Stop the Reaction: Chapter Two

Do you have a garden of your own? Either a veggie or flower garden, you tend it with care. We are always looking for ways to feed and nutrue and find little knicks and tricks to weed out the things that don't support your gardens health and growth. Now think, you are a garden!
In this chapter we learn how to stop out reactions and transmute your energy behind your negative thoughts. The reward we find is immer peace. So to do this we must break our cycle of habits. Bevause our habits are so deeply ingrained, it may seem a bit tough. We have to remember though, we are ultimately responsible for how we act and react. So open that mind of yours!

 Sandra gives out a nice little practice to connect with your inner peace and light.

When we find ourselves facing conflict-with another person, or circumstances, or within ourselves-we don't always respond to just what is happening im the moment. Consciously or unconsciously, our mind often attaches some past experience that triggers a fear or survival reaction, such as the well-known "fight or flight" not related to the situation at hand.

 I had to word that from here book, I could have not said it more better. We have to learn how to rely on our innder intuition, beyond memories and past experiences. She then gives us another exercise to read out loud to ourselves, pretty much truthe and lies. Teaching us to feel the difference in they way we speak. The little feeling we get when we tell the truth and when we tell a lie, so we can differentiate the feelings. Part of our growing process we have to learn how to avoid reacting automatically. You have to have our experiences and work throught our feelings and not just start reacting to everything that may create a challenge for us.

 Lets take a little challenge, look at yourself in the mirror. For some this may be a little difficult. But observe yourself. You may even start laughing, thats good! Humor is a great thung to bring into your life, then which brings joy, and then overall healing. Another thing start sending out love to yourself. Then throughout your day send love to your plants whule you go outside, start sending love to your food while you prep for a meal. Do this, and you'll really start to open up more and more each time to yourself.

This chapter really spoke to me. It is a great thing to start to believe in yourself. To learn the feelings and quirks of your intuition and really understanding yourself. 

Do you have the book? If not Go here.

If so, how are you liking the read so far? I am going at a good pace making sure I read it thoroughly. 

 Join The Cleanse Hub Facebook group!

aka Miz.Giggles

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The Alchemy of the Soul: Chapter One

 I've been going on an awesome reading rampage. Then I thought to self, "Self, I should write post about the book I'm reading." Here we are! I figured, I don't really read much self development books, simply because I never get the urge too. Now that I've finally got to a cute little book I found in my nana's room called How To Heal Toxic Thoughts by Sandra Ingerman. This is a book about simple tools for self transformation. This just a smidge over 100 pages fills you up with so much information. 

 Since this first chapter talks about the Alchemy of the Soul, lets talk about what Alchemy is. The word Alchemy from Aramaic,
Means working within and through the dense darkness inside. To transform the energy you project in the world in to love and light that can heal yourself and others. Now, do you really think about what you think? Do or have you automatically switched to a mode which sends out negative thoughts to someone or something without really taking into consideration the damage you are doing to yourself and others? I have. Our thoughts are so powerful and we must learn to transform our energy and clean up the psychic environment. As Sandra says this is what brings magik into our lives, this is what makes us beautiful.

 Being a human being, we all have egos to make us feel separate from others. The experience from feeling separate creates emotions. We can be very judgmental others and ourselves and touch the deep nerves of self-worth and survival. Having emotions is good, we need to express our emotions as a way to let off steam. We need to learn new habits for how we react to those around us. Its like exercising a muscle you haven't used in a long time. As you build the movements become natural. We can feel like we have to defend ourselves at all times, and for this we pay a heavy price.
Sandra gives many beautiful practices to say to yourself and give yourself a breather. 

 If you would like to join me in the adventure I recommend reading this book along. This was just a brief introduction and what to expect in this book and my mini journey to learn how to focus, breath, And accept.
I will write a summary for each chapter with you guys. 

If you do not have the book and seem quite interested in it Go Here.

Join The Cleanse Hub Facebook group!

aka Miz.Giggles

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Feng Shui Your Home Office!

Now I am very excited to get started on this weeks special! I'll be sharing how to Feng Shui your house, a room for each day. So what better way than to start with your office? I'm specifically going to talk about for your Home office. I know how important it is for everyone to separate your business  from your personal life. Now having an office at home make's it more the merrier especially if you Feng Shui for a more productive and creative environment. So let's get started!

Off the bat we are gonna start with the basics! By using a Bagua Map. Think of this as a general blue print for any Feng Shui.

Have Your Office far from your Bedroom

Who would of thought? It surely never crossed my mind! If it's a bit difficult to do hence to the house layout, just make as much division as possible. 

Have Your Desk Face Directly Opposite the Office Door

According to the principles of Feng Shui, this type of arrangement offers protection and symbolizes you seeing opportunity as they come to you during your career endeavor. You have to see the opportunities in order to seize them.

Make Room for Creativity

Organize that clutter! Make it more simple for your mind and office. Bring a little spazaz by using your oh so awesome style. It is suggested to organize by date or category, using colored binders if you like a lot of color. Getting organized can boost productivity, while everything is de-cluttered it allows your creativity to flow wild. 

Create a Desk for Success

Imagine the desktop divided into a nine-part grid, as in the bagua map shown above. Choose several areas of your life that could use a little boost, and use the following tips to attract good energy to those areas. Each section is associated with a color, and you can use objects of that color if you have them. Just don’t go overboard—remember, clutter blocks creativity, so at least 50 percent of the desktop should be clear at all times. Don’t focus on all nine sections; instead, select two to three priorities.

1. Wealth and Prosperity The back left corner of the desk represents prosperity. Target this space to attract money and abundance. It’s a great place for a plant, but if your green thumb is more on the brown side, consider placing a valuable item (such as a crystal vase or jar of change) in this corner. This could also be a good spot for a (well-functioning) computer.
2. Fame and Reputation Want more than 15 minutes in the spotlight? In the center back of the bagua map, you’ll find the space for fame. Place business cards or a nameplate here. Cerrano also recommends “motivational images that highlight who you are and your accomplishments” (think: a photo of your first marathon finish or your hard-earned diploma).
3. Love and Relationships To find a little love today (or in the future), focus on the back right corner. Single? A fresh flower, which can bring luck and maybe even spark romance, goes here. Already have a special someone? Place a photo of the two of you here.
4. Family Although it’s a cliché desktop feature, a family photo, according to feng shui principles, fits well on the left center of the desk. A wood frame enhances the energy of this particular space.
5. Health Although sitting at a desk doesn’t do much for your health, there are a few ways to promote health even while working. Keep the center area of the desktop free of clutter to attract good energy to the area. In addition, Cerrano recommends taking short breaks throughout the day to reduce stress and maintain focus.
6. Creativity Boost creativity by adding inspiration to the right center of the grid. Aspiring writers, place a journal or book here. A blank sketchbook would be ideal for artists, while a metal object may work well for others. But really, anything goes—just get creative!
7. Knowledge and Wisdom Struggling to learn new material, or just want to be wise beyond your years? Focus on the front left corner of the desk. Place a reference book (or maybe a picture of Albert Einstein) here.
8. Career Front and center is the career space—definitely appropriate for a desk. Keep this spot free of clutter. Cerrano suggests displaying affirmations or motivational quotes around the office; this would be a great place to stick one of those.
9. Helpful People and Travel If you’re in need of a little help from your friends, focus on the front right section. This is a good spot to put a phone or an address book (do people use those anymore?). This area also represents travel, so a travel guide or a photo of a dream vacation locale would work well here.

Proper Feng Shui Energy

• South area (Fame and Reputation), or, a more exact translation, your "Light in the World." Its feng shui energy is Fire, so be mindful about nor having color blue, big mirrors, fountains or images of water in this area, as Water element puts down the Fire energy.
• North area (Career or Path in Life). The feng shui element here is Water, so this is the feng shui area for items representing water, as well as Metal (Metal creates Water in the feng shui 5 elements cycle.) Without making it sound too complicated, you can place inspiring images related to your career in black or white frame colors in the North area of your home office.
• Southeast area (Prosperity and Abundance). Bring images or items that speak to you ofmoney and abundance. The feng shui element here is Wood, so you need to avoid Fire images, as well as too much Metal.

Use Appropriate Art Work

Surround yourself with images that keep you inspired, creative and productive! Add pictures, or motto's that symbolize what you want to accomplish. Chose furniture that screams out to you success and prosperity. Objects should reflect the transformation you desire. And have up to date achievements, so remove your old certificates for more  And of course add plant's! 

Got all my wonderful information by:

http://fengshui.about.com/od/designbyroom/qt/homeoffice.htm

Feng Shui: The Ultimate Guide to Designing Your Desk for Success

http://www.feng-shui-and-beyond.com/feng-shui-office.html

Are you changing you for the best you? Ask to join us at

aka Miz.Giggles

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Chicken and Pesto Zucchini Fettuccine with Tomatoes

My Mouth is just watering from this picture! I'm a huge fan of zucchini's 

and pretty much have them with every meal if possible. 

I have not had pesto in a really long time. Just under 400 calories and all sorts of goodness coming out of this meal! 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION & RECIPE

 

 

Chicken and Pesto Zucchini Fettuccine with Tomatoes

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  20 mins

Total time:  35 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• For the chicken and pasta:
• 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cubed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 5-6 medium zucchinis, Blade B*
• *This is specific to the Inspiralizer. If you don't have the Inspiralizer, use a thicker noodle blade.
• For the pesto:
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 packed cups of basil
• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Once oil heats, add in the chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink on the inside, about 5-7 minutes. Halfway through, add in the tomatoes.
2. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pesto: add all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until creamy.
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate when finished, leaving the juices in the pan. Immediately add in the zucchini noodles and toss for 3-5 minutes or until cooked to your preference.
4. Drain the zucchini noodles in a colander and then add to a mixing bowl and add in the pesto, chicken and tomatoes. Toss together to combine and transfer to a serving bowl or divide into ind.

I am definitely going to have this! Tell me what you think below, Have you ever tried something like this before?

Come on over and Join us at The Cleanse Hub!

Recipe from: Inspiralized

aka Miz.Giggles

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Wahoo! Day 30!

OK folks here it is! 

I started my cleanse on March 26th and it ended today the 24th. 

In the beginningI weighed 240lbs, Arms=18 1/2 in. Thighs=30in, Waist=42in, Chest= 48, and Hips=54.

Now I weigh 227, -13 lbs!Arms=17, Thighs= 26, Waist= 38, Chest= 45, and Hips=52.In all I lost 14 1/5 inches!

Man oh man am I proud of myself! I am a bit eh to share my photo results, but hey it's only gonna get better right! SO here it is!

I can see a big difference! Woooo.

Now some people may even be like, only 13lbs? 

I'm gonna tell you about what a BIG difference 10lbs can do for you and your body.

Lowers Cholesterol

Being obese is linked to high levels of LDL, which from what I see is the "bad" type of cholesterol, as LDL circulated through your blood, it can deposit plaque in your arteries, narrowing them, which as we all know can lead to heart attack or stroke. 

When you lose you increase your HDL cholesterol, which is the "good" type. It stops LDL from depositing om your artery walls. 10lbs of weight loss can lower cholesterol by more than 10%!

Lower Blood Pressure

Blood pressure measures the pressure on your artery walls, so if you have plaque buildup, your blood pressure will be hihgh. Losing 10lbs will decrease your blood pressure, protecting your heart and kidneys.

Reduced Risk for Heart Attacks

As mentioned above, weight loss lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol. Just 10lbs gone can result in a greater than 50% risk reduction for heart attacks.

Reduced Risk for Dementia

Nearly half of Americans have too much visceral fat, the abdominal fat that surrounds your internal organs, visible in their protruding bellies. The Danger is this: visceral fat contains cells that release inflammation causing chemicals in the body, which can cause memory loss and increase your chances of developing dementia. 

Reduced Risk for Sleep Apnea

Losing 10lbs can widen your windpipe, helping you sleep through the night and reduce your risk  for developing sleep apnea. And when you sleep well, your levels of leptin (the hormone that signals when you've had enough to eat) rise. So, a good night's sleep will help you lose even more weight.

Reduced Joint Pain

Now this is a biggie! Being overweight put a HUGE amount of pressure on your joints. For each extra pound of excess weight on your body, you add 3 times that amount of pressure on your knees. This means that 1- extra pounds equates to 30 pounds of pressure grinding down. And when walking up stairs, multiply you extra weight by 7. Thirty pounds of pressure just became 70 pounds. 

As you lose weight and reduce the pressure on your joints, the cushioning between your bones will build back up. And 10lbs may result in as much as 50% decrease in your odds of developing osteoarthritis. 

Reduced Risk for Cancer

Fat cells are highly active, releasing large amounts of hormones like estrogen, insulin, and insulin like growth factors that can fuel many cancers. 

The risk for many types of cancers declines when you lose weight, but it's a particularly true for breast and uterine cancers, where losing only 8lbs can significantly reduce the levels of specific carcinogenic hormones.

Reduce Risk of Diabetes

The more weight you lose, the less sensitive your cells become to insulin. A weight loss of 10lbs can reduce your chance of getting diabetes by 60%.

Improved Sex Life

Your sex drive is affected by high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions you're likely to have if your overweight. Additionally, erectile dysfunction can be a problem for as many as 80% of obese men.

And last but not least! TAKE LESS MEDICATIONS!

If you're ready to get you Cleanse on and lose an extra 10lbs

 come on and ask to join The Cleanse Hub!

aka Miz.Giggles

P.S.Don't forget to love this post up and subscribe if you want to see more of my post.Go follow me here too!

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Simple Ways to Prep Meals

Holy cow! I've been looking a little for ways to have easy

 prepped food and I would like to share with you 

all what I have found!

Here's a beautiful post by New Leaf Wellness.

A genius way to prep freezer meals with less mess!

So, I got it in my head that I wanted to prep a bunch of freezer meals made from organic ingredients at Costco.  I ended up making 10 crockpot freezer meals and I’m excited to share my recipes and grocery list.  Since I was able to freeze them without any cooking ahead of time they only took me one hour to make, including clean-up.  Wahoo!

My in-laws were visiting last week so they watched our daughters while my husband and I went shopping at Costco and looked for inspiration in their organic foods.  They didn’t have nearly as many options as I thought they would, but I found these gems:

• Organic tomato sauce
• Organic vegetable potstickers
• Organic chicken breasts
• Organic ground beef
• Organic extra virgin olive oil
• Organic chicken stock
• Organic baby spinach

Then, I got creative and made these 10 organic crockpot freezer meals:

• Two freezer bags of Italian chicken
• Two freezer bags of Asian chicken and vegetable potstickers (sauce inspired by our favorite honey sesame chicken from Damn Delicious)
• Two freezer bags of crockpot “Monster” burgers (based on our favorite baked sliders)
• Four freezer bags of hearty tomato vegetable soup – two with chicken and two with beef (based on some of the soups in my crockpot cookbooks and shared for free below)

Since they’ll all be cooked in the crockpot I didn’t have to do any cooking ahead of time.  I just added the ingredients to freezer bags and stuck them in the freezer.  Genius, right?

We’ve made a version of all of these meals before, and I can tell you that they’re delicious.  I decided to make at least two bags of each recipe because it saved time while prepping and we don’t mind eating the same thing twice in three months (which is how long most freezer meals will last in a standard fridge/freezer combo).

Doubling the recipes also helped me use up most of the bulk purchases from Costco.  I spent a total of $130 on organic ingredients and combined them with spices and other items that I had on-hand, like organic honey and frozen mixed veggies that I bought at Costco last month.  The recipes are all very simple, so you can make them even if you don’t shop at Costco or use organic ingredients.

My husband and I are especially excited about the Asian chicken recipe with potstickers.  YUM.

I only had an hour to prep my meals before meeting one of my friends to go running so I hustled!  To save time, I skipped writing out my freezer labels and just wrote on the bags with a Sharpie.  Since I’m familiar with all of the recipes I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll remember the cooking instructions.

Prepping 10 dinner in an hour is pretty darn amazing, isn’t it?!  I even loaded the dishwasher, emptied the trash can, and wiped down the kitchen counters.   Now we’re set with 10 dinners for busy weeknights.  Woot!

I don’t have any fancy kitchen tools, but I did use a food chopper to dice the onions (because I hate cutting onions!) and my new hands-free baggy stands to keep my bags from spilling.

If you want to make the same 10 crockpot freezer meals, I saved my recipes and grocery list to a pdf that you can save and print: Printer-Friendly Recipes and Grocery List.  The pdf details the number of servings per meal, and they vary from 3-6.  It’s very easy to double the recipes if you’re feeding a crowd or cut them in half if you’re only feeding one or two people at a time.

I like to serve my crockpot freezer meals with basic side dishes, like spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad.  Such an easy way to get dinner on the table every night.

If you’re new to crockpot freezer meals, the recipes and grocery list in the pdf above will walk you through the process step-by-step.  It’s so easy, I swear!  My crockpot cookbooks also include a lot of great recipes and tips.

Thoughts or questions?  Please leave a comment below and I’ll respond as soon as I can.  I’d love to hear from you. 

PS I’ve gotten some requests to share “after” pics of my freezer meals when they’re finished cooking.  While I can’t always do that because it can take me months to cook all of the meals, we couldn’t resist trying three of these meals last week.  YUMMM.

Woo wee so delicious and simple! I am doing this next grocery trip! You should too!

aka Miz.Giggles

P.S.

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You Must Have Commitment!

How many of you start something head on? How many of you start to lose focus, faith, and confidence? I'm WAY guilty of this! We're only human, it happens!
We can get all hyped about something, then end up not pulling through. You know why?
We lost the commitment we made to OURSELVES. You can't just hit a bump in the road and back all the way out. What's the point? That means your going to have to
work harder and harder each time you set yourself up to fail. Even if it ended up not being your
kind of thing, I get that too. But how do we really know it wasn't for us?
Did you put your self all out and really really try?
If so then you may have the upper hand.

There a articles about this for MILES. I've pretty much read all of them listened to everyone.
 They were never wrong, you know who was wrong though, me.
 I swear to goodness gracious I trip myself over the stupidest shit,
then I start to lose my focus, then my faith, and confidence.
But we all know we have to have a why. There is always the WHY and that's really were you have to put your COMMITMENT. My why is my FAMILY.
I want to set up Stella so where she never has to worry about anything financially.
I mean seriously isn't that what we all want for our kids,
to make them not go through the worry of getting your lights and water shut off, and dining on cheese puffs. I could go ON!

 Your going to have to have those four things to be fully on top of it!
Hope this is a good lil' pick me up if you feel like your losing at your own game.

aka Miz.Giggles

P.S.

Don't forget to love this post up and subscribe if you want to see more of my post.Go follow me here too!

aka Miz.Giggles

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