Surprising information about Vitamin D and why you should see the light...

There's something about the feeling of warm sun that makes you just feel better.  Many of you are probably aware that vitamin D (technically a hormone, not a vitamin) is made in our bodies through exposure to sunlight and you might even know that if you live north of Atlanta, GA, chances are you're not making enough vitamin D in the winter months as the sun just isn't strong enough (as if you haven't noticed that or needed another reminder why this winter s*cks)!

Dr. Michael Holick, MD, PhD is an expert on vitamin D and the author of The Vitamin D Solution.  In an interview with Dr. Mercola, he points out some facts about vitamin D that I want to share with you.  Even if you've heard some or most of this before, I find that a little reminder never hurts.

*For starters, should you really be concerned about vitamin D status?

Carrot Almond Flour Muffins: gluten & grain free and naturally low sugar

Muffins can be one of the least healthy foods we eat.  Many of us are tricked by the words "blueberry", "pumpkin" or "7 grain" but in reality, muffins generally have a LOT of sugar and aren't so nourishing.  The Bountiful Blueberry Muffin from Starbucks, for example, has 55g of refined carbohydrates including 29 grams of sugar (that's over 7 tsp).  I've talked about sugar and carbohydrates in posts here and here and if you've read those posts, you know that Americans (and especially most children) are getting way too much sugar and that sugar is now thought to be a major (if not THE major) contributor to diseases from heart disease to diabetes and the inflammatory process behind those and many other issues.

These simple and delicious Carrot Almond Flour Muffins (adapted from The Sweet Beet) that my 4 year old and I made this morning are a great family-friendly healthy muffin.  Sam has had 3 today and said they are "super yummy" and he's a tough critic these days!

Carrot Almond Flour Muffins:

2 cups almond flour (I get this from the bulk section at Whole Foods for about $1.50/cup)

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1 egg

1 cup grated carrot

1/2 ripe banana

1/3 cup melted grass-fed butter or coconut oil

2-3 Tbsp real maple syrup or honey (we used honey)

2 Tbsp water

Mix the dry ingredients and wet separately, then pour the wet into the dry and stir to combine.  Grease the muffin tins and cook at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

This recipe makes about 9 muffins, each with less than 4 grams of sugar per serving and zero refined anything!  They would make a great breakfast or snack on-the-go.

Enjoy!

Spring Break 2014 Wish List

If you're headed somewhere warm for spring break (& lucky you), the sun and sand call for simple yet pretty style.  Here's my wish list for Spring Break 2014...

Spring Break 2014 Wish List by hlbsullivan featuring linen pants

*These wide leg linen pants (also available in grey) are perfect for cool morning tea runs.

*Something I can afford by Tom Ford…yes please!  Coral + tan skin=beach perfect.

*For day, Yes to Carrots tinted lip balms aren't trying too hard but still feel pulled together.

*I've been thinking about these Warby Parker shades ever since I tried them on at their pop-up shop a few months ago.  Their styles are current and priced right!  I wear their eyeglasses and couldn't be more pleased with the entire process from choosing to receiving (and affording) them.  And I love the story behind this company:  Warby Parker was conceived as an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today. Prescription eyewear should not cost a fortune. The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with customers directly through our website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price.
If you don't know of Warby Parker already, you should give them a look.

*New scandals always get me excited for the season ahead.  These would be cute with a bathing suit, pants, shorts and dresses.

* Great earrings, a little mascara and lip gloss are really all you need when you're sun kissed.  Add your favorite white tee and jeans and you're set.

* This tie-dye form fitting dress works for day or night.

* A jean skirt can take you from the pool to lunch to a night on the town.  So cute!

Traveling with kids: Calming foods and keeping them occupied.

I flew with our 18 month old and nearly 4 year old recently and I was really nervous about our 3+ hour flight. When you're on a plane or in a confined car, the last thing you want is a hyper, restless child.  Here are a couple things that worked for us and some things I'll try next time:

Snacks:
Snacks are a must when traveling but since my children, like many, are very sensitive to high sugar, high glycemic foods and artificial ingredients, we have to be careful about what we give them, especially in high pressure situations ;).  I put together this little list of calming foods that are portable, readily available and still appealing to kids (and me as I needed a little help too).

The following foods either contain melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, relaxation inducing nutrients or tryptophan which is converted to seratonin (another relaxation hormone) and melatonin.

Inspirational women: Erin Konrath, a successful self-made photographer and mother of 4 with a beautiful perspective

Erin is one of those women who makes you look twice.  Whether it's her sweet, alluring smile that draws you in or her approachable, almost palpable warmth, she's someone that both men and women want be around.  I think it also has something to do with the fact that she seems to see life through rose colored glasses; not annoying rose glasses, hip, stylish ones that you wish you had on.  Which is why to me, it makes perfect sense that she's a super successful self-made photographer.  And lucky for us!  In her photos we get to see the simple yet beautiful moments of life from her lovely perspective.  I'd say her photos are a lot like her…enjoy!

How did you get started with your photography business:
My husband, Kenny, gave me a nice, used camera 3 years ago for Christmas and said I think you will enjoy this.  I was taking a lot of pictures with my point and shoot and was obsessed with the pictures I was taking.  I had never said I wanted to be a photographer some day, I just started taking more and more pictures with my new camera and it evolved.

Blue Door Farm Stand: A welcome addition to the Lincoln Park Neighborhood

We love our neighborhood, but until recently the casual dinning options left a little to be desired.  The recent addition of a few new places, including Blue Door Farm Stand, is changing that for the better.

The location, right on Armitage among all the shops, couldn't be better, and the atmosphere, food, americano ;) and owners make the entire experience one we'll be going back for…probably weekly.

Cauliflower is the new kale

I read that cauliflower is the new kale of 2014.  Not only is it a cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetable with anti-inflammatory powers, detox and digestion doers and loads of antioxidants (including Vitamin C), it's also a good source of folate and choline, two crucial nutrients for women of childbearing potential.  Choline is especially important for brain development in utero.  Hmm, cauliflower does sort of look like a brain…

We've been making it a lot on the griddle sliced into thin 'steaks' with a bit of grass-fed butter, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon (add any herbs you like and parmesan cheese if you wish).  Brown on either side and it's done.  It couldn't be easier and it's really delicious.

Here's a few other slightly more labor intensive recipes I want to try:

The Kitchen Enthusiast's version of Mario Batali's Cauliflower Griddle Cakes for The Food and Wine Classic in Aspen.  You could sub with almond flour to make them gluten free.

Cauliflower pizza crust seems like the perfect guilt and gut-bomb free solution to our weekly pizza indulgence.

There are a lot of cauliflower crust recipes out there.  Have you tried any of them?  Do you have a favorite?
The trick for a crispy crust seems to be to squeeze out all the moisture in the cauliflower after cooking it, before baking the crust.   Some of the recipes use a microwave to cook the cauliflower.  I would suggest steaming or sautéing it as I try not to use the microwave.  Here's another dairy-free option from Nutrition Stripped, a great resource for real food recipes.  My goal for March is to go Paleo for 1 month and this recipe will come in handy.

This soup, from Brooklyn Supper while more time consuming than I've had patience for lately, looks amazing!  Maybe a project for the next snow day…

I hope you had a great weekend!

The power of touch for all ages

Valentine's Day is all about LOVE, and one of the best ways to convey love is through touch.  Here's just a little reminder about the amazing power of touch.  And as you go around today wishing a happy Valentine's Day to all, why not include a thoughtful touch (just keep it within reason ;)

* When a baby is born and is allowed immediate skin to skin contact with his mother, his temperature, breathing, heart rate, digestion and blood sugar regulate, his stress levels are reduced, he tends to latch on to breastfeed easier and his skin is even colonized with the same beneficial bacteria as the mother.  The mother also benefits: hormones to promote breastfeeding and mothering are stimulated and she is more relaxed.  My dear friend recently had her 3rd baby via  C-section and asked to be given the baby immediately.  The hospital where she delivered said they had never done this but agreed to it and recognized the benefits.  She said it was such a sweet time and was so glad she asked and they said okay.  She'll likely remember that moment forever.  This skin-to-skin contact is important throughout the first days and weeks and is ideally practiced with the father as well.  According to a recent study, the lasting positive benefits of skin-to-skin contact were seen in 10 year olds who were born premature and included a better response to stress, more mature functioning of the autonomic nervous system and better cognitive control than 10 year olds who were preterm and received standard care.

Farm to…vending machine? Farmer's Fridge: a successful twist in the slow food movement:

The slow food movement has taken off, and rightly so.  There's no question that eating fresh, healthy and local food is good for our bodies and the environment, but it's too often easier said than done.  That is until the genius idea behind Farmer's Fridge came along!  Luke Saunders, founder of Farmer's Fridge, came up with the revolutionary idea to take fresh, organic ingredients, combine them in delicious, nourishing and satisfying salads and snacks and put them into a vending machine!  And it's not just your average vending machine either; there's reclaimed wood, a user-friendly ordering screen and real live plants on top.  Even better is what's inside the machine.  There were multiple salad combinations that all sounded so good I couldn't decide what to order.  Both salads that I tried, the Cheater and the North Napa Salad were delicious.  I added chicken (that's right, you can get chicken separate in an adorable little 100% BPA-free and recyclable little container) which was tender, flavorful and totally safe.  The dressings, served in a little container placed on top of the layered salads, were very flavorful but not at all heavy.  And if you're curious, all of the nutrition information is listed right before your eyes on the salad container.  As we were leaving, my lunch date commented on how she felt energized, not ready for a nap like one usually feels after a 'fast' food lunch.

Currently the only Chicago Farmer's Fridge location is at 201 N Clark in the Garvey Food Court at Clark and Lake (although that may change soon/regularly?), but they have a kiosk request form on their website and they cater.  I can't wait to see the Farmer's Fridge kiosk at hospitals, schools, Millennium Park evening concerts (that's my vote), and various other places.  Props to Luke and his team for giving us tasty, real food options in a sea of processed cr*p.

DIY walnut cutting board

When we renovated our home last year, I fell in love with walnut- the color, grain, warmth, depth…all of it.  Our architect, Matthew Hufft of Hufft Projects and designer Kali Buchanan were the original instigators of this love (more on them and how lucky we were to work with them in another post some day).  And ever since then, I can't get enough.

I've come across a few walnut cutting boards in the last year and they go nicely on my wish list, but for $200+ a pop, theres no way to justify that spend when I have an entire house to furnish (someday) and about 5 perfectly functional cutting boards already.

So the last time I was in St. Louis visiting family, I got the urge to get creative.  A walnut cutting board couldn't be that hard to make/mess up, right?!  So my mom and I went to the local wood shop and picked out this piece of walnut for about $40!  We, or should I say my mom and step-dad, made the cutting board and a planter box out of the slab.

It makes a great backdrop for photos ;), and a pretty serving board for cheese etc.  I don't actually cut on it because I don't want to scratch it.

PS, my mom "heavily sanded" the wood and we used a mixture of walnut oil and beeswax to oil the boards and planter.

The week in Inspiration: NY Fashion Week 2014

I would LOVE to go to NY Fashion Week someday!  But for now, social media will have to suffice.

If you're into street style and don't follow Could I Have That on Instagram or read her blog, you should!  She has a cool, laid-back style and takes beautiful photos.  Oh, and she got to be at the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2014 show and witness this amazing gown up close and personal!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week's Instagram Account brought me to this Jill Stuart mini.  I like the fresh interpretation of the drop waist with the full skirt.

How about this Carolina Herrera number!  Apparently red is hot for fall 2014…

There's always something to love from Diane Von Furstenberg!

Th texture and color of this Altuzarra dress is so unique.  It would be a really pretty choice for an early fall wedding or event (in my dreams)!

Victoria Beckham's show was very feminine.  I love all the white and the look of this dress.  How fun would that be to wear!

This coat is stunning!

And how 'major' does she look at her show...I have a crush!
VB Images via Vogue

An anti-aging orange and carrot smoothie

I know, smoothie recipes are a dime a dozen these days but I thought I would share this quick and easy one in case you're looking for additional ways to add veggies to your family's diet.  It's sweet and tangy and since oranges are in season now, they taste crisp and fresh, just like they should.

Recipe:

1 orange, peel and pith removed

1 kiwi, peel removed (tart apple would work too)

1 large carrot, peeled (or a small handful of baby carrots)

juice of 1/2 lemon

pinch of turmeric

a few cubes of ice or an ounce or 2 of water

This recipe makes one 8 oz serving.

I like the addition of turmeric as it's an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant touted for it's anti-aging properties and even alzheimer's prevention (hey, it's never too early to start).  However, if you don't have turmeric, it tastes great without too.

A few people have asked what blender I have.  I use the Nutribullet and I really like it.  It took care of the raw carrots with no problem and it's easy to clean and pretty affordable.

Enjoy!

Inspirational Women: Jill Dine, the amazing mother of an equally amazing little boy with Type 1 Diabetes

I mentioned a bit ago that I was starting a series on inspirational women and I'm excited to introduce you to the first of many!  But first, a little background on the subject:

I decided this would be a fun and moving series for the blog because I know so many women who have inspired me and who I hope will inspire you too.  I grew up with 4 brothers and while I used to wish I had a sister, I now realize that maybe it was meant to be this way so I would open my eyes and heart to all the beautiful and strong women that come into my life.  I've been so blessed by these mentors and friendships and am a better person for knowing them.  So if one day I have a daughter, one of my greatest wishes for her will be to love and support the women in her life; to be a girl's girl because these relationships will be a huge part of the foundation of who she is, who builds her up, the joys she shares and the little things that will make her life so precious.

I recently sat down with and old friend from college, Jill Dine, to chat about being a mom and having a son, Clayton, almost 5, who has Type 1 Diabetes.  Jill is one of those people who's quick to smile and so sincere, but she's also someone you don't want to mess with.  She's an incredibly strong woman, an amazing mother and a loyal friend with whom it was so nice to share this chat.  Her interview is candid and touching.  She and her husband are making the best of the hand they were dealt, raising two darling boys and working to make a difference.

How did you find out Clayton had diabetes:
Clayton was a little over 2 and he was sleeping from 8pm until 10am and taking naps.  I just felt that something wasn't right, so I took him to the doctor who basically said he's a good sleeper, you got lucky.  Then all he wanted to eat was McDonald's milk shakes and was wetting the bed often (he was already potty trained).  A few weeks later, John, my husband, was in Europe and we were with his sister.  She saw him chugging milk and peeing through his clothes and she told me she thought he was diabetic.  When I got home that night I googled it and he had all the symptoms but I was in denial.  When John got back from Europe the next day and saw Clayton his mouth dropped!  He had lost 9 lbs since John had left (he went from 29 lbs to 20).  We took him to the doctor the next morning.  On the way there I was totally in denial but then right before we arrived, I called my sister-in-law and started balling.  I was really scared.  We got to the doctor and they took a urine sample and sent us directly to Children's Hospital where we stayed for 3 days.  Clayton was getting IVs and insulin shots and John and I went to classes all day for 3 days to learn about diabetes and how to take care of him.

the week in inspirations: Relax and Revive

I'm obsessed with the Ro chair designed by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hanson to be comfortable and obviously beautiful.  Ro is Danish for tranquility and the sculpture and coziness is very zen.  I'll take 2, please!
Nest/suite ny

And speaking of zen, have you read the Time Magazine Mindful Revolution article about meditation.  This new 'revolution' is showing up everywhere with classes from Google HQ to your local college and even middle schools.  The practice shows great results including increased productivity, academic performance, happiness and creativity as well as reduced stress, anxiety and depression.  I think most of us could benefit from a few moments of silence to reset.  I know I sure could!  Here's a simple 5 minute guide to meditation if you want to give it a try.  And below, a little more information on the what and why of living in the moment.

Inspirations for a spring fashion uniform

I love a uniform.  Day or night, I like to keep my options limited to things I love and know work for my body and style.  Budget and time constraints keep this easy as 7 minutes or less to get dressed in the morning leaves little room for trial and error.  I've spent way too much time in leggings and sweatshirts this winter and look forward to a fresh 'uniform' that's kid friendly and comfortable but with more style than black lycra.
Here's a round up of my spring uniform inspirations:

STRIPES:
Stripes are easy and always make me feel somewhat put together:

Atlantic/Pacific

THE MILITARY JACKET:

In Chicago in the spring, fall and winter, it's pretty much all about the outerwear.

Sincerely Jules
THE BUTTON DOWN:
I love a denim button down.  This J.Crew number is my go-to.  The tied look is fresh for spring.

THE FLOWY TOP:

There's something about the flowy top that's both dressy and easy. 

Poppy/ Mrs.French

THE SLIGHTLY EDGY SHOE:

So I know that a lot of the women in these street style photos are wearing shoes that you simply would not tromp to the park in.  But there's something to be said for the way you feel when you're wearing cute shoes.  And shoes can take an outfit to a totally different level.  Whether they're high top sneakers or a great loafer, if they're comfortable, then why not!

Harper's Bazaar/ amouralalumiere