Q&A for Snapshots of WEllness

I am so grateful for all of you that tune into the blog weekly.  I had not really intended for this site to grow to the level it has but, it's clear that wellness is important to thousands of you as it is me.  I love seeing the graphics as to the number of you reading each week & month as well as getting all of your feedback. So, the biggest of thank you's to YOU & YOU & YOU x thousands!

I have over one hundred questions in my inbox since July.  And as promised, I am going to answer them. I want you to know though that this will take time because there is quite a process with photography, editing & publishing the blog (I don't think people realize all that goes into what appears to be a photo & content).  And then there is the day job of writing & living my life (0: Below are EIGHT of your questions & my answers! Enjoy your Sunday!

1. Would you write more about foods to eat while healing from adrenal insufficiency? Kate, Evanston, IL.
Hi Kate from Evanston, IL. (I love Evanston by the way - super quaint)! Sure, absolutely.  I will do that for you sweet Kate. Let me also share though that adrenal insufficiency is nothing to be messed with on your own (aka googling solutions, trialing supplements, listening to a girl name Kelly on a blog). My recommendation is to see one of the following: Integrative Physician, Naturopath, Functional Medicine Physician. Kate, I have referrals in Chicago if you want to email me.

2. Why don't you ever write about POTS Syndrome? Brian, Scottsdale, AZ.
Hey Brian. I used to write a lot about my personal life on Girl Gone Veg (www.girlgoneveg.com) and I don't do that anymore. Because I live with this health condition, writing about health & wellness is much more appealing to me then reliving what I went through which was traumatic. If you have a specific question about POTS Syndrome, I would be glad to answer it. Also, there truly has to come a time in the healing process where you close certain chapters & look forward as the Lord instructs me to.

3. I love Lifestyle Blogs! I am curious why you don't write more about fashion or Eco-sustainable fashion? And what is your style? Lilly, Chicago, IL.
Lilly, I get asked this ALL of the time and the simple answer is, this is not a fashion blog. My absolute favorite fashion blog is www.thefoxandshe.com. If there is anyone with a fashion sense that I personally love, it's Blair Culwell. As for me & my blog, this is a wellness blog and while fashion can be considered wellness (ehhh stretching it), fashion is just not a priority to me.  You asked what my style is - I'd describe it as classic, simple with a bit of preppy infusion (aka my sweater above in the photo is paired with a grey skirt, black tights and there you have my winter wardrobe). I have a very minimal wardrobe - 4 skirts, 5 sweaters, 2 pairs of boots, workout shoes and flats. My friends joke that I wear a uniform in a sense b/c that's all that I own. I only wear skirts which people ask me about a lot and well, it's just because I like them! When your life shifts so dramatically, so does your entire perspective on well, every single thing and fashion dropped to the bottom of list. It doesn't mean that I don't read The Fox & She weekly though (0; And it certainly doesn't mean I don't love clothing because I do...I am a girl after all (wink).

4. What do you think is the most important aspect of wellness to 'do first' when healing from MS? Lorrie, Orlando, FL.
Lorrie, sorry you are struggling w/ MS. Don't ever believe that you cannot heal entirely from it, I know so many people who have.  So, hang tough. Message me if you want me to put you in touch with those who are living MS free! In my opinion, diet is the most important 'first'.  I'd recommend the following sites for you to check out: Kris Carr, PCRM & The Wellness Achiever.

5. How come you do not write more about your faith? I know you are a really strong Christian from when I met you at the sponsored TOMS event -Anne, Bucktown
Anne! Hi there! Loved meeting you - I know exactly who you are (had to think but I remember I really liked your plaid coat - haha). Great question. Ultimately, I'd rather live out my walk with the Lord then write about it. Although, if you scroll down, there is a post about the Lord included yesterday.

6. Are you a vegan or vegetarian? Paul, Lakeview
Hey Paul. I eat primarily plant based. I don't care to label myself anymore by what I eat. I will share that I am very much into animal welfare so, eating these sweet intelligent beings is as foreign to me as eating a dog. I splurge - I cheat - I eat grub too but what makes my energy soar is whole foods - organic - non GMO - unprocessed  - but am finding my way just like all of you!

7. As a content creator, do you think that Pinterest is a thing of the past or valuable in gaining an audience? Maria, Edgewater
Howdy Maria from Edgewater. Wow, great question- I have yet to be asked that before! You know, I have always used Pinterest for fun (my account is http://www.pinterest.com/snapshotsofw/). And Maria, I am not a content creator.  As far as Snapshots of Wellness, I am just a blogger amongst a sea of bloggers (0: And in my professional life, I am a writer. *I am aware that there are content creators who use Pinterest as a viable resource via marketing their business though. Keep in mind, this is not my business so, I am approaching this from a drastically different angle. This blog was created as a hobby and I never intended for it to turn into what it has become. Grateful -yes -but certainly not planned. I think if you are interested in increasing your own audience, you should speak to a professional content specialist who can guide you - I highly recommend Erin Bassett. I have worked w/ Erin and she is phenomenal.

8. As a new vegan, what are some snacks that you recommend? I feel like what I can eat is so limited, David, Wicker Park
David.....you're a Wicker Park guy. It's one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city! I know EXACTLY where you are - I used to feel the exact same way! Looking back, I cannot believe I felt that way because there is way MORE to eat then when I was eating SAD (Standard American Diet). So, you are asking about snacks. Your options are pretty limitless but I will share five: Hummus & pita chips or veggies, any type of nuts (almonds are my favorite) - make a trail mix, fruit, almond butter & apples are a favorite of mine & just about any energy bar (my favorites are ThinkThin & Vega bars). You will also learn that you can make every single SAD dish and either veganize it or make it a tad bit healthier.

I hope you all get some relaxing into to your day (even if it is 10 minutes) and your week ahead is spectacular! I am happy to be back & thank you for the warm welcome!