Month: July 2023 Page 1 of 2

pre and post workout nutrition

On July 31, 2023

Most of you know that I try to live a very healthy lifestyle – exercising – eating in moderation – and eating healthy. My workouts tend to be strenuous and I take pre and post workout nutritional supplements. But most of these products have fillers, artificial flavors, and ingredients our bodies just didn’t need. In doing my research I found these products by Natural Force, and it just made sense that I should use these products as most of the ingredients are ingredients I already use in my smoothies! I have just started using the Raw Tea and the Organic Recovery Nectar and I have to say, they definitely help! They are a little different, and not fruity and artificially sweetened like many supplements, so be aware. The Raw Tea, tastes like an intense unsweetened Raw Tea, and the Organic Recovery Nectar definitely has notes of Spirulina, a natural “algae”. BUT don’t let that sway you away from trying these amazing products! Your body deserves the best!

Assorted plant-based bowls and dishes at Life Alive Organic Café in Boston, Massachusetts

my favorite life alive bowl

By Stephen

On July 31, 2023

In blog | cook | travel food

Yesterday, I made my version of the Green Goddess Bowl, a dish we made at Life Alive in Boston. It’s Brown Rice topped with Steamed Kale, Broccoli & Tofu, Fresh Avocado and a Ginger Nama Shoyu Sauce. A nutritious, filling and satisfying lunch!

Green Goddess Bowl topped with sliced avocado, steamed kale, broccoli, tofu, and ginger nama shoyu over brown rice

a cool healthy and organic online market

By Stephen

On July 31, 2023

In blog | cook | healthy products

I have a new favorite online market for Organic and Nutritious foods – it’s called Thrive Market. And if you use this link, you will get 25% off your first order! Thrive Market They have an amazing selection and you can’t beat the prices, plus free shipping on orders over $49!

Vibrant tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, and basil, showcasing love for fresh ingredients and culinary adventure.

bountiful feast | summer 2021

By Stephen

On July 31, 2023

In blog | cook | healthy & nutritious recipes

This summer I became a home farmer and it has become so rewarding and fulfilling! We have three raised beds at our house and we are growing a variety of vegetables and herbs. I love being able to walk outside and harvest just what we need for the days meal. We are growing three types of heirloom tomatoes – Red Marglobe, Mr. Stripey, and Black Cherry Tomatoes. So as the tomatoes were ripe for the picking, I decided to make a Caprese salad – fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella balls, a drizzle of EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil), a dash of Himalayan pink salt and some cracked black pepper. A simple, yet delicious meal!

Downtown Lexington, Virginia with brick storefronts, American flags lining Main Street, and a church steeple in the distance.

road trip | Lexington | VA

By Stephen

On July 31, 2023

In blog | cook | travel food

I recently went on a road trip, visiting towns throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. As I traveled, I was looking for cool small towns or cities with vibrant downtowns, great eats, a cool vibe and access to the outdoors. One such town was Lexington, Virginia. As it happens, I was there on a Wednesday – the day of their local Farmers Market. Lexington Farmers Market or FB @LexVAFM or IG @Lex_VA_FM) At first I was a little skeptical, due to the size (two rows of vendors) – but this skepticism passed quickly as I was surrounded by a huge variety of awesome food and products. (as a caveat, this was in February, and I am sure during the summer they have many more vendors) Some of my great finds…..

Misty waterfall cascading over layered rock formations along the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania

Ricketts Glen State Park | Pennsylvania

By Stephen

On July 31, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | best state parks list

22 Waterfalls on One Incredible Loop

Of all the Best State Parks I’ve visited so far, Ricketts Glen State Park easily ranks as one of my favorites—and it’s a place I’d recommend making a special trip to see. Located about an hour west of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen is one of the most scenic areas in the state.

The park spans 13,193 acres, features 22 named waterfalls, and offers more than 26 miles of trails. The star of the show is Ganoga Falls, plunging 94 feet, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Interestingly, when funding fell through during World War II and Ricketts Glen didn’t receive National Park designation, Pennsylvanians stepped in and purchased the land themselves, ensuring it would be preserved. Kudos to those who had the foresight.

Mount Davis high point marker and trail map showing Pennsylvania’s highest elevation at 3,213 feet

Mount Davis | Pennsylvania (#6)

By Stephen

On July 27, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 3,213 feet, Mount Davis is the highest point in Pennsylvania, ranking #33 among U.S. state high points and my 6th overall.

This was my second high point of the day, following Hoye Crest in Maryland, and as I headed north the weather steadily improved—a welcome change after an earlier cloudy start.

Upper Falls at Letchworth State Park overlooking the Genesee River in New York

Letchworth State Park | New York

By Stephen

On July 23, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | best state parks list

This is my first park to visit from The Discoverer’s list of Best State Parks in Each State. As I visit each state park, I will give you my thoughts, experiences and helpful hints.

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River goes through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs–as high as 600 feet in some places–surrounded by lush forests. Interestingly, when we visited the park, the water levels were very low as you can see by many of the pictures. We spent two days in the park, which I would highly recommend.

Photos: History of the Park | It certainly is a great park!

View from Hoye Crest on Backbone Mountain showing forested hills along the Maryland and West Virginia border

Hoye Crest | Maryland (#5)

By Stephen

On July 22, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 3,360 feet, Hoye Crest is the highest point in Maryland, ranking #32 among U.S. state high points and my 5th overall.

Located on Backbone Mountain near the West Virginia border, Hoye Crest is a relatively straightforward hike—but one that comes with a few interesting quirks along the way.

Foggy summit at Spruce Knob in West Virginia with rocks and spruce trees fading into mist at the state’s highest point

Spruce Knob | West Virginia (#4)

By Stephen

On July 20, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 4,863 feet, Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia, ranking #24 among U.S. state high points and marking my 4th overall.

Located within both the Monongahela National Forest and the Spruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Spruce Knob can be reached either by a long hike or by driving nearly to the summit—an option that proved useful on my visit.