• blessings - brain training - healing - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - Mantras - self help

    Just Let That Sh!t Go

    We all experience the so-called “negative” emotions such as Sadness, Anger, and Fear throughout our lives as a result of experiencing unpleasant circumstances or even traumatic events. It’s OK to feel these, and it’s important to express them in healthy ways. It’s when we avoid feeling them and resist expressing them that we develop Emotional Constipation, and the shitty feelings begin to pile up and block our ability to fully enjoy life. Sadness untreated slips into Depression. Anger left untended turns into Rage. Fear left to fester turns into Phobia, and can further devolve into Hate. The path back to…

  • blessings - Friday Feels - healthy - inspiration

    #FridayFeels Ready For Relaxing

    Oh man, I sure do love how Friday feels! Even when I have work or other projects lined up for the weekend, something about a Friday afternoon just feels so relaxing and inviting.  Ease yourself into the slower pace that weekends can bring. Plan a special mini-adventure of tea sipping, window shopping, flower smelling, beach bumming, star gazing or whatever you especially enjoy that takes you away from the daily grind for a couple of hours. Relax, you deserve it!

  • blessings - brain training - healthy - inspiration - self help

    Stop Criticizing Yourself

    Behind every harsh self-criticism is a tender soul who just wants to feel supported. You, Dear One, have heard more than your fair share of criticism throughout your life, and it’s time you put a stop to it. Instead of being your own worst critic, become your own biggest ally. Abandon the nit-picking and instead offer yourself the grace you’d gladly give to your very best friend! I want you to realize that you are no longer bound to impossible standards of perfection, no matter what that nagging voice from the past may say. You, Dear One, were created as…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Perfect Salmon, Two Ways (GF, P)

    Cooking fish can be tricky, but these two recipes for salmon will yield a perfect dish pretty much every single time. Be sure to select the freshest filet possible. I prefer wild caught over farm raised, but it tends to have a firmer texture and more flavor than farm raised. Either way, it should not smelly “fishy” and if it does, it’s been sitting too long to enjoy. Once you have your big beautiful filet home and in your kitchen, give it a good rinse in cold water and gently pat dry with a paper towel. If you feel any…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Mediterranean Inspired Dairy-Free Dip (DF, GF, V, VG)

    OMG. The flavors in this gluten free, dairy free dip are outstanding! The combination of sweet red bell pepper and nutty sesame seed from the tahini go great with crunchy crackers and fresh, raw veggie sticks. Consistency is on the thin side, not as thick as hummus or bean dip, so it also works really well as a salad dressing. Mmmmmmmmmm Here’s the super simple recipe: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon EVOO 1/3 Cup organic tahini 1 Cup fresh sweet red bell pepper*, seeded and chopped *for a smoother and smokier flavor, try using roasted red peppers from…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Goddess Trail Mix (GF, P, V)

    Whether you prefer a long hike or a gentle stroll, or even if you just want to enjoy a healthy snack to munch on at your desk or during your afternoon commute- my Goddess Trail Mix is an easy winner. It packs a high-energy punch, hits the sweet and savory notes, is low in sugar and high in good fats and even has tasty dark chocolate antioxidants. Gluten Free, Paleo friendly, and Vegetarian.  You can substitute different nuts if you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans. Here’s my super simple recipe: 1 cup raw almonds 1 cup raw cashews 1/2…

  • Friday Feels - healthy - inspiration

    #FridayFeels Lucky

    So this morning, St. Patrick’s Day, I am facing one of my fears and sitting in the waiting room at the doctors office. Dermatologist, to be exact. Seems that having pale white & freckled Irish skin (or Welsh, or English, depending on which branch of Dad’s family tree I’m following) and growing up in sunny Southern California is more than challenging to the tanned, beach bunny stereotype. Add in growing up in the era of no sunscreen and generous pours of baby oil to sunbathe for hours on end, and it’s generally a pretty good recipe for some skin cancer.…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Creamy Dreamy Carrot Dip (DF, GF, P, V, VG)

    I do love to eat a tasty dip! Even better when it’s healthy AND tastes great, just like my favorite Creamy Dreamy Carrot Dip. This one is Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo-Friendly, Vegetarian and Vegan.   And it still tastes great!  It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and a whole lotta awesome. Here’s the super simple recipe. Enjoy! Ingredients One package organic baby carrots 1 clove garlic, peeled & minced Juice of ½ a lemon 1½- 2  tbsp olive oil ¼ tsp cumin ⅛ tsp ground coriander ⅛ tsp smoked paprika Salt & pepper to taste Directions Using either a…

  • blessings - brain training - healing - healthy - inspiration - self help

    When Anger Is Killing You & How I Am Learning to Manage My Anger

    Anger- there is no shortage of it. Even though for my own health and sanity I take care to spend the bulk of my time around people who are positive, mellow, and well-suited to handling stress, this powerful emotion is one that never seems far enough away.  All I have to do is take a quick scroll through Facebook or Twitter to see and feel the anger, wrath, or full-blown rage seeping through post after post after post, from the POTUS to the online trolls and everywhere in between. It’s exhausting, and I believe it is killing us. Now wait…

  • Friday Feels - healthy - inspiration - self help

    #FridayFeels Free/Festive

    I do love so many things about this time of year: Winter Solstice, My Birthday, Christmas, Holiday Lights, and all of the celebration and reverence for the different sacred holidays.  I love the festive feeling in the air and the excitement of finding special little gifts to give away. I love seeing the best in people, the spirit of generosity, the hope, the joy.   I’ve seen the darker side too, and I know that this is also a very difficult time of year for many people. It can bring up family tensions through forced interactions, and it can put a…