Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year, New You!

I have so much to say about the new year I feel that I can go on and on. I'm sure you've read countless New Years Resolutions and pep talks. So I'll leave it at this.

2011 is a New Year and a New You. Leave old stories in 2011 and Choose Your Own Adventure this coming year. The thing that you never took a leap to try. GO FOR IT this year. At full force! It may not manifest itself until December, it may not manifest itself until another 3 years! What I do know is if you go for the thing, whatever it may be, with laser focus, by December of this year you would have made Leaps and Bounds of progress in the direction of your goal.

I am making some leaps that definitely have me nervous (in that excited tingly way) and that I haven't tried before. I have taken inspired actions and the ball is rolling. More on that to come :)

I also have some pretty standard goals, that I intend to Seriously stick to this year! I have a new force and determination that I feel like I had lost for awhile there.

Eating whole foods, experimenting with raw dishes, serious about being Pescatarian (really veg most of the time but on occasion, fish)

Exercise. I get so bored with a normal workout. So I'm looking into learning how to surf and joining a soccer team!! (I SO don't play soccer btw...but it should be fun!)

Business plan: Getting serious about my dreams, making them lucrative, I have ideas and dreams of organizations and business that will help people and shrink for the challenge ALL The time. I'm afraid of the "Who does she think she is" Gremlins in my head and "What if you're not enough" recording that plays over and over. I know that's a lie. I'm enough right Now. I'm a self help enthusiast, a camp afectionato, a work-a-lover (instead of -holic), and I AM enough and I think that I have something to offer, that's who I think...excuse me....Know who I am. So really no excuses and no more shrinking.

Which brings me to this quote and I will leave you all with this thought by Marianne Williamson-

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

That's my 2011 Mantra I have to live it like I've never lived it before. Choose Your Own Adventure and Live Your Life To the Fullest. Catch you on the Flip Side!!

Love, Light and Brimming over with Gratitude!

ASB






(pic: of me this Christmas cooking at the "Treehouse" beach house)

Sunday, December 26, 2010

New Voice


Hey All Agent SunshineBuilder here :)

Wishing everyone happy holidays and happy new year.
I started this blog just being led by the Spirit not really knowing where it was going to go or what it was going to be. It was going to start off as a collaborative effort between some friends and I, but we are all working on separate projects so right this is going to really be just my "voice".

The days of the week format will remain the same, but probably won't be posted as much as the Sun Day posts. Why? Well I don't know if I can single handedly keep up with every UN approved "XYZ International Day Of...", every Take Action Volunteer Opportunity, Every product to review and all the Fabulousness in the world. However, when something comes up in my world that fits under that category I will file it there. What I DO know is my life, my journey, my goals and aspirations. That I can speak on and I will do a better job of updating more often.

Promotion? Not so sure. I have created this blog, (along with my Ecuador Experience Blog) and I have preposted material that will last until 2012 already created and posted, but yet I do NOT promote it what so ever. What am I thinking? The cyber gods will just send the souls who are just meant to read this here? Do I really want people reading it? Who is my target audience? Should I look at this as an online journal?

I'm not really sure, and that's the fun in allowing yourself to just be lead and not always have a plan and always have the answers. As long as you have faith, and are able to let go of "ego" you create a space for Magic to happen.

So I guess that's what I'm hoping for, that The Universe has some magic in store down the road that I can't see and God will be giving me my next steps when they are supposed to be presented. It's the journey, not the destination. I Do hope that if people do read/are reading that my journey can be an inspiration for people to live the lives that they love, cause that's Exactly what I intend on doing/creating/manifesting!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Someday at Christmas Time...

Someday At Christmas- Stevie Wonder
(I'm right there with you Stevie!!!)

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December our hearts will see
A world where men are free

Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
Our world where people care

Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shinning moment my heart ran away
From our world today

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Take hope because your love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmastime

Friday, December 24, 2010

Navidad Fabulous


Just in time for the holidays...

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Human Rights Day 2011


Human Rights Day is December 10th 2010 that gives you three days to come up with ways to Take Action Now!

The theme for Human Rights Day 10 December 2010 is human rights defenders who act to end discrimination.

Human rights defenders acting against discrimination, often at great personal risk to both themselves and their families, are being recognized and acclaimed on this day.

Human rights defenders speak out against abuse and violations including discrimination, exclusion, oppression and violence. They advocate justice and seek to protect the victims of human rights violations. They demand accountability for perpetrators and transparency in government action. In so doing, they are often putting at risk their own safety, and that of their families.

Some human rights defenders are famous, but most are not. They are active in every part of the world, working alone and in groups, in local communities, in national politics and internationally.

Human Rights Day 2010 will highlight and promote the achievements of human rights defenders and it will again emphasize the primary responsibility Governments have to enable and protect their role. The Day is also intended to inspire a new generation of defenders to speak up and take action to end discrimination in all of its forms whenever and wherever it is manifested.

The story does not end after 10 December 2010. The focus on the work of human rights defenders will continue through all of 2011.

What can you do to be a defender of human rights? For more information check out the the website here.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

International Volunteer Day!


International Volunteer Day is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985.
The declared aim of this activity is to thank the volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society.

As a volunteer myself I put this as a Sun Day post. Happy Day PCVs and All the other Volunteers out there!!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

World AIDS DAY


World AIDS Day
Over 90,000 people are living with HIV in the UK and new infections continue every year. World AIDS Day 2010 is all about raising awareness to tackle HIV prejudice and help stop the spread of HIV.

Create a workshop, attend a lecture, tell a friend! Spread the word and spring into action. This is something that effects all of us. For more information visit the website and start spreading the word!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Choose Your Own Adventure, Anything Goes


Remember those books back in the day called: Choose Your Own Adventure?

My favorite CYOA Book was about a girl dragon slayer. She would slowly and stealthy enter the mouth of the cave with he sword in hand… and the book would instruct me that is was MY choice…would she continue to walk into the darkness sure to find the dragon, or would she get second thoughts exit the cave and wait until morning. With those books you could take a leap and do the dangerous thing, or you could play it safe. I know with the CYOA I would always take the boldest most daring option. I mean, if I get to choose I’m Going For It!

Well for 2011 I want to live that way too and I’m giving you permission to live the same way. You just have to give YOU permission. People stay in jobs they are Miserable with, People stay in relationships just to play it safe but not because they are happy, people put their dreams on the backburner everyday because they feel they are not experts, good enough, are comfy playing small etc. etc. etc. I know because I do/and have done all of these things.

We can start the movement together. 2011:Choose Your Own Adventure, Anything Goes!

If you’ve always wanted to learn the guitar! Buy one, find one second hand and get to it. It doesn’t matter if you’re an Accountant with 5 kids and “guitar player” doesn’t really fit your profile. We’re getting out of our boxes in 2011 and living like our lives are out of a storybook. Why? Because in the same way the dragon slayer could have left the cave (and postponed living in her purpose) you too can Always go back to living the safe way you know how. That’s not a challenge (nor is it an adventure!)

That business plan you’re been sitting on Implement it! (why do I care? Cause I’m sure it’s a great idea and will make people’s lives better! See it’s really a selfish reason ☺)

Want to volunteer and travel the world?(That’s what I wanted and it’s happening now!) Apply for a program, pack up and just go, go go…

Whatever you want to do, big or seemingly “small” (cause moving towards your dream is never a small step) Just Go For It! Life is for the living!

Want to know how? This month I’ll be talking about techniques I have used in the past and will be using to prep for this coming New Year and continuing throughout the year! So stay tuned and start Living Out Loud and Choose Your Own Adventure!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Ferocious Fabulous Fro

Sunday, November 14, 2010

I Love You, You

Sometimes
I realize
I am my own best friend

When I have more emails from myself, than anyone else....

Saturday, November 13, 2010

People Got To Be FREE

People Got To Be Free- Young Rascals

All the world over, so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free
Listen, please listen, that's the way it should be
Peace in the valley, people got to be free
You should see, what a lovely, lovely world this would be
If everyone learned to live together
It seems to me such an easy, easy thing this would be
Why can't you and me learn to love one another
All the world over, so easy to see
People everywhere just wanna be free
I can't understand it, so simple to me
People everywhere just got to be free
Ah, ah, yeah . . . ah, ah, yeah
If there's a man who is down and needs a helping hand
All it takes is you to understand and to see him through
Seems to me, we got to solve it individually
And I'll do unto you what you do to me
There'll be shoutin' from the mountains on out to sea
(out to the sea)
No two ways about it, people have to be free
(they got to be free)
Ask me my opinion, my opinion will be
(ah-ha)
It's a natural situation for a man to be free
Oh, what a feelin's just come over me
Enough to move a mountain, make a blind man see
Everybody's dancin', come on, let's go see
Peace in the valley, now they want to be free!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Fabulously from the Lou!



Josephine Baker

Monday, November 1, 2010

Just Let Go...and Write...


National Novel Writing Month!

I'm putting this for Manifestation Monday's because I feel it's an exercise in letting go. I always tell myself "I'm not a writer" but at the same time I like blogging and book ideas always pop into my head. However, when it comes to the writing game, I am still playing small. I'm pretty low key with this blog even. I don't publicize it, I don't market it on Facebook. I just quietly write and say...whoever is supposed to see it will see it (shaking my head at myself). Then when book ideas pop in my head I say to myself "are you kidding?". Spellcheck has ruined my spelling, is my grammar perfect? I don't think so. Editing? Am I serious? But yet it's something that I have always wanted to do.

Well the lovely folks at National Novel Writing Month or as it's affectionately referred to as NaNoWriMo, give you permisison to write "Thirty Days and Thirty Nights of Literary Abandon!"

The idea is that starting November 1st until November 30th you would contribute to your "novel" everyday resulting in 50,000. Now that comes out to writing approximately 1,667 words a day. However, somedays you may contribute more than other days. The only real goal is that on November 30th you have 50,000 words.

So here's to letting go and getting your write on!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Cuddle Parties

I was talking to a friend who is looking for L.O.V.E.

She was telling me she picks the wrong guys cause she´d rather go for Mr. Right Now, than Mr. Right. She has had several horrible experiences with Sr. Ahora, but still goes back to "that guy" every time.

I asked her WHY!! Now that you see it´s not a solution and it really only adds to the problem WHY do you keep going there?

Her response was,"Sometimes I just want to be touched". Usually she is talking about making out and I am usually saying, you just need to chill and eat some chocolate. However, this evoked a more thuoghtful response from me. Afterall it is human nature to want physical contact with another person or being. It´s the same for animals which you know if you´ve ever heard a kitten purr or seen a dog roll on it´s belly just from being touched.

The reason? A hormone called Oxytocin. It´s the hormone released that forms the unbreakable bond between mother and child during labor, the light headed feeling when you´re in love or just the warm fuzzies you get gabbing away with your friend on the phone. This hormone makes us feel good..no great..and we want more of it.

I figured what was at the foundation of my friends longing wasn´t a boyfriend as much as it was the lack of feeling that connection that between humans that we all need at a basic level.

I suggested a looking into attending a Cuddle Party! Have you heard of these? Gathering of people who are looking for a safe space to experience human touch in a non sexual way. I have heard rave reviews about these gatherings although have never attended myself. I think these parties give us a way to get that closeness we all desire between humans and give us an outlet so we don´t have to call Mr. or Ms. Right Now for anything!

This is a great way to manifest, good feelings, the "love" hormone that is good for your health and happiness and a way of taking happiness into your own hands :)

Happy Cuddles!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

These Are The Days

These Are The Days- 10,000 Maniacs

These are the days.

These are days you'll remember.
Never before and never since, I promise, will the whole world be warm as this.
And as you feel it, you'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky.
It's true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.

These are days you'll remember.
When May is rushing over you with desire to be part of the miracles you see in
every hour.
You'll know it's true that you are blessed and lucky.
It's true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you.

These are days.

These are the days you might fill with laughter until you break.
These days you might feel a shaft of light make its way across your face.
And when you do you'll know how it was meant to be.
See the signs and know their meaning.
It's true, you'll know how it was meant to be.
Hear the signs and know they're speaking to you, to you.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Soul, Sequins & Fabulousness



There will be no other...Chaka Khan!

Monday, October 18, 2010

And who told you it wasn't beautiful?

Create Your Own Reality (Ignore the lies....)


Friday, October 8, 2010

Killing Me Fabulously



Lauryn Giving Us Fabulous Hair...on the bus...

Saturday, September 25, 2010

I Got LIFE!!

Ain't Got No/I Got Life- Nina Simone
(Liberation in the Key of Nina...)

Ain't got no home, ain't got no shoes
Ain't got no money, ain't got no class
Ain't got no skirts, ain't got no sweater
Ain't got no perfume, ain't got no beer
Ain't got no man

Ain't got no mother, ain't got no culture
Ain't got no friends, ain't got no schooling
Ain't got no love, ain't got no name
Ain't got no ticket, ain't got no token
Ain't got no God

What about God?
Why am I alive anyway?
Yeah, what about God?
Nobody can take away

I got my hair, I got my head
I got my brains, I got my ears
I got my eyes, I got my nose
I got my mouth, I got my smile
I got my tongue, I got my chin
I got my neck, I got my boobs

I got my heart, I got my soul
I got my back, I got my sex
I got my arms, I got my hands
I got my fingers, Got my legs
I got my feet, I got my toes
I got my liver, Got my blood

I've got life , I've got my freedom
I've got the life

And I'm gonna keep it
I've got the life
And nobody's gonna take it away
I've got the life

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fabulous Voice...


...and Icon

Billie Holiday

Friday, September 10, 2010

Fabulous Natural Hair Style Ideas!

Best Natural Hair Video Ever!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Fabulous Friends




Best Friends forever looking Fabooooooo!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

SHINE!!!

Shine-Liz Izibor
(Warning Song May Prompt You To Quit Yo' Day Job, and Move To a Far Away Land....just sayin...)


Wake up one morning you realize
Your life is one big compromise (compromise)
Stuck in the job you swore was only temporary (was only temporary)

Feel like the world is passing you by (do do do do do)
Never done all the things you would need to try
Stuck in one place, got a pain in your face from all your stressin’ out (all your stressin’ out)x2

You ask yourself there’s got to be more than what I’m living for (what I’m living for) x2
You ask yourself there’s got to be something else, something more, more, more

Well let the sun shine on your face
And don’t let your life go to waste
Now is the time, got to make up your mind
Let it shine on you, let it shine on you

Feel like there’s nothing nowhere to go
You try and fight but you can’t let go
Roll the pain, got so much to gain
Now is the time

You ask yourself there’s got to be something else, something more, more, more

Well let the sun shine on your face
And don’t let your life go to waste
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Now is the time, got to make up your mind
Let it shine on you, let it shine on you

You ask yourself there’s got to be more than what I’m living for (what I’m living for) x2
You ask yourself there’s got to be something else, something more, more, more

Well let the sun shine on your face
And don’t let your life go to waste
Now is the time, got to make up your mind
Let it shine on you, let it shine on you

Well let the sun shine on your face
And don’t let your life go to waste
Now is the time, got to make up your mind
Let it shine on you, let it shine on you

Well let the sun shine on your face
And don’t let your life go to waste
Now is the time, got to make up your mind
Let it shine on you, let it shine on you

Friday, August 13, 2010

Fabulously Hot Hot Hot!



Belafonte & Dandridge

Friday, July 23, 2010

Fabulously Wrapped

Accompanied by a Fabulous Smile :)

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Can You Feel IT!?

Can You Feel It-Jackson 5

If you look around
The whole world is coming together now
Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it
Feel it in the air, the wind is taking it everywhere
Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it

All the colors of the world should be
Lovin' each other wholeheartedly
Yes, it's all right
Take my message to your brother and tell him twice
Spread the word and try to teach the man
Who's hating his brother, when hate won't do
When we're all the same, 'cause the
Blood inside me is inside you

Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it
Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it

Sing out loud
Because we want to make a crowd
Touch a hand and sing a sound so pure, salvation rings

Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it
Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it

All the children of the world
Should be
Loving each other wholeheartedly
Yes, it's all right
Take my message to your brother and tell him twice
Take the news to the marching men
Who are killing their brothers, when death won't do
'Cause we're all the same
Yes, the blood inside me is inside of you

Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it
Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it

Every breath you take
Is someone's death in another place
Every healthy smile
Is hunger and strife to another child
But the stars do shine
In promising salvation, is near this time
Can you feel it now
So brothers and sisters
Show we know how
Now tell me

Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it
Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it

All the children of the world
Should be
Loving each other wholeheartedly
Yes, it's all right
Take my message to your brother and tell him twice
Take the news to the marching men
Who are killing their brothers, when death won't do
'Cause we're all the same
Yes, the blood inside me is inside of you

Can you feel it, can you feel it, can you feel it!!!

Friday, July 9, 2010

Fabulous Face



I believe her name is Ajuma...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Believe

Believe- Lenny Kravitz

I am you and you are me
Why's that such a mystery?
If you want it you got to believe
Who are we? We're who we are
Riding on this great big star
We've got to stand up if we're gonna be free yeah

If you want it you got it
You just got to believe
Believe in yourself
'Cause it's all just a game
We just want to be loved

The Son of God is in our face
Offering us eternal grace
If you want it you've got to believe
'Cause being free is a state of mind
We'll one day leave this all behind
Just put your faith in God and one day you'll see it

If you want it you got it
You just got to believe
Believe in yourself
'Cause it's all just a game
We just want to be loved

The future's in our present hands
Let's reach right in
Let's understand
If you want it you've got to believe yeah

If you want it you got it
You just got to believe
Believe in yourself yeah
'Cause it's all just a game
We just want to be loved

Friday, June 25, 2010

Dancin in the Street Fabulousness

Monday, June 21, 2010

Freedom Flower

I don’t know what I was doing… I think cleaning up the art supplies in my room…

All of a sudden I was drawing this flower, me in the center, with Everything I am trying to be written in the petals. It brings me so much joy to look at! And I KNOW that one day I will look at this flower and all the things will have come true!

Stay tuned…

Create your own Freedom Flower and be lifted as you have just put in an order for God/Spirit/The Universe to conspire on your behalf to make ALL things happen for you in the most Perfect Way.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Ease On Down, Ease On Down the Roo-aaad

You have to put one foot in front of the other to get what you are trying to Manifest True of False?

I know I’m all about looking at your Vision Board and Meditation but ACTION is a part of the Creative Process. You have to research, listen to your gut, take inspired action and even when your not feel all that jazzed up about your vision, you have to keep on Easin down the Road.

Since I’m such and emotional creature sometimes I can let my moods effect my productivity. I know better than to let ANYTHING however stand in the way of me and my dreams. So what do I do to keep myself focused with my eye on the Prize?

Create a road map of inspiration. How can you Ease on Down the Road and you don’t even know where the road is going?


I come up with a small goal I want to achieve in six months. Whatever it is. It might be a smaller part of a big 5 year plan or it might just be something you want to have done this year. Whatever it is break it up in bite size pieces. Next write out what you want to have accomplished at the end of each of the six months leading up to it. Post it somewhere you will see it and Viola! You’re done!

You can create a map that looks like a cartographers dream or you can do something like I did and have starts that lead to a big sun sprite of vision. Whatever you do is fine, just keep on that path and Ease on Down the Road!

(The Ease on Down Reference can be found in the movie The Wiz (30th Anniversary Edition w/ Bonus CD)

Friday, June 11, 2010

My Fabulous Inspiration







Judith Jamison

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

World Against Child Labor Day

Saturday June 12, 2010 Is World Against Child Labor Day!

Here is a blurb from the website

Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, violating their rights. Of these children, more than half are exposed to the worst forms of child labour such as work in hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labour, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the first World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 as a way to highlight the plight of these children. The day, which is observed on June 12th, is intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour, reflected in the huge number of ratifications of ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour and ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment.

The World Day Against Child Labour provides and opportunity to gain further support of individual governments and that of the ILO social partners, civil society and others, including schools, youth and women's groups as well as the media, in the campaign against child labour.

A healthy, loving fun childhood is everyone's right. Moreover, we know that trauma during childhood only perpetuates as issues in adulthood. If we are striving for world peace (and we are!) it is our duty to protect the children for they truly are our future.

Click Here for event information
or better yet plan your own event and get the word out there and Take Action!

Now go listen to "The Greatest Love of All" - By Whitney Houston!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

World Environment Day


This Year World Environment Day is June 5, 2010

This Years Theme is: Many Species.One Planet.One Future

Join thousands of people from countries all over the world in celebrating this year. There are literally thousands of ways to do something positive for the environment.

Go to the website and let them know what you are doing for the special day. Of course EVERYDAY we should be respecting the environment but this coming Saturday is to really celebrate the natural gifts we have been given here on this planet.

Love, Peace and Conservation :)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Daily Affirmations, Love Notes, and Positive Pictures

In the same vein of Vision Boards and creating your positive environment, posting little loving reminders are also great to do.

Affirmations- Use post it notes, sheets of paper leaves the skys the limit. It’s more about where you post them and what you say. Affirmations work best when you can write something opposite of an area you are feeling weak in your life. For exmpale if you are feeling like you are always rushing and never have enough time write “There is more than enough time in the day” (let me pause to write that one for myself Right.Now.) see? Post it in a place that you’ll see it so that you are affirming and re-affirming everyday. To read it as you see it is one thing. But if you say it out loud!? Look out world you will be believing it in no time. Try it for 21 to 30 days and you will be a Believer!

Love Notes- Love notes are like affirmations but they are all about that self love not just the environment around you. So shamelessly write in lip stick, dry erase marker or sticky note on your bathroom mirror “I AM Beautiful”, “ “I Radiate Love”, “I am Peace and Love Personified” Love on yo self and nuthin wrong wit it!!!

Positive Pictures- Just fun because you are envolved in the Creative Process AND Affirming what ever you are drawing, painting etc. I have pictures with definitions of words I would like to embody or sometimes a phrase or an idea that either speaks to me, or I’m working to embrace. Get creative and get positive.

The Universe will Thank You by giving you Exactly what you want.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

My Theme Song!

Age of Aquarius (Let The Sunshine In)

When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius! Aquarius!

Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation
Aquarius! Aquarius!

When the moon is in the Seventh House
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars

This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius
The Age of Aquarius
Aquarius! Aquarius!

Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in
Let the sun shine, Let the sun shine in
The sun shine in

Friday, May 28, 2010

A Few Of My Favorite Fabulous Things


AFRO + Dashiki!


Marsha Hunt

Friday, May 21, 2010

Fabulous Fro! I want it!



NNEKA

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Sabores that Get Along

I've found in my Smoothie adventures that some flavors like each other and will save your smoothie every time... Taste I reckon is like beauty...but give it a whirl can't hurt...


Carrots + Ginger

Beets + Cinnamon

Bananas + Peanut Butter



that's all I can think of now.... I'll write more if I can think of more. Share your combos with me as well!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Happy International Day of Families!!

Today is International Day of Families

You can find out more about that on the official website

but here is a short blurb about the day:

The Division for Social Policy and Development supports the worldwide observance of the International Day of Families (15 May) by preparing background information on the family for use by Governments, the UN system, including the regional commissions, and UN Information Centres and NGOs. An annual message of the Secretary-General is prepared for wide distribution.


I Say, to celebrate, fill your whole body with gratitude for the individuals in your family (blood and chosen) and then spend the day contacting members (in a physical, metaphysical or spiritual manner) and let them know that you love them!

Peace and Love BWWP Fam!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Perfect Vision

Your Living Environment has a lot to do with your outlook in life.

If you are able to change what surrounds you everyday you are really able to change your circumstance and perception of the path your life heading in.


I am a firm believer in Vision Boards. What is a Vision Board? A vision board is something that you put on the wall with words, pictures and intentions that you hold. Variations of this would be a Vision Book, where you either create a book or put pictures, affirmations and intentions in a spiral and flip through it every now and again to affirm and re-affirm these intentions.

Why does it work. First of all it’s a Creative Process. Simply by cutting out pictures in magazine, drawing pictures, writing affirmations and intentions etc, you are putting positive energy towards what you want to see happen in the future. You are thinking of it NOW and NOW is the only moment that is promised to us. As you are there Creating you are drawing all of those things to you.

For me the Vision board on the wall is hands down the way to go. You are forced to look at it everyday and even when you are not actively looking at it subconsciously your little dreams and hopes are seeping into your awareness and bringing it forth into your life. Take time every now and then to look at your vision board and FEEL the FEELINGS you’ll feel having those things, living that life, job, spouse, whatever. Just feel it be thankful and feel it in the Present Moment.

Since I’m away from things I’m used to right now…like magazines…I was thinking man, what am I going to do for a Vision Board? I was feeling down with the challenges of my current position and needed bust. Luckily some family members sent me some mags, but def not enough and definitely not with the things I need. Oh well Ill work with what I have. So I made a Vision Board. Ok ya got me…I made three ☺ and put them up. If anything they colored my white walls and made me feel more at home.


Well recently upon looking at them SO many things from what I felt was a hap hazard so so board have come to BE! I cannot believe it and yet I SO Believe it. What really excites me is that means my beach front home that I have on there is in the works…it’s just going to manifest when the time is right!

My Vision Boards are always collages of Magazine pictures, Words and sometimes printed computer cut outs. A friend of mine has a cork board with just a couple of things pined to it, while still another mentor of mine has journal entries, picture cut out and crayon drawings in a small spiral she carries around. Do what works and feels best to you. Or do a combination of these things and more! I suggest you do it though. It is one of the greatest Manifestation Tools I have come across.

Friday, May 7, 2010

More Fabulous Hair Care Reviews.

More Fabulously Natural Hair Products to Review-

If any of you tune into SUN Day posts you know that I got a package of all sorts of things to play with during my Kinky Curly Curling Custard experiment.

I thought I would do a quick review of the things I’ve been using and what I think so for. I have a ton. I just think they are fabulous because most of the things aren’t fancy at all. Just good ol’ natural oils or products you’ve heard of but never though of using. Let’s dig in.

Baking Sod
a- Refrigerator deodorizer, toothpaste alternative, toilet scrubbing agent netti pot ingredient and hair clarifier (just to name a few). That’s right, Baking soda is great to add to your shampoo for a clarifying treatment. What do I mean by clarifying? Sometimes shampoo just doesn’t cut it if you are suffering from major product build up. In times like these reach for the Baking Soda and you will clean your hair and scalp with out stripping it of it’s natural moisturizer. Baking Soda also is a great No Poo Method. Just add some Baking Soda and water (I have found 1 parts Baking Soda to 8 parts water! Works for me…but I know it varies person to person) and you have a great hair cleansing non drying solution. Give it a Try!

Castor Oil- !!! I know right? So old skool, right?! If it ain’t broke don’t fix it as they say. Castor Oil has been a favorite for centuries. Well maybe not a favorite to those who got a spoonful of it to alleviate stomach issues. It’s popularly known as a n effective laxative. Well hey, if it’s on your shelf use it for whatever. All I know is that it’s natural deriving from castor beans and it’s wonderful for your hair.

I apply Castor Oil to my scalp mostly. I used to be on to “grease” my scalp but we all know that stuff was just too heavy and blocks pores hindering growth. Castor Oil is a perfect in between consistency. I try to not to coat my hair with it, since it IS thick because it’s harder to wash off of your hair. I leave the more light weight oils for that. Castor Oil is perfect for thinning hair or trouble areas. Just dab a bit on the thinning area for a couple of weeks and you will see growth! (as long as there isn’t permanent damage where the hair follicle is no longer in tact.) It is also great for damaged ends. If you have raggedy split ends. Instead of cutting it off and losing the length seal the ends with Castor Oil and they will repair themselves and leave you looking Fabulous!

CoCoNut Oil- Love! Love the feel, love the ease, love the smell. Coconut Oil is absolutely faboooo. Use it all over your body if you like, wash off your eye make up and then blend up some in your morning smoothie. It is as good for your skin and health as it is for your hair…oh and gentle enough for the eyes. Coconut Oil is light weight but packs a punch when it comes to moisture. Other special qualities it has is being great for those who have issues with dandruff. Since it’s so light weight even if you are not one to put oils or even greases on your scalp you won’t even know it’s there. It’s also great for scalp/hair hot oil treatment. Apply it to you scalp and hair and put on a plastic cap for 25 minutes to an hour and your hair will feel soft and supple and your scalp will be hydrated and dandruff free!

Jojoba Oil- another amazing stand out light weight oil. In my opinion it’s not as light as Coconut but I love oil with a bit of gravity to it. I haven’t experimented all the much with jojoba, but I know that jojoba is a main ingredient of so many expensive super hydrating creams. Jojoba oil is good to add to your shampoo if you feel its stripping your hair too much of it’s moisture.

Shea Butter- I have 3 Shea Butters to talk about. In general Shea Butter is the bizz-nazz! Natural Shea Butter has a natural sun protectant quality that makes it wonderful for taking on vacations. You can moistures and protect your hair and skin with this product (see how natural is the way to go! It covers all the bases!). It is a solid at room temperature and emulsifies in the head of the hand…which also makes it easy for travel and transportation. Skin wise Shea is supposed to be great for stretch marks and scars as well. But lets talk hair shall we? Because of it’s room temperature paste like consistency I use Natural Shea Butter for twist and braid styles. It seems to hold them and moisturize all that he same time.
The three kinds of Shea I have are:

Natural Raw Shea butter- Straight from the tree. You have to melt this down in or really rub it around in your hands to get it the right consistency for use. But I love it! For many people though shea in the raw is not their thing.

100% Natural Shea – This is a store bought mixture is whipped into a consistency that is user friendly and oh so smooth

Cantu Shea Butter
– Ok this is technically not Shea Butter only, but I’m putting it under this category. This product is fabulous. It’s a “Leave In conditioner/ Repair Cream” and it gets me through a pinch all the time. Since I’m trying to be on a moisturizing program. Whenever I have forgotten to tend to my hair. I rub this throughout my hair, no matter the style, and plastic cap it, or just scarf it up and 30 min for that moment my hair has had a moisture rebirth. You can use this on wet or dry how. Fab!

Vegetable Glycerin- This was the strangest of the bunch to me. Like, what IS IT? It’s a moisture power house that’s what it is. I had week of experimenting with VG and I think it’s the softest my hair has ever been. It’s a great great leave in conditioner. I will say this. For my hair if I wanted to do a braid out style this is not the product for that. You hair gets SOOO soft that it wil just morf into a fro or whatever your most natural state of your hair. It’s all moisture all the time. This Humectant is not playin around. You can throw your VG in your smoothies too as it’s ALL NATURAL!

Whew I think I covered them. If I missed something, holla at your girl, and I’ll do a review. If I missed any details and let me know so I can fill in the holes! Peace ☺

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Smoothie Recipes #1

As Promised Some Smoothie Recipies

Some Recipes I found with Ingredients I can use, maybe they’ll be useful to you too. The only one I have made so far is the Avocado, Carrot and Ginger smoothie and it was Surprisingly delicious. I found this recipe when looking to see how to use Vegetable Glycerin ** as a sweetner. Worked like a charm.

The Original Recipe:
Carrot, lemon and ginger avocado smoothie
1 tsp almond butter or tahini
1 large glass of water
1 tsp FOS/Stevia mix
1 small avocado (or half a large one)
1 small carrot (or part of a larger one), grated
½ - 1 tsp grated fresh ginger OR ½ tsp ground ginger
½ - 1 tsp lemon flavouring
1 scoop flaxseed meal
2 tsp vegetable glycerine

My Delicious Substituted “Use What You Got” Version:
(p.s. don’t have measuring spoons so I just used a soup spoon for “Tablespoon” and the spoon I use for coffee and tea as..well…”teaspoon”...still came out great)

ACCG (as I affectionately call it)

1 Half Avocado
1 Half Carrot Grated
1 tsp Ginger Grated
1 Whole Lìmon (i.e lime) squeezed (they are small like key limes)
2 tsp Vegetable Glycerin
8 oz of Water
1 tsp Panela
*I added a large Chard leaf (hence the second "C" and it didn't alter the taste at all...and made the color more appealing..looked less like baby food and more like a super hardcore healthy green shake, yeeaaahhhh) Oh and it doesn't separate so the last time I tried it I doubled the recipe and stored half for later. That's going to be great for mornings I'm short on time...

*****

Update

I have since tried some more that I like. Hooo Wee Talk about Trial and Error! It's fun though. It would be nice if I had a food processor or a REAL blender. BUt I make do with a plastic blender situation and a cheese grater...I use it for everything as the blender cannot handle chunks of anything. So know that pretty much any thing I can use on that grater. Ginger, Beets, etc...Ice would probably make some of these even better, so if you have a good blender try adding ice.

Fruity CoCo

Banana
other fruit (some kind of berry, peaches etc...I used strawberries)
6-8 oz of fruit juice
2-3 Tblspn of CoCo Oil

For my fruit juice I used soy Apple Juice. Since it's so hot here my Coco Oil was a liquid but up against my frozen strawberries it turned to a solid at the bottom of the blender and I didn't realize it until I was washing it out. I got a hint of Coco flava but it could have been better. Still a great smoothie.

BVC Smoothie Original
Coconut (milk and meat)
Kale
Cinnamon
Banana
Agave

My take on the same smoothie...

BVC Ecuador Remix

Banana
Coconut Oil
Chard
Cinnamon
Panela

This did NOT blend or go down well...So then I added water. Mistake! a swampy frothy mess!
So I saved it with...

1/2 Beet

It saved the day and was delicious...whew... I'll have to perfect it or just consider the Beet addition the official remix :)

Moon ABC

Apple
Beet
Carrot
Ginger
*Tasty w/soy apple juice

The most recent and surprisingly delicious smoothie is the...

Chardtastic Smoothie! it was born from the Chard I bought starting to wither. I would throw in a leaf here and there...but could chard play a leading role in a smoothie? We were going to have to see. I thought I had used up all my smoothie good luck as I have been able to save and make all of them delish....

Ladies and Gents...

Chardtastic

4-6 (or whatever is left) leaves of Chard
1 (or what's left) carrot(s)
2/3 index finger of ginger
2 bananas (best if frozen)
Tblspn Honey
Tblspn Peanut Butter
2 oz soy apple juice (or fruit juice of your choice)
2 oz Water

Mmmm Mmmm

Already my Energy has been through the roof! I thought I was going to feel faint after a weekend of smoothies but it was a great start to my Wellness Plan. By Sunday I did feel hungry though every few hours, but as my friend explained, my body isn't using energy to get energy from the food I'm eating, so it burns faster. When I'm off of the initial fast I'm going to carry peanuts around to satiate myself in between meals. Plus when I start up with beans and such, I'm sure I'll be fine. I highly recommend this to anyone looking to incorporate your daily doses of fruits and veggies into your diet!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Hair Journal Entry Intro

Okay I know Sunday is about personal things, but I think this is way over indulgent and only maybe 5 people will even care. However, I can justify it. My mom is looking to create some classes around natural hair care and asked me to keep a journal and I was looking online to study people’s hair routines and I really couldn’t find that many. So for those combined reasons and more I’m typing out some things from my hair journal…My hope is that is helps someone alone in their natural journey….which is on of my personal Quests.

So being in Peace Corps…I wash my hair…whenever I feel like it…which sometimes would be 3 times a week…everyday wetting it or I would flip the calendar and be like..”ummmmmm….when was the last time…..”. So the first challenge was to wash my hair consistently at least every week. “Washing” doesn’t just mean washing..it means this whoooole program I’m about to write to you about. So here goes.

Alright so the Stages are:
Pre-Poo
Shampoo/Co-Poo/No-Poo
Condition/Deep Condition
Style

They flip flop depending.

Man I guess I need to do MORE background lol.

Alright a Pre Poo essentially is so kind of moisturizing application that you do before you know you are going to shampoo.

Various Shampooing/Cleansing/Clarifying Options:
Shampoo – Your typical shampoo that you either buy at the store or maybe you make one at home.

A Co-Poo- is when you “shampoo” only using other agents…for example my mother uses Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) (awesome for hair btw), any kind of conditioner and a dab of coconut oil. When I was Co-Pooing I would use V05 Conditioner as my shampoo. It’s gentle enough for natural hair but still cleanses.

A No-Poo- would be Baking Soda and Water from what I have heard. Not sure if there are other mixtures that are considered a No-Poo

Conditioning- You can do a deep conditioner before or after you shampoo. You can do a rinse out conditioner after you shampoo, or you can do a live in conditioner after you shampoo.

Style- where you arrange the hair in the desired style and add whatever final products you like!

I’ll post the journal entries in the next SUN Day I write...

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Arbor Day!!

Arbor day is Tomorrow! April 30, 2010

Arbor Day started 135 years ago by a lad J. Sterling Morton. The days purpose is to direct our focus on an important task…PLANTING Trees.

Forests are being cut down at an alarming rate, and with the way we humans pollute the air, we need our trees more than ever to clean up our mess!

“Planting Seeds of Tomorrow Today” is such a forward thinking phrase and is exactly what we need to be doing. Trees can leave for hundreds of years. What an empowering thought. A seed you plant today can go on to flourish and contribute to the Earths balance and well being long after we have all gone on.

The website is Loaded with information and materials on how to have an event in your community, where to buy seeds or starter trees and even printable materials to get you started ASAP!

Happy Planting!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Dream Routine

So as I’ve stressed I’m not expert, but in support of a friend and in support of Wellness and bettering my health, I’m trying a stab at a WAY more nutritious way of living.

Now the inspiration is the Gerson Method, however, where I live there are limited resources and I have to work with what I have. Meaning: I got my hands on a blender and that’s as far as I got…no cheese cloth, no juicer.

While I’m not able to do the juice method, I am starting off with Smoothies to get all of my fruits and veggies in. The idea of the Gerson Method is feeding it in such away that it has exactly what it needs to fight off all the “attacks” it encounters in this environment we have created.

Since I’m in Ecuador in a program, a big part of what we do is Integrate. It’s really our whole point of being here. So while I was a Pescatarian before coming here. I now have chicken feet and cow hooves in my soup daily. Cuisine is a big part of getting to know a culture so I try not to make a fuss. The ladies I work with know that I don’t like to eat the “cuerpos de los animales” (the body of animals) and I don’t eat “carne” (meat…but in Spanish that just covers Beef..not chicken, pork etc…). They know I don’t want “oink oink” (hey I forgot how to say “cancho” pig in Spanish!)…but we meet somewhere in the middle…and by that I mean…I STILL have to beg for no chicken feet in my soup ☺ You see it’s the best part, and since the ladies I work with are nothing but love, they can’t resist but to offer it to me first!

So that’s another disclaimer. When I’m in my neighborhood, working with the ladies I eat what they eat. For the most part any meat that they would make is technically free range. I usually known the chicken whose foot or head I’m offered later. I usually can get away with eating around things taking it “to go” and then giving it to fellow volunteers to eat. The whole point is, juicing and smoothies and all of the limits aren’t being practiced while I’m at work.

My answer to this though is while I’m in control of what I’m eating I have to be pretty hardcore with it! My dream routine would be a start my day with a fruit and/or veggie smoothie, if I am on my own for lunch, some kind of bean, lentil with salad arrangement and then salad or steamed veggies for dinner.

My friend who is doing the Gerson Method all the way, is also doing no dairy, no gluten and no sugar! So I thought wheat bread was going to be my back up for when I needed to feel satiated, but I guess not. I thought I was going to get away with a satisfying bowl of milk and cereal here and there, but that’s out too. I’m hoping after a couple of weeks my crazy active sweet tooth will simmer down.

I was looking up some things online, but I don’t know if I can find everything I need in Ecuador…and did I mention I don’t cook? That’s going to be a problem. Hopefully this will be an opportunity to learn. I say that every time I live by myself..and it hasn’t happened yet. Here’s hoping!

UPDATE
*******************************************************************************************************************************
My plan was to brave the market for the first time but I got nevous because it was getting dark and it can be a little unsafe. So I ended up going to the super market with a pen and pad and wrote down everything I bought and their prices. So I can remember what I have in stock…so I could report it to you readers…and to later compare prices to see how much better the market is if at all (but I’m more about supporting the market than the big super market in the future…)

What I ended up buying (p.s. this cost a big chunk of my living allowance I feel…I wonder if this is going to be an expensive endeavor…vamos a ver…)

Avacodo
Apples
Bananas
Strawberries

Carrots
Chard (wasn’t sure if I was gonna find that here! Could this be a Bok Choy Substitute?)
Spinach
Beets (score! Wasn’t sure...)
Squash
Red Cabbage
Onion

Ginger
Basil

Quinoa
Panela (not sure if this is legal saw it appear in some recipes)
Lentils
Black Beans

Vanilla Extract
Soy Apple Jugo (not even sure what that is, but I thought it was cool they had it!)


Since I had pretty much nothing in my fridge, this is what I’ll be using to feed myself for the next week (and after what I spent) hopefully week and a half to two weeks. Only time will tell!!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Gifts.

Lick Samba.

Vision Boards.

Fan on Medium. Finally.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Kinky Curly Hair Product Review

For my first ever product review I would light to highlight some FABULOUS hair products I have come across!!

The Kinky Curly Haircare Products!

They are natural, cruelty free and totally work!

The Three Items I have tried are:
Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo
Kinky Curly Knot Today Natural Leave-In Conditioner/Detangler
Kinky Curly Curling Custard Natural Styling Gel

Come Clean Shampoo delivers on what is says. It is moisturizing. This shampoo cleanses hair completely of silcones, oils and dirt effectively without stripping your hair. My hair is soooo try so I know! It’s always a challenge to find something that can both cleanse and hydrate my hair. The best part about it is it’s completely organic!

Knot Today is a great light weight but moisturizing leave in. It works perfectly with the Curling Custard as well. Before the Knot Today I was using Infusium which worked looong ago, but as of late was no longer cutting it. Knot Today has gotten me back on track for moisture.

The product that has everyone all a buzz is the Kinky Curly Curling Custard (KCCC).
It’s fabulous. It’s light weight and aaaallll natural. It has a slight vanilla sent that is quite pleasing as well. I usually don’t put “gel” in my hair, and while it is classified as a gel, KCCC is something all together different. People love it because when you apply it, it stretches out your curls avoiding the shrinkage effect after washing. I’ll go more into the process in a second.


So the website suggests (in short) that you:

First of all, use Kinky Curly products only because they were made to work together. Use other products and you may get undesired results.

Wash with Come Clean until your hair feels free of and dirt or product build up you may have had.

Apply the Knot Today and finger come your hair making sure you have no knots or tangles in your hair

Next divide your dripping wet hair hair in manageable sections and finger come KCCC throughout your hair. Starting at the root and working your way down and working the product into your hair. Just comb, comb, comb with your fingers stretching out your curls.

And your done! Results very depending on your hair type.
I tend to go back and two strand twist my hair to get a corkscrew effect.

Since the KCCC is also moisturizing my hair stays soft. Never crunchy or flaky.

I have specific journals on my hair journey that I post on SUN Days. So check there if you want to see some trial and error moments.

Check out the Kinky Curly Website and give it a try!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Earth Day!!


April 22, 2010 is Earth Day's 40th Anniversary!

Here is what the website had to say:

"Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future.

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day."

Get Familiar with the site as there are opportunities to donate and TAKE ACTION!!!

I plan on doing an activity with the youth in my community. Post what you're going to do.

How will you contribute this year?

Happy Earth Day Everybody!!!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

A Cure For Cancer....

If I told you there was an existing Cure for Cancer Would You Believe It? What Would You Do? Here is another freebie from the Underground Universe...
Watch and decide for yourself...

(my first attempt at embedding videos...yeeps...next to impossible with a weak signal...)

















Powerful stuff. Makes sense too. I know I am definitely going to be changing up some things in my diet. I will of course be taking you along for the journey. What changes will you make. Imagine. A Cure for Cancer and other diseases. If we start now, maybe we won't have to worry about any of the ailments mentioned in the videos. All we have to do is allow our bodies to do what they do naturally. Heal themselves!

Happy juicing!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Global Youth Service Day

Global Youth Service Day will actually be observed the entire weekend of April 23-25, 2010


Check out the Official Website that is colorful, informative and fun.

"Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning.
Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments.
Global Youth Service Day Goals

Mobilize
youth to identify and address the needs of their communities;
organizations to provide opportunities for youth engagement;
media and policy makers to promote and raise awareness of young people as assets and resources to their communities.

Support
youth on a lifelong path of service and civic engagement;
schools and organizations through training and technical assistance, grants, and resources that enable them to engage youth.

Sustain
community improvement through year-round engagement of youth as leaders and problem-solvers"

Personally I can't wait to celebrate GYSD in Ecuador. I am going to be going to San Pedro to help plan and begin a World Map Project.

Youth have so much energy, so much creativity and the real pure love to help build their communities. Take Action today, mobilize the youth in your area and help make a difference!

Suerte!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Gifts.

Nag Champas & Rain

Dave Brubeck

Friday Night In....

Inventory



Kinky Curly Come Clean

Kinky Curly Knot Today

Cantu Shea Leave In

Jojoba Oil

V05 Hot Oil Treatment (2)

Castor Oil

Curling Custard

Doo Grow


This what was in my package of what my mother sent me here in Ecuador to start my moisture experiment. I need to do some research to give you more info on each product.

Until then... Be Greasy :)

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

A Story That Has Inspired Me To Move Closer To Wellness

"Planting a garden could save your life.

30 year-old Mioyo Shujaa certainly thinks so. When she was diagnosed with uterine fibroid tumors in 2009, the doctor told her surgery was the only hope. Two months later, Shujaa left her job and health insurance behind, “For me, the diagnosis was a wake-up call. I felt that years of poor nutrition, stress at work and never feeling like my time was my own were wreaking havoc on me – physically, mentally and spiritually. ”

Shujaa and her partner, Burt Vera Cruz, became determined to not only shrink Shujaa’s tumors, but to transition into a life that they loved loving. For Vera Cruz, establishing a more organic lifestyle was all but critical, “Having the ability to nurture yourself and feed yourself natural, organic food s that are free of chemicals eliminates your reliance on a system that is increasingly dependent on fossil fuels and creating more pollutants.”

The couple began growing heirloom vegetables in paper cups in their Los Angeles apartment in the fall of 2009. Several harvests later Shujaa reports an increase in her overall health and a decrease in the symptoms and size of her fibroid tumors, “I don’t plan to go to another hospital again for the rest of my life. I believe that the human body is naturally capable of maintaining health and warding off diseases when free of toxins and unnecessary stress.”

Unfortunately, chronic diseases appear to be on the rise-especially in the United States.

According to a 2007 study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 2 Americans will suffer from some form of cancer in their lifetime.

50 years ago the occurrence of cancer in the US was 1 in 300.

In 1928 the late German researcher and physician, Dr. Max Gerson, believed he’d found the cure for not only all cancers, but for most chronic and degenerative diseases – organic vegetables.

Before his death, Dr. Gerson claimed to have cured hundreds of patients through an herbal detoxifying regiment and nutrient-rich organic vegetable juices.

Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, cofounder of the Center for Integrative Medicine, concurs that 5 or more servings of organic vegetables per day is an essential part of the anti-cancer diet.

The NCI estimates that the numbers of new cases of cancer will more than double by 2050. The key to avoiding this fate, it seems, could be homegrown."

For more amazing stories and interesting (life saving) facts you're gonna have to go Underground and dig up the Truth yourself...

Monday, April 12, 2010

Be...

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi


So Easily Said...Doing is a different Story...


However, to truly BE The Change is the answer to inner peace, peace among humankind and world peace overall...

May we all continue

to strive

To Be.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Natural Hair Journey

Big Chop: March 2004
Currently Style: Afro puff or two strand twist

I went natural because I have the coarsest kinkiest thick hair…the kind that the current standard beauty is against. Perming it was a way for me to alter what God had given me because I thought it was bad…every message out there told me it was an attractive, unprofessional, in need of control and wild. To embrace all of me and needed to embrace my hair .

I love it natural. People always tell me I’m their hair inpiration and that gives me strength to keep going.

6 years later I’m JUST now really getting the memo on how moisture is SO key. So I’m doing an experiment with Kinky Curly products and natural moisturizers.

Stay tuned!

Love, Peace and Hairgrease

Gifts

“Gifts” will be concise and sometimes abstract updates, visions and a potpourri of things in my current view.

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."- Bill Keane

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

World Health Day - April 7, 2010

Today April 7th Is World Health Day!

This year's theme is "1000 cities, 1000 lives". Events will be being held throughout the weekend.

The global goals of the campaign are:

1000 cities: to open up public spaces to health, whether it be activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.

1000 lives: to collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action and had a significant impact on health in their cities.

as stated on the website

Hopefully a city near you is having an event. Of even better you can be a trailblazer and make something happen in your community. Bring movement, awareness and assistance to those disproportionately suffer from poor health care. A fair chance to live a full, happy, healthy life is not a privilege, but a human right.

Let's come together today and continue on persevering toward health and medical attention to ANYone and EVERYone who needs it!

Paz.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

What am I up to?

I said Sundays would reflect my current projects. So currently I am living in Ecuador serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I could go into detail or I could just link you to my frequently updated blog of all of my adventures. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Earth Hour Day


Have you heard? March 27th is Earth Hour Day.

It's a Take Action Activity anyone (with electricity) can do!

Here's what you gotta do...

1. Wait until your clock strikes 8:30 pm
2. Turn your lights of for an hour/60 minutes
3. Sit in the dark and contemplate how great you are for doing your part to help the planet! (that or take nap..)

That's it! I'll be interested to see what the global impact will be after millions of people participate in this movement.

You can check the website to turn for the results.

Tell a friend to tell a friend to Take Action on Saturday!

Lights Out!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

World Water Day- March 22, 2010

This coming Monday is World Water Day. This years theme is focusing on “water quality, reflecting its importance alongside quantity of the resource in water management” as stated on the website.
Fresh Clean Water is something that is so important to each living individual. Living in the U.S. it’s easy to be so wasteful or water. Having opportunities to live in less “developed” countries, however, I have been given a glimpse of how life can be without fresh water to drink. I have a friend who works in the Oriente of Ecuador and the children have parasites that have moved into the brains of the children because of the infested water they drink. They have no other option. Can you even imagine!?

Everyday we should be mindful of our consumption. Some examples of how you can conserve your water use.

*Take shorter showers


*Turn off the water when brushing your teeth (I have to STILL remind myself all the time!)

*Water plants or animals with old water in water bottles you would otherwise throw out.

There are a million ways to conserve the most important thing is to simply be mindful.


There are a ton of different organizations involved in this fight for fresh clean water for everyone. The U.N. website is a great start if you want to be active in donating money or your time.

For those of you who love a good documentary (I know I do!) Check out FLOW. I haven’t seen it yet but in short it's about the the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply. I wasn't even aware that this was going on! Check it out and share your reviews here in the comments section.

A definitely step to World Peace is making sure everyone has fresh water to drink. Let’s take action today and spread the word on Monday about World Water Day 2010!

Peace.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Act your Shoe Size, Not Your Age :)

Rachel Carson was quoted saying "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in"

We as adults have completely gotten away from learning how to be childlike, however, being childlike is exactly what we should be striving for. We spend all of those years being told to "grow up" and longing to be older, when really it's the kids who have it right the whole time.

In my Spiritual studies, I find the reoccurring themes of feeling real joy, being present, tap into your creativity etc. What I have found that a lot of qualities that I have lost, were all in me once, and are there now...I just need to dig them out. I think rediscovering your inner childlike qualities can really help on the path of Enlightenment.

Don't believe me? Let's just observe the behavior of these free creatures shall we?

I'm going to just make four points but really the list is endless.

First kids know how to have FUN!

They know how to let loose and forget about their troubles. Have you ever seen kids playing in the pits of colorful balls? Or maybe running around in the sprinkler? Have you ever been around kids you are indifferent too, until you hear their squeals of delight and happiness and find yourself smiling and being filled with joy? Kids have a way of tapping into the pure essence of happiness and joy like nobody else.

This became apparent to me after a long day of shopping. My friend and I were looking for something (can't remember what) and had taken her little niece with us. Poor thing was tired and totally over the shopping excursion and dragging behind. We decided to take her to the toy floor of Neiman Marcus. It was around Christmas time and the whole floor was FILLED with plush toys. It was awe inspiring. White teddy bears 5 ft tall, rocking horses with glittering tinsel drapped around their necks, Beanie Babies everywhere and baby dolls of every fashion. My awe was broken by the clapping, squealing and SHEER delight from my friends niece. She ran into the wonderland giggling, bouncing and making the most delightful noises. I couldn't believe how she completely had gone to another plane and was no longer with us. She was in a Utopia and I remembered being her age and being in that same state. From that moment on I knew I had to one day get back to being able to reach that state of pure, true joy.

What helps children reach this state is their Inhibition! I find many adults admire this quality about children. If you smell bad they'll tell you that you stink! If they are upset there is no question about it, they will show you. If they have to go to the bathroom, well, they'll go, right in the middle of a crowed room and be proud of it. Now, I'm not suggesting we as adults should actually go back and do such things. I am suggesting that the inhibition that is needed to do these things is worth tapping back into. A lot of us have dreams and aspirations and the main thing keeping us from those things is FEAR! It's the Fearlessness that is going to be the thing that separates you from your fears. Try getting rid of the ability to be so embarrassed all the time. Don't worry about looking a fool and just go after what you want!

Which leads me right into the third characteristic I admire about children and that's their Confidence. Children don't look left or look right. They just go full steam ahead. Tell them to put on a play for you. Does it matter if they have never even SEEN a play. They will stand tall recite some made up lines (that may or may not make sense) and not once second guess themselves. Kids don't speak in a whisper, they practically yell! Never thinking, "what if I don't sound smart enough?" or "will people not like me?". I think there is a lesson there. I now find myself in meetings where no one speaks ups when the floor is opened. I know I sit staring at my hands...ideas swarming around in my head...but what will everyone think? I find myself speaking almost inaudibly if I'm unsure of something. What is that about? Let's forget we were ever taught to think we can't do it all. Tie a sheet to your back, jump off of the side of a couch like you are Super(Wo)Man and start speaking up at meetings!
Lastly, and most profoundly I think, is that children live in the Present. They are not usually worried about what happened yesterday, DEFINITELY don't have their brains all occupied with what is going to happen tomorrow or perfecting their 5 to 10 year plan. They are brand new in every moment, well, until they learn otherwise, that is, until we teach them otherwise. A child can be calmly playing with a toy completely content and happy with life. Take the toy away and immediately they are upset showing it, completely in the moment of sadness. Give the toy back, the tears turn reduce into sniffles and soon there is happiness once again. The child is no longer thinking of how upset he or she just was over the toy being taken away and CERTAINLY by the next day, the child is not holding onto the grudge of that incident happening for sure. Being Present for me is the hardest thing as an adult. While it is fine and nice to not dwell on the past of the future, I feel I HAVE to in order to calculate how I should be living my Present moment. However, as I expand my Spiritual studies everything tells me that really NOW is all we have and all we control and if we live in that place the past and future take care of themselves. So here is to trusting, having faith and living in the moment.

Lucky for us we live among great gurus of how to be more childlike. Take time out and observe the these wonderful teachers we know as our very own youth.



"If you must hold yourself up to your children as an object lesson, hold yourself up as a warning and not as an example." - George Bernard Shaw