Lasting changes don't happen overnight. These new habits take time to establish, time to adjust what's not working into something that does work, and guidance from within on what will work best for you. I've found some that these pillars of health are the perfect foundation for lasting change, so if you need some encouragement for those new habits, here is the foundation I [...]
Have you ever heard of the Dirty Dozen? It’s the 12 kinds of produce that you absolutely MUST buy organic because they are most heavily sprayed with pesticides. Pesticides contribute to toxicity in the body, which means that we are more likely to suffer from allergies, a weakened immune system, and digestive problems, among other things. Many fruits and vegetables that have thin skins or [...]
Too often I hear about an "all-or-nothing" mindset, especially during this time of year. It seems to either fall under "I'll wait until January to get things under wraps -- so I'll throw all caution to the wind for now!" or an alternative strict, rigid approach where you feel restricted and unable to enjoy what you want to enjoy during the holiday season. After all, [...]
Can you recall when you last gave your fridge a good deep cleaning? There's something so freeing about a sparkling clean refrigerator. It is like having a clean car interior or sparkling windshield. As you're sifting through your old condiments and leftovers to toss them out, you may be realizing how much waste is going in the trash. We all deal with this, but I've [...]
Even if you love the holiday season and look forward to it every year, I think we can both agree that added stress is a part of the package. Perhaps the pressure is travel-related, relative-related, schedule-related, or something else among a long list of common stressors. Whatever it is that is stressing you out -- essential oils could be the answer to helping you handle [...]
In this day and age, we are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced work world and technology. No matter how hard we try, the stress just seems to creep in from trying to keep up with everything. If you’re the kind of person who’s got a little more stress than you’d like (and, honestly, who doesn’t feel that way, sometimes?), you’ve gotta [...]
Whether you love to camp or you'd rather tend to your backyard BBQ, fireside recipes are one delicious way to dine alfresco. Often though, it seems like the usual suspects aren't the healthiest of options. I'm going to be sharing my favorite healthy by the fire recipes that are nutritious, delicious, and easy ways to satisfy your outdoor appetite. These can be easily [...]
As the seasons change, for us here in The Shenandoah Valley in VA, Fall is our last chance to easily get out there before the snow makes it more challenging. When the breeze turns cooler, we're often scrambling to get outside and enjoy the colorful autumn season before we retreat indoors for winter. it is a beautiful time filled with gifts from Mother Nature. Through [...]
In every season, it’s best to eat the foods that are in season. Fall is no exception, and while plenty of people go pumpkin-crazy (especially in the form of lattes), there’s so much more to the autumn harvest. Choosing the right seasonal fall foods helps you get nutrients your body needs, plus you’ll stay on track with healthy options that taste great and make you [...]
Take a deep breath outside and enjoy the scents of the new season. Autumn is in the air. Crisp, fresh and filled with new seasonal gifts. Changing colors of the leaves and the pops of color from mums and pansies. One of my very favorite parts of autumn is the bouquet of fragrance in the kitchen that is so special to the season. The warming [...]
