Beat Stigma

I recently entered a contest through Chautauqua Tapestry.  It was a contest where you were to submit a photo with a message written on your hand,  the "message MUST portray a hopeful or positive message that in some way, relates to someone struggling with mental illness, disability, or health concern."  The only message I could think of was something to tell people with a mental illness that they are worth it and that they need to "Be Brave and Use your Voice."  Because of my submission, I was invited to an event that provided information on Mental Illness, gave some amazing hor d'oeuvres and coffee, showed an amazing documentary, and even provided a panel that discussed their lives with their mental illnesses, and how they are coping with it.

I knew about Mental Illnesses.  I am an educator and deal with it sometime in the classroom.  However, I learned more about it that evening.  For one thing, 1 out of 4 people have a mental illness.  Didn't know that?  Here's the kicker:  3 out of 4 people are AFFECTED by it, which means loved ones that try and figure out how to help the person who has the mental illness.  So, who has "the stigma"?  "Those suffering from brain dis-eases including anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder,  specific phobias, depression, bipolar disorder,  schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, pyromania, kleptomania, compulsive gambling,  addictions, paranoia, multiple personality disorder, gender identity disorder,  Down’s syndrome, psychosomatic disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), tic disorders, and others" (nkm2.org).

Chautauqua Tapestry presented an amazing documentary that was made by Joe Pantoliano, an actor.  It definitely showed light on the subject.  Most people suffer from this disease.  What can you do?  Maybe join the movement to stop STIGMA?  Or try and be there for those that need the help.  Try to have them channel their frustration on something they love to do.  Even better, try and support them every way possible.  Easier said than done.  I know.  This is a super difficult topic and subject.  What do you do when someone you love won't listen to you?  Or better yet what if it's too late?  The best thing I can do is just be there for them. 

For more information, go to nkm2.org and join the movement, or search around and check it out.  I believe the documentary is there for you to watch.  It truly is interesting.  I highly believe you should watch it.  

The Contest?  I won!  I didn't win first place, but won second place.  I got an amazing gift basket with local coffee, and beautiful coffee cups made by an amazing youth group, along with some other things.  It was very exciting.  

Next year, on October 10, wear the most magnificent green for World Mental Health Day!  Thanks for reading this most important post.  If you have any questions, LIKE Chautauqua Tapestry, and message them any questions you have.  I'm sure, you will be forwarded to the correct person, or even better, they will respond.  :-)  Or you can email info@nokiddingmetoo.org.

Keurig & Three Continent Blend Green Mountain Coffee

So, some of you may know this or not, but I am deeply in love with coffee.  I am in love with the smell, the taste, and the liveliness of it.  I love all kinds, too.  It didn't help that I actually got to work at Starbucks and had a free beverage before and after work, not to mention the free lb. of coffee beans I got a month for working there too!  I LOVE COFFEE.

Well, then this new contraption is inserted in my life and I love it even more.  If anyone of you have the Keurig, then you are stellar stars!  Keurig allows me to have individual cups at a time, and not only that, I don't have to brew a pot of regular, dump it out, and have a flavored pot.  This saves so much time!  Since you know that I am a bzzagent (WELL, you should, if you have been reading my blog posts and about me page), I get to test some awesome products for free, and provide my feedback.  WELL, lucky me...I had the opportunity to test out a Keurig KCup!  WOOHOO!  I'm so glad that I did too because I am love with it.

Green Mountain Coffee is the brand of this particular kind of coffee.  Not only is it coffee, but it is a Fair Trade Certified coffee.  Well, what is that? "By purchasing Fair Trade Certified coffee, you help farmers receive a fair price for their beans, resulting in great coffee for you and a better quality of life for farmers" (choosefairtrade.com). Kelly Clarkson is the sponsor of this particular kind of coffee.  The name of it is Three Continent Blend.  Unfortunately, it is a Kelly Clarkson Limited Edition, which means it won't be out for too long.  

I was a little curious because I like Bold Coffee, but not a fan of the earthy coffee.  I am, however, in love with this kind of KCup.  It is seriously smooth, and has a great caramelly taste to it, and some nutty taste.  I don't use creamer in my coffee; just some stevia.  It was like a party in my mouth!  I want some more.  So, I'm sorry to say that bzzagent gave me extra to give out, and I'm not sharing.  I'm still testing. :-) 

BUT I will tell you that if you do not have a Keurig, and you have always been interested in one...Well, I'm feeling nice today.  I will give you a 50% off code to use at Keurig.com for one of their Select Brewers...and I think the only one you can't use this code for is the big cappuccino, latte, keurig maker, or any brewer that's not Keurig.  This Coupon will Expire October 31, 2013...On Halloween, this month.

LET ME GIVE YOU WORD OF ADVICE:  I would go for this kind of Keurig Brewer (K45 Elite)  only because you fill it with water, insert the kcup, and hit the button when it's ready.

Avoid this one (K10 Mini Plus):
  The only reason I say this is because you have to constantly fill it with one cup after each use.  I like being able to fill the container on the side and that's it.  It will use about 4-5 cups, then you refill.  

:-)  If you are interested in the coupon code, (and I hope you're serious about it because I would HATE to give you the code, and you not use it) email me at ashcarlson131@gmail.com .  Let's be sure to thank bzzagent for this amazing opportunity! Thanks for hanging with me.  I hope you have had a fantastic coffee loving day!  

Sparkling Goodness

I wish I would have known about Sparkling Water, or Seltzer Water, when I was pregnant.  I know that you shouldn't drink as much Coca Cola as you would normally (and you really shouldn't when you're not pregnant too), but I love how this Sparkling Water, or even Seltzer Water, replaces the amazing Soda taste.  The Polar brand even raves about it being Zero Calories, NO sodium, and Caffeine Free.  Of course these drinks are not to replace regular drinking water, but I totally love it for that need of SODA, or POP, taste.  So fizzy and splendid on a hot day.

I don't think people realize the HUGE amount of sodium they inhale when they drink regular soda.  It's not just in soda though...it's even in soup!  One of the "healthiest" meals could cause a heart attack due to the amount of sodium in soup.  So what are we to do when we want it?  I guess one could do so in moderation.  Don't inhale the can of soup, instead take a cup of it, or half a cup and have a side salad or sandwich with it.  I am stunned, though, when I found out about the sodium in soup.  I rarely have it anymore, unless I don't feel good.  Haha, that's funny.  I am not feeling well, so I will douse my body with extra sodium.  

It was a nice, hot summer day, when I was introduced to my first taste of Sparkling Water.  Thank you, Kim.  She had a big Metal Bucket filled with ice and bottled water, Pellegrino, and Corona's with Lime.  (SUCH AN AMAZING SUMMER COMBO!)  Ever since, I've been in love.  NOW I won't order it at a restaurant, or grab myself a huge 12 pack every week.  Do you realize how expensive it is?  For a 12 pack, it is usually $5.99.  YIKES!!!!  Instead of the 12 packs, I grab a quart or two.  You can get that for like a dollar.  Seagrams makes it, and so does Polar.  I got super excited today, though because I was able to get TWO 12 packs, for the price of one...YUP!  So, I'm in my sparkling soda heaven.  Cranberry Lime and Pomegranate.  I bet that Whipped Vodka may taste really yummy with it!  What do you think about that?

Which heaven are you in today?  I'm hoping someone isn't reading this and is going to burst my bubble and say "Nuh, Uh, Ash...I'm sorry to say that it's not good for you!"  And I'm going to return with "well it's better than soda".  I'm not even sure that will happen, but I figured I needed a rave today, and why not give the heavenly drink a rave!  I hope you agree!  Go get some!  If you haven't tried it, what I are you waiting for?