How did Mother’s Day weekend turn out for you? I got to spend Saturday with my mom, not actual “Mother’s Day”, but it still works! I’m still feeling out of sorts with not having to worry about anything related to college right now! Each day I feel like I’m missing something and with this newfound free time, I’ve been super unproductive (go figure!). I need to find a coffee shop or co-working space (for free) with good wifi in my town back home. I tried working at my local library earlier this week and it literally took 5 minutes for 1 photo to get downloaded from my Dropbox to edit…did not work! There aren’t many close by places in this rural area of NJ to hang out in, unless I want to drive 30 minutes.

We’ll figure something out (probably by the time summer is over and it’s back to school!) There actually is a real “co-working” office space in my town, but it costs way too much money for an individual food blogger and freelancer to afford (haha!) Any ideas…let me know! On to the Friday Finisher!

SS Posts from the week:

Monday: The 7 Best Ways You Can Empower A Celiac Or Food Allergic Child

Wednesday: Spicy Vegan Celeriac Pinto Bean Burgers (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

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The first week of “summer”. It’s weird restricting the days and falling into a “non” school routine again. It’s good to take a bit of a breather and relax a bit, but I feel like I’m procrastinating and wasting my days too. I’m sure in a week or two I’ll find my footing again and actually start enjoying the time off. However, it is pretty wonderful that I can take walks outside in the warm, wonderful sun again. Totally enjoying that as a way to break up the day! Plus, there’s ample time to have fun in the kitchen and start testing out crazy recipe ideas again!

And guess what guys, it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday and that means you need to go treat your momma to a wonderful day (or if your a mom, take it easy! Maybe watch some Napflix!) If you’re a really awesome daughter/son, make your mom a fabulous brunch! Maybe some cinnamon buns or stuffed french toast?

SS Posts from the week:

Monday: Easy Thick & Fudgy One-Bowl Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies (Allergy-Free)

Wednesday: Easy Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Fajitas (Allergy-Free, Paleo)

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Guys! It’s summer! (In terms of “school years”). I made it through another semester and now I’m anxiously waiting for finals grades to be released….o the anticipation (haha!) I have one more short/easy semester in the Fall before graduation, made up mostly of my internship requirement. Then…well, we’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Right now, let’s celebrate May! We have Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, Mother’s Day on the 13th, (My mom’s birthday on the 28th), AND it’s Celiac Disease Awareness Month! I WILL (I promise this year) bring you some celiac focused content, as well as Food Allergy Awareness Week content (falls in the month of May as well) this year! Be on the look out!

SS Posts from the week:

Monday: Gluten-Free Baked Pinto Bean Taquitos (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

Wednesday: Classic Gluten-Free Banana Bread (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

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Just one more final to take and a group paper to hand in…I think I’ve got this! I can’t wait to have time to refocus, here on Strength and Sunshine, work on some passion projects that got thrown to the wayside during the semester, and just regroup and think about the future! There is SO much less stress and weight on the shoulders when you’re not juggling 16 credits and a full-time business…plus general life! I literally do feel a weight lift off me during the summer; always have (even back in grade school!) There’s just an overall sense of freedom and relaxation that comes with a successful completion of a school year!

I’m ready for some fun too! Inspire me…what do you have planned for the summer? Here’s to a fabulous weekend! xoxo

SS Posts from the week:

Monday: Creamy Nut-Free Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Allergy-Free)

Wednesday: Gluten-Free Skillet Plantain Nachos (Vegan, Grain-Free, Allergy-Free)

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From 80 degrees last Friday to 30 and 40 the coming days…O! And it started snowing on Thursday! I really just want to be able to walk out of the house without a jacket! It’s basically May…this is not okay! On the positive side: You know how I’m always telling you every year how stressful picking classes are for the next semester? With my final semester this Fall, it was just for my internship which I needed a special code for. Simple, easy, and the LAST time I will ever have to pick classes for school! (I’m assuming any graduate education doesn’t play by the same system…right?)

Only one more crazy research paper/analysis to write and one final to take and I’ll be done. I think I’ll need to take a vacation somewhere warm…very warm after all this. I haven’t taken a vacation since…I honestly have no idea (I’m not a long distance traveler, that’s for sure!) Time to change that!

SS Posts from the week:

Monday: Gluten-Free Pinto Bean Tamales (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

Wednesday: Gluten-Free Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Muffins (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

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