Easy Veggie Soup

This easy veggie soup is an essential in the winter for my husband and I. It's such a great, versatile soup to have on hand because if you are missing something, you can always replace it with whatever you have on hand. Easy Veggie Soup Ingredients Like I said in the beginning, it is so easy to change out veggies and try some new ones in this recipe. The last time I made it, I didn't have enough green beans so I added peas. Have fun with this! Try new flavors. Here is what I usually put in my soup:…

Continue ReadingEasy Veggie Soup

10 Science Fiction Books by BIPOC Authors

We need more science fiction by BIPOC authors! One of the categories on my 2023 reading challenge is exactly that, so you can explore this genre some more and diversify your reading. Pick a book from this list to read to fulfill this category for the reading challenge if you are having trouble with deciding what to read. I love this selection of books, so let's get right into this list.   10 Science Fiction Books by BIPOC Authors Noor by Nnedi Okorafor  5/5 Find on Goodreads Buy on Amazon Anwuli Okwudili prefers to be called AO which she thinks…

Continue Reading10 Science Fiction Books by BIPOC Authors

No Bake Almond Cacao Snack Balls

These easy no bake almond cacao snack balls are so quick to make and delicious, you won't be able to keep your family from eating them all in one day! They are gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar free and vegan! I like to dip mine halfway into a vegan and refined sugar free chocolate ganache that tastes just like the real thing. You don't have to feel a shred of guilt when eating these delicious morsels. No Bake Almond Cacao Snack Balls Ingredients There are minimal ingredients in this recipe which makes it even better. You might even have it…

Continue ReadingNo Bake Almond Cacao Snack Balls

20 Best Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her

Look no further for ideas, here are the best Valentines gifts for this year to get your significant other or your bestie for Galentine's day! For the perfect Valentine: $19.99 - $43.99+ A cute candle, tote bag, shirt, hoodie or mug could be the perfect gift! There'a a large selection of gifts on my shop With Love Melissa Shop. For the jewelry loving Valentine $10+ This beautiful diamond heart necklace is sure to show how much you love your partner. For the Valentine who loves chocolate: $14.99+ You can't go wrong with a little chocolate on Valentine's day. Harry and…

Continue Reading20 Best Valentines Day Gifts for Him or Her

Top 12 Self Help Books for Those Struggling with Anxiety

Self help anxiety books can be a great tool if you are struggling with anxiety. Many of us these days are struggling with anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health about 30% of adults in the U.S. experience a form of anxiety at some point in their lives.  Books can be a great resource to turn to in addition to professional help. They can help you find tools to manage it. Here's a list of 12 self help books for anxiety to get you started. The Top 12 Self Help Books for Anxiety The Big Activity Book for…

Continue ReadingTop 12 Self Help Books for Those Struggling with Anxiety

What a Daily Gratitude Practice Can Do For Your Mental Health

Experts say a daily gratitude practice can vastly improve your mental health and outlook on life. I've had my own gratitude practice for years now and I can definitely say that practice has improved my positivity and has even helped calm my anxiety.  What is Gratitude? I like this definition of Gratitude by Sansone and Sansone from the 2010 article Gratitude and Well Being: “the appreciation of what is valuable and meaningful to oneself and represents a general state of thankfulness and/or appreciation” A list of 10 more definitions from cited publications are on this excellent article by Positive Psychology.…

Continue ReadingWhat a Daily Gratitude Practice Can Do For Your Mental Health

How to Set Goals + My 2023 Goals

Many of us don't know how to set goals. I'm here to tell you it's very easy to do! The achieving said goals is probably the harder part, but I'm also going to talk about how to make it easier to get there.  I also want to talk about my goals for 2023 and how that will impact my blog next year, so keep reading to find out. How to Set Goals: Start Off Simple If you've never set goals for yourself before, start small and simple. Small and simple is not "I want to make a million dollars this…

Continue ReadingHow to Set Goals + My 2023 Goals

Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health

Is journaling really that good for you? It turns out there are many benefits of journaling for mental health. I've been journaling on and off for years and had no idea, so I learned a lot researching this blog post.  Let's get into it.  What are the Benefits of Journaling? This a question with a multi-faceted answer, but I will try and simplify it into one list for you. The benefits of journaling can be boiled down into these points here: 1. Journaling is an Outlet for Feelings and Emotions Journaling can be a release for all those pent up…

Continue ReadingBenefits of Journaling for Mental Health

30 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Day Right + Free Printable

Positive affirmations are a great way to start your day off right! I love using simple affirmations while I am meditating in the morning.  Along with a list of positive affirmations for you to choose from, I also include a free printable which you can put on your fridge so it's right in your face every morning. Scroll down to get your free printable! What are Positive Affirmations? Positive affirmations are positive statements that can help direct your thinking in the right direction.  Most of us tend towards negative and self-sabotoging thoughts these days. Practicing positive affirmations every day can…

Continue Reading30 Positive Affirmations to Start Your Day Right + Free Printable

Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board (Vegan Fondue Option!)

There is not one person I know who doesn't love chocolate fondue. This chocolate fondue dessert board is perfect for every occaision including girls nights, date night, family dessert, and dinner parties.  My cookbook club actually decided on a food board theme, so that is how I made my first chocolate fondue dessert board. What is a Chocolate Fondue Dessert Board? A chocolate fondue dessert board is basically a fancy way of dressing up chocolate fondue with a ton of food to dip into the chocolate. Charcuterie boards, or another term is food boards, are all the rage right now.…

Continue ReadingChocolate Fondue Dessert Board (Vegan Fondue Option!)