Sophie Jaffe from Philosophie Superfoods on Standing up for Your Beliefs, Sacred Morning Quiet Time & Waffles

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I’m honored to share with you an interview that I did with raw food chef, Sophie Jaffe. I first heard her on one of my favorite podcasts, Almost 30 and have loved her ever since. Enjoy ♥

1. How did you decide to start your brand Philosophie and what is it?

I decided to start my brand, Philosophie Superfoods, one day while on vacation in I Israel, when I was floating in the dead sea with my husband Adi. I had been a private chef and created cleanses for many clients. It would drive me crazy to be in the middle of a making a smoothie, or about to prepare a meal, and realize I was out of just ONE of my superfoods. I was tired of depending so much time driving all over LA searching for Maca, or Cacao, or Reishi, and wanted the ease and convenience of having a nourishing blend of superfoods all rolled into one package!

2. When you picture your happiest life, what do you see?

I’m so lucky to say my happiest life isn’t far from what I experience now, tons of support, beautiful humans, lots of laughter and joy. When I walk myself through my “dream” scenario, I actually laugh because it’s very much similar to what my reality is now. I suppose feeling more financially stable would be nice and also traveling more as a family. Otherwise, I’m beyond blissed out most of the time! So grateful.

3. What attracted you to being a raw food chef?

I loved the science behind being a raw food chef and know what a tremendous impact it makes on our bodies and overall wellness! Plants are so powerful and learning to create nourishing dishes was such a delicious thrill!

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4. Is it important to have a morning routine? What does your morning routine consist of?

I love my sacred morning quiet time before the kiddos are up. The first 30 minutes is when I try to get my meditation on to start my day off on the right foot. I try to find some beautiful morning light and get some stretching done as well.

Then, I head down to my kitchen to make a Philosophie Superfood Coffee. So easy, I throw these ingredients into my Blendtec Blender:

*1 cup brewed coffee

*Splash of Califia Farms Coconut Creamer

*2 tbsp Philosophie Coconut Butter

*Cinnamon, to taste

*1 tsp Cacao Magic

*1 tsp Solstice Canyon Almond Butter

5. What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different! Time with my kiddos before school is a must, we always make a high vibrational breakfast together, either Green Dream Waffles or our home favorite Cacao Smoothie.

Then, I get my fitness on! That could be a HIIT workout out front in my yard, or a sweaty hot8 class to stretch it out! I also love the occasional spin class at Soulcycle! After that, WORK TIME, whether I’m at home answering emails for my company Philosophie Superfoods or out in LA at a fun event with other awesome influencers, I’m always maximizing my “work time” for the day! Next, I’m able to pick the boys up from their darling Waldorf School and take them to get their flow on at our favorite yoga studio for mini’s, Soul Play Yoga, followed by picking up fresh fruits+veggies at the Culver City Farmers market! We head home in time to cook a delicious meal for dinner, normally that’s roasted veggies, hummus, lentils, salmon, tons of greens or a Cauliflower Crust pizza! I’m a big believer in balance, so great quality dark chocolate dipped in a yummy nut butter like Solstice Canyon, is always dessert!

My bedtime routine is found here.

6. What is your favorite mantra that continues to be relevant in your life?

Saying no to others is saying yes to myself.

7. How do you balance being a mom with your job?

It’s always a juggle balancing being a mama and owning my own company. I have a great support system, from my amazing hubby Adi, to loving nannies and employees who all band together to keep this thing afloat! It’s not always easy but totally worth it, and wouldn’t have it any other way! I also love getting together with our mamas and seeing what works and what doesn’t work for them, and providing an outlet for each other!

8. If you could tell your past self something 10 years ago, what would it be?

If I could tell my past self anything, I would say stand up for your beliefs and stay authentic to your needs. Don’t try and please others in sacrificing your own well being. It will always catch up to you.

9. Do you have any retreats or courses coming up that readers may be interested in?

I have tons of retreats coming up! I lead women’s only retreats, as well as couples retreats! They are so moving and life changing, please come grow with me! You can find more info here: http://www.wildwellnesstravel.com/igntd-couples-vail/

Thank you so much for hanging with me!

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You can follow along on Sophie’s journey on Instagram at @sophie.jaffe and visit her website at https://www.thephilosophie.com/.

This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.

 

Awesome Things Thursday – May 1st

Hi there! How’s your week going? I’ve decided to start a weekly column called “Awesome Things Thursday”. It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It will include things I’m loving and finding awesome this week. Hope you enjoy!

1. The Encinitas street fair with huge strawberries, to die for cookies like the Churro & Chocolate Covered Mint cookies from the Cravory, a juggling family performance, and a raffle ticket to win a car (fingers crossed!).

jugglers


Delicious Strawberries

2. The most epic mother-son wedding dance you’ll ever see. 

3. This tiny book I ordered that includes pictures from my birthday party. It’s really tiny, but I still love it!

Tiny Photo Book

Tiny Photo Book

4. No-bake energy bites like these

5. Finally updating my phone to the new iOS so I can download new apps. I just downloaded a meditation app called “Stop, Breathe & Think” as suggested by Katy. Excited to start using it!

6. This “K” map I got from my friend, Shelley as a birthday present! You can see it on Etsy here.

Map of California

7. This article – 35 Things to do Instead of Spending Money. 

I’m off to work and Zumba! What are you loving this week? Let me know in the comments!

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4 Yummy Recipes to Make You Happy Going into 2014

A few months ago I posted about the “Top Foods That Make You Happy” and highlighted mood-boosting foods like salmon, chocolate, bananas, eggs, beans, mushrooms, asparagus, and nuts. I thought a great follow-up to that post would be to highlight a few recipes that include some of these happy foods! Here are 4 delicious recipes from my friend and fellow blogger, Lindsay from Weeknight Bite.

Continue reading “4 Yummy Recipes to Make You Happy Going into 2014”

5 Reasons to Find a Farmers Market near You

find farmers market near you

Do you have a farmers market close to you? I hope so! Farmers Markets are not only fun, they are also a great way to support your local farmers.

Here are 5 reasons to find a farmers market near you:

1) Get fresh & cheaper food from the farm

Farmers Market

The fruits and vegetables that you buy are sold directly to you without any need for shipping or sitting in storage. In addition to being fresh, a study for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont found that prices were lower for many conventionally produced grocery items at farmers markets than they were at supermarkets.

2) Ask for cooking tips from the people who know

Farmers Market FoodOften times the farmers and artisans selling food at the farmers market are happy to teach you about how to best cook their food.

3) Spread happiness in your community

Happy at Farmers Market There are so many people shopping and hanging around that it’s easy to strike up a conversation or even hand out a happy note. Sometimes there is even musical entertainment like this “Smiling Accordion Sensation”.

Continue reading “5 Reasons to Find a Farmers Market near You”

Top Foods That Make You Happy

Mood Boosting Foods
The Top Mood Boosting Foods

Did you know that certain foods can actually have an effect on your mood? I didn’t until recently when I was trying to think of what to give out at our first Happster meet up. I wanted to give something that people would not just enjoy eating, but also positively affects their mood.

Here are my main findings about mood-boosting foods:

Vitamin B

  • These vitamins are also called “anti-stress vitamins”
  • They balance your mood and can help ease your anxiety
  • Some foods with vitamin B include asparagus, nuts, brown rice, bananas, and beans

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • They are known to be brain-boosting and help keep anger in check
  • There have been studies that show they may help fight depression
  • Some foods with omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, flax seeds and walnuts

Vitamin D

  • Vitamin D regulates serotonin, dopamine and other mood hormones
  • Studies have shown vitamin D can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Some foods with vitamin D include fortified milk and orange juice, sardines, eggs, mushrooms, salmon and tuna

Phenylethylamine 

  • Phenylethylamine is a mild alkaloid stimulant that your body produces as a byproduct of the amino acid phenylalanine
  • They lift your mood, perception and awareness
  • Some foods with Phenylethylamine include chocolate, eggs, soybeans, nuts and seeds

I don’t know about you, but I was particularly happy to see chocolate on the list of happy foods! I’m just scratching the surface with mood-boosting foods and am sure there is a much longer list than I’ve provided here.

Are there any foods that boost your mood?

Not an official Happster yet? Get free happy notes here: http://tinyurl.com/imahappster

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Sources:

omega-3 fatty acids: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

Mood Boosting Foods: http://www.elliekrieger.com/mood-boosting-foods

The Top 10 Natural Sources of Vitamin D in Food: http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/sources-of-vitamin-d-in-foods#slide-5

Foods with Phenylethylamine: http://www.livestrong.com/article/528433-foods-with-phenylethylamine

Top Ten Happy Foods: http://health.yahoo.net/experts/joybauernutrition/top-ten-happy-foods