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Vegan Caramel Apple Oatmeal

1/26/2016

I made up this vegan caramel apple oatmeal recipe just in time for winter,
because nothing is more magical than drinking hot black coffee, and eating apple and caramel flavored things, while bundled up on a cold winter morning. Mmmmm....
This recipe is super simple, very healthy, and completely vegan!

Make your oatmeal like normal. I prefer to use the Old Fashioned Oats, as opposed to the instant oatmeal, because it's healthier than the instant oatmeal (to make it "instant", it has to be processed more). I get a big round tub of it, and it keeps forever! The directions are on the back of the container. You just cook it on the stove top with water.
While the oatmeal is cooking on the stove top, chop up one apple per person. Heat olive oil in a pan until it's hot. Throw the apples in the pan, and sautee them until the are slightly soft.

Once your oatmeal is done, put it in a big bowl, and spoon the apples into it.
I sometimes like to pour almond milk over mine.
The last step in this delicious concoction, is to drizzle Vegan Caramel Sauce over the oatmeal. The caramel sauce is sweet enough, that you don't have to add any additional sweeteners to your oatmeal! Therefore making it healthier!

You can get the Vegan Caramel Sauce that I use and recommend, from Uncommon Goods. It is completely vegan, super healthy, and so delicious! I use it on french toast, pancakes, vegan ice cream, and of course, my oatmeal!
If you don't have any vegan caramel sauce, you can use maple syrup!

Yum! I hope you like this treat!
Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to pin and like!

*Disclosure*
I was given this Vegan Caramel Sauce, and these are my thoughts on it.

Peace Love and Oatmeal
Jess <3

Do More by Doing Less in 2016

1/18/2016

4 Comments

The last week of 2015, me and the husband went to a coffee shop for a goal setting date. It was a magnificent time!
I absolutely adore setting goals, and preparing for the new year, so I had a complete blast!

My wonderful husband focusing on his goals <3

I have to admit, that when setting goals I tend to get so consumed by my goals, and wanting to get stuff done, that I lose focus of myself, other people, and just little things that aren't in my realm of goals that I have set!
All this changed a couple of weeks ago, when I heard a preacher talking about setting goals for the new year. I of course got super excited! "Yes! I love setting goals!" I thought to myself. Well, to my surprise, he went a different direction and started talking about doing less this year! "Less?!! What about doing more?!! What about setting more goals, and doing more things?!!" I was internally shrieking. The preacher goes on to blow my mind, and set me straight. He explained that if we are constantly in such a whirlwind of doing things, rushing places, and accomplishing a trillion goals, then we can't be doing those things with our whole heart. Our relationships suffer, we get weary and exhausted, and our life enjoyment and fulfillment plummets, while rushing us by!

The preacher further challenges; "What are the most important aspects of your life. What people, goals, and projects do you need to clear from your life, in order to be able to give 100%? What people, goals and projects do you want to give 100% of your efforts to?"
He called this "Clarity of Purpose".
I was smitten. Clarity of purpose. Of course!
Being clear, and knowing, your purpose on this earth! And then committing your time, energy, money, and efforts to that! Doing more, by doing less!
Of course, we still have to pay bills that we would rather not pay, do chores and other things that we would rather not do. But there are always things that fill your calendar that are not necessities, and that aren't a part of your "clarity of purpose". So figure out your clarity of purpose, and start to focus your time and efforts on them!

What to Do:
Figure out, and write down the most important things in your life, and why they are important to you. Here is my list. You can add or subtract to this list, but it should look a little something like this:

- Myself
I love me. I want me to be happy. I want me to be healthy, well-balanced, and successful.
I know that I get tired, depressed, and sick very easily. I know that if I don't take good care of myself regularly, then I am very susceptible to colds, depression, and lethargy. So making time for myself is non-negotiable. I think this one should be high on everyone's list.

- My marriage
I have heard that the first year of marriage is the hardest, and that marriage, in all stages of itself, is hard work. Boy were they right.
I am committed to my marriage, and to our relationship. So I am going to work at it! Even if things are going good, I still want to work at it, being the best wife I can be, and making my man, and us, happy.

- My career
I am wildly ambitious. I have lofty expectations in all arenas of my professional life; My blog, my crafts, and my modeling. Not being successful is not an option for me.

- My family
My family has always been a top priority for me, and always will be.

- Making a difference in this world
This is what my life is all about.

After you have your priorities written down, the next step is to figure out what things in your life are not priorities. Write those down, and write down ways that you will cut back on them, or get them out of your life. Like this:

Pretty much my only non priority that I have in my life right now, is
- Work.
I not only absolutely despise my job, but it is holding me back from having the time to work on my career and other areas of focus.
After writing this list out, I cut back drastically at work. Super drastically! I now only work 2 days a week! I work Friday and Saturday nights, because they are the busiest (I'm a waitress), and I make the most money then. I was originally working every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning, but during the week, and in the mornings, I don't make nearly as much money as weekend nights. So after switching my schedule around a little, I now have 5 days a week free, and am making more money than I was originally, working 4 days a week!

After you figure out what needs cutting, and have effectively snipped it out of your life (or almost out!), you can now focus on the good stuff! Your true loves, wants, and purpose!
Now write down how you are going to put more of your time and efforts into your purposes!

- Myself
I have been a reading fiend since making these lists! I have also been taking regular at least once a week baths! I feel absolutely wonderful, and have a clearer head, and a happier heart.

- My marriage
Now that I only work twelve hours a week, I have plenty of time to keep the house clean, cook dinner, and spend time with my husband. This truly is wedded bliss.

- My career
Now that I am only working on Friday and Saturday, I have Monday through Thursday to work on my career (Sundays I rest)! It is such an incredible change! I get to blog and craft as much as I need to, and it is making a huge difference!

- My family
Every Wednesday I see my family. Every single Wednesday! See, this is important to me, so I make it happen! I most of the time go to my parents' house, and I get to hang out with my family, and all our pets, all day long! If I can't make it there for some reason, my mom and sister will come to my apartment to hang out!

- Making a difference in this world
I have been a member of Partners Against the Trafficking of Humans Stark for a couple months now. After making these lists I decided that I wanted to become more involved, and so I accepted the position of Social Media Manager for P.A.T.H.S. I am so super excited about this, and all the other things I now get to do with this great organization, because of having more free time!

How about you, lovely reader? Would you like to do more this year, by doing less? What are your plans? Comment below!

Peace Love and Doing Less
Jess <3

4 Comments

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

1/11/2016

6 Comments

Did you know, that human trafficking is the Globe's fastest growing crime?
That there are approximately 30 Million slaves in the world today?
That this is not just some faraway thing going on only in other countries, but a huge problem that is in our own backyard?
It's true. Read this report from the Ohio Attorney General regarding trafficking in Ohio. "Human trafficking is an estimated multi-billion a year international enterprise that forces the most vulnerable among us into the horrors of modern-day slavery. Criminals who are involved in trafficking other human beings prey upon those already at risk in our society, often our children. In fact, a preliminary report on the scope of the problem in Ohio cited 13 years old as the most common age in Ohio for youth to become victims of child sex trafficking. From the study's sample of 207 individuals, 49 percent were under 18 when they were first trafficked. Nationally, over 100,000 children are thought to be involved in the sex trade."

Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, I wanted to write a blog post to help bring awareness. Because if we aren't aware of a problem, then how are we supposed to fix it?

Remember when I wrote an article about finding out what your passion is? Well, ending human trafficking is one of my passions. And so, I am a proud member of P.A.T.H.S, that is, Partners Against the Trafficking of Humans Stark (Stark County, Ohio). This is a group of people, from all walks of life, that care, and that want to help right a tremendous wrong. If you would like to learn more, you can come to our next meeting!Email us! Visit our facebook page! Get involved.
Sometimes when fighting such a huge giant, it can be almost too overwhelming! "Where do I start? What can I even do, I'm just one person!" You might be thinking to yourself. Well don't let that thought stop you, there are so many things you can do in this fight against modern slavery! Here are some other organizations, and some ways that you can help.

RAHAB Ministries

RAHAB Ministries is a great organization that I got to learn about through P.A.T.H.S.
Here is a little bit about RAHAB Ministries, in their own words.
"Over the past fourteen years, thousands of individuals have come together to share the hope found in Jesus Christ with broken women in our city. RAHAB Ministries isn't a group of employees. It's not a church and it's not a denomination. RAHAB Ministries is the belief that every woman stuck in sexual exploitation has value and deserves freedom.
In 2002, armed with nothing but homemade business cards and prayers, Becky Moreland headed out to the streets of some of the roughest areas of Akron, Ohio to share the love of Jesus with the women she'd meet. Since then, RAHAB Ministries has served tens of thousands of female victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Whether it's through providing basic necessities, mentoring, or safe housing, RAHAB is a constant example of the Gospel to the women we serve."

Here are some of the ways you can join with RAHAB, and help make a difference, right here in Ohio!

Penpal
Develop a mentoring/discipling relationship by consistently writing to women in jail

RAHAB Drop-In Center
Prepare and serve meals at weekly programming. Supporting/facilitating Bible studies and prayer times.

Correctional Facility
Bring the light of Jesus into local correctional facilities through mentoring, fellowship and Bible studies. (Requires background check and federal clearance.)

Mentoring
Commit to spending time every week with a minor or adult victim of human trafficking to build a relationship that points them toward Christ.

Safe House
Serving in various ways at our residential program for victims of human trafficking. (Requires background check and alternate application.)

or, you can

Donate:
Personal Care items (new or unused full sized items only)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorant
Body Wash
Toothbrushes
Plain Crest or Colgate Toothpaste
Disposable razors
Lotions
Tampons/Pads
Hair Brushes/Combs
Hair bands
Hair styling products
Lip gloss/Chapstick
Makeup
Clothing
Clean, gently used, and in style womens clothig only; all sizes appreciated
Bibles
Journals
Reading Glasses
Coffee/Creamer/Sugar

The donations may be dropped off Monday-Friday, 9-5 at their office, 3480 W. Market Street, Suite 203 B Fairlawn
For questions please call 3308193326
Monetary Donations
Make checks payable to Rahab Ministries and mail to Rahab Ministries PO Box 13866
Akron, Ohio 44334

www.rahab-ministries.org

Eden Ministry

I have written about Eden Ministry several times before.
Eden is an incredible organization that I got to see close up when I was living in Asia. Eden serves to restore freedom for the captives of Asia’s red light districts through holistic programs- transforming body, mind and spirit. Using their international jewelry business as a platform, they provide career and skill training- empowering women for a new life and future. They continually innovate prevention and outreach programs- transforming entire communities. Eden is a voice to the oppressed, a light to the darkness.
I am now selling the jewelry that these girls make, enabling them to live better lives!

These are some of the beautiful pieces of jewelry that the girls rescued from prostitution make with their own hands! They are not only making a living, but are proving to themselves that they have worth, and value.
If you would like to get involved with Eden Ministries, all you need to do is buy jewelry! Beautiful jewelry that is restoring and saving lives! I am now an Eden advocate and sell their jewelry here in the United States. If you live in the Canton Ohio area we can meet up!
And last but not least, visit Eden's website. Read their mission. Watch their powerful video. Read the true stories of how they have changed the lives of trafficking victims. Host a jewelry party. Like them on facebook. Then share with others.

Ensure that you, and the women and girls around you know their worth!
When any woman or little girl knows their worth, it is much easier to keep away from the dangers of human trafficking. My friend Kayleigh Hanlin's J.O.Y (Just Own You) Journal is designed for girls to discover their unique self through engaging and guided activities. In this creative journal, through kid-friendly illustrations and innovative activities, you will discover self-acceptance and self-love at your own pace. Purchase a copy for yourself and any woman or girl you know!

With more knowledge of what trafficking actually is, there have been great strides in the arena of prosecuting traffickers. But! In order to prosecute those who are preying upon the vulnerable populations, we need to keep our eyes open, and report any information that we might have about human trafficking! Call 1-888-373-7888 with any suspicions you might have. You could save a life!
Here are some warning signs of human trafficking to watch for!

If you are going into a nail salon, for example, look for sleeping bags that indicate employees are living in the same place where they work and that backrooms appear to be living space. You might notice workers at this salon are driven to the store in groups all at once.
When a worker answers casual questions, those answers seem scripted or rehearsed.
Workers may appear exceptionally young or fearful or particularly submissive.
If you are staying in a hotel or if you work at a hotel, you might see an older male checking in with a young female or females. You might see a young girl refer to that older man as her boyfriend or as "daddy," sometimes street slang for pimp. Look for a tattoo of a man's name, a slang name, or "daddy" on the girl's neck, leg, or shoulder. Does the guest have multiple cell phones, laptops, etc.?
Are the guests at the hotel frequent customers on weekends, but have a local address and identification?
Small children serving in a family restaurant.
Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment - barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows.
Not allowing people to go into public alone, or speak for themselves.

To end today's post, here are a couple stories about human trafficking. Trafficking, whether labor trafficking or sex trafficking, is happening everywhere. The stories, and the victims are endless. Use this knowledge today as power. Power to keep yourself, your little sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, or the strangers you might see on the street, safe!

"Old Mark of Slavery is being Used on Sex Trafficking Victims" on CNN.

"Sex Slavery in Tracy" in the Tracy Papers.

"Bronx Couple Busted for Running Sex Ring out of Apartment, Pimping out Underage Girl" on NY Daily News.

Peace Love and Awareness
Jess <3

Don't forget to share this post around to help bring awareness!

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Vegan Caramel Apple Oatmeal

Do More by Doing Less in 2016

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

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