by Nourish By Rebecca

PREP TIME: 5 MINCOOK TIME: 10 MINTOTAL TIME: 15 MIN

Rich, smooth and delicious…this dairy-free sauce is incredibly easy and quick to make..a great recipe to make when you need something extra to serve with a stack of pancakes or waffles.  It’s also delicious as a dip for fresh fruit too.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup (65g) cacao powder

• 1/2 cup (125ml) dairy-free milk

• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. (90ml) maple syrup

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 15g dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Place all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a saucepan and warm gently while whisking together.

Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.  As soon as the sauce comes to a simmer, remove from the heat.

Whisk in the chocolate chips, if using, until the sauce is smooth. 

Place in an airtight container and allow to cool fully before storing in the fridge for up to 5 days.

The sauce will thicken in the fridge, to loosen it, gently warm the sauce in a pan before serving.

To keep the sauce dairy-free

To keep this chocolate sauce dairy-free, you could use any dairy-free milk; coconut, almond, oat, etc.

Use Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips; It’s always worth checking the ingredients list when buying chocolate to be sure it contains no dairy ingredients.

How to store the chocolate sauce

This chocolate sauce stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.  The sauce will thicken in the fridge.

To make the sauce runnier after it has been in the fridge simply warm it gently in the microwave or pan to loosen it.

(Electro-Dermal Stress)Testing?

by Liz Liokumovich

This time around I ventured out to learn and experience a new type of modality very unfamiliar to me; this was Electrodermal Stress Testing or simply EDS, a non-invasive biofeedback test. Now let me be honest with you, I have never even heard of this! Prior to my adventure to Eternal Wellness, I was recommended to watch a couple of videos on EDS and its use and get a little familiar with it. At Eternal Wellness, I was introduced to Amber Walczuk who would perform my EDS. Amber is the owner of this brand-new facility and is a wealth of information and an amazing educator. She is a registered nurse and an EDS technician with over a decade of hospital and other medical industry experience. She truly is a gem.  

At the onset of my exam, I was asked questions about my health as this would lay out the basic foundation into the biofeedback results. This is common practice for such a comprehensive exam. As I sat back comfortably, I was given a brass probe to hold onto with my left hand. This is one of two brass probes attached to the biofeedback machine. The other probe was used by Amber on my right hand to touch points along acupuncture meridians. It was explained to me that the purpose of this is to create this biofeedback loop which would measure certain frequencies within the body. I was informed that the machine would use about one volt of electricity, and that I would not even feel it. Well, that was good! At this point, I kept asking myself, “how does this work?” It turns out that the frequencies the EDS machine picks up then gives a complete “picture” of what systems and organs are out of balance. A more in-depth, secondary look shows what is actually creating these illnesses and imbalances. Since everything in our body has measurable frequencies, these numbers are read against the system’s catalogue.

For example, the scoring is from 0-100, a score of 50 would be considered a no issue and a healthy balance. Anything below 50 means the organ/system is not functioning, anything over 50 would mean there is an issue and an imbalance with that part. What was even more amazing to me was that the program took a tertiary look, by finding the solutions! These were recommendations and dosages of certain homeopathic tinctures and supplements that were pinpointed to the imbalances. I can see how this test is very highly individualized. It was very impressive to me as I have never had a biofeedback exam of this sort.  

The average duration of the test is between one to two hours long. With that, the main goal is to determine the right path to detox. Detoxing helps the body to drain toxins and ultimately support the body’s healing process. Honestly, I was very impressed with the results! Just three days after taking the recommended supplements, I noticed a big improvement in my issues. I just felt so much better on multiple levels, and I am grateful for having been introduced to this easy, non-invasive method, and a path to feeling better and healing. 

To learn more about EDS Testing, contact Eternal Wellness at 864-921-9272.

Liz is a wife and homeschooling mom of four by day, and a self-proclaimed “Researcher-Hawk” by night (with hopefully some sleep in-between). She’s looking forward to discovering more natural therapies to keep her life in balance.

by Kay Lucas

What do you imagine when you hear the phrase “Date Night”? An outing of some sort, like dinner and a movie? Perhaps you hear “Cha-Ching” instead. Romance doesn’t need to be fancy or pricey. Whether you are on a first date or in an established relationship, it’s about making a connection with someone else and finding common interests.

Here are some ideas to help you think outside the box.

A Walk in the Park

Don’t rule out outdoor dates just because it is winter. Take a walk hand-in-hand in one of the area’s beautiful parks. It should be no surprise that you can find lasting love walking along Falls Park in Downtown Greenville; it has happened before. Plan ahead and pack a picnic. Not only is it extra romantic, but it might save you money too!

Afternoon Delight

Looking for a little more adventure? Kick the walking-in-the-park idea up a notch and hit the trails for a day date. There are some fantastic views and waterfalls out there for you to discover! Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville is a nearby option, but if you are up for a drive, try Table Rock, Caesars Head, or Jones Gap (all state parks). You will find trails for all experience levels.

Dance the Night Away

Search for local events, especially with live music. Dancing is a great way to fall in sync. There is just something about the way you connect through music and movement. It’s known to reduce anxiety and release endorphins. You don’t need a natural rhythm to have fun cutting a rug. No one has ever complained about spending an evening laughing, even if it is at themselves.

Stargazing

Escape the city lights to find a dark place to enjoy some star gazing. Start by watching the sunset with a fire pit and a warm beverage, and have plenty of blankets because it is going to get cold. Mother Nature will show off a bit this winter with amazing meteor showers! Although you can still catch sight of a falling star most of December and early January, peak nights are Dec.13-14, Dec. 22-23, and Jan 3-4. Go to TimeAndDate.com for night sky information, including an interactive map.

You don’t need to break the bank to get out of the dating rut. Once you start looking, the possibilities are endless. Get creative, share your passions, and try something new.

Kay Lucas is a local romance novelist, massage therapist, wife, and mother of four. When she doesn’t have her nose stuck in a book, she loves to dance while cooking and tend to her many fur and feathered friends.

by “Woobie” aka Lyn-Dee Eldridge

Tis the season to get up and go! From the moment you wake up, choose to find joy because it isn’t a gift that someone can give you. You may need to remind yourself that opening your eyes to a new day is a blessing not to be taken for granted. With that in mind, stretch to rejuvenate your muscles while simultaneously flooding your brain with endorphins. This will help elevate your mood and give you feelings of gratitude and joy to set you on your way. Playing music while dressing in your favorite warm weather wear will comfort you and prepare you for everything you‘ll face for the day. 

Baby, it’s cold outside, but don’t let the low temps and short daylight hours bring you down. Embrace the fresh breeze that hits your cheeks while you walk down the sidewalk or out to your car. Breathe in the crisp, delicious air, allowing it to flow in and out of your body, and give thanks for the pure beauty of the season. 

The Upstate doesn’t stop during the winter, and neither should you. There are plenty of events and activities, both indoors and out, for you to delight in. Here are some tips for finding joy in the season:

Venture outside

Join Meetup.com, put in all your likes, hobbies, activities and find like-minded new friends. 

Check out your town’s website and fan pages on what to do in your surrounding area. 

Brighten up your home 

Decorating can be so much fun just by putting out a few things you love and it always makes it a pleasure to be home in a joyful place.

Open those windows. Allow your curtains to flow and let the fresh air in. It makes your home smell fresh and new. Have your favorite blanket close by so you always feel comfy, warm and delicious. Enjoy a cup of warm tea, hot cocoa or your favorite beverage. Take in the gift of the things you have that make you happy.

Enjoy the gift of nature.

Go for a walk or a bike ride on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Take a break and browse the wonderful shops and eateries; don’t forget there is the fabulous Greenville Zoo. 

Park your bike and go for a wonderful stroll around nature and animals. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and sit with the animals.  

Homemade gift giving

Enjoy your hobbies. Make your gifts this year. There is no better time than to pick up a craft and create gifts for the holidays. 

Bake and share. Everyone will enjoy all the deliciousness that comes from your thoughtful kindness, not to mention how it will make you feel.  

 Bottom line, you are not going to find joy until you give yourself permission to spend every day knowing you are more than enough and that your positive attitude, smile and laughter are a blessing to yourself and others.

©copyright 2022 Woobie aka Lyn-Dee Eldridge/Happiness Jungle LLC/Cuddle Me Love LLC

“Woobie” aka Lyn-Dee Eldridge is an Author, Motivational Keynote Speaker, Life Coach Mentor/Company Trainer/Creator of the Cuddle Me Love Body Pillow®. For more information, visit CuddleMeLove.com and/or HappinessJungle.com.

by Kay Lucas 

Those living in the Upstate know the hecticness of Woodruff Road. But do you know about all of its hidden gems, like Garner’s Natural Life? The go-to store for holistic-minded locals is Garner’s Natural Life. Sadly, many Greenville residents drive past their stores in the rat race of life, unaware of this local, family-owned business that has operated for 53 years.

Easily located with plenty of parking, Garner’s Natural Life is a breath of fresh air on a well-beaten path. Its light and soothing atmosphere will welcome you as you shop or learn about its many clean lifestyle products. Although the Woodruff Road store opened seven years ago, Garner’s was first established in the area in 1969. The store manager, Dan Guthrie, stated, “We are still having people come in saying ‘Oh, we didn’t know you were over here,’ because they are used to the Pleasantburg Drive location.” No matter which branch you choose, all four stores carry the same products. New-to-the-area people are also happily surprised to find an agrarian store in Greenville without needing to drive to a bigger city or buy online. “We are constantly being asked ‘Why don’t you have a store here?’ or ‘Let’s have one here,’ once everyone falls in love with the different options they have here.”

You can shop online or at any of their four South Carolina locations—two in Greenville and two in Columbia. Garner’s stays on top of the hottest trends. Guthrie declared, “Right now, there is a lot of hype about Irish sea moss and bladderwrack herb. The combination gives us all the minerals we need in our diet. Medicinal mushrooms are big right now. There is constant research being done on how they are beneficial to us. They are being used in traditional treatments as well as preventative.” Garner’s tries to keep on the edge of what is new, and Guthrie believes that we will see even more uses for medical mushrooms in the future. “Also, a lot of people are all about CBD right now.”

Riding the newest waves doesn’t mean Garner’s stops their tried-and-true products. Vitamins, supplements, chemical-free beauty products, and bulk herbs remain staples in their stores. When asked what Guthrie’s favorite thing Garner’s has to offer, he replied, “I love the bulk herbs; that’s what drew me here as a shopper before I was working here. I was studying herbalism and needed some herbs, but I didn’t know where I could find them. When I searched, I found Garner’s.”

Many people try to grow their own herbs. Unfortunately, circumstances don’t always turn out in our favor. Garner’s buy-by-the-weight dried herbs are always available, not to mention the variety. “There are over 200-some options in just the bulk herbs—and most all of them are organic.” Buying herbs like this is a great way to get them into your routine, even if it is simply to make them into a tea. Of course, if you are hesitant to make your own combinations, there is a large assortment of pre-packaged teas.

Going into a Garner’s Natural Life store is an experience. If only they could bottle the scent that hits you when you walk into the store. It’s a combination of all the different herbs, soaps, and essential oils they keep stocked on the shelves. The staff is knowledgeable, and their passion is to help people (and pets) with their health. The polite and friendly way they treat you will make you want to come back.

The owner, Candace Garner Newman, loves to decorate the stores to give that homey feel. There is even a corner with books, and oftentimes shoppers will take a seat and read up before purchasing. The staff prides itself on educating you and encourages research behind your decisions. Garner’s Natural Life offers a few fun items, like crystals, SoulKu necklaces, and Himalayan salt lamps. When it comes to Garner’s Natural Life stores, their products are as wholesome as their roots.

Garner’s Natural Life Greenville locations are 1601 Woodruff Rd. and 27 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Their most recent Best in the Upstate awards (2022) are Best Vitamin & Supplement Store, Best Wellness/Alternative Medicine, and Best Place to Buy CBD Oil. Visit GarnersNaturalLife.com. See ad, back cover.