Homeschooling: The Week Before the First Day

Covid was the catalyst - but now I am excited to start homeschooling my kids. Could we do this forever?

I have been scouring the internet reading about different types of homeschooling, took quizzes to determine "What Type of Homeschooling is Right for [Me]," bought out the dollar store craft section, read curriculum reviews, read more curriculum reviews, and bought a curriculum. Then I second guessed the curriculum I bought, joined Facebook groups, left Facebook Groups, signed up for Teachers Pay Teachers, and second guessed everything again... third guessed? 

I know I am not the only person in our country going through this battle with the uncertainty of schools opening, school safety, and online learning. I know I am not the only person in my neighborhood for that matter! 

Here is what I know so far:

• I have no idea what to expect.
• I need to be flexible.

My boys are 7 and almost 5 and very different children with very different needs. I have been working hard to create our first week of school without our purchased curriculum (it was on back order, unsurprisingly) and I think it is a good way to ease into a whole new world. I am not totally comfortable with this unstructured beginning - and I never want my boys to fall behind their peers or later feel like I did them a disservice in their education.

We will start with curriculum learning but also follow the path of "unschooling" where we learn on adventures and in our garden, visiting museums, and learning music skills. We will cook more and play more. Our world is becoming our own and I think that I am finally feeling connected to the hippie mom I always wanted to be. 

Between now any Monday you will find me consuming as much Pinterest as possible. Please tell me if you have homeschooling tips that would help a first timer!

My Gratitude Today

Today, March 5th, 2019, I received the best news. My sister is cancer free!

Tears started flowing, and wouldn't stop. The release of the subconscious stress and worry jarred me. I could have sat in bed all day and cried; letting go of the fear, the possibilities of continued pain and illness for her, it was all melting and I found myself looking for someone to thank. Who? God? The Universe? Science?

I went to sit with my garden, as I often do when I am looking for connection or answers from that which I cannot explain. (In all honesty, while trying to "do the work," my oldest son came out, certain that his foot was poisoned. I gave him some dill from the garden to cure it, and we went back inside.) This isn't where I was going to find it.

After putting my youngest son down for nap, I, again, went outside and listened to Tara Brach's talk on Authentic Thanks Giving. While it was featured during the holiday season, the message was Gratitude and Generosity. She led "us" through a moment of saying "I am grateful for ______." I said I was grateful for my sister's health, for the doctors, for the nurses, for the coldcap, for the chemo, for eastern and western medicine, for her strength to get through it, for the support our family was able to show her..." the list went on. While I was sincere in it all, it wasn't until Tara Brach prompted me to say "Thank You," that I completely lost it. I said it over and over and over through tears, and shortened breath. As I write now I am still misty with it all.

That is the answer. There isn't one person to share the gratitude with. It is everyone. It is God, The Universe, Science, the doctors, Chantele's body and for fighting, her community, her family, the person who gave her a massage when she was feeling really run down from the chemo. Her husband's employer for providing great benefits so they wouldn't have to worry how to pay for saving her life.

The list can go on.

I am also thankful for the people who supported me. Who checked in on me on quiet days. Who asked how my sister was during school pick up and just walking down the street. Thank you for not allowing me to feel alone and letting me talk about it.

So, let's continue on the journey of sending her good healing vibes so she can continue to heal and put this chapter behind her. Behind us.

In gratitude,
Emily

Searching for a Spiritual Sunday, Maybe

Growing up, I was baptized Episcopalian, in my teens, I joined a more evangelical Christian church (possibly for the babes), and then eventually developed my current agnostic/Buddhist beliefs. While I like where I am in my beliefs and values, I miss the community of church. I miss the devotion of a few hours to find meaning, a lesson, and motivation for the coming week. Finding a few hours to encourage personal development and service to others.

I try to meditate daily, but even guided meditation isn't doing it. My favorite meditation leader, Tara Brach, gives many amazing talks, which I turn to when looking to do "the work." While I HIGHLY recommend checking out all of her talks and meditations, especially Stress and Every Day Nirvana, I still long for the community.

It is a hard thing to find these digital days, community. I am a stay at home mom and the only adult conversations I have is the 20 minutes during parent pick up and when my husband gets home, if we can talk over the children yelling for our attention. I have Instagram friends, but I hardly know their real first names, only their IG handles, and only what they want to share on social media.

So, how do we create community? Meaningful community? Purposeful community? Where we can commit a few hours to each other, in service, in contemplation, in productivity? How do we find the time with our children's activities, family obligations, and general reclusiveness.

Next Sunday I am going to attend a Unitarian Church  service to see if that is a fit for me in an earnest attempt to find community. Perhaps old habits die hard? I'll keep you updated.... if you are out there.

Finding a New Purpose

2018 ended in a terrible way for me. 

This brought me into a new year in a major funk. I am a gal who always has clear intentions going into a new year. I know what my next steps are going to be, where I want to go, how to get there. 

2019 did not start that way. I felt lost. I was floundering for ideas, purpose, I was down, feeling like I was just existing.

Yesterday I started to write stuff down to help me start a direction. Anything. While I don't have any major goals yet, I have a few plans to keep me positive and moving forward.

2019 Goals

1. Learn Italian. 

After our trip to Europe last spring, it is certain that Italy is my favorite country to visit. We stayed in Airbnbs and tried to do as the locals do, but also enjoying a tour or two. I fell in love with the food, the language, the culture, the architecture, the history, and did I mention the wine? Definitely the wine.

Learning Italian will empower me to visit the country again and feel braver when conversing with Italian locals. That was a big pain point for me on our last visit, while luckily, most people speak English; I am certain I would feel much more comfortable knowing more of the language, rather than just the general greetings. 

I am starting with the Duolingo app, but will be looking into actual lessons or courses soon. Do you have any recommendations? Do you speak multiple languages?

2. Grow more/eat more plants.

Plants ground me. Whether I am growing them in my garden, in a pot indoors, or a cactus on the mountain, plants connect me to something bigger than me. I am a vegetarian, working harder on eating less and less animal products. By eating more plants, I will have more energy, be healthier, and reduce my carbon footprint. This will also continue to create good habits for my boys and their health.

My sister, who just finished her last round of chemotherapy (YAY!), and I will be working together on creating some plant-based meal plans. This is a form of cooking together, but across the country... and may play into my next goal, too.

3. Act creatively.

This is to ensure I am doing something outside of being a mom, wife, friend. While all of those things are of dire importance to me, it's easy to be lost in those roles. This ensures I look inside to find me, my voice, my visions for things. This can be painting more, writing more, blogging more, picking up my real camera again... 

How did the beginning of 2019 find you? I hope you have some clarity in the path you are venturing down this year. I hope it is a year of growth and positivity for all of us. 

Who's Got the Booch?

Anyone else have that song in their head now? If you don't know what I am talking about, I've included this gem of a 90's video at the end. You're welcome.

I was surprised when I did a kombucha post on Instagram and a lot of people hadn't tried it, or didn't know of its benefits. I'm happy to elaborate a bit.

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented green or black tea. During the fermentation process a living Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) forms. This process produces vinegar, acidic compounds as well as a tiny bit of alcohol (around 0.5%) and gases, which makes it fizzy and FUN!

The SCOBY can be used to create other Kombuchas, kind of like "The Mother." These bacteria and yeasts are also known as probiotics, and they are still alive in the "booch!" That is most important component of probiotics, are the bacteria, or cultures, still alive?

Kombucha Benefits:

• The good-for-you bacteria and yeast make their way to your gut and help with digestion, inflammation, weight loss, and more. YAY Probiotics! 
• You receive all the benefits of the tea itself. Green tea is full of antioxidants, as is black tea. Both contain caffeine (some kombucha contains more than others), so you will certainly get some of that. This is why I drink it in the afternoon instead of afternoon coffee.
• The acids and vinegar created also help ward off the bad bacteria and yeast hanging around. See ya later candida! 
• Supports heart health and maintains healthy cholesterol levels. 

My favorite brands are first and foremost GT'S and the one pictured above, Holy Kombucha, which is a little sweeter.

Lastly, make sure what you are buying isn't pasteurized. This will kill off the bacteria and basically becomes an expensive juice drink.

If you have more questions, I suggest checking out GT'S FAQ page or doing more research. Listen to your body and start with half a bottle if necessary. I would love to know what you think of kombucha! Have you tried it? Will you try it? 

Happy Sipping!

Four Herbs and Oils for That Time of The Month

*while this post is not sponsored, it may contain affiliate links, this means at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission. 

Aunt Flow:

We all get it, none of us like it, and we definitely don't want to talk about it, right? Yes, that monthly visitor reminding us that we are indeed women, and human, and our bodies are capable of amazing things. For me, after having two babies, my body was like, "You REALLY wanna see what's up?" My period, which was never good, got even worse.

Cramps, clots, the heaviest flow I have ever endured, and don't get me started on the mood swings and irregularity of it all. It was a new year resolution of mine that I had to get my PMS under control, it was making me and my family completely miserable. Clearly, something was out of whack. Other gals I talked to recommended I get on birth control, or an IUD, but those things just ain't me babe. I knew there had to be something out there to help, some support nature could provide.

Herbs:

Herbs came first for me. Food as medicine is my one true love. Here are the herbs I found that help with my cycle:

Cilantro

Removes heavy metals and toxins from the body, helping to improve hormonal functions.

Parsley

Assists and promotes detoxification, as a diuretic helps relieve water retention, cramps, head ache and PMS symptoms.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Tones and relaxes the uterus, relieves cramps and PMS symptoms, reduces heavy flow.

Nettle

Reduces cramping, heavy flow and possibly duration of one's period.

That is really just touching the surface about how these herbs can support your body regularly. The easiest way to incorporate these herbs is in every day cooking, smoothies, and tea! As seen above, I love the Traditional Medicinal Healthy Cycle tea*. It is sweet and easy to drink. I even enjoy it as an iced tea on a hot day - because it's always hot in the desert it seems. 

Essential Oils:

After the herbs came the essential oils. I don't believe anything in nature acts alone. If we can find what works for our bodies, we can have a Swiss Army Knife of solutions in our back pocket, nay and entire tool kit. That is why I was thrilled to supplement what I had been using for more than six months with doTERRA's essential oils. Here are the go to oils to support a healthy menstrual cycle:

Clary Sage

Calming and soothing, supports healthy skin and hair 

Lavender

Eases feelings of tension, anxiousness, promotes relaxation and sleep.

Rose

Uplifting and stimulates proper hormone levels. 

Ylang-Ylang

Lifts mood, reduces anxiousness, antispasmodic qualities to ease cramping

OR you can save yourself time and easily use this amazing doTERRA blend, ClaryCalm. I will rave about this oil blend until my voice is gone. Simply roll it on your  temples, abdomen, behind your neck, to soothe heightened emotions, cool hot flashes, and promote relaxation.

The last, but maybe the most important tip from me is hydrate and eat well. Hydrating will help to minimize almost all of your symptoms as it allows your body to work in its ideal state.Eating well will help to refuel the vitamins and minerals that are being expelled or used during this month.

Now having used the ClaryCalm and herbs for the last two months, my period was only 5 days early (as opposed to two weeks early) my flow has lightened up significantly, and my mood is improving.  

If you have questions, or want to know how these essential oils can help your or you want to buy some to try for yourself, visit my.doterra.com/thesimplechoice or email me! I would be happy to help you learn more about how oils can support your health!

doTERRA - Essential Oils Boost Well Being

For three years I have been using essential oils in my life, from making soy candles, to diffusing for aromatherapy, to adding them to my homemade body products. This last year my sister has helped me to really take the leap to adding them to my family's life for wellness.

Over Christmas 2017, like the rest of America, we got the flu. We were hit hard, but my youngest son was hit the hardest. This included a trip to the emergency room, steroid breathing treatments and so much stress and anxiety for all of us. After this, we were gifted "Breathe," This blend has helped out every member of our house. My youngest son benefits the most. He hasn't had a breathing treatment in seven months. Those used to be a monthly occurrences, which is unacceptable to me. 

Essential oils are "naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compound ... found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants." states the doTERRA website. Because these are made of the highest quality plants, it was a completely natural fit for me; it supports everything I already believe in. 

Plants are our best source of medicine, wellness, and wealth. 

This blog will continue to follow my simple life, but that will also include essential oils and how I use them in my every day life. I hope you will follow along! If you're interested in more, contact me through the comments below, or check out my doTERRA page! Keep up with the day-to-day on my Instagram Page.   

Sense of Self

Notice the radio silence on the blog these last few weeks? That’s because I made a huge, major, ginormous, life decision. 

I quit my job, 

my 9-5. I am no longer a “square,” as my best friend and entrepreneur extraordinaire once called me. My last day is this Friday and I am nervous as all get out. I am going to be staying home with my two children and working on my Mother-in-Law’s antique business with her. But that isn’t all I will be doing. I will be working on the concept of “me.” 

Truth

 Since becoming a mother, I have lost the identity of being Emily. It isn’t something to be disappointed in, but absolutely not something to be ignored either. Truth be told, I really like me. 

• I like that I am a cheerleader for my friends. 
• I like that I have a creative urge that needs to be nurtured regularly. 
• I like that I hold grudges, but encourage forgiveness to my friends. 
• I like that I feel spiritual when I am nourishing my body properly. 
• I like that my friends are confident in my wine selections and will come to me for recommendations. 

Ultimately, I want to be ME again. I don’t want to be my business title. I don’t want to be “mom,” “wife,” “friend,” or “daughter.” I want to be EMILY again. 

As author Danielle Laporte puts it, “Love yourself like you life depends on it. Because it does.”

I intend to. 

Coffee Consciousness

Let’s be honest, coffee is an accessory. I remember the first time that realization hit me. I had just moved to Scottsdale, AZ and was headed to an affluent outdoor mall with my sister. We had to stop for coffee first to walk around with. We did this every time we went to this mall. Initially it was Starbucks, but it changed as soon as the local coffee shop, Press Coffee, opened across the street. Truthfully, I felt even cooler walking around with a Small Biz logo on my little cardboard cup.

But now, I am taking a fresh look at this portable beverage fad. I am working very diligently to stop participating. My reasoning?

Ayurveda

Sitting and enjoying a meal or beverage not only creates conscious eating, which helps to prevent over consumption, it also strengthens your agni, or digestive fire. By staying in the coffee shop, and using a ceramic mug, you can focus on your coffee, be mindful of the warmth and flavor, enjoy conversation with your friend, and engage in your local community.

Reducing Waste

To-go cups are the ultimate convenience. They have a lid so they don’t spill easily and they come with a nice cardboard sleeve so you don’t burn your hand. Some even come with a nice little stopper so you won’t spill it when you cruise over that speed bump. Yes, yes, so convenient. But, at what cost? Cutting down trees, more unsustainable fuels used for the plastic cap, and the unreal amount of waste we are producing.

At a conference I attended recently, catering offered both cup types. I used the ceramic cup every day, and was happy to see many others do the same. I am also an animated talker and still never spilled a drop. Woot! While I did use a disposable cup for water, it was made of corn and compostable, so that gave me a little relief, but it was still waste.

I also think it makes you look pretty hip hanging out at a coffee shop with a REAL mug. I mean, who does that? Only the regulars, right? Ultimately, I think it would do us all a little bit of good to slow down and enjoy the coffee.

Do you try to reduce waste in your everyday life? How so? Or have you not thought about it? What changes can you make?

30 Minute Meals: Sauteed Kale & Quinoa

As you may know, I am working hard to reduce the amount of animal products and processed foods my family consumes. I just bought a veggie spiralizer on Amazon to make sweet potato and zucchini noodles! It should be on my front stoop today! As part of the meat and carb reduction, I was roasting up all the veggies in my house last week, and I thought to myself, why stop now?! I'll cook everything in my fridge! A little spur of the moment? Maybe. A lot of flavor? Definitely!

Kale and quinoa may be the two trendiest ingredients on Pinterest right now, but for good reason. They are a powerhouse combo! Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods out there full of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, antioxidants, fiber out the wazoo... I mean the WORKS! For a vegetable that was once just a garnish for salad bar, it's a staple it in my family's dinner rotation.

Quinoa is one of my favorite foods EVER! It's so diverse and yummy. I make breakfasts with it, I make burritos with it, soup.... Sweet or savory, you name it, I put quinoa in it - the options are endless! These delicious little pebbles are full of iron, b-vitamins, magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin e and has all the essential amino acids to make a complete protein. Quinoa is naturally gluten free if that's something you're concerned about. Did I mention toddler friendly too? (Although messy, very messy).

Organic Ingredients:

1 small yellow onion
4+ cloves of garlic
4 tbls olive oil (or coconut oil if you want the trendy trifecta!)
6 cups of ribbed curly kale torn into bite sized pieces
1 cup veggie stock
1/2 cup rinsed quinoa
1/4-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or sprinkle on some "nooch" if you're vegan)
A few shakes of red pepper flakes - dependent on your heat preference

Instructions:

I chopped my onion, minced some garlic, and got that cooking in some olive oil. Once that was fragrant, and the onions were translucent (about 5 minutes), I threw in about 6 cups of curly kale with 2 tablespoons of water and covered until the kale had wilted and was tender (12 minutes or so), stirring on the reg.

While that was going, in a separate pot, I cooked up a half cup of the perfect protein, quinoa. To do that, get your stock boiling, dump in your quinoa, cover. Cook on LOW for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.

Once the kale was tenderoni, I tossed in the red pepper flakes, some Parmesan cheese, the cooked quinoa, and tossed it all together!

Perfect.

I took the leftovers for lunch the next day and it warmed up VERY nicely. What do you take for lunch? Do you have any leftover go-tos?

Small Town Teacher Makes a Huge Impact

Elementary school has changed dramatically since my days at Sawtooth Elementary, way back in the 90's. We had one morning recess, an extended lunch recess, and an afternoon recess. It never felt like enough free time, but it is substantially more than most children get currently. More and more I read about schools eliminating recesses all together and solely focusing on the test scores, pressuring teachers to keep their students noses in books all day. But is this really effective? Are we going in the right direction?

To serve as a reflection on the school year that is nearly complete, and to create a plan for a better school year for 2017 - 2018, my childhood friend and a hero of a fourth grade teacher, Miranda Brammer offers some amazing ideas with proven results.

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My name is Miranda Brammer, I am a 4th grade teacher in Gooding, ID. We are very lucky to live in this small community of nearly four thousand people. The school system here is amazing and I have never met harder working people. I am finishing my second year teaching 4th grade and I want to tell you what I have learned.  

The First Year

My first year of teaching, I had no clue what I was doing, and maybe I still don’t, but I know the direction I need head. In my first year, the kiddos in my class got restless; they were lethargic, and not engaged in anything I was doing. My scores were low in state testing, and I knew I had to revamp everything I was doing. 

We have a 4-day school week here; meaning we go to school Monday through Thursday, then have Friday through Sunday off. This is important since we are a huge farming community, and days get pretty long with parents working 12 to 14 hours a day, we had to make time for family time. This also means that our days are looonnngggg. We start school at 7:30am and end at 4:10pm. As 4th graders, my students have a 30-minute lunch recess and 20 minute afternoon recess and the rest of the day they are shuffled around to specialized classes, in desks, doing their work. This is NOT enough exercise and WAY too much thinking to handle as a 9 year old. 

As a teacher, there is not much I can do about giving them more free time. However, I realized this year I could make their assignments not seem like work and customize things in my classroom that will help them create endorphins, increase their metabolism, and boost their energy. 

A New Classroom Is Born

Completely self-funded and principal approved, every kid in my class got a yoga ball chair at his or her desk. Yes, it took a lot to get used to watching 27 bouncing heads as I was trying to explain Idaho History, but well worth the extra energy burn. This reduced the amount of times the kids got out of their seat and bothered other classmates drastically. 

I tried to make everything bright and fun! I did research on the paint colors I was using, and how each color could affect mood and behavior. Turns out the color orange can make you hungry and blues make you happier and increase brain activity.

Importance of Physical Activity & Mindfulness 

We took time outs for 60-second “Brain Breaks” (I.e. Jumping jacks, dance parties, jump rope.) we also tried meditating, yoga, and timed breathing. After yoga, I gave my students time to write and reflect silently about how they felt their day was going in a journal that only I was allowed to read. I found Fluency and Fitness (math or reading with fitness breaks in between) on Teacherspayteachers.com,  to be so much fun! Some days we didn’t get to do anything extra physically or mentally, but at least they had their bouncing yoga balls, all the time. 

Another great mind exercise was the 10-minute “Hard Work” times, where at the beginning of writing or math assignments, my students had to be silent and start or think about what they were going to do for their assignment before anyone could speak or ask questions. This was followed by 5 minute reflections at the end where they got to think silently and then partner share about they liked and disliked about the assignment or activity.

Nutrition & Learning 

At our school, we have an amazing program that all students get FREE breakfast, lunch and snack at the end of the day, as long as we meet healthy requirements, and the food is nutritious for their little bodies. Not only does my school district care about healthy nutrition but also to make sure each child is getting at least two meals a day. If you meet income requirements, we will send food home for your family on the weekends. I have had a student tell me that learning was hard for them because they didn’t get to eat at home. I would say our district is pretty great for not letting this be the reason kids aren’t doing their best in school. 

No Homework Policy

One more little thing I do in my classroom to help boost energy and keep kids moving, is not overloading their minds with homework. A 9 year old has to live by his or her parent’s schedule. They might have parents that work late and aren’t home to help them if needed, or their parents might have errands and chores that the kiddos have to tag along for. I am a firm believer in students doing their work at school and playing and spending time with their families outside of school.

So whether is be taking time out for a 6 minute basketball game, or a 60 second dance party, get your students or kids out of their chairs and up and moving. It has proven successful this year for my class as my class's scores met or exceeded the Idaho state average this year! 

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I have watched Miranda's teaching journey on Instagram and couldn't be more excited for what she is doing in her classroom. As a mother of two young children, I can only hope my boys will have a teacher like Miranda who will challenge the system creatively to make a better learning environment and experience for them. May she light the way to change! 

Drink of the Summer: Sassy Water

The first time I had this refreshing beverage was Summer 2007. My goodness, it's been a decade! My mother had made it during one of my visits home and I was hooked. It may have been the name at the time. This was the beginning of this infused water craze! 

Now I crave it every year at the beginning of the summer. As soon as it heats up outside, and the nights are not nearly as cool, the ingredients start calling to me in the grocery store. The recipe came from the Flat Belly Diet, but I don't really adhere to it. I use what I have, and add fun things when the occasion calls for it! I just so happened to have ginger in my freezer - did you know you could freeze ginger?

Ingredients

• 1 Organic Cucumber, peeled & sliced
• 1 Lemon sliced (I peel mine because I don't like the bitter rind flavor - but that's totally your call)
• 1 Grip of Mint Leaves - try growing your own! Mint is like a weed! 
• 1 Tsp of Freshly Grated Ginger

Add that to a pitcher, add water, and let it soak overnight in the fridge. 

You are supposed to drink the whole pitcher in a day if you are looking for the flat belly. But, I just fill up my Nalgene and go! I continue to drink water throughout the day, not just the 32 oz of Sassy Water.

Now, you are curious about the additions, right? 

• Coconut water - extra potassium and hydration
• La Croix (Citrus flavor) - the fun fizzy bubbles make it a great poolside drink
• Apple Cider Vinegar - More digestive benefits 

This is a seriously refreshing drink. If you drink the whole pitcher in a day, you will absolutely be hydrated, which helps with bloating. Also, I use the concoction of ingredients twice. After I fill up my glass or Nalgene, I refill the pitcher and let it soak again throughout the day.

Do you infuse your water to make it more interesting or just go with old reliable? 

For more information on the actual Flat Belly Diet's Sassy Water, click here. 

Interview with "The Vegans"

I lovingly call these friends of mine "The Vegans," because they are the only friends of mine who have gone vegan and stayed vegan. The first time I attempted at the vegan lifestyle was after I read the book "SkinnyBitch" in 2009. Randi had gone vegan as well around the same time frame and I found a lot of comfort in having a friend who found the same things important as me. It's often a lifestyle change that brings about a lot of "concerns" from folks... ie "Where do you get your protein?" (Another post for another day). It is good to have community for support in the early days when you may not have the tool set to educate the people questioning your motives.

Since then, I have gone back and forth between vegetarianism to meat-eating, but I always found myself going back to vegetarianism. Recently, I have been inching closer and closer to vegan, but haven't quite made it. Randi and Kevin have been been vegan since forever. I think it is so amazing and admirable! Here is a quick Q & A with them. As my plant-based experts, you will likely see more from them down the line!

How long have you been vegan?

Randi: 8 years, almost exactly to the day.

Kevin: 6-ish years….I don’t know the exact date.

What inspired you to go vegan? (Reasons, resources, books, movies, etc.)

Randi: I was introduced to some undercover footage of animal agriculture and processing. It was enough to change me right then.

Kevin: My lovely wife [Randi]. Like anything positive in my life she was the catalyst for change. She came home one night with the book “The Engine 2 Diet” and it all clicked from there.

Have your reasons for being vegan changed? If yes, how so?

Randi: I originally started out vegan for animal rights. The more I dove into the lifestyle, the more I learned about the health and environmental benefits as well.

Kevin: I started out exclusively for health reasons. As the years go on, animal rights and the environmental side have become more important.

You have a son, has he been vegan since birth? How have you dealt with the haters?

Randi: In all technicality, Ira was given cow based formula during his first two days of life. Everything else has been vegan. I really try to avoid anyone who might have differing opinions towards raising children vegan. I usually take everything they say with a grain of salt because everyone has an opinion on the best way to raise your child.

Kevin: That is my absolute favorite thing. Raising our kiddo to be a compassionate person is an amazing feeling. We actually haven’t had to deal with too many “haters.” I’m a big believer in educating those that have differing or misinformed views. You don’t get anywhere by being defensive or attacking.

Have you found community in other vegans?

Randi: YES! We have met some amazing people in the vegan community. They have always been so welcoming.

Kevin: Absolutely. Some of our best friends have been a result of the vegan community (thanks Instagram).

How do you eat when you travel or visit family and friends?

Randi: We usually try to bring as many snacks as possible but also research through Happy Cow or other websites places to eat. We get really excited looking at food.

Kevin: We plan our trips around food so we rarely get stuck without anything to eat. I LOVE making “omni friendly” vegan dishes for friends to help show them that our way isn’t so bad.

How do you plan/prep your meals for the week?

Randi: We don't and it's really something we are trying to work on. Dinner is always decided on last minute so it's always a scramble putting it together. It usually ends up being a super simple recipe from Happy Herbivore.

Kevin: Simplest answer…..Rice, beans, and greens.

What changes have you noticed in your health?

Randi: I have always noticed I have felt “lighter” in my conscience. I also notice my energy levels are higher. Also, the more veggies we add, the better I feel.

Kevin: Quicker recovery time and a clear conscience. When you stick to a predominately whole foods diet you are giving your body the best fuel possible. When the food on your plate aligns with your values you really can’t go wrong.

Kevin, you said "quicker recovery time," what do you mean by that?

Kevin: After working out. Quicker recovery time equals little to no soreness. Ability to get back to it without taking any supplements.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a vegan or plant-based life?

Randi: I always congratulate them on the conscious step. I say, every little bit counts. It can be a huge change and it does get easier.

Kevin: Jump in and get shit done, simply put. Go all in for 28 days (that’s how I started) and you will never go back. Also, stay positive and educate yourself at all times.

Will you share your favorite vegan recipe?

Randi: Cheater Pad Thai from Happy Herbivore.

Kevin: Black Beans and Rice from “The Engine 2 Diet.” We’ve been eating that once a week for the last 6 years and it NEVER gets old.

If you have any questions or need resources on a plant-based life, they Kevin and Randi are an excellent resource, they certainly have been for me! They will be visiting early in June and I cannot wait to share some of our plant-based food adventures!

Have you thought of going vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian? What attracts you to that lifestyle? Or, what prevents you from making the change?

Breathe Easier: 6 Air Purifying House Plants

Summer is encroaching. While this season is for vacations, holidays, and general easy, breezy livin', it is also the time of year when we Arizonans hunker down indoors. We close the windows and the shutters and live off A/C until October. I hate living off A/C for many reasons, but one is the terrible air quality that starts circulating, and then re-circulating through the house. Many indoor air toxins are potential carcinogens, and the closed up house and A/C pushes them from room to room.  

What's a girl to do? House plants. That's it. Well, that's not it, but it's a start! House plants gobble up toxins up for breakfast. While I don't want to be paranoid, I will do the simplest thing I can, and that is let the plants do some of the heavy lifting.

Spider Plant

This little baby loves sunshine and makes more little babies when treated well. My mom gave me my first one when I moved into my first apartment, and it has moved with me ever since! We've seen our ups and downs, but it's thriving again in my bedroom window.

Removes: Formaldehyde (found in car emissions, pressed wood, and other building materials) and benzene (found in plastics, lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, gasoline/emissions, and pesticides).

Golden Pothos

Another plant that swings around our house as well as my childhood homes. This plant is practically unkillable. So if you don't have a green thumb, get this one. It tells you when it's unhappy, and you can easily re-root the trimmings. Given the toxins it removes from the air, I put one in our entry way and near the garage.

Removes: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide (car emissions, stoves, lanterns, fireplaces), and benzene.

Snake Plant

My son and I recently planted this  new addition to our house. I have known of its crazy nightlife for a while, and I am super stoked to have it as an addition to our air purifiers. This plant does its work while we are snoozing, improving oxygen levels.

Removes: Carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, benzene.

Boston Fern

We received a sprig of this plant from my mother-in-law, who received it from her mother, who inherited it from her mother. This is a fourth generation fern. Oh the pressure! I finally have this fern in a place where it can be happy! It needs high moisture and humidity, of which Arizona has neither. This one takes a little more care, but it also takes care of us.

Removes: Formaldehyde

Lady Palm

This is a slow-growing corner charmer of a plant. It needs a little more real estate, but it can be a show stopper once it gets going.

Removes: Ammonia (found in house cleaning products, fertilizers, fabric dyes, and latex).

Peace Lily

This lovely, large plant doesn't require a lot of light and makes the most beautiful flowers. Use caution when choosing this plant, it is poisonous to animals, causing difficulty breathing, swallowing, and vomiting.

Removes: Acetone (found in nail polish remover, paint thinner, varnishes, plastics, and cleaning products) and Benzene.

There are many more plants that do good work in your home, and you can certainly find one that fits your decor. Plants also earn their keep making a house feel like a home, and I often dispose of un-drunk water into their pots as to not waste!

I am hoping to start adding more plants for the summer and have a few Golden Pothos rooting right now. What plants do you keep in your home?

Mother's Day 2017

Moms. Who would we be with out them? I'm lucky to have my mom and my bonus mom (stepmom). Both of them powerhouses and absolutely someone to emulate.

Growing up in two different houses, with two very different styles (styles of parenting, styles of cooking, styles of discipline, and even style of home decor) I was certainly well rounded when I set out on my own at eighteen. It wasn't until I became a mother myself that I actually realized everything my moms instilled in me, no matter how different.

My mom always said, "Remember who you are," when I would walk out the door. She was putting the thought in my head that 1. I am her daughter, and the granddaughter of her parents. 2. I need to have self respect and not allow anyone to disrespect me. 3. I have control over my choices, so I better make good ones.

She taught me about Feng Shui and comfort. She taught me about indulging in things I enjoy and she also gave me space to be me and explore my mind. She would help me to decorate my room in my bohemian ways and let me burn nag champa too. She let me be me. She will always be my safe place. She will always be home to me.

My bonus mom had the tough job of taking on two new teenage kids as her own. Creating a new home for all four kids, plus a dog, and a new husband. To me, she did it seamlessly. We called (and still do) my dad and step mom "The Parents" because she never wanted to be called "mom." She didn't want to take my mom's place. She wanted to augment my parents' roles in my life, be a teacher, inspiration, and source of love and support. She has always treated me as her own.

She has taught me that formalities don't matter as long as you can work your ass off, you can get anywhere. She has taught me the joy of outdoor adventures and challenging oneself with new scary ones! She has taught me the importance of a fine wine, but more importantly, as of late, Prosecco!

I am who I am, because of who they taught me to be. I will be forever grateful to them.

How will you be honoring your mother this Mother's Day? How are you spending your Mother's Day if you are a mom? 

The 3 Keys to IIFYM

If you’ve spent more than 10 seconds on social media chances are pretty good that you’ve encountered the IIFYM/flexible dieting craze.

There are thousands of diets out there to choose from so what makes this one any different or better?

First, let’s break it down…IIFYM stands for If It Fits Your Macros. Now that we know what that stands for, we need to understand what macronutrients or “macros” are. These little goodies are what make up your daily food intake. Simply put they are the things you need in larger (macro) amounts. They are as follows:

1. Carbohydrates – 40 to 60% of daily calories should come from carbs.
2. Protein – 10 to 30% of daily calories should come from protein.
3. Fat – 10 to 30% of daily calories should come from healthy fats.

What makes this way of eating more desirable is the fact that it really doesn’t eliminate any foods from your diet! 

By setting macro ranges, you can consume essentially whatever you want as long as it fits into your ranges at the end of the day. Craving a donut in the morning? No worries, just plug that in and adjust carbohydrate intake the rest of the day.

Fitness and meal tracking apps like Myfitnesspal make it simple to follow this lifestyle. If you are someone that gets easily caught up in what you “can” and “can’t” have during your diet I strongly recommend trying the flexible dieting route. With simple adjustments you can go from rapid fat loss to maintenance or muscle building to “getting shredded.”

For more information on IIFYM or general nutrition, reach out to Kevin Scrima, CPT via his website, Facebook, or Instagram OR comment below! 

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Post by Kevin Scrima, CPT

30 Minute Meals: Green Bean & Sausage Pasta

This recipe is as easy as it goes, so, because we are saving time, let's just get to it.

Green Bean & Sausage Pasta

Ingredients
Box of organic spiral noodles
Half a bag of Trader Joe's Organic frozen green beans
2 Field Roast Sausages
Olive Oil
Pesto (vegan if you are vegan)
*Optional: Parmesan Cheese or Nutritional Yeast

Instructions
Boil noodles per box directions.
Remove plastic casing from sausage, slice and cook in oil on medium high heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.
2 minutes before noodles are done boiling, toss in green beans.
Strain.
Toss all ingredients in a pretty bowl.

Serve on the patio, preferably with a Pinot Grigio.

5 Easy Steps to Crush Your Fitness Goals

Goal Setting: The SMART Way

Let's set the scene:

December 31st [insert year]….one last hoorah.

January 1st [insert year]…..perfect diet? Check. Workout plan? Check. Motivation? At an all-time high. NOTHING is going to stop you this year.

January 14th [insert year]….well, February 1st is right around the corner. As long as it falls on a Monday I’m good to go. I was hoping to lose 50lbs but 20lbs isn’t bad, right?

Sound familiar? As someone that has spent the better part of a decade in the fitness industry I can assure you of two things

1. You aren’t alone
2. It’s not entirely your fault

I’m going to teach you in a five easy steps how to set S.M.A.R.T goals and ensure that you crush them…whenever you’re next 365 days starts.

S – Specific. 

This is the difference maker. Don’t just say “I want to lose 20bs.” Break that shit down like this…”I’m going to lose 20lbs in the next 12 weeks.” Allow yourself to think about how you will feel, what you will be wearing, what time of day it will be, what it will mean to you….think down to the finest details, as far as your mind will allow you.

M- Measurable. 

We can’t truly measure feelings but we can measure inches, pounds, distance, etc. 

Make sure you can physically measure each milestone.

A – Attainable/Agreeable. 

What resources will you need to achieve your goals? Who is on your support team?

R – Realistic/Reasonable. 

This is where things can get dicey. While your goals should be high and even a bit scary, they should also be realistic. In other words, start with the 5k and work your way up to the 100-mile ultra-marathon.

T – Time. 

This wraps it all up. Set a time frame. I always recommend setting a big goal, medium range goal, and several short term goals. Think 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 weeks and tie it together with the bigger 6 month goal. As I always tell my clients, you have to lose 2lbs before you can lose 50lbs.

There you have it, the blueprint to your success. I’d say good luck but with your work ethic and this plan I’ll just say “congratulations on crushing your goals!”

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This post comes from Kevin Scrima, a "father, husband, food enthusiast, personal trainer... order may be interchangeable depending on the day." Importantly, he has been a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) for over a decade and is a major nutrition freak. He is an entrepreneur and runs his own mobile fitness company (Nexus Fitness) where he brings tailored, functional fitness to his clients at their homes, park, or place of business. If you are in Boise, ID and looking for a great trainer and motivation, he's your guy. He's sarcastic and hilarious, and I look forward to his regular contributions to our "Wellness Wednesday" topics. 

Follow him on Instagram @kevin.nexusfitness

Follow him on Facebook @nexusfitnessllc