• Party Hearty Ideas

    Green Beans ^2

    In my humble opinion, these are the best green beans! Plus, I have a few people who agree. 🙂 These green beans are to the 2nd degree or “squared” because they elevate my expectations of how green beans should taste now. They are fresh with a crunchy/savory topping, healthy and simple to make!

  • Party Hearty Ideas

    Curry Sweet Potato Soup

    Plus, it’s Vegan & Gluten Free! Fall is upon us here in the Midwest and my lovely aunt dropped off home grown sweet potatoes, which left me with the perfect opportunity to try this new recipe! Anyone stressed out and having some gut related issues?! This recipe is perfect to get your gut health back on track. Also, this recipe has you covered at your next hosting event with 8 heaping cups of soup to feed any hungry crowd! It’s nutritious and allergy friendly. Always trust your gut!-Moms everywhere Remember our emotions are connected to our stomachs; therefore, if you’re having a lot of stomach problems then take a step…

  • Me, Myself Minus Irene

    The Mindful Camino Journey

    This is a life changing journey and when you go with an open heart and mind, it can be the most powerful and transforming pilgrimage for your soul. Have you ever wanted to be fully present in life and enjoy every single moment of every single day?! Yep, me too! I read all about mindfulness, taught it to all my previous students, prayed about it and yearned for it but never actually experienced it. Until I decided to do something that was both scary and a goal of mine for the past six years: pack all my belongings in a bag and walk almost 600 miles across Spain. The Camino…

  • Me, Myself Minus Irene

    Packing Tips for the Camino de Santiago

    To say that I did my research before I left for the Camino, was an understatement! Even more so, I learned a lot throughout my five weeks on the Camino, so I hope this can guide your journey! I divided the post into two lists: Pre-Departure Camino (what to buy before you leave) and On-Camino (what to buy when you arrive). Please keep in mind this list is geared towards the summer months, women and hiking the Camino Frances. Before you buy anything, ask around to family and friends to see what you can borrow first! For example, I traded my old couch for a backpack for my mom. She…

  • Me, Myself Minus Irene

    Hosting a Vision Board Party

    Did someone just say Vision Board Party?! Oh, wait that was me! Well, let me introduce you to this fabulous and amazing concept that is a way to unite, inspire and get creative with friends, family, co-workers and/or strangers! For my 31st b-day, I threw a Vision Board Party with my friends and it was an absolute blast! Here are some pics from the shenanigans but everyone had a great time catching up, letting their creative juices flow and learning so much about each other in the process! My family was not off the hook either, and everyone really enjoyed it! Even my dad participated…which says a lot! I’ve now…

  • Desserts

    Zucchini, Ginger & Cacao Cookies

    I had a Vision Board Workshop scheduled and then an unexpected snow happened that prevented me from getting to the store. Therefore, I had to piece together ingredients and hope for the best! And my prayers were answered because they were DELICIOUS! And a hit at the Vision Board Workshop, win, win! Therefore, if you only have Almond flour or only have Gluten Free All purpose flour, then use 1 cup of each instead of 1/2 cup of each. I just happened to only have 1/2 a cup of each left. However, the combination of the two worked great! Health Benefits:1. Zucchini: Loaded with Vitamin C that can help your…

  • Party Hearty Ideas

    Roasted Mixed Nuts

    Quick, I need a healthy snack! Sound familiar?! Well, you are in luck! This makes about 2 cups of mixed nuts to help get you through the week or a great side dish to host your next party. To make it budget friendly, use whatever you have around the house! I just happened to have these three nuts on hand and love the combination together. But again, almonds would be a great addition too. Also, just use the spices you like and have in your cabinet. I added “Everything But the Bagel” seasoning mix from Trader Joe’s because we love it! However, no need to buy it if you don’t…

  • Breakfast

    Raspberry & Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

    After hosting a Vision Board Workshop, I had some berries leftover from my healthy food spread. I am a lover of veggies but fruit is another story! This jam tricks me into eating my fruits and enjoying every minute of it! You can use honey instead of coconut sugar and it will work great! Also, feel free to add any berry duo or trio you enjoy. Prep and cook time is only 20 minutes! Then you let the jam completely cool before placing it in a jar to store in the fridge for up to one week! Health Benefits:1. Raspberries contain Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties. 2. Blueberries are great…

  • Breakfast,  Desserts

    Peanut Butter, Cacao & Banana Mini Breads

    Everything is better with Peanut Butter and Chocolate. And when it’s healthy, then that’s a win, win!me 🙂 Our fruit was feeling left out this holiday season, so to prevent any bananas in the trash, I needed to come up with a recipe fast! I took bits of my Vanilla Chai Protein Muffins recipe and combined it with my great-grandma’s classic Banana Muffin recipe. And I was very pleased with the result! When I attempt a new recipe, about 8 out of 10 times it does not work. Therefore, when the first attempt is a success, the fireworks come out (or at least in my mind!).  Plus, we were celebrating my…

  • House Warming

    Decorative Pillow Tutorial

    I love house warming gifts! Moving into a new home, apartment, or van (which is what my brother is currently getting ready to do!) is a stressful but exciting life event. A unique, handmade house warming gift is a great way to help your family or friends get a jump-start on their new life chapter. This pillow in particular was designed for my friend who just got married and moved into a new home! I wanted it specifically designed to her design aesthetic, so I asked about her color scheme and then went from there. This project takes about 2-3 hours from start to finish. When your budget is tight,…