Things That Make Me Say Yeay

I finally ordered a new MedicAlert bracelet. It says I am type 1 diabetic on the back. So important to have. It will become part of my permanent wrist party no matter what outfit I am wearing. Now that I am looking at this picture I think I might be wearing it upside down...?

The cutest little desk for Max's new big boy room, which was gifted to him and refinished by my sweet Aunt.

Having my esthetician license has its perks. I have access to all sorts of fancy smancy skin care products...but this $6 a tub Indian Healing Clay (that anyone can purchase) is my weekly go to beauty treatment. I mix it with a little apple cider vinegar and the results are pretty awesome.

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes framed for baby Ronin's nursery. Pictures of the nursery coming soon. I am so excited with how it is all coming together.

Baked parsnip fries. A regular weekend request around my house.


Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! If you celebrate St. Pattty's Day have a green beer or two for me :)

DIY Rubber Band Wrapped Cuff

Sometimes the most random things can spark a diy inspiration. For example...I was in Office Depot the other day looking for an organizer and I spotted this amazing little section of bright colorful rubber bands (ADD kicked in and I completely forgot my organizer ha). I knew they needed to be put to some sort of use other than being just boring old rubber bands.

What you will need:

• A cuff (you need to have a bracelet with an open back for this project). I had this cheap one that I got from Forever 21 a while ago.
  
• Colorful rubber bands. You can find these at an office supply store.
  

Take a rubber band and wrap it around your cuff twice (or however many times until it is pulled tight).

Continue to add more rubber bands until you are ready to move onto the next color.

Add as many colors as you like!

The finished product. This was seriously so easy and you can get super creative with different patterns and colors! If you enjoy the colorblock trend (see diy wrapped earrings here) this takes about 1/12 of the time!

On a side note: I did not give up on my Pin-tester series. It will resume next week. I have a really fun pin that I can not wait to test out!


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Sweetened Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir

I have received quite a lot of interest from my post on raw apple cider vinegar. So many of you want to know how to make apple cider vinegar just a little bit more "drinkable."

Well I have a great solution. This drink recipe that I am sharing today not only will make it bearable but if you were not a fan of raw apple cider vinegar before this will most likely change your mind.

There are a few things that I swear by...raw apple cider vinegar is one of them. I never go a day without drinking it.

A recap of some of the benefits of apple cider vinegar are:

• It is a natural remedy for heartburn.
• Can help clear up skin conditions and acne (read this post for more information)
  
• Promotes digestion and will keep you regular
• Helps control weight
  
• Can help regulate blood sugar (as a type 1 diabetic this has made a huge difference for me)
  
• Helps reduce sinus infections and sore throats (my husband starts drinking this like crazy whenever he feels a cold coming on)
  
• It is rich in enzymes and potassium
• Can help ease menstrual cramps
• Helps promote youthful healthy bodies

Sweetened Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir:

• 1 1/2 cup of cold filtered water
  
• 2 tbs of apple or grape juice
• 2 tbs of raw apple cider vinegar
  
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
  
• 1/2 tsp of stevia (powdered) if using liquid you only need a few drops.

* I only suggest using raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

Place all the ingredients together in a glass and stir until it is all mixed together. You can add a little ice if you like, and drink!

This tastes sweet and delicious! If you try this--please come back and let me know what you think.

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Migraines Suck

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I have had headaches before, no big deal. Well Saturday evening around 10pm I experienced my first migraine. Wooooa! Nothing like a headache. I felt like my neck was a toothpick and my head was a bowling ball about to explode. I concluded it was from the fried calamari (which I rarely ever eat) that I had a few hours before during a date with my husband. Maybe my body was rejecting it?

I went to bed and woke up Sunday morning and it was worse. Since I am super ADD/OCD I did not take it easy and decided I needed to parade all around town looking for the perfect shelves for the nursery (so stupid I know and I still did not find them). This obviously made it even worse. I went to bed early and woke up yesterday and it was magnified to a level that was now unbearable. My blood sugars were shooting through the roof (a natural response due to me being in pain) and my vision was all fuzzy and blurry. Every head movement felt like a hammer banging against my head.

I called my OB and she said I needed to head on down to the hospital to rule out a few things. Off I went. They checked on the baby. He was doing great and bouncing around like a little chimpanzee. They took my blood pressure and did a few blood tests. Everything was normal.

After they ruled out hypertension/preeclampsia they chalked up my migraine to pregnancy hormones and stress. The nurses told me I needed to take it easy and relax a little more. Easier said then done...but I know it needs to happen.

I had some time to think yesterday as I laid there in my not so sexy ripped hospital gown. I realized I have a hard time saying no to people. I hate the feeling of possibly letting someone down by not being able to do something. I end up over committing myself and I wind up feeling overwhelmed and stressed as a result. I need to enjoy these last couple months of pregnancy and not over commit myself to anything or anyone. I decided it's okay to say no and the people who truly care and matter will always understand.

I recently read this great quote from Oprah that said, "Although it may feel uncomfortable to think about saying no, it's important to remember that each time you say yes to someone or something else, you say no to you and your priorities." That is so true and really hits home for me.

Skin Care Tip of the Week *DIY white clay mask*

I have discussed green clay before, but today I am going to talk about white clay.

When combined with other healthy skin care habits, a clay mask is a great way to keep your skin looking it's best. Using a mask suitable for your skin type 2-3 times a week is what I recommend.

White clay is the mildest of all clays, making it the perfect treatment for those with sensitive and dry skin.

Benefits of a white clay mask:

• It helps stimulate circulation to the skin, while gently cleansing and exfoliating the skin.
• It is a wonderful pore refining treatment.
  
• It does not draw oils from the skin, making it an excellent treatment for those with dry skin.
• It is a natural mineral boosting and anti-aging treatment.
  
• It is super affordable to buy and do yourself!
  

Where can you buy white clay?
I purchase mine at my local Sprouts (specialty health food store). Find out where your local specialty health food store is and see if they carry products in bulk. You can also purchase it in bulk here.

DIY White Clay Mask :

1. Add 2 tablespoon of white clay to a clean dish.
   
2. Add 2 tsp of purified or distilled water.
3. Apply to skin using a soft facial brush (you can find these at a beauty supply store).
4. Leave on your skin for 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove using warm water and a soft cloth.
6. Follow up with a toner (see an all natural rose water toner here) and moisturizer.

*If you are interested in a mask that will draw out excess oils and help with acne, the green clay mask would be a great choice for you.

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Things That Make Me Say Yeay

One positive aspect about having a high risk pregnancy is the twice weekly ultrasounds I have to do. Seeing this little face never gets old. Technology amazes me. Confession: Before I had kids I always thought these 3D pictures were soo creepy. Now I love them.

Signs of spring.

Adorable handmade booties gifted to me by this amazing gal!

Kumquats. My favorite snack from our local Farmers Market.


Have you watched this video yet? If you have an extra 30 minutes to spare please do! It is powerful. I support this movement %100.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Almond Coconut Butter

My family loves almond butter. We put it on or in pretty much everything...apples, carrots, pancakes, toast, energy snacks, and smoothies. I recently started making it from scratch and once you make it from scratch you will never buy store bought almond butter ever again, it is that good. The following recipe is one that I have come up with on my own after playing around with a few ingredients.

What you will need:

• 2 cups of dry roasted almonds
• 1/3 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes
  
• 1/2 tsp of sea salt

Directions:

1. Place all of the ingredients into a food processor (if you do not own a food processor its a great little kitchen item to have).
   
2. Turn your food processor on high and let it run for about 10 minutes. Half way through you will start to wonder how in the world this crumbly mess will turn into almond butter but trust me.
3. Check your almond butter at 10 minutes. It should start to transform into a chunky butter at this point. If you like smooth almond butter let your processor run until it is nice and creamy.
   
4. Scoop out your fresh almond butter and place in an airtight container or jar.
   

This is creamy, fresh, easy to make and tastes nothing like anything purchased from a store.

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