Monthly Archives: January 2019

Brief Review: The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell

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Dr. T. Colin Campbell is a pioneer in the medical and food industry. His book The China Study and the documentary, Forks Over Knives on Netflix exposes the dirty truth about S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) and the harm that it is causing the American People and people around the world. We know that there are many diseases in this country and it is an epidemic and Campbell has studied this problem for decades. You’ll also be surprised to know that he grew up on a dairy farm. Not only can changing your diet reduce your chances of these diseases but it can also reverse many of the symptoms you have from them. We must stop listening to the main-stream food industry, pharmaceutical companies and the government on this issue. It is not about prevention. They want to keep us ignorant. For them, it is all about power and money in my opinion. Also, many of our Doctors have not been educated on nutrition and the importance of it. If you already have a disease or you are in constant pain, why wouldn’t you want to try to change your eating habits and learn what foods to eat and what foods to avoid so you can feel better? When I discovered the truth about meat and dairy, I changed my diet immediately! This book has really opened my eyes about the truth of what we eat and why our country has so many diseases and an obesity epidemic. It really isn’t hard and the benefits are worth it. I can’t even stomach the thought of eating meat or dairy anymore. Please consider reading The China Study. Your health starts in the Kitchen.

Check out why I drink Lemon Water every day. I get personal! Read article here

Stephanie M. Hopkins

the china studyAbout the Book:
The science is clear. The results are unmistakable.

You can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes just by changing your diet.

More than thirty years ago, nutrition researcher T. Colin Campbell and his team at Cornell, in partnership with teams in China and England, embarked upon the China Study, the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease. What they found when combined with findings in Colin’s laboratory, opened their eyes to the dangers of a diet high in animal protein and the unparalleled health benefits of a whole foods, plant-based diet.

In 2005, Colin and his son Tom, now a physician, shared those findings with the world in The China Study, hailed as one of the most important books about diet and health ever written.

Featuring brand new content, this heavily expanded edition of Colin and Tom’s groundbreaking book includes the latest undeniable evidence of the power of a plant-based diet, plus updated information about the changing medical system and how patients stand to benefit from a surging interest in plant-based nutrition.

The China Study – Updated and Expanded Edition presents a clear and concise message of hope as it dispels a multitude of health myths and misinformation. The basic message is clear. The key to a long, healthy life lies in three things: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

Discovering Southern Poets and Their Poetry

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I’ve been wanting to start a new series on Southern Poets and their poems. To honor their work and to openly discuss the meaning of their prose and the importance of Southern Poets. When I started researching poets, I noticed that Southern Poetry is still dominated by men. When I think of poems written by Southern Poets, my mind takes me to poems by William Faulkner, Sidney Lanier and so on. By no means am I trying to make a political or feminism statement with this project but I’ve decided to start a journey to explore Southern Female Poets. Not only that but to explore my own inner thoughts and feelings of southern life and to possibly write my own poetry. I say this all-the-while thinking to myself that all I need is another project to take on! Ha! I might let that sit a spell and just focus my energy on the former. There are many themes to discover in Southern Poetry which I find thrilling. Being Southern and living in the South is such a broad subject. History would be the first to come to my mind since I am a history geek but I might challenge myself and explore place. How do I do that without exploring time? Hmm…well now, southern traditions and way of life does evolve after all. Despite what people from other cultures or backgrounds might think. Having said that, many do cling to the their traditions, songs, stories and heritage from their for-bearers and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. For me, that keeps the history authentic, knowing all the while how many are trying their best to re-write it. I’ve got to watch myself! I’m starting to get political! This project really is going to be a challenge. Now, who will I choose as my first subject? Whose voice and style speak to my heart?

cities of flesh and the dead.I have discovered Diann Blakely of Brunswick, Georgia and a book she wrote called, “Cities of Flesh and The Dead.” Now I’m not entirely sure this book meets my needs but I aim to find out! If you know of any names of Southern Female Poets I might find interesting, please share!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

 

Next Up On The Reading Agenda

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Here are two books I am planning on reading next. I can’t wait! Both of these books are by authors I adore and find their stories gripping. Aren’t the covers great?! -Stephanie M. Hopkins

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until the day i die by emily carpenterUntil the Day I Die by Emily Carpenter

Pub Date 12 Mar 2019

Description

From the bestselling author of Burying the Honeysuckle Girls comes a riveting novel about a mother and daughter separated by grief, secrets, and a conspiracy that threatens to destroy their lives.

If there’s a healthy way to grieve, Erin Gaines hasn’t found it. After her husband’s sudden death, the runaway success of the tech company they built with their best friends has become overwhelming. Her nerves are frayed, she’s disengaged, and her frustrated daughter, Shorie, is pulling away from her. Maybe Erin’s friends and family are right. Maybe a few weeks at a spa resort in the Caribbean islands is just what she needs to hit the reset button…

Shorie is not only worried about her mother’s mental state but also for the future of her parents’ company. Especially when she begins to suspect that not all of Erin’s colleagues can be trusted. It seems someone is spinning an intricate web of deception—the foundation for a conspiracy that is putting everything, and everyone she loves, at risk. And she may be the only one who can stop it.

Now, thousands of miles away in a remote, and oftentimes menacing, tropical jungle, Erin is beginning to have similar fears. Things at the resort aren’t exactly how the brochure described, and unless she’s losing her mind, Erin’s pretty sure she wasn’t sent there to recover—she was sent to disappear.

the lost girls of paris by pam jenoffThe Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff

Pub Date 29 Jan 2019

1946, Manhattan

Description

One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work, Grace Healey finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station.

Grace soon learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a network of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. Twelve of these women were sent to Occupied Europe as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. Setting out to learn the truth behind the women in the photographs, Grace finds herself drawn to a young mother turned agent named Marie, whose daring mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor and betrayal.

Vividly rendered and inspired by true events, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff shines a light on the incredible heroics of the brave women of the war and weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, sisterhood and the great strength of women to survive in the hardest of circumstances.

A Basket Full Of Lemons

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basket of lemon waterI’ve always heard that you should drink a glass of water with fresh lemon juice after going to a chiropractor or after getting a massage. It just occurred to me, then shouldn’t people drink water with lemon after working out at the gym? After all, you are breaking down your muscles fibers to build up again and the lemon water would flush out the toxins that was released in your body. Let’s get down to why I am really writing this post. I’m going to get really personal. Okay, maybe not completely but I will be using some words that are uncomfortable words for some people to say out loud or on social media where everyone can see for that matter. Since I was a wee lass-I’m not Scottish, I just like saying that-I’ve had UTI’s, Bladder Infections, Kidney Infections and among other physical problems. I’ve had somewhere in the ball park of 16 surgeries. Not all related to my bladder mind you. When I was four, I had bladder surgery. I won’t go into much detail about it thank you very much.  Throughout the years and especially in my adult years after having my daughter, I had UTI’s left and right. The doctors were constantly putting me on antibiotics. One thing that occurred to me was that they never talked about my diet or if there was a way to naturally avoid UTI’s, except not to take baths and don’t drink so much caffeine. Did that advice help me? No. It sure didn’t.

Last year I had a hysterectomy among a few other things they had to fix while in there.  Ten months leading up to the surgery, I had an ongoing UTI. NOTHING was helping and I was losing my mind. You can imagine the constant pain I was in. After a while, it messes with you emotional and mentally. At that point, I was so over doctors but thankful for the hysterectomy, I must admit. After the surgery, I still had an infection despite the antibiotics. I’m just going to give it to you straight, those drugs just don’t work on me anymore and I am limited to what I can take because I have a lot of allergies to drugs.

glass of lemon water

A few months after my surgery, I was seeing my Pelvic Floor Therapist and I was talking to her about some of my problems and she suggested drinking water with fresh lemon juice. I was confused by that at first because I thought it would be too acidic for me to drink. She said it wouldn’t be and that it would help restore my PH Balance as well. She also said it will help flush out toxins and bad bacteria out of my body. I was sitting there listening to her and not completely sold on the idea because if that was the case then why hadn’t all the doctors, I’ve seen told me this.

I was desperate so I was willing to give this a try. I went to the store a bought lemon and started drinking lemon water. I have to admit there were days I skipped because I wasn’t in the habit yet. Guess what? NO MORE UTI’S! I do still have bladder spasm however but that is because of something else and they are getting less and less.

Here are some other benefits I’m experiencing. Softer skin, my daily vitamin C, better digestion. Less muscle and joint pain. Praise God! Run do not walk to your kitchen a drink a large glass of fresh lemon water. Also, be sure to drink a glass first thing in the morning before consuming anything else. That is really important.

Also, recently I have changed my diet completely to a Whole Food Plant Based Diet. Watch “Forks Over Knives” on Netflix. It will change your life. Be sure to research further about the benefits of drinking lemon water. There are a ton of benefits!!

I do want to point out that I am not a doctor or nurse. Just someone who has been through a lot of medical issues and I want to help others find relief and comfort as I have. Be sure to discuss changing your diet with your doctors before doing so and don’t be afraid to speak up! You just might change someone’s life.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

 

Nutritional Science and Reading

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Recently I have made a big change in my lifestyle of eating. I’ve always considered myself as someone who has eaten fairly healthy but I struggled with how I felt physically and mentally. I’ve had a lot of surgeries and physical problems since I was two months old. First beginning with a heart defect and the list goes on…

For people with chronic health issues, you know that waking up everyday you don’t know how you are going to feel. It is a daunting way of life. If it weren’t for my strong will, I think I would be in worse shape. Don’t get me wrong, there are days where I felt totally hopeless. However, I am no longer having days where feel like that. I’m not giving up and I am getting stronger. What is helping me? First, research, and learning all I can about the Whole Foods Plant Based Diet.

One of my illnesses is a Digestion Disease and I have to be careful what I eat not knowing how it is going to impact me on a daily basis. Its like taking a gamble of what to eat. The Whole Foods Plant Based Diet has opened a whole new world for me and believe me, I’ve tried a ton of different diets. On this diet you do not eat meat, dairy, or processed foods. People have asked me all sorts of questions about this diet and wonder how this can be healthy without the meat or dairy. This year on Layered Pages, I will be answering those questions but first, I recommend you read The China Study and watch Forks Over Knives on Netflix. I will begin today by saying that I no longer have cravings for processed sugar, meats or dairy. Matter of fact, every time I see meat, I cringe knowing what it was doing to my health and digestive system.  If you have any questions about the Whole Foods Plant Based Diet, please feel free to ask me and I will do my best to answer your questions or direct you to the right source.

Now onto my other books I am reading. I finished, Long Road To Mercy by David Baldacci! There was thing I liked about the story and things that made me roll my eyes. Ha! I might discuss this more later on.

I’m still reading The Blue by Nancy Bileau and I’m enjoying the story so much I am savoring it. I will be working on a project about this book with the author and I look forward to sharing more of that with you soon.

I’m also listening to an audible book, Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. So far, I haven’t really been immersed into the story but I’m not giving up. I do find some of the situations fascinating however.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful and productive New Year! Until next time….

Stephanie M. Hopkins

The China Study: Revised and Expanded Edition: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, and Long-Term Health

The updated and expanded edition of the bestseller that changed millions of lives

The science is clear. The results are unmistakable.

You can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes just by changing your diet.

More than thirty years ago, nutrition researcher T. Colin Campbell and his team at Cornell, in partnership with teams in China and England, embarked upon the China Study, the most comprehensive study ever undertaken of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease. What they found when combined with findings in Colin’s laboratory, opened their eyes to the dangers of a diet high in animal protein and the unparalleled health benefits of a whole foods, plant-based diet.

In 2005, Colin and his son Tom, now a physician, shared those findings with the world in The China Study, hailed as one of the most important books about diet and health ever written.

Featuring brand new content, this heavily expanded edition of Colin and Tom’s groundbreaking book includes the latest undeniable evidence of the power of a plant-based diet, plus updated information about the changing medical system and how patients stand to benefit from a surging interest in plant-based nutrition.

The China Study – Updated and Expanded Edition presents a clear and concise message of hope as it dispels a multitude of health myths and misinformation. The basic message is clear. The key to a long, healthy life lies in three things: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

“A lush debut; Owens delivers her mystery wrapped in gorgeous, lyrical prose.” (Alexandra Fuller, author of Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight)

How long can you protect your heart?

For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life – until the unthinkable happens.

Perfect for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Karen Russell, Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

2019 Musings and New Projects

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Me in March 20182018 was the first year I did not reach my reading goal in a very long, long time. I thought I would be upset over that but surprisingly I am not. I still read a lot of books considering…  I want to focus on the quality of reads and I am wanting to really dig deep into my Presidents Reading Challenge. Also, I am starting new works on Layered Pages.

This year I will be posting about a variety of mediums. Including fashion, art, books, food and photography. However, I did a little of that last year but you’ll be seeing a lot more this time around and with a lot more creativity. Such as you’ll get to see guest posts from artists, authors, photographer’s and people who work in the nutritional industry. I am really thrilled about these new and exciting projects coming up on my website.

This week I finished reading. The Long Road to Mercy. I’m still thinking about how I want to discuss my thoughts on this book. There were things I liked about it and things I did not like. Tomorrow I am starting, The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau. She is among the very few authors whose books I’ll review anymore. Her stories are amazing!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Follow my closet  @artsycouture42 and use my code: ARTSYCOUTURE42 to get a free $5 credit when signing up for Poshmark! http://www.poshmark.com

long road to mercyLong Road to Mercy (Atlee Pine #1) by David Baldacci

#1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci introduces a remarkable new character: Atlee Pine, an FBI special agent assigned to the remote wilds of the western United States. Ever since her twin sister was abducted by a notorious serial killer at age five, Atlee has spent her life hunting down those who hurt others. And she’s the best at it. She could be one of the Bureau’s top criminal profilers, if she didn’t prefer catching criminals in the vast wilderness of the West to climbing the career ladder in the D.C. office. Her chosen mission is a lonesome one–but that suits her just fine.

Now, Atlee is called in to investigate the mutilated carcass of a mule found in the Grand Canyon–and hopefully, solve the disappearance of its rider. But this isn’t the only recent disappearance. In fact, it may be just the first clue, the key to unraveling a rash of other similar missing persons cases in the canyon. . .

blueThe Blue by Nancy Bilyeau

In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.

For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.

When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…

The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.

With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?