Let’s set the scene. I’m standing in my kitchen like a cocky little gluten – free queen, thinking “Maybe I can try it again. Just this once.” A soft, warm, perfectly golden slice of sourdough was calling to me. Seducing me, even. And in that moment, I did what all great health experiments start with: I said “Screw it. Let’s see what happens.”
And just like that… i found myself in a casual spiral into darkness. This has happened before, but not this bad. I know, I should have known better, but I’m stubborn AF okay?
I’m talking full-blown emotional nosedive. I was overwhelmed with sadness for no apparent reason. Not the kind where you cry during a rom-com and text your ex. The kind that grabs you by the ankles and drags you into a foggy pit of hopelessness, fast and hard. It was like PMS met an existential crisis and brought a migraine to the party.
As if the emotional crash wasn’t enough, let’s not forget the other symptoms:
Headache from hell? ✔️
Stomach doing Olympic flips? ✔️
Vomiting like I just ate gas station sushi? ✔️
It lasted about 5 hours. Which, in “I feel like my body and brain are imploding” time, is an eternity.
And then? It was gone.
Like a weird little storm blew through my mind and body, trashed the place, and then bounced.
Still reeling from the experience,, I did what any rational human would do after violently sobbing into their pillow while clutching a heating pad: I Googled it.
Gluten and Mental Health: The Plot Thickens
After some digging, I discovered something even more validating: I’m not the only one who’s lost their damn mind over a muffin.
There are actual studies—real, peer-reviewed, big-brain stuff—that link gluten sensitivity to mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, and even psychosis in extreme cases. We’re talking mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar-like episodes… all showing improvement or resolution when gluten was removed.
In one study, patients with severe psychiatric symptoms saw massive improvements after adopting a gluten-free diet—even when they didn’t test positive for celiac disease. That’s right: no classic gut symptoms, no autoimmune diagnosis, just a brain that went haywire from bread. And when they ditched gluten? Night. And. Day.
Let that sink in.
We’ve been out here trying to “think positive” and “meditate the sadness away,” while some of us are just one sandwich away from a mental health emergency.
But… Why Is This Happening?
The science points to a few culprits:
Leaky gut caused by gluten, leading to systemic inflammation and brain-based symptoms.
Immune reactions (not just celiac) that mess with neurotransmitters.
Disruption of the gut-brain axis—AKA your second brain (your gut) flipping out and sending panic signals upstairs.
Also? American wheat is not the same as European wheat. We’ve got glyphosate, hybrid strains, and food additives out here like it’s a game of chemical roulette. It’s not just “gluten”—it’s the toxic cocktail that comes with it.
So What Now?
If you’re experiencing unexplained mood swings, depressive episodes, rage-y outbursts, or mental exhaustion that makes no damn sense… consider this your permission slip to explore gluten as a possible trigger.
(Quick disclaimer: Please don’t play scientist with your mental health. I have both a therapist and medical provider on speed dial for when I pull stunts like this, and I highly recommend working with a professional. In other words—do NOT try this at home!)
I’m not saying this is the magic solution for everyone. But I am saying that if food can wreck your gut, it can definitely mess with your brain.
I learned the hard way (again) that gluten and I are not friends. We’re not even frenemies. We’re full-blown toxic exes who need to stay far, far away from each other.
Long story short, if you ever catch me side-eyeing a bread basket again, kindly slap it out of my hand and remind me: You cried over nothing for two hours because of that tasty sandwich you just HAD TO HAVE. Don’t do it, girl.
Want to see what your brain feels like without gluten? My Eat Clean 21 detox gives you the blueprint. Clean recipes, no gluten, no guesswork—just clarity. Grab the book here.
Wanna nerd out like I did? Here are the studies I dug up during my post-gluten meltdown…
Louis-Jean, S., & Chaudhry, S. (2023). “Recurrent Psychosis in Non-celiac Gluten Sensitivity.” Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, 13(3), 59–61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10593161/
Porcelli, B., et al. (2014). “Celiac and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: A Review on the Association with Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders.” Autoimmunity Highlights, 5(2), 55–61. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4232561/
Carabotti, M., et al. (2015). “The Gut-Brain Axis: Interactions Between Enteric Microbiota, Central and Enteric Nervous Systems.” Annals of Gastroenterology, 28(2), 203–209. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/
This, Ladies and Gentlemen: This how you make a steel door look like wood – even when it is flat with no texture.
You ever look at something in your house and think, “Ugh, I hate that—but I also don’t want to drop $500 fixing it”? Welcome to my steel deck door. Flat. Dull. Zero personality. But instead of replacing it, I decided to give it a glow-up with a little paint, a little gel stain, and a whole lot of fake-it-til-you-make-it magic.
And let me tell you—it worked. This thing looks like real wood now, and I didn’t even break a sweat (okay, maybe a little sweat).
I even made a TikTok showing the process—check it out if you want to see this baby come to life in real time.
(And yes, I’m fully aware the current siding is not vibing with the new door color. Be patient—white vertical board and batten siding is coming soon, and that’s when the whole vision will finally slap. Stay tuned.)
Step One: Pick a Base Color That Makes Sense
You don’t want to go straight in with the wood grain—give it a believable foundation. I used Khaki Shade by Behr, which is a really soft, neutral tone that mimics the undertone of natural wood.
Let it dry completely. Don’t rush this. If you try to do the wood grain too soon, you’ll end up with a sticky, smeary mess that looks more like a toddler’s art project than a classy faux wood finish.
Step Two: Bring on the Gel Stain
I used Varathane’s Cherrywood Gel Stain—because I wanted that rich, reddish warmth without going too dark. I worked in small sections and applied it with a chip brush before using a wood grain tool to drag the pattern through.
It comes with a couple different patterns, so don’t just slap it on your door and hope for the best. Test them out first. I practiced on a scrap board to figure out which look I liked most.
Step Three: Work in Sections + Keep It Clean
Do one small section at a time. Like, really small. Gel stain dries fast and gets tacky, so if you try to do a whole panel at once, you’re gonna have regrets. Also, clean your tools immediately—especially the wood graining tool. That gel stain is no joke once it dries. I used paint thinner to help clean mine and it made a big difference.
Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started
The wood grain tool takes a little finesse. Rock it slightly as you drag it down to get a more natural look.
Don’t overthink the pattern. Real wood has imperfections, and that’s what makes it look legit.
If you mess up a spot, no big deal—just reapply the gel stain and try again.
Ventilation is key. This stuff smells.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this is one of those projects that makes you feel like a total badass when it’s done. My flat, lifeless steel door now has character, warmth, and serious curb appeal—and all it took was some gel stain and a little confidence.
If you’re staring down a door that could use a facelift, try this first before replacing it. It’s budget-friendly, renter-friendly (as long as your landlord’s cool with it), and totally satisfying to pull off.
If you liked this article or my videos about how to make a steel door look like wood, I’m all about low-cost, high-impact design—browse the full collection of transformations here.
Share it! Pin it, post it, text it to your group chat of home-decor-obsessed humans. Sharing this post helps my blog grow and keeps the DIY projects flowing—and I seriously appreciate it.
The Cause of Autism? Are We Ready To Hear It? Better Yet, Are We Ready To Do Something About It?
You’re seeing it everywhere—suddenly, the leaders of this country are on a mission to uncover the cause of autism. Task forces. Headlines. Press conferences. What if the answer was sitting right in front of us this whole time? Have we just been too scared—or too bought and paid for—to talk about it?
When you start connecting the dots between gene mutations, food chemicals, and immune stressors like vaccines, you start to see a very real (and very uncomfortable) picture emerge.
And guess what? It’s not that hard to build a case—when you mix research with relentless passion, the pieces begin to fall into place. You’ll either uncover the root or at least create a damn good theory.
Now let’s be clear: Autism is a spectrum for a reason. The experience isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the causes aren’t either. But that doesn’t mean we stop asking questions. In fact, it means we ask better ones.
I will dig into my theory, but first let’s talk about what the science is already showing us – if we’re brave enough to look.
Let’s begin with Autism-Focused Gene Mutations
Gene Mutations are the second ingredient to the perfect storm of Neurodivergence and even some health related issues! I’ll talk about the first ingredient here in just a bit..
A Few Gene Mutations That Impact Brain Health:
🔹 MTHFR – This mutation impairs methylation, the body’s natural detox pathway. Without it working properly, Your body holds onto toxins like mold, mercury, and pesticides far too long. That includes trace metals found in vaccines and processed foods.
🔹 R451C & CNTNAP2 – These have been linked to disrupted brain signaling and are frequently studied in relation to autism, language delay, and neurological dysregulation.
🔹 CDSE1 – A lesser-known but powerful gene tied to cellular communication and development. More and more individuals with autism spectrum traits are testing positive for mutations in this gene.
Woah, Wait … How Did We Even Get Here?
This is the question that gets brushed off way too often. Everyone wants to know why Autism is suddenly “on the rise” or why ADHD seems like a modern epidemic. Now I’m talking about Gene Mutations, but where did they come from?
Spoiler: It didn’t come out of nowhere.
The first ingredient to the perfect storm. Rewind to the early 1980s—a time when everything started to shift.
🚨 Food production ramped up to feed a growing population, and in doing so, we traded nutrition for shelf life. Heavily processed ingredients became the norm. MSG, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives were dumped into our food supply.
🌾 Glyphosate (aka Roundup) use exploded in the mid-90s, but the buildup started in the ’80s. This chemical has been linked to gut damage, endocrine disruption, and altered gene expression.
🍼 Plastic use surged—BPA, phthalates, and microplastics began invading everything from baby bottles to Tupperware.
💉 The vaccine schedule expanded dramatically in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, increasing both the number of vaccines and the frequency at which they were given. Some of these vaccines included aluminum adjuvants and trace mercury (thimerosal)—which may not be a big deal for most people, but what if someone’s detox pathway was already compromised due to a gene mutation?
⚠️ Chronic exposure to toxins, chemicals, and environmental stressors can actually damage DNA, leading to mutations that can be passed down generationally. This means some of today’s kids could be dealing with gene mutations that were created by the overload their parents or grandparents were exposed to.
Heavy Metal & Chemical Overload!
So, we start seeing a spike in things like MTHFR, R451C, CNTNAP2, and CDSE1 mutations— right alongside higher rates of Autism, ADHD, anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and learning disabilities. We then connect the dots and started genetically testing these individuals to find, YES – they typically have one or more of these mutations.
Okay, Cool… Now what? What does all of that mean?
Many of these mutations all have something in common.. They don’t allow the body to process toxins, that we are all exposed to, properly. Therefore, Autism is not “one thing.” It’s the stacking of everything:
☣️ Heavy metals and toxins present in trace amounts in some vaccines, public water, and food
🌾 Glyphosate and pesticides sprayed all over our crops continuing this awful cycle
🧃 Endocrine disruptors in plastic containers and food packaging
💩 Nutrient deficiencies and poor gut health from ultra-processed diets
See where i’m going with this? Neurological deficiencies are stemmed from layer after layer of biological stress, stacked on top of a genetic blueprint that wasn’t built to survive this modern chemical storm.
So what do you get? A child with genetic vulnerabilities, growing up in a toxic soup. The brain and immune system become overwhelmed. Symptoms appear—and we give it a label and probably some medicine!
What a shit storm!
If we’re going to talk about causes publicly, I think we better start admitting the problem we created. This isn’t just some random fluke that occurred.
CALM DOWN KAREN…
I’m not an anti-vaxxer (yet).
💉 Am I Saying Vaccines Cause Autism?No. I’m not saying vaccines cause autism. I’m also not saying Round up caused it, or food caused it. I’m saying … que the line from the movie The Hangover.. “Yeah Listen… Uhhh….We Fucked Up” and it is insane to keep pretending that one-size-fits-all medicine is working.
Vaccines contain trace metals. In a healthy system, the body processes and releases them. But if a child has impaired methylation due to a gene mutation like MTHFR, that process might be broken. And the worst part?
👉 These vaccines were never tested on that subset of the population.
So, when we say “safe and effective,” we have to ask: For who? Because right now, it’s not everyone.
So, The Real Question for RFK (And Every Other Leader in Health Policy):
By the way, I love what RFK is doing; however,
Where Do We Go From Here? 🧠
It’s time we stop arguing about who’s right and ask how we’re going to help the people who are already struggling.
Here’s what we need to talk about next:
Personalized healthcare that includes gene testing before vaccines or medications are administered.
Targeted detox protocols designed to help individuals with known gene mutations eliminate built-up toxins safely.
Massive food system reform—get rid of the toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticide overload in our food and water supply.
Root-cause mental and neurological care that goes deeper than just slapping on a label or handing out a prescription.
Medical Support For Broken Detox Pathways time to stop looking at this as woo woo crystal worshiping fluff and consider the science.
Can we also swallow our pride a bit and take a look at what other countries are doing that is WORKING like gene therapy?
Let’s stop acting like these disorders are random lightning strikes and start supporting the kids (and adults) who are living with the fallout.
The Unexpected Beauty of Autism ✨🧠
I can’t go on this rant without saying: there is a certain beauty in autism.
When those social-processing areas of the brain—like the amygdala or the medial prefrontal cortex—aren’t firing the way they do in neurotypical brains, something wild and beautiful happens. These individuals aren’t bogged down by the same need for approval, social fluff, or meaningless norms that most of us are constantly trying to navigate. I am convinced that they’re tuned into something far greater than we can even comprehend. (I’m also a little jealous of this part)
While the rest of us are worrying about saying the right thing or being perceived the right way, they’re existing in a completely different realm. That kind of clarity and authenticity? It’s rare, powerful, and absolutely something special.
Obviously when you are looking at it from this perspective, its easy to say, they are perfect just the way they are, stop trying to “fix” them….
But here’s the thing—we can honor the beauty without ignoring the challenges.
Even though these brilliant, unique minds operate differently, many also face debilitating symptoms. Seizures. Gut issues. Sensory overload. Nonverbal communication barriers. The goal shouldn’t be to “fix” who they are—but to help them thrive. To increase independence, reduce pain, and create a life that gives them access to the same things every human deserves: freedom, connection, health, and choice.
So while raising awareness is a start, our greatest hope shouldn’t be just “acceptance.” Our goal should be understanding the root causes, creating personalized support, and developing interventions that actually help HEAL—so these individuals can shine without suffering.
Being different shouldn’t mean being uncomfortable. Acceptance shouldn’t mean settling.
If You’re Nodding Along Right Now…
You’re not alone. I wrote a whole book about this called “ADHD is Bullsh*t”, and it dives deeper into all of this—gene mutations, food, trauma, gut health, and everything in between. The book is not just about ADHD, it’s about finding your own root cause to an inflamed brain and doing the work to start healing!
It’s part research, part personal story, and all about finding the real root cause of what we’re seeing in so many kids today.
Just Who Do I Think I Am?
Well, I’m glad you asked.
I’m a certified holistic health and nutrition coach. Years of my life have been spent studying functional health, researching gene mutations, epigenetics, and personally testing everything from detox protocols to elimination diets on myself, my family, and clients (with a whole lot of success, by the way).
I’ve raised two boys, both of which had a front-row seat to every natural protocol I could research, reverse-engineer, and roll out. I continue to dig deep into the root causes of neurodivergence, gut-brain dysfunction, food intolerances, and more.
Oh, and yes—I wear many hats – On this blog and my social platforms, I also share home projects, travel reviews, recipes, and possibly too many thoughts on sugar and processed food. It’s a lifestyle, babe.
✨ I am a researcher, a practitioner. a mom who’s been in the thick of it, and an author who’s done the work.
But I am not a doctor. This post? It’s not medical advice, it’s educational information. Maybe even inspiration. Use it to start asking better questions. Because that’s where real change begins.
Please Share This Post 💬
If this post made you feel seen, if it made you think, or if you believe someone in your life needs to hear it—please share it.
📌 Pin it 📱 Text it 💬 Post it Every share helps grow this blog, spread awareness, and hopefully spark the bigger conversations we need to be having.
Okay, real talk—I’m writing this from the couch, wrapped in a blanket, sipping on something that looks a little… prehistoric. But don’t let the caveman vibes fool you—this is liquid gold, and it’s doing serious healing magic in my gut.
That’s right. We’re talking bone broth—the old-school remedy making a comeback for a very good reason. And if your stomach’s been throwing tantrums like mine has lately, you’re going to want in on this.
Why Bone Broth Is the OG Gut Healer 🦴✨
Bone broth isn’t just trendy—it’s timeless. For centuries, people have simmered bones, connective tissue, and scraps into nutrient-rich broth to heal everything from the sniffles to sore joints. But lately, gut health has taken the spotlight—and bone broth is having its main character moment.
So why does it help?
1. Collagen & Gelatin = Gut Lining Support
Bone broth is loaded with collagen, which breaks down into gelatin. Gelatin helps coat and soothe your digestive tract—like a warm hug for your insides. This is major if you’ve got gut inflammation, leaky gut symptoms, food sensitivities, or want to have better overall gut health.
2. Packed with Amino Acids 🧬
Bone broth is rich in amino acids like glutamine, glycine, and proline—each one plays a key role in rebuilding tissue, reducing inflammation, and supporting your immune system. Basically, it’s like giving your gut a toolbox and saying, “Fix this mess.”
3. It’s Easy to Digest
When your digestion’s off, even healthy food can feel like a war zone. Bone broth is gentle, soothing, and nutrient-dense without requiring a lot of digestive effort. Which makes it the perfect comfort sip when you’re feeling off.
When I Sip It (And Why You Should Too)
I turn to bone broth any time:
My gut’s acting up
I’m recovering from being sick
I’m doing a gentle reset or detox (hello, Eat Clean 21)
I need something nourishing that doesn’t involve chewing (because #lazy)
Sometimes I drink it straight from a mug with a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of turmeric. Other days I’ll use it as a base for soups, stews, or even to cook rice for an extra nutrient boost.
🛒 Affiliate Moment: Want to try it for yourself? Here’s my favorite organic bone broth brand that’s ready-to-sip and super clean: 👉 Lono Life Bone Broth
And if you’re the DIY type, I’ve got a recipe coming soon!
Feeling Bloated, Foggy, or Just Blah?
You’re not alone. Gut health issues are everywhere—but healing starts small. And sometimes, all it takes is sipping something warm and ancient to remind your body, “You’ve got this.”
If you’re looking to really reset and support your gut from the inside out, check out my full-body wellness reset, Eat Clean 21. It’s a 21-day real-food detox packed with gut-friendly recipes (bone broth included), meal plans, and more. 📘Find Eat Clean 21 on Amazon!
💌 Please Share This Post!
If your gut needs some love or your bestie is always complaining about “stomach stuff,” hit share. Every pin, post, and comment helps this blog grow and helps someone else feel better in the process. You’re the real MVP.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if your living room is giving tired, mismatched, or “meh”… it might be time for a refresh. Not a little fluff and a scented candle. I mean full-blown, pull-it-apart-and-start-over vibes. And that’s exactly what I did.
What started as “I should do something with that TV wall” turned into a full living room makeover—with new furniture, a 9-piece photo collage, and yes, an olive tree that made me question if I’m now a plant person. Spoiler: I am.
The TV Wall That Started It All (Literally)
This glow-up wasn’t just a design choice—it started with a hammer and a decision.
I had to tear out the electric fireplace and mantle to expand my son’s room. Once that wall was down, it opened up a whole new layout opportunity. I realized I could move the TV to the much bigger wall, completely rethinking the flow of the space.
That move changed everything.
I’ve got a Samsung Frame TV (yes, the one that looks like art when it’s off), so now when you walk in the front door, it’s one of the first things you see—and it actually feels intentional. Like, “oh this person has taste,” not “they shoved a screen where it fit.”
Design meets function, and it’s finally working for me.
Lake Erie (Sort Of)
You might notice the piece of driftwood sitting on the shelf below the TV. Funny story—I’ve never even been to Lake Erie.
I spotted it during a visit to my dad’s house. It was just laying around, looking all perfect and sculptural. So I casually (and repeatedly) mentioned how obsessed I was with it. You know, just enough comments to make it very clear it would look better in my house than in his garage.
Sure enough, by the time I was loading up to head home, it was already tucked into the back of my vehicle.
Yes, I’m 37 years old and still out here taking stuff from my parents. Some things never change—and thankfully, neither does driftwood.
The shelf itself—and the full TV wall it lives on—is a whole DIY project of its own. I’ll be sharing that build in a separate post soon, because trust me… it deserves its own moment.
The 9-Frame Gallery Wall (a.k.a. My New Favorite Thing)
I’ve always loved a good symmetrical grid, and this one hits just right. A 3×3 layout using matted weathered frames created a high-impact moment above the oversized chair. It’s clean, dramatic, and makes every photo look professionally printed—even if it was taken on a cracked iPhone and printed on the cheapest possible paper at home!
The matted frames are the secret sauce. Trust me on this one.
The Couch Chronicles (Because Yes, I Replaced It… Again)
This was couch number two within just a few years, and let me explain why—because this was not just a “because I wanted to” situation.
My living room has what I like to call a chaotic layout. There’s a giant window on one side and a constant flow of traffic running straight through it, thanks to the entry at the opposite side that leads to my boys’ rooms. It’s not exactly a cozy nook—it’s more like a design puzzle with elbows and backpacks flying through it.
My first solution? I bought a modular sofa set so I could configure it to the weird shape of the room. Great idea in theory… until I realized it was the most uncomfortable furniture on the planet. No one sat in there. My family literally avoided the living room like it was cursed.
So, round two.
I replaced it with something much more modern and low-profile—clean lines, soft fabric, and a neutral tone that didn’t compete with everything else going on in the space. It was still cozy enough for Sunday naps, but stylish enough that I wouldn’t cringe every time I looked at it.
Most importantly: it worked. The room finally feels like a place we can all hang out again.
Olive Tree Energy 🌿
I swore I didn’t need one. I was not going to give in to the overdone olive tree trend. It felt like one of those Pinterest things everyone has and no one questions. But after Ava’s surprise bedroom makeover (read about it here), I couldn’t not have one. It just made sense.
Now that it’s here? I’m fully converted. The faux olive tree softens the room, fills that awkward corner like it was custom designed for it, and brings in that warm, designer-magazine vibe without trying too hard.
Plus, it never dies. And that’s exactly the kind of plant energy I can commit to.
Before Pics Coming in Hot
There’s something wildly satisfying about seeing the before photos that show the fireplace and the old couch. What used to feel like a mismatched mashup now feels intentional, cozy, and so me.
What I Love About This Refresh:
It was budget-friendly but made a huge impact
Nothing permanent—just layered styling and thoughtful swaps
It blends clean design with cozy textures
It finally feels like a space I want to be in, all day every day
Oh—and the Art?
If you’re wondering about that textured art moment above the couch, yep… I made that too.
It’s part of the full living room glow-up, and honestly? One of my favorite DIYs to date. I used plywood, spackle, and flat black paint to create this big, bold, three-piece set—and it looks like it came straight out of a designer showroom.
If your space feels stale, change it. Rearrange it. Add a tree. Hang a gallery wall. Toss the couch that makes you cringe.
You don’t need permission to make your home feel amazing. You just need a free afternoon, a little vision, and maybe some spackle.
This space makeover made you double-tap in real life?
Share it! Pin it, post it, text it to your group chat of home-decor-obsessed humans. Sharing this post helps my blog grow and keeps the DIY projects flowing—and I seriously appreciate it.
