When you think of healthy foods, what do you think of? For me it’s foods that have healthy ingredients, like spinach and no added sugar or added flour. So when I heard about these spinach muffins, I knew I had to give them a try.
I also love that you can hide the healthy food in a fun food but still not completely disguise it (I mean the muffins are green!)
For balance you can definitely add dark chocolate chips (like I did) or a use wheat flour (I always prefer oat flour in my baking) or white sugar (if that’s your preference).
The real star is the SPINACH – so don’t mess with that!
The muffins turned out kind of like banana bread and you can’t taste the spinach AT ALL!
So happy to have tried baking again (it’s been a hot minute), and sharing more healthy-ish but quick baking recipes I LOVE!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt a personal conviction to leave my house “dressed up”. I would always have my make up done, my accessories on point and ready to take an outfit shot #OnceAFashionBloggerAlwaysAFashionBlogger.
But along came motherhood, a pandemic, all sorts of geo-political situations and the desire to feel put together was cast aside. I lost “my why” or at least felt it was drowned out by all the noise around me.
However a few years ago, I remember leaving the house with a baby tow and in a very unflattering outfit (think: saggy sweatpants and uggs) feeling extremely embarrassed at the thought of running into anyone, that I vowed to never do that to myself again. It wasn’t the “running into” someone that bothered me, it was “I don’t care about myself” mentality that made me realize that in fact I do care about myself (a lot!).
How you dress is a reflection of you personality. And your personality is just your personal reality. Dr Joe Dispenza’s theorizes that our thoughts, feelings and actions (including how we dress, present ourselves etc) shape our personal reality. If the action of dressing your best forms your personal reality – a strong connection could be made for dressing in a way that represents your best and highest self – whether that be aligning your personal reality to that promotion, business owner, professional athlete or just a hot mom ;)
In all honestly, it’s been a journey to find my personal style again, but it’s fun to shop my closet, save outfit ideas on Pinterest or invest in some great pieces.
Some days I love what I’m wearing, and I sometimes still leave the house in an outfit that doesn’t hit the mark – but I’m giving myself grace (as one should!)
In an attempt to keep myself motivated, sharing a few reasons why I choose to dress well in hopes that it will inspire others to rethink their own style journey.
Demonstrates confidence: How we dress creates an impact on how we are perceived by others but also how we perceive ourselves. Luckily confidence can be cultivated and is usually starts with self-love and self-care. An easy way to figure to show yourself love is buy wearing things that make you feel confident. But what outfits make you feel confident? An outfit that fits well and feels good – is a great place to start. Next your follow your intuition as it tell you pretty quickly that an outfit will increase your confidence. You’ll have a pep in your step, you’ll stand taller, you’ll radiate a sparkle and you won’t even need to look in a mirror to confirm – you’ll just feel it
Attracts positive attention: Call it what you will: “first impression”, “pretty privilege” or “divine feminine” – dressing in a way that exudes these attributes will get you some stares but it will also give you power. You will also be perceived as more competent which in turn builds trust and credibility. I know some people will say “but we shouldn’t be judge by our appearance” but unfortunately it happens – so why not use it to your advantage. People will be drawn to you, doors will be held open for you, friendly conversations and kind stranger interactions will be had. This is all to say is that you’ll be surrounded by positivity. And in today’s world – sprinkling more positivity into our day is a MUST!
Encourages creative self expression: I love to be artistic – and being creative with outfits is a form of self expression just as making a painting, junk journaling or photography would be. We all have a unique identity and show casing it in how we dress allows us as individuals to express that uniqueness and experiment with our creativity.
About a year ago, we got the Nintendo Switch and I’ve been obsessed! And not with Just Dance, Definitely not with Mario Cart…but actually with Animal Crossing. Animal Crossing is a cute sims game and offers the most relaxing and chill game environment ever. If you look up this game on reddit, you’ll read things like “relaxing”, “de-stressing” or “cozy-gaming”.
So after many months of playing this sims game it’s become apparent to me that video games are like life. And what an interesting concept (read: philosophy) to consider. Because if games can be won, that means life can be won to!
Now you don’t have to be a gamer, but this should resonate with everyone… Below I’m sharing 5 tips on how to win in the game of life!
Tip # 1: You can choose your avatar
Before you start any game, you get to select who you want to be, what you want to look like, where they live, what tools they have and how they will represent you in the game. Life is no different. Every day you wake up, you can create your avatar. You can choose how you want to dress (so you align with your goals, convey a message and be your ideal self), what you’ll do (your goals, aspirations similar to the “dailies” in a sims game) and how you’ll speak or behave (so you can express yourself in a confident, happy or way that radiates the energy you want to portray). All of this is to say, you have complete control over yourself and how you show up. You can decide one day you want to change things up, go after new goals or refocus/re-heal for your own betterment.
via Pinterest
Tip # 2: The rules can change at any time
Just like a video game, life has it own experiences, norms and goals. Characters can build habits and patterns. But things can change at any time (whether thats the game or your character). In video games, we’ve seen a new character appear, a new challenge can present itself or you can lose the round. But once the game restarts, you are back up to where you left off. The same is true for life. Our brains have the ability to create new neural networks based on our choices to learn and improve. If yesterday didn’t go as planned, you still have the knowledge and experience to do better today. When a new day starts, it’s an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. Which in a way is “unlocking” a new level of you (or your character *wink*). You get to make better decisions, try new routines and approaches to win the round, achieve your goals and magnetize the reality you want.
via Pinterest
Tip # 3: Choose your own adventure
In a game, we seek new challenges, experiences and quests. Life should be the same. We should dedicate our real life to the pursuit of goals, creating new value and levelling up. Don’t get me wrong – we do not need to make major changes overnight, but small incremental upgrades or tweeks to how live our life (ie play the game) can make big changes in the long run. All this to say that we can reinvent who we are and what we want to do at anytime. And the stories that we told ourselves yesterday do not have to guide who we are tomorrow.
via Pinterest
Tip # 4: Every moment is one to watch?
As a gamer you are the creator and the consumer of your avatars life. It’s is joyful to experience but also interesting to see. Life should be the same. Every moment should be magical and romanticized so you realize you “get to do all these things” instead of “have to”. In some video games you can take screenshots or even avatar perspective photos. The same should be happening in your real life. Capture and document everything. Whether it’s a time lapse of you working, a collage of you on vacation or a quick shot of your fav morning beverage – why not make it a moment to remember!
via Pinterest
Tip #5: You have to be present
In our current world, multi tasking has become the norm. Cooking dinner while watching a show. Going for a run while listening to a podcast. Eating while reading a good. And for sure some habit stacking routines are beneficial, but there needs to be a case for being present. In a video game, you cannot use both your hands on a joy-con/joy-stick and text your friend. You cannot pay attention to your next move in the game while doing your nails. And you most definitely wouldn’t play a game if you were driving. Your thoughts have to be focused on the task at hand, whether that’s jumping to avoid an obstacle or smashing bricks to destroy a villian. Even more so, in life staying in the present by focusing your thoughts on the current moment is key to creating your reality. By staying in the present moment and focusing on the now (instead of the past or future) we are essentially being observers in our own reality (think: the wave / particle experience, yourself being the observer). We have the opportunity to shape outcome and create our destiny just by being fully present.
I love a new year because I love a fresh start. But a fresh start can happen any time. It can happen on a clear weekend, or a Monday morning. It can happen happen on a Friday afternoon, when school starts, or the new financial fiscal and the start of a new month. But a fresh start and some inspiration go a long way. Sharing some ways to prepare for the new year, following the 4Ms method: Mind, Money, Mouth & Mood
By waking up ‘before anyone else” you automatically have more time in your day, peace of mind and space for yourself. Which can be used to:
Workout
Plan your day
Work on a business idea
Be more productive
It is a huge life hack and gives you more capacity to achieve your goals.
2. Writing down your thoughts before bed
Journaling before bed will improve your quality of sleep. It’s an opportunity to seize the day…from the night before! Here’s what you can write down:
Your goals for tomorrow
What you’re grateful for
3. Learning an online skill 30 minutes a day
With the current state of the economy, education and technology, it just makes good sense to make time to learn an online skill that can support you. Here are a few recommended skills:
Sell digital products
Investing
Affiliate Marketing
Freelance Content Creation
4. Exercise at least times a weekese 7 habits, and
10 have a good mental health, you also need good physical health!’Il be unrecognizable Exercises that have the best results 2024:
Running
Pilates
Lifting weights
These will tone your body and strengthen the muscles around your joints
5. Sit in silence 10 minutes a day:
Your mind is racing with hundreds of thoughts every minute. Reap the benefits of sitting in silence to allow creativity to flow and your ideas to clear themselves:
Sit quietly during your commute
Stare at a wall
Go for a nature walk without your phone
6. Create a proper sleep schedule
Sleep is essential for your so go to sleep at a decent time consistently to:
Since our big family trip to Hong Kong-India-Dubai, I’ve been a slump.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been getting things done, been ambitious, goal oriented but not with all areas of my life. I’ve really felt like consistency has been out of focus.
Which is interesting to read back as I write it, because on paper (and instagram highlights) I’ve done some pretty cool stuff: ran a half marathon, did some community environment events, re-did my vision board, meditated and journaled daily, making time to learn (GenAI, microcerts, exams PASSED) made lots of little art and launched my youtube channel. But I feel like I’ve been lacking organization, regularity and stability. Which then has turned around and effected other areas of my life.
For example
I’ve only read 1 book, yes just ONE book this year and we are already 7 months in
My eating habits have been so out of it lately (including late night snacking, lack of portion control/meal planning, not enough protein and over indulgence ugh)
My schedule for sharing my art or blogging… literally out the window
Getting pictures printed (this is a digital age problem, like how much storage is there in the world and why do I take soo many pictures and do nothing with them)
Someone tell me why I don’t do ab/core exercises daily anymore
An atrocious sleep schedule
Procrastination on some important personal goals
Anyways I’m sharing this because I know I’ll get back on track. I’m setting up systems (including a new planner and digital productivity method), starting therapy and strengthening my visualization practice because I want to reap the benefits of good habits and mental fitness in my life. I truly believe being mentally strong is the foundation of life productivity. I think once I have my mindset correct, I’ll be able to re-create habits and routines to support my goals.
All this to say, is it’s okay to fumble, it’s okay to fall down and it’s okay to take rest. The important thing is to have the awareness to realize what’s going on and the desire to course correct.
As always I like to share some tips on getting back on track
Do a brain dump: If you feel like your daily routine, goals, thoughts and mind are feeling a little frazzled, do yourself a favour and WRITE.IT.ALL.DOWN. Whatever IT is. This means it could be a brain dump, but it could also being a let out of all your feelings. Let your pen/keys on keyboard go freely so you release what ever is holding you back emotionally or spiritual.
Listen to your intuition: which means you’ll have to be quite. You’ll have to turn inwards. You’ll have to pay attention to the small and mighty messages both your body and universe are giving you. Remember not everything deserves your attention, but its important to work on the things that your intuitively know will get you where you need to be.
Take intentional action: meaning if you are ready (mentally and inuititively) to incorporate activities to get you back on track, don’t try to boil the ocean. Stick to 1-2 main activities daily. Small wins everyday lead to accomplishing big dreams.
Give yourself Grace: Rest and relaxation is key here. Not letting negative self talk overrun your mind and dictate your mood is of the upmost important.
