Diet Mind Spirit » creativity

10 Ways To A Healthier 2010.

jeniii — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:19:43 +0000

1.Start each morning with a healthy breakfast, high in fiber and nutrients. Studies have shown that what you have for breakfast influences what you eat for the rest of the day. Many people go wrong by thinking a muffin is a light and healthy breakfast. WRONG! Most muffins from the bakery contain on average 340 to 640 calories, EACH. Oh and that’s without butter. Pass! For a quick on the go breakfast have a cup of non-fat yogurt with mixed blueberries, a slice of whole wheat toast and a fresh glass of orange juice (that you juiced yourself!). If you have a little more time to spare try some of these delicious recipes to jump start your morning.

2.Get up and do something! Go for a walk and check out your neighborhood, window shop at the mall, take your dog for a jog at the park or join a gym and take advantage of their exercise classes. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, just get active. Get your heart pumping for at least 45 minutes each day.

3.Everyone needs time to wind down, especially after a stressful day. Find a hobby! Try learning to play a new instrument, cooking an unfamiliar dish, knitting, bird watching…etc. The possibilities are endless!

4.Laugh and smile! Laughing increases the levels of endorphins in your body making you less stressed and with a healthier immune system. Pop in a funny movie that will get you laughing in no time. Studies have shown that with just 15 minutes of laughter (even fake laughter) will burn 10 to 40 calories, depending on weight. Ever heard of laughter yoga? Pretty interesting.

5.Be positive. Living your life with the, “Why me?” attitude will only weigh you down. Life is a beautiful and precious thing. Don’t sweat the small stuff! Instead of questioning yourself and your self worth, question what you can do to make it better? There is always room for improvement.

6.Cut out the toxins – smoking, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption.

7.Adopt a pet! I can’t think of another way to get active. Pets are wonderful and loyal companions and they will show you unconditional love 24/7. Plus, you will always have an excuse to get out of the house to take them for walk. It’s a win-win situation!

8.Avoid these 5 ingredients as much as possible.

9.Track your ticker! 8.6 million women die from heart disease each year, worldwide. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and follow a heart healthy diet. Just by reducing your sodium intake and exercising everyday, you are on your way to a healthier heart.

10.Get those ZzzZzz! Try to sleep 6-8 hours every night. Everyone is busy, but your body needs time to recharge. By getting the recommended hours of sleep you will feel refreshed and energized in the morning. This will set your mood for the whole day.

How to Travel at Home

cate — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:37:47 +0000

There’s a wonderful post over at The Traveler’s Notebook about looking at the world where ever you happen to be, as if you’re traveling. It’s inspiring and encourages you to see things with a sense of hopeful awe.

“You know the feeling. You’re walking to the market, to the store, to meet a friend, all caught up in the plodding forward of your day…and then suddenly, you take notice of where you are. The light on a wall, the expressions on people’s faces, the feeling of the weather. A distinct sense of place creeps over you, and for a moment you feel like a traveler.

I love this feeling. It is a relief to me; ah, I haven’t forgotten what I learned on the road. How to be fully present in a place.

But it’s rare at home. We tend to get used to our surroundings pretty quickly, especially if they’re surroundings we’ve grown up in or lived in for years. And this familiarity isn’t all bad—our brains, freed up from paying acute attention to the unknown, can focus on other things—writing, school, relationships, work, projects.

And yet sometimes, the desire (Overwhelming! Insatiable! Get me on a freaking bus to Belize!) for that novelty and spark of travel is overwhelming. Sometimes a sense of …” Continue reading

Forget Cereal and Eat a Healthy Breakfast – Some Suggestions

cate — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:31:46 +0000

I’ve written several posts about this but I can’t stress enough that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as the most important meal of the day, it should be healthy. So, why do so many people eat commercial cereals? WHY? WHY people!?? Those of you who eat those mass made cereals, do me a favor, ok? Open the cereal box and stick your nose inside at the top. Now. Take a big SNIFF. Really think about what you’re smelling. To me, it doesn’t really even smell like food. At BEST, it smells like dried dog food. Guess what? There are many common ingredients in cereal and dog food. All that aside, just think about how you’re eating something that isn’t very healthy for you. No matter how many are vitamin fortified, forget about it. They HAVE been fortified but the processing kills most of the nutrients leaving you with nearly nothing. Why do you want to eat THAT for your most important meal? Anyway, here are my suggestions.

Don’t be a lazy bastard.
Gah, you might be thinking, you don’t have to be such a biatch. Sorry. I can’t help it when it comes to important things. So many people I know ALWAYS use the excuse, “I don’t have enough time in the morning to prepare anything, so we (or my kids) eat cereals or protein bars. It’s easy, fast and…” – let me finish that line for you, “CRAPPY FOR THEM.” You can’t argue with me; it’s true. Now, get a conscience and get caring about you and your kids’ health! I just can’t believe I have to tell you this.

Make a yummy nutritious meal for breakfast.
Ok if you HAVE to use that stupid, lame excuse of not having enough time in the morning, then prepare some things the night before so you have little to prepare the next day. Here’s one example (but DO search online for a variety of ideas) Make some whole wheat or multi-grain scones the night before, then in the morning eat them with organic almond butter and some organic jam. Or simply with fruit. Make a quick side of scrambled eggs and voila. Yummy and healthy meal.

Be more organized – Plan for the whole week and vary meals.
This also relates to the previous idea, “don’t be a lazy bastard.” If you plan for the week, your breakfast life will be smooth as peanut butter. During the weekends, plan your meals for every week day. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something different every single day, depending on the tastes of you and your family members, but it should vary to an extent. This is important so your bodies receive a variety of nutrients instead of the very same ones day after day. For example, if you have kids love their home-made organic muesli, allow it Tuesday and Thursday one week, then for the next week allow it Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Vary the kinds of fruit and nuts you add to the muesli. Maybe once in a while add yogurt instead of whole, raw organic milk.

Make Pancakes better.
If you and your family likes pancakes once in a while, instead of using just white flour, add more hearty and healthy flours into the mix like whole wheat flour and buckwheat flour. Also, make sure if you do use white flour, that it is non-bleached and organic. Use organic ingredients as much as possible including eggs, sugar and milk.

Offer all kinds of different spreads for toast.If there’s a die-hard, “gotta have” toast in the a.m., offer different things to spread on it: Peanut butter, coconut butter, almond butter or other kinds of nut butters, tahini, organic butters and cream cheese, organic fruit and jams. Or something completely different: pickled herring, organic cheeses, a poached egg, veggies. How ’bout some organic maple syrup?

The organic tortilla is your friend for breakfast.
I’ve been recently been liking brown rice tortillas but there are many kinds that are good for your health. Tortillas are champions in convenience and you can put all kinds of things into them. Breakfast burritos, veggies and scrambled eggs, bean and cheese, fruity wraps…you will only be limited by your imagination. And if you run out of ideas, look online for more ideas! You don’t have to be alone in this breakfast dilemma.

Let smoothies rule.
There’s nothing more healthy than throwing some fruit, plain yogurt or juice into a blender and make a refreshing, scrumptious and satisfying smoothie. Add some flax seed meal into it and you may become addicted to this excellent meal in a glass. Make sure to vary fruit and ingredients for your smoothies!

Are you Rejuvenile?

cate — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:30:51 +0000

I just finished watching Weeds – Season Two, which is so excellent, by the way, and I noticed that in many scenes where people are reading books, you’ll see a book called, “Rejuvenile” by Christopher Noxon. It turns out that he is the husband of Weeds’ creator, Jenji Kohan.

Without a doubt, I am rejuvenile, not to mention too, that I have some weird connection with Weeds. There are just so many references that I can relate to, or that I already know about like the game “Carcassone,” which was incorporated into an episode. How many people even know or CARE about that? I know about it! And Dinah? They have free internet so I go there when I’m in town. Not too crazy about the food, however. Anyway, maybe it’s because I’m originally from L.A. that I simply see all of the stuff I grew up around. I haven’t lived in L.A. for a long time but it’s always fun to see my home town, a crazy wacko kooky village as it may be.

Back to Rejuvenile. Here’s an excerpt from Publishers Weekly: According to journalist Noxon, rejuveniles-adults who use childhood past-times as “a way of maintaining wonder, trust, and silliness in a world where these qualities are often in short supply”-are proliferating, and unlike other books on the topic of “kidults” (aka “twixters,” “boomerangers,” and “generation debt”), his book says this is largely good. Viewing the bright side of oft-bemoaned evidence showing increasing numbers of young adults living with parents and postponing marriage, Noxon has made an entertaining but incomplete read. In appropriately playful prose, he considers successful adults who play in rock n’ roll nursery rhyme cover bands, attend Disney World without kids, and happily plunk down 10 bucks to see Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie. Avoiding “The Downside of Now” until the end, Noxon almost admits that he isn’t telling the whole story of the rejuveniles: although it’s “nice to think of rejuveniles as freethinking romantics,” which he theretofore does, “it’s clear that outside forces also have a hand in shaping who rejuveniles are.” Those outside forces? Not crushing student loans, a stagnant job market or political age-bias, but “the media.” Of course, Noxon would probably just as soon leave worrying to grown-ups of the old school-he’ll be on the kickball field instead.

Want to get the book? Click the link below.

Rejuvenile: Kickball, Cartoons, Cupcakes, and the Reinvention of the American Grown-up

DIY Green Kid-Safe Home Cleaning Products

cate — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:55:44 +0000

From inhabitots:

“Why should you take the time to make homemade cleaners? Well, first of all, plenty of studies show that toxic, conventional cleaning supplies are bad for your health, your child’s health, and the planet’s health. See the following posts for more information…

* Expectant mamas should limit use of toxic household cleaning products
* Poisons Under Your Sink: Hidden Dangers of Cleaning Products
* How many cleaning supplies are under your sink that your child could safely drink?
* The Dangers of Home Cleaning Supplies

The above health issues are reason enough to make green cleaners, but just in case you need more reasons: homemade cleaners smell better, work just as well, cut down on packaging, and save you money. Lastly, this is a very simple green step you can take at home, yet the rewards are huge – cleaner indoor air quality and a healthy, happy family.

WHAT SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEED:

You need very few supplies to make homemade cleaning products. Most of the items you’ll need, you likely have around the house already…

1. A few plain old spray bottles. You can…” continue reading

Shredder!

cate — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:10:26 +0000

You might be wondering why I’m featuring a shredder for this site. Does it fit into the theme of body mind spirit? YES. Shredders not only take care of your personal information on letters that need to be destroyed to keep private information from getting out, but the shreds and confetti from it can be recycled and thrown into your compost pile. I love this shredder for that. Just make sure the paper is compostable. When paper is shredded finely this way, it’s easier to break down, it adds a “brown” (dry) factor to the compost to balance out the “green” wet material. Hey, and if anything, it’s sort of fun. Here’s the product information below:

The innovative Fellowes SB-87CS with Safe Sense Technology features an active sensor that stops shredding immediately when paper entry is touched. Designed for frequent shredding needs, the Fellowes Powershred SB-87CS delivers a high level of performance that’s ideal for small business or home office use. This heavy-duty personal shredder reduces documents to higher security confetti particles, and shreds up to 15 sheets per pass, 50-100 times per day, for a total daily capacity as high as 1,500 sheets. Equipped with a 9-inch wide front feed paper entry, the SB-87CS easily accepts standard letter or legal-size documents. SB87CS shreds CDs in a designated safety slot and the durable steel cutters also accept credit cards, staples and small paper clips. Electronic auto start/stop ensures quick & easy automatic shredder operation. Shredder automatically shuts off and alerts operator when a jam occurs, door is ajar or 7-gallon pullout wastebasket is full. Sheet capacity gauge helps prevent paper jams. Door offers convenient holder for oil, manual and shredder bags. Cabinet-style stand includes casters for portable ease.

Note: You can also throw this into your kitty’s litter box for extra absorption.

Get your Fellowes Powershred Sheet Confetti Cut Shredder now

Make your own Compost Tumbler

cate — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:18:53 +0000

After watching this video and learning how to make a compost bin that rotates…then actually making it yourself, you won’t have to worry about having all those extra veggies scraps that “go to waste” in the trashcan. After composting them, you’ll have excellent soil in 14 to 21 days for your garden. If you don’t have a garden, make one of these for someone with a garden! It would make an excellent gift for a gardener.

Watch the video

[via groovy green]

A Book on Learning to Live Self-Sufficiently

cate — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 18:46:40 +0000

As a family that has abandoned the city and suburbs for the countryside, the very presence of a book like John Seymour’s “The Self-sufficient Life and How to Live It” is enough to inspire fits of joy. A perfect companion to works like Hemenway’s “Gaia’s Garden” and Mollison’s “Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual,” this book is a must for would-be urbanites fleeing the cities. Covering every topic relevant to self-sufficient, sustainable living and farm life, Seymour’s classic provides a great way to start a different life. An update from the venerable mid-Seventies edition of the book, this 2002 release is a fine improvement.

The book has quite a bit going for it:

1. Beautifully made, illustrated and laid-out, this book is meant to last and be used readily and often. Typical Dorling Kindersley quality.

2. An eye-friendly typeface and bright, semi-gloss pages make this easy reading.

3. The shear breadth of the information here is outstanding. Packed into 306 letter-sized pages are the following chapters:
*The Meaning of Self-Sufficiency
*Food from the Garden
*Food from Animals
*Food from the Fields
*Food from the Wild
*In the Dairy
*In the Kitchen
*Brewing & Wine-making
*Energy & Waste
*Crafts & Skills
*Things You Need to Know

4. Good specifics on all the categories of info listed above. You should be able to get started on your way to being people of the soil. Need to know how to kill, gut, and prepare your cattle? It’s in here. Got a hankering to get off the electrical grid altogether? Helpful windmill buying advice is here. Can’t tell rye from barley? You will after reading this book.

5. A helpful list of contacts and companies that can get you started on your dream are included.

This is a fine primer on self-sufficiency. Anyone looking to escape the rat race could hardly do better than to pick up a copy of “The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It.”

[source: amazon]

Get it now

Have Fun and Play a Game

cate — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:18:11 +0000

In your quest to live the best possible life ever, you can sometimes get a bit too serious, and when that happens…face it, you’re a big drag. Lighten up and lighten up your life and step away from some of your stress factors in your every day life – and play a game or two. Don’t spend hours upon hours glued to it, just spend a small break to have some fun, smile and laugh. There are lots of ways to do that but one method that is sometimes ignored is: playing games. I’ve picked Ancient Quest of Saqqarah because it looks beautiful, it has brain challenging yet fun games and the voices are very and overly melodramatic that they make me laugh. “Getttt ready….for…Super Shuffle!” It’s silly fun and worth a try, if anything else. Remember: you’re never too old (or young!) to have fun.

Download a free demo to try it out (PC)

Download a free demo to try it out (MAC)

Under 18? Show the world how to save the planet

cate — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:44:39 +0000

From the Whole Earth Generation Contect (Whole Foods):

Now’s your chance to inspire the world and make the planet a greener place.

Are you under 18 and thinking green? Show us what you’re doing to be a part of the Whole Earth Generation. Are you recycling at your school? Planting trees? Forcing your parents to go green? Get in front of the camera and tell us about it.

Sing a song, rap, shoot a documentary, whatever – just send us a short video response showing how you’re making a difference. If we pick yours it’ll be featured leading up to Earth Day. You might even get to co-host one of our Whole Earth Generation Podcasts sponsored by Whole Foods.

Whole Earth Generation Details:
* Keep your video under two minutes.
* Be original and express your green self – we just want to see you being you.
* Keep it clean. No violence, profanity or direct attacks on individuals.
* Your video must be original and cannot infringe on any third party rights.
* Your video cannot have been previously published, broadcast, or otherwise publicly distributed.
* Winners will become “Green Ambassadors” and be featured as hosts in upcoming Whole Earth Generation podcasts.
* Make sure you follow YouTube’s Terms Of Service: http://www.youtube.com/t/terms

How to submit your video:
* Log in to YouTube. If you don’t have an account already, it’s easy and only takes a minute or so.
* Go to the YouTube video where our host is introducing the contest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpGoOwRC1uU
* Under “Comments and Responses” click on “Post a video response”.
* If you haven’t uploaded the video you’d like to submit for the contest to YouTube yet, do so by going to “Upload a Video”.
* If you have uploaded the video already, select it by going to “Choose a Video”.

OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

ELIGIBILITY
Contestants must be between 8 years and 17 years of age and a legal resident of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Canada at the time of their audition to be eligible. All submissions become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned. Officers and employees of Whole Foods Market, their respective affiliates, subsidiaries and agents, and the immediate family members of the foregoing, are not eligible to enter. Sponsor is not responsible for late, lost, destroyed or misdirected entries. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Each entry must be submitted with a Submission Agreement to be eligible.

Full rules and regulations:

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/weg_rules.html

To see a video about what you need to do to enter the contest, click here.

An Eco-House for only $8,000

cate — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:37:17 +0000

From the independent:
“When he’s expecting visitors, Steve James watches out the windows so he can catch the look on their faces when they see his house for the first time. “It’s always the same,” he say. “There’s an intense stare and total mystification, as if they can’t quite believe what they are seeing.” This may be because James’s house is made of straw and has a turf roof covered in flowers.

James is passionate about eco homes and deeply proud of the cottage, which huddles by a loch near Dumfries. His kitchen is made from a cedar that blew over in a Glasgow park. His sink came from a skip. To one side is a Moroccan marbled shower room, to the other are sofas and a log-burning stove. He sleeps in a galleried bedroom. A compost loo and rainwater filtration system complete the picture.

The total cost:…”

Read the rest

Relax Don’t Do it (20 Benefits of Doing What Frankie Says)

cate — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 05:41:47 +0000

^{“Masturbation is the primary sexual activity of mankind. In the nineteenth century it was a disease; in the twentieth [and twenty-first]}^{, it’s a cure.” ~Thomas Szasz, psychiatry professor at the State University of New York Health Science Center}

Kick off the new year by just remembering what Frankie Goes to Hollywood sang, and live by those words. (If you don’t know the song, “Relax” check out the lyrics here.)

Ok, do I have to spell it out for you? M-a-s-t-u-r-b-a-t-i-o-n. Most guys (if not all of them) will happily admit they do it, but for some stupid reason, women either don’t do it or won’t admit to doing it. Whatever. I suppose in the end it doesn’t matter if you admit to it or not, but the essential thing would be to…just do it. Why the hell not?

Sooooooo…. you really don’t need any reasons TO do it but if you were wondering, “Why do it?” Besides the obvious “because it feels good,” I offer you the following 20 benefits of masturbation:

1. For men, it’s a good way to keep their prostate healthy. (reduces chances of getting prostate cancer)
2. It gets the imagination working.
3. You get to explore and know your body better. (Especially great for women who haven’t experienced an orgasm. This helps them learn what they need to achieve one.)
4. Once you know your body better, you can tell your partner what you really like.
5. Relieves menstrual cramps! Yay!
6. For teens, it can reduce spontaneous (and oh-so embarrassing) erections.
7. Reduce unwanted wet dreams. A guy thing.
8. An orgasm releases mood lifting hormones (endorphins). Yes!
9. Having insomnia. Masturbating can help you sleep. Or at least keep you busy while you’re awake
10. Helps stimulate the immune system.
11. It gets your heart pumping; consider it a mini-workout.
12. It’s a natural stress and tension reliever. (Relaxes the muscles)
13. Men who suffer from premature ejaculation can use masturbation to practice control.
14. It’s known to relieve migraines.
15. Try mutual masturbation; it’s a turn on and a learning experience.
16. Gives you confidence and raises self-esteem.
17. Orgasm causes muscular contractions in the uterus that can tone muscles.
18. Having orgasms on a regular basis has been reported to give you a more youthful appearance.
19. Improves blood flow in the body.
20. Relieves depression.
***************************

DIGG IT!

Ways Not to Get Fired From Your Job AKA Generating Great Ideas

cate — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 05:25:31 +0000

This post obviously does not apply to some people, but if your job is to come up with ideas because you’re an creative ad person, content writer for scripts or what have you, this is for you. Here are some ways to avoid that blank-white-page-staring-back-at-you syndrome. Or blank computer screen. You know what I mean. You’re at a creative impasse, what to do???? Check these out:

1. Read Everything – Not possible, I know. What I mean is grab current magazines (in a variety of subjects), books if you can spare the time, journals, etc. – there’s nothing better than stimulating the creative juices by getting a bunch of ideas in your head from skimming magazines, websites, leaflets, journals… Don’t copy. Just get inspired!

2. Listen to Music – This works for some people and not all but if you’ve never tried, go for it. Music can relax you (even if it’s very loud rock!) but if anything it’s inspiring. Try to avoid downer music and focus on relaxing and voiding your mind. Ideas is spew forth!

3. Moleskine Your Life

“Moleskine (pronounced MOLE-skeen) is not a verb, I realize but I’ve officially made it one today. Basically, it’s a notebook you should carry around with you everywhere. Ideas come and go and if you have a brilliant one but don’t have a notebook or anything to jot notes on, you’re up shite’s creek. I’m exaggerating. Just don’t be caught empty-handed when you need your cute Moleskine the most.

4. Get your heart pumping – Some people do that by jogging, going to the gym, doing some twirly jacks or whatever they’re called. You don’t have to limit yourself to that. Having sex also gets your heart pumping. When you “exercise” you oxygenate your blood and you get good circulation going. Your brain will be very happy for that and maybe, just maybe it will reward you with that idea of the century.

5. Keep a list – Maybe you can keep this list in your Moleskine , whatever you do. Keep a running list of ideas. You might not need them now, but they might come in handy later on when you need lots of ideas!

6. Socialize – Conversations always get your brain working and moving; Just ask Dr. Kawashima, the brain expert. Two-way conversations can be great idea machines, and you’ll be amazed at some of your friends ideas. Take advantage of meeting new people and socializing on a regular basis, and you will always have a stream of ideas.

7. Go to a cafe and eavesdrop – Use your discretion, please. Since you’re in a public place, most people won’t even notice that you’re listening to them, but really, you can hear some fun and wonderful things inside a cafe. It’s also a great way to relax, drink some non-caffeinated beverages and kick back so your brain can free associate. Remember to bring your Moleskine . I’m serious. These things are great.

Eco Gift Expo, Santa Monica California

cate — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 05:18:57 +0000

If you’re in the the southern California area, check out the Eco Gift Expo being held in Santa Monica next weekend. It’s a large-scale eco-conscious gift show that provides people with an uplifting experience and a solution to the difficult emotions, inconveniences and terrible waste associated with the holidays and holiday shopping.

Eco Gift Expo

Eco Gift Expo
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica
Sat., Dec. 15, 9 am – 8 pm and Sun., Dec. 16, 9 am – 5 pm
($10 online, $15 at the door; free for seniors and children under 12)

Quality time with your Sweetie Without Spending a Fortune

cate — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:27:10 +0000

1. Take a bath – I have no idea if you’re stinky or if you’re a dirty slob, but I’m talking about a romantic, candle-lit bathroom with the tub filled with fragrant and colorful flower petals. Get some fresh roses, tubaroses, gardenias or some of your favorite flowers and generously sprinkle the bath with them. Invite your honey into a luscious tub he/she cannot resist. Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold.

2. Watch a movie at home together – Rent a romantic comedy or romantic drama or even an erotic film (if you and your partner are up for that kind of thing).

3. Give each other a massage – grab some nice, natural massage oils and treat each other to a sensual massage. Now, where you massage is up to you, I’m just suggesting general ideas.

4. Take the day off work – If both of you can manage to take the same day off of work you can plan to spend a whole day and perhaps the night together (depending on your home life). This is especially great for parents to do while their kids are in school during the day. Plan a gourmet picnic and go to the beach or park or somewhere beautiful. If it’s too cold out, have the picnic in your living room or bedroom…

5. An Evening with Whipped Cream – Need I say more?

6. Feed each other blind-folded. Not blind folded at the same time! Take turns feeding strawberries dipped in quality chocolate and other smooth aphrodisiacs to your blind folded partner. Savor every moment…

7. Read an erotic story to each other – Ok, it doesn’t have to be erotic; it can be a romantic, light story or whatever you’re in the mood for. Your goal is to spend focused, quality time with your mate.

8. Paint each other – Find edible or at least non-toxic body paints, strip down and paint each other! Fun!

Be You TV

cate — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:24:02 +0000

Internet broadcast quality TV for your mind. body, and spirit. BeYOU.tv is a membership-based community built around high quality, full length videos that focus on health and well-being. Video topics range from yoga to cardio to Chinese cooking. There is a 7-day free trial membership during the open beta period. Membership $14.95/month.

Be You TV

DIY Clothes

cate — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 05:47:54 +0000

Usually people looking to improve their lives, care about their surroundings as well as the environment in general. One of the best ways to partake in living a sustainable life is to make your own things. Yes, do it yourself. Making your own clothes (shirts, skirts, pants, scarves, hats), for example, with a handy dandy Sewing Machine can be so incredibly rewarding as you feel you’ve created something and you save a huge amount of money by doing so. Watch your savings increase as you stitch away!

Get a cute sewing machine now!

Look at Something Nice. Duh!

cate — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:31:22 +0000

I happen to be lucky enough to live in the countryside, it is absolutely amazing to simply sit on the deck (when it’s not butt cold outside) and just watch the wonderful nature surrounding me. I absolutely feel incredible just doing that simple thing. The other things I like doing, that are more on the geeky side, are browsing websites that make me laugh or smile. For example, I love the “cute” themed sites that show puppies and other cuddlies or kawai Japanese sites; I also love a site that just shows a beautiful photo of their breakfast every day. The photos are yum and I do love to look inside the lives of complete strangers at times. Anyway back to the subject. This doesn’t last all day (I mean, I don’t waste THAT much time browsing the internet. I have a fulltime job, you know!); it’s just a fun thing to do that gives me a little boost of happiness.

You may think this is a TOTAL waste of time but if you do, you’re an idiot. Oops! Sorry for being rude and calling you an idiot. heehee. Anyway, any small gesture that puts a perk in your step, is good for you – so take as many opportunities as you can to feel good. Try not to browse too much at work. You may get fired, and then you might feel really, really bad.