A Belated Birthday Post

A few weeks ago I celebrated my twenty-eighth birthday. It was great. I had dinner out with the fam at an amazing restaurant that promotes local and organic farmers, came home and had a s'more pie, and I got a fair-trade hand woven African market basket (among other things). I mean what more could a girl ask for?! Maybe an organic farmer of her own, but hey, I'll settle for the market basket...this year anyway. It really was a great birthday. And it really got me thinking...ten years ago I graduated high school. Weird. Ten years ago I was planning out my first ever college semester. Double weird. Ten years ago I got my first car, which is still my current car. Awesome!
These are some of the things I've learned over the years. So thankful for God's grace on my life. And thankful for twenty-eight years.

1. Drink water everyday. 80% of the people out there are dehydrated and don't even know it! Freaky.

2. Find at least one thing to be thankful for Every. Day.

3. Learn to laugh at yourself; like if you mistakenly go into the men's bathroom at church...just laugh about it because it is pretty funny.

4. If a guy wants to be with you, he'll make it happen, if he doesn't...Forget about it! You'll be better for it. Trust me.

5. Annnd just say no to "text message" relationships. Just say no.

6. Beauty really is only skin deep. Explore no make-up Mondays for real.

7. Read your Bible everyday.

8. Don't worry so much! Sheesh!

9. Save money. Be thrifty.

10. Get enough sleep!

11. Eat chocolate. It's good for you!

12. Grandparents, parents, siblings, FAMILY...Treasure them always.

13. Do spontaneous things. They make for the best memories.

14. Don't be afraid to do something you've always wanted to do. Just go for it!

15. Yoga. Yeah, do that everyday.

16. If you see an amazing pair of heels, for an amazing price, that you will probably not be able to walk in...buy them! and name them "Rhonda" as in "Help me Rhonda!"

17. Eat organic. Life is too short to eat crappy food.

18. Don't pretend to be something you're not to impress someone. In short, don't conform to someone else's idea of who you are. Be the person you were created to be.

19. Send snail mail. I mean who doesn't love getting mail, right!?

20. Nurture the friendships you have with your girlfriends.

21. Don't get pedicures. Just don't. Trust me on this...

22. Love people regardless. I Peter 4:8

23. Never insist on having the "last word."

24. They say a woman's intuition is her greatest sense; don't chalk this up as nonsense.

25. Learn to say "no" to things of insignificant value so you can say "yes" to the important things you are purposed to do.

26. You know those scenes in funny movies where girls skirts get tucked in their underwear after using the restroom? Well, sometimes that can happen in real life too...so I've heard.

27. Don't waste your money on all those lotions and potions that promises "miracle" results. Use coconut oil.

28. You are great just the way you are.

Go Green!

I heart green smoothies. I mean, seriously love them. And honestly who couldn't?! They're so fresh, help promote detoxification of your liver, and beneficial for you skin. It also gives you an excellent amount of chlorophyll which is important for healthy cell regeneration and also to keep your DNA healthy. So without further ado, I'd like to share a little green smoothie love with you.
Check out more about chlorophyll and it's awesomeness here!

Green Smoothie Deliciousness 
You will need:
The juice of 1 lemon
Enough water added to the lemon juice to make 1 3/4 cups
2 large handfuls of spinach
Frozen peaches (enough to equal one peach)
Frozen pineapple (about 1-1 1/2 cups)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1-2 teaspoons unrefined coconut oil
2 tablespoons raw honey
Blender

Directions:
Place ingredients in a blender in the order from above. Blend and enjoy!
...in a mason jar, with a stainless straw.

"Fried" Veggie Rice (Vegan, GF)

Did you know that fried rice is one of the unhealthiest menu choices at a Chinese restaurant? True statement. Fried rice is loaded with sodium, carbs, and cooked in a crazy amount of oil. And despite the rice "looking" like brown rice, you're getting a heaping helping of white rice, which is not so good for your blood sugar....or your waistline. I happen to love fried rice, but I also value my health, and I want to fuel my body with healthy foods. So...I created this so yummy, so good for you and so easy "fried" veggie rice recipe. It might even have you ditching those Chinese take-out menus...just maybe. It's great paired with a kale salad with avocado (my favorite), or grilled free range chicken breast. Annnnd your blood sugar will thank you. Or will your blood sugar thank me? I don't know, just make it.

Ingredients:
1 Bunch Asparagus, diced
2 Large Carrots, diced
1/2 Large onion, roughly chopped
1 Green Pepper, diced
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1 Teaspoon Freshly Grated Ginger (Optional)
1 Tablespoon Coconut oil
2 Tablespoons Braggs Liquid Aminos or gluten free Tamari
1/3-1/2 Cup Water
*3 Cups Cooked Brown Rice

Directions:
Cook brown rice according to package directions. Heat oil in pan, and add onion, green pepper, carrots, garlic and ginger. Cooked until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Add in asparagus, water, and liquid aminos and cook for another 2 minutes.  Add in cooked brown. Simmer on low until heated through.
Makes about 4 servings.
*I used organic frozen brown rice from WholeFoods. Huge time saver! Especially for someone who does not excel at cooking rice...

It looks pretty on a plate too. Coordinate plate color to match fried rice. It makes it taste better...