March in review
Come get the inside scoop on everything I've been loving this past month! From top recipes and must reads to travel notes and new favorites, I'm sharing all the details.
That’s a wrap on the first quarter of the year! March was a month of growth and discovery - creating new recipes and exploring new places. Such a joy-filled month!
While it seems like it was just yesterday that 2025 began, I am so glad that April brings warmer weather and beauty all around us. Driving into work the other day, I noticed how the trees looked decorated, as if they were celebrating life by showing off their beauty and flourishing. I want to see you flourish too, just as the beautiful trees are blooming. What are the things that light you up? What are you passionate about? What are the things that bring you joy?
My goal for grace & greens is to help you live a healthier life so you can be nourished and flourish! Each week, I’ll provide all the research and plans so you can easily eat healthy without having to think twice about it - giving you more time and mental space to focus on the things that bring you joy!
Recipes I loved
There were some fun new takes on recipes well loved and some new additions that may make it as house staples for me. All of these were included in the monthly grocery guides and paying subscribers have full access to these recipes and more in the recipe archives on my publication home page.





Sun-dried tomato chicken & creamy coconut rice - Creamy and bright, this recipe is a unique twist on the classic chicken and rice bowl. I made this one busy weeknight and it felt like a fancy dinner without all the extra effort!
Raspberry cacao high-protein pancake bowl - Every night, I go to bed and dream about this sweet bowl starting my day off on the right foot. You have to check this one out!
Beef & brown rice stir-fry - In under 30 minutes, this meal feels like you are grabbing take out, while having all of the health benefits of a home cooked meal.
Grilled chimichurri chicken thighs - Level up your home chef cooking skills with this recipe! With an easy and delicious homemade sauce, you will feel like the real deal when it comes to cooking at home.
Places I visited
Traveling is one of my favorite ways to experience life, learn, and drive my creativity. From exploring the latest healthy brands at Expo West to making memories with my grandparents, this month is one for the books!




California
Known for its sunshine and interest in living a healthy lifestyle, I fit right in during my time in this state. You can read my full review of all I discovered at Expo West and when it comes to high-protein snacks. I also got to meet Loren from Sweet Loren’s Cookies. She was a great entrepreneurial panelist who inspired many woman during her discussion, including myself! From a day in Disney to dinner at Malibu Farm and trying smoothies at Erewhon, we did a little bit of everything during our week in Cali.
Greensboro
This month, I learned how to play Canasta and enjoyed a delicious meal in downtown Greensboro with my grandparents. Cards and games are such a fun way to spend time free time with loved ones, and I hope to do more of it in the months to come. Not too mention, it allowed me to slow down and be in the present moment which was wonderful too.



Charlotte
One more spot I traveled to this month was Charlotte, which is close to my hometown. Two of my friends (aka garden crushes) have dived into regenerative farming and started Flora Farm NC. I so enjoyed getting a full tour of their farm and learning about their plans for the future. Before heading home, I headed to Kid Cashew to catch up with another friend over some delicious eats.
Things I read
I love to read - getting wrapped into a story and navigating the journey of the characters right along side them, ah what fun! Whether fiction or not, every book has value and I love to mix up what I’m reading.
The Let Them Theory
This month I finished The Let Them Theory which was so good!! The mental freedom you can unlock by stopping overthinking and focusing on the things you can control has already made a positive impact in my own life. Per my Goodreads, I gave it 5 stars.
2 Samuel
I’m in the midst of reading 2 Samuel in the Holy Bible, as my dear friend recommended it being a great story to study. I am inspired by David’s deep faith in the Lord and how His provision remains steadfast amidst change.
The Wedding People
For my fiction book of the month, I read The Wedding People, which was different that what I expected. Is it a rom com….umm maybe?? It’s not to say that I haven’t enjoyed it - quite the opposite it true. It has had me thinking deeply and then laughing out loud not one chapter later. While the beginning starts off a bit dark, I would say it’s worth it. Per my Goodreads, I gave it 4 stars.
Products I’m loving
Kion Protein Powder - This protein powder is one of the very few I have found that is kind to the tummy and excludes any sort of fillers or unnecessary ingredients. I use it in smoothies, pancake Bowls, protein balls, and more!
Ultrahuman Ring - As a data lover, I have found checking my metrics on sleep, movement, and stress have helped me to make more informed decisions to support my health. Striving to get strong sleep scores, I have prioritized putting my phone on do not disturb and grabbing a good book to enjoy before bed.
Tongue Scraper - This one might sound a bit funny, especially if you’ve never heard about the health benefits of tongue scraping. The reality is that just as you brush your teeth, cleaning your tongue is another key factor in having great oral hygiene. I use mine after I brush and it has made mouth feel very refreshed.
What was your favorite part of March?
I hope you find this fun and interesting. Personally, I love learning about what other people are reading, eating, and experiencing so I figured I would try it out too!
Let’s make this interactive! Drop a comment or reply to this email with your favorite March memory - I’d love to hear from you!
What was your favorite part of March? Did you have a book you enjoyed? Did you make a new recipe that you loved? Did you travel somewhere new?
Here’s to another day of flourishing,
Grace Barker
Grace, as always you amaze me, I loved reading your story. I love that you love the Lord, family and your friends. You make an impression on everyone you see or speak to over the phone. You are a gift to some many and so happy you are sharing
your talents. You will make a difference in this crazy mixed up world. Do you remember who introduced you to the tongue brush. 🥰 Keep doing what your heart loves and continue to amaze me and others. I love you so very much! ❤️😘