The Blue Moon and my Ferris Bueller Day

I decided to declare Friday 'Kristen Self-Care Day," sort of like Ferris Bueller, but without as much craziness.

When Rich and Megan scheduled an overnight father/daughter outing, it seemed like it was the perfect time to spend a day alone, focused on what I needed. It's so easy for me to slide into burnout without even realizing it until I crash.

Rich even left me a note that morning which said Happy Kristen Day.

Admittedly, it was a bit of a challenge to make myself the priority. I kept straying towards chores and business tasks.  




I started the day at the beach with my coffee, meditating, journaling and enjoying the view.

Then I headed to a wonderful  yoga class followed by lunch at The Stand. This photo taken by one of my fellow yogi pals who ended up joining me for a tasty vegan lunch and a wonderful chat with the owner.




After a fabulous massage at Aetheria Spa (loved their new renovations!)  I broke out the paint and markers and did some art playing as well as list making for the rest of the year - things I want to do like workshops I want to take, entertaining I'd like to do, friends I'd like to get together with..JUST personal life stuff.

It was VERY hard not to fall into business lists. 



In the evening I attended a fabulous Drum Circle and bonfire with my friend Michelle at wonderful home of Jessica and Jim. It was an exceptional group of people and a beautiful and moving way to celebrate the Blue Moon. Many say the Blue Moon is very auspicious, so it was an appropriate day I suppose to take time to renew and recharge.




I understand then next Blue Moon is in 2015, so I've decided I'm not going to wait until the next one for another Kristen Day. 

Much too more important to do once in a blue moon......

Unexpected Rewarding Challenge

Our lovely intern, Ashley, is the guest blogger today.  Post your comments and let her know what you think of her blog post and her challenge!

 

If you’ve been paying attention to celebrity activists lately, you may find that veganism is becoming more popular. Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Lea Michele, and many more have chosen to take part in this lifestyle for many different reasons, ranging from their love for animals to wanting to eat healthier. Twenty-seven days ago, I decided to take the 30-Day Vegan Challenge, to challenge myself and see if I could complete what seems to be a very daunting task.

Some of my friends used the words “crazy” and “impossible” in response to this news. The one question that seemed to stay persistent was, “Well, where are you going to get your protein?” Although I do understand where this question is coming from, I found it to be a very uneducated question. We are taught that meat is our biggest supplier of protein, but if you do just a little bit of research you will find that soy, nuts, and beans are just some of the ways to get protein.

I never go into a challenge without basic research. I knew that this challenge would have a direct impact on my health and wellness and spent many hours in the library and on the computer finding ways to get all of my nutrients. I found so many cool and creative recipes that I never would’ve thought of. One being cooked grapefruit with cinnamon sugar on top. I love grapefruit, but it never crossed my mind to cook it in an oven. Whole Foods has also been a helping hand in this experience. They have a wide selection of vegan foods. On my last visit I picked up a vegan pizza and I would definitely recommend at least trying it.

This challenge hasn’t been all fun and games though. During this challenge I have missed one ingredient especially, eggs. The taste and smell of a freshly cooked egg for breakfast cannot be replaced, however when you are cooking or baking there are many alternatives for eggs. This past Father’s day for example, I cooked my dad a vegan breakfast in bed. When the pancakes called for an egg, I replaced it with a banana. I have also read that applesauce works. I also, made French toast and a fruit salad. Now, I know what you may be thinking, how can you make french toast without egg. I used a mixture consisting of soymilk, cinnamon, and flaxseeds. One tip when using flaxseeds while cooking is make sure you use a non stick pan and vegetable oil or margarine, because they do get sticky.
Although my 30 days are almost over, I may just stick with this new lifestyle. This past month, I have felt so much better about myself and seemed to have more positive and energetic days. If you’re looking for a change in your daily routine, I would recommend trying this, if not for a month, for a week. Being a vegan is not for everyone and no should feel pressure to become one. As the last days roll in I realize that I have learned so much more than I ever planned. I learned that not only can I be a vegan, but also that I have the willpower to commit to something difficult and stick with it. Change is not always bad and challenges don’t have to be gruesome.

So take a challenge, make a change in your life, and you may end up learning more than you planned!

Ashley Volkens

Who doesn't like a good TED talk?

From inspirational-pictures.com

Have you gotten hooked on TED talks yet?

In case you're just getting into the game, according to their website, "TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design."

They're brief, they're interesting, and I'll occasionally listen on my computer, no doubt multi-tasking with other things on my list.

I recently enjoyed Matt Cutt's Try something new for 30 days talk and of course it got me thinking.

What could I try for 30 days??  Mediate? (I'm still struggling to make this a daily practice, but getting much better).  Go Vegan? (Nah, too many parties coming up and there's bound to be cheese!).  Avoid reality T.V. ?  (maybe....but then how will I know if Emily finds true love?)

I'm still trying to come up with a sound idea (suggestions welcome). 

I'm always pushing the boundaries (in fact another K&P adventure is in the works for this - a mild one, but still something I've never done), and working on adopting new and positive habits.

But what could I commit to do for 30 days? 

Studies have shown that if we do commit to a new habit for at least 22 days, it will stick.   So of course I want to choose carefully.

What would you be willing to try for 30 days?  Post your idea below and then send an idea my way too!

We can be be in this together..which of course is always more fun!