"N" Search of Ecstasy

What is the secret to getting a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep? Head for the kitchen and enjoy one or two of these 10 foods. They relax tense muscles, quiet buzzing minds, and/or get calming, sleep-inducing hormones - serotonin and melatonin - flowing. Yawning yet?

Bananas. They're practically a sleeping pill in a peel. In addition to a bit of soothing melatonin and serotonin, bananas contain magnesium, a muscle relaxant.

Chamomile tea. The reason chamomile is such a staple of bedtime tea blends is its mild sedating effect - it's the perfect natural antidote for restless minds/bodies.

Warm milk. It's not a myth. Milk has some tryptophan - an amino acid that has a sedative - like effect - and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan. Plus there's the psychological throw-back to infancy, when a warm bottle meant "relax, everything's fine."

Honey. Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that's linked to alertness.

Potatoes. A small baked spud won't overwhelm your GI tract, and it clears away acids that can interfere with yawn-inducing tryptophan. To up the soothing effects, mash it with warm milk.

Oatmeal. Oats are a rich source of sleep - inviting melatonin, and a small bowl of warm cereal with a splash of maple syrup is cozy - plus if you've got the munchies, it's filling too.

Almonds. A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can be snooze-inducing, as they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium.

Flaxseeds. When life goes awry and feeling down is keeping you up, try sprinkling 2 tablespoons of these healthy little seeds on your bedtime oatmeal. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural mood lifter.

Whole-wheat bread. A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it's converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs "time to sleep."

Turkey. It's the most famous source of tryptophan, credited with all those Thanksgiving naps. But that's actually modern folklore. Tryptophan works when your stomach's basically empty, not overstuffed, and when there are some carbs around, not tons of protein. But put a lean slice or two on some whole-wheat bread mid-evening, and you've got one of the best sleep inducers in your kitchen.

What if none of these foods help you get your zzz's? Check out your sleep habits with this quick RealAge test to find out whats keeping you up at night. http://www.realage.com/health_guides/RLS/intro.aspx


For an extra treat, here's the ultimate sleep-inducing snack...

Lullaby Muffins

Makes 12 low-fat muffins
Between the bananas, the whole wheat, and the honeyed touch of sweetness, these muffins are practically an edible lullaby.

· 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 2 large, very ripe bananas
· 1/3 cup applesauce
· 1/4 cup honey
· 1/2 cup milk or soymilk

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine the flour (make sure it's whole-wheat pastry flour or you'll produce golf balls, not muffins), salt, and baking powder. In a blender, puree the bananas; add the applesauce, honey, and milk. Blend well. Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Line muffin tins with paper muffin cups, pour in batter, and bake 30 minutes or until tops are lightly brown and slightly springy.

Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 119 calories; 1g fat; 2.5g protein; 27g carbohydrates; 10g sugars; 133mg sodium; 3g fiber; 35mg magnesium

A Lot Closer 2 Ecstasy and I'm out!

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actress and R&B singer Brandy was involved in a fatal, four-car accident on a Los Angeles freeway last month that started when her sports utility vehicle hit another car from behind, police said on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old former star of the TV comedy "Moesha" was not injured, but the driver of the car she rear-ended with her Land Rover in the December 30 crash died, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The victim was identified as Awatef Aboudihaj, 38, a married mother of one, said CHP spokesman Leland Tang.

No charges or arrests have been made in connection with the accident, and no formal determination has been made as to what caused the crash, which was first reported by the celebrity news Web site TMZ.com.

But barring mechanical problems or other extenuating factors in such accidents, the driver of the car that rear-ends another is typically found to be at fault, Tang said.

He said the chain-reaction wreck started when Brandy's vehicle ran into the back of the car driven by Aboudihaj, whose car struck a third vehicle, then swerved into the freeway's center divider and was broad-sided by a fourth automobile.

A statement issued by Brandy's publicist said: "She wishes to publicly express her condolences to the family of the deceased" and asks the media to "respect the privacy of everyone involved at this time."

The singer-actress, whose full name is Brandy Norwood, was alone in her vehicle and no alcohol or drugs were involved, Tang said.

Brandy told officers she was driving at about 65 miles per hour before the crash occurred.

"We've impounded all four vehicles, and the outcome of the mechanical inspection is coming to us today or tomorrow," Tang said. "Barring any mechanical difficulties on Brandy's part, like a brake failure or a steering failure, then there's the very high probability that she is the party most at fault or the contributing party."

Brandy, a native of Missouri, burst on the recording scene with her self-tilted debut album in 1994, launching such hits as "I Wanna Be Down," "Baby" and "Brokenhearted." Her fourth album, "Afrodisiac," was released in 2004 with a lead single, "Talk About Our Love," produced by Kanye West.

Last year, she served on the panel of judges for NBC's summer show "America's Got Talent."

A Lot Closer 2 Ecstasy and I'm out!

Check out this link to todayz post by Rhymes with Snitch

Maybe He's A Grower


Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz's Post-Globes Spat




Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz, who announced last week that they'd split up, got into a heated argument at Prince's Golden Globes afterparty early Tuesday morning.

The exes had chatted politely during the awards ceremony and even shared laughs. According to witnesses, Timberlake was chatting with actress Jessica Biel when Diaz approached. Sources say the temperamental star "blew up" at Biel after she saw Timberlake flirting with her. Biel stepped away, and the former couple had a serious exchange.

Click here to view Golden Globe Celebrity Photos

T.I. And Girlfriend Tiny Expecting A Visit From The Stork, Planning Nuptials

Former Xscape group member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and longtime boyfriend T.I. are expecting and engaged! From my understanding he has five children already and this baby will make #6, that is unless I missed a child or two.

Jay-Z & Rocawear Busted For Fake Fur

Not long after Diddy got called out for using fake fur for Sean John, Jay-Z is found to have the same fur in his Rocawear line.

A Lot Closer 2 Ecstasy and I'm out!

How is everything in the blogosphere? I hope that all is well and that everyone has been having a great holiday season. Things with me have been going pretty dawg on good. I really had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

I didnt do too much for the New Year. I spent New Years Eve at home with my babe. We had a pretty good time though. New Year’s Day we spent over with his parent.


Bridal Boot Camp

I have got to get my a$$ in gear as for as my weight loss. I know that you guys have heard it all before but I am so serious this time. As of January 2, 2007 I am in Bridal Boot Camp. I need to get ready to fit into someonez beautifully designed wedding dress.

If anyone has any words of advice, plz feel free to share. What I plan to do is:

1. Go to the gym at least 4 days a week
2. Drink plenty of water every day
3. Eliminate caloric beverages
4. Decrease my caloric intake
5. Cut out the fried foods and all those damn chips!

I think thats a pretty good start. If not, its all I can do for now. Tootle loo!

A Lot Closer 2 Ecstasy and I'm out!