Monday, October 28, 2013

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺



. . . . . . . . . .

We're taking back Mondays!!!
"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 
Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)
It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

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Law of Attraction tip: Remember to be grateful for what you already have. Gratitude is the key to manifesting good things into your life, meaning you have to appreciate what you currently have in order to manifest even greater things. Even if what you have right now you might not like… say you don't really like your home and want something better, be grateful for a roof over your head and make a list of all the things that Are good about where you are now. This way you are grateful and will attract more things to be grateful for. Gratitude is always key!    
Employ Positive Talking! I know it's sometimes hard not to vent, especially when you have a bad day, but become conscious about how much you are complaining vs how much you are talking about positive things. If you are doing more complaining than positive talk then it's time for a change. After all, the best way for things in your life to get better is to talk about the good anyway. If you need to vent, just try to keep it at a minimal, speak your mind, let it go, and move onto a more positive insight. Don't end any conversation on a negative note. 
Step out of Your Comfort Zone!  I love to throw this one at you all every so often because it is one of the best ways to grow and evolve as a person. Your comfort zone is your region of safety that actually limits you. Step out of it. Even if you're kicking and screaming and resistant, just do it! Life begins at the end of your comfort zone! So go out and live!  
Stop Feeling Lonely. And Stop being negative towards your life. Stop living in envy of another person's life. The truth is, no one's life is entirely perfect, but the goal is to make the most of it and enjoy every second of it, regardless of what's around you. Every so often I need this reminder, especially because I've had a history of flaky friends, or friends that have come in and out of my life for different circumstances; and it winds up with me being envious of those people with a ton of friends--especially during social times of the year like Halloween. The truth is, and I still stand by this because I've seen it over and over again, is that it's better to have a few valuable True friends, than a ton of people you can't even turn to when you need them. The people that I know and see that have a million friends in their clicky little groups, are all the loneliest people I've ever met. So be grateful for any friends you do have and be grateful and comfortable with time spent alone. Learning to be comfortable alone will free you up to never actually feel alone.  
Do Something Childish! Kids know where it's at, they are unashamed, silly, and just out to have fun. Take a page from their book and be free to be silly and ridiculous and not care what people think.    
Remember the Chart of Happiness! I made this little chart in one of my recent Inspirational articles and I think it's a really important one to remember: that during those downs in your progression towards happiness, you're still actually climbing upward. We take two steps forward and one step back, and three steps forward and maybe five steps back, either way, you Are still moving forwards, so try to remember that. (And read the full article if you need some extra inspiration)   
“Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” – Paulo Coelho



Create a good day! ^_^ 
Much love from me to you! 


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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Pumpkin Pie Ⓥ



I can't actually believe that I haven't posted a traditional pumpkin pie recipe yet! I made this last week and posted a photo on instagram and immediately had people requesting the recipe. So, here it is! 
For whatever reason, pumpkin pie mixtures have tended to be runny for me in the past (looking online, I've seen lots of others have this same problem), even when following various recipes perfectly. I've found a few tricks that help, as well as the right cooking times-and allowing the pie to set overnight. So hopefully you, too, will enjoy non-runny pumpkin pie. ;)  I've added some helpful hints and ingredients that will help below.

Anyway, what's more amazing than pumpkin pie this time of year? Nothing, that's what! Enjoy this healthy, easy, delicious recipe for yourself and those you love to share with. ;) 

Pumpkin Pie

Pie Crust:
2 cups Almonds, (or pecans or walnuts)
1/2 cup Dates
Dash of sea salt

Blend the crust ingredients together in a food processor or high speed blender. You want it to be blended enough to hold together, but not so blended that you end up with almond butter. ;) Evenly distribute in the bottom of a lightly oiled pie plate, pressing it down evenly.


Pumpkin Pie Filling:

1 16-oz can of Pumpkin Puree (unsweetened)
1/4 cup Tapioca Starch 
1/2 cup Agave (or sweeten to taste with stevia and just add a touch of agave)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Vanilla
1/4 cup almond milk or water 
1 tbsp Coconut oil (optional, but highly recommended)

Preheat oven to 425.
In a food processor, blender, or even just a large bowl, combine your ingredients until well mixed. 
Pour into your pie crust. 
Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, and then reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake until filling is set, about 50 minutes--check it frequently so you don't burn the crust.
Let cool and set overnight in the refrigerator. 
The coconut oil helps to solidify the pumpkin mixture once you take it out of the oven and allow it to set overnight, this is why I highly recommend using it. You don't Need it, it will still taste amazing without it, but it just might be a little less firm. 

Top with Coconut Whipped Cream (super easy recipe here) and enjoy! :) 



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Friday, October 25, 2013

{this moment} - and the weekly {Smile-Up}


. . . . . . . . . . 
"There are no ordinary moments." ~Way of the Peaceful Warrior

{this moment} - a Friday ritual. A photo (or few) capturing moments from the week. Simple, special, extraordinary moments. Moments I want to pause, savor and remember.
Served up with the weekly {Smile-Up} - gratitude practices to love and appreciate your life. 

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' and 'smile up' in the comments for all to find and see.
. . . . . . . . . . 
{this moment}


{seeing my two brothers on Milo's 13th birthday (he's taller than me, on the right)}



{Smile Up}:

Pretty Fall Colours! 
Tons of Drawing on my Cintiq, and sketching and writing Everwake ;p
Tea Dates And discovering new little tea shops 
Being a big kid with my two youngest brothers (1 just turned 13 and is taller than me!!)
Working out on my elliptical again! Yes! 
Yoga!
Cleansing! (being done the cleanse! haha)
New opportunities, manifesting, answers to manifestations
My work room, I just love my space here :)  
Talking to family -- even better seeing them! 
When my hubby takes care of me when I don't feel well, and makes me supper ^_^    
Music, alllll day
Learning more and more about health and nutrition with Cory doing his Holistic Nutrition Schooling! 
Kitty cuddles. Always
Being successful at what I do
Spending less time watching TV and more time actually socializing 
Creating for Alter-Eco Clothing again! 
Admiring the woodpecker hanging out near out home (thankfully our home is brick haha)
 Encountering wild Turkeys on my walk to the bus stop :)
 Catching the mice in our basement before the cats do so we can safely move them! 
More time playing with our kitties in the evening instead of watching TV. Best thing ever! I love our kitties, they are hilarious! 

{ain't he cute?!}



Loving: My Cintiq • Writing • Drawing • Sleeping in • Walks outside • Pink Hair • More appreciation for food •  Yoga • Leggings •  Thigh-high socks • Layering clothing for fall • 

{wild turkeys}

Interests for the week:
Reading: "Anansi Boys" by Neil Gaiman. "D.Gray Man" Manga Comics. 
✯  Current Anime shows: "Guilty Crown"! Rewatching "The Vision of Escaflowne" because I love it and it was one of my first anime loves. 
✯  TV: How I met Your Mother. Sons of Anarchy. Modern Family. 
Music Playlist: Hollywood Undead. Seether. Red. Puscifer. We Are the Fallen. Soundtrack to Queen of the Damned. Disturbed. Bullet for My Valentine.  
Food Faves: Stir frys Protein Balls Oatmeal Blueberries Raw Veggie Burgers Chickpea Fritters with homemade tomato sauce and lobster mushrooms (mmmm)  ♥ 



Lessons of the week: 
When an opportunity comes your way, take it! It may be an answer to something you've been manifesting! Step out of your Comfort Zone! I have this awful fear of talking on phones, and it is something I am going to be forces to overcome! Talk, talk, and come from a place of love instead of resentment. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, it'll get you much further! Respecting the phases of our female cycles--we're not crazy, we just haven't learned to nurture and be respectful of it. Remembering to go over your Gratitude list every day! Be selfish with your time, and don't be afraid or feel guilty for doing it--if you're in a happy mindset because of it then no one will be able to complain! ;) ☀ 



Sorry for the lack of these posts, I honestly have been so lazy lately so I haven't been up to too much other than drawing and writing and sewing and being creatively introverted. ;)  
What are you grateful for this week? :)

Tell me about your lovely weeks! Tell me about your 'Smile Up' and 'this moment!' :) Pretty please!

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

❀ The Good News ❀



. . . . . . . . . . 
Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 
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L.A. Council prepares to ban use of bullhooks on circus elephants
The Los Angeles City Council took action Wednesday to ban bullhooks used by elephant trainers in traveling circuses, becoming the first U.S. metropolis to outlaw a tool that critics say inflicts pain.
Voting unanimously, the council asked the city attorney’s office to prepare an ordinance outlawing the use of the bullhook, a sharp-tipped tool used to train and keep elephants under control. Baseball bats, ax handles, pitchforks and other implements used on the pachyderms would also be banned.

Good news out of China: demand for shark fin soup has dropped significantly.
The size of the decline and the reasons behind it are both in question, but the fact that fewer people are eating shark fins is unequivocally progress.
There is evidence that consumption of shark fin soup has dropped in China by 50 to 70 percent since 2011. Though Treehugger cautions against believing official government data from China, the fact that Chinese industry corroborates the figures lends them credence. Evidence shows that demand is down by 20 to 30 percent in Hong Kong.
Several factors are contributing to the change in consumers’ preferences. One is a national campaign to raise awareness about the cruelty behind the soup.

3 Piggies Saved from becoming meat!
Great news -- the Ulster County SPCA has won in the neglect case where Isaac and his 2 sisters Brandi and Erica were being raised for meat. Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary will be caring for them as the case has made its way through the courts and passed. The Sanctuary (and everyone who's been following this case) are so relieved they are no longer the legal "property" of the farmer. 
Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary is always looking for loving adoption homes so they can help more animals in need. These guys must stay together as a family!
Check out Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary and see what you can do to help! 

Grizzly Bears Kept in “Concrete Graves,” Tribal Elders Fight to Save Them
Two Cherokee tribal elders want to change the lives of four captive grizzly bears. They’re prepared to bring a lawsuit to do so.
Bucking their own tribal council’s inaction on this issue, Amy Walker and Peggy Hill, both elders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), say they will sue a North Carolina roadside zoo to liberate four captive grizzly bears. Walker and Hill believe the zoo is violating the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
I would like to see how this one unfolds! Go taking action!!

Victory! No Plea Bargain for Crash the Dog’s Killer
After being shot and killed on his own lawn, Crash the dog is finally getting the justice he deserves. His killer, Jonathan Edwards, will not be issued a plea bargain. His owner, Tracy Smith, fought hard to see that Edwards be charged to the full extent of his crime, and her efforts paid off.
A huge thanks to the Care2 members who signed the petition. This victory for Tracy and Crash would not have been possible without your support.

Victory! Two Pro-Wildlife Bills Become Law In California 
Governor Jerry Brown signed two important bills into law last Friday, October 11 - the Bobcat Protection Act (AB 1213), which sets no-trapping buffer zones around Joshua Tree National Park and other parks where bobcats are protected, and AB 711, which will phase out the use of lead in bullets for any hunting over the next five years. Neither of these two laws are ideal, nor mandate the much more peaceful life we wish for other species, but they do show that change for the better can happen. 

California Workplaces Can No Longer Discriminate Against Domestic Violence Victims
On Friday, California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed a law that bars employment discrimination against victims of domestic violence and those who experience stalking or sexual assault.
The new law, which will take effect on January 1, makes it unlawful for an employer to fire or otherwise discriminate against a worker based on the fact that he or she is a victim. It also entitles victims to “reasonable” safety accommodations in the workplace, such as changing a work telephone number, relocating a desk or implementing a workplace safety plan.

Now You Can Fuel Your Car With Waste at 35 California Gas Stations
Use of fossil fuels for transportation is a leading source of climate-changing greenhouse gases. Sure, new technology cars allow us to reduce or even eliminate the use of gas and oil, but only if you can afford the upgrade. In the mean time, many of us are stuck wishing there was something, anything, else to put in the tank.
For those living in California, a convenient alternative is now available. Clean Energy, a company known for providing fuel for natural gas vehicles, recently launched a new type of fuel made entirely from organic waste, including trash from landfills and by-products from large dairies and sewage plants.
Called “Redeem,” the fuel is said to be up to 90 percent cleaner than diesel and 100 percent renewable. The waste fuel is already flowing through the engines of thousands of cars, taxis, shuttles and industrial fleets in California, and will soon be available at 35 public Clean Energy stations

Success! California Bans Toxic Lead Bullets
For years, animal advocates and environmental activists in California have been campaigning to ban the use of lead bullets, which pose significant health threats to both humans and animals, and their hard work has finally paid off.
California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 711, which will require hunters to use non-lead ammunition. The Fish and Game Commission will be required to create regulations to certify that hunters follow this mandate if they plan to hunt for wildlife.
A huge thank you to Care2 members who signed petitions urging the California legislature to end this harmful practice.

Success! Canadian Citizens Released From Prison in Egypt
Excellent news! After 54 days of imprisonment and detainment in Cairo, Tarek Loubani and John Greyson are free and back home in Canada.
A huge thank you goes to the nearly 26,000 Care2 members who signed the petition urging Egyptian authorities to allow Loubani and Greyson to leave the country.

Nestlé bows to pressure from community groups on bottled water fight
Wellington Water Watchers, Ecojustice and the Council of Canadians are celebrating Nestlé Canada Inc.'s decision to back down from a bottled water fight.
The groups challenged Nestlé's attempt to have drought restrictions dropped from one of its water taking permits in Wellington County, Ontario. In September, Nestlé announced that it was withdrawing its appeal. Just last week, the Environmental Review Tribunal approved Nestlé's withdrawal and dismissed the proceedings.

Mexico Bans GMO Corn, Effective Immediately
Just when you think there’s no winning against the biotech industry, news out of Mexico City shows that all is not lost. After years of deliberation, a Mexico judge has placed an indefinite ban on genetically-engineered corn. Effective immediately, companies like Monsanto and DuPont/Pioneer will no longer be allowed to plant or sell their corn within the country’s borders.

14 Reasons to Be Hopeful About the Future of Food
When it comes to the future of the food system, it's hard not to be discouraged. Nearly one billion people are hungry, and another 1.5 billion are obese or overweight. All over the world, people waste 1.3 billion tons of food each year. And according to the International Panel on Climate Change, humans are to blame for an increasingly hot, dry and natural disaster-prone planet.
But Food Tank has compiled a list of 14 reasons to be hopeful about the future of the food system. Share these with your networks to spread the message that the food system is changing for the better.

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Thanks for reading this week's "Good News!" Join us every week and feel inspired! 
Be sure to sign up for Care2's newsletter for some real news around the globe, to make a change, and to open up your mind to the Real World!
See that your actions count and get out there and do good! Be the Change!  


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Monday, October 21, 2013

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺



. . . . . . . . . .

We're taking back Mondays!!!
"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 
Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)
It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

. . . . . . . . . .


Law of Attraction tip: Accept opportunities that come your way. Turning them down is like saying no to the Law of Attraction and something you might have been manifesting lately. Obviously, not all opportunities that come your way, but if something resonates you but you're just second guessing yourself, questioning, and/or being doubtful, then stop! Don't turn away your manifestations, or else you'll stop the flow of good things coming your way.   
Employ Magical Thinking! I saw this on a friend's Facebook wall, reposted from the "Modern Witches' Guide to Life," so this tip is thanks to them! ;) … Your beliefs will shape your Reality. Choose your Beliefs wisely. If you Employ Magical Thinking, your life will be Magical.
Take a B-Complex Vitamin.  My husband is currently taking his schooling in holistic nutrition, which means I get to to hear all about it through each chapter, which is really neat! One interesting topic (which I have always been interested in, being vegan) is the B vitamins. Turns out most people are deficient in at least one of them, and turns out it's a realllyyyyy important vitamin complex for your mental and digestive health. Important as in having a constant deficiency can cause irreversible mental damage. But, also, everyone is always focussed on B12 and B6, when, in reality, you need to be taking a complex that includes All of the B vitamins. I want to talk more about this in a separate post, but for now, start taking a healthy B Complex vitamin (I recommend Renew Life's Raw one. 
Go out of your way to do Good! Someone my husband was friends with in high school recently passed, and I was touched by her father's response to everyone asking him how they could help: "Please look for opportunities today to do something simple. In your dealings with others, be prepared to expect a little less, and give a little more. Listen a little more closely, and a little longer, to those around you. If you don't normally throw coins to people who are homeless or begging on the street, maybe today is the time to make an exception. If you see someone who looks stressed out in traffic or in the checkout at the grocery store, let them go first, even if you have the right of way. Let someone know that you appreciate them. The possibilities are endless. Above all, hug someone today, especially your kids."
Learn to Respect Individuality! More and more little images and lists keep popping up shedding light on introverts, and I think it's great. It also reminded me of how narrow minded we all can be, how we just expect everyone to fit into our little bubble of what, to us, is "normal" and anyone outside of that box isn't. This is a problem because we end up misunderstanding people who are different than ourselves, and we don't even try to accept that they are different. Accept people as they are and be more understanding. When in doubt, always come from a place of love.   
Love Yourself!! And stop picking yourself apart. I can't emphasize enough at how much your dislike towards your physical and internal appearance is in your head. If you love yourself, if you see good in yourself then that resonates out into the world and people will see it. So do that! All that self-loathing and being self-critical can be so easily exaggerated by your own anxiety and mind. So spend more time on loving yourself! Every single day if you have a huge problem with this area of your life.   
"I think it's very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not defined by another person." ~ Oscar Wilde.



Create a good day! ^_^ 
Much love from me to you! 


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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

♥ Barre: a Real Food Bar made with Wholesome Ingredients (Review) ♥



Protein bars are everywhere these days, in all sorts of crazy flavours and, well, a ton of questionable ingredients. There are only a handful of companies out there that actually put in the effort of creating something truly wholesome that can be enjoyed everyone and anyone. 
Barre is one of those lovely little companies, run by Julia and Aaron, who set out to create such an amazing bar.  

"When I set out to create Barre I did so to address my exacting needs as a dancer: it had to fuel me without weighing me down, it had to be sustaining yet easy to digest with the proper mix of nutrients, it had to contain only the finest all-natural whole foods, and, of course, it had to taste sublime. Basically, it had to be just right."
~Julia (founder of Barre)

The problem with most energy bars is that they are packed full of ingredients that may give you a boost but will end up making you crash. Some ingredients you can't even pronounce, which is always waves a red flag. But even "natural" food bars often contain bad-for-you sugars (which is the hardest one to avoid in any bar, yet one of the worst things for your body: both mentally and physically), milk proteins, gluten, and any number of allergens that will leave you drained and feeling sluggish as opposed to actually energized. It's a real shame. But that's why I was excited when I discovered Barre!  
Barre was created by Julia and Aaron, both professional ballet dancers, who were tired of trying to find an energy bar that actually fit their physical and nutritional needs that would help them perform. Because dancers require an immense focus on their nutrition, it only makes sense that such a heavenly food product would be created by a ballet duo. Barre originally began when Julia was making bars to fit her own needs, and grew as friends and coworkers tried her creation and wanted more. Julia partnered up with Aaron and together they began making large batches of Barre in their kitchen and sold them to the students attending the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School summer course in mid-2010.  With the success of this venture they decided, why not go bigger? 
I know I'm glad they did!  



"Barre supplies all levels of the performing arts and related exercise industries from studio to stage. But this isn’t the limit of Barre’s scope: the attention to detail given to nutrition by dancers can benefit people in all walks of life, whether it be picking up your kids from school, running a 5k, or combating the dreaded midday office slump. Barre uses simple ingredients that everyone can pronounce, in their purest and most unadulterated form."

So, there's quite the science and balance and nutritional perfection that had gone into the making of Barre, but what about flavour? Let me just say they are heavenly bars that will most definitely delight. They taste good for you, in a good way! You can feel and taste the goodness of the ingredients, simple and delightful, and, as boasted, they really do provide a superb source of energy that won't leave you tired within the hour. I love eating these bars before yoga or working out, leaving my hunger perfectly satisfied while still feeling super light and ready to bend and stretch and twist. Truly a joy! 
I think Barre said it best about their products and what separates them from other foods bars: Barre is not an energy bar—it is a real food bar. We designed it to contain the perfect balance of nutrients so that you can perform your best. And we did so holding true to a few important mandates: great taste, wholesome clean nutrition and convenience.

Barre is made with whole food ingredients, contains no animal products (yay vegan friendly!) and is free of common allergens such as soy and wheat, and the most common nut allergies. Barre is also high in Omega-3s with balanced energy and no refined sugar. Its natural electrolyte replacement comes from the electrolytes, the sodium, potassium and other trace minerals, which are naturally present in many of the ingredients they use. 


Barre has three enticing flavours, and I just love the names of them too!
Pirouette Cinnamon Pecan is the original Barre flavor. The combination of cinnamon and pecan is so divine! It's like biting into a bar of apple crumble that met cookie dough. This is definitely my favourite of the three!
Black Swan Chocolate Berry is a lovely nutty blend with cocoa and cranberries that is rich and flavourful.   
Ballerina Spirulina. Who doesn't want a bar that is packed full of nutritional goodness and tastes amazing?! I love the spirulina in this bar, adding a green so-good-for-you boost with a blend of coconut flakes in this macaroon-like bar. 

But don't take my word for it, go and try them for yourself! You can find them online or at many retail locations (find them on their store locator), or if you can't find them locally, they are absolutely worth the effort of trying to get your local food coop or fitness centre to carry them! 

Find Barre:


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Monday, October 14, 2013

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺



. . . . . . . . . .

We're taking back Mondays!!!
"Motivational Mondays" are fabulous tips to get you excited and pumped for the week! 
Feeling low? Moody? Down on life? Well, that's what these posts are for! Time to feel awesome again and get some Positivity rolling! Just because it's Monday doesn't mean you can't have fun, smile, and enjoy Today! Apply these tips to your week and try to tell me that you don't start to see an improvement in your life! ;)
It's all about You! Change your perception, change your attitude, love your life! xo

. . . . . . . . . .


Law of Attraction tip: Remember to pay attention to your words. If you're not feeling super healthy, or you're feeling sad, or you're feeling down about something, then try to switch the way you talk about it. It's so easy to complain and speak out loud the negative things you are feeling. But our continuous focus on the negative is going to keep it there. So stop talking badly about it, and try to switch your thought habits. Focus on progress, focus on the end goal. I know it can be hard to do sometimes, but try try try, or things won't change.  
Make Better Use of your Time! These past two weeks have been so fantastic! Instead of watching mindless television or searching for movies to watch, my husband and I have turned off the TV in the evenings and spent that time on more valuable things. We've switched things around (since he only works 3 days a week) so that more time is spent together outside during the day doing fun things we enjoy, you know, quality time!, and in the evenings we both pursue more creative endeavours (like I use that time for drawing and writing). We also play with our cats more--after all, they are farrrr more entertaining than our TV… seriously, our cats are hilarious! ;) So, switch things around! When you're with people, spend Quality Time with that person, and no guilt over spending time on your hobbies. It's a much happier balance without wasted time.  
Spend an Hour on your Hobbies…  every single day… at least an hour. Every Day! Yes, I'm continuing on the above mentioned tip, because time spent doing the things you love is absolutely irreplaceable and needs to be done more often. I know you can squeeze in at least an hour! No more excuses! Do something for You! 
Talk! I know I've mentioned this one before, but open communication in any relationship is the biggest key to success and closeness, and understanding one another, and resolving conflict, and growing in the relationship. It is probably the single most important key (other than speaking, breathing, and feeling Love). I can be so terrible with speaking up, and I know others have the same issues or else people would talk more. I let things fester, because I'm afraid to talk about it, I don't feel like it will improve, or I'm afraid of offending the other person. Well, festering and not talking is far worse than your expectations of an outcome. Talk, or you'll never move forward. And resent is not a pretty thing!    
Have a Good Laugh! Make sure that every single day you have a good laugh. If you're not laughing every single day then that's just plain not good. I won't allow it. Make yourself have a good laugh. It's easy. Just find a silly youtube videos, watch a silly movie, play with entertaining kitties (again, I know, my kitties are just reaaallly funny ;p). Do whatever you need to do but have a good, genuine, deep laugh. It's worth five minutes of your time! 
Focus on Your Happiness! Remember that your goal isn't to make others happy, it's to make You Happy. You cannot control another person's happiness, but you can control your own. So make your goal to be so happy that by just being around you, you make those around you instantly feel happier. Be a Positive Influencial force and you'll do far more good than trying to make others happy. ^_^  
"For a brief moment in time, you were a moment in someone's life. A mere extra, passing through their thoughts in milliseconds, but milliseconds of their story nonetheless. For every person you've exchanged eye contact with, you have made a contribution to their existence, be it significant or not."



Spend time on Youuuuuu! Never forget that importance! Now get out there and create a damn good day! ^_^ 
Much love from me to you! 

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Friday, October 11, 2013

❀ The Good News ❀



. . . . . . . . . . 
Stop watching the News on T.V. filled with lies, propaganda, and made to make you feel helpless and afraid.

With all the negative news in the world, it's time to give you hope and inspiration. It's time to the weekly Good News! 
. . . . . . . . . .


Aussie Activists Deploy $17,000 Drone to Spy on Factory Farms
An Australian animal rights group known as Animal Liberation is using a remote-controlled drone to keep tabs from the sky on industrial livestock operations. Factory farm owners in the Land Down Under don’t like that one little bit.
Animal Liberation used their new drone recently to shoot video above an egg farm in Dora Creek, New South Wales. The farm advertises itself as “free-range” and therefore gets a premium price for its eggs from cruelty-conscious consumers. Animal Liberation is investigating whether that “free range” claim is legitimate. It says it is providing the footage to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for further investigation.

Onyx the Dog Catches on Fire Saving His Family, Now Recovering Thanks to the Love of Many
Onyx, a family’s 9-month-old pitbull, was doing what he could to alert his family–Trevor Myres, Sierra Plair and their two sons–that a fire had broken out. Myres rushed to the back patio where the fire had started and found Onyx on fire. He extinguished the flames on the dog with a hose, while the rest of the family evacuated safely.
The dog's calls were what possibly saved the family before the fires spread. 
Unfortunately, poor Onyx is in bad condition, with burns over 25 to 30 percent of his body and will require weeks of expensive treatment. The family tried to take him to Tallahassee animal hospital who said they could not treat Onyx because the family did not have enough money to take care of the costs. Luckily, the staffs at the Tallahassee-Leon County Animal Service Center and Northwood Animal Hospital had another idea. To raise money for Onyx’s treatment, Dr. Kevin Brumfield at Northwood began a Facebook campaign and set up a PayPal account where people could donate money. The original Facebook post was shared more than 1,000 times.
Sadly, this story is not over yet. Onyx was transported to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine for further treatment on September 29. Of course without the generous donations, Onyx’s family would not have been able to afford any of this.
Wishing Onyx a speedy recovery!!

Puppy Rescued From Sweltering Car Trunk, Now Looking for a Loving Home
The two sharp-eyed students are almost certainly responsible for saving the life of a 5-month old puppy named Oakley in Fort Myers, Fla., after they observed one of their school’s teachers, Mathew Emans, open the trunk of his Mercedes, pull a young Staffordshire Bull Terrier out, walk it around for a bit, and then put it back into the trunk.
The incident happened at the Gateway Charter High School in Fort Myers. Appalled by what they’d seen, the students went immediately to a School Resource Officer, who determined that the car belonged to Emans.
The school called Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) officials, which sent officers to the scene. Emans was instructed to open his trunk. Oakley was inside — alive, but panting desperately and without any water to drink.
Emans faces animal cruelty charges under Florida law, which may result in a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. It’s not clear whether he remains employed at the Gateway Charter High School. Emans surrendered Oakley to authorities at the scene. Oakley is now up for adoption at Lee County Domestic Animal Services in Fort Myers. May he find an owner who will treat him with the love and care he deserves.

Anti-Elephant Poaching Billboard Debuts in NYC's Times Square!
A powerful, digitally animated billboard calling attention to the elephant poaching crisis in Africa, is taking over New York City's Times Square. The billboard, which you can view here, (http://www.marchforelephants.org/#!elephant-in-times-square-billboard/c8rl) includes audio and questions whether "a trinket is worth the price" of the massacre of elephants in order to fuel the insatiable global appetite for ivory.
The billboard is a crowd-funded campaign, spearheaded by March for Elephants—a grassroots advocacy group. The stunning graphic, which also bears the names of several organizations working to help elephants, including IDA, will be on display for the month of October, replaying every 2 minutes, 24-hours a day. This powerful message has the potential to reach millions of people at a time when African elephant populations are being decimated at record levels. It's estimated that poachers slaughtered 35,000 elephants last year—killing one elephant every 15 minutes. At that rate, some populations could be extinct in little more than 10 years.

Harp seal oil smugglers busted in L.A.!
A company that sells nutritional supplements, Nu-Health Products, and the husband and wife owners, Lin Liang and Denian Fu, were indicted for smuggling harp seal oil capsules into the U.S. This smuggling operation occurred for at least three years, from 2007 to 2010, before authorities discovered it and seized the contraband.
Nu-Health Products is alleged to have sold approximately 3,734,800 capsules of the seal oil, imported on October 9, 2008, and falsely described as ‘fish oil soft capsules’.
Seal oil is a secondary product of the seal slaughter but illegal and legal sales of this product around the world still help to perpetuate the brutal slaughter of seals in Canada.
We commend NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Attorney's Office, Environmental Crimes Section, for vigorously pursuing this case. We urge all seal activists to keep an eye out for seal oil capsules in health food stores and Asian groceries and on the internet.

Longtime Women’s Rights Activists Tell Ohio “We Won’t Go Back”
“We won’t go back!”
That was the message from the hundreds of Ohioans who rallied at the state capitol Wednesday, demanding that the Republican legislature and GOP Governor John Kasich stop legislating women’s bodies.
The rally came just a few days after the Democrats in the state house introduced a bill that would undo the myriad of attacks on reproductive health that were passed as amendments to the state’s last budget bill, many of which were added last minute and without any hearings or debate.
Among the restrictions on reproductive health being addressed by the proposed bill would be a repeal of the defunding of Planned Parenthood, a gag order on rape crisis centers forbidding them to refer to organizations that offered abortion services, a “transfer agreement” protocol for abortion clinics that could close many, and has already closed both clinics in Toledo, and a mandatory ultrasound prior to a termination.
The Wednesday rally was organized by 50 women’s groups and professional organizations, including the Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) and the National Organization for Women (NOW). Both Ellie Smeal, president of the FMF, and Terry O’Neill, president of NOW, spoke at the event, urging Ohioans to continue to fight and telling them that they aren’t alone.

Power Up Solar Style at IKEA!
IKEA will start selling solar panels, and much to the relief of everyone who’s ever put together a piece of furniture from the Swedish giant, the company is also providing installation. No muss, no fuss and hey presto, renewable energy!
The company has already gone solar itself with panels on its stores across the world to meet the substantial daily energy needs of a facility with a giant footprint, lots of lighting and long operating hours. It hopes to have 100% of its energy needs independently met by 2020. That was a great first step for the company, which has also worked in the past on initiatives like securing environmentally-friendly supply chains for its wood products. Now, it wants to extend the benefit to customers with affordable solar panels, underscoring the fact that solar energy is getting more affordable, and ubiquitous, than ever before.
In less than a year, IKEA hopes to have panels on offer at all of its UK stores, which is a great pilot project for something we hope will roll out elsewhere too.

Rita the Dog was Snatched Out of the Hands of the Grim Reaper
Rita was found in the street, her soul tucked inside bone and skin and organs that had gone long past thirsting for life. In the picture above, it’s difficult to believe both photos are of the same dog, but they are. The victim of near starvation here in Romania, a good samaritan rushed Rita to the Maoland Shelter, a mother and daughter run rescue center caring for 400 dogs with the barest of resources. With tears in their eyes, the women of Maoland took in little Rita, although they had little hope of saving her. After all, they had no buildings, no running water, no electricity. Their ‘shelter’ is simply a large plot of land and some makeshift kennels and fencing for the dogs.
But fate kissed Rita on the forehead that day as a member of the UK group known as K-9 Angels came across Maoland’s appeal on Facebook, begging for someone to come and save Rita. After shaking off the disbelief that the dog they were looking at was actually still alive, the angels jumped into action. In the middle of the night, volunteer Raluca Simion drove to Maoland to bring Rita to the veterinary clinic. And though few would have bet on Rita pulling through, this dog is full of surprises.
Under the care of K-9 Angels, her transformation has been remarkable as she’s grown and grown, putting on fur and fat, muscle and might. No one could have imagined she’d come out of that patch of dirt alive. And yet here she is today.




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