Note to Self: Heal Thy Self

There's a saying that rings all too true, all too often; "You know better, you do better."

Growing up in my teens to my twenties, living a 'healthy life' was trying to get to that goal weight with fad diets. From the 'low fat' trends of the 90's, to the fake sugar drinks, and focusing on minimizing calories. In my thirties I started wising up to my food choices, but looking back, I still had no clue what my body needed. Emphasis on what my body NEEDED, and enter that ' Ah-ha' moment that forever changed my thinking about food.

How we get to our 'Ah- ha' moment is different for everyone, mine is another story for another day. But my family has thrived ever since we started making simple changes to our diets and lives. Friends and family have asked what changes we made.

This post is a NOTE TO SELF, and just a few ways we got started:

1. Go Grain Free! Strive to be Paleo or Primal at least 80% of the time. 
This cookbook [Primal Cravings] has a great Introduction that is spot on. First know what's included in your Paleo pantry, and cooking seriously becomes a cinch. Understand the basics then build on your foundation with recipes on Pinterest. I have tons of boards on my Pinterest profile dedicated to all the Clean Food your pallet could crave (https://www.pinterest.com/ktfrita/).

2, Berkey Water Filter System. Water is life. Don't trust what comes out of your tap!
Be an advocate for your family and serve them CLEAN water! The Berkey Water filter system is simple, affordable, and beyond easy to use. Under $400 for a complete system with all the bells and whistles and it sits on your counter top, no installation needed. GET A BERKEY NOW! We even travel with ours, in our suitcase! (http://www.berkeyfilters.com/)

3. Excalibur Dehydrator: Beef Jerky, Dried Fruit, and so much more!

This company has the BEST dehydrators, hands down, mic drop- winner, winner! What you thought a dehydrator was, ei. this tall, plastic tower of pieces that takes up an entire cupboard and you ended up selling at a garage sale. Well, this dehydrator PROUDLY adorns my kitchen counter top permanently. It looks sleek, it's quiet and has a timer, so like a crock pot, you turn it on and walk away. We always have a batch of beef jerky going- protein is our staple. Or I'll dry an entire bin of spinach, powder it in the blender, then add it to our sauces and smoothies, discretely adding Vit K and greens whenever I get the chance.  I have yet to master all the techniques of this machine, but I sure love it every time I use it! This kitchen gadget was a game changer! Oh and a tip... go for the 9 tray versions, you'll want more trays, trust me! The timer is so convenient and the clear door is awesome for peaking. They come in fabulous colors too. (http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com)

3. Vita Mix- Best Blender Ever and it does so much more. 

Smoothies, soups, and so much more. The recipes and benefits of Vita Mixing is a wonderful thing. Smoothies are a staple in my household. This blender handles it all. The blade and motor are unmatched. I'm so used to how it blends, when I come across an everyday blender, I quietly give praises to my Vita Mix at home. But all jokes aside, this is really a fantastic tool to have in your kitchen arsenal. (https://www.vitamix.com)

4. Thrive Market; No need to source your goods from multiple stores- one click shopping! 

This shopping site seriously rocks. I used to have to drive to multiple stores to get the items I needed for my kitchen and household. This site is a one stop shop. You do need to pay an annual membership, but the savings I get on the Dr. Bronner's bar soap over the year probably covers that membership price. Plus, other major perk, I am introduced to a plethora of new products that just continually make living a clean life easier. They carry everything you'll need and didn't know you needed :) Have fun and if you do sign up, use this link: (http://thrv.me/Pvoiip). Why, because you'll be a great friend by giving me a credit for inviting you. Just another way they encourage you to spread the word!

5. Honest Company & Honest Beauty
Rid your house of toxic products. Cleaning products are the worst. Swap out your skin and hair care for products that are safe and not full of toxins and perfumes. Honest Company is a staple in our house for tooth paste, deodorant, lotion, my son's body wash and a few other bathroom items. We only use HC sunscreen and bug spray. They have a cough rub that is miraculous for flu season! My son is growing out of the infant items and most of the cleaning stuff I can get locally for less, but our family still uses many of their products loyally.* Friendship Perk for me if you use this link to sign up (http://www.honest.com/refer/865970) .

The makeup we put on our face seeps into our bodies too, and Honest Company pledges trust worthy ingredients. Honest Beauty is a bit more expensive than I like and you are required to sign up for automatic renewals, which you can turn off or slow down. I really like their make up. It's not the same as my previous Mac makeup, but it's a great substitution that leaves you feeling confident, beautiful and assured that you aren't pumping your skin with toxins. (https://www.honestbeauty.com?share=1066252)

These are just a few places I started when making changes to Heal Thy Self. Your body truly starts changing before your eyes, you feel different, and it's like coming out of a fog. My entire life I struggled with my auto immune diseases and skin ailments, and for the first time ever I have clear skin and a body that matches my expectations. Everyday I'm feeding my body to heal and in return it gives me health and happiness to enjoy everyday.

A new spice for life: OLD BAY

Have you ever experienced a moment when you see a brand or product that you have 'known' for years and realize you actually know nothing about it?

     For years, I have passed by the OLD BAY Seasoning canister in the spice aisle. I have heard it mentioned in recipes over time and recently I was watching one of those cooking shows on television and heard the guest cook rave about OLD BAY Seasoning and how it is a staple in his spice repertoire. I still thought nothing about this seasoning, and still had never considered purchasing or using it. http://www.oldbay.com/products/old-bay-seasoning.aspx

     And then it happened, I was in the spice aisle at the grocery store the other day, as I needed a few spices for some new recipes, and the OLD BAY canister was staring at me. I decided to buy it not really having a plan on how I was going to use it, but I figured, its a vintage looking canister and matched with my kitchen decor none-the less.

     The next day, my husband came home for lunch and had a paper bag in tow with a pound of shell on jumbo shrimp he had picked up from the fish store. I had a different dinner planned for that evening, but with a bag of fresh uncooked shrimp, I needed to change the "What's for dinner?" question. The shrimp were beautiful and I really wanted to do them justice by cooking them in a special way. We discussed possibly grilling them on the barbecue (shrimps on the barbie!) by simply dressing them with oil and salt, similar to a dish we had in San Francisco the day prior at one of our favorite tapas restaurants, Picaro (http://picarotapasrestaurant.com/). And then it hit me, I had just purchased that OLD BAY Seasoning, and it self proclaims it's the seasoning for seafood, and with that "same great taste for over 70 years," how could we not try it?

     The first recipe listed on the back of the canister is for Steamed Shrimp and we went for it.

2 tbsp. OLD BAY Seasoning

1/2 cup vinegar

1/2 cup water

1 lb. shrimp, in shells

In saucepan, combine first 3 ingredients. Bring to boil. Add shrimp, stir gently. Cover; steam until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Drain; remove shells.

     It was absolutely delicious. Just those few minutes steaming in the pot, the shrimp were so rich and flavorful. In fact, we kept burning our fingers because we couldn't help but dive in within seconds of draining out the steaming broth. The shrimp were salty, smokey and infused with that 'great taste' OLD BAY promised. I served pan roasted broccoli with lemon and garlic and spaghetti alla checca (tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, S & P, parmesan cheese) on the side. Our bellies were happy and full with good eats.

     I am so happy to now 'know' OLD BAY and have it in my arsenal of spices! If you are like me and have never used this seasoning, I recommend you immediately get a canister and try out this seasoning that has been celebrated for all these years and get in the "know."

Showered With Love

      As my belly grew bigger with my growing "womb-mate," my mom's baby shower ideas grew even bigger. She was determined to have a special and memorable event. My mom's home is a beautiful and magical place. It's like an adult tree house, adorned by huge pines and aspens and a backyard that feels like you are in an enchanted forest. There is a babbling creek that runs through the yard, a refurbished ski chair lift chair that now swings, and a huge tipi.

 

       The shower was a "Woodland" theme, which was appropriate considering our family's home. From the food to the decorations to the props for the photo booth, there was enchanted forest magic all over. I felt like I was in a Disney fairytale. My heart swelled (much larger than my already swollen ankles!) with the abundant amount of love showered upon me and my growing family. I am such a lucky girl!

   After gathering our ideas on our Pinterest boards, we vowed to go big with the food and decorations. From German chocolate coconut cream filled cupcakes, strawberry shortcake cake pops, mini rice crispy treats, to cookies and candy and so much more, here is our "Sweets Table" (which we tried to make mostly gluten free):

We had quiches, Chinese chicken salad, a green salad, and asparagus. The dishes were surrounded by pictures of my husband and myself when we were children. Our "Eats Table":

 

We had all types of beverages, from mimosas, to lemonade and iced coffee. The "Cheers Table":

 

My mom really utilized the artisans on Etsy.com for her decorations. There are wonderful finds by really talented people on that website. The products and services were terrific.

 

     Instead of ordering flower arrangements from a florist, we got pallets of flowers and rosemary bushes that we then replanted in the yard after the event. Plus the rosemary had such a wonderful scent, it just added to the Woodland theme. My mom also found these little pixie lights that she adorned each arrangement with, so when the sun started to set, the tables twinkled in the night.

     There was also a wish tree, where people could leave special messages to the baby. I have them in my son's baby book. It was such a special detail that I am so grateful to share with my son when he gets older.

 

     From the days leading up to the shower to the days after, family and friends descended upon our home to celebrate our family's new life. It was the special and memorable event that my mom wanted, and such a celebration of life. The entire house was filled with people and tons of love. It was a momentous time and a summer I will never forget. I am so thankful to have such amazing friends and family in my life. I am truly blessed and in awe of the love that surrounds me and my family. Thank you to all who were there!

 Baby Shower Tips:

 

* Use plants that can be replanted for center pieces. They become the gift that keeps on giving.
* Pamela's baking mixes were terrific for the gluten free desserts. They held up wonderfully and no one knew the difference.
* To elevate your cupcake, choose a pudding mix that compliments your cupcake flavor, after the pudding has set, put it into a zipbloc bag, attache a cake piping tip, poke it into the center of the cupcake and fill it before you frost it. Super easy, keeps your cupcakes moist and its a little surprise in the middle. Yum!
* Pinterest was a wonderful place to gather ideas for any party or event, just start a board and start pining!
* Etsy.com was wonderful place to find those one of a kind decorations. Some of the vendors will even work with you to make them more personalized to your liking.
* Having a photo booth at the event was such a fun idea. I found a Groupon for a discounted rate, so it made doable on the budget. As well, guests had a fun memory to go home with.


  

Little Man's Vintage Garage

AKA: Cooper's Nursery

It was so much fun decorating my baby boy's nursery. The nesting hormone definitely emitted during my pregnancy. My husband loves cars and I'm about all things vintage, hence the nursery theme. I spent many hours online window shopping and on Pinterest gathering my mood board 'pins'. I had two goals in mind, budget and not being too literal or cliche. I was really happy with the outcome. The room has a great energy and I feel the space came together swimmingly.

DECOR:

The antique tin signs are from a really cool and affordable website: www.asimplertime.com

The rug is from Target and was a bargain! Mind you this was after hours of searching for a cheap area  rug, which was not easy. I couldn't believe I paid under $100 for this  rug! www.target.com

The bedding is from www.babybedding.com. This website was awesome because the patterns and designs were not cliche. I did spend a bit more in this part of my budget, but it was worth it to me because I really liked their bedding. I decided on orange and blue gingham sheets, minky sheets for winter (oh so soft!), and a patchwork pattern to bring that vintage feel to the room. The site also makes rocking chair pads, which I got in orange gingham, and a lamp shade that matches. This site is a Pinterest user's dream!! Great customer service and easy to register and manage for a baby shower, fyi.

FURNITURE:

I knew I didn't want to invest into a changing table because I wouldn't need it after a few years. I kept reading that converting a dresser into a changing station was the way to go. You can attach the changing pad with straps, which are usually sewn onto the pad itself for safety reasons. So, I scoured www.craigslist.com for weeks until I found a dresser that was just the right size and price. Granted it was originally painted a pale pink, but my determined husband sanded it down stained and painted it, and viola... a new dresser for the nursery!

The crib was given to me by a friend- and boy oh boy- what a crib it is! I was extremely fortunate to be gifted this awesome piece! The best part is that the crib converts into a toddler bed as our baby boy grows.

The baby clothes rack was taken straight from a Pinterest pin I came across. My house is old and has very small closets, so that space was already a hot commodity plus my husband's clothes already occupied it. A diy project and super easy to install- we just mounted a curtain rod under a shelf- and magic... a clothes rack! Now I can easily see all of those cute little miniature clothes!

A few tips for a chic and unique nursery on a budget:

* Refurbish an old dresser and turn into a changing table
* Use hooks behind a door for baby carriers and bibs
* Utilize www.craigslist.com in your area to find lightly used baby furniture or pieces that can be converted into a piece for the nursery, like a bench or shelves. (Be sure to inspect it for safety- this is your baby's room after all!)
* A can of paint can change any room!

Happy Trails!!

Sweetness Defined

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." ~ John Lennon

I don't think I really embraced the meaning of this quote until recently. Over the past year I added two milestones to my path of life; marriage and a baby. I'm overjoyed with love and happiness and feel so blessed to have two new men in my life. I won't get too mushy, but it goes to show:

1. Be careful what you wish for because it could happen!
and
2. Life as you know it will never be the same!

 

Now things are really going to get interesting! Stay thirsty my friends!

Savvy Savvings: Closet Tweak Party

About two times a year I go through a stage where I need change and therefore declare, "Everything must go!" I used this philosophy especially when it came to my closet and getting rid of tons of clothes, most of which were recent additions. It may seem like an excellent 'cleansing' experience, but my compulsive habit was getting to be expensive and just compulsive.

So, this Savvy Savvings is dedicated to an alternative way of attaining change, but by honoring thou’s Big Greens- money and the environment.

Problem: Sometimes we get stuck on what tops, bottoms or accessories go together in our existing wardrobe, probably because it's convenient and laziness- both of which add up to a mind block.

Solution: Closet Tweak Party!! Invite your best friends over (the ones that are fashion forward and will tell you the truth) and have a "Closet Tweak" party. Essentially, you buy the beverages, pull out all of your clothes and in exchange for cocktails, have your friends help you put together new outfits with your existing clothes and accessories (be sure to wear your best underwear and bra for the evening because you will be trying on lots of clothes!). Not only will you become reacquainted with what's in your closet, but you will have a fresh outlook and new ensembles to strut! Who knew that blouse could be coordinated into 5 other outfits!! Some wardrobe items may fall victim and banished to the 'Don't Ever Wear That Again or Be Seen in Public with Me and Donate That Now' pile, but others might just need a little TLC for some 'Mending’s or Alterations'. A new organized closet and all it cost was a few mixed up drinks and time with your besties (who may have scored a few items from your closet too)! As well, you did right by the planet and used what you had.

Bravo- Savvy Savvings!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

I just got back from an amazing weekend getaway to Monterey, California. There was so much to do in this fabulous town, but one of the biggest "do not miss" spots is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located right on the ocean in the famous Cannery Row, the aquarium is truly sublime. From the Jellyfish, sharks, penguins to the seahorses- you can see an abundant amount of creatures from the deep big blue ocean.

They had great and perfectly orchestrated feedings where you can see the fish and animals go wild in their habitat for a bit a squid pieces and sardines. The presentations were truly informative and well worth the watch. The museum had loads of information and opportunities to get hands on with learning about all different types of species. They also had knowledgeable staff that were strategically located within each exhibit, so you could ask as many questions as your heart desired.

The Jellies were mesmerizing to watch, they just floated through the water with ease and grace. They came in all shapes, colors and sizes too! I never knew some grew to be bigger than humans or could be as small as a pin head! They were truly beautiful to observe.



The Seahorses were my favorite. To be able to see these amazing little fellows was pure magic. They looked liked something that came straight put of a fairytale book. Did you know that the males have the babies? Talk about defying gender rules! They also mate for life!! A lady seahorse has some pretty great perks!

The Monterey By Aquarium is a wonderful place to bring your kiddos- it'll be sure to entertain for hours! There are great little spots all over to bring a picnic and sit outside or inside for a snack or lunch. There are also a lot of photo ops- so if you need a great family portrait or that Christmas card photo- the aquarium has lots of places to snap a great shot. A quick tip- bring or rent bikes. The parking can be tricky and rolling in on two wheels is not only cheaper but also much easier to land for the day.

This aquarium gets 5 Gold Starfish in my book!!