It’s 2015! Can. You. Believe. It?!

I’m a bit sad to see the past year go, as 2014 was a wonderful year for me. I created opportunities for myself (girl power), I met life changing people who I’ll never forget, I lived in Thailand and taught English to Thai students (crazy!), I was put out of my comfort zone more times than I can count, I ate a fried scorpion, I baked you lots of brownies, and I started a crazy little thing called a food blog and connected with all of you wonderful people from all over the globe. (crazier!!)

2014 was good, but I know 2015 is going to be SO much better.

Now if I’ve learned anything throughout the years with all the resolutions and New Year’s Days coming and going…it’s to make tiny little steps to connect to your ultimate goals. Whether you want to live healthier, make new opportunities, become your own boss, fall in love, move to a new place, drink less, lose weight, spend more time with your friends, or even find time for yourself – how can you connect to that goal? What can you do today that will better your tomorrow? How can you connect to the life you want to live?

Yep – it’s a big question.

That’s why my New Year’s resolution is to simply… connect. Connect through tiny steps and big intentions, connect to new people, connect to myself, and connect to my goals.

It won’t be so hard, now will it?

Now you’re here at my little corner of the web (hate that phrase) most likely expecting me to point you in the correct way of how to live a healthy & happy life in 2015. Yikes. Now, I can tell you to eat as much kale, green smoothies, and quinoa as I want – but it’s ultimately your choice, and your choice alone to make the step and connect to the life you want to live. Connect to what you want and start small.

A few starting points for connecting to yourself & others: Maybe try drinking more water, or taking your dogs on a daily walk around the block? Maybe it’s making connections to people you’ve fallen out with and reconnecting on a new level. How about rounding up your favorite pals and committing to a weekly fitness class followed by green drinks all around? Try joining a club or cause you feel passionate about and connect to like-minded people. There are so many small steps you can make to connect with your ultimate goals & dreams.

Write down your goals and try to connect to at least one daily. We got this!

I’ve so enjoyed connecting with all of you & I can’t wait to see what connections 2015 will bring.

P.S. Hey – why don’t we all connect to turmeric this new year? I know starting off your new year’s with a big orange mug of turmeric milk may not have been your intention – but let’s start you off on a good note, shall we? Here’s where starting small comes in handy. A new year is all about trying new things – like big mugs of orange milk (which happens to have outstanding health benefits).

This Turmeric Milk is warming, spicy, delicious, and vegan too – I promise you’ll absolutely love it. It’s wonderful to have as an afternoon warm-up or even to unwind before bed. Perks like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds that have been extensively researched and shown to prevent cancer and other chronic diseases make this drink that much better. Warmed with creamy coconut and almond milk, sweet honey, earthy turmeric, and spicy cardamom and cinnamon – this turmeric milk is the greatest way to start your new year and is a crowd-pleaser for many dietary restrictions.

Tell me, how are you connecting in the New Year? (With turmeric?!)

Warm Turmeric Milk

Serves 2

1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (homemade is divine)
½ cup full fat coconut milk (from the can)
1 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 tablespoon honey
A pinch each of cinnamon, cardamom, & ground ginger
A dash of black pepper

Stovetop// Bring all ingredients to a gentle boil on the stove. Reduce heat to keep warm. Pour into mugs and enjoy immediately! Strain if necessary.

Blender// pour all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend on highest speed until piping hot – about 3-4 minutes. Pour into mugs and enjoy immediately!