Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), which literally means forest bathing, originated in Japan in the early 1980s and may be regarded as a form of nature therapy.
This is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. The temperature is cooler so the bugs are not eating you alive, the ground smells of wet leaves, moss and mushrooms.  It is referred to as ECOHEALTH and has to do with the human interconnection with nature.
Spending time in nature has lots of benefits including lowering cortisol levels (stress hormone), breathing fresh air, quieting the mind and possibly experiencing EARTHING, the act of putting the body in direct contact with the earth, most often through feet.
I encourage you to bring a blanket and spend few minutes just lying down on the ground.  It's like recharging your body with the energy of earth.

We are now over a week into the fall season.  Some people dread this as they anticipate winter to follow. I LOOOVE fall.  The colors, the cooling of the temperatures, hardy foods and spicy teas.  I recently ready a book on Hygge. It is a word in Danish but also represents a feeling of comfort, wellness and content. In Canada the equivalent would be coziness. For me this means soft sweaters, warm soup, spicy tea, glow of candle light or fire place, stews and carrot cake, sitting under a blanket.
This is a perfect time to start getting into those recipes that include root vegetables, squashes, garlic, ginger and spices.  Get the slow cooker out. Put on a soup.  Challenge yourself with a new hobby.  This time is about slowing down, getting ready for winter.  So enjoy the Hygge and take care of yourself.
I will be posting some delicious recipes for the season.

 As kids have gone back to school, they will have a higher chance of coming in contact with viruses and bacteria that cause colds, flu and upset stomachs. Some of the support we can give them is nutritious foods, enough sleep as well as a multi vitamin, pro-biotics, Omega -3 and lots of hydration.
One of the biggest supports of their immune system that we can do is reducing their sugar intake.  Studies have shown that white sugar and fructose found in the high-fructose corn syrup affects the white cells which are responsible for our immune defense. About 75 grams of sugar will affect the white cells for about 5 hours. Which means that breakfast high in sugar will make your child vulnerable to catching something during their time at school. 
Look for breakfast ideas in my RECIPE tab.

Lavender or lavandula, has been used throughout history for all kinds of ailments. Its soothing scent is relaxing and calming.  It is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help digestive issues as well as relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothache and sores. A published study showed that lavender could be effective in fighting anti-fungal resisting infections.
Also, wound healing, PMS, anxiety and insomnia. House hold uses include bug spray, laundry fragrance, adding to food and cleaning.  It is a great example of nature providing us with what we need.  That is how I see holistic nutrition.
And I like the smell of it. 
The spelling is a combination of lavender and lawenda.  Plus it was original enough to land a .com ;)