Saturday, April 25, 2015

We are all Both Victims & the Ones Who are Guilty

Scrolling through my newsfeed, this article stuck out to me:
"I Dressed as a Goth, a Party Girl, and a Manic Pixie Dream Girl — Here's How My Friends, Partner, and OKCupid Reacted"
http://www.bustle.com/articles/36369-i-dressed-as-a-goth-a-party-girl-and-a-manic-pixie-dream-girl-heres

"I began all this with the slight hope that in the seven years since my last fashion experiment, people had become slightly more open-minded, and less horrible. But the thing is, they really, really haven’t" (Ospina 2014)

So often people are judged by their appearance and what we are wearing. People continue to do it to us as well as we continue to do it to others. As much as we would like to think nowadays and as sad as it is, this is still an ever common occurrence. We think of people that look like they are destitute to be "sketchy," people wearing all black to be goth, teenagers wearing "drug rugs" to be stoners, people wearing some bohemian fashion to be hippies, people that are thought to be "overdressed" are prude while people who are thought to be "underdressed" have negative presumptions of their sexuality, and people dressed "acceptably well" are fully accepted into society while many of these other people are not. The list goes on and on.

This is the 21st century, why are we not allowed to wear whatever we want? Oh, I forgot...we are, just we're bombarded constantly with criticism and judgment. We hear the said-too-often but true statement that "we're all unique and different in a good way." If this is so, then why are our ideas of how we express our differences and uniqueness criticized? What we wear is simply as innocent as showing off our personalities.

The fact is, yes, we all have the right to our own judgment, but when should we realize we have gone too far...too far into the lives of others? Yes, of course we shouldn't live our lives for the acceptance of others, but it is quite hard to completely ignore the factor of acceptance when creating our own happiness. Yet, how often do people stop to think that judgment can be positive and not negative? That is the judgment we should all learn to live with.

First step, let's turn those awful negative stereotypes based on how people dress to positive reflections of their personalities, beyond the confidence they must possess to allow themselves to embrace their differences among the public scrutiny of modern society.

"Destitutes" - Why should we evade people who are only looking for friendliness and a possible help & hope of getting a step up in this cruel world? Some sit out day and night in the freezing cold and then proceed to be spit at or even physically harmed by pedestrians walking by.

Goth - Who said that everyone has to like color? Technically, black is the utmost color as it is a combination of all colors. While some people may be confident in decking out in all black, others find the need to try to hide from the rest of society, so why do we need to find the need to be rude to them and give them reason to hide?

Stoners - Seriously. Drug rugs are oversized colorful sweatshirts that I've heard are to be quite warm and very durable. Why should anyone be judged for wearing something comfy, well-made, and full of color and unique patterns?

Hippies - Yes, I do find myself to fall into this category but I'll try not to be bias. What is wrong with enjoying the comfort of the "flowyness" and uniqueness of bohemian fashion? What is so wrong with expressing our love for our Mother Earth? Why should we be judged for wearing a crystal rock around our neck because we have our own beliefs as others wear a cross around their neck?

Prudes - So what if they like to be modest? Why is being modest ever a bad thing? Everyone has both different levels and ideas of their own respect of their image, why should theirs be judged more harshly?

"Underdressed" - Some may enjoy this style as it gives them a sense of confidence in their body. Others may go to this style as they find it as a way to grab attention and not be thought of as "ugly" or a "tom-boy." Who are we to judge?

"Acceptably Well" - They often agree with society's ideas of the norm along with some of them being people who are too shy to standout. They may find it easiest to conform along with learning that this sadly is one of the few ways to be accepted by many.

As we all have our own right to our opinions, we should all have the right to be free of negative judgment. Next time you go to judge someone by their appearance, think again and really put thought into if the judgment is necessary and holds any truth. Often times, it will not. The more we "hate on others," the more others will "hate on us." This is a situation that we will often find ourselves to be both the victim and the ones who are guilty. Find a reason to be neither.

Let others know that positive judgment and even no judgment at all is a reachable goal for everyone. Be the change society needs to widen the disproving eyes of the public.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Food for Thought


Friday, April 24, 2015

Food for Thought


Happy Belated Earth Day!

Sadly, I have been unable to post these past few days due to a lack of Wi-Fi and data. But on a good note, I've used less technology these past days and had less distraction on the world around me. Let me tell you, it was quite refreshing. On the other hand, I was unable to remind all of you that Wednesday was our wonderful Earth Day! Then again, it has greatly become a time when we should be celebrating Earth Day every day. Our Mother Earth is our home, is what keeps us living, and something that never fails to amaze us each and every day.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

Friday, April 17, 2015

Drink Up!



I personally have never tried juicing but I am definitely a fan of smoothies. Sometimes I go for the healthy ones that are full of nutrients and I add kale, chia seeds, and almond butter. Other times I have more of a sweet tooth and I add ice cream (coconut milk ice cream) or sorbet. It is hard to go wrong with them and best of all, very easy to experiment with flavors. Especially with the warm weather, both options are quick and delicious. Have fun trying some out yourself!

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

Food for Thought


Thursday, April 16, 2015

Have a Little Love


















                                                                                                                (Earth Porm)

There are times when animals are capable of dispersing their love in ways that you wouldn't imagine. They maybe even cross the lines of predator vs. prey. If animals are capable of this, why can't humans get past the ideas of enemies?

Check out more photos of this convincing idea:
http://www.earthporm.com/surprising-sleeping-buddies/

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

Food for Thought


Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Have Your Daily Water!

Finding it hard to drink the suggested amount of water each day? Did you realize that nowhere it strictly says you have to drink the water but rather talks about the intake? Try eating your water instead!

-The Crunchy Granola Nut


Food for Thought



Monday, April 13, 2015

A Day for a Recipe #6

Salsa Rice Enchiladas
(this recipe is actually in Betty Crocker's Easy Vegetarian cookbook)
 
Ingredients:
  • 1-1/2 cups chunky-style salsa
  • 1-1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup uncooked instant rice (I prefer cooking my own choice of rice beforehand, I think it tastes better)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained, rinsed (next time I make this I'll try to use freshly cooked black beans)
  • 1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn with red & green peppers, undrained
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 oz) (I'll be using my own dairy free mozzarella styled almond cheese next time I make this)
  • 8 flour tortillas (8 in) (may need more depending on how much you like to stuff them)
**Extra salsa, sour cream, and guacamole are good side dishes
 
Directions:
  1. In 10-inch skillet (or wok), heat the salsa and chili powder to boiling. (Use less salsa if the rice is already cooked). Stir in rice. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, and cheese.
  2. Spoon about 1/2 cup rice mixture onto center of each tortilla. Fold up bottom of each tortilla; fold over sides. Secure with toothpick if necessary.
Enjoy!

What do you choose?

Now more than ever I find it important to find the positivity that keeps me going. There's really no need to dwell on the negativity, the past, and things that have happened. It is a time to push forward and to know how I feel about things and how I should react to them. It is this importance that will keep me sane, and possibly you as well.

"Today I choose joy."
 
Today I choose my own wellbeing and serenity as well.
 
 
Nothing will stunt my own contentment and optimism. It is something that I choose, not anyone else. It is completely up to me. Each day has a purpose,  a purpose that only you can give it. Whether it's to enjoy life, share optimism with others, to reflect, to share love, to give yourself the time you need, it's all in your hands.
 
I realize as each day passes and I focus more and more on my own well-being and accept the ones I love, each day is automatically better and brighter. There is never a hovering shadow on my days, only the rays of a bright future and a cheerful life. There are few things I appreciate more.
 
Each day is yours and yours alone. Make the best of it and choose wisely.
 
Today I choose joy, my own well-being, and serenity. Tomorrow I'll choose something that will continue my life of lightheartedness.
 
What do you choose?
 
-The Crunchy Granola Nut
 

©The Crunchy Granola Nut


Sunday, April 12, 2015

Food for Thought

Let yourself believe in what is good. If you only believe in what is bad, won't you find yourself to be miserable? It is an every day occurrence that all this can be put into question, but won't it feel good to show others that you don't let it falter your step? That you can continue with soft footfalls of strength down you own path? That you don't get lured into the darkness on both sides of your path? That you can continue forward with your head raised high with pride of not caving in? Things are often out of our own control, but not once are our own thoughts not our own control. Do not let the sweetness, the sunshine, or the smiles of your world be taken away. Take advantage of your own control.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut



 
©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Saturday, April 11, 2015

A New Day


I couldn't help but lean a little bit out of my window this morning to snag a picture of the gorgeous blue sky today. I find it to be a wonderful sign that spring is here to stay with no more hiding behind the snow-filled clouds. There's no more time to sit and wait and ponder the ideas of a new beginning. It's finally time to embrace those ideas completely. I know I have mentioned this before, but now, without a doubt, I believe spring to be here.

It is the time to let go and release all that is bad or that you no longer need in your life. Push the negativity away from you. Embrace and let in all that you need and want in your life. Pull in all the positivity. Simply let go and accept. Everything is up to you. Everything. Enjoy all that you have on this beautiful spring day. Make the best of each moment and not for even one moment believe that you are not worth all that is good.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut
 
©The Crunchy Granola Nut

More & More Benefits!

The Crunchy Granola Nut is finally back after a very draining week. When things happen that you'd rather not, you must always keep in mind that you can always push through it all. Never let the negativity truly get to you.

Today's post is inspired by the delicious seaweed salad I enjoyed yesterday. I'm a very picky salad person, yet this happens to be one of my favorites, not to mention, it's extremely healthy thanks to the benefits of seaweed (edible seaweed that is, don't go picking seaweed along the shores of the beach, you never know what you'd end up eating).



-The Crunchy Granola Nut
 
©The Crunchy Granola Nut


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

A Little Positivity


No matter how hard things may be, it is always important to be able to pick yourself up and carry on. It is a way to grow and to find your own strength. Sometimes a little push may be needed, but never think that it isn't possible.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut



Monday, April 6, 2015

A Day for a Recipe #5


 
A (Delicious) Throw-In-What-You-Want Recipe
 
Ingredients (that I chose, pick anything that sounds appealing to you)
  • 1 lb. of pasta
  • any veggies that can be found in your fridge (I prefer fresh over frozen)
  • cooked shrimp (de-shelled, frustrating when you order a pasta dinner at a restaurant and the shells of the tails are still on the shrimp)
  • Grape seed oil (it's healthier than olive oil)
  • Wildtree Herb & Garlic Blend (or any other seasoning you choose to use)
 
Directions:
  1. Cook pasta according to the directions on the box.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, toss in the chopped up veggies of your choice with the shrimp in a large frying pan or wok. Use some of the grape seed oil to sauté the food and sprinkle on some of the seasoning.
  3. Mix a little more of the seasoning with some more grape seed oil in a separate bowl.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the pan with the sautéed food. Mix all the food together with the oil mixture.

All ready to serve.
 
Happy Monday!
 
-The Crunchy Granola Nut
 
 
©The Crunchy Granola Nut

Food for Thought


Some thought to start off both your day and your week while you hold onto that smile and positivity. Keep watch, a delicious recipe will be posted later in the day!

-The Crunchy Granola Nut


Sunday, April 5, 2015

For those of you who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter. For those who do not, Happy Sunday and enjoy the sunshine.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Spring into Positivity!

We can finally say that it is spring. Not only has it officially been spring for about two weeks, but it is finally spring weather.  Now it's time to think about the ideas of spring and new beginnings. Make the changes you need to become a better person. Most importantly, find the optimism you need. Ignore the negativity as much as possible and let your mind embrace the ideas of positivity. It will set your life down the path towards ample amounts of happiness.

-The Crunchy Granola Nut

Thursday, April 2, 2015

When Your Hands are Cold

Iron is something that you don't want to be low on. It affects your energy levels and body temperature along with other health things. Be aware of your own iron in case of an iron deficiency.





Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Aprils Fools

Let's keep it simple today. Clearly I'm gullible. I have already been successfully tricked today...by Redbox. Hope your day goes smoothly. Happy April Fool's Day!

-The Crunchy Granola Nut