Did you know that eating "GOOD FATS" can help you lose weight? That's right folks, GOOD fats can get rid of BAD fat! Although fat used to get a bad rep, it's finally getting it's due! The fact is: we all need fats.

We now know that some fats, specifically the omega fatty acids (also known as Essential Fatty Acids-EFA's) are vital for health.

Omega-3 Fats

The king of the EFA's are the omega-3 fats: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic aicd (DHA). Unfortunately, although DHA is  also an omega-3 fatty acid, it is NOT found in the other fats, so you have to find it elsewhere. (see below)

Plant sources of omega-3's include nuts and seeds, especially flaxseed oil or ground flaxseeds. they are also found in lesser amounts in legumes, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Coldwater fish like wild salmon are a great source as well. The adequate intake guideline developed by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume 1.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day, and that women consume 1.1 grams daily. (unless pregnant or lactating, see below)

DHA's and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, developing babies rely on their mothers to get needed DHA. Since DHA is derived from the foods we eat, the content of DHA in a mother's diet determines the amount of DHA passed on to her developing baby. Unfortunately, the majority of pregnant women in the U.S. fail to get the recommended amount of DHA in their diets and DHA is not found in most prenatal vitamins. The good news is leaders in maternal health are beginning to educate women about the importance of DHA and some food manufacturers are starting to come up with creative ways to help people - pregnant and non-pregnant- get the DHA they need.

Current research suggests adequate levels of DHA may help increase a developing baby's cognitive functioning, reduce the risk of pre-term labor and decrease the risk of postpartum depression.

Why do pregnant and lactating women, who so critically need DHA, find it difficult to get the recommended amount of this crucial nutrient in their diets? There are two primary reasons. First, during pregnancy the daily requirements of DHA increase from 220 mg to somewhere between 300 and 1,000 mg (depending on which expert you consult). Second, DHA isn't easy to get in your diet, especially when you are pregnant. Significant amounts of DHA are found in animal organ meats and fatty fish.

My advice? Get a good DHA supplement from your doctor or from a health foods store. According to Dr. Barbara Levine, associate professor of nutrition in medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, "the purest source of DHA is not the fish itself, but rather what fish consume: the ocean's vegetarian plant algae." Taking DHA supplements produced from marine algae is therefore a safe way for pregnant women to boost their fatty acid stores. (like the spirulina which is inside Green Dream powder!)

HERE is a smoothie recipe including coconut oil!

and the majority of my desserts contain coconut oil, check out those recipes, too!

references and for more info:

The Coconut Miracle, Bruce Fife, 2004

Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D: Health Oils From the Tree Of Life

The Coconut Research Center: http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

She Knows-Pregnancy Website

ingredients:

• 2 T to 1/2 C Cacao Magic superfood blend(depending on how chocolatey you want them)

• 4 Medjool dates

• 1/2 C almond meal (I get it from trader joes--much cheaper than any other brand)

• 2 scoops Cacao Garden of Life sprouted protein powder

• 1-2 T Green Dream Superfood powder

• 4-5 drops chocolate stevia

• 4 T coconut oil

• raw cacao nibs and/or unsweetened coconut flakes for coating

Melt your coconut oil so it's completely liquid. In a food processor, mix the dates and almond meal. Then add half the coconut oil, green dream powder and cacao magic powder. Process til it's not powdery; add a few drops of coconut oil if it is. Next, add the protein powder, then process again. Add the rest of the coconut oil and stevia and process until it's a smooth thick consistency. If it's too powdery, add more coconut oil. When you get the desired consistency, take out of the food processor and put in a bowl. Here you can add any toppings you want- I usually do coconut shreds and/or cacao nibs or squish a few goji berries into the center.

Roll into balls and put into fridge over night or the freezer for one hour. Then pop them in your mouth for a delicious, healthy, superfood treat!

*If you just want a superfood snack/dessert and you aren't worried about protein necessarily, leave the protein out. It definitely adds a powdery taste (I don't mind it) so if it's for a dinner party or being served as something more decadent, add a little agave and leave out the protein powder. 

Starting on October 1st we will be hosting a 14 day high-raw, vegan, gluten-free cleanse!
No matter where you live you can participate!

Full of superfoods, nutrients and actual MEALS... not just JUICE! Chewing is involved!

Learn how to prepare some really simple new recipes that you can keep for a lifetime.

Lose weight, gain energy and watch your skin glow!

• gluten-free

• dairy-free

• vegan

• high-raw (nutrient-dense)

• great for digestion, weight loss, energy gain, glowing skin, stronger nails/hair

• whole foods

• easy recipes

• options for breastfeeding moms

• options for those who do intense workouts

• options for people wanting to gain weight

contact Sophie- sophie@thephilosophie.com, for more info or click here to order!

There will be 24 hour support via email, text message and phone calls. A facebook support group will also be provided.

Starting on October 1st we will be hosting a 14 day high-raw, vegan, gluten-free cleanse!
No matter where you live you can participate!

Full of superfoods, nutrients and actual MEALS... not just JUICE! Chewing is involved! 

Learn how to prepare some really simple new recipes that you can keep for a lifetime.

Lose weight, gain energy and watch your skin glow!

• gluten-free

• dairy-free

• vegan

• high-raw (nutrient-dense)

• great for digestion, weight loss, energy gain, glowing skin, stronger nails/hair

• whole foods

• easy recipes

• options for breastfeeding moms

• options for those who do intense workouts

• options for people wanting to gain weight

There will be 24 hour support via email, text message and phone calls. A facebook support group will also be provided.

I'm SO ready for Fall (PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!!!)! Although Los Angeles hasn't quite gotten the autumn memo, (it's going to be 92 degrees this weekend) I'm moving on without her. This bread is packed with superfoods from the Green Dream powder and the pumpkin! It's so tasty that most people (even vegans) don't even know that it's so nutrient-dense, vegan and gluten-free!!

Ingredients:

• (2) 8" x 4" loaf pans

•  1 C* chopped walnuts

• 3 1/2 C all-purpose whole wheat flour (or to make it gluten-free use my fave: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour mix)

• 2 C packed dark brown sugar

• 2/3 C vegan white sugar

• 2 T Philosophie Green Dream Superfood powder

• 2 t baking soda

• 1 t salt

• 1 t ground nutmeg

• 1 1/2 t ground cinnamon (or 2 t Pumpkin Spice)

• 2 C pumpkin puree

• 1 C coconut oil (or any vegetable oil)

• 2/3 C coconut milk (or any dairy-free milk alternative)

• 2/3 C flaked unsweetened coconut

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8" x 4" loaf pans.
2. Spread walnuts in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, Philosophie Green Dream superfood powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add the pumpkin puree, oil, and coconut milk, and mix until all of the flour is absorbed. Fold in the flaked coconut and toasted walnuts. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
4. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, and cover loaves tightly with foil. Allow to steam for 10 minutes. Remove foil, and turn out onto a cooling rack. Tent loosely with the foil, and allow to cool completely.

Other Gluten-Free Fall Quick Bread Recipes:

• Paleo Pumpkin Bread
from Elana’s Pantry

• Cranberry Orange Loaf
from The Baking Beauties

• Cranberry Walnut Bread
from SS&GF

• Pumpkin Pie Bread
from Gluten-Free Goddess

 Have you tried the Green Dream muffins yet??? Please share some creative ways you're using your Green Dream powder! :)

This is a guest post from my wonderful friend and Green Dream Lovah- Lauren! She is a beautiful, inspiring, momma blogger over at Ginger is the New Pink! Go check out her page for more vegan recipes, blog posts and information on Crohn's disease and how to LIVE and LOVE your life!

• 1/4 cup of blueberries

• 1/4 cup strawberries

• 2 tbsp Green Dream Powder

• 1 tbsp wheatgrass powder (or any superfood you'd like)

• Water to thin

Green dream has been a part of my daily diet ever since I won a bag from Philosophie. I love adding the powder to my morning smoothies but I'm not the only fan in my house. My 20 month old helps slurp up my smoothies and also has been enjoying Green Dream in Popsicle's! That's right, I got cute BPA free molds and I blend it up with blueberries, strawberries, peaches or whatever fruit I have on hand. Then I sneak in other super foods like wheatgrass powder, chlorella tablets, goji berries, flax seed. After that, I add water and blend. You don't need to measure. Just do as you would if you were making a smoothie. If there are leftovers, that's a bonus, a smoothie for yourself! But in my case, my daughter always wants the leftovers and ends up drinking it while we wait for the pops to freeze!

Here is the loose recipe, adjust to the size pops you want!

Blend all ingredients then pour into molds and freeze!

Lauren Nastasi is a high raw vegan healing from Crohn's Disease. She lives with her husband, daughter and their 2 pugs in New Jersey. She blogs about her journey at Gingeristhenewpink.blogspot.com

These muffins are probably the healthiest, nutrient dense muffins you can possibly make. Amazingly, they still taste INCREDIBLE- so you aren't sacrificing flavor or taste at all while making them healthy. They not only include over a cup of fresh spinach but the Philosophie Green Dream superfood mix which includes chia seeds, spirulina, chlorella, hemp protein, tocos, maca and mesquite. You can rest easy knowing your family is getting amazing nutrients while enjoying these puppies! :)

Makes 12 muffins

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pink sea salt (or any salt)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 T Green Dream superfood blend

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vanilla coconut milk-based yogurt (or use plain and add 1 tsp vanilla and a little extra sugar – maybe a tbsp or 2) *If not vegan, substitute 1 egg for the yogurt
• 1/3 cup sugar (I used honey but that isn't vegan- up to you!)
• 1 single serving applesauce (or 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup PACKED, triple washed baby spinach, chopped by blender or food processor into small bits
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 – 1 tsp lemon zest (depending on how lemon-y you want it)
• have about 1/4 C almond mylk (or any dairy-free mylk) ready just in case your batter is thick/dry. Add spoonful's of the mylk until it's a smooth, easy to mix consistency.

Optional ingredient: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts/pecans, plus extra for topping

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 12 cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or coconut oil.
2. Add dry ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk together.
3. Whisk to beat yogurt and sugar together till light (I did this by hand for just a couple minutes).
4. Process or blend the spinach until fine.
5. Whisk in the rest of the wet ingredients (I added all the wet ingredients into the blender so they were all blended well).
6. Pour dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient mixture, add 1/4 cup walnuts/pecans if desired, and stir gently just to combine – do not over-mix.
7. Pour muffin batter into muffin tin cups – about 3/4 full each. If using nuts, sprinkle them on top of each muffin.
8. Bake for 14-17 minutes until centers set or a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Cool at least 10-15 minutes before serving. 

After living in LALA land for almost 10 years, I've discovered quite the enticing places to eat. I always love finding new spots to grab a bite, especially when the food is healthy & inspiring and the energy is positive.
Here are my top choices if I WERE visiting Los Angeles and wanted to grab a healthy snack or meal.

Santa Monica:

• Euphoria Loves Rawvolution on Main Street in between Venice and Santa Monica, fun part of town, 2 blocks from the beach. They serve vegan and raw food, sell a few supplements and raw desserts to LIVE for!  I bring my laptop or a book here and cozy up on their couch. They have open mic nights and special events for the community. It's a very friendly environment, super casual and the staff are wonderful. 2301 Main Street, Santa Monica

• Santa Monica Co-Opportunity this is a lovely place to go if you want to get snacks for a picnic or a smoothie after gallivanting at the beach. It looks like a grocery store, but ohhhh, it's so much more. You may not know that a supermarket can be cool, until you go here. Juice/Smoothie bar, best bulk variety items I've ever seen, and a whole refrigerated section dedicated to raw and vegan prepackaged foods. I'm here minimum 3 times a week! Corner of 16th and Broadway in Santa Monica.

• Planet Raw (owned by raw chef Juliano) Couldn't leave this one out. To be honest, If I had the money, I would go nowhere else but here. It's super expensive but the MOST creative dishes in the raw food world. Friends/other planet raw frequenters complain of the service and staff, that they are snooty and give off a bad energy. "Planet Raw  is among the quintessential So Cal dining experiences-attempting to be causal with absurd prices and pretentious attitudes." from a past client.

HOWEVER, their food is OUT OF CONTROL. I highly recommended the Ariel Salad, which will give you your day's worth of greens and energy, and I crave it often.  I almost always get a Chocolate "milk" shake, which is beyond my comprehension in tastyness. This place has a great location, blocks from downtown Santa Monica but the energy is much calmer and you would never know it's inches from the famous 3rd St. Promenade. 609 Broadway, Santa Monica.

Silverlake/Hollywood:

• Cru is a sit down restaurant, great for a nice dinner. You can bring your own wine for a small corkage fee. They have both cooked vegan dishes and raw vegan foods, and I have never had a bad eating experience! "Artfully weaving Italian, Japanese, Tunisian, Thai and Indian flavors into a fresh interpretation of life enhancing gourmet food, including desserts that even the most health conscious individual can indulge in guiltlessly." They also have uncooking classes here-which I will be teaching in June! Sundays 3-4:30p here's the link! 1521 Griffith Park Blvd, Silverlake.

• Erewhon Natural Foods Market "Health Food Nirvana" is in West  Hollywood. Similar to the experience of the Co-Op (see above) but a little more upscale. They have more of a selection (if it were possible) and the best part about this place is their tonic bar. You'll find super knowledgeable staff and drinks you won't find anywhere else.  Philosophie Green Dream and Cacao Magic superfoods are available to purchase here in their raw foods/superfood section!!! They have a great selection of raw living foods, vegan, specialty chef spices, local produce, macrobiotic diet and body ecology diet foods.  They also have great cheese, nut cheese and raw chocolate ingredients.  The bulk items are maybe 10% higher than whole foods for organics, but the selection is good. The tonics and vitamin selections are far superior to any juice bar I've ever visited in SF, NYC or London. They have tons of great events featuring organic gourmet chefs, raw foodists, and educational talks.  It is definitely more pricey than other "markets" so just be prepared. Don't come for a big shopping trip, come for an experience. 7660 Beverly Blvd, West Hollywood
• .

• Cafe Gratitude: I go here when I need a "spiritual uplift" as Woody Harrelson said about this Cafe. The menu has so many inspirational dishes that are deliciously healthy. For a raw/vegan entree, I'm a big fan of "I Am Terrific". The kelp noodles and the blend of basil, mint and cilantro really compliment the dish. For a cooked vegan dish, I highly recommend and love the "I am Whole"...a bowl made with quinoa, sea palm, kale, carrots, homemade kimchi, candied almonds. I think that's it. I get it every time I go there. It's just the perfect balance of flavors and it's filling and healthy. Apart from that I get a smoothie "I am Cool" with cocoa nibs and hemp cashew mint ice cream. mmm!!! It can get a bit crowded but go during non peak hours to enjoy.Larchmont/Hollywood: 639 N Larchmont Blvd, 90004 and a new location in Venice: 512 Rose Ave. Venice, CA 90291
  

Beverly Hills:

M Cafe features Macrobiotic Cuisine—balanced, nutritious, creative cooking which can be enjoyed by everyone, not just vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions. The chefs prepare each item fresh daily, using only the finest ingredients without any refined sugars, eggs, dairy, red meat or poultry. Easy items to grab and go, or sit and have a bite to eat in the center of Beverly Hills: 9433 Brighton Way.

Urth Cafe: For beautiful lattes, organic specialty salads and sandwiches, visit Urth Cafe. This is a good place to go with non-vegan friends because you'll be happy and so will they! Something for everyone. 267 South Beverly Drive.

Lemonade is a new discovery of mine. They have delicious salads to chose from, and the secret is to have them take one scoop from each salad choice so that you get more options. (you get 2 scoops for each salad) Another good place to go with non-vegan friends, sandwiches and fish/poultry dishes.. but everything is clean and healthy! Oh, and definitely try their house-made lemonade! Peach Ginger was my fave!  9001 Beverly Blvd. (also in Venice on Abbot Kinney: 1661 Abbot Kinney Boulevard  Venice, CA 90291)

Kelp noodles rawk!!! 

They are virtually calorie free and don’t taste like the sea at all. There is no sugar, gluten, wheat, rice or flour. Kelp is known to aid the metabolism, boost energy, aid in digestion and they contain an abundance of minerals.
Ingredients for Raw, Vegan Pesto Kelp Noodles:

*2 packages Kelp Noodles

*2 large bushels of fresh Basil leaves

*1 Cup fresh Spinach

*1/4 C Extra Virgin Olive Oil

*1/2 Cup raw Pinenuts

*2 fresh Garlic cloves

*1/2 Teaspoon Celtic Sea Salt

Directions: 

1) soak kelp noodles in warm/hot water for at least 20 minutes. Drain and  wring out excess water.

2) combine all ingredients in food processor/Cuisinart (except kelp noodles)

3) taste the pesto. It may need more sea salt or garlic for your taste. Also, if it's too chunky, add more olive oil or a little bit of filtered water. If it's too watery, add more pine nuts or spinach/basil.

If you want a variation, try my recipe for Cheezy Kelp Noodles!

As the coming months approach, I will again, be a new momma. My second baby boy will be born into the world. This brings much joy, excitement, love, appreciation and gratitude into my body. It also, unfortunately, brings a tinge of anxiety for many moms.

This post is all about exposing my secrets on "how I do it all" and still (attempt) to stay happy, healthy and kind. I hope this helps any of you weary about mommyhood and starting a family. I also hope this helps those of you that are struggling as moms and not quite sure how to find the time to be your best self. Philosophie Sophie is here to help!

Balancing Mommy Secret #1

You can't do it all. Take help when it's offered. Oh, AND, you need sleep.

For some reason mamas and papas just accept the fact that they won't sleep for the first two years or so (I've heard 5 from some parents! eek!). That's NOT an option in my world! In the first few months of a new baby being in your life, they need you ALL the time. They must nurse every few hours, they need a diaper change constantly and they need to bond with you. They have higher piles of dirty clothes than you do and you've already run out of diapers before you can blink twice. So where does sleep fit in?

For the first 6 months, my husband did at LEAST one night time feeding. It was calculated with the intention of me getting more sleep. So, let's say I did one last feeding at 9p, baby would be up again in 2-3 hours crying and hungry- that would be dads turn (or grandmas, best friends, etc). He would do the whole routine, feed him a bottle (of pumped breast milk), change him and tuck him into bed. I would sleep this entire time-until the following feeding-peacefully and soundly with earplugs shoved into both ears. By the time the next feeding came, I'd practically jump into my baby's moses basket to snatch him up because I had so much energy. Then we'd go back to sleep for a few hours and I'd be nearing 8 hours with barely any effort, and a bonus nap a few hours into the day if I wanted it! ALLOW people to help you. INSIST your husband/significant other participates in a REAL way.

When people want to bring you food, let them. When they ask if they can help at all, say yes. Have people help with laundry, cleaning the house, watching the baby for 1 hour while you get a nap/walk/shower/anything. Take care of your needs, you'll be taking care of that baby's for the next lifetime!

Secret #2, Breath: Yoga.

 Take time to go inward. To meditate, to breath, to journal.

It's so important to reflect on what's going on in your heart, mind and body. You just had a CHILD! You brought a LIVING, BREATHING HUMAN into this planet. It's time to open up and see what's going on inside.

If you don't practice yoga, purchase a yoga DVD online and get moving! Find a patch of carpet in your home when the baby is napping or in the swing and take some time for yourself. Even 25 minutes of yoga can shift your entire day energetically. It will bring bonus happiness that the physical body slims down while you're taking care of your spiritual self.

I went to a yoga class at my gym at least 2-3 times a week because they have a kids club/babysitting in the gym. I HIGHLY recommended looking into this amenity when selecting a gym to join. Often when Kai was still super little they would come get me halfway through class because he needed me, but I didn't care, I appreciated every minute I had to myself.

Secret #3: Pamper Mama.

Get manicures, pedicures, massages, facials. Have your best friend come give you a foot rub. Have your hubby give you a full body rub down. You DESERVE to take care of yourself, to love yourself, to indulge. I think I've gotten more treatments in the past 20 months then I ever did before. A 45 minute trip to the nail salon can turn out to be the best decision you've made all month. When they ask if you want 10 more minutes for a foot/shoulder/whatever rub, say "YES"! You are nurturing another human 24/7, responsible for that person, giving giving and giving some more.... the least you can do is nurture the source of all that energy. My sister is an amazing massage therapist if anyone that lives in LA wants to take advantage of her healing powers. Let me know and I'll hook it up :)

Secret #4: Get a good wrap/carrier

A big help in mommyland is having a good carrier to tote bebe around with you wherever you go.

I worked from home the first 6 months in the kitchen with Kai on me. I used the moby a LOT in the beginning and switched over to the Butterfly 2 later on when he got heavier. I STILL use the Butterfly 2 and he's almost 2 years old! It can be used on the front facing you (which is supposed to be better for baby then facing out) and it can also be used as a backpack with baby on your back. This allowed me the freedom to go for hikes and run errands without dealing with a hefty stroller. Plus, you have the added bonus of bonding with your baby while they are on you, listening to you talk, feeling your body heat, etc. I highly recommend purchasing a sling/pak/carrier from the wonderful mommy I bought mine from at paxbaby.com. She's extremely knowledgeable and has 5 children herself (wow!) so knows a thing or two about it! She will also custom make your sling for you with special patterns you get to chose!

Secret #5: Balance mommyhood and livelihood

 Your life now contains a baby, your life is NOT a baby.

Sometimes you may feel like your entire BEING is being a momma. That life is all things baby and that's the way it's going to be for years to come.

With a few really easy steps, you too can feel like there's more to life than diaper changes and playdates.

1) Find a babysitter you love and GET OUT! You need time to yourself. You need to meet up with friends for lunch/coffee/juice/yoga and NOT have your tot with you. Especially later when the baby has set naps, you don't want to selfishly screw up their day so that you can see your friends... so having a sitter take care of babes helps. Run errands, do some work, go for a long walk in nature, whatever you need to feel like YOU again. I promise, you won't regret leaving them for a few hours once you just GO!

2) Schedule Date-nights: my hubby and I schedule once a week date nights. It's imperative we schedule this in because if we don't, weeks will pass and we won't take that special time for us. Sometimes it's something bomb like a concert and other times it's just dinner at our favorite sushi place or a movie. Regardless, we see each other, outside of the house, and have time to bond as two lovers and friends, not just as mommy and daddy. (although I must admit we probably talk about Kai the majority of the time and share pics and videos!) We also schedule time with couple friends, groups of friends and our family as often as we can so we can feel connected to our loved ones.

Secret # 6: SLEEP TRAIN YOUR CHILD!

I can't say enough about this! At 6 months, we sleep trained Kai. After two days of letting him "cry it out" (there are several techniques, we chose this one) he was trained. For over 15 months now, he has slept through every single night (unless he was sick/teething) for 11 HOURS STRAIGHT. He is a happy, joyful, rested child and I owe this to his sleep. Get books, do research and figure out what's best for you and your baby.

Secret #7: Be Present

When you're with baby, try and be as present as possible. At the dinner table, keep phones away. When you're spending one on one time or time as a family, try to stay in the moment. Kids can feel when you're not connected and really love it when you are. Obviously you'll have to take a phone call here and there and connect to the outside world, but just be sure when you're giving time to your little one that you're doing the best you can to give them all of you. If you're balancing your time by pampering yourself, journaling, getting enough sleep and exercising, you should be more than happy to give a few hours to your sweet love!

Being a mama is no doubt a balancing act. But part of being a wonderful mother is being a wonderful person. You can't be a person in the universe if you never take time for YOU and the things you love. So we adapt! Love to hike? Strap that baby onto your body! Love to practice yoga? find a gym that watches babies. Want to be a working mommy? Find a sitter you absolutely love and trust and get your hubby on board to help when he can. It can ALL be done, being a happy mommy, wife, friend and careerwoman...  you just need to take the time to dream it into reality (and get creative!). Journal, reflect and connect to your truest and best self as often as you can to stay centered and true to you. Everyone around you will notice the difference, I promise!