Picks For My Current State of Being

You ever look inside yourself and say who am I? What about myself has me being deeply drawn to some things while I repel others like oil does rain? I love this exploration....when something within me calls out with passion to be fed. I guess spring has a way of encouraging my inner being to emerge...to have a voice...to move confidently in the direction of dreams that often go unheard or unrecognized. Being in touch with the deepest part of my being has me feeling so ALIVE. It's as though I'm re-acquainting myself with a dear friend that make life more enjoyable just knowing. I love this part of me-the inner spirit that freely declares and accepts who and what inspires a state of passion, growth, desires and needs within me? This place in myself allows my mind to take the back seat while my spirit comes alive.

I find pleasure in diversified state of being. Sometimes my spirit calls for silence and grounded practices like home made remedies, natural living, elements of the earth and my roots. Other times I'm drawn to the sensuality of being a woman, a real woman-proud to be feminine, sexy, voluptuous; to express the positive charge that draws in the man of my life-my husband! Then there are times where an overall genuine appreciation for life takes me over and all I desire is to connect to the vibrational elements of life that move me to express my highest potential God has gifted me. I feel the challenge of balancing inner purpose with ego, and yet a willingness to do ANYTHING IT TAKES to be my best-to serve others, to inspire love and life into others is the channel I'm tuned into.

There's room for so much diversity within one being it's amazing. It's as though the world of opportunity exists within our very experience and it's a matter of allowing room for that expression of possibility to emerge.

Here are a few "Picks For who and what inspires My Current State of Being".

Gusto For Life:
Who: Alicia Keys

What: Music, Working hard to create the opportunity to see the word, serving others, the outdoors.

Humility:

What: Humanitarian Efforts (many), third world nations, children, some music, freedom.

Who: Jesus, Mother Theresa, Indie Arie

Sensuality:

Who: Rihanna , Indie Arie, Mary Louise Brooks, Gene Tierney
What: self confidence, high heels, pencil skirts and a blouse, etiquitte, R&B, contemporary architecture, the ocean.

Expression of Talent
Who: Christina Aquilera, Alicia Keys, Michelangelo,
What: photography, speaking, architecture, moving others in the direction of their dreams, good parenting,

Natural
Who: Kate, Seventh Generation, Ecover,

What: Organic whole foods, a garden, cotton, natural materials, undeveloped land.

Luxury:
What: Essential oils, fine fabrics, clean water, gourmet food, wine, freedom.

Enjoyment
What: local and worldly culture, cooking, travel, coffee, reading, family, friends, prayer, meditation, Holistic resort and spas.

A More Enticing Bubbly

One of my favorite spring/summer drinks-somewhat of an elixir if you will. Kombucha is becoming more commonly drank by the masses, and pardoning it's price point-should be. If you enjoy a carbonated drink and are enticed by added health benefits, it may become the next liquid seducer in your life!

A TIP: you may find that there's a process of acquired taste that comes with kombucha. If so, start out with divine grape or cranberry Synergy (GT's brand)-it's a little easier drinking!

Learn more about Kombucha

Shared Bear Tendency

Like any woman is proud to proclaim-I don't have the full fur of a bear, but my feeding tendency implies that I may be a distant cousin?....

After a long winter hiatus, I'm inspired out of my winter cave by none other than.....yes, FOOD! Ah, the joy of sharing a meal (another slight difference between the bear and I) that is full of life and freshness! This I must say is one of my life's greatest pleasures-sharing a springtime meal-al' fresco style.

While it's not entirely of spring, here is a side dish I recently enjoyed:


Fresh Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes, Basil and Avocado Salad

Ingredients
2 fresh Roma tomatoes-sliced
1/2 avocado-sliced
3 slices of fresh mozzarella-pulled
3 leaves of fresh basil
tbsp of virgin olive oil
pinch of Redmond's sea salt

Preparation
Slice all ingredients except avocado, toss with olive oil, top with avocado and salt!

NEED HELP handling that avocado? Check out this video

Spring Harvest

After a long winter of consuming foods sourced from all stretches of the hemisphere, this first round of goodies was all it took to rekindle our love for local flavor. A flavor far superior to it's market counterparts that have undergone a breading process that exchanges flavor for traits that equip them to endure the travels necessary to find their way to the market shelves. So while we're grateful to have access to transported and imported foods year round, we'll bid many of them farewell for the growing season as we welcome our garden goodies!

Our first delivery of fresh bounty included radishes, green onions, mixed lettuce greens, early Swiss chard, and rhubarb. Sourced from one of my favorite growing places-the family garden!

Fuel Up

The multifaceted nature of food is quite interesting. On one hand it shows up central to fellowship, enjoyment and delight; and on the other it's spinning us on our heads as we work to resist choices that deter us from wellness. So where's the fine line between enjoying and appreciating the offerings of great food and finding it to be a detriment to our well-being?


The Wrong Foods

Simply put, when we find ourselves eating foods high in refined carbohydrates and sugars (think most breads, pastries, doughnuts, bagels, flour or corn based cereals, sweets, sodas) a series of biochemical responses take place that play on our mood and stimulate future cravings for these foods. Blood sugar spikes, energy levels rise and fall, only to leave us grabbing for more. What you are feeling is not all in your head, (well kind of) these foods elevate artificial serotonin levels-a hormone our central nervous system equates with feeling good, and we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of dependency on these foods to satisfy this biochemical roller coaster.


Know Your Needs

In theory the solution to this is quite simple; but be prepared to cut yourself some slack, the habitual association will take a few rounds to retrain. During the day take note of your energy highs and lows. Our adrenal glands have been called to preform long hours under stress and high demands-conditions in which they were not intended to perform. Because of this, the level of available energy falls short of our demands-leaving us in search of alternate sources. As you take notice of this, it will become more apparent when these lows occur. Often this energy low is accommodated by an irresistible craving for carbs (an easily accessible energy source), or caffeine. These are some of the worst inputs you can offer this already depleted system. Instead, when your body seeks energy, offer it fruit and a handful of nuts or seeds and some green tea or water. Becoming more aware of the time of day you experience these lulls in energy will provide the opportunity to fuel up before they hit. (Keep in mind that the natural sugars in fruit will take a bit longer to create the same rise that the refined sugars do, so give it fifteen or twenty minutes knowing that it will deliver exactly what your body needs. Best of all, you won't have the crash you anticipate with refined carbs and sugars).


Addressing the second need: You've trained your body to depend on the hormone response to this feeding frenzy-serotonin. This is often times the element left out of the equation and therefor remains unaddressed. The solution? Give yourself a shot of feel good serotonin. This time rather than the artificial stuff that is second hand to sugar, go inward. Studies indicate that the mental and emotional associations we have with enjoyable people, places or experiences leave us with a pleasure center in our minds. Take a few minutes after you fuel up to still your mind by focusing on your breathing. Once you have eliminated the racing thoughts, go to your memory bank and revisit one of these pleasurable memories. Try to recreate as many elements of it as you can. What was the weather like? Smells? Sounds? feelings? People? Close out your session by experiencing the gratitude of this moment. Be thankful of what it offers and know that part of the blessing is that you have the ability to revisit this experience any time you wish. Now ride high on that burst of chemical feel good-this one is healthy.


Try this smoothie recipe full of the right mix of protein, carbohydrates and fat. It's sure to please your sweet cravings. Not to mention the added antibacterial/anitfungal benefits of kefir and the antioxidant you'll reap from the fruit as an added bonus.

1/2 c Kefir
1, one inch thick ring of sliced fresh pineapple (OR a banana, OR 1/4 c of berries, etc)
2 tbsp of raw nuts (walnuts, almonds)

Spring Cabbage Salad

Serves 6
This recipe is the perfect bright addition to a spring season potluck/picnic. Toss it with roasted chicken and serve it as the main course.

Ingredients
1/3 cup white wine vinegar

1 to 2 drops of stevia (optional)

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon dry mustard

4 cups finely shredded green and red cabbage

2 cups shredded carrots

1 cup thinly sliced green onions

1 small can of organic Mandarin oranges

Sea salt to taste

Preparation

In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, steevia, garlic, cumin, oregano and mustard just until blended. Add cabbage, carrots, green onions, salt and pepper and toss gently. Cover and chill for a few hours before serving. Before serving, top with slivered almonds or peanuts (top as ou go...these get tender if left in the mix too long.

Building An Appropriate Plan Of Action

Building upon the action step from the previous post, it's time to do one more round of examination and build a program based on the information you have collected.

First, I suggest you take note of your personality, personal preferences, spiritual connection and tendencies as they are NOW. These are the components of yourself that you are going to want to make a program selection based around, in order to find one that works for you. Do you prefer social interaction when you exercise or not? Do you need accountability partner? Like being clerical and tracking results? Is convenience important? Simple or complex with lots of details?

Select a program that offers you what you need right now, knowing that as life shifts and changes; so too will your preferences, spiritual connection, tendencies and personality. This is why no ONE program is ideal-even if you've had success with it in the past. This is okay! Find one that fits your needs (schedule, emotional state, the season....) and go with it.

At the forefront (as we did previously) remember to acknowledge the roots of wellness...spirituality, healthy relationships, good financial stewardship, emotional well-being, mentality/perspective and Physical. When we are well aware of the current state of these components, we will be more inclined to select the appropriate actions that support them. On the other hand, weight gain, food cravings, stress, feeling uninspired and the like are only SYMPTOMS and will never serve your process if your focus remains here. Allow the latter to act merely as a guide.

Here's an action step to start with and periodically revisit.

In your journal from the last action step, write down the undesirable symptoms you are experiencing (ie. weight gain, emotional eating...). Beside each symptom ask yourself what contributes to that current state, then link it to a root of your well being.

For example:
Symptom =Weight gain.
Contributing Factors = Too many calories, many from emotional or mindless eating. Food offers fulfillment that is missing.
Well-being Root: fuel authentic fulfillment...spirituality, relationships, purpose.

Rather than addressing your weight gain, identify what action steps you can take to fuel your authentic fulfillment. As you do this, use the guidance you get to take steps that support weight loss(less emotional eating, more exercise...... ).

This is where your program tools come in...which program will offer you what you need? For exercise it may be that you want this time to be used socially taking an aerobic class that builds relationships, perhaps it's training to Race For a Cure because that gives you purpose, maybe it is a quite time you do at home in yoga poses that allows you a still mind to connect spiritually. For your nutritional habits, it may be that the clerical side of you needs a food diary to keep tabs. Maybe you want to read an article each day to become informed on choices that you are making, or perhaps you want a nutrition coach to do it all for you. Take what you find about your needs NOW and plug into the appropriate program, and when you lose connection with these practices don't mistake it as a program that did not work, rather, know your shifting in the process and it's time to re-evaluate what your new needs are.

Rule of Thumb: Nutritional foundations of a program should be based around whole foods (minimally process and in the state closest to their natural form). If packaged, read the ingredient label, real food is recognizable all the way down to the individual constituents. If they are not recognizable-question that they are good. Physical activity should be diverse (including strengthening, stretching, fat burning and cardiovascular). The prescribed exercise routine should be appropriate for your current condition and age, ever-changing and prompt positive results in measurable form.

As always check with your doctor before you begin a new regimen

A Healthy Weight

So your lifestyle is calling you to make some changes. The second you find yourself in the act of eating a baked good (that you swore yourself away from), you mark the day as a failure in your pursuit of a healthy weight. Consider this-perhaps it's not the eclair that you just ate that is keeping you from getting into gear, but the way we have been programmed to perceive the process. Keep in mind that our current circumstances are the product of many practices that come together and deliver the now. So if it's a healthy weight you are working on, know that the eclair is only ONE component of that. You can be successful at getting into the act of physical activity, or reducing stress, fueling spiritual connection, even if you make less than perfect food choices. If we don't discount them, over-time these small acts will stimulate change and become building blocks.

When it comes to weight, so many of us have this all-or-nothing mindset that fails to acknowledge the prgressive and multifaceted nature of achieving wellness. It is not all-or-nothing. Wellness emerges as we build practice around healthy thought processes. Stress, emotional discontent, eating for fulfillment, lack of physical activity, all-or-nothing mindset, being rushed and making hurried food choices; these are just a few roots that feed unhealthy weight. I don't say this to make the task of weight loss more daunting than it already seems to many, rather the opposite. With all of these contributing factors, it means we have options to be successful... even if we eat the eclair!

A great truth is that the act of self care-at any degree, prompts change and as long as we keep the process alive, we experience growth and develop a healthier lifestyle.

The missing link to most traditional programs to get you well are missing just that-a link. Too often I see people mindlessly going about this process struggling to be disciplined. It takes discipline, but discipline is not the key to your successs. As I've indicated in earlier posts, focusing on what not to do will ony create a struggle.

If we learn how to connect to ourselves and the way we do life, the process becomes natural; allowing us to decide rather than discipline.

Each of us have particular traits or tendencies that contribute to our personality. This personality, paired with our circumstances will be a determining factor in the start (and course of) our wellness journey. So begin by getting to know yourself as well as the current circumstances of your life. Try to do this without judgement or criticism, just act as though you are gathering information.

ACTION STEP:

Identify the current state of the various centers of wellness:

Relationship (with self and others), Finances (monetarily, as well as your relationship with money), Connectedness (spirituality, sense of purpose), Physical (relationship with body, health of your physical form), Mental (intellect,thought patterns, understanding).

Take this step and then revisit it daily for the next few days. Shortly I will give you the next action step. From here we can begin to take the things we know and plug into the process of re-inventing our lifestyle to serve our well being.

By finding positive things to connect ourselves to the process rather than just connecting to weight loss or body image, we will create a sustainable journey built on inspiration, connection, fulfillment, purpose-one that does not stop and start, but that ebb and flows.

Mediteranean Vegetable Wrap

This is a really simple, yet well rounded vegetarian wrap.

Ingredients
estimated to make 2-3 wraps

kalamata olives-halved
1 small zucchini -thick julliene cut (2 1/2 x 3/4)
1/2 red pepper
1/4 c white onion-diced
1 c. baby bella (or crimini) mushrooms-sliced
handful of baby arugula
Tbsp fresh minced garlic
hummus (I used orginal)
2 tomato wraps (our market had a tomato-spelt wrap I used)




Preperation: prep all veggies (except arugula) and place in a medium-high heated skillet of safflower oil-saute until just tender. Spread hummus on wrap, fill with veggies and top with arugula.

I am no vegetarian. I usually build my dished around a protein, but I have to say, this wrap was amazing. The few key ingredients I would say to be sure not to leave out... kalamatas, hummus and baby arugula.

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day is intended to prompt positive movement to help restore and conserve this planets environment.

For me, this day is just another reminder of the tremendous value nature adds to the quality of my life. For my husband and I, blessed exposures to some of the most beautiful places in nature has created a connection to this planet that grew a responsibility to be mindful of our lifestyle choices. Each time we find ourselves enjoying a sunny day, a breeze of fresh air, a clear mountain stream, fresh seafood dish, sunset over the ocean, unchanged back-country, even just the wildlife that our wooded backyard attacks; our appreciation for this planet and all it's offerings grow-and so does our desire to preserve it.

As a wellness professional, I appreciate the fact that what is good for our environment, is usually also healthier for our bodies!

Connected to Nature

Activist Ways to Get Involved
Get Involved
Organization
Environmental Agencies by State

Save Some Cheese

I just came across this website that is offering Seventh Generation savings and free shipping. If you use many of their products it may pan out to be substantial savings-details. (I'm not sure if this is a regular offering or limited time).

Printable Ecover coupons.

Lemon Tossed Arugula Salad w/ Balsamic Glazed Beef

This is a recipe that has transpired from the combination of various salads I have enjoyed. Don't be deterred by the arugula, or if it all seems like too much-it works! The lemon oil balances the bitter tendency of arugula, the steak and balsamic adds substance, and the pears...something sweet-a great spring time dinner salad (soon in season). Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 Tbsp raw goat cheese (roncal)
4-5 oz. grass-fed beef
2 tsp walnut oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
1/2 tsp organic brown sugar
2 cups organic arugula
2 large lemon wedges
1/2 sliced organic pear
1 Tbsp crushed walnuts


Preparation
Sprinkle steak generously with sea salt salt and pepper and rub. Cook steak in medium skillet over medium-high heat (covered); to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium. Transfer to plate. Add vinegar, shallots, and sugar to skillet; boil until reduced to glaze, stirring constantly, about 1 minute. Top sliced steak with glaze. Place arugula on a plate and dress salad with oil and juice of lemon, add pear walnuts and cheese.

Re-Connect

Throughout the change of season also comes change in pace, stress, consumption and with this, we let go of that which serves us and unconsciously take on that which does not. Spring is a great time to re-establish our state of well being. There's great reward to periodically checking in with ourselves in order to restore balance to our lives.

Keep it simple, start by becoming conscious of the state you are operating in each day. Understand that each day is composed of hours, minutes and seconds-be present and take note as often as you can. Awareness allows us to identify the thoughts and actions that contribute to the undesirables in our life; and doing so, provides us the opportunity to replace them with intentional practices.

Creating a practice of checking in with yourself throughout the day will require some inward reminding, so be patient. The last thing you need is to be critical of yourself. We are all guilty of operating in the negative-we focus on what we need to NOT DO in order to get what we want. Let me encourage you to do something different this time around and I assure you it will make the process of transforming your lifestyle a much healthier and enjoyable one. Be positive and understanding, reminding yourself that these unhealthy habits took some doing, and they are going to take some undoing-cut yourself some slack and be positive.

The most powerful thing you can do to support this process of renewal is to be reminded of what keeps you connected. What practices fuel a state of passion and purpose within you? What helps you be loving, patient, kind and understanding? For me it's prayer, meditation, physical activity, loving interaction with my husband, deep breathing, warm tea, music, cooking, contact with nature and building my relationships. What is it for you? Make a list and then begin by being present...when you feel an opportunity to plug a practice-let the process of renewal begin!

Freshen Up Locally

Spring is about all things fresh...and I would like to encourage you to allow that mantra to inspire your food choices for the upcoming months. For most of us, we have a couple weeks yet before the fresh local bounty begins to pour in, so as you use up the processed and frozen foods-don't replace them. Instead, consider buying into fresh local food source. If you haven't already, there is still time to buy into a CSA, Farmer Coop, to plant your own garden, plan for the farmers market, or all of the above.

For the sake of easy reading, I am going to keep things pretty simple here. For hose of you who are looking to get more information pertaining to miscellaneous topics in this discussion, I've added many great links to check out.

Fresh vs.Processed... Food grown and consumed locally spares the environment of emissions associated with transport. It cuts back corporate distribution cost and best of all; provides us with the opportunity to support organizations who are truly invested in the future of our health as well as that of the planet. Beyond this there are many health benefits of eating whole foods (foods that are in their original form).

Organic vs. Sustainable or Chemical Free... Today the term organic is a common-place buzz word. Generally speaking this certification indicates foods are free of conventional non-organic chemicals (pesticides, insecticides and herbicides), or genetic modification. If livestock or animal bi-products (milk/eggs/cheese) are involved it indicates that these animals are reared without the routine use of antibiotics or growth hormones. While I am a supporter of food that is pure, clean, unchanged by man, and considerate of animal welfare, I have come to understand that there are many food sources this time of year encompass these standards but lack the organic seal. Many fantastic sustainable farming operations are in alignment with these principles but simply lack the costly certification. For some small operations, it's not always feasible, others don't find it necessary for them to acquire this certification because with or without it they farm according to their beliefs. When you shop your food, organic or sustainable, consider it to be something a product is not, rather something a product is-inquire about the local foods without the certification and see what their practices are. When you find one that fits your beliefs and health standards, support them.

Deciding which is right for you and your family...The great thing about this time of year is that there are many options to choose from, the tricky part is deciding which is right for your wants, needs and lifestyle. Often this is a matter of talking with others who have been a part of various programs and trying them out based on what you learn. For me, I have found that the combination of them are right for us. Learn more about the various programs to determine which is right for you and your family. Below are some programs that I have had great experiences with (or know someone else who has).

The bottom line here is to become informed and involved in your food choices. By doing so, the foundation of your nutrition becomes less about a diet and more about food choices that fit your beliefs. Whether it's about weight loss, food intolerance/allergies, a medical condition/illness, or basic wellness-it all starts here, and there is no better time of year to make the change!

Iowa Resources...

Farming Cooperative

Buying Club

The Homestead CSA

Iowa CSA Listings

Misc Resources...

CSA, or Farming Cooperatives by zip code

Farms, Markets, and other local programs by zip code

Nationwide Resource for Healthy Meats

http://www.foodroutes.org/

Spring Inspired

Though not fully present, the spring weather is weaving it's way into the days of left-over winter. For most of us, we can barely wait to get to enjoy all that comes along with this fantastic season of rebirth, renewal and of course spring cleaning. We throw open the windows and for the first time in months, address the dust bunnies that have collected up high, and the grime that has accumulated down low. We straighten the closets and rotate the wardrobe, purge the old and infuse with new. On the days the sun shines, we rake, prune, cutback and make way for new growth to move in. Ah the joy of a spring! The mark of a fresh environment indoors and out.

About the time that we are through with our spring clean-up, we return to our closets to find that the clothes that, yes, are fun and colorful; are also sleeveless, shorter, tighter, and a bit more revealing. Suddenly the truth that the ceiling fans and baseboards weren't the only things that went unaddressed this past season becomes apparent. This is the point where the joy of spring fades into the realize that there are only a number of weeks until the swimwear, shorts and tanks come out. Spring suddenly becomes less about the reveal of new daffodils, and more about the what these limited-coverage apparels are going to reveal about a less exciting form of new growth we've taken on.

The truth is that the winter season has it's way of creating some not-so-desirable shifts in the most intimate environment of all-our internal environment. If we take a look, many of us will find that the undesirable changes go beyond physical form. In fact, our mental, spiritual, relational, (and with the economy) perhaps even our financial form has shifted over the past few months. So throughout this season, I can't express how excited I am to bring wellness offerings to life through blogging. Spring is one of the most phenomenal and impressive natural transformations. I believe we can draw on the undeniable energy spring lends to help us address our lives current state. As we redirect our thoughts and actions to cultivate a life of higher consciousness, connectedness, inspiration and purpose; we will discover the state that moves us to make decisions that support what we are to truly in this life to do.

This spring decide to find something more than just new found spring energy that sizzles out-find it to be the the start (or restart) of sustainable lifestyle practices that open up the door to your best life.

Switch it Off

Like many of you, I work to be a good steward of this great earth by becoming increasingly aware of the way my lifestyle choices impact the planet. I feel great about the things my household is doing to support this movement, but the fact is that doing this 100% of the time is not always realistic. To say the least, there is certainly room for improvement in this department of my life, so I get excited when I hear of convenient and affordable ways to make a difference. That's what's great about Earth Hour.

Mark your calendars, tell your friends, family and neighbors to take part in EARTH HOUR this Saturday, March 28th at 8:30 (regardless of time zone). The birth of this day is quite impressive and certainly worthy of mass support. Check out the video below and decide to take part and Switch it off !

View the Official Video

Go On, Have Fun Already

A group of woman met for lunch to discuss their frustration with people who are just too happy, and it went like this...

" I have a friend who is always so excited to share every little thing she reads or hears, but I'm tired of hearing it". Another lady pipes in, "My mom is one of those people who get overly excited talking about a new supplement (the tenth of it's kind) that just leaves her feeling FABULOUS that she forgets she's told me this ten times before," growls another. This woman interrupts eager to tell... "I have a friend who will call me in the middle of the day just to leave a message about something that has her so excited that she can't wait until I get off work to talk about, only to have it be nothing."

The chatter circulated around the table and some point I had left the conversation and gone to that place in my head that I heard myself saying I've done that, and I just did that...oh my gosh, am I one of...and suddenly my attention was drawn the the fact that the conversation had yielded to me. Not having had enough time in my head to draw a conclusion on how I felt about all this, I grinned, shrugged my shoulders and hesitantly admitted to having done all of those things-This week.

So I'm one of those woman who fall head-over-heels in love, talk to my friends and family on the phone every single day(because typing or texting just won't cut it), I get ramped up about any new tidbit of information I learn. Every good meal I enjoy is off-the-charts, and each vacation is the best one I've ever been on in my life. After hearing these woman unable to relate to this excitement, I thought how COULD it be? How could EVERY single thing be SOOO exciting? Am I over-the top?

I've spent some time examining this very thing, and all I come up with is that I Want it to be exciting. We've all heard adults talk about the good-old-days, or the fun they had when they were a younger. My question is this, why does that have to end? While it may make us a bit nervous, we must admit that we all enjoy seeing the child having so much fun that it induces the potty dance, because for a minute we remember what that great fun was like. I think deep down we all want to share in that, we just loose touch with the how.

I enjoy making good fun in my life-even if at times I am that person others see as ridiculously excited. In fact, the next time I find myself at the table with a group of ladies who are unsure about these unorthodox levels of excitement, I've decided on a few suggestions to up their heart rate, and if I'm lucky it may offer them just what they needed to feel tumultuously charged.


Here are just a few that I personally believe will be sure help you accomplish this.


Go skinny dipping with your spouse (for those of you who are unsure about baring it all-keep in mind you are the only naked woman around-and that's hot no matter how you look at it),.

Invite your husband/wife to take dance lessons with you, or just turn on the dance music at home.

Pack a picnic lunch and discover a new feel-good spot in your area to share with your girl friends.

Jump on a trampoline with your kids (may or may not be a good idea-maybe just try hop-scotch).

Plan an travel adventure-go hiking, white water rafting, or zip lining through the jungle.

No matter what it is, it feels good to take time to re-discover things you really enjoy doing, and then to DO THEM often. Abandoning our adult reservations to have some fun is a good reminder of what life is suppose to feel like. So if your not having fun, try it. Who knows, you may enjoy it so much that you find yourself doing the potty dance!

So go on, have fun already!

Recipes for Everyday Life

By nature I am an adventurer, a thrill seeker, someone who thrives on change and new exposure. I love the challenges that come with the unknown and have had to work really hard to keep myself in the here and now.

The experience of travel makes me feel alive. Besides, as a wellness professional I support the claim that a getaway acts as a great antidote for stress, and therefor contributes to overall health (so pitch that one to your boss next time the topic of cutting corporate health care costs arises). But if we're completely honest, for many of us, our desire to travel is in part due to the fact that we live amongst circumstances that we struggle to connect with-I'm working on that, and time away can act as a chance to plug back in and get re-inspired. This is something we could all use from time-to-time. For me, traveling provides an environment that opens me to the space in my being where undeniable shifts take place. There are moments of inspiration, peace, truth and fulfillment, that I recognize as the intended state for my life. The state that my perspective is healthy and makes me willing to answer the callings to be selfless, available, and patient-to be truly alive, and living each day on purpose. Traveling has long been the recipe for accessing this place within myself, and therefor I did it often (perhaps obsessively). I would returned home only to allow every-day life to distract me from being the woman I have the potential to be. I instantly put my focus on the many ways I dislike living in Iowa (and there are MANY), and my lack of connectedness here. This meant it was time to travel! Today I'm working to find this place within myself, right here and now. A place that is independent of geography or circumstance, this translates into AT HOME and this is not going to be easy for me!) My beliefs have me examining my life in ways that I have to admit, are quite uncomfortable.I've always been one to skip steps or opt-out of addressing certain inevitable truths. However, I'm willing address this. For me, this means continually examining what can be done in everyday life to keep me feeling connected. Places of travel simply inspired me to re-connect, and while I will continue to travel, I am going to resolve to create some RECIPES FOR EVERYDAY LIFE that encourage me to be more right here and now. How am I going to do this? By doing what I do best- journeying into the unknown. This time will be a bit different however. Here's the plan...each month I'm going to (perhaps reluctantly) find ways to stretch myself to inspire growth and a sense of connection. If it goes well, I'll serve the lives of others in the process. This will come in many forms-but all must be free of charge. I'm open to the traditional volunteering, (and may warm up this way) but naturally, I'd like to try to be creative and do something different and engaging. So.....I'm open to suggestions and am open to about anything, just keep in mind I have freedom of choice and am disclaiming that right now.

Fresh Catch

Oh how I love good seafood! My husband and I just enjoyed dinner at Waterfront and it made me think to post about their Seafood Market. For those who love seafood as much as we do, the market has seafood flown in fresh each day that you can purchase-but don't think this comes without a price (although cheaper than eating out).

While in Chicago, our good friends took us to their favorite seafood spot-Bob Chinn's, and get this... they have OVERNIGHT EXPRESS that comes right to your door! Now that's a FRESH CATCH!

Who's Not Recycling?

A friend and fellow blogger of mine recently posted a note on this topic. Because this was the third discussion of it's kind that I've heard of in the last week-I've decided it was something to hit on. The truth is that I don't like being an over-the-top talker on all things green, and this is one of them. My beliefs are deeply rooted here, but there are many other topics worthy of discussion..and more up to date in terms of this department.

So allow me to be frank. Recycling is made very SIMPLE for most of us. If you are not recycling-you should be. In fact unless you are one of those people still LITTERING, if anyone still does that anymore, you are smart enough to be held accountable to recycle.

Here's a bonus-if you have children, this can be an area they will likely be glad become director of, and will employ other fellow friends with this great responsibility in their own households. There are many ways to creatively cultivate this practice in your home and neighborhood. In the mean time, please recycle.

Get a bin here

Get information here

Printable guide to show you what to, and not to recycle.

Swirl, Sniff, Sip

Much to my surprise, I have recently come to really enjoy wine! I know, I know...I'm behind the time on this finding. While there are many of you out there who have been enjoying this wonderful dink for some time, I on the other hand-am a newbie .

Until now, I have never been one to find much enjoyment in any alcoholic beverage, and I HAVE tried. After some recent tastings/tutorials however, my perspective in this category has shifted thanks to a couple of fantastic vineyards that I believe to be dong a really great thing. Yes, their wine is tantalizing, but their story-even better. For me, that's what does it. I admit, I am a consumer with high expectations (as my husband states, I think everything I purchase should come packaged in a life-enriching experience). Doesn't everyone?

On that note, coming to know the story behind each bottle and the way that the numerous elements of the region along with the enduring practices of the farmers come together to give each wine a specific personality, is impressive to say the least. In fact, a recent tasting of some wines from a great vineyard has really spiked my interest in the offerings of alcoholic beverages. Their story gives them substance and depth and really spikes my desire to indulge-if for nothing else to hear fantastic story of how the present glass came to be.

So now I look forward to the next occasion that lends itself to SWIRL, SNIFF and SIP. I feel blessed to consume the harvest of those who have a love for their craft as well as the land. For me, this purchase is certainly one that comes packed in a life-enriching experience!

This Vineyard is one I was recently impressed by-see for yourself why!

I really enjoyed this Syrah.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Yield
6 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)


Ingredients
3 cups coarsely chopped sweet potatoes (about 1 lg yam)
3 cups coarsely chopped parsnip (about 1 pound)
1 3/4 cups coarsely chopped peeled turnips (about 1/2 pound)
2 Tbsp olive oil

1Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 medium onion cut into 8 wedges
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper


Preparation
Preheat oven to 450°.
Combine first 7 ingredients in a shallow roasting pan; toss well. Bake at 450° for 1 hour, stirring after 30 minutes. Add rosemary, cayenne pepper, and vinegar, tossing to coat.

Save Some Cheese

http://www.seventhgeneration.com/coupons

http://www.ecovercoupons.com/

Acoustic Tunes

Life is made better with music! There's something about music that inspires me to re-connect with the things in life that really matter. My life has a soundtrack. Does yours?

Check out a couple of my fav's...

Indie Arie
Third Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzMrcHYziI4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsD6uEZsIsU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTv24sSNXHc

Local Foodie

By nature, I am homegrown...through blessed exposure and undeniable enjoyment, I am a self-proclaimed FOODIE! For the locally starved epicure, here are a few must-dine spots!

http://www.wokinmotion.com/

http://www.flyingmango.com/

http://www.azaleadsm.com/

http://www.thecafeames.com/