4 (EASY!) Ways To Create More Than You Consume!

“Are you creating more than you consume?”

I wish I could remember where I read that question, but it did something to me and shifted my entire perspective. Chances are if you found this blog post you know a bit about me and my life, but in case you don’t: I’m the wife of a touring musician in Nashville, raising a two-year-old while trying to balance my freelance job as a social media manager. 

I’ve really come to love our little life here in Nashville: it’s the first place we ever bought a home, where we had our son, and where we’ve made most of the other grown up decisions in life. 

But with great adulting, comes great responsibility… to look after your play-life! At least for me lately, it’s how I’ve gotten through some of the more busy and overwhelming seasons of these last few years. 

Especially if your job is creative, and especially, especially if you’re your own boss (or are freelance!) I’ve learned it’s so important to carve out space to invest time in yourself first. 

I once took a class on managing your personal finances, and one of the first things they teach you is that no matter how little you might be making, it’s important to “pay yourself first” and put a chunk of your pay check directly into your savings— and work out the rest. By doing so, no matter how many annoying bills you have to pay or vacations you have to forego, you know you’re prioritizing yourself first even if it doesn’t look glamorous. 

So I’ve started taking the same approach with my time. This is my life, my one life that I’m given. Why wouldn’t I take a small chunk of that time everyday to do something for me? I’m worth that and it’s up to me to be the gatekeeper of my own time. In some seasons that time has looked like reading a book, or working out. 

In this season it’s looked like creating for pleasure. Instead of spending hours a day “scrolling for inspo” I’ve been actioning those ideas. There’s something freeing and inspiring about releasing the creative constraints on your mind and just MAKING things. I find it lets me return to my creative work for others with more passion, life and vision. Somedays it’s been painting, others it’s been baking, or making a latte, somedays it’s looked like taking photos or sketching. 

So if you’re a busy, workaholic creative who hasn’t taken a moment to themselves in months, first of all FIX THAT! Second of all, — this blog is for you! These are ideas that are going to take an hour at most, in order of the ones that bring me the most joy. 

Paint something.

I know what you’re thinking, I’m not an artist and guess what, neither am I. But just buying a few supplies, putting Danny down for a nap and painting has been one of the best things I’ve done in ages. Did you know that creating art has the same effect on your brain as meditation? Studies have shown painting in particular can lower your stress levels and reenergize your mind. 

I think when you’re starting out it’s important to truly take the expectations off yourself. Don’t set out with the intention of making something for your home, don’t even tell yourself what it’s suppose to look like. Just do, without judgement or expectation. I find my mind wander to writing during these times, it always releases something in my creative self. Try it, you might love it!

Bake something.

I love baking because it’s so frivolous. No one has ever NEEDED a three tiered cake with buttercream frosting and decorated with malteesers, and yet sometimes I’ve needed to make one for that very reason. Who cares if it doesn’t turn out? Just allow yourself to get stuck into the process of MAKING something. And if it does turn out? Well then that’s okay too. 

Plant something.

Again, the power of gardening is tremendous for your mental health. Depression can be so all-consuming and have you in a self-centered spiral (at least it does for me!) it is so good for our minds to engage in nurturing some other living thing. Getting soil on your hands and even just being barefoot in the ground can be so good for your body and soul. Just an hour a day can have a tremendous benefit for your mood and overall mental health! 

Cook something.

Okay I know this can trigger some emotions for people, maybe you’re a stay-at-home parent who hates cooking. Maybe this one isn’t for you. Or maybe you take the pressure off yourself. Plan on ordering pizza if it doesn’t work out. Tell yourself it literally doesn’t matter, you’re just learning and exploring. You’re doing the very thing you were told not to do as a kid— you’re playing food! Who cares? You’re the adult now and get to call the shots. 

I recommend picking something that can be done in an hour— or assembled and thrown into a crockpot within an hour. I know it might sound wasteful, but the chances of it being inedible are so slim, and if it brings you joy I truly believe it won’t have been a waste. 

These are just four examples of ways you can make room for playful creativity in your life. I didn’t list anything to do with writing or crafting here, mostly because I’ve never really found a way of crafting that hasn’t been stressful for me, and writing is my job. But if you’ve got other ideas you think I should try let me know if the comments below! I want to make things with you!

Immunity Boosting Oolong Tea Adaptogen Latte

So in the spirit of FULL transparency this is just a recipe that I ripped from the brilliant ladies at Trim Healthy Mama, with a few modifications of my own that make it less geared towards weight loss and more geared for immunity in the winter months.

The health benefits of oolong have long been document and are no secret, but sometimes I think the earthier taste puts people off. These last few months I’ve transitioned to drinking tea to get me through the afternoon slump, and this latte recipe is PERFECT.

Oolong reduces the risk of heart disease, stimulates your metabolism and fights obesity, decreases inflammation, is full of antioxidants and helps maintain bone density (women near menopause this is for you!)

With a list of health benefits like that I obviously had to get on board. Let me know if you make it!

INGREDIENTS

- two scoops of loose leaf oolong tea (I get mine from Mountain Rose Herbs) or two tea bags
- 1/3 cup steamed almond or coconut milk (really any milk will work!)
- dash of cinnamon
- dash of cayenne (both these spices again, help stimulate your metabolism and boost your immune system!)
- tbsp of MCT oil (gives it a creamy richness while providing a dose of healthy fats that will keep you full and keep you from snacking— which is currently a goal of mine!)
- scoop of collagen peptides (adds protein and helps the frothiness!)
- dash of Reishi powder
- dash of lions mane powder (this latte doesn’t require adaptogens to taste good, I just love knowing I’m helping boost my immune system and brain function with the help of these two ingredients!)
- few drops of Manuka honey (adds a taste of sweetness and helps build immunity)

INSTRUCTIONS

First boil water and steep tea for a good long while. I usually let mine sit for 15-20 mins to make sure it’s strong since it will get diluted with the milk. While that’s happening, heat up the milk. Over the stove is best, but if I’m honest sometimes I just put it in the microwave. Pour into a blender along with all the other ingredients and blend for a 30 seconds or until frothy. Then pour and serve! Hope you all enjoy and stay warm and healthy as it gets cold!

Postpartum Skincare: What I've Learned So Far

So I had heard whispers about it, but nothing really prepares you for the utter trauma of going from that pregnancy glow to life after giving birth. (Insert eye-roll, death face, sobbing emojis.) One day your skin has never looked better, your hair is full and glossy and thick, and the next your jawline is covered in spots and your hair is falling out in handfuls. "Congratulations, you made a human, here's some acne." 

Not eager to revisit Gabby-circa-2004, I quickly started researching what to do. While it's still a process, I've managed to start transforming my skin literally overnight which is why I wanted to share what's been working for me with all of you. The thing is, I didn't actually find much in terms of advice. Generally, the mommy forums and baby blogs just shrugged their shoulders and said "Wash your face, and ride it out."

So I set out on my own (and little help from my friends on Instagram) to figure it out. Before going any further I just want to say I'm not an expert, I did not consult with any dermatologists, nor am I sponsored or paid by any of the companies I list below. These are just some of the products I've been using that have transformed my skin and I wanted to share.

Final note: there is a bit of a "ride-it-out" component since postpartum acne is hormone induced and it takes awhile for your body to naturally level out its hormones after giving birth. Have grace with yourself, but also care for your healing body in these early stages of recovery. I have pretty average, combination type skin that tends to get a little dry in the winter. So if that sounds like you, read on:

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First things first. What you eat matters. We're learning more and more about how food has the power to heal and help prevent so much of what goes on with our bodies. So I first looked to what I was eating and drinking, and came up with this matcha latte recipe that I drink daily. 

I love coffee but it tends to dehydrate you, so I traded out my afternoon mug for this latte which has less caffeine and is full of beauty benefits!

Matcha Latte Recipe

1 tablespoon of matcha powder
1 teaspoon of Vital Proteins collagen peptides
1 teaspoon of Sun Potion tocos
half cup of hot water
half cup of steamed Califa almond milk
drizzle of local organic honey
finally blend everything, I use my nutribullet

Matcha is FULL of antioxidants, chlorophyll (so good for skin!) and fiber. It also helps focus and calm your mind which means it's perfect for my afternoon slump.

Tocos is short for tocotrienols, is a fat-soluble relative of Vitamin E, that comes from rice (or other grains), and we all know what Vitamin E is good for-- SKIN. Growing it, healing it, restoring it. That's why this stuff makes it into my latte everyday, also it gives it a creamy consistency which is YUMMY. (Plus? This helps fade and heal stretch marks too!)

Collagen peptides. I started mixing these into my morning cup of coffee two years ago when my nails were brittle from the lack of nutrition that sometimes comes with living on the road when you don't get to pick what you're getting fed everyday. But the first benefit I noticed wasn't actually in my nails but in my skin-- it was clear, lush and healthy. I haven't stopped taking it since. I would highly recommend reading about all the benefits of collagen if you've never have.

It always amazes me when food contains such power. It's such a reminder that we've been provided for and given so many gifts in this world of ours. 

I had never used any Juice Beauty products before but wanted something that was natural and would be gentle on my skin. I picked this up at Whole Foods and it's been working wonders. Best results when you wash your face in the morning and the evening, and full confession: most nights I'm so exhausted from the day I tend to crash land in my bed and forget to wash. I know. It's horrible. But it's what having a newborn will do to you! 

Next I spray on a toning mist, and I ADORE this one from Leahlani. It's fresh, smells like heaven and is so good for your skin. 

This mist includes chamomile, aloe and lavender to help reduce inflammation, so angry acne gets soothed away. I had been using this stuff during my pregnancy and found it helped my face not feel so puffy. Turns out I still need all the help I can get in that department! 

More matcha! So I don't use this for my acne specifically, but I have been using MyMatcha from cocokind stick for about a year now in the areas of my face that need a little extra moisture. It's a bit heavy (but contains just THREE organic ingredients: coconut oil, beeswax and matcha powder!) so I apply it under my eyes and around my lips when I tend to get a bit dry. I'm including this product because it's a part of my everyday skincare routine and I'm obsessed. 

Finally, facial oils. Down the street from my house is a little local natural beauty shop called Lemon Laine. You can book appointments and mix your own facial essential oil mix customized to your face. Mine contains ylang ylang (kills bacteria and promotes relaxation), chamomile (soothes skin, also kills bacteria, is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-fungal) and two other essential oils I'm having trouble remembering....

The other oil I've been applying is tea tree essential oil from Young Living directly on my acne. It works better than any drug store spot-killer I've ever used. Literally worked overnight. However, you have to be careful when using it because it can really dry your skin out fast, which is why it's good to have hydrating mists and other facial oils to maintain an overall healthy moisture.