This is one of my favorite salads to make when the air grows cooler and my body is craving something healthy and warm. The roasted sweet potatoes add heartiness to the greens and the warm vinaigrette, inspired by Ina Garten, is the perfect complement. The first time I made this, my husband said it was one of the best salads I have ever made (and trust me, I’ve made a lot)!
{photos courtesy of Justin Chesney}
As the cold weather is upon us now here in Nashville, I’ve been thinking of ways to boost my immune system, as it tends to be compromised more during this season. So I created this refreshing immune boosting smoothie! However, you can drink this smoothie any time of the year, even while trying to strengthen your immune system during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It’s actually smoothie month at Williams-Sonoma and this week’s theme was “Not Your Average Smoothie” so I thought turning a smoothie into something that boosts your immune system and wards off colds would be a good place to start. It’s a nice tart smoothie with an optional kick that reminds me of the green lemonade juices I’ve been drinking, but instead it’s beautifully pink from the bright red raspberries.
Here’s what I threw into my blender + why it’s good for you:
Some of you know, but others may not realize that along with loving good food, I am also a birth doula and a holistic health counselor, focused on supporting women during the childbearing years. For a few years now, I have been passionate about helping mamas and mamas-to-be, ensuring they are getting the education and support they need while pregnant, breastfeeding, or prepping for pregnancy. I feel it an honor to work with women and their families during such an intimate and beautiful time of their lives. So if you see a little bit more of a focus towards pregnancy, and the like, that is why. Don’t worry, I’ll still be posting delicious recipes for everyone, but some may have a bit more of a focus towards nourishing nutrients for mama and baby. If you have any questions, or are interested in how I can support you, as a mama or mama-to-be, feel free to shoot me a message!
What mom doesn’t need a little more energy after having a baby? This smoothie is an easy and delicious way to boost your energy, as well as your breastmilk supply. Essential fatty acids, such as coconut oil and nuts, and foods high in omega 3, like flax seeds, increase your energy and milk supply. Spinach, high in phytoestrogens, promotes healthy breast tissue and lactation, and this smoothie is an easy way of incorporating those greens into your daily routine. Did you know healthy fats, like coconut oil, have some of the highest concentrations of energy out of all nutrients? Fat is also essential for hormone production, which will help your body produce a fattier, more nutritious breastmilk for baby. Drink up! It’s delicious way to start your day, whether you are lactating or not. Continue reading
Yesterday was the first day of Spring and I could not be more excited. It’s amazing what the sunshine and warm air does for your spirit. To me, spring signifies change-it symbolizes the change from brown to green, from cold to warm, from bare bushes to colorful blooms, and it is symbolizing much change in my life right now. This is a season of transition for me, and while it may not always be easy and it’s often times scary, it is exciting and full of so much life and beauty.
“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”
-Reinhold Niebuhr
If you haven’t noticed, I have a thing for frittatas. I was talking to a good friend on the phone as I was making this for the second time (in two days!) and she asked what I was making for dinner. When I told her I was making a frittata, she laughed and said, “Of course you are!” It’s too good not to. I brought this particular frittata over to a dear friend’s birthday brunch one day, and the next I found myself making it for dinner. It also makes great leftovers, which I love, and it’s easily adaptable to whatever vegetables and spices you have on hand. If you’ve never made a frittata, give it a try and let me know what you think.
Bloom & Nourish 