Special delivery!

Some spectacular things are going on around the interwebs these days.  Here are just two of the highlights I think are worth noting.

Meghan Telpner from Making Love In The Kitchen guest blogged over on Crazy Sexy Life.  If you’re not familiar with one or either of these blogs, RUN – do not walk!  Two of my biggest inspirations (they’ve unknowingly lit a fire under my bum) come together!  I shall leave you with yet another one of my favorite Youtube videos from Meghan:

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Another one of my favorite blogs has gone through a few changes recently.  Allie’s Answers is now The Greenists.  Same great content, just a looking a little different these days.  Definitely a blog worth bookmarking!

The Big “C” & Recovery

It is unfortunate that it takes something like cancer to give you a swift (and frightening) kick in the ass to get you to really treat your body the way it deserves to be treated. I got that swift kick 6 years ago at the young age of 18. My Mom (and best friend) got that kick this past Wednesday at 51 years old. She is doing as well as she can given the diagnoses. The cancer was caught very early and the survival rate is high for her type (when caught this early). Some tests are still out, once those results come back we’ll have a better idea of what we’re dealing with. The type she has is hereditary, so my sister and I will be following up to get tested as well. I’m not sure if I can deal with a 2nd cancer within my 24 years, but early detection is so fucking important. I’m a strong believer that you are only dealt what you can handle. I hope I can impart some of what I’ve learned over the past 6 years, researching alternative medicines, nutrition, and the like to help her be the healthiest she can be. Please send good thoughts and vibes her way!

I’m still on the mend from my light rail accident. I’m taking it day by day. I’ve had a few set backs but I’m determined to take my time and not rush recovery. If you know me, you know I’m not a patient person, so this has been quiet the challenge. Having my accident and my Mom’s diagnoses in such proximity to one another, it has definitely been challenging.

It is so important to take care of yourself. Be mindful of what you are putting in your body (drinking, digesting, putting on your skin, breathing) and do your best to reduce your exposure to chemicals, pesticides, carcinogens and processed foods. Don’t try to do it all at once. Slowly cut down on those things that you know are bad for you, while slowly introducing new, healthy foods & suppliments that will keep you at optimum health. Take gradual steps, this will ensure that you adopt and stick with these changes over a longer period of time.

Kale Chipies!

Stopped and picked up some kale, peaches, nectarines, and grapes on the way home from having my brain MRI. Just popped some kale chips in the oven. They’re super easy and a great alternative to potato chips. Definitely something to try if you are in the mood for something crunchy and salty.

I usually just toss my kale pieces in olive oil, salt and pepper, but I’ve known people to add other creative flavorings. Meghan Telpner has a great basic kale chip recipe over at Making Love In The Kitchen.  The blog entry has some great info and below is her corresponding Youtube video showing how she makes her chips.

For a twist, try The Renegade Health Show’s kale chip snacks:

Road block.

Life hit a road block this past week. I had an accident that resulted in some severe injuries. I’m currently on the road to recovery and just glad to be alive. I hope to use some of my “down time” over the next few days to keep myself busy and distracted compiling more material for this blog.

I am as committed as I’ve ever been to strive towards optimal health and wellness! Thanks for your patience!

Farmers’ Market

Went a little overboard at the Waverly Farmers’ Market last weekend. Had to throw out a few items because I couldn’t cook them or eat them in time (in other words, I straight up forgot I had bought them). It doesn’t help that my kitchen gets unbearably hot and tends to speed up the rotting process for the fruits and veggies I don’t want to put in the fridge.  I tried to be conservative this morning.  That said, I did pick up a huge bag of plums (forget what kind, they’re smaller than your traditional black or red plum), 3 zucchinis and a pound of spinach for $13.  This week will be busy with packing and I didn’t want to bite off more farmers’ market produce than I could chew.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’m starting to realize that Baltimore residents walk through a farmers’ market just like they drive – as if they are out of their minds and have no consideration for anyone around them.  Saw a woman in a wheel chair battling to get through, people shoving parents with strollers out of the way, people blocking stands their not even buying from.  I leave every Saturday morning wishing I would have brought a body guard or wore football padding. I got a very painful elbow in the ribs without a peep from the elbow’s owner.  I miss Oregon more by the hour…and even more on Saturday mornings.

Went a little overboard at the Waverly Farmers’ Market last weekend. Had to throw out a few items because I couldn’t cook them or eat them in time (in other words, I straight up forgot I had bought them). It doesn’t help that my kitchen gets unbearably hot and tends to speed up the rotting process for the fruits and veggies I don’t want to put in the fridge.  I tried to be conservative this morning.  That said, I did pick up a huge bag of plums (forget what kind, they’re smaller than your traditional black or red plum), 3 zucchinis and a pound of spinach for $13.  This week will be busy with packing and I didn’t want to bite off more farmers’ market produce than I could chew.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’m starting to realize that Baltimore residents walk through a farmers’ market just like they drive – as if they are out of their minds and have no consideration for anyone around them.  Saw a woman in a wheel chair battling to get through, people shoving parents with strollers out of the way, people blocking stands their not even buying from.  I leave every Saturday morning wishing I would have brought a body guard or wore football padding. I got a very painful elbow in the ribs without a peep from the elbow’s owner.  I miss Oregon more by the hour…and even more on Saturday mornings.

Intentions

Health and wellness have been on my mind for the past 6 years, ever since my thyroid cancer diagnosis when I was 18. I batteled my way through the cancer, three times, along the way doing more and more research to help myself in ways that don’t involve radiation or surgeries (although I’ve had both, multiple times). I hope that this blog becomes a place to keep knick-knacks, knowledge, and inspirations. If these things are benefitial or interesting to others, then that’s just another good thing to come of all this.