The word confess sounds intimidating, but it’s really not. In fact, all my relationships – including my marriage – depend on it. And so do yours.
Too often the idea of sharing our dirty laundry with others makes us feel nervous, unsafe, and too vulnerable. So we put on a good face and keep the bad stuff hidden from sight. Continue reading
Valentine’s Day brings out the sweet tooth in all of us. And nothing says love like those little heart shaped sugar cookies. So cute and tiny and practically guilt free. At least that’s what I tell myself.
I baked an entire batch of these at Christmas (reindeer shapes, of course) and they were gone immediately. I was literally rolling out my last ball of dough, watching sneaky little hands do a drive by on the other side of the island, swiping fresh cookies off the plate. All night my family kept dipping into my gluten free container when I wasn’t looking (you know who you are). Continue reading
I thought I was a great listener. Then I got married.
Funny how marriage has a way of exposing your shortcomings and bad habits. What about you? Do you listen well?
Here are a few of the telltale signs you might be struggling:
Truth be told, I do all of these. It’s embarrassing to admit but I commit at least one of these on a regular basis. Continue reading
I find Valentine’s Day a little heavy on the feminine side. The options are plentiful when it comes to gifts: cards, flowers, chocolate, dinner, jewelry, a massage, a night out…the romantic list is endless. All a guy has to do is pick one. But what about the men? Where is the masculine side of Hallmark when you need it most?
My husband is an amazing gift giver. He can pick up on the smallest cues throughout the year and actually remember them. Then surprise me year after year with his thoughtfulness. Me on the other hand? Horribly uncreative. The week before V-day I’m googling the web for “awesome gift ideas for my husband on valentine’s day”. Lame, I know. Gifts are just not my forte. Neither is acts of service. Go figure I’m married to a man who excels at both.
Can a girl get a witness?? Continue reading
When the weather man calls for a blizzard, you batten down the hatches…and make coffee cake. Because when the power goes out, you want a flashlight in one hand and a fork in the other.
Home made coffee cake is so easy, and it fills your home with bold aromas like nutmeg and cinnamon! Soft, warm, sugary goodness. A great companion for breakfast, afternoon snack, and dessert. Or when there’s a white out in your backyard.
So let’s procrastinate that shoveling a little while longer. Enjoy some cake and coffee while that snow piles up on the driveway. Continue reading
If January was the health month, then February is the month of love. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and soon many of our thoughts will be consumed with showing love to our closest friends and family.
This year, I am focusing on getting healthy physically, spiritually, and relationally. I plan to devote a large portion of my blog posts to these particular topics! February is just another good reminder of the importance of relationships. The next few weeks you will see a multi-post series on 4 exercises that will help you stay fit in your marriage.
I am writing this series on marriage because I need it. And maybe you need it too. I’ll be honest; I learn best from my own shortcomings and failures. And just when I think I’ve got this thing figured out, I get another dose of reality that leaves me humbled. But the best part about community is that we can learn and grow together. So join me these next couples weeks as I share the vital lessons I am learning from my own marriage.
If you’re not married, check out my earlier post on Finding Mr. Right: 10 insights from those who are married.
Being healthy takes work. And lots of it. Marriage is no different. A good marriage is not something you automatically start out with on your wedding day. It’s something that is carefully and intentionally crafted over time.
Marriage is hard. So don’t be surprised when you hit some bumps along the way. The race is long and the road can be rocky. You may not be able to avoid the tough times, but you can prepare for them. Continue reading
Cold and flu giving you the sniffles? Too exhausted and achy to make dinner? Try this simple and easy make-it-while-you-nap recipe! Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup simmering in the slow-cooker might just be what you need to get back on your feet.
This recipe is low-fodmap and can easily be made gluten free but is still a soup the whole family can enjoy! The only store-bought broth I have found that is low-fodmap (contains no onions or garlic) is Progresso’s Chicken Broth. It contains only six ingredients and can easily be found at most local grocery stores and opens up a whole new world of soups for those following the low-fodmap diet! Continue reading
Ever hear someone mutter healthy mumbo jumbo and it makes you cringe inside? Welcome to my top 10 pet peeves when it comes to health and nutrition. If you think these are healthy, think again.
Don’t fall for this popular nonsense. Take a look at these 10 misconceptions:
Natural is the same as organic. Not even close. “Natural” can still refer to minimal processed foods. Your “all-natural” blueberry yogurt does not guarantee it will have real blueberries in it. That mysterious “natural flavors” label might as well read “artificial chemicals for your flavor enjoyment”. Companies are getting smarter by using words like “all-natural” and “wholesome” for products that can still contain corn syrup, modified starches, and additives. Organic foods, on the other hand, have legal implications and must follow a set of strict processing, handling, and production standards determined by the USDA. These foods are generally free of pesticides, chemicals, and preservatives.
Rule of thumb: How do I know if the food I’m buying is organic? Look for the seal of approval.
Gluten-free is healthier for me. Only if you have a gluten intolerance. This one drives me nuts. I don’t get it. Unless you have celiac, an intolerance, or have been told by a medical professional to follow a gluten-free diet, don’t put yourself through that. Trust me, most of us who have to be gluten-free would rather eat gluten! Truth is, many gluten-free foods are still highly processed, loaded with starches, and low in nutritious value. Gluten-free foods can wreak just as much havoc on your system as eating gluten in the first place!
Rule of thumb: If you still enjoy the thought of being gluten-free, choose foods that are naturally gluten free (oats, buckwheat, rice, produce, etc.). Browse some gluten-free recipes here.
Superfood means super healthy. Superfood, shmuperfood. I don’t buy it. Contrary to popular opinion, Continue reading
Rachel Boulos 