Vegan Chili and Goodbyes to a Close Friend

  • Posted on: 15 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
This month one of my best friends in is moving very far away. Mandy and I have been friends for almost two years, but it feels like we have always known one another. When I first moved to Birmingham I was very lonely. I had left all of my friends and family to come to a brand new city and start a new chapter in my life. Mandy was one of the first friends that I made. Mandy has one of the most genuine hearts of anyone I have ever known. Her spirit radiates love, honesty and grace. I know that no matter what things I bring to her to speak about, she will lend me a kind and understanding ear. As...

Dealing with Disappointment in Healthy Ways

  • Posted on: 12 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
We have all dealt with disappointment at one time or another. I am currently dealing with a little disappointment about an opportunity that did not work out. I have a tendency to get angry, mopey and sad. I will be distant to those close to me, quit eating healthy, and turn into a loner. But today I am taking a stand. I am not going to follow those same patterns of behavior. They are not healthy or beneficial. Here is what I am doing instead. Upping my meditation game I am meditating twice a day now, instead of once. During this time I am looking towards the future and reminding myself that...

Gluten Free Holiday Wreath

  • Posted on: 11 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
One tradition from my childhood that I always remember this time of year is my mother's Christmas Wreath. I remember exactly what the house smelled like as the butter and marshmallows melted, I remember the movements of her hands as she stirred in the crunchy corn cereal. I remember her eating little pieces as she shaped the wreath. And most of all I remember the feeling of family. In those moments, everything was perfect.

Almond & Cranberry Crusted Goat Cheese

  • Posted on: 10 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
I attended my first holiday party tonight! I know some folks prefer to celebrate one holiday at a time and feel it's a little early for Christmas celebrations. I love to celebrate them all starting in November! So bring on the Thanksgiving get togethers, Christmas get togethers, New Year's get togethers. I'll take them all! For tonight's party I made a simple, but very festive recipe with 3 delicious ingredients.

4 Reasons I'm Proud to be a Partner at Starbucks This Holiday Season

  • Posted on: 9 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
My Response to the Red Cup Ridiculousness Normally we do not share things such as this on our blog. But, today we make an exception. The past two months I have been fortunate enough to become a partner at Starbucks. Here are 4 Reasons I am proud of that. Starbuck Supports Farmers "Starbucks invests in programs designed to strengthen economic and social development in local communities, while also caring for the environment. To extend the reach and impact of our programs, we collaborate with nongovernmental organizations that have experience and expertise in working with farming communities."...

Mood Bosting All Purpose Cleaner

  • Posted on: 8 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
Thinking about cleaning does not usually put me in a good mood. I dread the thought of scrubbing the tub, wiping the counters, or dusting the tables. After a few different mixtures I came up with a simple, extremely effective cleaner. The best part? It contains lemon essential oil that actually improves my mood with every spray! Two problems solved: less scrubbing and a better mood! I strictly use Native American Nutritionals therapeutic grade oils. I buy directly from the website. No one makes commission. I do not sell it. I highly recommend this brand. I use several of the oils daily in...

How I Take Photos

  • Posted on: 7 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
The last few months I have worked diligently to improve my photography for my blog and Instagram account. I have learned a lot of things. I figured I should share them with you. What My Photos Used to Look Like What My Photos Look Like Now Before beginning to stage a photo, I follow these guidelines: 1. Be True to Yourself I learned this in an instagram course created by Me and Orla . This is absolutely the number one rule I follow. In any creative outlet, it can be easy to attempt to mimic the styles or stories of those you admire. In this attempt, you may lose yourself. You are the most...

My Go To Weeknight Dinner: Roasted Chicken

  • Posted on: 6 November 2015
  • By: jessica
Category: 
Some days are so busy, I hardly have time to organize my thoughts! Much less, plan a meal for us! On those days, my most common go to meal is roasted chicken. This simple meal is packed full of nutrition and flavor and requires very little planning or thinking! Watch our video below to see how we roast a chicken.

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