We have all heard the term “money is the root of all evil,” but not many believe that. This phrase speaks to all the people who do understand, our nation has been under attack for money, oil, and land for decades and somehow we still miss the bigger picture of humanity and what we need to survive. This is probably because the average American needs money to survive and I’d assume thats where “money makes the world go round” came from. I strongly believe what makes you cool in the midst of all this is understanding that fighting for our rights and each other is what really makes the world go round, it helps you understand the importance of LIFE,LOVE and FAMILY, All the things money can’t buy. Money may be the root but LOVE is the answer.

The irony of the  grotesque obsession with money, whether highlighted in the lyrics of our favorite rap song or embedded in the average politician’s belief, that the more money we throw at a problem, the closer we arrive at its solution is absolutely mind-boggling when some would venture to say that money does not really exist. Yes, you read that  correctly. There are people in this world that believe  money is not real. So why must we go to work every day and participate in this rat race with the impression that the more cheese we accumulate, the more happy we will be? How can our happiness be rooted in something that is NOT REAL, but a mere reflection of what we value?

Perhaps a healthier way of approaching money and our relation to it is just by understanding that the more we have, the more options and leeway we have to create a unique  world of satisfaction and bliss.

If money is nothing but a mere trade medium that represents the value of the products and services that we create in order to obtain whatever we may desire from whomever we desire, lets just treat it as such. I guess that is why my mom has always told me, “if you want to know what you value in life, look at how you spend your money.”

Below is a snapshot on what I care to spend my money on and why?

1. Health: There is no wealth without health.

Favorite cold pressed juices at Erewhone .

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruits are low in calories but full of nutrients. They support clear, healthy skin; help to lower our risk for many diseases and conditions; and may even help with weight loss as part of an overall healthy and varied diet.

Detox Lemonade (no sweeteners) with ginger, turmeric, burdock root, and cayenne

Ginger:

· Reduces pain and inflammation, making it valuable in managing arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
· Has a warming effect and stimulates circulation.
· Inhibits rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold.
· Inhibits such bacteria as Salmonella, which cause diarrhea; and protozoa, such as Trichomonas.
· Reduces gas and painful spasms in the intestinal track
· May prevent stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a plant. You probably know turmeric as a primary spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. But the root of turmeric is also used widely to make medicine. Turmeric is used for arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, and cancer. Other uses include depression, Alzheimer’s disease, water retention, worms, and kidney problems. Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, inflammatory skin conditions, soreness inside of the mouth, and infected wounds.

Burdock Root: Burdock is a plant. The root is sometimes used as food. The root, leaf, and seed are used to make medicine. People take burdock to increase urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, and “purify” their blood. It is also used to treat colds, cancer, anorexia nervosa, gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, joint pain (rheumatism), gout, bladder infections, complications of syphilis, and skin conditions including acne and psoriasis. Burdock is also used for high blood pressure, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), and liver disease. Some people use burdock to increase sex drive. Burdock is applied to the skin to prevent dry skin (ichthyosis), acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Burdock has been associated with poisonings because some products have been contaminated with root of belladonna or deadly nightshade. These herbs contain a poisonous chemical called atropine.

Cayenne

Lemon

Favorite Tonics at Erwhone: Jing City, Golden Latte

Favorite Raw Food Ice Cream: Mint Green Goddess ice cream with vanilla bean, vanilla stevia peppermint and blended cacao nibs

Gym Membership: Equinox

Yoga Membership: Earth Power Yoga

Spa: Olympic Spa (Milk & Honey Massage) & Four Seasons (Raindrop Therapy)

Spirituality: Object D Art & Spirit – chakra incense (heart) and crystals

2. Dining: My Two Cents, Angellini, Gracias Madre, Crossroads, The Cut, Matsuhisa, Bottega Louie, Taco Truck on La Brea and Venice.

3. Books: Barnes & Noble at the Grove

4. Music: iTunes – Yes we still buy music. Why? Simple: that’s how we show appreciation. People write music to spread love and make a living. Some of my favorites include,  COMMON, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean and Drake.

5. Fashion: Kelly Wearstler, Melody Ehsani, Catwalk Fairfax, Chanel, St. John, LF

6. Beauty: Nails by Yoko – IG: @nails_by_yoko & Hair by Sean at the Elgin Charles Salon

7. Tithing: One Church

8. International Traveling: South Africa, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom

If money cannot buy happiness, perhaps it can afford one to have a smorgasbord of favorable options in the midst of life challenges and world conflicts. Money is just a tool so before you get it, you may want to know what you really want to use it for. You may want to take some time to outline

?Love & Light☀️,
Cris