Friday, November 30, 2007

Featured Foundation of the Week!

While any other time of the week, I am assisting you, my readers and my clients to life the live of your dreams, and reach your potential, on Fridays, it is time to give back.

This week I have chosen the following Foundation:

The Children's Home

The Children's Home is a child and family oriented organisation, which is assisting children who are coming from abusive background, and/or have been abandoned, in receiving treatment, establishing the basis of an education and permanent placement within a foster family or ultimately being adopted.

Since 1892, this Foundation has been privileged to assist over 25,000 children through their therapeutic services.

For more information visit their website at
www.ChildrensHome.org (direct link provided to the right)

Thank you!

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Today's Food Review

Yes, today I am reviewing some more healthy foods, as I believe that staying motivated to achieve an healthy, balanced lifestyle, is more likely to be achieved when it is made easy.

So for all my readers, who want to eat more healthy, here is my review of the last few days of testing products (better me then you?)

Here is my list:

Chocolate Life Oat Crunch from Quaker

3 1/2 Stars
My daughter did not like this cereal. My opinion is, that while the idea is great, the quality of the chocolate pieces should be better. If I only get a little bit of chocolate, then I want it to be good.


Philadelphia Creme Cheese 1/3 less fat

5 Stars!
I can not taste the difference between this product and the full-fat version. So why buy the other one! Just as creamy as the original.


Smart Taste Ronzoni Rotini Pasta

5 Stars!
Tastes wonderful, looks like regular pasta, and has 30 % of DV of calcium as well as 25 % of DV of fiber. Toss with a vegetable based sauce and you have a powerhouse of a meal. I am impressed.


Another quick idea:

Ever since Seinfeld's wife on Oprah proclaimed her puree-filled cooking, I have tried what she suggested on the show. I do not buy cookbooks, as I do not follow recipes, but if I would buy one, then it is hers. I love the idea, having added purees to just about everything, from cakes and cookies (as fat-substitute and texture enhancer) to main dishes and sauces. Unsuspecting husband and neighbors are all coming back for more (considering that my husband is a cook, I am very happy with myself, if I get him to rave about anything I make). The only one who knew is my daughter, who volunteers for veggies any day, and grins as if she knew it would taste good.
So, if you are a cook book enthusiast, buy it! If you like to experiment, just go for it and become creative!

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

It's All In The Point Of View

In the process of co-creation, it is important to keep a high vibration in order to stay connected with your desires and to bring into your life, what you have intended to manifest.
But how do you do that in daily life, when duties come along, exspecially ones that you dislike?

It is all in the point of view.

Take cleaning your house for example:

Cleaning house ban be looked at two ways:
1. A chore or
2. A great exercise (scrub the floor real good!), while you are getting a clean house as a bonus.

The only difference in that is the point of view. Same chore.

Another example:

Standing in line at the store can be viewed as:
1. A waste of time or
2. Time to repeat affirmations

Dealing with grumpy people is a
1. Nussance
2. An opportunity to practice kindness and acceptance

I could take this list further, but you can see by those examples, that you can turn a situation into a different experience by switching your point of view.

Try it!

Have a wonderful day!

Want more to read? check out my other blogs at http://livingpossibilities.myblogsite.com and
http://livingpossibilities.typepad.com/motivation

Monday, November 26, 2007

Today's Intend

As you set your intend for today, I ask you to include two more actions to your list.

1. Intend to enjoy what you are putting in your mouth
2. Intent to be nice to yourself.

Strange request? I do not think so.
Let me elaborate.

1. Intend to enjoy what you are putting in your mouth.
So many times, we rush, rush to go to work, school, drop of the kids, pick them back up, work, act, do, so we eat on the run.
Okay, I have days where I don't have the time sit down doing nothing, while I am eating, but at least one bite of each meal, I dedicate to myself.
What do I mean with that?
Each meal, I take one bite, and actually take my time to taste it, feel it's consistency, it's flavor. I enjoy the moment, the scent of the food. I am there for that moment, present at my actions. And then I say thanks. (Should I really write again about the importance of DAILY gratitude? Maybe later)
It only takes a second. Be present.

2. Intend to be nice to yourself.
Today, as you think yourself through your reality, and take the actions, you think are necessary, take your time to be nice to yourself. Ban all negative thoughts about yourself out of your head.
If you feel a negative thought coming your way, dismiss it and repeat an affirmation.
Here a few suggestions:

I love myself
I am magnificent
I speak my truth
I am strong

Repeat each sentence 3 to 5 times until you feel it. Let yourself feel good. You are a magnificent powerful being, allow yourself to feel that way.

So today, as you go about your day, I want to remind you of how great you really are.

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Healthy Eating - Too Expensive?

Okay, I am curious about an article I recently read. While I forgot to bookmark the article, so you just going to have to take my word for it (sorry) or find me a link to it, I will not forget it's basic statement.

Eating healthy is too expensive for lower-income citicens.

My first reaction was disbelieve, but now I am motivated to find out if that is true.
So, I will challenge myself and my readers to come up with prove or disprove of this theory.

For now, as I am scanning through my own kitchen, and recall my shopping habbits, I have compiled a list of observations, in the price versus health department:

1. Apples and bananas are a staple in my household, and they are cheap

2. Oatmeal is another staple, again cheap and healthy.

3. There is no price difference between whole milk and lower fat or non-fat milk, so buy the lesser fat one.

4. There is always some kind of Cheerios or Total on sale, often cheaper then the other cereals with questionable ingriedients (aren't they for free on WIC?)

5. Dried beans, lentils are always in my house, are very cheap, very nutritious, and are easy to prepare (use the crockpot, or ask me for some recipes)

6. Carrots, cabbage, zuchini, onion, potatoes, I can think of many ways to make some kind of healthy meal out of those ingredients, again cheap.

Conclusion for today:
A bag of chips doesn't me fill up, a baked potato does. The baked potato is cheaper.
In my opinion, the misconception of healthy food being expensive, comes from the misconception that organic food is expensive.
Again wrong. I find that at times organic foods are cheaper, or at least the same price then the regular counterparts.

Second Conclusion:
May it be that some people might not know how to prepare a meal properly, so it is healthy? Then this is something that can be fixed. Education is also cheap, I will give tips away for free, if it helps you live longer, healthier and happier. (I feel an e-book coming my way).

What is your conclusion, or opinion on that subject?
Love to hear from you!

Friday, November 23, 2007

Featured Foundation of the Week!

As my regular readers know, Fridays are they days where I feature a Foundation or Charity on my website, as well as my blogs.

This weeks Featured Foundation is:

School on Wheels!

The Mission:

to enhance the educational opportunities for homeless children.

By offering services such as:

* One-one-One tutoring
* giving of backpacks and school supplies
* assistance with records
* guidance of the parents

this charity has as a goal to provide the highest possible education and reduce the gaps between the homeless children and their peers.

Contact Information:

School on Wheels Inc. (Main Office)
28128 Pacific Coast Highway
# 192
Malibu, CA 90265
Phone: (310) 589 - 2642
www.schoolonwheels.org
(direct link provided to the right)

Thank you!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

Peace and Love

Claudia

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Do You Know?

When we are asked to let the Universe, God, or Higher Power know what we want, we are asked to be specific, and clear at our goals. We are ask, to take actions, if we are guided to do so.
Then nothing happens.
Do you know the step you are missing?

Letting it be.

I do not mean, forget about what you wanted, or not take actions, but something else, that is much more powerful of a part of this co-creation process, that I think it should be stressed over and over again to people.

Believe that it is.

You asked didn't you? Now believe!

I mean truly believe, not say you are, believing that money is coming your way, then hording every penny as if the end of the world is only preventable by saving everything you have.
No, I mean, your actions, your thoughts have to reflect that believe.
Even though I do not consider myself a Christian, I know that some of my readers are, and it says in the Bible "Ask and You shall receive."
It does not say, ask, then doubt. It says if you ask, have faith, because you asked for it, and the Universe (God) will answer.
Unanswered prayers are not a result of a decision made for us, but a decision of ourselves not to truly believe, that what we are asking for will actually become true.
Think of all the times in your life, when you just "knew" something would be, because you had faith, and it did happen. Well, it was, because you dropped doubt, and replaced it with "knowing".
Call it faith, call it believing, but it is all the same.

So the next time you are asking for anything, stop and ask yourself something else.

Do you "know" it will be as you asked? Trust!


Peace and Love

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Treat Yourself Today - Holiday Stress Relief

Thanksgiving is around the corner, the holiday season about to be here, and the to do list is mounting.
Time to take a break!
Throw the kids and the husband out of the house (or ban them from entering whatever part of your house you designate as your temporary sanctuary) and pick something from the list to treat yourself!

1. Meditate
A few minutes of guided meditation is a wonderful relaxation technique, stress relief, and memory booster all at once (a link to a free meditation course is on the right!)

2. Pour yourself a cup of hot herbal tea
The health benefits (antioxidants) of herbal, green and white teas are widely known. The preparation for a hot cup of tea slows you down, calms, relaxes. Enjoy!

3. Listen to your favorite music
Great music is an instant mood lifter!

4. Smile
Take a few deep breaths and put a smile on your face. Smiling relaxes your face muscles and releases the tension in your shoulders. Smile for 30 seconds, counting, deep breathing.

5. Watch a funny show
Watching something that makes you laugh out loud have an instant effect of relaxation, while you are creating an experiences you can smile about later.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season!

Your Motivational Coach!

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Product Reviews - Healthy Living Can Be Fun!

We have tested new products, which I wanted to share with you.
As always, products featured here, have to indicate in some form to be healthy, or be a product used to enhance your well-being.

Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Instant Brown Rice
Yes! My favorite rice at the moment (and I am loyal), whole grain, fast, and easy, it does not get any better then this for a busy family! Tastes yummy
5 Stars!

Quaker Mini Delights Buttered Popcorn

This 90 Calorie Pack is my daughters favorite! She really enjoys it's buttery taste, while I am not to crazy about it (looks like a miniature rice cake to me). But kids seem to like it, it beats salty, greasy chips anytime!
4 Stars!

Mestermacher Sunflower Seed Bread
Wow, I am impressed. This bread makes a great sandwich, with any cold cut or cheese, delicious! It is kosher, high in fiber, wheat free, and has no preservatives!
5 Stars!

I also wanted to include this great CD I came across!

Robert Morgen's Easy Introduction to Meditation
This CD is a great gift for anyone who is interested in meditation. Pleasantly guided meditations are a wonderful introduction into a regular practice.
For more information on this product check out this link to the right!



Have a wonderful day!

Claudia Blanton

Monday, November 12, 2007

Teaching Children How to Think or What I Wish I Would Have Learned In School

As I am learning more and more each day, on how to be motivated, how to teach motivation, on the power of thought and the responsibility of co-creation, the desire to teach my children and others becomes larger.
At the same time, I am questioning, why we do not teach children this earlier, at a time, when believing in the power oneself is still there, naturally inside of them.
I am watching my son use the Law of Attraction on a daily basis, and it makes me smile, as he uses it naturally at the age of barely 5. He knows, that the power of thought can help him get a game to work, that doesn't work for anyone else. Whatever it is he wants to achieve, he asks, and knows "it" will be. In his little world, thought means power. He knows the secret.
My wish to teach other parents to give into this natural knowing of fearless asking, trusting that the Universe will respond, and forgiveness is a normal way of life, will come true, because I asked.
May we look at ourselves differently, and with that shape a new generation, which believes in possibilities, not defeat, in wonder and joy, not in lack.

Peace and Love

Claudia Blanton
Motivational Coach, Fundraiser

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Creating Peace

I was asked today, what I believe gets in the way of peace.

Here is my answer:

Thoughts. As I am becoming more and more aware of the power of our thoughts, I am also more aware of the responsibility this power comes with. By thinking in a default way, people have created war and destruction in their lives, and the lives of others, who by default are interested in peace, but are unaware how to achieve peace.
One can not stop a war, by fighting a war, but by promoting peace.
One can not end world hunger, by fighting world hunger, but by sharing what we have.
It is every one's individual choice, and the thought that we lack, the thought, that there is not enough, if we stop fighting, is what keeps people fighting.
There is enough, if we let abundance flow, all of us. The more we become at peace with the power within us, the more peaceful our surroundings will be. If we look for the alternative, the togetherness, we will find it. We have the power to think, to create, to embrace.
Each one of us.
The need to control only exists in people, because of the fear to not have. War, religion, fights are an extension of that fear.

Peace and Love

Claudia

Saturday, November 10, 2007

My Favorite Gift Ideas!

Here are my favorite gift ideas for this holiday season:

For New parents:
The Book "How To Teach Your Baby To Read"
a must read for all new parents, or are about to be one.

For the "Impossible" Person on your list:
Donate in their name to a cause, that fit their personality.

For the Senior Citizen:
the Nintendo DS with BrainGames

For the Music Buff and the Christmas Enthusiast:
"Noel" from Josh Groban

For the Middle Aged Person:
The book and movie "The Secret"

For the Chef in your Family:
a kitchenaid food processor

For the kids and Young at Heart:
A WII and a Paper Mario Games

Happy Holidays!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Featured Foundation of the Week!

This Weeks featured Foundation is

The Alliance of Children's Rights

This Foundation helps children through a variety of programs within the Los Angeles County, such as

health care
adoptive parents
learning disabilities
accessing public benefits
programs for teens exiting foster care

For more information, click on the link to the right!

Thank you!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Setting Your Intend (Part One) - Turn it Around

Here is a link to the first part of a practical exercise on goal-setting!
Enjoy!



http://livingpossibilities.myblogsite.com

Monday, November 5, 2007

What are you intentions for today?

Hi Everyone!

Beginning of the week! Wonderful! There are so many interesting, exiting moments that are comming your way! The cool, crisp air of November days, are breathtakingly beautiful no matter where you are on this planet. Take a look around! Really look, search for the beauty, in the stars, in the smile of another person walking by, in the soft, wet nose of your dog, in the firmness of the ground beneath your feet. Alow your intentions to be. Alow yourself to feel the joy of being alive, right now.


What is your intend for this day? Do you know what you want to manifest?
A detailed list at hand, you know where you are going, do you? If not, intend this day to find out.
Get out pieces of papers and write what down what you want. Be specific, just do it, remember that without knowing where you are going to, you won't get where you want to go.
Intend today on giving yourself the permission to create direction.

Simple, but effective first step!

Have a blessed day!

Claudia Blanton
Motivational Coach, Fundraiser

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Reminder!

Hi Everyone!
For readers, that are familiar with what type of I daily routines I am suggesting, this is a reminder. If you are not familiar with the following, or have questions about anything I suggest to create an abundant lifestyle,feel free to leave me a comment. I will be gladly answer your questions!

Have you written in your Gratitude journal today?

Did you make a to do list or another form of plan for today?

Are you keeping your progress report?

Are you taking time to visualize?

Good! I am proud of you!

***************

Would you like to get motivational tips delivered to your inbox each weekday?
Feel free to write me at ClaudiaBlanton@livingpossibilites.com or use the link on the right side of the blog!

Have a blessed day!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Featured Foundation of the Week!

Hi Everyone!

This weeks foundation is a foundation, which came to me through a recommendation of a fellow Grobanite (not a disease, a Josh Groban fan, which I am proud to say I am).
As most of my wonderful Grobanites, she is a giving soul, who in the light of the tragedy suggested to donate to this Foundation in honor of producer David Foster (who lost his studio in the fires)and Josh Groban ( who's music is produced partially in that studio, by David)
Therefore I am honored to feature this foundation:

The Wildland FireFighters Foundation

This Foundation, besides their usual work of supporting families of fallen or injured firefighters, are reaching out to the firefighters injured in the Califorina wildfires. Also, they are assisting those firefighters, who have lost their homes, while protecting others.

Please donate to this worthy cause!

Contact info www.wffoundation.org ( link will be provided to the right)

Thank you for your time!

Claudia Blanton
Motivational Coach, Fundraiser