Sorry we're f*****

Temporally, hopefully, closed for inner re-construction...

The journey to knowledge

The last few days I've been studying like crazy and in a few hours I am leaving for Hinckley once again.

The quiet little British town is waiting.

I like it how England is well organized in stuff...with the environment etc.

The jacket potato is the only thing regarding food that I adore and look forward to. I see my self eating everyday - with butter and extra cheese pleeease.

The Penny Price Academy - a lovely place for class with an adorable little shop full with aromatherapy products and many many more.

Hoping to a good weather for long relaxing afternoon walks in the park.

I will be back in a few days, till then... Cheers!

At Chalkida (Εν Χαλκίδι)

A couple of days ago I went to Chalkida to visit my very best friend, who studies there, for her birthday. It was a quiet afternoon and we decided to go for a late lunch - early dinner at a beautiful Greek restaurant called "En Chalkidi", but unfortunately at that moment and fortunately after all it was closed for renovation. Not knowing where to go and what to eat we start walking at the sea-side pedestrian towards a very untouristic side of Chalkida. I say untouristic because if you haven't lived there most probably you wouldn't think of going at that side, but otherwise is the most beautiful place I personally think Chalkida has to offer, as far as I know at least.

Anyway, no need to say anything else, just that I 'm happy "En Chalkidi" decided to go for a renovation and therefore I had the chance for that fantastic quiet walk by the sea, meeting with that untouristic side of Chalkida.

Don't forget to click on the photos for a larger view, some are stunning.

my very best friend

Happy Happy Happy birthday...

October Sea

After the rain comes the sun.

After loudness comes peace.

After weakness comes strength.

After sadness comes joy.

After hatred comes love.

Winter days - hot drinks

It's not that the weather is extremely cold or anything, but as I was sitting at home feeling a bit weak and having cold feet I made myself a Greek mountain tea with honey just to sit in front of the TV, cover my feet in a fluffy blanket, light a burner with geranium oil and enjoy a lazy afternoon. So, yeah this post is actually inspired by cold feet and a lazy afternoon at home.

Starting with the classic Greek mountain tea which I think in Greece at least we have all tasted it once in our life time. I remember my mum making me one quite often when I was little and when we used to live in Mombasa - long time a go - some of our guests always preferred it over coffee.

Anyway, the mountain tea is very good for colds, because of its inflammatory, bactiriostatic and antioxidant properties. It also helps problems to the urinary system and the heart due to flavonoids. Preparation: in boiled temperature water you add few shoots and you leave it for 10 minutes, after that and when the tea is not extremely hot you can add a teaspoon of honey. You don't boil the water together with the tea and so the beneficial properties are preserved. The mountain tea is tasteful even cold.

Another classic remedy is the water-lemon-honey mix. Very beneficial for coughs, sore throats, colds and fever. It's a very simple hot drink with antibacterial properties and rich in vitamins. Preparation: 1 fresh-squished lemon juice, 1 tea spoon of honey and hot boiled water. Drink when hot, you will feel a relief if you have a sore throat.

A hot herb drink that helped me a lot few weeks ago is the spearmint. I had a terrible stomach ache, for a moment I couldn't even move, most probably it had to do with my digestive system and anyway my mom told me that a cup of hot spearmint would help and it sure did. Spearmint is antispasmodic and digestive with a very pleasant and refreshing taste. Preparation: 1 tea spoon of dry spearmint boiled with water.

For premenstrual conditions a very warming drink is the cinnamon. Cinnamon has antispasmodic properties and because of its woody nature it's perfect also for scanty periods. Preparation: 1 piece of cinnamon stick boiled with water.

Last but not least, the queen of all, what I so call the saffron tea which I 'invented' a couple of months ago. Saffron is known for its digestive and antiseptic action, but recent research has proven that it also possess strong antioxidant properties and that helps to boost your memory. It's a perfectly pure spice that generally contributes to good health and well being. I usually make a pot and drink it during a day or two.

I really love it because the taste stays the same even if it's a days long and cold. And its aroma is so damn perfect and extraordinary. Preparation (for a cup): less than a 1/4 tea spoon of saffron powder, 1 tea spoon of honey and 1 drop of lemon essential oil (or 1-2 table spoons of lemon juice). If you make a pot (1 lt.) you might want to add a little more of saffron and maybe 2 drops instead of 1 of lemon ess. oil.

You first mix well the lemon essential oil with the honey so that it is diluted, and then add the saffron and hot water.

Give it a shake and En(eRGy)JoY!