It is that time of the year again; time to make New Year's resolutions. I like so many make resolutions every year; they range from simple things like waking up with a smile to more complex resolutions of being healthy in the New Year. I make a resolution to be healthy every year; healthy physically, healthy emotionally, healthy mentally and healthy spiritually. Getting healthy takes work, it takes commitment and for many of us it also requires helps.

Since candy canes are abundant during the holidays, I figured it was an appropriate time to talk about peppermint. However, I do not suggest you eat candy canes to get the benefits of peppermint. Peppermint tea or infusion are two easy ways of getting the benefits of this wonderful herb.

One of my favorite appetizers during the holidays is hummus on veggies. I like to change the flavor by putting in different items. See some of the options at the bottom.

Ingredients:
1 12oz can garbanzo beans
2 Cloves of garlic
1 Red bell pepper
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, extra for roasting garlic and pepper
2 Tablespoons tahini
Juice of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon of salt
Cayenne pepper to taste (for a kick)

The holidays are a time of giving to the ones we love. Each year we fret over what to give people, because we want to give them something meaningful and useful. This year you have an opportunity to give your loved ones the gift of health.

The greatest gift people can receive is wellness; health of body, mind and spirit. Are there people you know, family and friends, for whom my care could make a difference between suffering or enjoying life? Perhaps you know someone with arthritis, headaches, fatigue, hormone problems, digestive issues, allergies, weight problems etc.

We all know that we need regular supplies of macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fats. However when it comes to our micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, enzymes and trace elements, we often disregard their importance or think that we get enough from the foods we eat. It would be great if we could get all the micronutrients from our foods, but the nutritional quality of our food has been steadily decreasing. Our society has grown accustom to its prepackaged, preserved, available year round foods that are often lacking the vital micronutrients needed to maintain good health.

Most mornings my breakfasts consist of a smoothie. It is my way of getting in some of the supplements I know I should be taking, but do not always wish to take in capsule form. I change the smoothies by using different fruits and variations on the ingredients. This recipe will give you enough smoothie for two people

Ingredients:

After a busy hectic day, I enjoy adding Lavender oil to my bath to help calm and relax me. Lavender oil is for external use only and it not only helps calms the mind but it can also help to calm muscle pain and headaches. The oil can be used as a natural insect repellent when placed on clothes, skin or in the garden.

Indications:
Sore throat or any inflammation of the throat, neck pain, ear infection, headaches, migraines, nasal congestion, upper respiratory infection, coughs, sinus infections, and many more.

What you need:
- 1 pair cotton socks
- 1 pair thick wool socks
- Towel
- Warm bath or warm foot bath
- Cold water

8. Keep the alcoholic drinks to a minimum - one 6 oz glass of red wine has been found to be good for your heart. Drinking and especially overdrinking causes the liver to work harder to process the alcohol.
7. Exercise - take time to maintain your exercise pattern. Exercise can help manage stress, helps you burn extra calories and can help with any holiday depression. Even if you just get out a walk around the block, do something that moves your body.

Ginger root is used for many digestive disturbances, including flatulence, burping, colic, and nausea associated with motion sickness, chemotherapy and in small doses pregnancy. The ginger root is considered spicy and aromatic, with the dried root being hotter than the fresh root. This tropical plant is commonly used in most kitchens, especially in Asian cooking.