Tag Archives: holidays

  1. 9 Tips for Good Gut Health During the Holidays

    This blog is sponsored by MegaFood®. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

    9 Tips for Good Gut Health During the Holidays

    9 Tips for Good Gut Health During the Holidays

    The holidays are a busy, busy time full of hustle, bustle and go go go. It’s also a time where we are certainly exposed to foods that are a bit more rich and indulgent than our usual fare. Our gut is often at the receiving end of the worst discomfort. For some of us it may be accidental exposure to gluten or maybe a bit more sugar than the rest of the year, or even a couple of cocktails – it happens! This time of year can feel particularly challenging to our vitality due to the added stress, travel and lack of sleep. All of this combined can be a bit rough on our bodies and particularly our digestion.

    For many of us, especially those of us that struggle with autoimmune disease and other health imbalances, it certainly doesn’t take much for the symptoms to arise. Rather than managing the consequences and putting band aids on the list of resulting symptoms, I want to offer you some of my go-to tips for supporting your gut during the holidays to avoid the discomfort and so you can feel your very best and enjoy this magical time of year!!

    9 Tips for Good Gut Health During the Holidays

    A Healthy Gut is a Healthy Body*

    We all know by now that a healthy gut is paramount to a healthy body.* From a properly functioning digestive system to a strong immune system and well functioning brain – our gut is foundational to our vitality*. During the holidays, there are many things you can do to protect your gut and support your health.* 

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  2. Between Meals Podcast. Episode 08: How to Find Your Happy Weight + Unlock Your Body Confidence

     

    LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES

     

     

    (Listen on iTunes)

    “When we focus on a number on the scale, we are never going to find happiness and we are never going to find balance in our life”

    In episode 08 of the Between Meals Podcast, I am joined by my friend and co-host Daniele Della Valle as we talk about how to find your happy weight and unlock your confidence.

    In this episode learn how to show up for yourself and do the hard work, discover how to deconstruct toxic environments and relationships and most of all, learn how to be open to rebuilding, as needed, to live the life you were destined to live!!! 

    As we unpack this topic and dive into exploring what this has meant for both of us personally and in working with clients, I am not going to pretend that this is an easy shift or something that you just flip a switch on and suddenly boom, congrats girl, you are confident, proud and accepting of every bit of your body. This is an ongoing journey and hot damn spoiler alert –– it isn’t linear – there are ups and downs, there are set backs and there are tough lessons. It’s not about the end game or reaching some goal where you never struggle again, but rather it’s about honoring the work and the lessons we learn along the way.

    But like so many things in life, this is also your reminder that this is a practice. It’s a practice that requires work, it requires you to show up and sometimes it requires you to dig deep into the shadowy parts of yourself that you may not be quite ready to face just yet – but like the work you put into your health, this too has incredible rewards!

    Stay tuned to the end of the podcast, where I am sharing a beautiful practice that has been so powerful for me, to support you in your self love and body confidence journey and to remind you that you are perfect, exactly the way that you are, RIGHT NOW!

     

    Between Meals Podcast. Episode 08: How to Find Your Happy Weight + Unlock Your Body Confidence

    In This Episode of Between Meals Podcast, We Talk About:

    • dealing with hurtful negative comments
    • are you really in a relationship with your food?
    • the problem with “cheat days”, treats, indulgences, foods that are “good” and “bad”
    • the danger in our culture’s perpetuation of “you aren’t good enough – you need to change”
    • exercise as a tool to feel good, not to obsessively fix “a problem”
    • unpacking the narrative of “You Aren’t Enough”
    • learning to love your body and find your happy weight
    • where do you get started when you feel there are a million things in front of you
    • trusting in and honoring your individual journey
    • navigating change when not everyone is on board
    • resistance and leaving toxic relationships – cling to those who are supportive and believe in who you are trying to become
    • the importance of community
    • what is your WHY? What are you trying to achieve?
    • what can you do about self sabotage?
    • unpacking the narrative and the external expectations of what “should” be
    • society’s construct ideals of unattainable goals, “nirvana” “bliss” “perfection” and how it benefits from us constantly seeking to want to be “better”
    • loving your body, without shame and apologies
    • What are we trying to achieve?
    • mission over metrics
    • first steps as you start your journey of finding your happy weight
    • managing the expectations of others and setting boundaries
    • SAY YES!

     

    AND MORE!

    As always, we finish the show with a fun game of Would You Rather? and please be sure to stick around for the wrap-up portion where I share a beautiful practice to support you in your body confidence journey. I invite you to incorporate this super powerful, intentional exercise as part of your daily self-care routine. It’s an amazing opportunity to give yourself the space to shut out the noise of the world and to really listen to what your inner voice is saying.

    Remember: you are perfect, exactly the way that you are. RIGHT NOW!

     

    Show Notes + References:

     

    Thank you to our sponsor:

    Thrive Market 

    How to Stock a Healthy Keto Pantry

     

    LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES

    (Listen on iTunes)

     

    You can now subscribe to the Between Meals Podcast on Apple iTunesSoundcloud, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher

    THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:

    Since we are still pretty new on iTunes, please do us a solid and SUBSCRIBE and of course, we would be honored if you took the time to rate and review the show, this will help more people find us and help the show to grow!  If you liked this episode or others, please share on social media and tag us, share with friends and family, etc – this means the world! 

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  3. Between Meals Podcast. Episode 07: Navigating the Holidays with Ease and Grace

     

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    (Listen on iTunes)

    The holidays are upon us once again and wooo buddy, there’s a lot of noise right now. People telling you HOW to create the perfect guilt-free holiday menu and the best workouts to burn off ALL those calories. There are the warnings about not “going off track”, “what to do when you fall of the wagon” or “have ruined everything you have worked so hard for all year long” – ya’ll spoiler alert – this is not how it works!!

    I have been there, the holidays can certainly bring up feelings of fear and it can trigger concerns that you will be sent into an unending spiral after one indulgent meal or that in one day you can undo all of your progress. Then of course, there is the other extreme, the binge eating, the feelings of scarcity, the removal of responsibility and the urges to eat things that you KNOW will make you feel bad – just because it’s “one day”. In both extremes it’s important that you recognize you are giving up your power.

    The most important thing to remember is that YOU are in control. You hold the responsibility to make the choices that are right for you. Whatever those may be. There is no right or wrong answer or some perfect formula for how to do it all correctly. But, if you can slow down, listen to your intuition and remember that YOU hold the power to choose what is worth it for you and what isn’t. From my own personal experiences, with that realization and in knowing that ultimately I get to CHOOSE what I want – comes an incredible amount of relief to just navigate the holidays like any other day.

    Join Cristina Curp of The Castaway Kitchen and I as we have an honest conversation as we share how we personally navigate the holidays, sharing our tips on how to avoid the extremes of total seclusion and the fear of destroying it all or the other end of the spectrum – totally letting the feelings of scarcity win and just full-on binging, forgetting everything you know about paying attention to and honoring your body. Listen to learn how to navigate this busy, often triggering season with ease and grace so that you can stand in your power, remain in the driver’s seat and most importantly have a HAPPY holiday season filled with LOVE!

    This should be a magical time of year, where you deserve to relax, enjoy yourself, to be happy and merry while you celebrate old traditions and create all new memories!!!

    SHOW NOTES & REFERENCES:

    The Castaway Kitchen

    Grab Cristina’s book Made Whole

    Download the Holidays Made Whole FREE eBook

    Follow Cristina on Facebook and Instagram

    Cristina on Growing Up Fat: How I Experience the Health and Wellness Space

    BURN THE WAGON

     

    AND MORE!

    And of course, as always, we finish the interview portion of the show with a fun game of Would You Rather? and stick around for the wrap-up with my producer hubby, Mark!

     

     

    LISTEN NOW ON ITUNES

     

    You can now subscribe to the Between Meals Podcast on Apple iTunesSoundcloud, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher

    THANK YOU FOR LISTENING:

    Since we are still pretty new on iTunes, please do us a solid and SUBSCRIBE and of course, we would be honored if you took the time to rate and review the show, this will help more people find us and help the show to grow!  If you liked this episode or others, please share on social media and tag us, share with friends and family, etc – this means the world! 

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  4. Herb Roasted Turkey Breast {Gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Whole30}

    Got a small gathering planned? This Herb Roasted Turkey Breast is a simple and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without slaving over a HUGE turkey. The skin gets beautiful crisped and golden browned and the herbed butter (or olive oil) brings a beautiful flavor to the whole breast. Gluten-freepaleo, keto, whole30 – friendly.

     

    Gluten-free Thanksgiving for Two

    Roast turkey breast is a really great alternative to roasting a whole turkey. Not only is it less work, it’s less time, too, which leaves the oven open for making some of the must-have sides, ahem – I am looking at you stuffing and roasted Brussels sprouts. A four- to five-pound turkey breast will feed six to eight people, it’s a cinch to carve, and it’s perfect for making those tasty leftover sandwiches or salads or a delicious soup the next day.

    Gluten-free Thanksgiving for Two

    Enjoy this easy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Or really, you can make it any other time of the year; the leftovers are fabulous! I especially love that without fussing with a whole bird, all the cook time and the carving time, you get more time to spend with your loved ones, because that’s what it’s all about, am I right?

    This turkey breast is tender, juicy and it’s delicious served alongside your favorite stuffing, cranberry sauce and some mashed potatoes 0r cauliflower mash and definitely some green beans. Don’t forget a pie for dessert.

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  5. Matcha White Hot Chocolate with Matcha Marshmallows {Paleo w/ Keto Options}

    This Paleo Matcha White Hot Chocolate is a cozy, winter dream come true. Frothy, luscious white hot chocolate meets a classic rejuvenating matcha latte, with all kinds of nutritious, superfood goodness you can feel good about – from antioxidants to healthy fats plus healing, immune-boosting, gut-healing collagen, if you wanna include it. It’s paleo and dairy-free, with options for keto and vegan! The maple-sweetened paleo matcha marshmallows on top, those are totally optional, but listen – don’t be stupid!  

    Matcha White Hot Chocolate with Matcha Marshmallows {Paleo w/ Keto Options}
    Matcha White Hot Chocolate with Matcha Marshmallows {Paleo w/ Keto Options}

    This Matcha White Hot Chocolate is practically a superfood tonic disguised as a treat! First and most importantly, this delightful, healthful treat features Vital Proteins brand new Matcha Collagen. Antioxidant rich matcha tea, can help fight free radicals in the body and promote long-term health. Matcha being the whole leaf, ground, also contains 137 times the amount of free radical-fighting antioxidants as any other green teas. The matcha is combined with high-quality grass-fed collagen which promotes bone, joint, and skin and digestive health. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for supporting, healing and sealing the gut plus maintenance of healthy connective tissues, such as bones, joints, skin, hair, and nails. Read more about the benefits of collagen here.

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  6. Dairy-free Eggnog {Paleo + Keto-friendly}

    This Dairy-free Eggnog is creamy, rich, frothy and can be made with or without alcohol for a delicious holiday treat!

    Dairy-free Eggnog {Paleo and Keto-friendly}

    Dairy-free Eggnog {Paleo and Keto-friendly}

    Holiday traditions of the edible and drinkable persuasion, those are as powerful and important as any others. But the traditional, seasonal foods of today, they pale in comparison to those our grandparents enjoyed. Store bought eggnog is generally loaded with tons of sugar and corn syrup, artificial flavors, pasteurized and denatured dairy, theres gums and other stabilizers and who knows what else. Even the vegan nogs at the store, the amount of sugar in there is just insanity and there’s so much non-food products hidden within. For me, it’s just not worth it, even if just once a year, especially when you can make your own and kill it!

    Dairy-free Eggnog {Paleo and Keto-friendly}

    While I prefer to avoid most dairy and have developed a pretty solid vegan eggnog recipe in the past, I realized recently that I was shorting myself on a pretty rad eggnog experience by skipping out on the eggs. Like, why was I doing that? I mean, after all, it wasn’t called “cashewnog” for the last however many decades. Why had it never dawned on me to meet in the middle with my nog, drop the dairy, keep the eggs, sweeten accordingly.

    This homemade dairy-free eggnog has the same creamy, richness of a traditional eggnog, with a really, nice, light frothiness that I prefer to a super duper, heavy cream-loaded nog. Thanks to the separated yolks and whites (inspired by this recipe), it’s simple to make but the texture is perfect every time. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and frothy. This is a really solid base recipe and from here you can play with spices and flavorings. Try a Bourbon Maple version, or maybe a Pumpkin Spiced rendition, add in some pumpkin puree and pie spice, maybe cinnamon liquor in the mix. Or Gingersnap inspired with a little molasses and ginger or gingersnap liquor.

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  7. The Power of Gratitude + FREE Gratitude Journal Download

    The Power of Gratitude

    Gratitude is an immensely powerful force that we can use in the most simple of ways to expand our happiness and cultivate loving relationships, it can even improve our health, both mental and physical.

    I am so excited to share the Power of Gratitude. The very many powerful health benefits to a regular gratitude practice along with some tips and thoughts on how to cultivate a grateful heart, plus if you scroll to further down, I’m even offering a free download of a Gratitude Journal worksheet you can use daily, as part of your practice.

    I invite you to explore ways to support living gratefully as a way of life, not simply something we celebrate once a year.

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  8. Bone Broth Braised Greens {Paleo, Gluten-free, Whole30, AIP}

    These Bone Broth Braised Greens are a nourishing addition to any holiday table or just a perfect, comforting side dish, for anytime. Bone broth, onion, garlic, lemon and red pepper flakes add flavor to this side dish that can be made with whatever hearty green is in season. Collard greens, Swiss chard, kale or a mix of your favorites.

    Bone Broth Braised Greens

    Bone Broth Braised Greens

    I find that at holiday tables (shoot many dinner tables year ’round, for that matter) the veggies are often an afterthought. The thing people throw together and half-ass, because they “have to”. Veggies deserve more love than that. A little respect and honor, ya know? After all, nutrient-rich veggies should be the backbone of any real food diet, or any diet really. We should be shooting for some green stuff at every single meal. Non-negotiable.

    I know veggies can get boring and if you’re like me, in the cooler months, salads get less and less enticing, so getting those greens in can be hard. Steaming works, but let’s be real, it can be ‘blah!’ and when you serve ‘blah’ veggies, it’s a fight to get them down and the chances are you aren’t going to do it at every meal.

    These slow cooked greens, bring the flavor and nourishing, healing goodness of the bone broth, we get a little heat from the red pepper flakes and the onion, garlic and lemon, round it all out with classic, simplicity.

    It’s a pretty fuss-free recipe and at the end of it, you get a bowl of goodness that your beautiful body sooo deserves! Every time I share that I am whipping up this recipe on social media, I get so many messages that you want the recipe. So I finally wrote it up to share with you. Just in time for the holidays.

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  9. Grain-free Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Tart {Paleo, Gluten-free + Vegan} + Video

    As if I could find a better pairing, two of my favorite foods come together in the perfect marriage, for this rich, silky, decadent treat that’s low carb, low in sugar, grain-free and vegan. The smooth fruity taste of Terra Delyssa’s organic extra virgin olive oil is the perfect compliment to super dark chocolate and in all it’s impressiveness this dessert comes together in no time.

    Grain-free Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Tart {Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan}

    Grain-free Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Tart {Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan}

    Truth be told, I am not much of a baker. Mostly it comes from a lack of caring about most baked goods and sweets. I know you’ve heard this story before, in the nearly 8 years of Tasty Yummies. What I do love, admittedly daily, is a couple of squares of high quality super duper dark chocolate. It’s really just about all I need.

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  10. Sheet Pan Crustless Quiche with Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese {gluten-free + keto, options for paleo and Whole30}

    Crustless Sheet Pan Quiche with Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese

    Crustless Sheet Pan Quiche with Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese

    Sleeping in on the weekend, rolling out of the bed at a leisurely pace and enjoying a feast of a brunch, this is something we all long for.

    Inspired by local and seasonal fare, the new Saturday brunch buffet at catalina kitchen, at Terranea Resort, goes beyond bacon and eggs to bring you the ultimate weekend brunch experience. A culinary adventure that is sure to satisfy every palate, the epic spread celebrates the best of what California has to offer, through fresh, inspired dishes.

    Crustless Sheet Pan Quiche with Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese

    Crustless Sheet Pan Quiche with Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Read the rest of this entry »

  11. Winter Spiced Dark Chocolate Bark with Smoked Sea Salt

    Winter Spiced Dark Chocolate Bark with Smoked Sea Salt

    Winter Spiced Dark Chocolate Bark with Smoked Sea Salt

    For those of you that follow me on social media, you likely see that I spend a fair amount of time at the Terranea Resort here in the LA area. (Full disclosure, I was selected as one of 5 influencers to be a 2016 Terranea Resort Social Media Ambassador, but my love for this place runs deep and far beyond that title.) I truly feel that Terranea is one of Southern California’s best kept secrets, yet it really shouldn’t be. Terranea sits on the coast in Rancho Palos Verdes, about 15 miles from our front door in Long Beach. The 102-acre private peninsula paradise, is like stepping into a whole new world – minutes from the bustle of Los Angeles. Surrounded by the tranquil waves of the Pacific, the coastal setting of Terranea embraces the California lifestyle and it’s Mediterranean heritage. Regardless if you are a guest at the resort the sprawling land is all open to the public, so you are free to walk the ocean-side trails, dine at the many restaurants, plan a spa day or just enjoy the views.

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  12. Turkey Pot Pie Soup with Grain-free Drop Biscuits

    Turkey Pot Pie Soup with Grain-free Drop Biscuits

    Turkey Pot Pie Soup with Grain-free Drop Biscuits

    Cue the Boys II Men song, End of the Road. The big event is here and after all the recipe testing, menu planning and grocery shopping it all comes to fruition in the big feast and soon all we’ll have remaining are full bellies, happy memories and hopefully lots of leftovers.

    This week has been ALL about getting you prepped for the days after. With minimal cooking and making great use of the leftovers, I want you to just keep the holiday comfort food party going and of course, I never ever want you to throw away any food! This Turkey Pot Pie Soup with Grain-free Drop Biscuits is about as good as it gets when we are talking about comfort food and leftovers. This is the ultimate and without any grains or dairy, you can feel good after indulging!

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  13. Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza {with Grain-free Option}

    Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza {w/ Grain-free Crust Option}

    Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza {w/ Grain-free Crust Option}

    Without trying to rush away the holiday, considering it hasn’t even landed yet, I wanted to have a little something special waiting for those of you that will have leftovers later this week. If you ask me, the leftovers are half the fun. Sadly, oftentimes there isn’t exactly enough left over to make a full meal out of or, maybe you are sick of the traditional Thanksgivings spread and you wanna have a little fun. This pizza recipe is the answer. Use this more as a gentle suggestion / inspiration, since you can really make this your own, depending on what specific leftovers you have.

    Of course, you could always make the traditional sandwich, a pot of turkey soup or a turkey pot pie, but I am telling you, after you’ve made a Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza, there’s no turning back.

    Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza {w/ Grain-free Crust Option}

    Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza {w/ Grain-free Crust Option}

    This pizza is an updated makeover on the traditional leftover Thanksgiving sandwich that we all now and love, and it’s easy to make with the family. To lighten things up, I made the turkey and the fresh veggies the highlight here with little dollops of cranberries for some bright, sweetness. For some extra fun, leftover gravy would make a killer sauce or maybe take some leftover stuffing, roll it up into tiny stuffing meatballs and add that on top, finally, you could mix your leftover mashed potatoes with the cheese and spread that out on top of the crust, to change things up a bit. But listen up, whatever you do, please don’t skip on the cranberry sauce! As crazy as it may sound, it’s THE best part of this pizza. The bites with the bright, fresh and sweet flavor of the cranberries were our very favorite.

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  14. Grain-free Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Crumble

    Grain-free Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Crumble

    Grain-free Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Crumble

    If you haven’t noticed, it’s become Thanksgiving central around here. We’re tackling the the traditional dishes, as well as some unique and creative takes on this often very classic meal. Mostly, I want to remind you that comfort food doesn’t have to be synonmous with “bad for you” or “junk”, you can have comforting cozy foods and not pay for it later. But, we also need to remember that the holidays aren’t about perfection and rules, of course food allergies and intolerances and making choices that are appropriate for you and your healing journey is one thing, but go easy on yourself you guys. This is just one day. As I always say, honor your individuality and your personal path to health, love your body and treat it with respect – whatever that looks like for you, is right!!

    Grain-free Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Crumble

    Grain-free Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Crumble

    I am excited to be partnering with Nuts.com for today’s Thanksgiving recipe, bringing you a completely new autumn-inspired, comfort food side dish, that is bound be a favorite for years to come.

    This Grain-free Savory Butternut Squash and Kale Crumble bridges the gap between stuffing and starches, veggies and gratins. Instead of the usual pureed or roasted squash, that will get left behind, rather than steamed greens that no one gets particularly excited about, this comforting, creamy, hearty crisp is a new way to enjoy a crumble and a tasty option to enjoy your squash and greens. With a creamy sauce, smokey, crispy bacons, fresh herbs and a golden topping this is truly what comfort food is all about.

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  15. Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    As we head into the holidays, the focus obviously shifts to any and all dishes for entertaining. Side dishes and treats, mains and snacks. ‘Tis the season of all the eating! The Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts are begging to be the star at your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal! Trust me, this is a veggie that can steal the show!

    I enjoy creating the sweets and treats recipes, because let’s be real, the joy that healthy treats can bring is palpable. I’d like to wrap that feeling up with a pretty bow and give it as a gift. That said, when it comes to the holidays, my heart will forever remain with sides and veggies. I love a good, plant-based side dish. So much room for creativity in the vegetables. The mains are usually pretty traditional, those are generally on lock down. I just truly enjoy the challenge of creating exciting enough veggie dishes that will please the masses and especially those that won’t be the forgotten soldier at a table full of meaty mains and their carb-loaded friends. I literally have made it my mission when I feed people to make the vegetable(s) the first thing to disappear from the plate, rather than the last. This dish 100% is successful at doing exactly that.

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  16. Grain-free Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart {Paleo, Vegan}

    Grain-free Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart

    Grain-free Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Tart

    Clearly, as evidence by my recent posts, we are coming up on the season of sweets and treats. With all the upcoming holidays, I think less is more when it comes to this encore course. I find most desserts to be far too heavy, too sweet and generally just too indulgent for my tastes. As with most everything in life, I truly believe that a little goes a long way.

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  17. Maple Bourbon Sour

    Maple Bourbon Sour

    Maple Bourbon Sour

    If you follow me on social media at all, you may know that I am currently in London. We have 10 days of travel between London, Paris, Leeds and back to London before we head back to LA. A for-real vacation, just the hubby and I.

    So far, it’s been an adventurous trip. Unfortunately the adventures started off on a truly sad note for us. Here’s a strange and very somber story for you, it’s affected me greatly and it’s been weighing so heavy on my mind, even amidst this exciting time of international travel with my guy.

    We had a direct flight from Los Angeles to London, on Thursday evening. It was meant to be approximately an 11 hour flight. A few hours in, somewhere over the middle of the country I drifted off to that strange, blurry-headed, plane-induced half-sleep, when there was a call over the loud speaker for any doctors or nurses. A short time later, another call.

    Suddenly several hours later, with about 3.5 hours left of our 11 hour flight, the bright lights turned on, a jarring way to wake. We received the pre-recorded notice that we were close to our arrival and that we should prepare for landing. ‘Trays and seat backs to the upright positions.’ ‘Bags stowed.’ It didn’t make sense. The map showed we were in the middle of the Atlantic, somewhere near Greenland. In the fog of sleep and slight confusion and with the pull of an extremely abrupt direction change, I opened up the digital map on the glowing screen in front of me. The flight path showed a very abrupt u-turn in the middle of the blue sea. Mark said “we’re turning back around, we’re going back.” Our plane was headed back in the very direction we had just come from and the arrival time now showed as just over an hour.

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  18. Grilled Greek-Style Leg of Lamb

    Grilled Greek-Style Leg of Lamb

    Grilled Greek-Style Leg of Lamb

    This is a recipe that I have wanted to share with you all for many years, but my disdain for photographing meat has kept me from it. I know, I know. I’ve been holding out. Don’t hate me. But I have long struggled with how to make charred, brown meat look appetizing, I dunno if I did it – but who cares? I did the best I could and this is far too delicious to keep from you any longer.

    This is another Greek recipe I grew up eating. My Dad has perfected his Greek Marinated Leg of Lamb. He has done it bone-in and boneless on the grill, in the oven and even over an open fire pit. Every summer when the Greek side of my family has their big family reunion out at the lake, my dad is always in charge of the lamb and it’s a spectacle for everyone. In all honesty, I feel like half of it gets eaten right off the grill.

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  19. Grain-free Crispy Chicken Skewers with Mustard Aioli

    Grain-free Crispy Chicken Skewers with Mustard Aioli

    It’s been a tad quiet here on the website and my social media outlets while I enjoyed the magic of the holidays with my family in NY. I took a little break from the constant posting and checking all the social channels, while allowing myself to be fully submerged in the short time I had with my family. Those trips back home are never long enough, they fly by in the blink of an eye and I find myself packing my bags up to come back to our home in California, in what feels like mere hours after we had just left.

    I know I am repeating myself when I share this thought, but whether traveling and visiting family or in my own home entertaining guests, I very much subscribe to the notion that just like the rest of the year, the holidays should be about balance. Making mindful choices, but also not limiting yourself to such an unhealthy degree that you wander through the season feeling deprived, left out, unhappy or unable to relax and enjoy your loved ones. A few extra starchy carbs or a little extra unrefined sugar, by way of those tasty homemade gluten-free cookies or maybe a little extra dairy than normal in those traditional homemade meals your family makes, I can promise you that it won’t kill you (this is all outside of any existing allergies, of course). If you eat a little off your usual plan, doing so knowing it’s a treat, it won’t derail your hard work from the rest of the year. It’s not only about the balance but also, the energy and the emotions you harbor when eating. Dropping the guilt and the feelings of “doing wrong”, this matters and it certainly affects how your body chooses to respond to the treats, as well.

    Grain-free Crispy Chicken Skewers with Mustard Aioli

    Eating healthy and choosing real food is so incredibly important and generally at the forefront for most of us, but allowing it to take a backseat to family and friends, love, laughter and memories, in my mind, this is certainly as it should be, especially during the holidays. This season I have been on a mission to create dishes that celebrate the holidays with my loved ones, yet still fall within my idea of healthy, real food. Read the rest of this entry »

  20. Immune Boosting Chia Pudding

    Immune Boosting Chia Pudding

    With the stress and hustle of the holidays upon us and for so many of us, this also means traveling, our immune systems are certainly working overtime right now to keep balance within our body and to promote overall wellness and vitality.

    It’s inevitable we are exposed to more this time of year and our immune system often struggles in these compromised settings. With or without travel, this busy time puts an extra stress on our bodies, which in turn can stress our immune systems. Besides the usual basics, like staying hydrated, getting lots of sleep, treating your body well with nutrient-rich fresh, whole foods and some much needed movement, I also think any extra boosts you can include, certainly can’t hurt and should be considered whenever possible. Read the rest of this entry »

  21. How-to Make Essential Oil Holiday Room Sprays

    Tutorial Tuesdays // Tasty Yummies

    How-to Make Essential Oil Holiday Room Sprays

    The various aromas of the holidays and the feelings they evoke are certainly synonymous with this time of year. The rustic evergreen of a fresh cut christmas tree; spicy, warming cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves; bright, citrusy orange or the fresh, minty smell of candy canes – these can all bring the good feelings of seasonal cheer, the reminder or family and love and the promise of a season full of joy and happy memories.

    As someone very triggered and often driven by scent, I am also someone who is very sensitive to scent. I always have been. Would that make me scentsitive? heh. I find the fake, synthetic aromas to cut through the air, not in a good way, and often times they provide an instant headache. They linger and simply mask any existing odors, they can overpower a room and even more alarming, they are often loaded with so many chemicals. The more I clean up my life and the more I cut out, the more I am aware of and sensitive to where all nasty stuff is hiding. That connection of your brain to your body and that innate knowing of what to avoid, certainly becomes more heightened. The more connected and in-tune I become the more I seek for natural, clean alternatives.

    How-to Make Essential Oil Holiday Room Sprays

    These holiday inspired all-natural scents will not only provide a welcoming and cozy, seasonal setting perfect for holiday gatherings, but you’ll also be reaping the many therapeutic benefits of the essential oils, too. Purifying the air, warming your soul and uplifting your spirit, these room sprays are inexpensive to make, you can customize your scents and your blends to make your own personalized aroma and of course, they make an amazing gift.

    This formula and the various blends fill a 4oz bottle, but feel free to double or triple your recipe. As always, I provide you with printable labels to customize your gifts. I left the area where the oils are listed, blank, so you can make your own custom blends.

    Read the rest of this entry »

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