New to the EO game

Have you ever used essential oils? I've seen them floating around in "crunchy mama" land for a while, but have not ever personally tried them. Now that we've hit the terrible four month old sleep regression combined with early teething, I'm thinking about investing in a few staple oils and seeing if they work for our family. I know to be extra careful and do lots of research before administering anything to our baby, and I would love to try some less invasive methods before giving him Tylenol or any other over the counter medications. Especially with winter around the corner (and with it, lots of physical ailments!), it could be a good time to try a few. The great thing is they can also be used in place of cleaning and beauty products. Any tips for a first timer? Interested in learning more? Any other homeopathic recommendations? I'd love to hear...

A list of 101 uses and benefits

How a "regular" person uses essential oils

Tips for using EOs for weight loss

Safe use for babies

Essential oils for newbies, plus other tips

And always remember to be safe.

it's not easy being green

It's tough being pregnant while some of the finest babes of Hollywood, like Carrie Underwood and (allegedly) Jessica Biel, head up the club. Blake Lively looked like a baby-goddess-queen in her last few months leading up to the recent birth of her daughter, meanwhile I am slowly taking the shape of one giant potato. However, there's something bonding about following closely behind the steps of a royal. Especially one who has had a not so magical experience. Poor Kate, bed-ridden with hyperemesis and dehydration. If there's one thing I'll remember about these pregnant days, it will be how many people have told me in response to my battle with severely above-average nausea and vomiting (still on-going deep into my second trimester), "You're like Princess Kate!" I'll take it. Here's to us, Kate Middleton of Cambridge- sisters bonded through our mutual attachment to the porcelain express.

And one of Princess Diana while pregnant with Prince William. Man, the 80's were a rough time to be a pregnant. Thanks, mom, for sticking it out and making it through. 

xo

Image Source: 1. b&w royals // 2. family of 3 //

treat yo'self

If you haven't been able to tell by my lack of blogging last week, things have been busy around here. I think the 9-5 grind is finally catching up with us (more like 8-6 for Andrew...), as we've been hitting the hay earlier and earlier each night. With family in town, a dog to sit, a new morning workout routine, dinner with new friends, and a full on marriage workshop this past weekend, we've had a full 7 previous days. Now summer will be winding down and schedules will be getting back to somewhat consistent (did I spy BOOTS at Target yesterday?! Yay! Fall is upon us.), and hopefully we can begin to build a little more of a stable routine.

In the mean time, I wanted to share a recipe that has become a new go-to for me in the busy mornings. About two months ago, I cut out all meat, dairy, wheat, and sugar from my diet. It's been a slow transformation, and transformation is the key word. I still allow myself some exceptions on some occasions, but for the most part, I want the food I eat to be mainly fruit, vegetables, seeds, beans, lentils, etc. So... that can leave one to wonder "what in the world do I eat that is actually filling and doesn't require hours of preparation and exotic ingredients?" I give you... Chia Pudding. 

Have you ever had Chia seeds? I fell in love about a year and a half ago when Andrew's mother introduced them to me. Here's the trick- you let them sit in water for about 10 minutes, and they form a gel like layer around the seed and soak up the water, leaving you with a pudding like consistency- think tapioca. So, if the texture of rice pudding sends shivers down your spine, then this recipe is not for you. But, if you want a clean digestive system and a fun texture party in your mouth, scoop away.

Jenna's Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Organic Chia Seeds

2/3 Cup Water

2/3 Cup Organic Blueberries

2/3 Cup Organic Strawberries (cut into bite-size pieces)

1 Tbs Coconut flakes (optional)

Directions:

Mix chia seeds and water in a normal size bowl and place in refrigerator. 

Let sit for 10-20 minutes, or until all liquid is gone consistency is thick and gel-like.

Gently mix in blueberries, strawberries (or other desired fruit), and optional coconut flakes. 

That's it! Quick, easy, and simple food that still tastes great and leaves you feeling like you truly love your body and treat it well. I also usually have a banana or a green smoothie for a little extra filling (my morning hunger trumps most). Give it a try, play around with it, and let me know what recipes you create!

xoxo

P.S. Have a sweet tooth and need a little more "oomph"? Check out this Vanilla Chia Pudding recipe. 

(And source of these lovely images.)

at it again

Have you started any new workout routines recently? Andrew and I went on our first run last night on the Atlanta Beltline (where we saw celebrities Dywane Wade, Gabriella Union, and Queen Latifah ride by us on bikes a few days ago, I might add). The beltline is an inspiring place to run. If the frequent celebrity sightings aren't enough to get you going, there's also swarms of people doing all kinds of fun actives to stay active- walking, running, bike riding, skate boarding, even roller blading. And don't forget all of the dogs you see along your trek. It also has beautiful scenery as you run over bridges with views of midtown, and pass by local restaurants and lovely fields of wild flowers. Running has never been my thing, but somehow I let my dad sign me (and my entire family) up for the annual Peachtree Road Race. It's in a week and half... better late than never to start training, right?... Yikes. Any tips from running lovers??

Image found here //

go green

I'm on a smoothie kick this week, as I slowly try to transition back into my pre-Haiti healthy eating habits. My goal is to take it a few steps even further, cutting out cheese (I haven't had milk as a part of my diet in years) and eventually all processed sugar. I'm really trying to tackle my physical and mental health, and so much of your life revolves around what you're putting into your body.

 I've often heard people express their desire to eat healthier and try a green smoothie, but they are too thrown off by the "green-ness", the texture, and overall knowing they are drinking vegetables to really give it a go. So, if that's you, here is a simple recipe for you (courtesy of yours truly). I promise, it's worth a try! And it will leave you feeling nice and clean on the inside :)


In a blender, mix:
1 cup frozen organic pineapple
1 cup frozen organic blueberries
1 cup organic kale
2 TBS organic unsweetened original almond milk
1 TBS water (add more or less depending on the consistency you prefer)
1 tiny slice of ginger root (maybe the size of your pinky nail- ginger is surprisingly strong)

And if you want it to be packed with even more good stuff (definitely recommend these, but can be expensive):
1 TBS chia seeds
1 TBS ground flax seeds

Bam! Organic, Vegan, Gluten-free, Processed sugar-free, and sure to make you feel proud about your healthy choices.

Enjoy!!

xo

P.S. More smoothie recipes here.
P.P.S. Great idea for preserving your greens.


Image found here //

happy birthday daddy!

Happy happy birthday to you, dad! You are special and oh so loved :)

To all- what are your plans for the weekend? We are sleeping over at our new apartment for the first time tonight, so we will be unpacking and probably eating out. Tomorrow we will participate in our first Atlanta festival as locals! Wishing all of our friends in Athens a happy Twilight weekend- sad to miss out! Have a lovely weekend.

Summer's right around the corner- 180 Homemade Popsicle Recipes to keep you cool.

Some of these are spot on.

Do you ever run late? :)

Earth is always interesting...

Great hair.

Eating clean? Here are some quick snack ideas.

Something we all need to remember.

Would you recognize your family member?

Facebook knows everything (!)

Warm weather means more bugs.

We are officially moved in- finally time to decorate ;)

How precious is little pre-teen daddy?

Have a good one!

xo

common, daily "life hacks" I didn't do until after college

There are some things that most people figure out pretty early on, that somehow I just missed the memo on. I've always noticed others doing these things, but never thought that they could actually be more efficient and effective! It's that whole "you do your thing, I do my thing" mentality. Once I attempted to do things the way I had always seen them done, I realized there is actually is a reason to all the madness :) So, in case you haven't yet "crossed over," here are 5 simple (very simple, like 'duh everyone does that, why haven't you done that before' simple) things to spruce up your daily routines. 

weekend round-up

This picture... (insert emoji smiley face with heart eyes). Do you have any weekend plans? Andrew is working all weekend at a temporary thing in Alpharetta, so I've got some "me time" in my future. I'm hoping to finally finish a few projects and start some new ones :) (a.k.a some calligraphy practice for which I am way overdue). I hope you have a lovely weekend, enjoy these links!

DIY ombre wall-art photographs.

Would you be so bold?

I wonder how well this would work...

10 minutes off your phone gives a day of clean water to a child in need. 

Baking 101: What went wrong?

Haha, blame hormones. 

The most gorgeous oatmeal, probably ever. 

Technology is fascinating.

Nature bowls...

This is such a sweet app.

xo

Image found here //

how do you fight off a cold?

I've been battling a pretty severe cold for the past few days now, and I'm failing miserably at attempts to stay hydrated. This morning I tried to start off strong with my usual glass of ice water, adding on a cup of hot jasmine green tea and a small glass of vitamin-c packed OJ. Any remedies that work for you?

This poor little guy passed the cold onto me, and I can't even be mad at him because he is just so stuffy and pitiful. Cuddles all around. At least we're in this together, little dude.

Here's a lit of 7 Home Redmedies for relieving cold symptoms.

xo