I'm releasing yet another meditation today, completely focused on happiness. I hope you find it to be of value for you, and you can use it as a tool to bring you contentedness in your daily life. Be sure to check out my other meditations as well! I've also made meditations honing in on anxiety, gratitude, sleep, and self confidence (which you can find as posts here on the blog and on my discography through Bandcamp) .
Love and light,
Tiffany Amber
From learning about recent mass deaths due to the overhead Zika spraying of pesticides to the I think we've all known that the day the bees became endangered was coming. It's not one of those situations where one day they're fine and well and the next they're struggling to survive as a species. Their decline has been continuous, and little has really been done about it.
However, with the previous awareness put aside, we realize that right now calls for action still. There is still now to act and hopefully revive their numbers. This action is more important than many realize, because we would not likely survive their extinction. If they go down, they're bringing us with them; we rely so heavily on their pollination for our food that it's been estimated we would not survive more than four years (Einstein). Even if you aren't plant-based, bees are absolutely essential for the grass that feed cattle (therefore no milk or cheese).
What can we do?
-Grow bee-friendly plants in your garden such as:sage, lavender, cilantro, thyme, fennel, geranium, sunflower, poppy, calendula, buttercup, and more!
-Choose to buy honey (if you buy it already) from reputable sellers who do not harvest the honey unsustainably. This is important, so try to find a good deal on natural and raw honey.
-Set up a bee waterer! You can do this by filling a pan or dish with marbles (so they don't drown) and then adding water. Set this outside so they don't dehydrate or go somewhere else they could drown.
-Let your weeds grow! Bees thrive in conditions full of dandelions and clover, so even letting the backyard grow a bit makes a world of difference.
-Talk about the above options and why bees are important. Many are unaware of how important they are in our world, especially the younger generations. Maybe even share this post with others! The more an idea spreads, the better it's impact is.
Let me know which of these options are most doable for you, and what you plan to do!
Tiffany Amber
Having enough self confidence to bear it all- to be who you are- can be hard in a world of air-brushed images and advertising. Recently, larger numbers of people have worked to achieve a more inclusive advertising industry in terms of the faces we see on a daily basis. The diversity in most mainstream models is typically...underwhelming, to say the least. It's so important to see people who look like you when developing! When you can recognize aspects of yourself in others, you realize that you've got no reason to hide who you are to appease or fit in with everyone else.
Young people should not have the impression that they need to be all made up on a daily basis just to fit in. Acceptance comes through having a good character and being an involved, passionate person. Media today can be used to spread a message of empowerment and free youth from insecurities they've been taught to have. Media can be changed to work as a force of encouragement that spreads confidence.
The process of growing up involves a lot of environmental influence. We are born with genetic influences today, and made to be ashamed of them through our environment. However, in seeing other people who share our characteristics and distinctions, culture itself will become more encompassing of everyone.
Tiffany Amber
If you want to see more on wellness and social justice, just text @tamberdi to 81010 to be the first to know when I post!
When you eat plant based, there are plenty of questions you get used to after a while. One in particular that sticks out: how can you afford that? There's a common misconception that eating healthfully and meat free is expensive- it certainly can be, but definitely does not need to be.
There is always a way to eliminate cruelty from your diet, regardless of your income. In fact, many less developed countries subsist on what's mostly a vegan diet (India,China,etc).
Through consuming basic 'staple' foods and learning to shop wisely, you'll likely even save money in the transition. There are many videos out there proving this to be true, and I can definitely make one if you'd like.
Learn to look for weekly sales in the produce section. Through buying what's in season, you'll save yourself a lot of money; your food will likely be much fresher as well.
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| picture used from drmcdougall.com |
Center your shopping on the following foods:
-Oats: I love love love oats! You can have them for a filling breakfast, make snack bars with them, and plenty more! I love how customizable they can be, so whatever flavors you like are doable (vanilla,peanut butter,cinnamon,etc)
-Potatoes: You can typically get a huge bag for only a couple dollars
-Rice: Very affordable, and makes for an easy meal any day.
-Corn: When this is in season, it's very inexpensive.
-Beans: these are inexpensive and come in a variety of kinds; whether you like garbanzo,pinto,black, or otherwise, you'll likely find at least one that you like.
-Breads: I have a really nice store near me where all the bread is 99 cents; you might have one near you as well, and it doesn't hurt to look when most supermarkets and grocery chains sell loaves for four dollars.
-Pasta: this is another staple food that's extremely filling, and can be cooked for a variety of tastes
-Inexpensive fruits: Depending on where you live, the cheapest fruits available are apples,bananas, and oranges. Definitely look locally and you'll probably score some deals.
-Inexpensive vegetables: Again,this depends on where you live, but eating locally and in season will be the best option. Another place to look is the freezer section;depending on the store, they could have some very affordable frozen veggies
I would definitely recommend shopping at Aldi. This is where my family gets a lot of food, and they aren't overpriced. Look for local farmer's markets-even if you don't find something every week, it's a fun outing and you might find new and old friends alike.
What are your tips for shopping plant-based on a budget? Comment below!
Love and light,
Tiffany Amber
Hey again! Today I thought it would be helpful to discuss paring down clothing into a succinct capsule. If you are unfamiliar with the capsule wardrobe concept, it's really just an idea that we should keep a small set of clothes and wear them until they need to be replaced.
This idea is beneficial in many ways; from going easier on the environment to lessening one's contribution to unfair working conditions for those in sweatshops, the reasons to try this out are endless. I'll be making a post on this in greater detail very soon!
Step 1: Pull out all of your clothes (yes, everything). Put them in one space so that you can see them all together.
Step 2: Visually organize the clothing into distinct groups. The grouping here is entirely up to you, but generally some distinctions that tend to work well are color,seasons, and type (pants/shirts/etc.).
Step 3: Try to eliminate the nonessentials,doubles, and pieces that work with only one outfit. You're going to want some variety, and this is where more neutral and basic pieces are perfect. Another thing to consider in this session is how you feel while wearing these clothes;you only want to keep those pieces that you feel confident it and truly like-otherwise they'll end up sitting in your closet!
Step 4: Try on your outfits. I just mentioned the importance of how you feel in these pieces; don't keep something just because something looks good and the colors work together when you'll be uncomfortable all day! The purpose here is to love your clothing and eliminate the stresses associated with it.
Step 5: Enumerate the combinations you can have, and see if this is enough to last for the time between doing your laundry. If you've got enough, great! If not, then consider if you'll need much else and whether or not you'd be open to doing your laundry more often. See if you'll have an outfit for any occasion you'll attend in the future (job interviews, formal dinners, working out, casual occasions). Once you've worked out the kinks, move on to the next step.
Step 6: Donate the rest of your clothing to family/friends, non-profit charities, or see them on sites like Vinted/Mercari/Poshmark! There will always be someone who'd appreciate your clothing so don't just throw it away. Textile waste is already a huge problem, and the amount of textiles thrown out every year is astonishing.
I've really tried to simplify this process, but don't feel bad if it takes longer than expected. It took me some time to really be satisfied with my wardrobe, and over time you'll have to replace pieces. This is expected, as everything wears with time. Just know it's about what you like and what fits you. You don't need exactly 33 pieces of clothing to be "finished"; you can consider this finished when you have enough clothes to be satisfied yet not more than you really need. I hope you found this of some use. If you've tried out capsule wardrobes in the past or would like to, let me know in the comments! I'd love to know about your experiences.
Love and Light,
Tiffany Amber
I. Love. October. It's probably my favorite month. I love the start of autumn in general though, and can get lost in curling up with tea and a good book. Fall is the time where a balance of adventure from the summer can be found amidst the beginning of crisper air. October alone is the hostess to a multitude of scary movie nights, getting my heart rate up and making me feel alive. I'm a sucker for a good mystery, I can't lie.
It is SO crazy how time passes you by. It was July just yesterday and by the time I look back at this it'll probably be January. Impermanence and the past can be recurring themes for me around right now-"how things used to be"..."what I should have done"..."he/she used to be here". Truthfully, I'm learning little by little how to handle this. I've tried to resolve past situations I can't seem to get out of my mind, and I'll say that it's lightened the weight on my chest. If you take anything away from this, take away that it's important to release yourself (and others) from blunders and missed opportunities of the past. To release the past is to welcome in the present moment.
Whether you're grinding hard and working yourself to the bone or stuck in a rut, pondering old history, lighten your load. Forgive. Accept what is. Lastly, snuggle up in a blanket and watch something spooky for me. You won't regret it.
Love and light,
Tiffany Amber
When you're in a relationship with someone, platonic or romantic, ultimately the reason you continue seeing them is due to the reason you love spending time with them and you love growing with them.
While this is all well and good, it's so important to see that growth is necessary as a sole entity as well. The truth is, you won't always have someone to be with, and solitude with present itself eventually. Don't look at that truth as a negative though.
Choose to look at all the opportunities to be alone in a positive light, and know that in individual growth, a greater connection can be cultivated when you do reconnect with others- you'll actually have something new to talk about.
When there's nothing new going on, both life and relationships can become redundant. When you keep working on yourself while in a relationship, there's no chance for boring. There will always be something new one of you is working on or passionate about, and that's part of what makes relationships interesting in the first place.
Overall, I think that the key to cultivating healthy and long-lasting relationships (of any sort) with others is learning to love fully without possession, and remaining a sole entity-an individual.
Tiffany Amber
It was World Mental Health day on the 10th of October, so I feel as though it’s a topic that is quite current at the moment & thought it would be the right time to share some insight on the matter at hand.
For a long time talking about mental health has seemed quite “taboo” and I feel as though that’s something we really need to have a think about as a society. From somebody who has dealt with depression in the past and still does occasionally at the present time, it’s something that I have always felt very passionate about.
A lot of people are afraid to speak up about their own mental health issues and I feel as though it is 100% time for a change. People shouldn’t be ashamed of the problems that they are dealing with and 1 out of 4 people actually deal with some sort of mental health issue during their lifetime. It’s more common than you may think. I know that I’ve been told in the past that “I’m stupid” or “it’s an excuse”. Well, to those who think that, it’s not. It’s a very serious issue and it shouldn’t be taken so lightly. I feel due to these things a lot of people are scared to talk about what’s going on and I’m sure there are millions out there that may not be getting the help they need due to this.
I know first-hand that it can be hard to speak up and actually talk about what might be going on in your mind, but you have to realise you are not alone and it's okay. I think it’s about time that we all stand up and support each other. Everybody deserves to get the help that they need, I’m hoping with more and more people supporting these issues, the less it will be a problem- that it will become less of a “taboo” and that it can be normal for us to talk about it. So that people don’t feel the need to hide what they’re going though.
If you feel as though you’re suffering from a mental health issue, the best thing you can do is talk to somebody , preferably your GP, but anybody you trust would also be a good start.
I understand the importance of World Mental Health Day, but I also understand that it is an ongoing issue with the world, it’s something that we need to keep talking about, to make sure that everybody can find the help that they need.
To end on a lighter note and quote Albus Dumbledore, because I thought it sounded appropriate – “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Aimee
Remember to text "@tamberdi" to 81010 to keep updated with new posts!
1. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
This book is based in Kansas, and is based on the murder of Libby Day's mother and two sisters. Her brother was convicted the murderer, and Libby testifies this. I really loved the whole book, and didn't put it down once. Definitely give it a go if you're someone who likes murder mystery-type books.
2. The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
This book is by James Redfield, and is a really interesting take on important aphorisms anyone can benefit from learning. The story follows like a fiction, with the narrative traveling and meeting new people to learn about an ancient manuscript full of spiritual truths. I actually just finished this, and would definitely recommend it.
3. Revolution by Russell Brand
Brand is overall an extremely captivating writer, while still being down to earth and genuine in his words. This book shifted my perspectives on a lot of different things, from the monarchy to mall developments... The range of topics he discusses is far too wide to put in a description here,but really-read the book.
4.Brain Rules by John Medina
As someone who is passionate about psychology and living your best life, this book enthralled me from the minute I checked it out. Medina himself is extremely educated, and used the principles he discusses to format his book in a way it's understandable. An example of this being that he sums up his main points at the end of each chapter; this way, even if some of the reading is dense, you'll be able to have the main takeaway and implement it in your life regardless.
5. The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard
This one makes you contemplate all that you contribute every day, often without realizing it. Using a large arsenal of statistics, Annie Leonard argues that we all should be using our dollars to support ethically and environmentally sustainable products; I agree! It's important to be informed on the purchases we make, along with how they impact our bodies, our society, and our Earth.
6. Food, Inc. by Karl Weber
I originally read this book for my AP Human Geography class, and don't get me wrong- most of the books we have to read for classes are kinda dreadful, but this is by far my favorite. Its definitely a great introduction to our food system and how it's come to be this way.
7. Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson
This one is also focused on sustainable living, but I found it valuable because it was infused with actionable and useful content along with her personal experiences. The writer is a great example of how aligning your life (at any age) to your values, spreading an idea, and making a living off your passion is possible. Truly inspiring.
What books do you recommend this fall? Comment below.
Love and Light,
Tiffany Amber
There are two types of people in this world-those who can study with music, and those who cannot. This list is technically for those who can and enjoy doing so, but I think these are great for any time, whether you're showering or heading home!
1. Moon- RXN
This is an old favorite of mine,and I don't know that I'll ever get tired of it. Maybe I just like songs I know when studying...This is good regardless.
2.Awake-Tycho
Give it a go.
3. Evenings-Friend
Not gonna lie I listen to this in the shower more than anything... I listen to it on car rides... I put it on when I study...This one is great overall for when you're all in your head and can't seem to calm your mind.
4. ROM-Free As A Bird
This is all instrumental, but I could listen to it without even studying! The reason I still include it is due to the fact it remains interesting without being TOO interesting as to distract me.
5.Scientific-Somniac
This one is not quite an instrumental, as it has some vocals, but they won't be distracting either. I love the way this song flows as well- it definitely helps me to get lost almost in my work.
6. Piano Beach- Swirvin Irvin
I would recommend this if you're looking for more of an upbeat and faster-pace3d instrumental.
7. Sunfalls-Goldwish
This is all I've heard from this artist but I really enjoy it!
8. Higher-Ta-ku (Flume Remix)
This is very uplifting and happy sounding, so I tend to listen to it in the mornings, but this is another amazing song overall. Plus, I believe it's a free download!
9. Cleam- Mister Lies
Cleam is a bit more quiet, for sure. If that's what you're looking for, this is it.
10. Stars- Oliver
This one starts off a little slow, but picks up not too far in.
11. NO SLEEP Mix 10- ODESZA
The best part about this mix is how long it is. Plus, while it is long, it remains interesting. All of her mixes are great-definitely check them out.
12. Away From You- Myrror
Myrror has created a large number of tracks, but I love love love this one.
13. Aso-Yoga Bird-Auratheory
Extremely calming.
14. Zen-Chinsaku
This song has an almost...refreshing effect on me, which is always a plus when I'm usually tired and overworked in the last stretch the night before a test.
15. Deku-Whispa
I'm still a little iffy on this one, but I definitely like it for relaxing in general...Let me know what you think!
16. The Way Things Are- Fast Wolf
I think everyone can agree this is a good one.
17. We Can't Be Friends- Dream Koala
I found this recently, but have definitely been liking it so far!
18.Memories-Soulfuu
This song is simple but also perfect at blocking out the other noise wherever I'm at.
19. All About You- Yung Sherman
Another song I mostly listen to in the shower but also working for cram sessions or afternoons in the library.
20. Beneath The Flowers- Kuma
This last song is focused on vocals, but also has a nice beat to work to.
If you have any recommendations for good study songs please share them with me! I'd love to add to my list, and I'm always looking for great music.
Love and Light,
Tiffany Amber
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Hey everyone! I decided to make a playlist encompassing my favorite songs this fall. Whenever the season changes from summer to autumn, I drift toward somewhat darker/ more pensive music. Don't get me wrong, I love a variety of music, but this list is fitting for a fall mood (to me). Be sure to check it out, and if you're interested I've embedded it below!
1. Blood Bank-Bon Iver
Bon Iver is truly the man for fall and winter.
2. Animals-Gem Club
This just screams autumn and long walks to me.
3. The National: "About Today"- Brassland
This track is a bit reminiscent, but I like that- you can sense the emotive nature of the song right from the beginning.
4. Lester-Dan and Drum
I've recently discovered this, and can't help but keep playing it over and over! The vocals in this just take me somewhere else, and have a huge affect on my mood.
5. Flowers-Vivian
I love this song. I love her whole album. I love Vivian! She is such an inspiring artist and person, check her out for sure. If you haven't heard of her before, I'm sure you will.
6. 4:27 am- thInc
I love when songs have sampling of conversations...I'm not sure if that's the right way to describe it but I know there will be at least some of you who enjoy this.
7. Lost- Josh Luna
This is from the first volume of his EP Moon, and I definitely feel it's fitting for those nights with some tea and a big blanket...
8.Coffee- Sylvan Esso
Coffee is neither uplifting nor saddening, I don't know how to describe it other than captivating.
9. Dust On the Ground- Bombay Bicycle Club
Soft. Yearning. Sweet.
10. Ilusm- Gnash
I love listening to softer yet more emotional songs in the fall- this fits the bill.
11. Drive- Gemineyes
This artist's voice is truly captivating.
12. Ashy Elbows-Amindi K. Fro$t
This one is a little more eclectic, but what can I say? This is what I've been listening to, and I like it a lot.
13. Northern Wind- City and Colour
I always find myself listening to City and Colour around this time of year.
14. Wanderer-From Indian Lakes
Very fitting for this playlist.
15. Holocene- Bon Iver
This would go perfectly with a warm cup of tea or cider, whatever you fancy.
Let me know what songs you've been loving lately!
Tiffany Amber
Reminder that you can sign up for text updates when I make a new post by texting "@tamberdi" to 81010!
