Lunchtime!

A lot of people tend to forget that lunch should be the second best meal of the day. What else is going to get you moving till its time to clock out! If you sit in an office all day, lunchtime is your chance to pick up some extra energy and stay productive. If you are out and about all day then a hearty, healthy lunch is vital to keep moving at a productive pace. I work mostly from home and when lunch time comes around I get excited. Not only because I am hungry but the food I have been eating lately really satisfies my taste buds. Choosing foods that have a generous amount of protein and grains will get you through the day with ease.

This was my lunch today. Quorn nuggets and brown rice. It's one of my favorite lunches! Packed with a total of 18 grams of protein and only 10 grams of fat this meal is great for lunchtime. Not only is it filling but super easy to make. I usually make a big portion of rice ahead of time so I have it for the week. ( I eat a lot of brown rice) Then just heat it up when I want to. I even eat it for breakfast. Don't be a prisoner to the breakfast food norm. It should be the biggest meal of your day and that doesn't mean you should load eggs, bacon, sausage and pancakes on to your plate. I can see you getting fatter by the minute if you do! You want to eat something that has nutrients and protein but not a lot of fat and cholesterol. Also, don't run from carbs. You need them just as much as protein. If you have a nice even mix you should be fine.



Here are some more lunch ideas for you or anyone in your family.

- Burritos: I combine brown rice, corn, peppers, onions, tomato sauce, Quorn veggie crumbles and cheese. Sometimes I add black beans to maximize the protein. Amy's and Evol make awesome burritos so check them out!

- Sandwich: Quorn chik'n patty on a whole wheat bun with lettuce and a little mayonnaise. You can also put some mozzarella cheese on it and its a whole different sandwich. Another great idea is to roast up some veggies in the oven or on the grill and place them on some italian bread or a whole wheat roll. I would suggest peppers, onions, broccoli, mushrooms and asparagus. Yummo! You can use the Quorn Chik'n Tenders to make an alternative chicken salad too. Just saute them, chop them all up and mix in some mayonnaise, salt & pepper, some fresh herbs and your good to go!

- Soup: You can make a soup out of anything! Get creative and get cooking. Make it on a Sunday and have a couple of lunches for the week. I love vegetable soup, tomato soup and broccoli and cheese soup.

- Pizza: Pizza comes in all different styles so you will definitely find one you like. Don't get stuck in traditional thinking! You can put anything on dough. I like to use whole wheat flatbread and add ricotta, mozzarella, peppers and onions. Yum! The best frozen pizza I have ever ate is Amy's. They sell for under $6 at Target and are worth every penny! I like the cheese pizza with organic flour and tomatoes.

- Salad: I love salad. My favorite is a simple house salad with feta cheese but there are tons of different ways to put together a salad. Whatever you like to eat, throw it in. Add nuts, fruits, veggies...the list can go on and on. Stay away from pre-bagged lettuce and go for the fresh romaine or iceberg.

These are just a few things you can eat for lunch. Don't forget the classics: PB & J and Macaroni & Cheese are always good. Amy's makes a great mac n cheese you should try. My boyfriend loves them. You can always eat leftovers too. When I cook (which is all the time!) I try to make more than we need so I have something to eat for breakfast or lunch the next day. It makes my day a whole lot easier! So eat a healthy lunch and I promise your day will run a little smoother. Snacks always come in handy too so add a couple of nutritious treats to your day and you will have a reason to smile.

Green Giving

I found a really good website, Forever Green Gifts, where you can purchase green gifts for just about anybody. Their prices are great too! When you have the time check them out and do some shopping. Here are some of my favorite items I found.

What is Your Carbon Footprint?

The planet is in dire need of our help. Even though we are the ones who have slowly destroyed it. How do you live your life? What do you do on a daily basis to be better? What is your carbon footprint? Take the test and see where you stand and make the necessary changes to live a more greener life. The Nature Conservatory has a quick test you can take right now!

Carbon Footprint Calculator



Mine came out to be 11 which is good because it is lower than most people. I know that I have to get better light bulbs soon. I haven't gotten them yet because we have so many in closet that have not been used and I do not want to waste them. Plus, we hardly use lights anyway. But I think I will either donate them or recycle them. Other than that I am on the right track! Once I have a house I can start composting and saving rainwater. I am so excited to do that. Another big thing I can do once I own a home is buying energy star appliances and green materials for the structure. This is all very important.

I came across this website that really inspired me. Cottage in a Day is a great idea and something I am highly considering for the future with Danny. They are made of all green materials and actually cost less than buying a house! We would just have to find some land which is tricky. But I have already started looking...



So take a look at your life and find out what you can do to make your day more efficient. Here are some simple tips to get started:

1. Take a shorter shower.
2. Don't run water when brushing your teeth.
3. Flush the toilet every other number one.
4. Drive less and walk more.
5. Keep the speed around 60 mph and you will save tons of gas and money.
6. Eat less meat and more veggies and grains.
7. If a clothing item does not smell and is not dirty than wait to wash it.
8. Turn off electronics when not in use and unplug when you can.
9. Recycle everything.
10. Shop and pay your bills online

How You Can Change the World

People seem to think that just because they recycle and save energy they are environmentalists. These things may help in saving the planet but there is far more to do than that. The small things are easy and should be done all the time. At this point they should be common sense and done without even thinking about it. Its the bigger issues that people just don't get.

Being a vegetarian is the best thing you can do for the planet, yourself and all living creatures. This is proven through articles, films and books. Not only that, people have been going veg and vegan for centuries and it has only done positive things. Factory farms are killing the planet, period. Its a fact. In addition, millions of animals are tortured and killed. Not to mention, all the money and food we are wasting on feeding all those animals and the high amounts of antibiotics that are used. With the amount of food we grow here in America no one should be starving. Its absurd. Why can't everyone see that eating animals has no benefits?

I wasn't always a vegetarian but I played around with the idea. I have always been an Earth girl and lived as green as I could at the moment. Animals were a big part of my life as well. Having numerous pets growing up I enjoyed going to the zoo and other places where I could be around them. Even though I thought it sucked that the animals were behind fences and in cages I was so happy to see them. I can't help it. I am in awe of them all. But in most cases, this is just wrong. Animals belong in their natural habitat where they are comfortable and happy. Just like zoos and circus', factory farms are no place for an animal.

I don't care if you have eaten meat all your life. I don't care if your whole family eats meat. I really don't care if you think animals are here for us to eat. All these reasons are bullshit and only weak people use them to justify what they eat. I have had little influence on vegetarianism when I was young but I had my mother who gave me good healthy eating habits. These eventually led me to where I am today and I am very thankful for that. Knowing all the horrible reasons no human should eat meat really should be enough for anyone to stop. People need to get off their high horse and realize that we are all Earthlings. Just because we are human doesn't mean we rule the world.

When you bite into a hamburger think of the dead carcass you are really eating. Know that it will slowly rot in your stomach for days because we are not built to digest animal flesh. If you think of what you are really doing its pretty much cannibalism. We are all mammals so eating another human is the same as eating an animal. But you gotta love that fried chicken right! Yuck. Look down at your arm. Now picture all the veins, muscle, capillaries, blood, cells, etc...that are inside of it under your skin. Well, this is what you are eating when you eat a piece of chicken or having a steak. You cannot tell me that is appetizing because honestly it makes me want to puke. That poor chicken died for you and probably suffered in the process! Why are you so special, huh? No one is.

I just want everyone to see the bigger picture. Not only is the planet suffering from all of this, we are too. People are getting sick each minute, others die from disease, children are getting fatter by the hour and our topsoil is so destroyed from all the fertilizers and pesticides that we have lost a good percentage of it already. These are only a few. How bad does it have to get for everyone to stop? What do we have to do to show people the horrors of eating animals? There are so many alternatives out there that are healthier for you there is no excuse. Why would you stick with the choice that is literally killing people, animals and the Earth?

I am proud that I live a guilt free life. My choices do not harm a soul and are the best that I can make. The key to being a better you is simply that. Be better! Make better choices, eat better food, get a better job, find a better partner....these are things to think about. What can you do to make your life better, happier and healthier? But don't just think of yourself. Think of the bigger picture. What can you do now that will help everything around you? Its not as hard as you think it is. First things first, figure out what you believe in. If you believe in nature, as I do, than you should be doing things to live a more green life. If you believe that no one should suffer, like I do, than you should find alternative ways to do what you do and buy what you buy that do not support this. For example, using products that test on animals. This is a no no! If you buy products that do this you support the suffering of others. Its that simple. I love animals and do not believe they should be tortured in any way so I only buy products that are tested on humans. In addition, I do not eat them. Like I said before, its not as hard as you think.

I feel that a lot of people need to grow up and get over themselves. They are so consumed with things that just don't matter! It really makes them look ugly. I find this funny because the one thing they are trying to avoid is just that, not looking ugly. But they are. I sometimes look at people eating and its really gross. I know you're probably thinking, "well don't look at them". Yea, I know. Most of the time I don't and I can't. It really upsets me and makes me queasy to watch someone bite into a hot dog or cut into a steak. Its simply disgusting. But thats me!

Just think about it, thats all. Here are some great books you can look into that will really open your eyes to the truth. You can find some really great films on the Revolt site to see as well.

Animal Factory by David Kirby
Eating Animals by Jonathon Safran Foer
Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisnitz
Why Animals Matter by Erin Williams and Margo DeMello

Avoiding what is really happening is not only hurting you but its hurting everyone around you. Your friends, family, colleagues, kids, neighbors and even people you don't know. Our individual choices affect everyone on the planet. Once you know this and really see it than you will change. I wish you lots of luck!

We All Have the Power

I was watching Oprah yesterday and I was surprised and ecstatic when guest Will I Am paid off the mortgages of two families homes. With his own money! Then after listening to him talk I wasn't so surprised because deep inside this is what I expect from people who have large salaries. The entertainment industry is a vessel for all of us to step out of life and be somewhere else. Whether its music, a film, a book or a painting they all are amazing gifts that were born from creativity, inspiration and love. Three things that should be ruling the planet. Instead we have greed, selfishness and ignorance leading the way and its taking us nowhere. The fact of the matter is, people should not be making millions or even billions on anything! I don't care how hard you work. No one works that hard to earn that kind of money. Once people have that much they just want more of it. How disgusting can you be? I can't imagine living a lifestyle that needs to be supported by thousands of dollars. You do not need this to survive.

Will I Am is doing what I feel everyone with large salaries should do. Share it with the world and do some good. Will states that sure its good to raise money for charities but why not use his own money when he has it. Exactly! There are so many people who don't have jobs and can't provide for their families and its so sad. These are the people that know how to work for their money. Normal people trying their best to survive. Not trying their best to buy a $1,000 bag or a pair of shoes! That alone would pay 1/4 of my debt. It is so ridiculous. I really think that once you hit a certain mark with income you should get taxed a percentage that will go to people and businesses in need. This is what keeps the world spinning. We need to stick together and be a team. Isn't that what America is all about? Oh I forgot, its about money, houses, expensive clothes, plastic surgery, killing animals, destroying the Earth and having power over everyone else. This is what America has become people. It kills me to live among such atrocity.

Being an artist I understand first hand how hard it is to live life with not enough finances. Having a single mother growing up I did not have everything I wanted nor was I spoiled. I had what I needed to survive and sometimes extra because I had an amazing family who helped us. Because of this upbringing I learned that money isn't everything. It is here to help up move forward and have a stable life but it is not intended to bring power and superiority. It is just paper! I have always been a creative person so being an artist is what I was born to be. No questions asked. I knew when I was a child I was destined to do great things. Whatever stage of my life I was in I took the time to help people when they needed it and be there for others so they could have a friend, a listener or advice. My soul was always dedicated to communicating with other living creatures so harmony and stability can remain.

Now that I am 30, I look back on my life and see that as I evolved into who I am today, I grew into something better. Better for myself, my friends and family and the people that I can help. I have been through a lot in my time so why not share my experiences with others. Sharing is the key to healthy relationships. We need to share happiness, love, advice, knowledge, inspiration, creativity...the list goes on and on. We as Earthlings need these things to survive! It is in our blood. Humans and animals a like...this is how we are all the same. We see, feel, touch, hear and taste the same. We are alive and none of us have the right to take that gift away from anyone or anything.

My boyfriend and I may struggle with money but we still have a beautiful home, a lovable dog, a great amount of family and friends and each other. In other words, everything we need. And while saving for a house seems nearly impossible we still have hopes and dreams for the future. In between the bills and job searching, there is always room for lending a hand. This is why I started Revolt. For all of you. I have the ability to gather information that may be useful to all of you so why not share it. I use my time and money to build a platform for all to learn, share and gain better perspectives on life. Most of all, I use my heart. I live to do this, period. I always have and always will. When I am passionate about something I go all the way with it. At least as far as I can go with what I have at the moment! I live to make this planet a better place to live. I live to share what I know and help all living creatures make better choices and see the important things in life. The things that matter. I live to not only dream but to inspire others to do so as well.

It makes me so happy to know that there are people like Will out there making a difference. I know there are a lot out there who share and give their time to help others. We just need more! America needs to take a good look at itself and put its priorities in order because right now they are not where they should be, at all. We can all make a difference. If you think that by you doing something positive it won't change anything, you are wrong. Just think of how many people think like that. Nothing will ever change. We need to all do something! The real problem is people are not aware of the damage that is being done. They are suffocated by society and power. They are bogged down by money and greed. They are crawling because they are uneducated and homeless. If everyone was to do their part this would change. We all have the power to share. Let's show the world we can.

Yoga in NYC

Attention all you yogis out there! There is a great event happening in NYC next month that you should all try to make. Summer Solstice in Times Square is a yoga event celebrating what else, the Summer Solstice. Just imagine being a part of something that is life changing for all to see. Yoga is awesome, period. It has so many great benefits and allows your inner you to shine more than ever. Thanks to the Times Square Alliance this event is made possible in one of the most hectic places in the country!

Registration is FREE but you have to sign up now! There are three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening and only two are available due to the amount of people getting involved. I am already registered for the 12:30 Bikram and can't wait. My mother and some friends are meeting me there so why not join me too! If you are interested in attending you can sign up at the website below. Don't forget to let me know so we can all stretch our way to a better body, mind and soul together!

Solstice in Times Square

Eco - Cleaners

Using natural and organic cleaning products in your home is very important. Most of the stuff out there on the shelves are toxic and shouldn't be anywhere near a living creature. If you have to wear gloves to protect your skin when using a certain product, there is something wrong! There are so many natural cleaners out there it is very easy to find one you like. Personally, I love Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers and J.R Watkins to name a few. In the new issue of Real Simple they tested cleaners and I was happy to see that natural choices were on top of the lists! Here are some they (and me) suggest.

All Purpose Cleaners

Best Anti - Germ: Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface
The main ingredient in this cleaner is thymol which is an extract of thyme. It has a strong scent but cleans and disinfects at the same time. It kills over 99.99% of household germs including Influenza, HINI and Salmonella. I love this product and use it in my home. Especially, the kitchen. For under $3 you can't go wrong. Their bathroom cleaner is great too! You can find most of their products at Target stores and drugstore.com.



Most Addictive: Parsley Plus by Earth Friendly Products
This surface cleaner has a nice parsley scent and brings freshness to your home naturally and safe. The #1 PET bottle is 100% biodegradable and for about $5 you can get 22 ounces which is a great deal.



Most Luxe: Murchison - Hume Counter Intelligence
With a name like this one you know it will be pretty pricy. Made with all organic ingredients this "counter intelligence" series is created from water, sugar cane, coconut oil and fragrances such as juniper berry and australian white grapefruit. I love the label and the bottle! This cleaner is very grande folks. You can find it at the Murchison-Hume for about $12.50.



Best Unscented: Better Life What-Ever! by Better Life
If the name wasn't enough reason to buy it, this all purpose cleaner is not tested on animals, is gluten free & hypoallergenic and is also safe for marine life. If that wasn't enough it is proven to remove more germs and bacteria than other conventional cleaners. It comes in natural sage and citrus scents too. Loaded with water, coconut oil, vegetable based oils and plant based amino acids this product is strong on dirt but easy on the earth. You can find this and other Better Life products at drugstore.com.



Wipes

Best Smelling: J.R. Watkins in Lemon
This scent is my favorite! I try to buy it in every product its available because it smells so friggin good. The packaging of all J.R. Watkins products are great as well. Smart design is always inspiring. Especially, when it comes from a company who has been making natural products for over a hundred years. You get 35 wipes for about $7 and might find it cheaper at Target. I totally trust this company and have used their products so they are Revolt approved!



Best Bang for Your Buck: Clorox Green Works
I don't use any of Clorox's products only because since they make better cleaners now they should get rid of all the crap they still sell. But if you want to use their products than go ahead. Its good that they are trying. Ingredients in these wipes are corn and coconut oil and other natural sources. For $6 you get a whopping 62 wipes so it will save you money.



Concentrates

Aromatherapeutic: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day All Purpose
I personally recommend this product because it smells great and works like a charm. I recently bought it to save money on cleaning products and I must say it was a smart investment. Although it was about $8, I can use it for everything in my home. I poured 2 capfuls into an old spray bottle filled with water and go nuts. I clean my floors, countertops, furniture and even glass with it. I swear it will last me months! The cleaner has a mix of natural oils so you can relax while you clean. I bet you can guess which scent I choose...lemon of course!



Mildest Scent: Ecover All Purpose Cleaner
Another lemon product that in not only refreshing but cleans with the power of nature. It's not tested on animals, safe for aquatic life and completely biodegradable. I have used Ecover fabric softener and absolutely loved it. I would definitely try more of their products. You can find them at Target and other retailers.



For more products check out the May issue of Real Simple.