A dream come true! My story is in SHINE!

Pinch me! 

Today is a big day for me and your support would mean the world to me!

Today’s the official release of“SHINE! Stories to Inspire You to Dream Big, Fear Less & Blaze Your Own Trail”, published by Inspired Living Publishing! 

I’m so excited to be a contributing author in this soul-nurturing project along with twenty-three other women.   

I’m jumping up and down to share that New York Times bestselling author, world-renowned speaker & retreat leader KRISTINE CARLSON wrote the foreword.

“The stories shared in SHINE! show courage and whisper hope, and they also show that the price we pay for staying in the shadows is too great. Your soul came here to shine; do not settle for less than your heart’s true desire.” ~ Kristine Carlson 

I share one of the most intimate, and vulnerable. moments of my life in my story, “Finding My True North”to inspire all women to embrace the truth of who they are

All of the inspiring stories in SHINE! are from women, like myself, who have chosen to shine in their lives―to be their own North Stars, to be their own guiding lights.

We share the moments when we decided to take off our masks and stop playing small in our lives, relationships, missions, health, and work. 

 These moments―whether big or small, momentous or quiet―triggered a landslide of change that brought down the walls behind that we had each been hiding. 

 Our collective vision is that our stories will inspire YOU to dream big, fear less and blaze your own trail. 

You’ll tap into the wisdom found in seven chapters including

** Own Your Gifts: Sometimes, you don’t even know how amazing your innate gifts are until life forces you to use them! 

** Sing Your Own Song: There are many ways to use your voice, but few are more vulnerable than singing! 

** Go Your Own Way: Sometimes, in order to be your greatest self, you need to make choices that others don’t understand and to stand in your truth despite what is happening around you. 

** Trust Your Inner Knowing: When you listen to the whispers of your heart you blaze your own trail to joy, success and fulfillment.

** Claim the Spotlight:  Shining brightly in your life often means letting go of old beliefs and taking the stage in a bigger way than ever before. 

** Embrace Your Empowerment:  Despite what you’ve been through, you can claim your inner sovereignty and stand tall in your truth. 

** Believe in Miracles:  When you trust that you are cared for and protected, you can show up in a way that’s bigger than your fear.

Every woman’s sacred story is followed by three Reflection Questions to guide you deeper into your own truth.

 ADVANCE PRAISE for SHINE!:

“SHINE!needs to be a “must read” for ALL women.” ~ DONA RUTOWICZ, LCSW & Expert Relationship Coach

 “When you live under a cloud from past experiences, it dims the beauty that is available to you every day. To become your beautiful self, and truly shine the way you are meant to, means letting go and leaving behind what no longer supports you. These powerful women who share their stories in SHINE! exemplify the courage it takes to truly transform.” ~ MAL DUANE,Midlife Transformation Coach

 “An empowering collective of stories of courage and transformation!” ~ KIM TURCOTTE, Women’s Empowerment Expert and Founder of The Goddess School

 “By telling their stories, these stellar women inspire us to dream big and step forward to do so for ourselves.  LAURA CLARK, Soul Coaching® Master Practitioner & Trainer

  Each of us is a supernova in disguise, a brilliant light that can illuminate the world. Let the powerful stories in SHINE! show you how you, too, can let your light shine as a beacon in your own life, and the lives of others. 

 Thank you for your support today! 

LIVE JUICY!

Juice - xo

P.S   SHINE! is the perfect inspirational gift for the women in your life.  

4 Ways to Ignite your Inner Fire

Happy Love Month!  This time of the year gets me excited because I know spring is just around the corner and there is always so much LOVE in the air.  February is a month about passion and connection.  Are you passionate about your life? Do you jump out of bed with excitement for what the day brings?  Or, have you lost your spark?  Perhaps it time to reconnect with yourself and bring out that fire! 

We always think of connection with others during this love month but are you connected with yourself? Chakras are energy centres in the body that represent human thoughts and behaviours.  Though there are many smaller chakras throughout the body, there are 7 main Chakras.  Each of these energies has a different color to represent each of the 7 Chakras.  Red is the color of our root Chakra located at the base of the spine, it represents foundation, stability, security, and feeling of being grounded. 

Red is the color of life force energy.  It excites are emotions and symbolizes happiness, contentment, and passion. Reddish tones create a sensation of heat and tend to visually advance towards you. As red lightens towards pink, it seems more relaxed, soft and feminine. Notice all the red and pink roses this time of the year? 

Some ways to work with your root Chakra is through breath, movement, essential oils, crystals, and color therapy.  I invite you to take a few minutes of  your day to sit in a comfortable position, keeping the spine nice and long, take in a big deep breath through the nose, hold and count to 5, then let it all out. Repeat 5 times. The movement of breathe in our bodies can do wonders on its own!

Have you ever wondered about using crystals? Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby and Red Jasper are crystals you can use while working with your root Chakra.  

I love using essential oils!  Place 1-3 drops over your Chakra, the bottoms of the feet, or inhale throughout the day.  A diffuser works really well too.  These are some essential oils that work well with the root Chakra;

• Arborvitae
• Basil
• Cedarwood
• Cilantro
• Myrrh
• Patchouli
• Vetiver
• White Fir

A wonderful affirmation you can use when working with this Chakra is "I am a divine being of light. I am peaceful, protected, and secure."  Knowing these energy centres are directly linked to mental, physical, and spiritual attributes, we can then use tools to keep these energies or balls of light flowing freely in our bodies.  When we are connected to ourselves and live in flow we are more available to connect with others.  Human connection is one of our basic primary needs.  Ignite that fire within you and connect with another, jump out of bed, dance, sing, be present. 

Are you interested to learn more about how to work with your energy and your environment?  Let me know! Or, look for upcoming workshops.  If you are in the Camrose area I am hosting a Introduction to Meditation Workshop on March 22, next month.  Find out more here.

If you are looking for a delicious recipe that is super easy check out these Chewy Fudge Brownies! 

I am also excited to share I have teamed up with KeyLime Athletic Wear!  Or, as I call busy mom wear!!! The shop is now open so check it out!!! 

Live Juicy!

Are You Ready to Design Your Juiciest Year EVAH?

Here we are,  another year has come and gone and we are just into the start of 2018!  Whew...did that ever fly by!  This is a time when we tend to focus on New Years resolutions and areas we would like to create change (or at least most do....).  Has that ever really worked for you?

If you really want to kickstart the year and make this your best, you need to get really clear on what your heart desires!  

• Do you want to create more ease and flow in your life?
• Design your dream home?
• Shed a few pounds?
• Or simply just find time for you again?

It doesn't matter what the transformation you are looking for is, big or small.  What matters is you  make that choice with intention!  After having the privilege to work with some high level business coaches and successful entrepreneurs, I now choose a word of the year instead of a resolution.  

A resolution is what you want to resolve and release.  Your word of the year is how you choose to make choices everyday based on if it's aligned with your desires. Apply some pixie dust and inspired action and you are off and running! LOL

So what's my word of the year?  Reinvent!  My dear friend Cindy, publisher of Elements for a Healthier Life Magazine always says "Live life in motion".  I love that because we are constantly changing based on our environment and experiences!  So after a year of growth and learning its time to Reinvent some things! 

I encourage you to choose a W.O.T.Y. and give it a try!  It will give you more clarity and a point of focus when "life happens".  

I'm always about sharing great resources!  I am super excited  Badassery Magazine just released their January issue, you should totally check it out!!!    

I was also very honoured and surprised to be nominated as a BADASS Entrepreneur to watch in 2018!!!  Thank you and cheers to 2018!

Happy New Year!  I'd love to know what your word of the year is!  Share in the comments below!

Cheers to 2018 and your Juiciest year EVAH!

Live Juicy!

Celebrate with me! My new book Courageous Hearts is here!

“True feminine courage isn’t loud, or brash.

It doesn’t scream from the rooftops.

Instead, it wraps us in loving arms during our darkest times, and whispers,

“Be brave, for you can do this. You are meant for this, and so much more.” ~ Publisher Linda Joy

Today is a big day for me and your support would mean the world to me!

It’s launch day for “Courageous Hearts: Soul-Nourishing Stories to Inspire You to Embrace Your Fears and Follow Your Dreams”, published by bestselling publishing house, Inspired Living Publishing!

I’m so excited to be a contributing author in this powerful project along with twenty-nine other women.

I share one of the most intimate, and vulnerable moments, of my life in my story, “Everything Happens For A Reason” to inspire all women to step through their fears and embrace their courageous heart.

The thirty stories in Courageous Hearts, including mine, are stories of breaking through the barriers we impose upon ourselves so that we can choose love and empowerment over fear and constriction.

They are stories of love, of loss, of healing, and of surrender.

They are stories from women who found the strength to do what their hearts were calling for, and whose lives, and dreams, blossomed as a result.

They are stories by real women, for real women, and they glow with a beauty beyond mere words.

You’ll tap into the wisdom found in five chapters including:

· The Courage to LOVE

· The Courage to LIVE

· The Courage to EVOLVE

· The Courage to HEAL

· The Courage to MOVE FORWARD

Every woman’s sacred story is followed by three Reflection Questions to guide you deeper into your own truth.

ADVANCE PRAISE for Courageous Hearts:

“…a powerful collection of inspiring life stories of truth-telling and change that we can all find ourselves inside of. Treat yourself and allow this book to be the catalyst that ignites the spark of boldness within you!” ~ Nancy Levin, bestselling author of Worthy

“Every moving story offers wisdom, inspiration, and deep support for following your own courageous heart―your own inner guidance. You will not be able to put this book down!” ~ Margaret Paul, PhD, best-selling author, facilitator and cocreator of Inner Bonding

“Courageous Hearts is a collection of empowering stories eloquently shared by women on a mission to inspire us all. Their personal stories illustrate courage is really about bridging the gap of fear and uncertainty by turning inward and trusting the soft whisper of our inner guide―we all have that power. ~ Emily Madill, author and professional coach

As bestselling author of Operation Happiness Kristi Ling shares in the foreword:

“It takes tremendous courage to start over or go after a dream. The incredible women who share their stories in this book have faced their greatest fears, survived great loss and heartache, and made incredibly valiant choices in the pursuit of their dream lives. I know you’ll find each story to be a captivating and empowering read; a few of them may even remind you of something you’ve experienced in your own life.”

Thank You for all the Love and Support!

P.S Courageous Hearts is the perfect inspirational holiday gift for the women in your life. Order multiple copies today to give as sacred gifts!

P.S.S. SHARE THE LOVE! Please share the following post on Twitter and Facebook.

I ordered my copy of #CourageousHearts today! Did you? Inc. 50+ gifts. www.CourageousHeartsBook.com

Natural Skin Care Solutions

What goddess doesn’t want gorgeous looking skin?  I’m guessing we all do!  Your skin is the largest organ on your body, but it also absorbs what you are putting onto it and more quickly reaches your bloodstream.  It can also be one of the first parts of the body to show toxic overload!  This is because when there is a toxic overload your body temple diverts nutrients away from the skin and supplies them to more vital organs like the heart and lungs which in time can leave your skin more dull and less vibrant.

How do we get an overload of toxins?  There are many ways!  There are many products on the market that contain paraben preservatives, phthalate plasticizers, pesticide triclosan, petroleum, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives just to name a few.  Many studies have shown that these chemicals can disrupt the hormones in your body with prolonged use.   That doesn’t sound great does it? 

That’s not to say there aren't products available that are made with much safer ingredients.  The environmental working group,  is a great resource that rates products and ingredients for safety.

Natural skin care has become something that is important to me.  Through research, trial and error I have found some great and beneficial natural ways to keep my skin glowing.  Luckily, our skin is also a way that our body’s release toxins.  How?  When we sweat!  Our skin however can get clogged and keep these toxins trapped inside, so dry brushing or exfoliating with a simple scrub can be a great way to unclog pores so the toxins can exit the body.

Dry brushing can be done prior to a shower by simply using a soft natural fiber brush.  In a circular motion you want to bush the skin on your body from the feet up.  This shouldn't hurt in any way.  You might feel a slight tingling sensation and may notice the skin look a bit white and chalky.  That’s ok!  Once you have finished dry brushing your skin simply have a shower and moisturize afterwards.

Exfoliating the skin with a simple DIY scrub using 1 cup of epson salts,  add coconut oil or mineral oil to moisten it, then add 2-3 drops of your choice of essential oils will have a similar effect.  This helps to increase blood flow and remove dead skin cells and clean your pores.   You will surely notice a difference of how soft your skin feels afterwards.  It can be a little messy so using the scrub right in the shower beforehand would be my best advice!

Both of these methods help to stimulate the lymphatic system which is where toxins get picked up and from the blood and held.  So by dry brushing or exfoliating your skin a few times per week can really help get things moving and will make your skin look vibrant!   Some studies even suggest it can help with the appearance of cellulite.  

Using a steam room, sauna and particularly an FAR infra-red sauna is an excellent way to get your body sweating in order to eliminate toxins and stimulate blood flow.  This can also help reduce stress levels,  which is great for your skin because stress can also effect our complexions.    FAR infra red saunas can also aid in weight loss because your body likes to store toxins in your fat cells to protect the body from them, so sweating is a great way to rid them out of the body.  That is always a bonus!  Of course drinking lots of water while doing so will help flush toxins out and keep you hydrated!

Juicing is something I do on a regular basis to keep my nutrient levels up in order to nourish my body temple.  Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C which is great for the skin.  Vitamin C is a precursor to collagen, which is a protein for the skin and helps prevent premature wrinkles.  There are also vitamin C serums that can be used, as well as essential oils mixed in with your skin cream or some coconut oil.  

When using essential oils on the skin, you want to be certain you are using certified therapeutic grade oils so that you are actually receiving the benefits.  There are many oils on the market that are used mostly for their aromatic scents and in the extraction process use chemicals, thus making the oils toxic.  Not what we want!   Frankincense helps to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, I love adding a few drops with my moisturizer or carrier oil!  Bergamot can be purifying to the skin, grapefruit can improve appearance of blemishes, juniper berry acts as a natural skin toner, and melaleuca promotes a healthy complexion.  When using oils keep in mind they are very concentrated so you only need to add just 1-2 drops.

Vitamin E capsules are also great for the skin.  It is both a nutrient and antioxidant, helping to reduce wrinkles and leave skin looking youthful.  It can also help prevent and repair free radical damage, so applying it to any pesky brown spots will help to lighten them and promote cell regeneration.  Vitamin E is also great for dry cuticles.  Vitamin E capsules can be found in health food stores, I just clip off the top of the capsule and apply as I would a cream, it does however have a brown orange tone to it so use moderately when your applying to your face.  

If you would like to use a natural mask on your face avocados are very moisturizing.  The oil acts as an emollient and softens the skin.  All you need to do is pit an avocado, puree the fruit and spread on your face.  Let it sit 10-15 minutes and wash off just as you would any other type of mask.  It is a natural and cost effective way to hydrate the skin!

The sooner we start to look after our skin, supply the body with good nutrition and aid it in detoxification we will be looking youthful and vibrant for many years to come! 

The Benefits of Meal Planning

This is one of those tasks that can be easily overlooked, but by simply taking 15-20 minutes a week to plan out your meals can be a huge time saver in itself.  When you plan your meals ahead of time, it’s easier to make your shopping lists and meal preparations because you already have it laid out!  This way you are also less likely to cave and just grab some take-out!  

If you are creative like myself, you can make it fun and write it out!  Use different coloured pens or markers for each day of the week.  Take a snap shot of it with your phone so you have it on hand if you are heading out to the market.  I like to use a local organic food service for my groceries because I find it saves me time and is more efficient.

It’s a good practice to have your menu in sight so you stay on track and be mindful of what preparation needs to be done ahead of time.  I like to include my kids and ask what they would like see on the menu as well, it gets them involved and creates an awareness of the foods they are putting into their bodies.  So if you schedule a day to eat out you all have something to look forward to, but know they have had good nourishment the rest of the time and teaches them about that balance.  

Meal planning isn’t about having everything done perfect or creating strict timelines.  It’s simply using your time as efficiently as possible so us busy moms can focus on the things that matter the most!