For my bridal shower I wanted a fresh theme, and what better then growth? It is true that from the day you begin loving someone, that love grows, and changes. It becomes different and new all over again. I wanted my shower to support growth and change and be embracing of all types of love. Even though the shower was about celebrating the love between Brandin and I as we prepared for marriage, I also wanted to celebrate the love of family and friendships that I shared with all the people attending my shower. It turned out absolutely stunning! My father made a donut wall (which was such a hit that we had multiple requests for it to be left up for the wedding), we had a yummy mimosa bar, fun games, a poloroid advice booklet that I can look back on for the rest of my life. We had awesome succulent prizes, I gave out flower seeds as a favor, for people to take home and plant and let grow into a flower and have a lasting memory of the love from my shower! I am so blessed with the most amazing friends and family who filled the wonderfully decorated space with so much love, laughter, and wonderful fun conversation.
A guide to the perfect Bridesmaid proposal!
Cheers to planning a wedding in three months! Brandin and I decided to have our Wedding early this summer in our backyard! we are so excited to take this next step but the planning part is a little overwhelming... As I began to plan I quickly realized all the small details about a wedding I never throught of! Like asking my bridesmaids to be apart of my bridal party! I wanted to make it special so I created a proposal box for them and I threw it together really quickly! (Kind of a theme throughout the whole planning process haha) I ordered plastic stemless champagne flutes at an excellent price at FeyaLivCO etsy shop, they turned out great and I got them in a week! I got all the bridesmaids names made into stickers at ANNLEXINE Designs Etsy shop for just 1 dollar a piece! and the mini succulents were such a steal from a local market in my home town. The bath bombs are Milk and Honey brand... I splurged on soy candles from Whole Foods because they were too cute to pass on! All in all spent about $25 on each of the proposal boxes.
The essentials: Plant, Candle, Personalized cup, Bath bomb, simple as that.
Homemade Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is my favorite nut milk and its one of the easiest to make on your own, plus it does not require any straining which can be a hassle. Cashew milk is really rich and creamy and can be used as a base for cereal, morning lattes, cooking and baking needs, and so much more. Almost all my recipes include this cashew milk, and the great thing about it is you can have fun with it, adding in caramel or hazelnut syrups to add flavor, you can do whatever you want!
Cashew Milk
Ingredients:
1 Cup Raw Cashews, 4 cups water, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, 2 tbs Maple Syrup or Agave, and 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
Directions:
To get the cashews tender, place them in a bowl or large cup and cover the cashews with water, soak 4-6 hours. I often leave my cashews in the fridge to soak overnight. If you don't have time to soak them for an extended period of time, you can put them in a pot, cover with water and boil them for about 10 minutes. Both strategies get the job done, but if you have the time I do find that soaking rather then boiling the cashews gives a richter more fluffy Cashew Milk.
Once soaked, you then drain and rinse the cashews.
Then add the cashews to your blender with 1 cup of fresh water.
Blend until you are sure that there is no lumps, once your sure its lump free you can add the remaining 3 cups of water, vanilla, sweetener, cinnamon, and then blend again.
Store the Cashew Milk in an air tight container, the milk should keep for about a week if you don't finish it all in the first day!
Try not to drink it all at once!!
Bark Box
We are so excited to be partnered with Bark box! Its very clear how much we love our boys, and Barkbox has allowed us to shower them with treats and goodies every month! Little did we know, BarkBox helped the boys out with a Super Bowl tailgate party while we were gone in Minnesota. Each box comes with a themed collection, consisting of at least 2 innovative toys, 2 all-natural bags of treats, and a chew, all part of each month's unique themed collection.
Heading to Minnesota!
This past week has been such a whirlwind with the anticipation of the upcoming super bowl! Samsonite has Made the trip to Minnesota a breeze. Their luggage and travel essentials kept me orgagnized and stylish for the trip!
My Rose gold luggage comes in three convenient sizes, with a ligthweight hard case.
The black leather Samsonite tote made oragnizing itineraries, tickets, and credentials so easy with its mulitple compartments, my computer fits in perfectly. It can makes a great work or travel bag.
This duffle I can pack full of clothes, it makes a perfect weekender duffle bag.
Traveling in style and functionality! Now I gotta try and stay warm in Minnesota!
Boxing: Pregame Stress Relief.
With this Sundays football game ( AFC Championships) getting closer, and the stress of playoffs getting more and more intense. I have taken up boxing as part of my workout, its an excellent way to relieve stress and its been toning up muscles I didn't know I needed to tone. I came up with a circuit workout that you can do anywhere that pulls from boxing techniques to target similar muscles! Get ready to punch the stress away!
Circuit 1
15 Push-Ups
10 mountain climbers
3-minute jump rope (Or High Knees)
20 forward punches, rotating your hips with each punch to engage your abs
30 uppercuts using dumbbells (half squat, pivot, upper cut)
Rest 1 minute
Circuit 2
20 Jump Squats
15 leg raises laying on your back
3-minutes of jump rope (Or High Knees)
20 forward punches, rotating your hips with each punch to engage your abs
30 uppercuts using dumbbells (half squat, pivot, upper cut)
Rest 1 minute
Circuit 3
15 Squats with Bicep Curl
30 uppercuts using dumbbells (half squat, pivot, upper cut)
20 bicycles
3-minutes of jump rope (Or High Knees)
Rest 1 minute
Circuit 4
Rest 1 minute
3-minute shadow boxing, freestyle!!!
3-minute jump rope (Or High Knees)
20 V-Ups
Rest 1 minute
Talkin Toast!
Energizing Breakfast Toasts (Vegan)
Before I dive in on how to make these delicious toasts, I wanted to touch base on what bread to use. For the longest, bread has had a pretty bad rap, mostly due to low carb, gluten free, or grain free diets. But I am here to tell you that bread is BACK! I am vegan and I find bread to be a staple in my daily diet. Its a great source of carbohydrates, grain, fiber and so much more. I like to shop for a local bread, wherever I am at, in Boston MA, or in Portland OR I try and grab a local, small slice option, either whole wheat, multi grain or sprouted. Whenever I can I like to buy local and support small businesses. Whole Foods has a wonderful local bread section!
I can eat avocado just by itself, so a simple avocado and alfalfa sprout option is delicious. I simply toast my bread, I don't add butter to it, once the bread is toasted I add the fresh avocado, either in slices or mashed and then top with alfalfa sprouts!
One of my favorites! I again just toast the bread and don't add any butter, I top with Justin's classic peanut butter and add sliced bananas, usually only half of a regular sized banana. I finish it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon and diced pecans!
When I am feeling fiesty in the morning I do my southwestern toast. Using half of an avocado I dice it into small squares sprinkle a little salt and pepper into the mix and add it to the toast. I then dice up green, yellow, and red bell peppers and add them on, then top with spicy black beans!
Jesus' Birthday Cake!
Keeping Christ in Christmas!
I know Christmas is just around the corner but I wanted to share with you a new tradition I am starting this year. I was introduced to the idea at my Bible study, and instantly fell in love with it!
On Christmas morning, the first thing that your family does is make Jesus a birthday cake, This starts Christmas Day off acknowledging the true meaning of Christmas. It avoids children (and yourself) running straight to the presents under the tree, You first celebrate Jesus. Children love to decorate, and even more then that? they love birthday cake for breakfast!
Jesus' Birthday Cake Instructions:
- You need white Cake Mix (I used a dairy free white cake mix.)
- Bake the cake, you could bake the cake the day before and just add the decorations Christmas morning.
- Buy or make white frosting (I bought dairy free white frosting.)
- Tint Some of the Frosting Green.
- Frost the cake white, The white cake, and white frosting represent the purity of Christ.
- Decorate with green frosting, the green represent everlasting life. I chose to Do a ring of green frosting, but many chose to write "Happy Birthday Jesus" in green as well.
- Add Red Candles, the red candle represents the Blood of Jesus, and the flame represents that He is the light of the world.
I hope you enjoy this New tradition and Keep Christ as the center of your Christmas Celebrations!
Quick and Easy Vegan Hot Cocoa!
Just in time for the Holidays!
Hot Cocoa is my favorite to have in hand while cozying up during the holidays! This is VERY simple, quick and vegan! It can be prepared in as little as 5 minutes and is best enjoyed with a Christmas movie on, fire place running, and surrounded by family!
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 Tsp cocoa nibs
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dairy-free semisweet chocolate
- 1 Tbsp raw sugar or sweeter of your choice
- optional: 1/8th tsp peppermint extract or vanilla extract
- optional: coconut whipped cream, cocoa nibs, candy cane, and marshmallows for topping
Instructions
- Add almond milk to a mug and microwave for 1 minute. Or add to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once warm, add cocoa powder, chocolate and sweetener then stir,
- Return to microwave or continue cooking on stove until completely combined
- Add in your extract of choice and top to your liking!
ENJOY with Family!!
The Grinch Stole the Matcha Cookies!
These Green Cookies are perfect for the holidays! I like to call them Grinch Cookies! They are delicious and add some nutrition to your everyday sugar cookies!
GF, Vegan Matcha Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups GF baking flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder-
- 1/2 teaspoon salt- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar-
- 1/3 cup softened coconut oil-
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons Matcha Powder I
Instructuions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, Matcha Powder and set aside.
- In a mixer, beat together powdered sugar, coconut oil, coconut milk and vanilla until creamy. Add flour mixture and continue to mix until combined, 1-2 minutes (add an additional tablespoon of coconut milk if needed).
- Place cookie dough on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies for 9-12 minutes.
- Remove cookies and place on cooling rack.
- Let Cool and ENJOY!
Top 3 Smoothie Bowls
The Classic Bowl
Ingredients:
- Frozen Strawberries, Bananas, and CoConut Chunks (found at Trader Joes)
- Evolve Plant Powered Protein Shake (Toasted Coconut)
- 1 tbs Chia Seeds, 1 tbs Flax Seeds
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients into High Powered blender. DO NOT Use to much Liquid. The secret to a perfect smoothie bowl is a thick consistency.
- Remove and place into a bowl.
- Add Toppings of your choice. I always go with Coconut shavings, granola and some Chia Seeds!
The Figtatsic Bowl
Ingredients:
- 2 Figs
- Frozen Strawberries, Bananas, and blueberries
- Evolve Plant Powered Protein Shake (Vanilla)
- 1 tbs Chia Seeds
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients into High Powered blender. DO NOT Use to much Liquid. The secret to a perfect smoothie bowl is a thick consistency.
- Remove and place into a bowl.
- Add Toppings of your choice. (I chopped fig and coconut shavings!!)
The Matcha Bowl
Ingredients:
- Frozen Bananas, Mango, pineapple and CoConut Chunks (found at Trader Joes)
- 1 tbs Matcha Powder
- Evolve Plant Powered Protein Shake (Vanilla)
- 1 tbs Chia Seeds
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients into High Powered blender. DO NOT Use to much Liquid. The secret to a perfect smoothie bowl is a thick consistency.
- Remove and place into a bowl.
- Add Toppings of your choice. Always Coconut, sliced almonds for matcha! the combination is delicious.
These Bowls are excellent for a post workout meal! I use a plant based protein shake as the liquid in all my smoothies for the extra protein, Being Vegan you need to add as much protein into your diet as possible especially if you workout daily.
Matcha Latte!
I have always been a creature of caffeine. I was drinking upwards of three cups of coffee a day. When I began to learn the negative impact of high levels of acidity on your stomach, I decided to try and remove acidity from my diet. Coffee being one of the first things to go. I wanted to try out matcha powder, a powdered form of green tea, and the benefits have been amazing. Matcha is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg, it boosts metabolism and burns calories.Detoxifies effectively and naturally. Calms the mind and relaxes the body. Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins. Enhances my mood and aids in concentration. The switch has made all the difference, the recipe for the matcha Latte I make is below! Enjoy!!
Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
- Matcha Powder
- 2 cups Water Or Almond Milk
- 1 TBS Matcha Powder
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
- On the stove bring your water or Milk to a boil
- While waiting for your water or milk to boil place the above ingredients into a blender, I use a Ninja Blender,
- Once the water is nearly boiling place it into the blender with the other ingredients.
- Blend for 30-60 Seconds.
- Enjoy:)
It can also be prepaired cold and faster by adding the ingredients into a cup cold, using a stir/frothing tool, mix the ingredients, add ice and enjoy cold!
GF Vegan Pizza
GF, Vegan Pizza
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower Crust (found prepared at Trader Joes)
- Pesto (make sure to use pesto that does not use parmesan cheese)
- Daiya Dairy Free Mozzarella
- Kale
- Artichoke
- Olives
Instructions:
- Pre Heat oven to 350 Degrees
- Pre-Cook cauliflower crust for 10 minutes on each side ( as instructed on the box)
- Apply Pesto, Cheese, Kale, Artichoke, and olives.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes
- Let cool and ENJOY!
This Falls Daily Looks
New York
DOWNTOWN
WARDS FAMILY FARM
MAROON
HARVARD CAMPUS TOURIST
DOWNTOWN STREET STYLE
Pet Portraits
The perfect Statement Piece
What is better then having your walls decorated with personal things? When we got our home in Portland, I was instantly stressed on how to fill all the empty walls! I didn't want to get art or decor just to fill space, because I felt like I would be forcing it.
One year Brandin got me a personalized canvas painting drawn by an artist from a selfie that scout and I took together, And it is by far my favorite piece of decoration and gift to this day. Maybe because it was so thoughtful, but it also adds such an artsy individualist element to any room it is in, and also its a great conversation piece! I reached out to the artists who created the painting of scout and I from a photo, and had him create portraits of Scout and Archer for our dining/living area. And they are perfect! The process was so simple and easy, I just sent him my favorite photos of Scout and Archer, and within a few weeks time he was shipping them to our home. He sent me photos of the paintings in real time as he was completing them so I could make changes to them if I needed.
It was such a great addition to our house and came at a very reasonably priced in comparison to buying artwork from a gallery.
If reaching out to an artist is not something that interests you Muse Paint Bar (www.musepaintbar.com) does a paint my pet class that walks you through how to create your own image of your pet!
Be Still and Know
Pslam 46:10
"Be still and know that I am God"
Life can be crazy and unpredictable and this is by far one of my favorite parts of scripture to pray over wherever I'm at. From the racial issues, to acts of terror, to my everyday walk through life. wherever I am at whether I am stressed and frustrated or overwhelmed with joy. I like to take a moment and tell myself, be still and know that he is God, whatever stress, or loss, or joy, or sadness that I am experiencing, he is God and through him I am able. through Jesus I able to know the joys of the lord and of this earth! Having constant conversations with God. All day, everyday, those small acknowledgements and reminders are what help me stay grounded in hard times and in good.
A day at Fenway!
Being new to Boston, an immersing myself into a new culture and city. I decided to get the big things out of the way first. And what better then the green monster, a historical Boston staple.
I have visited Fenway twice since I moved to Boston. Once for a play off game, and the second time to tour the park. Both very different, but equally rewarding.
My first trip to Fenway was for a Playoff game. Like almost all of Boston, Fenway park is wonderfully rich in heritage and oozing with history. You can feel the history walking down the street to enter the stadium. On game fay I would suggest arriving as early as possible. The park was built in 1912 and the surrounding streets make that very obvious. it is a tight drive into the stadium, So parking far away and walking is probably your best bet.
Boston is a sports city, the fans get so into the game its infectious, it was easily a experience I will never forget. I have always viewed baseball as a rather boring sport, but NOT at Fenway! I was dancing, cheering, hollering at officials, and I don't know a thing about baseball, but I bet the guy next to me who was yelling at the ref does, so I joined right in! The atmosphere and people were so exhilarating I couldn't help but get into the game.
I truly felt as if I was taken back in time. The old time feel, the genuine love for the team the fans had, It was refreshing and gave me a little extra pep of patriotism during the rough times we are in.
My second trip to Fenway park was with my family and we did a tour, which I HIGHLY recommend if you cannot catch a game. There are so many things hidden in the park that take you back in time and are so interesting. There are things about the park that people who have gone to every game since they were kids don't know about (at least that is what the tour guide said.)
The Only thing I would say about the tour is it is NOT stroller freindly. It wasn't a problem, but if its just you and a stroller and you don't have anyone to help you up and down the stairs I would suggest carrying your little ones!
Fenway park is a must stop on any trip to Boston, I suggest a tour if you aren't able to catch a game, and if you have the time do both!!
DIY Essential Oil Lotion
Essential oil infused facial lotions have so many beneficial qualities when it comes to your skin, I created a daily facial lotion that I use every morning and night. I use a base lotion and add three essential oils to it. Creating my own lotion allows me to be specific with what oils I want to use in accordance to what specific skin care goals I am looking to target. It also saves money, regular oil infused lotions alone can end up costing a lot. Creating your own lotion gives you the freedom to individualize your lotions and saves money at the same time!
My lotion consists of Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, and Aveeno Daily Moisturizer.
I have used Aveeno since I was a teenager, and its just something my skin loves. I have tried fancy lotions and nothing seems to agree with my skin the way Aveeno Daily Moisturizer does. It sits well on my skin, I can add primer and makeup over it with no stickiness or issues.
Whatever Base lotion you use regularly will work perfectly for this, just make sure its unscented.
There are tons of oils you can add to a base lotion that will benefit your skin, I have found that the combination of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Lavender is what works best for my acne prone skin.
Frankincense is a powerful astringent, meaning it helps protect skin cells. It can be used to help reduce acne blemishes, the appearance of large pores, prevent wrinkles, and it even helps lift and tighten skin to naturally slow signs of aging
Due to Myrrh's antioxidant properties, it makes for a great anti-aging, skin rejuvenation tool. Its strong anti bacterial properties make it a superb aid in the healing of wounds and is commonly used for its excellent moisturizing properties.
Lavender is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions. It's commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, because it improves the formation of scar tissues.
I Burned through a small candle I had purchased at WholeFoods, removed its sticker with GooGone and used that as the container for my lotion. Whatever container you want to use works, I just like how cute this was!
Add 6 tablespoons of your lotion into your empty jar(or container of your choice) then add your oils.
15 drops Frankincense
10 drops Myrrh
20 drops Lavender
Mixed the oils in with the lotion. Make sure to mix it really well. These oils require carriers, meaning that the oils alone is too concentrated to be applied directly to your skin which can cause irritation and even burns. So a carrier is needed to dilute the oil to a safe concentration, that is what you are doing with your lotion.
Once mixed it is good to be used!!
DIY Gameday Jacket
Say goodbye to unflattering Jerseys!
So far in my lifetime I have been to more football games then I would have ever thought I would ever go to. I go to a football game once a week, and let me tell you... the struggle is real when it comes to what to wear(I know first world problems...lol) I have worn a jersey enough times, I don't want to wear another jersey EVER again. They are bulky, unflattering, and usually a rough material. Sunday football games are usually the first time I put makeup on all week, so you best believe I am looking to dress cute! SO I decided to get creative, I made my own jacket, one that addresses who I'm rooting for (TheArcher) but can also be worn on other days (if I feel like repping my man at the grocery store... lol) It also can be worn for any team he may play for.
Creating my own Game day Jacket solved all the problems for me. The Instruction are below on how I made it!
Another great thing about this jacket is it is versatile, and I have the ability to add to it, add patches, or jewels along the letters, whatever I feel like, I can personalize it anyway I want.
How it was made:
I purchased an oversized jean jacket and Iron on letters. Essentially the project just requires your jacket, iron on letters, an iron, and a rag. Make sure you have washed your jacket prior to adding the letters. And keep in mind the process I took to iron my letters on was the directions given on the package, make sure to read your letters package and follow there specific instructions!
To begin I laid out my letters how I wanted them to be oriented, then removed the paper from the back of the letters and stuck them into place. Once I liked the positioning of the letters, I began the process of ironing each letter to the Jacket. Applying the iron for 30+ seconds w/ a cotton rag in-between for each letter. My directions said to have the rag in-between at all times, but I actually placed the iron directly on the letters for a few seconds to assure they were stuck on. Once I applied the necessary heat to each letter, I flipped the jacket over, and applied the iron directly to the jackets surface where the letters are attached on the other side for 30+ seconds each letter. Once completed all I had to do was allow it to cool and WALLA! I had an adorable jacket to where for gameday, or any day!
Clearly needed to iron the rest of the Jacket....
Quick peak at the detailing on my pants I wore for this game. Obsessed with the laces! (RalphLauren)
My Top House Plants, and their Benefits.
Indoor plants are ESSENTIAL in my home. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing keeping plants in your home provide so many health benefits most of us know nothing about. I have created a list of my top five house plants, and what their benefits inside the home are.
1. Ivy
Ivy is one of the most beneficial plants when it comes to sleep, and in my household, sleep is something we struggle with. Ivy is listed as one of NASA’s top plants for purifying the air. Studies have shown that this leaf can improve symptoms of allergies or asthma – which seriously impact sleep. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported that, in a 2005 experiment, English Ivy removed 94% of airborne feces and 78% of airborne mold in as short as 12 hours.
Ivy, is definitely a plant to have on hand for a great night’s sleep. Ivy is simple to grow and only needs moderate exposure to sunlight.The evergreen vine looks great in an indoor hanging basket, or placed on a ledge where the leaves can trail down. It’s toxic to kids and pets though, so make sure to keep it up and out of reach!
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is also listed as one of NASA’s top air-improving plants. The fantastic Aloe emits oxygen at night, making for a more restful sleep. It’s also one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain – it tolerates ‘neglect’ well and doesn’t require frequent watering or much sunlight. Aside from its high levels of oxygen emitions it also helps to keep your home free from benzene which is commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners. An added bonus to keeping aloe in your home is its very well known healing abilities, you can also use the gel from the Aloe Vera leaves as a topical treatment for minor cuts and burns, insect bites, dry skin and lots more!
3. Yucca Cane
The Yucca Cane is one of my favorite plants from a visual standpoint. Its large Deep forest green leaves provide a elegant accent to any room while providing air purification. Over time, Yucca Cane develops into a bold tree that can reach several feet tall, making it a dramatic houseplant to add life and color to a blank wall, empty corners of a room, or act as a bold architectural accent. **Photographed above is a young Yucca Cane that I have had for just a few months.
4. Snake Plant
The Snake plant is my favorite looking plant. This plant is commonly seen integrated into interior design these days because of its abstract fun appearance.Aside from its appealing look, its an excellent plant when it comes to home health and air purification. The Snake plane removes formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide produced by fuel-burning appliances. Its long tall Leaves make it an excellent addition to a room without overcrowding with large wide reaching leaves.
5. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant has been placed by NASA among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities such as Xylene, which is used in leather, rubber and print products. The spider Plant likes bright, indirect light and lots of water while growing.The Spider Plant is a must have in the home if your looking for healthier cleaner air, Its one of the most rapidly cleaning plants and purifies at faster speeds then most other plants.