Pink Fortitude. The Blog.
SEASONAL – WINTER
5 Skin Care Ingredient Swaps – Use This Not That
Are you looking to clean up your beauty routine but don't know where to begin? These are 5 skin care ingredient swaps to start with - use this not that! The information provided on this website is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose, treat, cure,...
15 Hot Chocolate Bars and Stations
For Christmas and through the winter, nothing gets my family more excited than setting up the hot chocolate bar and station. Enjoying hot cocoa is a fun and festive ritual. I've included tips and tricks to help you get one set up, along with 15 DIY ideas. Perfect for...
10 Best Mugs for Cozy Winter Days
Nothing cures the winter blues like snuggling under a blanket by the fire and drinking a warm beverage. Whether it's hot chocolate, hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, these are the 10 best and cutest mugs for those cozy winter days. I used to drink coffee like it's...
Top 10 Ways to be Cozy This Winter
Baby, it's cold outside! Whether it's cold or snowing, winter is here for the duration. It's the season to get your hygge on and snuggle in and hibernate. Here are the top 10 ways to be cozy this winter. I could live under my blanket and binge watch Netflix all...
25 Best Bible Verses for the New Year
The new year causes us to not only reflect on the past year, but also pray for the year to come and meditate on scripture. God is certainly encouraging you to pause and reflect on this. These are the 25 Best Bible verses for the new year. We’ve curated Bible verses...
30 Journal Prompts to Reflect in the New Year
It's the New Year which means time to reflect, think back, and hope for the future. Here are 30 journal prompts to reflect in the New Year to help get you started! Yeah... so... 2020 AND 2021 were certainly special years, weren't they? #notonmyvisionboard We were...
40 Printables for a New Year New You
Happy New Year! It's time to set those goals and make those new years resolutions! Here are 40 printables for your New Year New You. These printables include: goal setting and productivity, health and wellness, food and cooking, family management, home and...
20 Dairy Free and Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipes
It's not officially the holiday season, Christmas, or winter until the hot cocoa is made. If you are looking for some fun new recipes, this is the place to be! We've got 20 dairy free and vegan hot chocolate recipes. Which one is the best? All of them! ...
One New Meal a Week Challenge
Tired of the same thing for dinner? Join the One New Meal a Week Challenge with all gluten free dinner recipes, along with healthy recipes that are Paleo, Whole30, Vegan/Vegetarian, and Keto. We have 52 new recipes for you to try that are organized by season and...
SEASONAL – LOVE + CHOCOLATE
Who are Your People?
Today's Friday Fortitude inspirational article is about "your people." Who are your people? And what is your friendship like with them? I don't know how or why, but I have an extremely diverse group of friends. Different politics. Different...
What 1 Corinthians 13 Means Today
This post is for everyone, not just Christians. And do not worry - I'm not getting preachy at all. It's an honest musing on what 1 Corinthians 13 and the word love really means to me and in our world today. 1 Corinthians 13 (1Cor13) is the #1 Bible verse that's read...
Pink Hot Chocolate – Vegan
Sometimes you need to make that cup of hot chocolate a little more special. This Pink Hot Chocolate is perfect for Valentine's Day, cheering up your favorite gal, or for those times when you want a little extra love. Oh and PS - it's vegan and insanely delicious!...
Sparkling Cranberry Punch – Lightened Up
It's not a party until the punch is served. This Sparkling Cranberry Punch is non-alcoholic, kid-friendly, and lightened up with less sugar and dairy-free ice cream or sorbet. It's PINK which makes it perfect for a baby shower, kids party, Valentine's Day, the...
30 Journal Prompts About Relationships
Relationships are the fabric of our being. We all have those around us who we love deeply. And those who we struggle with. These are 30 journal prompts plus a FREE printable that will help you to explore your relationships, whether it's with a spouse, partner, or...
30 Journal Prompts About Self Love
Self-love is arguably the most important love that you can have. There may be days or even months that you feel down and need a big ole dose of self-esteem pick-me-up. Or maybe it's Valentine's Day and you want to reflect on what love means to you. These 30 journal...
The Ultimate Gift Guide for Her
Whether it's Mother's Day, birthday or another special occasion... for Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Teacher... if you are like me, you are always looking for beautiful, thoughtful, and functional gifts. This gift guide for her has the best gifts to give and for...
Chocolate Caramel Truffles – Dairy Free and Vegan
The only thing better than chocolate and peanut butter is chocolate and caramel. Hello, melt in your mouth deliciousness! But let's face it. Caramel treats are normally full of corn syrup and tons of sugar. These chocolate caramel truffles still fall into the "treat"...
Peanut Butter Cups – Peanut Free + Vegan
Peanut butter and chocolate go together like... well... peanut butter and chocolate. I couldn't think of a better marriage. This recipe copies the style of a traditional Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, but it's peanut free, dairy free, vegan, gluten-free, and made with...
HEALTHY MIND + BODY + FAMILY
Discover Your Gratitude Personality!
How grateful are you? How much gratitude and grit do you have with chronic illness? Discover how your unique personality can help you rise up with resilience when health challenges shatter your world. Take this fun 2-minute gratitude quiz and find out! ...
Top 3 Myths About Gratitude – BUSTED!
Does this gratitude thing really work? Or is it just a bunch of hokey woo-woo stuff? Most people have misconceptions about the life-altering power of gratitude. These are the top 3 myths about gratitude - BUSTED! When I recorded the Gratitude Builds Fortitude Summit -...
Gratitude A to Z Game and Free Printable
Wanna make teaching your kids about gratitude a little more fun and interesting? This Gratitude A to Z Game and free printable download is fun for kids, adults, grandparents - the whole family! There are several ways to play, and it's even great for a road trip....
7 Gratitude Road Trip Games
Are we there yet? It's the summer anthem of the road trip. Mix it up and this year, and focus on the power of gratitude during your drive. I've got 7 gratitude road trip games that can be played with the entire family, and are a great way to teach kids the amazing...
One Mindful Meal
We all have such busy lifestyles and eating on the go is no exception. Enter one mindful meal. It's a way to incorporate mindful eating for one meal a day. I'll share about the power of mindful eating and why it's so important, along with how to make one mindful meal...
10 Gratitude Games for the Entire Family
While the practice of gratitude is simple at its core, it's easy to get stuck or even feel like gratitude can be a chore. These 10 gratitude games will help you to put the fun back into your gratitude practice. These activities can be played with the entire family,...
Summer of Gratitude 20-Day Challenge
If you are like most people with health challenges, chances are you’re already dreading summer. You already know that while summer should be full of making happy memories, the chaos of life makes it anything but. If that is you, then you are in luck. Join the Summer...
Summer Bucket List
If you are like most people with autoimmune disease or chronic illness, chances are you are looking at everyone having fun this summer and wondering how you can fit some fun in between pain and fatigue and all of the annoying symptoms. Here's your Summer Bucket List...
10 Stories of Hope with Autoimmune Disease
Having an Autoimmune Disease may seem isolating. But it doesn't have to be. I've compiled 10 stories of hope from women with Autoimmune Disease. These are 10 women who have taken their struggles and turned their mess into their message. You are not alone. The...
AUTOIMMUNE + CHRONIC ILLNESS + CANCER
Discover Your Gratitude Personality!
How grateful are you? How much gratitude and grit do you have with chronic illness? Discover how your unique personality can help you rise up with resilience when health challenges shatter your world. Take this fun 2-minute gratitude quiz and find out! ...
Top 3 Myths About Gratitude – BUSTED!
Does this gratitude thing really work? Or is it just a bunch of hokey woo-woo stuff? Most people have misconceptions about the life-altering power of gratitude. These are the top 3 myths about gratitude - BUSTED! When I recorded the Gratitude Builds Fortitude Summit -...
25 Affirmations for Chronic Illness
Discover how to unlock your healing power within these beautiful 25 Affirmations for Chronic Illness! Also included is a FREE printable that you can download! Affirmations are so much more than... just think positive! In fact, I CRINGE every time I hear that...
Summer of Gratitude 20-Day Challenge
If you are like most people with health challenges, chances are you’re already dreading summer. You already know that while summer should be full of making happy memories, the chaos of life makes it anything but. If that is you, then you are in luck. Join the Summer...
Summer Bucket List
If you are like most people with autoimmune disease or chronic illness, chances are you are looking at everyone having fun this summer and wondering how you can fit some fun in between pain and fatigue and all of the annoying symptoms. Here's your Summer Bucket List...
5 Steps to Conquer Autoimmune Disease
An Autoimmune Disease diagnosis can mean years of struggles and unanswered questions. But it doesn't have to be that way. From lifestyle hacks to root cause healing, here are 5 steps to conquer Autoimmune Disease. The information provided on this website is not meant...
ALL-NATURAL LIVING IN THE HOME
5 Ways to Control Dog Odors in Your Home
Cute puppy alert! When we got our Pug puppy, I had no idea how much odor a dog leaves behind. He’s so little and adorable but his puppy funk lingers everywhere! As a Febreze partner, I’m excited to share five ways to help control dog odors in your home using the...
20 Items in Your Home That are Dirtier Than Your Toilet
Germ-a-phobes unite! If you really want to get grossed out, be sure to learn what these 20 items are in your home that are dirtier than your toilet - AND how to clean them. There are a few spaces outside of your home too. You will be shocked at the number of bacteria...
20 All-Natural Products That Changed My Life
I often get asked what's inside my healthy lifestyle toolbox and what are the organic and all-natural products that I use and recommend, especially as someone who is a cancer survivor, and with an autoimmune disease and chronic illness. I'm very particular about the...
10 Gorgeous Home Office Design Ideas
If you are in the process of creating your own office space or updating a current space, I've got 10 gorgeous home office design ideas for you! You'll get a tour of office spaces from farmhouse to glam, and dedicated spaces to small and shared spaces. Let's get ready...
Safe and Harmful Essential Oils for Dogs
You love your Essential Oils. But are they safe for dogs? Yes and no. They can be therapeutic or extremely toxic. Read on to learn about the precautions you should take when using EOs around your dog, and also a list of both safe and harmful Essential Oils for dogs....
20 Ways to be More Sustainable in the Garden
Gardening is a naturally sustainable activity. You're outside, enjoying nature, playing in the dirt, and participating in the circle of life from the earth. But there are definitely more ways to be greener in your outdoor hobby. Here are 20 ways to be more sustainable...
GRATITUDE + FAITH
Discover Your Gratitude Personality!
How grateful are you? How much gratitude and grit do you have with chronic illness? Discover how your unique personality can help you rise up with resilience when health challenges shatter your world. Take this fun 2-minute gratitude quiz and find out! ...
Top 3 Myths About Gratitude – BUSTED!
Does this gratitude thing really work? Or is it just a bunch of hokey woo-woo stuff? Most people have misconceptions about the life-altering power of gratitude. These are the top 3 myths about gratitude - BUSTED! When I recorded the Gratitude Builds Fortitude Summit -...
Gratitude A to Z Game and Free Printable
Wanna make teaching your kids about gratitude a little more fun and interesting? This Gratitude A to Z Game and free printable download is fun for kids, adults, grandparents - the whole family! There are several ways to play, and it's even great for a road trip....
25 Affirmations for Chronic Illness
Discover how to unlock your healing power within these beautiful 25 Affirmations for Chronic Illness! Also included is a FREE printable that you can download! Affirmations are so much more than... just think positive! In fact, I CRINGE every time I hear that...
7 Gratitude Road Trip Games
Are we there yet? It's the summer anthem of the road trip. Mix it up and this year, and focus on the power of gratitude during your drive. I've got 7 gratitude road trip games that can be played with the entire family, and are a great way to teach kids the amazing...
One Mindful Meal
We all have such busy lifestyles and eating on the go is no exception. Enter one mindful meal. It's a way to incorporate mindful eating for one meal a day. I'll share about the power of mindful eating and why it's so important, along with how to make one mindful meal...
CLEAN EATING RECIPES
25 Spaghetti Squash Dinner Recipes
We've got 25 of the best gluten free spaghetti squash dinner recipes here for you today. They are organized into categories including Keto and Low Carb, Paleo and/or Whole30, Vegan and Vegetarian, plus a few that are a little more indulgent. Plus, I'll share four ways...
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
It's all the rage. But how on earth do you cook spaghetti squash? I've got you covered with how to make spaghetti squash in the microwave, oven, slow cooker or Crock Pot, and Instant Pot. Plus, I'll share how to safely cut spaghetti squash and answer the age-old...
20 Dairy Free and Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipes
It's not officially the holiday season, Christmas, or winter until the hot cocoa is made. If you are looking for some fun new recipes, this is the place to be! We've got 20 dairy free and vegan hot chocolate recipes. Which one is the best? All of them! ...
One New Meal a Week Challenge
Tired of the same thing for dinner? Join the One New Meal a Week Challenge with all gluten free dinner recipes, along with healthy recipes that are Paleo, Whole30, Vegan/Vegetarian, and Keto. We have 52 new recipes for you to try that are organized by season and...
25 Gluten Free Stuffing Recipes
Whether you are personally gluten free or need to be considerate for your guest's dietary restrictions, these 25 gluten free stuffing recipes are sure to please! They are perfect to make for the holidays, at Thanksgiving or Christmas or even all year round! Paleo,...
Top 10 Foods to Boost Your Immune System (and 5 to Avoid)
Finding the right foods to boost your immune system can be a little overwhelming due to the fact that there are so many claims being made all over the internet as to what can help. But there is no need to feel defeated because today I'm sharing the top 10 foods to...
GARDENING + SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Bocce Ball Court Transformed Into Victory Garden
Our family decided to transform an existing Bocce Ball Court into a Victory Garden. Here's proof that with a little creativity and a lot of hard work, you can build a vegetable garden in your own back yard! Check out the before and after, the DIY, and transformation!...
20 Ways to be More Sustainable in the Garden
Gardening is a naturally sustainable activity. You're outside, enjoying nature, playing in the dirt, and participating in the circle of life from the earth. But there are definitely more ways to be greener in your outdoor hobby. Here are 20 ways to be more sustainable...
Raised Bed Garden DIY
In just a few hours, we ripped up the old frame and built a new raised bed garden. It's actually more of a built-in and raised bed hybrid. But it gives the vegetables plenty of space for the roots to be happy and flourish. If you ever wondered how to build a raised...
Back to Basics Frugal Living Guide
Frugal living is not about being cheap. It’s a lifestyle of not being wasteful. It’s a lifestyle that not only helps your bank account, but also the environment. It’s about making good decisions, not spending money needlessly, and saving for those times when you want...
75+ Easy Tips to Start a Frugal Lifestyle
Being frugal is a mindset of not being wasteful. Whether you are trying to save money or be more sustainable, there are many reasons to live a frugal lifestyle. Here are 75+ easy tips to help you get started! Frugal living is not about being cheap. It's a lifestyle of...
How to Start an Organic Vegetable Garden
Are you thinking about starting a vegetable garden but no clue where to begin? It's easier than you think to start an organic garden - whether you plant in-ground, or via raised beds or containers. We actually call ours a Victory Garden! This is your ultimate guide to...
WORKPLACE WELLNESS
10 Ways to Spread Kindness at Work
Kindness at work? Is that really a thing? Yes, you can practice kindness in the workplace and still accomplish the mission! Here are 10 easy ways to get you started! I'm almost laughing at the irony of writing this article. My last workplace was for a government...
Top 10 Must-Have Blogging Resources to Start Growing Today!
There is so much that has changed in the blogging world in the last few years, but so much that stays the same. The one thing that will never, ever change is you must have a solid foundation, whether you are new to blogging or an experienced blogger. Read on to learn...
Pink Fortitude Receives 2020 Disability Awareness Award
Pink Fortitude received the 2020 Disability Awareness Award from the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. On that day, I was 18 years...
10 Gorgeous Home Office Design Ideas
If you are in the process of creating your own office space or updating a current space, I've got 10 gorgeous home office design ideas for you! You'll get a tour of office spaces from farmhouse to glam, and dedicated spaces to small and shared spaces. Let's get ready...
Guidance on the Updated FMLA Forms
In the summer of 2020, the Department of Labor made extensive changes to its Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms. What does that mean for you, for someone with an Autoimmune Disease? Someone with a chronic condition and invisible illness? Are these changes...
Work Life Balance is a Myth
Work-life balance is a myth. Queue the haters. But I stand firm in what I believe. Especially if you are dealing with some type of chronic illness or health struggle. I'm here to share not just why it's a myth, but also how we can reexamine the culture of balance and...