
“You Will Encounter Many Defeats, But You Must Not Be Defeated”. -Dr. Maya Angelou
Can we exhale in Mar? Whoooosahhh
Feb was hard… I’m incredibly grateful I have a community that shows up for each other consistently. I could not have picked a better word for 2026, ROOTED.
Rooted in Family
Rooted in Friendship
Rooted in my Values
I did try some new things which you will see reflected in the post topics below. Giving up cheese 😳 was interesting… choice but I learned ALOT quickly on this short journey.

While we woohsahhhh this month I want you to check in on your intentions.…..
What I’m Posting– Rooted in Flavor, Rooted in Connection
This month I’m exploring rest in all forms. Discovering new spices, honoring heritage grains like Carolina Gold Rice, and challenging my food choices from a “Vegan Curious” lens. After a tough Feb, I’m taking intentional care.
I’ll also be reflecting on the power of eating together with a challenge to each of YOU!
This month is about expanding our palates and showing up at the table, embracing bold flavor, cultural history, and meaningful connection.
We are staying curious, cooking thoughtfully, and remembering that the most nourishing meals feed more than the body.
Spice Haul unboxing Video
This month I’m sharing a Spice Haul!!I showed myself a bit of self-love by refreshing my spice drawer!
I’ll walk through what I purchased, why I chose each spice, and how I plan to use them in my cooking and prepping. This was my Moms idea to film the unboxing so you can see everything up close and get ideas for how to use them in your own cooking.
Vegan Curious
“Vegan Curious” is a thoughtful exploration, not a commitment, not a label, just curiosity to better understand how my body tolerates dairy.
I’ll be sharing reflections, simple swaps, and what I’m learning as I explore more plant-forward meals.
Food Value Series #2 – Eating Together
In the second installment of the Food Value Series, we’re talking about the power of eating together.
Food nourishes the body, but shared meals nourish connection. This post will explore how gathering around the table builds community, strengthens families, and creates rooted memories that last far beyond the meal.
If you missed Food Values #1 check it out here ⬇️
Carolina Gold Rice
Ok so this has been an obsession for a bit of time now… I wanted to make sure I was clear how to properly cook with it before writing about it.
Carolina Gold Rice is a grain with deep historical and cultural significance. We’ll explore its origins, its connection to the African diaspora, and why heritage grains deserve a place in the modern kitchen.
This Month’s Tool– Let’s Check In on our Rest
Even when traveling, my journaling supplies arer never far from me.
Journaling is a critical rest practice for me.
Wherever I go, my journal is close so I can reflect, create and bring those thoughts swirling in my mind, processed on paper.

I created this rest-focused journaling prompt tool for the month of March.
This tool can be used to think through both wellness and rest practices this month.
I recommend printing it out, and completing a section from time to time, not all at once. Each area addresses a different rest practice. Give yourself the time….
Spice of the Month– Lakeshore Shallot and Herb

This spice is my everyday go to! So I’m not a big fan of onions, I often have to find an alternative to cooking with raw onions. I use this spice pretty much everywhere. Morning eggs, poultry, any savory dish that calls for onions as a flavor.
Inspired by Lake Michigan’s glorious and green shoreline, this blend includes chives, scallions, green peppercorns, and shallots. Use this to add an elegant but bold finish to fish, omelettes, and vegetables.
This spice is available at Costco and The Spice House
What I’m Reading


Happy Resting!
J
If you’re craving a more rooted way of living, in your kitchen, your faith, and your community, subscribe to Whispers. Every post is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.