Jacqueline Fairbrass walking 'Eddy' on Rockaway Beach. Eddy, an abandoned pit bull rescued by Jacqueline and her husband, is a loving, intelligent, affectionate dog! In Ontario he would be euthanized because of his breed. Support Ontario Bill 16 on February 23! Support compassion every day!

I ask you to remember the words of Mahatma Ghandi, ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated‘.

Thousands of healthy, innocent, blameless dogs that have been classified as pit bulls are facing homelessness or death because of Ontario’s ban on pit bulls. ‘Pit bull-like’ is an ambiguous term, open to abuse and questionable interpretation. A pit bull may be any of several breeds of dogs whose origin can be traced back to a bull-dog terrier mix. That said, the breed of an animal does not determine its temperament; a dog’s behaviour is reflective of how it is raised and treated. Pit bull breeds have become famous for their roles as soldiers, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, actors, television personalities, seeing-eye dogs and celebrity pets.

An electronic search of newspaper articles by Dr. Malathi Raghavan, DVM, PhD, found that pit bulls were not responsible for 1 of 28 (3.6%) dog bite-related fatalities reported in Canada from 1990 through 2007. ( Raghavan, Malathi (June 2008). “Fatal dog attacks in Canada, 1990–2007″. The Canadian Veterinary Journal (La Revue vétérinaire canadienne) 49 (6): 577–581. PMC 2387261. PMID 18624067.) The study also notes that ‘A higher proportion of sled dogs and, possibly, mixed-breed dogs in Canada than in the United States caused fatalities, as did multiple dogs rather than single dogs. Free-roaming dog packs, reported only from rural communities, caused most on-reserve fatalities‘.

In a world where we fight to prevent the endangerment of undomesticated species it is inconceivable to encourage the wiping out of a domesticated species: one of man’s best friends. Please do the right thing and support Ontario Bill 16 on February 23rd. Thank you.

Second to water, tea is the most popular drink on the planet. Yes, even more popular than coffee! Tea has been around for years and is considered one of the world’s oldest beverages. It warms you up when you are cold, comforts when stressed, energises when you need a pick-me-up, and tastes good too! And currently, is one of the trendiest drinks, gaining popularity with the rich and famous.

What is Tea?

JF taking time out for a tea-break.

There are two major branches of tea, the ‘herbal’ variety and ‘real’ teas. The difference? Herbal teas contain no tea. Herbal teas are made only with brewed herbs. Real or true tea is made from the leaves of the tea bush, Camelia sinensis. Real teas include oolong, black and green. Herbal teas may be made with hundreds of different herbs–alone or mixed together to form blends. The third type of tea available, and this often confuses people, is flavored tea. Flavored teas very often contain a mixture of black tea and herbs or oils. For example, one of my favourite teas is Earl Grey; a blend of black tea and oil of bergamot.

“Tea – the cups that cheer but not inebriate.” William Cowper

Tea time has never been so good… All tea offers health benefits. You just have to pick the right one for what ails you. Black, green and oolong teas offer you a dose of flavonoids, which some scientists believe lower our risk of cancer and heart disease. Flavonoids help to protect our body cells from free radicals, which destroy body cells. Is that why us tea drinkers look younger than coffee drinkers?

Name that tea!

Orange pekoe – your regular black tea. Not an actual type of tea, but a cut of leaf. Small pieces of tea to make it quick and strong. Darjeeling – delicate black tea. The tea of choice for those of us who do not like a strong, dark cup. Known as the champagne of teas!

English Breakfast (or Scottish, or Irish) robust black tea. Good as a ‘pick-me-up’, either in the morning or in the afternoon.

Green tea – subtle and fresh, as long as you don’t over steep. Often served in Chinese and other Asian restaurants, this tea is currently the tea of choice for health and well-being.

Oolong – more delicate than orange pekoe in flavor and color.

All the above teas contain some caffeine. A general rule is the stronger the tea the more caffeine. So these teas do work to lift your mood, and cannot be consumed willy-nilly before bedtime.

Herbal Teas

Obviously the benefits derived from herb teas depend on which herb the tea is made with. A really simple way to enjoy herbal tea is to pick fresh herbs from the garden, pop them in a teapot and add boiling water. Steeping time depends on the herbs, but between 5 and 20 minutes is a guideline. Sip and see if it’s ready for you.If you are new to drinking herb teas, you probably will not like the idea of drinking something that tastes too ‘twiggy’. So, let’s start with a few ‘beginner’ herbal teas:

Peppermint – good hot or cold, this refreshing tea is gentle on the digestive tract and therefore very suitable after dinner. Use cold peppermint tea bags on your forehead to sooth a headache—lie down and relax for 20 minutes.

Chamomile – another herb tea that works hot or cold and is good for the digestive tract. Some people find this tea very sweet, and it has long been recommended for children. Only thing to watch is allergies to members of the asteracea family. If you use teabags, save them and when they are cool, lie down and put them on your eyes…any puffieness is reduced and after 10 minutes your eyes will feel refreshed.

Lemon Balm – This herb grows easily in the garden and can be made by filling a mason jar with herbs and covering with water. Leave on your windowsill in the morning and come home to a cu’ of “sun tea’. Lemon balm has a gentle lemon taste that is refreshing and uplifting without caffeine. Putting the herb in your bath along with some Epsom salts will help to soften your skin.

Rosehip – Fruity tasting herb tea available in tea bags, high in the favonoids mentioned earlier and Vitamin C. This was often given to babies in the UK as a dietary supplement. I guess we had to start drinking tea at some time!

If you would like more information on how herbs can be introduced into your diet to help your health, please call me for an appointment at 206.201.2764.

Happy Tea Drinking!

Eddy had spent the first year of his life on a chain, on his own, outside. When I pulled out the leash to take him for a walk, he hid ~ frightened that he’d be put outside again. He didn’t know how to play; just didn’t understand the concept of playing with toys or running and chasing. Eddy didn’t know how to accept affection, so giving him a cuddle turned into a battle. He had no manners, no social skills and hated to go for a walk or a ride in the car incase he was abandoned again.

This morning I watched Eddy play in the snow. He bounced, snuffled his nose into it, chased snow flakes and spun around and around on the slippery porch. As I laughed, I took a moment to give thanks for the wonderful blessing he is in my life and I realized just how far Eddy has come. Eddy has been healed by love. He now walks on a leash, trotting along beside me as I walk down the country lanes. He has learnt how to heel, to come, down, stay out of the kitchen when I’m cooking, to roll-over for a treat and to shake paws. Eddy can now play: loving his favorite toys, chewing his ‘tires’, chasing and fetching; even wrestling with my hubby and my brother.

And Eddy now loves to cuddle! If given half a chance, he’s the biggest lap-dog in the world…lol! He sneaks his head onto my lap while I’m knitting or watching TV, and I swear he’s sending me telepathic messages “Love me, love me, love me!” He sleeps under my desk when I’m writing or working at the computer. He sits by the door waiting, when hubby is due home from work. He leaps into my car to go for a ride.

If the power of love can turn around the life of a neglected dog, what can the power of love do for us? Choose kindness, be loving and stay strong ~ perseverance pays off. Take time to allow people to be and don’t judge; give them room to change and keep loving them. In less than a year I’ve seen a scared puppy grow into a happy, healthy dog. What magic will we generate in this world if we take this to the people we meet?

I believe in the healing power of love.

Jacqueline Fairbrass is taking appointments in Ottawa, Ontario between January 23 to February 4th.Limited availability, so book now.

What to expect from an appointment with Jacqueline?

I help people solve their problems.

First and foremost I want to help you gain mental clarity. I create a safe, loving environment in which you can make changes. Whether you are just wanting to escape from the world for a little rest and relaxation or you want to make significant life changes I create safe space to explore: a sanctuary. Sanctuary is a place of refuge: a safe, peaceful haven free from all the dangers in the world.

Sleep Fabulously | Lose Weight | Improve Performance | Quit Smoking | Manage Anxiety | Manage Pain | Gain Mental Clarity | Life Changes 

Escape from your typical patterns of behavior to achieve greater flexibility and choice; allowing you to relax deeply, so giving you the ability to choose new ways of doing, being and thinking, without being controlled by past experiences.

I offer guidance and loving support through life changes or to improve quality of life.

Contact me for business coaching for exceptional entrepreneurs.

Book your appointment now!
Email
call 206.883.3482 
Skype me jacqueline.fairbrass

In 2010 I had a couple of cancer scares in the family. The best Christmas gift I received 2010 was one week before the holidays finding out that my daughter did not have breast cancer. I was so grateful and so humbled by the relief I felt. It certainly had me going into the New Year 2011 with a sense of need to look after my own health and to encourage others to do the same.

This year, 2012 I entered the New Year with a lingering, horrid cold and cough. I’ve been ‘burning the candle at both ends’ ~ working hard and playing hard. So, instead of attending parties to celebrate the New Year, I was sleeping and resting. I didn’t get to rev-up into the New Year with plans, schemes, diets, resolutions and all the other enthusiams. I slowly crawled into the beginning of the year, attempted to throw off the bug and ended flat on my back and in bed again.! I ended 2011 forgetting about the way I had started into it ~ forgotten that ‘without your health nothing else really matters.’ So, second week into January I am now going slowly and gently; I’m focussing on bringing balance back into my life!

Health is holistic; holistic coming from the Greek word ‘holos’ which means ‘whole’. Accordingly, we need to pay attention to every aspect of our lives to maximize our health and wellness: physical, mental and emotional needs.

Take time to be with loved ones, to appreciate the good in your life and to love. Allow yourself to receive love and choose to be healthy. Without your health nothing else matters.

Limited availability, so book now. jf@jacquelinefairbrass.com

What to expect from an appointment with Jacqueline?

I help people solve their problems.

First and foremost I want to help you gain mental clarity. I create a safe, loving environment in which you can make changes. Whether you are just wanting to escape from the world for a little rest and relaxation or you want to make significant life changes I create safe space to explore: a sanctuary. Sanctuary is a place of refuge: a safe, peaceful haven free from all the dangers in the world.

Sleep Fabulously | Lose Weight | Improve Performance | Quit Smoking | Manage Anxiety | Manage
Pain | Gain Mental Clarity | Help Through Life Changes

Escape from your typical patterns of behavior to achieve greater flexibility and choice; allowing you to relax deeply, so giving you the ability to choose new ways of doing, being and thinking, without being controlled by past experiences.

I offer guidance and loving support through life changes or to improve quality of life.

Contact me for business coaching for exceptional entrepreneurs.

Book your appointment now! jf@jacquelinefairbrass.com or call 206.883.3482 or Skype me
jacqueline.fairbrass

Live Your Fabulous Life NOW ~ if not, when?

Initially people talk of the ‘expectation’, which comes in several formats. We expect so much from ourselves! We expect to find the perfect gifts, attend or host the perfect events and expect to enjoy our family and friends. Most insidiously beneath this surface expectation is the underlying expecting ourselves to be full of some mystery holiday spirit and sense of love and peace for all.

As a kid I had a wonderfully naive belief that on Christmas day, a sort of ‘for one day only’ there was no crime or hate or cruelty on the planet. I believe the actual belief initially came from hearing about ‘cease fires’ in the 1st and 2nd World Wars. I then added on my family’s own ‘cease fire’: My parents would do their best not to argue and relatives would be civil at the family gatherings. As my family of origin is highly emotive and flamboyant this sense of civility was a unusual blessing–truly ‘ceasefire’ sums it up nicely! And I believed that the world was a wonderfully safe place on Christmas Day. I remember this belief being totally destroyed one Christmas when I heard of a violent crime being committed by a shop Santa. Yet, still there persists within me a sense of ‘it should be safe’ on Christmas.

Maybe by now you are connecting with one of your ‘holiday beliefs’ and the impact it has had on you through the years?

So my gift to you this holiday season is the gift of peace and allowance. Allow yourself to be at ease with the season. Sometimes all we need is permission to let us off the hook of expectation.

Think about this: how peaceful and loving is your family gathering? It can be an awful lot of pressure to put a group of people into a room or home; people who don’t usually get together but feel because it’s the holidays that they should. What if instead of expecting people to behave in certain ways, we allow them to simply be who they truly be–and that includes ourselves! And if the bottom-line is you don’t really want to be with these people then go be with some people you do want to be with instead. Or spend some time with yourself. Allow you to do what you want to do and to be with people you really do care about!

What about decorating for the holidays? If it brings you joy, do it and have the most fun you can have! However, if it feels tedious and drags you down simply don’t bother to do it. Or find a friend or family member who loves to decorate and invite them to do it for you, and of course to put it all away afterwards.

The same can apply to cooking. If you love to cook, then cook up a storm. If you love to entertain than throw the best parties you can. And if you don’t like to cook there are still lots of other options: let someone who does love cooking to do it, whether that be a family member, friend or a local shop where you can buy pre-prepared yumminess. Don’t like to have people over? Then don’t. Love going to parties but don’t like throwing parties? Accept every invitation you get and take a fabulous hostess gift. The exchange is complete!

Forget the traditions that don’t work for you and start to change and embrace new traditions that fill your life with ease, joy and glory. Don’t worry about what others will think; most likely they will thank you in the long run. So often when we worry about hurting the feelings of others we are just projecting our own fears on them. For example, two years ago my husband and I chose not to go to his mother’s family Christmas. We had our reasons and let the family know. After the initial shock it turned out that his mum used the opportunity to do what she really wanted to do: she went off to a coastal hotel with her husband for a few days. It turned out she felt that if she stopped doing Christmas dinner everyone would be upset with her, but after all the years of being the entertainer she really just wanted a quiet Christmas with her husband and someone else doing all the cooking!!! My sister-in-law headed south for a vacation with her husband a day early. Everyone was happy! Check your traditions and ask yourself ‘is this a tradition or is this just a habit?’

So this year I encourage you to have an absolutely fabulous holiday season. Remember my CDs and SCT’s Distance Learning Courses make wonderful healing gifts. And I also offer Gift Certificates for one-on-one fabulocity coaching!

Choose to make your holiday season the best ever ~ Holiday expectations be gone.

Not to worry – you’ve come to the right place!

It’s that time of year again when we’re all trying to find holiday gift ideas for mom, co-workers, family, best friends (and even for ourselves!). We all love to feel cared for, happy and healthy and there’s no better gift for someone you care about than a Gift Certificate from Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC to meet those needs!

Whether in person treatments and sessions with me, Jacqueline Fairbrass, in the beautiful SnoValley, WA or on-line or phone sessions of coaching, consulting and hypnotherapy, you will be making a fabulous investment in you or your loved-one’s health and well-being.

If looking for something a little smaller, but still with fabulocity, I have fabulous hypnotherapy CDs for wellness, radiant health and my revolutionary weight-loss program. Order today and they will be shipped out to you tomorrow.

‘Give yourself the gift of health. Pay attention to your physical, mental and emotional needs. Take time to be with loved ones, to appreciate the good in your life and to love. Allow yourself to receive love and choose to be healthy. Without your health nothing else matters.’ ~ Jacqueline Fairbrass

If you have ever considered learning holistic health care modalities or therapies, then the School of Complementary Therapies has the right courses and programs for you. They also make a fabulous gifts for anyone wanting to start the New Year with a focus on taking care of their health and well-being. Order and pay on-line and your gift to you or a loved one will be winging it’s way to you within 24 hours.

If you would like to give the gift of health this holiday season (or any other time of year) please consider a Gift Certificate for one of my services and/or my CDs. Email me jf@jacquelinefairbrass.com and I can invoice you through PayPal for any amount you would like to gift. Or make a payment on our website via PayPal letting us know it’s for a Gift Certificate.

Share the fabulocity. So many gifts, so little time …

For example recently I made a great big one for a family who were spending lots of time in the hospital with one of the kids. I also made one for a friend for her birthday last month. It’s also lovely to share with a crowd when they come to visit ~ easy to make, nourishing and can be quite inexpensive too. And I absolutely love, love, love making it ~ so it must be filled with lots of love! I even used to make one to take into work at the accountant’s office years ago ~ a real meal in busy season! So, over the years, I’ve been asked for the recipe on many, many occasions. I tend to cook by the ‘a bit of this, a bit of that’ method and did take some time to write down a basic version a few years ago.

Today, another request came in for my now ‘famous’ Shepherd’s Pie Recipe and I had a brainwave. Here it is, shared on my blog. Anytime anyone wants the recipe I can direct them to my website! Yippee!!! Woohoo!!!

I suggest you bookmark this page and make this recipe often. Add anything that speaks to you…and let me know! Happy Cooking!

Jacqueline’s Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

(really a ‘Cottage Pie’ because it contains lots of lovely veggies)

Peel your potatoes and cut into 1 to 1.5 inch dice. Add to cold water with a pinch of sea salt and bring to the boil.Turn to simmer for around 15 to 20 minutes. Potatoes should be soft enough to mash.

While the potatoes cook: Heat the oil in the bottom of a large pan. Add onion and cook over low heat until translucent. Add garlic paste. Add ginger. Stir. Also when cooking the onion, you can add chopped celery and or mushrooms if you like.

Add the ground beef and keep stirring until it has browned.

Add the Lee & Perrins, Bragg’s Amino Acids and pepper and stir in. Remove from heat and add a can of baked beans. (I prefer Heinz Vegetarian beans, but occasionally use Bush’s Veggie Beans which are sweeter)

Use a slotted spoon to remove the mixture from the pan and cover the base of a lasagna-type pan with the meat mixture. Spread evenly. Use fork tines to make a rough surface.

Turn the oven on to warm up to 350 degrees.

Mash the cooked potatoes with the butter. Add milk to moisten if necessary. Depending on whether going for a ‘rustic’ type of pie, I sometimes mash, but on other occasions cream the potatoes using a hand mixer.

Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture to cover completely.

Bake in the over at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to one-hour.

Broil briefly before serving to crisp top spikes of potato to a nice brown.

You can let the Shepherd’s Pie sit for around 4 to 5 minutes before serving, which is enough time to whip up a salad.

To Fancy Up Your Shepherd’s Pie:

Top with grated cheese before broiling and decorate around the edges with tomato slices…yummy!

Optional Extras:

Add in when you add the baked beans any or all of the following:

Corn (don’t use the creamy, you’ll end up with a shepherd’s slop), Carrots, Peas, Left over veggies.

And the juices that are leftover?

Thicken with a little cornstarch or potato flour and serve as a gravy.

Let me know what you think! And share with your family and friends ~ Sharing the love

With the Holiday Season approaching, is it time to start thinking about gift giving? Over the years, our instant gratification culture has many of us really perplexed about gift giving. We certainly don’t want to get it wrong and waste our time and money! So, many of us are now moving away from hard core mall shopping at this time of year and heading to more personal and intimate gestures of love.

I personally enjoy knitting, so my loved one look forward each year to something hand-crafted and know that each stitch is a little loving gift. Teehee! My youngest daughter makes aromatherapy bath bombes, lip salves and aromatic baked goodies, which we all receive with much enthusiasm. My hubby is a photographer who captures lovely and unique images, which he frames and presents to family members. There are lots of things you can do to personalize your holiday gift giving and have fun at the same time!

However, the best gift of all that I share over the holidays is a gift certificate from me: the gift of health! Some loved ones look forward each year to a Reflexology session, others an Aromatherapy Massage or Reiki session. Those that I don’t get to see in person love their personalized MP3 hypnotherapy audios, which they can use all year.

If you would like to give the gift of health this holiday season (or any other time of year) please consider a Gift Certificate for one of my services. Email me jf@jacquelinefairbrass.com and I can invoice you through PayPal for any amount you would like to gift.

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