HAPPY FRIDAY, GORGEOUS!!

This is where my mind is.
Get the picture.
Translation: absolutely no focus

Enjoy your weekend!
See you all on Monday!

OOH!OOH! GOTTA DO THE NO. 2!

Deep within us lays the colon (also known as the large intestine) that is responsible for the final stages of the digestive process. The colon's function is threefold: to absorb the remaining water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter; to accept and store food remains that were not digested in the small intestine; and to eliminate solid waste (feces) from the body.

The colon works to maintain the body's fluid balance. It absorbs certain vitamins, and processes indigestible material (such as fiber), and stores waste before it is eliminated. Within the colon, the mixture of fiber, small amounts of water, and vitamins, etc., mix with mucus and the bacteria that live in the large intestine, beginning the formation of feces.

As the feces make its way through the colon, the lining absorbs most of the water as well as some of the vitamins and minerals present. Bacteria within the colon feed on the fiber, breaking it down in order to produce nutrients that will nourish the cells that line the colon. This is why fiber is such a vital part of a diet geared toward the colon's long-term health.

The colon absorbs vitamins, salts, nutrients, and water. When these essential, life-giving ingredients are being properly absorbed, we feel good. But when the colon is not working well it begins to absorb toxins into the blood stream rather than expelling them. The result is a myriad of problems ranging from constipation and gas, to candida, diverticulitis, and various other chronic health issues.

This brings me to the topic of this post – COLONICS.

Several years ago, I did a “7 Day Super Cleanse” that would probably be deemed extreme to some folk. But at the time, I felt it necessary to really cleanse myself. It included me juice fasting for 7 days. 6 of those days I received a colonic. I typically scheduled my colonic in the morning just to get it done. At the time, it was not so difficult because I had made up my mind that I would do it. Amongst the organic juices that I drank was an apple juice w/an herbal cleanser and liquid bentonite added to it. I followed that cocktail w/16 oz of distilled water. My other juice was a Power Juice Drink that consisted of carrot, beets and celery juices w/Barley Grass Powder added to it. At the time I had a juicer, so I would prepare my juices at night. Boy if I knew then what I know now, I could have had some wonderful treats from the leftover pulp. Anyhoo, I never felt weak and did continue to work the entire time. I must say, at the end of that Super Cleanse, I felt great and my skin was freakin’ gorgeous! I do feel that I need a good colonic and do plan on getting one or, hopefully, two before the end of summer.

What is a Colonic? Alternate Names: colonic hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation, colon irrigation
A colonic is the infusion of water into the rectum by a colon therapist to cleanse and flush out the colon.

What is a Typical Colonic Like?
After completing a health history form and consulting with the colon hydrotherapist, you are asked to change into a gown and lie face up on a treatment table.
The colon therapist inserts a disposable speculum into the anus. This speculum is connected to a long disposable plastic hose connected to the colon hydrotherapy unit.
Warm, filtered water is slowly released into the colon. When I did my 7 Day Super Cleanse some years ago, (garlic was added to the water to promote healing.) The water causes the muscles of the colon to contract, called peristalsis. Peristalsis "pushes" feces out through the hose to be disposed in a closed waste system.
Neither you nor the colon therapist smells the feces. The therapist usually looks at the feces through the clear hose, and may comment on the color.
This procedure is not painful. You typically feel some discomfort in the abdomen during the therapy.
The colon therapist may massage your abdominal area to facilitate the process. This is my preferred type of colonic.
After the session, the therapist leaves the room so that you may sit on a toilet to pass any residual water and stools. Then you can get dressed.
A typical session lasts 45 minutes to one hour.

Additional Tips
After a colonic, you will more than likely be encouraged to take supplements containing friendly colon bacteria, called probiotics.
In my experience, I have been asked to refrain from eating prior to a session.

Have you ever had or considered a colonic as a part of cleansing your body?...

Good Samaritan Surprises Struggling Family

Happy Monday Beautifuls!

I'd like to welcome my new subscribers and followers. Thanks so much for hopping on board. If you have a question, suggestion or feedback, don't hesitate to email me. If you'd like to comment on a post then by all means please do.

On Monday's here, I like to start the week off on a good/positive vibe. Why?... With all the "doom-n-gloom" news coming forth from big media outlets, it was becoming burdensome for me whenever I turned on the tv or radio. It really was beginning to effect my overall mood and outlook. Out of that ongoing crappy feeling, "Good News Monday" was born. I thought, "Surely I'm not the only one who needs to be fed some good stuff". So on Mondays, I make it a point to share some good news, positive poem, sayings or quotes. If you have any good news to share, please do. You can leave it in the comments or email me and I'll feature it here on ChocolateOrchid on a following Monday.

Having said all that, here goes:

A Canadian family suffering through economic strife received a welcome hand from an anonymous source.
Monica Weiss of Alberta had just left a bank after paying bills when she was approached by a mysterious stranger and handed $1,300, according to a report in The Calgary Sun.
While in the bank, she had told the teller of her family's money struggles after an injury to her husband left him unable to continue working.
"I said there's a chance (my husband) may not ever return to work because he developed a rare condition with his injury," Weiss told the Calgary Sun, adding she also told the bank employee they'd been living in a camper.
"All of a sudden this gentleman walks up to the van and I don't know how far I got the window down, he stuck his hand in," Weiss said.
"He put this huge wad of cash into my hand. All I heard was 'I'm a lucky man and I heard your story and here, take this.' "
The good samaritan told her not to ask his name after giving her the money. She said the man probably overheard story although she didn't notice him in the bank

**This story comes from Good News Now.

A LETTER FROM CHOCOLATEORCHID

Hi Lovelies,

HAPPY FRIDAY! I hope that this week has been wonderful for you. Positive and productive in every way. I haven’t done a post like this in, it seems like, awhile. Matter of fact, I feel like I’ve been a bit stale with it and so I’ve decided to bring it back. I truly believe that people have to walk their own individual paths in life. My path may not look like yours or the other person’s, even if our destinations are the same or similar. I would not dare judge someone’s walk or base it on my own. As unique as each of us are, I feel that that would be totally absurd. But what I will do is celebrate you, right where you’re at. Every step whether it be small or large. Yes, even the setbacks knowing that they are simply experiences to be learned from.

I don’t believe in “boxing” people under expectations I have for myself or what I may, in my own finite understanding, deem as the right or proper way to go for your goal. Oh, hells no! What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. I’ve learned, however, to embrace & respect the beauty in our diversity and individuality. That’s just where I’m at.

Which is why I can only share my journey & things I’ve learned with you. And hopefully, that will motivate and/or inspire you to step out boldly on your own personal journey.

So by all means… do you and do you vibrantly!
Live life and live it fully!
Love and love completely!

With Love,
ChocolateOrchid

Have a wonderful weekend, Beautifuls. =)

"MY MILKSHAKE BRINGS ALL THE BOYS TO THE YARD"

**disclaimer: If you are sensitive, easily offended, have kids around or at work you may want to skip this post due to a photo included.**

I may or may not have mentioned this before, but I am fascinated with tattoos. Yes, I do plan on getting inked. Thirties or not, it’s goin’ down. Lol. And I know I’m in good company b/c I’ve talked about this with a few friends who are around my age and older who want a tatt, also. This has been in the making for awhile but, much like my dance was with going natural, I’ve been a little chicken about it. At this point, I’m beyond that. I’ve even called around for prices. Uhh, those things ain’t cheap, are they?... Anyhoo, when I do go for it (within the next 12 months), I’ll definitely post about it. I’m sure it will be an experience.



The above photo of singer Kelis ( and yes, I miss her big hair) shows a much better view of her back tattoo. This is my inspiration. Mine will be a fraction of this size. Much much much smaller and hidden. I so love this work of art. I would love to know the artist who did this. I used to want a tiger but now I’m leaning more towards the lotus flower.
Note. The Lotus flower basically symbolizes the clarity of heart as well as the mind. In other words the Lotus flower represents strength, good luck, long life as well as honor and respect. Some scholars have even talked of the lotus flower being a universal representation of the spiritual presence in human


Let’s examine the word “tattoo”.

“The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word tattau, which means “to mark”. Not too long ago in the U.S., tattoos were considered taboo and were frowned upon by the majority of society. They were typically found on bikers, ex-convicts, and what most considered the black sheep of society. Throughout world history, they have been done as rites of passage, marks of status and rank, signs of religious and spiritual devotion, marks of fertility, punishment, as the mark of an outcast, slave and conflict, etc. They have been used to brand Jews in concentration camps during the Holocaust. Sailors from Europe used to have the picture of Christ tattooed on their backs for protection from flogging since it was considered a crime to defile Christ’s image. These days, they are applied more for cosmetic and aesthetic use and to show their affiliation with a certain group (i.e. gangs, fraternities). For others, it’s simply a form of self-expression. “

You can read more info. on the history of tattoos here.

There’s also a very good documentary on tattoos. It’s called “Ancient Ink “and is about 90 minutes long. In this documentary you follow the host as he learns about the various techniques and traditions of the tattoo and testing them on his own body we go all the way from the Maori of New Zealand to Hawaii to the yakuzas of Japan to a high-security penitentiary in Phoenix, Arizona to a sideshow museum in North Carolina. All these different facets of life the tattoo touched on (from the criminal underworld of Yokohama to the native traditions of Hawaii) are reasonably explained and will provide excellent starting threads for anyone wishing to dug deeper in the history of body painting. They show it from time to time on the history channel.

Are you inked? If so, what is the image and what does it mean to you?

20 THINGS ABOUT WHEATGRASS

Hi Beautifuls!

You may or may not have heard about wheatgrass shots. Maybe you've even tried them. Basically, it's a shotglass of juiced young Agropyron plants, which are closely related to wheat, but look like a fairly typical lawn grass when in its early stages. It is one of the most alkaline green leafy vegetables known and part of the cereal grass family, which includes barley grass, oat grass and rye grass. You can find wheatgrass shots at smoothies stores, healthfood shops or you could even grow and juice your own. You can drink your shot with a wedge of lemon or orange for taste.

If you're unaware of this healthy indulgence, here are 20 things about Wheatgrass that may motivate you to give it a try.

1. Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available.

2. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other element.

3. Wheatgrass juice is a crude chlorophyll and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without toxic side effects.

4. Chlorophyll is the basis of all plant life.

5. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. The brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly-oxygenated environment.

6. Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a healer.

7. Dr. Bernard Jensen says that it only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy.

8. Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.

9. Chlorophyll (wheatgrass) rebuilds the bloodstream. Studies of various animals have shown chlorophyll to be free of any toxic reaction. The red cell count was returned to normal within 4 to 5 days of the administration of chlorophyll, even in those animals which were known to be extremely anemic or low in red cell count.

10. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)

11. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 102 minerals from the soil.

12. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive indefinitely.

13. Dr. Ann Wigmore and institutes based on her teachings has been helping people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass.

14. Liquid chlorophyll gets into the tissues, refines them and makes them over.

15. Wheatgrass Juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables. Dr Earp-Thomas, associate of Ann Wigmore, says that 15 pounds of Wheatgrass is the equivalent of 350 pounds of carrot, lettuce, celery, and so forth.

16. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

17. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

18. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

19. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.

20. In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner-ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.

You can find out more about wheatgrass here.

In Atlanta, you can get you a shot of Wheatgrass at some Whole Foods Stores (with juice bars), Arden's Garden, some smoothie shops, and some health food stores.

So go ahead and take it straight to the head. ;)
Smooches,
ChocolateOrchid

NC'S SUMMER HAIR FIRST AID KIT

The wonderful folks at Naturallycurly.com have put together an Summer Rx kit for hair. Here's the 411 on it.

Healthy, moisturized hair at the beginning of the summer is the best way to combat the dreaded frizz. To help you, NaturallyCurly.com has developed a First Aid Kit for your curls. The five products in the kit are all about rescue and replenishment.

HPO Happy Scalp is a rich blend of oils to sooth your scalp and get rid of product build up.
AG Split End Spa is damage control for the frayed ends, and it also protects hair color from the summer sun.
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment is the perfect rich, rejuvenating conditioner for the summer.
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioner strengthens and adds serious moisture to your curls, preparing them for the summer.
Arbre de Vie Shea Hot Oil Treatment will reduce breakage and leave your curls shiny and healthy.

The First Aid Kit is a great smart way to get your curls ready and healthy for the summer. Now that you have gotten your new summer season hair routine organized, you can breath a sigh of relief.

You can purchase it here. It retails for $68.65 or...

Enter their First Aid Kit Contest
CurlySuzy has created a dreamy First Aid Kit, and they now have a contest to go with it! Tell them what has been your personal concoction for refreshing your parched summer curls? The four most creative answers win their own CurlySuzy’s First Aid Kit!

Tell them about your concoction in a list format
Enter between June 9 and June 16
Enter the contest at YouTube, Twitter, Facebook or CurlTalk

Wish you the best!
CO