Knit your way to Wellness

Have you ever heard of meditative knitting?


I hadn't either, before today!


It's something about the rhythmic movement back and forth, the focus and precision it takes to move your hands in such a way, that many actually use it as a medium for meditating.

People who spin their own yarn also reap the benefits of the calming, relaxing effect of meditation.

So, if you're looking for a new hobby that also has health benefits, take up a spinning class (NO not the kind at the gym) the kind with a spindle or wooden wheel, people!


While you're at it, check out the beautiful hand spun art yarn at Weird and Twisted on Etsy.

I have never seen such amazing and unique yarn for your projects, I love the Pumpkin Art Yarn with ribbons, pumpkin charms and beads. Gorgeous! Perfect timing for fall weaving!



Weird and Twisted, is a small business from GERMANY! Specializing in fancy schmancy Art Yarn...........like THIS:




Their creations are born out of soft wool, silk and alpaca fibers with beautiful glass pearls, shiny cut glass crystals, semi precious stones and other quality supplies.

Check them out here:

* Weird and Twisted @ BLOGSPOT
* Weird and Twisted @ FACEBOOK
*Weird and Twisted @ TWITTER

Help a Momma out!?

Hello my lovelies!

I'd sure appreciate it if you can take a second to go to my "local" website all about Mom's in Dallas, and FOLLOW our Google Friends link (top right toolbar). We're trying to build a readership to attract more people and could use a hand.

http://mckinneymommas.blogspot.com/

Thanks a bunch!

Peace & Wellness, always!

Copper Jewelry for arthritis relief!

Do the wave!



Copper was known in ancient Egypt as a health promoting substance, using it to purify water and treat ailments such as skin conditions, infections of the eyes and sore throat.

Currently, it's been proven to have anti-microbial properties to prevent the spread of some bacterias. Some medical professionals even say it can alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.

Well, if it can't hurt ya, maybe it can help? And why not look fantastic while you're at it!

I found some beautiful handmade copper jewelry on Etsy by The Salvaged Edge



Check out more products from this designer @ Etsy

..........and

• http:/www.facebook.com/MarieYoungDesigns

• www.thesalvagededge.tumblr.com

• Www.pinterest.com/thesalvagededge

What's the healthiest breakfast you can make?

It's Oatmeal, ya'll!

So break out that funny looking Quaker dude and serve yourself up a healthy portion this morning!

One of the best things about his healthy way to kickstart your day, is that it's cheap and easily customizable with your own favorite toppings of dried fruit, nuts, bananas or maple syrup.

Oatmeal is a low-glycemic-index foods, which means that it is a slow burning energy, so you'll have longer lasting "UMPH" because of it.

Check out some quick and easy recipes from Eating Well for inspiration HERE

How often do you cook a meal at home?

I happened upon a blog entry by Danielle Tsi on the Etsy site about "The Food Celebrity Paradox", speaking to our culture of food network shows and how it should inspire us to get into the kitchen but there is a break somewhere, a lack of follow through.

I have to admit there is a lot of ebb and flow for me and my habits of watching food network leading to actually picking up a spatula and wisk in my own kitchen.



I get inspired by a new dish I see and promise myself I will replicate, but often forget to follow through. Often times I'd rather to to a food festival or watch someone cook on TV than get my own butt behind the stove.

Of course we all know that cooking at home leads to overall better health, all the added sodium, preservatives and fat in restaurants pack on extra calories and such.


So, what do you do to inspire yourself to cook more at home? Do you have any tricks for planning your shopping trips ahead of time, or websites you frequent that have quick and easy inspiration?

Let us in on your secrets by commenting below!

Celebrate Ovarian Cancer Awareness and win a Washer / Dryer!

I just bought my first washer and dryer last month, bare bones no frills, makes funny noises and only has 2 settings!

I would LOVE the chance to win this Electrolux Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer and you can too!

The best thing about this sweepstakes, is that by joining Kelly Ripa's "Virtual Sleepover" they will donate $1 to Ovarian Cancer research and for every washer/dryer set purchased $200!

Enter to WIN your very own Electrolux Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer

FREE Shipping on LunchSkins

Update on previous post:

3 Green Moms is holding a special promotion to help busy, cost-conscience moms during the Back-to-School period.

Enter discount code BTS2011 to get FREE SHIPPING on durable, reusable, dishwasher-safe LunchSkins.

RRR for back to school!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!



These fantastic 100% reusable sandwich bags make me feel good! Why? Well, I've been feeling bad about how many plastic zip bags I go through on a daily basis.....knowing that they end up in a landfill.

Don't have to sweat it any longer with these babies. Just wash and reuse. Think of the money you can save by purchasing one for $8.95 and never having to buy another box of plastic sandwich bags.

LunchSkins by 3 Green Moms

Write your way to Wellness

I just moved to a new house, and found a box of dusty old journals that had been on a shelf in my closet for years!

As I opened them I found about a dozen or more that had only the first maybe 10 pages with writing, the rest....... blank empty spaces. Does this sound familiar? I always have an urge to write when experiencing stressful times, but often forget about the pen and paper shortly after.

Did you know that journaling can provide health benefits? One of the popular beliefs among professionals is that simply writing about a stressful event can help you come to terms with the issues experienced which actually releases the stress from your body.

Read more about how to journal effectively and how your mind and body can benefit: HERE

Just any old notebook won't do...........?



I found this beautiful, all natural, handbound, hardcorver journal HANDMADE in Finland by Elina.

I find these handmade pieces, earthy, peaceful and centering and would love to record my thoughts. She also has some amazing miniature book jewelry (first photo of this post) and many styles of inspiring handbound journals in her ETSY store.

Check out her work here: VETEROK
and her BLOG HERE

HAPPY JOURNALING! Let me know how it goes for you!

Let's get PHILLY cooking, Ya'll!

My first job while attending college was working at a homeless shelter in San Diego, I learned some amazing things that I carry with me to this day.

One thing that stands out for me is that after working along side thousands of homeless families, for 5 years, was that my preconceived stereotypes were busted wide open.

I was shocked to learn that they weren't all drug addicts, alcoholics or lazy human beings, some were well educated, hard working people that had one bad stint after another roll them down so far in life that they couldn't get "up" without some major help.

I was sent a link to this video and it tugged at my heart strings, taking me back to years ago when I would share meals with the residents at the shelter.

WATCH the Broad Street VIDEO HERE


Around the dinner table is when REAL talk happened there, when the potential for real change and encouragement took place. Breaking bread with each other literally removes all social barriers and status and puts us all on equal ground which was the key to healing these broken spirits.




So today, do something that's good for YOUR health and wellness, GIVE, SHARE, INSPIRE others. And if you can't give, just re post this somewhere or tell a friend.

Let's get PHILLY COOKING, Ya'll!

Want more information?

Visit: Broad Street Ministry

Healing through Art

Underwater City - by The Golden Trees

There are many methods of invoking healing and returning to wellness in one's life after a trauma. Some attend traditional counseling, some take prescription medication, some talk with a friend.

And others, paint or create art to heal. Whether it's a mental illness like schizophrenia or pain from a unfortunate car accident, numbers of people report picking up a paintbrush brings them closer to a more calm self.  Read about how people in B.C. heal through art in this news article.

In Vernon, B.C. there will be an "Awakening the Spirit Art Show" from July 13 - Sept 11 at the Coat Check Gallery in Vernon. 

I also found a fantastic artist on Etsy, whose work inspires a sense of peace and wellness.

Blue Water Original abstract watercolor - by The Golden Trees

 This artist, Sarah is passionate about eastern reading, meditation, tarot, buddist history and Feng Shui, which she attempt to infuse into her works of art. Her aim is to instill calm, serenity, and positive elements when viewing her artwork


I know I feel at peace when looking at this "Blue Water Original abstract watercolor" - what do you see? 

Visit Sarah's shop, "The Golden Trees"  HERE to view more inspiring pieces of artwork!  


And while you're at it.........PICK UP A PAINTBRUSH and paint your way to wellness this week! Let me know how it goes!

Keep those puppies safe

While this 'ol blog is generally about promoting peace and wellness among HUMANS, I figure it's just as important to make sure our little animal friends are taken care of.

This is a very cool contest that will help your local animal shelter win $15,000 and YOU could win a $50 gift card just for referring people to the contest.

ENTER Contest here

I'm guessing you will feel a sense of peace and wellness, just by knowing you helped to get a puppy or kitty cat off the street and in a warm shelter for the night!

Birthday in July? Larkspur or Ruby

I'll be True - Blue Larkspur Flower Earrings by NaturalFlipside

It is believed that the Roman empire began the tradition of giving specific stones and flowers according to the recipient's birth month. If you were born in July, back in the day, you'd be given a Larkspur flower and a Ruby. Hey, not too shabby!

The Larkspur flower represents an open heart and ardent attachment. Does that describe the Leo's and Cancer's you know?

I was excited to find this family team of artists and creators, NaturalFlipside on Etsy.  They have made a one of a kind, very unique and special pair of earrings out of the Larkspur flower. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76399264/ill-be-true-real-blue-larkspur-flowers

Why do we like this store in particular? Well, they offer Eco-friendly, recycled, up cycled, re purposed and sustainable products AND where else do you find earrings made out of actual flowers? You don't.

So, check out their store at: NaturalFlipside or @ their website www.naturalflipside.com

 

STAY GREEN!

Calling all Etsy Shops.....

Do you have a product in your shop that promotes peace & or wellness in some shape or form? Something that inspires others to live a more healthy, zen, peaceful sort of existence?

 Photo by Ambro

If so, I'd love to consider your item to share here on my blog.

SEND me the link to your listing and a little blurb on how you think it fits the theme of this here 'ol blog and I'll share the wellness with others.

8 glasses of water a day? It's NOT what the doctor ordered anymore!

WE all know the health tip that the average person should drink 8 glasses of water per day, right?

                                                                 Photo by: Suat Eman

Well, Scientific American says, it's not that simple!  People who eat a healthy diet and diet of roughly 1,900 calories per day get most of their water needs met from their food. Check out the article HERE for a detailed explanation.

Either way, if you want to increase your water intake - try adding a slice of cucumber, lemon, mint or basil to your glass and you'll be more apt to drink it down!

Image: Michelle Meiklejohn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Sipping on cucumber and mint water reminds me of being at a spa, transports me to a calm and relaxed state. Which I'm sure we all could use in our daily lives at home!

On another note, I think this company has taken this water to a WHOLE OTHER LEVEL.....Meat Water? What is this madness?

Water flavors like Chicken Teriyaki, Fish N Chips, Shrimp Salad and Cheeseburger?

Can someone tell me if this is a joke? Seriously, anyone? MeatWater?

We're hosting a GIVEAWAY at Zodiaque

Come one, come all and enter to win some of our fantastic Earl Grey Detox Tea bath salts..........and best of all.................it's FREE!

Tell your friends, share the link and YOU could both win a prize!

STEP ONE:  FOLLOW our BLOG (scroll down and click on the toolbar on the left, click "FOLLOW")

STEP TWO:  Click HERE to enter   "LIKE" our Facebook page and click "Giveaway" to enter to win!

STEP THREE: Leave a comment below to let us know you entered! :-)

Good Luck!

Little Gray Fox: Etsy Seller Q&A - Meet Zodiaque Bath

How exciting! Our shop was featured on Little Grey Fox's Blog. Check it out and leave a comment if you'd like.

Little Gray Fox: Etsy Seller Q&A - Meet Zodiaque Bath

Eat your Veggies!

Today's wellness challenge is to make a list of the veggies in your fridge, and post them on the door.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/steenbergs/4909678312/

 This way, you'll be more apt to cook with them or just snack on them more often. Too many times, the poor carrots or celery gets jammed in the bottom drawer, never again to appear until it's covered in fuzz!

It's obvious the benefits that fresh fruits and veggies have on our physical health. So get those veggies IN YOUR BELLY!

While you're at it, plant some in your garden so you never have to run to the store to get in your quota again!

Here are some Etsy stores that have fruit & veggie seeds:

Crenshaw Melon

- Purchase Crenshaw Melon Seeds HERE 

Rhubarb

- Purchase Rhubarb Seeds HERE

- Purchase Organic Bushy Cucumber Seeds HERE

.....I can't wait until next month when I can move to a new house that hopefully has room for a GARDEN! :-)

Nose your way to happy memories

Taste and smell are two senses that are most closely tied to memories. Today's daily challenge is to experience a taste or smell that reminds you of something happy or positive.


Remembering a happy smell or taste can actually increase your mood and the act of re-living a positive event can lower your blood pressure and create effects much like that of meditation.

MY happy scent is Jasmine.

Jasmine, brings me back to a family vacation in Hawaii when I was young. I got my first fresh flower lei made out of Pikake which is Hawaiian jasmine. Whenever I smell this fresh scent I am instantly transported to the warm beach breeze of Maui. 

Mmm, I can feel my blood pressure lowering already! Love that memory!

Love yourself first

 Wellness challenge for Wednesday (a bit late)

Write down one thing that you love about yourself. Do it. NOW. Not later. Why?

Well, acknowledging something good about yourself whether it be a tiny thing like, "I keep my socks in pairs" or a big thing like "I make a point to always tell the truth" actually does a body good!

By naming positive traits in yourself, you boost your self esteem by leaps and bounds which lowers depression, reduces anxiety and stress and can even bolster your immunity to sickness and disease!

To check out the T-Shirt pictured above, click HERE

Wellness for your skin!

Now that the sun rules most of the days this season, have you bothered to look at the ingredients in your sunscreen lately? If a product is labeled as a "personal care product" such as sunscreen and facewash etc. almost any chemical is allowed to be used.

There are no federal regulations for sunscreen currently, so this makes it so much more important that you do your own homework to protect yourself & family.

Here are a few places you can do some research on what products/ingredients are safe these days!

The Environmental Working Group's 2011 Sunscreen Guide
and
EWG's Skin Deep Guide to Sunscreen

This is one of EWG's top picks:

...........and THAT's my wellness post for the day.

Sniff your way to wellness today!

Did you know that getting your 'ol sniffer to inhale Orange or Lavender can actually lower anxiety and increase positive feelings in humans?

There was a study held in Austria that tested this, and Prevention Magazine wrote an article about it. Take a look HERE


And to toot my own horn, my shop Zodiaque does carry Lavender and Orange bath salts. Not merely a perfume, but the actual oil pressed from the lavender and orange plants. Our Gemini bath salts (perfect for anyone with a birthday between May 21- June 20), are Lavender and Basil. The Leo blend has Orange, Jasmine and Lemon essential oils.

Now, don't cry if you're neither a Leo OR a Gemini, I can do a special order for you with any of the 100% natural blends above if you'd prefer. Just send me a message and I'll list a personalized item just for you!

Daily wellness challenges # 3

As you know, I've given myself a challenge of posting for at least 7 days straight something that promotes peace and/or wellness.

How strange is it that I just happened upon a website today that does just that! It sends emails with daily wellness challenges, with a bit of social networking intertwined and a points system.

Sounds like fun, so I just joined today. I'll share with you the challenges, and perhaps you'll be inspired to come along for the ride!

If you're interested in joining yourself, CLICK HERE

Today's challenge was to find an insect either LIVE or online and observe it's intricacies, in hopes that it will make us realize how complex and interdependent our world is. 

I chose to inspect the Praying Mantis, thinking it might lead me to think about meditation or some other prayer related activity. Instead, I learned that they are classified as a "solitary insect", living life alone, no tribe, no partner or children to keep company with (except for a one time mate, which they "lovingly" eat afterward).

All this made me thankful that the human race, as crazy and messed up as they can be need each other to survive.  That we aren't made to be left alone for all of our existence. I'm thankful to be human and leave the solitary life to the Praying Mantis. Hey, he doesn't seem to mind!

It's nice to be nice!

People seek to be recognized, to be seen in the world by friends, strangers and the like. It seems like "important people" often times have to compromise themselves to get to a place of importance. On the other hand, being kind to people in life only takes a moment, feels good, builds character and lasts for a lifetime.

I challenge you to BE NICE to someone tomorrow and see just how great it feels!

I found another cool art print with a great message.

 To purchase this print - CLICK HERE

....and I got this post in with 20 minutes to spare....whew I'm still on track for my 7 posts in a week challenge!

Be who you are!

Day ONE - The first installment of my blog mission (to post about something that inspires peace and/or wellness).

Click here to view more details

Today I found a very cool art print for a kid's room, reminding one to "Be who you ARRRRGH" what a cute take on a very important idea.

Of course in life, we all find ourselves in a spot at times where we don't feel we're being true to our core self. Those are the times we re-examine our lives and have to "reboot" to return to our true nature of being and relating in a genuine way.

Let's all remember to seek to be our true selves, no matter what others around us may think.

....and that's my post for the day. My goal is to post daily for at least one week! Wish me luck!

My new mission for this blog...

is to find an interesting tidbit or item to post daily that inspires peace and wellness in some aspect. It could be an item for sale somewhere, an idea, a poem or article. I'm talking peace in the body, mind, soul, spirit or any combination of the above.

I can't wait to see what I can find to inspire myself and others here on this blog. Hey, if you have an idea (either produced by yourself or someone you know) send me a message and I'll check it out!

....this photo gives me a taste of peace. How about you?

Father's Day is coming up

So, I decided to create a little treasury on Etsy of some fun barware, speakeasy themed items that a dad or brother might like. I've noticed it takes some digging to find items on Etsy that are male centric.

Maybe you'll find something for the man in your life?

Speakeasy Items for Father's Day

Growth = pain

A great reminder of why growth hurts sometimes

Catherine Auman Blog Posting

Cool Meditation for the Taurus

l http://www.astrology.com/spring-deepens-new-moon-taurus/2-d-d-345284

Where would you take a vacation?

I haven't taken a vacation in...[i'm counting]....okay if it takes me this long to count, it's been too long. Now that my numero uno is taking care of the bambino and likewise there is 1/2 of our income no longer streaming in... I resort to FREE Vacation giveaways. Well at least I'm going to try.

So Delicious - Coconut Milk is giving away 100 daily prizes and the main prize is a trip to Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa in Thailand.

Enter to win here

Hey! Maybe they'll want some of my bath salts at their spa?!?! If you've never been to Thailand, GO. I had the pleasure of taking a trip around the world while in college and my absolute favorite stop was Thailand. Beautiful people, beautiful land. 

Adventures in Unemployment

So, this will be the first time I'm not gainfully employed since I was oh, 16 years old! It's my choice. Who would choose such a thing? Well, it was between returning to my job as a social worker 6 weeks after giving birth to my first child, or staying at home to raise my kiddo. I chose the latter.

Oh, I had PLANNED on returning to work it was all set. But, one look at those big blue eyes and I was sold. She wins this battle, at least for a few years.

So, here I am seeing if I can set up shop at home, juggling a small business, a small person, a small home with a small amount of peace and tranquility, which sounds like NO SMALL feat!

So, this is it...I am headed out on adventures in unemployment. Where will it lead me? We'll find out!

What About You?: What's Your Sign? Today's Featured Shop....Zodiaqu...

What About You?: What's Your Sign? Today's Featured Shop....Zodiaqu...: "Today's featured shop just happens to have been our 50th new member on the BNR UPRISING team! (clicking on the photos will take you to the ..."

Announcing NEW Product line: CHINESE ZODIAC Bath Blends

Much like the Zodiac Signs in Western Culture, the Chinese Zodiac assigns attributes and personality traits to people based on their birth year. The Chinese Zodiac then identifies an animal that can explain how others often perceive you and also how you perceive yourself.

Zodiaque will create a one-of-a-kind detoxifying dead sea salt blend with 100% Genuine Eucalyptus Essential Oil, PLUS you get to choose your own additional (2) essential oils, from a list on 20 to blend in.

Check it out and be on the lookout for (11) more animal zodiacs to appear!

Year of the Rabbit - 2011

Only 1 more vote needed for Feature on Heartsy!

So, it looks like we're almost there. Heartsy is a program that offers "Groupon"esque coupons ad discounts for ETSY stores. How cool s that? So if you're in the mood to shop for a certain item, chances are Heartsy has what you're looking for at a deep discount.

Check it out and vote for my store to be featured, for me...AND for your pocket!
https://secure.heartsy.me/deals/2520/like

JAPAN TSUNAMI AID

For the month of MAY I will donate 10% of every purchase to JAPAN'S TSUNAMI / EARTHQUAKE relief. Please leave in your comment your chosen charity:

The Salvation Army – 10%
The Red Cross – 10%
UNICEF – 10%
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) – 10%
World Vision - 10%

Our Taurus Bath Salt featured in Etsy Treasury

How fun is this collection of items for your favorite TAURUS! May birthday anyone???
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4db9a4eef3006d91ff09024b/happy-birthday-taurus?index=0