People ask me why I rarely share recipes on SW. And it's because 1). I never measure anything, 2). I creatively make meals spontaneously each day.

My body really responds well to whole organic foods from the earth. And I  - unlike many others - have an appetite for less ingredients in everything I make....or bake.

I love purchasing large amounts of organic produce (for example) and then pick & choose that evening what to saute. When I bake, I tend to look over someone's recipe and then create my own version.

Today, I want to talk about these raw gooey brownies I make all - the - time. I freeze them and like having them on hand to satisfy my sweet tooth. They are made with all healthy organic ingredients and I - thankfully - miss out on the sugar crash and 'white carbs'....all of that toxicity that so many baked goods come with. And there is no processed sugar of any kind (hence the lack of a 'crash' after eating). You actually gain energy after eating them. So delicious!

I first learned how to make raw brownies after reading Deliciously Ella's recipe here.

Deliciously Ella's Raw Brownies were soooo good that I just started making my own variations over time. And that's the fun in baking!

I'll share various ingredients I toss into the blender: Organic Medjool Dates, Raw Cacao, whatever organic 'nut' I have in my pantry (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.), Coconut Oil & a little bit of Maple Syrup. And those are the base for Ella's recipe and many others. And then I get creative!  I love to then sprinkle in whatever seeds I have: Chia, Hemp, Pumpkin, Flax, etc. Sometimes I add in goji berries or raisins.  I make them differently every single time. This last batch, I added in roasted almond butter. And I blend.

Oh wait....you know what I did once? Prepare to salivate. I made the raw brownies and then melted a portion of a dark chocolate bar over low heat. And then poured it over the brownies - placed in the freezer - and they were so insanely good!!!! The dark chocolate served as the icing. Oh my goodness.

Try these sometime vs. grabbing for that doughnut or packaged/processed 'treat'.

I am jumping off the internet for the rest of the weekend. And ya'll know what I am about to do right now.....yes, grab a raw gooey brownie out of the freezer.

Happy Memorial Day weekend (again....see post below)!

 
It's Friday!!!! This makes me soooo happy. Can you believe it's Memorial Day weekend? This year is just flying by at warp speed! I almost cannot wrap my brain around it.

So here we are on the 'eve' of summer and I thought this was a perfect day to share with you my experience with the recent DIY Beauty event hosted by Sarah Baker & Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market! And you are all in for a treat because I am sharing The Matcha Face Mask 'recipe' that you can make at home as soon as this weekend to get your skin hydrated, supple and glowing!

Let's get to it!

Who is Sarah Baker & what/where is Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market? As if. I'll explain anyway....

Sarah Baker is the wildly popular -Chicago based wellness media personality - Certified Plant Based Nutrition & Holistic Heath/Lifestyle Coach & Founder of The Balanced Babe. The list does not stop there so pa-lease go join the Balanced Babe community! From my own perspective, The Balanced Babe community is a worldwide community of diverse people who are health and wellness minded - people who desire to evolve into and through a holistic lifestyle. And Sarah will walk that path with you. What I appreciate is that she has so many options for us to choose from as far as how we want to be best educated to be our healthiest selves.

Sooo, if you want to attend her events, they are so fun & educational.  If you don't wanna leave your home and rather watch her on various television shows, you'll pick up invaluable health tips. And, let's not leave out the 'jaw dropping' success of the BeHealthful Retreats (psst, my favorite retreat each year).

OK, I need to stop sharing about what Sarah does b/c I am supposed to talk about DIY Beauty! But.....what is crazy is she does WAY more then what I just share above. Isn't that cray? And she has stayed humble and filled with integrity while doing it all.

Are ya'll still with me? I hope so!

Sarah teamed up with Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market.  This quaint (and incredible) organic farmers market is located on Elston in the city. Who knew?!!! I continue to digress but, I had no idea this fab organic & holistic market was even here! And it's an 8 minute trek for those in Wicker Park!

In my own interpretation, Fresh Thyme Farmer's Market is a combination of various outdoor farmers markets in the city  - all in one....but even better!!!! The store design has this grassroots & cozy feel with the most healthy organic produce in the city of Chicago (along with numerous other healthy food & products). And here I was shopping at Whole Foods all this time....missing out on this (and these prices)! You guys, please - head - over! And tell me about your experience!

This blog is not going as planned b/c I haven't even talked about the event yet - haha. Oh come on. Tell me you all stay on topic when you are chattin' with friends - OK then.

Let's get to the DIY Beauty event! Sarah hosted this event at Fresh Thyme.

The scene: A group of ladies snacked on organic fruits & hydrating sips while learning about natural beauty hacks you can do right at home! And not just learning but, making them along side Sarah! Sarah educated us on various benefits of matcha, botanical steams, etc.

What was great was after you learned how to make the face masks, steams & essential oil sprays, you can simply walk over and shop for the products at Fresh Thyme! What was even better is that Sarah breaks it down for you.....meaning, you learn the 'why' behind the benefits of matcha for your skin and the why behind every beauty regimen she shared. It's one thing to eat healthy & choose a holistic healthcare regimen. But it's empowering when your informed as to why it's the best choice for your body.

Do you all know how budget friendly, healthy & FUN it is to make your own skincare at home?!! And what is even better is.... the results!

I am going to share the Matcha Face Mask recipe below (you are so very welcome) and then, I am going to share more about this event after Memorial Day weekend! I am aware this blog is getting long and we all have places to be...am I right?

Matcha Face Mask:
3 tsp of Republic of Tea Matcha Powder
1 tsp Coconut Oil  or 1 tsp aloe vera gel
Squirt of Lemon
Note: For extra dry skin - add one tsp of seasame oil

Result? The softest and most hydrating skin. It's ah-ma-zing. 

Cost? Combining all of the ingredients above, the cost is less than 20.00 AND there is enough product for about 10-12 of these face masks!!! Just take that in folks - a fully organic - healthy - antioxidant infused - facial at home (x 10) for around 20.00.

If you are not running over to Fresh Thyme by the time your done reading this & heading over to The Balanced Babe to learn more......well, then I didn't do my job here today (0; So, I'll be back after the holiday weekend to tell you even more (and I promise to share more DIY recipes and make the blog short...and sweet)!

Cheers to supple skin & the kick off to the summer months ahead! Happy Memorial Day weekend friends!

Happy Saturday! I am starting off this blog by specifying that....that is not my foot. It is a male foot (0; haha - vanity. I was like 'I do not want my readers to think that is MY foot'. But doesn't that organic plant based box looks incredible?!

I had somehow mentally convinced myself that having a monthly veggie/fruit organic delivery to my door was 'way too expensive' but, when calculating food budgets both small and large (my own and many friends), it's actually LESS expensive for all of us to have organic deliveries and more healthy TO invest in this.

In Chicago, the two best organic deliveries (in my opinion) are Angela's Organics and Door to Door Organics. I have not tried either but, I will be trying both to decide which I prefer! Have you ever used either? Let me know!

Also, Farmer's Market season is starting NOW! Yay! Here is a list of 'all' of the Chicago's farmers markets in the city. My personal fav. is the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. Why? It's festive and the location is so beautiful! It really feels like bliss when I am there on a Saturday. Living in this city is a such a blessing.

Enjoy your weekend! It's gorgeous out so, don't waste it indoors! How long have we waited for the sun & warm weather? Longgggg.

The Power of The Other by Dr. Henry Cloud is such a necessary education about the power that others have 'in' our life both in the workplace - in leadership - and at home. And the power we have in theirs. It's a fascinating account about our connections and whether or not we will flourish or flounder in every single relationship in each of our lives. The best part? He gives you a detailed map of what to do about every relationship.

Dr. Cloud breaks this down into four basic relationships that he refers to as Corner 1, 2, 3 & 4. Every single relationship in your life whether that be personal or professional will fall into one of the 4 categories. He simplifies the complexities of relationships just brilliantly. And provides a science supported documentary in writing (that's what it feels like when you read it) of connections.

What I appreciated most about the book was the level of clarity that I had as I learned about each 'Corner Relationship'. I was able to quickly discern which 'corner' each of my relationships fell into and why. And then Dr. Cloud provides the tools to advance those relationships to the healthiest of the four which is a Corner Four Relationship. You need to read the book to find out what each relationship entails. But he provides every single ingredient and tool to make sure that your relational life is thriving and healthy both in your career and your personal life.

Here is an excerpt about the book that I thought summed it up well:Popular wisdom suggests that we should not allow others to have power over us, but the reality is that they do, for better or for worse. Consider the boss who diminishes you through cutting remarks versus one who challenges you to get better. Or the colleague who always seeks the limelight versus the one who gives you the confidence to finish a difficult project. Or the spouse who is honest and supportive versus the one who resents your success. No matter how talented, intelligent, or experienced, the greatest leaders share one commonality: the power of the others in their lives.

Combining engaging case studies, persuasive findings from cutting-edge brain research, and examples from his consulting practice, Dr. Cloud argues that whether you’re a Navy SEAL or a corporate executive, outstanding performance depends on having the right kind of connections to fuel personal growth and minimize toxic associations and their effects. Presenting a dynamic model of the impact these different kinds of connections produce, Dr. Cloud shows readers how to get more from themselves by drawing on the strength and expertise of others. You don’t have a choice whether or not others have power in your life, but you can choose what kinds of relationships you want.

The Power of The Other launches NEXT WEEK! What I thought would be impactful for all of the SW Readers is if those of you who purchase the book, we will break down the chapters here on SW....together. And we can create a community forum to discuss it.

Who should buy this book? Everyone. Truly. While he focuses on leadership in all areas of life, this book is also for the housewife - the student - caregiver - wife - husband  - friend - etc. This book is truly for all of us. And I personally feel that every leader in any organization should be devouring Dr. Cloud's gathered wisdom.

Please head over to his site (links all over this blog), purchase the book and let's meet back here in about a week to discuss!

Chat with you all soon!

Everything's changing and I don't feel the same - Keane

Do any of you remember that song? I don't relate to the overall message of the song per say but, this lyric resonates.... 'Everything's changing and I don't feel the same'.  Anyone else?

When you don't feel the same about anything in your life, there is an adjustment period that is critical to 'wade' through. Let's talk about it.

Some people believe we are always changing - continuously evolving but, I disagree. I think - through many seasons - many people stay relatively the same.  I think many of us think we are changing because our communication leads us to believe we are. We convince ourselves of it.  I know b/c I have done it plenty along the way so no judgement.....simply observation. I used to try to talk myself into change or think I could convince others I have changed...with my words. And internally I was so tied in knots because there were seasons I wasn't changing at all.

But change is change. Change is different communication - behaviors - actions - reactions - etc. And I can chat with you today, looking back at my life and see that - overall - I have changed rather drastically. I do not feel the same. I am not showing up the same way as I used to. I don't think the same way. And I don't live my life the same way.

And then........ the entire process takes place again.

I am standing at that starting line again, preparing to train for my next race ahead. It can feel daunting in the moment but, worth it when you cross over to the other side.

I attribute true transformation to both faith & tremendous practice which lead to new habits - a new outlook - new perspective - new everything.

What people don't chat about but, I want to explore with you just for a moment is what happens when you do change.  It can be a strange transition to swim ahead toward the unknown....... when you venture off from pretty much everything you knew.

 I hope all of you can relate b/c that would signify you are growing as individuals.

You change. Those around you keep relating to you the same way. But you have grown - you've evolved - you have a new way of living life. You cannot relate to many the same way because you don't even think the same way. And those that love you try to tell you who you are. You're growth makes them uncomfortable. They attempt to pull you back because by you changing, it makes them uncomfortable not only in their relationship with you but, in their own life. It's a fact that accompanies change.

You cannot have change without the accompaniment of loss and newness.

Let's use the analogy of food since we all can relate to that:  You & four friends met every week for years to eat processed grub. It was your 'girls or guys night out' and you devour fried foods & wine at the bar week after week...for years. It's what you do with your time together. And you decide that this isn't really serving you anymore. So you replace the alcohol with water w/ lemon & the processed garbage with organic healthy food. This inevitably makes these other four uncomfortable. It's not as fun for any of you b/c you have thrown a curve into the tradition - the habit - the way you all used food & wine to relate to one another. 

Are you following me? In this analogy, they will most likely try to bring you back to that place 'Oh come on Seth, it's one night, just eat the pizza & a few glasses of wine....come on'. And you would rather join others who are committed to a healthy lifestyle. And if you show up to that same get together ordering a salad, they feel uncomfortable.

Now keeping that basic analogy in mind.....

Picture you're entire life changing....not just a social outing with friends. You're entire life. Profound. Drastic. Whiplash.

There is a period where even you want to go backwards because it's comfortable. It's what you know. It's how you relate. It's what you do with your time. It's who you spend your time with.

And we usually do go back....and forth....like a teeter totter (which as you know goes nowhere but up & down) between what we know and 'almost there'. And we can live in the muddy waters of 'almost there & comfort' our entire lives. Don't waste your time doing that anymore. Please. Truly. 

This I know.....

Letting go is certainly not for the faint of heart. But we seem to forget that when we let go, we embrace something NEW. And that NEW 'whatever it is we are embracing' is fruit bearing. It's better for us. It's healthy. And if it proves  not to be.....it's a stepping stone to the next evolution of self.

I don't know the answers for how get to the other side of 'change' or healing for any of you. So many of you ask me weekly and I wouldn't dare give you a canned response. It's vastly different for each of us.

But for me, the only way through and out the other side is with God.  And focusing on what God says about life - who God says I am - and what God wants me to do each day.  I try - I fail - I dust myself off - I try again - I fail - I succeed - I thrive - I fail - I dust myself off - onward.. And eventually, you look around and realize you actually are standing someplace entirely different....someplace foreign.....someplace new.

I hope you are all tired of being stuck in the same 'loop' of whatever it is you are trying to change. I hope you are so exhausted that you finally leave it behind. Just let go. And you finally move forward.

It's as if people trap themselves in their own cage when the door to the cage is swinging wide open for them to walk through.

So, walk on.

There is not a day that goes by  - 7 days every single week of my life -  that I am not asked about my illness.  I am asked about various aspects of healing. I am asked about making a full recovery...if that is even possible. . I am asked about the methodology that I have followed clinically to heal. I am asked 'How can I heal'? I am asked question after question by parents, kids, fellow chronic illness suffers, bloggers, writers, editors, publishers, etc. .I am even asked by physicians about healing. I am asked 'Should you just manage your illness or should you take every ounce of focus you have and aim for a full recovery'?

My answer? I don't know.  I just don't know. It's so complex. 

And I look at these people's faces who are desperate for hope and I don't have any idea what to say.  I find myself praying for words from God....all of the time. Sure, I know how to give hope. We can all muster words of hope. I am the type of person who isn't into 'false hope' though. I am a realist. My mind is very 'literal' yet I am a visionary as well. Yes, I love to encourage others by the nature of how God made me. But I don't have a clue what steps they should take to get from A to Z of healing. It's trial and error. And it can feel like an endless abyss.  With chronic illness, when you are in the 'thick of it', it can look and feel like a complete mess. Let's just throw that on the deck: It's messy and can feel like you are wandering in total darkness at times. So, I just encourage them to surrender to God. It's about the best advice I can give....now. I am not 'on the other side' of it all.

As one of my Pastor's - Jackson - would say 'Let's unpack this':

In my journey through healing from chronic illness, I wrestle with if I should just accept that I have severe autonomic dysfunction, try to find a medial protocol that makes me as functional (and comfortable) as possible and live my life in a limited fashion vs. throwing everything I have into a full recovery that may or may not happen. Note: Beth, if you are reading, I know that was a run on sentence. We need more of you to teach us proper grammar in this world.

This opens Pandora's Box of questions, discussions, hypothetical's, perspectives, etc. And I personally enjoy wrestling w/ God about it. I also enjoy getting into healthy discussions with those that are clued into what autonomic dysfunction actually means. I love taking all of these questions to Him and hearing what He has to say. In other words, I open His Word (aka The Bible).

And this is the conclusion that I have come to after several years of the hills & valleys of suffering with chronic illness:

First off, I know that God uses suffering for our good. I know this. It's all over the Bible - open yours and read about it or reach out to me and we can talk about it together. The key is opening The Word b/c there in lies the answers. Most of the things we pray for? He has already answered in that book....called The Bible. So, when someone is giving me advice about my health, I open up scripture.

Suffering produces fruit like nothing else can. What do I mean? Suffering refines you, challenges you, teaches you perseverance & endurance & strength. I mean real 'strength'! .
Suffering......oh my goodness.........suffering takes you to the brink and  leaves you there ...sometimes for quite a long time. Anyone who suffers with anything 'chronic', you know exactly what I am talking about. I mean, you are just -  hanging  - there. You are hanging ON with white knuckles, sweat dripping down your nose and tears streaming down your face. And do you know who you're reaching for at this point? You are reaching for GOD.

Think about the people who are healthy and experience an 'acute' crisis in life (a broken bone - divorce - job loss - a devastating breakup). These people may not know God well at all. They do not walk through life with Him or read their Bibles but, come that time, those minutes or hours and you'll find so many of these folks praying like mad. Stick w/ me here....

These folks are on their knees saying 'God, please HELP ME'.  I know this because these people come to me all of  the time in these situations.  Please pray for my sister, mom, dad, aunt, uncle, friend....whoever....please pray! And these are people who do not even 'know' Him. They think Christianity is about how well they behave in life and it's NOT EVEN ABOUT US....it's about HIM! They don't have a relationship w/ Him so they don't even understand what I am talkin' about.

You know how else I know this? I used to be one of them. I was one of them.  So no judgement - only empathy. Oh man, I was one of them. I lived my life - thinking I was in control of everything (emphasis on 'everything') and yet, when I had back surgery in 2008, right before going under anesthesia, I was praying to God 'Please be with me'.  But catch me post-surgery  -running a half marathon in Chicago  - and I didn't think much about God at all. I only reached out to Him at that next 'tough event' in my life. I was so so so lost and didn't even know it.

When you are suffering or someone we love is suffering, that seems to be the time when people draw near to God most.

Secondly, I am not into prosperity gospel at all. You know, Joel Osteen's camp. I am just not. It's so misleading and I think it's why so many people that I personally know live in such confusion as to why their loved ones are suffering, passed away or why they are not further along in their own healing. It's just my opinion but, a lot of you have asked for it so, I am sharing it. Prosperity gospel and prosperity thinking will - in the end - lead you right back to the place you started. I feel safe promising that. 

What I believe is that God is in control of everything. If you are suffering, God doesn't just go on a holiday. He is there. He is with you. He KNOWS what is happening. And if He is allowing it, then there is a REASON. And who knows what that reason is....only HE knows!

Should someone accept their illness and not shoot for a full recovery? I don't know. I get an ache in my heart when I am asked this b/c i wish I had that answer. I am personally a fighter. I have an athletic background & an athletic mindset. My entire background has been one where I go for it - I shoot for the top. It's served me well through illness but, it's also hindered me in the areas of 'acceptance' and 'patience'. Working on both. So I shoot for a full recovery but, it close to destroys my quality of life.  And only those 'in it' - walking through illness' know what I mean. Others may think they know but they do not know. I honestly do not know the answer to the question. It's so tough.  And it's SO easy for onlookers to have all of the answers. If I had to give my opinion, it would be to fight like hell at all costs...to get fully well. Why not. I mean, go for it. It feels like a trap sometimes but, so what....'just do it'.

You know who knows the EXACT RIGHT answer? God does. Go to Him first before coming to me or anyone else. And you'll then know what to do. And if you don't know even after going to Him? Just leap - jump - choose a path and RUN -  and His Will will catch you (Jennie Allen said that and I loved it). If it is the wrong path, you'll know and try another.

The bottom line is I do not talk about my illness or recovery 'yet' on my blog b/c I do not have the answers that I know would satisfy the appetites of people. People want to know what to do. They are very literally desperate. And they HATE when I say 'Go to God' but, they forget that I am one of them. And that I too want all of the answers. And they forget that I am suffering as well.

The answer - the 'core' answer to all of these questions -  is one we each have to reconcile with and reconciling w/ Him looks vastly different for each of us. 

Do you know what the bottom line answer is?

I believe the answer is one word. One simple - difficult - complex - painful - joyful - word. The answer is 'Surrender'.

Hiya. This is going to be the shortest blog eva. Ya'll keep asking about my diet and I keep saying 'keep it simple with whole foods'. And many ask 'What do you mean'? And I mean exactly what I said, just have FUN with organic whole foods from the earth. We are blessed to eat such fresh and delicious healthy food!

I promise you that the more healthy organic fresh food from the garden you eat, the more your body will crave. And it feels  - so  - good.

Let me share this. I ate a doughnut the other day (aka it was all glazed & delish looking...I had to...wink). I have to tell you that afterwards, I had this film on the inside of my mouth from the sugar. It was this weird texture and it felt disgusting. I went home and brushed my teeth & washed my mouth with cold lemon water. Processed sugar doesn't just leave a film in your mouth but throughout your entire body. It is SO toxic! Ugh.

Now I love taking a big handful of organic blueberries and snacking on them. And making a big crunchy savory & sweet salad with any combination of greens, veggies, nuts, seeds and fruits in my pantry. I love geeking out over a perfectly smooshy ripe mango or biting into juicy raspberries. I never thought I would be 'that girl' but I love being 'that girl'.

It's not tough. It's simple. Once you dive into eating healthy, you realize that it was your own mentality and the whole psychology around food that made eating healthy difficult. Because let me tell you, there is nothing complicated about eating organic foods from the garden. There isn't. You don't need to buy into an expensive nutritional program just to be told what I just shared either. You're body will respond to a healthy diet and that will be all the education you need.

Ciao! Enjoy the week!