Wholehearted Living & Wellness

04/07/2022

Healthy Cornbread + Sloppy Joes 👏🏽

This one took me back to one of my many stints as a camp counselor, though the quality & nutrient density here are far superior!

My & Cornbread blender recipe is my favorite:

Makes 6 palm sized servings

• 1 1/3 c organic cornmeal
• 2/3 c organic GF oats
• 1/4 c organic applesauce
• 1 c water
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 2 dashes sea salt

Add all to a blender & blend until smooth. Bake at 400 F 25 min or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool at least 5 min before cutting if you can wait that long! ;) (I usually can’t though!)

Thanks for the great healthy Sloppy Joe recipe!! 👏🏽

01/24/2022

Vegan Dal Makhani with Chicken & Rice & GF Naan

I wanted make something totally different than we normally have for dinner & this combo was definitely that!

I used ’s Vegan Dal Makhani recipe (subbed onions with leftover kale & sweet potato we had in the fridge) & rice soaked it all up so we’ll. I fried chicken drumsticks in our cast iron skillet with seasoning from the dal sprinkled on top for our Baby Boy to have something to chew on now that he has 6 teeth naan was the 👌 side & we all gobbled it up so fast my Baby Girl (now a toddler?! 😍😭) loved too!

So refreshing to change up our usual meals!!

11/21/2021

Just spent the most magical weekend relaxing with my love (+ with no babies for the 1st time 🙌🏽)!

Before healing my mindset I would have felt anxious & guilty for spending a whole weekend relaxing without working out. I would have gotten up early to make sure I got in some cardio, HIIT & weight lifting at the hotel gym to make sure I burned enough calories.

I also would have been terrified that I couldn’t control the menu where we ate. I would have been so worried about eating something that would hurt my stomach or eating too many calories.

Thank you, Jesus, that I put in the hard work of healing my body image while healing my gut + hormones so I could enjoy the rest + food + have fun this weekend.

Rest is such an important part of life! It’s in resting + repairing that we make all the gains from exercise + it’s that time that allows us to actually absorb our food. We assimilate nutrients into our cells best when we are at rest.

We played in the snow, walked around town, ate amazing food + had such a wonderful time just being together.

12/07/2020

The results are in!!

💙 Team BOY may have lost in the polls, but surprised everyone in my family by WINNING!

Baby Girl is getting a Baby Brother!!

While Hubby has 4 brothers, I have just 1 sister, so no experience with boys! We are so thrilled but still so surprised + now are in the process of working through finding the perfect name for Baby Boy! We’re quickly finding girls names are so much easier!

Help! What good boy names do you like??

11/27/2020

Black Friday Sale Deals!!!

Beautycounter 15% off site wide + free shipping on $50 - no code needed
Beautycounter.com/annikapiehler

Primally Pure 25% off site wide + free shipping on $50 with code ANNIKAP25

I also have a Nontoxic Holiday Gift Guide for all of those folks on your list!

https://wholeheartedlivingandwellness.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/annikas-nontoxic-holiday-gift-guide-2020-edition/

Beautycounter's mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone.

11/15/2020

I created a Holiday Gift Guide! I curated items that are local, affordable, nontoxic, and thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list. I'd love it if you check it out! If you need help this season, I thoroughly enjoy finding creative solutions for those on your list that just seem impossible to purchase for. Let me help you! I'll be your personal gifting concierge lady this Holiday Season!
Who's the hardest person to shop for in your life?

https://wholeheartedlivingandwellness.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/annikas-nontoxic-holiday-gift-guide-2020-edition/

This year I am sharing a simple and easy gift guide filled with my own personally curated gifting ideas perfect for everyone on your list. Allow me to be your be your personal shopper and gifting c…

11/14/2020

My Nontoxic Holiday Gift Guide is Here!!

If you need ideas for everyone on your list, you’ll find them here!

https://wholeheartedlivingandwellness.wordpress.com/2020/11/14/annikas-nontoxic-holiday-gift-guide-2020-edition/

This year I am sharing a simple and easy gift guide filled with my own personally curated gifting ideas perfect for everyone on your list. Allow me to be your be your personal shopper and gifting c…

10/02/2020

Such a big win for cleaner beauty! Even if you don’t live in California, many of the products you buy may be produced there!

https://www.ewg.org/release/california-first-state-ban-24-toxic-chemicals-personal-care-products-and-cosmetics?utm_campaign=EWG+Content&utm_content=1601499406&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2vavfSI3ch_aDNK5robu8BCGQGCOsR3krXMN4diw689caG68XJSFJi8jw

In a major victory for the movement for safer cosmetics, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, Assembly Bill 2762, into law. This is the nation’s first state-level ban of 24 toxic ingredients, including mercury and formaldehyde, from the beauty and personal care pro...

10/01/2020

The holidays came early over at my private account .annika ! We could all use some earlier holiday cheer this year + shipping cut offs are projected to be earlier than usual, too!
Check out the holiday preview over there for early shopping ideas! I’m also taking ore-orders for when the sets officially launch October 6th!

10/01/2020

A preview of 3 luxurious, giftable holiday sets available October 6!

10/01/2020

Get a quick preview of 6 products under $50 coming October 6!

09/30/2020

You’re invited to the Holiday 2020 Preview!! 💝
The holidays maybe months away but I think we could all use some early holiday spirit this year!! Bring on the cheer & join me over .annika !! Holiday doesn’t launch until October 6th, but I’m giving you early access to the preview & taking pre-sale orders starting tomorrow, October 1st!!

09/29/2020

Have you heard of the skin's acid mantle?

The acid mantle is a thin film on the skin's surface composed of lipids from the oil glands mixed with amino acids from sweat. Along with the microbiome, it's part of the delicate matrix that creates a healthy skin barrier. It also keeps your skin glowing, pH balance + protect from environmental elements.

Common skincare practices disrupt our skin's acid mantle. This leads to inflammation, irritation, breakouts, dullness, redness + premature aging.

I was surprised to learn that our skin prefers to be on the more acidic side. Skin thrives when it is slightly acidic. This environment allowing it to create the optimal amount of sebum, sweat + bacterial balance hydration.

Here are some signs your acid mantle is out of balance:

1. After you cleanse, your skin feels tight, dry + itchy
2. You experience frequent acne, breakouts + combination skin
3. Your skin is dry and flaky - moisturizer is never enough
4. You are prone to allergic reactions + irritation when trying new skincare products

What might damage your skin's acid mantle?

-Using harsh cleansers
-Exfoliating TOO much
-Being too simple with your routine... aka just water & no moisturizer
-Washing your face or showering with hot water
-Not protecting your skin from the elements

How to restore and protect you skin's acid mantle:

1. Use nourishing cleansers like the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm or the Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil + DO NOT USE HOT WATER
2. Say goodbye to harsh exfoliants + Use more gentle leave-on serum alpha hydroxy acid treatments like the Overnight Resurfacing Peel 2-3 nights a week instead.
3. If you're only washing with water and not using moisturizer consistently, find the best products for your skin. Email me for a FREE consult. Your skin will age prematurely, if you do not actively care for it, and you will continue to be sensitive to new products.
4. Protect your skin from environmental stressors like the sun, pollution, air conditioning, and indoor heat with the Vitamin C serum
5. Eat omega-3 rich fatty fish like sardines + salmon

09/26/2020

In light of the recent fires all down the West Coast, now through September 30 I will be donating part of my Beautycounter commission to the American Red Cross to help support those that have been victimized by this horrific fire season. As bad as the smoke was in Seattle last week, I’m so grateful that all I had to worry about was smoke. There are so many that are no longer without homes, pets, and life as they knew it. 2020 has been rough on so many, but this is a way we can help those that have been through the worst of it.

If you’re interested in participating in donating with me, you can purchase through my website and *select the pop up at checkout “American Red Cross Smoke/Fire Victims Donation” and I’ll include you in my donation. See link below.

https://www.beautycounter.com/annikapiehler/socials/jRijzHPfwfeKO4xmpnL9

Beautycounter's mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone.

09/21/2020

🔥 I can finally see the sky in Seattle after nearly a full week of smoky skies! While I am so grateful to be in my own home again & breathe deeply of clean air, I can't help but feel even more blessed that I have not also been scared about fires reaching my neighborhood, needing to evacuate, or losing my home as so many families have in the past weeks and months. I have family in Oregon and friends in California, so this wildfire season hits especially close to home for me.
🔥 This has spurred me onto decide to donate part of my Beautycounter commission, starting TODAY through the end of September, to the American Red Cross to benefit those that have lost their homes & so much of their known lives to the wildfires. This is something I am doing personally on my Beautycounter website. If you'd like part of your Beautycounter purchase to go towards helping some people truly in need, order through my website and select the pop up "American Red Cross Smoke/Fire Victims Donation" at check out. This is how I will know to include you in my donation.
Beautycounter.com/AnnikaPiehler
🔥 Thank you so much for joining me! I look forward to reporting back on our donation at the end of the month!

09/11/2020

Remember your favorite snack in elementary school? You know, the one you would trade your sandwich for? Mine was fruit snacks! 🍉 Ok, yes, it was still my favorite snack well into college, too.
But have you ever look at the ingredients in fruit snacks? 🤯 How in the world did we ever get tricked into believing those things were actually good for us (rather than healthified candy)??
Well did it again with their vitamin K2 + D3 with Calcium gummies! They taste like my favorite childhood fruit snacks! They are so tasty, there’s no way my family will ever forget to take them because we look forward to eating them each morning!
Did you know that vitamin D is an essential nutrient that most folks in the Pacific Northwest are highly deficient in? It plays a significant role in immune function, gut health & skin health. K2 has been found to help vitamin D be better absorbed by the body so it’s best to take together. Calcium is best absorbed in the presence of vitamin D so each of these nutrients is strategically included to help each be optimally absorbed. With summer ending & the threat of scarce sunshine coming, we’ve stocked up so we’re ready for those winter months with K2 + Vitamin D with Calcium!
Do you take vitamin D? Have you checked with your doctor to see if you’re deficient?

09/11/2020

Hidden Veggie Meatloaf *FULL RECIPE*
It’s here! If you’re on my email list, the full recipe already hit your inbox a few days ago! But in case you missed it, here it is!
I love this recipe because nearly 1/2 the volume is veggies & you can’t even tell! It’s a great way to use up your garden herbs & the flavor is so good it’s even turned meatloaf haters into lovers!
Ingredients:
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup riced cauliflower
1 zucchini, grated or rice
2-3 leaves rainbow chard, chopped
2 tbsp fresh or ground marjoram
2 tbsp fresh or ground thyme
2 tbsp fresh or ground oregano
1 clove or 1/2 tsp ground garlic (omit for low FODMAP)
2 tsp sea salt
2 lbs ground pastured meat
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Heat the coconut oil and combine with the veggies in a skillet or bowl.
2. In a large bowl combine the ground meat with the veggies, herbs, and salt. It's easiest to incorporate if you use your hands.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large loaf pan being sure to spread the mixture evenly to the corners.
4. Cook for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155F. Remove from oven and carefully drain excess liquid. You can save the liquid for cooking later.
5. Allow to cool a little before slicing.

09/04/2020

Have you heard of the skin's acid mantle?

The acid mantle is a thin film on the skin's surface composed of lipids from the oil glands mixed with amino acids from sweat. Along with the microbiome, it's part of the delicate matrix that creates a healthy skin barrier. It also keeps your skin glowing, pH balance, and protect from environmental elements.

Common skincare practices disrupt our skin's acid mantle. This leads to inflammation, irritation, breakouts, dullness, redness and premature aging.

I was surprised to learn that our skin prefers to be on the more acidic side. Skin thrives when it is slightly acidic. This environment allowing it to create the optimal amount of sebum, sweat ,and bacterial balance.

Signs your acid mantle is out of balance:

1. After you cleanse, your skin feels tight, dry and itchy
2. You experience frequent acne, breakouts and combination skin
3. Your skin is dry and flaky - moisturizer is never enough
4. You are prone to allergic reactions and irritation when trying new skincare products

What might damage your skin's acid mantle?

1. Using harsh cleansers
2. Exfoliating TOO much
3. Being too simple with your routine... aka just water & no moisturizer
4. Washing your face or showering with hot water
5. Not protecting your skin from the elements

How to restore and protect you skin's acid mantle:

1. Use nourishing cleansers like the Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm or Countertime Lipid Defense Oil Cleanser
2. Say goodbye to harsh exfoliation & use more gentle leave-on serum alpha hydroxy acid treatments like the Overnight Resurfacing Peel 2-3 nights a week instead.
3. If you're only washing with water and not using moisturizer consistently, find the best products for your skin. Email me for a FREE consult. Your skin will age prematurely, if you do not actively care for it, and you will continue to be sensitive to new products.
4. Protect your skin from environmental stressors like the sun, pollution, air conditioning, and indoor heat with the Vitamin C serum
5. Consume omega-3 rich fatty fish like wild salmon & sardines