Sunday, December 2, 2012

Being: In It

   ~~My Grandma~~
Taking time to think and just BE on my trip to Costa Rica, to be care-free and completely me was a true blessing. To lose someone I love very much in that same time and to come home to the stress, grief and tension of the whole family was like being popped out of a bubble of peace into a tornado. But as always life events serve as catalyst to perspective changes and finding what is within me that desires expression. The sorrow in my heart rests upon the backs of butterflies who gently and gracefully float along, I feel the peace and I know; 'All is as it Should Be.' This phrase was heavy in my mind the days before I left on my trip, I wasn't sure why, but I had a feeling like someone was going to die and I also felt certain it wasn't me, so when we got the phone call our first day in Costa Rica that Grandma was in the hospital, I knew. I wanted to write about my grandma; her generosity, her genuine kindness, her ever present smile, but now doesn't feel like the time, my memories won't fade so maybe at  a later time I will share about the woman I knew as Grandma. I also wanted to share more about my Costa Rica adventure, but basically to sum it up it was awesome, fun, care free, liberating, at times exhilarating and felt just plain lovely to be in warm weather. It was a wonderful trip much needed just my sister and I. Check out the Pics at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151179452763860.467215.507468859&type=1&l=34c8bfaf7e
GOOD TIMES WERE HAD! But there is no place like home. So home is where I am, feeling motivated and thriving once again. I want to share a few recipes with everyone so you can bring some food~goodness into your life! Last Monday I started a green juice cleanse for 3 days, followed by 2 days of green smoothies and now I am keeping it raw and enjoying food on a conscious level. When I eat 'just anything' I feel like I am closing my eyes and pretending I don't notice. When I eat raw living foods, greens, veggies, fruits and seeds I feel AMAZING, I am currently unraveling the mysteries of why I yo-yo with eating habits and weight even though it doesn't make me feel good, no guilt, no shame, just ready for more clarity on the mysteries of me. As I age my life gets better and better and I find more joy in all things. I know what makes me the happiest, I know which habits hinder my joy and I am aware of all these. I am moving closer to letting go of things that do not serve me more and more. I know age is just numbers based on a calendar, but I am so excited to be 30, it feels like this pivotal point in my life where I will be so in tune with myself that ALL things fall into place instead of just most things :). To celebrate my joys in life I have been juicing and smoothying and doing what I enjoy. I LOVE creating healthy food, I LOVE eating healthy food, I LOVE yoga, I LOVE smiling, I LOVE hugging my Boy-o, I LOVE creating a life that I am proud to be a part of, I am Happy to be ME, ;cause there is no one else I would rather BE.  On to pics and recipes....
Green Juice
Spinach
Orange
Apple
Kale
Romaine
Pear
Ginger
Mint
Lemon

Green Smoothie
Spinach
Cucumber
Kale
Romaine
Banana
Apple
Pear
Mint
Spirulina Lemonade
4 Lemons Juiced
Water
Stevia to Taste
1/2 tsp Spirulina Powder
Coconut Meat from Young Thai Coconuts

Local Honey from a Friend

Coconut Yogurt Begins
Coconut Meat
Probiotic Powder
Honey 
Let ferment overnight and Remix
*VOILA*
mix berries in and have a delicious dairy-free yogurt



Boom~Boom Carob Smoothie
Soaked and Blended Chia Seeds
Banana
Goji Berries
Spirulina
Bee Pollen
Carob Powder
Vanilla Stevia
Brown but Delicious!
 
Celery with Creamy Smoky Cashew Dip
Blend in a High Speed Blender:
1cu Soaked Cashews
2 Tbs Lemon Juice
2tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2tsp Honey
1tsp salt
1/4tsp Pepper
1/4tsp Onion Powder
1/4tsp Mustard Powder
1/2tsp Smoked Paprika
2tsp Garlic Powder
1tsp Herbs de Provence
1/4cu Chopped Fresh Parsley
*this dip is SO Yummy, it is the combination of a few 'raw ranch' recipes combined with what I had in my cabinet
  
White Chocolate Fudge
3Tbs Cacao Butter
3Tbs Coconut Butter
1Tbs Coconut Oil
1Tbs Honey
3Tbs Shredded Coconut
Pinch of Salt
* melt first 3 ingredients in a double boiler just long enough to melt, remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients 

Lemon White Chocolate Fudge
3Tbs Cacao Butter
3Tbs Coconut Butter
1Tbs Coconut Oil
1Tbs Honey
3Tbs Shredded Coconut
1 drop Lemon Essential Oil from Natures Sunshine
1/4tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
* melt first 3 ingredients in a double boiler just long enough to melt, remove from heat, stir in remaining ingredients 


~~~LOVE YOURSELF, EAT HAPPY, ALL IS AS IT SHOULD BE~~~


Thursday, February 2, 2012

February Yama Focus

AHIMSA~
Ahimsa is to abstain from violent feelings, thoughts, words & actions. To maintain compassion towards your self and others.
To not push my body into physical pain, to avoid violent thoughts and reactions towards others, but mostly for me ahimsa is a need to be kind towards myself. I have a lifetime of habits to overcome, release, change {whatever word you like} I get down sometimes, I feel suffering sometimes, I am human, I am a work in progress, I have never claimed perfection, but I am proud of who I am, where I am, How I am and I refuse to let other's opinions create self doubt and anger towards myself.
I have smiled many more times than I have frowned. I have felt more joy than sadness. Have I always been kind to myself, kind to others, positive and optimistic, no! But have I experienced radical growth and found more balance and harmony than ever before; YES, absolutely.

I am a work in progress.

I see my truth, it is the only truth that is truly available to me.

So although people have recently attacked me pointing out all the things they don't like about me or the things they think I do wrong, I will not choose to direct hate my self nor my choices. I am on a path of love and light. I do not come by this path without dedication, experience, determination and on occasion I falter. I falter, but I choose to learn from my mistakes.

So for February I practice Ahimsa with extra conscious effort and love for myself

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A Poem & Recipes

January 25, 2012
STANDING IN MY OWN

I am standing in my own,

My own of many things,

I am Better now without you,

I am Free to Fly as ME,

I owe nothing more of ME to you,

For I am Completely Free,

My binds have been released from the repression I was living,

I was Blind, But Now I see, An entirely New Meaning for ME,

I am grateful for the growth I gained,

My light Brighter it Now Shines,

The Ground beneath my feet more steady,

Thank for Your Time,

Certainty I now hold,

There is a time to let everything go,

Float along the breeze,

They call the wind Mariah,

I let it lift beneath my wings,

In my Heart the Truth Resonates,

Like whispers in the wind, Audible at last,

Now it is Time for you to take your Place living in my past


January 24, 2012
Dinner:
Broccoli Bite(s)ize pieces
Sea Salt
Oil
Nutritional Yeast
Paprika
Cayenne
Mesquite Powder
Coconut Crystals
*Mix in a bowl and voila, yummy and fast!

Lunch: Salad
Butter Lettuce
Tomato
Sea Salt
Cayenne
Nutritional Yeast
Grapeseed Oil

January 23, 2012
~RECIPE~
Onion Bread/Cracker:
2 Large Yellow Onions (save about 1/8th of a cup fine chopped to stir in)
2 Cups Sunflower Seeds (soak over night, rinse and drain 3 times/day for one day or until little tails start to form)
Sea Salt
*Process until smooth, stir in the chopped onion
Spread thin on dehydrator sheet at 115* for about 12 hours, turn over and dehydrate to a dry consistency
~TOPPING~
Sliced Mushrooms marinated: Olive Oil, Paprika, Cayenne, Ground Coconut Crystals, Mesquite, Sea Salt
Butter Lettuce
Sliced Tomatoes
Sliced Avocado

Morning Boost ~SMOOTHIE~
Banana
Spirulina
Strawberries
Minerals
Fiber
Lucuma
Irish Moss

January 22, 2012
Onion Bread with avocado Mash & Sea Salt
Onion Bread {Recipe Above}
Top with smashed Avocado or Slices
Sprinkle of Sea Salt
Cauli~Rice over Salad
Cauliflower Faux Rice
Cauliflower
Cumin
Chili Powder
Sea Salt
*Process until desired consistency, Really good with avocado or on top of salad
*Make any green salad and top it off with this mix or just eat it straight

Chili Mushroom on Onion Bread
Onion Bread {Recipe Above}
Sliced Mushrooms marinated: Olive Oil, Paprika, Cayenne, Ground Coconut Crystals, Mesquite, Sea Salt

January 21, 2012
SALAD
Romaine
Carrot
Tomato
Grapeseed Oil
Sea Salt

SNACK
Sliced Yellow & Orange Bell Peppers with Guacamole Dip {Avocado, Lemon, Cilantro, Tomato, Red Onion}

January 20, 2012
Salad
Kalamata Olives
Butter Lettuce
Wild Rice
Zucchini
Cilantro
Sundried Tomato
Fresh Tomato
Romaine

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Fresh Flavor Explosion

January 19 2012
My taste buds are soooooooooooo happy today!

Fresh Mushroom Medley: Dinner
Layer in Order
Base: Portabello Mushroom
Sliced Avocado
Salt & Garlic Granules{just a dash}
Lemon Juice

Top with the Following; Diced & Mixed
Tomato
Yellow Onion
Cilantro
Kalamata Olives

So Yummo Salad: Lunch
Romaine
Butter Lettuce
Carrot
Zucchini
GrapeSeed Oil
Sea Salt
Nutritional Yeast
Dried Currants


Simple Strawberry Smoothie: Breakfast
Strawberries
Bananas
Almond Mylk

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

*Mid~January Meal Highlights*



May Food Bring Happiness & Health Into Your Life...

January 12


Portabello Open Faced Sandwich


Portobello Mushroom, Sliced Thin
Butter Lettuce
Tomato
Avocado
Yellow Onion
Clover Sprouts


Sauce:

Almond Butter

Garlic Granules

Cayenne Pepper

Date Paste

Sea Salt

Tamari (to taste)

January 13

Green Sweet & Spicy Salad

Romaine Lettuce

Yellow Onion

Banana

Dried Currants

GrapeSeed Oil

Cayenne Pepper

Sea Salt

January 14

BBQ Portabello Salad

Portabello Slices marinate in: Paprika, Cayenne, Coconut Crystals, Mesquite, Olive Oil

Kale

Romaine

Avocado

Tomato

January 15

Strawberry Banana Spirulina Super Smoothie

Banana

Strawberries

Spirulina

Hemp Seeds

Almond Mylk

Liquid Minerals (Natures Sunshine Mineral Chi Tonic)

Fiber

*Blend


Warm Cabbage Salad


Cabbage

Carrot

Mushroom

Almond Slivers

Dressing:

Almond Butter

Tamari

Sea Salt

Garlic Clove

Garlic Granules

Onion Powder

Date Paste

Coconut Butter

Cayenne

Warm Water

*Mix & Warm in Dehydrator 10-15minutes

January 16

Broccoli Kale Soup

Broccoli

Kale

Avocado

Garlic Clove

Garlic Granules

Onion Powder

Sea Salt


January 17

Broccoli Zucchini Soup


Broccoli

Zucchini

Avocado

Cilantro

Garlic Granules

Sea Salt

Nutritional Yeast

Onion Powder

Warm Water to Consistency

*Blend

January 18

Strawberry Banana Chia Pudding


Chia Seeds, Goji Berries, Lucuma Powder & Vanilla Bean Powder

+

Banana, Strawberries & Almond Mylk Smoothie

=

Morning Deliciousness


Mushroom Pilaf


Minced:

Mushroom

Carrot

Yellow Onion

Cilantro

Zucchini

Sauce:

Tamari

Honey or Other sweetener

Apple Cider Vinegar

Cayenne Pepper

*Warmed in Dehydrator, Could be turned into Shroom Burgers if you have the patience or time!


Nourish & Flourish

Love & Light,

~~~~~~~~~~*Mariah Moon*~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Healthy Goodness

My hope for my life is that it inspires others


to seek

more happiness & wellness in their own life


Daily Goodness Menu: January 6th~11th 2012



Jan 6: Mushroom Soup (see previous post)

Dulse (Snack)

Cauliflower & Nacho Sauce

Cauliflower Bite Size Pieces

Sauce: 1 cu Soaked Cashews

1/2 cu Nutritional Yeast

1 lg Bell Pepper (Red or Orange)

3Tbs Hemp Seeds

Pinch Sea Salt

1tsp Turmeric

2Tbs Paprika

1clove Garlic

Water to consistency


Jan 7: Apple

Guacamole Salad (ate out with family)

Lettuce

Guacamole

Tomato

Lemon Juice


Garlic Kale Salad

Kale

Cherry Tomatoes

Mung Bean Sprouts

Dressing: Creamy Garlic Miso Dressing (see previous post)


Jan 8: Nori Wraps

Nori Sheet

Guacamole

Zucchini Slices

Nutritional Yeast

Lemon Juice

Sea Salt

&

Roll it Up

Kale Salad

Kale

Kalamata Olives

Tomato

Cilantro

Zucchini

Grapeseed Oil

Garlic Granules

Sea Salt


Jan 9: Guacamole Kale Salad

Kale

Guacamole

Tomato

Zucchini

Mung Bean Sprouts

Carrot

Grapeseed Oil

Garlic Granules

Sea Salt


Pumpkin Smoothie

Pumpkin

Banana

Almond Mylk

Coconut Crystals

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Jan 10: Avocado (halved & eat with a spoon)
Open-Face Mushroom Sandwich

Portobello Mushroom, Sliced Thin

Almond Butter w/ Garlic Granules, Cayenne Pepper, Date Paste, Sea Salt, Tamari (to taste)

Butter Lettuce

Tomato

Avocado

Yellow Onion

Clover Sprouts



Jan 11: Pomegranate

Veggie Sushi Wraps

Nori Sheet

Avocado & Miso Mashed Together

Carrot Strips

Cucumber Strips

Clover Sprouts


Love & Light,

May it Shine Into Your Hearts,

From Your Hearts,

Guide You on Your Journey,

Be Ever Present,

Even in the Darkness...


~Mariah Moon~

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

She Said WRITE...

Loving Me More Than Ever Before...


My friend Stephanie, my soul sista', wrote the following poem in ode to me:

i feel alone even when I'm around you
when we talk you never listen
i pour my heart into this relationship
yet i never receive
I know I'm better then this and i deserve more yet my self esteem is low so i deal with it
Today i spread my wings and say Fuck you
I'm living my life with out you and your bullshit ass ways
no longer will i let you hold me back
or will i cry about you
or will i want to help you when you don't even want to help yourself
The mirage is over now i can begin to heal
Time to be a butterfly no longer a caterpillar

Stephanie D.



She suggested I write some more, so here it is:
Last night my yoga instructor who is also a dear friend commented on how nice it is to have me back in the Tuesday night class, my regular class for the past 5 years, I replied without hesitation, 'it feels good to have MY life back,' and as I spoke those words I heard them, deeply. I haven't been living MY life, I have been living my life in accordance to how my boyfriend wanted me to on too many levels. (I hope it is obvious that I am not blaming anyone, I make my own choices) I had given up my favorite yoga class so I could attend something with my (now ex) boyfriend to be supportive, even though it put me behind on my required hours (for my yoga teacher certification) and it was my favorite part of the week. I am okay with making compromise, but there comes a time when we have to be honest with ourselves and realize that the compromises are supposed to be balanced. I repressed my sexuality to try to meet him where he is. I tried to need nothing; so the relationship wouldn't end. I gave up parts of me, made efforts that weren't returned, I loved blindly ignoring what was right in front of me in hopes of creating a partnership. And when I put it like that it sounds like I was trying to make peanuts out of apples! I tested my own patience and tried to want nothing from him, to let go of desire and expectation is to let go of suffering; however, the lesson I learned is that there should be a balance, not emptiness.

The love I give I want reflected back to me in a Partnership. If what I am giving and receiving are two very different things it isn't a partnership. I enjoy giving my love to others, freely and unconditionally, when I embarked on round 2 of this relationship cultivating unconditional love was my goal, a goal I have achieved. I love Shane, completely and unconditionally. I also realize with my real eyes that we weren't engaged in a partnership. I can let go of the title and release my hopes and desires I had for him and I. I can do this because I am willing to see the truth, I invite clarity into my life. I have an abundant supply of love. I do not fear loneliness. I love me. I love me enough to not engage in relationships that leave me feeling so much emptiness. I want to give and receive and enjoy it. I also don't need a relationship, I want the healthiest, honest, loving relationship to be with myself first.

~I SEEK BALANCE~

I am SEXUAL, SENSUAL & BEAUTIFUL

I don't need someone to tell me those things for me to believe them, I know them. {I am also a little freaky and I am done denying pieces of me} What I need is to be seen for who I really am. If someone cannot see me, then they aren't going to bring harmony into my life.

This holds true for partners, parents and friends alike.

You know the feeling like you're talking to a wall, even if someone is listening they aren't hearing you! Sometimes it isn't that they have a busy mind or want to ignore you, it is the simple truth that they cannot understand your point of view, they cannot understand YOU. And sometimes they just don't want to make the effort. These scenarios do not bring balance or harmony into our lives and we have to love ourselves and the other person enough to see the truth and move on, let go, release the grasping. I overextending my energy, repressed my sexuality, deprived myself of deserving what I desire.

I am choosing to embrace my sexual expression; no more repression! I see me for the beauty I illuminate, I choose to spend my time with people who SEE me.


In the past week I have had a ridiculous amount of compliments on how healthy & happy I look. It feels good to have what I am feeling inside reflected from the outside. It is affirming.

A friend who knows me VERY well commented on how this is the strongest she has ever seen me be. Again the truth spilled from my lips like water flowing through the stream,


'This is The Strongest I Have Ever Felt, Ever.'


I do not pretend to be made of perfection, but I am proud of my progress in my life, who I have become and I stand in the light of continuing growth. I have made so much progress in my life from the girl I once was to the beautiful woman I now am. I am ready to be seen, the more I embrace who I have become the more I am seen.

I embrace the strength I feel cradling my heart.

The clarity I have been gifted has lifted my heavy heart and gave me wings.

Gratitude seeps from my entire being.

I embrace my Yoga journey. Yoga is so much more than asana (the physical poses). It is a way of life. I embrace the teachings and challenges on this journey. I am empowered.

I am on a path illuminating all truth and I WANT to SEE!


I am ready to be the Butterfly, no longer the Caterpillar............


Love & Light


Kandis ~ Mariah ~ Moon

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

~*~*~SATYA~*~*~

~*~*~SATYA~*~*~


Satya is an aspect of yoga meaning truth, rightness. For the month of January I am focusing my awareness to see, believe, speak, hear, think, express, live satya. A part of satya is to not harm others through our actions or words. For example, how often does 'I hate you' actually mean 'I am hurting,' wouldn't it be nice if instead of trying to hurt people we spoke the truth; communicated instead of degraded? In this time of my life I find myself transitioning out of a 'partnership' type relationship back into a life of being single which also means being a single parent again. We are mutually ending our relationship, yet neither of us want it to end. The {simplistic} reason we have come to this decision is because neither of us feel we are who we want to be in a relationship which also means neither of us feels the other is being a true partner. I am aware that this may not make sense to a lot of people, but it is my truth & I choose to honor it. Remembering not to act out of pain & hurt was a challenge at first, but the more awareness I bring to Satya, the more Satya develops in my daily life. The truth is freeing.

So with love in my heart I find myself speaking my truth and allowing my feelings to be known. I am processing this change with Shane and finding what new form our friendship will take; together. It is such a beautiful unfolding, I look forward to continuing living in a place of truth. And although it isn't necessarily easy for me to do this, it feels like what truly serves me.

I Believe that he and I are meant to be in one another's life and although I recognize it as a constantly changing set of circumstances and particulars, I am willing to set aside my expectations of a partner and the role I want him to fill versus the one he is able to fill and take time to heal and grow. I have areas of my self that need work, contemplation and resolve. I truly look forward to time alone to focus inward.

The other night I suddenly had a moment of clarity and could see a part of me that feels so imbalanced at times, but was able to recognize it for what it actually is. For the past 5 years I have been working on not over-reacting to things and I am a million times improved from the girl I used to be; over-reactive, extreme, impulsive, negative, hateful & mean. But what I discovered was that I have created enough awareness that when I over-react, a short while after the incident, I now have the ability to 'let it go.' It feels good for me to be able to let things go especially since my old habit was too let it fester until I was miserable. I now see however; that in doing this I am still over-reacting, be it less frequent, but usually towards someone then a few hours later I am happy with no explanation of what happened. For me I am happy because I let it go and it isn't affecting me anymore. I can feel the imbalance this cycle creates within me and could finally see how this must totally make me look crazy to the parties involved! I am not crazy, but I am missing a step, it is time for me to let go of over-reacting and be conscious enough to always come from a place of truth. Let go of the trigger instead of over-reacting then having to let go of the over-reacting AND the trigger.

The Most Powerful Affirmation (when) I Use (it):

~I Release That Which Does Not Serve Me~

Blame

Resentment

Lies

Fear

Judgement

Ego Boosting

Dis-Ease

Self-Pity

Vanity

Anger

Denial

Disconnect

Promiscuity

Escape through Drugs & Alcohol

All of these are things I have used to deal with lifes downs before, but today I find myself choosing that which serves me and not feeling a desire to take the route of self defeating behavior. I am grateful to be in this place where I can choose wellness, in all aspects of my life.

I know what I want in a partnership: balance and equality. But in order to receive what I want, I also need to be giving what I want. Until I work through the imbalance I have created through habit, I don't feel that I make a good partner, especially not to someone I love deeply. So I am taking a skillful leap into open honesty instead of dwelling in anger & sadness. I choose Wellness. Yoga, Truth, Cleansing, Communicating, Healthy Eating & Thinking, Loving, Creating; All Beautiful things I am using to create balance & joy in my life, despite the changing scenery. Being able to practice these things in my life is a blessing.


Wellness Nutrition Tools:

*Cleansing RECIPES for JANUARY 2012*

Jan. 1: Lemon Juice w/Cayenne Pepper & Stevia

Jan 2: Lemon Juice w/ Stevia

Jan 3: Lemon Juice w/Ginger, Apple & Stevia (YUM!)


Jan 4: BBQ Broccoli w/Onion Sour Cream & Mushroom Soup w/Green Beans


BBQ Seasoning


(adapted from http://www.addictedtoveggies.com/2011/12/smokey-sweet-barbecue-cauliflower-bites.html)



6 Tbsp Ground Coconut Crystals
3 Tbsp Hungarian Paprika
2 Tbsp Onion powder
2 tsp Garlic Granules
1/2 tsp Cayenne
1/2 tsp Cacao powder
1 tsp dried/crushed Thyme
1/4 tsp Cumin powder
1 tsp Salt
*Coat broccoli in lemon juice and grapeseed oil then coat with BBQ seasoning, dehydrate 2 hours at 115*


Sour Cream Recipe for Dipping


from: http://www.addictedtoveggies.com/2010/12/atv-staple-recipe-raw-vegan-sour-cream.html


*My only modification is 1Tbs ACV instead of 3 and adding onion powder until it has a nice oniony flavor


Mushroom Soup w/ Optional Green Beans



3 cu Almond Mylk


1cu Cashews


3cu Mushrooms (marinated in olive oil & salt)


1/2 lemon juice


2 stalks Celery


2Tbs Garlic Granules


3Tbs Onion Powder


3tsp Salt


*Delicious as a Soup, pour over green beans if you want to, just marinate them in olive oil and salt overnight or dehydrate for about 45 minutes to soften them up


Jan 5: Pasta Kale Salad w/Creamy Garlic Miso Dressing


Salad


Sliced Zucchini, strips


Kale


Tomato


Creamy Garlic Miso Dressing


adapted from http://www.addictedtoveggies.com/2011/09/cheezy-garlic-pasta-salad.html


5 Tbsp Parm Cheeze (raw style)
1/2 cu sour cream (raw recipe link above)
4 Tbsp Lemon Juice
2 Tbsp Mellow White Miso
1 Tbsp Date Paste
2 Tbs Nutritional yeast
2 tsp Garlic Granules
1/4 cu Water
Sprinkle of Black Pepper


I LOVE her Recipes!


Food Therapy, A Good Thing When You're Making Healthy Choices!


LOVE LOVE LOVE


&


ABUNDANT LIGHT