Y2 – Day 272 – Finally Cooler

Nice to have it cooler.  Cindi went to visit her cousin, Kublah Khan at Nana’s house.Notice how sketchy it all seems to Cindi.  Meanwhile Kublah wants to play with her guest and Cindi is not interested in the least.  They liked each other when the cat was a kitten a few months ago.  However, now, the cat is larger and perhaps more intimidating.  He was a little too friendly for Cindi and she was apprehensive.  Kublah kept following and trying to get to know Cindi.  They were not aggressive towards each other so the visit went well but no tears were shed on Cindi’s part, when it was time to leave, either.

We call our domesticated animals “pets” because they crave our attention and it does us good to touch them.

Y2 – Day 271 – Woo Hoo

“Destiny is not a matter of chance; 
it is a matter of choice. 
It is not a thing to be waited for; 
it is a thing to be achieved.” – William Jennings Bryan

Last night, was our last night of the Life Coaching Course!  Woo Hoo!!!

Next, Business course and Space Clearing – Yes!!!

I am totally excited!!!

I have had many purposeful lives and transformations in one lifetime.  I love being of service and giving people support, direction and knowledge to make their dreams come true.  I Love to be creative with solution, options and points of view.  I am proud to be a Life Shift Coach and I am ready to hang out my shingle.  I will be using all of my experiences and resources plus continuing my education.

I can never stop learning, just like a shark can’t stop moving, I would perish.

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar

Y2 – Day 270 – Grateful

We had a little scare today with Cindi and all is well now… we hope…waiting still on some test results.  The real take away here is the gratitude I feel and the total knowledge that my heart breaks.

If you never dare to love for fear of suffering, you will not live fully nor enjoy the spectrum of feelings we are capable of.

Here are 12 (just off the top of my head) things I am grateful for after today and this one incident:

I am grateful that I am observant.  I am grateful that I am pro-active.  I am grateful that J, the dog rescuer was walking with me at the time and had a phone.  I am grateful that I have friends that are concerned and support me.  I am grateful that my husband is a deep, tender soul and showed up at the animal hospital.  I am grateful that Cindi is home.  I am grateful for her exuberance when she saw us when they released her.  I am grateful I was able to work out my worry at the gym while we waited.  I am grateful for hope and endorphins.  I am grateful we could afford to pay the vets.  I am grateful it seems to be minor enough to be treated with antibiotics.  I am grateful for all the sympathetic pet doctors, veterinary research and nearby facilities.

Imagine if you lived your life each moment in gratitude.  We take so much for granted as we get caught up in the daily grind. We make our happiness conditional; I would be happy if this or that.  When, all the while, “happy people are grateful people and those who aren’t – aren’t.”

What I learned today is that serenity can go right out the door, even with a meditation practice under my belt…but Gratitude always brings me back to surrender, acceptance and letting go.

Y2 – Day 269 – Weather

Can the weather stress you out?  Oh, yes it can.  I am living proof.

Can you control it? No, but you can move, or stay comfortable and find shelter.

I don’t care how much you like snow, last year, New Yorkers were done with the bitter cold.  And even if you were a dry heat lover and your ideal retirement weather was hot, you wouldn’t appreciate weeks of heat waves, would you?

Weather does affect people.  Statistically, there are less crimes committed during the winter and there’s always a spike in the summer.  The lack of sunshine in your life can depress you and you can slip and fall on ice but can I just vent here?  I love it cooler.  I love pines and clean air.  I love a grey, greenish morning.  I love it when it rains.  Heck, I am fascinated by downpours.

We are totally impacted by our environment.  If you love palm trees, dry heat, pastels and the desert – you are going to be semi-unhappy living in a cold, moist, rainforest – let’s say in Washington state.  If you adore sand between your toes, the sun shining on your body 24/7 and breezes, maybe you should look into moving to Hawaii.

But  ideally, My psyche needs green and water, temperatures cool, from a low 55 to a high of 75 max. I am such a limited gal, I know.  I am not much one for change although I like variables but not big, giant fluctuations.

I crave drizzles, mist and reading by the fire.  Unfortunately, we have been inundated not by moisture, but by hot, hot heat and plenty of sunshine.  Even the lizards cannot linger and are running for cover under leaves  –  the birds are flying in desperate searches for water sources and heading up… north.  Maybe sun worshippers are enjoying this but I am clearly done -stick a fork in me.  It is not even cooling hardly at night, yuk.

I am grateful for air conditioning, ice and all the comforts of home but when I step outside, I feel like I can’t breathe.

What’s your favorite weather and does the opposite influence your mood?  Where should you really be living?  Where do you escape to for vacation?

Y2 – Day 268 – Detox Spirulina Shake

So after over indulging all weekend (see cookie fiasco – yesterday’s post), eating non-vegan pizza and non-vegan ice cream Saturday night and gaining a little weight back, I decided it was time to clean out my body and reset or reboot it.

So I had an organic Spirulina Fruit Shake this morning and organic quinoa, sweet potato, celery, greens, zucchini and onion for lunch.  Lots of filtered water, organic herbal teas and maybe an organic mango later.

Spirulina is a type of algae and 1 tsp. purportedly has the benefit of 5 servings of fruits/veggies.  It does not substitute for eating 5 fiber rich, nutrient dense plant foods but it is high in complete protein, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, chlorophyll (it stains very green), phytonutrients, elements and powerful antioxidants.

According to research, spirulina and most blue green algae from non-toxic water environments, improve the immune system, the body’s performance and endurance, it eliminates metals and toxins while also thinning blood, breaking down blood clots and preventing atherosclerosis.

In this homemade detox shake I used frozen organic mixed berries and some frozen banana I had peeled and thrown in the freezer last week when the fruit seemed too overripe to eat comfortably.  Mashed, overripe bananas work well in vegan pancake and baking recipes, also.   Strawberries are an especially helpful berry because they contain ellagic acid which also neutralizes toxins.  The banana and lemon juice cleanse the digestive tract. No need for ice cubes when you use frozen fruit.  Try freezing coconut water in an ice cube tray and adding coconut water ice cubes to your shakes instead of plain water for flavor variety.  You can do this with watermelon juice, or any other flavored water with juice.

I used:

2 cups frozen organic mixed berries

1 frozen organic banana, cut previously in pieces

1 tsp. raw organic spirulina powder

1 cup water

stevia to taste

2 Tbs. fresh organic lemon juice

Chop and liquefy in blender and serve with a fun straw!

 

 

Y2 – Day 267 – Gluten Free/Less Sugar/Vegan Cookies

Cookie Monster Time

These cookies are dairy free, gluten free, less but not completely sugar free and delicious!!!! After eating a dozen yesterday instead of lunch or dinner, I decided I needed to detox today.  Detox spirulina shake recipe tomorrow.  Live today or copy and print this recipe for another time.  You will not regret it.  The procedure is simple and the acquiring of the ingredients is the only trouble you will go through.  I plan on sharing these on Thursday night after my last life coach class, so I froze them.  They are tender and fall apart easily while warm so make sure you cool them thoroughly before handling.  Their texture and taste is a bit reminiscent of Sandies.

The recipe was on the back of Bob’s Red Mill GF flour and comes from Babycakes in NYC by Erin McKenna.  I added the nuts (go figure) and substituted the Stevia for Baking in lieu of the sugar, reducing the amount of sugar and calories by more than half.  I believe next time I will use 2 Tbs. less oil, as I found it unnecessary and maybe even sub in Earth Balance vegan butter.  I might try it also with no chips and bananas instead of applesauce.  The Flaxseed and fruit stands in for the eggs as a substitute.  The arrowroot makes the cookies less dense and lighter.  The xanthan gum is used to bind, thicken and emulsify GF baking.  The GF baking flour is a mixture of chickpea, tapioca, white sorghum and fava bean flours plus potato starch.

You will need:

1 1/2 cups GF Oat flour

1 cup GF Baking flour

1/3 cup Stevia for Baking

1/4 cup flaxseed meal (just whir flaxseeds in a coffee bean grinder) or buy it already ground

1/4 Arrowroot Starch

1 1/2 tsp. Xanthan Gum

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. melted coconut oil or canola oil

6 Tbs. or 4 oz. plastic tin of unsweetened applesauce

2 Tbs. Vanilla extact, no alcohol

1 cup vegan, GF chocolate chips

3/4 cup chopped red organic raw walnuts or any other nut (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 325 and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper (or use Silpats).

2.  In a large bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients together and thoroughly.

3.  Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, add the liquids until a soft dough forms.

4.  Stir in the chips and nuts until distributed evenly.

5.  Drop the dough using a Tablespoon measuring spoon onto the baking sheets, about an inch apart.

6. Bake for 7-9 minutes , rotate the baking sheets and then bake for another 7-9 more minutes or until golden brown and firm.

7.  Let stand for at least 15 minutes before eating (or you will burn yourself – don’t ask how I know).

Makes 36 cookies but with the addition of nuts I ended up with 42 cookies, even after eating some dough (no eggs – so go for it).

 

 

Y2 – Day 266 – Great Quote

“There are cat people and then there are those who haven’t met Cindi yet.” – my husband.

Ahhhhhhh.  Everyone loves a well mannered and sweet doggie with a good-natured and pleasant disposition!!

Here’s Cindi’s latest photo shoot cover.  She is wearing a custom made, designer, trendy, ‘this year’s color’ yellow, polka dotted, white lace and ‘blinged’ out wrap with three satin bows.  This is a one of a kind outfit made especially for her and she is modeling it in repose on ‘Project Dogway’.

If you would like to learn more about getting one of these adorable outfits (there are male/plaid/solid colored ones too) let me know.  My mom’s friend measures your pup and shows you samples and then sews them up within a week.

Come to think of it – doesn’t everyone love polite and tender-hearted people with good intentions, good humor and good moods too? Hmmmmmmm.

Y2 – Day 265 – Opening to the Universe

Not only do we have to be open, willing and honest with ourselves but timing is excruciatingly important. In order to recognize and access our abilities we proceed with care, sometimes even trepidation.   If reaching your highest potential comes with a bit of fear you will even deny or suppress your gifts and discard opportunities.

As most of you know, I come from a tale of reversals and uphill battles to a journey of healing and spiritual awakening.  As I have expanded, so has my world and my possibilities.  In every new experience I became more of me as I gave more of myself.

I learned not only what was to be studied, but used my intuition and inward guidance to create a life I love to play in.  Using herbs, essential oils, sounds, music, crystals, cards, guided meditations, touch, study, body work, energy healing, ceremony, sacred space, and careful intention – I delved into ancient practices.

But another path beckoned and I abandoned yogic ritual and practice.  As I retreated, I returned to the familiar and back to basics.  I revisited my diet, my love of gardening and food, my roots, my family, my journaling and writing, my reading, my walking and my steps back to sanity.

As I recovered, I found myself in the hallway, awaiting passion and enthusiasm to return, if ever.  Here, in this uncomfortable but fertile space, I deeply and honestly pierced wounds, uncovered old, worn out bandages and aired out pain as I picked at my own scabs.

As I own my weaknesses, I have come to  acknowledge my strengths as well.  Feeling like a whole human being is a benefit I receive from understanding bits and pieces of the Universe.  As I incorporate all I am into whatever endeavor I offer out, I am rewarded with a full ness only the balance of mind, body and spirit can construct.

And when it was time…my spirit found direction.

If you need a life shift – See me… devoted to enhancing and embracing my development as I take on the studies of Asian Metaphysics.

Y2 – Day 263 – Tempeh Satay

Sometimes you just have to have something exotic – I made this yesterday and enjoyed it at  lunch and dinner.  For some reason, with this heat, I want to indulge in Indonesian, Indian, Malaysian or Pacific Island meals.

1/4 cup roasted peanuts

1 Tbs. peanut powder

2 Tbs onion

1 clove garlic

1/2 tsp. turmeric

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tsps. fresh ginger root

2 Tbs. Tamari or Soy sauce

1 tsp. chili paste

4 oz. tempeh

1/4 head of cauliflower

Paprika and extra peanuts to garnish

Blend first 10 (ten) ingredients together with a little water if needed.  Steam the tempeh and cauliflower florets for 12-15 minutes.  Crumble the tempeh and break apart the florets.   Add to the sauce and heat and serve.  Dust with paprika and a few nuts.

This is fabulous if you make it ahead and let the flavors marinate.  Consider adding peas, coconut milk or cilantro.  Serve over brown rice for a heartier meal.  Tempeh is very high in protein.  Make sure everything is organic if possible.

Add more onion or chili paste if you want it spicier or sharper and if you cannot find peanut powder, use more peanuts.  I just used the powder because it gives the dish flavor with less fat and calories.  In fact, next time I just may use the peanut powder only and add whole peanuts for crunch.  Create your own, liberally.  This recipe is just a guideline and this dish is yummy vegan.