Salmon Sushi Bake

Sushi bakes are one of the easiest ways to present seafood with minimal prep and a consistently delicious outcome. This salmon sushi bake makes for a simple weeknight dinner and is always a pleasant surprise at potluck parties. This recipe fits well in a 9×9 baking dish or alternatively in a ceramic pie plate as…

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Hand Rolled Beeswax Candles

So you’ve just received your first candle making kit, now what? Hand rolled beeswax candles aren’t the most complicated craft, but there’s a few tricks to make things move smoothly. The process can be quite relaxing and burning them afterward is an extra treat! Here’s a rundown of everything you should know before rolling your…

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Amish Peanut Butterscotch Cookies

Try these and thank me later! Elevate your classic peanut butter cookies with a few ingredient swaps! Enjoy the sweet and salty notes within this delicious blend of amish peanut butter and butterscotch. I used Amish peanut butter from my local farmstead and they turned out to be some of the best peanut butter cookies…

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Things to do in Luray, Virginia

There’s more to Luray than just the caverns! See if you can visit all the scenic stops on this list while you visit town. From historic sites to tourist attractions, Luray proves itself as a hot-spot of the Shenandoah Valley. See what all the talk is about by visiting these local attractions while you’re in…

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Hey there!

Meet Shannon

I've been blogging for seven years and focusing on intentional lifestyle choices for at least that long. Join me on my mission to better myself by learning new skills, tasting new recipes, and finding new ways to live joyfully.

Feel free to follow along on social media using the #TheUntamedOptimist or by visiting my pages to see what I've been up to recently...

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  • ‘Be My Valentine’ Iced Brownie Dupe

    Have you ever tried the infamous ‘Be My Valentine’ iced brownies? I can’t help but snag a box when they’re in stock because they’re so good. There’s just something about the chocolate shell and the layered chocolate cake that is nearly irresistible. So of course I had to try making some for myself, and let… Read the Post

    ‘Be My Valentine’ Iced Brownie Dupe
  • How to Remain Untamed: A Guide to Romanticizing Life and Living in the Moment

    Many of you have asked what it means to be an untamed optimist, so I’ve decided to kick off 2022 by sharing how I remain untamed. Keep reading, because it goes deeper than optimism and you may find it influences all aspects of your life. But first, I’ve got something else to address: It’s been… Read the Post

    How to Remain Untamed: A Guide to Romanticizing Life and Living in the Moment
  • Healthy Choco-Chip Muffins!

    I started my morning off with some deep yoga stretches and serious chocolate chip muffin cravings! Probably because I spent all of last night looking at potential new recipes for the blog. These muffins are guaranteed to make your morning a little sweeter without all those added sugars in prepackaged muffin mixes. Here’s how greek… Read the Post

    Healthy Choco-Chip Muffins!
  • Dressing for Yourself this Valentine’s Day!

    February is here and you know what that means… everything is either heart-shaped or pink and you can get your favorite snacks for half price! Who doesn’t love that?! For those of us with a special someone, it’s also a time to spend together and relax. Even if you are staying home or spending the… Read the Post

    Dressing for Yourself this Valentine’s Day!
  • 9 Do’s and Don’ts of Making Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    If it’s your first time making chocolate strawberries and you’re having trouble, don’t feel bad. As it turns out, there’s a few tricks to the trade of our favorite dipped desserts. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind anytime you want to make them for yourself or a loved one! It… Read the Post

    9 Do’s and Don’ts of Making Chocolate Covered Strawberries
  • Ooey Gooey & Fudgy Zucchini Brownies

    It seems as though everybody has turned toward baking as their go-to quarantine hobby and I don’t blame them! While things in my life have gained speed, those of us with a little extra time on our hands can now try a new recipe out and share it with the ones we’re (stuck) at home… Read the Post

    Ooey Gooey & Fudgy Zucchini Brownies
  • Chocolate Turtles

    Chocolate turtles are a classic candy that can easily be made at home with little prep time. Not only can you customize the sweetness of the chocolate used, but you can also decide if you want whole or chopped, sweetened or unsweetened, or even salted pecans to make this recipe your own. Check the price… Read the Post

    Chocolate Turtles

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