About

 
Hi there! I’m Lindsay–a 20s something gal, who loves to cook delicious and wholesome plant-based food. I consider myself an artist, environmentalist, animal-lover, bikram yoga addict, world traveler, nature-lover, & outdoor adventurist. I‘m a bit of a city-girl, mountain-girl, trendy-hippie all rolled into one. I started this blog to share my journey towards health, nutrition and fitness info, favorite recipes, and green living and earth-friendly ideas, with friends, family and fellow bloggers. I believe it is each of our duties to tread lightly on this beautiful planet while preserving and giving back to the environment as much as our hands and hearts can squeeze. And I believe in the power of healthy foods and exercise. Feeding my body good wholesome food is one of my top priorities. 
I currently reside in beautiful Sarasota, FL located about an hour south of Tampa Bay. I grew up here, and although I have been fortunate to travel all over the world I always come back to my home to feel the peace and serenity it has to offer. 
 Sarasota Bay
 Sailing Lake Dillon, Colorado, Fall 2010
Out of high school, I studied marine science and biology at the University of Miami. I loved the field because I have always had a passion for science, life’s creatures and the world of nature. Ever since falling in love with SCUBA at the age of 12, I thought my dream job would be in the marine biology field. However, after college I ended up bouncing back and forth between the restaurant industry and a family owned art design company where I trained as a graphic artist. After some years of uncertainty, in 2011 I finally decided to go back to school to get experience in the business world, and am currently in business school as an accounting major. Some call it boring and tedious, but I’ve always been a math nerd and have a very organized personality, so I enjoy it more than you would expect! I just started an internship at an accounting firm this fall. 
 Me with my sweet mother dearest, Easter 2011
To me, the most important thing in life is family. I am blessed to have wonderful family whom I’m very close to, although they are spread out around the country. My mom and two brothers are in Florida, and my dad, step-mom and two step-brothers are in Minnesota. I’ve been spending my summers in the midwest since I was a little girl and the north woods will always have a special place in my heart. I try to get up north at least two or three times a year to enjoy some time with family and much needed R&R. 
With my dad, step-mom and four brothers, Christmas 2010
With my mom, aunt Karen & cousin Sarah, Easter 2011
 Me with my four “little” brothers, Dad’s wedding, Fall 2010
I have always loved to cook. I was so nervous when I started cooking vegetarian and vegan food because I thought that would change everything! How can I make an amazing dish if bacon, butter and sugar don’t play starring roles? Ha! I’m also a huge foodie. I love experiencing new flavor combinations and textures, dining out, and experimenting in my own kitchen as much as I can. Truth be told, these days I have fallen even more in love with my cooking passion. I have found a new appreciation for vegetables and whole grains. I discovered the wonderful world of legumes, nut butters, dates, kale chips, almond milk and green smoothies. I have learned that cooking with whole foods is actually a lot more fun than I thought, because vegetables remind me of rainbows and I try to paint my canvas with as many colors as I possibly can. 
 
My kitchen is my sanctuary. Some of my girlfriends tease me that instead of saving up for a Channel sunglasses, True Religion jeans or some killer concert tickets, my extra money goes towards my kitchen. I’m a huge fan of high-end cookware and no matter which piece I add next, my obsession doesn’t seem to falter. Designer pots and pans, cast-iron French cookware, professional chef’s knives, high-end blenders and juicers… they make me drool.
 I’ve been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. And not just for furries, mind you. My mother got me an iguana at the age of 7, and since then my passion and interest in reptiles and herpetology has really grown over the years. I have pretty firm beliefs regarding the reptile pet trading industry, which I won’t go into here, but almost all of my reptiles have been rescues. I spent 2 years in college working for a children’s science museum, where I conducted reptile and critter shows for the public–best job I’ve ever had in my life. My current rescued critters include a pair of bearded dragons, along with two sister black cats–Phoebe & Nala. (My true loves). 
 My two beardies, Tang & Thor
 My kitties, Nala & Phoebe
Mother Nature makes me smile and I’ve always loved being outdoors and staying active. I love the water–water sports, sailing, SCUBA diving, boating, just about anything. I also love hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, dancing, kickboxing, yoga and even the occasional run (something I’m getting a little better at each day!) My blog tends to be speckled with my travels and outdoor adventures. My other passions include historical fiction novels, cheesy reality television, organic gardening, writing, singing karaoke (call me crazy but I love it), altered art and collage, and of course nutritional health and wellness. 
Sailing in the Greek Islands, with Dad, Summer 2010
 Backcountry skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado, Winter 2011
 Kayaking in the Aegean Sea, Summer 2010
I’ve had a lot of challenges in life, including battling a serious eating disorder in my teenage years, which I share the story of here. My journey towards health has been one of my more exciting challenges. After years of fighting my body, yo-yo dieting and utter confusion, I finally found something that works for me. It’s not that difficult–simple whole foods and exercise have done me wonders. I have seen my health improve, my weight drop and finally maintain, and my sense of inner peace and well being begin to glow. 
 Pontooning on Crosslake, Minnesota, Summer 2011
 It is my desire to share with others what life has brought me, and continues to bring. Life is a learning curve and I’m along for the ride!
 Hermit Crabs need Love too, Siesta Key, Florida
Check out my FAQ page for more info on: 

*my journey towards health
*vegetarian vs. vegan
*the healing powers of yoga
*eating disorder recovery
*common questions: asked & answered
And if that doesn’t do it, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. 
Thanks for stopping by Green Food, Green Thumb, High Heels.