Tag: blog

60 Small Pieces Of Life Advice From A Mother To Her Daughters

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To my daughters; Demi, Ella, Wrenn. I love you girls so much. I scribbled these pieces in a notebook awhile back and I decided to share these and make it accessible to others who may need a little piece of advice.

May each of you continue to notice the lights in your life, always.

  1. Pay attention to children. Study them and watch them with great intent. They will remind you how to live.
  2. Always appreciate your surroundings. Compared to another, you may be living a dream.
  3. Create friendships that will last a lifetime. Cherish that best friend you have, those kinds of friendships are like finding treasure.
  4. It’s more than okay to cry in front of others, don’t ever be embarrassed.
  5. Keep this in mind, “this to shall pass.” The bad things, and the good things. Embrace it. Enjoy it.
  6. Cut the distractions and enjoy the moment.
  7. Always respect yourself. You are so worth it, never doubt that.
  8. You are not merely words, you are poetry.
  9. Life will disappoint you sometimes, and you are never alone in that disappointment. What are you going to do about it?
  10. Falling in love is worth it.
  11. Think before you speak. Words stain like lipstick.
  12. Don’t judge others. Just don’t. Everyone has a story and everyone has value.
  13. Stick with the people who make you belly-ache laugh.
  14. Love is a choice, choose love, always.
  15. Scary moments will arise, but you can do it. Have faith in yourself, have faith in others.
  16. Help whenever you notice the opportunity, but be cautious. Please don’t pick up hitchhikers.
  17. Read. Read. Read. Gain knowledge and understanding. The world needs that.
  18. Your body is perfect. Absolutely perfect and full of magic. Believe it.
  19. Never lose sight of who you are, stay true to yourself.
  20. Love God with all of your heart. Nobody loves you the way God does.
  21. Get outside every chance you get and BREATHE. Close your eyes and just breathe.
  22. Write whenever you can. Write your ideas, your dreams, things you have learned. Share it and pass it on.
  23. Give gifts for no reason. One simple way to show another how much you value and treasure them. But the best gift is your time and attention.
  24. Mama says use your manners but also eat with your hands and burp. It’s good for you.
  25. Forgive yourself. Mistakes are going to happen. And when you begin reflecting, forgive yourself.
  26. Dream big. Not everyone gets to the dream (or maybe they do) but you know what, most of the fun is the actual dreaming.
  27. Have fun and get muddy.
  28. Listen to others. You can hear and not be listening. Listen to what someone is saying.
  29. Count your blessings, and count them often.
  30. Tell the ones you love them, ALL THE TIME.
  31. Learn about space. It’s a little terrifying, but absolutely miraculous.
  32. Grudges are not good for the soul. Let it go baby, let it go. Practice forgiveness.
  33. Cake for breakfast, why not? Sometimes you eat dessert first.
  34. Be highly conscious what you are feeding your body and your soul. But make exceptions. Some day are for movies and pure comfort food.
  35. No one is a mind reader. Steer from making assumptions and learn to talk it out.
  36. Practice independence. It will benefit you.
  37. You could be a billionaire or millionaire and still be unhappy. “The best things in life cannot be seen or touched but only felt with the heart.” Helen Keller.
  38. Swallow your pride and say sorry when you need to.
  39. You make an impact every single day. Even the days you don’t get out of bed.
  40. Explore. Travel. NOTICE the world. There is so much beauty even in your front yard.
  41. Cherish time, because you don’t get it back. But then again, you kind of do, just in a different way. A smell can make you time travel.
  42. Be yourself, always. Because there is nobody who will ever be you. So embrace who you are, you beautiful creature!
  43. Embrace your path. Comparing will only make you lose focus. You have your own purposes in this life.
  44. Practice calmness verse becoming angry. Breathe in, breathe out. I know its hard, I know. But you are stronger than you believe.
  45. Be a hostess, and host often. And it’s okay to go to bed and clean up the next day. Pay attention to who helps though and offers to clean up.
  46. “I hope you dance.” by Faith Hill. Listen to that song and when you become a mom one day you’ll really understand it. I love you.
  47. Don’t go looking for trouble, but get in a little trouble. It’s fun. Some trouble is worth it.
  48. Pray everyday.
  49. Let your voice be heard. You have so much to say and so much to share. You will inspire and change the world. You’ve completely changed mine.
  50. Don’t surrender to peer pressure. If you are ever in a situation where you are feeling pressured, get out. That’s a red flag.
  51. Fight back what you are passionate about. You’ve always had the fire. Don’t let anyone dim your light.
  52. Don’t believe everything you hear. Ask questions or just smile. Take it with a grain of salt. And don’t things too personally. How a person treats you is a reflection on how they treat themselves. Show compassion.
  53. Don’t ignore your intuition. But if you do, learn from it.
  54. If you don’t want anyone to find out, there’s a good chance you shouldn’t be doing it.
  55. Don’t be afraid to come across as foolish. Ask the questions, be the first, remain curious, try new things, and laugh at yourself.
  56. Walk in light, be a light for others, and help others shine.
  57. Be patient with yourself. A tree doesn’t grow that tall and give that much shade over night.
  58. Go through your things often, and donate whatever you can. You can survive with less than you may believe.
  59. Love life. Love it all. The bad and good. I mentioned this in number 14. Choose love over fear.
  60. Never forget how much your parents really do love you. You are what gave them life.

I love you.

Women, You Need To Be Checking Your Breasts For Lumps At Least Once A Month. Best Time Is After Your Period.

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In the United States for every 8 women, 1 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

This statistic is very alarming. Being a woman and having daughters pushes me to bring more awareness to this and to encourage the females in my life to ensure they are checking themselves regularly for anything abnormal.

I discovered a lump in my underarm almost a year ago. I was referred to woman’s imaging twice and I even requested to see a specialist because I still felt unsure.

Long story short, they have come to a recent conclusion that it’s a benign lymph node. I will continue to monitor it and am doing what I believe I need to do. I am still very hopeful that it will resolve on it’s on.

But in the meantime I feel a very strong obligation to share this and to encourage women to be checking themselves. Having this lump has led me to lots of googling, believe me. But when I go through something I try to ask myself, “what is this teaching me and how can I apply this to my life?” It’s all been a life lesson.

Hence, why I am writing this blog.

Maybe some female (friend or stranger) will read this and just her reading this saved her life! I mean, who knows! But if anything I just want encourage you, my friends, to take care of yourselves as best you can.

I know cancer is not something we want to believe that can happen to us but the truth is, it can. If not you, possibly someone you love dearly. And with a 1 in 8 statistic we should be even more proactive with this, as well as, providing more awareness to the women in our lives to check themselves.

I am not a health expert. But here are the answers that I can provide to you with my experience.

When to check your breasts?

At least once a month. Best time to check for any abnormalities is right after your period, this is what a breast specialist told me. What may help is setting a monthly reminder in your phone to prevent you from forgetting.

How to self exam your breasts?

Lay down on your back and lift one arm reaching far above your head. Use your opposite hand and begin pressing 4 fingers all around your breast, armpit, and collarbone. Repeat on the other side.

You’re feeling for any lumps (some women have natural lumpy breast tissue which is why it is good to become familiar with the way your breasts feel) you’re also checking for any discharge from your nipples.

Note: if anything AT ALL seems unfamiliar it’s best to just let your doctor know.

I feel a lump, now what?

First of all, don’t panic. Lumps do not always indicate cancer. They can be cysts or even a benign lymph node if located in the underarm. And given time they may go away on their own.

Either way I encourage you to call your doctor right away and to schedule an appointment to have it further check out.

My doctor referred me to have an ultra sound, what does that mean?

Most of the time it means they really aren’t sure what the lump is. And lumps in the breast is also not something they mess around with. So they refer you to have it checked out on a different level. I personably feel it’s better to be referred somewhere then to just be dismissed and told “it feels normal”.

Don’t panic once again if your doctor is referring you. I know this can be scary, trust me. But if it is something that is concerning you want it caught as soon as possible.

If you still aren’t satisfied, ask to be referred to a breast specialist.

All I’m going to say is, your peace of mind is worth it. Just trust your intuition and I encourage you have a health advocate if you’re uncomfortable being your own.

A breast specialist will check your breasts, will feel the lump, will ask if you’re experiencing any pain, ask if the lump has grown, and she may or may not have you come back in a few more months.

And if the breast specialist doesn’t suggest you come back and the lump is still present over time, I would definitely have it checked out again. Don’t just dismiss it because the doctor says it doesn’t appear abnormal. If it’s abnormal for YOU, stay on top of it.

When it comes to your health become comfortable being uncomfortable.

Don’t be embarrassed or uncomfortable with your questions, or requesting a second opinion or additional follow ups, or bringing it up to family or friends, etc. Having peace of mind is always worth it even when it feels like a lot.

I know this kind of stuff isn’t fun to discuss believe me. It’s scary and terrifying but we are all in this together.

With all this being said, check yourself and ask the women in your life, “how often are you checking yourself.”

You might save their life.

Breakfast Zucchini Bread

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This bread is easy to make and super tasty. A yummy quick breakfast treat, but hey, if you want to have this for lunch or dinner I won’t judge!

Is best served warmed up with unsalted butter! Enjoy!

Breakfast Zucchini Bread

(This is called ‘Breakfast Zucchini Bread’ because it’s best to make in the evening and allow to sit overnight.)

Makes one small 8 x 4 loaf

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

What You Need:

1 large zucchini or 2 small ones finely shredded

1 beaten egg

1 1/2 cups of flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon plus a sprinkle of nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup of sugar

1/4 cup of vegetable oil

Steps:

1. In one small bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.

2. In a separate medium/large size bowl mix the beaten egg, sugar, vegetable oil, and shredded zucchini with an electric mixer.

3. Begin adding the dry ingredients (the flour and spices) to the wet ingredients (the egg and oil) slowly till batter is consistent.

4. Generously butter up the loaf pan and pour batter into pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

5. When bread is complete, allow to cool completely. Cover and let it sit overnight.

And then, enjoy for breakfast!

Mix all the dry ingredients in separate bowl.
Then, mix your wet ingredients.
Combine flour mixture and zucchini mixture together and bake at 350.

Barbecue Meatloaf

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Servings: 4 – 6 servings

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Temperate should read 165 when complete.

What You Need:

1 lb ground beef

1 cup bread crumbs

1 diced onion OR 1 tablespoon of onion powder

1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1 egg beaten

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Reserving 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce.

2. Mix well with hand, form loaf shape and place in loaf pan. Pour remaining barbecue sauce over loaf.

3. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Allow meatloaf to rest for about ten minutes. Check meatloaf temperature, it should read 165.

Enjoy with fresh veggies and roasted potatoes.

Chicken Fajitas Under The Broiler

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The Lime is essential, don’t forget it!

Chicken Fajitas Under The Broiler

Makes: 4-6 servings Time: 25 mins in oven (oven time can vary)

What You Need:

1 lb to 1 1/2 lbs of thin chicken breasts cut into 1/4 inch strips

1 lb of baby bell peppers cut in half and seeded

1 large yellow onion sliced

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

1 Tablespoon of Chili Powder

2 teaspoons of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper

1 teaspoon of paprika

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 large lime

8 to 10 warmed tortillas

Steps:

1. In a small bowl mix together the chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Line a sheet pan with foil. Arrange baby bell peppers on the sheet pan. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil onto the peppers and apply half of the seasoning from the bowl to the peppers.

3. Place the sheet of peppers under the broiler for about 15 to 20 mins until peppers begin to blacken a little and char. (If your broiler has a setting for low or high, set it to high)

4. In a medium bowl combine the chicken strips, tablespoon of olive oil, and the rest of the seasoning.

5. Pull out sheet pan and place chicken strips onto the peppers. Broil for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

6. Squeeze lime over entire sheet of peppers and chicken.

Serve with warmed tortillas, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, or salsa! So easy and delish!

Enjoy!

Note: This is all made with the broiler setting on your oven. You are NOT baking these. Broilers can be tricky, it’s okay to keep opening your oven to check with the peppers. With the chicken though, 5 mins is the magic number! Don’t open the oven!

Before olive oil and seasoning is added.
Add seasoning to chicken strips in a medium bowl
It’s amazing what the BROILER can do! YUM! Again, don’t forget the lime!

4 Ingredient Baked Pop-Tarts

The Wild Gems

Easy, yummy, and quick!

Once you figure out how easy this is the possibilities are endless!

I’m so excited to try more flavors and to really get creative!

Let’s just get to it shall we.

All You Need Is (for this specific pop-tart)

• premade pie crust

• smuckers natural strawberry fruit spread

• The egg white of ONE egg (all you do is brush this over the pastry before popping into the oven)

• Cookie Icing

(Sprinkles optional)

Maybe one of these days I’ll try making these with homemade dough and icing but I don’t have time! Do you!? This method of using store bought and pre-made makes this super easy, especially with your kids!

This is something fun then can make by themselves too! With adult supervision with the oven of course.

4 Ingredient Baked Pop-Tarts with pictures

Steps:

Step 1. Follow steps on the pre-made dough, on the box of dough I bought it said to roll out and let rise for 20 mins.)

– once dough is ready, cut out the size of rectangles you want and as many as you want (doesn’t need to be perfect).

– in this picture there are 6 rectangles which will make 3 pop -tarts.

Step 2:

Put a dollop amount of strawberry spread onto the rectangles. However many you are making you want to make sure each rectangle has a plain one to go on top.

Step 3.

Place a plain rectangle of dough onto each rectangle with strawberry spread. And seal each pastry with a fork. Poke some holes on top with a toothpick.

Brush egg white wash all over the pastries. (whisk egg white a little before brushing)

(I made these with my girls so they aren’t the prettiest but I’m sure if you have time you can do a nicer job!)

Step 5.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes (oven time may vary) allow to cool

Step 6.

Add cookie icing and sprinkles!

Enjoy! See, simple!

Now go get creative and Wild with this!!!

To The Wildest Dreamers – Keep This In Mind

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Whatever you want in this life, I hope what I have to say can motivate or encourage you in some way.

Don’t ever stop being a dreamer.

“Set impossible goals”. I actually heard that quote on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It was one of her greatest holiday giveaway ones.

A man had been swimming in the ocean, he did a flip, and broke his neck. Just like that, his life changed in an instant.

Life as we know is full of those kind of moments.

He was told that he may never walk again. A nurse told him something that gave him strength and determination. “Set impossible goals.”

Over time, he did learn how to walk again, he is one of the lucky few. He didn’t allow being told that he wouldn’t be able to walk again stop him or hold him back. He dreamed that impossible dream. The beautiful part of this story is he walked his wife down the aisle. And I’m willing to bet they danced too. All because he didn’t give up. All the frustration, the tears, the try after try were absolutely worth it.

(This isn’t them btw, I’m just providing a visual so you can truly try to empathize with this couple and to gain perspective. Hope it works.)

Now……

Everyone has something that they desire. What is your dream? I know you have one.

I’m willing to bet some of you reading this have never really been asked that question. Or you haven’t shared it with anyone.

I want this post to get you thinking about what you want in your life. To take a moment to identify what you seek.

When I was younger the only dream I truly desired so much was to become a mom. I’m not even kidding, that was my dream. It was a dream and it felt like a calling, I can’t really explain it. I wanted to be a mom so bad and my greatest fear was that I wouldn’t be able to have children.

When I became a mother my dream literally came true. Words cannot describe how much joy motherhood gives me. However, what’s crazy though, when I became a mom I also lost myself a bit.

Losing a bit of myself was very bizarre to me. I became something that I wanted so badly, yet, here was I not feeling completely fulfilled.

I went on a serious soul searching journey. And 3 kids later I feel the most confident, courageous, that I have ever been. And I have grown so much.

Motherhood has been the best thing to ever happen to me, because I found a different part of myself. New dreams are being born and new goals are being formed because of my first dream. My daughters inspire me. I have started dreaming ‘impossible dreams’ because of them.

I share this because I don’t ever want you to feel discouraged. The feeling of reaching something but not quite feeling the way you thought you would will happen sometimes.

I saw an interview with Tom Hanks on The Today Show and he said something along the lines of, “The good things you feel from an accomplishment don’t last, and the same goes for the things that bring you down.”

I’m grateful for my dream of motherhood coming true. Greatest, hardest thing ever! This blog exist because of my girls! I have no idea where this blog will take me, but so far it’s probably helped me more then it’s helped any of you.

Trust the Timing of things. And trust your path. Each path provides some type of lesson to get you where you need to go next.

It can take time trying to figure out what you really want.

The point is, don’t give up. Keep trying, keep experiencing, keep doing! And stop being so concerned with what others think. Otherwise you’ll just become stuck and you will settle. If you only knew that just a few feet more you’d see that something greater was waiting for you.

If you’re afraid to fail in front of others, you’re going to have to suck it up. I say that in the nicest way possible.

I personally would rather keep trying new things and experiencing failure to find what really lights my spirit up, then to just settle because I’m in a content position.

You can’t be afraid of dead ends, u-turns, or any paths that lead you into a roundabout.

The pitfalls, the mistakes, the redos are going to happen and they have to happen in order for you to learn and grow and to get where you want to be.

4 THINGS TO CLOSE THIS UP

(Thanks if you read this whole thing!)

Be patient.

Don‘t forget the reason why you’re doing what you are doing.

Write your goals down and work towards it everyday.

Stop limiting yourself, set yourself to be free and to express who you really are and who you want to become.

Enjoy the crazy maze of life!

DIY Ripped Jeans – All You Need is Scissors, A Steak Knife, And Tweezers

The Wild Gems

First, I just want to say this is a super easy DIY. And I don’t know why but I felt it to be kind of soothing pulling out the jean threads.

I’m weird.

Anyways, I had a pair of black jeans with a little bit of white paint on them and because of that white paint they just became dormant in my drawer.

I have no idea what prompted me to pull them out and to decide to do something with them but here we are.

(I can be very impulsive. Sometimes I’ll decide I want bangs so I grab scissors and cut.)

I cut a big hole in the blacks jeans and thought, well, this looks stupid. I better YouTube this.

And I learned how to make your own ripped jeans! Honestly, it makes sense why they charge an arm and leg for ripped jeans when you buy them. It’s really easy but it’s a bit tedious.

Let this be your craft for the month!

DIY RIPPED JEANS – All YOU NEED IS SCISSORS, A STEAK KNIFE, AND TWEEZERS

Step 1: Identify where on your jeans you want to place holes or distressed marks.

(Tip: Try on yours pants, and mark with chalk if needed.)

Step 2: (for just a distressed look) Take your steak knife and run the steak knife side to side on parts of the waste, tops of the pockets, and a few random spots on your jeans.

Step 3: To achieve the “ripped look” take your scissors and cut horizontal lines where you want the holes to be. One horizontal line on top of another.

Step 4: (this is the soothing yet tedious part. Turn on some Netflix) take your tweezers and begin pulling the vertical jean threads out, so eventually all that will be left are the white threads in the middle.

THERE IS NO WRONG WAY TO DO THIS, GET CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN WITH IT.

It’s going to look cute!

Work it girl

Fall Wines And The Perfect Pairings That Go With Them

The Wild Gems1 Comment

“Every empty bottle is filled with a great story”

-unknown

Fall is here!

Time to start planning those Fall social events and family/friend gatherings! A time to reminisce, laugh, story tell, and mingle!

Who’s excited for the season!!

If you enjoy hosting parties and enjoy wine this is the post for you. Take a look at these perfect Fall Wines and these tasty foods that compliment them perfectly!

Below are 4 Fall wines and the perfect pairings for them to make it easier for your planning.

Fall Wines And The Perfect Pairings That Go With Them

Merlot

  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew
  • Grilled Steak
  • Roasted chicken
  • Grilled Lamb Chops
  • Caprese Salad
  • Caesar Salad
  • Mushrooms (add to a salad, a sauce, or a side)
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Brussels sprouts with bacon
  • Pasta
  • Gouda and cheddar cheese

Pinot Noir

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Glazed Ham
  • Grilled asparagus
  • Pulled pork
  • Pasta
  • Roasted chicken
  • Casseroles
  • Stews
  • Pizza
  • Cheeseburgers
  • Duck

Sparkling Wine

  • Shrimp
  • Fried calamari
  • Buttered popcorn
  • Stuffed mushrooms
  • Fruit based desserts
  • Smoked salmon
  • Oysters
  • Sushi
  • Asparagus
  • Almonds

Unoaked Chardonnay

  • Pasta in a creamy sauce
  • Creamy vegetable soups
  • Chicken
  • Crab
  • Grilled fish
  • Butternut squash
  • Pumpkin
  • Corn
  • Crab Cakes
  • Fried Chicken
  • Turkey

 

If you really LOVE Fall check out this list FALL MUST DO’S list! Click on the link below.

15 MUST DO’S For A Memorable FALL – The Best Season

We Can Live In A Better World With A Simple Act

The Wild GemsLeave a comment

I think something we all think about from time to time is our purpose in life.

Not just our purpose, but we wonder how we are contributing to this world. We ask ourselves what impact am I making, or how can I make an impact? I have an answer.

Kindness.

We reciprocate kindness. It’s something so simple yet extremely powerful.

Can you imagine a world where people were just more kind. Kind as in soft hearted, thoughtful, helpful, loving, full of compassionate and sincerity.

You hear about acts of kindness, you hear how contagious it is but what is an act of kindness really.

An act of kindness is a selfless act you do for someone or something for the mere fact of making them feel good and expecting nothing in exchange. That’s a very simple explanation.

In result of these actions, these acts of kindness, you feel good. You feel really good, you feel positive, you feel and you know you are making an impact in someway. If you are unaware of this, YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE with every kind thing that you do.

You don’t need to know the results of whatever good acts of kindness you are doing because in your heart you know these good deeds are impactful and will go further then you can possibly imagine.

Kindness is extremely contagious. Which is why we need to be more kind to one another.

Even just witnessing an act of kindness makes you feel good! Have you ever noticed that?

In performing more acts of kindness you are spreading magic.

When someone does something nice for YOU, don’t you feel a need and a desire to reciprocate it. You want to return the gesture because you keep in mind how good it made you feel and you want to pay it forward.

All this kindness feels so good because it releases that love hormone you’ve heard about, oxytocin.

A hormone that is released through intimacy, hugging, childbirth, and that’s just to name a few! Overall I think we all can agree it’s a pretty good feeling.

I feel like often we are reminded how cruel this world can be. Whether it be something we watch on the news or see on social media, or hear maybe on the radio.

It’s crucial to not let these bad things that exist harden your heart and to stay strong with your ‘kindness armor’.

Being a Mother I worry a lot about my children and this world they are growing up in. But I know if we are all just more kind this world really can be a better place.

I challenge you to do more acts of kindness. Empathize with one another and choose to love. We are all in this together. We are one.

No matter how big or small you think you are, you play a huge part in this life and world and plan. Lift those who are weak, continue to strengthen yourself to help others, and never give up on the vision that you have for a better place.

What kind thing will you do today?