SIX REASONS WHY GOING VEGAN HAS BEEN AMAZING

There are many reasons why people go vegan, but usually it comes down to health or ethics.  From the time I met Nick, he was heavily into juicing carrots and skipping out on the animal products as much as possible.  I was never a huge meat eater, so it wasn't a big deal to me.  Plus, we were poor, young, married, college students and didn't have enough money to afford it!  For our first year of marriage, we survived on $50 a week for all our food, toiletries and cleaning supplies...so we ate tons of cheap food like grits, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and pasta.  I still remember the random Chick-Fil-A date nights would cost a little over $11.  We would have $38 left for grocery shopping for the week and often felt like we totally blew our budget.

We were super excited to find that Holland America
Cruise Line has a variety of vegan options!

Anyway, I'm getting off track here.  Back to being vegan.  So, Nick's choice to skip animal products was because he believed it was healthier.  Mine was simply because that's what Nick wanted to eat and it was cheaper.  However, over the years, I've become like a mini-Nick and I'm now 100% onboard.  Just like Nick, I believe that eating a plant-based diet is healthier for us.  It didn't start out as an ethical decision, but as I've read and watched things, I'm more and more upset by how badly animals are treated to get us the products in demand.

Just wanted to give you a tiny bit of background.  So, moving on.  Until last summer, we ate mostly vegan at home (we liked cheese though).  Then, when we ate outside of the home, we would eat whatever was provided...and that's usually meat.  The downside was that each time we did this, we'd come home super bloated and feeling like crap.  Last June, we watched "What the Health" and that was it.  I could never look at cheese the same way again.  We had a few bumps in the road during a July roadtrip, falling off the bandwagon to try certain foods in certain cities (like lobster in Maine).  But, felt didn't feel well and decided that we were going to go 100% vegan and no going back.

At home it's been easy.  The hard part has been when we are with others.  We don't want to ever hurt people's feelings or be an inconvenience, so it's taken some practice to get it right.  It's worth it though.

PC: Emily Lynn Photography

Here's why:

1.  My life no longer revolves around food.  I don't know about you, but I used to plan everything around food.  Getting together with a friend almost always involved breakfast, lunch, dinner or coffee.  Now, I've found ways to spend time with people that's not centered around meals, snacks and drinks.  My sister and I have gotten together more often to watch movies and do crafts.  It's been so fun!

2.  I make better choices when traveling.  When we used to travel, I would end up not feeling well and have to take a few recovery days when we got home.  My digestion has always been sensitive and traveling can still be harder on my body, but eating fresh foods has made such a difference.  I enjoy our trips so much more now that I'm not concerned about my stomach flipping out!

3.  It feels good to feel good.  Eating 100% vegan used to sound impossible to me.  I would eat whatever Nick ate because I didn't want him to judge me (even though he wouldn't), but behind closed doors, I would make bad food choices.  Then, I wouldn't feel well.  But I did that so often, feeling bad actually felt normal.  I didn't even realize that I felt bad, or what it was like to feel good.  Now that I know, I'm hooked and make better food choices because I want to, not because I feel pressured to.  I have more energy than I've had in years, better skin, improved digestion and have been able to lose some stubborn weight!

When traveling, we often look for juice and smoothies bars!

4.  I'm beginning to enjoy planning, shopping and cooking.  Instead of feeling like I have no options, taking meat and dairy out of the picture helped me feel a lot less overwhelmed when cooking.  It's so simple to shop for fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds, and to create tasty meals from a few ingredients.  I've also learned much more about nutrition and where certain vitamins and minerals come from, which helps me decide what produce I want us to eat.  I used to wish I could eat out all the time so that someone else was cooking and cleaning up.  But, now that I am learning so much about what tastes good and feels good, I find myself wanting to prepare my own food and be on top of what's going into my system!  Who am I?

5.  Nick and I enjoy doing this together.  We read books and talk about what we've learned.  When a new documentary comes out, we watch it together.  While on the road, we listen to podcasts we love and then discuss the interesting parts.  We browse Pinterest, choose something we want for dinner, run to the store together to grab the ingredients and come home to throw it all together while we listen to our favorite music.  It's our hobby and it gives us something to enjoy doing together!

6.  I worry less.  With so many people suffering through all sorts of disease and cancer, I'm often anxious with each passing year (especially since I turned 30).  I'm not saying that going vegan solved all my problems and I'm no longer concerned, but it has given me some peace of mind.  I'm not perfect, but I'm trying to be careful of what goes into my body and onto my skin, even what I breathe in.  If I still become sick in the future, I want to feel confident that I did my best with what I had!

Going vegan has been a learning experience.  Learning about real food, what it means to truly feel good, how to eat vegan while not at home and eating with non-vegan friends and family.  As we've learned more and more, we've slowly made changes along the way.  There's been sacrifices, but the benefits far outweigh anything that's felt difficult.  It's our health journey and we're loving it!

Have you taken time to listen to your body and learn what foods help you feel your best?  If so, please comment below and share your favorites!

36 ITEMS YOU NEED IN YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE

Do you want a Capsule Wardrobe, but have no idea where to start?  I'm here to help!  There are so many ways of doing a capsule wardrobe.  Many people prefer a seasonal capsule and choose a number limit for how many items they will use during those months.  Since our weather fluctuates so much, I don't do a seasonal capsule, but keep everything in my closet year-round.  It makes it much easier when one day is 80 and the next is 45!

Although I'm not following this list exactly, this is what I think is ideal for feeling prepared and looking your best each day.  I'd start with the 36 basics I mention and then add in the fun pieces as you go for a more rounded wardrobe!

I feel so pretty when I wear jewel-toned tops!

Tanks and Tees: aim for 5-7 items
-start with white, gray and black basics
-add in stripes, patterns and graphics

Long-Sleeves: aim for 5-7 items
-start with white, gray and black basics
-add in sweaters, chunky knits and chambray

Outer Layers: chose basics that match everything else in your closet
-a cardigan
-a blazer
-a jeans jacket
-a pea coat

Warm Weather Bottoms: aim for 3 items
-start with basics like a jeans skirt and jeans shorts
-add in cute options like linen shorts, patterns or slouch pants

Cold Weather Bottoms: aid from 3 items
-start with basics like a pair black skinnies and a pair of skinny jeans
-add in fun options like leather, colors or joggers

Cheetah print shoes are so neutral
and match everything.

Dresses: aim for 4 items
-start with basics like a little black dress, a sundress and a denim dress
-add in pretty options like a sexy red dress or a comfortable maxi dress

Warm Weather Shoes: chose colors that match everything in your closet
-start with basics like a pair of sandals and a pair of wedges
-add in a colorful flat for a fun pop to your outfit
-add a pair of strappy heels if you dress up

Cold Weather Shoes: chose colors that match everything in your closet
-start with basics like a pair of ankle boots and a pair of calve/knee height boots
-add in a cheetah patterned shoe to make things more exciting
-add a pair of heels if you dress up

Accessories: if you enjoy accessorizing
-hats (one for summer and one for winter)
-a scarf that matches everything in your closet
-gloves
-sunglasses
-one pair gold or silver dangling earrings and one pair studs
-one gold or silver necklace
-a watch
-add in statement pieces, fun bangles and chunky rings
-a great purse that matches everything in your closet
-a versatile clutch for dates, girls-night, special events, etc.

Athletic Gear: if you exercise
-one pair shoes
-start with 3-5 complete outfits (including bottoms, tops and jackets)

I love pairing these gold dangling earrings and my
silver diamond necklace from my Grandma.

All photos by Emily Christopher at Emily Lynn Photography

Want more on the Capsule Wardrobe?  Check out some of my older posts:

2014 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (my FIRST capsule wardrobe!!!)

2015 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2015 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Spring/Summer Capsule Wardrobe

2016 Fall/Winter Capsule Wardrobe (focused on The Six Items Challenge)

Capsule Wardrobe: Pros and Cons

Capsule Wardrobe: Sleepwear

Capsule Wardrobe: Fitness

Capsule Wardrobe: Makeup

Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes

Capsule Wardrobe: Jewelry

Capsule Wardrobe: Packing

11 Steps To Creating Your Own Capsule Wardrobe

10 STEPS TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR ENTIRE HOME

Do you feel like your home is overflowing with stuff?  You don't know where it all came from or what to do with it?  Everyone has tips on how you should clean out, but it's still so overwhelming?

I want to help!  I absolutely love to clean out and organize.  I know it's not for everyone, but I want to share some things that have worked for me.  I broke down my process in 10 simple steps.  Complete them all and you will be living in a clean, clutter free home!

1.  Designate an area in your home for your THROW AWAY and GIVE AWAY piles.  Once something has made it to one of these piles, do not take it back out.  I know you'll be tempted.  We are emotionally tied to most of our belongings, but you need to avoid this if you want to be able to seriously clean out.

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

2.  Walk through your entire home and pull out the things that you already know you don't want to keep.  This will save you some time (and decision making) in the long run.  You know what things I'm talking about: that old ratty blanket, the broken toys, pile of socks without their pair, even old furniture you don't use.  As you walk through, things in each room should come to mind.  Pick them up and take them to the throw away or give away piles right away.

3.  Check expiration dates on all your products and packaged items in the kitchen, bathroom and throughout your home.  This includes your canned food, dry goods, spices, bottles of toiletries, makeup and more.  Basically, if it is packaged, it will expire.  Throw away everything that is expired. While you're at it, take everything out of the drawers, cabinets, shelves, pantry and fridge, wipe them out and replace the items you are keeping.  Not so fast...if it hasn't expired yet, but you don't use it anymore or never did in the first place, you still need to throw it away or give it away.

4.  Look into ingredients.  It's becoming more widely known that many products contain dangerous (even cancer causing) ingredients!  As you're checking expiration dates, take time to look at the ingredients in each and every labeled product and packaged item you own.  You can use the Skin Deep website to research each product and/or ingredient.  Or you can use the Think Dirty app.  As for food, I try to stick with "one ingredient" items.  For example, a sweet potato is simply a sweet potato: one ingredient.  A banana is one ingredient.  Basically, if you are buying whole, fresh foods, they will be one ingredient foods.  Once you start buying anything with a package or a label, you'll have to be very careful to read what's inside.

5.  Go through clothing.  If something is too big, too small, stretched out, has holes or is broken, discolored, picked or doesn't flatter, it's time for it to go.  If it's still in good shape, but you just don't like it, give it away.  If it looks bad, throw it away or turn it to rags.  My rule is that my clothes have to be in good shape, have to flatter me and have to make me feel beautiful.  If they don't meet those three criteria, I get rid of them.  The best way to do this is to take every single piece of clothing out of all your shelves, drawers, cabinets and closets and lay it on the bed.  Wipe everything out, then only return what you are keeping!

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

6.  Get rid of extras.  You don't need 43 towels if there are five people living in your home.  Two towels per person and two for guests is a good number.  You also don't 27 sets of sheets, blankets, covers and duvets if you have a three bedroom home.  Two sets per room should be enough.  How many scarves do you have?  Sweatshirts?  Tupperware?  Old tech?  Books?  Let's not even get started on toys!  I bet you have a homeless shelter close by that would absolutely love to get these things that you're not even using.  Remember, as you clean out/off the shelves, cabinets, drawers and closets that these things are in, take a moment to wipe them out.  By now, every single storage space in your home should have been cleaned out, wiped out and reorganized with the items you are keeping.

7.  Have a look at your decor.  Are your throws and pillows looking sad?  Clock needs new batteries? Lamp broken?  Is your attic and extra storage full of stuff you aren't using or don't know what to do with?  Furniture and decor is a lot like clothing; once it's looking rough and you aren't loving it, it's time to move on.  I know you're thinking your home will look empty.  It might!  But, honestly, I'd much rather an empty place with a few beautiful pieces, than a space full of junky stuff I no longer enjoy.  That's why my home stays pretty empty looking!  As you go through your decor, wipe down the tops and sides of your furniture, clean the hanging mirrors and frames, dust everything well, wash windows, throw things in the wash and vacuum.  At this point, your home should be totally cleaned out and fresh!  Don't you feel amazing?

8.  Do another walk through.  As you look through each room, be brutally honest with yourself.  All that should be left are 1. things that you use regularly and truly love  and 2. things that are in great condition, have safe ingredients and are not expired.  If you notice an item doesn't meet these requirements, pull it out and put it in the throw away or give away piles.  Don't talk yourself into keeping things.  Stay strong and remember why you're doing this!

9.  Throw away and give away right now.  If you wait, you're going to feel overwhelmed by the pile up of mess you've accumulated, or you'll rethink some things and try to pull them out of the piles and keep them.  So, if it's a throw away item, bag it up and throw it out.  If it's a give away item, find some friends who'd like some great hand-me-downs or a shelter that could use a donation!

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

10.  Treat yo'self!  You've worked hard!  Go grab coffee with a friend.  Get a pedicure.  Take a bath.  Watch a movie you've been wanting to see.  Whatever it is, do something that you'll enjoy!  You've got reason to celebrate.

4 TIPS FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Are you trying to grow an online business, but nothing's working?  There are countless bloggers and Instagramers telling you how they did it.  There are tons of seminars and trainings you can attend.  There's so much out there, but you feel paralyzed and don't know where to start, right?!

I'm here to take the confusion out of it for you.

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

I remember when I first starting using social media to sell Young Living Essential Oils.  I took awful photos and used captions that didn't draw attention.  It took lots of practice!  Four and a half years, actually.  However, I've learned a lot and made improvements along the way.  Building a business through social media is amazing because I can work from anywhere.  Coffee shops, my front porch, in the car, while traveling and visiting friends in Ireland, Scotland and Bolivia (true story).  I want to make growing your business on social media easier for you so that you can enjoy the same freedom!

First: MAKE A PLAN.  Think of six things that you are interested in.  What do you research on Google?  Browse on Pinterest?  Follow on Instagram?  Read about in books and magazines?  Talk with your friends about?  Here are my six main interests: marriage, travel, minimalism, veganism, fitness and books.  What are you six?  Write them down.

Second: GET TO WORK.  Now, you're going to start posting about those things on FaceBook, Instagram and your blog (if you have one).  So, on Monday I'll post something about my marriage, Tuesday about travel, Wednesday about being vegan and so on until I've posted about my six things.  Then, on the seventh day, I'm going to post about my product.  Keep this rotation up...forever.  Your six things can change though, as you and your interests do!

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

Third: LOOK PROFESSIONAL.  Take good photos, on your own camera or phone, for these posts.  Make sure there is enough light, that the photo is in focus, clutter free, etc.  Practice taking lots of photos and choose the best one.  You can even ask friends and family for feedback or to take some photos for you.  Luckily, I have a very talented friend who takes photos for me sometimes, Emily Christopher with Emily Lynn Photography.

Fourth: BE CONSISTENT.  This is the most important.  Whether you feel like it or not, you must post daily.  When people see you consistently posting about your life and consistently posting about your product, they will feel that you are dependable.  When they are ready to dive in and get that product, you will be at the front of their mind because of your consistent posting.

Just like growing any other type of business, growing a business on social media is hard work.  You will have some terrible photos and uninteresting captions.  Not everyone is going to come running to like your post, comment or buy your product.  You will have days that you want to quit.  This is going to take sacrifice and drive. But you can do it!

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

Write down your six things, start posting every single day on social media, work on improving and never give up.  I promise if you do these things, your business will grow.  It might be slow and steady, but it WILL grow!

Four and a half years ago, I didn't even know how to use social media.  But I've worked hard and built up a business that supports my husband and I financially so that I can stay home and he doesn't have to work if he doesn't want to.  I started at 0, but learned how to succeed.  If I can do it, anyone can, including you!

HAVE I QUIT BLOGGING?

Well, hello there stranger!

I'm sure you've noticed that I've been MIA for over 3 months.  Why, you ask?  Um, not totally sure except that I just needed a break!  I've been blogging for 10 years now.  Over the past two years, I've published 2-3 new posts per week.  It took a lot of time and energy.  By the time I posted our 10 year wedding anniversary post, I decided I just needed some time away.

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

I signed up to be mentored by Lindsay Teague Moreno all of 2018.  With what I'm learning, I felt I needed to take a step back and re-evaluate.  What am I truly interested in?  What topics do I want to learn more about?  Where do I see my social media going?  How am I growing my personal brand?  I've been doing a lot of brainstorming and experimenting to see how things go.  You might have noticed some changes on my social media accounts!

As in the past, I'm still interested in crossing things off my Bucket List, minimalism, veganism, essential oils, being a small business owner and reading good books.  Lately though, I've become more interested in fitness.  I also want to get more into fashion.  Not to mention, Ironman wants me to begin to enjoy gardening with him!

Photo by Emily Lynn Photography

This time away has been good and I feel like I'm coming back refreshed and renewed, ready to blog again.  So, the answer is no, I'm not going to quit blogging!

What are some things you'd like to see on my blog in the future?  Spring Cleaning?  Essential Oils?  Business?  More travel?  I'm all ears...your ideas are welcome!