Tag: lifestyle

Essential Oils The Life I Live

I Never Would Have Thought I’d Use Oils on my Face, But I Do

And if you know me, this probably surprises you just as much as it surprised me. If not more.

You see, I HATE things touching my face. Pretty much anything. I don’t touch my hands to my face, my husband doesn’t touch my face, and I am very selective about what I put on my face.

I grew up and into my teens with not much acne at all. That is, until after college. Hello 250px-Boswellia_sacra.jpg(adult) hormones, hello acne! I never had awful skin, but it was never great either.

And then come to now, and I have the best skin I have ever had. I wear nothing on my face except for Frankincense and mascara. That’s right, no foundation, no cover up, no powder, nothing.

I love, love, loveeeeeeeeeee not having to wear makeup (to cover up bad skin) and how clear my skin is. There are probably several things that contribute to the healthy skin that I have now, but I can tell you one thing. If you had said to me five years ago that I would have great skin and more so that I would use oils on my (face) skin now, I would have LOL’ed.

But I do use oils, on my face, and I love it.

When I first started using oils, I tried several different ones on my face, because I hoped that they would help like nothing ever had. They didn’t seem to, until Frankincense.

This oil is from the Boswellia sacra tree and is so old and cherished, it’s what the three 250px-Boswellia-sacra-greenhouse.jpgwise man gifted to baby Jesus when he was born. It’s filled with anti-inflammatory compounds and is one of my favorite essential oils out there.

Try it on your face and see what it does for you! I have noticed clearer, smoother, and softer skin. I have little to no breakouts and I’m hoping it keeps my skin as young-looking as can be throughout the years.

Face Oil

  • 15 drops Frankincense oil

Add these drops into a 15 ml bottle and fill the rest with a carrier oil. (I use sweet almond oil and this is the only carrier oil I will use on my face. (I tried jojoba and did not like it for my face.))

And that’s it. After washing my face, I apply a small about of this mixture, just enough for a light layer, and that’s it. I apply once or twice a day and my skin has never looked better.

Do you love Frankincense? What is your favorite use for this amazing oil?

Disclaimer: I use Young Living Essential Oils and based on my research, I believe these are the best, safest, and most pure oils on the market. PLEASE do your own research and determine which oils are best for you and your family.

 

 

Dairy Free fruits Gluten Free Recipes The Life I Live

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Bread

I’m telling you, bread made with rice flour is so good! My husband loves all these fruit-filled breads I’ve been making and I really do, too.

Click these links to try my Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread or Berry Pear Bread. Or try this new Apple Cinnamon Bread below!

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Bread
cinnamon apple bread

  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup apples, diced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 1/2 cups rice flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of salt

In a medium-sized bowl, add the eggs and whisk. Next, add the avocado oil, applesauce, honey and stir. Add in the rest of the ingredients to combine.

Grease a glass bread pan with avocado oil and add the mixture to the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Test with a toothpick in the middle and enjoy!

Like this recipe? Go HERE to check out my books!

 

Dairy Free fruits Gluten Free The Life I Live Vegan vegetables

Coconut Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chia pudding is a weekly staple in my house. My hubby, Nick, loves my Cinnamon Raisin Chia Pudding and eats it as dessert, breakfast, and sometimes even as a snack

I love to try new versions of stuff we like. Nick doesn’t like or eat chocolate, so he won’t like this new version, but I love it and you will, too!

I’m not your typical chocolate lover but as a flavor combination, coconut and chocolate is so good! Let me know what you think=)

Coconut Chocolate Chia Puddingchoc coco pud

  • 2 cups vanilla almond milk
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup coconut shreds
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand because it’s dairy-free.)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/8  teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients and let chill in the fridge for 5 hours or overnight. (Stir a couple of times in the first couple of hours to make sure that everything is combined.)

Like this recipe? Go HERE to check out my books!

Explorations The Life I Live

I Love to Travel: Just a Long Weekend at a Mexican Resort

It was Friday April 13th and we were on our way to Mexico together for the first time. Well, I guess that’s not entirely true.

Back in February we went on a cruise and one of the stops was in Cozumel.

But this time we were on our way to Cancun. We were headed to our cozy, chill all-

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First stop, water and drinks.

inclusive resort and we couldn’t wait.

Our preplanned transportation service was perfect, picked us up from the airport as scheduled and brought us right to the front door of Sunset Marina. We had arrived.

First things first, some relaxing and drinks on the water. The water was pretty tame

 

as we stayed on the bay side in Cancun.

Saturday we had planned our excursion to one of seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza! This site has Mayan ruins and they are truly grand and amazing to encounter.

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Chichen Itza

It was a steamy 96 degrees as we walked around Mexico that day, so I couldn’t wait to go the the cenote, or sink hole, in Spanish. I heard it was “cold,” fresh water and 150 feet deep, and I was so excited!

I was literally the only one though, no one else in my group went in, not even my husband! Where are my friends when I need them?

It was super fun though and perfectly refreshing for how hot I had been earlier in the day. I love cenotes!

That night we visited the resort restaurant for French Cuisine. The restaurant had

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Cancun

different styles of food, depending on the day. The food was good and because we had all-inclusive access, everything was “free.”

On that note, I don’t think there was anything I said more on that trip then “Dos cientos ocho y A (ah),” our room number, haha, we used it for everything!

Sunday morning started with talking with our vacation company. We got to tour Tres Rios Resort and it was beautiful and sustainable and I loved it. However, we didn’t buy anything, this time. By Sunday afternoon we wanted to get back to the pool and relax but it had been raining all day, so instead we hopped in the hot tub to watch the sunset. The hot tub was right on the water so you were sitting on the bay, the sun and sky were so close!

Monday was our last day so we wanted to spend it at the pool. Along with the excursions we went on, we had massages as well and because we talked with or vacation company, all of these activities were comped.

The massage was at two, and by that time we were ready to get out of the sun for a little

d
Waiting for our massage=)

while. The massages were great, relaxing and renewing. We went back to the pool and played a quick round of bingo before late lunch/first dinner. To get an extra number to add to your card, someone had to name the only animal with three brains. And guess who knew it? Yup, this girl! Octopus! I win.

Not really, but I did get an extra number for knowing that fun fact. After that, we grabbed so buffet food and went back to the pool before dinner. I even went down the water slide.

Dinner in the restaurant was Spanish themed that Monday night.  I ate the best thing I

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Garlic Fish and Rice

had had yet in Mexico, Chicken, Wine and Garlic Rice. It was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed many Mexican dishes while we were there but this Spanish dish was just delectable.

Tuesday morning came really fast and because of our scheduled transportation, we spent a long three hours at the airport before take off. Snooze, literally.

And then we were back. Cancun was fun and I would love to visit again. This was not a typical long weekend for us but it was really fun!

Have you ever done an all-inclusive resort vacation? Where did you go? Happy travels!

Oh and PS, I almost forgot, Nick got pooped on HAHAHAHA

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POOP
Cardio Lower Body The Life I Live Workouts

Triple Decker Run Sandwich with Cardio Leg Circuits

A what? Well first you run, then you do some leg moves, then you run again, more leg moves, and you finish with more running. A Triple Decker Run Sandwich with Cardio Leg Circuits.

These kind of circuits are tough and after just doing this workout today late morning for the first time, already I feel sore.

Triple Decker Run Sandwich with Cardio Leg Circuitspexels-photo-601177

Pond Run (1/3 mile)

  • 10 squats
  • 10 lunges              X 3 SETS
  • 10 leg lifts (to the side)

Pond Run (1/3 mile)

  • 10 dead lifts (8 lb weights)
  • 10 one-legged squats              X 3 SETS
  • 10 leg lifts (to the back)

Pond Run (1/3 mile)

For pictures of the moves, you can check out this previous Cardio Legs  workout. This workout is tough but feels great.

Have you worked out today? Everyday is a great day to get in a workout! Let me know your favorites=)

Gluten Free Meats Paleo Recipes The Life I Live vegetables

Chicken and Vegetables with Red Curry and Coconut Milk Sauce

Do you ever make a recipe you love, but then you kinda forget about it and don’t make it again for a while? That was this recipe for me.

My husband was the first to make this Chicken Curry dish and I loved it so much. After what we made was gone, I made the recipe again that week, because it was so good.  It was my new fave. But..then it wasn’t? I forgot about it!

Then, I thought of this recipe, for some reason on the way back from our Mexico trip, and I just had to have it. This time, I put my own spin on the recipe, including throwing it all in the crock pot, and it came out great. It was so good, I had my leftovers for breakfast.

Chicken and Vegetables with Red Curry and Coconut Milk Sauce

  • 1 pound ready-made gluten-free and soy-free chicken stripsChicken and Vegetables with Red Curry and Coconut Milk Sauce
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 white onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 8 mushrooms, washed and sliced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons Thai Red Curry
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder

Add everything to the crock pot and let cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8. Serve it with cauliflower rice to keep the dish Paleo. Otherwise you could serve with rice, rice noodles or as a side to potatoes and a vegetable.

Enjoy!

Like this recipe? Go HERE to check out my books!

 

 

Gluten Free The Life I Live

My Favorite Natural Products

It’s no surprise that I love natural products. I’m all about gluten-free and soy-free (and mostly fruits and vegetables) to fill my body with, but what about the stuff that goes on the outside?

Yup, that’s important to me, too. After years of looking, trying and testing, I have really fallen in love with some great products, and I cannot wait to share my finds with you!

I have been using this lotion forever. It’s paraben-free and unscented, making it great for my skin. The lotion is thick and moisture-filled, and this container lasts me several months, even with daily use.

I love snacks as much as kids love candy! I always like to have snacks on hand and well they are usually fruit or fruit/nut bars, I love salt and like crunchy things, too. These gluten-free pretzels from Snyders are delicious and come in many flavors, too.

I’d be hard pressed to find a snack I didn’t eat more than Larabars. These fruit and nut bars are just that, fruit and nuts. The bars have so many different flavors and less than 10 ingredients including dates, cashews, spices like cinnamon, natural juice like lemon, and/or others. Do you love Larabars, too?

As a Wisconsin girl, I pride myself on knowing a good cheese snack when I taste one, and this snack, it a delicious cheese snack. The cheese taste is very sharp and the crunchy base is gluten-free and so crunchy. Yum!

I LOVE that this body wash smells amazing and is so good for your skin. It’s paraben, triclosan, phthalate and edta free. It leaves your skin feel moisturized and smelling fresh and clean.

These products have become some of my favorite! Do you love and use them, too?

 

Dairy Free Gluten Free Recipes The Life I Live Vegan vegetables

5 Reasons You Should Be Eating More Green Peas

Peas are one of my favorite vegetables, and I love to eat them all the time. Frozen peas are my favorite and next are snap peas. I don’t like peas in a can though. Nope. pexels-photo-768092

Did you know that peas are full of protein and lots of other good stuff, too? Here’s all the great stuff about peas.

Healthy Bones

Peas are full of Vitamin K and a cup of peas is 50% of your daily K intake. This vitamin is vital for healthy and strong bones making peas a great choice.

High in Protein

Eating protein increases hormones in the body that reduce your appetite. One cup of peas contains 8 grams of protein. Peas are a great meat-free protein source.

Regulates Blood Sugar

Fiber and protein are good at controlling blood sugar because of they way the are absorbed. This helps keep your blood sugar regulated, even after eating them.

Improves Your Eyespexels-photo

Peas contain lutein and vitamin A, both which protect your eyes. Vitamin A protects the surface of your eyes and lutein has antioxidant properties that defends against cataracts.

Boosts Your Energy

If you want more energy, you need more Iron, and peas are full of it. If you have low Iron you will feel extra tired and unable to focus. Eating peas will clear brain fog and give you a natural boost.

There are so many things you can do with peas, from a simple side dish to an addition in so many meals. Yum, peas!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books=)

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

Dairy Free fruits Gluten Free Recipes The Life I Live Vegan

Berry Pear Bread

Being gluten-free, I am always working with different flours. Lately, it’s rice flour that I’ve been experimenting with, and I really like it. I’ve used it for two breads, this and a Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread, and both are really delicious.

And this recipe is so easy! Just mix the ingredients together and bake. Rice flour, mashed pears, and berries make a berry sweet bread.

Berry Pear Breadpear berry bread (1)

  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 ripe pears, smashed
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup strawberries, diced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 1/2 cups rice flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • pinch of salt

 

In a large bowl, smash the pears. (The riper they are, the better for smashing.) Then add in the eggs and mix. Stir in the remaining ingredients and add to a greased (almond oil) bread pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes or until you can stick a skewer in and it comes out clean.

Try this recipe and let me know what you think of it!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books=)

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

Gluten Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live

How To: Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs can be hard to perfect, and I know, because it was hard for me to perfect them. It took many times, under and over-cooked eggs, but I finally got it.

And now you want to know, too? Of course you do! So, here it is:

Perfect Hard Boiled Eggspexels-photo-357626

  • 5 eggs
  • water

Use a medium-sized pan and add the eggs and water to fill the pan. Heat to boiling, cover, and remove from the heat. Let sit for 20 minutes.

When the 20 minutes is up, drain the hot water and add cold water and ice cubes to the pan. Let cool and they’re done! These eggs come out perfectly hard-boiled and are great for so many things.

I love adding hard-boiled eggs to salads, and they are great to eat if you’re in a hurry. You can use them for deviled eggs and egg salad, too, and recipes come out the best when you make the eggs this way.

Like this recipe? Check out my other books=)

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.