Growth in 2022
What is becoming of you? How are you growing, even when you can’t see it?
I have been thinking a lot about growth lately. The season is changing and with the longer, warmer days comes gorgeous growth all around me. On my walks I find the flowers blooming, yet again. Bluebonnets finding their way in wide patches along our greenbelt.
Spring always inspires me toward growth.
What do I want to create? Who do I want to become? Where exactly, am I going?
The thing about growth is that so much of it takes place below the surface.
I think back to the summer of 2019 when I found out I was pregnant. It was July, on a road trip home from California. As we arrived back to Austin, anxious to hear that tiny little heartbeat, to confirm that the stripes on the test strip were actually the glimmer of a new little person coming to enter our world, I treasured the secrecy of the growth within me.
For months as the little cells were forming, so much of what was happening was happening in secret. In the dark, quiet places beyond what was visible.
And so it is with you, and with me.
We are growing.
It might not feel like it. Maybe you’ve been in a dark place recently, a place of disconnection from the things or people you used to love. Maybe the fear, or confusion, or lack of certainty of the last few years has welled up in you to separate you from the feelings of joy or peace that used to be familiar.
Wherever you are in your journey, can I encourage you that you can only go forward? There is no going back. No matter how dark or stagnant you might feel, you are changing. You are becoming. You might not see the growth right now but if you lean in to it, you will begin to sense the goodness that is yours.
You have come so far and made it through so much. I am excited to see where this takes us, together. Reach out to someone you love, share your story, where you are at right now and where you hope to be.
I am trusting that many beautiful things are to come of us this Spring, as we lean in to each other and continue to become the women we are meant to be.
Xo, C
Favorite Spring Products 2021
With the freshness of a new season, I am ready to switch up my products for cleansers & moisturizers that are fresh, smell great & work on the go. Here are a few I am really loving this spring!
Derma-E Universal Cleansing Balm- I wish I could let you try this right now. It is by far my favorite product & I wish I had found it sooner. This Balm is super nourishing & moisturizing but also washes right off so you don’t feel greasy afterward. It takes off my makeup no problem & smells delicious!
Andalou CC Tinted Moisturizer- This is my every day. It goes on light without being greasy & has the slightest tint (I use Sheer Tan) meanwhile is an SPF 30, so is truly the simple multitasker I need!
Dr. Hauschka Brow Gel- I have loved Dr. Haushka products for a long time & I currently can’t get ready without this brow gel. It is super simple & light, smells great & keeps your brows in place. I don’t wear a lot of makeup so I love this for everyday- it help me feel a little more “put together.”
Heritage Rosewater- This spray is the best! Think of it as your all natural toner, spritzer, hydrator- it really has an endless array of uses. I love to spray it at night after I wash my face & also as a pick me up throughout the day. I will probably leave one of these in my car this summer to have on hand to freshen up when the weather gets hot. The smell is amazing.
Derma-E Anti-Aging Regenerative Night Cream- I can honestly say this is my favorite part of my nighttime routine. This night cream is so rich & nourishing without feeling greasy. It feels so good on my face after a crazy day of running around & I wake up in the morning with my skin feeling refreshed. Love it!
What are you trying this spring? What are your favorite skin care products? I’d LOVE to know!!!
Xo, C
Creating Your Intentional Year
It all begins with an idea.
Like most of you, I took a huge sigh of relief this January 1st. I always love a fresh new year, a clean slate & all of the amazing energy that comes with a January 1st. But this year was different. Even though everything in our logic knows that all of our problems won’t just magically disappear when midnight strikes, there is still something that says, ‘ok, you got through…let’s move on to what is next.’
Well, before we sprint ahead into 2021 & the lessons & gifts it has for us, I would encourage you to pause. Take a moment. Look back. Reflect. What did 2020 bring you? I don’t mean the losses, griefs & inconveniences although they are important. Where did 2020 nudge you? Invite you into growth, transformation, letting go of habits or beliefs that were no longer serving you?
Unfortunately (in my opinion) one very clear Universal truth is that suffering brings with itself, many gifts. Gifts we would never have the luxury of receiving otherwise. When our comforts are taken away, or our hearts are made a little more tender from loneliness or pain, we become receptive to things that are deeper & invitations to live deeper.
What is it that you really want? Most of us want some version of feeling…happiness, peace, love. We do have a lot of control over our feelings even when our circumstances are out of our hands. As we reflect on 2020 & look ahead into 2021, how do we want to feel? How do you want to feel? What have you learned & where do you want to continue to grow, physically, emotionally, mentally & spiritually?
I have created a free Workbook to guide you through. It will take around 30 minutes & I think it could be one of the most powerful things you could do this week. Try to print it out or use a journal so that you capture your thoughts with pen & paper.
We are continuing to grow, to learn to create our most amazing lives, full of Love & every good thing. XO
Weeknight Advantage: the Instant Pot
It all begins with an idea.
When it comes to healthy eating, planning is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. When you plan ahead, especially for your busy weeknights it can make all the difference.
One of my favorite ways to stay ahead on weeknights is by using an Instant Pot or slow cooker. There are so many amazing recipes out there that taste delicious, are easy to prepare & your whole family will love. And if you’re anything like me, you will not be disappointed when you come back home in the evening to a home cooked meal waiting for you! It is truly a gift of self love.
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few of my favorite Instant Pot Recipes specifically for these colder winter months:
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili from Fed + Fit
Stuffed Pepper Soup from Skinnytaste
Healthy Slow Cooker Tikka Masala from Ambitious Kitchen (I make mine in the Instant Pot!)
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken + Sweet Potatoes from Predominantly Paleo
Instant Pot Tortilla-less Soup from The Real Food RD’s
You can download this PDF to keep on your phone or desktop with recipe links here.
Let me know what you try! What are your favorite weeknight hacks?!! XO