COLLAGEN- What is it, and why is it so important?

 "Your body has so many cells, parts and systems. And many of them are help together with collagen. The most abundant protein in your body is all about connection and strength. That's because collagen's adhesive qualities are only matched by its ability to provide structure and strength" (--Learn about collagen   askthescientists.com--)

Usually skin comes to mind when the word collagen is metioned, and that's because collagen is a huge component of your largest organ (your skin).  BUT your skin is only a small fraction of your body where collagen is found. It's also found in your Blood vessels, teeth, cartilage, discs between your vertebrae, digestive tract, and as a protective casing for your kidneys and other organs.

AGE  IS COLLAGENS BIGGEST ENEMY!!

(I know this from personal experience)

 The older you get the less collagen your body naturally produces. And the collagen that is produced is not the high quality collagen of your youth. This will impact everything from the appearance of your hair, skin and nails to your joint health, gut health and bone health. You can use all sorts of creams and serums, but without collagen you are just covering the problem with grease. It may feel good, but neep down it isnt as healthy as it could be.

As I have gotten older, I have realized that collagen is my best friend.

Here are just a few things that collagen can do for you:

A while back I added a liquid collagen supplement to my diet.  I had read about it, listened to testimonials and thought it would help a little,(people tend to over-exaggerate sometimes)... but the results I have had have blown me away!  My hair and skin and nails are no longer dry and dull and brittle, the pain in my joints has reduced dramatically, I no longer have to be close to a bathroom after eating as my gut health has been transformed and I no longer have that mid afternoon brain fog. It has also helped with my metabolism, has helped with appetite suppression (a lucky unknown side-effect perhaps?) and I sleep better.  

DISCLAIMER: I did this collagen supplement in conjunction with a superfoods concentrate and my health has never been better. I havent been sick(no summer cold, no flu, no strep, NOTHING), I have more energy than I know what to do with (no more mid morning/afternoon caffeine soda to get me through the day) and my moods have gone from jekyll and hyde to smooth and even keeled.  I will be doing a separate post later this week on superfoods and importance of good nutrition.

I started the collagen a few weeks into my superfoods regiment and could tell a HUGE difference in quality of life shortly after adding the collagen supplement.

If you want to take control of your health and help your body work the best it can, I highly recommend a collagen supplement.  It wont be overnight, those people who do the "I tried collagen for 2 weeks and didnt see a difference" didnt use it long enough. Your body takes about 4-6 weeks to adjust to any new regiment--  Give collagen 90 days and be transformed.

I want my NBC!

Get Fuzzy is Copyrighted. Artist: Darby Conley (freaking hilarious Darby Conley)

So my television viewing pleasure has been completely destroyed by this writers strike.

All of my very favorite television shows only have 1 or 2 episodes left, or have already exhausted their run until this strike is settled.

What the hell am I supposed to do now?? Pay attention to my kids?? Clean my House?? Cook Dinner?? Sheesh. Darn writers!! Make me actually have a life and be productive. Just who do they think they are?? I am left with reality TV (Project Runway, American Idol, Ghost Hunters, The Soup and Best Week Ever) which really isnt so bad. I can always watch the BBC America. At least their programs arent affected by our disgruntled sitcom writers.

Networks, just give the writers what they want. All this family togetherness is pushing me over the edge! And for the love of all that is good and holy, STOP putting on pilot episodes of crappy shows that you knew would never go anywhere in the first place. You are just embarassing yourselves. And writers, be willing to give a little in return. By the time this strike is over Americans will have forgotten what TV is and you will be out of a job!!
So in memoriam of my favorites, here are some etsy finds that I enjoy in their Place.

HOUSE: not exactly the pithy, mean spirited casuting Gregory House from Fox-TV but this sparkly little ACEO of a house makes me remember the good times.

http://www.coffeebnz.etsy.com/

Bones. (Get it skull and crossbones). Dr Brennan and Agent Booth keep me on the edge of my seat everyweek. So in their honor I present these "Bone-i-fied" baby booties from http://www.prettylittle.etsy.com/

I am not embarassed to admit that I Love FamilyGuy. Brian the dog and Stewie the devil man-child crack me up. "So uh, Brian, hows that novel coming along for you??hmmmm?"

so in homage to Family Guy and all that is hilarious and sacreligous at the same time here is Brian the Dog from http://www.sparkleme.etsy.com/

30 Rock my be one of the most HILARIOUS shows ever to hit television. Alec Baldwin and Tracey Morgan and Tina Fey make me laugh every Thursday night. Now this was the closest I could find to rocks, but I think it is awesome! http://www.steppingstones.etsy.com/

On Friday nights, I like to unwind with a little Ghost Whisperer. I am so glad I found this artist on etsy. She is amazing. http://www.divineimages.etsy.com/

A wonderful reminder of one of my favorite shows!

Thursday nights, The Office. It is my very favorite show all week. Dont get me wrong, I dont mind watching reruns, but I NEED some more Dwight! This painting of Stanley really cracked me up. His tired smirky expression was just perfect. He just looks so used and abused and tired of Michael Scott.

http://www.elloh.etsy.com/

Elloh has the whole cast on canvas!

Oh The Office, how I miss you.

My newest show to premier this season was Pushing Daisies. I thought it was so original and cute and I just love the tension between Chuck and the Pie Maker. Olive Snook thrown into the mix makes this wacky and zany show much missed in my home.

Thanks to http://www.stationerystop.etsy.com/ for bringing a little daisy into my life!

Do I REALLY have to make the disclaimer that television does not consume my life?? Yes I watch a lot of TV, but only after housework, dinner, and kids are in bed. Thank goodness for DVR!! So no hate mail please.