Tag: CT

Salt Cave Therapy

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Just like I like to save money on food shopping, I like to save money on experience. Actually, I am all about saving money on anything and getting a smoking deal. GROUPON and LivingSocial are my resources for dining, gifts and activities. It’s a great outlet to try a new place to eat, or in my case…a salt cave for a reduced price. Sessions run at $40 per 45 minute session, via GROUPON I paid $25. Now that’s a smoking deal.

Saltana Cave is a man made Himalayan salt cave in Ridgefield, CT. It is run by a woman named Anna Husted from Poland. After visiting a salt mine in her native country with her daughter, she noticed an improvement in her daughter’s asthma over a period of time. Asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions have gained therapeutic benefits by breathing in the air of the salt mines. Other conditions such as ADHD, ear infections and arthritis, just to name a few, have also had improved symptoms. However, I did not go there with the intent of being healed although, I do suffer from asthma. I went for the experience. As some of you may know, I recently started meditating. My intent was to meditate and relax in this room lined with pink bricks of salt coincidentally, the same salt I use on my food. At home I have a Himalayan salt lamp, which has been said to be a natural air purification system. I could only imagine how pure this cave was going to be and well…. this cave magnified the effect of purity.

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You are advised to wear white socks on your feet upon entering the cave. Once you step into the cave, you immediately are encompassed by salt crystals underlining your crisp white socks. The room is lined with 10 zero gravity lounge chairs beneath an LED, sparkling, starred ceiling. There is an illuminated fireplace built with bricks of salt filled with large chunks of salt stacked inside like logs of wood would fill a fireplace, minus the the effect of fire. Blankets are provided, as the room is cool and climate controlled in order to maintain the property of the salt. Once you have selected your lounger and you get comfortable, a soothing male recorded voice over serene music is played to provide some 411 on your experience, and the benefits the cave provides. After that it is 45 minus of purity and clarity. The first thing I noticed was the air filling my lungs with crisp clean air, I can definitely see how asthma symptoms would be relieved, I felt relieved! I struggled between meditating and wanting to take a nap, mainly I just took in deep breaths with my eyes closed and remained thoughtless and deeply relaxed. Once the music ceases it’s time to exit the salt cave, leaving relaxed and refreshed, almost in a trance-like state.

Would I go back? Yes…If I had a smoking deal. I went for the experience and for the opportunity to share it with all of you. I love trying new things, it’s very intriguing to learn about other cultures and their holistic practices. Stay tuned for my next adventure….

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Super Seedz

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I remember carving pumpkins with my mom for Halloween when I was younger. Using a stenciled design and a pumpkin carving tool kit, I loved poking holes through the flesh of that pumpkin. That was the fun part. The not so fun part was scooping out the insides; seeds and lots of slimy pulp. We never wasted the seeds though, my mom would roast them with just a little bit of salt. I thought it was weird, she loved them. Come to think of it, she could have been the seed queen!

I actually know the seed queen and it’s not my mom, her name is Kathie Pelliccio. She is the founder of SuperSeedz, a CT based company that produces a variety of gourmet pumpkin seeds. I, officially, met her and her husband, Joe, at Shoreline’s Wine Festival held annually at Bishop’s Orchard in Branford, CT. Their faces were familiar to me, I had seen them at my local gym on a regular basis. Little did I know they made delicious seeds, locally. A conversation later and a bulk purchase of seedz, a friendship was created. This year I ran into them again at a different festival, the Green Festival in New York at the Javits Center. I was so happy to see them! From CT to NY promoting their SuperSeedz, I was proud to be from CT. Seeing them inspired me to keep thriving to get my name out there. After all, SuperSeedz was created in a cast iron skillet in a kitchen, and is now available all over, all it took was an idea; I have many ideas.

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My post wouldn’t be complete without me kicking my knowledge about pumpkin seeds to you. Did you know they are also referred to as pepitas? They are a leading source of plant-based protein, just a handful is equivalent to 8 grams! Magnesium, Zinc and Omega 3’s make them an ideal dietary choice for high blood pressure and heart health. Super seeds they are indeed, providing immunity, happiness(no, really. Thanks to tryptophan), metabolism boosters and antioxidants. These are more than enough reasons to try them in their unshelled form, not in a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. However, SuperSeedz are now available at Starbucks so, choose those over your sugar laden latte next time. Check out their website to pick out your new favorite flavored pumpkin seed: https://www.superseedz.com/

 

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I recently discovered coconut bites. They are coconut flakes with chia seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. They are amazingly delicious! Any way you can get your seeds, whether its baked or in a salad, do it!

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