An Improvement: Healthy Publix Finds + Salt Lamp Sale Check Out Code

Okay so I will start off by saying that I am not trying to "knock" the beloved Publix supermarkets but finding organic food and more than just apples and oranges when it comes to produce at my local Publix store was a big challenge for a long time until more recently. I normally go to Whole Foods for my bigger shops, but for a last minute shop, I go to the much closer, Publix. 

(Now if Publix could start carrying organic popcorn...  

*since genetically modified corn is used otherwise and I'm not giving Mark a bag of GMO corn*

 I would be able to make Mark's (and Cooper our dog's) dreams come true. The man is in love with pickles and popcorn.) 

There is still very limited organic fresh produce (which is annoying) but there has been an increasing number of other organic foods on the shelves. I have seen a big increase and it is all because of consumer demand. Sometimes I hear people who do not shop organic saying, "the new fad is organic food..." 

Sorry, it is no fad, friends. It is called the power of social media and people spreading the word, learning what is really in their "food", and wanting better for what they are paying their hard earned money for. 

We are learning how pesticides, genetically modified foods, and toxic chemicals in our every day household items are harming our bodies and contributing to our illnesses. How long were we supposed to go since the early 90's when GMO foods really became the norm  in our grocery stores? Not too long apparently... 

Since GMOs and the increase in the amount of pesticides on our food have been added to our 

US food supply, things like allergies, asthma, cancer, infertility, diabetes, autism, alzheimer's, and many others have sky rocketed in this country. Even aspartame in our drinks (which they even tried to add to milk to make it sweeter and more addicting like your diet sodas) was created by the same people who created GMO corn, RoundUp Weed Killer, etc. YUM. They all contribute the same illnesses because it is all poison. Don't shoot the messenger! But are you really surprised ? What did you think would happen when we put these kinds of chemicals in our bodies? I mean when I drank diet coke in college, I knew aspartame wasn't good  for me but I had no clue to the extent of HOW BAD it was. 

These kinds of things are not created in nature and so our bodies don't know what do with that, try to fight it off...that's where our side effects and illnesses come in.

Aaaaanyways.....

Back to my local Publix finds: 

Bigger Kale bags! 

Bok Choy - not organic.
I'll be washing this in water and vinegar to take off as many of the pesticides that were  sprayed on it. Since it is a thin, leafy green I wish that it were organic as pesticide can penetrate it very easily as opposed to something like a banana with thick skin. 

The kind of pasta we buy...

 Quinoa pasta comes in all shapes. It is great. Even made my favorite blogger, Food Babe's, list: "What Are The Healthiest Pastas Available?" under the Ancient Grain Pastas section.

This....

This is my version of fast food. It is microwaveable in 90 seconds. I am trying to use the microwave less and less but in a crunch... I will probably throw this onto some lettuce, cilantro, non GMO corn tortilla chips -  and make some sort of quick taco salad.


Yay! My local Publix FINALLY started carrying ORGANIC TOMATOES! Even local from 30 min away,  Boynton Beach, FL! (Now I am waiting patiently for organic strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries...) 

Another quick dinner idea = Thai night means:

This:

Over this:

Makes this:

Mine is meatless and over a raw mushroom. This was for my " Meatless Monday " as I am cutting back on animal foods. Mark's version is made with grass fed ground beef that I spiced with cayenne, cumin, and Himalayan salt. 

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. A kitchen staple for years and years. Probably in your grandparents home right now...

I read so many amazing things about organic apple cider vinegar that I thought it was finally time for a new Healthy Habit! Don't you worry... I'll be posting about the benefits and how I use the apple cider vinegar when it is time. 

Is your local Publix (or other grocery store) making room for more organic food? I am happy that mine is! It still has a long way to go but any improvement is appreciated! Thank you, Publix managers, for hearing out my requests and bringing in the better suppliers! 

If you would like to learn more, take 18 min and listen to this mom, the "Erin Brockovich" of food. She explains what happened to her family and what she learned afterwards. It is what jump started my interest in this way of eating. 

Also...

Himalayan Salt Lamp Coupon Code:

For those who read this post and want to purchase a Himalayan Salt Lamp for your own home or office, YourSaltLamps.com is having a Spring Kickoff Sale right now through March 31st. 

15% off all order totals when you enter Coupon Code: SPRING2014 at checkout. 

XO 

Christina 

Oh, we have a climber now... Lord help me. 

Charleston, SC: Sarah's Bachelorette Party

On Thursday afternoon, I brought Ava to her Nana's home where she stayed overnight until Mark picked her up the following day after work. 

She had a great time at Nana's house as usual. Ava gets to play with a mini kitchen set, a swing in the backyard, her red little car (above), and ton of toys.

Ava feels right at home whenever she's there. She also gets to play with her two uncles: Tommy & Luke  (Uncle Tommy is also her Godfather.)

***Thank you, Debbie (my mama in law), and the rest of the family who are always excited to get to spend time with Ava which gives me some much needed help in travel times like these. 

So around 4, I got on the road to head up to Jacksonville. There, I would stay at my best friend's house and get on the road the following morning with the best of the bridal party. As Sarah's Matron of Honor, I arranged for all of us to stay in Charleston, SC for that weekend just as she requested. 

We rented this adorable home 10min away from downtown Charleston.  It was a perfect location (and down the road from a Trader Joe's ..WOOHOO!) 

Sarah plays golf (and is really good might I add!) and so she wanted an argyle/golf theme Bachelorette pub crawl. 

Sarah the bride to be is in the center - light green argyle 

We had a great time exploring the charming city of Charleston.

My favorite part was probably our nice dinner at McCrady's. It was a delicious 4 course meal. Their food is extremely fresh, brought in from local farmers, and their presentation is just beautiful.

It was a great time getting to know the rest of Sarah's friends from Jacksonville. I also loved getting to see Ali (left of Bachelorette) who flew in to be there. I miss Sarah and Ali already. It always feels like we are right back at FSU when the 3 of us are together. 

Thanks, ladies for making it a memorable weekend for Sarah! I look forward to seeing you all in 2 weeks for Sarah's bridal shower! 

Then, after we all got into Jacksonville, FL from Charleston, SC (about 4 hrs), I got right back on the road 2 min later and drove the next 4.5 south to get home around 8:30PM. 

My gas station food: non GMO is not impossible - even on the road! ;) 

And today's recovery smoothie:

Hope everyone had a nice weekend! 

I had a great time in the very charming city of Charleston with my friends. I cannot wait to go back to that adorable city.  

I am happy to be home in warm south Florida though! 

This morning, Ava and I went for a run around the neighborhood after breakfast and now she is napping while I eat lunch: 

Organic chicken on some organic/nonGMO corn tortilla shells with avocado & lime. And some raw Cauliflower as my side! 

Yum.

Oh! Last but certainly not least...

Ali didn't let me go back empty handed for Ava. She bought Ava an adorable Vineyard Vines dress. 

How cute ?!? I want it in my size. Thank you, Ali. We love you. See you in May for the wedding :)

And that's it for now...

I can't wait for Mark to get home tonight since last night's catching up on the porch flew by. I feel like I haven't seen him in so long! Miss my hub hub.  

Now, I need to figure out what I am going to make us for dinner... Any ideas ? 

XO

Christina 

Today's Smoothie + Yummy, easy dessert!

Today's morning smoothie that I threw together and blended:

(The goji I buy at Whole foods)

How amazing do these look?! 

I would use organic almond butter and sprinkle some cinnamon before coating in dark chocolate. Yum. 

Happy Thursday! 

Love, 

Ava 

I'm off to Jacksonville today then on the road to Charleston in the morning for my friend's bachelorette party! 

Enjoy your day!

XO

Christina 

Snapshots Throughout the Week + Healthy & Easy Smoothies

Last Thursday: Ava and I had our weekly visit to my abuela and abuelo's house (Ava's great grandparents) in Miami. (That's her Cuban side so she gets get Spanish practice there ;) I am determined for her to be bilingual by weekly visits to see them like I had growing up. 

Ava is obsessed with phones...

 Abuela cutting abuelo's hair for 49 years. Childhood sweethearts as well :) 

Bad back and all... bless her heart. 

Ava being a squirmy worm and wanting to show them her walking skills. She is pretty much running now... 

Thursday's yummy green smoothie 

Friday: New find at Whole Foods (displayed in OJ area): 

Little snack pouches for Ava...Chia seeds! 

Hers are: Strawberry Banana & Apple Cinnamon. 

She loves them!

Chia seeds are a health powerhouse. I add them into my smoothies regularly. 

Then later on... Afternoon juice I made (it's blended but I say juice because the Vitamix pulverizes the smoothie into a "juice". 

 [FYI:the small pieces of tumeric and ginger on the cutting board were included----not the rest on the counter ]

Rainbow chard, celery, 1/2 a beet, turmeric root, ginger root, cup of water 

PLUS ( but not photographed) : a banana, 1/2 squeezed lemon, and ice =

=delicious!

This was my very first time using beets and tumeric!!! 

I know, I'm an amatuer! I'm learning here...

I've been reading more and more about both of these healthy heavyweights for sometime now and decided to bring them into the new Vitamix now that I know my blender can handle beets! 

Beets having {{{amazing}}} health benefits! Some include: 

1. Lower Your Blood Pressure

Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours. One study found that drinking one glass of beet juice lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of 4-5 points.3

The benefit likely comes from the naturally occurring nitrates in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps to relax and dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

2. Boost Your Stamina

If you need a boost to make it through your next workout, beet juice may again prove valuable. Those who drank beet juice prior to exercise were able to exercise for up to 16 percent longer.4 The benefit is thought to also be related to nitrates turning into nitric oxide, which may reduce the oxygen cost of low-intensity exercise as well as enhance tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

3. Fight Inflammation

Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. It's also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, enhance performance, and likely help prevent numerous chronic diseases.5 As reported by the World's Healthiest Foods:6

"[Betaine's]… presence in our diet has been associated with lower levels of several inflammatory markers, including C reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. As a group, the anti-inflammatory molecules found in beets may eventually be shown to provide cardiovascular benefits in large-scale human studies, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits for other body systems."

4. Anti-Cancer Properties

The powerful phytonutrients that give beets their deep crimson color may help to ward off cancer. Research has shown that beetroot extract reduced multi-organ tumor formations in various animal models when administered in drinking water, for instance, while beetroot extract is also being studied for use in treating human pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers.7

5. Rich in Valuable Nutrients and Fiber

Beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for your bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas). Beets also contain the B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.

6. Detoxification Support

The betalin pigments in beets support your body's Phase 2 detoxification process, which is when broken down toxins are bound to other molecules so they can be excreted from your body. Traditionally, beets are valued for their support in detoxification and helping to purify your blood and your liver.

(Source: Dr. Mercola) 

Saturday: before I headed to the beach with my friends... I hydrated with 

Enjoying my mama time off at the beach with one of my very childhood best friends: Michelle!!!

Check out Ava's new kicks! Michelle is the greatest. She bought then bedazzled them for Ava. She is such a great and thoughtful "Aunt" Meesh! 

Sunday: Ava's friend's birthday party to celebrate her turning 1! Happy birthday, Fern!

We had a great time!!!

Daddy & Ava at the party 

Monday morning breakfast smoothie (No greens?! I was in the mood for a change that morning.)

Super yummy! 

Monday was St. Patrick's Day so mommy&me class was decked in green! 

See Ava in the back listening to story time? Look for the green bow...

On Monday, my holistic health course also started! I willingly woke up 1.5hr early to start listening to the seminars, audio clips, and reading through slides. I am LOVING every minute of it!!!! 

I can't wait for this time next year when I will be a certified health coach! 

Looking forward to being able to maintain my #1 role as a stay at home mom while also having the flexibility to make my own hours for my new career. 

Tuesday: 

Ava and one of her buddies... Boo the Pomeranian ! The "world's cutest dog" 

Ava and Boo having tea. (Boo sleeps in Ava's crib every night with her) 

On our way back from shopping for new bedding...

Mark had our new king size Tempur-Pedic bed delivered that morning. I am in LOVE with this new bed and the memory foam pillows!!!

Ava enjoyed our shopping while being carried in the Ergo carrier. She still prefers that rather than sitting by herself in the shopping cart. Fine with me :) 

She's my little baby kangaroo. I love our Ergo. 

Tuesday evening: (yesterday)

Mark and I sit on the board for the Seminole Club of Broward County. It is a local organization that is affiliated with our alma mater - Florida State University. The club hosts: events, game watching parties, an annual golf tournament, donates scholarships to deserving local students that have been accepted to FSU, and also gives back to our local community through community service. The Seminole Club of Broward County includes hundreds and hundreds of local alumni, fans, and parents of FSU students that live in Broward County and want to be involved with their children's new school. 

 I have been Community Service Chair and Mark has been Golf Chair for 3 years now. Last football season, we started a children's book drive for underprivileged students in title 1 schools throughout our local community. During the time that I was working on my Master's Degree in Social Work, I interned at Impact Broward and learned about their Foster Grandparent Program. Active Seniors volunteer their time in title 1 schools and help the teacher in the classrooms. If a child needs some help reading a book or finishing up a project, the volunteer steps in to help and make sure that the student doesn't fall behind. 

I thought it would be a great partnership for the two organizations to collaborate. We, at Seminole Club of Broward County (aka: Broward Noles) would ask the thousands of Broward Noles in the community to donate children's books (K-grade 3 level) for the "Foster Grandparent" Volunteers to distribute during their volunteering at these schools. I learned while interning at Impact Broward, that statistically, a child that does not master their 3rd grade reading levels, has a much greater chance of being incarcerated. In fact, our own state of FL measures these 3rd grade reading levels in order to predict how many prison beds they will need to supply for future inmates. 

CRAZY, huh?! After speaking to the CEO of Impact Broward (pictured next to me in yellow) about how I am involved with the "Broward Noles," he was very excited to partner with us in order to get these underprivileged children much needed books. We not only want to help with children's reading levels, but are also, hopefully, decreasing incarceration rates in Florida's future by these preventive measures. I am so grateful that the rest of the Broward Noles graciously accepted this challenge and came together to donate hundreds of books to Impact Broward's Foster Grandparent Program. 

Great job, Broward Noles! 

Some of the Seminole Club of Broward County board members with Impact Broward, CEO John Gargotta,
representing hundreds books that were donated and the hundreds of Broward Noles members that supported these efforts. 

Today : Wednesday 

Mommy& Me class! Ava had a great time as usual. Today was a water theme so the toy seals and fish were out. 

Sorry for the LONG post... I had to catch up.

Today and tomorrow, I will be getting ready for my trip to Charleston, SC! As one of my best friend's Matron of Honor, I organized a weekend trip up there for her and the rest of the bridesmaids. We will be renting an adorable home and making the most out of our stay in the charming city for her Bachelorette Party weekend. I cannot wait!!!
Our mutual best friend, Ali, is flying in from Chicago to be there as well so I am so excited to get to spend time with my two "pandas" (That's what we call each other haha)

Hope you all have a nice Wednesday!
XO
Christina