Thursday, February 4, 2010

Spiced Chai Tea


Description:   "A spice blend tea."
Preparation Time:  5 minutes
Cooking Time:  10 minutes
Standing Time:  3 - 5 minutes

Recipe By     :RaAnn Clegg
Serving Size  : 4     Preparation Time :0:05
Categories    : Teas



 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  4               bags  Black Tea -- abt. 4 Tbls
     1/2      teaspoon  Ginger -- ground
     1/2      teaspoon  Cinnamon -- ground
     1/4      teaspoon  Nutmeg -- ground
     1/4      teaspoon  Clove -- ground
     1/4    tablespoon  Cardamom -- ground
               
  4               cups  water

  1         tablespoon  Milk
  1           teaspoon  Honey

Heat water until ALMOST boiling, remove from heat.

Add tea mix into pan or kettle. Let seep for 5 minutes.

Pour into cups, straining tea.

Add milk and honey as desired.

                                    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown item: Black Tea): 12 Calories; trace Fat (17.8% calories from fat); trace Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 10mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Non-Fat Milk; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES :
      *  Tea and Spices may be mixed together and stored in an airtight container away from light and heat until ready to use.
       
      *  Mixed tea and spices make a good Gift-in-a-Jar type gift for special occasions.  Just add instructions to mix the tea into hot water and serve as desired.
       
ALTERATIONS:
       
      *  Add 1/2 tsp Orange Zest to spices for a hint of Citrus.
       
      *  You can mix the ready made tea, cooled, with ice for an ice smoothie.
       
      *  Substituted 1/2 the water during the cooking stage for milk and then add ice for a creamy smoothie.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Five years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I did not think anything about it.  Yes, I had heard the studies about joint deterioration and how this is a disease of crippling capabilities.  I really did not believe it.

Two years ago I started into what could be called "flares".  I had little nodes on my feet that left both of my feet looking like they had been smashed.  Bruising was horrible, I could not walk or even wear my shoes.  I was experiencing terrible fatigue, pain in my joints, swelling and fever-type feelings.  I was at a loss of what to do.  I continued trying to live my life as best I could.

Finally, I was scheduled to see another  Rheumatologist last month.  After many tests, medical records referrals and discussions I have my diagnosis and a start to treatment...NOT Rheumatoid Arthritis as the old Rheumatologist told me, but instead Fibromyalgia.

I was very happy that I did not have RA, but very upset at the previous Specialist's mis-diagnosis.  For the last five years I have been trying to maintain and have been trying to work out my own treatment.

So, long story short...I have developed a chart for monitoring Fibromyalgia (but can be used to monitor RA as well).  Simply change the Daily / Weekly Title to your name, Place in the date and Give to your Doctor to assist in your medical treatment.  This form is also available in MS Word (specify 2003 or 2007 version) if you email me at AutumnRa@gmail.com.



Daily / Weekly Diary:                    [Enter a date.]

Sleep

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

Time took to get up







Awake Time







Bedtime







# Times up at Night







Number of Naps








Medications x/Day

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat


























































Exercise/Weight

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

Weight







Walking







Stretching







Low Impact Aerobics








Today’s Conditions

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

Eyes







Ears







Nose







Mouth/Throat







Head







Neck/Shoulder







Back/Hips/Legs







Arms/Hands







Chest/Heart







Repertory







Digestive System







Feet







Skin Dryness







Mood







Memory / Processing*







Pain Level *







Overall  Condition







·          Memory is rated 1 – 10; (1 is little to no problems; 10 is a lot of gaps/problems throughout the day).
·          Pain level from 1 – 10; (1 is little to no pain).                                                              Copyright© 2010 RaAnn Clegg           

  
Meals
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Breakfast














Snack










Lunch














Snack










Dinner













Water 8 oz







Caffeinated 







S/F Fruit Juice







Carbonated







Other









Other Notes:













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Wicket Stitch is copyrighted 2007 - 2010 by RaAnn Clegg. All Rights Reserved.