4 Simple Daily Steps to a Healthier YOU

Back to Basics: 4 Simple Daily Steps to a Healthier YOU

Before life gets all pumpkin spiced, I wanted to take a minute to get back to the basics. I remember as a little girl, getting so excited for a new school year. New books, classes, and new opportunities to learn—yes, I have always been a bit of a nerd.

Sometimes however I feel like we live in an information overload period of history. Life can be overwhelming sometimes—faced with a million decisions and countless paths to take.

So today, I am keeping it simple. Living a healthy life requires intention, a willingness to change and experiment, and dedication to always keep the big picture in mind.

I wanted to share a few “back to basics” principles that I practice everyday, and ones that I have seen a HUGE difference in my health, my joy and my energy each day.

4 Simple Daily Steps to a Healthier YOU

4 simple daily steps to a healthier YOU

Intentionally Choose A Positive Mindset

So much happens each day that is out of our control—hurricanes, war, negativity, stress, deadlines, toxins, etc. But choosing our reaction and choosing our mindset to approach those situations is in fact very much IN our control.

Negative thoughts lower your energy and will take that much more energy, aka stress on your adrenal glands, to bring you back up. If your health is already in a weakened state or you are in a state of adrenal fatigue, negativity can REALLY bring you down.

Your goals, attitude, fear of failure or success and the community you choose to keep all influence your mindset. Ultimately it requires YOU intentionally choosing how you are going to react to each situation. Choosing joy in each situation and choosing to find the silver lining, no matter how bad things may seem at the time, is a choice only YOU can make.

I have the words “choose joy” tattooed on my wrist for a reason—to remind myself that when life seems to be crumbling and there seems to be no good way out, it is up to me to choose joy, to keep persevering, to stay positive despite everything in my body telling me the opposite.

It takes intention to stay positive, and trust me it is NOT always easy, but with time and purposeful dedication, each time you are faced with a choice, it becomes that much easier to choose the road of positivity and grace.

Just Eat Fresh Foods

I am often overwhelmed with the dogma, the restriction, the negativity associated with food and nutrition. How do we really know what to eat and what not to eat and more importantly how do we allow something like pursuing a healthy way of life not consume our every action?

Searching for healthy can quickly become a negative if we allow it. But in eating real food, the way God designed the food, and the foods that nourish our cells and bodies, there is freedom.

Now, each person is unique and finding what works for you, your underlying health issues and your lifestyle is the best form of nutrition. But there are a few basic principles that are in fact true!

Eating real, fresh, whole foods is the one principle that never wavers. If you recognize the ingredients—think butter should just be cream and salt or eggs should just be, well eggs—then you are going to be eating healthy foods. Think about it, we are obsessed with reading nutrition labels and ingredients, but the world’s healthiest foods do not come with labels—sweet potatoes, beef, cream, spinach, almonds are all just their own ingredients.

That is what I mean by real, fresh, whole foods—foods as they are properly found in nature, without additives, sugars, toxins or pumped with hormones. Cows are designed to eat grass, so grass-fed beef should be “normal” (sadly it isn’t, but grass-fed beef would be a fresh, whole food).

Look for foods that will only last a few days or even a week. Eat foods without packaging or labels. Eat foods in their original form and you will be on the road to health!

Purposefully Slow Down

Slowing down isn’t about going on vacation or sleeping in on the weekends, it is about allowing rest and grace, not hustle, to permeate every aspect of your life. It is about making rest apart of your everyday practice, not just something you do in yoga class on Saturday mornings.

It is about intentionally choosing how you spend your time, what lights you up and carefully curating your top priorities.

You see, our adrenal glands control our stress response, but this issue is we have constant stressors and stimulation today. Even just being on your phone can sometimes be perceived by the body as a stress. We need to give our bodies room to breathe, to tap into our inner creativity, to detox naturally and to rest.

Just like your iPhone will eventually run out of battery, your body will eventually say enough and collapse unless you plug it into the charger daily. How can you purposefully plan your day and priorities to allow for times of rest?

Trust me, I believe in the hustle and believe in working hard and chasing our dreams, but we can’t do all that unless our bodies are fully functioning. Sometimes that means choosing rest over hustle.

5 Minute Safe, Non-Toxic Minimalistic Makeup Routine for the Better Beauty BabeEliminate Toxins Where You Can

Sadly, we live in a toxic world, which is the good and bad result of this modern era. We can’t freakout and go hid on the top of a mountain, but we can choose to eliminate toxins where we can. Choosing glass storage containers over plastics, safe laundry soap, deodorant and makeup will make a profound difference in our daily functioning.

Why? Because toxins interrupt our endocrine, neurological, reproductive and immune systems all of which are very important to every day functioning. These toxins can wreck havoc on our bodies, stimulating allergies, learning disabilities, thyroid dysfunction, PMS symptoms and adrenal fatigue.

What may seem like a simple step in choosing organic sheets, all natural deodorant, or heavy metal free lip stick, matters to you but also to your future!

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Chop Salad

A blissful summer meal, this healthy Mediterranean chicken chop salad comes together in minutes—simply grill, chop and toss for the perfect combination of flavor with each bite!

Do you ever just have one of those days? Days when you want to crawl in a hole and escape everything that is current reality? Well, I had one of those days a few weeks back and thankfully my sweet husband stepped in and somehow just made it all ok! He let me take a much needed nap, go for a long run in the sunshine with Libby the golden retriever and then kept me out of the kitchen for a few hours, saying dinner would be served at 8. Seriously? How cute is that!

I had no clue what he was making and honestly did not expect this amazing Mediterranean grilled chicken chop salad with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta and so much more. All I knew is that dinner was at 8 and that I was not allowed to do a thing, not even clean up!

And I will admit, I even got to eat in my bathrobe after a hot shower. Yes, dinner cooked completely by the husband, eaten on the patio in your bathrobe might just be my new favorite thing!

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Chop Salad

Since living in Spain we have sort of become olive obsessed, well more obsessed that we were before! Most every meal here in Spain starts with olives and when we are home we have taken up on that habit too. We may or may not even have a whole shelf dedicated just to olives. Yeah we are obsessed!

Olives are rich in healthy fats, Vitamin E (which is fabulous for your skin) and antioxidants, so I am totally down with eating them by the bowlful. Since olives are high in healthy fats and low in carbohydrates, I think they make the perfect afternoon snack or dinner appetizer because just a few leaves you satisfied and can help balance your hunger hormones!

We have been loving this Mediterranean grilled chicken chop salad and I love that it comes together so simply with minimal clean up. I like to make extras and store the toppings and grilled chicken in glass containers to eat for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Mediterranean Chicken Chop Salad

serves 6

Grilled Chicken

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 sun-dried tomatoes, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, minced
  • 1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp Italian herbs

To Assemble

  • Mixture of baby lettuce, arugula and spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup olives
  • 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled (omit for Paleo/dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped

Directions

  • Add the chicken to a large bowl and pour in the marinade ingredients. Use a spatula to mix together, making sure all of the chicken is thoroughly coated.
  • Warm your grill or smoker to about 350 ° F. Grill your chicken for about 30 minutes, rotating about every 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165° F (I recommend using this internal temperature reader so you do not end up with dry chicken).
  • While the chicken cooks, whisk together your vinaigrette ingredients. Chop the lettuce and other salad ingredients and add to a large bowl. Right as the chicken is finished, toss the salad with the vinaigrette. Top with warm grilled chicken slices and serve.
Smoked Lamb Shoulder

Smoked Lamb Shoulder

Tender, juicy lamb shoulder that slowly smokes in the smoker for the best taste!

 

As much as my husband and I love exploring, we equally love quiet weekends at home. Since my husband is gone a lot, on his days off, we often find ourselves sitting on the patio with our golden retriever at our feet, cocktails in hand and with something delicious smoking away in the smoker. The spring weather has been so beautiful here in Spain that we have been eating most dinners outside on the patio.

I have been working so intently on my big nutrition course, which is coming soon to YOU, that my husband has been doing a lot of the cooking recently, and I am so thankful for that! We both love to cook and it has been a relaxing way to unwind and connect together after a long day. Since the weather is warm, we love to put everything on the smoker or grill. I usually will whip up a side salad or something green right as the meat and vegetables are finishing up on the grill. What is your go do warm weather meal?

Since going to Ireland a few months back and getting to snuggle this adorable baby lamb, I sort of felt guilty for cooking lamb. I am truly an animal lover but also eat a lot of animal products, because they are so nutritious. I firmly believe that animals should be ethically raised and treated and have been loving all the grass-fed and pasture raised meats in this area of Spain. I see animals on the side of the road and in pastures just living happy lives, munching on grass and soaking up the sunshine. They live good, happy lives, so I remember that whenever I eat!

If you have ever struggled with the ethical reasons of eating meat, I highly encourage you to seek out local farms in your area and truly get to know your farmer and butcher. There can be so much love and life involved in this process! That is the beauty of eating healthy, really foods and the beauty of the foods God gave us to eat!

Smoked Lamb Shoulder

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

  • 1 lamb shoulder
  • olive oil
  • mineral rich sea salt and pepper
  • fresh rosemary, chopped
  • side salad, for serving
  • butter cooked mushrooms, for serving

Directions

  • Place your lamb shoulder on a large platter and coat the entire shoulder with a very thin layer of olive oil. Sprinkle all sides generously with salt, pepper and fresh rosemary.
  • Prepare your smoker with oak or hickory wood to a desired temperature of about 300° F at the top and 260° F at the grates.
  • Place your lamb shoulder on the grates and smoke until the internal temperature is around 190° F, maintaining your fire and temperature as stated above. This should take about 3 hours.
  • Next, carefully wrap the entire lamb shoulder in foil, making sure no areas are left open. Place back on the smoker and continue cooking for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature is 200-205° F. This is when the shoulder will become super tender!
  • Rest for 15 minutes before opening and shredding apart.
  • Serve with a side salad and butter cooked mushrooms if desired.
bomber jacket

Create Men’s Fashion Characteristics with the Help of Bomber Jackets

Are you wondering what the fuss is when it comes to bomber jackets? Well, this is an excellent piece of attire that looks great and also keeps you warm. It is one piece of outfit that will not run out of fashion, and the best part is that it is easy to get a product that you can wear in all seasons. Bomber jackets can be worn by both men and women and in various colors. However, this post will talk about black Men’s bomber jackets.

 

What is the origin of Bomber Jackets?

 

Bomber jackets gained popularity during the first world war as fighter pilots used them to shield them from the cold of the open cockpit jets. However, bomber jackets quickly became a favorite of the regular folks, and they became a symbol of many popular cultures. Another reason why the bomber jacket became popular was how easy it is to match with various attires to achieve desired looks.

 

bomber jacket

 

Can Be Worn For Any Occasion

 

Imagine having an outfit that you can wear for various occasions. Whether it is a casual Friday in the office, you are going to a party, attending a meeting, or just meeting with your friends, and you want to make a fashion statement, this is the best option for you to use. Note that with this attire, you can be sure that you will look great. The best part is that it can be worn with almost any piece of cloth you have and still look great. Also, since black is a standard shade, you will not have to worry about clashing your outfits.

 

Can be Paired With Various Colors

 

One of the main reasons most people prefer black-colored clothes is that they are pairable with a number of colors to fit several styles—a black bomber jacket paired with a white T-shirt to produce a stylish casual look.

 

Suppose you are a lover of all black, A black bomber jacket paired with a black T-shirt, a pair of jeans, and sneakers for a casual look. However, if you are going for a business casual look, you can pair your black bomber jacket with a striped undershirt.

 

Simple to Wear

 

The other reason getting a black Men’s Bomber Jacket is the better idea is simple to wear. A bomber jacket is not a complex jacket and has various designs that make it difficult for you to know how to pair it. Even if you do not know how to style it or go for a simple look, all you need is to get a great pair of jeans and a t-shirt and sneakers. Then, put the jacket on top and transform a simple look into a fashion statement.

 

All-Weather

 

It does not matter if you are looking for a jacket to drape during the fall or the winter; you cannot go wrong when choosing a bomber jacket. The jacket looks great and is wearable no matter the season. The best part is that these jackets have nylon covering that makes it possible to withstand dirt, wind, and water. So it does not matter the season; you are good to go when you have the jacket on. When you have this jacket, you can go about your outdoor activities with no worries.

 

Stand Out

 

At times, you need an outfit that will stand out from the crowd, and if that is the case, you should consider investing in a bomber jacket. These jackets are an excellent option for people who are living in cold weather. In addition, they look great, and you can be confident when you wear them, then you will stand out from the crowd. The best part about this outfit is that it is warm without being bulky. In addition, it looks luxurious without being too heavy in the pocket.

 

Enjoy Comfort

 

When getting a black men’s bomber jacket, it is important to ensure that you get the one that fits you. When you get the right size, you will enjoy the comfort of wearing the bomber jacket. These jackets are great to wear since they are soft on the skin and make you feel great. If you are searching for a jacket that looks and feels great, this is the product you can get. Enjoy showing off a classic look while you feel great and comfortable. When you are comfortable, you will also feel confident.

 

Conclusion

 

Bomber jackets can be paired with a number of outfits to make bold fashion statements. However, black stands out the most, especially for men’s fashion of all the colors you can find a bomber jacket. A black Mens Bomber Jacket is pairable with almost all brown, gold, beige, and green which are popularly associated with masculinity.

 

It is important to get the black Mens Bomber Jacket made of quality material with all this in mind. If you choose a great product, you are sure that you will get a jacket that will serve you for a long time. Get a quality jacket, and no matter how you style it, you will look great. The best part is that there are a variety of options you can wear. You can choose to get one that is draped, stylized for you to rock on. You can choose a jacket that is preppy, vintage, or sheer and end up looking great.

bathroom style

Stylish bathroom design guide

Choosing a stylish bathroom design requires the right resources which offer a beautiful and functional space. Unfortunately, if you get the design wrongful, you might end up with an impractical shower faucet set, sinks, and other components, which you might need to redo again. A stylish bathroom is minimalistic, oozes your personality, and is spacious. These are stylish bathroom tips you can adopt at home.

 

Go For Geometric Shapes

 

Stylish bathroom designs consist of straight lines, geometric shapes, and natural colors. It would be better to go with modern bathroom cabinet fixtures, sinks, and shower faucets. You may create a focal point with a modern chair at the corner and go for neutral color patterns. You can find simple bathroom taps, mirrors, shower faucets, and other accessories in stores and online shops. Go for freestanding bathtubs, modern accessories, black and white colors, stones and wood, and plant and greenery.

 

Stylish Minimalistic Design

 

A minimalistic design is simplistic, and you would need to get rid of excess accessories you don’t need in a bathroom. Keep the bathroom tidy by storing the accessories and personal care products outside the bathroom. A simplistic bathroom offers an ambient and relaxing space.

 

bathroom design guide

 

Go for modern cabinets

 

Modern designs take angular lines instead of curvilinear forms in sanitary ware elements and cabinets. The ceramics and floor tiles should also be rectangular or square-shaped instead of circular shapes. It is also better to go for symmetrical shapes and sizes in your bathroom.

 

Stylish Bathroom Materials

 

Go for bathroom materials that meet your personality. For instance, if you enjoy a minimalistic design, you can opt for a natural material such as stone and wood. The most preferred materials for a minimalistic bathroom include marble stones and wood coverings. Hardwoods like teak are hardy and long-lasting, and they would go well with a minimalistic bathroom. You may add few green herbs to add color to your minimalistic bathroom.

 

However, you can incorporate colors that meet your personality, and you would go for ceramics and good color themes. A bright to cool color scheme for most bathroom accessories can add personality to your space. You can opt for a color pattern similar to the rest of the house decorations.

 

Stylish Bathroom Sinks

 

Alternatives like pedestals and vessel sinks are features of a stylish bathroom design. You should pay attention to the shape and material, as they should complement the other bathroom features. You can create a high-quality look and stylish design with a wooden or stone sink. Incorporate towel racks over the bathroom sinks and go for neutral colors or color patterns that bring out your personality.

 

Choose Stylish Bathroom Accessories

 

If you are going for a minimalistic, stylish bathroom, you will go for colors, shapes, and materials which bring harmony. You can go for a mirror that runs from the ceiling to the floor or modern wall décor.

 

White and gray towels create a minimalistic and sophisticated look, but colored towels and mirror frames bring out your personality.

 

Open Plan Bathroom

 

You can incorporate the open plan design into your stylish bathroom. The open plan design has a shower faucet set separated by transparent glass. The whole bathroom should have the same floor material, and design and the rest of the shower section should have visual integrity. The open plan creates an illusion of a stylish, more expansive, and spacious bathroom.

 

bathroom design guide

 

Functional Zones

 

Create functional zones within the bathroom depending on your lifestyle. It would be best to consider the plumbing, drains, and ventilation when creating the functional zones.

 

  • Vanity

 

Vanity is a piece of bathroom storage. You can create it in the form of furniture, countertop, sink, or mirror. You can incorporate the vanity for homes with large families and young children.

 

  • Tub and shower combination

 

Although the shower and tub combination is an old setup, it is still trendy. You can save some space with a shower over the tub as the design is functional. You can also install the spa shower in your bathroom if the bathroom is spacious and allows that much space.

 

  • The toilet

 

The toilet is an inseparable part of a stylish bathroom design. However, it should not be the focal point of the bathroom. The toilet should be strategically placed to improve ease of use while maintaining a glamorous design.

 

Tips for a Great Bathroom Design

 

  • Know the number of users

 

The number of people who will use the bathroom can guide designers as it dictates several factors. For instance, the number of people determines the area sinks, storage, and other bathroom essentials.

 

  • Plan storage

 

Understand the supplies users would need in a bathroom, including linen, towel, soap, and other bathroom accessories. The designer should know the user preferences before developing a specific design.

 

  • Create enough space

 

Even if the bathroom users are fewer, it would be better to create enough room in the bathroom. You will need 30 inches of area, and the shower needs 30 by 30 inches or more. Moreover, the centerline can be at least 20 inches off the wall. It is better to avoid jamming many things into the bathroom, as you can store other accessories in your room/.

 

  • Overlap the space smartly

 

Overlapping reduces challenges such as space crunch, and it would be wise to overlap the clearance. You may double the floor space for the entrance to the tub as it clears the floor space near the toilet.

 

  • Keep the design open

 

Keep the design open while maintaining privacy. You can install a partial wall in the bathroom to separate different areas such as the toilet, shower, and tubs. The partial wall creates privacy without feeling suffocated.

 

  • Make the bathroom inclusive

 

An inclusive bathroom creates room for a family who uses wheelchairs. An inclusive bathroom has at least 5 feet of the open floor, allowing the wheelchair to turn quickly. If you live with an older person, you can install grab bars to increase comfort in the bathroom.

 

Final Thoughts

 

A stylish bathroom meets your needs and can create a personality. If you enjoy minimalistic spaces, you can go for geometric designs and neutral colors. However, you can choose the designs and colors that bring your personality without a minimalistic design. It is better to consider the people who will use the bathroom and make it inclusive for those with disabilities or older adults. Good luck designing a stylish bathroom that meets your needs.