The Embrace Blog

Do you ever get to the point where you would eat just about anything as you are "starving" and must have something, sweet or savory, or both... and you must have it now!  Chances are, that is a craving you are experiencing, as it must be something specific to fill that insatiable "hunger".

I used to think that I was just born with an insatiable appetite as it seemed I was never satisfied, and was always thinking about my next meal, especially if I was "cutting back".  Then I had the craving and deprivation working against me.  Sound familiar?

After trying just about everything out there over the years I finally found some solutions, some were temporary, that then led me to something completely different that changed the way I look at food forever.  But I'll save that story for next time and in the meantime go back to the difference between hunger and cravings, and start with the basics to guide you to your next steps.

Hunger:

Physical Need: Hunger is primarily a...

Do you ever have problems letting go?  I mean letting go of a situation or event that occurred and your just can't stop thinking about it?  It's like your mind is on instant replay, you just keep playing it over and over again in your mind, like a record player.

If you're anything like me, the answer is a definite YES!

This is actually something I have personally been working on for years, meaning I've had lots of events happen to give me practice in this "skill".  I'm sure you can relate.

Yes I truly believe it is a skill, and like any skill, it needs sharpened again and again.  Just when I think I have it down, a new challenge will arrive and give me another opportunity to sharpen up my "letting go" skills yet again. 

Just this past week, the property owners beside our home cut down a beautiful Lilac bush, that was there since we moved in 24 years ago. That Lilac was so beautiful in full bloom, and provided a canopy of shade in the corner of our yard where...

Well speaking of the weather, how is your health doing?  Not only your physical body, but your mind as well. I know most of us are done with winter, yet she persists.

For many of us, myself included, you feel the nudge of a cold approaching.  What do you do?  Do you take action, or just brace for what's ahead.

• Mac & Cheese - who can resist that creamy cheesy pasta?
• Chicken Soup - a hearty dish that's believed to have healing properties, and just warms our belly.
• Mashed Potatoes - growing up on those as a kid makes me feel warm and protected, especially topped with butter, salt & pepper.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich - crispy bread and gooey melted cheese make for a comforting combination.  
• Chocolate Chip Cookies - a timeless comfort food, especially fresh out of the oven with melted chocolate chips.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs - warm and filling in the tummy.
• Chili - another popular dish as the weather turns cold.
• Fried Chicken - Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
• Pizza - a North American favourite, loaded with your favorite toppings.
• Ice Cream - another creamy...

Are you a lover of essential oils? 

If yes keep reading as I share an amazing Face Tightening Serum, all natural below.

But first did you know that doTERRA essential oils come from parts of the world where they originated? Lavender from Bulgaria for example. Why does this matter, because those soils are rich in minerals and nutrients that you cannot get from just growing your own here in North America.  This alone sets doTERRA apart for the others, but wait there's more.

Anyone can label an essential oil as "therapeutic" as there is no regulatory board for essential oils.  Due to this doTERRA has implemented rigorous testing standards to set them apart.  First, before it leaves its country of origin; 2 - as it enters the USA by an external source;  and 3 - in the doTERRA lab, every batch, not just a sampling from the main batch, is tested and once it meets standard, it is bottled at their site in Utah.  There are now warehouse in Canada...

Getting back to routine can be challenging, but it's essential for productivity and overall well-being.  It's a huge part of self-care as you schedule it into your life. 

With the planet heating up, so are we!  Many places are hitting temperatures and breaking records.  The sad part is, this is our new norm, so we need to learn to cope accordingly.  This is a very important part of our self-care.

• Stay Hydrated - drink plenty of water and or eat hydrating food like watermelon, cucumber, and citrus fruits.  In fact add a slice or two of cucumber to your water.  It then becomes what some call "living water" and helps you better absorb the water your drinking leading to better hydration. 
• Become a Shade Seeker when outdoors, and avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10am and 4pm.  When walking I stick to the shady side of the street.
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning before it heats up.  We make sure we get Penelope our dog out and back typically before 10am.  After that it's just to dangerous.
• Air Conditioning -...