bring joy

How I quit smoking, lost 50 lbs., & became a marathon runner {guest post by Erica House}

vegan/health, guest post summer series '14, fit

Today’s post is from Erica House, just an average girl who has done some spectacular things.

The thing that I love about Erica is that she has completely turned her life around in a very do-able, sustainable & health promoting way. Through simple changes in diet & exercise, she’s lost weight, became a marathon runner, & is now inspiring others to do the same.

I hope you’ll read her words & be inspired to set some new fitness goals & try things you never thought you could or would do.

My Story: How I Quit Smoking and Lost Weight

It wasn’t that long ago that I was morbidly obese (according to my BMI) and the thought of running never entered my head. After I lost over 50 pounds by eating right and going to the gym a few times a week I started my blog.

Originally, I was going...

How to Know if You Have Candida {Guest Post by Ricki Heller}

grain-free, vegan/health, guest post summer series '14

Today’s guest post is from one of the sweetest, most generous, & talented vegan holistic bloggers–Ricki Heller.

I’ve known & interacted with Ricki over the years. I’ve followed her blog & enjoyed many of her recipes (love her Naturally Sweet & Gluten-free Dessert cookbook!). She is thoughtful, kind, extremely knowledgeable, & just an all around spectacular person. She takes the time to really get to know & interact with her readers & she also makes time to reach out to fellow bloggers, as well as her fans. Her kindness is an inspiration to me.

I asked Ricki to share her story with Candida Related Complex, as well as give a synopsis, sort of a 101 overview of what you need to know & do should you suspect you are dealing with candida overgrowth yourself.

I think you’ll find her story &...

Raw Zucchini Noodles w/ Creamy Dill Sauce & Mushrooms {Guest Post by Emma Potts}

main dish, slim + slender, guest post summer series '14

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Emma Potts, the very talented newbie blogger of .

Emma was my editor for all of my current ebooks. We had the opportunity to interact quite a bit via Skype & I can say she’s as lovely & humble in person as she is in her writing & recipes. I love her fresh, clean, & impeccable (British!) taste. It’s no wonder her blog has taken off rather quickly (she has quite a following & has only been blogging for a year!). She’s also very smart (she is completing her M.A. in translation).

Thrilled to have her today sharing several of her faves as well as a delicious end of summer recipe.

Hi readers!

Lovely to be over here today.

I’m a long-time reader of and, though I’m nowhere near having a husband and kids (!) (I’m still living the student...