Essential Oils Recipes The Life I Live

You’ll Love This Ginger Snap Cookie Diffuser Blend

Ginger Snap Cookies always remind me of Christmas. My mom and step dad bake up dozens of homemade cookies over the holidays and they always do these, too. (And even made them gluten-free for me this year=)

I added these oils to a spray bottle and the first spray was instant memories of Ginger Snap Cookies. I love this blend and you will, too! Here’s the recipe.

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Ginger Snap Cookie

  • 10 drops Thieves
  • 10 drops Lemon

In a spray bottle, add the oils to 2 tablespoons of salt and then about a cup of water and shake. For a diffuser blend, add the oils and water to a diffuser.

What are you diffusing this season? Whatever it is, keep it up! Thieves is great for your immune system (over the holidays especially) but all year long and lemon is, too!

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: What Does Your Spiritual Life Look Like For 2019?

Good morning friends!

It’s almost the last day of the year and as hard as it is to believe, I’m so ready for it! 2018 was a year, and I am glad not to have to live it again. There were lots of laughs, but also some rough times to be had. There was growth, and a lot of self reflection. But overall, bye 2018 and hello 2019!

There are lots of things I want for 2019 and more God, more prayers, and more of the Word are at the top of my want list. And this is how I’m going to do it.

  • Flip calendar daily with scriptures and devotionals
  • Bible app
  • Stories of the Bible
  • Cindee devotionals
  • Finish and use my flip book!

I look forward to what 2019 has for me. I look forward to new and exciting work opportunities. I look forward to continued travels with my Hubby. I cannot wait for new experiences, new views, and new insights. And I cannot wait to grow closer and stronger in my relationship with God.

Do you have any tips for me, for more God in my life? What does your spiritual time with Him look like?

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

Dear God, We all need to come to You more, dig into the Word, and live spiritually and not naturally.  Don’t let us forget that! We are so lucky to have You there for us whenever we need You. Thank You for Your plan for our lives. Thank You for Your patience with us and for all of Your promises. Please speak to us this year, so loud that we cannot NOT hear You. Please continue to guide us and remind us to be patient and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And thank you to all of my readers and supporters! Have a beautiful and blessed end of 2018 and Happy 2019!

 

 

Explorations The Life I Live

Where we are now: Houston, TX

Hello from Houston! It’s my first time in Houston and Nick’s first in Texas,. The weather is Fall-like and the people are nice. We are here through the end of the week but I’m sure you want to know what we’ve done for the past 6 or so weeks, so here it is

After Cocoa Beach, it was on to our old stomping grounds in Delray Beach ,Florida. We spent a lot of time with friends, a little time in the sun, and Nick kept busy with work in the office. It was all around a great time and we were so happy to visit.

The first weekend we were back, we went to a friend’s wedding. We enjoyed visiting with our close friends, Lance and Dana, and it was such a fun way to spend our first weekend back.    

The second weekend was filled with more friends, Lisa and Corey, and drinks. The boys had beer, the girls had wine, and we all had a great time. We also had a lasagna dinner with the same friends and spent that Friday night with them at a happy hour as well. We love our Corey and Lisa time!

The next weekend we spent a lot of time in. Haha, so very Emily and Nick of us. We read a lot, I worked and cooked, we got a little sun, took naps, and watched shows. It was a good time.

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We ate our faces off at Thanksgiving and went home with legit three bags of leftovers. It was so good, I could eat Thanksgiving dinner every month. And we spent the holiday with Ami, a girl from my church and prayer group, and her family. It was a great time and we were blessed to have been invited. We went out with Dana and Lance that weekend to Cooper’s Hawk, a winery that Nick and I love and turned our friends into fans, too. The wine was delicious and the food was, too.

We couldn’t believe it but it was already the last weekend of our stay, and Nick’s work Christmas party! He works with Corey, so we spent the bulk of our night with them, again. And loved it. Check out the picture, family Christmas card or what? LOL, so fun!

These weekends were super fun and the time with our friends was priceless. I even cooked up a bunch of Chinese food and had everyone over for a feast. We love our Florida friends! However, as fast as we got there, it was time to go, and we were out!

Next stop was Destin Beach, Florida. I have never been before but we enjoyed it. We went to a couple of wineries, walked on the beach, and enjoyed a night in with shows, and cooking as it rained. As fun as it was, it was also very real, and really sad. We visited Panama City Beach and Mexico Beach, both of which were demolished during Hurricane Michael. What a great reminder to be thankful for what you have!

And now, Houston. We have been here for a couple days and will be here a couple more. San Antonio is next and on the way to Sun Lakes, AZ by Christmas to visit my Mom and step-dad, Randy, and see the new house.

I probably won’t update you again until after the holidays so have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I wish you a blessed 2019 and remember to keep working hard, and never stop praying! XOXO

Dairy Free Gluten Free Meats Recipes The Life I Live vegetables

Salsa Chicken

Being on the road is pretty great, but there are some things that I miss. A crock-pot is one of them. Whenever I have access to one, you better believe I’m pulling that thing out, coming up with a meal, and trying something new.

I ate this salsa chicken over rice and added a little bit of white cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt. It was delicious. I also ate it plain today for lunch and it was salsa chickengreat on its own as well. Plus, it’s easy and quick, and who doesn’t need more of that this season?

Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 cups mild salsa
  • 2 cups frozen corn
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Simply add everything to a crock-pot and cook for 3 hours on high. Remove and shred chicken. Add chicken back in and stir to incorporate.

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

Scripture Sunday The Life I Live

Scripture Sunday: Ask God Where to Go

I don’t feel lost but I do wonder.

I wonder “where” I should be going. I also think about what I should be doing. I love to do lots of things, and I always have. But I think about if I should be doing more of one thing, and less of all of the things? Or if I’m doing what I “should” be.

Do you wonder about that?

For me, I love knowing that God has a plan for me.  I love knowing that even if I stray a bit, God will bring me back to where I should be. But I also get that feeling, that ‘déjà vu’ or instinctive knowing, that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.

It’s Him telling me that I am where I should be and I’m doing it right. And I’m so thankful for each time I hear it.

I’m so thankful and grateful that there is a plan for my life and all I have to do is live it. I encourage you to talk to Him about it all and stay in peace that everything is as it should be.

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

Dear God, We thank You for having a plan for our lives. We are so thankful that we can come to You with our wonders, doubts, and questions about ourselves. We thank You for reminding us that we are on the right path. We are so lucky to live in the peace You provide to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Life I Live

For The Love Of Chocolate

If you love dark chocolate, than you need to hear about my favorite kind. The first time I had this chocolate, I knew I had never had anything like it. The fruit notes that came through were a whole new experience for me, and I want you to experience it, too.

It’s from The Latest Batch, sourced from Costa Rica, sent to California to be made, and shipped right to your door.

This dark chocolate is delicious, exotic, and healthy, too. I’ve never had a craft chocolate Wafers_and_bag_on_blue_background_f8b4ca04-817a-402f-9a9b-b3641365c8af_1024x1024@2xbetter than The Latest Batch, and I am so excited to tell you all about it. Plus, what you can pair it with, all the reasons that you will love it, and how you can get it. All these perks and it’s decadent, delicious, and healthy, too? Is this real life?

All the information, a discount code, and more will be included in the emails that go right to my subscribers. Are you a subscriber yet?

All you have to do is sign up for my emails on iwantwellness.co‘s homepage and you will get all this dark chocolate info, sent right to your email.

(My subscribers also get a monthly newsletter and all the details about my new books, as I release them, not to mention a ‘free’ entry into all of my giveaways!)

You will be able to purchase this delicious chocolate at 10% off the week of December 10th (next week!) But only if you’re a subscriber!

This chocolate is the best I’ve ever had, and is also dairy free, soy free, soy lecithin free, vegan, and has no artificial flavors. It’s also completely natural and organic.

Make sure to subscribe right away or by December 10th so that you can get all this chocolate info, the discount on this delicious product, and the latest batch of this craft chocolate sent from The Latest Batch, shipped right to your door before Christmas!

Email emily.rokke@gmail.com with any questions and get in on this deal while you can! I know you will love this chocolate as much as I do and I cannot wait for you to get your hands on it. Have a great weekend!

 

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.

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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!