Art Party: Grace is 7!

So every year as September 19th is approaching I tell myself we're going to do something simple for my little girl's birthday. Well, when you have a daughter like Grace nothing is simple. She is so creative and certainly knows what she wants. Each year she comes up with a theme (in July!!) of what she would like for her birthday. My only leverage is that if I'm able to pull off the party she wants at home - that's what we'll do.

My mom always threw my birthday party at my house growing up and it was one of the best memories I have as a kid. Although I love the ease of having it somewhere else - no prep work, no additional hired help, no clean up, no goody bags, no staying up late to ice cupcakes at 12 am.  It must be something in me I crave, like an upcoming deadline at work (see, I'm a SAHM so this is my job and these are my type of deadlines). One drawback I will mention when having it at home is having to limit the number of friends due to space and help/assistance issues. You never want to bite off more than you can chew and at home you need to make sure you have a good handle on things so no kid is feeling left out. I tried to limit it to 10 kids total, but by the time we including the birthday girl and her siblings we were up to 14...yes, fourteen, Yikes!

Anyway, this year Grace wanted to do something with Art. She loves Art & Horses at this point - her two loves as she would say. So with the help of Google, Pinterest, & the craft store we came up with Grace's Birthday Theme! The kids will paint their own canvas, decorate their own cupcakes, and of course have alot of fun. Genius!

I set up the party in two 1 hour shifts - first shift was Canvas Painting where each girl got a blank canvas and with the help of Crayola Neon Washable Paint was able to make a masterpiece to take home. They seemed to really enjoy creating their own personalized take-a-away. After everyone was done the girls went outside to play (shift change) to play, jump on a moon bounce, and make silly faces in a characterture drawing made with love by myself and my artistic sister, Kelsey (shout out). Must be where Grace gets her crafty side from :)

While the girls were outside tiring themselves out on this gorgeous day I was changing the table into shift #2- Cupcake Decorating. When discussing this idea with mommy friends that I was going to do this I was given a fun idea to use painters palette to serve the cupcakes on. Each girl sat down to their very own cupcake decorating station with endless options of candy, sprinkles, icing, and of course laughter to see who could build the biggest cupcake. It was adorable! One girl even tried to shove the entire thing in her mouth (although not recommended, it was pretty funny). And all mommy cared about was that Grace was having a good time with her friends. And she was!

Alongside a goody bag of silly string and a Crayola Paint Palette, each girl was sent home with their very own canvas - painted by them. Party was a success and Grace felt like a very lucky girl.

Happy birthday sweet girl! You'll always be my first baby and its a blessing to see you grow. I am super proud of you and who you have become. Love you to pieces! xoxo

True Confessions: How my Blog began?

People ask me all the time how this blog started...and honestly, it was simple. I had a passion for nutrition, life, and my family and I wanted to share it with others. I've tried very hard over the past 10 years to create a happy and healthy life for me and my family. You can always read my very first post which describes a little of how it all begin or read about our family motto. I didn't know where to start, but through trial & error, reading and asking many questions I have found this blog to be a place of comfort. Somewhere I can share a little part of me, with you.

I'm passionate an dedicated to all things health and want others to know eating well does not have to mean you have become vegan or cut out everything you love. We all have our own triggers (gluten, lactose, caffeine intolerance) which we need to recognize. Have you ever heard "listen to your body?"...it might actually be telling you something you NEED to know. Don't ignore it.

Health is an overall awareness of yourself, what you're eating and what you're feeding others. Now, with kids, it can be a little tricky, but we've found ways to incorporate the best nutrition with "normal" kid foods and flavors they love. Our family isn't perfect, we love our burgers and ice cream just like everyone else. We just might eat turkey burgers with sweet potato fries or that ice cream I mentioned only on special outings or occasions. That is where my blog began - as a place for people who were interested in how I nourish my family to come and not make me feel like I was preaching to you. I've said before, I'm not a doctor, but I know enough to know what I should/shouldn't be putting into my body. And I'm learning more and more everyday -I love it!

It makes me happy when my girls want to cook with me in the kitchen or grocery shop and want to choose a new veggie or fruit to try. That is what its all about - trying new things together and figuring out what works for you.

My family is the most important component of my life, they come first. Their health and happiness is why I get up in the morning and be the best mom and wife I can each day. This blog is to enhance the well being of our family, not to take away from it. Any gaps you see in my blog posts are due to me taking some time off to spend more time with the kids (typically over the Summer when they're all home or when we have a new baby and life just shifts). Life is good right now, we're all happy & healthy. I count my blessings everyday.

XOXO

Labor Day Book Give-A-Way!!

Happy Labor Day!!!

Choices: Nutrition Life & Love is doing a give-a-way and I want YOU to win! Log onto our Facebook page for more details....  Good luck!

xoxo

Q & A with Holli Thompson: Discover Your Nutritional Style

Hi There!!

So I recently had the pleasure to interview someone I admire greatly. Her name is Holli Thompson and her guidelines and teachings for a Healthy Lifestyle are ones that anyone can follow or adapt to. They'e simple, easy, and delicious. Below are some of the questions that I had for her that might help all you other mamas out there too! A little food for thought...

Kristen: I can honestly say I could not put this book down - it is so well written and the photographs are insanely beautiful. What can people expect from Discover Your Nutritional Style?

Holli: It’s been called an informative guide, a bedside reference, and also funny. I like the funny part! I believe that this way of eating is a life changer, for many people. There’s a difference between doing something like eating for your Nutritional Style some of the time, and doing it consistently. That’s the big take-a-way. I also advocate for joy, and fun, and some leeway. Stress surrounding our food isn’t healthy either! 

Kristen: I firmly believe that everything and everyone comes into your life for a reason and hopefully teaches us something along the way. What’s the most important lesson you want people to take away from your new book?

Holli: That you need to take care of you. Begin there, and the rest will follow. You’re an individual, and what works for your skinny bff may not be what works best for you. Explore your own path, discover what’s unique about your body, then make it a lifestyle. That’s the key. 

Kristen: On the other hand, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through writing this book?

Holli: Writing DYNS allowed me to dive deeply into what I was seeing and hearing in my own practice. It forced me to hone down to what women were really saying and doing with their health; what worked and what did not. It also allowed me to address modern society’s influence on us, and how so many women are pressured to try what’s trendy, without really knowing their own body chemistry. So a huge piece of this is freedom and empowerment; I hope to empower women to forge ahead with knowledge to create their personal Nutritional Style. 

Kristen: I have three young children (ages 2 through 7). How would you guide moms, like me, to easily implement good nutrition into our children’s daily lives?

Holli: I would begin with seeking out organic foods, at all costs. Pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics used in livestock feed, are all harmful to growing children’s bodies. Emphasize fruits and vegetables, in their whole form. The rule is our house is, fresh produce at every meal. Breakfast might mean fruit in my son’s protein smoothie, or sautéed spinach or fresh salsa with his eggs. Besides that, if your child has chronic infections, or sinus/allergy issues, you might want to look at food intolerances. My book explains how to approach that topic. 

Kristen: You mention in your book how “life is busy, we’re all busy”. What would you tell those who are scared to take that leap of faith - whether it be in life or with their health because they feel there is no time?

Holli: Forming a new habit takes time, but once it’s part of your lifestyle, it becomes routine. Hold onto that. In the same way that I make time to wash my hair, or go to barre class, I make time to pick up organic produce, or learn a few easy meals that will suffice a houseful of boys before I would order pizza. Try to make one change at a time, and be diligent about it. Then move on to your next. 

Kristen: I’ve always believed nutrition is your best medicine. Can you explain why it’s so important that people listen to their own bodies and not just doctor’s orders?

Holli: Depending on what type of doctor you are using, they may or may not know to ask about your food. During years of suffering from inflammatory issues my doctor did not ask me what I was eating. Your food affects everything, and knowing and really getting that is the first step. I’ve seen small changes in food choices create huge improvements in health. 

Kristen: I see big things happening for you - you are smart, kind, funny, but most of all relatable. I can see myself through your words and you make health & nutrition seem so accessible. What are your aspirations for this book?

Holli: I want to sell millions of copies, and reach as many people as possible. I believe the book is relatable, and attainable. My message is simple at its’ core, but requires dedication to change, in small, do-able steps. I want my book to influence and help heal. I want to alter mother’s choices, so that kids will grow up with better habits and greater knowledge. I want to give women executives and entrepreneurs more energy and balance, so that they can live happier lives. 

Recent events have taught me; life is short, live it feeling as good as you possibly can. (see more)

Kristen: Who has been your biggest influence in the world of Health & Nutrition? 

Holli: While I am a fan of many health influencers, I have been influenced most by my own learning. That’s the message here, learn the basics, what to avoid, (those bad boys that I outline in my book) and discover what works for you, personally, in an honest way. Influence yourself, and take care of yourself. 

Nobody else knows you, like you!

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Discover Your Nutritional Style: Book Review!!

Discover Your Nutritional Style: 

Your Seasonal Plan to a Healthy, Happy & Delicious Life

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I'm in awe..

In a few years everyone is going to know Holli Thompson's name. You cannot possibly read her book and not fall instantly in love. She is highly relatable and her concepts are smart and simple. One of the reasons I started this blog was to share the most amazing things I came across and want to share with all of you. This book is one of those things!!

I think of Holli as my kindred spirit - although she'll describe her path to good nutritional style as a story of raw medical issues and undiscovered intolerances, mine was more of a personal choice to discover better nutrition when I got pregnant with my first child. I didn't grow up with the knowledge of why we eat food, and how it all works together (if chosen wisely).. Holli's book makes me smile because its all I've ever wanted to share with others and yet her extensive knowledge on the topic peaks in my core to learn more. I could not put this book down!

Throughout her book she describes eating for the seasons - seasonal produce which would mean organic and in season to fuel your soul (and tummy, of course). In her seasonal descriptions she made me want to ride a bike in the Spring, wander in fields all Summer, make soup in the Fall and cozy up under a blanket in the Winter. Each season provides us with nature and nutritional leads we can take advantage of if we so choose. The bounty of fruits & vegetables available each season should be your eating guide. I never really thought of that before. Yes, of course I always take advantage of whats in season, but we certainly have our staples. Holli is right, if its not in season and it comes from miles away...is it really still that nutritious for us. The answer is no, not really.

Holli also uses the word "choice" often in her book, which I love for obvious reasons. She reminds you all the way through her Nutritional Style coaching that it ultimately is your choice as to what you eat, how you move, and how you approach this. She is here to guide you all the way through if you allow her...but that is a choice you have to make! Her excitement about food is something I can relate to - from planning my daily meals to searching for new recipes on Pinterest. I can't get enough. She takes you on a year-round journey of health. Even through the dreaded holiday season.

Her Holiday Recovery section will have you encouraged and ready to conquer December gatherings like a true champion...no more winter blues and seasonal depression. You'll take her words of advice and use them as motivation at your next holiday party!

My Review: Must have book of the season! Nutritional Bible, easy read, deliciously descriptive. Not a tell all, but more of a how to. Fall in love with Holli. She'll become your food friend and guide without ever having to leave your home. This book will change you life for the better. I can't wait to share it with my friends and family...you will love her just as much as I do!

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No gimmicks, no fads, no diet, just simple eating from the Earth and she'll teach you how Mother Nature is our guide and how to listen to our own bodies. No two digestion systems are alike - we all need to take care of ourselves. For a sweet-tooth like me her Banana Nut Ice Cream recipe is insane and her Famous Creamy Cauliflower Soup is going to be a staple on my dinner table this Fall.

She teaches you about herbs and not only how yummy they can be,but also helpful in fighting diseases and inflammation. And you don't have to be diagnosed with arthritis to have inflammation...most people don't even know they have it until they start taking care of it. I would like to move away from the over the counter anti-inflammatories and aspirins and focus more on proactively taking care of our systems from the inside out.

She gives you recipe ideas, meal plans for your nutritional style, and even all natural beauty regimes you'll want to try!

Letters to My Daughters: Strong is the New Skinny

I'd love to remove the word skinny from a female's vocabulary. Unfortunately, its become an obsession for many and not a healthy way of seeing yourself. I firmly believe in living through example...I love to exercise, eat healthy, grocery shop and cook. But I also love to sip wine, bake, and snuggle in bed on lazy Sunday mornings. I want to be strong (mentally & physically) and healthy, not skinny and hungry. These simple notes are what I want my girls (and boy) to look at when they see me. A mom who cares not only about her kids and family, but herself too. It took me a good 4 years into mommyhood to join a gym b/c I felt guilty. I didn't want to leave my child with someone else, that was my job (or so I thought). I went for many walks and would get up very early the the a.m. to go running with my oldest daughter in tow...but 4 good years for me to accept the fact that is was ok for me to put myself somewhere near the top of the totem poll of importance. Once I did, I felt a sense of empowerment - not being at home all day in yoga pants and spit up on my shoulder. It allowed me to have a purpose to leave the house each day (Lets be honest, staying at home full time sometimes makes you feel like a prisoner in your own home) and feel like I was accomplishing a goal I set out of myself. I craved the strength in my mind & body to make sure I was allowing myself the time to be a better mother, wife and friend.

After having my third baby and realizing my alone time was becoming more precious, I signed up for a 1/2 marathon last Spring - a goal I always wanted to accomplish and knew if I set my mind to it I could do it (I signed up for my 2nd this Fall). It took some time away from my kids, but important time they were then able to spend with dad and see their mom working hard towards something that meant so much. They cheered me on and even wanted to wear my medal I received. It was a good time for me to choose to accomplish a goal and now I'm able to take a bit of a break while life leads me. I still run almost everyday, but I know more now its for my mind than my body.

I want my girls to strive to be strong and healthy. Play sports for fun, get outside and explore the neighborhood. Ride bikes, play tag, swim, hide & seek, you name it. All of these things give you strength, confidence, healthy laughter and most important time with your loved ones. That is what matters in the end. I have a quote which I love that says "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away". A good reminder as parents to sit back sometimes and just take it all in. Watch them play and see how they live. Its in those moments that we allow ourselves to be in the present - and happy.

Grace's Summer Mission: BoxTops for Education

As you all already know I am so super proud of all my kids, but especially my daughter Grace right now. When the school year ended we had to come up with a summer plan. Not so much as to fill our days, but more so to see what kinds of activities and goals we wanted to achieve before the end of August. We wrote down a few things...here is Grace's Summer To Do List!

In case you're having trouble making out her list she made in school, here is goes:

1. Go to the pool (ok, doable)
2. Read 1 or 2 books (better be more than that)
3. Maybe get a tan (um, sunscreen please)
4. Go on snap chat and facebook (she has no clue what those are)
5. Have a sleepover (too young)
6. Get a many/pedy (manicure/pedicure...we'll see)
7. and say hi to your teacher (of course!)

She definitely is funny and certainly knows what she wants, but one of the things we came up together (other than get a tan) was simple - Box Tops for Education! Its something that most, if not all schools participate in and its super easy. Collect as many (or as little) Box Tops from participating company's products as you can. Each Box Top equals $.10 for your school. Every little bit counts! Cut them out and give them to your school. Its FREE money for your school for all kinds of fun stuff - check out their website!!

Grace set a goal of collecting 1,000 Box Tops. Although a seemingly out of reach number...we thought, "why not?". Together, we sent out an email to all of our family & friends asking that they keep an eye out for any Box Top products that they might already have in their kitchen and just cut them out and send them to us. Along the way Grace gets to receive mail from her friends & family throughout the summer and keeping her accountable for a goal she set out to achieve.

We are in our last week of summer and she has collected over 300 Box Tops. This is an ongoing fundraiser for her school so we wont stop there, but now we have our family & friends keeping an eye out for products they may have passed over previously. Hunt around your fridge and pantry - you may have FREE money lying around and not even know it! Thank you to all of those who participated and made a mama very proud.

Happy Hunting!