Transitions are tough. I am so excited to be back in Michigan, close to family and working on our new home, however, I am still working on feeling settled. Of course there are still boxes to be unpacked and renovation projects which will just take time, but moreover I feel a bit dazed and transient. But I do know that we'll get there. In the meantime, my biggest challenge proves to be remaining calm. I hate clutter, mess, and an unsettled routine. And although I find it relatively manageable to maintain my regular healthy habits when it comes to eating and exercise, I often struggle to maintain a positive outlook…
Joy, Cozy Weekends, and Whole30 Mushroom Asparagus Cauliflower Risotto
Although I knew that it would come up quickly as soon as we had finalized the decision to move back to the US, I have to say that I am still shocked by the fact that we will be sailing away less than 7 weeks from now. There are a multitude of things that I will really miss about Ireland and our lives here, most especially the friends I have made of course, but also the little things like walks to Coco and Lulu's favorite park, the familiar faces of the baristas at Cork Coffee Roasters, "our spot" at The Spitjack and the Sweet Potato Toast there, and the ability to…
It’s the Little Things and Whole30 Buffalo Broccoli
Throughout the past year, I have devoted a large proportion of my reading time to studying the topic of “happiness” deeply in order to gain minor subject matter expertise. Although there may be some discrepancies as to the actual weights which should be ascribed to each category depending on the study, by in large, all psychology presents “Happiness” formulaically as an equation: H = S + C + V, where H is your enduring level of happiness, S is your set range, C is your life circumstances, and V includes activities and actions under voluntary control. Much has been written on the topic and to really even scratch the surface…
Happy Thanksgiving! The Many Benefits of Gratitude and A Fall Roasted Vegetable Side Dish
In regards to #trending, I usually prefer to be a bit on the early adopter edge and my appreciation for something can be, and has often been, lessened as it becomes incredibly mainstream or overdone. Many times a concept or idea which was originally quite powerful, transformative, or transcendent can become stale, diluted, or cheesy as it reaches a point of oversaturation. However, despite of the fact that messages of gratitude are ubiquitous this week in light of Thanksgiving over in the US of A, I find it a topic too important to skip over. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays – it involves copious amounts of fall foods,…
Back From Pilates Holiday :: Avoiding Stairs At All Costs, Meal Planning & Prepping, and Lemon Rosemary Chicken with Jalapeno Herb Dressing
I am so sore. We are back from the London “Pilates Holiday” feeling completed depleted physically, but so inspired and deeply contented with the opportunity to take 11 classes over three days! We had the chance to visit so many beautiful and amazing studios; challenging ourselves with new exercises, techniques, and sheer stamina over the weekend. Some of my favorite classes were:
Reconciling “Health Halos” with Whole30 Granola and Coconut Yogurt
One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how just how powerful positioning can be to shape our views, perspectives and understanding of something. Most, if not all, people are aware of the fact that the media and advertisers usually take a distinctive slant to satisfy their own agenda, for better or worse. However, if you really stop to think about why we think the way we think about nearly everything, you will find a myriad of messages that we have heard or seen throughout our various experiences and interactions which influence us, our beliefs, and our decisions more than one might initially assume. When I was an undergrad,…
A Classic Revamped :: Paleo Mashed Potatoes
When my husband and I started dating, we were a few months into our relationship around Thanksgiving. I had already met his mother, but aside from that, Turkey Day was to be the first time to meet the rest of his family – which.is.EXTENSIVE. His mother is one of 7, who have all married and have children and now many of the children have grown up to be married and have children of their own. Altogether this event would include 2 grandparents, Jon’s mother, father, brother, 4 aunts, 4 uncles, 16 cousins, 7 second cousins, 2 close family friends, and a partridge in a pear tree (please note – there were…
