Monthly Archives: November 2015

GIFTS FOR GOLD LOVERS

November 29, 2015

It’s shiny. It’s pretty. It’s gold. I have little hints of metallic everywhere in my life! In my home and in my accessories, I love touches of gold and brass!

It’s 26 days until Christmas and I’m sharing my favourite Canadian gifts for gold lovers! If there’s a girl in your life who likes things shiny, sparkly and pretty, this ones for her!

Hand Painted Ring Dish by Marian & Hazel by Amanda Parker {Calgary, Alberta}

I am in love with this ring dish! It sits on my vanity topped with the jewellery I wear most often and I love it! Every piece is hand painted with beautiful strokes and dots of pink and gold. They are beautiful and perfect for that girl in your life who likes something different than what everyone else has. This would be a great gift to pair with a special jewellery purchase, the perfect gift for someone who is engaged, or for anyone who just likes pretty things! You can buy it here

2. Druzy Necklace by Alexandra Kathlyn Accessories (AKA) {Saskatchewan}

The sparkle and shine of these druzy necklaces are unmatched. I have the white one, and I wear it all the time! I love the raw look of the glitter paired with the shine of the gold. This is a gift any sparkle lover will love! You can buy this necklace here, but make sure you check out the rest of the pieces on the site, I also love the gold-dipped earrings!

3. Be Still Print by Written Word Design {Vancouver, British Columbia}

Written Word Design’s prints may be some of most favourite ever. I not only love the aesthetic of them, but the words and scriptures she uses are some of my most cherished verses. This “Be Still and Know That I Am God” print is proudly displayed in our home and serves as a great reminder to stop and remember that HE is in control. You can buy this print here.

4. Geometric 18K Hand Painted Gold Porcelain Mug by G Ceramic & Co {White Rock, British Columbia}

I received my first G Ceramic & Co piece earlier this year as a gift and it was love at first sight! The pieces in this collection are all amazing and then to find out that they are painted with 18K gold! Beautiful! This mug is special piece that any true lover of gold will certainly appreciate! You can buy it here.

5. Rose Gold Watch by Berg & Betts {Edmonton, Alberta}

The thing I love most about Berg & Betts watches is that they use new scrap leather for their bands, that would otherwise go to waste. Plus, they aren’t too expensive! This is a great gift if you want to get something they keep for years to come. You can buy this watch here.

6. Personalized Initial Necklace by Jewellery By Sivado {Richmond Hill, Ontario}

Anyone who knows me knows that almost every day I wear my gold initial necklace with a K & C on them (obviously for Kim and Clark). Clark bought it for me a couple years ago for my birthday and I still love absolutely love it! I’ve been asked many, many times where to them! You can personalize your own necklace right here.

7. Rose Gold Clutch by Heather Hird Design {Toronto, Ontario}

Carry this metallic clutch to dress up a basic outfit, or pair it with your favourite formal outfit! If you love gold, this leather rose golf clutch is great addition to your collection! You can find it here.

8. Herkimer Diamond Quartz Stone Studs by Foe & Dear {Vancouver, British Columbia}

I am obsessed with these earrings! They might be my favourite piece of jewellery I’ve seen in a long time! They are made from natural, sparkling herkimer diamond quartz stones and are set in 14k yellow gold filled pointed claws. I love them! You can find them for under $100 right here!

9. Glitter Agate Marble Macbook Decal by Lauren by Design {Vancouver, British Columbia}

If you know someone who likes to add their own personal touch to everything, Lauren by Design’s macbook decals are perfect. I love this Glitter Agate one (you can buy it here), but she’s also got lots of other great options to suit your taste!

Here’s what I recommend: If you see something you like, subtly post or send this link with the simple comment “I love number 8!” and see what happens! 😉

Gifts for the Spa Lover

November 22, 2015

GIFTS & GENEROSITY

It’s only 33 days until Christmas, so if you haven’t started shopping yet, you need to get on it! I’m continuing my “Best of Canada” Gift-Guide series today with Gifts for the Spa Lover! Over the last year I’ve been learning the importance of taking time to relax and care for myself, and all of these products point towards that! They are, of course, all Canadian businesses and emphasize luxury and relaxation! So, go ahead, skip the mall and order a couple gifts for the spa-lover in your life!

LINEN ROBE by Lost In Linen {Toronto, Ontario}

I am currently obsessed with linen. Like, obsessed. I just get enough of it! You really can’t go wrong with this robe. It’s pure linen and will last for years without going out of style. If you’re looking for an extra special gift for someone who appreciate the little luxuries in life, look no further. My favourite source high quality linen is Lost in Linen. My wish list of things from their shop is a mile long! Like I said, obsessed with linen right now. You can find this gorgeous robe in dove grey here.

2. AMOUR MINERAL BATH SALT by Woodlot {Vancouver, BC}

Woodlot is popping up EVERYWHERE! At least here on the West Coast, they’re quickly becoming the name that people trust for high quality products. We mentioned them in our “Gifts For Cooler-Than-Average Guys” post (read it here), and we just couldn’t leave them out of this gift guide! This Amour Mineral Bath Soak will leave your skin feeling amazing and there’s something about a great bath salt that instantly makes me feel more relaxed. Anyone who appreciates a relaxing bath from time to time will absolutely love this soak! You can find it here.

3. LAVENDAR & BERGAMOT REFRESHING MIST by Woodlot {Vancouver, BC}

Okay, just one more product from Woodlot, because well, it’s amazing. I’m obsessed with this mist. I’ve been misting this on my pillows and it leaves this light, soothing scent I adore. The combination of Lavender Floral Water, Witch Hazel, and Bergamot Essential Oil is so, so soothing. You can find it here.

4. Knitted Pedicure Socks by 12 Little Things {Vancouver, BC}

I first discovered these socks when I was looking for something to keep my feet warm while I was doing yoga, after quickly discovering that yoga doesn’t work well in socks. While these socks are great for yoga, they are also a must-have for winter pedicures! There’s nothing worse than having to leave the spa in sandals in the winter without socks on! These pedicure socks will keep your feet as warm as they can be until your pedicure is good and dry! You can find these socks here, or if you’re a knitter, you can get an instant download of the pattern here and make them yourself you an extra special personal touch!

5. TURKISH COTTON TOWELS by Sunday Dry Goods {Vancouver, BC}

I love turkish towels! They’ve found a home in our bathrooms, and they look so fresh and luxurious in any space! Sunday Dry Goods has a great assortment of colours and are a must-have for anyone who appreciates the little luxuries in life! These towels come rolled up in great packaging and are also a great addition to any gift basket if you’ve already purchased their favourite candle or bath soak! You can find these gorgeous towels here.

6. BITE LIP MASK by Bite Beauty {Toronto, ON}

I was so excited to discover Bite Beauty products! After developing a sensitivity to non-natural ingredients, founder Susanne Langmuir set out to create a lip product that was good enough to eat. Bite lip masks are made in small batches in Toronto, ON with food-grade ingredients. This maple agave lip mask is made with agave, vanilla and Canadian maple syrup. For the person who loves all natural ingredients, but wants their lips to look and feel great! You can get them at Sephora in Canada, or order them online here.

7. REFINE FACE MASK by Kunye {Vancoucver, BC}

Kunye is a plant-based skin care line that uses natural ingredients that are plant-based, cold pressed, mineral, and botanical. This face mask uses marshmallow root to remove unwanted dirt and impurities while a trio of clays drinks up excess oil while delivering a dose of minerals. You had me at marshmallow! These products are all made in small batches and are quickly climbing in popularity with natural skin care lovers! You buy this face mask here.

The “I-can’t-believe-it’s-not-cheese” Vegan Cheeseball

November 18, 2015

FOOD & NUTRITION

37 days until Christmas! I promised some great holiday recipes, and this vegan cheeseball will not disappoint! It’s the perfect holiday appetizer or party food! I’ve served this cheeseball at two parties in the last couple weeks and I’ve never had people rave so much about a food item I’ve made! People are shocked that this isn’t actually cheese, and when I tell them it’s made from cashews, they are blown away!

The base of this cheeseball is cashews. The key to getting a smooth cream-cheese like consistency is soaking them in water. I keep a tupperware container in my fridge with a couple inches of water and a cup or two of cashews so I have them ready when I need them. Once your cashews are good and soaked place them in the blender with the lemon juice, coconut oil and salt. Once you’ve blended them up smooth, transfer to a bowl and fold in rosemary, chopped cranberries and chopped walnuts.

Once the mixture is finished you need to get it wrapped in plastic wrap and chilled in the fridge. You can also chill it in the freezer for a faster set time, but don’t forget about it. I’m speaking from experience, frozen vegan cheese is like a hockey puck.

Once it’s hardened enough to hold it’s shape, roll it in walnuts and serve! You can keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve! It keeps just fine!

Just in case you’re wondering what kind of crackers I serve with the cheeseball, I serve SuperSlim Black Sesame Brown Rice Crisps. For the record, I’m not compensated on sponsored by this brand in anyway, I just want to share with you the great products I discover! I’ve purchased them at several grocery stores in the cracker aisle, so they should be fairly easy to find.

I’d love to hear how this goes over at your next party or family gathering! I bet your friends and family will be shocked it’s dairy-free!

Vegan Cheese Ball

2015-11-17 22:34:04

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Ingredients

1 cup of raw unsalted cashews (soaked for at least 3 hours)
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp fine grain sea salt
1 Tbsp chopped rosemary
1/4 cup dried canberries
1/4 cup + 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Soak raw unsalted cashews in 2 cups of water for at least 3 hours.
Once cashews have soaked, drain.
Add cashews, coconut oil, lemon juice and sea salt to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Remove from blender and transfer into a small bowl.
Fold in finely chopped rosemary, chopped cranberries and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
Place a large square of plastic wrap on a flat circle and scoop the mixture into the centre of the plastic wrap.
Gather the corners of the plastic wrap together and twist the ends together - shape the mixture into a ball.
Cool for at least 1 hour or until hardened.
Remove from plastic wrap and roll in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
Serve with rice crackers.

In Everything https://ineverything.ca/

FA LA LA FREE DOWNLOAD – Tech Tuesday

November 17, 2015

TECH DOWNLOADS

There are 38 days until Christmas, so it’s time to deck the halls! The classic green and red decor isn’t really my thing at Christmas, I tend to go for whites and metallics with touches of black. I know, I know, not super festive sounding, but it works for us!

I thought I’d duplicate our decor theme for the first holiday tech download! If you want to get festive, but you don’t want it to look like Santa’s workshop threw up all over your tech screen, this one’s for you.

So, go ahead, get into the festive spirit with this fa la la free download, I promise you’ll catch yourself humming the song to yourself all day. Ain’t nobody calling you Scrooge!

You can download this free Fa La La graphic right here:

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Gifts for the Savvy Traveller – Gift Guide – Featuring Wilhelm & Friends + GIVEAWAY

November 16, 2015

GIFTS & GENEROSITY / TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

It’s 39 days until Christmas! Yesterday we kicked off our 40 days until Christmas countdown with a “Gifts for Cooler-Than-Average Guys” (you can find it here) and today we’re got another Gift Guide! We’re featuring local Vancouver business, Wilhelm & Friends (you might recognize them from yesterday’s post – they’re stuff is so great, we just had to mention them again!) and offering an awesome giveaway featuring their gorgeous leather journal cover! (Retail value: $65) Giveaway instructions are at the bottom of the post! Good luck!

This gift guide comes to you with help from Clark. Clark travels pretty regularly, so he’s bringing his expertise to the table! If you’re looking for a gift for the savvy traveller in your life, he’s got you covered! This guide has a little bit of a masculine flair to it, but most of the items are unisex. Here’s Clark (isn’t he dreamy?):

Hi. Clark here. Travelling is something that Kim and I both enjoy. It’s part of what we do for work as well as to relax and spend time together. Whether it’s road trip through The Rockies, a day trip to Whistler or a flight to the East Coast, we’re often on the go.

This gift guide features some of my favourite travel related items, all great gifts for the jet-setter in your life.

Wilhelm & Friends Hybrid Duffel {British Columbia}

I have to admit, I really enjoy a nice bag. The most important item for travel for me is a great carry-on bag. This hybrid duffel from Wilhelm & Friends is perfect and it surprisingly fits a lot of stuff. It was featured yesterday in the Gifts For Cooler-Than-Average Guys post, and I second everything Kim said about it’s quality. The materials used are high quality and it’s put together so well.

The bag can be transformed for larger loads, by releasing the side hooks to expand and provide more storage. It includes a shoulder strap and features a spacious lined main compartment, with a really handy removable zipper pouch. A snap on key holder strap is attached to the side of the bag. The zippers feature leather pulls and the bottom includes five bag feet. All seams of the bag are reinforced and double sewn with bonded Nylon. This duffel bag is amazing and will last you for years! You can buy it here (it may say “out of stock” but if you’re looking to purchase this bag, message the shop owners and they’ll hand make a bag just for you!) Also, if you like them Wilhelm & Friends on one of their social media platforms and send them a message letting them know you did, they’ll send you 15% off your order!!!

2. Zenok Leather Luggage Tag {British Columbia}

Anyone who travels regularly can’t be bothered to fill out those disposable paper luggage tags every time they fly. A good luggage tag that won’t rip off is essential and this leather tag is stylish and durable. You can’t go wrong with this one. Buy it here.

3. Province of Canada Sweater {Ontario}

A great sweater is not just about making sure you can keep warm if you get cold, it’s also not a bad idea to let people know you’re Canadian when you’re travelling. Everyone loves us, right?Plus, you can confuse foreigners who may actually believe that Canada is a province. You can find it here.

4. Herschel Suitcase {British Columbia}

Did you know Herschel was a Canadian company? Me either! The company was founded in 2009 by brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack and Herschel Supply Co. adopted the name of the town (Herschel, Saskatchewan) where three generations of their family grew up after coming to Canada.

Sometimes I’m on the road for a week or more, plus I’m known for overpacking, so I often need to check baggage. A good quality, stylish suitcase that will last, but you won’t be devastated if it get a little wrecked, is important. You can find this Herschel suitcase here.

5. Sakao Co Leather Cord Organizer {Quebec}

When you’re travelling with chargers and earphones it helps to keep them organized. There’s nothing worse than being hunched over under your tray table trying to root through your bag to find your tangled cords. Buy them here.

6. Wilhelm & Friends Leather Journal Cover {British Columbia}

Lastly, it’s the giveaway item! It’s always nice to have a small journal when I’m travelling to write down thoughts and ideas. You can purchase this journal cover here. I’ll pass things back to Kim now to explain the giveaway details!

Thanks Clark! 🙂 As he mentioned, you can purchase this journal cover here or you could win this gift for someone who you think should have it by doing the following:

Follow @wilhelm_and_friends on Instagram
Tag the person who you think should win this item in the Wilhelm & Friends Journal photo on @kimberleemoran‘s Instagram (posted November 16th 2015) – You may only tag one person per comment, but you can comment as many times as you want!

We believe it’s better to give than to receive, so, as always with our contents, you’re not winning this item for yourself. The person you tag will win the item from YOU! Good luck!

Giveaway contest closes Thursday, November 19th at midnight PST.

Gifts for Cooler-Than-Average Guys – Gift Guide

November 15, 2015

GIFTS & GENEROSITY

Let the countdown begin! Only 40 days until Christmas! Clark and I love the holidays! The excitement, the anticipation, the food, the smells, the sounds! They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing! This year I’m counting down to Christmas in the most exciting way! I’ve been working really, really hard to put together the best gift guides featuring Canadian businesses, holiday-themed vegan recipes, festive tech downloads, holiday decor ideas, tips to host the best holiday dinner parties and amazing giveaways! Friends, the next 40 days are going to be packed with some of the best new content I’ve ever had and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I’m kicking it off with a gift guide: “Gifts for Cooler-Than-Average Guys.” You should know, Clark was pretty flattered to know he was the inspiration for this post. After telling him the title I had decided to go with, he probably asked me 3 or 4 times, “You really think I’m cooler than average?” Babe, you’re the coolest guy I know. 😉

Many of these gift ideas are things I put on the list for him as I searched for the best gifts for him this Christmas, and the best part is that they are ALL from Canadian businesses; most of them small shop businesses! I love supporting local, and I love helping to empower people to live out their dreams! I’m always looking for new, great companies. Let me know in the comments if there’s a Canadian company I need to check out!

Now for the gift guide! Here’s what I’ve included:

Illbury & Goose Keychain {Ontario}

Illbury & Goose is a Canadian lifestyle brand based out of London, Ontario. They’ve got a number of items featuring their signature anchor and maple leaf logo, but what I like about these keychains are their size, simplicity and of course, the fact that they’re leather. This is a great gift for someone you don’t want to spend a ton of money on, or a perfect stocking stuffer! You can order one online here.

2. My Pakage Black Boxer Shorts {British Columbia}

After hearing the way Clark talked about these boxers after trying them on for the first time, I knew I needed to add them to the list. I never really understood the need for “luxury underwear”, but after hearing Clark’s convincing testimonial, I decided to support him in his latest obsession: My Pakage underwear. In Clark’s words: “Not only are these underwear comfortable and long-lasting, but even at the end of the day they still keep their shape. The bands don’t lose their elasticity and once you’re discovered what the ‘pakage’ is all about, you’ll never go back.” Friends, he refuses to wear anything else. You can’t go wrong with these! Buy them here.

3. Province of Canada Toque {Ontario}

This next business seriously has the cool factor. They sum Canada up perfectly by recognizing that “Canada is about luxury and quality as much as it is casual and cozy. It’s about the beach and lake life as much as it is the city. It’s about classic as much as it is cool.” I couldn’t agree more, guys. Their lifestyle brand displays this well and their apparel is comfortable without sacrificing style! I could have easily included any of their pieces, but I’m a huge fan of this patched, ribbed toque. You can’t make it through a Canadian winter without a toque, so you may as well look good wearing one! You can buy it here.

4. Sakao Co Leather Cord Organizer {Quebec}

This is another item you can’t go wrong with. Who doesn’t have USB cords or ear phones that are in a tangled mess somewhere? These awesome little cord organizers come in a set of two and are affordable enough to put in his stocking, or for that under $20 you need to get someone. These are great. Enough said. Buy them here.

5. Wilhelm & Friends Hybrid Duffel {British Columbia}

This bag. Seriously, the moment I first laid eyes on this Wilhelm & Friends duffel I was in love. It’s not only beautiful, but the craftsmanship is second-to-none. It’s clearly handmade with care, and the materials used are of the highest quality. This is the bag to get for that person you really care about; Someone with great style who appreciates high-quality products. If you’ve never checked out this shop, I highly recommend it. Most items are made to order, so if something on the site says “out of stock,” just send a message to the owners, they are super nice and will make the perfect item you’re for! You can shop this bag here.

6. Maple Live Edge Phone Stand {Ontario}

Cooler-than-average guys don’t lay their phones flat on the nightstand, they prop them up in a gorgeous live-edge stand and use a better-than-basic alarm clock app like RISE. It’s time to wake up in style. You can get this great Canadian wood piece here.

7. Woodlot Cascadia Package {British Columbia}

It seems like everywhere I go lately, people are talking about Woodlot. This local company continues to create the most amazing products that people can’t get enough of. When I asked my friend Peter, who has pretty spot-on style and great taste, if there were any Canadian products he would recommend for this post, without hesitation he suggested a Woodlot candle. When I asked Clark his thoughts, he echoed Peter, saying “any guy that says he doesn’t appreciate a great candle is lying.”

The Cascadia scent is perfect for the modern man with aromas of douglas fir, cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli. Each candle is handmade with care using clean-burning, petroleum-free coconut wax and all body products are made in small batches with carefully selected ingredients. Oh, and I should mention, the candles burn for 60 hours! You can pick up this set here.

8. Born of the Anvil Leather Glasses Case {Manitoba}

You can’t be a cooler-than-average guy and toss your sunglasses or reading glasses in the bottom of your bag. A great case is a must. This leather case is the perfect home for your glasses, protecting them from scratches and let the world know that, well, you care. You can find it here.

9. Mud & Stone Tall Dented Black Mug {Manitoba}

Some of those big chain coffee companies have cool designs and everything, but nothing says style like a uniquely hand-crafted mug, like this one from Mud & Stone. Their mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe and each mug is handmade, wheelthrown, glazed and fired, using only food safe glazes. This is a great gift for the coffee-drinking guy who doesn’t like to have the same thing as everyone else. You can find them here.

10. Fellow Earthlings Custom Sunglasses {Prince Edward Island}

Did you know Canada had a custom sunglass company? I was so excited when I discovered Fellow Earthings! You get to choose your style, frame material and lens material in any combination you wish! The possibilities are endless. You need to check out their website to see what I’m talking about. Their glasses are so, so cool. You can see for yourself here.

So, was I right? The best Canadian gifts for cooler-than-average guys. Here’s what I recommend, share this post with the person you know is going to shopping for you this holiday season with the simple caption: “I like #6” or “Check out #10.” You just might be on your way to being cooler-than-average 😉

And stay tuned, because we’re giving away a few items from some of these shops this week and you won’t want to miss it. Make sure you follow along on instagram to catch the latest giveaways! @kimberleemoran

I AM STRONG – Guest Post by Sarah Duron + Free Tech Download

November 3, 2015

HEALTH & FITNESS / MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS / TECH DOWNLOADS

The last two months have been tough for me (You can read more about that here). Since the end of August just getting through the work day has been a struggle, and by the time I got home I hardly had the energy to cook, let alone work out. My muscles were disappearing. My strength was failing. I was weak.

I knew that regaining strength would be an important part of my recovery, but it’s hard.

Recognizing I couldn’t do it on my own, I sent a message to my friend Sarah in Florida. Sarah and I connected earlier this year, through her sister-in-law, after she was diagnosed with MS. Our common diagnosis and passion for ministry made for an instant friendship. As we’ve talked about life with MS, we have both found common ground in our struggle to stay healthy and active. It’s not easy for either of us to find the energy to work out, but we know we need to. We both feel weak. We both feel out of shape. But we’re both ready to get stronger and healthier!

I can’t wait for you to meet Sarah!

SARAH DURON – I AM STRONG

Sarah is a mother of two, a graphic designer, and a student at Southeastern University. You can read her blog at sarahduron.com and follow her on instagram @sarahduron. (Also, how gorgeous is she?)

A couple months ago, I decided to go off of MS treatment. I originally discontinued the medication I was on with the intent of switching to a new option, but in the interim I noticed that I was starting to feel better. Finally feeling more like myself for the first time in a long time, I decided to take on the gamble of going without treatment completely. With this decision has come the awareness that I must up my game on my own personal health and fitness. If I am not going to utilize the treatments that are out there, then the only responsible alternative is to equip my body to function at optimum performance. This means I need to be consuming tons of nutrients, avoiding harmful ingredients, and I also need to be working out- like, a lot.

It all seems so simple! Yet, lately it is just so hard. With the holidays coming up, which is always the time of year that I throw standards and caution to the wind when it comes to proper diet, and due to the fact that I feel so much better physically, I have been slacking off BIG TIME. Also, I have been really struggling lately with pushing myself to exercise. You know how it feels when you haven’t worked out in awhile, and since you are so out of shape it takes so much self-discipline to get started? Well, I feel like that times a thousand. My muscles are super weak and I am just incredibly unfit. In my situation, with the odds that I am facing, being a slacker is NOT an option! If you have ever surfed the web to study how one can thrive and experience a high quality of life despite MS, you would know that this cannot possibly be accomplished without a high commitment to health and fitness.

One of my dearest new friends and fellow MS fighter, Kimberlee Moran, is one of my hugest inspirations. Diagnosed with MS a year ago, she has continued with such determination to thrive as an incredible preacher, theology professor, pastor and wife! Not to mention, she has an amazing blog, mad design skills, and this doesn’t even begin to cover the remarkable person that she is. We are both determined to experience a long, energetic life bringing the message, hope and love of Jesus Christ to the world. This is why we’ve decided to come together and join arms to encourage one another toward our health and fitness goals.

I am sharing this with you because we want to invite you to join in this challenge with us! Even if you don’t have MS, I imagine you probably have your own personal health and fitness goals that you would like to see become a reality! On our own, and without the accountability of others, we all can easily slack off. This is why we want to invite you to be IAMStrong! Together, we can do this! We are making a commitment to devote at least thirty minutes a day, five days a week, to exercise. We are also making the commitment to eating everything we eat on PURPOSE. We want to plan ahead for meals, share recipes, and encourage each other to enjoy all the healthy, nutritious, yet yummy foods that God has provided to us. I think this will be fun! I’m feeling the motivation already! So, there is our invite! Who’s with me? Who’s with me?!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the power of coming together. Sarah and I are challenging all of you to join with us in our pledge to get healthier and finish 2015 strong! I refuse to wait until 2016 to make a New Year’s resolution to get my strength back! We’re starting now, post-Hallowe’en/pre-Holiday season, which may be the most challenging time of the year to stay on track! But we can do it together right?

We’re asking you to join us. Our goal is to start 2016 strong and healthy, but we can’t do it on our own. If you want to join us in our journey let us know in the comments below or connect with us on instagram @sarahduron & @kimberleemoran. If we’re all in this together, I know it will be easier! Let’s do this!

Grab this FREE TECH DOWNLOAD to remind yourself, “I AM STRONG,” regardless of the obstacles you face!

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Buy the matching I AM STRONG t-shirt HERE to help support others fighting MS.

How 2 Hours of Food Prep Can Help You Eat Healthy All Week + My Weekly Meal Plan Featuring Victoria Senges Design Co.

November 2, 2015

FOOD & NUTRITION

One of the most important things for my day-to-day healthy living is my food intake. Nutrition isn’t just about not eating certain foods, it’s also about putting the right foods in. I can trick myself into thinking I’m eating okay, as long as I’m not eating “junk”, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!

As I shared before, I haven’t been feeling great for the last 2 months (you can read more about that here). That means that there have been many, many days when I haven’t felt like cooking or prepping food. While I’ve had cereal for dinner far more than I’d like to admit, healthy eating isn’t optional for me. I need proper nutrients to keep my body strong and healthy. It’s essential.

I know sometimes life can be busy and hectic, but if you’re able to prioritize 2 hours in your week to food prep, I’m confident you’ll be on track to eat healthier all week long!

There are three things that have worked really well for me that can do in 2 hours if make the time:

Plan Your Weekly Menu

You simply need to decide what you want to eat for the week! My weekly menu comes from an assortment of recipes from my favourite cookbooks, blogs, and my own imagination! While it’s nice to imagine trying a new healthy recipe every night, be realistic and do what you know will work for you.

I’m a big believer that staying organized is always easier when things look pretty, and meal planning is no exception! Find a meal planner you love, and use it!

I am absolutely crazy about this 52-page weekly meal planner from V Shop by Victoria Senges Design Co. (you can buy it here). Not only does it help organize your meals for the week, it also has a tear-off market list so you can keep track of what you need to buy as you plan your week. I thought this was awesome even before I realized the list part detaches! It also has a magnet on the back to stick on the side of your fridge if you wish. This is genius! And design is so cute! PLUS Victoria has offered all ineverything.ca readers 25% off everything in the shop for this week only! Use code INEVERYTHING at the checkout! Thanks Victoria! (Offer expires Nov 9, 2015).

Of course, make the meals that work for you, but here’s what I’m making this week:

Monday – Breakfast (B): Vega One Smoothie (every day- you can read more here) Lunch (L): Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup (here) Dinner: Salmon, Quinoa (I make extra quinoa to use in my salad for the week) & Veggies

Tuesday – B: Vega One Smoothie L: Quinoa Salad (I mostly just add a bunch of veggies to quinoa, mix in a dressing and some nuts and seeds and call it a salad) D: Portobello Fajita (Oh She Glows Cookbook p.185)

Wednesday – B: Vega One Smoothie L: Beet Soup (here) D: Flex (We’re not home sometimes for dinner on Wednesdays, so I don’t plan anything for this day. Sometimes we eat leftovers, sometimes we wing it… sometimes we eat cereal. Don’t judge.)

Thursday – B: Vega One Smoothie L: Quinoa Salad D: Vermicelli Noodle Bowl

Friday – B: Vega One Smoothie L: Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup D: Bok Choy Stir Fry

Weekend: Vegan Waffles, Fish Tacos (recipe here)

Prep Your Produce

Often on Sundays, Clark and I will go the grocery store, then I park myself on a stool in the kitchen! Almost every Sunday I spend about 1-1.5 hours prepping my food for the week. When I don’t prep my produce every week, most of it sits hidden in the fridge and gets thrown at the week’s end. I hate throwing out produce! Anyone else with me? When I take the time to clean and cut everything, we eat healthier and there’s less waste! Win-win.

I usually clean, cut and separate veggies so we can grab and eat them raw, dip them in hummus, or throw them in the steamer or a stir fry for a weeknight meal. I will usually clean and cut:

3-4 bell peppers (cut into long slices)
4-5 carrots (cut into rounds)
1 cucumbers (cut into rounds)
1 head of broccoli (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 head of celery (cut into sticks)

I put them in sealed containers in the fridge and they keep all week, no problem.

I also wash and cut a lot of the fruit we buy and thrown it together in a fruit salad. When there’s a bowl of fruit in the fridge we sometimes have it in the morning, take it our lunch, or have is for “dessert” after dinner. It depends what’s in season, but it will often include cantaloupe or melon, berries of some kind, kiwi, maybe mango, and anything else that’s on sale! I find apples and bananas don’t keep really well when they’re pre-cut, but most other fruits work. (I don’t use pineapple or grapes because I can’t have them, but both are great options!)

Pre-Make as Much as Possible

Once I know what I’m going to be eating for the week, and I have all the groceries I need, the next thing I do is prep as much as I can. I’ll make a list of everything I know I need to do ahead of time, and get it all done at once. This “the to-do list” (pictured below) is also from V Shop by Victoria Senges Design Co! (You can find it here.) I do this as soon as I get home from the grocery store and leave the groceries I need out on the counter.

Part of the prep is washing and cutting the produce as I already mentioned, but I also try to pre-make as much food as I can. You’ll see on my weekly menu that I often eat soup for lunch, especially in the cooler months. If I don’t take the time to do this at the beginning of the week, it just won’t happen; so I try to make 2 soups that I can pack and reheat at the office. I’ll also whip together some kind of salad dressing that I can use for my weekly salads, and I often like to make some kind of snack to have as well.

I realize we’re all in different stages of life and for some it can be hard to find 15 minutes to yourself, let alone 2 hours! After chatting with some of my friends who are working moms with young kids I have no doubt meal planning and prepping can be tough. It may look differently for you than it looks for me, but I’m certain you can do it!

I’d love to hear what works for you!! And don’t forget to visit V Shop by Victoria Senges Design Co. to pick up your meal planner and some other amazing stationary items! Use code INEVERYTHING to get 25% off until Nov 9, 2015!