Book Review - Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Daniel G. Amen, author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life is before his time in understanding truly how the brain works. In this easy-to-read book, he discusses major areas of the brain and how modern science can detect over-stimulation of any of these areas with SPECT scans (like an MRI but more detailed in actually portraying where the problem is coming from). He sees clients for any number of issues ranging from serious head trauma to mild depression. It is simply astounding how many patients he sees that have incurred a head trauma in their lives and don't even know it! Dr. Amen also explores environmental factors that can contribute to a person's mood or disposition. For example, when he was seeing a patient who came to him for increased levels of irritability, Dr. Amen was able to decipher that the patient's job was actually harming his brain, therefore altering his mood. The patient had been working with chemicals that were extremely toxic to his body and particularly his brain and as soon as he switched jobs, the mood problems were gone! I love Dr. Amen's holistic approach to common issues that many people face. He has a compassionate understanding for the human body and brain and leaves no rock unturned in this very refreshing book. Highly recommended for almost anyone!

Top foods that make me feel good

After years of eating food that makes me feel bad, I decided to do some major revamping to my kitchen stock. I now choose foods that are filling and full of nutrients that help my body perform its best. I workout five times a week, so I need foods that are high in protein. Studies show that most people do better on high protein diets because it gives you a lot of energy and helps your brain.

The first power food is cheap and packed with protein. It also is good brain food. EGGS are versatile in the ways they can be prepared. In fact there are 100 ways to cook an egg. Whats your favorite way? Personally I prefer my eggs over medium with a dash of salt and pepper on top of toasted Naan.

NUTS. Also a protein-rich food, this food couldn't be easier to eat. Nuts make a great on the go snack, especially if you have a handful before or after a workout. Note: salted, roasted, glazed, etc minimizes the health benefits when added to nuts. My nut of choice: raw almonds.

BLUEBERRIES. These antioxidant queens are not only super tasty but they are one of the best foods you can eat. Fresh are better than frozen, but both are good for you. I like fresh blueberries in my oatmeal with a little flax seed and stevia or in a chocolate flavored protein shake mix.

TURKEY. Rich in thiamine, turkey has natural relaxing properties. Thats why everyone gets tired after dinner on Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, turkey won't make you fall asleep when eaten in a well-balanced meal. Usually on Thanksgiving, we are also dealing with an overabundance of calories and a high sugar intake which both contribute to feeling lethargic. Turkey alone or as part of a healthy meal will relax you without making you feel sluggish. Not to mention the protein and low fat attributes will be much appreciated by your body.

The MN State Fair...whats not to LOVE?

Minnesooota. Have we forgotten our roots? Minneapolis/St. Paul has become a flocking point for many immigrants from all around the world. Yeah, the Twin Cities are pretty awesome...but what about the rest of the state??? The MN State Fair is a yearly reminder of who our neighbors are just outside of the city lines. Yeah thats right, I'm talking to you city slickers who have never seen a dairy farm or purchased fresh corn off the road or stopped into a homemade crafts store...just a few of the attractions 60 miles any direction outside urban territory. Well, the good news for all you hipsters out there- you don't have to go far to experience all this maaaaadness. Yes, thats right. We have one of the best state fairs in the country, by golly. So, dontcha know you should go on out there to the fair ya know!

A few of my favorite stops at the fair:

• Cheese curds...you betcha!
• Cattle barn and Miracle of Birth Center
• Dairy Barn...best ice cream I tell ya!
• Arts and Crafts Buidling
• Green Buidling (formerly the Technology Building) and theres lots of free stuff there
  
• At least one ride (BEFORE cheese curds)
• A free show at the Grandstand
• PEOPLE WATCHING
  
  This year the fair goes from August 27th-September 7th. Make a date and support MN economy at the expense of the nice waistline you've carved all summer! :)
  

Book Review - Time of My Life: A Novel

Time of My Life is an exploration of the age-old question of "what if I could turn back time?" In this book, the main character finds herself seven years back in time after getting her chi unblocked during by a masseuse. She finds herself far from her current married with child cushy suburban lifestyle...back with an old flame and able to change history- both for herself and others. Will she choose a different path for herself and alter the course of events for all parties involved or was she right on course all along? This roller coaster of a ride left me hanging from chapter to chapter. An easy read and recommended to all of those who wonder "what if?".

Album Review: Bitte Orca, Artist: Dirty Projectors

This is the first and only album I have listened to by the Brooklyn-based group, Dirty Projectors. I was automatically intrigued when I heard "Stillness is the Move" (featured on Bitte Orca) on the radio a few weeks ago. I was amazed to hear the rest of the album was just as good as their radio hit. The type of music I would classify Dirty Projectors would be indie/experimental electronic. I like to also classify music by "dancability" and I would say this music deserves a "5" from 1-10, ten being the most dancable. The only reason I say a "5" is that half the tracks on the record are slower tempo, however "Stillness is the Move" is definately dancable.

As far as the artisitc quality I think Dirty Projectors has created a unique and refreshing album with wide ranging vocals. I have listened to the whole album several times and counting...

Benefits of a body cleanse

Have you ever tried a body cleanse? I am not talking about taking a "detox" pill and then going and eating processed junk for lunch. Nor am I talking about a complete fast. I am talking about a system designed that helps you clean out your body's toxins and lets your liver and digestive system take a break. One commonly used cleanse system is the infamous homemade maple syrup drink (otherwise known as the Master Cleanse: http://www.google.com/search?q=master+cleanse&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a . Another great option that I prefer is Isagenix cleanse drinks: http://www.isagenixcleanse.net/. Note that both of these systems are designed differently and you must use wise judgment in choosing the best option for YOU. I have tried both, and I see benefits to both. The Master Cleanse is home-made and the ingredients are readily accessible. However, the price is probably about the same as Isagenix if you are buying all of the ingredients. I like Isagenix better because I prefer the taste, and I am not left with hunger pangs as sometimes experienced with the Master Cleanse.

As a new cleanser, I suggest only doing the cleanse for one day. Usually this consists of NO caffeine, tobacco or other similar substance. If you must use one of these substances, do so sparingly. Note that the whole idea of this is to give your body a BREAK, so you're only cheating yourself if you cheat :)

Typically on a cleanse day, eating actual food is recommended at a minimum. The only food you should eat is a few small handfuls of almonds throughout the day if you are experiencing hunger pangs, maybe a small piece of dark chocolate, and a few slices of pear. Herbal tea is okay and will help you fall asleep the night of your cleanse. You will awake the next day feeling a new sense of energy and your body will feel clean. Cravings will usually go away in addition. Use this time to treat your body to healthy foods, which your body will start to crave in place of junk. Just try it for yourself and see that it works!!

A few recommendations:
- Take a fiber tablet before going to bed on your cleanse day. This will aide in the flushing process the next day. (Don't worry, you will not experience diarrhea, but perhaps a larger bowel movement than normal that may be black or green)
-Do not binge eat or drink alcohol the day before the cleanse, the day of or the day after.
-Smoking should be at a minimum or best not at all the day of the cleanse. Same with caffeine.
-Repeat the cleanse once or twice a month for three months.

A familiar face

Wow, who are you? I feel that we have met before, but...I just can't place it. The sparkle in your eyes...its like I have been waiting to see you my whole life. Have you been here waiting for me this whole time? I am speechless, and I can't stop looking at you. You are brilliant and intimidating, yet so wise and mature. How could I have missed you? Every time I look at you, I feel mesmerized and you leave me wanting more. I don't even know what I want more of. It's this! What ever this is...

I look back and I begin to realize all those times you were there and I ignored you. I start to think about your smile and your adoring ways, always trying to get me to come and play. But, forgive me friend, for I was blind. I could not see that which wanted so desperately to laugh with me, to dance with me, to sing with me. You could have not been more obvious, yet I was not ready to see you and could not even if I tried.

Today, however...today was different. Today was different because I saw you. I saw you, and you brought me tears of joy. I saw you, and you brought me to my knees. I saw you, and you made me wonder who I was. I saw you...and then I saw me. For the first time.

Movie Review: Biloxi Blues

This adorable movie features a young Matthew Broderick and a much younger Christopher Walken. The film is sure to have you laughing out loud the whole way through. A little gem in its own right, Biloxi Blues is forgotten classic that was made just after Broderick's hit Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The story is about a young aspiring writer who heads off to boot camp in Mississippi late WWII era. Eugene Jermone, who is played by Broderick, manages to butt heads with army leutenient Sgt. Toomey almost first thing in the movie. The events to follow are delightful, as we get to see Eugene "grow up" in less than ideal circumstances. My rating: 4 out of a possible 5 stars!

Recipe variation of Art Eggertsen's Fruit and Nut Bars

Ingredients:
1.5 lbs chopped dates (fresh, not canned)
3 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp orange extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp cardamom
1/2 c dried currants or other dried fruit. Dried cranberries work well, too.
1/2 chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds
1/2 granola or toasted oats
3/4 c peanut butter

1. Chop the dates and combine them with the maple syrup, vanilla, orange, salt and spices.
2. Stir in the currants, nuts, granola and peanut butter until consistent.
3. Lightly oil a baking sheet. Mold recipe into a ball and roll out the mixture until the thickness is about 1/2 inch.
4. Chill in freezer for 15 mins. Cut into bars.

A protein packed healthy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and sustain you for hours!

The Art of Meditation - You can do it anywhere

Most people might think they don't have time for meditation. That's not true! You can meditate just about anywhere. If you are at work, you can use a few minutes of your lunch break. If you are at home with kids, use their nap time. If you are surrounded by people all day, use the restroom!

Here is a simple meditation to clear your mind and relax you. Five minutes a day is all you need.

1. If possible, find a comfortable seated position. A cushion to sit on is nice but not necessary.
2. Close your eyes and notice the sounds around you. Is there a fan humming in the background or perhaps the faint sound of cars driving down the street? Whatever the sounds, notice them and then bring your attention to your breathing. Is your breathing heavy and shallow or is it calm? Focus on your breath only. Notice any thoughts that come to mind and greet them with non-judgment and let them go. Return your focus back to your breathing. Do this for five minutes. You will come out of it more relaxed. The better you get at doing this, the quicker you will be able to relax and less distracted you will be.

Movie Review: Raising Victor Vargas

Raising Victor Vargas is about a teenager growing up in less than ideal circumstances and forced to change his ideas of family and love in this cute little film that takes place on the Lower East Side. This is a feel good movie that will leave you simultaneously glad that you are not a teen anymore and also longing for your youth. Raising Victor Vargas is an intimate journey of a young man awkwardly embarking on his first love and finding what it means to be an example to his younger siblings. Torn between his strict Catholic upbringing and his adolescent desires, Victor is faced with a dichotomy of wanting to be accepted by his peers and his family, all the while trying to be true to himself.

The quality of the film is charming. The story feels real and the characters pull you in immediately. If you're in the mood for a little comedy, a little drama and a lot of heart, I recommend Raising Victor Vargas.

Good for the Soul and Your Relationship: Travel

Whether it is a week in the Bahamas or a week up north at the cabin, you need a vacation. We all do. Vacations are good for the soul and replenish life. I just took a vacation and I am already planning the next. Even if you only go somewhere once a year, having a trip planned is essential. I'll tell you why.

First of all vacations are healing. They give us a chance to "get away from it all". But, what are we getting away from? Well, for starters, most of us are creatures of habit. From day to day, we live in our little boxes and rarely venture far from the norm. We get up, eat, work, tend to the needs of others, maybe have thirty minutes to zone out in front of the TV and go to bed. Repeat. Humans are designed for growth and evolution. How can we possibly evolve without knowing another reality? Some of the most amazing and inspiring times of my life have been my fortunate travels to Latin America. Although, those trips are big and take planning and a little cash. But, if you're smart, you can travel cheap and get a more "local" experience. Check out http://www.couchsurfing.org/. And hey, if you have the money, what are you waiting for?! Work will always be there. But you will not! Remember this.

Looking for a little spice in your relationship? Or perhaps a chance to know your partner a little better? A vacation is the perfect way to do this. Especially a road trip. Knowing how you travel with someone is a good indicator of how your relationship will handle the rocky road of life. Furthermore, vacations put that spark back into a long term relationship. It is almost as if you had just started dating. Seeing your partner in a new light and experiencing what you can only experience on a trip creates a bond between you that will bring you closer. Try it; it works! Or if you have already forgotten what that feels like, then you definitely need a vacation. Planning a vacation with a loved one is a shared goal that you can both have fun planning for an anticipating.

So, are you booking your flight now? I hope so. There are some great deals out there right now. Be smart and travel safe!

Fun filled travel adventure stories await from yours truly. Stay Tuned.

PEACE!

Leaving the house without concealer...gasp!

I have been using Reviva products ever since I was 18 and worked in skin care sales. I have liked their eye firming serum since then, but recently they upgraded their line with better, more effective ingredients. I am currently loving Reviva's DMAE & Alpha Lipoic Acide & Vitamin C Ester Firming Eye Serum. What I really enjoy besides the fact that this stuff is ALL NATURAL is that it supplements my need for concealer. After washing my face in the morning, I dab a few drops underneath my eyes and on my lids, and I gently pat the serum to even the spread. And voala! The stuff actually works. Not only do I notice a lightening of my dark circles but I also notice a slight firming sensation and reduced baginess. I am not saying that my eyes feel like they are going to peel back behind my hairline, but the feeling is that of a gentle lift and rejuvination. I recommend!!

10 Free Things to do in the Twin Cities in the Summer

1) Walker Sculpture Gardens (and free admission to the art gallery Thursday nights)
2) Minneapolis Institute of Arts
3) Lake Harriet Bandshell concerts and Lake Harriet Rose Gardens/Japanese Garden
4) Taste of Minnesota concerts
5) Walking around any of the beautiful city lakes
6) Movies in the Park at Loring Park starting July 20th every Monday at dusk
7) Any one of the public tennis courts or volleyball courts in the cities
8) Nature Centers located in the cities and suburbs- great wildlife viewing and nature trails!
9) Gay Pride Parade in late June
10) Como Zoo in St. Paul

KELDRA Bath and Tile Scrub Recipe has arrived at last!

As promised, here is more info on the tile scrub made by Kelly of KELDRA & Friends. If you would like to order some, please let me know. Otherwise, try this recipe and make it at home!

Tub & Tile Soft Scrub

4 cups baking soda

1 cup liquid castile soap

1/2 cup water

16 drops of tea tree oil (a great disinfectant)

Combine baking soda, soap & oil. Then add enough water to make the consistency you want.

10 benefits to being unemployed

1) Time to take better care of myself. Like actually get a good nights sleep and take the time to cook a meal.
2) All the possibilities! There are infinite amounts.
3) An opportunity to try something new.
4) Time to reflect on what it is I really want.
5) Get projects done around the homestead.
6) More time to see people I haven't seen in a while.
7) Time to reflect on how much I have accomplished up until this point and letting it all soak in.
8) Opportunity to take a vacation or two.
9) Enjoying the outdoors while the weather is nice!
10) Able to say "yes" more often. :)

Why I love kettlebells

Ah the kettlebell. A round ball of cast iron with a handle attached. How dangerous could it be?....VERY dangerous. Just kidding.

These little canon balls are the best work out since Yoga, and I'll tell you why. The workout is versatile and you can do it pretty much anywhere. That's right. In fact, I brought my bell to Quito, Ecuador with me. Truthfully, you only need to spend five minutes a day working out with the kettlebell.

As a kettlebell enthusiast and instructor, I have seen it all. What I mean is that if you're wondering who does kettlebells, it is a workout for everyone. I have trained with professional athletes and antarctic explorers. I have trained with fire fighters and grad students. I have trained with grandmas and grandchildren. It really is a workout for ANYONE.

I also hear a lot of excuses about why people CAN'T do kettlebells. I am beginning to really dislike that word, CAN'T. How about giving yourself a little credit for once? Anyone can come up with a million reasons not to do something. But if you say you want something, then shouldn't be just as easy to think of reasons to DO something? Just a little food for thought.

So, anyways, if you are interested in knowing more about kettlebells, check out this video that my mom is in! She is a kettlebellist too, and I have learned a lot from her:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-97pH9eBfw&feature=related

The Day After the Audition: Two thumbs up!

The audition went great. I wasn't the only one who decided to arrive early. A dozen of us flooded into the theatre upon its opening for the tryout. Another several dozen showed up thereafter. I was in thick competition; I could smell it. Before I knew it, I was chatting away with an old acquantiance who is big in the Minneapolis theatre industry...I should have known he would be there. By the end of the night I had been chatted up by half the room. I love theatre people. Not to mention, my co-actress whom I would be auditioning with was a "big deal". She was such a great actress that when we auditioned together, tears welled up in my eyes and I felt shivers from scalp down to my toes. I kid you not.

Regardless of the outcome, I had a ball. I got to act in front of an audience and I received some nice feedback from my auditioning counterpart. I have decided I am going to continue auditioning until I get cast in a play. I can't wait!!

I'm auditoning for a play tonight!

My whole life I have been a ham. When I was growing up, I was insanely involved in theatre and dreamed of being a movie star. Well, I am a movie star...I've starred in several home videos, for starters. And please, get your mind out of the gutter. Thank you. ;) Anyways, yada yada yada...I stopped acting when I was 14. I guess I thought I was too cool or something. But now as an adult, my inner drama queen is hankering for some love and I must obey.

So the audition is for the lead part in the thriller "Rebecca" at Theatre in the Round, a locally renowned venue for plays. I do not expect that I will get the part, but I am desperate enough to have an audience for five minutes that I will go through the whole bit just to have some time on stage. LOL. But, let's get something clear. I DO want to be in a play. So, more to come on that. And, I will let you know how it goes tonight!! I can just hear all of your warm thoughts now..."Break a Leg, Marie!!!"

Gratitude Expression

Yesterday I got together with a long time friend of mine and as I was telling her something, all of a sudden she just blurts out: "I am so glad you are my friend and that you are in my life." Although gratitude is not uncommon for my friend to express, it was different this time because I realized that I was very grateful for her as well. We shared our thoughts on gratitude and I started thinking about all of the people in my life that I am thankful for. Even the passing strangers who can brighten a day with a smile or a genuine "How are you?". But most of all, the people in my life that made me who I am today. It is so easy to cruise through life and enjoy our friends and family. But to tell them that we enjoy them and that we are thankful for their presence can make such a difference in our relationships. The more we know we are appreciated, the more love we are able to feel for ourselves and others.

Imperfectly Perfect, Learning to Accept Thyself

Often times we dislike in others what we cannot accept about ourselves. I have been kicked in the backs of my knees with this one. The message for today is to accept ourselves as perfectly whole no matter where we are on our journey. May we see that which we do not like in another as part of ourselves that needs to be embraced and loved. There is an inner critic in all of us, and if we could only see this critic for what it is, a teacher, then each time we start to judge another, we will know it is a reminder to open up and accept those parts of ourselves we have banished to the cellar for so long. I am not saying that you should act out inner rage or jealously, but rather know that these times are a call to care for thyself a little more than usual. And remember, just how lovable and adorable you are :)

Product Review - KELDRA & Friends Natural Home Bath and Tile Scrub

Recently I was given a sample of an all natural bath and tile scrub. Not only does it smell delicious with hints of tea tree oil and lemon, but I have never seen my bathtub look so white! As a former professional house cleaner, I have used my share of abrasive and toxic chemicals, thinking all the while that these products would do a better job than anything natural. I was so wrong. I would recommend this product to anyone. The only problem is, I need to do a little investigation on how to order this stuff. Keldra & Friends is a Natural Home Cleaning company based in Wisconsin. More information on how to order some of this wonderful concoction is to come...

Book Review - Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser

Recently I have been reading Elizabeth Lesser's book, Broken Open, a beautifully written assemblage of stories dealing with profound change. In all of the stories, no matter how challenging the obstacle, the subject always grows at some level spiritually, whether the change be a death in the family or a job loss.

A former co-worker gave me this book to read after I was laid off from my job a few months ago. I was hesitant to pick up another heavy text to add to my spiritually eclectic mix, but I was intrigued from the very moment of reading this. I would suggest reading it slowly so as to take nibbles of insight. However an easy read, the doses are condensed and deal with topics of relationships, "shaman lovers", death, birth, parenting, travel, psychics, divorce, you name it.

That's all for now, folks. Stay tuned...