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!

DESKTOP | IPHONE | IPAD

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!

Dark Chocolate Hemp Heart Energy Bites + GIVEAWAY

October 31, 2015

FOOD & NUTRITION

One of my most popular food posts from the past year is my recipe for Hemp Heart Energy Bites. You can find it here. I am a huge hemp heart fan and I use them all the time! They are not only packed with protein (with 10 grams per 3 Tbsp), but they are a rich source of magnesium (which can help to reduce muscle cramps common in diseases like MS) and their high Omega content can help to reduce inflammations (also great for autoimmune diseases!). Can you tell I’m a Hemp Heart fan?

If you’ve never used hemp hearts before, they’re pretty easy to find. I purchase my hemp hearts from Costco. They sell an 800g bag for $14.99, but you can find them, usually in 227g size, at most grocery stores. Or you can buy them here and get them shipped right to your door!

Like I said, I’ve made hemp heart energy bites before, but I wanted a recipe without dates. I started experimenting and the result was these delicious protein packed Dark Chocolate Hemp Heart Energy Bites! No baking required, just measure, mix, roll, chill and enjoy!

Once you’ve mixed everything together, wet your hands to roll the balls so the mixture doesn’t stick. I found I had to re-wet my hands about every 6 balls.

Once you’ve rolled your balls (you should get about 24), chill them for at least 30 minutes. I like to completely freeze mine and eat them cold, but you can do whatever you prefer! Cooling them in the fridge hardens them just enough to make sure they stay held together.

GIVEAWAY!!!

I’m also really excited that Manitoba Harvest is giving away a bag of Hemp Hearts to one lucky reader! All you have to do is comment below and tell us why you want to try hemp hearts in your own kitchen! Contest closes at 12 midnight PST on Tuesday, Novmeber 3rd. Good luck!

Dark Chocolate Hemp Heart Energy Bites

2015-10-31 18:31:12

Yields 24

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Prep Time

15 min

Prep Time

15 min

Ingredients

1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seed
3 Tbsp Almond Milk
1 /4 cup Almond Butter
1/4 cup Maple Syrup (or other liquid sweetener)
2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
1 cup Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
1 cup Crisp Rice Cereal

Instructions

In a small bowl mix combine chia seeds, ground flax seed and almond milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes of until mixture thickens into a paste-like consistency.
Add in almond butter, maple syrup and cocoa powder and blend until combined.
Add in Hemp Hearts and rice crisp cereal.
Wet hands and roll into two inch balls and place on baking sheet.
Chill for 30 minutes.
Enjoy!

In Everything https://ineverything.ca/

Wondering where to purchase the items in my photos?

Pampered Chef Bar Pan | Lost in Linen – Heavy Linen Kitchen Towel in Graphite (I’m obsessed with these!) | Marble & Wood Cutting Board – Home Sense

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup + A Squash Cooking Secret!

October 25, 2015

FOOD & NUTRITION

Every Sunday as part of my meal prep for the week, I make soup. At least in the cooler months. I love soup, and it’s a great way to get to get vegetables and nutrients! This fall I’ve been playing around with butternut squash soup recipes, trying to find my favourite combination of flavours; and friends, we have a winner!

I am obsessed with this Coconut Curry Butternut Squash soup! Just ask Clark. Every time I make it I probably say 20 times, “I could eat this every day.” And honestly, I could. It’s packed with flavour and it’s the perfect combination of Canadian fall warmth and a slightly spicy global influence. I’m obsessed.

My only problem when it comes to butternut squash is the cutting and peeling process. Anyone else with me? It’s such a pain! So I was elated when I stumbled across a pin on Pinterest that suggested cooking your squash in the slow cooker first. I simply put the whole butternut squash in the slow cooker, put in on high for 2.5 hours, and came back to a soft squash that slid out of its skin almost the moment I picked it up! I am forever changed! This is the way to do it!

Once my squash was cooked, I heated the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot big enough to fit all of the ingredients listed below. I slowly added in the onion, ginger, turmeric, curry paste, stock and squash and then transferred over to the blender. Once it was blended smooth, I added coconut milk and added the garnishes!

If you haven’t cooked with curry paste before, you can pick it up in the international foods aisle in most grocery stores. It comes in a jar and is available in a number of varieties. I personally use a medium heat paste because I like a little kick, but no too much heat!

For the garnish, I suggest lime juice, coconut milk, thai basil and roasted chickpeas. These aren’t necessary, but the lime juice does bring a nice level of acidity, the chickpeas add a nice texture, and the rest just makes it look pretty! I buy the Good Bean roasted chickpeas and use them in salads and soups all the time! You can find them here, but I get mine at Costco.

I’ll be taking this in my lunch a couple days this week, but you better believe I downed a bowl before packing it away in the fridge!

Any other butternut squash recipes I need to try? I’m motivated now that I know I can cook them so easily!

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup

2015-10-25 18:07:34

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Cook Time

30 min

Cook Time

30 min

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Small Onion - diced
1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
1 tsp freshly grated turmeric (optional)
1 Tbsp Curry Paste (I use medium heat)
2 cups Vegetable broth
1 can reduced-fat coconut milk (use full fat for thicker, creamier soup) - set aside 1 Tbsp for garnish
1/2 tsp salt

Garnish

lime juice
1 Tbsp reserved coconut milk
Thai basil (optional)
Roasted chickpeas (optional)

Instructions

Place whole butternut squash in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on high.
Remove squash, let cool for 15 minutes and remove peel and seeds (peel will slide right off).
Heat olive oil over medium heat in large pot.
Cook onion for 3-5 minutes.
Add ginger, turmeric, and curry paste and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add butternut squash and vegetable broth and cook for 10 minutes.
Transfer to blender and puree until smooth.
Add salt and coconut milk to blender and blend until combined.
Spoon into bowls and squeeze lime juice, drizzle coconut milk, and scatter chickpeas and thai basil if desired.
Enjoy!

In Everything https://ineverything.ca/

Why You Should Give More – FEATURING SENDTIMENT CARD BOX

October 23, 2015

ENCOURAGEMENT / GIFTS & GENEROSITY

This past week I’ve been absolutely blown away at the support and encouragement I’ve received as I underwent a series of steroid infusions to treat a recent MS relapse (you can read more about it here). I can’t say thank you enough to those who sent notes, cards and gifts! It’s amazing how simple words and gestures can bring such life to someone!

These incredibly kind gestures got me thinking; Giving, whether it’s our time, a note, gifts, or whatever, can have a huge impact on everyone involved. As I’m looking around at the love that’s been poured out on me this week, all I can think about is how I need to make it more of a priority in my life to give to the people around me.

Here’s why:

1. Giving Reminds Us That We Need Each Other

I’ve said it a million times over the last year, I’m sure, but I’m learning more and more everyday that we need each other. Sure, we can try to do it on our own, but the truth is, we often need people to come alongside us. We need community. When you give it reminds you that you have a part to play in the lives of the people around you. Whether you’re meeting a need in someone else’s life, or they’re meeting one in yours, we need each other.

2. Giving Changes Your Perspective

I don’t know about you, but if I’m not careful, when life get’s stressful or difficult, I can become so consumed with simply trying to survive, that I miss what I was really put on this earth to do. I don’t ever want to get distracted by my own problems that I fail to remember why I’m really here. When you choose to give, it shifts your perspective from yourself to how you can help someone else. We all need a good perspective change sometimes. At least I do!

3. Giving Inspires Change.

Receiving a gift or a note is such a special thing. It makes you feel loved, thought of, and cared about. It’s amazing really. Every time I receive any kind of gift or note from someone it makes me want to pass on the same feeling to someone else. When we give, we inspire others to do the same thing. Giving inspires change.

This is why I love the idea behind the Sendtiment Card Box! This brand new Canadian Card Box company is on to something! You get this killer box full of amazing cards and gift tags, then you get to pass on the love until your cards are all used up! I love it! I’m always on the look out for things that can inspire, empower and motivate me to be better in everything I do, and when I heard about Sendtiment Card Boxes, I knew I had to share!

I was overjoyed to receive this box from Sendtiment! I couldn’t wait to rip into it! But as soon as I opened the lovely pastel pink box, I shifted from a frantic “let me in there” to a deep breathe in, and an “oh that’s so nice” as I opened the handwritten card and slowly unfolded the tissue paper wrap. I was so blown away at the great content in this box!

The featured cards this month were from Sea & Lake Paper Co. They’re cards are fun and quirky and will, without a doubt, brighten someones day! The boxed contains 5 fun cards, a cute “Feeling Super Productive” notepad, and my favourite part, 4 fabulous gift tags! I love them!

I can’t wait to share these goodies! I’ve already begun planning how to I want to give each of these these cards and gift tags! I can’t wait!

I know there are tons of different subscription boxes out there, but the thing I love about this one is that it’s not just about consuming more stuff. It’s really about getting a box of products that you can use to make someone else’s life better. That’s what I’m all about.

And you know I love a good tech download! You can get this wallpaper (below) for your tech on their website, right here!

Now go! Order your November Cardbox now! There are a limited number of boxes, so don’t miss out! You can order one month at a time for $20, or save cash when you order a 6 or 12 month subscription. This is a GREAT gift for someone who “hates gifts” because you can just tell them, “I know you don’t like stuff, so I got you something you can giveaway!”

Learning to “Be Still” + Free Download – Tech Tuesday

October 20, 2015

FAITH & MINISTRY / TECH DOWNLOADS

My journey towards learning how to “be still” began well before my diagnosis with MS (you can read more about my MS story here). As a classic over-worker, I knew I needed to take time away from the chaos and accelerated rhythms I had created. My mind was constantly racing and I need to learn how to let go and rest.

After my diagnosis, things I’d been trying to implement for years were no longer optional, they were necessary. It was time to step back and let God fight for me. I simply needed to be still.

But, as you know, that’s a lot easier said than done! It doesn’t just happen! But the more I studied one of my favourite verses about “being still,” the more I realized that I’m just like Israel. I make excuses. I blame others. I often fixate on the problem instead of the solution.

Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

When the nation of Israel is freed to leave Egypt after over 400 years as slaves, they are ecstatic! But when they find themselves on the banks of the sea, with the Egyptian army coming after them, they begin to panic and their tone of excitement and celebration transitions to one of resentment and fear.

In Exodus 14:14, Moses says to them, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Some versions actually say, “You need only to be silent,” indicating that the Israelites may have been freaking out a little. When you look a few verses earlier in Exodus 14:11-12, you can see that a full-blown freak out was pretty much in the works as they turn to Moses and say, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bring us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians that to die in the desert!

They are so fixated on their approaching problem, they forget about the faithfulness of the one who lead them out in the first place.

It made me think; how often to I just start running my mouth instead of passing my situations over to God and letting Him deal with it?

What’s going to happen? What if everything doesn’t work out? This isn’t what I thought things were going to look like. When am I going to get a break? Can’t I just give up?

“The Lord will fight for you. BE STILL.”

But God, I don’t know what to do. I’m at the edge of the water and I don’t know where to go next.

“I’ll fight for you. BE STILL.”

But what if I can’t handle the adversity that’s coming towards me?

“BE STILL.”

It’s pretty hard to be still when you’re looking at the obstacles and adversities you’re facing. Israel simply needed to stop talking and let God take care of it. And He did. He split the sea so they could walk right through it. (Reminds me of a line in a pretty powerful song by Bethel – No Longer Slaves – you can listen to the song here.)

I know what my adversity is. And today I’m choosing to take my hands off, look away from what appears to be trying to take me out, and Let Him fight for me. I’m choosing to Be Still. Anyone else in?

You can download this free Be Still graphic right here:

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My Personal Health Update – 7 months post Lemtrada – The not-so-great news

October 18, 2015

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

I’ve been struggling with how to write this post. This blog began as a way for me to share my journey to find joy and purpose in the hardest season of my life, and I don’t want to lose that.

There’s part of me that wants to be honest and transparent about my health, especially to help those who may be in similar situations; but there’s another part of me that just wants to celebrate the victories in life and withhold the harder, more difficult moments. I’m not sure exactly why that is. Maybe it’s partly because I like to try to be positive and encouraging. Maybe it’s because admitting weakness makes me vulnerable. Part of it is I don’t want to seem like a victim. Regardless of the reason, after processing this last season, I’ve decided to be as honest as I can in this update, because life isn’t always as easy as it can appear on the surface.

If you’ve been following my journey you know that last year I was diagnosed with MS. (You can read the story here in part 1, part 2 and part 3.) it’s been a truly transformative year for me, changing me in ways I never could have imagined. I’m more open; more willing to reach out; I slow down and rest more often; I enjoy the people and things I love more; I’m a different, and, in my opinion, a better person.

A huge part of my journey has also been the treatment I received this past March, a new MS treatment drug called Lemtrada. I underwent 5 long days of treatment to infuse the drug into my system (you can read about each day of treatment here on day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, and day 5). Essentially the drug completely wiped out my immune system, forcing my body to rebuild a new immune system by regenerating new white blood cells. Initially it seemed like the treatment worked really well. My post-treatment appointment with my neurologist was positive and just a few weeks later I was able to run substantial distances, run stairs again, and much of the energy and strength I had been lacking seemed to return (you can read my post-treatment updates here and here).

The hope was that this treatment would halt the progression of the disease by preventing any future attacks or relapses. It couldn’t heal the damage that was already done, but it would prevent any new lesions from developing on my brain and spine. Patients get two rounds of this treatment, 12 months apart, but many people are relapse free after their first round. Thats most people.

Near the beginning of September this all-too-familiar fatigue and weakness began to return. I was struggling to sit up straight, I could barely run, I could hardly stand to teach a whole class, and some strange new symptoms began to show up. First I noticed that my left foot could no longer feel temperature properly, then I began to feel numbness in left side of my face, almost like it was frozen. I really thought I was done with this.

I tried not to panic, but my fears were confirmed when I saw my medical team at UBC last Thursday. I had relapsed. Again.

I was so disappointed. I was frustrated. Honestly, I was so sad. I knew there was a small chance of relapse between treatment courses, but I truly, with all my heart, never thought it would happen. My neurologist explained that based the frequency of my attacks over the last 18 months, my MS seemed to be fairly aggressive. When MS is so active and aggressive it’s not totally uncommon for patients to relapse before their second dose.

My medical team agreed that the best course of action for me would be do a three day steroid infusion to help my body recover from the relapse and reduce the current inflammation in my brain. I was a little reluctant, but I trust my team, and tomorrow I begin 3 days of steroids as a day care patient at the Abbotsford hospital. Yay for the taste of metal and ridiculous swelling.

I’m desperately hoping that I don’t relapse again before my next round of Lemtrada in February, but if I’ve already relapsed once, it means my immune system didn’t come back the way it was supposed to. Instead of attacking viruses and infections like it’s supposed to, it’s still attacking my Central Nervous System.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the treatment won’t work. This is why people have two rounds 12 months apart, just in case something like this happens. My doctor also said on Thursday that if it’s still not working after round 2, they can do a third round, which He is confident will be enough.

I know it’s not a celebratory or encouraging post, but I don’t want to give the illusion that this process is going better than it actually is. I’m still full of joy and hope, but that doesn’t completely erase the disappointment and frustration I feel. Please pray for me if you think of it! I could use a little extra strength these days!

13 Carry On Essentials To keep you fresh, comfortable and stress-free

October 16, 2015

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

I’m on the road again! My bags are packed and I’m headed to Winnipeg, Manitoba for the weekend. I love that what I do gives me the opportunity to travel, but there are definitely seasons I feel like I’m living out of a suitcase! As I’ve travelled domestically and internationally over the years, I’ve learned the things I need and don’t need when I’m in the air. After years of trial and error, I’ve complied a list of 13 carry on essentials that keep me feeling fresh, comfortable and stress-free when I’m travelling.

1. Healthy Snacks

While airports and airlines are getting better at offering healthy snack options, there are still very few selections for people with special dietary needs. I highly recommend Lara Bars, as they have so many great tasting gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free options. I also usually travel with a bag of nuts to munch on, and when I’m flying domestic ,I always bring a fruit that travels well, like an apple.

2. Pen

Especially when you’re traveling internationally, a pen is a must in your carry on bag! There’s nothing worse than being caught without a writing utensil when you need to fill out a customs form!

3. Refillable Water Bottle

Many people this that because you can’t bring a full water bottle through security, you can’t travel with a water bottle at all, but that’s not the case! I always travel with an empty water bottle and as soon as I get through security I stop at a water fountain to fill it up. When you’re on a long international flight, the attendants will almost always fill your bottle for you so you can stay well hydrated. I drink a lot of water, so this is must for me when I’m travelling! I’m a huge fan of s’well water bottles like this one. They keep your water cold for hours!

4. Blanket Scarf

I often get chilly on airplanes, so I always travel with a blanket scarf that I can drape over me to keep warm. On longer flights, when you’re trying to catch some sleep, it can also serve as a pillow if you roll it up. This is a versatile, must-have item for me when I’m travelling! You can find this simple white and black plaid scarf here.

5. Socks

Especially in the warmer weather when I’m travelling in sandals, I always pack a pair of socks in my carry on. There’s nothing worse than wanting to remove your shoes and not having socks to put on. Airplane etiquette and hygiene says that you should never have bare feet on an airplane, and you should never, ever, ever go the bathroom on an airplane in your sock feet. I don’t where it says that, but if it doesn’t, it should. Trust me. You can find these cute Stance Socks here.

6. Ipad

I use my iPad for everything. I use it to go online in airports. I use it for work and writing. I listen to music on it. You can load books or movies onto it. I rarely travel with my laptop anymore; I use my iPad for just about everything. Put it in a great handmade leather case like this one from Vancouver company Wilhelm and Friends, and you’re good to go!

7. Hand Sanitizer

There’s something about being in such a confined space with so many other people that makes me far more aware of germs. I never travel without hand sanitizer! This all natural one from Eminence is amazing and it smells so clean and fresh!

8. Hand Cream

Anyone who’s ever been on an airplane knows that it gets so, so dry. Make sure you’ve got a good hand cream like this all natural vanilla mint one from Eminence is my favourite!

9. Headphones

Whether you’re plugging into the airline entertainment system or using your own tablet, phone, or MP3 player, headphones when you’re travelling are a must. Even if you don’t listen to a single thing with them, you should always have them on hand just in case you need to pretend you can’t hear the person next to you who won’t stop talking. I’m kidding. Sort of.

10. Lip Colour

Even if you gross at the end of your flight, a little colour can somehow make you feel pulled together again. It’s a good thing to keep on hand, just in case you’re feeling a little “blah.” If you’re in search of a natural lip colour, Lush has great options here.

11. Facial Hydration Spray

A good hydration spray refreshes your makeup and makes you feel refreshed in less than 3 seconds. Just mist over your whole face and neck for a fresh glow! I use this hydration spray from mineral makeup company Jane Iredale, and I love it!

12. Breath Mints

I’m sure this one doesn’t require much of an expiation, but you should always travel with breath mints of gum. No exceptions. You can get all natural organic VerMints here.

13. Passport

Not only is your passport a must while travelling, but so is a great passport wallet to keep your boarding pass, passport and any other important cards you need, all together. I have a little pocket on the outside of my carry on bag that holds my passport wallet perfectly. You can pick a great handmade leather passport wallet like this one from Canadian company, Popov Leather, here.

These are things you’ll always find in my carry on bag. What’s in yours?

Pumpkin Granola – Vegan & Gluten Free

October 14, 2015

FOOD & NUTRITION

Thanksgiving may be over here in Canada, but I’m not giving up pumpkin flavours yet! I’m going to milk this pumpkin season at least until the end of October. I’ve already nailed a pretty decent vegan pumpkin scone (you can find the recipe here), and I’m still sitting on a pretty awesome pumpkin muffin recipe. So why not pumpkin granola I thought? Why not?

Pumpkin Granola - Vegan & Gluten Free | ineverything.ca

I adapted my popular “the best banana granola” recipe (you can find the recipe here), and created a delicious pumpkin granola that is both gluten-free and vegan. This granola is packed with nutrition with protein loaded hemp hearts, flax seed, and chia seeds. While it’s oh, so good for you, it doesn’t compromise in flavour! The pumpkin and cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger will fill your kitchen with the smells of fall!

Pumpkin Granola - Vegan & Gluten Free | ineverything.ca

This granola is really easy to make. Combine the dry ingredients, melt the the wet ingredients, combine and bake! Let it cool, then break apart and store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks!

Let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback!

Pumpkin Granola - Vegan & Gluten Free

2015-10-13 23:52:30

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Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

40 min

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

40 min

Ingredients

2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
1 cup hemp hearts
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup slivered almonds
3 Tbsp raw cane sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
3 Tbsp chia seeds
3 Tbsp Ground Flax seed
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup (or any liquid sweetener)
1 1/2 cups pureed/canned pumpkin

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
In a large bowl combine oats, hemp hearts, pecans, almonds, cane sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, chia seeds, flax seeds, and sea salt.
In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the vanilla, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Heat until coconut is melted.
Add pumpkin to the coconut oil mixture. Whisk until combined.
Slowly add the wet coconut oil mixture to dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
Spread mixture out on a large baking sheet.
Bake for 40 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool completely.

In Everything https://ineverything.ca/

How cutting out coffee helped change my life + Free Download – Tech Tuesday

October 13, 2015

HEALTH & FITNESS / TECH DOWNLOADS

I love coffee. At least I used to. That boost of caffeine to get me through the day. The energy shot to keep me on my A-game. I was always running to my next appointment with nice strong cup of coffee in my hands. After all, I was convinced that the only real solution to combatting a lack of sleep and an over-booked scheduled was more energy.

Last year, after I was diagnosed with MS, I was encouraged to completely cut out caffeine (you can read more about that here). My initial response was “Oh, no. Not my coffee.” How was I supposed to survive? It didn’t take me long to see that it wasn’t just my caffeinated beverages that needed to be adjusted, it was my whole approach to live. Without coffee I felt lethargic, less focused and a little grouchy. I needed more than just a beverage adjustment.

For me, cutting out coffee was a life-style change. It represented more than just what was in my cup. It represented hours of deprived sleep; months of overpacked schedules; and years of bad habits. I was a workaholic and coffee was my fuel to do more.

What my life really needed was a major overhaul. Rather than a cup of caffeine to give me a jolt in the morning, I really needed a good night’s sleep. Rather than a rushed cup-to-go, what I really needed was a moment to stop and breathe. I needed to slow down.

After grieving the loss of my beloved bold brew, I decided to take up herbal tea. (And all the coffee drinkers said, “gross.” I know.) I wasn’t happy about it, but I knew I needed to make some adjustments to my health, many of which were represented with what was inside my mug.

No longer able to rely on the caffeine boost from coffee, I was forced to make different choices. I started to choose to go to bed instead of staying up to get a little more work done. Instead of grabbing a cup on the go, I started to sit and breathe while I let my tea steep. My mug began to represent a change that was happening in me that went far beyond what I was drinking. I was learning to slow down.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not an anti-coffee advocate; I’m not looking at you with “judgey eyes” as you down your favourite blend; and I’m certainly not pointing fingers in any way, shape, or form. There are many people who drink their coffee like I drink my tea, as a way to stop, relax and slow down. That just wasn’t the case for me. I know for me, coffee was a symptom of a bigger problem in my life. In many ways I didn’t have a choice to give it up, but I’m glad I was forced to. It helped to change me into someone who I know will be better in the long run. Now, I’m learning to breathe.

I thought it would be fitting for Tech Tuesday this week to celebrate my new love for tea with this cute little download!

You can download this graphic for FREE for your desktop, iphone or ipad to share with the world that you do, in fact, love ~~hotties~~ hot teas 😉

DESKTOP IPHONE IPAD