Tuesday, July 30, 2013

☆ 14 Ways Your Cat Improves Your Health (infographic) ☆



I love my cats. They are absolutely my babies. The joy that I receive from these adorable little fur-balls cannot be put into words. If I am in a bad mood, they always cheer me up and make me feel loved. 
Now there's even more reasons to love your cat: by revving up your cat’s purr motor!
Our feline friends provide us with more than just emotional support. House cats may actually be contributing to our physical well-being. When a cat purrs within a range of 20-140 Hertz, nearby humans may be therapeutically benefiting from these vibrations. Purring has been linked to lowering stress, decreasing symptoms of Dyspnoea, lessening the chances of having a heart attack, and even strengthening bones.

Pet-therapy has been gaining momentum and it is already a well-established fact that having cats or dogs (or bunnies, etc.) in the family is good for your health. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges it. Many studies have found a variety of health benefits we derive from petting and interacting with companion animals. And there is scientific research that suggests pet owners live longer than those without pets.

Daily Infographic illustrates:



Infographic courtesy of Daily Infographic

(“dysponea,” usually spelled “dyspnea,” means difficulty or pain with breathing.)

Cuddling up with your cat is good for you and for her. Scratch her favorite spot (try her cheeks!) and get a good purr going. She’ll be ecstatic, and you will get healthier. (Good news for those who cannot take advantage of this feline-based health regimen because of cat allergies: an effective treatment may be only five years away.)

Even if she doesn’t get her purr on, time with your cat (or other animal) is still good for you. Here are just a few of the many ways they take care of you.

Pets Help Sick People Feel Better

WebMD describes a number of benefits ill people derive from living with companion animals.

1. “Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts” if they live with a companion animal.

2. “Pet owners with AIDS are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.”

3. People who suffer from high blood pressure, then adopt a cat or dog, navigate stressful situations with lower blood pressure than people who don’t have pets.

4. “Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without.”

Pets Also Help Prevent Health Problems

5. Taking care of a pet provides elderly people with “exercise and companionship,” with such a positive effect that one company gives bonus points to elderly life insurance applicants for having a pet.

6. “Male pet owners have less sign of heart disease — lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels — than non-owners.”

7. Want your kids to breathe easy? Make sure they have furry family members. That lowers the risk that they will have allergies, asthma and even eczema, plus it strengthens their immune systems.

If you have quadripeds in the house, go play or snuggle with them at once. If you don’t, get thee to the local animal shelter and save the life of a homeless animal who will pay you back with years of good health.


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Monday, July 29, 2013

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺



. . . . . . . . . .

We're taking back Mondays!!!
"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 
Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)
It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

. . . . . . . . . .


Law of Attraction tip: The more you talk about something, the more you are inviting into your life. This can be used for good when we're conscious of it, bad if we choose to ignore it. If you are constantly talking about being sick, being depressed, not having money, etc. then you will invite more of that into your life. If you talk more about your joys then you will invite more joys into your life and healing and the world will be better. ;)        
Be direct with people. This is all about learning to stick up for yourself and speaking up. While I generally promote saying yes to things, there is a balance so learn to fight the urge to say yes to everyone all the time. It’s okay to say no in a nice way. You’ll lose friends if you agree to do something and then just hope it fades away or they forget. Just be honest now and avoid the guilt later.  
Be Spontaneous! Have you done anything spontaneous lately? Our friends visited last week and we went for a midnight swim in the lake--it was hella fun. Spontaneity is so fun, so go for it, say yes ;) and step out of your comfort zone this week.     
Sleep in. Admittedly, I rarely sleep in. I'm usually perfect on 7 hours of sleep and I'm awake and ready to go. However, some weeks are draining (especially with hot weather, or cold weather, or rainy days, or work days, or…) so sleep helps restore our balance and puts our minds and bodies at much needed rest. Take a few nights this week and have a good long deep sleep in. Try to remove anything that might interrupt that sleep; loud noises (wear earplugs, alarms, pets, etc.). Don't sleep in every day though, you should be well rested but sleeping in too much can be just as draining as not getting enough sleep.    
You are responsible for your own happiness. Yes yes, this one I say all the time, but it's absolutely true. You Choose your Happiness! Stop blaming everyone and everything else if you aren’t there yet. And don't get discouraged if you aren't there yet either; trying means progress, complaining means taking steps backwards. If you're not there yet, Fix it. No one owes you anything. And never compare your happiness to someone else's, we're all at different stages and you never know what's going on beneath the surface of another person's life. 
Embrace your Passions! Life is too short not to take time every day (or as often as possible for you) to obsess over your passions. Make it work, rearrange your schedule or habits so that you have that time for yourself and your joys. Take time for your passions and let them be the beat of your heart.      
"If you look out over an ocean, you will see a seemingly infinite number of waves rippling across the horizon. If you were to visit the ocean floor, however, you would experience a vast, uninterrupted stillness. By going beyond our thoughts, we access the underlying field of silence that lies within." - Eat. Taste. Heal.  


Don't forget to Create a Nice Day! To keep smiling, laughing, and spending time on joy!
Much love from me to you! 


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Saturday, July 27, 2013

{this moment} - and the weekly {Smile-Up}


. . . . . . . . . . 
"There are no ordinary moments." ~Way of the Peaceful Warrior

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A photo (or few) capturing moments from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember.
Served up with the weekly {Smile-Up} - gratitude practices to love and appreciate your life. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' and 'smile up' in the comments for all to find and see.
. . . . . . . . . . 

{this moment}



[reunited with two of our best friends after almost 3 years! Missed them!]

{Smile Up}:

Two of our best friends visiting us for the week! 
Midnight swims--and our "macho" friend being the slowest to get into the water (ha!) 
Beach fun! 
Amazing girl talks! 
Barbecues with friends! 
Playing sociables; all the very silly things that happen in that game!
Laughing until your stomach hurts!  
Silly youtube videos
Wednesday market with my Dana :) 
Jumping into the lake in my underwear after sweating at the market--couldn't make it home to the beach house ;)   
Girl time!   
Planning a trip to the tattoo convention in Calgary to get tattooed by Dana! Super excited! 
Campfires and exploring with friends
Kitty belly rubs! And how much our cats love us (now if only they'd stop being sketchy around strangers ;p) 
Feeling like you're taking a step back in time--craziness! 
When friends bring you cookies when you're working :)  
Hugs! Always Hugs! ^_^


Loving: Learning • Reminiscing • Playing • Creating • Girl talks •  Beach Days • Cooling off in the Lake • Relaxing • Campfires • Sleeping in (which I rarely do) • My job • Exploring  • Tea Dates •

Interests for the week:
✯  New Dexter and Ray Donovan episodes. Youtube videos (our friend Mike knows all the best ones)
Music Playlist: Machinehead, RHCP, Deftones, The Pretty Reckless, bad pop music ;p, Blood Red Shoes. 
Food Faves: Berry Smoothies Zucchinis and Kale from our garden Mountain Magic Cookies Iced Chai Marinated Tofu Homemade Kale Chips Coconut Water



Lessons of the week: 
Sticking up for yourself is always best, even when people try to turn it around back at you. Stick up for yourself anyway! Talk! So you can feel better and reach some resolve Listen to your heart--not the excuses you make up in your head. Choose wisely the friends you want to tell your deepest secrets--and be grateful for the amazing friends in your life that you can trust. I say this one again: sometimes people are meant to leave your life, move on and accept that you're on different paths. Be grateful for the good times and release the rest Accept yourself as you are and remember that you Are a Good Person.


Hope you're all having a beautiful wonderful blissful week! 
What are you grateful for this week? :)


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Monday, July 22, 2013

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺



. . . . . . . . . .

We're taking back Mondays!!!
"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 
Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)
It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

. . . . . . . . . .



Do more of what makes you Happy! This week I want you to spend more time on joy! This means working less, and taking a little time out of the day to really focus on the hobbies and things and events that make you truly happy, that truly enrich your day, that bring a smile and bring about that joy in your life. Try to fit in as much of that time as possible. Most of your day should be doing what makes you happy, so if it's not, maybe it's time to change some things?       
Change your Life! Okay, so there's no magic genie, or snap of your fingers that can instantly change you life around, but you can start taking small steps. The first step is to recognize what brings you joy and what doesn't. Take some time to imagine what your ideal day and your ideal life would be like. Write it down. And then read this list every day this week (and beyond). Take some time with it, picture yourself in that life, imagine how it feels, get deep into those emotions of believing. This is an awesome Law of Attraction practice and can truly make some magical things come into your life!   
Receive Compliments--don't dismiss them! A lovely fellow ReLover sent me this article and I'm so glad that she did because it's wonderful and I decided that I simply could not pass up the opportunity to pass it along to you. It talks about the power of receiving compliments and that we should accept them instead of shying away or dismissing them. Work on accepting compliments, and do read the full article, it's fantastic!  http://justinemusk.com/2013/07/09/the-secret-power-of-receiving-how-to-take-a-compliment/
Be Confident with Who You Are. And don't let anyone ever make you doubt yourself. You are wonderful and perfect just as you are so stop trying to shape yourself into something someone else wants you to be, or what you feel like you should be. The more you accept your awesomeness, the more you'll really get to know yourself and discover who you really are and truly embrace who you are. And then you will be become more confident as well.    
Be a Good Friend… the sort of friend who tells someone if they have something stuck in their teeth, or their makeup as smeared. It's funny that we feel uncomfortable with telling another person these things, while that person is the one that ends up being embarrassed. Spare them the embarrassment and tell them straight up. Be a good friend. ;)   
Try Meditating! Admittedly, I am a terrible meditator because I simply don't take the time to do it. Try to get into this new practice first thing in the morning, or right before bed, or whenever your mind feels too busy. It's a great practice to give your mind and thoughts a rest. Find some inner calm and peace.    
☺  "Until you get comfortable with being alone, you'll never know if you're choosing someone out of love or loneliness." ~Mandy Hale.  


Don't forget to Create a Nice Day! To keep smiling, laughing, and spending time on joy!
Much love from me to you! 


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Sunday, July 21, 2013

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Vegan Creamy Pasta Sauce Ⓥ



This recipe is super quick and simple to whip together. It's delicious and creamy and packed full of flavour. For the vegan-taste skeptics, no one will ever guess it's vegan. ;)

Vegan Creamy Pasta Sauce 

1 pound Brown Rice spiral Pasta (or pasta of your choice)

1 head Broccoli (about 1 pound), cut into small florets

2 cups plain unsweetened Soy Milk (or other non-dairy milk)
1/2 cup Vegetable Broth
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
3 cloves Garlic, peeled and pressed
1 tbsp dried Basil
2 tps dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder (or to taste--optional, but it adds a nice flavour and kick)
dash of Black Pepper
1/2- 1 tsp Salt, to taste.
1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
2 tbsp Tapioca Flour (potato or corn starch would work as well, or even any flour)


Other optional add-ins:
Chickpeas
Cauliflower, Zucchini, spinach, or other veggies 


Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to instructions on package. 
While the pasta is cooking, steam your veggies. 
While those are both cooking, make your sauce: 
Combine in a medium saucepan the soy milk, garlic, herbs and spices, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. Add the tapioca starch, and stir thoroughly. Increase heat a little and cook until the sauce boils and thickens slightly, stirring every so often. Add more water if needed. Taste-test to see if it needs more salt or pepper. 
Pour the sauce over the pasta and vegetables and stir gently to coat. If the pasta needs more moisture, add a little of reserved pasta water (from the water it was cooking in). 
Serve immediately.
Makes approx. 4 servings. 



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Friday, July 19, 2013

{this moment} - and the weekly {Smile-Up}


. . . . . . . . . . 
"There are no ordinary moments." ~Way of the Peaceful Warrior

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A photo (or few) capturing moments from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember.
Served up with the weekly {Smile-Up} - gratitude practices to love and appreciate your life. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' and 'smile up' in the comments for all to find and see.
. . . . . . . . . . 
{this moment}

[day at the beach ^_^]


{Smile Up}:

Sunny Beach days! 
Once again I have to say having amazing landlords--they are two of the most amazing people I've met! :) 
Crazy thunderstorms! 
My Rainbow Slouch Hat by KnotaGeek! 
Booked our second Portland trip with my bestie! 
Berry picking at awesome U-Picks--through sunshine and rain!
Llamas and donkeys! We got to feed some at the U-Pick. :)  
Tea dates with awesome people!
Markets markets! 
Skyping with two of our best friends from Edmonton!   
The good news that those friends will be staying with us for a couple days!!  
Drawing, writing, creating--as always! 
My kitties--so much love and laughter and joy. I love them so much.
Fresh zucchinis and greens and veggies from our garden! Gardens are so magical and I feel so blessed by how well ours is doing this year! 
Living in the Kootenays! 
Being self-employed! I work hard but I so love my job and getting to take breaks outside at our beautiful home.  
Having such supportive friends and supportive husband, who check up on me and are completely there for me. 
When things magically just sort of work out. :) 
Hugs! Hugs are always amazing, it's my favourite part of randomly bumping into friends when I'm out and about. ^_^


Loving: Market season • Thunderstorms • Silkscreening • Creating • Skype •  Lazing in the sun • Our patio • Beaches • Feeling the soft grass beneath my feet • Exercise • Inspiring short stories • Gratitude practices  • New experiences •

Interests for the week:
(still) Reading "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman -- haven't had as much time for reading lately.   
✯  Current Anime shows: D.Gray Man, getting back into Full Metal Alchemist, and watched the first episode of Bakemonogatari . 
✯  New True Blood and Dexter episodes, Ray Donovan. Oh and the Chapel Show--because that show is hilarious and appeals to my rude humour. ;)  
Music Playlist: Brand New, Hurt, Red, and Breaking Benjamin, Florence and the Machine, Paramore, Flyleaf. 
Food Faves: Morning Smoothies Getting creative with Zucchinis! Homemade Granola Iced Chai Fresh Blueberries and Raspberries Homemade Kale Chips Humus



Lessons of the week: 
It's Okay not to be Okay. (this is a subject I really want to write about soon, I think it's an important one) Be open and honest--you'll push past problems and reach a better place! Compassion and Respect should always be practiced. Think before you speak. Choose silence and then choose to speak--or write a letter if you can't get your thoughts out clearly. Staying Positive doesn't mean you're happy all the time--it just means you're doing your best and trying!  



Hope you're all having a beautiful wonderful blissful week! Tell me about your lovely weeks! Tell me about your 'Smile Up' and 'this moment!' Pretty please? :)


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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

♥ KnotaGeek (Review) - Handmade Crochet Accessories! ♥



I am so excited to share this lovely etsy shop with you today! Ever since I first saw this shop I've been eyeing up items. It's so full of colour and life and temptation. Who doesn't love temptation? Which is why when temptation came knocking with this adorable Rainbow Summer slouch hat, I couldn't resist. The second I saw it, I knew I have to have one. Instantly. 

So, let me tell you a bit about KnotaGeek, just in case you haven't already fallen in love with their beautiful products…  
KnotaGeek is a shop specializing in unique handmade hats, cowls, scarves, bags, and other fabulous fashionable accessories, all handmade by two lovely ladies: Nicole and Erin. The shop focuses on quality products; each item is one of a kind and made using vegan (yay!) fibers such as luxurious bamboo, eco friendly and organic cottons, and soft and versatile acrylic blends. Vegan and eco-friendly are always pluses in my books--and as if I wasn't already in love with this shop enough. 

Hearing about Erin and Nicole's start sounds like one of those things that was simply meant to be. The two knew each other from a mutual horrid job and later discovered that each of them shared a love to crochet and create--which they only found out after having oddly-almost-identical Facebook photo albums where they posted their most recent creations. One approached the other about starting a shop, and it all took off from there!


So, I recently got my hands on one of their amazing Rainbow Slouch Hats. I can't say enough about how much I love it! I've worn it more times than I've kept track of already, and every time I'm out and about I receive many compliments. I feel like it brings out the hippie in me (umm, more of the hippie in me), as well as the colourful fun of summer! The craftsmanship is superb, the quality absolutely stunning, and the slouch hat fits like a charm and is very comfortable. The fibres are lovely and soft and feel very sturdy as well. I can see this product last a very long time, which is always nice. What drew me in was having a fun summer beanie hat that I could wear with my head still being able to breathe in the hot summer months we have where I live. I love love love it. What a dream! The open-stitching makes is perfect and makes it so breathable and comfortable. I can't recommend them enough. In fact, I want another one, that's how much I love mine. 
The entire look of KnotaGeek is just so whimsical and utterly fun. Browsing through their products is enticingly joyous, the colour choices, as well as colour combinations are just lovely and brilliant. Without a doubt, I recommend KnotaGeek for your next knit purchase. They are super nice sellers, easy to deal with, and great communication. I couldn't ask for more in any type of seller. So go check them out and choose your favourites! 


You can find KnotaGeek here:


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❀ The Good News ❀



. . . . . . . . . . 
Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 
. . . . . . . . . .
Lots of amazing news for animals this week!!

Success! EU Closes Shark Finning Ban Loopholes
In a big win for sharks, the European Union finally adopted a strict ban on shark finning. Officially shark finning, a process whereby fins are harvested from living sharks, has been illegal in the EU since 2003. However, loopholes and exemptions in the law allowed the process to continue. Now, at long last, the process has been outlawed once and for all.
With the new regulation in place, conservationists finally have a law that can make a difference for these vital members of the marine ecosystem.
This win is thanks to millions of concerned citizens around the world, and thousands of Care2 members that signed petitions, asking the EU to reevaluate its stance on shark finning, and outlaw the practice permanently. Thanks to dedicated community members like you, the sharks will now have a fighting chance in European waters. 
(Read more) http://www.care2.com/causes/success-eu-closes-shark-finning-ban-loopholes.html#ixzz2YwcL8ZI1

Pennsylvania Law Makes Animal Abusers Pay
Agencies charged with caring for abused animals often struggle to care for them. Whether they’re flailing for shelter after a big bust or trying to cover the medical expenses of a seriously injured animal, law enforcement and animal welfare groups do their best for abused animals, but it can get expensive. That’s why numerous states require accused animal abusers to pay for the daily upkeep of seized animals.
Pennsylvania just joined that group when Governor Tom Corbett decisively signed H.B. 82 into law. This law requires defendants to pay up to $15 a day for upkeep, including shelter, food and other basic needs. If animals require extraordinary care, the accused may be required to pay more in order to support treatment. Veterinarians can evaluate individual cases to determine what kind of treatment is needed and how much it may add to overall costs.
(Read more) http://www.care2.com/causes/pennsylvania-law-makes-animal-abusers-pay-literally.html#ixzz2Ywe60SlD

Victory! The Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits Banned in San Diego!
The San Diego City Council passed an ordinance to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in city “pet” stores. Last September, the San Diego Animal Defense Team (ADT) gave the city council a petition with forty pages of signatures requesting this ordinance. ADT joined with In Defense of Animals, San Diego Humane Society, Animal Protection and Rescue League, and other organizations to garner attention and support for the ordinance. More than 75 animal-related businesses and animal advocacy groups signed on to support the ban.
Pet stores get animals from commercial breeding facilities, including puppy mills, where animals are imprisoned for life in cramped, filthy conditions and used as breeding machines until they can no longer reproduce. Three to four million animals are killed in American shelters every year because of the difficulty of securing enough good homes for them. Please adopt rather than buy animal companions to break this cycle of suffering, misery, and death.

Victory! Bear Pit Closed
Eleven bears had been imprisoned in concrete pits at Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Cherokee, North Carolina, which PETA has been working to shut down for years. Following a PETA investigation, the roadside zoo paid a fine and surrendered its exhibitor's license to settle more than a dozen charges for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
The bears now reside at the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary (IEAS) in Dallas, after a private benefactor generously offered to purchase the bears from the zoo's owner. 
(Read more) http://www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2013/07/09/victory-bear-pit-closed-animals-get-real-retirement.aspx

Woman Helps Little Gopher in Trouble: Stunning “Thank You”
This story from Care2 is totally heart-warming, so happy to share it. The story is of a mother who has an instinct and knack for helping animals in need--placing their needs ahead of her own and going out of her way to help the poor critters. This story is about a gopher who's leg is caught in a leg-hold trap; the woman comes to free him, carries him home (despite him biting her arm the walk back), and feeds and cares for him (respectfully giving him space). 
"The day came when we felt he was well enough to be set free. I took his cage out to an open field across the road. I opened the door and he bounded out and started to run away.  But, then he stopped and turned around towards me.  He then ran back and stopped right in front of me, sat up on his haunches, paused and gazed at me for a moment – as if to say ‘Thank you.”  Then he scurried off never to be seen again. I will never forget that thank you."
(Read the whole heart-warming story here) http://www.care2.com/causes/woman-helps-little-gopher-in-trouble-stunning-thank-you.html#ixzz2ZK0VVwln

Two Former Circus Elephants Spared Euthanasia in France
Two elephants, Baby and Nepal — two former circus elephants that a French zoo was planning to euthanize after they tested positive for tuberculosis — will instead be spending the rest of their days on an estate on the Cote d’Azur owned by the royal family of Monaco. The fear was that the disease could spread so were therefor called to be euthanized. 
A campaign, led by French actress Brigitte Bardot, was created to save the two elephants. About 200 people formed a human chain around the elephants’ enclosure “to save Baby and Nepal” and Monaco’s Princess Stephanie condemned the decision to kill them as “radical and irreversible.”
In February, France’s Supreme Administrative Court put a stop to the euthanasia of the elephants, on the grounds that there was “substantial doubt” about the legality of doing so, says German newspaper Der Spiegel.
Princess Stephanie then offered to take in Baby and Nepal where they now live on the Roc Agel ranch, an estate owned by the Monaco royal family in southeastern France. The elephants’ new home is a nearly one-acre enclosure with a pool and wooden shed. A veterinarian who accompanied them on their journey said that, upon arrival, they showed signs of “well-being,” showering themselves with dust and humming softly.
(Read more) http://www.care2.com/causes/two-former-circus-elephants-spared-euthanasia-in-france.html#ixzz2ZK2oxChI

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Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 
Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!
See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  


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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

☆ The Importance of the Rainforests ☆



This infographic is full of information about the importance of rainforests and their current condition around the world.  It also provides advice on how rainforests can be saved.

Rainforest Facts from Oak Furniture UKCourtesy of Oak Furniture UK

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Monday, July 15, 2013

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺




. . . . . . . . . .

We're taking back Mondays!!!
"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 
Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)
It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

. . . . . . . . . .


Remember to Practice Gratitude! Every single day! Start your day with a list of things you're grateful for. Throughout the day, keep saying things you're grateful for, give genuine thanks to people around you. When you end your day, spend a few minutes repeating things you're grateful for--reflect on your day and list off all the things you're grateful for, no matter how small.  
It's Okay not to Be Okay. Some days aren't so easy, some days (or multiple days) it's really hard to just be happy and find that motivation to smile. While you try your hardest to be happy you will experience ups and downs and this is, perhaps, the most challenging part of healing. You feel as if you're making all this progress, starting to feel better, but then you have a bad day. And it feels as if nothing you've been doing has helped. Take a step back and remember that's it's okay not to be okay all the time. You're trying and, despite how it may feel sometimes, you Are getting better. A dip in the road doesn't mean the whole road has just crumbled beneath you're feet. There's plenty more happy road left for you still. Don't beat yourself up, and don't dwell on it--because nothing will keep you in that state of mind more than dwelling on it and feeling badly about it.   
Don't Expect anything from anyone… because expectations, when not fulfilled, gives you pain and disappointment. But when you get something without expecting it, it gives you joy and pleasure. Don't set yourself for disappointment, go with the flow and allow life to take you where it needs to.    
Find a corner of Nature and ravel in it! There is so much powerful loving amazing energy to be found in nature and it's a great thing to be outside in it as much as possible. I mentioned the 30x30 challenge a while back (30 minutes a day in nature every day), hopefully you're still sticking to it, and if you're not get back into it! Ground your bare feet in the grass, breathe in fresh air, feel life all around you and love and appreciate it. It's healing and it's amazing!   
Keep Smiling! Keep smiling and someday life will get tired of upsetting you. I read that today and it made me smile. ;) Because smiling tricks your brain into happiness, so keep smiling, even if it's fake, even if you don't feel like it, even if it's forced, because sooner or later it becomes genuine and it becomes blissful and it becomes a part of your every day.   
☺  "Learn. Everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can, there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did." ~Sarah Caldwell.  
Look!  An adorable piggy eating an ice cream cone! How freakin' adorable!!! I bet your monday is already starting to feel better! ;)   
   

Don't forget to Create a Nice Day! To keep smiling, laughing, and spending time on joy!
Much love from me to you! 

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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Peanut Curry Creamy Pasta Ⓥ




This sauce is so rich, and creamy its heavenly! It's also super easy and quick to make, so double yay! This recipe is not too spicy but with a lovely little kick to it, while the flavour of the dish is subtle yet rich and delightful. 
This recipe came from a spontaneous whim of adding a little this and that while I wanted to make something I hadn't made before. I am super happy with the results and I think this will be another new favourite to my repertoire. 
As always: vegan, gluten-free, free of refined sugars and crap your body doesn't need. ;) 

Peanut Curry Creamy Pasta

1 cup tofu, crumbled
2 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 Zucchini, chopped
Kale, Swiss Chard (or other greens of your choice)
1 can coconut milk (I use full fat by thai kitchen)
2 tbsp rice flour (or other flour)
1/4 cup pb
1 tsp red curry paste
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
Water 

2 cups gluten-free pasta (or whatever pasta you'd prefer)

In a large saucepan, crumble your tofu, add the tamari, vinegar, lemon juice and curry paste and sauté for a few minutes so the tofu soaks up the flavour. 
While the tofu is sautéing, chop up your vegetables. Add the vegetables to the pot and sauté another couple minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a little water so nothing sticks to the pot. 
Add your coconut milk and simmer on medium heat for a few minutes. 
Add the spices, salt, and flour, and stir occasionally. 
Your sauce will start to thicken so add a little more water as needed to get your desired consistency of the sauce. 
Add the peanut butter, stirring, and once again adding more water if necessary. Simmer on low-medium heat until cooked. 
Boil your pasta at whichever point depending on how long it takes to boil (this will depend on what kind of pasta you use). Entire cooking and prep time for this recipe takes approx. 30 minutes. 
Add your cooked pasta into the sauce or serve as is so people can choose how much pasta and sauce they'd like. ;) 
Enjoy!! Makes approx. 4 large servings.    





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Thursday, July 11, 2013

☺ Depression: You Don't Have to Stay There ☺



Ah life. It truly truly truly is a beautiful thing, it's just such a shame that we've been conditioned to believe that life is suffering, that life is hard work, that life sucks. Think about how many brain patterns we have formed during our upbringing, to make us feel badly about ourselves, to make us feel that life is no fun, to make us believe that materialism and money are the only forms of happiness, to make us believe that our happiness depends on things outside of ourselves, and to make us believe that happiness is a farfetched myth that is always just around the corner and just out of our reach. 
People seem to accept misery as if it is their only option. People seem to just accept that they are depressed as if there are no solutions or ways out. People seem to accept that life is suffering. Life can be tough, I won't deny that, I don't think anyone can deny that, but the more you conscientiously work on yourself, your happiness, your life, and most importantly, your attitude, then life becomes funner, happier, and easier. But we accept misery and I do believe this is our biggest downfall. 

Now, this next part I ask you to keep reading before you get offended--because this may be your initial reaction, that is not the purpose of this article but to empower you, so please keep reading--I'm here to at least try to help. 

Depression is not a choice--but staying there is. 
The truth is that depression comes to so many of us, and that part isn't much of a choice (especially due to the society we live in that pretty much tells us to be depressed), but the choice does lie in staying there. It can be hella difficult to climb out of the depths of depression--again I don't think anyone can deny that--it's not as easy as waking up one day and declaring that you are no longer depressed. As awesome as that would be, it's just not really possible. We have created so many brain habits and thought patterns that got us into the state of depression, therefor it takes a conscious amount of work to reprogram your brain out of it. But it is possible and anyone can do it. It takes work, it takes time, it takes some real turbulent ups and downs, but anyone can do it. And those turbulent ups and downs are worth it when you realize that you're going to get better. But you have to want to get better. If you don't truly put your heart into wanting and trying then you'll never get motivated enough to reprogram that brain. Enthusiasm, even if it's faked at first, is extremely viable. You can choose to wake up in the morning and stay depressed and not change. Or you can wake up in the morning and pretend to smile, you can force yourself into enthusiasm. The more you wake up trying the more you'll start to feel the changes emerge in your attitude and in your life. No one said it would be easy, but it is the most worthwhile trying and fighting you'll ever do. Because life is about being happy. And if we give up on trying to be happy, if we give up on fighting our way out of depression or misery, then it's like we've given up on life. There is never a reason to give up. Ever. Because if you reach that point where you feel like giving up, guess what? You have nothing left to lose! You can take the boldest chances of your life, and you can make the biggest leaps. Choose to change, no matter how small it may feel but never just give up. 

Now, this topic has been on my mind a lot lately because, with ReLove Plan.et, I truly want to try to help people and when some people are unreachable then it teaches me to take a step back, to put myself back in the suicidal depressed shoes I once lived in and reflect on the feelings, emotions, and bumps that I struggled with; so that I may find new approaches or advise that may reach people. Because I think everyone can and should be happy and if I can change one person's life then I know it will ripple.


Do what you Can.
Again, people accept depression as if they have no other options, as if happiness simply is not and will never be feasible for them. But it is. People complain about being unhappy, or just accept that they are unhappy and are silently more and more depressed about it. But they don't DO anything about it! This is the part that bothers me. Maybe because I have been there, maybe because I see people do it far too often, maybe because a part of me just can't stand to see others depressed when they don't have to be, and maybe because it's just plain hard to watch people continually self-destruct, but I want to shake people and tell them they can do better, that they Can be happy. This is why this blog started in the first place; because I know what trying can accomplish, because I've been into the depths of hell, pain, misery, self-loathing, and suicidal thoughts, and I never ever thought I would climb out of it but I did. Because I got up and decided to try and not accept that depression was my only option in life. 
Trying doesn't mean you have to make drastic changes with the snap of your fingers, trying means you're going to start, it means taking that first step forward. When I say that it bothers me to see people not trying, I'm not talking about people's inability to just "think positive" and change their attitudes in an instant--that stuff takes time and is not usually a beginners step if you have severe depression. That being said, you can always try and start to change your attitude--but I'll get to that later. These are the steps that I'm talking about that people fail to work on: diet and exercise. 
People turn to anti-depressants before they even try. It's not that I don't get it, I mean everyone wants to feel better, but from what I've seen antidepressants don't help anyone--I still have yet to meet someone on antidepressants who actually feels happy, good, or even not a zombie. Get off that shit! It's making you numb and it won't make you better, and in the meantime you're becoming hella dependent on chemicals that will make it even harder to actually get better. Not only that, but antidepressants are prescribed like giving out candy to kids on halloween. I once had a friend in high school who was having a hard time with her parents and was acting out a little. She was brought to the doctor who prescribed her prozac. My mind was blown! This girl was my best friend, we talked to each other about everything, and she wasn't depressed, not by a long shot. Hormonal, sure, frustrated, maybe; depressed, no! I talked to her about not going on them and she admitted to not being depressed and that she just wanted to make her parents happy. I am so glad, and I know that she is too, that she never went on them.
What I'm getting at is that antidepressants are a bandaid, and while that bandaid remains, the problems beneath are festering and building and will never heal until they are allowed to surface, be worked through, and released.  
Okay, so get off antidepressants and don't turn to them in the first place if that is something you've been contemplating. 
Getting back to those steps people can take to get better but don't do… 
Exercise has been proven to be just as effective as antidepressants when it comes to relieving depression. How many depressed people actually exercise? If you're depressed, start exercising! Go for a run, get an elliptical or stationary bike, go to the gym, get a bike, go hiking. Hell, you can just WALK for 30 minutes a day and that's all you need! I know that you probably won't feel motivated to exercise. I know that at first you won't feel like it's doing anything. Do it anyway. Because it absolutely does help. 
Eat properly! People complain about being depressed yet have you taken a look at your diet? How many foods are you eating that are diminishing your health? Your brain--therefor happiness--depends on a healthy body! How many foods are you eating that are depressants? Do you consume alcohol or do drugs? Do you drink coffee regularly or other highly caffeinated beverages? Do you eat sugar like most people do? Do you eat processed packaged foods? Again, I know that you won't feel motivated to eat right because when you're depressed one of the last things you really care about is yourself, therefor your health. Do it anyway. Sugar alone is one of the most potent depressants you can put into your body, yet people consume sugar as if it's nothing. When I give into a sugar craving, I go crazy, bonkers, like I want to throw my fist into a wall. Sugar is crazy! I mean really really crazy and it'll make you even crazier. Alcohol as well, terrible depressant on the body. It's not rocket science, it's just common sense. Eat more veggies, eat more fruits, eat REAL food, and stop eating foods that are making you depressed! 
So, if you're telling people that you can't help but be depressed, if you are telling people that you can't change, that happiness is simply not for you, and that trying is really hard, well… yeah, trying may be hard, it may be challenging, it may be hard to get motivated at first, but you CAN get better, you CAN get happy, and there are steps you can start taking to get better. 
Start with that 30 minutes of exercise a day, and start by really disciplining yourself with your eating habits. I promise you that once you start doing these things alone then you'll start to feel a difference; and then you'll be able to focus more on changing your attitude, reading helpful books that you'll be able to apply to your life, and the journey will just get easier and easier from there. 
You can also take natural remedies to help boost your serotonin and get your brain working the way it should--because years of depression take a real toll on your body's natural ability to produce serotonin. I highly recommend doing this. Some suggestions are: St.John's Wort, 5-HTP, sam-E, or rhodiola. Make sure you're getting your balanced omegas and DHA as well, these will help and are easy ways to boost your brain power. Make sure you're getting enough B-12, B-6 and other B vitamins. And make sure you're getting enough vitamin D.


These are all steps. You are not helpless. You CAN change. But you have to want to and you have to try. Take it in steps and don't beat yourself up if the change is slow, it does take time! But trying and struggling with that trying is better than just struggling without improvement. If you really need help then I do recommend seeing a therapist or councillor as well. If you can't afford one, lots of places have free councillors available through social services--take advantage if you have them around you because they are amazing people who are there to help you. 
It's never too late to try, it's never too late to start again. You can be happy, trust me. So please start taking steps. 
Much much love! 



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