If there is one great lesson I learned in divorce support group, it is that expectations leads to disappointment and possible destruction of a relationship. People, like horses, have blinders and are sometimes not aware of their actions (or lack of action). Bringing this to one's attention is not only important, but it is imperative to be empathetic and reasoning on where a person is at in their present moment.
People enter our lives with their own life experience, which includes good and bad times. This molds and shapes them into who they are in the present. When in a romantic experience, people will shift and change, hopefully for the better. So how do you meet people where they're at? Asking Questions
It is important to have good communication and ask questions on where the person is at. Like a job interview, the interviewers will ask candidates a variety of questions. It is important to know where a person is at, and how he/she got there. Where are they now? And where are they going? And people have blinders. Exposing blinders, or limitations, in a diplomatic way helps one become aware on their areas that require improvement.
Self Examination & Communication
Self examination is something that is desperately needed today. Too many people are wrapped up in their own world of self-absorption that they cannot empathize or see various perspectives. If someone brings up an issue, you need to take their feelings seriously and look within to discern their statement. This is best handled diplomatically, where you can present your case or "rebuttal" on their response.
For some people this is not easy to do as they take everything offensively; however, if you find yourself stuck in the same situations or behavior loops, it is necessary to look within. With this, it is important to find tools (or make goals) on how to improve the situation. Communication makes or breaks any relationship. It is essential, but maturity is what keeps communication fluid and clear. I believe in clear, concise and straightforward communication because it does not play any mind games. It maybe best to avoid words like should, would and could because they are theoretical and leads to expectations like, "You could have done it this way." Low emotional intelligence, being defensive or chronically on-attack, damages situations. It is not easy to reach these people, especially if "treading" on egg shells. Check-ins may be necessary to make sure each party is happy or on the same page. It is important to see where a person is at in their life and meet them half way. We must learn how to let go of uneven desires and become the best version of ourselves (and better communicators). Let's Connect!
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No matter what you believe in, there are sheep in every movement. Most of what hooks us today is consumerism. Our happiness, self-esteem and self-worth are linked to consumerism. Shopping addiction exists, and is used as a bandaid to cope with loneliness or depression.
Materialism is the external glitz and glamour of "lust for the flesh." What I mean is that we live in a clothed world, and the more we seek to fit into the latest trend or to have a specific type of dress for that event, we continuously feed or "clothe" the flesh with superficial things that do not make us happy. All forms of spirituality speak of minimalism and simplicity. It has its truth and the point is not to live in rags, but appreciate what you have, and detach from wanting or needing external things to make you happy. Discover more thoughts on this blog, The Art of Simple Living: How Simplicity Trumps Living in a Very Complex World and The Art of Simple Living: Why You Should Consider Simple Living. As always, inspired by the sun, Elizabeth Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings. 
Cauliflower is an interesting vegetable. Some people love it. Some people dislike it. Through a spiritual lens, the cauliflower looks like a cloud, or something similar to our brain. When admiring the cauliflower, it is like the lotus flower, which is one that blossoms with the birth of the brain.
Like thoughts in a cloud, it has a unique geometric pattern that is a marvelous gift from nature. When roasted, the flavors transform into an almost buttery vegetable that nourishes the body.
This is either best as a meal itself or served as a side dish. This can be split between two to four people, depending on how you'd like to serve this. As seen in the steps above, the transformation and of the dish is symbolic to our journey and progress in life. Something can transform but still remain beautiful. Enjoy!
Vegan "Cheesy" Garlic Herbed Cauliflower + Potatoes
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes Cook Time: approx. 40-45 minutes Serves: 2-4 Ingredients: 1 small head of cauliflower 1 pound of fingerling potatoes _________________________________ 5 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 1.5 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp dried basil 1/8 tsp pepper Directions: Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Cut the stem off the cauliflower crown. Mix the last 8 ingredients together in a bowl. Place the cauliflower in the center of an 8 or 9 inch pan. Smother the top of the cauliflower with some of the sauce ingredients. Take the remaining sauce ingredients and mix it together with the fingerling potatoes. Arrange the potatoes around the cauliflower. Bake until a knife can cut through the potato and cauliflower, which is about 45 minutes. Let's Connect & check out Mind Body Soul Food's other side dishes!
Sometimes tough love or our friends being tough on us is needed. I had a long talk with my best friend from childhood. She and I are spiritual gals, who definitely do not fit into the mainstream bubble of society. We are both Aquarians.
After a long conversation she told me, "You need to take responsibility for what you attract in your life and your belief systems." I totally agreed and did believe in that, but sometimes my skeptical mind questions whether we attract it all or if things are sent our way to build our character. I also love these newsletters from the University of Metaphysics in Sedona, Arizona. I will be visiting Sedona in May. Somehow I feel my life lessons are attached to the weekly theme of these newsletters. Today's, "Protecting Oneself from Negative Energy" further illustrates the psychic energy that flies into the air, and how we need to focus on what we want in life. If you want a better life, you need to become the best version of yourself. Whether that means to hire a therapist to overcome wounds, eat healthier or meditate, you need to use the tools available to you to start improving your health, behavior, life and attitude. As always, inspired by the sun, Elizabeth Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings. 
It's March 7th and it snowed again last night. I woke up this morning and noticed a dusting of snow atop of the grass and parked cars. The dusting of snow reminded me of the elegance of dusted powder sugar on top of delicious baked goods.
This apple bundt cake is a cross between a bread and cake. If you've followed any of other recipes, followers know I do not make things as sweet as other bloggers. I believe in natural sweetness, or at least hints of sweetness. Our country and culture has massive sugar addiction and emotional eating issues. If you want this more of a cake texture, you'll need to add more sugar.
Something similar like this bread/cake can be transformed into something elegant, while "dressed up" with some powder sugar and flowers.
Elegance is something that has been on my mind a lot lately... 
"The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before." -Albert Einstein
Elegance is something missing in today's society of vulgarity. Today, everything is taken as a joke and nothing is taken seriously. Comic relief has replaced class. It's not that we should lose our sense of humor, that is very important. But, we've lost the lady and gentleman culture. This doesn't mean top hats and 1950's dresses, this is about our attitude and the way we treat each other.
We need a resurrection of that, which is lost in a world of confusion. 
"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."
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Apple Pear Beet Juice
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Vegan Brown Sugar Pear + Apple Crisp
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Vegan & Gluten Free Apple Cherry (Blossom) Almond Bread
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Where has the time gone? Every year I age, I feel that the months and time goes faster and faster. In January, March seemed so far away and yet today I write this blog in March. Where did January and February go? February was a tough winter in Seattle, with countless snow days, something that hasn't happened since the 1930's. Normally, this time of year blossoms with bright pink flowers with petals flying through the wind.
If looking to add a bit of floral flavor to your smoothie this upcoming spring, add a hint of sweetness with rose syrup.
Strawberries and rose are quit a romantic combination, bursting with the beautiful color pink. Pink, created in the 17th Century, is associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, femininity and the romantic. Pink also symbolizes unconditional love and nurturing as well as compassion and empathy. In romance, it's nurturing quality balances the art of giving and receiving love, and understands and respects the necessity of both.
The spring solstice is on its way, and if looking to color your home and soul with pink, here is a splendid smoothie that integrates health with the sweet side of life.
Strawberries and rose are quit a romantic combination, bursting with the beautiful color pink. Pink, created in the 17th Century, is associated with charm, politeness, sensitivity, tenderness, sweetness, childhood, femininity and the romantic. Pink also symbolizes unconditional love and nurturing as well as compassion and empathy. In romance, it's nurturing quality balances the art of giving and receiving love, and understands and respects the necessity of both.
The spring solstice is on its way, and if looking to color your home and soul with pink, here is a splendid smoothie that integrates health with the sweet side of life.
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Dairy-Free Strawberry Rose Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup nondairy milk
1-2 tsp rose syrup
optional - vanilla protein powder
Directions:
Place all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Adjust rose flavoring as needed. **Note you can use homemade or store bought rose syrup. Rose syrup is often found in Indian and Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Check out our other rose - related recipes! Let's Connect!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup nondairy milk
1-2 tsp rose syrup
optional - vanilla protein powder
Directions:
Place all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Adjust rose flavoring as needed. **Note you can use homemade or store bought rose syrup. Rose syrup is often found in Indian and Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Check out our other rose - related recipes! Let's Connect!
How to Make Rose Sugar
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How to Make Rose Syrup
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How to Make Fresh Rose Water
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Good and evil is rarely black and white. It can, but is not always like a light switch. The light and the dark exists in each and every one of us. It is about control of the darkness and continuing to walk in the light with the Grace of God.
Many people use spiritual tools or God's word and grace in vain. Most people do not understand how to walk into God's grace because they fear giving up themselves entirely or being judged by others. Grace is most needed during times of suffrage and brokenness. No matter how strong or intellectual we are, we cannot trump the Grace of God and His will, for we must have faith in something better for us. But, I do believe we must play a role and have action towards bettering ourselves.
Grace is the divine strength and help that we receive from God. It is up to you on whether or not to receive that love and energy from Him.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Many people use spiritual tools or God's word and grace in vain. Most people do not understand how to walk into God's grace because they fear giving up themselves entirely or being judged by others. Grace is most needed during times of suffrage and brokenness. No matter how strong or intellectual we are, we cannot trump the Grace of God and His will, for we must have faith in something better for us. But, I do believe we must play a role and have action towards bettering ourselves.
Grace is the divine strength and help that we receive from God. It is up to you on whether or not to receive that love and energy from Him.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Trying something new in the kitchen is something not many people are comfortable with. I thought I'd give it a go, while "grocery shopping" in my fridge and seeing what produce I had available. I needed to make something quick and easy and concocted this red pepper sauce. Many recipes require roasting the produce first, which would give it a different yet tasteful flavor.
Creamy yet "cheesy." Fresh and delicious. Brighten up your pasta with a new type of sauce. One that is easy and ready in under thirty minutes!
Vegan Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 package of pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves
1/2 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2.5 red peppers
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp corn starch
1.5 cups of nondairy milk
Salt, pepper + oregano to taste
Directions:
Cook the noodles according to the package's directions. Sauté the onion, garlic and olive oil until cooked in a pan. Once cooked, combine that along with the remaining sauce ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Return the mixture to a sauce pan and cook for 7-10 minutes or until tasty and thicker. Pour on top of the cooked noodles and serve warm.
**Note if you want a roasted flavor, roast the pepper, onion and garlic in the oven, with olive oil wrapped in foil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 package of pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves
1/2 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2.5 red peppers
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp corn starch
1.5 cups of nondairy milk
Salt, pepper + oregano to taste
Directions:
Cook the noodles according to the package's directions. Sauté the onion, garlic and olive oil until cooked in a pan. Once cooked, combine that along with the remaining sauce ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Return the mixture to a sauce pan and cook for 7-10 minutes or until tasty and thicker. Pour on top of the cooked noodles and serve warm.
**Note if you want a roasted flavor, roast the pepper, onion and garlic in the oven, with olive oil wrapped in foil.
Last night I watched a documentary about World War I, "They Shall Not Grow Old." A different era indeed, but a time when men were men as compared today the millennial man-child.
Today, our societal shift is becoming more self-centered, self-absorbed and narcissistic. We've become less mature than our ancestors, in part because life has become "easy" to survive. Adults today have the maturity of a twelve-year old, many acting like their own "Sun-God."
Maturity comes with experience and not necessarily always dictated by one's age. Caring about people, caring about life, caring about how you impact others and/or the world is a sign of maturity. Maturity is the point where two people can agree to disagree and still respect one another. Maturity is when we appreciate and respect the small things in life. It is a time of being selfless and know there is more to life than you, your ego and your worries.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Today, our societal shift is becoming more self-centered, self-absorbed and narcissistic. We've become less mature than our ancestors, in part because life has become "easy" to survive. Adults today have the maturity of a twelve-year old, many acting like their own "Sun-God."
Maturity comes with experience and not necessarily always dictated by one's age. Caring about people, caring about life, caring about how you impact others and/or the world is a sign of maturity. Maturity is the point where two people can agree to disagree and still respect one another. Maturity is when we appreciate and respect the small things in life. It is a time of being selfless and know there is more to life than you, your ego and your worries.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Inspired by the budding tulips and my former recipe, Roasted Agave-Mandarin Rainbow Carrots, I decided to remake this sweet vegetable side dish. Forget fruit loops, "taste the real rainbow," through consuming the heartiness of colorful produce that comes directly from the earth.
Although winter, it is important to consume the rainbow. The light in our world increases as we inch our ways closer to the spring solstice. Light, like the rainbow, fulfills our body with much needed nutrients and energy during the last half of winter.
The beauty of natural food and nature should not be taken for granted. Nature itself is an artist, an array of colorful produce grown alongside diverse species of plants, flowers and trees. Life, like nature, is beautiful in its divine pattern and order. Whatever comes your way in life, be prepared for the lessons but also be open to receiving love from the divine and energy from plants.
Both will nourish and fulfill you on your path and journey in life. Happy Eating!
Both will nourish and fulfill you on your path and journey in life. Happy Eating!
“Life throws challenges and every challenge comes with rainbows and lights to conquer it.”
― Amit Ray,
Roasted Orange-Agave Carrots + Grapes
Prep Time:: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
7-8 rainbow carrots, sliced
1 cup grapes
1 small navel orange, sliced
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
2 tbsp agave nectar
pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice carrots and mix with the grapes into a bowl. Slice the orange, and squeeze the two end pieces into the bowl. Next, mix in the agave nectar, oil and salt. Pour onto a baking sheet, layer the sliced oranges on top, and bake for 15 minutes. **If dry, add additional agave nectar and/or oil.
Let's Connect! Be sure to check out our additional side dish recipes!
Prep Time:: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
7-8 rainbow carrots, sliced
1 cup grapes
1 small navel orange, sliced
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
2 tbsp agave nectar
pinch of salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice carrots and mix with the grapes into a bowl. Slice the orange, and squeeze the two end pieces into the bowl. Next, mix in the agave nectar, oil and salt. Pour onto a baking sheet, layer the sliced oranges on top, and bake for 15 minutes. **If dry, add additional agave nectar and/or oil.
Let's Connect! Be sure to check out our additional side dish recipes!
Roasted Figs w/ Agave, Sage + Walnut
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Roasted Agave-Mandarin Rainbow Carrots
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Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
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Author
Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com
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