Balance~

How do you find balance in your life?  

To do everything that you want to do, while doing everything that you have to do.

Every day decisions that shape your life, the direction that you are moving in.

When Breast Cancer comes into your life, 

it throws the balance.

It doesn't ask you, it just takes over.

So, you are left to pick up the pieces, and try to find a new balance in your life.

What once was, no longer is...

Cancer...

It changes everything...

There is nothing that it doesn't touch...

It changes your...

Out look on Life,

Relationships,

How you view your body

and 

Forces you to make difficult decisions...

It makes you primal, as you realise that every moment 

in life is precious.

Makes you hungry, to live each moment & not to let it slip through your fingers.

As you grasp to regain the balance,

you gain insight,

perspective,

and 

appreciation, 

for the simple things

that most take for granted 

everyday...

So as you face a new day, how do you find the balance?

XoXo

Savvy Saturday~ Lush

Three years ago, I finally walked into a LUSH cosmetics store while visiting my parents in Arizona.  I had walked by it many times without going in.  I thought it was just another "smell good store".  I finally made a point to go in, and ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE. 

The staff was Amazing & knowledgeable about the products.  Their infectious excitement about the products and the company had me hooked.  They even invited you to try the products in the store and would give you a small sample to take home to try.  

The staff in the Beachwood Store located in Ohio, is truly wonderful & they treat you like family.  I can't tell you how great it is to walk into the store, & to be welcomed with a great smile & talks with the staff like we are family catching up.

I’m all about being Eco-friendly, going green while helping to reducing the amount of waste that we produce.  I absolutely love it when companies embody the goal of making fabulous products that don’t harm mother earth while using natural ingredients.  

Not only is every product handmade and stickered with a picture of a LUSH employee that made my product with an expiration date, but they can tell you what farm in what country they got their fresh products from. They even ditched using palm oil in their soaps because they found out the palm oil industry was damaging precious rainforest, indigenous tribes and a rare species of animals. How can you not support a company that holds morale over profit?

70% of their products are not packaged ( or as they like to say, Naked ).  So they don't end up in land fills.  They also have a great program where you can bring back 5 black pots      ( that your goodies came in ) and get a FREE Fresh Face Mask as your glorious reward.  Win-Win!  Did I mention that I am a fan of their products?!?

   Most of their products are either vegan or vegetarian.  

Lush, is a luxury cosmetic company based in Britain.  They are known for their efforts to reduce packaging.  According to Lush, packaging is responsible for 2% of all greenhouse gases, and 8% of the world’s oil resources are used each year in producing plastics for the packaging industry. They hope that customers will take the initiative to protest about the damage done to the environment by unnecessary wastage, and avoid buying packaged goods.  About 70% of the company’s products are sold “naked”, as they are able to avoid packaging by removing water from many items. As well as soaps, they sell shampoos and bubble bars in solid form, which they estimate saves on the production, transportation and disposal of about 3 million plastic bottles a year.

I know you are wondering... Well, how do I store all of my beloved items?  They sell wonderful tins to keep your shampoo, massage and scrub bars in.  The boxes that they package their sets in can be re-used and are beautiful to display.  The "popcorn" that they use to pack with is also bio-degradable.  I bet by now,  you couldn't  tell that I am a HUGE fan of their company & products?

I could go on and on about all the things I LOVE about this company, their staff and mostly their products.  I invite you to take a look, if you can visit a store & dive into one of the most wonderful stores you could ever want to go into.  It is like bringing home a luxurious spa experience for a fraction of the cost, while protecting the environment.

It is really hard to pick as I love all of their items, but I am going to give you a list of some of my all time favorites... 

I'm even going to give you the website to check them out...

                                            www.lushcosmetics.com 

                                                                     Now, how nice am I?

25:43

1000 Kisses

Lust

Ultimate Shine

Godiva

Big

Marilyn

Jungle

The Sacred Truth

Ayesha

T Tree Toner Tab

Angels on Bare Skin

Breath of Fresh Air

Full of Grace

Gorgeous

Chou Chou... I Love You

Atomic

Sparkle

Sweet Lips

Honey Trap

A Million Kisses

It's Raining Men

Creamed Almond & Coconut

Buffy

Sandstone

Yuzu & Cocoa

You've Been Mangoed

Honey Bee

Dream Cream

Mange Too

Soft Coeur

Wiccy Magic Muscles

Black Stockings

Shimmy Shimmy

I know... I said a few, but I couldn't help myself...

Basically, this list will take you from Head to Toe...

XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Friday~Candice's Skinny Jeans Sliders w/ Caramelized Onions & Mushrooms

Makes 8 mini burgers
Ingredients:

1 tbsp plus 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup (about 3 oz.) cremini mushrooms, stemmed and finely chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely minced

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 pound ground turkey

8 whole wheat slider rolls

2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

Directions

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic and cook, stirring often, until the onions are soft and golden brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the oregano, parsley, and sea salt, turn off the heat and transfer to a medium bowl to cool.

Place the ground turkey in a large bowl, add the cooled mushroom mixture, and gently fold the two together. Divide the ground turkey mixture into 8 equal balls and then gently form each into semi-compact 2 1/2- to 3-inch thick patties. Split the rolls in half and brush the cut side with some of the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Set aside.

Heat a nonstick grill pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the burgers and grill on each side until browned, about 2 minutes per side for medium. Transfer to a plate while you grill the rolls, cut-sides down, until golden and etched with grill marks from the pan, about 1 minute. Place each patty on a bun bottom and top with a slice of tomato. Spread some honey mustard on the other bun half and top of the slider.

One Day~

Everyone has at least one day,

 in their lives where they just want to let everything go...

To scream at the top of their lungs,

 say everything that is on their mind & in their heart...

Trying to be mindful, keeping it all locked away...

Trying to find a way to channel all of the 

emotions, feelings & words...

Praying that with this controlled mindfulness

peace can be found...

With the silent suffering of one, 

how many can be saved?

Some people wish away their lives,

while others pray for just one more day...

XoXo

Here we Go!~

Get off the Couch & Join me!

This is my training schedule for the up coming Color Run...

I am going to keep a journal & take before & after pictures.

Along with this I will be starting the program 
"Insanity" by Beach Body.

I hope to have some Amazing 
Before & After pictures to share with you.

If anyone wants to join me 
as a long distance training partner or motivator,

I would love to have someone to join me.

Or at least keep me accountable.

XoXo 

Breaking the Silence~

No matter how committed you are, or how brave, it is very difficult to recover from breast cancer if you stay in isolation. I think that bottling up feelings & emotions while cutting off yourself from the world, to recover in that isolated silent place is almost impossible.

Many have found that speaking about it for the first time, is both frightening and healing. Breaking the binds of silence is however the first step towards recovery or at least a beginning in the acceptance of what now is.

Be careful, do it gently, in a place that you feel safe.  

Your comfort and peace of mind is the only thing that matters.  It may be difficult to find the right words, and you might even get emotional, but that is ok.

It is not necessary, to tell everyone, but you may want to talk to those closest to you, so they understand how you may suddenly feel angry or sad, or may just need to be alone.

They will be much more able to support you, and to help you through the journey that lays ahead.

                                                                                                                                                                                 Because we are all unique, and will have a variety of differences, there is no set way to do this. Each of us will have our particular way to handle the situation.  Every person that you let into your inner circle will most likely react differently when you tell them. Sometimes due to their past experiences with breast cancer.

You may even find it easier to have them go to the Doctors with you, so you don't have to do all of the talking, and then they can ask all the questions that will be on their minds.

Each time you talk about it your feelings, they may change.  You may go from being sad to angry. Wanting to scream at the top of your lungs to staying silent.  Feeling like you want to grit your teeth and fight to laying down & just letting things go.  

Learn to be kind to yourself.  This is a journey, not a 100 meter dash.  It will take time to sort through all of your emotions as well as your feelings, and possible treatments.  

Remember, you are not alone... All you have to do is reach out and break the silence...

XoXo

Try?~

Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith.

We can't be afraid to try something new.

It is easy to stay in the same "comfort" zone.

It takes more to step outside 

and try,

 than it does to sit back & do nothing.

So, tomorrow marks a new day...

Will you stick to your routine 

or will you brave the unknown?

Little by little 

& 

Step by step

try each day to challenge yourself.

It may be a little bit uncomfortable, 

but to bring about change...

You have to be willing to challenge yourself.

Don't be afraid to Try...

&

Never give up on your dreams...

XoXo

Appreciation~

Sometimes we all take advantage of something or someone and forget to appreciate what we have.

It takes a moment of loss, or almost losing to sometimes gain perspective or the appreciation that is deserving.

Today, this was my situation...

I worked this weekend out in the cold and rain.

I managed to bring home with me a nasty cold & cough.

While making a snack for the boys, I had a coughing fit that came on unexpectedly.

( Did I mention that I had a knife in my hand? )

Well, I managed to take off the tip of my thumb about the size of a dime and a few layers deep.

( Who knew there would be so much blood ? )

All of a sudden the boys no longer wanted their snack?!?

Who would have thought???

I have to Thank my Nurse, Lisa who talked me through it 

& 

My patching job was facilitated by my husband Chad.

I am not a fan of the ER.

So, if I could figure out a way not to go I was all in!

We managed to stop the bleeding & get me all patched up the best we could without going to the ER.

Now, here is where the appreciation comes in.

You never realise how much you use your thumbs till you take a chunk out of it!

Now, everything is a challenge...

Epically typing!

So with every key stroke I am reminded to be Thankful for what I have and not to take things for granted.

I am sure that we all have things in our lives that we need to be more appreciative of, ( not just our thumbs ).

So starting tonight...

Count your Blessings...

Tell People how much they mean to you...

& 

Never Forget to see the worth in Everything...

XoXo

Savvy Saturday~The Soup Pot

Due to working the Wooster Jam, my Saturday post unfortunately got pushed back.  

Sorry for the delay, but I promise it was worth the wait!  

I am going to introduce you to The Soup Pot.  

We ended up going to this lovely restaurant because we had a captain's meeting for the Cleveland 3-Day.  I was wonderfully surprised by the selection of fresh homemade soups.
When we were there they had 8 soups to pick from. 

 They also had a wonderful selection of salads, wraps and baked goods ( most are gluten free ).

  I tried the Mushroom soup with cornbread, the kids had the Cheddar Corn Chowder ( 2 cups each ) and Chad had the Turkey Chili.

  My only regret...
 Is that the restaurant is not closer to where we live. 

 They give you samples of their soup so that you can make sure it fits your taste before you buy it.

  They are getting ready to have a big remodel and will be adding more seating. 

 If you are in the area and near you would be foolish not to visit the The Soup Pot. 

 I have included their web site so you can check it all out.
They would also be a great choice to cater an event if you live local.  

Really good, healthy feel good food. 
If you get by let them know that you heard about them through this blog! 

XoXo

Fantastic Foodie Friday~Supercharged Drinks to Make You Look Young...

I decided with Summer fast approaching sometimes you just don't want a heavy meal.  
You could try any one of these & replace one meal.
  You will receive benefits from the drinks like...
Having Natural Energy and they are packed with Vitamins & Minerals.
  I hope you can find one that you like!

Nutritionist and author Kim Synder created 4 supercharged drinks to make your hair shinier and your skin more radiant! These beverages are easy to digest, making the anti-aging benefits just a few sips away!

Green Smoothie for Radiant Skin
This smoothie supplies you with the energy, vitamins and minerals to give your skin a youthful, sexy glow.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water
1 head organic romaine lettuce, chopped (about 6 cups)
2 stalks organic celery (about 1 1/2 cups)
7 cups of chopped spinach
1 organic apple or pear, cored and chopped
1 organic banana
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice

Directions
Add the water and chopped head of romaine to the blender. Starting the blender at low speed, mix until smooth. Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the celery and pear. Add the banana and lemon juice last.

Chia Seed Shake for Lustrous Hair

Your hair is largely protein, and chia provides a complete protein – containing all essential amino acids in an easily-digested form. Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, omega-3 oil, fiber and minerals which all work toward strong and shiny hair.

Ingredients

Makes 1 (24-oz) serving

2 cups unsweetened almond milk

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Powdered or liquid stevia to sweeten

Directions

Stir chia seeds into almond milk in a glass. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb some of the liquid and begin to create a gel. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, making it sweet to suit your taste.

Detox Tea for Fewer Wrinkles

This tea is incredibly hydrating, which is critical for wrinkle-free skin. It contains ginger and cayenne pepper, both of which promote digestion and circulation – which means faster removal of toxins to promote skin health. It's also full of vitamin C, which also helps to fight wrinkles.

Ingredients1 inch of ginger, peeled and sliced

Filtered or spring water

Juice of half a lemon

Cayenne pepper

Powdered or liquid stevia

Directions

Steep the ginger in a small pot with about 1 1/2 cups of water for a few moments. Pour into a mug. Allow to cool for a few moments, then add the lemon, cayenne pepper, and stevia, making as sweet as desired.

Iced Rooibos Tea for Strong, Youthful Nails

Rooibos contains a range of minerals, such as calcium and zinc, to help nails grow stronger and healthier.

Ingredients

Rooibos

Water/ice

Directions

Brew the rooibos tea as you normally would, then cool down over ice. Serve cold and enjoy!

All recipes above courtesy of Kimberly Snyder. For more on Kimberly Snyder, visit http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/.

Full Body-Revitalizing Smoothie

Feeling sluggish? 
This vanilla smoothie is packed with nutrients that will taste 
and make you feel wonderful– and all for just under 200 calories!

Ingredients

Makes 2 servings

1 cup light vanilla soy milk

3 ounces silken tofu

1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal

1 tbsp natural almond butter

1/3 cup canned yams in light syrup

4-6 ice cubes

Directions

Add all ingredients into blender and blend on high speed, until completely mixed.

Pour smoothie into glass and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

160 calories per serving

9 g protein

Courtesy of Sari Greaves, RD.