Julie Tour

Flavorful and Rich Vegan Shepard’s Pie

Posted by

3

  
I personally want full-flavored, Irish goodness on St. Patrick’s Day. When you have decided to eat compassionately for the planet, you may find yourself feeling a little left out (and grossed out) amidst all the corn beef chomping population beside you. Luckily for all you plant-based eaters out there, I have decided to share my favorite Irish, vegan recipe. 💚

Start by boiling 8 red skinned potatoes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Filling

Add the following ingredients to a sauté pan with a little veggie broth:

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1/2 yellow onion, cubed

8 cremini mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh thyme

1 tsp fresh sage

Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add two cups of veggie broth, slowly.

Add 1 cup of tomato paste. 

Add 1 cup of organic frozen peas.

Add a splash of red wine.

Let simmer until veggies become soft.

Add 1 tbsp flour, and continue to let simmer until thickened.

  
Potato topping

At about 15-20 minutes of boiling, the potatoes should be tender. Check with a fork or knife.

Drain the hot water from the potatoes. I usually cut the potatoes in half with a knife and leave them in the same pan.

Add 2 cups of your favorite nut milk (I use cashew milk).

Add garlic salt and pepper to taste.

The tender potatoes and added ingredients should be easily mashed and mixed by hand with a potato masher.

  
Putting it all together

I put a little veggie broth on the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.

Completely cover pan with thickened veggie filling. Make sure it is even by spreading with the back of a spoon.

Evenly layer mashed potato mixture on top of the veggies. Make sure it is spread as evenly as possible on top to keep a good ratio between potato topping and veggie filling.

Cook pan on the top shelf of your oven for 30 minutes, or until potato topping starts to brown and crisp.

Let dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

  
Voila! A delicious, full flavored vegan St. Patties dish!

Enjoy, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Label Me: The Human Condition 

Posted by

0

Nothing ever stays the same, yet year after year so much changes that it still surprises me. We are constantly evolving, searching and experiencing. Throughout this life, we find ourselves moving in different directions, trying on new labels for ourselves, and moving on to the next. We are a child, a best friend, a student, a lover, an ex-girlfriend, a friend, a roommate, and a soulmate. We go through all of these labels, all the while exchanging experiences with other labels like teacher, boyfriend, boss, and grandma. We are constantly interacting with a sea of faces that go on swapping labels, like best-friend, coworker, and date. At the end of the day, we have a hard time looking past the labels we use to define others’ relationships to us, as well as defining ourselves.  

“Behind every atom of this world hides an infinite universe.” – Rumi

 
Remember, that you are a reflection of the divine. You are a part of the universe, and the universe is a part of you. You are part of all that ever is, all that ever was, and all that ever will be. We are infinite beings, experiencing a finite existence. To get caught up in the matters on the surface is to lose sight of the infinite reality that is your soul: the ghost operating and observing the three-dimensional vessel that is your body. Anything that ever took place in your life is timeless. Anyone you ever exchanged experiences with in this existence is infinitely a part of your story as you are of theirs. Being a part of a creation that is happening through us, and not just to us, is to recognize the divine in every experience you’ll ever have. The truth is, you are as infinite as the entire universe as well as a mere piece of it. As much as change appears to be a reality, there is a constant divine flow that runs through absolutely everything, as we are all a part of all of creation. The next time you catch yourself labeling anything or anyone, consider this: To label yourself as anything less than infinite is to sell yourself short. 

Spiritual Transformation: Dealing with Outward Changes as You Change Within

Posted by

0

When we grow, we change. And true to the law of attraction, when we change, the environment around us changes. Sometimes these changes are difficult. Sometimes, as you raise your awareness and your energy level, we no longer are attracted to the same situations and people. In turn, the people who were once attracted to us may no longer be attracted to brighter versions of ourselves.

 

 One of the toughest lessons I have ever learned was that people you love may leave you, and it’s completely okay. They may not even care to bat an eye that you are pained by that. But just because your big heart cares so much for them when it is not reciprocated, it does not make you weak; it makes you stronger than them since you are capable of unconditional love despite outward appearances. If people let you down, let them walk away. I truly believe that what is lost will always be replaced with something better. Holding on to a situation or person that no longer fits who you are is never the answer. Never be afraid to change yourself as you see fit. Without change, we will never become the best versions of ourselves. And change in ourselves will always mean changes in all areas of our life. Let the old fall away so the newer, brighter future can manifest. The universe is abundant and loving and will never let you down when you let go of the reigns and let the world do the heavy lifting for you. Unconditional love will never be denied to the unconditionally loving heart. 

Living Consciously 

Posted by

2

We have been conditioned from birth to feel the need to expand ourselves, to set goals, to achieve, to acquire. Once we accomplish a goal, we move on to the next, always needing to validate our lives with the next big accomplishment. The problem with always having your sights on the future is that you might just miss the journey. Every moment you spend awake, consciously in a state of just being is a blessing and a miracle. There is no need to validate your miraculousness. 

  

Take a moment each morning to set a new goal for yourself: to relax and enjoy every moment of the day. When we rest, and nurture ourselves, we grow without striving and struggling. When we are rested and practice mindfulness, ideas will come naturally. If that leads to be a future accomplishment, let it, but don’t let your mind dwell in the future. The more we go with the flow, stay present in the here and now, and honor ourselves as whole beings, the less we need to struggle. We push against the energy of the universe when we vibrationally tell the world we need more. When we honor what we have and who we are as whole, we send the vibration of leading a whole life. This is the foundation of living a conscious life. 

Spring Equinox 2015: A Solar Eclipse Super New Moon 

Posted by

0

 
This Friday, March 20th, is a very rare event in astrology. We will be experiencing a total solar eclipse. According the Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Blog, the solar eclipse will be in the very last moments of pisces, which has to do with our emotions. The moon will be passing through the Earth and the sun, which will be visible in parts of Europe and Africa. The solar eclipses of the past have been used in astrology for manifestation between the event and the next full moon. What makes this solar eclipse unique is that the moon is not only a new moon, but a Super New Moon, meaning the moon is at its closest orbit to Earth. Manifestation abilities will be dramatically heightened, so make sure to keep your thoughts at their highest levels. 

What takes this event to the next noteworthy level is that this all happens to fall on the Spring Equinox. The Spring Equinox has been celebrated in human history as a time of increased light, abundance, enlightenment, and healing. From Christianity, to Wiccan tradition, the Spring Equinox is prevalent in many religions, holidays and traditions (See The Goddesses of Easter: Ostara vs Ishtar). The spring equinox is a time honored tradition that shifts previously stagnant energy from the winter, into a time of movement specifically abundance, fertility, and increased light. Scientifically speaking, our days will be full of more sunlight. 



This event will not only affect us energetically on the individual level, but also as a collective. Any obstacles that have been in the way during the winter months will be removed. Our emotions will give us insights on what hasn’t been working for us. Anything negative will be washed away and replaced with something positive, as long as we are willing to let go of what has been holding us back. Take inventory of what’s no longer serving you. This is the perfect time for a spiritual spring cleaning. 

This is a time to reflect on our desires, and how we can best help the planet as a whole. The desire to manifest events to help others will be rewarded at this time. Increased light will bring through our benevolent Angels and guides, who wish to help us with these changes. The effects of this event energetically will be continuing for months ahead. Take a moment this Friday to close your eyes, and envision this planet within a vibration of peace and serenity. Anything that will help you along your path of extending peace to others is something you should set your intention on manifesting. Happy Solar Eclipse, Super Moon, and Spring Equinox Day! 

Finding the Silver Lining 

Posted by

0



“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

You’ve heard the spiritual teachers, the optimists, and your mother tell you… keep your sight on the light. Think of how a dancer pivots their head while spinning. If she were to cast her gaze among the spinning world around her, she could lose her balance. Keeping her focus on one point, and pivoting her head overlooking the spinning chaos, she can continue to dance. Life can seem chaotic, but if you focus on the silver lining, the light in any situation, you will never lose your balance. When you always face the light, the shadows will fall at your back, no matter how dark they may seem. Your future will always be bright. ☀️

Romance Angel Card Reading February 14, 2015

Posted by

0

IMG_0368

Pulling a card for everyone on Valentine’s Day from the romance angel card deck seems appropriate. Honeymoon can mean reigniting a flame on a holiday or a vacation. For someone who is single, this card could mean you could meet someone special soon on a significant holiday. The honeymoon card denotes your love life is ascending surrounding a significant holiday or trip. “Enjoy the bliss of holiday time together”.

The Chaotic Nature of Beautiful Change

Posted by

0

IMG_0268

When you feel like demands upon your life are pressuring you, remember this: the most beautiful changes are often birthed from chaos. If something in your life is making you feel less than stellar, if you can’t change it, embrace it as your catalyst for change in yourself. The process of how diamonds are made is a great example. A diamond is not born a diamond. A diamond is the result of a long journey under immense amounts of pressure. May your darkest days be your journey to your bright, shining future. ☀️

The Natural Healing Power of Thieves Oil

Posted by

1

IMG_0187In medieval times, grave looters and thieves would cover themselves in an herbal oil blend to prevent themselves from getting sick with the plague. This blend has been passed down through generations to increase immunity function in the body. The formula is known as thieves oil due to it’s origin. Thieves is still used today to help boost your immunity, and recommended by many aromatherapists. Many people report seeing improvements staying well, avoiding seasonal viruses.

Making your own thieves is simple and inexpensive. Don’t get caught up in a multi-level marketing scam paying extra for an oil formula made for you. For the cost of one bottle of thieves, you could make many formulas yourself. I really like Aura Cacia and Now brands.

Thieves ratio:
– 40 drops of Clove
– 35 drops of Lemon
– 20 drops Cinnamon
– 15 drops Eucalyptus
– 10 drops Rosemary

Thieves uses:
– Topically with your favorite lotion, coconut oil, almond or avocado oil
– Topically from a roller bottle
– Behind the ears and bottoms of feet for best absorption
– Mixed with water and vegetable glycerine in a spray bottle
– Diffused in a candle diffuser or an electronic diffuser
– Mixed with vinegar and tea tree oil to clean and disinfect

Store your oil in an amber bottle to keep it safe from UV light. Thieves, like any essential oils, should not be ingested.