Christmas Time in the Woods

Snow falling outside of the house.

I've been at my boyfriend's parents house for the past week, enjoying fireside lounges, family feasts, and snowy walks in the woods. It's felt like the quintessential Christmas, complete with a wood cabin and heavy snowfall. Although I'm kind of sad to be leaving tomorrow, I'm looking forward to Christmas round 2 at my parents' place by the ocean in Victoria, BC. 

Happy holidays everyone!  

May you have many a magical moment this season.

xo Beth

My love and I :)

Fireside lounges are the best.

The view from the fire.

DIY Face & Body Scrubs: Rose & Peppermint, and More!

I'm a big fan of making my own body products. a) It's just so fun and b) You can quality control and make sure only the best of the best gets into your potions! This Christmas, I decided to transform my love of homemade goodies into presents for my friends and fam.

In this post, I'm showing you how to put together your own face & body scrubs for your beloveds.

I like this gift because not only is it beautiful, but practical as well. I exfoliate my face every week or two, usually just with raw sugar. But I decided to spice it up for my gifts, and throw in a juicy medley of oatmeal, raw sugar, herbs, and essential oils.

From the ingredients above, with the addition of essential oils, I crafted the following mixes for my friends and family:

• White Pine & Thistle
• Rose & Peppermint
• Oatmeal & Rose

I didn't end up using the lavender, as I saved that for my bath salts. (Watch for the upcoming DIY post on those)

Here are the ingredients I used, feel free to substitute different herbs and essential oils:

Raw Organic Cane Sugar

Wild White Pine Essential Oil, Organic Peppermint Essential Oil

Organic Thistle

Organic Rose Petals

Organic, Gluten-Free Oats

And for the method:

1) Grind up the oats in a blender or food processor (I used the flat blades in a magic bullet) to create a soft, powdery consistency.

2) Grind up the rose petals, thistle, or any of the other herbs you are using if you'd like it to be a face AND body scrub. You don't want any harsh edges if you are going to be using this on your face. If you decide not to grind the herbs, make sure to label the concoction as just a body scrub.

3) In a mason jar, or other glass jar, combine any herbs or essential oils of your choosing with the raw sugar and ground up oats. It really doesn't matter how much of each herb or essential oil you use, as long as the bulk of the product is sugar & oats. You can layer them neatly, or mix them all up. This is where you get to be totally creative.

And that's it! I labelled my final product with some shipping tags and coloured hemp string.

The One Key to Speeding Your Manifestations That No One Is Talking About

You meditate regularily. You're keeping your thoughts positive. You go to yoga, are a devotee of Gabrielle Bernstein, and drink the odd green juice.

You're doing everything "right", but you seem to be blocked in some way. Things aren't happening as fast as you'd like them to. You feel a bit scattered, as if all of your energy isn't in one place.

And that's because it isn't.

There's something that most speakers, authors, and motivational peeps aren't talking about. (With the exception of a few, namely Doreen Virtue and Kris Carr)

Our daily choices dictate whether our energy is aligned or scattered.

This something is key to aligning your energy, so you have more power, more authenticity behind every move. It is the secret to actual real and tangible change on this planet. It is where positive intention meets guided action.

And it all has to do with the daily choices we make. The places we choose to spend our dollars. I'm going to get right to the point:

Most if not all big box, brand name cleaning supplies, body products, clothing, and food products are ravaging the planet, as well as it's people, and animals. 

Many toxins are found in shampoos, all purpose cleaners, etc that cannot be filtered out by our city's water system. They inevitably leach into our waterways - streams, rivers, and oceans, killing ecosystems, and affecting the quality of our air, our food, and our planet.

Companies like Johnson & Johnson, who own Band-Aid and Aveeno, and Procter & Gamble test on animals. They try out cleaning supplies and pesticides in alarming ways (like feeding dogs pesticides), corroding their bodies, and more.

Most clothing made in China (and beyond) comes from sweatshops, where workers are beyond inhumanely treated, forced to work insane hours to make yet another low quality sweater which may be thrown out in months.

From toothpaste to all purpose cleaner, the more natural & plant based, the better.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. I'm already feeling a little bit sick. I spent the better part of a year researching the systems which provide us most of the products on the market today, and in a word - they're disgusting. They're not only toxic for the planet, but for our bodies and minds as well. They're making us sick.

On a manifestation level, when we say one thing and do differently, it's out of alignment with our truths. 

When we feel love for the ocean, for animals, and for fair trade practices, yet we consistently put our money towards systems that are killing them, we aren't walking our talk. And as such, we don't take advantage of what happens when our actions reflect our beliefs - groundedness, authenticity, honesty. The very vibrations that help us to manifest quickly, and live joyously.

Please keep in mind, this is not about guilt. Previously, when you've purchased brands like Herbal Essences, Tide, and American Eagle, you didn't know what systems were behind them. You didn't know the backstory to each of those products.

This isn't about perfection either. It's about progress. One step at a time we can live more authentically. And while most of us aren't able to 100% get off these systems just yet (I'm still reliant on the oil & gas industry myself) it's important that we take the first step. That is the most important one.

So now you know the real story, it's time to empower yourself by changing these actions. Making over your entire product list may seem daunting, so start small. Change out one shiesty product for one ethical one every week, and watch your life change.

I promise. Your life will change.  

Here's what I'd recommend:

Cleaning Supplies
Substitute with a brand like Seventh Generation, or make your own.

Body Products
Check out Sea Wench Naturals, Aubrey Organics, Jason, or support a local business.

Clothes
Try Ethical Ocean, Riva's Eco Store, or shop at trendy thrift stores!

Food 
Shop Organic & Local whenever possible and always avoid GMOs (think non-organic corn, soy, and canola to start with)

How to Choose the Perfect Crystal

Not surprisingly, I get lots of questions about crystals. I've spent the last 11 months working with them, turning them into jewellery, and of course, matching the perfect stone to the perfect person during my custom crystal sessions. During this time, crystals have taught me a lot about who they are, and how they like to be worked with. As always, I still have much more to learn!

So I'm opening up the dialogue. This will be the first in many posts instructing you how to choose the perfect crystal for yourself or a loved one, how to work with them, and why they are so wonderful to have around.

First things first, choosing the perfect crystal requires release. It requires surrender. You must let go of all expectations in favour of what your inner guide shows you.

I'm giving you 2 different processes depending on where you're at on your journey. One is not necessarily better than the other.

For those just starting out: 

Simply enter the crystal store, and ask your inner guide to direct you to the perfect crystal for you, or the loved one you're asking about. Ask Archangel Michael to clear away any lower level energies around you during this process. Buy the first one you touch, unless you have a strong intuition about another one later on.

The second process is a bit more lengthy, but not necessarily superior.

When I choose crystals, this is what I do:

Before walking into the crystal store, I set the intention that I will choose the perfect crystal for the person in question. That this crystal will support their highest good, and only their highest good.

Upon walking in, I invoke the individuals inner guide, angels, and spirit guides. (Invoke your own if you're choosing for yourself - though this won't be hard, they're always with you!)

I then ask the guides, "What crystal would be perfect for _______?" and surrender my body. I walk to where I am guided. Sometimes this takes a few tries, as surrendering is a big factor in your success.

I usually am guided to a certain area, sometimes to a certain stone right away. If I'm guided to an area, and not quite to the perfect stone, I begin picking the crystals up. I say the person's name, calling on their energy, and use that energy to see if it's a match.

When a match happens, I'll either get a knowingness ('Yes! This one!') or find that the energy of that person flows a line into the crystal, and they are in union. They flow together. If it's not a match, the line of energy won't enter the crystal, forming a block. I created a diagram below to explain, since it's more a visual process.

A match:

If the crystal is a match, the subtle energy of the individual will travel directly into the crystal, forming a match that unifies as one energy.

Not a match:

If the crystal isn't a match, the energy of the individual won't full enter the crystal.

Keep in mind,
Your intuition is by far your best teacher. 

Always allow it to guide you, even if it tells you something different than I did, or a book did. Crystals are experiential. In my opinion, you can't learn to work with them through a book. You've got to play!

So have fun with it, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

xo Beth

Breathing Room: Clearing

Back in September I gave you the first of a 3 part system to give yourself energetic breathing room. To give you a refresher, I use the term breathing room to indicate giving yourself space from the intense energies on the planet right now. It gives you a chance to establish boundaries, and to get to know yourself, without being affected unknowingly by the energies of your partner, your neighbours, or even your country!

Cutting cords was the first step. The second part to this is clearing. 

Clearing is essentially like taking a shower. 

You rinse yourself of all the grime you've accumulated from others, as well as any energies you've been inviting in that don't serve you. Clearing makes a huge difference when it comes to your happiness, your overall well being, and even your ability to hear your guides and angels. (I'll explain this in my upcoming course)

Water is an incredibly effective cleanser.

There are many ways to do this, and Im going to give you 3 of my favourite options. They all involve a short meditation or visualization of some sort.

1) When you're in the shower, visualize the water becoming composed of bright, sparkling white or blue light. (Or another colour if you get an intuitive hit on a hue) See this light pouring down on you, around you, and even inside of you. Set the intention that this light cleanses you of all energies that no longer serve you. Make sure to cleanse yourself of all other's energies as well. Say thank you to the water and to the light, and you're done!

2) Ask Archangel Michael to clear any and all attachments that are draining you in any way. See his vibrant royal blue or purple light clearing your energy field. That's all, you're done! That's why it's so wonderful to work with angels, they really do most of the work once you ask. 

3) Every few days, do a chakra clearing meditation. I recorded a video on how to do this recently, check it out here.

I make sure to clear myself daily using one of the above methods. 

Sometimes I feel a only a slight difference, but on the days where other energies are overwhelming my field, I instantly feel lighter and more grounded once I clear.

Have fun with it, and let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!

xo Beth

New Tumblr Account!

Since I was gifted my camera, I've been amassing pictures over the last 11 months. And although I use them on my blog and facebook, I felt as though I didn't have a medium that could convey what I wanted - just the images themselves.

But that has all changed! (Woohoo!) I'm now using a new tumblr account to showcase the photos I love to take, and the life I love to live. Check it out and bookmark it, as I'll be updating often.

Lots of love!
xo Beth

My Big Announcement

Last month I announced I was ending my love affair with creating crystal necklaces for all you beauties. A bittersweet decision but I needed to create some space for more projects, my first being one I am extremely excited about!

I am coming out with .... !!! You'll have to check out my latest vlog to find out ;) I will tell you that it has the ability to transform your life, BIG TIME!

Let's Talk Sex - The Goddess is Back

For most of my life I preferred to avoid sex, the topic of sex, and especially, why I was unable to get turned on in most instances when it was around. I figured I was just pure, and innocent, as my friends liked to say, and that it just wasn't a problem.

Enter my long term relationship and my spiritual path.

At the start of my relationship with my boyfriend, I was, for the first time in my life, completely turned on and loving sex. Our sex life was incredible, and I even experienced the odd 5 minute orgasm. Then, after some rocky times, something stopped working.

I no longer felt safe, turned on, or even willing to have sex, and the newfound pleasure I had been experiencing quickly vanished. Sex became difficult for me, emotionally, it scared me, and I'd do practically anything to avoid it. It took almost a year of seldom sex to really feel as though I was able to understand what was at the route of my dilemma, and I'd like to share it with all of you.

To begin this conversation, it is important to understand that the Goddess has long been suppressed - in religion, in popular culture, in politics, and in just about every aspect of life for the last few thousand years. From early on, the Catholic church made a point to demonize earth and Goddess loving religions, and turned many of the sacred symbols of such religions into unattractive, or downright evil systems. (Take the crone, for example, the powerful feminine creator was turned into a an old hag with a wart, crouched over a cauldron of bubbling brew, and we all know about the witch burnings)

With this Goddess suppression, humanity has managed to subtract half of the equation for a meaningful relationship with our sexuality.

Most religion has fought long and hard for centuries, choosing to portray sex as an unclean deed, something to be used only for procreation. This outright blasphemy of the true nature of divinity, has caused innumerable acts of despair, including the recent controversies surrounding priests molesting young children. This is what happens when we suppress our sexuality - we go crazy.

This post isn't meant to discredit the Catholic essence - I regularly call upon Jesus and Mother Mary for guidance, and am fascinated by Christian mysticism. It is meant, on the other hand, to call attention to the politics and dogma that have entered the sphere of what was once meant to be solely about love, and our relationship with the Universe, God... Spirit.

So I ask - Are you suppressing your sexuality because of a misguided belief that it is wrong? Has a religious upbringing caused you to fear sex? Are you honouring your Goddess energy, and allowing yourself to experience pleasure on a primal level?

It's not an easy road of healing to take, but it is a necessary one. A healthy expression of sexual energy is a conduit for quick manifestation, unbridled creativity, and unbounded joy. Let's take the journey together loves, for I'm still on it.

With love and light,

xo Beth

Ps. If you're interested in healing your sexuality, but need some guidance, check out Alison Braun - The Bedroom Joyologist. She has wonderful energy, and coaches women on how to find more joy both in, and out, of the bedroom.

If you'd like to start playing but don't want to go the coaching route, check out ecosex.ca - they've got toys and advice that are eco-friendly and well researched.

Love Takes Courage

What A Night of Puking Taught Me

Stretched out over the toilet after my most recent stomach hurl, I had to remind myself "This is the worst it feels, it gets better right after you puke."

It was my 6th, or 7th vomit of the night, and I was tired, wondering, "What the heaven is going on?" It had been over 7 years since I last puked from anything other than a night of drinking (University...)

Fast forward 12 hours, and I've had lots of time to contemplate, as I laid in my bed. In hopes of getting clarity on what was going on, I texted my mom first thing this morning, and she asked me "What makes you feel so vile you need to puke?" and I knew instantly - environmental pollution. Consistent chemicals, fear, and anger being sent towards the Earth. It had been building up for a few days, and apparently my body couldn't take it anymore. It needed to release.

And that's when I realized. This isn't working. My outlook isn't working. I can't continue to see smog, ignorance, greed, and poison affecting our planet, or I'll end up with many more days of illness and anger.

Perspective is everything. Sometimes I find it so easy to look at the world with love and light, and other times, like today, all I see is fear and it makes me feel constricted, like I don't know what to do and have nowhere to go.

Can you relate? Maybe your crutch isn't the environment, but poverty, abuse, or greed. Maybe you didn't puke because of it, but you feel sad inside, empty, as if you can't escape the so called "realities" of this world.

But there is a better way. A change of perspective is everything, and though it's hard, it's the only thing that will save us, it's the only thing that will save this beautiful planet. We must be committed to seeing the world with light, even in the midst of such darkness. We must find the beauty in the moment.  We must change what we see before what we see changes.

I'm choosing to do this today through commitment to a better way, affirmations, and prayer. I know that when I make a step, the Universe responds to me tenfold. What is your plan of action? How will you overcome darkness and climb to higher thoughts? Meditation, a phone call with a close friend, a funny movie? Whatever it may be, do it with love, and do it now. The world needs your light, and so do I.

We're in this together, friends.

xo Beth

Ps. Please read this wonderful blog by Gabby Bernstein if you related to this blog.

Are You Using Your Imagination For Good?

Our imagination is rather like a steering wheel. Like driving a car, if we want to go left, we must move the wheel left. Similarly, if we want to go right, then we must turn the steering wheel right before our direction actually changes.

Our visions, our playful fantasies, our thoughts, and even our feelings make up our imagination, and together, they are the powerful steering wheels of our lives.

Events don't just merely happen. They were born in thoughts, visions - imaginations. The more repetitive the imagination, the more focus is put on that outcome, and the faster the image turns into reality. This is the law of attraction. And this is the power of imagination.

Worrying in essence, is imagining things you don't want. Manifesting is imagining things you do want.

Knowing this, we ask ourselves, "What is it that I want?" With my imagination, I can make anything happen. The stronger I believe in, and use this ability, the more powerful it is.

Allow yourself to imagine your perfect life, starting with how you feel, and then moving onto what you see, what you taste, what you touch, and what you smell.

You deserve the best vision you can possibly muster. Believe in this vision, allow it to come to form, and soon, you will know the power of imagination.

The Healing Powers of Star and Moonlight

The effect on sunlight is well known - both scientifically and intuitively - it wakes us up, energizes us, and brightens our moods.

But less talked about are the benefits of star and moonlight. We tend to be cooped up in our houses at night, sleeping for most of it, so many of us haven't experienced the healing powers of the night.

I was fascinated to read Doreen Virtue's explanation* of the healing powers of star and moonlight, given to her by a group of angels. They say that starlight awakens our higher chakras and opens the mind prior to sleep. "This allows our dreamtime travels to reach even higher and farther into the astral plane." It also helps the unconscious to solve problems and create new ideas during our sleep. In essence - starlight allows for a more profound and restorative sleep.

Not surprisingly, the moon also has magical effects on our systems. Each phase of the moon has different effects, however all moonlight helps us to awaken our psychic and intuitive abilities, while bringing any lingering doubts or hidden fears to the surface, and clearing us of these psychic debris.

Starlight photos taken by Kai Cabunoc-Boettcher in Costa Rica

Obviously, the most effective way to gain the benefits of star and moonlight is to get outside at night. However with light pollution, crisp air, and the allure of a comfortable, well-lit home, this isn't always the most accessible option.

If you can't get outside at night as often as you'd like, try placing Pink Green Mica, Moonstone, or any other crystals you may have outside over night. Place them under you pillow the next night, or let them infuse your water or tea before bed. You can also visualize the stars and the moon shining upon you as you're falling asleep. Ask the energy of the night sky to continuously bless you as you drift off.

*Angel Medicine - Doreen Virtue

A Moment of Triumph - I Can Eat French Toast

I recently discovered I could eat spelt. Seriously the best discovery ever. Like... ever. "What the heck?" you say, and I say back "I CAN EAT GLUTEN!"

Ok... let me explain. I haven't been eating gluten since I got back from a diarrhoea filled trip to Central American (TMI?) and although I have savoured the gluten-free breads I've been eating, it's just not the same. So the other day I challenged myself. Upon learning that a gluten intolerance is correlated to an energetic imbalance caused by not feeling safe, I knew that it wouldn't be long before I could indulge in the odd glutenous treat. (I'm always working on feeling safe and taken care of by the Universe, you see)

So recently, during a brave moment, I tried some gluten. It was organic spelt bread, and has a very low gluten content, and guess what, I was fine! Totally fine! My thoughts quickly went to French Toast, one of my favourite meals of all time.

So I made some bread in the breadmaker with organic, sprouted spelt flour, and got crafting. I used a very simple recipe, but I'll include for you all since it's always nice to have a frame of reference.

Ingredients

• 1-2 slices of homemade bread
• 1 organic, free range egg
• 1-2 Tbsp of vanilla rice milk
• Cinnamon*
• Maple Syrup*
• Coconut Oil*

      *To Taste

Directions

1. Turn on the pan to low/med and throw in some coconut oil
2. Combine the egg and rice milk
3. Soak the bread in the egg mixture, and place in the pan
4. Flip when golden brown
5. Serve with coconut oil, sprinkled cinnamon and maple syrup

It's Time to Love Myself More

"What is preventing me from living my ultimate life" I asked my heart recently, on a reflective day, half expecting to get a "Nothing, you can do it girl!" Instead I was told:

"Self-love" and was given an impression ( a strong feeling that does not manifest itself into words until I will it to) that I needed to love myself more. Beautiful. Rather than hurt me, this information felt wonderfully relieving, as if I was being given divine homework that I could no longer procrastinate on.

After a run, I came back home and asked another question, this time to my guides - "What is preventing me from loving myself?"

They told me that I feared if I loved myself fully, that I would no longer need the love of my boyfriend, family, and friends, and that love would disappear once I loved myself completely.

Half surprised and half totally knowing that I subconsciously believed this, I chose to release those fears in that moment. I chose to remind myself that the more I love myself, the more love would manifest in my life outwardly.

I'd like to invite you to try this today - ask your heart "What is preventing me from living the life I'd truly love?" and see where it takes you!

Vegan Mango Ice Cream (No Ice Cream Maker Required!)

I really do love desserts, but my body typically doesn't love refined sugars, gluten or dairy. While for some this may seem restrictive, there's actually a plethora of other options for after meal treats. On top of that, most of them are so good for you, they can be eaten as snacks throughout the day.

One of my favourite new discoveries is vegan ice-cream. My love of coconut milk inspired me to craft this recipe up, and ohhhhh (wo)man, I'm glad it did. This ice cream can be made with very few ingredients, in very little time, and without an ice cream maker. It can also be easily changed around to accommodate for what you have on hand.

Ingredients

A Can of Organic Coconut Milk
1/2 Tbsp of Maple Syrup
A dash of Cinnamon
A Handful of Frozen Mango
2 Tbsp of Applesauce

Directions

1. Pour the coconut milk into an ice cube tray, and put in the freezer.
2. Once the coconut milk has frozen, remove 8 or so cubes, and throw them in a food processor or high powered blender.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, and blend on high until the mixture is smooth!
4. Eat the ice cream in all it's yummy goodness before it melts. (It doesn't keep in the freezer well)

Im thinking that a substitution of mango for pumpkin pie mix would be unreal for a fall rendition of this recipe, but try it with bananas, blueberries, rhubarb, cocoa, whatever you're feeling! Have fun crafting. :)

A Magical Summer's End

Back in September I took a trip with my boyfriend and best friend/roomie to our friend's magical little farm out in the beautiful valleys of BC. I spent my days eating fresh pears, plums, and apples right off the tree, creating salads with kale, tomatoes, herbs, and more out of the garden, playing with children, dogs, and kitties, and just loving nature all around.

Their homestead is nooked in such an incredible valley, and is filled with a whole lotta love - I just had to share a few of my pictures!