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The One  Anti-inflammatory Beverage You Need To Drink

The One Anti-inflammatory Beverage You Need To Drink

Aqn anti-inflammatory beverage must-have for the season! It’s getting to be that time of year again and that calls for one anti-inflammatory beverage we all should have in our kitchen recipe book! I love foods that are packed with beneficial nutrients and this cup of 

A Single Woman’s Guide To  A Drama Free Life

A Single Woman’s Guide To A Drama Free Life

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/singlewomansguide.png” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ text_font_size=”18″] Okay, let me start by saying, I  love men! well, most of them. The sane ones; not the cheating-lying-controlling ones! Now that that is out of the 

DIY Jewelry Home Decorating Ideas

DIY Jewelry Home Decorating Ideas

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We all have gifts left over from the holidays, that we’d either rather toss (it didn’t fit your vibe, thoughtless, cheap last-minute buy; be honest) or regift for the “right” person (i.e not you). My solution is to use these less than stellar jewelry “gifts” for some of my DIY home jewelry decorating projects.

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If you’re like me, you feel guilty about throwing such gifts and trinkets in the recycle ♻️ bin so you try to find more “tasteful” ways of repurposing these sorts of gifts.  Since I’m big on finding creative ways to decorate and multi-purpose a variety of odds and ends, it’s DIY jewelry home decorating time!

Using unwanted trinkets for DIY jewelry home decorating projects

A DIY Jewelry project for decorating the home is a perfect example of creative ways to switch things up in your living spaces. I’ve found that old or unwanted trinkets and such, work well for accessorizing your favorite spaces and repurposing your humdrum household items. In fact, chunky or thick ropy necklaces are awesome for those spaces that need a little bit of bling to add some personality.

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As I dug through my stash of items for my goodwill drop-off, I came across a chunky gold ©Akira choker that just got my creative juices flowing! While it wouldn’t do for my particular tastes in jewelry (mine tend to lean towards natural precious and semi-precious metals and stones, plus my sensitive skin can’t handle anything less), it is perfect for a DIY jewelry home decorating project.

Fortunately for me, there was no cutting or splicing required for this particular DIY job and this was largely due to the fact that it was already the perfect length as a drapery tie-back. The brushed gold multi-stranded choker had enough links for it to be repurposed as a drapery accessory and took less than 10 mins to fashion it into an excellent DIY home decorating success!

It’s still early days yet so in the spirit of decluttering and detoxing your life, grab your copy of my detox pantry guide (click on the image above) and keep the momentum rolling!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_team_member admin_label=”Author Bio” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ name=”Tonye Tariah” position=”Freedom At The Crossroads Founder” facebook_url=”https://www.facebook.com/TonyeTariahHealthStrategist/” twitter_url=”https://twitter.com/fit_and_fab2″ image_url=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/16403040_732883533553339_4010103490960637755_o.jpg” background_layout=”light” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” saved_tabs=”all”]

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

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Toxic Food Additives: What’s In Your Mayo?

Toxic Food Additives: What’s In Your Mayo?

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Toxic-Food-Additives_-Whats-In-Your-Mayo1.jpg” _builder_version=”3.0.51″]   [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ text_font_size=”18″] Sometimes I almost feel like a chemist in a laboratory when I walk through the aisles of my local supermarkets! Each time I make that trek 

5 Reasons Why You Need To Ditch Processed Sugar

5 Reasons Why You Need To Ditch Processed Sugar

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5-Reasons-Why-Yo-u-Need-To-Ditch-Sugar1.jpg” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ url=”https://www.facebook.com/events/150424072282081/?ti=icl”]   [/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ text_font_size=”18″] There are so many reasons why ingesting huge amounts of (processed) sugar is a terrible idea, but few people recognize the devasting impacts sugar can 

Benu Cosmetics Skincare Review

Benu Cosmetics Skincare Review

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Hello, goodness and all my fellow skincare freaks! I make no bones about splurging on skincare, especially when I come across a brand that’s all about eco-friendly, animal-friendly, and plant-based skincare. Today I’m sharing my new secret weapon from Benu Cosmetics.

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I know it can often be hard to see the forest for the trees in the world of cosmeceuticals, skincare and wellness industries, BUT I would be doing us all a huge disservice by not featuring this up and coming skin care gem. I hate when old favorites keep messing with their formulas in the name of “improvements” (it’s just reformulating and branding, seriously, who gives a flying fig?) to the point where my skin straight up lodges a serious rebellion and I’m forced to go a-hunting for a new line that’s all natural, loaded with anti-oxidants and won’t throw me into a tailspin. Well, enough of that! I recently got the opportunity to try out “Hello Skin” serum from ©Benu Cosmetics, and needless to say, I am a fan.

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 I love the feel and texture of Benu Cosmetics’ “Hello Skin” serum! It’s an awesome new line, founded by a millennial who’s serious about making changes in both the skincare industry and the environment! It’s vegan, organic and uses all natural ingredients that will nourish, moisturize and heal your skin. Additionally, if you’ve got sensitive skin like I do this is one item you won’t want to pass on. My love of organic and all-natural skincare is what fuels my interest in this particular brand.

Don’t take it from me though, grab yourself a bottle of Benu Cosmetics’ flagship serums, “Hello Skin” and try it out for yourself. It’s not every day that you encounter a product that is both simple and complex in one encounter. Boasting a short list of ingredients (no more than five ingredients) blended together in a unique proprietary formula, ©benucosmetics is my new bestie for my skincare needs. While it isn’t always the case that I fall in love with a particular skincare brand, I had to share my review of ©Benu Cosmetics “Hello Skin” serum ’cause I’m all about loving the skin I’m in!

Plus, since I’m also a great shopper I’m sharing my discount code with ALL of you>> RIGHT HERE!

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[/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_team_member admin_label=”Author Bio” name=”Tonye Tariah” position=”Freedom At The Crossroads Founder” image_url=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/16403040_732883533553339_4010103490960637755_o.jpg” facebook_url=”https://www.facebook.com/TonyeTariahHealthStrategist/” twitter_url=”https://twitter.com/fit_and_fab2″ _builder_version=”3.0.51″ saved_tabs=”all”]

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy.

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5 key Nutrients  Needed For Optimal Fitness And Health

5 key Nutrients Needed For Optimal Fitness And Health

Diet and nutrition play important roles in optimizing your fitness and performance goals.While there are a number of nutrients that your body requires, 5 key nutrients you must have in your daily diet are potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, B vitamins and protein!

Simple healthy recipes for all seasons

Simple healthy recipes for all seasons

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_4758.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” always_center_on_mobile=”on” border_style=”solid” force_fullwidth=”off” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”18″] We all know how expensive groceries can become especially when you move between seasons or are making 

Butternut squash and potato soup

Butternut squash and potato soup

It’s soup time

It’s another fall day in the Chicago area and that means soup time! Don’t allow the seasonal shifts and the inevitable approach of winter, keep you from embracing your creativity in the kitchen. There’s nothing like a warm bowl of my savory butternut squash and potato soup to get you through those cold days.

Also, I like to use this time to buckle down on creating healthy meals for the upcoming holiday season and avoid the temptations of overindulging in foods that don’t do anything good for my body or mindset!

That doesn’t mean I don’t have fun meals and snacks during the holidays. It simply means that by staying aligned and balanced I’m more likely to sustain healthy habits that serve my higher good in mind, body, and spirit.

Today’s recipe is for my savory butternut squash and potato soup is simple, healthy and loaded with the goodness of an awesome full-bodied flavor!

Ingredients for this savory butternut squash and potato soup

  1. 5 medium potatoes or 2 cups, cubed. (Preferably Yukon gold or red potatoes).
  2. 1 medium (2 cups) butternut squash, cubed.
  3. 1 cup of cubed sweet potatoes.
  4. 2 cups of shredded kale.
  5. 2 cups of shredded red cabbage
  6. 1 cup of thin-sliced/shredded Brussels sprouts.
  7. 5 cups of water.
  8. 2 tablespoons of sea salt.
  9. 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
  10. 1/2 teaspoon of spicy paprika.
  11. 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
  12. 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  13. 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  14. 1/4 teaspoon of allspice.
  15. 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.

butternut squash and potato soup

Putting it all together

Bring your water to a boil using a medium-sized pot. Next, add all your spices and sea salt to the water and boil until the mixture begins to release its aroma. Add your cubed potatoes (including the sweet potatoes) to the water and allow to cook for 15 minutes before adding in the squash (you don’t want to overcook your squash).

A good rule of thumb is to add the ingredients that require the most cooking time first and then incorporate the remaining ingredients accordingly. Since I want to preserve my nutrients as much as possible, I typically add my greens and more delicate veggies last.

Once all of the veggies have been added, allow the stew to simmer with the olive and coconut oil for 15 minutes (i.e. add the greens in the last ten minutes of cooking time).

Remove your savory butternut squash and potato soup from the stovetop and allow to set for 3mins and then this savory dish is ready to serve!

Before you go!

Have tried some of my other yummy recipes? How about this warming cold and flu-fighting tea to get you through the winter chill?

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist, Coach, and the founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. Tonye helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. Meaning, she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each her situation. By doing this, she’s better able to help women transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

 

3 Clues that you are a late bloomer

3 Clues that you are a late bloomer

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.51″][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ src=”http://freedomatthecrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/latebloomer-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” sticky=”off” align=”left” always_center_on_mobile=”on” border_style=”solid” force_fullwidth=”off” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.51″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” border_style=”solid” text_font_size=”18″] If you’ve ever felt like life seems to be passing you by, you’re still figuring out who