Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire Magazine - Spring 2015 by Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire

Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! Create Wealth in ALL aspects of YOUR Life.

My Clients are IN CHARGE

of creating their OWN

Miracles!

IN THIS ISSUE

The April rain, the April rain, Comes slanting down in fitful showers, Then from the furrow shoots the grain, And banks are fledged with nestling flowers; And in grey shawl and woodland bowers The cuckoo through the April rain Calls once again." - Mathilde Blind, April Rain Welcome April!

Welcome to the launch edition of Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! Magazine, created to help and encourage you to become the woman you truly want to be! This magazine is designed to help you truly accept everything about yourself. Self-acceptance will increase your self-esteem and enable you to live your life according to your own beliefs and aspirations. By embarking on a journey of selfdiscovery and self-awareness, you will learn to strengthen your selfesteem and self-confidence by truly accepting and liking every aspect of yourself. This magazine provides exercises and principles to help you on this journey and enables you to truly accept yourself by adopting lifechanging techniques that improve self-esteem and self-confidence. If you need a little â&#x20AC;&#x2122;pushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, feel free to book a #FREE 20 minute coaching session with me so you can finally accept yourself once and for all and begin living the life you really want and deserve! Join me on #MissionForApril and get inspired, motivated and empowered so you too can Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! If you missed out on my #MissionForMarch, you can find it here. I am off to Paris on Saturday for a much needed break, will tell you all about it in the next edition! Until then; Design the Lifestyle YOU Desire! and Create Wealth in ALL aspects of YOUR Life!

Kiran x

Happy Easter!

Power to Succeed POWER TO SUCCEED will be happening on the 25/26 of April 2015 at Hilton London Olympia Hotel, 380 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8NL. Registrations start at 8am and doors open at 9am. POWER TO SUCCEED is about not waiting any longer. It’s about facing those challenges and limiting beliefs front on. It is about learning and seizing the new skills to sustain your journey to success. It is different from all the other seminars out there because it is done experientially, so whatever your learning style this is for you. AT POWER TO SUCCEED you will:  Learn to cope with your key fears around judgment.  Understand your unconscious programming from your upbringing and experience what is holding you back.  Get given tools to counter anything that is challenging you, enabling you to create more momentum and get better results in your life.  Develop effective action steps, join a community of doers and achievers.  NEW! The Coaching Hour – this where Elliot coaches live from stage. Have a burning issue that needs addressing? Make sure you are there for The Coaching Hour, it might be you he picks.  NEW! Learn Elliot’s strategies that took him from broke to wealth in a time when he was told to quit, get a job and that what he was doing was hopeless during a recession. Despite all of that, Elliot, The Coach with the Hat has turned his life around and he will show you how. Elliot Kay, Coach Elliot Kay has been working in the field for a collective 17 years – internationally as well in The UK. Elliot is a home grown talent, coach mentor and facilitator who has helped many people move from employed to running their own businesses – start ups gain GREAT results and business owners improve their turnover. www.powertosucceedtoday.com

Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen

5 Ways To Appreciate The Little Things (And Attract The Big Ones) 1. Keep a Daily Magic journal - As Albert Einstein once said, "Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous. Take special notice of the unexpected circumstances that occur, each day - the unexpected call from a friend just as you were thinking of her; bumping into someone whom you have not seen in a long while; your special song coming up on the radio when you needed to hear it most; a particular blog appearing exactly when you needed to read it. If you don't write these things down, I guarantee you they will be lost quickly amongst the challenges of daily life.

2. Become aware of your surroundings - I guarantee that while you go about your daily routines, you pass by items in your environment that you barely notice. Each day notice one item that you usually pass by, yet are typically unaware. This item may not be an "item" at all. It could be a scent, the particular way the air brushes your cheek while you carry out a common task.

3. Experience music - This is very different from listening to music. Try to pick up a specific instrument and attempt to listen only to that one throughout the piece. Don't do this while driving as it takes extreme focus.

4. Change Routes - Whether you are driving to work or going to an appointment, take a different route than usual. You will be amazed how this small action can open the door to an entire new world.

5. Begin sharing your experiences - When you enhance your vision and focus, you will be amazed on how many magical and, yes, miraculous experiences you will have each day. When you share these it wil reaffirm your faith in humanity and begin to reveal the portal to the divine in all of us.

Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen

6 Everyday Opportunities To Build Self-Confidence When we trust ourselves, anything is possible. People who take the time to honor their talents, speak their minds, and bring their best ideas into fruition get feelings of fulfillment that can only come from living an authentic life. This, at the core, is what self-confidence is really about â&#x20AC;&#x201D; trusting yourself, standing by your own side. As you know from your relationships with other people, trust is built one day at a time. With each deep conversation we have and each struggle we overcome together, we gain more confidence in each other. This is exactly how self-confidence is built, too: one day at a time. Here is a list, by no means exhaustive, of everyday opportunities to build self -confidence. I guarantee you that if you take yourself up on these every single time they come along, you'll feel a sense of deep personal power and integrity in no time.

1. Look with love. - When you look in the mirror, you have the opportunity to choose love over judgment. Next time you're looking at yourself, divert your attention away from the hairs, blemishes, wrinkles, or whatever you obsess about and, instead, look into your eyes with the same depth you'd look at someone you love. Then, give yourself a big smile. It might be strange or awkward at first, but over time, you will build trust and intimacy with that person in the mirror. Like all great relationships, you have to start somewhere.

2. Slow down and spend time with yourself - When you're just rushing through your to-do list, you get no quality time with yourself. It's important to take as much time as you can, every day, to slow down and be completely present. There are so many ways to do this. You can practice mindful eating, take a bath, do yoga, or take a walk in nature. Whatever you do, allow yourself to do it fully and enjoy every moment.

3. Journal - Reflecting on your thoughts every day is the equivalent of taking the time to have a deep conversation with someone you love every day. By journaling, you build the habit of trusting yourself and of being trusted. Over time, you will naturally be drawn to your journal in hard times, as well as in times of inspiration. You'll also allow yourself to be more honest about what you want and what holds you back. This valuable selfawareness is essential toward making important life choices and growing as a person.

4. Stop being scared of saying no - When you say "yes" to every request people make of you, you stretch yourself too thin and give less than your best. Learning to say "no" builds integrity and strengthens your relationship with yourself, as well as your relationships with others. If someone asks you for a favour and you can't do it wholeheartedly, let them go find someone who will. You both deserve that. Sometimes "no" is really the kindest word.

5. Sleep on it - If someone triggers you, take some time to cool off before responding. By choosing to communicate in peace instead of in

conflict, you save yourself from the inevitable anxiety anyone can get when she says or does things in times of high emotion. In the long run, you'll free up all that mind space you devoted to ruminating on your mistakes to ruminating on your brightest ideas.

6. Do something nice ... Quietly - When you see the opportunity to perform an act of kindness, whether it's picking up a piece of trash or helping someone carry something down a set of stairs, do it. Then, keep it to yourself. You'll feel good about what you've done and, as a bonus, you'll get to feel proud of yourself for it, without needing to wash down that pride by seeking approval from other people. What about you? What everyday opportunities do you seize to build a great relationship with yourself? Share with us on facebook!

By MindBodyGreen

You can be a Yummy Mummy, YES you can! By Award-winning author, journalist and presenter Antonia Mariconda

Everyone seems time short sometimes, but mums - especially working mums -seem to have the most demands on their time, relentlessly juggling the responsibilities of both their work and their family lives. Often, something has to give, and it is frequently their own health and wellbeing that isn't given sufficient attention. Beauty regimes also often go on the back burner, casualties of time being all too scarce. There are sometimes serious consequences though to neglecting health and well being, and it has been proven that mums who do put their health needs last can end up suffering from depression. Being a mum is the most important job in the world, so mums should try to ensure that they stay fit and healthy so they can give parenting their best. We all know, also, how investing some time into treating ourselves to a pamper and addressing our beauty needs can give us a well a needed boost, so, ladies, here's 5 simple tips that will help even the most time pushed amongst us to look good.

1:Get plenty of sleep Easier said than done, I know. But, if possible, prioritise and cut out some activities in order to get plenty of sleep. Being a mother does not render you immune from needing 6 to 8 hours sleep the same as everyone else. Have a nap in the daytime if at all possible. Being well rested will boost your mood, leave you less prone to overeating, and do wonders for your skin.

2: Prioritise your well being You are no good to anyone else when you're burnt out and exhausted, so make time for yourself. Whether it's getting your hair or nails done, meeting friends for lunch or taking a stroll, do it. Your physical and mental health is important, to you, your family and your job. Having a beauty treatment will also give your self-esteem a little boost while giving you invaluable 'me time'.

3: Don't do too much You're not Super Mum, and no one expects you to be. You don't have to have an immaculate house or cook gourmet meals all whilst being immaculately presented at work and elsewhere. It is not the end of the world if there's a pile of ironing to do or you haven't hoovered. You don't have to wash and blow dry your hair every day, putting it in a slick ponytail takes seconds and looks chic. Putting on some mascara and lipstick and a bit of bronzer is also quick and easy, but can transform and freshen your appearance.

4:Eat well and exercise A good diet will give you the nutrients you need to cope with all life's demands, and will help your skin, hair, and nails. Finding time to exercise will also reap huge rewards - you will have more energy, your figure will benefit and you will get that feel good factor that will show externally . If time is short get outdoors with the children, you don't have to go to classes or to the gym - the fresh air will benefit you all.

5: Look after your skin Cleanse and moisturise every night, come what may. Invest in products that suit your skin and always use a SPF, all year round, it's not just the children's skin that need protecting from the sun. You can skip make-up if you like, but caring for your skin is really important.

How Your Clothes Could Be Making You Unhealthy By Crystal Cave This winter I thought I could fully handle buying a new home and launching a new program for my business at the same time. But by the end of the launch, I stood in front of my mirror in my new home and saw that through the entire process I'd gained weight. In that moment of truth, I realized I'd spent a majority of my time working from home in my sweatpants. I had convinced myself it was OK to stay in pyjamas all day because the to-do list was never ending and what difference would it make to "get dressed" every morning? As it turns out, everything was connected. I was too busy to change out of sweatpants, which meant I must be too busy to make myself a healthy, nourishing lunch. So instead I treated myself to takeout. And while that kind of food was certainly easy, it sapped my energy and left me feeling heavy and sluggish. Catching myself in this pattern, I decided to schedule morning self-care into my daily routine ... the work could wait. My health and personal happiness needed to come first. How I felt influenced everything, including launch results and my own productivity. This shift meant that by lunch, I was wearing outfits that didn't involve sweats and I also felt inspired to make myself a nourishing meal. An added bonus to this shift? At the end of the day, I'd accomplished more work than on the days I skipped my morning routine. If you're having a hard time scheduling morning self-care, I want to share three powerful reasons integrating style into your self-care routine can improve your health.

When you feel good about your look, you'll be more inclined to treat

your body right. Just like a great morning meal kicks us off for a powerhouse day, walking out the door feeling fabulous in your outfit can help you make great, healthy choices all day long. Back in college, a professor challenged my class to an experiment: One day we'd get dressed up and the next, we had to dress down. On the day I dressed up, I made healthier food decisions that nourished my body from the inside out because I wanted what I put in my body to reflect how I looked and felt on the outside. However, on the dress down day where I was rocking sweatpants, I gravitated toward unhealthier, fried foods. Even now, I notice this pattern in myself and my clients.

Action: I challenge you to do this same experiment. One day dress up and the very next day, dress down. Take note of the decisions you're making each day. Do you notice that you make healthier choices on the day you put your self-care first?

If you don't believe you're worth it, you won't take the actions to

be kind to your body. If you're anything like me, the days you don't feel fabulous in your clothing usually lead to negative self-talk. You think to yourself, "You look sloppy. You shouldn't go anywhere looking like that. You can't get your shit together. You're not even dressed." People pleasing can kick in as well, causing you to focus on other people's needs instead of your own. This puts your own self care at the bottom of the list, which can leave you compensating by emotionally eating.

Action: I always tell my clients to pick out an outfit the night before, and you should try it too. This way, you set yourself up for success because your outfit is ready, no matter how little time you have in the morning. Schedule 15 minutes every night for the next week to give this a test drive.

Your current relationship with your clothing makes you look

heavier. What I've discovered from styling hundreds of women is that we don't know how to style our body shape because our bodies have changed without us realizing. We gain weight, lose weight ... sometimes we wake up and barely recognize our own bodies. Because of this, we mentally checkout. We go to the store and buy anything that fits instead of focusing on how to accentuate and flatter our figures. Or you may have the opposite problem of buying and wearing clothes that are too tight because it's tough to face the fact that your body has changed. So you convince yourself that the size you were when you were in college hasn't changed. Or you resist purchasing new clothes because you believe you'll be able to lose those extra pounds again.

Action: Take your latest measurements to find out what your current body shape is. Our bodies are constantly shifting and changing, so while you could wear certain things in your twenties, you may now find yourself a totally different shape now. This means the clothing that will flatter your body is also going to shift.

#FREE ONLINE COURSE ENROL NOW!

This course helps you answer the question ‘How good am I to myself’, your values and how to prioritise to create more time and energy. There are no right or wrong answers, so just answer however appropriate for you right now – and see what you learn about yourself!

20 Awesome Side Effects Of Practicing Self-Love Self-love isn't about being narcissistic. It's not about “me, me, me.” It's not about fighting the world to express ourselves or to get what we want. Self-love is about looking at ourselves through the eyes of a loving mother, a loving God. What would a loving mother want for her child? How would she see him or her? Self-love is simply about owning our own power and acting from a place of kindness toward ourselves. Here are 20 reasons why self-love is important.

When we love ourselves:

1. We let go of blame, shame, and anger. We invite ownership, creation, and power into our lives. 2. We feel, hear, and believe in our power. It doesn’t matter what others think or say about us; what matters is how we feel about ourselves. 3. We feel at peace. We accept ourselves — including our strengths and weaknesses — unconditionally. 4. We become responsible for our lives. We recognize that we are the source of all happiness. We are the source of the power to change our futures, careers, relationships, passion, compassion, empathy and authenticity. 5. We let go of loneliness and embrace a deeper connection and sense of oneness with the world. 6. We allow ourselves to show up in the world and live our purpose. 7. The more we look at ourselves with love, the more we practice love and acceptance toward others. We let go of thoughts that negate our reality (the “should”s), and we become lovers of what is.

8. We allow ourselves to be human. We accept mistakes and failures, and we invite vulnerability into our lives. 9. We don’t need to prove ourselves to others, because we know that we’re enough. 10. We are no longer ruled by fear, because we know that love is the strongest power of all. When we choose love over fear, we become stress-free beings. 11. We let go of competition and comparing ourselves to others. Therefore, we’ll always be enough. 12. When we love ourselves, we give birth to creativity, inspiration and openness. 13. We accept reality instead of blaming and fighting it, because we know that love is in every corner. 14. We attract harmony, peace, spaciousness, and significance in our relationships. 15. We find courage to accept failure because we know that it is one step closer to growth, and our significance isn't dependent on what we produce. 16. We let go of keeping ourselves small in this world and allow growth instead, just like the tree that grows to provide shade and food for an infinite number of people. The more we grow, the more we spread love and joy. 17. When we love ourselves, we become aware of our stressful thoughts and how we react when think them. We question their truthfulness and we choose to turn them around and invite stillness instead into our lives. 18. We feel safe because we know that we will always be right here for ourselves. 19. We shine naturally without working for it or fighting to get it. 20. We move from scarcity to abundance in every area of life without the need to fight or push to get it.

Budget categories, recommended percentages, automated payment schedules, savings challenges, and the list goes on. Budgeting is essential to surviving life. Money is the one thing that connects us all, regardless of size of income, gender, culture differences, where you live, etc. One of the simplest ways to set up your budget is to follow the formula 50/20/30 budget. Sounds complicated, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it? It is not at all as complicated as it sounds; in fact, I believe it makes budgeting a whole lot easier.

50 percent is for your essentials 20 percent is for your future 30 percent is for your lifestyle

Let me break this down a little further.

50 Essentials Your essentials are what you need to survive. Essentials are your food, house, and transportation to work (in order to earn money to provide for the essentials). Fifty percent of your total monthly income should go towards your basic survival needs. This is why it is imperative that you avoid overpaying on your home and car, as they will eat up too much of your fifty percent leaving you with little room for groceries. Make sure when you budget this category that you are not overpaying on your utilities every month, as that too will eat up too much of your fifty percent.

20 Future Your future is your debt repayment, emergency fund, investments, and your retirement savings. How you decide to allocate twenty percent of your total monthly income to these categories is depended upon where you are in life and what your financial goals are. For example, if you are attempting to pull yourself out of debt, a huge portion of your twenty percent is going to go towards your debt repayment plan. If your retirement account needs a little love, a large portion of your twenty percent will go towards your 401(k) or IRA accounts.

30 Lifestyle Your lifestyle consists of the things that you enjoy spending money on like travel, eating out, gifts, and shopping. This category is the first to go when you are in financial trouble, do not get caught up in the thirty percent outweighing your future. This account is intended to make living life fun but it will not be enjoyable if you are struggling to pay your monthly bills. Before planning out this category of your budget, make sure your essentials and future are balanced out before you play. How you decide to divide the individual categories is up to you. You could set up to allocate twenty percent of the fifty percent towards your mortgage or rent payment every month. These individual percentages will look different for everyone. Personal finance is personal and although money connects us, it works differently for each of us. Have you ever used the 50/20/30 budget framework before?

4 Lists That Wil Change Your Life If I don't write things down, there's a good chance I'll forget half of what I need to do. Maybe you're the same? I use "to-do" lists all the time to keep me organized and on track in my daily life. Then it occurred to me that a few good lists could also help me stay on track in my emotional/ spiritual life. And they have. It's so easy to focus on what's wrong that we sometimes forget how easy it can be to focus on what's right. Especially when we're feeling down. When your mind won't release you from the gloom, wouldn't it be nice to have some lists at hand to remind you just how wonderful your life really is? Instead of "to-do" lists, think of these as "To Be Happy" lists, perfect for that much-needed jolt of perspective or positivity. I look at my lists every day, and they make a big difference. Every day. Take a little time, in a quiet space if possible, and make the following four lists. Write freely! It's not possible to have too many items on these lists, and you can always add more at any point in the future.

1. The Gratitude List What list of life-changing lists would be complete without gratitude? Gratitude is one of the quickest paths to happiness, a sure-fire way to feel good about your life. It's not possible to feel deprived and grateful at the same time. Gratitude rocks! What are you grateful for? Write down everything that contributes to your life in a way that makes your soul shake with gratitude. You'll soon see there's a lot of good going on in your world.

2. The Proud Accomplishments List What are you proud of? What hardships have you overcome? When did you move forward beyond some fear that tried to hold you back? Write these moments down. We forget how strong we are, and how resilient we can be. When we're going through hard times, we're often not able to see ourselves as worthy or productive. Read this list when you're determined to put yourself down; it will lift you back up.

3. The People You Love and Who Love You List Nothing makes me happier than connecting with the people I love. What about you? Who are the people you care most about in this world? Who accepts you just as you are? Make a list of all the people you love deeply, as well as those who love you deeply. Most likely these are the same people, the ones you turn to over and over, the ones you call "family." Just reading the names of those most important to you will carry their energy into the moment, and will warm your heart immediately.

4. The Inspirational Mantras List My friend once said to me, "There's no justification for lack of love." I think of these words all the time; they inspire me. We all come across certain mantras, lyrics or passages in a book that deeply resonate with us. What are yours? Write down your favourites. Create a list with those words that have inspired you the most, that have helped you find perspective or have simply made you smile. A glance at this list could lead you to your next "a-ha" moment and inspire a real change in the way you're approaching your life. Simply making these four lists is a wonderful exercise that will have you feeling more grounded in the good. But don't stop there. When you're done, scatter them around your life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one in your purse or wallet, one in your nightstand, one at work â&#x20AC;&#x201D; so that you're always surrounded by easy reminders of what's working in your life. If you can, put all four lists on one document and allow yourself to be blissfully overwhelmed by the fulfilling life you've created. And by all means, if you can think of other lists you want to create that inspire positivity, write those down too. You can never have too many reminders of all that's beautiful in your life.

Happy listing!

By Scott Stabile

7 Powerful Tips to Lifelong, Healthy Self-Care Habits By Vironika Tugaleva "Good habits once established are just as hard to break as bad habits, and bad habits are easier to abandon today than tomorrow." â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lucas Remmerswaal When we hear about the importance of self-care and self-love, especially if we've been missing this important piece for a lifetime, we light up. We sing with joy: "Of course! It makes so much sense! It's what I've been missing my whole life!" Then, many of us get stuck (sometimes for years) in "I understand what I need to do, but how?!" There is this frustrating stage between knowledge and practice called "change" that most of us fear, misunderstand, and make up excuses for avoiding. Without change, knowledge is simply hearsay. Without walking the walk, talking it will never be enough. To help you get some direction, I've rounded up 7 powerful, important tips that I both practice and preach. Please take these tips as guideposts rather than commands. Find a way to make them fit that feels comfortable, like slipping the right puzzle piece into the perfect spot. Without further ado, some guidance on building self-care habits that are healthy, sustainable, and right for you: 1.) Don't do things you hate This seems obvious, but there is a reason I have put this one first. Every single client I have ever had who hated exercise simply hated the kind of exercise he or she was doing. Every person I've met who says they "hate people" has spent a long time interacting with a handful of people who were critical, disrespectful, and even abusive to them. Each self-care habit you engage in must be customized especially for you, and the first step is to stop imposing upon yourself routines and activities that make you feel like you're dying inside. 2.) Find out what you love This also seems obvious, and there is also a reason why I put it second. I have first-hand and third-person experienced this "if it's good for me, it'll taste/feel/look bad" mindset we've been conditioned into. This mindset

Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen

helps sell more diet and exercise products, but it doesn't help people achieve change in a valuable, self-respecting, sustainable way. That's why 9 out of 10 diet and exercise plans fail within the first year. When you're not doing what you love, you lose determination. When you lose determination, you're back at square one and ready to buy more products. Get out of the consumer mindset and into the love mindset. Find food that you really love to cook and love to eat. Find a way to move your body that genuinely feels good. Find a way to make money that serves your talents and serves the world. Don't settle for anything less than raw, pulsating passion. 3.) Recover from "expert addiction" There is a curious and toxic trend in our society to trust outside sources of advice and approval more than we trust our own selves. If you want to build lifetime habits, the only approval you need is your own. If you do take advice from experts, take it as a suggestion. Pick through it, find what feels authentic and helpful, and discard the rest. Do not allow your path to be dictated by others. Take everything people say with a grain of salt, including what I'm saying to you now. Realize that I'm only sharing what I've seen work, not necessarily what is universally true. Find your own way. You are your own expert. 4.) Develop a daily routine This is so important. I cannot stress this enough. Speak kindly to yourself

every day. Move your body every day. Connect with your spirit every day. Eat mindfully every day. It is much easier to do something every single day than to do it 3 times a week or 5 times a week. When you do something every single day, you easily develop a habit. That goes for exercise just as much as it does for watching television. When a good habit is formed, you'll feel the same driving urges to do it as you'd feel for a bad habit. 5.) Play within your routine Commit to the structure of the routine, while allowing yourself to play within it. If you try to impose a rigid structure with rigid activities, you will soon feel suffocated. If you try to play with structure and play with activities, you will get off track. In order to feel free as well as fulfilled, you must allow for structure as well as play in your habits. Allow for your routine to have a basic structure (i.e. "Every day, I will work out, cook, read, and meditate") and allow yourself to play with the activities within that structure (i.e. "From day to day, I allow myself to change what I do for exercise, what I eat, where I meditate, etc."). 6.) Wake up to love The first hour after awakening is the best time of the day to build your mindset, open your mind, and open your heart. You have a perfect opportunity, in your first moments of awareness, to shift that awareness towards thoughts of love, compassion, and peace. After practicing this for only a short while, you'll find yourself automatically waking up to thoughts of love, compassion, and peace. That's the power of starting off on the right foot! 7.) Relax Remember that the feelings of love, joy, and peace awaits each time that you let go. The purpose of caring for yourself is to do it in a way that is graceful, flowing, and kind to yourself. If you begin to get stressed, find a way to relax. If meditating is difficult, do a guided meditation. If intense activity seems unfathomable, go for a walk or do some light stretching. If you're feeling unmotivated, watch an inspiring talk or talk to a friend who understands. Remember that building your mindset and your relationship with your body, mind, and spirit is something you will be doing for the rest of your life. There is nowhere to climb to or any finish line to reach. Allow yourself to enjoy it and be grateful for the opportunity. Life is an opportunity.

4. Change Routes - Whether you are driving to work or going to an appointment, take a different route than usual. You will be amazed how this small action can open the door to an entire new world.

Rose Hill Designs by Heather Stillufsen

MY UNIQUE HOME

Because everyone deserves a Healthy & Happy Home :)

10 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

While it's always so fun to do the big projects, like remodel or get nice new furniture for your home, truly loving your home for the long haul is mostly about enjoying the little things that are free or budget friendly! This is the kind of stuff I do around my own home more than anything else to keep myself inspired and content right where I am.

1) Bring a burst of spring to the entry. Add a little something new to brighten the mood! 2) Decorate your mantel. Use what you have! Say goodbye to winter and then gather up a stack of pretty books from around the house in colours you like, display a favourite spring-inspired collection, put a bouquet in a vase or frame a favourite family photo. 3) Get into a springy mood and rearrange some shelves. Sometimes simply moving things around a bit will get you inspired! Try a new arrangement on shelves or console tables. 4) Set a pretty table. You know, that table covered in clutter doesn't inspire you, right? Clear off the table, wipe it down and make it pretty with simple spring table settings! 5) Shop at a flea market. Go on a treasure hunt for an affordable second hand find. Bring it home, mix things up, rearrange, try things in a new place. 6) Plant a 5 minute garden. Something about working with plants is so therapeutic! Succulents and small plants make gardening easy! 7) Line the inside of a door or a wall with inspiring art or postcards. Do you have a dream vacation or a fond memory of one? Print out art and postcards to inspire you. Or maybe paper a wall with maps of your favourite places! 8) Freshen up the bedroom. Add a new pattern or colour to liven up your space! 9) Spray paint something. Look around your garage or closets and find a fun accessory that just needs a little love. Candlesticks, small statues, even small toy animals! Spray paint them white, or gold! Here's one of my little spray painted guys! 10) Clean out a drawer and make it pretty inside.

am pumped for spring cleaning!

What better time to clear out all of that winter dust and bring the fresh feel of spring into your home? If you’re geared up and ready to go, here are ten “must-clean” areas of your home. Let this checklist be your guide as you spruce things up!

OVERHEAD LIGHT FIXTURES AND CEILING FANS. Brighten up rooms and keep dust to a minimum by cleaning your overhead fixtures. Just make sure all of your fixtures are turned off before you climb up there and start cleaning!

WINDOWS AND DRAPES. Depending on the material, you may be able to just vacuum these guys, but check the label to be sure. For really stinky drapes, it’s best to hand wash them in cold water.

BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH FURNITURE. Scoot that sofa to the side and you’ll probably uncover a secret world of dust and dirt. As you clean, keep an eye out for loose change between those cushions, too!

AIR FILTERS. Changing your air filters regularly will prolong the life of your furnace and keep the air you breathe free from dust and allergens. Plus, it only takes about five minutes!

MOULD AND SOAP SCUM. Mould is most common in dark, moist areas such as your bathrooms, basement and attic. To kill mould and soap scum, mix a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide!

MATTRESSES. Flipping your mattresses will prolong their life by distributing the wear. Flip your mattresses over so the top becomes the bottom, and turn them so the foot becomes the head.

REFRIGERATOR. Banish bacteria and prevent food poisoning by clearing out your fridge. Toss anything that’s rotten, expired or questionable. Tip: Keep things fresh with a box of baking soda!

FLOORS. Break out the broom and vacuum! Before you begin, squeeze a fresh lemon or lime into your vacuum bag. This will freshen both the bag and the carpet.

TOILETS. You probably clean the ‘ole porcelain throne regularly, but there’s no substitution for a deep scrub. Tip: Lemon juice and denture cleaning tablets are both effective toilet cleaners!

DRYER DUCT. Lint builds up in your dryer duct throughout the year, and can create a serious fire hazard if it’s not cleared. Make sure you clean both the duct and the exterior vent!

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Passion for Food One of the things I LOVE about cooking is that cooking a meal is one of the most personal and intimiate things you can do for someone. You're literally providing plated nourishment made with your own hands and creativity - even if you're following a recipe, you picked the recipe and planned the meal didn't you? The speciality about a home cooked meal is the feeling of abundance it provides, everything you have and need is right in the front of you within arms reach. The fragrance of garlic, the crackle from the skillet, end the sight of perfectly roasted bird coming out from the oven....DIVINE! Cooking speaks to all of my senses. It's a joy I'm so proud to know!

Ways to Make Your Groceries Last Longer By Martha Stewart Tired of finding slimy mushrooms in your crisper drawer? Wondering how to make that delicious loaf of bread from the bakery stay fresh longer? Here are the best practices for giving the goods from your last grocery trip the longest shelf life possible.

BE SURE MUSHROOMS ARE MUSH-FREE - Place them in a sealed brown paper bag and keep it in the refrigerator. Stored in absorbent, breathable paper, mushrooms won't become slimy or spotted as they do when kept in a plastic bag.

KEEP YOUR BASIL FRESH - Basil is delicate, there's no denying that. It seems to start turning brown as soon as you bring it home. To keep it green and fresh, trim the ends and stand them straight up in a tall glass of water. Loosely cover the basil with the plastic bag it came in; this will extend its life for a couple of days.

CARE FOR YOUR FROMAGE - While aged cheeses are already months or years old when you buy them, other cheeses are fresh and far more perishable. You can keep both aged and fresh at their prime properly. Keep cheeses in the crisper of the refrigerator, wrapped in cheesecloth or parchment paper. Avoid plastic wrap and foil -- these materials don't let cheese breathe -- but if these are the only materials you have on hand, leave the rind exposed so air can reach the cheese. To prevent cheese odours from permeating other foods, put it in a secure plastic container.

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE BAD APPLES - Ever hear the old adage, "One bad apple spoils the whole bunch"? It's true! And it's not just for apples. Keep watch over your produce and pluck out any item that starts to go bad as soon as you see it.

PRESERVE OLIVE OIL IN A DARK BOTTLE - Heat and sunlight are two of olive oil's worst enemies. To prevent the oil from going rancid, if it doesn't come in a dark-tinted bottle, decant it into one and place it far away from the stove. (Pro tip: Stainless steel cruets will help

BUY UNSALTED, UNCHOPPED NUTS - They last longer than ones that are salted and chopped. Additionally, because nuts contain a high percentage of oil, they can become rancid more quickly in warm weather. Peanuts as well as almonds, pecans, and other tree nuts are best stored in a set of airtight containers in the fridge for up to six months (or in the freezer for up to a year).

STORE FISH OVER ICE - Fish should be cooked as soon as possible after purchasing. Until you cook it, rewrap fish tightly in plastic and place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, preferably on ice. (Pro tip: Slowly defrosting discourages "drip loss," so the cooked fish will be moist and the texture firm, but not tough.)

FREEZE YOUR FRESH BREAD - A loaf of bread will dry out fast. That's why the French buy baguettes daily. If you won't be eating the whole loaf in a day or so, cut it in half when you get home from the bakery. Leave half on the counter in a paper bag that you slip into a larger cloth bag, and wrap the other half in plastic wrap and put in the freezer. When you take the bread out of the freezer, leave it wrapped until it defrosts to room temperature. Then warm it in a 400 degree oven for a few minutes.

GET VACUUM SEALING - Make better use of your freezer. With airlocked containers, a package of ground beef can be cooked, then divided into meal-size portions and frozen, ready for dinners to come. Freeze leftovers in similar containers and use on those extra busy nights, or take to work for lunch.

5 New Reasons To Drink Tea + How to Brew Your Spring Detox Cup In China, where they have a tea history of over one thousand years, people enjoy endless cups of steaming hot tea at home and bring a thermos of hot tea with them wherever they go. They believe that tea helps digestion and sharpens the mind. Monks are known to have relied on the power of green tea, to stay awake and focused during long hours of meditation. It is no wonder that tea drinking has become an indispensable part of their daily life. In mythology the Emperor of the Five Grains, Shennong, laid the foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine by identifying hundreds of medicinal herbs. Legend has it that he personally tested their properties and his favorite method of detox was through drinking tea! Today, science is revealing more secrets about the health benefits of tea. Here are five you may not have known:

1. Anti-aging - Green tea is a wonderful source of special antioxidants called catechins that help fight back against the aging process. The antioxidant catechins do this by decreasing oxidative stress, the underlying cause of aging.

2. Immunity-boosting - Green tea has polyphenols that can increase the number of "regulatory T cells" that are important for immune function.

3. Fat-burning - Tea is also found to have the potential to boost your metabolism and help you lose weight. Researchers in the Netherlands discovered that tea can help you burn fat. What's more, they found that people who drink tea regularly have less body fat and lower Body Mass Indexes (BMIs) than people who don't drink tea.

4. Mood-boosting (and focus-enhancing!) - Tea can help us stay focused and improve our performance. Drinking tea has been linked to psychological benefits such as enhanced creativity and improved work performance.

5. Bone-strengthening - Tea may be protective against osteoporosis, according to an in-depth review from Texas Tech University. Tea and its

polyphenols have been shown to help build stronger bones by increasing bone mass and bone formation. The Texas researchers found that tea drinking was linked to 30% reduced risk in hip fractures for those over 50. As we undergo our daily work in this fast paced world, some of us may want to grab a processed tea drink. But that could impact some of the benefits of tea. Research done at the Chinese University in Hong Kong reveals that traditionally brewed green tea may be the best, because they found brewed tea to be higher in beneficial catechins than bottled green tea products. So why not make your own favourite tea?

Brewing The Perfect Cup Of Detoxifying Tea There are three major kinds of tea. Mature tea leaves, fermented and aged, are made into black tea. Green tea comes from young tea leaves that are dried and not fermented. And Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea variety that is partially fermented. Making that perfect cup of tea is easy. Here's how:

1. Select the finest loose leaf tea or the best tea bags available. Put a pinch of tea leaves in your cup. Bring some pure, fresh water to a rolling boil and pour it over your favourite naked tea leaves.

2. Brew the tea for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the polyphenols to fully infuse the tea.

How To Brew Decaf 1. Brew the tea for 30 seconds and drain it away. This removes most of the caffeine. Add more hot water and brew the tea for 3 to 5 minutes. By MindBodyGreen

9 Foods That Will Naturally Detox You By Maria Marlowe

Think the only way to detox is with a juice cleanse? Think again! Our bodies are naturally built to detoxify us. Everyday, we eliminate and neutralize toxins through our colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph, and skin. It’s just that, in this day and age, these organs often get over-worked from the constant barrage of toxins from pollution, animal products, and processed foods. Luckily, Mother Nature has the perfect antidote! Below are 9 potent detoxifying foods that support your body’s natural cleansing system… and you don’t have to juice them to get the benefits. You'll receive benefits just by incorporating more of these foods into your diet:

Cauliflower - This antioxidant rich cruciferous veggie aids your body’s natural detoxification system and reduces inflammation .

Lentils - This fiber-rich legume aids in elimination, helps lower cholesterol, balances blood sugar, and even increases your energy.

Broccoli - A strong detoxifier, broccoli neutralizes and eliminates toxins while also delivering a healthy dose of vitamins. Turnip Greens - A potent detoxifier, this cruciferous veggie also has been found to help prevent many types of cancer and is a great for reducing inflammation. Grapefruit - This fiber-rich sweet and tangy fruit helps lower cholesterol and aids the digestive system.

Steel Cut Oats - High in both soluble and insoluble fiber, oats will keep you satiated and your digestive system moving.

Cucumbers - Nutrient dense cucumbers, which are 95% water, help flush out toxins and alkalize the body.

Sunflower Seeds - High in selenium and Vitamin E, sunflower seeds aid the liver’s ability to detox a wide range of potentially harmful molecules. In addition, they help prevent cholesterol build up in the blood and arteries.

Hemp Seeds - These tiny nutritional powerhouses are an excellent source of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, are an easily digestible plant based protein, have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, and also aid in elimination.

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