Zabelicious Life

26/05/2023

Picnic season is finally here, so I’m whipping up a batch of Grandma’s potato salad.🧺
No family reunion is complete without it. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd pleaser.😋
Two key ingredients you'll need, (besides the potatoes) to get a head start on that grocery list: Hellmann's mayonnaise and Conagra Brands Wish-Bone Salad Dressings Original Western Dressing.👩🏽‍🍳
Discover the potato salad recipe to make your Memorial Day weekend one to remember, in my latest post. 🎡
https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/grandmas-potato-salad

24/05/2023

Digging in the garden seemed like a perfect way to remember my Grandma on her birthday, today. 🌺
She loved playing in the dirt or in the kiddie pool with us grandkids.❤️
Every day with Grandma was an adventure and her recipe for life was simple. 💫
Find out the secret ingredients that made her so special in my birthday tribute to her in my latest post. 🎂
Happy heavenly birthday, Grandma!😇
https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/adventures-with-grandma

15/05/2023

Looking for a way boost to your self confidence this Monday? ❤️

Have you ever considered giving yourself a pep talk by writing a letter? 🤔

It might sound silly, but the act of writing a love letter to yourself can be empowering.

In honor of Mental Health Month, I invite you to join me on a path to self love and discovery, as we journal it together! ✍️

Find your inspiration to get started, with the help of life coaching tips in my latest post. 🎡

Watch for stationary and journal recommendations in my stories!💫

https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/write-a-love-letter-to-yourself

14/05/2023

Reflecting on the blessings of motherhood, as I share a few of my favorite memories. 💗

Grateful for every moment through the years. 🙏

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐
https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/reflections-on-motherhood

12/05/2023

Ready for a makeup refresh? 💄 I definitely was, so I decided to book a consultation with the Makeup by Francesca team...and I’m so glad I did!

Fran and Agata made me feel more confident and beautiful, so I had to share their tips and tricks with my readers! Get the scoop here > http://ow.ly/H15u50OmELX

If you feel lost in beauty stores (I can relate), I highly recommend the Guided Personal Shopping package that Makeup by Francesca offers along with lead artist Agata Marino. 🛍️

08/05/2023

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Mom this year? I'm here to help! My Mother’s Day Gift Guide is filled with ideas for every budget.🌷

Read the guide > https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/mothers-day-gift-guide

Make sure you place your orders soon to ensure you hit the Mother's Day shipping cut-off. Happy shopping!🛍️

You’ll also find inspiration for some sweet homemade ideas Mom will love!💝

06/05/2023

Nearly 185 years ago, it was Queen Victoria’s coronation day being celebrated. 🇬🇧

Today, her great, great, great grandson was crowned King. 👑

If you’d like to party like the royals, consider serving this decadent dessert, named for Queen Victoria, which has become a tea time tradition in London. 🍰

Get the recipe for Victoria Sponge Cake, and learn about British tea traditions in my latest post . 🎡

Https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/victoria-sponge-cake

For more on The Royal Family traditions and coronation coverage, follow Elizabeth Holmes, author of “HRH, So Many Thoughts on Royal Style.” 👑

P.S. Her book would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift! 🎁

04/05/2023

It's almost Cinco de Mayo! 🇲🇽🌮

To celebrate, I'm sharing my homemade guacamole and margarita recipes with you. If you haven’t tried making either of these from scratch, I promise you'll be hooked once you try them. Cheers! 🍹

Recipes > http://ow.ly/mhtG50OgnjI

02/05/2023

If you're anything like me, you love inspiring books, including those that inspire you to spruce up your space. 🏠 📚 Now is the perfect time to start planning your garden and home updates as we approach summer.

I've consulted with my designer friends and have compiled a list of 10 must-have home and garden books, including two pictured here, “Feels Like Home,” by Lauren Liess & Co. & The Elegant & Edible Garden,” by Linda Vater. You can find the full list and shoppable links here > http://ow.ly/KztM50O7gbO

Is there a book you love that isn't on my list? Comment the name below so I can add it to my wish list!

28/04/2023

Not everyone can jet off to the Netherlands to see the tulips in bloom (see my last two pictures). Fortunately, there are some spectacular displays just a road trip away! 🌷

Mark your calendars for these two Midwest tulip festivals:

- Pella Historical Museum and Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa, runs May 4-6 and has a rich history dating back to 1847. Be sure to grab one of the famous Dutch pastry letters as a treat while you stroll the gardens and enjoy all the activities.

-Tulip Time Festival Holland, Michigan, from May 6-14. The 94-year-old festival includes parades, Dutch dancing and an artisan market.

28/04/2023

Throwback Thursday in honor of Willie Nelson’s upcoming 90th birthday.🥳

30 years ago I was on Willie Nelson’s tour bus for a pre-concert interview. 🎤 🎶

It was my first BIG assignment for KCCI covering Farm Aid during the floods of ‘93 in Iowa. 🌾

Photojournalist Cortney Kintzer sent me these photos recently. We both remember how kind and genuine Willie was that day.

Amazing to see Willie Nelson is back on the road again touring the country doing what he loves to celebrate life!🎸

Happy birthday, Willie! 🎂 I’m hoping to catch one of your shows again soon. Maybe a follow up interview on the new tour bus for a Zabelicious Life feature?🎡

Until we meet again, I’ll say thank you for your music and the enduring messages of so many songs. One of my personal favorites isn’t the most popular, but has always been inspirational to me, “Live Every Day.”💫

What’s your favorite Willie Nelson song and what special meaning does it hold for you? 🎶

26/04/2023

When was the last time you had a WOW moment? 😲

How did it feel? 😊

Why not make time for more WOW moments every day? 💫

Hop on the fun wheel with me and let's go journal it together! 🎡

Life coaching tips and journaling prompts are just a click away on Zabelicious Life!

When was the last time you had a WOW moment? How did it feel? Why not make time for more WOW moments every day? Hop on the fun wheel with me and let’s go journal it together!

24/04/2023

LIFE LESSONS FROM A LEOPARD 🐆⬇️

1. Trust your intuition
2. Embrace solitude
3. Honor your senses
4. Learn how to adapt
5. Maternal instincts rule
6. Strength prevails over size

Which lesson from the leopard will you apply to your life this week?
📸Photos by Rona's Photography

Read the full story on my blog > http://ow.ly/zlZM50NQZ2N 🐾

22/04/2023

Leopards were born to be wild, not trophies in someone’s mansion or a rug on the floor. They are also a critical part of the ecosystem. Join us on safari with wildlife photographer Rona's Photography as she guides us through their natural habitat in Africa in honor of Earth Day.

Plus, learn three ways YOU can help save the leopards > http://ow.ly/7bNE50NPIUN

21/04/2023

Planning to travel internationally this summer? 🌍 ✈️ When was the last time you checked the expiration date on your passport?

Don't panic if it's expired...I just shared some tips to help you renew in time to catch that flight! > http://ow.ly/smj450NPh6r

20/04/2023

Spring blooms look heavenly against blue skies in Iowa this week. ☀️

Thanks to my photojournalist friend, Cortney Kintzer of KCCI for sharing this stunning photo of the cherry blossoms in West Des Moines. 🙏

It’s the perfect reminder to look up and appreciate the natural beauty around us during Earth Week. 🌎

Share some nature pictures inspiring you today and watch for more planet friendly posts on Zabelicious Life. 🎡

17/04/2023

This is how everyone's tulips are looking after our mid-April snowstorm! ❄️🌷

To kick off Earth Week celebrations, I encourage you to check out this great photo essay by award-winning photographer Cortney Kintzer > http://ow.ly/P7cE50NLay0

Kintzer has been covering breaking news as a photojournalist in Des Moines for 48 years, mostly at KCCI, where we first met and worked together! 🌍

14/04/2023

The easiest (and perhaps prettiest) cookies you've ever seen! Impress your guests and family with these no-bake cookies, perfect for Spring.🌸

Find this recipe on my blog > https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/no-bake-spring-cookies

13/04/2023

Midwest farmers’ market season is just around the corner, with Dane County Farmers' Market opening this Saturday!

Check out my handy travel guide, offering the inside scoop on markets from Madison, Des Moines, and the Twin Cities. 🧀🌷🌽

Click here > http://ow.ly/TwAR50NHIfP

10/04/2023

The butterfly can only transform once. You can transform as many times as you choose. What transformation would you like to make for yourself this spring? 🦋

Grab your journal and check out my website for some more powerful coaching questions on this topic. 🎡

https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/spring-transformation

07/04/2023

Looking for something petite and sweet to add to your dessert buffet this Easter? 🐣 Try my friend’s Melting Moments recipe, that’s become a family favorite.

This cookie truly melts in your mouth! Grab the recipe here > http://ow.ly/KFCA50NEitE

(Also, enjoy these adorable flashback photos!)

06/04/2023

We “raised the barre” together to focus on self-love for my first Zabelicious Life workshop. 🙌

Now, meet the woman behind barre3, who’s celebrating nine years in business. 🎉 Missy Dunn says she’s found her ideal work-life balance at the barre with a team that’s become like family.

Read her story > https://www.zabeliciouslife.com/all-stories/missy-dunn-finds-balance-at-barre3

03/04/2023

Recognizing April as Earth Month is a way to remind us all that how we treat our planet will impact our children for years to come. 🌎

Are you doing your part to protect Mother Earth? Need some inspiration? Check out my latest blog post for 12 things you can do to help protect our planet > http://ow.ly/crH850NzlJ7

01/04/2023

Our little warrior Ada spiked a fever last night, and is back at UW Health American Family Children's Hospital. 🏥
She’s in good hands getting extra love and attention. 💕
Sadly, she missed the blood drive in her honor today, and a ride in the fire truck this morning with her siblings. 🙃
The Swenson Family Benefit is still on for today at Wando's from 2-6pm.💫
The silent auction is already open for bidding, with some fabulous prizes.
From Summerfest tix to sports memorabilia, to a deluxe Sand Valley Condo stay. 🎶 🏈 🎡⛳️
See the QR code below to donate if you can’t make it today. Every little bit helps.
The Tami & Joel Swenson appreciate all the love and support from the community for their family.🙏
Find more ways to help at Ada’s CaringBridge site, including links to the Gofundme page. ❤️
We are all praying for Ada’s fever to go down so she can come home soon. 🙏

31/03/2023

You're going to love my gluten-free carrot cake (or cupcakes)! 🥕🍰 This recipe is so moist and delicious your tastebuds won't realize it's gluten-free.

Grab the recipe here > http://ow.ly/nOaz50Nvh7C and share + tag me if you give it a try!

30/03/2023

Blood donations are at a critically low level nationwide, and my home base of Madison is no exception. Please consider rolling up your sleeve to help patients like my sweet neighbor girl, Ada Swenson, who’s battling cancer.

There’s a blood drive in her honor this Saturday morning at the Waunakee Fire Department. Make an appointment here > http://ow.ly/3uW350NwztP

Otherwise, you can support the Swenson family through a benefit at Wando's from 2-4pm this Saturday. Call to reserve your spot at Wando's(608)256-5204.

Learn more about Ada’s story and other ways you can help by following her CaringBridge site > https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adaswenson

27/03/2023

Spring symbolizes starting fresh, so it's the perfect time to recommit or revise your goals! 🌱 A vision board is the ideal tool to do just that.

I've shared a five-step guide to help you build a vision board. Get all the tips and coaching here > http://ow.ly/5lOh50Ntarc

Once you've made your board, share it and tag me so I can see your amazing creations!

24/03/2023

Why limit happy to an hour...especially on National Cocktail Day!🍸 I've teamed up with Blind Shot Social Club to bring you 3️⃣ delicious mocktail recipes.

Below is the recipe for the "Oh, Hi Mark" 🍹 (the red drink in the coupe). Find the other TWO recipes on my blog > http://ow.ly/NCgF50NrHIB

"Oh, Hi Mark"
1oz Monday Zero Alcohol Mezcal
3/4oz Giffard Apertivo
1/2oz Unsweetened Cherry Juice
3/4oz Honey Syrup
3/4oz Fresh Lime Juice

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake
Strain into a chilled coupe.

P.S. You can order these exact cocktails at Blind Shot next time you visit!

22/03/2023

Easter is just around the corner. Are you ready to color some eggs? 🐣

I learned how to dye eggs naturally (no harmful, yucky dyes) thanks to Kristen Karpinsky of Newsworthy Communications. Now I'm sharing her secrets and tips so you can enjoy chemical-free eggs this Easter! 🙌

Plus, I’ve linked some of my favorite Ina Garten recipes to put those eggs to use.🍴

Click to read the blog > http://ow.ly/w4BL50NpB65

Best air fryer for eggs > https://amzn.to/409VGBh

20/03/2023

Are you living life on your terms or someone else’s? Don’t let comparison be the thief of your happiness! 😄

Today, let's journal about finding inner happiness > http://ow.ly/so4250Nn9Km

P.S. Looking for an intro journal? 💫 Check out this Amazon find > https://amzn.to/402KlTl