In last week's podcast conversation, we touched upon the idea of blooming where you're planted. That's not to say you should accept everything as is in life. If it's not right for you, do what you can to change it...whether that be a job, place of residence, health status, etc. But, we also tend to look outwardly to want change to happen so some of us might complain about external things and act like they are responsible for our happiness or wellness, when in fact, everything begins with us.

This week my guest is Jennifer Aleke, co-owner of J&M's Delights cookies and facilitator of "I Love Myself" workshops. As you'll hear in our conversation, Jen didn't start a cookie business because she's a passionate baker but she is passionate about bridging gaps between people and helping them make life enjoyable. J & M's (the M is for Jen's business partner Mike) is a cookie business inspired by love, family, and the power of connection. Their journey began with a shared mission to create treats that everyone could enjoy. Jen and Mike both live with a gluten allergy, so together they understand how hard it can be to find treats that are both safe and satisfying. Shop online for these delicious cookies or visit many coffee shops throughout Scranton. You can also taste these delicious treats on April 18 at the Marketplace at Steamtown and the Lace Village's spring vendor events. In addition to creating connection through cookies, Jen also leads workshops to help people reconnect with themselves through reflection, clarity, and intention for personal growth. One is planned at Nancy K. Holmes Library in Scranton on March 21 and watch for an April event at The Gather Community Space in Wilkes-Barre.

Follow Jen.inspires and j.a.m.s.delights on Instagram.

A big "thank you" goes out to my podcast sponsors Reinvented Threads with Gabby Lynn and Healthy Lifestyle Management with Lisa Rigau for their generosity and support of this podcast. If you enjoy creativity and value ecofriendly fashion, visit Gabby's store at ⁠Reinvented Threads.com⁠ and check out the Events section to see where Gabby will be a vendor in the coming months. If you would like some individual wellness coaching, to attend meditation and/or learn about mindfulness-based living visit Lisa's site at ⁠EatBreatheMoveLive.com⁠.Follow Funny Wine Girl Jeannine on Facebook and Instagram for special events coming up this year in celebration of five years of Uncorked with Funny Wine Girl and for perimenopausal rants, nature photos and other fun stuff.If you would like to support conversations like the ones Jeannine has each week with fierce and fabulous women by becoming a podcast sponsor reach out to [email protected] for a list of affordable packages and one-time pricing options. Remember that you can show support by sharing the podcast with a friend, foe or anyone you know and by writing a review and rating the podcast. I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my wine glass.