Raines Realm

I've recently been trying to add a lot more hygge to my life. Pronounced hue'gah, the Oxford dictionary defines it as  A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture). To put it simply, its the little moments. Its a hot cup of tea by the fire, its a picnic in the woods, its enjoying the sounds of the evening. Its putting the phone down! (After you read this, of course). When you take the time to truly experience and observe your atmosphere, you create a calming and fulfilling effect that benefits you mentally and physically. Our lifestyles can be very demanding and cause us to have to rush around, rarely enjoying life's little pleasures. It is crucial that we take the time to savor those little moments throughout the day. When you incorporate hygge into your life, your mind will start to be able to focus and concentrate in a more productive way,...

I have been on the most amazing albeit challenging wellness journey for the last couple of years. Its something that I dabbled in pretty much my whole life, but I've been increasingly serious about it after the birth of my child. I have learned some amazing things and I have learned some scary things! It has been a roller coaster ride that has resulted in me being in amazing shape and improving daily. Food is my medicine and I am very conscious about what I put into and on my body. If its not contributing to my health, I pass! Every single food affects you, from your physical state to your mental health. What you eat literally affects every fiber of your being. Its the crucial first step to real health. Healthy choices are self-love and the more you make them, the easier they are to continue. After food, environmental situations should be addressed. Is your environment (the products you use, chemicals that you are exposed to, household items, level of exercise) contrib...

With the weather cooling down, these are a perfect treat for the whole family! You can customize them in so many ways and they are kid-approved, healthy deliciousness.   You will need a dehydrator for this recipe or a warmer drawer on your oven. A high-powered food processor really helps when making the sauce, but its not absolutely crucial for this recipe. Raw Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 5 Bananas 1 cup medjool dates (soaked for 30 min and then pitted) 2 tbsp softened coconut oil 1/2 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of sea salt 1/2 c water 1. Slice bananas lengthwise into thirds and dehydrate until soft and pliable. 2. While bananas are dehydrating blend remaining ingredients until smooth. 3. Spread filling on banana slices and roll onto themselves until you have two banana slices rolled together into cinnamon bun shape. 4. Dehydrate rolls until the consistency you prefer. 5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts. You can also sprinkle with nutmeg, add shredded coconut...

Chances are, you or someone you know has jumped on the amber necklace train. The question is, do they actually work or is it the placebo effect? Well, today, I am doing my best to answer that question. The science behind the medicinal use of Baltic amber is grounded in succinic acid. Baltic amber has the highest concentrations of succinic acid found in nature. This acid is released by your body heat and absorbed by your skin as a natural pain reliever. It is referred to as an antispasmodic and anti-fever by homeopathic doctors. You can find more information on succinic acid  here . Common medicinal uses for Baltic amber are relief from teething, headaches, inflammation of throat, ears, and stomach, rashes, stomach aches, earaches, fevers, colds, arthritis, carpal tunnel, and fighting infections and respiratory diseases. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of Baltic amber for teething as well as aches and pains. I have used an amber teething necklace for my daug...

Beauty Berry is a relatively hardy shrub located in the southeastern woods. It has purple berries that ripen in the fall. This bush was traditionally used by farmers who would use the branches to protect their horses. They would put the branches in between the saddles and the horses' backs and as the oils were released, the horses were protected. It has since been used for ages on humans as well. Simply crushing the leaves by hand releases the natural oils. The oils can then be applied to the skin giving protection from harmful insects. In 2006, the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Products Utilization Research Unit in Oxford, MS concluded that the extract matches DEET in effectiveness against mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants, and more for three hours at a time. Science, it seems, caught up with what people already knew. Have you ever used beauty berry as an insect repellent? Did you know about beauty berry? Please share your experiences on Twitter using #alacu...

Lammas is a special holiday (aren't they all), that is shared by many belief systems and paths. It is generally celebrated on August 1st, although some start the celebration the day before. Lammas is centered on the beginning of the wheat harvest with loaves of bread from the first harvest being baked and blessed for the celebration. It is also the time when Summer metaphorically dies in preparation for Winter. You can read a very basic description of Lammas  here . This time is looked upon as a time of reflection and new beginnings. The first chills of the change in seasons can sometimes be felt. It is bittersweet. Focusing on the future while acknowledging the past is a wonderful way to celebrate this beautiful time of the year. Traditionally, several cultures will make corn dollys during this celebration in preparation for Spring. It represents the promise of future seed for the next harvest and is typically a shape made of wheat fibers that is filled with seeds from...

It has been a huge process that involved a lot of personal searching, but I am excited to announce that A La Cuisine will be going in a different direction! My goal has always been to help others and I am feeling led to do that in a different and more meaningful way. This is Going to be an exciting time for all of us and I am so thankful to be sharing this journey with each and every one of you! A La Cuisine will now be featuring natural healing information, recipes, and insights. There will also be personal development techniques and support, as well as coaching on common issues as well as some unique struggles. If there is some topic in this range that speaks to you, or help that you would like with a specific manner, I can be reached at alacuisinellc@gmail.com