Pink Fortitude. The Blog.
SEASONAL – WINTER
31 Easy Vegan Recipes for Beginners
So you want to try this vegan thing? Whether it's Veganuary (Vegan January) or you want some simple and easy vegan recipes and plant-based meal plans, we've got you covered with 31 recipes - one to try each day of the month. Oh and PS - no tofu, no weird ingredients,...
Gratitude Builds Fortitude 30-Day Challenge
Raise your hand if life seems to have taken over these days. Are you overwhelmed? Are you missing that inner strength that you once had? Are you looking to find the calm during the storm? You don't have to let your problems get you down. Practicing gratitude on a...
53 Creative Future Log Ideas for Your Bullet Journal
It's that time of year! You have your new Bullet Journal and you are ready to create your future log. Not to fret, my friend, here are 53 creative future log ideas that you can use on your Bullet Journal. Let's get ready to plan and be productive! We'll begin...
Easy and Delicious Chili – Paleo + Whole30 + Keto
Cold winter days, having your friends over for game day, or a party-pleaser recipe to feed a crowd. Chili is always the go-to vat of comfort food. This chili recipe is delicious, super simple to make in your crock pot or slow cooker, and follows the Paleo, Whole30,...
10 Natural Methods to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The official title is Seasonal Affective Disorder. Shortened, calling it SAD is not lost on the irony. Regardless, when the winter blues hit and you are feeling a little depressed, here are the top 10 natural methods which may help to combat Seasonal Affective...
30+ Whole30 Approved Recipes
Congratulations! You've decided to go Whole30. I applaud you for making this commitment to your health. That being said, I'm sure you are looking for some new Whole30 approved recipes to get you through the month. No worries, my friend, these 30+ Whole30 compliant...
Thick and Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate – Paleo and Healthy
Is there anything cozier in the winter than sitting by the fire and enjoying a warm cup of cocoa? If you are looking for a vegan hot chocolate that is thick and creamy and delicious and Paleo and even healthy for you, this is the only recipe you will need. Put on your...
Rustic and Festive Hot Chocolate Station
Is there anything better on a cold, winter day than to curl up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate? This hot chocolate station is rustic and festive and is sure to warm your heart and spirit during the holidays and all winter long. Right around...
Top 10 Wellness Trends in 2022
When you think of wellness trends, most people think of the latest and greatest and futuristic fads. These top wellness trends are different. I hear from my tribe every day about your setbacks and challenges. I've compiled the top trends in healing that you want the...
SEASONAL – LOVE + CHOCOLATE
Love is…
What is love? On February 14, 2011, I wrote this message as I was finishing up cancer treatment. It's a love letter to all who helped me through my journey. I wanted to preserve it, and share it with the world every year on Valentine's Day. Love is... ...
Tagalongs – Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, and Healthy!
Back in the day, I counted the moments until Girl Scout cookies arrived. Thin Mints were my jam... but Tagalongs were my kryptonite. If you enjoy the peanut buttery and chocolate goodness as much as I do, you will love this grown-up version which is gluten free,...
Grown Up Puppy Chow – Gluten Free, Peanut Free & Vegan
Whether you call it Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies, the sweet combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar is like heaven in a bowl. And then you grow up. Or can't eat half of the ingredients. This is the grown up and allergy friendly version - gluten...
Creme de Menthe Brownies – Gluten Free, Vegan, Paleo
Have you ever had a food that takes you back to a fond memory? To a tradition? To a family? Creme de menthe brownies are one of those foods for me. For those of you who want to eat healthier, or need a version that is gluten-free, vegan, and/or paleo, these brownies...
What Your Chocolate Cravings REALLY Mean
Some will claim chocolate is its own food group. We eat it any time of day. We sprinkle it. We drink it. We pour it. We crave it. But what do those chocolate cravings REALLY mean? If you crave chocolate, it means your body is depleted and it's time to restore,...
No Bake Energy Bites – Raw, Gluten Free, Vegan
These no-bake energy bites are quick and easy to make and are super healthy and nutritious for sustained energy. Perfect as a compliment to breakfast, or as a snack during the day. Oh... and they taste something close to a no-bake cookie or a Lara Bar. My new...
Chocolate Fudgey Caramel Brownies – Gluten Free & Vegan
It's not difficult to make a good brownie. It's extremely difficult to make a good brownie when you have to take out things like oh... geez... eggs, gluten, milk, sugar, and pretty much everything that makes it... a brownie. I finally found the perfect combination to...
“Clean” Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls aka Buckeyes
My Great Aunt Dot was the baker in the family. Before she passed, I made sure that she passed down all of her family favorite recipes to me. Her Buckeyes were always a special treat. If you don’t know what a Buckeye is… it’s like a chocolate and peanut butter ball...
Smorezel Tart – Gluten Free and Vegan
I am on a serious mission to recreate all of my favorite foods with ingredients that are in my new health protocol. And nothing says summer like s'mores. But without gluten, dairy, and sugar... s'mores are off the list. Sad face. Soooo... I made my own version....
HEALTHY MIND + BODY + FAMILY
10 Lessons – 10 Years as a Breast Cancer and Autoimmune Survivor
Little did I know how much life would change. And for the better. These are my 10 lessons in 10 years as a breast cancer and autoimmune survivor. Plus a love letter. I hope this gives you some encouragement with the health challenges you are going through! The...
5 Steps to Manage Your Work Life Balance
Managing your work-life balance is difficult enough. Add a chronic illness to the mix and it gets even more difficult. Scratch that. It gets IMPOSSIBLE. It's not a perfect science, but it is possible to regain control. Here are 5 steps to manage your work-life...
Free Mini Training for the Kids! How Gratitude Builds Fortitude
In this FREE training, I’m going to share with your kids how gratitude builds fortitude. It's an easy process for them to learn how to channel their inner superhero. You're in the Right Place! Gather your kids around and I'll share how gratitude builds...
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...
Back to School Printables and Gratitude Challenge
Get your back-to-school printables and digital downloads here! Make this daily gratitude challenge a part of your kid's homeschool, "school at home" or traditional school schedule! Start your child's day with a few minutes to teach them about the power of gratitude......
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...
How to Adjust to New Normal – 7 Strategies
But I don't want a new set of rules! I don't want to change. I want everything to go back to the way it used to be. Oh sunshine, I get it, more than you know! It's difficult when life is completely altered due to an illness, health condition, death, financial...
How to Create a Memorable Staycation – 25 Ideas
There can be many different reasons why you aren't able to travel or get away for vacation. But don't worry, all is not lost! You can create a memorable staycation without leaving your town. Here are 25 ideas to get you started! Back in my single gal days, I traveled...
Nature Walk Game + Printable
Wanna make your nature walks a little more fun and interesting? This Nature Walk Game and printable is fun for kids, adults, grandparents - the whole family! Nature walks can be anything from an easy stroll through a park or a strenuous hike up a mountain. This game...
AUTOIMMUNE + CHRONIC ILLNESS + CANCER
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...
5 Steps to Manage Your Work Life Balance
Managing your work-life balance is difficult enough. Add a chronic illness to the mix and it gets even more difficult. Scratch that. It gets IMPOSSIBLE. It's not a perfect science, but it is possible to regain control. Here are 5 steps to manage your work-life...
From Type A to Type ZZZ… My Work-Life Balance Buster
As part of my series on busting the work-life balance myth, I wanted to share my own story of how I went from being that overachieving Type A girl to what I like to call Type ZZZ. It took several health crises, a chronic illness, and hitting rock bottom not once but...
How to Adjust to New Normal – 7 Strategies
But I don't want a new set of rules! I don't want to change. I want everything to go back to the way it used to be. Oh sunshine, I get it, more than you know! It's difficult when life is completely altered due to an illness, health condition, death, financial...
How to Create a Memorable Staycation – 25 Ideas
There can be many different reasons why you aren't able to travel or get away for vacation. But don't worry, all is not lost! You can create a memorable staycation without leaving your town. Here are 25 ideas to get you started! Back in my single gal days, I traveled...
How the Growing Trend of Telehealth Impacts the Chronic Illness Community
Telemedicine continues to expand its reach with doctors and practitioners offering online and virtual appointments. But there is a certain population of individuals where the impact is more significant. Learn how the growing trend of telehealth impacts the chronic...
ALL-NATURAL LIVING IN THE HOME
How to Clean a Mattress in 5 Easy Steps
Your mattress is an investment in your restorative sleep. But how do you clean your mattress? Even though you can't throw it into the washing machine, it's easier than you think. Here's how to clean your mattress in 5 easy steps - the all-natural way and without...
DIY Charcoal Detox Soap
Activated charcoal is used for all kinds of detoxification. This Charcoal Detox Soap is refreshing and cleansing and a great pick-me-up in the morning or to get the grime off at the end of the day. It's also super easy to make. Get the DIY... I love making...
101 Ways to Go Green and be Sustainable Every Day
Going green is certainly a lot more mainstream these days. But are you doing everything you can to live more eco-friendly and sustainable? While Earth Day is a great place to start, every day should be a chance to incorporate these 101 ways to go green in your...
The Ultimate Guide to Non-Toxic Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning - do you love it or hate it? I love opening up the windows and letting the warm fresh air in, after a long winter of being cooped up inside. Spring cleaning (or any cleaning for that matter) doesn't have to mean filling your home with harsh, toxic...
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
UGH! What is that smell in your laundry room? Trust me, you aren't alone. Washing machines are notorious for collecting gunk and funk and weird smells. Here's a step-by-step guide to clean your washing machine inside and out - for High Efficiency (HE), top loader, or...
Homemade Wool Dryer Balls DIY
Do you love your eco-friendly and all-natural laundry room? But are you still using chemical-laden dryer sheets? Making your own homemade wool dryer balls may seem like an arduous process. Fear not, it's not as difficult as it looks. We've broken it down step by step...
GRATITUDE + FAITH
Perfect Vision Isn’t Always 20/20
You don't need sight to have vision. Be careful what you ask for. These two quotes may seem trite, but they carry a lot of wisdom. While many of us expect some kind of journey to find vision in our lives, the truth is... it's been right in front of us the entire time....
15 Scriptures for Mothers Day
"Her children arise and call her blessed." There are Bible verses are shared in both the Old Testament and the New Testament to honor mothers. Here are 15 scriptures for Mothers Day that you can meditate on, and share with your family today. Scriptures for...
The Science Behind Gratitude
Gratitude is more than being grateful. And even though it seems a bit "woo woo" there are many studies that have proven the science. These are some of the studies, and this is the science behind gratitude. One of the biggest compliments I received was when a friend...
5 Easy Ways to Manifest Gratitude at Work
When you love your job, it's easy to be happy. When you hate your job, it's just as easy to be miserable. Enter the game-changer called gratitude. Here's how to manifest gratitude at work... even if you hate your job! When you love your job and boss, it's easy...
20 Scriptures About Love
The greatest of these is love. These Bible verses are shared in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Here are 20 scriptures about love that you can meditate on, and share your love a little more today. Scriptures About Love If you could sum up the...
How to Manifest Gratitude When You Have the Winter Blues
After the Christmas holiday season, it's easy to fall into the winter blues when life goes back to normal after all of the holiday craziness and (depending on where you live) the weather turns gray and dreary. Some people call it Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD....
CLEAN EATING RECIPES
Bavarian Pretzel Pork Schnitzel (gluten + dairy free)
Happy Oktoberfest! It wouldn't be a proper Octoberfest without making a traditional Schweineschnitzel. I'm changing it up a bit so you are getting a Pretzel Pork Schnitzel, which is based on the traditional Bavarian style, and it's also gluten-free and dairy-free. How...
Lemon Garlic Zoodles (Whole30, Paleo, Vegan)
If your summer harvest is exploding with zucchinis, these Lemon Garlic Zoodles are going to be your favorite go-to recipe. The lemon and garlic really make the flavor pop. This super healthy zucchini noodle recipe is Whole30, Paleo, and Vegan. PS - it only takes 10...
Top 10 Gluten Free Flag Cakes and Pies for Your Patriotic Party
Every Memorial Day, 4th of July or Patriotic Party needs a flag cake. But what if you need to make yours gluten-free? We curated the top 10 gluten-free flag cakes and pies from some of the best bloggers on the net. Which one are you going to make for your patriotic...
The Best Whole30 Recipes for Your Summer Picnic and BBQ
Summer is full of picnics and BBQs and Memorial Day and 4th of July parties and potlucks and neighborhood block parties. There's no need to starve if you follow the Whole30 protocol. If you are looking to cook healthier recipes for your summer entertaining, these...
15 Patriotic Fruit Treats – Gluten Free + Vegan + Paleo Options
Berries and fruit just beg to be made into a sweet and treat for your 4th of July, Memorial Day or patriotic themed party. These are 15 of your new favorite fruit salads, fruit parfaits and smoothie bowls, and fruit popsicles and ice cream recipes. They are the...
The Top 7 Healthiest Carbs to Add to Your Diet
All carbs are evil!!! Um... not quite. How do you untangle what carbs to eat without compromising your low or low-ish carb diet? Even if you are eating low carb, these are the top 7 healthiest carbs you should add to your diet. Plus a few delicious recipes! The...
GARDENING + SUSTAINABLE LIVING
15 Top Moms Honoring Mother Earth
These 15 women aren't just awesome moms, but they have made it their life mission to honor Mother Earth. Three cheers for awesome moms everywhere... and a standing ovation for this group - the 15 top moms honoring Mother Earth. Find out what they are doing and why...
Your Eco Friendly Wedding Guide
DIY Weddings are soooo last year. Eco-Friendly weddings are the hip and trendy and responsible way to tie the knot. Here's your all-inclusive guide. Invitations Invite, delight, and save some trees with gorgeous online invitations. Online Invitations from...
The Most Adorable Eco Friendly Holiday Decorations
Tis the season of extremes and excess. Why not think about going a little greener this holiday season? These eco-friendly holiday decorations are not only too stinkin adorable, but they are made with upcycled or recycled or organic or all-natural materials. Win for...
The Most Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide for the Crunchy in All of Us
This eco-friendly holiday gift guide has everything from stocking stuffers to great presents. And oh, by the way, every single item is either organic, eco-friendly, socially conscious, made from recycled materials, or some combination thereof…. AND… not only will you...
How’s That Bottled Tap Water Working for Ya?
There's the Flint, Michigan water fiasco that no one will ever forget. Then the three world's largest bottling brands have admitted that their bottled water is filtered tap water. So how do you know if your water is safe? Is bottled or tap water better? What chemicals...
12 Eco-Friendly Clothing Brands Making Trendy the New Green
Sustainable and eco-friendly clothing has catapulted itself into the mainstream. You no longer need to wear broomstick skirts and Birkenstocks and smell like patchouli. Well, you can... but you don't have to. You will be amazed by how affordable and fashion-forward...
WORKPLACE WELLNESS
15 Whole30 Lunches to Pack for Work
Is this your first Whole30 or are you back again? Are you running out of options? Whether you work in an office or work from home, these 15 Whole30 compliant lunches that you can pack for work are easy to meal prep, easy to pack, and easy to eat in any environment! Oh...
Telecommuting During Quarantine? Document This. Now.
If you have an Autoimmune Disease and are working from home because of the current quarantine, you are probably feeling the effects of being healthier and more productive. Do you want this situation to continue when the world goes back to normal? If you are...
Laid Off? Do THIS First!
Laid off. Fired. Reduction in Force (RIF). Forced to resign. This one single act causes panic and fear for our financial well-being and how we are going to support ourselves and our family. As you are sorting everything out, take a deep breath. And if you're laid off,...
5 Best Practices for Telecommuting Employees
The ability to telecommute is on the rise and getting more popular each year. Working from home is a great alternative, but it does have it's share of challenges. Here are 5 best practices for telecommuting employees to help you balance being productive and working...
Top 3 Preventative Reasonable Accommodations During Coronavirus
While everyone is running around in face masks and dousing themselves in hand sanitizer, there is a population of individuals who are literally fearing for their lives when it comes to exposure to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Individuals who are immunocompromised or...
3 Myths About Autoimmune Disease in the Workplace
There is a lot of misconception about Autoimmune Disease in the Workplace, not only from HR professionals, managers, and employers, but also even employees themselves with Autoimmune Disease. These are 3 myths about Autoimmune Disease in the workplace and the facts to...