These are the women who have carried me....these are my Mothers!

One morning recently and I had fallen asleep unusually early from the exhaustion of the day and so I woke up at 3am and my mind started looping so many thoughts. One of the thoughts was about a conversation I had overheard the day before. I had been at the car wash and I overheard two women talking, they were talking about a mom they must have both known. One women says to the other " it just isn't natural for her I guess, mothering." Obviously, I know nothing about what they are talking about or the circumstances and that is all I heard so I can't judge really in any way. But, something about that sentence literally stopped me listening and my thoughts started going in a million directions. I felt something well up inside of me- MOTHERING- NATURAL do those two words go together?!? Natural for who?!?! Is it really natural for any of us... Aren't we all just doing the best we know how based on our own stories, life circumstances, personal strengths and challenges. There have been so many days I have gone to bed at night wondering if I could have handled the hard situation better or I think yep, today is the day they will mention in counseling when they are older (don't worry we are saving for counseling and college😉) and then there are some days I think maybe just maybe I have this whole thing figured out and then bam, something changes. This ever evolving, ever changing thing that has so humbled me, natural?!? It is growing me and challenging me, and changing me as a person and I am loving that, but nothing about it feels natural to me. Am I alone in this feeling?!

With the approach of Mother's Day I started thinking about the moms I know and interact with on a daily/weekly basis others not always because of distance etc. However, they all in some way have inspired me, moved me or challenged me to be more of my truest self. They have been kind when my "natural" response was a super sucky one. They have mothered me in a way simply by just being who they are. Not intentionally, but by observing or doing life along side them I have felt carried. Not one of them alone would stand and claim to be a perfect mother or have it all together, in fact so far from it and I love them for that. They have been honest and vulnerable with me in the shortcomings and victories and getting to witness that is a beautiful thing. All of them collectively have shown up in strength and wisdom and all sorts of inspiration in my life. They aren't famous or being written about or even out impacting millions of people..nor are they trying to. They are just trying to do them and live life and love their families well. Because of that they are impacting me, and their families and their children and by simply being who they are, probably impacting more people than they even realize.

I wanted them to know how they have impacted me and how grateful I am for their presence and vulnerability and advice and compassion and love in my life. So I sent each of them a text over the course of this week leading up to Mother's Day and asked them if I could share the text I sent to give you a small glimpse of who these ordinary, extraordinary women are. Of course the types of mothers in this world are countless and the things they do is expansive but these women are my mothers and this is how they have been with me on my journey this far. Who are yours?!?!

These are mine:

With their permission I asked if I could share. I started each text the same...

With Mother's Day approaching I have been doing a lot of thinking about the Mom's in my life who inspire me I wanted you to know how you have impacted me!

Diana-
Mom, I say so often to my children "I love you no matter what!" I can say that fully and wholeheartedly and know the gift that is to them because that is what you have done for me. In my hardest and darkest and most joyous and happy times in my life you have without a doubt loved me no matter what!

Caron-
The gift of loving my husband, your son, for exactly who he is and allowing him to be his truest self with you. From the very beginning and even now for continuing to ask him who he is and discovering him and loving him versus telling him who he is, is a precious gift to us both and something I have watched and will do my best to gift to my own children.

Catie-
Your intentionality with your boys inspires me and your endurance to keep seeking to hear and understand them in the moments when it would just be easier to move quickly past the circumstance moves me to be in the moment with my children and seek to listen and understand more and "tell" less.

Sarah-
Your go with the flow, laid back attitude in allowing your kids to be kids has taught me to let go a little. Even when you guys are walking through hard times as adults your boys just get to be kids and there is such a light hearted joy about them because of that!

Rachel-
Your vulnerability and honesty in parenting is refreshing. Hearing you say you apologized to your daughter, now that she is an adult, for mistakes you made early on and your humbleness has taught me that it isn't about getting it right or perfect but being honest and humble in the journey and seeking to love yourself and your children well through that journey. What a gift to your kids to get to witness that firsthand!

Joy-
I know you didn't have the mom you needed and hoped she could have been to you and I know that is so hard and painful and I know the fear is real as you bring this precious new baby boy into the world! But, I can tell you the work you have done on yourself and the care and love you have already have for your baby before he has even entered the world is breathtaking. You are already and amazing mom!

Lindsey-
I have watched you in the most chaotic and stressful moments have this calm about you and communicate with your children in such a peaceful state even when they are losing it and I am just in awe of that. It is absolutely inspiring to watch and everytime I see you do it, it reminds me to keep working at it.

Sarah-
You will always me a mom of two and your honesty in the unimaginable pain of losing your baby boy and then such a juxtaposition of the joy in raising your precious daughter makes me awestuck. Your vulnerability in being able to share the emotions and go through grief and yet share and be so present and available and loving with your daughter is something to behold. Allowing yourself to feel ALL the emotions and getting to be witness to that has taught me so much!

Leah-
Your continued effort to grown in who you are as a person and evolve and the way you have taken your kids on that journey alongside you in the last couple years has given me incredible relief to the panic that I need to have it all figured out, that I need to know exactly who I am and instead be in the constant ever evolving process and teach my kids along the way.

Rebecca-
Watching you tell your own truth no matter what and continually trying to find tools to improve the quality of life for your family and as of recently knowing the next right step for your family was to pick up and move across the country! Knowing there was risk involved but trusting that it was the next right step and following your dream and embracing the adventure to be in a new place has been so fun to watch. To go knowing it wouldn't all be easy, and may be hard in moments and sad for you and the people you were leaving behind but the bravery in going and following a dream and doing the hard thing because you knew it was the right thing for you guys is so cool to witness and has taught me so much just from watching at a distance... more that you probably realize!

Franki-
I have loved our time and conversations and I feel like we could talk for hours and hours and we usually do! But, every time I leave refreshed and having learned something I never knew before! You are a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to me and I never feel judged! I know that your journey to motherhood has been a rough rough road and I know that what Mother's Day means today is so joyful but so different then it was years ago and I am so thrilled to celebrate that with you. Your heart and outspoken love to women who you know are still waiting is so touching. I am grateful to bear witness to your amazing love for your children. Your whatever it takes attitude in loving and providing a life where they can truly flourish and right along side that your heart for women who desperately want to be called "mom".

Corinne-
So many days I think of you when I am having a tough day and I think of the amazing capacity you have to do it all as a single mom, business owner, sister, friend, daughter, aunt, boss and it all falls on your shoulders and so many people count on you and while you are literally doing it ALL you are still so intentional, loving and constantly growing and evolving. Your energy astounds me! To me you are my vision of the fiercest warrior mama!

Debbie-
I know you are not a mom yourself.... But the way you have counseled me and taught me and challenged me and often times saw better in me than I even saw in myself. You are teaching me to look inward, dig deeper, and connect with myself in ways I never thought possible. To get to know and love myself has been a gift to me, my kids, and my husband and has given me a drive and passion to be ever evolving and connected to my emotions like never before. You may have been counseling me, mothering me, whatever you want to call it but I would not be where I am today with out your guidance and nurture for my soul!

Kristin-
I tell people all the time how much I admire you as a mom and as a woman and so often think how incredible it would be if we didn't live at opposite ends of the country. But, I love watching you mother even from a distance and because of you have found freedom to seek to better understand my deepest self in order to be a more connected mom. Your highly sensitive nature, the thing you felt held you back as a younger person, yet now have a greater understanding of it, is truly your super power as a mom. I love that you make choices for your family and yourself because they are best for you guys and are often contrary to the rest of the worlds ideas. I have sometimes felt isolated in making decisions that go against the norm and watching you has given me strength to go against the grain.

Britni-
Something Jon and I say to the kids and each other is that there is enough room in this family for everyones dreams! I think watching you be an amazing mom and and so powerful in business is where that belief came from! I know that there is constant struggle in balancing the two and a give and take on a daily basis and I know it is not easy but I know that this has always been a dream for you! I love that your family has made space for your dream! The lesson you are teaching your babies to make space in this world for the people they care about is priceless. You inspire me to work to achieve the exact life I desire, whatever that may be for whatever season that may be!

Sonja-
You are such a fun mom and when I am around you in allows me to lessen the control freak nature in me and reminds me to be more fun! Recently when I called you in a panic your first words to me were "you are an amazing mom and this is no reflection on you as a mom" I mean seriously, what an amazing generous gift! You have no idea what that meant and how that made me feel!

Laura-
I am so excited to get to be a small part of your big journey toward motherhood and talking and laughing and sharing worries and excitement for all that motherhood has in store for you has reminded me of the precious time when my babies were small and I loved so much and I wanted to cherish every thing in the moment, yet, I was tired and just surviving. Getting to go back and remember and talk about that time with you as you prepare for that has given me the opportunity to cherish those moments all over again in a whole new way. You are going to be an amazing mom and I can't wait to meet your sweet baby girl!

Thank you to these women and so many others who have moved me, inspired me, and kept me moving forward!

Happiest of Mother's Days to you all!

Much Love,

Lauren











- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Blender Oat Pancakes

School starts on Monday! If you are like me you insist your kids eat breakfast and you want it to be healthy so there little brains can function all day! Of course you do, you are a parent. I have a great pancake recipe for you that will do just the trick. But, you don't have to be a parent to enjoy these amazing blender oat pancakes and I promise you once you have them you will never go back to the box powder that gives you slim to nilch in the way of nutritional value. 

Here is the list of ingredients copied directly from the AuntJemima.com

Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix 

INGREDIENTS: ENRICHED BLEACHED FLOUR (BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), SUGAR, LEAVENING (SODIUM BICARBONATE, SODIUM ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE, MONOCALCIUM PHOSPHATE), DEXTROSE, NONFAT DRY MILK, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, SALT, WHEAT GLUTEN, CALCIUM CARBONATE, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, SODIUM CASEINATE, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, LACTIC ACID.

Why would you eat this...when you can eat this! 

Blender Oat Pancackes

1 Banana

1 Egg

2 cups rolled oats

1 and 1/4 cup almond milk

1 heaping tablespoon of honey

1 teaspoon of cinnamon 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Dash of salt

Put all ingredients in blender and you have your pancake mix! I make it the night before for convenience and pour it right into the pan in the morning! I always make extra and reheat them for the following days!

I use coconut oil to cook pancakes on medium to medium low heat.

I don't like syrup so I smash up a few raspberries on top. But, my kids do like syrup, so I use real maple syrup. Just a drizzle though! A drizzle of honey works great too. For added bonus you can add a few of your favorite things...walnuts, blueberries, flax, chia are just a few ideas. 

I promise your family will function so much better and you will too if you eat this and not Aunt Jemima! 

Happy First Day of School!

Much Pancake Love, 

Lauren 

Prosecco Margaritas

Prosecco  Margaritas 

It's Tuesday at noon and I all want to do is take a nap! We had a super fun jam packed three day weekend but, I am really worn out and we may or may not have made quite a few pitchers of these Prosecco Margaritas over the long weekend!!

We were at a wedding in Birmingham and our friends made a comment in passing about Prosecco Margaritas and I swear, I couldn't stop thinking about them! So a three day weekend felt like the perfect time to try them out!

 I love making drinks like this in a big batch or pitcher so I don't have to run back to the kitchen and mix all the ingredients every time you need a refill or two! We love a good drink with lots of layers of flavors and Jon always says a two part drink is only for emergencies... But, it does require a little extra work so we found a big pitcher is just the answer! 

I hope you get to try this out on a hot day and share it with family or friends! Enjoy! 

3 ounces Patron Silver or your favorite Blanco Tequila ( or a little more depending on how strong you like it!)

3 ounces Cointreau 

4 ounces Simple Syrup

8 ounces lime juice ( you gotta go fresh real lime...it makes all the difference)

1 750ml bottle of your favorite dry Prosecco

Lime wedges for garnish

Salt to rim the glass

Much Margarita Love,

Lauren 

Healthy Habits

So I have picked up three new habits in the last six months that along with eating clean and taking barre classes (more on this later), have me feeling the best I have ever felt. So I thought I would share! 

First thing is drinking warm lemon water every Morning:

The very first thing I do when I wake up is squeeze half a fresh lemon into a luke warm cup of water. I drink it fairly quickly then wait 30 minutes before I eat or drink anything else. 

I have noticed my skin is clearer, my breath is fresher and I haven't been sick or even gotten the sniffles this entire cold/flu season. It wakes me up and I feel like I have energy first thing in the morning. I found this chart of the 15 reasons we should all be doing this! 

Drinking Bulletproof Coffee:

So, I am sure you have heard of this trend by now and many people have cringed at the thought but, tons have jumped on board for good reason. I have to tell you it is delicious and I love it! 

I overhauled the way I was eating and feeding my family a couple years back and I am continuing to make small changes as I learn new things. One of my last bad vices that I just couldn't let go of was putting coffee creamer in my morning coffee. When I heard about the bulletproof coffee way I knew I should try it but, I literally go to bed at night dreaming about my morning cup of coffee WITH my creamer - chock full of sugar and artificial flavors and chemicals. The thought of giving that up, that one last thing, even though I knew it was bad. I didn't know if I really wanted to! 

 I had decided that I would give up my Kuerig for waste and health reasons and switch to a Chemex pour over coffee method - so I figured now was the time to just switch it all over! 

I boil a small pot of water and pour it over fresh, low mold, fairly traded organic coffee grounds - which that alone tastes a trillion times better than the coffee sitting in K cups for who knows how long. Then I put one tablespoon of pastured butter - not to be mistaken for pasteurized (that just means heated). 

You want the health benefits of cows munching on grass. Kerrygold is the one I have used a lot. I also get one from the Farmacy (a little jewel, which I will share more on later) at my local Winter Garden Farmers Market that is really delicious, double the size, and cheaper than the Kerrygold. 

First things first, you have to unlearn what you were taught in the past about fats in general and particularly saturated fats.  The myth about saturated fat causing heart disease has been thoroughly debunked. The studies show that there is literally no association between the two. In fact, saturated fats can actually improve the blood lipid profile:

They raise levels of HDL (the good) cholesterol, which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

They change the LDL from small dense (bad) to Large LDL – which is benign and not associated with heart disease.

High-fat dairy products from grass-fed cows are among the best sources of Vitamin K2 in the diet. Vitamin K2 is a nutrient that most people don’t know about, but it is one of the most important nutrients in the diet for heart and bone health. My kids drink whole grass milk for the exact same reasons. 

Mainstream nutrition gets a lot of things wrong, but the insane advice to replace butter with trans-fat laden margarine and vegetable oils is among the worst. But, trust me I believed them too and did it for a long time! When we replace real, traditional foods like butter and meat with crappy, processed pseudo-foods, we get sick.

Then I add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.

Coconut oil has been demonized in the past because it also contains saturated fat. Many massive studies that include hundreds of thousands of people prove that the whole “artery-clogging” idea was a myth.  Coconut oil doesn’t contain your average run-of-the-mill saturated fats. It contains Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – which are fatty acids of a medium length. Most of the fatty acids in the diet are long-chain fatty acids, but the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are metabolized completely differently.

Then, I take a hand held frother my friend Leah bought me from Ikea and whip the coffee, coconut oil, and butter together! It comes out a carmel color with a frothy head on it! 

This "fatty" delicious coffee is so good for you, so you have to relearn a lot of things you were taught about fats and calories. Not all fats are bad and not all calories are created equal. 

After I had kids I wanted to lose the baby weight, I strictly counted calories and sure I lost weight but, I was starving and malnutritioned because the integrity of the calories I was eating wasn't there. I used to eat fruit and it didn't even taste sweet to me because I drank things like diet soda because the calorie count was zero. My other trick was 100 calorie packs of cookies to satisfy my sugar addiction. I later switched to eating real food, healthy fats, cutting out processed foods and sugars. I feel better than ever and I am never starving and my weight stays steady. I feel satisfied. Now that I know better,  I feel a thousand times better. 

Just out of curiosity I plugged in a few days of what I ate in the old calorie counter I used to use and it was giving me alerts for high fats, high saturated fats, cholesterol and sugar. The two over easy pastured eggs I cook at home with a little coconut oil that don't even need to be refrigerated because the membrane hasn't been washed off with fresh blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries is alerting me to high sugar - except they are natural sugars my body knows how to break down and eggs a high cholesterol food - however  the fat in egg yolks actually helps to reduce LDL (“bad” cholesterol). The combination of the yolk fat and protein in the white makes real eggs a nutritional powerhouse. Then just to see I plugged in an Egg McMuffin from McDonald's in the same app and it only alerts me to the high sodium intake. If you didn't know better you would eat some food like sandwich product because even the tools available to people who are trying to pay attention and potentially feel better or lose weight are measuring many of the wrong things. 

I didn't know better before either so when people cringe at my "fatty" coffee I know how I feel and what I have learned. 

Last of my new habits is I take raw probiotics daily:

I have given my family probiotics and taken them myself for years, but not all probiotics are created equal. So first things first why a probiotic?!?

Probiotics are a type of living bacteria that actually benefit your health when taken in the appropriate amounts. This friendly bacteria, located in the gastrointestinal tract, comes in a variety of forms. With more than 400 different bacteria living in the human gastrointestinal tract, the most common forms of intestinal probiotics are L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum.

These bacteria act as balancing agents for non-friendly, pathogenic, gut-bacteria such as Candida or E. coli. When the “good-guys” are not present enough, a number of bacteria-related health problems such as digestive upset, headaches, sluggishness, irritability, cadidiasis (an overgrowth of the bacteria Candida albicans), and even anxiety can ensue.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is, quite possibly, the strongest of our probiotic fighters. Studies show that L. acidophilus actually creates a natural form of antibiotics in the body. This increases our ability to defend against the pathogens in the food we eat, the air we breath, and the things we come in contact with. Stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and most importantly, unhealthy acidic diets, destroy our natural amounts of probiotics. 

I found a list that outlines the benefits with intake of daily servings of probiotics:

Enhanced immune system response

Alleviates negative affects of taking many types of antibiotics

Calms colon irritation following surgery

Helps to support healthy skin in youth

Increased ability to digest food

Therapeutic for upper respiratory complaints

Reduces lactose intolerance

Reduces incidence of yeast infections, vaginitis and candidiasis

Increases ability to assimilate the nutrients from food

Alleviates many common digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea and IBS

It is also important to know that 80-85% of your immune system in located in your gut! 

So why a RAW probiotic?!?

RAW means that all of the RAW Probiotics formulas are uncooked, untreated, unadulterated and contain no binders or fillers and no carriers such as maltodextrin or dextrose. They are all gluten-free and contain no soy allergens. 

The biggest difference between RAW and many other probiotics, is the number of colony forming units. 'Pearls' have only 2 billion CFUs and 2 strains. RAW has 85 billion & 31 strains. That's a huge difference. 

RAW Probiotics are to be kept chilled.  Enzymes die in heat.

We take Garden of Life probiotics and all of our additional supplements from this brand actually.  It is the most potent probiotic I have taken and, so far I feel best taking this one! 

This is the one I give to my kids! It super easy to stir into pretty much anything because it is powder form versus and capsule or tablet.

I hope this was helpful to you in some way! Maybe you will pick a new habit or 3 and start feeling amazing! I actually didn't realize how bad I felt until I started changing things in my diet and was astounded at how much better I could feel. Keep in mind being very consistent has been the key with these things to really feeling the changes and feeling better!

I know I will keep learning and researching on this topic of food, natural health, and supplements because I am so passionate about it and I want my family to feel good and stay well! I will keep you updated as I learn new things because I know I don't have it all figured out for sure but I have certainly learned so much! I just started a new book called Whole, Rethinking the Science of Nutrition by T. Colin Cambell, PhD and Howard Jacobson, PhD. It is all about the fact that modern nutritionists focus on single nutrients has led to mass confusion and tragic health consequences. It is about changing the way you think about food and, in doing so, improve our lives and save massive amounts of money in health care costs.   So I will share more info as I learn!

Much Health Love,

Lauren 

Fall Wardrobe Updates

I always feel very confused on how to dress this time of year because I was laying out by my pool yesterday in a bathing suit drinking coconut water. Then I log into Fb and everyone else in the country is apple picking and drinking pumpkin spiced lattes in Uggs and yoga pants! So it is still 100 degrees here in Florida and I am still wearing tanks and shorts. But, when you want to head out to shop here, it is Fall in all the stores! 

Even though I haven't been able to wear them quite yet, I have added a few pieces to my Fall/Winter wardrobe which in Florida is basically the same thing. I needed some really basic things that fit well and were easily mixed and matched. I am working hard on thinning my closet to only pieces I really love and fit well! Here is what I picked up!

White Box Skirt- this Banana Republic skirt is so flattering and has pockets! I love a dress or skirt with pockets.

 

    

Blue Button Down- this piece is so basic but I plan on wearing it as well as tying it around my waist. 

Leather Skirt- leather is everywhere this fall and I love it! This Zara skirt has a little flare at the back which I love because it makes it a little more feminine!

Ankle Strap Pump- I saw these and figured they could go with so many different outfits! They are Dolce Vita and bought them from Zou Zou boutique. 

Black Coated Jeans- I keep seeing leather leggings and pants and I couldn't commit to full leather pants so I like this option. A similar look with out being leather. These are also Banana Republic. They were having a 40% off sale I hit it up! 

Plus, I have these fun slip ons I shared that I will still be wearing and they will pair perfectly with these pants! 

Plaid Button Down- I'm loving plaid right now and maroon. I plan on pairing navy and black so this shirt, skinny jeans, a black classic pump and black clutch is perfection! 

Black Pump- just because they are so classic and wearable! I needed them to go with my plaid shirt and skinny jeans above! 

Blush Leather Jacket- I actually found this at Marshall's last year and it's Free People and I never wore it! This year I am making sure I do! 

I loved all these pieces and felt like they were super interchangeable!

So, Happy Fall and here is to wishing for some cooler weather here in Florida so we can wear this fun stuff! I hope you found something to inspire your Fall wardrobe! 

Much Fall Fashion Love,

Lauren

Let's be Adventurers!!

I have always been up for a good adventure ever since I was young! I think it was a part of growing up in my family! My Dad was truly the first adventurer I ever knew. He taught me it is way more fun to jump in and participate in life rather than sit on the sidelines. Really to this day nothing has changed with him. 

This is him playing with his new birthday present! A slack line for his 56th Birthday! 

             Always a fun surf buddy 

My little, not so little anymore, brother was always way more brave than I, but I always wanted to keep up with him. He would do things like park the car and say, "hold my hand we are going to run up the off ramp of the Lake Ivanhoe exit on I4 and jump off the overpass into the lake, you'll love it" with cars whizzing by I would just hold his hand and keep running straight off the overpass with him! Totally scared out of my mind but definitely not wanting to sit in the car and miss out, I would go for it! That was just one of the many things he talked me in to doing!

When I became a parent though, I think I lost some of that. Feeling protective of my kids and feeling like I had to change in order to be a "good" parent. I even wanted to fit in with other parents. Obviously, you do look at your life differently when two little people and one amazing husband care about you and you them! I am not discounting that or advising anything crazy or saying to put your life at risk. That isn't what I am saying at all. But, I felt like I lost a little of the girl I was and well, frankly, I liked her! 

 I have been trying to plan fun things for my self and my family that are out of the normal monotonous schedule rut we can all get in! I think you have to be really intentional about this and this year my goal was to travel and find little adventures! I think we had success so far!

Here are some things we did this year in the name of adventure and travel:

     RZR's in the Dominican Republic

   Swimming in a cave in the Dominican 

                       Republic 

              Ready to go Ziplining

      Dominican Republic (this man is an         incredible travel partner...just sayin')

                           Cabo

 

            Horseback Riding in Cabo

  

            Swimming with Manatees

                Surfing in San Diego 

 

                     San Diego Zoo

                  RVing and Riding

To celebrate our birthdays my friend Lindsey and I decided to take a day, just the two of us and head to Anna Maria Island to go paddleboarding. My friends Ben and Susan Webb own AMI Paddleboards so they totally set us up! They give guided tours, instruction, rentals, the whole nine yards! Plus, they are the most down to earth, genuine, kind people you could meet. 

We started with a breakfast of champions at Anna Maria Donuts! Let me tell you they were to die for and worth every flippin' calorie! They are fresh and made to order and we got 5 of them saying we will never be able to eat that many but, want to try a bunch. Oh yeah, we totally ate all of them! 

Then we headed to the beach and met up with AMI paddleboards who had our boards ready and waiting for us beachside. 

We paddled about 2.5 miles along the beach. We saw tarpon and dolphin along our paddle and just enjoyed being in the salt water. We eventually pulled our boards up on the beach and had lunch and cocktails at a tiki bar/restaurant right on the sand! After a few cocktails or liquid courage we decided we needed to take our paddle boarding to the next level and do yoga on our boards! 

We started to paddle back but not with out testing out our yoga skills and mostly dying of laughter! We have hilarious video of ourselves trying and failing at all sorts of moves! We need a little more practice I think or less liquid courage! Haha! Maybe both! 

We paddled our 2.5 miles back where AMI met us on the beach to pick up our paddleboards! Finally, we headed to Long Boat Key to do a little shopping! 

It was such a fun day and reminded us both that yes, we are moms with a lot of responsibility, but we also are so much more than that! One of the many things that we are is adventurers! We feel fully alive when we are doing something like this! We felt completely recharged! 

It is so easy to forget parts of yourself or get caught in the routine of life. You don't have to love the outdoors or water or even adventures like me but, I think it is so important to keep discovering what ever it is that makes you feel fully alive! The part of you that maybe you forgot because of life circumstances, hardships, responsibilities, or just growing up. Maybe it is just discovering a whole new part of yourself. A part that you never knew existed.

I have spent the last year learning what is feeding my soul and new fun adventures and travel are doing just that! This life is big and grand and full of fun and you better believe I want to experience as much as I can! I once heard that the only thing that can make you truly richer in this life are relationships and travel and I think I am a believer! Well, except bungee jumping...I don't know if I ever want to do that! I'll let my younger, way more brave brother do that! Oh wait he already did! At night! That is one bridge he couldn't talk me into jumping off of.

Much Adventure Love,

Lauren 

Kale Yeah!

So I have two salads that I have been making over and over again and my family and friends are loving them so I thought I would share!

Lemon Pecorino Kale Salad

Ingredients you'll need:

1 big bunch of Kale

1 shallot

4 tbsp of fresh squeezed lemon juice 

Salt and pepper

2 tbsp. champagne vinegar

4 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1 cup Pecorino cheese

To make this salad here is what you need to know:

Finely shave the kale avoiding the ribs and stems into a large bowl. The finer the better! Add the slivered almonds in the bowl as well. 

Then in a small separate bowl combine minced shallots, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.

Massage the kale and almonds with the dressing then add the cheese! I use a micro plane to shred the cheese finely. 

Any Pecorino will work! This is just the one I chose! 

The key I have learned is to get your hands messy and massage the salad! It softens the kale and blends the flavors really well! I hope you enjoy! 

I have another one that is great too! 

Kale, Apple, Walnut Salad

Here what you'll need:

1 big bunch of Kale leaves

1 apple

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted

3 to 4 tbsp. crumbled blue cheese

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/8 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Apple cider vinegar

1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice 

You can use curly kale like I did on the one in the pic but, I like the Lacinato kale too. It pulls easily off the ribs making it super easy to ribbon. I alternate between the two!

Combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt in a separate bowl. 

Get your hands dirty again and massage the mixture into the kale leaves. 

Throw in apples, blue cheese and walnuts and toss. 

I love MayTag blue cheese for this salad. It is my favorite but it is really strong so I use a Danish blue as well that is a little softer, less intense. 

The nice thing about both of these salads is that they can keep in the fridge and taste even better the next day because the dressing softens the kale but doesn't make it soggy like a traditional salad! I usually make it as a side for dinner then throw leftovers into a mason jar and have it for lunch the next day with a protein! I don't eat much dairy but I love these two salads and the cheese definitely makes them so I can't give that up! I hope you love them as much as I do! 

Kale Love, 

Lauren