Have You Subscribed Yet? Subscribe To iwantwellness.co For More Great Stuff From Me!

Hi, All! I’m excited to see you new followers to iwantwellness.co. I’m so glad you’re really enjoying my posts, yay! And as always, thanks for supporting me=)

Did you know that you can subscribe to iwantwellness.co, and receive so much more? Subscribers will get weekly wellness emails with all kinds of great tips, wellness Oven-Roasted Diced Potatoes (2)ideas, recipes, and more.

Also, just for subscribing, you’ll get a delicious gluten-free, soy-free meal plan sent right to your email. It even has a dairy-free option!

To subscribe, visit iwantwellness.co and wait until you see the bright green pop-up box. Type in your email and that’s it, you’re subscribed!

I have a new book coming out and as a subscriber you will get all the details first. You will also be eligible to win this new book (along with previous books) whenever I have giveaways! Make sure you subscribe today=)

Scripture Sunday: Micah 6:8

 

Do this.

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That’t it. That’s all you have to do. Be humble. Love people. Love God and go to him with everything. Read the word. Share the word.

I opened right to this today and it just made me think, like, that’s it. It’s not hard, it’s not “unwritten.” It’s plain and simple. All we have to do is have some faith and live in his promises.

Do you feel the same about this verse? Which verse really speaks to you?

Happy Sunday All!

 

Chicken and Vegetables with Red Curry and Coconut Milk Sauce

Do you ever make a recipe you love, but then you kinda forget about it and don’t make it again for a while? That was this recipe for me.

My husband was the first to make this Chicken Curry dish and I loved it so much. After what we made was gone, I made the recipe again that week, because it was so good.  It was my new fave. But..then it wasn’t? I forgot about it!

Then, I thought of this recipe, for some reason on the way back from our Mexico trip, and I just had to have it. This time, I put my own spin on the recipe, including throwing it all in the crock pot, and it came out great. It was so good, I had my leftovers for breakfast.

Chicken and Vegetables with Red Curry and Coconut Milk Sauce

  • 1 pound ready-made gluten-free and soy-free chicken stripsChicken and Vegetables with Red Curry and Coconut Milk Sauce
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 white onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 8 mushrooms, washed and sliced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons Thai Red Curry
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder

Add everything to the crock pot and let cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8. Serve it with cauliflower rice to keep the dish Paleo. Otherwise you could serve with rice, rice noodles or as a side to potatoes and a vegetable.

Enjoy!

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

 

 

Scripture Sunday: Bible Study Week 2

Good morning friends, and Happy Sunday=)

This week was the second week of bible study and it was just as good as the first. (Click here to read the first weeks post.) This week’s big idea was about saying “no.” You need to stop, pause, and cease and sometimes, say “no.”

The talk was good but it was the after talk that really got me this week. My bible babe, Cindee, said something that really struck a cord with me. And it changed my whole week for the better.

She asked us all to think about how we know when it’s time to stop something. Now, I’m one to join in, talk, and discuss my feelings or ideas, but I wasn’t sure what she was getting at when she said this.

So as she went on, I was curious to know what she was referring to and how she knew to stop. And let me tell you something. These words were right from God, through Cindee’s mouth, and into my ears. I’m talking a game changer. And this is what she said.

She said, “You know you’ve overdone it when you feel these three things.”

  1. frustration
  2. anger
  3. depression

She said that when you snap at someone else, you know you’ve overdone it. When you snap at yourself and when you’re quick to feel agitated, annoyed or upset, you’ve done too much. These feelings signify that you’ve overdone it, and that you’re not resting enough. Who else can relate?

I know when she said these words I felt like, yup, I can see that. I spent the rest of the day really thinking on her words, what they meant to me and how they related to me. It was a good time of reflection and it didn’t take long for my actions to kick in because Wednesday was really good to me.

But before I get into that, there was something else, too. This was the second part of what I needed to really feel things (thoughts and actions) turn around. She said that we have got to live in the spiritual, and not the natural. This means taking control of our emotions and thoughts, speaking and acting with love and calm, and remembering what God wants us to do each day. That being, to be happy and spread love.

She said that when you are upset, snapping, annoyed or anything negative, that that’s not God in you, but the devil, trying to work his way in and ruin your day. And you know what? I’ve heard this so many times, but last Tuesday morning, when she said that, it stuck. I got it as if I’d heard it for the first time. And it was a great message for me to hear.

The next day, on Wednesday, I remembered waking up, and just feeling good. I felt better than I had in a long time. My marriage had a good day and night. I felt extra positive and ready for the day. And I carried that feeling with me all week.

I reminded myself that God wants us to be happy. I pushed any thought that wasn’t positive, inspiring or happy out of my head. I reminded myself to live in the spiritual and not the natural. Talk about freeing.

Now, I’m not saying that I’m cured of sadness. I’m not saying that negative things haven’t happened this week. But regardless of those things, this new way of thinking and being feels good. And I look forward to holding onto that and reminding myself of it so I can live my happiest and best life.

I hope this touched you in as amazing a way as it touched me. It felt really great and I’m so thankful for Cindee, and all the other amazing women from bible study. I can’t wait to see what else I get out of this study and share it with you.

I wish you all a very Happy Sunday, and until then, stay blessed=)

 

 

Scripture Sunday: Bible Study Week 1

I started a new bible study this past week, and I have to tell you, I’m already in love with it. I mean, it helps that all the gals are awesome too, but this book started to resonate with me before I even opened the front cover.

The book is called Breathe, Making Room for the Sabbath. And it’s awesome. Truly awesome.

The main point of it is just that, breathe! And, don’t we all need a little bit more breathing room? Our fast-paced lives are full of never ending plans, more work that we can fit into each week and a sense that if we aren’t running full speed ahead, like “everyone else,” we aren’t doing enough.

But, this simply isn’t true. What? What do you mean? I don’t have to rush around throughout my days, say “yes” to everything, and be everything to everyone? Nope. You don’t. And here’s why.

This busy, high-pressured, non-stop stress filled life is NOT what God wants for us. God created the sabbath as the day of rest, right? But who really rests on that day? Anyone? And the last time you did throw your feet up, how did it feel? Did it feel great? Or did you feel instantly guilty and start thinking about all the things you should be doing instead?

I know I can barely sit and enjoy a TV show much less lay out at the pool without feeling the need to be doing something, really anything, that’s more than nothing. But why?

Because, that’s what we’re taught. Especially in this American culture. We are taught to never stop. We work too much and pack out schedules so full. All the while, we put things in our life first, instead of the people. And this is a problem, too.

For this first week, we talked about indulgences. Things that have been provided to us to enjoy. But, being the overindulgent culture that we are, of course, we have taken it too far. And we are literally enslaved to these things. What things am I talking about?

  • cell phones
  • ministry
  • computers/tablets/gaming systems/Ipods
  • coffee
  • desserts
  • people
  • spending money on things
  • relaxing
  • hobbies
  • exercise

While reading through the list, did any of these things jump out at you? Are these things you like to do, that bring you joy,  things that you are doing ALL the time? Are you choosing these things or ideals over your family? Over your spouse?

Through this bible study, we’ve been challenged to think this week about what is enslaving us in this life. These are things we do truly enjoy and appreciate, but that we take too far, use too much, only ever want more and cannot get away from.

We need to take a step back and realize these things are ultimately controlling us. We need to set boundaries. We need to take time to really rest and reconnect with God. We need to slow down. And we need to remember that all of this “slowing down/relaxing/reconnecting” is ok. Not only ok, but essential.

I’m going to do a 5-week bible series (just the length of my bible study) to reflect on and share with you the talks and themes of the book, Breathe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I know I will and really do some thinking on it, too.

I wish you a very Happy Sunday and until next week, stay blessed=)

My Homemade Chinese Book is About to Come Out, and YOU Could Win It!

Hi fellow WordPress followers. And Happy Wednesday!

Chinese Lime Broccoli (1)
In the new book!

I want you to have a chance to win my new book, but you have to subscribe!

All you need to do is go to iwantwellness.co and wait for the bright green pop-up. Once you see it, add your email and you’re in=)

You will also snag a week long gluten-free, soy-free meal plan and other incentives via

shrimps (1)
In the new book!

 email. Not only this, but you will be entered into any and all future giveaways just for being a subscriber!

And, just for you, here’s a couple recipes from Everything’s Better with Homemade Chinese, Easy and Delicious Paleo Chinese Recipes. (Aka the new book=)

https://atomic-temporary-100964869.wpcomstaging.com/2018/02/10/egg-drop-soup/

https://atomic-temporary-100964869.wpcomstaging.com/2017/10/25/chinese-lime-broccoli/

I just know you are going to love this new book. I hope that you enjoy these recipes and make sure to subscribe for a chance to win your very own copy!

You know you’re gonna love the new book? Check out the old ones, too=)

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!

Have You Subscribed Yet? The Sooner You Do, The More Great Stuff You’ll Receive!

Hi, All! I’m excited to see all of you new followers to iwantwellness.co. I’m so glad you’re really enjoying my posts, yay! And as always, thanks for supporting me!

Did you know that you can subscribe to iwantwellness.co, and receive so much more? Subscribers will get weekly iwantwellness emails with all kinds of great tips, wellness Oven-Roasted Diced Potatoes (2)ideas, recipes, and more.

Also, just for subscribing, you’ll get a delicious gluten-free, soy-free meal plan sent right to your email. It even has a dairy-free option!

To subscribe, visit iwantwellness.co and wait until you see the bright green pop-up box. Type in your email and that’s it, you’re subscribed!

I have new books coming out and as a subscriber you will get all the details first. You will also be eligible to win this new book (along with previous books) whenever I have giveaways! Make sure you subscribe today=)

Leave any questions in the comments!

Like this recipe? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

What Happened to all the Resolutions?

I know, it seems I’m late to the game..but it’s not true! I’ve been thinking about and working towards my “resolutions” and goals already this year. But I have a question..

dodo-model-news-two-column.jpgDid anyone see resolutions made publicly this year? It’s almost as if resolutions are going the way of the dodo.

I mean, I know statistically we “give up” on the years goals before January is even over. Or we don’t want to make them because we don’t want to fail..but this is the thing. If you aren’t trying to better yourself, you’re getting worse.

I know it’s hard (and scary sometimes!) to make and set goals and keep them, it is for me. But I’m going to try anyhow!

Because resolutions don’t have to be life or death. Or if you don’t do it, you fail. Or if you miss one day, one time, one extra, then you didn’t do it right. No, that’s not the point of it.

~The definition of a resolution is the firm decision to do or not to do something.

~And the definition of resolve is to find a solution or to decide firmly on a course of action.

I like resolve better, instead of a set in stone, unmovable decision you can make a plan that remains flexible but with an equally great end goal.

So for me, resolutions are out and resolving to do things in my life, is in. Is it the same thing? Maybe. But I don’t mind a good plan of action.

I’m excited for 2018. A year better than the last and a year of moving forward. And I’m excited about the things I have chosen to resolve to do more, too.

This year, I resolve to:

pray more.Cross-Image

First, I want to pray more. My faith has grown stronger with each passing day and I want more. I’ve been reading my daily prayer book with quick devotionals, I downloaded a Bible app that sends me short devotionals each day and I’m getting caught up with my Cindee devotionals, too, and it feels good.

stretch more.

I want to do more yoga, too, but my stretching is so essential! Working and sitting a lot is so terrible for you. I love to stretch during shows or during an at-home movie. It feels so good to stretch after a workout, too. I’m aiming for 3 times a week.

eat better, more.

I love to eat healthy, so I guess I’m blessed with that. But I also love snacks, drinks, wine, cheese, and coffee…all things I should cut back on more. I did have a coffee this morning, but no wine last night. Getting better already, LOL.

skip caffeine, more.66e40ec49ba9ca439d205f9018a2ac02.jpg

So, I recently tested for allergies and intolerances and it turns out, I’m highly sensitive to caffeine. I like tea and have drank coffee for years and like dark chocolate more then milk chocolate, too (dark has more caffeine.) Anyhow, I got this result less than a month ago and I remember feeling sad!

The first reason, I love coffee! And as a writer I feel it a right of passage, to brew and consume my morning cup. Plus, anyone who has had a caffeine headache (me,) never wants one again. But it turns out, I don’t miss it too much.  I had a tea a couple of days, a coffee a couple of days, and have had nothing some days. Yay! And knowing I shouldn’t have it motivates me not to, so it’s working out already.

read with my hubby, more.download (1).jpg

Nick really loves to read and while I do, too, it isn’t something I want to do for hours everyday. But the thing is, he does. I want to indulge him more in reading this year. I can read more and he loves to read together (but separate,) so I want to do that more with him.

So there you have it. There are lots of other things I want to do this year, more butt workouts, being one of them. (Did one today, yay!) And to be the best wife and friend that I can be, of course.

The thing is, there is plenty of time in the day, you just have to do it right. You just have to make it happen and fit in things when you can. And remember, small changes along the way make such a difference=) So, with that being said, go out and do it!

Hope 2018 is treating you well so far, and that you have resolved to do some awesome things with yourself this year, too. Please share and have a great day XOXO

Do you want more wellness this year? Subscribe to my site (this is different than following!) You will get a free gluten-free meal plan, more freebies and weekly wellness emails, too! Got to iwantwellness.co and wait for the bright green popup and enter your email=) Leave comments with questions!

Do you want to cook more this year? You just have to check out my books! Whether you want more vegetables, healthier sweets, or more dinner ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one.

For more wellness this year, check out my wellness book with healthy tips for everyone. Busy at home or on the go, the tips work for us all=)

To All My Followers- Subscribe to Enjoy All That iwantwellness.co has to Offer!

You already know and love the great stuff iwantwellness.co shares as a follower, but as a subscriber, you will get so much more!

As a subscriber, you’ll receive:

  • a free gluten-free meal plan (with bonus breakfast and dessert recipe) just for signing up
  • an additional freebie (for signing up)
  • weekly wellness in your inbox on Wednesdays (variety of tips, topics and some recipes)
  • and you’ll know about everything that’s coming at iwantwellness.co!

To subscribe:

  • go to iwantwellness.co
  • watch for the bright green pop-up box
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That’s it! If you have any trouble, comment or email me at emily.rokke@gmail.com and I will be sure to get you set up and subscribed.

Thanks for reading and for your support! I can’t wait to see what this next year brings, but whatever it is, I will be sharing it all with you!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Years to you all! XOXO

My Next Book is a Paleo/Vegan Mashup, and You’re Going to Love it

Paleo and Vegan are very different diets. But the truth of it is that there is a common space that very much so applies to vegans, and to people who eat paleo.

IMG_20170921_181653

In fact, if you take the Paleo diet, subtract the animal products, including honey, then you have a Vegan diet. Paleo includes lean meats, red meats, bacon, seafood, and eggs. It otherwise includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and oils, and foods made from them.

A vegan diet includes anything and everything that isn’t derived from an animal. This includes soy. I don’t do soy.

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So, this book is the perfect combination of animal, and plant and without “processed” ingredients and, of course, no soy.

My favorite part about Vegan is it includes all produce, because Paleo excludes some. And my favorite part about Paleo is that it also includes (some) animal products and honey, which are no-nos for the Vegan diet. fruit-and-veg_1050x600

This book is full of fruit and vegetable sides, all of which are paleo AND vegan. Well, with one exception. I use honey. And I prefer honey to vegan alternatives.

If you are strict vegan, you can use coconut sugar in place of the honey, to make it a truly vegan AND paleo choice. (Otherwise vegans eat cane sugar, other sugars, sweeteners, and things like agave.)

Enjoy these recipe links below for a sneak peak into the book:

https://emmyrokke.com/2017/07/05/roasted-pepper-brussels-sprouts/

https://emmyrokke.com/2017/07/28/almond-butter-ants-on-a-log/

https://emmyrokke.com/2017/06/05/honey-sweetened-skillet-pineapple/

Watch for this books release and thanks for your continued support! XOXO

Like these recipes? Check out my other books, and watch for more to come!

Want a paperback copy? Reply in the comments and I’ll send you one!