What I'm doing to have (more frequent) blissfully happy days

Sabrina Moore Photography 

When you're having a crappy day, does everyone ask you what's wrong?  And that bothers you even more, right? What about when you're having a great day, does it ever feel like others pick up on your higher energetic vibe?  And you may notice the unhappy customers at work don't bother you like they normally would.

A couple weeks ago, I was having a perfect morning. For the record there was no coffee involved.  I did pick flowers and bring them into work.  That same morning, right after we opened, a customer approached me at the register and said to me, "You are definitely a morning person. Like one of those morning people who, when you wake up next to them, is showered by sparkly fairy dust and Disney music. There's probably f***ing rainbows too."

No joke.  He said all of this, verbatim.  And while that's definitely not usually the case, that particular morning I did feel like 'f***ing rainbows.'

And again, this week, I woke up one morning and felt even BETTER than the last time with the fairytale music and butterflies.  I don't know exactly when or why this phenomenon occurs, but I'm gonna let you in on my secrets to attaining this bliss buzz. I am PROOF that these experiences do happen when you're least expecting them: when you're single (shocking, right?!), when you're at work, and you haven't started your morning with a killer green smoothie.

Now, the following isn't a list of things I do everyday, but they're some noteworthy events that deliver extended release happiness throughout the day. Inspired by the observant man at the register, let's call this my Bliss Buzz Cocktail. 

• Put down the phone
• As soon as I wake up, before I reach for my phone (I am soooo guilty of this most mornings), I'll lay in bed, noticing my warm blankets and soft pillows.  With my eyes still closed, I give gratitude to whatever I want; my family, friends, my job, my car, my health, my great ass :)
• Affirmations
• At some point in the morning, I'll glance at my Spirit Junkie app or turn to Louise Hay for a specific remedy for a positive affirmation.  I don't usually repeat it to myself throughout the day, but reading it even once I know it sticks subconsciously. I believe changing your thoughts can radically change your physical and emotional state.
• Treat yo' self
• I do something special for myself in the morning.  When I can, I'll take time in the morning to chill. It sets a good pace for how the rest of my day will be.  I make a cup of tea before I eat anything because I'm pretty much always dehydrated. I'll sit on my bed or the floor and stretch. I'll read about some recent health news.  There's an abundance of health information out there, so I love staying updated.  It keeps me focused on my goals.

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  Sabrina Moore Photography 

• Mediation
• I hate the word "should," (I wrote a post about this a few months back) so instead I'll say, I would like to make more time for meditation. On these blissful days, I'll make time for a 10-15 minute meditation before I leave the house.  If you think meditation is intimidating, you can find some really great guided ones here, to help you get started.
• Release expectations
• This is so hard for me!! But really just being open to whatever is in store can unveil really beautiful outcomes.  I find that I'm more open to new ways of thinking or doing something that I never would have thought of. A rainy day doesn't have to suck, you can do something productive indoors, or simply relax. A friend bailed on me? That frees up my schedule to go run an errand I've been meaning get to. 
• Laughing and playing  
• This is what life is all about! Even if we hate our jobs, we hate being single, or we hate our limitations…lets find the good in it.  Yes, there can be TONS of drama at work and some days I find myself picking on my mangers or getting pissed at customers. But mostly I love the atmosphere because I make it a time where I can hang out with some really cool people I otherwise wouldn't know, I can be myself, and I am financially rewarded.  We laugh, sing, gossip, dance, take juice shots. 
• Eating a mindful meal
• At least one meal this day I'll enjoy alone, without my phone or a TV to entertain me.  I give thanks for the meal. I get the full sensory experience: I'll really check out the plate before I bite into anything, I fully smell and taste each bite, putting my fork down in between. Ultimately I'm trying to get the full food porn experience here.
• Being Present
• I mentioned this in my last post Why I'm making personal sacrifices for a very scary end goal, but it's really an anchor for my happiness.  When I'm present, I don't worry about the future or replay past events over and over in my head.  I know we all do this, especially in relationships. I'm finding little joys in what I can create out of right now.
• And finally….Sharing the love
• Days like these, I find myself being friendlier.  I'll smile at strangers (it doesn't have to be creepy people), I'll compliment others, or find little things to be thankful for like not having a parking ticket on my car or when that really nice guy let me cut him in line. Little things.  I text or call someone I haven't heard from in a while, telling them how much I love them, how much they inspire me. Who doesn't love warm fuzzies?!

From my experiences, I've noticed that when I invite these small details into my daily life, I definitely feel heightened joy.  On these days, which are becoming more frequent now that I see how good this bliss buzz is, I feel like life is perfect, that everything happens as it should.  So lets make more effort to be our best selves and share that love with others.

Sabrina Moore Photography 

Why I'm making personal sacrifices for a very scary end goal

WHEW!! I don't know about you, but I feel like summer has been flying by! I cannot believe it is already August.  Since my last post nearly a month ago, I've been getting sucked into my work routine.  I've been working my tush off and not making enough time for myself.  A beautiful assortment of part time jobs, dog sitting, housesitting, gardening, family time, friends….So while I am contributing to my community, helping neighbors, and saving money, I'm slacking in the Katie department.  I'm placing other people's lives in front of my own.

I haven't had the time to cook for myself or even grocery shop for myself.  I crave this.  It's part of my mediation and self-care regime. Instead I'm buying 8 bags of kettle pop chips and Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Cake Muffins for my adorable 90-year old mommom because I want her to feel happy and comfortable during the time I don't spend with her.  My regular yoga practice has evaporated along with my desire to work out, as I'm totally pooped after hustling through shifts at work. I'm behind on my health coaching program….which I'm totally obsessed with, but I find myself unable to focus on the modules.  I definitely haven't prioritized this blog. She's my accidental 10 month old baby, giving me an outlet where I can write without inhibitions and hopefully feed your soul through my honest words. And I'm definitely not showering every day, or every other day.  And it's really fucking humid and buggy out East and working outside makes me hot and sticky and thank god for deodorant (see?! There's always something good to be found in something unpleasant). Check out how to make my homemade spray deodorant here.

Lately I'm feeling like I need to slow down more, be more present. One of my mentors and well-known entrepreneur and coach, Cynthia Pasquella, said that when she notices her mind start to wander, she'll think, "…and I'm back."  I've been trying this method out for the past week or so, and it's working beautifully.  I'll be having a conversation with someone and I start to focus my attention on another task (because I feel like I always need to multitask, which is one of my downfalls) I'll think, "...and I'm back" so I can be present in our conversation again.

If I want to be heard, I need to listen to others first. 

Yesterday I picked flowers and brought them into work.  I knew I would be standing in front of a POS system all day talking to people so I thought, if I had flowers, not only would they remind me to be more present, more grateful, but I could also share them with customers who might also find pleasure from them. It worked :)

I keep myself distracted through work, visiting with family, staying focused on making money so I can feel secure enough at the end of summer to move out of my aunt and uncle's house and sign my VERY FIRST LEASE since college. Holy fucking commitment, bring it on!! I'm ready for you, and I'm going to embrace every uncomfortable part of it with warm fuzzy hugs.  I've been so scared to sign a lease because it's the opposite of my gypsy lifestyle.

It's not what I know.  It's not familiar to me.

But I'm learning to stop running away from things that scare me and to face them head on.  Instead, I'm going to move into a new place, in a new city, and stay for awhile.  I'll manifest a rad community. I want to make roots and settle for at least a year.  I want to put more energy into my dreams and share them with others, and be successful at it.  And it is OK to rely on family and friends.  It's OK to take care of myself, to shower every other day, to take long walks without my cell phone, to browse Instagram for 15 minutes and not feel guilty about it.  It is OK to stop controlling my future and let life run it's course. I want to face my fears head on AND embrace them.

I'd like a big scoop of free-time please….hold the hard work

Are you an early riser or a night owl?  I love mornings…most of the time. Morning is a time for me to get my brain and body moving, slowly and peacefully, aka please don't give me a to-do list or force me to listen to your loud, upbeat music, I'm just waking up and I'll continue to do it for the next hour or so... ok? Great. 

Theres something so satisfying about spending a quiet stormy morning in bed, frothy coconut milk herbal coffee in hand, definitely no pants on, fluffy pillows for optimal comfort, and a blank page inviting me to share my thoughts.  And this A.M. I've got some deep ones so brace yo self.

I think about why I drove from California out to Massachusetts in the first place:

To feed my adventurer's soul.

To escape an environment that didn't nurture my growth.

To refocus on my passions.

To remind me of what's truly important.

Oh and hot beaches.

I've been in a bit of a funk recently…Things just aren't flowing like they were a month ago.  As I sit and reflect on these feelings, everything starts rushing to the surface, but one thing in particular is resonating with me today.  I am reeeeally good at grasping onto the day-to-day happenings that provide me with solace.  Good friends, family time, nature, media, music, cooking, work.  I tend to give myself excuses because, "How can something fun be bad?" I'll go to the beach, do yoga, spend all night cooking (I actually like doing this, I am not crazy) or catch up with a friend for 3 hours.  These habits can be great, but I have a tendency to do this in excess.  

I am terrible at making sacrifices. I am going to blame that on the fact that I'm an only child… is that allowed? I'm learning that when I have a lot of work that needs to be done, and on those days it's especially important to make "me" time, I have to be realistic too.  So today I'll just have time for a short beach walk.  And lucky me, I live near the beach, so I can do that! Instead of thinking, I only get to spend 20 minutes outside today. Wahh Wahhhhhh, closed-minded thinking wins again.

Lately though I've been using this personal time as a distraction so I don't have to deal with my shit right now.  Shit being my deeply-rooted problems that I'm too scared to face.  Like, why can't I open up and be totally honest with myself?  Why can't I look at myself in complete perfection, as Intended? Why can't I let my heart shine and be free from judgement and self doubt and fear? Why am I too scared to push forward with my business, when there is absolutely NO PERSON telling me that what I'm doing sucks.  Yet my daily distractions keep enticing me to play and explore.  While fun is crucial in life, I need to find balance. I can't be healthy when I'm serving myself a big slice of entertainment with a condiment-sized portion of hard work.  

If I want to see results in my personal life and professional career, I need to put more work in.  I am trying to figure out how to make "fun" sacrifices and manage my time to bring these terrifyingly beautiful goals to fruition.  It's all a balancing act!

When in Bruges, beer and best friends always win :)

How I connect with my intuition after a draining day at work

Happy July friends! Summer is in full swing, I've just returned home from an AWESOME girls trip in Paris (I'll give you all the deets on that soon), I gotta fresh new short do aaaaand to top it all off tonight we'll see the first of the two full moons to rise this month.  I've just finished reading Anita Diamant's gorgeously written novel The Red Tent-- so feeling super inspired by tonight's full buck moon.

Last night after work I headed out to the beach, initially to avoid surfing the internet but also to get a better look at the moon.  Although I adore my job, it can be exhausting.  After a long day of talking to my coworkers, customers and running around creating smoothies, juices and cleaning, all I want to do is unwind and ground myself again.  Sometimes I want to binge on bad TV shows with a pint of Phish Food because that requires negative brain function and happy sugar rushes. But I'm in the business of holistic health so I try to switch this thinking.  When I don't know what I want to do after I get off work, recently I'll escape to the sand and ocean.  It's my "stop everything and just be" break.  My chance to reconnect with what I want and what is happening in my life.  To appreciate everything, good or bad that is going on around me.  

So here I'm sitting staring out at the nearly full moon, breathing in the wet, salty air and feeling the damp breeze in my hair.  I listen to the chatter of people walking around and the seagulls hovering above the glistening water.  I close my eyes to take it all in.  I relax my mind and my body so I can receive all the feels.  I open my eyes and the moon looks even bigger and brighter.  I see it's golden specks flickering on the water's surface, mixing with the dark blue of dusk and warm shades of sun-setting pink and red. 

This is my preferred meditation.

While I'm noticing all of this, I observe how I'm feeling.  What is surfacing in this moment?  What's truly important or relevant to my life right now?  What can I learn in this moment? How can I enhance this feeling even more?

These are a few of the thoughts that came to me.

Gazing out into the vastness, this is what I feel: Connection.  Maybe it is the full moon, the people sitting around me, or my own vibration.  It doesn't matter.  In this moment we are all connected.  We are one with our gorgeous, heavenly surroundings, the people and things we interact with, and most importantly, our hearts and mind.  We are all of it.  You and I are the same.  We are the ocean, sky and everything in between. 

When I feel this power, I honestly believe I can do anything.  That's because I can.  And so can you.

So try this.  You don't need to live near the beach.  When you get off work today, go to place in nature that gives you peace.  Maybe it's a bench in a park, some rocks along a river, or even your backyard.  Just get out and observe the space surrounding you.  Embrace it's power and maybe ask yourself these questions I reflected on above.  Take in all the feels.  Share your thoughts with a friend or your journal.  I would love to hear how it goes if you would like to share with me.  

Raw Cacao Covered Cherries

Growing up, one of my favorite treats were the chocolate covered cherries from See’s Candies. I still love them, but since I don’t find myself indulging in sugary chocolates anymore, I decided to put my own healthier spin on the classic treat.  

I've chosen to use raw cacao versus chocolate.  Raw cacao is naturally high in magnesium, a necessary mineral that promotes relaxation.  Much of the chocolate we consume today has been highly processed with sugar, trans fats, and preservatives and therefore lacks these nutrients of raw cacao.  Additives in processed chocolate do not promote healing. Sticking as close to raw as possible allows the vitamins and enzymes to be more bioavailable. 

This antioxidant rich dessert is high in iron and fiber. Cherries help cleanse the bowels, and support healing of arthritis, rheumatism and anemia.  They also help combat migraines.  

Yields 8-10 servings

Ingredients

1 lb bag fresh cherries, rinsed and dried

5 oz unsweetened chocolate 100% cacao, I used Dagoba brand

2 Tbs coconut oil

3 Tbs honey or maple syrup

pinch of sea salt

Procedure

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil water in a double boiler or in a large glass bowl that can sit securely over a saucepan.
3. Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in double boiler or large glass bowl. Set aside.
4. Combine coconut oil and sweetener in a small bowl and melt together.  I do this by letting it sit on the stovetop while I boil water to melt chocolate.
5. Once water comes to a boil, place bowl with chocolate over saucepan.  Stir until melted.  Then add liquefied coconut oil mixture.  Stir to combine.  Finish with pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
6. Holding the stem, dip the cherries into the chocolate sauce until fully coated.  For the cherries without stems, I use a spoon.  Place on parchment to solidify. Continue with remaining cherries.  You can put the cherries in the freezer briefly to help harden chocolate coating.  Store in fridge for 5 days.  

Sources

Institute of Transformational Nutrition Slides 2015

Creamy Vegan Queso

I paired mine with local radishes and turnips

When I was in school in Denver my friends and I would frequently hit up our favorite Mexican restaurant, Illegal Peets, for margaritas, chips and queso.  Since my body doesn't tolerate dairy as well anymore, I've come up with this cheesy vegan alternative that, let me tell you, is even more satisfying than cheese dip…and it doesn't leave you feeling sick. 

This recipe is great paleo followers and vegans alike! Its satisfying, creamy texture and cheesy flavor makes it a perfect dip when paired with sweet potato chips or smothered over a taco bowl.  Nutritional yeast is high in B12, a vitamin that many are deficient in, yet is crucial for supporting our nervous system and helps the body utilize proteins, fats and carbs.  Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable high in sulfur, a detoxing nutrient necessary to help the body excrete toxins.  It also helps promote a healthy digestive system.

Yields 6 servings

Ingredients

½ head orange cauliflower or roughly three cups cooked

½ cup water

1/3 cup raw cashews, soaked in water at least 30 minutes

3 Tbs nutritional yeast

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp ground coriander

½ tsp sea salt

several liberal crushes of fresh ground pepper

optional: diced jalapeño, red peppers, or onion

Procedure

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1-2 inches of water to boil.  Fill steamer basket with cauliflower and steam until tender, about 5 minutes.  It is ok if they are still a bit al-dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Rinse cashews and add to high-speed blender.  Add cauliflower and remaining ingredients.  Process on high until smooth and creamy.  If consistency is too thick, add more water one tablespoon in at a time.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.  Store in fridge for 5 days. 

Salmon with Rosemary Pesto and Butternut Squash

These no fuss plates are my favorite kinds of meals to put together.  Ya know why? Because this nutrient dense dish is actually SUPER easy, inexpensive, quick to put together and will definitely impress your significant other.  I love this meal because you’re getting three delicious servings of healing vegetables as well as brain-boosting essential fatty acids from the salmon.  

The creamy pesto does require a high-speed blender.  If you don’t have access to one, try a food processor, which will yield a chunkier pesto. Be sure to mince the garlic and rosemary before processing if you don't use a blender.  Several springs of chives would be a nice alternative to the rosemary if you have some growing wildly in your backyard (or your neighbors).

Yield 2 servings

Ingredients

1 can sockeye salmon (I bought mine from Trader Joes)

2 cups frozen butternut squash cubes

1/2 cup frozen peas

1 Tbs ghee or coconut oil

salt and pepper to taste

Pesto

½ an avocado

2 large cloves roasted garlic (you can also use raw, I personally don’t enjoy the flavor as much)

Juice of half a lemon

1/3 cup olive oil

2 Tbs or more of water

3 generous handfuls of kale, spring greens, or whatever fresh greens you have.

1 spring fresh rosemary, or any other fresh herbs available. 

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp freshly ground pepper

Procedure

1. Fill a medium saucepan with 1-2 inches water.  Once boiling, fill a steamer basket with squash and frozen peas and place in saucepan.  Cover. Steam for 3-5 minutes or until tender.  Drain.  Set aside.
2. In a high-speed blender, add all ingredients for pesto.  If mixture is too thick, thin it out with more water, one tablespoon at a time.  Process until pesto is creamy and smooth.
3. Add vegetables back into empty saucepan.  Toss with ghee or coconut oil and salt and pepper.
4. Divide the vegetables between two bowls.  Divide the salmon between the two bowls.  Lastly, top each portion of salmon with a couple generous dollops of pesto.
5. Enjoy!

Crunchy Beet Green Wraps

This is my new favorite way to enjoy beet greens.  I just got 'em at the farmer's market last week and so far I've used them in a smoothie, a broccoli pea soup, in a salad and now these crunchy wraps! Similar in taste and texture to swiss chard, beet greens are high in iron, magnesium and calcium. Eating these beauties raw give you a whole lot of antioxidants to protect the body from disease, boost immunity, promote eye health, increase blood circulation, improve brain health, and strengthen bones.  Sprouts and cucumber are alkalizing to the body and packed with enzymes for optimal body function.  Turkey is high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is the precursor to serotonin: great to consume if you are feeling down or stressed out.

These wraps take less than 10 minutes to make and they are super satisfying! My body has been craving iron and these just hit the spot.  And this is coming from the girl that usually chooses to eat the burger on a menu.

I am big on texture, so these wraps pack a lot of crunch with the cucumber and sprouts.  The greens are softer than collards so all you have to do is rinse them before wrapping. 

Yield: 2 servings       

Ingredients:
5-10 large beet greens
3 Tbs hummus
4 slices organic turkey breast, I use Applegate
1/3 cucumber, cut into matchstick pieces
1 handful pea sprouts
1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
Optional- peeled or shredded carrots

Directions:

1. Cut greens from stems and rinse off.  I use 1 big leaf or 2 small ones for each wrap.
2. Spread some hummus on the greens.  Next halve the slices of turkey and place one half in each wrap, layered over hummus.
3. Add a few cucumber sticks, a slice of avocado, and top with sprouts.  Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.  Roll them up in the least messy way possible.  Or not :)

References:

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/beet-greens.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-reasons-to-eat-sprouts.html/2

Journaling to find clarity and learning that I am enough

Mindset is a really powerful force.  If we feel anger, then we subconsciously surround ourselves with anger.  When we feel joy, love floods into our lives.  My life has changed tremendously in the last six months or so, ever since I seriously put my goals out into the universe and she listened. I do this in various ways, whether it be connecting with nature or surrounding myself with awesome people.  Lately, however I've relinquished control of my future and it feels like a breath of fresh spring air.

I started journaling last summer.  I picked up an old notebook and started jotting down all my thoughts and feelings, trying to get them out of my mind and onto paper.  Then I teared up a little, realizing how powerful this expression felt.  I vibe with Flannery O'Connor's idea of writing, “I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.”

I'm terrible at communicating.  I can talk to a few close friends, but it’s still difficult to talk about myself.  I used to try to keep things light-hearted so I didn't have to burden anyone.  Writing down whatever came to mind was the first time I could connect with myself clearly.  If I can’t decipher my own deepest emotions and feelings, how can I share them others? This was kind of a revelation, to learn to follow my intuition.  My voice of reason that never steers me in the wrong direction.  The feelings that may bring up fear and pain, but in my gut I know these feelings need to be expressed so I can move onto the next one. 

When I first started journaling last summer, I also discovered Louise Hay and affirmations.  Feeling confident about the power of thoughts, I wrote a few affirmations on a notecard and left them on my desk.  I recently opened my Yoga Sutras of Patanjali to discover this notecard as my bookmark.  It read:

I am perfect

I am totally loved.  

I will let love find me.

I am able to do anything!

I am successful in whatever I do.

I trust myself.

I’m re-reading these now, after having them hidden away for months, realizing the impact these words have had on my life.  Since I scribbled these down, I’ve experienced a paradigm shift in my life. Though I haven’t read them every day, these affirmations have subtly empowered my thoughts, feelings and actions to reveal my true self. 

Journaling is one of my many assistants in creating the life I want.  In January, I listed all the memorable events in my life from 2014.  Everything I experienced, suffered through, delighted in…all of it. What a big fucking eye-opener. I've done so much. I started new relationships, snowboarded in Vail, became a holistic chef, moved to a city I’d always wanted to live in, worked in a yoga studio and cooked for retreat-goers, spent more time with my parents and learned to be friends with my mom rather than fight with her. Sometimes I'll catch myself thinking I'm not good enough, that I need to do more.  My down time should be spent doing something more “productive” or I should be more creative or successful or independent or responsible.  This is all my ego's bullshit.  I re-read this accomplishment list and was really satisfied.

Lately I’ve been receiving signs that I am enough, just as I am.  Even though I want nothing more than to love and help the people around me, it’s not really possible. I can only do me and that is good enough. I started this blog for me.  To express myself and not shy away from my inner truth.  Whoever is reading, I hope you can take something positive away from this.

The road warrior's cheat sheet to healthy, budget traveling

How do you live on the road to maximize your budget AND eat well without having to compromise your health? This is my "Road Warrior's Cheat Sheet to Healthy, Budget Traveling." Get ready for this lengthy read: I'm about to drop some knowledge I gathered during my recent 7-week journey.

Keep track of your budget

I tried to estimate how much money I would spend on gas, food, hostels, park fees, and emergencies. Even though I spent more than I estimated, I found it helpful to keep track of my spending along the way so I could see where my hard earned cash was going.  I have been using this app by Mint for years to keep track of my budget and spending.

Which foods do I buy?

Before leaving I rummaged through my family's kitchen.  I did a bit of grocery shopping too since I knew I would be spending the next few days camping in the desert.  I grabbed my favorite low-sugar Epic Bars, herbal teas, and coconut water for electrolytes.  

Stick to seasonal, fresh, organic produce when possible. Also good quality fats and proteins are important for sustaining your energy if you’re hiking and camping.  I try to buy in-season fruit and vegetables, specifically ones that are cheaper and easy to transport if left unrefrigerated: Apples, bananas, avocados, oranges, radishes, tomatoes, or carrots.  You can pick up day old produce at any grocery store for really cheap.  These are great options for smoothies, sautés, or soups. Organic jerky and salami are the most stable meat choices when you don’t have access to a fridge. At the grocery store, I snag staples from the bulk section like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and banana chips. Artisana and Justin's sell single serving nut butters like coconut or honey peanut to throw in your backpack.  I have the WORST sweet tooth, so I gotta get my chocolate fix.  Below I've listed some of my personal essentials:

•  Coconut oil- I use it for EVERYTHING. One spoonful of this goodness will keep you from going hungry, help to regulate your blood sugar and provide you with long-lasting energy.  Use instead of butter or in a smoothie.  Its antimicrobial and antiviral properties make it my go-to face cleanser, moisturizer, and it can even be used as deodorant.  
• Peanut butter- Organic peanut butter is super high in protein, antioxidants, and can improve blood flow to the brain.
• Oatmeal- Inexpensive and filling, gluten free oats are high in fiber, help remove cholesterol from the body, help regulate blood sugar, and can boost the immune system.
• Chia seeds- High calcium content, contain protein, omega-3 fatty acids to support brain function, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.  They also help curb hunger. I pour a spoonful in my water bottle or stir them into my oatmeal or a smoothie.  You can get these in bulk at a health store.
• HealthForce Nutritionals- My girl Roxy works for this raw superfood company.  Their blends are totally pure, nutrient dense, and affordable. I’ll mix their popular Vitamineral Green blend with water for an energizing shot of greens, or add their immune-boosting Spirulina Azteca to my smoothies.  You can purchase these products and tons more here. 

3 simple ingredients in this gas station score! 

Be prepared for the worst

It would be pretty shitty to get stuck in tumbleweed Kansas on an empty stomach during a snowstorm.  I'm not suggesting you need to know exactly where you’ll be stopping on your travels, but it’s good to know where you can fill up your tank (Gasbuddy app navigates you to the cheapest gas) and which routes are most direct when you’re cruising through the deep south in your Colorado-plated Subie.  

Check weather reports!  I had to change my timeline several times because of snowstorms and ice storms. A huge storm hit Colorado as soon as I landed there. Initially, I was frustrated because my plans changed. I took advantage of the white-out conditions by parking my car for a couple weeks and riding fresh powder during the day and spending nights out dancing or gossiping with my girlfriends.  This reminded me that a roadtrip is about loving the journey, not making it to the destination.  And remember, good friends have each other’s back! So you will probably get fed before you hit the road again.

Spring riding anyone?

Reach out to friends and family

People are excited for your solo trek and they want to support you any way they can.  Initially I called my friends and family because I wanted to meet up with them en route. Eventually, I molded my trip around these people, stopping at destinations because I knew someone who lived there.  

The more people I shared my trip details with, the more options the universe presented to me.  A stranger on the chairlift suggested some cool bars near his college outside Asheville.  Friends of friends offered up their couches for me sleep on. If it weren’t for these generous souls, I wouldn’t have gone crystal mining in Hot Springs or explored the painted canyons in Arizona with like-minded vagabonds. I was reminded that I have a lot of extended family out east. Not only did I reconnect with my awesome second cousins, but I also had places to stay and new cities to discover.  

Stay in and cook with friends

It's easy to spend money on going out, especially when you want to celebrate with friends you haven't seen in months.  I will usually offer to go grocery shopping with friends so we can all make dinner together and share a couple bottles of wine.  When I do go out, I’ll order an appetizer or if I get a large entree, I’ll take half home and have the leftovers for my next meal.  Sometimes splitting a pint with a friend is just enough for me (not always for the friend though).

homemade gf waffles with pecan-caramel glaze

Free stuff is everywhere!

Before arriving in Massachusetts, I stayed with my cousin in Brooklyn for a week.  New York is really expensive, so I thought I would blow the rest of my checking account when I was there.  I splurged on food and drinks one night, but was able to save when exploring.  In Asheville I stopped in several bars for free tunes.  When the weather was nice, I found local trails and went hiking for killer views and a workout.  Some museums like the Met in NYC offer unlisted “pay what you wish” pricing.  Many yoga studios give you a free class if it’s your first visit.  Community yoga classes are great too because they are usually donation based.

It doesn’t hurt to have a host who also wants to show you around to the best local spots. In NY’s China Town my cousin and I mowed down down on pork buns and soup dumplings for a dollar. Also, Road tripper app is great for finding random gems all over the nation.

Free enlightenment at BAPS Hindu stone temple outside Atlanta

Return the favor

I’m an independent girl, so asking for things is not easy for me.  I am constantly blown away by people’s generosity.  If you treat others with love and respect, they will reciprocate.  My friend Ev gets free wine and booze through his job, so he hooked me up with several bottles of wine to give away as host gifts. My friend Kyle stays with friends, old and new, while on tour with his band.  In exchange for couch surfing, he serenades his hosts with his guitar.  I adopted this expression by making smoothies or creating healthy meals for my gracious host families. If you don’t play music or cook, sometimes being a good listener is all somebody needs.

Quartz mining with hippies in Hot Springs, AK.  I gave these crystals to my hosts.

Go with the flow 

Initially I planned my timeline out, deciding where I would stop and for how long.  When I couldn’t find an open campground in Joshua Tree, I made my own little campsite under the stars.  When the snowstorm hit Colorado, I had to tell my love C-Pat that I couldn’t meet her in Nashville.  It worked out for the best because I ended up spending several days with her in Atlanta a couple weeks later.  So I say “thank you” to my failed plans, for those are what gave me the unexpected experiences I craved on this voyage.  Letting go of plans guided me to exactly where I wanted to be.

Gluten Free Banana Maca Pancakes with Berry Compote

These slightly nutty-sweet silver dollars are super fluffy, yet very nourishing. Maca is a Peruvian root that is packed full of nutrients to regulate our body’s hormones, restore adrenal function, and it is naturally energizing. Not a bad way to start your morning!

Yield: 3-4 servings       Allergens: nuts, grains

Ingredients:

Dry:

1 ½ cup brown rice flour

¼ tsp aluminum-free baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tsp maca powder, which you can buy here

Wet:

¾ cup coconut or almond milk

1 large ripe banana, or 2 small

3 eggs, beaten

1 heaping Tbs creamy almond butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

Compote:

3 cups frozen berries

1-2 Tbs honey

1/2 tsp lemon zest, more for garnish

2 Tbs coconut oil or butter for cooking

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Set aside
2. In a blender or food processor, mix together wet ingredients.  Once completely blended, whisk wet ingredients into dry to combine batter.  Set aside.
3. Heat a saucepan over medium heat.  Add berries and cover, stirring occasionally.  After 10 minutes, add lemon zest and honey.  Continue to lightly simmer over low heat, so berries are totally soft and gooey.
4. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium high heat.  Add enough oil to coat pan.  Pour 2-3 Tbs batter into pan for each pancake.  Let sizzle for 2-3 minutes per side.  If it smells like the oil is burning, turn down the heat and wipe out rancid oil remaining in pan.   
5. Place one pancake on plate and dollop with one spoonful of berry compote.  Place another pancake over that and repeat, coating each pancake with compote so that every bite is gooey and sweet. 
6. 
   
   

"Close your eyes. Fall in love. Stay there." Rumi

I read this Rumi quote this week and it completely resonated with me.  So beautifully simple, and yet it speaks volumes.  While I have been enjoying my freedom on the road exploring and have spent invaluable time with family and friends, these past few weeks have felt a little lonely.  Even though I am connecting with people around me and enjoying the gems each destination has to offer, I still don't know what I'm looking for.  Now that I am finally in Massachusetts, do I really want to be here?  Is it the frigid spring weather I don't like? Or am I scared to actually settle down for a while? Maybe this is a common thought for others approaching their 25th year of life too.

https://instagram.com/tinydevotions/

I know what will benefit my mind/body/soul, but I don't always do it.  Like I should meditate and do yoga to find clarity and strength.  I should eat less sugar and I should save my money instead of buying that cute swimsuit I don't need.  Just because someone (or my head) decided I "should" do something, doesn't mean it is right.  So many of my friends are constantly looking for boyfriends or getting engaged, thinking that will bring them happiness.  It's easy to feel the pressure to conform and lose sight of your own wants. After being in Brooklyn for a week, I started to care more about my appearance (There is an abundance of very sexy men and they happen to better dressed then you and me…) When I lived in Colorado, I didn't care if I was walking around in yoga pants without makeup, but if I didn't get on the mountain on a powder day, then people would question if I was a true local.  I would end up riding some days just because I didn't know what else to do to entertain myself.

I'm not going to be a sheep. I want to keep discovering what serves me and what doesn't. I may be indecisive. And I'm not good at long term commitments.  I can't hold a job for more than 6 months and I haven't signed a year-long lease since college.  I like to move a lot because there are so many wonderful places to explore.  This is one reason why I tend to make myself unavailable for relationships. I'm not single nor taken.  I am manifesting my dreams. Through the cloudy social pressure and inherent indecisive battles, I will create the relationships and career I desire.  This Rumi quote reminds me that whatever I want and need, I will manifest it, as long as I believe and acknowledge it's existence within.  This self love will help me find what I am looking for, whatever that may be.

3 things I'm detoxing out my life, no diet required

I've been on my soul-searching, cross-country road trip for just over a month now and whew! Have I seen some pretty profound changes happening within me throughout this journey.  Today officially marks the first day of spring, a time of transformation, adaptation, and detoxing! One of the biggest changes I've experienced in the past couple months has been an all-encompassing mind-body-soul detox.  I'm not talking about a detox diet here, but riding myself of anything that does not serve me.

Starting in high school, my anxiety made it's first appearance when I chose to constantly compare myself to my friends and peers.  This manifested in my body through stress and stomach aches that would leave me feeling like my immune system was totally shot.  While I've learned how to use food as preventative medication, I have also realized how important it is to listen to our all-knowing inner voice. We all have one, but we need to practice tuning in.

Listening to this voice has really made the difference in my overall health.  Prior to this road trip, I likely would have worried if the water I was drinking wasn't filtered, or if the apple I bought wasn't GMO free.  Over the last month I've been working towards pushing aside this worrisome behavior.  I've handed over the reigns and am letting my inner voice guide my soul.  I'm calling this a holistic detox that doesn't put diet in the spotlight.

my failed attempt at a snow-stand

Here are 3 unhealthy habits I've practiced detoxing the past couple months:

1.  Judgement

I used to worry SO much about what others thought of me.  I cared what they thought in regards to what I said or what I did.  I was afraid of judgement. Up until recently, I worried that I didn't have my shit together.  Meaning, I am a jobless nomad on a winter road trip who has a college education that I'm not really using.  In reality, people don't care as much about you as you think! They probably don't care at all, actually.  In the end, if they judge you, they aren't worth keeping around in your circle.  I think judgement is one of the ugliest characteristics, so everyday I strive to be more accepting.  Being drawn to people who are open and kind has given me the courage to act this way as well.  When I am being totally myself (including listening to my inner voice), I seem to bring an abundance of wonderful people and gifts into my life. 

2.  Unnecessary consumption

Not only did I stay in Colorado for two extra weeks so I could visit with friends, enjoy my old stomping grounds and ride some powder, but I also had a whole bunch of stuff I had accumulated since college, sitting in a storage unit collecting dust and emptying my wallet.  I realized how much stuff I had gathered over the years from bedding and books, to art supplies and kitchenware.  I didn't need most of this anyway.  My friend Bandy gave me some advice.  She told me when she moved from Denver, she took with her everything that could fit in her car.  She did this by picking and choosing what was most important to her.  Everything else had to go, because there wasn't any space for extra.  I did the exact same thing. Cleansed myself of unnecessary material possessions that didn't serve me a purpose anymore.  I gave most items to friends and everything else that couldn't fit in my Subaru or wasn't beneficial to me anymore, I donated.  Now I have exactly what I need for right now. 

3. Stagnation 

Do you ever get that feeling like you should do something, even if you don't want to?  I'm not saying don't get up for work on a Monday morning because you are tired and hate your job…that's a topic for a whole different blog post.  I'm referring to those situations where we feel uneasy about committing to someone or not doing something out of fear. I am the first person to admit that I need to be forced out of my comfort zone, otherwise I turn into a complacent homebody going to bed by 9:30 on a Friday night.  If my road trip has taught me anything, it's that I've learned how my controlling-perfectionist behavior needs to let go of plans and roll with the punches.  To say yes even when I really want to say no. To be honest and kind to everyone I run into.

Feeling inspired by this song, "Let It Happen" from Tame Impala

Dark Chocolate Almond Cashew Buttercups

For any of you Reeses fanatics (like myself!) you have to try these melty buttercup treats.  My version is unprocessed, free of refined sugars, preservatives, and is totally guilt-free. Seriously. If you don't have a double-boiler, melt the chocolate in a glass dish or nonstick pan that will sit safely over a pot with simmering water, like this. 

Yield: 12-14 mini cups       Allergens: nuts

Ingredients:

 mini muffin liners 

7oz dark chocolate.  I like Endangered Species brand

1 Tbs coconut oil

3 Tbs coconut butter or coconut manna 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

3 Tbs honey, divided

2 Tbs raw almond butter

2 Tbs raw cashew butter

a few pinches of sea salt (optional)

Directions:

1. Place 12 mini muffin liners on a sheet tray or in a mini muffin tin.  Set aside. 
2. Using a double boiler, melt chocolate, coconut oil, coconut butter, vanilla and 2 Tbs honey. Whisk until mixture is smooth and shiny.  As soon as ingredients are melted, use a spoon to pour the chocolate-y goodness into mini muffin liners, making sure to only fill liners 1/3 full. Place tray in fridge for 10 minutes to set chocolate.
3. While cups are chilling in fridge, make the filling. In a small bowl, combine almond butter, cashew butter, remaining 2 Tbs honey, and pinch of salt. Set aside.
4. Once chocolates are hard, scoop about 1 tsp nut butter filling into each cup.  After cups receive a generous dollop of filling, cover each cup with remaining chocolate so that the filling is not longer exposed.  Sprinkle a few pinches of sea salt over cups.  Let buttercups harden in fridge.  Store buttercups in the fridge.

Adapted from Diane Sanfilippo's Chocolate Almond Butter Cups 

Letting go of control to ride the adventure of life: My California to Massachusetts road trip

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

September 2014 I moved from colorful Colorado to the sunny San Francisco Bay Area.  My intention behind this transition was to figure out how to make my passions into a career, take time to heal my body, and save money by moving in with my parents.  In the past six months, I worked at a yoga studio and created nourishing meals at a Dharma retreat center.  I started this blog as a way to share my love. I practiced yoga, and completed a strict sugar detox and autoimmune cleanse.  Through my work, I learned the importance of mediation in my overall well-being. I fell in love.  I witnessed death in my family. I made new friends.  I reconnected with old friends.  I learned to be patient and understanding with my parents.

About a week ago, I started my first cross-country road trip. And doin' it solo too! West coast to east coast.  I decided to make this winter adventure so I could start something new for myself, follow my passions and remove myself from bustling city life.  Originally I had a plan to meet up with friends along the way and eventually get to Massachusetts by mid March.  Unfortunately, I can't control the weather and things don't always work out as we may hope, so I decided that I'll get to my destination when I get there...Ultimately, I am figuring out how to go with the flow, not make a plan, live moment to moment.  I packed up my car with all of my belongings (probably way too many to begin with) and started the drive east.

Today marks day 10 into my epic road trip.  So far, I've stopped at national parks, hiked beautiful mountains and explored colorful caves.  I've camped under the stars.  I've driven through several snow storms. I've made new friends and have learned to put myself in temporarily uncomfortable situations to be more independent and accepting of new things. I went snowboarding in fresh backcountry powder.  I spent time catching up with my incredibly supportive and loving friends and family.  I'm inspired by each one of my friends; seeing everything they have accomplished and how they are transforming into their true, authentic selves.  I've experienced the generosity of friends and strangers, making this adventure truly amazing so far.

Boulder, CO

Even though I am on a solo road trip, I don't feel like I have been alone at any part of this journey. Sometimes I feel lonely, but I gotta remember to "love the one that never leaves you."  I'm learning to listen to my inner road trip guide, rather than absorbing energies of whoever I'd be traveling with.  I am figuring out how to trust myself.  To live with uncertainty and to be OK with that.  I am opening my heart and it feels perfect.

Creamed Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Butter

What a cozy winter meal! I originally made a version of this super satisfying dish for 20 retreat-goers a couple weeks ago in the peaceful Santa Cruz mountains.  With just a few ingredients, this easy dish is nutrient-dense, slightly sweet and makes an awesome creamy substitute for you mac & cheese lovers.

Make this recipe dairy free by using ghee or refined coconut oil instead of butter.  To make this AIP friendly, swap brown rice pasta out for zucchini noodles and use 1/2 tsp turmeric and 1/4 tsp mace instead of coriander.  

Creamed Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Butter

Yield: 4 servings

Allergens: dairy. 

Ingredients  

3-4 medium garlic cloves
3 Tbs olive oil, divided
2 medium butternut squashes, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into medium chunks
2 cups fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 bag brown-rice pasta; I like the spiral pasta, rotini
1 bunch of fresh sage, finely diced
6 Tbs organic butter (ghee or coconut oil work too)
1-2 cups of bone broth (you can also use chicken or vegetable broth)
1 tsp coriander
1/2 a bag of arugula (you can subsitute spinach)
salt and pepper to taste
optional: meatballs or other protein

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.  In a sheet of parchment, wrap peeled garlic cloves with a touch of oil and roast for 30 minutes.  Toss squash with 1 Tbs oil, salt, pepper and place in large baking dish in oven for 30 minutes, checking halfway. Once cubes are soft all the way through and slightly browned, remove from oven to cool slightly. Remove garlic and set aside.
2. In medium saucepan, heat 1 Tbs olive oil.  Sauté mushrooms for 5 or so minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.  Set aside.
3. Using an immersion blender or stand blender, combine squash, roasted garlic, coriander, salt and pepper to taste.  Start by adding 1 cup of broth. If the mixture is not blending, add a quarter cup extra at a time until a thick consistency is reached, but not watery.
4. In a large pasta pot, boil water with a few pinches of salt and a couple dashes of olive oil. Cook pasta according to directions on packaging.
5. While pasta is cooking, over low heat, brown the butter and infuse with sage, stirring occasionally.
6. Once pasta is cooked through, drain it and pour back into pasta pot.  Add sage butter and combine with pasta thoroughly.  Mix in the arugula and mushrooms.  Finally, stir in the creamed squash.  Feel free to add a protein, like meatballs or shredded chicken. Garnish with sage.