Blue Moon

Tonight there is a blue moon which is quite rare. Blue moons are the second full moon occurring within the same month. Full moons are known for being an emotionally charged time, so with two in one month people may be feeling extra intense energy. This is a good time to take that energy and look within for a little self reflection. 

Lately, I have been feeling an increase in emotion. On this full moon I can't stop thinking about my grandpa who has been struggling with cancer. He has always been fascinated by blue moons. The Frank Sinatra song "Blue Moon" was a favorite of my grandparents. Growing up I vividly remember them dancing so happily and in love to this song together - “Blue moon, you saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own.” They had such a special love. My grandma was a telephone operator and my grandpa fell madly in love with the sound of her voice. This song symbolized their love and he named his prized sail boat The Blue Moon. 

When seeing him last he kept encouraging Eric and I to sit down and write out our bucket list of things we hope to experience in our lives. He said how quickly life passes you by. This stuck with me and makes me realize the importance of enjoying all the small moments and not rushing from one thing to the next (which I tend to do). I have lived such a full life already but just like setting goals every year it's important to think about the things you hope to see, experience and accomplish during your lifetime. Tonight Eric and I are going to sit down and start our bucket list. 

Fabulous Housewarming Finds

Today was a gorgeous day. The cooler weather reminded me that fall is here. I get so excited during this time of year. I love replacing my summer dresses with layers and light sweaters. The changing air, colors and surroundings can inspire people to make changes in their lives. Every year a handful of our friends search for new apartments during this time. This year Eric and I are also on the hunt (fingers crossed we find something fabulous). While doing a little housewarming gift googling I came across some amazing ideas that I had to share.

Glass jar filled with green home products
Source & Photo Credit: Julieblanner.com

What is more thoughtful than a custom return address stamp?
Photo Credit: Giverslog.com

Potted lavender plant (orchids are also a fav gift of mine to
give because they last so long)
Source & Photo Credit: Julieblanner.com

Crystal bottle stoppers
Rablabs.com, $55 each

A happy home is filled with LOVE
ABC Home, $95

Oh Anthropologie! My favorite gift store always has so many choices
Monogrammed mugs: $8 each

Custom chalk canisters
Anthropologie, $10-12 each

Succulent centerpiece
Succulents Galore on Etsy, $28
Or make one yourself at Jamali Garden in the Flower District

 

State of Mind

The best time to set the tone for my day is in the morning when I walk to work. Walking makes me feel energized and provides me with some alone time to focus on starting my day on the right track. I believe in order to have a great day you have to attract it and that starts from the moment you wake up. When I wake up focusing on the good and feeling positive my entire day continues to unfold that way. 

During my walk I listen to my favorite meditation, take deep breaths and set my intentions for the day. My go-to morning meditation iPhone app is Getting into the Vortex Guided Meditations by Esther and Jerry Hicks. This iPhone app offers a variety of meditations with different focuses all created to help you get into the right state of mind so you can achieve and attract what you desire. The different meditations include: general well-being, financial abundance, physical well-being, relationships and a music track. All of the meditations are 15 minutes. 

In the morning I typically listen to general well-being and in the evening when falling asleep my husband and I listen to any of the above, relationships is a great one. They make you mindful of your breathing and help center through words of gratitude and positive affirmations. The final 5 minutes is purely music. After listening to the meditation I feel amazing (depending on the time of day) either relaxed or rejuvenated. It gives me a clear perspective so I can focus on my intentions for the day whether it is setting personal/professional goals, feeling a certain way or how I aim to treat myself and others. 

Photo Credit: Sacredvibrations.net

Good to Eat - Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

Photo Credit: Brittany Zwickl

My BFF posted this picture of raspberry buttermilk cake and immediately my taste buds were intrigued. You can make this with any type of berry. 

INGREDIENTS 
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 
1 large egg
1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1 cup fresh raspberries


DIRECTIONS
*From Gourmet magazine 
Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle. Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and set aside.

In a larger bowl, beat butter and 2/3 cup sugar with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, then beat in vanilla and zest. Add egg and beat well. At low speed, mix in flour mixture in three batches, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, and mixing until just combined. Spoon batter into cake pan, smoothing top.

Scatter raspberries evenly over top and sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until cake is golden for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack and cool to warm, 10 to 15 minutes more. Invert onto a plate.

Chia Craze

Photo Credit: Fit Sugar

Where I work Chia seeds have taken over! It's the norm to see Smart Water bottles filled to the rim with Chia Seeds (which look more like dirt when in water). In water their appearance may not be appetizing but the nutritional benefits make them very desirable. They are a tiny seed packed with big nutritional benefits. If you aren't on the Chia Seed bandwagon NOW is the time to start.

They are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, help balance blood sugar, increase energy, are high in fiber and protein, have age defying antioxidants and diminish food cravings. When I consume Chia seeds I find myself making healthier food choices and they keep me from over eating. They deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. 

I purchased my first seeds through Mila http://home.lifemax.net/mila-index.php but you can also purchase at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. I prefer to mix the seeds in Vitamin Water and drink throughout the day but you can also mix the seeds into yogurt, salads, smoothies, cereal, etc. I hope you join the craze!!!

Lovely Lemon Water

During my last session with Aspen-based healer Rob I asked him if he could share any advice on how to start your day feeling great. In addition to starting and ending your day thinking about what you are grateful for, he also recommends drinking water with lemon juice first thing in the morning. I know most of you start your day with coffee so please keep an open mind with this post.

He says that lemon water sends soothing energetic signals through your body that you are awake and ready for the day. It also stimulates liver function which is vital to your overall health. 
Drinking coffee first thing shocks your body into waking up. Send a love letter to your liver by starting the day with hot or cold water and fresh squeezed lemon (then add coffee once you are awake). This sets your body up to be in a good place for the day. The liver tells your other organs what to do so why not wake up by sending them some love. For the next week I am going to switch my morning Chai with a big glass of lemon water and see how I feel.

Photo Credit: classicglamblog.blogspot.com

Flower Power

After being in Colorado surrounded by such beautiful wildflowers I was inspired to finally fill the lonely pots on our terrace. Something so simple can bring so much happiness and it's good for the soul to get your hands dirty every once in a while. Looking out and seeing our pretty flowers helps me start my day in a great mood. If you have an outdoor space get inspired and add some flowers. 

Mountain Air

While visiting my family in Colorado I took the opportunity to spend as much time as possible soaking in the fresh mountain air. Being outside surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, sunshine and crisp air was such a glorious break from city living. I love that on any given day in Aspen literally everyone is doing something active whether hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding on the river, mountain biking, paragliding and the list goes on and on. During the summer the Aspen hikes are busy with tourists so my mom and her hubby Bob took us up a more low key hike without all the people. Located up Independence Pass the hike called Difficult was through the Aspen trees.

Do you see the heart?

Fab Five - Aspen, Colorado

Pretty stores and pink flowers

Paradise Bakery ice cream cone

Only in Aspen do you find mopeds
next to private planes

At Kemo Sabe where Western flare still remains

Johnny Maguire's: the Emma and Buddha sandwiches are my fav