My Favorite Things in April 2024: Round Up
Ladies, can you believe we're already in the last week of April? This past month has been so renewing and refreshing! After the cloudiest winter in over 10 years, my seasonal depression was LIFTINGGG and I could start to see the light. It's like my soul has been happy seeing the sun and feeling the warmth.
This month, I've been obsessed with a few new things that I just have to share with you. These are some of my favorite wellness things that have added so much joy and health to my life and I'm just bursting with excitement to share them with you!
My Favorite April Things
This month, I've discovered (and rediscovered) some wellness favorites that I can't wait to share with you. From books to recipes to activities, here's what I've been loving in April 2024:
Smoothies For the Kiddos (and me)
I LOVEEE my Vitamix and I use mine literally everyday. I've been playing around with smoothie recipes that are packed full of nutrition. These smoothies are perfect for my own health and my kiddos who are sooo eager to help me make them and drink them up! Win-win!
I also got these adorable ice pop molds and I simple pour smoothie blend into these molds and then my kiddos are stoked to eat these healthy treats and I don't mind one bit giving them to them!
Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy Book
I have been geeking out this month. I got this book and it's a treasure trove filled with science-backed nutritional advice and practical tips.
This has become my go-to guide for incorporating nutrient-dense foods into our daily meals. As a mom, it's not just about nourishing ourselves, but shaping the wellness of our entire family and this book has really empowered me with knowledge! .
This book has been a game-changer, helping me make smarter food choices for my kids and me. I'm completely obsessed with this book and can't wait to share all the juicy details with you.
The knowledge I gain from resources like this, I bring directly to you, my readers, and to my health and nutrition coaching clients. I believe in perpetual learning to provide the best content and guidance!
Nailed Down Making Hard Boil Eggs
Ladies, isn't a hard-boiled egg just a lifesaver? As a busy mom, I find that having a batch of hard-boiled eggs ready in the fridge is one of my top tips for keeping our family's nutrition on track. They're so quick and easy to prepare, and they're perfect for those on-the-go moments when you or the kiddos need a nutritious snack.
Plus, they're so versatile! Whether it's for breakfast, packed into a lunch box, or even as a simple dinner side, they always add that extra bit of wholesome goodness to our meals.
So, I'm thrilled to share with you my fail-proof method for creating the perfect hard-boiled egg. Because I know I'm not the only one who has made hard boiled eggs and it’s a B**** to peel, right??
Trust me, once you've got this hard boiled egg trick down, you'll be whipping up these nutritious treats whenever you need them and those egg shells slide right off.
So he’s the trick to the perfect hard boiled eggs…
Boil a big pot of water. (I used my ditch oven)
Add the eggs (I typically add about 12ish)
Boil for 30 seconds then turn off and put a lid on to trap the heat.
Cook for 12-15 minutes depending on your hard boiled egg yolk preference.
Make a big bowl of ice water and plop those bad boys in the water as soon as the timer goes off.
Keep in ice water for 15 minutes then take out.
Store in fridge for 3 days (even though in my house they never last that long!)
Planted my Garden
Our little guy LOVEEES picking the produce (whether it’s ready or not lol). Our first strawberry was picked and ate!
This month, the kids and I got our hands dirty in the garden, made easier by the garden beds we set up last year.
We planted a lovely flower garden, a small but promising strawberry patch, and a couple of berry bushes. We're really looking forward to seeing how they do next year!
Our garden is also home to an array of veggies like kale, lettuces, tomato plants, loads of herbs, and onions. Gardening is such a great thing for families to do together.
It's not just about watching your own food grow, it's also about quality family time, teaching the kids about nature, responsibility, and how important good nutrition is. Gardening is honestly such a rewarding experience on so many levels!
Want to start a garden? Here are my favorite garden beds!
Deck Furniture and Lights
This month, I got my deck furniture and lights out, creating an outdoor oasis that's been my heaven in the warmer months. Being able to relax outside with my family, soaking up the fresh air and sunlight, is such a holistic wellness booster. The ambiance of a well-lit deck in the evening, with the stars overhead, is something I absolutely LIVE FOR and day dream about in the cold winter months.
Trader Joe’s Flowers
This month, I thought, why not pamper myself a bit? So, I treated myself a couple times to a stunningly vibrant bouquet from the flower section at Trader Joe's that I picked out myself. If you have a trader joes nearby…I highly recommend checking out the flowers! For the price, these are beautiful to make your home a happier place.
It's a small gesture but it's amazing how it can infuse a splash of joy and color into your living space. There's something magical about having fresh flowers on your windowsill or table that instantly brightens up the room. It's one of those simple pleasures in life that has a truly amazing impact on your overall well-being. And holy cow, TJ's flowers laster forever! They last like 2+ weeks which is crazy to me.
Family Walks
Our lovely family strolls around our lively neighborhood are a fantastic stress-buster for both my hubby and me. Ah, the fragrance of spring flowers wafting through the air and the sight of blossoming lilacs, my all-time favorites, make it an absolutely delightful and refreshing experience. I've made a pact with myself to plant some lilacs by our home this year or the next.
These walks aren't just a great way to keep fit but also a chance for some precious family bonding. Typically, my husband and I walk, while our little ones either scoot or cycle around.
My kids love this scooter and this bike! (No pedals, great for kiddos 3 and younger)
Our golden doodle is also a big fan of these excursions, it's a brilliant way for her and the kids to burn off some energy and escape the house for a bit.
We're so lucky that our town is perfect for walking, which is one of the things we love about living here. We can easily clock up four miles on our family walks, all while basking in the glorious spectacle of spring!
Booked Our Family Vacation to Charleston!
Guess what, folks? We booked our next family adventure to the stunning city of Charleston! Charleston and I go way back - I called it home for 5 wonderful years during my time at the College of Charleston. This city, brimming with history and charm, always gives me a sense of wonder, no matter how many times I've visited. It quickly won over my heart and became one of my absolute favorite places. It’s my soul home.
This time, we've chosen to snuggle up at the James Island camp ground again. We stayed here 2 years ago during the Cooper River Bridge Run and the boys loved it! They have the cutest cottages that are just ideal for a family escapade. Have a peek at them here. I'm not tied to them in any way, but I just can't help but gush about my love (or let’s face it, obsession) for Charleston, and this camp ground just adds to the charm! I take any opportunity to come back to Charleston, and I daydream about the day we can call it our home once again.
Whipped Up an Easy Mango Salsa Recipe
I've been OBSESSED with this mango salsa recipe this month. It's so fresh and tasty and it's a hit with the whole family. You can find the recipe here.
I Created a Trader Joe's Healthy Shopping List
When shopping at Trader Joe's for healthy options, you need to read ingredient lists thoroughly to make sure the foods you are getting are truly healthy…because even TJ’s has some icky foods I wouldn’t recommend.
To make your trip easier, utilize this Trader Joe's Healthy Shopping List, carefully crafted for your convenience and nutrition needs.
While Trader Joe's offers a plethora of healthy choices, it's crucial to remember that not all products are created equal. By using this shopping list as your guide, you can stock up on nutritious foods that align with your wellness goals and keep your kitchen filled with nourishing options that support your overall health. Happy shopping!You can check it out here.
Worked on my new wellness course for mamas!
I'm super excited to share something I've been passionately working on - a new course, "Nourished Life!."
This isn't just a project for me, it's my mission to inspire and enlighten all you wonderful women, especially the amazing moms out there, with realistic wellness tips that can be easily added to your daily routines.
"Nourished Life" is all about giving you the know-how and tools to lead healthier lives, and to be role models for your children.
I truly believe that by choosing a healthier lifestyle, we not only boost our own wellbeing, but also motivate our children to follow suit. This way, we're creating a wave of generational wellness that can touch generations to come.
The course is filled to the brim with easy-to-understand, science-supported advice, practical tips, and super useful resources.
All of these are aimed at transforming your life and guiding you towards comprehensive wellness. I've put all my knowledge and enthusiasm into this course and I'm buzzing to share it with you all. I have a feeling that "Nourished Life" could be a real game-changer. I can't wait to see the positive changes it will bring to your lives and the lives of your little ones. Get on the waitlist now!
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Read my top tips on why and how to build a veggie garden with your kids for family wellness!