images from: http://unicorn-mustache.tumblr.com/ and http://shewearsmanyhats.com
For a while now, my friend Lacy and I have been chatting on the topic of “happiness”. What is it? Where does it come from? How do we get more of it? What makes us really happy? What makes one person a “happy person” and another not? The questions are endless, but the research, it turns out, is fun! We have in no way become experts, but have learned one thing: Happiness is, among other things, a practice. So like anything else we want to do better, we must make it a habit.
Lacy has been 'practicing' for a long time now, and I feel she has a lot to share on the topic. So when I decided to start this blog, I asked her if she would do regular guest-posts to talk about it. I plan to make a habit of reading them. xoxo, Leigh
Happy Whirled:
Hi All! Lacy Here!
This summer on Leigh's California adventure I got to spend some time with her and the mister and in the process we discovered a shared love of blended concoctions. We're talking serious smoothie recipe sharing here people.
In our house we start the day with either green juice or a smoothie. This simple formula will get you blending with endless possibilities:
LIQUID + FRUIT + SWEET + BOOST = YUM
1. For a belly-loving smoothie you'll need 10 oz of liquid.
Choose from coconut milk or almond milk (coconut is my favorite for this recipe)
2. Then add two cups of the frozen fruit of your choice.
Try one cup mango and one cup pineapple (you will seriously love this, it's like perpetual summer in the tropics)
We always use frozen fruit and never use ice. If you want to thicken your smoothie use a frozen banana.
3. Add an element of sweet.
We used either a soaked date or a tablespoon or two of raw honey.
A note on:
honey. Go raw and go local. It's one of those things you will always find in my kitchen. Let those happy buzzing bees boost your immune system with their sweet handy work. Eating local honey can help to reduce allergies and it's a great way to sweeten while avoiding the sugar crash that comes with processed table sugar.
dates.
You can buy dates at the grocery store in the produce section. They are usually about the size of your thumb, brown and a little sticky. Once home remove the pits and then place in an airtight container in water and place in the fridge. The dates will soften and blend into your smoothie easily. You can keep them in the fridge for a couple of weeks (or longer).
4. Give it a little super boost.
If you like you can add a superfood supplement to your smoothie to give it a little kick.
We're all about Maca in our house at the moment. Maca powder increases stamina and helps to combat fatigue. My favorite “boosts” come from Navitas Naturals
If you're just beginning to explore the world of superfoods, start with Cacao Nibs! They're little pieces of antioxidant rich raw chocolate. They are perfect in a smoothie and full of nutrient rich iron and minerals.
Here's to your health & happy taste buds!
Love, Lacy
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Thriving Through the Holidays : Group Health Coaching Give Away!!
I am embarking on a healthy journey this holiday season and I want you to join me!! I have had the pleasure of having Lacy in my life for a good while now and have gotten to watch her shape her passion for healthy living and happy eating into a genuine mission. This is not a fast or new fancy cleanse. It's not a regimen or even a diet. It is a time that you set aside to dedicate to taking care of yourself and your little ol' body. It is about celebrating food and health and all the amazing ways that they are intertwined. It is a fast track to happy and habits of happiness, and I want you to get to do it.
Lacy has partnered with Lisa from: With Style and Grace and the together they have created something really special for you. They have generously offered me two prizes to award my fabulous readers! One reader will win a free spot in the “Thriving Through the Holidays” Group Health Coaching Session (Nov. 22nd – Jan 31) and a second reader will win $100 off!!
A little bit more about the course:
Who is this for?
• Those wanting a different relationship with food: stop counting calories, understand your body, gain confidence in food choices, experience overall happiness in your life, set and accomplish goals, understand and reduce cravings, explore new foods.
• Women of all ages committed to their health and well-being.
• Women who are new or curious about exploring the naturally gluten-free lifestyle and those who want more energy by eliminating gluten from their diet.
Sessions are held via phone, once every two weeks for an hour.
What's the benefit?
• Open up the possibilities for a new way of life and a new relationship with food.
• Sense of community to help support your goals and hold you accountable.
• Learn health benefits and how to prepare new foods.
For just $299, you get . . .
• Three months of consultancy and advocacy to help you achieve your goals.
• Healthy, easy and creative ways to make recipes.
• Gift box full of healthy swag, clever reminders in support of your path.
You can get all the info you want: here. You can also sign up for the session here and here.
To enter the give-away:
Go to Lacy's Facebook Page and click “like” maybe even post a little hello there. Then leave a comment on this post telling me why you want to be part of this and what you hope to get out of it!
Act quickly, winners will be chosen on Wednesday November16th at 5pm EST.
Yay! I am so excited for this! Thanks Lacy for putting this out into the world!
I adore Lacy! She’s a girl after my own heart! I’ve been on my own lifestyle mission in 2011, but want to hone in on it even more in 2012. I’m already GF, but want to work on eating even cleaner. Thanks for the chance!
After browsing Lucy’s FB wall, I am totally sold. I’ve been through various self-induced nutritional regimens: GF, low sugar, no sugar, pescatarian, Ayurvedic cleanses etc. etc. but it’s been a while since I did an overhaul. I was thinking yesterday (kismet!) that I want to shift gears for the upcoming holidays, so this would be an amazing opportunity! Thank you both for the chance to win such a splendid, healing gift.
I need help with making gentle shifts that will bring me peace of mind & to support my body & mind in aging with grace
I have dealt with autoimmune disorders for the past 8 years. I am so tired of the hideous immunosuppressants (steroids, chemo,et al) and have been researching a gluten free lifestyle. This would be such a blessing as a mom to a 2 year old, finding a holistic benefit instead of constantly feeling sick~ there are no words as to what this would mean to me and my family.
I discovered Lacy very recently and have really enjoyed browsing through her website and blog. Lacey looks to be a very happy person and what a beautiful smile!
My story is that I have the active/exercise part down, it is the daily food choices I struggle with. I am a sweet, processed food lover. I don’t enjoy cooking, but perhaps it is that I don’t know what “health” foods to cook and how to cook them. My spouse was diagnosed with Celiac about 10 years ago, so both of us would benefit from the lessons I could learn from this class!
um, you two are now going to be called : the fabulous happy duo! great work!
obviously i would benefit from this for many a reason! here’s a few:
1) i have auto-immune challenges, (ITP)
2) i have fallen off the band-wagon, about 2 yrs ago i was on an amazing “inflammation” detox and now…well, let’s just say i have been to mcdonalds more than i ever have in the past couple months
3) i am addicted to all things sugar!
in a nutshell, it would be highly beneficial to learn what lacy has to offer.
love you. hee hee.
e
What a great opportunity! I was doing really well this time last year—losing weight, exercising, eating right. I don’t know what happened. Now I don’t seem to have the motivation to get back in gear and the weight is creeping up, I haven’t been to the gym in months, and I just threw away my McDonald’s bag from breakfast. I would love this to get my back on the wagon!
I want to learn more about Lacey’s healthy lifestyle. My eldest daughter has just discovered a problem with gluten and it appears to be inherited from me!! What to do? What to do?
I was on a really good path, losing weigh, feeling good. I’ve lost my way… not exactly sure where to start again – I feel stuck.
This might just be the boost I need.
Happily I grew up in San Jose, so maybe I can meet Lacy in person!
I always say: it takes a village for me to lose 5 pounds! To be a part of this would be amazing for me. I’m on my last 20 pounds to lose & want to do that before the years end.
I was super excited to get this blog post in my email today. Lacy – love that you are doing this with Curly Girl. I am going to the Institute currently, too. When I checked out your site, I was excited to see another graduate. Would love to connect with you. I am so passionate about life, health and happiness! All my best:)
This is so exciting! I liked Lacy’s FB page and look forward to her posts. I would love to join this group. I have been unemployed for a few months now and need a “happiness” boost! I have time to get healthier but have not been making the best choices during this tough time.
I’m so excited for the opportunity to work with Lacy and Lisa to thrive healthfully through the holidays (and beyond!). I’ve already enrolled in the group coaching – but if I won, I’d love to regift (surely when your health is at stake, that isn’t considered tacky). 🙂 Thanks girls!
Being a fan of Curly Girl designs, I have really enjoyed reading your blog and connecting with your wonderful philosophy. It reflects many areas of my own philosophy as well.
Lately I have been working on, ‘practicing’ as you said above, the life I envision for myself, and also developing a ‘new relationship with food’ as part of my commitment to a healthier lifestyle in my 50s. What Lacy talks about just confirms some of the intuitions I have been following. Thank’s so much for sharing it here!
I am in the process of doing a complete health makeover. As a newlywed, I am getting my husband and myself focused on a healthier lifestyle. Being GF has proved to be challenging and I would love the support and coaching with others to help me meet my goals.
I know that I have the power and self control for a life change but I just need the knowledge and guidance on where to start. I am getting married next fall and would love to start this new phase of my life with a healthy body and mind.
Hi, I have recently figured out I need a gluten free life which has proven to be difficult being I am a baker, lol – life is funny sometimes! I guess I really could use a more positive outlook on it then I do currently have- Thank you!!
My heart has been in a slump. I need to get back on a good plan to eat better, feel energized, think better and love more. I really feel that they are all connected…just who knows how!
I really feel like this could be a wonderful plan for me! Thank you so much for the giveaway!
Like so many women I struggle with food. I have found balance with physical activity but get so frustrated because I can’t seem to control my eating in a productive and healthy way long term. I think this “coaching” could be just what I need! What a cool concept!
Open up the possibilities for a new way of life and a new relationship with food.
Considering I just had (another) leftover Snickers bar from Halloween, I think that sentence says it all. I go back and forth on eating healthy but lately feel like I’ve given up. I would love to make healthy changes in my life both in eating and exercising. They easily get shoved aside when life gets busy. Bottom line…I know that when I feel healthy I’m happier and I miss that.
Thank you for this fabulous opportunity. I jumped back on the health & fitness wagon this summer and have had success. With the holidays looming, I am worried about whether I can keep it up and I have a lot of self doubt in general because of the up and down I have done over the past 7 or so years. Would love the opportunity to have some guidance and coaching!
I hope I’m not too late but I hope I can still enter to win this amazing giveaway! I’ve been following Lisa at with style and grace for sometime now. Its ridiculous to admit that I admire that girls love for vegetables!I have never loved to eat vegggies ever since
I hope I’m not too late but I hope I can still enter to win this amazing giveaway! I’ve been following Lisa at with style and grace for sometime now. Its ridiculous to admit that I admire that girls love for vegetables!I have never loved to eat veggies ever since I was young. I was always super skinny…I ate whatever I wanted and never gained any weight. In my mind,I didn’t need good eating habits. Fast forward till now and two kids later and I am extremely over-weight and its sad. I’m just always feeling sorry for myself. Its taken me a long time to see that I have to do something about it. I’m just overwhelmed and I don’t know how to even begin. I’m hoping if I do get the chance to win this that it can be a fresh start… so I can, most importantly, teach my family good eating habits!:)
After looking at her page and the above comments I really need to win the session. Could finally be the solution to the way I feel. With a military spouse, teenage son, and working full time; I need to get things under control