Are you flowing with the current of your life?

Have you ever gone on a river rafting trip? If so, imagine your guide starting your water adventure upstream instead of down. Your excitement would disappear very quickly as you rowed with no avail against the flow of the river current.



You wouldn't accept that type of behavior from an adventure guide, so why do we accept that type of behavior from ourselves? Often times our attitudes and beliefs about what others may think of us, launch us into the river of life and cause us to struggle upstream. For instance, I had spent 10 years of my adult life building my teaching career, only to have it ripped away one hot July Summer day (the 21st - yes I do remember) with one phone call "we will not be renewing your contract this year." The aftermath of that phone call had left me with a meager supply of self respect, happiness, and money. For two years after that faithful day, I felt a lot like I was bucking upstream - going against the current of my life.

I had come face to face with the limiting beliefs that would keep me from entering into a "new" life overflowing with abundance. It took me a while, but I soon realized that I am not a paycheck. I am not a job. I am not bound by any contract in life - legal, state, or otherwise. I am human. I am a woman. I am a daughter. I am a wife. I am a mother. I am worthy to be loved and accepted regardless of my earning potential. My job description in no way shape or form defines who I am. I am strong. I am resilient. I am resourceful. I am smart. I am lovable. Most of all, I am and always will be - me! I am my own personal life adventure guide. I get to decide in which direction my life will go. I've decided the best course of action for the rest of my life is to go down stream, and finally after three arduous years I am finally flowing on the river of life taking on all the gifts my life has to offer. I am no longer struggling against the current. Today and every day of my life - no matter my circumstances, I will flow joyfully with the current of my life. How do I know? Because I've learned to be happy. In the words of "Yoda" from the movie Star Trek "happy am I."

Instead of valuing yourself in terms of your income, your job, or how many zeros are in your bank account, set your mind to view prosperity as freedom - freedom to do more for ourselves and to be of better service to others. You are worthy to receive all the gifts this world has to offer, you just need to adjust your thinking - abundance is after all, in large part, an attitude. You deserve to live abundantly. Life is a blessing. When you take the time to care for your own needs, you feel well cared for and wealthy no matter the circumstances. In what way will you encourage yourself to learn to live "abundantly" today?

How to keep your marriage Red Hott!

Relationships are easy, People are complicated. It's the people evolved in ANY relationship that keeps things complicated. Once we learn more about our spouses likes and dislikes, we can begin to journey to everlasting love. First a marriage is much like an very long rope with each spouse on opposite ends. Each time there is an unfavorable act (lies, arguments, betrayal, etc) on behalf of either spouse that hurts the marriage causing a knot to form in the rope. Pretty soon neither person can move around freely, because the rope is too small. Has your love dance become a hassle? Wouldn't it be nice to get rid of those love knots to allow the love between the two flow freely again?



For a long time I thought that "loving" my husband was enough to keep us together. In time I learned that "doing" things for the man I love, will show him that I want us to be together. We feel in love with one another when we were dating because every thing was fresh and brand new. Each date was exciting because we "did" things that made it so - I would dress my best each time I saw him. He would take me to his favorite places, and send me special gifts - exotic flowers, pashmina scarfs, hand crafted ceramic figurines. We would walk hand and hand in public. I would laugh at his jokes. He would impress me with his hidden talents - juggling and Akita. I would give him candle lit massages. We wrote each other love notes. Then we got married. Over time the kids, the house, the bills, our jobs all became priority over DOING things that helped us fall in love with one another in the first place. So what did I do - I went back to basics. I began dating my husband again - I wear his favorite outfits. I dress to impress every day. I make regular trips to the hair and nail salon. I cook his favorite meals and desserts. I brought plenty of candles for those intimate late nights. I LISTENED, LAUGHED, and LEARNED from our conversations every day. I wanted him to know that I didn't take our love or our marriage for granted. I appreciated everything about him, about us, and about our marriage.

So how do you keep a marriage red hot? Never go to bed angry. Talk. Talk. Talk. Sleep in the same bed every night. Sleep together in a bed no bigger than Queen size so you two can snuggle together. Find out what your spouse loves, and just make the magic happen. Finally, in order to hold on to the love you have - recycle, reuse, renew everything about your relationship. A new hairstyle, bright colored outfits, or wearing his favorite color lingerie will turn up the heat to your marriage, and best of all - your spouse will appreciate your efforts. 

Women like to be adored. Men like to be supported. Work together to keep your love rope free of knots, and it will definitely turn your marriage red hott. Good marriages are great on purpose. If he buys you an outfit, wear it. Give the kids a bath, so she have a few hours to herself. Do something on his "honey to do" list. Load and unload the dishwasher a few times a week, and give her time to do something other than housework. Wink at him from across a crowded room.Whisper something sexy in her ear at a party. Get a blanket, a small picnic basket of wine, crackers and cheese, go in the yard. Gaze into each others eyes or the stars above, and talk out your dreams for yourself and each other. Compliment his achievements in the house, and on the job. Tell her how much you appreciate everything she does to keep the balance between family and work. Buy her small gifts to show her that you are thinking of her outside the bedroom. Surprise him with his favorite dinner and dessert after a particularly difficult week at work. In other words, let your marriage become the best "date" you ever had.

Remember, you want 911 red hott when it comes to your marriage. If you don't hear "love" sirens, it's time to turn up the heat. Believe me - you can never be too hott for your spouse. Make him sweat!!!

Father's don't want edible fruit!

Are you struggling to find the right gift for your special man on Father's Day? One thing is certain, men don't want fruit on Father's Day.


 

Whether it's your Dad, Brother, Husband. or friend this gift guide will have father's every where breathing a sign of relief. I've comprised a very modern, practical gift guide for every man.

Does he like indoor/outdoor games, but you don't have the space.  PUTTER POOL $80; http://www.hearthsong.com/product.asp?utm_source=google&utm_medium=comparisonshopping&utm_campaign=productsearch&r=frooglefeed&pcode=3463&gclid=CP71_Lre2bcCFQuZ4AodiCUAow


Pole position gift certificates $100

Raceway indoor karting up to 45 miles per hour on a 1/4 road course. 

Polepositionraceway.com/jersey-city

Is he a grill master? DECK MATE $250: 
http://www.brookstone.com/deckmate-deck-rail-tray?bkeid=compare|mercent|googlebaseads|search&mr:trackingCode=9BA5A7BE-D884-E211-BFCC-001B21A69EB0&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=20923704324&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=20101249044&gclid=CP3PiYff2bcCFYSk4AodrR4A0Q

Does he follow his own path in the wilderness with all his tech gadgets?
BIO LITE CAMP STOVE $130: 
http://www.brookstone.com/deckmate-deck-rail-tray?bkeid=compare|mercent|googlebaseads|search&mr:trackingCode=9BA5A7BE-D884-E211-BFCC-001B21A69EB0&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=20923704324&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=20101249044&gclid=CP3PiYff2bcCFYSk4AodrR4A0Q

THERMACELL RECHARGEABLE HEATED INSOLES $150
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=thermacell+heated+insoles&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=24642610307&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1677545192423923413&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_6x3dmd6cke_e

Is he Mr. Fix it 2013? 
BLACK AND DECKER PAINT EDGER  $40
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM7706863402P?ci_src=184425893&ci_sku=SPM7706863402&sid=IDx20130125xMPTLSx025

VAMPLIERS SCREW PLIERS $35 
http://www.amazon.com/VamPLIERS-VT-001-Vampliers-Screw-Pliers/dp/B006YJKAPQ

AIRFLOW BREEZE ULTRA - from $54
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=airflow+breeze&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=1421120517&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1464057000568038845&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_58ky0vvwzq_b 

SIMPLISAFE 2 WIRELESS HOME SECURITY SYSTEM - from $129
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=simplisafe&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=22415692448&hvpos=1s6&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5258098411191771630&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2jqqm256jx_e

Does he have a combination mancave and home office?
LAMP IN A BOX - from $27
http://www.lampinabox.com/

ION PICS 2 SCANNER $120
http://www.walmart.com/ip/15048459?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000582032&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=13223768470&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

Do you just want to make his father's day great? 
DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB - from $1 a month
 http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=simplisafe&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=22415692448&hvpos=1s6&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5258098411191771630&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_2jqqm256jx_e

MEAT, MEAT, AND MORE MEAT - from $50
http://www.omahasteaks.com/servlet/OnlineShopping?Dsp=261&AID=2660&ITMSUF=MRB&SRC=AE2012&gclid=CP3pu_Lk2bcCFcuh4Aodz3YAUg

TYLT CAR CHARGER $40
http://www.target.com/p/tylt-charger-2-1a-dual-usb-car-charger-red-39478tgw/-/A-14526337?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=|14526337&CPNG=Electronics&kpid=14526337&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14526337 

So there you have it. A gift for every man, and every sized wallet. Don't forget the Father's Day Cards. Tomorrow I will have some cute, quick gifts the kids can make for Dad too. Please leave me a comment and let me know how Dad loved his special Father's Day.

Eat Like a Caveman; Hooked on Trout Part 1

It's time for fresh fish - dining in and dining out.



Trout fishing is a beloved pastime in New Jersey. More than 100,000 NJ residents buy Trout stamps, which are required along with a fishing license for anglers aged 16 to 70. 

Actually my husband went fishing last weekend, and came home with some delicious Trout fish. He enjoyed cooking and eating of the trout just as much as the catching. He even wore  fishing clothes - a blue jacket, and blue boat shoes on the yacht. He told me as he was cooking the trout that night, "we can go buy fish from anywhere, but if you catch one with your own hands, then dinner becomes an event. I know exactly how he feels, because that's the same feeling I get when I garden and harvest our fruits and veggies. 

So all this fresh fish got me thinking about: "How can I get others to appreciate this wonderful taste of spring?" Do you want to try trout at home? If so, here's what you have to do...

 -  Get the right supplies. First time anglers will need  to pick up a 4 to 6 foot ultralight fishing rod, an ultralight fishing reel, and fishing line that can hold up to four pounds. Lures or live bait (like worms) are also required. You don't even need to get on a boat, just sit on the side of a lake or pond stocked with trout - and you will be sure to catch something. 

 - Keep it fresh. Trout should be kept chilled at all times. This can be achieved when fishing by either using a cooler with ice or keeping the fish on a line in the water. It's best to eat trout right away, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. You can even freeze trout safely. To avoid freezer burn, wrap the fish in cellophane, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a brown paper bag before placing in the freezer. To thaw trout, do not soak in water because it will get soggy. Keep in refrigerator until thawed and then rinse clean. 

- Cooking methods. The best thing about trout is that you can cook it with the bones in, and the meat will just fall off the bones. One of the most popular ways to cook trout is by smoking it. For a simpler method, rubbing the trout with smoked spices like chili powder and smoked paprika, then grill it over flavored wood chips. My husband cooked the trout two ways: baked in the oven and on the grill. He wrapped the whole trout (yes the head too) in aluminum foil after seasoning it with a variety of herbs and spices, salt, and pepper. Trout mild flavor allows it to blend with a variety of flavors, so you can create any flavor profile you like the most. 

When cooking trout, the key thing is to be creative. Do you have a summer grilling or baking Trout recipe you would like to share? If so, please leave it in the comments. 

Not a fisherman or chef? Trout is on the menu at menu at many local NJ restaurants.Come back tomorrow for the list.

Nothing to Fear

Did you know that we are born with only 2 natural fears - fear of falling, and fear of loud noises. All other fears are learned. Isn't that good to know? How many times has fear stopped you from getting a better job, a house, a loving relationship, or your best life ever? 



Last December, I feel down the stairs at my mothers house. It was a freak accident, but I hurt my knee terribly. It's been a long rehabilitation process, and unfortunately my fear of pain has hindered that progress quite a bit. It wasn't until my hubby said jokingly, "If there is ever a zombie apocalypse, you are on your own. I'll have the girl and dog to carry." We laughed and laughed, but then I thought - wait a minute, "If my knee never heals, I'll become a burden to my family." So off to the gym I went with a new found purpose - rehab the knee now. That was two weeks ago, and I have no regrets. I'm walking much better, and I can even go up and down the stairs with a little support. I feel like the Tin Man from the Wizard of OZ when he received oil to lubricate his joints. Less painful knee movement is possible with a little hard work. Hubby helped me more than he will ever know, because his words brought my fears to life. Here I am a woman who delivered two babies (8 pounds and 6 pounds) vaginally, and I'm afraid of a little knee pain. Yes my knee hurts when I'm training, but it's no way near as painful as active labor pains and delivery. I am much bigger than my fears, and so are you!

Once we become aware of our fears we can do the work necessary to disentangle ourselves from its life draining grip through action. That action can be whatever you choose - therapy, self help books, relationship websites, blogs, prayer, yoga, exercise, "coffee talk" with your family/friends, or meditation. Here is a short list of "action plans" I've compiled to get you started.

Website: http://www.psychologytoday.com/

Book: http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Mind-Beginners-Guide-Meditation/dp/1590305973/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366380863&sr=1-4&keywords=meditation+for+beginners

DVD: http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Journals-For-Meditation/dp/B00008G76W/ref=sr_1_14?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1366381071&sr=1-14&keywords=yoga+for+beginners+dvds

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/JoelOsteen?fref=ts
 


Of course there will be times when we can't do it alone. If you feel loss, please be gentle with yourself. Seek help from a professional. Courage comes after the fall. We are courageous when we push past our fears. I've found that replacing the word "fear" with "excite" will help transform your speech and mind. Instead of "I'm so scared to begin walking up and down the stairs after my accident." to "I'm so excited to begin walking up and down the stairs after my accident." Do you see how powerful that last statement became just by swapping "excited" for "scared." So every morning look in the mirror, face your fears, and say,

"Hey Fear, you will no longer dictate how I live my life. I disconnect myself from your grips. I am so excited to start this day, and the path of my courageous life." 

If your fear grips you again, please remember - Fear transformed translates to empowerment to love yourself and others. What are your biggest fears? What will you do today to overcome one fear today?