Living La Vida Holoka


5 Easy Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet

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These 5 Easy Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet will help you make healthier choices when you’re craving something sweet! These tips include simple sugar swaps that will keep your sweet tooth satisfied while allowing you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Sweets have probably been one of my biggest struggles this summer!  On those hot and humid days, all I’ve really wanted is to dig into a big bowl of creamy ice cream topped with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce. On top of that, there’s nothing like cooling off with bottled lemonade, iced tea, or even a sweet adult beverage.  But there’s no more of that for a while! 

Since I’ve been cutting back on some of my bad food habits and introducing better foods into my diet, I’ve also been swapping in healthier sugar alternatives.  There are plenty out there, including some easy swaps right in your own kitchen!  You don’t have to deny your sweet tooth just because you’re cutting out the sugar!

If you’re looking for simple ways to cut sugar out of your diet, head to SoFabFood.com! I’m sharing 5 Easy Ways to Cut Sugar From Your Diet and still keep your sweet tooth satisfied.  It’s as easy as making your own dressings and sauces instead of buying them bottled, eating fresh fruit when you’re craving something sweet, using spices in place of sugar, and more! 

What’s your favorite healthy sugar swap?  Read the full SoFabFood post here and follow along on Instagram for more great tips and recipes!

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Staying Warm and Cozy with Lipton Black Tea

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LiptonNewLook #CollectiveBias

Winter will be over in a few weeks, but there are still plenty of reasons to snuggle up together! Stay warm and cozy the rest of the season with Lipton Black Tea found at Walmart!

Winter will be coming to an end soon, but there are still signs of the season around here. March is always a tricky month in New Jersey. Some days it feels like spring and others remind us that winter isn’t over just yet. Even though I’m starting to look forward to spring, I will miss my second favorite season of the year. I know I’m in the minority when it comes to my love for winter, but there are so many reasons to love this cold season!

Hear me out on this!

First, winter begins right before the holiday season. It’s perfect timing! Especially if it brings a little snow with its arrival. Speaking of snow, SNOW! Is there anything more magical than the first snow? I’m actually a fan of every snow we get. It’s just so pretty and makes me feel like a kid again. Winter’s also the best season for snuggling! If you’re cold, grab a blanket and keep cozy and warm!

 
Hover over the picture to shop for Lipton 100% Natural Black Tea on Walmart.com!

 
One thing that I really love about the winter is starting cozy, new traditions together. My husband works outside all year ’round, so I know how much he appreciates coming home to a warm house during the cold, winter months.

Another thing I know he appreciates is the hot cup of Lipton 100% Natural Black Tea that I have ready for him when he gets home. I pour one mug for him and pour another mug for myself. Then, we settle into the living room under a pile of blankets while we sip our tea in our favorite mugs.

It’s become one of my favorite evening traditions to light a candle, grab our blankets, kick off our slippers, and enjoy a hot cup of tea at night together. It’s a peaceful way to wind down the evening and one of our favorite ways to keep warm and cozy! Nothing beats a hot cup of Lipton Black Tea with a little honey and lemon!

Did you notice Lipton’s new packaging? New look, same great taste! Lipton is still America’s favorite tea and 100% natural. And if you’re like us and love to stock up on our favorite teas, you can grab Lipton 100% Natural Tea Black Tea Bags at Walmart or Walmart.com in 50 count or 100 count!

Make sure you have the Ibotta app handy while you’re stocking up on Lipton Tea at Walmart. You can earn .75 cents on any one Lipton product while supplies last. Click here to get this offer!

Tea is great any time of the year, but it’s definitely helped us feel warmer and cozier this winter! Whether you’re shaking the chill off from the outdoors or just want to enjoy the pleasure of a hot cup of tea, make sure to grab a box (or two) of Lipton Black Tea and enjoy the rest of snuggle season!

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How do you make Lipton 100% Natural Black Tea part of your daily routine?
 
 
 
 

10 Simple Ways to Say I Love You To Your Spouse

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This post may contain affiliate links.  Making a purchase through one of these links helps support this blog.

It’s easy to say “I love you,” but how often do you show your significant other just how much they mean to you?  I’m sharing 10 simple ways that I show my husband how much I love him.


Before my husband, there was only one other person that I’ve ever said “I love you” to.  Now that I know what love truly is, what I felt before doesn’t even come close to what I feel for my husband.  Honestly, what I felt before was merely a case of lust – or something like that.  That relationship was toxic from the very beginning.  It only lasted a few months, but they were tumultuous – an up and down roller coaster of emotions, immaturity, insecurity, and manipulation that should have been shut down at the first sign of derailment. 

But if there’s one thing that I can take away from that previous relationship, it’s how much more I appreciate the love and relationship that I now have with my husband. 

Love isn’t just about saying it.  Like I know now, it’s so easy just to say it.  Love is so much more than that.  It’s also the little ways you show it to one another. Looking back on that past relationship, a lot of those little things were missed and there was a lot of selfishness involved.  I am so freaking grateful for the caring, loving man that I’m sharing the rest of my life with. There’s no one I could love more and every day I try to show him just how much I love and appreciate having him by my side.

10 Simple Ways to Say I Love You to Your Spouse

 
Say “Thank You”

It seems so simple.  Right?  But a “thank you” can go a long way.  It lets your spouse know that they’re appreciated.  My husband does a lot for me, so I like to make it known that I’m grateful for everything he does.

Start a simple evening tradition

My husband works outside all year ’round.  Since it’s been so cold these past few weeks, we’ve started an evening tradition of having tea together when he comes home from work.  He walks in the door, I turn the kettle on, and we sit and sip together.  It’s just something little that allows us to connect and spend a quiet moment with one another.

Bake them their favorite treat 

This is one of my favorite things to do for my husband!  My husband has a sweet tooth, so I love the look on his face when he comes home to a plate of homemade cookies or his favorite pie!  

….or better yet, plan and cook a meal together!

This is another one of my favorite things to do together!  We’re lucky to have a grocery store just a short walk away from our home.  So we’ll go grab some ingredients and work on a dish together.  It doesn’t happen often (cooking is my jam), but when it does, it’s always fun! 

Snuggle

Let me just channel my inner Elf and say that I love to snuggle!  Snuggling is my favorite!  It’s the best way to keep warm in the winter and I love getting close to my boo! So grab a warm and fuzzy blanket (we love this one) and snuggle up, buttercup!

Laugh at their jokes – even the bad ones

One of the first things I remember my husband telling me is that I had an awesome laugh.  Laughter is a big part of our relationship!  It keeps us smiling and gets out of those not-so-fun times.  So give each other something to laugh about, even if you’re pulling out those dad jokes.  Trust me, we’ll still laugh just to make you happy!

Leave them a note to find when they wake up in the morning

I’m a big fan of leaving notes on the table for my husband to find when he goes to have his bowl of cereal before work in the morning.  If jotting down a love note isn’t your thing, send your significant other a sexy text during the day.  Give them another reason to be excited to come home, if you know what I mean! 

Go for a long walk together

Slip on your walking shoes and take a long stroll together.  We’ve been missing out on this lately since it’s been so frigid outside, but there’s nothing I love more than spending time together.  Get some fresh air, some exercise, and spend a little time walking and talking.  You’ll feel so good afterwards and be thankful for the time together. 

Listen to them – like really listen

Put the phone down and give your boo your full attention.  Do you know how many times I’ll ask my husband about something he’s working on and have no idea what he’s talking about?  A lot!  But I love listening to him explain the projects he’s working on.  Taking interest in the things he’s interested in makes us both happy!  I’ve even learned a thing or two in the process!

Give them a big squeeze

Hug, butt, whatever!  Just saying, a little pinch on the tush never hurt anyone!  And there’s nothing better than the feeling of wrapping your arms around a loved one and having them envelop you in return.

What special way do you say “I love you” to your spouse?

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What I’ve Learned from Blogging

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This post may contain affiliate links.  Making a purchase through one of these links helps support this blog.

It’s my eighth blogging anniversary and I’m celebrating by sharing everything (okay, maybe not everything) I’ve learned from blogging during these past eight years!


Tomorrow is my blogging anniversary.  I’ve been blogging for eight years.  EIGHT YEARS!!! What started as a hobby has become a business.  In these past eight years, I’ve learned so much, not only about blogging, but about myself.  Sure, it hasn’t come without its struggles and its thoughts of, “Why am I doing this again?”  But I can’t imagine doing anything else.  Blogging has been the creative outlet I’ve craved for so long and it’s been such an awesome experience.

So today, I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned about blogging these past eight years.  I wanted to share the struggles, the wins – all of it.  Bloggers don’t just take pretty pictures, write up a post, and hit “publish.”  If only it were that easy!  There’s so much more involved.  Through all of the hard work, I’ve learned so much about this crazy industry and, also, myself.

It’s hard work

Oh, you didn’t know?  Yeah, it’s not just about writing down some words, popping in pictures, and hitting “publish.”  Unless you’re doing it for a hobby, don’t expect the money to just fall into your pocket.  You need to work your butt off!  You need to promote, promote, promote.  Share the hell out of your posts, use all the hashtags, and do whatever you can to get on brands’ radars.  

But wait!  First, you have to create your post.  That means, spending time developing ideas, taking photos, editing photos, writing a solid post, getting that SEO in place, and scheduling social shares.  It’s a process, but in the end, the hard work has been so worth it.  Even when it seems like it’s not!

Community

Since the beginning, blogging has given me a sense of community.  I’ve connected with women that are incredible human beings!  The best!  The support and friendships are nothing that I ever experienced sitting behind an office desk.  These girls are killing it with their blogs and social media platforms.  They’ve become inspiration for me and I’m lucky to have found a spot in their circle of friends.

How to say “no”

When I first started working on product reviews, I basically welcomed every opportunity.  I mean, if I didn’t get compensated, not even with product, at least I got exposure.  Right?  WRONG!  I’ve become aware of how many brands think they can sucker bloggers into writing for them for free.  Not cool, guys!

Time is definitely money and I don’t have time to work for free.  Especially when I put a decent amount of work and dedication into each blog post.  And it goes beyond that point because each post makes its way to my social media accounts – every single one!  Free promotion?  I don’t think so!  Guys, it’s totally okay to say “no.”  Pass up those opportunities because there will be better ones!

How to say “yes”

“But, Jess, you just told us to say ‘no.'”  I know.  But now comes the fun part where we grab opportunity by the cojones and run with it!  So, a lot of bloggers say that you shouldn’t work for product.  But if it’s something I’m going to use anyway (Not gonna lie – I love when people send me free food), I’ll make an exception.  Especially if it’s from a brand I’ve been dying to work with!  It’s a great way to develop a relationship with brands and work with them on a continuous basis.  And negotiate.  Aim high so you can negotiate an offer that works for both of you.

Handling rejection

Rejection happens and it sucks.  For instance, a foreign PR company recently e-mailed to use one of my images in press material.  They asked for my rate.  I did some research on what I should charge because, quite honestly, no one’s ever wanted to buy one of my images from me before.  They responded a few days later that it wasn’t in their budget and that was that.

It’s going to happen.  You’re going to pitch brands and they’ll probably throw you some interest.  Then, you’ll start talking dollar signs and things will start to shift.  All of a sudden, your great idea isn’t so great anymore and opportunity slams its door right in your face!  Just keep opening doors because, eventually, there will be a brand behind one of them that wants to work with you!

My worth

I’m ending this post with the biggest lesson I’ve learned from blogging – my worth.  It all goes hand-in-hand with everything I’ve already said.  After so many years, I know what my work is worth.  I know when to say “yes,” when to say “no,” and to be proud of my accomplishments (like those features!).  I’ve come a long way, baby, and I’m going to keep working at it!

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Bloggers, what have you learned from your blogging experience?


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