The last few months have been a whirlwind. In addition to my work life being in overdrive, my personal life has quickly taken a turn for the better: I went on my very first date at the tender age of 26, and the last 3 months have been the most romantic of my life.

Needless to say, since I now have a significant other, I’ve had to seriously up my game in the kitchen. I know how to cook simple things for myself and have even cooked some for my family, but I had never cooked for a romantic interest, and with my hectic schedule, trying my hand at a new recipe can be problematic.

After a long day at work, forgoing a traditional dinner/date night for a meal at home is definitely appealing to me. And although I’d love nothing more than to cook for my new man, the task seemed insurmountable for this girl who is used to eating something quick and easy.

The legendary cooks in my family: my mother, grandmother and aunt, thankfully have come to the rescue. After combining their suggestions, tips and expertise with my online searches and still limited knowledge, I constructed a menu for the first dinner date in-house:

Chicken, Stuffing and Gravy Casserole
Green Beans
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Buttered Corn
Rolls
Apple Pie (Mom’s Specialty)
Rum Cake (Dad’s Specialty)

A meal to impress. One I took immense pride in and my boyfriend is still raving about.

Who has inspired you in (or into) the kitchen recently?

Hillary C. Wright is a full-time legal assistant at a law firm by day, and a writer and blogger the rest of the time. She loves to write about general news, career news, lifestyles and women’s issues. When she isn’t working, she loves being active in her ministry, networking and spending time with friends, family and her significant other. https://hcamillewright.wordpress.com/

It was August 2013 when I decided to move to the big city and start a wedding photography business. I was so excited to build a website and order business cards. I made sure to have a flexible job lined up, substituting at a local school, in case my business idea didn’t pay the bills. Safety nets are sort of my thing.

However, I did not account for snow days. I was barely substituting enough days to pay bills. I kept telling myself, “If I just get a normal job, I wouldn’t have to stress about bills.”

But I’ve always dreaded the idea of a normal job. I knew that a full-time job would extinguish all the dreams I had of owning my own business.

So, I refused. I reconfigured my viewpoint on what success and happiness was worth sacrificing. Did I need to live in the city in order to feel successful? No. Did I need to continue doing photography? Yes.

When I finally figured out what I cared about most, I threw out every conventional idea I had previously known about success. I bought an RV and asked around to see if anyone was willing to let me park in their backyard. Viola! No rent. No stress. And the freedom to go absolutely anywhere, whenever I felt the desire.

This solution may not be suitable for everyone. My RV is not for the claustrophobic. But, I had to rid myself of conventional views of success. I had to develop my own terms. And in the end, that’s how my business survived a snowstorm.

Christine Williams is a Lexington, Kentucky-based photographer who prefers to think of herself as a storyteller. She loves surprises, imperfections and happy endings. Most of all, she loves days that give memories.  Goldieandchristine.com.

Imagery by Christine Williams

Have you ever grocery shopped…in the woods? I have and am doing more of it as the seasons go on.

My first experience was years ago. I had the privilege of going with a very experienced forager. I learned about the plants that our Pennsylvania woods yield, ones that can nourish us, and how to cook them.

I’ve also learned a bit about hunting; this year marks my third. Fishing & hunting help cut down on our grocery bills.

In deer season I have been able to put pounds of venison into my freezer, reducing our purchases of meat by about 25%. As for the white meat, I put a fall turkey and pheasant there yearly.

Then comes the fish; more than 40 pounds of fresh salmon made it home from our trip to New York this year. That was over 16 meals my husband and I put on the table.

Nothing about hunting and fishing is easy. It’s hard work, but when you are rewarded with a harvest, it’s incredibly gratifying. I am proud when I bring home my game. I put in the time, the work to track, pattern and wait for those animals, to forage for what the Earth gives us, and I am always grateful for what is provided.

Jessica Welshans has a deep love for conservation and wildlife. She is an avid hiker, camper, kayaker, snowshoer, bird watcher, hunter, and gatherer. She also enjoys bee keeping, gardening, agriculture and caring for all types of animals from pets to livestock.

For those who thrive on flux, flow, and fluidity.

Welcome to the new Renaissance.

Renaissance means literally “rebirth,” or reexamination. We typically associate it with the grand period between the 14th and 17th centuries, but culturally today I argue we are experiencing another Renaissance: the rebirth of the woman.

The characteristics that typically define the 14^th-17^th century Renaissance period are realism, humanistic introspection, scientific inquiry, and exploration: this was an ongoing search for enlightenment.

Scholars and writers are noticing similar trends in the today’s women’s movement. Many articles and news pieces focus on women as great visionaries. Sheryl Sandberg boldly spoke up for women at the table. Wharton professor Adam Grant writes about gender stereotypes. Journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn valiantly tout the Half the Sky Movement, advocating opportunities for women worldwide. This is a time in our history where women’s issues (health, business, balance) are safe to talk about and discussion is expected. Is that not a Renaissance? A rebirth of humanistic introspection? A bold exploration?

I think so.

The Renaissance woman of today thrives on the flux of life, like Selena Rezvani, author of Pushback (and profiled in C&W Issue One). Selena grasps the ups and downs of life and business and harnesses them into tools for executive women.

The Renaissance woman is in flow with her talents, whether they be in the home, in the board room, or elsewhere. Like Candan Yazar (featured in C&W Issue Seven) who used her talents of storytelling and translation to start an Alcoholics Anonymous program in Turkey, saving thousands of lives.

The Renaissance woman recognizes the fluidity of art, science, and business and how they blend into what we know is our genuine contribution to this world. Like Elizabeth Kizito (pictured above), a Kentuckian from Uganda who was interviewed in C&W Issue Four. Elizabeth mixes her African heritage with her mad baking skills to not only run a thriving business but to share her inspiration and joy with people. She makes the distance between continents much smaller.

Renaissance Women are artists of life. They are boundless. And they are being reborn.

Bethany Miller is an explorer in life and in business. She’s an airline pilot, military officer, and world traveler. Fascinated by global issues and the business of business, Bethany is a doctoral candidate at Université Paris-Dauphine in Paris, France where she researches extraordinary employees in chaotic work environments. www.GoodGlobalCitizen.com

Imagery from CAKE&WHISKEY Issue 4 by Meagan Jordan

As the steam began to rise, I stepped into the shower—my phone radio as loud as it would go.
The minute the water hit my body, I began to shake with deep sobs.

My husband and I had plans to meet with friends for a dinner party in thirty minutes. Yet, I had come home late from work, rushing around in the kitchen trying to finish my contribution to the dinner, and I still had to shower to get ready, clean up the mess from a freezer mishap, and pack up the food.

As I inhaled the lavender infused steam, I placed my right hand over my heart and started to deepen my breath moving into ujjayi breathing.

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted my own business, only recently settling on owning a yoga studio. Yet lately, I have been struggling with balancing a 40-hour work week as a first-year school teacher, following my passion as an entrepreneur, and keeping home.

In the moment that my freezer spewed out cans of bone broth, I realized I simply could not balance life anymore, especially as my discussions with my husband lately have turned to house hunting and children.

I felt my soul start to give, my years of yoga practice giving me mindfulness: I could recognize the effect that too much stress would have on me.

Ujjayi breath or victorious breath is meant to induce mindfulness. Its audible sound helps one to be aware of how her body is using breath.

My desire to finish my Master’s degree and write a business plan pulled against my desire to have children.

My soul felt torn.

All I knew to do in that moment was to turn on a hot shower, add a few drops of lavender oil, and breathe in the stillness.

I can work. And I can dream. I whispered to myself on the inhales.
I can keep up my home and marriage. I whispered on the exhales.
My soul can be filled in the waiting space. I inhaled.
Keep dreaming. Pause. Breathe.
You are not alone. I exhaled.

Caitlin Lore is the founder of Wildly Free Life, a space dedicated to living wild freedom, practicing presence, experiencing restoration, and finding adventure. She is a wife, Holy Yoga instructor, writer, holistic wellness educator, entrepreneur, and marriage retreat maker. She specializes in yoga for athletes, restorative yoga, and power yoga classes. www.wildlyfreelife.com.

As a rule of thumb I always bring a gift for the hostess of the party. It could be my (slight) obsession with flowers or my love of entertaining, but I believe nothing is more perfect and easy than a simple floral arrangement. Whether you scour your local farmer’s market for the perfect blooms or purchase them at the nearest grocery store, here are a few tips to make any store-bought florals look “giftable.”

1: Keep it seasonal. If you aren’t familiar with what flowers are in season you can always use the simple “color rule” for your blooms. Spring and summer florals have bright and vibrant hues (pink, purple and yellow) while fall and winter florals tend to have more muted tones (orange, red and burgundy). Stick to these color palates and wow the hostess with your seasonal taste.

Tip 2: Keep it simple. If you feel overwhelmed by the number of floral options, I recommend playing it safe and selecting one variety in a single color. My personal favorites are peonies, ranunculus, anemones and tulips. If you feel a little more daring, try adding herbs (e.g., lavender or rosemary) or other foliage to give your arrangement extra texture.

Tip 3: Keep it clean. Even the most beautiful flowers need some love. First, remove any dead (or dying) leaves and petals. Next, trim the ends (tip: always cut stems on the diagonal for optimal hydration) and place them in the refrigerator or in cold water until you are ready to arrange.

Tip 4: Keep it chic. Finish off your arrangement by wrapping it in butchers paper found at any local craft store or beautifully printed wrapping sheets (some of my favorite designs are from Rifle Paper Company). Tie it off with ribbon or twine and add a handwritten tag. Voila! The perfect gift for any hostess.

After beginning her career as an intern at Vogue Magazine, Colleen Kennedy Cohen went on to manage events in-house for renowned brands such as Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Cartier. She has been planning luxury events throughout the U.S. and Europe for major fashion houses since 2006.  After the birth of her daughter, Colleen launched Colleen Kennedy Events to bring her luxury brand experience to private clients. Currently, she lives in New York City and works as an event planner and certified health coach. With a love for all things beautiful, coupled with an eye for design, Colleen brings a versatile and fresh approach to each project she takes on. Follow her: Instagram: CKCohen; Pinterest: Colleen Kennedy Events.

Imagery: Colleen Kennedy Cohen

I have a serious psychological problem: I am addicted to saying “yes.” I have a full-time job and am involved as a volunteer in a number of organizations in my community, and I have family and friends and hobbies. I’ve pretty much always operated with the same M.O.: get excited about things and say yes to new projects until I reach critical mass, feeling stretched too thin and slightly resentful of not having enough downtime.

I would like to believe that this tendency comes from being such an interesting person that I am passionate about many things. Yet I fear that it actually means that I don’t really have a true passion for anything. I’m the community involvement equivalent of a puppy in the park, switching my attention to every new squirrel that runs by. Honestly, it’s exhausting. But worse than that, I often feel that there are so many things I have signed myself up for, that I don’t have the time to do any of them very well.

Lately, I’ve been paying close attention to women I admire, who are known for being the kind of women that get things done, well. What I’ve noticed is that they stick to two or three things, aligned with what they are really passionate about and say “no” to other opportunities. But… how do these women say no to so many good ideas and exciting projects?

This year I’m going to finally get a handle on this growing problem in my life. I plan to rediscover my passions, and structure my after-work activities to best cultivate those. I’ll try to say no to things that may be wonderful causes, but don’t quite align. To focus on my purpose.

What steps to recovery would you suggest to this “yes” addict?

*This post was written to the sounds of the Oxford American Southern Music CD Volume 16, featuring the music of Texas.

After spending several years working as an academic reference librarian and a community college library director, Tanzi Merritt shifted her career to become a tech company’s sales & marketing coordinator. She sits on a number of nonprofit boards, and, during her off-hours, obsessively watches documentaries, buys art, and frequents local craft breweries. Connect with her: www.linkedin.com/in/tanzidmerritt.

In October 2011, Occupy Wall Street was going gangbusters – and so was my business. But while the protesters were filled with passion and purpose, I was exhausted, in pain, and half-bald.

This was my entrepreneurial crisis, the kind that results from growing your business so rapidly, you can’t keep up. Medically speaking, it was adrenal fatigue – after working 16-hour days for months on end, those cortisol-popping pods atop my kidneys simply went on strike, leaving me with searing back pain, hives, acid reflux, anemia, hair loss, and a foggy brain.

I wasn’t proud of this. I know some entrepreneurs think it’s really badass to work yourself into a physical or mental breakdown, but for me, it was clear my priorities were askew. Yes, I was proud of my success – particularly as a single woman and a self-employed writer. I’d won Fortune 100 clients, made six figures, and bought a house all by my lonesome. But then there was that: my lonesome. I had no life and no love.

I went back to why I started my business: I wanted to write to live, not live to write. I wanted to do great work, but I’d never wanted to scale the business – or my life. So I scaled back. I sold my house, donated half of my belongings, and let go of toxic clients. Suddenly, I could breathe. I didn’t have to take work that drained me. I could focus on clients who were a great fit. I could have time for a run, a read, a rendezvous (in case you’re wondering, yes, I found love).

These days, I run a business filled with passion and purpose – on my own terms. I don’t rule the world, but I rule my life. That’s what success means to me. And I think it’s pretty badass.

Nicole Christie is a writer and storyteller who splits her time between Seattle and Montreal. She is also the principal and creative director of NICO, Inc.―a one-woman firm specializing in fresh, honest, engaging employee and marketing communications for Fortune 500 corporations, leading-edge creative firms, and rapidly growing new technology companies. You can soak up her solopreneur wisdom at http://nicolechristie.com/.

I was fortunate to work with Chedly, the woman who became my mentor, as a junior analyst starting out in a new firm. She was patient and knowledgeable; she taught me the technical skills I needed to succeed. Chedly also gave candid advice on how to navigate our workplace culture as a woman, and her example still informs how I present myself at work and what I choose to share (or not) about my personal life. That said, we laughed together over dating stories (mine were recent, hers older) and Chedly doled out pearls of wisdom on life and love and being young in New York City.

The most important thing I learned from Chedly was that, in my relationships and in my career, I would have to ask for what I wanted and needed. Five years before Sheryl Sandberg was encouraging us to lean in, Chedly’s ardent message to me was: “Jean, you have to ask. Women don’t ask. And you absolutely have to ask.”

There was a yearning in her message, imploring me to understand how much this would matter. Chedly was right and I took it to heart. Her example and her advice gave me the courage to ask – very directly – for the compensation I deserved, for the promotion I felt I had already earned, for exactly what I wanted in my relationships.

It is advice that has served me well, and now I pass it on to you.

Go on: be bold & ask.

While she’s almost an official New Yorker, now that she has spent the past eight years working for a large investment bank in New York City, Jean Blosser still cherishes her Midwestern roots, growing up in Columbus, Ohio. She is an alumnus of Boston College and enjoys her whiskey neat.

How do you decide when you need to change something of significance in your life? Do you get a feeling low down in your stomach? Or is it a more mental, mulling-over process?

For me, it’s a full body experience. The pending change typically manifests as an idea in my head. It is then supplemented by a head-to-toe feeling of either excitement or anxiety, depending on whether it’s a change that I look forward to or one that seems frightening at first. If the latter, I tend to ignore the signals for a little while. I try to convince myself that I’ll get over whatever brain-butterflies I have and don’t need to listen to them.

But then something happens; the butterflies move to my gut. When they arrive, I know that they mean business. It is the sign that change is afoot, and I can either fight it longer (which, honestly, I often try to do) or I can accept it. I’ve realized that the longer I ignore the little creatures, the more furious they flutter, acting as if they are at odds with each other within the small pit of my stomach.

On the flip side, the moment that I decide to accept what the flaps of the wings are telling me, they relax. Rather than zip inside me in a nervous pattern, they beat solidly, strongly, and together. They lift me up.

I can tell you that my body has won out every single time I’ve made a significant life choice; from where to move to, which job to take, who to date, marry, when to quit said job, I have 100% listened to my gut. Not always when the butterflies first showed up, but eventually I did. And so far, they haven’t failed me. I’ve floated off of each and every cliff they’ve carried me to.

So I ask you now, what is your body telling you? And if you’re feeling butterflies, what’s holding you back from listening to them?

After effectively retiring in the fall of 2014 from her corporate career running operations for a high-growth healthcare start-up company, Meghan Bollenback reinvented her professional life by becoming a writer and creative in Washington, D.C.  You can join Meghan as she navigates this new stage by following her blog www.megbollenback.com, where she discusses the process of intentionally crafting a valuable and joyful career.