The Active Habitat

Links We Love For Spring Refresh

Lifestyle Self Improvement

We are soon approaching summer, so it is time for spring refresh. This time of year is perfect to get things in order, make changes in your life, and clean out the junk. I found some great articles for tips and tricks to welcome summer with open arms and end this season on a high note.

Enjoy!

Don’t just spring-clean but decorate your space as well.

Spring-cleaning should also meaning cleaning your insides.

With fresh fruits & veggies it’s time for new spring recipes.

Find ways to save this spring before summer runs you dry.

Don’t forget to de-clutter your mind this season .

Take time to pamper yourself to look and feel amazing.

Just for fun, a spring art lesson.

Spicy Jalapeno Lime Bean Burger Recipe

Main Meals Recipes

Looking for a great recipe to share with the family for meatless Monday? Try this spicy jalapeno lime bean burger. It’s perfect to grill as the weather is heating up. I’m warning you, it is a bit spicy.

Ingredients:

Yum

Spicy Jalapeno Lime Bean Burger Recipe

DSC 2013 1024x681 - Spicy Jalapeno Lime Bean Burger Recipe

Ingredients

30oz black beans (2-15oz cans)
1 tbsp of diced garlic
2 tbsp cilantro
1 tbsp lime zest
4oz of diced jalapeno
1 cup of whole wheat bread crumbs
1 flax egg
1 tsp
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp pepper
hamburger buns or lettuce wraps

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Directions: With a food processor, or blender, finely chop the beans, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro. Transfer to large bowl, and add the breadcrumbs and the seasoning. Split into 4-5 portions and create the patties. Place on the gill to cook for 5-7 minutes each side. Top off the burger with some vegan or all natural cheese, humus, avocado, and variety of veggies.

What I Learned Waiting 10 Years To Get Married

Lifestyle

My finance, Moises, and I met back in my 20s at a retail store, where we both worked at in college. My best friend, who also work there, started dating a coworker from the same department as my fiance. And the four of us starting spending time together. Eventually leading him to asking me out one night at a party. My friend got married with her guy three years ago and already on their second child together. The popular question since the day they got married has been “when are you guys getting married?”

For anyone who has been in a relationship for some time, that question gets asked all the time. There is a certain expectation in today’s society, to hurry to find the one and get married right away. For us two, I knew that never felt right. Looking back I’m glad we have waited 10 years to get married and here are my reasons.

Commitment Base: Being with each other during times of growth, helped us understand each other better. We learned to deal with changes in our lives and found ways to make our relationship stronger through those changes. If we have made it though the past ten years without anything holding us together, our commitment is stronger then ever.

Financially Base: Realizing the cost of wedding, houses, babies and other expenses that come after marriage, we weren’t financially ready till now. For us, this is our perfect time to get married. We can afford paying for our wedding, buying a house, and still help out our parents financially. Through our relationship, we learned money management skills, created an emergency fund, built strong career path and are now ready for the things that follow.

For others in a long term relationship, do not feel the pressure of marriage or children. Don’t feel the need to do what’s expected, but what feels right for you. Everyone has their own path and should never be judge to do things differently. “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they are not on your road, does not mean they are lost.” – Dalai Lama

Benefits of Rosemary & Rosemary Herb Rinse

Beauty Lifestyle

Rosemary herb has been used for thousands of years due to it’s healing properties. This Mediterranean plant has been known to help cure skin conditions, joint pain, toothache, etc. For this post I wanted to focus on the benefits of rosemary for hair.

Rosemary contains iron, calcium, and phytonutrients, which prevents baldness, graying, dandruff and dry scalp (Link). In other words, it’s a magic potion to healthy-beautiful hair. Applying rosemary to the scalp will help with blood circulation and moisture to promote hair growth.

For an easy to make rosemary herb rinse all you need is water and rosemary. Put water into a pot and heat up until it starts to boil. Then turn down the temperature half way and throw in a few pieces of rosemary herbs. Let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. Transfer it over into a jar or a spray bottle. After taking a shower rinse or spray your hair, focusing on the scalp, with the rosemary water. Do not rinse out, just let your hair air dry.

Essential rosemary oils is also a quick way to make the rinse. But make sure to use quality organic oils to get the full benefits.

Mother’s Day – The Story Of My Immigrant Mom

Holiday Lifestyle Women Who Inspire

Since it’s Mother’s Day I thought I would share the biggest lesson my mom taught me. Like most mothers my mom was the enforcer of our home. She was consistently yelling at us to do chores, and as kid it infuriated me. She wasn’t cookie cutter homemaker, but she is the most resilient woman I know.

My mom grew up in Mexico being the oldest of 7 siblings including her twin brother. She grew up in a middle class income, until my grandmother left her abusive husband. At age 13 she had to grow up quickly and step up to help raise hers siblings and pay the bills. It wasn’t until her twenties that she got the opportunity to become a stewardess for the Mexicana Airlines. That’s how she met my father.

Growing up my mom was non-stop. I still can’t believe she had to raise 4 small children, work part time, and go to school part time. I could barely handle my life now with just a career. Even with a language barrier she managed to get her GED, 2 associate degrees, and worked for our city police station for many years. Even as busy as she was she always had time for school PTA meetings, church groups, and lend a helping hand with friends. This woman was a beast.

With everything she’s been through my mom taught me that resilience is the key to moving forward. My mother didn’t have an easy life, but she always managed to make things happen. She was never afraid of ask questions, even if someone didn’t understand her. She is a true meaning of a strong-beautiful woman.

-Denise

Low Calorie Healthy Snacks For Sweet & Salty Cravings

Diet Talk Lifestyle

When your looking for the perfect snacks that hits the spot, but doesn’t mess with weight loss goals, here are some great low calorie healthy snacks.

Salty Snacks

Dry Roasted Edamame: High in protein and low in carbs, therefore a great option if needing protein and those in vegan diet.

nutrient facts: serving size 1/3 cup: approx 130 calories, 11g carbs, 13g protein, 4g fat, 8g fiber

Sweet Potato Chips: Better than regular potato chips because its a complex carb. Which makes these chips higher in fiber and slower to digest. Find sweet potato chips in most health stores or make at home with minimalist baker’s sweet potato chip recipe.

nutrient facts: serving size 13 chips (8g): approx 150 calories, 18g carbs, 1g of protein, 9g fat, 3g fiber

Skinny Popcorn: Comes in many varieties, although best to eat the originals. These are the perfect low calorie snack.

nutrient facts: serving size original 1 cup: approx 100 calories, 9g carbs, 2g protein, 9g fat, 2g fiber

Sweet Snacks

Fiber Bran Muffins: Perfect if you love sweets breads, because little goes a long way. Not only are these high in fiber, they are also dense, which fills you up more than most muffins. For a great recipe try this bran muffin recipe or look for them in the market.

nutrient facts: serving size medium muffin (113g): approx 305 calories, 55g carbs, 8g of protein, 8g fat, 5g fiber

Dark Chocolate or Natural Chocolate: because chocolate is a girl’s best friend, there is no need to give it up. Just look for those with higher cocoa percentage, and even better those made with real cocoa beans instead of cocoa butter. The less ingredients the better.

nutrient facts: serving size 1oz: approx calories 155, 17g carbs, 1g of protein, 9g fat, 2g fiber

Unsweetened Coconut Chips: A sweet from mother earth, these are great for on the go snacks.

nutrient facts: serving size 1/2 cup: approx 160 calories, 10g carbs, 17g protein, 1g fat, 3g fiber

A Dumbbell Upper Body Workout for Beginners

Arm Exercises Back Exercises Chest Exercises Exercises Resistance Training

It can be a struggle for those new to the gym to figure out a workout. Especially one that is easy, but effective. So for those struggling, here is simple dumbbell upper body workout that will give you tone and slim upper body.

These workouts are done as supersets, which means no rest between each exercise in a given workout. After all two or three exercises are completed rest for 30 seconds and move to the next set.

Workout #1: 3 sets of 12-15 sets each exercise.

Workout #2: 4 sets of 10-12 sets each exercise.

Workout #3: 4 sets of 10-12 sets each exercise.

Workout #4: 3 sets of 12-15 sets each exercise.

Workout #5: 3 sets of 12-15 sets each exercise.

The Importance of Skin Protection From The Sun

Beauty Lifestyle

I wish someone would have told me sooner the importance of protecting my skin from the sun. I thought because I was tan and I didn’t burn easy, I was automatically protected. Sadly that is not the case. As I got older, sun spots appeared on my skin, which makes me more stringent on preserving my skin now. Since summer is approaching, I thought it would remind readers of the importance of skin protection from the sun.

Why Put on Sunscreen:

The sun’s UV rays can cause serious damage to our skin. In particular, UVA and UVB rays are what we need to protect ourselves from. UVB only penetrates the skin first layer, which burns the skin and gives us a tan. However UVA rays penetrates deeper into our skin and causes damages to skin cells. In time these damage can cause signs of aging, or in worse situations skin cell mutation. Which can lead to skin cancer (LINK).

Which Type of Sun Screen:

Doctors recommend putting on SPF 30 everyday, especially on the facial skin. The SPF is the length of time that your skin is protected. Therefore, if your trying an SPF 20 plus SPF 10, it does equal to a 30 SPF.

There are two types of SPF that you can purchase. First is a physical SPF, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, that blocks and reflects sun-rays. Second is chemical protection, which absorbs the sun-rays. Unfortunately chemical doesn’t last as long as a physical SPF.

The best way to protect your skin is to cover-up from the sun or avoid it at its strongest which 11am – 3pm. Also never forget to put sun protection on your exposed body parts.

Have a great summer everyone!

Natural Mexican Popsicle Recipe

Dessert Recipes

I wanted to share a healthy and refreshing treat inspired by our love of Mexican popsicles. These natural mexican popsicals are the perfect healthy and festive treat to have on cinco de mayo, or any hot day.

One of our favorite things to have when going to Mexico were these popsicals. Not only did they taste great, but they are made with natural sugars and locally grown fruit. What I love most about going to Mexico is that fruit is found everywhere, from street vendors to local shops. You just can’t help eat it all the time.

Ingrediants:

2 cups of strawberry

2 cups of kiwi

13oz can coconut cream

1/2 cup of water

3 tbps of natural sweetener of choice.

In a blender, blend the strawberries, adding 1/4 water and just 1 tbsp of sugar and set mixture aside in a bowl. Clean blender and same of kiwi. For the coconut, drain the water, and blend the cream with the remaining 1 tbsp of sugar. Place mixtures into 5-6 small plastic cup or popsical molds, first adding the kiwi, coconut and then strawberry mixtures. Carefully place all cups in the freezer for an hour, or until they are almost frozen, add the sticks. and leave in the freezer for additional 30 mins. When frozen, the popsical should easily slide out or let them thaw for a few minutes.

Yum

Natural Mexican Popsicles Recipe

IMG 5814 1024x681 - Natural Mexican Popsicle Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of strawberry
2 cups of kiwi
13oz can coconut cream
1/2 cup of water
3 tbps of natural sweetener of choice.

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https://www.theactivehabitat.com/2017/04/natural-mexican-popsicles-recipe/

The Formula for Effortless Airport Style

Active Wear Lifestyle

I always wonder how models, actresses, and fashion bloggers can look chic, yet effortless when traveling. They always look on point even when traveling for long haul flights. So I went to Pinterest and did research on the formula for effortless airport style. Here are 5 tips to help you look stylish and comfortable when traveling.

Since I’m advocate of wearing active wear outside of the gym these tips can easily be worn with gym clothes.

Leather jacket + Grey Hoody Sweater

No one looks uncool wearing a leather jacket and pairing it with a grey hoody give it that cool-casual look.

Brim Hat + Black Leggings

A brim hat is always a good idea, since it cover messy hair. Pairing a black tights with a brim hat gives it an outfit a rocker vibe.

Wear a Black Baseball Hat

Just like before hat is not only functional, but stylish. Choosing a black baseball hat, rather than a team color hat, gives that sporty-chic look.

Monochrome Top + Bottom

Nothing looks chicer than a monochrome look and even better if paired with sweat pants.

Wear a Statement Jacket

Wearing anything with a statement jacket hides the clothes underneath, no matter how casual they are.

Holiday Tradition Mood Board

Neighborhood Guide to Hillcrest by…

A Year Full Of Blessings

Links We Love For Spring Refresh

We are soon approaching summer, so it is time for spring refresh. This time of year is perfect to get things in order, make changes in your life, and clean out the junk. I found some great articles for tips and tricks to welcome summer with open arms and end this season on a high note.

Spicy Jalapeno Lime Bean Burger Recipe

Looking for a great recipe to share with the family for meatless Monday? Try this spicy jalapeno lime bean burger. It’s perfect to grill as the weather is heating up. I’m warning you, it is a bit spicy.

What I Learned Waiting 10 Years To Get Married

Benefits of Rosemary & Rosemary Herb Rinse

Rosemary herb has been used for thousands of years due to it’s healing properties. This Mediterranean plant has been known to help cure skin conditions, joint pain, toothache, etc. For this post I wanted to focus on the benefits of rosemary for hair.

Mother’s Day – The Story Of My Immigrant Mom