August Wrap-Up: Favorites from the Month

August Wrap-Up: Favorites from the Month

This post is coming to you hot! 🔥 So hot that I literally just finished writing this the moment before it went live.  Basically, I almost skipped writing an August favorites post until I realized that August has 31 days!  Huzzah!  That extra day gave me the time I needed to coagulate all of my favorite things from food, entertainment, and more!  What have I been so busy with that I couldn’t write my favorites down?  I can’t tell you all quite yet!  Call me superstitious but I just like to get my ducks in a line before I make any announcements. 

Also, I hope to get blog posts back on a regular schedule.  I try to put out two a week but content and timing varies.  I’ve got ideas for my next few posts but I just need to actually WRITE them.  They are coming soon.  If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll be sure to get the latest and greatest there first!  Anyway, let’s get on with my August Wrap-Up!

What I’ve Been Reading

How to End the Game of Catching Up

I am constantly seeking ways to improve myself.  One of the most common thoughts that come to my head is: as soon as I get caught up with this, then I’ll have more time to do what I want.  The mistake here is in putting off doing what I want in favor of things that are always going to be there.  “How to End the Endless Game of Catching Up” over on Be More With Less describes exactly that.

Apparently, I’m a Highly Sensitive Person.

Who knew?  Okay, I kind of always had a feeling growing up that I was extremely sensitive.  I’m sensitive to a sales associate at a clothing store asking me if I need help the way others seem to be sensitive about the Game of Thrones halfway season finale.  Both are startling (so I hear. I don’t watch GOT) but I will elicit a strong reaction to even the most miniscule of circumstances.  So, I try to stay away from labels but I can’t help but relate and feel less alone when reading articles that seem to describe my life.  I might cry over spilled milk but knowing there are other HSPs out there doing the same thing is comforting.  Oh, and there’s a quiz here if you’re wondering if you could also be highly sensitive.

A Positive Spin on Bad Habits

On a funnier note, I often refer back to this Man Repeller post just to make me feel like less of a screw-up.  I mean, I may be incapable of making a decision about ANYTHING but that makes me open-minded to possibilities and I can live with that.  Sort of.  What’s your bad trait?

Movie and TV Favorites

Atomic Blonde

august favoritesI am a sucker for a female-led film and this one delivers.  Charlize Theron plays a spy on a mission to recover a list of names during 1980s Germany, at a time when there is much instability surrounding the Berlin Wall.  It’s spy against spy in this thriller/action film because it is hard to know who can be trusted.  The dark and punk setting adds much to the overall vibe and theatrics of the film which leads like a wicked graphic novel as it switches from scene to scene.  Plus, Theron can throw and take some serious sucker punches all while strutting around in uber-cool outfits.  There is no other way to describe Atomic Blonde except: badass.  As a disclaimer, the film isn’t very kid-friendly due to sex, language, and violence.

Orphan Black

On the smaller screen, I’ve recently started watching the series Orphan Black thanks to my Direct TV On Demand.  (We recently switched satellite providers and I’ve finally got access to On Demand!  Yay!)  It is about a young woman who is trying to clean up her act to regain custody of her daughter but instead figures out that there’s a whole lot more to her origins.  She engages in some duplicitous behavior and discovers she is one of many clones that look exactly like she does.  It’s got drama, suspense, a super-cute gay friend that I wish was mine, and a story line that keeps twisting and turning.  It’s Canadian entertainment at its finest.  Earlier this year the show wrapped but I’m just getting around to seeing it and I’m hooked!  Also, I’m only on season 2 right now so, please, keep the spoilers to yourself.

Food Favorites

Cookie and Kate’s Cookbook + White Bean Pesto (Dip)

You guys know I’m obsessed with the Cookie and Kate Love Real Food Cookbook.  If you don’t, you must be new here.  Hey, happy to have you here, new friends! 👋 Anyway, I’ve been cooking up different things from the cookbook like the Colorful Weeknight Burrito Bowls and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Green Rice.  The recipes are so substitute-friendly for allergies, vegetarian/vegan, and, most-importantly, they are all majorly delicious! 

august wrap-up favorites from the month

Plus, I tested out a wicked White Bean Pesto from the Crostini recipe in her cookbook and OMG, it is SO GOOD.  Honestly, I like dips but most of them just make me want to eat pita chips or crackers.  The white bean pesto spread actually works as a delicious dip for veggies!  As you can see, I was so hooked on these roasted veggie bowls with white bean pesto dip.

august wrap-up favorites from the month

Half Baked Harvest’s Mean Green Detox Salad

I try to cycle sync my food but powerhouse ingredients found in this salad, like kale, broccoli, chickpeas, and avocado, are good anytime!  Y’all know I don’t often repeat meals but I can tell you I’ve been very hooked on this one!  I’ve switched up the fruit, too, and you can’t go wrong!  Oh, and you’ll want to double the lemon tahini dressing because it’s so freaking tasty!  

august wrap-up favorites from the month

Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Peach Smoothie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYdwDxug6s3/?taken-by=melaniemakesithappen

I’ve yet to post the recipe for this one.  Is it mean of me to include it in my favorites?  If so, I’m sorry for being a tease but, the recipe is coming soon!  I’ve been trying to creatively pair WomanCode approved foods for my cycle and this smoothie is loaded with multiple luteal phase appropriate goods.  Stay tuned!

What I’m Listening To

The Balanced Blonde’s Soul on Fire Podcast

Have you ever spoken to someone and they mention feelings or ideas that you have but you’ve never said out loud?  That’s how I feel listening to the Soul on Fire Podcast.  Jordan and her guests have all been through some miraculous and difficult experiences on their route to finding their passions.  I truly find inspiration in each episode and that just motivates me more to find my path.  I’ve been mentioning how I want to change some things in my life and this podcast is honestly a big part of that reason.  I’ve been flip-flopping around through episodes but some of my favorites so far are the episodes with: Jonathan Albrecht, Jeannette Ogden, and Emma Mildon.

Jessica Murnane’s One Part Podcast

I had heard of Jessica Murnane when she released her cookbook but it wasn’t until I listened to her episode on The Balanced Blonde’s Podcast that I decided to check her out.  Jessica’s One Part Podcast is similar to Soul on Fire but more concentrated on specific topics with each guest.  I’d say OPP is educational but not in a boring way!  Here are some episodes I’ve found fascinating so far: The Hidden Dangers in Healthy Food and Doing Your Dharma.

Magical Moment of August

I’m going to be a bit vague here for the sake of privacy.  A friend of mine has been going through some wild things the past few years.  He tried any drug he could get his hands on and abused all the substances, most notably alcohol.  Of course, he was as vibrant and as could be when he would talk to me because he did not want to let on how much of a mess he felt like.  I could see what he was doing to himself but we’re all adults here so you can’t force anyone to change their ways.  They have to want that for themselves.  Finally, he did. 

I was talking to him on the phone just recently and he had a different zest about him.  Over the years, he has left out key details about his life.  In fact, he almost wasn’t going to tell me what had happened to lead up to his present, newfound passion for life.  He said it was bad and he tries to just tell me the good things.  That really struck me and, frustrated, I said:

You can’t just tell me about the good things that happen to you.  Everyone has good and bad experiences that happen to them but you can’t learn from them if you’re only hearing the good part. 

You know, or something like that.  It made me think about how on social media is largely comprised of accomplishments, flattering pictures, and best case scenarios.  Why?  Well, people (myself included) like to share the GOOD things.  That’s understandable but, if you ever have the chance, asks someone how they got to where they are.  I bet you’ll find out the “bad” or less glamorous experiences that make up their story are a hell of a lot more worthwhile.

august wrap up favorites from the month

If you’re a regular reader, you may notice that my monthly wrap-up posts change depending on what favorites I have.  Like, for August, there are no product favorites!  What?  I know.  I’ve kind of been a shut-in this past month because summertime is like the equivalent of walking into an oven broiler where I live.  No joke.  That’s why I’ve been busting out so many smoothie recipes—‘cause that is all I want to eat!  Anyway, I hope to have good news (and stories to go with them) to share with you all soon. 

Have a happy month of September!

July Wrap Up—Favorites from the Month

July Wrap Up—Favorites from the Month

It’s that time again!  Monthly favorites are probably one of my favorite posts to write.  Is that fair?  Can I include my monthly favorites as a favorite?  Well, regardless, it is a great way for me to talk about what I like and what I’ve been working on during the month.  The dress that I’m wearing in the the above photo is one project that I tackled this month.  It is my first big sewing project and I’m so happy with how it turned out.  I’m not ready to instruct a course on how to sew but there are a couple of things I’m excited to tell you about.  Keep reading to find out.

Food Favorites

Can’t Stop Won’t Stop with Pumpkin

I am either really eager for fall or plain in love with pumpkin.  Maybe both.  I enjoyed pumpkin in sweet and savory recipes:  pumpkin pasta, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin cinnamon date muffins!   The pasta is something I definitely want to turn into a blog recipe because it was so good!  As for the others, I followed the Tone it Up recipes for the pumpkin smoothie, using frozen pumpkin ice cubes instead off soft puree.  Additionally, pumpkin is my favorite puree to sub in the Cinnamon Date Muffins.  I got the recipe from the TIU Nutrition Plan but I used 2/3 cup pumpkin puree in place of bananas in the recipe.   I enjoyed the muffins on their own and also included them in bowls with coconut chia ice cream.

july wrap up favorites

Mango Carrot Tumeric Smoothie

I like to keep my smoothies low in sugar so where does that leave mango?  Mango needed another partner besides banana and then this delicious little gem happened!  Plus, the smoothie lets me take advantage of turmeric in alternative ways besides Indian-inspired dishes.  I posted the recipe on Instagram over here.  Sometime, hopefully soon, I’ll try to get around to making my go-to smoothies permanent posts on the blog—that way they are easy to find and easy to access.

Chocolate in all its forms

july wrap up favorites

My chocolate cravings usually stay tame thanks to smoothies.  Other times, I’ll eat a squarebar.  Though, I got creative in the kitchen to make these Creamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Crisp Bars.  They’re no-bake and what I’d consider to be a “clean” treat.  The recipe ingredients may seem rich but, fear not, because one small slice is so satisfying!  Just looking at the photo of the bars reminds me that I need to remake them!

The Notable Moment of the Month

For my mom’s birthday, my family went out to eat for brunch.  I usually hate eating out because food options are limited and my family doesn’t eat meals punctually.  For the occasion, I rolled with it.  As I spent more time out and about with my family, my lunch ended up being a protein bar.  Then, my afternoon snack was a slice of the German Chocolate Cake I made my mom.

Sidenote: I used a super easy recipe from the Love Real Food Cookbook and topped it with the suggested date frosting.  My healthified baked goods don’t often please my family but my mom enjoyed the homemade cake!  She said that it tasted rich enough where a small piece was satisfying.  I can admit that it was delicious but it’s definitely more of a treat than I typically desire.  Unfortunately, a few hours after eating a slice, my blood sugar felt out of whack.

My eating schedule that day was messy to say the least.  Plus, I was relying on sugar and little substance to ride me through the day.  Here’s what I observed: 1) my body notices when I’m not eating enough food and when I’m not feeding it with nourishing food.  It freaked out by giving me brain fog and a sugar rush headache.  Additionally, 2) sweets are just too sweet for me.  The cake, while yummy, would have tasted good with a drizzle of peanut butter on top instead of the date frosting.  I’ve trained my taste buds to crave fats over sweets and some fat is what I personally missed in the cake.

It is part of life to enjoy different food and I’m okay with the occasional treat.  It also serves to reinforce how strongly I believe in the way I eat.  I follow a combination of the TIU Nutrition Plan, with FLO Living guidelines, and make that work for me.  I am comfortable to veer off the rail road tracks once in a while.  Though, for the most part, I’m satisfied with choosing healthy options.  Healthy food is what makes me feel good.

What I Read

Always and Forever Lara Jean

july wrap up favorites

In To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han, Lara Jean’s private handwritten letters to the boys she has crushed on are mailed to the boys’ homes.  Readers followed Lara Jean in the subsequent novels as she juggles between Peter and other crushes.  Now, in Always and Forever, Lara Jean, is graduating high school and wants to find a way to make things work with the boy she loves and the future she envisions for herself.   The concept may sound a bit juvenile but, in YA novels, there is a lot of beauty to explore in first loves and relationships.  They are my guilty pleasure and, just like the first two books in the series, this one delivers.  I was really satisfied with the way things wrapped.  Han keeps the spirit of young love bright and vibrant but also realistic and true.

The presence of phytoestrogens in plant-based foods

As I’ve tried to follow the recommendations for cycle-syncing for my hormones, it is important that I’m eating food that will support my cyclical phases.  Alisa Vitti’s WomanCode outlines everything quite well but she suggests avoiding soy due to the phytoestrogens.  Thus, I found this article listing some common foods high in phytoestrogens.  I’m not kicking out any foods from but rather choosing to incorporate them at the best times for my hormones.  Check out the article on 50 Foods High in Estrogen here.

Update on Cycle-Syncing

I notice that the more and more I’m looking into ideas for meals for each of my four cycle phases, the more I crave what WomanCode recommends.  The same goes for the lifestyle habits and exercise suggestions.  The book provides guidance that seems to align with my energy levels and what my body wants.  I feel increasingly in tune with what my body is capable of.  I know when to push it and when to ease off.  If this is your first time here then check out my Healthy Lifestyle: Is it Worth It? post to read a little more on cycle-syncing and WomanCode.  Also, I worked really hard on putting together comprehensive A Day of FLO Living posts so read up on the different phases here: Follicular, Ovulatory, Luteal, and Menstrual.

Products I Love

Progessence Essential Oil Blend

july wrap up favorites

A cousin-in-law of mine sells Young Living Essential Oils.  A few months ago I started using the Progessence blend, per her recommendation.  Quickly, I felt a difference in my mood and thoughts.  My hormones are pretty out of whack but they were worse before.  I constantly had mood swings and got easily frustrated.  This is a big part of the reason why my hormones are at a decent place right now.  I use it twice, daily, and I can’t go without it!

Shea Butter

I recently finished up the miscellaneous lotion bottles I had in my stash of body care.  I look for products with short, recognizable lists of ingredients.  The Shea Moisture Shea Butter is exactly that.  I’ve been using it as a moisturizer on my legs, elbows, feet, and lips!  It’s 100% raw shea butter and it is a product I can feel safe about using—plus it’s a great light moisturizer.

What I’m Listening To

In Undertow by Alvvays

Have you heard of Alvvays?  A friend of mine introduced me to their hit song “Archie, Marry Me” a few years back and I was instantly hooked.  I repeatedly listened to their self-titled debut album for months but I’m stoked to see that they are releasing a new album this September!  In Undertow is one of two singles off their upcoming album.  It’s dreamy, it’s electric, it’s poetic, and everything I loved about their first album—revamped!

Bombay Bicycle Club by Shuffle

This song is MY JAM.  I’m constantly (re)discovering old songs and this one has been on replay throughout the month.  Oddly enough, I think the song is about a relationship that is irreparably messed up.  Okay, maybe not the happiest situation but the lively beat and cascading vocals make it such a joy to listen to!  Let me know what you think if you check it out.

Thanks so much for taking an interest in my monthly favorites!  I love putting these posts together and I hope to hear back from you what your favorites from the month of July are.  xoxo

May Wrap-Up: Favorites From This Month

May Wrap-Up: Favorites From This Month

This month has been a long one but a slow one. I know that is quite the contradiction but maybe that is just life in general: long and slow. Ooh look at me being all thoughtful. 😄 Anyway, I thought I’d just whip up a post going over some favorites as far as things I tried and notable moments for me in this month of May.

First up, FOOD.  I received a package of some new product releases for 2017 at the end of April and have been slowly making my way through them. I’ve had the pleasure of trying some really inventive foods but here are a few standouts:

bRAW bars

Healthy bars can be hard to find so when I checked out the ingredients label on the bRAW bars, I was blown away. They are plant-based superfood bars filled with nuts, seeds, and gems like cacao nibs and gogi berries. They are soft, yet crispy from the texture of all of the goods inside them. These bars do need to be stored in the refrigerator but I found they were fine to carry with me in my bag if I consumed them within a few hours. Their store availability is limited but, fortunately, they are available online from their website.

braw bars favorites

Rolling Greens Millet Tots

rolling greens millet tots

The brand Rolling Greens has put a creative, healthy spin on the classic tater tot without sacrificing the texture and flavor that I grew up loving in traditional tots. Instead of white potatoes, the tots are made from the ancient grain millet. So far I’ve tried the Poblano Chili and Sweet Potato flavor, along with the Garlic and Basil flavor. There is also a plain sea salt one but I was too excited about these two flavors so I haven’t touched the plain yet. I’m sure it is as great as the two I’ve tried!
You can check out their gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan-friendly tots here. The Rolling Mills millet tots come frozen and are ready to eat after just 15 minutes in the oven! They make a fun addition to salads, roasted veggies, homemade hamburgers, or simply as a snack/appetizer with some zesty dip.

And I’ve got a couple of non-food favorites…

Love Real Food Cookbook

After over a year of reading Kate from Cookie and Kate talk about writing, revising, and developing recipes for her cookbook, Love Real Food, the pre-order finally happened in January. These past few months of waiting were brutal but, now that it is in my hands, I love it! The book perfectly captures the simplicity of her blog and the clean, plant-centered cooking method I love.  I predict each of the recipes will become favorites of mine because all of the dishes look so good! It’s not a cookbook just for vegetarians either–there is much to enjoy even for omnivores, gluten-free eaters, and vegans alike 😉

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUutRPMgLLM/

Follow me on Instagram to see what I cook up from Love Real Food and find more details about the book here.

Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me by Lily Collins

Another book I’ve been into this month has been Lily Collins’ new release. Earlier this week I published a blog post on my thoughts about the book so I won’t overdo it with the review–see my post for that. I just love that each chapter has a positive and inspirational message. I did not relate to each one but many of the messages did touch me on a personal level.
unfiltered lily collins quote

TV favorites: Riverdale

This is the show I didn’t know I was missing! The neat thing about this CW show is that the characters are based on Archie Comics characters. Though, you don’t need to have read the comics to understand the show. The first season’s plot circles around a crime committed during the summer before the teens’ sophomore year of high school. The Archie gang is hot on the case trying to figure out who did it but anyone in town can be a suspect. At the same time, the tangled web of romantic relationships between the Archie gang and the Riverdale adults keeps viewers on their toes.  The show was just added to Netflix so catch up over there!

riverdale favorites

Yoga for Days

I’ve been practicing yoga on a daily basis for around 6 months now. Majority of the time I start my day with a video from Yoga with Adriene but occasionally I’ll practice in the evening, try another yogi’s video, or simply do my own thing. There’s lots of wiggle room for when, where, and how you can practice yoga. Notice the keyword: practice. I’ve long let go of the idea that I need to “do” yoga and instead I let my body be. That has allowed me to slowly build up to bakasana, or crow pose.

favorite pose bakasana
This was a really hard one for me back in December when I first started practicing. It has been my favorite to practice because it is so challenging! I couldn’t even lift a toe off the ground and now I can actually balance. My form is definitely not perfect but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This little victory makes me really appreciate what my body can do.

Moment of Reflection

I spent the past few months feeling like I was in some kind of rush to get the right job, push my body to look a certain way, and overall be at a place I’m just not at yet. I’m not giving up on anything but I think the more I focus on what I don’t have, the more stressed I feel. And I don’t need that. Instead, I’m working on being present and taking care of myself right now. I quickly get caught up in a plan that I have/want for myself in the future but I don’t want to sacrifice enjoying the now to get there.

What have you guys been up to this month? Have you discovered some new favorites? Made any realizations? Heck, even if you just ship Bughead from Riverdale (no, especially if you ship Bughead) then I want to hear from you. Drop me some comments down below and I hope we can all leap into a happy month of June!