Holistic Radiance

Change Your Routine

2009-07-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you're feeling like your life or some aspect of your existence has stagnated, stopped, or is simply unclear ~ there are easy ways to work small shifts into your day.

As these small shifts add up, quantum leaps may occur!

It's a simple matter of not doing things the way you've "always" done them.

Some ideas:

Try brushing your teeth with the opposite hand.
Practice your yoga in the evening instead of the morning.
Read fiction instead of non-fiction.
Meet friends for ice cream instead of for cocktails.
Go dancing instead of watching TV.
Take the scenic route instead of the fastest way.
Bathe instead of shower.
Take the kids to the woods instead of to the beach.
Kiss your partner when you wake up instead of as you're leaving for work.
Shake your hips instead of standing still!

May your day be filled with joy and new learning!

Baking Soda Face Mask

2009-06-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

You probably know how well baking soda soaks up odors in your fridge or helps to perfect your baked cookies.

But it also makes a wonderful mask for those "puffy" mornings!

Baking soda is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and exfoliant.

Simply mix a small amount with water until you have a thin paste. Smooth it over your clean skin and leave on for ten minutes.

Avoid scrubbing the baking soda into your skin; simply rinse of with gentle splashes of warm water.

May your day be calm and soothing.

Great Gazpacho

2009-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

This cold soup is a summertime classic!

Hit up your local farmer's market for the freshest organic ingredients.

Tip: freezes great! Double or triple the recipe and freeze several batches to eat throughout the summer.

You'll need:

4 cups tomato juice
1 pint fresh mild salsa
2 red bell peppers, seeded, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
1 cup onion-and garlic-seasoned croutons
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 large garlic cloves
2 tablespoons balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

To make the soup:

Working in batches, blend all ingredients except hot sauce in processor to coarse puree.
Transfer gazpacho to large bowl.
Season to taste with hot sauce, salt and pepper.
Refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.) Ladle into bowls and serve. Best if eaten outdoors with friends and loved ones.

Controlling Oily Hair

2009-06-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

With the increased warmth of summertime, your skin may be producing excess oil, causing your lovely locks to be a bit limp.

Reducing the amount of fat in your diet will help to decrease oil production.

Here are a few other natural remedies to restore some body zing to your hair:

Apply a strip of gauze or a sheet of 1-ply bathroom tissue to the base of your hairbrush, working it between the bristles, to absorb excess oil from the brush.
Whisk an egg in a bowl and apply to your dry hair and scalp before shampooing. Allow the egg to dry before rinsing.
Dissolve 1 Tbsp. of sea salt in a cup of milk and apply to your scalp. Leave on for up to 30 minutes, then shampoo out.
After shampooing, rinse 1 Tbsp. lemon juice or apple cider vinegar through your hair. This will also increase the shine!
After shampooing but before styling, apply witch hazel to your hairline with a cotton swab.

Yoga: Steady and Comforting

2009-05-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yoga Sutra 2:46 ~ Sthira Sukham Asanam: There is steadiness and comfort in asana.

When you're practicing yoga, know that your poses - your asanas - need both stability and flexibility. The Sanskrit word "sukham" translates not only to comfort, but to happiness and ease. Relax into the pose and be still ~ that is sacred practice.

Yoga Sutra 2:46 is a deep yet practical metaphor for life. If you're totally rigid, that is not asana. If you're totally flexible, that is not asana. For the balance and benefits of yoga in our lives, we need comfort, flexibility, happiness, AND stability, steadiness, firmness.

Start with the foundation and work your way up. If you can remain rooted you will find the ability to be flexible ~ and if you can remain flexible, you will find the strength to remain still.

White Spots on Your Nails

2009-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

White spots are a common occurrence, typically caused by injuries to the nail bed.

But did you know that throughout history, they have been attributed to everything from telling lies to having a new love in your life?

They have even been used as a fortune-telling device! Fortune-tellers of olden days would sing the following rhyme while counting the spots: A gift, a ghost, a friend, a foe, a letter to come, a journey to go.

Folklore aside, these spots have also been known to occur when the body has low levels of zinc.

Good food sources of zinc include beef, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken, and salmon. Vegetarians may have a lower intake of zinc than omnivores, but can get adequate amounts from peanuts, beans, brown rice, whole grains, and pumpkin seeds. Or you may want to include a daily 15-milligram supplement.

May your day be filled with good-fortune.

Revitalize Your Eyes

2009-05-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Eyestrain is a common cause of headaches and fatigue. We spend so much time in front of our computer screens, iPhones, and TV screens these days that we often forget to rest our eyes. Many people forget to blink when staring at a computer screen. Some ways to alleviate eyestrain and the resulting headaches:

Every ten minutes, refocus your eyes by looking out the window or around the office.
Roll your eyes in circles, both directions, looking all the way up to the ceiling and all the way down to the floor.
Once an hour, close your eyes and let your face relax.
Rub your hands together and place your warm palms over your closed eyes. Inhale and exhale slowly.
Gently open your eyes and focus on the farthest point you can see. Resume work when you feel ready.

May your day be filled with beautiful sights!

Iced Honey Lemon Ginger Tea

2009-05-28T09:00:00.001-07:00

This simple iced tea provides an invigorating pick-me-up without any caffeine. Ginger is well-known for its rejuvenating qualities, while lemon helps to restore the body's pH balance. A touch of honey makes this sweet, while providing beneficial antibacterial and antiseptic properties to help keep you healthy! You'll need:

2 bags of ginger tea
half of a fresh lemon
2 Tbsp. honey
2 cups hot water
lemon wedges

To make the tea:

Place the tea bags in a tea pot. Squeeze the juice from the lemon half over the tea and add the honey.
Pour hot water over the ingredients and steep for ten minutes.
Let the tea cool until it's room temperature.
Pour the tea into two large glasses filled with ice.
Garnish with lemon wedges and share!

Quote of the Day

2009-05-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.

~ Alan Watts

Make a Lavender Face Mist for an Easy Mood-Boost

2009-05-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Facial mists are a great way add some aromatherapy to your day. They are easy to make and you can make them in a variety of scents, depending on the aromatherapy benefits you desire.

Lavender is a great tension-tamer! The scent of lavender can help to alleviate stress-related headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and even anxiety. It has also been shown to boost mood and relieve depression.

Treat yourself to this gentle mist whenever you need a pick-me-up and some freshness in your day.

You'll need:

A small, empty spray bottle (1-3 oz., found at drugstores)
Lavender essential oil (organic, if possible!)
Clean, filtered water

To make the mist:

Fill the spray bottle 4/5 of the way with cool, fresh, filtered water. Depending on the size of the bottle, you may need to use a funnel so it doesn't spill.
Add 5 drops of the lavender essential oil. Replace the spray bottle cap and shake.
Close your eyes, and, holding the spray bottle about six inches away from your face, spray the mist 2-3 times.

Inhale the fragrance of the lavender and allow it to soothe your mind. Keep your eyes closed as you imagine the rest of your day falling beautifully into place.

May your days be stress-free and happy.

Create a Daily Tea Ritual at Work

2009-05-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Having a fresh cup of steaming tea in the afternoon is a great way to take a much-needed break in your day. But many times, we just rip open a bag of whatever tea is in the cupboard, pour some hot water into the mug, and go right back to work.

When we take time to create a simple ritual, the soothing effects of afternoon tea can be so much more rewarding. And it's even more rewarding to share with a co-worker!

Use these simple steps to create a "tea corner" at your desk, and let yourself enjoy this simple pleasure.

You'll need:

A small Asian- or English-style teapot
Two tea cups (and saucers if you wish)
Honey and/or sugar
Two small spoons (try antique ones!)
A selection of teas, either bagged or loose with a strainer
A small tray

To create a tea ritual for yourself, co-workers, clients, or unexpected guests:

Arrange the teapot, tea cups, sweeteners, spoons, and tea on the tray. Store the tray on your desk for decor and also as a visual reminder of your soothing ritual.
In the afternoon, when the time is right for a break, invite your co-worker or client to join you.
Place the tea bags or tea strainer in the teapot and add hot water.
Let the tea steep for a few minutes. Different teas take different brewing times, so be sure not to steep it too long, or it might get bitter!
Pour the tea into the cups and sweeten if desired. Savor the soft scent and let the conversation flow, or simply enjoy the silence.

May your days be soothing and delightful.

Make an Easy Yogurt Face Mask for Dry Skin

2009-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Another simple idea from the crafty kitchen!

Why spend tons of money on expensive face masks when you probably have the ingredients for a great one in your very own kitchen? Home made masks are easy and fun, and they don't require expert knowledge of cooking or recipes.

You'll need:

2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
2 Tbsp. uncooked oatmeal
A drizzle of honey

To prepare and apply the mask:

Mix together the yogurt and oatmeal in a bowl. For a more refreshing mask, use yogurt straight from the fridge. For a more soothing mask, use room-temperature yogurt. Do not heat the yogurt.
Drizzle honey over the mixture and stir until smooth.
Apply with fingers using a gentle, circular motion to clean, dry skin, until skin is covered. Avoid the eye area.
Leave mask on for up to 10 minutes while you make coffee, read the paper, or run a bath.
Rinse with warm water, gently massaging your skin for extra glow.

May your days be filled with softness.

Take a Stretching Break

2009-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a one-minute break in your day? I thought you might be!

If you're sitting, stand up. This will only take a minute, I promise.

Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, weight balanced evenly across your heels and the balls of your feet (kick off your shoes if you need to).

Inhale as you extend your arms out to the side, reaching from fingertip to fingertip, palms facing up.

Exhale as you raise your arms up overhead, clasping all ten fingers together, knuckles pointing toward the ceiling.

Inhale as you lengthen your spine, reaching up through the crown of your head and down through your feet.

Exhale as you slowly and gently raise your chin toward the ceiling, dropping your head back, allowing your arms to drop even further back. Feel the gentle curve in your back.

Draw your weight down through your feet as you hold this position and breathe fully into your chest, exhaling all the way down to your belly, five times.

Inhale as you release your head back to neutral, and exhale as you release your arms down to your sides.

Relish the moment of new energy and revitalized breath.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled day.

May you remain flexible throughout the day!

Antioxidants for Great Skin

2009-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's official: we're obsessed with strawberries around here right now.

In addition to providing the health benefits I mentioned earlier, strawberries also have some of the highest levels of antioxidants around. Antioxidants work in the body to neutralize free radicals, which, left unguarded, can cause cell breakdown and sun damage.

Free radicals are atoms that have an odd number of electrons. They create destructive chain reactions that can damage cell membranes and even DNA. Antioxidants are molecules that interact with the free radicals and essentially block the chain reactions before they spread further.

Free radicals are like unstable anarchists; antioxidants are your cells' protective soldiers.

So, when free radicals begin their destructive chain reactions, your body's skin cells can start to weaken, making you susceptible to wrinkles, cellulite, and sun damage. Antioxidants keep those cells healthy and strong, preventing this aging breakdown.

Other foods that contain high levels of antioxidants include:

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
Broccoli
Red grapes
Tomatoes
Garlic
Spinach
Green and black tea - and yes, even coffee!
Carrots
Soy, including edamame and tempeh
Whole grains, such as barley, bulgur, and brown rice

So, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet for optimum levels of antioxidants. Your cells will vibrate with health and radiance and your skin will thank you for it!

May your days be filled with vibrant joy.

Color Therapy: A Brief Introduction

2009-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Also known as chromotherapy, using colors to help heal your body, mind, and spirit is an ancient technique. Throughout history, healers have used tools such as colored light, gemstones, crystals, candles, colored fabric, and even lasers to stimulate or soothe various chakras (energy centers) where there may be energy blockages or weaknesses.

Physically, we are more immediately affected by color than by any other healing medium. This is because light travels many, many times faster than sound, and we feel on a cellular level the effects of light and color many millions of times faster than physical movement or touch. The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second; the speed of sound is a relative snail's pace at 736 miles per hour.

When a color - or rather, our brain's interpretation of a color - reaches our conscious level, our emotions are duly affected, because our cells have already responded. Before we can even name the color that is affecting us, we have already been affected.

With this in mind, it's easy to see how we can be profoundly influenced by the colors with which we surround ourselves.

Some beginning tips and self-searching questions for working with color therapy in your life:

Take note of the colors in your surroundings. What colors dominate your surroundings?
Take note of the colors you use to define your body. What shades dominate your clothing?
Across the spectrum of the rainbow, do your colors tend to fall into "warm" - reds, oranges, yellows - "cool" - blues and greens - or "neutral" - black and white?
Note the presence of complementary colors, if there is one - those colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as purple and orange, or yellow and blue.
Are there any colors that you feel strongly toward or against?

I'll be discussing color therapy in more detail later on, but for now, it's fun and can be enlightening to begin to see how and where color fits into your life.

May your days be filled with rainbows!

Dry Brushing for Cellulite Removal

2009-05-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

Dry brushing is a gentle way to exfoliate away dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin's glow, but the benefits go much deeper than you may expect. The technique of using a natural-bristle brush all over your body before bathing also stimulates the lymphatic system, which aids in detoxification of organs and glands.

In the same way that our liver and kidneys release built-up toxins and become stronger and healthier as a result, the increased circulation and self-massage that results from dry brushing can break down the toxic layers of fat underneath the skin that cause cellulite.

Many metaphysical teachers believe that cellulite is also caused in part by the build-up of toxic emotions and thought patterns. We think with every cell in our body, not just with our "minds." Over time, our thoughts create patterns that become stored in our cellular memory.

When we continuously believe harmful and negative things about ourselves and our bodies, we store those toxic thoughts in each of our cells, creating "patterns" on our bodies that we can see. When we dislike the new patterns our bodies are creating, we create even more harmful and toxic thoughts. It can be a vicious cycle, but we can start in the present moment to break the pattern. Creating a new cycle of healthy thoughts and bodymind patterns can be as easy as dry brushing your body every day.

Begin with a natural bristle brush, preferably one with a long handle, so it's easy to reach your back. Moving the brush in small strokes towards your heart, work the brush over your entire body before your morning bathing.

I start with my arms, follow with my torso front and back, then end with my legs and feet, but other people prefer to work in the opposite direction. Do what feels natural to you.

Always keep the strokes moving toward your heart, not away from it. This stimulates the lymphatic system and strengthens the heart. Work the strokes in a clockwise direction around your belly, and in gentle circular motions around each buttock and breast.

When you've finished your entire body, including hands and feet, take a warm shower and gently pat yourself dry. You will instantly notice a fresh glow, and with regular brushing, your body, your mind, and your bodymind will reap even greater benefits!

Dry brushing also increases circulation, tones the muscles, tightens the skin, and can also strengthen the immune system.

May your days be glowing and filled with fresh emotion.

Tea Tree Oil Can Reduce Cold Sore Length

2009-05-16T09:00:00.001-07:00

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic with antifungal properties. It's been used in Australia for many years in skin care and in the treatment of many and various ailments.

With summertime and long, sunny days upon us, many who are susceptible to cold sores feel that they can be triggered by time spent in the sun. Prevention is key, and a lip balm that contains SPF 15 or higher is an absolute must even on cloudy days.

But there are times when the cold sore virus will have its way, no matter what. In these times, it's understandable that you'd want the sore gone fast!

It's been shown that tea tree oil can reduce healing time by as much as half ~ this means only a couple of short days!

To use, apply a drop of pure tea tree oil to a cotton swab, then dilute the drop with two drops of filtered water. Apply the swab to the infected area 2-4 times a day.

The tea tree oil may dry out the skin on the surrounding area, so be careful not to spread the diluted mixture beyond the sore. If the mixture is too strong, dilute further before reapplying.

May your lips stay kissable and soft!

Avocados for Skin and Hair Care

2009-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Avocados are not only rich in potassium, B vitamins, and vitamins E and K, they also have the highest fiber content of any fruit.

Vitamin E helps keep your skin clear and glowing, and potassium and B vitamins keep your hair strong and shiny. But avocados can also be great for your skin and hair when placed directly on them!

Some crafty tips from the kitchen spa for using avocados in your regular beauty regimen:

Scoop the flesh of an avocado and mix with one ripe banana. Apply to your freshly washed face and leave on for as long as you want. Great for regular to dry skin.
For oily skin, mix ripe avocado with egg yolk, honey, and lemon juice. Apply to your skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water.
Mix a ripe avocado with honey and coconut milk and apply to the ends of your hair as a masque. Leave on for 5-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Add an egg yolk for extra strengthening power!

May your days be delicious and beautiful.

GABA for Relaxation and Anti-Anxiety

2009-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that our bodies produce naturally, also known as the brain's "calming chemical."

When our brains are deficient of certain neurotransmitters, we can feel stressed, anxious, irritable, and less than confident. By using natural supplements, such as GABA, we can replace some of those deficient neurotransmitters and bring balance back to our brain chemistry. Doing so can improve our mood, energy, and overall outlook on life!

GABA is naturally found in foods like almonds, spinach, lentils, brown rice, and bananas, but is also widely available as a supplement in capsule form.

GABA works by controlling the brain's theta waves, bringing balance to the body physically, mentally, and emotionally.

When the body feels high levels of stress or anxiety, GABA works by leveling out these "peak" emotions, keeping us centered and balanced, while retaining perspective on our situation.

Because of its relaxing and mildly sedative effect, GABA can also help with sleep issues.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements.

Rose Quartz for Emotional Balance

2009-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

This beautiful crystal, named for its soft pink color, contains properties of unconditional love for others and for one's self. It is believed to help balance the emotions while increasing self-esteem.

Rose quartz works by opening the heart chakra ~ the 4th chakra, the anahata chakra ~ enhancing your own openness to love in all forms: romantic, platonic, self love, family love, and love of animals, plants, and the Earth.

Using rose quartz can balance your emotions, allowing for inner peace, while creating space for compassion and forgiveness to blossom. It can help you let go of stored fear, anger, and resentment, replacing them with peace, harmony, and self-esteem.

Some tips for using rose quartz in your everyday life:

Keep a small, heart-shaped rose quartz stone under your pillow when you sleep at night to encourage love in all of your relationships, but especially your romantic and sexual ones.
Stash a rose quartz in your pocket when attending any meeting (business, family, etc.) that may be emotionally disruptive. The crystal will help keep your heart chakra open, allowing for more peace to flow through your communications.
If your pet has been through a trauma, such as moving or illness, attach a rose quartz to his or her collar to allow for a peaceful release of fears and frightened emotions.
If you don't have a crystal with you, simply visualize the healing energy of the rose quartz traveling across space and time to enter your heart. Allow the light to be soft and pink, and let the light of the crystal fill your entire body with love and peace.
Place a stone in your view or hold one when you're talking on the phone. Visualize the crystal's love energy filling your heart and traveling through the phone lines to the person on the other end. Visualize their heart being filled with the same healing love energy from your rose quartz, and allow this energy to flow freely between you.

May your days be filled with love and peace.

In Praise of Strawberries

2009-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Often known as the first "official" fruit of the summer, strawberry season is going on right now! You may have noticed an abundance of these beautiful berries in stores or at the farmer's market recently. Follow your instincts and pick up a basket ~ not only do they look, smell, and taste spectacular when they're in season, but they are a wonderful treat for your body. One cup of strawberries has only 50 calories and packs as much vitamin C as an orange. They are also an excellent source of manganese, a trace mineral that activates enzymes used in metabolism, nutrient utilization, and even reproductive health. Some tips for getting the most out of this delicious red fruit this season:

Don't wash strawberries before storing them. This ensures optimal freshness. Simply rinse them right before eating or cooking.
Store strawberries in a sealed plastic bag, separated into layers with paper towels. They will keep for up to 3 days this way. Remove any soggy or molding berries before storing.
Freeze strawberries for use in smoothies, so you don't need to add ice!
Melt 16 ounces of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate in a double boiler. Using a toothpick, dip strawberries in the chocolate until coated and let cool. Your immune system and your pleasure system will thank you for it!

May your strawberry season be filled with healthy, delicious treats.

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Sachets

2009-05-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sachets are scent-filled pillows that add a bit of aromatherapy to areas of your life that might need some brightening-up! They are easy to make and a fun way to spend a few hours. You'll need:

Fabric ~ Pick a pattern or color that resonates with you: deep red or amber work well for musky scents; rich browns for chocolate or earthy scents; soothing blues and greens for tranquil scents. Use organic fabrics if possible!
Potpourri ~ Make your own or purchase your favorite. I like to use lavender buds from my garden, mixed with flaxseeds for weight.
Ribbon to match the fabric, enough to tie the sachets closed.
Optional: beads, charms, or other accessories for decoration.

Here's how:

Using a ruler and good scissors, measure and cut a strip of fabric that's 10 1/2" x 3 1/4".
Fold in the raw edges, about 1/4".
Iron the fold or hold in place with pins, toward the "wrong" side of the fabric.
Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew the edges into place, until no raw edges are showing on the "right" side of the fabric.
Fold the fabric strip in half, "right" sides facing each other, "wrong" side facing out. Sew the edges together, 1/4" in from the sides.
Turn the sachet right-side out and fill it halfway with potpourri.
Tie the bag with your ribbon and decorate with beads or charms.

Place the sachets in drawers, under pillows, in your car's glove compartment, on your desk, in your computer bag, in a pocket ~ wherever you need a new scent!

May your days be filled with sensual delight.

Staying True

2009-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

We all like to believe we are living true to our selves. No one wants to admit they are living a lie! But how often have you found yourself in a life situation that you know, in your deepest soul, is not good for you, is filled with negative energy, is clearly off your path, or just simply doesn't feel right?

Staying true to yourself means doing one of the most daring things of all: confronting and overcoming fear. It's often fear that keeps us in the hollow, shallow places of our hearts.

Truthfulness to ourselves might hurt, but dishonesty to ourselves could be even more painful in the long run.

Some tips to help keep you in alignment with your truth:

Notice how the situation feels in your body. Does it FEEL like the truth?
Ask yourself what fears about the situation might be holding you back from seeing the truth. Write those fears in a journal and allow yourself to be brutally honest.
Assess those fears. Rate them on a scale of one (not very fearful) to ten (the absolute worst) and tackle the most fearsome one on your list.
Imagine a worst-case scenario. Determine how you will handle it if it happens.
Once you have established how you'll handle the worst possible thing, recognize that it likely won't happen. Now move on to the next-worse thing, and all the way on up your list until you've reached your easiest fear.
Know that you can handle any level of fear, and that you are within reaching distance of your truth.

Now, tell yourself the truth. Let it come out. Write it down. Say it out loud. Dance with it! Whatever the outcome, it is your truth. Resolve now to stay with your essence and allow the teachings of your truth to unfold.

May your life be truth-filled and full of positive light.

Thought of the Day: Giving

2009-05-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

We are all incredibly deep and beautiful beings with so much to give to the world. Some of us feel like we give more than we get; others may feel guilty for getting so much when others have little.

Take a few moments today to define what "giving" means to you. You may be ready for a new definition!

Do you give so other people can be happy?
Do you give with the expectation to receive?
Do you give too much, ending up exhausted, broke, or depressed?
Do you give with peace and joy, for the simple act of giving?

Take some time to think about what you give to others: material items, warm dinners, physical presence, fantastic work, good vibrations... and ask if you give yourself the same.

Take a moment today (and every day!) to give something special to the most important person in your life ~ you! Think about what's most important to you ~ time, food, rest, water, forgiveness, exercise, thanks ~ and make sure your own wish list gets fulfilled.

May your life be filled with gratitude and abundance!

Violet Delight

2009-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

This vibrant purple smoothie is loaded with antioxidants to help keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Great for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up alternative to a fat-heavy latte.

Tip: peel and freeze ripe bananas to use in smoothies - no need to add ice!

1 ripe, frozen banana
1 cup blueberries
1 cup blackberries
1 cup soy milk

Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds for heart-helping Omega-3s, wheat germ for essential fiber, or protein powder if you need the extra boost.

Blend and enjoy!

The beautiful color may help activate your third eye - be aware of any new insights.