Why I switched to the Diva Cup

WARNING: This topic isn't for the immature or boys.

It's for women who have questioned what is actually in their feminine products and want to make a change for their own bodies.

Tampons have become such an everyday thing that women completely disregard what is sitting inside of their bodies! Yeah, toxic shock syndrome isn't something that people really worry about today. Tampons and pads contain chemicals with carcinogens and chemicals that leak into your body and landfills! GROSS. 

Not to mention- Monsanto's herbicide, glyphosate, was tested positive in 85% in feminine products. Glyphosate was also found in cotton swabs which could be a health issue in hygiene. 

A couple months ago I decided to stop using tampons and other disposable feminine products. I switched to the Diva Cup and it was probably one of the better descions I've made. 

What is a menstrual cup?

There are many brands of menstrual cups. They are silicon plastic cups that sits inserted in your vagina when "Aunt Flo" is in town. You can wear a cup up to 12 hours and not have to worry about nasty chemicals that could potentially harm your body. 

Menstrual cups are made with 100% hypoallergenic sillicon and they're reusable. You are savings money by not having to buy feminine products! One box of tampnts is $7. That's over $84 dollars a year in saving cash.

Not to mention I never have to worry about running out and it's always handy in the medicine cabinet. 

Here's a couple things to keep in mind if you switch to the Diva Cup: 

1. It's going to feel awkward at first, but practice makes perfect! 
2. Take a couple deep breaths and insert on an exhale.
3. It's okay to keep a couple tampons for back up (sometimes you'll want it!)

Just don't be nervous to try new things! 

Be fearless

xx-Sarah

Weekly Obsessions // Week Four Star Wars Edition

We all have a secret geek inside of us. 

I love Star Wars. A few of my earliest child hood memories involve Star Wars. For the past couple months I've been getting hella excited for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. 

I've been obsessing over these items the past couple months.

1. Cookie Cutters // $14.99

Every year my family has a specific day that we make and decorate Christmas cookies. This year I'm proposing Star Wars themed gingerbread men. 

2. R2D2 Tea Pot // $44.99

I've been searching high and low for a teapot that I love. Making a Hot Toddy or a cup of tea is so much more fun when R2D2 is around-Beep Boop. 

3. Dark Side Yoga Mat // $24.99

I always feel more in touch with my body and spirit when I'm doing yoga. I like to believe I'm working on the force within. I love this yoga mat because not only will I love using it, but so will my boyfriend. 

4. Chewbacca Drink Hugger // $7.99

In Minnesota, we don't have an issue keeping our beer cold, but who doesn't love Chewbacca? 

5. X Wing Knife Block // $119.99

Anyone can appreciate a nice sharp knife. I've been in the market for a new knife set (hint hint) and I'm loving the X Wing Knife Block. It's so quirky and I know this will be a talking point that is just sitting on my counter. 

I don't know if you're planning on going to the premeire of Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, but I know I will.

May the force be with you- Sarah

Breakfast in Under 5 Minutes!

I always wake up too late or feel too lazy to make breakfast. I needed to find a quick easy healthy breakfast to pep me up in the morning!

I've been obsessed with making eggs in a mug. There are so many toppings that you can add and there is no mess to deal with after.

Prep time: 2 minutes.
Cook Time: 2 - 2 1/2 minutes

What you need:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon white onion
- 1 tablespoon orange bell pepper (or any bell pepper of your choice)
- 1 - 2 tablespoon tomato
- 1 - 2 tablespoons milk
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Cheese (optional)

What to do:
- Whisk milk, eggs, peppers, and onions together. Add salt and pepper.
- Microwave for 1 minute.
- Whisk the egg mixture and make sure everything is being cooked evenly.
- Sprinkle your favorite cheese on the egg mixture if desired.
- Microwave for 1 - 1 1/2 minute or until eggs are set.
- Sprinkle tomato, sliced avocado, and cilantro on top.
- Enjoy on the go!

This recipe has saved me and my hunger in the morning.
It's the best ever.

Eat Up! -Sarah

Weekly Obsessions // Week Three

Back in Minneapolis, we've received our first signs of Winter. A sheet of white has covered the ground and it's time for us to expect plenty of time "Netflix and Chilling".

With the cold weather comes the holiday season and a gate way to friends, family, and excitement.

1. Disposable Camera // $14

I had such a blast taking this camera to California. This disposable camera has built in overlays to add something a little extra to your snapshots. This definitely makes your photos festive and fun since you need to wait to get the film developed. 

2. Photorito Lens Wrap // $20

I obviously have a thing for burritos, especially if I can conveniently hold items in pouches that look like burritos. The Photorito Lens Wrap holds lens safely in your backpack. Lens care is essential for DSLR owners and this yummy looking wrap are made with super strong materials. 

3. Santa's Lip Scrub // $8.95

Holiday parties always mean I gotta wear lipstick as bright as the Christmas lights. I love this lip scrub from lush to brush off all the dry crusts. The scrub is also edible. You just wipe the lip scrub on and lick off the rest. Santa's flavor is Cola of course! 

4. Bloke Hair Treatment // $18.95

Winter can be really harsh on your hair. If you use heat, bleach your hair, or your hair is just brittle, there are four different types of oil in your to get it in tip top shape again. I like to leave it in for an hour before I rinse it out. 

5. Perfect Cookie Baking Sheet // $24.99

This cookie sheet has indents so you get perfectly round cookies EVERY TIME. I can't believe it. This is needed for the winter season. No more embarrassing crooked cookies at parties. What makes it even better... you don't need to grease it before you put it in the oven. Truly perfection. 

That's what I'm obsessing over this week.
All the items I choose are items I truly enjoy, like to use, or have on my wish list. I am not persuaded by companies nor paid to feature these items.

Stay Warm Guys! -Sarah

How to do a Sun Salutation

A Sun Salutation, also known as Surya Namaskar, is vital to a yogi’s practice. Essentially it is the cardio of yoga.

Breathing and moving between poses-

Vinyasa.

Sun Salutations is a great way to warm up in the morning and deepen your practice as you flow through the basic stretches. The sequence also provides meditation through movement.

What I love most about Sun Salutations is it allows me to take the flow as slow or quick as I would like. Oh, and it feels so good after laying around all night.

Nothing ever needs to be a race in your own practice.

This is how you do a basic Sun Salutation:

1. Inhale as you raise your hands above your head, pressing your palms together and allowing your back to arch slightly.
2. Exhale as you allow your hands to drop to the ground to a forward fold.
3. Inhale, reach your chest forward and come to a flat back. Maybe your hands slide up your shins if that’s what feels right to you at that moment.
4. Exhale as you drop back down to forward fold and plant your hands to the ground. In a fluid motion, inhale and step back into a plank position.
5. Exhale as you squeeze your elbows into your sides and lower yourself to the ground. This is referred to as chaturanga.
6. Inhale, scoop your chest up to the sky and open the front of your throat ahead of you. If you feel comfortable you can lift your hips to come to an upward dog, or leave your hips resting on the ground for Cobra pose.
7. Exhale and drive your tailbone to the ceiling, equally distributing your weight between your hands and feet for Downward Dog. .
8. Inhale, bring your gaze forward, step your feet to your hands, and reach your chest forward to come to a flat back.
9. Exhale and allow your chest to drop down to forward fold.
10. Inhale, put a slight bend in your knees, and begin to raise your arms above your head to press your palms together.
11. Repeat.

I promise, adding a couple to your morning routine will improve your circulation and your personal sanity.

Keep the flow going

-Sarah

Weekly Obsessions // Week Two

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. This is the one day that notifies me that the Holidays are here and it's time to start thinking Christmas. Snow will start to fall, scarves will come out of hiding, and it's an appropriate time to start drinking Hot Toddy's.

This is what I'm obsessing over this week. These seem almost necessary during the holiday season!

1. Short Stack Subscription // $75 for a year

I always find myself cooking more during the holidays. Nothing is better than the house filling up with what's cooking in the oven. Short Stack features a cookbook writer or a chef in each volume. Each volume is filled with recipes that is inspired by one ingredient and it's delivered straight to your mailbox! You can purchase past volumes you missed if you're really curious about all the things you can do with Summer Squash. Every little collectable book has a homemade feel since they're bound by hand. 

2. Barrel Aged Cocktail Kit // $30-$35

Whisky tastes twice as nice when it's barrel aged, but those spirits tend to get a little pricey. You can make your own barrel aged bourbon and whisky in just two weeks! The kit allows you to give the spirit of your choice the character that you desire. Perfect for yourself or a gift for your boozy friends. 

3. You Suck at Parking cards // $10

People suck at parking. Especially in Minnesota after the first snow fall. It drives me insane, but I can truly be passive aggressive and leave this on the car of the perpetrator. 

4. Touch Tonic // $20

I hate buying the gloves with no fingertips or have the weird netted parts on your index finger and thumb. The Touch Tonic allows you to turn any gloves smartphone friendly. I love that I don't have to constantly take off my home-made mittens to text back mom. 

5. Burrito Yoga Bag // $35

This is such a head turner yoga mat. Not all yogis eat burritos, but this one does. I'd love to make sure that everyone else knows I need to hit up a Chipotle right after my 90-minute sweat. 

That's what I'm obsessing over this week! 

I hope your belly is over-stuffed and you're surrounded by love. 

Happy Thanksgiving!-Sarah

Bloody Marys are Good for You!

If there's any way to my heart, it's a spicy Bloody Mary. Not only are bloodies tasty, but they're loaded with vitamins and lycopene!

What is lycopene?
Lycopene is a carotenoid which gives tomatoes their gorgeous red color. It is a proven antioxidant that helps fight off cell damaging radicals. Lycopene prevents heart disease, cancer, Alzheimers disease. AND accelerated aging. So drink your tomato juice!

To make a Bloody Mary extra good for you, just load up on fresh garnishes and pure proteins like turkey jerky or shrimp.

I prefer to create my own mixture of tomato goodness. It's simple, spicy, and everything you could dream of when you're brunching at home.

Sarah's Spicy Bloody Mary
Ingredients

• 2oz Vodka of your choice (I chose Praire Vodka. Drink Local!) 
• Tomato Juice
• 3/4 tsp A1 Steak Sauce
• 1tsp Lime
• 1/2 tsp Lemon
• Splash of Pickle Juice
• 1/2tsp Garlic
• 1/2 fresh chopped serrano pepper
• Tabasco to taste 
• Black Pepper to taste
• Celery Salt to taste and to rim the glass

Mixing it Up

1. Take a lime to wet the rim of the glass to put celery salt on the rim. 
2. Fill the glass with ice and pour in vodka.
3. Combine lime, lemon, pickle juice, garlic, serrano pepper, and celery salt. 
4. Fill the remainder of the glass with tomato juice.
5. Top with black pepper and tabasco to taste.
6. Garnish with your choice of add-ins. I went with a pickle, olives,  lemon, lime, fresh cilantro, a banana pepper, pepper jack cheese, and bacon. 

It's a simple recipe and everything can be to taste. 

Some people prefer Worcestershire sauce, but I personally think A1 gives the tomato juice a slightly smokier flavor. I love mixing in different kinds of add-ins as well. Not only is this a fresh mix, but the bacon gives the beverage that extra little something. 

Drink up and take in all the anti-aging goodness the Mary has to offer you! 

xx - Sarah