Colette Baron-Reid: She Basically Saw Right Through Me And Found A Five Pound Bag Of Sugar

Colette Baron-Reid & Me!

On October 6, 2019 I arrived at the Houston Convention Center, for the second day of Hay House Live! That day's workshop was with Colette Baron-Reid.  Colette is a gifted intuitive counselor, spiritual medium, best-selling author, recording artist, and so much more. I could not wait meet her and learn from her in person.

I went in a different door than the day before, and lost my way, as some construction was going on and not all of the doors were open. I ended up walking with a really kind soul who turned out to be Balboa Press author Jennifer Gamboa. When we arrived at the main hallway for the Hay House events, she reached into her bag to give me one of her books, but realized she didn't have one on her, so I asked for her autograph on a piece of paper instead. Later in the morning I did go and buy her book Victim No More! How To Get Your Power Back.

Jennifer Gamboa & Me

As I walked along the hallways, I saw coach and author Nancy Levin who had just finished a morning meditation class. So I walked in to say hello and asked if she would sign one of her books Jump...and Your Life Will Appear. I told her my name and she said "Don't I know you?" I was surprised that she knew who I was from Instagram. I had reviewed her book Worthy and we did follow each other, but it was such a nice feeling to meet someone who you admire, and they know who you are. There is this feeling of validation, that you are seen. I first saw Nancy in 2013 at a Hay House I Can Do It! event in Austin. She was the event director and also a speaker. I have been a fan ever since! Nancy was so kind and welcoming in person. I'm so grateful I was able to meet her in person. That is part of why I love these events much. The people who are a part of this, make you feel as "worthy' as you feel about them.

Nancy Levin & Me

After visiting Dr. Robert Holden one last time to give him some Kindness tags for his kids, I went to find Colette Baron-Reid's room. I was so excited for this workshop!

Hay House Live! Houston 2019

I said my usual prayer and visualization before the day's event for a wonderful experience. Yes, I did get that first seat again in the center just as I wanted. I put my handbag on my chair and stuffed two filled Hay House bags under my chair so no one would trip on them.I had quite a bit with me that day, they could barely fit under the chair, and one of them was jutting out the back. 

Front and center!

I also had time to leave a kindness on a chair before everyone started coming into the room.

Kindness...Pass It On Mission in action!

I was happy to see a familiar face, Linda Jones from the prior day's class. We sat together again for this workshop. She surprised me with a beautiful pair of green earrings that reminded her of the healing color she saw around me when we did the James Van Praagh workshop. It just made my day, and I love wearing them. Such an unexpected kindness! We had a really fun day and Linda was even called to pick a card during the workshop.

Colette Baron-Reid & Linda Jones

Colette has such beautiful energy. She just fills the room with it. She always talks about how handsome her husband is (which he is!), but Colette is really stunning in person. Her beautiful soul matches her beautiful appearance. Colette and her husband are such a lovely couple. They really work well together and it was such an informative and fun event.

Beautiful Colette Baron-Reid

Colette did a card pull for her weekly astrology reading and I was picked for Libra. Now mind you, I was a little overwhelmed and excited to pick a card from Colette, so I forgot what card it was!  More excuses...it was the first time I used her deck Wisdom of the Oracle, so I wasn't familiar with the cards yet. I bought one for myself at the event, it is such a beautiful deck, I just love it! So anyway, I think the card I picked was Never-Ending Story in the protection position (upside-down) because she said it meant "not my circus, not my monkeys," so I can observe the drama, but I sure don't have to participate in it! She also said I was a natural healer. I just loved hearing that and I told her I am a Reiki Master, an energy healer. It just felt like validation that day, that I am indeed on the right path. I did become a small ham and mentioned my birthday was the next day, so I did get a Happy Birthday from the audience, which was so nice too!

Wisdom of the Oracle

Colette gave us tips on how to set boundaries and protect our energy. She was speaking to a room full of empaths, psychics, healers, and those very sensitive to energy, so it was most appreciated. She mentioned using himalyan salt blocks, the kind used to cook fish. You rest your feet on top of them to keep you grounded and from picking up other people's energetic "stuff." I have since found himalayan foot lamps, they are detoxifying too. 

There was supposed to be a John Holland workshop, but it was cancelled due to illness, so some of the people from that class came into our room. John does mediumship classes, and although Colette can connect with the departed too, this was going to be more about oracle cards and readings. But spirit had other plans, and lots of departed energies filled the room and she was able to give readings to loved ones who really needed it, even pets came through! I know the day evolved exactly how it was supposed to.

It was such a good day. We laughed, we cried, we covered all of the emotions. We worked with others on card readings, and it was fun to get a reading from different people and give them too. That was the first time I tried before I was actually trained. There was so much stepping out of my comfort zone that weekend, but there was a feeling of trust in this group of people. You just know you won't be judged and you can be your real self.

We did different exercises and we even listed things we don't want to carry around any more, all of the emotional baggage. I had quite a negative list for myself, but one of the items on my list was feeling like I was responsible for everyone. Part of that is from being a mother and part of it is a control factor with a splash of OCD. I knew I had to let that go, everyone needs to live their own lives, and make their own mistakes so they can grow. It's part of their path and I can't keep jumping in the middle of it trying to save people that actually don't need saving, they are doing fine. 

I forgot that I wrote this down until I pulled out my notes from the workshop, but number ten on my list was "That I can't speak in public with confidence." I don't know why I was thinking this at the time, but since that workshop, I have taught in-person classes, and done live online meditations, healings, and Meetups. So I left that baggage behind, and look what opened up! I love seeing how things are always unfolding for us even when we don't realize it at the time. Our lives flow when we let it, and each encounter, lesson, and stumble is preparing us for the next step. This is why I needed to let go of being responsible for everyone, their lives are unfolding for them just as mine is, and it's all good.

Sight unseen, we were each able to pick a card to keep, and the one I chose was Armadillo Spirit from Colette's Spirit Animal oracle cards. We learned about the meanings of the different animal spirits. Armadillo spirit is about setting healthy boundaries. Message received.

Spirit Animal Oracle Cards

After the event, I grabbed my bags and rushed to get to the book signing line. I had a long drive home, so I wanted to try to get as close to the front of the line as I could.

Colette told us that during the book signing, if she saw something while she was meeting us, she would do a quick, spontaneous reading. I wasn't expecting her to see anything with me. I thought she would have some messages for others from spirit just as she did in the workshop.

I got in line with Linda so we could take turns taking pictures of each other with Colette. When it was my turn, I blabbered how lovely she was and how great the workshop was and how excited I was to meet her in person. After she signed my book, Colette looked at me and told me I was addicted to sugar. She basically saw right through me and found a five pound bag of sugar. She told me I was pre-diabetic. Colette also told me that sugar is affecting my intuition, which is something I am trying to develop more. She said sugar is like crack to me and I needed to stay away from it. Wow. I mean WOW! Spot on, that is my weight issue, that is my addiction, and it has been an issue since I was a kid. I am severely addicted to sugar. If I completely remove it from my diet, I feel great, the minute I add it back in, I am hooked. And quite frankly, it's rare that I'm "off" sugar. Candy, cake, ice cream, anything with chocolate and I am all in. It has been such a difficult thing to overcome. Seriously, it has been my biggest lifelong challenge.

There have been so many times that I've gone to a CVS, gas station, or supermarket and filled my arms with loads of candy. And then checking out the cashier would always comment "Oh are you going to the movies?" Or "You must have a big family." Or "Aw you are having your child's birthday party!" I didn't have the courage to admit it was all for me. I thought they were being rude and presumptuous. But I know now that those were cries from the Universe telling me "This is too much. Stop. Please." But I didn't listen.

I had blood work later on that month for my annual checkup. My blood sugar was oddly decent, but my liver told a different story. So, this is something I am being very conscious of. It is such a struggle for me, but I know my health depends on making a change. Once again, Colette validated something very important. Out of anything she could have seen or felt, that is what came though, a Divine intervention for certain. It was quite a blessing that I will always be grateful for. Colette is truly gifted.

Colette Baron-Reid and me!

I left the convention center on a cloud thinking about the incredible weekend I just had. I headed home thanking spirit for such a great time. It was more than I ever could have imagined. 

Over an hour into my ride home, I had a sinking feeling that I left a bag behind. I don't know why it hit me in the middle of the highway, but I just could feel it. I pulled over and off to the access road so I could check. I was right, I left an entire tote bag with lots of new books and meditations, including my signed copy of Jump and Your Life Will Appear by Nancy Levin. My heart sunk. I also had my Kindness Cards in there, and some money to leave on vending machines as kindnesses. I called the convention center to see if somehow someone turned it in. It wasn't in lost and found, but they took my information. I knew it was too late to drive all the way back and expect to find it, the room was probably already locked up. It was Sunday, so I wouldn't be able to reach anyone else, so I took a deep breath, said a prayer that it all would be found and returned, and headed home.

The next day, I launched an all out mission to find my tote bag. I called Hay House, reached out to Starsha on the Hay House Wisdom Community Facebook page, and emailed Jessica at Hay House. Everyone was looking for my bag! And within a very short time, Jessica let me know that one of the event coordinators from Hay House took it with them so that it could be returned to whoever left it behind. She asked for my mailing address and I thanked her for all of the help I received so quickly.

Hay House is awesome!

Everything I left behind in that Hay House tote bag was sent back to me, even my Kindness mission Ziploc bag with butterflies and money! I never believed anyone at this event would consider keeping it for themselves, but it was still such a great feeling to know how loving and kind the Hay House community is. I am so grateful to Hay House and all who helped return this to me, including some Divine help as well!

Even Scar enjoyed the Hay House paper from the box.

Scar The Cat

There was so much packed into this one day: learning, validation, and the importance of community. Being seen was a big theme the whole weekend, even with things that I'm not proud of, but it can't heal if it's not brought into the light. I left behind things no longer serving me and what was meant for me came back!

For more information on Colette Baron-Reid:

Wisdom of the Oracle deck: Click here

Spirit Animal Oracle cards: Click here

The Map book: Click Here

Colette's website: Click here

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern

www.suitablegifts.com

Dr. Holden To The Lobby...Dr. Robert Holden To The Lobby, Please

Over 6 years ago after "losing" a job, felt overwhelmed. I called in to speak with the kind heart of Dr. Robert Holden on his weekly Hay House radio show. I had been listening to his weekly show even since attending his lecture at Hay House I Can Do It! in Austin in 2013.  I had heard him imbue such beautiful words of wisdom to listeners, that I knew he would help ease my distress and point me in the right direction. He gave me invaluable advice, changed my perspective from fear to gratitude, and my life has been better ever since.

One of the most profound things he said to me when I told him I lost my job, was that I "handed it in." It really made me consider my responsibility in the situation, and even if it looked like I was fired, in reality, I lost interest in it. I was more driven by my business Suitable Gifts, then in fully giving my heart to the job I had. I was growing spiritually and was more invested in writing, learning, and growing. It was true, I gave it away. 

So what was next? I headed the words of Dr. Holden amidst my fears. When I didn't know how to get through this, he advised me to repeat the mantra "I am grateful for the guidance that is already here." That made me feel wrapped in spirit, that I was never alone, and could lean into them for help. I would walk 3 miles around my subdivision every day repeating that mantra, and thanking all of spirit, who I knew were there to help me. I would say affirmations of all of the things I wanted to connect to including financial security, health, happiness for me and my family, and a deeper connection to spirit. Because of Dr. Holden, I began a gratitude journal. I listed three things a day I was grateful for. It started out simple, and in such a short time the list grew and miracles started pouring in. To this day, I recommend to my Reiki clients to have a daily spiritual practice including gratitude. This and more is all thanks to Dr. Robert Holden. His gift of advice to me, continues to reach so many more.

Although I thanked him on air, and sent him and his family a gratitude box filled with gifts (and a way too lengthy letter), one summer when they vacationed in San Diego, I felt like it wasn't enough to express how much his advice meant to me. I really wanted to thank him in person. It's funny isn't it, these thoughts can mean so much to the individual to express. I knew it was a need in me, not something Dr. Holden was expecting. 

When I learned that Hay House would be coming to Austin for Hay House Live! this past October, I immediately ordered tickets to see James Van Praagh and Colette Baron-Reid, and booked the hotel they blocked out for us. It wasn't until later that I found out Dr. Holden would also be there for his Coach Camp. Dang it. 

As I knew I would meet Dr. Wayne Dyer in 2013, I also knew I would get a chance to thank Robert Holden in person, even if I wasn't in his class. Manifesting is something you feel and believe. I went back in my mind to how I manifested that chance encounter with Dr. Dyer, I didn't know where I would meet him, but I knew I would. I knew what I would say, I knew how I would feel. And poof, there was Wayne Dyer, in front of me after a serious of unexpected events, just coming off the elevator in my hotel.

So, I felt similar about this, even though I wouldn't be in Dr. Holden's weekend workshop, I would meet him and I would thank him. I didn't quite know what that would completely look like, I'm not psychic, but I am intuitive, and I firmly knew I would meet him.

As the conference drew near, Hay House sent out lots of reminders and information of additional fun things going on during the conference. At the bottom of one of the emails they had a completely different hotel than what I had booked so long ago. Was it possible all of the authors and attendees were staying somewhere else? After a moment of despair, I thought, eh, everything will work out as it's intended to. This is all part of the unfolding. I have learned to let go of outcome and trying to control a situation. I have learned to be at ease no matter how things appear, and I have a deep knowing that things are always working out for my highest good.

I headed up the Friday morning before the event to enjoy a day in Houston. On the drive, I prayed as I always do to God, Jesus and my spiritual team about the upcoming weekend. I prayed for a fun time, feeling calm, happy, joyful, for the workshops to be wonderful along with the people I meet, and of course to meet and thank Dr. Robert Holden. I always end with "this or even better." What is possible can be far better than our imagination can picture. It's fun to leave things open to something even more wonderful.

The day was so much fun, visiting Chloe Dao's (from Project Runway) store and treating myself to some of her beautiful fashions, getting my nails done (it's been ages), buying some fabric from a store across from Chloe's shop for a future skirt, and walking, walking, and walking around a fun shopping center. I originally planned to get to the hotel before the 3pm check in. It was already past 3:30, so I decided to head over. It took me awhile to figure out where the front of the hotel was to valet my car, so I circled the hotel several times until I figured it out. Time was ticking by, but I was going there by myself, and the event didn't even start until the next day, but I felt like I should get myself checked in. I have learned more and more to listen to my inner guidance.

I checked in and went up to my room on the third floor. I threw my bags on the coffee table, took some pics of my pretty room and decided to take a peek outside my curtains. It was overlooking the lobby and a central area with a bar, tables and chairs, a perfect place to hang out. Oh my goodness, there he was! Yes, there was Dr. Robert Holden walking in the center of my view with arms outstretched to hug fellow Hay House author Nancy Levin. As I picked my jaw up off the floor, I smiled thinking about how fast this manifested, and how every moment in the day led to this. I grabbed my phone, my room key, and my poor heart pounding out of my chest, and I rushed out of the room to the elevator. Breathe, breathe, breathe, I told myself as I headed down to the lobby. Would he still be there? Relax, relax, relax, if this is how I'm supposed to meet him, he will be there.

Yes, that was how I was supposed to meet him!!! I gently (as gently as I could) interrupted his reunion with Nancy Levin and asked if I could speak with him for a moment. All I rehearsed came flying out of my mouth in a hurried garble. I actually needed to stop myself and breathe, I was so overwhelmed that he was standing right in front of me. Admittedly, all I wanted to say was spoken much smoother, and I was really quite charming, when I had previously rehearsed this in my mind. In person, it took on a life of it's own...oh dear, it was quite messy. But Dr. Holden was so kind, so welcoming, He was as wonderful as I knew he would be. If you have heard him on Hay House Radio, read his books, attended his lectures, or worked one of his courses, you know his is filled with love. He doesn't just teach love, he is love. And that was who I met, love incarnate.

He was so gracious to take a picture with me, and his assistant was kind enough to take it. It's funny, I was trying to say everything as quick as I could so I wouldn't take up too much of his time, but when I looked back on my photos, only 6 minutes had passed from the time I took the picture in my hotel room, until this one was taken. Time felt slowed down during all of this, it was amazing!

If I had kept shopping, things wouldn't have unfolded this way. If I hadn't circled my hotel so many times, none of this would have happened like this. If I had gotten to the hotel less than a half hour later, I would have been in the midst of a flurry of travelers who just came back to the hotel after one of the playoff games with the Astros, and I wouldn't have met Dr. Holden in that way. That is why I know to trust when something doesn't go as planned, or I get stuck in traffic, or something unexpectedly gets cancelled, I know in my heart that things are working out for my best interest. Because of the lessons Dr. Holden taught me, I understand that any seeming obstacle or difficulty has blessings in it. This fills me with a joy, rather than a frustration trying to make everything work out exactly how I think it should be.

The rest of the weekend was filled with seeing Dr. Holden everywhere. And it really made me smile, because it felt like an over the top nod from the Universe. You want to see Robert Holden, Kerri? Oh you are going to see him alright! It kind of makes me wonder what Dr. Holden was aligning with energetically himself, to conjure me all over the place that weekend. He has probably done some serious course correction since (I'm snorting with laughter right now!).

On Saturday morning, I was seated in a room waiting for the first lecture, when a lady sat next to me. She mentioned she forgot her book on her nightstand for James Van Praagh to sign. I thought back to the previous events I had gone to, and how much fun it was to get in the book line, have a moment with your spiritual hero, and have a signed book to take home. There's magic in that signature, a connection to that author. I got up to go buy her a book before the lecture began, and walked down the hallway to where the the books and vendors were camped out. As I got to the end of the hallway, walking perpendicular to me, was Dr. Holden and his assistant. We all shared a smile of acknowledgement and paused our momentum. I said "You really need to stop following me around like this, it's getting embarrassing." We all laughed, they walked to their classroom location and I went to get the book for my new friend. It was that timing thing again, I hadn't intended to leave my seat in James Van Praagh's room, but I did. And I thank the Universe again for that sweet moment.

I didn't bring a book to the hotel lobby when I saw Dr. Holden, I really just wanted to thank him, but I brought one of his books to the venue to get signed over the weekend, and bought a few more at the book stand too. When I was at James Van Praagh's lecture, I thought about when I would see Robert Holden again, maybe I would have enough time after, and he would have a book signing too. No pressure, just a wish to the Universe that some time during the weekend this would happen. Wish, imagine, feel, let it go. 

So after the lecture, and James' book signing, I asked one of the Hay House VIP coordinators where Dr. Holden was having his class. I walked towards the room and the door was closed, and some students were outside of the classroom. They had books to be signed too, so I decided to hang out with them! Soon he appeared and sat down to sign some books. I took pictures for the person in front of me, and they took pictures for me. It was all perfect, and we got to chat and laugh for a little longer. Honestly, it was just so cool!!!

The next day I visited Dr. Holden's classroom one last time, and gave him some kindness tags for his children. It has one of my favorite quotes by Lao Tzu. The full quote is "Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." 

Dr. Holden gave me a big hug, I thanked him again, told him I loved him, and I left for my lecture with Colette Baron-Reid. For me, it felt like coming full circle. I first saw him six years ago in Austin, a few months later I had the job "loss" and his words and kindness changed my life, then six years later I was able to say thank you face to face. There are people who come into your life and make such a profound difference, and being able to say so in person, is such a gift. I am truly grateful. "All this, or even better," it was definitely even better!


Here's some fab books & courses from Dr. Robert Holden:

Books: *NEW - Finding Love Everywhere - Click here
Loveability - Click here
Holy Shift! - Click here
Shift Happens! - Click here

Courses: Shift Happens Online Course: www.hayhouse.com/shift-happens-saying-yes-to-the-next-step-in-your-life-online-course
Loving Yourself Online Course: www.hayhouse.com/loving-yourself-online-video-course

Website: https://www.robertholden.com/


In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Book Review: What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You by Kerri Richardson

I can't resist reading a new Hay House book, and how could I possibly resist reading something from another Kerri? I have been following Kerri Richardson on Facebook for quite awhile and enjoy her clutter busting tips, her many live chats, and following her adventures of building a tiny house with her wife Melissa. I was very excited to get my hands on her new book. 

What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You - Uncover The Message In The Mess And Reclaim Your Life arrived with a little over 100 pages, I thought hmm, this is slim, not your typical 250+ pages. But once I started reading, I realized something pretty spectacular, the book is clutter free! What could get across the point any clearer? When you read a book, especially self help, and the same message is repeated over and over again in slightly different ways, it can get very monotonous. You know the point could be wrapped up so much quicker. Well, Kerri did it! Kerri Richardson's book is filled with concrete steps to remove the clutter and get to the bottom of why it's there in the first place. She also provides her own personal stories and those from her clients too. 

What Kerri reveals in What Your Clutter Is Trying To Telling You, is far more valuable than just removing items from your home. Clutter is a symptom, and Kerri helps get you to the cause. Her book is a deep dive into the multitude of ways clutter clogs your personal space and your head space. Her book provides an easy method to break down clutter clearing in more manageable chunks. It takes away the overwhelm and provides an enormous sense of accomplishment in a short time.

While I read the book I also participated in a 30 Day Clutter Clearing Game that Kerri started on Facebook. This was also a fantastic way to ease into clutter clearing. For each day of the month, you clear that number of items (1 item for day one, 30 items for day 30, etc) and by the end you will have gotten rid of 465 items! Here's more details on Kerri's site: http://kerririchardson.com/clutter-game/. She also offers private coaching, group coaching and Clutter Buster courses. Kerri has endless ideas for clutter clearing. Along with her book, I highly recommend following her on social media to join her groups and live chats (links are below). The extra support helps so much. I am also an avid fan of her new Hay House Radio show on Mondays at 11AM PT. Definitely check it out, you can call in and speak to her too! 

Thanks to Kerri I realized that clutter is more than just objects, it can be in other things that weigh us down (including weight itself). She made me look at why I was really holding on to the extra pounds. I thought I was sabotaging myself for upcoming events in my life. I would start the diet because "x" event was coming up in a few months, but instead of losing, I would gain. Through Kerri's guidance, it became clear that it was the events themselves that I was protecting myself from. I am empathic, shy and sensitive, and new situations and different energies are difficult for me. The extra padding puts a buffer between that. It's definitely helpful to know the "why" when you are trying to make a change.

Another clutter trap was my art supplies. I have always thought "I am an artist" even though I haven't practiced it in a long time. I had art supplies in my closet as far back as high school and many from college. I felt like I couldn't let them go since "I am an artist" has been my mantra for years. I even bought a whole new set of art supplies well over a year ago to inspire me to create again. But it's still sitting in the same closet. Kerri helped me examine this. Is this something I actually enjoy? Through simple exercises, I have come to realize that what I thought was a fear of doing this again, may actually be that it's just not for me right now. I don't have to be an artist. Why would I create that kind of pressure on myself? I was able to let go of the high school & college supplies, and a stinky college textbook (I just don't like old book smell) And the best part is, I didn't have the attachment to it all that I thought I would. It wasn't hard to let it go. I kept the newer supplies, and before I decide if I will let it go entirely, I will try it out again, but with no pressure. I know now that I don't have to do or be anything other than happy.

I am the queen of lists. Through Kerri Richardson's book and the "Action Time!" steps, I was able to see how the lists were keeping me from having any fun. The lists never ended. So I've clutter cleared those, pared things down to what I really need to remember to do, and added in fun things on my list! I was also able to let go of Christmas items that had no meaning (or I didn't like), along with releasing the guilt feelings that whisper that I have to keep every memory forever. I let go of items that held negative memories. Going through the bad memories was only difficult at the start of the process (Who wants to conjure up bad feelings?), once I started working on it, and got things out of the house, I felt free and clear. Everything holds energy, and avoiding them and having them in my home, was not healthy. 

I let go of excessive wrapping paper, years old unfinished crafts (I have yet to remember what the googly eyes on rocks was all about), DVDs, kitchen items, school supplies, outdated food & medicine, clothing, computer cords, cookbooks, and more. Almost everything was donate or recycled. I paired down some of the school papers I've been keeping of my kids. Those memories are the hardest for me. I really felt like I needed to keep it all, but that was just something I put on myself, and now I am more able to let it go. I don't need to keep every single memory to remember their childhood or to honor them. 

                           

                            

What Your Clutter Is Trying To Tell You shows the common causes of clutter, provides a resource list of where to donate or sell items, and even provides a section on turning clutter into cash! Kerri also points out so many additional types of clutter that may surprise you, but once sorted through and released from your life, will make a positive impact.

Kerri encourages us to look at what is coming in to our lives as the clutter leaves, and I just love that! This awareness paired with gratitude brings so much more goodness into our lives. Throughout the last month and a half of reading the book and letting go of physical, digital and mental clutter, so many blessings have arrived. I received an invitation from an Instagram friend to participate in goodness packs she was putting together. This resulted in a large order for Kindness Cards and paper butterflies that will now be distributed around the U.K.! I also received an affiliate check from Hay House, a free life insurance policy, a new TV for my office (also free), and many other blessings of kindness and abundance. The best part is feeling lighter, a sense that good is flowing in my life, and I am putting more positive energy into the world as a result. This is an ongoing process, but one I feel confident and positive about thanks to Kerri Richardson and What Your Clutter is Trying To Tell You.

Here are some ways to reach Kerri Richardson and buy her book:
Kerri's book: Hayhouse: http://hhafftrk.com/?a=3653&c=6166&p=r&s1=  
Kerri's book: Amazon http://amzn.to/2Fq5Oxa
Kerri's website: http://kerririchardson.com/
Kerri on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerriCoach/
Kerri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrioke/?hl=en
Hay House Radio: http://hhafftrk.com/?a=3653&c=1445&p=r&s1=

In Gratitude & Love,


Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Book Review: From My Hands and Heart by Kate Mackinnon

From My Hands and Heart: Achieving Health and Balance with Craniosacral Therapy by Kate Mackinnon published by Hay House, is a beautiful journey through the world of cranialsacral therapy (CST). This gentle healing modality is brought to light through Kate's brilliant writing, fascinating case studies, and even includes instruction on how to perform CST ourselves.

I am still amazed how life flows and the things we need in our life comes to us when we remain open to it. I just "happened" upon Kate Mackinnon's Instagram page one afternoon, and noticed a beautiful picture of Dr. Wayne Dyer and Amma. I love them both and commented on the picture. Kate responded and I soon realized that I had just listened to her on Anita Moorjani's Hayhouse Radio Show. Kate is not only a Hay House author, she was Wayne Dyer's cranialsacral therapist.

I remember Wayne speaking of Kate Mackinnon on his radio show as well, including the work she did, and how she helped him. Prior to Wayne, I had not heard of CST. But Wayne was always introducing us to authors, ideas, healing modalities, and ways of being that were always positive and transformative. After hearing about Kate and her work, I knew I wanted to learn more. 

From My Hands and Heart includes a wonderful forward from Dr. Wayne Dyer. The book is also lovingly peppered with some of the treatment Wayne went through, how it impacted him, and more. There is also a beautiful poem from Nancy Levin, inspired by her experience with CST.

What also drew me to this book was hearing that CST could help TMJ. I have struggled with teeth grinding and jaw clenching since I was a child. As an adult, I am still clenching my jaw, even throughout the day, leaving it feeling tight and tense. This has even caused bone growth on the inside of my lower jaw, due to the stress put on it from clenching. I was eager to read how CST could help me.

Kate Mackinnon's intelligence is palpable in how she explains the different structures of the body and how she is able to use this low-impact healing method to decrease and even eliminate pain in her clients. Initially trained in physical therapy, she leads us through her path to CST. She has such a thorough understanding of the human body, and even works on animals!

Kate also has a deep connection with the energy of the human body. She provides a powerful combination of mind, body, and spiritual healing to her clients, and explains it all to us easily and succinctly in this book. She tenderly works with the cranialsacral fluid in her clients bodies as well as their fascia. To get an overview of CST and what it looks like, check out her website for her video explaining her practice.

I marvel at the fact that she is able to ease pain and restore wellness with the physical pressure comparable to the weight of a nickel. This sounds like such a calm and relaxing method to participate in. Cranialsacral therapy works complimentary with many other healing modalities. She has worked on adults, children, teens, and babies (even in utero!).  CST is used for headaches, asthma, dental pain, easing symptoms in cerebral palsy, Bell's palsy, knee pain, sports injuries and so much more. It is fascinating to read what her sessions bring up emotionally for her clients that need to be released, along with their physical symptoms being alleviated. 

I have enormous respect and appreciation for the fact that Kate undergoes CST on herself for the benefit of herself and her clients. She is very conscious of keeping herself grounded and neutral in order to best serve her clients. 

Kate even shows us how to get a feel for cranialsacral therapy at home. I was thrilled to find an exercise to relax my jaw! Kate also includes resources to find additional information and CST's to work with nearby.

I highly recommend From My Hands and Heart. Thank you Kate Mackinnon for writing about this fascinating therapy in a way that everyone can understand. There is so much packed into this book, that I can't possibly cover it all here. I definitely recommend picking up a copy and learning more!

For more information click the links in the blog or below:
From My Hands and Heart: click here to check out or buy the book
Kate Mackinnon's website: http://www.kmackinnon.com/
Kate's video on CST: http://www.kmackinnon.com/craniosacral-therapy
Dr. Wayne Dyer's website: http://www.waynedyer.com
Hay House website: http://www.hayhouse.com

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Book Review: The Earth Diet by Liana Werner-Gray

I think you all know by now, that I am a bit of a fan of all things Hay House, and its wonderful authors. They offer every possible resource for self-improvement, self-awareness, and spiritual growth.

Because I work from a home office, I am able to listen to Hay House Radio all day. When a new author, Liana Werner-Gray was added to the weekly lineup, I was immediately hooked. Her beautiful Australian accent, upbeat attitude, and honesty about how her junk food addiction and subsequent illness led to writing The Earth Diet, make her a delight to listen to. She provides fantastic tips and recipes for living a better lifestyle through healthy eating.

Recently on Instagram, I commented on a Hay House UK post that she was pictured in. I mentioned how much I loved her show. She replied back, which was a wonderful surprise! We chatted a bit and I mentioned my struggle with sugar addiction. She suggested I call into her show, which I did the following week.

Along with some fantastic advice on replacing refined sugar with healthy alternatives, she sent me a copy of The Earth Diet and some yummy, healthy, chocolate samples from Raw Chocolate Man.

Liana's book is FANTASTIC! It is not just a cookbook. It includes her story of curing herself of a tumor at 21 years old, caused by unhealthy eating. Her mom also used The Earth Diet to heal advanced breast cancer. She provides vegetarian, vegan and meat eater recipes. She also provides recipes for baths, toothpaste, teeth whitener, deodorant, air freshener, household cleaners and more. 

First, I made her three ingredient Raw Chocolate Balls to curb my sugar addiction. They are healthy, super easy to make, and delicious! For organic, healthy ingredients, I shopped at Vitacost.com. Their prices are already up to 50% off, and I was able to get an extra 10% off with her special coupon code: earthdiet (and yes, it will still work if you want to shop too!). The items arrived quickly and shipping is free on purchases over $49. 

I've made my own organic almond milk too. It's another super easy recipe with only two ingredients, is very healthy and tastes great. You can make it with or without the almond skin. My first attempt was with the skin and it tastes fine, just not as smooth as without. Cows milk, honestly, has been grossing me out lately with what's in it and how the cows are treated. The almond milk that I've found in the supermarket is loaded with sugar and other ingredients. Making it myself is easy and healthier. I've used the milk by itself and also in Liana's shake and smoothie recipes.

I've also tried the Fat Blaster Juice and Green Juice. It's the first time I ever used a juicer and it was fun! I was surprised how much juice I could get out of a single orange! She has a bunch of juice recipes, and I plan to try them all. There are also lots of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, desserts and more.

I highly recommend this book because there is so much goodness packed into it, and the recipes are delicious and easy to make. Liana lists so many of the unhealthy foods and products in our environment, and provides easy ways to replace them. Choosing real products from this beautiful Earth is the way to go, and Liana and The Earth Diet show us the way!

*click on the links in the blog to go to the mentioned websites and Liana's book!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com