The Great Hangup- How Plugging-In Unplugs Me From The World.

It's nice what you observe when you go for a walk or a run without your phone, iPod, or any sort of electronic device.

I've done it two days in a row now. I like how I feel my energy going inward with thought and outward with tiny connections with strangers. 

So many times, I felt happy, thoughtful, connected and could feel euphoric feelings moving outward and inward simultantiously. All because I was engaged in the world. Or at least that's what I think is the reason. 

Also the silence is nice. It's rare & gentle:) I love it!

Although my attention often went to what I DIDN'T hear, it also went frequently to things that I was more aware of without the electronic stimuli of either checking facebook, changing songs in iTunes or seeing what time it was... I heard interesting private conversations, I got a random high five from a student who may not have engaged me if I had my ear buds in.

I even saw a girl drop something important riding her bike- but she couldn't hear me as I shouted for her, hope she is able to work that out:/

Lastly, seeing nature churn: water move, leaves rustle, & fat daddy squirrels with all their pre-winter scampering. 

I may never take my iPhone for an iRun again! 

A Green Smoothie that is ACTUALLY Good!

Ok, I know GOOD is a subjective word. What's good to me, might not be good to you. 

This spirulina smoothie will redefine your opinion of green drinks forever. It's so smooth, creamy and sweet- it's the best one I've had yet- Thanks to Rachel Knapp- my friend, fellow student the Naturopathic Institute and smoothie chef extraordinaire! All the credit is to you my dear! 

Here's what you need and where to get it! 

• 2-5 Dates (ideally they would be soaked overnight in water) sometimes these are in bulk too!
• 1/4 cup Nuts  (soak these overnight, I like almonds, cashews pumpkin seeds & sunflower) check bulk too!
• 1 Tablespoon Spirulina Powder this is a great source!
• 1 Tablespoon Cacao Powder (equal exchange makes a great one pictured top right) Available at most health food stores. 
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seed (these can be soaked also- soak a 3-4 tablespoons and use some for the smoothie. Drink the rest in water, juice or chlorophyll water throughout the day!)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract 
• 1.5 cups Purified Water

Mix all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth! Add a few ice cubes and blend again if desired. Rachel says she likes to drink it out of a wine glass at home to be extra fun :-)

You'll spend about $35 or so on all this stuff (give or take some if you buy more nuts, chia, or spirulina) but have smoothies for at least 2 weeks. The cacao and the spirulina will likely last much longer as they are available in larger containers.

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3 Habits of A Modern Hippie

Just entertaining the idea of hanging your clothes out on the line makes you a bit of a modern hippie. Resisting convenience of using a dryer for the simple pleasure of hung dry sheets:) Oh yeah! I try to do it whenever I can.

There's something sweet about it. Going out there in my bare feet, clothes-pins clipped on my shirt. I love how everything comes out looking like it was ironed, smells fresh and of course- not using any additional electricity using the dryer. I do admit the towels come out pretty crispy but if I really want them soft (as my hubby is a sucker for soft towels), I just pop them in the dryer for about 5 minutes and voila´!

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Post Weekend Natural High

I just had another amazing weekend up at my Naturopathic College. I learned lymphatic drainage massage, infant massage & pregnant mother massage- it was awesome!

The lymphatic drainage massage was intense! I underestimated the potential for detox there! I felt terrible on & off for about 24 hours during the weekend at class. Eek!

Lots of water a few days before, during & a few days after the massage would have increased the benefit to my body & lessened detox symptoms. Symptoms of tissue detox include weakness, dizziness, nausea, negative emotions, & even flu-like symptoms! ALWAYS drink water for any sort of body work, but especially lymphatic drainage massage.

Then I came home to this beautiful arrangement blossoming on the table from a friend... Welcome home! Am I a lucky girl or what?!?! I get to go learn about what I love, help people and get love from all around. I'm blessed beyond belief.

Naturally Green Beer With Liquid Chlorophyll

Want green beer the natural way? Pick up a bottle of liquid chlorophyll today at an natural health food store. There are many choices but the Herbs Etc. ChlorOxygen is a fairly easy one to find that is reasonable priced. Chlorophyll is a natural blood supporting substance, it oxygenates the blood so well that it's used for those suffering from altitude sickness!

Pick up one of these and add 5 to 10 drops to your favorite beverage today water, smoothie, freshly juiced juice or YES, Beer. Enjoy today in all its beautiful glory!

The best beer to use is light beer (which isn't usually my favorite), but lighter beers look more green. The darker beers will appear more green-brown. The other thing to watch out for is that some of the chlorophyll has a mint flavor; I don't recommend that unless you want your beer to be minty fresh as well!

Chlorophyll used daily in water or juice contributes to healthier digestion, circulation, healthy blood cells and better energy levels. This chlorophyll is made with Nettle which some of you know is one of my favorite medicinal herbs. It's extremely mineral rich and nutritious!

Pick some up and let me know what you think!

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Juicing Sweet Potatoes does WHAT?

I was preparing for my juicing class last week and came across the juiciest little tidbit about Sweet Potatoes.  They are considered a "power food", meaning that they are very therapeutic.  

These pretty babies contribute to healthy connective tissue and even speed the healing of wounds.  They reduce the risk of cancer and osteoporosis and support healthy bones in general. They also help balance cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.  

ALL valuable attributes, but that's not what caught my eye:

Some research has indicated that consuming sweet potatoes may increase the likelihood of conceiving twins! 

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