Moon Letters

Full Moon Letter ~ Capricorn Lunar Eclipse

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» July’s Full Moon Lunar Eclipse on 7/16 in Capricorn «

Surrender is the natural release of grasping or resistance that arises when we have a full, tender, embodied presence. It’s this willingness to be with and say yes to what’s here — that releases the “controller”. It’s saying yes to what’s right here. It’s a leaning in. Letting go and letting be. —Tara Brach

Summer is in full swing and the full moon is rising hot here in Austin. It’s another lunar eclipse, but this time it’s a full moon and this mean energy…and lots of it. During the new moon we looked inward at the way we viewed ourself and challenged beliefs that made us feel less than or negative about our lives. Full moons are times of illumination and this full moon is a great opportunity to illuminate the changes we made in our thought patterns. It’s a time to reap the benefits from the practice of perspective shift. The new moon was a time of nurturance and this full moon is a time for forward motion. We have prepared our minds to push forward in our lives and we are now able to make headway in our goals or purpose as the limiting beliefs that have held us back are now released.

This moon is a time to trust in the flow of life. We are creatures of constant change who become stagnant if we do not continue to be open to learning and evolving with life. Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. It’s important to look at the big picture of your life. Your goals, your mission or simply your purpose. However, as humans we can become attached to this idea we play out in our minds about what our “perfect” life should look like. And If life isn’t going exactly to plan we can become anxious. How do we move forward or take a change of direction in life while also simply just letting it be? It’s not as simple to just flip the coin of manifestation on its head from the side of control to the side of surrender. There’s no fault in dreaming big but when we hold on so tightly to these dreams do they stifle to joy in the process? How can we loosen our grip to this “perfect” story in order to show up aware and be ready for what seeks us? We need to care less about how it all unfolds, and rather, care far more about it all coming through as Spirit wills it. May you take time during this full moon to reflect on how we have the power to dream specifics into being, as well as the power to keep an attentive flow in the great mystery of life. We are the vessel. We are the witness.

On this full moon eclipse let us remember that we are more than our story…but may we also show up to that story with gratitude and appreciation. ~Que Sera, Sera~

» Questions to ask yourself «

What unsupportive thoughts about myself have I changed? Has that provided me peace?

What does “manifestation” mean to me? And what does it feel like?

What does “surrender” mean to me? And what does it feel like?

In what ways am I not currently knowing myself and seeing my worth?

How can I invite peace into my story?

xoxo

Amanda

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Moon Letters

New Moon Letter – Total Solar Eclipse

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» July’s New Moon on 7/2 in Cancer «

When thinking about the moon, her cycles and how we connect, I used to feel skeptical. Can we really be that connected to something that’s so far away? Isn’t this astrology stuff just a bunch of hippie nonsense? But over the years I’ve become more in tune with who I am and in turn that has brought me curiosity about the moon cycles. I’ve used it to bring more mindfulness and light into my life. Recently I’ve been harnessing the moons cycles as a way to practice reflection and gratitude. My hopes is that in sharing these new moon letters you will find some reflection of your own so you too can grow and evolve. Our connection with the moon is infinite. Our precious lives wax and wane just like she does. Use the presence of the moon to mirror your own life in order to reflect what is true about you. This new moon is quite special; it’s a total eclipse (although only Africa will get to see it.) This reflection of the sun on the moon reminds us to reflect and look inward. Here are a few things to marinate on today.

This solar eclipse is a reminder of how the mind and the spirit mirror each other. A time when we are merging spirit with mind and mind with spirit ~ the practical and the mysterious beyond becoming one living, breathing human being. How do we navigate this world listening to our spirit while also being practical about the world around us?  All parts that make us up, so complicated and multidimensional, are surfacing and no longer live as shadows but are aspects of our chosen reality. This is a great time to look at how we frame our life, how we react to those around us, and how we spend our more precious time. We are all still learning to hold our own. To hold ourselves accountable for our actions and to be more unapologetically ourselves. We tend to care way too much, about what others think of us ~ of how they may be judging us from all angles. But really, this overwhelming worry is a mirrored reflection of how we’re judging ourselves, not stepping forward in full worth and truth. Our undying strength blossoms out of the caring center between spirit and mind ~ a merging of all our aspects which births and radiates a presence, a steadiness, a truthfulness beyond story, beyond judgment. 

What is true about yourself? What lies are you telling yourself about who you are or what you think others perceive you as?  Know that your thoughts shape your reality. What you think becomes true if you let it. Mind and spirit work together to make a sense of truth for your own. Use that power to shift and own a new perspective.

» Questions to ask yourself «

What sensations and emotions are emerging for me right now?

What habitual emotional patterns am I recognizing in myself? And how are they affecting me?

How can I take more responsibility for these patterns to change them?

What makes my heart feel open and full? What practices help me not to close off?

Where can I give my care and compassion to most right now?

xoxo

Amanda

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Food

Chicken Immunity Soup

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Oh how I loathe the feeling of waking up as though you’ve been hit by a train. That’s exactly how I felt yesterday morning and no it wasn’t the booze. Unfortunately, I had caught a bug. So I did what any sick person would do. I called into work and crawled my way to the couch to binge watch Netflix and chill. Since I was completely glued to the couch, I ordered groceries to my house in true millennial fashion. I decided that if I was going to be a complete blob I might as well try and kick this bug by making myself some yummy chicken soup. Since my mom wasn’t here to make me her delicious chicken soup that I was seriously craving, I decided to whip up my own version but, this time, with a little twist.

This soup is jam packed with healthy foods that are great for fighting any sickness. It’s loaded with veggies and chicken, kicked up with some spices, and all swimming in some bone broth. This soup contains all you need to really rev up that immune system. Electrolytes to hydrate you, and antioxidants to fight off the sick. Soup is also the greatest comfort food when you feeling less than great.

I started by chopping up half an onion, mincing some garlic and throwing that in a pot with a tablespoon of avocado oil. I let that simmer in the pan for a couple minutes until it was fragrant. Then I chopped up a few carrots, a bell pepper, a jalapeño (omit for less spice,) some mushrooms and threw all that in the pot as well. I let this cook for about 5 min. I then added a teaspoon of turmeric (turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) as well as a teaspoon of rosemary and thyme. After, I added 4 cups of bone broth. I got mine in a box from the store but it’s super simple to make at home, as well as more cost efficient. The next thing I added was a can of coconut milk. This adds that creamy taste that I wanted so it would really soothe my throat. I then added all the shredded chicken as well as a couple bones to simmer in there (don’t forget to take these our when it’s time to eat.) I brought all of that to a boil and then simmered it on low for about 45 min. You can simmer this for as long as you’d like (the longer the better really) but I was just too hungry to let it go for much longer. I then added the kale and let that wilt in the soup for about 5 min and then finally it was time to dig in.

Hope you guys enjoy this recipe! Let me know what you think 🙂

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5 from 2 votes

Chicken Immunity Soup

When you're feeling lees than great this is a delicious soup to whip up. You can add any veggies you have on hand that go well in a soup. It's a flexible dish that is super simple to make. 
Gluten-free; Dairy-free; Paleo
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 6
Author: Mandy

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs Shredded chicken I use leftover from a rotisserie chicken
  • 1 tbs Avocado Oil
  • 1/2 Onion (yellow or white) Diced
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 Jalapeño Diced
  • 1 Bell Pepper Diced
  • 8 Ounces Mushrooms Sliced
  • 4 Medium Carrots Sliced
  • 2 Cups Kale Chopped
  • 4 Cups Bone Broth
  • 1 Can Coconut Milk
  • 1 tsp Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Rosemary
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Hemp Seeds Garnish on top

Instructions

  • Add the avocado oil to a stock pot and heat over medium. Then add the onion and minced garlic until fragrant (a couple min)
  • Add the rest of the chopped up veggies (except kale) and let that cook for about 5 min
  • Add in the turmeric, rosemary and thyme to the veggies as well as some salt and pepper and toss. Then pour in the broth and coconut milk. Let the soup come to a boil, add the shredded chicken and then turn to low to let it simmer for 40 min
  • Once the soup has simmered then add the kale to let it wilt for 5 min. Salt and pepper to taste and then SERVE! (you can add some hemp seeds on top for an extra somthin')
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Travel

New Experiences Around the Same Ol’ Town

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I have chronic wanderlust. I long for snowing mountains and at the same time a beautiful beach. Sometimes when I’m in a beautiful place I catch myself saying “I can’t wait to come back.” And then I think to myself, but I’m already here…now. The past couple weekends I chose to be right where I am; in the beautiful Texas hill country. I explored two new places I had never hiked before. It made me realize that no matter where you are or how long you’ve been there you can always find something new to inspire you to be right where you are.

Mason, Alana and I went on some much needed hikes these past couple weekends. I was craving a good hike but I felt like I needed a new place to explore. We decided on McKinney Falls. After all it’s the closest state park to Austin and I had never been even after living here for almost 5 years. The water was high from a recent rain so we weren’t able to do some of the longer hikes since the trail was washed out, but at least it gives me an excuse to go back. This park is a great place to go if you’re looking for a quick escape from the city. There are tons of picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch and theres a nice paved hiking trails for those who are handicap or just want a nice leisurely walk. There are two main falls that are a must see. Both are connected with a short trail that leads you through a neat little overhang cave. I will be back to McKinney Falls soon.

The next weekend Mason found a really nice hike that was only 50 min from Austin. It’s a nature preserve just right outside the city. Although the headquarters are closed on the weekend the hikes around aren’t. We were surprised at how empty the park was for a beautiful Saturday. There are a few different trails to hike. We choose to hike the Doeskin Ranch trails. Theres a creek that runs through a couple trails. I was amazed at out clear the water was. I was positive there was a spring nearby feeding this lively creek. There is also a little pond trail that take you to the tank. We choose the RimRock trail which had some great elevation as well as some pretty spectacular views. I will definitely be back and with some better hiking shoes next time (dang blisters). I would highly recommend these trails for anyone wanting a quick and easy hike close to town.

Sometimes you just need a quick get away from the city. And thats exactly what I got. Space and time away from the madness. I will be back to these beautiful places to take advantage of this beautiful Texas winter weather.

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Music

Welcome!

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I’ve sat on the sideline of the blog game for quite some time now. I’ve always admired people who shared their life in order to inspire others and how they do so in such a creative way. I’ve tried to harness that inspiration and create a blog myself but for some reason always fell short. Was it’s lack of time, fear or pure laziness? Whatever it was it’s time to put that to rest and stop dreaming and get my butt in the game. So what is this blog all about anyways?

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I’ve always had an interest in self-improvement, travel, crafting, delicious food and drinks and a whole bunch of random things in the middle. I know those are all really different but to me they all seem to overlap each other in a way. So on this blog I will be sharing all sorts of different topics, because well… I can! Who says you have to have a niche? I just want to share what I want in hope to inspire you in ways I’ve been inspired by others. Share the love amirite?

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I’d love for you to come along on the journey! Join my email list and get updates on where I’m going and what I’m doing and hopefully i’ll inspire you along the way. What inspires you? I’d love to know.

~Amanda

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