Hi friends! Happy Friday! What’s going on this weekend? P has some basketball games and then the girls and I are off to Phoenix for dance. (The Pilot has a huge work event so that’s his life lately.) It’s going to be a busy one, but I really look forward to the weekends and love watching the girls shine in their respective activities.

I’m also excited to get out fall decorations! I was tempted to buy all the gourds at Whole Foods, until I remembered that the javelinas love to eat them 😉

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party. This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

9.13 Friday Faves

Fashion + beauty + random:

Here’s a pic of the comfy Amazon set I’m loving lately.

It’s not too thin and the fabric is light and cozy. Definitely decent quality for the price.

I also ordered this set – can’t wait to wear it with Chelsea boots – but it won’t be here until the end of September.

Why are Somerset dresses the BEST?

If you’ve been needing a Vitamin C serum, here is an excellent option.

I’m trying to get set up for the holidays now so it’s not such a scramble. Ordered this advent calender for P if you’re looking for one!

Read, watch, listen:

Check out this week’s podcast episode about parasites. It was an eye-opening one for me and I learned a lot.

Speaking of parasites, I ordered this Rogers Hood Parafy kit to try. She’s gone viral on Instagram and TikTok (she’s the “Worm Queen.” You’re welcome if you decide to go down a rabbit hole lol) and I wanted to see what the hype is about.  This is an Read more

Hi friends! I have the perfect Halloween podcast topic today… let’s talk about parasites 🙂

I’m chatting with my friend Kate Mills all about these creepy crawlers, including:

– What are parasites and how do you know if you have them?

– Her health journey

– Her favorite detoxing strategies

– and so.much.more

*Friendly reminder that this isn’t medical advice. As always, talk with a doctor before making any fitness or nutrition changes.

172: Parasites and detoxing with Kate Mills

Here’s more about Kate and her background:

Kate Mills is an Integrative Health Practitioner who has been on her own healing journey for over 28 years and specializes in identifying and addressing root causes and helping her clients find balance and optimize their own health.

After suffering from severe chronic pain, 10+ years of migraine headaches, daily seizures, and a multitude of symptoms that no western medicine doctor or test could identify the cause for, she became her own health detective. She spent most of her life learning, testing, and biohacking her way to now being healthier than she ever thought possible, and is passionate about helping others do the same.

Kate’s journey overcoming Lyme disease, mold illness, parasites, yeast overgrowths, deficiencies, mental health issues, and so much more have given her the tools and experience to support nearly anyone in reaching their health goals.

Kate specilizes in helping others reduce internal and external stressors while supporting their cells through detoxes, parasite cleanses, mold and yeast protocols, and maximizing healing technology (combined with a healthy lifestyle).

You can connect with Kate on her website, on Instagram, and at HLTHCAVE here.

Partners:

I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. Read more

Sharing the recipe for one of my all-time favorite crowdpleasing recipes: 4-ingredient guacamole. 

Hi friends! How’s the morning going so far? I’m off to the girls’ school for a bit, taking a barre class, and then to my annual derm apointment. Friendly reminder to get your skin checked! (I could make a weird segway into an Austin Powers guacamollllllleeee reference here but I’m just going to stop myself now.)

Let’s talk about one of the best appetizers to ever exist.

Guacamole is one of those foods that instantly makes any gathering more fun. It’s the ultimate dip that everyone loves, and the best part? You can whip it up in no time with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party, hanging out with the fam, or just want a quick snack, guacamole is always a good idea. Today, I’m sharing a 4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe that’s so simple and delicious, it might just become your new go-to.

I love guacamole because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh. Plus, it’s packed with healthy fats from the avocado, which is always a win. (Let’s just ignore the 140000 tortilla chips I eat along with it!)

This recipe is minimalistic, but has bold flavors.  With just four ingredients, you can have this ready to go in less than 10 minutes. Here’s the super easy guac recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

4 Ingredient Guacamole Recipe

Sometimes, less is more, and this simple 4-ingredient guacamole recipe proves that. It’s all about letting the natural flavors shine. The creamy avocado base, combined with zesty lemon juice, fresh pico de gallo, and a pop of cilantro, creates a guacamole that’s bright, refreshing, and soooooo good.

What I love about this recipe is how fast it comes together. Seriously, you’ll spend more time eating it than making it, and that’s the best kind of recipe in my opinion. Whether you’re prepping for a party, making a quick snack for yourself, or need something to spice up your meals, this guac is always a hit.

I also have a regular house guacamole recipe here, but this one is my go-to when I’m crunched on time or when I’m making a huge batch; it’s much faster and easier.

What To Eat With Guacamole

Guacamole is a versatile superstar, and it pairs beautifully with so many dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this easy guacamole recipe:

1. Tortilla Chips

Classic and always a crowd-pleaser. The crunchy, salty goodness of tortilla chips with the creamy, flavorful guac is a match made in heaven. Perfect for game day, parties, or life.

2. Tacos

Guacamole and tacos are a dream team. Spread a layer of this 4-ingredient guacamole recipe on your tacos for an instant flavor boost. It works with any

Sharing some of my favorite herbs for brain health. As always, talk with a doctor before making any fitness or nutrition changes, or starting any new supplements. 

Hi friends! How’s the morning going? I’m getting my nails done today (yesssss) and have coaching calls this afternoon.

For today’s post, I wanted to chat a bit about brain health. This is something I’ve become more passionate and curious about, especially since I’ve been diving into Dr. Amen’s work. 

(I still can’t believe I got to meet him at the Biohacking Conference! And he was AMAZING.)

When it comes to wellness, brain health is often an area we don’t pay enough attention to—until something feels off. But just like our bodies, our brains need love and care to stay sharp, focused, and resilient.

Keeping your brain healthy isn’t just about avoiding cognitive decline later in life; it’s about enhancing your daily life now—whether it’s improving memory, mental clarity, or simply reducing brain fog. The good news is there are plenty of methods to boost brain health, and among the safest and most popular are herbs. These handy little plants you might already have in your kitchen or garden can pack a powerful punch when it comes to supporting brain function.

Best Herbs For Brain Health

Herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties. They’re loaded with compounds that protect the nervous system, enhance cognitive function, and improve overall brain health. Today, I wanted to share some of the best herbs for brain health, explaining how they work, what benefits you can expect, and how to incorporate them into your routine. Whether you’re looking to improve memory, increase focus, or support overall cognitive function, these herbs can be a natural remedy to help you on your journey. *Note: not medical advice and please talk to your PCP before adding new herbs or supplements.

What Is Brain Health?

Brain health refers to the state of your brain and its ability to perform various mental processes such as memory, learning, problem-solving, and maintaining emotional balance. It’s crucial for overall health and wellness because your brain controls everything yo

Sharing my thoughts on food dyes and which ones to avoid, if that’s one of your goals. 

Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope you had an amazing weekend. Ours was a good one – three soccer games, dinner with friends, some swimming, and some chill time. I also got some work stuff done since I’d been behind for a couple of weeks.

Today, I wanted to talk about a beefy topic: food dye!

When you’re browsing the aisles of your local grocery store, it’s easy to be drawn to the vibrant, colorful packaging that lines the shelves. The bright hues in your favorite candies, baked goods, and even some beverages are often due to food dyes. These additives are used to enhance the appearance of food and drinks, making them more visually appealing. Unfortunately, some food dyes can have potentially harmful effects on your body. Here’s a roundup of food dyes with some info, so you can make more informed choices about what you and your family consume.

I’m not dogmatic about anything in our diet – I don’t want our kids to be afraid of any foods, and while they know that some foods are more nutritious than others, nothing is off limits. We focus on whole, mostly unprocessed foods here at home, but when we’re out with friends, at a party, or traveling, they order and eat whatever they’re feeling. I’ll typically encourage them to have a fruit or vegetable with whatever they’re eating, but that’s pretty much it.

At the same time, I do have a pretty strong feelings about food dye. The kids know if they’re choosing a candy or drink, I typically will ask them to pick something else if it’s red, because I’ve seen the effects of food dye (especially red!!) on the kids. It makes them hyperactive and extremely cranky. Not worth it to me.

6 Food Dyes To Avoid

The growing awareness of the potential risks associated with certain food dyes has prompted many consumers to take a closer look at the ingredients in their favorite products. While food dyes may make food look more attractive, the trade-off in health risks is often not worth it. (Also, I find this debatable. I think that brightly colored food looks way less appetizing that foods that are their normal colors. Who decided that everything needs to be bright and rainbow colored to eat it?? It’s a mystery to me.) There are so many great alternatives out there!

Today, I wanted to share some potential effects of common food dyes, the conditions they’ve been linked to, and how avoiding them can positively impact your health. I’ve also linked to various studies below.

Is Food Dye Bad For You?

The short answer? It can be. Food dyes are synthetic chemicals that are added to foods to enhance their color. While they’re approved for use by food safety authorities in many countries, there’s a growing body of research suggesting that these additives can have adverse effects on health.

When you ingest food dyes, your body has to process these synthetic chemicals, which can sometimes lead to side effects. Studies have linked certain food dyes to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and even an increased risk of certain cancers in animal studies. The amount of food dye that is considered harmful can vary, but for some in