A Note from Ann…

July 23rd, 2010

Wow ~ what a ride it’s been. As most of you know, the last 2 months of my life have been a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey on many levels.

In 8 weeks time, I:

broke my foot
lost the lives of 2 friends
had a rather severe bike accident ~ miraculously unscathed save whiplash, a black eye, and a sprained wrist
launched a new website (www.exquisitewellness.com)
and moved into a new home.

I’ve also had the beautiful experiences of:

meeting several new friends who are quickly become angels in my life
learning to receive in ways I have not allowed myself before
planting 2 gardens
having lots of time to be still to allow the seeds of change to sprout from within
enjoying the fresh fruits and veggies of the summer harvest
and bearing witness to this stunning summer we’re having here in Boulder, CO.

About the time all this started in early May 2010, we had an incredible windstorm here in Boulder, CO ~ winds between 70-80mph! No one in the entire county slept that night. And when you did dare venture outside, it was a disturbingly disorienting feeling. Everything was flying around you, and if you have long hair like me, it was whipping up in your face and eyes, making it nearly impossible to see. So I was forced to move slowly, paying attention to my balance so as not to be knocked over, trusting my instincts when my vision was impaired,

And I recall in that moment having an awareness that “this is such a metaphor for the changing times we’re in. When all is spinning around us and life feels chaotic and disorienting, the best way to cope is to be gentle, a calm in the storm, to slow down or be still, and trust our inner guidance.”

And the only way to do that is to pause, breathe, check in with ourselves, and wait. The storm will eventually settle, but we can maintain and contain our peace by using it as an opportunity not to oppose it, fight against it, try to control it, or keep up, but to balance it by stepping back, slowing down, and becoming quiet enough to check in with what’s essential, and let go of the rest. If we try to keep up, we will become either confused, frustrated, ill, burnt out, or all of these.

Slow is the new fast. ;) And from the looks of it these days, we’re all receiving plentiful opportunities to examine and practice this.

Thus the topic for this month’s article “White Space” and the new upcoming tele-series (listen from anywhere!) called “ShapeShift: Hot Topics for Balance in a Changing World.”

I hope you’ll read on, participate in the F.R.E.E. call next week or download the recording, and find peace, insight, and angels in your windstorms ~

Ann

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WHITE SPACE

July 22nd, 2010

Many of you haven’t heard from me in a while ~ partly for all the reasons listed above, and largely due to something I call “white space” ~ you know, those spaces on your calendar that aren’t filled with ink or pencil?

During the last few months, I took a 3-week retreat, during which I found myself asking a lot, “How do I do this in real life?”

Here’s what I learned:

1.   ASK, “What would it take?” Asking such a question opens you to possibility and answers you couldn’t hear before. You may be surprised what you “hear”.

2.  Keep to the “essential”.

•  Make a list of the things you must do every day (sleep, eat, take the kids to school, movement/breathing breaks [see #3 below], commute to work, etc).

•  Make a skeleton schedule of these core things that happen every day.

•  Now, for the additional items on your “to do” list, pick no more than 5 (and preferably only 1-3) that MUST happen that day. Everything else, wait until it reaches the top of the list.

•  Now sketch in at least 1-3 blocks (20 minutes or more) or “white space” where nothing is scheduled. The challenge is in not eating away at this time when the time allotted for an “essential” project runs over. Stick to the white space. You’ll find yourself refreshed, more focused, creative and efficient when you return to the task.

•  If you find you still don’t have time to get the “essential” completed in one day, no worries. This is a “practice”. Plan less the next day, use your productive time more focused, or get more sleep. In time, this will become second nature.

3.  Take 1 minute 3x/day to breathe. I call it AM, PM, and OM time. Just 8-10 slow, deep breaths in and out oxygenates your brain, which clears your mind, stimulates the energy-producing mitochondria in your brain cells, and makes prioritizing easier.

Taking a little white space every day metabolism, and a bigger smile adds up in heart health, a faster metabolism, and a bigger smile ~ for life.
And remember, what needs to happen, always does.
But at what expense? Does it happen because we cut back on sleep, eat on the run, cut our conversations with loved ones and friends short, or waste all our productive time doing non-productive things?

If the “idea” of white space sounds good, but you need help making it real, call me for a free consult. I pull from a deep bag of tricks to help you find the balance that will bring ease and peace into your life.

And be sure to check out the “ShapeShift: Hot Topics for Balance in a Changing World” tele-series ~ designed to offer insights and tips for finding ease in the midst of any storm.

Exquisite Wellness ~ Inspiring Transformation that Heals the World.

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***NEW ~ ShapeShift Series

July 21st, 2010

“ShapeShift:Hot Topics for Balance in a Changing World”

~ Guest Experts speaking on relevant issues & answering your pressing questions about balance in a changing world
F.R.E.E. for the 1st Month!*
(includes a free copy of the recording)

* via phone or recording so you can listen from home, work, or anywhere you like and recorded so you can listen later or again and again.
* After the first Free Month, should you choose to continue, it’s only $27/month, and you can cancel at anytime.

===============================
“The Economic & Planetary Energies of Summer 2010″
GUEST: Frank Don, Professional Intuitive & Astrological Consultant

July 27th, 2010
6pm PST, 7pm MST, 8pm CST, 9pm EST

About Frank Don, www.frankdon.com: As a professional astrologer for thirty years, Frank has worldwide clientele including celebrities, sports figures, corporate executives, and both American and international government officials. Frank is the author of the books Earth Changes Ahead, Color Magic and Color Your World. His work on earth changes was referenced by the Los Angeles Federation of Scientists and reading material for a course in Catastrophic Geology at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Frank has accurately forecasted climatological events, economic conditions and geopolitical situations, some of which have been reported in Los Angeles Weekly and The New York Times Magazine. He has appeared on radio and television programs around the country and is credited with an accurate on-air prediction of the eruption of Mount St. Helens on WTOP radio in Washington, DC.

Feel free to submit questions in advance by emailing me at:ann@exquisitewellness.com

For more information on the series, upcoming topics, or to recommend a topic you’d like to see, please visit www.exquisitewellness.com/shapeshifter.html

Posted in ShapeShift Teleseries | 5 Comments »

Green Goddess Dip or Dressing

June 28th, 2010

Healthy Food Header

 (see variations below)

~ From Ann’s creative kitchen

 “If you are the artist of your life, what are you painting?” 

Ingredients:

•  1/2 bunch of any green (spinach, kale, chard, dandelion, winter or romaine lettuce)
•  2 stalks of celery, chopped
•  several springs of cilantro, basil, or herb of choice (dried if fresh unavailable)
•  1/2 cucumber
•  1 avocado
•  1/2 cup of cashews, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, or pecans (more if you want it creamier and sweeter, less if you want it thinner)
•  healthy dash of unrefined sea salt
•  juice of one lemon or lime
•  2 cloves of garlic
•  optional: spices to taste such as cayenne, red pepper flakes, curry, garam masala, dill, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cumin, etc.

Place all ingredients together in a food processor and process/pulse until smooth.

Variations: 

~ Any veggies can be used, so mix and match for a different flavor all the time.  Try working with carrots, cauliflower, purple or green cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, etc.

~ You may also find adding a little coconut milk or olive oil changes the consistency and flavor nicely.

~ To make a dressing or sauce, use a blender and add enough liquid (coconut milk, filtered water, veggie juice, etc) so that the mixture does not bog now, and blend until smooth.

~ To make a soup, follow along for a “dressing” but then place either on the stovetop on low, and hear just below 115 degrees F, or if you have more time, place in a food dehydrator at 115 degrees F until warm.

NOTE: The KEY here is that “anything goes”!    ;)     Just always have some fresh, washed produce in the fridge, some avocados or cashews (or both) on hand, and grab what you have, flavor it to taste, and blend away.

Green Goddess Dressing

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Roasted “Thai” Almonds (soaked and sprouted)

June 18th, 2010
 

Thai almonds

Thai Almonds

 

  ~ From Ann’s creative kitchen      

 “When has the unknown become your teacher?”       

Presoak for 8 hours or overnight, rinse, & drain:
2 cups raw almonds, rinsed well       

Remaining Ingredients:
•  1 tsp lemon juice
•  1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
•  1/2 tsp unrefined sea salt
•  1 Tbsp Nama Shoyu (or Bragg’s aminos if avoiding gluten)
•  1 tsp agave or maple syrup
•  1 tsp minced ginger
•  1 tsp minced garlic       

Pre-mix together all the ingredients except the almonds.  Rinse and drain soaked almonds, then add to the mixture and stir until coated well.       

Transfer to a food dehydrator and spread evenly on mesh sheets.  Dehydrate at 145 degrees F for no more than an hour.  Then, lower temperature to 115 degrees F and dehydrate for 24-48 hours, until desired “crunch” is reached.  Serve with goji berries, dried fruit, or alone.        

Thai Almonds

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NEW DATE: June 15th for “Ask The Nutrition Expert Q&A”

May 22nd, 2010

Hi everyone ~

WHEW ~ anyone else out there feel like these are intense and profound times?

I’m sure I’m not alone.  As most of you know by now, 2 weeks ago I was sidelined a bit with a broken foot, all while creating new website (stay tuned ~ aiming for June 1st), planning to move (within Boulder), seeking a new home, etc.

For many of you, school’s ending, which is sending all students, parents, teachers, and anyone closely affiliated with them into a major transition and frenzy.

And for those who live in the Boulder/Denver area, you may have heard about a tragic loss we had this week.  Two friends were killed in a fatal shooting at their business, and to say the least, this has tabled me in the most profound of ways.

The love and the light they poured into the world was nothing short of effervescent.  And losing someone so suddenly and tragically seems to bring the world and life as we know it to a screeching halt.  Every moment of every day for me has been a restless and desperate attempt to find meaning where there is none.

Practicing what I preach to clients, I see this time as a chance to pause, slow down, go within, and open to the wisdom and direction of life ~ one day at a time, one small step at a time, in integrity, in gratitude, in hope, and in faith.

With that in mind, and members of my community in mind who are all sharing this experience of either loss, transition, or both, I wish to honor that and recognize it by post-poning the first “Ask the Nutrition Expert Q&A” call until June.

The new information is below.  We’ve had some GREAT questions already submitted, and there’s room for a few more folks.  And if more people want to register than we have time for, we can have a second call.

It’s FREE for the first month, one of the many gifts I hope to offer in the coming months and years to add more lightness, bliss and pleasure to all our lives.     :)

Speaking of, I’m still giving away LOTS of money!
If you missed the announcement last week, here’s a link to learn more:

I’m Giving Away $2000 ~ For Real!

I think the things my friends Staci and Sean reminded me of the most in the brief time I knew them, are the keys to healing our bodies, minds, families, communities, planet, and global relations:

  • Live fully
  • Laugh a lot
  • Love BIG!

In peace and health ~
Ann

“Through working with Ann, most of all,
I’m saying YES to life more often!”
~ Lynn, Boulder CO

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Massaged Kale Salad with Apple, Pine Nuts, & Creamy Tahini Dressing

May 20th, 2010

kale

(a slightly different version than we made in class, but a super yummy creation from a dear friend of mine)

~ From Alison Anton, Anton Health & Nutrition, www.antonnutrition.com 

“If heaven is a choice now, what do you choose?” 

DRESSING
•  2 Tbsp tahini (sesame butter)
•  2 Tbsp vegetable stock or water
•  1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
•  1 small shallot, minced
•  3-4 drops liquid stevia or 1 tsp honey

SALAD
•  4 packed cups de-stemmed, finely chopped ( or hand-shredded) kale
•  1 Tbsp olive oil
•  1/4 tsp unrefined sea salt
•  1/4 apple, sliced into matchsticks
•  2 rounded Tbsp lightly toasted pine nuts

Mix all of the dressing ingredients in a small dish, mashing the tahini with the back of a spoon until there are no clumps remaining. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl. With your hands, massage the greens with the olive oil and the salt for 3-4 minutes, until the kale has “wilted” and decreased in fluff by about a half.

 Mix in the dressing, apples and pine nuts.

Kale Salad

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May 16th ALERT: I’m giving away $2000 ~ For Real!

May 16th, 2010

I’m giving away $2000 ~ For Real!

 I’m in the rare position of 3 clients finishing their programs all at once ~ which means I have 3 spots available  for the first time in a long time!

And as many of you have heard, I broke my foot about 10 days ago, so have been a LOT less mobile than normal with time to think of how I can serve my peeps in the highest way!

 And to encourage you to act quickly (or hop off the fence if you’re the type to waver about what to do for your health), I’m giving away:

• $900 to the 1st person who contacts me and signs up for a 6 or 12-month coaching program,
• $600 to the 2nd person who contacts me and signs up for a 6 or 12-month coaching program, and
• $300 to the 3rd person who contacts me and signs up for a 6 or 12-month coaching program.

AND these packages are already 30% less than doing everything separately, but now you can save LOTS more.

 pssst . . .  (no faulty math, it’s actually over $2000, because truth be told, I also have some Runners-Up cash prizes, too, so if you think you’re too late, call me “just in case” ~ you may still benefit!)

  . . . SO HURRY!

 You can LIVE ANYWHERE in the country and coach by phone

~ as many of my clients do.

 And you can also call me first for a FREE consultation to learn more and see if this is right for you.

 But, don’t wait.  Once these 3 slots go, it could be months before another opens up ~ and at full price.

 YOU MUST CALL ME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. 

CALL 303-993-4359

You’ll get ME personally, or my voicemail, so be sure to leave a message, as I’ll respond in the order I receive calls or messages.

 “I can’t believe the changes I’m seeing in my body and health! 

I spent years doing all the wrong “healthy” things, only to gain weight, develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, fatigue;  find myself on a lot of medications, angry, and losing interest in the things I used to love.

 Your process addresses all the obstacles that come up. After only a few short months, I’ve lost weight, sleep longer and better, reduced my caffeine consumption due to natural energy, have much higher confidence, and self-esteem.

Your approach is so supportive and forgiving. By taking baby steps, along with guidance and support, I have been able to gradually incorporate something new without overwhelm.

Thank you Ann for believing in me and reminding me of the vibrant woman inside of me who’s been yearning to thrive again! ” 

~ Lynn Faudree, Boulder, CO

 Tell your mom, tell your sister, tell your spouse, your best friend, or co-worker ~ and give yourself the greatest gift you can this year. 

 Invite a friend and split the difference!

 There’s no better way to deal with overwhelm and a chaotic world, than to commit to a guided program of support, inspiration, answers and healing!

 What are you waiting for? . . .   (tick tock)

 THIS IS THE ONLY PROGRAM OF ITS KIND ~ ANYWHERE ~ GUARANTEED.

 In One Package, you receive:

• 6 – 12 months of one-on-one coaching with me. (12-22 bi-weekly sessions); phone calls (if long-distance). (Value: $1,884 – $3,454)

• 3 labs (Wellness Panel, Expanded Thyroid Panel, and Adrenal Stress Index & Hormone Panels ~ together valued at $2249)

• A functional medicine assessment (VERY cutting-edge) and Report of Findings (Value $247)

• $200 – $500 in scholarship to participate in a life-changing “Pay It Forward” trip of a lifetime:

◦            adventure travel

◦            eco-travel

◦            yoga retreats

◦            science expeditions

◦            volunteer/service trips

◦            spiritual retreats

• Simple and easy strategies to bring your body and mind back into balance

• Answers to health complexities that have been mysterious up to this point

• Insider Secrets to transform stuck places in your physical, emotional and psycho-spiritual healing

• SOLUTIONS for a balanced, holistic life of physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial freedom

• Less stress!

• Less overwhelm!

•  . . .   and thousands of dollars in SWEET BONUSES you won’t want to miss out on, including:

◦            a 30-day supply of the Core Nutrients Pkg (Value: $102)

◦            Travel-size all natural, gluten-free, paraben-free, botanical skin beautification system (includes cleanser, toner, night renewal cream, day protection/moisture, and serum intensive) (Value $21)

◦            $25+ in special gifts and surprises to support your success in the program (Value $25)

◦            Weekday email communication with 24-72 hour turn-around (Value $10/week = $240 ~ $520, depending on length of program chosen)

◦            A BONUS “anytime” 30-minute Breakthrough Session (Value $97)

◦            10% off retail pricing on all product orders (Value: averages $25/month = $150 – $300, depending on program chosen)

◦            Free access to the monthly “Ask the Expert Q&A” for 6 – 12 months (Value $120 – $240)

◦             . . .  and more!

100% Guaranteed Satisfaction. I’m shouldering all the risk. If you don’t find value in the program, simply cancel at any time and your remaining balance for unused sessions will be waived or refunded, as requested.

  . . . SO HURRY!

 I only take a few clients at a time so that I can be fully dedicated to those who are ready to TRANSFORM and say bye-bye to those annoying habits, pounds, beliefs, and ailments that have held you back for too long!

 You’re due.  You deserve vibrant health, all the energy your heart, family, career, and life desires!  YOU deserve to live on top of your game, at your best, and living your wildest dreams ~ because the world NEEDS people who are at their best ~ especially NOW, especially YOU!     ;)

 CALL ME: 303-993-4359

 Live the Life You Imagined!

Ann

Exquisite Wellness ~Visionary Nutrition for Inspiration and Freedom to Live the Life YOU Imagine!

” I would never have imagined that my results would be this tremendous. “

~ R. Bacchus, Boulder, CO

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“I Am Awakening” Key Lime Pie

May 15th, 2010

~ From Cafe Gratitude’s “I Am Grateful” Recipe & Lifestyle book, available at Amazon.com or http://www.cafegratitudestore.com/bk01-ig.html

“When has something turned out much better, than you could ever have planned?”

CRUST

• 1 1/4 cups pecans
• 1 1/4 cups macadamias or walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dates
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp unrefined sea salt

FILLING

• 3/4 cup lime juice (or cut with lemon juice for a “lemon lime” version)
• 1 cup avocado (approx. 2 avocados)
• 1/2 cup agave, honey, &/0r maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp unrefined sea salt
• 2 Tbsp lecithin
• 1/2 cup coconut butter
• 1/2 tsp “green” veggie/grass powder (optional for a greener color)

For the crust, process the ingredients for the crust in a food processor with the “S” blade attachment, until small and crumbly.  Press into greased (with coconut butter) 9-inch pie pan.

For the filling, blend all ingredients except lecithin and coconut butter in the same food processor (no need to clean it after making the crust), until smooth.  Add lecithin and coconut butter, blending until well incorporated.  Pour into prepared crust and freeze for 1 hour, or until firm. 

Garnish with lime and/or banana slices.

Bon Appetit!

Key Lime Pie

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“Ask the Nutrition Expert” monthly live Q&A Call!

May 15th, 2010

~ Expert advice at an irresistibly affordable price

F.R.E.E. for your 1st Month!

Do you wish you had a mentor to answer your questions, fill in the gaps, and tell you the best way to get results?

 This is the place to get ALL of your health and nutrition questions answered.

 Receive affordable coaching from me on your hottest burning questions about:

* nutrition

* life balance

* energy

* vitality

* hormones

* thyroid health

* living on purpose

* anywhere you feel stuck, or need a boost in the right direction.

 . . . via teleclass so you can listen from home, work, or anywhere you like and recorded so you can listen later or again and again (First Month FREE, then if you wish to continue, it’s only $20/month, and you can cancel at anytime!)

May’s “Ask the Nutrition Expert” Q&A Call ~ FREE!

Tuesday, May 25th at 7pm MST (6pm PST, 8pm CST, 9pm EST)*

* Recorded and emailed to you if you can’t make the live call, or to save in your personal library!

 EMAIL me Your Question to Register at ann@exquisitewellness.com

 Several years ago, I was nearly incapacitated with chronic illness and pain. Luckily for you, I documented the steps it took to heal so not only could I repeat the process with my clients, but also continue to improve upon it.

Each month I dig into the never before released archives of my nutrition arsenal of success secrets to offer you quick solutions. 

Here’s how it works:

Who: Motivated men and women who want their unique questions answered by an expert who knows what it takes to overcome physical obstacles and create abundant health and purpose in life. Even if you are a current client, you can benefit from these sessions. Think of it as “tech support” or a “tune-up”. (My colleagues charge $97 and up for this very same service. One of my mentors actually charges $500 a month to ask a question!)

When: Usually the 3rd Tuesday of each month (rescheduled for May 2010 to May 25th instead of the 18th). 1 hour. Calls start at 9pm EST (6pm Pacific.)

What: Fast Paced Q&A.

You email me ANY question you have about nutrition, balance, energy, vitality, hormones, thyroid health, living on purpose, and anything you feel stuck with, or need a boost in the right direction . . . anything!

How: I will thoroughly answer at least one question per person emailed prior to the call. If there is still time left over, I will answer ALL your questions plus any LIVE questions.

Will it be recorded? Yes! You will have access to a replay of the call. So even if you can’t be on the live call, you can STILL email me your questions and I will address your issue. Simply pick up your solution from the replay later.

Your investment: FREE for 30 days.

That’s right, you’ll actually get to “test drive” the Q&A teleclass! Submit any questions you want & your solutions are on me. If you don’t think it’s worth your time and money, then just cancel your subscription and you won’t be charged for the 2nd month. I am so confident this will be beneficial I’m willing to let you try it out with absolutely NO RISK!

Check it out firsthand before paying a cent. After your first month, membership is only $20/month, which you may cancel at anytime by emailing ann@exquisitewellness.com

100% Guaranteed Satisfaction. I’m shouldering all the risk. If you don’t find value in the first call simply cancel your subscription and you won’t be charged ever. Register now, submit your questions, and start enjoying your best health ever!

There will be no holding back, all secrets revealed. Next time you have a burning question, you’ll have a place to turn.

Now is your chance to get all the support you need to love your body and have it love you back. No more excuses!

Get started by emailing me here: ann@exquisitewellness.com

Please RSVP to me to register and submit your question by Monday, May 24th!

In peace and health ~

Ann

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