weekend-easy whole wheat oatmeal blueberry pancakes (and a sprinkle of spirit)

Three things I love: things that are quick, things that are healthy and things that are delicious. Sometimes I’m willing to sacrifice the “quickness,” but never healthy or delicious. Especially on the weekends, when it’s time to recharge, relax and enjoy the precious downtime.

Here’s a recipe that I created from ingredients in my cabinets (quick, easy, no store required). Goes over well with guests as a side to your brunch menu (make them half the size) or as the main attraction for you and your hunny.

Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat pancake mix (I like Trader Joe’s brand)
½ cup rolled oats (***my secret weapon)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (or more) ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Your choice add in: fresh blueberries, strawberries, raisins, chocolate, etc.
***You should know that I’m sharing my secret weapon ingredient that makes the pancakes moist and adds that warm oatmeal taste, as well as the added health benefits! I like to refer to is as the “moist maker” like Ross from FRIENDS in the Thanksgiving episode.

Boil ½ cup rolled oats with 1 cup water and pinch of salt, once boiling, simmer for 5 mix. In a bowl, mix 1 cup pancake mix with 1 cup water. Once oatmeal is cooked, add to pancake mix. Combine with vanilla extract and cinnamon to taste.

In a pan on high, drop in 2 tablespoons of mixture to form each pancake. Cook pancakes per usual. Before flipping add in your topping, mine blueberries and cook for 1 min before flipping to cook the other side.

Right before they get the flip

Tell me that is not quick(and easy), healthy and delicious! Enjoy…

STAY TUNED: Will soon be posting about the #SpiritJunkie event at Deepak’s Homebase this past Friday = INCREDIBLE. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, start with this great interview on Gabrielle Berstein by @nataliemacneil).

Now what to do with the rest of the weekend…??

Xo,
D

oldie but goodie — a post from a year ago today “the law of attraction tool you learned in kindergarten

Written May 18, 2010: The Law of Attraction Tool You Learned in Kindergarten!

Yes, Kindergarten….remember….that time when you were five and the day revolved around coloring, taking naps and snack time? A much simpler time really, with some VERY REAL and VERY WORTH IT life lessons bundled in there. Let me explain.

Recently I’ve been observing some of my happiest, healthiest and most successful friends, clients and colleagues. I’ve been looking at the most “attractive” people in my life as well. People that are magnetic and dynamic in their lives, relationships and business. I’ve also been taking a look at those that desire more career success, a more fulfilling life and are constantly searching for a meaningful romantic relationship. The later of these people in my life are often asking me, “what does THAT person have that I don’t?” Or “What am I doing wrong, I go out 3 nights a week am I’m not meeting ANYONE ?” Or “Wow, that person is incredibly successful and still really grounded and happy, how can I get there?”

All valid questions.

Are you ready for my conclusion?!

The ONE thing that most happy, healthy and wealthy people have in common, people that have attained true fulfillment and success in their lives are NICE PEOPLE. They didn’t get to where they are today being mean, judgmental or ruthless. The universe doesn’t work like that TRUST ME. If you are a mean, judgmental or ruthless person, eventually the universe will catch up to you and grab your success, or health, or loved ones, right out from under you, because the universe does NOT reward that kind of behavior.

It does, however, reward kindness, generosity, selflessness, honesty, optimism and positivity. Now, half of me is a realist so I know that our society and possibly some of our upbringing have not programmed us to default to those behaviors. The good news is that “People Have A Choice” and can choose to change their behavior (you can make that choice right now if you want!). I’m sure any Kindergarten teacher would agree, as well as any truly successful and happy person, that the underlying KEY to your SUCCESS and GREATEST HAPPINESS is to : BE A NICE PERSON. That’s right, BE NICE TO EVERYONE. Treat people with great respect and you are putting “respect” out there in the universe, in turn, you will be highly respected. It is as simple as that.

Don’t believe me? Try it!

How this works with the LOA and Dating:

THE DIAGNOSIS: I recently met someone who has A LOT of trouble finding worthy men to date. She is always out at bars and at social events on the weekends. However, I recently observed her behavior when she was out. What I saw was a beautiful person hiding behind her blackberry, putting down ANY guy who came to talk to her if he wasn’t her type and in essence putting out negative and judgmental energy around her. Who would want to approach or date a person like that?

THE CURE: Try this….when you’re out at social gatherings, be the NICEST and HAPPIEST person in the room. Talk to everyone. Be animated. Genuinely take interest in other people. This works for all areas of your life, networking for business or seeking romantic relationships. When a guy approaches you, even if your first instinct is ‘he’s not your type’, give the conversation a chance. Make a GREAT conversation happen, laugh, be HAPPY. Then, you’ll become INSTANTLY attractive to everyone in the room, people will want to approach you, talk to you and get to know this person. They will feed off of the energy you are putting out there (I’m not talking RED BULL amounts of energy, just simply positive, nice and engaging energy). Then, that good looking guy from across the room that you spotted 2 minutes after being there, will WANT to talk to you. Try this out and see for yourself!! It is truly WIN WIN!

What I know to be true about relationships…

I was thinking about some of the upcoming E-Circle planning and one of the recurring topics is relationships (the overarching theme of E-Circle being living well and attainable happiness). A lot of people have large issues (pain) in their lives stemming from relationship pain, whether it be from family members, friends, romance or their relationship with themselves.

What I know to be true is that past experiences dictate and often stifle most people for going after relationships that they truly desire, especially when there was pain involved in the past (which there usually is). This concept of talking about relationship applies if your single, dating, engaged, or married for decades. The idea is very similar because the reasons that we engage in relationships and how they impact ‘who we are’ are the same on any level.

I am a true believer that in terms of romantic relationships, the universe gives each person exactly what they NEED at any given time. Relationships in our lives are mirror images of what our inner self needs….maybe inside we need to be loved, supported, enjoyed, adored, appreciated, and acknowledged. Who knows? But its also possible that our inner self is still developing its needs and in turn needs to learn valuable lessons before finding “the one” or attain true and lasting happiness (and pleasure). And, therefore, we engage in relationships that from the outside or looking back on our past appear to be not good for us (and in some cases harmful, painful and abusive). But in actuality, all relationship are mirroring some part of our inner soul that we are meant to become aware of and the relationship (even harmful ones) were put in our path to teach us a specific lesson about ourselves, who we are, what we want and what we need. This is my belief and this particular realization was game-changing for me.

This self awareness in terms of my friendships, romantic relationships, familial relationship and business relationships, continues to allow me to get my needs met, connect with people of high and similar quality, and give back to others in an authentic and positive way. It always makes me a very happy person and I feel blessed by those who love and support me across many levels and areas of my life. These days I surround myself, and support myself, and give to, people of a similar caliber who feel that way about themselves, relationships, connection and happiness. It’s that simple.

Xx
DLE

Attainable Happiness 101

As a Life Coach, I am in constant motion and conversation with my clients, peers and friends. Through these conversations, comes invaluable learning. Below are a few things I’ve learned along the way about happiness…

Happiness is not always easy (don’t freak out yet…keep reading!). I’ve found that it does not always come as our default. Particularly in our everyday interactions with TV, news and even strangers, it is easy for life to drains us of our happiness before we even get to our lunch break! It is my commitment to provide you with happiness-boosters, and relatable tips for keeping you’re happiness high soaring from your first cup of coffee until you lay your head down on your pillow at night.

Quick personal anecdote…ever since I was 3 years old people in my life would describe me as energetic, positive and glass-half-full kind of person. I’m always looking on the bright side of things. I even went to a crisis counselor after witnessing a fatal car-pedestrian accident, who told me that my natural coping mechanism was to see the “sunshine after the rain.” No wonder I am so fascinated and committed to helping people live their happiest and healthiest lives.

However, I’m a realist too. And I know how easy it is to get bogged down by what you see in the news, just as easily as it is to feel negative and defeated in your own home, relationships and at work. Since our society hasn’t taught us the skills to ‘default to happy’ I am going to provide you with a few of my favorite tips for turning that frown upside down and milking life for all its worth!

 1. Recognize that Happiness is a choice. Try this: when you’re in the heat of the moment, or at you’re boiling point, take a step back, take 3 deep breaths and remind yourself that you are CHOOSING to react negatively and/or heated. You can just as easily choose the opposite and BE happy. The best part…? Happiness is contagious.

2. If you are chronically unhappy, you may need to spend some time with yourself, with your thoughts or with an expert to GET TO THE SOURCE of your unhappiness. I’m not a big fan of quick-Band-Aid-like fixes when it comes to things like your health and happiness. I’m 100% a believer in using quick remedies to ease the discomfort but if you really desire a change in your life take some time to spend getting to the SOURCE, and TREAT THE SOURCE first.

3. My fav fav FAVORITE = Self Care. Spoil yourself and take astronomically great care of yourself today, right now, this week. Especially as women, we often give every ounce of ourselves and our energy to everything and everyone else BUT ourselves. Often leaving ourselves running on empty, barely getting our needs met, tired, lethargic, eating like garbage, and by default….unhappy. Let’s change that this week, which leads me too…

4. Eat and Act Exceptional this week. You’ve heard the phrase “your body is your temple.” I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to happiness, I am a firm believer of how closely linked health and happiness are. Think of your body as your arsenal against life’s obstacles. When you are feeling strong and in sync with your body, you’re able to think more clearly, react appropriately, make good decisions and overall, be happier.

5. A few more of my favorite quickies:

 - Give back in a donation of time, money, energy, kindness or resources.

- Sit in nature.

- Scribe your thoughts. By keeping negative thoughts in your head you are keeping them alive.

- Eat healthy. – Indulge in a guilty pleasure – and throw away the “guilt” part! – PDA! Showing affection and positive emotion increases mood boosters and reduces stress! And, the connection makes you feel awesome!

- Pass it on…..SMILE, its contagious!

How Eat, Pray, Love (the book) came at THE PERFECT time!

So, I did it. I FINALLY did it. I have finished the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The reason that I say finally is because I set out to join Liz on her journey almost 4 years ago and had planned to skip through the book just before the movie premiere in mid-August. How perfect that things did not go as planned for me? In perfect harmony, in fact, with the author’s acceptance of life circumstances all having a divine purpose. Let me explain.

Over the past few months many big changes have occurred in my own life. For starters I have moved my home, my office, taken on a few new roles, got a small tattoo (something to cross off the bucket list!) and picked up an entirely new batch of people and events to bring into my “new life.” While in this unexpected process, I was also able to consciously cleanse my life of negativity. Included in this cleanse was the removal of negative people, thoughts, as well as, heavy and unnecessary material objects. Additionally, I forced myself to part ways with things that I no longer needed but were still in good condition to donate and re-use. I simplified my life A LOT and stripped of clutter. I’m still in this process and consider it an evolving skill instead of a one-time process. Once you feel how free and lifted you can become after clearing your life of unnecessary people, emotions, clothes and other material objects, it becomes addicting. A good addiction, I might add, because I find myself in a state of asking myself “How is this serving me?”. A question I often pose to my clients when they are making an observation of feeling “stuck’ in a cycle or behavior, or feeling taken down by negative people or events.

In any event, finishing this book, marked a goal that I had set for myself a few months back (I do most of my reading in the summer months on the beach, in a normal summer). But this was not a normal summer, and somehow the process got a little drawn out. But nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this spiritual and uplifting tale of leaving behind the negative self talk, and everything in the past, to be where you are in total acceptance, love and peace. I love this notion of “taking stock” of where you are, and where you’ve been. I also love the notion of total and complete forgiveness to yourself and others for past wrongdoings and missteps along the way. What has happened, has happened. And what will be, will be.
So, I ask you a few questions….

What is holding you back or dragging you down? (People, clutter, negative self talk?)

How is this serving you?

Where are you TODAY?

How did you get here?

And, lastly…a challenge inspired by Eat Pray Love.

Forgive yourself for past wrong doings, circumstances and negatively. Acknowledge each of these occurrences in your life, and accept that they have occurred. Separately right each wrong, and make peace with the past. You may even create a small ritual where you bring each occurrence into the present moment, and let it become a part of who you are today.  Then physically acknowledge, accept, forgive and put it in a place. There are no room for feelings of worry, shame, guilt, negativity or self doubt in your life today, or in the future. So, make a conscious change to eliminate these feelings today, and reap the amazing benefits of feeling uplifted, at peace, and positive. Go ahead…try it!

Lastly, if you haven’t already, I reccomend reading this book when you are going through a transitrion in your life and are looking for something spiritual and uplifting. A few years back, I rejected reading this book due to the inherent media hype. But it came to me at the perfect time, and I was able to take alot from this book because it had aligned perfectlty with my own personal and spiritual development. I also love to be captivated by books that take place in other countries, having spent time living in Spain, the first story in this book was extremely related and brought me right back to my feelings on an American living in a European country.

I have not seen the movie yet, but plan to do so…when the time is right. I have tentative plans to comment in a blog post if I feel compelled to write, after viewing the movie!

Have a wondering day! Thanks for stopping by!

Xx

DeAnna Lynn Englezos

The Law of Attraction Tool You Learned in Kindergarten!

Yes, Kindergarten….remember….that time when you were five and the day revolved around coloring, taking naps and snack time? A much simpler time really, with some VERY REAL and VERY WORTH IT life lessons bundled in there. Let me explain.

Recently I’ve been observing some of my happiest, healthiest and most successful friends, clients and colleagues. I’ve been looking at the most “attractive” people in my life as well. People that are magnetic and dynamic in their lives, relationships and business. I’ve also been taking a look at those that desire more career success, a more fulfilling life and are constantly searching for a meaningful romantic relationship. The later of these people in my life are often asking me, “what does THAT person have that I don’t?” Or “What am I doing wrong, I go out 3 nights a week am I’m not meeting ANYONE ?” Or “Wow, that person is incredibly successful and still really grounded and happy, how can I get there?”

All valid questions.

Are you ready for my conclusion?!

The ONE thing that most happy, healthy and wealthy people have in common, people that have attained true fulfillment and success in their lives are NICE PEOPLE. They didn’t get to where they are today being mean, judgmental or ruthless. The universe doesn’t work like that TRUST ME. If you are a mean, judgmental or ruthless person, eventually the universe will catch up to you and grab your success, or health, or loved ones, right out from under you, because the universe does NOT reward that kind of behavior.

It does, however, reward kindness, generosity, selflessness, honesty, optimism and positivity. Now, half of me is a realist so I know that our society and possibly some of our upbringing have not programmed us to default to those behaviors. The good news is that “People Have A Choice” and can choose to change their behavior (you can make that choice right now if you want!). I’m sure any Kindergarten teacher would agree, as well as any truly successful and happy person, that the underlying KEY to your SUCCESS and GREATEST HAPPINESS is to : BE A NICE PERSON. That’s right, BE NICE TO EVERYONE. Treat people with great respect and you are putting “respect” out there in the universe, in turn, you will be highly respected. It is as simple as that.

Don’t believe me? Try it!

How this works with the LOA and Dating:

THE DIAGNOSIS: I recently met someone who has A LOT of trouble finding worthy men to date. She is always out at bars and at social events on the weekends. However, I recently observed her behavior when she was out. What I saw was a beautiful person hiding behind her blackberry, putting down ANY guy who came to talk to her if he wasn’t her type and in essence putting out negative and judgmental energy around her. Who would want to approach or date a person like that?

THE CURE: Try this….when you’re out at social gatherings, be the NICEST and HAPPIEST person in the room. Talk to everyone. Be animated. Genuinely take interest in other people. This works for all areas of your life, networking for business or seeking romantic relationships. When a guy approaches you, even if your first instinct is ‘he’s not your type’, give the conversation a chance. Make a GREAT conversation happen, laugh, be HAPPY. Then, you’ll become INSTANTLY attractive to everyone in the room, people will want to approach you, talk to you and get to know this person. They will feed off of the energy you are putting out there (I’m not talking RED BULL amounts of energy, just simply positive, nice and engaging energy). Then, that good looking guy from across the room that you spotted 2 minutes after being there, will WANT to talk to you. Try this out and see for yourself!! It is truly WIN WIN!

The Law of Attraction Tool You Learned in Kindergarten!

See the FULL article at CreateYourGreatLife.com

The Law of Attraction Tool You Learned in Kindergarten!

Yes, Kindergarten….remember….that time when you were five and the day revolved around coloring, taking naps and snack time? A much simpler time really, with some VERY REAL and VERY WORTH IT life lessons bundled in there. Let me explain.

Recently I’ve been observing some of my happiest, healthiest and most successful friends, clients and colleagues. I’ve been looking at the most “attractive” people in my life as well. People that are magnetic and dynamic in their lives, relationships and business. I’ve also been taking a look at those that desire more career success, a more fulfilling life and are constantly searching for a meaningful romantic relationship. These later of these people in my life are often asking me, “what does THAT person have that I don’t?” Or “What am I doing wrong, I go out 3 nights a week am I’m not meeting ANYONE ?” Or “Wow, that person is incredibly successful and still really grounded and happy, how can I get there?”

All valid questions.

Are you ready for my conclusion?!

The ONE thing that most happy, healthy and wealthy people have in common, people that have attained true fulfillment and success in their lives are NICE PEOPLE. They didn’t get to where they are today mean, judgmental or ruthless. The universe doesn’t work like that TRUST ME. If you are a mean, judgmental or ruthless person, eventually the universe will catch up to you and grab your success, or health, or loved ones, right out from under you, because the universe does NOT reward that kind of behavior.

It does, however, reward kindness, generosity, selflessness, honesty, optimism and positivity. Now, half of me of is a realist so I know that our society and possibly some of our upbringing have not programmed us to default to those behaviors. But I’m sure any Kindergarten teacher would agree, as well as any truly successful and happy person, that underlying KEY to your SUCCESS and GREATEST HAPPINESS is to : BE A NICE PERSON. That’s right, BE NICE TO EVERYONE. Treat people with great respect and you are putting “respect” out there in the universe, in turn, you will be highly respected. It is as simple as that.

Don’t believe me? Try it!

How this works with the LOA and Dating:
THE DIAGNOSIS: I recently met someone who has A LOT of trouble finding worthy men to date. She is always out at bars and at social events on the weekends. However, I recently observed her behavior when she was out. What I saw was a beautiful person hiding behind a her blackberry, putting down ANY guy who came to talk to her if he wasn’t her type and in essence putting out negative and judgmental energy around her. Who would want to approach or date that?

THE CURE: Try this….when you’re out at social gatherings, be the NICEST and HAPPIEST person in the room. Talk to everyone. Be animated. Genuinely take interest in other people. This works for all areas of your life, networking for business or seeking romantic relationships. When a guy approaches you, even if your first instinct is ‘he’s not your type’, give the conversation a chance. Make a GREAT conversation happen, laugh, be HAPPY. Then, you become INSTANTLY attractive to everyone in the room, people will want to approach you, talk to you. And that good looking guy from across the room that you spotted 2 minutes after being there, will WANT to talk to you. Try this out and see for yourself!!

If Life is a Roller Coaster, Get on for the Ride!

Giving thanks for the precious moments in life; the love around you, clean water, your fortune, and to yourself, are all paramount to your success, happiness and fulfillment in life. To know where you are, and to know where you are going, you must feel gracious and truly fulfilled from sun up to sun down. Most of us are more fortunate in our lifestyles than we even know or realize. So, taking stock of these things and creating daily habits or rituals that allow you to sit with your thoughts and give thanks, allow you to fully experience your life and your “fortune.” When I say “fortune” I mean, not only bare necessities and monetary pleasures, but also relationships, health, and environment too.

Giving thanks for the positive things in your life can be a great tool to opening you up to attracting MORE of what you want in your life.

However, today I am going to share with you how you can take this concept a step further and reap even GREATER rewards for your life, mind, health, happiness and success. Ready…??

GIVE THANKS FOR THE HARD TIMES AND (EMOTIONAL) ROLLER COASTER RIDES, TOO!

We’ve all had our share of hard, difficult, sad, unfair and tragic experiences. This is what makes each of us unique. I’ve had my fair share of obstacles too, I’ve written about one here : “Life Is Short But Sweet For Certain”

Instead of getting bogged down by thoughts of “why me” or “this isn’t fair” or “I don’t deserve this,” try to think exactly the opposite. Realize that life throws us a spectrum of obstacles, a continual rollercoaster of peaks and valleys (highs and lows). And, this is ALL PART OF THE GREATER PLAN. Look back on your life and some of your more unpleasant experiences and start to connect the dots to how that changed your life, for the better. Perhaps it created awareness, strengthened relationships, opened your eyes to how truly short life is, brought more appreciation into your life…among other things. Remember, hindsight is 20/20 (perfect vision)!

In the “thick” of it, sometimes it feels impossible to think of the positive or even try to make sense of it all. So, if you are in the thick of it….grab your loved ones, take GREAT care of yourself, and hold on….allow yourself to get on board and truly experience this “hard” time for what it is. Instead of bottling emotions, let yourself think, feel and experience the emotion for what it is. Hold onto the notion that one day, soon, you will understand and be able to make sense of it all and truly understand “why” and “what purpose” this experience served in your life.

Ever see a rainbow after a bad rain storm?? To me, that is nature’s reminder that there is something beautiful, hopeful and peaceful that can come from a dark, gray and stormy time.

Have a GREAT day…and share your thoughts below before you go!

Wednesday Wisdoms'

Wednesday Wisdom’s

Hope you are having a wonderful week and had a very Happy Valentine’s Day! To me, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating those you love and acknowledging them in a special way. There are many forms of love and relationships from romantic, to friendship, to sisterhood/brotherhood, and so fourth. And, I hope that February has been a great reminder to take a few extra minutes and acknowledge those special individuals who see you through all of life’s peaks and valleys!

This week’s theme is in the name of love and I wanted to share the best in Love, Relationships, Singles, Sex, Marriage and more!! Wednesday Wisdoms are a compilation of the BEST in articles, blogs and videos from the week. They usually cover everything from business, money, wellness, health, fitness to spirituality, social media, relationships and fun! I decided that since February is dubbed the “Love Month” and with Valentine’s Day dust still floating in the air, I would provide some GREAT resources to help you spruce things up, lock that love down and go out there and have some fun with it! Read on and enjoy, Love Birds….

Quote:
“The secret of attraction is to love yourself. Attractive people judge neither themselves nor others. They are open to gestures of love. They think about love, and express their love in every action. They know that love is not a mere sentiment, but the ultimate truth at the heart of the universe.” Deepak Chopra

Dating – Great Books

Make Every Man Want You – How to be So Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself by @MarieForleo

He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

Quantum Success: The Astounding Science of Wealth and Happiness by Sandra Ann Taylor

Relationships
Top 10 Steps to Building Healthy Relationships

Reconnecting with Your Partner

Marriage
43 Ways to a Happy Marriage

Sex
Top 10 Tips for Smarter and Safer Sex

Is Your Sex Life Affecting The Success of Your Business? by @MarieForleo

Valentine’s Day can be ANY day! Ideas for spicing things up in the future!

Top 10 Valentine Gifts for Women

Top 8 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him

My Dear Valentine : Cite for EVERYTHING Valentine’s day!

Some GREAT(for different reasons) Love Songs

Mariah Carey – Always be My Baby

Bob Marley- One Love

Peter Gabriel – In Your Eyes

Alicia Keys “Teenage Love Affair”

My V-Day Tulips! You like?

Did you like this post? Share your comment below, or tweet me here: @DeeLynn !

7 Simple Steps to a Happier and More Successful YOU!

Life is busy – and filled with so many mixed messages on a daily basis. Some of us are juggling ten different spinning plates in our lives at one time. How we keep them all going? A mystery I am still trying to uncover. And as a part of these hectic lifestyles we’ve created, we have an even bigger appetite for what we want out of this thing called life. And that’s great! But on a day to day basis some of us feel bogged down by negativity in the news, or discouraged to truly get out their and make our dreams a reality due to a limit of time, energy, money or resources. And, to me, that’s not okay! There is NO EXCUSE (not time, not money, not ANYTHING) that should be stopping you from FEELING GREAT and LIVING GREAT every single day of the year.

Today, I’m going to give you a couple of simple tips that help a young-entrepreneur/life-coach/social-media-strategist/public-relations-and-business-development-specialist/daughter/girlfriend/mentor/friend/and-so-fourth, like myself stay positive, get ahead, feel happy, fulfilled, motivated, energized, excited and inspired on a daily basis!