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Pumpkin VS Apple Spice & the intricacies of Autumn flavor

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The contenders: Apple VS Pumpkin- what we have here is a showdown of similarities.

The ingredients are similar between these sister spice blends but the result is distinct. When it comes to the flavors of Autumn it is all in how you mix it.

Your Autumn Spice Guide

Pumpkin Spice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. ground cloves

Apple Spice
1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground allspice
**frequently you can find ginger and/or cardamom added**

Chai Spice
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground cardamom
2 tsp. ground cloves
2 tsp. ground allspice
6 tsp. ground ginger

I observed there are many variations of apple pie spice and chai. In contrast the pumpkin spice blend seems to be almost unanimously agreed upon. If you are obsessed with the flavors of Fall then I recommend you consider buying the whole spices and blending them yourself. Store in small jars. Imagine how much better the fresh blend will taste!

Becoming Moderately Minimal

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In 2015 I decided to shed myself of the extra weight of possessions. I had never planned on getting rid of everything. I also never planned on how many years it would actually take. Here are some of the lessons I have learned along the way to becoming, my degree of minimal.

A Crash Course in Minimalism

  • It doesn’t mean you get rid of everything.
  • It doesn’t happen overnight.
  • The less excess I have, the less stressed I feel.
  • Cleaning and organizing becomes massively easier.
  • Taking inventory of your belongings is important.
  • Choosing and limiting what to collect is helpful and empowering.
  • You should enjoy even mundane, everyday tools.
  • Learn from the French.
  • Minimalism doesn’t have to be stark.
  • Or scary.
  • Minimalism makes the process of organizing simple and smooth.
  • It is really about simplicity.
  • Possessions truly can weigh you down.

In short, minimalist has a very severe connotation. But it doesn’t have to be like that. You find the right balance of simplicity that feels good and works for you. Maybe you have felt like it is time for a refresh of your space (after more home time in 2020 than ever before) or that you could do without some of the excess. I will highlight easy methods for clearing out and cleaning up.

I enjoy helping people in every way possible. I have worked as a professional organizer for many clients. My favorite aspect is that compared to interior design (which I have also done for clients) the process is about letting go instead of buying more.

When Careers Meet Hobbies

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Years ago I coined the term- career hobbyist. This title was needed because I have such diverse experience with jobs, platforms and whatnot. I felt this title encompassed my lack of desire to do the “9 to 5” route and instead fail massively multiple times at creating my own career. It has not been a glamorous ride but it has been jam-packed with individuality and perseverance.

To better understand here is a list of jobs/gigs/hobbies/faux careers I have held/loved/survived/endured.

  • That time I was a DJ – which I frequently forget.
  • Manager of a dance company.
  • Ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics instructor
  • Salsa dance teacher
  • Bartender
  • Assistant Wedding Planner
  • Almost all the various restaurant positions, including manager, which I will never do again.
  • Children’s Librarian
  • Adult Librarian
  • Yoga Instructor (children and adults)
  • Tai Chi Instructor
  • Children’s book author
  • Published author of historical essays
  • Barista
  • Professional Organizer
  • Interior Designer
  • Chakra Therapist
  • Holistic Health Coach
  • Event Coordinator
  • Recycling Pick Up Service
  • Fine Jewelry Retail
  • Freelance content creator
  • Social Media manager

Many people do not find this to be a respectable way of life. Obviously, those opinions matter none to me. I view my business ventures as pieces of pasta- one will eventually stick to the wall. This is my risk taking side, my adventurous side.

Can you hear Frank Sinatra singing “I did it my way” or is that just me?

I Am Alive Because of Natural Rx

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I absolutely mean this literally. Long story short, I have six autoimmune diseases. Life was challenging even before a deadly, global pandemic.

After years of misdiagnosis’ I began to study several areas of natural and holistic medicine, initially so that I may save my own life. Eventually, so I may save others’ lives. This involved learning Ancient Chinese Medicine, which is still the #1 diagnostic tool that I used to pinpoint what organs were gliching.

What difference is a disease name if you don’t treat the root of the problem? Lupus, arthritis, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, it doesn’t matter. The organs that the diseases damage; that is what matters. Treating inflammation as the root of almost every autoimmune disease is also what matters.

From Chinese Medicine I learned herbalism in order to most efficiently treat the problems. And lastly I dove into physiology and nutrition to best understand the composition of our bodies and the nourishment we provide them.

At this point I have developed many protocols for dealing with viruses, weakened immune systems, inflammation, dietary restrictions, skin sensitivity issues, in addition to fungal and bacterial infections. I have spent the past year perfecting an inflammation diet that is easy to use and customizable. I employ a variety of diagnostic tools as well as medicines to counteract chronic illness. I use superfoods, herbal tinctures, vitamin supplements, smoothie and juice therapy and stress management techniques.

I am a firm believer that the use of natural medicine is more effective, efficient and more gentle than many traditional medical approaches to these under-researched diseases.