Crunchy Green Health Nut

How to Source Sustainable Thrift Inventory for Your Online Reselling Business

2026-08-03T13:26:33.658-04:00

Transforming your passion for sustainable fashion into a profitable e-commerce store is an incredible way to promote a circular retail economy. Sourcing secondhand merchandise not only keeps premium textiles out of landfills, but it also allows you to scale a low-overhead business with impressive profit margins.

The Economics of Sustainable Secondhand Sourcing

Many new online merchants struggle to find consistent, high-quality inventory that buyers actually want to purchase. The secret to mastering the retail arbitrage flip lies in understanding consumer demand, fashion trends, and local regional supply chains. By treating thrift store sourcing as a structured supply chain procurement process, you can build a sustainable, high-yield digital storefront on platforms like Poshmark and eBay.

Here are the top four insider strategies for finding highly profitable, eco-conscious inventory to fuel your reselling workflow.

1. Target High-Volume Textile Recycling and Thrift Outlets

To maximize your return on investment (ROI), you need to look beyond standard retail thrift storefronts. Seek out regional liquidation hubs, goodwill outlet bins, and textile salvage warehouses. These facilities often price their merchandise by the pound rather than by individual item piece. Sourcing bulk clothing inventory at a fraction of standard cost drops your baseline cost of goods sold (COGS), leaving you with a massive margin for profit when you crosslist your inventory online.

2. Master the Art of Fabric and Brand Recognition

🔍 The In-Store Quality Assessment Checklist

Tap to check off these critical inspection steps before you walk up to the cash register!

The Pit Stain & Collar Test: Hold the item up to bright lighting to inspect for yellowing, sweat discoloration, or makeup transfer rings. Hardware Operational Check: Test every zipper track entirely. Snap all buttons, verify rivets, and look for missing pulls or broken teeth. The Seam Pull Test: Gently stretch along major stress seams (crotch, armpits, back) to verify the internal stitching isn't dry-rotted or unraveling. Tag Verification & Material Composition: Locate the internal care tag. Prioritize items made from raw natural materials and avoid generic fast fashion blanks. The Scent & Odor Check: Avoid garments smelling heavily of storage dampness, cigarette smoke, or mothballs, as these are incredibly difficult to flip profitably.

Profitable sustainable sourcing requires a sharp eye for premium textile engineering. Cheap fast-fashion items lose value instantly and end up sitting on digital shelves for months. Instead, train yourself to inspect clothing for high-end organic materials and robust construction. Look closely for garments made of:

100% Pure Organic Linen and Raw Silk
Sustainable Outerwear Fabrics (like Patagonia and Arc'teryx)
Heavyweight Vintage Cotton Denim and Selvedge Jeans
Premium Merino Wool, Cashmere, and Alpaca Knits

3. Leverage Local Estate Sales and Community Liquidation Networks

Thrift stores aren't the only places hiding vintage goldmines. Highly successful fashion resellers acquire their best designer inventory by browsing estate sales, neighborhood garage cleanouts, and community swap networks. Download digital estate locator apps to track down local sales in affluent neighborhoods. You can frequently acquire entire bundles of vintage closets, deadstock garments, and authentic luxury accessories for pennies on the dollar.

4. Automate Your Listings to Keep Inventory Moving

Finding beautiful, eco-friendly clothes is only half the battle. Your business revenue depends entirely on list volume and consumer visibility. If your inventory is sitting in storage boxes in your garage, it isn't making you money. The moment you bring a fresh haul home from a sourcing trip, photograph it immediately and use automated e-commerce inventory management software to scale your audience footprint.

By offloading your daily data entry to the Closo 100% Free Crosslister, you can instantly push your sustainable inventory to Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop, and Vinted with a single click. Faster multi-channel listing translates directly to higher stock turnover rates, meaning you keep cash flowing back into your sourcing budget.

📊 Track Your New Haul Profitably

Calculate Your Estimated Tax Savings Here →

Small Business Accounting: 7 Schedule C Tax Deductions for Resellers

2026-08-03T12:27:11.464-04:00

Running a reselling side hustle or a full-time e-commerce business means you are responsible for tracking your own net profits and filing self-employment taxes. Thankfully, the IRS allows legitimate small businesses to offset their online earnings by claiming ordinary and necessary business expenses to drastically lower their annual tax liabilities.

How E-Commerce Sellers Can Maximize Schedule C Deductions

When you sell inventory on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari, you will receive a Form 1099-K once you cross established platform transaction limits. However, many new entrepreneurs make the expensive mistake of paying taxes on their gross sales revenue instead of their actual net income. By reporting your operation as a qualified small business on IRS Form 1040 Schedule C, you can use legal tax write-offs to shield your hard-earned revenue.

Here are the 7 most valuable small business tax deductions that online resellers should track to preserve their profit margins.

1. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

The single largest tax write-off for any retail marketplace entity is the baseline cash spent on inventory. Under small business accounting frameworks, you deduct the raw acquisition cost of your merchandise the exact year the item sells to a consumer. This category covers inventory sourced from wholesale suppliers, liquidation pallets, local thrift stores, garage sales, and online arbitrage networks.

2. Marketplace Platform Commissions and Listing Fees

You do not have to pay income taxes on the processing fees kept by third-party selling networks. Every percentage taken by eBay's final value fees, Poshmark's flat commission splits, Depop's merchant fees, and Mercari's balance processing costs can be written off. Keep an organized ledger of your monthly statements to claim these financial processing costs under your operational expenses.

3. Strategic Software and E-Commerce Subscriptions

Any digital technology application required to keep your e-commerce inventory management software workflow running smoothly is fully deductible. This includes monthly subscription costs for tools like:

Crosslisting platforms and automated inventory synchronization tools like Closo
Small business bookkeeping tools and professional accounting programs
Background removal apps, photo editing software, and pricing research extensions

4. Comprehensive Packaging and Shipping Logistics

Fulfilling orders directly correlates to tax savings. Anything you buy to securely package and transport customer items constitutes a 100% tax write-off. Make sure to claim your bubble wrap, poly mailers, cardboard boxes, packing tape, tissue paper, label printers, and thermal paper rolls under your primary office supply deductions.

5. Mileage and Vehicle Sourcing Expenses

Driving to thrift stores, estate sales, liquidation warehouses, or the local post office counts as a qualified business trip. You can track your auto expenses using two separate methods on Schedule C:

Standard Mileage Rate: Multiplying your exact business miles driven by the flat IRS standard mileage rate.
Actual Expense Method: Deducting a calculated percentage of your gas, vehicle maintenance, car insurance, oil changes, and tire replacements.

6. The Home Office Deduction

If you have a dedicated space in your house or apartment used exclusively for your reselling business, you can claim the home office tax deduction. This allows you to write off a prorated portion of your monthly rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, electricity bills, and home internet services based on the square footage used for inventory storage, photography setups, or shipping stations.

7. Sourcing Hardware and Equipment Assets

Tools bought to operate your e-commerce storefront can be depreciated or written off using Section 179 expensing rules. This allows you to claim the costs of your smartphones, laptops, studio lighting rings, DSLR cameras, scales, and inventory storage shelving systems immediately during the tax year they were purchased.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information for educational purposes and should not be taken as professional financial, legal, or CPA tax advice. Always consult with a licensed Certified Public Accountant or qualified tax advisor regarding your specific small business financial situation before filing returns.

🚀 Scale Your Reselling Store Next

Read My Step-by-Step Closo Crosslisting Guide →

How to Crosspost to Poshmark, Vinted, Depop, Mercari and eBay with Closo

2026-08-03T12:25:27.972-04:00

Using Closo to crosspost your items saves hours of manual work by syncing your inventory across Poshmark, Vinted, Depop, Mercari, and eBay in just a few clicks.

How to Master Multi-Platform Reselling with Closo

If you are typing out the same descriptions, re-uploading photos, and resetting prices across five different apps by hand, you are working way too hard. Listing your items on just one marketplace limits your pool of buyers. Spreading your inventory across Poshmark, Vinted, Depop, Mercari, and eBay puts your items in front of everyone at the same time.

Here is your exact, step-by-step guide to using Closo to automate your reselling workflow and maximize profit margins.

Maximizing ROI with Enterprise E-Commerce Logistics

Scaling a digital storefront requires a deep understanding of e-commerce inventory management software and operational efficiency. By leveraging automated listing networks, you decrease overhead costs while diversifying your digital business revenue streams. Smart merchants treat crosslisting not just as a tool, but as a core component of their small business accounting and asset protection strategy. When you optimize your workflow, your crosslisting subscription transforms from a baseline expense into a high-yield asset that minimizes capital risks across global retail marketplaces.

Step 1: Connect Your Marketplaces

Before you can send your items flying across the internet, you need to link your shops.

Open the Closo dashboard and select your marketplace connections.
Securely link your active accounts for Poshmark, Vinted, Depop, Mercari, and eBay.
Closo uses safe browser sessions so your private login details stay protected.

Step 2: Import Your Existing Reseller Inventory

Don't worry about starting over from scratch or re-typing old items.

Run an import from your primary selling app (many sellers prefer to list first on the platform they use most, like Poshmark).
Closo will pull in your active catalog—including all of your photos, descriptions, and current prices—straight into your centralized dashboard.

Step 3: Optimize and Adjust with AI Crosslisting Tools

Every marketplace has a different vibe, unique character limits, and buyer preferences.

Let Closo use its built-in AI tools to adjust your titles and add trending keywords tailored to each specific app's algorithm.
Tweak your prices if needed. Smart sellers often adjust pricing slightly per platform to account for different buyer habits or fee structures (like Poshmark's higher commission versus Vinted's low-fee setup).

Step 4: Publish Cross-Listings in 1 Click

Once your item looks great, getting it live everywhere takes seconds.

Select the item or bulk-select a batch of fresh inventory.
Check the boxes for Poshmark, Vinted, Depop, Mercari, and eBay, then hit publish.
Closo pushes the listings live across all chosen channels simultaneously.

Step 5: Let Auto-Delist Prevent Double-Sales

The scariest part of cross-listing is accidentally selling the same item twice. Closo fixes this with real-time inventory tracking to boost reselling revenue.

The moment an item sells on one platform (for example, eBay), Closo automatically pulls the listing down from Poshmark, Vinted, Depop, and Mercari.
Your error rate drops to zero, and you never have to scramble to cancel an order.

Quick, Real-Food Recipes for Busy Days 🌿

2026-06-25T13:57:16.203-04:00

Even with the kids grown up into teenagers, life hasn't slowed down a bit! Between work, keeping up with a hectic schedule, and managing daily tasks, I still don't have time for elaborate, hours-long kitchen sessions.

Why Quick Real-Food Matters

My cooking strategy remains focused on quick, easy assembly meals using whatever wholesome ingredients I happen to have on hand. If you are looking for simple, nutritious meal inspiration that fits into a busy lifestyle, here is a roundup of what I've been whipping up lately, broken down by meal type:

Breakfast

Deconstructed Shakshuka (10 mins): A quick twist on breakfast. Hard-boiled eggs topped with a chunky homemade sauce. Just simmer a chopped large tomato with a teaspoon of garlic, Italian seasonings, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for about 5 minutes, then pour it right over the eggs.

Spiced Meat Sauce Salad (5 mins): Warm up leftover homemade meat sauce, scramble it directly into an egg, and serve over a bed of fresh baby spinach. Drizzle with garlic-basil olive oil, a splash of vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Lunch

The Power Scramble (10 mins): Toss chopped chicken, bell peppers, and broccoli into a skillet to scramble with eggs. Serve alongside a quick microwave-steamed sweet potato (nuke for 6 minutes with a splash of water for perfect steam!).

The Pantry Quick-Sauté (10 mins): Shredded cabbage, cauliflower, and canned tuna sautéed together in garlic-and-basil infused extra virgin olive oil. It is super fast and surprisingly delicious.

Deconstructed Burger Wrap (5 mins): Use crisp, shredded cabbage leaves as a crunchy wrap for leftover hamburger patties. Toss in red pepper slices, pickles, mustard, and serve with a side of crisp apples.

The Leftover Remix (5 mins): A zero-effort plate using more leftover meat sauce over baby spinach, served with quick pan-fried plantains and earthy beets.

Dinner & Prep

Classic Burger Night (20 mins): Sizzle up hamburger patties in a pan while roasting sweet potatoes and fresh green beans on the side. I always make double to guarantee an easy lunch for the next day!

The Ultimate "No-Waste" Bone Broth (2+ hours, hands-off): I bought a rotisserie chicken to prep food for our dogs, but saved the carcass to make a nutrient-dense stock. Toss the bones into a pot with carrots, semi-ripe plantains, sweet potato, garlic, and fresh ginger root. Let it simmer on the stove while you go about your evening—the garlic and ginger give it an incredible, warming punch.

Keeping things simple, flexible, and real is the best way to fuel your body with the good stuff without spending all evening in the kitchen!

P.S. Refreshing your wardrobe for the season? Check out my boutique store on Poshmark and use code JULIA_MERCEDES for $10 off your first purchase, or grab 15% off when you bundle 2 or more items!

Have a happy, healthy, crunchy, green day!

Tails, Trails, and Thrift Stores: Why Our Pal’s Place is the Coolest Animal Rescue on the Block

2026-06-23T10:24:12.749-04:00

Let’s be honest: the world can be a bit chaotic, but animals make it infinitely better. If you love furry faces as much as I do, you’ve probably spent your fair share of time scrolling through adoption photos or dreaming of opening a backyard sanctuary.

Well, pack your bags (metaphorically), because today we are taking a digital road trip to Marietta, Georgia to spotlight an organization that is doing animal rescue a little differently: Our Pal’s Place (O.P.P.).

They aren't just your standard "find a dog, match a dog" shelter. They are on a mission to completely change how humans treat animals, combining physical rescue work with a massive dose of community education.

Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or dirt—if you’ve been gardening like me), and let’s dive into why O.P.P. is absolutely crushing the animal welfare game.

🐾 The Ultimate Underdog Advocates

Here is the deal: O.P.P. focuses their rescue efforts on saving orphaned pets from county shelters who are running out of time due to overcrowding. They step in right when these animals need a hero the most.

But they don’t just hand a dog a chew toy and call it a day. Once a pet arrives, they get:

The Royal Medical Treatment: Full vet checks, shots, and the mandatory "no more litters" snipping surgery (spay/neuter!).
School of Good Manners: Staff? Nope, there isn't any! This place is entirely run by passionate volunteers who teach the dogs basic manners and help them build up their confidence.
A 100% Volunteer Budget: Because they have no paid staff, every single penny donated goes straight into dog food, cozy beds, and medical care.

🌟 Spotlighting the Real Celebrities

To give you an idea of the amazing souls waiting for homes right now, let’s talk about a few of their current residents:

Harley: She is the most loving girl. Her favorite activity is going for trail walks. The kind of dog who is ready to be your ultimate sidekick, whether you're working on your computer or digging up a new garden bed.

Star: She is a calm, loving girl who will be a very loyal companion. Loves to receive attention and go for walks. Good with other dogs, cats and children. A total shining light who is just waiting for the perfect family to realize she is the center of the universe.

Spot: He is a happy go-lucky boy who aims to please. Loves to walk, play mental games and receive attention. He learns very quickly and will be a great companion for an active home. Spot is the classic, lovable pup who is 100% guaranteed to hit the "sweet spot" of your heart the second you meet them.

🎓 Camp O.P.P.: Training the Next Generation of Super-Humans

The team at Our Pal's Place knows that just rescuing animals won't solve the problem forever. We have to teach humans how to be better friends to animals! Enter their incredible Learning Center programs.

Their crown jewel is Camp O.P.P., a summer camp running through June and July for kids in the 4th through 9th grades. Instead of sitting around playing video games, these campers get to:

Socialize with Rescue Pets: Yes, their actual "homework" involves walking, playing with, and socializing real rescue dogs and cats.
Learn the Real Stuff: Kids learn about animal behavior, why spaying/neutering matters, and how to spot animal welfare issues in the real world.

Basically, they are secretly building an army of future animal advocates.

🛍️ ReHome Superstore: Where Thrifting Saves Lives

As a Poshmark seller, this part speaks directly to my soul. To help fund their operations, O.P.P. runs the ReHome Superstore on Canton Road.

It is an upscale thrift store that takes gently used household items, furniture, and decor and flips them to fund the rescue. The money generated here goes directly toward paying for expensive medical treatments—like heartworm therapy—for dogs that otherwise wouldn't have a chance. It’s literal magic: your old coffee table gets a new home, and a shelter dog gets a second chance at life.

The Hidden Crisis of Local Shelter Overcrowding

To truly appreciate the vital work being done at Our Pal's Place, it helps to understand the steep challenges local county facilities face daily. Across regions like Cobb County, shelters frequently experience critical influxes of stray animals and surrendered pets. When physical kennel space runs out, staff are forced into difficult situations, resulting in high euthanasia rates for adoptable animals simply due to a lack of a timeline or an available cage.

Organizations like O.P.P. act as an essential secondary safety net. By pulling dogs directly from these overflow lists, they alleviate pressure on county budgets and give these pets the gift of time. Because the environment is entirely run by passionate volunteers, the animals transition out of high-stress shelter holding blocks and enter an environment focused on emotional rehabilitation and basic manners, making them significantly more successful in their long-term adoptive homes.

How Thrifting Saves Lives and Protects the Planet

As someone passionate about sustainable living, the connection between the ReHome Superstore and environmental conservation stands out. The textile, furniture, and home goods industries contribute heavily to local landfills. When individuals toss out an old coffee table, a set of lamps, or clothing, they extend a linear waste cycle that strains our local ecosystem.

By donating gently used household goods to the ReHome Superstore on Canton Road, you participate directly in a circular economy. This sustainable swap keeps heavy materials out of Georgia landfills while converting those objects into immediate financial backing for local veterinary care. The profits directly fund critical, expensive medical interventions, such as heartworm therapy, which county shelters rarely have the funding to provide. Thrifting in this ecosystem directly supports conscious consumerism while saving a life.

How You Can Help (Without Having to Adopt 12 Dogs)

If you want to support their mission but your house is already full, you have options:

Be a Volunteer: Since they run entirely on volunteer power, they always need humans to walk dogs, scoop litter, or help out.
Go Shopping: Hit up the ReHome Superstore to find a hidden treasure (or donate your own clutter).
Get Social: Follow their adventures, see cute daily updates, and share their adoptable pets over on the Our Pal's Place Facebook page and the Our Pal's Place Instagram feed. You never know who might see Harley, Star, or Spot on your timeline and realize their family is finally complete!

Want to check out their current adoptable animals, apply to be a camp counselor, or look into volunteering? You can visit or contact them across their various locations:

Our Pal's Place Pet Adoption Facility: 4508 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066
Our Pal's Place ReHome Superstore: 2568 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066
Our Pal's Place Daycare, Boarding & Training: 9533 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188

Head over to the official Our Pal's Place website and show them some love!

The Healthy Meal-Prep Chronicles: Easy, Veggie-Packed Recipes For Clean Eating

2026-06-22T13:16:45.560-04:00

Finding a routine that keeps your energy levels up without spending hours in the kitchen every day can be a game-changer. One of the best ways to beat that chronically tired feeling is by filling your fridge with simple, nutrient-dense, and flavorful meals.

Instead of opening a box or ordering takeout, try these incredibly delicious, whole-food recipes that utilize clean proteins, healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), and plenty of vibrant vegetables.

The Nutritional Philosophy of Veggie-Packed Clean Eating

Embracing a clean-eating lifestyle is about far more than just counting calories; it is about maximizing nutrient density in every single bite. When we base our weekly meal preps around whole, vibrant vegetables, we flood our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that support gut health and sustained energy.

Incorporating a wide variety of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and colorful root crops provides the body with critical antioxidants that fight cellular stress. Using clean cooking mediums, like extra virgin olive oil, adds healthy monounsaturated fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). By shifting away from processed convenience items and taking control of whole food elements in your own kitchen, you naturally eliminate hidden sodium, refined sugars, and inflammatory preservatives, setting a vibrant baseline for long-term health.

Savory Stuffed Cabbage Leaves with Garlic Meat Sauce

Hearty, naturally gluten-free, and a perfect low-carb alternative to standard pasta or rice dishes.

Ingredients:

4 large green cabbage leaves
1 medium zucchini, chopped and steamed
1 lb high-quality meat or clean Italian chicken sausage
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato puree (no added sugars)
1 tbsp EVOO
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge the cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Remove gently, pat dry, and trim the thickest part of the central vein.
Heat EVOO in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and red bell pepper until soft.
Add the meat, breaking it up until fully browned. Stir in the tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Fold the steamed, chopped zucchini right into the meat sauce.
Lay each cabbage leaf flat, spoon a generous portion of the meat and zucchini mixture into the center, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly.

Serve with Plantains: Want a complete sweet-and-savory meal? Sauté a ripe green or yellow plantain in garlic-and-basil infused EVOO on the side. The caramelization pairs beautifully with the savory cabbage rolls!

Repurpose the Sauce: Make a double batch of the meat sauce. It tastes incredible the next day served over a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside roasted broccoli and cauliflower.

Zero-Waste Crockpot Chicken & Cabbage Elixir

Don't throw away your leftover chicken bones! Turn them into a mineral-rich, comforting bone broth soup.

Ingredients:

2 large carrots, chopped
4 large leaves of cabbage, shredded
Chicken bones (leftover from a roasted or curry chicken)
2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
3 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place the chicken bones, chopped carrots, and shredded cabbage into your slow cooker.
Pour in 3 cups of water and add the coconut milk for a hint of velvety richness.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) to allow the bones to release their rich nutrients.
Strain out the bones before serving, leaving you with a comforting, deeply healing soup.

Warm Curry Chicken & Portobello Salad

A fantastic way to reinvent leftover chicken into a warm, deeply satisfying lunch.

Ingredients:

1 cup leftover curry chicken breast, shredded or sliced
1 cup portobello mushrooms, sliced
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 tomato, diced
1 tbsp EVOO
Garlic pepper seasoning to taste
Bed of fresh, crisp lettuce

Instructions:

Heat EVOO in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Toss in the portobello mushrooms, green bell peppers, and tomatoes. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and the peppers are slightly crisp.
Stir in your leftover curry chicken breast and season generously with garlic pepper. Sauté just long enough to warm the chicken through.
Spoon the warm chicken and vegetable mixture directly over a cold, crisp bed of lettuce for an incredible hot-and-cold contrast.

Herb-Infused Plantain & Veggie Power Skillet

Sweet, savory, and incredibly energizing. Plantains are an amazing source of clean carbohydrates to sustain your daily energy.

Ingredients:

1 green or ripe plantain, sliced into rounds
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 zucchini, sliced
1-2 tbsp EVOO infused with garlic and basil

Garlic pepper seasoning to taste
Your choice of grilled protein (chicken, steak, or fish)

Instructions:

Warm your garlic-and-basil infused EVOO in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the plantain slices first, cooking for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful, lightly golden crust.
Toss the broccoli, green pepper, and zucchini into the same skillet. Season everything with garlic pepper.
Sauté until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp.
Plate your starchy plantains and veggies, throw your favorite grilled protein on top, and dinner is served!

Meal-Prep Troubleshooting: Keep Ingredients Crisp and Fresh

One of the most common complaints about batch cooking is that vegetables can become soggy, unappealing, or spoil before the week is through. To ensure your prep remains restaurant-quality on day four, implement these essential troubleshooting techniques:

Cool Completely Before Storing: Placing hot or warm cooked food straight into a sealed container creates immediate steam condensation. This trapped moisture drops straight back down onto your food, ruining textures. Always let your stuffed cabbage or roasted veggies come to complete room temperature before sealing.
The Paper Towel Trick: For pre-washed raw greens or chopped snack vegetables, place a clean piece of un-paper cloth or paper towel inside the container. This acts as a moisture regulator, catching excess dampness and keeping things crisp.
Keep Dressings and Sauces Separate: Never dress your salads or pour heavy garlic meat sauces directly over items you plan to store for multiple days. Pack your components separately and assemble them right before heating or eating.

Sustainable Kitchen Habits: Eco-Friendly Food Storage

An authentic "crunchy" lifestyle means looking at how our cooking habits impact the wider world. Throwing away plastic wrap, flimsy zip-top bags, and single-use aluminum foil week after week creates massive physical waste that clogs local landfills.

Upgrading your meal prep routine with eco-friendly storage alternatives protects both your health and the environment. Consider investing in durable glass containers, which are infinitely recyclable, oven-safe, and do not leach microplastics or chemicals into hot food when reheated. For packing quick snacks or covering bowls, switch to reusable beeswax wraps or silicone stretch lids. Taking a zero-waste approach to your food storage creates a conscious, circular loop in your home, ensuring your clean-eating journey supports a cleaner planet.

Ultimately, fueling your body with clean, whole-food recipes is one of the most rewarding shifts you can make for your daily health and stamina. Meal prepping doesn't have to mean eating bland, repetitive meals; by getting creative with savory garlic meat sauces, aromatic curries, and comforting bone broths, you can look forward to every bite while entirely avoiding the afternoon energy crash. Give these four vegetable-packed dishes a try this week, take note of how much better you feel, and watch how quickly simple lifestyle upgrades become permanent, healthy habits.

🛍️ Shop My Closet on Poshmark!

When I'm not experimenting with fresh recipes in the kitchen, I'm busy clearing out my closet and passing along some amazing, high-quality fashion finds! If you love sustainable fashion, athletic wear, or just want to snag some stylish pieces at a great price, come check out my current listings.

👉 Click here to browse my Poshmark closet and shop my style!

Have a happy, healthy, crunchy green day!

Simple & Nourishing: 6 Whole-Food Meal Prep Ideas for a Vibrant Week

2026-06-18T14:01:43.461-04:00

🌿 Welcome back to Crunchy Green Health Nut!

Finding the rhythm of healthy eating is all about simplicity, intention, and packing as much flavor into your plate as possible. When you focus on real, whole foods, meal prep stops being a chore and becomes a creative outlet.

Today, I’m sharing six ultra-simple, nutrient-dense recipe ideas inspired by some of my favorite kitchen creations. These meals rely on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and warm spices to keep you fueled and feeling your best all week long.

The Nutritional Philosophy of Veggie-Packed Clean Eating

Embracing a clean-eating lifestyle is about far more than just tracking metrics; it is about maximizing nutrient density in every single meal. When we base our weekly meal preps around whole, vibrant vegetables, we flood our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that support gut health and sustained energy throughout a busy work week.

Incorporating a wide variety of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and colorful root crops provides the body with critical antioxidants that fight cellular stress. Using clean cooking mediums, like extra virgin olive oil, adds healthy monounsaturated fats that aid in the optimal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). By shifting away from processed convenience items and taking control of whole food elements in your own kitchen, you naturally eliminate hidden sodium, refined sugars, and inflammatory preservatives, setting a vibrant baseline for long-term health.

1. The "Burrito-Style" Veggie Frittata Roll

Who says breakfast has to be boring? This clever technique turns a standard frittata into a fun, hand-held wrap.

The Base: Saute a colorful mix of shredded cabbage, broccoli florets, and sweet carrots in a skillet.
The Flavor Boost: Create a well in the center of your veggies and add two tablespoons of savory, homemade meat sauce. Toss in a fresh, chopped tomato for juiciness.
The Finish: Pour two whisked eggs evenly over the top. Once the eggs are fully cooked and set, carefully roll the entire frittata up like a burrito.

2. Quick Chicken & Avocado Lettuce Wraps

When you need a fresh dinner on the table in under ten minutes, this is your new go-to.

The Wrap: Wrap shredded chicken breast, creamy sliced avocado, and juicy tomatoes inside crisp organic lettuce leaves.
The Sides: Pair your wraps with crisp, lightly steamed green beans and a baked sweet potato dusted with warm cinnamon.

3. Warm Curry & Cumin Slow Cooker Stew

Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting with this deeply comforting, aromatic vegetable medley.

The Ingredients: Chop carrots, eggplant, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
The Seasoning: Toss the veggies directly into the slow cooker and season generously with black pepper, rich curry powder, and earthy cumin. Cook on low until tender.
To Serve: Top a warm bowl of these vegetables with a freshly grilled burger patty for a complete, protein-packed meal.

4. The Savory Breakfast Scramble Roll

Fast, protein-dense, and highly satisfying—perfect for busy mornings.

The Build: Brown your ground beef in a skillet, then toss in diced tomatoes and red bell peppers.
The Scramble: Crack two eggs directly into the mixture, scrambling everything together until cooked through.
The Serve: Spoon the warm scramble into crisp organic lettuce cups for an instant, crunchy breakfast taco.

5. Ginger-Garlic Root Veggie Mash with Meat Sauce

This vibrant, colorful dish brings a beautiful sweetness from the beets, balanced by a sharp kick of fresh ginger.

The Slow Cooker Base: Layer chopped carrots, beets, red peppers, and purple cabbage in your slow cooker.
The Aromatics: Toss in plenty of minced garlic and freshly grated ginger root, then let it simmer until perfectly soft.
The Serve: Mash the root veggies slightly and serve them in a bowl with a generous ladle of warm meat sauce right in the middle.

6. Slow Cooker Curry Chicken & Earthy Sides

Batch-cooking chicken breasts in the slow cooker keeps them incredibly juicy and ready for weekday lunches.

The Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and coat them generously with curry powder. Cook until they shred easily.
The Plate: Serve your curry chicken alongside vibrant sliced beets, a cinnamon-sprinkled sweet potato, and green beans tossed with garlic-pepper seasoning.

💡 Julia’s Crunchy Green Prep Tips:

Simmer Low and Slow: For a quick flavor base, simmer sliced tomatoes, Bella mushrooms, and red bell peppers in a splash of extra virgin olive oil on low heat. Keep it covered—it creates a rich, juicy topper for any protein!
Brighten Your Greens: Give a simple side salad of lettuce and cucumber an instant upgrade. Toss it with freshly grated ginger root and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty, digestive-boosting crunch.
Infuse Your Oils: Try tossing roasted cauliflower with extra virgin olive oil that has been infused with fresh garlic and aromatic basil.

Meal-Prep Troubleshooting: Keep Ingredients Crisp and Fresh

One of the most common complaints about batch cooking is that vegetables can become soggy, unappealing, or spoil before the week is through. To ensure your prep remains fresh and appetizing on day four, implement these essential kitchen troubleshooting techniques:

Cool Completely Before Storing: Placing hot or warm cooked food straight into a sealed container creates immediate steam condensation. This trapped moisture drops straight back down onto your food, ruining textures. Always let your frittata rolls or roasted stews come to complete room temperature before sealing.
The Paper Towel Trick: For pre-washed raw greens or chopped salad elements, place a clean piece of reusable cloth or a paper towel inside the container. This acts as a natural moisture regulator, catching excess dampness and keeping your greens perfectly crisp.
Keep Dressings and Heavy Sauces Separate: Never pour heavy garlic meat sauces directly over items you plan to store for multiple days. Pack your components separately in small jars and assemble them right before heating or eating to prevent wilting.

Sustainable Kitchen Habits: Eco-Friendly Food Storage

An authentic "crunchy" lifestyle means looking at how our daily cooking habits impact the wider world. Throwing away plastic cling wrap, flimsy zip-top bags, and single-use aluminum foil week after week creates massive physical waste that clogs local landfills.

Upgrading your meal prep routine with eco-friendly storage alternatives protects both your personal health and the environment. Consider investing in durable glass containers, which are infinitely recyclable, oven-safe, and do not leach microplastics or chemicals into hot food when reheated. For packing quick snacks or covering mixing bowls, switch to reusable beeswax wraps or silicone stretch lids. Taking a zero-waste approach to your food storage creates a conscious, circular loop in your home, ensuring your clean-eating journey supports a cleaner planet.

🛍️ Shop My Closet on Poshmark!

👉 Click here to browse my Poshmark closet and shop my style!

Have a happy, healthy, crunchy green day!

The Ultimate Whole Food Recipe Roundup: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

2026-06-17T10:06:49.922-04:00

Healthy eating doesn't have to be boring, complicated, or time-consuming. To help you elevate your wellness journey, I'm sharing my ultimate collection of easy whole food recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Built around clean, nutrient-dense ingredients like high-quality meats, farm-fresh eggs, vegetables, and healthy fats, these processed-free meal ideas use creative cooking methods to keep your tastebuds excited. Get ready for simple whole food meal prep solutions that leave you feeling genuinely energized and fully satisfied all week long.

The Importance of Ingredient Quality in Whole-Food Cooking

Shifting toward a whole-food diet is incredibly rewarding, but maximizing the health benefits relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients. When building meals around clean proteins, farm-fresh eggs, and rich produce, you naturally avoid the hidden additives, industrial seed oils, and artificial stabilizers found in processed foods.

Focusing on organic, locally sourced vegetables wherever possible ensure your family consumes higher concentrations of antioxidants and fewer pesticide residues. Similarly, opting for grass-fed meats or wild-caught proteins provides a superior profile of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids compared to standard factory-farmed choices. By honoring the raw, unrefined state of nature's pantry, your kitchen becomes an intentional space for physical healing, lasting energy, and true culinary enjoyment.

🍳 Breakfast Ideas

1. Loaded Egg & Veggie Lettuce Wraps

Skip the tortilla and use crisp red leaf lettuce leaves to hold this protein-packed scramble.

The Scramble: Sauté 2 diced small white mushrooms, a handful of diced green pepper, and a generous shortcut of bagged broccoli slaw (broccoli, carrots, and red cabbage) in extra virgin olive oil. Whisk in 2 medium eggs until cooked.
Assembly: Season with black pepper, spoon the scramble into the lettuce leaves, roll like a taco, and enjoy!
Variation: Swap the green pepper for red pepper and baby Bella mushrooms to mix up the color and antioxidants.

2. The Leftover Chicken Scramble

Leftover dinner proteins make the absolute best breakfasts.

The Base: Create a vibrant scramble using diced fresh tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, sliced baby Bella mushrooms, and 2 eggs.
The Topping: Serve the scramble on a fresh bed of red leaf lettuce and top with diced, leftover baked chicken for an extra hit of protein.

3. Meat Sauce & Greens Frittata

An elegant, quick-cooking breakfast option utilizing your meal-prepped components.

The Fillings: Quick-sauté a blend of iron-rich greens—spinach, baby chard, and baby bok choy leaves.
The Bake: Stir in a few spoonfuls of homemade meat sauce, pour over 2 whisked eggs, and cook until set.

🥗 Lunch Inspirations

1. Savory Meat Sauce Salad Bowl

Who says meat sauce is only for pasta? This is the ultimate quick-assembly lunch.

The Base: Build a bowl with torn red leaf lettuce, sliced vine-ripened tomatoes, earthy baby Bella mushrooms, and crisp English cucumber.
The Topping: Top the salad with a generous, warm scoop of homemade meat sauce. The warm sauce softens the greens perfectly.

2. Roasted Turkey & Avocado Salad

A clean, refreshing classic lunch packed with healthy monounsaturated fats.

Toss together red leaf lettuce, clean-ingredient oven-roasted turkey breast slices, vine-ripened tomatoes, and English cucumbers. Top with half of a sliced avocado for a creamy, rich finish.

3. "Tiny Sandwich" Platter

A playful way to serve lunch that mimics classic finger sandwiches without the grain-filled bread.

Stack thick slices of English cucumber, vine-ripened tomatoes, and clean turkey breast between structural pieces of red leaf lettuce. Serve with fresh strawberries on the side for a sweet contrast.

4. Warm Garlic-Rosemary Greens Bowl

An elevated warm salad featuring a rich, homemade avocado-tomato dressing.

The Greens: Lightly sauté spinach, baby chard, and baby bok choy leaves in olive oil that has been gently infused with fresh garlic and rosemary. Serve over cold red leaf lettuce and cucumbers.

The Creamy Dressing: In a small blender, process 1 medium tomato and 1 small avocado until smooth. Add a pinch of garlic and let it reduce on low heat in a saucepan before drizzling over your greens.

Sautéing with Intention: Selecting Your Cooking Mediums

How you heat your food is just as critical as the ingredients themselves. Many mainstream healthy recipes mistakenly rely on highly processed vegetable oils—such as canola, corn, or soybean oil—which undergo intense chemical refining and can easily oxidize under high heat, promoting inflammation.

To keep your kitchen preps genuinely clean, prioritize cold-pressed, unrefined fats with high structural stability. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for low-to-medium heat sautés, delivering heart-healthy monounsaturated fats along with delicate flavor notes that enhance leafy greens. For higher-heat searing or roasting, turn to unrefined avocado oil or grass-fed ghee, both of which possess high smoke points. Matching the right natural fat to your specific cooking temperature prevents toxic smoke breakdown and locks protective nutrients directly into your dishes.

🍽 Dinner Masterpieces

1. The Ultimate Steak Strips Salad

A hearty dinner salad that leaves you feeling completely satisfied.

Build a massive bed of red leaf lettuce and pile it high with sliced English cucumbers, pickled or roasted beets, ripe tomatoes, green beans, and baby Bella mushrooms. Top with hot, seared steak strips seasoned simply with sea salt and black pepper.

2. Tangy Green Chicken & Veggie Plate

A beautiful presentation featuring a zesty, homemade green goddess sauce.

The Plate: Arrange a colorful ring of raw and lightly steamed veggies—including carrots, cucumbers, red leaf lettuce, red bell peppers, and broccoli—with seasoned grilled chicken breast right in the middle.
The Tangy Green Sauce: In a food processor, blend 1 small avocado, a small squirt of yellow mustard, the juice of half a lemon, a slice of cucumber, a slice of red pepper, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and a drizzle of garlic-basil infused extra virgin olive oil. Use it as a rich dip for your veggies and chicken!

3. Crockpot Harvest Vegetable Stew

The perfect "set-it-and-forget-it" meal that tastes even better as leftovers the next day.

The Base: Rough-chop a large carrot, a head of green cabbage, and a head of cauliflower. Toss into the slow cooker with minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and a splash of water.
The Flavor: Stir in a few cups of your homemade meat sauce to act as the rich, savory broth base. Let it slow-cook all day.
Pro Tip: On day two, reheat the leftovers in a saucepan and stir in a tablespoon of yellow curry powder for an entirely new, deeply comforting flavor profile!

If you need a versatile, low-carb protein base that pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or eggs, don't miss my quick and easy Homemade Paleo Meat Sauce Recipe.

Batch Cooking Safety: Proper Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Preparing large quantities of whole-food dishes is the ultimate secret to weeknight meal consistency, but it requires diligent food safety practices to prevent premature spoilage or bacterial growth. To safeguard your hard work, never allow cooked meats, slow-cooker stews, or egg frittatas to sit out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Divide large batches of hot soups or stews into smaller, shallow containers so they cool down rapidly and evenly before entering the refrigerator. When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat only the specific portion you plan to consume immediately. Repeatedly warming and cooling an entire container of food compromises both its structural texture and its nutritional density. Ensure your proteins reach an internal reheating temperature of 165°F to guarantee a safe, delicious, and vibrant eating experience every time.

🛍️ Love My Style?

When I am not mixing up whole-food creations in the kitchen, working in my vegetable garden, or balancing my full-time career and raising teenagers, I stay busy curating my digital fashion Poshmark store.

If you love timeless staples and trendy second-life pieces, head over to my Closet to browse my handpicked collection. Be sure to use checkout code JULIA_MERCEDES at signup to score $10 off your very first order!

➤ https://poshmark.com/closet/julia_mercedes

#HealthyMealCreations, #HomeGrownVeggies, #WorkingMomLife, #PoshmarkSeller

8 Poshmark Closets You Need to Follow for the Ultimate Wardrobe Refresh

2026-06-16T14:50:13.851-04:00

Building a stylish, sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the best ways to score high-end brands, premium activewear, and incredible plus-size fashion is by shopping curated collections from trusted resellers.

Today, I am sharing eight of my absolute favorite Poshmark closets—including my incredible consignment partners who help manage and ship my favorite premium finds. Whether you are hunting for everyday basics, specialized chic curations, or statement pieces, these sellers deliver incredible items, fast shipping, and immaculate style.

The Environmental and Economic Power of Circular Fashion

The modern apparel industry moves at a blistering pace, with fast-fashion cycles generating millions of tons of textile waste that clog municipal landfills each year. When consumers continuously buy cheap, poorly constructed synthetic garments only to discard them a few months later, they expand a deeply damaging, linear pollution cycle. Shifting your shopping habits toward the circular fashion economy is one of the most proactive environmental adjustments an individual can make.

Choosing high-quality, pre-loved garments from independent resellers extends the life span of beautiful fabrics, minimizing the global demand for raw industrial manufacturing, chemical dye runoff, and excessive water consumption. Beyond the clear environmental benefits, curating a secondhand wardrobe allows you to bypass inflated retail markup pricing altogether. It creates a sustainable ecosystem where you can access premium, long-lasting designer labels and heavy-duty activewear lines that are built to survive decades, keeping your personal style incredibly vibrant while protecting your household budget.

New to Poshmark? Sign up using my code JULIA_MERCEDES to get $10 off your very first purchase!

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1. The Contemporary & Handcrafted Closet: @amandapm10

If you want a closet that blends unique, handmade statement pieces with everyday style, you need to check out Amanda’s collection. As a dedicated entrepreneur, she populates her shop with beautifully crafted custom accessories alongside high-quality closet staples.

The Vibe: Handcrafted Custom Creations & Trendy Retail Staples

Go-To Brands: Hand Crafted, Vera Bradley, Universal Thread, Old Navy

Why I Love Them: Every single handcrafted piece is made with noticeable care and love, and her fast-moving inventory is constantly stocked with excellent, budget-friendly finds.
Pro-Tip: Turn on your notifications! Amanda runs active live "Posh Shows" where you can bid on her handcrafted items and brand-new-with-tags inventory in real time.

👉 Click Here to Shop @amandapm10’s Closet

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2. The Inclusive Fashion Hub: @butterfly_1097

If you are looking for an incredible variety of clothing that spans everything from cozy athleisure and vacation-ready jumpsuits to elegant evening gowns, Michelle’s closet is a goldmine. While she specializes in stunning plus-size women's styles, she also stocks a fantastic selection of misses and petite sizes, alongside gorgeous statement jewelry.

The Vibe: Plus-Size Glam, Statement Accessories, & Everyday Misses Sizes.

Go-To Brands: BloomChic, Fashion to Figure, Coldwater Creek, Forever 21

Why I Love Them: As an experienced Posh Ambassador II, Michelle stands completely behind the quality of her inventory and packages every order with care so you score a stellar deal every time.
🌟Pro-Tip: Make sure to bundle! You instantly score a 15% discount whenever you buy 3 or more items from her shop simultaneously.

👉 Click Here to Shop @butterfly_1097’s Closet

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3. The Curvy Fashion Authority: @curvy_girldc

If you are looking for an absolute powerhouse closet that celebrates gorgeous shapes with incredible clothing variety, Chermonne's shop is an essential follow. She curates an expansive, highly stylish collection that centers beautifully around midsize and plus-size fashion (up to 3X) with occasional sharp picks for men, too. From high-quality activewear and structured trousers to stunning cocktail jumpsuits, she has options for absolutely every budget.

The Vibe: Midsize & Plus-Size Glam, Accessible Retail, & Mid-Range Luxury.

Go-To Brands: Torrid, Lane Bryant, Eloquii, J. Crew, Nike.

Why I Love Them: As an experienced Posh Ambassador II running an inventory of over 2,000 items, Chermonne brings professional boutique-level care, incredible fashion diversity, and absolute fashion authority to the secondhand community.
Pro-Tip: Don't miss out on her incredible automated volume discount! You save an automatic 30% off your order total when you build a bundle of 3 or more items.

👉 Click Here to Shop @curvy_girldc’s Closet

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4. The Premium Beauty & Statement Vault: @vjhammond

If you want to treat yourself to high-quality beauty finds, gorgeous statement jewelry, and classic retail staples, Valerie's closet is a mandatory follow. She has an incredible selection of pristine, new-in-box cosmetics alongside stunning vintage-inspired necklaces and rings that instantly elevate any look.

The Vibe: Boutique Premium Beauty, Statement Jewelry, & High-End Designer Chic

Go-To Brands: Mary Kay, Plunder, Faded Glory, Apt. 9, Old Navy

Why I Love Them: As a Posh Ambassador II managing a massive inventory of over 1,300 items, Valerie delivers unmatched customer service and ultra-fast shipping so your goodies arrive looking perfect.
Pro-Tip: Check out her active inventory for live show listings! Valerie participates in interactive Posh Shows where you can bid on her incredible beauty and jewelry collections live.

👉 Click Here to Shop @vjhammond’s Closet

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5. The Ultimate Family & Lifestyle Depot: @tdkimble0724

If you are looking for a true one-stop shop that covers the entire family, Tonya's massive "Kimbles Kloset" is a mandatory follow. She stocks a giant selection of women's apparel, footwear, and graphic holiday sweatshirts alongside excellent men's, kids', and home goods finds. Whether you need trendy swimwear, cozy beanies, or a gorgeous new travel makeup bag, she has options across every category imaginable.

The Vibe: Extensive Family Fashion, Home Goods, & Seasonal Essentials.

Go-To Brands: Style & Co, Plunder, Dream Pairs, B2Prity, Coldwater Creek.

Why I Love Them: Operating as an elite Posh Ambassador II with nearly 3,000 listings, Tonya is a top-tier 5-star seller celebrated for her super-fast shipping and impeccable customer service. [1]
Pro-Tip: Don't miss out on her active live streams! Tonya frequently hosts live Posh Shows right on her profile, making it easy to see the quality of items up close and score unbeatable deals live.

👉 Click Here to Shop @tdkimble0724’s Closet

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🌟 Featured Consignment Partners 🌟

These amazing closets house and manage my custom consignment pieces, keeping our inventory diverse, high-quality, and seamlessly fulfilled!

6. The Vibrant Family & Statement Curator: @trendezcloset

If you want a beautifully organized shop that caters to both chic women's styles and adorable children's fashion, you need to check out Trendez's Closet. Managed by a proud, busy mom of four, this shop is packed with over 900 incredible listings ranging from stylish POL, Zara midi dresses and cozy jumpers to rare holographic collector items and vintage Coach leather bags.

The Vibe: Playful Family Fashion, Trendy Kids' Wear, & Timeless Accessories
Go-To Brands: POL, Zara, Justice, Cat & Jack, Kate Spade, Coach

Why I Love Them: As an elite Posh Ambassador II, she guarantees absolute transparency, stocking her shop entirely from a completely smoke-free home where everything is clearly detailed.
Pro-Tip: Don't hesitate to negotiate! She loves interacting with shoppers and goes out of her way to note that all reasonable offers are welcomed and considered.

👉 Click Here to Shop @trendezcloset’s Closet

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7. The Ultimate Lifestyle Hub: @iheartindigo

If you love a massive one-stop shop that spans women's fashion, active wear, home aesthetics, and children's essentials, you need to add this closet to your watch list. Based in Georgia, this seller operates an impressive vault of over 1,100 listings curated for maximum utility and style.

The Vibe: Everyday Fashion Staples, Home Goods, & Premium Activewear.
Go-To Brands: Nike, Lululemon Athletica, Michael Kors.

Why I Love Them: As an official Posh Ambassador with over 20,000 followers, she delivers incredible customer reliability and a diverse inventory that makes secondhand shopping effortless
Pro-Tip: Patience pays off! She is currently taking a short vacation break, but her closet is officially reopening on June 19, 2026. Save her profile link now so you can shop her fresh inventory drop the minute she gets back.

👉 Click Here to Shop @iheartindigo’s Closet

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8. The Versatile Lifestyle Boutique: @amoslou

If you love a beautiful shop that spans women's fashion, active wear, home aesthetics, and family essentials, you need to add J B's closet to your watch list. She operates an impressive vault of over 270 listings curated for maximum utility and style.

The Vibe: Everyday Fashion Staples, Home Goods, & Family Essentials.

Go-To Brands: Accessible Lifestyle & Family Retail Brands.

Why I Love Them: Backed by a dedicated community of nearly 3,500 followers, she delivers incredible customer reliability and a diverse inventory that makes secondhand shopping effortless.
Pro-Tip:
Patience pays off! She is currently taking a short vacation break, but her closet is officially reopening on June 23, 2026. Save her profile link now so you can shop her fresh inventory drop the minute she gets back and lock in an automatic 20% volume discount.

👉 Click Here to Shop @amoslou’s Closet

Why Supporting Independent Resellers Builds Stronger Communities

When you buy items on a digital marketplace like Poshmark, your financial investment does not vanish into a faceless corporate bank account. Instead, your purchase directly fuels small business owners, busy moms, and creative entrepreneurs who are actively building a life from their homes. Managing a high-quality digital boutique requires immense dedication, ranging from sourcing premium pieces and laundering materials to providing specialized customer support and navigating packaging logistics.

By prioritizing these independent closets, you foster a highly connected digital community anchored in sustainable commerce. Many veteran sellers even form strategic consignment partnerships, pooling resources to offer diverse size ranges and eclectic aesthetics that a single retail store could never match. This deliberate approach to shopping changes fast consumption back into a thoughtful, creative relationship, ensuring your wardrobe updates naturally uplift real people and support eco-conscious dreams.

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👑 My Personal Closet 👑

@julia_mercedes

My closet is a deeply personalized project managed on the weekends to bring you an amazing, eclectic mix of clothing, premium makeup, and family lifestyle items. Whether you are hunting for Host Pick fashion staples, waterproof eyeliners, or comfortable weekend sweaters, there is something beautiful here for every budget.

The Vibe: Versatile Family Staples, Curated Lifestyle Goods, & Trending Beauty.

Go-To Brands: American Eagle, Anthropologie, Coach, Levi's, Stila, Prada.

Why Shop With Me: As an official Posh Ambassador backed by a community of nearly 16,000 followers, I prioritize fast shipping and friendly communication.
Pro-Tip: Don't shop single items! You automatically score a 15% volume discount the moment you bundle 2 or more items from my shop simultaneously.

👉 Click Here to Shop My Personal Closet @julia_mercedes

Supporting independent resellers keeps fashion circular and sustainable. Don't forget to use invite code JULIA_MERCEDES for $10 off your first order if you are a new user. Happy Poshing!

#PoshmarkFinds #SustainableFashion #PoshmarkSeller #ThriftHaul #CuratedStyle #ConsignmentFinds

The Ultimate Creamy Homemade Hummus (5-Minute Recipe)

2026-06-16T09:10:13.940-04:00

🌿 Welcome back, eco-foodies! Way back in 2012, I shared my very first go-to hummus recipe on the blog. While the core of that recipe remains a staple, my kitchen techniques have evolved quite a bit over the years.

Store-bought hummus often contains unnecessary preservatives and low-quality oils. Making it at home ensures a clean, nutrient-dense dip packed with plant-based protein. Today, I'm sharing the upgraded version of this classic recipe, complete with my favorite trick for achieving an ultra-velvety, restaurant-style texture right in your blender or food processor.

🛒 The Clean Ingredient List

Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas): 2 cups canned, thoroughly rinsed and drained.
Garlic: 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (or 2 fresh cloves, peeled and crushed for a sharper kick).
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus an extra splash to adjust to your taste).
Tahini: 2 tablespoons of high-quality ground sesame paste. (Note: If you aren't a fan, you can leave it out just like in my original version, but it adds that signature authentic creaminess!)
Ice-Cold Water: 4 tablespoons (Our secret weapon for a smooth emulsion).
Infused Olive Oil: Garlic and rosemary-infused extra virgin olive oil to drizzle.

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse Your Chickpeas: Give your canned garbanzo beans a thorough rinse under cold water. If you want an extra smooth hummus, you can quickly pinch the skins off the beans—but it isn't strictly necessary if you have a strong blender!
Blend the Base: Add your chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and ice-cold water into your blender or food processor.
Emulsify: Blend on high speed. While the motor is running, slowly stream in your garlic and rosemary-infused extra virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture directly from the blender. Feel free to squirt in a bit more fresh lemon juice or a pinch of sea salt depending on your preference.
Chill and Serve: Pour the hummus into a shallow serving bowl. For the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours so the garlic and rosemary notes can fully meld together.

✨ Pro-Tips for the Perfect Batch

The Temperature Secret: Using ice-cold water instead of room temperature water helps whip the tahini and oils into a light, fluffy, cream-colored emulsion.
Make it Your Own: Hummus is incredibly forgiving. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, lean heavily on the tahini. If you love a punchy kick, don't be shy with the fresh garlic cloves!

Spread it on sandwiches, use it as a veggie dip, or pair it with warm pita bread.

Have a happy, crunchy, green, healthy day! 🌿

FDA Approves First-Ever Disease-Modifying Drug for Newly Diagnosed T1D Patients

2026-06-15T14:57:56.743-04:00

The FDA has approved Tzield (teplizumab) as the first disease-modifying therapy for patients recently diagnosed with Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D).

As someone passionate about health and wellness, I always keep a close eye on major medical shifts—but this milestone hits incredibly close to home for my family. My own child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 6 years old, so I know firsthand the daily challenges, fears, and endless calculations that come with managing this condition. The FDA has approved Tzield (teplizumab) as the first disease-modifying therapy for patients recently diagnosed with Stage 3 type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Previously used to delay the onset of clinical diabetes in at-risk (Stage 2) individuals, Tzield's new indication focuses on preserving remaining insulin-producing beta cells in patients aged 8 to 17 who have just transitioned to Stage 3. This milestone marks a massive shift from managing diabetes symptoms with insulin alone to slowing down the disease's underlying autoimmune process.

A Game-Changer for Newly Diagnosed Patients

Historically, receiving a Stage 3 T1D diagnosis meant immediately shifting into full-time symptom management. At this stage, clinical symptoms appear, and daily insulin therapy becomes a lifelong necessity. However, the FDA's accelerated approval of Tzield completely changes the narrative for pediatric patients aged 8 to 17.

Instead of just replacing the insulin the body can no longer make, Tzield targets the root cause. It intercepts the rogue T cells attacking the pancreas, giving newly diagnosed young people a vital window to protect their remaining beta cells.

What the Data Shows

The expanded approval rests on robust evidence from the global clinical pipeline, specifically the PROTECT Phase 3 study.

Beta Cell Preservation: Data from over 900 treated patients shows Tzield significantly slows down the decline of natural, internal insulin production.
Measurable Function: Success was quantified via C-peptide levels, confirming that the body continues to produce its own insulin more effectively than it would without intervention.
Long-Term Safety: Ongoing research like the BETA-PRESERVE study will continue tracking the drug's long-term safety and benefits.

Decades of Advocacy Pay Off

This achievement is a monumental victory for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). The organization has championed and funded the development of teplizumab for nearly 30 years through research grants, strategic investments, and federal advocacy.

By providing a treatment option that alters the actual trajectory of T1D right after diagnosis, this approval brings the medical community one step closer to finding a universal cure.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or doctor regarding any medical conditions, diagnoses, or prescription drug treatments.

The Ultimate Raised Bed Companion Planting Guide: Tomatoes, Squash, and Cucumbers

2026-06-11T08:17:26.812-04:00

Companion planting is the ultimate gardening hack. By placing the right plants next to each other, you create a self-sustaining ecosystem where neighbors deter pests, boost soil nutrients, and improve flavor.

If you have three raised beds, you have the perfect setup to maximize your harvest. Here is how to organize your three-bed system for maximum yield and minimum pest problems.

Bed 1: The Tomato Haven 🍅🌼🌿

The Lineup: Tomatoes, Marigolds, Citronella

This bed focuses on heavy-producing nightshades and powerful pest deterrents. Tomatoes are the stars here, while their companions act as a living shield.

Tomatoes: These heavy feeders love deep, rich soil. Give them sturdy cages or trellises to keep them upright.
Marigolds: Plant these at the base of your tomatoes. Marigolds release chemical compounds into the soil that repel destructive root-knot nematodes and deter whiteflies.
Citronella: The strong, citrus scent of citronella masks the smell of your tomato plants, confusing flying pests like aphids, thrips, and hornworm moths.

Bed 2: The Sweet & Savory Patch 🍓🟡🌼

The Lineup: Strawberries, Yellow Squash, Marigolds, Citronella

This bed combines sprawling ground cover with a massive summer producer. Squash bugs are a major threat, but this specific companion lineup keeps them at bay.

Yellow Squash: Squash needs a lot of room. Plant it in the center or a corner where its massive leaves can shade the soil, keeping the ground cool and moist.
Strawberries: These thrive as a sweet ground cover around the edges of the bed. They enjoy the partial shade provided by the massive squash leaves during hot afternoons.
Marigolds & Citronella: This is your defense squad. Yellow squash is highly susceptible to squash bugs and vine borers. The intense aroma of marigolds and citronella creates a scent barrier that keeps these devastating pests far away.

Bed 3: The Crisp & Fresh Mix 🥒🌱🌼

The Lineup: Cucumbers, Green Beans, Cilantro, Marigolds

This bed utilizes vertical space and subterranean teamwork to build a high-yielding, fresh salad bed.

Cucumbers: Set up a trellis at the back of this bed. Training cucumbers to grow vertically saves massive amounts of space and keeps the fruit clean.
Green Beans: These are nitrogen-fixers. They pull nitrogen from the air and pump it into the soil, feeding the hungry cucumber vines.
Cilantro: Let a few cilantro plants go to flower. The umbrellas of tiny blossoms attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs, which eat cucumber pests.
Marigolds: A reliable border plant to deter beetles and add a splash of bright color.

3 Tips for Raised Bed Success

Watch the Shade: Always place your tallest plants (like trellised cucumbers and tomatoes) on the north side of the beds so they do not block the sun from shorter plants like strawberries and cilantro.
Water Deeply: Squash and cucumbers are mostly water. Ensure your beds get deep watering at the soil level rather than splashing the leaves, which causes powdery mildew.
Mulch Heavily: Use straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and keep low-hanging fruit like strawberries and squash off the bare dirt.

Start Your Companion Planting Journey Today!

Creating a thriving backyard ecosystem doesn’t require chemical pesticides or years of professional landscaping experience. By implementing this simple 3-bed raised garden layout, you can tap into the natural power of companion planting to grow healthier veggies, deter destructive pests, and maximize your seasonal yield. Grab your trowel, map out your 4x4 grids, and get ready for your most productive garden harvest yet!

Check Your Shelves: FDA Expands Pet Food Recall Over Dangerous Vitamin Deficiencies

2026-06-10T16:42:51.182-04:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an expanded voluntary recall of select pet food products due to potentially dangerous vitamin deficiencies. On June 8, 2026, Utah-based manufacturer Go Raw LLC added an additional lot of its Steve’s Real Food Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried pet food to a prior recall after discovering the food may contain critically low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1). This expansion builds upon initial recalls from February 2026 that affected chicken-based Quest Cat Food products. Because a prolonged lack of thiamine can trigger severe, life-threatening health issues, pet parents nationwide are being urged to check their pantries immediately.

What Products are Affected?

The newest addition to the recall list involves freeze-dried food formulated for both dogs and cats. The manufacturer notes that the affected inventory has largely cleared distribution channels, but bags may still exist in consumer homes.

According to the FDA Safety Announcement, you should look out for the following packaging details:

Brand: Steve’s Real Food
Recipe: Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried
Size: 1.25 lb. beige, zip-locked bags with a maroon stripe
Lot Code: C26022
UPC: 6-91730-16402-7
Best-By Date: January 22, 2028

This specific lot was distributed to retail stores across 20 U.S. states. This follows the company's previous recall of Quest Cat Food Chicken Recipe Frozen (2 lb. bags), which prompted Go Raw LLC to temporarily pause all Quest product sales until nutritional consistency could be guaranteed.

Why Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Matters

Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for normal carbohydrate metabolism and central nervous system function in animals. Neither dogs nor cats can produce thiamine naturally, meaning they rely entirely on balanced commercial diets or targeted supplementation to stay healthy.

While a deficiency impacts both species, cats are highly vulnerable to low thiamine levels. Felines have a much higher daily dietary requirement for Vitamin B1 than dogs and a very limited biological ability to compensate when their food drops below baseline nutritional standards.

Symptoms of Thiamine Deficiency to Watch For

If a pet eats a thiamine-deficient diet over weeks or months, the physical effects will progressively worsen. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop feeding the food and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Early Warning Signs

Decreased appetite or complete refusal to eat
Frequent vomiting
Excessive drooling or salivation
Gradual weight loss

Advanced Neurological Symptoms

Difficulty walking or unsteady, wobbly movement
Frequent circling behavior
Involuntary lifting or bending of the head toward the floor
Changes in vision or dilated pupils
Seizures

Left untreated, advanced thiamine deficiency can be fatal. Fortunately, if caught early by a professional, the condition is highly treatable with thiamine injections or oral supplements.

Action Steps for Pet Owners

If you discover that you own a bag from the recalled lot, take the following steps:

Stop Feeding: Do not give any remaining portions of the food to your pets.
Dispose or Return: Throw the food away securely where stray animals cannot access it, or return the empty packaging to your place of purchase for a full refund.
Sanitize: Clean and wash your pet's bowls, measuring scoops, and food storage bins thoroughly.
Contact Support: You can contact Go Raw LLC directly via email at cs@gorawllc.com or by calling 801-432-7478 with specific questions regarding the reimbursement process.

To stay ahead of future safety alerts, you can routinely check the FDA Pet Food Recall Directory to monitor updates across all major pet food brands.

How to Protect Your Pets: A Cobb County Guide to Coexisting with Coyotes

2026-06-10T16:15:16.190-04:00

Seeing a coyote near your home can be startling for any pet owner. However, coyotes are now a permanent part of our suburban landscape. According to the Cobb County Government Community Guide, they play an important role in our ecosystem by providing free rodent control.

The best way to keep your dogs and cats safe is to change the human behaviors that attract them, while re-teaching coyotes to fear us.

Here is a direct summary of the essential safety tips every local pet owner needs to know.

🐾 Core Pet Safety Rules

In a coyote’s eyes, a free-roaming pet looks like competition or potential prey. Use these daily rules to protect them:

Short Leashes: Keep dogs on a leash 6 feet long or shorter when walking.
Keep Cats Indoors: The only way to fully protect cats is to keep them inside or in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Supervise Yard Time: Do not leave pets unattended in the yard.
Watch the Season: Be extra vigilant from January to March during coyote breeding season, when they become highly territorial.

🏡 Creating a Coyote-Proof Yard

Coyotes are opportunistic omnivores. If your yard has food or shelter, they will return. Protect your property with these steps:

Move Food Indoors: Feed pets inside and never leave food or water bowls outside.
Lock Trash Cans: Secure your garbage in high-quality bins with locking lids. Only put them out on the morning of pickup.
Clean Up Spills: Pick up fallen tree fruit and rake the ground beneath bird feeders to discourage the rodents that coyotes hunt.
Block Dens: Use heavy-duty materials to close off open spaces under decks, sheds, or crawl spaces.
Raise Your Fence: Fences must be at least 8 feet tall, or 6 feet tall with a rolling device called a "coyote roller" on top.
Stop Diggers: Ensure your fence extends 12 inches underground or uses an L-shaped mesh apron pointing outward.

🔊 The Art of Hazing: Re-Teaching Fear

If you encounter a coyote that does not run away immediately, it has likely lost its natural fear of humans. You must act "big and loud" to drive it off:

Stand Your Ground: Face the coyote and wave your arms over your head.
Never Run: Running triggers their hunting instinct to chase you or your pet.
Make Noise: Yell loudly or use noisemakers like whistles, air horns, or pennies shaken inside a soda can.
Squirting Water: If you are at home, squirt them with a garden hose or a spray bottle filled with vinegar water.

Always continue hazing until the coyote completely leaves the area.

🚫 Why Lethal Removal Fails

It is tempting to think that removing the animals is the easiest solution, but research shows that lethal control does not work. When coyotes are killed, the remaining population undergoes a "rebound effect" where litter sizes increase and reproductive rates jump. Any empty territory is quickly claimed by new, transient coyotes.

It is much safer to train the resident coyotes to follow the neighborhood rules.

📞 How to Report Incidents

If you witness a coyote acting aggressively or lunging at a person, report it immediately to local authorities. For general, non-aggressive sightings, use it as an opportunity to secure your property and practice your hazing skills.

For more details on urban wildlife management, visit the official Cobb County Government website.

Introducing my Poshmark Closet

2026-05-30T11:16:08.547-04:00

🌟 Introducing My Poshmark Closet: Curated Style From a Posh Ambassador

After years of discovering amazing pieces on Poshmark — I’ve been buying since 2020 — I finally took the leap into selling in September 2025. Today, I’m excited to officially introduce my Poshmark closet, a space filled with curated finds, quality pieces, and styles ready for their next home.

👉 Click here to shop my curated closet

As a Posh Ambassador, I take pride in offering a closet that’s organized, responsive, and full of items that reflect care, quality, and personality. Whether you’re hunting for everyday staples, standout pieces, or something you didn’t even know you needed, you’ll find a little bit of everything.

✨ What You’ll Find in My Closet

Trendy and timeless pieces for every season
Gently loved and well‑maintained items
New-with-tags surprises
A curated mix of styles, sizes, and aesthetics

💸 Bundle & Save: 15% Off 2+ Items

To celebrate this new chapter, I’m offering a special deal: Bundle any 2 or more items and enjoy 15% off automatically.

It’s the perfect chance to build an outfit, refresh your wardrobe, or grab that extra piece you’ve been eyeing.

🛍️ Start Browsing & Follow for New Drops

New items are added regularly, so check back often — or follow my closet to see fresh listings the moment they go live.

👉 Explore the Closet

💸 New to Poshmark? Sign up with my code JULIA_MERCEDES and get $10.

PowerCrunch bars

2018-02-28T11:43:00.000-05:00

Howdy all y'all!

It's been a minute or two since my last post. Let's get down to business. Today I want to share a find. A snack food find that is. After my little one's T1D diagnosis on Sept 2017, I have been looking for a low carb high protein bar that won't spike her blood sugar. A co-worker recommended the PowerCrunch bars. So far so good, we have tried the peanut butter creme, salted caramel, French vanilla creme and wild berry creme.

These bars are protein energy bars. On the box it says they're "high-dh hydrolysed whey protein in a creme filled wafer bar". Think sugar wafers but without the boatload of sugar. They are generously sized at 1.4 oz per bar and are filling.

The peanut butter creme is our favorite. It has 10g carbs & 13g protein.

Salted Caramel is our second favorite. It has 9g carbs & 13g protein.

French vanilla creme has 8g carbs & 14g protein.

Wild berry creme has 9g carbs and 14g protein.

To find out more about PowerCrunch bars, visit their website at PowerCrunch.com

The are available at various retailers and also online.

Disclaimer: The information provided on Crunchy Green Health Nut regarding PowerCrunch bars and blood sugar management is for general educational and informational purposes only. Every individual's or child's response to foods under a Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) diagnosis varies. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, pediatric nutrition counseling, or personalized medical treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or endocrinologist regarding blood sugar management and dietary choices.

CrunchyGreenHealthNut's simple meat sauce

2015-07-13T13:29:00.001-04:00

If there is one staple that keeps my kitchen running smoothly, it is a big, comforting batch of homemade sauce. This is my ultimate go-to recipe when I need something quick, filling, and packed with real-food nutrition. Made with clean ingredients, fresh green and red peppers, and plenty of garlic, it is a versatile powerhouse. I love keeping a batch on hand because it pairs perfectly with everything from sautéed vegetables to morning eggs!

Basic ingredients: Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasonings, green peppers (red peppers are yummy too), peppercorn.

I use 1 can tomato sauce (29 oz).

Ingredients in the Kroger brand tomato sauce: tomato concentrate, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, citric acid, natural flavors, dried bell pepper.

Sauce in the works. This is starting to simmer. I cook it down to where is thicker but still saucy. It is personal preference.

Simple meat sauce

Prep Time: 5 mins, Cook Time: 20 mins, Servings: 4

🥣 The Ingredient List

1 lb ground beef

Worcestershire sauce

Minced garlic

1 can tomato sauce (29 oz size)

1/2 can water

2 small peppers or 1 big one. Green and red are a good mix.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps

Brown 1 lb of ground beef or ground chuck. Drain the fat if you like.

Add a couple of squirts of Worcestershire sauce and a generous spoonful of garlic, use more or less depending on how much you like garlic.

Add tomato sauce, then fill empty can half way and add that to the pot.

Add big chunks of red and green peppers.

Sprinkle generous amount of Italian seasonings.

Simmer on low to reduce the sauce to your desired thickness/consistency.

Season with pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Looking for more clean eating meal prep ideas? Check out my updated The Ultimate Whole Food Recipe Roundup for simple breakfast, lunch, and dinner inspiration!

Warrior Dash 2015 experience

2015-04-16T14:20:00.001-04:00

I had wanted to do one of these obstacle courses for a year now and have been regularly exercising for the last 2 years by going to the on-ramp to crossfit bootcamp at Crossfit Etowah. I will be 40 years old this year and a mother of a 4 and 5 year old, I figured it was now or never, so my friend Trish signed us up for it. There was no going back. I barely slept the night before, thinking I was going to either fall to my death or drown. I have a fear of heights, the highest I go on a box jump is 1 foot and I do not know how to swim, still I did not back out. What follows below is my personal experience on race day. Hopefully it will help some of you out there thinking on participating in one of these.

Warrior Dash April 11, 2015
Mountain City, Ga at the Blue Ridge Camp
Setting: Mountainous region.
3.0 Miles, 12 Obstacles

The Gear:

Vibram Trek Ascent shoes. You definitely need these for maximum traction. I got mine at Natural Strides In downtown Woodstock. Vibram's description for these shoes was right on the money-

"For off-road adventures and hiking in all conditions, the new Trek Ascent Synthetic offers rugged traction and sure grip to keep you firmly grounded on and off the trail. Choose the synthetic model for sporty, weather resistant performance. Machine washable. Air Dry." (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Trek-Ascent-womens.htm?activity=outdoor)

Pictured here are my Trek Ascent. They performed beautifully on the trail, notice the grip wells/ tracks/threads or what ever you want to call them, go all the way to the tip of the toes. These are extremely flexible and the grip/traction on these shoes is unbelievable and crucial for tackling some of the most slippery obstacles, like a four-wheeler in a mud track.

Trish's Vibram are the Grey with purple and pink accents. (Photo Credit: Trish Keller)

Injinji light weight toe socks. I always wear socks to cut down on any rubbing or chafing, I did not end up with any blisters or loose any toe nails.

Fitted ankle length polyester/spandex running pants. I feel more comfortable with a layer of protection around my legs. Felt thankful to be wearing long pants while swimming (or attempting to swim ) and wading through the natural lakes/waterholes with tons of foreign slimy plants and who knows what else living in there.

Fitted long sleeve polyester/spandex running shirt. No loose clothing that could potentially get snagged on barbed wire or branch. Do yourself a favor and do not wear cotton.

My good Ole trusty half finger weigh lifting gloves. Helped save my hands during all the crawling and climbing, less slippage, I also cut off all my nails really short.

The pre-race specifics:

The event was very well organized. My friend and I carpooled (highly recommended). We parked as instructed, paid the $10 parking fee and took the shuttle to the event site.

There we checked in at the sign in tent to turn in the participant waiver and get our bib, shirt and how Trish puts it " ..that, ever so cool, viking hat."

From there, next stop was the ID tent to get our 21 and over wrist band so we could get our beer later.

Gear check was a huge tent set up with rows of tables. A volunteer at the exit would check to make sure the number on the bag being checked out matched the bib number.

From there off to the starting line 10 minutes before our heat time.

The race starts:

First mile or so was up and along the side of the mountain. There were plenty of natural obstacles in the rustic narrow natural trail, we had to navigate over fallen trees, branches, rocks, muddy sections, more rocks, slippery slopes, and holes. It was a heck of a warm up if you ask me. For those of you who are affected by high levels of pollen and/or sports induced asthma remember to use your inhaler before you start.

Then came the obstacles along the remaining 2 miles.

The Obstacles:

Here are the 12 we had to survi...errr.. overcome:
(Click on each obstacle name to see it in action at the Warrior Dash Website)

Mudmounds

"... climb over a tall mud mound and slide down into a muddy pit…over and over again." (https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/mud-mounds/)

There was not a lot of mud in the pits, the mounds were huge but scalable. I used roots that were sticking out to grab on to and dug into the dirt with my toes to get footing. The Trek Ascent shoes were great for this.

Under the wire

"... 100 feet underneath real barbed wire." (https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/under-the-wire/)

I made sure to crawl with my behind down as to not get snagged on the barbed wire. There was not a lot of mud underneath, some grassy areas mixed in with dirt areas and compacted Georgia red clay.

Diesel Dome

"...30×50 wooden dome ..."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/diesel-dome/)

I am afraid of heights but the dome was not bad. Easy climb.

Hard Rain

"Trudge through a water pit and fight the spray as you ascend up and over a soaking wet, 40-foot vault."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/hard-rain/)

There was no "trudging" and this was no "water pit". It was an actual natural lake or water hole we had to swim across to get to the 40-foot vault. This was my first "OMG I'M GONNA TRULY DIE!" obstacle. As I stepped into the water I had my friend Trish to my left (she can swim), and a volunteer to my right on the shore ready to throw a life preserver at me. A few steps in the freezing cold water and there was a drop, first to chest level. This sent me into a cold shock and hyperventilating, I was literally panting, could not catch my breath, super rapid short breathing that I could NOT control. All of a sudden I could not feel the bottom, I sank over my head. I can't swim, was completely submerged but somehow I doggie paddled up to the surface, yelled "OMG Trish!" and started to swim. I made it, with Trish to my left yelling "you're doing it you're swimming!" and another volunteer on the shore that let me know I was getting close to shallower water. The 40-foot vault with water spraying at me suddenly did not seem to daunting after all.

Shock Top unfiltered

"... hurdle yourself ... over three sets of barricades. ... scoot underneath an 80-foot canopy. ... race over three more barricades...."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/shocktop-unfiltered/)

The canopy crawl was over a grassy area and the barricades were not that high, not hard to scale. On some I had to scale over and some were to crawl under.

Here's a pic of the last barricade of the ShockTop obstacle.

(Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Great warrior wall

"... 14-foot wall caked in the slick mud ...."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/great-warrior-wall/)

I am hanging my head down in shame shame shame on this one. I gave it a shot, walked up to that rope, grabbed it tight and had both feet on that wall, but for the life of me I could not pull myself up to the first slat. I would have made it if I only could have gone up to that stinking first slat that was sooo out of my reach. The only obstacle I had to walk around. You're good to go if you are tall, have long legs, strong upper body.

Warrior roast

"... leap over a row of real fire ..."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/warrior-roast/)

Low row of stacked up firelogs. Did not have to jump high. Got a running start.

Muddy mayhem

"Army-crawl under real barbed wire through a 100-foot-long mud pit..."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/muddy-mayhem/)

The mud was thick and mid-thigh high, no army crawling through this, more of a duck and walk under the barbed wire. Very slippery and uneven footing. Mud got thicker after the barbed wire area, before we made it out. Make sure shoes are on tight.

(Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Trish and I half way through the muddy mayhem.

(Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Alcatraz

"...Swim out to floating docks in the water, climb up and over, and make sure you still have enough energy to swim to shore."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/alcatraz/)

The floating docks had cargo netting that helped with the getting on top bad over. Thankfully this was not in deep water. Phew!

Chaotic cargo

"...climb up 60 feet of cargo net and cross another 10 feet of shifting cargo..."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/chaotic-cargo/)

Chaotic cargo was high up and I definitely battled with my fear of heights on this one. I picked a support beam and went up that way. The rope seemed tighter along that area, making it less wobbly going up. Days later I still have bruises on my chins and knees from the hands and knees crawling.

(Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Made it to the top. My hands sweating and butterflies in my stomach.

Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Starting my descend, as my teammate gets to the top.

Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Pipeline

"...Climb up, over, and through a tube of kinked cargo nets 12 feet in the air."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/pipeline/)

This is the entrance to the Pipeline. I crawled up it the regular way on my hands and knees but according to Trish "going up on our back makes this much easier to navigate."

(Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

On the next photo you can see the other end of the cargo net tubes leading into a scaling down of a slanted wall. This led to the next obstacle (Goliath), you can see part of it to the right, it is that slanted wall with wooden slats across and ropes coming down. People were slipping and sliding all over the place and slamming against the wall. My vibrams awesome traction helped me scale this wall with no slippage.

Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Goliath

"...Summit the largest obstacle,... race across a two-story balance beam before making a splash at the bottom of a 30-foot-high slide..."(https://www.warriordash.com/obstacle/goliath/)

After scaling the slippery wall came the balance beams with water sprays shooting out at us. There was a water and mud pit under it. It seemed to me that we were pretty high up in the air, I do not know how deep the water pit was and I did not want to find out.

Pictured here is my friend Trish walking across the balance beams.

(Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

Facing my fear of drowning, since I don't know how to swim. This is me, after going down the 30 foot high slide. I landed in a spot that was deeper than I am tall. I sank and having no footing, had to dogie paddle to the surface and out of the deep area.

Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

We made it out alive!

Photo Credit: GameFaceMedia)

After the last obstacle we went by the Natural Strides tent, where they had the Vibram FiveFingers shoe washing station. What a nice touch, I thought that was a great idea. They washed our mud filled shoes for us. While we sat in the sun to dry up a bit and got some of the mud out of our ears. Thanks Natural Strides for having a box of Qtips at their tent :-)

(Photo Credit: Greg Scott, Natural Strides)

There was also a tent for changing clothes. It was set up with tables, no showers. On the way out to the shuttle I saw a sign out on a front yard "camp hose shower $1.00" heee heee.

I have to say that this event was very organized. I was very pleased with the overall atmosphere and despite having to battle my fears I came out with a great feeling of accomplishment.

I can't wait to do it again next year.

Spinach and kale chicken salad

2015-04-15T17:07:00.001-04:00

Finding quick, nutrient-dense meals during a healthy lifestyle reset doesn't have to be difficult. This easy Whole30 chicken salad recipe is packed with clean proteins and vibrant greens, making it the perfect Paleo meal prep option for busy weekdays. Featuring tender shredded chicken, baby kale, spinach, and a unique pop of flavor from earthy beets, this salad satisfies your hunger while keeping your clean-eating goals completely on track.

Ingredients: chicken, oil, spices (curry/grilling/Worcestershire), 1 can green beans mixed w/ one capful of apple cider vinegar. 1 can regular beets ( not the pickled kind), baby kale and spinach.

Instructions:

Pour about 1 tablespoon of grape seed oil in a pan.
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with yellow curry, grilling seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce if you like.
Cover and cook on low till tender, add small amounts of water as needed to keep it saucy.
Shred the chicken.

Serve the chicken, green beans and beets over baby kale and spinach.

Upcoming Local Events- 2015

2015-03-14T18:24:00.001-04:00

Instead of looking through my timeline to find local event links that I have already posted somewhere down the line, I decided it would be easier to update and share this list from here as I find new events throughout the year. These are local to North Georgia, usually Woodstock, Marietta, Kennesaw and surrounding area, with some events farther away.

*3/21/15 Next Step Run Walk or Roll 5K

First Baptist Church of Woodstock
11905 Highway 92
Woodstock Ga 30188
8:00 a.m.
----------------------

*3/21/15 Warrior Krav Maga Bootcamp

ATA Woodstock
11517 Highway 92, Ste 110
Woodstock Ga 30188
10 a.m. - noon
----------------------

*4/11/15 Warrior Dash obstacle 5K

Blue Ridge Camp
Hwy 441 and Playhouse Street
Mountain City Ga 30562
11:30 a.m.
----------------------

4/18/15 Festivus Crossfit Games

CrossFit Etowah
8811 Hwy 92
Woodstock Ga 20189
----------------------

*5/2/15 GreenPrints 5K

Starts and finishes at the site of Trailfest
behind Natural Strides in Woodstock
at 8636 Main Street Woodstock Ga 30188
8:00 a.m.
----------------------

*5/16/15 Hustle for Heroes 5K

First Baptist Church of Woodstock
11905 Highway 92
Woodstock Ga 30188
7:30 a.m.

----------------------

*5/25/15 Memorial Day MURPH

----------------------

*6/13/15 Rope Mill Trail run 10K

Olde Rope Mill Park
690 Rope Mill Road
Woodstock, GA 30188
----------------------

*7/04/15 Woodstock Freedom Run 5K

Morgans Hardware
8594 Main Street Woodstock, GA
Woodstock, GA 30188
7:15 a.m.

----------------------

*8/1/15 Hero Run 5K

Kennesaw First Baptist Church
2958 North Main Street
Kennesaw Ga 30144
7:30 a.m.

----------------------

*9/7/15 Labor Day Be Your Own Hero 5K/10K

AMC Barrett Commons 14
2600 Cobb Pl Ln NW
Kennesaw Ga 30144
7:30 a.m.

----------------------

*12/13/15 Locomotive Half Marathon

Barrett Summit
1990 Vaughn Rd
Kennesaw Ga 30144
7:30 a.m.

----------------------

Egg Coffee

2015-01-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

I'm a big coffee drinker and I had never heard of egg coffee..until today. At first I was sort of repulsed at the idea of having an egg in my coffee, then I saw the video by Tastemade and decided to give it a try.

Basically you take an egg and mix it with your ground coffee and add that to boiling water then strain it.
I was pleasantly surprised. The result was a richer cup of Java without the bitterness.

I drank mine with coconut milk, but it is perfectly fine all by itself. Oooo and I'm thinking it would also make an awsome Bullet proof coffee w/ coconut oil, some cinnamon, turmeric and coconut milk all revved up in the NutriBullet. Mmmmmm.

Check out the video for step by step instructions

If YouTube video doesn't play then try viewing it on Tastemade a FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=755815437838959&pnref=story

Easy Anti-Inflammatory Chicken Soup (Gluten-Free & Paleo)

2015-01-27T15:07:00.001-05:00

There is nothing better than a warm bowl of soup during the winter months, especially when it is packed with immune-boosting ingredients. This easy anti-inflammatory chicken soup recipe combines tender chicken breasts, fresh garden vegetables, and warming spices like turmeric and curry. It is a quick, nourishing, and Paleo-friendly meal prep staple that brings ultimate comfort to your kitchen table.

Ingredients

2 boneless chicken breasts
grapesee oil]
1 garlic clove
worcestershire sauce
grilltime seasonings

Instructions

Sautée two boneless chicken breasts in grapeseed oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and grill time seasonings.

Added water to cover and let them cook .

Take the cooked chicken out, chop them, then return to the broth.

Add chopped up carrots and wait till the carrots are done before adding diced green and red pepper and celery.

Sprinkle in turmeric and curry.

Since these were boneless breasts I added a little bit of chicken bouillon. Had them been bone in I would have let the bones simmer longer and omitted the bouillon. But that is just my personal preference.

Mmmmm mmmmm Good Soup.

Looking for more clean-eating dinner inspirations? Be sure to check out my updated The Ultimate Whole Food Recipe Roundup for easy, processed-free meal ideas!

Quick Healing Vegetable Chicken Soup (With a Whole30/Paleo Option)

2015-01-07T13:39:00.001-05:00

When a little one in the house gets sick, finding a quick, nourishing meal with limited pantry items is essential. This quick healing vegetable chicken soup recipe is my go-to comfort meal when time and ingredients are short. Thickened naturally with a clever chia seed broth blend, it is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to be kid-approved or kept entirely Whole30 and Paleo-friendly. Here is how I threw together this comforting bowl during a busy week at home:

No precise measurements, I eyeballed the amount of chicken broth powder into the pot of water till it tasted good to me. I also added the following:

🥣 The Ingredient List

3 diced carrots

1 diced mushroom

1/8 diced green pepper

Teaspoon or so of chopped garlic

Couple dashes of : turmeric, cumin and curry.

Boiled till carrots were almost tender enough then added 1 stalk diced celery.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps

I scooped about a cup or so of the cooked veggies and put that in the bullet, added a handful of Chia seeds and broth, processed till smooth and added that to the pot 'o soup. It made the broth more substantial to me.

After that I added 3 handfuls of small egg noodles because my lil munchkin likes those.

Success, she ate a small bowl of it.

* Note: For Whole30 and Paleo compliance just omit the noodles.

Looking for more clean eating meal prep ideas? Check out my updated The Ultimate Whole Food Recipe Roundup for a full week of easy breakfast, lunch, and dinner inspiration!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article regarding home-cooked soup and children's dietary adjustments during an illness is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, pediatric medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child's nutritional needs and health conditions vary significantly. Always consult with a qualified pediatrician or healthcare provider regarding any concerns about a child's illness, dehydration, or specific dietary restrictions.

Easy Roasted Delicata Squash and Brussels Sprouts (Paleo Lunch)

2014-11-03T11:30:00.001-05:00

When your weekly grocery options look a little grim, a quick fridge scavenging hunt can turn up the ultimate clean-eating meal. This easy roasted delicata squash and Brussels sprouts recipe is a perfect example of a fast, nutrient-dense Paleo lunch meal prep that you can throw together using basic pantry staples. Paired with a crispy, pan-fried green plantain, this warm veggie bowl satisfies your tastebuds while keeping your clean-eating goals completely on track. Here is how to pull together this simple, comforting lunch.

🛒 Simple Scavenger Hunt Ingredients

1/2 Delicata squash (sliced)
1 pack Frozen Brussels sprouts
1 semi-green Plantain
Grapeseed oil (for frying and drizzling)
Salt and pepper to taste

🥣 Quick Cooking Instructions

Slice and fry the semi-green plantain in a small splash of grapeseed oil until crispy.
Arrange the frozen Brussels sprouts and sliced delicata squash on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with grapeseed oil, season with salt and pepper, and broil on low until tender.

Looking for more clean eating meal inspiration? Don't miss my updated The Ultimate Whole Food Recipe Roundup for a complete week of simple breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas!

The Crunchy Crossfitters at the Spartan Workout Tour 2014Marietta &Extreme Rush Apparel Review

2014-09-27T18:48:00.001-04:00

The Spartan Workout Tour came to Marietta and Three of us from Crossfit Etowah's

On-Ramp to Crossfit Bootcamp decided to give it a shot. If you are thinking on participating but haven't decided yet let me tell ya, stop over thinking and JUST DO IT!

Here's the link to the 2014 Workout Tours.

http://www.spartan.com/spartan-workout-tour/

The workout takes 2 hours and you WILL NOT stop moving during those 2 hours.

There is no gym equipment involved, all you need is your body, a towel and water!

We did sprints, running in place, squats, jumping squats, jumping jacks, push ups, staggered push-ups, Burpees, planks, great vine steps, skater steps, leg lifts/flutter kicks and a couple more.

A lot of emphasis on Core strengthening exercises. For active recovery between periods of intense workout we did jogging in place, planks and jumping jacks.

The weather was not great, it sprinkled the whole time we were there and the pavement was very wet and somewhat slippery. Still, I had fun and felt accomplished to having finished the WOD.

A huge THANKS goes to Extreme Rush Apparel , who supplied our performance workout clothing. Even in the wet weather their performance clothing kept wicking the water and sweat away from my skin. I had a "Training for a Spartan" shirt on top of the performance shirt and while the spartan shirt was soaked, the performance material kept my skin pretty dry.

Even though I had water dripping down my legs from the rain and being on the ground repeatedly, the performance capris did the same as the shirt wicking moisture away from skin and drying super fast.

Oh and they truly move and stretch with you, they don't ride down, are awesome for squats, no chaffing while running and super comfortable. I finally found my favorite pair of capris for running events, will definitely be wearing these on my next race.

The Crunchy Crossfitters ( Lorena, Lillian and me<w/glasses> ) before the Spartan Workout Tour, sporting Extreme Rush Apparel.

You can find the ERA performance shirt here:

http://extremerush.com/women/womens-e.r.a.-performance-v-neck-red/

Specs:

Slim fit flexible v-neck that move with your body to give you complete freedom of motion without restrictions.
Extremely soft and comfortable so you can focus on your training.
Wicks away moisture and prevent odor causing bacteria.
Tag less print to prevent skin irritation.
84% Polyester/16% Spandex

Find the ERA performance Capris here:

http://extremerush.com/women/womens-e.r.a.-luxe-lime/black-performance-capris/

Specs:

High quality performance fabric to keep you cool and dry during your extreme workouts.
Wicks away moisture and prevent odor causing bacteria.
Flat lock stitch to prevent chaffing.
Tag less print to prevent skin irritation.
16" inseam.
84% Nylon/16% Spandex

Lillian, me, and Lorena at the event. We wore our spartan shirts on top of the performance shirts.

Ps: it sucks to wear glasses in the rain, I couldn't see a thing while it was raining.

Lorena & Lillian got to meet Amanda Sullivan and Todd Love , Spartan Athletes, motivators and an inspiration to us all.

I started this journey a year ago to loose weight. But goals change and now I train to become stronger. My current most immediate goal is build up the stamina to be able to run a half marathon, but the Spartan Sprint is definitely a goal to be mastered in the horizon.

Have a happy healthy crunchy green day :-)

Crunchy Green Health Nut

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*3/21/15 Next Step Run Walk or Roll 5K

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*4/11/15 Warrior Dash obstacle 5K