The Essential Life

Creating a Life that is Realistic and Amazing


  • Who doesn’t like all things pumpkin? Me, I like it year round. But only the real thing, and can’t stand the artificial stuff. Did you know in food labeling you can say something is 100% natural if it is 100% chemical??? Crazy right? I’ll tell you about that little trick later. Back to pumpkins, fall… [Continue Reading]

    Pumpkin Pie Spice and everything nice…that’s what fall is made of

  • Taking everything out of ones space to organize can be daunting. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up feeling confused and find yourself in a state of overwhelm. Not the place you want to be in when you need a clear mind to tackle a big project. Don’t limit your results by not… [Continue Reading]

    Plan the Space. Know what you are dealing with.

  • Hair Bow Wreath  This is a cute way to store and EASILY FIND your hair accessories You’ll need: 1 wire wreath holder. I used a 12 inch one with multiple wires because it allows me to expand my collection without needing to squeeze them all on. Just clip your bows along the wire. Headbands can… [Continue Reading]

    Girls Hair Bows: ORGANIZED!

Everyday is a Party!

There is a chance to celebrate literally everyday.  Food is a natural celebration so it is easy for me to make little parties just around our normal meal times and snacks.  If this isn't your norm let me introduce you to the "Pop Up Party". A Pop Up Party combines something you were planning to do anyway with a creative and intentional twist.  There are many variations of this and it ranges from crazy simple to just simple.  But it always engages the imagination and creates conversation.  A Pop ... [Read More]

Filed Under: Mom Life

Avocado Chocolate Pudding

I like one pot meals!  Easy.  Fast.  Done.  My girls were recently sick with sore throats and I wanted to make them something nutritious, full of healthy fats and that I knew they would eat.  This is a delicious snack or dessert and in this case dinner! Avocado Chocolate Pudding Vegan Chocolate Pudding 2 avocados 1 banana1/2 cup cocoa powder2 honey2 maple syrup2 melted coconut oil7 flax milktsp vanilla Add all ingredients to a food processor, or ... [Read More]

Filed Under: Recipes

Love Really is All Around

I see hearts just about all the time.  I've rinsed blueberries in a colander and with a shake shake to  drain off the water the blueberries formed a heart.  Walking up steps to my former office there is a clearly a heart in the brick.  I wonder if others see them.  Sometimes I take pictures to capture the moment.  Sure, I'm a person that can see shapes in clouds and my chicken tender was clearly a mermaid but still, I see hearts all the time.  But for the past ... [Read More]

Filed Under: Mom Life

Three Good Things: Happier in 14 days Guaranteed!

  What if I told you that a simple change to your evening routine for 14 nights could lower burnout, reduce depression as much as taking Prozac, improve your work life balance, and help you sleep? How do you improve your sleep, and keep your children you ask? Drumroll please... and welcome the Three Good Things concept. Here is how it works: a minimum of two hours before you go to bed, state three good things that happened to you today and recognize your role in them. That’s it. Easy right? You ... [Read More]

Pumpkin Pie Spice and everything nice…that’s what fall is made of

Who doesn't like all things pumpkin? Me, I like it year round. But only the real thing, and can't stand the artificial stuff. Did you know in food labeling you can say something is 100% natural if it is 100% chemical??? Crazy right? I'll tell you about that little trick later. Back to pumpkins, fall and all things nice. Here is my first pumpkin recipe of the season for you. Starbucks Pumpkin Bread but so much better Starbucks is such a treat. But it can also add up when your ... [Read More]

Plan the Space. Know what you are dealing with.

Taking everything out of ones space to organize can be daunting. If you don't have a plan, you'll end up feeling confused and find yourself in a state of overwhelm. Not the place you want to be in when you need a clear mind to tackle a big project. Don't limit your results by not planning. I like to thin out my things ahead of time before I get to this place. It is easier to go through the closet with clothes hanging and flip through it and get rid of what you know you don’t want. To make ... [Read More]

Filed Under: Organization