Saturday, September 29, 2012

Motivation Wall


Last year, I created a wall that helped me stay motivated in my health journey. My wall has grown so much in the past year! (Click above picture to view larger.) I highly encourage people to create a space where you can look to to become motivated. It is my sacred space to ponder and reflect, as well as, track my progress.

Left: Healthy motivation. Yoga, positive words, yummy food. Right: I love elephants!!!

How To Create Your Own Motivation Wall
  1. Find an area where you are always around. (Last year it was in my kitchen, this year it is in my room.) This is important because it is a place where you can always look to. 
  2. Make it cozy. I have candles and colored Christmas lights for some nice ambiance. You could even make it a little nook. Have some comfy blankets and pillows!
  3. Add pictures to your wall. Healthy food (like fruit and vegetables). Motivating words. Hobbies that you enjoy. 
  4. Add goals. Where do you want to travel? What are you currently working towards? Put it up! Visualize it. 
  5. Add a personal touch. I have all my little love notes and pictures up on this wall. Michael motivates me and when I read his letters, it definitely helps me in my journey. I am also obsessed with elephants, so that is where I have put up my elephant pictures and fun.
  6. This can also be your spiritual space (if that applies to you). I like to do yoga, so I keep my mat close by and have enough space to practice. I also keep my crystals and candles here too.
 Just remember that this is a place that you look at everyday. Make it personalized and fun. If you like to look at it, you are more likely to be more motivated. What have you put on your motivation wall? We would love to see what you have all come up with! (:

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: My room (: 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Coconut Oil & 20 Great Uses

Coconut oil is great for the body as well for many other uses. It has been scrutinized by health enthusiasts because of it's high saturated fat content, but don't let it scare you. Coconut oils fats are medium chain fatty acids and they actually get used as a fuel source and not stored as fat like most people think.

Add it to your diet to:
-Raise good cholesterol
-Balance blood sugar
-Boost energy levels
-Benefit from its antiviral & antimicrobial properties
-Aid in absorbing vitamins & minerals

I would recommend getting the oil in it's most raw form. Look out for labels such as "extra virgin" or "cold pressed." These will be the least processed and most beneficial :) Also, just know that at room temperature coconut oil becomes a solid, and then liquifies once heated.

I love coconut oil for all of it's amazing benefits. Read below for 20 different ways to use and incorporate it into every day of your life!


20 Great Uses for Coconut Oil 
1. Acne - this oil fights the bacteria that causes acne. Just dab it on your pimples and they will shrink!
2. Face Scrub - mix the oil with baking soda, raw sugar, cinnamon and oatmeal for an exfoliating face scrub!
3. Dandruff - massage it into the scalp to ease dandruff itching and flaking
4. Sore Throat - dissolve a spoonful and let it roll down your throat to coat and protect it. It also boosts the health of the mucus and will help fight the infection
5. Gum Removal - coconut oil gets sticky stuff out of your hair, the carpet, or anywhere else! Better than goo gone as well
6. Polish Furniture - this oil will get a protective shine to your wood furniture. Make sure you test it first though and like the outcome
7. Deodorant - mix the oil with cornstarch, baking soda, and some essential oils for a natural deoderant that smells amazing!
8. Sunburn - the oil will help prevent short exposure sunburns. It can also help to speed up the healing process. Wait until the heat has dissipated (about 24-72 hours) before applying
9. Cooking - this oil doesn't form harmful by-products when it is heated to high temperatures (like most oils and animal fats). It is also healthier for you!
10. Lip Balm - coconut oil hydrates an will protect your lips. It even has some sun protection with an SPF of about 4
11. Earaches - it can be used for swimmer's ear, ear infections, and earaches. Just put a few drops in mixed with garlic oil for fast relief
12. Cold Sore - since coconut oil has antiviral properties, it helps rid the body of the virus that causes cold sores. Rub it on when needed and add some oregano oil to speed up the healing
13. Lubricant - it makes a great all-natural personal lubricant for all those intimate moments when you don't want to use the chemical stuff
14. Bruises - rubbing this amazing oil into your bruised skin will help to speed up the healing process
15. Wrinkles - rub it into the lines and creases of your wrinkles to rehydrate your skin and soften wrinkles
16. Shaving Cream - use coconut oil to help your razor glide smoothly and it will leave your skin silky smooth and soft
17. Toothpaste - mix 1 part coconut oil with 1 part baking soda and add a couple drops of peppermint oil for a fluoride-free all natural toothpaste!
18. Makeup Remover - coconut oil removes oil-based makeups with ease. It will also make your skin glow
19. Acid Reflux - take a small spoonful with your meals and it will keep your acid reflux and heartburn down
20. Conditioner - coconut oil strengthens, conditions, and repairs your hair. Massage it in and leave it in for 10 minutes, then rinse it out before your shower

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from:
Sun Warrior
Coconut Image

Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Chakra's: Subtle Human Energy System (Part 1)

Throughout all of our bodies, we have seven main energy centers. Each of these centers are connected to our major organs & glands, and can govern different aspects of our body. The seven energy centers are known as the chakras. Chakra is a sanskrit word meaning "wheel." We can think of each of the chakras as spinning wheels of energy that align to different colors and vibrations. We can take in energy through each of these spinning wheels in order to fuel our bodies, and reach certain levels of vibration that can heal the organs and keep our overall bodily systems healthy and happy. Our chakra's can help explain why when we walk into a room, we can instantly feel connected or disconnected from people. We are all emitting subtle frequencies which affect each other everyday.

This post will be for introducing each of the chakras, and will help you to understand their meaning.  

In this image below, it shows how each chakra is rooted in different aspects of life, how they relate to the various colors of the rainbow, and also have individual symbolic meanings too.


Here is some information regarding each of the charkras, their location, & what parts of the body they govern:
1- Root Chakra: This is where we hold our fears. It is our security and our grounding relationship to trust, money, and our home. It is also known as our base chakra and directly relates to our physical strength, energy, and vitality. This chakra relates to our connection to earth, and the grounding to the material plane
*Location: the perineum
*Governs: lymph, blood, skeletal system 

2- Sacral/Spleen Chakra: This is our place of sexuality. This is where our desires and pleasure are rooted. This is where we feel issues of guilt, blame, and control. It contains our abilities to be social and feel intimacy
*Location: inches below the navel 
*Governs: reproductive system, lumbar, sexual organs

3- Solar Plexus/Navel Chakra: This is where our personal power comes from. Our intellect, egotistical power, and confidence are rooted in this chakra. It also governs our mental activity and is mainly associated with our personality, which we call the "ego"
*Location: the solar plexus
*Governs: muscular system, skin, sight, intestine, stomach, liver

4- Heart Chakra: This is where we hold our love and relationships. This chakra resonates the energies of love, abundance, and prosperity. It is also associated with our emotions of happiness, honesty, joy, compassion, generosity, and understanding. We forge loving relationships with this energy center, and it can help explain why it is hard to lose a loved one or go through break-ups
*Location: center of the chest
*Governs: heart, circulation, lungs

5- Throat Chakra: This is where we express actions of communication and self expression. This chakra is related to creativity and the ability to create in the physical world. Other expressions such as emotions, desires, passions, and speech can stem from the throat too. Listening to our intuition is also a grounding aspect of this chakra
*Location: base of the throat
*Governs: throat, neck, arms, hands

6- Brow Chakra: This chakra is related to our inner level of being, which we would call the spirit. This is where our consciousness sits and can govern our emotions, and lead us to take certain actions in life. It is referred to as our third eye, which can see the all knowing truth. It relates to our dreams of life, perceptions, and wisdom 
*Location: above & between the eyebrows
*Governs: forehead, nervous system, ears, temples, nose

7-Crown Chakra: The crown chakra is associated with our feeling of "onesness" to the universe. It can control our perceptions of being united or separate from one another. Since our root chakra connects us to mother earth, this chakra on the opposite spectrum, connects us to the heavenly father. It is said that this center is our connection to god, and this is where a majority of the cosmic energy of the universe can be harnessed to nourish our entire bodies and each chakra individually   
*Location: top of the head
*Governs: pineal gland, brain, eyes

Here is a picture demonstrating the different endocrine glands that each chakra is associated with:
Hopefully this introduction has helped to teach you what the chakras are, and how they relate to our experiences and the body itself. In my next post to come in the future, I will talk about ways to increase the energy into the chakras, and how we can become more connected with our bodies and the environment around us.

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from: 

Spiritual Nutrition & the Rainbow Diet by Gabriel Cousens
Chakra Energy
Chakra Image
Chakra Image 2

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Emotional Eating: Feeding Your Cravings

Do you sit in front of the TV eating potato chips? Have you been through relationship issues and all you want to eat is a pint of ice cream? Were you ever so happy that you go to the fridge and just eat whatever that was in there? Emotional eating is something that many people deal with all the time. Studies show that 75% of overeating is caused my emotional eating. Emotional eating is when you eat your feelings.

Triggers for Emotional Hunger:
  •  Social - eating around people - pressure to eat at parties, eating to fit in.
  • Emotional - eating because of fights, anxiety, stress from school or work, unemployment, financial pressure as a way to "fill a void."
  • Situational - eating because the food is there - going to parties, having lunch with friends/coworkers, passing by a restaurant, seeing an ad for a fast food place. It can also be associated with activities - going to the movies and having popcorn, watching tv, going to sports events.
  • Physiological - responding to physical cues - eating a lot after not eating all day, eating to cure headaches, eating because of bad weather.
How to Tell Between Hunger and Emotional Hunger:
  • Hunger comes slowly and gradually. Emotional hunger comes quickly. 
  • When you are craving certain foods, that is emotional hunger. When you are actually hungry, you are open to any food.
  • Physical hunger can wait. Emotional hunger needs to be satisfied NOW.
  • Emotional hunger is when you feel guilty when you have just eaten. You do not feel bad when you eat after being hungry. 
Managing Emotional Eating:
  • Keep a food diary. Write down what you ate, when, why and how you felt before and after. 
  • Take a walk. Help keep your mind off of your cravings. 
  • When you have an urge to eat when you are hungry, try grabbing a fruit or vegetable rather than candy or chips. 
  • Take a bubble bath, read and relax.
  • Have a few bites of that unhealthy, sugary piece of cake instead of eating the whole slice. Studies show that after four bites, you forget how you felt about wanting that cake.
  • Fight boredom. Create a list of things to do to get your mind off of food. 
  • Sleep. You might find yourself snacking to keep yourself awake. Make sure you get enough sleep. 
 Just remember that emotional eating is something people do because of boredom, being happy or sad or even being around food. Ease yourself off of the sweets and sugar and start grabbing that apple. Ice cream and cookies are obviously delicious but moderation is key.


This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: Image from Heart and Soul by Dr. Thema

Weight-Loss help on MayoClinic  
Weight-Loss on Medicinenet 
WebMD: Emotional Eating 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Chlorella: Hardcore Green Algae

Green algae's have some of the highest content of chlorophyll known to man. People normally don't think of supplementing their diets with algae, but this one is definitely worth noting. Chlorella is a green algae which is harvested from the ocean and then dried into a powder or tablet form. It can help to cleanse the bowels, liver, bloodstream, and even remove heavy metals from the body! Read about all the amazing benefits it can have, and incorporate it if you can. This isn't something you will find at your average grocery store, and it isn't the cheapest of supplements, but it is truly great in helping to alkalize the body.

I enjoy supplementing my diet with it and adding it to smoothies or water in powder form. It also works well in a post workout shake, or blended in a juice!

Benefits of Chlorella:

Heavy Metal Detox
-Chlorella can help in detoxifying heavy metals and pesticides from the body. This includes mercury, cadmium, lead, DDT, and PCB
-The removal of these heavy metals from the body helps to strengthen the immune system
-It can take 3-6 months to fully rid the body of heavy metal build up 
-Make sure to combine chlorella with cilantro when using it for this type of detox

Improved Digestion
-Chlorella has pepsin and chlorophyllase as two of it's main enzymes. These both help in the digestion of our foods and perform important functions in the body. Try to find chlorella that isn't pasteurized, otherwise these enzymes have been destroyed and won't help
-Because of chlorella's high chlorophyll content, it helps to eliminate bad breath in only a couple days after using it
-Also, foul stool is improved and constipation reduced

Enhanced Red Blood Cell Functioning
-Hemoglobin in our red blood cells is a protein which gives our blood a bright red color. Chlorophyll is almost identical to the hemoglobin in our blood, minus one molecule!
-We need magnesium (which is the basis of chlorophyll's molecule) in order to have proper heart function
-The high chlorophyll content can help protect against anemia and stimulates the production of new red blood cells in our bodies

Cancer Fighting
-In order to fight cancer, we need macrophages in our body to protect us from disease. Chlorella stimulates and activates extra macrophages and the T-cells by increasing interferon levels in our bodies. This helps to increase our immune responses and combat foreign bacteria and viruses

More Balanced pH & Increased Alkalinity in our Bodies
-Our bodies need a balanced pH of around 7.2 - 7.4 if possible. In this range, we are balanced and disease cannot thrive. Chlorella is highly alkaline and increases this precious pH balance. When we eat processed and junk foods, we become more acidic and important minerals are leached from our bodies in order to combat this change. Adding chlorella can help you increase your pH level to become more alkaline, and thrive with more energy while reducing risks for disease

More Normalized Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar
-When we become hypoglycemic, our blood sugar is extremely low and our brains, heart, and energy systems are no longer functioning properly. Chlorella helps to normalize our blood sugar and reduce high levels of insulin spikes
-High blood pressure means that we are more at risk for heart attacks and strokes. Experiments have been done to show that chlorella reduces blood pressure and prevents strokes in rat tests.

*Try chlorella if you can and see how this hardcore algae can help improve your life and overall functioning!

This post is written by Michael 
Adapted from:
Chlorella
Chlorella Benefits
Chlorella Image

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Zombies, Run! App Review



 Zombies, Run! has turned me into a runner. Zombies, Run! is an iPhone app (also available on Android and Windows phones). Basically you put on your shoes and run. Zombies are chasing you. How else do you expect to start running?

It has a complete storyline. You are Runner 5. You need to help your base retrieve supplies and help people around you.


Why I like it:
  • it has a storyline!
  • zombies are chasing you
  • it logs all your runs (see screenshot on right)
  • if your gps locator is on, it can track your pace and distance
  • it incorporates your music
  • you can turn on/off zombie chases (basically sprinting) 
  • it feels like zombies are actually chasing you.... 

I got Zombies, Run! a little after it came out. So I paid $7.99 for it. Honestly, it was so totally worth it! I love this app so much.  If you hate running and want motivation, try this app out!

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: Zombies, Run! game 

Images screenshot from Karel's phone but from Zombies, Run! app

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Dry Skin Brushing: Firm Your Skin, & Make it Naturally Glow!

 Who doesn't enjoy beautiful healthy skin? Dry skin brushing is an easy method of cleansing that can be added to your everyday routine. It feels truly refreshing, and is a great way to replenish new skin cells and stimulate the lymphatic system. Enjoy it often and watch your skin glow, shine, and transform like magic before your eyes! Read some of the benefits of skin brushing below, and follow the steps to achieve more radiant skin :) 

I love skin brushing in the mornings, before the gym, or before a shower!

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing: 

  • Stimulates Blood and Lymph Flow: The lymphatic system is an important part of our cleansing and immune system. The lymph flows outside of the circulatory system to  cleanse and restore all of our cells. In order for it to function properly though, the fluid needs to be returned to the blood vessels to dump the waste. It does this through tiny lymph vessels with one-way valves to the heart. If we don’t move the lymph quickly enough, we end up with swollen & sore muscles
  • Removes Dead Skin Cells: Dry skin is a sign of detoxification. It is important to remove the dead cells to keep from clogging our systems. This will also improve skin texture and renew the skin cells
  • Stimulates the Hormone and Oil Glands: With daily brushing and bathing, the skin can produce the oil needed to stay healthy. Sweating is an important part of detoxification, but when our systems are clogged, we may experience foul body odor and extra work can be put onto the bladder, kidneys, and liver. With regular exercise and cleansing of the skin, you will notice that your sweat no longer smells
  • Reduces Cellulite: It requires daily brushing for several months to start to see results. When you massage and stimulate the skin it begins to break up the toxic deposits of stored fatty tissues that pucker the overlying skin into cellulite
  • Strengthens the Immune System: Dry skin brushing can reduce the length of infections and illness by moving the toxins more quickly through the system and stimulating the lymph to move waste matter out
  • Stimulates the Nervous System, Tones the Muscles, & Tightens the Skin: By stimulating nerve endings in the skin, this technique will rejuvenate your nerves and activate individual muscle fibers, resulting in toner muscles. The increased blood flow to skin, and removing of dead cells, stimulates the creation of new skin cells which tightens and regenerates overall skin health
  • Nurtures our Bodies: One of the most important benefits of skin brushing is the pleasure of nurturing the body. Learning to love our bodies is essential for being able to lose weight, and to heal any diseases. Spend 5-10 minutes per day giving the body the attention it craves and deserves. It works hard to support us, so it is definitely worth our efforts

Where to Find & How to Use a Dry Skin Brush:

You can find skin brushes at most health stores, or even online. A lot of brushes will be a bit rough at first, but once you work with them for a while they will soften. Try to avoid brushing your face (unless if you use a dedicated brush with softer bristles for that purpose). Follow these steps for beautiful skin!
  1. Brush your dry body before you shower or bathe, preferably in the mornings
  2. Start at your feet and always brush toward your heart. Use brisk circular motions or long, even strokes
  3. Brush all the way up your legs, then over your abdomen, buttocks, and back. If you have cellulite on your hips and thighs, concentrate on those areas a bit longer. For complete dissolving of cellulite, brush for 10 minutes daily for several months.
  4. Brush lightly on sensitive areas like the breasts, and more firmly on areas like soles of the feet (as you begin, you will be able to feel out the more sensitive areas on your body)
  5. When you reach your arms, begin at your fingers and brush up your arms, toward your heart. Brush your shoulders and chest down, always toward your heart
  6. Avoid brushing anywhere the skin is broken or where you have a rash, infection, cut or wound
  7. Finish by taking a shower 
  8. Dry off vigorously and massage pure plant oils into your skin such as almond, sesame, avocado, coconut, olive, jojoba, or cacoa butter.
This post is written by Michael 
Adapted from:

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

When to Buy Organic Produce

We all know that eating fruits and vegetables are good for your health and well-being. But when is it worth it to buy organic fruits and vegetables?

The Environmental Working Group has come up with a list of foods that you should definitely get organic and when it doesn't really matter.

What does it matter? Basically, produce is exposed to pesticides which we all know is not good to ingest. However, eating fruits and vegetables is better than not eating them at all. The "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce" will show which fruits and vegetables have the highest residue of pesticides and when it is most important to buy organic.



 "This year we have expanded the Dirty Dozen with a Plus category to highlight two crops -- green beans and leafy greens, meaning, kale and collard greens - that did not meet traditional Dirty Dozen criteria but were commonly contaminated with highly toxic organophosphate insecticides. These insecticides are toxic to the nervous system and have been largely removed from agriculture over the past decade. But they are not banned and still show up on some food crops." (Source)

Usually, if you don't eat the outside, it's probably clean. Such as: onions (the layers!), corn (the husks!), grapefruit (the peel!). When you go grocery shopping, print up a list of produce that you should probably get organic. Happy shopping! (: 

P.S. I created a printable sheet so you can bring it with you shopping! Click on the above link that says "printable" and download! 

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: EWG's 2012 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce

The Dirty Dozen Plus and the Clean 15 Yahoo Article
The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 images from the Locavore Mama

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Grand Opening Today!

Welcome to Living Towards Love. Michael and Karel's blog for simple living through the mind, body, and spirit. Subscribe to our feed, follow us on Twitter, pin us on Pinterest, & like us on Facebook! Thank you to everyone who has supported us with this project thus far, especially our friends & family. You are all absolutely amazing and we are so grateful to have such wonderful support.

What you will see on our blog: 

Check us out every Wednesday and Saturday! Living Towards Love will be posting new content on those days!

Also, stay tuned for our future shop where we will be selling random crafts and goodies!

If you have any questions or suggestions about our site, feel free to contact us at livingtowardslove@gmail.com

Thank you for visiting!
Karel & Michael

P.S. We would like to thank Cotati Coffee for letting us stay and get organized before launch! Great coffee, & SSU students get 25% off!!!

Goji Berries: Nature's Energy Powerhouse

Goji berries are a fruit that have wonderful energy and antioxidant power, but most people don't even know that they exist. They can't be grown in the United States due to the climate, so they are usually sun-dried and imported. They are full of protein, have a high iron content, and are sweet to the taste. I love to throw some in smoothies, on my salads, or even just as a fun snack! Incorporate these powerful superfoods to help against disease and to fuel your cells with pure energy!



Here are some of the many benefits of these amazing berries: 
  • Antioxidant rich - Goji berries are high in antioxidants such as beta carotene and zeaxanthin. These both help to protect the retina of our eyes and can even improve sight 
  • Goji berries help to protect the liver and kidneys
  • They help to boost the immune system and can help us stay cold free & healthy for longer periods of time
  • Goji berries stimulate the pituitary gland to release Human Growth Hormone. This can help to reduce & reverse aging effects, and boost the production of healthy skin cells
  • Goji berries also have a high ORAC value which can help us prevent oxidation and preserve our cells
  • Goji berries prevent fatigue & tiredness 
  • Research has shown that Goji berries are good at enhancing fertility and improving sexual function (particularly in men)  
  • Goji berries can also improve circulation 
  • With their high vitamin and mineral content, Goji berries reduce blood pressure and cholesterol
My personal favorite brand:
Dragon Herbs Heaven Mountain Goji Berries

These goji berries are more moist than other brands due to the way they are handled after being picked. They are naturally sun-dried and still full of life. They are on the pricier side, but in my opinion, your health is worth the investment! If you have never tried them, I highly recommend picking some up!

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Goji Benefits
Goji Image

12 Steps to Acquire Wealth & Manifest Money

Money is a tool in life that we all strive to acquire. It progresses our life and makes us feel stable & at ease. Many people don't realize that changing our mindsets and focusing on changing the way we perceive money can help us to acquire wealth. Try some of these tips and they may help you acquire the dough that you have been desiring for a long time. I have personally tried all the steps and they have helped to set my life up in a place where I am coming upon more opportunities, and more money than I have ever had before. What have you got to lose? :)


1. Focus on gratitude & appreciation
  • Focus on the things that money helps you get
  • Hold money in your hands, appreciate it, and love it!
 2. Visualize what you want: ELABORATE
  • Wanting money isn't a bad thing. Close your eyes and visualize exactly what you want. Elaborate on it and experience what the things you desire will feel like
  • Think about what you want to do with the money and elaborate on WHY in your mind 
3. Replace limiting & mixed beliefs about money
  • Loving money is not greed, money is just a tool to help us get what we want
4. If you spend money, line up fully with your decision to do so
  • Don't spend money that you don't feel good about spending
  • Don't have buyers remorse or guilt. 
5. Avoid DEBT whenever possible
  • If you have debt, try to find ways to eliminate it
  • Try not to walk into debt because it makes you focus on "lack"
6. Follow the white rabbit!
  • Take ideas that pop into your head and go with them
  • Try not to act from a space of need, and instead take actions that feel good to take 
7. Re-frame your life from one of earning, to one of DESERVING
  • Many people don't believe that they deserve stuff (the nothing comes easy mentality)
  • Remove negative thoughts, because we truly deserve everything. Feel as if you can have it all!
8. Take any steps that will allow you to release resistance 
  • Releasing resistance may look like cutting unnecessary expenses, creating a budget, or starting a savings account
9. When manifesting abundance, take note of any form that it can take
  • Try not to take inventory and believe in the "i'm not there yet" mentality (this is a limiting mindset)
  • Wealth comes in many shapes and forms. Allow it all to flow into your life, and take note of any different ways in which it manifests
10. Trust in the universe & yourself
  • Try this visualization: lay down, close your eyes, and pay attention to your breathing. Now visualize yourself as if you are a magnet for money. Every time you inhale, see the money flowing to you and sticking to your skin. After you collect it in your mind, continue to experience it and imagine what you will do with the money you have now magnetically attracted. 
11. When you get paid, reserve a bill, & spend it mentally
  • When you walk around anywhere, see yourself mentally spending money on things you enjoy. You don't want to see money as a resource that becomes spent and then magically disappears. By mentally spending, you can have an unlimited reserve and it will feel good to be able to have those things you never thought you could have
12. Shift all your attitudes towards security & safety
  • Try not to focus on the disaster because then you will attract what you feel insecure about
  • Instead of focusing on the money you need, try to focus on security and what it will feel like to be secure
  • Take actions that you are inspired to take
  • Don't face reality, CREATE IT!
  • Focus on the things that make you feel abundant as a person
I hope you enjoyed these 12 steps to helping you acquire wealth. In the end, a lot of the things we want and get in life have to do with our mindset about them. If you set yourself up to acquire wealth mentally, then it will manifest physically. Now don't go too crazy :) 

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from:
How to Manifest Money
Kid Money Image

Running Form

Running is a great way to get exercise! I have been reading a lot about running because I have found it to be more challenging than just doing cardio on the elliptical. I realized how bad my form was in running so here a few great tips to having better form when running.


Poor Form (Sitting in the Bucket): 
  • Body vertical. 
  • Foot lands in front of body
  • Reaching forward with legs and arms
  • Ankle flexed up
  • Heelstrike and tight shins
  • Collapsing at the core
  • Hips behind heel strike
  • Long stride
Nice Form:
  1. Body aligned
  2. Slight forward lean 
  3. Midfoot strike
  4. Stride opens behind
  5. Midfoot landing
I am such a visual learner so I am going to throw some helpful images to help all of you! (Click image to view larger)



Now that you know the proper form of running, you can go out there,  run some miles without injuries! Happy Running!!! (:

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 

Running Form for Distance Runners
Poor Form and Nice Form 
4 Steps Image from Olivia Scalet  
Elements of Good Form Image from girlevolving 
Bad Form Image from Sim Track and Field 

20 Minute Fatburning Yoga

I found this amazing yoga instructor, Sadie Nardini, from Youtube. I discovered it and had to show Michael. I love that she tells you exactly when to breathe. I would say that her yoga poses are not traditional, but they are totally fun. You should totally try it and let us know how you like it (:


I usually stop the video a little before it ends and listen to yoga music for 15-45 minutes in corpses pose and meditate. 


This post is written by Karel. 
Adapted from: Sadie Nardini from youtube

Electromagnetic Health

With the rise of technology and constant changes in the energy structure of our world, we are constantly being exposed to many electrical fields. The constant bombardment of these fields affect our own well being since we are electrical beings and our bodies operate on electrical impulses. Electromagnetic Fields can be a type of pollution to our bodies, even though they are invisibile to our eyes. Different types of EMF's include cell phones, wireless frequencies, electrical grids, computers, microwaves, refrigerators, and many more.



When we sleep, our bodies attempt to regenerate cells and detoxify from the previous day. During the waking hours it can be hard to avoid EMF's, but while we sleep, it is the most important to have the least amount of interaction with any negative energy fields. 

Our bodies need a break from these fields, and if we are overexposed to EMF's, issues can arrise such as:
  • Headaches
  • Hyperactivity
  • Nightmares
  • Depression & fatigue
  • Eyestrain
  • Muscle cramps
Follow some of these tips to help make your sleep more restful, and to help you feel better in the morning!
  • Turning off and unplugging everything electrical in your sleeping area, including your computer, WI-FI, & cell phone
  • Turning off all the fuses at night (or at least those that are in your bedroom)
  • Shielding your bed with a special metalized fabric to protect yourself from harmful frequencies that can disrupt cellular communication in the body
  • At minimum, moving your bed so that your head is at least 3-6 feet from all electrical outlets
  • Sleeping on a non-metal bed and mattress 
Even if you can't incorporate everything that was mentioned, it is good to at least try what you can and see if it helps your sleep and overall well-being.

For me, I turn off my cell phone when I can, & unplug anything attached to the wall outlets in my room. I always get nice restful sleep and feel super energized in the morning.

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from:
Powerful & Simple Tips to Help Lower your EMF Risks
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DIY Sweaty Bands

I did a Sweaty Bands tutorial on my health tumblr so I decided to share with you guys! I don’t know about you but I really hate when I have to readjust my headband when I work out, run or just wearing one for the day. Then, I found out about Sweatybands! However, I am a broke college student and don’t really think $15 for a headband is worth it. So, since I am oh-so crafty, I made one… I mean, three!

DIY Sweatybands Tutorial
What you need: (I went to Joanns Fabrics)
  • 1/2” elastic (any size should be fine, I used 1/2” in black)
  • ribbon (I got three different sizes and patterns)
  • velvet ribbon (make sure these are the same size as your ribbon)
  • needle and thread (I used black and my machine)




Steps

  1. Measure your head and cut your ribbons smaller than that. I cut to where under my ears are (I cut at 16”). Cut the velvet ribbon exactly the same. Cut elastic. (All my headbands ended up all different sizes for some reason, but I found 6 1/2” for the elastic is good).
  2. Make sure the pattern side is up on ribbon and flip over.
  3. Put fuzzy side up of the velvet ribbon on top of your headband ribbon. (So it looks like you’re going to wear it.
  4. Sew one side (the long side!) close to the edge. Flip to the other long side and sew that.
  5. Slip in elastic between the two ribbons and stitch like crazy! That way it’s secure.
  6. Slip in other side. BAM you’re done!


I made 3 DIY sweatybands for $10.75 which comes down to about $3.58 for one. Better than $15 right?!
I hope the pictures helped in some way. The banner is the finished product. #1 is the measurements. #2 is to show how I stictched it. #3 is me wearing the final product. I had worn this all day and it didn’t move! The velvet ribbon keeps the headband stay in place.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email us! (: Happy DIY-ing!

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 
Sweatybands

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Tomato Veggie Casserole

Doesn't that look delicious!?! We started eating it before we got to take a picture. Oopsies! We decided that we should share a yummy recipe in time for the grand opening of Living Towards Love. Michael found the recipe on Food Network. Of course, it was in our nature to change it up and add things to it. It turned out really really good!!!

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Serves: 6

Ingredients: (we sliced them in cubes)
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium yam, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 5 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced into rings
  • 2 small or 1 large zucchini, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
  • Salt and pepper 
  • herbs de provence
  • dried basil
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
  • 1cup grated Parmesan
  • 4 tablespoons dried Italian-style bread crumbs 
  • Fresh basil sprigs, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 

Mix the potato, yam, bell pepper, carrots in a 13 by 9 baking dish. We used a deep rectangle foil pan because we didn't have anything else. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper (we accidentally forgot this step!). Mix together with hands and spread the vegetables evenly over the bottom of the pan.

Place onion slices over the veggies. Put zucchini over the onion. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried basil and herbs de provence. Arrange the tomato over zucchini.
In a separate small bowl, stir together the Parmesan and bread crumbs. (We actually doubled this part, in the original recipe it was half of what we have written above in the ingredients list. Trust us on this one, the Parmesan and crumbs make it delicious!)

Sprinkle the Parm-crumb mix over the veggies. Drizzle with one last tablespoon of coconut oil.

Bake uncovered until the veggies are tender, and the topping is golden brown, about 50 min. Garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!!!


We love this recipe and we are definitely going to make it again. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! It only lasted two days for the both of us, but it was definitely worth it.

This post was written by Karel & Michael.
Adapted from: 
Food Network

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