Morning friends! Hope you’re having a fantastic week so far!
Recently, Amanda made a post about her Happy List. Immediately, I knew I needed to do one of these myself, I mean there’s not a greater feeling than being happy, so why not make a list of all those things that make me happy.
Okay, not everything because this post would take years to read, but some little pleasurable things that make me happy!
Fresh Veggie Juice…
Happy Thursday!
This week has just been full of technology troubles. First, my mistake of blocking myself off my own website. Ultimate fail. Next, my site completely going down since the server crashed, and now Telus decided to go on and have their internet crash as well. Hopefully this post will get up today!
Either way, I’m grateful to even have a computer so no more complaining.
I’m on Day Five of waking up before 5 AM. Neat? At least this gives me lots of time in the morning to be productive. Nnothing a good breakfast with a side of caffeine can’t fix. I hate to say I rely on caffeine to stay awake these days, but sometimes it just does.
There are many truths I’ve come across in life. So many so that I can’t share them all in one post. With the new year in full swing comes time for change; to grow wiser, stronger, more intelligent, and get more done.
I’ve compiled a fun list of 15 things I know for sure to be true. Things I’ve recently discovered and things I’ve learnt in the past.
1. Enjoying a leisurely breakfast is always a great start to the day.
2. Good food = good mood.
3. “Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
4. Breakfast cookies are highly underrated. It makes no sense how it has a cookie dough like texture, but it works.
5. A big mug of black coffee (provided by Starbucks) makes the day go much smoother.
6. Choose quality, not quantity (friends, food, wine)
7. Baking has become a great way to alleviate stress and is now one of my favorite pastimes.
8. Treat yourself how you’d treat your best friend.
9. A smile is the most flattering accessory you’ll ever wear.
10. Spinning makes my heart happy.
11. Always be kind, even when you’re having a bad day. Just because you’re having a bad day, doesn’t mean you should spread that negativity to others.
{ Tip: Buy coffee for the person behind you in line. It’s a small act, but makes a huge difference in how you perceive the day. Most of the time it’s not our day that is the problem, but our attitude. }
12. Coconut is good in any form. Flour, butter, milk, oil, ice cream, lotion…
13. Sometimes not working out is just what the body needs.
14. Carbs don’t make you fat.
15. Everybody has a unique story. Have compassion for each person you meet, no judgement necessary.
What are some things you know for sure?
What’s your favorite carb?
Hope you all enjoy this fabulous day!
Good morning to all my favorite people! How’s everyone’s Thursday going?
I need to confess something to you all…
As you know, I’m a big fan of preaching positive thoughts, energy and having a positive mindset. I’m always reminding others how good they have it, to keep their spirits high, and how amazing they are as a person.
However, lately my mind hasn’t been filled with the most pleasant thoughts. I haven’t been negative to people, but more my head has been consumed with negative thoughts.
{ more snacking on fresh berries with coconut milk }
I’ve been a little bit on edge for a few days and haven’t been my pleasant lovely self lately. It needs to stop now.
In my recent vlog, I mentioned my past and how I’ve struggled with lack of confidence, but I know how much better I feel now that I’m in control of my happiness and thoughts.
Sure, we all feel bad some days, but your the only person that can turn that perspective around. We can’t expect others to change for us, it doesn’t work that way.
The only thing I can do to change these thoughts and behaviour is change them myself. Who’s with me?
I really encourage anyone who is having these same negative thoughts to just stop, and turn those negatives into positives.
Today I’m thinking of ways to turn the frown upside down. Sorry for the corniness, but it’s true. We all need a boost of confidence every now and again.
Things making me smile today…
My Favorite Foods
I went to the grocery store and saw my favorite organic parsnips not on sale, not only that but they had a new stock of kabocha just in.
Can’t get much better than that deal.
Time to make my favorite parsnip fries!
Exercise
This is an obvious one.
Working up a sweat just puts a smile on my face, at least after it does.
Just like Elle Woods says, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people dont shoot their husbands. They just dont!”
Dressing up
Put away the sweat pants and ugg boots.
Whenever I leave the house, I always make sure to look my best.
Simply said, I feel better when I look nice. A cute outfit and some awesome shoes can easily change my attitude.
Makeup
I know that makeup shouldn’t make me feel better, but in all honesty I love it.
It’s so much fun experimenting with different colours, techniques, and creating a new look.
It doesn’t make or break my confidence, but I do feel more confident when I wear some. Just being honest here.
Mascara and foundation are all I need on these not so positive days.
Coffee
If I’m feeling negative, I just drive over to Starbucks.
My day can be a bit brighter if I get in line at the coffee shop, rather remaining moody in isolation. When I feel this way I always buy coffee for the person in line behind me. Hey, if I’m not feeling my best I might as well make someone else happy.
Hearing their polite thank you’s and engaging in small talk can really change the day.
Plus the boost of caffeine doesn’t hurt at all.
Reading
Instead of allowing myself to remain in my head, I look to reading books or magazines to escape from my thoughts for a while.
It’s even more helpful if the book is a positive one too.
Yes, these are trivial, small things but if they can brighten your mood even a bit, you might as well do them.
Being negative doesn’t do a good service for anyone. Where has remaining negative gotten you lately? Likely nowhere.
Find the positive in any situation, it’s there I promise.
You are in control of your happiness and your perspective on things. If you have a family, food in the fridge, friends and are (likely) reading this on a phone or computer, consider these things a huge blessing! That right there is something to smile about.
What type of things do you do when you feel like your having a “bad” day?
Do you like makeup?
What makes you feel more happy?
Have a beautiful and positive filled day! Remember happiness is contagious, so spread a little today!
We have a lot of thoughts that come to us throughout our day.
Did you know we have the ultimate power over those thoughts?
As people, we have the decision to determine if we will listen to that negative or positive thought.
Just because we perceive something to be true about ourselves, doesn’t mean we have to believe it.
* favorite oat bran and banana breakfast; oat bran, 1/2 banana, chia seeds, flax seed, egg whites, blueberries and cashew butter *
Instead of accepting everything that you think is true, how about examining those thoughts further.
They may seem true to you because you’ve been programmed to thinking a certain way for so long, but is this thought helping you or harming you?
You have the power to chose which thoughts you will rid yourself of, and which thoughts you believe and accept.
Really think deeply on these. Is this thought/belief empowering you? Does it make you feel bad about yourself?
* typical car picture with my coffee while my Mom got gas, it’s fun when other people look at you odd *
If any of your beliefs are in fact making you feel not worthy as you are right in this moment, accept that and let that thought go.
You deserve to treat yourself better! Your thoughts do not define you, but how you chose to handle them is another story.
When we believe negative things, we attract negative situations and people. I don’t know about you, but if I see someone who’s a negative Nancy, I’m not going to want to be around them.
Ultimately, once we change our beliefs into positive ones, we will attract people who will better our lives.
Our minds truly are powerful. Naturally, we will continue to attract people who support our beliefs.
Be aware of your thoughts. If they happen to be negative, replace them with thoughts that empower you instead of hinder you!
We have to choice to believe what we think, and change those beliefs to better us!
*******
One more special announcement.
The lovely Rita, who designed my blog, is having an AMAZING 12 month blog improvement program. You can check out all the details here!
Enrolment for the program opens on tomorrow and I highly suggest you take advantage off this awesome challenge.
Since Rita is so amazing, she’s offering you all a coupon code that I’ll have for you on Wednesday! Make sure to check back here for that code.
This program truly sounds incredible, I’d highly suggest signing up.
Plus, Rita is such a gem to work with! She continues to help me with a lot of stuff. It’s slightly embarrassing how many questions I ask her and she’s still absolutely kind and helpful along the way. She really knows her stuff.
Here are some details from Rita’s site.
The Blog Improvement Challenge is a 12 month, online training program that combines powerful offline organization tools with online learning to show you, step-by-step how to create the blog, and audience you’ve always wanted. Every month has a learning section and a task section. You learn the why along with detailed instructions of exactly what to do. There are never more than 6 to-do items a month so you can actually accomplish your blogging goals around your schedule. One topic per month to help you focus on real change while each month builds on the skills you’ve already learned.
Read more about the challenge here. I got to have a sneak peak at the calendar, it’s so detailed and incredible.
As an organization lover, she really has everything planned perfectly!
If you really want to improve your blog, don’t wait! The time is now. I’m so thankful I didn’t postpone giving my blog a makeover and the earlier you know about all of this the better!
Are you going to join the Blog challenge? What do you love about yourself? What’s a powerful, positive thought you believe to be true? Happy Tuesday friends!
This morning I had to be out the door early again, so made sure to have breakfast made and ready for this morning.
I made my favourite overnight oat bran, with a few changes. While eating this morning, I definitely noticed the slight crispness to the air. Its time to get out the blanket in the morning if I want to continue having cold items for breakfast!
* Overnight pumpkin oat bran with egg whites, almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, stevia, blueberries, and peanut frosting. *
“Should and Shouldn’t” are such small, but powerful words. We can get consumed with putting too much focus into what we “should and shouldn’t” be doing, rather than what we choose to do. This way can become consuming, especially when it comes to “health”.
We can allow ourselves to get stuck in the mindset of “don’t eat this, don’t eat that”. This way of thinking can become rigid and easier to follow than listening to our bodies cues and knowing what our bodies are craving in the moment. Instead of listening to our bodies wisdom, we begin to follow a rigid set of rules, the “should and shouldn’t rules.”
We can hold onto behaviours and beliefs that we have adopted from magazines, fitness trainers, the media, our parents, or friends. We may hold onto these beliefs out of fear, anxiety, personal or social pressures, and as a way to cope with emotions, problems, and self-image, etc.
The problem is when we try and overcome these “should and shouldn’t rules” and make a mistake or backtrack (which we inevitably will), we can then use it as an excuse to hold onto these old patterns and ways of thinking.
* Homemade coconut ice cream, super delicious! Recipe to come soon… *
Instead, we could (and I intend to) use these mistakes as motivation to keep trying. Unfortunately, it’s easier for to play it safe, which gives our minds a sense of relief and peace (in the moment).
It’s a lot harder to be proactive and overcome these thoughts and behaviours when we don’t know what the outcome will be. It is scary to give up the “control” we feel we have and instead pursue our goals.
Too many people view health as a rigid set of rules, what we “should and shouldn’t” eat. And this places negative connotations on certain lifestyle choices.
* Topped with the last of my fresh strawberries, sadness. *
“You should/shouldn’t eat x because…”
“You should/shouldn’t do this exercise because…”
These “should and shouldn’t rules” are often contradictory and can be used as a way to judge others. Instead of getting caught up on what type of exercise we should or shouldn’t be doing or , we can learn to recognize what we need to be happy and healthy and avoid getting consumed in what everyone else is doing.
We are all unique individuals, we all have different qualities that make us special and beautiful. Instead of allowing these “should and shouldn’t” beliefs to take over your life and thoughts. You can choose to take a blind leap of faith toward the anxiety and fear that will ultimately allow us to have a better quality of life.
[Source]
By believing that we “should or shouldn’t” do something, we keep our minds in a negative energy. Why not learn to believe in yourself and trust your body, to have a positive attitude, and to act on the changes you wish to happen in life, no matter how scary it feels.
Next time, be aware of the use of “should and shouldn’t” rules, and how it can effect yourself and others. It can feel easier to live by a set of other peoples rules, instead of trusting your inner voice. Learn to listen to yourself, and your body will choose the best option for you.
Do you ever fall victim to other’s beliefs on what you “shouldn’t” be eating or doing?
Where do you think these beliefs come from?
Hope everyone has a fantastic Thursday!
Hi, all!!
Happy Friday!
Hope your day is starting off pleasant!
This morning, I woke up feeling good. I am proud of myself for making an effort in increasing my calories and reducing my exercise intensity this week. It’s not easy. I’ve had lots of hard and emotional days. And I know the first few weeks are going to be very hard on me, but today I was feeling rather bright and proud.
*This morning for breakfast, I made a creamy overnight buckwheat bowl. I am so glad I brought back buckwheat into rotation. This had buckwheat creamy cereal, that I ground up before hand, 1.5 tablespoons chia seeds, 1/4 cup egg whites, 1/4 cup pumpkin, 1/2 banana, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, stevia. Toppings included more cinnamon and peanut flour paste.*
Some days aren’t as great though. I wake up with lower energy and I can feel stress and negativity creeping into my thoughts.
As I go through my daily routine, I hear the voices creep into my mind and start to think I’m “fat”. I look in the mirror and see a person who was not there yesterday, a totally different human being has embodied my presence. My appearance is skewed. Whenever I pass a mirror, I can’t help but notice how much bigger I am today.
Wow. Wait, hold on a minute! Something isn’t right. It is impossible for me to have changed that much in a day.
“Feeling fat” is a common phrase among plenty of women. Fat is not a feeling. There are many emotions we may be experiencing when these days happen. Perhaps you are stressed at work, tired, angry, or upset. Which in turn can make you perceive things negatively, including your body. Fat is not something you are able to feel.
When this happens, it’s important to take a step back. These days aren’t about your looks or size. Realize that this uncomfortable feeling is coming from an underlying issue.
*Of course, no morning is complete without a Starbucks run. Caffeine fuelled mornings are the only way I can function or think properly.*
What is happening in your life right now? Are you happy? Sad? Angry? Try and find the root of the problem, deal with it, and move on. You are most likely taking out these thoughts into your appearance. Instead, focus and appreciate all that you have accomplished and that you are worthy of feeling good and celebrate your successes in life.
Its important to not wallow in self pity and get down on yourself more. Be positive. Be confident with yourself. You have the power in changing your thoughts. You’re in control to make changes in behaviours and beliefs. Your life is always beautiful if you look at it with a positive attitude.
*Before my busy afternoon, I heated up some leftover spaghetti squash and roasted broccoli slaw and covered it all in marinara sauce. Underneath, is a hidden leftover turkey burger. Yum.*
You only have one life, live it wisely. Enjoy everything about this day. Even when things aren’t so great, we learn from each experience we go through in this life journey.
Have you ever experienced “fat days”? What do you do to change your thoughts?
What are your plans for the weekend?
I’m off to a hair appointment. Have a marvellous Friday loves!!
Bonjour, my friends! Happy Tuesday!
I hope your Monday finished off marvelous. And that your morning is off to a great start.
Everyday, I wake up and find myself dreaming and hoping for a more fulfilled life. I have made tremendous leaps in how I feel about myself and working on positivity. I seem to struggle the most with my eating habits and the routine and behaviours my disorder has left me with. That is what I need to be working on most right now.
*overnight egg white oat bran/oat mixture, banana, pumpkin, chia seeds, cinnamon, stevia, and peanut flour paste topping*
Confidence is a hard thing for women to wear these days. We are plastered with images of models, actors, actresses, and others who exude a look of what is deemed “perfection” in the media. In an article it can state how the person dropped her 20 pounds, how we should follow that diet or exercise routine so we look like her. No, no, no.
That is someone else, we can’t strive to be another person when we are not them. It is unhealthy to do so. We all have differences in our looks, personalities, beliefs, attributes, knowledge, and bodies. What makes me sad may not make you sad. Being confident in who you are is key in these situations.
I definitely struggle with comparing myself to others sometimes, its hard to be completely oblivious to other people. I still struggle with feeling that I am not good enough. You don’t need to be on the cover of magazines to be confident or beautiful though.
I find people are beautiful when they exude a certain quality that draws me into them as a person. I want others to find themselves and their own voice and beauty in their lives. If we all shared our differences in what we experience we could learn so much from one another. We could inspire each other.
*spaghetti squash with hummus-nutritional yeast dressing, tempeh, and roasted zucchini on the bottom*
When we live our life in the fullest with confidence it is so much healthier than feeling insecure about ourselves. Own what you give off to the world. So what if you are short, or have a pale complexion, you are you and that is what makes you special.
Being you is a wonderful thing. You can share with the world your beautiful self, with all of your knowledge and passion in life. Not only is confidence a sexy attribute, but you will be more positive. Yes, I am imperfect but I love who I am deep down. When I walk with confidence it makes my day brighter.
Sometimes, I have emotions that come out that are good, ugly, or bad. I see what they are and I deal with them. Let them go. I own my thoughts, accept who I am, and emotions and learn to love myself.
I may not be able to control everything, but when I love myself, I can be present for every moment that I live and enjoy everything life has to offer.
Confidence can be found in many different forms; in our thoughts, workouts, healthy eats, meditation, etc. It is when we have a balance of these things and don’t live in an obsessive state focusing on these that we can live in this confidence.
Life is so valuable, I want to remember all the times I laughed, loved, and lived instead of remembering the things I didn’t do or eat.
Be confident in who you are.
What are you confident about in your life? What do you want to share with others?
Okay, sorry that ended up being way longer than I anticipated;) Hopefully you could keep up with it.
Hello, friends! Hope the week is going off to a fabulous start!
How was everybody’s weekend? Another Marvelous Monday over here. Go check it out. It’s a great way to start out your week in a positive mindset!
The morning has started off with a magical combo of ezekiel toast with coconut oil, cinnamon, and stevia coating it. Such a great combo. I added in a nice serving of cashew butter. Also the best. On the side I had an egg for a protein punch.
Usually, I feel like I “have” to have a veggie or fruit with every single meal/snack, but I didn’t and guess what it didn’t kill me. Who would have thought?
This weekend was filled with wonderful moments spend with friends, beautiful weather, and good food and drinks. What could be better?
I’m having such a love affair with the weather we’ve been getting. Gorgeous days, beautiful flowers. Even a thunderstorm snuck its way in there this weekend. Thunderstorms are my favourite…well, I had to drive in it which made me a little nervous, but I love being home cuddling up when there is thunder and lightening. I am odd.
Over the weekend, I indulged a little more than usual and I feel pretty great about it. Most of the times when I am out with my friends, I immdediately think I would be much more “productive” at home and could be doing better with my healthy lifestyle by isolating myself.
As I said last week, I want to stop this cycle and get out of my comfort zone and push my beliefs and behaviours.
So, when invited out this weekend, I busted out my party pants and even indulged in a few drinks.
When I was first asked, I thought heck no I’m not going out and messing up my “schedule”. Um, yah right. I have no schedule, really had nothing that needed to be done. I needed to get out of my “comfortable routine”.
Hanging out with my friends, in an uncomfortable situation, where there would be alcohol and “forbidden food” was a great option to push my boundaries.
It was a great break from my “clean eating 100% motto”. It felt nice to let loose with friends and I had a ton of fun.
My new favourite drink is vodka, water (yah, I’m weird and enjoy vodka waters), coconut water ice cubes, and orange stevia drops. SO good. I swear. Tasted like a fun citrusy cocktail.
It was a night filled with lots of dancing, drinking games, and other good stuff. I was out until about 3 AM. When I finally got home to go to bed, I stepped right in cat poop. So that was fun;) I had to shower that off, so didn’t get to bed until about 5. Yikes.
I fell in love with another breakfast. This will become a rotation in the breakfast mix. I got this idea from Katie. Banana bread in a bowl, but of course changed it up.
1/2 cup brown rice cereal, 2 tablespoons coconut flour, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 banana, 2 tablespoons pumpkin, cinnamon, and stevia.
On top is peanut flour paste with more cinnamon.
Simply placed everything in the blender and let it sit overnight. Another easy meal to have waiting for me first thing in the morning. It was super filling. And nice for the lazy start to the morning.
My meal was accompanied with a side of hot, fruity tea with a side of stevia as well!
Looking back to the weekend I am glad I went in with positive thoughts, just by changing my motivation to wanting to experience and enjoy my time out made it much more enjoyable.
Usually, I go into things thinking “I just want to go home, I could be doing other things”, etc. basically mindless chatter.
When I rearranged my thoughts to a more enjoyable intention, I was able to have a blast in the company of my friends. It is amazing what a change in thoughts can do.
(Source)
This mantra couldn’t be more true.
Off to go grocery shopping, I have absolutely no produce, besides kabocha squash in my fridge. Time to change that!
How did you make your day marvelous?
Good morning babes, how is your day going so far?
Last night, I got a glorious 10 hours of sleep last night and it was so needed! Ah, feeling refreshed today.
I awoke with a large craving for coconut, so luckily I had some added into my morning breakfast bowl.
I changed up the usual egg whites oats this morning by using 1/4 cup buckwheat hot cereal, 3 tablespoons coconut flour, chia seeds, egg whites, cinnamon, and peanut flour paste. The coconut flour made it taste cakey. So delicious!!
When I add toppings to oats I always savour those for the last bite.
Next up, my sister and I headed to Starbucks for a little sister chat. It was nice to be able to catch up a bit.
Okay, I really need to buy a coffee maker. I think with all the money I spend on my love I could have bought 17 coffee makers buy now, but I always say I can’t afford one. It just seems like it would be an expensive purchase at one time, even though I spend tons of mula on starbucks. What to do, what to do?
I kind of wish it was okay to have my place smell like coffee, I just love that smell. That would be rad. But then no one would probably come over.
Later on, after the day so quickly passed me by! I made myself a quick and delicious dinner.
Kale chips, roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, served with a side of the best and ripest avocado (I can’t stop eating avocados lately!), also had a small microwaved sweet potato on the side.
These were cooked to my perfection. Love when it turns out that way.
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Have you noticed that such a simple statement of the face can make such an impact on the day? You know how some think you “fake it until you make it”, well sometimes that really works. As soon as I put a happy face on my mentality changes for the better. How I present myself on the outside reflects how I am feeling on the inside.
(Source)
Smiling can be contagious, it can improve your day and maybe even make someone else’s day more bright. Not saying that just by smiling it will be a life changing experience, but you do have the ability to make your day better.
When you are a positive person and send out positive statements you will receive positive feedback in your life.
(Source)
If I wake up in a grumpy mood, something that fills my love tank is to just put on a smile and even go out and buy the persons coffee behind me in the line. You’d be surprised how good it feels to do a good deed, such as this little one.
Some people wake up in the morning and instantly want the day to come to an end, why not celebrate life with such a simple thing. Just a smile from a person can instantly improve my day.
(Source)
Smile everyday, smile as often as you can. It makes everyday more beautiful to look at.
What’s one thing that made you smile today?
