Healthy Banana + Peanut Butter "Milkshake"

I’m a firm believer that you have got to let the kids live a little when it comes to food. It’s inevitable that they are going to get some not-so-healthy food elsewhere: from friends and even family sometimes (smh). But if I can control what I give Parker at home and help show him that healthy food can taste REALLY good too, then that makes me feel a bit better about it.

I love to tell him what certain foods do for us. Eggs make us strong, carrots help us see better and berries help us poop! LOL. If you could only see his cute little inquisitive face when I say this stuff. He goes “yeah!” while nodding his tilted head up and down with his big, bright eyes.

Anyway, a little while back one of the grandparents gave Parker a sip of a milkshake (a very real, very dairy and sugar heavy milkshake). Parker’s eyes lit up and the first thing out of his mouth was “ooooh MMMM.” He was a happy kiddo. And hey, I totally get it! I’d probably say the same. But after that, I was determined to get that same reaction out of a healthier milkshake!

Say hello to banana + peanut butter milkshakes…

I have been making him these ridiculously simple things ever since and he inhales them. No dairy and added sugars needed! And I always advise you to make the full recipe so you can enjoy some yourself : )

Toddler Banana + Peanut Butter “Milkshake”
serves 2

2 medium bananas (frozen)
1 c. vanilla unsweetened almond milk
1 heaping spoonful of organic peanut butter (almond butter is fine too)
1 tsp. ground flax or chia seeds
2 shakes of cinnamon

Directions:

Place bananas, almond milk, vanilla and nut butter in a blender.

Blend for 1 minute.

Add in cinnamon and flax.

Blend again until smooth.

So easy and so yummy!

Creating a Productive Home Office

Working from home is great, but if you aren’t set up properly, it can totally suck. Sitting on the couch, feet propped up while working from your laptop can actually get old, believe it or not. If your goal is to have working from home be productive, then I’ve got the perfect things to help you!

1. A simple space. My philosophy is that if you have a creative job, keep your surroundings simple and clean. If you have a job that doesn’t involve anything creative, I like the idea of keeping your area lively and fun. Think wallpaper, lots of flowers or plants, etc…

2. A large monitor. A larger monitor allows you to work more efficiently. You can work from multiple tabs at the same time and you aren’t straining your eyes as much. It feels more business-like in a way. I personally have a MacBook that I use on the go, but when it’s time to do work, I plug it into the larger monitor.

3. Plants. This is non-negotiable! Unless you are allergic, of course. I am a huge fan of house plants. Not only do they keep your air healthy and clean, but they add a ton of life to a room.

4. Productive music. I mean, if listening to rap while you work is your thing, don’t let me sway you! I personally find that the busier the music, the less productive I feel. I also want to fall asleep if the music is too slow, so something like a Tycho album or the Jazz Vibes station on Spotify are my absolute favorites.

5. A little aromatherapy. I love diffusing some oils while I work. If it’s rainy and I’m feeling a little “meh” I like to diffuse a little orange, lavender and bergamot. If I need to focus for a few hours, my go to is Rosemary oil. Aromatherapy over a candle is a much healthier choice if it is going to be sitting next to you for a few hours.

6. Supplies you love. Pens, notebooks, scissors, whatever- I’m a total sucker for getting all of my favorites. I will easily drop $25 on a notebook and you better believe I enjoy writing in it every time.

7. Pink salt lamp. I’m a big fan of adding as many natural elements as you can around your workplace. A salt lamp not only assists in better air quality, but it has great light and color benefits for your mood as well.

8. Healthy snacks. Leave it up to me to always throw food in a post somehow! Seriously though, I am a huge fan of keeping healthy snacks close by your desk. You can’t expect to keep working efficiently if you aren’t fueling your body. I know so many people that forget to eat lunch while working. Having healthy options (nuts, healthy bars, kale chips, etc) on hand will be your best friend. Oh and while I’m at it… WATER. Keep plenty of that around as well.

9. A comfy chair. This is going to be different for everyone, but I personally don’t care for task chairs. I’m more of a non-desk chair looking chair kind of gal, but it still has to be comfortable. Hence, why I chose more of living room chair as my desk chair (lol). Again, my personal preference is all about cute, cozy and comfy. Get a chair that feels best to you!

10. Fresh air. There is truly nothing better than a little fresh air. Call me crazy, but even in winter, I crack my window open and sit there in layers of clothes. I think we can all agree that sitting in a stuffy room can be a little depressing!

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Breakfast with Lauren Collins

Haaaaaappy Friday everyone!

This morning I am kicking off a new series of interviews with inspirational, badass women. Wellness experts, entrepreneurs, artists, mothers, fitness gurus, and more; these women inspire me in so many ways and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this space to Wellhaus.

Starting this series is one beautiful woman, inside and out. Lauren gives us some of her top tips for keeping fit, talks about her new business venture with her sis, and gives a little insight into the modeling world. Enjoy a little motivation from athlete, model and business owner, Lauren Collins!

1) So, hi! Introduce yourself:

Hi! My name is Lauren Collins. I’m a wife, full time model and co-founder of @siss_fit! I was born and raised in Orange County, California and I am a lover of all things health and fitness.

2) What has your health philosophy always been?

My health philosophy is keeping things simple. There is such an overabundance of information surrounding health and fitness, so I try to stick to the basics and listen to my body. Whether that is eating clean and unprocessed, or working out in a way that my body craves; I really try to avoid letting it stress me out and just do what feels right.

3) You are traveling ALL the time- how do you stay on a workout routine while your gone?

Haha yes, travel has definitely become a part of my norm! A lot of people say “I’ll get back on track when I get home,” but unfortunately that would mean that I am never on track! What has worked really well for me has been creating workouts for myself that I know are both efficient and effective. When you travel a lot it is nearly impossible to avoid long days, unhealthy dining options, and jetlag. I quickly learned that in order to balance the demands of looking a certain way, and more importantly feeling healthy and energized, I would need to come up with a health and workout routine that I could count on to deliver these results…which leads me to your next question!

4) You just started a new company with your sister. Tell us about that!

I did! The brand that we started is called SISSFiT. SISS stands for sisters and is also an acronym for Stay Inspired Stay Strong. Our goal is to inspire and educate women to look and feel their best. My sister Kelly, also had a career that required a lot of travel, so we were constantly exchanging workouts and health tips that would keep us on top of our game. We began to realize that there are so many women out there facing the challenge of fitting efficient yet effective workouts into their everyday lives (who has time to spend hours in a gym, honestly?!). So, we teamed up and created workout and nutrition guides that provide women a very easy-to-follow workout plan requiring minimal time, space, and equipment, while still delivering results. We’ve personally used these workouts and nutritional guidelines for years, so it’s been really fun to share this information with other women and simplify the health and fitness aspect of our crazy, over-stimulated lifestyles!

5) What kind of pressures do you deal with in the modeling industry? How do you keep yourself mentally healthy?

I think that there will always be at least some pressure to look youthful and have a certain body type. Fortunately the industry seems to be shifting away from super thin, which is great, but it’s nearly impossible to avoid at least some criticism from time to time. Two things have helped me to stay mentally healthy: 1. A strong support system; I have the most amazing family and friends, which makes brushing off negative criticism a lot easier, and 2. I learned very early on that you will NEVER be the perfect fit for everyone. Sometimes you are too tall or too muscular or too thin, but then the next client will say you are too short or not strong enough or too thick. It’s pretty laughable honestly. But, confidence is key, and as soon as you accept and love who you are, others tend to see it as well.

6) Being a full time model is like running your own business. What are a few things that have helped you be so successful?

Well first off, thanks for considering me successful! I think that modeling is a lot like most jobs, the harder you work the more it will pay off. A lot of people think that you will succeed simply by result of the way you look, but there is a lot more that goes into this job than looks. It is very important to be on top of your day-to-day life so that you are available to go on auditions or travel for jobs at a moments notice. For me, it has been pertinent that I stay in good physical shape because I never know what type of activity a job might demand. It is also extremely important to work with an agent whom you trust and who trusts you. You’re constantly meeting new clients and creating new relationships, so working with an agent that you know has your back, but that also trusts you to perform (because they are constantly vouching and putting themselves on the line for you as well!) is crucial.

Quick Q’s:

Breakfast of choice? Avocado toast with an egg and side of fruit

Favorite workout song currently? Changes everyday! Typically something in the top 40 that is upbeat

Skincare must-have? Witchhazel, so simple!

Best snacks to bring traveling? Trail mix, healthy bars, and unsweetened dried fruit

Coffee or tea? Coffee…probably should be tea :-X

Best book you’ve read lately? Toss up between The girl on the Train and Luckiest Girl Alive

Wine or mixed drink? Wine. However, a summer cocktail by the pool can be pretty amazing too..

Favorite move for toned arms? So funny you ask this because I am a total sucker for legs and core…but arms I’d have to say bicep curl to overhead press + tricep extension. It’s a compound move, but is sure to cover all bases!

Must-try wellness tip? Pedialyte. Airplanes and hotel rooms suck the life out of my skin and totally dehydrate me, which often leads to muscle cramps. I’ve found that drinking pedialyte while traveling totally saves my skin and keeps me hydrated!

Current mantra? I love to plan, but nothing ever goes to plan so right now it is “go with the flow.” Faith is very important to me so if I can just let go of the reigns and trust the Man upstairs, life tends to work out pretty well.

Photo credits:

Medball w/white top: Les Guzman (@lesguzman)

Running w/blue sportsbra: James Macari (@jamesmacari)

All white in bed: Brandon Flint (@brandonflint_)

Sister yoga: Brandon Flint (@brandonflint_)

Quick Tempeh & Swiss Chard Tacos

Happy Wednesday! You may or may not know this about me, but I am obsessed with Mexican food. Ceviche, pico de gallo, corn tortilla chips, guac, TACOS, MARGARITAS. You name it, I love it all (todo) and I cook it all the time.

Lately, I’ve been satisfying my Mexican food cravings by making a veggie version of a taco that consists of a just a few ingredients. For all of you vegan/vegetarians out there or just those of you that just appreciate eating more that way more often like myself, you will love these! They are super simple to whip up and taste great.

Tempeh & Swiss Chard Tacos
makes about 6 tacos

1 package of plain or flax tempeh
1 bundle of green or rainbow Swiss chard (roughly chopped and stem removed off bottom)
1 small lime (1/2 for cooking, 1/2 for garnish)
1 tbs coconut oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili lime seasoning (or just a few shakes of chili powder)
Sea salt to taste

Optional: Chopped cilantro and sliced avocado

Directions:

In a large pan turned to medium heat, melt the coconut oil

Add in tempeh and a few good pinches of sea salt

Cook for about 5 minutes
*If tempeh soaks up oil quickly, you can add a tablespoon of water

Then, add in the juice form half of the lime, garlic powder, chili seasoning and swiss chard

Add in another two pinches or so of sea salt and cook for another 3-5 minutes
*at this point you can also add a teaspoon of grape seed oil or more coconut oil if needed

While cooking, prep your corn tortillas to your liking
*I place mine in the microwave with a wet paper towel around them for about 45 seconds

Once your tempeh and Swiss chard mixture is cooked, place a small serving on each corn tortilla and the cilantro + avo if you’d like!

So quick, so easy, so healthy and so tasty…
Enjoy!

Transitional Style

jacket: nordstrom | pants: topshop | shoes: converse

Well, it was a breakthrough kind of day here in Portland because…. SUNSHINE. Yep, it’s true. But don’t get too excited because it’s only here for one day. This is what Portland does to you, I swear. It’s like, hey, see how incredible the PNW is when it’s sunny out? Well, I’ll just keep you hanging onto that…

Every time I feel like, “ok, I can’t handle another grey and rainy day anymore,” mother nature does this tricky thing and throws in a sunny day or two just to remind you exactly why you live here.

So, here is a transitional outfit from winter to spring. You never really know how to dress this time of year, so you’ve got to be a little creative. But when in doubt, tennis shoes and a leather jacket are always a-okay!

xx
Lindsay

A Weekend Away: Seattle (lovebirds edition)

Jetting up to Seattle for a quick overnighter is one of my favorite dates. I actually find Seattle to be super romantic! Maybe because I associate it with cozy weather and good food (aka- my romance recipe), but it really does set up a great a date vibe.

Since I’m not much of a big city person (and neither is Tyson), rather than staying right downtown, we prefer to stay on the outskirts, specifically in Ballard! It just such a cute area.

Here is my go-to itinerary for a quick stay in Seattle:

1. Stay at Hotel Ballard: Hands down, my favorite hotel up there. It is smaller, quaint and on one of my favorite streets. It’s the perfect “date night” spot, in my opinion. Not to mention, by staying there you have access to the best gym: the Olympic Athletic Club. I’m not a stickler about going to the gym on vacation, but when you see this place, you will want to workout! Trust me.

2. Discovery Park: Spend a morning taking in the beautiful views hiking around the park. Give yourself at least a few hours to explore and enjoy.

3. Pikes Place Market: We like to head here on our way back to Portland, just in case we decide to pick up any seafood and flowers, which normally always happens.

4. Seafood Dinner: Grab a great seafood dinner at either Ray’s Boathouse (all about the view) or Rockcreek Seafood and Spirits (more of a Seattle-living feel).

5. Drink Coffee Like a Local: Seattle takes their coffee seriously, that’s for sure. Head on over to La Marzocco, Victrola or Slate Coffee.

6. Shop: Spend some time walking around Ballard, Downtown, Belltown or Capitol Hill. We love supporting the local-made shopping in Seattle.

7. Grab Lunch: I personally love downtown for lunch. I recommend either the cozy and cute, London Plane or grabbing some clam chowder at Pikes Place Market.

I’m on the hunt for a new great restaurant to try up there so please send me any recommendations. Preferably in the Ballard or Fremont area!

Change of Pace

Well, it has been an official week and a half since I started my whole new working-from-home routine and I have to admit, this rules. I’m currently tackling a bunch of to-do’s, I have been spending a lot more quality time with my family and believe it or not, I actually feel more productive. And guys, this is even my second day without coffee, so YES. Go me.

I have been getting asked a lot about what job change I made and I am sorry to those of you I didn’t respond to! It’s kind of long story, but I will keep it brief here: I left my position at the modeling agency to start a new part-time role at a company called Be Social. They are in California, so for now, I will be working remotely up here in Portland and traveling down to San Diego more often. I’ll be doing similar talent management, just with influencers rather than models.

As for the rest of my time, I am jumping into some freelance creative work. I will be helping my good friend and her interior design business, assist in some social media strategy for a few brands, a little production here and there and some photography. Whew.

So there you have it! I’m pretty excited about everything. I feel like the creative side of me has been ignited again and it feels so good to have that back. I’ve even had time to refresh my blog, as you can see (just please excuse the dropdown menu for the next couple of weeks). Blogging has always been a fun side project for me so I’m excited to have the opportunity to spend more time on it.

Thank you for all of your support and for reading along; it means so much! Now excuse me while Parker and I finish up an episode of Masha and the Bear in bed… ; )

Healthy Cooking With Sun Basket

At the start of the new year, I set the goal of eating less meat, more organic produce and more locally sourced foods. I feel such a responsibility to not only eat better for myself and my family, but for the planet!

A little while back, I was just getting really bored of making the same ol’ meals; I’m also a full-time working mom, so dinners tend to be whatever I can whip up within 15-20 minutes. I wanted to find something that fit within my normal meal regime (gluten-free, lighter fare), but I also wanted to explore foods that I don’t normally cook with.

Say hello to Sun Basket!

My sister was actually the first person to rave about Sun Basket. I thought I’d give it a try and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love that you can get vegetarian, paleo, or gluten-free meals; meals that actually look and taste like you just ordered it at a restaurant. Not to mention, they are fun to put together! We all enjoy cooking the meals at our house (Parker even helps) and I’ve actually learned quite a bit (like how to do a perfect roasted piece of chicken or how to cut a beet- haha!). It makes for a fun family night.

This last time we got our delivery, we went with two “lean and clean” paleo meals and then one Friday night meal, a tofu burger with a chipotle mayo, carrot slaw, red peppers, and sprout.

So yummy!!

If you want to try out their meals, I can promise you that you won’t be sorry. They have given me a code that gives you 3 free meals, so grab your discount by clicking the link below and let me know how you like it!!

3 FREE MEALS WITH SUNBASKET

ENJOY! x

I only work with companies that I know and love. All opinions and text are my own.

Tempeh & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend. Today I’m featuring one of my go-to lunches that I typically like to put together at lunchtime on Sunday, so I have leftovers for lunch on Monday. Not only do I really love the combination of flavors in this burrito bowl, but it is loaded with nutrients. It really makes me wish I could find more burrito bowls like this. And yep- this bad boy is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and paleo(ish). If you do eat meat or fish, feel free to replace the tempeh with ground chicken or shrimp. There is really no way to go wrong here…

Tempeh & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

1 package of plain tempeh
2 cups cauliflower rice (you can rice your own, or buy pre-packaged)
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp, olive oil
1⁄2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup sugar plum tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup cilantro
Sea Salt
Garlic powder
Salsa of Choice OR Annie’s Cilantro Salad Dressing
*optional to add sliced avocado

Directions:

In a large pan, add 1 tbs of olive oil and bring the heat to medium. Add in tempeh with a few pinches of sea salt and a few shakes of garlic powder and begin to cook. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until tempeh begins to get light brown.

Add in cauliflower rice, black beans and another tablespoon of olive oil and cook for another 5 minutes or so.

Once cooked, portion out into bowls for serving, placing it side by side with the shredded cabbage.

Top each bowl with red onion, tomato and cilantro and drizzle with salsa of choice OR Annie’s Cilantro Salad Dressing.

Winter Skincare

Some of you might remember a while back when I posted about my experience going “more natural” with my beauty products. Well, I am still doing my best to keep this up, and I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite winter products. I don’t know about where you are, but Portland has been frigid this year! I’m sure sound like a total wimp because I know it isn’t as bad as other parts of the country, but I’m just not used to it! And my skin just flat out hates it. The winter months leave my skin feeling extra dry and really dull. So, I’ve had to step up my moisturizing products a bit, which I am sharing with you below. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without these products! They’ve been a total skin saver.

1. St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse– I know this isn’t completely natural, but it is one of the “better” self-tanners out there. I would literally be a ghost in the winter if I didn’t have this stuff!

2. Epicuren Hydro Plus Moisturizer– This face moisturizer is extra thick and hydrating, without that buildup/heavy feel. I feel like it is a big glass of water for my face every time I slather it on. I don’t know what I would do without this!

3. Now Eucalyptus Oil– Ok, this isn’t a skincare product, but this is winter must due to it’s anti-bacterial properties! I like to put this in a diffusor and have it going throughout the house during the months when everyone is getting sick.

4. Fresh Sugar Face Polish– This is a gentle exfoliator that is also extra moisturizing. I like to use this 2-3x a week during the winter to give my skin some extra love. : )

5. Cosmedix Cell ID– Okay, I’m not going to lie. This stuff is PRICEY. But after working at a spa for over six years, I learned that your biggest splurge should be your treatment/serum, since it is the most targeted product you buy. And this stuff helps keep your skin youthful, which is my goal. My favorite Esthetician and Spa Owner, Ginny at Blooming Moon Spa also admits that while facials are great to do more often than not, what really matters is your daily routine, so make it a good one! I highly suggest asking a professional about a good routine and then stick to it!

Happy skin-caring everyone!