So many of you ask about my style.  I am the most simple girl via fashion.  My 'fashion' is truly my smile - personality - mind - faith. 

As for what I wear, you will find me on any given day in exactly what I have on above which are my daily staples: TOMS, Floral & Printed Skirts from Gap/Old Day/Piperlime and plain t's from the Gap Outlet.

And it's as simple as that!

My initial post on simplicity was to show you this utterly simplistic dessert which consists of three ingredients but then I got to thinkin' as I often do about 'achievable simplicity'.  First to this awesome & tasty breakfast idea or snack:

1. Strawberries
2. Almond Milk
3. Granola of your choice (my favorite is by Milk & Honey)

Now back to what got me thinkin'....

Life can be simple.  When did we stop thinking that 'simple' was a daily choice vs. an unachievable 'idea'...a far off 'idea'.  Oh life is so 'complicated', you just do not understand.  I do understand more than you know.  And It doesn't have to be.  Nothing has to be.  There is no convincing argument against why your life cannot be more simple & less stressful.  Do me a favor and at least ponder that. 

If you practice consistent kindness & forgiveness - get on a structured plan with your finances - eat a clean simple over 75% of the time - declutter your home/wardrobe/thoughts (HUGE)  - and let God lead.....you are going to be living a simple life.  Try it and THEN tell me it's not working (0: Simple doesn't mean void of emotional/physical ups and downs and simple doesn't mean void of challenges.  You do have choices though that can radically change your 'complicated' life to a much more stable and simplistic one.  Simple rules.

Ashley Owen Hill is someone that I consider a hero.  She is my hero.  I often shake my head in disbelief for all of the animals lives she is transforming and saving.  It blows my mind.  I am in awe of Ashley as she has found her mission in life and is fulfilling it.  

 I look forward to the day when I am able to contribute greatly to her cause.  Ashley is one of the few people on this planet that actually leaves me speechless.  I know what she does day in & day out and it leaves me at a complete utter loss for words.  So, I am going to let Ashley tell you about herself....in her own words.  

My name is Ashley, & I am an animal rescuer. 

I was born an animal rescuer. 

It is truly the reason I was put on this Earth. As a little girl, I would bring home every stray dog & cat in sight. Nurture them. Find them homes. 

I remember how heartbroken I was the first time I realized that not everyone was like me. 

As I get older, I realize just how few people actually are like me. 

It’s difficult to explain the way I feel to someone who doesn’t share my passion.  Most people will admit that it is painful for them to witness a case of animal cruelty.  However, most people are able to see a dog in need, resolve to themselves that they cannot help the dog, and go about their lives as if they never saw the dog in the first place. 

I am incapable of doing this. 

The image of the dog in need will slowly eat away at my soul.  I have nightmares about the dogs I cannot reach.  I am not the kind of person who can just look away. When others turn their heads, I look harder & take action. I see the world for what it is, & I fight against it.  I don’t live in a bubble where I think everything is okay.  I know that things are not okay, and I do everything in my power to change that. 

I am a voice for those who cannot speak.  And I am a voice to be reckoned with. The animals need me.  In most cases, I am their only hope.

As a rescuer, I get angry at the world every single day. 

My heart hurts from the things I have witnessed. 

I get overwhelmed. 

I want to scream. 

Sometimes, I just want to quit. 

To completely give up. 

But when I think I can’t go on, when I think I just can’t do it any more, I look at the dogs.  I look at these precious souls, living a life they never knew was possible. I look at their capacity for forgiveness--which far exceeds that of any human.  My rescue dogs have experienced the worst the world has to offer.  Most of them have been chained, beaten, and starved for much of their lives.  Before me, they had never encountered kindness on any level.  But when I look at them, I see no trace of anger. 

There is no resentment. 

No self-pity. 

There is only the desire to be loved. 

It is truly the most incredible thing I have ever witnessed.

The pain associated with animal rescue doesn’t even come close to the joy it has brought into my life.  My heartbreak is healed daily by the love of those I have saved. They remind me that there is more to the world than my selfish needs. They make me smile, and laugh, and feel ever-so comforted by the unconditional love they give me. 

They make me feel alive. 

And with each that I save, my faith is strengthened. 

My heart is made whole. 

My soul is awakened. 

Because what most people don’t understand is this:  I am not rescuing them. They are rescuing me.

Ashley Owen Hill
www.luckydogrescueblog.com
"Saving the world... one dog at a time." ~ Lucky Dog Rescue

I have lost the image label of 'vegan'.

My decision has nothing to do with changing my diet because it remains the same.  It also has nothing to do with the fact that I will still be saving animals lives.  It has nothing to do with the fact that I will be sharing vegan recipes on my website!!!

I simply do not want to label myself at all!  I don't want to be part of 'one community' and not another.  I have learned that certain communities have 'vegan' meaning a whole host of numerous things.  I eat a primarily plant based diet and I am striving for improved wellness every single day (OK, week days - wink)! This is 'part' of who I am and you will learn more about who I am entirely the longer you keep coming back for more via Snapshots of Wellness!

What do I want to be a part of?

The community I will be a part of is no 'community' at all rather,  I will join forces with 'individuals' who practice kindness to factory farm animals, demonstrate intelligence and educate others on wellness when promoting healthy plant based eating.  I will join forces with people who dedicate themselves to taking action to saving animals lives such as The Gentle Barn and Beagle Freedom Project.  I will join forces with people who are creative, lively and genuine.  I will join forces with people from multiple 'communities' and while I am comfortable with the labels they attach to themselves, there will be no label attached to me.

Who I am I without the 'Vegan' label'????

I am God's daughter.  I am a loving girlfriend, daughter, sister, friend & confidante.  I am a lover of animals and I walk my talk as far as standing up for those factory farm animals who cannot speak for themselves.  I choose not to eat them specifically.  I am imperfect.  I prefer primarily a plant based diet because it is healing, wise, makes my skin glow, saves the animals - and planet!  I'm also a lover of fashion, music and photography!  I am in love with life and those people that are out there demonstrating what they are passionate about!  

15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta
by Angela Liddon of Oh She Glows (best recipe blog EVER)!

Prep Time: 5 mins {FIVE MINUTES PEEPS}!
Cook Time: 10 mins

Creamy, thick, and rich with lots of garlic flavor and a hint of lemon. This is my newest favorite pasta dish. The avocado works wonderfully in this recipe to create a sauce so creamy and thick, you will think there is cream hiding in there.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 1 medium sized ripe Avocado, pitted
• 1/2 lemon, juiced + lemon zest to garnish
• 2-3 garlic cloves, to taste (I used 3 and it was quite garlicky, but if you are not a big fan of garlic use 1 clove)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• ~1/4 cup Fresh Basil, (probably optional)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 servings/6 oz of your choice of pasta (I used 3oz of spelt and 3 oz of Kamut spaghetti)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• 1. Bring several cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add in your pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook until Al Dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• 2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. Process until smooth. Now add in the pitted avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.
• 3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.
• Please note: This dish does not reheat well due to the avocado in the sauce. Please serve immediately.

OK, if you want a quick & healthy recipe that is insanely delish this is YOUR MEAL.  It's soooooo incredibly good.  I have made it countless times and it always makes my belly happy & full.  So simple.  So delicious.  So hearty.   

All of Angela's recipes are a combination of savory, unique healthy and equate to being out of this world. 

Bona Petite!

I am recommitting myself to veganism and this time, I have enlisted a Nutritionist from Whole Health Chicago which I never thought I needed....until now.

When you go vegan, if you are not educated, you can not only become an 'unhealthy' vegan but you can become actually sick - so you have to be smart & wise in your choices.  Giving up acidic and antibiotic filled meat and dairy is always a healthy decision for everyone. Note that diving into a vegan diet without the correct balance of nutrients can be a recipe for lethargy and actual weight gain which no one ever told me.  

When I meet with my Nutritionist, I will share all of her direction with all of you - so you can get all of the healthy diet advice...for FREE! I love when people share the love and advice for the rest of us - many people have done that for me so I wanted to do it for you!

This brings me to Chef Chloe.  I have just discovered & loving her blog!

She is a healthy vegan and shares her approach, journey and recipes in several of her books!  Chloe is also a winner of cupcake wars which is one of my favorite shows!

Marquese Martin-Hayes pictured above & his business partner (who I cannot wait to meet, Olivia Gomez) are the co-owners of Jus Juus in Wicker Park! You take one look at Marquese and you know this guy is 'walking his talk' as far as health & wellness goes. You want to start juicing - you want to get in shape - and you want his energy! The good news??? You can have it! And Marquese can show you how! And ladies, pull it together now - get focused on the Juus!

I have reviewed Jus Juus for Snapshots of Wellness readers (go to tab 'Food' and scroll on down to the article) and your feedback was mighty impressive! For those of you who don't feel like finding that article (I know, I am the same way sometimes), Jus Juus is a raw juice bar offering juices, juice shots, smoothies and I am hearing salads are a comin', to patrons of the city!

I can attest that this is the best juice bar in the city and as we all know, there are quite a few options.  The reason Snapshots of Wellness finds Jus Juus to be the best 'stop' in the city to get your greens on is three-fold: 1). The juice & smoothie options are absolutely beyond creative as far as the blend of ingredients.  And the taste is phenomenal! My favorite is the Chocolate Lovers Smoothie! Each drink is packed with antioxidants and energizing healthy plant based nutrients! 2). Let's talk passion.  I have never - and I mean never - met any business owner in the city of Chicago who is more passionate about what he is selling.  Marquese genuinely cares about his clients and just exudes so much heart for wanting to create a wave of wellness in Chicago, 3). You can get your juice in whatever location is preferred....at the store itself or delivered to your doorstep.  Typically with juice companies in Chicago, it's one or the other.  I believe this is the only juice bar in Chicago that you can go to the location and/or have it delivered.  And the prices are incredibly reasonable.

This past Saturday, Jus Juus hosted a FREE Sample Day for anyone who wanted to swing by to try basically anything and everything on the menu! I have never heard of another juice company doing this in Chicago....just sayin'. My boyfriend & I went and although I am a 'regular' at Jus Juus, it was fun to try many of the juices & juice shots I have never had before.  You can easily guess what we ended up buying on our way out though, right? Yep, The Chocolate Lover's Smoothie (0:

Head over to Jus Juus, meet Marquese & Olivia and you will better understand why Jus Juus is not just joining but leading a wellness movement in the city of Chicago!

I am a Vega Girl at heart.  And no, I have no ties to Vega other than I love their products.

As a wellness writer/consultant here in Chicago, I have been 'sold' on every single protein powder out there and I just always come back to Vega! Why? Two simple reasons: 1). Because of the amazing taste. I promise you that there is not a healthy plant based option on the market that has as good of a taste as Vega's. *I feel comfortable promising my readers this fact! It cannot be beat. 2). The people working for Vega.  You want to talk about compassionate representation of a brand? The entire Team Vega community is made up of an enthusiastic, humble, kind, passionate and vibrant group of individuals.  As I said,  I am a simple person and the taste of the Vega shakes are in a category all their own & this is coming from a girl who is sent the majority of Vega's competitors to review & trial.  And I have settled into the fact {as is everyone...finally} that yep, I am Team Vega!  You know you are a Vega Girl when friends text you that a new juicing company in Chicago is carrying 'Vega' & that made them think of me. haha.

Every single morning  - 7 days a week (yes, true)- I get out of bed quite early, walk my sweet pup and then toss a Vega All-In-One Chocolate Protein Pack in the Vitamix, mix with Almond Milk & the most delicious breakfast creamy shake is ready for this girl!  I love my morning Vega routine.  What I also appreciate about the 'all-in-one' protein Vegan packets is that you can put one in your purse, backpack and/or suitcase to get in some delicious fuel while on the road.  Finally, Vega only creates healthy products that infiltrate your body with all of the daily nutrients your body craves & needs.

I have been focused on the Vega shakes b/c I am a creature of habit & love my morning routine! Vega also has pretty tasty Vega One protein bars (peanut butter is my FAV.). I need to try more of the bars actually and plan to! Do you eat the Vega bars? If so, which ones do you like the best? Tell me, tell me.

As of yesterday, I just started trying Vega's supplements, the Chlorella to help strengthen my immune system & the Omega Oil Blend for my energy levels & to support my cardiovascular health.  What I appreciate about Vega's supplements is that they are complimentary 'add-on's to any medical protocol by your Integrative Physician or Naturopath. We are going to do an entirely different blog on their supplements alone.

The truth is, I can talk for pages on Vega's plant based benefts, sustainability, packaging, etc. but knowing I can only hold your attention so long, just go and try Vega yourself! I typically get a big container of the Vega All-In-One Shake's at Whole Foods.  You can get them online here or at a location near you.  And I focused on taste in this blog b/c the truth is? A protein powder &/or protein bars can have all of the healthy ingredients & nutrition factors in the world but if they don't taste good? This girl isn't buying.  Vega has it all....and then some!

OK, OK, forgive me. Please.  I have been completely overwhelmed with our fabulous summer & needed some time to refuel after the 4th of July holiday weekend! This summer is incredible thus far!  I am back though to my 'Daily' so come by Monday through Friday where I hope to inspire you with fab content....yip...tap dance.

A couple of weeks ago I attended the summer re-launch of Color Me Styled by Erin Bassett.  She hosted this quaint & festive soiree at Goddess & Grocer in Bucktown.  The event itself featured Crafthouse Cocktails, various light and scrumptious nibbles by Goddess & Grocer, a viewing of Erin's revamped site, Color Me Styled and fabulous company.  And can I just tell you that after attending, my favorite new summer sip is the Paloma by Crafthouse? It's one of those drinks though that taste so good you can drink a lottt of it....and well, that wouldn't be good (0:  And you can read all about the party details on Color Me Styled, right here.

Color Me Styled is a Lifestyle Blog that is quickly gaining momentum amongst the Chicago fashion scene in the city.  Content of the Color Me Styled ranges from incredible on trend fashion, delicious recipes, DIY home/events & my favorite 'tab' 'Shop My Faves'.  I love Erin's style which is threaded through the entire site in various forms from her words, fashion staples, decor, etc.  Well, go on....check out her site (psstt...you will be hooked like I am)!

I hope all of you have a really incredible FOUR DAY weekend ahead!!! I know I plan to! Fourth of July is such a fun holiday weekend!!! Make the most of it!

Let's quickly chat weekend activities for any budget, fashion for the events ahead & what to do with our pets! Ready-Set-Go!

There are so many fun events happening in Chicago!!! I am using my Sosh App. (which I learned about on The Fox & She - my favorite blog) to determine my plans!

If you are looking for a day of true wellness, my recommendation is to head to Belmont Harbor for a day of whatever suits your fancy: Hiking, biking, tennis, picnicking, sailing, golf, jogging or simply chilling with some beers at the bar near the golf course!

Onto fashion tips (I am trying to get this blog done quickly for you so that I can get my weekend started)! Ladies,  you are used to fast talkin' conversations where we jump from topic to topic, right? This is one of them!

My top fashion finds that are really befitting for any soiree you might be attending can all be found here!

And as you head out, we all need to make sure that our pets are feeling safe & not terrified by the booms of the fireworks! The best advice I have heard is from ASPCA, so take a moment to read!

Have a really fabulous, safe & festive weekend everyone!!!! I cannot wait to catch up with all of you afterwards!

Today I wanted to give a huge and heartfelt 'Thank You' to Erin at Erin Marie, Marketing by Design!

Consulting with Erin has completely changed my entire blogging career (I meant that literally).  She can revamp or help you start yours as well! She is incredible at leading you through a process curtailed to your blogging goals - creating structure that you will thrive under - organizational tips to take away that feeling of being overwhelmed - and arranging content timelines so that all of the goals the two of you define together are achieved! 

I came to Erin in the midst of an overall life/career 'redirection' which I wanted my blog to reflect.  I was overwhelmed with changing blogs, blog names, moving content from one site to the other, redesign and figuring out overall 'new' content.  I mean, that sentence alone was overwhelming - right?! And I was a bit paralyzed with indecision and lack of branding/blogging knowledge as to how to piece 'my vision' together.  In walks Erin with such ease in her expertise!

She broke everything down for me in simple easy steps and we just tackled it all one by one! We met in person over coffee for each consulting meeting.  And I found Erin to be so zen, personable, knowledgeable, to the point and also someone that could easily become my friend.  Before I knew it, every single goal I had set for Snapshots of Wellness was achieved....and then some! My blog traffic increased over 60% after 'revamping' it with the direction of Erin Marie, Marketing by Design's! I was floored - floored - floored! And I was hap-py!

As all of you know, I am a wellness writer for MindBodyGreen.com.  MindBodyGreen.com is my absolute favorite wellness site on the web pulling in roughly 15 Million Subscribers per month! It's beyond impressive!

If I am not writing on Snapshots of Wellness, please find numerous articles of mine at MindBodyGreen.com.

Recently, I wrote an article about living a posh life on shoestring budget! It resonated with so many people so please head on over and I hope it gives you some budgeting tips as well!

Enjoy this heat Chicago!