Happy First day of Autumn! Tips for season change...

Happy 1st day of Autumn! The leaves are getting reading to change, the squirrels are gathering their nuts, new local fruits and veggies to taste are in season and it’s a time of harvest. The air is crisp, the colors of foods are vibrant, ahhh yes, the sound of leaves swishing soothes my soul. Simply put, I love Autumn as it’s a time of change, transition, growth and maturation in nature and in us. People tend to turn inward both mentally and physically during this season as a natural instinct as the departure from Summer takes place and the preparation for Winter begins. Here are my top 5 tips on how to stay focused in Autumn! Remember.. it’s a lifestyle, it’s a journey… TOP 5 TIPS on How to Stay Focused in Autumn, mind, body and spirit:

#1. Continue to enjoy the outdoors! Although the days are shorter, Autumn is a great season to appreciate the great outdoors. Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors, inhaling recycled air and other people's germs, so take every opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh crisp air. Be sure to dress in layers and keep your neck warm.
#2. Boost your Immune System! Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C, E, Beta carotene, Zinc, Omega 3 Fatty Acids which boost your immune system naturally. Wash hands thoroughly. Take Echinacea supplements. (I usually take for 2 weeks, then stop. Do not overdo it with the echinadea).
#3. Fall Cleaning! Clean your home inside and out as well as other surroundings. This is a great time to get rid of things you accumulated over the hustle and bustle of the summer. Empty the trunk of your car and store your lawn chairs, beach accessories etc. so they are in optimal use for next year.
#4. Take a class! If you are not currently enrolled in school for the fall, look into taking a class in an area of interest or seek a certification in your field. There are tons of classes that you can take from pottery, cooking, sewing, nutrition.. the list goes on! There are free classes as well as relatively inexpensive classes that you can take. Enhance your knowledge and expand your mind!
#5. Reflect on the inner you, but NO REGRETS! What did you learn about yourself that was new this summer? Did you complete task, did you accomplish everything on your Spiritual checklist? Whatever the case may be, don’t REGRET anything! Take this time to reflect on the inner your and your growth on your journey of life. Start with…
(1) Analyze & Acknowledge
(2) Take responsibility
(3) Create a Solution
(4) Take Action

Anything that is on your list that you did not accomplish, use this time to refocus and get things done! The best way to clear your Mind of clutter to make room for new ideas and vision is to yield to your Spirit, listen to your Spirit for direction and understanding then let your Body manifest the solution and turn it into an ACCOMPLISHMENT! You will feel great once you check things off your list… then.. on to the next thing… Remember: Life is a journey…

Nameste.. xoxo

Top 3 Outdoor Exersice Activities for Autumn

I HEART the weather in September on the East Coast! Warm days & cool nights... I'm really enjoying the weather this month and hope you are getting out and enjoying it as well! If your on the East Coast in the US like I am, God has blessed us with some amazing weather right now so take advantage of it! Rise early and enjoy the morning or shorten your workday and enjoy in the evening. Whatever your fancy, just do it....

Fall is just around the corner.... Here are my personal top 3 Autumn outdoor aerobic activities....

#1. Cycling! Not only is cycling a ton of fun either by yourself, with your mate, a group of friends, or family, its low impact and one of the best all around aerobic exercise and heart healthy exercises. Cycling had been proven to boost your metabolism, improve balance and coordinator (be sure to engage your core while riding), and is one of the best exercises to shed stubborn flabby abs (...yes)!
In addition, cycling is a great way to explore new places and covers more territory then walking. You can find local nature trails and meet fellow cyclist while on your travels. AND cycling is GREEN as it does not let out harmful chemicals into the air.
TIP: Dress warm for an evening ride, get cycling gloves to protect your soft hands and be sure to take a scarf if you don't like your neck being cold like me! Plus a scarf while riding is uber chic... ;)



Me, preparing to cycle at a local trail!

#2. Hiking! This is a great way to explore nature! With the seasons changing, many of the pesky summer bugs (mosquitos, biting flies, stink bugs) are dying off so you have more freedom without worrying about "random bites". :) Hiking is great for overall body wellness as it engages you legs, thighs, core and arms for full body aerobic fun. In addition, you get a good dose of fresh air at a different altitude. Taking breaks while hiking is a great time to gain serenity and find a quite place for a brief meditation!
Check your local Craigslist or magazine websites as many will post guided hiking trips right in your neck of the woods. Hiking groups are good so you never have to hike alone and provide a great way to meet people who share similar interest as you.
TIP: For optimal safety, Never hike alone, take water and some nuts, dress in layers and bring back souvenirs! As a child, my parents would take us on "nature walks" and we would collect the most beautiful leaves and rocks! We would glue the leaves to boxes, along with other crafty things and paint the rocks with faces! My nature projects have since graduated to more elaborate crafts, but it makes great Autumn Home Decor.

#3. Walking! Always a classic exercise, walking is your body's natural form of exercise! It's safe, simple, requires no equipment, is good for your heart, encourages healthy digestion and is a great full body aerobic activity. Walking is beneficial at a slow pace or ay a fast pace. It really gets gets blood flowing. Walking helps to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, improve your mood and gets your adrenaline going. If done in the morning. It sets the pave for your day and in the evening, it encourages good sound sleep.
TIP: Wear light colored clothing or clothing with a reflector so motorist can see you. The days are getting shorter and you don't want to underestimate the sunset and be out walking in the dark unprotected.

BONUS: This is a BONUS for me as I haven't done this yet and I really want to! Has anyone been....... Canoeing/Kayaking?! I really want to try it, but haven't built up the nerve yet for it!!!! Please encourage me.... :)


Xoxo...

Brahmi Oil.... Great for hair growth, sound sleep and much more

Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic and Research Center provides a monthly newsletter with a wealth of knowledge in Ayurvedic medicine and practices. Please check out the July 2010 issue of AyurvedaNews for more information on the benefits and uses of Brahmi.

Here is the Brahmi oil that I use on my hair.  Brahmi oil is really amazing and promotes the growth of long and lustrous black hair and provides sound sleep. It also helps in curing dandruff, burning of eyes and joint pain.
















In addition to Brahmi oil, see my previous post on my Top 5 hair oils.   Enjoy!... please post comments on your results with Brahmi oil!

A little Leopard goes a long way... Top 3 leopard picks

For all my fashionista, fall is almost here... we've retired our whites, but that does not mean our fiery side and fierce fashion has to suffer and be put to rest for frumpy and bulky clothes! Fall and winter are perfect times to explore timeless fashion options mixed with a little 'on-trend' accessorizing!

Release your wild side a little and embrace the animal in you! Remember, a LITTLE goes a LONG way when it comes to this timeless trend.

My picks:

#1: Christian Louboutin Kathena Leopard-Print Clutch (as seen carried by Kim Kardashian most recently). I personally love this clutch, or something similar in size and pattern. The size is perfect... not too big and not too small and the pattern is not overbearing as some leopard patterns can be! Instead of the typical yellow gold, try complementing this with pewter gold-tone or bronze jewelry to balance it out and nude or gold tone makeup...I think you have a winner! Timeless, effortless and chic!!!

picture courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

#2: Leopard pumps can be super stylish when done right. PLEASE keep it simple when it comes to leopard shoes.. it can go wrong really fast!

Giuseppe Zanotti Pony Hair Strappy Heel

#3: If you are truly bold and decide on a full on Leopard-print outfit, make sure its tailored and flowing -or- if you go for the fitted look, more coverage is chic.  The dress should be nicely tailor and be sure to wear your shaperwear  underneath for a smooth finish ;). I like this dress with a nice belt to showcase a trim waist.

Lanvin Leopard T-Shirt Dress at Barneys.com

TIP: Through the fall and winter months, continue to wear your feminine clothes to accentuate your body type.  Don't get lost in those cozy winter clothes and inadvertently put on stubborn winter pounds.

Being healthy is a lifestyle....

xoxo

ATTN PARENTS: Amazing book for teen girls!

Good morning!

Back to school is in full effect for our youth. I remember those days! Life can be pretty intimidating as you leave you tween years and began to come into your own. This is an excellent book which gives our teenage girls a great starting point to engage conversation and ask questions as it provides answers to many questions they may have about health, beauty, fashion, wellness, body image and development as they began to come into their own. I would like to recommend this book.


It provides amazing tips to help engage conversation. So whether you are a parent, godparent, aunt, uncle, or mentor.... check out this book for the teens in your life! (In addition, I am currently writing a book for teens providing natural alternatives to health and beauty, lifestyle development at a young age, overall wellness, body image, self love, etiquette and more! Please look out for this.)

All Natural, Night Time Toning and Brightening Facial Care....

Morning dolls!

Lemons and cucumbers are very important in Ayurvedic beauty care...and no wonder since both have amazing properties. A have a nightly regiment that works wonders in cleaning my pores, toning and balancing my skin. I do this full regiment about 2 times a week or a variation of it 4 times a week depending on my skins needs and the result are amazing day time skin. It is a bit of a process, but once you get into a routine, it falls right into your regiment.

What you'll need:
Small mixing bowl
Application brush
Blender or masher
Cotton ball
1 tablespoon Amla powder
1/2 lemons juice
Slice of cucumber

Stage 1: Amla mask for deep pore cleansing
First, you will need to thoroughly wash your face. (Right now I heart Dessert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi).
Next, mix the Amla powder with water to create a paste.(if you have dry skin, you can use olive oil.) Using the application brush, apply the Amla to your face in an upward and outward motion as if you were applying liquid foundation.
Let the Amla mask sit and dry for about 20 minutes then rinse with warm water and finish with a cold water splash.
NOTE: see previous post on How to use Amla powder for skin as a face mask

Stage 2: Lemon juice for toning
First, roll lemon to get the juices flowing then cut in half and squeeze 1/2 of the lemons juice into small bowl.
Dip the cottonball in lemon juice and gently rub the lemon juice on your face unitl even, avoiding eyes and mouth area. Pay closer attention to acne scars or hyperpigmentation problem areas.
Let sit for about 20/30 minutes. Rinse well and end with a cold water splash.
The lemon juice will tone skin and lighter dark spots or hyperpigmentation.

Stage 3: Cucumber for tightening, wrinkle reduction, refreshing and toning
First, take a slice of cucumber and blend in blender or muddy until all smooth, water consistency.
Using application brush, smooth onto face (should be mostly water since cucumbers are 90% water packed with nutrients!)
In the morning, rinse face.

Amazing results from this process. If your face gets to dry, do less frequently and moisturize morning face with jojoba or almond oil. I personally have oily skin and use a tiny touch of almond oil mixed with my sunblock and apply almond oil around my eyes and mouth generously in the morning.

I hope this works for you! As always, everyone is different, so do what world best for your skin....

Xoxo.... Namaste

A sweeter Green Smoothie! blended to perfection...

Ahhhh...... alas... another quick video on how to make an amazing smoothie! I hope you enjoy this! It's a little sweet, but its a great "starter" green smoothie for those new to the game.... enjoy!

Green Smoothie!

Hello my lovelies!

Green Smoothies are a great way to get your greens and fruit for the day! Check out this video on how to make a green smoothie... Enjoy. NOTE: This recipe is not very sweet. IF you want it sweeter, feel free to add some berries.

Happy Labor Day dolls and gents!!!!

I hope and pray that everyone is enjoying this Labor Day!!! This was an amazing weekend for me. I was able to catch a few movies this weekend and am still enjoying the amazing weather! I didn't make it to the beach this weekend, but hey... there are still 3 weekends left in summer. I did get to make a couple green smoothies this weekend, very refreshing! I really got a chance to enjoy... and not take things so serious! Working day in and day out, you can easily get lost in a mundane state. Remember that life is about your journey, and helping others along the way. We can't be our best if when we are stressed, so take time to smell the roses and share them!
Strive for balance in life, mind..body and spirit. All things will work together. Seize each opportunity. Declare your happiness and success as if you already have it in order to manifest!

On My Mind: Finding balance in mind, body and spirit

On My Mind: Finding balance in mind, body and spirit

This is an excellent post that I stumbled upon and it is inline with my thoughts at the moment and what is on my mind. It is truly amazing how God works. I am blessed everyday to have a great relationship with God. Please take the opportunity to read if you can.

xoxo...