Category Archives: personal essays

becoming a cave girl

cave-girl-consulting

 

I’m making big changes in my diet-slowly but surely, I’m going Paleo! My health hasn’t been the greatest lately-my fibromyalgia has been flaring up and there are days when I have struggled to care for the kids. After a few sobering moments and days, I came to the realization that even though I was eating fairly well, certain foods could possibly be aggravating my condition. My online research confirmed my suspicions-many have seen improved health as a result of eating like our cave dwelling ancestors. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed…what was it exactly, what would I eat, what wouldn’t I eat, you get the idea. Enter Megan Flynn…after finding her blog and getting lost in her delicious Paleo recipes, I checked out her business, Cave Girl Consulting. After her own personal success with the lifestyle, she has made it her mission to help others achieve their goals. After an initial consult and questionnaire, she analyzed my habits and routine. We chatted on the phone and got into more specifics, and she then sent me advice geared towards my current lifestyle and challenges (mom of twins, not much of a cook, personal likes/dislikes). A video tutorial and customized 30-day meal plan later, and I am off to a successful start! I feel better already, honestly-and am looking forward to having my energy and healthier physique back. Have you had success with changes in your diet? Please share!

 many thanks to cave girl consulting for a complimentary fixed menu plan

*mention fleurishing to receive 25% off any service thru 8/31!*

elderflower cocktail

elderflower-cocktail2

I’m having a love affair with elderflower this summer…I’ve become quite obsessed (as evidenced here). Delicate + refreshing, it can be imbibed in many fabulous ways-it pairs well with champagne, white wine, and also makes an amazing non-alcoholic spritzer. I must thank Terrain for introducing me to elderflower + for this perfect summer cocktail! What is your favorite thing to drink this time of year? Please share details!

6 oz. elderflower presse + 1 tbs. rose syrup + 1 oz. vodka

shake vigorously in cocktail shaker, garnish with rose petals

ink love

inklove

Let’s talk tattoos, shall we? I’ve wanted one (or two) for quite a while…I find the idea to be romantic, and yet bewildering at the same time. A few of my closest friends have intricate designs, and I admire the artistry and personal stories behind each of them. My perfectionism and indecision have kept me from pulling the trigger, but now that I have children I find myself wanting to have a permanent representation of them on my body (besides the stretch marks, ha). After all, they came into existence within me, and will always be a part of me. I am 99% decided on roman numerals of their birthdate, or their first initials on each of my wrists. I also dream of having a beautiful typographic tattoo on my arm (like above), but am not sure I would ever be that bold. Once I get my first one I will know…it could be my only, or as many people say, it could be the stepping stone to many more! If you have a tattoo, I’d love to hear how you decided on it and what the experience was like? Do you have any regrets? Do you want more? I would love to hear your story…thanks for sharing!

image source one // two // three

check out my ink love pinterest board for my inspirations!

a beautiful body project

beautiful-body-project

Yes, I stretched physically while growing emotionally and spiritually to grow humans inside of my body and fed them from this body too.
Yes, I am sexy.
Yes, I will never be the same.
Yes, I am a Mother.
Oh yes, I am proud.
Yes, I am vulnerable.
Yes, I am as strong as a house.
Yes, I am your sister.
Yes, I have a story too.
Yes, I am a reflection of you.

This is an excerpt from the Beautiful Body Project by photographer Jade Beall. I am personally incredibly inspired by it, as I have always struggled with body image issues, especially now after having twins. I am slowly learning to embrace my body in it’s current state and be thankful and amazed at what it was (and is) capable of. I want my children to appreciate their uniqueness and know their beauty, inside and out. Jade’s goal is to promote positive body image and love for oneself, as a woman…as a mother. Please visit the website to get more information, support the project, and be inspired.

image courtesy of Jade Beall Photography