End of The Year Reflection

End of the Year, time to focus upon possible new years resolutions, making choices that might better our lives. But as most years we already enter those ideals with the thought that they will most likely not last past the first few weeks of the new year.
Maybe it is time to change your intention, maybe it is time to stop making resolutions that are only motivated by the aches and pains, the coughs or the subtle comments of relatives about your weight throughout the holiday season.
Maybe it is the time to make resolutions that will effect more then just yourself, and make decisions that will impact the community, your extended family and if we all start doing something - the world.

Here are some ideas for New Years Resolutions that make a difference:

1. Eat less meat or better yet become a vegetarian.
The consumption of meat, has been linked to a major contribution in the climate crisis, that we are facing. You can make a real difference for your health, and that off our planet by eating less or no meat. Use the Internet for a variety of resources on how to switch to a non-meat diet.

2. Recycle.
If you have not done so on a regular basis, now is the time to start! Now there is a New Years resolution worth sticking to.

3. Walk more.
Walking is not only a good exercise, but as you are now using your car less, you are not participating in the creation of more pollution. It's cheaper then a gym membership, all that is required are good shoes (there you should splurge - get really good walking shoes!)

4. Play more
Playing with your kids, or with the dog, or friends gets you away from the TV (which is especially good if it is not an energy efficient model), and will aid or prevent depression. Activeness, positive playful running or playing or just the connection between friends for a friendly game of poker are a better way to spend your time, then in front of the box. You will feel better about yourself (depending on the friends). If you do not know anyone, join a club or the YMCA, or join in with your spiritual centers activities. (Your spiritual place is lacking activities - become creative and start a club!)

5. Discover regional products and specialties.
Getting to know your regional products and arts programs is not just a fun way to spend time, but by supporting and buying local products you are also reducing your carbon footprint. Buying holiday gifts from local artists or farmers is a great way to show your support for your community, and you are spreading the word for your regional specialities. An all around win, win situation.

Blessed Be!

Claudia

How to Monitor and Control Your Inner Dialogue | eHow.com

How to Monitor and Control Your Inner Dialogue | eHow.com

Shared via AddThis

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day is everywhere, and activities are buzzing abound - but what to do, when you have nothing planned, but still want to participate in some form? Here are some quick last minute ideas:

1. Turn off all your electricity for 5 Minutes. Unplug everything, the AC, the TV, radio, all of it. Enjoy the silence.

2. Spend time outdoors. Even if you only have time to move your morning coffee to the porch, make the commitment to connect to Mother Earth in some form, by spending some time in it.

3. Send everyone an electronic Earth Day card.

4. Take this day as an opportunity to switch all of your bills to online bill-pay

5. Buy two reusable bags, one for yourself, and one for a friend or family member.

6. Make a Earth Day 2009 sign for your front door with your kids.

7. Talk to your kids about small actions having a large impact, then model them.

8. Eat a vegetarian meal today.

9. Spread the word on your blogs, twitter, YouTube or any social network you are connected to.

10. Share this list, or your own ideas with friends and family members and encourage each other.


May this Earth Day be a blessed one for you and your family.

Claudia

Product Review!

Hi Everyone!

Yes, I am back with my weekly product review! I know, I know, it took me a while - but here we go!
At this blog, I review products that claim to be green, healthy, organic, vegan, or vegetarian on their packaging.

1. Fantastic World Foods "Vegetarian Sloppy Joe"
4 Stars!
Great flavorful meal, quick and easy to prepare, and it is vegan. All you have to add is water and tomato paste, so it is convenient too. The only downfall of this product is, it is too spicy for my kids. This is definitely a grown-up food. So if you like sloppy-Joe's and want a healthy, yet spicy variety, go for it. Available in most grocery stores.

2. Arnold Select Sandwich Thins - Multi-grain
5 Stars!
Perfect, thin buns with a great multi-grain flavor without all that puffiness of regular buns. Great for the sloppy Joe's above or any sandwich! Great buy!

3. Silk Creamer "French Vanilla"
5 Stars!
I love flavored creamers - and I love this one even more, considering that is soy-milk-based! Finally an non-dairy coffee-creamer I can feel good about. For those who are not used to soy-milk, this product is thinner then a regular creamer, as most soy-milk products are. But it adds great flavor to your cup of coffee!

4. Gardenburger "Mama Mia Meatballs"
5 Stars!
These little soy "meat"-balls are delicious, easy and fast to prepare, for those days when you are in a hurry, and still want quality. Non-Vegan. Available at most grocery stores.

5. Morning Star Farms "Chick Patties Original"
5 Stars!
100 % Vegetarian
When everyone else is eating chicken sandwiches, you can chow down on the healthier alternative! Convenience that will curb your cravings and temptations for the real thing. Quick, easy lunch! Great! Non-Vegan.

I will be back next week with some more morsels I have discovered along the way. Have a great, and delicious week!

Blessed Be!

Claudia
P.S. Don't forget to check out my new Wiccan Blog!

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success from Deepak Chopra is a very informative book on how to bring forth a healthy, happy and abundant life.

Here are the Seven Laws as he sees them:

1. The Law of Pure Potentiality
2. The Law of Giving
3. The Law of Karma
4. The Law of Least Effort
5. The Law of Intention and Desire
6. The Law of Detachment
7. The Law of Dharma or Purpose in Life

For more information on the individual laws, visit my blog on myspace, at http://www.myspace.com/livingpossibilities.com , where I am currently working on a series of articles on the individual laws as stated above

Have a wonderful day!

Your Life Coach,

Claudia Blanton
www.create-your-life-dreams.com

Green Tip of the Day # 3

Hi Everyone!

Here is Green Tip # 3:

Get a pressure cooker!
Saving time and money by using a pressure cooker to cook your meals is a great way to also reduce your usage of electricity, and therefore your impact on the environment. With many models now available you can easily find something in your price range. And this handy little tool leaves you with more time to spent on the important things - being with your friends and working on your goals! You can't beat that!

Peace

Claudia
www.create-your-life-dreams.com

Green Tip of the Day # 2

Hi Everyone!

Here is Green Tip # 2

Use Rechargeable Batteries!
If you are like me and have allot of electronical gadgets, remote controls, digital cameras and kids toys that need batteries, you know how many batteries you can go through within a year. That also can get pretty expensive. The green and less expensive solution to the chemical filled throw-away batteries, are rechargeable batteries. With battery chargers available in many stores, this little green helpers are easy to find, and affordable. Do the switch today!

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia Blanton
Life Coach, Fundraiser
http://www.create-your-life-dreams.com/