Seeing Clearly Now

Stretch marks. Seemingly the bane of every woman's existence right?

It was for me something that really bothered me for years. Every time I even thought about putting on a bikini I assumed every person around would be looking at me. They were in fact not. They were, like everyone else, concerned with themselves. No one was judging me. Just me all by my lonesome judging myself.

I figured my husband wouldn't be attracted to me because I just didn't have a perfect body. I mean really how sexy can stretch marks on the thighs & tummy possibly be? Plus add in the skin that just isn't quite where it used to be.

I could not have been more wrong in my assumptions.

My husband never ONCE told me he wasn't attracted to me and never pointed out a single stretch mark. It was all in my head. In fact he still tells me to this day that I am more beautiful now than I ever have been. I can bet your husbands or wives are thinking just the same thing.

This past week there have been so many posts, for some weird reason regarding women and stretch marks. And thinking they need to be perfect. It compelled me to put this out there.

It took me a long time to get past the stretch marks, I am not going to lie. I lived a good portion of my life trying to be the perfect version of me in every aspect. I was Martha Stewart in the kitchen. Bob Vila when it came the house. The girl who would never go to the grocery store without make up and full Vogue ensemble. Seriously. Didn't everyone strive for that?

Not.

It was really about 6 years ago that I had an epiphany when it came to my mind, my body and all of this senseless shit that I kept telling myself. I always thought that I just wasn't good enough. That I had to do my best to be perfect for everyone in all aspects of my life to prove I in fact WAS.

I am so so happy that person does not exist anymore. I woke up one day and decided that I was in fact MORE than good enough. I didn't have to be airbrushed and photo shopped. I decided that because I had these stretch marks they would serve as a reminder for the two amazing human beings that I brought into this world. Life is about so much more than worrying about perfection. Right now if I don't have my pants on inside out it's a good day.

Good Lord the pressure I put on myself for so damn many years. Only because I thought everything had to be that way, that everything had to be picture-perfect & magazine quality, right down to my body.

So this is the deal with me right now. I have stretch marks. I have skin that belongs to a 46-year-old woman and not a 25-year-old. My house looks like a dung hole today (tomorrow it might be better) but today totally in upheaval. I went to the grocery store, a massage and the post office with no makeup on and wearing yoga pants. No retinas were burned in the process.

You can bet your ass that I will be wearing that bikini on my next vacation, just like I did in Mexico at Christmas. I rocked it out and I will continue to, stretch marks and all. And funny enough, not one single fuck was given! #truestory

We all have scars and blemishes and imperfections but it is truly all those combined in that wonderful package that makes us unique. And real. And it gives us the most amazing stories to tell about our journey and this crazy little thing we call "living life".

I have stretch marks.

No retinas will burn today.

 

 

Peanut Butter Marshmallow Coconut Protein Fudge

OK so this is going to be the easiest recipe. EVER.  Ready?  Wait for it......

You might want to play around with protein powders but I used Trutein.

1 scoop Peanut Butter Marshmallow Trutein protein powder
1 Tablespoon of Coconut Manna (I used Nutiva..I melted in the microwave for about 15 seconds, power level 8)
A bit of cashew milk to mix, if needed.

Mix together, put in a small greased dish (think fruit bowl size).  Throw in the fridge to cool.

I used half as one serving.  

Seriously.  AMAZE.  ING.

PS...my son ate the other half and asked if there was more.  I think I am trying Red Velvet next.

You are welcome.   

Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

I was in town last week food shopping and I ran across one of my fave demo ladies in one of my favorite food stores.  I used to be in food brokerage and she always loved to talk to me and she thought I was her boss!  LOL.  She used to demo many of the products I handled accounts for & she always kept me entertained.

I digress.

She had a little salad station set up and was demoing 4 yogurt based dressings, one of which was a Cilantro Avocado based.  So to make her happy I said of course I will try a sample.  I had 2 forkfuls and it was enough to tell me I loved the flavor combo, but that I could make it better myself at home.

And that is what I did.  Feast your eyes on THIS:

So I whipped this recipe up and it literally only took a few minutes to do.  This is a new fave at our house.

Kept thick it is a fantastic option for burgers and wraps.  Thinned out a bit with just water makes it perfect as a salad dressing or on tacos.  I LOVE this recipe.  Did I already say that?  Shaaaa, baby!  It's the little things that make me happiest!

Here is what you will need:

1 ripe avocado
Juice from one lime
1 clove of garlic
1/3 cup cilantro leaves (stems removed)
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon olive oil
Himalayan Pink salt to taste

Blend all ingredients in food process or in blender til smooth.  If you want it thinner add a bit of water an blend again .  Adjust seasonings to taste.  

PS:  You might want to double this.  Or triple it.  Just an idea.  ;-)

Coconilla Shakeology Balls

This was one of those creative moments that just kind of worked!  I was whipping up some recipes for the new gym grand opening and just started throwing ingredients in a bowl and then THIS happened.  Hello, MAGIC!  I introduce to you the Coconilla Shakeology Ball!

It is pretty easy to get these whipped up.

Here are the ingredients:
1/4 cup almond flour
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
3 Tablespoons coconut flour
2 cups unsweetened coconut

Mix dry ingredients together then add:
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup honey

Extra ingredients:
Lily's chocolate chips to top balls with

Mix well.  Adjust accordingly adding a smidge more coconut flour or honey as needed if less/more dry.
Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in size.  Press 3 mini chocolate chips into the top of each ball.  Store in fridge or freezer.  

These were a HUGE hit in my house and at the gym gran opening.  Enjoy!  :-)

Red Velvet Coconut Flour Pancakes

These were so darn amazing!  They take less than 2 minutes to whip up and they totally deliver every time.

PSSstttt:  You are welcome.  :-)

I could definitely eat these every day!  NOMSSS!!

Here is the recipe:

2 tablespoons oat flour
3 tablespoons of coconut flour
sprinkle of salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 packets of stevia
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Mix all dry ingredients together, then add in :
1/4 cup 0% greek yogurt
1/4 cup egg whites
 little splash of red velvet bakery emulsion (I found this randomly at Winners)

Mix together for about 15 seconds..mixture will be SUPER thick.  Do not add extra liquid.

Spray a pan over med high heat with coconut oil.  Divide batter to make 3 pancakes.  Use the back of spoon to flatten them down a bit (they will rise and be fluffy!).  BE PATIENT! You also may want to adjust the temperature down if it is getting too hot. Do not try to rush flipping these.  AND the pancakes are super delicate, so using a thinner spatula is ideal to flip.

Top with your fave nut butter and syrup (I use Walden's).  Stick the forchette in and enjoy!!