Tag: wellness

The Life I Live

Your Best Skin, From The Inside Out

If you want great skin on the outside, you need to take care of it from the inside. My skin is the best it’s ever been and that is no accident.

I posted on my Instagram stories the other day about how great skin comes from the inside out, and it’s so true. I wanted to write a full blog post about it because it’s really easy and so important to take care of your skin beyond topical treatments. Here are my best tips!

Water

I know, that’s all I talk about, blog about, and Insta story about. But seriously, water, water, WATER! We all know that our bodies are comprised mostly of water and that water should be the bulk of what we drink in a day. The thing is, your skin is made up of cells. And your skin cells, along with all the rest of the cells in your body, are made up of water. Water keeps your skin hydrated, less wrinkly, and more dewy. What’s not to love?

Fish Oilcapsule-1079838__340 (1)

When it comes to your skin, hair, and nails, you need all the Omega 3 you can get. Well, not really all, but you need it. Fish oil will help combat acne, wrinkles, and overall skin aging. Fish oil gives you a beautiful glow, hydration, and a calm and even skin tone. (Bonus: It’s also great for your joints.)

Cold Water To Finish

Ok, so whether you’re washing your face or taking a shower, you should finish with cold water. Well, ice cold water. Mid shower or face wash, you should use nice, warm water on your skin with a gentle skin cleanser, soap, or whatever works best for you. The warm water opens your pores and allows for a nice and easy deep clean, on the pore level. But once the soap is gone and the washing is done, you want to close those skin pores to keep impurities and other damaging agents out of you skin. So finish your shower or washing with the coldest water you can stand. It will do wonders for your skin and has other health benefits, too.

Don’t Touch Ityes-2069850__340

Ok, yes, this is about the outside of your skin,  and not what you’re putting into it. But don’t touch your skin! Don’t rub it, scratch it, or even exfoliate it too much. Our bodies are meant to take care of themselves when given the right nutrition and circumstances. But when we are constantly slathering products on it, shaving and waxing it, piercing and exfoliating it, it’s going to take a beating. So try not to touch it too much, beautify it too much, or add too much more than a high-quality, fragrance-free lotion to it.

I know these may seem too easy or not significant enough to make a different but trust me, they work. The more water I drink, the better my skin is. And that goes for finishing with cold water, and taking fish oil, too. What is the best thing you do for your skin, from the inside  out?

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Do These Three Things More To Stay Healthy During The Holidays

Listen, we all indulge around the holidays. What else are they meant for?

Just kidding. Jesus is the reason for the season. And friends and family are the back bone of life. But the food, festivities, and holiday activities are amazing and we want to celebrate them and enjoy them!
There are things you can do to be the healthiest you can be, even with constant parties, food everywhere, sweets at every turn, and decadent and delicious holiday dinners.
Do these three things more to stay on track and keep a healthy base this holiday season.

Waterwater-bottle-2001912__340

It’s been a while since I shouted from the rooftops about drinking enough water. But seriously, drink enough water! I have a 32-ounce water bottle that I fill and strive to drink at least two of a day. It is NOT a failure if I miss a bottle’s worth or drink barely any in a day. But it is a fail if I ‘give up’ at drinking water because I didn’t hit my goals.
Goals are important but remember, staying positive and always striving for your best is better than perfection. (Perfection is not real and you will only let yourself down. Just be as consistent as possible.)

Vegetablesvegetable-skewer-3317060__340

There is nothing healthier on this earth than vegetables. Every diet needs vegetables in it and the more, the better. Plus they are full of water and if you didn’t get it from my first paragraph, we all need more water!

Rest More

It is so important to rest in this life. This means as much sleep as you can get each night (I advise as I am up working late, LOL.) Also, if you need a minute to step away and take a deep breath, take it. Need a walk around the block, do it.
Don’t give up! One mistep is not a fail. An extra indulgent meal (or a few of them plus dessert,) do not make you instantly unhealthy and it’s ok to have grace with yourself. In fact, you must! Just do the best you can to make the most healthy decisions each day, and never stop striving for wellness! Happy Holiday season!
Essential Oils The Life I Live

Kara’s Favorite Oil Blend

“Do you have any oils that you would like in the diffuser right now?”- Kara, our AirBnb hostess asked me.

“Hmm. Whatever’s your favorite!” -Me

Essential oil lover to essential oil lover, I love to know what other peoples favorites are! When we stayed in Charleston, our Airbnb hostess (and host) were awesome! Monday morning Kara and I were sitting together and working and she started up the diffuser and let me pick the scent. But I wanted to know what her favorite blend was, and this was it!

Kara’s Oil Blendleaf-3070153__340

  • 3 drops Lavender oil
  • 3 drops Eucalyptus oil
  • 3 drops Lime oil
  • 3 drops Peppermint oil

Add the oils to an essential oil diffuser with water. It’s bright and fresh and the lime smells great. What are your favorite oils to use in the diffuser?

Go here to see my five favorite oil blends! What oils do you use to feel well?

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.

Explorations The Life I Live

Where Are We Now: Cocoa Beach FL

Yup, we’re back in Florida! This time, it’s only for the short term. And we’re only in Cocoa Beach for the week, very short term. Then Delray Beach FL for a month. But where have we been? East Coast baby!

Last time I wrote, we were in the mountains of North Carolina. I love the mountains and we have never actually stayed in the mountains, so it was truly amazing. We hiked a lot and drove the almost two hours to Asheville for one day. We visited Otter Falls and Lineville Falls, worked a lot, I cooked a lot, and it was really a great time. I want to go back!

Since then, we have been in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, and Bermuda. Here’s what we’ve been up to.

Myrtle Beach was a preplanned family vaca with my in-laws in lieu of Christmas presents last year. We stayed in a condo, on the beach, and had a bright and expansive ocean view. It was beautiful. The temps were hot, so we all pulled out our shorts, sunglasses, and light-er clothes. We took a helicopter ride over the city, went to dinner and a pirate show, and got ice cream in the bustling and touristy downtown. It was a really fun time and I hope we do it again somewhere fun next year.IMG_20181014_103637

After that, we went to Charleston SC instead of Murrels Inlet SC for the next week. Originally, we were going to be in Murrels Inlet for a conference Nick had. The conference got cancelled when they thought the hurricane may or may not make it there. We went south to Charleston, where we were flying out of a week anyhow. In the end, Myrtle Beach, Murrels Inlet, Charleston and anything south of North Carolina were unscathed. And besides, Charleston was meant to be.

We stayed at an AirBnb with hosts that were so similar to us, it was as if we were life-long friends coming for a visit. Nick and I took a walking tour downtown and after, Nick took himself golfing. We also worked a lot (like always LOL) and went to a wing bar to watch the Brewers game. RIP Brewers season, you will be missed! From there (Charleston) we flew to Bermuda and back, another conference for IMG_20181016_170700_136Nick. But our hosts from the AirBnb were so great and gracious that we left our car there for the time we were in Bermuda. Thanks again Kara and Ben, we cannott wait for our paths to cross again!

And Bermuda, oh Bermuda! The weather was great, the views were better, and the people there were the nicest. Nick only had two “work days” out of the four-ish that we were there so we even got to explore a little bit. We walked to the local grocery store which was only about a mile away. The prices there are really high but most of what we did at the hotel was covered and we were able to enjoy our time without really spending a lot of extra dollars. Win-win. Among the fun stuff was the beach, a pink sand beach, the exploration to the store, and oh, did I mention the view? Ocean front view again! And those colors and that water, there’s nothing like it. Truth be told, I’m not really a beach girl, but the once or twice a year I do make it to the beach, I really enjoy it. And Bermuda was definitely no exception. Plus, with a cool right off the ocean breeze and 70s temps, the beach may have been “cold” to others but to me it was perfection!

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Bermuda 

 

And now we’re back in the states and in Florida and Cocoa Beach is on the menu for the week. We have work planned, I’m going to get into the kitchen again, and workouts, too. Once we leave here, we will be back in Delray Beach, the city we lived in for three years in Florida. We look forward to seeing our friends and, well, our friends! Haha. Nick will go into the office for a bit but the weather is going to be death, still in the 90s and high humidity, the costs of everything will still be high, and the traffic (at the start of snow bird season) will be horrendous. All in all we’re excited for our Florida friends, and because it will be short-term stay. Thanks for reading!

Dairy Free Gluten Free Recipes The Life I Live

Gluten-Free Cinnamon French Toast

I can’t cook for just two people, like I literally CAN’T. I love to cook. I like to cook huge meals with lots of leftovers. And when I try to cook for just two, I always have enough for at least four.

But since going on the road, I needed to figure it out. And in a short amount of time, I’ve really gotten better! I’m buying less but prepping more and thinking about ingredient specific meals before even going to the store. #learning

My Gluten-Free Cinnamon French Toast was a great recipe to do for just two people and not make extras. (But truth be told, if we were going to be in this AirBnb longer than 2 more days, I would have batch cooked these, too, and had several breakfasts for the week.)

Gluten-Free Cinnamon French Toast

  • 2 eggs, scrambledcinnamon french toast
  • 3-4 shakes cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla almond milk
  • butter and maple syrup

Scramble the eggs in a shallow dish. Add the cinnamon and Almond milk and stir until incorporated.  Heat a skillet to low-medium heat and add 2 tablespoons butter. When the butter is melted, submerge the bread into the egg mixture and add the bread slices to the pan. Cook on each side until they begin to brown or to preference.

Top with butter and maple syrup and enjoy. Mmm.

I’m typically not a fan of sweet breakfast but when I do have sweeter things in the AM, they are always simple and delicious like this. I hope you love these as much as me!

Tip: If you like crispier french toast, quickly dip the bread into the egg mixture. For a “wetter” and less crunchy piece, submerge and let sit in the egg mixture for 15 seconds.

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

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Crock Pot Stewed Apples and Raisins

If you read my Fall posts last year, you know I am not a pumpkin fan. I don’t want Pumpkin Spice Lattes, I don’t want pumpkin seeds, and I don’t want pumpkin cake. What do I want?

Apples, I want all the apples. Apple cider, dehydrated apples, raw and fresh apples, apple everything! And these stewed apples take next to no time at all, smell up your whole house with real apple flavor, and taste super indulgent all while being super healthy. Here’s the recipe:

Crock Pot Stewed ApplesIMG_20180828_184843

  • 6 medium apples, cored and cut into thick slices (I got about 6 pieces per apple)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

In a crock pot, add the apples and lemon juice and combine. Then on top of that add the raisins. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top and drizzle with honey. That’s it! Turn the crock pot on high and cook for about 1 1/2 hours. It’s done when you can poke a fork through them, but before they are mushy.

Seriously, this recipe couldn’t be easier or quicker, and the taste will fool anyone into thinking you put serious time and effort into this dish. Enjoy the apples of the season and Happy (almost) Fall!

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

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Have You Subscribed Yet? Subscribe To iwantwellness.co For More Great Stuff From Me!

Hi, All! I’m excited to see you new followers to iwantwellness.co. I’m so glad you’re really enjoying my posts, yay! And as always, thanks for supporting me=)

Did you know that you can subscribe to iwantwellness.co, and receive so much more? Subscribers will get weekly wellness emails with all kinds of great tips, wellness Oven-Roasted Diced Potatoes (2)ideas, recipes, and more.

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Explorations The Life I Live

How to Stay Well on a Cruise

I know, it’s hard to be well all the time. You have to think about it everyday. You have to make good choices that make you feel well and comfortable. It does take a little work.

Don’t think I never splurge, I do. But even then, for me, there are restrictions. And the restrictions are not to punish myself and or because I think I should follow the “rules,” but because it’s what makes me feel the most well. This means lots of produce and water, gluten-free everything, and moving as much as I can throughout each day.

I was in a picture, in just a bathing suit, on the last day of our cruise. And I was surprised, and happy, at how “good” I looked but more so, how good I felt! This was the last of four days of lots of eating and lots of drinking.

It’s not always easy to stay well and it does take a little bit of work, but it is so so worth it. Here’s what I did:

Stairs

We took the stairs, everywhere. We were up and down and here and there and always going to a show or checking out an event. And, with the exception of carrying our bags on board, we took the stairs the whole time. (Yes, we even took the stairs on our way out, with our bags, LOL.)

GymIMG_20180208_161254

I’m a gym lover anyway so this was easy for me. But the gym on board was pretty great and the view! It was really enjoyable to go to the gym while on our cruise, so much so that we went 3 our of 4 days and we weren’t the only ones. I was glad to see lots of people getting moving, too.

Activities

There are so many things to do on the cruise and so many of them are active things. We took advantage of them all and really enjoyed doing it. The ship had mini golf, we did a ton of walking (and steps HAHA,) and at the ports there were active things to do, too. Lots of the excursions were active, including ours. We did a Mayan ruins tour. And of course you can always get off at the ports and take a long beach walk or walk around the city to get in your steps.

DiffuserIMG_20180210_113828

My love for oils has no bounds. I brought my oils, diffuser, and roller bottles along with us and it was the best. I knew I wanted to have extra wellness “trapped” on a boat and in a room with no windows. So glad I brought my diffuser.

Water

I’m hard pressed to say there is something better for you in your daily life than making sure you’re drinking enough water. Yes, you should eat well, and yes, you should move lots. But drinking water is so, so important and will make you feel the best throughout the day. Drink your water, everyday and everywhere you are!

Pick Healthy

I had a lot of drinks but I also had a lot of salads. I stayed gluten-free just like I would day-to-day. I drank lots of water and had only one cup of coffee (with hot chocolate, YUM.) I did drink all the drinks but with a well-rounded approach to everything else, I felt good.

Have you been on a cruise yet? They are really fun but really expensive. I liked that there were so many things to do that you get to “travel” to different places, too. And without having to jump in the car or get yourself to the airport. All in all, I would be up for going again sometime.

Need more healthy tips? Check out my wellness book!

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.

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Our First Cruise, and Why I’m so Excited

When you’re living in a touristy, beach town like Delray Beach, FL, you really have to take in everything that’s around you. When Nick and I first moved here, there were so many new and fun things to do and places to visit. We were always on Groupon looking for fun adventures, wine and beer tastings, and things to do for day trips.

It’s over two years later, and we’ve done a lot. Parks were walked in, drinks were had, IMG_20160814_103155and exploring was done. One of my favorite things was Devil’s Millhopper State Park. I loved that it was a hilly hike and the different views (from forest to rainforest) you got to see on your way down into the sink hole.

There are some things we knew we wanted to do before leaving South Florida, that we haven’t yet done, and a cruise was one of them. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise and I am definitely so excited.

Why I’m Most Excited

This is the thing though, and I know it will make you laugh. The number one, most exciting cruise thing I cannot wait for is the complimentary room service! And probably not for what you’d expect. I want to have a fresh fruit plate in my room at all times, HAHA. (But so serious.)

Isn’t that the best? Totally me though. Of course I have already thought of and “planned out” what to have and such for wellness purposes. Because, well you know me. Anyhow, beyond my excitement for a constant fruit plate, there are so many things I look forward to!

The Best Parts

  • countless activitieslittle-palm-island-resort-spa-little-torch-key-florida-keys-florida-103523-2
  • our first stop is Key West, another Florida must see that’s on our list
  • I can only imagine the gym is amazing, sprawling and state of the art- Yay!
  • Our last stop is Cozumel, Mexico and Nick told me he wants to hike the ruins, double- Yay!
  • since it’s our first, I’m glad the cruise is only four days, in case we don’t like it (js)
  • According to what I read, there are comedy shows, stage shows, a rum bar, a tequila bar and a DJ to top it all off

The View

If these aren’t enough reasons to be excited, we are also staying in an ocean view room. How gorgeous will that be?!?

Do you have vacas or trips coming up? My wellness book is chock full of tips for anyones busy lifestyle, especially on the road. Click on the book and check it out!

 

Essential Oils The Life I Live

Lemon Fusion

Nick was feeling sick, so I wanted to help him feel better. Using oils is great for us, our environment and can even be made into blends for cleaning. I just love them especially because they’re easy to use and natural.

Lemon oil is one of my favorites. It has great, healthy properties and can purify the air and disinfect your stuff. Win-win.

I love lemongrass and wanted the amazing powers of lemon oil, too, so I mixed them together. And thus: Lemon Fusion.

Lemon FusionLemons4-1250x650

  • 3 drops Lemongrass
  • 3 drops Lemon

Diffuse for its immune boosting abilities and an amazing, fresh scent.

Oils are one of my favorite ways to stay naturally well. What else do you love to use around the house or with your family for wellness?

Check out my wellness book, for anyone on the go and looking for healthy everyday tips.

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.