The Wild Gems

Roasted Poblano And Chicken Chili Soup With The Use Of A Crockpot

January 20, 2023January 23, 2023 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Love when you discover a delicious recipe on accident! I call this a chili soup because my intentions were to make a chili but at the end of this whole thing the consistency was more like a soup, but I was not upset! This is so good! With the perfect amount of heat! I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Total Cook Time: 6 hours and 15 minutes

What You Need:

A crockpot***

1 1/2 – 2 1/2 lbs of chicken thighs (not breasts or tenders)

1 4oz can of green chiles

1 1/2 cup of chicken broth low sodium

5 poblano peppers

1 8oz block of cream cheese

1/2 to 1 cup of frozen corn

2 15.5oz cans of Bush’s Best White Beans in Chili Sauce

1 tablespoon of olive oil

For The Spices:

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

1/2 teaspoon of basil optional

Toppings (Definitely Would Not Skip):

Freshly Diced avocados

Shredded Monterey cheese or Pepper Jack for even more of a kick

Fresh Chopped cilantro

Crushed up tortilla Chips

Steps:

1. Add your chicken thighs, chicken broth, Green Chiles, 1 poblano pepper with the top cut off and seeds removed, the olive oil, and spices. Set for LOW at 6 hours.

2. At 4 1/2 hours, line a cooking sheet pan with foil and place the remaining 4 poblanos on the pan. Broil both sides (3- 5 mins on each side) until charred. Immediately place the peppers into a large ziplock bag and allow to steam for 10 mins. After the 10 minutes, peel the skin and cut in strips.

3. By now there should be about an hour left to cook. Quickly open the lid and add the block of cream cheese, the 2 cans of beans undrained, the corn, and the roasted poblano peppers. Place lid back on crockpot adding about 15 to your cooking time. (Total crock pot time 6 hours and 15 minutes)

4. Turn crockpot off, remove lid, and begin to mix and shred the meat. Taste and add additional salt or spices as needed.

Serve immediately with fresh cilantro, Monterey cheese, and diced avocado!

So good!

Note: if this is too spicy, just add a dollop of sour cream to your serving. Enjoy!

30 Mesmerizing Marble iPhone Wallpapers

January 15, 2023January 15, 2023 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Feeling Down? Here’s A List Of Instant MOOD BOOSTERS

January 6, 2023January 12, 2023 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Life will get you down. And sometimes life will strait up knock you down and put it’s giant, ugly foot, on top of your neck mocking you while you struggle to breathe. That sounds harsh, I know this, but there’s truth to it and it is real life. And if you’re reading this blog then you know that, and something may possibly be going on in your life.

But listen, as a beautiful lotus can grow through mud, I do strongly believe and know that good and greatness can grow and push its way through adversity. Proving something that seems nearly impossible to achieve.

Which then gifts us with hope, what every human being needs.

Now let’s talk about our feelings for just a moment.

The feelings that tag along with life can be strong and unbarring but it is vital to not let them control you and cater to their every need. Sad/angry feelings are not a bad thing. They help us enjoy and discover the good/wonderful feelings that much more. How can we know joy without sadness?

Keep that information in your back pocket. You are strong. You are resilient. You are brave. You are loved.

Let yourself feel what you are feeling. Trying to act like the harsh feelings do not exist will only make those feelings stronger and eager to be exposed. This will pass. I can’t tell you when but I know it will pass. It will be okay, and you will get through it. As much as we wish we could say, “Alexa, turn off our feelings”, we can’t. They have to be dealt with.

In the meantime little distractions can and do help and can change your mood for a few moments to get your mind off things.

Now let’s get to it.

Here’s A List Of 28 Healthy Instant Mood Boosters

Do some of these daily, weekly, or multiple times a day if need be for your well being.

1. Call Up Your Best Friend Or Someone You Love

Calling up the bestie is always a way to boost your mood! Your best friend or best friends just know you and always know the right thing to say to turn a frown upside down. The great thing about best friends is they don’t judge at you all. They listen to you, love you, and have your back. But whether you call your bestie or a loved one they are sure to make you feel better.

2. Play Your Favorite Playlist And Just Dance

Sometimes you just need to select a good music playlist, turn the volume up, and just dance it out. Move freely, close your eyes, and vibe out. Allow your body to release the negativity, the pain, the hurt, and just get lost in that movement of freedom.

3. Take THE Shower

THE SHOWER, you know what I’m talking about. Wash your hair, use a deep conditioning treatment, shave your legs, use a body scrub, and take your time. Stand there for 20 minutes with no obligations or pressure and imagine the water cleansing you and rejuvenating you as the rain does for nature. Turn on some music and let the water and steam renew you.

4. Open Some Windows

If it’s a nice day out open some windows to get a cross breeze. Let some light and fresh air into your home. You don’t have to go outside to enjoy a little bit of nature. This is an instant mood booster. You aren’t that different from a flower, you need sunshine in your life to thrive.

5. Go Get Yourself A Treat

Sometimes we just need a little indulgence. Maybe give yourself something that you haven’t had in a while! I’m talking more in regards to food. Treat yourself to some ice cream, or a soda, a cake pop from Starbucks, your favorite candy, let yourself have something that you don’t allow yourself too often! Savor every bite and enjoy the little treat.

6. Light Some Candles In The Afternoon And Play Some Jazz

With the right aroma, candles can be so uplifting, especially in the day time. I see a candle lit and I instantly feel more at ease. I feel more calmness and peace. I feel an assurance that everything will be fine. When we are going through difficult times it’s these little things that are our lullaby.

7. Write Down Any Negative Thoughts On Paper And Then Rip It Up

This works, believe me. You don’t even have to write your thoughts on paper, you can write them on the notes app in your phone and once you’ve calmed down delete it. This really does help and will alleviate some of those feelings of anger or anxiety. Some of us aren’t fully there yet in the journey where we can fully discuss all that is on our minds and that’s okay. Give it to the paper and let the paper gift you with some relief.

8. Revisit An Old Hobby

We have to bring out our inner child and let that child play again! And let that child play often! There’s a reason children are the best teachers. Do activities that you use to enjoy as a kid, as in revisiting an old hobby! Roller skating, scrapbooking, painting, crafts, what did you enjoy? Bring that hobby back to life and get lost in it again.

9. Go For A Walk

Take a walk by yourself and be in the present moment. Notice nature and pay attention to the details of your walk. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Be with yourself and reflect on your blessings. Make it a walk of gratitude and focus on what’s good in life. I would suggest going by yourself too. But please not in the woods.

10. Do A Breathing Exercise

If you are experiencing anxiety this is a great way to release those anxious emotions and calm down your nervous system. This exercise can untangle the thoughts in your mind and help you exit the worrying and fear that you’re in. I can assure you afterwards you will feel better. I suggest Wim Hof aka the ice man. Look him on YouTube. He’s got great breathing exercises and such a positive, uplifting energy.

11. Do Something Nice For Someone

Doing things for others feels good. It releases endorphins, which triggers positive feelings in your body. Seeing someone else smile makes us smile. Knowing that we are the reason they smiled is even better. There are plenty of things you can do for another person. Serving others doesn’t just make us feel good but it strengthens hope. And that’s what everyone needs.

12. Have A Coffee Date With A Friend

Call up a good friend and have a spontaneous coffee date. Your mood will be boosted and there’s will be too. Spur of the moment kind of dates are the best. And hey, the date can be with yourself. Treat yourself for the moment. “Best friends are the therapists you can drink with.”

13. Buy Or Cook A Really Good Meal And Eat It Slowly

I don’t believe enough of us take the time to really relish a delicious meal. Most of the time we are eating while doing something. Maybe we’re talking with people or friends, reading, or watching something. But typically we’re multitasking and not appreciating what we are giving to our body and soul! Love has a flavor. And you can really taste it when all your focus is on simply eating and nothing else. There’s a reason we call some foods, comfort food.

14. Sign Off Social Media

There are times when you need unchain yourself from the internet and get back to real life. It’s so easy to get sucked in like a black hole, and signing off for a bit will for sure support your well being and mental health. Limit the distraction and comparison and put more focus on what you enjoy doing. False perceptions can be damaging and it’s important to not fall into that trap. Especially when you’re already in the middle of going through something difficult. Removing the apps from your phone so you aren’t tempted will boost your mood instantly and you’ll feel a sense of freedom, believe me.

15. Get A Pedicure Or Manicure

Who doesn’t love a mani or pedi! Even guys love them! When you look good, you feel good! And with feeling great comes a level of confidence. Go by yourself or go with a friend. That is a sure way to uplift yourself. And afterwards you’ll have pretty toes.

16. Schedule A Spur Of The Moment Massage

Humans need touch, it affirms our social connections and even our sense of self. It’s soothing to us. What you may need is a simple massage. What wonders a massage can do for our bodies; releasing stress and increasing relaxation. It’s a medicine and positive energy. Our bodies carry so much for us. So much that we don’t even realize. Just like wringing out a towel that was soaking in water, we need to be wrung out to alleviate some of the heavy weights that we carry.

17. Watch Some Stand Up Comedy On Netflix Or YouTube

I have personally turned to comedy a few times when I was feeling down. When needing to get your mind off certain issues laughing as we know is the best medicine. It activates and relieves your stress response. Now there are so many great comedians out there and so many great shows with easy access. Netflix has some great ones! Pick one, serve yourself some Ben and Jerry’s and let yourself belly ache laugh!

18. Get Dressed, Do Your Hair, Do Your Make Up

Get out of your pj’s and get dressed. Wash your face, brush your teeth, brush your hair while you’re at it and put on some mascara! I promise you’ll feel a little better! As a stay at home mom I’ve had plenty or days where I went to bed the way I woke up. But the days where I decided to actually dress up and look presentable I was more productive and felt confident. You don’t even have to leave your home. Get ready for YOURSELF.

19. Purge Your Things

You have more than you think. This is a great way to release some invisible weight. Think of purging your things like a snake shedding it’s skin. It’s making the room for growth and renewal. It’s also like cutting your hair, and we know how good that feels. Getting rid of stuff is rejuvenating and benefits your mental health by making you feel calmer, happier, and more in control.

20. Cuddle Your Animal Or Maybe A Blanket And Watch A Romantic Comedy

I miss our doggies so much. They were the best to cheering anybody up. Sometimes you just need to snuggle your fur baby to feel better. I kinda think that’s why they were made. Maybe you’re not an animal person though, that’s okay, snuggle with a warm blanket or a fluffy pillow. Whether you watch a Romantic comedy or your favorite tv sitcom this is a sure way to comfort oneself to feeling better.

21. Read A Devotional And Pray About It

This. This personally has helped me in more ways than one. It has strengthened my spirituality immensely. We tend to have this void in us. We search and search and usually fill it with material things, thinking this will make us feel better. Working on your spiritual self is what connects the bridges to discovering more of yourself and what you want in your life. I even began writing my own devotionals (click here to read) to share perspective with others. Read and be comforted!

22. Read Some Poetry Or Blogs About Others Going Through What You Are Going Through

You are not alone. How we need and crave this reassurance. There are many others who have gone through or are going through the same experiences as you. And they share their experiences to help YOU! Seek them, and discover some relief. If you can’t find something in relation to what you are going through then maybe you need to be the one to break the ice and share your story or experience to help another out there. Talking about what we are going through or writing about it is healing ourselves and others.

25. Go Outside And Take 5 Gulbs Of Fresh Air

5, 10, 15, or 20! Go outside and intentionally welcome fresh air into your body. Take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. All we can do it our best and it’s important to concede how miraculous and significant you truly are. Believe it, it’s true.

26. Go Cry

Do you feel like you need to cry? GO CRY. You don’t need permission. Take a moment to let it out and come out when you feel better. Crying is a release and it’s okay to cry. As a mom I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve said to my husband, “I need to go cry.” And I go cry. I would go into our bathroom, close the door, and just cry. Once I was done I’d come out and I would feel better. Like many of the other mood boosters that I’ve mentioned crying releases endorphins. Crying instantly alleviates stress and sends us into a more calming state of being. Take crying also as a sign that you need self love time, and make the time.

27. Get Into Your Car, Roll Up Your Windows And Just SCREAM

If you’ve never done this, I highly recommend it. I’ve been doing this since high school. It just feels good! It’s a release of tension. It’s a natural and intuitive way for your body to release emotion. Don’t take it out on your loved ones, that’s not fair. Become aware when you’re boiling and let the rage out in a loud scream in your car. It’s even better with a friend. Because then afterwards you’ll have a great laughing episode.

28. Call Your Mom

Need I say more. Or call your Grandma, or your best friends mom. I feel so incredibly blessed that I can call my mom and she just knows exactly what to say to soothe me. Thank you to all the amazing moms out there who just know what to say and do to making us feel better.

I love you mom so much.

Thank you for reading. And please share what you do that instantly makes you feel better when life’s got you down.

Lots of love,

m.g.

Beautiful Bouquets Of Flowers With Quotes To Inspire You

January 4, 2023January 5, 2023 The Wild Gems2 Comments

Sometimes we just need a little encouragement and inspiration, and flowers are full of both.

*Flowers Need Time To Bloom. So Do You.* – unknown

*You’ll grow beautifully in your own way.* – unknown

*May flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary.* – Xan Oku

*She may lose a few petals, but it doesn’t make her any less of a flower.* – Alicia N Green

*Deep in your wounds are seeds, waiting to grow beautiful flowers.* – Niti Mejethia

*A flower blossoms for its own joy.* – Oscar Wilde

*Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands.* – A Japanese Proverb

*When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.* – Alexander Den Heijer

*Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow the flowers or you can grow the weeds. –* unknown

*Where flowers bloom, so does hope.* – Lady Bird Johnson

*The Flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.* – Walt Disney

*A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.* – unknown

*May the petals teach me the art of letting go*. – Xan Oku

Have a wonderful day, and buy yourself some flowers.

Xo m.g.

2022 End Of Year Reflections With The Gems

December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 The Wild Gems1 Comment

Yesterday morning we sat down at the dining table that is covered in scratches and memories with a black and white notepad and a blue R.S.V.P. pen and we discussed and wrote down our reflections for the year. I was originally going to do this personally but then I thought it would be super fun and interesting to listen to my daughters answers on these specific questions. I also felt it would be some overall good bonding time.

It was an opportunity to really recognize our accomplishments and things that we each want to work on.

It was very humorous listening to their responses. They each listened to each other and we giggled about things that we actually forgot until we were encouraged to remember. Now that we have finished our reflections I think we’ll look at some photos from this year and begin our 2023 visions.

– love from TheWildGems

20 Coffee Phone Wallpapers For Coffee Lovers

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Side story:

I never use to drink coffee, really. I was just never that much into it. Maybe so often I’d get myself a mocha frap or a caramel frap, but that’s about it. (Can’t really drink those now if I’m being honest, way too sweet for me.)

It’s hard to believe now that I actually functioned without basic coffee. But I have been drinking coffee now for over 10 years, maybe 15! As you get older things become like a mirror after a hot shower.

But coffee has become my hug in a mug every day! So soothing and comforting. It’s like watching snow fall, but better.

If I’m feeling spontaneous I’ll add whip cream on top with some cinnamon. I’ll even wake up an hour early for this shit before my kids wake up so I can close my eyes, savor every sip, and not have to constantly nuke it up in the microwave. This is my adulthood.

My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time would drink coffee every single morning with his favorite hazelnut creamer (he’s been drinking coffee for YEARS) Whenever he would make his coffee it smelled so satisfying. I couldn’t help but request a few sips and indulge in the goodness. And he would share. He did love me apparently.

Well, over time my sips slowly morphed into me inhaling almost all his coffee every time. Where eventually he began making me my own cup of coffee along with his. I think he was done sharing with me. He had to flip the switch. I don’t blame him at all.

Anyways, it’s became our morning thing with him and I. And still is our morning thing. Every. Morning. I just cherish this thing that is ours.

And well, ladies and gentlemen…that is how this coffee lover/addict/enthusiast was born. Thanks for reading my little coffee story.

Now who wants some coffee? Because I for sure do.

– mg

Comment your favorite!

Lasagna Soup

December 15, 2022January 6, 2023 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

What You Need:

12 lasagna noodles broken up into little pieces

1 pound of ground beef

1 pound of sausage

1 medium onion cut in half and sliced in pieces

4 garlic cloves chopped

1 6oz can of tomato paste

1 tablespoon of oregano

1 tablespoon of thyme

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of Salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

4 cups and 3/4 of chicken stock

1/2 cup of heavy cream

Ricotta Dumpling’s so good

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning

A few pinches or fresh chopped parsley

Steps:

1: In a large dutch oven pot sauté the onions with the olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme until softened.

2. In a separate pot cook the lasagna noodles as directed, drain, and set aside.

3. In the Dutch oven add both the ground beef and sausage, the salt and pepper, and cooking until all brown and mixed well. Drain the fat.

4. Next add the tomato paste, the can of crushed tomatoes, some chopped fresh parsley, and the chicken stock. Allow to simmer for 20 mins.

5. While the soup is simmering, in a small mixing bowl add the ingredients for the ricotta dumplings and mix throughly. Set aside. Taste it, it’s so good! Would be great on Bruschetta too!

6. Add the heavy cream and mix well. Then add the lasagna noodles and simmer for 5 mins.

7. Serve in bowls with dollops of the ricotta mixture.

Enjoy!

Dear Readers: I Cut My Hair And I Love It

December 11, 2022December 20, 2022 The Wild Gems2 Comments

First of all my hair was pretty long before I made the chop. Long to where I could be braless and you wouldn’t see anything. Hair goals.

I was so eager to cut my hair though, and for awhile! However I made the commitment to myself to wait till after my friends wedding. I wanted a pretty hairstyle because you know, it was a wedding.

One of my friends actually became concerned that I wanted to cut my hair when I voiced it on Instagram. She sent me a message asking if I was okay. And then we talked on the phone while she continuously wanted to make sure I was fine.

Because you know, when most people chop off their hair it’s because they may be going through something. Like a divorce. That’s what my hair stylist said anyway.

But listen, I really just wanted to cut my hair. I wanted a change and I felt like cutting my hair would kind of be like shedding one’s shin. Making room for growth. You know?

My hair had a beautiful hoorah before I cut these beautiful locks I should say. Check it out!

It’s called a bubble braid in case you were wondering.

The Wedding happen and 2 days layer, I mean later, (that truly was a typo) my hair was chopped! Amazing how it took me so long to grow my hair that long and took an instant to just snip time away.

What do you think?

I am loving it!

This is after. Right to my shoulders/collarbone. A blunt type cut.

3 Reasons Why You’ll Loving Having Short Hair if you’ve been thinking about cutting yours too

1. Showers are soooooo nice

Washing long hair can be a pain in the butt! And you don’t even really realize how much of a pain it is until you have short hair! The shampoo just lathers so beautifully, and you only need just a little bit of conditioner. Compared to using a handful of it.

It just feels so good, I promise!

2. Much Easier To Style

You are going to save so much time my friend. Your hair dries so fast when it’s short and whether you are straightening or curling your hair it’s less tedious overall.

And if you don’t feel like styling your hair, well good news is that short ponytails are super cute!

3. It’s Liberating

You will feel like a new person. Looking at myself with long hair now, in retrospect I feel different. Obviously it’s me but theres a level of confidence that comes with chopping your hair off.

Good bye all that does not serve me! Or good bye bad energy that was just lingering! Or good bye…. You get the idea.

Long hair was so fun. But I think I might keep short for awhile.

If you’re thinking about cutting your hair just do it!!

– mg xox

Chicken And Dumplings

December 7, 2022December 10, 2022 The Wild GemsLeave a comment

What You Need:

For The Chicken Soup

2 to 3 lbs of chicken drum sticks and chicken thighs ( I get one pack of drumsticks and one pack of just chicken thighs. As long as the weight combined is 2 to 3 pounds)

1/2 cup of chopped carrots

1/2 cup of chopped celery

1/2 cup of apple cider or apple juice

6 cups of chicken broth

1 medium onion finely chopped

4 to 5 garlic cloves finely chopped

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

1/4 teaspoon of turmeric

1 teaspoon of oregano

1/2 cup of half and half

Salt and pepper for additional seasoning

For The Dumplings

1 1/2 cups of flour

1/2 cup of corn meal

1 tablespoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1 1/2 cups of half and half

A handful of chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

1. Chop up all your veggies (onion, celery, carrots) and place in a bowl. Combine your spices and place in a separate small bowl.

2. Heat up a large skillet on medium high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Brown both sides of the drumsticks. Remove from skillet and place on a sheet pan lined with foil. Add 2 more tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sear both sides of the chicken thighs. Then place on the sheet pan with drumsticks.

3. In the same skillet sauté the veggies until softened. Add the spices to the veggies and mix well.

4. Heat up a large pot on medium high heat and add the chicken broth and apple cider. Add the veggies along with the remaining oils from the skillet to the pot. Next add all the browned chicken. Reduce heat to low once it begins to boil. Cover lid loosely and cook chicken for 25 mins. (ensure it’s on a simmer, not a full blown boil)

5. At the 15 minute mark add the oregano and begin to season with salt and pepper. Tasting the broth until desired flavor.

6. While the chicken is simmering combine all the ingredients for the dumplings in medium bowl and mix well. Set aside.

7. The chicken should be done by now. You will know the chicken is complete when the meat pulls easily off the bones (again, simmer close to 20 to 25 mins) Remove chicken from the pot and begin to shred the chicken, discarding the bones.

8. Add the 1/2 cup of half and half to the pot and then add the chicken. Keeping the pot on a very low simmer. Begin to add tablespoon size dollops of dumpling mixture. Until the surface is covered in floating dumplings.

9. Lightly place cover on pot and simmer for 15 mins. Checking periodically and probing to check if the dumplings are fully cooked.

10. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Soften The Heart: Devotional #21

December 5, 2022December 7, 2022 The Wild Gems2 Comments

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me with your generous Spirit.”

Psalm 51:10-13

The Bible shares with us that each of us are salves in this world. We are either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ. Either way, we are owned.

God granted us the choice in whom we will serve. We have been gifted a freedom to make mistakes, question authority, challenge ourselves, and find ourselves. In our freedom we begin to understand humility and love. We learn, grow, and teach (intentionally or unintentionally).

In choosing God, it is also mentioned that the path of Christ is not an untroubled one. Many tribulations will follow each us in our lives. However there is a degree of peace, patience, and assurance when strengthening your faith and choosing to be a slave of righteousness.

It’s a difficult web to be caught in. And we are all in it.

We need help each day to choose God over the traits of this world. Some days we have slips and will continue to have slips. But we must not shame ourselves, we must give ourselves grace and others daily. We must exhort ourselves, challenge others, and be brave to do what others may not be able to.

To seek God is to have the fog lifted in your life.

Fog can keep us stagnant because we are unaware or afraid. Since we can’t see beyond it, we decide to remain stationary because we only trust what we can see.

To have the courage and hope to seek something greater is to discover what’s beyond the fog. It’s to surrender to the unknown.

And it’s the discovery that there is indeed more than what meets the eye.