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Drink Like a Dog This Holiday

The holiday season finds many of us indulging in good cheer. And for many that means excess alcohol.

Why we do it is another question considering all the negatives that go with it, but how it makes us feel is undoubtedly something most would like to do without.

This holiday plan to drink like a dog, which means indulge yourself in a whole lot more consumption of water!

Our bodies are made up of 70% water. The body of an adult dog contains about 60% water. Water is the principal chemical component for both dogs and people. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Drink Like a Dog

Granted, dogs don’t get much choice in the matter, but you’ll find that when they are thirsty, when they are excited, when they’ve just done something really fun, or they’ve just eaten their dinner, they run for the water bowl and gulp it down like it’s the best thing ever. It could be part of the reason they wake up every single morning ready to go, wagging tail, smile on the face and happy about the day ahead.

People on the other hand, especially during the holidays with parties and gatherings tend to wake with a hazy feeling. Actual headache upon waking. Grouchy. Don’t really want to go after anything with any vim and vigor attached to it. Feeling down and depressed. Read What Drinking Does To Your Body and it may really give you reason to choose an alternative at your next holiday party.

Women and men alike are bummed when the clothes are getting tighter and tighter to get in. We wonder why, never considering the amount of sugar and what we are doing to our metabolism when the amount of holiday drinks containing alcohol is on the upward scale of intake for the year. Depending on your age, even with regular exercise alcohol intake can negate maintaining your body weight during the holidays.

Quite frankly the euphoria that alcohol brings is such a big huge game changer in the end. The let down and disenchanted feeling afterwards never pays off. We can end up being quite ugly to those closest to us and they should be the people we at our best charm for during these days of celebration.

Yet, we continue to pour another glass of wine at the company party, friends homes and out at restaurants.

Tips to Drinking Like a Dog

Ok, so I’m not saying never drink again. Or become a teetotaler through and through (though I contemplating it!), just seriously limit your drinking throughout the rest of the holidays.

For instance have one glass of wine or cocktail instead of two or three and drink mineral water or just plain water with a lemon or lime in it after that.

When out at a restaurant or catered party it’s easy to dress up the non alcoholic drink. It looks pretty in the glass with the bubbly water and a lime and ice cubes.

When you are at home, use one of your fancy glasses to create your own drink that looks like a cocktail or a glass of wine. Check out these mocktail recipes and try one that appeals to you. Take the ingredients to a party with you. Make your own drink and I bet you’ll get some takers to join you.

Easiest Drink Recipe – Using a Wine Glass or Cocktail Glass

Personally I try to pick something with as little sugar a possible. My favorite is super easy and appears to be a vodka soda with a lime!

Fancy glass
Perrier
A splash of cranberry juice
A lime slice

That’s it! You’ll feel great the next morning with the added hydration as a big bonus and the health benefits are well worth it.

Drink like a dog this holiday season! Ideas for your dog to up the healthy drinking habit too can be found at Hydration How Much Should Your Active Dog Drink

Do you feel like you drink more alcohol than you’d really like to or intend to? Do you feel like you keep gaining that extra couple of pounds each year? I’d love to hear your challenges.

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

Choosing Your Gifts or Choosing Anxiety

Dogs reflect our behavior. This is how I have come to realize that fear and anxiety or so much a part of our lives that we have gotten to a place where our dogs, who have always been happy-go-lucky-in-the-moment are suffering from anxiety as well.

While it kept me busy in the dog training world, it became a huge lesson in how to start recognizing anxiety in myself and what the reaction was that went along with it.

Change on Purpose

If you want your dog to stop with an anxiety lifestyle, then you must show a picture of exactly how to react. In other words you need to stop with your own anxiety lifestyle habits or your dog probably never will recover from it!

If you spend more of your time than you even realize reacting in ways that you’d rather not, it may be time to start replacing that feeling with thoughts that bring “Calm” and reactions that are much more fun filled.

Changing on purpose is a practiced type of thing. We must recognize first that we are in the moment of acting with anxiety cover-ups, and choose what it is we want to replace it with. I have found ways to choose those things that are fun, that are relaxing and that bring me peace of mind. It’s been a journey I wish that more people would take.

It is Ok to Give Yourself Your Own Gifts

We all have pretty awesome gifts. The problem is many tag “underneath it all” to that statement.

I find that reading things that come into my in box, like The Anxiety Busting Virtual Retreat help peel off those layers of stress and anxiety, of not having fun anymore and making choices we really don’t want to sign up for. The gifts we have been given to enjoy reveal themselves easily and effortlessly all of sudden.

It will be a wonderful gift for the dog in your life as well.

Go on, create your own paradise!

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

Holiday Pumpkin Dog Recipe

Incredibly Easy Holiday Pumpkin Dog Treats

Pumpkin is great for dogs and humans. This year more and more are turning to making gifts and planning dinners around the table with friends and family.

Dog lovers here is your chance to make a dog treat that is not only really healthy for any dog, but is so easy to make you’ll find yourself with a thoughtful gift for even those you wish you could have given something to in years past but the budget didn’t stretch that far.

The big bonus…. the pumpkin treats are great for humans too!

Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Pumpkin is loaded with Beta carotene and anti-oxidants especially vitamins C and E. These vitamins help to lower heart disease, cancer and cataracts. Pumpkin is a great aid for dogs in weight loss and for tummy issues like diarrhea. Read more on the healing properties of pumpkins and you’ll find yourself the hit of the holiday new recipe dishes and your dog lover friends will not only get a really cool gift but dogs will love it and add health to their diet.

Pumpkin Dog & Human Treat Recipe

The instructions are simple. So simple you’ll find it’s very easy to get creative and make thoughtful homemade gifts, appetizers or a little treat any time for dogs and for people.

Turn the oven on to about 350 F.
Put the pumpkin in the oven on a baking sheet.
Cook until a knife punctures the pumpkin easily, usually about 45 minutes.
When it’s done, slice it up, remove the seeds and cut into small cubes.
Keep the seeds to roast alone. The health benefits of the pumpkin seed are amazing as well.

That is an incredibly easy recipe. Plain pumpkin cubes. Your dog will love them. It’s easy, its good for your dog and for you.

Simplicity Packaging

Use a small paper bag and tie ribbon around the top. Or go green and beautiful and use a Ball glass jar with the seal-able lid. Tie your holiday wishes to it if it is a gift or just simply put it in the refrigerator and dole treats out for any good reason. *make sure to add a note if it is a gift that these treats need to be refrigerated.

The More Difficult, More Yum Pumpkin Treat Recipe

Same as above. Once you have cut the pumpkin into cubes drizzle Manuka honey, or raw honey over the pumpkin. Use these treats as an eat right out of the oven appetizer or side dish.

Your dog only needs a few. Probably the same for you. Put on a dish or flat pan, cover with saran wrap and refrigerate for later.

But wait. Is honey good for the dog?

For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints including yeast infection, arthritis pain and fungal infections like athlete’s foot. The antiseptic properties inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and aid external wounds to stay clean and free from infection. Antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring. It is widely believed that Manuka is the preferred honey for wound dressing due to its strong antibacterial property even when taken internally.

The inclusion of a teaspoon of honey to the dog’s daily regimen is proven effective in alleviating pain associated with arthritis. The enzymes in raw honey aid in maintaining the dog’s stable digestive system. The rest of the anti fungal, yeast infection fighters also apply when ingested by your dog.

Unlike other human foods, honey can be easily digested by dogs. Dog are not inherently allergic to this insect-made substance. However, too much of anything including honey can be a dangerous thing. Dogs should get small doses off honey. A few pumpkin treats drizzled with honey should do the trick to super duper your dogs immune system.

Enjoy each and every moment of the holidays and remember: Joint consumption doesn’t create intimacy. Only joint creativity and gifts create intimacy and connection. Occupy Love.

Aloha wags!

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction for you or your dog. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being and the health and well-being of their dog.

What Is Occupy Love

The day after Thanksgiving. What we’ve come to know as Black Friday. As I think about even that phrase “Black Friday” it sort of sounds like it should be a warning.

We’ve come to a place where one way or another change is gonna happen. It has to happen. I find myself living more and more along the lines of the video on Occupy Love.

My Occupy Love

It’s a full paradigm shift I find myself in after deciding to move to Hawaii. Getting rid of most of my things and realizing that I don’t need the things. That time to spend with my loved ones, sharing our thoughts and food and activities is way better than all the things I used to have stuffed in every single closet and filling the garage to the capacity not one car could actually fit in it. Stuff I never used, I just spent most of my time occupied with working to pay for it, really busy in my mind about how to get more.

It’s lovely. Watch. Click the Heart.

White Friday

Today I’m choosing to participate in White Friday written by miss minimalist. We’ll also spend our day with a picture of gratitude in mind like the photos posted in Be More With Less.

Those are the things I’m choosing to fill my mind with. How about you? Where are you and what do you need help with to move yourself to your own paradise?

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

The Grateful Dog Project

Please join me in the Grateful Dog Project. It is very simple and might possibly even become a really great new habit if you practice it for even 5 or 10 minutes a day through the holiday season.

A few minutes a day with gratefulness literally can change your life. It changes the pattern of all those negative news feeds that end up spending too much time in our heads. It is a big wake up call to what we actually do have, all the good that is around us and how we actually react to anything and everything.

Grateful Like a Dog

Dogs tend to live their lives in the moment. They are not mad about what happened yesterday and they aren’t worried about what will happen tomorrow. Dogs tend to be happy about whatever is in front of them. It’s a great lesson.

Always looking for the good is a dog’s motto. Granted, their good sometimes may not be our good. Though there is some sort of happiness within ourselves when we see a dog get such joy out of carrying around one of our shoes as though it were a coveted prize.

Simplicity

Dogs keep it simple. The ebb and flow of our times have brought our society full circle. The 80’s and 90’s brought times of more is better. The 2000’s are bringing times of less is more. The Grateful Dog Project is about being thankful for all we already have. And the more grateful we get it seems the more good happens.

“Where the mind dwells so goes our lives.”

The Grateful Dog Project 5 Minute Practice

•Write down all the things that you are grateful for. First thing in the morning is the best time but anytime it works for you is a good time too.

•It doesn’t have to be a long list, just start.

•Each day you can add to the list.

•Read over the list (out loud is best) and give each one that moment of appreciation. In that moment. Think of nothing else. Like a dog. Wag. Smile. Shake all about. Whatever gives you that feeling. Thankful. Grateful.

•When you feel moments of overwhelm during these days of holiday splashed everywhere, say at least 3 of the things on your list in head to yourself. Then go back to what you were doing. It will feel better.

•Act like you are a dog. Have fun. In this very moment. Don’t dwell on yesterday and don’t worry about tomorrow. Do what is in front of you this very moment and do it with a wag.

•And last but not least on the list, have something good you’ve decided to do or think ready as your next thought to replace the overwhelm, the negative, or lack of focus. And if that seems to be difficult, you catch yourself criticizing, down on yourself, worried about money, or anything negative at all, here’s what to do:

•Say 3 things you are grateful for on your list. And if you don’t feel like it….

•Do it anyway. Say 3 things you are grateful for. Then go back to what you were doing.

It works. It will change your life. You will feel better. You’ll replace being upset about things with a happy disposition about life. It is the very simple things that usually bring us the biggest joy.

Please share your list or a portion of your list in the comments. Reading grateful, brings more gratefulness. Good is gonna happen.

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

10 Minutes to a New You

Quite the statement. 10 minutes to a new you. Sounds a bit like one of those click here now and you’ll make a million dollars by next month deals. But it’s not. In fact, this is something that is for real. It only takes a 10 minute effort daily and even better, it’s free.

The Habit Course

Last month I was inspired by Katie Tallo and an article she wrote called The Power of Baby Steps to participate in the Habit Course. I’m amazed at the results 10 minutes a day did for me.

First let me ask you how you start your day off?

Most likely a cup of coffee. Then immediately open the e-mail? Facebook? Or start running around in a crazed effort to get yourself organized and out of the house?

I can so relate. At least with the cup off coffee, e-mail and facebook part. It’s exactly what I did every day and until I decided to take on the habit of writing for 10 minutes every morning instead, I did not realize how this routine disrupted my focus, affected my energy for the entire day and filled my head with random thoughts that left me feeling far away from accomplishing anything.

Why 10 Minutes Changed My Whole Day

Doing what you say you are going to do is huge. When I first committed to this I found out what exactly I was doing with my time. I couldn’t believe the habit I had of opening up facebook. Basically a way to avoid what I needed to get done for the day.

Sometimes I think social media provides a way for us to look for direction in our day. We kid ourselves all the random thoughts and announcements are going to give us good ideas for the day. Be inspiring. Add to our motivation. Or we are actually living vicariously through these people we don’t even really know. Or maybe it makes us feel better about ourselves by seeing what people consider to be something that should be announced to the world!

What I found was it actually confused me. My focus was lost. I could easily surf around, loose track of time and start rearranging my day because of lack of intent. Or I wouldn’t start a project because I had taken too long in the world of what everyone one else was randomly doing usually with no direction either.

When I started writing for 10 minutes first thing, right after a drinking a glass of water and making my cup of coffee, I noticed the difference in how my day started right away. As the days continued writing for 10 minutes each morning, I noticed I started getting a lot of other things done during the day. Things I would have normally put off or said in my head I’d do tomorrow.

I got clear about what I wanted to do every day, including play time. It’s turned into getting big projects done over a week’s time. It turned out that my energy and my focus was seriously effected by what I did in the first 10 minutes of my day.

I feel like I’m a new improved me all over starting the first 10 minutes of my day differently.

Choosing Your 10 Minutes to a New You

Pick something to focus on for the first 10 minutes after you get up.

Make it something that is good for you.

Yes drinking a glass of water is highly recommended but that’s a minute deal. Do that, make a cup of coffee or tea and pick something along these lines for the first 10 minutes of your day:

Take a 10 minute walk.
Do yoga.
Mediate.
Write in a personal journal.
Send a thank you note to someone new everyday.
For dog owners, take a walk with your dog.
Teach your dog a new trick for 10 minutes each day until you dog gets it. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog actually learns with just a little bit of time spent on it each day.
Apply that same theory to yourself!
Plan your meals with eating colors in mind.
Read an inspirational quote. Then write your own version for the day.
Start the novel you’ve always wanted to write.
Write a love note to your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend.
Write down 7 impossible things you’d like to come true before breakfast.
Say out loud all the things you are grateful for.
Write out the picture of your perfect day.

This is your life. Live it. Start with the first 10 minutes of everyday.

If you find this exercise difficult at first don’t feel bad. Take note of the excuses you come up with in your head.

And then do what I learned works in starting a new habit and increasing the joy in your life.

Just freakin do it anyway. Whatever that thing you picked for 10 minutes is.

You’ll find it won’t be long and it actually becomes something you just do.

What is your new 10 minute start to every day? Leave it in the comments. Feel free to contact me for support for your intention and a boost in your “just do it anyway” and really get to the new you in 10 minutes a day.

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!

Kona Dog Training Gone Hawaii Style

Dogs are fun. They teach us lots of things if we take the time to spend with them.

Some of the things I like most, taught so very well by dogs are:

Give your attention to what is right in front of you.

Use what you have.

Be in the moment.

Wag over it.

Dogs are ones who do not dwell in the past and are not ruining their day today worrying about what may or may not happen tomorrow.

The one thing I hear around Kailua Kona is, “There really are not a lot of places or things to do with dogs here.” I’m sure I’d hear that same thing in many places on the mainland as well.

Not true.

But let me say that may mean finding new things to do with your dog if you are accustomed to dog parks or dog friendly events. It is true that many places don’t allow dogs on the Big Island. That being said, you’ll need to start creating it in places that may not at first come to mind, or may be an adventure in itself.

“Happiness is where we find it, but rarely where we seek it.”

J. Petit Senn

There are trails in the mountains and by the ocean on the Big Island. It’s an integral part of it’s majestic beauty. You can find them, hike them, walk them, run them or find a beach trail as a destination play adventure.

All you need is you, your dog, a leash, some poop bags, water and bowl. Make your own version of Nerd Fitness or create your own K9 Cross Fitness Workout. Get out and enjoy this Healing Island and spend some time with your dog.

Thanks for reading. My hope is to give you inspiration and thought provoking ideas to take your very next step in creating your own paradise from where you are now! Please subscribe to Big Island Dog and follow me on Twitter. Retweets are cool too.

As a 9 time Ironman finisher, change maker and author and creator of 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs and K9 Cross Fitness Classes in Kailua Kona Hawaii I encourage you to make that change you want so badly today!