Where have I really been? Soaking in moments like Where have I really been? Soaking in moments like this - and changing. Read on…

Today, we celebrated my father’s life; he passed away a few weeks ago. I was one of his caretakers for the last 6 months. Those months were some of the most challenging in my life for many reasons - but also the most incredibly emotionally fulfilling and introspective of times. 

After experiencing all that life has thrown my way over the last 6 months - the world really looks….different. There is a profound and deep change within me that cannot be put into words. 

All I know is that I love a lot harder, hug more, stress less and understand….more. I’m not perfect - but most days, this is me. 

I was honored to help care for my father - and fortunate to be there the evening he passed away. I will never forget those last few days - but what I will really hold forever are the hours and days we spent together while he was being so strong - and getting so weak. I am amazed by the human spirit. 

Life is so interesting - and can be so beautiful if you allow the light in. 

Heal those emotional wounds my friends. Move on with your heads held high and love in your hearts.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
- Albert Einstein

Swipe to see my Pop 💫
#mondaymood
I was Cruella for halloween but didn’t get a great pic - check my story for the one I did get -  and all of the shenanigans. It was a damn fine evening.

On to my Monday mood - I was shooting some flat-lays for @theandibrand and I had some super cool accessories to play with from @hereapopupshop - so I snapped a few pics. I could not resist those amazing handwarmers, earrings and hat! And the ANDI Urban Clutch - always by my side. That bag is nothing short of awesome.
★ Oh hey….I’m still here! ★ So is the fall ★ Oh hey….I’m still here! ★
So is the fall. How is it already FALL? You all know that I LOVE summer - but fall is pretty OK too. However - unless there is at least 4” of perfect powder on the ground, winter can stuff it. Ha.

I’ve been hella busy - GOOD busy. I’m super grateful for my hustle - working on my alignment (thank you @itsthatrealestatechick for that encouragement ages ago.) 

Also embracing gratitude. Big time.

Posting some studio shots I’ve taken of myself while working on other projects. The lighting was already up and I was dressed - so what the hell…I shot some of my fave fall things. 

Today - lovin’ on jackets of all kinds. Give me alllll of the blazers, shackets and jackets. And the arm/hand warmers. I detest having my fingers covered by gloves so I’ve become obsessed with hand and arm warmers. This is about the season that I start wearing them all. the. damn. time.

Also - the fuzzy bathrobe is on pretty much 24/7. Sorry @erniearizzi
Instagram - vs - reality Reality is I truly did lo Instagram - vs - reality
Reality is I truly did love this hike, but DAMN those cliff drops get me! Swipe to see the pic my @erniearizzi snapped of me clinging to a rock. I was called ‘spidey’ for the rest of the day. lol. 

Now that my littles are a tad older, they can handle a hike. This is the second one we’ve been on together and it was pretty damn awesome - Rocks State Park for my DMV people. 

Check the story for an ‘ahhh’ vid - ferns and birds - and a parenting hack for taking your kids in the woods. 

My Maryland people - what are your favorite hikes?!
☀️I’m HERE FOR YOU 80 degree days! This weat ☀️I’m HERE FOR YOU 80 degree days! This weather is feeding my soul! 
👉 IMPORTANT question - cicadas - super interesting? Or super creepy? 😜

I live in the 17 year Brood X hotbed and my yard is ALIVE with cicadas. I’m totally amazed and have been shooting time lapses and taking loads of pics. Thinking I’ll share in my story soon. 

PS - swipe to see just how happy warm weather makes me. 

PPS - check out my amazingly sweet @swoveralls_ - they make me happy too. Like. Super happy.
❄️ Peace out winter. It was fun, but now I'm D ❄️ Peace out winter. It was fun, but now I'm DONE! I can't wait for some bluebird skies, pool and BOAT days! Are you:⁠
❄️ Team Winter⁠
or⁠
☀️ Team Summer⁠
?⁠
⁠
I love a good snow, but team SUMMER all the way over here. ⁠
⁠
Lovin' those sweet yellow straps? That's my @theandibrand bag in backpack mode! Save 15% with code EARLYBIRD - I promise you'll be in LOVE with an ANDI!
☀️ Only I would share my sled when it is appro ☀️ Only I would share my sled when it is approaching 60 today! Ha! Here it is, friends - my vintage Radio Flyer sled. Swipe to see more pics. 

Purchased for my father in the early 50’s - this thing is built for SPEED. Good thing it has a solid vintage steering system that actually works. 🙌 And just check out the styling - this piece is so gorgeous, we often display it in our den. 

It warms my heart to go sledding with my kids on the same sled my dad used with me. My dad kept this sled in immaculate condition - I plan to do the same and hand it down to another generation. ❤️

What is your most prized possession from your childhood?
💃🏻 Fashionably late to my own party. Spring 💃🏻 Fashionably late to my own party. Spring is almost here and I’m just getting to posting my snow day pics. These days were magical breaks from the wet winter monotony around the DVM. 

Posting a totally treasured item next - my vintage Radio Flyer sled. So. Damn. Cool.
🙌 Paleo Venison steak 'burger'! I had fun with 🙌 Paleo Venison steak 'burger'! I had fun with this one. No fancy recipe - but details below. The 'bun' is simply scrambled egg! Also - I still stink at drizzling sauces. Haha.⁠
⁠
Paleo Venison Steak Burger⁠
- Three eggs⁠
- Thinly sliced venison steak (OR bacon, ham...anything!)⁠
- Avocado oil for cooking⁠
- spices - I used salt, pepper, garlic powder and some smoked paprika)⁠
⁠
Also⁠
- two round, small-ish microwave safe bowls - these will shape your 'buns'!⁠
- spray avocado oil (or oil of your choice)⁠
⁠
For Venison steaks: preheat pan on medium high with avocado oil. Thin venison steaks cook quickly - so keep an eye on them. Cook both sides of steaks and set aside in warm pan. Prepare your 'buns'...⁠
⁠
Spray the inside of your microwave safe bowls with oil. set aside.⁠
⁠
Whisk together eggs with desired seasoning. Evenly divide the whisked eggs between the two bowls sprayed with oil.⁠
⁠
Microwave your bowls of eggs one at a time. This step will vary as all microwaves seem to be different! I started with 45 seconds - my egg was not thoroughly cooked, so I kept adding 20-30 seconds and checking until cooked. Add small increments when cooking your buns - you don't want to over cook those eggs!⁠
⁠
Use a silicone spatula if needed to release the egg buns - they should come out pretty easily! ⁠
⁠
Stack up the protein of your choice, garnish with sauce of your choice and dig in!⁠
⁠
⁠
Load More... Follow on Instagram
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Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo · August 13, 2020

These simple Mochi Cakes will make your world sweeter

Simple, delicious and oh, so, Mochi! These flatbreads are naturally *slightly* sweet thanks to coconut milk, coconut flour and a bit of honey. The consistency is dreamy – chewy ‘mochi-like’ center with a crisp, firm base and edges. These cakes…

Read More

Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo, Primal · August 12, 2020

Paleo flatbread and pizza crust to the rescue!

Eating paleo (grain, gluten, dairy and sugar free) does NOT mean you can’t enjoy a delicious flatbread or pizza. I’ve been tweaking this recipe to find the perfect amount of savory flavors to balance the bit of sweet that the…

Read More

Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo, Primal · July 31, 2020

Simple and Delicious Instant Pot Shredded Buffalo Chicken

I feel strange about writing an entire blog post about this dish because it is so simple! However, this is my #1 ranking post on Instagram so you guys must really like something about this combination. I recommend the use…

Read More

Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo, Primal · July 30, 2020

Cucumber Soup with Seared Scallops – Summer in a bowl

Cold, light, refreshing, delicious – and surprisingly versatile. This is my new ‘soup of summer.’ I’m going to have it on hand ALL summer. I first served it with seared scallops drizzled with Spanish olive oil and fresh cracked pepper….

Read More

Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo, Primal · July 29, 2020

Grain and Gluten Free Banana Bread – Paleo too!

This bread is one of my all time FAVORITES. It is moist, flavorful, does not have one ounce of added sugars of ANY kind, and zero grains or gluten. Have a slice toasted with some grass fed butter (if you…

Read More

Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo · July 13, 2020

Love Affair with Vertical Food

Vertical…food?! Deliciously deconstructed, piled high burgers, delectable bite sized stacks that look as good as they taste; food that goes…up…more than out. I’ve realized one of the things I love about ‘vertical’ food’ is the opportunity to combine some many…

Read More

Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo · June 18, 2020

When a Fried Egg Meets a Sweet Potato Pancake

An absolute match made in heaven. I eat clean. I haven’t always but I sure as heck do now. I’ve been mostly palo since October 2019; let’s just say that I’m a believer in clean eating! More on that later……

Read More

I'm Lex. Clean eater, early riser and brand lover. Social media strategist, storyteller, content creator and blogger. I hang my hat in Annapolis, Maryland.

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  • Paleo flatbread and pizza crust to the rescue!
  • Simple and Delicious Instant Pot Shredded Buffalo Chicken
  • Cucumber Soup with Seared Scallops – Summer in a bowl
  • Grain and Gluten Free Banana Bread – Paleo too!
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Where have I really been? Soaking in moments like Where have I really been? Soaking in moments like this - and changing. Read on…

Today, we celebrated my father’s life; he passed away a few weeks ago. I was one of his caretakers for the last 6 months. Those months were some of the most challenging in my life for many reasons - but also the most incredibly emotionally fulfilling and introspective of times. 

After experiencing all that life has thrown my way over the last 6 months - the world really looks….different. There is a profound and deep change within me that cannot be put into words. 

All I know is that I love a lot harder, hug more, stress less and understand….more. I’m not perfect - but most days, this is me. 

I was honored to help care for my father - and fortunate to be there the evening he passed away. I will never forget those last few days - but what I will really hold forever are the hours and days we spent together while he was being so strong - and getting so weak. I am amazed by the human spirit. 

Life is so interesting - and can be so beautiful if you allow the light in. 

Heal those emotional wounds my friends. Move on with your heads held high and love in your hearts.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
- Albert Einstein

Swipe to see my Pop 💫
#mondaymood
I was Cruella for halloween but didn’t get a great pic - check my story for the one I did get -  and all of the shenanigans. It was a damn fine evening.

On to my Monday mood - I was shooting some flat-lays for @theandibrand and I had some super cool accessories to play with from @hereapopupshop - so I snapped a few pics. I could not resist those amazing handwarmers, earrings and hat! And the ANDI Urban Clutch - always by my side. That bag is nothing short of awesome.
★ Oh hey….I’m still here! ★ So is the fall ★ Oh hey….I’m still here! ★
So is the fall. How is it already FALL? You all know that I LOVE summer - but fall is pretty OK too. However - unless there is at least 4” of perfect powder on the ground, winter can stuff it. Ha.

I’ve been hella busy - GOOD busy. I’m super grateful for my hustle - working on my alignment (thank you @itsthatrealestatechick for that encouragement ages ago.) 

Also embracing gratitude. Big time.

Posting some studio shots I’ve taken of myself while working on other projects. The lighting was already up and I was dressed - so what the hell…I shot some of my fave fall things. 

Today - lovin’ on jackets of all kinds. Give me alllll of the blazers, shackets and jackets. And the arm/hand warmers. I detest having my fingers covered by gloves so I’ve become obsessed with hand and arm warmers. This is about the season that I start wearing them all. the. damn. time.

Also - the fuzzy bathrobe is on pretty much 24/7. Sorry @erniearizzi
Instagram - vs - reality Reality is I truly did lo Instagram - vs - reality
Reality is I truly did love this hike, but DAMN those cliff drops get me! Swipe to see the pic my @erniearizzi snapped of me clinging to a rock. I was called ‘spidey’ for the rest of the day. lol. 

Now that my littles are a tad older, they can handle a hike. This is the second one we’ve been on together and it was pretty damn awesome - Rocks State Park for my DMV people. 

Check the story for an ‘ahhh’ vid - ferns and birds - and a parenting hack for taking your kids in the woods. 

My Maryland people - what are your favorite hikes?!
☀️I’m HERE FOR YOU 80 degree days! This weat ☀️I’m HERE FOR YOU 80 degree days! This weather is feeding my soul! 
👉 IMPORTANT question - cicadas - super interesting? Or super creepy? 😜

I live in the 17 year Brood X hotbed and my yard is ALIVE with cicadas. I’m totally amazed and have been shooting time lapses and taking loads of pics. Thinking I’ll share in my story soon. 

PS - swipe to see just how happy warm weather makes me. 

PPS - check out my amazingly sweet @swoveralls_ - they make me happy too. Like. Super happy.
❄️ Peace out winter. It was fun, but now I'm D ❄️ Peace out winter. It was fun, but now I'm DONE! I can't wait for some bluebird skies, pool and BOAT days! Are you:⁠
❄️ Team Winter⁠
or⁠
☀️ Team Summer⁠
?⁠
⁠
I love a good snow, but team SUMMER all the way over here. ⁠
⁠
Lovin' those sweet yellow straps? That's my @theandibrand bag in backpack mode! Save 15% with code EARLYBIRD - I promise you'll be in LOVE with an ANDI!
☀️ Only I would share my sled when it is appro ☀️ Only I would share my sled when it is approaching 60 today! Ha! Here it is, friends - my vintage Radio Flyer sled. Swipe to see more pics. 

Purchased for my father in the early 50’s - this thing is built for SPEED. Good thing it has a solid vintage steering system that actually works. 🙌 And just check out the styling - this piece is so gorgeous, we often display it in our den. 

It warms my heart to go sledding with my kids on the same sled my dad used with me. My dad kept this sled in immaculate condition - I plan to do the same and hand it down to another generation. ❤️

What is your most prized possession from your childhood?
💃🏻 Fashionably late to my own party. Spring 💃🏻 Fashionably late to my own party. Spring is almost here and I’m just getting to posting my snow day pics. These days were magical breaks from the wet winter monotony around the DVM. 

Posting a totally treasured item next - my vintage Radio Flyer sled. So. Damn. Cool.
🙌 Paleo Venison steak 'burger'! I had fun with 🙌 Paleo Venison steak 'burger'! I had fun with this one. No fancy recipe - but details below. The 'bun' is simply scrambled egg! Also - I still stink at drizzling sauces. Haha.⁠
⁠
Paleo Venison Steak Burger⁠
- Three eggs⁠
- Thinly sliced venison steak (OR bacon, ham...anything!)⁠
- Avocado oil for cooking⁠
- spices - I used salt, pepper, garlic powder and some smoked paprika)⁠
⁠
Also⁠
- two round, small-ish microwave safe bowls - these will shape your 'buns'!⁠
- spray avocado oil (or oil of your choice)⁠
⁠
For Venison steaks: preheat pan on medium high with avocado oil. Thin venison steaks cook quickly - so keep an eye on them. Cook both sides of steaks and set aside in warm pan. Prepare your 'buns'...⁠
⁠
Spray the inside of your microwave safe bowls with oil. set aside.⁠
⁠
Whisk together eggs with desired seasoning. Evenly divide the whisked eggs between the two bowls sprayed with oil.⁠
⁠
Microwave your bowls of eggs one at a time. This step will vary as all microwaves seem to be different! I started with 45 seconds - my egg was not thoroughly cooked, so I kept adding 20-30 seconds and checking until cooked. Add small increments when cooking your buns - you don't want to over cook those eggs!⁠
⁠
Use a silicone spatula if needed to release the egg buns - they should come out pretty easily! ⁠
⁠
Stack up the protein of your choice, garnish with sauce of your choice and dig in!⁠
⁠
⁠
💫 GUYS! You MUST try @endorfinfoods chocolate b 💫 GUYS! You MUST try @endorfinfoods chocolate bars. Especially if you paleo or try to keep it clean. Their Golden Milk bar with turmeric, cardamom, and black pepper bar is my absolute favorite! These things are dangerously delish! This is NOT a paid post, I am seriously in love and wanted to share with my clean eating friends!⁠
⁠
I ordered mine from the @endorfinfoods website; Whole Foods does not seem to carry these bars, but they TOTALLY should!
I'm still here! Ha! Paleo Pancakes for your Monday I'm still here! Ha! Paleo Pancakes for your Monday! You all know I'm a huge fan of cooking from scratch, but let's be real here. Sometimes there aren't enough hours in the day. This delish dish is a *gasp* bag mix from @birchbenders and DAMN was it good! I topped these beauties with @lilys_sweets chocolate chips. Yep, paleo. 🙌⁠
⁠
Check my story today for a fail that was supposed to go with this dish and to see where I've been - you can follow me over there too! ;)
Beet Sweet Potato Soup! OMG SO delicious! Guess wh Beet Sweet Potato Soup! OMG SO delicious! Guess what?! This amazing soup has the SAME base as my butternut squash soup! I had an idea to tweak my butternut squash soup and the result is super delish! ⁠
⁠
Added bonus - this one is paleo! Gluten, grain, dairy and refined sugar FREE BABY! ⁠
⁠
Ingredients:⁠
- Two packages of Trader Joe's precooked baby beets (or 16 oz (1 lb.) steamed and peeled beets) ⁠
- 1/2 large sweet potato, fully cooked⁠
- 1 can full fat coconut milk⁠
- 1 1/2 cup bone broth (or veggie if vegetarian)⁠
- 2 Tbsp olive oil⁠
- 1/2 large vidalia (sweet) onion, chopped⁠
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed⁠
- 1 tsp fresh crushed ginger (use juice and crushed bits...I use a garlic press to crush my ginger!)⁠
- 3/4 tsp salt⁠
- pepper to taste⁠
- cayenne pepper to taste (I like a decent amount!) ⁠
⁠
Heat olive oil in pan - sauteé onions until tender, 3-ish minutes. Add garlic and ginger - cook for another minute or two. ⁠
⁠
To the onion, garlic and ginger, add coconut milk, broth and remaining spices. Simmer for 5 minutes covered. This gets all of the flavors 'happy' together!⁠
⁠
While those items are simmering, cut the baby beets and your 1/2 sweet potato into chunks. Set aside.⁠
⁠
I use a @nutribullet to finish the soup - and I work in batches. Combine 1/2 of the onion/coconut milk/broth mixture with 1/2 of the roasted butternut squash chunks and whip it together in the nutribullet! Do the same with the remainder, then combine the batches together. ⁠
⁠
I serve topped with a drizzle of coconut cream and cilantro. The cilantro is AMAZING with this soup!
Happy - and totally belated - holidays! Don't come Happy - and totally belated - holidays! Don't come lookin' for this recipe though, because it's a family secret! From my husband's Italian roots, these are our Christmas Pizzelles. Super delicate with a light, fresh anise flavor, these cookies are always on a platter in the kitchen during the holidays.⁠
⁠
What is your favorite cookie to make for the holidays?⁠
⁠
PS - I've been MIA and I miss y'all! I was super fortunate to find an amazing new client to work with a few months ago. I'm crazy happy funneling my creative energy to their feed - check 'em out @theandibrand
How have YOU been ‘spinning’ endless turkey le How have YOU been ‘spinning’ endless turkey leftovers? Here's my recent take!

How are you all?! I took a little time 'off!' I still worked for my clients, but gave this account a break for the week. Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving! I MISSED YOU!

Who is still plowing through leftovers? ✋ I decided to fancy up our leftover plates the other night - same food...just taller. 😉 The kids were like ooooo! 🤣

This is not paleo my friends. The bun on the bottom is a regular bun and the cranberry relish on top...from a can. It’s OK! Life is all about the middle way - and for occasions and holidays, I live a little.

Next week I’m posting some paleo holiday treats AND our famous pizzelles! Definitely NOT paleo but a must have for us, friends and family over the holidays.

I am on the board of an amazing non-profit, @fishf I am on the board of an amazing non-profit, @fishforacure  Over the past few months, we raised $375,000 to DIRECTLY support cancer patients at our hospital in Annapolis, MD. Sharing because I'm super proud of my F4AC family and my husband, @erniearizzi - who's fundraising team brought in $43,500 of those funds! ⁠
⁠
To date, we've donated OVER 3 MILLION dollars!⁠
⁠
Our organization is very different in that EVERY PENNY of funds raised though our boat captains (in the Captain's Challenge) is donated directly to the Cancer Institute at @annearundelmedicalcenter We are an all volunteer board, so not one of us is paid an inflated salary. Business sponsors cover our costs and we donate every penny to support patients. We are a grassroots, community grown organization and I am SO proud to be a part of this amazing fundraising machine! We truly make a difference in the lives of cancer patients...and that makes our hearts SO happy.⁠
⁠
I will share more next year during our 'giving season.' I was a little busy this year with an awesome new client...but next year, prepare to get Fish For a Cure-ed. Ha!
Just a puppy in a bag....nbd. 😜 This little guy Just a puppy in a bag....nbd. 😜 This little guy has been keeping me sane recently. How are YOU keeping your cool these days?! This pic is actually a throwback...wayyy back to a few weeks ago. Haha. Joe was 10 weeks old and totally tolerated chillin’ in one of my favorite @theandibrand bags. 

My ‘week of Joe pics’ wraps tomorrow with a huge giving back story I’m super pumped about. 

Then, for two weeks...we EAT! 🙌
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