Hi all!
So sorry to be so absent from the blog lately, but family and health have taken precedence.
Usually, this is the time of year for my annual Detox-mas, where I basically encourage you all to try lower sugar/no sugar recipes in an effort to 'retrain' your sweet tooth after the holidays.
Rest assured, there will be a Detox-mas post coming tomorrow!
First, however, I wanted to bring you a bit up-to-date on what's happening with me. I know a lot of new readers will NOT be interested in this, as you don't really know me. However, some of you have been with me for quite some time, so this is for you. ♥
I usually post a recipe once a week (if not more), but since I became pregnant with our fourth early last year, I've experienced an onslaught of health problems. Those issues have left me a bit unenthusiastic about much of anything, including the blog.
I wasn't experimenting as much in the kitchen, and the 'comparison game' with other food bloggers left me feeling a bit down about my own content.
I never want to post a recipe unless it's something I personally love and would make again, so because I was sticking to many of my comforting favorites, I didn't have a lot of recipes to share. If I did create something, it seemed ill-timed or a pain to photograph. I'll say, though, most of these feelings stemmed from my already sort of depressed state of mind.
In addition to many physical ailments, the main emotional issue I'm dealing with is hypochondria.
I worry about anything and everything health-related to the point of panic and (nearly) perpetual anxiety.
While I've had legitimate health problems, a lot of what I've dealt with has been plain ol' fear.
Luckily, I have a very supportive husband, and the kids try their hardest to be loving during some of my worse times.
Prayer and TBN have both been irreplaceable during this time as well.
I guess I'm writing this to let you all know I'm still here, but if I fall silent here and there, I may be contending with the above.
In more positive news, our newest, Mckaela, is doing very well! She is such a well-behaved, quiet baby, and she sleeps better than any other I've had. I am looking forward to watching her grow and getting to know her better.
Thank you for reading, and I'll be back tomorrow!
Charlotte Moore
So sorry for all tour issues. PRAY you can feel more line yourself very soon. Sweet picture!
Lauren
Thank you, Charlotte ♥
Carey
Hi. Thanks for sharing. In our open book society online with those so comfortable putting everything out there it’s not easy for all. I also struggle with IG comparison effect as I start putting myself out there as a health coach. I have followed you for a long time as you were one of the first I found when my son was diagnosed with food allergies, I have dealt with lymes. Comparing myself to you and others that have been doing this for so long is humbling and sometimes makes me think it’s all already been done because so many are doing this but then I remember everyone has there own spin and twist that resonate with others. You are amazing and I’m just here to say keep going! It’s hard to find that balance with young ones and they are your most important asset. Just do
What you can do and know that is enough. This fickle IG world we are living in now will crush anyone’s ego if we aren’t careful and zone in on our purpose. To help and reach those that need help. To me helping a handful of people is better then having 1mil followers.! Hang in there!❤️
Lauren
Thanks so much, Carey. I do agree, it can seem like 'it's all been done', but those meaningful connections make it all worth it! 🙂
Laura
You take care of you and your beautiful family and we will all rely on our comforting favorites recipes, like you! Your self-awareness is acute, I admire that.
Life is full of seasons. Embrace each one fully. One of my favorite quotes these days - I choose to allow my life to flow without needing to dictate its path.
We’ll be here to partake of your food or life sharings whenever they happen. My busy holiday season is wrapping up and your delayed detoxmas is timely for my season of life.
Blessings to you!
Laura
Lauren
Aw, thank you so much Laura. It's definitely a struggle for me to be out of control, particularly with health issues. I'm trying to find that darn balance, wherever it is, lol! Thanks for your nice message, as always. xo
Shawna
I’m so sorry about the health issues:(
I literally always look forward to your posts and recipes. You’re a blogger I can always count on to have legit recipes and I’m very thankful for that:)
Lauren
Thank you so much, Shawna, that is very encouraging for me and means a great deal! ♥
Lorraine
Thank you for being so honest
We all have life issues to deal with and can appreciate yours
It’s nice to read your posts we’ll will wait to hear from you again
Breathe
Lauren
Thank you, Lorraine! I'm hoping to get back to normal a bit more this month. 🙂
Lori Jean Finnila
So Happy you're back. I admire your work and being a mom.
Lauren
Thank you so much! 🙂
Linda
I appreciate your honesty. Your children are beautiful like you.
I’ve dealt with anxiety for years and done study on fear based fight or flight. I’m so much better relaxing and getting out of that space if it rears it’s ugly head. Doesn’t happen too often now in a horrific way but I daily work on myself to sweep away the cobwebs of fear and get to a place of calm and peace.
Lauren
Thank you, Linda. Fear is so dominant in my life right now, I too need to find more effective ways to deal with it.
June
Lauren, you are wise to take care of yourself! We love you and your recipes and we’ll be here no matter how often you post!
Take care and enjoy your beautiful family!
June
Lauren
Thank you so much, June! I appreciate you being a reader of mine for as long as you have. ♥
Julie C.
I'm sorry to hear about the health issues. (Some days I wish I could beat up all the health issues in the world, so we all can live without the annoyance).Glad to hear that you took time away from the blog to take care of yourself. Self care for the win!!
Hugs and warm wishes!
Lauren
Thank you, Julie! ♥
Ash B
Hi Lauren I have not been on your site in forever but i saw this post and wanted to comment for you I started to take ashwaghanda and brahmi they are 2 sperate indian herbs they are both adapotogens anyway ashwaghanda neutralizes hormones that are not good for you in the body and brahmi neutralizes stress hormones in the brain I can never find these 2 herbs together so i just buy them on amazon from merlion naturals they are organic and ive been taking them since 2011 i sometimes try to not take them and when i do i just dont have a very good day i tried taking everything for anxiety esp when i was driving valarian had so many kick backs the following day i just could not handle stuff i went to my health food store and this girl told me about ashwaghanda and so i did that then i discovered the brahmi it seems one wasnt enough i hope you will try these i mix them in my smoothie in the morning 1/2 t each and i just take a capsule of each 00 size capsule at dinner anyway this is just working for me with zero side effects i capsulize these my self when i find the ashwaghanda in capsules i just buy them but i have yet to find brahmi in a capsule anywhere