The Little Girl in Me

Friday, 10 June, 2011 12:17 Written by Sara

The Little Girl in Me

The WaveLast August I brought my son Madac to Peach Tree Day Care for the first time. To ease his attachment (and mine) we started a ritual of waving. It started with my wave, followed by his wave. I would blow gentle kisses his way and feel the hurt set in. We kept this ritual up till now. Today is nine months since the launch of the wave. Our routine runs strong and we have a peanut gallery following that runs to the door to join in on the WAVE. Positivity and joy are catchy. Growing up I might of embraced this kind ritual too.My heart unfolds like a flower when the sun shines.

Remember the swing?

Do you remember being the little girl on the swing? Pushing yourself as high as you could go? Feeling the wind in your hair, like you could just fly, be free. Maybe you would close your eyes and let your imagination run wild and feel all the joy a little girl could possibly feel. I had a glimpse of that last Sunday while I was on the swing. It only lasted a few minutes but I held on to that feeling all day. The feeling of my heart unfolding like a flower would when the sun comes out.

The days of going down to the park to sit on the swing, to venture high, to twirl around or just sit still with my thoughts are but a feeling away.

Our thoughts can mirror our emotions. When stressful moments smother our thoughts, when negative patterns set in or when we judge ourselves we create excuses and resist joy. Allowing ourselves to feel the emotion and then let go so that we can push forward towards our best self, joy and happiness. Excuses sabotage our chance to move towards memories of being the happy little girl. Even if only for a moment.

The simple fun of a balloon fight can bring out fun, a smile, even a red face from moving our bodies. As sense of feeling complete.

Somewhere along the way I may of lost the simple joy of life. As an adult we tend to leave behind the simple joys of childhood but I’m finding my way back. It’s my Life.

What does your childhood joy look like? How can you enjoy your childhood memories in your adult years?

Being Mom in the Month of May

Tuesday, 10 May, 2011 17:29 Written by Sara

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Being Mom in the Month of May

Welcome to the toughest, most rewarding job you’ll ever have.

Last night I woke up to my son’s cry. I comforted him for hours. My back is aching today. Yesturday he wanted to paint. I amused him with finger paint. It’s now stained in the cracks of our hardwood floor. Tonight’s pleas to read those 5 books before bedtime might come with hesitation on my part but end with 25 gentle kisses and hugs and his love in return.

In Melissa Joan Hart’s words on how motherhood has changed her, “I feel much more run down and have a lot less time for the simple things like reading a book and dinner with friends. But being a mom is the most rewarding thing in the world. Holding a cold, metallic statue will never fulfill you the way your child’s little smile will.”

Take a step back and look at the big picture of motherhood and all the joy it brings.

The month of may is a reminder of May flowers, the spring breeze and the hope of summer warmth. It’s a month that promises to lift the winter dull and bring green goodness.

The toughest and most rewarding time in my life came in the month of May. The deepest pain of loosing my sister Christine and later nearly my own was transformed by a micracle, a gift of new life. My beautiful son Madac was born in the month of May. In May we celebrate our mothers, ourselves, life and the joy of a new beginning. It’s Spring afterall.

Imagine looking down on your life. What joy can you see? Try holding on to that moment as you move through your day.

Apple Sauce Muffins

Friday, 29 April, 2011 10:53 Written by Sara

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Cozy up with a warm cup of tea and an apple sauce muffin to watch all the re-runs of the royal wedding. Today I am Lady Ella Love-Pine nursing a traditional cup of earl grey tea with friends and muffins.

These tasty tops are higher in nutrients than wheat, no dairy, have natural maple syrup and are lickity good too. My four year sums it up “Mommy, apple sauce and muffins are a match made in heaven.”

1 cup almond milk
1 cup apple sauce
1 egg, beat
1/3 cup of maple syrup
3 Tbs butter
2 cups spelt flour
1 tsp. cinnamon or all spice
1/2 tsp celtic sea salt
1 tsp. baking soda (aluminum free)

Mix wet ingredients. Combine dry ingredients adding your extras (blueberries, craisin, raisins, slivered almonds etc) last. Spoon batter into lightly oiled muffin pan. Bake at 375 F for 18 minutes.

Your Health and Protein

Saturday, 26 March, 2011 11:52 Written by Sara

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Hair. Muscles. Brain. These are some main components of protein in our body.

I remember loosing my muscle mass weeks after a life threatening surgery. At the time I was being fed through a feeding tube. My muscles started to atrophy. I eventually would eat on my own but it would take a little time for my muscles to build up again. The key was in the protein. So how much protein do we need?

Months after my surgery my hair was falling out by the handful, day after day. My looks, my ego, my tears wouldn’t change the fact that I needed more protein. I asked my doctor, hairdresser, physiotherapist, even the internet why my hair was falling out. Still no answers. I was eating the protein. So what about the protein?

It was when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis another few months later that my holistic nutritionist, mentor and friend suggested I eat nutrient dense, local, free-range meats three times daily. She guided me towards building my immune system, thyroid and red blood cells. So why so much protein or was it too much?

Our immune system, our red blood cells, our thyroid and adrenals are made up of protein that form anti-bodies to help fight infections, increase circulation, and make hormones.

Some people may thrive on little protein, others require consistent consumption of protein to stay healthy. After being a vegetarian and “carboholic” most of my life I made a conscious choice to allow animal meat back into my life. I am thankful everyday for the animal sacrifice made so that I could heal my thyroid, immune system and enjoy my beautiful life.

Our bodies change through the seasons of our lives. Clearly the needs of a growing child, pregnancy and an athlete are different than those of a sedentary person after retirement. When the body is recovering from illness or stress the body needs protein to rebuild.

My thyroid is healed! My energy is high and so I’ve transitioned to a maintenance phase in life. I nourish myself every day with protein sources from vegetables, nuts, seeds, animal meats and grains. Since we are each in different phases of our lives your needs may differ from mine.

To calculate your average RDA of protein: Weight in pounds divided by 2.2= Weight in kg. Example 115 lbs/2.2= 52 grams of protein

Guiding women towards restoring their health and energy with simple foods and a mindful journey

Cashew Cream Sauce

Thursday, 18 November, 2010 16:06 Written by Sara

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I often see clients who have dairy sensitivities. One of the first things I ask them to remove from their diet is dairy. That can seem like a daunting task for most. To make life delicious I givethem back a few tasty substitutes and Cashew Cream is one of them….

1/2 cup raw cashews
2 cups water
1 T nutritional yeast
1/4 celery salt
1 t onion powder
1 tsp salt

1 rounded t arrowroot powder (like cornstarch)

Blend Cashews and 1/2 c water in blender/processor until there are no cashew pieces left. Add 3/4 c water and remaining ingredients. Pour into sauce pan and add remaining 3/4 cup water. Bring to boil stirring constantly until thickened, over medium heat. Voila! Enjoy over fresh a haddock and onions or veggies or wherever your inner creativity takes you!

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The Little Girl in Me