Lucas' Morning Cake

This boy and I were up late last night. He knew something exciting was happening, and he knew it involved cake. Two cakes, because, you are only two once. At 8:00pm he was up making a huge mess in the mixing bowl, eating raw batter and crying huge tears when we went to put it in the oven. "It's your morning cake," I told him, "and you have to cook it for it to become the cake."

That's not what he wanted to hear. Finally he fell to sleep on top of me on the couch as Patrick and I sat in the dark, waiting for the timer, wondering how we managed to be here again, at two.

The sun rose and Eli brought him presents in bed, he didn't even make it out of the bed first, to see his little table of gifts from his brother and sister.

They all crowded around him to show off their art work and the jar full of white rocks from the beach and buttons from who knows where. And for morning cake.

Sometimes I feel exhausted and overwhelmed. This little two year old has a whining and demanding edge to him that can sometimes bring me to tears. Somehow, I know I have a lesson in there. I feel he is a reflection of my insides that don't feel so calm all the time, and he is fighting for attention and to be heard. I am challenged to find a stillness through the loudness, I am challenged to breathe through the tough stuff. Patrick and I are so blessed with these babes of ours and in the quiet of the night, when all is calm, when all are asleep; we know that in the morning we start again. The little lessons and joys that come from being two parents learning as we go, figuring it out. It's our third time at this age, our third time seeing two, and we love what we see.

I'll post cake number two tomorrow.

Morning Cake

dry

3/4 c buckwheat flour 3/4 c almond meal 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp sea salt

wet

1/3 cup applesauce 1/3 cup melted coconut oil 1/2 cup agave 2 eggs

add in 1 cup grated zucchini 1 cup grated apple 3/4 coconut flakes 1/2 c dark chocolate chips

Mix wet into dry, stir in add ins. Grease a pie plate with coconut oil, pour batter in, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until middle is firm. Don't make babies cry when you place in oven!

I Wear Earrings When I Work Out

Why? That's just who I happen to be. I am a woman working out in a power lifting gym who wears earrings when she works out.

Judgments are made all day long, and what happens if we put those judgments aside and just find what we love? We enter into our joy. You may not look at me and think I belong in a power lifting gym being trained by my power lifting husband. But that is where I find so much pleasure and power. I love the control it allows me as someone who was never good at any sport. In the gym I am able to perform tasks that bring my spirit such energy and that create power and control in my body.

(Patrick at a power lifting meet)

There is such beauty in figuring out how to move your body to find your joy. Likely it's not just one thing. I also love to hike and do yoga and am thinking of trying belly dancing. Lifting though is my constant, it's my rock, it's part of the glue in my relationship with my husband as we both love to be in the gym. I spent far too much time away from moving my body in the way that works for me. I was putting my self care needs behind those of others. You know this story? I’m too tired, I don’t have enough time, it’s too expensive. Perhaps it is time to move out of the judgments and the excuses and into your truth. Maybe belly dancing?

My children move in different ways. Eli does his own creation of karate/bending (Avatar-our favorite series as a family ) and sand around the yard and climbs things wherever he finds himself. Chloe likes to scooter and swim and dance. Lucas spins himself dizzy, loves to run and gets a kick out of picking up heavy things!

I’m bringing my feminine into the gym, I’m sweating and each time I walk out of there I am smiling with exhaustion. Exhaustion that brings more energy, sharper thoughts, happier moods and the confidence that I can be and do anything.

If you put your judgments aside, how do things look differently? Where would you like to start? What is one thing you know brings you joy that you are not allowing yourself? How can you get creative and find a way to accomplish it?

Kitchen Sink Coleslaw

Days with the sun and gorgeous vegetables all around inspire me towards throwing things together. This one just made itself and I liked the result, eating a bowl of it with a side of hummus for lunches. Get your greens in and feel the energy flow.

Cilantro Sesame Dressing

1 bunch cilantro, washed with bottom stems removed

2 garlic cloves

1 Tb grated ginger

1 Tb mustard

2Tb apple cider vinegar

2Tb wheat free tamari soy

2Tb olive oil

juice from 1 lemon

2Tb sesame seeds

1/2 tsp sesame oil

I mix it all together in a high speed blender, you could use a food processor as well. Blend until smooth.

Kitchen Sink Coleslaw

5-6 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

3 kale leaves, rinsed and stem removed, thinly sliced

1 carrot, grated

Cilantro Sesame Dressing

sesame seeds (optional)

Mix it together in a large bowl, add Cilantro Sesame Dressing and allow to sit in the fridge for 4 hours. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Giveaway Winner and Inspiration For The Day

Congrats to Lara for winning a signed copy of Mother Daze.

It has been raining here for days and when it stops and the sun comes out, my son Eli is going to feel really happy. He has taken it on as his personal mission to save our little willow tree in the backyard. We planted it as a family during a difficult time in my marriage, not too long ago. As things were changing for Patrick and I and we were remembering why we came together 18 years ago, as we were doing lots of talking and listening to one another, it seemed a fitting time to plant this small tree. I have always loved willows, they remind me of my grandparents who lived in Illinois, of a time when things were a bit simpler. When I could go ride a bike when I wanted to or sit and draw for hours. Life changes as we take on more years and more responsibility. The trick is finding ways to stay connected to our needs and our important relationships.

Our little willow started to lose it's leaves as the weather warmed up and the rain slowed down. Eli took notice of the little tree and we gave it some fish emulsion and a nice slow long drink from the hose. Each day after that we would notice Eli outside turning the hose on, saving his little willow. He would sit outside and wait until he felt the willow had just enough to drink. In three days on every place a leaf had fallen off a new tiny leaf had grown in it's place. This little 5 year old was saving the little willow. After 3 days of rain, I am excited for what the tree will look like.

Eli made a connection with this little tree. He decided that it was important for him to take care of it and to nurture it. He was able to turn on and off the hose himself, a skill that last year proved difficult. I had placed a special significance on that tree the day we planted it together as a family, but that tree became Eli's. In his heart, as he watches the tree grow over the years, he will know that he helped to make that happen.

I feel inspired by that. In these small moments there is such abundance of possibility. We can expand our world with small decisions and quiet actions.

Where have you found inspiration lately? Leave a comment and inspire us!

{Living It} With Christine Carr and a Giveaway

Women living in their joy who are guided by their passions are the inspiration behind this series of interviews. Let their joy inspire you towards yours.

Please leave a comment down below, perhaps with a humorous moment, for a chance to win a signed copy of Mother Daze.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christine Carr and I met through the internet, a way that I have connected with incredible women who have become my "net-friends." Christine immediately radiated joy through her words to me and I was inspired to share her with you. Why is Christine, mother of three and author of a book written just for mothers, Living It? This is from her blog, "Success to me is not measured in dollars. The real measure of success comes from within. Not the physical attributes but rather how one sees their soul. Have you sprinkled joy? Are you grateful? Do you take the time to apologize? Can people trust you? Do you laugh everyday? Do you welcome & accept constructive criticism? If you are comfortable with your replies, you have the necessary tools to be successful. True success can’t be bought or bottled - it's earned."

Christine is clearly living in her joy as she faces challenges and rough spots like all of us, and yet she is driven to succeed as she leads with her soul.

Hannah Marcotti: Christine, can you tell us about the book and what inspired you to write it?

Christine Carr: Mother Daze focuses on the trials and tribulations of raising young children in today’s society. The story offers a virtual high five to all mothers doing the job. As an elementary school physical education teacher for sixteen years and a busy mother of three, I understand the importance of raising the bar, but how high is too high? At work, I have witnessed thousands of young children demonstrate their ability to rumble, tumble, and fumble. I notice the important need for all children to play fair, be kind, and work well with others… my P.E. activities do not work without it. I believe that life is like a game and we can all benefit from following the rules.

I do not pretend to have this parenting thing all figured out -- there are certainly days that I’m sinking up to my eyeballs like the rest of us. However, Mother Daze reminds us that we all have our hurdles in life… it’s our choice whether or not to jump. These days, parents are overstressed and kid’s lives are consistently over-scheduled. This story dares to tell the truth in a humorous, heartfelt, and entertaining style. Women deserve to be celebrated on a grand scale… mothers are impressive creatures.

HM: What is your power food/meal?

CC: My favorite “power” snack food is made by Kashi – the Go Lean Chewy chocolate/peanut butter protein & fiber bar is THE best. I could live on their products. As for my favorite food, I’m on a bit of a sushi kick. I must admit, though, my favorite fix comes from Whole Foods – the Multi-Grain Rice California Roll is delicious.

HM: What color when you see it or wear it, do you feel connected to?

CC: I love the feel of burgundy. For me, the richness provides comfort. And in clothes, I think the color adds a little warmth and style to any wardrobe.

HM: What is the funniest moment you've had recently?

CC: Recently, while traveling with friends to the Lake Compounce Amusement Park, there seemed to have been a mix-up involving the group’s ticket purchasing. I had paid for our family’s tickets but somehow another family was
short one ticket. Rather than go back and stand in the ridiculously long line, we decided to tell the gal at the turnstile that my youngest daughter Finley was only three… thus allowing her free access into the park. As soon as the woman questioned her age, I said, “She is three.” Finley, confused by my response yelled out, “No I’m not, I’m four.” To which I returned with, “Oh yes, you’ll be four.” And that’s when our ill plan went south because my two other darling, truth- telling children piped up with, “No she’s not. She’s going to be FIVE.” Hysterical! I was completely busted right at the gates. The girl at the entrance didn’t have the heart to send us packing but it sure was funny to get caught in the little, white lie. Live and learn.

HM: Lemons or Limes?

CC: Limes, of course -- I’m thinking Margaritas and Coronas

HM: Chocolate cake or ice cream?

CC: I love both, but I’ll go with chocolate cake.

HM: What song represents your life now?

CC: Boy, that’s a tough one. According to the book, I guess I would have to pick Martina McBride’s “This One’s for the Girls.” For the endless gift of my family and friends, Natalie Merchant’s “Kind and Generous” and for just good- clean-fun, the latest song by B.O.B with Hayley Williams “Airplanes” – it’s a great one to blast in my car.

HM: Chris, thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and for offering this fun giveaway. Are there any upcoming events for readers in the New England area?

CC: Along with fifteen other fabulous women, I will be a part of the Boston cast of Expressing Motherhood. You won't want to miss this. www.expressingmotherhood.com Tickets can be purchased here. The performances will be held at The Durrell Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts on: Thursday, September 30th @ 8PM, Friday, October 1st @ 8PM and Saturday, October 2nd @ 8 PM

On Saturday, October 23rd, from 10:00am – 12:00pm I will be in New Jersey at the Barry D. Brown Health Education Center for Virtua. We’ll share some laughter as moms connect about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of motherhood. There are also several book talk/signings scheduled throughout the fall with various Moms Clubs and Book Clubs. If you are interested in hosting a gathering, contact me directly through www.christine-carr.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leave a comment down below to enter a giveaway for a signed copy of Mother Daze. You could share a humorous moment with us. If you tweet or post this interview on FB come back and let us know and we'll enter your name again! Winners will be announced Tuesday. Congrats to Lara! great story too Lara.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blackbird

Today's guest post is written by a member of the summer Connecting Group, Bernadette Vaughn.

I hope her message of becoming present and learning to "fly" will resonate with you and encourage you to notice the small moments in life that lead to great opportunities. I am so honored to have Bernadette in my program, watching her start spreading her wings, seeing her embrace her life...

It seems to me that up until I joined Hannah’s Connecting Group I did a lot of waiting. Waiting to feel like myself again. Waiting for the time to start AND finish the various fiber arts projects I had in mind. Waiting to get my mindless eating under control. Waiting for the right time to strengthen my relationships. I suppose you could even say I was waiting for Hannah to reach out to me. And she did! When I got her postcard in my child’s cubby, something in me could not ignore it. I knew I was sick, physically and emotionally, of waiting around.

Besides meeting an AMAZING group of powerful women (who had been waiting around just like me) and learning recipes that taste fabulous AND treat my body with kindness and respect, one of my favorite parts of our group sessions comes at the end when we each pick an affirmation card out of a deck. Hannah says we don’t have to share if we don’t want to, but we always do. It is incredible how each woman seems to get EXACTLY what she needs at that moment!

My favorite pick so far has been “The Point of Power is ALWAYS in the Present Moment.” This statement has resonated with me over the past few months on a daily basis. It brings me back to center and I consider it my personal mantra. (I am not beyond getting it tattooed somewhere on my body – I love it THAT much!) The back of the card says “The past is over…I can be free in this moment...I am in charge…I take my power back…I am safe.” It sums up everything I am learning in our Connecting Group. My life is happening now! It’s my choice in this moment to live the life I was meant to live or as the poet Mary Oliver says “breathing just a little and calling it a life”. So I can wake up in the morning frazzled and late and grumpy with my Guys, or I can take baby steps at getting organized and rested and ask for help. I can whine and complain that I don’t have time to knit or I can get off Facebook and finish that wool shrug before NEXT August. I can protest that I’ll NEVER make a quilt because I am not good at sewing and my machine is crappy or I can say a big fat ” YES!” when someone offers to lend me a machine and give me lessons. I can yell back at my son when he’s having a meltdown or I can take a breath and speak to him like I would like to be spoken to when I am hurt and frustrated. It’s MY decision in the MOMENT. Every second of our lives the Universe is presenting us with choices, not just at the “Big” Moments.

After a couple sessions with Hannah, I caught myself singing “Blackbird” by the Beatles over and over. I always associated it with my son’s birth (you diehard ER fans know why!), but now it has become for me the soundtrack to this miraculous process that our group has begun. I can’t WAIT to see what other songs we’ll each bring to this gig!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzD2b0UNRqs&feature=player_embedded

There are still spots available in the Fall Connecting Groups, in person or on the phone. Registration ends soon, so sign up today!

Lessons And Gifts From The Beach

Little feet running through the waves, heads dipped in sandy puddles and towels wrapped around a chilly mama...pure bliss. We found ourselves quite spontaneously in one of my favorite places in Maine as we accompanied Patrick on a business trip. He went and ate lobster and steak in a fancy beach house overlooking the water and the kids and I sat ourselves down on a huge stretch of sand and had a sandy popcorn, strawberries and sandwich lunch. Both lovely options for a day at the beach!!!

The sky eventually poured down on us and luckily we had a car full of towels. The kids each chose one rock to bring home and Eli has lost his about 8 times in the past week. He looks around for it everywhere, calling out to his perfectly round black stone. Our backyard garden holds so many special gifts from the beaches, rocks and stones and pieces of wood.

I have been working a lot. Running your own business, especially one that helps others live their best lives can be a bit consuming. My passion for what I do makes me want to go at a pace that sometimes brings me to burnout. I remember Oprah saying recently to Geneen Roth that she lost herself somewhere in trying to help everyone else. A few weeks ago I understood that feeling. I was forgetting to have fun and take days to just enjoy. I was forgetting to take my own advice and give in to FUN a little bit.

When I am on this beach I feel relaxed and peaceful and full of balance. I can capture that feeling and find ways to bring it with me, to my work, to my clients, to my home. This is the town where I was married, where I spent countless summers, where I would dream of seeing the little feet of my children running on the sand, someday. Being a mother isn't the dreamy life I pictured before the children came, no one can prepare you for the part of yourself that will feel lost and stuck some days (or the hormones). There is no way to explain that being alone will take on new meaning when you have 5 minutes with no one around after chasing 3 children all day. There is also no way to explain how you grow into your motherhood and own it with a passion and a purpose that was not there before. How you become a mama bear to your cubs, watching them eat blueberries until they might pop and taking such pleasure in simply feeding them. This job, motherhood, takes work. It requires a patience that most days, I struggle to find. It also reminds me that to be the most powerful mother I must be the most powerful woman. I must own my strength and purpose, so that is what I seek to do and guide others to do.

On the way through town we stopped into the cute little candy shop and the kids picked a few pieces (balance) and Patrick and I found these dark chocolate coconut candies that were awesome. Patrick announced the next day that it would be good to know how to make them, and so, I did. My version of these little Chocolate Coconut Drops is my little gift from the beach to you.

Reminder that the Live Call All About YOU is coming this Monday, register here to get your spot on the call. It is so important to take some time to focus on YOU.

Chocolate Coconut Drops

1 cup coconut

pinch of salt

2 cups of dark chocolate bar, broken up

1 Tb honey

1 Tb maple syrup

2 Tb coconut oil

2 tsp vanilla

In a 350 degree oven, toast the coconut on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 4 minutes (use a timer). Watch it closely or it will burn, you want it to just start turning a light brown. Remove, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, allow to cool. Melt the chocolate, I use a saucepan, you could use a double broiler. When the chocolate is soft add in other ingredients, stir until combined, add in the toasted coconut. Using a teaspoon, drop chocolate onto parchment paper. Place the chocolates in the freezer for 10 minutes, then transfer to a container and store in the fridge. In the heat, you will want to keep them cold.

FREE Teleclass All About YOU

FREE Teleclass you are not going to want to miss out on. This is time to focus on YOU, identify your areas of imbalance, spot the energy drains and make a plan to invest in YOU.

• Where have you been investing all of your time, energy, money and thought?
• What would it feel like to put some of that investment directly into YOU?
• Is investing in ourselves selfish?
• What is one place where investment in YOU could yield positive high energy results?

These are some of the questions we are going to look at and answer in the upcoming FREE Teleclass.

The call is on Monday, August 16th at 8:30 pm Eastern time

Register Now!!!

[icontact id=4] The call will be live and I will be offering some amazing give-aways to names drawn during the call. Not just one, but multiple names will be drawn. I have never done this before and am so excited to be able to share a gift with you. A gift that will take you to the next level in your self investment. You must be on the call to hear your name drawn and receive your gift. Register now to receive the call in number and add your name to the list of women serious about their investment in themselves.

What are some areas of self investment? Here are some of the areas we will be looking at.

1. Relationships- with ourselves, with our partners and friends. Where we are gaining or losing energy from these relationships and steps we can take to nurture ourselves and invest in relationships that work.
2. Moving Bodies- investing in ourselves means making choices that aren't always easy. Like moving our body when we just want to sleep that extra hour.
3. Passions- remember when you were a kid and could go play outside all day long and create a little fantasy world around you? You were connecting with passion then. We will take some time to remember and connect with that play spirit.
4. Money- where we chose to put our money and the result of that investment is a source of much energy drain. I know what I'm talking about here!!! We will look at decisions for energy gain and momentum and see where you fall in your investments.
5. Health- from the mind to the body to the spirit, this is my favorite topic. Our investment in our health from some quiet time alone to organic strawberries to the drive-thru window, each has an energy impact on us and an investment that we can clearly see the results of.

Are you comfortable looking at yourself close-up? This is going to be a gentle process, it's about your process, your goo as I call it.

The close-ups (physically-the pores and wrinkles and emotionally-the fears and walls we put up) can be a challenge, when we proceed with gentleness and guidance, the process simplifies and opens us up to new possibilities.

I want to inspire you to move past your stuck places into greater joy, health, energy and positivity. You will leave the call with the tools, resources and inspiration to invest in YOU.

As added inspiration you will hear from women who I have guided through their own investments in themselves and they will amaze you. These life changing moments they will share are why this investment is of so much value, purpose and inspiration.

Have you signed up yet? Stop waiting for that magic thing that will change your life, that magic is YOU. YOU are the one who can change your life and lead it to the places you dream about.

The call is on Monday, August 16th at 8:30 pm Eastern time

Register Now!!!

[icontact id=4] The call will last for 45 minutes, and then will open for questions. You will want to have a notebook and pen, glass of water and comfy spot to sit while on the call.

Where is one place you know you need to invest further in yourself?

Leave a comment and I will enter your name twice to win a little give-away on the call. Tweet about the teleclass or add this post to your Facebook page, leave a comment for each and increase your chances of winning something that will help guide your investment in yourself. Thanks for help spreading the word!

The Goo

Chloe and I took advantage of a sick baby finally sleeping to have a quiet, Ladies Lunch

I was cleaning out my fridge the other day (great activity in the heat) and there was this sticky, gunky goo under one of the drawers. I took my sponge and started to scrub it, used my nail to try to scrape it and let it sit in some natural cleaner. Nothing was working, it seemed as though the goo was gaining strength under my attempts to break it down. Also during my fridge clean out, I need to mention that I was really crabby. Crabby or frustrated for me means cleaning in a frantic rampage all around the house.

So crabby mama was fighting this goo, goo was not yielding and I became distracted for a moment. I started rubbing the spot of gunk in a gentle way, as I was trying to talk to one of my kids. I noticed that the goo was starting to break up and disappear under the sponge. I tried it on another spot, magic, goo be gone! There was a lot of goo, and the gentleness method was removing it.

I thought about the goo in the next few days, and how we so easily try to fight against what is in our way. In the fight, resistance builds and that which we are fighting gains strength and momentum. If we are moving through some of our fears, focusing on the fear only brings more resistance. We want to take a risk, a chance, but the fear is too great. The focus becomes the fear and why we have never succeeded and always failed. The fear is fought with self defeating language and builds resistance becoming stronger, more alive, full of power. What if we approach instead with kindness, a gentleness that we might approach a friend dealing with a similar situation. If we take a moment to understand the fear, ask it why it has helped us in the past and appreciate how it's helped, but that today it will be released and forgiven.

Today I will do one thing, take one action, with gentleness and purpose.

Stepping out of my comfort zone and planning new projects brings joy to my world, yet at some point along the way I find all the reasons why I'm not quite good enough for it. (FEAR) When one of my kids get sick, it can spiral me into disaster. First, no sleep, then the whining (the kids whine too!) and I start fighting against what can't be done. I put on my boxing gloves and give the exhaustion and lack of space a great fight. One punch, "I can't get anything done, no one is sleeping and the house is a mess." Second punch, "Look at all the things that aren't working around here. I'm all alone in this." Third punch, "I give up, I'm just not cut out for this. I have been trying so hard to stay positive and keep my house clean, for what?"

You see the fight? In that fight so much resistance is being built up. Yet, a gift lies within those fights. You see where you need to be gentler to your own "goo." Part of that goo is the fight. When I acknowledge my exhaustion and need for space as normal for me, usually with a laugh from Patrick, after having flung all of those self insults around, I am softened to the process. It doesn't mean I won't fight again next time, just that a new understanding, a softness for my getting through the tough stuff starts to become part of that process.

I want to invite you to look at your goo? Where could you find some gentleness for it? What is the importance of that goo in your life?

As you start to think about this part of your process I am excited to offer you a FREE tele-class in early August to help guide you along. I'm going to be giving you some tips to bring your life and health to the next level, and we'll have some live give-aways on the call. It is going to be fun and purposeful and you are going to want to be there. I'll have details soon, so stay in touch.

Nori

Visit me over at kidoinfo today and learn my quick nori sandwich!

Rain Re-Frame

Wednesday is my work day, the kids are with some friends and a babysitter and I have 6 hours to "work." (I find it strange to call what I do work, although the marketing, yes, work.) Our babysitter was unable to come due to a family emergency and I went from having plans to meet with a colleague for a power meeting of the minds, looking at office space, and marketing work, to being home with lots of children. 5 in all. Some re-framing was in order.

That's where the camera comes in. When you look from behind the lens at the moments that seem ordinary and boring things change. Playing with blocks while the big kids watch a movie in the only air conditioned room becomes quite special. It only lasts 4 minutes with the tower destroyer, but we had fun.

I focused on what was happening, rather than all that wasn't, watched the rain pour down, missed photographing the dress up, listened to endless requests for food.

Fed kids countless times, to the point where they were eating dry granola because there wasn't milk of the almond or rice or other varieties around.

Felt joy in a sink with no dirty dishes, I have no dishwasher, just these two hands! I am claiming victory over those fruit flies.

Snuck in some time to read some of our favorites since Chloe was little, and sipped a hot cup of tea.

Eating continued, a bowl of kettle corn for my group found it's way to the kids and homemade pizza of the easiest variety for lunch. It was gobbled up so fast I had to make more to take a picture, and then it was gobbled up just as quickly.

Did you do any rain re-frame?

Easiest Pizza Ever

1 brown rice tortilla (Trader Joe's is my source)

3 Tb pasta sauce on top of the tortilla

1/4 cup or so grated raw cheddar cheese on the sauce

In 350 degree oven, bake the pizza on cookie sheet for about 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling. Have fun adding other toppings, pesto is quite nice. I top my pizza after it cools a bit with lettuce and cucumber dressed with balsamic dressing and enjoy pizza and a salad all in one.

In These Moments

Insecurities slip in while no one is watching. Just like the 15 pounds that return in a month after 4 months of dieting. I have a knack for self sabotage. You may too. When things are going really well, and  I start pushing past personal limits, it gets uncomfortable. Kind of like being in a place I don't recognize. I start my self sabotage with the "I'm too tired to exercise" routine. So I don't go. Then I start to eat cheese. My body doesn't like cheese. A sinus infection is punishment for that one. A little bloating too, to make sure I notice the cheese sabotage. Other things that I know I need and would be good for me slip away. Calling a friend when I'm feeling sad or taking the dog on a really long walk. Making pesto. I just get too tired. Do you know that feeling?

I am grateful for the work I do as it always reminds me when I am out of balance. I hear myself say something to a client and realize that was for me too.

My husband likes to try to get me out of my head. He wants to talk, wants me to explain what I'm thinking about. Why I am so distant, removed...disconnected. The talking thing doesn't always work. Action does. I started moving my body again, slowly, but it's moving. Cheese is no more. This morning when I woke crabby and overwhelmed my husband saw me making my list of things to do. He asked me if there were things he could do to help. This is the moment when sabotage can move over or remain stubborn and create more distance.

There were things he could do. Two things that would help me and then I could cross them off the list. Slowly, slowly insecurity crept out. I wasn't watching. I was feeling excited working on what needed to be done to move past my fear, and allow someone to support me. I know that talking is crucial to opening up, yet without action, it is just words. When we start to move, to do, to create, to push past our insecurities to the other side, a shift takes place. A return to the center, to the place that keeps us ticking and reminds us the house will some day be clean and the postcards will be ordered and what we do is important to not just those we touch, but to ourselves. Being a mama, a health coach, a friend, a lover or what ever your roles are, they are what feed our soul; if we are actively engaged in those every day moments.

I go to the beach and remember why I need the sand and the waves and the sight of my little ones toes in the sand. The waves mirror the thoughts crashing around my head.

I take trips to places that bring comfort and joy to me and the kids. Places that remind me of childhood, of roaming free without cars or worries, of chicken clucking around the yard and the occasional goat to snuggle.

My guiding word for the year is Simplify. I have gone back to that word every time life gets tough. Without that guiding word my life would not have looked much different in 2011. I have embraced it for all it's simplicity, I have found that simplifying is hard work and I have been blessed by its guidance. I have big plans for that word and all it has taught me (more on that once I'm really past the insecurities of taking on a new big project).

For the first time in days, I am able to sit and feel comfortable in my body. I am not fighting against myself in this moment, on this couch, typing these words. Words are no longer refusing to flow from my mind to the page, and the reason is simple; as I move past the sabotage through action I am back to the truth and the purpose that guides me to work and love and create.

How does self sabotage find its way into your life when you aren't watching? What actions bring you back to balance?

If you are looking for support and balance learn more about Connecting.

Support For The Heat

The blender has been going double time. The collards growing outside give me a few small leaves each day to throw into a smoothie. The baby runs around saying, "moonie a-den" or smoothie again! In between the endless glasses of ice water, we have a lemonade quencher that seems to give a much needed pick me up to the melting children I keep finding on my floors and chairs. Our brains are so tired from the heat, everything seems to take that extra push. Eli who normally can play for hours on his own, has been looking at us in disbelief that anything other than watching movies on the computer is possible. Chloe would transform into a mermaid in the summer and simply live in water, if only that kind of magic a mother could grant her daughter. Instead kiddy pools, icy lemonade and smoothies will have to stand in.

Simple Strawberry Green Smoothie

1/2 cup goat milk yogurt

1/4 english cucumber, diced

3 small collard leaves, or 1 big one

1/2 frozen banana

1 cup frozen strawberries or fresh if you have them (keep the green tops on)

handful of ice cubes

1 cup of water

I blend this up 2-3 times until it reaches the creaminess I am looking for. This isn't very sweet, I don't like sweet smoothies, but you can add some honey or more banana if you do.

Lemonade Quencher

20 oz of water

juice of one lemon

1 tsp to 1 Tb agave or maple syrup

tiny pinch of sea salt

lots of ice

Stir it all together and serve with a fun paper straw! Watch out gatorade.

Women Food and God-The Discussion and Winner

The winner is.....

6512 and growing

I just tried to interlibrary loan this book from my library but was told it’s too new. So, I would love a chance to read it through your generosity. Thanks for sharing your very real, common, normal journey. May our daughters never face struggles with body image.

Last night I met with a beautiful group of women to discuss Women Food and God, by Geneen Roth. This book has caused quite a stir since Oprah caught on to the fact that we must stop dieting to start fully living and loving. I'll take you through some parts of the discussion.

"Of this I am certain: something happens every time I stop fighting with the way things are. Something happens to every one of my students when they stop running their familiar programs about fear and deficiency and emptiness. I don't know what to call this turn of events or the freshness that follows it, but I know what it feels like: it feels like relief."

This is where we entered the discussion and kept finding ourselves coming back to "it feels like relief" and "something happens every time I stop fighting with the way things are." We talked about the relief in not fighting our bodies and in showing them kindness. One participant talked about how in her entire life, not just with food, when she stops fighting and accepting where she is, there is a relief. The question I asked them and now you is, "Where could you be kinder to yourself? What thoughts or actions could receive more kindness?"

One woman said she was confused because she had used food as a way to be kind to herself, getting through some really tough struggles that life had presented over the last few years. Through the toughness she showed herself "kindness" with food. And yet, that kindness is a numbing, a protection so we do not have to feel the tough stuff. So we can move through with less of the feelings that seem just too hard to bear.

A mother of three young children expressed the desire to be more kind to the feelings that the choices she is making now, are somehow damaging my children. "I keep coming back to the relief" another woman said. Relief that we don't have to feel bad about ourselves and knowing that there is a path through those thoughts that continue to push us down.

My husband and I have taken to openly emotionally eating. When we stand in the closet with the bag of corn chips or eat directly from the open fridge we announce or announce for the other, we are emotionally eating and state why. For me it is usually the whine of my little guy or the fighting of my children and I go right to the fridge to find the escape from having to address what comes up for me. The tough stuff is feeling inadequate as a parent, or feeling as though I don't have enough support or space to be the parent I thought I could be. When you start becoming connected, you notice that maybe the half bag of corn chips becomes one handful, then opening the pantry and closing it before retrieving the salty crunchy conspirators. Finally, reaching out for support, calling a friend, putting the baby in the stroller and going for a walk. It becomes sitting the fighting children down (instead of yelling) and asking them to make of list of 5 things they would like to do today and 1 thing they would like to do for someone else. The fridge stays closed. A breath. Feel it, move through it, come safely to the other side.

"I believed there was an end goal, a place at which I would arrive and forevermore be at peace. And since I also believed that the way to get there was by judging and shaming and hating myself, I also believed in diet

Diets are based on the unspoken fear that you are a madwoman, a food terrorist, a lunatic."

Many of us admitted to being a madwoman, a food terrorist, a lunatic. We talked about those extra 5-20-50 pounds that we are holding onto and if we could just get rid of those we would be happy...for the 5 minutes until they came back. One of our participants was anticipating a 20 year high school re-union in just a week. She knew she could easily lose the 5ish pounds that were making her uncomfortable in her skin, but knowing inside that she would simply be continuing on the same path of the 5 minute weight loss.  She thought perhaps just this last time. I asked her how doing that no longer would serve her? She wasn't sure because being 5 pounds thinner seemed to serve her walking into a room full of old acquaintances. We laughed thinking of the men who have gone bald and there was no quick fix for them! Eventually understanding that she would simply be continuing the cycle of diet for a brief moment of happy-thinness brings her right back to where she started. We can put it off or we can face it directly, look at ourselves in the mirror, and promise to continue forth with kindness, love and support of our bodies and our minds.

"If love could speak to you about food, it would say, 'Eat when you are hungry, sweetheart, because if you don't, you won't enjoy the taste of food. And why should you do anything you don't enjoy?' If love could speak to you, it would say, 'Eat what your body wants, darling, otherwise you won't feel so well, and why should you walk around feeling tired or depressed from what you put into your mouth?' If love could speak to you, my little cream puff, it would say, 'Stop eating when you've had enough, otherwise you will be uncomfortable, and why spend one minute in discomfort?'"

I told the group, who were now clearly bonding through this open dialogue, that I make high protein cookies and I let the kids munch them for breakfast and usually in their lunch. (I will put my cookies up against a waffle with syrup any day!) When they ask after dinner what is for dessert I remind them of how they started the day. "Oh yeah" is usually the response and then they go about their business. We spend so much time avoiding the things we really want, yet thinking far too much about them. How many calories do we eat while avoiding the thing we really want? If we were to give ourselves permission for the thing that is on the "don't eat list" we could perhaps free up a part of ourselves that functions on the restricted, the bad, the off-limits.

To close the evening, we went around in a circle reading the Eating Guidelines. Hearing these beautiful, strong woman read clearly the simple truth that is inside each of them touched my heart. In my work I guide my clients to find the simple truths inside of themselves for themselves. The path to my healing may look different than that of another, but the simple truths are the same. It takes support and kindness and willingness to believe that if love could speak it would want us to do the things that we enjoy and that bring our body health and vibrance and joy.

Thank you to the woman of the book circle last night. I find my mind wandering back to all that was said and feeling so grateful for the steps to kindness you are all taking.

"In each moment of kindness you lavish upon your breaking heart or the size of your thighs, with each breath you take-God has been there. She is you."

Holistic Health Book Club meets the last Monday of each month at Books on The Square, Providence, RI.  I will be your guide.

Women Food and God In My Life (and a give-away)

When I was 16 I experienced my first heart break. I was not equipped with the tools to handle the loss and my parents were going through their own sadness coming to a divorce. In my sadness I couldn't eat. It may have been the first time I can remember not being hungry or drawn to food. I was a mayo, mustard, cheese, lettuce, pickle, white bread kind of girl. With a side of chips or fries. And a diet coke (right, because of course). In the non-hunger I started to loose weight. Since I can remember I have had a belly, the one below the belly button, though after 3 babies, above too. I was the only girl who wore a t-shirt over her leotard in ballet and tap class. The teacher told me I wouldn't be able to wear it for the recital. I can remember being a young girl and my best friend and I were having a sleep over. I was always aware of the fact that the darn belly was there. She told me it was probably baby fat and it would go away.

When I stopped eating at 16 it did go away for the first time. I "learned" then that I couldn't control many things in my life, but I could control what I ate and how I looked. As dieters know, with the restriction comes the binge. So after spending some time controlling my food, I would then turn to food to also get through the tough stuff. I managed to keep my weight fairly steady. Until the next heart break in college. This time limiting my food no longer seemed an option, I wanted to eat and stuff the pain down. I wanted to be one of those girls who didn't form life long attachments to every (all 2 at this point) guy that she fell for. But there I was. Wondering why I needed every plastic sugar coated doughnut from the vending machine in my dorm and why I was starting to feel uncomfortable in my skin.

I obsessed about many other things when I was younger, creating a high level of anxiety that I never realized. The gap between my teeth, my large lips, my knees, skinny legs, flat bum... I never practiced looking at the things I admired. Today some of my former obsessions are things I admire. Full circle.

I have tried most diets. My favorites were the South Beach Diet and the liquid protein diet for every meal. Those were effortless to me and worked to take off belly fast. I felt a sense of control with each diet and with all of the results. As dieters know, with the restriction comes the binge. When I enrolled in school to become a Health Counselor, Lucas was 4 months old. Usually around 6 months I would start dieting the weight off. Knowing that I needed to heal this part of me, I made a commitment to never diet again. Healing instead of controlling, a new plan for my life as it was taking on a new direction. SCARY.

I wasn't sure I believed I would lose the weight. I also knew that I would most likely have to learn to love a body that didn't fit into my idea of perfection, a hard thing to let go of. In my journey, I discovered how powerful thought is. How we can use thought to create the life we chose to live. I have chosen to live life in a body that I appreciate for it's health and ability to make and grow beautiful babies. To have a body that can be sexy and motherly all at the same time. Nursing in heals and sequins will bring that out in you!

I never gained a large amount of weight until I was pregnant with Chloe, putting on 64 pounds. South Beach took it off by the time Chloe was a year old. I am what is called a disordered eater, common among women. We have a small window of weight where we feel extremely happy with ourselves to depressed and not fitting our clothes. For most of us, that number can be small, an eight to ten pound range. For others it can be a larger number.

It is still challenging for me to put pictures of myself on my blog or newsletter, but time and practice are making it easier. I regularly take self portraits now to help calm my nerves in front of the camera. My daughter takes most other pictures of me and forces me to smile with my teeth showing because she says I look beautiful that way.

I work on emotional eating and healing the inside with my clients. It seems to have become the path that, dare I say, chose me. I've been experiencing a magical moment in my own life, having just hit the 1 1/2 year mark of not dieting, not restricting, of fully feeling and fully living in my body. I turn 36 in September and I will be able to say that my dieting lasted 18 years. When I turn 36 I will acknowledge that 16 year old, who felt her only choice to get through the pain was to find something to control. She seems so young and full of fight. Insecure and yet so sure that she was here for something great, something big. She is the one who brought me to where I am now. Working with women to heal themselves and live their greatest vision of themselves.

One of my clients, a beautiful and creative woman recently wrote and thanked me for following my bliss and doing this work. She said other nice things that I'm too shy to share at the moment, but that touched me so deeply. That inspires me because we all have the choice to live with energy, passion, abundance and joy. The more people who experience that, the more this world will heal.

This post danced in my head for the last few days. It was hard to write, yet I could not sleep until it was finally words visable. I offer up bits of my story as I feel ready. The first that I wrote which was deeply personal, did more to help and encourage than any other. The feedback which I am still receiving is touching and motivating. For me it is part of healing my past, and part of the forgiveness I have chosen to show myself and others. It is part of my journey to that deeper spiritual place. Of Women Food and God in my life.

I am leading a Holistic Health Book Club in Providence, RI. The first book will be Women Food and God, by Geneen Roth. I would like to encourage you to join the conversation in this space by sharing with us what you feel passion for. If you feel moved to share a bit of your relationship with food, your journey is sure to reach someone and inspire them. Each comment will be entered in a give-away for a copy of Geneen's book. Give-away will close on June 28th at 7:00pm eastern time and be announced on June 29th (the night of the book club) on this post.

Winner is.....

6512 and growing

I just tried to interlibrary loan this book from my library but was told it’s too new. So, I would love a chance to read it through your generosity. Thanks for sharing your very real, common, normal journey. May our daughters never face struggles with body image.

I've Got Wings

{this moment} - A Friday ritual from SouleMama blog. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

Simple Food

Most important rule in simple cooking...no recipe. Use what you have, ingredients you love and whatever is fresh and cheap!!! When tomatoes are hanging off everyone's plants, buy tomatoes. In the winter, use tomato sauce. It is inexpensive and flavorful. I always keep a jar of organic pasta sauce from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods on hand.

You don't need a plan. The kids threw a container of green beans in the cart at the store the other day. Instead of putting it back once I realized it's presence, I simply went with it and bought green beans. We were supposed to have hamburgers for dinner, but the green beans were calling to me. So here is how I cook most nights, without recipes. When I find recipes I love, I tend to memorize them as I make them often.

First onion, garlic, zucchini and green beans stir fried in some olive oil. I added a pound of grass-fed beef, some tumeric (I wanted curry but I was out), 1/2 a jar of pasta sauce and bam...dinner. I served some corn chips on the side for the kids to use as dippers, you might like rice or quinoa.

I put the platter of food on the table and we ate. Simple. Simple food. I leave vegetables in nice big pieces so children who don't like onion or zucchini can pick it out without problem. On this night we actually persuaded my daughter to try an onion. She didn't have anything bad to say about it, it was soft and quite sweet after stewing in the sauce.

If you are inspired, share some of your simple food.

Not A Lot Of People Do That

No. They probably don't. For us it had come time. I had first thought of it almost 2 years ago. I was in school and dreaming of what my life could look like if I took some risks. This was a risk. Taking away something you are accustomed to and that provides, something, seemed risky.

So when I told my husband almost two years ago that I wanted to get rid of the t.v. he said he needed more time. I had sprung the idea on him and I knew that I needed to be patient. The t.v. stayed, I watched my cooking shows, he watched sports and movies and the kids watched various shows. Eventually I arranged the living room so the t.v. was not center stage any longer. That helped.

There comes a time in a marriage, or a family, when you realize there is disconnect. Each of you is going in different directions and no one really wants to stop and listen to what the other has to say. Busy and stressed and distracted seem the norm. With cell phones, computers and t.v.s the opportunity to disconnect is so great, I wonder how much connection I have lost along the way. The technological world certainly connects us in ways I never dreamed of. I write a blog and women read it from Australia. That is cool. That is a connection I consider positive and progressive. Standing in line at the deli counter, on the phone, as you are asked what you would like, that's not cool. Teenagers crashing in cars because of texting is not cool. The way my family was disconnected at the end of the day, was not cool. No one was having fun.

The time came and I called the cable company. She asked why we were giving up cable. I told her that we were removing the t.v. and changing the way we spent time together. A pause. Then, "Not a lot of people do that." No. They don't.

When I was 10, my family moved to Germany. We had no t.v. for a period of time. My mother always said it was some of the best time we had as a family.

I am working to set times on the computer so that it's not always open and I'm not rushing to finish an article or e-mail a client. I am hoping to stay more present and connected.

In this transition someone at work asked Patrick what we did instead of watching t.v. Because, remember, not a lot of people do that. Patrick told him that we read, we talk, we dream, we make plans, we work out the difficult stuff that creeps into a marriage, we laugh with the kids before bed when they do their night time dancing in the living room. (Ok, I embellished, he told him we talk and read and spend time together.) We now sit in a room that is no longer set up to revolve around a t.v. It seems more open, more alive, friendlier. This wasn't easy for any of us. I really loved cooking shows. And What Not To Wear. And Oprah. Before removing the t.v. we cut down watching it so that when it was gone, we had already created new rituals.

I am not suggesting that everyone kicks out the t.v. Just as I wasn't suggesting everyone run out and pierce their nose (although some of you did, and you look beautiful by the way). I do think we need to look at areas where we are disconnected and understand that the disconnect will only become greater unless change is made. Rituals to bring ourselves back to those we love. Remember when you used to talk (or not talk) with your partner long into the night when you were first dating? You didn't have kids, and yet had so much to say. So much to dream. So much to connect.

Not a lot of people feed their kids green smoothies each morning.  Not a lot of people say hello to each person they pass as they walk the dog. Not a lot of people really listen when others talk. Not a lot of people belly laugh every day. Not a lot of people create daily connection through touch. Not a lot of people cook 90% of their own food. Not a lot of people clean out their closets of all the clothes that don't fit or have gone out of style. Not a lot of people create space for change. Perhaps we should.

This is what I am trying to do. So the t.v. was part of that. Part of becoming more present and connected.

I sat down to a quiet meal of broccoli and sauteed chickpeas for lunch yesterday. It was calm, the kids were having a picnic outside. I did not eat in front of the t.v. or computer. I watched the kids through the window and tried to focus on the food and the sound of the laughter. And connect.

Sauteed Chick Peas

2 TB olive oil

1/2 tsp each, chili powder and cumin

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed

salt and pepper to taste

squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Heat the oil in a small pan, add spices for about 30 seconds. Add garlic and chick peas and allow to saute on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and a small squeeze of lemon.

Where would you like to find more connection?

What To Do

Cherry Green Smoothie

1 cup baby romaine leaves

1 cup frozen cherries

1 banana

2 Tb coconut oil

2 cups water

1 Tb raw cacao

1/4 English cucumber

Blend it up, sip slowly.

I wish I had made a list of To-Dos a few days ago when I was super-woman. I love to cross off accomplished tasks. I have resisted list making in the past as I always lost my list or forgot about it, or "the dog ate it" somewhere along the way. Now, I must list to function as a business woman and mother of 3 high energy little loves and partner to a guy who needs some me time also.

There are the lists that are big, big long term stuff and there are the day to day. Last night my husband and I crossed off one of the big ones. We have gone out on dates before (a couple of times I clearly remember).  A friend or family member will watch the kids, but this time we hired a babysitter.

I am working hard to take some of my own advice surrounding getting support as a mother. Our role as mothers starts from the moment that baby presents itself to us in the form of a pregnancy test! It is vital to have support to get through each phase of motherhood. Last night as I crossed off a big goal on my list I felt proud. I was actually a nervous wreck last night, but I'll be better the next time. So today I sit on the computer as the baby sleeps, with my smoothie in hand and work on the next list. I am currently adding some big, BIG things to my long term goals and as for the short term, let's see.

1. Water the plants
2. Order books from amazon
3. Prepare for tonight's sessions with clients
4. Put a load of laundry in
5. Put away the rest of the groceries
6. E-mail Patrick and check in
7. Remember to pick Eli up from school
8. Breathe
9. Finish Newsletter
10. Freeze half of the pesto (oh you should know about that)

Arugula Sunflower and Almond Pesto

3 cups or so of baby arugula (you can mix in some other baby greens if you have them)

2 garlic cloves

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup or more good quality olive oil (this part is so important)

juice of 1 lemon

sea salt and pepper

In a food processor or high speed blender, process or blend the ingredients together. You may need more oil, be sure to scrape down the sides often until you have a smooth texture. Check for seasonings.

I plan to serve this over tortellini for the kids tonight. Recently they discovered tortellini and though I am mostly  a gluten-free cook, I am indulging them in this treat. So tonight it will be monster tortellini and I'm sure I will hear a grumble or two until they taste it and realize that the green goo isn't so bad. I am going to freeze the rest and use for a vegetable gratin of some sort. I'll get back to you on that.

Have you crossed off any big to-dos lately? Find some support and start crossing off!

Kid Platter

I have a little boy who will eat cucumbers, celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, lentils, beans, hummus, most fruit and green olives, watch out! He is not yet 2. At some point he will turn 2 and then 2 1/2 and developmentally will hit a picky eating stage. Eli, now a month away from 5, used to eat quesadillas with brown rice, lentils and seaweed inside. The he turned 3 and wanted all his food separate. He hit his picky eating stage and for almost 3 years he has gone without a piece of lettuce entering his body. It has always been offered, available, but not eaten by this little boy. So he has had lots of steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, raw carrots, cucumber and celery and recently green smoothies. It seemed to me lettuce was just not his thing. He saw all of us eat it. He has planted it, picked it, purchased it at the farmer's markets and even helped make salads.

Imagine my surprise at his preschool the other day as the children sampled different parts of plants that you eat, he picks up a lettuce leave and says, "Mmm, I just love these juicy little lettuce leaves." Juicy little lettuce leaves! Going with the flow of our children can be so challenging. Feeding our family a beautiful and healthy meal that makes everyone happy can become a battle unless we simplify.

I have a guiding word for the year and it is simplify. Simplify. It is guiding me to find balance and get closer to the vision of what is important to my life. I have used simplify to guide my meals, which means keeping recipes to a minimum, using fresh foods as the centerpiece. I was a mama who would bribe for a child to eat 3 bites of food, I have even gone on dinner strike. Which means I refused to cook dinner because it felt so unrewarding to have kids turn up their noses to all the work you have just done. Learning that children eat differently takes some time. Bribing in my opinion is how to set up life long eating disorders and issues with food. Offering simple fresh foods that your children love, and some they can learn to love, is how to build a life long love and appreciation of the health that food can bring us. Try to look at food through your child's eyes. A bowl of chunky soup may seem really strange and foreign, but that same soup blended up with some crackers for dipping could be a lot of fun. Or perhaps a deconstructed soup or just the broth with some torn turkey lunch meat in it and cucumbers on the side. It takes some time to figure each of our children out. Once you do, planning meals gets much easier.

The other night, Patrick cooked up some sliced chicken in oil, salt and pepper and put it in the fridge until it was time to eat. I sliced strawberries, pulled out some arugula and baby lettuce from the fridge, made a quick dressing with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt and pepper and we all sat down to eat. Chloe wanted only green baby lettuce, strawberries and chicken. Eli had purple baby lettuce, strawberries and chicken. Lucas had everything and fed it all to the dog. Patrick and I made huge bowls full of greens topped with strawberry chicken salad. When Lucas started complaining, I pulled out a bag of frozen blueberries and that made all children happy while Patrick and I finished our salads.

Simplify.

Are there ways you can simplify your family meals?