Go find yourself an adventure!

 
Everyday is an adventure, so get out there!

Lately it has been rainy, but that's never stopped me from finding a new adventure. In fact, I love the rain, it's what brings life.... and boy, does everything look super lively after a good rain!

So I started my adventure off with finding appropriate attire for the weather:

I found that functional clothes, actually looks the best fashionably. Your clothes actually have a purpose; now that's what I call stylish! So, go get yourself a pair of good old rain boots. I have the original yellow poke a dot rain boots with buckles on them ( target) and I also picked up a pair of plain brown duck boots at a thrift shop....they look super cute with just about everything (skirts, shorts, sundresses or a pair of comfy skinny jeans....you can get pretty creative).

Then, I read some of my favorite inspirational quotes before I headed out.....have to ALWAYS make sure your mind is in the right place.

"People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering."St. Augustine, 354 430
early christian priest, aouther
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”
― Augustine of Hippo

“Life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can.”
― Danny Kaye


Then, I headed out to the woods! One of my favorite times hiking, is in a dense, green forest, during or right after the rain. It's the perfect place to clear your head and seek answers! Nature is such a gift.....AND can teach us so much.....so be silent and listen!

Here are some photos of my journey:

                                                                            Peace and Love Always!

affordable recycled birthday ideas

Limited budget?
You can still create a memorable birthday without spending a ton of cash.
Here's what I did for my boyfriend, Micheal's birthday. I hope it helps inspire an idea for you!
His birthday was May 2nd, so it's a little late. However, I was not planning on posting this, until I was thinking about how so many people want to create a spacial memory without having to spend a lot....like me!

I decided, since I didn't have much money to go out and celebrate, that I would pack a picnic for us. The main gift that I had gotten Michael, was a travel hammock so, I thought we could test it out while on the picnic. I didn't want it to be like the ordinary picnic; I wanted it to be a little more spacial. So, I found old fabric and materials laying around that I could use to help decorate my picnic. I also used a beautiful old glass bottle I had and a cork from a wine bottle, so I could put the tea in it that I had made....then decorated the bottle with the materials i had found.

ON THE MENU:
*homemade ginger mint iced tea
*chicken salad wraps with spinach
*fruit
*carrot cake

THE GIFT WRAPPING:
Since I was using reusing things I had laying around for the picnic ( like: fabric, hemp, glass jars and tupperware) I wanted to reuse things for the wrapping as well, I tore up a paper health hutt bag, used a brown paper lunch sack, fabric I had used for the picnic, tape and hemp string.

THE OUTCOME:

            Fruit wrapped in same fabric, tied with hemp and decorated with a sparkly heart on a stick!
                                                                                 

                                                        Put the dates in this cool old jar

                                                                   Micheal's gifts :)
                                                                           

                                            It ended up being super rainy by the time Michael got out of work, so we couldn't have and outdoor picnic......but that's ok, because we ended up have a super fun time having an indoor picnic instead, with candles and lava lamps! Plus, Micheal had a terrible cold that day, so it work out. It turned out to be a successful 22nd birthday party......AND on a limited budget!

                    

VIDEO CLIPS:

1st clip: When Micheal first got out of work and came over to my house.
2nd clip: When we were having out indoor picnic.

Vitamin C keeps WRINKLES at bay?!

 I started my day off with a bowl of oatmeal....packed with yummy fruits and chia seeds!
*old fashioned oats
*Cinnamon
*bananas
*raisins
*blueberries
*raw honey
*chia seeds
along with a slice of toast with apple butter spread and a cup of joe!
                                                                              

CHIA SEEDS:

 

Chia seeds are native to South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out the South American staple is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants. They are super good for you and taste great in oatmeal! Some of it's benefits are, they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, excellent source of fiber, tons of good minerals and rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. They help with blood sugar regulation, they are gluten free and they are satiety, leaving you feeling full and satisfied!

 

 

For lunch, I decided to load up on my vitamin C! Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and are back for the season, so I loaded up!

First I made a salad:

*Spinach

*Light mozzarella cheese

*Tons of strawberries

*Then drizzled a sauce I quickly whipped up in the blender; strawberries and balsamic vinegar

 

After my salad I was still hungry so, I made a unique sandwich, which turned out to be amazing!

*Rice bread

*Egg over easy

*Cottage cheese

*Spinach

*Strawberries

It was a gooey, yummy mess!

Strawberries are a bona fide superfood packed with antioxidants, like vitamin C, so they can boost your immunity. A 2010 UCLA study discovered that the antioxidant power in strawberries becomes "bio available" or "ready to work in the blood", after eating the fruit for just a few weeks.

 

They also promote eye health. The antioxidant properties in strawberries may also help prevent cataracts. Our eyes require vitamin C to protect them from exposure to free-radicals from harsh UV sun rays, which damage the protein in the lens. Vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening the eye's cornea and retina. I am only 22 years old and in the last year, had cataracts removed and cornea transplants, due to a rare disease called, Fuchs dystrophy. Even though it's something I was born with, I realised, our vision is not something to take for granted. Thus, we need to do everything in our power to take care of our eyes and health overall. Health is a blessing and feeding our bodies the right food will defiantly be wise in protecting our body which is a gift! While high doses of vitamin C have been found to increase the risk of cataracts in women over 65, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm note that the risk pertains to vitamin C obtained from supplements, not the vitamin C from fruits and vegetables....so, STOP taking supplements to get the good stuff we need, EAT them!

 

 Also, strawberries help fight cancer. Vitamin C is one of the antioxidants that can help with cancer prevention, since a healthy immune system is the body’s best defense. A phytochemical called ellagic acid, also found in strawberries, is another. Strawberries also, contain antioxidants lutein and zeathancins. Antioxidants are scavengers to free-radicals and neutralize the potentially negative effect they can have on our cells.

 

Strawberries, keep WRINKLES at bay! The power of vitamin C in strawberries continues, as it is vital to the production of collagen, which helps to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Since we lose collagen as we age, eating foods rich in vitamin C may result in healthier, younger-looking skin.

 

Strawberries also, fight bad cholesterol, reduce inflammation of the joints, promote pre-natal health, regulate blood pressure, boost fibre and aid in weight management!

 

So load up this summer with tons of antioxidants from fresh fruits and veggies, that you can get right at your local farmer's market. Don't depend on a supplement bottle.....your health could depend on it!

Hope you enjoyed,

Peace and Love.

GIVE ME CUCUMBERS, PLEASE!

Who thought cucumbers could be so useful?!
List of wonderful ideas for use of cucumbers:

1. Fat busting: Do you ever wonder why women put cucumbers on their eyes to relieve puffiness? The photochemical in cucumbers ...makes the collagen in your skin tighten, thus the lack of puffiness. Did you know that you can rub a cucumber on a problematic spot of cellulite anywhere on your body to lessen the visibility of it? Did you also know that it has the same effect on wrinkles? Wow, it makes purchasing those fifty dollar creams seem a little silly, doesn’t it? You can also rub a little bit under your kiddo’s eyes after a long bout of crying to avoid that puffy ‘I cried for an hour straight’ look.

2. Defogger: Do you get annoyed when you get out of the shower and you have to fight the fog on the mirror? Who has time for that when the kids will be awake at any moment? Try rubbing a slice of cucumber on the mirror before you hop in and not only will you get a fog-free mirror, but you’ll have a nice smell that will boost your mood.

3. Headaches: If you suffer from headaches from chasing your babies all day, or had a little too much wine with dinner and want to avoid a hangover, eat half of a cucumber before bed. Cucumbers are high in B vitamins, sugar, and electrolytes, and they replenish the nutrients missing in your body to help you avoid a hang over or to beat that headache that’s been threatening to take over.

4. WD-40 replacement: Did you know you can get rid of a squeak by rubbing a cucumber on the hinge? Wow, now you don’t have to tear your garage apart looking for that little can with the red straw, and the baby won’t wake up when you slowly open the nursery door to check on him.

5. Crayon on the walls: Take an unpeeled cucumber and rub the crayon off of the walls in the event that your kiddo left you some art. You can also use this technique to erase a pen mistake.

6. Halitosis killer: Take a slice of cucumber and put it on the roof of your mouth. Hold it there with your tongue for 30 seconds. The photochemical that you love for cellulite and puff reduction will also kill the bacteria that is causing your bad breath.

7. Tarnish remover: If you’re finding tarnish on your stainless steel kitchen faucets and appliances? Rub it off with a cucumber slice. Not only will it remove years of tarnish, it will leave it streak free and your hands will thank you, and your kids won’t be put at risk from a dangerous chemical.

8. Energy booster: If you’re feeling tired in the afternoon, don’t give Starbucks your five bucks. Instead, grab a cucumber. There are just enough carbohydrates and B vitamins to give you a longer-lasting and healthier boost of energy than soda, coffee, or those health hazard energy drinks.

9. Munchy madness: Did you know that European trappers ate cucumbers for energy and to keep from starving to death? If those big burly manly men can eat a cucumber to keep from starving, you can eat one as a healthy choice when the munchies hit. Slice some up and take them in a small plastic container to the movies if your theater doesn’t offer healthy alternatives to munching on butter soaked popcorn.

10. Frugal facial: Slice up a cucumber and boil it in a pot of water. The chemicals inside of the cucumber will mix with the steam. Remove the pot from heat and lean over it, letting the steam hit you. Your skin will be more radiant and healthy, and you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

11. Shoe polish: Cut a slice off of your cucumber and rub it on your shoe. It will not only shine it up, but it will repel water.

12. Pest control: Put three or four slices of cucumber in a small pie tin and place them in your garden. The chemicals in the cucumber have a reaction that pests hate. You won’t smell it, but it will drive them from your garden all year long. Replace them periodically.

13. Sunburn: Sometimes sun block doesn’t always protect your little ones from sunburn. If you have burnt little kiddos you don’t have any aloe, rub some cucumber on them. Many doctors even use cucumber to treat patients with irritated skin and sunburns.

14. Blood pressure: Cucumber has been long used to treat high blood pressure. If you have it, add cucumbers to your daily diet. There is also ongoing research into the use of cucumbers for lowering cholesterol.

15. Constipation remedy: The seeds of a cucumber are a diuretic. If you’re constipated, try eating a cucumber. If you suffer from chronic constipation, add cucumber to your daily diet.”









 

 
OR cucumbers can be used for art! :)

There are tons of recipes for using cucumbers that sound so delicious...here's just one idea: chilled cucumber soup. click link below for recipe:

http://food52.com/recipes/4896-chilled-cucumber-soup

 

 

 

 

Fashion is an ART....time to be YOU

I have always been a fan of, The Row fashion line, by Mary - Kate and Ashley Olsen. The girls have lovely style. However, lately I have been really digging their fashion line for this years collection, Elizabeth and James. Fashion isn't just those girls from high school that wore lots of make up with tight and bright colored outfits to stand out.....it's MUCH more! Actually, in my opinion, those girls were the furthest away from the true definition of fashion. Fashion is ART. Fashion is a way to express yourself. It's a way to bring your inner self out, to help paint a better picture of your soul for people. Fashion is YOU. I always was intrigued and drawn to the people in school who were considered the "outcast" or the "non popular kids". The ones that wore bizarre and unique clothing. You could almost know everything about that person, from the kind of music they listened to, the kind of books they would read, the kind of energy they had, etc... just by the way they chose to dress. Perhaps, it was different from the "in" thing at the time.....but that's what made them unique, that's what made them stand out, that's what made them, THEM. Fashion is inspired by all kinds of things, culture, music, nature, beauty of life... My style changes everyday, depending on my mood or something that had inspired me. You see all kinds of unique, mismatching patterns and bizarre styles in Vogue....SO, don't be scared to dress in what YOU think looks beautiful, no matter what anyone else says!  Here are some pictures of, The Row collection from Fall 2013 and from, Elizabeth and James, spring 2013 collection. Let these styles inspire you to be unique just like Mary - Kate and Ashley are trying to express. Enjoy :)

THE ROW 2013 fall collection Ready-To-Wear

 ELIZABETH & JAMES 2013 spring collection. Ready-To Wear

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
― Coco Chanel

“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.”
― Yves Saint-Laurent