AFTER CHANGING MY LIFESTYLE AND DIET 6 MONTHS AGO, HOW AM I DOING? THE TRUTH, AND NOTHING ELSE

This weekend I was thinking a way to finish the last month of the year in a super positive way. First of all, I’m so thankful because during 2013 I have learned so many new things, overcame millions of fears, have studied, worked and was adventurous with my food and health in search of healing, was very loved and always held by God. Anyway, it’s been an incredible 365 days (and by that I don’t mean easy). Specifically, these last few months have been the best I've ever lived from a mental, spiritual and morale point of view. Definitely paying attention to your diet, exercise routine, giving yourself space, doing the little things you love, and venturing with activities that push you out of your comfort zone, takes you to a whole other level.

As I’ve always told you, I'm not a nutritionist, but I do investigate constantly from serious sources, seeking for any information that may help with my health needs. Which hasn’t been that great since a couple of years ago, and no traditional doctor seems to know the causes. Many times I thought it was psychological because every single time the tests came out perfect, but the symptoms were there as well. Many of them have disappeared through my lifestyle changes, but I still feel limited by certain things that give me pain and discomfort. The Romina from years ago, would've been depressed in a corner wondering, why me? probably in bed and living in a mental hole. Thank God now I see my symptoms as a challenge or puzzle, something that makes me strong and motivates me to investigate and try to solve (if that's possible), the mysteries of my body, not obsessing over it, but working little by little to my complete health and vitality. I have faith that it will come.

CHICKPEA AND KALE STEW

Today was cloudy, so for lunch I felt like preparing something comforting and delicious that was also relatively quick. So I decided to go for this dish that reminds me of my beautiful yaya (grandma), and that also has that touch of green that I love to add to my meals. The result was this delicious and healthy chickpea stew with kale.

Here is the recipe:

DECORATING OUR TREE AND VEGAN BANANA PANCAKES

On Saturday, my husband Savy and I decided it was time to put up our (mini) Christmas tree. It’s no secret that I'm a nerd when it comes to this time of year...I LOVE IT…my childhood memories, family gatherings, gifts (I'm one of those that wakes up on Christmas day at 7 am to open the presents as if I was 10 years old), the atmosphere in the streets, the birth of Jesus…*sigh*

Unfortunately all our family is far away and is pretty lonely around here, that's why we brought the joy ahead of time, planned our Thanksgiving dinner already (which I'll post here), and brought the magic to the house. Besides, even if it sounds corny, we are trying to create certain traditions for when we have kids at home *wink wink*.

Here are the pictures and also the recipe for my vegan banana pancakes:

PRIMAL PIT PASTE GIVEAWAY!

Recently I posted about my favorite beauty products and talked about the one I struggled the most to find...deodorant. Finally five months ago, me and my husband found Primal Pit Paste, and after trying many natural options that sadly didn't work, I found this wonderful brand that truly passed the test in every situation.

Not only that, but their products are handmade here in Florida (yay for local!) with natural and organic ingredients. Created by a mom who wanted safe deodorants for her young children, they are aluminum and paraben free. Their ingredients are super simple: organic coconut oil, baking soda, essential oils, arrowroot flour and shea butter...you can almost eat them (not that you want to haha!).

Many people are hesitant to buy brands that are not found at drugstores, perhaps because they are not sure if they work, or because they are a bit more expensive than traditional ones. The other day thinking about that, I decided to write to Primal Pit Paste so that together we could offer my readers the opportunity to try their amazing product line for free, and they not only said yes, but also kindly offered me two packs of two deodorants each, one cream and one stick so you can discover which one is your favorite. I love supporting and receiving the support from a brand that I really use and love.

That's why today I’m super excited to announce the first Fit for the Journey giveaway courtesy of Primal Pit Paste…wohoo!

TIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE!

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our daily duties, building up stress slowly in our system until we feel that the whole world is on our shoulders and we collapse, get depressed, unload our annoyance with family, friends and even strangers, we feel exhausted, overwhelmed and as if we were constantly in a hamster wheel that leads to nowhere... a constant battle against time.

It's time to stop this vicious cycle and allow ourselves to have small breaths throughout the day, moments devoted to ourselves, practices that fill us with happiness, and pauses that allow us to have a better life, why not? In order to love others you must first accept who you are and provide unconditional love to your gorgeous self. So never feel guilty for allowing you minutes to experience joy.

Here is a list of ideas that can add to your routine, you don’t have to apply all of them, or feel forced  to do them, that is precisely the opposite of what I want. Read them, write down the ones that appeal to you and begin to repeat them regularly to create a habit, so you don’t forget them quickly and fall again into the race you had before. Over time I guarantee you will feel their deep impact, the positive effect it creates in your mood, and the joy that comes with treating yourself with respect, compassion and love.

FINDING TOXIC FREE MAKEUP AT LAST

A couple of posts ago I mentioned how frustrated I was because I couldn't find makeup brands that were not only great looking on the skin, but that also didn't contain toxic ingredients, were tested on animals and were harmful to my health. Remember that our skin is the largest organ we have and everything that we put into it will be absorbed by our bodies.

After nearly five months of research, ordering samples online (as most of these alternative brands are not sold in most stores) and a lot of trial and error, I found several "jewels" that made me super happy (there are still a couple of basics that I haven't found such as powder shadows), but I'm on the search.

These products are really the ones I'm using at the moment, and remember that even if I recommend something specific, it doesn't mean that necessarily their whole line of cosmetics is just as safe (just in case always check www.ewg.org/skindeep) for the product punctuation and ingredient list.