Swords to Plowshares

   Violence is a virus.  It can be transmitted by exposure just like hepatitis, AIDS, or the common cold. The thing about violence is that it grows from the smallest thought, and begins to take root to greater depths.  Violence is not acted out against another person; in fact, it has nothing to do with other people. It is a thought pattern within each individual. Violence is viewing another's misfortune for entertainment, violence is the acceptance of murder because the victim is not of your nation, and I will even go on to say that violence is valuing yourself over someone else because they lead a different walk of life. We all know the parable of The Good Samaritan. Walking by the wounded man is a form of violence. No, the first two travelers were not the instigators of the injury, but they were just as accountable nonetheless. Violence is not a physical, but rather a spiritual entity.  Like a virus, it always begins invisibly, takes root within the host, and propagates before it even shows its first symptom. It can be as simple as an attitude or thought. Violence always develops in the same pattern: detachment, passiveness, indifference, egocentricity, entitlement, and only then does it progress to physical violence.

   In contrast to violence, compassion is a seed.  It requires cultivation. Cultivating compassion is much more difficult than becoming a host to the violence virus, because compassion doesn't "take hold" like violence.  It requires conscious cultivation and must be nourished to germinate.  Nurturing your mind with wholesome entertainment, interactions, and thoughts are necessary for growing compassion. 

   I usually do not address potentially political topics because people will invariably think of a ridiculous hypothetical situation in which to trap you into contradicting your own beliefs. I am not implying that I WILL always take the path of compassion, I am attesting that compassion IS always the right path to take.

 

Roots of violence and compassion are already within all of us.  How deep they grow is up to you..... 

Breaking the mode of breakfast

    If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then why is it the most likely meal to be drenched with high fructose corn syrup, bleached flour, and repulsively fatty meats such as bacon and sausage?  It's time to modify the morning meal...
    With breakfast, I think convenience is the key.  It's easy to grab those sausage patties, and douse those pancakes with syrup, but there is another option that is just as quick and easy.  Adapt your thinking about breakfast and a whole new culinary world awaits you. 

• Who says that "breakfast foods" have to be breakfast foods? Instead of the heavy meats such as sausage and bacon consider having cooked vegetables. They will fill you up, but will also give you the energy you need for your day and won't drag you down like those unhealthy meats. 

• Skip the high fructose corn syrup and tickle your sweet tooth with fresh fruit.  Fresh fruit offers the sweetness you may crave in the morning, but prevents the "sugar crash" you get with refined sugars.  Check the back of your syrup bottle.  Unless it is 100% pure maple syrup (which costs $15.00 a bottle by the way) the first ingredient is probably high fructose corn syrup.  Is this the way you want to start out your day?  We didn't think so.  Honey and molasses are great alternatives.  Studies have shown that local honey can relieve symptoms of allergies, and molasses is rich in iron. 

• Eggs are a great way to get protein in the morning.  Dress up those bland scrambles with veggies such as bell peppers, kale, or mushrooms. 

• NEVER skip breakfast.  Even if you are running late, grab a fruit to eat on the road. Fruit such as bananas, apples, and grapes are perfect grab-and-go-grub. 

Evolving your point of view about breakfast foods will alter your energy level, your health, and ultimately, your life.   

Veggie Cooking- A simple cooking chart

When I am in the kitchen cooking a meal I usually get into a certain groove. I am listening to my favorite pandora radio station, daydreaming that  I am a well renowned world chef that is respected by the culinary community world wide (oh like you don't ever daydream!). When suddenly, as I am making a grab for  broccoli to use in a dish that sounds more fancy than it actually is, my mind draws a blank. I forget how long I am suppose to cook broccoli. My daydream suddenly dissipates and I am reduced to nothing more than a shady greasy spoon diner cook heating up Beef-a-roachini. Before I go into full stage 10 panic mode I remember my cheat sheet.My five-star chef daydream will live to cook another delectable meal! Below is a veggie cooking guide I like to use when I am cooking veggies because, lets face it we all have mind blanks from time to time.

Purity Products: Amazing Oranges Product Review

I am normally not a supplement type of lady,but with the flu and noravirus running rampant throughout the school that I am employed , I decided to give my immunity a boost by trying Purity Products : Amazing Oranges which promises a product that is formulated to help support healthy immunity function, endurance, stamina, mental clarity, cardiovascular function and energy levels.

Amazing Oranges is a powdered supplement that contains oranges, tangerines, peaches, pineapple, cantaloupe, clementines,apricot,papaya,mango, persimmons, nectarines, and kumquats. Aside from fruits,Amazing Oranges also includes several vegetables such as ; carrots, pumpkin, butternut-squash,yams, and rutabaga. The supplement contains 6x more vitamin C than you would find in a 8 oz. glass of orange juice. It also contains fibersol-2 which is a ingredient that feeds the good bacteria found in the stomach.The Powder comes in a 279 gram bottle which will last 30 days. It is $54.95 or you can order a automatic delivery which is $39.95 and will save you 27%. If scooping powder is to messy, You  can also order the Amazing Oranges go packs. The box includes 30 packets and are $59.95 for a 30 day supply or  $42.95 if you choose automatic delivery.

I tried the product for 30 days and surprisingly it exceeded all my expectations. The taste was pleasantly delicious and wasn't thick. I did feel like my energy levels were stable throughout the whole work day. However ,if you're looking for a jittery energy buzz then you won't find it with Amazing Oranges. The fiber increase from the product caught me by surprise during by first couple of uses ,but it was very benefiting. I believe, Purity Products has a made a supplement that is high quality and beneficial.

Who should buy this product?
This product is for anybody interested in increased immune system support and more energy without all the jitters.






Pros 

• The taste ....if you like Tang then you will enjoy Amazing Oranges.
• It really does provide you with more energy ,but not in the red bull burst of energy sort of way. 
• It's full of vitamin A, C, and D. 
• No energy crash. 

Cons

• The price ...a 30 day supply will cost you $54.95.
• The powder takes awhile to dissolve and even after stirring a bit longer , I still had lumps filled with dry powder in my glass.

 Interested in buying?
Then you can visit the Purity Products website and purchase yourself a bottle.

The Scary Truth About Movie Theater Snacks

 As I walk into the local Carmike 20 Movie Theater one of the first smells to invade my nostrils is the buttery aroma of extra salty popcorn. My mouth instantly starts to water and immediately I am trying to resist the urge to shell out $10 for one of those overpriced hypertension in a bucket snacks. The nutritional values are not printed on popcorn containers so often times I am left wondering how  bad was that small popcorn I just devoured. Well lucky for me, I will wonder no more, thanks to the infograph The Scary Truth About Movie Theater Snacks. Now, the next time I get the urge to splurge on movie snacks I will just sneak in my own healthier ones :). 

Disclaimer- The Feisty Organics does not condone sneaking in snacks brought from home into movie theaters. It was just a little joke....or was it? 

 To find out the nutritional value of  movie theater snacks checkout the infographic below.

Via Diet To Go

 

Natural Dog Repellants

Sooner or later every puppy parent will have to address training little furry paws too keep off certain furniture that is in the house or from chewing aunt Betty's fifty year old antique dining table.One successful method that many dog owners use to deter their dearly beloved pet from unwanted furniture is repellants. They are a favorite for most dog owners because, they are easy to use and unlike other methods don't require you to use much energy. However, before rushing off to your local pet store , consider making your own natural dog repellant. Not only is it cheaper ,but it also is free from all those harsh chemicals that the store bought repellants contain.

Sprays

Spray Bottles is a  preferred method many dog owners use to keep their fur baby away from certain furniture . All you need is a plastic spray bottle and some vinegar. My dog hates the smell of vinegar and will gladly stay away from anything that has that smell . Other smells that are unpleasant to dogs are lemon juice/anything citruses or rubbing alcohol. Spray the repellant on and around furniture that you do not want your dog near. If one smell doesn't work then try another until you find one that your dog dislikes.

If your not a fan of spray mixtures then certain essential oils is another effective natural dog repellant. Cinnamon Oil and Eucalyptus are two oils that dogs seem to be repulsed by. Just dab a little bit of one of the essential oils on a old rag and rub on the furniture you wish to keep your dog away from. I use this method often and in my opinion, it is the most effective. Just one whiff of Eucalyptus oil and my fur baby refused to go within a foot of a new DVD rack that I had recently purchased. Other repellants that could be used are cayenne pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just sprinkle the pepper flakes on and around the off limits furniture or dab some hot sauce on the banned piece of furniture. After a taste of cayenne pepper your animal will not want to go anywhere near the furniture.

caution
Liquids may cause staining to some furniture so please be careful. 
Essential oils can be pricey so please use in moderation. 
 

The Amazing Banana Benfits

Credit to google profile share

Did you know that bananas are an excellent source of energy? Just noshing on a couple of bananas will boost your energy enough to exercise up to an hour and thirty minutes.

~Health Inspiration Quote
 Take care of your body.
It's the only place you have to live. Jim Rohn