Back when I had my first healthy living blog, I wrote almost every day. It was called Sara Smiles, and the space was dedicated to sharing my daily musings, workouts, recipes, random things on my mind (you can still even read early posts here!). I loved it, and looking back, I believe working on my blog generated an energy of alignment, so that eventually, I landed in a more positive place in life. In the time I was actively blogging, I got a new job in the natural foods industry, which allowed me to leave a toxic, corporate environment, I improved my relationship with food and fitness, enrolled in a health coaching certification program, and eventually met my husband. When I was writing, not only did I feel lighter and more liberated in who I was, but I was also strengthening my creativity and authenticity. In essence, I was happier, which became the secret sauce to becoming more magnetic to better opportunities and circumstances. I didn’t know it at the time, but this is manifestation 101.
I have craved feeling that energy once again. After a long (and hot) summer, I just sent my three-year-old to his first day of preschool. The house is quiet – the cartoons have been turned off, the dishes have been done, and the dog has been fed. For the first time in months, I feel inspired to sit down at my computer and do what I love most. Writing about health and wellness remains a passion of mine, and I can’t wait to continue to weave bites of balance and lifestyle throughout my posts. Additionally, I am almost 39 weeks pregnant with baby number two, and trying to soak up the last days of my second pregnancy. I will say, being so pregnant during one of the hottest summers we have ever had can be a creativity killer. The thought of opening my laptop – especially in my third trimester – felt like a chore. As much as I tried to push through the walls of resistance and write (and I did publish some posts), it didn’t bring me the same level of enjoyment. My primary intention with writing has always been sharing healthy living tips and tricks, but in the past year, I have tried to add a layer of flow, fun, and finding joy in the process. When that layer gets stripped away, sometimes I have to take a step back, not force it, and trust the feeling will return. And here we are.
While research and writing about the scientific side of health and wellness sharpens my brain and taps into my love of learning, these lifestyle posts nourish my soul. I am excited to do more of them! Here are some Sara Smiles moments from my day.
First day of school
It was Mason’s first day at preschool. He was so excited, and I could tell when I picked him up he was so happy to be back.
Blogging
As soon as my husband left to take Mason to school, I felt a spark of inspiration I hadn’t had all summer. I blogged for a bit before my workout.
Workout
About two and a half weeks ago (around 36 weeks pregnant), I developed intense Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. It immobilized me for almost two weeks. Regular chiropractor appointments and a prenatal massage helped, but I will say, it took a toll on me both mentally and physically. Given that I also have a toddler to take care of, it’s not like I could just put my feet up and rest. Earlier this week however, the pain majorly subsided, which I think was also attributed to the baby dropping and shifting. This week I was able to return to the gym for some light strength training, band work, and stretching. I am not able to do much, but simply moving makes me feel better.
New food photography set-up
We turned our home office into nursery number two, and as a result, I had to disassemble my original food photography set-up. I started to play around with a new space, and while I need to keep working with the positioning for optimal light, I was happy to get the process started. My new office is more of a sunroom, and therefore filled with natural light from all angles, but I realized I need more of a single, side light source from the window. I took some test photos using some gluten-free banana muffins I make for Mason. PS: if you also have a picky eater, muffins are a great lunch option. I pack one in his lunch box almost every day for school since he doesn’t love sandwiches.
Acupuncture
About two blocks away from my house is beautiful Boketto. I have written about this neighborhood apothecary before, and it is one of my happy places. With the summer and Mason out of school, I haven’t been to acupuncture since May, so I was so happy to schedule some sessions over the next week to speed labor along.
It is now Saturday morning and I am anxiously awaiting baby girl’s arrival. She could come any day now! My sleep is all over the place in these final days, so I was up and at ’em at 6am. After some collagen coffee and journaling, I fixed a simple yet protein-packed breakfast (30 grams of protein on my plate!): pumpkin protein waffle (recipe coming soon!) with peanut butter, greek yogurt with blueberries and peaches. I am all about small, simple, balanced meals these days, and this one hit the spot. Have a great weekend!
