Launching

WELCOME!
to the VERY FIRST ISSUE!

Hey there, founding members! 🥇

Thanks for subscribing! I'm so glad you're here and ready to get into the Huckleberry Headspace!

In this weekly newsletter, we’ll go a little deeper into late diagnosis ADHD (& all the “fun” that goes along with it), and how it affects our lives and homes. I’ll be sharing insights on my overall mental wellness and brain health along with things that are (and arn’t) working for me.
My goal? To help you focus on what truly matters (I think we have a lot in common!😉). Let’s build a community of neuro-spicy, nature-loving gals who dream of foraging in the woods or working on !AWESOME! home projects—but too often find themselves wrapped up in the grind of modern life.

I'm super excited to be here, and I'm super excited you're here! This first issue is meant to encourage you to embrace the beauty of this month of October, let the season inspire you to find small joys and engage your brain and body. Here we go! 🎉🏆🌟

100-DAY CHALLENGE
My Personal Challenge… but I'd love you to join!!

I’m on week 2 of my personal 100-day challenge to detox my life and heal my brain and body before the year ends. My goal is to double my cognitive function! 💥

Each week thru the end of the yr, I’ll share what's working (or not) with you here. If you want to join me and challenge yourself too, or just want to hear more details about my process, reply to this email and let me know so I can work on a plan to share.

Otherwise, look for my two-week update next Thursday. Lovies

WARNING
ON EATING CLEAN FOR BRAIN HEALTH

Simple eating does not = any of the following statements:
“Eating Clean is just sooo much less complicated”
“Making all your own condiments is easy”
“eating simple whole foods is super low maintenance”

This is your PSA-
When you choose to eat non-processed foods, you in turn become the food process-e. #ISaidWhatISaid

INSIGHT
CLUTTERED HOME = CLUTTERED MIND

Do you know how much a clean and organized home boosts your mental wellness? The “stuff” in our physical space literally take up mental space as well. This is one of the reasons that extremists subscribe to minimalism.
OK, maybe they're not extremists in the typical sense of the word, but to me, getting rid of ALL of my furniture, tools, and disassembled lamp collection IS extreme! The key for those of us who can't (or don't want to) sell everything and become a nomad is to strike a balance, someplace between extreme minimalism and solely letting our emotions dictate our environment.
When you're feeling flustered and frustrated, take a moment to pause and notice your space (home environment). I would be willing to bet that you're like me, and there are little things you've been ignoring that have been driving you nuts internally.

If this sounds like you… here's your actionable step: Lets Play “Rapid Fire”. Ready? Think of three things that you need to clean or get rid of……..THING 1.   THING 2.   THING 3.

We’re not done… QUICK….Which one of those 3 is the easiest to get done? THING  1, 2 or 3?
Now set a reminder to take care of that 1 thing (thats adding to your chaos), make it a time that makes sense. If it's that hard water scum in the shower, set a reminder for whenever you plan to take a shower next.

. . .And here's a reminder about that ever important key of balance…..
It's not about perfection, but about creating an environment that supports your well-being. Remember, forward progress over perfection!

PROJECT
FOCUS ON KITCHEN DISHWASHER

Forest Friendly Dishwashing “Soap”

This week’s DIY project is an eco-friendly dishwashing “soap.” I’m minimizing the contaminants going into our soil (I’m on a septic) by eliminating dissolvable plastics like the wrappers on detergent pods. I’ve tried several blends, but the simplest works best!
Check out my reel on Instagram for the steps and cost breakdown. (we’ll talk about rural interwebs & uploads another time IYKYK)
Recipe/Ratio
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup citric acid
Mix and store in an airtight container. Use 2 tablespoons per load.

Dishwasher Maintenance

Add a quick PM (preventative maintenance) reminder to your calendar once a month.
Copy and paste in these steps (put em’ right in your calendar app)to keep your dishwasher happy and doing your bidding years to come.

• Inspect and clean the water filter (usually at the bottom of the machine). This can look like a screen or just some molded plastic guarding the drain. Remove the dish racks so you can get your full self in there à la the witch in Hansel and Gretel (you thought your childhood was tramatic…). Rinse the filter under hot water to remove debris and grease. If it's not removable, just wipe it free of any debris and grease.

• Inspect elements for any melted-on food or plastic. Remove with a plastic or nylon scraper.

• Clean and wipe down the seal (beats side and exclaims arr arr arr) where the door closes.

• Check wear on wheels, rollers, and bearings by testing to see if the racks glide easily in and out. Is there any catch spots or any excessive wobble? If so, you may want to look into getting replacement parts sooner rather than later (e-replacements.com is a good site).

• Find your make and model number and save the info or a pic in your monthly calendar reminder. (you won’t know when…but you’ll thank me later for this)

READING
ENHANCING YOUR GUT?

This week I’m reading (ok, flipping to highlights and specific chapters I’m curious about…..)
Heal your Gut, Save your Brain- Partha Nandi, M.D. Mayo Clinic Press
Bronners Soap & Soul- Lisa Bronner
The Forever Dog LIFE- Dr. Karen Shaw Becker & Rodney Habib (if you even remotely interested in both your health and your dog…THIS IS THE COOLEST BOOK EVER!!!)

 KITCHEN
FALL FLAVORS

Mom and Me Carrot Cake Cookies - GF Snack Cookies You & Your Dog

Yummy fall flavors in this 2-part recipe adapted from “The Forever Dog Life.”
Base

• 1 1/2 cups grated carrot

• 5 large eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup raw unsalted pecans

• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 2 tbsp coconut flour

Mom’s Cookies (Add-Ins)

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/4 cup sprouted pumpkin seeds

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1/4 cup rolled oats (GF if needed)

• 1/4 cup honey

• Preheat oven to 250°F.

• Combine carrot, eggs, pecans, coconut, and pumpkin pie spice.

• Stir in coconut flour and incorporate completely.

• Divide mixture in half by placing 1/2 in another bowl.

• Add mom's cookie additional add-ins to one of the bowls and mix thoroughly.

Now both mixtures are done!

Drop tablespoon-sized morsels on parchment-lined baking sheet or into a silicone mini muffin pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until firm. Let cool completely. “Frost” with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Top with extra shredded coconut and/or extra honey on mom's if desired.

Bomb Ass Chocolate Protein Coffee, Hot - 24 oz

Warning: Food obsession trigger

Start your day right with this supercharged coffee blend!

• 1 serving chocolate protein powder

• 1 tsp cacao powder

• 1 tsp maca powder

• 1/2 serving mushroom powder blend (I'm using one from Azure Standard… I think OM makes another one)

• Salt, pepper, cayenne to taste

• Vanilla extract to taste

• 1 serving MCT oil

Tools

• Small whisk or frother

• Small sifter or strainer

• Coffee carafe or large liquid measuring cup

Directions

Combine all of the powders and spices in a small bowl or measuring cup. Whisk to combine thoroughly.

Start with your coffee in the carafe or large liquid measuring cup. Fill your drinking mug 1/4 full of hot coffee and use the small sifter on top of your cup to sift about 1/4 of your powder mix. Blend with the whisk or frother and continue until your cup is full. You get the picture… The goal here is to dissolve as much of the powder as possible and not end up with too much wasted powder sludge at the bottom of your coffee cup. There will still be some, but I've just been rinsing that with a little water and downing it when I'm done with my coffee.

I'm making the full 24 ounces at once in my Yeti cup (I know, not a Stanley, don't shoot me), but you can for sure customize this to fit your mood/desires/needs (OK, focus Shandra)…. Enjoy!

COMMUNITY
JOIN THE HUCKLEBERRY HIVE

🙏🏼Forever grateful if you would lend a hand and help me grow this community!
Share this newsletter with a friend who’d love Huckleberry Content.

🕶️Good vibes only, please—no toxic or codependent energy frienemies here!

🧐If hearing about my 100-day challenge gave you a brain itch, reply to this email and I’ll hook you up with some tools and resources.