A bit of hard work and a little woo-woo

I feel like it’s been weeks since I last updated the blog. I’ve been working overtime (at unbelievably low wages), mostly teaching Shakespeare to Chinese 10-year-olds.  Let me tell you, that isn’t as easy as it sounds! However, it’s all for the greater good. You see, I’m busy manifesting my son’s abode/future income generator. Some parents help out with college, but I’ve decided that this would be more practical. 

Unfortunately, it’s been slow going this year, much slower than I expected. First, I had that bump in the road economically when I lost my primary source of income. I spent 3 months looking for something that would work with our wonky internet, limited power during the rainy season because of our solar setup, and my skill set. Then construction materials have been steadily increasing in price. Although the new construction is half the size of our house, the roof is going to cost just as much. But it’s coming along, and we hope to have the skeleton done by the end of September. 

If you have learned anything from reading my blog over the years, you’ll have already realized that I’m one determined lady (my mom called me pigheaded, but same difference). I’ve managed to create a life that I love in rural Mexico from scratch. Sure there are tough times, but I see these as opportunities for growth and change (albeit sometimes with some whining in the process). 

Not to toot my own horn too much, but when getting electricity the traditional way didn’t work out (See La Yacata Revolution), I found a different path via solar. When traditional publishing wouldn’t touch my books because of their limited appeal to readers, I figured out how to self-publish. (See Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico). 

These accomplishments weren’t just strokes of good fortune. It took an incredible amount of effort, self-education, and pigheadedness on my part (thanks, Mom!) to manifest. And this next goal, building my son’s castle in the sky, is no different.

That’s not to say I did these things single-handedly. I’ve had help. I took classes online to learn about permaculture, solar electricity, and self-publishing. My husband is a phenomenal builder when the spirit (and my nagging) moves him. We wouldn’t nearly be as comfortable without his skills. My son is helping me with the Spanish translations of my books so I can reach a larger audience. AND I keep my positivity up through a variety of positive psychology books, courses, and daily affirmations. 

I know it sounds a bit woo-woo, but I truly believe I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without that last little bit. I could have given up after the first couple of dozen failures. But I kept my eyes on the prize, and with creativity and hard work, I did it! (I’m still working on manifesting those Victorian babe arms, but I haven’t lost sight of the goal.)

Most of you that read this blog are probably already living your best life. Either you are already set up in Mexico or are in the process of getting things together to make the leap into the new life you have envisioned. But, if you are like me, you are probably surrounded by those that are still held back by limiting beliefs, negative emotions, and fear. And this next little bit is meant for them.

If you remember, I paired up with Infostack a few months ago when they had their Writer’s collection, Write Publish Profit. Well, this month, these fine folks are offering the Unlimited Abundance Super Stack, the perfect gift for those that are still struggling to create a fulfilling life.   

From August 23 – August 26, you can get this super stack for $49. After that, the price goes up to $67. Whether it’s your money or your life (after all, wealth is relative) that needs a bit of a boost, you’ll find something to light that fire within this bundle. 

I’m not going to do the whole song and dance routine here, but you can find out more about this bundle by heading to the sales page and checking it out. And if you do decide it’s just what you need, then know that I’ll get a small commission for your purchase. A win-win scenario, if I do say so myself!

Time to get back to class!

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The Mexican Apothecary in Hardback!!!

Lest you think I was laying about during my work hiatus in the spring, it’s finally time to announce that The Mexican Apothecary: Traditional Cold and Flu Herbal Remedies got a whole content makeover and is now available in hardback too! Claudia Guzes’ drawings are featured throughout the book, adding so much beauty that you’ll be hard-pressed to resist picking up a copy! 

ebook
paperback
hardback

For those that missed the original launch in November, in The Mexican Apothecary: Traditional Cold and Flu Herbal Remedies you’ll discover information about more than 140 cold and flu remedies commonly used in Mexico including traditional treatments for:

  • 32 cough treatments
  • 15 remedies for stuffy noses and congestion
  • 15 herbal headache remedies
  • 11 blends for sore eyes and earaches
  • 32 nausea and diarrhea treatments
  • 11 sore throat and cold sores herbal applications
  • 17 cold buster blends
  • 11 immune-strengthening concoctions
  • And a guide for an herbal cleansing of the sickroom

The Mexican Apothecary: Traditional Cold and Flu Herbal Remedies contains 67 plant studies with well-researched scientific support for or against each herb’s specific use as traditional alternative medicine, some dating prior to the Spanish conquest.

To celebrate the relaunch, you can get the ebook version for 99 cents for the next few days! That’s right! From August 8 – 15, The Mexican Apothecary: Traditional Cold and Flu Herbal Remedies is reduced in price. Using the information in this book, you’ll have time to stock up your winter wellness cabinet before cold and flu season.

So pick up your copy and learn more about science-based natural remedies found in traditional Mexican herbalism.

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Natural Healing — Colima Sal de Mar

I recently discovered that Mexico has its own sea salt production in Colima. These salt flats have been in use since pre-Hispanic times. Hueytlatoani Colimotl, the king, paid his tributes to the Aztec emperor with salt. In fact, the salt flats were the cause of the 30-year La Guerra del Salitre (Saltpeter War) between Colimotl and the leader of the Purépechas Cazonci Tangáxoan II, both factions vying for control of this valuable mineral.

After the Spanish conquest, salt increased even more in value because it was used in the extraction of silver. At one point, the salt flats were producing 3,600 tons each year. In the 1890s, cyanide replaced salt in the mining process and production dropped off.

Mexican sea salt is from the La Laguna de Cuyutlán. It is still harvested using the traditional processes. Microplastics are filtered out through the black volcanic sand that surrounds the estuary. The salinated water is dehydrated in the sun and the salt crystals are collected by hand. Because the process is organic, it is only done 16 weeks per year.

According to experts, you can distinguish sal de mar from Colima from other sea salt varieties by its color, bright white, size, smaller than most sea salt, and humidity. When you crush a grain between your fingers, your fingers will be damp.

Sal de mar is high in trace minerals not found in processed table salt. It has medicinal properties that you shouldn’t miss out on. Bathing in sal de mar helps reduce pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis outbreaks.

Those trace minerals provide immunostimulatory activity and enhance the electrical signals in the cells of the heart, brain, and nervous system. Sal de mar can be used as an inhalant to improve nasal congestion, runny nose, and sleep quality. Regular consumption is renal protective and works as a natural anti-cancer compound. It is also anti-bacterial.

Note: Sal de mar does not have added iodine, which means those that have thyroid issues should not use it to the exclusion of regular table salt. 

Jugo de Limón & Sal de Mar Inhalation for Stuffy Nose

  • 4 limónes (Citrus aurantifolia)
  • 1 teaspoon Colima sal de mar (sea salt)

Squeeze the juice from the limónes. Add ½ cup boiling water and salt. Inhale the steam to help with stuffy nose and congestion.

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Interested in discovering a path to wellness through traditional medicine? Discover Mexican herbalism with common remedies used today in the Exploring Traditional Herbal Remedies in Mexico series.

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