Today's Special: Mind/Body Makeover Cards - $7

Today's Special - Mind/Body Makeover Cards by Mona Lisa Schulz, M.D, Ph.D. - Over 50% off - Today Only!

These cards were created by neuropsychiatrist/medical intuitive Mona Lisa Schulz to help you rewire the emotional patterns that increase your chances of succumbing to physical illness, depression, and anxiety. This 70-card deck is accompanied by an instruction booklet that offers a variety of ways that you can tap in to your intuitive abilities by being aware of your emotions, thoughts, and physical symptoms.  Read more about motivational card decks and buy your cards: Mind/Body Makeover Cards.  Hurry, quantities are limited. Discount reflected in shopping cart.

Today's Special: Bliss in a Box

Today's Special - Bliss in a Box - Take 50% off - Today Only!

Bliss in a Box is a three-day program that offers you a simple, step-by-step program that will allow you to rest, revitalize and reconnect with your intentions, passions and aspirations.  Read the full description and buy your kit here: Bliss in a Box.  Hurry, quantities are limited.  Product marked down in shopping cart.

Feng Shuiing My Home: Prosperity

I'm fascinated by the art/practice of feng shui. Feng shui (pronounced fung shway), originated in China over 4,000 years. Translated, it means "wind and water" and deals with furniture placement and energy flow in the home (or office).

After carefully drawing the bagua template (an eight-sided map that shows nine categories or life situations) and doing a quick assessment of the events of my current life, I felt compelled to concentrate on the categories that needed the most immediate attention:

• prosperity (I love money and intend to maintain my "money magnet" status)
• skills/knowledge (I'm studying a new subject--life coaching)
• career/life path (I'll need to attract new clients)

It just so happens that in my home, the "prosperity" area is located in my bedroom. Go figure! LOL...there's a lot I could say here but since this is a family-oriented blog, I'll keep the thoughts of creative prosperity to myself.

Anyway, so I go in the bedroom, feng shui guide in hand to see how I can enhance this area. I'm not much for clutter so I don't have to spend time de-cluttering the space. The first thing I noticed is the huge glass/electronic waterfall picture over the bed. DH, bless his heart, was trying to create ambience but I've known all along that this picture would have to go...so out it went (I think I'll put this in the career section later).

I created what I call "affirmation art" for the wall...a simple sign with the number 8 and the affirmation "I believe in infinite abundance and my needs are always met" printed in purple ink. Later, I'll get a gold frame with complimentary matting to finish off my art piece. I've also placed a large purple storage ottoman and amethyst and citrine gemstones in this area--for further reinforcement.

To the dresser I added a pair of gold, glitzy, bejeweled decorative round boxes--I put paper money in one and gold rings in the other. These boxes are great because the gold color and jewels represent prosperity. Since there are two of them I put them on the right corner of the dresser (which happens to be very close to the "relationships/love/marriage" area) and nestled together, they represent luck and a couple in love.

As I stated before, the prosperity area is in the bedroom and I think I've created a perfect setting for abundance, relaxation and love. Feng shui'ing my home is going to be a work in progress (much to my DH's dismay, I'm sure).  I'm excited to see the final results--I can't wait to see how changing/adding a few objects and colors to my home will change the energy in my home and my life.  I'm expecting good things!

If you want to use feng shui to improve the energy in your space, I recommend Karen Rauch Carter's book, "Move Your Stuf, Change Your Life." It is one of the easiest books I've found on the subject and it is full of interesting and easy to follow advice, tools and cures. I will list some of the tools for energizing the nine life situations in your home but in order to get a full understanding of what you are doing and why, you should refer the book.

Purchase the book here: Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life : How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money, Respect and Happiness.

7 Cures for a Lean Purse

Money: it's on most of our minds--these days more so than ever. I'd like to share an article I wrote last year--one in a series called "Conduct A Life Audit." This article, Seven Cures for a Lean Purse, addresses issues we have regarding money or the lack thereof, and offers tips and insights on how to conquer your fears and grow your money. Read the article here.

Want Peace? Clear that Clutter!

So you’d like to…enjoy increased physical energy, eliminate stress, clear negative or stale energy from your home or increase your money flow? You can achieve all of this and more by simply clearing the clutter in your personal space.

Have you ever heard the saying, “cleanliness is next to Godliness?” Somehow, we miraculously feel better and “lighter of spirit” whenever we clean or perform domestic chores. Like the unexplained calm and grounded feeling you get after you’ve changed your bed linens or organized your home office files.

Try these practical tips to help you declutter and organize your personal space:

~ While you’re wiping down the kitchen counter or dusting your dresser in the bedroom, take a few extra moments to see if there is anything you can eliminate from those surfaces.

~ Get an empty box and place all of the items you no longer need, want or bring you joy in that box. If there are items you feel that have particular sentimental value, consider keeping just a small portion of the item (i.e., a button from a blouse you love but can no longer fit, a picture of you wearing an old favorite coat, etc.) and create a special collage or other craft using the items you want to save.

Find some creative ways to turn your trash into treasures. Scrapbooking, bartering, yard sales and donations are just a few ways you can move some of the "stuff" out of your space. If all else fails, get a digital camera, take pictures of your unwanted items and try to sell them on eBay. :>)

Remember, the key to personal space clearing is to create a space that is free from physical obstacles and that is efficient and esthetically pleasing. Once you feel good about your space you’ll start to feel better about yourself. Then, the universe will pick up on these good vibes and send more abundance your way. It’s the positive life change domino effect. Clean up that space so you can relax and begin to live a happier, healthier existence.

Lifestyle Mojo: New Top Site List

Business owners: Want FREE advertising for your website or blog? Join our new top site list - Lifestyle Mojo: Top 100 Mind, Body & Lifestyle Sites.

It’s a top site list dedicated to Indie business owners offering natural health, alternative healing and healthy lifestyle products and services. For site owners who want more visibility, paid advertising options will also be available soon. All you need to start taking advantage of the free advertising is a website banner (preferably 468x60). Static and animated banners accepted. If your website fits into any of these categories (or has complimentary content), your site will be perfect for our top list:

• Natural health, alternative healing, nutrition, exercise, organic foods, etc.
• Ayurveda, Feng Shui, yoga, numerology, astrology, spas, etc.
• Spiritual guidance, Law of Attraction, mindful living, etc.

Go to http://lifestylemojo.gotop100.com/ and sign up today!

Expand your mind, celebrate your body, nurture the Earth, embrace spirituality, serve others and have an attitude of gratitude…the secrets to living a magical, mindful and fulfilling life!

Pampering: Necessity or Hype?

When most people think of pampering, they tend to think of activities that bring instant joy and comfort: a nice massage, a quick trip to the beauty salon for hair and nail treatments, etc. While these activities can do a lot to make us feel special in the moment, they usually don't have the long-term effects that most humans need to feel nurtured and connected on a continuous basis.

When I think of pampering, I think of activities that may strenghten our resolve, boost our energy and fortify our soul--activities that connect us to ourselves or to a higher power and give us the physical, emotional and spiritual grounding we need to thrive in this fast-paced and complex society.

To that end, we at Pampering U are dedicated to bringing you products, tools, articles and resources to help you gain happiness and balance in your everyday lives. Is pampering really necessary? You bet it is. Here's why:

~ When you take the time to take a relaxing bath, you are choosing a centuries-old ritual that has been proven beneficial because water is the most basic element of life and is wonderful for promoting relaxation, relieving stress and connecting the mind and body.

~ Did you know that through the act of non-sexual self-touch--as in the case of a body massage--you are improving your circulation, thus energizing a tired body and mind? You are also helping to loosen deep-seated toxins in the body and skin that are released into the system for natural elimination. In Ayurvedic medicine, Abhyanga (the practice of self-massage with warm massage oils) is recommended as a daily ritual because of its many benefits.

~ If you are like most people, you could probably benefit from a little divine guidance when it comes to seeking information or making critical life decisions. This is why psychics, numerologists and astrologers are so popular. If a physic or numerologist is a little over the top for you, you can still get divine guidance and nurturing from a deck of motivational cards. You may be surprised at the relevance and accuracy of a card reading...

These examples are just a few ways that you can pamper yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Through regular self-pampering, not only will be you be able to reduce stress and promote relaxation (which could literally save your life and help you to live longer), you will also increase the positive energy and vibes you are putting out into the world and you'll attract more love, kindness and abundance! So, the question bears repeating: is pampering a necessity or just plain hype? You be the judge. Try some of these pampering techniques for yourself or visit our website at www.pamperingu.com for more pampering products and tips.

Got a favorite pampering practice you'd like to share with us? We love feedback and suggestions. Leave a comment here.

Wellness360

I joined a great online health community called Wellness360. It is free to join and you can earn points that convert to cash!

Every time you visit wellness360.com you earn reward points that convert to dollars. Someone who consistently tracks what they eat every other day can earn $150 or more over one year. The more you use Wellness360 the more dollars you earn. Reward yourself for your efforts simply by using the website! Remember, it Pays to be Healthy! The more you use wellness360, the closer you get to your goals and the more you earn just for trying. It's that easy.

With wellness360 you can:

*Track your diet and fitness goals

* Remember medication dosages for you or your family

* Organize your electronic medical records (EMR)

* Stay on top of developments in healthcare and more

Use the secure link below to start improving your health while earning money today!

https://www.mywellness360.com/enrollWB.aspx?&source=ahm&broker=820666&invite=128360

August and the Number 8

August is the 8th month. You may have heard me mention in the past that if you take the number 8 and trace it with a pen, you will find yourself going "round and round." This is the perfect metaphor for the confusion that you can experience under the energy of the 8. Resist this. If you are trying to complete something and you seem blocked at every turn, just stop and work on something else for awhile. You will be able to begin again next month without the feeling of being overwhelmed.

The Olympics are one of the big events this August, and the Chinese government chose the date 8-8-8 day to begin the Games. The Chinese believe that the number 8 promotes luck and prosperity, and in Numerology 8 is the money number; but the number 8 can also have hard lessons attached to it as well. The number 8 is also the political number. I'm sure you have read various things about the politics of this particular Olympics. I think we should keep our eyes wide open that particular day, and throughout the Olympics to see what happens politically. I also think politics in this 8 month will be played out at the Democratic Convention in Denver, and I do expect some drama there as well.

In your personal life, avoid confrontations with others. They can escalate and get out of your control. Back off, take a deep breath. The 8, as mentioned above, is the money and the financial number. I suggest you do this: on the date 8-8-8, light a white candle and focus on prosperity. Just affirm money into your life and write down why you seek prosperity and what you will do with it when it comes. Of course, it is always wise to do a money affirmation; this suggestion is to take advantage of that triple 8 vibration. Say: "I believe in infinite abundance, and my needs are always met." for at least 15 minutes on that day.

I know some people have picked that date as a day to get married. And if your Life Path number is a 2, 4, 6 or 8, that is considered a compatible day for you. My only caution is, if you are an 8 getting married on an 8 day, pay close attention to all the little details to keep the day running as smoothly as possible.

For all of you in this month of 8, be very specific as to what you want to accomplish. Make a list of what it is you want to achieve. Keep disputes at a minimum because communication can be a bit skewed in the month of 8 and some friends or family members may not understand where you are coming from. Keeping your sense of humor is key in this month of 8! :)

Source: Glynis McCants, The Numbers Lady

Get your own copy of Glynis' monthly newletter. Join her mailing list here.

Six Warning Signs of Stroke

Knowing the signs of stroke is crucial, since speedy treatment is necessary to help reduce the damage that can be caused by a “brain attack.” Be aware of these typical stroke symptoms:

1. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
2. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face
3. Difficulty speaking
4. Disorientation, confusion, or memory loss
5. Dizziness, loss of balance, or loss of coordination
6. Severe headache that comes on suddenly with no apparent cause

Read the entire article and other health related articles by Andrew Weil, MD.

Daily Health Tips

Getting healthy and staying healthy doesn't have to be a daunting task. Instead of focusing on the big picture, create a series of baby steps that will lead you to your overall goal. Making small changes (drinking more water, eating the right foods, increasing the number of meals you eat per day, cutting food portions, etc.), can go a long way towards helping you improve your health. Check back here every day to see easy health tips you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle.

Money Woes Got You Down?

Gasoline, food costs, mortgage foreclosures, banks filing for bankruptcy...Yes, we are smack dab in the middle of a recession. It is a scary time for a lot of people but we all have to believe that "this too shall pass." In difficult economic times like these, we may all have to work a little harder to keep our heads above water (financially and emotionally). Dig deep within yourself and find creative ways to weather this economic storm. Try to keep calm, don't panic and seek sound professional advise before making any major life-changing decisions.

If you find yourself getting stressed out, reach out to family and friends for support, work off frustration by or doing aerobics, yoga, etc., spend time in nature, read a good book, play with children and pets...the list of possible sources of happiness and serenity is endless.

Below are links to a few resources that may be helpful. If you have ideas or a link you can share with us, feel free to post them here.

Hay House Radio (radio for your soul!) - http://www.hayhouseradio.com/
Consumer Credit Counseling Services - http://www.cccservices.com/
Neighborhood Gas Watch - http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp
Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) - http://www.fdic.gov/
Jean Chatsky Financial Advisor - http://jeanchatsky.com/
Suze Orman Financial Advisor - http://suzeorman.com/
Smart Money - http://www.smartmoney.com/
Partnership for Rx Assistance - https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php
Bank of America Retirement Planning - http://ira.bankofamerica.com/Default.aspx?bhcp=1

July and the Number 7

I'm really fascinated by astrology and numerology. For me, astrology and numerology have been so accurate that I find myself referring to one or both of these studies to understand the people in my life (and sometimes myself...lol). I recently received the following info from Glynis McCants, The Numbers Lady, and wanted to share. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~

The month of July breaks down to a 7, and 7 is all about spirituality. It is a time to ask yourself the big questions:" who am I? What am I? Why am I here? " It is a month to be with nature. If you can get near a large body of water, the ocean, river, or a lake, that would be great! All of nature's beauty, from plants to the mountains, play a significant healing role in the month of 7.

I find that if you spend time by yourself in a 7 month, the answers you have been seeking to the problems in your life will come to you intuitively. Prayer and meditation are encouraged.

Here is a breathing exercise that I would recommend: When you get into bed at night, and are lying on your back, breathe in and out of your nose, and just relax. Do this no less than 12 times. I have found this to have a calming effect.

Do not get into confrontations with people in the month of 7. It is easy to misinterpret others, and get upset over things that aren't really what they seem. If you are having trouble in a relationship, it is safer at this time to put your thoughts on paper; write a loving and conciliatory letter rather than talk to them, so you can be very clear as to what you are thinking and feeling.

So in this month of 7, enjoy nature's beauty and look for some spiritual breakthroughs by the end of the month. At the same time celebrate your life, and have fun!

Source: Glynis McCants, The Numbers Lady

Got Stress!

If you're like most people, you've got a lot on your plate. The daily cycle of activities can seem endless...responsibilities on the job, tending to the kids and spouses, rushing in to save friends and family members...it's no wonder you're tired and stressed! Below is list of things you can do to reduce or avoid stress in your life.

~ Write down a tentative action plan for your day and keep copies at home and at work. You may not always be able to follow it to the letter but you can use it as a guideline of the day's activities.

~ Team up with other parents and take turns driving the kids to and from their after-school activities.

~ If you work outside of the home, arrange to carpool with co-workers if possible. This cuts down on the time you'll spend stressed out in traffic, pumping gas, performing maintenance on your car, etc.

~ Try to get in a physical workout every day. A quick walk in the morning or evening will increase your heart rate and circulation and give you a boost of energy. If you are a single parent with small kids and can't leave the house to take a walk, put on your favorite music CD and dance, dance, dance (the kids would love this too)!

~ If you know you are going to have to work late into the evening, don't be afraid to take a power nap for 30-45 minutes. You'll be surprised how energized you'll feel after a quick nap.

~ Make a grocery list in advance and designate one day to go grocery shopping. When you get home, take a few extra minutes to wash/clean meats, greens, fruits, etc. and store in plastic bags in the fridge or freezer. On the day you go shopping, especially if it's on a work day, pick up something nutritious but quick so you don't have to cook that same day.

~ Plan your meals for the week and cook enough food to last 2-3 days.

~ If time allows, do some "prep work" the day before (iron clothes for yourself and the kids, select clothing and set aside for the next day, pack lunches, etc.).

~ Commit to setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself. Find a quiet place to meditate, read a book, listen to relaxing music, take a long bath or do whatever brings you joy.

~ Don't try to be a superhero and save the world! Reserve your energy for things that are important to you. It's okay to gently and lovingly say "no" to the kids, friends, spouses and even bosses every now and then.

Plug In, Eat Less

Are you present during your meals? You may be thinking, "what a silly question, of course I'm present during meals."

The truth is many of us are usually not aware of what we are eating. We have a tendency to fill our plates to the brim and then sit in front of the television, computer or read a book while we eat. We are so engrossed in other activity that we do not realize we are full after the first 3 or 4 forkfuls!

Shocking isn't it? It's true. The body has an uncanny ability to know when it's received sufficient nutrients it requires to maintain optimal health and vitality and it will send a signal to the brain when it is full.

Think about it...have you ever noticed that while you're eating you will get the urge to inhale and you start to slow down after the first few bites or forkfuls? This is your brain telling you that you're full. But, if you're not paying attention, you'll miss this vital sign and you'll start to overeat.

Challenge yourself to see if you can gradually begin to eat less and still feel satisfied. Here are a few tips that will help...

1. Reduce your food portions and eat several small meals throughout the day.
2. Bring your mind to the task at hand and savor the array of fragrances, flavors and textures each meal has to offer.
3. Chew your food slowly and completely, taking only small sips of liquid between swallows if necessary.
4. Don't feel you have to eat until you feel full. Stop eating the moment you feel nourished and satisfied.

You might take the process of eating a step further and imagine the nutrients healing your body or how the various colors of the foods are balancing and energizing your chakras.
Remember, the human stomach is approximately the size of a fist so love your body and take care not to over feed it.

A New Earth

Oprah and Eckhart Tolle, the author and spiritual teacher of the best-selling book, "A New Earth" are conducting a 10-week online class focusing on human consciousness. During the first class, held March 3rd, over 750 thousand people logged on to attend this ground-breaking event. Since the event, hosted by Skype, experienced major technical difficulties due to the large number of people logging on, Oprah and her crew have decided to make all of the classes available via downloadable links from her website.

Didn't sign up to take the class? It's not too late. They have worked out many of the tech issues that plaged the first session and you can purchase the book (or audiobook) and download the past sessions to your ipod on iTunes. Hurry, the 4th class starts this Monday night. Get more information at Oprah.com. Don't miss out on this fascinating global consciousness-raising experience.

The Story of Easter

Easter is more than just a holiday we celebrate by buying new clothes and candy-filled baskets for the kids, making colored eggs and having Easter egg hunts. While all of these activities can be fun and entertaining, let's not forget the real reason for the season.

In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Read about the story of Easter and find other interesting Easter offerings at Holidays.net. Get creative: find age-appropriate ways to share this information with your kids. Happy Easter!

DetoxTini: Shaken--Not Stirred

You work hard to keep your body looking good on the outside but what are you doing to keep your insides working at optimal levels of efficiency? Regular body detoxing has many proven benefits including assisting the body with the elimination of environmental and other toxins, increased energy, weight loss and much more.

I try to do a body detox at least once a month and found a liquid herbal formula that works great. Problem is, although natural dietary supplements can be good for our bodies, most of them don't taste so great. My solution? I've created a "detox cocktail" to help make my detoxing experience a little more palatable. Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup V8 V-Fusion Peach Mango (or Acai Mixed Berry) Juice

1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice

15 drops of Detox Drops blend

4-5 ice cubes

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker (or covered jar) and gently shake to blend. Pour in martini glass, garnish with fruit slice or olive and sip gleefully.

You can drink this or a similar cocktail three times a day and the best news, other than the fact that this drink is delicious, is that with each 8oz. serving you're getting 1/2 cup of vegetables, 1/2 fruits and natural antioxidants. Detoxing has never tasted so good. Your taste buds and your internal organs will thank you. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think.

Happy New Year!!!

I hope you all have had a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Many of you are probably feeling the after-effects of many weeks of non-stop festivities--the food, the drinks, the parties, etc. and now you're ready to get back to some semblance of a normal life. See our Lifestyle page for helpful information you can use to nurture your mind, body and spirit back to optimum health.