☺ Motivational Mondays: Life Starts Now! ☺

 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

*****

Alright loves, this is a very special New Years Motivational Mondays post! It is, after all, the very last day in 2012! *gasp* So, as with every New Years, people start making resolutions, saying goodbye to the past year and resolving that This year is going to be Their Year! 

Well, here are my tips for you this week and to keep with you in this brand new year… 

☺ Life Starts Now! New Years is a terrible excuse to wait to start living life. We say things like "next year will be better," and "I can't wait for this year to be over." Umm, I've got news for you, nothing is going to be different in the New Year, tomorrow, or whenever if that is going to be your attitude. You are placing happiness constantly in the future, just out of your reach. Choose to change Right Now. Right this Second! Your New Year starts NOW. Your clean slate begins Now! Make changes, don't just sweep the past year under a rug and wait for things to magically happen. Make them happen! How? Read on…  

☺ Stop Moping and being a Sorry Suck! Holy, blunt much?! ;) Sorry, but every so often I like to be brutally upfront and honest, like a nice little slap on your pretty faces to get you to realize how useless sitting there feeling sorry for yourself is. I know, because I was one of those people for yearrsssss. I get it, it's hard to break that bad habit. Not! It's difficult because we're lazy and we make it hard, and because we would rather complain than actually do something about it. It's so much easier to sit there feeling all depressed and sorry for yourself than to actually get off your ass and start feeling good. But, guess what? You're going to feel a damn large amount better if you switch off that sorry suck attitude and start feeling good about yourself. If you want change then you have to make those steps. Stop giving yourself excuses, because that's all they are. Oh, what? You're "depressed"? I was too, I was suicidal, hated myself, hated life, and wanted to die. Guess what? I love myself today and I love my life. Know why? Because I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself and actually use all that time towards improving myself. And you can too. So no more excuses! 

☺ Keep on Keepin on! Getting to the happy road takes time and effort. It gets easier, I promise. But it does take rewiring your brain and attitude and habits, which is why it can take quite a bit of work at first. Never get discouraged. Actually trying means you're heading in the right direction. Every day becomes easier. Every day you are forming new habits. So you can either build positive happy habits and attitudes, or you can continue down a spiral. Never give up! Stay strong, don't get discouraged, remember that you are amazing!   

☺ You are so much better than you Believe! Part of being unable to change is the unwillingness to accept that you are worthy of good things in your life. Well, I'm here to tell you that you totally and absolutely deserve happiness, love, and all goods things in your life! Oh yes you do! Just because life has dragged you around doesn't mean it was because you "deserved" it, it's simply life trying to teach you something. Sadly, we often get stuck when something unfavourable happens, we feel down on ourselves and get discouraged so the cycle continues. You can change that though, but first you must believe and accept that you are super awesome and deserve all the happiness and love in the world! You deserve All Good Things! Keep your chin up, you are lovely and deserving and wonderful. Start loving and appreciating yourself or you'll never be happy. Read this article for more on loving yourself:  

 ☺ Learn from the past! Instead of just forgetting about this past year and pretending it didn't happen, Learn from it! Tough experiences teach us valuable lessons. If you just ignore the lessons those experiences were trying to teach you then you are going to find yourself repeatedly back in those places until you do finally learn. This doesn't mean you should hold onto everything from your past, not by a long shot. Let go of the negative and bring only the positive into your present. If it does not serve you then let it go. Just make sure you are letting go in the right way, as I said, and bring forward the lesson and leave behind the negative feelings and emotions. 

☺ Consciously Create the Life You Want! One more time now; nothing will change just because it's the new year, You have to Want the change. You have to BE the Change! If you want your life to be kick-ass fantastic awesome fun then make it so! You are the author of your own life. For all the ups and downs, you are responsible for what kind of attitude you are going to have. Whether an experience will make you stronger or weaker. You can choose to be dragged through the mud or you can choose to stand up and stomp and play in the puddles. Only You can choose to make your life awesome. ♥

☺ Learn about the Law of Attraction! Oh yes, you better believe I'm bringing this up again. ;) The Law of Attraction brings into your life whatever you are thinking about. If you are constantly complaining, constantly focussing on the negative, then you are going to be constantly bringing that into your life. Gratitude is everything, the single greatest key to truly changing your life. Start being grateful for absolutely everything, big and small. Focus on the Good, not the Bad. Do this and you actually Will change your life and 2013 Will be Your year! ;) 

I will also be releasing a new "Happiness Guide" zine soon, so keep an eye out for that! ;) 

Have a safe and Happy New Year! 

Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day and Create a Nice Year! xo

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☺ 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

Whoa! Christmas eve! And New Years is sneaking up! Where does the time go?! 

Anyway, I'll be taking a couple much needed days off to relax and be merry, but I couldn't leave without giving you a quick Motivational Mondays post. ;) 

☺ Just Keep Smiling! Because that's what the holidays are supposed to be about! There may be ups and downs, quarrels with families, and so forth, but just keep that smile on your face and you'll find yourself having a good time! :)   

☺ Be extra Kind! Take a little time to perform random acts of kindness, tis the season after all! There are so many others in need, and so many ways to spread a little extra joy into someone else's life. So go do it, whether it be big or small, no action is too small!  

☺ Give Gifts! To five random people. This doesn't have to be anything extravagant, hell it can be super tiny, but the thought behind the action will go a long way! Walk down the street and just hand out a few gifts to people and wish them well.  

☺ … And Breaaaaathe… It's so easy to so caught up in the chaos of the holidays but now is the time to just relax and enjoy yourself. If you're not doing that then you're doing something wrong and missing the point of getting together with friends and family. Breathe! And relax! Take time to just sit and relax and observe the joy around you.  

☺ In case you missed it…  Read up the article I wrote last year (and have repinned to the top of the blog) on how to survive and add joy to the holidays: http://www.reloveplanet.com/2011/12/making-holidays-magical-stress-free.html

☺ Release Expectations! We often have this image in our heads of how the Holidays, or Christmas, are going to be. You know, images of that perfect holiday get together. Well, things happen, bumps happen, and you can't create a perfect moment by forcing it. Perfect moments come from releasing expectations, not getting attached to one particular idea or outcome, and learning to go with the flow and enjoy whatever comes. So enjoy whatever comes, go with the flow, and, oh yeah, Smiiiile! ;) ♥

☺ Remember it's just a day. Christmas day (if you celebrate it) is really just a day. It's a day like every other day of the year. So don't hold it up on a pedestal, don't let yourself down, don't get bummed out if you can't celebrate with friends or family that particular day. There 364 other days of the year for you to spread joy, smile, and spend time with loved ones. It's just a day. Enjoy it, but don't get attached. ;)  

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Holiday season, however you are celebrating--or not celebrating. 

Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day! xo

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

☺ Holiday Season; Stress, Family, & Bringing Back the Magic! ☺

We're one and a half weeks away from Christmas! If that isn't exciting I don't know what is! It's a special time of year when things are a little more magical, people are extra happy, and everyone is a little kinder to one another… or at least that's how it should be. I know that, sadly, the reality is often the opposite. The holiday season has its own load of stress to unleash. Money is tight and yet we run around spending it all on material presents. Parents fight with each other in toy stores over getting the latest must-have gifts for their children. Families stress over making a big huge family dinner. There are presents to think of, find, and buy. There are christmas parties to attend, errands to run, shopping to do. And if your family is like most then it is dysfunctional and untamed and can draw out unresolved issues, emotions, and stresses. Not to mention it's the beginning of the winter so many of us feel the effects of the lack of sun and therefor Vitamin D.

But worry not! I'm not trying to paint an unhappy picture for you only to say, "now have fun with all that hectic stress! See ya!" No, no, no. I am here to bring attention to what you may already be aware of (and if you're not, draw your awareness to it so that it can be remedied--should it need remedying) and remind us all that the holiday season doesn't have to be stressful. Remember that you get to choose after all what you want in your life, how you are going to react, and what you are choosing to do. 

I want to place emphasis once more on the family issues, because I feel like this is the time of year when things can get especially dramatic and draw out those family issues and problems we have within ourselves. I know, personally, and from hearing the stories of many others, family is a tricky topic. Many families have divorced parents, abusive characters, are dysfunctional, or in other cases are just plain bonkers. But I want to say very firmly, you are not alone! Families are not perfect, because people are not perfect. We are all on a journey trying to learn more about ourselves and life, how to behave, how to grow, and how to be human. Everyone stumbles, has issues, and has trouble in their various relationships. And that's okay. So if it distresses you to feel like your family is not "normal" and happy and enjoying the "perfect" holiday season, then know that this is not ideal, normal, or probably common. And, again, that's okay. Think about it, even in all those magical sappy movies there is always a problem that needs resolving before everyone can be happy and enjoy each others company and life. In that sense, the movies actually aren't too far off, because, such is life. There are problems and issues that need resolving in order for peace and love to shine brighter. And if you want a happy ending then it's up to You to choose it. You write your own story! You get to choose the ending.

All the people and events in our lives shape us, make us who we are, provide us with lessons, and make us richer people. Your family may not be perfect, but if you are fortunate enough to enjoy the holiday season with even one special person in your life then be grateful and happy and enjoy every second if it. Don't focus attention on the things you don't have, instead enjoy the things that you do have. Be grateful and mindful of all the things you have in your life. Don't spend so much attention on the negativities within your family or your life, it does you nor them any good. People don't change overnight. Some people don't change much at all. But You can choose to be the person you want to be. You can choose to be happy, joyous, caring, giving, and jolly. You can choose to surround yourself with the people that genuinely care about you and love you and with whom you receive an equally beneficial relationship with. Your family is not just your parents and siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Your family is made up of the people who enrich your life; your friends, significant others, acquaintances, pets, and so on. So spend your holiday season with the people you love and enjoy, and embrace and be grateful for their company and that sense of community. Cherish what you have. And that is how you can bring that magic back to the holiday season. Be extra kind to your direct family as well, forgive and be easy on them, even if sometimes it feels like they don't deserve it. But you don't have to spend the entire day with them, be respectful of your own needs and happiness. Enjoy their company when you are with them, and then move on without carrying that extra baggage with you when you depart. Resolve conflicts that need to be resolved. Self-reflect if you need to self-reflect and realize what within your family still upsets you. I've said it before, but you must help yourself first in order to be of good to others. In truth, the holiday season may draw out family drama, but if it does then it should be a sign to you that there are still some things that need to be worked on. And this shouldn't stress you out. Take it with a deep calming breath, accept it, remember it is there to make you a stronger person, and figure out what you need to do to deal with it. If that isn't immediately clear to you, that's okay too. The path will become clear, just don't carry the negative baggage around with you to dampen your mood. 

Enjoy the holiday season because you can choose to. Choose to be kind and happy. Choose to be giving and caring. Choose to carry around that extra bit of magic and holiday spirit with you and pass it on to others. Make your life and the holiday season as brilliant and vibrant as you are. Remember, you choose. So choose to enjoy the magic and childlike wonder of this time of year. Make it magical and wonderful. After all, how ever you choose to celebrate it, it is a pretty fantastic time of year when we let it be.

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Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Gluten Free, Sugar Free Banana Bread Ⓥ

Here is another lovely gluten-free vegan banana bread for you! This was lovely and moist and not too heavy. It still doesn't rise like regular banana bread but was nice and fluffy and super delicious! Also has the added benefit of being sugar-free! Weeeee!

Gluten Free, Sugar Free Banana Bread

3/4 cup Brown Rice flour

1/2 cup Tapioca flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)

1 1/2 tsp Ener-G Egg Substitute (mixed in 2 Tbs water)

1/4 cup almond milk

1 tsp Stevia powder

2 Tbsp oil

2 medium bananas, ripe and mashed

2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

1/3 cup carob or vegan chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400° F.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix flour, stevia powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and optional xanthan gum. Set aside.

In a small bowl, mix the egg replacer, water, and oil. Add mashed bananas and applesauce into wet ingredients. 

Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry, then add the chocolate chips. Do not over mix. Pour into a greased loaf pan.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until centre comes out clean (by poking a toothpick or fork in the centre).

Enjoy!

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☺ 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

☺ Think Positive = Receive Positive. Think Negative = Receive Negative. I've been seeing a ton of negative and frustrated statuses on Facebook and social networking sites lately. It makes me a sad panda. :( Remember that focussing on those negatives and getting frustrated only welcomes more of it into your life. Always focus on the positive, no matter how things get. If you want love then think thoughts of love, and remember to be patient (not frustrated and give up). Happiness and love are all around you, but you must be open to receiving it, and you can't do that with a bad attitude. Think Positive!  

☺ Surround yourself with Good News! The news on television is just plain depressing. It's intentionally so, to make us fearful, to feel powerless and helpless. It's propaganda. Don't watch it. This is what the wonderful world of the internet exists for (and why governments keep coming out with things like SOPA). Read up on things if you're unsure. Question everything (in a good healthy way, not an obsessive way that will make you crazy ;p). And, more than anything, surround yourself with good news. There are so many amazing inspiring stories going on all over the world, stories that fill you with hope and joy. Pay attention to those kinds of stories instead of the negative news projected by mainstream media. 

☺ Dance in the car! This tip is thanks to a lovely reader of mine. :) So, I always talk about dancing in the living room to your favourite music to boost that good mood and for fun exercise. Welll, my lovely reader pointed out that not everyone has much time at home but lots do spend a fair bit of time commuting. So, dance in the car! Turn up the radio and sing and dance to put yourself in a great mood! Flail those arms around, sing at the top of your lungs, smile from cheek to cheek! Of course road safety comes first, but have fun. ;) 

☺ Life is a roller coaster… even if you are the happiest person and are on top of the world, there are still bumps. But the bumps are okay, they're a part of the learning process, for growth, and personal evolvement, the problem is the way we deal with those bumps. Learn to go with the flow and not let a bump knock you off the boat. Climb back up and keep going, don't resist, and make the best of it. Life is a beautiful roller coaster if you choose for it to be. ;) 

☺ Survive the Holidays! I wrote up a post last year around the holiday season and the stresses it tends to bring. It's quite moronic when it's meant to be a time spent spreading kindness and joy and time spent with loved ones, when instead we're running around from store to store, stressing over presents and money and plans, and ending up having very little time for ourselves and those loved ones. Tune it down a notch and spend more time on people instead of more money on artificial things. And read up my post from last year for a mood booster (Click HERE!). 

☺ Do 5 Good Deeds! Tis the season! So spread some extra kindness around and do some good deeds around town, for your friends and/or family. Volunteer at your local animal shelter, support a good cause, give a stranger a hug, buy coffee for the person behind you in line, donate to the food bank, leave "loves notes" on people's cars, help someone with their groceries, anything you can think of! Try to encourage others to join you in this. ♥

☺ “That's the best revenge of all: happiness. Nothing drives people crazier than seeing someone having a good fucking laugh.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk. I do believe I have posted this before but I simply must again. ;) I just posted a new video blog about dealing with people bashing and this quote comes to mind. Don't sink down to other people's negative levels, just keep smiling and having a damn good laugh. Who do you think is going to come out ahead? ;) 

Hope you are all making the most of the Holiday season and keeping smiles on your faces--and if not hopefully today's Motivational Monday tips will help. ;) 

Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day! xo

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

Ⓥ Cheesecake Smoothie Shake! Ⓥ

Don't feel like making a full cheesecake? Well here's a quick and delicious fix, though it does take a tiny bit of preplanning. 

Makes a great dessert smoothie or even breakfast smoothie since it's healthy! :) 

Cheesecake Smoothie Shake

2 Tbsp Cashews, soaked

3 pitted Dates, soaked

1 Tbsp Chia seeds, soaked

1/2 cup water

1 small Banana

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

3/4 cup Almond Milk

1 tsp Vanilla extract

Stevia to sweeten (or other sweetener of your choice)

Soak the cashews, dates, and chia in about 1/2 cup water in a sealable container in the fridge overnight. 

Toss all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add less or more liquid to get your desired consistency and sweeten to taste.  

Makes 1 large or two small servings. Enjoy! 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

☺ 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: Like Attracts Like. It's taken me a while to remember this and I get the questions all the time; "but I never Thought so-and-such would happen, and it did, how does that work?" The Law of Attraction brings to you what you are thinking about, but it also attracts "Like" thoughts. Meaning, if you are feeling fantastic and on an awesome frequency then you will attract more things that will make you Feel Good. On the flip side, if you are on a negative frequency then you are going to keep attracting things on that frequency; things that will make you not feel good. Get it? If not I'll be writing up a more in-depth article on this this week. ;)  

☺ Think Twice! About everything. Before you eat; think twice. Where did your food come from? Was it alive, happy, emotional? Is it ethical? What is it supporting? How will it affect your health and mood? When you buy something; where did it come from? Who had to suffer in order for you to have said-item? Is it worth it? Before you make assumptions about another person; think twice! Do you Really Know them? Who are you to judge? Have you been in their shoes? We too easily do without thinking, so this week, try Thinking Twice. ;) 

☺ There are no Right or Wrong Answers! Or decisions. We tend to be so afraid of making a decision or change in our lives because we are afraid that it is going to be the "wrong" one. But there are no "right" or "wrong" decisions or answers. You choose your life and it is up to you to put your heart into whatever choices you make. But also know that if something is meant to be then it will be regardless of what choices you make, the Universe will draw it together. 

☺ Be Nice and Talk to People! Man are people ever funny! I feel like I see a lot of it where I live; people being "clicky" like in high-school, not wanting to talk to certain people or judging and staying inside their little "groups" because they somehow think it makes them "cooler." We judge so easily and separate ourselves from others because of assumptions and not giving people a chance. The truth is that there are so many wonderful people with huge hearts but we judge outwardly instead of just being Nice to one another. You're not "better" than anyone, and they aren't "better" than you. So Talk! Talk to strangers and new acquaintances, really give them a chance and get to know them. You may not have much in common, and that's fine, no one said you have to become best friends, but that doesn't mean you can't still be nice and have a conversation with someone. Being a snob is just plain silly and limiting for yourself and others. Stop caring what your friends think if you talk to someone either. Just talk, be nice, and get along. 

☺ Try try again! Falling down is just part of the process. You can't be successful at anything without first stumbling, "failing," and falling. It's how we learn. So don't beat yourself up, stand back up every time you fall and try try again. Remember that you Can! Never give up, never get discouraged. Just accept that it's part of the process, learn from the fall and you'll stand that much taller.  

☺ Choose to Smile! We all have moment of feeling not so good, but this is when you need to shift that energy into something that makes you smile. The power of a smile is tremendous! So! If you are feeling down, turn to something that will make you smile or laugh, like a song, a funny youtube video, a comic off the Oatmeal, pictures of cute puppies and kitties. Whatever it is you need to do, Do it! Stop sulking and turn that frown upside down, spend that energy on Feeling Good! It's in your grasp! ♥

☺ “You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be. You just have to decide to do it. Decide today's the day. Say it; This is going to be my day.” ~ Brendon Burchard

Sorry for the crickets here at ReLove this week, I've been busy with Holiday Craft Fairs but will be back to blogging regularly. ;)

I hope you all had a fantabulous weekend and are ready to pull that positive energy into this brand new wonderful week! :) 

Much Love from me to you! 

Create a Nice Day! xo

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

♥ Holiday Shopping "Guide" ♥

Alright, so, in all honesty, this feels a little late to be writing up one of these, however better now then, say… next week… right? ;)

These are my rules and suggestions for holiday shopping…

How to Shop

Shop Small, keep it Minimal. Don't go overboard and spend a sh*t ton of money--especially if money is tight. It's the Thought of the gift that matters, remember? Remember?! 

Next, think before you buy. How many gifts can you think of that you receive that you don't end up using? You know the little stocking stuffers… not to say these can't be Awesome!… just be sure to put real thought into the gifts instead of going crazy spending everywhere you go is all I'm saying. ;) 

Tight budget? Skip the presents altogether orrrrr agree to all make the gifts yourselves. This doesn't mean crappy gifts, it means gifts with real thought and attention to them. (think the Friends episode when Chandler and Monica make each other their valentine's gifts ;)). If you still want to do something special for the holidays but are forgoing the presents, then, more precious than physical gifts, how about making a plan to do something as a family that you'll remember forever? :) 

Shopping Ethics

So, if you Are indeed buying presents this year let's pay closet attention to the ethics of what you are buying. 

Is it environmentally friendly, and/or made from renewable materials? Is it packaged in layers and layers of plastic? Is it fair-trade? Is it made by some greedy heartless corporation that treats their employees and the environment like doodoo? 

Just take a moment before you buy, and really consider if there are better options.  

Also, think about how you're wrapping presents. All that wrapping paper just ends up in the garbage or being recycled, all to be wrapped for one present for one day. Get creative, wrap your presents in newspaper or cereal boxes, or whatever you can reuse! This doesn't mean you can't still make them look pretty! There are a ton of cute DIY ideas out there, so get eco and have fun with it! :) 

One more thing… Food!! Try to eat locally as well, eat Real food, be ethical in this area as well. Even try a vegan christmas! ;)

Where to Shop

Alright, so now it's shopping time!

First and foremost; support Local, independent Artists, Designers, and Crafters! Why? It's better for the economy, you're supporting small business instead of heartless corporations, you're putting money back into the community, it's more environmentally friendly, you're more likely to get friendlier customer service, and you'll make an artist very very happy. ;) 

If you can't find what you're looking for at the local craft shows then these are where I turn to next…

Handmade! I, personally, almost always choose handmade handmade handmade. Maybe it's because I'm an artist myself and know lots of artist friends making a living off their amazing handmade talents, but handmade is the bestest! Again, you're not supporting some heartless corporation, you're buying something instead that is authentic, unique, and made with care and love and genuine creativity, and you're putting money back to the individual. Power to the people! Yayy! 

Check out sites like etsy, artfire, and storenvy. 

My other suggestion is to support Local people-owned stores in your area. Sure the internet is full of vast products and sites, and, well, heartless corporations… so put your money instead into supporting local shops and stores. Op against the chain stores and instead the stores that you know are locally owned, who actually profit from the business and aren't just paid minimum wage while the money goes to corporations. Most of these smaller stores are more likely to carry quality products as well that aren't going to fall apart. And the bottom line is that it's always better to support local, keeping the love and money in the community and supporting your fellow local peeps!

Lastly, when all of those fail, these are some online stores that I like to turn to because you're still supporting a good cause and these stores tend to carry good quality, smaller-run company products that, at the very least, have better ethics and standards, plus you can score some awesome deals. ;) 

Ethical Ocean, Veganessentials, Karmavore (visit the shop in person if you're in Vancouver, it's fantastic!), Vegan Cuts, Pure Citizen.  

Or donate to a local charity or make a World WildlifeFund adoption (one of my favourites!), or Farm Sanctuary adoption, or spend some time volunteering at your local animal shelter or food bank.  

So that's that. Where do you like to shop? What are you doing this holiday season? How do you holiday shop? 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider a small donation or visit the shop. Thank you for your love and support.

☺ 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

Today we are going to talk all about ATTITUDES!!! ~_^ 

☺ Beauty is up to You! You create beauty in the world around you, affect the things around you, and transform your life, all with your attitude, your behaviour, and your actions. These are things that you have control over, and you must become conscious of so that you can make your world beautiful. Choose a positive attitude, behave kindly, act positively. The kind of life you want is all up to you! :)  

☺ Have Love and Respect for Others! I know it's not always easy, but being kind towards others, no matter how nasty a person can be, is always the best answer. These people have lost themselves and are lashing out because of this loss of self and love. They tend to end up looking for a fight, any kind of confrontation so that they can lash out. Don't give that to them, instead show them kindness. People will not get any better if you greet confrontation with confrontation. You can't control how other people are going to act but you can always choose your own Attitude. Choose a compassionate one. That being said, there is a line to be drawn and you should never place yourself in a place where you are allowing yourself to be abused--which is where the next point comes in… 

☺ Brush away other's Negativities! It happens to the best of us; people decide to let out their rage and insecurities onto others, in the way of nasty comments, bashing, name calling, and so forth. I'm here to tell you not to take it personally and to seriously brush it off and think no more of it. I've had friends lately that have had to deal with people like this, and I, myself, ended up in such a situation. I am happy to say this person didn't affect my confidence or mood--except that it was a little annoying to have to block said-person everywhere. But don't take these people seriously. It's not you, it's Them. If they can't be happy themselves then they're just out to steal your happiness. Don't let them. People have a funny way of lashing out at others. Brush it off and continue being awesome! Know when enough is enough and to treat yourself with respect and the love you deserve. ♥ 

☺ PMA PMA PMA! "Positive Mental Attitude!" It'll get you everywhere! When life is rough, has it's bumps, and when unfavourable things happen, you can always turn to looking at things Positively. There is Always a positive side! Always always always. That's because there is always a lesson to be learned. Choose to learn the lesson and see life in a beautiful and positive light. I promise if you can adopt a Positive Mental Attitude your life will transform! 

☺ Choose Feeling, Not the Thoughts of Others! What matters more? What people think of you? Or how you Feel? Stop worrying so much about what others think, because I've got news for you; there will Always be people out there who don't like what you're doing! On the flip side, if you be yourself and be the person you want to be and stop caring what all those silly-heads (yes, I called them silly-heads) think about you, then you will realize how many people Love the Real you! And you'll realize how much more awesome you'll feel doing so! So stop caring what others think and just Be You!   

☺ Choose to be a Ray of Sunshine! Coming back to what I mentioned earlier; you can't control other people's attitudes, but you can always control your own. So if you can control your own then best start by being a Ray of Sunshine! Try being the most positive, happiest, most vibrant and joyful person you know. Play pretend if you must, play pretend until it starts to rub off on yourself and others. If you can focus on having a hella kick-ass Attitude then you Will have a hella kick-ass Attitude!   

☺ "The Happiest People don't have the Best of everything, they just Make the Best of everything. Happiness lies within your own attitude. Your attitude will truly change everything else around you. If you can learn to pay attention and focus positive traits into your attitude then you will make your life happy and vibrant. If you open up your attitude then you will open up your world and your mind, and your smiles! Remember; attitude attitude attitude! Transform your Attitude and Make the best of everything!   

Hope you all have a fantastic super wonderful week! Focus on that Attitude and I know you will! :) 

Much Love from me to you! And *HUUUUUGGGGG!!!* 

Create a Nice Day! xo

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Ⓥ 10 Minute - Grilled Tofu Tortillas! Ⓥ

Here's a super easy ten minute recipe for you! 

This makes a great lunch, supper, or even snack. Gluten free and vegan as always. :)

Grilled Tofu Tortillas

1/2 pound Tofu (anything from soft to firm works great)

1/2 medium Zucchini 

1 Tbsp (wheat-free) Tamari 

1-2 tsp of spices (I usually grab a dash of everything; Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Cumin, ground Mustard, Chili Powder, Parsley)

touch of oil or water

4 Corn Tortillas

Daiya Cheese (or whatever your favourite vegan cheese may be)

You can also use whatever veggies you have handy really, the fun of this is it's easy to play around with and fast to make! 

In a medium pot or frying pan, sauté the tofu and veggies in the tamari and spices on medium-high heat until lightly browned and veggies are tender. Add a little oil to prevent any sticking--I usually just use a little bit of water, but I cook in eco-non-stick pans). 

Top the 4 corn tortillas with the tofu mixture, sprinkle cheese on top, and grill in the oven until the cheese is melty and the tortillas are a little toasty. 

Voila! Food in ten minutes! 

Makes 2 servings.

Enjoy!  

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☺ 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: We think negative thoughts sometimes, it's just the way we are, however negative thoughts can be reversed instead of attracting negative things into your life from those thoughts. Time serves you well for this reason. You can erase any previous negative thoughts by replacing them with new positive thoughts. You can change your frequency at any moment and start bringing good things to your life! 

☺ Get Excited! Get excited about today! About this moment right now! About Life! Think about how many times in a day someone will ask you "how are you?" Now how often do we automatically reply without much thought. Let this question be a trigger for you to stop and really think and, no matter what it is you might have been feeling before, start to feel excitement and happiness in that moment. You Should feel excited about life, no matter what is going on, so switch your mindset to excitement, the rest of your day and life will transform. So, How are you? ;)   

☺ Get Outside; take a Media Break! I mentioned last week how easy it is to withdraw in the winter and shut off from the fun of the outside world, so make yourself get back out there, rain, shine, or snow. If you have kids, get them outside too, it doesn't serve them to be glued to screens all day. And have fun with it! Fresh air and direct sunlight (even if it's behind the clouds) is good for you, and since media has the reverse effect, cut that out as much as possible. Don't become a zombie slob stuck in front of the TV or computer, get out there and LIVE!  

☺ Take on a fun Art Project! Okay, so while I encourage you to still take time to get outside, let's face it; most of your time is still going to be spent inside where it's warm. So, if you're going to be inside then make use of it--again instead of getting stuck before screens in the media world. Take on an art project! Something new and exciting for you to learn and have fun with it. Expand your mind and your creativity! Make better use of your inside time!

☺ Talk about your Joys! Sometimes it feels good to vent, and it's good to talk about and through things. However, when most of what you are talking about is your problems and complaints then you are only going to keep attracting more things to complain about into your life. As humans, it's our biggest habit, and it's a negative one. If you want your life to be more joyful then spend more time talking about your joys instead. After all, when we actually take a moment there is an awful lot of joys.  

☺ Let it Go & Go with the Flow! Release attachment to thought and the Mind. If things are bumpy, if things aren't quite the way you want them, just let it go. Feeling down? Let it Go. Stuck in a line up? Let it Go. Someone getting on your nerves? Let it Go. We can learn a lot from letting go. 

☺ “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” ~ R. Buckminster Fuller. Just as equally important as letting things go, learn to go with the flow. Whatever comes your way, utilize it, don't resist life. Allow events and things to bend and flow, just go with it and let it go. When we can learn to go with the current you'll soon find a purpose for everything and life becomes a smooth joyful ride. So stop resisting things in life, work With things instead of Against them. 

Hope you all had an amazing weekend and are ready to embrace a whole new week of fantastic fun!!! 

Oh, and HOW ARE YOU? ;) 

Much Love from me to you! And *HUUUUUGGGGG!!!* 

Create a Nice Day! xo

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☺ Life Lessons from Winnie the Pooh ☺

In case you didn't know, I absolutely love love the book "The Tao of Pooh" it's brilliant, I wrote up a review about it already so I won't bother to repeat myself other than to say it's brilliant. What I love so much is realizing how much a simple character has to teach that most of us completely overlook. Pooh Bear just Is. He doesn't overanalyze, he doesn't make a mess of things that don't need to be a made a mess of. He doesn't do much yet things that need to get done always get done. When there is a problem he always finds a solution by using what Is and not, again, over-thinking things. He may not be the brightest, but he loves life and is a happy bear. He doesn't try to put a name to everything like "thinkers" do, he just appreciates things As They Are. This little bear know how to live life with the upmost joy. 

In case you can't tell, I love this book. ;) And I highly recommend reading it.

Anyways, today's post is to show my appreciation for this character that we can learn so much from and to share some little bits and pieces for your daily inspiration and dose of positivity. ;)

Create a Nice Day!!! xo

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