Celebrate V-Day without the anxiety

I wouldn't consider myself the Scrooge of this "Hallmark holiday," but I do think it's a tad bit overrated. Valentines Day - the modern definition, anyway - is supposed to represent a holiday during which we shower our loved one with affection and romance. But what's so romantic about a day that makes one feel…

Mama-style marinara sauce

Let me get this straight: there is absolutely nothing wrong with being in a pinch for time and picking up a jar of pre-made marinara sauce to whip up some quick spaghetti. But when your taste buds are craving some good old fashioned pasta, you don't need to call your great grandma or go digging…

#SparkleVoxBox review (how I get free stuff)

If you've taken a casual scroll through my Instagram (@mylivingbeautiful) then you've probably seen that I've been the recipient of lots of products sent to me for free. Most of this is sent to me absolutely gratis thanks to this awesome company called Influenster. In exchange for your honest opinion, Influenster will send you "VoxBoxes" which…

Becoming a weekday vegan…

Making the transition into this new lifestyle began with the babiest and most cautious of steps. Afterall, vegans get a bad rep. I was nervous my family would look at me like I'd announced I was joining a convent. I also wasn't sure how my fiance would feel about no more frequent triple meat lovers…

Having a baby without breaking the bank, part 1: before the arrival

"Babies are expensive." is an old saying that, whenever I hear, I like to rephrase to: "Babies can be expensive." Many mothers choose to stay home with their children while their partners take on full responsibility of being the income provider. On the other hand, there is a continually growing amount of women who choose to…

All-time favorite skincare products

After years of experimenting with numerous skincare products, I can say I've found my ride-or-dies. These products have totally transformed my skin's appearance and feel, and only require a few basic steps each day. Bonus: everything you are about to see is paraben-free, phthalate-free and cruelty-free, with many containing all the nourishing organic ingredients your…

Easy one pan pesto zoodles

Summer is not over. The weather is still hot, and we still want to avoid the oven. Pasta used to be my go-to when I wanted a hot, home-cooked meal in the summer, but one day I found this new little kitchen tool that shed light on the fact that I could make noodles without…

Zesty Grilled Shrimp Salad

What's for dinner tonight? If you're still sweating by mealtime like us desert dwellers, firing up the oven is a no-go. And ordering in is getting old. So if you haven't already caught on, the grill should be your best bud this time of year. With little prep time and a big flavor payoff, I…

Easy ways to make money from home

My decision to become a full-time stay at home mom came with many new changes, including a big transition in our financial responsibilities. My partner and I live comfortably on one solid income, but I, like most human beings, crave a little indulgence every now and then. In order to satisfy my appetite for spending…

The easiest ways to get more veggies

Why is there a picture of an intense-looking dessert on this post? Well, that dessert is actually breakfast and that breakfast actually has a good serving of vegetables in it. Are you trying to eat healthier? Looking to swap out carbs for a leaner substitute? Aiming to get more nutrition in your daily diet? Read…