Please Stay Tuned For More Of Nothing

 We are currently experiencing high volumes of bottles, diapers, spit up, tiny laundry and bouts of crying (only sometimes me). Please continue to check back for any more updates*.
 Thank you all for your patience and dedication to this little blog. I really do love you all, you complete me! You had me at Hello. Help me, help you. Show me the money!...OK now I'm just quoting Jerry McGuire. 


*updates pertain to but not exclusively...broken sentences, misspelled words, rambling thoughts, odd topics that mostly reference babies and loss of sleep and current events, aka what George did today. The Curious kind. 

Summer Solstice, Giving Up The Grain and A Plea For Love

an actual view through our Skyview finder app of the beautiful full moon as she rode in on the wings of Sagittarius

 

This past weekend we celebrated the summer solstice alongside the full moon. An event few will see again. We had planned a fireside evening to welcome the moon and the longest day of the year however, a severe thunderstorm warning and a mighty gusty wind prevented us from lighting the celebratory flame. It was still beautiful! We sat outside, warm wind blowing, watching the moon slowly take her place in the night sky alongside Pluto and Mars glowing brightly this evening. Adding an extra bit of fun to the experience, we used our Skyview app to find the constellations and to watch the Sun set slowly behind the tree line, sharing the sky with the moon on this special night. 

 In addition to some wonderful times around the house so far this June pre summer season, we also were able to take a trip for a long birthday weekend (happy 35th to my lovely wife) out to the Cape in Falmouth, MA. A 2 night, 3 day stay allowed us to relax, recoup and recharge for the inevitably momentous filled and busy summer. It was perfection! Ample time at the ocean, our room being directly across from the beach, and a few gorgeous meals... we were in our own version of heaven for the weekend. A trip out to Marthas Vineyard, a private morning yoga class on the beach, a bike ride to the village and plenty of stops at the local Starbucks! We were sad to leave this little bit of frozen time however, happy to return home to our loved ones. Vowing of course to return as soon as possible. 

collage of just a few favorite moments spent in Falmouth, on Cape Cod

 In the meantime, I have visited my nutritionist once again only to find out that, although some things are looking MUCH better, others are remaining stubborn children in the family of my endocrine system. Oh you adrenals, why are you so sleepy? What have i done to make you feel so tired? What is that you say?? The years of constant carbs, gluten, beer and insomnia?! Oh. Point taken. Not to mention a laundry list of other contributors. those are just my favorites;) So...still on the herbal train. Raising my adrenal support herbs daily intake and deciding together my grain consumption needs about an 80% reduction. Yeah! Thats a whole bunch! Virtually no grains. Now, I can handle less carbs in the sense of pasta, bread, cake...but hearing no brown rice, oats, quinoa even! *gulp* Thats a hard (herbal)pill to swallow. Nevertheless, Im doing my best. Substituting my morning toast with a bed of shitake mushrooms. Replacing the buddha bowl of healthy grains with...well, no grains. LOL Im having a harder time with this than anything else. Yes, even the sugar detox! I mean, that was rough trust me but, this is worse because im having a problem finding subtitutions. I am on a mission though! I sourced my local libraries and checked out what seems to look like the entire collection of Paleo cookbooks and How To's spread across my living room floor. Im reading and doing my version of research. Most cetainly a work in progress. Stay tuned...
 So I will conclude this post by saying, Im still moving forward and benefiting in positive ways. I feel better and sleep better (get back to me on that one after baby #2 enters our life in the next month or so). I am working on my "movement plan" which includes more kickboxing and walking! I am reserching a new creative endevour with my dear lovely friend and gemstone sister, Christina. We are hopeful to design and create something beautiful and wonderful and healing for you all very soon!!! Dont you just love the teasers:) All this while still perfecting my art of being Mom/Wife/Daughter/Sister/Friend to all who need me and whom I love to need in return! 

 Before I conclude this post I want to quickly address one last thought. Typically, in the event of something as monumental and disheartening as the events recently taking place in our world, specifically Orlando, I would usually dedicate my words to helping to shed light and love on a situation. I can not sit silent. And I do not plan to. However I won't be doing so here, at least not at this time. All I will say is, PLEASE just take a few moments everyday to reflect. No matter what it is you feel or agree with or want to argue. No matter your stance or opinions or where your support lies. Find your natural born state of love and give it freely! To EVERYONE! Each and every human being on this earth deserves love in its most pure and raw state. This country especially was built on the idea of welcoming differences and change. We are the melting pot...the home of the free...justice for ALL. Please be a beacon of light to fill every hole that has been shot through the fabric of what once made this country great. I love you ALL! 

this pretty much says it all!

Be well! Until next time...❤️

...and now, let the picture frenzy begin! 

current collection of reading material

a great Paleo lunch, tuna lettuce boats! filled with crunchy cucumber, roasted red pepper, scallions, chia seeds and citrus blend essential oil. topped with a salty bite of green olive

dressing up our go to snack of healthy nuts with a twist, earth balance and maple syrup and sprinkled with fresh cut rosemary and herb de provence

a bed of shitakes topped with perfectly runny farm fresh eggs and csa scallions

when more protein is needed, we turn to organic grass fed chicken marinated in Symeons dressing and hard boiled farm fresh eggs. then top a big ole salad with them and its dinner

when my two favorite forms of exercise meet

one of my favorite moments on the Cape (well, there were a lot!)...biking around Falmouth after breakfast and stopping at Starbucks for (another) latte

this picture i just like to caption, #THANKFUL

Short & (Naturally) Sweet / Update #3

 Howdy friends. Here with update #3. I'll make this one a short one, seeing there is finally sunshine waiting outside for me to frolic and play in! Much planting, replanting and watering to do. We are certainly looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend! Not only does my wife have her first 4 day weekend to spend at home, but I've patiently (mostly) held off getting our annual outdoor frills and flowers. I absolutely LOVE adding pops of color to the yard and the house. Greenery and budding pretties. And thanks to Mom, we have a beautiful collection of herbs started to get us through the warmer seasons. Yay! I typically have the brown thumb of the family, so when we received our first colorful hanging basket of buds on Mother's Day, I held my breath (note: the gorgeous hydrangea we already planted was strangled by the frost that snuck back in and our white puffballs were trimmed in hopes for a healthy return next year). So far though, we've remembered to bring in the new flowers and I do believe we've finally made it past the worst with warmer days and nights ahead! 

 I am more than happy to say, I have been doing very well on my healthy diet change/get my adrenals back on track! My visit with the nutritionist/herbalist resulted in positive feedback including no more liver or pancreas supplements. Being off sugar and gluten has literally done wonders for my insides, not to mention my day to day routines. I have been sleeping better (still with assistance from my dear friend meletonin) which in return helps me wake up earlier and actually rested! That's a big change for me! I'm continuing with the stomach herbs (still dependent on the Rx...for now). Practicing patience for the healing of my stomach lining. Adrenals? Well, they still need some work too. I think we are well on our way! I don't get the overwhelming need for a midday nap...most days:) I'm feeling more energy and certainly less chronic fatigue and insomnia. Oh yes! The irony of it all. Can't sleep, can't sleep, can't sleep...2pm comes and I'm exhausted. My clock was completely off! 

 So that's pretty much the long and the short of it. Any other new news to report? Well, I'm pretty excited about an all natural deodorant I found that SERIOUSLY works! On me! That's an achievement! It's definitely worth reporting:) It's called Schmidts and I'm using the Lavender Sage. Try it! 

 Hoping you are enjoying your May. Enjoy what's left of it and I'll see you back here in June! Where there will be more great news to report and many more food pics because of CSA delivery beginning!!! Until then...here are more food pics;) 

 Take care and be well! 

because the ultimate healing begins within:) 

Paris loves this homemade Ice Cream! dairy free made only with frozen bananas and a splash of almond milk.
this one is her favorite with fresh strawberries. Max and I prefer the nut butter variety! throw it all in the food processor and whip it up. then just freeze the rest! 

dehydrating is a great way to incorporate some of the raw diet into your day! it holds all of the nutrients and vitamins that cooking at higher heats can diminish. our favorite are my raw "cheez-it" crackers! no cheese needed! simply made with fresh red bell peppers, raw nuts, nutritional yeast, a few spices and a drizzle of oil. you would not believe how crazy good these babies are!

spread them onto the trays and give it about 12 hours. we break them up rustic style. dip them, top them or just snack alone.

craving pancakes with no pancake mix on hand? these gluten free, dairy free blueberry pancakes were SOOOO GOOD! Applesauce replaces oil and flax meal replaces eggs. fresh fruit inside and topped off with berries too! OH MY! 

every so often (ok, more often than not) I get a hankering for Chinese
the trouble is, you don't always know what you're getting. from MSG (which i happen to have some not nice reactions to) to mystery meats and loaded sodiums, homemade "take out" is the way to go! don't get me wrong, there are still times we just want a quick meal delivered to our door. thats totally fine in moderation however, whipping up this egg drop soup and shrimp fried rice was simple and delicious too!

when the sun shines we get out into it! planting herbs here. although i had to go buy two more pots...i got carried away with the herb plants this year:) can you say LAVENDER!!! 

turns out the few mint plants we planted on the outside of the sunroom last summer survived indeed! and thriving now. they've taken over the area spreading like wildfire...sweet, minty, fresh wildfire! woohoo!

because you can never have enough baby pictures. when your up at Papis, the skies the limit...or better yet, the lawn has NO limits! a huge grassy playground for crawling and smelling flowers (ok , honestly it was more like eating flowers).

Update: Less Sugars, More Stones (Or More Pics Of Food With A Side Of Ruby)

 I'm here with an update. A couple weeks in on this journey of health. I feel better. And, "better is better"! (Dad):) It's not some significant or obvious change, more so a gentle shift. I am beginning to sleep better. With the help, for the time being, of melatonin. Not to mention, my wife getting up with the baby. Although, even he has been quite accommodating by beginning to sleep much longer stretches and even through the entire night some nights! Hooray for Bubba! 

My diet has been a bit of a struggle. Just a bit though. I am happily eating more nuts, seeds, salads (yay warmer weather foods) and berries. I have eggs on standby at all times. Hard boiled. Soft boiled. Over easy. Scrambled. You name it. I can also say, even as of this moment right now as I write this, I'm realizing my sugar cravings have lessened. Do I still want a piece of chocolate after a meal? Yes! In time I absolutely will. For now however, I'm staying true to the nutritional overhaul Bree has me on and I am replacing all sugars with honey and maple only. FYI, the honey sesame bites from Peters Cornucopia have saved me! Alongside my prayer and meditation practice, of which I feel more driven and in love with than ever before I think, I love taking those moments, even if just a second or two to find peace. 

 I am adding to my stone family. The newest members being a quartz crystal pendant and a brand new baby, a raw ruby hand picked for me by my dear sweet personal stone shopper, Christina. I have a beautiful new mala I can wear on my wrist made with love by Becka (who just so happens to be part of the support team I mentioned in my last post). Just having such a meditative and centering tool I can carry with me at all times gives me such peace of mind and heart. 

 Meat. Hmmm what to say. Well, I have made conscious efforts to include some animal protein in my diet for this beginning phase. I have had a bit of turkey and chicken. Finding an organic whole chicken in out of farmers market season made me happy:) We cooked it low and slow in the crockpot and the family gobbled it up! Even Maxine raved! We are attempting to incorporate the idea of that common trend of "one night a week" meal planning. Most folks are doing one night a week vegetarian just to give it a try and introduce a new way of eating into their lives. We are doing the same yet the opposite. One night a week we strive for some meat in our meal. For now:) We do eat fish and seafood though so they make up for the rest of our weekly protein, that isn't vegetable or legume/beans. 

 Herbs 3x a day? Check! Get out and move my body? Check! (lately I've been walking twice a day outdoors!) Avoiding the addictive drug that is sugar? Check!!! The basic stripped down truth...I feel lighter in a way (without actually losing a pound yet). I feel good though. An overall thumbs up sort of GOOD! I feel better! And once again, better is most definitely better! 

Be well and enjoy the moments! And of course, the food pics below:) 

...but first, lets begin with a picture of these beauties. raw quartz crystal, raw ruby and my wooden mala. all beneficial in just the right healing process. i cant explain how much we love our healing stones filled with amazing earthly vibrations. and ruby is my birthstone and holds amazing vibrations for the heart chakra. LOVE!

an easy lunch made with left over gluten free pasta. olive oil and some parm cheese with a handful of kelp flakes are tossed through the pasta and topped with burst tomatoes! clean, healthy and easy. yum!

homemade granola comes in super easy, affordable and custom flavored. we love to top our yogurt or just add a little almond milk and its a great snack or breakfast.

a mid week meal so quick and easy. fresh scallops from the fish counter grilled on the cast iron. thinly sliced sweet potatos take nothing more than salt, pepper and drizzle of olive oil. a chopped salad with shredded veggies and avocado rounds out the healthy dish full! 

because its not quite summer juicing weather yet i cannot seem to wait! freshly juiced cucumber, kale, lime and pear make for a delicious and nutritious blast of minerals and vitamins. if you dont yet,you MUST juice for health!

we always keep at least a dozen hard boiled eggs on hand. easy protein for a quick snack, addd them to salads, deviled or an egg salad on rice cake or lettuce wrap. we buy only organic local eggs...and when we are lucky, momma brings us eggs from Saratoga given generously by a friend with her own sweet gorgeous chickens!

A Note From A Hunter/Gatherer With No Hunting or Gathering Skills

 While finally beginning my latest journey towards better all around health, I have discovered how quickly I lose track of my updates here. I'm looking forward to posting my updates though. Not only will it answer any questions everyone has been asking along the way but also, it keeps me dedicated when I hit rough spots I need to hurdle. 

 I've begun seeing a nutritionist/herbalist, in conjunction with my acupuncturist. Well, if I'm honest, it's actually a 5 member support team that also includes my chiropractor, massage therapist and my yoga instructor. All of which are vital in my learning how to heal and strengthen from within. I will touch on each of them separately at another time though. 

 I was very excited about meeting with this new addition to my "get well"clan. I was not sure what to expect however I did know how beneficial herbs have been in others' lives and I was eager to try them also. I went in with an idea of what I thought might be going on inside of my body. As some of you may know, I went through a tough time in the past couple years not knowing exactly what was going on inside. I was given prescription meds, various doctors advice, tons of blood work and made more than I care to remember trips to the ER. After a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and panic attacks, to which I still feel to this day was more of a symptom of the real underlying issue, I decided to take a break from the constant office visits and maybe try to research on my own another avenue. One day while reading an email from my favorite cancer thriver/health wise guru, Kris Carr, I came upon a topic I had seen many other times and wondered about. Adrenal fatigue and issues facing our endocrine systems. After going through this article and researching it out a little more, I decided far too many symptoms sounded like my day to day! It was time to really question this. That's when I found Bree, the newest member of my holistic health care team:) After my visit with her, I felt confident and armed with great info (as well as a bit overwhelmed in the beginning). She did her own evaluation and ultimately informed me that it was in fact an adrenal/endocrine issue that has been wreaking havoc in my body. Affecting not only organs like my liver and stomach but also an imbalance chemically causing my system to react in abnormal and drastic measures. The good ole fight or flight reaction was in super high gear from a combination of the wrong foods, the wrong stresses and not enough self calming moments. Not to mention a few years of chronic insomnia and fatigue, lead to a body I could not recognize, inside and out. 

 So this is where my new adventure begins. At day one. Present moment. The first step. I learned that through my blood type, there is a lot I can do on my own to understand why my body reacts the way it does to certain foods. I am classified as a "hunter/gatherer" so that my body will thrive at its best on foods that are typically higher protein and fat rather than carbs and grains. Most veggies are good however, not all and berries are at the top of my fruits list. 

 Bree told me, I would be at my optimal self barefoot out in the middle of the cool woods gathering my food and snuggled up in the trees! (I may have added the tree snuggling part myself though) 

Of course, A hunter by nature is just that…most typically one who would eat and survive on animal proteins. Seeing I am not a big meat eater (not quite vegetarian, not quite vegan, but certainly more so than a full on carnivore) this was a tough thing to hear. That my body was asking for more protein from the animal family. However when I expressed this to her, being the soft spirited and open hearted person I felt her to be, she told me a wonderful thing. She said, "eat the meat of your kingdom"! I love that! I had no idea what she meant but it sounded amazingly poetic and purposeful! Basically, what she was saying was, whatever food family you choose to nourish yourself with be sure to find the "meat" of that family/kingdom. Because I primarily eat from the plant kingdom, I was told that nuts and seeds are the meat of my kingdom! Therefore indulge in plenty of these plant kingdom meats to keep my hunter body happy. In addition, mushrooms are super important for this diet as well. Especially shiitake and oyster. Yes! I can certainly do that! 

 So here I am on Day 2 technically of beginning a 3 herbal supplement regime. I am eating much more protein and doing my best to abstain from carbohydrates and grains. Gluten-free and wheat free completely. Sugar-free as well! When they say sugar is a drug so expect the withdrawals, they aren't kidding! I am incorporating a lot of sea vegetables, new seeds like sesame and chia, and partaking in my new favorite probiotic in the form of Kombucha! I see a Kombucha dedicated blog post in the near future :-) 

 In addition to all this, I am dedicating one night a week to a yoga class. And I try to incorporate my own at home practice into each day as well. I am moving more and trying to get back on a sleep pattern that will support my lazy weary adrenals. Retraining your circadian rhythm is a feat in itself. I am beginning with the help of my old friend, melatonin. This is all a process that cannot be rushed. Staying present is key. Learning to trust the process is a must. And meditation, a tool I am working diligently at sharpening.

 I will continue to update, post and of course, share 1 billion photos of some of the food I prepare. The cliché food pics actually make me happy so they will not be ending anytime soon LOL. If you see something you like feel free to message me for the recipe! And I'm happy to give advice or tips on what I'm learning along the way. 

 Get outside and start to enjoy spring time now that it is finally here. I will be sure to let you all know how appointment #2 works out!

 Until then, here is a picture or two or three of a few of my new go to favorites. Be well and take care! Until next time.

a hard boiled egg mixed with tumeric and kelp flakes and topped with the latest super food of 2016, chia seeds!

although grains are on my "limited" list these oats were a perfect part of my breakfast that included plenty of raw nuts, seeds and fresh berries!

part of my "meat" diet includes the gorgeous shiitake and oyster mushrooms that look like nature on a plate!

who says a bowl full of greens, brussels and asparagus cant be breakfast. as a matter of fact, this has been breakfast, lunch and dinner in our home. topped with eggs and pepper sauce...yum!

Still Experiencing Technical Difficulties

 I have accomplished much in my (almost) 40 years of life! One thing that is NOT on that list...computer/internet know how. So I am blaming my recent blogging absence on the mind bending Google Blogger has been pulling on me in addition to, a stomach virus and respiratory illness that ravaged through our little home. 

 However, I am still prepping for the aforementioned detox. Juicing and blending and fermenting, oh my! I hope you all will join me in this day by day Spring cleaning:) Whether it's a jump start to summer, a healthy weight loss or a lifestyle overhaul...it's always easier with a support system. 

 As i stated above, I haven't figured out how to get my comment feature here on the blog to work properly. What I wouldn't give to be able to converse with you all on each post! Until I get there though, lets communicate other ways! Get inventive...message me on FaceBooK if that's where you hand out. Text me if you have my number already. Shoot me an email if you're wordy-like moi-and want room to really spill it. You can also follow me on Instagram at TWO places, personal and the new Lavender Lemon account. Look me up at lavenderlemon_ (don't forget the underscore) or beckylynnbaby. 

 In the meantime you can begin where I currently am...reading, reading, reading! Recipes, how to's and inspirational reads. And start to practise. Begin experimenting with new ingredients from a few of the books here. It'll make it much easier once you're in full gear and hungry! 

Let's get reading! 

Meet you back here soon...

*update-4/14/16

 As of today (and the post that follows this one) I have begun a healthcare/diet overhaul with the help of a holistic nutritionist. I will be incorporating many of the Crazy Sexy routines and ideas, as they fit so well into my recent 6-8 week plan. :) 

Sometimes Four Glasses of Wine Honors My Spirit: A Look Back and A Cleanse Forward

 As I cleaned up the small pieces of a broken mug that spread across the countertop this morning, it spurred on a mental metaphor. The two large pieces where the mug broke in half appear to be a clean break. However, the more I moved things around and took a closer look, the more hidden broken pieces I discovered. It turned out the break was much more complex than it had first appeared.

 A little more than a year ago, my world was thrown a curveball that I had no idea how to catch. I struggled on a daily basis for a while trying to teach myself how to remain calm and controlled in situations that felt completely foreign and far out of my hands. It was not only scary in the moment but, the thought of a future with these feelings were the most frightening. With no real diagnosis, but plenty of ideas thrown my way including various meds and numerous trips for bloodwork, I finally decided I truly had to at least try to take things into my own hands somehow. Being in that much darkness with absolutely no idea of direction really causes one to contemplate everything from past to future to mortality to basic quality of life. I constantly kept feeling like, "Who am I to feel such a pity for myself though?" So many other people I knew and loved had gone through much more. Of course, in the middle of some of the worst nights, when I was going on 48 hours straight insomnia and I felt as if my body was revolting against me, the mind has a tendency to feel things that we don't think of until we are put in that position. 

 Last night, as I lay on my yoga mat in class number two of an eight week special for back to basics and beginner yoga, I began to think about those moments in the middle of the night that were not so long ago yet feel so very far away. One moment in particular I recall was a midnight shortly before Christmas time. I was on the couch for about a month straight-because when an episode came on I felt I was better off being alone then waking everyone else-and I remember a moment when I decided, this has got to stop! I can see the Christmas tree lights lit in front of me and I thought, "I am going to get through this one this time and not let it cripple me. I put music in my ears and played a couple songs that were empowering to me. I thought, if I can just distract my mind somehow it will have nowhere else to go but...away!

 Shortly after that thought, I can't say exactly how long it took, but I fell asleep. That wasn't the last episode I had but somehow I knew something shifted that night. I took back my control just a bit. Just enough to give myself some help. I can't tell you exactly when they stopped… Actually, I do know the exact date I had my last real "episode" (that's the name I've given to my experiences because I have had no perfect word to label exactly what I went through). It was the night before my wedding. It was not a big one and I did get to sleep after not too long but everything after that has been much less significant to report. So, back to my yoga mat last night...

 What I used to call the "evil monster inside of me", I began to wonder if or when I would be visited again by it. I don't think about it constantly anymore but from time to time a flash of fear hits me. I calmly continued on with my meditative savasana. Letting the memory come and then go gently. Then I thought, if I had continued and kept up my practice all of these years, would I have been in a better place to manage and cope with the unexplainable alter ego I had lived with for that period of time? And yes, I questioned, if she ever returns again will I be better equipped? I really do not know. When my mind is clear and I feel strong and healthy and sane, I say without a doubt, sure! I totally got this! But there's always a level of doubt. Always controlled by fear. I'm not sure I will ever completely be rid of that but maybe that is a good thing. I do not run the risk of becoming too comfortable and I may hold onto an awareness that life is most certainly a puzzle that never may be finished. That there are always more pieces to discover and it is our job to find where they will fit. Like when I felt my life had split in two. Like when one day I woke up and there was this completely other half of me that I not only couldn't recognize but,  it seemed like an actual line down the middle...A clean cut right in half. Yet as time went by I discovered the many smaller pieces that were scattered around. Like the mug this morning. What appeared to be a seamless line down the center, once I took a closer look, I began to pick up one small bit at a time that I had not seen before. They blended in so well with their surroundings I hadn't noticed them at first.

 I feel the pull every single day for a healthier more self loving life. I have become a much stronger human being in the last five years than I ever have been. Life is full of choices and it's OK to make the wrong ones and then choose new ones. Not only does it prove to yourself that life is ever evolving and change is constant but, it teaches the world around you that you are OK being a part of it! The whole reason I began this blog was because at the time, living authentically for me meant to wake up every day and know that whatever I faced, whatever I looked like mentally, spiritually, emotionally or physically, that was OK! That was my authenticity of the moment. Living authentically…and other daily chores. Sometimes, it is a chore to get out of bed. Some days it is a chore to eat a salad instead of a donut. Somedays it is a chore to walk down 12 stairs onto a treadmill and exercise for 30 minutes. Some days it is a chore to smile, even in a reality of a safe beautiful home, a loving wife, beautiful children, a devoted and wonderful family. Some days living authentically means reminding ourselves that we have so much to be thankful for and to smile about. Yet some days it's still a chore, and that's OK.

 Today is actually a great day! The weather is changing and spring is soon on its way. Our winter here in New York has been oddly mild and thoroughly welcomed. I am feeling confident and strong in my decisions lately to finally do some physical mending of my body. I am not broken but I do feel my health can be steered to a closer more honorable version of myself. A year of confusion and darkness and fear that cripples you at times throws off your game plan! It throws off your path of faith and dedication. It's a little more difficult to pull yourself back into the driver seat you are familiar with and most comfortable with but not impossible by any means! I'm beginning my yoga practice once again and I am starting with faith and devotion as my guides.

 In the next week or so I will be posting a few more times about an idea ive had. Nothing super hugely creative or possibly not even of any interest to anyone else! That is not why I write though. Those of you who know me well, understand that I love to share my ideas, especially when they can be interactive. I also believe in the power of numbers and unity in general. I'm not proposing a big fancy group cleanse or even a diet. This is more about just offering an idea. The idea of having others to talk to about getting back on track. I love to share. I share photos and stories and poems and ideas. That's what social media is about, after all. At least it is for me. Connectivity.  Every year I like to refocus myself. Yes, it is technically a "cleanse". But for me it is much more. Especially this year and the nature of the subject of the first half of this blog. A coming back to myself, anyway. Finding the bits and pieces that have been there all along but have been cleverly camouflaged by their surroundings. I'm beginning to pick them up one at a time and figure out just exactly where in the puzzle they fit. So in the spirit of being held accountable, I am going to document daily my experience. Feel free to listen to me but, feel just as free to ignore me completely and go on with the rest of your day! I will not be offended. In fact I completely understand. Some days, I try to ignore myself even! If you want to join along with me let me know! I'll be happy to fill you in with my ideas for what the next month or so will look like. Yes, it will be about what I am eating, but so much more. I would like to share what each day holds as far as spiritually as well. Spirituality for me lives in everything though! From the moment I open my eyes in the morning to how I feel like my body is going to treat me that day. To what the weather is like outside and how I treat someone who has not been kind. How I love others in my life, those who love me back and those who do not. How I treat my own body. How many potato chips I eat after dinner. How many glasses of wine I have on a Friday night. Trying to honor it all (and btw, sometimes four glasses of wine honors my spirit...just saying). 

 I truly hope you all are having a wonderful in between season. In between cold and renewal. In between stagnant and blooming. Be well. Take care of yourself and others! Until next time… Continue to live authentically and don't forget about your other daily chores.

So Much To Say/Wrapped In Red Ribbon

 ...so little time. To say it's been a busy, full holiday season is somewhat understated but also, cliche. We all feel that by January we need a rest and some downtime from the welcomed yet turned up time of October through December. No one loves Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years more than I do! This year, it seemed fitting that we fill the last two months full just as we did the first half. 2015 for us was a new home, a marriage, babies, lots of travel, big life changes, big family choices, some health hurdles and many of the little day to day events that makes life worth living! So to finish up the year with a complete kitchen remodel, making big family decisions and my new "small business" adventure really taking shape...over 40 gift box orders for Christmas, wrapped in red ribbon...it goes without saying, 2016 New Years resolutions began to sound more like, "we vow to have an uneventful boring year"! We are truly blessed and thankful for all we have experienced and been through. We move forward now with even more love and hope and heart for the year ahead. 

 As for the little business that could... I wanted to be sure to thank everyone who helped support me up to this point! All of the beautiful responses, feedback and posts not to mention, the orders and reorders already! I could not have imagined such a kind, positive outcome this soon. I am certainly still in the beginning phase of this venture however I am confident in saying I could not be happier and more proud in the products I've put out so far. 

 Thank you all for supporting my little passion. To bring simply what pleases me and I hold dear to others. The importance in the quality of what I do and first and foremost, to share it with you! 

I can't wait to show you all more and to continue to create new and healthy pieces to what I call the Lavender Lemon puzzle! 

 Much more to come! Be well.

 

Sharing is Caring

 *WARNING* The writer tends to get overly excitable and extra wordy when it comes to anything pertaining to foliage, comfort food, warm sweaters, bonfires, cinnamon spice scented anything, pumpkins, Autumn colors...pretty much anything Fall! You have been warned.

 Happy October! There are leaves scattered across the entirety of our back lawn. It is a blanket of color i adore. Going for a walk earlier this week, I became giddy while stepping on fallen crispy leaves, crunching under my feet. Granted I am still wearing my flip flops, hanging onto the final days of wearable weather. I typically wait until first snowfall to put those away though...but lets not get ahead of ourselves! Warm coffee replaces my iced versions. Hot tea replaces an evening glass of ice water. Big thick socks get pulled on before bed as moisturizing facial masks are rinsed off. Colors are changing throughout the house as well. Warm, rich hues of burgundy and blues swap hangers with the bright patterns of summer. Even my manicures will face the makeover from pinks and fuchsias to resemble a seasonal switch to mauve and deep lavenders (ps...watch for my Green Bay inspired mani too, so fun!). 
 I get the itch to cook more too! I love to make the traditional meals of the season...the chilis, soups, stews and one pot wonders! Comfort food is my thing! As you've read in a few past entries, I am gearing up and hoping to set sail on my latest adventure in all things food, health and comfort. Fall gives me that little extra boost to want to get my ideas up and out to all of you! Until then however, I am here sharing a few of my favorite GO-TO blogs I visit on a daily basis (when the day allows, of course). I love reading what other fellow bloggers have to offer the world! From fashion to food, insight to inspiration. I hope you will visit my friends at each of these sites. Say hello and get to know them as I do. Here they are, in no particular order. Use the links to send you on your way!:) 
 My first of the favorites is www.theprairiehomestead.com. A site full of good ole fashioned farm favorites. Jill will take you on her daily adventures that include everything from homeschooling, seasonal fun, essential oil recipes and of course, the ins and outs of Homesteader life. Organic and healthy living at its finest. It surely makes me want to be living on the farm along with her! Another great Autumn inspired blog I'm loving lately is thepioneerwoman.com. You may know Ree Drummond for her "life on the ranch" Food Network show, yet if you have not been to her blog page you're most certainly missing out on much more of her fun, family and rustic living adventures. I personally am a huge fan of her recipes and style of cooking. Yes, she does cook a bunch of meat (rancher, after all) however she has quite an extensive collection of veggie friendly, warm home cooked meals! My absolute current favorite is her go to black bean recipe. Slow cooking black beans with peppers, onions and rich gorgeous spices to make a big batch of goodness that can be used multiple ways (think black bean burgers and burritos) or just by the spoonful for a delicious healthy meal. Her entire site is sure to please her fans or newbies. Finally, a brand new blog to an old favorite boutique website (sister site to our hometowns own Linsey Layne Boutique), you can find this little fashion goldmine within the aforementioned site or direct from the link www.linseylayne.com/blog. Owner, Linsey, has been bringing new and unique fashion to a small business local setting. Although she offers online ordering for a large part of her inventory, she prides herself on "shopping small" and supporting local entrepreneurs. The LLB blog is full of tips, trends and enticing photos to tie it all together. Not only personal style but, home and lifestyle as well. Linsey and her team are a fun, happy clan always helpful and awaiting new customers. Not to mention, the newest resident of the LLB home is none other than my little sister! Every so often you'll catch her in the boutique wearing her infectious smile. Yet most days, she is behind the camera or pen, heading up the blog itself. You can also follow both on Instagram at @linseylayneboutique and @2btrending. 
 I'm thinking with all of this new reading material, you will all be busy little bees this Fall. Don't forget to actually read though too! Pick up one of those rare hardcover things filled with pages! Yet another Fall favorite of mine, curling up with warm mug in hand, one of my must read books for the season and a great big cozy sweater. Yum! 
 Happy blog reading y'all!

What's In a Name (Or Little Baby Birds Preparing To Fly)

 I am about to give birth! At least that's what it feels like. I am feeling excited apprehension. I am up all hours of the night, pacing the floors and staring into "the baby's" room (aka the kitchen) reconfiguring the best possible design for convenience and ease once she arrives. I am researching how others have deemed themselves successful parents and how they've picked up the pieces that fell along the way. How to make a mistake here and there and keep moving forward. The very best way to announce her arrival!  I am nesting non stop...getting one piece at a time from my lists. My list of lists. Then, of course, there is that one detail every newly expectant mom spends the most time contemplating, her baby's name! The title she will go by for the rest of her days. Something timeless and not too overused. Something memorable and easily rolling off the tongue. Its the very first association everyone else will have with our baby. We want to make a good impression. Of course, we know once she has her name we will be saying, "that's so her...no other name would have been better". So, what is in a name?
 In case you hadn't read some of my more recent blog posts or, been around me in person lately (as I ramble on non stop about my ideas, plans, goals and kitchen remodel), I am in the process of getting some long lived dreams off the ground. Little baby birds preparing to fly. Over the past few months my thinking cap has been about to burst into flames, over used and growing weary. The preparation for such a thing is so much work in research alone. For my body care, for example, what sizes are best? What type of packaging? Where to find said packaging? How much for said packaging?! To label or not to label? Sticker label or tags? Then there is the daunting task of perfecting my recipes. I do know that everything in time will work itself out. I am a strong believer of that! In the meantime though, I am stuck on one very important and in my opinion, STEP 1 sort of phase...choosing a name.
 I want her name to be easy. A simplistic symbol of who she is and what she wants to say to you all. An original catchy title is always best so that she stands out in the sea of competition. When stamped across a business card or a pretty little wrapped up gift box, her name will be the first thing folks recognize. It will give her family of followers comfort and happiness just to know it is her. Evoking a sense of recognition. "There she is! That wonderful little name that represents joy and health and harmony. Comforting us with the idea of what is yet to come!" 
 Whether it be a silky whipped body butter and a decadent organic sugar scrub. A simple wrapped up goodie bag of cranberry pistachio or gingerbread biscotti, just waiting to be dipped into that morning joe. A helping of creamy decadent mushroom and pea risotto given its rustic flare by sun dried tomatoes and parmesan. All comfort foods we know and crave yet, all made with such quality ingredients and love, indulging is not only a treat but, is actually good for you! A game plan of, bringing you comfort and health from the inside out and outside in! Everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body and blood stream. Just as everything you put inside of you will emanate externally through your pores, your eyes, your mood, your smile! It is all connected. That is why I feel it is so important to bring these ideas to life. So that others can understand that with simplicty and care, you can glow a healthy gorgeous shine, inside and out, by what you choose to put in and on your personal temple. True comfort food for body, mind and spirit!
 And yet...she still is nameless. So then, what is in a name? So much! Whatever title choosen however, she will be delivered in light, love and hope! I can not wait to show her off to you all! 
 Stay tuned! Be well. Be you. 

Fur Babies Are Real Babies Too

 When it comes to our health, there should be no negotiating or cutting corners. In this day and age the medical community, although serving its purpose and appreciated on many levels, has fallen short and disappointed due to the "quick fix" and over medicated mentality. As informed as we can possibly be, to alternative paths of healing, we pay extra attention to a more holistic approach for healthy, happy living. There are many options now including Chinese medicine, acupuncture, herbal remedies, essential oils and much more! Even meditation and yoga are key players in the world of holistic health care. To take better care of ourselves- body mind and spirit- is the original and most basic form of personal growth.

 With this said, a lot of us can't help but wonder, how does this pertain to the other living beings in our lives we love so dearly? Our fur babies! We want the best for them, just as we do ourselves, our children and our family. So why have we become mindless pawns of the pet food industry. If you truly contemplate what we are putting into our little four legged friends, reading every ingredient (and actually understanding what they are), it may cause some alarm and a swift change of heart. Usually, it's all about just being able to make informed decisions. There are certainly some wonderful pet foods out there on the market that, with a little research into typical ingredients, will make for much happier, healthier furry family members. In addition to those however, is the ultimate friendly dining experience of home cooked meals. To some this may sound a bit overdone and excessive. Here's the thing though, our pets are an important part of our families sharing beds, kisses good morning, long walks and give the best cuddles of most anyone else we know! Why not feed them like we would our human children?! A more cost effective, personalized and simplistic in preparation, way to be sure they are getting exactly what they need. 

 According to Ayruvedic practice, all living beings need a very intricate tuning up, so to speak, that can become out of balance due to our surroundings, season changes and our internal body temperatures or basic make up. Some foods, for instance, are best for helping the body cool internally if someone tends to run warm or overheat excessively. Just as someone who may need extra "heat" throughout the body to keep it running at its best, foods that naturally promote warming would be beneficial. In holistic medicine, these personal traits and needs can be identified and targeted. It works exactly the same for animals. By utilizing a holistic veterinarian, we are allowing our fur babies the same optimum health care as we do for ourselves. 

 I'm highlighting today, our personal family veterinarian, Dr. Jessica Price. Located in Clinton, NY where she has practiced 13 years alongside fellow vets but just recently, has purchased the clinic herself and reopened as Clinton Pet Vet. Dr. Jessie is truly amazing! Her wealth of knowledge is evident from the moment you step into the exam room with her. 

Located at 60 Dwight Ave in Clinton

Here is Dr.Jessie herself, getting her hands dirty in the renovations to the new waiting area
Before and After

 For us, we went in with our newly adopted 8 year old rescue, Lucy. Lucy had been abused and was suffering from anxiety in many forms and afraid of everything, lashing out in what seemed to be aggression. Lucy was very calm around Dr. Jessie and after a thorough exam and history, we left with an appointment for acupuncture, some herbal supplements and a list of foods best for our Lucy (she runs warm internally so by altering her diet, we can begin to balance her from the inside out). After not too long, we could see a difference in Lucy. She still has her issues and she has good days and a few rough ones still. Typically, we see her internal struggle more without her herbs, skittish and shirking away from any sound or movement. When she's doing well, she cuddles and plays and truly shows how big her sweet heart really is! We have learned to read what Lucy wants and needs in the moment, instead of what we may want to happen. We are blessed to have her and in some ways, we feel that Lucy has truly saved us back! 

 We home cook for Lucy about 90% of the time, supplementing with a great healthy store bought alternative (canned wet food only, no dry for Lucy since we learned dry food is warming due to its processing). We cook up a batch of white fish, potato and barley or brown rice. Freezing half for freshness. She LOVES it! She knows when we're cooking her food and sits by the stove waiting. Just like she comes running to your feet when she hears the sound of the chopping knife on the cutting board! Lucy's main treats include fresh cucumber and watermelon. Both very cooling and super hydrating, which is what she needs most! 

Our little Lucy with one of her many little babies, at least that is what she believes.
She licks them clean, arranges them in her doggie bed and takes one out at a time before putting them all back 

 The alternative medicine community has come a long way in our country. We are doing more true healing and understanding the root of our health concerns instead of masking symptoms with over medicating, needless surgeries and excessive expensive treatments. As I said before, there is a time and a need for western medicine but I believe it has been overdone and led to a huge portion of middle Americas debt. 

 I'm so excited to be able to share our favorite local holistic veterinarian now though! Please don't hesitate to go give her a try. She is fair and truly cares for animals. She will give special attention to every pet that walks through her doors...even some that do not (I have contacted her on two separate occasions for injured birds we have found in our yard. She never ceases to amaze me with her quick response and her loving suggestions. Usually checking back the next day to see how things went). In our area, we have struggled for some time to find true healthy options, holistic approaches to medicine and the basic frame of mind. Lately, we feel like we are seeing such amazing growth and improvement in those areas here locally and Dr. Jessie is just one more to add to the list!

 You can find the Clinton Pet Vet on her website at www.clintonpetvet.com or on Facebook.

Lucy has no trouble getting comfy in the big bed and feeling loved now

One more picture of Lucy, just because! 

Food For You, From Me (Or My Attempts at Becoming a Greater Part of the Community)

 The joys of being self-employed are vast and preferred my many. Although, there are always the apprehensions that fall under the category of unpredictable, undependable and slow or nonexistent income. Still, I prefer to draw more from the "other hand "being multitasking, independence and flexibility! Not to mention the ultimate gratification of not "working for the man ". I am a huge self labeled fan of small and local business also and it feels great to be able to (sort of) lump myself into such a group. Doing what I do (childcare worker) for 20+ years now, and just about every facet of the term, has given me such a sense of pride and accomplishment. Creating an environment where ever I am to foster a child's growth through creativity, acceptance, kindness and love. I joke at times saying, "I raise children for a living" but in a way that is exactly what I have done. After all, it takes a village, does it not? Well, at least a couple of parents and myself! :-) I have gotten a tad off course here though…

 During my lifetime of work, I have also developed many loves of mine and I've categorized into the HOBBY file. My love of writing is an obvious first. There's also my love of photography in creating beauty within a picture out of every day people and things. A close third to these others has been my love of food. The art of preparing and displaying especially. Keeping true to what is important in my life at the time, always incorporating good quality, helpful, living foods! So it seems fitting that I want to begin sharing this with others as well.

 Recently, I had shared a dish of mine with a friend in a bit of a barter style arrangement. Like the good ole days, where money was less important and the mere thought that, "I have something wonderful to offer you and you can, in exchange, offer me something wonderful as well" was a beautiful way to keep the community tied together in a circle of giving and receiving. In this day and age it has become much more difficult to wrap our heads around such a theory. After all, I'm pretty sure a heaping helping of my favorite mushroom and pea risotto would not get me far in line at the local Walmart Supercenter. Seeing I am more of a local shopper, trying my best to keep my support and money in the pockets of my fellow community members, I was able to experience this idea of bartering and sharing personally. After doing so, this dear friend of mine was sweet enough to make me an offer. Raving, quite kindly, about my meal I had prepared for her and suggesting I might begin doing this on a regular basis for her and some others who have previously shown interest in such a thing. Was I ever humbled! My first initial thought was one of self defeat (because no matter how far we have come and how our love for ourselves has grown, there is always that little voice). However, not too long after that, I began to rise to the intoxicating occasion that I could totally do this! I love to cook. I especially love to create for others. I thrive on sharing my love of healthy ideas and purposeful fuels for our bodies. Of course, then the realization that I would need to organize my thoughts on paper, devise some sort of modest yet vital menu and begin a small yet "marketing" plan...oh my! Creative juices and insatiable drive unite!

 So here I am in the (very) beginning baby stages of this idea. I am excited to give it a go and see how folks respond. Any support and loving, kind words are highly favorable and readily accepted! :-)

 In the meantime, I continue to experiment and create in my own kitchen, just for fun! Well, and for sustenance. My family are always the informal test panel. Last weekend my first true experiment took place. I'm with my dehydrator and leftover juicing pulp (I know… but stay with me on this). Every time we juice, we get the awesome nutrients like a straight shot of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, by extracting the juices from our gorgeous fruits, veggies and greens(oh how I love thee cucumber and kale). Yet there is still such beneficial properties to the fiber and pulp being left behind. For years I've been wanting to utilize these beautiful leftovers and it pains me every time I open the trash and drop them in. Some save them for soups and stews. Last year we composted every batch and gave them to friends for their gardens. Let me just say, The very best compost full of fresh, wet, living ingredients equals the stinkiest poo smelling barrel you've ever encountered. Tip: when doing so and then transporting to said friends garden, DO NOT travel without sealing entire bin filled with sloshing cow patty-esque smells with a large plastic bag. A-to protect your nostrils and B-to protect the interior of your vehicle from wafting these said smells for weeks after, every time you open a window and fresh air begins to circulate throughout the car. You're welcome.

 OK. Where were we? Oh yes, leftover pulp. I decided I would give my trusted dehydrator a chance to work it's magic. After juicing I mixed up some of my usual raw cracker spices into the bowl along with a few different seeds and nutritional yeast and Voilà! I had a familiar spread ready for dehydration.

The before. Beautiful, fresh nutrients about to enter my bloodstream!

Mixture created and all ready to be transformed

The results were gorgeously green, thick, crunchy crackers. I actually enjoyed them!
Dipped in some hummus or topped with cheese and pickles, they aim to please!
I shall name them, "Pulp Fiction Crackers" (maybe) 

 My experimenting climbed a couple notches when I decided to take on homemade pickling. I had been wanting to try the quick refrigerator pickles for a while. When dad came over showing off and sharing his jar of homemade goodies I just had to give it a try. A small local farm stand (who we incidentally have named "our little Farmer") had the cutest little cucumbers just perfect for thinly sliced pickles last week. Armed with a basketful of those and a large head of cabbage from our favorite CSA, I began my first and fairly easy process of pickling and fermenting. It is exciting to be able to do so little and have the results of two foods so easily that hold great healthful properties. Needless to say, the family is smiling!

My cucumbers all sliced and waiting patiently while the pickling juices are warming

So easy! My version was created using Apple Cider Vinegar (noting the darker color)
but leaving behind health properties above and beyond any other vinegar

With a last minute addition to the sauerkraut recipe, our CSA beets made for a pretty mix.
 Here the veggies hang out waiting for their brine.

(one week later...) And then there was perfectly crunchy Kraut!

  My love of hummus has no boundaries. We will have a minimum of three or four hummus containers in our fridge at any given time. It has recently been brought to my attention (and my esophagus) that I may be experiencing signs and symptoms of acid reflux. With a new medicine in hand, I take to the World Wide Web and begin research for a more holistic, natural healing so that my body can be in a happier state without any Rx masking going on. This brought me to the world of acidity vs. alkalinity. There is so much on this topic to report about and share but I will save that for another time. My purpose here is to tell you, although I will still indulge in my chickpea hummus, there are more favorable beans out there that help support and soothe my insides. And so, my white bean hummus was born! Well, not entirely MINE. I tweaked a found recipe, adding some caramelized onions I had cooked previously to throw in this and that (omg sweet onions in everything! Yum) and here you have it…one of my new favorite bean spreads. 

Served with rice crackers here, you can spread on rice cakes or with fresh cut veggies too!

 I aim to please, of course. So when I had mentioned in passing that I have been recently introduced and loving a new friend named Chia, my sissy immediately requested a quick raw pudding she has been eager to try. Super simple and almost zero work involved, you let the gorgeous little seeds do all the laboring. When added to a liquid, they plump up and take on an almost gelatinous texture. Choose your liquid, a sweetener and shake it up! That's it. Best if overnight is given to rest however, even an hour or so later this tasty treat is ready for sharing. So many health properties to these tiny guys too. Win-Win! 

This was in almond milk, vanilla and maple syrup pudding

 In an attempt to continue on the fantastical homemade healthy food trip I was on, I decided to create a new smoothie as well. In between our days of juicing, we also like to fill up with easy on the go liquid meals. Typically you will see most everything I store in a mason jar. From nuts and seeds to juices and smoothies. Even the fridge is full of giant Ball jars for chopped greens, veggies and creamers. We use these babies to hold coffee on the go and even had recently switched out all of our drinking glasses for the (many) Ball jars we had left over from the wedding. Yes, we gave our guests a nice rustic farm feel for their drinks of choice while we celebrated and danced the night away under the tent! :-) Here, I took what we had on hand from the weeks farm delivery and used our fresh basil and some local blueberries to come up with what I think is my favorite new protein shake. We were too eager to drink these beauties and figured we would take the classiness up a notch and serve them in the stemless wine glasses. Meow! 

A simple recipe of blueberries, basil, almond milk, honey and our favorite superfood

 At the end of the day, I'm just excited to try new things. To share them also gives me such joy. I am not sure exactly what this new endeavor may hold for me. Possibly just making a few nice dishes for some friends. Did I mention my partner in crime and I (that would be my lil tiny sissy) have discussed the idea of a wine pairing/tasting party for those interested in trying out what we make and will be selling?! How cool is that! In the meantime, I continue to try out recipes that bring me joy and make me feel good. I would love to be a greater part of the community and all that it has to offer and receive. It is all about getting to know your neighbors and their wants and needs and then introducing them to a bit of your own. I love my little life and the big love it has to give back!

And there is always room for a pretty picture of coffee!
What do you do with your leftovers from the morning before?
I store them in the fridge overnight, pop it in the blender with my
almond milk, french vanilla coconut creamer and ice! Ohhhh I love it a latte!

 For any more information on what you see here or links to some of the great sites I use for recipes and gathering insight, just drop me a line or message me! Sharing is caring y'all! Ta Ta for now.

 Be kind. Show love. Be you. Enjoy!