Empowered Wellness

White Rock Falls Hike Part of being the CEO of your home, ladies, is taking time off . A couple of weeks ago I was off work with my kiddos and we went to discover a new-to-us waterfall! I'll type out some "quick and dirty" directions below, but feel free to check out this trail site for details about the full trail. We did the "out and back" and it wasn't nearly as long as I had mentally prepared myself for! One way is only about 1.5 miles. The kids (6 and 8) did great. I wouldn't recommend a child younger than 5 on foot go, probably, and he needs to be "go-getter," if you know what I mean? There are some steep, rocky parts. I expect my kids to "get 'er done" without a lot of "Do I have to do this?" =D so I heard a little complaining in the beginning as we are out of our "outdoors" routine, but after the first little while they really loved it! My daughter is 6 and she lead the way! She was so proud that she ...

I was thrilled to find this recipe! If you're anything like I am, you have loads of squash coming from your CSA, farmer market, or your own garden! These were a hit with they hubby who rarely touches a squash, and even my kids ate them without a big "ewwww, it's disgusting!" :) The recipe is based on the one by Spicy Southern Kitchen . We ended up removing the cayenne and jalapeño, but only because we didn't have it on hand. Those would be yummy, too! I'll list below our modification. Ingredients 5 medium-sized yellow squash ¾ cup self-rising yellow cornmeal We found gluten free cornmeal and added a bit of baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour to make a "self-rising" version. This recipe does not need to be "exact" to succeed. :) ¼ cup all-purpose flour (You can easily substitute gluten-free flours if necessary.) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt, divided ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (we omitted and used 1 tablespoo...

Below is our favorite way to use up ripe bananas, farm-fresh milk, and farm-fresh eggs, too! It's a recipe I adapted from 100 Days of Real Food , and since adding in the einkorn wheat flour and vanilla protein powder, it's truly one of my favorite breakfasts we make! I feel full, satisfied, and not sluggish, all morning! Our family of four usually double the recipe and spend about 2-3 days eating the yummy pancakes for lunch or a snack. Or, you could freeze leftovers! Ingredients 2 cups flour (I use Gary's True Grit Einkorn Pancake & Waffle Mix™ ) 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda 1-2 scoops Pure Protein Complete (Vanilla Spice)™ ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon honey 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (free-range, local eggs preferred) 4-6 drops Lemon Vitality™ essential oil 1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds 1 ¾ cups farm-fresh milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted + butter or unrefined coconut oil for frying 2 ripe bana...

I You We can do hard things! I had somewhat of a flood of emotions the other weekend at a Crossfit WOD (workout of the day) and they were ready to come out on camera. What is something you've been working toward that just plain feels hard? Do you care to share in the comments or on the YouTube video? Gather your support system; pray; give it to God! Allow God to help you believe that you can do it! Follow Me On Facebook This was a video I did on Facebook Live. Make sure you're following me there so you don't miss the next one. [embed]https://youtu.be/80NaJjL5H2w[/embed]

How Do You Practice Self-Care? My beautiful cousin Haley blogs over at haleymorganbossart.com and her latest post reminded me about a blog I want to do about self care! I currently work full time outside the home, as well as run my online business. I have two children and a spouse, and as you can imagine, finding "me" time is difficult to come by easily. We simply must make ourselves the priority, ladies (along with our faith, that is)! Stop saying "Oh, I need a massage. I'll schedule that 'sometime'!" You know the old saying: "Ain't momma happy, ain't nobody happy!" ;) As part of my self-care regimen, I recently started pre-scheduling regular chiropractic and half-hour massage visits. I go to my massage first with my favorite therapeutic massage oils in hand (she is wonderful about allowing me to bring whatever oils I need for my massage or my eyebrow waxing, too), and then head to my favorite chiropractor ! This works out amazingly...

A friend recommended to me a 30-day program "Push" by Chalene Johnson to help me prioritize, organize, and achieve goals! The goals can be in anything: wellness, finances, career, relationships, or anything else in your life! I'm on Day 2 and already loving it! I could absolutely identify with her "extra push" video in day 2: "Your Priority Foundation," when she says that most people don't want to get out paper and a pen to do the work and do the exercises! I didn't want to do it, but here I am! I'm taking my notes first on ten areas of my life and giving them a score of satisfaction. It's very similar to Oola! I'm going to "put it out there" and give you my satisfaction scores. Chalene says that if you score low, that's likely an area that you're pressuring yourself to grow in! It makes sense! Physical Health: 6 Emotional Health: 7 Environment: 8 Financial: 9 Leisure: 3 Friends/Family: 4 Sp...

Effort This quote from Dani Johnson is true in so many types of goals in life: fitness, wellness and business come to mind the most! Do you really believe you can do it? Do you feel you're worth it?  Are you ready to put forth the work and commitment to feel better, have more energy, or achieve your dreams in business? "Ninety-eight percent of the population won't put forth the effort to do something until they know what they are going to get out of it. They are looking for guarantees."   - Dani Johnson We have to try! Keep consistent work each day or week. Continue learning. Keep an open mind. You can not fail if you do not quit! For me, it applies to my wellness goals and my business goals. I'm constantly learning and don't want to give up! What about you? To what area of life does this speak?