Chia Seed is probably one of my fave new discoveries. I found this drink at Sunflower market after hearing about Chia, so I decided to get this in addition to the raw Chia to try at home myself.

After a lil bit of research here’s what I found out about Chia :

2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,

5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that

helps transfer calcium into your bones,

2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,

3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries

3 times more iron than spinach

copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids…

Other Benefits:

Provides energy
Boosts strength
Bolsters endurance
Levels blood sugar
Induces weight loss
Aids intestinal regularity

For a more in depth info guide to Chia seed here’s some information collected from RawReform.

They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fibre.
Like flax, chia is highly ‘hydrophilic’ – the seeds absorb water and create a mucilaginous gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly – in under 10 minutes.

Antioxidants
One advantage of chia is that because it has such a high antioxidant content, the seeds stay stable for much longer, whereas flax, for example, may turn rancid. Chia seeds can easily be stored dry for 4-5 years without deterioration in flavour, odour or nutritional value. You can substitute chia in any recipe that calls for flax.

Mild Taste
The taste of chia is very mild and pleasant. That means you can easily combine it with other foods without changing the taste dramatically. People add chia to their sauces, bread batters, puddings, smoothies and more. The flavour is retained, plus masses more nutrition is added

‘Dieter’s Dream Food’
Chia has been called a dieter’s dream food because when added to foods, it bulks them up, displacing calories and fat without diluting the flavour. Thus, someone can eat a typical serving, yet only consume about half the calories they might have eaten, because the food has been bulked up with chia. PLUS, the eater gets a bellyful of nutrient-rich superfood goodness, which hydrates and sustains them – magic Sugar Absorption

Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrierbetween carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular. It also means that I can combine chia with super-sweet tastes like apple juice and not get super-spiked

Absorb and Retain Water
Due to the exceptional water-absorption quality of chia, it can help you prolong hydration and retainelectrolytes, especially during exertion.

Easy to Digest
Whole, water-soaked chia seeds are easily digested and absorbed. Their tiny dinosaur-egg-like shells break down quickly. They feel light in the body, yet energising. Their nutrients can be quickly assimilated into the body.

Intestinal Broom
Chia seeds bulk up, then work like an incredible digestive broom, sweeping through your intestinal tract, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines. Many people find their stools also become more regular once they eat chia.

Inexpensive
Chia is a very reasonably priced, concentrated food. Our 1lb bags cost $8. 1/3 cup of dry chia seeds (2 ounces) makes about 17 ounces of chia gel. This costs about $1. Depending on how much gel you use, those 17oz will likely last, on average, about four days. That is about 25cents a day.

Versatile
Chia can be used in so many kinds of recipes – savoury, sweet – it works with anything. You might want to try them in salad dressings, cookie mixtures, smoothies, crackers, ice creams, juices and so on.

Gluten-Free
Chia seed protein contains no gluten. This makes it ideal for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or simply wanting to find a replacement for gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye and oats.

Which medical conditions can Chia help relieve or support?
Chia is reported to be beneficial for a vast range of issues, for example:

weight loss/balance
thyroid conditions
hypo-glycaemia
diabetes
IBS
celiac disease
acid reflux
lowering cholesterol

How do you use Chia?
The most common way to eat chia is to first soak the seeds. They can very rapidly absorb a large amount of liquid – between 9-12 times their volume, in under 10 minutes.

The Basic Gel
To make a basic chia gel, simply add 1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water. Stir the mixture well, to avoid clumping, then leave it in your fridge, in a sealed jar. This will yield around 17oz of chia gel. You can begin to eat the gel almost immediately if you like. Just 10 minutes is enough time for the gel to be formed. More of the nutrients will be easily accessible after a few hours however, so many people like to make up a batch like this and leave it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three weeks. Then you can just reach into the fridge and take out some of the ready-made gel whenever you need it. You might add it to smoothies, mix it with salad dressings, puddings or granola, or simply take it by the spoonful.

Beyond Water…
As mentioned above, chia will absorb anything – it doesn’t have to soak in water. We like soaking it in things like apple juice for example. That way, the intense sweetness of the apple juice is also offset by the chia and it tastes yummy . We also often blend fruits – for example bananas and persimmons, then stir the chia into that mixture. Again, the longer the seeds are left to soak, the more their nutrients will bereadily available to you, yet you could easily eat a meal like this 10 minutes or less after preparing it.

Whole Seeds
You can also sprinkle the dry seeds onto salads or add them to granola mixes. You may also want to experiment with grinding them first in a coffee grinder, to make a ‘chia flour’ you can then add to smoothies, soups and so on.

So I’ve been a tad busy and that’s no excuse but I’m getting back on the ball about getting organized. I’m all about FREE and Keeping organized so here are a few tools I’m utilizing to help me get and keep on that path- I hope you all enjoy and find these tools just as useful!

Mint : https://www.mint.com/

One of the best (free) ways to manage your money. You can gather all your financial accounts together online or on your mobile device, automatically categorizes your transactions, lets you set budgets and helps you achieve your savings goals. You actually see by category where you spend your money the most, whether it be the bar, fast food, gas, clothing, etc.

Manilla : https://www.manilla.com/

No more clutter with the paper bills. You can bring all your financial accounts, household bills, loyalty programs, and even subscriptions to one secure hosted spot (for free) and make payments, get automatic reminders, balances, etc. It’s seriously amazing and convenient.

One Receipt : https://www.onereceipt.com/

You keep the purchase you lose the receipt. Plain and simple. No more collecting a ridiculous amount of paper or freaking out because you can’t figure out or place where THAT ONE receipt went. You also get the ability to take a picture of a receipt while you are out and email it to a designated address via your One Receipt account, and bam! You have a designated email to give merchants and keep your receipts organized!

Any.DO : http://www.any.do/

I love this phone app! It keeps me organized with my to do task and with missed calls as well. Any.DO also allows you to invite/share tasks with others as well. It’s super simple and very clean looking. A must download!

We forget to let our guards down and just have fun sometimes – here’s a reminder  that smiles are free and it’s ok to let loose every once in awhile. Have a happy Friday – and weekend everyone!

Well here’s to my last letter, for this month at least. Sorry for the bit of a delay but you could say life’s been a tad rough the last couple weeks.  I hope that each letter reaches it’s respective addressees at some point or another and they get to read them. Some entries are shorter than others, while some are very lengthy. Mostly, my emotions spilled over. All of them made me reflect as to what I really am — my dreams, aspirations, etc.

So Dear Star-

When I started this letter project, I didn’t know what was to come with the writings. Some of the letters were a bit hard to write; evoking tears, and feelings I had been suppressing for a bit. Some made me reminisce and laugh about past memories.

This letter is to that reflection in the mirror. Before I use to look at you and start nit-picking at the things I hated. My stomach, my child-bearing hips, my big butt, my thick thighs, my full face, etc – but in the last couple months I can say I’m happy at what I see reflecting back at me. Though I would still consider this body a work in progress, I’m happy the progress I have made thus far. I can’t believe that almost a year and a half ago I was 65 lbs heavier than I am now. My goal is to lose 45-60 lbs this year. I’m going to work diligently as I want to maintain that weight. Thankfully I have a supportive man in my life, who is willing to jump on that bandwagon with me, and eat healthy and work out with me.

Aside from the physical reflection-I would say I see someone unique, special, sensitive and complicated. You are indecisive, and are always cautious of making the right decision or not. I know you have doubts at times about your worth or capabilities, but you need to forget about those all together. You have family, friends and acquaintances who distill on a daily that you are so much more than you give yourself credit for. ACCEPT THE COMPLIMENTS and quit discounting them.

You’re starting to finally learn what it is to love yourself and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want. You are worth and deserve every bit of happiness that crosses you.

You’ve got a lot more living to do -and self discovery, so enjoy the rollercoaster of life chick and just be true to who are !

xo -

“Tears don’t mean your losing, everybody’s bruising, just be true to who you are.” 

This weekend I lost a friend, a family member to say the least, Dan Everlove. Saturday night, while supporting a bike pub crawl event for charity, Ride-Rock-n-Rescue , on his way home he was struck on his bike while crossing Alma School and Guadalupe. In a matter of moments he was taken from us, and though I’ve had my share fair of mourning and tears fallen for him, I want to celebrate his life. He was absolutely one of the most amazing people I know. Gave unconditionally, had the best sense of humor and would do anything for his family, friends and those alike. On Saturday, January 21st 2012, Heaven received an amazing addition, an angel that we all will miss. You are in a better place my dear, and hope you and Ray “Hairy Darrin” Pierson save us all a spot up there. Love you dearly- you will never be forgotten. <3

I was looking at Darrin’s page and noticed this comment by Dan and had to share <3

rest in peace to my friend Dan Everlove

This letter is to the person I know that is going through the worst of times, but to be quite honest – with the events that have recently been happening in my life, I can’t really determine that ONE person.

My grandmother has been fighting Cancer, since she found out late spring of last year on top of her battle with Diabetes, and 2 weeks ago she had her second intense seizure and had to be rushed to the hospital. She’s been in remission but the diabetes is giving her soo much grief right now.

My dad this past week had a heart attack and scared us all. All the men in our family are being a lil more pro-active about going to the doctor for their check-ups after this. Also, this was what lit a fire under my ass to be more health conscious even more so now. I don’t know what I would do if I lost my dad, I know that day will eventually come but he is far too young to lose right now.

My mom’s health also has not been the greatest. She’s been battling with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and relies on her hands for her job so I know she’s been dealing with a lot lately. She also hasn’t been feeling 100% and the doctors haven’t figure out what it is and why she’s losing blood the way she is. More tests are to be ran but right now, it’s just the waiting game.

And unfortunately I lost one of the sweetest men I know, Dan Everlove this weekend. I’ve known him for about 10 years now, and would consider him an older brother figure most definitely. He would do anything for his family and friends and his life was tragically taken from him too early.

I can stress enough to everyone to live there life fully and really take advantage of those moments to tell people how they truly mean the world to you while you can. It’s shame that life altering events are what light a fire under our asses, or have to remind us of how life is a gift and can be taken from you in a matter of seconds.

There are soo many others I know that are battling with health issues, family circumstances etc- and my heart goes out to all of you. I love you all and I hope you sincerely know that I will always be here no matter what. I may not always be able to physically be there but I’m a phone call away.

<3 Sincerely your Friend For Life and for always- Star Padilla

This letter goes out to the last person I made a pinky promise with, and that would be Ava.

Ava, I absolutely adore you. 3 years old, and such personality you have. Too young to quite understand what a pinky promise is but absolutely adorable when you make the pinky promise and kiss your thumb with me hehe. When we went to Jumpstreet to play this past weekend and jump on the trampolines, I had you pinky promise me that you would listen and in the end we would get surprises and or treats! And you did just that! Unfortunately while we were playing I received the horrible news about my friend passing the night before. I thank you for smiles and laughter getting me through the day. You will never know how much that greatly helped me Ms. Ava, but thank you. I hope that as time goes on and the relationship between your father and I grow, you will always have a place in your heart for me. You may not be my lil girl but I think the world of you and would do anything for you. You could say I’ve grown a bit attached to your hugs, kisses and cuddles, as they have given me that extra something I think I’ve been missing. You’re going to grow up to be an absolutely beautiful woman with such a great values and manners, as you have great parents who have distilled those in you.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet your mother, a lil off guard in our meeting each-other, but happy non the less to have met her. I hope she understands how much I do care for you and hope she trusts that you are in good hands when you are with me.

Ava you are a joy to be around and I love you as if you were my own- don’t forget that girly!

This letter is to someone who has changed my life….and that would be you Grandma Rose. It’s still hard for me to believe you’re gone. You are one of the most patient women I know. I commend you for raising 5 Children (my uncles/aunts and dad). I commend you for taking care of Lucenda, the pregnant woman from Mexico, who’s son turned into a childhood friend. I commend you for putting up with soo many grandchildren in your home running around and making a ruckus.

I miss hearing you call me ‘sugar’ and walking through your house to hear the wood floor and stairs creak. I miss walking into your vanity room watching you take your curlers out and get ready for the day. I’ll especially miss us all sitting at the table for 20+ (gotta love Hispanic families) and enjoying home made Mexican food. I will never be able to nail your recipes, but I will gladly make the attempts!

Grandma you were an absolutely beautiful woman, with flawless skin and I can only hope that I age as well as you did.

Because I did not make it to your funeral, I didn’t want to remember you that way, I’m sorry and hope you understand; I asked dad if he could get me some of your ashes. At first he wasn’t sure why I was asking but granted my wish. My goal is to take some of the fine ashes and have them placed in the black ink to have tattooed in me, to always have you apart/with me. I hope I’m making you proud of the woman I’m growing up to be, as I have you to thank for contributing to that.

I still don’t believe it was your time to go. You are an incredible woman and one that is always in my heart. I will never forget you, your voice, your kisses, your laugh or anything about you because I cherish those moments with everything I have. I hope to one day see you again. I  love you grandma, and miss you every single day.

Growing up consisted of lots of moving around. Both of my parents were in the military (Navy), so once we moved from Hawaii to California, I can’t tell you how many different places we lived in Cali. I remember going to three schools, Kindercare, Kirkwood Private Christian and Lewis Elementary. With all the moving, I really didn’t get that opportunity to build those early childhood friendships, but I surprisingly have a good handful of memories of friends from all three of those schools that at times I wonder, where you guys are now.

We moved to Arizona when I was in 3rd, and ended up going to Goodman from 3-5th grade. 6th grade was split between San Marcos and Stevenson. 7th Grade was split between Fremont and Queen Creek and come High School, I finally spent 4 consecutive years at one school, Hamilton High School.

Now don’t get me wrong, I had an amazing childhood and though I may have not ‘grown up’ with friends from early school years, I think I’ve gained some pretty amazing friends over the years that molded my childhood and my memories and thankfully with all the social media outlets, I think that’s how I truly made my mark in keeping touch with people, as it was truly the only way when you move so much. All the way from my Kindercare crush Jason Ishibashi (whom I have to tell you I was reunited with via my Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Trish, on Facebook), to that first kiss and boyfriend, Russell Chamness, to one of my best friend in high school Marty Weirs for driving me home everyday til I had a car, to a plethora of others I could go on and on about. For what it’s worth I thank all of you I’ve grown up and around for contributing to my life. My thought has always been… if I can’t gain anything emotionally, physically or financially then why are even associated. Sounds harsh but it’s true and I’m grateful to say those I’ve chosen to keep a part of my life growing up have done all three.

Thank you <3