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Author Archives: carla
A year ago, Debbie and I were talking about the realm of emotional/spiritual/physical healing. Debbie was in New York and met a “Healer” (a woman who is an expert in eastern healing philosophies). She mentioned the amazing healing properties of Pine Oil and explained to Debbie, the scent of pine is very emotionally calming and renewing. Upon hearing this, I started to research essential pine oils and called Glory Dadidotis, a dear friend of mine who, makes her living sharing her knowledge and selling essential oils. Glory is passionate about “Truessence” essential oils. Tirelessly she shares her passion and message of hope, healing and results through the use of the oils in everyday life. If your not sleeping – try Lavender. If you feel a cold coming on – try Spice of Life. If you suffer from headaches – you need Peppermint. If you are feeling overwhelmed -you need Geranium. Do you battle depression? If so you need Jasmine. The list goes on…
Do you know what is believed to be the oldest medicine known to man?
The answer – essential oils. What are essential oils? Essential oils are the lifeblood of plants, herbs, spices and flowers. Thus, essential oils bring the life force and energy of the plant kingdom to the human race. The essential oil distillation process is one of patience and respect towards nature to preserve the plant’s therapeutic offerings.
Scientifically, essential oils have shown to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and more. With TRUessence’s variety of single oils and oil blends, there are endless natural goodies and benefits that come from the plant kingdom and into your hands.
Terri Wilkins is another dear friend who shares her time and talents helping others heal. Terri uses the Compass Assessment tool in her business to provide each client the most actuate evaluation of their situation. I asked Terri to join “The Bella Girls” and complete an assessment on Debbie, Keighley and Camberley. As each assessment was completed it was amazing how accurate the Compass had been in assessing health issues and concerns. As the information is gathered, Terri prepares to give each of “The Bells Girls” their own individual oil treatment. Terri applied the oils, then a warm towel (which we call a Hot Oil Treatment) as the oils work together they form an amazing synergy and their aromatherapy properties are just as powerful.
The oils can also be diffused through a cool mist diffuser…your entire home is transformed into an Aromatherapy Haven.
Live with Intensity and Purpose,
Carla
~Serendipity is looking in a haystack for a needle and discovering a farmer’s daughter.~ Julius Comroe Jr.
I love the word ” Serendipity”. Wikipedia’s definition of Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something entirely unrelated. The older I get, the greater my understanding of “Serendipity” and how amazing this energy works in our favor. Many times in my life I have felt anxious wondering how a chapter in my life would play out…during those most difficult times it felt impossible to experience the “Fortunate” in what I perceived to be “Unfortunate”. As I look back on those hard times, I have developed a greater understanding and appreciation for “Fortunate Accidents”. Every experience we have, is perfectly choreographed in sync with our Individual Learning Plan…. Every life is complete with a list of why’s and why me’s. There is no question each of us will face loss, death, illness and challenges. On the other hand each of us will experience: love, joy, bliss, accomplishment, success, fulfillment and if we are really “blessed”…..Serendipity… Next time you are caught in traffic or feeling overwhelmed, running late or like your world is falling apart….take a deep breath and embraced the little accidents that have been thrown into your path. There are divine reasons we don’t always get everything we ask for when we ask for it…. To quote Robert Frost: “ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I–I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” When you choose to live in awareness, you feel the heavenly swirls and understand the divine nature in every breath and step you take. Serendipity becomes a trusted companion, as you look upon the events of your life with wonder. It could be running into an old friend you have been thinking about, being in the right place at the right time to help someone in need, an answer to a prayer, a stranger who offers a smile, understanding the power of attraction, love and forgiveness.
In July when my employment unexpectedly ended, I was divinely guided to start my own consulting business and finish my education. I was guided to the perfect advisement counselor who in turn has become a friend..as she has helped me chart my course. (Interestingly enough she just completed her masters program in Social Work) she was worth the 2 hour wait…that first day I went to to explore my options. Melissa as waiting for me. Every detail has effortlessly fallen into place. Simply Serendipity ! In the process of feeling uncertain I accidentally discovered myself, my dreams and passions….which is very fortunate for me.. especially while looking for something entirely unrelated.
There are no coincidences in life….. just glorious experiences filled with moments of Serendipity!
Today…embrace the energy of Serendipity all around you! Live with intensity and purpose!
Carla
With the changing of seasons comes PUMPKIN! So, when I began my search for this week’s “Sweet Treats” recipe, I knew the recipe needed to include pumpkin.
Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado…I present my favorite Pumpkin Waffle Recipe. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Waffles
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 2 cups well-shaken buttermilk
- 1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
- 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for brushing waffle iron or cooking spray
Preheat oven to 250°F and preheat waffle iron. Sift together flour, brown sugar, baking powder and soda, salt, and spices. Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl with buttermilk, pumpkin, and butter until smooth. Whisk in dry ingredients just until combined.
In a mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites until they hold soft peaks (as in, far softer than the over-beaten whites you’ll see in my picture above). Folk them gently into the waffle batter, until just combined.
Brush waffle iron lightly with oil and spoon batter (about 2 cups for four 4-inch Belgian waffles) into waffle iron, spreading quickly. Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer waffles to rack in oven to keep warm and crisp. Serve hot with lots of butter and smothered in Buttermilk Syrup! Yum!
(Makes 8-10 Servings)
Buttermilk Syrup
INGREDIENTS
-
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
-
3/4 cup buttermilk
-
1/2 cup butter (or margarine)
-
2 Tablespoons corn syrup
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil – except for the vanilla extract. Allow to boil gently for at least five minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla.
Serve warm over pancakes and waffles.
This stored okay for a week in the refrigerator. I just popped it in the microwave for 20 seconds, stirred it and microwaved for another 20 seconds.
(Makes 15 Servings)
-Carla
Shrimp Quesadillas
This week I started a hunt for the “perfect” shrimp quesadillas.) After trying out several variations of this recipe, I stumbled upon “perfection” over at Closet Cooking.
When I found this shrimp quesadilla recipe I knew I would have to try them. Let me tell you – THESE WERE AMAZING. The blend of tortilla, shrimp, cilantro and cheese created a small party in my mouth. Although it take a while to cook and marinate the shrimp (20-40 minutes), I promise you will not be disappointed.
Ingredients:
1/4 pound shrimp (shelled and deveined)
1 lime (juice and zest)
1 jalapeno (chopped)
1 green onion (chopped)
1 handful cilantro (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon cumin (toasted and ground)
salt and pepper to taste
2 flour tortillas
a touch of butter (or oil)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar etc.)
1 avocado (sliced)
1 tablespoon sour cream
Directions:
1. Cook the shrimp in boiling water, about 1-3 minutes.
2. Rinse the shrimp in cold waterto stop the cooking.
3. Mix the lime juice, zest, jalapeno, green onion, cilantro cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl.
4. Add the shrimp and marinate for 10-30 minutes.
5. Melt the butter (or oil) in a pan.
6. Place a tortilla in the pan and rub it around in the butter to coat.
7. Heat the tortilla until air pockets form in it flipping a few times.
8. Repeat 5-7 for the second tortilla and leave it in the pan.
9. Drain the liquid from the shrimp and place the mixture on the tortilla in the pan.
10. Place the cheese on and then top with the other tortilla.
11. Cook the quesadilla until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted flipping once. (You can place a plate on top of the quesadilla in the pan and then flip it onto the plate and slide it from the plate back into the pan to easily flip it without loosing the contents.)
Recipe and Image from Closet Cooking’s Kevin Lynch - www.closetcooking.blogspot.com
-Carla