Monday, January 31, 2011

National Psoriasis Foundation Mentor

I am excited to announce that I am officially a mentor for the National Psoriasis Foundation. It's mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education.

My role as a mentor is to provide disease and treatment education to mentees and to encourage and support them through their initial diagnosis, major flares or during a difficult time.

I have to say, I love this opportunity NPF has created. I have had psoriasis going on 10 years and I honestly wish I had these resources: education, event information, treatment availability and other people going through what I was going through. It can be an embarrassing thing to deal with if you don't know what's going on with your body and much less how to explain it to others.

I first became involved with NPF last August when I participated in their National Psoriasis Awareness Challenge— we had challenges every day of the month of August. I learned a lot about myself (I have accepted having psoriasis and want to educate those around me); find a lot more resources I didn't know were out there and now I'm able to help out others.

I am also excited to incorporate my love for nutrition to this aspect of my life. Eating healthy plays a big part in someone living with psoriasis.

I look forward to this next step in my life and I hope that I am able to help others going through the same thing as I am.

To learn more about psoriasis or how to help find a cure, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation

Thanks for reading!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

5 Food Myths Debunked

It's no surprise that nutrition is a big part of my life. I am currently obsessed with my Women's Health subscription and don't know why I hadn't ordered it earlier. I am an avid reader of their daily emails and tips and I like passing on and educating those around. So, you're welcome :)

Myths you can now forget—

Myth 1. High protein intake is harmful to your kidneys
What science really shows: Nearly 2 decades ago, Dutch researchers found that while a protein-rich meal did boost GFR, it didn't have an adverse effect on overall kidney function. In fact, there's zero published research showing that downing hefty amounts of protein—specifically, up to 1.27 grams per pound of body weight a day—damages healthy kidneys.
The bottom line: As a rule of thumb, shoot to eat your target body weight in grams of protein daily.


Myth 2. Sweet potatoes are better for you than regular potatoes
What science really shows: White potatoes (french fries and potato chips) and sweet potatoes have complementary nutritional differences; one isn't necessarily better than the other. For instance, sweet potatoes have more fiber and vitamin A, but white potatoes are higher in essential minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.
The bottom line: The form in which you consume a potato—for instance, a whole baked potato versus a processed potato that's used to make chips—is more important than the type of spud.

Myth 3. Red meat causes cancer
What science really shows: No study has ever found a direct cause-and-effect relationship between red-meat consumption and cancer. As for the population studies, they're far from conclusive.
The bottom line: Don't stop grilling. Meat lovers who are worried about the supposed risks of grilled meat don't need to avoid burgers and steak; rather, they should just trim off the burned or overcooked sections of the meat before eating


Myth 4. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is more fattening than regular sugar is.
What science really shows: Both HFCS and sucrose—better known as table sugar—contain similar amounts of fructose.
The truth is, there's no evidence to show any differences in these two types of sugar. Both will cause weight gain when consumed in excess.
The bottom line: HFCS and regular sugar are empty-calorie carbohydrates that should be consumed in limited amounts. How? By keeping soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices, and prepackaged desserts to a minimum.

Myth 5.
Salt causes high blood pressure and should be avoided.
What science really shows: Large-scale scientific reviews have determined there's no reason for people with normal blood pressure to restrict their sodium intake. Now, if you already have high blood pressure, you may be "salt sensitive." As a result, reducing the amount of salt you eat could be helpful.
The bottom line: Strive for a potassium-rich diet (Because it's really the balance of the two minerals that matters)
which you can achieve by eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and legumes. For instance, spinach, broccoli, bananas, white potatoes, and most types of beans each contain more than 400 mg potassium per serving.

There it is folks— five of some of the biggest myths debunked. If you want to read more, click here.
Studying to get my nutrition and wellness certification, I'm learning so much and it's opening up a whole new world for me— and I'm loving it! I hope you get as much out of this as I do- don't forget to pass it on. Knowledge is one of the best things we can do for our minds AND bodies.

ENJOY AND HEALTHY EATING!

Monday, January 24, 2011

SPD.org Best Cover List

Last week Chris was honored to be featured on The Society of Publication Designers website as a “Top Alternative Newsweekly Covers of 2010: 10 Runners-Up” list. Chris said, "I’m a big fan of SPD.org and read it frequently, so to be included on a list with so many other big-name industry Art Directors that I respect and admire was quite an honor."

A couple days later they posted another list of “10 More Alternative Weekly Covers” that barely missed the top 20, and Chris was also included on that list. Again, to have two of his covers in the top 30 of the year is such a big honor.

"A big special thanks goes out to industry legend Robert Newman for thinking of me while compiling these lists."

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Weekend on the West Side




I definitely relish the weekends we have together here - because they don't come often enough. That is thanks to working in the Hospitality industry - open 24/7, 365 days a year - yay.

So when I saw that I actually had a Saturday off, I was ecstatic. We got to sleep in—well, let me rephrase that—Chris slept in, I slept till about 8:45. I honestly can't sleep any later. Once my body gets the 7-8 hours it needs, I'm good to go, literally. My body just naturally wakes up. I would have to say that I am definitely my dad's daughter in that aspect(among many). My day, still to this day, will be up at the crack of dawn. Doesn't matter what time he went to sleep, he is up to get his day started. Thanks dad, I like it this way too :)

I am also a big breakfast person. So I always love being able to stay home and fix breakfast for us. On the menu was homemade Huevos Rancheros—Christopher loves anything Mexican. I have to tell you , they tasted great! AND - he had breakfast in bed. I'm the best.

I put some left over turkey I had in the slow cooker, along with my recipe for Turkey Chunky Chowder so it would be ready for us when we got back.

We ended up spending the day in Lahaina (one of our top fav places here). We love shopping on Front Street. Yea, it's pretty much safe to see that we both have a shopping problem- which isn't good. Seeing as how that is the only thing we really spend money on here. Well, that and eating out. We have a blast going in to the real surf shops here. It by far was a tell-tale sign of the things we use the most here: Chris bought new Reef sandals and I bought a new Billabong swim suit. That's pretty much what we use the most here. Oh, and the day before, Chris was there with his family and bought a swimsuit for himself, too.

It's so weird to see how our wardrobe has changed. We honestly spend out time in shorts, swimsuits and flip flops, or "slippers" as they call them here- I do not like that word BTW. But I think we like the way it is right now.

Then of course, we had to eat lunch at Cool Cat's "Best Burger on Maui for 7 years in a row." Ironically, I had a mahi mahi sandwich, which was so flaky and moist- satisfied my fish craving. I eat their burgers all the time, I like to switch it up. Chris on the other hand, does not. "Why get something else, when I know what I'm going to get is good." We're SO different! I love to switch it up. But we balance each other - that's why we work so well, in case you were wondering.

Next, was beach time at Ka'anapali. It was such a pretty day, considering it had been raining like cats and dogs the last couple of days. Nothing like, beer in the hand, sun on our faces and crystal clear water to swim in. I tried to meet up with my cousin, Carla, but we always miss each other. Maybe next time.

Time to head home. The whole day was amazing. And even better - I didn't have to fix dinner. It was waiting for us. Thank you Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker. We even had the leftovers tonight and it tasted great.



I love weekends like this. I love spending time with my husband doing things we like to do. I love knowing we are making the most of our weekend/time/free time here.

Why can't I be off every weekend, or at least a Sat or Sun? Can all our weekends be like this?

Did you make the most of your weekend/free time?

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

A New Year, A New Us


Well, it's the 5th day of the new year and 2011 has started out pretty good.

We had an AMAZING 2010 - best of all I got to marry my best friend and got a great set of in-laws in two awesome sisters and a cool brother! Our wedding was the highlight of 2010 for us and we still can't thank everyone involved for making it truly the best moment in our lives.

We can only hope and pray that 2011 will be just as great, if not better. As everyone is making their New Years resolutions, here are the things we are looking forward to and will be working our butts off to do.

Exciting events lined up for 2011:
1. I am working on getting my Nutrition and Wellness Certification from AFPA (I am super excited!)
2. Chris gaining even more press and awards for the great work he is doing as MauiTime Art Director
3. Chris and I partnering together for lucky11studios.com to bring my PR background to Lucky 11
4. Great health for family (mom and dad!), friends and us
5. Starting the next phase of our life
6. Traveling to new places
7. Paying off Chris' car
8. Chris' brother, Cody, graduating from high school!
9. Learn how to surf
10. For me to get a full time job


We have been so blessed and lucky with everything and everyone in our life. So, thank you to everyone, especially our families, who have continued to support us in all our endeavors.

Instead of setting resolutions you probably wont keep - make a list of things you hope to accomplish this year. I promise, you will so much better.

2011 will be amazing!

What are your goals for 2011?