One Year and Counting...

Today is our 1st Wedding Anniversary. Josh and I have been together for eight and 1/2 years, so to say that we are celebrating our first anniversary sounds a little funny. I think we came to the conclusion that we would celebrate both anniversaries. And why not?! The more celebrations the better!

So today I chose to share with you a few pictures from this special day.

I hope you enjoy them :)

 We had the most perfect weather!

 

We married under a canopy made by our family and friends.

 

This lemonade was perfect for a hot summer night!

Games were played... 

... a great time was had!

  

Our amazing photographer was Melissa from MCS Photo.

Recipe: Alegrias de Amaranto

Traditionally, Alegrias are made with amaranth, honey or agave. The recipe that I'm sharing with you today is packed with protein, antioxidants, and just plain goodness.

Cinco de Mayo Alegrias de Amaranto
Serving: 16 squares

2 1/2 cups Amaranth Puffs (I used these)
1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
1/3 cup Raw Honey
200g  Unsweetened Baking Chocolate (I used Camino's)
a pinch of Cinnamon
a pinch of Cayenne pepper or Chipotle pepper (I used Chipotle for a deep rounder spice) - Optional

Melt chocolate in a double boiler simmering to avoid burning the chocolate. Once chocolate starts melting, add honey and stir to incorporate them. Add cinnamon and your choice of pepper and stir.

Remove bowl from double boiler and start mixing in 1 cup of the amaranth puffs. Once completely mixed, add pumpkin seeds and the rest of the amaranth puffs.

Scoop out mixture into a 9x9 glass baking pan and spread the mixture out over the pan and press down with your hands or spatula.

Place baking pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or until set hard).
Remove from the fridge and cut the bars as you desire. I cut it into 16 squares.

Store in the fridge.

Superfoody Friendships

Hey! Here's a little post to talk about social media.

One of my favourite things in the world is to share a meal with people! Once upon a time, when I didn't care about what I ate or wasn't aware of my food allergies, I would often indulge in the company of my friends and family by sharing a meal with them. But now eating out is not as "easy" as it used to be. And I'm aware that not everyone enjoys talking about superfoods, recipes, green juice, hormonal balance, how much you love kale!.. etc... Which is 100% fine with me, but it can sometimes get a little lonely.

“For pleasure has no relish unless we share it.” - Virgina Woolf

I have to tell you, being on Twitter has been a game changer! It has allowed me to share, learn, build  connections, and form friendships. And the best thing of all is that I feel like I am part of this little cyber community with a common interest: living a healthy and wholesome life.

Why do I love Twitter so much?

1. Recipe sharing
2. Tips and advice
3. Food/products/restaurant recommendations
4. Interesting and/or fun articles
5. Cheering each other on!
6. And the obvious one is connecting with people that share a common interest

 

How does social media enrich your life?

What's in My Morning Smoothie

Blueberries and Raspberries

Blueberries - antioxidant protection, brain health, good source of fiber.

Raspberries -  antioxidant protection, heart health, antimicrobial properties.
 

Hemp Seeds

Essential fatty acids, anti-inflammatory properties, good source of fiber and protein.

Irish Moss

Calcium, iodine, sulphur, and potassium as well as Vitamins A, D, E, F and K. 

Raw Cacao

As stated on Navitas Naturals' website:

"Cacao contains a naturally rich supply of antioxidants, and is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. In addition, cacao is known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium, contains an impressively high iron content, and also possesses many other essential minerals in significant quantities."

Maca

As stated on Navitas Naturals' website:

"Maca has long been used to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue for good reasons. The root is a superb adaptogen, as it enables the body to more easily adapt to and regulate stress factors imposed upon it. Studies have also identified four alkaloids present in maca, which are known to nourish the endocrine system (the system in the body which is responsible for the production and maintenance of hormones). Maca root is a highly nutrient-dense whole food, as it is packed with vitamins, plant sterols, many essential minerals, amino acids and healthy fats. This is a particularly powerful and balanced food for athletes and those who are looking to combat stress or increase stamina."

Wheat Grass 

Promotes detoxification and highly alkalizing

I used Amazing Grass.

Honey
Raw/Unpasteurized, antimicrobial and many healing properties

I buy mine by the bucket!

Water

Filtered water using my Mavea pitcher.

Vitamix

This is by far the best investment I've made! 

I use it every day, multiple times a day.

Cheers!

A delicious morning smoothie that keeps me satisfied and energized.

I like to sip mine using my Strawesome glass straw. 

What's your favourite morning smoothie?

Nice to meet you, Millet

Have you ever had millet before? This week was my first time!

Following a Gluten Free Cleanse, I have the opportunity (or excuse) to try many foods that I never had before. Millet is one of them.

I've passed by it at the grocery store tons of times, but never thought of purchasing it. I just stock to the basic, quinoa and rice.

However, I've learnt from personal experiences, that it is extremely important to eat a variety of foods. Eating too much of or to often the same foods will most likely lead to food sensitivities.
 
So now I know that I really like millet and trust me, it will now be on my grocery list.
It makes for a delicious hot cereal. A very comforting and filling breakfast.

_______________________________________________________________________________

I was doing a bit of research on this whole grain and found out that it is used to make a traditional African flatbread known as injera.

Hmm this rings a bell... yes! I've had injera many times before here (I guess I'm not so new to millet after all).

Oh, how I wish I knew how to make injera. It is a delicious warm moist spongy flatbread used instead of a fork to pick up and eat African curries and stews.

If you are reading this and know how to make injera, please let me know!!

Smiles,
Tami

What is your favourite gluten free whole grain?

Gluten Free for a Month.. and beyond?

Ready? Set... GO!

Today I begin Meghan's online Gluten Free Renewal Cleanse.

My goal is, of course to stay Gluten Free for a month, and also to share with you my experience along the way.

The cleanse will last 4 weeks and I find myself wondering if this something that will become a healthy habit. Sure it might be tough eating out, considering my repertoire of allergies and needs, but this is why I will cooking most (if not all) of my meals. I do this already anyway!

Meghan and her team have provided us with lots of information, a very delicious 2 week meal plan, and the tips keep on coming via her blog, email and tweets.

At the beginning of this year, I also did Meghan's online FabDetox Cleanse and had awesome results. So if you are looking for a body/mind/soul makeover I seriously recommend you to check her blog Making Love in the Kitchen.  It is full of incredible and invaluable information. And I think she's got a FabDetox program coming up again in March.

You can also sign up for this amazing cleanse here:

The Gluten-Free Renewal Cleanse
A super fun and awesomely effective group coached online program to help you cleanse gluten-from your life.


With that said... Cheers and let the fun begin!

Green juice goodness!

10 Natural Products I Love and Use Daily

“For pleasure has no relish unless we share it.” - Virgina Woolf

Call me curious or nosey, but I really enjoy reading other people's blogs and learning about their favourite natural beauty products.

So now it is my turn. Here I share with you my beauty staples. The best thing about these is that they are all natural, clean and they work!

1. Green Beaver Toothpaste
They have a variety of flavours but I prefer frosty mint.


2. Living Libations Gum Drops
Sometimes I brush my teeth with it, but I always use it for flossing.


3. Dr. Bronner's Soap
This is my shampoo and body wash. Almond and lavender are my favourite!


4. Kiss My Face Green Tea & Lime Everyday Hair Conditioner


5. Green Beaver Daily Facial Moisturizer 
This is my daytime moisturizer.


6. Alba Unpetroleum Jelly 
I use it as a night time moisturizer.


7. Green Beaver Eye-Makeup Remover
Not only for your eyes, I use it all over my face.


8. Cocoon Apothecary Petal Purity Exfoliating Facial Cleanser 
I wash with this every night after removing my makeup (if I'm wearing any).


9. Cocoon Apothecary Touchy Feely Body Lotion
This lavender lotion is divine. It feels very refreshing and healing.


10. Home made Natural Deodorant
Follow this link for recipe Making Love in the Kitchen

BONUS!!

11. Living Libations Poetic Pit 
Get for combining with the natural deodorant or on its own. Rose is my favourite!


12. Coconut Oil
This is my most beloved multi-purpose product. I use it in the kitchen for cooking and in the bathroom for removing makeup and moisturizing my body head-to-toe. If my hair ends are feeling a little dry in the winter months, I put on my hair whatever is left on my hands.


What are your staple beauty products?