About Me
- Lillian-Juda Leonard-Beach
- I am a Blogger, web & graphic designer, girlfriend, student, model, nurses aid, night owl, friend of 420, activist, Catholic, Buddhist, yoga follower, survivalist, friend, daughter, Canadian, Atlantan, strawberry blonde spaz, with a kind heart.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Wordless Wednesday 6/9/10
Wordless Wednesday
Kittens!!! Oh my!
"I didn't know I was pregnant..."
 |
| 3 days old. |
Monday, June 7, 2010
Meditation Monday - Breathing, Relieve Stress and Lose Weight
Ok so, I have decided to start a small linky on Mondays called, Meditation Monday. I know everyone has the kids running around now that's schools out so this will be a short, weekly post, followed by a video, and summed up with things to keep in mind or tips. Each post will be a daily way to relive stress and live better in under 15 mins.
Everyone is welcome to join the linky. The only thing I ask is you make a post about something to do with meditation, yoga, mental exercise, ect. And that you post the Meditation Monday button on the post. (code provided) No video is required for linky posts.
Now on to this week's Meditation Monday.
Week 1 - Proper Breathing
Let's start off by asking the simple question of:
"How do you breathe?"Now you may think this is just a silly, non-important aspect of your life, but have you ever actually thought about it? Your body, your mood, your weight, everything about your body has to do with the way you breathe. If you have a chance, if you have a small child near you, watch them breathe. You will notice that most often they will breathe threw their bellies. This is called Belly-Back Breathing.
Belly-Back breathing is the way you should breathe at all times. Most adults breathe with their chest and rib cage. It'll be hard to remember in the beggining, but just keep a simple reminder on your desk, or a string around your finger. To remind you, breathe correctly.
Before we go any further, do you have:
- Pain under or on your breast bone, often where your bra under-wire sits?
- Are you hungry all the time?
- Are you upset without reason often?
- Do you have trouble sleeping?
- Do you have RLS?
- Do you have a hard time digesting food?
I will tell you right now, befor I started breathing correctly, I had EVERY SINGLE of the problems listed above. When I started breathing, all declined, and most went away entirely, and I lost around 5 lbs. within the first week or two. I'm not saying this will happen with you, but these are common ailment that can be from improper breathing.
Yeah, that's great lady, but show me the facts.
Correct breathing will:
- Promote healthy posture.
- Promote weight-loss and hunger control.
- Destress and help your body naturally relax.
- Promote faster metabolism.
- Help regulate your body's natural cycle or rythem (yes, you have one too.)
- Promote brain function.
- Promote healthy cell regeneration. (Stay healthier for longer.)
- Studies have shown, people who breathe better, live longer, less stressful lives.
- Helps all vital organs work better!
- Correct breathing naturally helps detox the blood.
Now, I have given you ten reasons, why aren't you doing it yet? You say you don't know how? Well, No Problem!
Take a look at this video.
Now that you've watched the video, will you breathe better?
Breathing is something that Western Culture has forgotten. We have forgotten to breathe, literally. And I will say, when I was approached I was like, yeah whatever. But I'm telling you from my own experience, do it, it works. Give it a week. All you have to do it remember to breathe. Not only that, but do this exercise for five (5) mins when you wake up, five (5) after lunch, and five (5) mins befor bed, and you will feel like a new person.
Meditation tip:
I know it's hard to remember things. It's OK!!! The first thing you need to learn about meditation is, it's part of your life, not your life entirely. If you forget, just say, "Hey, you forgot again, now breathe." Never be too hard on yourself. Meditation, in the beginning, will be something new, but every time you practice, you feel better. Most often instantly.
Just sit back. Relax, and BREATHE!
Good reading for daily life: Start Were You Are by Pema Chodron
I read this book fairly recently, and it's safe to say that it changed my life. It taught me, it was ok to be who I was, where I was, at that time. If you do get a chance, just read it. It's only about 150 pages +/-, and is a great bedtime read.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
First Giveaway! Truvia Natural Sweetener
Featured Giveaway: Ends 6/21 @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time
To my surprise, I had been having Truvia without knowing it. It can also be found in Dip n' Dots, Vitamin Water 0, and Yo Crunch 100 calorie packs. You can view a full list here. You can also buy Truvia at most food stores including Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Locate the nearest store near you here.
When I first recieved my box of Truvia, I went online and found some great recipes from a Raspberry Lojito to Banana Bread (check out the recipes here.) I of course went for my love of chocolate, and finally decided on the Chocolate Crêpes.
So, why did no one tell me crêpes are so darn hard to make! In reality, it's all about the tricks. I learned, if you use non-stick coating pans, don't use oil/spray. If you have an older stove with eyes that don't heat in the center, move the pan around alot. And finally, if it's not the color in the 4th picture, DON'T try to flip it, it's not ready. :-P Once I finally got the knack of it, it was smooth sailing so I made up the filling. Given I didn't have the right things to make it out of, but in the end, it turned out great.
Recipe for filling as follows:
Filling:
So in the end?
Great product. Loved it, and no side-effects like the others. No after taste, and great versatility. I say A+. I mean, you might as well.
Buy it:
I personally found it at Walmart and Kroger, and for the most part it runs about $4 for the 40 packet box and $6.50 for the 80 packet. I read on the website they are releasing a scoopable size, but I didn't fins it near me (not surprising for my location).
Win it:
One reader will receive one (1) box of Truvia Natural Sweetener packets, just like mine. Ends 6/21 @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Mandatory entry: (I don't care if this is done first, but for your other entries to be credited you must do this.)
Please visit the Truvia website and tell me something you learned or visit the recipes page and tell me something you plan to make when you receive your own box of Truvia! Please leave an email for me to contact you if you win.
 |
| Chocolate crêpes with raspberry and blackberry cheese filling topped with fresh raspberries. |
Due to the fact I am allergic to most artificial sweeteners, I'm always looking for new or different low/no calorie substitute sweeteners. When I tried Truvia, I was pleasantly surprised. I received the 40-count box.
I would recommend this to any one really. Jo loved it, and agreed that Truvia had no after tastes, tasted no different when used while cooking, and dissolved easily. It also tasted great with hot jasmine tea.
When you look at the ingredients in Truvia, the first and therefor most prominent ingredient is Erythritol.
But what is Erythritol? From the Truvia website:
"Erythritol is an all-natural, non-caloric sweetener, used as an ingredient that provides bulk for the tabletop form of Truvia rebiana. Bulking agents are additives that increase the bulk and contribute to the texture of a food. Erythritol has been part of the human diet for thousands of years as it is present in fruits such as pears, melons and grapes, as well as foods such as mushrooms and fermentation-derived foods such as wine, soy sauce and cheese. It is added to foods and beverages to provide sweetness, as well as to enhance taste and texture."If anyone one is familiar with beet sugar, you will understand when I say that it has a flowery taste. Like beet sugar, it is VERY sweet by itself, and it doesn't take much to sweeten your drinks. (1 packet or less for hot teas.) Because it is a crystal form, it reminds me of sugar, but it does have a complimentary taste of sweet tree. Almost like gum tree or sugar-cane.
To my surprise, I had been having Truvia without knowing it. It can also be found in Dip n' Dots, Vitamin Water 0, and Yo Crunch 100 calorie packs. You can view a full list here. You can also buy Truvia at most food stores including Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Locate the nearest store near you here.
When I first recieved my box of Truvia, I went online and found some great recipes from a Raspberry Lojito to Banana Bread (check out the recipes here.) I of course went for my love of chocolate, and finally decided on the Chocolate Crêpes.
So, why did no one tell me crêpes are so darn hard to make! In reality, it's all about the tricks. I learned, if you use non-stick coating pans, don't use oil/spray. If you have an older stove with eyes that don't heat in the center, move the pan around alot. And finally, if it's not the color in the 4th picture, DON'T try to flip it, it's not ready. :-P Once I finally got the knack of it, it was smooth sailing so I made up the filling. Given I didn't have the right things to make it out of, but in the end, it turned out great.
Recipe for filling as follows:
Filling:
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla yogurt
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 7 raspberries & 7 blackberries
- 1 tsp black raspberry jam
- 2 or 3 Truvia packets
- Blend all ingredients in cup until smooth, add more cream cheese to thicken.
- Top crêpes with one (1) - three (3) tablespoons and fresh fruit or granola.
- Fold one side in, top with dab of filling, fold over other side, dab with filling and top folded crêpes with fresh fruit or powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
|
| Tada! |
So in the end?
Great product. Loved it, and no side-effects like the others. No after taste, and great versatility. I say A+. I mean, you might as well.
Buy it:
I personally found it at Walmart and Kroger, and for the most part it runs about $4 for the 40 packet box and $6.50 for the 80 packet. I read on the website they are releasing a scoopable size, but I didn't fins it near me (not surprising for my location).
Win it:
One reader will receive one (1) box of Truvia Natural Sweetener packets, just like mine. Ends 6/21 @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Mandatory entry: (I don't care if this is done first, but for your other entries to be credited you must do this.)
Please visit the Truvia website and tell me something you learned or visit the recipes page and tell me something you plan to make when you receive your own box of Truvia! Please leave an email for me to contact you if you win.
Extra entries: (Remember to complete the mandatory entry, otherwise these entries are NOT valid. Please also remember to leave a comment for each entry, including links when needed. Ex. 5 entries = 5 comments.)
- Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect. - 2 entries
- Subscribe to the mini Beach bird. (leave your email thx!) - 1 entry
- Follow me on Twitter. @judaleonard (leave your username thx!) - 1 entry
- Follow me on Networked Blogs (on right sidebar) - 1 entry
- Follow Truvia on Twitter. @Truvia (leave your usnername thx!) - 1 entry
- Follow Truvia on Facebook. (leave your FB name thx!) - 1 entry
- Blog about this giveaway. (leave a link thx!) - 3 entries
- Submit this giveaway to a giveaway linky. (leave a link to the linky thx!) - 2 entries
- Tweet about this giveaway. (Up to twice (2 times) daily, leave a link with each comment.) (Feel free to use: #Win your own box of @Truvia natural sweetener @judaleonard http://bit.ly/9DB11Q) - 1 entry per tweet, 2 daily max
- Place my button on your site/blog. (Code can be found on right sidebar.) - 5 entries
That's 20 possible entries! Have fun and good luck!
Note: I understand some people prefer low entry contests. I am not one of them, all of my contests will have atleast 10-15 entries, if not more. More entries, more chances.
Step 1). Gather all ingrediants. Step 7). Pour batter in pan and swirl to form thin layer.
Step 8). Cook for 1 min and 30 secs, then flip and cook until you look like this. NO EARLIER.
The first self-replicating species, made from a computer.
"This is the first self-replicating species that we've had on the planet, who's parent is a computer."
Play nice.
So I wanted to post this video to get an idea of what people think about this.
With this we are on the path to create new walks of life. Is it that far in the future, that we'll have creature-robots performing all mundane tasks? So what do you think?
Let me say, I am on the fence. I think this is a wonderful science explosion of knowledge. BUT (big but, like giant but), I think this is something that humanity is not ready for. I think that humanity, as a whole, is unable and incapable to be able to keep this knowledge, without it getting COMPLETELY out of hand.
Jo brought up a good point of, "they are looking to create cures." We don't need to create cures, these diseases have come from nature. Nature can cure them, we just don't know what nature works best. Put the money into developing natural, god and nature made cures.
I don't know what to think, but I know we're not ready. Because remember, (comming from a semi-scientist), it's not the scientists you have to worry about, we're just dreamers, it's the people with the money you gotta' look out for.
I invite everyone to comment, but I do have to ask,
With this we are on the path to create new walks of life. Is it that far in the future, that we'll have creature-robots performing all mundane tasks? So what do you think?
Let me say, I am on the fence. I think this is a wonderful science explosion of knowledge. BUT (big but, like giant but), I think this is something that humanity is not ready for. I think that humanity, as a whole, is unable and incapable to be able to keep this knowledge, without it getting COMPLETELY out of hand.
Jo brought up a good point of, "they are looking to create cures." We don't need to create cures, these diseases have come from nature. Nature can cure them, we just don't know what nature works best. Put the money into developing natural, god and nature made cures.
I don't know what to think, but I know we're not ready. Because remember, (comming from a semi-scientist), it's not the scientists you have to worry about, we're just dreamers, it's the people with the money you gotta' look out for.
I invite everyone to comment, but I do have to ask,
Play nice.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Social Parade Week of 6/4
WELCOME EVERYONE!!!
Thanks for stopping by! Take a look around.
Don't forget to check out my upcoming giveaways!
Click here!
Don't forget to check out my upcoming giveaways!
Click here!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Giveaway Update!!! Truvia and now introducing Wat-aah!
Update!!! Update!!!
Giveaway.
Buh buh buh!!! Today I received Truvia!!! Which means, give me a couple days to review and I will probably have it posted this coming Monday, and then have the giveaway end around either the 14th or 21st of June. The best news, straight out the box, Jo (the most picky artificial sugar critic there is) says, "I like this. This is pretty good." So here's hoping.
Also, I just got in touch with the company for WAT-AAH!. A new kids water that is helping to fight childhood obesity and help promote a healthier generation. Each kind is targeted to a different body system.
Please check out more info about Wat-aah! here:
http://wat-you-got.com/
or here: http://www.drinkwataah.com/
|
| Review coming the 7th, giveaway ending the 14th/21st. |
 |
| Coming soon! |
Also, I just got in touch with the company for WAT-AAH!. A new kids water that is helping to fight childhood obesity and help promote a healthier generation. Each kind is targeted to a different body system.
Please check out more info about Wat-aah! here:
http://wat-you-got.com/
or here: http://www.drinkwataah.com/
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Wordless Wednesday 6/2/10
Wordless Wednesday
Renaissance Fair 2010
"In the search of men, boobs, and human helicopters."
 |
| From left: Mitt, Myself, and Judah I've know these guys for a couple of years. I worked with them at in the aerial department at Circus Camp. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)