Progress

This week, I visited a new chiropractor. It's part of the plan the naturopath I saw has set up for me. They did x-rays, physical exams, checked my bending ranges, etc. I had a few areas of subluxation (the vertebrae out of alignment). I have lots of stretches to do - similar to ones I've done before. Friday was my first adjustment and it's been 5 years since I've been adjusted, so I knew I might be sore. They also had me do a LOT of exercises and many reps of them (more than I'm used to), so I've been icing my neck and shoulders all weekend. It felt like boot camp which is rough for me, but I'm making it! 

I took a photo of my x-rays:) I think they're so interesting! We're doing adjustments and stretches to keep a good curvature in my neck and to try strengthening my neck & upper back muscles to hold my posture better (and hold my adjustments better too). I still have the forward head thing going on (I talked about it in this post), so we're trying to improve that to help with my constant neck pain & headaches.  


I got to enjoy an accessory trip to Sam Moon (their prices are awesome!) with a friend yesterday. So much eye candy! We also went to lunch at Zoe's Kitchen - so delicious! They accommodated my gluten & dairy free diet well and had awesome homemade hummus. I love some quality friend time too! 

Last night, my dad came over and we watched Razor's Edge. I love quality family time! (Yes, quality time is one of my lova languages ;)).

I've been looking into trying Young Living essential oils to help with my symptoms more naturally (to hopefully get off my prescriptions in the coming months!). Have you tried these? I'm curious to hear what others experiences using them are. 

On the weekend, I love getting my fill of Ranger snuggles. This boy keeps us laughing. The photo on the right is him mid-yawn. Ranger is such a yawner! Ha also yawns when he gets nervous. Pretty funny. 

As part of my dietary changes with the naturopath, I've been eating protein with each of my snacks. Peanut butter and hummus have been my main additions (with PB with celery and hummus with celery/cucumbers/chips). We averted a crisis Friday when I ran out since it was grocery day ;) whew! 

Time to ice my neck & shoulder again. I hope you've been able to enjoy your weekend!

Today's Pinspiration:

Kindness can change the world:)

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New Lipstick, Kansas Travels & Nick's Birthday

 Hi friends! I hope this mid-week post finds you well. Things have been pretty busy around here but I'm glad to post some new photos from our recent travels. We went to Kansas over the weekend - it was such a pretty drive through north Texas. We also celebrated Nick's birthday.  

First, though, I splurged on some fancy new lipstick with some of the birthday money I've been holding onto. I have never loved a lipstick so much. This company (Red Apple Lipstick) is great - the people are fun to work with, their product is quality and their colors are so fun! I wasn't sure which colors to start with so I watched their youtube videos and had so much fun with it. I bought two colors: Strawberry Lips & Coral Crush. I also got Rallye Balm, Exfoliate Stick (both of which I love!) and samples of Red! 101 (their "perfect red"), Summer Sands, and Push Pop. Enough links for you? Ha! 

I took some photos when trying my lipsticks - blending colors is so fun too. When I was taking photos, Ranger decided he wanted to try the lipstick:) silly boy. 

 Now, onto our travels! We drove for a few hours west in north Texas, north of Amarillo. We had such a pretty drive!

Ranger also got his second ever haircut last week and we can see his eyes now! :) Our groomer (Nick) did a great job! 

I loved seeing these pretty and lovely smelling trees all over. 

We went to one of the yogurt places where you add whatever you want & pay at the end and they had TWO dairy free options! I was pleasantly surprised I could join in on Nick's birthday treat. Nick doesn't make a big deal of birthdays, but I love them, so try to make them as fun and festive as I can:) Thankfully his expectations aren't big though, I didn't do as much this year - but we did get to spend quality time (one of my love languages!) together on our road trip. 

 The midwest is SO beautiful. Some may not see it, but I think it's such simple beauty. 

Ranger sat on my lap for most of our trip, but at one point, leaned his head to rest on Nick. It was the cutest thing! 

 The place we stayed in Kansas didn't take pets, so we boarded Ranger for the first time. He did ok thankfully! He didn't eat as much as normal and I think was fairly stressed, but we were proud of him and he was so glad to see us and get back home. He's still working on getting used to other dogs and new people. We start our intermediate training class at PetSmart for him this week too! 

 I kind of want to set up a tent and live in this photo for a while. Maybe next time ;). 

Those up ahead, are mountains for this Iowa girl ;) So they're really not, but that's the scenery we got to enjoy through Texas & the Oklahoma pan handle. It's almost deserty (I think I made that up? Red line doesn't like it. Tough.) in some of the rural areas, but beautiful! 

Family fun on the road! We've been on the road quite a lot lately. Thankfully, the Lord gives me strength to enjoy our trips & recover fairly well to get back to work. Our recent trips have been to see family, which is always good anyway. I take naps and try to stay ahead of any pain/headache/fatigue flares. 

I started oil pulling this week - has anyone else tried it? I really think it's whitening my teeth (which is the least of my concerns -ha!) but am curious to see what else it may help with. I've tried it twice so far - we'll see! It's pretty fascinating.

I also got results from my saliva -adrenal fatigue test back, so will hopefully talk with the naturopath soon to see what they mean and what I might do if needed to adjust them. I've been listening to webinars this week and last about adrenal fatigue and have learned about how many people are really impacted by it. Many traditional doctors don't look at it much, but the naturopath/holistic doctors on these webinars see it as a very widespread issue that needs addressed. 

I was just introduced to Empowered Sustenance by a friend this week and read the blogger's story and really relate with some of her health battles. She ate gluten & dairy free for a while and was on prescriptions for 5 years working with medical doctors before turning a corner and healing with food - a grain free diet - as well as other things. Grain free may be my next step, I've been hearing more about it and am intrigued. 

Today's weather was gorgeous! On the warm side - we've been needing our AC lately, but blue skies, green grass & trees and a bright sun do wonders for the spirit. I love it!

I hope you have a great week & can enjoy some sunshine (one way or another), wherever you are.

Today's Pinspiration:

I think this is so true. The world would be even more beautiful if we could spread sunshine to even one more person each day. Why not?

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Springy Fun & Banana Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping

I went to a dinner this week benefitting a charity with co-workers. It was a great event and such a beautiful spring night!

The event was held at Joe T. Garcia's - their patio is gorgeous! 

The food spread was delicious. I never know what to expect eating out where I haven't planned ahead what I can eat. There was a lot in the family style dinner I could eat.  

I love seeing signs of spring around - these are at my parents house. 

There is no color modification on this flower - it's wildly bright! 

The beauty of spring & renewed life is captivating. 

 Nick traveled for work this week, so it was just Ranger and I. I attempted a selfie and he yawned, making it a blurry, yet pretty funny shot! 

 Our nephew Hank turned one this week! I can't believe it. Where did tiny baby Hank go?! He's just starting to walk too which will be fun to see! 

I tried another flavor of Kombucha - this one was much more mild and easier to drink than the first one I tried (Trilogy - in this same brand). 

Here was my "TGIF!" face on Friday - ready for the weekend and ready to see Nick after his trip! I also love love this necklace & earrings set from Sam Moon! 

Friday night snuggles. Ranger is a silly boy! 

My mom and I ran errands at the Stockyards yesterday (and I got treated, let me tell you! Thank you, mom!). We had a delicious lunch at Riscky's - it's always good there. I had a (gluten & dairy free) grilled chicken salad with avocado & bacon. The bacon was amazing! I need to make some bacon salads at home:)

I'm always entertained by the Cowboy 10 Commandments on the wall at Riscky's. 

Typical Stockyards picture. I just can't help it, it's so charming! 

Thursday night, I made these muffins. They're so good, I have to share! They're a good way to use any bananas that went bad too - don't toss them! Dark/black bananas are great for baking with. 

Banana Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel Topping
Recipe adapted slightly from The Minimalist Baker (check out her photos - mine don't do these muffins justice!)
Makes 12 Muffins 

 Ingredients:

• 2 eggs 
• 4 medium ripe bananas (don’t worry about measurements – it’s forgiving)
• Heaping 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup butter (I used Earth Balance to make them dairy free) or coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1.5 cups flour (I use Bob's Red Mill (gluten free flour) - you can use regular flour instead)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Crumble Topping:

• 1/4 cup raw sugar
• 5 Tbsp flour (I again used Bob's Red Mill - use whatever you prefer!)
• 2 Tbsp butter (I used Earth Balance)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a standard size muffin tin or line the tin with cupcake liners (mine made 12 full muffins)
2. Add eggs to a bowl.
3. Add banana and mash, leaving just a bit of texture.
4. Add brown sugar, baking soda, salt and whisk for one minute.
5. Stir in vanilla, melted butter and mix.
6. Add flour and oats and stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Lastly, fold in walnuts (optional).
7. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins, filling a generous 3/4 full (I filled mine full but it didn't leave much room for the topping, so leave a little room at the top).
8. Quickly wipe your mixing bowl and add crumble ingredients. Prepare crumble top by mashing ingredients together with a fork until crumbly like wet sand. Generously top muffins with streusel. 
9. Bake for 17-22 minutes or until tops are golden brown and a toothpick or knife comes out clean. Let cool for a few minutes, remove from muffin tin and serve warm. Once completely cooled, store in a covered container at room temp for several days. Freeze for longer term storage.

Today's Pinspiration:

I love this - encouragement is one of my favorite things to pass along. Taking time to care is huge too - we've been talking about using our talents at church these past few weeks - giving our time to others can be such a gift. 

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Quick Iowa Visit & Natural Healing

If you keep up with me on Instagram (or the side bar of the blog), you know I'm still here! Just busy. Isn't this photo peaceful? I put it as my new background on my computer I like it so much. I snapped it out the window on our drive through Kansas last week. 

We took off at the end of last week to Iowa City to see my Aunt Melissa. She had been at the hospital for a few weeks and had more and more complications come up. We wanted to be there after a tough week with a not so great outlook. It was so good to be with family again, get hugs, pray together, and reassure each other. Praise the Lord, I get to share Aunt Melissa is home now! She'll continue going to the hospital in DSM for Chemo, but after a few weeks in the hospital, is finally home. 

 These were the beautiful springy flowers in Aunt Melissa's room. Aren't they so pretty? I love this arrangement. 

Hi, Kansas!

A sweet co-worker gave me this book after we talked about trying more natural alternatives to treat fibromyalgia. As I shared in my last post, I'm seeking other methods of healing other than prescriptions (I've tried so many that fail to help). This book is insightful! This author I believe has many other books with the same theme of natural healing. 

I've met with the naturopath twice now and continue to learn more of her ideas to help me get better, and hopefully get off my prescriptions at some point. We set a few goals we're working toward and I'm hopeful to get there. 

Naturopath notes:

She did research on the prescriptions & supplements I currently take and gave me recommendations. I'll try some new supplements she thinks can help.

She was surprised after seeing all of the prescriptions I take that I still have chronic pain and chronic headaches. 

The muscle relaxer I take each night she said is typically used for a few weeks (probably after an accident or injury)- I've been taking it for 20 months. There's no doubt that I'm dealing with side effects from some of my meds that aren't making things easier. That's one of my goals though - I really want to live life without all of these prescriptions that I'm not sure even help at all anymore. 

Here are other things I noted:

• Drink lemon in water every day (helps detoxify) - 1 full glass in the morning before eating/drinking anything else.
• Drink 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar mixed with some before meals (helps detoxify & prep organs for digesting)
• Less microwaving, less frozen meals
• More protein! I did a 5-day diet diary, noting everything I ate, drank, how I slept, how my symptoms were throughout the day. She highlighted on my log the foods I was going to as a pick-me-up and believes my blood sugar gets low, so I reach for my snacks which don't help. Adding more protein is making a difference on my energy and feeling full already. I ate healthy snacks throughout the day (grapes, banana, granola bar), but they didn't have protein, so would leave my energy tank empty. Adding hummus and peanut butter so far (peanut butter & banana for a morning snack - sliced peppers/celery & hummus in the afternoon) have already made a noticeable difference on my brain fog too. 
• Be aware of foods impacts on my good sugar - my diet was spiking and dropping my blood sugar all day which didn't help any of my symptoms. She gave me a list of high glycemic fruits & veggies to limit. Check out symptoms of hypoglycemia/low blood sugar - I have had so many of them for so long! It'd be great if this can really help me. 
• Look into my adrenal glands and see if I have adrenal fatigue going on (I take a saliva test this weekend to be shipped off to the lab to see what they find). Stress levels are hard on so many of our adrenal glands, I keep hearing about adrenal fatigue. 
• Antibiotic & hormone free meat 
• Do 5 minutes of yoga 2x per day
• Practice deep breathing 2x per day 
• Add more protein to my smoothies - I already had peanut butter, but I've added a small handful of walnuts now too. They blend easily in my Ninja with my almond milk, cinnamon, fruits & veggies. It really does help me last longer and keep my brain sharper all morning. 

There's much more, but that's a good update for now! I thought I was eating well, but I understand different perspectives now that can hopefully help my body process better. 

This was my first bottle of Kombucha a few weeks ago- I have a few other flavors in the fridge to try. What do you think about it? I've heard of the great benefits and figure it's worth a try!

My boys on our afternoon of running errands a few weeks ago. Ranger is just shy of 8 months old - isn't that wild?! Wasn't it just a few months ago we met this puppy? 

Ranger and I after work yesterday. He's SO excited when we get home from work, though he looks not-so-happy in this photo - ha! I love how the color on our walls look in this photo too! 

I baked these beauties last night - minty triple chocolate cupcakes! Dairy and gluten free of course - use the triple chocolate cupcake recipe and I added peppermint instead of vanilla and added it in the frosting too. I love minty chocolate! 

Ranger LOVES playing lately. We tend to have fun with it too:) 

I hope your weekend is filled with sunshine - one way or another! 

Today's Pinspiration:

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