Enjoy Health in an Unhealthy World

Do you ever wish you were immune to the different types of dis-ease in the world today? Between the growing prominence of cancer, the Ebola scare, and the spike of Enterovirus D68 it is understandable to feel concern for your health. Thankfully knowledge is Power. Knowledge gives you the power of choice. (A formula I refer to as Knowledge=Power=Choice.) When you understand how things truly work you are able to make informed decisions that allow you the opportunity to make and create choices that support your health. In this week’s article let’s look at some simple solutions that give you the knowledge necessary to empower you to make the best choices for you to create home, health and happiness!

In today’s world the toxins that are part of daily living inundate us. We often don’t realize how prevalent they are! A few days ago I went out for my daily run to release physiological and psychological toxins from my body. I enjoy this time each day taking in the blue sky, beautiful foliage and the smell of the sea air. Unfortunately, it happened to be a day where there were an inordinate amount of trucks, buses and even industrial lawn mowers on the road. I was left gasping for clean air! (I tend to hold my breath when I run by billowing black fumes puffing out behind big heavy trucks.) Unfortunately many of the toxins we come in contact with are not so obvious. It is critical to gain an understanding of where they are and how they impact your health and wellbeing.

Toxins can be found in most household items that are synthetic. These synthetics disrupt hormones, can cause allergies, are linked to cancer, and basically create havoc in the body. They lower your immune system, and deplete your body’s ability to fend off things like the common cold. Becoming aware of what items are made of before they enter your home is the first line of defense. Swapping out synthetic items for healthier natural items is the next step. Choose the items you bring into your home carefully because you are your best safeguard.

When we begin this journey of healthy living it is sometimes hard to believe that the outdoor environment with its trucks billowing puffs of black exhaust could be less harmful than the air inside your home. Unfortunately that is the stark reality. For good reason, our focus has been on creating energy efficient homes. However, this has exacerbated the problem of indoor air quality. When windows, doors, and cracks are sealed it is great for our heating & cooling bills and it is also energy efficient. But, without those air leaks your home is sealed up tight without the ability to breathe. It traps the air inside your home that is filled with the off-gasses from the myriad of products you have chosen. It is critical to throw open windows to ventilate the space. And, of course, make healthful choices when determining which items to bring through your door.

As I mentioned earlier, I take my daily run to release physiological and psychological toxins from my mind and body. It is a scientific fact that the toxins from our world become trapped in the body if you do not take action to release them. When they become stuck in your body, dis-ease is created. For those spelling bee fans you are probably wondering why I say dis-ease instead of disease. Well, our natural state is a state of ease and grace. When your body or mind is out of alignment it throws that natural process off and creates dis-ease in the body or mind. One way to bring your body back into alignment from too many toxins is to make a habit of sweating them out! Sweat is one of the most effective ways to release toxins. It helps to naturally balance your physiological state and with all of those happy hormones pumping it boosts your immune system and your mood!

Toxins are a fact of daily living in the modern world. Gaining an understanding of toxins and how they impact you will empower you to make choices to enjoy health, vitality and ease in an unhealthy world.

If you want help discovering the patterns that create overwhelm, frustration and disharmony in your life click here and schedule your Free Success Strategy Session.

Ps… I am so excited that the Home in Harmony Hay House radio show is just days away! The Premier airs on Monday, Oct 27, 6pm EST/3pm PST.

Pss… And last but not least, the count down has begun for the release of Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life! It is almost time for you to get your copy! We will let you know how to get your copy with special goodies on Nov 4th! Or, you can pre-order now.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Image: http://www.pesconsulting.co.uk

Is This Blocking You?

Have you ever heard the saying, “How you do one thing is how you do everything?” When I first heard this mantra I questioned its validity but, as I looked closer, I began to see how this tenant is oh-so-true! It is often much easier to see these types of patterns in other people’s lives instead of our own. You know, the friend who never follows through or the aunt who is meticulous about everything. Interestingly, when you began to look at the patterns or habits in one area of your life, it can help you move through blocks that are holding you back in all areas. I invite you to begin noticing the patterns of your life. Especially in your home environment! Your home can shed light on these patterns because your outer world is a direct reflection of what is going on inside your head. Yes, really. The best part is when you begin to notice the connection and take action, miracles can happen! Let’s look at the patterns that may be holding you back from home in harmony and your best life!

Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling overwhelmed you misplace things, stuff begins to pile up, or you have trouble keeping items organized? Don’t beat yourself up, instead realize this is natural and it gives you a clue as to what is going on in your head. It also reminds us that the adage, “The way you do one thing is how you do everything” is sage words of wisdom. Many times your home environment will begin to hint at what is truly going on for you emotionally, psychologically or physically before you notice that things are out of balance or in disharmony in your internal world. Gaining an awareness of what your environment is sharing and the patterns it is reflecting can help you navigate the habits that have become obstacles in your life.

When overwhelm creeps in and begins to roar that mighty roar take a look around and assess your environment. Notice if this is a pattern that is showing up for you in more than one area? How to address the pattern is a whole other subject. But, noticing that they are there is the first step in unwinding their hold on you.

Do you have a tendency to have undone tasks in many areas of your life? Maybe you haven’t gotten around to choosing that new paint color for your family room for the last five years, the work project you know you should begin sits waiting for your attention on your desk, and you haven’t hit the reply button on the emails you need to respond to in your inbox… these are all a sign of procrastination. Again, notice in your life where you are procrastinating and begin to take small steps to move through this block.

Perfectionism is the sister (or brother) of procrastination. They both reflect an unconscious need to control your environment. Again, this can be seen in your internal world (the mind) or your external world (the environment). Noticing that this is a pattern that comes up can help you navigate the hurdle and move through it.

Unfortunately, when you are not able to see the unconscious habits that have you moving along on life’s path unknowingly being swayed by your own routines your route can be bumpy. Taking the time to assess where you are, why you do things a certain way and where you want to be. This will help you begin to design the life of your dreams. Examining the clues in your environment can help you assess the patterns of your home and life. This will help you create home, health and happiness.

If you want help discovering the patterns that create overwhelm, frustration and disharmony in your life click here and schedule your Free Success Strategy Session.

Ps… I am so excited that the Home in Harmony Hay House radio show is just days away! The Premier airs on Monday, Oct 27, 6pm EST/3pm PST.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Home Harmony Trends

Fall is one of my favorite times of year with its radiant glow of autumnal colors that warm the heart and nurture the soul. Recently I was asked to give my opinion on fall fashion and interior design trends, how they converge, and what (if any) predictions came true this season. I had fun sharing my view with multiple newspaper reporters in LA, a dynamic radio duo from Alabama, and one of the morning TV programs in Boston. What I have found that is trending over the predicted looks is that people are motivated to create a calm oasis away from the daily chaos of modern day living. This has created a fall trend that will bring home harmony and happiness for this season and the one’s to come. In this week’s article I will share some of these styles that nurture your spirit, and will bring a smile to those with a discerning eye for fall, fashion and design.

The design and fashion trends this fall reflect what we are experiencing in society. The styles that people are gravitating towards illustrate where people are emotionally and psychologically. It amazes me how our internal guidance system will navigate us towards what will naturally make us feel happier, healthier and peaceful… if we listen. Let’s look at what is pulling at our attention.

Neutral Base & Pops of Color:

Walls, couches, and rugs have gone neutral. They have disappeared into the background and become what I call a “chameleon color”. This speaks volumes! In our culture we become bored or distracted very easily. We are excited by one thing until our attention jumps to the next shiny object. Having a neutral backdrop allows you to change your environment quickly and cost effectively with a quick switch of colorful pillows or a throw. Our grandmother’s generation would keep the same design for 40 years. In today’s world people want to change their interiors with each new season. This is easily and affordably done with a neutral base and pops of color.

Blue Spectrum:

Pantone said that Orchid was going to be the color of the 2014. Instead we are witnessing midnight blue and turquoise this year. There has also been a shift to a peacock color for the fall. In today’s frenetic culture it is understandable that you would want to create a calm oasis away from the daily chaos of modern living. Orchid might have been a fun splash but really what you and I are looking for is to create a serene sanctuary that the blue spectrum provides. This will nurture you so that you can go out into this crazy world and be the best you can be.

Fur:

From a psychological perspective, we live in a hectic world that keeps us moving and connected 24/7. We are looking for ways to be nurtured. Because of this we are seeing a cozier feel to interiors. Faux fur is one of those elements that can give you the sense of being wrapped in nurturing support.

Enjoy the beauty of your interior and exterior world. Use these new trends to help you create the sanctuary that will support you in living your best life!

P.S. Did you schedule your FREE success strategy session so that I can help you design the home and life of your dreams? Click here and let’s get started. If not now, when?

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Image Credit: www.designindulgences.com/

Nurturing Nest Secrets

I love this time of year in New England! The colors shift from a vibrant crisp spectrum of blues, reds and pinks to the warm golden hues of yellow, orange and brown. It is as if nature knows we need to view cooler shades in the sweltering summer sun and the warmer tones of Fall as the air becomes crisp. It is a natural balancing system to help us with our equilibrium. We can add this natural external rhythm to our interior environment to foster inner alignment. In today’s article we will look at a few simple solutions to bring the natural cadence of nature within to nurture you in your nest.

I still am thrilled and captivated by the Fall wind that makes the gold and amber leaves dance, twirl and float. It brings a smile to my face as I hear leaves crunch under foot as I take my morning run. My “Gramma” instilled this love of fall in me with her love of crackling fires, walks in the woods, large sweaters and the color orange. She was always thrilled when I would bring homemade chili and hearty soup to she and my “Gramps”. The nutrient-dense simmering suppers would fill their hearts and tummies. Today I will share a few Home in Harmony secrets for tranquility and bliss during this sensational season that touches all of the senses.

1. PLAN OF ACTION

It amazes me that there are only 6 weeks until my book launch on November 3^rd! Only 6 weeks! That means that there are only 9 weeks until the American Thanksgiving, 13 weeks until Hanukah and 14 weeks until Christmas! There is a lot to do between now and then. If you are like me, that means that along with the daily routine, preparing for Halloween, and all of the activities that are in full fall swing it is important to start thinking about what lays ahead. Putting a plan in place can help you not only successfully navigate this landscape, but can put you at ease so that you move gracefully along in a state of calm instead of chaos. Preparatory planning also allows you to decompress and stress-less because you have a plan. This also allows your unconscious to move out of a state of anxiety, which can help you to live in the present moment… this creates bliss!

2. BASE DESIGN STRATEGY

In our house we love to decorate for each holiday! It adds energy and excitement to our home. But, with all of the holidays it can be stress-full to keep changing things. Who has time to take down a house-full of decorations and put new ones up? One thing that I have found helpful this time of year is to start with a “Base” design and build and remove extras. For example, in our home we have an assortment of fall pumpkins made of glass, pottery and metal. Some are painted, some have sparkles and some have beautiful silk accent flowers. I leave these beautiful pumpkins up for the entire season—all the way from September until Thanksgiving. As the holidays approach, I have accent pieces that we supplement or remove depending on the celebration. We bring out a few jack-o-lanterns, witches and caldrons as Halloween draws near. When the clock strikes mid-night on All-Hallows-Eve I am thrilled to remove the spooky bats and ghosts. When the Halloween decorations come down I am in a state of gratitude to bring out the plentiful cornucopias and Thanksgiving mementos from years past. Having a Base design allows our family to effortlessly enjoy all of the special holidays with less stress and more ease.

3. HEARTY SOUP

Ahh, soup! As my family will tell you I love the start of soup season! Soup is so wonderful because it can be so easy to make AND so nutrient-dense! I especially like to make a soup on our over-scheduled days when people are coming and going. It allows everyone to have a hot & HEARTY meal! Here is a favorite recipe in our house:

Keilbasa Chick Pea Soup

1 Turkey Kielbasa- cut into small pieces
1 Yellow Onion- finely diced
1 Elephant Garlic- finely chopped
1 Large Jar Organic Roasted Red Peppers- strain & chop
1 Tablespoon Organic Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
3 Can Organic Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans)
1 -48oz Box of Organic Chicken Broth
2 containers Organic Red Pepper Hummus
Season with Sea Salt & Pepper to your liking
Rice/Orzo/Quinoa
Saute Onion, Garlic & Kielbasa until brown
Add in Roasted Red Pepper & sauté
Add Chicken Broth
Add Chick Peas
When Chicken Broth is hot, put 2 cups in a bowl and stir in hummus until everything is liquid. Pour mixture back into soup. Let simmer.
While soup is simmering, in a separate pot make rice, orzo or quinoa based on package instructions. When done, add to soup. Let simmer a bit longer so that grain/pasta will be infused with the taste of the soup.

Enjoy this nutrient dense soup that will warm your home and spirit!

I hope your spirit will dance with the leaves as they glide and pirouette in the crisp air of the glorious golden glow of the fall season. Preparation can create bliss and tranquility. Allow your home to be your refuge that supports and nurtures your mind, body and spirit so that you can create the life of your dreams.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

P.S. I have a fabulous upcoming FREE LIVE EVENT that I am about to announce! To receive all the details that are coming soon be sure to join my newsletter at the right of this page, if you haven’t done so already, and you will be the first to hear!

Do You Need a Nurturing Nest?

As we drove by the cranberry bogs towards “the school by the sea” my heart was heavy and I did all I could to hold back tears. We were greeted by enthusiastic smiles. Friendly guides helped us navigate our way through the registration day process. Typically the ocean air, harbor full of bobbing sailboats and nautical flags dancing in the wind would have made my spirit soar. But, on this day, the beautiful landscape only lulled the waves of emotion that would rise to the surface and catch in my throat. I knew the evolution of time had caught me by surprise. How could it be that our oldest daughter was ready to be launched into the world without me there holding her hand each day and kissing her goodnight every evening? Thoughts swirled through my head… Had I done enough to prepare her for her journey? Should I have focused less on bedtimes, frozen blueberries on the floor and imploring requests to help out? What could I do in these last moments that would set her up to fly and help her understand in an unspoken way how much she was loved. The answer came when we rounded the corner of her new room and peered in at the grey plastic mattress, white walls and traditional dorm room furniture that consisted of a dresser, metal framed bed, desk and chair. My mother hen instincts kicked in and I knew in my core that the room needed a redesign to help support her. I needed to create an environment that would nurture, revitalize and inspire her as she embarked on this new adventure and traversed the foreign landscape of living away from her nest. I had 2 hours to make this into a haven that would help my little bird fly. Using the four pillars of the Home in Harmony lifestyle, the 4 tips ahead share what I did to help her launch, calm my anxiety and support you in feeling nurtured, vibrant and rejuvenated…

1. Color

Color can transform an environment and your mood from “blah” to “ahh”. Taking the time to realize which colors make you feel vibrant, rejuvenated and supported is important when creating a well-designed space that nurtures you or those you love. In the dorm room my daughter chose two colors that she loves and we incorporated them into the all aspects of the design so that the space flowed gracefully and felt harmonious. Pink and pool were found on her towels, comforter and accessories. These colors were chosen because of their fresh and upbeat vibe and the uplifting relationship that she has with these colors.

2. Healthy

Initially we struggled at finding needed dorm room items that were both teen and mom approved. We either found comforters that were chic and toxic or ones that were drab and healthful. I understood that she wanted to arrive on the scene with something cute and fun that matched her personality. But, I wasn’t willing to compromise her health knowing that it is critical for health and vitality to choose home furnishing items that are non-toxic. This is especially true when sleeping for eight hours (I hope!) and breathing in the off-gasses from bedding. We finally found bedding that met her teenage standards and my health conscious criteria! Phew! This was true for her sheets, towels and toiletries as well.

3. Organization

Creating an organized environment is critical for overall success and feelings of well-being. Disorganization can create chaos in one area of your life that spills over to all areas. Taking the time to arrange her or your environment in an orderly and structured way is one way to set her and you up for success.

4. Inspiration-Motivation

We included a variety of items that would make her smile and inspire her to be the best she can be. The easiest way to do this is to find an item with your favorite affirmative or inspiring saying on it and place it in your space. You can also include mementos that will remind you of special moments in your life that made you smile. Take a moment to include some of these things in your space to rejuvenate you when you need it most.

These are some of the things I did to make a nest for my little bird who is beginning to fly on her own. Deep in my heart I know how important her environment is for her overall wellbeing. I want to ensure that she is set up with a space that supports, nurtures and rejuvenates her mind, body and soul. I also want the same for you.

P.S. I have a fabulous FREE project that I am about to announce! To receive all the details that are coming soon be sure to join my newsletter at the right of this page, if you haven’t done so already, and you will be the first to hear!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO