Smithsonian Castle's Christmas Tree

My husband Ben took these Christmas tree photos in a recent trip to the Smithsonian's Castle in Washington D.C. I loved the little feathered owl decorations. I wanted to touch them and see if they were as soft as they looked but because the tree was cordoned off I figured that wasn't allowed. It was a beautiful sight. Merry Christmas and may God bless you!

Amy Tan Attitude Quote

Loved this quote by Amy Tan so I decided to pair it with a pretty photo. Not sure whether I took this one or my husband did so the photo credit might go to Ben (my husband). If you have trouble reading the print on the photo the Amy Tan quote is: "If you can't change your fate, change your attitude." I found it on page 196 of the October 2011 issue of Reader's Digest. I think it's great advice but remember to pray too. God is great at molding our attitudes when we submit to His will. I personally find it a lot easier to change my attitudes to more positive ones when I am right with God.

May God bless you and those you love!

Pull Yourself Up

On a recent trip to the National Zoo it was fun to watch the red panda cubs climbing around in their habitat. If they fall down they just pull themselves up again without complaining, crying or feeling sorry for themselves. It's a good lesson for us humans to remember (myself included).

To reinforce the idea of pulling yourself up but with a much more powerful message, I'd like to share a quote from a highly inspirational woman who not only pulled herself up, but bettered the situation of many women and helped change the course of history. In the October 2011 issue of Reader's Digest there's a great article about Leymah Gbowee and on page 190 she is quoted as saying: "Wherever you find yourself, you can pull yourself up. Nothing can stop you from being what you want to be." I plan on reading her book, "Mighty Be Our Powers," in the near future.

May God bless you and help you pull yourself up the next time you need it!

Healthy Chocolate Berry Banana Smoothie

This tasty yet healthy smoothie was absolutely delicious. It's the first one I thought was yummy enough to share since the Amazing Berry Banana Smoothie I posted the other day but even better than the taste was the increased mental clarity and energy I experienced after drinking it.

Please note that I tend to just throw stuff in the blender so my quantities are estimates. Also I like my smoothies more liquid than thick so if you like yours thick use less water.

• 2 cups baby kale (you could substitute your favorite leafy green vegetable)
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 1/2 cups water (divided)
• 1 small banana
• 1 scoop chocolate pea and rice vegan dietary supplement (powder) by Thorne Research (or your favorite chocolate flavored smoothie powder).

Put first four ingredients in blender using 1 cup of water. Pour remaining 1/2 cup water over powder in blender. Blend until completely smooth. Enjoy immediately (add ice if you like).

I'd love to hear what you think if you try it!

Natural Sleep Aid Recommendation

Two different friends asked for referrals for an inexpensive, natural but non herbal sleep aid today. Paul McKenna's "I Can Make You Sleep" book and hypnosis cd set immediately came to mind. I love McKenna's hypnosis cds and find them very relaxing. I enjoyed his "I Can Make You Thin" and "Change Your Life in Seven Days" books as well. If you're having trouble sleeping it might be worth seeing if Paul McKenna can make you sleep. The book should be widely available at book retailers and is in my local library so perhaps it's in yours as well. May you have deep refreshing sleep tonight!

Related posts:
DIY sleep tea: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-sleepy-time-tea-recipe.html
Good sleep self talk: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/11/self-talk-for-sound-sleep-two-free.html
Simple tips for good sleep: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/07/4-simple-tips-for-better-sleep-and.html

Disclosure: I'm not affiliated with Paul McKenna in any way nor am I receiving any compensation for sharing this recommendation.

Amazing Berry Banana Smoothie Recipe

I'm doing this two week experiment of making healthy smoothies for lunch and dinner. This morning's smoothie was easy and delicious and a friend asked for the recipe so I thought I'd share here. Please note that I tend to just throw stuff in the blender so my quantities are estimates. Also I like my smoothies more liquid than thick so if you like yours thick use less water.

• 1 cup fresh salad greens
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 1/2 cups water (divided)
• 1 small banana
• 1 packet Amazing Meal Vanilla Chai Infusion Dietary Supplement (powder)

Put first four ingredients in blender using 1 cup of water. Pour remaining 1/2 cup water over powder in blender. Blend until completely smooth. Enjoy immediately (add ice if you like).

God is With You Always

God is everywhere and that includes with you. You are never alone! What a wonderful comfort.

Psalm 42:8 was part of the reading in today's Our Daily Bread and a friend of mine needed some encouragement so I thought I'd combine it with this beautiful sky photo for inspiration. I took this photo last month from a moving vehicle (my husband was driving) and used my sunglasses as a filter to get the cool hue.

May the God of all comfort bless you today!