Forever Learning

As I nestle into my bed, my legs stretched all the way across my trusty fuzzy blanket, I feel the deepest sense of peace. Which is rather strange considering I am missing ALL the Canada Day festivities! I have never missed a Canada Day, it’s a celebration that I am ever so proud to take part of.

This country has shown me time and time again, that it is superior to the rest. When I hear of the heartache and devastation that is booming across this great big world of ours, a deep wave of sadness comes over me. Us Canadians, at times take for granted our remarkable freedom, absolutely beautiful land and AMAZING healthcare system. I am so honoured to be a Canadian, even when negativity soars about our political system, I still have such faith that this country can withstand anything. I love you Canada.

The biggest reason I felt pushed to write; Social media. It is an incredible tool when it brings us joy, keeps us in touch with loved ones, and enhances our creativity. It is the exact opposite however, when one falls into zombie mode and scrolls mindlessly for HOURS on end… Which can definitely happen to the best of us. I found myself falling into that downward spiral today, and beginning to feel a strong sense of FOMO (Fear of missing out).

No matter where I looked, people seemed to be having the absolute best time!! While there I was, hidden away in a forest, wondering what the hell I was doing with my life. Then it hit me! It’s a trap, we all end up feeling a little lonely or unseen after hours of watching the highlight reel of OTHER peoples lives. Which is super interesting to me, I asked myself why this was happening? Why was I spending so much time glued to my phone? This hasn’t happened to me in quite a while, what was in MY control that I was doing or not doing to manifest this feeling.

Almost immediately, the words MEDITATE and WRITE flashed in my head… I should have known!! Honestly, how silly was I to even question it. I have totally fallen off the wagon with those 2 sacred activities for the last couple weeks, and damn is it ever noticeable. I am looking OUTSIDE of myself for happiness and fulfillment, which is always a never ending chase, and definitely not sustainable.

When I spend more quality time with myself without distractions, I feel whole. The love and acceptance that I was just craving, has been inside me all along. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race and let life pass you by.  When your mind/ego takes the wheel, that’s when darkness can creep in. I am telling you right now, as a girl who spends half of her life secluded from society, there is MAJOR need to disconnect from the web and reconnect to yourself. Radical self-love has honestly been my saving grace up here, I am so thankful I am becoming more aware of the cues now and have my little toolkit of tricks to get my ass out of a funk.

I wanted to share this observation, because I have seen the massive impact they both make on my well-being. I have been pushed to find ways that make being away from my loved ones a PRO, rather than a CON. Once you have felt complete and happy in your own skin, without feeling the need to obsess over the internet, that becomes the new thing you crave. My hope is that everyone gets to feel that warm wholeness one day ❤ Might just change the way we all see things..

On that note, I am going to get the F off this machine now 🙂
Rant over, Happy Canada Day xo

 

 

Tea & Contemplation.

Solitude; It’s a powerful thing, especially when it becomes a constant way of being. It can truly push one to their limits – Mentally and physically. As you dive into the depths of your soul, crawling around in the darkness, in search of the light. Your internal world begins to parade around you more and more, your perception becomes your reflection. The inner workings of your mind, manifest themselves in the physical world. So it is, you then have a choice; Let the loneliness that solitude brings, swallow you up whole, slowly eating away at you & leaving you feeling defeated. Body and mind slowly breaking down bit by bit, doing their very best to let you know something needs attention, in a desperate need of love.

On the other hand, you may choose to let it shape you into who you desire to be. The one you dream of, all stretched out on your vision board. You feel into the experience so damn deeply, that you begin to learn things about yourself that you never knew possible. There’s an indescribable closeness that comes to fruition, and it’s not like anything you have ever experienced before. It’s warm, inviting, and safe. A strong sense of trust starts to join in your every day, and it feels peaceful and light. For once in your life, you feel guided and protected in the decisions you make.

By no means however, does this come easy, or even naturally to most. It takes endless hours of reflection, writing, surrender, releasing and unwavering self – love. Being on a path of self discovery, has been one of the most uncomfortable things I have ever embarked on, AND yet the most rewarding. It’s a daily practise, one that I fall out of more often than I would like to admit.

Is that not the beauty of life though, the ebb and flow. We are constantly getting thrown off track. Finding ease and grace in those times of despair and heartache, is where all the magic lies. Having faith that whatever we are going through in that moment, is serving it’s true divine purpose. That’s all we can do, is let go and believe we are on the path meant for us.

What I’ve come to realize, is that most of us cannot be alone, not comfortably anyways. Reaching for social media or Netflix to occupy our busy minds. Numbing out from actually feeling our deepest feelings. It’s something that I think will make our break us as a society. I still find myself in limbo, on Facebook and Instagram mindlessly scrolling, searching for that quick dopamine hit when you get a new notification -> To wanting, craving, DESIRING more out of life.

When that happens I know there’s something I need to attend to, myself. Power down, get in my body – move, read, write, dance, laugh, BREATHE deeper. Reconnect to the part of me that gets pushed away, my soul. If all of this sounds “woo-woo” to you, I encourage you to just have an open mind. 

There is a real deep sense of loneliness that I have witnessed in so many people, ones who don’t spend NEARLY as much time alone as I do. It breaks my heart. It can show up in a lot of ways: Addictive behaviours, emotional eating, depression, narcissism, feeling stuck, codependency and workaholism. They know something is missing in their lives, they just don’t know exactly WHAT’S missing.

In our superficial, materialistic, surface driven culture today, we are searching for acceptance, gratification and love in all the wrong ways. Judging our worth by our careers, outer appearance, or how many likes and followers we get on social media, when our real world becomes more and more anti-social.

My whole point with this post, is to raise some awareness around feeling lonely or stuck. You could be in a room full of people and still feel lonely, and what it truly comes down to in my opinion? Not taking any time for yourself, quality time. Starting off by just getting quiet, NO distractions, closing your eyes and just breathing. Listening to your breath, letting your belly rise and fall, being still.

Gaining awareness of the moment without any emotions attached. Learning to listen to the way your body screams out for your attention, rather than silencing it with distractions, medicine or even drugs. If the moment comes where we can all start reconnecting to ourselves deeper with more compassion, on a regular basis, the world as we know it will begin to shift – For that love that we had been searching for all along…Was inside waiting for us the whole time ❤ 

Plants and Planets?!

For those of you who know me, I am sure you have been able to witness my excitement on my new fascination; The power of Essential oils & Aromatherapy. Learning about ALL of the incredible benefits smell has on our emotional state; It is the strongest sense in the human body! Aromatherapy offers us a chance to heal, focus and channel our energy effectively. While it helps heal negative emotions and symptoms, it also brings out your positive personality traits and strengths.

Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade* essential oils are concentrated pure plant extracts from flowers, stems,seeds and roots. They assist in healing the physical body, the heart, releasing our limiting beliefs, increasing our spiritual connection and inspire the fulfillment of our life’s purpose.

Which all resonates with me so deeply, because for as long as I can remember, I have been completely fascinated by Astrology. My Best friend brought it into my life when we were about 16. We read up on ourselves and then about those close to us. The accuracy was so dead on… I was hooked!  It’s something that drew me in right from the beginning, I bought countless books and began observing others closer than I had ever done.

Before long, it was something that consumed my mind quite frequently. I couldn’t believe the uncanny similarities each sign shared in their personality, it was pretty exciting to me. Knowing that there is something bigger than ourselves out there, it definitely was the start of my spiritual journey.

10 years later, and I can say the love for Astrology is still as strong as ever. However I have a much deeper understanding of it now. Rather than just focusing on one’s Sun sign, I have learned how to read astrological birth charts; Which is something I would love everyone to read about themselves. The depth of each individual reading is really quite spectacular. Helping you gain understanding of the traits and habits about yourself (and others) that you may in fact be struggling with or even confused about.

I know for myself, I have gained much more clarity, compassion/understanding towards myself since studying it. I strongly believe when given a proper astrological reading, it provides one with such a new found awareness that it can actually accelerate our growth and help guide us on our paths. However… To keep things simple today, let’s just focus on our sun signs in this article.

If you understand some of the common characteristics associated with your zodiac sign, both positive and challenging, you can look towards essential oils to help you nurture and heal both emotional and physical health problems. Important to keep in mind, you’re a complex, unique individual.

When your birthday lies at the beginning or end of a particular sign, you might take on some of the qualities of the neighbouring signs. For instance, If you were born on the cusp of Libra, consider essential oils that benefit Virgo as well .

“Anyone who practices medicine without taking into consideration the movement of stars is a fool.” ~Hippocrates (460 BC) ‘The father of medicine’~

What is YOUR Essential Oil?

Aries – The Ram

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

Positive traits……Aries, the first astrology sign, are natural leaders being go-getters, courageous, ambitious, confident, enthusiastic and good organisers! Also passionate, fiery, frank, exciting, energetic, curious and always competitive!

Negative traits……Prefer to lead rather than be led…a bit of a ‘me first’ attitude at times. Impatient if quick results aren’t seen…becoming bored and moving on. Also can be quick tempered, impulsive and argumentative.

Health issues……The head, brain and eyes are ruled by Aries. They don’t fall ill very easily and tend to fight ailments off quickly! Danger of headaches and stress-related problems.

Essential oils….. Frankincense and Rosemary will help support their health and fiery nature. Mixed into a massage oil, Rosemary oil can help with those tender joints and cramped muscles. Peppermint excellent for calming the fire! Lavender is extremely useful for soothing headaches.

Taurus- The Bull

Element: Earth

Planet: Venus

Positive traits……Taureans, the second astrology sign, are reliable, determined, loyal, practical and homeloving…..they do not like change! They handle situations in a dignified and controlled way. Also sensitive, gentle, loving and appreciative of beauty and pleasure…..thanks to being ruled by Venus!

Negative traits……Once they form an opinion it is very hard to change their minds! Can be obstinate, stubborn, self-indulgent and prone to jealousy.

Health issues……Venus rules the neck and throat and thyroid. Prone to sore throats, stiff neck and shoulders, colds and thyroid problems. Also may be a tendency to over-indulge leading to weight issues.

Essential oils…… Eucalyptus and Juniper will help alleviate sore throats and free up congestion.  Ylang-Ylang and Patchouli can be used to nurture their sensual nature- a mild but effective aphrodisiac. Very relaxing, which can help you release any jealousies you might harbor and restore your mental equilibrium.It can lower your blood pressure when your temper gets the best of you.

Gemini – The Twins

Element: Air

Planet: Mercury

Positive traits……Geminis are lively, quick witted, questioning, and talkative….Making them great communicators! They are versatile and can adapt to any situation. Excellent at problem solving. Being the sign of the twins, they also have a yin/yang quality…Meaning they can change their minds and moods in a whim, but can also see both sides of an argument!

Negative traits……Quick to lose their temper, often with a lethal tongue and prone to inconsistent moods. They have a tendency to skim over matters and at times not very reliable.

Health issues……Gemini, the third astrology sign, rules shoulders, lungs, arms and hands. Most prone to respiratory illnesses and strains of shoulders, neck and arms.

Essential oils……Thyme and Eucalyptus can help with respiratory problems. Basil and Ginger are great for nurturing a quick mind! When you feel tense in unfamiliar surroundings or when emotional baggage gets too heavy, Basil will get your blood pressure back under control.

Cancer – The Crab

Element: Water

Planet: The Moon

Positive traits……The least predictable of all the astrology signs…..One minute patient and easygoing, the next irritable and moody! They are caring and nurturing, very much into family and home. Cancers are emotional, sensitive, sympathetic and super affectionate. Also very intuitive, often with almost psychic abilities!

Negative traits……Unpredictable…Sometimes being indecisive, over senstive and over emotional. Also in danger of being a little clingy and possessive.

Health issues……The breasts and stomach are the parts of the body linked with Cancer. Stomach disorders (including ulcers), heartburn and water retention are problems common to this sign.

Essential oils……Peppermint and Fennel are incredible for helping digestion and soothing discomfort. Lavender is wonderful for easing your anxious mind, bringing you back to a relaxed state of calm.

Leo – The Lion

Element: Fire

Planet: The Sun

Positive traits……Leos, the fifth astrology sign, are self-confident, powerful and dominant…Like the lion they are born leaders! They are magnetic, enthusiastic, creative, extrovert and love to entertain. Also very faithful and loving.

Negative traits……Sometimes the dominant trait can make Leos bossy, patronising, interfering and arrogant. They are also sensitive to criticism and can be vain.

Health issues……Leo governs the heart, back and spine. They are in danger of back problems and should make sure that they look after their hearts!

Essential oils……Garlic and Majoram boost your heart health. If you have any pent-up frustrations or passions, use garlic and majoram to let them loose. Lemongrass and Rosemary help to ease up tension in the back.

Virgo – The Maiden

Element: Earth

Planet: Mercury

Positive traits……Virgo is an intelligent, practical and down to earth sign. They have a strong sense of responsibilty towards family and friends. They are very neat and organised and love to see a job well done.

Negative traits……They can be quite critical of others but do not take criticism well themselves. There is also a constant need for perfection which can be quite draining on others.

Health issues……Virgo, the sixth astrology sign, rules the sinuses, respiratory system and bowels. Allergies, colds, flu and constipation are common problems. They also have a tendency to worry and can be prone to depression. They are also in danger of feeling stressed!

Essential oils……Roman Chamomile essential oil will ease your anxiety, because of its mild sedative properties. Use it to slow your racing thoughts and calm your pounding heart. It also helps cleanse your body of harmful toxins and reduces the emotional fallout of nervous reactions. Melissa essential oil will also achieve similar results, so you might consider using the two in tandem. Fennel is a wonderful oil to help ease digestive upset.

Libra- The Scales

Element: Air

Planet: Venus

Positive traits……Charming, romantic, diplomatic, sociable… Libra, the seventh astrology sign. Kind and compassionate they make fantastic friends and great lovers! Always even-handed they hate violence and confrontation and love to see justice done. Harmony, peace and balance are key words here.

Negative traits……Can be perceived to be indecisive or un-committed. Probably because they like to please everybody. They also like to be admired and to be the centre of attention…So may seem self-centred. Can also be very lazy!

Health issues……Libra governs the lower back, kidneys and ovaries. Lower back pain is a common problem and they may be prone to kidney infections or stones.

Essential oils……Basil and Bergamot are useful for relaxing muscle spasms in the lower back. Also try Frankincense for nuturing a sense of self-support and peace of mind. It deflects and reduces stress.Frankincense also relieves physical pain and promotes a healthy immune system.

Scorpio- The Scorpion

Element: Water

Planet: Mars & Pluto

Positive traits……Passionate, perceptive, determined, powerful and intuitive…Scorpios make very loyal friends. They are the most contradictory of all the signs…Your best friend or your worst enemy. Very emotional, but deep and mysterious – They have a highly developed sense of sensuality.

Negative traits……Scorpios can have a deadly sting! They can be jealous, manipulating, possessive, controlling and often will want their own way (and with their strong will, usually get it!). Scorpios find it very difficult to forgive.

Health issues……This astrology sign governs the reproductive organs and the excretory system. Generally strong in health, but prone to infections, fevers and problems with the genitals.

Essential oils……Patchouli and Jasmine  nurture their sensual side. Patchouli works wonders for healing the emotional and psychological impact of stress. It can supply extra energy when you don’t have anything left to give. Sandalwood and Clary Sage can help ground and soften their unforgiving nature.

Sagittarius- The Archer

Element: Fire

Planet: Jupiter

Positive traits……Sagittarians are the fun-loving adventurers of the zodiac! They love travelling, freedom and independence. Natural entertainers. They are optimistic, forthright, idealistic and probably the friendliest of all the signs. Also intelligent, enthusiastic and great communicators.

Negative traits……Impatient, tactless and impulsive…..They often speak without thinking and can seem to be pushy because of their extrovert ways. Also they can be extravagant, impractical and irresponsible.

Health issues……Sagittarius, the eighth astrology sign, rules the liver, thighs and hips. They are generally healthy people because of their love for the outdoor life! Sciatica, hip and leg pains and exhaustion are common problems. Also in danger of stress, tension and addictions. Particularly alcohol and gambling.

Essential oils……Tea Tree and Geranium are essential oils that will help encourage adventuring and the free spirit! Geranium can help keep your muscles healthy and strong while easing the symptoms of the musculoskeletal conditions to which you’re prone. Lavender helps with stress and tension. Basil helps to support the addictive nature.

Capricorn- The Goat

Element: Earth

Planet: Saturn

Positive traits……Logical, practical and ambitious, Capricorns have a desire for success and the will to succeed. Although they are the loners of the zodiac, they are considered to have a good sense of humour and make loyal and faithful friends.

Negative traits……Can be bossy, domineering and too focused on a goal, disregarding other people and their feelings. They can be inclined to bear grudges and to be jealous and possessive.

Health issues……Capricorn, the tenth astrology sign, rules the bones, joints (especially the knees!), teeth and skin……..so broken bones, stiff joints and skin problems are often the main issue. Insecurity, over-worrying and ‘burn-out’ can be other concerns.

Essential oils……Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Ginger all help with swollen and stiff joints.Eucalyptus essential oil relieves mental exhaustion and reduces muscle pain, which can supercharge your stamina as you contemplate difficult choices or encounter everyday stressors. Patchouli and Sandalwood are useful for times of anxiety and ‘burn-out’.

Aquarius- The Water Bearer

Element: Air

Planet: Saturn & Uranus

Positive traits……Aquarius is the astrology sign of the future….of all our hopes and dreams. Aquarians are individual, like to be different and do their own thing! They are liberal, idealistic, friendly, kind and love to spend time with other people. Very much valuing friendship. Key words are humanitarian, intellectual, creative and original.

Negative traits……So independent and sometimes eccentric, they can appear to be impersonal, rebellious and unpredictable. Sometimes fixed in their opinions they can be perceived to be stubborn and tactless…..especially when people disagree with them! Can seem detached and unemotional which can feel cold and rigid.

Health issues……The circulatory system, shins, and ankles are ruled by Aquarius. Varicose veins and circulatory problems may be an issue. May be prone to lower leg and ankle cramps, strains and breaks.

Essential oils……Lemon and Peppermint are among those suitable for softening hard-headed and stubborn personalities.Lemon essential oil gives your mood a boost and helps you focus on the positives.Cypress and Geranium, are good oils to use to help aid poor circulation.

Pisces – The Fishes

Element: Water

Planet: Jupiter & Neptune

Positive traits……Pisces,the twelfth astrology sign, are the most psychic sign of the zodiac, very intuitive and often spiritual…..Thanks to Neptune! They are symbolised by two fish swimming in opposite directions; Giving them a yin-yang quality. They are easy going dreamers….often creative and artistic with a vivid imagination. Pisces find it easy to empathise with other people and are compassionate, gentle, patient and kind.

Negative traits……Their dreamy nature may lead them to be lazy and impractical. Can often be taken advantage of because of their caring nature, and are also very easily led. Pisces may become disillusioned or depressed if badly let down or betrayed.

Health issues……Pisces rules the feet, lymphatics and liver. Common concerns are aching feet, bunions and corns.

Essential oils……Cedarwood and Black Pepper are very good for grounding their dreamy, impractical nature. For nuturing the sensitive inner-self try Frankincense. Tea Tree oil promotes good health and reduces inflammation.Use tea tree when your nerves feel a little frayed and let it promote calm and rational thinking when your emotions become too hot to handle. Also a very beneficial oil to use on the feet.

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Being able to combine two of the things I love the most, makes my heart sing 🙂

If any of this stands out to you, and you would like to know more about your OWN birth chart reading, or how to get your hands on some of these healing oils. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me ❤

 

 

 

Reference used:
http://www.your-aromatherapy-guide.com/astrology.html

 

Read this if you are SICK of being sick<3

Those of us who have all grown up in Alberta, have all become quite accustomed to the extremely frigid temperatures we are faced with in the winter… Not like we really have much of a choice; But it’s actually quite silly to me, all just bundled up little eskimos. We have all learned to just accept this RIDICULOUS, bitter ass cold and “cope” with the pitfalls that come with it . As if it’s not bad enough, the majority of people I know are sick on a regular basis. I cannot even begin to count the number of people in this past week, who have reached out to me for advice/tips on how to regain control of their wellness again.

To be honest you guys, I can’t even remember the last time I was sick. I think it’s easily been over 3 years ago. Which hasn’t even crossed my mind until recently… I decided to take a look at what I incorporate into my daily regime to sustain a strong immune system and to detoxify my body. I have been very conscious of making preventative health choices and it’s really paying off in the long run. It’s been quite the journey thus far… but I’m pleased to say I don’t ever have to take over the counter medications, get flu shots, go on antibiotics, use toxic chemical cleaners or beauty products.

I have also began labelling myself as a person who “Doesn’t get sick”. Which in itself, is powerful. If one is to live in a constant state of fear and worry about catching the next flu, or cold… They will probably end up getting it. The body listens pretty damn hard when it comes to our inner thoughts, something I have really learned this past year.

1)The most important factor in living a healthy life, would be SLEEP.

I used to consider myself as a night owl, because I couldn’t seem to find ways to shut my brain off. After listening to my fave health guru Shawn Stephenson’s podcast, I then discovered how powerful it is to develop a night time routine. Something that winds you down and puts you into that deep relaxation zone.

Sleep is one of the most important factors in overall health, and possibly the most overlooked. In fact, it is just as important as eating healthy and exercising.People with short sleep duration tend to weigh significantly more than those who get adequate sleep. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep can improve immune function and help fight the common cold.

For me, I try to make a conscious effort to end my phone/laptop screen time an hour before I go to sleep. Throw in my favourite calming essential oils into my diffuser, and hop in the bath/shower. Afterwards I always massage my feet and chest and temples with Lavender oil and Frankincense oil, and slide into bed and read until I drift off into a deep sleep. Some nights If I feel like it, I will to write a paragraph in my journal and reflect on my day, and also write the 1 thing I am grateful most in that’s present moment.

Everyone will find something that works best for them at the end of the night, but I know my overall health has GREATLY improved since I started this little ritual. It’s nice and simple, and something I look forward to.

2) Learning Better Ways to Cope With/ Manage Stress.

Stress is everywhere around us, all the time. We are constantly faced with situations that test our patience and if we don’t have any tools to destress, it can really begin to wear on our immune system.
Journaling first thing in the morning is by far the best way to decompress our messy minds. I had a lot of resistance at the start, but now I crave it. It’s the place where you can be completely raw and real with yourself. At first, you won’t know what to write. Your inner perfectionist (ego) will barge it’s way in and critique everything you put down on the paper. Once you learn to push your ego to the backseat, and not let it drive… Magical things happen. I like to think of it as a way to communicate to your higher self,soul,source,divine energy (whatever you choose to label it as.)  This book is an awesome resource on how to get started.

Having a regular meditation/yoga practise. Becoming more present and mindful is a key component to staying full of life! For those of you who are very new to both these concepts, I would recommend starting out with the Headspace app for guided, simple 10 minute meditations. If you feel that is still too much, then I would say remembering to deep breathe when you are feeling overwhelmed. 5 long, deep belly breaths go a LONG way when you are in desperate need of some lightness in a situation. For yoga at home, check out Yoga with Adriene on YouTube; She’s amazing!

Reaching out for help. I have recently started working with an amazing coach. I cannot say enough about having a mentor to hold you to your potential and guide you in the right direction. It takes true courage to admit our faults and weaknesses, but when we do, there’s so much more room for growth and healing.

My favourite essential oil for calming and emotional balancing would have to be Whisper. I actually use it as my daily perfume, and I get more compliments on it than any other scent I have ever worn. It’s a blend of some beautifully scented oils, that harmonize with your individual chemistry, creating a unique and personal fragrance (without the harmful chemicals found in many of today’s perfumes). It balances our hormones, aphrodisiac, eases feelings of anxiety,anger,irritability and tension. I notice a major difference in my psychi when I forget to put this on, I actually feel like I am wrapped up in a big hug when I wear it. 

*Patchouli,Bergamot, Sandalwood, Rose, Jasmine, Cinnamon, Cistus, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang.*

3) SUPERFOODS

Let’s face it, the nutritional value in our food supply these days is pretty weak. Especially in places like Alberta, where we have to get all of our fruit and veg shipped to us. We try to make the best choices we can, but it’s still a struggle to get the recommended vitamins and minerals needed for us to thrive and feel optimal. There are a number of different suggestions out there, and we could easily talk for hours about all different kinds of the nourishing cell foods out there, but to keep it brief-

If you find yourself always catching a cold, I would recommend incorporating more: Water with lemon essential oil (daily detoxifying the organs), Greens (spinach,kale,chlorella,spirulina,parsley), loads of healthy fats (coconut oil,avocados,MCT oil,nuts and seeds), Berries (antioxidants), Fermented foods (sauerkruat,kimchi,kombucha,probiotics) to balance our good gut flora, and high quality proteins from a trusted source.

* Limiting sugar,alcohol,gluten and dairy intake will make a massive difference. *

Ofcourse, it’s a lot easier said than done at the beginning, so if it’s more realistic for you to start small-  Perfect! Adding items off that list above little by little,  will go a long way, trust me. You’ll notice your body really doesn’t take long to adjust and you’ll realize just how damn good it all feels.

**I can provide simple and easy to follow meal plans to get you started.**

Living with a constant brain fog, low energy, and a disconnection from our true power is a shame! We all have the ability to take charge of our health from the inside out.

BELOW:

Kickass Ingredients to Boost your Immune System… WAY UP!

If combined together, these would make one POWERHOUSE, healing tea. I would suggest this over anything else if you are currently battling sickness. Even if you were to use just one of these ingredients a day, it would start to make a noticeable difference.

Reach out to me for this tea recipe ❤

Cinnamon: It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage. It contains large amounts of highly potent polyphenol antioxidants. I always put it in my smoothies, or oatmeal. 

Tumeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It turns out that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer. I put a teaspoon of it in my smoothie everyday. 

Chaga Mushroom Tea: Believed to be the “Mushroom of Immortality” – Immune boosting, antoxidant,antiviral, soothes digestion and normalizes blood pressure/cholesterol levels.

Frankincense Oil:

• Reduces inflammation
• Contains potential cancer-fighting properties
• Increases spiritual awareness
• Boosts immunity
• Fights infections
• Improves anxiety

 I rub this oil on my feet every night before bed, and even take a drop of it internally on my tongue when I know I will be around a lot of people. 

On Guard Blend : 

• Supports healthy immune and respiratory function
• Protects against environmental threats
• Supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses
• Promotes healthy circulation

 I diffuse this blend every second day, and I also have made my own household cleaner and hand sanitizer from it. Ask me for recipe. 

Astragalus tincture: Anti-aging, infection resistance, immune booster, lowers cortisol, and helps lower blood sugar.

Liver tonic : (Milk thistle,Dandelion, Maitake bud, Artichoke, Oregon grape,Burdock.) This formula is designed to assist in the regeneration of damaged liver cells.Being the largest organ in the body. It is the body’s shipper, receiver, cleaner, and general handyman.It’s important to make sure it’s operating in an efficient manner.

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If you are still here, reading after ALL of this rambling… You are a gem. I thank you for listening, you can obviously see my passion for this topic. I feel like there is alot of unlearning that needs to take place for the average person. We have been taught from day one, to treat illness, rather than to prevent it in the first place. If you are like me and really want to take your health into your own hands, reach out to me, we will have alot to talk about 🙂

If you are interested in finding out more, or following my posts, you can reach me on my Facebook Page.

To get your hands on these doTERRA essential oils I have mentioned, visit my business website.

Lots of love xo

Clear, Focused and Happy .

Today marks day 11 of my 14 day detox cleanse…and I feel freakin’ amazing, to say the very least!! I honestly want to see how long I can go with this, it just feels too good to quit.

I got back from Europe on November 8, and to be quite honest, I was not feeling too great after. Despite the fact of it being an absolutely beautiful trip,with my handsome man, the IDGAFOS mentality when it came to my eating habits crept up on me pretty quickly. Wine, Baileys and coffee, Wine, Chocolates, Wine, Bangers and mash oh and did I say wine? You know… All that yum stuff! Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer that on vacation, we are entitled to let loose and indulge! However, I just had a big reality check this last trip.

I ended up getting pretty sick in London, came down with some sort of flu. I haven’t been sick in YEARS prior to that. I truly attribute the biggest reason was my sudden nutrient deficiency along with the copious amounts of sugar. My body was not too pleased with me, and it showed me that. I struggled with low energy and ended up breaking out pretty bad around my jaw line, which is another thing I don’t struggle with (bad skin). I did some face mapping, and it was saying that was an indicator of a candida overgrowth in my gut. So needless to say…… A cleanse was well in order for me as soon as I stepped off that plane. 

On a regular basis, I eat clean. I am mindful about the food I put into my body, and how it makes me feel. The way I feel right now, compared to the way I felt 11 days ago, is lightyears apart! I am SO clear headed, light on my feet, more energetic and most of all my glowing clear skin has returned. Coming back to this way of feeling in my body, reminds me exactly why I came into this work in the first place. We all have the divine right to feel good, struggling day by day just to get out of bed is not where we want to be!

Unless one has felt the true magnificence of true health and vitality, they haven’t realized that our “Health is our wealth” . So many people find themselves stuck in this brain fog, feeling sluggish and irritable day by day. I for one, do not think very highly of that state of being and I feel pushed to help make a quick little guide for those of you who struggle with sugar cravings.

7 Solutions to Sugar Cravings

 #1: Check Your Bevvies!

Sounds crazy, but sometimes sweet cravings are a sign of dehydration. So pound a glass of water, wait 5 minutes and then see if you still have the cravings. Also, too much caffeine mimics a blood sugar crash – you’re high for a bit but then you coming crashing down and crave….SUGAR, of course. Staying nice and hydrated with water through out the day is the best place to start on any health journey. I put lemon essential oil in my water everyday for a natural cleansing agent to help flush out any toxins.

#2: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Sweet Veggies, Fruit & Spices.

Your tongue has sweet taste buds that demand to be satisfied, so don’t hold out on ‘em! Add naturally sweet foods & spices to your diet like squash, yams, carrots, beets, berries, figs, apples, cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s the perfect time of year for a lot of these tastes! Soups, spicy green smoothies and roasted veggies for the win.

 #3: Sleep!

For many of us, this is easier said than done. But if you’re constantly tired, your body is going to look for energy, usually in the form or sugar or caffeine. Power down an hour earlier than usual, and notice how your cravings disappear. It’s been crucial for me to turn off electronics at least an hour before bed in order to get a well rested sleep. The days I don’t, I can tell a huge difference in the way I wake up .

 #4: Check Your Protein.

• This is a fun, cool fact – watch how much protein and what kind of protein you’re eating, especially animal protein. Eating too little animal protein can lead to massive sweet cravings. Eating too much animal protein can lead to sweet cravings. When I work with clients we find just the right sweet spot for protein intake so they feel satisfied. It’s incredible to note, we get most of our protein from plants anyways. Like Spirulina and Chlorella, are some of the richest sources of protein.
  

   #5: Sniff Out Low-Fat and Fat Free Foods.

  When food manufacturers take the fat out of foods, what do they put in? Yep, sugar. Instead, we want to nourish ourselves with those healthy fats, like coconut oil, MCT oil, avocados, nut butters and seeds. They will help to keep you satiated for a lot longer .

   #6: Move Yo’self.

  Movement is another kind of food for your body. It releases stress, makes you feel great and look great. When you don’t get enough, the body starts to look for other ways to blow off steam, like binging on Snickers bars. Movement should be a non-negotiable everyday, even just a walk around the block can make a huge difference if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day.

   #7: Create New Post-Meal Rituals. 

  If you’re a “dessert after your meal” person, one of things you might love about that is the ritual of it. What are other possibilities for post-meal rituals? This is a good time to get creative. A nice little stretch sesh after a meal would be fun. A lot of times sweet cravings could mean we need more “sweetness” in our lives. Call up a dear friend for a chat, or go give people you love some nice big hugs 🙂
  After dinner, I like to make myself a cup of Egyptian liquorice tea, and sip on it before my bath or hot shower. It signals my body letting it know it’s time to unwind soon and climb into bed.

 

 Reach out to me if you are interested in the cleanse I have been doing, it’s all food based. Worth a try, it’s only 14 days. You’ll be happy you did 🙂

 

 

 

 

Fall Flavors For Your Taste Buds

Fall has arrived!

October:  Easily one of my favorite months. The fashion, the pungent aromas, the colours, the cuddles, HALLOWEEN,  and cannot forget to mention… The food!

Today I had a major craving for something sweet. I thought back to this summer in the middle of my BC adventures! After stopping at countless fruit stands, I ended up trying  one of the most delicious snacks. Apple chips! 

What’s so damn sweet about a snack like this…  Is the fact that it goes way beyond it’s abundant flavor. Like the saying goes… “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” .  Apples are easily one of my top fruits! Gala apples to be exact… They are known to detox the liver, boost your immune system, assist in digestion and help to balance our weight.

+

Cinnamon oil at it’s purest form, is not only absolutely delightful to the senses, but it has some very powerful medicinal qualities as well. It is recommended for colds and flus, digestion upset ,aches/pains and to alleviate sugar cravings. I ordered myself doTERRA Cinnamon Bark oil a month or so ago, thought I would be proactive and get myself ready for the Autumn yumminess!

**Before we get started, please give this video  a watch to see how I cleaned the apples. PS- I failed to mention at the end of the video, how I rinse them one last time after letting them sit in the lemon solution. You can also make a cleaning solution in a spray bottle  ( 4 drops lemon + water) to clean bigger fruits and veg **

This recipe I am going to share from you today, is from the doTERRA blog  . 

Home Made Cinnamon Apple Chips

What you will need :

• 7-8 Freshly washed apples. ( I chose Organic Gala apples from Save on foods, because their produce is the bomb!)
• A table spoon of sweetener of your choice. I am using Stevia
• doTERRA Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
• Optional * Ground cinnamon spice .

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.
2. Put parchment paper onto 2 baking sheets

3. Combine stevia and Cinnamon essential oil in small bowl. Stir to combine.

4. Slice apples into thin slices. The thinner the are, the crispier they will be . I used a plain old cutting knife, but this is when a mandoline cutter would be perfect.

5. Place apples onto parchment paper covered baking sheet in single layer.

6. Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon essential oil+stevia mixture. I also added ground cinnamon too, as you can a little tooooo much came out…. But no worries, it will just be extra flavourful I suppose.. LOL.

7. Place baking sheets in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Halfway through, flip apples over.

. When edges of apples are curled, take out of oven and place on wire rack until cooled and crispy.

9. Sit back, with a nice cuppa tea, and bask in the wonderful spicy aroma floating around the house. ❤

 

Crafts? Sure… Don’t mind if I do!

Herro my friends 🙂   I have another healthy, FUN, project to share with yous!

I have been in major transition of switching out all the nasty chemical filled products in my house hold, to nourishing feel-good stuff. It’s been quite a ride so far, learning about all the toxicity we are surround ourselves with day by day (without even realizing it!)

One of the biggest concerns I’ve had, is the use of Dryer sheets. I have known for the last couple years, they are filled with carcinogens . Which have been said to be a leading cause of Dementia, Cancer , Allergies AND a number of different nervous disorders… WTF! Seriously, I can’t understand why we are taught to believe all of these chemicals are safe for us and our families. It actually makes me so sad knowing that a lot of the illnesses we are faced with, are environmentally caused . They say the air inside our homes is 5x more toxic to that out outside. I am so over using anything that weakens our immune systems and put our poor bodies under stress.

“Lingering chemical residues in the clothes enter the body through the skin, which is tantamount to eating them! Many of these compounds are solvents that directly affect the nervous system and endocrine system and can contribute to the development of chronic illness. Since the term “fragrance” on a label can mean up to hundreds of synthetic chemicals, the body is provided a cocktail of poison 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of this issue because their constant exposure to these chemicals makes it impossible for them to realize the impact it makes on their health.” -Branch Basics

 

I decided to put my knowledge to work and have some fun, time to make some DIY Dryer Balls  . If you’re anything like me, craft time is always a no brainer! Big kid fo evaaaa!

This is what you need:

A package of nylons.

I picked 2 different colours of wool , because I chose 2 different essential oils.

doTERRA Balance : The warm, woody aroma, doTERRA’s grounding blend, creates a sense of calm and wellbeing . Eases anxious feels and brings forth tranquility throughout the day. It’s made up of- Spruce Needle/Leaf, Ho Wood, Frankincense Resin, Blue Tansy Flower, and Blue Chamomile Flower essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. I decided to choose this one for Tom, since he already wears it as his cologne+ it’s also said to balance male hormones and boost their Libido.. (Shhh) bahaha.. ;P

doTERRA OnGuard : Warm, spicy aroma, doTERRA’s Protective blend. Supports a healthy immune function, protects against environmental threats , cleans surfaces of unwanted bacteria and purifies the air and skin. Pretty much the exact OPPOSITE of Dryer sheets. It’s made up of – Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark/Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, and Rosemary Leaf/Flower essential oils. They call it the multivitamin of essential oils. With cold and flu season on the uproar, this is exactly what I need in my house . I am in love with the smell too, so win-win.

Directions:

1: Take the end of the yarn and wrap it around your middle and index finger 10 times. Remove it from the fingers and wrap 2–3 times around the middle (it should look like a bow). This will be the start of your ball.

2.Continue tightly wrapping the yarn around the start, working toward making a round shape. Once your ball is roughly the size of a tennis ball, cut the yarn and tuck the ends into the sides of the ball. Repeat this process until you have created four or more balls of yarn.

3.Cut one leg off of the pantyhose. Place one ball into the bottom of the leg and tie a knot right above the ball to secure it in place. Repeat until all the balls have been added and secured.

Repeat 4 times…

4.Once the balls are tightly secured in the pantyhose, put them in the washer (can be with a load of dirty laundry) and wash on the hottest setting. This will allow the yarn to felt. Felting will make the yarn fuse together, resulting in a solid ball. Once washed, dry the balls thoroughly in the dryer at the highest heat setting.

5.After the balls are completely dry, remove them from the pantyhose and they’re ready for use! Before drying your next load of laundry, add your favourite doTERRA essential oil to your 4 dryer balls, toss them in the dryer, and enjoy the soft, fluffy, wonderful-smelling fruits of your labor.

 

VOILA! You have yourself some re useable, environmentally friendly , money saving, health boosting dryer balls  🙂  Not only is the air quality less poisonous in the house, but you’re actually killing airborne pathogens..plot twist!  Oh and not to mention, you’ll also have people smelling your clothes all day, may sound kinda weird…But don’t worry you get used to it lol 🙂

*Awesome idea for stocking stuffers too .

Message me with any questions ❤ .. Ta-ta for now

Be your own Best friend.

This morning was a little slice of heaven. Waking up 2 hours before work is ESSENTIAL in my opinion . Giving yourself time to welcome the new day and check in and see how you’re feeling is a recipe for happiness. I don’t just mean sitting on your phone or answering emails either… That’s actually the last thing I try to do when I rise from my beauty sleep. I will give you a little idea on how my ideal morning looks:

 
1.) Pound back a nice big glass of lemon water ( I have been using my lemon essential oil) Your body has been fasting for the last 6-7-8 hours. You are definitely dehydrated, get that water in your belly ! Your body will be thanking you. I like to call it your Inner Bath!  Trust me, works better than rushing over to coffee .

2.) Get up and wiggle my body around, warming it up . Get a nice little stretch on, if I am so inclined I will get a quick yoga sesh in too. Meditation to follow, each day gets easier. It sure as hell was hard getting back into it after a month off. As long as you stay consistent with it, it will be a delicious piece of cake that you actually look forward to the moment you wake up 🙂 I usually don’t have a set time either, somedays I’m right into it..and others I just fall right out of it.

3.) Hop over to my journal and have a nice big ol’ brain dump. That’s right.. I said it . I can’t even begin to describe the benefits journaling has done for me in the last 8 months. I am not AS regular as I would hope to be. I usually only write intuitively, however last 2.5 weeks I have stuck to  my morning practise of it- and I am reeping the benefits hugely. So many people will say   “But I am not a writer.. I wouldn’t have anything to say “ . Which is only your resistance coming up , which then should give you all the more reason to do it ! It’s the only time I feel completely raw and present. It forces you to get real with yourself, which is hard for a lot of people. It’s human nature to just cope with feelings, rather than get brave and face them head on…Which is the only way to kick em to the curb bee tee dubs!

4.) Whatever my heart desires, which… Usually is my phone at this point, let’s be honest! However, after all this  I am truly feeling connected to myself and much more relaxed. Starting the day from this mindspace is wonderful. Before I ever knew about “Morning routines” I would just stay up til ungodly hours, blame it on me being a night owl, and then the snooze button and I would become BEST buddies in the morning. Oh! Coffee, can’t leave out Mr.coffee.. we were pretty tight those days too .

So if you are struggling with mornings lately, and are willing to try something different. I would recommend it greatly. Start small, even just the water is a HUGE benefit to the start of the day . 🙂

My whole purpose for getting into health and wellness, is to empower people to take charge of their own lives rather than playing the victim. I have been working in a remote camp, fly in – fly out for just about 4 years now. Holy CRAP. On the 17 of this month it will mark my 4th year. In those 4 years I have experienced a lot, not only with travel and adventure but within myself. I have realized that we create our own reality. It all lies within our beliefs and our thoughts. That’s why SO many people could be at the same event/movie/presentation, and take something completely different away from it . Or the same people could be working in the same camp and all have totally different views about it all. Brings me back to an exercise I learned a couple months ago:

The Circle Chart

1. In the first circle (inner circle ) You title it “Control” . This is the circle where you focus most of your energy, on the things you can control. For instance: your diet,mindset,exercise,spirituality, and how you respond to situations.
2. “Influence” is the second circle . You should place some of your energy in this area, make an effort when you can . Get curious by asking questions in a situation involving others. Do not expect loved ones to be your number one fans, create your own reality by finding like minded individuals. The more support we create for ourselves, the more willing we will be to take risks ( follow our dreams) . As the quote goes , ” You become the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with .” If you find yourself surrounded by people who drain your energy, it might be time to break away for a while and find others who lift you up.
3.  The final circle, titled ” Be aware of “.  Surrender, let it go and let it be. This is the circle that MOST people waste their energy on, the things we physically CAN’T control. What we focus on grows, and it begins to skew the way you see the world. When we focus on the things we cannot control, we feel like others are controlling our lives. For instance : War, politics, negative situations all over the news….
   It’s hard to stay positive, if all you engage in is negativity. Sure it’s helpful to be aware at times, but from what I have noticed.. it’s just a toxic way to live. Keeps people living in fear, when in reality we should be focused on living the best lives we can dream up. If you keep your glass full, you will start a chain reaction . Smile, it’s contagious .

That’s all for me today, Hope everyone has a magical day ❤ 

 

Soaking Every Care Away. .

I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of any better way to unwind then a steamy,bubbly bubble bath. It’s my zen, surrounded by candle-light, listening to sweet melodies…What more could you ask for at the end of the day??? Well.. I am sorry to burst your bubble, but there are a few things you should know!

After getting more in tune with natural forms of beauty care, it’s opened my eyes to just how many toxins we are faced with on a regular basis. Whether it be in our cologne/perfumes, our body wash, toothpaste, shampoos… It’s actually wild to see the nasty ingredients most people coat themselves with, on a DAILY basis.

After getting more curious, I decided to check out my bubble bath ingredients. I was baffled at the amount of ingredients I could not recognize, and also pretty disturbed about the ones I could .

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate : Is an abrasive cleaner, it is used to create those juicy bubbles I had once fallen in love with! However, looking up it’s side effects on the human body -left my skin crawling. It is a known skin irritant. It pollutes our ground water. It is a pesticide and a herbicide. It has corrosive properties (Just to name a few) .

Phthalates (fragrance)  : Known to disrupt hormonal systems, causing harm in critical periods of development and potentially hindering the functioning of sexual organs. Studies have linked phthalates to the development of breast tumor cells and are believed to render certain anti-estrogen cancer treatments, less effective. They also cause up to 30% of allergies and 70% of asthmatics develop respiratory problems when exposed to these products.

WOWAWEEWA…..

Needless to say, that was enough for me . Life is too short to be adding un-necessary chemicals to our temples.  I decided to get creative, have some fun and play around with my oils .

Step 1: Pour 1 cup of unscented pure-castile soap into a glass bowl. I purchased Dr. Bronner’s from Planet Organic. Most health food stores should carry it 🙂

Step 2 : Pour 1/2 cup of vegetable glycerin into the glass bowl. I picked this up from Planet Organic as well . It is used to soften and moisturize the skin. It’s non GMO

Step 3 : Add 2 table spoons of water and about 15 drops of your favorite essential oil. I chose Lavender – For its calming properties,stress reduction, acne prone skin relief and  seasonal allergy relief. It’s almost bed time…So it would be the wise choice, I am thinking  Peppermint will be my choice when I need a pick me up!

Step 4 : Mix it all together until it’s combined and then pour it into a glass container…  Since I am not much of a beer drinker, I thought this was a good call.

CHEERS!

Step 5: Light candles, turn on some tuuuuunes.. and pour about 1/4-1/2 cup of the mixture into your bath water.

Step 6: Save water, bath with friends ❤

 

Bubble Bath DIY

Articles referred to in the article :

https://smartklean.wordpress.com/2011/09/08/top-10-reasons-to-avoid-sodium-lauryl-sulfate/

http://www.hellawella.com/why-smelling-good-can-be-bad-you

Empowering Solutions

Those who know me, know that Natural medicine is my jam. I have been extremely passionate about the Holistic approach to wellness for the last couple years. I have seen far too many people struggling with numerous health issues, without having a true understanding of the root cause. Western medicine is slowly but surely becoming less appealing to society, which is a good thing IMO. Masking problems with pharmaceutical drugs, is not “fixing” anything.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for individuals who take the time to get to know their bodies, inside and out. Trading judgement for curiosity when health problems arise. Our bodies have an innate wisdom, and if we can learn to sit back and listen, the answers will start to come forward.

I finished my Health Coaching course in June, I am ever so grateful I stumbled upon it. Not only did I learn how to guide others how to step into their greatness, I have also learned SO much about myself and human ecology. Most of the physical ailments we experience, are emotion based. I found myself on the hunt for other natural forms of healthcare that would treat mind,body and soul in a trustworthy way. That’s when I landed upon doTERRA essential oils.

I have used essential oils for years. Never truly knowing the potential of what they can do. Essential oils work with the limbic system, the emotional center of your brain. It is connected to the part of your brain that controls heart rate, blood pressure, memory, breathing, stress and even digestion. This means that fatigue, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and even tight muscles are all symptoms of stress or tension . Each of these are easily treatable with essential oils .

I have never had an experience quite like this . I am inspired and just plain thrilled with the results I have experienced with these oils! There is a noticeable difference in the quality and the purity of their products. Being free from fillers, artificial ingredients and harmful contaminants, this company provides individuals with a safe and natural alternative. The abundance of energy I feel is phenomenal! I have fallen in love and decided to share my passion with friends and family. Contact me with any questions

My doTERRA Website