In The Next 30 Days

A 30-Day Challenge Closer to Brighter, Shinier, & Happier.

May 23rd, 2013 by Anna Hartman

Gluten Free Day 23 | Motivational

Consistency Gluten Free Day 23 | Motivational

Lately, it seems like it’s my bad habits that I do with any consistency. This gluten free journey is showing me that. For example, when I don’t make it to the grocery store (which is a bad habit in itself), I expect to open the pantry and have snacking choices. Or if we’re eating out, my first instinct is to order something on my do-not-eat list. So this motivational quote from Anthony Robbins is the perfect reminder today, “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.”

This quote really speaks to time, right? If I take the time, and build actions and dedicate myself to this gluten free lifestyle, then I can establish the habits I need to be successful. And really, setting up even more simple changes, I will shape my life. That’s so powerful and inspiring. And even if it might be over simplifying, this motivational quote says that small steps in the same direction matter big.

Maybe most importantly, this quote says that I can do it. I can be gluten free. I can feel good. I can be healthy. I just have to do it consistently.

Tags: Anthony Robbins, motivational, quote
Posted in 30 Days | Gluten Free, Motivational | 1 Comment »

May 21st, 2013 by Anna Hartman

I am a Badass and Here’s Why

Excuse me while I drop protocol for a moment to tell you something important. I am a Badass. I’m serious. I’m a badass, and this blog is pretty badass too, right? If you want proof, I’ve been nominated for Best Newcomer Blog in the Badass Blog Awards by the Indie Chicks! Yay! And before I can ask you to vote (but really, vote here, please), I thought I should tell you what makes me a badass.

I am a badass because . . .

I am Anna. I’m the only me there is, and dammit, I’m going to be me completely without a mask and without hesitation.
I make mistakes. Lots of mistakes. But when you’re a badass you learn from them, and I do. I’m learning, growing. I’m trying new things and enjoying that I don’t live a life of perfection. My house is a mess. I sometimes yell. I cry when I’m tired. But I know that it’s the cracks that are so awesome.
I’m looking forward. Badasses don’t live in the past, they’re reaching forward with every step. So here I am, looking toward my future without fear, without hesitation, and with bated breath to see what happens.
I’m doing what I love. I love being a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend. I love writing and designing. I love this blog. I love hot yoga. Life’s too short to do anything else.
I’m grateful. I know how lucky I am, how blessed my life is. I am healthy, have happiness, family, strength. Even if gratitude doesn’t sound like a badass emotion, know that isn’t regret or jealousy or anger. Gratitude is an amazing teacher, and that makes it off the charts badass.
I know I’m not perfect. (This is a big one.) I know that I can improve, make myself better, make my world better. And I am willing to do the work it takes to get there. That’s why this blog, that’s why I wake up in the morning. That’s why I come back here to write to you.

There are lots of ways to be a badass, and I am a badass for more than just what’s written here. But this is the skeleton of my badass-ness. And now you know, head over to the Indie Chicks and vote for In The Next 30 Days for Best New Comer Blog in the Badass Blog Awards. Thanks for your support and for showing your inner badass.

Tags: badass, Indie Chicks, personal, vote
Posted in Personal | 2 Comments »

May 20th, 2013 by Anna Hartman

Gluten Free Day 20 | Gluten Free Pancakes

Oh, I love pancakes. Really. They are tied to childhood memories of weekend breakfasts with my family. My early awake father would make pancakes from scratch on Sunday mornings. And when the weather was warm, we’d eat on the terrace under the oak trees, waking up together serenaded by the birds. But really, pancakes are just yummy, family memories or not. And I knew that finding a good recipe for gluten free pancakes was necessary.

This recipe delivers. And even more, it’s kind of healthy and so simple. I’ve been making these gluten free pancakes for the kids for breakfasts before school, and I eat one too with Greek yogurt and fruit. Perfect, right? Here’s there recipe.

Gluten Free Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Gluten free, quick-cooking oats (I used Bob’s Red Mill)
3 egg whites
1 tsp gluten free baking powder (like Rumford or Clabber Girl)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon and Nutmeg to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Grease your griddle or pan lightly (I used olive oil), and heat it over medium heat. Scoop the batter into your pan. A 1/4 cup of batter will make a good size pancake. I spread the batter around just a little since it’s thicker than traditional pancake batter. When small bubbles form on the pancakes, they’re ready to flip. Brown both sides, and they’re ready.