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5 Fun Charleston Summer Activities to Add to Your Calendar

June 12, 2018 by

Charleston bridge

Between the sandy beaches, beautiful parks, and a hopping downtown area, Charleston is the perfect place to have fun.

For that reason, we thought we’d share some of our favorite events that are happening this summer.

Add these activities to your calendar and, you’ll be sure to plan a summer you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Keep reading to discover what we recommend…

Party at the Point – June 15, 22, and 29

party on the beach at sunset

Charleston’s premiere Happy Hour concert series will be taking place for the next 3 Friday events–June 15, 22, and 29. The event will be hosted from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

This fun beachfront event features live music, food, and drinks.

The best part…Party at the Point is a family-friendly activity so be sure to bring the kiddos if you desire.

Admission is $8. Kids 12 and under get in FREE!

Find out more about the event here.

July 4 Fireworks – July 4

fireworks

Feeling patriotic, enjoy a good old-fashioned 4th of July celebration, or simply like sparkly things?

If your answer is yes to any of the questions above, then be sure to join us for 4th of July fireworks!

Every year fireworks celebrations are hosted all over Charleston. Here are a few of our favorite spots…

4th of July Blast at Patriots Point

Enjoy a professional fireworks display and shoreside party with a beach music band at Patriots Point.

Location: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Fourth of July Fireworks on Folly Beach

Gather for a dazzling fireworks show at Folly Beach County Park, on the west end of the island.

Location: Folly Beach County Park

Take part in the Uncle Sam Jam + Fireworks Show

The Mount Pleasant Pier sets the perfect stage for a 4th of July celebration, featuring fireworks, great views, and groovy music at the Uncle Sam Jam.

Location: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Boulevard

Rum Dinner – July 26

rum in a tasting glass

Charleston’s love of rum comes from the big Caribbean influence in the Lowcountry.

Enjoy a spirited evening at Circa 1886 where chef Collins will share info on how rum from the West Indies and Caribbean islands has influenced Lowcountry cooking.

There will be plenty of delicious dishes to eat as well!

Find out more about the event here.

Take a Trip to the Beach – ALL SUMMER

waves splashing on the beach

One of the best things about Charleston is the beaches–and boy, do we have a lot of them!

Whether you enjoy exciting water activities like wakeboarding and surfing or prefer to go for a leisurely swim, we have a beach for you.

Here are some of our favorite spots to check out…

  • Folly Beach
  • Sullivan’s Island
  • Isle of Palms
  • Kiawah Island
  • Bull Island

Enjoy Charleston Cuisine – ALL SUMMER

beautiful pork dinner

Hot, cold, rain, or shine–all weather is good eating weather.

Between shopping in Charleston’s finest boutiques and taking a stroll through the historic city, we hope you’ll find the time to eat at some of our favorite restaurants.

Here’s what we recommend…

Classic Southern Comfort Foods:

Fresh Seafood:

Steak Houses:

What is your favorite summertime Charleston event? Let us know in the comments below! 

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Delicious and Nutritious Early Spring Veggies to Add to Your Meal Plans

April 3, 2018 by

spring vegetables at a farmers market

Spring has finally arrived, the weather is warming up, and we can finally get excited about fresh spring vegetables hitting the market!

That’s right! Although it may seem a bit early for planting gardens and harvesting crops, early April is actually peak season for many delicious veggies.

If you’re tired of microwaving frozen green beans or purchasing canned corn, listen up! We’re about to share with you our top 5 favorite early spring vegetables that you can buy fresh in your local grocery today!

Check them out…

#1 – Artichokes

artichoke

Artichokes are the buds of a plant that comes from the thistle family. They have been given their name due to a small, inedible, fuzzy center of the vegetable that would likely cause you to choke if you attempted to eat it.

The peak growing season across the U.S. is typically in March, and they can be harvested anytime from April through May.

Artichokes contain up to 28% of your recommended daily fiber intake, which make them a great vegetable for keeping your system clean and regular.

They also contain high levels of vitamin C and K.

Recommended Cooking Strategy: We personally recommend roasting artichokes. Simply clean the vegetable, toss in oil, salt and pepper (or your favorite seasoning), and bake until the artichoke is tender and delicious.

#2 – Asparagus

asparagus

Asparagus is a herbaceous, perennial plant and is native to most of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia.

This particular veggie enjoys growing in cooler climates and is ready to harvest in most places, including the U.S., starting in February.

Because April is the peak season for this vegetable, you may notice prices on this pricey veggie begin to drop. If you’re looking to pinch some pennies, we suggest buying the veggie in bulk when it’s cheap, blanching it, and then storing it in your freezer for a later date.

Asparagus is low in calories and sodium. This makes it a great side dish option if you’re watching your waistline.

It’s also a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber and protein.

Recommended Cooking Strategy: We believe that asparagus tastes best when cooked on the grill. Marinate this veggie in a little oil, salt and pepper, and then throw it on your grill for 15 minutes, and it will be ready to eat.

#3 – Beets

beets on a cutting board

Beets are a root vegetable that have been enjoyed in food dishes since the Middle Ages.

Fun fact: During the middle of the 19th century, wine was often colored with beetroot juice.

Like most root vegetables, beets prefer the cool seasons of fall and spring. They are typically ready to harvest in the U.S. by late March or early April.

Besides tasting great, beets are often eaten due to their unique source of betaine–a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress.

They are also high in immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium.

The only downside to eating beets is that they are high in sugar. For this reason, we recommend you eat them in moderation.

Recommended Cooking Strategy: Steaming beets is one of the best ways to preserve the vegetable roots’ nutrients. Simply steam this vegetable in a veggie steamer and follow your veggie steamer’s guide for optimal results.

#4 – Chicory

Chickory growing in rows in a field

Chicory is member of the endive family.

Because chicory is a leafy green vegetable, it grows best during the cool seasons and is often planted so that it can be harvested in the early spring.

This leafy veggie contains a natural source of inulin, a strong prebiotic. For this reason, many people consume chicory in order to ease their digestion problems and heal their guts.

Chicory leaves also contain a large amount of vitamin K–a vitamin that’s essential for healthy bone growth.

Recommended Cooking Strategy: Get the most out of consuming chicory leaf by simply adding it to a salad. Be sure to add in other leafy greens and veggies as this veggie often has a bitter taste when left unbalanced with other veggies.

#5 – Rhubarb

rhubarb stalks

Believe it or not, most rhubarb that we eat in the U.S. is grown in hothouses and is called “hothouse rhubarb.” Every year growers plant hothouse rhubarb in the fall, and it’s ready to harvest and sell to consumers in early spring.

The reason this veggie is grown in abnormal conditions is because, when it’s grown in a hothouse over the winter months, the rhubarb stalk ends up becoming sweeter and less bitter.

In the past, the Chinese would often use rhubarb for medicinal purposes. Today, many people enjoy eating it roasted, in pies, or shredded on top of salads.

Rhubarb is full of antioxidants. In fact, it’s a fantastic source of beta-carotene and other polyphenolic compounds that work to protect the skin and eyes from free radicals.

Aside from antioxidants, it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet.

Recommended Cooking Strategy: If you have a sweet tooth, we advise you to try making a rhubarb pie. Not only will it be sweet and delicious, but your will also be able to feel good about eating a pie that’s made out of veggies!

Click here to check out one of our favorite rhubarb pie recipes!

What is your favorite spring vegetable? Let us know in the comments below!

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3 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes That Make Cooking Dinner a Breeze

March 20, 2018 by

Crock pot Chicken

It seems that no matter who you are, what you do, where you work, etc., you’re always running out of time. And, when you’re strapped for time, this can make simple things– like cooking a meal–a real challenge.

If you’re tired of constantly reheating leftover pizza or cooking easy mac on your stovetop, you’re not alone.

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction desire to come home to hot, nutritious, home-cooked meals after a day at work. And, we’ve found a solution that will let us prepare meals ahead of time in order to achieve that goal.

The solution: Using a slow cooker to cook premade dinners while we work.

If you’re someone who works long hours, is always on the run, or who simply doesn’t want to have to think about cooking dinner every night, we hope you’ll give some of our favorite slower cooker recipes a try.

Enjoy…

Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Honey Dijon Chicken

The following recipe creates a family-sized portion of tender, juicy honey Dijon chicken.

We recommend that you cook up a side of rice or a vegetable, or grab some dinner rolls to turn this chicken dish into a complete meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb. chicken breasts (4-6 depending on size)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • dash red pepper flakes
  • 1 gallon-sized freezer bag

Directions:

  1. Throw all ingredients into a freezer bag.
  2. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. When ready to use, thaw bag of ingredients overnight. Then, place in crockpot and cook for 8 hours on low.

Recipe Source: http://www.plainchicken.com/2014/08/freezer-meal-honey-dijon-chicken.html#dxRXwFhdo1ysjF8r.99

Honey Soy Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Honey Soy Pork Tenderloin

This mouthwatering honey soy pork recipe will feed up to 6 people.

If you’re cooking for 3 or less people, we recommend cutting the tenderloin in half and using the marinade ingredients to create two freezer bags’ worth of this meal.  

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken stock or broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 tbs. Montreal Steak Seasoning
  • 2 cloves minced garlic or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • pinch ground ginger
  • pinch red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 (2½ – 3 pound) pork tenderloin

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together and throw everything into a freezer bag.
  2. Freeze meal. You can freeze this meal for up to 3 months.
  3. When you’re ready to use the freezer meal, spray your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray.
  4. Set slow cooker for 6 hours on low setting.

Recipe Source: https://addapinch.com/honey-soy-pork-tenderloin-recipe/

Chicken Soup Recipe

Chicken Soup Recipe

You simply can’t go wrong with having hearty, warm, and delicious chicken soup freezer meals on hand for the days you’re chilly or not feeling well.

Grab a loaf of fresh bread on the day you plan to cook your soup, and you’ll have a hearty, wholesome meal that took little to no time and energy to prepare!  

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles
  • 3 tbs. chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. Throw all ingredients, except egg noodles, into a bag.
  2. Store in freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. When you’re ready to cook, dump ingredients, except egg noodles, into your crock pot and cook for 7 hours on low.  
  4. 10 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add in your egg noodles.

Recipe Source: https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/10/best-crockpot-chicken-noodle-soup.html

What is your favorite slow cooker recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Valentine’s Day Date Night Ideas

February 6, 2018 by


We can’t believe it’s already February and that one of our favorite holidays–Valentine’s Day–is just around the corner!

This super fun, love-filled holiday certainly snuck up on us. And it’s possible that it snuck up on you, too!

Not to worry though.

If you haven’t had the time to think about what you want to do this Valentine’s Day with the ones you love, we’ve got you covered.

Today, we’re going to share some affordable, fun, and easy-to-put-together Valentine’s date night ideas that can be enjoyed with anyone–from your significant other to friends and family.

Check it out…

Enjoy an At-Home Movie Night with Your Favorite Takeout

Going out for dinner and to see a show is always a great Valentine’s Day idea.
However, in an effort to make this classic date night activity a little more intimate and a whole lot more affordable, we suggest ordering your favorite takeout and renting a movie.

After all, what could be better than eating your favorite food in the comfort of your own pajamas while cuddling up in front of a fire and watching your favorite movie?

Not much if you ask us!

Turn Back Time with a Retro Date Night

Looking to turn back the time so you can relive every precious moment you’ve ever spent with the ones you love?

Well, unfortunately, we don’t have the technology to send you back in time. But, we can suggest you turn back the clock by going on a retro date night.

Going to the drive-in movies, roller skating rink, or out to your local speakeasy or soda shop are all great retro date night ideas that we think your partner, kids, or group of friends would love.

Cook a Swanky Homemade Dinner

Night after night of cooking spaghetti, grilled cheese sandwiches, or mac-n-cheese gets boring fast!

This Valentine’s Day, put down the macaroni and pick up some filet mignon, lobster tails, or whatever decadent food you desire.

It’s okay to splurge a little on the ones you love!

If you’re cooking for your partner and have kids, we advise that you put the kids down to sleep before you eat so you can enjoy a romantic dinner together.

If you feel bad leaving the kiddos out, cook them their own special meal earlier in the evening.

Or, if you’re hosting a Valentine’s dinner with friends or family members, we recommend that you ask everyone to bring a side dish or drinks, or chip in for the expensive entrees.

This way everyone can partake in a fun Valentine’s celebration without anyone being burdened by food costs.

Take an Overnight Road Trip

There’s nothing more fun than getting out of town for the night–which is exactly why we think an overnight road trip is a great Valentine’s date idea.

It’s as easy as finding a fun or romantic destination that’s only a few hours or less away from your home, packing up your bags, and hitting the road.

And, with many nice hotels averaging around $100 per night, it’s a surprisingly affordable activity as well!

If you’re traveling with a significant other, we recommend going somewhere you can book a couple’s massage, enjoy a spa day, or spend time doing an activity (like hiking or skiing) that you both love to do together.

If you’re traveling with your kids, spending the night at an indoor water park or visiting a museum is a great choice.

And last but not least, if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with your best girlfriends, traveling somewhere you can get mani-pedis, grab a nice brunch, and do some shopping is always fun!

At-Home Spa Night

An at-home spa night is a great idea for both ladies and men!

And with so many spa products available at your local store, it’s easy to host an at home spa night without breaking the bank.

We recommend you grab these items at your local grocery store…

  • Candle
  • Nail polish
  • Bubble bath
  • Face mask
  • Massage oil

If you’re spending an evening with your significant other, break out the candle and spoil your partner with a luxurious massage and a warm, cozy bubble bath.

If you’re celebrating with your kids or girlfriends at home, mani-pedis and face masks are always a fun activity.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day activities? Share them with us in the comments below!

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The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction Gives Thanks

November 21, 2017 by

On behalf of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

We hope you are able to spend time this week with the ones you love, eating delicious food and reflecting on the many things you are grateful for!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve spent some time thinking about the things that we are truly grateful for. And in honor of this holiday of giving thanks, we wanted to share our list with you.

How many things do we have in common on our lists? Keep reading to find out…

#1 — The opportunity to work with so many courageous women who have battled breast cancer.

First and foremost, we are so thankful that we get to work with such amazing women each and every day. Their stories inspire us, their smiles brighten our day, and it is truly a gift to be able to interact with each and every one of the ladies we work with.

Read the stories from some amazing women here.

#2 — Our team of highly skilled staff and medical professionals.

We never take for granted the amazing staff and medical professionals that we have on our team. We are thankful that we have kind, hardworking, and highly skilled professionals that are able to give our clients the best care they deserve.

#3 — Our health.

Every day we work with women who have fought courageous battles against cancer. And every time we hear a new patient’s story, we are reminded of how lucky we are to have our health.

#4 — Our friends and family.

From loving spouses and children to awesome coworkers and friends, we are thankful to be surrounded by those who love us each day.

#5 — Our freedoms.

We are thankful for all the freedoms we have. From access to the technology and education we need to serve our patients to being able to pursue our passion to help women recover and heal from breast cancer, we are truly blessed.

#6 — Delicious food.

Last, but certainly not least, we are thankful for the delicious Thanksgiving meal we will be indulging in this week. There’s nothing better than chowing down on our Thanksgiving favorites while surrounded by the people we love.

Need some inspiration of what to bring to your Thanksgiving table this year? Here are some of our favorite holiday recipes!

This year, when you’re gathered around your Thanksgiving dinner table, we encourage you to share the things you’re grateful for with your loved ones.

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We hope you have a wonderful holiday!

What are you thankful for? Let us know in the comments below!

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10 Reasons to Be Happy Every Day

November 7, 2017 by

A bad day at work…cold dreary weather…cranky kids…

Sure, we all have a list of things that can easily dampen our spirits and put us in a bad mood. But, at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we always try to look for the positives in life.

In fact, we believe that the amount of “happy” we experience each day typically outweighs the “bad.”

And it’s this focus that keeps us all full of cheer, even on the days when nothing seems to go right.

To help add some joy back into your day, we’re sharing our list of 10 simple things that make us happy every day. See how many things on our list resonate with you…then make your own list!

#1 — Getting a hug from a family member/friend

There’s truly nothing better than a warm hug from a friend or family member during your day. Whether it be your child, spouse, coworker, or friend, it’s special when someone takes a moment out of their day to let you know you are loved.

#2 — Snuggling a pet

Getting snuggles from a pet is scientifically proven to make you happier. That’s right! Science has proven that cuddling with a pet increases the levels of the feel-good happy chemicals serotonin and dopamine in your brain.

# 3 — Eating dessert

For many people, having dessert is a special treat. So, when the day comes that you get to indulge with a piece of apple pie or delicious chocolate cake, you’re bound to have a smile on your face!

For some delicious dessert recipes you can make at home, check out this blog post!

#4 — Getting 5 extra minutes of sleep when you hit the snooze button

It’s a magical feeling when the stars align and you’re able to hit the snooze button and stay in your cozy bed for an extra 5 minutes…or 10 or 20! We’re not judging! Tomorrow morning, hit your snooze button…we’ve got a feeling there will be a smile on your face as you sink back into your cozy, warm blankets.

#5 — Wrapping up in your favorite blanket after a long day

After a long day of working, wrangling kids, volunteering, or simply getting chores done, it feels great to wrap up in your favorite blanket and just relax. To put an extra smile on your face, stick your favorite blanket in the dry for 15 minutes to warm it up before wrapping up in it!

#6 — Getting a card in the mail

As an adult, it’s likely that you get more bills in your mailbox than letters from family and friends. For that reason, we always have a giant smile on our face and feel really happy when we discover that the envelope we just pulled out of the mailbox is from a friend and not the utility company. Certainly, a reason to smile and be happy!

#7 — Taking your first sip of freshly brewed coffee in the morning

Taking a sip of a fresh cup of coffee in the morning is a simple pleasure, but boy, for coffee lovers, it’s also heaven. The next time you reach for your first cup of coffee in the morning, take a minute and be sure to enjoy it.

#8 — Putting your favorite sweatpants on

Ahhh…the feeling of slipping on a pair of sweatpants after a long day is certainly enough to make us smile from ear to ear. The act of putting on cozy pants signifies the ending of another crazy day and is a reminder that it’s time to relax and unwind–something we can all smile about!

#9 — Hearing your favorite song on the radio

How cool is it when you jump in the car, turn on the radio, and your favorite song starts playing? The best part…hearing your favorite song on the radio automatically calls for an in-car dance party. How can you be unhappy after a red light jam session?

#10 — Reminding yourself how lucky you truly are

There’s a lot of negative happening in the world.

From people in the hospital fighting for their lives to seeing the destruction that occurs after natural disasters like hurricane Irma, it’s so important to reflect on how lucky you truly are.

If you have your health, loved ones in your life, a roof over your head, and a meal in your stomach, there’s no reason not to be happy!

What makes you happy every day? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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How to Have the Perfect At-Home Spa Day

October 24, 2017 by

There is nothing more relaxing than a day at the spa.

Not to mention, it helps you rest and unwind after a long week of work, chasing your kids around the house, or whatever else it is that you do on a weekly basis.

The only problem is that going to a professional spa can cost a lot of money.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while, but for most people, going for a spa treatment on a weekly basis is simply out of the budget.

For that reason, we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction want to share with you how to have the perfect at-home spa day.

Our at-home version is just as fun, will make you feel just as relaxed, and can be thrown together for a fraction of what a day at the actual spa would cost.

Follow these steps for a perfect at-home spa day that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Step 1: Prepare Your Favorite Beverage

Most spas will have fancy fruit-infused waters or teas available for guests to drink when they arrive for their appointment. So, to begin your at-home spa session, grab a cup of your favorite beverage—coffee, tea, juice…even wine! We don’t judge!

Step 2: Start with a Face Mask

A face mask is an inexpensive way to rejuvenate your skin and leave your face feeling fresh.

You can purchase premade masks at just about any grocery store or skin care shop for under $5. Or, if you prefer to make your own, simply mix together 1 tbs. of coconut oil with ¼ tsp. of turmeric.

This simple 2-ingredient face mask recipe is great for hydrating your skin and reducing blemishes.

Step 3: Soak Your Feet in a Footbath

From walking all over the place to being crammed in high heels, our feet take a beating every day. This is why it’s so important to give your feet a break and soak them in a footbath.

You can buy a more expensive foot bath at the store for between $60 and $100. If you’re someone who constantly has sore feet, this might be a good investment for you.

However, if you’re only planning on enjoying a good foot soak once in a blue moon, a simple bucket will work just fine. All you have to do is fill a bucket with warm water, add some Epsom salts (you can find this at the grocery store) and let your feet soak for 15-20 minutes.

If you want to get really crazy, you can also add in some essential oils. We personally love adding about 3 drops of peppermint oil into our footbaths.

Step 4: Take a Hot Bath

If more than your feet need a good soak, we recommend that you fill a tub with nice hot water and take a bath.

Be sure to dim the lights, light candles, grab your favorite book, or turn on some soothing music. It’s such a good feeling to be able to separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lock yourself away in a cozy warm bath for an hour or so.

If you’d like, you can add some of the Epsom salts you used in your footbath to the water. These salts are known to help ease sore muscles and help you relax. Or, if you want to do something different, use a delightful-smelling bath bomb to make your bath time a little more special.

Step 5: Finish with Polished Nails

Most ladies have a few bottles of nail polish floating around the house. But here’s the question…how often have you been able to take the time to sit down and actually use them?

Make time after your relaxing bath to end your night with a manicure or pedicure.

Put on a pair of cozy pajamas, pick your favorite nail polish color, and go to town! While your nails are drying, indulge in some senseless TV, read a magazine, or play a game on your phone. It’s all about giving yourself the time to do what makes you happy.

Do you have any at-home spa rituals you love? Share them with us in the comments below!

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5 Fun Ways to Exercise This Autumn

October 17, 2017 by

Exercise is so important for keeping your body healthy, your mind sharp, and releasing stress. That’s said, we know that adding a workout routine into your daily schedule isn’t always the easiest—or most fun—thing to do!

Here’s the good news…

You don’t have to buy a gym membership, join a running club, or start weight lifting to get a decent workout.

In fact, exercise is simply about getting your body moving, and it can be done in many ways.

Now that the fall season is upon us, we thought we’d share some festive fall activities that will certainly give you a workout. The best part…these activities are so much fun, you won’t even realize you’re exercising!

Check them out now…

Take a Hike in the Woods to See the Changing Leaves

Every year people watch in amazement as the green tree leaves turn brilliant shades of reds, yellows, and burnt oranges. It truly is a beautiful sight to see!

This year, we encourage you to enjoy the color-changing leaves and take a hike through them.

Not only will you be surrounded by nature’s beauty, but you’ll also get a great cardio workout. Bonus: You’ll be so emerged in your beautiful surrounds that we bet you won’t even realize you’re breaking a sweat!

Play in the Leaves in Your Back Yard

Who said playing in the leaves is just for kids? We certainly don’t think it is!

Raking the leaves in your yard is an incredible upper body workout. When you have a large pile or two, get some friends together, your kids, or even your pets, and spend some time running around your backyard and jumping in your leaf piles.

Who knows, you might even get an ab workout from the laughter that comes with such a fun activity!

Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is a fall favorite and a great family outing.

Between walking through the orchards, climbing trees, and picking your apples, this activity requires a lot of moving around.

Let’s also not forget that once you’ve collected a bucket full of apples, you’ve got to haul them back to your car! How’s that for weight lifting?

The best part of getting exercise while picking apples is that you don’t have to feel guilty about making an apple pie and then eating it later. Actually, go ahead and treat yourself to two slices…after all that work, you deserve it!

Do Pumpkin Squats While Pumpkin Picking

Taking a trip out to the local pumpkin patch is another fun fall activity. Even as an adult, it’s so much fun to run through the pumpkin patches searching for the perfect pumpkin.

Everyone who’s been to a pumpkin patch knows, however, that once you find the pumpkin you want, it’s your responsibility to pluck it from the vine and carry it back to the wagon that brought you out to the fields.

With an average size pumpkin weighting between 12 and 18 pounds, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get a workout in while you wait for everyone to board the wagon. Hold your pumpkin tightly in your arms and do a few squats. And there you have it…pumpkin squats!

Play a Game of Flag Football

It’s football season—the perfect time of year to get your friends and family together for a friendly game of flag football.

We recommend flag football because it’s safe and fun for all ages. And all you need to play is a football, a flag (or handkerchief or piece of fabric) for every player, and two teams of people who want to get some exercise and have a good time.

After playing a game of backyard football, you’ve definitely earned some couch time to watch the pros play on TV.

Do you have a favorite fall-inspired exercise? Share it with us in the comments below!

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Finding Beauty After Breast Cancer: Register for a Free Class at Sephora

September 26, 2017 by

 

 Our surgeons and staff at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction know firsthand how difficult a battle with breast cancer can be.

From the moment you’re diagnosed, everything changes. Your emotional, mental, and psychological health is instantly impacted. And throughout your breast cancer journey, your physical appearance is also bound to change.

This transformation can unfortunately leave a lot of woman no longer feeling confident in their own skin.

While we believe that all women—no matter their journey—are beautiful, we also know that a little pampering and some fun with makeup can go a long way in making you feel radiant and confident.

With National Breast Cancer Awareness month in full swing, there are numerous educational talks, fundraisers, and events going on. If you’re in the Charleston, SC, area, we’d like to personally invite you to a special event at Sephora on King Street.

We are joining forces with Sephora in order to promote their FREE Brave Beauty class for women who have battled cancer.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sephora on King Street. The official address is 289 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

This 90-minute Brave Beauty class is designed to help you discover techniques and products that address the visible effects of your cancer treatments.

During this event, you’ll be given skincare tips tailored to your needs and then will be matched with Color IQ and receive step-by-step instructions for a creating a radiant complexion, natural-looking brows, and defined eyes.

If you’re interested in attending, we encourage you to check out this awesome video from Sephora that features cancer survivor Emily as she explains why attending a Brave Beauty class is a great way to celebrate how beautiful you truly are.

Watch the video here!

If you’re interested in signing up, please contact us at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction to register, and we will pass your information along to the event host.

You can get in touch with us here.

Do you have any tips or tricks for feeling confident and radiant after a battle with cancer?

Share them with us in the comments below!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Health and Wellness, Upcoming Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

3 Healthy School Lunch Ideas Your Kids Will Love

August 22, 2017 by

PB&J, ham and cheese, and bologna sandwiches all have one similarity…they are the most common sandwiches that get packed into a kid’s lunchbox. But, after weeks of eating the same 3 sandwiches, lunchtime is bound to get boring.

With the school season quickly approaching for most and already started for others, we thought it might be fun to share some of our favorite and unique brown bag school lunch ideas to spice up your kid’s lunchbox.

And not to worry…all of these recipes are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are good for your kid’s growing body.

Try some of these recipes out…

Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a great alternative to packing a sandwich every day. When made with tri-color veggie pasta, this meal will keep your kid energized and free from carbohydrate-induced blood sugar crashes throughout the day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound tri-colored spiral pasta
  • 6 tablespoons salad seasoning mix
  • 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.

2. Whisk together the salad spice mix and Italian dressing.

3. In a salad bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and olives. Pour dressing over salad; toss and refrigerate overnight.

Recipe Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/14385/pasta-salad/

 

Crunchy Veggie Rice Paper Wraps Recipe

If your kids are a fan of Asian-inspired dishes, they will love to find these crunchy veggie rice paper wraps in their lunchbox. The best part…these wraps can be made a few days in advance and will keep fresh in your fridge.

Ingredients:

  • 15 rice paper sheets (6 inch)
  • 1⁄2 cup green cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh carrot, finely chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup sweet green pepper, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 5 ounces imitation crabmeat (optional) or 5 ounces shrimp, chopped (optional)
  • Oriental sweet chili sauce (or any other favorite spicy sauce, allow 1/2 – 1 tsp per roll)

 

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients except rice paper and Chili sauce. Shortly before serving soften each rice paper wrap separately. Do this by submerging the wrap in a bowl of warm water for a minute of two.

2. When it is pliable it is ready, so remove that one from the water and drop in another one.

3. Lay out a couple of paper towels and place the softened wrap on the towel.

4. Don’t rub it; just place it on the towel. Place 1-2 tbsp. of the veggie mix in the center of the wrap and add 1/2- 1 tsp. sweet chili sauce.

5. Fold up the bottom and then fold in the sides and roll to form a sealed roll.

Recipe Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/crunchy-veggie-rice-paper-wraps-89246

 

Whole Wheat Waffle Strips Recipe

Breakfast foods are one of our favorites. So, we thought, why not pack them for lunch? This whole wheat waffle recipe is easy to make and is a treat any kid would love to take to school. Throw in some cut-up fruit and a yogurt as sides, and you’ve got a well-balanced meal in a box.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour or Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your iron while you make the waffle batter.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and butter or oil.

4. Mix together the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter will be a bit lumpy; that’s OK.

5. Cook the waffles as directed in the instructions that came with your waffle iron.

6. Cut waffles into strips, put the strips in a container, and throw the container into your kid’s lunchbox. Option to add a smaller container of maple syrup if desired.

Recipe Source: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/whole-wheat-waffles-recipe

Do you have any unique lunchbox recipes your kids love? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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