Get out the pen, start writing that happy ending!

I have a mug, it's been my "tea mug" for year's (which has recently been promoted to my "coffee mug" as well - yes I still thoroughly enjoy both!). It's a special mug, one that I received as a gift and one that I will cherish forever. It has a quotation on it, like many others, however this one just always seems so fitting. I'm not sure if my sister Glenda ever realized just the impact such a gift would have on me but it has, not even sure if she remembers giving it to me, but she did.

The quotation is simple, to the point and really nothing earth shattering, however I love the simplicity of it, the honesty and the downright blatent truth of it:

"Each day is a new beginning....an opportunity to write your own happy ending."

What happened yesterday will always be, you cannot change the past, but today you have the chance to make a change, start over, seize an opportunity, act differently, move forward, think differently, see differently, reach out for help, provide assistance, speak your mind or hold your tongue; whatever it takes to create YOUR own happy ending, whatever it may be.

So, are you ignoring the opportunities that present themselves to you each day? Are you stuck where you are, overwhelmed by life and feeling like things will never change, unhappy with the cards you've been dealt out of the deck? Or, are you seizing those moments for what they are, making the most out of life, looking for the next opportunity and creating your happy ending?

Really, each moment is an opportunity to create that new beginning, shift your attitude, have a change of heart, change your direction, try something new, be daring, adventurous, grab life by the horns and shake the shit out of it if that is what it takes!

Awaken your soul, do something fun and be happy and whatever you do just remember tomorrow you get the chance to do it all over again. So, what are you waiting for?

Grab a pen and start writing, it's your happy ending that you are creating and no one else can write it for you so get at it and own it!

Get your summertime feet ready!

Well, it's that time of year and we have all broken out the sandals and started worrying about our pretty little feet...or for some, NOT SO PRETTY!

One of women's biggest complaints this time of year is their dry cracked heals. I for one have been like many of you and tried dozens of different products over the years to get soft heals and some work (somewhat) and others not so much at all.

Finally I have found something super simple, inexpensive, healthy and available

100% PURE CASTOR OIL (here's a pic of the brand I picked up at the health store)

Now don't go running thinking that I'm going to tell you to drink spoonfuls of this stuff. We are not talking constipation, well, not today anyway.

Castor Oil has many benefits and can be used internally and topically for a host of symptoms, today we are talking about the topical use for softening skin.

Simply massage a small amount into your feet at night time. If you wish you can put socks on your feet after to keep from getting any oil on your sheets, however totally up to you, your feet will simply absorb it (as well as your hands). It's fantastic for rough, dry calloused hands and feet.

Do your feet and your wallet a favor and give this simple product a try, you're feet will thank you for it!

FYI, there are many other uses for this wonderful product, the soft skin doesn't stop with the feet, its fantastic for dry chapped lips, hands, elbows, you name it. Castor oil packs are another use, however we'll save that for another day and a whole other host of issues that it can help with!

Go get sandal ready peeps, the weather's looking awesome and so should your feet!!!!

Quote of the day

“Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don't be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are.”

- Kristin Armstrong

Fermentation....Shaking Up The Typical Bean Salad!

Sauerkraut Bean Salad

In a large bowl mix the following:

Dressing:
2-3 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
1-2 minced cloves of garlic
3/4 cup sauerkraut (or more if desired)
black pepper

Add to the dressing:
1 can of mixed beans - well rinsed (dried, soaked and precooked are a better option however if pressed for time canned will do)
1/2 green pepper chopped
1/4 red onion chopped

Voila - done

Simple as that!

So, before you go running scared, yes I said sauerkraut but honestly try it. Now, ensure your sauerkraut is the basic cabbage and salt combo, not soaked in vinegar.

Sauerkraut (cabbage and salt) is a fermented food that has excellent beneficial bacteria for your guts.

You can read all about the benefits of fermented foods over here at Daniel Vitalis' post and check out his video on how to make your own if you are so inclined to do so.

http://www.danielvitalis.com/tag/sauerkraut/

Quinoa Lentil Salad

It seems like it's been forever since I sat down and posted anything. I do apologize for the absence but can say that it was much needed time that I truly needed to devote to other aspects of my life. I hope to get back to the swing of things and update this blog more regularily, however life seems to be flying in many directions lately and frankly I just can't keep up with everything.

This salad is bursting with flavor, just in time for spring.

Quinoa Lentil Salad (cold)

Ingredients - toss the following together in a large bowl
2-3 cups cooked quinoa (cooked amount - not dry measurement!)
1 can lentils - rinsed and drained (if using dried lentils you need to pre-cook)
1 medium sweet potato - grated
3 stalks of celery - chopped
3 green onions - chopped

Dressing - mix all together and then pour over the salad ingredients
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2-3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2-3 cloves of smashed garlic
2 tbsp chopped ginger
1 rounded teaspoon tumeric
juice of 1/2 lime

This can be served right away, however if you let it sit overnight (or at least an hour) it will help the flavors to mingle.

High in protein and fibre and the ginger gives it a nice flavor awakening for your taste buds.