Author: Sue Haase

  • Nurture your self-awareness

    Nurture your self-awareness

    Nurture your self-awareness

    Tap into your hidden potential

    Most of us can describe ourselves reasonably well, including our strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. But a recent Harvard Health study concluded that only 10 to 15 percent of their research group knew themselves as well as they believed they did. Let’s see what we can do to shift that, and tap into your hidden potential!

    What is self-awareness?

    Self-awareness can be described as the ability to be self-reflective. This involves being able to do the following:

    • observe your sensations, thoughts, feelings, and behavior
    • discern patterns and themes
    • recognize your impact, both actual and potential

    What are the benefits?

    Increased self-awareness can lead to many benefits:

    • better understanding of your reactions
    • increased attunement to physical and emotional health
    • improved ability to see choices and make decisions
    • increased ability to maximize your energy and time

    Where to begin

    Self-awareness can begin with noting sensations—the experience of walking barefoot, a subtle yet persistent headache, a breeze brushing your skin, the taste of a sour fruit. Our bodies are continuously offering information about our physical and emotional state.

    Breath

    There are countless breathing techniques available with which you can experiment. Find what works for you with respect to grounding, ease, increased awareness, and sustainability. The bonus is that all of these approaches can reduce physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, increase relaxation, and strengthen immune system response.

    Reflection

    Reflection means the conscious observation of your life, all the way from the meaning of existence to the discomfort of a hangnail. However, once we become aware of something, especially if it’s concerning, we humans tend to leap to apologizing, blaming, or fixing, without actually reflecting. For true reflection, it’s most helpful to hold off on action and first really take in what you’re observing. From this place, you can be responsive rather than reactive.

    Shadow

    Shadow is any aspect of ourselves that we do not know or acknowledge. Consider something you dislike in others, something you’ve been criticized for, or something you’re shy to talk about. Acknowledging your Shadow parts can be freeing.

    Meditation and prayer

    You can explore numerous spiritual paths and wisdom traditions to support this journey. They tend to share common foundations—self-knowledge, compassionate inquiry, kindness, and self-responsibility. This type of practice can enhance your awareness of being part of something greater or beyond your individual being.

    Feedback

    Regardless of how rigorously we attempt to understand ourselves, there will always be aspects we do not see. This is where feedback can help us, so long as we’re game to hear what folks have to say.

    We all have blind spots, and those around us may have observations that can shed light on them. A tip is to receive feedback as information to consider, rather than criticisms or compliments. There may be some hidden gems!

    By Carole Ames

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Give yourself a financial health checkup

    Give yourself a financial health checkup

    How to improve your financial fitness

    If your bank balance isn’t trending in the right direction, or if you just want to bump it up a notch, you’re probably due for a financial health checkup. Here’s your road map to a healthier financial future.

    More than just money

    Getting a handle on your financial well-being does a lot more than boost your bottom line: it inevitably spills over into your physical and mental well-being. A reduction in stress related to financial issues leads to better sleep, increased energy, improved relationships, and stronger mental and emotional health.

    Where to start

    Steve Bridge, an Advice-Only certified financial planner, says one way to take the pulse of your financial health is to track your net worth monthly for a year, then moving toward quarterly and then semi-annual tracking. Your net worth is your assets (everything you own) minus your liabilities (everything you owe).

    “If your net worth is trending upward, you’re on the right track,” says Bridge. And if it’s not, you should find out why. This often comes down to simply making more or spending less, says Bridge. It also helps to craft a forward-looking budget.

    “Expense tracking is great, but it looks backward,” says Bridge. To make a forward-looking budget, you’ll want to open multiple free savings accounts for specific purposes, including travel, clothes/gifts, house expenditures, and so on. Put money in each of these categories monthly. Spend whatever is in the designated category’s account, but no more than that, says Bridge. That way, you’re never going into debt to buy anything.

    Inquire about your investments

    Check your investments once or twice a year. They should be the same or better than the relevant benchmark, says Bridge. If your investments are trailing those relevant benchmarks, ask your investment advisor why.

    According to Bridge, it’s also important to ask about the fees you’re paying on your investments, as they can have a major impact on long-term wealth. Everyone pays fees, says Bridge. However, these fees are often hidden. You should be paying less than 1 percent in investment fees.

    Don’t hesitate to ask your investment advisor questions. “No one cares more about your money than you do,” says Bridge. “If anyone makes you feel dumb when asking your questions, take your money elsewhere.”

    Managing your mental health in the meantime

    What should you do when there’s no quick fix to your financial stress? Amanda Kruger, a licensed professional counselor specializing in financial trauma and working through money stress, offers these suggestions.

    1. Make a plan and follow through with it. For instance, make a debt repayment plan or a plan for how to prioritize your money.
    2. Keep in mind that money is a renewable resource. There’s always money out there, and you’re fully capable of making more of it.
    3. Remember your self-worth is not equivalent to your net worth.

    By Carimé Lane

  • Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Buckwheat Noodles with Tofu

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 1/2 tbsp tamari
    • 1 tsp sesame seeds
    • 1/2 lb tofu cubed
    • 8 ounces 100% buckwheat soba noodles
    • 2 scallions thinly sliced
    • 1/4 bunch cilantro chopped
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp sriracha
    • 2 tsp cane sugar
    • 1 large garlic clove finely minced

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together olive oil, tamari, and sesame seeds and toss with tofu. Place tofu on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until tofu is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
    2. Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of lightly salted water to a boil and add noodles. Gently simmer for 4-6 minutes, then drain and rinse.
    3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until emulsified. Add noodles, tofu, scallions, and cilantro. Toss to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

    Notes

    Buckwheat is gluten free; some soba noodles are made with wheat flour and buckwheat flour. To make sure this recipe is gluten free, go for 100% buckwheat. If customers don’t need to avoid gluten, then regular soba noodles will work just the same.
     
  • Why we love Aura Bora Herbal Sparkling Water

    Why we love Aura Bora Herbal Sparkling Water

    When Aura Bora founders Paul and Madeleine Voge started experimenting with real herbs, flowers and fruits with their soda maker at home, they knew they were onto a great idea. After their friends and family were raving about their flavors, they decided to try to launch their business on Season 12 of Shark Tank! There were already a lot of sparkling waters out there, but Aura Bora had something special right from the beginning. 

    The constantly refreshing varieties include Lemongrass Coconut, Peppermint Watermelon, Cactus Rose, Lavender Cucumber, and Strawberry Basil, Ginger Meyer Lemon, and Grapefruit Elderflower. Each can of Aura Bora is crafted with carefully selected herbs, fruits, and sparkling water purified using reverse osmosis, resulting in a clean and crisp beverage that’s guilt-free and hydrating

    You also need to try “Dry Guys” Olive Oil Martini! Graza’s Extra Virgin Picual Olive Oil with Aura Bora’s yuzu and juniper-laced herbal sparkling water, the non-alcoholic Olive Oil Martini is unlike any flavor that the company has released in the past.

    One sip and you will realize why their slogan is “earthly tastes and heavenly feelings”! They can all be enjoyed on their own straight from the can, or as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails.. 

    We love Aura Bora as a company because they remain committed to using natural ingredients without any artificial additives or sweeteners. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar and artificial ingredients, Aura Bora offers a satisfying alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. All their flavors are made from real herbs, fruits and flowers. There’s no added sugar, sweeteners, citric acid or artificial ingredients. 0 Sodium, 0 Calories, and delicious natural flavors you’ll love.

    If that wasn’t enough, Aura Bora are part of 1% for the Planet, donating 1% of their revenue each year towards environmental causes like wildlife relief, conservation, and ocean cleanup.

    Basil Bandwagon’s exclusive May offer, you can get all varieties of Aura Bora for just $1.49 per can! Stock up for the warm weather.

    Don’t forget to enter to win a super cool retro cooler at each of our locations! No purchase necessary. The raffle will be drawn on May 31st. From picnics in the park to cozy nights at home, Aura Bora sparkling water is the perfect companion for life’s everyday moments.

    Print Pin

    Mint Refresher

    Ingredients

    • 4 ounces watermelon juice
    • 1 1/2 ounces alcohol or non alcohol of your choice
    • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
    • 3 ounces Aura Bora Peppermint Watermelon
    • juice of one lime
    • ice
    • fruit of choice for garnish

    Instructions

    • In a cocktail tin add alcohol or non-alcohol option, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake and strain into your favorite glass. Add ice, top off with Peppermint Watermelon and add a fruit of your choice on top! 

    REFERENCES~

    https://aurabora.com/

    https://aurabora.com/blogs/recipes/mint-refresher