Audrey's Cozy Veggie Soup

Hello gorgeous people! As cold season is once again upon us, it's time to start eating better and taking better care of our bodies. More fruits, more veggies, more whole carbohydrates will keep us from catching the nasties. Here is a super simple and easy soup recipe that actually takes good and is the perfect remedy for the fall sniffles.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow summer squash, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 quart vegetable broth
• 2 cans cannellini beans
• 1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juices
• 3 cups chopped kale, stem removed
• 2 teaspoons salt

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, celery, zucchini and squash. Saute for 4 minutes
Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme and rosemary
Stir in the broth, beans, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and add kale
Cover pot and simmer for 15 minutes
Add the salt, pepper and vinegar.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Enjoy!

Audrey xx

Finding Peace

The modern world is full of crazy madness, and sometimes we just need a break from it all. I've had a crazy past couple of weeks, from nonstop rehearsals and endless schoolwork that seem to have clouded my brain. Here are some things that can help you take your foot off the gas and find your peace again.

Music

I've always had a love for listening to music, playing instruments, and singing. It brings a sense of unity to my body and I always feel better after spending some time with it. You will feel more yourself after listening to something you truly love and bring you back to where you feel most at home.

Books

Books are one of the best ways to relax. It focuses your body on relaxing and you forget all about why you were feeling anxious or stressed as you melt into the story. Turn off your phone and chuck it across the room and delve into good-quality reading material. 

Incense 

Incense is usually found in a stick of plant materials and often essential oils that when you light them, they infuse into the air and release a calming scent and bring about a sense of warmth and calm. It's especially relaxing to just watch the smoke curling through the air and twirling around.

Essential oils 

Essential oils are truly magical things. Whether you want to perk up, calm down, or clear your head, essential oils can assist. Pop your favorite scent into an oil diffuser, or sprinkle a bit on your pillow to soothe you. I love lavender essential oil to relax and calm down, especially in the nighttime. 

Nature walks

This is one of my favorite things to do to wind down. If you have a dog, take him along with you. Find a quiet spot, preferably in the woods or along water and discover the serenity of nature.

Candles

Never forget about the healing power of candles! The ambient glow and flickering flame always calms me down and makes me feel more one with myself and my energy. It reminds me to think warm and comforting thoughts. 

"There is no path to peace. Peace is the path." --Gandhi

What's In My Washbag ~ Fall 2015

Hello you! I have recently been switching over all my products to more natural and vegan versions whenever I have a little extra money. While most natural products are more on the expensive side, I think it's totally worth not harming the environment, the animals, and your own body while doing daily tasks. Plus, I've found some pretty budget-friendly items that you won't have to break the bank for. Here's what I've been using and loving lately!

 

Hair: Hask Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

($5.99 each)

This duo is an awesome one for my curly girls or those with thick, unmanageable hair. It's super conditioning and moisturizing and smells incredible as well. I shampoo about every couple of days, and if I need a little refresher, I'll just use the conditioner.

 

Body: ACURE Clarifying Body Wash

($9.99)

This body wash is freaking amazing! It is a clarifying body wash, so it helps clear up any blemishes on your body. While I personally do not struggle with this, I still feel like my skin is super clean after using this, and it smells so nice as well: mint and lilac. It makes my bathroom smell really nice after I've used it!

 

Body: Coconut Oil

($5.99)

I have tried countless different skin moisturizers and lotions only to find that none of them truly work to actually nourish my skin. Now, I have seen the light, and recently started using coconut oil instead! If you're not a fan of the "greasy" feel, you probably would hate this, but if you don't really mind, I highly recommend giving it a go!

 

Face: Charcoal sponge

($3.99)

Before I cleanse my skin, I like to kind of loosen up the crap (oil, makeup, sweat, all that nasty stuff) with this charcoal sponge. It's super revitalizing and really helps me wake up in the morning. Using some kind of exfoliator before cleansing really helps to properly clean your skin.

 

Body: Dry brush

($6.99)

I just recently got into dry brushing, which means using a soft-bristled body brush to literally brush your body. It's really good for getting rid of cellulite and stretch marks, and it also improves the blood flow to your skin and really makes your body glow!

 

Face: Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser

($9.95)

I am in love with this cleanser! Not only is it 100% vegan and cruelty-free, it really does its job. My face feels its best after using this product and it's great for all skin types!

 

Face: Avalon Organics Moisturizer

($14.99)

Last but definitely not least, we have a face moisturizer. I have the Lavender scented one, which smells absolutely fabulous, it kind of tingles when you put it on. It's a little pricey I guess, considering its small size, but I could see myself repurchasing it in the future as it feels amazing on.

 

There you go! That's what I am using in the shower, in case you're weird like me and enjoy seeing what people use to clean themselves. Wow I'm strange. I highly encourage you to "naturalize" your skincare and bodycare items whenever you have the money to do so! I hope you have a gorgeous day,

 

Audrey xx

feels like summer ~ an OOTD

I hope you had a gorgeous day xx

Audrey

Speak Your Truth

When we wake up in the morning from our rest in the morning, we are setting ourselves up for the day. We unconsciously plan out in our mind  how our day is going to go and how we will handle tough situations that try to knock us off course during the day. Basically, all we focus on is how we are going to "survive" each day. When we get into the mindset of, 'I just need to survive today and I'll be alright,' we forget how much time we are wasting when we could be creating the life we want. When we waste away the day saying we just want the day to be over with and done so we can rest again, we forget to speak our truth. When you say what you feel, people are going to notice it. Whether they like it or not is their problem. Speaking your truth means to open up your heart to others and speak about and demonstrate your ideas and values that protect you and others. It's tough to open yourself up for people to pick apart, disagree with, or criticize you. When you open up your mind and your heart, you become vulnerable. When you become vulnerable, your heart no longer has armor around it. You must remember that opening up will always have the chance that you could get hurt, however, opening up your heart does not mean you will always get hurt. Speak passionately, with love and kindness. Love, listen, and speak your truth.

"Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes." --Robin Sharma

Transform Yourself

 

 

Hello gorgeous people. Lately I've been feeling different. A good different, feeling lighter, brighter, happier, and younger. I've had some big realizations that have taken me long enough to find. I have felt peaceful, more connected, more within my body. I have been spending more time with myself, alone, to think and be. Normally, my thoughts and mind would torment me, hounding me with anxieties and bringing about things that cause me distress. My mind has almost snapped out of it. My dreams are vivid and vibrant, a happy place that encourages love and peace. I feel inspired by almost everything. Music is sparking creativity into me. I'm living the life I want to live, and it feels amazing. Since I feel how I've always wanted to feel, I want to share what helped me come about these realizations and this feeling of peace, as I want other people to feel happy and loved.

 

 

 

Spend your days in the sun

 

Nature and the outdoors is one of the only things in this world that moves at a slow pace. It's perfect for creating, relaxing, and living in. Go outside. Realize how small the grass blades are, and how vast the sky is. If nature is where you live, nature is where your heart will be. Your heart will learn to love the little things, and the vast, incredibly large things, and everything in between.

 

 

 

Read simple, old novels

 

Read about life before the difficulties of the modern times, read about true love, adventures and mishaps, resolution and promise. Connect with the characters, allow them into your life. Fill your mind with stories and tales, and let those be your escape.

 

 

Nourish your body

 

Eat with soul and purpose. Eat foods that don't harm others and that come from the earth. Eat with the intention to feed yourself with foods that don't harm your body or anyone else's body. Drink water, loads of it.

 

 

Be by yourself

 

Spend time with your most important person in your life: yourself. Feel gratitude towards your body, not hate. Love yourself. Spend time in your thoughts, acknowledge your imperfections and think deeply. Learn new things. Speak highly of yourself and others. Let yourself experience old and new emotions. Listen to music that makes you feel full and loved.

 

 

Be in your natural state

 

Wear less makeup, wear your hair natural, love yourself for how you are. Feel raw and exposed more often. Say what comes to your mind, be spontaneous, play and be.

 

 

 

Most of all, never stop discovering new things about yourself and the beautiful planet we live in.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi

 

Audrey x

 



Signs You Might Have: Gluten Sensitivity / Intolerance

Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat, and barley. While most people can handle eating foods containing this protein, there are millions of people in the U.S. who have difficulties with it. Gluten is found in most pastas, crackers, and bread. My brother struggles with digesting it, and I went through a time where it was hard for me to digest it as well. I notice that when I'm feeling particularly stressed or anxious, I will have difficulties processing it. While for most, it's just a sensitivity, severe cases are typically diagnosed with Celiac disease.
Here are some symptoms of gluten intolerance: (all occurring after consuming gluten)

• nausea
• fatigue
• headaches
• bloating
• diarrhea and/or vomiting
• abdominal pain

You could have one or two of these symptoms, or you could have all of them, depending on the severity of your sensitivity. If you have any of these symptoms after consuming gluten, you may want to get tested for Celiac disease so you can get treated before it gets out of hand. To help in the meantime, try out some gluten-free alternatives! Most gluten-free products use a different flour than wheat, such as corn, bean, quinoa, or tapioca. (Don't worry, not all gluten-free products suck).

Hope this was helpful,

Audrey xx