Guilt Free Bliss

PREFACE: this blog has been a long time coming. ----- There are times when each of us take the wonderful things in our lives for granted. Whether it's our relationships, the food that we take in for nourishment, our jobs, or just simply our wonderful life that we are living. Then there are those who don't have any idea what they should be grateful for and those who absolutely refuse to be grateful for anything because it "doesn't go with the lifestyle that they are living" and that's okay to some extent. I've been faced with a lot of trials over the past few years that I am still working to overcome. There are plenty of times when I lay in my bed all depressed and think that these trials shouldn't happen to me. I know that when you are going through something that it's really hard to find joy in the journey but I want to encourage each of my readers who are going through something to write down at least three things that they are ...

Now that the holidays are over I can now finish my 'VISIT' series! Nashville is seriously my all time favorite city...ever! I love the atmosphere, the history of Nashville, and the people of Nashville. Nashville is a place that I feel most anyone can enjoy, it's not just for the country music fans anymore. ---------- Places to Stay: Hotel Preston: This hotel has easy parking that is free. For you all who want to bring your 4 legged friend along this hotel is also pet friendly but if you don't bring your 4 legged buddy with you they are more than willing to let you have a pet fish in your room, yep a pet FISH! They also offer wedding packages for those who are looking for a place to get married, this hotel is quirky but could be just what you need. be sure and get out! Hutton Hotel: This hotel rates 4.4/5 stars. The Hutton Hotel also features it's own blog that tells about the hotels special events. Gaylord Opryland Hotel: Did you really think I co...

2016. This year has definitely been a year of learning. Learning who I am and who I'm suppose to become. I've learned this year that I can do anything that I set my mind to do and that I just need possible.  I'm not who I was a year ago and I've learned to be okay with that. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I'm a totally different person than I was even two years ago. I've learned that life goes on. And I've learned that things don't always go as planned. I've learned that things happen for a reason and that things happen in Heavenly Father's time, not ours. I've learned that our plans don't always go accordingly and to be grateful for every moment because we won't be able to get those moments back. This year I've also learned to be thankful. Thankful for my family, who support me, in every decision I make. Thankful for my warm home on winter nights and a cool home on those warm July days. I'm th...

We all know how much that I love food, seriously I could never deny that and because I'm obsessed with Christmas what better way than to share with you some of my favorite dishes to serve at Christmas time? (please note that these are not my own personal recipes but ones that I love) 1. Reindeer Cake Pops:  http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/reindeer-cake-pops 2. Gingerbread Cookie Cake:  http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/holiday-gingerbread-cookie-cake/710478bf-2dfe-4011-b4e8-121ab6dbefe1 3. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake:  http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50583/cheesy-cauliflower-bake-recipe/ 4. Crab Mac and Cheese:  http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50581/crab-mac-cheese-recipe/ 5. Garlic Smashed Potatoes:  http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a49007/garlic-smashed-potatoes-recipe/ 6. Pretzel Rolls:  http://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a45023/pretzel-rolls-recipe/ 7. Maple Roas...

To go along withe the Christmas theme I have [somewhat] going on here. I decided to write down a few tips to make your life so  much easier when traveling for the holidays this year! Tip 1: KNOW YOUR HOTEL INFO BEFORE HAND! I know there are times when we are traveling that our hotel is at a weird/dysfunctional exit and everyone is tired therefore we tend to bite one another's heads off. So we have found it better to know where our hotel is at before hand. A few ways to do that are: call the hotel and ask. Put it in your smartphone's GPS [most are good about giving specifics when it comes to dysfunctional exits] Tip 2: If you are traveling with 4 or more people try to book a suite. Yes, they sometimes cost a little bit more but in my opinion it's worth it so that everyone can have their own space to move around as they choose. Tip 3: Pack less! I know..I'm losing my mind..but in all seriousness packing less means you have A) less laundry to do when you get home...

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I know if you're like me it's hard to believe. Everyone is wanting to do service around this time but there are some who have a hard time getting started, that's where I come in. I want to help you get started on your Christmas services, whether you have already started or dont know where to start. A lot of these ideas will be family/kid friendly as well! Lets get started: 1. Donate items to a local shelter. There are plenty of shelters looking for different useful items this time of year, don't just donate coats and clothes. They are in need of hygiene items as well and don't forget the babies and small children at the shelters, they could use some diapers as well! Don't know where to find a shelter? Google "my local shelters" and there should be plenty that pops up! 2. Bake cookies! Let's be honest homemade cookies make everyone day so much better so pick out at least 3 families that you th...

Right now life seems somewhat surreal. There's a lot of emotion going on in my head and I'm not sure where to begin. I have this certain dream and I'm trying to accomplish it. I know that this dream is certainly what I am meant to do. I'm overwhelmed, stressed, and a bit bitter of not having accomplished this dream yet. Words of advice would be appreciated right about now. It just stinks knowing that it's not been accomplished yet. XOXO, Leslie Ann