Month: November 2018

Dairy Free Gluten Free Paleo The Life I Live Vegan vegetables

Do These Three Things More To Stay Healthy During The Holidays

Listen, we all indulge around the holidays. What else are they meant for?

Just kidding. Jesus is the reason for the season. And friends and family are the back bone of life. But the food, festivities, and holiday activities are amazing and we want to celebrate them and enjoy them!
There are things you can do to be the healthiest you can be, even with constant parties, food everywhere, sweets at every turn, and decadent and delicious holiday dinners.
Do these three things more to stay on track and keep a healthy base this holiday season.

Waterwater-bottle-2001912__340

It’s been a while since I shouted from the rooftops about drinking enough water. But seriously, drink enough water! I have a 32-ounce water bottle that I fill and strive to drink at least two of a day. It is NOT a failure if I miss a bottle’s worth or drink barely any in a day. But it is a fail if I ‘give up’ at drinking water because I didn’t hit my goals.
Goals are important but remember, staying positive and always striving for your best is better than perfection. (Perfection is not real and you will only let yourself down. Just be as consistent as possible.)

Vegetablesvegetable-skewer-3317060__340

There is nothing healthier on this earth than vegetables. Every diet needs vegetables in it and the more, the better. Plus they are full of water and if you didn’t get it from my first paragraph, we all need more water!

Rest More

It is so important to rest in this life. This means as much sleep as you can get each night (I advise as I am up working late, LOL.) Also, if you need a minute to step away and take a deep breath, take it. Need a walk around the block, do it.
Don’t give up! One mistep is not a fail. An extra indulgent meal (or a few of them plus dessert,) do not make you instantly unhealthy and it’s ok to have grace with yourself. In fact, you must! Just do the best you can to make the most healthy decisions each day, and never stop striving for wellness! Happy Holiday season!
Gluten Free Recipes The Life I Live

Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

What is your favorite Hamburger Helper boxed dinner from back in the day? Apparently, I’m not the only one who LOVES the Chicken Enchilada Chicken Helper. So after I made my own version, I stuffed the mixture into peppers, and called it a win.

This recipe has a lot of ingredients but it’s easy enough to throw together and the taste is just like back in the day, but homemade and (mostly) healthy!

Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oilChicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
  • salt and pepper
  • 3 peppers, heads cut off and deseeded

Cover the peppers in oil and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400 for 20 minutes.

Chicken Enchilada Mixture

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • the tops of the peppers, diced
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese

In a skillet, add the avocado oil, onions, and peppers. Cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until white and beginning to brown. Add the tomato paste, honey, and spices, and stir. Add in the chicken stock, half and half, and Greek yogurt and cook for two minutes. Add in the rice and stir, and lastly, add in the cheese. Let everything simmer on low for 15 minutes.

Scoop the mixture into the peppers and enjoy. (You will have extra chicken enchilada to eat, too.)

Like this recipe? Go HERE to check out my books!

 

 

Scripture Sunday The Life I Live

Scripture Sunday: Give Away Your Negatives So You Can Live Out Your Positives

A bad minute doesn’t make a bad day. Spilling water on yourself doesn’t ruin the whole day. And one argument doesn’t make the whole day bad. I could go on and on.

But who finds themselves feeling like this? Or acting this out? One bad thing happens, and instead of moving on and letting it go, we harp on it, continue to feel bad about it, and we let that one thing literally ruin our whole day.

Our attitude is our choice and better than that, it doesn’t have to be! Give it all to God. All the mistakes, the negative, the fights, the misunderstandings, the troubles, the problems, the fears, and worries, and anxiousness. He wants us to give it all to Him.

He wants to shoulder all of it for us so that we can live in joy, peace, contentment, and love. How awesome is our God?

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.  Psalm 56:3

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

If you’re reading this, I want to pray for you.

Dear God, Remind us to live each day with joy. Whether we are hurting or sad or happy or having a bad day, please remind us to come to You. Please remind us to give our cares and worries to You. Please talk to us so loudly that we cannot not hear You. Thank You for the Word and Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dairy Free Gluten Free Paleo Recipes The Life I Live vegetables

Lemon Pepper Brussels Sprouts

Try these, even if you don’t like Brussels sprouts. Trust me! They aren’t mushy and they aren’t soggy. These Brussels are crispy and delicious. And, super easy.

Brussels sprouts are in season in the Fall so get some soon and try this recipe. Just toss the brussels with some oil and lemon pepper and bake them, they’re that quick.

Lemon Pepper Brussels Sproutsbrussels

  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, destemmed and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons Almond oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper

Incorporate and mix together in a bowl. Spread out onto a parchment paper-lined baking pan and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until crispy and browning.

Like this recipe? Go HERE to check out my books!

Essential Oils The Life I Live

Kara’s Favorite Oil Blend

“Do you have any oils that you would like in the diffuser right now?”- Kara, our AirBnb hostess asked me.

“Hmm. Whatever’s your favorite!” -Me

Essential oil lover to essential oil lover, I love to know what other peoples favorites are! When we stayed in Charleston, our Airbnb hostess (and host) were awesome! Monday morning Kara and I were sitting together and working and she started up the diffuser and let me pick the scent. But I wanted to know what her favorite blend was, and this was it!

Kara’s Oil Blendleaf-3070153__340

  • 3 drops Lavender oil
  • 3 drops Eucalyptus oil
  • 3 drops Lime oil
  • 3 drops Peppermint oil

Add the oils to an essential oil diffuser with water. It’s bright and fresh and the lime smells great. What are your favorite oils to use in the diffuser?

Go here to see my five favorite oil blends! What oils do you use to feel well?

Disclaimer: I use Young Living Essential Oils and based on my research, I believe these are the best, safest, and most pure oils on the market. PLEASE do your own research and determine which oils are best for you and your family.

Scripture Sunday The Life I Live

Scripture Sunday: Stay in Peace

This is what God wants us to do. He wants us to be happy, at peace, full of joy, and enjoying this life. (And remember, we cannot hear Him if we aren’t at peace. We cannot hear Him if we are sad, dwelling on our problems or focusing on the negative.)

He doesn’t want us to worry, to hem and haw, to feel anxious, nervous, sad, mad, or anything negative. He wants us to give all these feelings, thoughts, and problems to Him.

God wants us to know that He has a plan for us. He wants us to know that He is taking care of us and that He will provide us anything we need.

We must remember that things happen in His time and according to His plan. We must hold onto faith and patience. We must go to Him with everything and stand firm.

The Lord will fight for you, you need only stand still. Exodus 14:14

I love this scripture because it reminds me that He is always fighting for me. All I need to do is love God, love people, and take care of a stranger like I would my best friend.

If you’re reading this, I just want to pray for you.

Dear God, Thank You for taking care of us. Thank You for taking on all of our burdens, sadnesses, hurts, and negatives so that we can be left with only the positives. Thank You for all Your promises and for loving us. We are so blessed to have You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Gluten Free The Life I Live Vegan

Homemade Popcorn (with Lots of Mix-Ins!)

We love popcorn around here, but it’s got to be homemade. My Dad made it when we were kids and I’ve loved it ever since. I taught Nick his recipe and now he makes it. Yum

Homemade Popcornpopcorn-707364__340

  • avocado oil (or peanut)
  • popcorn kernels
  • butter (or Vegan substitute)
  • salt

Just take a large soup pan and turn it on medium heat. Add a high heat oil like peanut or avocado oil to the bottom of the pan, just enough to cover the bottom. Place one popcorn kernel into the middle of the pan and cover. When the kernel pops, you know the oil is ready.

Remove the popped kernel and pour in popcorn kernels to cover the bottom, just like the oil, and cover the pan. Once it starts popping, wait about 30 seconds but then shake it around with the cover on, so that all the kernels have a chance to pop and nothing burns.

As good as popcorn is, there is nothing worse than burnt popcorn.

Pour the popcorn into a bowl and finish it off with melted butter and salt for the perfect homemade popcorn.

Possible additions:
chili powder
parmesan cheese
parmesan cheese and black pepper
parmesan cheese and garlic
peanut butter
peanut butter and caramel
caramel and chocolate
chocolate and peanut butter
salt and pepper
italian seasoning
Everyone loves popcorn so make some tonight and maybe even try a new flavor!