interesting article

here.

ballet

my dance studio is the greatest.  there's nothing like taking shelter from a cold, winter monday in a bustling, eclectic environment.  i look forward to the classes and never check the clock like i do with other exercise activities.  my ballet teacher in particular rocks.  specifically because her playlist sounds like she stole my ipod.  yesterday's mix - nikki minaj, bon iver, the civil wars and outkast circa '99.  makes for a splendid break in the day.

(this is exactly what i look like post dance.)

CSA

My friend Noah and I have been wanting to go in on a CSA order for months.  A CSA- Community Supported Agriculture- is where a group of individuals buy local, organic foods, support farmers, and bypass the horrific food production process.  The CSA sends out a weekly email with the produce options, you decide if you want to purchase, and then pick up at the end of the week. 

Example box- BRAEBURN APPLES - 3CT / BANANAS - 2# / BARTLETT PEARS - 3CT / MANGOES - 1CT / REDLEAF LETTUCE - 1CT / ACORN SQUASH - 1CT - SC / FENNEL - 1CT / GREEN PEPPERS - 1CT - FL / ROMA TOMATOES - 1# - FL / CUCUMBERS - 1CT - FL

The only hang up I personally have is trying to determine if I can eat all of this fresh food before it goes bad. Best to find a friend to split or plan to cook a bunch.  Urban Cannibals in east atlanta hosts a great CSA option.  Noah and I finally got around to ordering and decided to make a meal with our fresh produce.  I cannot believe we waited so long to partake.  Will definitely be making this happen on the regular. 

(photo- spaghetti squash with basil, sauteed kale in garlic, breaded tofu, wine (tofu & wine not from CSA))

local honey

i literally use honey at least four times a day - 1 shake, 2 coffees, 1ish hot tea.  i always buy my honey local.  raw honey has so many great health benefits: contains antibiotic properties, prevents ulcers, treats nausea, naturalizes toxins, harmonizes the liver, acts as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, etc etc.  buying local is ideal for food across the board but honey is specifically great for allergy suffers (which is not me fortunately, but i also use local honey :) ) because it mostly likely contains the same allergens you are exposed to on a daily basis.  i'm so happy that the kroger near my work carries honey from ball ground, ga - only 20 miles away.  this line- weeks works - also has several different honey "flavors" depending on the flowers that the bees frequent.  tupelo honey is pretty fragrant and splendid for bedtime tea.  i like things fairly sweet but can't stand refined sugar, so thankful for honey.  

 

(photo- tupelo honey)

a good running song

i would consider myself barely a coldplay fan.  for how much music i listen to, they are about 1 for 10 with their songs.  so you can imagine my surprise when i've absolutely fallen in love with their new one "paradise."  a good, solid emotional song on repeat can extend the life of my run for miles (ok mile, let's get real.)  sunny day.  definitely hitting piedmont park later. 

(me prepping for my run....ya right i wish.  motivation pic)

coconut oil

i use coconut oil every day in my protein shakes.  the health benefits from this natural wonder are insane- hair, skin, digestion, stress relief, kidney, heart, bones, dental, etc.  if you aren't on board yet, you are missing a tasty way to improve your body and your life.  i'm very thankful to have discovered this supplement.

    

(photo- morning shake items: almond breeze, coconut oil, whey protein, udos omega 3 oil, nutri-sense, frozen bananas and mangos, honey)