HAPPY 2011!

I wish everyone a beautiful new year filled with love and joy! I want to share another gem that my yoga teacher shared with me for you to meditate on during this new beginning...

I salute you. And my love for you goes deep. 

There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But, there is much, 

that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No Heaven can 

come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven!

No Peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. 

Take Peace!

Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering,

that you will find earth but cloaks your Heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all!

But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together,

wending through unknown country home.

- Fra Giovanni

don't stress...

Making gifts for friends and family is creative, fun and your loved ones will appreciate the time and care put into their presents. If you are low on funds this Christmas or if you just want to give something homemade this year, here are a few ideas...

 Make Apple Pie Liquor. This is inexpensive and easy to make, the recipe makes a huge batch that you can give away to many people. You can purchase cute bottles to put the liquor in, even from the Dollar Store or the Goodwill or D.I.. It tastes and smells delicious and is a great holiday treat that anyone will enjoy. Here is the recipe:

 6 cans frozen of apple juice concentrate 

18 cups of water 

1 gallon of apple cider 

750 ml of Everclear (alcohol) 

7 cinnamon sticks 

4 cups of sugar 

4 cups of brown sugar

Take all the ingredients excluding the Everclear and combine in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add the Everclear. Bottle and Enjoy!

Make Hot Cocoa Mix

The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. The recipe makes enough for four gift-size portions, each of which can be measured into a small plastic bag and tucked into a cup or mug filled with mini marshmallows, candy stick stirrers, and a spoon. Wrap each filled gift cup in cellophane and don't forget to include a tag with the following instructions: "Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well."

Ingredients

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

• 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.
   
2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
   
   
   
    

Make a Recipe Booklet

This is a personal and very useful gift that the recipient will use for years to come. Simply print out or hand write your favorite recipes and get a small binder and a some scrap-booking supplies to decorate it with. Put your recipes together and share with your loved one!

Make a Mix CD 

Personalizing a mix for someone you care about is a great way to make them feel special. Choose songs that remind you of that person, put them together on a CD, make a cool cover (listing the songs and artists) and give the gift of music!

what's for dinner...

Breakfast for dinner is a great way to switch things up... make your favorite morning meal for dinner this weekend! Check out this easy french toast recipe http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/perfect-french-toast-recipe/index.html and maybe make it with some organic ham and eggs.

be traditional...

Roasting chestnuts is something that I will be doing for the first time this week. I will not be roasting them on an open fire but if you have a fireplace, go for it! I hear that roasted chestnuts are delicious and this will make a good Holiday tradition.

Here is a how-to link...http://startcooking.com/blog/299/How-to-Roast-Chestnuts
TIP: I also read that they are great if you saute them in butter after they are peeled, put them back in the oven still in the skillet until browned a little on top and then sprinkle them with a little salt and cinnamon, have them with eggnog! Sounds cozy!

show love...

 Hugs have been shown to reduce heart rates, improve overall moods, lower blood pressure, increase nerve activity, and a host of other beneficial effects.

'tis the season...

...for sequins! It is so fun to bring a little sparkle to your Holiday parties! Weather you go for lots of shine like a sequined blazer, top or dress or just a little shine like a hair accessory or a clutch, have fun with sequins this season! 

Follow this link to check out inexpensive options at Forever 21...http://www.forever21.com/search.asp?keyword=sequin

or this link for designer selections on Shop Bop...http://www.shopbop.com/actions/viewSearchResultsAction.action?query=sequins&searchButton.x=0&searchButton.y=0

give...

  The Salvation Army Giving Tree program is a great way to give to someone in need this season. There are children who mostly need clothing, shoes and socks, pajamas and also wish for a couple of toys and then there are seniors or "Golden Angels" who are in need of clothing, slippers, robes and wish for simple items like a radio.  

  It is a great way for kids to learn about giving. I take my son to a tree location to pick a child's card off of the tree and then go get the items with him. You can also follow this link to participate online...

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/A26BE892B1CBCE42802573F50056BE0C?Opendocument

inhale slowly and deeply...

The various health benefits of lavender essential oil include:

Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves. Therefore, it helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.

Sleep: Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.

Lavender essential oil is available at Whole Foods among many other places and can be used in a linen spray on your pillow case for a sleep aid, in a warm bath to relax you and soften skin, in an oil diffuser or a candle (just make sure the candle contains actual essential oil) for general relaxation or you can pull out your bottle of  lavender oil and take a few deep inhales for a quick calming effect. Lavender has many benefits and during this often crazy holiday season it is a great stress reliever!  

Lavender is so tasty in lots of recipes like lavender lemonade, lavender shortbread cookies and the following recipe for lavender honey!

 http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/lavender-syrup-recipe/index.html

vintage/modern...

THE HEAD SCARF...good for bad hairdays or a statement look.

have a cup of tea...

-Studies suggest teas may help lower fat, fight cancer, reduce stress and more.

-Depending on the type of tea, tea can help you relax, get healthy, gain energy or diet. 

 I have always found tea comforting and very beneficial. You can find many types of teas at any grocery store or Whole Foods. Even a nice, hot cup of simple chamomile tea with honey tonight before bed can make you feel more relaxed. There is a type of tea for whatever may be bothering you, anything from a cold to anxiety. This is a great website for information about tea and to purchase really good loose leaf teas. http://www.teavana.com/

getting crafty for holiday dinners...

Fragrant Name Tag

For a variation on table place cards, let each guest know where to sit by marking the chairs with name tags. Write the name on a paper tag and secure it at the back of the chair with ribbon and a sprig of eucalyptus.

sweetness...

My favorite new Holiday time treat are these limited edition Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses. They are white chocolate based with minty swirls, tiny bits of crunch and are delicious! Enjoy a few with Hot Cocoa and relax.

Try this amazing recipe for  Hershey's Candy Cane Swirl Cheescake!

http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/8363/KISSES%20Candy%20Cane%20Swirl%20Cheesecake.aspx 

be brave...

Optimism isn't just a shift in perspective. It's an act of bravery.

read more at
http://www.wholeliving.com/

Hair Care...

Sulfate Free Shampoos - Why Use them? Sulfates are used in many shampoos to produce a lathering affect and clean the hair. However, if your hair is damaged, dry, or chemically treated, these sulfates can cause breakage and hair loss. The reason is because harsh sulfates actually strip the hair, leading to dryness. Dryness leads to decreased elasticity and breakage. One common sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is known to cause eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions. However, you will probably find it on the ingredient list of most of your shampoos. Other harsh sulfates include:
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate
TEA Laureth Sulfate

Some SULFATE FREE options...

 Pureology has worked really well with my hair and is available at salons and online. I have also seen this brand at Nordstrom Rack and Costco!

Organix is a natural and inexpensive brand that you can find at most supermarkets and drugstores. The scent and ingredient options are great!

give...

I happen to love Asian inspired decor and accessories. This website has some beautiful things and great gift ideas like a cute sake scented candle set ($30) or a cast iron Japanese tea set ($55). You can also find personalized sake cups, paper lanterns, paper umbrellas, sushi sets and kimonos plus lots more. Check it out for unique gifts!

http://www.asianideas.com/newarrivals.html

love.

 I would like to share with you a poem that my yoga teacher read this morning during practice...

love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places

yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skillfully curled)
all worlds

-e.e. cummings

what's for dinner...

Paula Deen has a great Ham Fried Rice with Pineapple recipe, ya'll! This recipe is fairly easy and who doesn't love fried rice? Try it!
http://www.pauladeen.com/index.php/recipes/view2/ham_fried_rice_with_pineapple_and_fried_egg/

style, honey!

NEUTRALS. I am happy about this trend as I have always loved my cozy beige sweaters, gray boots, neutral eyes and taupe polish. Color is always fun but any neutral pieces that you purchase this season can be timeless and blend with any of your favorite colors in the future.

fyi hot mommies...

This is something that I did not know until this year...at Toys R Us your kid(s) can create a Wish List. When you go in they will give you a scanner and the kid can run around the store and scan the things they would like for Christmas (just like a bridal or baby shower registry). Then family members and friends can go online to find out exactly what your child wants and no one will get him/her duplicate gifts. I am almost as excited about this as my 7 year old son, Sammy!

http://www.toysrus.com/wishlist/index.jsp

getting crafty!

My son loves Advent Calendars and I think this muffin tin idea is really cute. Check out this kit that comes with all of the embellished magnet squares so all you have to do is get a muffin tin and little treats to fill it up with! Or if you are feeling really crafty, make your own magnet squares with your own color scheme or have each of your kids make their own! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/35258455/kid-friendly-muffin-tin-christmas-advent?ref=v1_other_1

listen...

In my opinion, everyone should own every Sade CD. The voice, the lyrics, the music is beautiful and timeless. Her newest CD, 'Soldier of Love' (which came out in February of 2010), is mellow and amazing and would be a great addition to your music collection. It would also make a perfect Christmas gift for almost any music lover. My personal favorite song from the album is "Baby Father". Listen at http://www.sade.com/us/music/.

sweetness...

Caramel Apple Muffins...easy and so delicious. A great fall recipe for dessert, with coffee for breakfast or just a sweet snack.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Caramel-Apple-Muffins

warmth from within...

I will be my own Sunshine on cloudy days.

turn these pages...

I read the book "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett a few months ago...I did not want to put it down. If you have not read this yet and you are looking for a good book, go pick it up! A movie of this novel is in the works but I find that books are always better than the movies based on them so read before you watch.

do this...

Mantra Meditation

This meditation will take anywhere from five to 20 minutes, or even longer if you wish. We recommend staying in Steps 1 and 2 for one to two minutes each; in Step 3 for three to five minutes; and in Step 4 for five to 15 minutes.
Step by Step
Select a favorite word, phrase, prayer, or fragment of a poem for meditation. Ideally, a mantra is composed of only a few words or syllables, so you can repeat it easily, without getting lost in a long phrase. Choose something uplifting that inspires you and engages your heart. Avoid words that stir up thoughts or disturb your mind.
Sit comfortably in a chair or on the floor, supporting your posture with a blanket or a cushion. Find a position both aligned with the natural curves of the spine and relaxed, so you can remain fairly still. Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths or do some breathing practices for several minutes, then relax your breath completely.
Repeat your mantra slowly and steadily, concentrating on its sound as fully as you can. Repeat it in unison with the natural rhythm of your breath. Either split it so you repeat half the mantra when you inhale and the other half when you exhale, or repeat it on both the inhalation and the exhalation.
After about 10 recitations, repeat the mantra silently by moving only your lips (this helps you keep a steady pace). Then, after another 10 repetitions, recite it internally without moving your lips.
As thoughts arise, simply return to the mantra, knowing this is a natural part of the process. Gently bring your attention back again and again, experiencing the internal sound as fully as possible.
Continue for the period of time you set aside for meditation. Come out of the meditation by taking a few deep breaths and then sitting quietly to see what you feel. You may feel calm and centered. Or you may be flooded with old thoughts and feelings from your subconscious, which might be uncomfortable.
Regardless of your immediate reaction, take comfort in knowing that regular practice has immense benefits: It enables you to experience the present moment more fully and to make conscious choices instead of falling into habitual reactions.
*from www.yogajournal.com