Being Involved in Your Community

As a past Community Services Advisors (or Resident Advisors) at my college, I find that being involved in your community very important. It helps you feel safe, get to know who is around you, feel active in events, and more!

Go Green! Cleaning Recipes

Michael and I recently got ourselves a little baby bird and strong cleaning fumes are extremely harmful for their poor little respiratory systems. I could only imagine what it does to them! But what could it do to us? Because of this, we have decided to transition into a more green and sustainable lifestyle, starting with our cleaning products. Below are recipes for an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and a bar that will suck the stink from your trash!

Healing Wounds: The Natural Way

There are many easy to use home remedies that can help in times of need when you accidentally injure, cut yourself, or need some healing. You may not always have access to the items I am going to post, but it is good to know just in case. It is also good to have some of these items in a first aid kit just in case. Plants and herbs have been used to heal people for thousands of years, but recently we have turned towards man made chemical products to help out. I am not trying to say that they aren't effective, but if there is a natural way, it is always better for you and your body overall. Try these natural remedies out these simple remedies and see how they work for you ;)

Aloe vera gel - use on cuts, wounds and scrapes of all kinds. very soothing! can also be mixed with water and used internally to cleanse

Essential oils - lavender, chamomile, and tea trea oils are highly effective and are good for burns, cuts, and any rashes you may have. Make sure you buy 100% essential oil to make sure no chemicals are used and that it isn't diluted!

Witch hazel - perfect for sunburns, or as an aftershave! Has a very soothing scent :)

Cayenne pepper - powdered cayenne can stop bleeding if you dust your wound with it. Just don't eat too much, because it is very spicy

Honey - great for treating burns, but also wonderful for...

Amputations

Bedsores

Leg ulcers (diabetic foot and leg ulcers, varicose ulcers, leprosy ulcers, sickle cell ulcers, et cetera.)

Malignant ulcers

Fistulas

Cracked nipples

Surgical wounds

Gunshot and trauma-induced wounds, including those to the skull and abdomen

Cuts, abrasions, and puncture wounds

Black Pepper - effective at stopping bleeding

Apple Cider Vinegar - great for cleaning all wounds. good to combine with honey and cayenne pepper as well

Echinacea - helps to speed up the healing of wounds

Marigold - great stimulator for producing new tissue and helping progress healing



This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Annies Remedy
Honey Remedies

Feng Shui: A Short Introduction

I have been interested in Feng Shui recently in order to create a positively energized living area. I have read articles, books, and looked at many pictures. If you are interested in creating a house with balanced energies, keep reading! Feng Shui has been around for over 3,000 years and originated from China. It literally means wind water for both wind and water is needed for a long and healthy life.

What you need:

• Your house or room you want to work on
• a compass (if you have a smart phone, you can get a free app. You can also find a boyscout!)
• a bagua (A bagua is the energy map shaped like an octagon. Above is a simpler map I have found that can be used as the bagua)

First, create a list of all the activities you do with your family (or whoever lives there). If possible, each room will be the main focus of those activities. If not, create defining boundaries. For example, the bedroom is sleeping. If you need a TV in the bedroom, enclose it or put a cloth over it. 

Second, use the bagua to help you with each part of the room. For example, the far right corner of your room is the love corner which can have more of the Earth element than any other element.

The Elements
Water Element

• use the colors blue and black
• use see through glass, windows, or vases
• use wavy and flowing shapes or fabric patterns
• include the following items in this area: fountains, fish tanks, faucets, toilets, sinks, tubs, and paintings or pictures with water scenes (like beaches or lakes) 
• to enhance, also increase the use of water's parent element: metal

Wood Element

• use the color green
• use rectangular shapes for furniture (bookcases, picture frames, pillows)
• use striped patterns for fabric
• incorporate plants or nature scenes
•  include the following items in this area: wood furniture, paper products (books and magazines)
• to enhance, also increase the use of wood's parent element: water

Fire Element

• use the color red (any shade, coral, dusty red, brick, burgandy) 
• use triangular shapes or things in threes (like picture frames or candles)
• use things that incorporate fire: stoves, fireplace, candles
• include images that invoke strong feelings of intamacy
• to enhance, also increase the use of Fire's parent element: wood

Earth Element

• use earth tones and the color yellow
• use square shapes (coffee table, pillows, checkered fabric)
• use brick, stone, and terra cotta
• use objects that are low to the ground (coffee table, ground pillows, etc) 
• to enhance, also increase the use of Earth's parent element: fire

Metal Element

• use the color white
• use circular shapes (tables, mirrors, rugs, lamps)
• use shiny or metallic objects
• incorporate organization systems like filing cabinets, closets and storage bins
• to enhance, also increase the use of Metal's parent element: Earth

Do you want a living area with balanced energies? What are your experiences with Feng Shui? How will you use Feng Shui in your home? 

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 
The Feng Shui Deck by Ollivia Miller
Feng Shui History
Feng Shui Series 
Bagua image 
Water Image 
Candle Image 
Feng Shui Cycle

Eating Out as a Vegan

Many of you may or may not know that I (, Karel) started eating vegan at the end of March. Why vegan? Before, it was for health. Now, it is because I think all beings are equal and humans are not superior. To me vegan is non-violence towards all beings. This also means inclusive and not hurtful words, being kind at heart, and being a loving person. I feel very passionate about being equal towards all beings and I think vegan is how I can encompass this belief.

I have recently realize how difficult it is to eat out at restaurants. Not because people don't offer vegan food (they do, almost always), but people are so closed minded about it. So here are some ways to help all you vegans out there eat at yummy restaurants.

1. Be prepared. Check out the menu before hand and write down what you want! This will ensure that you will definitely have something to eat.
2. Check out Happy Cow. They have a lot of restaurants on there to show what are vegetarian and vegan friendly!
3. Call them. Ask questions before you actually go it. I find that waiters and waitresses get impatient with me. Realize that they have other people to wait on. Do your homework and find out before you go in. 
4. Don't forget to check out the sides. Sometimes that is your best option. For example, today I ordered a side of fruit, a side of veggies, and a side of potatoes. I was full and it was all vegan!
5. Check out Yelp too. If you type in vegan, a bunch of results will show up. Click on the restaurant, and search vegan again (it's in the middle of the page). You can see the person's comment that had the word vegan in it. This really helps me figure out what to order.
6. Regardless of number 3, ask questions. It doesn't hurt to ask and you can get a clear answer right away.
7. Sometimes it is just better to tell them that you are allergic to mean, dairy, and eggs. They are more careful when preparing your food when allergies are involved. 
8. Eat before (if you know they really do not have anything) or bring some snacks.
9. Don't forget about the butter! Ask if they cook with butter.
10. Most importantly, be polite and nice.

What have you experienced when going out to eat? What do you tell the waiters and waitresses (vegan or allergies)? Have you had any bad (or positive!) experiences when going out?

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from:
Oh She Glows
Happy Cow
Yelp
Don't Eat Your Friends Image 

The Benefits of Rising Early

Most people dread getting out of bed, and it can be one of the most daunting tasks of the day. Believe it or not, people tend to be more productive and have a higher sense of accomplishment and well-being when they wake up early in the morning. This is partly because you get to awaken with the sun, but also because your mind is more fresh, clean, and productive when you have an early kickstart. As I write this it is 6:48am, and I woke up at 5am. I felt ready to go and start my day. Yes, of course you have to get used to it and it isn't going to be the easiest thing to begin with, but as you get used to it, you will notice how awesome it is! What do you stay up until 2am doing anyways? Watching tv shows or stalking your friends on facebook? That's what I thought ;).

For the record, many artists, successful businessmen, and CEO's wake up early to get the day started to have an "edge" over the competition and increase their creative juices.

Benefits of waking up early

Eating healthier: Many people skip breakfast, and it is one of the most important meals of the day! Waking up earlier will insure that you have time for this precious meal and that you are nourished and can get your metabolism kickstarted. You are also less likely to eat junk food later if you eat a healthy well-balanced breakfast.

Preparing food for the day: A lot of people don't have time to prepare meals for the day, or even get done what they truly want to accomplish. Instead of feeling rushed by waking up 10 minutes before work, wake up earlier and prepare all your days meals and complete tasks. This is especially beneficial if you have kids too :). It is best to create a to do list the night before so you know exactly what you will do in the morning.

Less missed workouts: Waking up earlier allows you to do what you need to do in your day. This especially includes working out! You will have more energy and more motivation to boost your day with an awesome workout. Also, it will help in your consistency of exercising since you will have no excuses for not having enough time anymore.

Productivity: Many people who are successful in their business and life endeavors are usually early risers. You get more done in a day if you wake up earlier. Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison were two famous spokesmen for rising early. Basically when you rise early you have less distractions since most people aren't awake. You are also more efficient in the morning with less brain fog. Late at night the body is trying to shut down and prepare for sleep. Staying up late is counter intuitive and actually works against your natural circadian rhythm.

Reduced Stress: You don't have to rush any more throughout the day to get done what you need to do. This way when you get home from work later in the day you can truly relax knowing you have had an awesome productive day! You don't have to rush to get up, eat, and run off to work. You have time to enjoy yourself, watch the sunrise, listen to music, workout, shower, and whatever else you choose!

Better Quality Sleep: The body works best when it has a rhythm to it. You may not go to bed at the same time every night depending on how you ate, the amount of sunlight you were exposed to, and your overall activity level, but at least having a set waking schedule will help you to have some balance in your life. Being consistent is the key. Sporadic waking and sleeping patterns can shock and disrupt the body.

Sunrise: There is something special about watching the sunrise and seeing the world awaken from the darkness. It is a wonderful time for meditation, when the yin and the yang are in perfect balance.  It is also beneficial to stare at the sun as it rises. This practice is known as sungazing and can help increase your energy levels, spiritually awaken your divine powers, and reduce your use of food. It is taking pure light energy from the source. It may sound too good to be true, but it is actually an ancient practice that is perfectly safe within an hour after the sun has risen. This is when the UV index is 0, and it can cure bad vision. Look forward to a blog about this wonderful free nutritional energy source that we can all benefit from :)

What time do you like to wake up? Answer in the comments section below :) 

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Waking Up

Honey & Cinammon: Nature's Miracle

Honey is one of those foods that won't spoil, and it is a completely natural source of energy from our buzzing friends. Cinnamon is also a wonderfully natural spice that warms the body and can protect from disease and stress. Combined, these two powerhouses can help us in many ways to heal the body and prevent illness. This is something that the drug companies don't want you to know, shhh! Use these remedies and see how they work for you. They are all pretty simple and just use cinnamon and honey in different combinations.

Heart Disease
Directions: Make a paste of cinnamon powder and honey, apply it to bread instead of jelly or jam. Eat this regularly for breakfast
Benefits: Relives loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. As you age, your arteries lose flexibility and get clogged. Cinnamon and honey combined revitalize your arteries and veins.

Arthritis
Directions: Use one cup of hot water with 2 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of cinnamon, twice daily.
Benefits: When taken regularly, chronic arthritis can be cured. A study at Copenhagen University suggested that the mixture relieved 73/200 patients of their pain within the first month.

Bladder Infections
Directions: Take 2 tbsp of cinnamon powder and 1 tsp honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it
Benefits: Destroys the germs in your bladder

Cholesterol
Directions: Take 2 tbsp honey and 3 tsp cinnamon mixed in 16 ounces of tea water
Benefits: Taken as advised in a study it reduced cholesterol by 10% within two hours. When done three times a day, chronic cholesterol is cured.

Colds 
Directions: Take 1 tbsp lukewarm honey with 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder daily for three days
Benefits: Clears most chronic cough, colds, and even clears the sinuses. I have actually tried this one and it cleared my cold within 3 days!

Indigestion
Directions: Sprinkle cinnamon powder on 2 tbsp of honey and take before a meal
Benefits: Relieves any acidity and helps you to digest heavy meals

Longevity
Directions: Make a tea with 4 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of cinnamon with 3 cups of water and boil to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day.
Benefits: Keeps the skin fresh, soft, and even arrests old age. Life span has the possibility to increase and you will also feel more energized!

Pimples
Directions: Use 3 tbsp of honey and 1 tsp of cinnamon to make a paste. Apply to pimples before sleeping and wash off the next morning with warm water
Benefits: Removes all pimples from the root when done daily for 2 weeks.

Skin Infections
Directions: Apply honey and cinnamon in equal parts to affected areas
Benefits: Can cure eczema, ringworm, and other types of skin infections

Cancer
Directions: Take 1 tbsp honey with 1 tsp of cinnamon 3 times a day for 1 month
Benefits: Bone and stomach cancer have been cured successfully in Japan and Australia with this method

Bad Breath
Directions: Gargle 1 tsp of honey and cinnamon mixed in hot water first thing in the morning
Benefits: Breath stays fresh throughout the day

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the benefits of honey and cinnamon, but it just shows you how powerful the combination can be! Nature is life's best cure for all illnesses and diseases. Trust in it!

Who is the bees favorite singer?

A: Sting!!! 

This post is written by Michael .
Adapted from: 
David Bickel
Image

Stress: Tips to melt it away!

Stress is a big subject in today's world. We all have crazy responsibilities and sometimes life just feels as if it is speeding by at 1000mph! Stress negatively impacts our bodies, and can actually shorten our life span if we are exposed to it too often. It can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining on our bodies. Stress lowers our immune system responses causing us to be more susceptible to colds and viruses as well. It is no wonder now that I would always get sick right before all of my school finals.

Today I will be talking about some tips and foods to help you combat stress as much as possible!

Tips for reducing stress
Eating habits: try to avoid stimulants like alcohol, black tea, coffee, and sugar. Chamomile tea is a good alternative to these because it acts to relax the body. Eat in a calm environment and try not to rush your meals.

Hot baths: a nice warm bath after a long day can really help to relax and calm the body. Use natural 100% essential oils to add some aromatherapy benefits!

Aromatherapy: natural essential oils are great for relieving stress. My favorites are lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint. You can either add a few drops to boiled water and breathe the steam, or invest in a vaporizer to add rejuvenating natural scents to you home.

Exercising: exercise helps to release feel good hormones that relax the body. Also, you are less likely to think about all the things you have to do if you are focusing on your body and breathing. Take part in regular exercise such as walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, etc. Get moving!

Breathing: i know what you are thinking, "yes," I know how to breathe.. Well, there is more to breathing than you may think. During yoga, meditation, and tai chi, deep breathing techniques are utilized to increase the flow of oxygen, prana, and to help calm the body. Deep breathing and breathing exercises are important for you and can even help when you get headaches or are in a stressful situation. I am not going to explain any specific exercises, but if you are interested feel free to do further research

Massage: massage is great because it helps to increase the flow of stagnant blood, chi, and improves the lymphatic system. The best massages are from friends! Give and take :)

Talk to a friend: it can be a big weight off of our shoulders to share problems with people. After all, we are social beings and we need a support system. It is nice to feel needed and to help others with their issues or to just enjoy random conversation. This will reduce your stress by releasing blocked emotions.

Foods to help relieve stress
When we become stressed, our blood pressure increases and our heart rate speeds up. Here are some natural foods to help lower your blood pressure naturally and increase your sense of well being:

• Bananas
• Beets
• Artichokes 
• Cacao (natural chocolate, different from cocoa which is highly processed and stripped of nutrients)  
• Garlic 
• Blueberries (contain strong antioxidants to fight free radicals) 
• Goji berries 

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from:
Blood Pressure
Stress Reduction
Image 1

Getting Rid of Cankersores

So I have had a canker sore for a few days now and I knew there had to be a way to get rid of them! Canker sores are this small ulcers in the inside of your mouth and you notice all the time, especially when eating and drinking. It is most common between the ages of 10 to 20 years old. They are pretty common, can happen multiple times in a year, and lasts for about a week.

Just to be Clear
Canker sores and cold sores are not the same thing. Cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. They are usually located on the outside of the mouth.

Causes of Canker Sores
There is no known direct cause of canker sores but the following may influence getting one:

• stress or tissue injury
• acidic foods (like citrus, strawberries, and tomatoes) 
• sharp tooth surface or dental appliance (like braces or dentures)

Home Remedies for Getting Rid of them
Please note: I only tried #1

1. Salt: wash your hands, wet the tip of your finger, sprinkle salt on it, place on sore (I did this and it hurts! I let it do its thing and I would gargle with water and do it again. I did this twice a day for four days and it's gone!) 
2. Baking Soda: Make a paste with baking soda and water and put directly on sore. Rinse mouth with finished
3. Honey: Dab honey on the spot to help soothe the pain
4. Vodka, Rum, or Wiskey: Dab directly onto sore using a q-tip (this one is probably painful)
5. Apple Cider Vinegar: Dab directly onto sore using a q-tip (this is also painful)
6. Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 1 part peroxide, 1 part water. Swish in mouth. (this is also painful)

We hope this helps! If it doesn't go away after a week, definitely talk to a doctor!

Disclaimer: We are not doctors. This information is just for informational use only. It is NOT intended to provide medical advise. We are not responsible for any possible consequenses from anything stated above. Thank you.
 

This post is written by NAME.
Adapted from: 
WebMD 
TipNut 
Honey Image

Product Review: Diva Cup + Giveaway!

Before you keep reading, this post is geared towards the ladies (sorry guys!). Second, we are not sponsored or paid to publicize this product.

The product that I am reviewing is called the Diva Cup. It is a sustainable menstrual cup that you insert and clean and whatnot. There are other cups just like this like: the Moon Cup and the Keeper. I have linked them all so you can compare. This review is solely on the Diva Cup because I haven't tried the others.

Why I love the Diva Cup

• It is only $40 ($30 on amazon!). If you think about it, you will save money. According to their website, you save about $100-150 per year!
• You can keep it in for 12 hours. I hate having to go to the bathroom every 3-4 hours especially when I have class that long. This is the best solution.
• I hate the bulkyness of pads, and tampons freak me out.
• You don't feel it (for the most part). It definitely gets some getting used to in the beginning. 
• It is so easy to do normal things. I used to avoid working out and doing yoga because I hate worrying about it. Now, I don't even think about what to do.

Here is a video explaining menstrual cups. She doesn't talk about the DivaCup because it is newer but you should still watch it!

Diva Cup Giveaway!

 What you get: one Diva Cup (size 1)

Who can enter: US residents only!

What you need to do:

• You must email livingtowardslove@gmail.com your name.
• You must be liking our Facebook page.
• +2 entry: advertising LTL on Facebook (send screenshot to email above)
• +1 entry: advertising LTL on Tumblr/Twitter (only one, if you do both, it counts as one entry. send screenshot)
• +1 entry: doing the survey from a couple weeks ago (leave your name in one of the comment boxes so we know you did it!)
• +1 entry: commenting on this post on why you want the Diva cup

How we will choose:
We will take all your entries, write them on a piece of paper, put in hat, and pick. We will make a video so you can all see. We will also email you that you have won so we can get your shipping information.

Enter by Valentines Day at 9pm PST. We will announce the winner on Friday or Saturday!

Good luck!! :)

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 
Diva Cup 
Amazon
Youtube
 Diva Cup Logo Image
Diva Cup Image

Life Lessons: The Stranger Part 4

For those of you that have been keeping up, we've been writing about "The Stranger" for a while now. He had so many lessons to share and it is not over yet! If you have missed, here is Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Here is the continuation of The Stranger.

You can't change anyone but yourself.  You can only change yourself. The Stranger would always leave his dirty clothes in the bathroom. His wife finally learned that nagging him won't change anything. She put the laundry basket in the bathroom. Everyone is happy.

Pick and choose what you want to believe. We hear things everyday but we should question and not always believe that people are right or speaking the truth. Research before you believe what someone says.

Just because you listen, does not mean that you are not participating.  The Stranger told us a story about this man he knew in Hawaii. The Stranger always talked to... well, strangers while waiting for his wife shopping. He made conversation with other people that we waiting too. There was always this man that listened for years. Finally, over time, this man opened up to the Stranger. Even though he did not speak up in the earlier years, he was still participating because he was listening to conversation. In this story (which was a rather long story), we also learned that you can make something out of what you have and love to do.

There are Four Agreements:

1. written (contracts, etc)
2.  oral (things you talk about with others)
3. knowledgeable (for example, you know that mom will get mad if you aren't at the dinner table at 5:30)
4. nature (you can't go through walls, can't jump off building with out dying: we are limited by nature)

 ***if you break the agreement, someone will get mad. Learn to talk about changing the agreement.

Make wishes and change your stories. Wish for things to happen and make them true. Even if it seems simple do it. This works! You just need to believe it will. Picture it in your head, what happens, how it feels, visualize and feel. I once told Michael when pulling into a parking lot to go close to the building because someone will be leaving their spot. Believe it or not, someone did.


The biggest lesson: Be honest, open, and kind.
We all make mistakes, but we have to realize that we made those mistakes and forgive ourselves. 

This is the last of the Life Lessons with the Stranger.  It was an amazing random encounter. His main ideas were based on Enlightenment and how to find it. He says that we are now on our journey and can never go back. Thank you for keeping up with the long series of The Stranger. Keep coming back for more Life Lessons with LTL! (:


This post is written by Karel and Michel.
Adapted from: a random encounter with The Stranger 
Wish Picture 
Question Everything Picture

Oriental Medicine: Introduction to the Five Element Theory

The five element theory is used in traditional chinese medicine as a way to diagnose and treat illness. The premise behind it is that every being is created from five elements. Wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each of these elements relates to each other and can control one another. When we become out of balanced emotionally or physically, it can be detrimental to our health and show up as aches in certain parts of our bodies, or even aversions to certain tastes or smells. Our bodies are very intricate and this is definitely a specialized type of medicine used for diagnosis.

Each element feeds the other and if one is out of balance it can affect your health adversely. Below is a nice diagram that shows how the elements feed off of each other, and the cycles are also explained.

There are four main cycles in which the elements work together or against each other
The first cycle is called sheng and is the "generating cycle." With this cycle, each element acts as a mother to the next one. An example of this would be that fire provides nourishment for earth.

The second cycle is called ke and is the "controlling cycle." With this cycle, each element checks up on elements across from each other. Each element is controlled and controls another element.

The third cycle is called cheng and is the "overactive cycle." With this cycle, if an element is overactive. An example of this would be water suppressing fire.

The fourth cycle is called wu and is the "insulting cycle." With this cycle, the forces of the elements become reversed. An example of this would be fire burning up water.

FIVE ELEMENTS	Wood	Fire	Earth	Metal	Water
Seasons	Spring	Summer	Late Summer	Autumn	Winter
Zang /Yin organs	Liver	Heart	Spleen	Lung	Kidney
Fu /Yang organs	Gallbladder	Small Intestine	Stomach	Large Intestine	Bladder
Directions	East	South	Middle	West	North
Tastes	Sour	Bitter	Sweet	Pungent	Salty
Tissues	Tendons	Vessels	Muscles	Skin/hair	Bones
Colors	Green	Red	Yellow	White	Blue/Black
Sense organs	Eye	Tongue	Mouth	Nose	Ear

Above is a nice list of how each element relates to many parts of mother natures cycle, and our own bodies. If we are having issues in any of these organs, or have issues in certain seasons, it can be a sign that one or more of our elements are out of balance. Health issues occur when our bodies aren't in perfect harmony, and more than one of our elements can be pointing to something that is wrong.

Many acupuncturists use the five element theory along with the needles in order to help heal illnesses. It is an ancient type of medicine, but can still be extremely effective if practiced properly  It may seem more complicated than it is, but nourishing elements that are out of balance, or the controlling elements, can actually cure disease.

The most important thing is to always listen to signs that your body gives you. It is extremely smart and will detect and warn you of imbalances before anything goes adversely wrong. If you ignore the signs, disease can manifest. If you are in tune, you can take caution and exercise prevention.

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from: 
Five Elements
Image 

6 Cleansing Methods to Get Clean

With the start of the new year, it is a great time to start a cleanse. Our bodies are consistently enduring many toxins and attempting to clear themselves. Cleansing detox diets are short term methods to help clear the system from toxins from processed foods and the environment. Also, cleanses are a great way to beat addictions such as caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. These cleanses can bring mental clarity, spiritual uplifting, and help you feel better.

6 Cleanses to Get Clean

1. Master Cleanse: This cleanse involves consuming a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and cayenne pepper. This mix is consumed multiple times per day over a span of about ten days. Also salt water flushes in the morning and laxative teas are used at night to further cleanse the system.
pro: better sleep, improved complexion, more energy, weight loss, increased strength, reduced swelling and pain
cons: can lead to muscle breakdown, vitamin deficiencies, headaches
*read book The Complete Master Cleanse by Tom Woloshyn or research online for more info

2. Green Smoothie Detox Diet: This cleanse involves drinking fruits and vegetables through smoothies. You want to shoot for about fifteen servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Additional foods besides fruit and veggies allowed are: bee pollen, chia seeds, herbs, raw cacao, coconut, flaxseed oil, goji berries, maple syrup, stevia, honey, and avocado.
pro: good source of fiber to get things moving
cons: can experience headaches and fatigue because of toxin elimination

3. Fresh Fruit Cleanse: This cleanse was created by Leanne Hall who is a yoga instructor and nutrition enthusiast. It lasts between one to seven days. The fruit works to restore metabolism and strengthen digestive action of the intestines. Recommended foods are: mangos, pears, bananas, raspberries, plantains, dates, figs, lemons, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, eggplants, zucchinis, avocados, coconut milk, spirulina, raw cacao, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, olive oil, balsamic vinegar herbs, and spices. It is called the fresh fruit cleanse, but can include some veggies too as listed above
pro: affordable, encourages fruit an veggie intake
con: food needs to be prepped and can be time consuming
*read book Fresh Fruit Cleanse by Leanne Hall for more information

4. Raw Food Cleanse: The idea behind this cleanse is that when we eat too many cooked foods, our bodies use energy that normally goes towards detoxification to assimilate these foods. This cleanse will help to get rid of waste without gaining more junk along the way. Eating habits include organic raw vegetables, fruits, seeds, and sprouts. Avocados, nuts and coconuts aren't allowed for this cleanse because they reduce the efficacy of cleansing and can tax the liver if consumed in large quantities. You must eat at least one pound of leafy greens per day as well. This cleanse normally lasts about 7-10 days. This cleanse also recommends a 24 hour water faster prior to starting.
pro: rejuvenation, energy, weight loss, mental clarity
con: may experience discomfort as toxins leave the body

5. Juice Cleanse: This cleanse requires that you have a juicer, which can be costly. Juice cleanses last at least three days normally and require fruit and vegetable juices. Prior to this type of cleanse you want to eliminate caffeine, processed foods, and sugar from your diet. This is to help avert negative cravings and headaches. You want to drink around 32-96 ounces of juice each day. Half of the juice should come from greens. Warm water is drank between the juices too to help elimination.
pro: increased energy, heal without drugs, maintain stamina
con: costly to buy massive amounts of fruits and veggies, juicers range from $60-1000, need to consume juice immediately after it is made since phytochemicals break down.

6. PH Cleanse: With this cleanse, you consume fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. It prohibits meats, dairy sweets, alcohol, condiments, and artifical sweeteners. The idea behind this cleanse is that you eat foods that have a more alkaline pH. When we eat too many acidic foods such as meat and dairy, it disrupts the homeostasis within our bodies and can cause disease and illness. Balancing our pH with more alkaline foods increases our energy and helps us to recover faster and fight infections. You should do frequent saliva pH tests daily and try and shoot for a pH between 7.35-7.45. This cleanse also calls for two enemas daily
pro: alkaline foods are plant based and nourishing, can resolve pain, increase energy and sense of well being
con: two enemas daily can lead to electrolyte imbalance, negative feelings from toxins leaving body

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Karel and I tried the master cleanse about a year ago and it was great to clear out the system, but it got a bit repetitive and the drinks did not taste very good at all. With all of these cleanses feel out your body and remember that these cleanses are meant to be used for the short term. Note that you don't have to follow these cleanses directly as they are stated, but adapt them as you wish and listen to your body. Also, please consult a doctor before choosing to make any drastic dietary changes, and research each cleanse further independently so you know what to expect.

One more thing... It is BEST to start a cleanse during the spring and summer seasons.

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Style Magazine 
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Successful New Years Resolutions

The new year is almost here, and whether you make a resolution or not, this post will give you some tips to stay on track with life goals or changes. A lot of resolutions that are made have to do with health, but a lot of times people break within the first month and only less than half turn out to be successful for the entire year. I've been there too, saying something I wanted to change and then returning back to where I was shortly after. There is something special about sticking to a promise that you make yourself, and the accomplishment you feel when you achieve your goals is amazing.

My dad for example said that he wouldn't eat sweets for 1 year, and he stuck through it. I don't know how he did it, but I am really proud of him and happy that he stuck to his promise.

Here are some of the most popular resolutions that people make on New Years
-Lose weight
-Drink less alcohol
-Eat better
-Quit smoking
-Manage stress
-Save money
-Take a vacation
-Help others

It doesn't mean that your resolutions have to or should fall into these popular categories. Come up with something that you feel would benefit yourself and that you could implement in your own life with ease. An issue is that a lot of people want to lose weight, but they just adopt some "fad" diet. It may wok temporarily, but usually you are left unsatisfied and it's easy fall into the old ways. What I am trying to say is that if you really want to lose weight, or change your habits to be more healthy, you need to implement lifestyle changes. You need to analyze what you can change and truly adapt so you can be successful and feel good about yourself in the long run. It is cool to lose weight and see results over a short span, but in the end you want to eat and live in a way that you can sustain your whole life and feel good about. Below are some tips to sticking with your resolution this year, whether it be for health, happiness, love, etc.!

Tips for a successful resolution this year:
1. Pick something you truly want: Try not to pick something that other people force upon you, but instead pick something that you feel will benefit your life. Make sure that it fits within your own value system as well.

2. Limit your number: Try and stick with two or three instead of six or seven goals. This way you can focus on the goals you truly want, and remember exactly what you promised yourself. It can be easy to overload on the resolutions, but also easy to break the ones that weren't as big of a deal.

3. Specific: Being specific about your goals is important for an effective resolution. For example, if you say you want to exercise more, it would be better to say that you'd workout at the gym on mondays and tuesdays for one hour.

4. Create a plan: Instead of jumping in and attempting to conquer or change something big, create some smaller steps to get there. Have a plan, and figure out exactly what you want to do. This could go along with creating short term, and long term goals, so you can progress and achieve exactly what you desire.

5. Write and visualize: If you write down your goal, and visualize it on a regular basis, it can help you to be more successful and stick with your resolution easier. Make sure you put your list in a place you will view it often so that you can be reminded.

6. Tell a friend: Having someone know exactly what you want to change will help to keep you more on track because your friend can hold you accountable. Share your goals with someone that you know will be supportive and help to motivate you when and if you are feeling down.

7. Forgive yourself: If you fail once, don't sabotage your entire goals for the year. Just pick yourself back up and continue on. Many times people trash their resolutions just because they messed up once or twice. Slipping is part of the process and it happens. We are only human and we make mistakes, and we must learn from them. Believe in yourself.

Thanks for reading! Stay safe this holiday/new years season, and spend it in good company :)

This post is written by Michael.
Adapted from: 
Popular Resolutions
Keeping Resolutions
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The 2012 Transition: New beginnings

The time has come. We have just ended the great 26,000 year cycle. There have been many prophecies to explain what will happen in 2012, but the world is definitely not ending. Unfortunately many people have thought this and continue to live in fear. Instead, get excited for the beautiful changes about to happen, and be grateful to be on earth during this wonderful time!

The universe was founded on a sacred level of creation relating to geometric shapes, and this is why everything is a part of everything else. The universe is an infinitely expanding space where life exists on many different levels, and also dimensions. Unfortunately, in world we currently live in,  we experience polarity that consciously permeates all of our lives. This is seeing good/bad and separation in everything. We separate ourselves from others by comparisons, judgements, etc. But in reality, we are all one, and have the same cosmic energy of creation flowing through all of us. It is an amazing thing, but with the dominant male energy in the universe, we forget our feminine connection to all things, and mother earth. The male dominate left brain is the one that harbors competition, separation, and is a complete illusional type of thinking. It is no surprise that we see things as being separate. We go to school and are immediately thrown into left brain type of learning, without knowledge of the feminine emotional aspect of our lives. The feminine becomes suppressed, while the male force is exaggerated. This has led us to where we are today; wars, destroying the environment, and being disconnect from our family and friends. We have forgotten our intimate connection to all things, and have wrecked havoc upon our own earth. With the ending of the great cycle that has just occurred on December 21, 2012, we will be entering a new cycle where the feminine energy will begin to flower and blossom. This is a new age for change, and conscious upbringing. We must learn to live from the heart, and help heal our mother earth, and raise our consciousness of connectedness. We are creating our very reality and world every second by our thoughts, and feelings. We don't see this, because in the third dimension, manifestation takes time to occur. Since we are all one, we become the creators of the world. I want to ask you to be conscious of your thoughts, and to not live in fear. Fear is harmful to everything, and lowers our vibrational being. Instead, live within your heart, where you will find the truth to all things. 

We will soon be entering a time of christ-consciousness. This will be the change from a third dimensional world, into the fourth. We wont go anywhere, and will stay on earth, but we will be changing frequencies so to speak. This is a special time to be here on this earth to experience this change. It will be a transition of consciousness. In the fourth dimension, what you think manifests instantly, unlike on the third dimensional level we currently live on. In our world there is a delay in manifestation that occurs through our thoughts. There are many ascended masters currently among us who have come down from higher dimensional levels to ease us into this time of change. The geomagnetic field of the earth has slowly been decreasing over the past two hundred years dramatically. When this field collapses soon, the world will be left for three and a half days without it. This may cause people to act in weird ways and go somewhat crazy. Normally when there is an axis shift, a change in consciousness occurs with it. Synthetic three dimensional objects will start to disappear and only true natural objects will remain intact. This is the reason why natural structures have remained around earth, always. This shall not be a time of fear, because we have all made this transition before, we just don't remember. We have existed since the beginning of time, but have forgotten who we are. When the time comes, we will remember exactly what needs to happen, and will all be at peace together. Just remember, look to your heart, because all of the answers are within. 

This post is written by Michael, from the heart.
Adapted from: 
School of remembering
The Shift
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Boosting your Immunity this Holiday Season

So let's face it, it is that time of the year when everyone is getting sick.. It can be hard to avoid, but we can improve our chances of not catching a cold by following some good guidelines. Flu shots can be good, but unfortunately they contain some nasty ingredients like aluminum, and mercury, formaldehyde, and MSG (according to the CDC). We need to protect ourselves in the best way that we can to prevent sickness, and that means taking matters into our own hands. Read below for some good tips to boost your immunity!

Boosting your Immunity this Holiday Season:
1. Exercise regularly: moving the body around helps to increase circulation and help the lymphatic system clear toxins from the body. The more we are stagnant, the easier it is to be susceptible to colds

2. Herbal supplements: some great supplements for improving your immune system are garlic, echinacea, elderberry, and osha root.

3. Colloidal silver: I recently tried some of this product, and it kicked my cold in a matter of days! You can find it over the counter and is a great immune strengthener for if you think you are about to get sick, or for recovering faster. Supposedly, it was also used by the egyptians long ago.

4. Sleep well: try to get atleast 8-9 hours of sleep per night. When we don't rest fully our bodies ability to recover diminishes and can weaken our life force.

5. Sunlight: we need sun and the production of vitamin D in order to live healthy and happily  It is hard in the winter seasons to get sunlight, but if you see that it is out, Jump in!

6. Drink juice: green juices are amazing not only for their high nutrient level, but they protect us on a cellular level from the high amount of living enzymes that nourish our bodies. Drink as much fresh fruit and vegetable juices as you can this season!

7. Enjoy spices: spices taste awesome, but are good for our immunity as well. Increase spices such as tumeric, ginger, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro. Spice up your life!

8. Coconut oil: use coconut oil on your hands after washing them to smooth them out, but to also help protect you from catching a cold. The oil has anti-viral properties and can even be better than hand sanitizer, since it doesn't kills the healthy bacteria.

9. Eat better: It is so easy to crawl into a cave with a box of cookies and just binge during these cold times. Try to eat less cheese and processed products. These cause sinus stuffiness and can make you more susceptible to catching colds. Instead, have more roots, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and squashes!

10. Trace minerals: selenium and zinc are especially important for healthy immune function. Zinc is especially good for preventing viral attacks. A good way to boost these minerals is to use a good quality sea salt. Gray sea salt is one of the best, and a lot healthier than regular table salt that is processed.

I hope these tips help you to stay cold free this season! :)

This post is written by Michael 
Adapted from:
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Boost

Life Lessons: The Stranger Part 3

A few weeks ago, we had blogged about our experience with The Stranger. We learned many life lessons by said stranger. Here is the continuation of our conversation with The Stranger.

You have the power to heal yourself. The Stranger asked if we had physical pain that were bothering us at the time. Michael mentioned this continuous pain he had in his back for over 6 months. The Stranger had Michael sit neutral and close his eyes and imagine the pain. Where is it? (But don't touch it.) What color is it? Size of a golf ball, baseball, or football? Then he had him imagine there was a spout at the top of his head and emptied at his toes. The Stranger had him imagine that colored water was pouring in and washing the pain away. Of course, if you have pain you need to be proactive and notice what you need to do. The Stranger told us a story about how he helped heal his daughter. It turns out that she seriously hurt herself and didn't come back until months later.

Fears are rooted within yourself. I told The Stranger about a scary incident that had happened to me. I was manifesting what could have happened in my mind creating fear. He suggested to immerse myself in that fear. It involved the dark, so he told me to walk around outside in the dark. It makes you feel powerful. Also, do you notice that when you are fearful all you think about is that fear? He suggested to think about the pink elephant. How big is it? Does it have eyelashes? Also, have some sort of protection that can make you feel more at ease. I carry around pepper spray with me.

For women: Just because you are a woman, don't give away your power. Women are powerful. If you give someone the power, then you are giving them permission to make you feel that way. Stand up for yourself! This though obviously also goes with men (, but it connected with my last story).

Change your words. Say "would you" and not "can you" when asking questions. You are taking away the power to say "no." When you say "would you," you give people the choice to say "no" or "yes". This is better.

We hope you have been enjoying our series of The Stranger. Hold on! There is still more to come! If you missed the previous parts of the Stranger, Check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: a peculiar encounter in our life together
 Heart Sweet Clip Art
Shoohan Power Button

Fluoride: Poisoning your water silently

Fluoride is used in toothpaste to combat our cavities, but more recently it has been added into our water supply without question. Why you may ask? Well, the CDC (center for disease control and prevention) claims that it is one of the "ten best health achievements of the 20th century" by adding this unnecessary chemical into the water supply in order to protect us from getting cavities. It is actually a by-product of industrial runoff from aluminum factories, but instead of disposing of it, it get put into the water supply. It is normally used as an insecticide and rat killer, and this is being put into OUR WATER! what!?

Unfortunately, most people don't even know that it is in most city tap water, and it can cause a whole multitude of negative issues.

Negatives:
-Causes skeletal system to rapidly deteriorate, which increases weakness in joints and bones
-It is a Neurotoxin that affects cerebral functioning
-Studies have showed that it lowers IQ of populations
-Makes people docile (not caring mentality)
-Increases cancer and tumor growth
-Interrupts DNA-repair activity
-Calcifies the pineal gland (our third eye of knowledge and all knowing power)
-Causes genetic damage
-Associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia
-Lowers the activity of the thyroid gland
-Can cause insomnia because it lowers melatonin release while you sleep
-Causes white spots on teeth called dental fluorosis
-Damages natural enzymes in the body
-Can lead to hives and eczema
-Breaks down collagen and causes wrinkling of the skin
-Weakens the muscles and tendons of the body

Basically, sodium fluoride in our water supplies is killing us, and no one seems to care about it..... No one wants to drink poison, and since we are made up of about 70% water, it is important to have a clean source.

www.findaspring.com is a great website for finding a local spring to get the cleanest water possible, because the city's tap water is definitely not the best source to support our health and well-being.

Tips to avoid fluoride:
-Buy toothpaste without fluoride (Toms of maine sells this, and other natural suppliers do as well)
-Avoid canned foods because fluoride is used as a preservative
-Check your medications and vitamins, some may contain fluoride
-Avoid chewing tobacco
*Invest in a water filter that can filter the fluoride and other heavy metals. This includes reverse osmosis, activated alumina defluoridation filter, and a distillation filtration. Your brita will NOT protect you.
-Talk to your city water supplier about your concerns and raise awareness with friends and family

This post is written by Michael
Adapted from: 
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fluoride
history of water
avoid fluoride

The Sunshine Award

Thank you to A Mess To Be Made for nominating Living Towards Love for the sunshine award!

Why we love Charlie (from A Mess To Be Made): She makes fun and creative crafts and explains them really well. She's from Scotland. And Charlie and Karel became friends back in middle school (that was nearly ten years ago!).

 

On to the award acceptance process: according to the rules, nominees must (i) include a link in your blog to the blog that nominated you; (ii) answer some questions about yourself; (iii) nominate 10 fellow bloggers, linking to their blogs; and (iv) inform them that they have been nominated.
Q&A:
1. Who is your favorite philosopher? [Karel] My dad. He was a philosophy major in college so I think he counts. He says the greatest things and I love him. [Michael] thich nhat hanh.
2. What is your favorite number? [K] 17 [M] 7
3. What is your favorite animal?  [K] Elephants. They are adorable! [M] Baby Tigers, cutest animals ever!
 4. What are your Facebook and Twitter?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Towards-Love/297788600320316?fref=ts
5. What is your favorite time of day? We both like twilight. Because it is in the middle of light and dark.
6. What is your favorite holiday? [K] I think our anniversary and Christmas is tied on this one.   [M] Christmas.
7. What is your favorite physical activity? [K] Yoga. [M] Biking.
8. What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink? [K] Salted peppermint carmel hot chocolate. Apple Cider. water. [M] A freshly made fruit juice.
9. What is your passion? [K] Reading, yoga, cooking, crafting, Disney, and elephants. [M] Dance, music, raw foods, barefooting in nature
10. What is your favorite flower? [K] Daffodils. [M] Tulip.

And now our own nominations to pass the Sunshine Award on, in no particular order:
Blah Blah Bracelets
Healthy. Happy. Life.
Veggie Wedgie
Make it Happen Mondays
Holistic Homemaking
How Does She
Holistic Squid
Holistic Dad
The Freedom Experiment
Intuitive Journal

Check out some of our favorite blogs! 

This post is written by Karel & Michael.
Adapted from: We do not own the sunshine award picture. Cannot find original source!  
We do not own the Sunshine Award idea but our answers are original.

Life Lessons: The Stranger Part 2

A few weeks ago, we had blogged about our experience with The Stranger. We learned to: 1. Look at things carefully, 2. Tell things from the heart, and 3. Adapt to the environment to live to your advantage. Here is the continuation of our conversation with The Stranger.

Don't seek others to fix your problems. We all have the ability to find the root cause of all our problems, and figure out what we need to do to heal and solve our issues. Here are a few examples that we have thought of that has happened in our life: paying bills (put on your big girl panties and try getting a job), roommate issues (don't complain about it, do something. Talk to roommates and solve your issue), losing weight (stop feeling sorry for yourself, and get up and start eating healthy and working out). These are only a few things that I have felt in my life and done something about.

How to ease the mind (only think of one thing at a time). Do the pink elephant exercise: Think of a pink elephant. Describe it. What does your elephant look like? What color are it's eyes? Does it have eyelashes? During this exercise, did you think about anything else other than your pink elephant? When you focus on this elephant. all thoughts magically disappear. The mind is powerful.

We look at difference between humans but the similarities are more important. Do the flower exercise: Get a flower. Touch it. Look at it carefully. Lick it. Smell it. Notice the texture and the taste. Do you notice things that you haven't realized before? Look at the male and female parts of the flower, etc. Be observant! Just because you looked at something many times doesn't mean you know it. When you first meet a person, you instantly think how different they are than you. They have blonde hair. He is tall. She has strong arms. As humans we share similarities. We all have emotions, organs, and experiences. We all have health (whether it is good or bad, we have it). Notice the people you meet.

We hope you learned a little more about life just as much as we did from The Stranger. It's not over yet! The Stranger series is still continuing.
Check out part 1 of The Stranger

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from:  a peculiar encounter in our life together
John Lund Pink Elephant Image 
Creative Fan Flower Wallpapers