September 2019 - Cindy Goes Beyond

September 27, 2019

Downton Abbey Movie Review

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

I arrived to the Downton Abbey party late. When the series originally aired, from 2010 – 2015, I watched episodes in a hit or miss fashion. Mostly miss, I confess. However, as news of a feature movie began to fill my Google newsfeed, I decided to watch the entire series, beginning with season one, episode one.

I’m so glad I did!

I quickly fell in love with the period drama, set in the early 20th century. Downton Abbey is home to the Crawley Family…and their servants. The series explores the lives of the inhabitants of the big country estate, upstairs and downstairs, and the intriguing way that they interact.

After spending the summer catching up on the series, I found myself grateful that a movie was imminent. Otherwise, sadness over the end of an excellent story would have set in. For my mother’s birthday this week, my sister Linda and I took her to see Downton Abbey and then out to dinner.

Downton Abbey Cast

Downton Abbey features a very large ensemble cast including Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, Allen Leach, Joanne Froggett, Imelda Staunton, Tuppence Middleton, Matthew Goode, Robert James-Collier, Hugh Bonneville, Sophie McShera, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, Phyllis Logan, Penelope Wilton, Michael Fox, Lesley Nicol, Harry Hadden Paton, Kevin Doyle, Geraldine James and Simon Jones.

The drama, written and produced by Julian Fellowes, is directed by Michael Engler. Downton Abbey carries a PG rating, for mild sexuality, and has a run time of 2 hours and 2 minutes.

The TV series concludes in January of 1926. The movie joins the Crawley Family and their staff in the summer of 1927.

Downton Abbey Carson — Carson returns to Downton Abbey.

A Royal Visit to Downton Abbey

The movie begins with an exciting announcement. King George V (Jones) and Queen Mary (James) will spend a night at Downton Abbey, during their tour of Yorkshire. While Robert, the Earl of Grantham (Bonneville), and Lady Cora (McGovern) are honored, there are burdens that accompany such a visit.

The whole household comes together to prepare for the king and queen’s arrival.

Below stairs, Mrs. Hughes (Logan) directs the housemaids to make sure everything in the grand home sparkles. Mrs. Patmore (Nicol), the cook, and Daisy (McShera), her apprentice, plan the menus and prepare the kitchen. Mr. Molesley (Doyle), beyond excited, appears at the house, ready to don a livery again to help serve during meals.

Upstairs, Robert and Cora feel proud, and a bit anxious, as they anticipate the visit. Their elder daughter Mary (Dockery), fearing head butler Thomas (James-Collier) isn’t adequate for the tasks ahead, asks for help. Former head butler Carson (Carter) comes out of retirement to take charge of the household and offer expert guidance.

Head Footman Andy (Fox) winds the clock.

Downton Abbey Kitchen — Mrs. Patmore and Daisy prepare the kitchen.

Upstairs Challenges

As the royal visit draws near, challenges arise.

A stranger in the village questions son-in-law Tom (Leach), whose loyalties seem under suspicion due to his Irish Republic roots.

The Dowager Countess (Smith) learns that her estranged kinswoman Lady Bagshaw (Staunton) will visit Downton Abbey as a Lady in Waiting for the queen. An old feud between them needs to be settled. Cousin Isobel (Wilton) is eager to help.

Second daughter Edith (Carmichael) and her husband Bertie (Hadden-Paton) arrive from their estate to support the family. However, Edith’s formal gown is a disaster and the king makes a difficult request of Bertie.

Mary’s husband Henry (Goode), away on a visit to America, is missing the whole event.

Downton Abbey Movie Review — Edith and Bertie arrive.

Downstairs Challenges

The servants encounter their share of challenges as well. Thomas does not appreciate Carson’s return or the temporary demotion from head butler. And the entire staff is discouraged to learn that the king and queen travel with their own chef and servants. Downton Abbey staff will not assist during the visit at all.

Not to be denied this once in a lifetime opportunity, Anna (Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Coyle) come up with a plan that involves secrecy and hilarious shenanigans.

During the course of the royal visit, small treasures mysteriously disappear from the house. Anna suspects the thief is one of the queen’s maids.

And Tom, the widowed husband of Lady Sybil, feels drawn to Lady Bagshaw’s maid, Lucy (Middleton). The attraction is mutual.

The joys, the challenges, the growth of all those who reside in the house…this is what life at Downton Abbey is all about.

Lady Cora and her daughters, Edith and Mary.

Downton Abbey Movie Review Violet — The Dowager Countess, Violet, portayed with delightfully sarcasm by Maggie Smith.

My Thoughts about Downton Abbey, the Movie

As a huge fan of the series, I loved the movie. All the characters returned for this feature film, and the story picked right up from where it left off in the series. My sister has not seen the series…yet…and she too enjoyed the film. It does well enough as a stand alone movie, although familiarity with the characters and their backstories is a definite plus.

Because, we love the Crawleys. We love their servants who dedicate themselves to the household. And, we love the huge, graceful home that is as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it.

I think part of my fascination with Downton Abbey is the peek into a way of life that was vital to England and Scotland. The historical elements intrigue me as well, and caused me to fact check after each episode of the series.

And I’ve always been drawn to big old houses. They are stunningly beautiful…and so difficult and costly to maintain. The fictional Crawley’s are typically a step or two away from losing their home. Their struggles are a theme that winds through the story. Unfortunately that was a harsh reality for many actual families in the years following World War I. Maintaining those properties continues to challenge current estate owners today.

Downton Abbey Ballroom — The movie sets, costumes and music are amazing.

More to Come

I enjoyed seeing how the characters I came to love in the series have grown, in a movie rich with lavish details. I smiled over every little nod toward the six seasons on television, and applauded every bit of happiness achieved by those who sought to be who they truly are.

It’s a beautifully done film that completely satisfies the Downton Abbey fan…and perhaps inspires a new group of people to check out the series.

I’ve read that if this first feature film does well…and it’s off to a great start…then more movies will follow. I sure hope so! I’ll never tire of Downton Abbey and the people who live there.

Downton Abbey's inhabitants — The people who live, love and struggle at Downton Abbey.

Check out Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey where the series and movie were filmed.

Enjoy these Downton Abbey favorites:

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September 24, 2019September 24, 2019

Sculpture Garden at Mercy Park

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I love walking at Mercy Park in Joplin. Located on the site of the former St. John’s Hospital, the park offers a gorgeous lake with fountains, a walking trail, native grasses, flowers, trees and plants, a butterfly mural and a memorial pavilion atop a hill.

Looking around, it’s hard to remember the destruction that befell this place as a result of the May 22, 2011 EF5 tornado that leveled a third of the city. St. John’s Hospital lay in the direct path of the monster tornado that ultimately claimed 161+ lives.

I am grateful for the reclamation of this land and the restoration of this wounded space. Peace and serenity flows through the park, now. Beauty and whimsy abound. Families stroll together. Children laugh as they race by on skates or bicycles. Dogs trot happily alongside their humans.

There is something new to delight us here in this magical place. Come walk with me, virtually, and tour the sculpture garden at Mercy Park.

Beauty from Chaos

Nine years ago, this land was part of the St. John’s Hospital complex. On May 22 much of the medical community was destroyed, along with the hospital.

Renamed Mercy, the hospital rebuilt in a new location south of Joplin. They donated the land to the city. A new elementary school was built on the southern section, to replace two that were lost. The second project was a pavilion atop a grassy knoll, situated in the exact spot that the hospital chapel once occupied. Phase three involved the construction of Mercy Park.

St. John’s Hospital provided healing for the community. I love that Mercy Park continues that long-held tradition. The park offers healing on multiple levels. It soothes the soul, inspires creativity, encourages the body to move and provides places for quiet reflection.

The sculptures bring enchantment to the park, something that calls deeply to me.

St John's Hosptial Before and After — St John’s Hospital, before the tornado, and after.

The Sculpture Garden at Mercy Park

A two year project, the sculpture garden at Mercy Park is a joint effort of Joplin’s two rotary clubs. The idea for the garden came to Bob Headlee, chairman of the Rotary Sculpture Garden Board, after a visit to a similar garden in Loveland, CO. That garden displays 164 sculptures.

The nine sculptures at Mercy Park, all donated, are just the beginning. Over the next month signs will go up near each sculpture. And eventually more sculptures will join the current works of art.

As the sun set last night, I had my first opportunity to stroll around the lake and see the new additions to the park. Here they are, in the order that I saw them.

Joyful Empowerment

I am enchanted by this fun sculpture, created by Angela Mia De La Vega, and donated by Barbara and Jim Hicklin. A girl stands upon the world, with arms outstretched and head tipped back.

I love the feeling of joyful abandon captured in her pose. And I appreciate that she stands on the world, arms open wide to receive. This first sculpture made me smile and created anticipation for the other works of art.

Rabbit Reach

Created by Tim Cherry and donated by Sharon and Lance Beshore, this playful sculpture caught my eye immediately. Connected to my word for next year, curiosity, are the Alice in Wonderland stories. Rabbits are popping up everywhere as I am in this transition phase between the word and symbol for this year and the new ones for 2020.

I don’t think my symbol for next year is the rabbit. No, I believe it’s another symbol, that I’ll share later. However, the rabbit connects to the white rabbit in the Wonderland stories and reminds me to follow curiosity. Not coincidentally, it’s curiosity that drew me to explore the park and enjoy the sculptures.

Water Lily

This sculpture is gorgeous and the setting for it ideal. Created by Rosiland Cook and donated by Harry M. Cornell, Jr., this young lady holds in her hand a water lily with a lotus blossom. I at first thought the sculpture was a mermaid. On closer inspection, I spied her legs.

I could sit and stare at this exquisite statue and the lake behind it for hours. The lotus reminds me of a crown, which ties in with my symbol for this year.

Standing Giraffes

I can see these fun sculptures, which count as two of the nine, from 26th Street as I drive by. And the sight makes me laugh. There are now giraffes at Mercy Park, and how whimsical they are!

Donated by Harry M. Cornell, Jr., the artist for these beauties has not yet been identified. I’ll update this post with the artist’s name when I discover who created them.

The Bird Feeder

This is another beautiful sculpture, of a young girl feeding a bird as it perches on her raised hand. The artist is Rosalind Cook and this piece is donated by Cornell as well.

Something about this work of art makes me think of fairies dancing in the Shakespeare play, A Midsummer’s Night Dream. I can almost hear the sweet notes from a pan pipe!

Resting Big Cat

I smiled over this sculpture too. A child sat laughing on the big cat’s back as I approached. I’m grateful that he darted off with his dad, so I could take a photo. As a “cat mom”, I could appreciate the fine lines of this sleek beast.

Donated by Cornell, this sculpture is a work of art by Michael Boyce.

Whitetail Deer

These stunning sculptures are amazing. Created by Michael Boyce, and donated by Cornell, the realism of these two pieces caused me to walk around the sculptures and study them from all angles.

I love these deer. They are in flight, as if startled from their hiding spot. The artist certainly captured the animals’ grace in his art.

View the Sculpture Garden at Mercy Park

If you live in the Joplin area, you simply must take a walk around the lake at Mercy Park and see the sculptures for yourself. As I walked, I met a woman who was as appreciative of the sculptures as I am.

We stood and talked for a few minutes. She was seeing the sculptures for the first time too and expressed genuine amazement. In her opinion, the sculptures bring a unique quality to the park, and even to Joplin, making the city feel bigger and more metropolitan. I understand her sentiments and share them.

Gazing across the park, after sunset, I felt tears sting my eyes. What a transformation this property has undergone. So much has changed. And yet, so much remains the same. This is a sanctuary, a place of rest and healing still.

And now, it is home to nine magnificent sculptures that ignite hope and joy in my heart. I am enchanted, indeed.

Mercy Park Joplin MO — Mercy Park, located at 26th & Maiden Lane, Joplin Missouri

Books about the Joplin Tornado. Click on photos to order.

September 16, 2019September 16, 2019

Better Health with HempFusion

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Thank you to HempFusion for sending a basket of products for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

How amazing, timing wise, to receive a basket of products from HempFusion just after my return from Scotland. Feeling a bit weary from a long day of travels and a bit stiff around the knees from sitting in airports and onboard planes, these hemp infused products looked promising.

I like to try out supplements for a period of time, before writing a review post. Therefore, I’ve used the products for the past month. That’s enough time to note changes or improvements. I’m ready to give my honest opinion.

The short truth is, it’s possible to enjoy better health with HempFusion.

HempFusion the Company

The company’s founders, Ian Dequeiroz, Dr. Jason Mitchell and Andrew Oliver, are energetic, highly motivated entrepreneurs with the desire to bring quality hemp products to the market.

The result? HempFusion is a leading US hemp-based CBD company that manufactures, markets and sells whole food hemp extract products in more than 3,400 retail locations across 47 states. Their product line is all natural, plant-based and built upon the extraordinary health benefits of proprietary Whole Food Hemp Complex™ derived from full-spectrum nutritional hemp. The company is dedicated to creating a global brand.

HempFusion uses eco-certified, premium organic hemp in their line, which currently includes 31 products.

Company Logo

Why Use Hemp Based CBD?

CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol, one of the cannabinoids in the hemp plant. The compound is not psychoactive in nature, meaning you won’t get “high” from using it. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and it is considered antioxidant and neuroprotectant, with many promising health benefits.

HempFusion offers “full spectrum” hemp extract products. This means they extract all nutrients from the hemp plant, not just the CBD. Full-spectrum extract contains vital terpenes and other phytocannabinoids along with vitamins and minerals. The result is a better supplement that supports the Endocannabinoid System in the body.

HempFusion Products

To experience better health with HempFusion, I needed to try the products. The company sent an assortment in a 100% hemp and cotton woven basket, made without chemicals. And the letter accompanying my care package is printed on recycled paper that is embedded with flower seeds. I can plant that sheet of paper and flowers will grow. How impressive. HempFusion had my respect and appreciation already!

I didn’t use two of the products. The Twist Liquid Dietary Supplement, in key lime flavor, contains fish oil. Due to my plant based lifestyle, I passed on it. And the My Little Bugs Probiotic for kids, in watermelon flavor, will go to children in my extended family to try out.

HempFusion Liquid with Black Seed Oil — Better Health with HempFusion Liquid with black seed oil.

Better Health with HempFusion

Here are the products I did enjoy:

HempFusioin 5 mg CBD Hemp Extract Liquid

This tincture contains hemp extract, cloves and black pepper fruit in a base of virgin black cumin seed oil. It is rich in terpenes and omegas, to support the Endocannabinoid System. Plus it provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The product is non GMO and soy, gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs and shellfish free. It does not contain artificial colors, flavors or chemical processing aids.

Take one milliliter daily, using the convenient dropper included with the bottle.

HempFusion Stress

This non GMO formula contains hemp, black pepper and clove oils plus CBD. Also included is a patented form of Ashwagandha for maximum stress relief and mood boosting properties.

Each capsule is soy, gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs and shellfish free. It does not contain artificial colors, flavors or chemical processing aids.

Take one capsule daily, with food.

HempFusion Sleep

I quit using over the counter or prescription sleep aids years ago. Occasionally, however, we all need help falling asleep. This product features PharmaGABA, a more natural form of the amino acid GABA. Clinical studies have demonstrated that it can play an important role in reducing occasional stress and promoting relaxation, which may facilitate restful sleep.

Each capsule contains CBD and hemp, black pepper and clove oils. The product is also non GMO and does not contain soy, gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs and shellfish free or artificial colors, flavors or chemical processing aids.

Take one capsule an hour, or less, before bedtime.

HempFusion Lotion and Balm — Better Health with HempFusion Cream and Balm.

CBD Hemp Extract Cream and Balm

This soothing cream contains hemp extract CBD, terpenes, peppermint oil, MSM and magnesium oil in a rich aloe vera base. It is perfect for aching joints or muscles.

Apply the creamy lotion to clean, dry skin.

The balm contains hemp extract CBD, terpenes, peppermint oil, rosemary, carnauba wax and organic coconut oil in a jojoba and sunflower oil base. It too relieves pain and soothes joints and muscles.

Apply the balm to clean, dry skin.

Probulin Women’s Health Probiotic

I was not currently using a probiotic in my daily health routine, so I was excited to try this product. Created by Dr. Jason Mitchell, in collaboration with Dr. Shekhar Challa, author of Probiotics for Dummies, Probulin is touted as the “next generation of probiotics.”

Stress and lifestyle challenges such as diet, aging, medications, environment and alcohol consumption can all contribute to digestive imbalance of essential beneficial bacteria. Probulin Probiotic includes a patent pending delivery system called MAKTrek 3-D that ensures that the beneficial probiotic bacteria survive better in the body.

Each non GMO capsule contains 20 billion cfu (a unit of measurement for good bacteria and yeasts) that support digestive balance and health. The product does not contain soy, gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs and shellfish free or artificial colors, flavors or chemical processing aids.

Take one capsule daily, with or without food. For best results, take at bedtime.

Better Health with HempFusion Probiotic for Women

My Results Using HempFusion Products

I’m experiencing great health and wellness, overall. However, I am always open to improving wellbeing and trying new products.

Cream and Balm

Arriving home after a long international flight, I first tried the hemp extract cream on stiff muscles in both legs. Because of years of inflammation, the muscles around my knees can tighten up easily, if I sit for long periods of time. I massaged the creamy lotion into muscles around both knees before bedtime, and noticed immediate improvement. I have gardening work coming up, as the season shifts to fall. I’ll definitely be using this cream again!

And, coincidently, a few days after I returned home, I “popped” my right thumb out of place. I got it back into place, however, the whole lower portion of my hand throbbed with pain and the joint felt weak. I used the balm, which is drier than the cream lotion. At night before bed and the next morning after a shower, I massaged the balm into the joint area of my right thumb. The pain lessened right away and within a few days the weakness in the joint healed as well. I love this product!

Liquid, Stress and Sleep

I’ve been taking the hemp extract liquid daily, and I feel calm yet energized throughout the day. Additionally, I’ve noticed a decrease in inflammation around that tricky left knee. In fact, my legs feel the best they have felt since January, when I injured the left knee in a fall. I use a dropperful of the oil under my tongue. The flavor is mild. I like it.

I rarely have what I consider a “stress filled” day any more. However, I’ve taken the Stress capsules several times. Again, I’ve noticed a calming effect that is greater, perhaps, than when I’m using the liquid alone.

And as for the Sleep capsules, they put me right out! I’ve only used them a few times, to see how effective they are. And believe me, they are effective. I take one as I am getting ready for bed…which takes about 15 minutes. And I’m asleep as soon as I lie down. The capsules don’t dry out my mouth, like other sleep aids I’ve taken, and the drowsiness doesn’t linger into the next day. I appreciate that very much!

Probulin Probiotic

I’ve especially appreciated this product. I have had digestive issues all my life and have an especially sensitive gut. Switching to a plant based diet has helped me so much. These probiotics seem to take my digestive health up a notch, and I didn’t even know that was possible. This product is not on the company website, however it’s available on Amazon. Click link at the end of the post.

I am very pleased with all of the products that HempFusion sent me. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to try them and experience better health with HempFusion. My intention is to continue using the products. Try them too, and experience greater health yourself!

Better Health with HempFusion Care Basket. I’m enjoying the hemp and cotton basket as well! It’s currently found a home in my creative studio.

Check out HempFusion website HERE.

Probulin is available below:

September 9, 2019September 10, 2019

The Scotland Connection

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

When I travel, I enjoy bringing home small keepsakes to remind me of my adventures. An easy way to memorialize the trip is to create art from postcards from each country. On this trip, with Edinburgh as my home base, I looked for postcards that represented the fascinating city. As my sister and I browsed in different shops, I checked out the postcards for sale. However, nothing really captured my interest.

I was looking for the Scotland connection, a link between Edinburgh and my interests. As we waited to enter the Museum Context, I spied a small artistic shop next door, called The Red Door Gallery. How grateful I am that I stepped inside!

The Red Door Gallery

This delightful shop, established in 2003 and located at 42 Victoria Street in Edinburgh, showcases artwork from Edinburgh and UK based artists. The Red Door Gallery offers a large assortment of artists prints, homewares, jewelry and CARDS.

Suddenly I went from not having the right options to having too many! I’d been so busy looking at postcards that I almost missed an opportunity to purchase greeting cards featuring the artwork of local artists. I quickly located a dozen cards that appealed to me, that offered the Scotland connection I desired.

As a bonus, the cards easily tucked into my carry on. I can’t bring home a bunch of souvenirs, when I travel, which is perfect. The small space helps me to decide what’s most important.

The Scotland Connection Haul — My treasures from the trip: Maitland tartan pieces, Maitland Clan Badge, kilt pin, art cards, small keychains, dated thistle Christmas ornament and a jacket that I had to wear home.

The Scotland Connection David Fleck Art Cards — Cards by artist David Fleck. David grew up in Edinburgh and now creates from Glasgow.

Inspired Art

Back home, I studied my art cards, eager to create. (Check out my previous postcard art.) I chose the watercolor and ink art cards by David Fleck as my first project.

Previously I purchased frames from Michael’s Craft Store to hold postcards from Italy, Scotland and England. This time, I wanted to be more creative. Daily I looked at my cards as I sought inspiration. And each day ended without a solid idea. Finally, as I clicked off the light one night, an amazing flash of creativity arrived. I turned the light back on.

Interestingly, during this same time, ideas simmered on the back burner of my mind for another creative project. That night, the two projects merged into one.

The Scotland Connection Vintage Chair — The chair my grandfather made, literally falling apart.

Vintage Chair Unassembled — The chair, carefully disassembled.

My Grandfather’s Chair

In 2014 my sister, the same one who accompanied me to Scotland, passed on to me a couple of vintage chairs made in the 1950s, by my paternal grandfather. The chairs underwent numerous repairs over the years. When I received them, one of the chairs needed extensive work to make it usable. (You can read about the restoration here.)

However five years later, this old chair is literally falling apart, due to exposure to weather. I considered throwing the chair away, but it’s one of the few keepsakes that I have from this grandfather, who passed away when I was just five years old. What could I make from it?

Last week inspiration provided an answer. Repurpose the chair into a frame…for the David Fleck art cards.

With Greg’s help, I disassembled the chair, piece by piece. The worn and weathered wood provided the material for a unique frame, a work of art in itself.

The Scotland Connetion Frame — From chair…to whimsical frame. I love that the arms of the chair became the sides of the frame.

Finished Repurposed Frame — Something new from something old.

Something New from Something Old

As I studied the pieces and tried out different frame styles, the finished work came together almost on its own. Suddenly the arms of the chair naturally became the sides of the frame. The 120 year old lath slats, which aren’t original to the chair but came from a remodel in my own house, created the back. And two dowel rods that formed the back of the chair perfectly divided the art cards, creating a window pane effect.

I’m grateful for Greg’s help in repurposing the chair into the frame. He used a variety of tools to assemble the frame and I attached the cards. I used double sided tape to close the cards and rubber cement to attach them to the frame backing.

I love the imperfections in the old wood, the nail holes and fine cracks. They add to the charm of the frame and remind me of the wood’s original purpose.

Vintage Chair in 2014 — The chair as it was in 2014, after extensive repairs.

The Scotland Connection

I’m so pleased with this frame that holds four of my art cards from Edinburgh. The cards depict scenes throughout the old city, from the castle high upon its rock to the closes (alleyways) that offer shortcuts through town to the Hot Air Balloon event from 1785. One card, called Seek, is for those with wanderlust. It captures the Highlands north of Edinburgh. I love these cards.

I appreciate this framed work of art for another reason. My grandfather who made the chair, Dennis Fleet Lauderdale, is the Scotland connection in my family, to the country that I so love. It’s through his line that I trace my way to the Maitland Clan. This chair that he crafted once held him and my father and most recently, me. It now holds these mementoes from the country that birthed our family.

I hung the framed cards in my bedroom, above a table with a quirky telephone lamp that Greg’s dad made, a photo of my Lauderdale grandparents on their wedding day, and a small lion statue. The Clan Maitland crest has a lion at its center and the Latin words, consilio et animis, “by wisdom and courage”.

As I worked, I asked my grandfather if he minded that I took apart his chair and created something new. I hoped not. Grandpa was, after all, a carpenter and enjoyed tinkering in his workshop. And I intend to create more frames from this chair and the second one that still rests in my garden.

He appeared in my mind as I last saw him, a kind man with a bit of stubble on his chin and merry eyes. He smiled. I don’t think he minds.

The Scotland Connection Vignette — Finished art piece.

Scottish Watercolor Print from Amazon

Get inspired with this watercolor of Scotland’s national flower, the thistle. Better yet, travel to this gorgeous country, find your own mementoes and create the Scotland connection!

September 3, 2019September 5, 2019

Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage

This post may contain affiliate links. I may make a commission on purchases made, using my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read my Disclosure Policy for details.

Thank you to Good Idea for sending me product for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

We’ve all experienced those blood sugar spikes, after a carb rich meal. Big holiday feasts come to mind. However, those slices of pizza or that burger and fries for dinner do the same thing. Eating any food raises glucose levels, temporarily, as it should. Our bodies need that fuel. Meals high in sugar and/or fat can cause a build up of glucose in the bloodstream that the body can’t process quickly enough.

Then, after the spike comes the crash as blood sugar levels drop. We feel tired or amazingly, hungry again, even though we just ate recently. We crave more sugar.

Those repeated blood sugar spikes, over time, can put stress on the body and lead to inflammation and diseases such as diabetes.

Drinking a Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage with a meal helps to balance out those spikes and crashes, in a healthy and all natural way.

A Good Idea from Sweden

The Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage is the creation of Dr. Rickard Öste and Dr. Elin Östman, the scientific team behind the company. Dr. Öste is a leading European scientist in nutrition and food chemistry. And Dr. Östman is a food scientist focusing on the preventative properties in food, in relationship to lifestyle related diseases.

They found that a proprietary blend of five amino acids and the mineral chromium can provide a 25% – 30% reduction in blood sugar rise, following high carb meals. Clinical studies show that the amino acids help the body process carbohydrates from food in a more productive way. The chromium enables insulin to push the energy from the carbs…glucose…into the cells more efficiently. According to the scientific team, the result is a metabolism that performs better at mealtime, leading to a more controlled blood sugar curve and a body and brain that stay sharp and energized. In other words, no wild spike, no after meal slump and no cravings for sweets after the meal.

The Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage is simply sparkling water with amino acids and chromium. It comes in three natural flavors…orange-mango, lemon-lime and dragon fruit. The drink is unsweetened, vegan and non GMO with zero calories.

Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage Flavors — Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage comes in these three flavors.

Trying the Product

The company suggests drinking a Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage before and during a meal, for the best results. The 12 ounce can is perfect for sipping on while prepping a meal and dishing it up, and then finishing while eating.

I appreciated the opportunity to try these drinks from Good Idea. Sugar consumption is exremely low for me now. However, it is a real problem for most people on a typical American diet, as it was for me before embracing a plant based lifestyle. And that high sugar, high fat diet is making us sick.

Vasanti Malik is a research scientist involved with the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health Study. He headed a study on the connection between drinking sugar sweetened beverages and premature death. Malik and his colleagues analyzed the results of studies on 80,000 women between 1980 and 2014 and 38,000 men between 1986 and 2014. His conclusion? The more sugar sweetened drinks people consume, the higher the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease and secondarily, from cancer.

He shares:

“Compared with infrequent sugar sweetened beverage drinkers, those who drank two or more servings per day of sugar sweetened beverages had a 31% higher risk of early death from cardiovascular disease. Each additional serving per day was linked with a 10% higher risk of a cardiovascular related death.”

That’s a very sobering statistic.

Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage Orange Mango — Drinks come in convenient 12 ounce cans.

My Experience with the Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage

The company sent me an assortment box of 12 cans, containing all three flavors. I tried them all.

My favorite is the orange mango, although the lemon lime and dragon fruit are excellent as well. Because of the sparkling water, these drinks are a superb and healthy replacement for soda. Don’t expect a syrupy sweetness however. The beverages are mildly flavored and sugar and artificial sweetener free.

I appreciate that. I gave up drinking soda years ago. And I drink my herbal teas plain, without sugar or honey added. I like unsweetened. Switching to unsweetened beverages might require a slight adjustment time for those used to sugary drinks.

Print out Malik’s statement above and post it on the refrigerator! Eliminating sugar is so worth the effort, even if it feels like a sacrifice at first. It’s life changing…and life extending.

I’m drinking my Good Idea beverages when I eat a higher carb meal, like gluten free pasta. As I plate my food I begin sipping on the drink and continue drinking through meal time. I’ve noticed that my energy stays steady after my meal, without a spike or a slump, and that I don’t crave anything else to “finish off the meal”. I don’t get the yawns or feel like a nap. All I experience is energy, which is what the body is supposed to do with food…convert it into life sustaining, health boosting energy.

Thank You Good Idea

I’m grateful for the experience of trying the Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage. I especially appreciate the science behind their product and the company’s desire to increase and support health and wellbeing.

I heartily recommend the beverages, which can be purchased HERE through the company’s website. When you checkout, use this discount code on your purchase and save 30%: cindygo30

Or you can find Good Idea on Amazon. Click the link below. The discount code does not work with Amazon however.

The drinks are a wonderful way to lower blood sugar spikes and create greater health by weaning off of sugary drinks.

Do yourself, and your health, a tremendous favor. Ditch the sugar.

Good Idea Sparkling Mealtime Beverage — Sitting outside on a breezy day, drinking an orange mango sparkling beverage from Good Idea.

Link for Good Idea Through Amazon

Order through Amazon by clicking photo below. Remember though, you receive a 30% discount with the code above, when you order through the company website.

Cindy Goes Beyond is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and in the Good Idea Affiliate Program. These affiliate programs provides a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to them, all at no extra cost to you.