It’s important to release the tensions, worries resentments and disappointments that can pile up during the day, and focus energy on what we feel grateful for, even if the only good thing we can see is that the day is over.  By releasing the day, you will create inner peace and calm that allows you to rest and rejuvenate so you have the energy to take in the next day.

When you’re ready to turn off the lights, take three deep breaths, or breathe until you feel yourself relaxing.  Think about the day as you breathe, and visualize an open window.  Exhale all of those negative feelings and thoughts and visualize them drifting through the window.  Say to yourself:  “I release my day.  Tomorrow is a great gift of mine to own.”  Next, indulge in a mini foot rub, as you rub your feet (use some oil or cream if handy) say, “Thank you for all the beautiful moments that happened today.  I am grateful for the joy and everything I accomplished today.”

Just this simple self care practice will prepare you for a good nights rest and remind us that while life may have its challenges, there is something to be thankful for each day, including our willingness to keep our lives moving forward.

Dryer sheets are a great way to add to your body burden of toxic chemicals.  The active chemical ingredients in many dryer sheets have a strong, pungent odor, so the manufacturers use heavy fragrance to cover up these smells.  Check the label for a listing of chemicals, that with sufficient exposure, could cause headaches, irritate mucous membranes, cause nausea, skin disorders and allergic reactions.  When animals are exposed to dryer sheets, they may develop eye, nose, throat and lung irritation.

You become exposed to the chemicals when you touch the clothes and other fabrics on your skin.  Commercial dryer sheets are actually designed to leave a residue on the clothes in order to reduce static cling.

Our recommendation to alleviate concern is to use Organic Dryer Bags.  If you choose to use this method for softening and providing an anti-cling alternative to your clothes, you’ll find our Lavender Dryer Bags in online store www.goodlifegoodearth.com/store

I wanted to talk about Love in this post since Valentine’s day is right around the corner.  At Good Life. Good Earth. we’re all about living the good life.  And when we speak of living the good life, there are so many things we can do the enjoy the everyday.  Peanut Butter is one of those things that brings me joy in life.  So in this writing I decided to give you three ways to enjoy peanut butter without stressing out about the portion or calories.  (Sorry if you are not a peanut butter lover.)

1.  You just walked in the door from work.  You’re ravenous and need a snack – NOW.  Try spreading a tablespoon of PB on two celery stalks.  Slice each stalk into eight pieces and top with a diced apple. – yummy.  The apple makes all the difference.

2.  You want to pack a portable snack and not worry about keeping it cold.  Spread a tablespoon of  PB on a small whole wheat bun.  Layer on a teaspoon of apricot preserves, top with a thinly sliced pear.  This is more satisfying than a sugar loaded protein bar.

3.  Sunday Brunch in a jiffy.  Preheat broiler.  Spread 1/2 bagel with a tablespoon of PB, 1/2 banana thinly sliced, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and sugar mix, broil for one-two minutes until lightly golden brown.  This sweet, protein-rich quick Sunday Brunch sandwich, will bring joy to your day.

BTW:  PB is the only sticky situation I like in my life. 

Most importantly, during this time of year and always, Spread The Love!

Char

Enjoying each day to the fullest is possible.  Here are some tried and true tips for living a healthier, saner, and more satisfying life.  We’ve  written about a few that you can use to lift off your new year with joy – and help further your quest to “Live The Good Life”.

Feed Your Spirit – You fuel your body, why not your soul?  Feeding your spirit means nurturing your deepest self.  Take 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening just to BE with you.  Keep up this daily routine and don’t be surprised when your life begins to flow more smoothly.

Get Creative – Fall in love with something – anything – when it comes to opening the door of inspiration.  Remind yourself what you love to do and find the time to do it.

Make Fitness Fun – Cancel that gym membership you never use and bump your heart rate with daily chores and activities that require you to “move”.  Like a long walk in the park with Fido, salsa classes,  joining an a.m.  neighborhood walking group, parking your car further from the door, and opting for stairs.  Find more opportunities to stand up and move around throughout the day.

Follow Your Dream – Having a dream is easy.  Making it happen isn’t always that way.  Our answer to starting toward your dream is to multi-task.  Start your business or new career on the side while keeping your day job to pay the bills.  You may be busier, but you’ll be more motivated as you watch your new life take off.  When the right time comes, you can move seamlessly into your new profession.  Start living your passion right now!

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous new year!  And remember, you deserve to live the good life.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is the inspiration for our “Faithful Friends” candle this season.   The lyrics of this song is our wish for you this season.  We appreciate your business.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on your troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on your troubles will be miles away

Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more

Through the years we all will be together and
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bow
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Happy Holidays from the entire staff at the Good Life. Good Earth. Company

1.  Celebrate with intention.  Let the holidays reflect the shape of your life.

2.  Find new ways to give in the world around you.

3.  Let joy and service inspire the season.

4.  You can connect with technology, but there’s no substitute for Real presence.

5.  The best way to entertain guests is to spend time with them.

6.  Opt for few gifts that mean more.

7.  Holiday nourishment can come in other, less risky forms, than alcohol.

8.  Give yourself 10 minutes morning and evening to recharge.

9.  Be a miracle in someone’s life.  It doesn’t take a herculean effort.

10.  Keep in mind the real meaning for celebration.

Good Life. Good Earth. Company wishes you a happy, healthy, safe, and above all, a joyous Holiday Season.  Thank you for being our valued customer.

Light,  Love and Inspiration is this year’s Good Life. Good Earth. Holiday theme.  Our eco-friendly, 100% Organic Candles are the perfect gift to give to family, neighbors and friends as a way to share light, love and inspiration.  All of the candles are formulated with pure essential oils and provide true aromatic benefits in addition to creating an uplifting or relaxing mood.  Check out our Holiday Flyer  on our home page where you can see the entire collection.  They are available for ordering now while supplies last.

I’m in the process of becoming a Reiki Master studying under a wonderful woman with a lineage that ties directly back to Dr. Mikao Usui of Japan.  Dr. Usui founded the system in the 19th century.  Reiki is the art of healing through universal energy. It is a very simple system, carried out by placing hands on or over a person (who is always clothed), whose personal intention is supported during the session.  Reiki can heal on all levels, physically, mentally, spiritually and aids the body’s natural ability to heal itself.   It can also be used with traditional medicine to help bring about a faster, less painful  recovery . I am so loving the practice.

However, you don’t need to become a Reiki Master to understand the spiritual principles of Reiki.  They are timeless and can provide great comfort when repeated every morning.  Below are the universal principles of Reiki:                                                                        JUST FOR TODAY:                                                                                                                          Do not bear Anger – for anger is an illusion

Do not be Worried – for fear is a distraction

Be true to your Way and Honest in your Work

Be Kind to yourself and others

Can you imagine a world where everyone lived by these principles?

We are featuring our 100% Organic Soy Mango Candle in our Customer Package Special this month so we thought we’d provide a yummy Mango Smoothie to go along with it. Mangos have delicious pale-orange flesh, packed with Vitamin C, as well as minerals like potassium and phosphorus.  When you by a mango, test it for ripeness by gently pressing the skin, which should give away under your fingers.  Peel off the skin with a sharp knife, then carefully cut the flesh away from the pit in chunks.  Bananas are a great instant source of energy as well as B group vitamins.

Into the blender put the flesh of 1 mango; 1 peeled banana cut into chunks: 3 tablespoons of unsweetened yogurt and 1/2 cup of milk.  Put the lid on the blender and whizz up until smooth.  Smoothies are a great replacement meal and very beneficial to your health.  Drink up!

Relish your relaxation in your bedroom.  This space is a perfect place to embrace candles of all sorts to help you relax.  You can hang a romantic candelabra overhead or cover a surface with candlesticks.  One idea is to use candlesticks of all sizes on an old silver tray placed on a dresser or desk.  Another idea is to have a scented candle next to your bed that offers a calming fragrance.  We recommend Good Life. Good Earth.’s Lavender Organic Soy Candle containing pure essential oils.  As you light your candle make a wish, say words of gratitude, extinguish your candle, and enjoy a good night’s sleep.