Life-Changing Coffee

Why I Choose Westrock Coffee

If I'm going to drink coffee every day, why not purchase coffee that is ethically sourced? Westrock Coffee Company, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, starts at the origin. They work together with farming communities, with partnerships in Nicaragua, Peru, Brazil, Ethiopia, Rwanda, & Tanzania, to provide real returns for farmers and their families. Westrock ethically sources coffee from smallholder farmers across the globe. #OneCommonGoal #FromCropToCup

Fair, Direct Trade

Westrock personally connects with farmers to offer higher compensation based on the coffee's quality, as well as training and educational opportunities. Through Westrock's Agribusiness Training Program, they are able to teach farmers improved agricultural practices in an environmentally and socially sustainable way. These partnerships provide opportunities for the farmer's and their families to have access to education, clean water, and healthcare. 

Linking Community to Community 

Westrock's goal is to be a catalyst for change in the lives of farmers and their families through honest, direct trade. The end result is sustainable growth at the origin and a quality product for consumers.

Where Can I Buy Westrock Coffee?

Kroger

Ingles

Food City

Bi-Lo

Winn Dixie

Harps

King Soopers

- Morgan

Realistic Resolutions

NEW YEAR, NEW FEELS, NEW CHANCES. SAME DREAMS,  FRESH STARTS.

Below are some ideas for resolutions that are doable and fun to lead you to your best self.

1. Have 10 minutes of quiet time each day. No phone, no computer, no distractions. Just you and some silence to clear you mind, relax, and collect your thoughts.

2. Build exercise into your daily routine. Take the stairs. Walk instead of riding the bus. Do calf-raises or squats while you brush your teeth. A little cardio here and there adds up.

3. Journal. I'll be the first to admit that I have the worst hand writing and my journal entries aren't visually appealing. However, getting your thoughts out on paper can be beneficial for self reflection and relieving built-up stress.

4. Stretch in the mornings. Slowly develop your own routine. Stretching is a great way to wake yourself up and it feels amazing.

5. Watch 20 minutes of Netflix every day. This is a personal goal for me because it helps me de-stress a little throughout the day and stay up to date on my favorite series. 

6. Read a little each day. Books, newspapers, food labels, magazines, blogs, anything. Just read more. Easy enough. 

7. Say I love you and thank you more often. Let people know they are appreciated.

8. Be intentional. If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you want or need something, say it. Be more straightforward. This saves you some time and stress.

9. Be spontaneous. Drive an hour to surprise your best friend. Order dessert. Go out for pizza at 3am. Do crazy things and be proud of it. 

10. Appreciate your surroundings. When's the last time you star-gazed? When's the last time you stared in awe of the mountains or the shore? Cuddled your pet? Hugged your parents? Time flies and half the time we're too caught up with materialistic things we forget how lucky we are. 

-Morgan

50 Things I Love

I’d like to kick off the New Year by reflecting on 2017 and sharing 50 random things I love (in no particular order).

1. Picnics at sunset
2. Early morning walks (has to be before 7 a.m.)
3. Finishing a book (I have a bad habit of starting books and not finishing them)
4. Clinique Happy perfume
5. Planning trips
6. Collecting mugs
7. Donuts
8. The movie, Sisters
9. Spontaneous road trips
10. Black skinny jeans
11. My large, crazy, & dysfunctional family
12. Anything coconut- food, lotion, perfume, etc.
13. The song, Young Dumb and Broke
14. Crumb cakes
15. My soulmate and best friend, Carly Porter
16. Red roses
17. Ice skating
18. Mango smoothies
19. Homemade chocolate chip cookies
20. My mom
21. Black dresses
22. Shemar Moore
23. New Girl
24. Shrimp tacos
25. Iced dirty chai lattes
26. Hiking
27. Hand-written notes
28. The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks
29. Avocado & egg toast
30. Snow
31. Drive-in movie theaters
32. Evergreen trees
33. Gold jewelry
34. Laying out and watching the stars
35. Late night talks
36. Sushi
37. Jillian Michaels workout DVDs
38. Dallas Cowboys
39. Science (nerdy, I know)
40. Long drives (preferably early in the morning)
41. Musicals
42. Red lipstick
43. Glitter
44. The Color Run
45. Fluffy cats
46. The feeling of sand in my toes
47. Kayaking
48. Freshly cut wood
49. Cinnamon
50. Saying I love you

I am grateful for new beginnings in 2018. 2017 was a rough year for my family, and I am ready to put 2017 behind me and have a fresh start. I had too many great memories to count, I survived my first semester of college, gained the most wonderful friends, and discovered some new passions. 365 New Days, 365 New Chances. Make 2018 the best one yet.

-Morgan

Kayaking in Boothbay Harbor

My family has always been into outdoor activities and kayaking is no exception. Here are few memories from out kayaking experience in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. We sailed out to a small island with a beautiful view before coming back into the quaint little seaside town for lunch. The blueberry buckle at the streetside cafe was the best part. Would definitely recommend.

The blueberry buckle we had over lunch (gone in less than a minute).

Sailing in Maine

As someone who has an unhealthy obsession with navy stripes and boat shoes, it's surprising that I've never gone sailing before. But today, I had the opportunity to check off my bucket list the item that was long overdue. My family and I took an introduction to sailing lesson, spending 4 hours on a windy boat. It was a ton of fun! Also more complicated than you would think. But the best part was definitely the up-close view of the classic Maine shore.

S

Park City, Canyons

To no ones surprise, my family's spring break trip this year was yet another ski vacation. This time we visited Park City in Utah. Despite being one of the most well-known resorts, this was only our first time skiing. But definitely not the last. For its great combination of challenging terrain, diverse restaurants, and good shopping, Park City/Canyons lands a spot in my top 5 favorite ski resorts.

By far my favorite run and view from the Canons side of the resort. We were especially lucky to have skied there on the beautiful sunny day. If you look closely, you can see my brother wiped out on the side.

What's a ski vacation without the classic family picture?

Nothing like a warm frothy drink to finish a long ski day. This small coffee shop on the side of the mountain made delicious (and beautiful) cappuccinos.

On the first restaurants, we ate at and definitely my favorite over the whole trip. It was called Harvest and had a great assortment of healthy bowls, pastries, and specialty drinks. Next time I have to go back to try the golden milk.

My mom and I got the avocado toast. (Disclaimer, the one in the picture is hers because she chose to add bacon)

What I pack for Skiing

Some people absolutely hate packing and find it to be the most stressful part of travel. But for me, it's strangely uplifting. There's something about folding clothes neatly, packing toiletries into zip-lock bags, and choosing accessories to match every outfit that gives me immense joy. Rather than being exhausted, I get even more excited to travel. Since most (if not all) of my vacations are spent on snow-covered mountains, I thought I'd share what I take with me whenever I go skiing.