What made you want to start Flutter? What do you strive to change through this app? And how do you envision the Flutter community growing?
The idea of Flutter came out of frustration, really. So, my husband and I decided to create a solution. I thought there had to be a better, easier way to track your daily symptoms so you could share them with your doctor. It also became a way for me to evaluate myself and see if I was really having more pain or problems than I was admitting to. Every time I go to the doctor and they ask me when the start of my last period was, I blank. Let’s be honest, who can remember this stuff?
I made it easy. Now, you just check your app! You can share your symptoms and concerns with your doctor. It’s simple, really. Flutter provides a way to keep tabs on your health versus just going to your annual appointment like it is a mandatory oil change. I want the app to allow women to be in control of their health, to be proactive. I don’t want a woman to wait ten years to feel better! If something doesn’t feel right, something probably isn’t.
I envision the Flutter community growing as a supportive forum for women to share. I want women to be empowering, proactive, and most of all, supportive. The more we talk about women’s reproductive health the faster we solve problems.
Can you talk about endometriosis? What is it?
Endometriosis is not my friend. It occurs when endometrial tissue, which normally grows only in the uterus grows outside of it. It can attach to organs in your pelvic cavity. It creates almost a web around organs and wreaks havoc. It is extremely painful and frustrating.
Most doctors and ER physicians I’ve encountered seem baffled by the condition. They have a tendency to prescribe a daily dose of advil for a case of bad menstrual cramps. The best physical and mental validation is finding a doctor that listens to you, understands you, and helps you. I was lucky to find this surgeon, and wish the same for all women that share my struggle.
Tips for surviving #periodcramps?
I think everyone has their own way. For me, I love my heating pad. When my favorite heating pad dies, I am not sure I will find a suitable replacement. She has been through a lot with me. Yes, I personified her. She is that important.
Let’s inspire other women here: What does it take to become a #StrongFemaleLeader? How did you go about starting your company?
Be passionate and relentless. There is always a way to figure something out, don’t give up. Having people root for you and support you when you start your company is priceless. It keeps you motivated. In my experience something magical happens a few years in. All the hard work you have been putting in finally starts to gain traction and build its own momentum.
What has been your greatest challenge?
My biggest challenge was facing a surgery for endometriosis and the events leading up to it. I was terrified and knew I had no choice but to proceed, which compounded that fear. I had a pelvic exam, an MRI and a rectal exam in the weeks before surgery. The build up to the big day bordered on unbearable. My surgeon held my hand as I went under. After recovery I felt great and was so relieved that I went through with it. When I visit my surgeon’s office for follow-ups I see the fear on the faces of the women in the waiting room. I don’t feel I have the skills to comfort these women in that moment, but Flutter is my way to provide relief in the way that I know how to.
What’s the greatest thing you’ve learned about yourself thus far?
I think the determination that I developed dealing with endo pain has actually worked to my advantage, I’ve become a lot tougher.
Who inspires you most when you feel stuck?
My husband, Jason. He’s amazing, and was the one who did all the research to find my surgeon. Also, my family! They are the kindest people I know and they know me better than myself. They can typically tell in an instant what is wrong, what I am thinking, and how to help.
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The PMS Mixtape Volume 1
There are variety of moods one goes through when experiencing PMS - sad, angry, tired and vulnerable, just to name a few. So we’ve decided to create some playlists to match how you may be feeling. Yes, it’s The PMS Mixtape!
Instead of going with anything obvious like “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” this first mix is a much more subtle collection of soothing female vocals, starting off with Jenny Hval’s beautiful ambient musings on menstruation. The vibe is tranquilo, Spanish for “Take it easy,” so put it on when you want to chill things out a bit.
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| Prep Time | 30 min |
| Servings |
bites
|
Ingredients
- 1 cup cup dried apricots
- 2 tsp water
- 1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
- 1/4 cup ground pistachio
Ingredients
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|
Instructions
- In the food processor, add the dried apricot and blend on high until a ball forms.
- Add the water.
- Blend again. You will see the apricot paste start sticking to the sides.
- Using a spatula, transfer the apricot paste into a medium sized bowl. Add the coconut flakes to the bowl and mix until it becomes more uniform.
- In a separate small bowl, add the crushed pistachio.
- Using your hands, take some of the apricot mix and roll it in your palms until it forms a sphere. Make them as big or small as you like but try to keep them similar in size.
- Take each sphere and roll it in the pistachios until is coated from the outside.
- Place in a bowl and enjoy!
| Cook Time | 30 min |
| Passive Time | 30 min |
| Servings |
oatmeal triangles
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Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or substitute nut/rice/soy milk)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings:
- maple syrup
- strawberries (optional)
- walnuts (optional)
- shredded coconut (optional)
Ingredients
Toppings:
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|
Instructions
- In a medium pot, with a heavy bottom, add the water and the almond milk and bring it to a boil.
- Turn down the heat so the liquid is simmering, and add the oats, sea salt and cinnamon. Cover.
- Take an 8 inch square pan and line with parchment. Set aside for when the oats are done.
- Cook the oats for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally during the first 20 min. In the last 10 minutes you have to stir constantly so it doesn’t stick to the pot and it gets creamy.
- As soon as they are done, pour the oats into the parchment lined pan. Level it out evenly using a spoon.
- Cool for 30 minutes on the counter. Then pop in the fridge for another 30 minutes. This will allow the oatmeal to firm up and set.
- Lift the parchment out of the pan carefully and set on a cutting board. With a large smooth knife, cut into four squares, then cut those squares into triangles.
- Heat a large pan with the olive oil, once hot, add the triangles. Don’t crowd the pan and work in batches if needed.
- Cook each oatmeal triangle for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Add to a serving platter and sprinkle on the strawberries, coconut & walnuts. Drizzle the maple syrup on top and enjoy while still warm.
| Servings |
skewers
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Ingredients
- 8 cups cauliflower florets (around half a cauliflower head)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 6 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cilantro (packed)
- 2 tablespoons lime
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- salt to taste
Ingredients
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|
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into florets big enough to skewer.
- In a big bowl add the garlic powder, turmeric, oil and salt. Mix well.
- Add the florets to the marinade and mix well. Make sure all the florets are coated.
- Add 4-5 florets per skewer.
- To make the sauce, add the cilantro, lime, tahini and a pinch of salt to the food processor. Blend on high until smooth. Set aside in a small bowl.
- Heat the grill on high, and then add the skewers. Cook the cauliflower on medium heat 4-6 minutes per side.
- When done, add the skewers to a serving platter and drizzle some of the sauce lightly over using a spoon. Save the rest to serve for dipping.
Recipe Notes
If using bamboo skewers, soak them for half an hour before use so they don’t burn on the grill.
If you want to grill them inside, use a griddle or pan and add some sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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| Prep Time | 30 min |
| Cook Time | 50 min |
| Servings |
people
|
Ingredients
- 1 beet medium or large
- 1 tsp olive oil (to rub the beet with)
- 1 large garlic clove
- 2 cans chickpeas (3 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water (to be used as needed)
Ingredients
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|
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash the beets, rub with olive oil and wrap loosely but securely (so the steam doesn’t escape) in tin foil. Place in a pan in the oven and bake for around 50 min or until the beets are tender. You can gauge the doneness by sticking a fork in the beet (through the foil). If the fork goes in easily, they are done. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- After they cool, using a knife, peel and discard the outside skin, and cut the beet into cubes.
- If you are using canned chickpeas, put them in a colander or strainer and wash them well. Make sure they are well drained.
- Place the garlic in the food processor and pulse until it is ground up. Then add the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and salt. Let the processor run for a few minutes. Occasionally, push down the chickpeas from the edges to make sure it all gets processed. This is the point to gauge how thick or loose you want the hummus. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water at a time and let the processor run, check the consistency, and adjust with more water as needed. Once it is the consistency you like, let the processor run for a few more minutes to make it as smooth as possible.
- Finally, add the cubed beets to the food processor and blend until it is smooth again.
Recipe Notes
Even though the recipe calls for one beet, make as many as you like and reserve for Greek salads, or snacking. Add more beets to increase the flavor as you like.
We recommend adding a variety of thinly sliced vegetables instead of chips or crackers for a healthy snack.