insights & explorations

Along the Way

a personal / lifestyle blog

Self-Care, Sustainability, Mindfulness & Motherhood

ABOUT JESSICA

Hi! I'm Jessica, a creative, contemplative soul, eco-conscious nature-lover, wellness enthusiast, book/podcast worm, home cook, and mom of two. When I'm not blogging, you're most likely to find me in the kitchen, making a fresh batch of granola bars, or on a trail, exploring with my curious kiddos. I also love spending time in solitude, with a good book or my journal. If you're new here, be sure to check out my Welcome post!

Jessica McQuistin

Nov 9
3 min

Pumpkin Granola Circles

JUMP TO RECIPE There is so much I love about these granola circles! They're an easy nut-free school (or anywhere) snack, they're packed...

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Our (First Ever) Family Fitness Challenge

Jessica McQuistin

Sep 14
5 min

Our (First Ever) Family Fitness Challenge

Today I want to share a family win with you. It would be easier and more natural for me to list off all the things we could do better as...

50 views1 comment

Update to Sustaina-Mini: Vegetable Garden Edition

Jessica McQuistin

Jul 6
2 min

Update to Sustaina-Mini: Vegetable Garden Edition

Was it only a month ago that I posted about our beloved backyard veggie garden? Well, what a difference a month makes! Here are two shots...

38 views1 comment

Sustaina-Mini: Vegetable Garden Edition (with a Special Contribution from Kate)

Jessica McQuistin

Jun 8
3 min

Sustaina-Mini: Vegetable Garden Edition (with a Special Contribution from Kate)

Getting back into the garden to weed and plant seeds is a much-anticipated spring tradition for a lot of people. But for our family, this...

47 views2 comments

Jessica McQuistin

May 25
3 min

Sustaina-Mini: Salad Dressing Edition

While today's post is all about salad dressing, it could have easily been about making your own soups or dips or sauces or granola bars...

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The Bittersweet Bliss of Falling in Love With a Seasonal Sport (Cross-Country Skiing)

Jessica McQuistin

Mar 9
4 min

The Bittersweet Bliss of Falling in Love With a Seasonal Sport (Cross-Country Skiing)

Do you see beauty in heartbreak? I am beginning to see loss as a revelatory force, opening our eyes to the depths of passion that lay...

32 views2 comments

Jessica McQuistin

Dec 15, 2021
6 min

My Group Coaching Experience with Amy

I've recently had the pleasure of participating in a 6-week group coaching program with Amy Ballantyne called the "Me First Method". The...

38 views3 comments

Sustaina-Minis, Meatless Edition: Practical Strategies to Reduce Reliance on Meat

Jessica McQuistin

Nov 3, 2021
3 min

Sustaina-Minis, Meatless Edition: Practical Strategies to Reduce Reliance on Meat

Over the past few years, and especially the past few months, our family has made significant efforts to reduce our meat intake. This is...

41 views2 comments

Self-Awareness, Song-spiration & Building Structure for Self-Care

Jessica McQuistin

Oct 13, 2021
6 min

Self-Awareness, Song-spiration & Building Structure for Self-Care

Want to play a game? It's like name-that-tune but with lyrics instead. I'll go first. I want to wake up and know where I'm going. Do you...

49 views6 comments

Lentil Shepherd's Pie with a Rustic Cauli-Potato Mash

Jessica McQuistin

Oct 6, 2021
5 min

Lentil Shepherd's Pie with a Rustic Cauli-Potato Mash

JUMP TO RECIPE If you read my blog or know me IRL, you’ve most likely noticed that I love to be in the kitchen, experimenting with food!...

51 views4 comments

Q&A with Aaron: Embracing Plant-Based, From Vegan to Reducetarian (Part 2)

Jessica McQuistin

Sep 29, 2021
7 min

Q&A with Aaron: Embracing Plant-Based, From Vegan to Reducetarian (Part 2)

If you haven't already, start with Part 1 of this interview. There was just too much goodness to squeeze into one post! Disclaimer: The...

40 views1 comment

Q&A with Aaron: Embracing Plant-Based, From Vegan to Reducetarian (Part 1)

Jessica McQuistin

Sep 22, 2021
6 min

Q&A with Aaron: Embracing Plant-Based, From Vegan to Reducetarian (Part 1)

Disclaimer: The ideas in this post are not meant to be taken as health advice, as neither Aaron or I are qualified to offer that. These...

42 views4 comments