On a roll with ancient Chinese health & beauty techniques

Adapted from an article from 'SPA Australasia Nov 2011'   by ANTHONY KINGSTON .

Some health and beauty practitioners are starting to look back to one of the largest and best-recorded beauty systems, that of the ancient Chinese. Some of the “new” trends use common techniques of the ancient orient, including jade rolling and skin needling.

Ancient Chinese beauty techniques have been proven safe and effective by thousands of years use.  Jade rollers have been found in tombs dating back to the 12th century

Jade Rolling  - Simple and gentle, the jade head is rolled over the skin to promote movement of lymphatic fluid, which helps relieve fluid retention around the face and reduce swelling. The technique is particularly effective for relieving bags under the eyes and reducing sinus congestion.  When used on the throat the reduction of fluid in this

area helps to tighten the appearance of the skin.

With so much buzz around skin needling, or collagen induction therapy, in the last few years, few people realise how much these techniques owe to Chinese culture.

Skin Needling - The original form of skin needling was acupuncture, which was first used for facial rejuvenation during the Shui dynasty between 581 and 618 AD.  Following this, a variety of skin needling tools were invented for both health and beauty (the two were rarely separated in ancient Chinese culture). One of the earliest was the dermal hammer or seven-star needle, which contained seven tiny needles and was used for treating scars and blackheads among other beauty concerns (very similar in design and use to the modern dermal stamp). Around the same time, Chinese practitioners were, also treating hair loss with what can only be described as an early precursor to the dermal roller.


You can find out more about how needling is relevant today by visiting the link below. 
http://www.dermaviduals.com.au/Product/MTS-Roller-Clinical-Use.html    Clara



Derma Aesthetics Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 18 143 228 906

p: (+612) 9968 4914 f: (+612) 9969 8658
e: enquiries@skincorrection.com.au

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Aren't those jeans more suitable for a younger woman? Fightin' words!

Hi Babyboomers
I asked the advice of my friends in USA, Renotta (jeanophile) and Renee (fashion blogger)
Re - What shoes to wear with skinny jeans?
Ok, so we are coming into summer but it still feels like winter. It hasn't been warm enough to bare the toes but it's time to wear white jeans.
So here I am - on my way out to meet up with weekly, long term, similar - aged friends and I am wearing new white skinny jeans I bought on sale; to-die-for Hudson jeans with fabulous detail, which fitted damned well! I tucked them into my short black boots, and said, 'Let's go, Baby!"

So then G says, " Aren't those jeans more suitable for a younger woman? Fightin' words!

I ran it past my friends who said, diplomatically, unlike G, "You have such slim hips etc"
But in the lift, on our way out, husband of friend said, " Hmm, I see what he means - whatever that meant!" Did they have a quiet conversation about it? How extraordinary!

I guess it was the white jeans tucked into the black boots that caused the upset, but I really like that look with blue jeans. Perhaps it was the contrast that didn't work.

Clara

The answers will be found at http://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com



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Chicken Chow Mein,Chop Suey !- Remember the first Chinese restaurants?



With a wonderfully wild freshness due to the overuse of
delicate herbs, this is a definite Clara favourite.

Hi there Babyboomers

We love Asian cuisine and Australia's multicultural immigration program lead to a diversification of cuisine, particularly under the influence of Mediterranean and South East Asian migrants.

Chop Suey

Remember the first Chinese restaurants?   So many of the dishes definitely had Chinese origins, but were modified to suit the western taste - I recall going to a Chinese restaurant  in US, which offered a side salad!   In Australia and US, an insipid menu by today's standards - Spring rolls, Dim Sims, Fried Rice, and Chop Suey which was 'assorted pieces of chicken, fish, beef, shrimp / prawns or pork and eggs, cooked quickly with vegetables such as beansprouts, cabbage and celery, bound in a starch-thickened sauce and  typically served with rice.   Then there was Chicken Chow Mein, consisting of celery and onions in a whitish sauce with crunchy noodles, and  Sweet and Sour Prawns or whatever - great if the sweetness and sourness were balanced but more often, particularly re  the US version, consisting of an overly thickened super sweet sauce.

Most Australian country towns, to this day, have a Chinese restaurant where the food can be decidedly gloopy (or surprisingly wonderful)  but fortunately this is usually balanced by a Thai or general Asian restaurant.


The featured Asian herb salad recently got the tick with key players  where it went perfectly with the first course of BBQ chicken skewers served Asian style. See link below

The wonderfully wild freshness is achieved by massive overuse of delicate herbs along with an Asian dressing.   We've come a long way!
Clara
ps - is there any gold left?

Ingredients
250g / 8 oz rocket (arugula) leaves - (rimmed of excess stems (substitute any peppery lettuce)
125g / 4oz each of mint, basil, coriander  (leaves picked from stems, washed and spun dry)
30g / 1 oz chervil if available
2/3 cup canned bamboo shoots - (preferably already cut into matchstick)
Dressing
2 shallots, peeled, halved, and finely sliced
l tbsp rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
l tsp sugar
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp mirin
sea salt and pepper

For the dressing, mix the shallots, rice vinegar, and sugar together in a small bowl and set aside.
Trim any excess stems from the arugula, and pick the herb leaves from their stems. Rinse and spin dry the arugula and herbs. Cut the bamboo shoots into matchsticks.
To make the dressing, whisk the olive oil, sesame oil, mirin, sea salt, and pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in the shallot mixture, then taste and adjust the flavors.
Very lightly toss the arugula, bamboo shoots, and herbs in the dressing, and serve, with chopsticks.

Link for chicken skewers belowhttp://fitinyourjeanscuisine.blogspot.com/2010/10/skewers-capture-finger-food.html
To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Leafy green vegetables - 'little black dress' of the vegetable world

Clara says 'Eat More Green Leaves' because we are grazers. Leafy green vegetables are like the 'little black dress' of the vegetable world. They go with just about everything and they’re appropriate for every occasion,Green leaves are perhaps the most anti-ageing of all foods and since I am passionate about my greens, once I start on them I seem to need to give all the good news. (below)

Obviously, the best way to eat greens is uncooked, fresh from the garden, with Spinach or Rocket being my favourites because of their versatility. They can be stir fried in a little olive oil, wilted by steaming for a very short time, but I love them when added to cooked vegetables, at the last minute for extra colour and super nutrition.

'Eat More Green Leaves' because we are grazers

Sichuan Style Spinach or Green Leaves
30g peanut oil
20 black peppercorns
4 dried red chillies
2 garlic cloves
2 bunches English spinach
Sea salt
30ml chinese wine
Dash sesame oil
Heat oil over medium heat, add groundpeppercorns and chilli until fragrant. Remove, add garlic, then wine, salt, spinach and cook until wilted and liquid nearly evaporated. Add seasoning, and chilli.



It was common for our ancient ancestors to eat up to six pounds of leaves per day, ie a grocery bag full of greens each and every day? Calorie for calorie, they are perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. They are a rich source of minerals (including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. They also provide a variety of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, can help prevent age-related cognitive decline and may also reduce your risk of skin canceramong many other effects. Dark green leaves even contain small amounts of Omega-3 fats.
Almost Carb-Free, with the carbs that are there packed in layers of fibre, which make them very slow to digest.


Perhaps the star of these nutrients is Vitamin K. A cup of most cooked greens provides at least nine times the minimum recommended intake of Vitamin K, and even a couple of cups of dark salad greens usually provide the minimum all on their own. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important functions.
Vitamin K
•Regulates blood clotting
•Helps protect bones from osteoporosis
•May be a key regulator of inflammation, and may help protect us from inflammatory diseases including arthritis.
Fat-soluble vitamin, so make sure to put dressing on your salad, or cook your greens with oil.
Quick-cooking Greens
These greens can either be eaten raw or lightly cooked. Six cups of raw greens become approximately one cup of cooked greens and take only a few minutes to cook. Spinach, Chard, Rocket, Beet Greens, Dandelion greens, Sorrel and Cabbage belong in this category.
Greens should be dry or almost dry, after washing; store in a bag with as much of the air pushed out as you easily can. I like to put a barely damp paper towel in for just the right amount of moisture. Then, put them in the vegetable drawer of your fridge.



To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Look at me, Nonna!! From the warm fuzzy distance of grandparenting

Nonna tip - don't get the age wrong as I did once
but never ever again!

Hi Babyboomers
It's wonderfully fulfilling to watch grandchildren develop - to witness the ages and stages, be able to give out treats generously, to have fun etc - from the warm fuzzy distance of grandparenting.

A big weekend sleepover which felt like Christmas where one's attention is scattered in many directions and the house is full of stuff.

Now it's quiet and orderly - we return to normality with lovely memories of spontaneous hugs, Poppy makeovers and tricky questions.
Nonna Clara - Facilitator of Clever Craft and Good Kitchen x

ps - Poppy's snoring was also recorded - something I have always threatened to do but have never quite been courageous enough.

To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

GPS gets a grandmother back on the road

I dedicate this blog to my mates, LWL (ladies who lunch) who started at the same school as FIRST-TIME teachers. Lovely catch up - great communication. And the reason I purchased my TOMTOM. All will be revealed..............

LWL - Circa mid to late 60's- teachers



It arrived today - my first non book purchase on-line



You are going to help me find my way!



Hi Babyboomers

I haven't made any decisions yet re an I Pad or Android, despite a reply to my technical question, from a friend who has one, "I can't really tell you what's so good about it.  I'm in love with my ipad. It makes me happy just to think about it."

But I did make another important purchase. And here it is....... A TOMTOM! Love the name - makes me feel as though it's going to communicate to me how to get where I want to go.

So where do you want to go, Clara?

The answer is. "To where I decide to go." Therein lie choices, not only re destination, but how I want to get there.

OK, so here's the history - Ladies who Lunch - LWL - destination was via a route I chose not to take. I don't do expressways anymore ever since the unfortunate journey via the airport from Artarmon to an address in Artarmon. Well - I got into the wrong lane - then was afraid to go sideways fearing that I would be lost forever.

So, everyone else was still driving out of their comfort zone, except me - which was confronting and cost a lot.
After councelling from the group, when I saw a special deal on the net re TOMTOM, I decided to go for it.

When I told G about it, he said I really didn't need it, because I didn't drive anywhere out of the area. So I said, "The less I drive, the more fearful I become." He understood and is supportive - we had a lesson even,  where I drove to IKEA land via GPS and felt good about it. He agreed to shut up re my other driving habits - Yeaaah!

So - TOMTOM has arrived and I need to read the manual. Hmmmmmm
Clara


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Should Grannies go for IPads

A friend wrote recently - "Treated myself to an iPad, so much fun.
Have the day off to play in my studio. Have to lock my iPad away or I will while the day away with it."
When I asked why it was so much fun, she replied, "Well how can I describe my iPad? I can't. You just have to have one to understand how amazing it is. I stalled on it, kept thinking what could be so great till one night I said what the hell and ordered one on line. The next day I had buyer's remorse but it was too late. Good thing I love it so much."

And then another friend, a reluctant computer friend who didn't even answer her emails in the past, sends me an email from ............ you guessed it - Her I Pad! What is happening? Why am I missing out on all this fun?

Of course, I feel that now I need one too so the journey begins - I-Pad or Android? Where is the key board? What is essential and non-essential? All this from someone who started out teaching not with an I Pad but with a Jelly pad. What is a jelly pad you ask - not quite as ancient as the stone tablet, it was a simple method of transferring pictures to a child's book as an alternative to the existing printing technology of the guistetner which was super messy. The jelly pad was simply a gelatine mixture in a cake tin; you traced over the image with carbon paper, placed it onto the jelly into which it sank. You then pressed each book onto the pad to make a print. (A search on Google says it was called a
'hectograph or gelatin duplicator and was used in the 20th century' - remember the 1900's.)
Ok - so we are moving forward - the question is do I really really need an I pad or an Android?
Clara :)

ps - do you know these symbols yet? A friend passed this on to me - he picked it up from his kids and general chat on FB (Facebook) and Twitter. It's like street slang that has just evolved as people want to type less online and sms.

:) means smile -look at it sideways (tilt head left)
;) means wink smile
:( means sad
:D means big smile 

To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

How to tie your scarf and how to make it

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU&feature=player_embedded#at=25...
A great site but wait................

Isadona
"I dance what I am!"

The impetus for this particular blog, is the above link to a great video on '25 Ways to tie a scarf' so it's time to revisit Isadora.

"Who was Isadora?" some may ask.
She was renowned for being a dancer who was usually adorned with a long scarf (like me) - her early death was the result of an unfortunate accident involving her scarf and her neck. Personally I admire her for her amazing spirit, and as with other feminist women, she blazed our trail. "What trail?" our daughters may ask. Another day, another blog, but believe me, "Baby, we've come a long way."


I would love to showcase my special Isadora, who, as well as being a dancer, has made many many ????? scarves for a great cause. "I've decided to finish out my year of blogging by knitting as many of these scarves as possible by February 9th, 2011 and donating them to area shelters. You can join me if you like. For more information go to http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/bluedotspecial.html "

Well done R.
Clara

http://projectknitway.blogspot.com/.

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Margaret Olley - unfinished work at 88

Margaret Olley - 1923 - 2011

Hi Babyboomer women

Women thrive on connections and are lost without them.
Wisdom of the day (from my desk calendar), "I've always believed that one woman's success can only help another woman's success."..... Gloria Vanderbilt
I actually feel sad for some men / women who believe that 'winning' is the most important aspect of an exercise. 

Margaret Hannah Olley (1923 – 26 July 2011) who passed away this week, is a fine example and was described as "Kind, fearless and a big heart".  She will be remembered as an Australian painter of still life but she was also a great philanthropist.
John McDonald - art critic for SMH - "She would have wanted to be remembered as a painter but she was so active and generous it is difficult to sum up the scope of her achievements."  ..... "She was a friend and mentor to younger artists..... bought art works for public collections ... helped provide funds for people in need....she had an eye for quality and a nose for bullshit ...... being unfailingly direct in her pronouncements."

She will be also be remembered for being the first recipient of the inaugural Mosman Art Prize in 1947, one of the first of it's kind at the time and was a frequent judge of works over the years.  Her final exhibition which she was still working on with Phillip Bacon, will  go ahead next year.

Clara

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Antiageing qualities of a good belly laugh

 

Hi Babyboomers
 We love a good belly laugh. I actually believe it is the basis of a real friendship when you share a similar sense of humour - when you really really laugh!!!!! And it feels sooooooo good.
Being with babies, toddlers and grandchildren spark this fresh new insight into how we are - and I adore them. When my children were at this stage, I smiled so much I was afraid that I would develop eye wrinkles. But I now know that those laugh lines on my face are an endorsement of my view of life. So I embrace them.

When my daughter picked up her first phone (the first of many calls!!!!!) she said " BlahBlahblah HaHaHa BlahBlahblah HaHaHa!!!! which made me realise that her mimicking was of my phone habit. Time moved on and phone manners morphed and swayed, but laughter always prevailed with my son and daughter. It is the glue that holds us together during the good and tough times. With it we move forward with grace - without it, we can get lost in a self centred focus.
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/baby-laughing-hysterically-15098This little girl knows this already!
Clara

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ew or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Babyboomers have a rich memory bank of stars

Hi there babyboomers

Some wonderful photos from our decades. I know that every older generation is convinced that the sun is setting on a golden age, but you have to admit we experienced a giant share of charismatic 'stars', many of whom are still in the limelight.

Favourites among these have to be Elton, with Marilyn and JFK the winner for intrigue. Least favourite is George - he looks much better now.
Clara

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Barbershop harmony gladdens the heart

Dear Babyboomers
I responded to an invitation from a  friend,   "Some of our Northern Beaches Chorus group will be singing at the Mosman Art Gallery, come along."

\

So pleased that I went along - singing gladdens the heart.  Many happy childhood memories are of being around the piano with Mum playing, and Dad singing at the top of his voice, head back, loving the moment.   'Mona Lisa was his favourite and he sang it every time, with gusto.  Every now and then we would break into some harmony of sorts, which brings me back now to the Northern Beaches Chorus.  
I looked up the website http://www.northernbeacheschorus.com.au/
to find out more.



....Northern Beaches Chorus is a Sydney women's choir which sings 4-part acappella harmony, has approx 80 members, regularly performs on stage, and appears in local events and national competition. '
"We love to share our joy of singing with women of all ages and backgrounds in our local community and the chorus provides a whatsource of education in vocal production and showmanship"  ........

And this is what shone through - sheer enjoyment of their moment which I was able to share via the body language and harmony.  Have a look at the video to see what I mean.

Thanks lovely ladies.
Clara

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When the goin' gets tough - the tough go shopping!

Hi babyboomers


I had had enough of it today, after a social drought due to G being away, so I did what women do - "When the goin' gets tough, the tough go shopping." I still had some credit on a gift card, and I received some vouchers by email for special discounts so I set off to redeem my bargains.


I looked around for a garment which would make a difference to our Europe trip, and still work seasonally now, and found a casual multi-functional khaki top which could work with or without a layer underneath. It takes ages to choose, as you know, as I returned to try it on again, and decided to go for it. Then collected a jeans belt I had selected in order to pay for the two together.


Nothing worked - you had to purchase to the value of $75 in order to get a $20 dollar discount; I had printed off a few vouchers, so thought I was in front. But no. You have to read the copious small print - what it boiled down to was there were a few dull Myer only brands to which this applied, but the top I had chosen was excluded, as were all of the other decent brands. Then because the belt cost less than $75 I didn't get any discount there either. I felt in "why bother with voucher mode" but since I now wanted the Khaki top, and the belt, and had spent hours choosing them, I bought them at original price.

They got me! All part of the game. But I have to say they won't next time.


Clara




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I find myself more than ever drawn to the comfort of creating

Hi Babyboomers
I thought you might relate to this blog from my rediscovered and clever friend, Renotta, known as R. She wrote, "In these difficult times with so much unrest, destruction and sadness I find myself more than ever drawn to the comfort of creating



May you weave joy and happy memories

 "I hadn't worked at my loom for several years, but something was drawing me to it again. I admit I was afraid that the years of neglect would somehow have taken its toll, and I would not be able to weave. But with a little bit of loving care, some drops of oil, and a quick refresher from weaving 101, I was back at it. I had forgotten how much I enjoy the whole process; winding the shuttles, listening to the rhythmical sound of the harnesses and watching the fabric grows row by row, inch by inch.

I'm weaving with hand dyed wool yarns in a simple twill pattern. My plan is fabric for a coat, but who knows. At this stage it doesn't really matter. Just the fact that I am weaving again makes me happy. From where I sit, I can see everything much more clearly.
In the loom of life may you weave joy and happy memories.  R






ps - R has a jeans store in Milwaukee called Shop at Next Door, and creates fabulous pieces to go with jeans, all of which are available on-line.  http://www.shopatnextdoor.com/
ClaraTo view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au

Will my friends laugh at me for playing bowls?

John and Me - Lesson 5

Hi Babyboomers


Yes, it's me - learning to play bowls!


The game summary seemed to fit into 'Exercise with a purpose' for this gym dropout'






Summary - Lawn bowls is a precision sport that is played for the challenge and competition, personal enjoyment, physical activity, the pleasure of spending time outdoors and for social interaction. It is also a low impact, therapeutic form of exercise. Add to that a few of my own - not too expensive, doesn't take up the whole day, and best of all, not too serious or arduous for this granny. A few concerns were "Bowling is a game for old people and surely that doesn't include me" and "You won't get much exercise", and the most concerning, "Wearing that white gear definitely doesn't turn me on." Oh and one more serious one,"My friends will laugh at me!"

 Mosman Bowling Club prides itself
on its beautiful old building, gardens
and its well maintained greens

Despite these misgivings, I signed up for the five lessons offered by Mosman Evening College to explore the possibilities. On Saturday morning I turned up at Mosman Bowling Club which prides itself on its beautiful old building, gardens and its well maintained greens, to find I was the only enrolled student. This was somewhat daunting, as an hour's personal tuition could be serious, where I might be called upon to perform. I actually have really good hand / eye co-ordination - I say to G that I could have been good at something. And maybe this is it!
John is a great coach - quiet and understated, he delivers his game wisdom well. I know that if I follow the important points of delivery, then I can expect to achieve consistency.


So, I am launching myself into the 'Lawn Bowls Scene' - firstly with Mufti Day where you just turn up and play on a Friday afternoon, so I don't have to address most of my concerns yet. Will keep you up to date.
Clara
To view or add comment, click on comments at bottom of page or send an email - clara@babyboomerconnections.com.au or visit my website at www.babyboomerconnections.com.au