• blessings - brain training - healthy - inspiration - self help

    Stop Criticizing Yourself

    Behind every harsh self-criticism is a tender soul who just wants to feel supported. You, Dear One, have heard more than your fair share of criticism throughout your life, and it’s time you put a stop to it. Instead of being your own worst critic, become your own biggest ally. Abandon the nit-picking and instead offer yourself the grace you’d gladly give to your very best friend! I want you to realize that you are no longer bound to impossible standards of perfection, no matter what that nagging voice from the past may say. You, Dear One, were created as…

  • blessings - inspiration - self help

    Focus On What Makes You Happy

      What if, each day, you made the conscious choice to focus on what makes you happy? By directing your thoughts, your intentions, your energy towards the positive pursuit of your own happiness, you will create a powerful shift that ignites your spirit and fills your life with Light and Joy! Take the time to get to know YOU by trying new things and becoming a master at the things you already enjoy. You aren’t pretending that hard things aren’t also part of your world, rather you are building reserves of strength and banking cherished memories that can buoy you…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Perfect Salmon, Two Ways (GF, P)

    Cooking fish can be tricky, but these two recipes for salmon will yield a perfect dish pretty much every single time. Be sure to select the freshest filet possible. I prefer wild caught over farm raised, but it tends to have a firmer texture and more flavor than farm raised. Either way, it should not smelly “fishy” and if it does, it’s been sitting too long to enjoy. Once you have your big beautiful filet home and in your kitchen, give it a good rinse in cold water and gently pat dry with a paper towel. If you feel any…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Mediterranean Inspired Dairy-Free Dip (DF, GF, V, VG)

    OMG. The flavors in this gluten free, dairy free dip are outstanding! The combination of sweet red bell pepper and nutty sesame seed from the tahini go great with crunchy crackers and fresh, raw veggie sticks. Consistency is on the thin side, not as thick as hummus or bean dip, so it also works really well as a salad dressing. Mmmmmmmmmm Here’s the super simple recipe: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon EVOO 1/3 Cup organic tahini 1 Cup fresh sweet red bell pepper*, seeded and chopped *for a smoother and smokier flavor, try using roasted red peppers from…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Goddess Trail Mix (GF, P, V)

    Whether you prefer a long hike or a gentle stroll, or even if you just want to enjoy a healthy snack to munch on at your desk or during your afternoon commute- my Goddess Trail Mix is an easy winner. It packs a high-energy punch, hits the sweet and savory notes, is low in sugar and high in good fats and even has tasty dark chocolate antioxidants. Gluten Free, Paleo friendly, and Vegetarian.  You can substitute different nuts if you prefer, such as walnuts or pecans. Here’s my super simple recipe: 1 cup raw almonds 1 cup raw cashews 1/2…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Creamy Dreamy Carrot Dip (DF, GF, P, V, VG)

    I do love to eat a tasty dip! Even better when it’s healthy AND tastes great, just like my favorite Creamy Dreamy Carrot Dip. This one is Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo-Friendly, Vegetarian and Vegan.   And it still tastes great!  It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and a whole lotta awesome. Here’s the super simple recipe. Enjoy! Ingredients One package organic baby carrots 1 clove garlic, peeled & minced Juice of ½ a lemon 1½- 2  tbsp olive oil ¼ tsp cumin ⅛ tsp ground coriander ⅛ tsp smoked paprika Salt & pepper to taste Directions Using either a…

  • blessings - brain training - healing - healthy - inspiration - self help

    When Anger Is Killing You & How I Am Learning to Manage My Anger

    Anger- there is no shortage of it. Even though for my own health and sanity I take care to spend the bulk of my time around people who are positive, mellow, and well-suited to handling stress, this powerful emotion is one that never seems far enough away.  All I have to do is take a quick scroll through Facebook or Twitter to see and feel the anger, wrath, or full-blown rage seeping through post after post after post, from the POTUS to the online trolls and everywhere in between. It’s exhausting, and I believe it is killing us. Now wait…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Chad’s Favorite Stuffed Chicken Breast

    I love to cook, and I’ve been told that I’m pretty frickin’ good at it. ::blushes::  My hottie boyfriend Chad loves that I love to cook, and that I’m pretty frickin’ good at it, because that means he gets to enjoy lots of great-tasting home cooked meals almost every day!  One of his favorites that I make is a stuffed chicken breast that tastes way more high-calorie than it actually is.  We have this about 1x a week because he loves it so much, but he would not be mad if I made it even more often, LOL!  (Takes about…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Big Meaty Balls! (P, GF*)

    *In order to make this recipe Gluten Free, you can swap all-purpose GF flour + dried Italian seasoning for the bread crumbs, or click here to use my affiliate link to get these Michelle Farms Gluten Free Italian Bread Crumbs! I made these A-MAZE-BALLS meatballs using organic, lean ground turkey and I was a little worried that they would be too dry. Nope- they were moist and juicy and delicious, and they also passed The Chad Test so I know they’re good!  (To be fair, he always loves my cooking- but the man can be a pretty picky eater so…

  • brain training - Friday Feels - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - self help

    #FridayFeels Accomplished 

    On September 1, I started my 30 Day Challenge which included a 10 minute daily walk, daily gratitude journaling, and eliminating certain foods from my daily diet (no sugar, dairy, grains, or alcohol).  Aside from the total of 5 days of planned travel in which I released my food restrictions (4 in NOLA, 1 in Vegas), I was able to stick to my Challenge in all three areas! I’m feeling pretty accomplished and I have to say, pretty darn proud of myself. On this final day of my Challenge, here are my observations: This wasn’t about counting calories or weight…