What Happens When We Die?– A further study into Reincarnation

Image provided by: Spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com

After last weeks article about our little boy who remembered his past life as an actor, I started to read more into reincarnation. What would it mean for us as a society if we all believed life on Earth would continue repeatedly, only in multiple vessels?

There have been enough near death case studies for scientists to draw conclusions on what we experience as our body nears or even reaches death. Author Steven Bancarz wrote an enlightening article on “Spirit Science and Metaphysics” that (no pun intended) sheds some light on what we can expect to go through when our bodies die. If you are someone with an extreme fear of death, this article might make you feel a little bit better about what’s to come. Heaven and Hell are not our only options, although we can never rule out things that have not been proven. Bancarz briefly touches upon the psychologist and hypnotherapist, Dr. Michael Newton, who was able to tap into people’s subconscious so densely that he could drudge up memories for them that happened in what can only be explained as past lives.

Check out Bancarz’s article on The Seven Things That Happen To You When You Die here. 

xo

L

100 Ways To Be Happy- #9: Stop Regretting Your Choices

Photo Credit: Liza Nedelman

How many times have you wished you could go back in time and change the past? Made a smarter decision, got a different haircut, drank less at your work party, told someone something you never got to say…

Yeah we’ve all had those moments, and there’s a reason why we aren’t able to go back and time and prevent them from happening… because they were SUPPOSED to happen to us. Those choices we made yesterday are the reason we are the people we are today. So this weeks Way to be Happy is:

#9: Stop Regretting Your Choices

This one ties back into the theory of trusting the universe. The decisions we made at the time were clearly what we felt best for us or at least desired most or else we wouldn’t have made them. So accept that made it and move on. Feeling like the bad and negative choices you made in the past are going to be the only ones to shape your future is simply not true. You had the power to make a choice then, that power still exists. When we dwell on the mistakes or things we didn’t do, we lose focus on what we can do in the here and now. Focusing on the present allows the realization that this is the only time you have control over. Life takes unexpected twists and turns and the universe has a plan for us all that we will never be able to foresee. If we were able to change the past, it still might not prevent us from being at the point we are right now. That’s because we all are rightfully in the place the universe has planned on all along. Whether you wish you hadn’t gotten that tattoo or hadn’t moved to New York City, these are all things that were positioned into our lives to mold us into the people we are destined to be. Those choices are what give us the experiences we are meant to have. So start to accept your choices from the past, embrace them rather than shame or dwell on them. Those choices are meant to make you stronger when you come out the other side. Love those choices, be proud of the choices that you had to fight through to become a better man/ woman. Turn your regrets into lessons that you treasure.

xo

L

JAM ALERT: “Go Be Free, Be The Sea” (Playlist)

ITS HERE ITS HERE. Spring has sprung and so will something else after you listen to these sexy tunes (wink!). Some found on the SXSW playlists but others were found cruising spotify. Some of these bands you may know and some you may not yet have heard of (cuz I hadn’t) but I love finding and falling in love with new music that has a unique indie yet dancey sound. Lay in the wet grass with your shoes off and rock out to these bad boys, I dare you.

xo

L

nOURISH!- “Lemonade’s” Israeli Couscous

I love finding restaurants around my neighborhood that have both healthy and unique choices. One of my favorite spots for a quick healthy variety is Lemonade. I always get a craving for their Israeli Couscous and have even recreated my own version of it for parties and gatherings. If you’re looking for a healthy dish that will please many give this one a shot!

Lemonades’ Israeli Couscous

3/4 poud assorted wild mushrooms (crimini, shitake, oyster, etc) wiped of grit, stemmed & sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Coarse salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup Israeli couscous (or Pearl Couscous)

1 cup vegetable broth or water

1/4 cup Lemon-Truffle vinaigrette (or substitue two table spoons of truffle oil)

1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Put the mushrooms on a large baking pan, dirzzle with the oil, toss to coat and spread out in a single layer.  Seasons generously with salt and pepper.  Roast, shaking the pan from tie to time, until the mushrooms lose thier moisture, shrink and begin to brown, 15 to 20 minutes.  Transfer the mushrooms to a mixing bowl and set aside to cool.  The mushrooms can easily be prepared in advance, covered and refrigerated. (Sautéing is another option!)

To prepare the couscous, place a large dry skillet over medium-low heat.  Toast the couscous, stirring frequently, until it smells nutty and is golden-brown, about 5 minutes.  Pour in the broth, cover and simmer until the couscous is just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.  Set the couscous aside to cool.  The couscous can easily be prepared in advance, covered and refrigerated.

When ready to prepare the dish, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, cooled mushrooms, couscous, vinaigrette, cheese and parsley.  Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.

Lemon-Truflle Vinaigrette

Juice of 2 lemons

3/4 cup canola oil

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon white truffle oil

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In a small mixing bowl or mason jar, combine the lemon juice, canola, olive and truffle oils; season with salt and pepper.  Whisk or shake to blend.  Keep any leftover vinaigrette covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Makes 1 cup

This recipe was provided through Cocktails for Breakfast.

For the full Lemonade Cookbook click here.  

xo

L

Reincarnation – Is the answer to life after death right in front of our faces?

Photo and Article provided by Daniel Nussbaum at Breitbart.com

When a friend sent me this article the other day, I was immediately captivated by the headline.

“10 Year Old Boy Remembers Past Life as a 1930’s Hollywood Actor”

There’s a lot of things in life that get me excited, but as a science fiction writer one of the greatest things in the world is a story about the unexplained. I’ve never considered myself particularly religious and I find some of the concepts and ideals of God to be no longer relevant or antiquated. But one alternate to the concept of heaven and hell that’s always made sense to me is the idea of reincarnation. Lets be honest with ourselves for a minute here, most of the time we are afraid to die simply because we don’t want to leave this world behind. The people we know, the memories we share, the places we live and the body we have grown into are things we want to keep forever. But then wouldn’t reincarnation be the perfect remedy to that? A world we aren’t leaving behind but experiencing over and over again. If we can tap into the knowledge of those past lives through other bodies here on Earth, then we will never have to fear death at all. This story of a little boy named Ryan Hammons in Oklahoma has become a good example of why we shouldn’t fear the unknown. Maybe the answer we are looking for is right in front of us and what we understand as the afterlife is right here walking alongside us after all.

100 Ways To Be Happy – #8: Vocalize Concerns and Feelings

Photo Taken by Kate Gill

Okay we’ve all been there. You’ve held your tongue when someone was outwardly objecting a topic you believe in, stayed quiet when a boss was blaming you for something a coworker did, kept your mouth shut when a friend spilled your secret in a public forum. Doesn’t feel great does it? We’ve been taught sweeping things under the rug is the best way to deal with your issues. Thats why I’m making #8…..

#8 Vocalize Your Concerns and Feelings!

Look, I’m not saying be “that guy” who has to put everyone in their place every time someone brings up Obamacare or “that guy” who can’t take a small joke being made on their behalf with good intentions. But we have a voice and in this day and age we should use it! If someone says something that genuinely upsets you, especially when its a recurring gimmick, then its important to express that. I have seen too many relationships take a hit for feelings that were being suppressed for too long. Friends gossip or vent to other friends which makes their way back to the other person. What’s important is vocalizing those concerns and issues the second you have them with the person who is upsetting you. And take precaution of course.

It’s always better to approach a confrontation with an understanding, to be kind and listen to the other persons stance so they are willing to hear yours in return. Being sympathetic towards the reality of the other person is equally as important as standing up for yourself. Who knows, they might even change YOUR mind.

Getting issues off of your chest the second they come into play will relieve you of so much stress and avoid it from happening over and over again. It’s not always an easy thing to do and again I like to use the phrase “Pick your battles”. But if something is important enough to you that it is effecting your happiness, then it is important enough to vocalize your feelings and concerns. And others will see and respect that too.

xo

L

Artists you SHOULD know!– Mark Maze

Guess what everyone? The 90s are back with a vengeance and I think we are ALL okay with that. Mark Maze’s album “Uncomfortable Truths” helps to revive this trend with his late 80’s-90’s sound. This London, Electric Pop artist has that nostalgic vibe that will have you reminiscing about those sleep overs you turned into 2am choreographed dance parties.

Mark Maze’s music is fun, airy and every track is uplifting with that feel better funk. Growing up in Leicester, Maze found many of his friends making the wrong choices which inspired him to turn to music as his outlet to stay out of trouble. Motivated by fashion, music and performance he applied to an ad looking for an “edgy mixed R’n’B vocal group” and the rest was history. He continued to follow those dreams while working as a junior booker at a talent agency (a good example of how to achieve your goals while still making your honest living and simply busting ass!).

Maze describes his sound by saying, “I love the intensity and vocal production of artists such as Prince,P!nk and MJ as well as the 80’s influences of Erasure, Depeche Mode and early Madonna”. One listen of his track “The Devil May Cry” and you would say he stepped right off the stage as backup for Prince. This single off his new EP is by far my favorite and captures the fire and passion we experience in a whirlwind love affair. “2nd Best” is another great track you would find in one of those classic 90’s films that defined our childhood, while “Robot Eyes” uses an electric sound to metaphorically give love that twenty-first century spin. Overall Maze’s album “Uncomfortable Truths” is a catchy mix of tunes that reminds us how it first felt to fall in love, fight with your best friend, or just let loose, belting in front of the mirror with a hairbrush after school.

Check out Mark Maze’s music here!

Streaming links:
www.soundcloud.com/markmazemusic

xo

L

nOURISH! — One Pan Mexican Quinoa

So I like to make things that are healthy and easy but also can last me a couple of meals. I have attempted to make dishes like this before but none have come out as well as this one has. This is great for a dinner party if you need to bring something to fill up a few guests! It makes ALOT of food and I actually used trader joes grain blend instead for some variety which worked perfectly! If you have a craving for Mexican this is the perfect recipe 🙂

Courtesy of: Damned Delicious

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapenos, minced
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice and cilantro.
• Serve immediately.

xo

L

“We Are Not Cool”

Growing up in the 90’s-2000’s, cyber bullying wasn’t quite an issue for me. But as we become more connected to one another through social platforms it is easier for us to not only communicate with anyone at anytime but also torment and defame. As much as we hate to admit it, our social media persona is becoming something that effects our 3 dimensional lives. Things people say hidden behind the security of a computer screen or cell phone make them less sensitive since they dont have to be there to witness the repercussions of what they say or do.

On the other hand, social media has been the platform for many movements to spread the word on making an active global change. One that I recently came across was started by a radio DJ named Nicole Alvarez from 106.7 KROQ. The movement is simply titled “We Are Uncool”. The movement has gathered photographs of many celebrities and personalities who simply hold the sign “I Am Uncool” and list honest details about themselves that social media might have otherwise avoided to mention. The message?

“We have an opportunity to get to these kids and to let them know that they’re OK, in fact, they’re better than OK,” said actor Ian Bohen from MTV’s “Teen Wolf.”

Participating is simple and celebrities like Tony Hawk, Michelle Branch and “Bad Religion”‘s Jay Bentley are among the few who are helping to pass it around.

“The campaign asks people to write “I Am Not Cool” on a piece of paper; take a selfie that’s changed to black-and-white and post it on Instagram. Finally, include three things one normally would not post to social media.”

Join the campaign! We are all uncool.

xo

L

100 Ways To Be Happy – #7: Make a “Look Forward” list.

(Photo Credit: Hannah Elder)

Sometimes we have those days where it just seems like NOTHING exciting is bound to happen. We feel down and out and wonder – “what the hell are we putting ourselves through all of this crap for”. For days like these, where it just seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, I use a little trick called:

7. Making a “Look Forward” List

It sounds incredibly simple and maybe a little dumb but I promise you it works. Jot down ten things (or more!) that you truly are excited to experience. Whether thats seeing a friend whose coming into town to taking a small day trip. This can even be little more immediate things! Like cooking your favorite meal or finally getting that book you’ve been excited to read.

Sometimes we lose ourselves in the things we dread. We focus on the negative parts of our life and let them consume us. This well help to draw attention away from those things we reel on in our heads and bring us back to the reason we are fighting this good fight, TO ENJOY. Life is about the reward and about taking the time to appreciate the things that make us happy. If you are unsure what your list looks like, i’ll give you mine to inspire you. But whether big or small, EVERYONE has something to look forward to in life, and you are no exception.

My list as of 3/13/15 (Friday the 13th!)

1. Going to Disney World with my parents and brother next week! (Okay this is a good one I know)

2. Having a drink with my boyfriend tonight.

3. Writing my next blog post. (seriously, i mean it!)

4. Ordering Indian Takeout and watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (anyone who knows me well enough knows this is my happy place. Not sure when it will come but I know it will so things like this count!)

5. Starting Young Storytellers Foundation! (There will be posts about this to come as well. But for anyone in the New York, Los Angeles or Chicago area interested in volunteering should check out this program)

6. My oldest friend Nicole to come visit as I show her Vegas for the first time!

7. Shopping again! (I gave it up for lent this year. I am not religious but every year I like to sacrifice something that I enjoy to better appreciate all that I have!)

8. My friend Erin’s birthday brunch and beach party this weekend. (It’s supposed to be 90 degrees in LA this weekend!)

9. Starting my manifestation coaching in April! (Again many blog posts about this to come!)

10. Laying on my couch and taking a nap this afternoon. Gosh I love my 30 minute power naps.

xo

L