True Life Blog

About a week and a half ago, I took a walk over to Love Park because I wanted to check out the Christmas Village.

Love Park is home to the Christmas Village, which is a traditional German Christmas Market, featuring more than 60 vendors in decorated booths and tents with all sorts of holiday goodies including presents, ornaments, jewelry, food and more.

Unfortunately the day I chose to go, most of the vendors were closed due to the heavy snowfall earlier that day. However, I enjoyed myself immensely by just walking around and looking at all the Christmas decorations; taking a slew of photographs.

The thing I love most about the Christmas Village is that it’s simple and modest – nothing flashy or commercial – just a homemade and old-fashioned Christmas feel.

And just as I was about to leave, I walked passed a wooden wall (the one you see in the picture above), which had ornaments hanging on it with handwritten wishes.

So I stopped, and began reading some of the wishes. Actually, I read ALL of them. And about halfway through reading, I decided to take pictures of the ornaments and share them with you on my blog. I really didn’t know how I was going to present these ornaments, but something inside told me to take the pictures and I would know what to do with them later.

So I did.

Now here’s the cool part.

As I was looking through the monitor screen of my camera, I was suddenly overcome with emotion because I could actually feel the energy behind the words on the ornaments written by the people who wrote them; realizing that we are all interconnected to each other, having similar experiences no matter where we live on this earth.

We all experience loss. We all experience pain. We all go through periods of feeling vulnerable and small; needing support from our fellow-human beings, whether it be physical, emotional, a kind word, or even a silent prayer.

So we wish.

At one point, I brought my camera down from my eyes and just stood there crying. But they weren’t tears of sadness, no, they were tears of sobering love.

This has been a very enlightening Christmas for me, especially being in retail and seeing how challenging it’s been for so many people, financially. People are being tentative with purchases because they simply can’t afford it. People seem to be going back the basics of this holiday season; spending time with friends and family, and keeping their gift giving to a minimum.

But then again, perhaps this is what we’re learning.

Christmas is not about stuff. It’s about giving a gift that costs nothing.

It’s about sharing the love within our heart.

So before I left the Christmas Village that day, I said a silent prayer, sharing the love within my own heart to all the wishes on the wall with the intention that they come to be.

It seems that through this experience, I received more than I gave because it taught me something.

Simple. Modest. Just an old-fashioned, Christmas feel.

Love…

And thank you all for your comments while I’ve been gone last week. I look forward to catching up with you soon! X

Characteristics

This is a sweet, tangy and very juicy salad that tastes as beautiful as it looks. It is packed with many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, as well as fiber. It is naturally low in sodium and cholesterol free. The unique blend of ingredients make for a very refreshing and light, yet filling meal idea. You can watch the video recipe of this salad, or proceed with the written version below.

TYPE: Salad, Meal, Appetizer
PREPARATION: < 15 mins
SERVING: Makes 1 meal sized salad

• Raw
• Vegan
• Wheat-free
• Gluten-free
• Peanut-free
• Nut-free
• Soy-free
• Corn-free
• Refined sugar-free

Goodies Needed

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 large handfuls of mixed baby greens (organic)
• 1 Avocado (organic)
• 1/6 – 1/8 English Cucumber (organic)
• 1/2 cup (handful) Grape, Cherry or Candy Tomatoes (organic)
• 1/2 cup (handful) Cranberries (organic, fresh)
• 3 – 4 TBS Pomegranate Arils (organic)
• 1 – 2 TBS Shredded Coconut (organic, unsweetened)

Optional:

• 2 – 4 TBS Hemp Seeds

TOOLS:

• cutting board and knife
• optional – salad spinner
• salad dish and utensils

Preparation Steps

1. Place about 2 handfuls of greens on your cutting board, and roughly chop into smaller pieces. Transfer to salad bowl.
2. Wash and peel your avocado. Remove the pit and cut into four quarters, then dice into smaller chunks. Transfer to salad bowl. (Watch video on how to work with avocado if you need.)
3. Wash your cucumber, cut off adequate piece and dice into small chunks. Transfer to salad bowl.
4. Wash the tomatoes, cut into halves and then into quarters. Transfer to salad bowl.
5. Wash the cranberries, cut into halves and then into quarters. Transfer to salad bowl.
6. Wash the pomegranate, and prepare by removing the arils. Transfer the desired quantity of arils to salad bowl. (Watch video on how to work with pomegranate if you need.)
7. Sprinkle the desired quantity of coconut over your salad, serve and enjoy!
8. You can sprinkle in some hemp seeds for extra nutritional and caloric support if desired.

Meal Nutritional Benefits

Baby Greens:

• Excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B’s, vitamin C and magnesium
• Excellent source of phytonutrients and antioxidants
• Excellent alkalizing properties
• Excellent source of fiber, along with cleansing and detoxifying properties
• Enhances overall health and wellness to promote optimal health, healing and prevention for all body systems

Avocado:

• provides the meal with healthy fatty acids
• good source of (in descending order): vitamin K, dietary fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C and copper
• help regulate healthy blood pressure, help decrease LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol and enhance overall health
• help protect against breast cancer, prostate cancer and oral cancer
• for more information, visit the avocado detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Cucumber:

• great alkaline source to decrease body’s acidic levels
• good source of (in descending order): water, vitamin C, molybdenum, vitamin A, potassium, manganese, folate, fiber and silica
• promotes healthy skin, intestinal health and blood pressure
• for more information, visit the cucumber detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Tomatoes:

• Excellent source of lycopene – an antioxidant found to decrease many cancers as well as heart disease
• Good source of (in descending order): vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, molybdenum, potassium, manganese, fiber, chromium, vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and folate
• Aside from preventing a list of cancers, especially of the prostate, they also enhance prostate health, colon health and pancreatic health
• For more information, visit the tomatoes detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Cranberries:

• Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids which fight free radicals and lower cancer risk
• good source of: vitamin C, fiber, manganese, vitamin K and vitamin E
• provide anti-inflammatory benefits, protect against heart disease and cancer and benefit the digestive tract
• have antimicrobial action and help relieve urinary tact infections, by preventing bacteria from attaching to tissue walls
• for more information, visit the cranberry detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Pomegranate:

• excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols
• good source of (in descending order): vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, folate, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B5, phosphorus, vitamin B2, magnesium,vitamin E, zinc, iron, vitamin B3, calcium and selenium
• helps reduce risk of various cancers, inflammation and cardiovascular disease
• protects against bad cholesterol and helps maintenance of healthy blood pressure
• supports a healthy immune system and enhances overall good health
• for more information, visit the pomegranate nutritional information from NutritionData.com

Coconut (Dry, Fresh, Oil):

• Has numerous health promoting qualities in almost all areas of the body
• Excellent source of numerous vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants
• Contains antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial properties
• Supplies body with rich and healthy source of saturated fats in the form of medium chain triglycerides
• Scientifically tested to prevent & heal dementia and Alzheimer’s
• For a complete overview, read about the health benefits of coconut oil

Hemp Seeds:

• Excellent source of complete and highly digestible protein
• Contain more required amino acids than milk, meat or eggs
• Provide an excellent amount and ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids
• A source of: iron, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium and phosphorus (Source: Healing Source Hemp)
• Promote weight loss, protective against heart disease, provide enhanced energy and stamina and enhance overall good health
• Excellent for diabetics, those needing to lose weight, athletes and people of all ages
• For more information, visit health benefits of hemp seeds

Recommended Products

Monochrome is a classic, which goes some way to explaining why it’s tipped as a key trend every single season. But, reinventing monochrome or finding a way to wear it differently is the way to make sure it’s updated for the season ahead. The magazine cover pictured above inspired me to pull out pieces that showcase geometric monochrome prints. Try a pop of hot pink for a slightly ’80s-inspired take on the look.

Red checks and punk-inspired plaid have been a hit all season long. Try a check pencil skirt for a smart work look – great worn with a crisp white shirt or soft blouse. For a more casual look, plaid pumps, bags or coats are the way to go. There’s still life in this look yet before the weather warms up.

What is your current colour crush or print-spiration?

The base

The eyes

The brows

The lips

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Hi ,
Hope you had a nice week.

With only a few days left until Christmas, I have some great
quick and easy recipes (shown below) for you to make this weekend.
Each one of these recipes can be cooked in 30 minutes or less so
you will have more time to finish your holiday preparations.
First, I have a spicy secret recipe for chipotle grilled chicken.
This chicken dish comes out so juicy and full of flavor. Even

better that it’s low in fat and calories.
This recipe is only one of over 100 paleo recipes featured in the
Caveman Paleo Recipes cookbook. This beautifully designed
cookbook features easy to follow paleo recipes along with color
photographs of each dish.
Members of our Discount Cookbook Club will receive this entire
cookbook with their membership. If you’re interested in joining
the club, you can download this title and many others right now: Go Here

Or if you’d like to get this title alone, go here.
Enjoy!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
New Secret Recipe
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Chipotle Grilled Chicken
4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
2 chipotle peppers, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons raw honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 pinch freshly ground pepper
coconut oil
Prepare the marinade by mixing the soy sauce with the honey, salt,
lime juice, cumin powder and chipotle peppers.
Pour the marinade into a zip lock bag and add the breasts into the
bag as well. Toss them around to evenly coat them in marinade and
refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Heat a grill pan on medium flame and brush it with coconut oil.
Cook the chicken on the grill for 5-6 minutes on each side or until
the juices of the chicken look clear.
Serve them with steamed green beans and broccoli if you like.
Serves 4

Share This Recipe:

Source – Caveman Paleo Recipes
Enjoy these great-tasting recipes from our forum:
– Crispy Ginger Beef

– Beef Ramen Skillet
– Mushroom Quiche
Find these recipes and many more on our forum: Go Here
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1) Enjoy Over 100 Of The Best Christmas RecipesDownload this collection of tried and true holiday recipes for a
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minimize this: Go Here

Until next time… Be Well!
Kind Regards,
Ron
PS- Join us on Facebook and get more recipes and freebies: Go Here

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Hi ,
Hope you’re doing well.
We’re exactly one week away from Christmas and now starts the mad
rush to finish all your holiday shopping and planning. The week
before Christmas I usually never have time to cook a full meal so
now’s the time when super quick and easy recipes come in handy.
Today’s secret recipe (below) is a simple and delicious dish from the menu
at Panera Bread. Everyone loves macaroni and cheese and Panera’s
version tastes so much better than any store-bought version.
Don’t forget we have a special collection of holiday recipes on our
forum that you can browse: Go Here
Enjoy!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
New Secret Recipe
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Panera Mac and Cheese
1 16 oz. package of rigati pasta (or other small pasta shells)
1/4 Cup butter
1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 Cups 2% reduced fat milk (or cream)
6 slices white American cheese, chopped
1 Cup (8 oz.) shredded extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. hot sauce
Cook pasta according to directions on box or bag.
Melt the butter over low heat, and stir in flour. Cook for one
minute. Gradually stir in milk or cream, whichever you choose to
use. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens and
bubbles. Remove from heat.
Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese
melts and sauce is smooth. Stir in cooked pasta and cook over
medium heat for 1 minute (or until thoroughly heated). Serve warm.
Serves 4
Share This Recipe:

Source: Recipe4Living

Until Next Time… Be Well!

Kind Regards,

Ron
PS- Join us on Facebook and get more recipes and freebies: Go Here

PPS- Forward this email to a friend or tell them to sign up here.
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So, there I was sitting at my computer desk last Friday morning, eating a bowl of Honey Nut O’s cereal while responding to comments and reading your blogs, when suddenly I bit down on something VERY hard.

At first I thought it was a piece of cereal, but as I felt it with my tongue, I could tell that it was too hard to be a piece of cereal because it felt like a ROCK.

So I reached inside my mouth with my fingers and began sifting through mushy cereal while trying to locate whatever it was. When I first took it out of my mouth and began examining the object, I really couldn’t tell WHAT it was because it was covered in half-chewed cereal and my own saliva.

Yeah…GROSS!

I first thought it was a piece of BONE, and immediately had horrendous imaginings that it might be a bone from one of the factory workers who had perhaps cut off the tip of their finger while packing the cereal boxes.

Yeah, I know…I’m DRAMATIC aren’t I?

But as I examined it closer, I suddenly saw what it was.

Shit…it was the crown from one of my back molars!!!

Look…

This was a crown that had fallen out about 16 years ago while I was eating a Tic-Tac, so I had to have it re-cemented by a dentist who did an AMAZING job. However, he did tell me that it probably wouldn’t last forever and would eventually need replacing.

At first, I panicked because I am so busy right now with working so many hours during this holiday season, therefore, I don’t have time to get to a dentist. But I eventually calmed down because, a) the crown is way in the back of my mouth, so you really can’t see it. And b) I have the whole month of January off, so I can attend to it then.

But just for the hell of it, I went online and Googled “tooth crown cement” and discovered this…

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Hi ,
Hope you had a nice week.
Only 12 more days till Christmas and I’m determined to finish all of
my shopping this weekend. You can wrap up your holiday shopping by
ordering our new cookbook which features our best secret recipes
that we’ve never shared before. This makes an excellent gift for
anyone that enjoys cooking. Order today and get free shipping: Go Here
Once your gifts are taken care of, it’s time to start thinking
about all those yummy holiday foods. I have some fantastic
Christmas recipes (shown below) that are guaranteed to bring cheer
to your holiday parties. First, I have a secret recipe for gingerbread
cookie houses that are easy to bake and so much fun to decorate.
This recipe is only one of the tried and true Christmas recipes
featured in the Christmas Cooking cookbook. This cookbook
contains over 100 delicious Christmas recipes from appetizers to
desserts.
Members of our Discount Cookbook Club will receive this entire
cookbook with their membership. If you’re interested in joining
the club, you can download this title and many others right now: Go Here

Or if you’d like to get this title alone, go here.
Enjoy!
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
New Secret Recipe
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Gingerbread Cookie Houses
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup margarine, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup light molasses
2 large eggs
12-oz package jelly beans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger,
cloves and nutmeg; set aside.
In a large bowl, beat margarine and sugar with electric mixer at
medium speed. Beat n molasses and eggs. Gradually blend in flour
mixture.
Divide dough in half, wrap and chill for several hours or overnight.
Roll out small amount of dough, 1/8-inch thick, onto well-greases
and floured baking sheets.
Cut dough with desired 3 or 4-inch cookie house stencils. Remove
scraps and re-roll.
Decorate each cookie with jelly beans.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until done.
Cool completely on wire racks.
Cookies may be decorated with jelly beans after baking by attaching
beans using a small dab of prepared frosting.
Makes 8 servings.

Share This Recipe:

Source – Christmas Cooking
Enjoy these great-tasting recipes from our forum:
– Peppermint Candy Crisps

– Jam Filled Pecan Snowballs
– Eggnog Pie In Pecan Crust
– Holiday Cheese Balls
Find these recipes and many more on our forum: Go Here
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Until next time… Be Well!
Kind Regards,
Ron
PS- Join us on Facebook and get more recipes and freebies: Go Here

PPS- Forward this email to a friend or tell them to sign up here.
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