Green Goop Face Mask :)

1. Florida Avocado
1 Medium cucumber ( save aside slices for covering eyes )
small amount Reverse Osmosis water( 1/2 C.? - Depends on blender )
2/4 - 1 tsp. Dead sea salt
Put in a blender . Blend until well mixed . Lay down with a towel under head  . Apply Mask to face . Cover eyes with cucumber slices. Relax awhile. Wash off

Easy Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

Easy Vegan Pumpkin French Toast

Ingredients:
Bread - 2-3 slices
ground flaxseed ( optional )
Pure vanilla extract - 1/5- 1/4 tsp.
Pumpkin spice 3/4 tsp. Or to taste
1 1/2 Tbs. Unseasoned or sweetened  pumpkin puree
Agave - to taste
 Directions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Dunk bread slices so , both sides are coated. Fry in coconut olied ( oiled with coconut oil ) skillet set to medium high before hand. Brown on both sides and serve with agave .



Note:-Double ingredients to increase yeild.

Autumn - tomorrow! Here's two wonderful recipes to get you started !

Autumn Ambrosia

Ingredients : Use the amount of each fruit you want to suit your preferences I've given estimates of how much I used
1 1lb bag - Frozen ( though can be fresh I just can't find them ) dark cherries
4- apples of choice ( I used gala )
3- peaches
3- green pears ( sorry spacing what they are called - the most common ones ... )
4- purple plums
one bag - dandies marshmellows
2 handfuls- unsweetened coconut shreds


Directions: 1. Wash and cut fruit into chunks ( see photo for an idea of size ) . 2. Add them into a large bowl .3. Cut dandies in half ( optional but, I find it makes all the difference - You want to make sure to do this last as it makes your knife sticky - ripping is an alternative ) 4.add in 5. and add coconut shreds .6.  Mix

Gingerbread pancakes - see photo great for samhain or halloween and other times!

Ingredients-
1 1/2 C. healthy flour of your choice ( I used a sprouted whole wheat )
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp . baking soda
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger ( powdered ginger )
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 flax egg ( or vegan egg replacer ) -- flax egg explained below
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 C. molasses
1 1/2 C. water

Directions : 1. First make flax egg by putting 1 tsp ground flaxseed in a bowl with 3 1/2 tsp. water , mixing and allowing to sit for 30 minutes . 2. Whisk ( or with a fork mix ) into the bowl the dry ingredients but, only 1/2 the flour . 3. Then mix in molasses and water until completely smooth . 4. Then whisk in remaining flour . 5. Over medium low heat add a small amount of coconut oil to a frying pan and allow to liquify 6. then proceed as with any pancakes . ( a moderate amount of bubbles means first flip )

- great with agave syrup on top !

Strength training outside - using your own body weight - free weight free

It's Summer and I was thinking maybe some people would rather exercise outside in the fresh air and natural light and at times even with the grass beneath their bare-feet then pay for a gym membership and go there. Spring , Summer, and Autumn all hold some time generally for pleasant outdoor workouts  not just endurance and aerobic activity but strength training and flexibility as well !
Here are some photos to get your imagination going... Remember to educate yourself and avoid straining your body by moving it in ways it's not designed to be moved !

 





See lots more on facebook ! - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.745028295536314.1073741837.414489801923500&type=3


If it fails try www.facebook.com/workoutimeforwellness then go to photos and search Outdoor strength training

Recipe -!- Cucumber lemongrass soup ( chilled soup - great for summer!) -recipe !

Cucumber Lemongrass Soup 

Ingredients:

• Aprox. 2/3 C. plain so delicious brand coconut creamer

• 1 large cucumber

• enough soy milk to reach cucumber slices in blender

• 1 oz. fresh lemongrass

• 1/3 c. fresh dill ( or to taste)

Directions:

1. slice cucumber
2. put coconut creamer in bottom of blender along with a small amount of soymilk so you have about 2/3 c. of liquid in the bottom
3. cut lemongrass into 1 inch pieces .
4. add cucumber and lemongrass to blender
5. pour in soymilk
6. using scissors cut dill into blender
7. blend until well blended and frothy

Optional - ( additional pieces of cucumber would probably be delicious to as chunks in the soup )

Serve

New Moon in Leo - 7-26-14 - and Wellness

  I am really feeling the energy of this new moon . I have been among other things prompted to set a goal for 2015 - that is , a goal with parts to do and complete before 2015 is over .
 I did my New moon collage this morning ( the way I do them ) and later remembered a collection of moon collages I put on facebook along time ago back when I first started my business page  and , I wanted to share them here . I also checked in on a blog I follow to find a post about this moon that I am also sharing here.  (the link toward the end )
 I'm excited of prospects and possiblities I feel emerging under this strong fun loving heart filled Leo - Summer energy and I am happy !
 Do you feel anything ? Have you been giving yourself meditational time to observe ?

The way I do the moon collages is to simply take a stack of magazines , some cardboard I've cut into circleish shapes and, some vegan glue, then sit down without distractions and cut out everything that calls to me to be cut out without questioning , analyzing, needing a reason for it to be cut out or put on the collage ( I keep in mind Ill need some background colors or images as I do this ) . when I feel like it ( I dont always use everything I cut out )  I look at what I have in relation to collage space and I glue when I feel ready . I often have to scout background once I am content with the rest since, I often at that point , don't have enough background.


http://astrology.about.com/od/themoon/qt/NewMoonLeoGen.htm


Wishing everyone a wonderful new cycle !:)
Be Well !

Spring 2014 Photo Show and Tell !

Here I am exploring a piece of the mountain I hiked that was off trail .

Here I am on the trail sporting great words if you can zoom in and check them out . Abraham Lincoln quote on the shirt !

 

This picture was taken from the top . :) A great view ! You can only see a piece here. It was an exhilarating and a great hike up and down . About 2 hrs and 15 mins up . 

The next three photos were taken of early Spring flowers spotted on a walk .

  

 
Above... Climbing a tree at the park . And below Me kissing that very wonderful tree ! I'm a huge tree kisser ! Ummm.. Why not !!??! I mean they provide me with oxygen !

Bee water! Me putting out water for the bees. Bees have to work very hard for water ! This is designed to be shallow so, they don't have to struggle not to drown which happens in rivers alot , is clean and possess no risk of predators. For everyone who doesn't know, there's been a huge decline in bumble bees due to commercial honey business - the close confinement and bee shows accelerated a mite epidemic ! Please mimic - these are marbles in there . 

This is from hiking on a different day .

Playing velcro ball on the last day of Spring ! I really had a lot of fun here ! I hadn't played velcro ball in more than a decade probably . Great game ! I love it ! Do you remember velcro ball ? Any other 90's sports toys ?I'd love to re remember some great old favorites !

6 Months of Tool of the Month !

1. January's tool of the month is : Personalized organizer .

 This is a DYI ( do it yourself ) tool . You make this tool yourself .
 In doing this for myself I've found an organized way to keep a monthly to do list for business and personal tasks , keep track of books I want to read and educational dvds and documentaries I want to watch , keep my goals and break them down into steps with check offs and much more.
 I've found it really helpful and stress reducing to have all this together in one place and organized as well as encouraging for the undertaking of more.  It's efficent and exciting ! More information at my blog link.
Look for the post titled
"In the Year of the Wood Horse ( this year ) it's extra important to reduce Clutter and be Organized !"

 2. February's tool of the month is: Guided meditation cds 

 If you find ones that resonate with you and that you enjoy using ,these tools are a great way to relax, de-stress, exercise your imagination and mind, and discover things about yourself .
 It's fun ( my opinion of course) .
 During this time of year when it's darker (less sun ), colder, and there's more hours of night than day, these inner journeys are an indoor activity that can help boost your immune system and give you a changed and exercised internal world to operate from. This time of year "the current "seems to flow in the direction of introspection . Using these tools are pro-active ways of embracing and going with this current but, they are great to use anytime of the year .
 My personal favorites are most of the volumes Of -"Magical Inner Journeys -guided meditations with Anne Marie Bennett "


3. March Tool of the Month is : Resistence Cables 
With this tool you can practice safe resistance ( Strength training ) and muscle building using your own weight . That is the safest way to do it especially, if you don't have a spotter . You still need to utilize proper techniques .Usually these cables come with instructional exercise examples and others may be found online . I find it is the most comfortable way as well as the safest often times and it is certainly comfortable using the cables I have . You may hardly feel like you are working out but, rather just enjoying yourself. I thoroughly enjoy using them and training people with them . For those reasons this is the tool of the month !

4. April's Tool of the Month is : Hula Hoop 

I love to hula hoop and find it a really fun form of exercise though ,I realize it's not everyone's fancy , I've made it the tool of the month mainly because, it's a favorite of mine.

But, check out these articles on hula hoops. You may not have known just how many muscles you can exercise with these things!



http://www.livestrong.com/article/338856-muscles-hula-hooping-work/



http://spectrumhealthblogs.org/you-me-and-pt/2013/08/2eal 



5.May tool of the Month is: Japanese Teapot , teaballs or other tea tool that allows you to make your own blends !

The title tells my reason for making this the tool of the month in part .

I find Japanese tea pots to work  brilliantly and better than the tea balls I've tried .
They are easy to use you simply boil water in a kettle ( not the pot ) put your loose leaf tea in the mesh area and pour boiling water over it . Then put the lid back on and allow to seep a bit before pouring . The tea pot allows the tea to keep hot longer and provides you with more cups then one .  However, other tools such as the tea balls may work ideally for some people .

Making your own blends is so beneficial for reasons listed ..
1. loose leaf tea is often fresher
2. It's more environmentally friendly
3. You have more control ! and creative control In fact !
4. You can whip up blends to your taste
5. You can whip up medicinal blends to treat yourself (ailments )
6. You can take advantage of gardening possibilities and responsible wildcrafting opportunities .

6. June tool of the month is: a timer/ stop watch

 I have picked a timer and also, a stopwatch for ths months tool(s) of the month. If you have a cell phone you may already have one or both of these features in your phone .
 I have picked them because, they are great and important tools for several tasks .
 A stop watch can be used to track your time when you are exercising such as your running time .
 A timer is essential for regular meditation . that is when you meditate a certain amount of minutes on a regular basis such as daily .
A timer is also essential for certain self help exercises and can extend to further uses including your cooking !



For more tools of the month and to stay current see and like my facebook page www.facebook.com/workouttimeforwellness

Tools of the month are under the notes section !
Hope you enjoyed this post !

BE WELL!

Veggie Wraps !

Veggie Wraps are one of my favorite ways to get in a variety of raw vegetables especially, in the warmer months.
 Here are four examples of combination I like . I usually use Organicville mustard brown or yellow and / or a spread I make from mixing sesame tahini , red hot, and nutritional yeast ( with a vegan milk to thin as needed ). I always use Alvarado St. Bakery's brand of wraps .
What's in your favorite veggie wraps? 
1.) Lettuce, baby corn ,cucumber , and jalapeno peppers
2.) Lettuce, cherry tomatoes or other tomatoes, sprouts,and baby kale
3.) Lettuce, radishes, cucumber, and baby kale
4.) Lettuce, cucumber, broccoli , carrot shreds, and baby spinach.

Update

 It's summer now as I blog and the frequency of my blog posting probably would have slowed down a little anyway as I would be spending some of that typing and writing time outside instead but, there is another issue - that of my busted computer. I do not know when it will be fixed :( but, expect by Autumn .
 I miss writing and sharing here quite a lot and I apologize to anyone who read regularly and feels I disappeared I did not . I will be trying to do a little blogging throughout the Summer from the library but, I have taken to making videos and will be sharing them much more so, please join me on my youtube channel ! here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbdN41K8vhgGywLEhyEEYbg/videos

Be Well ! Happy Summer !

Apple Trail Mix Video ! Just click the link !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeSvdg2o1Bs

Mango trail mix video ! Just click the link inside !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CE1mnTFMTU


Get videos quicker by subscribing ( free no strings ) to the youtube channel

50 different fruit salad combos

50 different fruit salad combos 

to get you thinking fresh about fruit 

I think...
Please , forgive me if I messed up and made a duplicate somewhere. 

1. Apples, Pears, and plums 
2. Orange , kiwi, grapefruit , bananas 
3. Strawberry , banana, orange
4. Strawberry , blueberries , raspberries , blackberries
5. Banana, pineapple, mango
6. Tangerine, banana, papaya
7. Blueberry , kiwi, watermelon
8. Honeydew, watermelon, cantaloupe
9. Cantaloupe, strawberry , young coconut meat ( or unsweetened shreds if you prefer) , raspberries
10. Cherries, bananas, oranges
11. Cherries , blueberries , mangoes
12. Mango, strawberry , kiwi
13. Starfruit, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi
14. Plums, blackberries, peaches
15. Peaches, bananas , cherries
16. Peaches, blueberries, apples
17. Dragon fruit, cantaloupe, pineapple, cherries
18. Watermelon, pineapple, honeydew, blueberries
19. Blackberry , watermelon , starfruit
20. Pears, blackberries, cherries
21. Cherries, grapes, oranges, strawberries
22. Raspberries, plums, apples
23. Raspberries, plums, oranges
24. Strawberries, kiwi's, pineapples, unsweetened coconut flakes
25. Oranges , plums, pears, blackberries
26. Mangoes, oranges, papaya , strawberries
27. Mangoes, unsweetened coconut shreds , kiwi , pineapple
28. Blueberries , apples, mulberries
29. Blueberries, green grapes, cantaloupe, cherries
30. Pineapple, cherries , plums
31. Blueberries, oranges, strawberries, grapes
32. Strawberries, bananas, blueberries
33. Raspberries , bananas, kiwi, starfruit
34. Raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, pear
35. Raspberries, bananas, mangoes
36. Apples, blueberries, pears
37.Peaches, oranges , banana
38. Papaya, banana, mango, starfruit , pineapple
39. Watermelon , strawberry , blueberries , banana ,young coconut
40. Tangerine, watermelon , blueberries, cherries, peaches
41. Peaches , strawberries, blueberries
42. cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, strawberries
43. Starfruit, kiwi, bananas , blueberries
44. Peaches, oranges , tangerines, grapes
45. Strawberries, peaches, mangoes, watermelon
46. Grapes, peaches, blueberries, cherries
47. Blackberries, cherries, peaches
48. Coconut date rolls, strawberries, bananas
49. Strawberries, bananas, oranges, blackberries
50. Cranberries, oranges , mangoes, bananas

Tai chi for me is spiritual - A personal journal post

Tai chi for me is spiritual . I think I almost entirely forgot that. Then the other day I was doing some in my tiny living space . Admittedly, I had not done much over the winter . It came back to me how much tai chi is a spiritual experience for me. This is a spiritual practice for me as much as anything else and since it is such good exercise for balance , aerobic benefits, breathing, flexibility and the muscles , it's a very spiritual practice indeed .
 It is probably needless to say I am very excited and anxious to get out in delightful Spring weather ( that comes after mud season here - hopefully anyway ) and do tai chi among the trees and river , and land I love here in this region that I call home.
I am hopeful I will be granted the great privilege and gift of teaching tai chi to others this season as well as, enjoying it in a private natural setting solo .
When I do tai chi my mind clears.  I am focused inside on my body and the wonderful strength, grace, balance , flexibility , and capabilities it processes. I am reminded of the abilities it has that aren't as realized when not actually being done and I am shown what I had not yet known of my body . I am also simultaneously directed outwards into a mindfulness and beauty of my surroundings . Practicing tai chi seems to enliven the beauty around me and within me . My breathing regulates and grows . I learn my range of breathing , that I can steady it and discipline it more thoroughly than I remember when I'm not practicing . I see my physical body, spirit, emotions, thoughts, chakras , meridians aligning in increased health -breaths of health improvements ; breaths in of power, and breaths out of cleansing and detoxing .
 Tai chi has tons of documented benefits. Exercise ( provided it's not in a form you hate )  in general I feel has great spiritual components but, tai chi is special and has more than I have experienced anywhere else  . Yoga's great too . Any enjoyable form of exercise is great but, like I said tai chi is more to me . Have I inspired anyone to give it a go ?

Vitamin D Deficiency - A must read if you live North of Atlanta or love anyone who does ! And a should read for everyone else too !

Vitamin D Deficiency - A must read if you live North of Atlanta or love anyone who does  ! And a should read for everyone else too !
" Vitamin D is produced in our skin by exposure to sunlight . 15-30 mins several times a week is all we need to supply us with adequate vitamin D  . This then needs to be converted to the active form which is responsible for keeping cells throughout the body in optimal condition . This super charged vitamin D has to be made in our kidneys by conversion of the vitamin D made in our skin followed by sun exposure and that absorbed from the food we eat . This super charged form has to be made in our body . What we eat however , is a crucially important determinate to how much super charged vitamin D is made as well as how well it works once it is made in the kidneys Because the active form of vitamin D is crucial to maintaining all individual cells in optimal condition disruption of its work can result in a wide range of diseases . Animal protein has a tendency to block the conversion of vitamin D to the active form . If these low levels persist the result is prostate cancer , as well as cancer of the breast , colon , osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases such as type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes ,and many others. Also, persistently high intakes of calcium create an environment where the super charged vitamin D declines . Most doctors are not aware of this and therefore recommend both higher intakes of dairy products and calcium supplements thinking they are reducing the risk of osteoporosis .  We then need to within our bodies convert this into the active form of vitamin D . "- A direct quoting from the documentary " A Delicate Balance " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QX03hBITWA. Need I say more? No, I'm really asking . It's not rhetorical .

Throw your t.v. in the dumpster or...

Television is bad . There are many reasons why but, I'm just going to address four. 

 #1 It puts you in a trance state not of a spiritual nature but, of an artificial nature. It distracts you from your environment , self and what's going on around you quite a lot  which is not good for your observation and awareness skills - to keep it very brief. 

#2 It shows you what I sometimes refer to as Horror News. The thing about news media and tv is that it shows you a filtered reality . It doesn't give the large full picture but, rather what is shown and not shown is picked for your viewing . It leaves out more of what is going on in the world than it shows. The truths that are shown and told are told through people often biased and furthermore the truth is often twisted and sometimes straight out replaced with lies. The majority of the news shown is negative, leading people to think negatively . A million monumental wonderful things may have occurred in a 200 mile radius of you but, they are apt to show you one horrific thing instead and this is stifling and, gives you a tainted reality to act from . 

 #3 Commercials - Reinforce the consumeristic culture we live in and manipulate people into buying things they don't truly want or need, make them think unnatural and foolish products will provide them with other things they do not ( happiness, beauty , respect, fitting in , love, etc. ) and, convince people unnatural and harmful products are normal . The meat , dairy, egg industry , as the richest industry are all over this trick ; constantly selling their products through manipulative advertising , and false advertising . Watching these commercials over and over and over again drills their messages in your head and gets you to start believing something is wrong with you or something is missing from your life until you buy product x . As an example , contemplate whether you or anyone else really sees your crows feet and finds them unattractive before you see repetitive images of actors wearing  tons of make up and plastic surgery and then see a commercial for wrinkle cream a few times . You may not be able to tell if you don't give up the tv and find out from the other side of the equation but, you may figure it out immediately upon reading this . I don't know but, I'm well aware and see like many others that this game works quite well in manipulating your self confidence and causing mass consumerism by convincing people after screwing with their self image , that they need the silly products .

# 4 It Hijacks your dreams & puts subliminal imprints in you - While a person who doesn't watch T.V. will dream ( weather they remember them or not ) about their day and thoughts, intuitive perceptions, feelings and real world ; nicely combining , meshing , blending , arranging , organizing , committing to memory and , learning from the life experiences . The person who watches T.V. will also, have what they have seen and heard on tv. both consciously and what they have subconsciously or subliminally picked up mesh with the real , arranged , and committed to memory. The subconscious mind cannot exactly tell the difference between T.V. and reality and thus the experiences ( stresses , horrors, bs, lies , sorrows, and artificial experiences witnessed ) all get thrown into the blender with reality to be internalized and 

So, if you are unwilling to give it up all together , Reduce ! If there isn't something on that you really want to watch , don't watch anything on the T.V. ! 

Watch a movie instead - movies from libraries, Internet or bought etc. ( It's better for several reasons including but, not limited to the lack of commercials ) 

Try to find other activities to do some nights ( or whenever your former regular tv watching took place ) - read- meditate- visualize- write -draw- play board games .

But, I know you can do it ! I know you can give up T.V. altogether . You'll almost certainly miss it less and less over time and have your real world become more real, enjoyable, and stimulating for you . I know you can know matter who you are because, T.V. is artificial and not a human need and brains can be confused and tricked  by artificial things , get stuck in a pleasure trap ( See the book the Pleasure Trap by Douglas Lisle ) but, our brains and body's will recuperate and  let go of what takes away from reality and optimum health if we stay the course, just like it will with drugs . If you give up hugs, shelter , or bananas for years you have a good chance of still desiring them as much as ever at any given moment but, if you give up something artificial over time the desires for it diminish. 

Be Well ! 

Annual recommended reading list with my Personal review journalings about each !

1. The World Peace Diet by Dr. Will Tuttle goes into some truths that upon real consideration are obvious yet, are essentially hidden because of our paradigm.
This is my all time favorite book! It is actually epic ! It is epic and I don't mean that in a light sense . Although, I read this book after I had been vegan for over a year it taught me connections I clearly see now but, was completely blinded too before reading it . And , I was shocked I was blinded to them ! These connections have helped me greatly in my life . They have helped me to better understand other people and communicate with them , it has helped me understand our world and what is going on better . It made me realize I have more power than I realized .I'd prefer to let these people introduce/ review this book. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih9x8XsCuio 



2. "The Pleasure Trap" By. Douglas Lisle , Ph.D, and Alan Goldhamer, D.C. 

This book, The Pleasure Trap , is a very important read , it provides insight into human nature based on evidence of pre-history, the documented history, and science of human bodies and brains .
Sample: Animals in nature don't get too fat too function ,not close , so why do people ?

More than the issue of overweight humans, The Pleasure Trap tells you why you are tempted , addicted, or struggling against doing certain things that are not in the best interest of your health and reproduction ( which apparently we are all biologically programmed to go for as a priority )

I see this book as a scientific theory of the pre -history and History of humans - the animals , motivated by the motivational triad- pleasure seeking , pain avoidance, and energy conservation continuing on to an explanation of current human predicament . It's a book that explains the science of our collective actions , some of how & why we get hung up on addictions and, how some other unnatural advances effect us such as, electricity . How does it all change us over time ?

I have quite frequently told people The World Peace Diet is my all time favorite book . Everyone on the planet should read it and if anyone was to read only one book in their lives I'd strongly encourage it to be that book .

Now, I do feel that way ! But, I'm having a bit of a shake up inside about the idea of people only reading one book .Thank goodness it's not coming down to a one book a lifetime allowance for us !

For me The Pleasure Trap proved an interesting read that educated me about things I was unaware . Things I believe we all yearn to know about ...our nature in it's simplest form and it's connection to where we are now . I was grateful and refreshed for reading this book. Also , relieved to have things make sense and reason .
Get it now .



3. " The Between Boyfriends book" by: Cindy Chupack 
Break ups - You ever have a friend who goes through a break up and then wants to talk to you about it again and again and keeps repeating herself or musing over different whys, faults , etc.? This friend just seems unable to move on , is a little fixated on it and you've gotten sick of the topic .
Well, this is probably a great book for that friend or hmmm hmm " your friend".
Admittedly, it's been awhile since I've read it but, as I remember it...
The book is a funny friend that through out all the pages is doing the very same thing and is relating to your friend at this time in her life . The author's "in the same boat ". Sometimes a dose of one's own medicine really is medicine and what a person needs. This is just that . But, in a new and unique special sense of the phrase .
This is not a self help book in the traditional psychological, do these exercises, sense of the term and, it is not a book that will make the reader feel worse ( I doubt it anyway ) with sad or happy stories that will make your friend feel nostalgic and consumed with despair.
It instead is apt to put into perspective life and the situation , that there is more to life and help the reader get through it again, by having a friend "in the same boat " (during different breakups ) on each page telling her stories for as long as it takes to finish the book. ( takes in air after a long run on sentence. Sorry everyone !) .
It's a book you really must read to understand I think. So, using your own judgement on the timing of when this book is ready to be read , I recommend doing so if you find yourself in this predicament .


4. "Meditation for Dummies "by: Stephan Bodian 
When I have suggested to a client that they start meditating or ask if they do meditate I have always got answers like these " How do I do it , I just sit there and what ? "," I tried but I can't "," I tried but, it's really hard and I couldn't stop thinking " and so on .
This book , like the other Dummy book I recommended ,I feel does a really good job breaking down the subject (meditation) into categories and subcategories and giving the reader a wide scope of valuable information on meditation . This one also includes a cd with over an hour of guided meditations.
The book tells you among other information , what meditation is and isn't (Let's be sure we know before we run away screaming since it has so many health benefits !), why one might want to meditate - benefits (here's a couple as a teaser - performance enhancement and breaking out of bad habitual patterns), postures , different types of meditation , why it's initially so challenging aka explains "beginner's mind", about developing a practice that's tailored to you and your life , how to get through the obstacles you face such as restlessness, boredom , procrastination , and self judgement and ,the book does it's best to answer the ten most common questions on meditation .
I enjoyed learning things from this book , trying things out, and feeling better as a result . Reading the book certainly helped me improve my meditation practice ! And it taught me some things about the nature of it and the human mind as well .
It touches upon chakras , advice for setting up a meditation altar , and includes a mindful eating meditation and MUCH more!
If you are interested in meditation at all this book is a great one to get . It's just so packed full of great stuff !
I will note and advice when you come to the parts about imagining in detail eating an ice cream cone and the burger one as well you instead use vegan foods ( a delicious veggie burger and some coconut bliss brand frozen dessert for example or any favorite vegan food ) or don't do those exercises. I'm fairly sure the author was unaware of the magnitude of disease and ill health eating animal products causes ! And desensitized to how gross it actually is so, please do us all a favor and avoid trying to convince your brain you are grateful and savoring a corpse, or another species breast milk, or a hens menstrual excretions, things that a human body is not designed to eat or benefit from ! We all deserve better!
So, aside from my complaint pointed out as advice above this book is really informative and wonderful!
And I'll let you in on a little secret . I haven't even listened to the cd yet .





 5. Apples, Bean dip, and Carrot Cake by Anne Dinshah and Freya Dinshah 
Apples, Bean Dip, and Carrot Cake made me cry in happiness, hope, love, and joy ! I felt as I read and viewed the photos I was seeing a truth I had recently come to know (again) beautifully shared. A truth that has become forgotten ( and perhaps for some is unrealized ) by the masses, in western culture anyway . This lack of realization and remembrance has deeply saddened me !
About a year ago a woman shared with me from outside her opened hatch to her van that her young daughter wanted to be vegetarian and that she , the mother, said okay but "You have to eat your vegetables "and, it was tried but, the child only liked a few kinds and so the mother said "No more." This daughter was sitting in the front seat and could hear us . I knew that one's taste buds flip and it's a matter of adaptation and time to detox from the high calorie density of animal based foods and the addictive properties within them such as, high calorie density, caso-morphine in dairy, and mass amounts of sodium. I wanted very badly to help this child and felt strong compassion for her but, the mother went on to tell of her busy life and lack of time for her daughter's "fussiness". I felt a sense of urgency and uneasiness in my stomach. I felt so sad and ultimately helpless. I tried my best but ended up only saying to the child "well, maybe, when you are older then . "I retreated with the same emotions as well as a strong disappointment in myself and sense of frustration and failure .
I have since relearned what I remember from being a child . I heard a story from a woman who works with elementary children and schools to introduce whole food plant-based meals into their lives and awareness . An experiment was conducted where two classes received information on health benefits ,were shown foods and taught how to prepare them and then were offered them in their cafeteria for lunch. Class A was involved in gardening , harvesting ,and the food prep in a hands on manner . Class B was not and was only shown rather than asked to participate in a hands on fashion . The outcome was when the meals were in the cafeteria Class A excitedly all tried and ate the food and unanimously reported liking it . Class B was hesitant to try it . Many wouldn't eat it and only a few said they liked it .
I remember when I was a child I loved picking berries and I loved being in the kitchen preparing foods, suggesting new creations , sometimes being able to try them and talking to my mother about what we were making, learning things and, showing my friends what I had learned . It should come as no surprise to us that when children, with their curious and creative natures are involved on a hands on level in the creation of their meals and particularly new , cruelty-free and healthy foods and they learn about the foods they are able to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment from making the food; they are more excited to eat it, and are more receptive to the "unfamiliar" . After all, it isn't actually unfamiliar now . They have gotten to know it a bit from working with it .
If I had read this book " Apples, Bean Dip, and Carrot Cake " by Anne Dinshah and Freya Dinshah before the van story occurred I would have certainly recommended it to the lady in my story .
The book is designed for children ages 4-12 years old. The author has developed recipes and skill levels used in the book . They are clearly marked and in order .She has done this through personal experience working with a bunch of children of different ages in the kitchen as, you can see from the cornucopia of photographs depicting these children happily cooking , cleaning and presenting their creations.
This book addresses and teaches safety first in language children can understand and again based on age and skill level . It is not only recipes but is step by step instructions for kitchen learning . At the end of each level the child should receive a "certificate of accomplishment " granting them status as a level [inserted level(s) completed ] chief . These certificates are in the back of the book .
I am certain the beautiful photographs of peers succeeding and having fun safely by following the book's instructions are encouraging, confidence installing, and exciting for children! It really is kind of like the children are teaching the readers.
It was amazing and heart warming to see the pride and capabilities of these children when presented with this method .
Introduction -Copied from " Apples, Bean Dip and , Carrot Cake "with permission " Introduction Apples, Bean Dip and Carrot Cake is designed for children ages four through twelve to make simple , healthful recipes- even when a child is the only person in the home fond of kitchen tasks. No experience is necessary. This book will also appeal to some adults.
Kids should ask adults to watch them work safely as each new skill is learned. ability develops quickly and the results are delicious. When they have completed this book, kids will be able to tackle recipes in basic adult cookbooks.
Although an occasional demonstration may be helpful, adults should resist the urge to jump in and do the recipe. Allow kids ample time to learn from the hands on experience. "

I really can not depict how wonderful, simplistic, powerful, and practical I deem this book to be. It's something you probably have to see for yourself to grasp. So, I will end by saying I learned some exciting recipes , and better ways of using kitchen utensils myself in reading it .
Please empower your children , let them be stimulated, avoid stunting their growth by denying them the great joy of learning to prepare and cook healthy food and encourage their growth instead. I highly recommend this book !


6.  Living Vegan For Dummies " by : Alexandra Jamieson 
This book covers and addresses the topic impressively and thoroughly as I have found most "for dummies " books, I've read to do . They are organized beautifully and broken down into sections.
This is an excellent research and reference book ! It is easy and quick to look up something particular and it is also a great read cover to cover . This book provides chapters on the impact of veganism - the environmental ones, which are further broken down into subcategories including water scarcity , air pollution, manure and so on , health , animals, and humanitarian issues . Other chapters on cooking and shopping , coexisting with meat eaters in your home, veganizing non- vegan meals and vegan substitutes to animal based products, vegan lifestyle beyond food, are included. Chapter 3 is dedicate to "transforming to veganism" , and there's more chapters addressing , travel, dinning out , social issues , vegan pregnancy and postpartum period, baby vegans, child and teen vegans, aging vegans, vegan athletes, ways to make vegan living extraordinary and much more!
Nutrition is of course discussed and lists are provided of vegan foods high in specific nutrients the uninformed public often questions in regard to vegan eating including ,protein , iron , calcium , and vitamin D as well as some others. This is of course cool and can be helpful for readers for a number of reasons most commonly I assume by providing answers to questions from others and caring for themselves if they have a pre-existing issue such as anemia or a deficiency in something else. The book provides recipes . There are several chapters devoted to that broken into categories including breakfast, entrees , side dishes, condiments and dressings, desserts, beverages ,and more .
This book is great for anyone ! It's even better, perhaps for the vegan curious and new vegans because, it's a wonderful, wide-scapping , comprehensive couple of pounds of knowledge, facts , and help.



7. "Comfortably Unaware " by Dr. Richard Oppenlander 
If I could have made everyone read the book instead of writting about it I would have .I fear by telling what the book is about some of you will refuse to read it so you can keep claiming your ignorance . And what right do you have to do that when it concerns the fate of the human race in it's entirety ?
Because , as you will learn if you read it, the math and science show indisputably , if we ( as a society and as individuals who are contributing to this ) don't change we'll all die very very soon . Get the data here in plain easy to understand English.
This book is , like the "World Peace Diet "and" The Pleasure Trap" a crucially important read for everyone .
Comfortably Unaware is the go to book on the reality of "food's " impact on environment - Earth , the Pleasure Trap's go to on human nature and our food choices ( plus more) , The World Peace Diet is go to on a full spectrum reality check but, not as detailed on the topics of the Pleasure Trap and Comfortably Unaware as they themselves are . Got it ?
Comfortably Unaware puts into light and truth what is so commonly avoided, unrecognized , and denied by people in American Culture as well as a number of other cultures in regards to our planet, animal agriculture, and buying and using animal products.
It is denied , shrugged off, avoided and , unannounced in mass proportion !
Because of.... a resistance to change, lack of desire to face the consequences to others from one's own actions and the cumulative actions of so many others . What other reasons I don't know really but , read the book and cut it out !
Because , as you will learn if you read it, the math and science show indisputably , if we ( as a society and as individuals who are contributing to this ) don't change we'll all die very very soon . Get the data here in plain easy to understand English.
People choosing to buy animal products as well as make them and raise animals as livestock on a factory or SMALL FARM levels are killing the planet . Not just a little bit . COMPLETELY ! Even if people only did it on small farms and ate animal products at a fraction of what they do on average , the world will still become unlivable for humans soon ! SOON! Soon ...
Sooner than the general public believes or realizes. This is the absolute unarguable truth and the facts are in ,in this book .
You can understand it . It's written in plain English and not scientific jargon . The impacts are broken down . How much water for a 1 Lb of cow meat , How much carbon monoxide total a year, How much of resources we have left and so on and so forth . So read it , please and do the math . Most of it's already computed .

8. The China Study by Dr. T.Colin Campbell
This book is the" Give me the health info and debunk the common myths of health and disease that are allowing the country to get sicker and sicker instead of better and leave out the rest ( the impact diet has on animals, the planet, and fellow mankind ) book. "
It addresses Cancers, diabetes, heart disease, obesity ,and more .
 It has graphs and charts showing the scientific facts of why a whole food plant- based diet is the answer for not only prevention but , curing these dis-eases as well, as showing  that animal products cause them . Written by a bio chemist who did lab work and collaboratively (the valid) population study ( many "medical studies " are really manipulated in order to get drug patients and financial goals met that's why information is so contradictory )  . It's written by a PHD and Md. The China Study is officially labeled" The most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted. "
 So, have the truth explained .
I say the facts are at least as conclusive as those indicating the earth is round !

9.Skinny Bastard 
This book almost didn't make it and yet HAD to make it to the recommended list .
Here's the deal with that . The language I find repulsive and lame some of you may like it . I'm not up for reading crap like " Women who care about looks are vapid, shallow, ****'s ." Let's be real we all care about looks to some extent . It's just an example the book like skinny bitch is filled with that type of crap . I don't like specisist talk " Fat pig syndrome " The book speaks with a know- it - all thug like lingo . They don't know it all but, they do know some very valuable information and facts . This is where I learned about maple syrup production sometimes using lard !You don't need enriched food with the possible exception of b12 because, it's been chlorinated out of drinking water and here's a big one that as a fitness trainer and having taken "Plant- Based Nutrition " I especially need to publicly announce as bs ... The extensive use and promotion of highly processed high protein foods - such as soydogs , and soy sausage is craptacular of you guys . It is not healthy to eat massive amounts of that stuff ladies and gentleman . Processed foods - especially highly processed foods aren't the healthiest things around. I'm not suggesting if you want to eat them once and awhile you'll have serious health problems. They are certainly healthier than animal products but, first of all people need a small percent of their calories to come from protein. It hovers around 10 % only for optimal function . And B. Whole foods are a healthier way to go than the highly processed ones , that means legumes, seeds, beans , nuts , etc. in a whole or minimally processed format .contact me for more information . Sounds like a horrible book right ? Why would I recommend it ? It's not a horrible book . There is a well of important men specific information here . So go get it , read and learn about your prostate , sex drive, testosterone levels , and more. It does a spectacular job addressing sugar and artificial sweeteners and diseases and sickness. I also recommend it for women to read because, there is some general information , and because, most women have at least one man in their lives they care about and if they don't they are pretty likely to live among them unless they are stuck in a live in all girls school or a convent .
 It really is an important read with a lot of information men and the women who care about them should know but that is not found many other places !
Just take heed to my criticisms and know the book has it's flaws as well as it's absolute accurate brilliance's . How frustrating this book is to me !

10. Skinny Bitch Cookbook
While I don't like her advocating oils as a health food because, it's bs this book is great for it's special pages like the one listing edible flowers , the one talking about types of tea , and so on . Again I am not a fan of the profane language . I find it distasteful , childish and appalling . Not everyone feels that way and the topic and content is important .
I can't comment on the taste of the recipes because, honestly I haven't made any of them because, I detest following recipes and enjoy creating them myself . I will say however, they look like they are of great taste quality and come highly recommended by many . They also are healthy-ish like I said oil is not a health food it's a highly processed substance where fiber is removed and you are left with condensed fat . We need fats yes, but the healthy way to go is to eat the olives, almonds, and so forth in their whole form . The pictures are great and the educational writings though not without flaw ( OILS AREN"T HEALTH FOODS !! - last time I promise ! ) are worth their weight in gold provided you can weed out that garden - there's just a few . I think the educational stuff including vegan substitutes to well known western crap - like dairy milk , how to replace eggs in baking , tutorial of spices and so forth are reason enough to spend the money and buy the book , like I said I don't use the recipes - which are probably delicious ! They certainly are artistic , creative and sound impressive ! And, I'm no wild reckless shopper either ! So , there's your review .
Bottom line , i think the book is worth buying for the cool informative lists and extras alone however the food looks scrumptious , is highly recommended and there are a few health related untruths but, only a few .

Is it more expensive to eat vegan on the standard American diet ? - video

Did you catch the video ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qY5ku4By1sk&feature=youtu.be

Are you caught up on videos? Here's the one's from April -

Are you caught up on videos? Here's the ones from April -

"Earth Day " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_czu9S4Q-4

" Spring tips and A Wellness Exercise " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ZFiWvPiWY

"Personal Organizer update " - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W358xz4Oc-8

6 Things to address about your gas

6 Things to address about your gas

1. It stinks 2. It stinks 3. It stinks 4. It stinks ... I'm just kidding !

Well, actually yes, having a gas problem does stink ! - Pun intended :p  . It can make social outings unpleasant and uncomfortable, upset yourself esteem , among other effects, probably including you wondering why you have it . A certain amount of additional flatulence is pretty normal for a person who's recently changed their diet to vegan  . Not everyone has a gas issue but, I believe most of us do come across a temporary gas increase .

 Although, some of you may wonder when you are going through it , I tell you It's worth it in the long run ! Gas is normal and healthy however , that doesn't mean you will be having an amount that makes going out uncomfortable or smells up your whole house constantly, forever .  That is not normal but, is pretty normal while your body is adjusting to the change- many people experience it then . Some explanatory reasons are shared below as well as information about the factors that are in your control .
You don't have to add liquor to the fire ! And, you may unknowingly be making the transition phase worse than it needs to be !

#1 Eating too many beans (Western silliness about  protein )
Unfortunately western societies especially the U.S.A. have had it drilled in their heads that they must consume far more high protein foods on a regular basis then is not only necessary but , then is healthy . As a fitness trainer and a graduate of ecornell and Dr. T.Colin Campbell's plant- based nutrition course , I'm telling you the optimum amount of protein to consume is around 10 % of your calories . That means the other approximately 90% are best to be something else ( Carbohydrates and fat ) There is harm in consuming too much protein , it makes your kidneys exhausted as , they have to handle the excess . Consuming animal protein puts people over the threshold and gives them excess protein that is damaging not helpful ! So, far there's no evidence I'm aware of that indicates too much plant- protein will do this however , you can experience other problems - gas being one of them especially and particularly with beans . Consuming large amounts of nuts which someone thinking they need far more protein then they do may also do , is apt to give you, greasy skin ,  acne, and greasy hair more because, they are so high in fat then protein though .
So, don't go out in a fret concerned about getting enough protein ! You don't need to eat beans every day !
Basically , the only people vegan and non with protein deficiency are anorexics , and people who have severe food shortages - such as occurs in 3rd world countries . Essentially, If you are eating (food) you are getting enough protein just as, if you are breathing you are getting enough oxygen ! If you are a hypochondriac, get concerned you aren't getting enough greens and go on a kale and other dark leafy greens seeking mission constantly instead.
With all the messages out there it's not hard to understand why people do this protein panic thing but, it's a detrimental waste of time and you look so, silly and sad to those of us who know better .
Eat beans , lentils, seeds and other healthy high protein foods sure but, don't go crazy with them . The variety of colorful veggies are more important !

#2 Transitioning , detoxing , cleansing (fiber)
When people replace animal products which have no fiber ( a large part of the reason so, many non-vegan people are so constipated ) with more plants which all have fiber the digestive system works better ! It can function the way it's intended to which, is in a sense faster than when it's doing it's best to break down and process those gooey , sticky , clogging animal products ( efficiently may be a better term than faster  ) . Your digestive system; seeing your body full of toxins ( in fat tissues , organs and so forth ) and being able to do it's job more efficiently now will , having more time "looks around " finds toxins and flushes them out of your body . This can happen through an increase in oil or sweat on the skin and more urinating but, most often occurs through more bm and more gas . This is your body cleansing . It's a good thing ! It doesn't  continue to happen at the level of intensity it might in the beginning forever .

#3 Specific other foods
Certain vegetables and fruit are gassier than others and from person to person there seems to be some variation of sensitivities . For some people right now onions are no problem and easy enough to digest and yet for some they are a gas trigger . This doesn't mean you will never be able to eat these foods . It does mean though that you'd be best off to consider removing them or using them sparingly while your body re-adjusts and changes gears from coping with animal products ( hard work ) to working with more fiber like it's designed to and receiving all the good nutrients you are now giving it instead of trash .

#4 Exercise
Exercise particularly a 10 - 20 minute walk after eating helps with digestion . If you are basically sedentary you should know that incorporating regular exercise into your life will likely help . For an immediate and a direct bit of assistance with too much gas though take a quick walk after you eat .

# 5 Raw and cooked and processed
Our bodies don't digest or perform ideally when we take away from them ( or never gave them in the first place ) raw foods . There needs to be a decent ratio of raw to cooked unless you want to eat 100% raw . Cooking can in a few circumstances bring out nutrients as is the case with tomatoes . But, more times than not you are losing some in cooking and our bodies need the pure bestest form of nutrient rich food available AKA raw , just as it comes out of or off of the Earth . It makes sense when you think about it ! Doesn't it ? Processed foods have lost fiber and other nutrients the body uses to break down the rest of the food and adding it back in doesn't seem to be quite good enough .Some people have issues with 100% raw and I think this may be due to a type of adjusting as well but, I'm not an expert in the 100% raw food movement.
So, certainly don't just eat processed foods especially highly processed or you are asking your body to work long shifts and sleep less than 8 hours . What kind of boss does that make you ?! And , what kind of performance do you think you can expect to get out of your body , huh ?

#6 Speed (  Mindful eating principal - chew more eat slower , pace yourself )
 While mindful eating in all it's principals and as a whole can and is apt to help you and everyone else , one particular aspect or principal of mindful eating is going to get brought up here as , a factor on your gas situation . That is the pace at which you eat . Our culture has programmed us to eat ( as well as to do a great many other things ) fast .
  Think of employees with their 30 minute lunch breaks , fast food restaurants and so forth . If you wish to learn more about mindful eating ( which I highly recommend ) here are links to a couple articles I wrote about it - http://sabrinaswellnessbydesign.blogspot.com/2014/02/nurturing-your-food-mindful-eating.html
http://sabrinaswellnessbydesign.blogspot.com/2014/04/check-out-my-guest-blog-post-on-this.html
 When we are not rushed and take our time (which in these cultures means take more time than you think that means ! ) our digestive process is allowed to opporate from a more relaxed position . Think about yourself  . If someone rushes you through reading a book with a deadline that makes you basically use speed reading and read when you don't feel like it are you more or less likely to understand and absorb the information than when you are allowed to read a book at your leisure ? In essence, the point is when your digestive faculties are sent signals to rush . They don't do as mindful of a job as otherwise and a few of the results are - over eating ( because, your body hasn't got around to signaling to your brain you are full before you have stopped )-  added flatulence ( gas) , and - cramps .
 So, eating slower , chewing more realizing eating is not a race is helpful. It's an activity better not rushed through .

Patience is gold-" yeah right "or "well I'll always be poor then" - well..( A personal post )

Patience is gold-" yeah right "or "well I'll always be poor then" - well...

This article is inspired by my reading of this person's article. Click link to read it - http://creativekatrina.com/turn-waiting-creative-gold/
Patience . I tend to look at it as a swear word . One much more upsetting , foul and offensive than the well recognized and claimed swear words of our culture . People who know me may think I'm very patient or may call me impatient . I don't keep track . But, if you know me well , you will know I often assert aloud " I'm not patient " or "patience isn't my strongest virtue , I don't understand why the universe feels I need to learn more patience , it's constantly asking me to be patient . " I don't find value in waiting or in a lot of patience for the most part.
 This is admittedly ( grits teeth ) a weakness of mine ! And , not a healthy , productive, or helpful attitude much of the time when the call to be patient arises .
 There are times when being patient doesn't suit , when being assertive is a more valuable resource to call upon . As an example , I offer up applying for jobs - It's probably better to return an application or resume , call in a few days to check on it's status , send a thank you card for the persons reviewing of it , follow up again if you still haven't heard word and steadily apply and follow the laid out procedure again with other places , than it is to fill out an application or resume , turn it in and wait to hear back .
 Many times however, exercising  patience is probably walking the route to lower stress levels .
Oh, I do hate it so !
But, I've decided again to try to make the most of it rather than my method of complaining and scolding the universe for being so pushy about my using it so often along with, pleading my case that " I've been patient enough for one life time and this requiring more of me is ridiculous ."
 Here's my ideas of good things to do when you have to and feel it's best to wait .
- Spend more time visualizing
- Spend more time meditating
- Get more exercise
- Do undone projects  / finish up old projects
- Do self healing work such as, chakra aligning , good self help books or readings , take baths, add pictures to vision boards, art journal
- Forget about it if possible and dive into a new project that will not be done rapidly rather, takes some time to complete
- Go out and do things that are fun with friends , a lover, or family more often .

Surely some of these are helpful in becoming okay or more okay with practicing patience long term - such as meditation. So, upping the dose isn't just about distracting me , getting me through the one situation better, or simply doing these things ( meditation etc. )more , though it's part of it . It's also about making the act of patience more tolerable or pleasant long term , and learning to be good at it . Like I said before, making the most of it .
 When you have to wait , I know it is actually a gift sometimes, for it provides you with time to do certain things , to prepare yourself for what you are waiting for ( I usually feel I'm well prepared Already !  ) but, adjusting a little more mentally - visualizing , emotionally - meditating physically - getting healthier and so forth, is only apt to help and make us stronger and better prepared for what's coming our way .
So, looking at patience simply as a game where I'm winning because, I'm allotted more prep time to take on what's coming is what I'm trying to do .
And, wanted to offer this to you as a possibility for yourselves.
Share your comments and ideas if you'd like by leaving a comment below .
Be Well !

Mango Trail Mix Video !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CE1mnTFMTU

Whimsical Walks - Walking Games

Whimsical Walks - Walking Games

Mindful walking can be it's own great reward in many senses and particularly in certain environments so, this article is born not with the intent to keep you from meditative and mindful walking but, to give the bored walker , the unmotivated to walk as well as, those who'd just like to try something new and fun, and play some walking games from time to time some, games . However, there in some of these games are tools to exercise your awareness , observation skills, and mind/brain so, they are too somewhat I mindful /meditative exercise . I hope you have fun and get some physical and mental exercise in with these games ! Please , share comments on your experiences with them and thoughts below !

1. Color Game - solo you pick a color before you start walking and then see how many things you can find that are that color . You may want to bring a notebook and jot them down or count them in your head or just do it without any documentation .
With a friend or partner you'll pick a color before you start your walk and then try to beat your partner in finding things and find the most things that are that color again, you may want to bring a notebook and keep score and you may not . You may want to just do it for fun , mental exercise, visual exercise, and  entertainment while walking .

2. Found Object Collecting - Play the same way solo or with others . Simply look for discarded objects to collect that you can use . Some things you may find are clothing tags with cool words like exhilarate - that's a recent find of mine , bottle caps , and rubber bands . You may use found objects in art journaling or in found object crafts for example . I have seen found object picture frames and wind-chimes.

3. Bottle and Can Scavenger Hunt- About 1/5 of the U.S.A. offers some cash redemption on bottles and cans so, if you are among the 1/5 then this can be a money making game . If you are not you can still feel good about cleaning up the environment and doing a bit to help preserve the earth by taking them to a recycling center . You may also find a found object or upcycling project to create with them . I have seen people make and sell wind-chimes made from cans , wind instruments made from bottles , and animal garden and lawn caricatures made from bottles and cans and, I'm sure there's a multitude of other possibilities .
If you are doing this with someone else you may wish to make it a contest to see who can gather the most .

4. One Minute All you can Name Game -
Pick something - a category such as types of plants, gemstones, or sports. Your walking partner will start naming things in the category as soon as you start your walk . You may wish to make a thinking time limit between "answers " such as one minute or 2 or 3 . when your partner can't think of anymore and is "out " You can turn around and have them challenge you with a different category and, see if you are out before you return to your walks starting point or if you've done better " win" .

5. Counting Game - Pick something to count ( Something different every time you play this one perhaps )Some ideas for what to count are people, bikes, fences, yellow flowers , etc.
If you are playing solo you do it just as described above . If you are walking with another or others you may wish to do it together and see how many you all collectively can find or you may wish to say them aloud but, keep your own counts and compare after the walk .

6. Letter Game -  Pick a letter before starting your walk . When you see something that starts with that letter say it . An example might look like ' F' - flower, fence, friend, fussing baby , fungi , etc.. You can do your whole walk with this letter and try a different one next time you walk and play this game or you can start with A and go through the alphabet too after, a set number such as 5 of each letter.  You would walk looking for A's until 5 have been named and then start looking for B's until 5 have been named and so on.
This is easily played about the same solo or with a partner or a group .

Have fun ! Get walking ! Get healthier ! Get playing ! and,
Be Well ! :) 

Spend Less have more Fun! List of more than 15 Healthy,Fun Activities that are free or nearly free for the Spring and Summer Seasons !

1- Enjoy the Beach
2- Swimming in clean natural waters
3- Nature walks
4- Berry picking
5- Farmer's markets and farm stands
6- Hiking
7- Camping
8- Biking
9- Picnicking ( with healthy vegan food of course ! )
10- Get a book , sketch pad or journal and find a friendly tree
11- Garden
12- Garden tours official or unofficial - public gardens parks so forth
13- Photograph flowers and nature
14- Play Frisbee , catch , hop scotch , jump rope, hula hoop
15 -  Shop yard-sales and flee markets

Mother's Day Suggestion - Make Ahead Brunch !!

Make Ahead Brunch :

Tofu Scrambler 
Prep the veggies ahead of time :
 Dice one sweet white onion
 Dice sweet or bell peppers and or jalapenos
Chop or dice any other veggies you'd like in it .
You can pre- saute them . Allow to cool and then refrigerate .
 At the time of cooking
Just cut up firm tofu , add tofu scrambler pack . Mix with tofu
fry ( med. - high heat ) , add diaya if desired . And add veggies to heat .( At time of cooking time estimate 10- 15 minutes )

smoothie 
Smoothies may only take a few minutes anyway but, if you want to you can make one ahead of time , refrigerate it and pull it out right before serving .

Home fries again can be made a day in advance. weather baked or fried the smaller you cut the potatoes the less  cooking time is  required. A plant strong way to do this is to substitute vegan veggie broth in place of the oil.  Great on their own ; delightful additions I've found include, onions, and  peppers or, herbs - oregano, basil, pepper, rosemary , thyme, garlic , parsley , all good options or salsa , or nutritional yeast .
Here's a recipe of mine for Autumn Home fries which includes yams or sweet potatoes
 Autumn home fry recipe :

Notes: 

Obviously you can use any type of potatoes you'd like , do all yams, or all potatoes The heating time will depend . Timing will vary depending on the size of your dish and size of potatoes and yams/ amount .I recommend checking on them every 20 mins or so . If you use less than I did (this pan is double layered ) you may only need to cook them 40-45 minutes . I used 4 large russet potatoes and two yams each a different type .

 1.)preheated oven to 400 degrees 2.) I cut them into aprox. 1 inch pieces 3.) I put vegan veggie broth in a casserole dish filled it to between 1/2 and 1 inch deep . (I'm really glad I used this brand they taste wonderful! its pacific brand ) 4.) I put the pieces in the dish 

5.) I poured more veggie broth over them so they all got coated 6.) I added 3 tbs rosemary . 7.) Put in oven and baked 1 hr . After 40-45 minutes I used a spatula and mixed them up before putting them back in . 

8. I salted them with a couple pinches of celtic sea salt ( you could use any kind you'd like )