Dalai Lama Words To Remember

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

 Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Spend some time alone every day.

Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

Be gentle with the earth.

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Do it Raw.

My dear friend, Mahlia invited me to a wonderful Raw Food Workshop in Laguna Beach last Saturday.

Since I am mostly Gluten and Dairy-Free, I figured it wouldn't hurt to learn a bit about raw food options and overall healthy living.

Our teacher, and Raw Food master, Yolanda has found her calling in life through living raw. She has helped many people with cancer and other diseases/ailments by educating them on healthy living. Her passion is inspiring and I am happy to have learned from her.

　

We started our day with the Green Smoothie….

　

Green Smoothie:

1 Mango

1/4 Avocado

1 Banana

1 leaf of Kale

1 leaf of any green lettuce

Sprouts of any kind

Sprouted flax seeds (flax seeds in water for 32 hours)

　

Directions:

Put in a blender until smooth and enjoy!

　

My Review:

The smoothie tasted delicious and was filled with more fruits and veggies than I had ingested in a week. I don't love Kale, so I was happy to reap its benefits without the taste.

　

We decided to move to something a little sweeter, Nut Milk.

I was particularly excited to try this, as I have not had "real" milk in about 3 years.

　

Nut Milk:

1/2 cup of sprouted sunflower seeds

[Brand: Go Raw from Mother's Market]

4 Dates

Pinch of Cinnamon

Drop of Vanilla

[Optional Ginger]

　

Directions:

Blend until smooth 

My Review:

This tasted delightful. Felt as if I was having a dessert treat!

I would love to make this on a regular basis.

After some liquid loving, we decided to try the Kelp Noodle dish.

I was very skeptical [based on looks alone]

But I'll try anything once!

　

Kelp Noodles:

1 Pack of Kelp Noodles

[Mother's Market]

Any Vegan Hummus of your choice

Sun Dried Tomatoes

Broccoli Bits

　

Directions:

Soak noodles in water and 2 tbsp. of olive oil [1-hour].

Drain.

Mix in sun dried tomatoes, vegan hummus and broccoli.

　

My Review:

Surprisingly good. The consistency might take some getting used to.

But for somebody who hasn't had real pasta in 5-months, I loved it!

Next up, Happy Salad! Just the name made me excited.

　

Happy Salad:

1 Mango diced

1 Avocado diced

1 Persimmon diced

1 Banana sliced

1 Kiwi sliced

Blueberries

Strawberries

Variety of Sprouts

Dark lettuce

　

Directions:

Combine in bowl, squeeze half a lemon, mix by hand and enjoy!

My Review:

 One of my favorites of the day - the perfect combination of fruit.

Can be enjoyed any time of the day!

　

What kind of day would it be without Tomato Soup?

It is one of my favorite soups, although I have never had it "raw"

It is SO easy.

Raw Tomato Soup:

1 red pepper

1 tomato

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp. propolis

[Mother’s Market]

Handful dulse

Handful of Sprouts

2 Garlic Gloves

Directions:

Blend everything in a high speed blender and top with sliced avocado

My Review:

wish it was warmer, but it tasted delicious.

 

 

 

We ended the day with a Raw Onion Wheat Free Bread paired with Vegan Pesto.

Raw Onion Wheat Free Bread:

2 large onions sliced through a food processor

¾ cup flax seeds ground in a coffee grinder

¾ sunflower seeds ground in coffee grounder

½ od nama sohyu or coconut aminos

1/3 cup olive oil

Directions:

mix everything by hand until the onion is soft. Spread on a sheet and put in dehydrator for 2 days. Flip side in 24 hours. Slice up and spread pesto on top to enjoy!

Vegan Pesto:

1 bunch of basil

2 cups of any nuts of choice

2 tbsp of olive oil

½ lemon

Directions:

 blend everything into a food processor until smooth 

My Review:

REALLY heavy on the onions, but still surprisingly tasty!

My take-away from the day:

 I am a believer. I felt satisfied and energized from just one day of eating raw. It is reassuring to know exactly what you are putting into your body. I have been Suffering from IBS and GERD for 10+ years, I have become an advocate for eating right.

No pill of any form can offer the body what it really needs. The best nutrients we can receive comes straight from the source.

Although I don’t think I will go 100% raw [I love my seafood]. I am definitely investing in a blender and experimenting with some different smoothies and homemade milks.

We get what we give, and we should be giving our bodies the right nutrients to live a full and happy life!

　

xx,

J

I've Learned

I’ve learned-
that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned-
that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned-
that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned-
that you should never ruin an apology with an excuse.

I’ve learned-
that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned-
that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do.

I’ve learned-
that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned-
that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned-
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned-
that you can keep going long after you can’t.

I’ve learned-
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned-
that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I’ve learned-
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I’ve learned-
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned-
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned-
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I’ve learned-
that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned-
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.


I’ve learned-
that just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned-
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned-
that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

I’ve learned-
that your family won’t always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren’t related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren’t biological.

I’ve learned-
that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned-
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned-
that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.

I’ve learned-
that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned-
that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned-
that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned-
that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I’ve learned-
that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned-
that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned-
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned-
that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned-
that it’s hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings, and standing up for what you believe.

I’ve learned-
that people will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Nobody Can Go Back and Start a New Beginning, But Anyone Can Start and Make a New Ending

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.
2. Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.
3. Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.
4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.
5. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
6. Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.
7. Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.
8. Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.
9. Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.
10. Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.
11. Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.
12. Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.
13. Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
14. Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.
15. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.
16. Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”
17. Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.
18. Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.
19. Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.
20. Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.
21. Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.
22. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.
23. Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.
24. Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.
25. Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.
26. Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.
27. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.
28. Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.
29. Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.
30. Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

From the amazing:

http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/12/11/30-things-to-stop-doing-to-yourself/?_ft_qid=5688450817493577094&_ft_mf_story_key=10150617780505200&_ft_filter=live&_ft_substories=3&_ft_fbid=156209437818021%2C133090500138334%2C324519764234316&_ft_c=m

Marble Swirl Gluten Free Cupcakes*

Vanilla Batter

You'll Need:

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil

1/3 cup agave nectar

Chocolate Batter

You'll Need:

2 tablespoons coconut flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

1/4 cup agave nectar

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line 8 muffin cups with paper liners.

To make the vanilla batter, in a large bowl, combine the coconut flour and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grapeseed oil, and agave nectar. Stir the wet ingredients into the coconut flour mixture with a large spoon until thoroughly combined.

To make the chocolate batter, in a large bowl, combine the coconut four, cocoa powder, and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grapeseed oil, and agave nectar. Stir the wet ingredients into the coconut flour mixture with a large spoon until thoroughly combined.

Fill each prepared muffin cup with 4 tablespoons of batter, alternating tablespoons of chocolate and vanilla, starting with chocolate batter and ending with vanilla. Use a toothpick to swirl the batter in figure eights.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 1 hour, then frost and serve!

Tano, The Elephant!

This is my new baby, Tano!

I am fostering her for the next year - helping with all costs related to medical, food & care needed.

My hope is to travel to Kenya to meet the little love bug.

Until then, I will viritually care for her.

check out more information at http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/fostering.asp

xx

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."

"Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true."

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

"Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."

-Steve Jobs