Sharing my experience so far using the EquiLife CBO protocol as part of my gut healing process. You can read more about my journey here.

Hi friends! I hope that you’re having a wonderful week! We’re in California celebrating spring break with the crew. I’ll share some adventures on IG stories and some pics in Friday Faves.

For today’s post, I wanted to chat a bit about my CBO protocol journey now that I’m five weeks into the process. (I can’t believe it’s been this long!!) It was a huge step in my healing journey from eye issues and autoimmune symptoms, since I did some testing and found high levels of bacteria, yeast, and Candida in my gut. You can check out more about my experience here.

CBO is a 12-week protocol, and while it’s not for the faint of heart, I’ve already noticed incredible improvements.

EquiLife CBO protocol review

What is the EquiLife CBO protocol?

The Equilife Candida, Bacteria Optimizer Protocol is thoughtfully crafted and designed to tackle imbalances in gut microbiota, specifically targeting candida, fungal, and yeast overgrowth and bacterial dysbiosis. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and gut-healing properties, this protocol aims to restore harmony within the gut ecosystem. The goal of the CBO protocol is to clean out the *bad* bacteria in your gut, repopulate the good bacteria, and heal and seal the gut lining. 

Friendly reminder: I’m not a doctor and this isn’t medical advice. I’m simply sharing my experience with this protocol. As with any dietary or supplement regimen, it’s crucial for individuals to consult with their primary care physician or a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes. This ensures compatibility with existing medical conditions, medications, and individual health needs. 

Key Ingredients in the CBO protocol:

Saccharomyces Boulardii: A protective and powerful probiotic.

Berberine: Extracted from various plants like goldenseal and barberry, berberine possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, effectively combating bacterial overgrowth and restoring microbial balance.

Oregano Oil: Renowned for its antimicrobial prowess, oregano oil contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, which exhibit potent antifungal and antibacterial effects, aiding in the eradication of pathogenic organisms in the gut.

Enzymes and Probiotics: This Equilife protocol also includes a blend of digestive enzymes and probiotics to support optimal digestion and gut flora balance. Enzymes facilitate the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, while probiotics replenish benefic

Hi friends! Happy Friday! How was the week? I can’t believe that we’re already at the end of March and fully into spring! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend ahead. It’s going to be a busy one for our fam. I have two choir performances – local friends, come and see Requiem. If you’d like to attend, I have a discount code I can email to you – and Liv has a dance competition!

I’m going to be singing in between the dance shuffle… wish me luck 🙂

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.

Friday Faves 3.22

Life:

Vegas fun! The Pilot and I got to enjoy a Vegas weekend together with friends. We originally went up for the basketball tournament, but the Cats lost on Friday night. It was a bummer, but it freed up more time for Vegas adventures 😉

Some highlights from the trip:

We got an upgraded suite at the Venetian, which was a lovely treat.

Little room service pic:

Parents’ night out:

(dress is here from Amazon! Shoes are here)

Dinner at STK:

The famous Flower Drink from the Cosmopolitan:

We stayed out until 3am, slept in, and then wandered downstairs to the Canyon Ranch spa and had brunch there.

(I had this awesome lentil hummus with veggies, a latte, and a sesame salad with chicken)

Shopping at Fashion Show:

Dinner at the Wynn buffet:

(this was EPIC. We need to take the kids!)

The necessary sparkly Vegas dress:

(from RTR Unlimited)

and time chiling the hotel room watching Love is Blind, which also felt like an indulgent treat. It was the perfect mix of friend time, couples time, party time, and relaxation. My cup is very full after such an amazing weekend!

Read, watch, listen:

I haven’t watched Love is Blind in years – since the first season!- and this new season is SO good. 20 minutes in and I was hooked lol.

Read more

Hi friends! How’s the day going? I hope you’re having a wonderful morning. Last night, I went to a super fun event at Creative Tribe with some girlfriends. We got to learn about tarot cards – don’t worry, I won’t be switching my online business lol- and embroidered a tarot card tote bag. Creative Tribe has so many unique crafting events, and it’s BYOB, so you can sip wine out of a Yeti cup. Not a bad way to spend the evening.

Casual Everyday Mom Uniforms

For today’s post, I thought I’d share some of the casual mom uniforms I’ve been wearing lately. I love getting outfit ideas from friends, especially the type of clothes that I can wear everyday and look *put together* for all of the things I do during the day: chase the girls around, work, run errands, play dolls on the living room floor, or kick a soccer ball outside with the kids. I would love to live in lulu 100% of the time, but I find that I feel better and am more productive when I take a little time to get dressed in non-athletic clothes. (This post totally includes one athletic outfit because #reallife)

1) Everlane button-down with jean shorts and a scarf headband

(with these sandals)

I got this headband idea from Jess and it’s fun trendy detail and way to hide the fact that my hair needs a wash.  This shirt was my first time ordering from Everlane and I’ll definitely be trying out more of their pieces.  (I wasn’t sure about sizing and am usually between a 2 and 4 for tops. I ordered a 2 and it worked perfectly. I might try a 4 if it’s something that’s more fitted) It’s the perfect everyday white button-down: lightweight, not too see-through, and washes well. These denim shorts are super comfortable and easy to incorporate into different cute mom outfits.

2) Express black romper with embellished sandals (<— black is gone but the blush is only $40!)

This romper made me understand how easy it is to just wear black al

Sharing some lazy Sunday dinner ideas that you can make quickly and that the whole fmaily will love. 

Hi friends! How are you and how’s the week going? It’s been a great one over here. I’m taking a barre class this afternoon and getting my nails done. They need it!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some quick and easy recipes that would be perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, or a lazy Sunday. I’ve gone back to making quick meals on Sundays and it’s been such a treat to eat something at home that didn’t take a couple of hours to make.

I rounded up 9 quick and easy dinner *recipes* (just throw-together meals!) perfect for those cozy Sunday nights when you’d rather relax than cook up a storm. For us, the rest of the week is equally fast around here… but I had to title this post appropriately for The Man (aka Google).

Here are some of our go-tos:

Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Creamy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious, this Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a family favorite that comes together in no time.

Ingredients:

Pasta of your choice

Chicken breasts

Alfredo sauce

Garlic

Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions.

Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown.

Step 3: In a separate pan, heat Alfredo sauce and minced garlic.

Step 4: Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Serve topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I love to serve this with broccoli on the side or a salad kit.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Let your slow cooker do all the work with this hearty and flavorful Beef Stew that’s perfect for chilly Sunday evenings.

Ingredients:

Beef stew meat

Potatoes

Carrots

Onion

Beef broth

Tomato paste

Worcestershire sauce

Garlic

Herbs and spices

Instructions:

Step 1: Place beef stew meat, chopped potatoes, carrots, and onion in the slow cooker.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and herbs/spices.

Step 3: Pour mixture over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

This simple yet elegant Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken

Lemon

Garlic

Olive oil

Fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme)

Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs.

Step 4: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season well with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Roast in the oven for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). I like to serve this with sweet potatoes (cook in the Instant pot with a little water for 30 minutes) and sauteed zucchini.

Quick and Easy Teriya

Shainrg some ideas on how to use breathwork for stress reduction. 

Hi friends! How are ya? I hope you’re enjoying the week so far. I have client calls all day today and am looking forward to choir later tonight 🙂 This is one of the busiest seasons of the year for so many of us. I feel like from now until the end of school is a sprint to the finish line. So, for today’s post, I wanted to chat a little bit about stress and one of my favorite stress reduction techniques.

Stress has become a common part of our daily lives. From work deadlines to family responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, one powerful tool that we often overlook is our breath.

Breath work, also known as controlled breathing or pranayama, is a simple yet effective technique that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Today, I wanted to talk about the benefits of breath work and share some practical tips to incorporate it into your daily routine. Please let me know if you give them a whirl!

Breathwork for stress reduction

The Benefits of Breath Work:

Stress Reduction: One of the most significant benefits of breath work is its ability to reduce stress levels. Deep, slow breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, calming the nervous system and lowering cortisol levels.

Improved Mental Clarity: Breath work can help clear the mind and improve focus and concentration. By bringing awareness to the breath, you can quiet racing thoughts and achieve a sense of mental clarity.

Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Conscious breathing can help regulate emotions and promote a sense of calm and balance. It can be particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

Better Sleep Quality: Practicing breath work before bedtime can help calm the mind and promote better sleep quality. Deep breathing techniques can induce a state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Increased Energy Levels: Deep breathing delivers oxygen to the brain and muscles, increasing energy levels and improving overall vitality. By practicing breath work regularly, you can boost your energy levels and combat feelings of fatigue.

How to Practice Breath Work for Stress Reduction:

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Start by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to rise as you fill your lungs with air. Exhale slowly through your mouth, allowing your abdomen to fall. Repeat for several breaths, focusing on the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body.

Box Breathing: This technique involves breathing in for a count of four, holding for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and holding for a count of four. Visualize drawing a square with your breath, inhaling as you ascend, holding at the top, exhaling as you descend, and holding at the bottom.

Alternate Nostril Breathing: Sit in a comfortable position and close your right nostril with your right thumb. Inhale deeply through your left nostril for a count of four. Close your left nostril with your ring finger, and exhale through your right nostril for a count of four. Continue alternating nostrils for several rounds, focusing on the rhythm of your breath.

Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments throughout the day to pause and bring awareness to your breath. Notice the sensation of air entering and leav