Some mornings, it is hard to adult before the coffee.   Today's was a hard-won coffee - Apparently, I can't function well enough to make the coffee before drinking the coffee.  This, just to let you know you aren't alone this morning. 

Carry on...
#coffeebeforecoaching #coffeeandthm #coffeemakesmehappy #spilledcoffeegroundstwice

This must be a joke, right?  A busy and practical woman, “skin care” has always seemed to me an expensive, time-consuming, even selfish indulgence. My priority list seldom has “beauty” listed anywhere in the Top-50, and I just can't seem to find a rhythm where I am comfortable spending money needlessly. The upside: At 46, this has saved our family tons of money... The downside: Looking in the mirror, I can see the lack of pampering becoming more obvious.

Since I am baring my soul, I will admit to having had a facial done – a $10 promotion at a beauty outlet in the mall. It was my first-ever facial. The girl looked at me expectantly when she was done and feeling a twinge of guilt, I bought three of the products. I even used them a few times – in the wrong “order”, just because I like the smell of the first product.  They now sit, perched on a shelf collecting dust.

I am a beauty-fail.

An outdoorsy gal, too frequently stuck indoors working on the computer, I still fervently hold to the notion the sun is my friend, rarely using sunblock and preferring to soak up the sun naturally. The sun doesn't worry me, but I do find myself growing slightly concerned over the HEV light being emitted from computer screens, phones and tablets – some research is showing this exposure may cause premature aging. Since I sit in front of my screen far more than I sit in the sun, this is no good!

There IS hope, however. I've found something that is making a positive difference in my skin – without being a labor-intensive routine. I was blessed with a sample of a then-unreleased Trim Healthy Natural's “The Fountain: Baobab & Rose Anti-Aging Cream”, and after months of using this, I can say it is pretty amazing stuff!

Now, I've been using it somewhat sporadically (you didn't think I would fall into a nice routine, did you?) and in conjunction with Trim Healthy Naturals Orange Silk Hydrating Cream and a Vitamin C Serum I found on a flash sale on Amazon.

The Fountain has a light, feminine, rose scent and goes on smoothly – providing moisture, without a greasy or oily feel.  Aloe-based, it is good for all skin-types. It is a very “thrifty” product as it doesn't take much per application, so my sample lasted a long while. On days where my skin feels dry, I add a bit of the Orange Silk.

Over the last few months, my skin is significantly smoother, firmer, age spots are much lighter and a really sexy (haha) raised age spot with a rough texture has reduced significantly. That's right... RunAmok Mama is feeling less troll-ish!

I am going to purpose to use these products with more regularity going forward. I can do this, “skin-care” thing!

I was browsing Facebook this morning and saw this posted under an article I read...  I immediately contacted Darlene to see if she would allow me to share... I hope it will bless you as much as it did me! 

A very special "Thank You" to Darlene Miller!

Craving BREAD... but getting away from high-carb foods?  This is a tasty twist on our RunAmok Mama's Better Than Bagels, these easy garlic bread sticks are satisfying and very versatile!

Of course, I am sure most Trim Healthy Mama group members have seen the recent craze:  Wholesome Yum's Low Carb Bagels with Almond Flour...  Anything that goes wild on THM's facebook groups can be considered "viral" for all intents and purposes! 

On its own merit, it is a terrific recipe and the ingredients fall into the "S" category for Trim Healthy Mama, so the craze is pretty much a no-brainer! 

Now, as is often the case since THM does not have a set upper limit for fatty foods, we can sometimes get a little too crazy, forgetting that at some point foods which are calorie-dense can stall our weight-loss progress. 

Since I love to eat, I decided it would be best if I could lighten this up a bit - so I substituted Trim Healthy Mama Baking Blend and Trim Healthy Mama Oat Fiber in place of some of the almond flour and made a few other adjustments as well.  *This is where I hope no one notices that I promptly slather butter on my lightened up version. 

These are SO good!  I was going to show some self restraint... but...

There are a million pumpkin recipes floating about, but as my husband is one of "those people" (despises pumpkin) , I have exercised a modicum of restraint... but for a traditional fall-feel, I did pull together a small harvest-themed recipe round-up... some of which include pumpkin.

These recipes vary in complexity... but all will tantalize your taste-buds!   For fun, try my Harvest Spice recipe in place of store-bought pumpkin spice - it is sure to be a hit!   Happy harvesting!

A slight chill teases the morning air, fall harvest is in full swing, and family gatherings are just around the corner.  Whether cooking for yourself, or for a crowd, putting your own special touch on a traditional spice blend can be surprisingly gratifying!

"RunAmok Mama's Harvest Spice" replaces store-bought "pumpkin spice", melding fresh, deep, comforting fall flavors and taking your favorite baked goods and savory dishes to that next-level-deliciousness.   Pumpkin, apple, and peach pies will entice!  Cobblers, crisps, crumbs, cookies, muffins and tarts will tantalize!  Spiced shrinkers, sippers, coffee and tea will warm tummies and soothe souls...  

This base recipe can be easily tweaked to please individual taste buds.  Some may prefer more allspice, others less nutmeg, others may omit cloves.   Have fun and experiment!   Anticipate this new season, play with your recipes... and ENJOY!   

DIRECTIONS:
Measure all spices into a clean container, place lid on tightly, then shake until spices are thoroughly mixed.  Use in place of "pumpkin" spice.  *I prefer storing in a glass jar, in a cool, dark cupboard.

Hope you enjoy!