Tuesday Turmoil

I hinted at this on my latest IG post…(go follow me to read heh).

When there is something I don’t want to do or something I don’t like but I need to do anymore, I try to make it better, more special somehow. I’m not perfect and there are times when I get stuck in the negative thinking, but my go-to response is to try to make it fun!

A lot of time it’s just for myself, and that’s pretty much all that matters. No one might know that I just went to get a latte at Starbucks because it’s a little treat.  Or I took the long way home for a change of scenery. I think it’s so easy to get caught up in our daily lives, doing what we’re “supposed to do.” We forget that we have the power to change anything at anytime. Yes, it might not be easy but after awhile of this kind of bigger thinking, you get the hang of it.

The idea for this came from me hating Tuesdays. I shouldn’t say I hate them, but they sure are my least favorite day of the week.  I can think of redeeming qualities for every other day but Tuesday. It’s not a fresh start like Monday. Wednesday is the peak from which you can see the other side, and it’s obviously not a weekend day. I don’t know, it’s just boring. Sorry Tuesday.

Something hit me this morning that I don’t need to just get through all the rest Tuesdays I get to experience in my life, I can actually enjoy them!

Seriously, Whitney. Duh.

How did I not realize this before? I know I always get to decide how I feel so why did I forget I could change my narrative around Tuesdays too?

I started with trying to think of all the good points of Tuesdays.  Well, I didn’t come up with more than like two.

  1. It’s a blank slate.
  2. A lot of new podcast episodes are released on Tuesdays.

That’s it, you guys. All I could think of.

Sooo…my next plan of attack is that I create new experiences for myself. Plan a little treat or something unique on a Tuesday every week. Could be little or big. Now this was a fun list to create.

  1. Try a new fitness class
  2. Schedule a wellness practice (ie. salt lounge, meditation)
  3. Cook a special dinner
  4. Go to the library and find a new book
  5. Buy a fancy cappuccino (I basically always get black coffee or Americanos)
  6. Get a facial, manicure, spa treatment (or to save money, have an Epsom salt bath/face mask situation at home!)
  7. Go window shopping
  8. Make lunch plans with a friend
  9. Plan a TV free night
  10. Bake cookies

Of course you can tailor it to your hobbies and things you love. I believe if I make just this little bit of effort to plan a small, fun thing, I’ll break out of my routine bubble and, who knows?, maybe even begin to look forward to Tuesdays!

~Whitney

P.S. What day of the week do you dread? What do you do to make something more fun?

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meditation motivation

Oh hey, yeah, it’s super trendy and that usually annoys me a little, but meditation is pretty magical.

In this day and age, I think it’s an even more important tool now to help with improving our mental health. Every moment we’re surrounding by media. Technology is always waiting at our fingertips to give our brains new ideas and concepts. We can barely think our own thoughts anymore without some kind of outside influence.

I am not going to lie and say I meditate every day or really even on a set schedule, however, when I set aside time to sit quietly and do nothing, shifts happen in my life.

There are so many resources out there today to help you but you honestly don’t need a single thing to get started.

This summer I started meditating outside and it’s been nice but you can do it anywhere that feels right. If I’m feeling extra fancy I’ll light a candle and maybe hold a crystal or two.  It’s not necessary though! It’s too easy for me to skip it because it’s not the “perfect” time or setup. (What is that trait? Perfectionism or just an excuse to procrastinate?  That’s a mystery for another time.) Literally, you can meditate anywhere without a single prop.

Anyway, it depends on my mood what type of meditation I feel like doing.

Ways to meditate:

Solo – In your car, bedroom, on a park bench…Use headphones with music if you want but it’s not necessary unless you’re trying to tune out some outside noise. I suggest just instrumental music; lyrics usually make me think too much. I’m a dork and love movie soundtracks (Legends of the Fall…swoon) and Jim Brickman.

During exercise – Any cardio is great for this, I think because of the repetitive motion, like running, walking, biking, ellipticalling…that’s a word, right? I rarely wear headphones when running (unless I’m going for speed on a gym treadmill. I like the music for a motivation boost!) and it’s such great thinking time. It’s not classic meditation but it’s mind-clearing time where I come up with a lot of solutions to things I’ve been mulling over.

Group meditation – look around for events on Facebook.  A couple places in my area that have meditations now and then are The Salt Lounge, Bldg 7 Yoga, and Integrative Healing Arts. At first I thought this might be strange, sitting silently in a room with a bunch of people, but it’s usually been great. There’s a different energy when you’re all together.

Apps – If you can’t tear yourself away from your phone, you might like an app to help you get started with meditation. I’ve heard great things about the Headspace app!

YouTube – I’ve been known to search randomly on YouTube for meditations.  There are thousands out there but it can also be a little overwhelming.  I recommend listening to the first few seconds of one before committing. I def. can’t stand certain people’s voices or overall vibes and have to switch to a new one asap!

Journaling – I wasn’t sure if I should include this as a type since it’s a little more active but I think it’s an excellent practice and can definitely be meditative. If you’re not used to writing, start with a prompt. Soon you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to write from your heart, not your mind. Cliché but true.

It’s seriously about just quieting your thoughts for a few minutes. I get clarity, and weirdly, feel more energized after I meditate. Sometimes I’ll do it in bed and then realize I’m a little more awake!  Not really what I was going for then, but it’s amazing at what just sitting still does for me.

If you’re not sure where to start, do this: Set a timer for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and just notice your thoughts. Don’t try to get rid of them or change them, just notice how they come up and how they flow away and onto the next one. There’s no forcing your brain to be quiet, it’s more the action of letting go of the thought, not trying to understand it. Once your timer goes off, just go about your day. See if sitting quietly gets a little easier after each time you do it.

There will oddly be times where I crave it now. Sometimes I just want to grab a notebook and write some random thoughts. Anyway I do it is time well spent.

I’d love to hear your experiences meditating or why you haven’t gotten in to it before!

~Whitney

 

 

Whitney Victoria5 Comments

Changes Afoot

With the new year comes new moments, new goals, new lives.  Changes can happen any time of the year but something is different when the calendar starts over.

I can feel it this year way more than others.  I remember last year trying so hard to make 2017 begin with some kind of magic that just wasn’t there.  I guess you just can’t force the magical moments.  You gotta just let it flow.

I’ve been on a tiny health kick since January 1 and it feels good.  It was not a big plan I set out to do but it’s been nice eating my vegetables again and not being so quick to add in junk.  (I say this after eating 4 pieces of chocolate but still, that’s better than last week!  Eeeesh!) Basically the whole month of December I had dessert every night, dairy in my coffee, sugar at evvvvery meal in some shape or form.  There was less sleep, more drinks.  Less meditating, more late nights.

Pic from my (free) Shady Maple birthday breakfast.  It was heaven.  Let’s not talk about how many plates I packed away…IMG_7237

It was fun in small doses but I’ve never been one for that lifestyle.  I’ve been going to bed by 9pm for as long as I can remember.  Seriously, my friends made fun of me in high school.  I never cared because sleep makes me feel amazing.

Finally, I feel the tides turning back to my norm.

Along with the healthier meals, I’ve always been reading before bed.  (Real live books!) I’ve missed that and even in just a few days I notice the calmness I feel when falling asleep.

I am completed excited and ready to manifest my goals but I’m only sharing a few here.  No shame whatsoever but I’m still working through the specific on some steps and I’d like to keep ’em close to the chest for now.

A smattering of 2018 #goalsss:

  • Read at least 25 books – self-development, fiction, whatever!
    • So satisfying and I learn massive amounts of great things from reading, no matter the genre.
  • Build my blog – I know it seems simple but I love it.
    • It’s good challenging and I have hundreds of ideas of what I’d like it to become.
  • Meditate and/or journal daily – no matter how little it is.
    • I love a good ritual.
    • I’m allowing even just one sentence jotted down or like 8 minutes of mediation if that’s all that happens one day!
  • Kick-box (and train hard again)
    • I’ve been talking about kickboxing for YEARS and never tried it.  No idea why but it’s time.  I see myself loving it and it fits in with my slightly obsessed Rocky, triumphant underdog fantasies.
    • I also need to get my semi-abs back and stronger than ever.
  • Speak up.  Put my true self out there.  Stand up and be confident.
    • It’s so easy when I stop “trying.” Trying to be perfect, trying to make someone else happy, trying to take care of things.
  • Be debt-free
    • One of those things I took for granted until I realized it was an issue.  I’m ready for financial freedom.  I 100% believe it’s possible because I’ve seen it.
  • Follow a mostly clean diet with indulgences I truly enjoy.
    • How I feel the best.  No time for eating junk that doesn’t thrill me anymore. You know you’ve eaten a cupcake purely because it was there?  It was dry, the icing was too sweet, and all of a sudden you feel gross.  Yeah, not happening.
    • One, amazing slice of peanut butter pie? Baby, it’s worth it.

A super flattering picture of me cradling my new matcha set!  I’m really excited to get into and even, dare I say it, drink a little, tiny bit less coffee this year. img_7249.jpg

  • Do a monthly check-in with myself
    • I’m using my beautiful Desire Map Planner that I highly recommend.  Check it out right here!  (I’m gong to do a detailed post about tit.  It’s not too late to get one for the year!
      • My planner actually has a check-in prompt at the beginning of every month so it makes it super easy for me. I’ve done the overall 2018 pages and obviously the January one.

And a snap of my planner and breakfast (real muffin pieces in this bar, people)!  Weird color, trust me, the actually shades are much prettier and ocean-esque.IMG_7320

Those are the “big goals.”  I have a few random to-dos like go to another Broadway show and learn to roller blade (I know, I’m 29.  I should already know how or I shouldn’t bother.  hah! A girl can dream…and boy, do I. Always have, always will. )

Think big or stay small.

Please share any goal you want to achieve this year with me!  I’m so curious how everyone is feeling about their clean slates, excited, anxious or anywhere in between.

Much love! You deserve it.

~Whitney Victoria

 

 

Whitney Victoria4 Comments

To Resolve or Not to Resolve

I am all about making resolutions. They keep me on track with what I really want to be doing for the year. It’s actually a comfort thinking about them throughout the months so I don’t end up in October wondering how I got there with nothing to show for it.  It’s easy to slide along every day not working toward anything because you don’t want to put even the tiniest amount of pressure on yourself.

There was a revolt a few years ago that is still continuing.  People seem to think making resolutions is a bad thing because you get disappointed when you fail.  But, I’m sorry, does that mean we should stop trying?  Does that mean we shouldn’t even attempt a turn-around? I see nothing wrong with jotting some things down that you know you want to change.  Sure, if there are things you resolve to quit or start because you think you should do them, well now, that’s when you get into guilt-laden territory.

It’s completely possible to have goals you love all year long and not get discouraged. There are small tweaks I’ve done every time I actually committed to completing a resolution.

My tips for happy goals:

  • Pair a larger goal with a “fun” goal.
  • Make it positive! Add in a healthy habit, instead of kicking a bad one.
    • i.e. Don’t quit sugar cold turkey.  Commit to eating one serving of vegetables with two meals/day.
  • Pick one generic, attainable goal.  This will make you feel great when you can cross it off your list! Plus, it will give you confidence in your greater goals.
    • I.e. Drink 8 glasses of water daily.
  • Choose one daunting goal.  Write out tiny steps that edge you closer.
    • I.e. Pay off credit card debt = Sell one item on eBay/week>Use an extra $50/month towards debt>Pay more than minimum payment/month, etc.
Best New Year Motivational & Inspirational Quotes Collection
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I’m including some revamped printable resolution worksheets I found around.  They aren’t your run-of-the-mill goal sheets.  I love tradition but I also love seeing things from a new perspective or slightly tweaking the original picture.  Kind of like when top chefs do a spin on a classic dish.  I love that.  Sooo, here are a few different ways to write down a few resolutions. (A few sources might ask for your email to get the PDFs sent to you.) Or check out Pinterest for your own ideas!

2018 I Purpose to. via source.

The Ultimate List of 2018 New Year Resolution Ideas

More of This/Less of This worksheet

Family New Year’s Resolutions

Two pics from the holiday weekend to close!

Christmas EveIMG_7130Christmas DayIMG_7172

I am not yet finished making my list.  I’ve had a very low-key New Year’s Eve for the last few years completely by choice.  It’s when I have a drink, sit down, and write from my heart.  I’m able to hear clearly what I’m supposed to be doing.

I would absolutely love to hear your resolutions and goals for 2018!

January 1 or not, remember, you always have a chance to start over.

~Whitney Victoria

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Supermoons and Staycays

Crazy lunar happenings this week.  It’s a supermoon (full moon) in Gemini and the first feels of Mercury in retrograde.  don’t worry if you missed the moon last night!  It’s the closest it’s been to Earth for all of 2017 right now so you can still see it in all it’s glory tonight.

The Moon is most powerful when at Full Moon, when her light outshines the light of the Sun and our emotions are stronger than our Solar consciousness. Just look at the Full Moon. The Full Moon is honest, the Full Moon reveals herself entirely. When full, the Moon wants to expose everything, to show things as they really are The Full Moon on the 3rd of December is in Gemini, and will be all about illuminating the truth. (source)

“The full Moon on the Gemini / Sagittarius axis is a quest for the truth.”

In a few weeks, it will be Capricorn season-aka Whitney season. I can tell already.  I’ve decided years ago just how intuitive I am and I can honestly say I feel the effects of things like this.  There’s a spark in the air around my birthday.  It’s easier to hear my thoughts and drop facades and let myself have more fun.  I never put two and two together until now actually….that’s probably why I love the holidays!  I just always attributed it to being festive and in the spirit but now it all makes sense that it’s probably closely linked to my time of year.

I finally decided on a new planner from Danielle LaPorte for next year and I’m excited to use that little baby.  It’s beautiful and massive and full of good words.  Check it out!  LOVE the look and feel.

I’m using it this week to remember all the things I want to be and how I stopped myself from fulfilling that potential the past few months.  In a good way.  Nothing too deep…that’s not true.  I want to go real deep and listen to my soul (feel free to insert eye roll).  We teach people how to treat us by how we treat ourselves, which brings me to my second point.

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I have vacation this entire week.  Long story short: I had a trip planned that my inner self was so not feeling so I cancelled. The minute I got my hotel refund, I felt crazy relief.  What I’ve been craving was time away but not away.  You get it? (Staycay?  Yes way!  Hah!) Now I’m doing some major R&R and detoxing in the form of workouts, clean eating, and home organization and cleansing ala Marie Kondo. Attachment gets us nowhere, my friends. I also have scheduled a facial.  It’s literally been years since I had one and I don’t want to wait until my skin hates me to start that pampering.  Lets be proactive. I’m not getting any younger, although it is said to be true that Capricorns age in reverse.  I can attest to the fact that I used to think I was like a 35 year old and serious as a jr. high kid.  Now I think I’m 16.  Don’t hate me when I’m youthfully glowing at age 72.

Anyway, enjoy the holiday vibes going on just about everywhere and take time for YOU in between all that present shopping.

Case in point below.  A wonderful Whole Foods trip that involved lots of gifts for family members also included me finding this (yet-to-be tasted) Mint Cocoa Califia Farms almond milk creamer.  Um yeah, I bought it for myself.  It was a necessity.  All in the name of self-love.  As was posing for a pic in front of the bulk nuts. IMG_6680

Be good to yourself this time of the month!  It’s not just the full moon phase; it’s almost a new calendar year.  2018 is in sight.  This is when you reassess and are able to see things in a new light.  We all have things we want to leave behind. It might have been wonderful once but nothing is meant to last forever and stay the same.

There’s nothing wrong with moving on from what no longer serves us.  Make room for the new surprises.

~Whitney Victoria

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Autumn Apple Cinnamon Pancakes (GF!)

Happy Monday morning!

I’m all about the Christmas vibes already.  Got my first holiday Starbucks cup of the season and felt like a tiny child, ready for Santa.

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I’ve been meal prepping for the holidays, all geared up to bake all the recipes I can.

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I’m in love with these flowers I got at the farmer’s market for $5!  They’re cute and just what I want to see when I walk in the front door.

img_6255.jpgLet’s start things off fresh with some fall-inspired breakfast treats.  I wanted pancakes, and I wasn’t feeling my protein versions.  They are great most of them time but really don’t compare to the real thing.  However, I didn’t feel like eating the original, white flour recipe that only keeps me full for about an hour.

Fuji apples make me drool.  They’re always so sweet and crisp and I wanted them in breakfast.

IMG_6269Oh, and I had some brown rice flour I’ve been meaning to use up so they just so happened to be gluten free and fabulous.

These pancakes are soft and fluffy and are the perfect recipe to prep the night before for a Fall brunch or prep for the week’s breakfast like I did.  I loosely based mine off this recipe.

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes – Gluten Free

Makes about 6 pancakes

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup almond milk 

2 eggs

1 flax egg (1 tbs ground flax seed soaked in 2 tbs water – takes about 90 seconds)

1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

2 tsp honey – I used raw

1 tsp cinnamon

1 chopped apple – I like keeping the skin on but you could peel it!

  • Whisk eggs together with flax egg
  • Add milk
  • Add in melted coconut oil
  • Add honey, salt, and baking soda
  • Whisk in flour until there are no lumps
  • Cover bowl and refrigerate at least an hour or overnight
  • Spray pan and cook on stovetop at medium heat, flipping once.
  • Enjoy topped with sliced apples, 1 tsp butter, and 1 tsp maple syrup per 2 pancakesimg_6286.jpg.

This same recipe would be great with blueberries or chocolate chips too!  Let me know if you try them, please!

What are you favorite pancake mix-ins?

~Whitney Victoria

 

 

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What You Seek is Seeking You

See I told you November is special!  Look at this amazing info I found from Forever Conscious about numerology linking November with the master number 11.

“November is a highly sacred month in numerology and is considered one of the most meaningful points of the year.
This is because November is a number 11 month and in numerology, 11 holds the sacred vibration of creativity, oneness and higher consciousness.
In 2017, this energy is going to be further amplified seeing as it is a number 1 year, with the most significant dates being November 1, 10, 11, 28 and 29.”

I’m sorry, I spoke too soon and won’t go in to depth on meditation today because I really listening to myself and I’m into numerology at the moment.  I don’t want to do meditation an injustice by rushing through that subject.  I know you’re waiting on the edge of your seats so next week, I swear!

Numerology starts with your personal Life Path Number.  You can find yours by doing a simple formula.  All from numerology.com

How to find your Life Path number

First, reduce each unit of your birth date (month/day/year) to a single-digit number or a Master number (Master numbers are 11, 22 and 33). Next, add each of the resulting digits (or Master numbers) together and reduce the total again to a single digit, or a Master number.

For example, if you were born on October 12, 1936, you would calculate your Life Path as follows:

Month: October is the 10th month of the year. 10 reduces to 1 (1 + 0 = 1).

Day: The date of birth is 12. 12 reduces to 3 (1 + 2 = 3).

Year: The year of birth is 1936. 1936 reduces to 1 (1 + 9 + 3 + 6 = 19, then 1 + 9 = 10 and finally 1 + 0 = 1).

Now add the resulting single-digit numbers: 1 + 3 + 1 = 5.

The Life Path number in this case is 5.

It just so happens that I am a 5 just like the example!

I read about my life path number here and there for years and yet never identified with it.

For some reason, I had so much resistance toward letting myself know it’s okay.  It’s okay to get tired of something after a few months and and then move on to something else I”m  in love with.  Clearly, that’s something my number its known for.

Being a 5 means “change is a necessity for you. You have an uncompromising need for freedom and you will not be told what to do. This often makes careers a struggle. You may flit from job to job before finding your path, and even then there is no guarantee. You do best in environments that suit your need for change and independence such as consulting or owning your own business. However, once you put your mind to something, friends and family are impressed by your dedication and focus.

You are adaptable, smart and progressive and your respect for independence is reflected in your tolerant nature. However, this tolerance also makes you more likely to trust the wrong people. Fives are a poor judge of character and are often drawn to eccentric, unstable people. Your desire for instant gratification is usually your downfall, but with discipline and a stable family-like structure this can be avoided.” (source)

I challenge you guys to find your life path number and read a little bit about it, because it’s like a horoscope-fun and as meaningful as you make it!

Now on to Christmas things I spotted at Target because I’m obsessed and can’t wait not that Halloween’s over.  Don’t worry, I appreciate Thanksgiving too!

They had the most amazing rack of Christmas dresses.  Sweaters, velvet, plaid!  All there.  I’d like one of each please.IMG_6244Christmas Dollar Zone!IMG_6242I noticed this weird little DVD shelf and I’m 99% positive that it’s in preparation for Black Friday.  The stores start setting up the displays now and then just put the sale signs up.  I’m in the know…IMG_6245Nog! LOVE non-dairy egg nog.  I’m excited to try the Stumptown Winter Cheer creamer too. IMG_6246My current phone wallpapers.  This saying is my favorite and this illustration of it seemed wonderful for may background.IMG_6237

Also, this one. is my locked screen. It makes me happy looking at both of these quotes. IMG_6235A beautiful picture on my run the other day.  I don’t remember seeing the trees in Fall other years on this trail. IMG_6209And…this was my night’s supper.  It was so amazing and perfect. Grey’s plus the Baskin Robbins’ pralines n’ cream ice cream was just what the doctor ordered.

Have a beautiful Friday and tell me what your life path number is pretty please!

P.S. Watch out of the insane Taurus full moon on Friday/Saturday!  Read this for some tips on handling this little baby.

~Whitney Victoria

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Tigers Eye Tuesdays

It’s okay.  I ran today.  That’s what I need to share with you guys.  It’s tough to convince yourself after weeks (possibly months…whoops!) of not running that it’s a good idea again.  I had this moment sitting at my desk that I just knew I needed to get outside. My gear was in my car so I headed to my first choice trail.  I always carry pepper spray on the paths and don’t wear headphones.  I have more control over my thoughts without music blaring in my ears and I like to be aware of my surroundings.  It was just 2 miles but I felt alive and accomplished afterward.  Something that helps me with motivation and protection on a regular basis is tigers eye.  So….IMG_5389.JPG

I’m back with some crystal clarity.

Tigers Eye has been one of my faves when I was little and had a rock collection.  There are a few types but I’m mostly referring to the most common today Golden Tigers Eye.   It’s goldish brown and has a stripe running through it that looks like the “eye of the tiger.”  It’s mystical.  That stripe seems to move with the light.

I wear this bracelet probably 5-7 days a week.  My mom made if for me and I love the energy infused in it.  It’s a little reminder I’m strong and protected everytime I see or feel it.fullsizeoutput_1da7I thought it was a good choice to highlight this stone in October because this month is about stepping into your greatness and getting clear on your true desires.

Tigers Eye

Quick Stats:

  • Element: Fire
  • Astrological association: Capricorn
  • Chakra: Solar Plexus
  • Message: Embrace your personal power
  • Properties:
    • Good luck
    • Protection
    • Clarity and inner focus
    • Courage and determination
    • Prosperity

I love this description.  I want to be a Radiant Warrior.

Lori A Andrus | Step into your sacred Path

Here’s more insight from Energy Muse.

Use Tiger’s Eye healing properties to focus on your prey, form your strategy of attack, and wait for the perfect moment to pounce. Tigers might be the largest feline in the world, but they still allow lions to be kings of the jungle. Channeling a powerful medicine, Tiger’s Eye crystal healing properties teaches us to live with integrity by encouraging the balance of power. Instead of competing with others to stay on top, Tiger’s Eye allows us to climb that career mountain and aim for the stars on our own terms.

This stone is straight up fierce and I need a little of that in my life.  I didn’t realize until doing some research for this post how closely the stone’s name is tied to the animal.  I have gained an even greater appreciation for it now.  Tigers are so mysterious and beautiful, stalking their prey, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce.  They’re rare and terrifying and captivating.  Now, you don’t have to “believe” in crystal healing to get something out if this. Maybe you want some new style ideas.  I picked a few tigers eye pieces that inspire me.

Bracelet 
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Loafers 
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Tank 
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Layered necklacep294117_2
Pendulum necklace

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Bomber Jacket fullsizeoutput_1da1

Be fierce and stand in your power.

~Whitney Victoria

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October is Here

It’s started feeling like October…  That means two things: I’m fully embracing Fall even though it’s bright and sunny and not completely sweater weather.  And, I’m reading every horoscope I can find in an effort to know that to expect.  When a wellness obsession meets control issues, this is what happens.  I fully admit I go through times when I’m so desperate to know what the future holds that I grasp at straws to get any kind of insight.  It’s so hard to just “let go” and trust that everything unfolds just as it should.

Anyway, October has been a month I’ve been anxious to arrive basically since January 2017. I’m not entirely sure why.

Libra Season.  My moon is in Libra.  (Your moon sign is about your inner feelings…you know, those things I don’t share with anyone because I’m locked up like a Gringotts bank vault.) Libra is all about creating a space for equal communication so everyone is happy and feels understood. (Balance, people. Libra’s symbol is the scales of justice.)

Sometimes I think I just want to stayed holed up all Sunday but I end up feeling like I’m in the Shining.  I need a few hours to recharge and it’s amazing but too much and it becomes isolating.  So, as I put on some easy listening, I do some self-love practices…which means I’m in the bathroom exfoliating, conditioning, manicuring, and lord knows what else, for approximately 4 hrs.  A girl’s life…Before this went down, I walked to the farmer’s market to get out of the house.  The market was a nice little jaunt in the sun.  It let me enjoy the beautiful weather.  I didn’t come away with much but I’m happy with it all.

Organic raspberries, that are late for the season but I couldn’t resist. I’m thinking about throwing them in a chocolate protein pancake.  IMG_5362

I splurged on a raspberry mocha since i’m usually the black iced coffee kind of girl and I’m happy to report this was delicious!  And, I swear to God, those leaves were there; they were not planted for the photo.  Honest.

IMG_5323Last week I was fantasizing about flowers but couldn’t seem to find what I had in mind.  These were colorful and fall-y enough!  IMG_5308

I thought these sweet potatoes were funny-looking so of course I bought them!  I have a soft-spot for homely things like Charlie Brown Christmas trees.  Underdogs, runts of a litter?  They speak my language.  IMG_5360

Not a farmer’s market find but I like to prep some vegetables for the week on Sundays.  I went green on green.  Broccoli and green beans with diced onions.  I throw them on salads or in eggs for breakfast and sometimes dinner.  It’s worth doing it ahead of time for so many reasons.  Nutritional yeast on broccoli is wonderful.

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Showing off the bright and beautiful wreath made by my mommy that I loved for summer but I’m feeling it’s time for something for autumn inspired!  I think I’m going to try my hand at wreath arranging this go round.  I see burlap and bows…IMG_5302I’m obsessed with this top I bought at Nordstrom Rack like 2 months ago but it hasn’t been cold enough to wear it until now.  It’s soft like wearing pjs.  Bell sleeves are everywhere and I’m all aboard. I would like this one in the other 8 colors.IMG_5255

Moccasins are back with a vengeance for at least the next 6 months of my life.  It’s the ultimate loungey, cool shoe vibe I like to go for.IMG_5270

Welp, I’m all beauty-prepped, food-prepped, and as mentally-prepped as I’d like to be so bring on October.  Look at that sunlighting!IMG_5326

“I’m glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”  -Anne of Green Gables

~Whitney Victoria

 

Whitney Victoria2 Comments

Make it Happen: New Moon Manifesting

My morning mental capacity was used up by brainstorming Halloween costumers.  It’s not my absolute favorite holiday but it’s a chance to dress up that I refuse to miss.  I love when I have multiple plans so I can have two costumes, tailored to the event…  I have no shame in looking cute and not 100% authentic. I’m so torn between one that’s probably going to be on every other little girl and college coed, and another character that no one will get.  Who knows what I’ll end up wearing!

On to more timely things…

September 19 “the new moon will arrive in Virgo, 27 degrees. All new moons open a portal of energy in which you have two weeks to take action.” (AstrologyZone)

I’m in manifesting mode tonight!  Virgo is about healing the mind, body and soul.  Being kind to ourselves and knowing we have the answers if we listen to ourselves is power.  (Intuitive Astrology)IMG_7884

It’s appropriate that I pulled the Ace of Swords from Rock Star Crystals in NYC.  This card is about mental clarity.  Exactly what I’ll need for this week. It also stands for courage.  In short, this is the meaning: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”  Aces trump all other cards in a reading, giving it a positive vibe.

Last new moon I went to a meditation and wrote down some intentions before we meditated.  It was around 10am but it actually doesn’t matter since the moon’s energy is there regardless of day or night. Then we went to brunch and discussed our individual experiences.  That’s my kind of a day date.

“Happily, the perfect new moon will arrive in Virgo on September 19, and all the little planets will be there to greet the magnificent moon and her partner, the Sun. This new moon will unlock your luck being brought from the five heavenly bodies clustered there. The moves you make quickly, in the ten days following that new moon, will color the six months to follow.”

“A new moon represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of another new 28 day cycle. The new moon on September 20 is the first new moon since the total solar eclipse on August 21. Eclipses mark the beginning of a six-month phase with certain goals or aims.  Each new moon within the eclipse cycle represents a new stage of development of your long-term goals.”

You can be an over-achiever and do an entire ritual if you please.  Try this.  Or, you can just jot down some dreams you wish to create.  The moon’s working OT for you so you don’t have to go to a ton of trouble!

This is one of the best descriptions I’ve read describing the difference between the New Moon and the Full Moon.  “The new Moon has a more inward feel, has a void or empty quality, and therefore can be frightening to those not comfortable with uncertainty. Can you learn to trust the dark? It’s the moment when the old passes away and the new is not yet here. That’s why it’s a powerful time for sending out your prayer, wishes, desires to the Universe.” – source

**I had to share this great article on smudging and using sage that I found today from Spiritual Gangster’s blog.

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(Source)

Happy Manifesting!

~Whitney Victoria

 

 

Whitney Victoria2 Comments