Creamy Comfort Food

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Ana

Mmmm, heart and body warming nourishment

Creamy Beta-carotene Boost

This was a soup I devised while visiting with my mom. I was exhausted from a day of funeral activities, but needed something light, nourishing and FAST.

You can even keep the sweet potato raw and let the Vita-Mix do the “cooking” for extra enzyme power, and easier clean-up.

  • 1 large sweet potato
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Celtic salt (or to taste)
  • small chunk fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • Optional: chopped rosemary, parsley or sage for garnish
  1. Cube sweet potato and place in a steamer basket in a pot with about 1/2 inch of water.
  2. Lightly steam for about 1 or 2 minutes (or skip this step, add everything to the Vita-Mix, and run for 5 minutes to “cook” your soup)
  3. Place in the Vita-Mix with all the other ingredients, plus about 1/4-1/2 cup of the steam water and blend on high for about 2 minutes.
  4. Tip: I like to add just a hint of fresh lemon or orange juice to contrast the sweetness of this soup
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

This book will change your life!

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Ana

I’ve co-authored a book with 24 other amazing women entrepreneurs from around the world,  and I’m very excited to say that it’s a book like none other available!

A book that will inspire, uplift and connect us all on a deeper global level.

How would you feel if suddenly your life fell apart? What if you found yourself in prison, divorced, seriously ill, bankrupt, disabled, alone, addicted or any one of many other unthinkable disasters? Well, that is exactly the kind of challenge that each of us included in this unique anthology faced.
And it is from the depths of these life-changing crises, from our Turning Points, that each of us women stopped, took stock and consciously decided to turn our lives around.
Each one of us candidly shares the often heart-wrenching, yet ultimately inspiring tale of
exactly what took each one of us out of the depths of despair, and into a renewal.

What makes this book incredibly unique (and very exciting) is that it is not just stories,
but includes practical advice, comprehensive resources, connections, ideas, and even
valuable giveaways and free consultations. This distinction makes this book valuable
beyond measure, allowing you to directly and actively benefit from what each of us has
learned along our unique path.

The Dali Lama has said that it is the Western woman who will create the positive change
this planet desperately requires. Read this book and meet 25 women who have embraced
this message, then enjoy all the resources to create change in your own life!

To really put our money where our mouths are, 10% of the royalties from this book will
go to Seeds for Development, a small charity supporting the poorest people in Uganda.
Its mission is to lift farmers out of poverty and support self-sustainability by providing
risk free loans, in the form of agricultural inputs such as seed directly to the farmers.

I am truly blessed to be able to participate in such a revolutionary book with a truly
revolutionary message. A message that our planet deeply requires at this time.

>> GET YOUR COPY TODAY

“Rarely does a book find a way not only to take you on a personal life-changing journey,
but also is able to give you shining examples of those who have gone before, to serve as
guideposts shining their wisdom for you to light the pathway home. This is such a book.”
~ Rose Cole, www.RoseCole.com

“Talk about TURNING Points!!” Every single one of these stories is a profound gift!
Not only to women, not only to entrepreneurs but to ANYONE who is up against a
wall and yearning for the kind of inspiration and motivation that will provide the key
to breaking through into the light! – I highly recommend especially the story by my
colleague and friend Karin Volo – if her journey isn’t about turning lemons into lemonade
I don’t know what is! – Angels are among us – they are RIGHT here in this very book!”
~ Amethyst Wyldfyre, Destiny Mentor for the Empowered Messenger,
www.theempoweredmessenger.com

Posted in abundance, affiliates, finding balance, finding joy, general health, gifts, happiness, health, holiday gift, holiday stress, Inspiration, meditation, self-care, spiritual transformation, Yoga | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stay Healthy While Traveling

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Ana

Health on the go

I often hear from clients that they feel challenged in staying on track when they take life on the road (aka travel). It’s true that you may not have the same options or schedule, but the secret is really in a wee bit of pre-planning. Think of it as part of your travel planning.

The benefits are: a more enjoyable trip (more energy, etc.), experiencing things outside the normal “tourist” viewpoint, and a sense of empowerment that is so fulfilling.

Food

I always travel with a few essentials, as well as make sure I scope out any local farmer’s markets and health food stores either before I go or once I’m there. When we were in Hawaii a few years ago, my honey and I rented a beach-front apartment (I found something under $100/night). We scoped out some gorgeous farmer’s markets where we scored  local fresh delicacies to make tropical morning smoothies, and have some fresh snacks to pack as we went out exploring. The farmer’s markets also provided a fun way to mesh with the locals, and experience some craft treasures like handmade baskets made from palm leaves.

My basic food travel list

In baggies: clean protein powder of choice (some faves include hemp, Garden of Life Raw Protein, Vega Shake’n’Go, Sun Warrior; green food powder – provides enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and alkaline support for energy. You can see our recommended products page for faves. Flax and chia seeds – I can always add them to things while I’m on the road for extra fiber and omega 3’s. Soaked chia or flax seeds can be a great way to avoid traveler’s constipation.

Probiotics – I choose a brand that does not need refrigeration. Helps keep the nasty buggies away!

Bars – choosing healthy options for convenient bars can be a total life saver! I like Larabars, Organic Food Bars, Garden of Life, Vega, Pure, and any of the truly raw options. Stay away Cliff and Luna bars, which are not much better than a candy bar (they just have good marketing).

Celtic sea salt – OK, I know it may seem a little kooky to bring my own salt, but this salt is really a superfood. Not only can I stash it in my day bag to sprinkle on my food, but it can also be used to help rebalance electrolytes if you add a pinch to your water bottle. This goes in a baggie.

“Real” food

Cucumbers – these are great as they have their own “package” if you take them whole. They provide much needed hydration, enzymes, chlorophyll (get organic and eat the skin), vitamins, minerals and cleansing properties. And if you can’t eat the whole thing, you can always use some extra slices to depuff your eyes (LOL).

Celery and carrot – bring some from home or pick up some already cut at your local health food store.

Raw almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds – a nice way to get a little protein and healthy fats in a way that travels well.

Apples – they have a protective skin, and can even help clean your teeth. : )

Oranges, grapefruit, lemons – these are excellent for travel. They can get knocked around without suffering at all. And the smell of peeling citrus will put you in a good mood no matter how stressed or tired your travel day has made you.

Avocados – Yes, they are a bit fragile, but usually I just put them into a small Tupperware container without the lid, so they get a little nest. Then I use my handy bamboo travel utensils to cut it open and scoop onto raw crackers or cucumber.

Raw crackers – I like to make my own, but you can also get some at any health food store. They are a great way to avoid the questionable peanuts, pretzels and other “snacks” on the plane.

Goji berries – these supply aminos, and a gently sweet taste.

Baked whole yams or sweet potatoes – creamy sweetness in a tidy package. These provide a good dose of beta-carotene, complex carbs, fiber, vitamin C . . . they go well with the avocado above. : )

Young Living Essential Oils

I NEVER leave home without them. Great for fatigue, jet lag, digestive distress, immune defense, energetic clearing and more!

My faves to bring are Lemon (I put it in my water), DiGize, Lavender, Valor, Orange (pure joy!), Peppermint, Abundance, Geranium (good as a deodorant) and Thieves (kills anything that could possibly ail you).

To order: http://youngliving.com use code 904207

Staying centered

I load my iPhone with yoga and meditation audios, so that I can have an easy way to make sure I stay centered. I love yoga for that reason. You can do it anywhere!

I also take a DVD or two to pop into my laptop for more of a “class” feel. Travel can be really ungrounding, so having these easily mobile support tools is incredibly helpful.

Water

My newest exciting find = a refillable water bottle with a filter. I just got an EcoVessel bottle from Amazon, and I love it! Now that you can’t take liquids on the plane, and low quality bottled water is ridiculously overpriced, this bottle is a life-saver. I simply go through check in with it empty, then head to the nearest water fountain or sink, fill it up, and enjoy clean filtered water as I suck it up through the straw. Definitely a great find!

Do you have some healthy travel tips of your own? I would love to hear them! Please share them below.

Posted in farmer's markets, finding balance, getting healthy, gluten-free, green foods, Health on a budget, healthy eating, holistic health, immune health, meditation, nutrition, raw foods, relaxation, stress reduction, Superfoods, travel, Yoga | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Your Birthright as a Woman

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Ana

Your True Goddess Nature

11 ½ years ago I made the journey from New York City to Big Sur, CA . . . and my life has never been the same.

I’m not sure there are 2 places on this planet that could be more polar opposite! LOL

I left the busy, non-stop, high stress, overly yang, driven, concrete jungle of the big city for the open skies, mountains, ocean, red woods, and yin  energy of California’s wild central coast.

I was so ready for this change, I was barely shaken by the 180 degree turn I had made. That’s not to say that there wasn’t some adjustment for me, but it was minor considering the polarity.

My biggest adjustment was acclimating to the “Big” nature after living in the big city. I could no longer hide within the hard walls of the city, and I felt quite vulnerable with the amazing clean air, dark starry night sky, churning ocean waves, looming red woods that rivaled New York City’s sky scrapers . . . and the big beautiful moon that I had never really noticed while living in the city.

My new environment commanded my attention, and opened me up to the raw and real me inside, which felt scary and magical all at the same time!

I remember walking across the property at the Esalen Institute where I was living, and often being overwhelmed with emotion for no apparent reason.

Waves crashing on one side, redwood canyons on the other and scaling mountains directly ahead all felt like they could swallow me up in no time. I had built up my shell to protect myself from being swallowed up by the city, but that shell instantly dissolved in this new place.

I remember starting to feel this freedom in my body, an energy rising out of my heart, a passion churning in my belly . . . after almost being destroyed by the years of doing, surviving and holding tight to the driven energy that seemed to permeate the city, I was coming alive again. And it felt amazing!

What was this magical force that was awakening me? Calling me out of the “safe”, body-soul destroying fortress I had been living in?

As I drank in the majestic beauty of my new home . . .

As I began to connect to new female friends who astounded me with their relaxed, ultra-natural gorgeousness, I began to clue into what this healing power was all about.

I was sitting in on women’s circles, learning about the cycles of the moon and experiencing deep bonds with other women like I had never experienced before . . .

And I began to see, feel and taste the extraordinary power of the feminine.

As I went on to study with my yoga mentor in the Yin-Yang yoga style, I realized that all those years of attempting to conform to a masculine life had left me extremely depleted, exhausted, empty, joyless and struggling to make ends meet because I was severely deficient. I had become deficient in the feminine or yin energy. I had forgotten how to access pleasure . . . I was cut off from my sensuality . . . and I had no idea how to receive.

What I discovered as these areas opened up to me in my new environment was that this was the key to accessing my true desires as a woman.

Can you relate to any of this?

Are you curious how you might tap into this same energy to start unlocking the door to your desires?

I have a very special invitation for you . . .

Join Urban Goddess founder, Amanda Young, and I for a very exclusive Aphrodite Goddess Retreat in Big Sur October 22-23. In this exquisite 2-day journey, we walk you through the proven steps to access the abundant, feminine creative power that is your Birthright!

If you feel disconnected to or at war with your body, exhausted, cut off from your sexuality and pleasure, lacking confidence  . . . or just have that sense that there is more to life, then this retreat is not to be missed.

Amanda and I have no idea if and when we will be holding an event like this again, so I invite you to join us today, and step into the magic, healing and abundant gifts that Aphrodite has to offer you . . . in a one of the most gorgeous settings on the planet.

Posted in Big Sur retreat, Goddess, retreat | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

108 Ways to Cleanse Mind-Body-Soul Today!

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Ana

Letting go in trust

With autumn approaching, change is in the air, and the time is ripe for letting go and cleansing on all levels. Enjoy this list of some of my favorite ways to cleanse and get clear in your mind, body, emotions and spirit.

Go ahead and try one today, then one or two tomorrow . . . and watch the magic unfold.

(If you have some of your own to share, please leave a comment below!)

  • Meditate
  • Lemon water in the morning
  • Green smoothie or juice
  • 10 Deep breaths
  • Turn off your TV
  • Unplug for a day (no cell phone, computer, etc.)
  • Give your problems over to the Universe, God, Goddess
  • Start an appreciation journal
  • Get out in nature
  • Rebound
  • Forgive
  • Take an Epsom salt bath
  • Focus on what you DO have
  • Get a massage
  • Diffuse Peace & Calming essential oil*
  • Get moving!
  • Choose to not engage in gossip or complaining
  • Change your thoughts
  • Go to bed an hour earlier
  • Reassess your need for pills (medications)
  • Eat organic
  • Shop at your local farmer’s market
  • Lend a helping hand to someone in need
  • Use Thieves household cleaner (essential oil-based and amazing!)
  • Or make your own non-toxic cleaners
  • Clean up your body and personal care products
  • Cut back on alcohol
  • Switch to organic make-up and hair products
  • Dry skin brush
  • Try a tongue scraper
  • Instead of sugar try stevia
  • Have (safe) sex
  • Do a one day juice or smoothie fast
  • Volunteer
  • Gracefully let go of negative people and those who drain your energy
  • Change up your routine
  • Enjoy one night a week just for you
  • Take your lunch to the park
  • Take a couple of 5 minute de-stress breaks at work – sniff an essential oil, take a walk, stretch, breath . . .
  • Read something uplifting
  • Listen to uplifting music
  • Dance
  • Smile at a stranger
  • Be unique
  • Listen to your heart
  • Trust yourself
  • Take responsibility
  • Clear out your inbox (email)
  • Clean out your closet
  • Upgrade to only whole, unprocessed grains
  • Choose a carrot over a chip
  • Unsubscribe from e-newsletters you don’t love
  • Eat mini-meals
  • Relax after a meal
  • Turn off message notifications on phones, computers, etc.
  • Focus on one task at a time
  • Put self-care on your To-Do list
  • Choose non-violent movies, TV
  • Turn off the news – NOW!
  • Commit to a morning ritual
  • Trust that you are ALWAYS taken care of
  • Reach out
  • Speak your truth
  • Trust your intuition
  • Lay in the sand
  • Stare at the ocean or clouds
  • Connect to and love your body
  • Budget your time and resources
  • Delegate
  • Learn to say an enlightened “NO”
  • Eat a rainbow
  • Sweat daily
  • Laugh
  • Up your leafy greens
  • Increase your raw veggies
  • Do yoga that fits your body
  • Go to sleep by 10pm
  • Detox your kitchen cabinets
  • Load up on healthy goodies
  • Create a sleep ritual
  • Boot the TV or computer from the bedroom
  • Love deeply
  • Release fear
  • Floss regularly
  • Ride your bike or walk
  • Grow your own veggies
  • Touch and be touched
  • Hug with reckless abandon (OK, well be a bit discerning)
  • Hug yourself daily
  • Listen to your body
  • Take a vacation
  • Keep only what makes you feel good
  • Walk barefoot
  • Jump in the ocean
  • Climb a mountain
  • Scream at the top of your lungs
  • Jump with joy
  • Begin your day with 2 full glasses of water
  • Eat sea vegetables
  • Give your microwave the boot
  • Get some sun on your belly
  • Salute the sun
  • Stretch yourself daily – mentally, physically, emotionally
  • Play with a child
  • Clear your chakras
  • Enjoy raw coconut oil
  • Chew your food
  • Get a shower filter
*Young Living essential oils, use member #904207 to order

with much love and healthy bliss,

Ana

PS – Ready for the ultimate Mind-Body-Spirit cleanse experience? The Virtual Divine Diva Detox program starts in just 5 short days . . . when you step fully into  your “diva” there is no limit to what you can create and draw in to yourself. : ) Join our sacred circle today!

Posted in anti-aging, beauty, cleansing, detox, essential oils, farmer's markets, finding balance, finding joy, gardening, happiness, health, healthy bliss, healthy habits, holistic health, Inspiration, longevity, meditation, nature, raw foods, relaxation, self-care, weight loss, Yoga | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment