Spring is a time for new beginnings! Having recently welcomed Spring 2023 in the Northern Hemisphere, I have created a new intention based on a card reading for this spring season. If this intention resonates with you, feel free to use it as a focus for this spring season (or whatever time frame suits your fancy)!
Read below for the full card reading and take what feels good for you and leave the rest. Messages are meant to find you in the most peculiar ways when you're willing to notice and listen ;)
Some things to keep in mind when using an intention:
- Write it down and put it where you can see it regularly (bathroom mirror, desk, beside table, wallet, etc).
- Say it several times a day clearly affirming it - you can stand in a power pose (like running across the finish line), hands on hips (like Wonder Woman), placing your hands on your heart, or even doing a little dance. Whatever makes you feel like this intention is possible when you say it, then do that!
- Visualize for just a few minutes each day your intention as if it has already come true.
- Practice your favourite Yoga Nidra meditation that allows you to state your intention during the practice. When the mind and body are relaxed, your mind is much more susceptible to suggestions, so this can help make this intention become true for you even quicker than by doing it on a conscious level alone.
- If you haven't done so already, you can sign up to receive access to listen to my free Yoga Nidra meditation here.
spring 2023 Intention Setting Reading
1st Card - PATIENCE
This card is an invitation to experience more patience. Are you waiting for something to happen and feeling the lack of not having it? If you look at welcoming spring, quite often you want to pass right over spring and rush into summer (especially if you live in a colder climate like Canada). Us Canadians live for summer and we sometimes take spring for granted because we want it over with so we can get outside and enjoy the warmer weather that summer brings. When I see this card, it's also a reminder to be in the present moment. Quite often you look for something in the future that will bring you happiness (example, summer). You think you need something outside of you to bring you joy. But the truth is, we can feel joy in any moment when we choose to feel that way. Just seeing the sun shining or noticing the hyacinth flowers that are beginning to bloom underneath the snowy ground can spark that joy inside of us. Joy is a state of being. Joy isn't something that we have to wait for. If you're currently in a state of waiting for something, what can you do in the meantime to experience joy without having what it is you're waiting for? Some things cannot be forced or made to happen before the timing is right. Trust that everything will happen through Divine timing and you may find relief when you release your resistance to not having it just yet.....
2nd Card - 5 OF FIRE
Are you being held back by your perceived limitations? You may be having thoughts that make you feel like you're in a jousting competition. Your thoughts may be competing for your attention, so you may want to be cognizant of the thoughts that are taking up the most space in your mind at this time. This could be a time to acknowledge what's coming up for you and to decide if these thoughts are in conflict with your desires. If they are, you may want to find ways to release the thoughts that are no longer serving you and transform them to help you move forward. Are these thoughts related to the past or the future? This could be a road sign to pay attention to your thoughts so you can enjoy the precious present moment. When you regret the past or worry about the future, you can cause your own suffering. When you make a choice to be present in this moment and find something to be grateful for it can quickly and easily raise your vibration! Notice any inner or external conflicts that are arising and try to see the bigger picture of what is really going on from a neutral standpoint. If you're struggling with some type of conflict at this time, know that with patience, it will pass.
3rd Card - 0 - THE LEAP
This card brings me so much joy. As I'm interpreting the overall messages of the cards in this Spring Intention Reading, we have the rabbit leaping forward! And since Easter is right around the corner, I see this bunny as a sign of leaping into Spring and celebrating time with family and friends and nature. If we look at this card with the overall meaning of patience, we can see it as a sign to really be present in this moment. When you decide to be more conscious of this moment, it doesn't mean you cannot continue to move forward or that you don't ever have to make plans, but there is always a time and place for making plans or thinking about taking action. You don't have to think about it 24/7 (like most of us do). We are leaping into spring and new beginnings. Don't be afraid to start something new at this time or go for something that seems impossible. As you move forward on this journey, find ways to enjoy the journey. You don't have to rush to get to where you want to go. Notice what makes you smile and enjoy that moment.
4th Card - 8 OF AIR
Is there something that is making you feel trapped right now? If so, you're not alone. Many of us feel like we're stuck in a situation that we are not sure how to get out of. It's a mental tug of war between what you feel and how that is being reflected back to you. You may very well have more options that you thought, but it's hard to see these opportunities when our minds are clouded with the stories that we hold. Insert patience here.....take some time to reflect on these thoughts that may be making you feel stuck, and engage in self-care practices that allow you some space to see things from a different perspective. When we take time to listen (to ourselves in a quiet space), we are able to see new opportunities or insights that we couldn't see before. And of course, this too shall pass with patience and compassion for yourself.
A little extra insight.....
Is there something that you are wanting to do, but afraid to take action? The Leap card is inviting you to take a leap of faith, but the 5 of Fire and 8 of Air have you pondering the struggles you may think you have to go through to make it happen. Sometimes your thoughts are your own worst enemy. Feelings of fear, judgement or failure can keep you from moving forward. This is a time to really contemplate what is holding you back and how you can shift your thoughts to your desires instead of your fears. You may also be feeling impatient about something. You may wish to reflect on what is making you so impatient. How can you use this as an opportunity to be grateful for this moment and to enjoy the journey. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Have more fun! Spring is a time for new beginnings after all....
questions you can contemplate: 🤔
- What is something that you can appreciate in this moment?
- Are you struggling to see the bigger picture in your present situation? If so, how can you look at it from a different perspective?
- Are you impatient about something that you want to do or somewhere you want to go? If so, why?
- How can you enjoy the journey a little bit more even if you haven't arrived at your destination just yet?
- What burdensome thoughts are preventing you from seeing this situation more clearly?
- What new choice and/or thought can you make to improve this situation?
- You have the power to choose your thoughts! What positive thoughts can you choose now?
- What can you do to find support and journey forward with a positive mind-set?
If you enjoyed this post, consider booking a live session with me (via zoom) or an email card reading.
BTW - If you're not on my email list, make sure you're on it so you don't miss a thing. As a thank you, you'll receive access to my FREE Yoga Nidra meditation designed for deep relaxation. I promise to never spam you or sell/share your email address (cause that's just not nice) and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Cards from this reading:
Card 1 - Messages From the Light Meditation Deck by Joyce Huntington
Cards 2, 3, 4 - The Sacred Web Tarot by Jannie Bui Brown, Illustrated by James Brown IV
The information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
Welcome to my monthly blog where I create a simple intention based on a monthly card reading with you (my community) in mind. If this intention resonates with you, feel free to use it as a focus for this month (or whatever time frame suits your fancy)!
Some things to keep in mind when using an intention:
- Write it down and put it where you can see it regularly (bathroom mirror, desk, beside table, wallet, etc).
- Say it several times a day clearly affirming it - you can stand in a power pose (like running across the finish line), hands on hips (like Wonder Woman), placing your hands on your heart, or even doing a little dance. Whatever makes you feel like this intention is possible when you say it, then do that!
- Practice your favourite Yoga Nidra meditation that allows you to state your intention during the practice. When the mind and body are relaxed, your mind is much more susceptible to suggestions, so this can help make this intention become true for you even quicker than by doing it on a conscious level alone.
- If you haven't done so already, you can sign up to receive access to listen to my free Yoga Nidra meditation here.
March Intention Setting Reading
1st Card - A LEG UP
This card invites you to ask for and be willing to receive help. Having "a leg up" can help you to accomplish tasks more easily and can give you more time to do things that can nourish and support you. When you're bogged down by commitments and a to "do list" higher than Mount Everest, you don't make time for fun or self-care. Even taking a bath seems like too much wasted time.
2nd Card - Knight of PENTACLES
It looks like you've been diligently hard at work with little time for yourself. You're in the weeds of work, family and commitments, but not having a lot of fun. While work is important and necessary, what small steps are you taking to do more for you? The horse is this image isn't moving towards anything creative. But the figure on top of the horse is wearing pointe shoes which can indicate a passion for something other than your work at this time. Think about something you're passionate about and take one step in that direction.
3rd Card - KING of CUPS (Female)
Have you been busy nurturing others? If somebody needs help with something, or a shoulder to cry on, you're there! You provide a sense of emotional stability to others and even when the waters are rough, you find a safe space so they can sail their ship in calm waters. You are strong and nurturing. But......are you making time for your own nurturing? This King teaches you how to truly love and accept yourself as you are. This card is inviting you to seek out nurturing and compassionate practices for yourself! It's your turn to seek support from someone else who has your best interests in mind. How can you get help to nurture your own emotions and feel more stable and secure where you are? How can you love and accept yourself in this moment without changing a thing?
4th Card - THREE of WANDS
Once you've made the choice to ask/receive help, it's time to welcome and get ready for the opportunities that await! The Three of Wands shows you that once you've made the choice (to do something adventurous rather than staying in your comfort zone), you're on the lookout for the ship to sail in! In this case, the ship is to make time for things that nurture you (including having some fun). Look for opportunities to gather with those you love (maybe family, or a night with your best friends). This could also be about making a plan to set some time aside each day for self-care. The Three of Wands is about patience (not everything has to happen over night) and sticking to your plans. Be ready for opportunities (even though you may not be sure what they are just yet). You're on the lookout now for some fun and you're ready for some good ol' fashioned self-care!
A little extra insight.....
Water is a theme that is present in this reading when you look at the images in the cards. When you think of the element of water, it's flexible, fluid and ebbs and flows. It doesn't let obstacles get in its way, rather, it easily and naturally flows around them instead of trying to force its way through them. It's time to balance your inner water element by practicing self-care that makes you feel nurtured and calm. Water also helps you to flow through life with grace. This could be a time to let go of trying to control every situation, and just "go with the flow".
questions you can contemplate: 🤔
- Where in my life do I need more help?
- If it's hard for me to ask for help, why might that be?
- How can I nurture myself more?
- What self-care practices will help me feel more loving and accepting of myself?
- Where in my life is there flow?
- What do I find fun and how can I do more of that?
If you enjoyed this post, consider booking a live session with me (via zoom) or an email card reading.
BTW - If you're not on my email list, make sure you're on it so you don't miss a thing. As a thank you, you'll receive access to my FREE Yoga Nidra meditation designed for deep relaxation. I promise to never spam you or sell/share your email address (cause that's just not nice) and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Cards from this reading:
Card 1 - Wisdom of the Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid
Cards 2, 3, 4 - Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein
The information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
MUSSELS IN GARLIC, WHITE WINE AND ROSÉ SAUCE WITH RED PEPPERS AND ONIONS
If you love mussels, then this easy recipe is a must try! This is a definite go to for a quick and flavourful seafood dish without the hassle of long preparations and fussy ingredients. Quite frankly, I just wing it, but then had to document my steps and quantities so that I could create this recipe to share with other seafood aficionados!
My love affair with seafood is most likely because of my Portuguese background. I grew up eating seafood simmered in white wine, garlic, onions, parsley and hot pepper paste. Thinking about it makes my mouth water. This particular recipe isn't necessarily a Portuguese dish. I've added a few extra ingredients to make it richer and saucier (yes, that's a word - haha).
I normally serve these mussels over linguine, but of course, you can have them on their own. Just make sure you have something to soak up the sauce (your favourite pasta and/or crusty fresh bread is a match made in heaven). Once all of the mussels are gone, my husband Steve finishes the sauce with a spoon like he's eating soup!
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1 yellow onion sliced thin
- 1 red pepper sliced thin
- 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 798 ml of good quality roma tomatoes in sauce
- (can be whole, diced or chopped)
- 1 TBSP Portuguese hot pepper paste or 1/2 tsp red pepper
- flakes
- 1 TSP salt (or to taste)
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup 35% whipping cream
- Approximately 3 lbs of fresh mussels rinsed and cleaned (discard any open or broken mussels before adding to sauce)
INSTRUCTIONS
Over medium heat, add olive oil to a large dutch oven or large pot. Add onion and pepper and stir occasionally until onions become translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and parsley to the pot and keep mixing for about 30 seconds to ensure garlic doesn't burn.
Carefully add white wine and simmer for about 5-10 minutes over medium heat until alcohol has evaporated and wine has reduced. Add tomatoes, hot pepper paste (or flakes), salt and pepper and stir to combine. Cover with lid and let simmer over medium to low heat for about 20-30 minutes stirring occasionally. If you are serving this dish with pasta, boil the water for your pasta at this point and cook pasta according to directions.
Once sauce has reduced, if desired, take a hand held blender and puree the sauce just a bit to thicken and combine even more. This step is optional, but I like to blend the sauce to incorporate the flavours and break up the tomatoes. Check for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Add whipping cream and allow to come to a gentle boil. Add the cleaned and rinsed mussels and cover for about 10-12 minutes. Stir mussels occasionally.
Once mussels are open, it's time to eat! They don't take long to cook so make sure you don't over cook them or they become a rubbery consistency..... and that's no bueno......Discard any unopened mussels.
Bon appetit!
The information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
must-try pumpkin orange muffin recipe!
These pumpkin orange muffins are the real deal. They're easy to make, and they definitely please the pallet with the brightness of orange, comfort of pumpkin and warm spices reminiscent of all things autumn! But don't wait for pumpkin spice season to make these beauties. They're delicious all year round...
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melter butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice (it still counts if it's OJ from your kid's juice box ;)
- 3/4 canned pumpkin puree
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange (or 3 drops Young Living Orange essential oil) * Note: not all essential oil brands are safe to ingest. Ensure you are using a brand like Young Living that has been approved to use for cooking/baking.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and brown sugar in a large glass bowl and stir to mix ingredients.
- In a separate glass bowl, whisk egg with butter, milk, orange zest (or Orange essential oil), orange juice and pumpkin. * Note if you are using orange essential oil in this recipe, make sure you're not using plastic mixing bowls as the citrus from the essential oil can affect the plastic.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix by hand just until blended (don't overmix the batter or your muffins will be tough, and we don't want tough muffins)......
- Line 12 cup muffin tin with liners (or you can grease the tins instead of using liners, but that's a ton of work)
- Divide muffin batter evenly between 12 muffin cups (about three quarters full).
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until muffins are lightly golden brown and cake tester is clean when inserted into muffin.
Enjoy!!!
xo, Bonnie
By the way...if you need some relaxation in your life, click the link below to get access to my FREE Yoga Nidra Guided meditation for relaxation.
The information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
zucchini bread - quick and delicious!
Picture late summer and loads of (dare I say overgrown) zucchinis from the garden. You can only eat so many grilled zucchini - am I right? So....what do you do with the rest? Bake zucchini bread! I've been making this recipe for years. I've adapted it from the Betty Crocker Cookbook and I make it a few times a year (when I'm literally using up giant zucchinis from the garden)!
It's easy and you can do everything by hand....no need to get out the mixer for this one. I love that it makes two loaves. So, you can keep one for yourself, and gift the second loaf.....or put it in the freezer for a later time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of zucchini shredded - about 2-3 medium or 1 large ;)
- 1 2/3 cups of sugar
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional - can sub raisins or chopped pecans/walnuts)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Line 2 loaf pans (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches) with parchment paper (or butter and flour loaf pans if preferred).
Sift and mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add sugar, vanilla and oil and whisk until combined. Add zucchini and mix well.
Add flour mixture and mix by hand until incorporated making sure not to over mix the batter.
Add chocolate chips and combine.
Divide batter evenly amongst loaf pans and bake in centre of oven for 50 - 60 minutes or until tester inserted into centre of loaf comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes on a cooling rack. Remove from pans and place top side up to cool on cooling racks. Serve warm or cool.
Enjoy!!
xo, Bonnie
By the way...if you need some relaxation in your life, click the link below to get access to my FREE Yoga Nidra Guided meditation for relaxation.
The information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. The information in this post is subject to interpretation and is an expression of opinion. It is not intended for, and does not replace professional, medical, legal, business, and/or health related opinions and advice. It is not a substitute for counselling or any other type of therapy, or medical advice from qualified professionals.
