We’ve been packing up and moving every couple of weeks. This quick pace makes for exciting travel and gives us the opportunity to explore fantastic new sites, but it can become disorienting. Honestly, I hadn’t any forethought about this potential side-effect of nomadic living. I was gobbling up new experiences without any cognizance of needing to stay connected along the way. Who focuses on planting roots while purposely f Read the rest of this entry »
While my family slept, I slipped out for an early walk. Once out the door, I was met with the morning fog, smelling strongly of the sea. Here are some images from my stroll down to the beach and back.
Starting my Sunday morning by rereading “A Day in the Life of a Minimalist” on my Kindle and enjoying coffee from my favorite “Replenish” mug
I love the mornings and I always have. I am often the first to wake in my house. Some days, I throw on a jacket and go for a quiet stroll. Other days, I rise early, slip into the kitchen to make coffee, and settle down to read. I embrace the solitude I’ve carved out for myself. I enjoy knowing most of the neighborhood is still sound asleep as I cradle my warm coffee mug. Each day, I look forward to spending time with my own thoughts and a good book. I wake with a purpose. Peace begins my day. Soon, my son awakes, finds me, and gives me my morning hugs. I smile and tell him, “we are the early birds”. He smiles back, knowing this time is special. My mornings are simple but quite dear to me.
Citrus Green Smoothie
When you crave a late-day energy boost, what do you reach for? Sugar? Caffeine? If so, you are not alone. I’ve been there, done that! Unfortunately, those quick pick-me-ups don’t replenish our bodies, but instead leave us feeling even more depleted. It is a nasty cycle to find yourself in, so get out while you can. (I’m not against a morning cup of joe or occasional sweet treat, by the way) How do you get a healthy uplifting boost? Don’t underestimate the power of veggies….you know, those leafy dark Read the rest of this entry »
an Apple Flower is a healthy fun snack that my kids love
Roughly two years ago, I read “Primal Body Primal Mind” by Nora Gedgaudas. It changed my life. With enthusiasm, I ditched the starches and sugars embedded in my diet and opted for grass-fed butter and meat, pastured eggs, raw nuts, and lots of organic leafy greens. My body was loving it all, but I got bored eating the same dishes over and over. I struggled for more diversity in my meal plan. That is when Sarah Fragoso came to the rescue (though she is certainly unaware of her great Read the rest of this entry »
Yesterday began like any other Tuesday. Then, a friend called and told me her happy news. She’s expecting her third child. Immediately following my excitement for her, I was slapped in the face with my own disappointment. Why? Can I be honest and vulnerable here? Last year, I was given a wonderful gift. I became pregnant. It would have been our third child and I was elated (after the initial shock wore off). Sadly, I miscarried. It crushed me and I cried for days. I felt like my heart had been Read the rest of this entry »
my daughter walking with her aunt
I love taking long leisurely walks. I suppose I’ve always enjoyed walking and seeing the world at a slower pace. It is a time to collect my thoughts, exercise my body, stay grounded, and maintain my overall well-being. Like many people, though, I am also guilty of being too busy to “stop and smell the roses” at times. I hope I never forget how wonderful a stroll can be. When Read the rest of this entry »
Ice cream often sounds delicious on a summer afternoon, right? I’m not opposed to the occasional dish of ice cream (I love it), but occasional is the key word. For a healthier afternoon sweet treat, I made yogurt sundaes for my kids. Okay, technically they are probably parfaits, but sundaes sound more fun. Shhhhh…don’t tell. The kids were excited and gobbled them up. My yogurt sundae ingredients: Brown Cow cream top vanilla yogurt, Love Grown Foods cocoa goodness oat clusters, fresh organic raspberries, unsweetened coconut flakes, and a drizzle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup (aren’t you proud of me for admitting I have that last ingredient in my fridge?).
About a year ago, I invested in a Vitamix blender and I’m so very glad I did. I love, it love it, love it. Actually, I’m sipping a green smoothie as I type this. That purchase has helped my family create a healthy habit of eating more veggies daily. The benefit is clear. I know I feel healthier both mentally and physically when I pack more nutrient-dense whole foods into my day. I love that I can gulp down 2 cups of spinach even if I’m in a hurry. When I make fruit smoothies or popsicles for my kids, I toss in greens as well. Cleaning the Vitamix is a breeze, too. All I need to do is run the blender with some soapy water and voila! It was an expensive purchase, but I’d rather invest the money now in my health than spend it at the doctor’s office down the road. Another positive is that Vitamix blenders are hand-built in the USA. If you are looking for a very simple way to add nutritious whole foods to your diet, consider buying a Vitamix. Perhaps this is sounding like a commercial, but that is how much I love this machine and what it has done for my family.
Honest Simplicity 