How to Feel and Look Youthful

There are people in certain cultures who are climbing trees, running, smiling, feeling vibrant and strong and looking very youthful as well right into their 70's. So what is wrong with this western culture(although there are plenty of people who fit the above category in the west as well)? Quite simply, the west is toxic. The following are some guidelines on how to reverse the damage and remain youthful in body and mind...

1. Antioxidants: these little beauties kill the free radicals that are trying to destroy cells, cause cancer, make us look old, and turn our brains to zombie brains. So where do we find these you say..well in fruits, vegetables, dark green leafy veggies. Citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C.
2. Supplements: unfortunately no matter what some may say the fruits and vegetables we get today just are so lacking in nutritional value that I feel it is essential to supplement and I recommend a good Greens supplement with Spirulina and Chlorella as well as a good multi vitamin and mineral and don't forget the Calcium and Vitamin D.
3. Water, Water, Water...drink lots of water to flush the toxins from your body and to lubricate the joints. Water is so essential for proper functioning and so many of us don't drink enough. Do you ever get headaches and don't know why..well it is probably because you are dehydrated. Drink water.
4. Exercise....Cardiovascular exercise ie. brisk walking, running, treadmill, exercise bike, hike, elliptical, a class, whatever you enjoy doing for 20-30 minutes continually to elevate your heart rate daily is GREAT!! your body will utilize oxygen, your heart will be more efficient your whole system will function better and you will find you have more ENERGY.
5. Weight bearing exercise or resistance training- do this 2x per week keep your muscles strong- your posture upright, your bones healthy...if you can't do the typical weight bearing exercises that is ok there are alternative...for example, swimming is a great resistance exercise.
6. YOGA- get connected to yourself and build strong muscles at the same time...stretch keep your muscles long, keep blood flowing to your organs, I can't say enough about YOGA...
7. Cut out sugar!!! and foods high in saturated fats...these are NO NO's.
8. Meditate daily..by calming the mind we eliminate alot of the stress associated with thinking to much which eliminates the hormones that are released as a result of being stressed.
9. Think and feel young...Enjoy Your life...Live, Love and Laugh!!!!laughter is great medicine
10. Sex is good for you too...and so is Chocolate(raw dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants)

Happy, Content...Independant...That is All There Is...

We spend the majority of our time worrying and hurrying and for what...in the end when all is said and done what will it have mattered? will it have mattered that you had a nice house, fancy car, new clothes, more money, more friends, more of what ever it is you thought you needed more of? No it won't. So we spend all this time and effort worrying and stressing and never feeling satisfied - and that being because the universe will always bring you more of what you need to help you continue to feel the way you do.....When you are faced with your own mortality what matters most is what is in your heart and who you loved that is what matters. I know because I have been faced with my own on more then one occasion and I will tell you the only thing I could think about were the people I loved and what I prayed for was not to "Please let me see my car or my house one more time", no it was "Please don't take me from my son, let me tell my family I love them, let me see my little people grow up and be happy" that is what came into my head.
So be content and happy now because it is all you really have and it is all that really matters and remember the universe will always bring you more of what you need to help you continue to feel the way you do.And remember happiness is relative to your own experience so live independently of the judgments and thoughts of others. I feel content now even when times are challenging I feel content because I get through it much easier and quicker.
How Do You Feel?

Dancing with my Neice and Nephew..Having Fun

Circuit Training

Circuit training is GREAT...Perfect for those of you who are on a tight schedule..you can get your cardio and strength training all done in a shorter period of time and burn alot of calories while you are doing it...There are many ways of doing a circuit and gyms will have them set up somewhere;however, I love setting up my own circuit alternating strength and cardio so here is what I do and it works fabulous:

I always start with a 10 min. warm up
For strength training aspect always start with your legs
So here is what a sample circuit would look like
Lunge: 10 reps
bike 1 min fast
Push up using physio ball 10 reps
bike 1 min high resistance
Row- back
Bike fast
Leg curls with physio ball
Bike high resistance
Abs-bicycles 15

Repeat this circuit 3 times, stretch at the end....and if you have time 20 min of cardio or up your time on the bike to 2 min....

What Do You Want....And How Bad Do You Want IT?

Since I am a personal trainer by trade I say this alot!!! People come to me wanting to fit into a pair of jeans, get rid of the muffin top, the saddle packs or just get into better shape so they can do more. They come to me with great intentions because they know it is what is best for them; but by the end of the first month their motivation has done a complete nose dive and they sink back into what is easy and comfortable...What do I say to them when they say "well I just haven't had the time to commit", or "I am just having trouble getting motivated"...Well my response is "What do You Want and how bad do You want it?" If you want something bad enough you WILL get it so lets go stop the excuses and get what you want..no it isn't easy...but change the way you think about the process and enjoy it...don't look at it like work...look at it for what it is...ESSENTIAL to YOUR WELL BEING!
So what do you need to do to get into your best shape..first of all it is not just one thing, it is holistic...You need to include strength training, Cardiovascular training(anything that gets your heart rate up for a continuous period of time), stretching, and meditating, eating good clean nutrient dense food, positive self talk all the time, improve your mind power and...YOU WILL BE YOUR BEST EVER I GUARANTEE IT, but you have to want it and you have to work at it
Strength training, I recommend to start 3-5 days per week training muscle groups on alternating days
Cardio- 5-6 days per week
Stretching 7 days a week to keep your muscles long, lean and flexible so you don't end up all hunched up and tight; which, will end up in an injury of some kind.
Meditating: every day morning and night- if you don't know how see one of my older posts on manifesting
Eating: Try to buy organic fruits and veg..eat fruit in the am(due to sugar content) and veg in the afternoon, try to avoid heavy meals full of starchy carbs combined with a heavy protein source.I am vegan and I have never felt better but that is a progression.
If motivation, or you don't know what exactly to do..hire someone..I am sure you blow money on plenty of unnecessary  things each month...this is an investment in YOU and it is worth it trust me I know.
OK what are YOU waiting for Get Started NOW!!!YAY YOU

Face Your Fears

I suppose I am not only writing this for someone Else's benefit but for my own as well right now...to blog is to journal...to journal is to heal....We must face our fears, face them head on don't let them over power us because on the other side of that great wall of fear is our best life ever. We must recognize that feeling in our gut as fear rearing its ugly head in an attempt to keep us in our comfort zone or in that place we have been taught through conditioning that we belong.When this happens and we recognize it we must be strong enough to face it rationally and break through it...this is what I have to do now. I have been doing alot of this lately..and the key is I have been doing it!the reason is because I am so aware of the fact that I am creating my life everyday with every thought so I do not want to create a life where the major influence is fear..I have so much more then just my life riding on where my thoughts lead me...and my ability to face this one particular fear and I will and I will conquer it! I believe in who I am and what I want and I shall manifest the most beautiful life for not only me but my son as well. I will show him what it means to move forward with out fear so he will do the same...move forward in love and fearlessness to create the life one dreams about

Mixed Green Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

I am not a stickler for measuring ingredients in a salad so I will just tell you what I put in and you put in as much as you want...This is a Great Meal Idea as it is loaded with vitamins and nutrients...


Container of Organic Mixed Greens
Add...
1 Avocado
Unsalted Raw Sunflower Seeds 1/2 cup
Tomato chopped- tomato and avocado are a perfect mix
Red/Yellow Peppers
Raw peaches and cream corn- cut of the cob

Dressing
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup braggs soy sauce
1/4 cup sesame seeds
3 tbsp unpasteurized organic honey-local honey is great
1/4 cup water
In a 1 pint glass jar or larger, combine the garlic, ginger, olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and water. Cover the jar with a tight fitting lid, and shake well. Remove lid, put honey in a bowl-place the bowl in hot water to dissolve the honey- Let cool, and shake well before serving. Pour over salad and massage into salad with your hands and let marinade for an hour before eating...Enjoy

Do You Want to Lose Belly Fat?

I am just astounded at the excess belly fat and muffin tops I see on young girls and women..and honestly I can't remember it being this bad when I was young. I know there are alot of factors contributing to this epidemic..ie..poor eating habits, lack of activity etc; so lets just tackle one of the major contributors to this muffin top invasion and it is really quite simple....STOP ingesting dairy! it is loaded with hormones, antibiotics which are used to treat and prevent disease in the cow, fat, sugar, excess protein..Milk has actually been shown as one of the causes in calcium deficiency because of the protein content which causes the body to release calcium(I am not going to explain the whole process in scientific terms) to regulate the acid/alkaline levels of the body. So contrary to what we have been taught since we were knee high to a grasshopper...dairy does not do a body good!

See You Soon New York

Part of my vision board...Manifesting a trip to New York for myself and my son-who has been designing clothes since he was 5 so his vision is to go to New York and follow his destiny.

Detox, Detox, Detox

Prevention through good digestion...that is the key to everything...a good digestive system. Unfortunately for most their system isn't working properly- and in most cases you are not even aware it isn't..SOO..Why do a Detox? We live in a toxic environment, we ingest toxins daily especially if sugars, white flours, artificial sweeteners diet foods, hydrogenated fats and oils are incorporated into your daily diet... As a matter of fact there are over 14,000 chemicals inserted into processed foods, so we are unable to achieve our optimum health levels mentally and physically, and the body is unable to detox naturally. So, by performing a detox every 3 months you will experience ultimate improvements in health and well being...

Do you experience fatigue or low energy levels?

* Do you experience brain fog, lack of concentration and /or poor memory?

* Do you crave or eat sugar?

* Do you have less than two bowel movements per day?

* Do you feel sleepy after meals, bloated or gassy?

* Do you experience indigestion/acid reflux after eating?

* Are you overweight?

* Do you exercise at least every other day?

* Do you experience recurring yeast infections, jock itch, or foot fungus?

* Do you have arthritic aches and pains or stiffness?

* Do you take prescription medications, sedatives or stimulants?

* Do you experience frequent headaches?

* Do you live with or near polluted air, water or other environmental pollution?

* Do you have bad breath or excessive body odor?

* Do you experience depression or mood swings?

* Do you have food allergies or skin problems?

* Are you showing signs of premature aging?

* Do you eat fast food, fatty foods, pre-prepared foods or fried foods more than three times a week?

* Do you drink processed coffees and colas during the day?

* Do you smoke cigarettes every day?
If you answered yes to three or more of the above questions, it may be
time for that detoxification program you've been putting off .

Need help with your transformation? email me I can help

Theme of the day......Get Excited About Your Life

Just a short note to tell YOU to get excited about Your life today...Inspire others to do the same, and that doesn't mean you need to do a motivational speech for thousands at the auditorium..No..you can inspire others with your presence and your positive energy...so go forward today with  a feeling of joy in your heart and infect others....Motivate, Inspire, Love..this is the theme for today...Have a Fabulous Day, because YOU are Fabulous!!

Visions of Paradise - David Wolfe

Are We Really Free???

I want you to really think about this question, are you really free do you do and say what you want to, to fully express yourself, to be who you really are? because I don't believe we are totally free, is that a good thing I guess you be the judge for yourself, but please give some serious thought before you answer that. I don't think we are free at all, I think we are only free to the extent our fear threshold will allow us to be and the parameters set for us by another mans ideals; which has brought with it circumstances and consequences that are the root cause for the majority of society's fears. We fear persecution whether it be external or internal i.e., fear of discipline, of violence upon us, fear of failure, fear of death, fear of rejection,fear of hunger, fear of losing our things... so many fears..The majority of the time these fears have been passed down to us based on the experiences of generations before us and before them. Of course we have had our own experiences which have caused us to manifest a few of our own, but that is why it is important to look at these fears and to ask is this rational or irrational why do I have this fear, where does it stem from.We need to look very deep.Once we figure that out the root cause of the fear we can then begin to shed the fear layers and get down to living authentically. If the fear is based on the threat of violence towards us we need to address this as well.
We are a fear based society that has for the most part become a complacent society because of those fears. We have become complacent because of fear and we have been seduced by possessions we have been dangled a carrot at one end with the threat of persecution on the other.We have become so wrapped up in our own existence our own fears our own needs that we don't see what is happening around us, it is time to learn what is happening around you.So then the question becomes are we somewhat guilty by association of the crimes against humanity because we turn a blind eye or turn our head against injustice because of our own fears? are we guilty of continuing the cycle of fear with our own children? I think we need to be more cognizant of this I really do. There are those who are not afraid to be themselves to take a stand for their freedom..I aspire to become like that..What about you?

Deepak Chopra - Emotional Well Being

Violence against Women

"An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure"...this is not only true when dealing with your physical health, but it is profoundly true when dealing with domestic violence. Society has kept silent about this dirty little secret for far to long and I don't know if it is due to the fact that we still live in a male dominated society or because the people who are involved in the violence don't like to hear about this issue; but whatever the reason it needs to stop.
We need to address this issue in schools, children need to know this behavior is not normal or ok, and they need to be provided with resources.They are not going to get this education at home and for the little ones going through this hell they need to hear this is not ok, this is not what life is supposed to be about. Children need to be taught that they are wonderful and deserve to have a wonderful life because they are wonderful..and guess what they will believe it.
We need to address this in the community...we need to be loud about it not afraid to talk about this issue or deal with this issue.
Moms and Dads don't be afraid to question your daughter or son when they come home with bruises..question their current partner no matter what lie you were fed..because 9 times out of 10 you will get a lie...I fell down the stairs, I was hit in the face with a ball or hockey puck..etc..
We need to come together as a global community and support these people who are going through this hell and not judge them.
It is not ok that the government keeps slicing funding to social programs...education regarding the issue, safe houses for these poor families, counseling, any kind and every kind of therapy should be available and paid for by the government for the people.
I was a battered women for 13 years. I was beaten almost to death, I was tortured for hours at a time..and all this started when I was 16 years old. I finally realized that I deserve better and my son deserved better..I didn't want him to grow up with out a mom and have to live with this monster and I believe he would have killed me one day had I not left.
I would love nothing more than to work with women and youth in this situation to give them the courage to stand up for themselves and live the life they deserve.

A Testiment To The POWER of The MIND

If we look at our own lives we can come up with a thousand stories to validate the ultimate power of will....Well, here is just one of my thousand and believe me I am being modest with that figure.
3 months ago my dad was in a near fatal car accident..believe me a call you do not and are never prepared to receive. I am not exaggerating when I say near fatal and let me describe the accident and the aftermath for you. He was hit on the highway by a 3/4 tonne truck- he was driving a mid size car, after being struck by the truck a tractor trailer unit clipped him from behind..they had to extract him from the car using the jaws of life..and looking at the car...it was unbelievable that he survived.His injuries were severe...13 broken bones, part of his ear torn right off, head injuries, he was in a coma for 16 days...It was very traumatic for my family, everyday we would go up and talk to dad..day and night we took turns. Then he woke up...he wasn't with it though and didn't recognize us for a while and he spoke a lot of nonsense..it was hard; But, he improved...and then he said I want to go home..well at this point he couldn't walk, he still didn't make much sense, he was incontinent and totally dependent on assistance for everyday functions...we would say well you have to improve your strength, eat by yourself...well he would get FURIOUS with us...everyday he would say can I go home today...and everyday we would have to tell him the same thing...then he started saying "I AM going home tomorrow" repeat....hello ground hog day...Then he said "I am going home in 2 weeks"..his DR. thought he would never go home...but everyday for the next 2 weeks he just kept saying "HOME" and he got better and better...he even tried to escape one night, which just about set him back as he couldn't walk on his own yet and fell on the floor. Well that didn't deter him though...and forward he went saying "HOME"...jump to 2 weeks....We took my dad home..much to the amazement of all...he was told he was a miracle...I say power of the MIND...This is the strongest man I have ever known...he has a will like no other to be with his family...because a year prior to this accident...we were in the hospital saying our goodbyes to him as he was having an extremely risky operation to remove a cancerous lymph node from a cluster of blood vessels by his heart and the medical staff didn't know if he would make it....obviously he did...

 

My Sister, ME, My Dad and My cousin

Best Exercise's for Shapely Legs and Butt

Well since I am also a personal trainer and have been for many years I thought it only fair to share my knowledge of what really works with YOU.
The absolute best exercise without question for building shapely legs and Glutes is the LUNGE...now remember before you go ugh!! the amazing benefits to your body. There are so many variations you can do with the lunge so you are always progressing and you won't get bored....
Stationary lunge with or without weights......walking lunge(my favorite), lunge on bosu, lunge with exercise ball behind your back.I recommend doing 3-4 sets of 12 reps 2 times per week - on alternating days as the muscles must be left to rest in order to repair.

SUPERFOODS

Superfoods....I can not say enough about eating alive, clean food....YOU really MUST try it...Trust ME, YOU will never FEEL BETTER. OK so here is a list of some of my favorite Superfoods and a brief summary of their BENEFITS...

Gogi Berries: these little treats pack more vitamin C than oranges and more beta carotene than carrots- super antioxidant powers...so you know what that means....Cancer fighter!!
Quinoa: A delicious grain packed full of vitamin, minerals and, contains more protein than most cereal grains (22 grams per one cup/250 millilitres uncooked quinoa) and is considered a complete protein because it contains all eight of the essential amino acids we need for tissue development.
Quinoa is higher in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, and lower in sodium compared with wheat, barley and corn.
Durian(MY FAVORITE-But you must get past the smell): Loaded with energy, vitamins and minerals. In Asian culture the Durian is know as the king of fruits- the mangostene is the queen(I haven't tasted this yet)
Avocado: Improve your immune system health as not only is it one of the richest source of fiber among all fruits and vegetables. Packed with vitamins A, several B-complex, especially B3 (folic acid), powerful anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E, calcium, iron, potassium, etc.
Raw Chocolate(Cacao): Feel blissful,Look younger, Love more,fight disease, improve immune system. Substitute your coffee with some raw chocolate- you can order online- try Sunfoods- and make sure it is organic- You will have the best day ever after eating some of this.
There are so many more...do the research it is worth it. 

WOW...

I just have to say  I am excited about my life and what is happening and what is going to happen. Why??? because being excited about what each day will bring is a better choice than being afraid of what each day will bring and  I am totally committed  to trusting my intuition and believing in myself...I have had tragedies in my life and who hasn't but I have always picked myself up and moved on, but up until recently when I realized that subconsciously there has been some self doubt and so I hadn't fully believed in who I really am- I came to this realization as I floated around on the beautiful waters of lake okanagan..that is when I had my AHA moment...I always wanted to say that and what a perfect setting. I have to much to accomplish to let past experience define my life today. I have so many great things in my life to be thankful for and a big one is my son Jade...he is magnificent...he is an 18 year old budding fashion designer...HE HAS BEEN DESIGNING CLOTHES SINCE HE WAS 5 YEARS OLD...NICE CLOTHES..HE IS SUCH A VISIONARY IN FASHION. He is a testament to the saying "we were born to be"...so my goal is to help him accomplish his goal of going to New York to pursue a career in design...and what better way to do that than to be a manifestation role model. Like all moms I am just so proud and my son for always being him and sticking to who he is always..no matter what..

Reprogram your Subconscious to live the Abundant Life YOU Deserve

"What you think about you bring about" such a profoundly true statement..just as profound as "You are what you eat"-but that is for another post. Thoughts are energy creating your life..think about it, think about your life and your beliefs and you will see you have created the life you currently have..and sometimes without even knowing it..thanks to your subconscious trying to stick to your old programming and thought patterns.
Most of your beliefs and thoughts about yourself were created in childhood due to the fact that children are little sponges soaking up not only what is said directly to them and about them, but the beliefs the significant people our life's held. So if you think negatively about yourself and so far do not have the life you really desire and are not the person you want to be it is not your fault...but there is no need to drudge up sad stories of your past or hold grudges..remember this is a cycle that keeps repeating...but it doesn't need to keep repeating and it is not to late to change your life..all you have to do is change your mind.
YOU are the creator of your life so create the life you really want be the person you know you are meant to be...others do it and they are no more special than you..we are all energy beings equally capable of doing great things.
 Here is how to create your best life ever by reprogramming your subconscious and consistency is key because your subconscious will try to revert back to old programming so always be aware of your thoughts and feelings, catch it in the act..ok here we go..positive affirmations every day morning and night during the day if you need to...Actually what I really recommend is a mind power bootcamp so to speak- this is when you go away for a couple days..leaving your issues behind and meditate on who you are..
The key to meditation and affirmations is to feel...feel the freedom abundance would bring, feel the joy love brings..ok now hold onto the feeling all day. Here are some of my personal affirmations:
I am grateful for the abundant life I am blessed with
I am grateful for the love that constantly surrounds me
I am grateful my immune system is strong and I am healthy in body, mind and spirit
I am connected to the abundance of the universe
I am grateful for the freedom wealth has provided me
I love and accept myself unconditionally
I am not afraid to ask for what I want because I deserve to have a wonderful life
After the affirmations are spoken..meditate on the feeling of freedom or love that has been invoked..as long as you like..do this morning and night for a month and you will be presented with opportunities in keeping with your new way of thinking...enjoy it because you deserve it. It is our right to be happy..so live your bliss.
One very interesting form of manifestation that I have personally used is EFT..it is wonderful.
Oh YEAH...And every morning wake up and say "This is going to be the best day ever" and feel the joy..carry it with you all day and be aware of even the small things that happen....

YOU ARE FABULOUS!!

Live Artfully

When people say "I am not an artist", my response to that is Yes YOU are, you are living art.Everyday you are creating your life . Lets not put art in a box and as Andy Warhol once said "art is what you can get away with" so get excited about your life, think of yourself as an artist and your life is your canvas, use lots of colors, styles and designs and create the most magnificent piece of art that is your life.