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Monica Swanson

the grommom

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Health/Fitness

The Best Gluten Free Muffins: Banana, Berry, or Your Choice Add-ins

by Monica 5 Comments

So, it seems that I'm surrounded by Gluten free folks these days. My poor bread-loving father was diagnosed with Celiac disease five years ago.  My dear friend Jules, who I spend a lot of time with, is also gluten-free.  And we've recently brought into our crazy family life a part-time helper ("family assistant" though her title is still up in the air) named Morgan who is also hashtag-gluten-free. (and yes, you'll hear more about Morgan here in the days to come, and yes, you'll adore her.)

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Categories: Breakfasts, Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

Tropical Smoothie Bowls: Make your own Acai, and Super Green Bowls

by Monica 7 Comments

So, let's start this one with YUM!.... If you're not hooked on tropical smoothies and smoothie bowls yet, then let's just get this party started, shall we? Smoothies and smoothie bowls have been popular in Hawaii for years, and if they haven't hit your neighborhood yet,  then just give it some time and...they likely will.  But no need to wait, you can start making your own smoothie bowls right at home! A smoothie bowl is basically all of the goodness of a fruit smoothie, with a little more

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Categories: Breakfasts, Gluten Free, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

(Uncle) Dr. Ted’s Nut Bars

by Monica 4 Comments

I have a treat for you this week.  Something delicious to add to your healthy cooking list in this New Year... This year we had Dave's parents, and his sister's family in town for the holidays.  We had a great time catching up, eating holiday meals, hanging at the beach, eating fudge, playing games, eating pie, and...well...You know how it goes with family and holidays:  Lots of fun.  And lots of eating. A special part of their visit was that Uncle Ted...Dave's sister Cami's husband, brought

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Categories: Breakfasts, Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Recipes, Snacks and Smoothies

The Nalu Kinetic Spa at Turtle Bay Resort {A Review and an AMAZING Giveaway!}

by Monica 46 Comments

This last October, while I was at the Gerry Lopez Surf/Yoga retreat at Turtle Bay Resort, I had the chance to experience an amazing massage at the Nalu Kinetic Spa.Since I happen to be updating my North Shore Favorites list here on my blog, and definitely adding the Nalu Kinetic Spa to it, I thought this would be a great time to share a little review of my experience there.Further, I decided this was an especially good time for such a post, because this is the time of year that we tend

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous

Carrot Ginger Coconut Soup

by Monica 6 Comments

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Soup is my love language.   Soup makes me happy and comfy, and just the thought of it gives me all of the feels.   I could eat soup every day for the rest of my life.  Yep, even here in tropical Hawaii. So you know how loved I felt on my birthday when, after an early-morning beach walk with my good friend Jules, she sent me home with a care package of food for both breakfast and lunch.   In the package was gluten-free blueberry muffins, Thai Veggie

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Home & Country, Lunches and Dinners, Miscellaneous, Recipes

5 Ways to Keep Your Life Balance in Check

by Monica 3 Comments

We all want to live a balanced life, right?  But how do we even know if we're balanced?   Sometimes it's hard to see the proverbial forest for our own little trees.Today I am sharing five things I have found helpful in keeping my life-balance in check. I hope a few of these are helpful to you, too!{Click to catch up on: the intro and part one of this mini-series.}1. Know your priorities. We can't do it all.  We know that.  But we can do a few things.  And I think we can all

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Parenting and Family

My Amazing Week at The Gerry Lopez Surf/SUP/Yoga Retreat at Turtle Bay.

by Monica 10 Comments

Hey-- It's my birthday!Well, I didn't plan on this post coming on out on my birthday, but it is happening that way and now I can't imagine a more appropriate time.  Because if I've ever felt truly spoiled, it was on the retreat I get to tell you about today.Last week I was invited to spend four nights at Turtle Bay as part of a small group for the Gerry Lopez Surf/SUP/Yoga retreat.  Though the week is now over, my heart will be full for a long time.Most of you know, I've always

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous, Surf

7 Ways Regular Exercise Will Improve Your Life {Besides the Obvious.}

by Monica 7 Comments

We all know that exercise is good for us.  Exercise burns calories, will give us a greater chance at fighting diseases, and...Hello:  Exercise makes us live longer?!  That ought to be enough to motivate us to workout regularly, right?But it's still hard for a lot of people to motivate.  Working out takes time.  It makes you sweat.  Then you have to shower.  And that takes time.  Then you have more laundry.  And...yes: Time.Seriously, life is busy, I get that.  And we all have plenty of

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Categories: Health/Fitness, Miscellaneous

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