“sweetie beetie risotto with goat cheese”

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, so we thought it would be fun to give you a recipe and dinner idea from our cookbook, “f-words mom let us say: food, family & friends”. Our recipe, “sweetie beetie risotto with goat cheese” has become a fun, celebratory dish in the Peddie house. The gorgeous, deep red color from the beets makes this a festive meal for Valentines, Galentines, or a couples’ dinner party. Of course, we believe we should each be our own Valentine first and foremost, so we think this dish is also perfect to make just for yourself for a self-nurturing, cozy night in.

The idea of beet risotto may sound a little strange but we promise, this is scrumptious. The earthiness of the beets combined with the creamy smoothness of the risotto and goat cheese makes a balanced, decadent combination. The color is rich and natural and sets a loving tone for a heartfelt meal. This recipe turns beet skeptics into beet lovers. My youngest daughter Cami, thought she hated beets until she tried this dish, and it’s become one of her absolute favorites. We make it together every time she comes home from college!

I would say the hardest part of the recipe, and this isn’t really hard, is the peeling and shredding of the beet. It just takes a little umph using the box grater! Your hands will turn bright red so don’t freak out like I did the first time I worked with a red beet! Just wash your hands with warm, soapy water as soon as you’re done and your new, bright red hands will go away! 😉

If you’re new to cooking, or making risotto, I would definitely Mise en place. If you’re not familiar, Mise en place is a French culinary term meaning “put in place” or “everything in its place.” Not only is it a fun phrase, but it’s also one of the most helpful ways to ensure the success of your dish. If equipment is ready and all of the ingredients are prepped before cooking, it eliminates stress and makes cooking it fun and stress free. It’s worth a few extra dirty dishes. I even like to set up each ingredient in the order it goes into the pan so it can really be goof proof.

Risotto requires patience since you’re adding the broth slowly, waiting for the rice to drink it up in increments. So pour yourself a little glass of wine and enjoy watching this beautiful dish come together. I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s unique, delicious, nutritious and absolutely says I love you!

sweetie beetie risotto with goat cheese 

Ready in 1 hour, 15 minutes

Serves 4 to 5

5 cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme

4 cloves fresh garlic, smashed, peeled, and chopped

1½ cups Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice

½ cup red wine of choice

2 raw medium red beets, stemmed, peeled, and shredded (with a box grater)

Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon

⅓ cup goat cheese

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

5 leaves fresh basil for garnish

Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. (Simmering the broth keeps it warm all through the cooking process, which helps release the starch in the rice and makes your risotto creamy and dreamy.)

In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and thyme and sauté until the onion is lightly browned and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 more minute.

Add the rice and cook until slightly toasted, about 3 minutes. (This adds a nutty elegance to the rice’s flavor.) Add the wine and stir until it has almost been completely absorbed by the rice. Still stirring, slowly add about ½ cup of the warm broth and cook and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Continue cooking and stirring, adding additional broth after each addition has been absorbed. It will take 25 to 30 minutes to use up all of the broth and for the risotto to become creamy and al dente. When the final ½ cup broth has nearly been absorbed, add the beets, stirring them in well. Add lemon zest and juice, then the goat cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir well.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

tip

Yes, raw beets go into this risotto. Because they’re shredded, they cook fast yet still have a very tiny bit of bite to them.

Added yum:

Sprinkle the top with crispy fried pancetta

Print

“sweetie beetie risotto with goat cheese”

With Valentine’s Day around the corner we thought it would be fun to give you a recipe and dinner idea from our cookbook, “f-words mom let us say: food, family & friends”. Our recipe, “sweetie beetie risotto with goat cheese” has become a fun, celebratory dish in the Peddie house. The gorgeous, deep red color from the beets makes this a festive meal for Valentines, Galentines, or a couples’ dinner party. Of course, we believe we should each be our own Valentine first and foremost, so we think this dish is also perfect to make just for yourself for a self-nurturing, cozy night in.

 

The idea of beet risotto may sound a little strange but we promise, this is scrumptious. The earthiness of the beets combined with the creamy smoothness of the risotto and goat cheese makes a balanced, decadent combination. The color is rich and natural and sets a loving tone for a heartfelt meal. This recipe turns beet skeptics into beet lovers. My youngest daughter Cami, thought she hated beets until she tried this dish, and it’s become one of her absolute favorites. We make it together every time she comes home from college!

 

I would say the hardest part of the recipe, and this isn’t really hard, is the peeling and shredding of the beet. It just takes a little umph using the box grater! Your hands will turn bright red so don’t freak out like I did the first time I worked with a red beet! Just wash your hands with warm, soapy water as soon as you’re done and your new, bright red hands will go away! 😉

 

If you’re new to cooking, or making risotto, I would definitely Mise en place. If you’re not familiar, Mise en place is a French culinary term meaning “put in place” or “everything in its place.” Not only is it a fun phrase, but it’s also one of the most helpful ways to ensure the success of your dish. If equipment is ready and all of the ingredients are prepped before cooking, it eliminates stress and makes cooking it fun and stress free. It’s worth a few extra dirty dishes. I even like to set up each ingredient in the order it goes into the pan so it can really be goof proof.

 

Risotto requires patience since you’re adding the broth slowly, waiting for the rice to drink it up in increments. So pour yourself a little glass of wine and enjoy watching this beautiful dish come together. I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s unique, delicious, nutritious and absolutely says I love you!

  • Author: sharon caldwell peddie

Ingredients

sweetie beetie risotto with goat cheese 

Ready in 1 hour, 15 minutes

Serves 4 to 5

 

5 cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme

4 cloves fresh garlic, smashed, peeled, and chopped

1½ cups Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice

½ cup red wine of choice

2 raw medium red beets, stemmed, peeled, and shredded (with a box grater)

Grated zest and juice of ½ lemon

⅓ cup goat cheese

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

5 leaves fresh basil for garnish

 

Instructions

Bring the broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan. (Simmering the broth keeps it warm all through the cooking process, which helps release the starch in the rice and makes your risotto creamy and dreamy.)

 

In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and thyme and sauté until the onion is lightly browned and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 more minute.

 

Add the rice and cook until slightly toasted, about 3 minutes. (This adds a nutty elegance to the rice’s flavor.) Add the wine and stir until it has almost been completely absorbed by the rice. Still stirring, slowly add about ½ cup of the warm broth and cook and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Continue cooking and stirring, adding additional broth after each addition has been absorbed. It will take 25 to 30 minutes to use up all of the broth and for the risotto to become creamy and al dente. When the final ½ cup broth has nearly been absorbed, add the beets, stirring them in well. Add lemon zest and juice, then the goat cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir well.

 

Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

 

tip

Yes, raw beets go into this risotto. Because they’re shredded, they cook fast yet still have a very tiny bit of bite to them.

 

Added yum:

Sprinkle the top with crispy fried pancetta

 

 

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy and f-words mom let us say: food, family & friends”. For more information on her books visit: sharonpeddieblog.com or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sharon%20caldwell%20peddie, or https://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/,https://www.amazon.com/f-words-mom-let-say-everyday/dp/B0BNT2G6N7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZPX0IPDUHIUV&keywords=f-words+mom+let+us+say+food+family+%26+friends&qid=1676312524&sprefix=f-words%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

“Forest Bathing”

“Forest Bathing”….Ahhhh. What is it and why does it sound sooo good? We have all experienced the beautiful sense of calm that comes from spending some quiet time in nature. I recently learned the term “forest bathing” and in my opinion, there has never been a better way to describe the act of quiet time with nature and the euphoric, calming feeling that follows. I love the term and intentional concept so much, I wanted to share it with anyone who may not have heard of it or had it registered this way.

We can thank the Japanese for this exquisite term and intentional practice. As I understand it, the term Shinrin-yoku, was created in the 1980’s by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and translates to forest bathing. This ecotherapy concept was meant to be an antidote to the burnout from the technology boom and to also encourage their culture to connect and protect Japan’s forests. Forest bathing has become a big part of Japanese preventative and restorative health care practices. This concept has gained popularity all over the world. 

Shinrin-yoku/forest bathing, doesn’t literally mean go take a bath in the forest (although that could be fun too), but it does encourage absorbing the forest atmosphere through calm, quiet, mindful exercise. Like everything, forest bathing can become something different for everyone but the idea is to leave the world behind and be present with nature. If yours involves movement, maybe remove a stressful goal in order to gain all of its benefits. The practice encourages using all 5 senses to observe, soak in, and experience all that the forest wants to give us. It’s not a new surprise, but more and more studies are proving that spending time in nature strengthens our immune system; lowers our stress; eases anxiety and depression; lowers our blood pressure; elevates our mood; and helps us sleep better. The list of benefits is even longer than that! 

I think this forest bathing term caught my interest because I love a forest! I fell in love with them as a little girl. My family and I spent a great amount of time in Ocala National Forest in Florida, and its surrounding sister forests too. Ever since, I have always loved spending time with trees and being in all the pretty places that house them. I don’t know that I’ve always understood all of the health benefits, but I know my time in nature has always left me feeling happy, peaceful and grounded. So much so, I’ve made hanging out in them a way of life. So many of my favorite hobbies take place in the great outdoors. I especially love hiking and feel so blessed to live in Oregon where there is an abundance of spectacular trees and forests!! I have always thought that spending time in the forest feels and smells like a magnitude of wonderful things. It’s like looking at colorful, miraculous works of art. Many forests have herby, floral smells that calm and delight like a luxurious spa. Time in the forest has allowed me many, meaningful conversations with God. They are so detailed and long, they draw you in like soft motivation from a physical trainer. A forest can feel like free therapy from a problem solving psychologist. I didn’t know I was “forest bathing” but I know I always leave the forest a stronger, better me. How fun to have a term to describe this beautiful thing I love! 

The world and life can be pretty hectic, stressful, and overwhelming at times. As humans, I think we are always seeking ways to deal with it so we can enjoy our lives. If we don’t find healthy ways to do so, we can become depressed, sick or attach to unhealthy vices. Our beautiful earth has a forest or park never too far away from us. Next time you’re feeling low, overwhelmed or just in need of some fresh air and me time, go to the trees! From personal experience, I can assure you the trees will help calm you, restore you and heal you. The trees will always show you how to love and appreciate life more. Your forest bath is waiting. Go take it. You deserve it.

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy and f-words mom let us say: food, family & friends”. For more information on her books visit: sharonpeddieblog.com or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sharon%20caldwell%20peddiesharonpeddieblog.com or https://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

Hey there, Happy Summer!

Hey there friends,

Thank you for following my blog! I’m embarrassed how long it’s been since I wrote a blog post. Life has gotten in the way, but I love having my blog and I’ve missed creating content for it so much. I have a short lull for a few days in the development of my next book and other life duties, so I thought I’d take a moment to give my blog some fresh life and fill you in on what I’ve been up to.

I’m still doing all I can to market my first book, “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”, and I feel as passionate as ever about its message. The marketing takes a lot of time away from what I really love to do and that’s write more and create more to share with all of you. But that’s ok, it’s worth it! It’s still getting great reviews, and young women (and wonderfully surprising, people of all ages) are finding it helpful and comforting and that’s GYB’s purpose! (Let me know if you’d like a free eBook copy in exchange for writing a review. More reviews keep my book higher on the search engines of all the websites that sell it. Reviews help keep my book relevant and visible to bookstore buyers and librarians too!)

In addition, for the last 2 ½ years, I’ve been writing a cookbook with my 3 daughters! It’s been quite an undertaking, but being together, cooking, creating, and writing our cookbook has been our pandemic silver lining. Putting our recipes, experiences, values, philosophies, and memories in writing has felt so joyful and powerful. We can’t to share it with you!

We are unknowns, so getting published by a traditional cookbook publisher would have taken years to possibly never, so I decided to learn how to be a publisher myself. (Hence the no time for blogging). LinkedIn and WordPress proved to be a valuable resource for us. After interviewing many, I assembled an all-female, amazing team whose skills and talents have been so incredibly valuable in helping us get our cookbook to the beautiful and professional standards we dreamed of.  We are finally in the book design/layout stage! We’ve been excited about its content, but now we’re really excited about our visual vibe too! It will still need to go to photo editing and indexing, but we’re feeling confident it will be available for the holiday season. (Cookbooks make really great gifts!)

It may seem off brand and confusing that I’ve gone from writing inspiration for developing a stronger sense of self to encourage and cultivate more joy, to writing a cookbook, but I promise it will still be very authentic to who I am, what I love to write about, and the encourager I love to be.

As a mom of three girls, it’s been my passion and mission to raise confident women with a strong sense of self. There are many roads to help build that, and we’ve traveled many of them. One of my biggest surprises was seeing how learning to cook proved to be such a powerful road to developing my girls’ self-love and confidence. I’ll say, it’s done the same for me as well. Cooking has been a fun and less-pressure-packed way to build confidence than some of those other roads. My girls and I are so excited to share that experience with you. We hope it inspires women and men, girls, and boys of all ages to get into the kitchen to grow! We believe cooking truly helps us and our lives grow more meaningfully beautiful!

My blog, Instagram, FB and Pinterest will continue to share all kinds of inspiration to help “grow yourself beautiful” and “grow your life beautiful”. I’m growing right alongside with you, so it will just continue to come in different forms, i.e., this time, a cookbook! We will eventually get some TikTok recipes out there as well!

My middle daughter recently got engaged and “hired” me as her wedding planner so I’ve been busy doing that as well. I love event planning; it’s another place to be creative! I’ve done it for 25+ years for various organizations and school events so hopefully I can merge all the experience into a beautiful wedding for my daughter and her fiance. I’ll be sure to share inspiration on Pinterest for that too! We have had a ball looking at all of the Pinterest wedding content out there already.

I love Summer, especially because it rains 7 months out of the year in the PNW. I’m trying to soak up as much sunshine and outdoor fun as possible before it’s all gone. I hope you are finding time to do all of things that feed your soul. I’m sorry for the long delay in blogging. Let’s stay close on my other social media platforms as well. Let’s keep growing together! It’s always less scary and more fun when we’re holding hands!

Let’s stay in touch:

http://www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com

http://www.sharonpeddieblog.com

Instagram: @author_sharoncaldwellpeddie

Facebook: Author Sharon Caldwell Peddie

Twitter: @SCPeddie

Hashtags: #growyourselfbeautiful #growyourlifebeautiful

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”. For more information on her book visit www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com or https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Yourself-Beautiful-Following-Focusing/dp/1532057342/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grow+yourself+beautiful&qid=1567376389&s=gateway&sr=8-1 or https://sharonpeddieblog.comhttps://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

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20 Reasons We May Want to Have Gratitude for 2020…

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”. For more information on her book visit www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com or https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Yourself-Beautiful-Following-Focusing/dp/1532057342/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grow+yourself+beautiful&qid=1567376389&s=gateway&sr=8-1 or https://sharonpeddieblog.comhttps://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

Where is America the Beautiful?

“America the Beautiful”, where are you? I suspect many of you are feeling much the same way I do. We love our country so much, but it feels like a big, angry mess right now. There’s just so much going on and so much of it feels completely out of our control. We can’t control the Pandemic. We can’t control the wildfires or hurricanes. We can’t stop the violent protesting, burning down our cities. We can’t control the climate of American politics, etc. etc. However, my vulnerability right now has me hopefully wondering: Can we still personally influence the beauty of America through all of this?

When I was little, I believed I would grow up to be someone who could change the world! Then over the years, as reality and maturity set in, the world humbled my childish, naive ambition. I bet most of you felt the same way. I love that God creates little kids so pure and sure of their power. I’m grateful he does. A few years ago, I went looking for that brave little girl. I had become a mom of 3 daughters and a mature woman. I had some things on my heart that I wanted to say back to the world. I knew that little girl would get me back to my writing and help me believe in my ability to write a book. I knew she would convince me that my small words, if I put great love behind them, could inspire. Sure, maybe they would just be helpful to my family or a few friends. But maybe, just maybe, they could help friends of friends and so on. I have always believed in the power of the ripple. I feel that even when we throw something small into the water, it can grow and stretch further than the eye can see.

I’m a pretty positive person who loves looking for the sunshine, but it’s not that easy to find right now. I’m grieving for “America the Beautiful”, and I know I’m not alone. Of course our country is strong. Of course it will eventually be fine again. But America is in need of beauty and healing right now. Our pure, younger self was right. Each ONE of us has the potential to be great…really great! We each possess enormous power through our words, actions, and the examples we provide every day. We make an impact. We can’t think we don’t or aren’t able. It’s the way we work with each other. It’s the way we play with each other. It’s the way we treat each other. We need to believe in our individual power. We need to use our power for good. We need to be the ones who keep America beautiful. 

#growyourselfbeautiful

#growamericabeautiful

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Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”. For more information on her book visit www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com or https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Yourself-Beautiful-Following-Focusing/dp/1532057342/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grow+yourself+beautiful&qid=1567376389&s=gateway&sr=8-1 or https://sharonpeddieblog.com https://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

College Dorm Checklist for Girls

These are anxious times already, and to be sending our kids off to college during a pandemic, certainly doesn’t help us feel any calmer. I’m taking my youngest daughter back to college next week and we’ve committed ourselves to just focusing on all of the positives. I’m a true believer in expect and hope for the best, but also be prepared for everything. When we’re prepared, it helps even tough situations go a little more smoothly.

I’ve sent 3 daughters off to college and I still don’t have it perfected, but I’ve developed a helpful checklist along the way, that I’d love to share. (My boy parent friends will have a much shorter list and a good giggle.)

Girls can certainly get away with much less than this and some may even think of more…but it will help you not have to start from scratch. I hope it’s helpful!

Big prayers for a healthy, safe, educational, fun and resilient college year to all of the kids, faculty and parents traveling near and far. What important lessons and life skills this year will be!

Dorm Checklist for Girls:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t1GAnewMc59rF6_xoY5REnI5nXqsjavQxPP3k3Tij-E/edit?usp=sharing

Shampoo

Conditioner

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Flossers

Hairspray

Dry shampoo 

Shower puff

Brush

Body wash or soap

Razor, fresh blades

Deodorant 

Face wash

Body and face moisturizers

Makeup

Makeup remover/wipes

Hair ties 

Blow dryer

Curling wand/straightener 

Nail polish and remover

Nail clippers and file

Reading glasses 

Sunglasses

Cotton balls or cotton pads

Tweezers

Tissues 

Paper towels 

Qtips

Antibacterial Hand wash 

Clorox wipes

Lysol Spray

Disinfecting Cleaner

Laundry detergent

Laundry bag

Shower caddy

Flipflops

Hand held Steamer

EmergenC

Vitamins

Advil and Tylenol

Aleve or Midol

Tampons/Femine products

Thermometer 

Disposable Face Masks

Hand Sanitizer

Cold and Flu medication 

Gatorade

Saltine Crackers

Ramen or soup

Bandaids

Antibiotic

Sunscreen

Snacks

Mini fridge 

Refillable water bottle

Planner

Computer

Desk organizer

Desk hutch

Notebook, pens, pencils 

Highlighters 

Folders 

Calculator 

Scissors

Stapler

Printer, paper, ink

Clock

Full length mirror

Desk lamp

Bed charging station

Music/Sonos speaker

Earbuds

Backpack 

Hand vac

Dorm key/car keys/ Lanyard

Pepper spray

Mattress bug cover 

Comfy mattress pad

Sheets (XL?)

Blanket

Comforter 

Pillows

Decorative pillows

Shower Towels

Wash cloth

Hand towel 

Clothes Hangers

Over door shoe organizer 

Wall decor

Bulletin board & white board

Push pins

Photos from home (and a way to display them)

Multiple outlet Power cord/surge protector 

Storage with drawers 

Rug

Makeup mirror for desk

Clothes: campus wear, inside dorm wear, sorority wear, spirit/game day wear, night wear, event wear, weather gear  

Shoes and socks for all the above occasions

Jewelry & organizer

Bulbs & Batteries for anything needed, ie, desk lamp, makeup mirror

Wastebasket/bags

Vaccinations needed prior and submit proof

Prescriptions

Insurance cards

Phone and tech chargers 

Weekend bag

Suitcase

Print any parking permits needed for move-in day

(Tool kit for moving in: command strip double sided tape, measuring tape, thumbnails hooks, hammer or screwdrivers)

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Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”. For more information on her book visit www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com or https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Yourself-Beautiful-Following-Focusing/dp/1532057342/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grow+yourself+beautiful&qid=1567376389&s=gateway&sr=8-1 or https://sharonpeddieblog.comhttps://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

International Self-Care Day!

Today is an important day! It’s International Self-Care Day! Hey, that’s YOUR day! 

 I feel so strongly about self-care, I devoted a whole chapter to it in my book, “Grow Yourself Beautiful”. I believe it’s the key to our true beauty, strength and joy! I think a lot of people don’t truly understand the importance and benefits of “Self-Care”. Some even knock it, thinking it’s selfish or self indulgent. We live in a society where “busy” has become a badge of honor. Being busy, is just that, busy. Busy doesn’t always equal productivity or joy. Lack of self care leads to stress, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and being unproductive. You’re not a machine, you’re a beautiful, living, breathing human being with feelings and needs. To be centered, healthy, beautiful and productive, you have to take care of yourself. Self-care is the road to making your all of dreams come true. It gives you strength for that journey!

Here’s some inspiration for developing your Self-Care as a way of life:

Feed and Nourish your mind, body and soul. There is nothing better for beauty, strength and productivity than healthy, nutritious eating. A beautiful body is a healthy body that is fed a proper balance and variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, effs, healthy fats, whole grains, nuts and legumes. Caring for yourself with beautiful foods and lots of water is one of the most important steps in self-care.

 Make sleep a priority.

Keep negative thoughts out of your head and life. What we say to us directly affects the way we feel. Keep those inner conversations loving and positive.

Keep negative or unsupportive people out of your closest circle.

Limit Social Media and hide or unfollow people who don’t make you feel good.

No drama life rule.

Seek laughter.

Forgive.

Practice gratitude and kindness.

Make time for important relationships and things you love to do!

Quiet time–Relax, Meditate and Pray.

Spend time with nature and animals.

Exercise every day in some way. Make sure it feels like a gift and not punishment.

Just say NO to things you know are not good for you. You deserve those NO’s.

Practice good hygiene. It always makes you feel better.

Create a beautiful home you love to be in.

Work toward something every day.

Stay on top of medical care-doctor and dental appointments, etc.

Self-care is always needed. It is as much what we don’t do, as it is what we do! Self-care needs to be a lifestyle. It’s important to keeping us centered, especially now when the crazy world seems especially crazy. Self-care plays an important part of growing our self-respect, self love and inner joy. Nurturing ourselves, teaches us we are worthy of time, love and care. It helps us grow ourselves and our lives more BEAUTIFUL.

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”. For more information on her book visit www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com or https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Yourself-Beautiful-Following-Focusing/dp/1532057342/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grow+yourself+beautiful&qid=1567376389&s=gateway&sr=8-1 or https://sharonpeddieblog.comhttps://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.

Travel by Book this Summer! Boca Style Magazine Article-CityLifestyle.com

Boca Style is a beautiful magazine and I was lucky enough to be asked to contribute to their July Issue! Don Schnurr-Publisher and Marti Schnurr-Editor, are right on point with their idea for this article to help inspire us to stay hopeful and positive until the world opens up to us again. Books are the perfect way to help us have adventures and travels without ever leaving our home. In my article, I recommend 3 books that I hope will inspire you in many unexpected ways to grow you and your life more beautiful! Thank you Don, Marti and Boca Style for this fun opportunity.

Grab a sneak peek of the magazine piece below. Articles can be found later this month at Citylifestyle.com and a complete copy of the monthly magazine at Lifestylepubs.com.

Sharon Caldwell Peddie is also the Author of “Grow Yourself Beautiful: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Following Her Heart and Focusing on Her Inner Joy”. For more information on her book visit www.sharoncaldwellpeddie.com or https://www.amazon.com/Grow-Yourself-Beautiful-Following-Focusing/dp/1532057342/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=grow+yourself+beautiful&qid=1567376389&s=gateway&sr=8-1 or https://sharonpeddieblog.comhttps://www.pinterest.com/sharonpeddie/pins/

Anything contained in my blog that is written or shared by me is just my personal view. If you find inspiration in any of my content, please be responsible, safe and legal.