‘Love Yourself’ Life Update and Four Faves

Photo from my Pinterest Board

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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 🙂

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!

 

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 😉 

 

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. 

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.

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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