Think Like Zuck

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These days you bring up the word “Facebook” and all kinds of emotions and opinions start being thrown about. Some people believe Facebook should not monopolize social media just to make a profit.

think like zuckAs you know, I like to read so when I was given the opportunity to review Ekaterina Walter’s book on the man and business behind the Social Media Empire I was a bit curious. How does one go from a smart college kid to a household name? I was also interested to know if the rumors are true, was Facebook created just to make a profit? If so, then why would we want to “Think Like Zuck”?  Or, was Facebook developed from passions and the intentions of a goal driven man to help society?

Even with all the negative comments about Facebook, Walter does an excellent job of providing the thought process of Mark Zuckerberg from an objective standpoint, with sprinklings of motivation throughout the book. She begins on a positive note from the first page, set out to prove that Mark did indeed create Facebook to help others, and even provides a heart lifting example. Throughout the book Walter continues to highlight Mark’s achievements, and notes his personality traits and big vision about providing a service to foster deep relationships for society by connecting people.

As you read further into the book, it is obvious to the reader that Walter has invested a large amount of time in researching not only Mark and Facebook, but other successful companies. I couldn’t help but be inspired from reading about all the successful entrepreneurs following their passions and intuition. Even a reader who continues to disbelieve in Mark’s intentions can find useful information in the book. For example, the reader can learn more about the 5 business secrets, or become inspired from the insightful quotes, or realize if you have a dream and strong belief you can create anything.

If you are looking for a little motivation, direction, or are interested in starting your own business open your mind with Walter’s book and Think like Zuck. You can find it at Amazon.com

Pineapple Shrimp Stir Fry

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In the middle of Winter I always crave a little reminder of warmth, even if I do live in Southern California. So, a meal with Pineapple does the trick. This easy recipe from The Healthy Foodie also fits the bill perfectly since I’m in the middle of Yoga Teacher Training and time is limited.

You are definitely getting bang for you buck here in terms of nutrition per bite. Plus, this adaptable meal is quick with a burst of Tropics. Due to time, I cheated and used Trader Joe’s chopped Broccoli, and Stir Fry Veggie mixture (two separate mixtures). Also, for taste I added Garlic and Barely for a carb. Check out The Healthy Foodie for many more creative recipes and beautiful pictures. Whenever I’m not sure what to cook or bake, I always find something on her site.

Pineapple Shrimp Stir fry adapted from The Healthy Foodie

Serves 3-4, Cook and Prep Time: 20-30 Minutes

shrimp pineapple stirfry2Ingredients
14 Large Cooked Shrimp shelled
1/2 small Onion chopped
1 container of Trader Joe’s sliced Pineapple
1 Bag of Trader Joe’s sliced Broccoli Mixture
1 Container of Trader Joe’s Stir Fry Vegetable Mixture
3 Garlic cloves minced
2 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

Directions
1. Cook 1 cup of Barely according to directions.
2. In non stick pan heat 1 Tbsp of coconut oil over Medium heat. Add garlic, and onion. Cook until Onion is translucent, 5-6 minutes.
3. Add in both Trader Joe’s Veggie Mixtures and Soy Sauce, keep heat on Medium, cook until Veggies are Soften 2-3 minutes.
4. Add ginger, Pineapple and cooked Shrimp to Veggies, cooking until warm.
5. Add a scoop of cooked barely to plate, top with Shrimp Veggie Mixture.

Awareness

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Life is busy. We all move so fast.

bigsur awareness

The other day I locked my self out of work. Fortunately, the timing worked well with my boss as she was on her way back to the office for a meeting. At that moment I was in my head and unaware, instead of being present. I was floating around with my “to do” list, as well as reviewing the day. Which is necessary, but probably should not be performed while multitasking.

This brings me to bigger issues: awareness and pain. In the Physical Therapy clinic we focus on bringing an awareness to body positioning during daily movements, or static positions, to reduce or prevent pain. Easier said than done, since most of us multitask throughout the day.

beach articstic bridge

What I learned through my lock out is I need to slow down and be more aware. Maybe, we all could benefit from creating a little more awareness throughout our day. Quality over quantity at times. Instead of performing 3 tasks, just do one, while being present with a better awareness. With better awareness, there is less a chance for mistakes, injury and pain. Because, in the end we all seek happiness, right?

 

Quinoa Goat Cheese Risotto

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This year has started off fast and furious, with some great changes. As Sean and I adapt to the changes in schedules we look for easy, nutritious meals that will get us through the week. This Quinoa Risotto is definitely a perfect fit, especially since it includes my favorite veggie, Spinach.

A friend referred me to Cooking Quinoa site awhile back, and I am glad I finally reopened that bookmark. This meal takes under an hour, and you can make it in a large quantity for the whole week. Plus, it has so many nutrients, protein and little fat to keep you full for a long time.

Quinoa Goat Cheese Risotto from Cooking Quinoa

goat cheese quinoa risotto2

Since I didn’t make any changes to her fabulous recipe,  I will just refer you to her site Cooking Quinoa.

What is Lumbar Stenosis?

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Unfortunately in our society Low back pain, and its associated problems, are very common stated by the National Health Institute and several research articles published in the Physical Therapy Journal. If you look on NIH’s site, you will notice there are a variety of reasons as to why Low back pain occurs. One common diagnosis is Spinal Stenosis of the low back.

Broken down, the word Stenosis means narrowing. When applied to the spine, Stenosis means a decrease of space in the spine.

lumbar spineThis narrowing of the spine typically occurs over time due to anything deceasing the space between the vertebrae and spinal canal. Some examples include: disc herniation, vertebrae stiffening, ligament thickening, bone spurs, arthritis, postural changes,  muscle strength and length imbalances.

Pain is caused by the stiffening into this position, and occasional pinching or irritation of the nerves and discs or vertebrae.

What can you do if you have Stenosis? See a Physical Therapist where you can learn exercises, to lengthen and strengthen muscles as well as assist you in getting your vertebrae moving more freely again.

To prevent it is best to start performing a daily stretching program, especially if you sit frequently, lengthening your hip flexors to avoid an anterior tug on the pelvis and spine.

For further details, and more pictures, visit NIH for their article on Spinal Stenosis.