Flashback to 1995: The Internet will fail!

I came across this Newsweek article written in 1995 about why the internet is going to fail. Bashing the prediction that books and newspapers will be sold online, this author didn't believe the "clunky computer could replace the friendly pages of a book." I can understand WHY he thought so:

Hindsight 20/20, he was wrong (we all slip up occasionally). But his predictions are interesting. He was right about one thing: "the internet is one big ocean of unedited data"..."Lacking editors, reviewers or critics, the internet has become a wasteland of unfiltered data." ANYONE can publish something...there are some really crazy people out there too *cough *cough

Check out the article...Don't worry, you don't need to go buy Newsweek - you can read it on your computer now (how times have changed): Why the Internet will Fail

Smile more often

Force yourself to smile. Try it; it's not that difficult. Now hold it for a count of ten and deepen it. Mentally affirm, "I am happy, totally, blissfully happy." Notice how your mood begins to shift. You can't help but feel a little lighter. Use your smile to start a happiness epidemic. Smile at everyone, everywhere. People are hardwired to respond to facial expressions they encounter. If your glower at someone, that person will return a frown, but your smile will evoke a smile. You'll feel happier too, because your body responds to your smile, even if you're faking the grin. So fake it until you genuinely feel happy. Once you know it works, do it often!

Taken from: "365 ways to life happy" by Meera Lester

Happy Thoughts Jan 4th

Sometimes we need to think of ways to brighten our day...let's face it, not every day can be perfect. But what's great...WE ALL have the ability to change our viewpoint. Here's a simple way to change how we feel simply by our sense of smell. During my Tuesday evening yoga class at the Y, Victoria, or instructor goes around doing little spritz of lavender scent at the beginning and end of our yoga session. I find myself looking forward to that little scent of lavender. In fact, I took a different class yesterday and found myself SO MISSING Victoria's lavender!

Set out a bowl of Freshly Crushed Lavender

Whenever you have a bad day, feel exasperated, and struggle to get out of a foul mood, use some lavender to restore your serenity. Lavender is one of aromatherapy's most popular scents. Scents like lavender, citrus, rose and sandalwood can trigger particular memories or experiences associated with them. That's because your olfactory nerve carries the scent straight to your brain. use freshly crushed flowers set out in a bowl, insert some reeds in a diffuser pot with lavender essential oil, light some lavender-scented candles, or put out some sachets of dried lavender. Allow the scent to lift your mood and remember that you never have to live a bad day over again.

Lavender is easy to grow in Iowa in the summertime. But, when you can't get it fresh, dried and crushed. You can get lavender essential oil at places like Campbells Nutrition, Back Country Outfitters in Beaverdale sells "Thymes" lavender scented items. Look for items that have lavender essential oil as the number one ingredient if you can't get cut/dried lavender itself.

Breathe Deeply......

~ Cindy

Fast, delicious AND nutritious breakfast idea

The increasing darkness this time of year makes us want to sleep more and eat comfort food. The last thing we want to do is get up extra early to make that super healthy breakfast we should all be eating.
Last year, while working at Amici (6:30am start time) I consumed this on a daily basis. Not only did I not get sick of it, but I looked forward to it! Cindy told me about this delicious little secret last year and now we are passing it along to you.


Take a simple breakfast food, oatmeal, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and voila!
Our favorite recipe:
1/2 cup rolled quick oats
1 scoop chocolate protein
1-2 tsp peanut butter
pinch of cinnamon and/or nutmeg
Tastes like no bake cookies!

(You can even add your favorite fruit)

Get creative; I started using a vanilla, caramel swirl protein powder and love it - also added it to my coffee (not using a full scoop though, it can get too sweet).
Share your own breakfast ideas, we are always looking for new things to try!