Lifestyle without Barriers
If I were to write a post to a younger Jess, what would I say? While I don’t quite know the answer to that question…yet..., I do know the advice I’d give her. Becoming the person, you are meant to be is going to be a beautiful process. You can’t imagine the places you’ll go,... Continue Reading →
Sugar Cookie Ingredients ½ cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature 1 cup Sugar 1 Egg, large 1 Egg Yolk, large 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract 1 ½ cups Flour 2 tsp. Cornstarch ½ tsp. Baking Powder ½ tsp. Salt Frosting Ingredients ¾ cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature 2 cups Powdered Sugar 2 Tbsp. Heavy Cream 1 ½... Continue Reading →
As far as the eye can see, the sea holds unlimited potential, stirs a sense of mystery, and is the definition of intrinsic beauty. This vast body of water is grounding. It’s a place where two worlds collide. And it’s everyone’s favorite vacation destination. But why? Why is a beach vacation considered to be the... Continue Reading →
Nothing is what is seems. You have expectations and you get disappointed. You make plans and get redirected. You ponder every detail. What outfit you’ll wear? What you’ll say? Where you’ll be? You play a scenario over in your mind a hundred times. But, when the time comes, the details don’t matter. It will happen... Continue Reading →
You are what you eat…When you eat like crap, you feel like crap…What you eat in private, you wear in public…Those are just a few of my favorite quotes. I like to keep these as reminders for when the urge to overeat strikes. Do they work? Sometimes. And other times, not so much. Do you... Continue Reading →
Being above the clouds is sort of surreal if you take the time to appreciate the view. If you can ignore the snores from the man behind you, the crying baby next to you, or the clanging and banging the flight attendants insist on doing, it is peaceful up here. The sky is clear –... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 4 lbs. Carrots 10 Tbsp. Butter 8 Garlic Cloves, minced 4 Tbsp. Honey ½ tsp. Salt ½ tsp. Pepper Parsley, optional Steps Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Cut the Carrots diagonally into 2-3” pieces and place in large mixing bowl. Melt the Butter over medium... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 package Mint Oreo Cookies 1 package (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened Candy Making Chocolates (I used Green and White) Sprinkles Steps Using a food processor, crush the Mint Oreo Cookies until they become fine crumbs. Place the softened Cream Cheese in a large bowl and add the cookie crumbs. Combine until well mixed.... Continue Reading →
If all of the kings had their queens on the throneWe would pop champagne and raise a toastTo all of the queens who are fighting aloneBaby, you’re not dancin’ on our own ~ Kings & Queens, Ava Max This is quite the female empowerment anthem. And a beautiful reminder to all the men out there... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 box Yellow Cake Mix ¼ cup Canola Oil 1 Egg, beaten ½ cup Milk ¼ - ½ cup Rainbow Sprinkles (your choice to use either ¼ or ½ cup) ½ - 1 cup White Chocolate Chips (your choice to use either ½ or 1 cup) Steps Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an... Continue Reading →
Aging is a myth they sell, but one we don’t need to buy. Everyone tries to sell aging as a “bad” thing. They work so hard at trying to convince us we must do everything possible to slow the process or hide the inevitable. But why is aging “bad?” Why is it not ok to... Continue Reading →
on me. Can’t you just give in? Can’t you just this once allow all your walls to fall and collapse into the possibility that something wonderful can happen? Will you give yourself permission to act with temporary foolishness and fall for someone who loves you unconditionally? Will you allow yourself to love me with everything... Continue Reading →
It’s National Quitter’s Day! The day when everyone quits their New Year’s resolutions. I had no idea there was such a day. As a nation we should be embarrassed. It’s only January 13th and already we’re throwing in the towel. We’re deciding to eat the brownie, skip the gym, sleep past our alarms, or buying the things... Continue Reading →
I think it’s time I let you go. And that’s so hard to do because a part of me will be in love with you for the rest of my life. But the daydreaming, the running in place, it’s not healthy, I can’t do that anymore.~ Unknown I text you because I like you. I... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 Chocolate Cake Mix and All the Ingredients on the box 1 (12.8 oz.) jar Hot Fudge 1 pkg. Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix 2 cups Milk 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream ⅓ cup Sugar ½ tsp Mint Extract Green Food Coloring 1 cup Chocolate-Mint Candies, chopped Steps Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a... Continue Reading →
Stop putting off for tomorrow, what can be done TODAY. One last dessert, then my diet begins tomorrow. Just one more day of being lazy, then I promise to get on the treadmill first thing tomorrow morning. Monday will be my fresh start! How many times have you said any of the above? Ugh! Why... Continue Reading →
You let me win, you let me rideYou let me rock, you let me slideAnd when they lookin’, you let me hideDefend my honor, protect my prideThe good advice, I always hatedBut lookin’ back, it made me greaterYou always told me to forget the hatersJust get my money, just get my weight upKnow when I’m... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 2 cups non-frosted Sugar Cookies, crushed 4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened 10 oz. Vanilla Flavored Wafers Festive Sprinkles Steps Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a food processor, pulse the Sugar Cookies until they become fine crumbs. Add the Sugar Cookie Crumbs to a mixing bowl with the Cream Cheese. Mix with... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 cup Butter, softened 1 cup Sugar ⅔ cup Brown Sugar 2 Eggs, large 1 tsp. Vanilla 3 ¼ cups Flour 4 pkgs. or ¾ cup Hot Cocoa Mix (do not use any low sugar or sugar-free versions) 1 tsp. Salt 1 tsp. Baking Soda 2 tsps. Baking Powder 1 cup Chocolate Chips 1... Continue Reading →
She said, I don’t want a modelI don’t want a movie starYou don’t have to win the lottoI want you to win my heart She said, I just want someone trueShe said, I just want someone tosmoke with me babeand lay with me babeand laugh with me babeI just want the simple things ~ Simplethings... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 2 cans (20 oz. each) Apple Pie Filling 2 tsps. Cinnamon ¼ tsp. Ground Nutmeg 1 ½ cups soft & chewy Caramels, unwrapped 1 box Yellow Cake Mix, dry 1 cup (2 sticks) Butter, cut into ¼ inch sections Steps Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9X13 baking dish with nonstick baking spray. In... Continue Reading →
Bread Ingredients 3 ⅓ cups Flour 1 ½ tsp. Salt 2 tsp. Baking Soda 1 ½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon ½ tsp. Nutmeg ¼ tsp. Ground Cloves ¼ tsp. Allspice ¼ tsp. Ginger 2 cups Sugar ½ cup Brown Sugar 1 cup Vegetable Oil 4 Eggs, large 1 can (15 oz.) Pumpkin Puree ⅔ cup Water... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 2 lbs. Green Beans, trimmed 2 cans (14.5 oz. each) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup 2 cups Milk 2 tsps. Worcestershire Sauce 2 tsps. Garlic Powder 2 tsps. Black Pepper 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided 8 slices Bacon, cooked 3 cups French Fried Onions Steps Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a casserole dish... Continue Reading →
I started Real-Life-Talk (Real Life Talk – Lifestyle without Barriers (real-life-talk.com)) as a form of self-expression; an outlet of the many thoughts swirling around my mind, and to tell the tales of life. In a time when the world was changing as fast as the minutes were ticking away and we were all isolated in... Continue Reading →
What is an affirmation? Up until five years ago, I had no clue. And never did I imagine I’d be sitting here writing a blog post about them. In the middle of a meltdown, a friend says, you really need to start practicing affirmations. Having no clue what she meant, I turned to Google -... Continue Reading →
Above all else, I care about how I feel. Caring about how I feel allows me to choose. I get to choose the words I use, the thoughts I think, the actions I take, and the people I share my time and space with. I do not believe that all good things must come to... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 Yellow Cake Mix ¾ cup Butter, softened and divided 1 Egg 4 cups Mini Marshmallows 10 oz. Peanut Butter Chips 2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup 1 tsp. Vanilla 1 cup Crispy Rice Cereal 10 oz. Party Peanuts Steps Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15X10X1 jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Using a... Continue Reading →
Just as I accepted my footing where I stand, the rug gets pulled out from under me. This change is a big one and has my mind attempting to take me to places I don’t want to go. Everything happens for a reason – this I know and believe. But that doesn’t lessen the pain... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 2 tsp. Olive Oil 20 oz. Italian Turkey Sausage 1 jar Pizza Sauce (15 oz.) 8 Cheese Wraps (parmesan or mozzarella) 2 cups Mozzarella, shredded 60 slices Turkey Pepperoni 2 tsp. Oregano, divided 2 Tbsp. Bacon Bits, optional Grated Parmesan, optional Steps Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare a 9X13 baking dish with non-stick cooking... Continue Reading →
Are you hungry because it’s a scheduled mealtime? Or is your body really signaling for fuel? We are presented with endless opportunities to eat, but that doesn’t mean we are always hungry. Our bodies rely on food for fuel, so it’s important to provide them with the right type and quantity of food at the... Continue Reading →
Except there is nothing basic about it. Nothing boring either. In fact, choosing to wear an all-black outfit is considered a fashion-forward choice for anyone willing to make a statement. And the rumors are true. Black is slimming, classic, timeless, and matches everything. You can’t go wrong when electing to pair black with black. To... Continue Reading →
Ingredients For the Crust: 24 Nutter Butter Cookies (~2 cups crumbled) (Graham Crackers, Chocolate Teddy Grahams, Oreos, or substitute with your favorite) 1 Tbsp. Light Brown Sugar 7 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter, melted For the Filling: 8 oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature ¾ cup Powdered Sugar plus 2 Tbsp., divided 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 2 tubes Crescent Dough 2 packs Cocktail Sausages (28 oz.) 1 Tbsp. Ketchup (Heinz of course) 2 Tbsp. Mayo 1 Tbsp. Mustard Pinch of Garlic Powder Pinch of Pepper Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional) 2 Tbsp. Butter, melted (optional) Steps Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out the Crescent Dough and slice the triangles two times... Continue Reading →
Maybe they aren’t all bad…Maybe it all isn’t a myth…Maybe you can trust…Maybe a smile is all that’s needed…Maybe action does need taken at times…Maybe risks are worth it…Maybe there are a few good ones left…Maybe happiness does happen… Everyone kept telling me it would happen. They said once I could get brave enough to... Continue Reading →
It used to burnEvery insult, every wordBut it helped me learnSelf-worth I had to earnSo I tried every nightTo sit with sorrowAnd eventually it set me free - Love Me More, Sam Smith Sam Smith - Love Me More (Official Video) - YouTube You tried to box me in – to make me fit your... Continue Reading →
“I think self-discipline is something, it’s like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets.”~ Daniel Goldstein Self-discipline takes internal motivation, commitment and a one-track mindset. Oftentimes, self-discipline is used interchangeable with willpower. It is the ability to control your thoughts, emotions, actions in the face of uncertainty. Self-discipline is what you... Continue Reading →
Say yes to life. Say yes to something new. Say yes to something different. Say yes to something that challenges you. Break your mold. Change your routine. Give something another try. Take a risk. These words of wisdom coming from the girl who lives and dies by her routine. Who is risk adverse and swears... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 36 oz. frozen Corn, thawed ½ cup Mayonnaise ½ cup Sour Cream 1.5 tsp. Chili Powder ½ tsp. Garlic Powder ½ tsp. Salt ¼ tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional) 5 oz. Queso Fresco, grated or crumbled ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped Steps Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the Corn, Mayonnaise, Sour... Continue Reading →
What is a bucket list? A bucket list is a list of experiences and/or achievements one hopes to accomplish/complete before their time on earth expires. A to-do list before you “kick the bucket” per say. Everyone has a bucket list. Some create an actual list, post it on the fridge and as the years go... Continue Reading →
Everyone says you must have it and practice it daily, but no one ever explains what it is. Self-love is a concept that everyone is reaching for it, but without understanding what it is, their efforts are no different than grasping onto air. For others, it’s a concept that is often misunderstood and confusing. But... Continue Reading →
If only we could live our lives backwards. We’d be prepared for the unknowns. We’d be smart enough to have all the answers. We’d always know which turn would lead us to exactly where we want to be. We’d know when not to leave. And we’d know when to love a little harder, hug a... Continue Reading →
There are some days observed on the calendar I kind of wish didn’t exist. And others in my opinion, have no purpose. Why do we rely on the calendar to tell us when to celebrate food, friends, animals, or loved ones? And why does everything have to be “a day?” Let’s allow a day to... Continue Reading →
“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you can appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”~... Continue Reading →
Time – the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. Space – a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied. Respect – due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. Take it easy on me. I’m trying. I’ve cried... Continue Reading →
Dear Charlie, We had 16.5 amazing years together! And I am incredibly grateful for each day that made up each one of those years, but I am selfish, and I wanted more. This wasn’t supposed to happen. You were supposed to live forever. I never thought about how it would feel when you were gone... Continue Reading →
Follow your Gut. Oftentimes overlooked guidance, not fully understood, viewed as a cliché, and many times misused, this statement when fully realized is the only direction one will never need. If you follow what your gut is telling you, you will never again have to ask the question, what should I do or seek advice... Continue Reading →
I live with fear every day. Fear of change – Fear of rejection – Fear of loss – Fear of judgement – Fear of inadequacy – Fear of failure – Fear of the unknown - and the list could continue. Fear does not feel “good.” Feelings of fear are often associated with unpleasant or strong... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 lb. Ground Breakfast Sausage 2-4 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (I used 4 cups because I like it cheesy 😉) 2 cups Milk 4 Eggs 2 lbs. Tater Tots, frozen Steps Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a preheated skillet, brown the Sausage until cooked fully and drain. Spread the cooked Sausage evenly in the... Continue Reading →
Me – How was your workout?Him – Ummm…half-ass.Me – You should never half-ass anything.Him – You’re right. Full-ass everything!Me – Exactly!His words – not mine! I am sure there was more to his response (because there always is 😉), he knew not giving his all in the gym that day was not beneficial to his... Continue Reading →
“The Universe is always speaking to us, sending little messages, causing coincidences, serendipities, reminding us to stop, to look around, to believe in something else, in something more.” ~ Nancy Thayer I think back to how and when it all began. You observed from a distance, but you were so close. You didn’t even know... Continue Reading →
Ingredients• 2 cups Flour• 1 ½ tsp. Baking Powder• ¾ tsp. Salt• ¼ tsp. Baking Soda• 1 cup Sugar• ¾ cup Milk (type of your choice)• ½ cup Yogurt, plain• ¼ cup Vegetable Oil• ¼ cup Lemon Juice• Zest of 1 large or 2 small Lemons• 1 tsp. Vanilla• ½ cup Powdered Sugar (optional)• 1-2... Continue Reading →
It’s been a minute since I’ve felt this way. But I like it. I kind of feel like a schoolgirl with a secret crush. O no - what is happening here? It seems someone has caught my attention. Excuse me, Mr. Tall & Handsome. Yes, you! You must be new around here. For I am... Continue Reading →
“Sometimes I think that the one thing I love most about being an adult is the right to buy candy whenever I want.” ~Ryan GoslingI’m like a toddler in a candy store. Eyes wide and wanting it all. It’s such a tease to come this far and only get a taste. Temptation is at its... Continue Reading →
Life - Like a river - keeps flowing. And if you aren’t aware, you can get caught up in the current. And before you know it, may even get swept away. Life will not stop for you so why do you stop? Don’t Stop! Instead, pause. Take a deep breath, look around, open your eyes,... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 box Yellow Cake Mix 2 – 3.4 oz. boxes Pistachio Instant Pudding Mix 4 Eggs ¼ cup Vegetable Oil 1/8 cup Water 1 cup Sour Cream Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture (1 tsp. Cinnamon & 2 Tbsp. Sugar) 2 cups Powdered Sugar 2 Tbsps. Butter, melted 1 tsp. Almond Extract 1 tsp. Vanilla Milk (as needed)... Continue Reading →
Recently, I packed a suitcase for a weekend getaway in the sun and sand. It was the perfect winter escape! I traded gray skies for blue skies and was able to get some real vitamin D while feeling the warmth of the sunshine on my skin. Nothing more I could ask for – a weekend... Continue Reading →
Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac and belongs to the air element. It is ruled Uranus; the planet known for governing innovation, technology, and surprising events. Aquarius is the zodiac sign given to those born during the period of about January 20th to about February 18th. It is represented by a man pouring a stream... Continue Reading →
Do you ever wonder how it would look if you could line them all up and go one-by-one? It would be your chance to have the last say. You could finally say all those words you’ve rehearsed and release all those buried emotions. And for the lessons you’ve learned and the love they gave, say... Continue Reading →
This time of year brings all types to the gym. And while it is commendable everyone is so motivated to get into shape, I question if they are there for the reasons one joins a gym. Since January 1st, I have seen some of the most inappropriate, disturbing, distracting, unsafe, and rude activity occurring around... Continue Reading →
She’s got this! She’ll get through it! She handles everything! Why would this be different from anything else? Except maybe it is. Maybe she really doesn’t have this. This might be the thing that breaks her. This might be her final straw. This could be the time she really does need to know others are... Continue Reading →
Winter is rough. The days are dark, the temperatures brutal and most of our time is spent indoors. We spend our days warm and cozy inside, we eat comfort foods more frequently, and we tend to drive more and walk less. We long for the warmer months ahead. It’s easy to dread the over packed... Continue Reading →
Don’t ask my favorite flower so you know what to lay in my casket. Don’t ask my favorite song so it can be played on repeat during my funeral. Don’t stand over my lifeless body with tears streaming regretting you didn’t show emotion when I was lying next to you. Don’t keep telling me “not... Continue Reading →
It’s that time of year again. The time when everyone makes an annual promise to themselves. This promise is known as a New Year’s resolution. According to Wikipedia, a New Year’s resolution is a tradition, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or... Continue Reading →
Speechless – Not an adjective frequently used to describe me. I’m the girl with a lot on her mind and always have a lot to say. But recently not so much. Is it because I’ve reached the balanced state, I’ve so long desired? Because for the most part, lately I am content with everything life... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 8 oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature 8 oz. Cool Whip 2 tbsp. Whole Milk 1 box (~18 oz.) Brownie Mix 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips, divided Your favorite Dippers (Strawberries, Graham Crackers, Marshmallows, Vanilla Wafers, Pretzels, etc.) Steps Using a mixer, beat the Cream Cheese until smooth. Mix in the Cool Whip and blend... Continue Reading →
Ingredients For the Cookie Crust: 24 Oreos (2 cups crumbled)4 tbsp. Butter, melted For the Cheesecake Filling: 24 oz. (3 - 8 oz. packages) Cream Cheese, room temperature1 cup Sugar3 tbsp. Cocoa Powder1 cup Sour Creamcup Buttermilk (¼ cup milk + ¾ tsp. vinegar)4 Eggs, large2 tsp. White Vinegar2 tsp. Vanilla Extract2 oz. Red... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 12 oz. Dark Chocolate1/3 lb. Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans4 oz. White Chocolate Steps Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Melt 10 oz. of the Dark Chocolate using the microwave in 30 seconds intervals, stirring in between each until smooth.Sprinkle the Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans on top.Place in the freezer for 30 minutes or until... Continue Reading →
“Now, Dasher!” “Now, Dancer!” “Now, Prancer and Vixen!” “On, Comet!” “On, Cupid!” “On, Donner and Blitzen!” As Christmas legends have it, Santa Claus is guided around the world each year on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. Santa gets credit for delivering toys to all the children and the most famous reindeer... Continue Reading →
Spoiler Alert…there is no prize at the end! This journey you’re on, called life, does not have a pot of gold waiting for you at the end. Life is the journey. The ups, the downs and everything in between. That is where life happens. But when you’re rushing through it, you miss it. Slow Down!... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 7 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted (approximately 1 ½ lbs.)1 ¼ cups Butter or Margarine, softened18 oz. Peanut Butter (crunchy or smooth, your choice…)36 oz. (3 bags) Chocolate Morsels (semisweet, milk, dark, white, peanut butter, your choice…)ShorteningCrushed Peanuts (optional) Steps Using a mixer, combine half of the Powdered Sugar, Butter/Margarine and Peanut Butter. Mix thoroughly... Continue Reading →
“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” ~ Bob Hope We’ve moved from the Week of Gratitude into the Season of Giving. The date on the calendar tells us the time of year... Continue Reading →
That’s a tremendous understatement! The days of sitting at home with nothing to do or anywhere to go are long gone. Who would’ve guessed, we’d miss those days so soon? Society is stressed out. There’s not a person I know that isn’t feeling overwhelmed with life right now. We’re all spread too thin, have way... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries, chopped1/2 cup Pistachios, chopped12 oz. White Chocolate Steps Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Melt the White Chocolate using the microwave in 30 seconds intervals, stirring in between each until smooth.Once the chocolate is smooth, stir in the Dried Cranberries and Pistachios, reserving 1 Tbsp. of each.Spread the mixture out... Continue Reading →
It’s wrong – OMG – it’s so wrong, but every moment so right. This has all been a gift. We are just ourselves. We are beautiful! My eyes open wide, gazed into the limitless possibilities I see in yours. I’m lost repeatedly in you and what we share. You fell into my life in the... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 5 (15 oz.) cans Green Beans, drained1 lb. Bacon⅓ cup Brown Sugar¼ cup Butter, melted¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce1 ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Steps Preheat oven to 350°F.Pour the drained green beans into an ungreased 9X13 baking dish.Cook bacon until almost done, not too crispy.Break the bacon into pieces and sprinkle over the green... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 2 lbs. Ground Beef2 cups Breadcrumbs (any type you prefer)2 Egg Yolks2 Eggs2 teaspoons Minced Garlic/4 teaspoons Garlic Powder2 teaspoons Onion Powder2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning2 teaspoons Salt1 teaspoon Black Pepper6-8 Mozzarella String Cheese SticksMarinara/Alfredo Sauce (for dipping) Steps Grease a slow cooker.Cut each cheese stick into 6 pieces. Place on a plate uncovered and... Continue Reading →
I fly with the stars, in the skiesI am no longer trying to surviveI believe that life is a prizeBut to live, doesn’t mean you’re alive Don’t worry ‘bout me, and who I fireI get what I desire, it’s my empireAnd yes, I call the shots, I am the umpireI sprinkle holy water, upon a... Continue Reading →
Don’t judge a book by its cover. This metaphorical phrase means one should not judge the worth or value of something or someone by the outward appearance. Forming an opinion on anyone based solely on what the eyes can see is often misleading. Surface level judgment is often astray as people are often very different... Continue Reading →
Life is busy. We all carry many titles, and with those titles comes a high number of responsibilities, non-negotiable commitments, and numerous obligations. But how often do we hit the reset button? Or take time to experience life without an alarm, without errands or deadlines, or without the task of crossing things off a never-ending... Continue Reading →
Oh, the typical interview question… Where do you see yourself in a year…in 3 years…in 5 years? I don’t know. How about we get through this interview first and if I get the job then maybe I’ll have a better answer. I occasionally allow myself to dip into the past to remember a sweet memory... Continue Reading →
“Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.” ~ Carl Jung As humans we judge everything as either “good” or “bad.” Judging is our minds way of creating a better than or less than scenario to define a person, thing, or situation. But what if we learned to remove the judgment and allow people, things,... Continue Reading →
With the world more divided today than ever, it’s tempting to get sucked into the negativity the media reports and spend your days sulking or depressed. We all know 2020 was a dumpster fire of a year, but let’s not allow that experience to carry into our days, weeks, months, or years ahead. The world... Continue Reading →
This is Me, The Reimagined Remix was apart my Peloton playlist this morning and although I’ve heard this song many times before, the lyrics were moving today. Each one sings true. What a beautiful, inspirational message and such a motivational way to start my day. And so, I decided to use the lyrics as a... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 6 strips Bacon, cooked crispy½ cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded1 ½ Oatmeal (plus a little additional)2 large EggsCookie Cutter, shape of your choice (I used a Dog Bone 😊) Steps Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment paperUsing a mixer, combine the Bacon, Cheese and Oatmeal - Allow the mixer to break... Continue Reading →
My sweet girl recently celebrated her sweet 16! That’s 121 years old in human years. I can’t believe it! I’ve always said she will live forever and she’s doing everything to prove me right. And I couldn’t be prouder. My heart beams with love for her and all we’ve shared over the past 16 years.... Continue Reading →
Summer is in the rearview (insert tears…), and now we’re getting ready to turn back time – it’s enough to make anyone want to stay in bed and pull the covers over their head. But thankfully, this is the time of year when summer bodies are made. There is no time like the present to... Continue Reading →
I woke up reaching out for you – just as I’ve done thousands of times. Except this time, you were there. Our bodies close, unable to tell where you ended, or I began. I was exactly where I belong and so were you. Pulled so tight, I could hear your heartbeat, feel your breath, and... Continue Reading →
“Mirror, mirror, on the wall who is the fairest of them all?” ~ Daphne SelfeThe mirror will always reflect the truth, but if you’re self-talk is right you won’t even need to ask the question. You’ll be the one telling the mirror who’s the fairest of them all – You are! Oh’ the things we... Continue Reading →
Recently a friend and I were at yoga and just as we were about to begin our sweaty start to a new week, we were interrupted by another in class. Out of nowhere a woman approached us and was outwardly rude. Completely unnecessary and unprovoked. This woman was choosing to be ugly. What a terrible... Continue Reading →
Ingredients 1 15 oz can Pumpkin Puree (do not use pumpkin pie mix)1 12 oz can Evaporated Milk2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice4 Eggs1 ½ cups Sugar1 box Yellow Cake Mix1 cup Pecans, chopped1 cup Unsalted Butter, meltedIce Cream, optional Steps Preheat oven to 350°F and Grease an 9X13 baking dishUsing a mixer, beat the Pumpkin... Continue Reading →
Ingredients ½ cup Unsalted Butter6 oz. White Chocolate Chips (plus a handful)¾ cup Granulated Sugar2 Eggs½ teaspoon Salt1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1 ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Steps Preheat oven to 350°F and Grease an 8X8 panUsing a glass bowl, melt the butter with the white chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power and stirring... Continue Reading →
Do you plant a seed only to dig it up daily seeing if it’s taken root or sprouted? No, you plant a seed and care for it daily by ensuring it’s receiving enough food, water, and sunlight. So rather than killing it with your impatience, you give it the resources it needs to grow to... Continue Reading →
Most definitely! It’s not time to pack away all your white just because summer has ended. Either it be your favorite pair of white jeans or a brand-new white t-shirt. It all still works! Why not white after Labor Day should be the question. Bright white, Off-white, Ivory, Cream, Winter white, Pearl, Bone, … the... Continue Reading →
You look terrific! Those three simple words made my day. And they came from a stranger in passing. Lost in thought on where I was going and my plans for the remainder of the day, I pass this woman who gives me this compliment that immediately brought me back to the present moment. I was... Continue Reading →
If I would’ve known the last time, I saw you and the kiss you gave me might be our last, I never would’ve allowed those elevator doors to close. My mind has played you walking down the hall and your stop to turn and take one last glance a million times over. How did we... Continue Reading →
BLUF: Treat your Body Like A Temple – you only get one! Treat your body well. From head to toe, from the inside to the outside, your body deserves the very best. Our bodies were created to do so much. The potential is endless and the older I get, the more I realize this. But... Continue Reading →
The right undergarments not only make or break the outfit, but they also make or break your confidence in the outfit. Undergarments are a girls’ best friend when worn correctly. They can lift, slim, shape, enhance, and control you all the while making you look and feel your best. Doesn’t matter your body shape or... Continue Reading →
These are the days of our lives that matter. And someday these days will be a distant memory. We never realize it in the moment, but someday you will miss these days. Life has been hard lately – very hard for all of us. Each in a different way, but each one of us has... Continue Reading →
Many of us mistake happiness for excitement. We have a vacation nearing on the calendar that’s been planned for weeks, we recently got a promotion, we’ve finally reached our goal weight. Those are all happy moments that deserve to be celebrated, but they are not happiness. The feeling you get from events such as those... Continue Reading →
Real Life Talk 