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    ‘Love Yourself’ Life Update and Four Faves

    Sep 10, 2015 • Wellness & Lifestyle

    Love Yourself Photo from my Pinterest Board

    >>>

    So I’ve been procrastinating writing this post the past few weeks… which is why I didn’t write it yesterday as I said I would, but I feel compelled to share it with the internet I guess (the world?). It’s a bit overwhelming… and always weird to attain that fine line between sharing too much of your personal life on your blog and sharing not enough where people feel disconnected, depending on the type of blog you have. Last time I shared a life update (back in April) I received some backlash from a handful of people, which I should have expected I suppose (I learned my lesson) but this time around it’s different.

    I’ll just get right down to it.  

    I moved back home with my parents a little over a month ago. While I love my family dearly, never did I think at 26 I would be back home.. I thought (hoped) I would be getting engaged, not back in the house where I grew up. Marty and I decided to end our relationship and that’s the reason why I moved back. Yep. I’m not writing this for sympathy, that’s not what I’m looking for. Just writing it because he was a small part of my blog and I feel the need to close that chapter. He was there in the beginning stages of it and beyond – through all the ups and downs. But after over 4 years of being together, our relationship just wasn’t working anymore. I’m sure you know how that goes.

    I felt numb for a while and couldn’t do much of anything the first few days of being back home… but I’m slowly finding myself again and figuring out what it’s like to be alone, since I haven’t been in years. Little by little, I’m beginning to feel excited about life – a feeling I haven’t felt in a veryyyyy long time. That’s the reason I titled this post ‘Love Yourself’ because we can get so lost in the happenings of life that we sometimes forget (or avoid) to do what’s best for us – not for other people. In order to give love and make other people happy, you need to love yourself first and truly be happy. So always remember that, for any young girls that follow my blog. The ebs and flows of life and how you handle them shape you. No matter what happens, love yourself first and keep that connection strong which will help guide you through life and make big changes as I just did. 

    I cherish my happy memories with Marty and will always remember how, in a room full of strangers, he could make everyone feel comfortable and have them laughing in no time. He was truly gifted in that way – like your automatic new best friend. No judgement, just fun. He was the life of the party. He also made that special connection with all animals and understood them as I did – sentient creatures who are smart and very much aware of their surroundings. He loved being healthy with me. He loved our dogs and would do anything for them. So I’m just remembering the good times rather than the bad because sometimes things just don’t work out. And that’s okay.

    For now, I’m finding my own happiness again and figuring out my next move (back to the city, hopefully). It’s been a rocky road and now I can soak up some smooth sailing, focus on The Glowing Fridge and savor this time with my family. Thank you guys for sticking by my side!

    >>>> Anyways.. aside from that little life update I have some new favorites that I must share with you.

    FAVE #1: First up.. my new Aloe Vera Plant which is just the cutest little thing. I can now add this plant to my collection of succulents. It makes me so happy 🙂

    Aloe Vera Plant

    I’ve always wanted an aloe vera plant so when I saw one at trader joe’s for $5.99 – it was a done deal. Aloe vera is especially great for skin (a face mask recipe coming soon to you guys!) and to add in smoothies for healthy digestion. Any tips for taking care of aloe vera plants?! I could use all the tips I can get!

    FAVE # 2: Himalayan Salt Lamp – this is magically calming and purifies the air, similar to an ionizer. When switched on, it turns the most beautiful golden amber color and I’M IN LOVE with it. I keep it on my desk and have it on all day while working. It’s definitely calming and clears the air of allergens including pet dander, pollens and other air pollutants. Amazing, right?! This is a must-have for any office or any room, really!Himalayan Salt Lamp Himalayan Salt Lamp

     

    FAVE #3: Coenzyme B-Complex Caps

    Some people swear by these, and now I understand why. Since my recent break-up, I’ve noticed if I’m feeling sad, I have absolutely no energy and just want to curl up in a ball in bed, so these have really helped my energy levels – as well as my skin!! Since taking them for a few weeks now, I haven’t had any breakouts! Score. I take one in the morning with my lemon water and probiotic and they help to balance out my energy throughout the day. They support your nervous system, sugar metabolism and energy levels. I love B vitamins!! I’m not big on supplement vitamins but these are just amazing so I had to tell ya 😉 

    Coenzyme B-Complex Caps

     

    FAVE #4: Nutrex Spirulina and Green Superfood

    Spirulina is a major favorite in the health world. The all natural Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina is a pure green superfood, containing protein, betacarotene, and essential vitamins & minerals. They offer a powder or tablet form as well as a Green Complete powder in a vanilla bean flavor that includes probiotics. I’ve been adding the powders to my smoothies and smoothie bowls which you may know if you follow me on snapchat (username: glowingfridge). Spirulina is the most nutritious, concentrated whole food known to humankind. One 3 gram serving of Hawaiian Spirulina provides more antioxidant activity than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables! Spirulina has 2300% more iron than spinach, 3900% more beta carotene than carrots, 300% more calcium than whole milk, and 375% more protein than tofu. Amazing. 

    Superfood Spirulina Powder

    The growers from Hawaiian Spirulina focus on ways to protect the superb antioxidant quality through all phases of production. Their patented Ocean Chill drying delivers twice the antioxidant quality of other Spirulina products. It is also extremely important that Spirulina is properly packaged and their research shows that plastic bottle packaging was allowing oxidation to destroy precious nutrients. Interesting, right? The Nutrex Spirulina goes from the ponds to finished product in less than 30 minutes, then they use glass packaging with oxygen absorbers and sealing caps to ensure maximum freshness and potency of nutrients.

    Fun Fact: their facility uses ocean water drawn from a pipeline that plunges 2000 feet into the Pacific Ocean. They supplement their spirulina systems with this deep seawater as a source of calcium, magnesium, and all 94 trace elements. No other Spirulina is grown with such special water containing its rich source of naturally occurring nutrients. Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica supports Eye Health, Immune Function, Healthy Cholesterol Levels, Cellular Health, and Increased Energy. Gotta love this stuff.

    ?

    That’s all for now. I’m off to do a little yoga and then back to writing for me. Don’t forget to love yourself!

    P.S. Don’t forget to enter my HUGE giveaway with Sprout Living, from Tuesday’s post found here. You have until Tuesday to enter!

    xoxo,
    Shannon

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michele @ Two Raspberries

      October 13, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      I read your latest post and had to go back and see what your life update was! Shannon I’m so sorry to hear about this I can’t even imagine how hard this must have been!4 years is a long time! you sound very level headed and positive though and you will bounce back …like in your most recent post you seem very happy about the new move and adventure! Im so happy for you! and hey, nothing can beat the unconditional love of the fur-babies! 😉 at least that my thoughts 😉 and I’m right there with ya in the whole dont know sure how much to share, and how much to not share …your totally right it is a fine line of personal privacy. anyways, I’m glad to hear that it sounds like you are getting back to loving life! your very inspirational and every time I visit your blog I feel like cleaning up my eating more and more! (I mean, I don’t eat terrible but there are certain things that could be healthier) 😉 keep doin you girl, cause your amazing! and you inspire a lot of people! XXX

      Reply
    2. Trish Harrison

      September 22, 2015 at 10:36 am

      I remember back when you wrote that post, when reading it, it felt so real and heartfelt I cannot imagine you getting backlash from it! But some people are just negative and stuck in their own misery & feel the need to share that with everyone. Love your blog, always have! I was going to mention to you, I noticed your kale pasta salad recipe on the one green life website….

      Reply
    3. Kathy Sturr of the Violet Fern

      September 10, 2015 at 5:28 pm

      I moved back home when I was 30! Just saying. Now I have “the best husband in the universe” – that’s how I refer to him. I consider myself young at 48 and appreciate your advice! I had an aloe. Her name was Medusa – she started all cute and small like yours but well, then Medusa! My advice – don’t leave her or him in your cellar over the winter when it freezes below the frost line on those really rare occasions. I wrote about that on my blog “the great plant experiment.”

      Reply
    4. Lindsay

      September 10, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      I bought a ticket yesterday to come to Chicago tonight! Maybe we can meet up? No idea how long I will be there for (I bought a one-way ticket, haha) or what I am going to do but if you have time we can do something 🙂

      Reply
      • Shannon Leparski

        September 10, 2015 at 5:35 pm

        OMG for real?!!! YES Lindsay! We MUST meet up! I’ll text ya 😉

        Reply
    5. Lisa B

      September 10, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      I can’t believe you would receive backlash for opening up and sharing your experiences. For those not interested in reading it – read something else and show kindness. I enjoy your blog and thank you for bringing healthy ideas and positivity into my life. You will never go wrong when you’re honest with yourself do what brings you happiness. Thank you for sharing! Take care.

      Reply
      • Shannon Leparski

        September 10, 2015 at 4:36 pm

        Hi Lisa – guess you never know who reads these kinds of posts but I so appreciate readers such as you, who appreciate the honesty and real-life happenings, so thank you! It truly means a lot to me.

        xo,
        Shannon

        Reply
    6. sarah

      September 10, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      You are so strong girl! I love your outlook and positive attitude. I have a Himalayan salt lamp in my dorm room- I love it!

      Reply
      • Shannon Leparski

        September 10, 2015 at 4:33 pm

        Hey Sarah, aw thank you, just trying to stay positive through all of this. It’s much easier that way. Aren’t the salt lamps the best though?! LOVE!

        xx,
        Shannon

        Reply

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    SHANNON Leparski

    SHANNON Leparski

    Hi! I'm Shannon, a Certified Hormone Specialist and plant based blogger living in Chicago. I help women heal their bodies bodies from the inside out and balance their hormones naturally through a plant based diet and lifestyle. Let me guide you through it, so you can glow from within and feel the best you've ever felt!

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    SHANNON LEPARSKI, IHP
    HANDLE NAME CHANGE!! I’ve been wanting to do th HANDLE NAME CHANGE!!

I’ve been wanting to do this for a while as a fresh start with all the changes to my “brand” in the last year. It feels right to just use my name 😀 (fun fact: I haven’t taken my hubbys last name yet because of business paperwork that I’m too lazy to figure out 😅 name changes are complicated) 

@theglowingfridge started out of my love for the plant based lifestyle but so much has changed in the last 9 years and I’ve been itching to update. Nothing else will change and my blog will still remain as is, if you still use my recipes and such. Love you all and thank you for supporting me through all these changes 🤍🤍🤍

#namechange #handlechange #branding
    what I eat for gut health, happy hormones, healthy what I eat for gut health, happy hormones, healthy skin & hair, and to be a patient mama 🖤

When my blood sugar is on a nasty rollercoaster, I’m not the best mama that I know I should be for my girl. I’m more irritable and short. So I prioritize protein, healthy fats and carbs at each meal. This helps me feel balanced and provides energy to play and chase after her all day! I need all the fuel I can get.

- breakfast tacos with pastured eggs
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- leftover homemade chicken fried rice 
- swedish meatballs & gf pasta & green beans
- my homemade tahini maple cookies (I have a reel with the recipe!!) but I’m truly addicted 🍪 
- always sipping on @gerolsteiner_usa 💧

#whatieatinaday #happyhormones #hormonebalance #bloodsugarbalance #guthealth #hairhealth
    I don’t get ready everyday… But when I do I f I don’t get ready everyday…

But when I do I feel better, duh! And more confident. More productive. Happier in general. Of course I have super lazy days but I try to get myself together because I’m more likely to leave the house, you know mamas? I hate when people ask “why do you get ready if you’re home all day”.. 

I’m sharing different content like this because I feel like it and don’t want to be stuck in a box 😀

#grwm #sahm #selfcare
    I mean if you drink it everyday… It should be o I mean if you drink it everyday…

It should be organic, mold-free, tested for mycotoxins and taste delicious, etc. King coffee goes a step further with a therapeutic dose of reishi spores, the most powerful and potent part of reishi mushroom! Most other companies use the lucidum part of reishi, in case you’re wondering 👑

Want more info? DM me “king” and I’ll send you the deets 🤍🤍🤍

#kingcoffee #reishicoffee #reishi #healthycoffee #organic
    passes & smashes for gut healing ❤️‍🩹 I passes & smashes for gut healing ❤️‍🩹

I have many more passes too.. extreme diets, too many supplements, gluten, juice cleanses, eating too fast and not chewing enough.. the list goes on!

Gut healing takes a multi-faceted approach and it’s never just one supplement to heal or one thing to do.

It takes time, patience and grace! And working alongside a practitioner you feel called to 🙏🏼 

#guthealth #guthealing #guthealthmatters #healyourgut #happyhormones
    january 🤍❄️☃️ january 🤍❄️☃️

    Shannon is a health enthusiast and plant based nutrition advocate, living in Chicago. She studied Health and Fitness at Purdue University and loves everything about the plant based vegan lifestyle, especially creating colorful, nourishing, happy hormone recipes in her kitchen. Read More…

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