Boutique Banter » 2006

The main thing is take time for yourself. Maybe it’s reading a book, a trip to the spa or taking a relaxing bath. It doesn’t really matter what the activity, as long as it is relaxing to you.

Listen to calm, soothing music. You can do it in the car, at home, just about anywhere. Music soothes the body and mind.

Practice deep abdominal breathing periodically throughout the day. You can visit http://www.deepsloweasy.com/html/intro.htm for deep breathing exercises.

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and increase your energy. Just going for a walk or parking your car a little bit farther away from your destination can aid in your exercise quest.

Eat healthy and eat calming foods. Remember to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Along with these, there are many foods that are calming. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and foods containing tryptophan can help induce calm and sleep

Here are some SNOOZE FOODS

These are foods high in the sleep-inducing amino acid tryptophan:
· Dairy products: cottage cheese, cheese, milk
· Soy products: soy milk, tofu, soybean nuts
· Seafood
· Meats
· Poultry
· Whole grains
· Beans
· Rice
· Hummus
· Lentils
· Hazelnuts, Peanuts
· Eggs
· Sesame seeds, sunflower seeds Keep in contact with your friends and support system.

Have a sense of humor. Watch a funny movie! Laugh at yourself! One of the great comediennes is Loretta Laroche and you can find some of her DVDs at amazon.com. One of the best is Humor your Stress!

Just in – our new MaggiB handbags and accessories for spring 2007. See our wide selection of beaded handbags, as well as accessories for resort, cruise and spring! You will love these new patterns and vibrant colors! Lovely crochet glass jewelry compliment our handbags and totes. You can see all our new products at MaggiB Boho Chic.

Our new spring MaggiB French Country line for 2007 is in stock also. All new patterns, colors and styles! See them all at 2007 MaggiB Spring Collection! You’ll fall in love with these great bags! Totes, Backpacks, Train Cases, Bible Covers and more!

Dark Chocolate Sauuce Ingredients

2 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
6 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1 cup hot water
1/3 cup dark corn syrup
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Combine chocolate, cocoa, sugar and coffee granules in a food processor. Process until finely ground, about 1 minute.
Stir together water and corn syrup in a small saucepan; bring just to a boil over medium-high heat. With the food processor running, add the syrup mixture, then vanilla. Continue processing until the sauce is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. (The sauce will seem thin, but will thicken during cooling.) Transfer to a container and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours. Stir well before serving; if the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little water.

Yield: 7 servings (Serving size: 1 3/4 cups)
Dark, glossy and slightly bittersweet, this sauce is both easy to make and a good keeper; serve it right from the refrigerator..