Sleep like a rock diffuser blend

I don't know about you but sometimes (most times!) I have issues sleeping.  My mind runs with her #rpms on red line overload and it's hard to idle down.

This helps!

It's my current go to #bedtime #diffuserblend!  Combine it with some #deepbreathing techniques and I'm #sleepinglikearock in no time! ✨🌙 

 

#lavender #cedarwood #diffuser #doterra #essentialoils #oils #addictedtooils #holistichealth #holistichealing #blossomsunited #rocksolidvibes #rocksolidvibestribe #newblogpost #apennyformyglutenfreethoughts

Some days you puke up your tacos...

 

Some days you puke up your tacos...

I'd like to tell you all I always have it under control... but that would be a lie I wouldn't even believe.

There are days when the pain hits so hard I sweat, I freeze, I shake, I puke... it is what it is, it's the life of a #gutsygirl. 

It is a chance to be #brave.  It is a sign from my body to chill the f out and listen.

I've been telling my family that I need a break.  I'm doing too much, I can feel it.  Did I listen to myself?  Eventually when I couldn't keep my tacos in my belly I did. 

I just wanted to share with you all that it's not always good days.  But those cloudy days are the days you can find the #silverlining! After all, tomorrow is another day and you can always make more tacos!  

#gutsygirl #celiac #lyphocyticcolitis #autoimmunehotmess #trustyourgut #tellyourstory #findthesilverlining #achancetobebrave #thatshowasuperherolearnstofly #alwaysfindthesilverlining #painintopower

Maintain your vehicle so your soul can shine!

 

YES!!... I'm digging deep into self love and nourishing the emotional and mental aspects of my being...

BUT...

I'm a gutsy car girl..

And I firmly believe in maintaining all vehicles!

Of course I'm going to get a good coat of wax on to protect the beauty of my exterior.

Of course I'm going to use the right fuel.

Of course I'm going to change my oil when needed.

Of course I'm going to make sure to check all pressures.

If I neglect any of these things it could be disastrous!

I guess my point is don't drive around in a clearly neglected vehicle.  It's dangerous and no good!

Your body is your soul's vehicle... don't ever neglect that... you'll feel (and look) like shit!

And any work you do soul-wise will be pointless.

Always always always fill your tank... in all aspects of life.

Make a green smoothie, get on your yoga mat, punch the hell out of your bag, drink enough water... do whatever it is YOU need to do to feel good about YOU!

Call me materialistic, but when I get behind the wheel of my red race car and feel the horsepower under my foot I feel fabulous about life... I can do anything!

I don't feel that in my rainy day 1999 Saturn.

It's like that whether we want to admit it or not...

You've got to feel good in your skin.  You've got to maintain your vehicle so you can shine and have enough energy and high vibes to take on the world.

I recently read this...

A body without a soul is a corpse.

A soul without a body is a ghost.

Friends, think about this...seperately they are both dead.. but together they are fabulous!

 

For me, my journey had to start with nourishing my body because that's what gutsy girls do... but now that that's well maintained (on a daily basis) I can make sure my soul is ready to race too!! 

Lessons from colitis... my love/hate relationship with colitis...

 

It's been three years since colitis tried to take my intestines, my light, and quite honestly, my life... I won, and am still winning, most days anyway! 😉💪🏼

 It is so true that you don't know how to stand up until you've been knocked down.  I've cried, laughed, grown, and learned so many lessons on my way back up.  

Here's some of them in no particular order...

1. You're always stronger than you think... and every struggle is a chance to be brave. 
2. You find out who you're friends are... not everyone's going to get it, you don't need those people.
3. Nothing is worth sacrificing your health.... NOTHING!
4. Trust your gut...that bitch knows what's up!
5. Food is the best medicine or the worst poison... you choose.
6. Pain equals perspective...
7. Tell your story... you never know who you are inspiring, or saving.
8. Always, always, always find the silver lining.
9. Listen to your body before it has to scream at you.
10. Stress destroys you... manage that shit! 
11. It's ok to rest
12. Never underestimate the power of some deep breaths.
13. Gutsy girls can still drink red wine, and tequila too! 😘
14. I knew you didn't need gluten, but you don't need dairy either... in fact it's kinda gross! 
15. Lettuce is so overrated... eat some real leafy greens!
16. Happy girls are not only the prettiest, they're the healthiest too.
17. You need to take responsibility for you own health and save your own little self.
18. A medical degree doesn't necessarily a doctor make... find a real doctor that you trust and gets you and your health goals.
19. Salt water has the power to make everything better... need to find yourself and your power again?...head to the beach!
20. A punching bag is a necessity... gutsy girl life can be frustrating!
21. If you don't have enough energy to punch... that's ok, get on your yoga mat instead!
22. Makeup makes your illness invisible, which can be good or bad.
23. It's ok to say no, not today, or not ever.
24. Invest in your health or later you will be forced to invest in your illness.
25. Yes, it always could be worse, BUT... you don't always have to be thankful that you don't have it worse... some days it gets you, and that's ok... let it, and try again tomorrow.
26. Most people walk around feeling like total shit and don't even realize how amazing they could feel.... IF they ate the way their bodies needed them to.
27. Green smoothies make everything run a lot smoother.
28. Parts will just keep breaking if you don't fix the real problem.
29. Your digestive system fuels your entire body...If it's not functioning, nothing else is!
30. Nutrition and digestive health have an insanely profound effect on mental health. 

So yes, #fuckcolitis and the way it changed my life... 

However; remember, always find the silver lining... so at the same time; be grateful for colitis and all the ways it changed my life! These are lessons my stubborn little ass wouldn't have learned if I hadn't been forced to... so for that I am forever thankful. 

My Favorite Gluten Free & Vegan Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

🍪Oh these cookies... they demand a kick ass #yoga session and a blog post! #canteatjustone #canteatjustthree 😱😉😂 #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #coconutoil #enjoylife #gutsygirl #celiac #apennyformyglutenfreethoughts #thisrecipeneedstobeshared #chocolatechipcookies #myfoodcanstilltasteamazing

Sometimes you just need the comfort of a soft gooey fresh out of the oven chocolate chip cookie...  

But for some of us (shout out to all my gutsy girls!) that comfort seems pretty elusive.

I can help!

I'm telling you guys, these cookies WILL. MELT. YOU! 

Gluten Free & Vegan Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies 

2 1/3 C *Gluten Free Flour Blend (Sarah's)

1 t Baking Powder

1/2 t Baking Soda

1/2 t Sea Salt

3/4 C Organic Brown Sugar

1/2 C Organic Cane Sugar

1/2 C Coconut Oil- softened

2 T Pure Maple Syrup- room temp

2 t Pure Vanilla

1/4 C Unsweetened Coconut Milk- room temp

1 C Chocolate Chips- I LOVE Enjoy Life

Preheat oven to 350 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a medium bowl sift together the flour, powder, soda, and salt.  In a large bowl cream the coconut oil with the sugars.  Add the syrup, vanilla, and milk, and stir.  Add the flour mixture and chips and stir until combined.  Place tablespoon sized balls an inch apart on your baking sheet.  Slightly flatten with a spoon, they won't spread while baking so keep that in mind.  Bake for 8-10 minutes... don't overbake, they are meant to be soft and gooey!  Cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooking rack to cool completely.

For all my friends that are just interested in this recipe because it is vegan but they don't need to worry about gluten (lucky bitches 😂😘)... comment below to let the rest of you lucky peeps know how the recipe works subbing regular all purpose flour.  I obviously don't know and am not about to attempt to find out..That shit ain't allowed in my kitchen!😂 😉

I can't take all the credit for this recipe... head over here for the original recipe and all sorts of fabulous gfness including more info on this flour blend that I can't live without!...

*Sarah Bakes Gluten Free Flour Blend*

2 C Brown Rice Flour

1 C Sweet White Sorghum Flour

1 C Potato Starch

1/2 C Tapioca Flour/Starch

2 1/2 t Xanthan Gum

Sift everything together really, really well! Store in an airtight container (I use a giant mason jar) and use for EVERYTHING!

This is how I make this... check the link for other options! 😉 

Why Kids Yoga?.... confidence rather than competitiveness

 

It's no secret that I'm crazy passionate about kids yoga...I could go on and on about why I think little bodies and minds can benefit from yoga! One of my most favorite reasons is the way it helps build a sense of confidence rather than competitiveness.  One of my most important rules when I teach any of my kids classes is; YOU BE YOU!  Don't worry about what your neighbor is doing.  Kids need an athletic outlet like this. No one is going to win or lose... we are literally all just going to get moving, breathing deep, and having fun! In a seemingly big world where everything is so competitive it must be so refreshing for the kiddos to simply get some exercise and not have anxiety about being the best all the time! 

#lilyogis #yogakids #preschoolteacher #kidsyogateacher

Weekend Wisdom... the body achieves what the mind believes.

 

#weekendwisdom 

I get so many questions about how I do it, let alone with a smile on my face.  It's because I decided to...That's the big secret! 

I decided I wouldn't let it all slowly kill my body or my soul.  I decided I was #stronger than my conditions.  I decided I would live a full life both despite and because of them.  I decided I would not take pharmaceuticals.  I decided I would become the healthiest I have ever been... I would #eatclean, #fuelmybody with only what it runs on, move that body to manage stress, and take care of this precious vehicle that drives my soul around. I decided to not let anyone or anything that interfered with this touch me.  I decided to get better!  I decided so many things and I keep making those same decisions everyday.

It's not always easy, that's for damn sure, but it's always worth it! Your body can do anything you set your mind to... trust me, I'm living, breathing proof! 

#gutsygirl #celiac #celiaclife #colitis #lymphocyticcolitis #autoimmunehotmess #glutenfree #dairyfree #yogi #giveyourbodysomelove #goodvibesonly #thatshowasuperherolearnstofly #alwaysfindthesilverlining

A gutsy girls guide to road trips... traveling with celiac and colitis.

This Dorothy is off to Kansas City for the weekend!  I'm packing up and heading west for a family wedding and I couldn't be more excited about getting the chance to dance, catch up with family, celebrate an amazing couple, and get away for a bit for a much needed break!

As you can imagine, traveling as a gutsy girl is kinda involved.  There are lots of things to think about!  It can breed doubt and anxiety and suck all the fun out of it.  But don't you let it!

I used to let it.  Let the sheer overwhelmingness, worry, and fear hold me back.  I love spontaneity, and I felt that I was forced to loss that part of myself.  How can I just pick up and go adventure in an unknown place anymore when I constantly have to think about food or bathrooms?  I wanted to stay low maintenance and zen. Packing all this shit is the opposite of that.  But I decided who the f cares?!  Traveling a little differently is better than not traveling at all.

I never want to lose myself to these diseases.  I'm still me, just with more to think about and plan for... and that's ok.  It's a reality I can't change, so you simply learn to adapt.  Makes it even more of an adventure!

So here's my gutsy girls guide to traveling!

1.  Use your resources:
I've never been to Kansas.  Reach out to people who live there, your support groups, the family you are going to visit.

2.  Find me gluten free app:
This is amazing for road tripping.  You can search "near me"while you are driving and find places you can stop.  I always check the website and double check by calling to confirm they can feed me!

3.  Trust your gut.... vibes don't lie!
If you walk  into a place and it doesn't feel right, leave.  Simple as that.  I've done it many times.  And if they put food in front of you and it doesn't feel, look, or smell right ask questions! Don't eat it.  Talk to the manager.  It's your right to eat safely.  Don't let ANYONE take that from you.  Don't worry about what they think of you, or what your travel companions think of you, or who's feelings you might hurt.  Losing your tummy's happiness and health is not worth any of that.

4.  Choose your travel buddies wisely.
Surround yourself with people who get it!  Who care enough about you to care about your health.  I always say if you aren't on board with my health you are for the opposite, and thus I don't need you in my life.  Some people will treat you like you are an inconvenience, they will worry more about the public than you, they will make you feel bad.  It's happened to me before (even within my own family).  Don't let anyone make you feel that... you didn't choose to live this way.  Let them go if you must, or at least don't ever eat or travel with them!  They will be the ones missing out!

5.  Attempt to keep your zen and manage the stress beforehand:
I know I'm going to have anxiety.  I've accepted it and plan accordingly.  I prepare and pack ahead of time because last minute running around makes it worse.  I make sure to eat really clean leading up to it and hit yoga as much as I can.  This leaves me feeling overall better about life which makes everything go much smoother!

6. Snacks!
I'm queen of snacks! I eat a lot! I bring tons of snack whenever I travel, even if it's just like to the grocery store 😂!  Pack smart and plenty.  Things that can keep you satisfied in case it takes a while to find safe food.  Hangry is a real thing! Protein bars are a must! I always want a salty snack, so I bring plenty.  Apples, bananas, and cuties are good things to bring.  Hummus and carrots! Yum!  And I always want to feel included when it's time for dessert so I make sure to bring my own (a dairy free dark chocolate bar, cookies, etc..).

7.  Green juice!
My tummy runs on very specific fuel! I have green juice EVERYDAY.  Bring it with.  Keeping your tummy consistent while your surroundings aren't makes all the difference.

8. Ginger tea:
I always pack ginger tea just in case my tummy isn't happy.

9. Extra meds:
I don't take pharmacieticals anymore (thank GOD) but if you do bring everything with.  I always bring extra probiotics, digestive enzymes, inflammashield, ginger root, and aloe pills.

10. Essential Oils:
DigestZen is my BFF!  It's always in my purse!  I also travel with a small Diffuser because it helps me sleep better.  Gutsy girls need their beauty sleep for their tummys to be happy!

11. Know where the potties are and get comfortable saying when you need one!

We all do it, some of us more than others.  Lymphocytic colitis specifically has made me really comfortable talking poo with pretty much anyone! 😂

12. No cheating!!!

This goes without saying... BUT... no "well, it's ok, I'm on vacation" mentality! Gutsy girls don't cheat EVER. End of story!  Just not worth it friends!!

This is how I road trip! Obviously traveling by air is a bit different. I'll share tips on that in another post! Happy travels gutsy friends! 😘

White Chocolate Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins (Gluten & Dairy Free)

I told ya'll it's the season of Vitamin A.  I'm not complaining!

I had some pumpkin leftover from making these pumpkin brownies.  You can never let pumpkin go to waste!

White Chocolate Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins

1 C Pumpkin Puree

1/2 C Pure Maple Syrup

2 Eggs

1 T Vanilla (make sure it's GF)

4 T Almond Butter (You can sub about 3 T coconut oil- I like the extra protein though)

1/4 C Unsweetened Almond Milk

2 1/4 C CERTIFIED GF Rolled Oats

1 t Baking Powder

1/2 t Baking Soda

1/2 t Sea Salt

1 t Cinnamon

1/2 C White Chocolate Chips (make sure they are dairy free)- you can use dark chocolate too! YUM

Preheat oven to 350 & prep a muffin tin (liners/oil).  Start at the top of your ingredient list and layer everything (except the chips) in your blender (hey Vitamix!).  Puree until smooth.  Gently stir in the chocolate chips.  Fill each muffin tin about 3/4 full.  Bake for about 25 minutes.  Cool a bit before enjoying.

These made the perfect breakfast to go with my green smoothies this week!

Find the original recipe here.

'Tis The Season Of Vitamin A.... Gluten & Dairy Free Pumpkin Brownies

Happy October all!!


Ready or not... it's time for pumpkin EVERYTHING!!

That's ok... everyone could use a little Vitamin A in their lives right?!


These are oh so healthy, rich, and delicious! And, easy too... all in one bowl!

Gluten & Dairy Free Pumpkin Brownies

1/2 C Coconut Sugar
1/2 C Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I use Sara's blend)
1/3 C Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/4 t Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 t Vanilla (make sure it's GF)
5 T Organic Pumpkin Puree


Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 9"x9" baking dish with parchment paper. Stir the sugar, flour, cocoa powder and baking powder together in one medium-size bowl and make a well in the center. Add eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin into it. Beat with a hand whisk for about 1 minute, just until the mixture forms a batter (don't over-mix). Pour/spread the batter into the lined baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until set. Use the parchment paper to remove the brownies from the baking tray and leave to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. When cool, slice the brownies and enjoy!


Find the original recipe here.

Witch's Brew Diffuser Blend

Halloween is WAY up there on my list of favorite holidays!  I love making my home smell festive as I decorate for the occasion!

Weekend wisdom... you hold the paintbrush, baby!

#weekendwisdom Don't ever feel stuck, like it's too late, or like you don't possess your own power! You hold the paint brush, baby!!
Isn't it so refreshing to consider that you can paint a new picture whenever you damn well please?!

Don't feel like your most authentic self? Find her, be her, and let her rock the world with her love and light!


#paintyourownlife #drwaynedyer #liveyourlife #youbeyou #holistichealing #holistichealth #fillyourtankfirst #selflove #grateful #happy #blessed #rocksolidvibes #rocksolidvibestribe #

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