Things Loved in May

Before we jump into my things loved in May, let me start by sharing my very favorite, best-ever thing loved so far in June—all of my pictures have been recovered! WOO-HOO!! Instead of continuing to wallow in my wine, I will now pour a celebratory glass and toast the computer gods for a job well-done. Such. A. Relief!

Okay, moving on to Things Loved in May…

1. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

If you’ve never checked out anything from one of my “Things Loved” lists before, this is the one I most strongly want you to consider.  I blogged about Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution TV series last spring when it first aired because I found it to be incredibly eye-opening. The show is about Jamie Oliver, a chef from the UK, and his mission to get unhealthy, unrecognizable processed foods out of America’s schools (and homes, and drive-thrus…) and replaced with healthy meals cooked from fresh ingredients.

Now that its second season has begun, I look back over this past year and realize how instrumental this show has been in shaping the way my family eats. It shined a bright enough light on what goes into popular processed foods that I could no longer ignore the facts, and I could not in good conscience begin feeding this kind of food to my child who would soon be adding solid foods to her diet.

That was a year ago, and today I’m proud to say that my family has almost eliminated processed foods from our diets. I can tell you every ingredient that goes into the meals I prepare for my family and where it came from. It’s been a significant change in my lifestyle, but physically I feel incredible, and emotionally I have a lot of pride in what is put on my daughter’s plate.

The changes I’ve made for my family may sound drastic, but there are simple steps that anyone can take to improve the quality your nutrition…starting with watching this show, and believing that you and your family deserve better. The show airs Friday nights on ABC. You can also view episodes online, and become part of the "food revolution" at ABC.com.

2. Pizzeria Pizza Crusts

In line with eliminating proceed foods from our diet, I’ve been wanting to replace the “just add water” pizza crust mix I buy for Kate's veggie pizza to a crust with ingredients that I recognize and can pronounce…but I wasn’t quite sold on the idea of making it myself from scratch. 

Did you know you can bring home handmade pizza dough from your local pizzeria? 

I was so excited to find this out!

I can get a ball of fresh pizza dough, made from all natural ingredients, from one of my favorite local pizza places (The Roman Candle for all my locals) starting at $0.75—that’s even less than I was paying for my processed pizza crusts from the grocery store!   

I love discovering shortcuts like this that can save me time and money. 

3.  Yurbuds

My friend Todd told me about Yurbuds after I complained incessantly about mentioned how much I hate my iPhone earbuds because they frequently fall out when I'm running.  Yurbuds are a flexible, silicone attachment you place over your regular earbuds, and they fit comfortably and securely in your ears using patented "ear-lock" technology.  These little silicone suckers are expensive though, so I don't recommend them lightly!  However, if you're constantly frustrated with your earbuds falling out (like I was) you'll find they're worth the money.  I see Amazon.com sells them for $30/pair, but I got mine for $20 at Fleet Feet Sports.   

4.  Aveda Phomollient

This is one of my favorite hair products, and I'm surprised I haven't blogged about it yet!  Aveda Phomollient is a lightweight styling foam (think mousse, but even lighter) made from honey, burdock and marshmallow root, that creates weightless volume for fine and medium hair.  I love that I can work this product through my fine hair to get some body and texture, yet still easily run my fingers through without them getting stuck or sticky.

5.  CK Fanya wedges

 
My go-to shoes for this spring and summer are my new Calvin Klein Fanya wedges in my favorite whiskey color.  They're 3½” high with a sassy little zipper up the back and a stylish cage wrap around the ankle.  They're gorgeous, and if you see me this summer chances are these will be on my feet.  Just try not to drool on my toes, mmkay?