Tag: organic

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Favorite Finds Motherhood

Don't Know What To Get Your Bestie For Her Baby Shower? We've Got You Covered

When you don’t have kids, baby showers can be a little tricky. When it’s your BFF who’s expecting, suddenly there’s even more pressure for you to get something perfect. The moment you RSVP yes, you might find yourself asking a number of panicky questions. Should you get a present for mom? For baby? What do babies need? And why is baby stuff so expensive?
You’ve got a laundry list of totally understandable concerns, but there’s no need to panic. We’ve got your back. Here’s the inside info that’ll have everyone in attendance convinced you’re a seasoned pro in the baby shower game.
First of all, you can make this really easy on yourself—check your friend’s registry. Most moms-to-be create a baby registry and she’ll be happy to get anything on the list.
But if she doesn’t have a registry or you’re not a “buy a gift off a list” type of gal, then here are the gifts that your BFF and baby are sure to love.

1. No-Slip Booties

Babies need shoes? Yes. Sooner than you think, the kid will be toddling all over the place and they’ll need non-slip shoes for their new walking adventures. To the disappointment of moms everywhere, run-of-the-mill baby shoes always fall off at incredibly inconvenient times. These no-slip booties, on the other hand, strap on tight (but comfortably) and have textured bottoms to keep kids from slipping on slick floors. Plus, they’re cute, which—let’s be honest—is probably the most important quality for all baby gifts.

2. WubbaNub Pacifier

Every mom I know has at least two of these. I don’t really get it, but they all swear they’re the best pacifiers around. Plus, it’s got an elephant on it. Who doesn’t like elephants?

3. Piyo Piyo Nail Scissors

This gift doesn’t seem super fun, but your friend will be so happy to have these around the first time baby manages to nick her with a sharp nail—especially during breastfeeding. You need to cut a baby’s nails fairly often and these scissors make it a much less stressful task. The blade edges are turned up, so mom won’t even come close to accidentally snipping the baby’s skin—a possibility that’s downright unpleasant to even think about, proving why these scissors are so important.

4. Banana Training Toothbrush

This also sounds weird. Who needs a training toothbrush? Well, every baby I know loves gnawing on this thing when they start teething. Teething is a tough process, so anything that makes the baby feel better will make mom very happy, too. Plus, it’s kind of cool to get babies into brushing their teeth before they have teeth in the first place.

5. Boppy Lounger

This is pretty much a baby bean bag, but way better. Honestly, I wish I had a big fluffy pillow like this that I could lounge on. The Boppy lets the baby lie down in a comfortable position so mom can give her arms a rest without worry. Plus, the cover is machine washable for the many times the baby will inevitably spit up on it.

6. Changing Station

You’ve probably never noticed how few bathrooms have changing stations, right? Well, moms are very aware of the lack of sanitary changing surfaces, especially when their baby is in the “constant pooping” stage. This travel changing station gives baby a clean soft surface for changing that parents can fold up and take with them.

7. Outlet Covers

This isn’t the most exciting gift, but it’s so necessary! Babies love outlets. For some reason, it seems like babies are born knowing two things: Boobs are for food and Outlets are super fun to play with. Any time I babysit, the tot whose care I’m charged with can’t wait to try to plug their finger into an electrical socket.
These covers will keep baby safe and save mom from constantly dragging her kid away from the outlets. Plus, you get 24 covers to make sure that every outlet is protected.

8. Funny Onesie

As the child-free friend, it’s practically your job to make sure that baby has some comical clothes. Get a funny onesie, like this “Mind on my mommy and my mommy on my mind” piece. That said, kindly avoid baby clothes with swear words or super adult topics. Sure, it’s funny, but the mom may not want pictures of her child wearing something with the F bomb on it.
If you’re really feeling out there, you can go for high cuteness and low practicality and get something like this owl costume. Hey, there’s no reason why the kid can’t dress like an owl everyday. And they’d look so cute!

9. Books

It’s never too early to start reading to a baby. And if mom has something cute to read, like this Toot book, it doesn’t get boring. Because even though she’ll love time with her baby, even Goodnight Moon gets old after the 30th read. Also, how about a book like I Heart My Little A-Holes to give mom a reason to laugh when baby’s simply refusing to sleep?

10. Postpartum Herb Bath

At the baby shower, mom deserves some of her own gifts, too. This bath will help her relax and heal after giving birth. She’ll definitely appreciate some alone time in the tub after hours of dealing with a crying baby.

11. Shea Butter Hand Creams

Moms have to wash their hands constantly because they’re often covered in poop and spit up. She’ll appreciate having some nice smelling lotions to keep her hands smooth and provide a scent other than diaper cream and baby powder.

12. Sleep

The best gift you can give a mom is sleep. People swear by this sleep suit to get babies to stay asleep through the night, even as young as 2 months. Then, get the mom this full body pillow. The huge pillow is super supportive for pregnant woman and its cuddly softness feels great even after the baby comes.
With this list, you’ll be a superstar at any baby shower. Your BFF will be happy and baby will get presents that will enhance their natural cuteness—all thanks to a little planning and a lot of BFF love.

Categories
Well-Traveled

Need To Get Away? Relax And Recharge With These Wellness Retreats This Winter

Between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, prepping for the new year, and fighting the winter blues, this time of year always gets me dreaming of an escape—like the wellness retreat I took at Fivelements, an eco-conscious health resort in Bali. I knew I’d come back to “real life” feeling healthy and relaxed after a few days of noshing on nutritious raw foods, reading and writing in my private villa, and enjoying spa treatments.
But I was surprised to discover just how motivated, balanced, and recharged I felt after taking a few days to focus on myself in a beautiful, supportive destination. Taking a retreat was a game-changer for an otherwise tough season—and a strategy that now helps me get through every winter.
While the cost of luxury resorts is out of reach for most of us, there are a slew of less expensive retreats that will restore you. From surfing and yoga camps to choose-your-own-adventure getaways, here are five of the best upcoming wellness retreats to help you recharge this winter.

Relax & Revive Yoga and Pilates Retreat

(Costa Rica; Feb. 10–17)
Known for her physically lively, spiritually uplifting classes, yoga teacher Julie Serow is leading a next-level practice this February at the Relax & Revive Yoga and Pilates Retreat in Montezuma Beach, Costa Rica. You’ll find inner peace during Serow’s yoga and meditation classes and build strength in partner teacher Kristi Cole’s Pilates classes—all three are offered daily on the weeklong retreat.
Off the mat, you’ll have plenty of free time to go horseback riding on the beach, hike to hidden waterfalls, engage with local street performers, and enjoy nutritious foods with the rest of the group. If that doesn’t make you say “ahhhh,” we’re not sure what will.
Price: Starts at $1,450

Art of Living Retreat Center

(Boone, North Carolina; dates vary)
Women in need of a recharge are spoiled for choice at the Art of Living Retreat Center. If you’re trying to find more joy in your life, the signature Happiness Retreat, which is offered every weekend, will teach you practical tools you can use to feel more confident and less stressed out—and find a greater sense of enthusiasm in your everyday life. You’ll learn Sudarshan Kriya yoga, a technique of breathing and posing exercises that research shows may reduce stress and anxiety.
The Happiness Retreat is one of dozens of options at the Art of Living Retreat Center. Check out the calendar for other upcoming themes, like the art of silence, yoga, and meditation.
Price: Starts at $545

Yoga Surf Retreat at Villa Mandala

(Morocco; Dec. 23–30; Dec. 30–Jan 6; Jan. 13–20; Feb. 17–24)
The only thing that’s better than devoting seven days to hitting the waves and your mat is doing it in Morocco—and you can experience it for yourself on a Yoga Surf Retreat at Villa Mandala.
Picture this: After waking up in your tranquil bedroom, you’ll kick-start your day with two hours of vinyasa yoga as the sun rises, dig in to a nutrient-packed breakfast, then suit up for a couple hours of surfing instruction with qualified coaches. When you’re not in downward dog or hanging ten, you can relax at the oceanfront swimming pool, indulge in a massage, go cliff jumping, wind down with sunset yoga, and eat dinner under the stars.
Price: Starts at $904

Wellness Weekends at Le Monastère des Augustines

(Québec, Canada; choose your own dates)
Need a spiritual recharge? At Le Monastère des Augustines, you can sleep in a restored original cloister and choose a wellness retreat that fits your needs and budget. This beautiful spot offers a range of options that aim to help visitors feel balanced, renewed, and regenerated.
Some include a holistic health consultation, massage, nature walks, meditation, and yoga. No matter which one you choose, you can expect to ease into each day with a healthy breakfast held in silence at the restaurant.
Price: Starts at $74/night

Yoga Plus Retreats at eXtreme Hotel

(Cabarete, Dominican Republic; choose your own dates)
If your idea of a retreat involves stepping outside your comfort zone, you’ll love the offerings at eXtreme Hotel, an eco-sports adventure hotel with beachfront accommodations in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.
All of its Yoga Plus weeklong retreats include in-depth yoga classes daily, access to the gym, river tubing, and tours of the hotel’s organic farm—but you also get to pick creative add-ons such as surf instruction, kiteboarding lessons, and circus classes (like flying trapeze and aerial arts). No matter which ones you choose, you’ll end the retreat feeling strong, invigorated, and confident.
Price: Starts at $930

Categories
More Than Mom Motherhood

I Never Realized How Hard Self-Care Was…Until I Had My Child

My daughter is now 4 years old, but I can still remember one of my favorite mornings from her babyhood. It was Mother’s Day and she was 10 months old. I was home with her full-time then, and all I wanted was the morning to myself.
Her dad took her out for a grand total of three hours. I think they went to the museum, but that wasn’t my concern. My concern—for once!—was me and only me. Once they were out of the apartment, I made myself some pancakes, got back in bed, and watched an entire movie. In silence. Alone. With my pancakes and coffee. It was bliss.
And yet! A small part of me felt guilty. Why? Because I was alone, taking care of myself. I was being wholly unproductive and indulgent and (dare I say?) lazy. There was dirty laundry and tons of dishes in the sink and I needed to shower and shouldn’t I use this time to write? Did I even have a right to do this? And by “this” I mean: nothing.
Yes, yes, yes.
It now pains me to think that I didn’t believe I deserved this tiny quiet moment of respite. After all, before I had kids, most of my weekend mornings looked just like this: Hours in my PJs, watching TV or reading on the couch. It felt indulgent then, too, but I had little guilt about it. I reasoned that I needed a rest from the work week. I deserved it.
Guess what? Moms do too.

Making Time for You

Before I had a child, I was always slightly annoyed by parents who claimed to “never have any time.” Didn’t single, childless people also have busy schedules? Wasn’t I rushing from one thing to the other, too? Didn’t I also have a job?
What I didn’t see, of course, was all the in-between time: the nightly wakeups, the frantic mornings getting everyone out the door, the sick days and doctors appointments, the meetings that go late, the sitter who cancels, the PTA meetings and parent–teacher conferences, the hours spent trying to get the kid in bed. As a childless person, going out for a drink at 7 p.m. felt like an excellent way to unwind and take care of myself. So did sleeping all day on Sunday. With children? Impossible.
I also didn’t see that taking time away for your children—by, say, getting that 7 p.m. cocktail with an old girlfriend—might not be a purely uncomplicated thing.
Now I do.
The most challenging factor in almost any mother’s life is balancing her own needs with those of her children. Just this morning, for instance, I spent way too much time worrying about missing my daughter’s Thanksgiving celebration at school in favor of actually meeting my deadlines. I could have gone, but I would have been filled with resentment for putting her before me again. I had to calculate which event was more important to me and to her, and I reasoned that this was not of great significance to her—or to me.
Obviously I won’t be missing every event at school, but this one seemed less vital in the grand scheme of things. In other situations, I will put her events first over mine. It’s an ongoing balancing act but one that gets easier over time.

Early Days

Even though I wasn’t technically working the first year of my daughter’s life, I took a friend’s advice and hired a babysitter for a few meager hours a week. I started with four hours, and when I began working part-time again midway through the year, I upped the sitter’s hours.
At first, those hours might have seemed indulgent, but they hands down helped me keep my sanity and enjoy the rest of the time I spent mothering. I used them to swim, to sit in a cafe and write for a few hours (remembering the Me before Child!), or go to a Pilates class to work on getting my body back after a C-section.
The beauty of it was that it was money well spent: When I came back, I felt invigorated and ready to care for her again. I also felt more like myself—energized, capable of complete thoughts, adult.
But that break didn’t work so well if I felt guilty about it. In fact, the first time I left my daughter with a sitter, I sobbed hysterically to my mother on the phone because I felt so bad “abandoning her” (my words) in a stranger’s care. My daughter was 3 months old and already my back hurt so much I could barely lift her. I was going to an appointment with an osteopath down the street—so that I could lift her again.
Over time, however, I learned that those hours away from her weren’t just good for me. They were good for her. That sitter stayed with us for three years and became a part of our family, offering my daughter love and support and joy that I couldn’t have given her. I was giving her a chance to form another deep bond, to learn that Mama wasn’t the only adult around to care for her. And I was teaching myself that I actually still mattered.

How do I take time for me? Some tips:

  • If you are a stay-at-home mom, or even a freelancer who works part-time, hire a sitter for a few hours a week. The dividends will come back in spades.
  • If you are working full-time, it is still imperative to schedule time for yourself. Choose one thing you can’t live without and put it on the calendar. Do you need to run? Meditate? Hang out with girlfriends once a week? Journal? Practice yoga? Make it happen regardless of what else is going on. This time will feed you in ways that will make you a better mother.
  • Schedule in some “Should-less” time once a month. I heard this in an interview with Ellen Burstyn on Death, Sex & Money and I thought it was the greatest thing ever. It’s time where you don’t need to do anything. It may be a whole day (heaven!) or 10 minutes at the end of the night. You deserve time to just do whatever.
  • Unless you are a single mother, remember that you have a co-parent—someone else around to take on some of the responsibility. Your partner (or your community) can take over for you for a few hours so you get the time you need to stay sane.
  • Happy Mom, Happy Family: Hard as it is to believe (and I am so guilty of this!), making a martyr of yourself won’t actually make anyone happier. It’s okay for your kids to see that you have a life outside of them—in fact, it’s vital! It allows them to open up to the rest of the world, to rely on other adults, and to be strong, independent beings.
Categories
Life x Culture Lifestyle

3 Chic DIY Gifts That Your Girlfriends Will Love

Until recently, the last time I made homemade holiday gifts was when I was in elementary school. Since then, DIY holiday endeavors have brought to mind childlike crafts that never come out quite as planned. Needless to say, DIY and chic were not terms I associated very closely.
However, this year I discovered that DIY holiday presents have grown up. Thanks to social media (hey there, Pinterest and Instagram) there are now plenty of do-it-yourself holiday projects that are fun to make and even more enjoyable to receive. Most of us have a secret—or not-so-secret—love of crafting, so this year why not reconnect with the thrill and satisfaction of making the perfect gift with your own two hands?
Plus, you’ll be able to avoid the stores, which at this point are packed with last-minute shoppers. Here are three chic DIY gifts that will leave your girlfriends going gaga!

Personalized Coffee Mug

What You’ll Need:

In winter, almost everyone loves curling up with a warm cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. It’s even more enjoyable when you’re sipping from a great mug that puts a smile on your face. That’s why making custom coffee mugs for your friends is such a great idea. You can customize each mug, delivering just the right dose of inspiration, silliness, or sarcasm to get your friend through her morning.
This technique from the blog Glued To My Crafts is great since you don’t need to worry about things getting messy with paints and brushes. Just order or pick up plain ceramic mugs and oil-based Sharpies (not the ones we see most often since those will wash off in the dishwasher).
You can use stencils, or just draw whatever comes to you. When you’re done, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated and put the mugs in the oven at 350°F for half an hour. Then turn off the oven and leave the mugs inside until they’re cool. In just a few hours, you’ll have a great DIY gift that your friends will love!

Infused Olive Oil

What You’ll Need:

If your girlfriends have a taste for savory treats, consider making them infused olive oil, which can be used for cooking, dipping breads, or dressing salads. This chic twist on the classic holiday treat jar looks beautiful and is an unusual gift that most people will enjoy using. Plus, your friend might even invite you over for a great meal featuring the oil you gifted her.
To get started, purchase a large container of high-quality olive oil. Simply pour oil into each of your selected containers, adding ingredients that have complimentary flavors. Rosemary, peppercorns, and sun-dried tomatoes will all look pretty in the packaging while delivering great flavor. Thyme, oregano, and sage are also popular options.
Over time, the olive oil will pick up the flavors from the jar, giving it an extra level of sophistication. One note of caution: Be sure to only use dried herbs (nothing that contains water), to avoid bacteria growth.

Bath Salts

What You’ll Need

If your friends are as busy as you are, they probably need time to relax. What better way to do that that in a luxurious bath? Gifting your friends bath salts will inspire them to take some time for themselves, which is exactly what most busy women need around the holidays—or at least first thing in the new year!
To make your salts, combine one part baking soda, three parts Epsom salts, and six parts sea salts (according to Martha Stewart’s recipe). Add a few drops of fragrance and color (if desired) and mix it all together. For an especially festive take, layer different colored salts on top of each other in a clear jar. Just be sure to seal the container tightly to keep the salt from clumping before use.
This year, save money and have fun by giving DIY gifts. Your friends—and your bank account—will love it!

Categories
In Season Lifestyle

Winter Solstice Wellness: Self-Care Suggestions For The Shortest Day Of The Year

In 2017, the start of winter and the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere falls on December 21. But this particular Thursday is more than another pre-Christmas date on the calendar. There’s a long history all over the globe of using the winter solstice—the darkest day of the year—as an opportunity to turn inward and celebrate the light inside the individual and the community. Ancient cultures including the Pagans, Celts, Norsemen, and even Romans used the solstice as a time to celebrate the death and consequent rebirth of the natural world that happens because of winter.
In addition to its spiritual traditions, the winter solstice is astrologically and astronomically significant as it marks the point in time when we in the northern hemisphere are tilted as far away from the sun as we’re going to get. So it’s not only the season of the shortest days with the least light, the winter solstice also marks the longest night of the year. Basically, the cold and dormant landscapes many of us are surrounded by combined with decidedly moody light conditions are ripe for tempting mere mortals to retreat from the world into a person-sized nest on the couch.
While a little hibernating with Netflix is certainly understandable, a self-care focused solstice celebration could be the perfect chance for you to check in with your whole self and make sure you’re tending to your needs and living intentionally, even during the darkest time of the year.
From the more recognizable December traditions like feasting and gathering around Yule logs, to the seemingly otherworldly customs that historians believe were nature and light-worshipping rituals at Stonehenge, there’s lots to be inspired by when it comes to honoring the winter solstice and the woman within.

Witchy Wellness with a Modern Twist

The “witchier” aspects of celebrating this darkest day are coming back into style (yay!), providing the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. So whether you want to go solo with some soothing solstice-inspired rituals for yourself or celebrate the season of spirit with your coven of friends, we have a few ideas about how you can mark the day in a meaningful and wellness-focused way.

Try This: Mind

Pagan author and educator T. Thorn Coyle writes that “for contemporary people, solstices … are a chance to still ourselves inside, to behold the glory of the cosmos, and to take a breath with the Sacred.” Whether you have an established mindfulness practice or are merely interested in meditation, a great way to help yourself focus on and take stock of the inner you is to try a guided meditation for inner reflection, acceptance, and celebrating the light within. Here’s a great one from meditation expert Esther Teule of Ekhart Yoga.

Try This: Body

Get outside! Pull yourself out of a hibernation funk by celebrating the things you love that you can only do in winter or that are made even better by the cold. If you’re in a snowy locale, plan an ice-skating or sledding date with your significant other, your kids, or your circle of female friends in true pagan tradition. Get in a little heart-pounding exercise while you celebrate the way the so-called harsh conditions of winter make this kind of fun possible. Just add a hot cider and cookie-fueled fireside (or rather, Yule log-side) chat afterward for the perfect afternoon ritual.
For solo reflection, try this cold-weather self-care practice: Fill your tub up with extra hot water, add a few drops of some of your favorite essential oils, light candles, and listen to relaxing music as you make time to melt into the tub. You can make this ritual special and specific to the winter solstice by using a mixture of oils like frankincense, pine, cinnamon, and clove, which have ties to ancient solstice celebrations.

Try This: Spirit

Whether or not you believe in divination or have experienced the cards truly speaking to you, the tarot is a time-honored tool that encourages self-reflection. The way you interpret your tarot spread can really give you insights into your personal psychology and the state of things in your head and heart that you might not have been able to realize via other means.
If you have your own deck, the solstice is a great time to use a past, present, and future spread to take stock of your life as it is and start thinking on your intentions for the new year. If you don’t have a deck handy, consider visiting a reader or exploring options that really demonstrate the modernization of the tradition, like having your cards read over the phone or even online.
Whether you want to connect to your own witchy roots or you’re just wanting another excuse to feel festive and focus on your own wellbeing, celebrating the winter solstice with one or all of these modern riffs on the theme is sure to inspire you through the long winter months.

Categories
In the Kitchen Nosh

8 Healthy Side Dishes That Your Dinner Guests Won’t Be Able To Resist

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us will be hosting dinner parties and brunches for our loved ones. Holiday season or not, having dinner guests can be both exciting and overwhelming.
One of the tricky aspects of cooking for a crowd is deciding which side dishes to serve. As the host, you want sides that suit your entree and the tastes and dietary requirements of your guests. You also want to cook up something interesting that won’t take too much time to prepare.
We have you covered! Here are some delicious and healthy side dishes your guests will love, no matter the occasion.

1. Roasted Cumin Carrots With Creamy Turmeric Sauce (gluten-free, vegan)

This takes a bit of time to roast, but the flavorful combination of spices makes it worth it. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, and turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, healing addition to any meal. It’s an excellent side to any meat dish. Make more turmeric sauce than necessary and keep it on hand to add to vegetables, eggs, roast potatoes, and sandwiches.

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes (vegetarian)

Sweet potato mash is a fun, vibrantly colored alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A, B6, and C, making them a healthy addition to any meal. It would go well with any meat-based entree as well as a veggie dish that doesn’t already include sweet potato. Even better? This recipe only takes about 25 minutes to prepare!

3. Hot Pink Coconut Slaw (vegetarian, gluten-free)

Did you know that red, purple, and pink vegetables are usually full of antioxidants? This recipe embraces the nutritional and aesthetic appeal of red cabbage and radishes to make a delicious, antioxidant-rich slaw. It also incorporates coconut, a well-loved and tasty superfood. Enjoy the slaw with tacos, chicken, or a range of other salads.

4. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans (gluten-free, vegetarian)

If you’re pressed for time, this 15-minute side is a huge winner. Although this dish is really healthy and simple, it’s far from boring. After all, who doesn’t like copious amounts of garlic? Green beans complement any meat or fish entree, and they’re packed with vitamins and fiber.

5. Roasted Beets (gluten-free, vegan)

Rich in antioxidants, beets makes a versatile and delicious side dish, and they add a pop of color to your dinner table. Excluding baking time, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, which means you have more time to work on the entree. This pairs particularly well with roast beef or poultry, especially since you can pop the entree in with the beets at the same time.

6. Spicy Couscous With Salmon and Yogurt

If you want a particularly interesting side dish, this is a fantastic choice. It’s deceptively easy and quick to make. It makes a great addition to a poultry meal or to a spread of different salads. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, and couscous is also a nutrient-rich, tasty ingredient.

7. Strawberry and Kiwi Salsa (gluten-free, dairy-free)

We often associate strawberries and kiwis with dessert, fruit salad, and breakfasts, but this salsa is brilliant as a side to a savory meal. It works well with chicken or fish, and it could also be enjoyed as a dip with chips and guacamole. If you’d like a side that’s vegan and Whole30 compliant, simply omit the honey. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so the more opportunities you have to eat them, the better.

8. Cauliflower Rice (gluten-free, vegan)

Cauliflower rice is a plant-based, grain-free alternative to traditional rice that suits nearly everyone’s dietary needs! It has a great taste that isn’t too overpowering or bland. It’s even easier to make than rice: The entire side dish can be made in about 10 minutes. This can be served with nearly anything from stir-fry to curries to stew.
A side dish is just as important as the main part of a meal but we don’t always have time or energy to create something elaborate and interesting. May these healthy side dish ideas provide some inspiration for your next dinner party or luncheon!

Bonus Dish

Check out our video for a squash apple cranberry bake. Super simple, nutritious, and delicious!

Categories
In the Kitchen Nosh

Quick And Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipes For The Holiday Season

If you’ve ever planned a dinner party during the holiday season, you know how easy it is for the dessert course to fall by the wayside. Despite your best intentions, making a dessert that requires valuable oven space just isn’t practical sometimes, especially if you’re making multiple hot dishes for the main course.
But never fear! These no-bake dessert recipes are super simple to put together and—best of all—don’t require any valuable oven real estate. Surprise your guests with these delightfully festive no-bake desserts and they’ll never suspect you opted for an intentional shortcut…

Mixed Berry Eton Mess

A traditional English dessert, this recipe for Eton mess uses freshly whipped cream, pre-made meringues, and macerated berries to create an elegant dessert that comes together with ease.

Active Time: 10 Minutes

Total Time: 30 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and diced strawberries all work well)
  • 1 Tbsp. white sugar
  • 2 cups of whipping cream (keep chilled for best results)
  • 4 meringue nests

Special Equipment:

  • Medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Large glass bowl
  • Whisk OR hand mixer OR stand mixer
  • 4 small dessert bowls or glasses

Method:

  1. Tumble the mixed berries into a medium-sized bowl, stirring in the sugar until combined.
  2. Use the flat side of a fork to gently mash the berries until they are just beginning to break apart. Allow the berries to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  3. Pour the whipping cream into a large glass bowl and whip until soft peaks form using a whisk, hand mixer, or stand mixer.
  4. Crumble the meringue nests into the whipping cream, taking care to leave generous chunks of meringue for texture.
  5. Gently fold all but a scant cup of the macerated mixed berries and their juices into the whipped cream and meringue mixture.
  6. Divide the Eton mess into the small bowls or glasses and top with the remaining mixed berry mixture. Serve immediately.

Gingersnap and Dark Chocolate Gelato Sandwiches

Store-bought cookies and gelato make this elevated ice cream sandwich recipe a snap—a gingersnap, that is! These frosty but decidedly sophisticated treats are a cinch to make and can be wrapped in parchment paper and tied with ribbon for a festive presentation.

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Special Equipment:

  • Spatula and large glass bowl OR stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Ice cream scoop

Method:

  1. Remove the gelato from the freezer and allow to sit at room temperature for 8 minutes.
  2. Transfer gelato into a large bowl or stand mixer. Working quickly, fold in 4 ounces of chopped candied ginger using a spatula OR stand mixer paddle attachment until evenly combined.
  3. Place gelato and candied ginger mixture back in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  4. Take the gelato out of the freezer 5 minutes before you’ll begin assembling the gingersnap sandwiches.
  5. Combine the dark chocolate and remaining ounce of candied ginger on a plate or in a shallow bowl.
  6. Using an ice cream scoop, top 4 gingersnap cookies with the gelato and ginger mixture. Being careful not to break the gingersnaps, place the second gingersnap on top and press down until the gelato has reached the edge of both gingersnaps.
  7. Roll the gelato edge in the dark chocolate and candied ginger mixture until covered.
  8. Freeze the gingersnap and gelato sandwiches for at least 1 hour before serving. This will help the gingersnaps soften up so they don’t break the instant someone takes their first bite.
Categories
Happy x Mindful Wellbeing

Happy, Healthy, And Strong: What You Can Learn From These Celebs’ Wellness Routines

I have a confession to make:
I’m 31 years old, and before this year, I had never been able to do a “real” push up.
I’ve always had to do a modified version, and even then I struggled.
That is, until I started following fitness star Kayla Itsines on Instagram. Her before-and-after photos of regular women just like me getting stronger and more fit inspired me.
I downloaded the app, treated myself to fancy workout clothes, and got to work.
It hasn’t been pretty, but thanks to Kayla, I can now carry my son in his car seat without having to stop and catch my breath every five feet.
Itsines is just one celeb dishing out some serious wellness inspiration.
Check out these seven celebrities’ routines for restoring health to mind, body, and soul.
Drew Barrymore
Recently, internet trolls tried to come after my girl Drew for posting a photo of herself without makeup. Even though she looked totally gorgeous in the photo, Barrymore admitted that the comments stung. Instead of wallowing in self-pity though, Barrymore practiced self-love.
In a pic posted to Instagram, Barrymore commented, “Yesterday I saw comments on my Instagram feed about my post that were mean, cruel, and ugly. It hurt me. And you know what women do when they get hurt???? They pick themselves up! Go get a haircut. Put on some lipstick and chant ‘if you don’t have something nice to say… don’t say anything at all’ thank you @markishkreli @yumi_mori for picking a girl up and dusting her off. And more than anything, helping me feel pretty. Pretty is on the inside. But a little love on the outside never hurts.”
Whitney Thore
I love Whitney Thore, the star of TLC’s My Big, Fat, Fabulous Life, and not just because she’s from my home state of North Carolina. Thore has become a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-love, both on her show and through her website, No Body Shame.
Thore became YouTube famous with her viral “fat girl dancing” videos, which seek to show that women don’t have to be a certain shape to practice wellness—or have fun doing it.
Thore believes that wellness isn’t just about a particular workout or diet. In an interview with The Gloss, she says:
“It’s not just about body image … I want to reach anyone that has something they feel is holding them back from just living in the moment and being happy.”
Jessamyn Stanley
Another Carolina girl (we really are best in the world, y’all), Jessamyn Stanley is a body positivity advocate and yoga instructor.
One reason I love Stanley is how refreshingly honest she is. Even though she’s written a book, amassed more than 300,000 Instagram followers, and now teaches yoga all over the world, Stanley did not always love yoga. In fact, she hated it. According to a post by Stanley on Tumblr: “I think it’s really important for me to say that my first yoga experience was hell on earth. Are you hearing me? HELL. ON. EARTH.”
Lucky for us, Stanley gave yoga another chance and has this advice for wannabe yogis:
“Don’t be intimidated by your inexperience—even world weary yoga teachers are lifelong students. We are all constantly learning and evolving, and your evolution is absolutely perfect from the start.”
Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough is serious fitness goals. I mean, have you seen her abs?
But Hough is so much more than a rockin’ bod. She created her website, JulianneHough.com, as a space for women to be the “best versions of ourselves through style, fitness, and giving back to the world around us.”
Most recently, Hough shared her struggle with endometriosis, a painful condition in which uterine tissue grows outside the uterus. Other famous celebs like Lena Dunham have recently revealed their own battle with endometriosis, but the condition is still a mystery for most women.
Hough is committed to raising awareness for endometriosis through her organization MeInEndo and says, “Through this campaign aimed at inspiring women to learn about and understand endometriosis, I too have learned so much. Most importantly, I’ve learned I’m not alone. … Together, we can change the way endometriosis is understood.”
Ashley Graham
I typically think of Dress Barn as being a place women of a certain age might shop, but Ashley Graham changed my mind. When her Dress Barn collaboration came out, I bought every. single. piece. She’s almost (but not quite) replaced Dolly Parton as my style icon. And that’s not a statement I make lightly!
One of the best things about Ashley Graham is the way she stays true to her own wellness routine and shuts down haters. Recently, Graham had the best response to some ugly comments about her workouts on Instagram:
“Just for the record—I work out to: stay healthy, feel good, get rid of jet lag, clear my head, show big girls we can move like the rest of em, stay flexible and strong, have more energy … I don’t work out to lose weight or my curves, bc I love the skin I’m in…”
Preach, Ashley!
Paloma Elsesser
The new face of Fenty, Paloma Elsesser is not just a bombshell but an advocate for body positivity and women’s wellness. Recently Elsesser appeared in Glossier’s campaign for their new Body Hero line. In an Instagram post, here’s what she had to say about the experience:
“I did this to show that being fat isn’t a burden. Being fat isn’t ugly or shameful. To prove to one person that it isn’t BRAVE to be fat, but bountiful. And for that young girl looking on Instagram, or walking down Spring St, that she is … perfect despite the precarious and irresponsible versions of beauty we are urged to digest.”
Like Ashley Graham and Jessamyn Stanley, Elsesser also wants women to know that wellness has nothing to do with size. In an interview with Coveteur, Elsesser says, “This image that we’re now unpacking is that there’s no one body type—we all have different body types, everything can sit differently.”
How does Elsesser maintain a wellness routine while also being a jet set supermodel?
“There is so much chaos [in the world], so it’s important that we, as women, as human beings, are able to tap out in a positive way. [I was living in a] negative, destructive way that I was just not willing to participate in anymore. [And for me] that was wellness, having tranquility.”
Serena Williams
I don’t know about you, but when I was in my first trimester, it was all I could do to drag myself to work on time, much less work out.
That’s why Serena Williams is and always will be the GOAT.
Not only did she slay on the court, but she won the Australian Open while in her first trimester.
Serena’s secret to wellness?
Killer self-confidence.
After the birth of her son Alexis, she posted on Instagram, “’I’m ready to get back at it. My belief in myself has never been stronger.”
In an interview with Fitness magazine, Williams revealed that although she eats a healthy diet and maintains a wellness routine even when she’s not training, she does have days where she feels a little inadequate. “When I was young I thought I should be built more like an athlete—long and lean—not with a womanly figure. But then people my age started coming up to me, saying, ‘I love you because of the way you look.’ They could relate to me. That was really motivating.”
Williams’ advice for women?
“I learned to be proud of my curves and to embrace my large boobs and my butt. It’s all about loving who you are and realizing that you’re beautiful.”
In my opinion, that’s the only wellness routine women really need to follow.

Categories
In the Kitchen Nosh

A Toast To Toasts: 8 Toasts That Go Beyond Avocado And Sea Salt

The beauty of toast is that it is uncomplicated, fast, and endlessly adaptable. Only have eggs and fresh tomatoes on hand? Scramble those babies up with some milk, add a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper, and there’s your lunch. Tada!
If you’re looking to up your toast game, there are a few basic principles that you will want to adhere to:
First, you need good bread. It doesn’t matter how adventurous you get with the toppings, if you’re making this on heavily processed, pre-sliced white bread, it’ll never taste good or fill you up (also it’s realllllly unhealthy). So go for the high-quality stuff—thick, dense, chunky bread with seeds or nuts and packed with whole grains.
Then you need some spreadables: avocado, hummus, or goat cheese, if you’re going savory; nut butters (almond, macadamia, cashew), honey, or jam if you’re going sweet. Keep some fun garnishes on hand: dill, fresh basil or mint, sunflower seeds, feta, chopped almonds, coconut flakes, blueberries…
A little dusting of spice can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to reach for the cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, or sesame seeds. It’s a pretty low-risk proposition, so experiment away!

If You’ve Got a Sweet Tooth…

1. Blueberries on Toast? Hell yeah.

A perfect combo of sweet and savory, this one starts with a light layer of ricotta cheese. Then add blueberries, a little drizzle of honey, hazelnuts or almonds, and a dash of cinnamon, which is very high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bonus: You can also add a few sprigs of mint or thyme for a fresh pop of flavor.

2. Tahini & Honey: A Perfect Pairing of Sweet and Savory

This is a tried-and-true breakfast in Israel. Add a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. (Be sure to stir the tahini before spreading, since it tends to separate in the jar.)
Bonus: Tahini is packed with protein, so it’s a great breakfast or pre- or post-workout snack.

3. Elvis’ favorite: A Twist on an Old Classic

Access your inner kindergartener, but ditch the Jif in favor of organic almond butter, macadamia butter, or cashew butter—these are higher in protein than peanut butter. (Even better if you can grind it at your local co-op.) Slice the bananas very thin so you don’t overdo it on the sugar content.
This is an ideal post-workout snack or on-the-go breakfast. Feeling adventurous? Add bacon. The combo of sweet and salty makes for a perfectly indulgent Sunday brunch.

4. La Parisienne: Breakfast the French Way

Is there anything better than excellent bread (think a sliced baguette), high-quality butter, and homemade jam? No. Pair it with a café crême and pretend you’re waking up in France.

If You’re More of a Savory Gal…

5. Go German: Lunch for Breakfast

A typical German breakfast involves several kinds of good bread and rolls and assorted toppings—almost always eaten open faced. Start with a thin layer of mustard and try a slice or two of high-quality deli meat (turkey or chicken), a slice of cheese (Brie, Emmenthal, or goat), and top it with tomato or cucumber.
You can also slice a hard-boiled egg and add it to the mix. Sounds like a perfect lunch, nein?

6. Cream Cheese, Lox, and Dill: Brunch Sans Bagel

Or for a fun twist, try crème fraîche instead of cream cheese. Swap out dill for cucumbers, radishes, red onion, or capers. Sunday brunch: done.

7. Egg Sandwich: Not Any Old Deli Find

This is for a morning when you have slightly more time on your hands: Toast with goat cheese, a fried egg, radishes, and arugula. Or try the egg any way you like it.
Another fun egg concoction: a breakfast salad with whole grain toast as its base: Butter the bread, cut it up, and toss it in the bottom of a big bowl. Add copious amounts of arugula and a soft-boiled egg. Finish with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of olive oil. Mix, et voilà! Monday morning breakfast.

8. Avocado Toast…With Some Friends

Add a whole lotta yummy goods on top: sunflower seeds, feta, red pepper flakes, salt, and lemon juice. This is packed with good, healthy fats to keep you going all afternoon.

Categories
Health x Body Wellbeing

IUDs Are For Preventing Pregnancy, But Their Benefits May Be Much Broader

Many forms of contraception have more than one use. For example, oral contraceptives can regulate your menstrual cycle, and condoms can prevent sexually transmitted diseases. According to new research, an intrauterine device (IUD) might also be beneficial in multiple ways.
A recent meta-analysis published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology looked at observational studies of more than 12,000 people. Researchers found that cervical cancer is about one-third less frequent in those who have used an IUD.
The study’s author, Victoria Cortessis, PhD, of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, declared that the findings were significant. “The possibility that a woman could experience some help with cancer control at the same time she is making contraception decisions could potentially be very, very impactful,” Cortessis said in a press release.
Since this is relatively new research, we don’t yet know enough about how and why there is a link between cancer prevention and IUDs. It’s also unclear how long someone would have to use an IUD before it has a cancer-fighting effect.
The study is also limited because we don’t know whether the subjects used hormonal or non-hormonal IUDs. That said, Cortessis told TIME that most of the studies probably involved non-hormonal IUDs, given the time periods and the nature of the studies they analyzed.

How do IUDs work?

Even without their potential cancer-fighting benefits, IUDs are an effective contraceptive with multiple benefits.
An IUD is a small, T-shaped device. It’s inserted into your uterus by a trained medical practitioner, and it can stay there for three to 10 years, depending on the type. If you decide you want to conceive or if you change your mind about wanting an IUD, you can have it removed—it’s totally reversible.
There are two kinds of IUDs: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs, like the Mirena and Skyla IUDs, consistently release a small amount of hormones. This thickens the mucus of the uterus to prevent sperm from meeting the egg. It also thins the uterine wall to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting itself in the uterus. Hormonal IUDs might also make your period lighter and shorter.
The non-hormonal kind contains a small amount of copper and can usually remain in your uterus for up to 10 years. It’s a useful form of contraception for those who don’t want to use hormonal contraception but aren’t fans of barrier methods such as condoms. A potential downside of the non-hormonal IUD? It might cause longer, heavier, or more painful periods.
Current research suggests that nearly anyone can use an IUD, including those who have never given birth. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has advocated that both adolescents and adults can benefit from IUDs.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), both the copper and the hormonal IUD are over 99 percent effective as a form of birth control—making them one of the most reliable forms of contraception.  
Part of the reason IUDs are so effective is that they’re easy to use: Once inserted, you don’t have to worry about it. A condom is only effective if you use it properly, and oral contraception is only effective if you take it consistently. The IUD doesn’t depend on your memory to work.

How could an IUD prevent cervical cancer?

Although the study suggested there’s a link between IUDs and cervical cancer prevention, it doesn’t tell us why the link exists.
What we do know is that cervical cancer is commonly caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). According to WHO, two types of HPV are responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
According to Cortessis, there are a few different ideas about how the IUD could prevent cancer. One theory is that the IUD, being a foreign object, causes the immune system to focus on the reproductive organs. When an infection like HPV enters the body, the immune system is able to successfully fight it off before it causes cancer.
Cortessis has suggested that gynecologists shouldn’t start recommending IUDs solely to prevent cervical cancer, though. For now, we know for sure that the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to prevent HPV. This includes having the HPV vaccine if you’re able to do so. Regular Pap smears can also detect abnormal cells on the cervix, enabling you to intervene before the cancer develops.
Even so, the research provides hope for the future. WHO estimates that about 270,000 people died from cervical cancer in 2012 alone, and those numbers are expected to increase greatly. Most cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to vaccines and screening can be challenging.
If IUDs are truly effective in preventing cancer, they might become another tool in the fight against cervical cancer—one that doesn’t require yearly checkups or potentially expensive vaccines.