I have moved!

Hi!

If you're looking for me, I am now at http://theprairiehealer.com. 

See you there!

I'll be RIGHT back!

I'm quiet this week as I put together my NEW site! 

Whole Grain Organic Hulled Millet - Do you know how COOL it is?!

So, I have a confession to make: I didn't know how cool Millet was until today.

I didn't even know what it looked like!  See below if you don't either.

I have had a bag of Organic Hulled Millet in my panty going on about 6-9 months or so.  I'm not a person to just throw money around and buy things I don't need, especially organic whole grains! But, I really did have every intention of learning how to prepare this gluten free grain.  

Flax Seed - high in Omega 3's and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Tropical Traditions Organic Whole Golden Flax Seed

In my 20's, my dad began frequenting a particular health store near me whenever my parents came to visit.  I took notice of that since back here there is nothing resembling them.  I thought it odd at the time and wondered why he did that.  I later found out he was going for a bag of Flax Seed they carried as it can act as an anti-inflammatory.  He liked to grind it and sprinkle it on top of his morning cereal to help with arthritis pain and joint stiffness.

Turning into a Unicorn and Regrouping

"Life as a human is becoming too complicated. Time to turn into a unicorn!"

Do you ever wish this were an option?

Normal People Steps to Better Health: Have you thought about Magnesium?

Have you ever thought about adding Magnesium to your diet or even thought about the levels that you are getting in general?

I have to admit, it had NEVER occurred to me until I read 11 Miraculous Ways Magnesium Heals Your Mind & Body.  I was completely blown away from what I read.  It seems so vital and so easy to incorporate, I thought I should share with you.  

Here's the condensed version:

1. Better Sleep
2. Relaxes the Nervous System
3. Bigger Stronger Muscles
4. Better Flexibility
5. Bone Integrity and Strength
6. Remineralizes Teeth
7. Alkalizes the Body
8. Hydrates
9. Helps to Relieve Constipation
10. Enzyme Function
11. Diabetes - Enhances insulin secretion

But, they didn't stop there! It helps prevent stroke, heart disease, period pain, and more. You can check out the link to the article above for more information, including a link to the writer's site.

My cousin also shared with me that by taking a magnesium supplement, she's been able to cut her occurrences of migraines in half.  Nice!  And it also helps with muscle cramping, so if you suffer from Charlie Horses in the night this might help.

You can also refer to: 6 Powerful Ways to Boost Your Magnesium Levels if you're wondering where to go from here.

I found this product and I love it, since I can also mix in a powdered multivitamin in with it or fresh squeezed lemon juice using warm water.

4 Secrets to Healthy Snacking

Click on the image above or get your 14 Healthy Snack Recipes here.

A Reflection on the Change of Season

Oh, how I love autumn, but this year's changing of season has really brought about some intense emotions.

I have been reminded of the image of a mountain and this one in particular: The Lonely Mountain.  As I'm trying to sift through some things, I do feel a bit lonely as if no one understands.  But, I think we all get that way from time to time.  

I think it's time to drop all of my masks, be completely honest, and most importantly, honest with myself.  I am learning that I need to disregard worry or fear, if I feel it is important enough, just go for it.  I've worked so hard to get where I am that I wonder what I am waiting for.  I think I am trying to wait until I am in complete control, so the lesson here is perhaps, that I am not.  And we never really are, so don't stall out in fear of rejection, hurt, failure or whatever it is.

Special Offer from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition!

I've shared here that I am attending the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, the world's largest nutrition school.  Two things that attracted me to the school are some of their fundamental philosophies of Primary Foods and Bio-Individuality.

These two points resonated with me because they are common sense.  And I honestly feel that we are no longer in a common sense world.

I'm discovering what my healthy is, so that I can help others learn what their healthy is.

If you feel passionate about nutrition, our food system or helping others, you may consider joining us at IIN!

And right now, through September 3rd, if you are referred by an Ambassador such as myself, you can receive a special tuition and iPad offer!

So, if you are mulling it over, contact me for details!   Or contact Coach Julia when you call in at (877) 733-1520 and mention the Labor Day Savings and my name! 

I Got Wheels: A Lesson in Manifestation. Are you listening to the answers to your own prayers?

Photo Credit: Stock.Xchng

I cannot seem to wrap my mind around my series posts this week.  I am working through some things that keep coming up in my area of Primary Foods.  So, I feel I should honor that.

I feel as though I haven't always paid attention to subtle messages sent my way in the past.  Messages I have been waiting to hear, prayers I were hoping to get an answer to.  I have come to the conclusion that I have received these in the past (and most people do), but I was not paying attention or brushed them aside.  And it's when I've agreed to live more authentically and build up my spiritual side, that I've seen the most potential and positive growth.

So, I may come across as a little earthy, but I am a rocker at heart.  I love music. Period. Whenever I am wanting to decompress or need something to either accompany or alleviate my mood, I turn to music. I have years of classical voice training and piano lessons, and theater experience, so I might just bust out in show tunes or a song from a previous role or I may belt out something stuck in my head.  During my work day, I'll generally have some music on and while I love all types of music, I really like to rock out.  This is a girl who, front row center up against the gate, got Rob Zombie's spit on her forehead.  YEAH!

It was cool, trust me.

But, now that I'm a mom, I tend to not be as hard core.  I still love all my old favorite rockers, though, and always enjoy the acoustic versions.

Normal People Steps to Better Health - Week 3 Get Moving!

Let's do a quick recap in my effort to introduce some simple steps for "normal" people.  Not health gurus, not fitness freaks, just regular people like you and me.  

Week 1: Eat More Veggies

Week 2: Primary Foods

And this week, I want to mention movement.  

What role does exercise play in your life?  Just honestly ask yourself this question.  

Nut Job: Using Chia Seed and How It Finally Spoke to Me

Recipe & Photo Credit Yummy Mummy Kitchen

I had previously written about Hemp Seeds and their amazing super food properties!  I was blown away when I discovered that little tidbit of knowledge.

But, Chia Seeds?  I've had a bag of these in my fridge for nearly a year.

From the list of some of the health benefits these seeds hail, I should be equally excited about them! Double the antioxidants as blueberries? 100% more EFA than Salmon?!  "Aztec Running Food?" Holy Cow!  

I've used them, put them in smoothies, put them over salads...meh.

It wasn't until I saw this recipe photo for Cinnamon-Vanilla Chia Pudding from An Edible Mosaic, did it speak to me!

Cinnamon-Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding!  Recipe & Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic

It's genius and what I was struggling with in using Chia.  Mixed with any liquid, it takes on a gel-like consistency.  Used in larger amounts and let to soak overnight, it becomes a pudding, almost like tapioca. 

This also helped fill a gap with having something healthy and easy for breakfast as I tend to skip breakfast altogether if I don't. In fact, I have one ready to go right now!

If you have some other great uses for Chia, please share them in a comment below.

Oil Essentials: Why Lavender Essential Oil is my Favorite

In my quest to help people find practical ways to use natural remedies, I never imagined I'd be taken to task so quickly on it!

About 2 weeks ago, I began to experience some leg pain going up into my back across my kidneys. I wasn't sure what it was about. I hadn't done anything to tweak my back, or so I thought, but you know how things like that happen! Suddenly, my ankle began to blow up as well.

"Could it be the all of these bug bites I acquired the weekend before walking out near in a grassy area?" I had asked my mom.

"Definitely," she said.  THAT had not really occurred to me.

I was still unsure of the reason for the back pain. I could not really find a definitive source for answering my questions about a possible infection from a bug bite. So, while I waited it out, I took some Benadryl out of desperation because I didn't really know what else to do. But, it did nothing and only made me tired.

Non-Toxic Home: Nordic Naturals Healthy Child Healthy World Back-to-School Promotion

Photo Credit: Stock.Xchng

So, I've written about my natural health journey, what we do about that in our kitchen and in my overall philosophy.  But, this also has also carried through in what personal care products and household products we use.

What's one of the first places we secure when we have a child who becomes mobile?  

Under the kitchen sink, right?   

Or at least in many homes I know of, under the kitchen or bathroom sink is where cleaning or other toxic items are stored.  I've always struggled with finding ones that work the way I want them to and don't completely gas me out.  I remember being paranoid when I was pregnant about the fumes on more than one occasion. Kind of scary, especially when you think of how sensitive children must be to the fumes.  Why should they be expected to build up a tolerance to things that can irritate their lungs or affect their behavior or make them ill?

One way I've eliminated toxins from our home is removing most of these of types of products altogether.  Just today I did a mixture of water and vinegar for hand scrubbing my small kitchen linoleum floor.  {Note: When I say "mixture," I mean throwing some white distilled vinegar on the floor and using a very wet rag.}  It looks and smells so fresh in my kitchen.  I'm not giving up anything by using non-toxic products in my home and I only give up fresh, safe air when I do use toxic products.  If I do purchase a cleaning product, I read the label very carefully.  But, I'm very careful to provide a safe environment in my home for my children.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Healthy Child Healthy World began in 1992 after five-year-old Colette Chuda died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors. Playing a leadership role in one of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21st century, Healthy Child Healthy World today ignites the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals.

Healthy Child Healthy World is a great resource for parents to learn more, plus it is a way to have your voice heard. Please check them out at www.healthychild.org.  

So, how can you help?  

From August 1st through October 31st, Nordic Naturals will donate a portion of proceeds from selected Nordic Naturals children’s products to Healthy Child Healthy World during its Back-to-School promotion! 

One dollar of every bottle sold of the following products will be donated to Healthy Child Healthy World:

• Nordic Berries™ – chewy, sweet-and-sour multivitamins provide 100% of the daily value of the most essential nutrients
  
• Nordic Omega-3 Gummies™ – easy-to-chew, omega-3 tangerine treats for ages 2+
  
• Children’s DHA™ – chewable, strawberry-flavored omega-3s support brain and visual function for ages 3+
  
• Baby’s DHA – omega-3s for babies 5-35 lbs. with a measured dropper for easy addition to formula or food

"Like" them on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @NordicNaturals.

Get your children ready for school and learning this fall with the nutrition they may need and also contribute to a wonderful cause by choosing where to spend your dollars!

It's THAT Simple!

Normal People Steps to Better Health: Week 2

Hey there, if you missed last week's post, there is still time to catch up!

Focusing on one little area at a time tends to be much less overwhelming and even if you think you're focused, it's always a good reminder to get back on track or make tweaks to where you can do better.

This week, I'd like to focus on something called primary foods.  Makes sense, we're talking about health, right?

But, primary food might not be what you think.  Take a look below.  We are used to seeing the food pyramid when talking about our diets and our health, but you might see some new aspects added to this diagram.  Through my studies at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I am thrilled to learn their unique philosophy about health resonates so closely with my own. 

  Primary Food image credit: Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

This is exactly what I am talking about when I discuss living a Holistic Life.  Everything we consider nutrition today, is really just a secondary source of energy.

I'm suggesting you look at your primary foods.  I like to think this is what really nourishes us.  How is your spirituality?  Would you like it to be better?  Are you ok there?  Career?  Physical Activity? Relationship(s)?

Ideally, you would have this nice round circle.  But, perhaps your circle is a little misshapen.  Take a look at these areas and see how it might be affecting your life.  Do you get so wrapped up at work, you're not taking time for physical activity?, for example. 

I also suggest the heading "relationship" addresses not only how well we interact with others, but also how we care for ourselves.  Are you getting enough rest?  Are you taking time to do things you enjoy?  Or is your day to day life just rush, rush, rush, go, go, go?  As a single mom working full-time, in school part-time and doing everything else in between, I can certainly relate to how that can be the norm.

And so this week, for week 2 in our series on simple steps for normal people, I'd like to suggest that you get out of the kitchen for a bit.  This can be sort of a revelation if you've never looked at it this way before.  Our society doesn't necessarily encourage it, but I found myself on a retreat where I was craving bringing more of that peace into my day to day life.  Make a note of what you'd like to work most on in bringing your circle into balance.  And know, if even you only give yourself 5 minutes to do something like this, it's more than what you've done before.

Be good to yourself!

Oil Essentials: Healing Oils of The Bible

Oil Essentials: Learn more about the healing properties of essential oils, practical everyday uses and how they've been used since biblical times to heal in this series new to The Prairie Healer this month!

I've always been interested in essential oils and, of course, like many of you, my first oil that I was introduced to was Lavender.  I have always felt drawn to its scent and calming properties during stressful times in my life.  It was only until years later that I learned that you are usually attracted to what you need.

I've been reading this book off and on over the past couple of months.  It is very well researched and a very good read.  I've just been saving it for my early mornings that I have set aside specifically for reading this book.

Book - Healing Oils of the Bible by Dr. David Stewart

I intend to finish it, but if you are a believer in the healing power of essential oils, like I am, or interested in learning more, you'll be doubly so after reading how essential oils have been used since biblical times to heal and cure disease.  It is really well-researched and documented in showing instances where different oils were cited throughout the bible and how they were referred to.  I highly recommend it as a place to start.

Next week: A closer look at lavender essential oil and how it helped me when an insect bite spiraled out of control.  Truly one of the most interesting experiences of my life!

Nut Job: Using Hemp Seeds & Why They are Good for You!

Nut Job is a short 7 week segment here on The Prairie Healer where I am featuring my favorite nuts and seeds.  I'll briefly discuss why these are super foods powerhouses, how to use them & their benefits. 

Until recently, I have never really used hemp seeds for anything, though I was aware of their use in making milk for those allergic to just about anything.  There is no known allergy to hemp seeds, which is helpful to those allergic or sensitive to gluten, lactose, sugar, fish, nuts or meats.  They are nutty, but not overpowering, more like a sunflower seed in that way.

Normal People Steps to Better Health: Week 1

I'm in my third week of Nutrition School.  I am really enjoying the material and it is interesting to hear people with stories like mine.  I feel I have learned so much already and have so much I have yet to learn.  So, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in this program.

I am not a foodie, a health nut, a gym rat or an activist.  I am just a normal, Nebraska mom who wants my family to be healthy. But, after what I went through, I feel I can never be normal again.

I still don't have a complete hold on it. But, I do know that the changes that we have made, have made my family healthier. We are sick less - WAY less.  I know there is something to getting off the system and cycle of conventional foods and medicine.

I know first hand it can be overwhelming to think about where to start.  My instinct, once I make a decision, is to make broad sweeping changes.  But the world I live in doesn't always support that since I live in a small town in a rural area of Nebraska.

I got to a point every time I went into a local grocery store that I would panic after reading several labels. I would get upset that there was nothing there I could buy to feed my family and then mourn that I was making life more difficult for myself.  It was frustrating. And when this happens to normal people, they tend to lose steam or feel there are too many road blocks.  They give up even though they do want to make good decisions on eating healthier.

Normal People, Oil Essentials & Nut Jobs!

I'm so excited! I have been wanting to sit down & get some planning and organizing done. I'm pleased to say I've finally rounded the corner on that.

[Now to address the cryptically vague title...]

And I'm also pleased to announce that starting this month, I'm going to be featuring 3 new series here on The Prairie Healer:


•Normal People Steps To Better Health•

Practical advice for today's hectic pace. Weekly, free, no-nonsense tips on taking simple steps to a healthier lifestyle.

•Oil Essentials•

Learn more about the healing properties of essential oils, practical everyday uses and how they've been used since biblical times to heal.

•Nut Job•

This series will be a shorter 7 week segment on my favorite nuts and seeds. I'll discuss why these are super foods powerhouses, how to use them & their benefits.

The Nurse Philosopher with Answers

Kathy Oddenino may be the best kept secret in the world. She explains the nervous system, and the basics of disease, health and healing from her spiritual consciousness since she was a two-year-old, her own healing, and her long nursing career.

Discussing Tragedy and Mental Health with Kids. Are we doing this?

I have had a tough time thinking of what to write the past few days.

But, every time a headline or an update pops up about the Aurora, CO shooting I want to know more details revealing who this boy was.  So, this is what is weighing on my mind this week.

2012 Non-Toxic Summer Skin Care Series - L.c. of acirema - Non-Toxic Skin Care

I wanted to bring this 2012 Non-Toxic Summer Skin Care Series to your attention!  Jessica over at Delicious Obsessions launched her first in the series today with a giveaway!  I have not found a brand of non-toxic skin care that I want to be "my brand" yet and this series (and giveaway), I am certain, will help me resolve this issue.

Click on the image above or the link to learn more about these wonderful products made in the Rockies and enter to win this giveaway!

Using Superfoods in Recipes, Peanut Butter Cacao Nib Fudge

I had a great time yesterday at yesterday's Health & Harmony Herb Festival out at Red Road Herb Farm.  It was great to see people come together at this wonderful event to explore avenues to health through healing herbs and natural methods in rural Nebraska.  We are so agriculturally skilled here, but many have forgotten the ways our grandparents used to do things.  I'm so encouraged to see a revival of a real health movement going on around here. 

At a time when we are discussing "health care" the best health care, in my opinion, is discussing the symbiotic system that is our health and taking charge of our own health by not relying on medicine, which will never cure an illness, only mask symptoms. 

Attendees could visit with different vendors, eat lunch prepared by a talented local chef, listen to drumming, watch belly dancers.  I arrived on site with a dead battery, so I wasn't able to capture this beautiful place, but visit them on Facebook at the link above, where she has many gorgeous pictures of the event, the herb farm and all there is to offer. 

10 Things I Love

1.)  My kids.  I never would have dreamed I'd be this mama bear that I am.  But, I love these kids with some fierceness.  I want to be with them always and take them nearly everywhere that I go.  They are just the most amazing lights of my life.

2.)  Passion.  The feeling of being alive, loving and believing in what I'm doing in those few  moments you get in life.  And if you are aware enough to be paying attention to them, even better.

3.)  The hum of appliances.  The dishwasher, washer or dryer.  It's a small reminder and  reassurance that I have had at least a couple of productive housekeeping moments. It's comforting to know those noises mean something is getting clean!

4.)  Spirituality.  Accepting that I am a spiritual being having a human experience and ever learning.  Open to not having blind faith, so much as faith that anything is possible.  Open to listening when I am being called.  Working on believing that aside from love, most everything in life is trivial.  I have had dying people say so to me and I believe them.

5.)  Ice Cream.  Vanilla and Pistachio are the mots, but I don't think there is any flavor that I would turn down.  This childhood treat reminds me of hot summer days and my grandpa stopping by the nearest place that would give us a vanilla cone that we'd take with us while we were riding around.

Learning How Not To Be A Fake (To Myself!)

So, you may have noticed a lot of changes going on around here.  Most notably the name of this blog and you'll find there is actually an About Me now.  I've also changed some of my blogging goals, because I think I'm actually going to pursue working more in the healing arts.  This is something that I have wanted to do since I was in college.  But, for one reason or another, I felt discouraged or that people weren't supportive of this line of work for me.

I didn't value my own happiness as much then, being fresh off my teens and I  knew I was TOTALLY selfish as any teen is, so I heeded the advice of the adults and friends who said they "never heard of anyone doing that" or that they "liked that I was getting a four-year degree, better."

I am not a fake person.  Except to myself, it seems.

5+ Ways to Help Make Drinking Your Water More Exciting!

Usually my water consumption is a no-brainer on 100+ degree, Nebraska summer days.  But, this year, I find that I am struggling with my water intake.  I do drink 6 glasses/day of straight water, but add that to my 3-4 very large cups of coffee each morning and I think it all cancels out.

Why water?

• It helps to curb your appetite.  Do you get cravings?  Maybe you aren't hungry, but thirsty or dehydrated.

• It also purifies and detoxes your organs, the largest of them being your skin.

I'd like to receive the optimal amount of both of these benefits.  The closer to nature the better, no artificial colors or flavors, and capitalizing on what this season has the best of. 

I've compiled some great recipes I have found on making your own vitamin water, flavored water and herbal teas.

Enjoy!

  Credit: A Life Balanced

My Natural Health Journey and How I Got Here

This month, I enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to begin classes next month.  I am so excited to be embarking on this new path in my life.  And I'm excited to become an integrative holistic health coach to begin a practice of helping others assess their well-being.


My own natural health journey rapidly began to come to a head about 6 years ago.  While it was happening, I didn't put any of it together.  Now when I tell the story it seems crazy that I didn't, but I just didn't know. These events began to form my philosophy for taking control of my own health and led me down the path of learning more about holistic health.  This is a strange thing to do in rural Nebraska. Natural health and organics are considered to be an unnecessary scam and the word holistic belongs to hippies and new-agers.

Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles - Small Batch Recipe

I despise refrigerator pickles.  Let's just get this out there and let's be clear that when you say refrigerator pickle in my family, you are talking about the recipe with loads of refined sugar.  

I don't want a sweet pickle, to me that is pointless.  I want something that is going to be sour and strong tasting, yet crispy.  Definitely not sugary sweet and rubbery.

That was my experience with refrigerator pickles until I found my dream recipe which is #1.) SMALL batch (I don't have a lot of room for storage) and #2.) Garlic Dill.  Heaven!  I didn't mess with the recipe too much, but I did use Raw Coconut Water Vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.  The flavor blows away other vinegars and you reap the reward of healthy benefits of this product.  And if you have not tried it, you are missing out on a great vinegar for sauces, marinades, salad dressings and more! I highly recommend purchasing a bottle.

It's been a great week.  Even though my kids are on vacation in the midst of the wildfires in Colorado.

First, I found this beautiful bloom on what I thought was a hibiscus bush in my  new yard.  I was thrilled to find this first bloom in the early morning hours the other day.  Someone mentioned it looked to be a firecracker red, and by 4th of July it will be full of these. 

My other great find this week was fresh dill at our local grocery store.  Fresh herbs are hard to come by around here, but we do have a local store that infrequently sources locally.  So, I thought it perfect for using with this recipe since my Dad had some cucumbers to spare from his garden.

 

Random Kitchen Night - Ginger & Lemon Verbena Blue Hake and a Sammich

My kids are on vacation.  And I am having the biggest problem making myself a decent meal.  I don't know what the deal is.  I can make ANYTHING I want, but last week I found myself eating marshmallows for dinner, after having skipped breakfast and lunch altogether, drinking sodas like they're going out of style.  RI-diculous!  I have everything for different kinds of smoothies, but no.

After another full day of this dilemma, I forced myself to go to the pantry, refrigerator and freezer to see what I could some up with last night.  I needed to cook some real food.


It was very random.

Concoction #1

I found this recipe for a Ginger & Cilantro Baked Tilapia from The Kitchn.  I would actually like to try this recipe with the Talapia, but based upon what I found in my pantry, I ended up with this:

Ginger & Lemon Verbena Blue Hake

3 fish filets, thawed
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 T. Ginger Paste
1 1/2 T. Garlic Paste
2 T. dried Lemon Verbena
1/4 c. Coconut Water Vinegar
2 T. Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
1 t. Virgin Coconut Oil
1 T. dried Minced Onion

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.

Pat fish dry, lay in a 9x9 baking dish.  Season with salt & pepper

Whisk garlic, ginger, lemon verbena, vinegar, soy sauce, oil and onion until well blended.

Pour over fish and run it in a little.  Bake 8-10 minutes. 

It was good.  This would be nice with a rice and/or a nice green veggie today for lunch.  Last night, I just had the filet alone to try it.

Concoction #2

I often forget that this is even an option!  I love crusty and melt-y!  And yes, I took a bite. I have a sammich addiction.

Crusty Open-Face Ham & Cheese Sammich

I used leftover 3 Cheese Bread from Panera Bread and add a little mayo, a little shaved ham, some red bell pepper slices, a couple of chunks of goat cheese and a slice of Swiss.  I put these under the broiler for about 7-8 minutes.  I would say they could go up to 10 minutes to get them a littler browner if you desire.  Also, avocado, bacon, tomato or zucchini would be excellent additions or variations!

Today's Mission: Veggies, Smoothies and No Junk. 

It Takes Courage to Grow Up and Become Who You Really Are

All of my life, I have been waiting for something...to quote one of my favorite bands.



Have you ever had that feeling?  I have constantly been waiting for something to happen since I was a child.

47 Smoothies for Summer

I came across this yummy pin for Carrot Cake Juice from Eating Bird Food.

Mind you, I've not typically been a big juicer, I'm not particularly fond of carrots, no less, carrot juice (gulp)!  But, I like them in stirfry, steamed, in salads and have eaten them diligently like every good girl should.

Carrot Cake Juice | Photo Credit: Eating Birdfood Blog

But, Carrot Cake?  This made me turn my head.  I love confusing my taste buds into thinking they are getting a real treat, but it's actually my body who gets the bigger treat with this smoothie rich in immunity boosting vitamins, veggies, spices and herbs.  


Read the full post here on the IIN Blog: 47 Smoothies for Summer

Boho Chic Updo: So easy I'm actually sharing it!

I've been trying to think of a way to include some of the cool scarves I came across recently into my hair. Voila! What a find, this is so easy, so cool and so adaptable, I thought I would share... enjoy!

Add caption

By Latest-Hairstyles.com

5 Beautiful Things That Bring Me Joy

Beautiful Spawn

10 Happiness Tips for Busy People

I'm following the flow of gravitating toward happiness tips and connecting people with ideas for simplifying their lives or enjoying the simpler things in lives.

There are so many little things in life that as adults we miss putting on our mental lists or building into our day, such as eating right, getting enough sleep, thinking positive and any number of what appear to be little things that are actually building blocks to our lives. They affect how we think and the decisions we make. And when ignored, a domino-effect occurs. I believe we need to slow down and care for ourselves before we can care for anyone else. And I feel I have learned this the very hard way.

I discovered yet another list in my 8 year old son's room last night.  He established, in writing, rules for his room for his younger sister and #3 was, again, Be Happy.

Is it Time for Us Adults to Learn from a Kid's To-Do List?

I would love to know your reaction to seeing this list.  

My first instinct was to laugh at the priorities, because they were so cute.  Then I remembered making lists like this.  Then I remembered finding a list like this in my son's room not that long ago.  

One of the items on his list: "Be Happy."  That struck me that he made time for it and added it to his list.  We get so caught up in the mundane day-to-day stuff or working through our own stuff, that sometimes, I think, we simply forget to make time for the small things that make us happiest.  

So, the next time I am doing something that I think to myself, "It doesn't get any better than this."  I should remember to put it on my list.

Have a great Friday!

Source and Original Article:

Is it Time for Us Adults to Learn from a Kid's To-Do List? | Strollerderby

Illusion, Deception and Co-Dependency

Once upon a time, I began to have this nagging feeling that someone was not being entirely honest with me.

Have you ever had that feeling?  I think we all have, and it's the worst!

Maybe not outwardly lied to, but something was being kept from me.  It was such a feeling of dread.  I dreaded when I was going to find out what was not being presented to me in full, and anticipated how I would react to it.

Call it instinct.  Call it intuition.  I knew it was happening. I knew I didn't have the full story, and I wasn't even sure exactly who it involved, but something didn't "feel" quite right.  And I was determined to have that veil lifted.

Was I part of an illusion?

Had I been deceived?

Are you living your entire life like Groundhog Day?

Tsk! Tsk!

Someone has been absent from their blog for nearly a month!  

Oh, I've been hanging around but I haven't posted anything new.  I hope you've been enjoying the re-runs I've been running in the meantime.

I've been thinking a lot about anger, frustration and disappointment.  And honestly, feeling it, too.

It's easy to be disappointed when you realize you've had a certain expectation for something that may not have been altogether realistic. It's easy to be frustrated when you find yourself in a situation over and over and the cycle will only continue until you say,"STOP!"

And it's easy to be angry, when you've been hurt over and over in the same way.

Do Super PAC's Make Anyone Else Cringe?

I may have mentioned my recent road trip and getting to listen to some great radio that normally, I can't devote listening time to.  And I caught a great piece on NPR about Super PAC's.

Many moderate politicians from all parties tend to agree that the 2010 Supreme Court ruling was by far the worst decision by individuals who seem clueless about campaigns. 

7 Top Reasons to Love Windshield Time

Oh, how I miss windshield time.  Even though I will insist that I do not miss traveling for work and glad to never see certain stretches of road again, I DO miss it.  I loved traveling all over Nebraska, talking with people, seeing what was going on their communities, and then taking that back with me when I went home.

I got a little taste of it last week after making a 4 hour trip west for a Connecting Young Nebraskans workshop.

Here are my top reasons for loving windshield time:

An Invitation to Health Giveaway

Welcome to “An Invitation to Health” Giveaway! 

A GROUP GIVEAWAY EFFORT

Oxylent…a multi-vitamin drink made with Effervescent Technology…quality Albion minerals, and Third-Party tested

It Oxygenates....
The naturally occuring enzymes SOD and Catalase work together to promote the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into beneficial oxygen and water, enhancing celluar oxygenation*
And Hydrates....
Important electrolytes control the balance of fluid in the body*
And Circulates...
The amino acid L-Arginine promotes healthy blood flow, which significantly improves circulation*
And Rejuvenates....
A full range of B Vitamins support adrenal health and immune and nervous systems


Enter to Win an Oxylent Prize Pack! Six Winners! $500.00 total value!




● A Box of Children’s Oxylent
● A Box of Oxylent Variety Pack
● An Oxylent Growth Chart
● Swag

Entry is easy! Tell us which blog you entered this giveaway on. Choose to complete as many entries as possible to increase your chances of winning. Don’t forget to give any validating information when asked, otherwise entries will not count.This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end 5/5/12 midnight EST.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. References available at Oxylent.com


A Word From Lisa Lent….

Thank you  for entering the ‘Invitation to Health’ giveaway. As CEO of Vitalah, I want to share the gift of health with everyone. At Vitalah, our goal is to support optimal health by providing exceptional quality and innovative nutritional products worldwide.  We use only the highest-quality ingredients in their most absorbable form in order to deliver products of unsurpassed quality and efficacy. We are very proud of the recognition and awards that Oxylent has been earning on both the local & global levels. The story of Oxylent began over 12 years ago, when I experienced serious health issues that led me to search for the ultimate supplement to help regain my health. The product now known as Oxylent was initially created as something that I wanted for family, friends and myself—a high-quality, effervescent multivitamin without additives or preservatives that now has become the ultimate supplement for everyday life. Good luck to everyone! -- Lisa Lent, CEO of Vitalah

6 Tips for Dealing with Emotional Vampires

It's Monday.

You're settling in, assessing the situation, getting a handle or ready to tackle the day.

If you work in an office setting you're furiously digging out your inbox from the weekend.  

And then it begins.

Emotional Vampires (aka Time Vampires, Pigeons or Pot Stirrers) stop by, call and do whatever they can do to drag you into their drama and get out of their own work.

Sometimes, it's work-related, sometimes it's personal, sometimes it's personal but masked with their response to work and you have no idea what you are dealing with...Bottom Line.

How do you NOT spend your day putting out fires or taking on their sense of urgency when there is none?

Traditional Non-Traditionalism

I think that Traditional Non-Traditionalist sums me up in a nut shell.  

I truly take comfort in traditions and certain ways of doing things because generations of my family have done it that way.  I also find value in traditional ways of doing things that we've forgotten about in our modern world.  I spent most of my adolescence and young adult life bucking the system, rejecting the status quo and defying authority. But, I didn't realize that by doing this, I was also rejecting part of who I was, which is why I kept searching for more.

Wordless Wednesday, April 4, 2012 | A photo found: What the world through our front door looks like to my 5 year old.

GE Foods at a Glance: Just Label It’s New Infographic

Scientists have recently found insecticide from GM Corn inside the umbilical cord of pregnant women?!

We should have labels, so we have the right to choose.  Check out this new infographic on GMO foods: A quick, easy way to educate on issues related to GMO's.

GE Foods at a Glance: Just Label It’s New Infographic

Wise Towns Will Spur Young Entrepreneurs

Are you listening, community leaders? 
A response to findings on a major survey of rural teens, reporting that many rural youth hope to own and operate their own businesses.

From The Daily Yonder: The time to listen to, encourage and educate these young people is now. The future of small towns will require helping entrepreneurial young people learn the skills and find the resources they'll need to succeed with local businesses.

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies Link-Up

Looking for Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies?  

I AM & I need your help! Please Link Up!

Each spring, my almost 8 year old son looks like this for about 2 months.  Miserable, miserable, miserable.