What is a Good Alternative to Coffee

According to the CDC 30% of Americans have high blood pressure. Another statistic is 54% of Americans over 18 drink coffee according to www.statisticbrain.com . This is somewhat alarming considering that coffee can increase your blood pressure. Coffee has made it’s way into the typical American’s diet. I am sure many people you know would say that they would not start their morning without it. Coffee can be used safely for some and even have health benefits. There are antioxidants and a small amount of nutrients in coffee. The caffeine in coffee can also be effective in burning fat. There is also some research that points toward that it may lower risk for Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's. Even though there are benefits, there are risks as well. Besides increasing blood pressure, coffee can have an addictive nature and cause osteoporosis at high levels due to calcium and magnesium loss. Fortunately there is a safer, and healthier alternative for those at risk.

Ziziphora is a herb in the Lamiaceae family. There are several species some of which are annuals and some are perennials. This herb can be found growing in the Mediterranean basin to Iran. This area would include Palestine/Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Cyprus Iran, Sinai, Balkans, Caucasus, northern Iran, and southern Russia. Ziziphora has earned itself the nicknames, “Blue Mint Bush,” and “Medicinal jewel.” This herb has been studied for several years for it’s medicinal properties. The Uighur people used it for treating hypertension. The Siberian Altay Nomads would come home after a hard day of hunting to drink a cup of Ziziphora tea. There are several known medicinal properties to Ziziphora. Some of these include: anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-vomiting, anti-tumor, stimulant, lowers blood pressure, anti-diarrheal, anti-gas, appetitive, helps insomnia, helps edema, antioxidant, blood purification anti-spasmodic, food stabilizer, food flavorer, anti-fever, anti-fungal, and antibacterial.

Ziziphora has been shown to be twice as effective against Ca. Albicans as Nystatin. Some of the bacteria they have found Ziziphora to be effective against include: gram - bacteria E. Aerogenes, K. Pneumoniae, S. Enleriticlis, Salmonella, and S.Typhimurium, Z. Clinopodioides. Some of the latest research is showing promise to it effectively treating gastric cancers. This has been suggested in a study published in Food and Agricultural Immunology. The trial was put on by researchers from Shahed University in Iran.

Another study investigated the ability of Ziziphora to lower cholesterol factors. This study was call, Studying the Effect of the Ziziphora tenuior L. Plant on Some Biochemical Factors of Serum in Rats. This study was done in 2014 at Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord Branch. This study looked at the chemical factors (HDL, LDL, ALT, AST, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, and Total Protein) of rats’ serum were measured.

There were 2 groups that Ziziphora tenuior L. plant essence was used in different dosages. The 3rd group was the control group. The plant essence was made by drying the leaves of the plant at 25-35 degrees celsius for 3 hours. They were then crushed and extracted. The rats received the plant essence for 21 days. At the end of the period, the amount of Cholesterol, ALT, and Triglyceride factors were significantly reduced in the two groups that received the plant essence. The group that got a higher dosage had an even larger reduction. This shows some positive evidence on Ziziphora’s ability to lower Cholesterol factors.

With all the evidence of the numerous health benefits that Ziziphora herb can bring into your life, I feel it would be worth considering taking advantage of this. One of the easiest ways to reap the herb’s benefits is by drinking tea of Ziziphora. Trading your morning cup of Joe for this tea may be the best decision you could make. This is especially true if you suffer from any heart conditions such as high blood pressure. One example of Ziziphora tea can
be found at Siberian Health . Happy drinking!

ABDUCTION by Cynthia Eden Book Tour & #giveaway

The last book for this month's blog tour is Abduction, by Cynthia Eden. Today is the first day of Spring so this will be a great book to read this March!

Here is a delicious recipe from the author.
Bon Appétit and a Book:

A Baby for the Deputy: book #giveaway

Hey all here is the next book in the March Harlequin tour. Spring has taken a retreat around here though, hopefully it will be back soon...



In the meantime here is a Q&A with the author of  A Baby for the Deputy, Cathy McDavid:

1. How did you come up with the relationship between Aaron Travers and Melody Hartman?

There seems to be a trend these days for young couples to “hang out together” rather than date --- at least, that’s what I hear and what my daughter tells me. I gave Aaron and Mel difficult romantic pasts, which made the idea of a no-strings-attached relationship appealing to them, then complicated things with an unexpected pregnancy because, well, life is complicated.

2. What is your favorite part about writing Western Romance books?

I truly am a lover of all things western. I owned horses most of my life, grew up watching Bonanza and Big Valley reruns, and lived the western lifestyle for many, many years. For me, there is no sexier, more appealing romance book hero than a rugged, good looking cowboy.

3. Do you have any traditions you enjoy during early Spring?

You mean besides the mandatory spring cleaning and yard work? Absolutely! I always attend the Glendale Chocolate Affair in February and Tucson Festival of Books in March where local romance writers host two to three days of mega booksignings. I love connecting with readers, both new and those that drop by every year for my latest release. Plus, I’m surrounded by books and authors.

4. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Like a lot of authors, I started writing at a young age. For me, it was in high school (I actually won a contest for a children’s book I wrote and illustrated). I didn’t seriously, however, until twenty years later. And it wasn’t until I finished that first book that I realized I’d found my passion. Two years ago, I quite the corporate world altogether to write full-time. It’s been a dream come true.

If I Could Climb Trees: Book Release

There is a really cool book release I want to tell you guys about. The book is called If I Could Climb Trees, by Jeff Minich. And illustrated by Renan Garcia. This is the fifth volume in the Nuggies series. The book is set to release on March 28, 2017.

You can pre-order now on the  If I Could Climb Trees - Amazon Product Page  There will also be a free Amazon Kindle download offer from 3/30/17 to 4/2/17.  A brief summary of the book:

The book sees the return of a little dog named Coco, since this is the Volume V of the series. The little dog dreams of big things. And dreams of all the creatures she could meet and see if she could climb trees. She imagines she can climb to the top of a very large tree and once there meets animals, such as a squirrel, ladybug, ant and even a caterpillar! She discovers that all the other creatures she encounters have their own little dreams too!

If I Could Climb Trees, is filled with wonderful, vivid & colorful illustrations. It would be a great bedtime story book for children. And encourages kids to explore their own imaginations in a whimsical way. And allows children to dream big dreams of their own. Also allowing them to see the world through the eyes of others.

Here is a quote from the author Jeff Minich: "I'm so pleased to share this latest Nuggies story. It takes children on a fantastic journey while also encouraging them to consider the world through many different points of view. Building empathy and understanding for others is a key theme of the Nuggies book series, and one that is woven throughout this latest book."

If you would like more info on this book and others in this series then please visit the

Nuggies Website and the Nuggies Facebook Page

Getting Rid of Damaged and Rotted Vegetation from Your Property

Trees add beauty and value to the outside of your home.  However, as sturdy as they are now, at some point in the future they may succumb to disease, weather damage, or rot. 

 (c) photopin.com

When the trees on your property are no longer aesthetically practical or even present a danger to your home and family, you may want to have them cut down and hauled off as soon as possible.  Rather than carry out this work on your own, you can hire a service for cutting, 
emergency tree removal, and hauling so that you can focus on restoring 
the appearance of your landscape.



Weather-Related Tree Damages

The weather can wreak havoc on the beautiful trees in your yard.  Ice, hail, wind, and intense heat can knock down branches, cause the bark to peel and crack, or even topple entire trees in a matter of hours.  

When your trees have fallen victim to the weather, your practical solution would be to have them cut down and removed so that new trees can be planted.  Cutting trees and removing branches can be dangerous work especially if you lack the strength or the proper tools.  You can spare yourself the time, effort, and expense by allowing professional removal services to carry out this work for you.


Tree Diseases

Trees are like any other living organism in their susceptibility to diseases.  When your trees have become infected with a disease, you must remove them to protect other trees on your property.  

It is important, however, that you avoid coming into contact with bacteria and viruses that you could spread to other vegetation on your property.  A professional service can dispatch workers who have the proper tools and resources to cut down and haul off infected trees safely and quickly.


Prompt Service

You never know when disaster may strike the trees on your property.  When you wake up to find that a middle of the night storm has toppled your trees, you can call this service and get fast assistance with removal.  

The company is available to respond to emergency calls and calls that come in on the weekend and holidays.  You can find out more about its availability by going online today.


Your property's trees cannot last forever.  You can have damaged, rotting, diseased, and dead trees removed by calling professional tree removal services today.

REUNITED WITH THE RANCHER: March Harlequin Blog Tour and #giveaway

Spring is just around the corner so it is time for the March Harlequin blog tour. The first book is Reunited With The Rancher, by Sara Orwig.

Will secrets tear this rancher's marriage apart—or lead to a reunion?

For estranged husband and wife Tom and Emily Knox, a heartbreaking loss in their past is keeping them apart in the present. They still share a ranch, but not a bed. And when the blackmailer terrorizing Royal, Texas, accuses Tom of keeping a secret family behind Emily's back, they're thrown into an even deeper tailspin. But could their darkest misunderstanding contain the seeds of a second chance, as Tom and Emily come together to dispel false accusations and face their past?

IN THIS LIFE: book review & #giveaway

Hi everyone, I just finished a really good book called In This Life, by Christine Brae.



Here is short description of book:

Wanting to escape her life in New York City before starting medical school in the fall, Anna Dillon convinces her best friend Dante to travel with her to Thailand on a medical mission. While volunteering in a coastal village recently ravaged by a tsunami, Anna meets Jude Grayson. They share an instant attraction that leads to a brief, passionate affair. When she has to rush home for a family emergency, he promises to stay in touch.

But Jude never calls, and Anna tries desperately to forget him.