hit the gym (which I joined to stay fit for the wedding…lol). I discovered that I had fibroids in my uterine wall and it had to be removed. Since our wedding date was set for April, it was discussed and determined by my fabulous Doctor that we would have to wait until after the wedding for surgery. There simply wasn’t enough time between to get me on the schedule and have enough time to recover.

Not wanting to push the wedding off yet again, Dave and I agreed with the plan. I quietly waited at home while my body fought me every step of the way. I can’t tell you how many times Doc had to change my medication just to get it to stop bleeding.

On April 24^th surrounded by a small group of family and friends, Dave and I finally got married. As planned, we kept it simple and it was a beautiful day.

Our wedding bliss was short lived when I fainted yet again a few days later. That is when Doc’s team and Dave’s HR manager worked overtime to get me on Dave’s insurance. The effort it took to push the paperwork thru and then schedule my operation was amazing. I am forever grateful for everyone who helped out.

June 7^th I entered the Newton Medical Center for my hysterectomy. The procedure went smooth and I spent three days in the maternity ward. What a fabulous group of women. I was blessed to have the team that I had to help me while I was there. I was given a lot of pointers and a Giggle Pillow to help with minimizing the pain.

By the end of August I was back up and running. A little slow but I was moving again. I was back to dancing and hiking. I wasn’t winded just walking into the grocery store. It was amazing.

Now you may be wondering about the dream job? I did join a fabulous team (North Porch – Women and Infants’ Centers) as their Program Director.

I have reflected on this past year and what I learned. First, all the best plans in life can change in a moment so enjoy everything whether it’s planned or not.

Second, to be gentle with myself. Over the past year I wondered if I had done this, would I have caught this sooner and not have to hit the critical stage I hit. I also gained weight as I went from active to sitting all the time. I am looking to loose some of it but have to realize that my body changed in a big way and things I did in the past might not work as well.

Third, kind of goes with number two, eat better. Since I wasn’t feeling good I relied on crackers and bread for many meals. I need to cut back all of that so I can become a healthier me. I won’t give up everything but I will be looking to eat cleaner, less processed foods. I have a lot I want to do next year and I want to run circles around 2017.

Here’s to the next adventures in life!

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures, Be True To You! Tagged With: 2016, 2017, adventure, choices, Determination, dream, dreams, Emergency, employment, Goals, grateful, Health, healthy, Husband, Job, Jobs, journey, Love, Love Yourself, Loving You, Medical, Planned, Sidelined, Unhealthy, Unplanned, Wife, Woman, Women

The Joys and Lessons of Hiking

October 5, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

When I was 12 years old, I joined a Girl Scout Backpack Interest Group. I was an awkward child with little self confidence. Naturally I was unsure how I was going to fit all that I needed for a weekend on my back as well as fit in with the other girls. Under the guidance of several leaders, Barbara, Dave and my Mom, I learned how to properly pack a backpack for a two day trip. I figured out what was necessity verses a nice to have. As for fitting in with the girls, I had no problem making friends since we were there for the love of the outdoors.

I quickly learned to leave the fashionable attire at home and take the comfy cloths and boots. It may have had something to do with all the toenails lost to the “pretty grey boots” I wore that first year or the cold head and hands because I was too cool to wear a proper winter hat and mittens. I gained the knowledge of layering cloths for the seasons as well as bringing extra socks to change into if my feet got wet.

After the first few years, I began planning menus and making requests for when Mom went to the grocery store. Instant soups, my favorite was creamy chicken, and sandwiches became my go-to lunches. For dinner Mom and I would share a freeze dried dinner we had purchased from Campmor. Peanut M&Ms became my main staple in my group until they introduced Peanut Butter M&Ms. I would add honey roasted peanuts or Raisinets but I usually munched on just M&Ms while hiking.

As a group we hiked mainly around northern NJ or NY and I loved almost every minute of it. I hated when my path crossed with snakes. It’s the reason I fell in love with cold weather hiking. I knew during the winter months the little suckers wouldn’t be slithering about.

When I first started hiking I would hurry up to get to the end of point. I rarely wanted to stop for lunch or look around to see the beautiful sights that trail offered. I thought the point was to get to the campsite or the end of the trail as quickly as possible.

It took a many years but I started listening to Barbara’s educational stories about the plants and wildlife in the area. I learned to appreciate and explore old quarry mines and building ruins. I sat with my friends underneath Tripod Rock and scaled the great Bear Rock. I would have never had these experiences if I just kept walking or rushed thru lunch. I finally learned to slow down and take in the beauty that was all around me.

I sometimes have to remind myself to cherish all the various views in the world and the journey it took to get there. I love finding the beauty in a babbling brook or seeing sunshine falling peacefully thru the trees. No matter what, I will always love the view from the top.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures Tagged With: adventure, backpacking, food, Girl, Girl Scouts, Girls, Gorp, hiking, journey, Outdoors, Woman, Women

My Favorite Water Bottles

August 27, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

We have always been told to drink plenty of water as children. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-thirties when I actually started to take that advice. At first I started buying liter water bottles at the grocery store for its ease and convenience. About a year and a half after I started, I added up the money I was loosing for the ease and convenience and immediately started looking for alternatives.

I found an aluminum water bottle. It became my new best friend, I would fill it up and home and take with me everywhere. It was light weight and fit in my car holder. I liked this option however due to taking iron pills, the metal had a metallic taste to it.

I then switched to BPA-Free plastic water bottles with an infusers in the center which I found at Shop Rite. I was excited as these allowed me to add fruit or veggies to flavor my water. The downside was the time I felt I had to wait before drinking them so that the flavor would disperse throughout the water. Also, The plastic water bottles didn’t last as long as I was constantly using then as well as dropping them as they were a uniform cylindrical style and not easy for me to grip…lol.

As I continued on this journey I discovered discovered my first favorite water bottle, made by Life Factory and sold at my local health food store. I have to admit I first noticed it because the plastic coating and top was purple, my favorite color. I like the idea of a glass bottle because it wouldn’t have a metallic aftertaste. Its shape was easy for me to grip in addition to having a small handle on the lid. I liked the top which was easy to drink from. The one con was the base was slightly too big for my cup holders in my car. It sat three-quarters of the way into the large holder. It was not very sturdy but it was a concession I could learn to live with. I did drop it once but I was lucky that it didn’t break.

My next favorite water bottle came when Ball Jars created drinking lids for their narrow and wide mouth jars. The option for the narrow jars was a lid insert with a straw which was secured with the metal band. The wide mouth jars had a two-in-one option. The lid insert was designed so that you can sip directly or use a straw. Over the past few months I have preferred a 32 oz wide mouth jar with the insert. Depending on my mood I will use the straw.

The wide mouth doesn’t fit into my car’s drink holder however, traveling with the wide mouth Ball Jar is possible. I simply removed the drinking insert and used the steel canning for a secure fit until I get to my destination. In my car I use the 12 oz narrow jars as it fits nicely in my car’s drink holder.

Filed Under: A Little of This Tagged With: adventure, aluminum, bottle, BPA Free, glass, Health, healthy, journey, Juice, Juicing, plastic, water, water bottle

DIY – Lip Scrub

June 14, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

My lips have always been dry. To say I have spent a small fortune on lip products would be an understatement.

When I was younger, to get my lips soft and smooth I always had to scrub them with a rough face cloth and apply lots of lip balm. I didn’t wear dark lip colors in of fear my dry cracked lips underneath would show.

About 15 years ago, I was introduced to my first lip scrub by Mary Kay. Although it worked wonders, I didn’t like the feel or smell of the chemicals that came along with it. I kept using it, however, I started looking for a more natural options.

Throughout my journey I have found several scrubs including my find from last year at Lush. Many of the scrubs I tried were either expensive, dry or difficult to use. Still not happy I researched DIY sites and found numerous recipes for a lip scrub recipe that I could adapt my preference. Below is the recipe that I tweaked from several recipes I found online.

DIY Lip Scrub

Approximately 2 tablespoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of agave nectar (Honey can also be used)
1 1/2 teaspoon olive oil – Add or subtract the amount of Olive Oil to create the lip scrub to your preference

Simply mix it in a small bowl
Apply to your lips gently massaging in a circular motion
Rinse with warm water and pat dry
Apply Lip Balm

Alternative Flavoring: To add a little flavor, you can add extracts used in cooking/baking. I have used a little vanilla extract which makes it taste a little like you are smearing a sugar cookie around your lips.

Lip Balms

I have been through many phases with my lip balms over the years. I used to use Blistex Medex and Chap Stick. Today I only use Burts Bee Lip Care products. During the winter I love the Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter or Medicated Lip Balm. For everyday use I use Beeswax or Honey Lip Balm.

I use them alone or before I apply my lip color of the day. Burts Bee also makes great lip sticks that provide moisture and color at the same time.

Filed Under: A Little of This Tagged With: DIY, Do It Yourself, Homemade, journey, Lip, Lip Balm, Lip Scrub, Lips, Loving You, Natural

My Hair Care Journey

January 17, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Day 1 after I dyed my hair red

The OMG Dye Job

In March of 2010 I decided that I was going to head to the salon and dye my hair red. With naturally dark brown hair, this was going to be a several step process including stripping the color from my hair and applying the final hair color. I choose a deep burgundy color from the swatches and my stylist sprang into action.

Almost 4 hours later and a first botched color attempt along with a second color attempt, my hair was red and had been through the ringer. Although the products used were suppose to be good for my hair, I was left with dry, lifeless hair. It was then that I decided to take better care of my hair.

Two years after my dye job, I still have remnants at the bottom of my hair.

Growing out the dye job was going to be first priority. My thick, curly hair this took several years. By the time the last of it had grown out, the ends were a very faded to almost strawberry blonde.

My Hair Care Product Quest

My next step was to research natural and organic hair products looking for something that would help my hair be healthy again.I looked a many products and read their reviews. Some people had success with them but for those with my hair type, I saw many negative reviews.

The first product I found was at my salon was Davines hair products. I used Love Smoothing Shampoo an Conditioner. These products were made with natural ingredients for a sustainable beauty. From the moment I used it, I noticed a difference in my hair. I was ecstatic with the little progress I made to getting back to healthier hair. It was short lived because the salon created their own version of this and stopped carrying Davines products. I tried the salon shampoo once, it didn’t live up to its Davines counterpart.

For a while I purchased my hair care products online, but the shipping was starting to get a bit much.

So I started up my research for a locally carried hair care line that was naturally made. I discovered John Masters was sold at at a few local salons and health food stores in the area. The more reviews I read, the more I wanted to try it. I also noticed that celebrities whose hair I loved were using his products too – Added bonus.

I purchased the evening primrose shampoo for dry hair and lavender & avocado intensive conditioner. I loved the way they smelled but more importantly, I loved the way my hair felt after using them. Over the years, I have also changed up to Organic Miracles Tough Enough shampoo and conditioner.

Changing the Hair Styling Routine

A change to my regular routine was to incorporated the citrus & neroli detangler into my hair care routine. I would apply it and use a wide tooth comb to gently work out any knots I created while washing and conditioning my hair.

I stopped using the blow dryer. I allow my hair to dry naturally, however I still use my flatiron so that I have long straight hair. I typically keep the temperature down and keep it in motion while on the hair. Once the initial straightening occurs, I will only use the straightener for touch ups.

I added one more step for night time, I gently roll my hair into a bun on top of my head using a scrunchy. This serves two purposes: one, I don’t roll over on it and two it protects the hair from tangling up as I toss and turn.

My New Salon

A lesson that I learned in this craziness for healthier hair was I needed a salon and stylist who shared the same vision for my hair as I did. My search lead me to Salon Fig in Newton. When I first went, they were a small store tucked away but what a gem. From the first moment I stepped in, I felt like I had found somewhere that wanted the best for me and my hair. I know it sound silly but I loved the place. They helped pick the best hair care products to assist me achieve my end goal.

Unlike my expectations, I didn’t pay more for fabulous service and a great style. They are reasonably priced. I also learned that if I ever wanted to venture into the world of hair color, they have a natural product that won’t damage the hair.

My End Game

New Year’s Eve 2015 – five years after starting my hair care journey

Today, I have beautiful, long, healthy hair that I am very proud of. Since starting this journey, my routine hasn’t changed much.

My advice for those looking to do the same is:

Research hair care products that will bring out the best in your hair
Find a salon and hair stylist who gets your goal and will work with you to achieve it
Learn everything you can about how to best style your hair to reduce the amount of damage you cause

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: adventure, Girl, Girls, Hair, Hair Care, Hair Products, healthy, Heathly Hair, journey, Long Hair, Love Yourself, Loving You, Woman, Women

Give Memories, Not Just Gifts

December 5, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

Over the years, I have always heard the a few questions before and after the holidays:

Before – What are you asking for?
After – What did you get?

Is gift giving a great way to show you care? Yes, as they say, “it’s better to give than receive”, but it’s not the only thing you can give. Make memories with your friends and family as memories can be taken with them for the rest of their lives. It can be as simple as sharing or starting a Holiday tradition like Elf on the Shelf, a family dinner, volunteering at a food bank or caroling somewhere. It doesn’t have to elaborate or expensive, just bring joy and warmth to the hearts of everyone involved.

Who knows maybe the traditions you start or share will be passed down for generations to come.

My Christmas Memory

One of my fondest Christmas memories is of a particular song – Silent night.I have been singing it my entire life.

In 1974 my family joined St. John’s Episcopal Church just shy of my second birthday. As part of our first Christmas there, I was slated to play an angel in the Annual Christmas Pageant. The Angels sang the first verse of Silent Night up the aisle. So that I would know the song, my parents sang it all over the place. Over the years, my Mom would remind me of how I learned that particular song and why I have a fondness for that carol.

Singing it today still brings warmth to my heart and a tear to my eyes because I know that it was my parents who taught me to sing Silent Night.

No matter what you celebrate this time of the year, may it be about the people you love. Always remember: things get dusty, toys break and other stuff is forgotten but memories will live you for the rest of your life!

Below is a current favorite rendition of Silent Night by Taylor Davis on violin featuring Home Free. Its beautifully simple arrangement just like the song is suppose to be. (That’s just my opinion.)

Filed Under: A Little of This Tagged With: Christmas, Church, Family, Friends, Giving, Holiday Memories, Holidays, journey, Love Yourself, Memories, Pageant, Silent Night, Traditions

Spiced Tea for Pain Free

March 22, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

This week I tried a spiced tea that is suppose to work as an anti-inflammatory. The recipe called for cardamon pods, ginger and cinnamon. Since I was unable to locate cardamon pods, I have been using cardamon seeds. I also used ground ginger and cinnamon since I didn’t have any fresh when I attempted this the first time.

The original recipe can be found at Secretly Healthy. It also calls for honey if you wanted to sweeten it up.

This tea was refreshingly different from just having herbal teas. It reminded me of Indian and Thai teas that you would get at the restaurants. I did feel better after drinking it. The combination of spices were not only tasty but had healthy benefits as well.

Below is what I did to create this yummy spiced tea. I also double the batch so that I wouldn’t have extra for future consumption.

My Version of the Recipe

4 cups of water

1 teaspoon of cardamon seeds

1 teaspoon of powder ginger (using fresh is better but in a pinch the powder also works)

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

4 black tea bags (I used Red Rose)

2 cups of Almond Milk Unsweetened

Boil the water and spices for 8-10 minutes. Add the tea bags and continue to boil for an additional 2-4 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea to be. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond milk. Strain the liquid as you are serving or putting away as the seeds are still in the mixture. I used a yogurt strainer which works well.

I didn’t add the honey as I am attempting to reduce sugar from my daily diet.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Culinary Tagged With: Culinary, food, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, spiced tea

Join Me on My Journey

Some Favorite Summer Salads