Brave New Beginnings

09/07/2026

Wait… these chocolate chip cookies are made with CHICKPEAS?! 🍪

I saw chickpea peanut butter chocolate chip cookies on Instagram and had to try them because they’re gluten-free.

I was skeptical.

Then I tasted the batter. 😳

Then I ate one warm.

Then I put them in the fridge and ate one for breakfast the next morning. 😂

They are SO GOOD. Soft, moist, peanut buttery, loaded with chocolate chips, and cold they’re almost like chocolate chip cookie dough.

And nope — I couldn't taste the chickpeas.

I put the recipe AND what I actually did (which involved approximately zero measuring cups 😂) on the blog:

Chickpea Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Get the recipe on Brave New Beginnings:
https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/chickpea-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies

07/20/2026

I finally made the switch to solid shampoo and conditioner bars... and I'm not going back. ✈️🧳

As I prepare for my Thailand and Italy trips, I wanted to simplify my carry-on, avoid liquid restrictions, and stop worrying about shampoo leaking all over my suitcase.

After a lot of research, I tested the Kitsch Rosemary & Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Bars along with Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Bar Soap. I also share the simple packing system I'm using to keep everything organized while traveling.

In my review, you'll find:
🧼 My honest thoughts after using them
✈️ Why they're perfect for carry-on travel
🎒 My mesh bag packing hack
⭐ My Yuka results
💙 Plenty of real photos from my own experience

If you're looking for an easier way to pack for your next trip, this might be worth checking out!

Read the full review here:
https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/best-solid-shampoo-conditioner-bars-travel

Have you ever tried solid shampoo bars? I'd love to hear what you think!

I tested Kitsch solid shampoo and conditioner bars, Dr. Bronner's soap, and a simple packing system for carry-on travel. Here's what I'd do again.

12/26/2025

Happy Holidays from Brave New Beginnings ✨

This season reminded us that the best gifts aren’t things — they’re moments, memories, and being together… even halfway across the world.

Wherever and however you’re celebrating, we’re wishing you warmth, joy, and a year filled with new beginnings 🤍

12/24/2025

This Creamy Chicken Jalapeño Bake is one of those recipes I keep coming back to — it’s creamy, comforting, low carb, and freezes SO well.

I make the full dish, enjoy one serving, and freeze the rest as grab-and-go meals for busy weeks. It reheats beautifully and actually tastes homemade (not like “meal prep food” 😄).

Full recipe here 👇
https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/creamy-chicken-jalapeno-bake

12/10/2025

Sometimes all it takes is one day, one tank of gas, and one kiddo in the car for a memory that lasts forever. 💛

Jaxon and I took a spontaneous road trip to Red Bluff — a small town just under 2 hours from Sacramento — and it turned into the best kind of day: full of thrift store treasure hunts, mural selfies, juicy burgers, and one surprise ice cream stop that made us both smile BIG.

Add in river views, olive snacks, and a final stop at Granzella’s (because: FRESH BREAD, obviously 🥖) and we were golden.

🚗 Want to recreate our exact route?
Check out the blog for the full 1-day Red Bluff itinerary, plus tips on how to plan your own mini road trip with a friend, partner, or one-on-one kiddo time that matters. ❤️

https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/red-bluff-day-trip

Drop your fave day trip spot in the comments — I’m building a list!

12/03/2025

Did you know your sleep quality tonight depends on what you do during the day? 🌞

From getting morning sunlight and moving your body to managing caffeine and enjoying peppermint tea, small habits can make a big difference when it’s time to rest.

✨ Read the new post: https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/better-sleep-starts-during-the-day

11/26/2025

Your body might be tired — but is your mind still racing? 🌙

In my newest post, I share how to calm your mind before bed using self-soothing habits like breathing, journaling, and gentle relaxation. These small shifts can help you unwind and fall asleep faster.

💤 Read it here → https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/calm-your-mind-before-bed

11/20/2025

Tossing and turning? Try these 5 science-backed habits to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer—melatonin (the right dose), a soothing routine, less blue light, a cool/dark room, and simple relaxation tricks. Sweet dreams, Brave Tribe. 🌙

Read it here 👉 https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/better-sleep-habits

11/19/2025

Nighttime routines aren’t just for kids—they’re key to better sleep for adults too. 🌙

In my newest post, I share nighttime routines for better sleep that actually work. From reading and reflection to soft lighting and lavender scents, these small habits can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

✨ Read it here → https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/nighttime-routines-for-better-sleep

11/12/2025

Melatonin isn’t a sleeping pill—it’s your body’s bedtime signal. 💤
In this short, science-backed post, I break down what melatonin actually does, when to take it, and how much you really need for better sleep.

✨ Read it here → https://www.bravenewbeginnings.com/post/melatonin-for-better-sleep