my word for 2023 is “simple” I am currently in a season where I am battling love for my beautiful family and abundant blessings — and the horrendous hormonal imbalance known as “postpartum” so for now—just keeping things simple. anyway— here is some homemade chicken noodle soup I made and the recipe. *(Added spices are to boost immunity, but can be left out) In an instant pot (or crockpot/stockpot) add: -4 whole carrots “coined” -1 white onion, minced -8 cloves of garlic (I left mine whole, but you can mince) -1 Qt of Chicken Bone Broth -1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breast would work) HERBS/SPICES *everything I do is to taste, which normally means a LOT 😅 — but here’s what I added -salt -pepper -bay leaves -thyme -rosemary -basil -cayenne* (just a dash) -ginger (I used fresh, but ground would work) -turmeric* NOODLES— *boil egg noodles on the side of using an instant pot, or crock pot. If using a stock pot, at the end bring whole mixture to a boil and cook per package instructions) ✨InstantPot— cook on high pressure for 13 mins (16 if chicken is frozen) - gradually release steam for 10 mins - shred chicken, add cooked noodle, and serve. ✨Crockpot— cook on low for 6 hours, 8 if chicken is frozen. Shred chicken and add cooked noddles before serving. ✨Stock pot— bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 4-6 hours covered (make sure chicken is cooked). Last 8-10 minutes, remove chicken and shred, then put it back, bring back to a boil and add uncooked noodles. Serve once noodles reach desired texture. Please let me know if you try it! (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm76bp-LWxt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Do you remember the moment you died? I do. The space where the light used to shine was hollow. Ink-black pools of nothingness bore into me, and I died a little on the inside. You, the epitome of walking sunshine, had allowed this world to kill you, and I, your greatest admirer, stood idly by, just watching. https://www.instagram.com/p/CgLU2_lM7FJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I think the coolest thing about life is how pain and joy come together so beautifully in life. The things that typically bring us the most pain, are often our greatest sources of joy. I learned this when my grandma passed away. She was my absolute best friend in the entire world. I talked to her all the time, about anything. I’m fact, she was the only one I would actually tell how I was FEELING. Along her has been one of the greatest pains of my life, but only because she was one of my greatest sources of happiness. She understood what I go through when no one around me did. She loved the same things I did and was always interested in hearing about them. Losing her, I lost a piece of me, but also found a piece of me too. She lives inside of me. Every scrap of light she gave me, is now my lower to give to my daughter and granddaughter one day. There cannot be pain where there first was no joy. #womenwhowrite #womensupportingwomen #lessonslearned #lessonslearnedinlife #girlmom #girlmomlife #poetry #painistemporary #joyous #joyinthejourney https://www.instagram.com/p/CfgjF2eO61i/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I drowned in the waves of the words I couldn’t say. Kate Gegas https://www.instagram.com/p/CfWR1JKrF3i/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Growth starts on the edge of your comfort zone—it’s where fear resides. Growth is when you look fear in the eye, feel it, but do it anyway. It’s before that incredible feeling of accomplishment. It takes the wind out of you sometimes. Sometimes, it’s hard to breathe when you’re growing. Growth is hard. Staying stuck is hard. I choose growth. #workingmom #workingmama #workingmamalife #lifeofamom #mama #allforher #allformydaughter #momofdaughters #girlmom #girlmomlife #girlmama #buildyourempire #fromthegroundup #startingfromthebottom #goingup #stepoutofyourcomfortzone #growthmindset #growth #growthquotes #growthroughwhatyougothrough #growyourbusiness #liveyourbestlife #buildinganempire #liveyourdreams #liveyourdream #liveyourdreamlife #dreambig #dreambigger #dreambigworkhard #dreamer (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/COmDCYohXGV/?igshid=1ty0jiticzw0f

The face you make when your company launches in 2 more countries (7 total), is a billion dollar company in 5 years, is working to reduce their carbon footprint, gives back to the community, is vegan, cruelty free, sends you on free trips, gives you the opportunity to earn a free car, pays higher than other companies in the industry, encourages you to dream bigger, helps you become your best self...and IS JUST GETTING STARTED. OH. and our products? UNBEATABLE. #workingmom #espania #spain #lithuania #ireland #unitedkingdom #unitedstates #canada #poland #makemoneyonline #makemoney #beyourownboss #beyourownbrand #dreambig #dreambigger #cadillac #rangerover #jaguar #lockdownlife #vegan #veganlife #veganbeauty #veganbeautyproducts #veganhaircare #veganskincare #veganhairproducts #veganhaircareproducts #veganskincareproducts #naturalbeauty #travel (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/COjenjqBrJ5/?igshid=qlgfg6teel11

Getting into shape since having Islah has been a major priority of mine. Setting an example in taking care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually is extremely important to me, because she is always watching. She watches what I do, say, and who I give both my time and money to. I have been looking for legging that support my body, and my confidence, and found @acta.wear ! They have not only helped me feel comfortable, confident, and supported after having my c section, this company goes above and beyond to support those in need and the environment. My Renew Leggings are made from 26 plastic bottles, and all of their packaging is made from recycled materials and is recyclable. With every purchase, you get to select a charity of your choice to donate to. This company is seriously everything I look for when choosing a company to support—they are charitable, sustainable, and make high quality, attractive products. If you’re looking for new activewear, I HIGHLY recommend @acta.wear Use my code, kategegas to get 20% off your purchase 🖤 (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKQEkdtBlaJ/?igshid=k23eqlqpeixw

Swipe —> to see a picture of myself I used to love. When I took this picture, I felt like I was on top of the world. I was in a city I fell in love with almost instantly, traveling by myself, really living life. I had just interviewed at a school I wanted so badly to teach at and at the time was excited to hear back from...So, why do I look like I was forcing myself to smile? Looking back, I remember taking that trip was one of few things that made me feel alive, but when I got home, the monotony of life set in, and it stayed for years. I would really live my life for a few days or weeks at a time, then settle into my daily routine as was expected of me. Up until this year, that’s how I lived, settling. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a teacher (most of the time)—I love my students ALL the time, but I cringe when I look to the future and see this same life that’s currently laid out. WHERE IS THE CHANGE? WHERE IS THE EXCITEMENT? WHERE IS THE THRIVING? My heart and soul need to know. This opportunity allows me to be a teacher, AND live a life I look forward to. It keeps me from waiting tables and spending less time with my family. Up until about a month ago, I wasn’t allowing myself to live up to my full potential. I thought it was selfish to want more out of life, but now I know, that it’s selfish to not have more. It’s selfish to not give myself, my husband, my daughter the life we dream of. It’s selfish to not share this incredible business with my friends and family. It’s selfish to think that they would think their self-growth was something for dreams only. I love sharing this opportunity with others and helping them earn time and financial freedom. I love helping men and women become their best, most authentic, and confident selves. If you need a change, make a change. Life is too damn short to settle. Living life the way you want isn’t selfish; it’s selfish to keep the world from experiencing your best self. #charlestonsouthcarolina #southcarolinateacher #teachersofsc #teacherlife #ceomindset #buildingwealth #livingmybestlife #livelifehappy #beyourbestself #findyourfreedom #findyourpurpose #findyourjoy #seekjoy #healthymindbodysoul (at Charleston, South Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKE37zchPVJ/?igshid=1ko5xyrc5ckmo

100 Years of Beauty in 1 Minute: Russia (full video and gifs)

Sue Zhao // Dialogues on Love #4 // “Maybe I already do”