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Visualization and a Visually Appealing Whole30 Salmon Nicoise Salad
Something I always find interesting when I learn something new, hear about a particular concept or idea, or start a different activity, is the feeling that it seems to pop up everywhere, across a variety of settings. The Pacific Standard described it well: “your friend told you about that obscure blue-grass-electro-punk band yesterday morning. That afternoon, you ran across one of their albums at a garage sale. Wait a minute -that’s them in that Doritos commercial, too! Coincidence… or conspiracy? More likely, you’re experiencing ‘frequency illusion,’ somewhat better known as the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon.” And although research has shown that this occurs due to the psychological processes of selective attention and…
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Positive Thinking, the AIM Method, and Spirulina Bliss Balls
I wrote not too long ago about the Cognitive Triangle which describes the interplay between the way we think, feel, and act. Although we may mistakenly believe that one always influences the other, there is a lot of evidence which shows that in reality, each of these processes actually both affects and is affected by the others. In that post I considered the ways that acting the way we want to feel can lead to a shift in our emotions, which is something I have tried to remember in my day-to-day experiences. But more recently I read about the power of positive thinking on our subjective well-being in Ed Diener…
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The Power of Routine (and Starting the Day with a Whole30 Tuscan Frittata!)
Habits and routines often have a bad reputation. Especially on the surface, many people consider it dull, tedious, or monotonous to do the same things consistently each day or week. However, I beg to differ, agreeing with British writer, Arnold Bennett who said “the pleasure of doing a thing in the same way at the same time every day, and savoring it, should be noted.” Although it’s exciting and beneficial to go new places and try new things, a routine can also contribute significantly to our happiness. And it certainly does to mine. I love traveling in general, especially the time recently spent back in the States with my family,…
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Distinguishing Between Resolutions and Goals :: Whole30 Hazelnut Crusted Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
I know that at this time of year especially, there is no shortage of motivational quotes, inspirational advice, and “fitspo” photos flooding all media outlets. Conservative estimates say that at least 40% of people start their new year off by making some resolutions and goals. And although developing a new good habit or dropping an old bad one is something which can be done and beneficial at nearly anytime, there is something quite psychologically powerful about the start of a new year. I wrote previously about Katherine Milkman’s fascinating work related to fresh starts and how her research shows whenever we go through a change of season, literally or metaphorically…
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My One Word Theme for 2018 :: Prepare and a Whole30 Chili
I love words. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been passionate about learning, especially when it comes to reading and writing. Building a more expansive vocabulary continues to be a goal of mine and therefore I spend what I would consider a considerable amount of time consulting thesauruses and dictionaries to find the most impeccable, consummate, or quintessential means of conveying my message. Succinctness is not necessarily my strength, but I do actively strive to find the best fitting word to do the job. And in light of my affinity for words – it may not come as a shock that I am a big fan of…
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The Joy of Holiday Traditions and Paleo Zucchini Muffins
Since I have such an intense affinity for a good routine, it may not come as a shock that I am also a big fan of traditions! While discussing my trip back home with someone this past week, I was asked about some of the holiday traditions and rituals that my family observes. As I excitedly told her about decorating gingerbread houses, Christmas Eve with the extended family, and Christmas morning stockings with the immediate family in pajamas, I immediately felt a surge of happiness rush through me. As I basked in the glow of cheerful anticipation, I was reminded of what I had read earlier in the year in…
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#DecemberGoals :: Finding Time for Fun and Paleo Mint Chocolate Cookies!
We have less than a week left before Christmas?! I cannot believe it. 2017 has absolutely flown by, especially the past month or two. And although I hope you have plenty of things to look forward to, this time of year is so busy for everyone with all the preparation, parties, shopping, and traveling that it is very easy to become frustrated or too caught up in it all. And as s someone who thrives on routine and schedule (understatement), the extra time and effort that all the holiday festivities and activities require can honestly make me feel a little stressed or even grinch-like at times. Knowing this about myself,…
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Avoiding the Comparison Trap, Focusing on Strengths and Eggs Florentine with Avocado Hollandaise
Over time, and this past year especially, I have been intently focused on understanding both myself and others better. I feel I have come a long way in recognizing the various dimensions on which we all differ, in terms of personality, inclinations, values, and paradigms, which has lead to unprecedented acceptance and appreciation for those around me. I say unprecedented because this is not something which necessarily comes naturally to me. I tend to be quite black and white and like most others, have reasons for doing things the way that I do. It is often confusing to me to see people both succeed or fail spectacularly via means and…
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Act the Way We Want to Feel (and Whole30 Chicken with Almond Butter Satay Dipping Sauce and Coconut Cauliflower Rice)
Causality dilemmas (most famously, the question of which came first – the chicken or the egg), represent situations of potential infinite regress, in which it is not clear which of the two events, situations, or phenomena is the cause and which is the effect. And while it may seem to be a deeply philosophical or fruitless concept, we are actually faced with such scenarios quite regularly in our lives. When I first moved to Ireland, it was a struggle and long process to get everything in order – finalize visas and registration, lease an apartment, open a bank account, switch phone service providers, hire an accountant for taxes, etc. Everywhere…
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Happy Birthday Coco: Lessons Learned From My Dog and a Whole30 Chicken Fajita Salad
Today is a very special day for a teeny tiny member of the Vasquez family – it’s Coco’s second birthday! For those who may not know, Coco is a miniature Yorkshire terrier with the breed’s characteristically BIG personality. She is endlessly full of energy, friendly to a fault and completely oblivious to her diminutive stature and the fact that she is not human. As I am someone who works from home alone during the days, she has been the perfect companion (sleeping curled up on my lap as I write this now) and adds so much joy and liveliness to our home. We didn’t have any while I was growing…
