You’ve had a long day and just need to crash on the couch. The last thing you want to do is think about making dinner. And if you’re like my family once was, you like the idea of reaching for the take-out menus. Some days, it’s just the easiest way to feed the family. But as we found out, it’s easy for the “once in a while” delivery meal to become a twice-weekly ritual. Before we knew it, our clothes became tight and we felt more sluggish. Now that I eat clean, I’m always interested in exciting my family about healthy, wholesome comfort food especially pizza. For all those who celebrate Pizza Friday, try adding this easy and healthy recipe into your rotation. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and even less time to cook. Better yet, my son loved creating his own pizza, making it a fun family activity even before he took a bite.
Easy Kid Recipe: Healthy Homemade Pizza
KIDS: Healthy Holiday Gift Guide 2014
There’s a fine line between buying holiday toys that will make my child leap through the roof and ordering every single gimmicky item on his list. The past few years, we cleared the shelves of most Thomas the Train models. And now we own at least 45 Thomas trains with different facial expressions and sizes because we loved our son’s energy-filled reaction when opening them. However, he played with each for a few weeks and then asked for newer, shinier trains leaving the “old ones” behind. So this season, I’m determined to deliver enjoyable gifts that can also provide joyful times for our entire family. As I focus on wellness, I try to be a good role model, but also rely on surrounding his world with images, stories and activities that showcase the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. In time for the holiday shopping season, I’ve created my own healthy holiday gift guide with fun-filled, activity-driven gifts for kids.
Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
I love to shop. When walking through grocery stores, clothing boutiques, and even The Home Depot, I always come up with excuses for why I need that new product or household tool. While these new additions to my life make me smile, I truly find more joy in shopping for others. Now that I’m living an organic, low-toxin lifestyle, I’ve sought new gift ideas that focus on health, wellness, and being beautiful organically. I’ve attended holiday events, scoured the web, and read through some of the 2014 Hottest Toy lists. So whether you write to Santa, the Holiday Armadillo or just need to give a gift, here are some of my favorite thoughtful healthy holiday gifts focused on wellness.
Starting a Non-Toxic Beauty Regimen, #BeautyCommunityUnite, Pretty Wellness TV, Episode 9
I can’t seem to remember my first makeup purchase. However, I have many vivid memories of embracing beauty trends ever since I was in elementary school. Many days were spent scouring the drug store for the right iridescent pink Wet & Wild lipstick. All the shops also sold Almay plum eyeliner, navy blue mascara and multi-colored Lee press-on nails, so my caboodle was filled with vibrant colored make-up. Though I spent a considerable amount of time getting dolled up with my girly friends, we only have a few Kodak Disk photos to show for it.
Today, us make-up lovers have many ways to share our experiences. Since changing my diet toward organic and non-toxic foods, I’ve also revamped my beauty routine. It took some researching and experimenting with various brands, but now, I’ve figured out how to easily shop clean for my skin-care regimen. I share with you how I started on this journey. Episode nine on Pretty Wellness TV showcases how to take small steps toward eliminating toxins in your beauty routine.
Healthy Holiday Travel Tips: Pretty Wellness TV, Episode 8
During my childhood Thanksgiving road trips, my sister and I built small forts in the backseat, hung Barbie dolls out the window, and made frequent snack stops. We typically sat in tons of traffic on our way to Chicago, so I also listened to my Michael Jackson, Madonna and Violent Femmes (yes, I had some awkward years) soundtracks over and over again while snacking on my secret stash of gummy cola bottles. In addition, we always whined for rest stop sweet treats. So, by the end of the eight-hour drive, our bodies would crash from all the carbs.
Now that I have a child, I often think about packing smart, so that whether we are traveling on the road or from airport to airport, we have healthy options available. All it takes is a few minutes of planning and a little space in your bag.
We are here to help you prepare with this week’s Wellness Wednesday episode.
Please share with us a comment or two about your silly childhood road trip memories.
Easy Recipe: Veggie Chili
There are times that I love the cold and dreary weather. When I’m wrapped in a furry blanket, nestled into my couch or eating piping hot, comfort food like chili, I actually don’t mind winter. One of my favorite seasonal foods is a satisfying veggie chili. A bean-filled, spice induced vegetarian chili is a good, ol’ comforting meal that provides a ton of nutrients. It’s easy to prepare and cook, plus it’s satisfying with just a small serving. Dump these simple ingredients in a crock-pot before work. Then return home early evening to a ready-made meal. Plus, there’s often enough to freeze, so chili leftovers are a breeze.
Image of chili spices
My not-so-secret ingredient is the cacao powder. What special ingredients do you love in your chili?
Simple Chili Tools
Looking for a speaker to inspire your organization or business team? Hire me to present or facilitate a seminar on resiliency, positivity and wellness in the workplace. Check out my business website and demo reel at CarynSullivan.com.
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