• brain training - healing - healthy - inspiration - self help - The Cocoon

    Craving Good Things & The Thing About Emotional Eating

    I was recently visiting with my dear friend Susan, chatting about what we are both up to and chewing on big ideas. I was enjoying a finely crafted unsweetened green tea latte, and we were remarking about how much we actually want to eat healthy foods now (with the exception of delicious, occasional French Fries, obvi)  when something she said struck me like a bolt of lightning: “Bodies don’t crave junk food, emotions do.” Isn’t that just the absolute truth? Think about it- when you are depressed, sad, upset, angry, lonely- what do you reach for for comfort? A stiff…

  • brain training - Friday Feels - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - Miscellaneous - self help - The Cocoon

    #FridayFeels Brave

    It’s been the kind of week where I am questioning my every decision one minute to pushing my own limits the next. Question. Push. Question. Push. Mild panic. Deeper questions, push back harder. I have a message to share, and it equally emboldens me and terrifies me. It’s the driving force behind my new health and wellness project, The Cocoon – Empowered Transformation, and the reason I have been videoing myself doing a series of workouts- even though I don’t have a model’s face, a trainer’s body, and a studio to produce high-quality videos.  It’s just me, my message, and…

  • healthy - inspiration - self help - The Cocoon

    Registration is OPEN for Session 1!

    Session 1 of The Cocoon – Empowered Transformation begins on Wednesday March 30! If you’ve already registered, YAY!  You’ll be receiving additional information directly from The Blessings Butterfly throughout the session(s). Registration is now open for all who wish to participate in our first 4-Week Session (begins 3/30). All programs delivered completely online. Lifetime Membership is only $120! Click here to register now! If you just want to try the Pay-As-You-Go Membership Plan, you can register here for just $10/month. Click here to register for Pay-As-You-Go Membership. See you in The Cocoon! Love, Michelle 🙂

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding (GF, V, VG, P)

    Sweet Tooth Approved! This chocolatey, tapioca-style pudding is super-simple to make and works well as a dessert, snack, or even a fast & portable breakfast. Oh, and it’s actually GOOD for you too because the chia seeds are rich in omega3 fatty acids, protein, calcium, and antioxidants.  Low in sugar, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly. 2 Servings, approx. 245 calories per serving 1 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond milk or coconut milk work well) 1/4 cup chia seeds 3 tablespoons organic/raw cacao powder or baking cocoa 1 tablespoon organic real maple syrup or raw honey pinch of sea salt pinch…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Fresh Green Powerhouse Smoothie 

    Loaded with fresh leafy greens & herbs to deliver vitamins & minerals in an antioxidant-rich smoothie. Frozen unsweetened strawberries, fresh green grapes and a fresh clementine add a touch of natural sweetness + citrusy zing. Super low calorie plus high fiber.  Approx. 80 calories Stupidly simple. Handful of fresh spinach leaves 2 fresh kale leaves, stems removed Sprig of fresh parsley 1 fresh clementine, peeled 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries Small handful of white grapes 1 cup cold water Combine all ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into your favorite tall glass and enjoy!

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Bright Eyed Breakfast “Ugly Smoothie”

    I want to eat healthier, but I don’t want to spend a bunch of time in the morning fixing something. So, smoothies! This one is so ugly it hurts- but dang, does it taste good. Citrusy and not too sweet. Super easy, under 200 calories, and so dang good for the body. Win! Handful of fresh raw spinach 1 leaf of fresh raw kale, stem removed Cup of frozen, unsweetened blueberries 1-2 mandarins (“cuties”) Cup of water Optional: tsp-tbsp flax seeds Dump it all in the blender, pour in your favorite glass and enjoy! I know I said it was…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Karen’s Salad w/Shrimp & Avocado + Detox Dressing

    My friend Karen shared this nom-nom worthy salad and dressing that you HAVE to try. So flavorful and refreshing!  You can serve the grilled veggies and shrimp hot or chilled on top of your favorite dark leafy greens like Romaine, spinach, or red-leaf lettuce. “Grill onions, bell peppers (mine were yellow and green that day) in olive oil. Add a handful of toasted pine nuts, Cherry tomatoes, sliced or diced avocado and Grilled Shrimp w/minced garlic. Then my favorite Detox Salad Dressing: 1 garlic clove 1 Tbsp capers 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice… 1 tsp…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Sionann’s Turmeric Latte

    My friend Sionann shared a fun little recipe for a turmeric latte that is earthy, robust, and not-the-same-old-coffee drink. The exotic taste and scent of the turmeric (the magical Indian spice found in curry) is a tasty twist and packs a powerful punch of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. There are some studies that suggest turmeric is helpful in relieving upset stomach, osteoarthritis pain, with possible links to suppressing the growth of fat tissue. (However- if you have gallbladder issues such as stones, bleeding disorders, iron deficiency, hormone-sensitive conditions, or are pregnant you should avoid medicinal quantities of turmeric according to…

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

    Labels

    I was just updating my About section over on my personal FB page and noticed a new (?) feature called Intro.  I actually have no idea how long that has been there. A week? 3 months? 20 minutes?  But I digress… Anyway, I was suddenly struck by the way I was labeling myself and realized, Aha! I really do get to say whatever I want to about myself! YES! I define myself to the world, not the other way around. Here’s some of the (awesome!) labels I’ve chosen for myself: Just a little ray of sunshine! Occasional showers with a…