Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with Claire! Within the last year, Claire said "I do" to her husband, Nick and they are currently expecting their first child in June!  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Claire's life. We talk ALL about dating, marriage & pregnancy from a Catholic perspective! Claire takes us through the intentionality of dating and marrying Nick and how pregnancy shouldn't be seen as an illness, but a blessing!  Lord, we pray for courage and strength every day of our life. Amen!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with Adrienne! Adrienne is an awesome mama of 3 kiddos, wife, and most importantly, daughter of God.  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Adrienne's life. We talk ALL about dating, womanhood, marriage & kids from a Catholic perspective! Ultimately realizing that motherhood begins by saying "yes" to your title as a daughter of God, from there your vocation continues to blossom!  Lord, we pray for courage and strength every day of our life. Amen!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Andrea! Andrea is currently a sophomore in college pursuing a career in early childhood education. In the midst of her sophomore year of college, Andrea found out she was pregnant... at 31 weeks!  Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Andrea's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has said "yes" to the gift of life despite the circumstances. Andrea is SO real and allows us into the joys and sorrows of becoming a young, yet strong and resilient mother.  Lord, we pray for courage and strength every day of our life. Amen!

Grab a smoothie and get ready for season 2 of Blended Joy! In the next few weeks everyone will be asking "What did you do this summer?" So, what did you do this summer? Hopefully you made a smoothie and prayed a bit! On this episode, I chat a bit about my journey to Northern Spain this summer, completing the pilgrimage of Saint James, otherwise known as the Camino. I highly encourage this pilgrimage to any soul out there and would love to answer any questions about the Camino! Stay tuned for this season of Blended Joy! Whoot Whoot! Facebook/Instagram: The Smiley Catholic

Grab a smoothie & learn about my 33 day journey on the Camino de Santiago in Spain! The Camino Frances is 500 miles long & follows the way of St. James. Highly recommend the journey for anyone listening

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Sophia! Sophia is currently a freshman at NIU, pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) while enjoying all that the Newman Center has to offer. Sophia enjoys spending time with those who bring her closer to Christ, musicals/plays, and growing in knowledge of the Catholic faith! Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Sophia's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has embraced the acting world. Sophia chats about the journey to be accepted into the BFA program, Catholicism and the arts, as well as what life as a Catholic college student is like. Sophia allows us to experience the joys of life from the view of an actress. Smoothie: blueberries, strawberries, spinach & banana

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Zach! Zach is currently a student at Northern Illinois University, studying math education. In his free time, Zach enjoys meeting up with friends, spending time with family, watching (good) movies, & laughing hysterically.   Throughout this episode, we enter into the whirlwind of Zach's life and what it's like to be a young adult male who is learning more and more about himself each and every day. Zach chats about his experiences as a college missionary and sheds light into relationships with God and others as a 23 year-old. Smoothie: Strawberry, blueberry, banana & spinach

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Mckenna! Mckenna is currently a missionary teacher with the Society of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Trinity. Mckenna enjoys spending time in the classroom, eating chocolate-covered bananas and growing in community with those around her. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Mckenna's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has embraced the opportunity to spend a year abroad as a missionary. Mckenna chats about the journey to become a missionary, a typical day in Belize, and the many challenges and blessings that come with missionary work. Mckenna allows us to experience the joys (and sounds) of life 1,000 miles away! Suggested Smoothie: Strawberry and Kiwi!

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Shannon! Shannon is currently a senior at Loras College, getting ready to graduate in May. Despite, the whirlwind of senior year, Shannon enjoys spending time with family, in adoration & working out. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Shannon's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who has embraced the opportunity to travel abroad during college. Shannon chats about host families, cultural changes, FOMO, and staying firm in the faith while abroad. Shannon also encourages us to not be afraid to travel and to embrace any opportunity which may come your way. Smoothie: TBD, suggested smoothie: matcha green tea, banana, & almond milk

Grab a smoothie and join the conversation I had with my good ole' friend, Justine! Justine is currently a junior at NIU and is in the midst of a busy school year. Despite the whirlwind of junior year, Justine is finding a variety of ways to spread joy to those on campus. Throughout this episode, we enter into the beautiful whirlwind of Justine's life and what it's like to be a young adult woman who is fully embracing the challenges and blessings of being an athlete on a college campus. Justine chats about her cheer team, time management and leading a bible study as a student leader. Justine also helps us to realize that the ¨secret ingredient¨ to life is to place Christ in the center. Smoothie: Banana, strawberries, mango & almond milk!