Are you tired of all the pumpkin recipes yet? It seems everywhere you look someone has yet another pumpkin recipe. But this one cannot be overlooked! It’s so good and so easy! It’s nutty, spicy, delicious and good for you!
Ingredients:
1 pie pumpkin
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 jar roasted red pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 coconut milk
1 cup cashew butter
1/2 tsp tumeric
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 garlic cloves or 2 tablespoons minced
To make this soup you’ll need to roast a small pie pumpkin. I like to cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, add salt and pepper and pop in the oven at 350 degrees for about an hour. I like o save the seeds and roast them for garnishes or quick snacks. You can also do this the easy way and use canned pumpkin but there is something so soulful about roasting one.
Meanwhile in a large pot sauté the onions in the coconut oil until tender. When the pumpkin is fully cooked and soft, allow it to cool enough to handle and then scoop out that delicious flesh. Add the pumpkin and the rest of the ingredients to the pot.
Let this simmer for at least 30 minutes. I actually love the smell and allow it to simmer sometimes for an hour or more, stirring for often.
Using an immersion hand blender, blend until velvety smooth. You can also add to a large blender but be mindful hot liquids and some blenders don’t like each other.
You can top this soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or not!
This is everything that is fall! Warmth, coziness, spices and everything apple.
This super simple recipe can be done in an air fryer or a traditional oven — the oven is my personal favorite because the entire house smells like all the amazing fall smells we all love.
Evenly divided the filling between the four apple halves
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or air then at 350 for 13-15 minutes
Top with extra cinnamon and drizzled honey for an added punch
Remember to only use essential oils that are certified pure. One way to tell if they are pure is your bottle will have a supplement facts on the side. If it doesn’t, I wouldn’t recommend taking internally because it is likely not pure and therefore not safe.
Curious the brand I love and trust along with hospitals across the country? Plus they are making a global impact on reducing poverty and building lives for villages and farmers.
Even Starbucks has released their pumpkin lattes already! 🎃
If you want a healthier version of pumpkin spice creamer… that actually ⭐️BOOSTS⭐️ your immune system instead of destroying it…
Try this yummy DIY Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer 🍂🍁🌻☕️
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
Ingredients 1/4 cup Organic Pumpkin Puree 1 Quart Organic Coconut Milk 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract 2 drops Cassia Essential Oil 2 drops Cinnamon Bark EO 2 drops Ginger EO 2 drops Clove EO
Directions •Heat Pumpkin Puree, Coconut Milk, and vanilla on the stove over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. •Remove from heat and pour into a mason jar or other storage container. •Once partially cooled, add the essential oils. •Shake well before each use!
*hint: Add a few drops of liquid vanilla stevia as sweetener…. for extra yumminess!
Remember the only safe way to ingest essential oils is by making sure they have supplements fact on the bottle. (Store bought essential oils are NOT safe). I choose the proven and tested pure essential oils found here. It is the brand hospital use. Just sayin’.
These oils will make an amazing creamer but they are also powerhouse oils for immunity, oral health, tummy troubles and much more. Plus diffusing this combo is instant fall love. Enjoy this ebook that shows you how versatile essential oils are in your home. Add a wild orange to your cart and you have heaven!
Are you all starting to feel the yearning for fall and all that comes with it? Sweaters, leaves, pumpkin everything and cooler days??
I think since we here in Colorado have had a cooler-ish August, I have been rushing the coming of fall. But one of my sweet yoga students reminded me early August that we still have lots of summer left and I why rush it??
I think for many of us, it is our human nature to want to get on to the next thing–whether that is the next bite of food, next task, or even the next fun activity. I have been trying to catch myself going ahead more and more, and I am finding that it is becoming easier and I am more present.
One of my favorite soulful things in the fall and winter is make a big pot of soup and patiently wait for it to simmer. To me, there is nothing quite like the slow cooked flavors coming together…plus then I have something to enjoy all week long.
Check out this awesome recipe using Lemongrass essential oil. This oil is sourced from Southern India and is common in cooking. The primary benefits of Lemongrass include supporting healthy digestion when taken internally, combined with a carrier can be a soothing massage, can give a refreshing feeling. Emotionally, this one is known as the oil of “cleansing”. Lemongrass is a powerful and effective cleanser of any energies that no longer aids in our expansion.
I am going to make this soup this weekend (even though I am not a big legume eater, I think the red lentils will be amazing). Enjoy the mindful simmering and tasty flavors. Let me know if you make it!
Ingredients 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or pressed 1 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced 1–2 drops Lemongrass oil 4 tablespoons tomato paste 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 4 tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 8 cups vegetable broth 2 cans coconut milk 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped 3 cups dried red lentils 4–6 handfuls baby spinach Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat coconut oil over medium heat; add onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook until onion is translucent then add carrots and sauté five to seven minutes.
Add tomato paste, curry powder, and red pepper flakes; cook for another one to two minutes stirring constantly until all vegetables are coated and flavors combined.
Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil on medium high heat; reduce to simmer (low heat).
Add Lemongrass essential oil and cook for approx. 30 minutes until lentils are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Garnish with one tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro and one tablespoon sour cream.
Tip: Add some brown sugar for a sweeter curry taste.
Go snag this free ebook to learn more ways to use essential oils.
Change is one of our greatest teachers. It asks us everyday to prove our commitment to ourselves. It leads us into the dark places and allows us to fill them with light.It shows us things about ourselves that we never knew. And before we know it, it shows us how powerful and strong we are.
My favorite season is here! I was remarking the other day the reason I love fall is the constant changes that I see outside. I think I love the movement and transformation that fall brings. Most of you know I don’t sit still well so this ever changing season is perfect for my personality.
Often this time of year we hear about the concept of embracing the change and ‘letting go’. One of my greatest teachers ever once told me that not all change can be embraced and that sometimes change is very hard and not easily welcomed. So true, right?
I believe more than ever that our work is to look at what is before us and see if we can see any scraps of beauty that lies within the current situation. Though we may not always fully embrace changes, we might be able to lean into the process and see just how strong we really are. We know that as we move through what is showing up in our lives, we are often making space for something else.
The season for me is coming to a change as I feel and listen to the pull to welcome in something different. In fact, I have been feeling this nudge for a variety of reasons in the last few months. Part of it is the push to complete some big projects that I have been working on and the other part of me is listening to the interior landscape of my soul asking me to align my actions with its deepest truth. Add to that some reminders that the Universe is always putting in my path exactly what I need in order to pause, look and learn. And maybe even slow down a bit to refuel. I am hoping with a bit lighter load in my heart, I will find the space to shine even more. Isn’t that what we are here to do anyway?
I realize that there will be some disappointment, much like many of us feel as we watch summer come to and end and we pull out the snow shovels and warm sweaters for the coming months of cold. I ask you though to feel the disappointment, and then rally around me and my work from the place of curiosity and wonder as I finish some big dreams in the next few months. I also ask for your compassion as I trek across new territory and watch together with me as the landscape changes and we celebrate together what lies ahead.
After this month I will be offering some great, personal, and in-depth content virtually and would love to also offer my personalized 1:1 wellness coaching at a discounted rate through February. This means you will get the same assessments, coaching, mentoring and personal plan to help you awaken to your greatest potential at a special special price.
For the rest of the month, I encourage you to take in the glory of the changing leaves. Breathe in the fall air. Let go of something weighing on your heart. Shed an old belief. Release what doesn’t elevate you. And most important, know that all is well.
Sometimes letting go is a far greater power than defending or hanging on. ― Eckhart Tolle
This practice and the essential oils used were chosen to help us let go of unwanted or hidden emotion and welcome in a more uplifting and hopeful support for your body, mind and spirit. Surrender! Let go and RECEIVE the oils as they assist you to move in favorable new directions.
If you need essential oils samples to work with this class, please reach out to me.
Donations for this online Yoga practice are gratefully welcomed.
Essential Oils Overview
It is recommended to only use pure essential oils and never take essential oils internally without the assurance of purity. Here is the only brand I trust.
FRANKINCENSE (AROMATIC/DIFFUSE):
PHYSICAL: Powerful and rare oil that is very diverse in its use on/in/around the body.The “one”oil you want if you can only have one!Known historically as a holy oil used for anointing and sacred ceremonies when spiritual awareness is desired. Distilled from frankincense tree resin harvested from a small region in the Middle East & Northern Africa.Highly researched for its ability to helps build and maintain a healthy immune system and function.Known to support the rejuvenation of skin and other epithelial tissue.Used aromatically to promote feelings of peace, relaxation and satisfaction.
EMOTIONAL: “The Oil of Truth” Connects us to our spiritual selves creating a healthy attachment to our actual father or the father figure in our lives. Reminds us we are loved and protected with a gentle, loving Divine spirit (God) Helps release us to break free from our past, making it an ideal oil to use for those seeking spiritual awakening and evolution. It allows us to come back within and focus our spiritual consciousness –ideal oil for meditation, contemplation, prayer and any spiritual quieting and practice. Used in today’s workshop to assist us begin letting go to receive the gifts of this time together.
WILD ORANGE (INTERNAL/DRINKING):
PHYSICAL: Powerful cleanser and purifying agent for surfaces. Protects against seasonal and environmental threats –as it is high in antioxidants and supportive to the immune system. Uplifting aroma lifts the mind and body. Taken internally or applied topically, this oil can provide relief from occasional digestive discomfort.
EMOTIONAL:“Oil of Abundance” Helps reduces anxious feelings, and calm emotions. Inspires creativity, a positive mood and brings joy & peace, happiness and FUN into your day. Encourages creative thinking and fearlessness. Used in today’s workshop to awaken us to approach this time with childlike wonder.
CITRUS BLISS BLEND –Invigorating Blend
PHYSICAL: Blend contains the oils ofWild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, Clementine and Vanilla—a combination of citrus fruits and a bit of vanilla to bind the “top notes”together. Provides uplifting and stress-reducing benefits of citrus oils. Some of the oils are known to support a healthy lymphatic system–our body’s primary method of disposing of excess fluids and toxins.Helps to physically and emotionally cleanse and disinfect the body, surfaces….us!
EMOTIONAL: “Oil of Creativity” Inhalation allows us to de-stress, soothe and sedate any nervous energy .Its role is to act as a “fire-starter” –reigniting our motivation & drive in an uplifting way. Reconnects and inspires us to creative, encouraging play and self-expression. Used in today’s workshop to help us release our burdens so we can rediscover our bliss!
ELEVATION BLEND –Joyful Blend
PHYSICAL: This blend contains the oils of Lavandin, Tangerine, Elemi, Lemon Myrtle, Melissa, Ylang Ylang, Osmanthus and Sandalwood—a combination of uplifting flower and citrus oils to encourage JOY! Excellent blend to reduce stressful feelings and low energy so we can increase our energy to elevate our mood. Using this blend helps promotes feelings of confidence and self-worth.
EMOTIONAL: “Oil of Joy” Designed to soothe the heart and help us let go of lower energy vibrations and lower vibration activities in our lives. As we shift into higher vibration and consciousness, old habits and addictions lose their appeal. This blend is like a ray of sunshine pouring into our lives, inspiring feelings of brightness, courage, happiness, humor, playfulness and fun! Helps us to see that worry and fear are unproductive emotions. Allows to begin recognizing that focusing on faith, hope and determination will support us to flow with life while remaining in peace and light. Used in today’s workshop to encourage us tolet go of those low vibrations and receive the highest support possible
SERENITY BLEND –Calming Blend
PHYSICAL–This blend contains the oils of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Vanilla Bean Extract. Excellent blend for calming nervous energy or excited emotions in times of stress. Supports us to reduce anxious feeling throughout the day, and especially as we wind down our day and practice to relax and unwind. Promotes a restful sleep environment. Great for the bath or diffusing in the bedroom. Remember that relaxation of the mind = relaxation of the body and each of its systems –digestive, circulatory, respiratory, muscular, etc.
EMOTIONAL–“Oil of Forgiveness” Assists in calming feelings of hostility, fear, anger, jealousy, rage and resentment. Encourages us to forgive others and offer compassion vs holding criticism and judgementin our expectations of “perfection”. This blend helps us look in the mirror first, before blaming someone else—which comes comes from our own unhappiness, shame and life pain. As we forgive ourselves and others–we connect with love, openness and receptivity. We heal our heart so love can flow freely within us as we practice forgiveness. Used in today’s workshop to find compassion for our self, so we can see this in others
BALANCE BLEND –Grounding Blend
PHYSICAL: Blend contains the oils of Spruce, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, HoWood, Blue Chamomilein a Fractionated Coconut Oil base (one of the few doTERRA blends already diluted for use.) Designed to help us ground our emotions and physical body –to keep our foundation balanced, no matter what we encounter in life. Harmonizing blend –helping to bridge body, mind and spirit together. Using this oil aromatically and topically helps lessen stressful and anxious feelings. Creates a sense of calm and well being –promoting whole body relaxation. Can be applied topically to soothes sore muscles & joints while promoting circulation.
EMOTIONAL: “Oil of Grounding” Reconnect us to our roots/core self if we spend a lot of time thinking, speaking or in spiritual activity. For those who avoid long-term commitments & find themselves drifting with the wind. Brings tranquility to our spirit in grounding us with its calming tree and flower oils. Brings presence to the moment so we can achieve our longer term goals –as a tree grows slowly over time from a solid foundation. Used in today’s workshop to help us groundourselves in all that we have experiencedtoday, letting go so we can receive a better version of ourselves
The Autumn Equinox is a time of letting go and harvesting the good that is abundant in our lives and also allowing the stalks and leaves to fall aside and go back to the Earth. With this beautiful and colorful season emerging it is our time to loosen our grip on the focus of growth and prepare to move into a more dormant season. This is also a great time to look at the cycles of life; seasons, months, breath, and even life. As we embrace the time of gathering our harvest we are also preparing ourselves for the cycle in which we become more hunkered down and a little more in hibernation. The paradox of understanding cycles exists everywhere and yet the simplest observation is the breath; to inhale you must also exhale.
When we are awake we come to know that with each ending there is a beginning, in whatever shape that takes—self awareness, growth, wisdom, letting go, forgiveness and grief. If we pay attention, we can see this so easily in the changing of leaves–the amazing color that emerges following a season of bounty and then the ease in which the leaf lets go. Watch as leaves effortlessly fall to the ground to be taken into the loving arms of Mother Earth for the new growth that waits for the next season.
Take time to look at letting go of what no longer serves you.
At the autumn equinox there is a dynamic shift from the season of sunshine, growth, taking action, movement to a more quiet and still season. This time of year during the equinox is a powerful time to pause after the often chaotic energy of summer, back to school, busy-ness to a more dormant and contemplative time. This is time where we replenish, regenerate and recuperate from a season of push.
Well, at least we should try to as the we are so in tune with nature and the natural rhythms of the world, if we are paying attention. Nature responds to the lessening hours of daylight by slowly fading into dormancy. Watch as the leaves fall from trees, the lush green of shrubs and vegetation fades, and animals forage and gather for a season of hibernation. How do we mimic these natural occurrences? We withdraw from the rush of outward action to a season of a more contemplative inner reflection of our spirit.
With this season also comes a wonderful reminder to gather your harvests and share with others and to celebrate the abundance of the world with your neighbors, your family, or even a stranger. We tend to want to hang on to “things”, both tangible and intangible and really all that does is is exhaust us and stop the flow of goodness.
During a yoga practice watch as you move in and out of balance and neutral. How your breath becomes rapid and slow, though we strive for equality of breath. Notice how the tension in our body is often paired with ease. Thoughts come and thoughts go.
The skills that we learn on the yoga to find neutral, equanimity, and harmony teach us the gift of following the rhythm of nature. Remember, our time on the mat is truly a practice for living yoga as we know that yoga really happens off the mat.
Our practice this time of year should reflect the message of the equinox and allow it to be filled with times of pausing to gather your breath, to reflect in mountain pose with a sense of neutrality and to find the balance between dynamic postures and stillness.
Welcome the harvest that is within and always look for opportunities to be grateful. I know for myself, the practice of gratitude has lead me into a life of awareness that has enhanced my life everyday.
It’s almost soup weather and there’s nothing I love more than cooking soup on a cold rainy day. This could possibly be my new favorite soup… I think you’ll love it too. (Instant Pot and Stove Top directions below.)
INGREDIENTS: -2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs -28 oz can green enchilada sauce -24 oz chicken broth -1 cup half and half or heavy cream -2 cup Monterey jack cheese -4 oz cream cheese, cubed at room temperature (or softened) -4 oz green salsa (salsa verde) -hot sauce, optional -salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: Slow Cooker Instructions:
In a 6-quart slow cooker add chicken breast or thighs, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Cook on Low 6 to 8 hours.
Remove chicken and shred. Add shredded chicken, jack cheese, cream cheese, half and half, and green salsa to slow cooker. Turn slow cooker to warm and stir until cheeses are melted. Add hot sauce or additional salsa to taste.
Serve and enjoy! Delicious topped with avocado, cilantro, green onion, and sour cream.
Instant Pot Instructions: Cook your chicken on high pressure with 1 cup of broth for 8 minutes. Do a quick release after 10 minutes. Remove chicken and shred. Set pot to saute medium, and add remaining broth, shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, salsa, and heat until warm. Add cheese and remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
Stove Top Instructions: In a large stockpot, add chicken and broth. Simmer until chicken is done and can easily be pulled apart. Remove chicken and shred. Add shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, half and half, jack cheese, cream cheese, and green salsa to the pot. Stir and heat soup until it is warm and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with additional green salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream on the side. Enjoy!
This recipe makes a mild to medium spice soup. To add spice use additional green salsa or a green chili hot sauce. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding to soup.
One of my favorite aspects to yoga and mindfulness is taking a deep look inside to find the parts of ourselves that aren’t serving our greatest good and decide to let it go. The volume of space we create is enormous and it allows something better to fall into that space.
In my personal life I have many decisions ahead of me. It’s honestly been a grueling time for me and some major changes for my daughter. I also have ankle surgery scheduled, but with so many unknowns I am debating whether now is the right time.
When life shows up like it has recently, I have to remember to go inside and let go of the fear, the anger and the worries. Much like a leaf that falls from a tree, I know when I let go of it, there is space. Space means clarity. In the space of clarity, I know I will find my way.
This months schedule for classes is also very unknown. Certainly that causes this very disciplined and schedule savvy girl to feel unsettled. It is likely that I am going to be watching the weather and offer warm sunny fall pop classes. I will still be adding videos to my online session collection AND I am super excited to offer a chakras series! This is a popular series and I can’t wait to share more about the details.
Let this month be a time where you truly let go of something that is weighing you down, or that you no longer need—just like that leaf that did it’s job, it also can now let go. Even fear and feelings of uncertainty can be useful, but eventually it’s time to let it go.
I stumbled across this leaf the other day and I knew immediately that there was a divine lesson available to me.
I have been going through some pretty big life events and with the energy of the world being what it is, I needed this little reminder that despite whatever changes we have, we can still show up in all of our beauty. A reminder that I can transform from one season of my life to another with grace and boldness.
Sometimes we have to let go of people, situations, and even some of our dreams, but we can do so beautifully.
Embracing Wisdom 