Wisdom Wednesday

There is no other joy in the world than when someone does something nice for you, just because. It can be as simple. There is no other joy in the world than doing something nice for someone else. It too, can be simple. You never know when you make someones heart smile. Never hesitate to perform an act of kindness. It can be as simple as slicing an apple. 

Week in Review

When I was in Boston, my 4th godchild turned 1! I am sad I was unable to attend Lucy's day of celebration but I am very excited for the many more birthdays to come. Let's face it, she will never remember that I wasn't there and if necessary, photo shop could always place me there. 

While I was gone and walking The Freedom Trail (in cute shoes, I might add), I was thinking about what I would get her for her birthday. Not only would she not remember me being there, but she would probably easily forget about any gift I could bestow upon her. Then it hit me. I love to write, why not share one of my favorite things with her?  So, each year on her birthday, I am going to write her a letter.  Who knows what I will include in each letter (which could get interesting as time goes on) but it will be my way of giving her a gift of history, memories, stories and a sincere piece of my heart. Each letter will be left un-opened and tucked away until her 18th birthday. Hopefully, this will be a gift she will never forget and it will be something I can give her, just-in-case I miss another day of celebrating Lucy. 

Holiday season is quickly approaching with the kick-off with Halloween. Since I do not fancy a lot of decor when it comes to the holidays, I usually bypass the seasonal items available for purchase. This past Saturday, I just couldn't walk by this adorable white pumpkin. In pure Anne style, I spruced this tiny creature up with some polka dots and a sad attempt at a fancy bow. It comfortably sits on my mantle and I enjoy it's small but adorable presence in my home. Thanks to my friend Barb for hooking me up with the pretty ribbon and paint for my dots. 

The rest of the week will be filled with calls and preparation for the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting in Ames, IA this year. I am excited to spend time with Iowa Registered Dietitians next week in our pretty kick-ass conference we have each year. This year is about passion!  I am all about passion friends! There is nothing better than hanging out with Registered Dietitians (this is a fact) and even better when we are focusing on our passion and purpose.  I am sure I will have many inspiring and fun things to share from the conference in the next couple weeks. 

Workout Playlist of the Week

Since being back from traveling, I am GETTING AFTER IT this week and let me tell you, I need all the motivation I can get!  You can't see from the picture what the last song is, but it is my favorite in the playlist this week. Are you ready?

Listen to my Workout Playlist of the Week by on Apple Music.

What I Love Right Now

While I was meandering through the grocery store, I could stop craving something sweet. My mouth was watering for a candy bar, kettle corn, ice cream, chocolate chips, pretty much anything with sugar in it. I came across these pouches in the applesauce aisle and instantly was curious. Big Slice kettle cooked apples are not your average pouches of apples. There were numerous flavors and the one that jumped out at me was cherry vanilla. Ingredients are simple (cherries, apples, Madagascar Vanilla, yum, yum and yum) and the taste is awesome. I had this grand idea of warming it up in the microwave and tossing Quaker Oat confetti on the top. It was the exact curbing I needed for my sweet tooth. Almost like warm cherry pie and satisfying. It would be even better with a little vanilla ice cream, but next time, I am going to freeze some vanilla Siggi's yogurt and top it off. These are going to be a great treat for the winter months, without the guilt. There is also 12 different flavors from chai (whattttt?) to banana mango & hemp seed. Another really great thing I love about this product is for every pouch purchased, a donation is made to Sparkle, to provide hope and help to women in need. Love it!

It is that time my friends, slumber is calling my name. May your Wednesday be full of greatness and joy!  

~AE

Wisdom Wednesday

I had a revelation this weekend. Maybe it is because I am older and wiser, maybe it is because I have decided to just be exactly who I am. I was sitting in a restaurant in Boston during FNCE, our national dietitian conference, and I decided I was not going to eat anything I did not truly enjoy anymore. As a registered dietitian, people think we eat a certain way and all like healthy foods. Nope. Guess what? I do not like salmon and I decided at that particular moment, I will not eat salmon anymore. I am not going to fit a certain mold. I am truly going to enjoy the food I like, regardless of what people think I should eat. Never ever eat anything you do not enjoy. "Just because" you think you are suppose to, whether it is healthy or trendy, it does not matter.  From this moment forward it is all about truly enjoying my food and making sure I truly enjoy the company I keep when I dine. 

Week in Review

Besides my revelation, Boston and FNCE were amazing!  This city is beautiful and was fun experiencing the history all around. I am not sure I have walked this much in my entire life, but it was all worth the many miles my feet put on. I was also especially excited to be there t in the members showcase to debut my first book. I still cannot believe I wrote a book!

2015 was a crazy, life changing year in so many ways. During the moments of deep sadness, I did something very personal and important to me to get through all the madness. I'm a Registered Dietitian...Now What?  Is a book about all the things I have discovered along the way so far in my career. It is for new RD's and RD's who are maybe stuck in their career and need a little boost. If you are a Registered Dietitian or know one, please get this book and bring back the inspiration and passion! I am looking forward to hearing registered dietitians tell their stories of passion and purpose through my very own podcast, Conversations with Anne Elizabeth.  I am so proud to be part of such an amazing and inspiring profession. I did this for me. I did this for my peers. I did this because we all have a story to tell. Hell yeah!!!

Along with the book release, my dear friend Jen Haugen and I decided this year to premier both of our books in the Member Product Showcase at FNCE. It was awesome networking with other dietitians and getting inspired by their interests and passions. Jen wrote a book this year too: The Mom's Guide to a Nourishing Garden. It is a wonderful and inspiring resource for mothers, gardening and also creating a nourishing life with your family. She has been such a great friend and inspires me in many ways to live out all dreams. It was a great experience doing this with someone who shares a vision of the future of registered dietitians.

A trip to Boston could not be discussed without a picture of my most favorite food experience. Believe it or not, it was raw oysters.  Our waitress at Atlantic Fish Company recommended these creamy delights along with their specialty Pear Martini. It was a perfect pair. Cold water raw oysters are the way to go. I had a ton of other wonderful food, but this wins according to my taste buds, hands down.  It was a beautiful night on the patio, with great company, delicious food and a perfect ending to a great trip!

Workout Playlist of the Week

In preparation for being on the road, I got as many workouts in as possible.  Guess I had a bit of house dance music in my head this week!  You can get my playlist HERE. 

What I Love Right Now

When I travel a lot, it does a job on my skin. I am no spring chicken anymore!  I also seem to get out of my skincare routine when I am having early morning meetings and late night dinners. To get my skin back in order, I am religiously preparing for the cooler temps and getting back on track. To do so, I use Arbonne F5 Hydrating Cleanser. I have oily skin, but it tones down in the fall and I need a little more hydration. 

I also have notice my eyes getting a little more intense from all the smiling I do!  The Arbonne RE9 Advanced Lifting and Contouring Eye Cream helps my concealer go on smoother and not settle into my laugh lines. I will also not go a night without my Tretinoin Cream. Since summer is over and the sun is less damaging, it is time to do some repair. Dermatologist recommended as the best anti-aging skin clearing and smoothing formula on the market!

It has been a great week and I know there is nothing more than greatness ahead!

~AE