Superfood: Moringa

One of the most common questions a plant-based eater gets. I think it's odd that we identify ourselves by our diet. I wonder why it is so important to other's what we eat? It is because food is such a central part to our ideas of being social? We just love being able to categorize people by labels. First world problems. I guess it makes it easier on our brain to lump people into groups than to have to consider each person for the individual they are. Random thoughts...

I decided to look up one of the ingredients in Shakeology. I drink it pretty much everyday—I just know it tastes good, it's good for me and I love the stuff! It makes my mornings so much easier. I wake up, workout, have my shake. My day is planned already thru breakfast. No thinking necessary. I love being on autopilot. Not only does it feel like a daily treat- icy cold sweet deliciousness, it helps curb my cravings and keeps me going til lunch. It is full of so much good stuff. I thought, "Hey, I should find out about what's in it!"

To be honest, I'm not a fact and figures type of person. I just want to know 1. Is it good for me? 2. Does it taste good? I chose to read up on one of the many ingredients, moringa. The leaves are rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and minerals. Moringa cultivation is becoming widespread in Honduras and is being supported by the government. It is being cultivated in Niger as a primary source of food and nutrients. Sounds like a good thing to me!

Want to find out more? Here!

West Elm Spring Social

 I was invited to a Spring Social last week at the West Elm in Downtown Santa Monica (photo above is from their facebook page). It was a lovely event. Invite only, but the store was open for us to buy and shop as we pleased. The staff was very polite and accomodating. It was awesome.

Local small business owners were set up through the store, selling their wares and services.
There was also a sweet spread of appetizers and some frilly drink. 

I avoided it because I am still on the Ultimate Reset, I quickly bypassed a cupcake vendor, too.

I just didn't want to be tempted. Espresso Cielo was there doing pour overs of fresh coffee.

The coffee SMELLED delicious. Sigh... ha! They were telling me how excited they were to have a partnership with Hotcake Bakes, winner of the FoodNetwork's Cupcake Wars with a Tres Leches Spicy Mango cupcake. Sounds good, but probably not vegan. On a side note, I am pretty excited to hear my friend Mallori of Jam Vegan Bakery will be on Cupcake Wars on June 9th with her vegan cupcakes.

 Eco Apothecary lugged all her big glass jars over from her boutique near Sunset Junction.

I instantly fell in love with this company. You choose your bottle (or bring your own), fill with whatever you need (shampoo, lotion, hair gel, etc), pick your scent (essential oils and blends the owner, Danielle, creates herself). Everything is organic, vegan, paraben-free & sulphate-free! I love the concept & the story behind the company.I can go on and on but you should just go try it! She also mentioned she'll be back at West Elm on weekends, not sure of the details but I'm sure she'll post about it over on facebook.  

Eco Apothecary shares her storefront with EdenCondensed, who was also set up at West Elm. The picture above is from her ETSY shop. She makes cite little mini terrariums with funny little people inside and specializes in small space gardens. I would love to have a small space garden SOMEday. I'm not ready to say soon. I am not very good at gardening and as much as I wish I did, I know I won't devote the time needed to maintain it.

Jaclyn of Spilt Milk & Cookies had the cutest marketing card favors, a tag with her contact info and an inspiring quote on the back tied to a bag of fresh baked cookies. Again, had to dodge the cookies ;)
Spilt Milk & Cookies are boxes of cards with inspirational quotes. They come with a little display stand and are available in many different themes. Awesome, awesome idea. Makes sense to stock-up on these - they make a great gift for anyone!

The Ultimate Reset

My husband and I are currently on Day 3 of the Ultimate Reset.

This is a picture of day 1's lunch: microgreen salad with toasted pumpkin seeds, dressing, and miso soup. This is round 2 for me. I lost 8 pounds and my mom lost 15 (she is starting round 2 soon, along with my Aunt). Weight loss is not the purpose of the Reset but it is an awesome benefit! 

The recipes are amazing. You will learn how to fuel your body properly. You will rediscover fruits and vegetables and find creative new ways to do them, maybe even a few you have never tried before! In a nutshell, Beachbody's Ultimate Reset will restore your body to optimum health gently and naturally in 21 days. You can find out more about it HERE.

I was talking to my friend Kathleen last night about her recent experience with the Ultimate Reset. She had me all choked up. I love enabling people to change their lives! :) THANK YOU KATHLEEN & MOM!!!

"I lost 10 lbs during the reset & continue to lose! I'm down at least 1 size. My Mom lost 15 lbs during the reset (keep in mind she can barely walk because she needs a double knee replacement) and she continues to lose. Her asthma, arthritis & depression are remarkably better! She just said to tell you she loves coconut oil & doesn't plan on going back to butter! She said you are making her 71st b-day (April 6th) a lot happier by introducing her to the reset & Shakeology! We will be ordering her the Tai Chi video next.

One thing I can say about the results of the reset is it helped us get out of our "funk". The house we are moving out of is my grandmother's house. They bought it 62 yrs ago. Which means we have had to clean out all of the stuff that has been too hard to do for years. My mom literally has had to go thru her parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, sister's & husband's stuff - all of them are gone so its super depressing & caused the move to stall SEVERAL times. The reset really has helped clear our mind & put things in perspective. We can't thank you enough!"
 

 
You have 2 days left to get it on SALE!
If you think this is something you might consider doing in the future, I highly recommend you purchase it right now to take advantage of the savings. On sale or not it is definitely worth it.
YOU are worth it and your body will thank you!

 

A funny thing I saw someone post.... one bad meal won't make you fat, but one healthy meal won't make you slimmer, either! 

what's for lunch?

So after opening my fridge multiple times today - hoping to find something new & delicious that magically appeared, I decided to make a salad. It was magical and delicious! I made a quick dressing of toasted sesame oil, balsamic vinegar and a little agave syrup. A full meal from what my brain was saying was an empty fridge! If I hadn't grabbed a handful earlier, I would've added some nuts on top, too. AND after eating this, I feel amazing! Job well done. So, what's for lunch?