Healthy Lifestyle

Roots

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Imagine for a second living your entire life without a concept that you are anything more than just your body. You spend every year working to lose the extra fifteen pounds around the middle, you obsess on the dress size, you might try exercising but realize it can be challenging, you spend the majority of your adult life defining what you do, you gather accolades and awards and letters behind your name, you seek people to validate your existence and then one day, usually when life becomes gravely challenging, you realize that you are so much more than the what that you have aimed for decades to become.

What if I could encourage you to see that you are so much more than the what that you have been told you are, or what you have strived to achieve? What if I could invite you into a place where you see that much more than what meets the outer eye.

Let’s back up. Think about this:

What is the most important part of a house? What is the most important part of a tree?

Without the foundation and the roots, we may never see the beautiful windows and stunning branches and leaves. So if your body is the windows and branches and you have neglected the foundation or the roots, what will happen when life gets hard? (It will get hard, you know that).

Will your walls cave in? Will you blow over in a “storm”?

What are the parts of you that hold up the windows and branches?

What sustains you? What supports you?

What are the aspects of you that is your foundation or your roots?

I like to think of these as values or principles in which we live our physical life as. The branches that we become are all based on the root system that feeds, stabilizes and ensures we are our best self.

For me, my root system consists of the following four main roots (or four main foundation walls):

  • gratitude: the minute I step away from recognizing all that I have in my life and start complaining I have gotten lost and the root rot begins
  • strength: opting for the easy way out or choosing to give up is a sure sign that I will blow over the second life gets hard
  • positivity: there is nothing like a dose of negativity to squelch your growth. Period. If it isn’t nice or hopeful then don’t say it.
  • responsibility: doing what I say I will do and keeping myself accountable has served me so well both personally and professionally. If I walk away from that, I am done.

Ask yourself these questions and sit with yourself. Peel away all the “what’” that makes you up—man, woman, mother, father, heavy, thin, your job title, your credentials, and your outer form.

Now, ask yourself who am I? What is the essence of me? How do I show up in the world? You might find that the values/roots that make up your beautiful tree are things like love, purpose, courage, family, service, honesty, respect, accountability, knowledge, faith, and many more.

Do this important work now because soon we will take it a little further and look at how our actions, thoughts and words are aligning with those identified values.

Hang on, my friends. It’s about to get real!

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Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

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Let’s face it. Pumpkin season is here and yet it’s still a tad warm in some areas so cold brew coffee is still refreshing. Or if you’re like me, cold brew is richly bold and amazing anytime!

I am a sucker for the pumpkin cream cold brew at Starbucks. A true sucker. You might be asking—what is a pumpkin cream cold brew? It is an iced coffee that has a layer of cold brew topped with a pumpkin cold foam. The foam is made using a mixture of cream (or half and half), milk, pumpkin, and spices. Super simple to whip with a frother, or blender, giving you that silky smooth topping.

I decided it was time to recreate their popular fall drink, and man am I glad I did. This pumpkin spice drink tastes exactly like their version but costs a fraction of the price and takes less than 5 minutes to make! Plus I can tweak it to my own taste preferences.

Here it is. So simple:

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream or half and half
  • 2 tablespoons 2% or higher milk
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or pure cinnamon essential oil)
  • pinch ground nutmeg
  • pinch of ginger (or pure ginger essential oil)
  • 12 oz cold brew coffee
  • *if you opt to use essential oils, ensure that they are pure. I use this brand and can gladly coach you on proper use.

INSTRUCTIONS

How to Make Pumpkin Sweet Cream

  • Combine the cream, milk, syrup, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a jar.
  • Using a frother, mix for 1 to 2 minutes or until the cream begins to foam.
  • Alternatively, you can use a blender or mix by hand. Any way you decide, this pumpkin creamer is going to be the perfect topping!

BUILDING THE COFFEE: 

  • Add ice to 2 large glasses.
  • Pour 6 oz cold brew into each glass.
  • Divide the pumpkin sweet cream between the two glasses and enjoy.

One question I get often—

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes, but you will have a less foamy and creamy texture to your topping. I suggest trying oat milk for the heavy cream and milk.

Easy peasy and so much cheaper!

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Mastering the Art of Self Love

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“As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering were only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.”

Charlie Chaplin

Self-love is the foundation and basis for all the love that flows from our hearts to others.

For many years I was a seeker of love outside of myself. In some ways we all are—we want validation and to be seen—that is normal human behavior. My trouble came when in the truthful and quiet moments with myself, I really didn’t like who I was, and actually loving myself was not even in the ball park.

Then I woke up.

I realized that my kids needed a healthy mom. They needed someone who demonstrated self love. They required a mom who was no longer angry but instead developed an acceptance for life’s hard things and took them as lessons to grow.

I also became radically aware of self care. For decades I thought self care was selfish and totally for the elite. Wow, right? I came to realize that the only way I was to find pure unconditional love was to begin by loving myself unconditionally. You attract what you are.

Today I actually coach women (and men) on the power of a deliberate self care routine to help become the very best version of yourself. It’s not all about bubble baths, although those those do help tremendously.

Self love is now one of my deepest values.

It is one of the four main “roots” or “walls” that hold me up during storms. Without it, I’d crumble.

I choose self love daily by walking, working out, spending time in my garden, playing on a yoga mat, sipping nice vodka, daily gratitude, enjoying delicious coffee and of course, lavish bubble baths. One way that I combat living with chronic pain is to fight back against it with so much self love and self care through movement that my mind simply cannot focus on the pain long, because I am instead experiencing the joy of being alive.

I can’t believe that I once told myself that self love was selfish. After two decades of self love it has now become a part of everyday living. I know that without this radical practice of self love I would not be able to handle life’s challenges and I would not be able to give so much love. Truly by filling up myself with love daily, I am able to give more to others.

Don’t wait for a health crisis or a divorce to learn you are worthy.

Love yourself radically and fiercely now.

Trust me, mastering the art of self love is the best gift you’ll ever give yourself. You deserve it.

xo

Reach out to me for a free wellness consult and learn how YOU can change your mindset!

With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Easy Peanut Butter Bars

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Let life be sweet like chocolate.

Here’s a cozy and simple take on Four-Ingredient Peanut Butter Bars—delicious, wholesome, and perfect for a quick sweet treat.

I am all about easy when it comes to quick breakfasts or snacks. Who has time for the whole shebang?

These simple bars are perfect for on the go people like me or to stash in the lunchbox for the kiddos.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 super ripe bananas
  • 1/4 cup smooth, natural peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup instant or quick cooking oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. Add the bananas to a large bowl and mash until almost smooth. Add in the peanut butter and vanilla extract and mix well.

3. Add in the oats, salt, and baking powder and mix to combine. Fold in 1/3 cup of the chocolate chips, reserving the rest for the top of the bars.

4. Pour the mixture into the loaf pan, using a spoon or spatula to smooth it out on top. Add the remaining chocolate chips to the top of the bars. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Let cool and cut into 6-8 pieces.

Enjoy!

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The Final Quarter

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Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…. then better yourself.

It’s been a little quiet on here since I have been swamped with teaching, gardening, and I also completed a 30 days of yoga series this month.

We are headed into the final quarter of the year and I find it’s a good time to reflect on your beginning of the year visions and see how they have evolved and what I can do in the final stretch to reach them.

I set out the year with a quest to be more vulnerable. Part of me starting an online yoga teacher forum group was to open my self up to not only questions and connection, but also to open myself up to criticism and accountability. My teaching style in assisted living settings, may be much different than what one might think of when we think of adaptive Yoga.

Just this week alone some of the time I spent in assisted living was holding hands with a lonely 92-year-old woman, and helping her take her hands down to her toes for a stretch. I also rubbed the feet of a 57-year-old man with a terminal disease.

Is that yoga? I believe with 100% certainty that it is.

This year I also opened to myself up to finding someone to partner with me and shadow me to learn how to apply the principles of yoga, without such a strong focus on asana, to those unique settings. As I wait for that person to arrive in my life, I continue to serve and love each day doing it.

What will you do in these final few months of 2023 to come closer to your vision?

How can I support you?

Easy Peach Cobbler

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It’s peach heaven here in Colorado. I know you hear about Georgia peaches but a Colorado a Palisade Peach is a forerunner in the peach world.

This is summer’s favorite dessert, so naturally, it pairs perfectly with any and all of your go-to summer bbq dishes and blanching and freezing peaches is so easy. In the deepest part of cold winter you’ll be glad you did!

You may have eaten a peach cobbler or something called a cobbler, but what is it really? Is it a type of fruit pie, cake, crisp, or buckle? Or a combination? One thing is for sure, peach cobbler recipes really aren’t that complicated, and I’m here to end the confusion. Plus you basically dump, mix and bake.

Cobblers can be both a dessert or savory baked dish, topped with a biscuit-type batter that may be sweet, savory, or cake-like. The batter is dropped in spoonfuls over fresh, frozen, preserved fruits or savory fillings. When baked, the golden topping has a “cobbled” appearance, ergo, a cobbler!

Traditionally peach cobblers, crisps, and crumbles are freeform desserts without a bottom crust. Although some peach “cobbler” recipes resemble a thick-crusted, deep-dish pie with both a top and bottom “crust,” similar to a buckle. This comes out like a light cake-like crust surrounding the filling, and it’s truly to die for.

Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe Ingredients

  • Peaches – fresh sliced peaches or frozen, gently thawed, and thoroughly drained. (Save that juice and make Peach Sangria!) 
  • Unsalted Butter – is preferred in this peach cobbler recipe. If you only have salted on hand, it’s still a go!
  • Flour – this recipe uses all-purpose flour. Be sure to use the scoop and smooth method when measuring out flour.
  • Granulated White Sugar 
  • Baking Powder – Baking powder loses its potency rather quickly, and your recipe won’t rise properly if it’s too old. You can test your baking powder for freshness. Simply, pour a little baking powder into hot water — if it fizzes, it’s still good to use!
  • Salt 
  • Milk – I always prefer whole milk unless specified in a recipe. The butter fat content adds to the richness factor of baked goods.
  • Egg
  • Vanilla Extract – warms and enhances the sweetness with soft vanilla and nut notes. 
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg – sing with aromatic, woody spice harmony in homemade peach cobbler! 
  • Brown Sugar 
  • Ice Cream For Serving – optional but highly recommended for old fashion peach cobbler recipes to be served à la mode.

Ingredients

  •  2 cups peeled peaches (if frozen, thaw and drain juice)
  •  1/4 cup butter
  •  1/2 cup flour
  •  1 cup sugar (divided)
  •  1 teaspoon baking powder
  •  1/4 teaspoon salt
  •  1/3 cup milk
  •  1 egg
  •  1/4 tsp vanilla
  •  1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  •  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  •  1/4 cup brown sugar
  •  ice cream for serving (optional)

How To Make Homemade Peach Cobbler 

Heads up, fellow peach cobbler lovers! Do Not Stir the ingredients when you layer them in the baking dish!

Step 1. Melt butter in a 9-inch glass dish while the oven preheats.

Step 2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, then stir milk and egg into the flour mixture.

Step 3. Pour batter into the glass baking dish over melted butter. – Do Not Stir

Step 4. In a separate bowl, dump sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg over peaches; fold/stir to combine. 

Step 5. Spoon peaches gently over the batter. – Do Not Stir

Step 6. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of the peaches and batter.

Bake homemade peach cobbler for 40-45 mins or until peaches are bubbly and the cobbler crust is golden brown.

Yummmmmmm.

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Consistency is Key

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It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.

Anthony Robbins

I say all the time in my classes that Yoga is how we show up in life. It’s taking the tools we access in a physical practice—steadiness, concentration, presence, acceptance, surrender, courage—and applying them to life.

At the beginning of August I started a program to help me get back on my Yoga mat (or chair) consistently. To be honest, I was dreading it. The commitment that I made felt overwhelming and more than I could handle. I was so stressed about the details of recording the videos, when I would carve out the time, would it be good, what would I have to give up to make the time, etc.

Surprise surprise it has been one of the best months of my life. I crave the time to go out and move my body. Just 15-20 minutes a day and I am feeling more grounded, more aware and my body feels good.

The practice of consistency and showing up in your life with a commitment to be the best version of yourself you can is where the magic is.

I believe 100% that every aspect of our life will be influenced by being consistent. Our friendships, intimate relationships, work place connections, and our presence is the world itself will be effected in a positive way when we consistently show up for ourselves and others.

Consistently showing up.

Something magical happened yesterday in my work world that bleeds into this commitment of consistency. I FINALLY broke the code at a house I’ve been going to for TWO years with zero interest from the residents, minus one guy whose feet I rubbed consistently for two years until he passed away.

Every two weeks for two years I would knock on the door and ask the residents if they wanted to hang out with me. Saying the words “yoga practice” is far too intimidating because the image comes up in most people that it requires being on the floor like a pretzel. I have found just getting them to sit down with me is step one.

Today I unlocked the code of their resistance.

I had talked many times before to this guy but usually just asked how he was and if he wanted to try yoga. Always a no. He said he preferred to walk. I often thought to myself “me too, dude”. Nevertheless, I offered.

Today I asked about what I knew was HIS passion. I asked him which foot goes on the back of the surf board. He grew up surfing in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.

That is all it took— meeting him at HIS INTEREST. The next 45 minutes three other residents joined (one young young YOUNG man who is new) and a man who has refused to even speak to me for two years.

Today I broke the walls. They all participated and I was so happy for them.

Consistency.

Showing up week after week even if they say no builds SO much trust. Trust that many of them desperately need. One student told me recently that the reason he comes to Yoga is because I am one of the only people in his world that do what they say they will.

Showing up in our own lives and practice takes consistency but the benefit is so remarkable. Whether you’re committed to your health, your business, your family or others the consistency is what will be the game changer.

Believe me, they are watching and you never know who you are inspiring.

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Caprese Stuffed Chicken

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I committed this week to finding a new recipe to try because I am over the same ol’ dinners. Working full time and basically being in my car for the entire day means my eating suffers. It’s rare that I actually eat before the afternoon and by then I am starving. I will say though I have been better about trying to have easy things to eat while on the go like my mindful muffins, protein balls or breakfast cookies.

Anyway, dinners mean a lot in my world and I look forward to eating a solid dinner every night. I just am so tired of the same things so when I saw this in a similar version, I decided to go for it since I have an abundance of tomatoes and fresh mozzarella is just so good.

This Caprese Stuffed Chicken is made with juicy chicken stuffed with tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, balsamic and herbs, topped with balsamic and pan-seared then baked to perfection.

This is an incredibly easy dish, made even easier if you’re using a skillet. It’s a simple meal on any weeknight but I decided fancy enough to serve the next time guests come over. I whipped it up in no time and the results were amazing.

I served this with a fresh salad and dinner was done.

HOW TO MAKE THIS STUFFED CHICKEN RECIPE

•Preheat the oven and slice each chicken breast horizontally most of the way through the breast. Start with the thickest part first, being careful not to slice all the way through. You want to create a pocket.

•Place tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves inside each breast and close with toothpicks. Place them in diagonally to help keep the filling in. Sprinkle each chicken breast with salt, basil, and oregano and heat olive oil in a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet.

•Once the pan is hot, sear chicken breast on each side. When flipping to the other side be careful to avoid spillage! If you are not using a cast iron pan, place chicken into a casserole dish. If you are, leave them in there and place directly in the oven when ready.

•Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

• Drizzle with a store bought balsamic glaze (or make your own with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar)

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Vulnerability Check In

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Vulnerability is defined as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” It’s that unstable feeling we get when we step out of our comfort zone or do something that forces us to loosen control.

Brene Brown

When I began 2023 like every other year for the last nearly two decades, I chose a word as a theme or guiding direction that I wanted to bring into my life. It never fails that the word I choose for the year is perfectly suited for the path I take that year. Some years have been incredibly hard, like the year I chose the word peace. That was one of the most challenging years of my life. Go figure. I guess Spirit was asking me to find peace while enduring chaos.

For 2023, I chose the word vulnerability.

Since we are nearly 3/4 the year through this year I thought I’d spend some time this afternoon thinking about where vulnerability has showed up in my journey this year. I chose the word vulnerability because I wanted to expose myself a bit more, let go of the controlled emotions and often staying in the comfort zone of life. I have a pretty ideal career and my life feels very well rounded and balanced, so rocking the boat a bit initially felt really daunting, but I knew I needed a nudge in the direction of being a little more open. My favorite teacher Brene Brown defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure. Oh boy. The big question is why if my life is going nearly perfect would I want to invite those three things in?

So far this year I have had the following experiences that required vulnerability:

  • I opted out of a needed hip replacement and had to advocate for my health despite the encouragement of doctors and family. I had to tap into my inner truth and openly admit that I was terrified and the uncertainty was too great. Admitting the emotion fear is not something I do easily or often. This was huge for me to openly expose an emotion.
  • Once the hip surgery was put on hold, I stepped into uncertainty by going forward with a knee surgery that was intended to bring some pain relief and hopefully stabilize the hip. Turns out the knee scope was brutal and required me to ask for much needed help and be willing to receive it. Not easy for me.
  • In early spring I did something wild and totally outside my comfort zone. I bought a Jeep that I had been working towards for many years. May seem like a no big deal for some , but for this frugal girl it was a huge deal.
  • The risk came when one day I emailed an agency about the adaptive yoga I have been offering in assisted living setting for years. I didn’t need the extra contract but as an entrepreneur you never become passive or assume the contracts you have will always want you. The risk turned into a surprisingly instant contract, but it meant I would give up my beloved Fridays off to add another commute day. I wrestled with it for a weekend and decided to give it a try. My mindset was if I felt overwhelmed I would simple be brave and say that it was more than I could handle. Also, something I don’t do easily. Just three weeks into the month, I got asked to add 16 more homes with this new agency, which took my monthly number up to 46 assisted living group homes a month. Gulp. I said yes.
  • With all the new contracts, I knew right away I would need to actively seek to mentor other yoga teachers. This meant stepping out of the shadows and exposing myself online as a teacher who thinks outside of the Western view of yoga and be actively open with my opinion and be a tad more outspoken than I tend to be when it comes to yoga. I created an online forum that I lead to educate other yoga teachers on the method I have carefully designed for adults with neurological conditions and other disabilities and be extremely exposed when it comes to my confidence. Hiding in the shadows of my work has been comfortable.
  • Once the knee healed and I was back to my normal activity, my body decided that my foot needed to fail me and I am now dealing with an extremely inflamed and severely arthritic foot. Again, I am faced with dealing with pain while running a business and a very full life. This means asking for help, taking life a little easier when I can and giving my body so much grace.
  • One day in July I got a hair brained idea to teach a virtual 30 days of yoga series, beginning August 1. That meant I needed to get myself on a yoga mat everyday and commit to showing up for myself and others. As August 1st approached I was feeling more and more pressure, but it has actually turned out to be amazing. The messages I receive on a daily basis from new students and long time students has been so fulfilling. Plus, getting on my yoga mat (or a chair) everyday has been so great. What I initially felt to be so much added stress has actually turned into so much goodness.

The year is not over and I hope that I continue to grow into my quest to be more vulnerable. I am open to allowing myself to feel more emotions and to living with uncertainty. I have learned that each day is a chance to be present in love, laugh a little more and appreciate the emotions that arise. There are moments every day that ask me to open myself up a tiny bit more to others and to life.

What’s your word of the year? Have you done a check in?

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Memories and Mood

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“Nothing brings to life again a forgotten memory like fragrance.“

– C Poindexter.

Did you know that you can use aromatherapy to improve your mood and remind you of memories??

Scent plays a huge role in how we think and feel, AND triggers memories. Our olfactory system (sense of smell) has a direct connection to the part of the brain (the amygdala) which acts as our emotional processing center and a direct link to memories. Don’t we all have a grandmother or aunt who had a certain “smell” that when we smell it we transport in time? This is why when you smell certain things you may experience a particular memory. Pretty interesting, right?

My little granddaughter Sawyer recently took home a box of crystals from my house and exclaimed to her daddy the other day “oh no, these don’t smell like maymay anymore”. I’ve been wearing the same blend of oils every time I am around her since the day she was born. Love that she associates my “smell” already. I have my grandmothers old medicine cabinet in my home and when I open it I instantly go back to being a little girl and getting treated with iodine and a bandage. Since I live in the house I grew up in, every once in a while when I open the coat closet I get a whiff of my mom and her career as a hairdresser and remember her coming home tired after giving perms all day and hang up her coat. It is such a crazy thing that our limbic brain holds onto memories that are associated with smell. Definitely check out this post about the brain…it is fascinating!

In my work with people with dementia and other neurological conditions, I use aromatherapy all the time. I love to share a blend of citrus oils with a touch of vanilla and tell a story that we are all young kids and the ice cream truck comes and on the side of the truck is something that smells just like that. I put a few drops in each of their hands and they smell it while I tell the story. Sure enough within a few seconds, someone will say “creamsicle” or “orange sherbet”. Sadly though not all memories are good. I usually spray the area that I will be teaching to gift an aromatherapy boost before the class. One day I sprayed a blend of orange, cinnamon, and clove. To me it smells like fall and the holidays, but to one of my students the clove triggered a horrible childhood memory and he was unable to stay in the class. I felt terrible and realized that not all smells are going to be welcomed. Lesson for me learned. Now I stick with pretty benign smells like citrus, lavenders and trees.

Pretty amazing that now that that we know this, we can use certain oils to uplift our mood or even relieve feelings of stress or worry and also create or trigger memories.

What is your go to mood oil? My all-time favorite is Wild Orange! It’s a beautiful “balancing” oil, meaning that depending on what are are feeling it can either lift us up or calm us down. It is a very unique citrus oil that has some pretty amazing benefits. I love it!!!! Heavenly! The blend that I have been wearing since my granddaughter was born that she now associates with me is orange, lavender, patchouli, rose and sandalwood.

If you are not sure but would like to try I’m happy to send you a sample to help your mood and memories!

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Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

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My garden is bursting with some really good size acorn squash this year and one of my favorite ways to prepare it is simply roasted. This easy Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is a flavorful, colorful, and nutritious side that goes with everything! You’ll love how easy it is to make this! Acorn squash is not just super flavorful but it is also packed with nutrition.

Health Benefits of Acorn Squash:

Acorn squash is high in antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. They contain carotenoids, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, thiamine, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and other key nutrients. Acorn squash is in usually available year-round, with peak season from early October to December. A ripe Acorn Squash will feel heavy for its size and has smooth, dull skin, and no soft spots. Look for one that has a good mix between green and orange coloring.

The Ingredients

This easy, basic recipe is essentially just acorn squash, butter, and seasonings! You’ll love how simple it is to pull together roasted acorn squash on the fly.

  • Squash: Cut one squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
  • Butter: Melt the butter, or substitute your favorite oil.
  • Oregano and Thyme: Dried oregano and thyme are perfect with the natural sweetness of squash.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is an easy way to add intensity of flavor to this dish.
  • Paprika: Made from dried ground peppers, paprika is earthy and mild (not spicy!) and lends a beautiful color to the squash as it roasts.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is an appetizing optional garnish.

How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash the Easy Way

  1. Preheat the Oven and Cut the Squash. Before you start, make sure to preheat the oven to 400°F. Next, cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise, stem end to pointed end. (For the easiest way to cut through squash rind see the “Tips” section below.) Then slice each squash half into ½ inch-thick slices.
  2. Season the Squash. Arrange the squash slices on a baking sheet. Make the seasoned butter mixture by melting the butter and stirring in the herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the squash slices with the butter mixture.
  3. Roast. Roast the seasoned squash for 20 minutes or so, until the squash is tender.
  4. Enjoy! Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and garnish the squash with parsley before serving warm.
My little baby acorn is growing

So, that’s it! Perfect roasted acorn squash, pretty enough for a holiday menu, but easy enough to make any time. I am so excited for my acorn squash babies to fully grow so that I can make some great dishes like this one.

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With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

The Smells of Fall

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These amazing oils are among my absolute must haves especially as we move towards fall. I know so many of us really enjoy the smells of fall, and our home, but those toxic candles can be no good for your health. I turn to these natural and pure essential oils, to fill my space with the smells of fall, and bring a calm sense of peace to my home.

Northern Escape and Harvest Spice!!

Forget the rush of everyday life as you fill your home with the inspiring, fresh aroma of Northern Escape Woodland Blend.

Harmonious Black Spruce, Siberian Fir, Balsam Fir, Lavandin, Cedarwood, Cypress, Hinoki, Frankincense, Nootka, Cananga, and Clove essential oils create a beautiful outdoor ambiance.

It is deeply grounding to the body, mind and spirit!

High in the chemical constituent ?-Pinene, Northern Escape provides a relaxing environment. The essential oil blend also contains bornyl acetate, a natural chemical component that gives fir trees their distinctive aroma and may be a beneficial cleaning agent, according to research. Whether it’s diffused, applied topically, or used as a surface cleaner, Northern Escape is a refreshing addition to any home- smells like you stepped into a forest!! It is 10% off all month.

Celebrate the coming fall season- wonderful memories with family and friends, enjoying the rich, uplifting aroma of Harvest Spice as you do.

Freshen the air and welcome autumn with the comforting ambiance of Cassia, Clove, Eucalyptus, Cedarwood, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon Bark essential oils. This blend smells like Fall and there is no better way to ring in the new season than with this amazing blend!!! It is only available for a limited time, so make sure to get yours now!!

Grab these beautiful blends and my favorite diffuser HERE! Once you get started with essential oils, I will provide you with education and mentoring to help you effectively use what you purchase. You can also check out this gorgeous, free digital guide to learn more.

Yay for fall!

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