• brain training - inspiration - life challenge - self help

    When Things Go Sideways 

    November 30, 2016 - By 

    We all have those days.  You know the kind I’m talking about, right? The ones that you have carefully and thoughtfully planned out with a neat list of manageable tasks to check off, a few scheduled appointments, and some wonderful self-care all lined up. Ahhhh, heavenly!  Except… It all goes sideways. Someone gets sick. Meals get skipped. Self-care gets sabotaged. Deadlines get missed.  You find yourself going from blissed-out to pissed-off, and from boss on top of your game to curled up in fetal position under a blanket.   My last sideways day looked a little something like this:  The…

  • blessings - brain training - inspiration - Mantras - Monday Mantra - self help

    #MondayMantra I Am Creating A Beautiful Life

    November 28, 2016 - By 

    Mantra: I Am Creating A Beautiful Life The work that we do each day to actively, intentionally shift our mindset from negative, doom-and-gloom, worst case scenario to a more positive, bright-and-shiny, best possible outcome is powerful and scientifically proven to create new neural pathways in our brains. It is true that what we think about and focus our attention on is what shapes our reality, and by being open to the possibility of good things happening in our lives we literally create space in our minds for positive energy to grow! Though we may not be able to control external…

  • blessings - Friday Feels

    #FridayFeels Thankful

    November 25, 2016 - By 

    Sleeping in. Fluffy pillows. Brunch. Leftovers. Naps. Family stories.  Relaxing at Grandma’s house instead of hassling the Black Friday shopping crowd, and thankful to be sitting beside my love today. What are you thankful for? Would you like to join my private email list? It’s where I share awesomeness with my tribe of wild & beautiful butterfly souls.  

  • blessings - inspiration - life challenge - self help

    Practice Graceful Self Love for the Holidays

    November 23, 2016 - By 

    Whatever “Thanksgiving” means to you, whatever feelings, emotions, memories it brings up, however you celebrate the year end holidays or don’t… I invite you to spend some quiet time nurturing yourself and your soul.  Remind yourself that you matter, despite how anyone around you may try to make you feel otherwise.❤️ Treat your body to a good stretch, lots of rest, and gentle movement such as a nice walk to ease pain & discomfort.👍🏿 Eat, Drink, and Be Merry because you deserve Joy and a life of Celebration. If you have especially challenging family dynamics to sit through, remind yourself…

  • blessings - brain training - inspiration - Mantras - Monday Mantra

    #MondayMantra: Today I Choose Gratitude

    November 21, 2016 - By 

    Every day is a day worthy of giving thanks for.  Even in the hardest of times and in the most challenging circumstances, even in sadness, even in disappointment, there is always something to be grateful for. You may have to dig deeper or look out farther, but treasure is there. On the days when praise comes easily, be generous with your attitude of gratitude. Allow that positivity to flow through you and out to everyone around you. Share stories that are uplifting, smile, speak words of kindness and hope. Be a little lighthouse in a dreary world. On the days…

  • healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Cool As A Cucumber

    November 21, 2016 - By 

      This cool and refreshing dish can work as an easy meal for lunch or light dinner, or serve it up as a fancy little party tray.  The creamy crab mixture is also amazing stuffed in avocado halves, tomatoes, lavash or tortilla wraps, or to make your own California Rolls. Enjoy! 1 cup shredded cooked crab meat (about 4 ounces} 1/4 cup chopped green onion (white and green parts) 1 1/2 tablespoons sour cream 1 1/2 tablespoons cream cheese 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, to taste 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet red bell pepper 1  cucumber, peeled, cut in half…

  • bowl of guac
    healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Killer Guacamole (GF, V)

    November 19, 2016 - By 

    This recipe will be a hit at your next gathering! (Serves 8)  Perfect with corn chips, as a topping for sandwiches & burgers, or to take your tacos, nachos, burritos over the top.  It’s super easy to make and tastes amazing! 3 large ripe Avocados 1-2 limes 1/2 small red onion 6 ripe cherry tomatoes fresh cilantro 1-2 fresh mild, medium or hot chill peppers 1/2 cup regular (full fat) sour cream 1 clove fresh garlic, minced EVOO Sea Salt Fresh Cracked Black Pepper Peel the onion and remove seeds from 1 chili pepper; roughly chop together on a large…

  • bowl of guac
    healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Dairy-Free Killer Guacamole (DF, GF, V, VG, P)

    November 19, 2016 - By 

    This dairy-free version of my Killer Guacamole is so good, you won’t even miss the dairy. (Serves 8)  Perfect with corn chips, as a topping for sandwiches & burgers, or to take your tacos, nachos, burritos over the top.  It’s super easy to make and tastes amazing! 3 large ripe Avocados 1-2 limes 1/2 small red onion 6 ripe cherry tomatoes fresh cilantro 1-2 fresh mild, medium or hot chill peppers 1 clove garlic, minced EVOO Sea Salt Fresh Cracked Black Pepper   Peel the onion and remove seeds from 1 chili pepper; roughly chop together on a large cutting…

  • immunity boost smoothie bowl
    healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Immunity Boost Super-food Breakfast Bowl (GF, V,)

    November 18, 2016 - By 

    I love how easy & portable smoothies are but sometimes I get tired of literally sucking down my meal. Sometimes I just want to sit with a big yummy bowl of goodness! Turning a traditional smoothie into a breakfast bowl is an incredibly simple twist on a quick & healthy meal. This is the first one I made into a bowl and couldn’t wait to share it with you!   (It’s so pretty! AND it tastes great at just about 350 calories). 1 cup  Organic Blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1/2 cup Organic French yogurt (or Greek) with pineapple 1/2 cup Organic…

  • blessings - Friday Feels - inspiration - Meditation, Mantras, & Mindfulness

    #FridayFeels Kind & Compassionate

    November 18, 2016 - By 

    My Friday thoughts:  Kindness and Compassion are choices I can make every day. I know that I’m an optimist and an idealist; people have been telling me so my whole life, as though in pointing out the obvious I will somehow change. But why? Who would benefit from my being less than who I am? I want to live in a world where kindness matters. I want to be around people who are quick to show compassion for others and who model goodness regularly. We’ve all seen enough of people being awful to each other. We’re well aware of what…