Flat Iron - "Iron Off"

Meet Jen!

She is a beautiful, ___ year old, environmental science teacher!  She just recently decided that she wanted to start wearing makeup (see the next blog post for her "before and after" -- I gave her a makeup lesson).  She also decided that it was about time to purchase a flat iron.

In January, during a shopping trip to the Christmas Tree Shop, she found a flat iron for $15.00.  Our friend Liza swears by her CHI flat iron and we all know those can cost upwards of $100.  Jen was concerned that her $15 flat iron would not be as good, and Liza was curious to see if the results would be better or worse than the CHI.  So it was decided... a flat iron- iron-off!!

Here we go... the CHI flat iron and the compare to CHI No Name Iron... (I forgot to get pic of actual iron, but did the paperwork, although it looks exactly like CHI).

Jen's hair was freshly washed and air dried.  We split her hair down the middle and then sprayed each side with heat protectant and went on our way.  Liza used her CHI while I used Jen's No Name.  

We forgot to specify how were were going to do each side, I did mine with a little bend and Liza did hers stick straight.  But all in all, we decided that you could not tell the difference.  

                                               Don't mind the horrible lighting in background!

What do you think??

Why did we do this?  Well, we wanted to show people that you do not necessarily have to spend big money on hair appliances to get a good hair style.  I will say though, that this is Liza's second CHI.  Her first one lasted her over 9 years!  She definitely got bang for her buck!  We do not yet know how long Jen's No Name will last for so we cannot compare the two variables but that is something to keep in mind too!  Let's just say it only lasted a year though... if you spent $15 ever year for 9 years on a flat iron that is $135 right there... is it worth buying the CHI? Up to you.

Now I am not saying ALL less expensive/no name products are just as good as "high end" ones, because I know from personal experience... I bought a more expensive blow dryer then the last two I currently have, and it makes a world of difference; so much better!  However, Liza owns a little purple conair and I have used it to give her a blow out before and MAN is it powerful!  It is also a matter of what works for you. You may have some super coarse hair and need a more expensive hair tool.

So, in conclusion... take a shot, try it out!  Save the box because if you don't like it MOST places will let you return it (make sure to ask), and it is always good to save money where you can.

What kind of flat iron do you currently own, and how do you like it??

XOXO- B

Valentines Day Makeup Tutorial

Happy Valentines Day!! Here is a fun makeup look for you to try to wear out with your sweetie or maybe your girl friends!! Enjoy! <3

1. Foundation
2. Concealer
3. Apply purple shadow all over your lids (just the lids).  Here I am using TIGI colors.
**also use the same color shadow with a thin liner brush and apply to lower lash line to give a slight smokey look**
4. Apply black shadow in the out corners of your eyes 
(follow this shape < and >).  Drag the black into your crease a bit but do not bring all the way to the inner corner of your eyes.
5. Add copper shadow to inner corner of eyes.
6. Blend, blend, blend
7. Choose an ivory/white and brush under your brow bone to highlight
7a. I forgot to post photo of shaping brows, but SHAPE YOUR BROWS, fill them it, makes the world of difference!!
8. Line your eyes with liquid liner (I'm using Kat Von D liquid liner).
9. Curl your lashes (My favorite lash curler is by E.L.F. and is only $1 at Target)
10. Apply mascara (Physicians Formula) and then false lashes (Shany Lashes)
11. Contour/highlight/blush and lip gloss
12. Do your hair, put on a cute outfit, sprits your favorite perfume and enjoy your night out!! 

XOXO- B

**Balsamic Glazed Cauliflower “Wings”

Good morning!  I wanted to share this recipe that I attempted yesterday.  While it came out nothing like wings, it was still super tasty and I will definitely be making it again!! 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

For the sauce:

1/4 c balsamic vinegar

2 tbs soy sauce (I used liquid aminos)

1/4 c honey (can also use agave or maple syrup)

1 garlic clove, crushed (I used two because I love garlic)

1 tsp finely minced fresh rosemary (or dried-- does the job)

1/4 tsp salt

a few grinds of black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together and set aside.

Now onto the cauliflower!

You need one large head of cauliflower cut into florets (just be cautious of the sizing... too big and they will take longer to cook, too small and they will cook too quickly and get mushy).

Then you will take 1/2 cup of milk of choice (I used almond milk) and 1/2 cup flour (I used arrowroot flour) and whisk the two together in a large bowl.

Coat the cauliflower generously with the mixture.

Place on greased baking sheet evenly, in one layer.  

Cook 15-20 minutes.  

                                                                                                        (Dont mind the ugly pizza stone underneath)

When done cooking, remove from oven and coat cauliflower with sauce mixture (I tossed them together in the bowl, but you can pour it over, or whatever your preference is).  Place back in the oven for 5 more minutes and they are done!

 Enjoy! 

                            XOXO- B

**This recipe was found on the blog Cupcakes to Kale Chips.

Paleo Challenge Results

Okay so it is the end of the 30 day Paleo Challenge... I drank my water, I did my workouts, I ate proteins, fruits, veggies and so on.  Guess what!  I lost two pounds in the first two weeks, however, I had migraines, it messed with my mood, and by the end of the month I actually put on weight!

This challenge has taught me that everybody's body is different and takes to different foods in different ways. I tried hard to eat red meat, and I could not do it.  I ate tuna fish from the can, could not do it.  And I am actually up 4 pounds.  Now I know, I was not eating so terribly on my own without this challenge.  As long as I eat clean, and limit sweets, and keep working out, I think I will be okay.

For those of you who have seen results, that is great and I am happy that it worked for you but unfortunately I do not believe I will be following a strict paleo menu.

XOXO- B

Want to hear a secret??

I am sharing with you one of my favorite beauty secrets!

Back in high school I would faithfully get acrylic nails done for two reasons... A. they looked nice B. the nail polish stayed on for at least three weeks if not longer.

In college I was concerned about the damage done to my nail so I started getting gel nails done (supposedly healthier than acrylics).

Then a few years ago gel polish came out.  A nail polish that lasted at least two weeks but you have to get it done in a salon (but I worked in the salon and had access to it).  Gel polish was nice but it required many many steps to apply and quite the process to remove, and it does hurt some peoples nails... so now what??

Ladies lets admit it!  There is just something about having your nails done that make you look classier and feel more beautiful!  I know I am not the only one out there who thinks that.

And if you do not have the money to faithfully get your nails done, then you are out of luck!   And we can easily pick up a bottle of nail polish and do it ourselves, however, how many of you are like me though and hate to paint your nails because they just end up chipping a day or two later?  How about paying for a manicure? NO WAY!  It just does not seem to last.

Well... I found the secret to great lasting nail polish!! 

A lot of beauty products make claims that they do not follow through on, so initially when I discovered this, I was skeptical but I tried it anyway.  I am IN LOVE!! <3   No lie, this stuff is fantastic.

You do not need a base coat.  You use the color of your choice and then the top coat, that is it!  I am obsessed with this color pictured but I am eager to venture out and try others.  The smell is not too bad and it dries quicker than regular nail polish.  

I decided to do my nails and documents how the polish held up... mind you these photos are after washing my hands many many times, showering, cooking, cleaning, laundry, going to the gym and so on.  So check it out! 

As you can see on day six, I am just now starting  to get chips in my polish.  I could easily go back and fill in the chips and add more top coat but if I decide not to, I can easily take polish remover and take it completely off (and once I remove it, my nails feel perfectly normal, no damage, no soft nails).  But seriously... SIX DAYS.

This company offers a huge selection of colors and they are continuing to add more colors as the seasons change.

If you are interested in purchasing some, I am more than happy to get it for you, let me know.  You can also look at amazon.com but you will not find this in stores.

I hope you enjoyed this review of a new product and try it out.  If you do, or have, comment on my blog and let me know your thoughts!

XOXO- B

Dandruff- What a mess!

You asked for it... you got it! 

This post is on dandruff... you can google and research the causes of dandruff until you are blue in the face, however, trying to find one specific cause of dandruff...  so... good luck!  But whatever the cause may be, it can be messy, embarrassing, and just plain unsightly.  

Since I am turning into a label freak, and trying to stay away from harmful chemicals, I decided to take the time and find the best natural ways to take care of dandruff.  These are things you can try at home, and are natural ingredients, but if you find nothing helps, you may need to see a doctor.

1. Yogurt.  Wash your hair and then put the yogurt on your scalp only and leave on for 10-15 minutes then wash out.

2.  Tea tree oil.  Tea tree is amazing!  You can use it for so many things (acne, body odor, anti-viral, cleaning, just to name a few).  You want to get a shampoo that has at least 5% tea tree in it, or you can buy a small jar of tea tree oil and put on on your scalp before shampooing.  You can also add tea tree oil to your current shampoo.

3.  Olive oil/Coconut oil. You can use either one of these as an overnight treatment.  Apply to your scalp only and sleep with it (just make sure you wrap your head in a towel or do something to protect your pillow.

4.  Baking soda.  Use this in place of your shampoo for two weeks.  Leave on for one minute and then wash it out.  Your skin should start producing oils again, moisturizing your scalp and relieving the dandruff. -- oh and while you are at it, use it as an exfoliate for your face.

5.  Apple cider vinegar.  Mix one part vinegar with one part water and pour onto hair and scalp after you shampoo your hair.  Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with water.  It will smell, there is no other way around it, but once you dry your hair, the smell should subside.  Try doing this once or twice a week.

6.  Egg.  Take two eggs, beat together and then apply to scalp, leaving it on for about an hour.  Not only will this help with the dandruff but it will condition as well! 

I am sure there are plenty more, but I think this is a good start.  Let me know if you have any known natural tricks that work, and if you try any of these, please feel free to share! 

Have a great night! 

XOXO-B

Paleo Challenge Day 14

So this past weekend, I did go off the challenge... no judgments... it was a birthday celebration and everyone brought such AMAZING food! Between cheesecake, canoli's, turkey chili, stir fry, delicious breakfasts-- french toast bake and bagel sandwiches how could I not!

So I lost a pound and gained a pound but then I started strict again as of Monday.

I haven't posted because it has been the typical eggs for breakfast, tuna every day for lunch mixed with avocado, raisins and nuts, and then a healthy chicken dinner with veggies.

I def need some new stuff though.

My workouts this week have been lacking though... it did consist of lifting my adorable nephew though!

Everybody say awwwwww!

Okay, but yesterday I tried a combat class at the Fit Club.

"Take kickboxing to the heavy bag!  Put on your boxing gloves and execute combinations of punches and kicks.  Add in some key conditioning to release your body and feel exhilarated.  YES! YOU CAN DO IT!" 

It started out with warming up using jump-ropes (I haven't used one of those since gym glass with Mrs. Capen), pushups and toe touches... multiple reps of each.  Then I put on boxing gloves for the first time in my life.  First off, let me say, these girls are awesome! Next, this whole workout made me practically throw up!  My lungs are also not conditioned, so it burnnnnnneddd like crazy!

This gym is gonna kick my butt but it is just what I need!! Cannot wait to go back again! Check out Jess on fb and her club!

https://www.facebook.com/FitClubMA

Here are two of my latest's meals ...

 

Paleo Day 6 WEIGH IN

Weigh in ... after 1 week of Paleo I lost... drum roll please..........

 1lb! tada!! 

Not as much as I was hoping for, however, I know it is just a matter of time.  

This weekend I am going away so I cannot guarantee I will follow it 100%.  But I'll let you know how it goes! 

XOXO- B

Paleo Challenge Day 4 & 5

So yesterday I wanted to eat everything in sight! Ya know what I did?  I ate more veggies! And MORE veggies!  And kept going until I was full.

I did 10 push-ups for my "tiny workout" and I did "man" ones (on my toes).  It was hard but I did it! :)

Also, I skipped the video workout because I was teaching at Curves, Body Basics classes for an hour.  I worked my arms and my core.

Breakfast:  2 pieces turkey bacon, 2 eggs in a veggie scramble
Lunch:  Grilled chicken over broccoli and sauteed broccoli slaw.
Dinner:  Shrimp Saute w/onions, peppers, green beans, tomatoes, broccoli slaw and avocado.
Snack: Dark Chocolate, Apple w/sunflower butter

Today I had the ladies over for tea/coffee and snacks.  We try to do it once a month and alternate homes.  I wanted to serve them food but was nervous with me doing paleo.  Well it worked out well, I made a breakfast quiche (no crust) with sauteed onions and peppers in it (no cheese either), hard boiled eggs, turkey bacon and fruit.

For lunch I had chicken salad and tried to make lettuce wraps, however, the romaine was just too small for that. Fail.  But it still tasted yummy.

Dinner was a romaine/arugula salad with leftover sauteed vege's from the night before.

Snack: Banana, Dark Chocolate, Butternut Squash Fries

Plenty of water all day of course.  However, workout got skipped due to my lower back pain.  But this is it in case you want to do it.                                     XOXO- B

Day 3 Paleo Challenge & two YUMMY finds!

Day three was a bit more difficult for me because I had to run a lot of errands and did not have a ton of time to be home to do the workouts... and it was day three of my migraine... :(  

My meals consisted:
Breakfast: 2 eggs with spinach and turkey bacon.
Lunch: 5oz can of tuna mixed with avocado, 1/2 apple, pecans, and raisins.
Dinner: 4 oz baked chicken with 1/2 avocado.
Snacks: Dried Apricots and Granola bar (see below)

I did miss my workouts but will make up for it.  

However, I do want to share some exciting finds while I was out and about.

First off is these barefruit organic bake-dried apricots! There are two servings of ORGANIC apricots, no sugar added and nothing else added.  I ended up having these as a snack when I was out and about and feeling hungry.  Non-GMO.  200 calories for the whole pouch.  I liked them because they were chewy but tough if that makes sense.  It also gave me the feeling like I was eating gummy bears but in a healthier way.  I believe it cost $2.49 for these. 

Next is this gojiberry granola bar by Two Moms in the RAW.  I had seen this around but was never sure if I wanted to try it.  I ended up buying it because the store I bought it from was having a store-wide 25% off. Looks like bird seed doesn't it?  Well, it tastes yummy.  It kind of just tastes like seeds and cinnamon. Everything in it is organic, and real.  Gluten free and paleo approved!  I bought these for $6.99.

Organic Agave

Certified Gluten-free Organic Oat Groats*

Organic Sunflower Seeds

Organic Buckwheat

Organic Pumpkin Seeds

Organic Gojiberries

Organic Millet

Organic Apples

Organic Sesame Seeds

Organic Flax Seeds

Organic Pecans

Organic Almonds

Organic Cinnamon and Sea Salt

XOXO-B

Paleo Day 2

Day two was pretty good for me!  Breakfast was great! I did my 10 push-ups... it has been a while but I was able to do them!  Been drinking lots of water.  Had my favorite snack of a green apple with sunflower butter (this was my fav even before the "challenge")... had a late lunch and dinner because I woke up late today.

Breakfast: 2 eggs, 1/2 avocado, 2 slices turkey bacon
Snack: Green apple w/sunflower butter
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with 1/2 avocado mixed in and 2 tbsp mayo.  Sprinkled with S&P and a few raisins, pecans and some apple chunks! Served with arugula and a sprinkle of lemon juice!  YUM!!
Dinner: It was suppose to be salmon with honey lime dressing served over spinach, however, since I was not hungry come dinner time I waited and then just had a few snacks when I was hungry.  First I had two hard boiled eggs, then an apple with sunflower butter.

The hardest parts of day 2... my migraine is still with me!  Not fun!  That is why I woke up late and then I had to take another nap to try and sleep it off. Not sure what is triggering it, but I hope it goes away soon!

Now, I use to take yoga all the time at the gym, it has been a while but I was really looking forward to trying these workouts that were suggested... yoga one wasn't too bad, challenging but nothing I could not handle and relaxing at the same time!  But the butt lift.... holy moleeeeeeee was it painful and it made me sweat!  Not to mention, she makes you end with planks! Speaking of... I was thinking about starting the plank challenge...?  We will see!

Here they are if you want to try them out!

XOXO- B

Day 1 - Paleo Challenge

This week is going to be a "soft start"... I plan to follow it as much as I possibly can, however, I am being taken away next weekend for my 30th Birthday so I am guessing I will steer off just a bit.  But then as soon as I get back, it is back to the grind!! 

I have my starting weight which I will not reveal yet... I decided not to do my measurements, I am just going to wait and see if I can fit into my old jeans.

My goal for this challenge- clear up my skin, feel more energetic and healthy, get back down to my "comfortable weight" of 130, tone up, and feel comfortable in my own skin ---> That has been the hardest part leading up to this.  

Fall/winter of 2012/13 for the first time in my life I was comfortable in my own skin.  I weighed 130lbs, size 6 jeans, I felt thin but not too thin and I was enjoying wearing my clothes. And honestly it was not even about the weight on the scale, it was just how I felt in my skin. Well, since then... I have put on 20+ pounds (can I blame it on marriage?? lol)  and of course I am more self-conscious, my clothes do not fit anymore, I feel even more sluggish and do not want to look at myself in the mirror, nor put on anything even slightly form fitting.

With that being said,  here is day one... I am being guided by a blog so everything I do will either be exactly like this girl suggests OR I will modify a bit. 

Drink 8oz of water right away! 

Tiny workout: Calf raises- 10 with your feet turned out, 10 feet straight, 10 feet turned in. I did this while brushing my teeth as she suggested.  

Snack: A green apple with two tbsp of sunflower butter.  

Lunch: Tuna, 5oz pack of tuna mixed with an avocado 

Dinner: Drink 8oz water with dinner. Grilled chicken- 5 oz of grilled chicken served with (this was suggested) -->spinach and sautéed onions.  I ended up having it on a bed of arugula with some apple pieces, raisins, raw brocc slaw, onions and some pecans.  I drizzled a bit of lemon juice and grape-seed oil for the dressing.   

Now there is also a workout of the day, however, I have been battling a migraine ALL DAY and have not been able to muster up enough energy to do it. I may try and do it before I go to bed but we will see!  Here is what was suggested...

Jillian Michaels 6 wk abs

Lastly, 32 oz of water before lunch and about 20 oz of water since lunch and still going.  I will drink 16 oz of water right before bed as well.

Happy Paleo! 

XOXO- B

30 Day Paleo Challenge

One of my new years or 30th year of life goal was to start eating healthy again and get back in shape.  Well, in doing a large amount of research I decided I am go to do the 30 day Paleo Challenge.  For those of you who do not know, the whole idea behind it is "Eat like a caveman and shed pounds."  

This is a high-protein, high-fiber eating plan.  I am okay with that.  No processed foods- NONE... I think I can handle that.  The only thing I will have to adjust is substitutions to red meat because I do not really eat it (by not really I mean, maybe once every 6 months or so, maybe less).  I also have to be extremely strict on my water intake... as much as I love water and pretty much drink that and nothing else, I do not drink nearly as much as I should.

I plan to start on Sunday, so tomorrow is the big shopping trip.  I am also on an extremely tight budget so I am hoping I can get everything I need for week 1 plus food for my husband (he will not want to do this full fledge with me).  My plan it to hit up the sales at Adams Market, Aldi's, Trader Joes and Whole Foods.  

If any of you have tips or tricks, suggestions, comments, please feel free to let me know.  Have any good recipes to share? I'm in! 

This will also coincide with my anti-inflammatory diet, so that will be great as well!  This not only helps weight loss but can help with gut issues, digestion, clear up skin, and more.

I do not know if this will turn into a lifelong lifestyle, but I am looking forward to seeing changes within 30 days and then go from there.

This is quite personal for me, but I will share my results once I have some to share!

To a happy and healthy new year! 

xoxo- B

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

If I am being completely honest, I was happy to say goodbye to 2013.  

Without getting into specifics, I am just looking forward to a new year.  

I am not big on resolutions but I did think of some goals that I would like to obtain now in my 30's. 

--in no particular order--

1.  Spend more quality time with my husband.

2.  Laugh more and cry less.

3.  Start a health and beauty youtube channel.

4.  Blog more regularly.

5.  Grow spiritually.

6.  Get back in shape and eat healthy again.

7.  Start volunteering whether it be in the community or for a charity, or something.

8.  Become organized!! 

9.  Do more hair/makeup.

10.  Try new things.

What are your resolutions or goals?

XOXO- B

Lang may yer lum reek!

Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder?

I was going through my old college art projects and stumbles across this... thought it was quite interesting...

"This is my portrayal of most women.  They are nude because it is a woman truly exposed.

Tear away the fancy clothes, peel off the makeup, wipe away the fake tans, let down the hair... this is what you get.  

A real woman with feeling and emotions.  

Dreams, fears, confidence in some areas and insecurities in others. 

The bubble in this picture is the woman's thoughts.  

We all portray ourselves in our minds differently than we really are.  

The woman in the thought bubble looks fairly similar to the real one but has flaws.  Well more flaws than then the real woman. A larger butt, thicker thighs, arms and a little chunk on the belly, not to mention uneven breast. 

Myself personally I know I am not always happy with the way I look.  I find myself comparing myself to other females and being envious at times of how they have beautiful bodies or faces.

Not being able to add up to societies "ideal" beautiful can be very hurtful and have some extreme effects depending on the female.  The thing I have been learning though is, what is it that truly makes the figure more beautiful than the thought?  I may think one is beautiful and someone may think the opposite. .."

Pumpkin Spice Latte

One of the blogs I follow is called Mamanatural.com and she is always posting healthy alternatives for not so healthy recipes (or less expensive versions), she also blogs about pregnancy and other such things.  Today on facebook she posted a recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Latte and I made it immediately.  It was just what I needed to pep up a bit on this chilly and gray day.

Her Recipe

Click on the link above if you are interested in her recipe.  I will tell you though the tweeks that I made to make it more delicious and also to use what I have without having to buy new machines.

First of all, I do not have an espresso maker... one day maybe... so I made extra strong coffee in our coffee pot.  I did 2 heaping scoops for less than 1 cup of water (keep in mind I am guesstimating at all this, so this was strong for me, but may not be strong for you).

Next, I do not have a milk steamer or an immersion blender... so I whipped out my trusty nutri-bullet (NB).

Also, I did not have any liquid stevia, so I used 1/2 stevia packet.  Mama Natural suggests using more maple syrup if you do not have liquid, but I am not a huge fan of maple syrup, so I opted for the regular stevia.

I put my strong coffee in my nutri-bullet and added the ingredients she listed.  I then blasted it real quick to get it a little thicker and all mixed well together.  I then poured it into my mug and rinsed out the NB cup and blade.

Next, she said to boil milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk) on stove, well I was impatient, and as much as I do not like to use the microwave because it is suppose to be hazardous to your health...  I popped it in there for 1 minute and 30 seconds.  Being careful I poured it into the NB cup and blasted it until frothy and then followed it by taking spoon and holding back froth while I poured milk over my pumpkin espresso mixture and then topped with the froth.

I did not put any coconut sugar on top because I do not have any.

It looked super yummy though, but when I took a sip it was missing something to me.

Well, I don't know about you but I think pumpkin and chocolate go wonderfully together!  So I melted 1 tbsp mini choc chips with 1 tsp almond milk.  Mixed it together (it would not get the runny consistency I wanted to drizzle it on top) and just stuck the whole spoon in with some chocolate on it and mixed it and mannnnnnnnnnnnn was it good!!

Give it a try!  It is a latte kind of day!

Let me know if you have any healthier versions of yummy drinks!

XOXO- B

Kale and Butternut Squash Saute

So I use to get a bunch of health and fitness magazines sent to me and I would read them, rip out the recipes that I was interested in trying and put them in a book until I got the chance to make them.

Well, this was a recipe I had pulled out back in 2012 and never made until we moved and I was unpacking and stumbled upon the recipe. And while I was definitely missing out on not making it sooner, I guess you could say it was completely worth the wait! It is healthy, super yummy, quick and easy and a one dish wonder!

I made this and ate it for a week... if you feel like "bulking" it up a bit you can add rice pasta, as I did one day, or you can do couscous, quinoa, rice, whatever you are in the mood for.

The first time I made this, I followed the recipe exactly (minus the walnuts because I did not have them, nor do I like them).

I then shared this recipe with my friend Liza and she made it and had me try it and she used dried cherries instead of cranberries and feta instead of goat cheese (it was deeeeelicious!).

In making this for a side dish for thanksgiving tomorrow, I used cranberries, feta and toasted almonds.  So as you can see, this recipe is quite versatile depending on your taste.

This is meant to be a main dish, but can easily be had as a side dish to accompany any meat or fish.

Let me know if you try it and how you liked it!

The pictures below are mine, but the recipe comes from fitnessmagazine.com.

XOXO- B

Food Facts:

A half cup of cooked butternut squash provides more than 80% of your daily vitamin A requirements for just 41 calories.  The gourd is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. -- Fitness Magazine

One cup of chopped raw kale provides more than 100% of the daily value of vitamins A, C and K.  It also contains lutein, a type of carotenoid (organic pigment) responsible for the plant's color and nutrients.  Lutein helps keep eyes and vision healthy. -- WebMD

Ingredients:

2tbsp EVOO (I used grape-seed oil because that is what I have and cannot tell a difference)
3lbs butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 in cubes (about 3.5 cups)
1/2 diced yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
4.5 cups chopped fresh kale
1tsp grated lemon zest  (if you can, buy organic because you will be eating the zest)
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt (I used pink Himalayan sea salt)
1/2 tsp black pepper (I used fresh cracked pepper)
2 tbsp dried cranberries (or cherries)
4 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans toasted (or almonds)
4 tbsp chopped crumbled goat cheese (or feta)  

Directions: 

In lg. skillet, heat oil over med-high heat.  Add squash, onions and garlic.  Cook, stirring constantly until squash is lightly browned and slightly tender, about 7 mins. 

Add kale, lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper and cook until kale is wilted and squash is tender, 5-7 minutes.  Remove from heat. 

Put kale and squash in a dish and toast nuts in same pan (or you can toast them in the oven). 

Add dried cranberries and nuts, toss to combine.  Sprinkle with cheese.

Note: I did not toss this one yet, because I will reheat on thanksgiving and toss before serving. YUM! 

Spiritual Gifts

So last week at my church the sermon was on spiritual gifts.  During the week I received an email saying I could find out what my spiritual gift is, so of course, being curious I did.  Well, half way into it I got nervous... I do not have a spiritual gift!  None of these questions are strongly me...  how can God use me if a lot of these things I have never experienced, or honestly care to experience... I must be such a horrible person!

Well, it was time to submit my answers and receive my score and you know what?  God just confirmed what I have known all along, but I think I forgot about along the way.  My top were hospitality and giving.   In taking the quiz I thought, these are all big things or "more important" and I have not been blessed with any of them (gift of healing/prophecy/etc) but thinking about it now, hospitality and giving are just as important and make a big difference.

The one I am going to expand on is giving.

To me, I have experienced great joy in giving... growing up I always tithed and I did it happily and saw the I was always taken care of financially.  I got away from it for a stage in my life, and maybe some people would say it was a coincidence, but I found I was struggling more and I truly believe that it was God's way of telling me... you need to give back some of what I have given you.  So now, after being at a fantastic church for over 3 years, and joyfully giving with my husband, we are being taken care of.

But giving isn't just tithing... it can be giving of your time, personal items, your ear, your heart, a hand.  And those are things I am always passionate about doing.  Not just with my church but with those I come in contact with on a day to day basis.  By no means am I perfect, and I am not sharing this to brag, but to encourage!

Even just the smallest act of giving can make a huge difference in someones life.  It can make a huge difference in your own as well... when you stop focusing on yourself, and I do not even mean this in a selfish way; you could be having a bad day emotionally ... try giving to someone else... you could be experiencing a loss of some sort, try giving.... you could be dealing with any number of things, positive or negative, but try giving...  and in no way am I say that giving will get you things in return or make your life perfect, but it definitely helps change your way of thinking, your attitude, your gratitude.

Maybe this is not your forte, maybe you do not find joy in giving, but you find joy other things, that may be your gift.  Just know though, that God wants to use you in one way or another.

Want to take the quiz?

Spiritual Gift?

XOXO- B

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

So as some of you know I had a serious issue with my back this year... I believe it started in March and stayed with me up until June...

I saw doctor after doctor after doctor, x-rays, muscle specialists, chiro, pain meds, stretches, nothing seemed to help.

Until... come in Dr. Lynch from Northampton Wellness Association.  He did blood testing to make sure I was getting all the proper vitamins I need, as well as food allergy testing to see if that could be a trigger.  He also suggested a book for me to read... Breaking the Viscous Cycle (which is a great one for those of you struggling with IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, etc).

His suggestion to help me with my back issues was to go on an anti-inflammatory diet.  He said I should try it out for 3 months and then we would reevaluate after that and see how it helped and if it is something I should stick to the rest of my life, or if I need to do it periodically...

He explained to me that certain foods, have inflammatory properties which can cause arthritis, allergies, back pain and so on.  So by eliminating these foods from your diet, helps decrease inflammation, and if you do it long enough, it is possible to eliminate inflammation completely from your system all together and down the road some people can actually eat those foods again occasionally.  He even said that he has had people with Crohn's and Colitis do this "diet" for a full year and their horrible symptoms vanished all together.  I wish I had known about him and gone to see him before things got so bad that I had to have surgery, but what is done is done.  

Dr. Lynch said I could gradually start cutting things out of my diet, or do it all at once which was more difficult.  Well, at the time I wanted relief, so I quit eating all the foods and drinks I wasn't suppose to cold turkey.  And to make a short story long... after 6 weeks I had started to feel a huge amount of relief!  It gave me encouragement to continue being strict through the 3 month period.

When we reevaluated things, he suggested I try and stay as strict as possible but not to beat myself up if I occasionally go off course.  So that is what I tried to do... well, one "cheat" turned into another, and another and then I was eating badly again.  Now with the move, it took a toll on my diet and my weight.  I had two kitchen but neither one of them were functioning, so it was takeout... pizza, chinese, grinders, you name it, we ordered it.  I have gained 12 lbs in the process, my jeans do not fit anymore and now my back has been killing me again.

We have lived in our house 2 weeks now, and I have been eating healthier now that I can grocery shop and have a kitchen, but it is still not helping my back.  So I decided it is time to go back to my strict diet to get my figure and my back in shape!

Here is what it consists of in case you are wondering...

Try to eat organic and try to eat any one food no more than 5x/week.

Veggies:
Any and all veggies (except potatoes and corn)
Raw, steamed or stir-fried in olive-oil
Eat lower glycemic veggies if possible

Non-Wheat/Non-Flour Grains:
1-2 cups cooked grains (wheat/flour products not allowed, because VERY inflammatory.
Allowed: amaranth, barley, buckwheat, millet, oatmeal, quinoa, basmati or brown rice, rye, teff, rice crisps and wasa crackers.

Legumes:
Any and all that you can tolerate.

Fish:
Poach, bake, steam, or broil deep-sea ocean fish (cod, haddock, halibut, mackerel, sardines, summer flounder, salmon).  Shellfish is okay unless known to be allergic.  (Note: I always try and eat fresh water fish, farm raised is a NO-NO in my book).

Meat/Chicken/Turkey/Eggs:
Only the meat and NO skin of high quality free-range or organically grown chicken or turkey.  Bake, broil or steam.  Eggs are fine unless allergic.
Venizen and other high quality meats are fine, but not every night (I try not to eat meat anymore though!).

Fruit:
Eat periodically any fruit except citrus.  Low carbohydrate fruits if possible.

Sweeteners:
Real maple syrup, rice syrup, barley syrup, raw honey or stevia OCCASIONALLY and with meals ONLY.
NO sugar, nutrasweet, or any other artificial sweetener.

Seeds and Nuts:
Unsalted seeds and nuts (no peanuts- as it is a mold and not healthy).
Butter nuts are fine too (except peanuts).

Butter/Oils:
Mix 1lb butter and 1 cup EVOO.  Whip at room temp and store in fridge.  DO NOT USE MARGARINE.
Use EVOO for all other situations requiring oil.  Do not use other vegetable oils.

To Drink:
Drink a MINIMUM of 6-8 glasses of spring, bottled, filtered or reverse-osmosis filtered water every day. Try to drink one glass per hour.  You can add lemon.  NO distilled water.
Rice milk, oat milk and small amounts of soy are allowed (I don't drink soy).
Green tea is great!!

Use whatever spices you enjoy except salt.  Eat plenty.

STAY AWAY FROM:
all animal milks
fatty meats (ground beef, etc)
all wheat grain products
citrus fruits
peanuts/peanut butter
all animal cheeses
potato- red/white
caffeinated black teas/coffee
all fruit juices
any processed food
all corn products
alcohol
all white flour grain products
all dried fruit
fried foods


XOXO- B

The Pink Room

This is one of the next rooms that we transformed and it almost complete.... 

we call it the "pink room"... can you guess why??

Despite it being pink, Marc chose this room for his office and it has worked out quite nicely so far.  He decided the pink walls just were not his style, so he went to Lowe's and asked them about their "oops paint" and for $5.00 he got this color...  

It is obviously still a work in progress, but I like what he has done with the place!  A futon for relaxing, his beautiful guitar for show, a snowboard painting I did for him and lots of sweet photos.  We do plan to paint the window frames, and put the molding back up around the doorways, but that will come when it comes.  

This room post was quick and to the point.  Hope you enjoyed seeing the photos! 

XOXO- B