Events Beyond

12/31/2023

Mediation Year Review Part Two-

On January 3rd, 2023, I committed to a daily meditation practice, even if just for five minutes. Initially, I doubted my ability to maintain this habit, questioning where I'd find the time and how to calm my mind. However, I soon realized that everyone can spare five minutes a day for meditation, whether it's first thing in the morning, during a shower, before bed, on your train ride to work, on a lunch break at work, on the sofa or bed with children etc. I have tried many types of mediation and have found styles that work best for me. I continue to test out practices that I didn't resonate with half a year ago to check if my preferences have changed. At times. organizes an annual Reset & Refresh Challenge, offering a different teacher, style, and session each day for a month. I plan to participate again for the2024 challenge once more to rejuvenate myself and explore whether I want to integrate new styles into my routine this year. Having absorbed wisdom from numerous experts, I understood that meditation isn't about emptying your mind or managing-controlling your thoughts. Instead, it's about acknowledging current thoughts without avoidance and remaining present in the moment. Meditation doesn't need to be a one-size-fits-all approach; what's important is finding a method that resonates with you and provides benefits.
Not every meditation session is profound or transformative, but the key lies in maintaining a consistent practice for self-improvement. I come back to the idea that the goal of meditation isn't to master the technique, but to improve the overall quality of life.Throughout 2024, I'll keep expressing thankfulness for my mental clarity, physical well-being, and the rhythm of my breathing.
If you're seeking extra motivation to embark on your meditation path, feel free to send me a direct message.
-
-
-
-

12/31/2023

Mediation Year Review Part One-

I started practicing meditation years back but couldn't keep it up regularly. I tried various apps, which I found challenging, but in 2020, amidst the pandemic, I found myself meditating more frequently and building a routine using . Despite this, my practice became intermittent. Recognizing its benefits, I decided to prioritize meditation again.

For a long time, I've been a follower of , the creator of and the writer of Stress Less, which is a fantastic book, by the way. Her words from years back struck a chord with me, and that's partly why the concept of meditation became clearer and why I felt the need to master it. She eloquently states "we meditate not to get good at meditation, but to get good at life."

This realization struck me as profound because it shifts the focus from being skilled at meditating to using meditation as a tool for better living and enhancing our experience of life.

07/18/2023

Haddock with Peach 🍑 Salsa served with Garlic Green Beans and Turmeric Basmati Rice

Quick Weekday Dinner-1/2hr using my and appliances.
Fish 🐟 from 6 pack wild caught filets
avocado oil🥑 spray

Veggies /fruit all from the local farmers market

See recipe below 👇 in comments
Peach Salsa Recipe is on its own post.


Ninja Kitchen nutribullet Chosen Foods Whole Foods Market Fourth & Heart

07/18/2023

Haddock with Peach Salsa 🍑 served with Garlic Green Beans and Turmeric Basmati Rice

Quick Weekday Dinner-1/2hr using my foodi digital air fry flip oven and everygrain cooker appliances.

See recipe below👇 in comments.
🐟 🍚
Chosen Foods Ninja KitchenFourth & HeartWhole Foods Marketnutribullet

07/18/2023

Peach Season is HERE!! 🍑
Peach Salsa with Red Onion, Peppers, Tomatoes, Jalapeño, Honey, Lime, and Seasonings. I used this over fish (recipe to follow) but you can use this recipe as an appetizer, over an entree or even top it on a salad.
See recipe below 👇 in comments.

05/26/2023

recipe.
I apologize for the delay on the this post. I had a lot more DM’s for this recipe than expected. I got back to a few of you who wanted to make the recipe right away but here it is the recipe the rest of you. I used the food processor to save a little time. I don’t always do this with scones but again this was a time saver for me when I made this batch. Make sure you use a high quality butter and that it’s very cold. I love using fresh fruit so make sure you gently fold the fruit in.

2 cups all-purpose gf flour
* gluten free flour works great
(You could use regular non gf flour for this recipe. As for coconut flour question I had. I have not tested it using it but I doubt that will work for this recipe. I didn’t account for the liquid that coconut flour requires and I don’t think the texture will work.)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
8 tablespoons butter (must be cold)
1 large egg
1/2 cup half-and-half or Malk almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon extract
I added nice squeeze of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 zested lemon. Reserve other half of lemon zest to top your scones or for your glaze whatever you prefer.
I used fresh fruit:
1/2 cup strawberries (chopped)
1/2 cup rhubarb (chopped)
Note: Fruit 1- 1/3 cup I went over 1 cup +1/3cup
Note: Fresh fruit will produce more moisture so you may need to add extra spoonful of flour to your mix if it’s too sticky.
Finishing the scones/egg wash +sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1-2 tablespoons sugar to sprinkle on top of the scones

*Directions below in comments*

05/06/2023

Happy Cinco!
fun with the hubby. I cooked us a yummy dinner. Our margaritas not only looked fabulous with dehydrated oranges and limes but they tasted delicious too! No premade mixes here. I always do fresh squeezed everything so they had zero added sugar just fresh squeezed limes, fresh squeezed orange juice, liquor, tequila, pink himalayan salt that’s it! Wish I could say it’s simple because the ingredients sure are but it’s labor of love lol! [ ]
I made ground pork tacos using Siete Family Foods spicy seasoning mix (first time- very good mix!) they were extra yummy! I made rice and beans but dinner would not be complete with out some homemade pico de gallo and of course guacamole never disappoints. It was up in here!

05/04/2023

04/13/2023

Whipped up one last batch of chili. I made it a little more and perfectly tangy!
I made my green verde version. It’s a ideal for spring- much lighter than a traditional red chili.

Recipe for my Quick Salsa Verde White Chicken Chili:

* baked and shredded (You could do or used cubed chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken)
* 2 cups salsa verde (green salsa), this time I used Trader Joe’s store-bought (extra for to toss in the chili)
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 4 (15 oz.) cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed or white beans
* 2 (15 oz.) pinto beans
* 1 can diced green chiles
* Avocado oil
* 5 tsp. cumin *more less based on taste preference
* 1 tsp. chili powder
* 1 tsp. paprika
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 lime. 1/2 for chili have to slice and serve as garnish
* 1/4 cilantro this time I used less because I only had dried
* Serve with green onions, lime wedge, cheese, avocado and tortilla chips


#

04/09/2023

Wishing everyone a sweet and hoppy Easter! 🐣🐇💐

[

]

03/21/2023

That’s a wrap on holiday fun. All of our meals were equally yummy but
are one of my absolute favorites. This was the first time we went all in on now that we are in CT and we will never go back. cornbeef was out of this world- omg it was so tender and simply the most delicious meat ever. The were heavenly! (cheese, kraut, special sauce, gf bread) what a combo. Already dreaming of next years Saint Patrick’s Day lol. 😉😅

03/18/2023

That’s a wrap- ! 21 spectacular classes, demos, and more! CRISTINA BARRAGAN you did it again! 🙌 You hosted a jam packed floral summit that was beyond incredible. You nailed the 10th and final summit!!!!!!!! I have been so lucky to have been part of fleursociety for so many years now. I have learned so much and every summit kept getting better. I’m thrilled I was able to attended 7 out of the 10 summits. I’m so sad the 10th summit is the final. Congratulations on a job well done!!!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You have been a bright light in the floral community. You have been real with us ever step of the way, beyond refreshing, and you never held back. Your sincere dedication to providing affordable floral leaning, tools, and resources has been greatly appreciated. I have learned so much from you and all the amazing floral educators you have brought in over the years. I love that you wrapped it up with and it was much needed.
Thank you so very much. I’m glad you will still be in the industry and doing things even if it’s on a smaller scale. Best of luck in your new season of life!
In the meantime let’s keep the coming. 🌸🌺🌷

 

03/17/2023

Feeling a little green today! 💚☘️💚
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! ☘️

I just love our ! . One of my - even more excited for leftovers…. REUBEN SANDWICHS here we come!

02/14/2023

Valentine’s Day floral wreath arrangement made with love via , .



[   for: ]

02/13/2023

fun!
But first, we snacked!!!!

My love for hosting may have took over. Homemade Jalapeño poppers, goat cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, buffalo chicken dip, Mexican dip, chaurette board, cheesecake brownies, cookie, and more!
Although the game may have all been about the food and drinks we scored in winning conversation. 😉
All joking aside the game turned out to be pretty darn good. kansas city , played a crazy good game!

"Live with a purpose, play with a purpose." ― Russell Wilson