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The Joy of Holiday Traditions and Paleo Zucchini Muffins
Since I have such an intense affinity for a good routine, it may not come as a shock that I am also a big fan of traditions! While discussing my trip back home with someone this past week, I was asked about some of the holiday traditions and rituals that my family observes. As I excitedly told her about decorating gingerbread houses, Christmas Eve with the extended family, and Christmas morning stockings with the immediate family in pajamas, I immediately felt a surge of happiness rush through me. As I basked in the glow of cheerful anticipation, I was reminded of what I had read earlier in the year in…
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#DecemberGoals :: Finding Time for Fun and Paleo Mint Chocolate Cookies!
We have less than a week left before Christmas?! I cannot believe it. 2017 has absolutely flown by, especially the past month or two. And although I hope you have plenty of things to look forward to, this time of year is so busy for everyone with all the preparation, parties, shopping, and traveling that it is very easy to become frustrated or too caught up in it all. And as s someone who thrives on routine and schedule (understatement), the extra time and effort that all the holiday festivities and activities require can honestly make me feel a little stressed or even grinch-like at times. Knowing this about myself,…
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Clarity and Celebrating 2 Years of #mandjhappilyeverafter with Paleo Chocolate Wedding Cake
A long time struggle of my has been around clarity and prioritization. When I was very young, my dad posed a question to me, my sister and brother which illuminated this issue very clearly. He asked – “would you rather be good/very good at 10 different things or the best of the best at 1 thing?” (I have already mentioned I am not particularly good at these “would you rather” questions anyway…). Kyle, Caleb, and my dad all agreed unequivocally that it was better to be the top performer in one area. For me, it wasn’t that simple and I refused to accept that those were the only two options.…
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Surprise! A Drool-Worthy Vegan and Paleo Cheesecake
Last week, I received a very unexpected yet pleasant surprise in my mail – a check from my former car insurance provider for $700. Now to provide some context, I have not driven any vehicle even one time in over three years now. I have no desire to learn to drive on the opposite side of the road here on the windy and narrow roads of Ireland and living downtown Boston it was unnecessary, impractical and extremely expensive for both Jon and I to have a car. In almost any situation within the city of Boston, it takes roughly the same amount of time to walk, take the subway or…
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October Aspirations, Being Generous, and Paleo Pumpkin Spice Muffins
I have mentioned previously that I am in the middle of my own year long Happiness Project, which means that each month I choose a particular key area of my life to focus on, setting a few resolutions to work on in that arena with the overall objective of improving my habits, health, and happiness through small and specific actions. It’s been a few months now and I can say that although I don’t earn a “gold star” for every resolution every day, I have been successful in forming several new and positive habits which support the overall aim. Along with the resolutions, I also usually try to read books related…
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The Gift of Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Truffles
On the move with not one, but two trips this week! Getting the less-than-fun one out of the way first with a two day workshop in the Amsterdam for business (meh) and THEN heading back to my favorite city in all the world – BOSTON! When I found out that both Melissa Hartwig and Gretchen Rubin were going to be at Harvard for the first stop of The Four Tendencies book tour (the only stop they will be together in fact!), my husband knew that it was the meant to be, perfect gift for me. And I am SO excited to see these two boss ladies who have exerted such…
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The “Perfect” Treat for Busy Times :: Raw Brownie Bites
This past week (or maybe two or three, who knows I am struggling to keep track at this point!) has been an absolute whirlwind. I have become inundated with projects, meetings, deliverables, and other time consuming activities and feeling like I am constantly running from one thing to the next. Of course some of the busyness is self-induced and energy spent on activities that I love, but unfortunately a lot of it has involved obligations and responsibilities that I have less passion for to say the least. And I know that I am not alone as we transition from summer to fall, a lot of people can agree the change…
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A Summer Snack – Lemon Pie Bliss Balls
It is funny how a little perspective can change things oh-so-much. All my life I have lived in places which experience all four seasons. We always had abysmal winters with blizzards, snow (in one year – over 116 inches, an all time record in Boston), and ice. As someone who does not enjoy the cold or any cold weather activities, this was something that I could have definitely just gone without. But on either side of winter were spring and fall, both considerably better than what was sandwiched between. Spring had its fair share of rainy days, but at the end of you could count on some sunshine and beautiful…
