We’re Going On An Adventure

Otherwise known as our life. And we leave in less than two weeks! (Actually move from our apartment in South Florida to become gypsies, digital nomads, or like I like to call it, Airbnb’ers!)

I can hardly believe it. What once was a thought of, talked through, pipe dream is fast becoming our reality, and I cannot wait to tell you about it.

First things first, a little about my story. My hubby and I are anything but traditional. We moved and lived to Panama for 6 months early in our dating life. We came back and got married on the sly. And then, once we were back (home,) Nick found himself his dream job and we left and moved to Florida.

And today, we are coming up on almost three (HOT) years in Florida. It’s really crazy how fast it went. Wow.

And now, we’re on to the next!

We plan to spend most of August and September back home (in Wisconsin,) almost all of October traveling, November back here in the Florida life and by Christmas we will be to my mom and step dad’s in Arizona. Whew!

From there, we plan to spend most of 2019 on the west coast. We have lots of love for California, Washington and Oregon, and are excited to visit new states and areas, too!

The end of this year will go fast and there are so many things I am looking forward to. A Brewer’s game back home, seeing friends and family, walking on the lake path in Lake Geneva and my favorite egg rolls ever are just the beginning.

Maybe I should back up and preface all of this with, both my husband and I have the ability to work remotely. Travel and seeing the nation (and the world!) is on both of our hearts and with the remote work option, neither of us can say exactly where we want to live “forever” or where we want to be even for now. We want to see, and be, in it all!

We talked about this life, this dream, this possibility..all the way back when we lived in Panama. Truly, that feels like a long time ago. It’s crazy how much time has passed, how many things have changed, and all that has happened to us in the last five years.

And now, we both are in completely new professions that hold our passions and allow us to live out our other passions, too, like spending time with our people and traveling.

Life has not always been easy and sometimes, it still isn’t. But things happen and you have to be flexible, and be as positive and patient as you can!

I am so excited. It’s hard to believe. But for now, I must go. I need to pack my life, my place, and my suitcase! (We’re off to Vancouver Canada at the end of this week for 10 days,) and we move three days after coming back. Oy! Oh yes, and don’t forget about that work life, too!

Thanks for reading and do me a favor and put in a prayer for us! Life may not have turned out like we “wanted it to,” or even how we thought it would. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t turned our exactly how it was supposed to.

I can’t wait to share this journey with you and all of my continued love for natural everything, delicious food, God, workouts, friends and family, travel and everything else Emmy!

XOXO

Explorations The Life I Live

I Love to Travel: Just a Long Weekend at a Mexican Resort

It was Friday April 13th and we were on our way to Mexico together for the first time. Well, I guess that’s not entirely true.

Back in February we went on a cruise and one of the stops was in Cozumel.

But this time we were on our way to Cancun. We were headed to our cozy, chill all-

IMG_20180413_114237 — First stop, water and drinks.

inclusive resort and we couldn’t wait.

Our preplanned transportation service was perfect, picked us up from the airport as scheduled and brought us right to the front door of Sunset Marina. We had arrived.

First things first, some relaxing and drinks on the water. The water was pretty tame

as we stayed on the bay side in Cancun.

Saturday we had planned our excursion to one of seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza! This site has Mayan ruins and they are truly grand and amazing to encounter.

It was a steamy 96 degrees as we walked around Mexico that day, so I couldn’t wait to go the the cenote, or sink hole, in Spanish. I heard it was “cold,” fresh water and 150 feet deep, and I was so excited!

I was literally the only one though, no one else in my group went in, not even my husband! Where are my friends when I need them?

It was super fun though and perfectly refreshing for how hot I had been earlier in the day. I love cenotes!

That night we visited the resort restaurant for French Cuisine. The restaurant had

different styles of food, depending on the day. The food was good and because we had all-inclusive access, everything was “free.”

On that note, I don’t think there was anything I said more on that trip then “Dos cientos ocho y A (ah),” our room number, haha, we used it for everything!

Sunday morning started with talking with our vacation company. We got to tour Tres Rios Resort and it was beautiful and sustainable and I loved it. However, we didn’t buy anything, this time. By Sunday afternoon we wanted to get back to the pool and relax but it had been raining all day, so instead we hopped in the hot tub to watch the sunset. The hot tub was right on the water so you were sitting on the bay, the sun and sky were so close!

Monday was our last day so we wanted to spend it at the pool. Along with the excursions we went on, we had massages as well and because we talked with or vacation company, all of these activities were comped.

The massage was at two, and by that time we were ready to get out of the sun for a little

while. The massages were great, relaxing and renewing. We went back to the pool and played a quick round of bingo before late lunch/first dinner. To get an extra number to add to your card, someone had to name the only animal with three brains. And guess who knew it? Yup, this girl! Octopus! I win.

Not really, but I did get an extra number for knowing that fun fact. After that, we grabbed so buffet food and went back to the pool before dinner. I even went down the water slide.

Dinner in the restaurant was Spanish themed that Monday night. I ate the best thing I

IMG_20180416_193214 — Garlic Fish and Rice

had had yet in Mexico, Chicken, Wine and Garlic Rice. It was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed many Mexican dishes while we were there but this Spanish dish was just delectable.

Tuesday morning came really fast and because of our scheduled transportation, we spent a long three hours at the airport before take off. Snooze, literally.

And then we were back. Cancun was fun and I would love to visit again. This was not a typical long weekend for us but it was really fun!

Have you ever done an all-inclusive resort vacation? Where did you go? Happy travels!

Oh and PS, I almost forgot, Nick got pooped on HAHAHAHA

Explorations Gluten Free The Life I Live Workouts

Our First Cruise, and Why I’m so Excited

When you’re living in a touristy, beach town like Delray Beach, FL, you really have to take in everything that’s around you. When Nick and I first moved here, there were so many new and fun things to do and places to visit. We were always on Groupon looking for fun adventures, wine and beer tastings, and things to do for day trips.

It’s over two years later, and we’ve done a lot. Parks were walked in, drinks were had, and exploring was done. One of my favorite things was Devil’s Millhopper State Park. I loved that it was a hilly hike and the different views (from forest to rainforest) you got to see on your way down into the sink hole.

There are some things we knew we wanted to do before leaving South Florida, that we haven’t yet done, and a cruise was one of them. Neither of us have ever been on a cruise and I am definitely so excited.

Why I’m Most Excited

This is the thing though, and I know it will make you laugh. The number one, most exciting cruise thing I cannot wait for is the complimentary room service! And probably not for what you’d expect. I want to have a fresh fruit plate in my room at all times, HAHA. (But so serious.)

Isn’t that the best? Totally me though. Of course I have already thought of and “planned out” what to have and such for wellness purposes. Because, well you know me. Anyhow, beyond my excitement for a constant fruit plate, there are so many things I look forward to!

The Best Parts

countless activities
our first stop is Key West, another Florida must see that’s on our list
I can only imagine the gym is amazing, sprawling and state of the art- Yay!
Our last stop is Cozumel, Mexico and Nick told me he wants to hike the ruins, double- Yay!
since it’s our first, I’m glad the cruise is only four days, in case we don’t like it (js)
According to what I read, there are comedy shows, stage shows, a rum bar, a tequila bar and a DJ to top it all off

The View

If these aren’t enough reasons to be excited, we are also staying in an ocean view room. How gorgeous will that be?!?

Do you have vacas or trips coming up? My wellness book is chock full of tips for anyones busy lifestyle, especially on the road. Click on the book and check it out!

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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..

Did 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.

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.

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.

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=)

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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
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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

Nail Fun The Life I Live

Love This Pretty Red Pedi

I love this color red. It has an underlying gold shimmer and it’s just beautiful.

This is my favorite color but last I knew, it’s no longer sold in stores:(

The one I own is from Amazon and it’s running out. Want to know a tip?

Once your polish begins to age, you can add clear polish to it to get the most out of it. Awesome, huh?

IMG_20171012_094027 — My favorite pedi=)

It’s a trendy Fall color, too, and a part of the Pantone this season. I also love the Toast, for the name and color. So fun!

Here’s the rest of the colors for the season:

This nail polish remover works the best and smells good, too!

Explorations The Life I Live

Walking Dead Fans: Senoia GA is a Must See!

Do you love the Walking Dead as much as I do?

Did you know that the Walking Dead is filmed in Senoia, Georgia? Did you know that Georgia is the biggest filming location, for TV and movies, in the entire US?

While escaping from Irma, my husband and I stayed in Peachtree City, Georgia. The city sits a short 20 minute drive from the filming location of the Walking Dead and you bet we couldn’t wait to take the tour!

Want to see some pictures? Of course you do! Here they are:

Question 1 — Remember this building? It’s the generals apartment up there!

Question 3 — This is look from the back of the Governor’s apartment. Do you remember when he kissed Andrea back there?

Question 4 — In front of this wall where Enid got separated from her parents.

Question 6 — This house is where Carl sat on the roof and ate the can of pudding.

Question 7 — Carl crossed the street to this house and puked in the front yard. It wasn’t scripted like that but because he ate the whole can, he got sick and the director loved the footage and kept it.

Question 5 — Recognize that wall? This is Alexandria!

Question 8 — This is a post office and the only building that refused to shut down during taping. To “block” it out, they parked a box car on the train tracks in front of it for the back of the scene.

Question 9 — You can see this garden center in some scenes of the show.

Question 10 — I know you know what this is! My favorite picture and coolest thing to see was the entrance to Alexandria!

Question 11 — And these tracks led to Terminus. Don’t believe me? It’s because they edited in a tunnel in the show, something you cannot see in real life.

This Walking Dead tour is $25/person and about a mile walk around “the grounds.” It takes a couple of hours because the guide gives you insights, behind the scenes talk, and lots of spoilers along the way.

I love to travel and we actually found this (tour and city) while looking for an AirBnb, something else I love. Having to leave because of Irma was no fun but finding this place and touring the show set was awesome.

Also, we had lunch at Nic and Norman’s, a restaurant owned by Greg Nicotero & Norman Reedus. The food was delish, so go eat there after the tour, too.

Need snacks and goodies for your trip? Check out some of my favorites!

Coconut LaraBars are less than ten ingredients and so good!

These Pressed by Kind bars are kind of a new find and favorite for me, you have to try them!

Explorations The Life I Live

Exploring Indiana: Chateau Thomas Winery

I was just sitting in Vegas, after finishing (and publishing) the final edits on my fourth cookbook, and to say that a glass of wine was on my mind was more than true! LOL. After all, in FL, it was almost 5pm!

When we were work traveling earlier this year, we went to a winery, grabbed a last second Groupon deal, and had a great time. That’s what I should have done..gone to find a winery..

Anyhow, back to it. The Indiana winery we visited was great, and I knew we had made a great choice when the first wine I chose was a no-go.

“You don’t want that one,” she whispered to me. I chose Pinot Noir from my tasting sheet. I love a good Pinot Noir. I also love someone who’s honest enough to tell me the truth about a wine.

“You don’t like it?” I asked.

“No one does,” she countered with a laugh. I was convinced.

My first and only Indiana wine experience happened at the Cheateau Thomas Winery. The winery was super cute, there was a sassy fun lady doing our tasting, and the wine was good, too.

We found this winery at the last minute, along with a Groupon. The Groupon was $25 for two tastings, two souvenir wine glasses, cheese and crackers, a complementary wine bottle holder/carrier, and $10 to spend in the shop.

We liked the wines that we had at Chateau Thomas Winery. We especially liked the Peach Chardonnay, so much so that we took a bottle with us. The nose was all peach and the taste was light and refreshing.

In an unexpected twist, I found myself enjoying a port wine, too. Usually not a fan, she convinced me to try it. The outcome? It really was delicious. The trick is to drink it with chocolate.

First, melt 2-3 chocolate chips in your mouth and then take a drink of port with the melted chocolate. The combination was heavenly, and I was glad to have taken the suggestion.

Along with the wine we bought a little bag of spices to make a mulled wine. It’s a warm and very winter-y combination and when we visited with the in-laws, we all enjoyed it together.

Check this place out. It’s awesome and for that matter, so is the rest of the Midwest!

On a road trip? Here’s some delicious healthy snacks to bring with you! Staying in? These snacks would all pair well with a glass of wine two! (As in, two glasses of wine=)

This snack mix is good anytime!

These chocolates taste so yummy and would be delicious with a port wine.

And I love these bars!

The Life I Live

Inspiration: Finding Old ‘Blogs’ From Before I was a Blogger

“As I’m sitting down Saturday early evening to write up a new recipe I created, I turned on a documentary to listen to. All the sudden a flash of “Yan Can Cook” is shown along with Julia Child and Emeril Lagasse. I think to myself, huh, I was just remembering old school cooking shows last night and thinking of Yan Can Cook on PBS or some network channel as a child.

As I continue to listen, the narrator starts talking about this man who is about to be introduced as a speaker and how he wrote several books, one of which is entitled “The Botany Of Desire.” At this point, I have a bit of a chill. With a slight turn on my chair, I glance at my bookshelf to see that book, a book I read in college English, a book my husband pulled out and placed on the bookshelf when we moved in, staring back at me. It’s almost eerie, almost chilling, when you seem to find yourself exactly in the place where you were meant to be. And in that moment, there is nothing to feel other than inspired.

My point is, sometimes in life you sit down or stand up to do something, and it just seems to click. It feels right. The stars align. The door opens. The universe points in that direction. Your past returns. You are reminded of a thought you just had the night before. Your doubts are hushed. Your time is rewarded. You feel like, “Yes, this is what I am meant to be doing right now.” And lastly, a sense of calm comes over you.

Whatever that thing is, whatever you started to do, DO IT! I believe in things happening for a reason, I believe in following your dreams and chasing after every last goal. If you love something, it will always be enjoyable.

When everything around you is pushing you towards something, do it. When your thoughts and actions fall into place, do it. When you have a want or wish, don’t wait, do it! Take your extra minutes, your day off, your ‘you time’ and work. Work hard. Work more. Work consistently. Don’t ever stop.

Just my thoughts for the day, now back to my show! XOXO”

I love that I found this and even more, what it says. I still agree with every word. Since, I’ve become a self-published cookbook author and write my own lifestyle blog. Along with the many other endeavors I spoke of recently.

So go and make your dreams come true. I’m telling you. You can! Happy Tuesday All=)

My books are proof of what can happen. Check them out!

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

Explorations The Life I Live

Don’t Forget To Follow Your Dreams

Remember when you were little and all around you, you were told you could be whatever you wanted to be? Well, let me tell you something. You still can.

I’m not saying it’s easy and I’m not saying to go spend every last dollar you have, but please, don’t forget to get out there and live!

About a year ago I found myself in the middle of jobs and feeling a little frustrated. I needed to feed my soul, not just my bank account. So (with the help and support of my hubby,) I did.

I had already been blogging a bit and it came easy to me. I like to talk so I have a lot to say and rather then blab to Nick all day, I started writing and sharing. It wasn’t easy and it didn’t come right away, but soon I had secured my very first, remote, freelance writing position! I still write for this 80s website in which I started and will write about the 90s too, come this fall.

I find myself working four (part-time) positions, and I couldn’t feel better about it. You see, I never wanted (nor excelled) in a 40 hour work week, at the same job. I always preferred multiple endeavors (and income streams) and it turns out, nothing has changed.

But all the sudden. I work from home, with a schedule that’s mine to make, and (almost) more work then I know what to do with. And well this may not be your dream, I just want to encourage you to remember YOUR dream. And make it happen.

How do you do this? Well, you have to figure out what it is you want. What do you love to do? What do you do everyday, “work day” or not? What makes you smile? Laugh? What do you loathe? Dig deep and make sure to be honest with yourself.

Find ways to indulge your soul. Do more of what you love. Want a new job but don’t know where to start? Do something on your own, at home or whenever you have time, unpaid, and dive in. If you start a blog, make sure to post more than once a week. Want to become a personal trainer? Talk to someone at your gym and see what they have to say. You can further your education with free online courses (some even taught by Harvard!) Whatever you do, remember this is your life. Don’t waste it.

The thing is, for me, I laugh at myself. Why? Well, everyday, I like to write, cook, and workout. The weekdays are filled with this (and tapings.) But then, so are the weekends. I find myself always wanting to do these things whether it is a workday or weekend day. A holiday or vacation. For instance, I’m on a train in Norway, right now, on vacation. And what do I do? Write.

As for my other jobs, because I know you’re wondering, here you go.

I write for LT80s (liketotally80s.) Like I said, it’s remote (from anywhere I want) and freelance, making it fit into my life, my way. Also, starting in the fall, I will be writing for the same boss for another website he’s procured, noduh90s. As an 80s baby and a 90s kid, both of these writing gigs are nostalgic and fun.
I work as a mystery shopper for A Closer Look. This job is too fun, fully reimbursed, sometimes includes a bonus, and includes write offs. The company has “shops” all over the US and even into Canada. Taking in a great meal, visiting the dentist, or even having a drink at the bar are all things that you can do with this company. Love it.
I work for Trust Review Network. This job sends me products (again, fully reimbursed) to try out and write a review on. If you share it, you make more money. If you tape yourself doing a video, you make more money. In a couple of months, if they are happy with my work, I will make more money. Pretty awesome, huh?
I test recipes for HelloFresh. As a part of their taste makers program, I am sent recipes to test and try (most of which I already have the ingredients for as I am an avid foodie and cook) and then I complete a short, concise survey, and I’m done.

Oh, and did I forget my blog? I guess that’s five jobs. Not to mention I have written four self-published (mostly cookbooks) in the past year as well.

So, that’s that I guess. And the thing is, since starting vacation (a little over a week ago,) I have received next to no work emails, stressed phone calls, or anything. It has been over two years since both Nick and I have taken a non-work vacation, and it’s a true and honest vacation this time. What a blessing.

But here we are, on the train, working. Haha. Happy Monday!

Want to see my books? Check them out!

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

Led to Share

Faith, Food, and Real Life

Tag: fun

We’re Going On An Adventure

I Love to Travel: Just a Long Weekend at a Mexican Resort

Our First Cruise, and Why I’m so Excited

Why I’m Most Excited

The Best Parts

The View

What Happened to all the Resolutions?

This year, I resolve to:

Love This Pretty Red Pedi

Walking Dead Fans: Senoia GA is a Must See!

Exploring Indiana: Chateau Thomas Winery

Inspiration: Finding Old ‘Blogs’ From Before I was a Blogger

Don’t Forget To Follow Your Dreams