#WomenCrushWednesday Alice Waters & The Edible Schoolyard Project

Alice Waters

Born April 28th, 1944

Alice Waters is most famous for founding the Edible Schoolyard Project. She owns Chez Panisse, a Berkeley, California restaurant that is famous for organic, locally-grown ingredients and California cuisine. Waters studied abroad in France in college, and this is where her love of market fresh cooking came from. Upon returning to the States she was a political activist for a short time and this led to her food activism. After graduating, Waters returned to Europe and traveled to Turkey, France and London. She founded the Chez Panisse Foundation in 1996, whose mission is to transform public education by using food to teach, nurture, and empower young people. Waters is a crusader for organic food as she believes it enhances the quality and taste of the food and beneficial to the environment and people's health. 

The Edible Schoolyard Project was established in 1995 at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California. Students at the middle school are involved in growing, harvesting and preparing the foods from the garden. Waters also developed the School Lunch Initiative which aims to bring school children into a new relationship with food by making a healthy, fresh, sustainable meal a part of the school day. There are currently 5 other Edible Schoolyard Projects across the country in New Orleans, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Greensboro, North Carolina.

Waters encouraged President Bill Clinton to plant an organic garden at the White House, but unfortunately it did not happen. First Lady Michelle Obama planted her organic garden in 2009 with objectives from her Let's Move Campaign. 

Waters has written 11 books, won a dozen honors & awards and serves as board member for various organizations. She has one daughter, Fanny and has been married twice. Waters is an inspiration in organic and healthy school lunch activism. She is relentless in her effort to provide all children across America with knowledge of where their food comes from, harvesting and preparation. Her vision will continue to shine through for the future as people are fed up with GMO's, fast food, chemicals and coloring in food and above all, finding a way out of childhood obesity.  

References: 

http://www.myhero.com/go/hero.asp?hero=alicewaters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_Waters

For Mind, Body & Soul - A Beginners Guide to Yoga

Happy Monday!

I just completed another Midday Yoga class at my school. I LOVE this class and had been looking forward to it since Wednesday. I have been taking this class for about two weeks and can already tell that it is improving my back and stress level. I'm more aware of my breathing, muscles and posture. Doing yoga midday relaxes and prepares me for the rest of the day. 

Here is a list of the top 10 reasons YOU should start doing yoga!

1. STRESS relief

2. Inner peace

3. Increased strength

4. Weight loss & waste management

5. Increased overall energy

6. Improved sleep

7. Heightened mental and intuitive awareness 

8. Improved hormonal balance

9. Brain synchronization & brain fitness

10. Whole body detoxification

What's not to love? Yoga is for your mind, body and soul. It is a health plan that focuses on 3 very important aspects of YOU.

Mind, Body & Soul

Anyone can DO yoga!

I think the most important part of the learning process for learning how to do yoga is to do it with someone else who has experience with the positions and breathing styles. It can be daunting and stressful when searching the internet, checking out books or watching videos. There is a lot of information to dig through!

Plus, who doesn't like wearing yoga pants?

And don't forget to eat well, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

History of Yoga

Health Effects of Yoga

Effects of Yoga on the Mind

Effects of Yoga on the Soul

Blessings, peace and joy this week,

Miss Maully

My 5 Things - How to Restart those New Year's Resolutions

I know we all start the New Year with some really fantastic expectations of ourselves and by the end of the month they start to fade away into old habits. I decided to kick old habits to the curb and refocus on my main goal and a few side goals as well. Each month I will edit the list for changes or accomplishments and post my results. So here is the first set of My 5 Things that I'm throwing to the world. Enjoy.

Here is my list of 5 Things I'm trying to get into the habit of doing:

1. Drink more hot tea

2. Meditate at least 2 times a week

3. Workout 4 days a week

4. Keep up my healthy and clean eating

5. Always donating or giving away stuff I don't need or use anymore

I made 5 things to focus on at once rather than a ton of things. These are my 5 things for the month of February. 

I'm drinking some hot green tea right now with a little squirt of honey in it. I LOVE hot tea and there is this super delicious Indian restaurant that has the most AMAZING hot chai tea that I can't stop thinking about!

I've always really been into meditation, but can never put my eager desire into action. I love the benefits and mindfulness but somehow I pass over the opportunity. Do you meditate? It is such a beautiful form of relaxation and finding your inner truth. 

I've started working out at my school and already am hooked. I LOVE exercising and I'm trying to reach my goal weight of 130 (That's ~60 lbs to loose, hopefully by August =).

I started out eating super healthy and clean and then the brutal blow hit. It is very hard to eat healthy and at all when you can't afford to buy groceries for awhile. So that's the point I'm at right now. 

I'm always trying to de-clutter and organize. Just want to get rid of stuff that's not used anymore and that is taking up space and cluttering my mind!

So all you have to do to re-inspire yourself to follow through with your New Year's Resolutions is to:

Step 1: Take one really important goal.
Step 2: Surround it with a few smaller goals.
Step 3: Don't try to do everything at once and don't overload yourself with dozens of complex goals.
Step 4: Start simple. 
Step 5: Write your 5 Things on a few sticky notes and place them where you will see them everyday.
Step 6: Never give up!

For me, this month is all about Mindfulness (*hint for next post*} of soul, mind and body. 

Stay tuned! 

So what are your 5 things to focus on for February? 

Let me know in the comments below!

Peace, love and blessings,

Miss Maully

"The Most Eclectic Blog"

Miss Clean Eats - Clean Eating in 2014 {Research}

Writing has always been one of my hobbies. I used to write poetry and short stories when I was younger, and then my passion turned to papers, research and blogging. {I wont talk about the "Notes" I used to post on Facebook.} 

Another of my passions has been eating. And while it has served me well in the sense of trying very diverse foods and encountering multiple foodgasms, I have indulged a fair too many times. The days of surrendering to my sweet tooth are gone. So are the days of french fries, fried food, pizza, additives, un-natural coloring and all that nasty crap that I never ate growing up. Since living on my own my health and diet have taken a turn for the worst and I'm ready to change the "Freshmen 15" lifestyle and use my creativity and love for flavors and textures into a Clean Eating and Free Wellness Center Membership at my School type of thing.

This crafty and oh-so-busy momma is taking in the reins to focus on school, my family and my health. I have the rest of my life to worry about and right now hobbies are not big on my list of things to worry about. Although I do take the occasional day to unwind and get creative, Serious Crafting is on hold-for now. Nursing School will demand A LOT of my time. And what better way to fuel those early morning workouts and late night studying sessions than a new eating and exercise lifestyle. My goal is to reach 130 lbs and tone my body. I also want to permanently change the way I consume food. 

Don't get me wrong, I love all the gardens for lawns, organic, plants, and sustainability impact on the environment stuff. It's been in my blood my whole life. My parents buy organic everything and It really sucks that I can't afford all that yummy gourmet stuff. I plan to...someday when I have my career and can afford to spend more than $180 a month for a family of three. 

While my clean eating may not all be organic, it will definitely follow the guidelines for clean eating like Produce, Protein, Plant based fats and whole grains.

I am so exited to be starting this journey and can't wait to STICK WITH IT! I'm so ready to be fit and healthy and feel great! 

This post is the introduction to my New Year's Resolution and I hope that you will join me in Clean Eating in 2014. 

Remember- You only have to do something 7 times before it becomes a habit. =)

The Plant-Based Dietitian
Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T. , also known as The Plant-Based Dietitian, is a passionate advocate of the miracles associated with following a whole food, plant-based diet-the established effects of which provide positive healthful benefits.

Clean Program Blog
Dr. Junger describes how he became aware of the toxicity of our planet. He also explains how detoxification and cleansing have been around for thousands of years, but the knowledge has been lost, and right now it’s more important than ever to reclaim this information. Most importantly, Clean is a manual for readers to learn how to turn on and work with their own detoxification systems to restore and maintain optimal health. << LOVE the blog, just not the price of what they are selling...OUCH!! 

Spinach for Breakfast
The purpose of our blog is to provide those currently practicing the Clean program or those just looking for clean eating inspiration, with an organized forum of go-to recipes from a variety of sources. << GREAT Ideas!

365 Days of Clean Eating
I am not a Dr, a Nutritionist or a professional in the health field.  I am just sharing my own passion for food and health and what I've learned over the years. << TONS of really delicious recipes.

Top List of Clean Eating Websites & Blogs
Not all of these websites or blogs are specifically focused on eating clean, but they have been included in my Top List of Clean Eating Websites and Blogs because they all provide valuable information, whether it be healthy recipes, nutrition tips or just general healthy eating and cooking tips. << PACKED with info. 

I will be researching recipes, information and different chefs for the next month to be prepared for my debut in January. I have already had Clean thoughts running through my mind.

Follow my journey with me! Join in on Eating Clean in 2014!

xoxo

Miss Maully

Anything Goes in August {Musings Pt. 1}

Wow, the time has flown! I really got out of my groove over the summer. But I am trying to expand what I write about so that I can post more! 

I'm exited to share a few things with all of you! 

1. My business is growing...very slowly but I have my online website set up now. You can view all of the current items for sale and purchase them using PayPal! Head on over to www.missmaullyco.com and see what you like! =)

www.missmaullyco.com

2. We adopted/rescued two adorable kittens from a friend. They really help complete our family! {for now!!} 

The orange one is Oliver and the Tortie is named Olive.

3. I'm on the job hunt. It's bittersweet but exiting to be looking for a change. The final straw for me is that my boss, the store manager, is quitting!! I know that the store will be going downhill and I need to get out before work starts overriding my schoolwork. We also need the $$. 

4. I start school again next week. I am really exited. I love school, learning and meeting new people and seeing people that I know. I am so ready to get my degree and get out and move on with my life! I'm ready to be able to support my family and be financially stable and have a job that I love doing. This will be the last semester of all but 1 of my pre-req's for the nursing program and also the semester that I find out if I will be accepted into the nursing program. 

5. Rosetta is NINE MONTHS OLD!!! My, how time goes by soooooo fast. It seems like yesterday when she was born and she is almost ONE!!

I'm trying my hand at some new adventures. The first one is meal prepping. My first attempts went pretty well and I am going to continue to learn and grow and become a pro.

Bean & Cheese burritos

English muffin and deli thin pizzas {these are mine}

Boiled potatoes, tuna salad, egg muffins, {so freakin' delicious} pepperoni English muffin pizzas for the SO and waffles.
So far this prep had saved SO MUCH time, was so easy and I barely prepped anything!!

The second one is writing. I used to write all the time. Well, I used to do many things all the time. Either I have become lazy or...I've become lazy. It doesn't matter that I have a child, I need to find time to do the things I want to do or need to do. I come up with all these plans and ideas and they ALWAYS fall through. I at least want to TRY and SUCCEED, even if it is a small gain. 

Some things I am focusing on right now:

1. School

2. Spirituality

3. Personality

4. Involvement {I want to do some volunteering with my Honor Society}

5. Writing & reading 

I am still young, and even though I have a child I am always on the prowl for enriching my life, learning and growing. I am still finding out who I am and I don't believe that that journey ever ends. I am involved with tons of things and I love it that way. My daughter ALWAYS comes first. Most of the things I do for her like Climate Cadets, school, work...I have to have some me time and do things I enjoy too. And some of those things are stuff we can do together like events, day trips, going outside, etc. Most of my work is done on the computer after she is in bed. That's my time. During the day I {when I don't have school or work} I clean and prep meals while I watch Rosetta. My life has daily challenges but I wake up each day ready to face them and know that I am blessed with what I have. 

I want to do a new series called My Spiritual Journey--Maulism Movement. I started it as a FB page but I think it would be more appropriate here so that I can write to the extent and length that I want to.

Alrighty mommas, I'm out and off to plan some topics to blog about. Have a great night!

xoxo Miss Maully

Serendipitous Summer {Stuff Part 1}

Hello loves! <3

I know practically no one reads this blog...but I'm hoping I will get a nice community of followers one day! Until then I will continue to write like I have thousands of listeners!

 

 

I've missed writing but so much has happened in my life since last posting. Rosetta is sitting up now and getting ready to crawl any day. She had her first time at the pool, first time eating baby food {sweet potatoes}, first time sitting in a shopping cart, babbles different syllables...

We moved into our apartment and we all love it. Rosetta has tons of space to roll around and play. We haven't unpacked everything yet but we are close! 

I formally decided to switch majors and I am taking summers classes to work towards getting all my pre-reqs completed so I can apply for the Nursing program to become a Lactation Consultant. I have also done some research in becoming a doula. I really want to teach some classes as well.

I am giving my organization, Sustainability for You {S4U} a makeover. I want to focus on teaching children the importance of living a sustainable life and would love to do classes, parties, and discussions in schools and classrooms.

I have applied for a new job...please send blessings that I will get it because it pays more than my current one!

I have taken up doing yoga when I wake up {and hopefully I can remember to do it before bed!}

I started journaling again and doing the Transform Your Life: A Year of Awareness Practice app for iPhone.

I changed the name of my Facebook Page from Kansas City Feminists to Breastfeeding Feminists.

I crossed 300 followers on Pinterest!

I NEED to continue working on my business, Made by Maully. Unfortunately, I am not the most effective planner, so I usually forget things very easily and do not get things done when I need to. I'm trying to change but I need to step it up...ALOT!

My friend and I will be learning to bake this summer!

&& I can't wait to start making homemade bread and meal plan again!

 

Though I think I have totally found myself, I am definitely still in the process of figuring out what I want in life and what I really want to do. I have had disappointments in the past of my proposed career and school ideas not working out, but life is all about TRIAL & ERROR right?

 

I can't wait to post pictures of our apartment, cleaning tips, organization and DIY when everything is unpacked and put away. It all looks like a mess right now!

 

I will say that I have a craft center, "mud room" marble-top dresser and a sparkling clean kitchen!

 

Goodnight all!
More to come so stay posted!

 

xoxo Miss Maully

 

Miss DIY Momma {Boot Shaper}

Hello all you beautiful people!

Do you want to hear about how the Homemade Laundry Detergent worked?

Uh-Mazing! The soap did not sud very much but I could tell that the water that came out was DIRTY. The clothes smelled clean and felt clean. I just don;t know how to get rid of armpit smell. I couldn't even get it out with regular detergent! Jake's work is very labor intensive and he SWEATS! 

I love the detergent. I already did about 5 loads and you can't even tell that I dipped itno the detergent! For a scooper I use one of the Similac Formula scoopers. {They can be used for so many things! Country Time Lemonade anyone?}

The DEPOSIT IS DOWN! Now the exact apartment that we want is held for us until Rosie's birth certificate comes in! Then we can complete all the paperwork and apply! =)

I cannot wait to start decorating the apartment! The kitchen will have a sunflower/summer/spring feel and the bathroom will be seaside/nautical. Our bedroom will be bohemian and Rosie's room is Raspberry Jungle theme with pinks and whites. Wow that's all the rooms! And of course every room will be organized with cutesy containers and boxes. 

So...tomorrow is ROCKFEST!!! I am actually a little bit nervous and scared to be away from Rosie all day. It almost has me having second thoughts. But, I know that when I get there I will not have any doubts. Rockfest is the ONLY concert I go to every year and I have only missed ONE year since I started going.  I can LEGALLY drink this year and you best bet I am buying a few drinks! I just wish Disturbed was going to be there...

My super preggo friend is going too! She will be sitting the whole time though. I was pregnant last year by 3 months. 

It is so much fun and a great time. I always look forward to it and have a rockin' good time while I am there. Gotta get my concert T-Shirt!! 

Today I did ANOTHER DIY project. I know, right? Two days in row! 

This was one I had been meaning to do since I got my boots and saw the pin on Pinterest. Yes, my inspiration came from Pinterest. 

Supplies Needed: 

1. One Pool Noodle {purchased for $1.88}

2. Scissors

3. Boots

Directions:

1. Measure pool noodle against boot to see how much you need to cut off. 

2. Cut pool noodle with scissors.

3 Take the piece you just cut off and measure it against the remaining pool noddle for your 2nd length and cut that one off.

4. Place noodles in your boots and voila!

Show your boots who is boss and prevent wrinkles! 

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial! Good luck making your own boot shapers! I am off to bed to get some sleep before the big concert tomorrow!

Goodnight all!

xoxo Miss Maully

Miss DIY Momma {Laundry Detergent}

Hey lovelies! Guess what I did? 

You guessed it! I FINALLY made my own laundry detergent. 

It's been a long time comin' and I couldn't be more proud! In order to get ready to move I will be painting some furniture, making a coffee table and >> making homemade cleaning supplies, soaps and more. I'm calling these tutorials Miss DIY Momma.

Here is my tutorial for Homemade Laundry Detergent
 {now called the Moore Family Detergent}

Ok so this was SO super easy. It only took me about 20 minutes to complete the whole thing, not including time to gather materials. 

1. Gather materials.

-A 55 oz of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda for $3.24

-A 4 lb 12 oz box of 20 Mule Team Borax for $3.38

-Two 4.5 oz bars of Ivory soap {My mother gave me 2 bars for free}. You can purchase bars in bulk of any bar soap you choose.

-Bucket & measuring cup. {I already had the bucket and measuring cup}. 

-One 1 gallon container. I purchased two 1 gallon containers for $2.97 a piece and didn't need both! So I am going to use the other container for another project. 

-Cheese grater any kind. I purchased a cheese grater for $6.44 that I am going to use for the kitchen after I wash it. {We splurged on the fancy one}

2. Grate 1 bar of soap into a bucket.
 Depending on how big of a batch you are making, the bucket size will differ. This took the longest and made me sneeze really bad. 

3. Measure out 1 cup of Borax and dump into bucket with grated soap.

 Remember: Borax can be harmful if ingested so keep out of reach of the LO's and clean up well afterward. 

4. Measure out 1 cup Washing Soda
 {NOT BAKING SODA} and pour into the bucket with the grated soap and Borax.

5. Dump the grated soap, Borax and Washing Powder from the bucket into the 1 gallon container, screw on lid and SHAKE WELL.
{I felt like a mad scientist doing this and felt like it might explode!}

6. Peel off label and stick on your own!
{I still need to make one}

7. Start using your homemade laundry detergent!
Use 1 Tbsp per load or 2 Tbsp for heavily soiled loads. 

**This is just 1 "serving". You can totally double, triple and even quadruple the amounts to make more! Also, add in an essential oil for amazing fragrance!**

Total Spent: $12.79 {including the cheese grater} {Remember, I already had the bucket, measuring cup and 2 bars of soap. 

<<<I will be using the soap tomorrow and I will let you know how it does!>>>

Have you ever made Homemade Laundry Detergent? How did you like it? What were your results? 

I LOVED making this! I can't wait to make & USE my other cleaners and such. Oh the trials and tribulations of a DIY Addict. 

Tomorrow {well now it is today} I am putting down the deposit on the apartment we want, the one with the laminate hardwood in the kitchen. I was freaking out because I have to wait like a week on Rosie's Birth Certificate and I was afraid that we would loose the apartment we wanted, but that is not the case! We will have our apartment on hold while we wait for her BC to come in the mail. Damn thing cost me $50 so we better get the apartment we want. I keep planning where things will go, how I will decorate, cleaning routines, having my Craft Center set up, my Family Binder on my desk, room for Rosie...is it too early for me to be getting so exited? =)


Love you all! Goodnight and sweet dreams!

xoxo Miss Maully

April Showers Bring May Flowers {Musings Pt. 2}

Ahhh just a Sunday night without the Walking Dead. I miss it and want it to be Fall already! No, not really because then Rosie will be almost 1... =(

I am so exited about moving out. I am ready for us to fly our wings and live in our own place.  I can't wait to start decorating Rosie's room!

So I have my ongoing to-do list of short term goals, but I also have a long-term to do list of goals and one of those is to write a book. 

I have many ambitions in life and I intend to achieve them all! 

Rosie will be 6 months old next month! I cannot believe she is growing so fast. 

She is so cute and I want her to stay that way!

So Jake told me that he does want to go to college now and take advantage of his workplaces school aid program. That is awesome news and I'm glad he wants to go now! He'll start when I graduate. 

I start my new workout plan next week. We are restarting our Biggest Loser Challenge at work again so I have another 3 months to lose this baby weight!! 

I am accepting a personal challenge to use the computer and my phone less starting in June. It will be summer and I just want to focus on my family and my businesses.

Short post. I'll do a theme post tomorrow night. 

Goodnight!

xoxo Miss Maully

April Showers Bring May Flowers {Musings Pt. 1}

Wow!

It has been awhile~

 Rosie can now roll from her back to her tummy and push up. There have been several times I have laid her down to go to something real quick and when I came back she was in a totally different position. She grows more everyday!

I have some exiting news~We are moving into our own apartment next month and I can finally decorate it as a home! I cannot wait the suspense is killing me!

I have been pinning so many For The Home pics. I know the design will come together eventually. It will be a work in progress. I'm thinking earthy shabby chic with a retro/vintage vibe. Rosie will have her own room and I can decorate it will all her things, especially pictures and things I have made for her.

I am almost done with this semester at school. Then back to full time next year. My businesses are going good, starting slowly but making progress.
visit www.facebook.com/madebymaully and "like" it. Then you can see all the cool jewelry that I make!

I am also researching companies that I can be a consultant for, so that I can work from home more until my businesses kick off. I will be going to school a little longer than I had planned to get my Sustainability Certificate, a new program being offered next spring. I think I am going to be a Sustainability Coordinator or teacher as my backup career. I could be a substitute teacher too? I am still working out the kinks. I just want to do everything! I LOVE life SO much!

I've made two goals. 

`1. Post everyday

2. Comment on another blog everyday

I can DO IT!!

Anyway, this is just a short post as I am off to bed...

Goodnight lovelies!

xoxo Miss Maully

Miss Maully's March Madness {Musings Pt. 2}

AHHHH Mommy's sometimes I think I'm going CRAZY!! I LOVE this life though. 

Here's my most recent updates on my LIFE! 

L~ove

I~ntelligence

F~riends

E~xcellence

What do you think of my LIFE acronym? I just came up with it. I've been into acronyms lately. I think this one describes me pretty well. 

Anywayyyy...

I've been a busy bee! 

{Speaking of bees, please pay your regrets to Izzy Bee's family. Izzy was a 9 month old baby girl that grew her angel wings earlier this month due to a rare form of mitochondrial disease. You can visit her Facebook Page here and read about her and her family. RIP Izzy, you will be forever missed! I totally bawled when I read about Izzy's passing. I had been following her on Facebook for awhile and it took me by surprise. I am still so sad because I felt like I got to know her. I ordered the Izzy Bee pendant off her FB page and still need to order the Team Izzy bracelets and T-shirt. I miss her and a so blessed to have a healthy and happy baby.}

Onto happier news, I have started my business {FINALLY} in order to have it ready for the Grand Opening of KCKCC Made. I am SO exited. I have purchased my power sander and tools to start. Now I just need the furniture! 

Power Sander!

Supplies!

Swatch Booklets!


Follow my business blog & news at:

http://refab-rehabs-news.tumblr.com/

I am developing my business website as well and it should be ready around the 5th of April.

Rosetta got her 4 month shots on Monday. My poor baby girl had a rough time that night and Tuesday. She got a low grade fever and just didn't seem her usual smiley self. =(

What reactions have your LO's had to their vaccines?

OH! I am FINALLY getting my Family Binder together! I WILL post pictures! 

&& I completed a Project!

Rosie's Rose Shadow Box~ The roses from her baby shower & hospital, and my roses from the hospital as well.

I'm on Spring Break from school this week. It't not a big change because I only take one online class this semester. But the little break is AWESOME!

I am just so BLESSED every single day. I love my baby girl more than anything in this whole world. I love my boyfriend SO SO SO much. He is a fantastic father! I have a wonderful family & extended family. I love my momma and am so grateful to have her by my side. 

She has always been there for me and always will be.

I love my city.

{Kansas City born and raised && I wouldn't have it any other way}

I count my blessings and LOVE my life. 

Yes, I have my bad days. I just had one today.

But the positives totally outweigh the negatives and I would't want my life any other way. I have met so many different people and had so many interesting and learning experiences. 

Life has a lot in store for me. The future is sparkling with possibilities. 

LOVE LIFE & LIFE WILL LOVE YOU BACK

What do you love about your life? I would love to listen to your stories!!

xoxo Miss Maully