Music Monday

Thirsty Thursday

While taking Boxing at the J.C., my instructor told us that one can only hydrate themselves 8oz. every hour.

I've heard from different people throughout my life that you are suppose to drink half of your weight in ounces.
Example: If you weigh 140 lbs, you need to drink 70 oz. of water a day.

So I've been thinking...
if one only slept six hours a day, in order to properly hydrate oneself, body weight must be 288 lbs or less.

Are you drinking enough water?

Music Monday

Love who you are and rock it!

Sounds of Sunday

Music Monday

I've been listening to this song for a few years now and I'm so happy for these people to have gotten popular enough to have a legitimate video for this great song! It has a very 70's feel to it which gets me right in the soul! May you feel free and happy when you hear this =)

Fabricated or Originated?

What do you prefer?




OR

Music Monday

This is a special song to me. What a great song! It has such a genuine feel to it; you can tell these guys love making positive music. 
TURN THIS ONE UP!!!



Happy 27th!

Fabricated or Originated?

What do you prefer?





OR

Music Monday

This song has a strong positive message that I love and the video is cool too.

Fabricated or Originated?

What do you prefer?



OR

Thoughtful Thursday

A kind smile can be easing;
A kind word can be soothing;
A kind hand can change the world.

Many times in my life I could not have accomplished what I did with out the help of someone kindly lending me a hand. We can achieve very little on our own, yet we can achieve greatness by working together!

Like the Golden State Warriors reminds us:
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS      ;-)

Tea Time Tuesday

Tea is a very widely used word for hot or iced drinks but TEA is very specific to one plant:

Camellia Sinensis

Tea can go through different stages in the fermenting process creating the wonders that are

Black, Oolong, Green, & White teas!

Only the top three leaves from each plant are harvested and fermented to become the amazing drink we call tea.

Yes, there are many tannin's in tea that can sometimes upset one's stomach. If this happens to you perhaps try steeping a cup for no more than one minute and discard of that batch (or share with someone whose system can tolerate the acidity) and then brew those same leaves/bags in new water and you can still get the health benefits and taste of tea with out the full potency of the acid.

Did you know that the reason why white tea is white, is because of mold?!? GROSS.

Actually though it brings many health benefits!!!

It's like probiotics haha

Tea not only stimulates your mind but it also is studied for it's anti-cancer properties.

It helps to fight off illnesses and helps to loose weight and burn fats.

All that while providing you with a fun boost of caffeine!

If caffeine is a concern for you then keep in mind,

-Black has the highest content of caffeine-

-White has the lowest content of caffeine-

(besides decaf, which still has a minimal amount)

The Chinese call it Cha

The Russian call it Chai

The French call it Thé

The German call it Tee

Whatever you call it, call it good.

My favorites are Milk Oolong, Pu Erh, & Dragonwell 

Music Monday

This is one of my favorite songs ever!

The artist designs her own clothes for her videos that people have coins "Bubble Pop" and she graciously accepts their designation. Her back story is very interesting; she grew up in Estonia. She has developed so much as an artist starting with a little bit darker of music to now more brighter positive songs. She also totally reminds me of my cousin <3

Every day sad events occur and every day we are faced with difficult trials and tribulations but one should never let that distract from the truth that is we are all the lucky ones, so let us act and feel like it as long as we are graced with breaths.

Fabricated or Originated?

What version do you prefer?




OR

Foodie Friday

I love ALL food!

well, except for mayonnaise and miracle whip; I really dislike those.

I may not eat all foods but I still love 'em.  Some food I choose not to eat try to be more conscientious and some foods I just can't physically process and break down in my system with out getting sick.

Our world has had some amazing developments in the food industry but with that came a high price.

...Processed foods... WHY?!?!?! Why do we produce you!?! They're so irresistibly delicious!

Oreos... Cheez-It's (or better cheddars) ...Cinnamon Toast Crunch (which I have a box of sitting right in front of me that I am trying my best to avoid eating because I already ate grapes for my dessert but it just sounds SOOO good! LOL)... Snickers... Sweet Tarts... Combo Bites... Nutter Butters... Scooby Doo Graham Cookies... Crackers... Potato Chips... Tortillas... Chocolate Candy Bars... Bagels... Fruit Flavored Sugar Candies... Cake... Brownies... Pastas... Fast Foods...

The list is endless!

STOP EATING CHEMICALLY PROCESSED FOODS!!!

Let's be real; this is a "Do as I say, not as I do" situation.

It's so hard not to eat these foods when they're around or when you're craving something 

sweet or salty.

Do you best to avoid buying these foods and supplement them with healthy snacks!

Apples... Almonds (soaked =P or dry)... Avocados... Bananas... Blueberries... Carrots... Cashews... Cucumber... Kiwi... Bell Pepper... Walnuts... Raisins... Figs... Pistachios... 

You get it.

I'm not saying to eat all raw foods but at least please reduce the amount of chemically processed foods.

With the first group of snacks, I know for me even just typing their names makes me want to binge out. It is almost like an addiction to those foods. I want them even though I know I will not feel right after eating them.

With the second group of snacks, I am not compelled to want to go scarf my face with a box of raisins but I know those are foods that fuel my body, taste yummy, and make me feel GOOD.

My grandma always said "Eat to fill yourself, not to kill yourself"

Thoughtful Thursday

May you always have a bodhi tree and bubble to help you =)

STAY STRONG AND STAY FOCUSED

image from buddhistinsight.com

( cool site for insight =D )

Holistic Hump Day

Have you ever heard of oil pulling?

It's fascinating! Not as appealing to actually do but the results are great.

It is a strange feeling to just swish oil in your mouth until it starts to thicken but if you can push through the awkwardness of that feeling than you can reap the many benefits it provides.

WebMd mentions that it dates back 3,000 years!

An article from foodmatters.tv discusses the main 7 health benefits:

1.   WHITENS TEETH

2.   INCREASES ENERGY

3.   DETOXES THE BODY

4.   AIDS HORMONAL CHANGES

5.   REDUCES HEADACHES

6.   KEEPS THE SKIN CLEAR

7.   PROMOTES ORAL HYGIENE

According to an article from Dr. Axe (and many other articles and opinions, including my own) recommend using coconut oil.

Why coconut oil???

Because coconut oil has been shown to:
-Balance Hormones
-Kill Candida
-Improve Digestion
-Moisturize Skin
-Reduce Cellulite
-Decrease Wrinkles and Age Spots
-Balance Blood Sugar and Improve Energy
-Improve Alzheimer’s
-Increase HDL and Lower LDL Cholesterol
-Burn Fat
-Highly absorbable

Directions for use according to Dr. Axe:
1. Make sure to oil pull first thing in the morning right after you get out of bed before you brush your teeth or drink anything!
2. Gently swish 1 – 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in your mouth and between your teeth for 10-20 minutes making sure that you don’t swallow any of the oil. (Do this gently so you don’t wear out your jaw and cheeks!)
3. Spit out the oil in the trash (not the sink so it doesn’t clog up the plumbing…ask me how I know) and immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water (use salt water for added antimicrobial properties).
4. Finally, brush your teeth as normal.
5. Voila, easy as that!

Try it for yourself and see if you notice a difference; I did!

Beauty Tips Tuesday

In search for using products that are more natural I've come across a company that has a great back story to their products. They are a private family owned company that cares about the ingredients that are in their products.

I have only used one, Cleansing Mint Conditioner, but I love it! I intend to try other products of theirs in the future but I just love mint hair products so much that I almost want to use this solely. It leaves my hair feeling so clean even without shampoo (...because of my curly hair I try not to shampoo every day...) yet still so soft!

Renpure


Hair Care Free From Parabens, Sulfates & Synthetic Colors!

They have a great variety of products to choose to from suit whatever your needs are.

Music Monday

"...Tomorrow will come and the sun will shine..."

Happy Birthday XT!!!!!

Sing-A-Long Saturday

This is the leg slappin' foot tappin' hand clappin' kind song that I love!

Foodie Friday

image from Super Herbal Foods

Thoughtful Thursday

Have you ever tried sleep hypnosis?

Sometimes it is so hard to quiet the mind but sleep hypnosis helps to ease you into a comfortable sleep.

My friend Sandra had recommended checking out Michael Sealey; I did. He is awesome!

Here is a link to his YouTube where you can find many different hypnosis sessions to help a variety of ailments:
Michael Sealey


Here is just one of the greatness -
(best enjoyed with headphones)

Holistic Hump Day

A tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar is said to be a miracle cure! 

Unfiltered is more beneficial despite the awkward settlement it contains. 

SETTLING IS NATURAL so shake it up!

[Happy Rabbit Rabbit Day!  (an old romany saying to give you good luck. Some say it needs to be said as your feet touch the ground when you get out of bed on the first of the month and some say you need to say it to someone who has not be wished it already on the first of the month. Either way it's a fun little something to do to make a more positive life]

Beauty Tip Tuesday

My hair is such a frizz ball! When my hair was short it looked like I had an afro even though i'm of Caucasian decent haha! When it is long it almost feels like I have a fuzzy cat sitting along my shoulders. 

For a long time I used the cheap hair products because I didn't care. After many people complimenting my curls (...having difficulties accepting compliments) I would complain of it's frizziness. Many times people would give me suggestions on how I could improve the health of my hair.

-Do not use scalding hot water while washing your hair (but hot showers are so nice!)
-Do not use shampoo (NO SHAMPOO?! ...ok, so like a couple/few times a week.)
-Do not dry hair vigorously with a towel, instead scrunch the curls using the towel
-Do not use a brush; use a comb while hair is wet
-Use quality hair products, including serums and creams

Knowing some helpful hints I have looked for products that work for my hair.

Since I am trying to be more conscientious of chemicals in products I have searched for natural curly hair products. I once was at target and found some amazing curl creme that worked wonders!

I love what the company stands for and the effect of their natural products!

View their website and check out their products for yourself:
SheaMoisture

They even have Men's products!

According to their website under the ingredients tab
[THEY] LEAVE OUT ALL THE POTENTIALLY HARMFUL INGREDIENTS THAT YOU SHOULDN'T PUT ON YOUR SKIN, INCLUDING:

• No Parabens
• No Phthalates
• No Paraffin
• No Formaldehyde
• No Propylene Glycol
• No Mineral Oil
• No Synthetic Fragrance
• No Petrolatum
• No Synthetic Color
• No DEA
• No Animal Testing

 

YES PLEASE! =D

I have the COCONUT & HIBISCUS CURL & STYLE MILK which smells so nice but not overpowering. It tames my frizzy hair while taming the curls to be tighter ringlets! 

I have used the AFRICAN BLACK SOAP to wash my face and it did wonders. The nasty oils from a long day of work were stripped away but it didn't dry out my skin! 

I've seen these products sold at Target and CVS




Since originally scheduling this post, I have used two other products that I love! I bought the "Olive & Green Tea Body Lotion w/ Avocado" which seemed like it might be a little heavy to use on my face but I find that a little goes a long way and it moisturizes so well and absorbs in the skin well leaving the skin feeling soft and flexible without the extra greasiness! I also have been using the "Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist" which definitely does increase the shine in my hair and helps pull the curls together with a very light effect.

Music Monday

This is just a feel good happy song; gotta love that. 

Foodie Friday

I have always been obsessed with food!

The older I've got, the more I've realized I need to become obsessed with healthy foods rather then just the junk :-\

I originally became a vegetarian at 14 years of age but ate meat again a few years later.  Too much research and discussion regarding meat processing has lead me to the decision to return to a meat free diet. I am not a strict vegetarian because I do love the occasional marshmallow and sometimes a gummy vitamin here or there (which contains gelatin; reduction of collagen from bones and even skin, not just cows but pigs and other animals too. Isn't it a sin to eat the skin of a pig according to the bible? hmm.) and I also eat candy sometimes that has confectioner's glaze or glazed fruit (which contains lac resin; a mixture with ground lac bug cocoons ...that was used by ancient Egyptians to preserve their foods).

It is amazing what eating different fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds can do for you.

There is a diet that is becoming more popular which focuses on anti-inflammatory properties!
Who doesn't want that!?


Some of the main foods recommended are:

Almonds - monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, & protein

Avocados - monounsaturated fats, magnesium, fiber, potassium, low sodium, vitamins A, C, E, & B complex

Beans (Navy, kidney, pinto & black) - protein, minerals, fiber, vitamin B complex & K

Broccoli - antioxidants, vitamin A & C, potassium, & calcium

Blueberries - antioxidant, fiber, vitamin C & E

Carrots - beta-carotene, vitamin A, & fiber

Cauliflower - fiber, manganese, copper, iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins B complex, C & K

Kale - vitamins A, C & K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, & low sodium

Olive oil - monounsaturated fats & antioxidants

Oranges - vitamin C, potassium, fiber, calcium & folate

Salmon - omega-3 fatty acids & antioxidant

Spinach - vitamin A & K, beta-carotene, iron, & folate

Strawberries - fiber & necessary vitamins and minerals for normal body function

Sweet potatoes - vitamin A, B Complex, C, & K, beta-carotene, potassium, & fiber

Swiss chard - antioxidants & vitamins A & K

Walnuts - protein, vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, & omega-3 fatty acids

Thoughtful Thursday

I stumbled across this gentleman when looking for more Daya songs & I am so grateful for that!

He has his own website that everyone should view!
Prem Rawat


This is the video I originally saw that made me want to see more of this man as well as helping me with becoming more peaceful. 

~Enjoy~

Holistic Hump Day

Many years ago my fathers was suffering from cluster headaches. Modern medicine isn't always very helpful. It was extremely difficult to have to watch him suffer; he would have to be in a dark room with silence or it would aggravate the cluster worse. He has always been such an optimist yet when you're in such excruciating pain its much harder to remain positive, "SHHHH!" haha. I searched and searched for an alternative method of easing headaches which lead me on a life long journey of holistic research and natural remedy usage.

I found multiple articles recommending diffusing oils of Rosemary and Eucalyptus.

I have used this pairing many times for headaches and just to make a more pleasant environment; it has always helped me.

I once had some friends visit me while I was burning some in a tealight candle diffuser and both of them told me that within 10 - 15 minutes of being in my room, their headaches went away! I had no idea they even had some otherwise I might have suggested rescheduling getting together until they felt better but it all worked out!

Rosemary & Eucalyptus helps with:
~ Headaches
~ Sinus problems
~ Bronchitis
~ Coughs

You can use a:
-cold water diffuser, which seems to be recommended more so you don't loose as many of the healing properties by heating the oil.
-tealight diffuser
-oil ring for lamps
-facial steam added a couple drops of oil to a bowl of warm/hot (not scalding!) water and using a towel over your head
-making a rub using carrier oils such as coconut
-or some new invention or method I don't know about lol


(With any oils you must be careful to use good quality products. Many oils are not to be ingested!)

Beauty Tips Tuesday

I've been trying to merge my beauty care products to be more natural and vegan!

It may be more expensive but it has been well worth it to me by the difference it makes to use quality products with less or free of chemicals that are in the standard cosmetic products.

One of my favorite brands is Pacifica.

Check out the website:
Pacifica

I've seen these products sold at Targets and CVS'.



I love any of the Body Butters as they leave your skin feeling nourished and soft without the extra greasiness of some thicker lotions.

I love using to Sea Foam Complete Face Wash to cleanse my face. It has a great fresh water and coconutty smell to it and my face always feels like it's breathing without the sting of certain invigorating face washes.

Music Monday

When I found this song I loved it from the first minute I heard it.

Life is like a long game of hide and seek where you switch roles when you lose and when you win.

Hide your key and seek what you need

The strength of a man’s virtue
should not be measured by his special exertions,
but by his habitual acts.
Blaise Pascal

All you need is Love

I would rather be filled with love then filled with hate. 

That is why regardless of how others treat me; regardless of situations that occur in my life; regardless of accidents I make; I am still going to love.

Love others; love life; love myself (well, definitely working on the ladder).

It is one's own burden to care so deeply about the negative aspects; it should not affect others but so often it does.  Allow yourself to release your fears and worries to the heavens and just allow yourself to accept when you can not change something and embrace it when you can!  You are not the other person and can make the conscientious decision to remain positive. It is your choice if you allow one to affect you so choose to make it for the better, either for yourself or anyone else who is willing to accept the help.

Life may not get better but your attitude can! Haha


Many years ago I worked with a girl who had a beautiful tattoo on her inner wrist. Love
When I noticed the tattoo, I asked what it was. After telling me I then asked if she had hate on the other wrist. She responded, "Love is all you need."
I will never forget this for it reached me at a deep level of enlightenment, if you will, that I still remember the feeling of hate just dissipating from the atmosphere. There are so many hateful things that take place in life that there is no need for us to add to it.

"That's why I want you to know

I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change" -Michael Jackson

...Be the difference you want to see in the world...

The Beatles - All you need is Love

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.
Lao Tzu

Go Max Go Foods

Yesterday I ate a new candy bar that I had not ever eaten before...

The Buccaneer
-chocolately nougut in a rice-milk chocolatey coating
-gluten free
-vegan
-no trans fat
-nothing artificial

The wrapper has a little black flag with a pirate face on it and after the name a dotted line to X marks the spot. Tasted amazing. The texture did remind me of eating Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavored Slim Fast bars and I loved it!

I've also had the Mahalo and that was super delicious but much heavier due to the coconut.

Even the website is great!
http://gomaxgofoods.com/

Playing games

What do you do when your playing someone else's game that only has one rule:
You can't win.
?

You lose, that's what you do; you lose.

So stop playing someone else's game and play your own game that you give a rule where we all win.

One for all
And
All for one!!!

I am The Mandie

No words to accurately describe the way this woman's art makes me feel.

The facts however, the words to describe my feelings are maybe better not blogged.

Please, please watch.

Thank you