30 Day Plank Challenge ~ Free Pretty Printable!

One of one hundred things I love about my sweet yoga practice, is coming to the mat and just accepting where ever I'm at today. Yesterday I may have been able to go further in a pose. Maybe today one side is looser than the other or I feel more stable- or less. Paying attention and taking in that information with love is helping me grow in so many ways.

With a lower energy these last few months, both my stamina and physical strength are low. That's okay. It makes sense and I am celebrating all that I've been investing in healing.

Now I'm ready to start building back up so I can increase my stamina and hang in there longer. Whether it's at Mommy and Me class, finishing up the dishes after dinner (instead of in the morning), being able to say yes to a friend date that happens after 11am when my energy is fading. Yes. I said 11am. I'm ready to start building back up what has had to be torn down in fighting this dis ease.

Not with crazy goals of hittin' the gym every day or crazy cardio I'm not ready for.
I'm showing up on my mat.
I'm taking long walks.
And giving myself this plank challenge to start building strength to create even more in my life.

If it speaks to you- please join me!
I have a blue, orange, and light orange for you to choose.
Just print it out.
Do it.
And tick the box- done!

To download 30 Day Plank Challenge in blue click here

To download in orange click here

and in a lighter orange click here 

I have a blue, orange, and light orange for you to choose.
Just print it out.
Do it.
And tick the box- done!

Yoga Journal pointers for a strong plank.
Ready to step it up? Mix in some side planks. 
Let me know how it goes for you with a comment below. I'd really love to hear!

xo,
Amy

Easy Cinnamon Sauteed Persimmons

Almost 500 persimmons were gleaned off the happiest little tree a couple of weeks ago by the Mister, Em, and me. Fuju Persimmons are the kind that you can eat right off the tree, like an apple. Throw them in a pan for a few minutes and they get softer- and sweeter.

Sauteed Cinnamon Persimmons

2 TB ghee (or other quality fat: coconut oil, butter, bacon drippings, etc)

6-8 persimmons, sliced and seeds removed (I do not peel)

1-2 tsp cinnamon (I like to go big with cinnamon)

pinch of Himalayan pink salt

* a few slices of apples add quite a bit of sweetness and deliciousness

Heat pan first. 

Add fat until melted.

Toss in just the persimmons and other fruits if using.

When beginning to brown, turn off heat.

 Toss with cinnamon and pinch of salt.

Enjoy!

You might enjoy:

Nourished Kitchen has a full post on why her family, like ours, keeps a good stock of ghee. I trust her recipes and information as a valued source to nourish my family with food.

I keep track of recipes I've tried- and want to try- on Pinterest. Join me there and let's share!

This would be sooo good in Baked Oatmeal with extra chopped apples thrown in the pan.

Random joy: Bill Murray "You're awesome" bath mat. Because you are. And you have to shower anyway so why not be reminded?

xo,

Amy

10 Pick Me Ups for the 3pm Slump

My mind and my soul embrace the day between 7am and 10am. Some days I have more energy than others. Like most people, I hit a wall somewhere around 3pm. Can't go over it, can't go under it, we'll just have to go through it. Here are 10 little pick me ups I sometimes pull out to get me through with greater joy. Or least I'm far less b*tchy.

1. 10 jumping jacks. Or 2. It depends.

2. Plank! 10 seconds...sometimes 60. Yes, just one.

3. Go outside, feel the sun (or fog...) and breathe. Long and slow. 

4. Walk up our hill and back down again. Sometimes around the block. Sometimes for an hour. But for a quick pick me, up and down the block with pep do the trick.

5. Make Dandelion Root Tea and pretend it's coffee. It's pretty darn close!

6. Powder my nose. Brush my teeth, fluff my hair, put on some fresh balm and let the world know I'm ready to make my entrance! Again. Or least back to the kitchen with a more shine. I swear this actually works.

7. Drink a big glass of lemon water. Preferably with a few cucumber slices.

8. One slow, thoughtful Sun Salutation. It helps that I wear leggings with or without stretchy skirts pretty much every day.

9. Pop off a love note. Text my kids something I love about them (the big grown ones, that is), a card that just says hi to someone near and dear, or just text a friend I'm thinking of them.

10 Sit by the sea. This has been my draw since I can remember. The ocean. It helps that I have always lived minutes from the beach. Did you know the salt in the sea (and the Earth) contain negative ions that help zap out all the positive ions bombarding us from technology and even dis-ease? I thought I was just a beach girl. Turns out, my heart has known all along where I need to be. 

Bonus:

11. Dance! Sometimes I can go forever, sometimes I finish the song dancing on the floor down with Em but the rule is I have to finish the song. This is Emily's favorite little trick!

What gets you out of the 3 o'clock slump and ready for the rest of your day? Leave me a note below and maybe I can add a new trick to my bag, too.

xo,

Amy

Saturday. Billy Bragg, Vermicomposting, Yoga Workshop. And Breakfast.

Happy Saturday! Breakfast from the garden (mostly). Love pulling out our home dried tomatoes from summer farmers markets. Tomato plants are not happy growers in our foggy little garden. Kale and greens thrive and we are so very glad.

Today I'm listening to some old Billy Bragg songs.

Headed to a yoga workshop at mBody on Energy Management using holistic health tools by Malia of namasteslo. Yes, please.

Tidying up the worm bins. Have I mentioned we are vermicomposters? 

Yes, it's going to be a lovely day.

How about your Saturday? Leave a comment below. I'd love to hear!

xo,

Amy

Leaving Space for Miracles

You know the one about the guy who is waiting for a miracle on top of his house during a flood? It goes something like this...

As the flood waters begin to lap at his rooftop where he waits for a miracle, his neighbor comes by in a rowboat. "Hop in!" says the neighbor.
"No thanks, God will save me."

Shortly  after, a speedboat appears and he waves it on.

A helicopter hovers overhead. "Grab the rope!"
"No thanks, God will save me."

Not surprisingly, the man has his chance to meet God in the hereafter and asks, "God, I had faith. Why didn't you save me?"
God replied, "I sent a rowboat, a speedboat, and a helicopter. What more did you expect?"

I like that guy. I want to be his neighbor. To wave everyday to someone with such an open, trusting heart that the Universe/God will provide.
I feel I've been doing the opposite these last many months. I've been working hard at this healing thing. Taking my medicine, tinctures, teas...doin' my yoga thing. Forgiving. Both myself and others. Meditating, manifesting, and keepin' it positive.

But I forgot one thing the guy on the roof has been doing this whole time.

Leave space for a complete and profound miracle that can happen in a single breath.

Maybe my next one. Maybe yours.
Because they happen every day.

Maybe my miracle is this long, hard, beautiful road of healing dis ease. Of peeling back the layers. Taking a good look and cleaning house. In every way. That is a mighty fine gift. I'm grateful for it.
But I'm going to remember- complete healing through the body, mind, and soul can also happen in that breath.

Let's leave space for that.

xo,
Amy

You might enjoy:

Just Breathe. Willie Nelson's version of a beautiful song.

Gabrielle Bernstein. Author. Miracle maker. Likes to keep it real.

Comfy tee for miracles makers like you.

PS I had a chance to connect with an old acquaintance who quickly became a Soul Sister to me in about 5 minutes flat. When talking about different healing treatments it was she who first said to me "It may not lead to your complete remission and healing in one go...but let's leave space for that." Be smart. Do the work that needs doing. And always leave space for miracles!

PSS by the way...

You Got This.

You got this. Keep going. 

5 Good Vibin' Lyme Blogs I Love

It's not about Lyme Disease, but it is about Lyme Disease. There are as many ways to heal chronic illness, Lyme Disease and all of it's varied co-infections included, as there are people living with chronic dis ease.

When I first put a name to the face, so to speak, I was immersed in Lyme Disease. The science of the infections, the why's, the how's, the what the hell does this mean for me and my family. Whew. That's a whole different blog post (like...1,000 different posts). After getting an albeit ever changing and multi layered treatment protocol rollin', my mind was able to switch from all about understanding illness, the power of food, methylation and genetic precursers 24/7, to a greater focus on wellness and what that would look like for me.

You have to sit in it for a minute. You have to find your own words to explain to friends. To understand what treatments work for your particular body and dis ease. To find resources (yes, doctors and medicines usually play the star role, but that is just the start).

At least I did.

Maybe in your healing trek through your soul you get to skip all of that and straight to

true and profound healing.

I'm getting there. 

In the mean time, I've found some pretty lovely people. Just like you. There are a ton of blogs and scientific resources in many forms to understand Lyme Disease and you should understand do you can be your best advocate. Your very best care provider for yourself. But somewhere in the mix,  I recommend adding these to your blog roll: 

Melissa Rousseau of m.parkestudio. Gorgeous photographs simple and dramatic story telling in her writing. Love. She shares detox resources, immune support, and so much more. Her apothecary shop is expansive. I always learn something new when visiting her site.

Lyme Less Live More by Brent and Dana. A mega load of information on understanding detox protocols, a huge variety of healing paths, guest posts, videos, and information direct from the truly leading experts on Lyme Disease while keeping the light on wellness and healing. Not so much on dis ease.

Kayla of Joy Rises blog is bright and lovely. Detox tips, nourishing recipes, and her bright spirit are filling up this blog. 

Sabbatical Soapbox. Reading April's posts about healing, recipes and tutorials using herbs, her jewelry and more, she reminds me of that gal that lives down the street you never braved introducing yourself to. Warm and open, her blog is cozy- and informative.

Sweet Happy Pie. Yep, shameless plug for my own blog. It's kinda new. It's growing. It's filled with wishes for good. Please add it to your blogroll and let's keep in touch!

What good vibes blog are you enjoying lately? Let me know in the comments  below so I can take follow along!

xo,
Amy 

Chicory & Dandelion Root Coffee + 4 Coffee Alternatives for Quitting Coffee

I love coffee. Making it. Choosing and buying it, smelling it as I scoop the beans into the paper bag. Just holding a fresh, hot mug in my hand. Love. I do enjoy teas and use some as power houses of medicinal brews. But...it's not the same. 

Cutting out caffeine is one way to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is not my friend. So, I'm half heartedly trying. I first proclaimed on Instagram that this was my LAST MUG EVER. Yeah. That lasted a while. As in one week. I'm currently embracing the 80/20 rule and it's workin' for me.

Here's my go to mix I brew up about twice a day, as inspired by Elana's Pantry. Her's is divine and needs no improvement. I switched to ground cinnamon because it's nicer on the budget for my level of indulgence and I do like a touch more chicory.

In a jar, add:

9 Tablespoons roasted chicory root

8 Tablespoons roasted dandelion root

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon  

Put in the lid and shake it up to mix.

To brew:

Put 4 heaping Tablespoons in a pot with 4 cups water. 

Simmer 5 minutes. 

Strain. Enjoy!

I like to sip while listening to the rain. There's even an app! My oldest son shared that with me. Lovely.

4 More Coffee Alternatives

Turmeric Tea Latte(non dairy)- this tastes like a creamy indulgence- that is so nourishing for you.

Dandy Blend- all the benefits of dandelion made easy for you (thanks for the tip, Lisa!)

Hot Maca Chocolate- (scroll down) for lasting energy.

Matcha Green Tea Latte- matcha is power packed with antioxidants with a great energy boost 

Are you on Instagram? I am lovin' it like Flickr way back when. Can we connect there? I'd love to see what you are up to!

Xo,

Amy

PS It would make my heart sing if you would leave me a comment with your thoughts! Thanks, friend!

How Susan Branch Helped Me See My Awesomeness

I have always known how awesome you are. Yes, you. Wherever you are on this journey, whether you see it or not, I can see you are awesome.

While low self esteem has never been a label I would slap on myself, I don't think I've ever seen my own awesome. And I think it's getting in the way. In the way of complete and miraculous healing that I am so ready for. 

Yesterday, Susan Branch (and a few others), helped create one of those Aha! moments in my life.

My dear friend, Barbara, has the happiest of shops. Susan Branch was coming to do a book signing. I jumped in to both help my friend and just soak up all of that happy I knew the women coming would be simply bubbling over with. Some traveled from Minnesota to meet Susan!

As I re-folded tshirts and helped pass out cupcakes, a few women recognized me from my former business. I was a Cupcake Lady what seems like a life time ago. One thanked me for what I had made for her (I am still particularly proud of my gluten free and allergen free recipes). Several wanted to know what I was doing now and share some happy thoughts both about and for me. So very kind, I thought. People are so very awesome.

Women (and a few husbands) waited with patient excitement to meet Susan. 

Now, friends, I have come smack face to face with Michael Jackson as I entered a side door in Vegas and he with his entourage tried to exit. Weird was all I thought. Growing up in California, I've met many movie stars and the like. I have never understood the idolization of stars or even collecting autographs.

As I watched woman after woman hold Susan's hand, some crying some too excited to stand still, as they told their story and how her soft and cheerful paintings, her gentle written words lifted them through cancers, caring for and then losing loved ones, and so many stories just as big to each person. As I watched her listen with open hearted love, never seeming to let it take from her own energy...

I got it. 

They didn't want Susan's signature. 

They wanted to stand in her light.

and her signature would be a token to remember that moment by. Hopefully to be inspired by. 

Susan remembered me from an intimate show she had hosted several years ago here in her home roots- and mine. I was touched. All of these people from events, business, life...and she remembered me. Again, I was touched by the amazingness of others.

Later, Barbara shared how incredible that Susan remembered me. I don't recall what she said but for the first time I thought of the others that had asked about me, thanked me, remembered me that day and for THE FIRST time it occurred to me that I, too, am worthy of being remembered. That what I give to this world is something others are thankful for. That the kindness and gifts I have and choose to share are also pretty darn awesome. 

This isn't about how awesome I am or even how awesome Ms. Susan Branch truly is. I want to share the beginning of my accepting my own awesome and it is my lovelies of wishes that you know how awesome you are! Watch out, 2015, I'm bringing all of my awesome with!

PS You can read about our day on Susan's blog! Scroll down to Past Events here.

You are loved.

You are loved.