A Week of Healthy Meal Planning + Grocery List Friday, May 31

The people have spoken and they want a grocery list! Sometimes it's the little things like thinking at the grocery store that can send us right over the edge. I admit to being the mom opening boxes of crackers to keep my kids in control, or literally running the isles squealing "wee" and throwing as much in as possible before getting to the front and realizing everything is processed and no substance! Or how about the times I have had to return not once, not twice, but three times to the same store for the same 1 thing that I keep forgetting!!!! So in my con-cement quest for health and wellness for your family, I attempted a dairy free and mostly gluten free way of eating. Surprisingly everyone has loved the change and the only thing truly missed is cheese. Not just any cheese, but high quality blue cheese and gouda and monterey jack and brie, so you get it. Here is one week of meals and a printable grocery list. Also, if you ready for a challenge or want to see pictures of many of the grocery list items refer back to my 3 Week Cleanse post.


Day 1

Breakfast

- Easy rolled oats (I have attached pictures so you can see brands and such) 
- 1/2 cup oats with 1 cup of water, heat for 1 min 30 
- Add natural dried cranberries, raisins, pecans or any other nuts you like
- you can use some agave nectar or honey too

Lunch 

Avocado Salad - cut up one avocado into squares, add some green onion, cilantro, lime pepper, fresh lime and a bit of sea salt
Put over a bed of spinach or spring salad
Rice chips - 10 rice chips (Lundgrens is amazing)  

Dinner

Sautéed veggies - zucchini, squash, onion, mushroom.  Cook in coconut oil with some dash original seasoning and a worcestershire sauce 
Jasmine or brown rice steamed or cooked ( the real kind that needs to be cooked for 45 min) I always make this when I am making the babies lunch so I have it ready at dinner 
4 to 6 oz protein if you would like to add it - grilled chicken or a white fish or even salmon would be good 


Day 2

Breakfast 

egg scramble - put some coconut oil in a pan, sauté some spinach, onion and mushroom or other veggies, add 1 whole egg and 1/4 cup of egg whites. Scramble around until cooked, add some lime pepper and fiesta mrs dash seasoning and some organic provolone, mozz or cheddar, or no cheese. 

Lunch

Ezekiel english muffin melt. Take some of the avocado salad put that on the toast with fresh squeezed lime, top with a fried egg or some mozz cheese ( or none)  and pico salsa. This is sooooo yummy! 

Dinner

In your crock pot, add 4 pieces of chicken with 2 cups of chick broth, season with poultry seasoning, sea salt, fresh parsley let that cook, later cut up apples and white onion, sauté that in a pan with some coconut oil until tender.   Boil a few sweet potatoes.  When done, mash up, you can season to taste, I prefer mine more savory, buy all of the mrs dash seasonings. Love the original and chicken. Take the chicken out of the crock pot and cut up, you can throw it in to the onion and apple and add some of the chicken broth.  You can also top with cranberries and pecans, if you want more flavor

Day 3

Breakfast 

Peanut Butter Rolled Oats (I buy Red Mill Gluten Free)  - make your easy oats 1/2 oats and 1 cup water. Add 1 tbls of peanut butter and some sliced banana 

Lunch 

Pomm Salsa Salad - you can add some grilled chicken or turkey bacon for extra protein to the salad 

Here is how to make it:

- 1/2 Cup pomm seeds 
- 1/2 of a lime squeezed 
- 1 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar 
- 2 shakes of lime pepper ( Durkee's Brand)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Stir and serve with rice chips(lundbergs fiesta lime) or mix on a salad. 

Dinner

Veggie tostada 

Make your sautéed veggies, with green pepper, onion and mushrooms, use the coconut oil, season with Mrs. Dash fiesta. You can throw in grilled chicken here or black beans and rice. 

Use a corn hardshell tostada, add the veggies and rice and beans etc and then top with some guacamole.  You can make your guac with red onion, cilantro, tomatoes, lime pepper, lime juice and some sea salt

These are sooo good! 

Day 4  

Breakfast 

Ezekiel english muffin topped with raw almond butter or raw peanut butter, bananas and a drizzle of honey or a tablespoon 

Grapefruit juice or fresh grapefruit 

Lunch 

tuna salad. Mix 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, sea salt, mrs dash original seasoning or lemon pepper. Whisk together, add the tuna, chopped tomatoes, green onion, celery and mix. Add this to a salad or just eat it as is with rice chips maybe the seaweed flavor. 

Dinner

Steak tacos - you can buy the pre sliced fajita steak and sauté with green pepper and onion. Serve on corn tortillas, with the pom salsa, or pico mixed with corn, black beans, rice and you can top with some pepper jack cheese and guacamole 

Day 5

Breakfast 

mexican eggs.  Sauté spinach, onion and mushrooms or peppers add the fiesta seasoning, add egg whites and scramble up. Then use one whole egg and make it over med.  Chululu sauce is amazing this goes on top.  Put it all on top of ezekial toast or english muffin

Lunch

BLT salad. Use a cold chicken breast ( I make chicken in the crock pot to last me a few days and its super easy). Chop up some chicken, add some turkey bacon, tomatoes, green onion, romaine lettuce, cucumber, some almond slivers 

For the dressing:
  • 1/4 cup white-wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Dinner 

Japanese veggies - In a wok or pan add carrots, broccoli, snap peas, bean sprouts, water chestnuts or just buy the cascadian farms bag of stirfry veggies. Sauté with coconut oil and the moketo dressing. This is the key and is so yummy. Make your jasmine or brown rice. Add shrimp or chicken for more protein. 

- Make a cucumber salad or a romain lettuce, tomatoes, carrot slivers and the moketo dressing. (this can also be any vegan or gluten free oriental type sauce) 


Snacks

-20 raw almonds
-raw trail mix
-banana and raw almond butter or peanut butter
-Juice smoothies ( if you have a juicer you can make some yummy ones or buy some. I like Naked or Bolthouse farms. The Green Goddess, strawberry banana, mango or the blueberry. Don't get any of the coffee or chai or things that would be loaded with sugar) 
-Apples and Almond Butter or raw peanut butter
- Rice Chips and Pom salsa (my fav)
- Veggies and Hummus (my favs are roasted pine nut and red pepper)

HeirBloom Celebrates 500 Custom Designs Wednesday, May 29

Photo credit: Mandy Blair Photography Styling: Lauren Wave Accessory Styling: Ahndea May Stylist

Accessories have always been a part of my life, as a little girl dressing up in my moms gowns and jewels, to adorning a few crowns in my pageant days, and now in my every day personal style. As a busy mom and business owner, I have come to love designing accessories specifically to my clients unique style. A reflection of who they are, a bit of their story. Today,  HeirBloom is celebrating 500 custom designs!!!! I feel so blessed to have found a niche, a creative outlet that others can enjoy, and allows me to be home with my twins who are 19 months. I have 4 girls, and I dream of having a store front that we can all share in and enjoy together some day. I use vintage and estate jewels, either my families or yours, and redesign them into new and unique accessories. For brides, little ones, portrait photography, events, every day style, and the pretty details to the moments you remember for life!

So many exciting announcements coming, and can't wait to share them all with you, for now, I have created a gallery of some of the favorite memories and designs over the past few years. To show my thanks for your support and love I am offering 50% off any remaining items in the shop, which thanks to you is not that much!  Just use code celebrate500 and start shopping. I have an exclusive project coming up in July and then designing my fall line. Looking forward to what God is stirring up and so hopeful for the future.


Old Navy Work Out Gear Tuesday, May 28

Old Navy Work Out Gear

Summer is here, school is out and my anxiety is up thinking about what to do with 5 kids and how to manage the day to day schedule. I will be writing more on this later in the week, but since I am on my way to loosing my final 10 pounds, I thought I would share some Old Navy work out clothes that are working for me! They are affordable, which is great, but also they stay up!  What I mean is, too many times have I been in a work out class, jumping up and down and as I do... my pants fall down in the process. There are yoga pants for every day running errands like the Pink line from Victoria Secret which sit low and fold over, and then there are active pants, that come up higher and are tighter. When I hit the gym, I am not going for a casual walk, I am killin the cardio and need pants that stay on. The other great thing about these pics, is I can just take my tennis shoes off throw on some flip flops and another tank top and run my errands after working out and still look pulled together. I spend much of my time in work out gear. I have some expensive brands and honestly they just don't compare to the fit of Old Navy.  I remember buying the Nike pants after watching Oprah's favorite things. I spent $50 on the pants and they just didn't fit right, they were a bit to short and short in the crotch. So for now, I will stick with the $22 pants, oh and my 2 pairs of lululemon that were passed down to me from my mom. 

What To Do With Your Thrift Shop Finds Tuesday, May 21


photo credit Vogue UK

I spotted this picture today and was captivated by the styling.  The overdone accessories, mixed patterns, and the avant grade approach all atop this vintage market backdrop. It reminded me of the many treasures you can find while thrifting. Collections of old unique finds or even not so old but pieces you can incorporate in a fresh way into your life or home. I was gifted some amazing jewels this weekend from a sweet older lady Charlene. A gem she was... intrigued with my children as they danced away at a family wedding and we sat chatting for over an hour about life and past life and the life she currently lives as a 75 year old retired woman with her husband. They have little family left and usually pass time with golf and card games and just enjoying their home garden. I told her about my grandmother and how she left me with a beautiful collection of family heirlooms and how I now use them in my designs. In matter of minutes, she had run home, filled a bag of her heirlooms and brought them back to me. Honestly, the sweetest of gestures. I am so excited to see how Charlene's family heirlooms will be redesigned into future creations that maybe someday you will adorn.

So what to do with your thrift shop finds... I absolutely love the way Apartment Therapy created this Visual Vignette on an empty wall. This is such a unique way to creatively display your finds in your home. The smart steps to planning what you will use or look for, the style and theme and how to display is sure to bring a beautiful visual.





Summer Style Friday, May 17

Summer Style


We are headed out of town for a family wedding and the weather will be beautiful! Of course packing for 7 is no easy task and I kept it super easy with shorts, tanks, sun dresses and sandals. As for me, I haven't done any summer shopping but this is the style I am looking forward to rockin. The basics + a hot Melie Bianco purse! Accessories always take a look and tailor it to your style! I was gifted a lovely salmon and gold polka dot vegan leather Melie and love it! I will post a pic this weekend along with some other highlights of our travels. Make sure to follow my Instagram on the right. Happy Friday! 

Gatsby Inspired Thursday, May 16

I have been dying to see the "Great Gatsby" since I saw the preview in the theaters months ago. I have not gone yet, but of course have seen some amazing photos and creative inspiration flowing around social media these days. I was gathering some inspiration for an upcoming shoot and stumbled across this Vogue shoot with actress Carrie Mulligan. Not only is she spectacular but the styling and accessories are mind blowing! And I have the heard the movie is like "eye candy." As I prepare for the photo shoot, I will be designing a collection of pieces and have to say I cannot wait to get started. I really appreciate the costumes and all that goes into creating a character.  I like to check out the actual costume deigns and their creators. Miuccia Prada talks about how she came up with 40 looks for the movie and says it wasn't about the glamour as much as the personalities of the characters. The roaring 20's with such class, elegance and a strong sexy woman. The confidence and glamour exuding here is simply dreamy. 





The Pencil Skirt Wednesday, May 15


I have always been a fan of the pencil skirt, but now even more after seeing this bombshell doting the pencil with a basic white tank! It keeps things so nice and simple, when you can find a great statement skirt and not have to fuss over what matching top or pattern or print will coordinate. Add a few jewels and you are set! I created a set from Jcrew and am pretty excited about their white t.  For $30 you get a staple, good quality t that will last the entire season. I love how this one is fitted, but not to fitted and can be tucked into any pencil quite easily.
The Pencil Skirt

Details Details - Layered Chains Friday, May 10

Layered Coin Chains

Layered chains and pendants are all the craze right now and I have to admit I love it too! You can style these in so many different ways, minimal or stacking up for a major wow! Of course Rachel Zoe is fantastic and that is how I would rock it. How are you layering your chains? Want some... I am offering 40% off all pendants and layering pieces in the shop. Remember, I only sell 1 of a kind, so only 1 of each piece. Use code momsnecklace and shop 

people
My fav celebrity style pick for the week is Modern Family star Julie Bowen. Her look is flawless, easy and exactly what I would be wearing this weekend! She was Lucky Magazines April cover. She chose a long tassel necklace and chain for her looks. My secret is scouting vintage chains and tassels and curating necklaces. The quality is better and of course super unique and doesn't break the bank.











Celebrating Mothers Day - Self Care Thursday, May 9

Mothers Day Week - Self Care
As I think about motherhood and the many different layers to it, I thought I would share the single most important bit of information I have gleaned along the way, so far! I have found myself on many occasions, exhausted, overwhelmed, emotionally drained, almost like everything is moving and I just can't keep up, oh and did I mention exhausted! I can imagine we have all been there a time or 2. In the middle of one of these not so happy days, I was asked the question "how's your self care?" I had to pause for a minute because I wasn't quite sure what that meant or even if it was appropriate!??? Ha! Is there really time for self when you have so many others that are more important.  And would that be considered selfish? As we began to talk through what "self care" actually meant, it became more and more clear why I was feeling so grumpy and short with the kids. Carving out time to make sure I was healthy and cared for wasn't at the top of the priority list. And kind of funny that when you actually think about it... it does make sense that the one doing the giving and nurturing would be healthy and cared for, right?

So how do we care for ourselves? I am a visual person and wanted to create a little story board of all the little things I do as a mom to help me care for myself as I care for the kids. First... I find it very important to have a motto or creed for the family to live by. The marching orders for when attitudes arise and things get tough. You can pretty much take everything back to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When trouble comes up, we have a positive perspective to guide us every time. Next, provide lots of time with nature! Believe it or not this is proven to be a natural healer and mood enhancer!  Just being outside enjoying the beauty of the earth and for me, exploring! My kids love animals, frogs, ponds, anything and anywhere they can bring a net and catch something! I can enjoy these moments just as much as the kids. If I'm lucky I may have a few min to read "Parenting with Love and Logic"a detailed manual filled with golden nuggets of wisdom, a must have book about teaching your children to take responsibility!

Self care also includes time away from your kids. A break! I like to work out consistently. Enjoy a date night or fun girls night. Oh and I think bubble baths give me the same affect as a sleeping pill! Relax your muscles and your mind and then off to bed!

Notice yourself feeling anxious or stressed? Getting quick tempered and not sure why? Ask yourself if you are allowing time to be healthy, are you eating well, working out? Time to be in community, have you met a friend for lunch lately?, Find time for love, are you investing into your relationship? And are you allowing for the things you are passionate about, creativity, writing, singing etc.

What are some things you do that bring relaxation?








The Maxi Skirt 3 Ways Wednesday, May 8

In honor of Mother's day week... I wanted to offer my suggestion for the best go to, and stylish, kid friendly look! The Maxi skirt! When your chasing toddlers, short skirts don't work, trust me I have had a few moments! Short shorts are uncomfortable and jeans are too hot so the maxi is the perfect easy breezy option. The best thing about my top 3 is they are affordable and they are not floor length. Although I like a long skirt, I also need some air... if you know what I mean! Ha. The gray is the perfect grab and go and can be dressed down or up for an instant pulled together look. The black and white is slimming, and skimming on the hips and cuts at just at the right spot to elongate the leg. The salmon flows and can be dressed up with a statement necklace and fantastic sandal. All three can be worn with a basic white tank and this denim top, which also is flattering, providing a little coverage but still breaths.
The Maxi Skirt 3 Ways


Miss Selfridge sleeveless top
missselfridge.com


Tall shirt
$23 - nelly.com



H m
$20 - hm.com


Mid calf skirt
$23 - chiarafashion.co.uk


Guess
guess.com


Giuseppe zanotti
giuseppezanottidesign.com



New Mom Must Haves Monday, May 6

Mother's day is approaching and I have many feelings about the word mom! I thought this week on the blog, I would talk about new moms, current, moms and wise older moms who we can gain insight from. Do you celebrate mothers day with traditions? Now that you are a mom of your own, how do you celebrate your mother? Mom's have been blessed and challenged with one of the most important responsibilities known to man, the raising and nurturing of children. The miracle of carrying a baby in the womb, the miracle of birth, the miracle of how your body knows just what to do to care for your baby and the miracle of love. And what about mothers who have adopted or foster or maybe care for family members. Loving caring and nurturing is a life giving and life altering way to make your foot print in the world.

So first... to all the new moms... congratulations! Seeing as how I have done this whole baby thing 5 times, I have learned some tricks and insights along the way that may just make life a bit smoother, not easier, just smoother!  Here are a few of my "baby essentials" that have kept me in the know, relaxed, and natural. I have been a fan of Jessica Alba's company Honest since she launched and in fact was one of the first bloggers to snag a live interview! That was awesome by the way! She has recently released her new book and I know you will love it. My all time favorite baby book is Tracy Hogg's "The Secrets of The Baby Whisperer." She is funny, witty, and very much about each baby having their own unique personalities! It is a must!
New Mom Essential Picks











The Baby & Toddler Cookbook
williams-sonoma.com



Celeb Style - The Cropped Pant Thursday, May 2

Celeb Style - The Cropped Pant
Do you have any cropped pants in your closet yet? There are several kinds and ways you can wear them and I am kinda digging every option! The Chic look is business casual, a day time party or lunch date. I love this trouser type pant with the darting on the hipline, feminine and elegant. The everyday look is just that, running errands, hopping into a meeting, a pair of casual wedges with a nice white cropped pant, blouse and blazer. The Glam is so fantastic! I love the pop of blue in the motorcycle jacket. Really adds that edge but then softens with the blouse in watercolor underneath.

So you pick!  How you will you rock the cropped pant?