From the Editors
Hi, pleased to meet you!
We’re Tiffany and Brad, real estate investors and parents of two little ones with another on the way. Don’t let that word—investors—fool you though. We live pretty simply on a fixed income from our modest investments. We left our corporate careers years ago and took an unconventional path on life. It’s not always easy and it’s not for everyone. But for our family, the rewards—freedom to spend more time with each other and raising our children—are worth the sacrifices we make. And we’ve made a lot of them, along with loads of mistakes too! We’re still growing in all aspects of our lives, but we hope to share some of what we’ve learned with our readers.
In August 2002, Brad became severely ill with ulcerative colitis. He was in his 20’s and at the time, we knew nothing about health. We consumed soda, beer and fast food, just as we did when we met in college. The doctors told him there was nothing he could do so he didn’t change his diet or stressful lifestyle. He was put on a medication and everything seemed to be okay—until the colitis came back—just six months after his initial diagnosis, and the second time, it was debilitating. He had to leave his job, moved back in with his parents, and couldn’t leave the house without wearing a diaper. It was scary because he had lost a dangerous amount of weight and at times, we weren’t sure how his 96-lb frame was going to make it. He was seen by the best doctors in the country but was told he should have his colon removed and be on medication for the rest of his life. Of course, his stubborn nature refused. And at 25 years of age, he couldn’t imagine being attached to a colostomy bag for the rest of his life. He spent his next several years finding a natural cure for himself. Thankfully, he didn’t listen to the doctors. (Let us say, however, that there is a time and place for traditional and natural medicine. The medication, initially, saved his life. But to be “cured” and enjoy a lifetime of health, he needed to make major changes.) Today, he is completely free of colitis symptoms. Some might argue he’s just in remission. But the first time he went into remission, it only lasted a few months before it came back by storm. The original medication couldn’t get the colitis under control and they kept trying new medications before he began his journey and natural lifestyle. He’s been completely free of colitis symptoms since 2009 without medication. We know the lifestyle and diet changes he made, which were far from easy, are what ultimately contributed to the health he enjoys today.
So along with embracing nature and living simply, we are also passionate about eating healthy and living more purely and naturally. Our home is free of chemicals, and our family eats whole (and organic whenever possible) foods. We launched this website—part online magazine, part family blog—to share our stories and provide the latest news and resources with the hope of inspiring other families to live more naturally, simply and joyfully too.
Thanks so much for joining us!
Tiffany & Brad Stephenson