The Science Of Getting Rich

I am currently reading The Science Of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles. This book is new to my collection. Although I had planned to re-read my entire library and take a break from buying new books for a while, a few newbies are bound to sneak in here and there. I am a big fan of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and she credits The Science Of Getting Rich as her inspiration for writing her book. Curiosity got the better of me and so far I am really enjoying this small book and feel a strong connection and understanding with its message.

#Wealth #Law of Attraction #Manifestation

To read reviews or to order a copy of the book please use the link below.

~ Love & Light ~

Aaction Kenpo Karate: Springfield's Oldest Karate Studio

I have a treat for you guys! Another guest blog post by my super awesome ninja boyfriend, Mark. Enjoy!

For me, returning to the Springfield area meant the option to resume participation in a longtime hobby and sport - one which consumed most of my free time during my teen years.  As a matter of fact, if you knew me then, you’d likely have known me as one of the Kenpo kids.  On most weeknights, if you were to walk into Aaction Kenpo Karate Studios on East Sunshine, you would have seen my brother and me there, teaching classes or executing deadly moves alongside grizzled types in black belt technique lines.

Phil & Mark Retana at their first tournament in 1992

Since 1982, Aaction Kenpo Karate Studios has been the premier place to learn from top-notch instructors in Springfield.  My brother, Phil, and I began our training there in 1991 and have been training in American Kenpo Karate for over 20 years.  He is now the proprietor of the headquarters school which is located on 3213-B South Campbell Avenue, next to Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Instructor Nick Forshee leading the class through stretches.

Aaction Kenpo Karate Studios traces its lineage directly to Ed Parker, the Father of American Karate.  Our instructor, Grandmaster Jim Mitchell was a protégé of Mr. Parker’s and trained at his home for many years, being one of the few to learn the system in its entirety.  My brother and I are fortunate enough to have been taught the entire system directly from Mr. Mitchell, making his studio the authentic place to learn the complete Mitchell System of Kenpo Karate in Springfield.

Ed Parker and Jim Mitchell, late 1970s.

What is this Kenpo thing, anyway, and how does it differ from other Martial Arts?  Kenpo teaches concepts that anyone can learn, with techniques built around what practitioners call, “natural motion.”  In other words, defensive movements are derived from everyday gestures, like combing your hair or reaching for your wallet.  There is virtually no emphasis on acrobatic, aerial maneuvers, which are considered to be mostly impractical for real-life situations, and techniques taught can be put to immediate use if attacked in a multitude of ways, from choke holds and arm locks to combination punches, kicks, and knife, club, or gun attacks, or my personal favorite – multiple simultaneous attackers (after all, people who start fights often have buddies with them, right?).

As rough as that all sounds, at its core, Kenpo is actually a peaceful Art.  It teaches the techniques necessary to defend yourself and your friends and family, but only as measure of last resort.  Mr. Parker articulates this in the Kenpo Creed, which he authored in 1957:

"I come to you with only Karate, empty hands.  I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor; should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons: Karate, my empty hands." -- Ed Parker

To learn more about Aaction Kenpo Karate Studios, check them out at http://mitchellkenpo.com/, and if you like them, be sure to like their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/aactionkenpokarate.

Phil Retana

Aaction Kenpo Karate Studios

3213-B South Campbell Ave.

Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 889-2244

For those of you who live near Camdenton or Willow Springs, don't hesitate to give these gentlemen a call!

Michael Jones

Kenpo Karate of Camdenton

762 N. Business Route 5

Camdenton, MO 65020

(573) 346-5425

Jerry Wickens

T of O Kenpo Karate

1004 N. Walnut St.

Willow Springs, MO 65793

(417) 259-3035

Hula Hoop: It's Not Just For Kids

 In an endeavor to find a fun way to squeeze more exercise into my daily activity I bought a hula hoop. I picked it up for $3.99 at Academy Sports + Outdoors. I put on some upbeat tunes and end up having such a good time that I hardly realize I'm getting a decent workout too. Mark and I had so much fun playing with the hoop that we went back for a second one! It's a perfect way to enjoy nice summer days and get in touch with your inner child. Here is a video of Lisa Lottie doing Hoop Dance for a little inspiration.

~ Love & Light ~

June Bug

It's June. It's hot. Bugs abound.

Here in the Ozarks summer brings high temperatures and all sorts of insects, many of which like to wreak havoc on human flesh. No one likes the thought of little creatures crawling about on their skin or the agitating bites they like to leave. Of course giving up our time spent outdoors isn't an option, so we tend to use some sort of bug spray to fend them off.

Mark is particularly subject to attacks from bugs of all types (cause he's so sweet) and we have plenty of them here at Chigger Chalet thriving off the wildlife and the river. Last summer we tried a few different store bought sprays (natural and DEET free, of course) but they seemed to just make us smell gross and Mark still ended up with many a bite. I got my fair share too and this year we aren't going to take it! No more depending on a pre-made bug spray, I'm making my own. 

CHIGGER CHALET BUG SPRAY:

* 1/3 C. of Witch Hazel

* 1/2 teaspoon Lemongrass oil

* 1/2 teaspoon Eucalyptus oil

* 1/2 teaspoon Citronella oil

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix before each use. Super simple. I know the essential oils are a bit of an investment but the three in this recipe have many uses and I've linked them to helpful pages to inspire other fun ways to use them. You can buy the oils at your local health food store or order them from Phoenix Herb Co.  Witch Hazel can be found at any good drugstore like Walgreens, CVS, or even the health and beauty departments at Target and Wal-Mart. 

Citronella Leaves

Eucalyptus Leaves

Whole Lemongrass

I would like to hear from you guys about how you keep bugs at bay (and protect your pets) this time of year. And if you do try the Chigger Chalet Bug Spray let me know what you think.

~ Love & Light ~

Ozark Downtown Farmers Market

Thursday evening is becoming my favorite night of the week now that the Ozark Downtown Farmers Market is up and running. If you live in Ozark and haven't been you really are missing out! Located at the center square downtown on Thursday nights between 5pm - 8pm is where you'll find the party. Of course the main draw to the Farmers Market is the awesome local produce but that isn't the only treat you'll want to take home with you. 

Setting up the tents

Tasty Veggies

Amongst all of the great produce I also spotted tents peddling local honey, nuts, artisan breads, eggs, raw milk, seafood, pizza crusts, cupcakes, soaps, lotions and body products, hair accessories, plants and flowers and even a tent selling homemade dog treats!

Mattie's Eats and Treats doggie treats

Express Foods Seafood menu board

Colorful Flowers

 I also noticed some great prepared food options. The Aviary Cafe' and Creperie food truck (Aviary On The Fly) was there filling the air with the scent of sweet crepes, paninis, and pomme frites. If crepes aren't your thing you could try Bensons Real Pit Bar-B-Que or Chef Nelly's Peruvian Cuisine. An area is set up with tables and chairs for dining in front of the live music gazebo. 

Aviary On The Fly

Aviary menu board

Bensons Real Pit Bar - B- Que

Peruvian Cuisine Tent

Music Gazebo

Plenty to choose from

Downtown Ozark is charming enough on its own but on Farmers Market night it is just plain adorable. Come join the fun next Thursday! After some shopping and noshing you can always grab a drink from Springfield Brewing Company and enjoy the music. 

~ Love & Light ~

The Primal Blueprint

I am currently reading The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson. This is a new (to me) book and not one of the oldies I've been re-reading from my library. Mark and I have been slowly transitioning into a Primal way of eating over the last few months and I thought it was high time I read the book that started it all!

#Health #Food #Nutrition #Diet #Disease Prevention

To read customer reviews or to purchase a copy of the book please use the link below.

~ Love & Light ~

Have Some Fun At Copper Run!

The front patio at Copper Run. 

Warm summer evenings are the perfect time to sit on the porch with a refreshing drink and listen to good music. Well, we've found the perfect spot to do just that! Recently Mark's brother, Phil, and his girlfriend,Carrie, invited us to join them at a little place called Copper Run Distillery. We decided it would be fun to try something new and I'm happy to report that it was a great time! Copper Run is nestled amongst the trees off of a gravel road in the small town of Walnut Shade. It is a short fifteen minute drive south of Ozark and just far enough from Springfield to get you out into the country.

Copper Run is a small artisan distillery producing excellent, top grade moonshine, whiskey, and rum. Using techniques dating as far back as 5,000 years ago and sourcing local ingredients proves to yield the finest of spirits. You can learn more about the process by taking one of the tours offered daily. 

Spirits distilled on site in the basement.

After checking out the charming interior, the four of us cozied up on the front patio to enjoy the fresh air and try our drinks. Mark, Carrie, and I tried the Sexy Thyme and Phil had a Shine Rita. DELICIOUS! Refreshing, smooth and unique. Just check out this Tasting Room menu! Once settled in with our yummy concoctions we chatted and enjoyed the live band. Copper Run books some great musical acts, so you will be sure to relax and enjoy quality entertainment during your visit. 

Spirits by the bottle.

Well into his second Shine Rita, Phil declared that he would never be able to drink a 'regular' margarita again. Luckily for us Copper Run spirits are sold by the bottle so you can take one home and have a try at making your own Shine Rita! The hours of operation are 11 am-7 pm daily (including Sunday). For news, upcoming events, to book a private event, or to view the menu visit copperrundistillery.com. You can also contact them at 417-587-3456.

Next time you're looking to relax at a watering hole, do give Copper Run a try and let me know about your experience.

~ Love & Light ~

Love On A Rotten Day

I am currently re-reading Love On A Rotten Day: An Astrological Survival Guide To Romance by Hazel Dixon-Cooper. This book was given to me many, many years ago by my sister, Sara. It's still a funny read!

#Astrology #Romance #Relationships #Humor

To read reviews about the book or to purchase a copy please use the link below.

~ Love & Light ~

Blogilates - Fitness, Food, and POP Pilates!

Hey, gang! I'm here again to talk about another really cool website to help you with your at home practice. I stumbled across this one by chance and I'm really glad I did! Let me tell you about it.

 Blogilates was created by Cassey Ho, the designer of  oGorgeous Yoga Bags and Gym Bags. She isn't just a designer though, with a degree in Biology and certification from NESTA and Balanced Body University, she knows her stuff! What makes her fitness blog unique to any other? POP, baby! That's right! Let me show you what I mean.

Fun, right? Cassey offers short videos, full workout videos (all free to watch!), videos focused on certain areas of the body or total body series. Her Pilates workouts are a perfect compliment to my home Yoga practice and shake up my daily routine. But if you want to delve deeper into Cassey's world or learn more about Pilates, this blog has a lot to offer. Along with her FREE videos you will find a workout calendar, meal plans, recipes, and much, much more! 

If you prefer exercising at home, are looking for a companion to add to your Yoga practice, or already have a regular Pilates practice, then I think you will find some helpful tools at Blogilates. I'd also LOVE to hear what fitness websites and blogs you guys are fans of. I mean, variety IS the spice of life and as Cassey likes to say...Train Like A Beast, Look Like A Beauty! 

~ Love & Light ~