Composting intrigues me! I know it sounds funny that this mish-mosh of Earthly goodies runs through my mind all of the time but it does. Now that I have the means and space to make it happen, I'm starting up a composting project with my nephew, Kyle!
(Once again thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for these green goodies!)
Remember, don't take this too seriously! It's simple AND fun!!! Now, go get dirty and help Mama Earth!
xxoo,
Jess
Compost!
Return your organic waste where it belongs: the soil! Rather than sending banana peels, grass clipping, etc. to the municipal dump, start a compost pile instead. The Environmental Defense Fund says that around 18 percent of the waste an average family in the U.S. produces comes from the yard and garden. If you recycle your yard and garden waste, you’ll reduce the amount of energy used to send this waste to the dump. Add your organic kitchen scraps to your yard waste and you’re significantly decreasing your waste.
Compost also makes your plants stronger and healthier, reducing the need for fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Don’t forget that many cities have municipal composting programs for your yard waste. Need more info about the benefits of compost, how to compost, and what to compost? Check out this quick read and easy guide to get composting!!!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands! - Simple Environmental Solutions #3
Another easy tip to make this world a better place!!!
(Once again thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for these green goodies!)
Enjoy the day - go outside and thank Mother Earth for her beauty!! <3
xxoo,
Jess
3. Switch as many bulbs as possible in your home to compact fluorescent bulbs.
Good news! Compact fluorescent bulbs are really going mainstream nowadays, which means they’re cheaper and easier to find than ever. That’s great, because the California Energy Commission reports that lighting can make up to 25 percent of the average home’s electricity consumption. When you switch your incandescent light bulbs to ultra efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, you’ll be making a big difference in your energy use.
A while ago, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration stated that when the average cost of a fluorescent bulb was around $11.00, your energy savings would be around $20.00 for each bulb over a three year period. Now that Walmart and other stores are selling these bulbs at about 2 bucks each, think of the savings you’ll have from switching! Additionally, compact fluorescent bulbs generally last up to seven years each.
(Once again thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for these green goodies!)
Enjoy the day - go outside and thank Mother Earth for her beauty!! <3
xxoo,
Jess
3. Switch as many bulbs as possible in your home to compact fluorescent bulbs.
Good news! Compact fluorescent bulbs are really going mainstream nowadays, which means they’re cheaper and easier to find than ever. That’s great, because the California Energy Commission reports that lighting can make up to 25 percent of the average home’s electricity consumption. When you switch your incandescent light bulbs to ultra efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, you’ll be making a big difference in your energy use.
A while ago, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration stated that when the average cost of a fluorescent bulb was around $11.00, your energy savings would be around $20.00 for each bulb over a three year period. Now that Walmart and other stores are selling these bulbs at about 2 bucks each, think of the savings you’ll have from switching! Additionally, compact fluorescent bulbs generally last up to seven years each.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Life's Tornado
"It's just life..." That's why my mom has been telling me for years. I always discounted her words, dreaming of a life with a few road blocks but not an annoying series of speed bumps.
Recently, my life has been like a wicked bad tornado - material belongings, friends, hopes and dreams nonsensically churning in the grey clouds. Some things stuck it out and enjoyed the twirl, but many were tossed hundreds of feet away, landing in a tree or on a trailer.
This "it's just life" attitude helped me realize that stuff is stuff and unfortunately friendships come and go. Through this tornado of rough times, I've seen long time friends fly away and new ones that chose to join in the fun of the chaos.
I've lost three cars...four if you count the brakes going out on my in my rental car yesterday. Most of my worldly belongings are roaming the proverbial sky or landed on a roof due to the move, and the tornado is heading to Middleburg tomorrow, so I'll have a whole new set of stuff to jump in.
Typically, my reaction would be that of anger and sadness due to loosing things like my favorite rug, yet another car or that favorite painting a friend made me. But all that is just stuff.
The only pain from this "life tornado" that I'm feeling is the damage that it has had on several of my closest friends...some that have been in my life for more than 15 years. My appologies and canned goods don't seem to help anymore. I choose not to be upset, however, knowing that they, too had something to do with not holding on in the wind.
And like mom says, "It's just life". One minute the sky is cloudless and vibrant blue, and within moments another tornado can just pop up (and probably will). We know that this will happen again and again, so the trick is how to handle it.
Will you see your next tornado as one of nature's glorious creations or a destructive force aimed to scatter you life?
See the beauty in the change; not the pain of the destruction.
It all happens for a reason...
Much love,
Jess
Recently, my life has been like a wicked bad tornado - material belongings, friends, hopes and dreams nonsensically churning in the grey clouds. Some things stuck it out and enjoyed the twirl, but many were tossed hundreds of feet away, landing in a tree or on a trailer.
This "it's just life" attitude helped me realize that stuff is stuff and unfortunately friendships come and go. Through this tornado of rough times, I've seen long time friends fly away and new ones that chose to join in the fun of the chaos.
I've lost three cars...four if you count the brakes going out on my in my rental car yesterday. Most of my worldly belongings are roaming the proverbial sky or landed on a roof due to the move, and the tornado is heading to Middleburg tomorrow, so I'll have a whole new set of stuff to jump in.
Typically, my reaction would be that of anger and sadness due to loosing things like my favorite rug, yet another car or that favorite painting a friend made me. But all that is just stuff.
The only pain from this "life tornado" that I'm feeling is the damage that it has had on several of my closest friends...some that have been in my life for more than 15 years. My appologies and canned goods don't seem to help anymore. I choose not to be upset, however, knowing that they, too had something to do with not holding on in the wind.
And like mom says, "It's just life". One minute the sky is cloudless and vibrant blue, and within moments another tornado can just pop up (and probably will). We know that this will happen again and again, so the trick is how to handle it.
Will you see your next tornado as one of nature's glorious creations or a destructive force aimed to scatter you life?
See the beauty in the change; not the pain of the destruction.
It all happens for a reason...
Much love,
Jess
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands! - Simple Environmental Solutions #2
We all know that Mother Earth is in peril. With each day that pases, she's tread on more and more...with some of us leaving debris and waste with each step.
It's time to tighten up and do something. There are so many easy-peasy ways to make this land beautified and healthy. Start small...one step at a time. :)
This weekly series will give you tid-bits each week of how you can do your part!
(Thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for supplying some of this info!)
Love and light,
Jess
2. Lower Your Thermostats!
That’s right, thermostats, plural! Most people have their heater, hot water heater, and refrigerator thermostats set at unnecessary temperatures.
Try this out for a few months: Set your heater at 68 degrees F or lower in the winter and 78 degrees F or higher in the summer. Programmable home thermostats are an even better way to heat and cool your home responsibly.
Next, adjust the temperature on your hot water heater to 140-degrees F or lower if possible. Most people keep the temperature on the hot water heater much higher than they really need. Try it out!
And finally, make sure to use the energy-saving settings on your refrigerator. Better yet, try switching to a more modern, energy saving frig. Look for new refrigerators with the Energy Star label.
What’s with all this Energy Star Business? Check out the U.S. government’s Energy Star program homepage to find out more about how you could be saving money on energy costs and help the environment at the same time. It’s win-win, baby!
It's time to tighten up and do something. There are so many easy-peasy ways to make this land beautified and healthy. Start small...one step at a time. :)
This weekly series will give you tid-bits each week of how you can do your part!
(Thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for supplying some of this info!)
Love and light,
Jess
2. Lower Your Thermostats!
That’s right, thermostats, plural! Most people have their heater, hot water heater, and refrigerator thermostats set at unnecessary temperatures.
Try this out for a few months: Set your heater at 68 degrees F or lower in the winter and 78 degrees F or higher in the summer. Programmable home thermostats are an even better way to heat and cool your home responsibly.
Next, adjust the temperature on your hot water heater to 140-degrees F or lower if possible. Most people keep the temperature on the hot water heater much higher than they really need. Try it out!
And finally, make sure to use the energy-saving settings on your refrigerator. Better yet, try switching to a more modern, energy saving frig. Look for new refrigerators with the Energy Star label.
What’s with all this Energy Star Business? Check out the U.S. government’s Energy Star program homepage to find out more about how you could be saving money on energy costs and help the environment at the same time. It’s win-win, baby!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands - Simple Environmental Solutions #1
We all know that Mother Earth is in peril. With each day that pases, she's tread on more and more...with some of us leaving debris and waste with each step.
It's time to tighten up and do something. There are so many easy-peasy ways to make this land beautified and healthy.
This weekly series will give you tid-bits each week of how you can do your part!
(Thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for supplying some of this info!)
Simple Solution #1:
1. Prevent energy leaks at home.
Check this out: Did you know that heating and cooling can make up to 50 percent of your energy bill each month? If you heat and cool your home more efficiently by fixing leaks, you’ll save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
Plugging up those energy leaks is simple. Insulating your home will keep your house warmer in the winter and help to cool things off in the summer. Sealing all your ducts can help as well. This Energy Star website will help with simple techniques for improving your homes efficiency.
Weatherizing your home is also critical. Want to learn how to weatherize to prevent energy leaks? Read more at this U.S. Department of Energy website!
Love, love, LOVE our Mother!!
Peace and light,
Jess
It's time to tighten up and do something. There are so many easy-peasy ways to make this land beautified and healthy.
This weekly series will give you tid-bits each week of how you can do your part!
(Thanks to the Practical Environmentalist for supplying some of this info!)
Simple Solution #1:
1. Prevent energy leaks at home.
Check this out: Did you know that heating and cooling can make up to 50 percent of your energy bill each month? If you heat and cool your home more efficiently by fixing leaks, you’ll save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
Plugging up those energy leaks is simple. Insulating your home will keep your house warmer in the winter and help to cool things off in the summer. Sealing all your ducts can help as well. This Energy Star website will help with simple techniques for improving your homes efficiency.
Weatherizing your home is also critical. Want to learn how to weatherize to prevent energy leaks? Read more at this U.S. Department of Energy website!
Love, love, LOVE our Mother!!
Peace and light,
Jess
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Science of Sleep
Lately, my lack of sleep has been really getting to me. I mean, I've always had trouble sleeping but with some major changes going on in my life, the bags under my eyes keep building up.
So in my quest for snooze, I've discovered how precious the gift of a good nights sleep really is.
Check it out:
*Studies show that power naps can help kill stress and recharge. Just don't doze for more than 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your body enters the deep stages of sleep and it's hard to get refreshed.
*It’s impossible to tell if someone is really awake without close medical supervision. People can take cat naps with their eyes open without even being aware of it. (Don't tell your boss!)
*Anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you’re sleep deprived. The ideal is between 10 and 15 minutes, meaning you’re still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.
We all know that sleep is important, but sleep deprivation can lead to additional life stress.
The solution: A healthy lifestyle inside and out.
Have a daily routine.
Work out on a regular basis.
Read or write or stretch prior to bed. Leave the laptop in the office
De-stress each night in a healthy way.
Good luck catching zzzzzzzzs!
Much love,
Jess
So in my quest for snooze, I've discovered how precious the gift of a good nights sleep really is.
Check it out:
*Studies show that power naps can help kill stress and recharge. Just don't doze for more than 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, your body enters the deep stages of sleep and it's hard to get refreshed.
*It’s impossible to tell if someone is really awake without close medical supervision. People can take cat naps with their eyes open without even being aware of it. (Don't tell your boss!)
*Anything less than five minutes to fall asleep at night means you’re sleep deprived. The ideal is between 10 and 15 minutes, meaning you’re still tired enough to sleep deeply, but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.
We all know that sleep is important, but sleep deprivation can lead to additional life stress.
The solution: A healthy lifestyle inside and out.
Have a daily routine.
Work out on a regular basis.
Read or write or stretch prior to bed. Leave the laptop in the office
De-stress each night in a healthy way.
Good luck catching zzzzzzzzs!
Much love,
Jess
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Let It Go!
This message was emailed to me recently and really hit home in many ways. I had to share it with all of you today in hopes that it truly means something special to you as it did for me. Sooooo profound! Letting go can bring true freedom. :)
L E T T I N G G O By T.D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.....Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.. You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay....Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .......LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth......LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you. LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge..... LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... .. LET IT GO!!!
If someone broke your heart and brought you pain... LET THEM GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents.. LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.... ... LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...... LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him.... LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. .... LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.. .... LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ............ LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to...... LET IT GO!!!
L E T T I N G G O By T.D. Jakes
There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]
People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.....Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.. You've got to know when it's dead.
You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something.. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay....Let them go!!
If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .......LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth......LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you. LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge..... LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... .. LET IT GO!!!
If someone broke your heart and brought you pain... LET THEM GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents.. LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.... ... LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...... LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him.... LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. .... LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.. .... LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ............ LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to...... LET IT GO!!!
Friday, May 28, 2010
A Healthy You is a Happy You!
Welcome to the first posting of our new weekly topic dedicated to health and fitness for the mind, body and soul.....A Healthy You is a Happy You!
Sooooo .... have you ever heard of FitClick? If you haven't, you should definitely check it out today! I HIGHLY recommend it for those of you who desire a healthy lifestyle. This fantastic, free online service offers tons of great options and guides to help you with your goals...no matter what stage you're in with your diet and exercise. It really is a great source for free weight loss programs, diet plans, workout routines, recipes and more.
One of my favorite features is the calorie counter and food journal, where you can track everything you eat and it will add up your calories automatically without you having to do the math yourself.
Customize your profile and set your goals, so FitClick can calculate your targets and progress. They even have a feature where you can track your exercise and see how many calories you are burning.
The possibilities are endless on this site and you are sure to find something that will help you reach your weight loss goals. So what are you waiting for? Check it out now and get on the path to the new healthy and happy you!
Sooooo .... have you ever heard of FitClick? If you haven't, you should definitely check it out today! I HIGHLY recommend it for those of you who desire a healthy lifestyle. This fantastic, free online service offers tons of great options and guides to help you with your goals...no matter what stage you're in with your diet and exercise. It really is a great source for free weight loss programs, diet plans, workout routines, recipes and more.
One of my favorite features is the calorie counter and food journal, where you can track everything you eat and it will add up your calories automatically without you having to do the math yourself.
Customize your profile and set your goals, so FitClick can calculate your targets and progress. They even have a feature where you can track your exercise and see how many calories you are burning.
The possibilities are endless on this site and you are sure to find something that will help you reach your weight loss goals. So what are you waiting for? Check it out now and get on the path to the new healthy and happy you!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Welcome to Animal Nation!
Lions and tigers and bears ... oh my! Pets and the wild and their rights ... oh my! We will now be writing a weekly posting dedicated to all things animals, called Animal Nation!
I would like to start this off on a cute and funny note about my dog Hannah (a.k.a. Hannah Banana .... also, the love of my life). There's no doubt that pets have a way of brightening your day. Nothing compares to that unconditional, never ending love they give .... and of course, who can forget all those entertaining and hilarious moments.
Hannah has acquired this quirky new habit lately of sleeping with her tongue sticking out of her mouth. The first time I noticed it, I laughed so hard and grabbed my camera right away to make sure I could document this kodak moment. So, here is my Hannah Banana caught with her tongue out ... hehehe!
ENJOY!
On this day, the tongue was slowly making it's way out ... lol
I would like to start this off on a cute and funny note about my dog Hannah (a.k.a. Hannah Banana .... also, the love of my life). There's no doubt that pets have a way of brightening your day. Nothing compares to that unconditional, never ending love they give .... and of course, who can forget all those entertaining and hilarious moments.
Hannah has acquired this quirky new habit lately of sleeping with her tongue sticking out of her mouth. The first time I noticed it, I laughed so hard and grabbed my camera right away to make sure I could document this kodak moment. So, here is my Hannah Banana caught with her tongue out ... hehehe!
ENJOY!
On this day, the tongue was slowly making it's way out ... lol
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Honesty Series 5
“Freedom is for honest people. No person who is not honest with themselves and with others can truly be free ... instead they become their own trap.”
Have you been building your own traps? Break the cycle, break the chains .... speak the truth, be the truth, live honestly with yourself and others .... and finally be FREE!
Have you been building your own traps? Break the cycle, break the chains .... speak the truth, be the truth, live honestly with yourself and others .... and finally be FREE!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Honesty Series 4
“To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful.”
~Edward R. Murrow
Honesty is a part of who you are and affects many areas of your life....it is the core of your character....it is the foundation that builds bonds and true friendships with others. Do the people in your life believe you, do they trust you?
~Edward R. Murrow
Honesty is a part of who you are and affects many areas of your life....it is the core of your character....it is the foundation that builds bonds and true friendships with others. Do the people in your life believe you, do they trust you?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Honesty Series 3
“The worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves. That is when we live in denial of what we do, even what we think, because we are too afraid to face the truth.” ~Unknown
Are you being honest with yourself or are you living a life of denial? Free yourself ....
“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” ~Socrates
Are you being honest with yourself or are you living a life of denial? Free yourself ....
“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.” ~Socrates
Monday, May 10, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Honesty Series 2
“If it is not right don't do it; if it is not true don't say it.” ~Marcus Aurelius
Enough said ....
Enough said ....
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms of this world! Hope you all enjoyed every moment of your special day and wishing you many blessings, laughter and love to warm your hearts always! BIG hugs!!!
“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ~Washington Irving
“A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” ~Tenneva Jordan
“My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.” ~Graycie Harmon
“Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” ~Author Unknown
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” ~Marion C.
“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” ~Abraham Lincoln
“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ~Washington Irving
“A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” ~Tenneva Jordan
“My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune.” ~Graycie Harmon
“Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” ~Author Unknown
“Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” ~Marion C.
“I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Revitalize Your Soul - Honesty Series 1
Someone inspired me today to begin this Honesty series. I've unfortunately experienced a lot of dishonestly from people very close to me lately and it breaks my heart. So I found this very appropriate to remind myself, and hopefully others, the importance, meaning and impact that honesty has on ourselves, the ones we love and the rest of the world.
So here the first one. Someone special to me posted this on their facebook yesterday:
"No one can lie, no one can hide anything, when he looks directly into someone's eyes"
~Paulo Coelho
So here the first one. Someone special to me posted this on their facebook yesterday:
"No one can lie, no one can hide anything, when he looks directly into someone's eyes"
~Paulo Coelho
Revitalize Your Soul - Gratitude Series (repost)
Happy Mother's Day mom!!!
Today, I am thankful for my wonderful mother. She is an absolutely amazing woman, beautiful inside and out. An incredible mom, full of unconditional love, never ending support, the warmest heart, sweet compassion, full of wisdom and healing hands...she means everything to me, she is my best friend, my rock, my “go to” person. She has taught me so much in my life, molded me into a caring, loving and nurturing person. She will baby me when I need it and will give me tough love when it’s necessary. She knows my strengths and my weaknesses...without judgment, without disappointment, she listens to me no matter what state of mind I am in. I am so thankful for the unbreakable bond we share that continues to grow each day. I love you and adore you ma! I am sooo lucky to have you!
What are you thankful for today?
Me and my mommy! :)
Today, I am thankful for my wonderful mother. She is an absolutely amazing woman, beautiful inside and out. An incredible mom, full of unconditional love, never ending support, the warmest heart, sweet compassion, full of wisdom and healing hands...she means everything to me, she is my best friend, my rock, my “go to” person. She has taught me so much in my life, molded me into a caring, loving and nurturing person. She will baby me when I need it and will give me tough love when it’s necessary. She knows my strengths and my weaknesses...without judgment, without disappointment, she listens to me no matter what state of mind I am in. I am so thankful for the unbreakable bond we share that continues to grow each day. I love you and adore you ma! I am sooo lucky to have you!
What are you thankful for today?
Me and my mommy! :)
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Gratitude Project by Thankasoldier.net
We are so honored to share with you the information on The Gratitude Project brought to us by Thankasoldier.net.
As we all live our every day lives, our brave soldiers are far away from home and often feel forgotten by us. The Gratitude Project has been created as a effort to let our troops know how much we love them and how thankful we are for what they do and what they sacrifice for us.
Thankasoldier.net has come up with this great idea to make a YouTube video that will be send to soldiers serving in various locations around the world. The video will be a collection of photos with people from everywhere (not just their home town), who want to let our soldiers know that they are NOT forgotten. This is an opportunity to come together and express our gratitude. The video will be a filmstrip of photos that will warm their hearts and remind them that they are in our thoughts and prayers…and that we love them.
Here’s how you can be a part The Gratitude Project:
1. Snap a photo of yourself with the word “Thank You” in it somewhere. It can be on your hand, on a sign, spelled out with people it doesn’t matter. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR LOCATION in the photo somewhere e.g. “Thank You from Boston, MA”
2. Email it to ThankYou@thankasoldier.net
3. If you’d like, you can also include a suggestion for what song should be playing in the background of the YouTube video.
4. Share the YouTube Video with friends to get the word out.
**The deadline for the photo submission is February 28, 2010
Get Revitalized! We are so excited to join this awesome project and submit our photo!
Peace, Love and Light!
~Ami
As we all live our every day lives, our brave soldiers are far away from home and often feel forgotten by us. The Gratitude Project has been created as a effort to let our troops know how much we love them and how thankful we are for what they do and what they sacrifice for us.
Thankasoldier.net has come up with this great idea to make a YouTube video that will be send to soldiers serving in various locations around the world. The video will be a collection of photos with people from everywhere (not just their home town), who want to let our soldiers know that they are NOT forgotten. This is an opportunity to come together and express our gratitude. The video will be a filmstrip of photos that will warm their hearts and remind them that they are in our thoughts and prayers…and that we love them.
Here’s how you can be a part The Gratitude Project:
1. Snap a photo of yourself with the word “Thank You” in it somewhere. It can be on your hand, on a sign, spelled out with people it doesn’t matter. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR LOCATION in the photo somewhere e.g. “Thank You from Boston, MA”
2. Email it to ThankYou@thankasoldier.net
3. If you’d like, you can also include a suggestion for what song should be playing in the background of the YouTube video.
4. Share the YouTube Video with friends to get the word out.
**The deadline for the photo submission is February 28, 2010
Get Revitalized! We are so excited to join this awesome project and submit our photo!
Peace, Love and Light!
~Ami
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The people of Haiti need our help!
We are all saddened by the devastating affects of the earthquake in Haiti this past week. We have also been amazed by how so many people have come together already to help in any way they can. There has been a huge outpour of love, support and donations to help provide food, shelter, medical care, water, and other necessities to the people of Haiti. Unfortunately, they still desperately need our help.
We’ve gathered information to share several ways that you can help with the Haiti relief:
Send a Text Message.
Texting seems to be the most immediate way to help. Send a quick text to the numbers below and a small donation will appear on your next phone bill (about $5-$6). This donation will go towards helping the earthquake victims in Haiti. It’s easy, fast and convenient!
• Red Cross – text ‘Haiti’ to #90999
• Yele Haiti – text ‘YELE’ to #501501
**T Mobile, AT&T and Verizon have all waived their text messaging fees for Haitian relief.
**Texted donations can usually take approximately 90 days to get to their destinations. But all parties involved in this effort are working extremely hard to get the money to the charities as quickly as possible.
Donate to a cause that is specifically fundraising for the Haiti relief.
• Doctors Without Borders
• Unicef.org
• Friends of the World Food Program
• International Rescue Committee
• Partners in Health
• Clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake
• OxFamAmerica
• United Nations World Food Program
• Yéle Haiti
**If you donate by credit card, Visa, Master Card and American Express have all agreed to waive donation percentage points they would normally get off of your charge. Good for them!
If you can contribute to help fund these emergency efforts, please do.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with everyone!
~Lovebug
We’ve gathered information to share several ways that you can help with the Haiti relief:
Send a Text Message.
Texting seems to be the most immediate way to help. Send a quick text to the numbers below and a small donation will appear on your next phone bill (about $5-$6). This donation will go towards helping the earthquake victims in Haiti. It’s easy, fast and convenient!
• Red Cross – text ‘Haiti’ to #90999
• Yele Haiti – text ‘YELE’ to #501501
**T Mobile, AT&T and Verizon have all waived their text messaging fees for Haitian relief.
**Texted donations can usually take approximately 90 days to get to their destinations. But all parties involved in this effort are working extremely hard to get the money to the charities as quickly as possible.
Donate to a cause that is specifically fundraising for the Haiti relief.
• Doctors Without Borders
• Unicef.org
• Friends of the World Food Program
• International Rescue Committee
• Partners in Health
• Clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake
• OxFamAmerica
• United Nations World Food Program
• Yéle Haiti
**If you donate by credit card, Visa, Master Card and American Express have all agreed to waive donation percentage points they would normally get off of your charge. Good for them!
If you can contribute to help fund these emergency efforts, please do.
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with everyone!
~Lovebug
Monday, January 11, 2010
Help stop the animal abuse at Ringling Bros. Circus
Animals at some circuses unfortunately live miserable lives of deprivation, confinement and abuse. Ringling’s animal-care history is riddled with USDA violations and penalties. (Click here to learn more) Twenty-six Ringling elephants, including four babies, have died since 1992!
After a change of heart, former Ringling trainer Sam Haddock provided never-before-seen heart-breaking photos of baby elephants bound by the legs, neck and body with ropes and chains while being shocked and hit with bull hooks in order to learn unnatural stunts.
Please join the ARFF at their demonstrations in Orlando thsi week:
When:
• Thursday, January 14 at 6:00pm (opening night candlelight vigil; please dress in black!)
• Friday, January 15 at 6:00pm
• Saturday, January 16 at 10:00am, 2:00pm and 6:00pm
• Sunday, January 17 at 11:30 noon and 3:30pm
Where: Amway Arena - 600 West Amelia St., Orlando (view map)
Everyone will meet on the Amelia Street side of the arena, facing West Colonial Drive
Post-Ringling brunch
When: Sunday, January 31 at 10:30am
Where: Ethos Vegan Kitchen, 1235 N Orange Avenue, downtown Orlando
Even if you can't make it out to the protests, ARFF invites you to join them for brunch and find out how you can help at upcoming events. There will be a special protest recap and speaker. Don't miss it! Please RSVP to: ArffCentralFl@arff.org.
Update on Nosey the elephant
Sadly, it appears that "Nosey," the circus' solitary elephant, remains in poor health. (USDA inspectors have repeatedly noted the elephant's "extremely poor skin.")
Please contact the President of the Osceola Flea & Farmers Market and urge him not to host circuses with animals in the future.
Frank Buonauro, Jr., President
Osceola Flea & Farmers Market
2801 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Fax: (407) 846-3392
E-mail: usaflea@aol.com
Online comment form
Thank you for anything you can do to be a part of helping our animals!
Peace, Love and Light!
~Ami
After a change of heart, former Ringling trainer Sam Haddock provided never-before-seen heart-breaking photos of baby elephants bound by the legs, neck and body with ropes and chains while being shocked and hit with bull hooks in order to learn unnatural stunts.
Please join the ARFF at their demonstrations in Orlando thsi week:
When:
• Thursday, January 14 at 6:00pm (opening night candlelight vigil; please dress in black!)
• Friday, January 15 at 6:00pm
• Saturday, January 16 at 10:00am, 2:00pm and 6:00pm
• Sunday, January 17 at 11:30 noon and 3:30pm
Where: Amway Arena - 600 West Amelia St., Orlando (view map)
Everyone will meet on the Amelia Street side of the arena, facing West Colonial Drive
Post-Ringling brunch
When: Sunday, January 31 at 10:30am
Where: Ethos Vegan Kitchen, 1235 N Orange Avenue, downtown Orlando
Even if you can't make it out to the protests, ARFF invites you to join them for brunch and find out how you can help at upcoming events. There will be a special protest recap and speaker. Don't miss it! Please RSVP to: ArffCentralFl@arff.org.
Update on Nosey the elephant
Sadly, it appears that "Nosey," the circus' solitary elephant, remains in poor health. (USDA inspectors have repeatedly noted the elephant's "extremely poor skin.")
Please contact the President of the Osceola Flea & Farmers Market and urge him not to host circuses with animals in the future.
Frank Buonauro, Jr., President
Osceola Flea & Farmers Market
2801 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34744
Fax: (407) 846-3392
E-mail: usaflea@aol.com
Online comment form
Thank you for anything you can do to be a part of helping our animals!
Peace, Love and Light!
~Ami
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Revitalize Your Soul - Gratitude Series
It's so uplifting and life changing to take time to be thankful each day of our lives. You can surprise yourself by how many blessings surround you, when you take the time to recognize and reflect on each one. I am beginning a series on our blog that will be dedicated to expressing my deep gratitude to each blessing in my life. I am so excited to share this part of my heart with all of you...my old friends, my new friends, my future friends, my family, my angels. I hope that this will awaken your soul to see all the blessings in your life and will inspire you to meditate in gratitude.
Peace, Love and Light!
~Ami
Peace, Love and Light!
~Ami
Help animals for free
You can help every day by clicking on the purple button at The Animal Rescue Site. When you click on the purple button, the sponsoring advertisers make a donation to feed and care for animals in shelters.
Looking to buy a something for your pet or possible searching for a great gift for your animal-loving friends? Check out The Animal Rescue Site store for an array of options! Every purchase made at The Animal Rescue Site store helps fund food for animals in shelters at no extra cost to you.
Help our lovely animals today - It’s super easy and FREE!
With warm thoughts,
~Ami
Looking to buy a something for your pet or possible searching for a great gift for your animal-loving friends? Check out The Animal Rescue Site store for an array of options! Every purchase made at The Animal Rescue Site store helps fund food for animals in shelters at no extra cost to you.
Help our lovely animals today - It’s super easy and FREE!
With warm thoughts,
~Ami
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Gratitude Project for our troops
Be a part of The Gratitude Project and submit your special thank you to our brave soldiers. Watch this video to find out how.
Much Love,
Ami
Much Love,
Ami
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