Often times we question what is right; the right path to take in life (moving, career change, etc.), which person to date, or even what to eat for lunch. The answer is simple, all you can do is “follow your heart”.

“If it is so simple, then why do we not follow our heart?”

Why you may not follow your heart

You may not have followed your heart because the situation was not ideal or what you made it up to be in your mind. Maybe you made the decision based on what your head thought was right (your logic), even though your “heart” was telling you otherwise.

What was the end result? Good or bad? Did you learn from it?

Maybe you had a positive outcome or maybe it was a mistake to convince yourself against what your heart said. We can all learn from our own mistakes, even if it is the hard way. When we do, we know better for next time. I’m not saying logic doesn’t work out, it most certainly can, but positive results and feeling good about a decision can occur from following your heart.

For example, I followed my heart when I had a chance to run the World Vision Half Marathon. My logic said “No, don’t do it, this spontaneous trip that will take up your time you need to work and will cost you a lot of money”. But my heart said, “Go for it Heather! You’ve always wanted to do this, you love spontaneity, you don’t know when you will get the chance to do this again, especially with a good friend (mad love to my bff Dave Cupples)!” Had I not followed my heart, I would have regretted it. But I’m glad I followed my heart and couldn’t be happier now that I did.

I believe more often then not our logic distracts what we feel. Logically it sounds good to work some fancy pants job making baller money, but if you aren’t happy doing it, then what is the point? Logically dating a person with good credentials might seem like a good choice, but if there is no chemistry or passion, then why date them? Logically ordering the cheap side salad as a lunch seemed right, but had you ordered that filling and tasty lunch (like a healthy wrap with side of fruit or veggies) you wouldn’t be squirming in your seat unable to concentrate from the torture of hunger. I’m sure you get the point by now…

I have to admit I am guilty of following my logic instead of my heart; but now, more often than not, I follow my heart. I have to remind myself not to worry, things always have a way of working out and I really believe that.

#motivationmonday

The post Follow Your Heart appeared first on BlendHappy.

If you can have the discipline to do something short term, let’s say juice fast for 7 days, try to see what else you can challenge yourself to do but for 30 days (personally, I don’t recommend 30 day juice fast at all!).

Remember when you were a kid and you got “grounded”? Maybe you weren’t allowed TV, computer, dessert? What did we learn from that?

1. Not to do what we did wrong in the first place to get that punishment again
2. That when being denied it, we wanted it more
3. But the third, most valuable lesson to learn (that we didn’t see at that time) is that we actually COULD live without it

Reason number three is ultimately why we should take on a 30 day challenge as an adult! We are too old to be punishing ourselves, and the purpose of the challenge is definitely not so we want it more of something.

I was inspired to start a 30 day challenge after watching a TED talk featuring Matt Cutts talking about trying something new for 30 days. Then when my friend Ryan came into town, he told me about his challenge he was about to start. After the TED talk and some inspirational words from Ryan…. I decided I’d like to start one as well.

You can either try something new, cut something out, or change something. No matter which one you choose (or you can do all three!) this challenge is about  goal setting, determination, and  self-discipline.

Ideas for 30 day challenge

• Cut out a certain bad food(s)
• Increase a good food. Resolve to eat a certain vegetable for 30 days at least once a day
• No swearing
• A physical activity
• Save X amount of money, or make a budget of how much you can spend daily
• Do something selfless, last summer my friend Mike did “A Summer to Serve” and did a fantastic job completing his (longer than 30 day) challenge
• Be absolutely positive, no negative self talk
• No TV

Those were just a few. I could go on with plenty more, but this is up to you to decide which goal you will chose and conquer!

Best of Luck to you! Stay strong and make sure you are subscribed to Blendhappy Facebook for motivation, support and accountability! *Also if you read a recent post, you can see what my challenge is about!*

The post 30 Day Challenge appeared first on BlendHappy.

The next thing someone may wonder is, ” Why do you do what you do?” Some people may or may not ask that aloud. But it’s intriguing to know the reason why we do what we do. “What made you choose that?” That’s not a question that should make anyone defensive, and if it does, maybe they’re uncomfortable with their job and life at the moment, or it’s just too personal.

I knew, from the time I was 14 years old, that I was meant to be a helper, healer, and creator of some sort. I had always wanted to help people. When I was 18 I joined the Army to “help” “protect” “defend” our country. I also knew since I was 17 that I wanted to own my own businesses. After the Army when I studied nutrition, I knew it would lead me to being a “helper”and a “healer”. After a shamanic retreat in Peru, I had a vision that went even deeper into my purpose in life. I realized that I survived two wars in Iraq for a reason, I am meant to be here on this earth to create in order to help and heal. Those are all part of my life’s path, my purpose.

I’m also know that I am a leader as well. Naturally, I’ve alway been a leader. Some say leaders are born, others say they’re developed. I believe I was born one. From the time I was a kid I never followed anyone, I was always the lead or had to be different and I was the trendsetter.

I took it my leadership so far that when Twitter came out, I was reluctant to join. The first thing I said was
“Well I don’t want to join because then I have to follow people and I’m not a follower, I’m a leader”. Then my dear friends chuckled and explained to me the concept behind Twitter and that you should follow out of respect and so on and so forth.

My friend Dave Ursillo says “Lead without followers, live from within”. So why are so many people looking to others for approval? What is the search about? People should search from within themselves or just feel their passion and what feels right.

We all may have our own definition of a what makes a leader or what our purpose is. Whether you know you were meant to be a politician, a mother, an athlete or anything else; as long as you are doing what you know you were meant to do and you love it, then that’s all that matters. Do what you love.

So what do I do? I’m a “helper”, I’m a “healer”, I’m a “creator” and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Why do I do what I do? Because I truly have so much love and compassion for everyone and I create because I’m very ambitious.

How about you? Please share with me if you’d like to. I’d love to hear from you!

The post Why do you do what you do appeared first on BlendHappy.

Squash is a great source of vitamins A, B, C and minerals folate, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fiber. They are high in water content and low in calories.

Squash has been questioned whether it’s a vegetable or not. But squash is in it’s own category. They are classified as “Gourds” members of the ”Cucurbitaceae” family.

Many common types include

• Pumpkin
• Summer
• Winter
• Spaghetti
• Yellow
• Zucchini
• Acorn
• Sugar Pie Pumpkin

Squash is a great source of antioxidants, great for anti-inflammatory benefits, and may help blood glucose level support.

Recipe ideas for squash

• Soup
• Grilled
• Pie (of course pie, who doesn’t like pie?!)
• Sauce (for pasta, pizza, dipping)
• Muffins
• Pancakes
• Baby food
• Spaghetti (you can bake a spaghetti squash and use a fork to scrape “noodle” like strands)

Subscribe to my mailing list to receive SQUASHTASTIC recipes!

Resources

How did Squash get it's name? 

WH Foods: Winter Squash

WH Foods: Summer Squash

The post Squash Nutrition appeared first on BlendHappy.

To me, Valentines day and love are not about giving a gifts or having to prove to someone on a specific day that you love them. If anything, the day can remind busy people, absent people, or even heartless or closed off people… to slow down, become present, or open up to love. Some people do show their love and affection daily, and other people may not be so affectionate and use Valentines day as that one day to be so. Regardless of the reason, the holiday can be whatever YOU personally want it to be.

Some people may persuade that Valentines day is too commercialized; to some people the day means a lot to them; to other people, it’s a sad reminder; for some people it can be a day of hope. So why spoil the day for other people by tainting it with your personal opinion. (HAHAHA, I used the word tainted when talking about love! That must be how the song “Tainted love” came about. Just kidding, you should know by now I’m a bit dorky)

The Meaning of Valentines Day

According to the History Channel, the meaning or History of Valentines Day  is not exactly determined because of one reason in particular. However, this information at least provides reasons why the holiday has come about, and has even become so commercialized.

Advice Section

Anyone can say they love someone, but what you say and feel only matters to you;  it’s what you do and how you act that matters. Are you compassionate, supportive, affectionate, understanding, kind, and patient with your loved one? How do you treat each other?

I believe a person should treat their loved one better than anyone else. Be each others best friends. It irks me when I see men or women speak so rudely, or swear, at their loved one and yet treat their friends better. People should really appreciate who their with, because you never know when they could be gone. Also, you could be at risk for losing them if they realize someone else could treat them better.

When it comes to relationships people should not just settle. Some people actually don’t like to be alone, or fear it. But I’d rather be single than settle for someone that I’m not in to, or someone that treats me wrong. You have to think about what you want, what’s best for you, because in the end… no matter what happens in life… you are always left with yourself. That being said, you should love and accept yourself before anyone else can.

Tips for Singles

• Enjoy being single
• Flirt! (well if you feel like it, and only with other singles! Not all flirting has to lead to something. It can be just for fun)
• Get to know yourself
• Improve yourself
• Accomplish things
• Participate in many activities; have a hobby
• Appreciate your alone time and fulfill it with everything you’ve ever wanted to do!
• Take dating slowly, and don’t move into something too quick
• Don’t settle or be in a relationship just to be in one
• Don’t look for love, it’s been said that “it happens when you least expect it”

If you’re closed off and content being single because your heart has been broken… it’s okay to love again. But you have to convince yourself of that instead of negatively teling yourself, “NEVER AGAIN”! Your heart doesn’t have to belong to one person, nor does it have to get stomped on one time. The best part of love is that it can be unconditional if you let it be. Love means falling, pick yourself up again, and letting yourself fall again. As painful as it sounds, in the end it can be worth it.

Another way to look at this, is that maybe we aren’t meant to be monogamous. Some people really just like the single lifestyle and think not all species are monogamous, so why should they be. Then again not all species have the intelligence and emotion like humans do. I can respect that way of thinking, but I support and root for LOVE!

Tips for Couples

• Respect one another
  • Don’t yell or swear at each other
• Enjoy a healthy balance of alone time, together time, friend time together, and time with friends apart
• Be honest
• Have trust and practice trust; don’t assume or accuse
• Don’t blame. Use “I feel” statements when upset. You are responsible for your own emotions and behaviors, it’s not fair to blame or dump it on the other person
• Take a moment at least once a day to stop and appreciate one another (whether it’s through a look, action, or words)
• Do activities together, or do activities separate (have a thing that’s just between you two)
• Or Just RELAX! Relax and unwind together. Offer a rub, a hug, a cuddle, a bath, a glass of wine (mmm that sounds so good right now!)
• Be a team! Help each other out, don’t let one person pull all the weight
• Don’t expect things. Do things because you want to, not because you feel like you have to

I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there. Whether you are single or involved with someone… enjoy Valentines Day and make it out to be whatever you desire it to be!

With much love from me to you <3

Happy Valentines Day My Lovelies!

The post The Meaning of Valentines Day appeared first on BlendHappy.

** WARNING** These recipes aren’t all vegetarian or vegan friendly. However, they are gluten free!

(Click on link to get the recipe)

Naked Buffalo Chicken Nuggets or Wings

Forget “Anytizers”! Know what is going into your food, make these at home yourself.

I’m not going to make these but I will give a good recipe.

Ingredients

• 3/4- 1 lb Chicken Strips or Wings
• 1 Cup Hot Sauce
• *1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce if you want Hot Spicy BBQ Nugs or wings* OPTIONAL
• 4 TBS Butter
• *OPTIONAL* Add a TBS of honey to lighten the blow of the hot sauce and to caramelize the wings or nuggets.
• For extra spicy, use 1 TSP hot chili powder or cayenne pepper powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Meanwhile,Rub metled butter on the chicken, then brown chicken strips or wings on the stove, grill, or oven. Whichever method you choose, don’t cook them thoroughly yet though! Just get a little sauté going on the outside.
3. Melt Butter in medium sauce pan, add hot sauce and BBQ sauce stir well and cook till just a bout a boil begins to occur.
4. Once sauce is ready toss the wings or nugs in it. Coat them well and then put on a lightly oiled foil lined baking sheet.
5. Cook for 1 hour

For Garlic Parmesan: finely grate 1/4 cup parm cheese and and 1/8 cup to set aside, use 3 or 4 crushed/minced cloves garlic (or use pre mince jar and use 2 or 3 TBS). Melt 4 TBS butter in medium sauce pan, add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and all the garlic. Mix well. Then coat the wings or nuggets and add the other 1/8 cup at the end before the over or after. (The more garlic you use, more garlic taste; more parm you use, more parm… You get it!) Alther this how you would like it.

OH YUM, I just had another idea…. Honey Sesame flavor… Mmmmm!

“Rugged Footballs”

Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with gorgonzola. Also know as “Devils on Horseback”

Ingredients

• 24 large dates, pitted
• 12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
• 1/3 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• OPTIONAL Add Jalapeño if you want to kick it up a notch!

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Soak 24 toothpicks in a small bowl filled with water for 15 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Cut the dates in half lengthwise being careful not to cut all the way through. Place a small amount of cheese (and Jalapeño if you are using it) in the center of each date. Wrap a piece of bacon around each date. Put a toothpick through to secure the bacon, date and cheese.
4. Place the prepared dates on the baking sheet. Bake until bacon is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.

(Image rights/photo credit to MarthStewart.com)

Cold Quinoa Salad (or a Pasta Salad) 

Quinoa is the healthier choice over pasta, but whichever you choose it will be delicious!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Quinoa
• 1 pnt grape Tomatoes
• 1 small bunch Basil
• 1 Shredded Zucchini
• 1 Cucmber or some broccoli (optional)
• 1 Lemon
• 1-2 cloves Garlic
• 4 TBS Olive oil
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Green Onions (optional)

Directions

1. Bring two cups of water, 1-2 teaspoons of butter, and one cup ofquinoa to a boil.
2. Once a bubbling boil occurs reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Make sure there is no water left, thequinoa should’ve soaked it up (otherwise it may need to cook longer or you added too much water).
4. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork.
5. Add sea salt & fresh ground pepper. Add 1-2 tsp of butter.
6. Let the quinoa cool down. At least up to a half hour. Place in fridge if you’d like.
7. Meanwhile, shred the zucchini, chop the basil, chop any additional vegetables and set aside.
8. Mince the garlic. In a separate bowl juice the lemon. Add garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper to the lemon juice. Mix well.
9. Combine the quinoa and veggies and mix it up. Add the dressing last and mix thoroughly.
10. Top with green onions if desired.

Onion Vegetable Dip

Ingredients

• Plain 0% fat greek yogurt
• freeze dried onions
• powdered onion
• shredded carrots and zucchini
• salt & pepper

Directions

*Serve with vegetables or a healthy chip/cracker of some sort!

Potato Salad

I know a few people who don’t like mayonaise, so I’m going to create this recipe without it!

Ingredients

• 4 Baking Potatoes (If using red, use 6)
• 1/2 – 1 lb Bacon
• *1 cup Cheese chunks or shreds *optional
• 5 TBS Olive oil
• 6 0z (1 can) Pitted black olives diced
• 3 Scallion stalks (a.k.a green onion)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cut the potatoes into bite size chunks and boil for 15-20 minutes (until slightly tender, not too tender or mushy, you want them to hold up)
2. Cook the bacon until (pan fry or oven bake)
3. While the bacon and potatoes are cooking, slice the scallions
4. Mix olive oil, scallions, black olives, salte and pepper and set aside
5. *Cheese is optional but if using cut cheese into chunks, or if it’s shred, set aside.
6. When the bacon has cooled down, break into chunks and set aside
7. When the potatoes are done, drain the liquid and set aside to cool
8. Once the potatoes and bacon are cooled down add the oil mix and toss until all potatoes are coated and bacon is distributed.
9. *Add the cheese last
10. Store in fridge until ready to serve

*optional

Fresh fruit display with Honey Greek yogurt for dipping

Display of fruit, buy vanilla greek yogurt and swirl in the honey

Sweet Potato Fries or Carrot Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

• Sweet potato, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sea salt and pepper
• Cut sweet potatoes length wise and toss in a mix of olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salte and pepper
• Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes

Carrot Fries

• Carrots, Scallion (green onion), olive oil, butter, sea salt and pepper
• Cut carrots length wise into strips. Toss carrots in a small mix of olive oil with green onion, salt and pepper. Add the covered carrots to a medium-large sauté pan with 2 TBS butter and sauté till golden brown.

Grill Shrimp, Meat, or Tofu and Veggie Skewers 

(No grill or it’s too cold out? Use the oven! You can make skewers in an oven)

Don’t be boring with a hamburger or hotdog! Make some Healthy tasty skewers. If you say a delicious marinated skewer vs a hot dog… which would you choose?! Go Bun-less; Go Healthy… Make a skewer!

The post Super Bowl Recipes appeared first on BlendHappy.

You can positively encourage someone by helping them find, or telling them, positive points to reach their goals. Whether you help point them in the right direction, you say kind words, or you just listen to the person speak about their goal; you are offering support.

In my opinion, the worst thing people can do is knock down someone else’s dream. The people who say it’s not possible or say all the negative aspects of the person’s goal or dream, are the crabs in the bucket that will pull you down!

When offering support, people should stand by the person who needs it. To “stand by” someone can mean that no matter what happens, you will be there for them. Standing by also can mean that you will be there to lend an ear or offer advice.

Support also means to share their efforts. Help promote them! Word of mouth is a great way to spread news and offer support. Social networks are perfect for spreading the word. Whether it’s an organization, a book, a new product line, a well written article, a video, an event or anything else, you can offer support by sharing and spreading the word.

Commending someone can be simple praise or meaningful and sincere. A compliment isn’t really commending someone. Go beyond a surface compliment and recognize something they did that truly stood out to you or impressed you, and tell them.

*A side note to commending, sometimes constructive feedback is a way to offer support if you notice something that may need improvement.

The next time you want support, think about the last time you gave support. Giving support that encourages, stands by, shares, and commends may be all a person needs. Create your own method to support others or follow my template if you want, just make sure to give it.

Your Turn!

Now think of someone other than yourself that may need support, and go give it today! What are you waiting for??? GO. GO. GO!

**You can give support for recovery from an injury or illness by using these steps as well. Although to respect privacy, it might be best not to spread the word about them. That’s the only part I would leave out! If you or the injured or ill person believes in prayer though, you can ask to spread the word to add that person to a prayer chain.

*** I just want to sincerely thank everyone in the Blendhappy community and every one of my friends and family that show me more support than I could’ve imagined. I feel truly blessed to have you all in my life. I want to give support back, and through my efforts of doing so, please let me know if you need more support or anything else for that matter. <3 <3 <3

The post Give Support appeared first on BlendHappy.

I understand it’s not easy to lose weight and it doesn’t happen over night (well unless you get lipo). I also don’t believe all people should be skinny minnies. I think there is a way to achieve a healthy weight per each persons body size and structure.

However I do think obese people have a lot of health issues due to there weight. If you are unsure of what category of health you are in, calculate your BMI. BMI is “body mass index” and it determines your body fat by calculating height x weight.

BMI = (703)(W)/(H²)

Or use this formula for weight in kg and height in cm:

BMI = W/(H²)

Once you determine your BMI this is the scale that will interpret what category you are:

18.5 or less is underweight

18.5-24.9 is healthy

25-30 is overweight

30+ is obese

Example: If someone weighs 137 and they are 5’4 (64 inches) here are the calculations

(703)(137)/(64²)

(703)(137)/4096

96311/4096 = 23.51

This person is still in the “healthy zone”

Weight Loss Motivation | Reasons to Lose Weight

• Less health problems. Short term, long term, and overall!
• Feel better overall/more energy. Weight slows people down.
• Look better for yourself. Fit into those clothes you’ve been trying to get back into!
• Live longer. Keep your heart healthy and happy.
• Keep up with your kids! Even if you don’t have any, you can still use the mentality that if you had some you would want physical mobility to keep up with them.
• Breathe better. Be able to walk up stairs or around in general without losing your breath.
• Boost your sexual stamina!
• Because if you love yourself, you will do what’s best for your body; for your life.

People who shouldn’t lose weight… people who are already in the healthy BMI zone and have an unhealthy image complex and constantly think they need to be skinny. At that point I suggest mental health help.

Many people say they “will” or “want to” lose weight… but saying one thing is different then actually doing it. Be someone who says “I am achieving” and “now”. Pull deep within and realize that you need to do what it takes to lose the weight. Hire a coach, go to a gym, exercise lightly to start, hire a trainer, get a nutrition plan, learn to grocery shop better, learn to cook or prepare healthier food, and most of all get and have support.

If you need me, I am here for you. Contact me at: Blend@blendhappy.com

I’ll leave you with a quote I made up. It can apply to anything in life. I realized there are things I want, thing we all want and reach for, so I must remind myself of this constantly.

“If you want it, you can have it. But it’s up to YOU to make it happen.” ~Heather Romiti

If you are on my mailing list, be on the lookout this week for the “Top Weight Loss Foods and Vitamins” email. Even if you aren’t on a weight loss track, you can forward it to someone who is. Help spread the word to be healthy and Blendhappy!

The post Weight Loss Motivation appeared first on BlendHappy.

What is PB2 | PB2 Facts

PB2 is peanut butter in a powdered form, that when a liquid is added, becomes a peanut butter.

• Made with roasted peanut, sugar, and salt
• 2 TBS is 45 Calories and 13 fat calories
• 5g of Carbohydrates
• 1g of Sugar
• 5g Protein
• 1% of Vitamin A & Calcium
• 2g (8%) Fiber

PB2 is 85% less fat and calories than regular peanut butter! The most fun part is mixing it together… it feels like a science project to me; One minute you have powder, the next it’s peanut butter!

Read more and order at: http://www.bellplantation.com/nutrition

Here is another post, video, and recipe to enjoy: PB2 Review

PB2 is low calorie, low fat, and a source of antioxidants. Did you know peanuts are actually considered a legume? Well they are in the legume family. In fact, I have a whole article on Legumes and the health benefits.

Also sharing is caring… so please feel free to share the video, and any recipe ideas you have or suggest what you would like to see.

The post What is PB2 | How to use PB2 appeared first on BlendHappy.

I’m so passionate about my two businesses that I would not give up on them. Along with school and business, I’m also in the process of creating a new product line for Blendhappy. It may all sound time consuming, but when you are truly passionate about something, you make time and you won’t give up. I’m grateful I don’t have kids yet because then I’d really have no time! But if the time were to come, I’m sure my future hubby would help out and support my two businesses.

Tips for Time Management

1) Make a schedule and stick to it! Be, and stay, organized! Write down a daily to-do list, a weekly to-do list, and maybe you can go as far as two weeks to one month. Check off (or erase) tasks when they are complete.

2) Set aside hours per task. For example if I want to work on a clients website, and it’s a priority, I set aside 4-6 hours (depends on tasks). Then to work on Blendhappy I set up 2 hours for it, another 1 1/2 hrs for a workout, dinner, then school.

The schedule always varies…. if I’m caught up with work I do school, if I’m caught up with school I do work. Some things will have precedence over others if there is a deadline.

3) Cut out unnecessary activities. Sit down and make a list of want vs need (I also use this tactic when I want to buy something I don’t need).

I don’t watch tv… it’s a want vs a need. I play sports because I need and want to be active/have a social life because of the sports. When I have spare time instead of surfing the web, I work. I do set aside social time each week because I do believe socializing is healthy and technically a need because it’s not healthy to cut people off and become a hermit.

4) Stay positive and stay focused! Always, no matter what, keep a positive mindset. The minute I feel like saying I can’t or start thinking something won’t work… I stop myself and say the most positive things I can think. I then see ways to make things possible when I stay positive.

5) Finish what you start! Work on a task until it’s complete. Projects left undone build up and build stress. If I don’t finish a project, it can throw my whole schedule off.

If you need more help with managing time and tasks, have an accountability buddy. Accountability buddies can motivate each other, monitor each others progress, and help keep each other on track.

Bonus Tip

Set aside time for checking email and social networks. I check email and networks in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I don’t have the time to constantly be checking so I set up 3 times a day to check. This has helped me stay on track and not spend too much time on social networks.

I hope these tips help you out; even if you don’t run your own businesses.

If you have any other helpful hints to share; we would love to hear!

The post Time Management appeared first on BlendHappy.