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Mindfulness and wellness

How To Stay Focused

How To Get Focused When You Are Distracted: Tips You Can Do Today

Feeling like it’s hard to focus, and your thoughts keep getting away from you? We have some tips on how to find your focus and live your life in the now. Learning how to be mindful and keep your mind from wandering takes some practice, but it’s so worth the effort. This post contains affiliate links that I make a small commission on with no added fee to your purchase.… Read More »How To Get Focused When You Are Distracted: Tips You Can Do Today

Tea time - Fireflydance.net

11 Incredible Proven Benefits of Green Tea

Today we are talking about Green Tea and the benefits for your mind and body. From decreasing your risk for certain types of cancers to helping you lose unhealthy body fat, green tea is a powerhouse. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, Green Tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink. Green tea is fighting diseases, helping people to reduce fat, boosting your liver, and even preventing cancer. These… Read More »11 Incredible Proven Benefits of Green Tea

Digital Minimalism

How To Embrace Digital Minimalism

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet The way we consume information has changed how we think, react to other people, and even deal with stress.  When we are online, our heads are filled with vast amounts of information, clutter, and distraction.  But what if we embraced a minimalist view about our time online? Take a step back for a moment and look at all… Read More »How To Embrace Digital Minimalism

gardening for wellness

Gardening For Wellness and Traditions

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet My garden is my sanctuary from the world. I meditate through the work that I do, thrive with each new leaf, and carry the memory of each season’s lessons.  Gardening is therapy and good medicine. I love passing down the traditions that I’ve carried with me from my Great-Grandparents and sharing them with my children and grandchildren is… Read More »Gardening For Wellness and Traditions

Tips For Feeling Better After The Covid Vaccine

Got The Covid Vaccine? Tips For Feeling Better Quickly

Before you get your Covid shot, we have a few things you might want to have at home to feel better quickly.  Our family just got our Covid vaccine, and here is what we discovered really helped our recovery. Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet Don’t be scared! A lot of people, myself included, are a little nervous about this new vaccine.  There is… Read More »Got The Covid Vaccine? Tips For Feeling Better Quickly

What to plant in an aromatherapy garden.

What To Plant in an Aromatherapy Garden

Aromatherapy is loaded with benefits, and it starts in your own backyard. Here, we offer suggestions for what to plant in your aromatherapy garden. Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet This post contains affiliate links that help bloggers like myself to earn a living without costing you a penny. Support your favorite bloggers by shopping their links. Aromatherapy is a perfect, natural way to… Read More »What To Plant in an Aromatherapy Garden

How to practice self-care

How To Practice Self-Care As A Women Over 40

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet Whether you’ve had a rough week or just feel like you need a reset before Monday knocks on your door, taking time on the weekend to care for yourself is nothing you should apologize for. There are many myths surrounding self-care. From “it’s selfish” to “I need to carve out a whole day for myself” to “I don’t… Read More »How To Practice Self-Care As A Women Over 40

Resetting our focus

Spring Reset! Ways to refresh your mind and home

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet Does anyone else feel like they are done with winter and need a reboot?  Thank G*d, Spring is finally here! This weekend I was outside, starting some seeds for this year’s garden, and I just realized how much I really need to refresh my soul and reboot my state of mind. This has been a really long winter.… Read More »Spring Reset! Ways to refresh your mind and home

Book Author

The Benefits Of Writing About Your Cancer Experience

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet In 2017, we published a great article by a young writer that inspired many and had a few of you asking where is she now! Today we have an update from Sam Rose and her story of what she’s doing after beating cancer. I hope you enjoy and follow her journey! ~Crysta Finding Benefits In Writing About A… Read More »The Benefits Of Writing About Your Cancer Experience

Living With Panic Attacks Feels Like Living On A Roller Coaster

My Truth About Panic Attacks

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet Like millions of other people, I live with panic attacks and let me tell you, they are SCARY! Even though I manage them fairly well, I have coping skills and some helpful herbal remedies.  Living with the constant fear of a random panic attack is like walking around thinking something is going to jump out and scare you… Read More »My Truth About Panic Attacks

Reclaiming Your Wellness

Here we are, the week many of us set aside to reclaim our wellness, take back control of our diets and bodies, and the rededication to improving our lives. Personally, I’ve struggled with the craziness of the past year and I made a promise to myself that once the stress and chaos of the holidays had passed, that I would refocus my energy into my own health and mental wellness.… Read More »Reclaiming Your Wellness

Resetting our focus

Make More Time For Self-Care in 2021 (Free Self-Care Calendar)

2020 has been such a crazy and challenging year for many. As it comes to an end, the opportunity to push reset arises and becomes the perfect time to focus on self-care. Take this time to move on from this tough year and pamper yourself with some self-care activities by following this 31-day self-care calendar. Plus the wallpapers and insta story stickers included will help you stay motivated and on-track… Read More »Make More Time For Self-Care in 2021 (Free Self-Care Calendar)

Be Mindful, Be Grateful

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart That’s my meditation that I’ve been focused on for the last few days. Being mindful of not only my situation but my mouth and my energy. I had a terrible dream a few nights ago that woke me up and had me in a bad place for a few days. Even now as… Read More »Be Mindful, Be Grateful

Why you should keep a journal

6 Ways Journaling Can Improve Your Life

6 Ways Journaling Can Improve Your Life There are so many great advantages to keeping a journal. From helping you to stay organized to boosting your confidence, journaling can have a very positive impact on your life. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationship with yourself, become more productive at work or school, or develop better communication skills, a journal is a great way to take an active step toward… Read More »6 Ways Journaling Can Improve Your Life

memories

Memory Markers and My Crappy Day

Hey everyone, I wanted to take a moment away from recipes and reviews to get personal and to share part of my story and struggles.  I believe that when we can connect as humans, we become like fireflies and start to fill the darkness with our connections like sparks of light.  It is only through sharing our struggles and our successes that we can reach out and connect with others. … Read More »Memory Markers and My Crappy Day

15 Ways To Reduce Stress And Stay Peaceful

It’s completely normal to feel stressed, especially when the world seems like it’s overwhelming. Personally, I’ve been struggling to keep motivated recently. So I’ve been reaching out to talk to my friends, family, and even my therapist about my feelings. Admitting that you are stressed isn’t a weakness! We have a list of ways that you can reduce stress and stay peaceful without leaving home. This post contains affiliate links.… Read More »15 Ways To Reduce Stress And Stay Peaceful

7 Self-Care Strategies for Navigating the “New Normal”

7 Self-Care Strategies for Navigating In the “New Normal” As we continue spending more time at home due to the current climate, we have the opportunity to ask ourselves if we are setting the right boundaries for ourselves. Are you making enough time for self-care? When I say boundaries, I don’t necessarily mean from other people but rather from devices, substances, routines and expectations. The pandemic has for many hit… Read More »7 Self-Care Strategies for Navigating the “New Normal”

Summer Super Foods!

Summer comes along with a rich variety of food and fruits that are good for your body. Scientists for years have bombarded us with information that encourages us to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are said to reduce the risk of illnesses. Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that play a very big role in flushing out harmful toxins and wastes from the body. Getting around your summer diet:… Read More »Summer Super Foods!

5 Alternative Ways to Deal With Anxiety

When the body experiences stress, the result is typically anxiety. Upon exposure to a stressor, the endocrine system triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol. They govern the body’s fight, flight, or freeze responses. The person experiences the sensation of ‘butterflies in their stomach’ as they feel apprehensive and uncertain of an outcome. That’s how people experience regular anxiety. However, when it becomes so severe and frequent that it… Read More »5 Alternative Ways to Deal With Anxiety

Are you sticking to your goals?

Resolution Check-In: Are You Sticking to Your Goals?

How many of your made health goals at the beginning of the year? I know we did! This is the year that we are focused on achieving milestones and crossing finish lines! As we settle into the second month of 2020, it’s time to ask yourself how the beginning of the new decade is shaping up for you. Are you excited and feeling confident about the path ahead, or are… Read More »Resolution Check-In: Are You Sticking to Your Goals?

travel tips

10 Ways To Stay Healthy While Traveling

Getting sick when you travel is the worst. Imagine mid-cruise coming down with the crud! We have some tips to help prevent getting sick while you travel. We just got back from one of the best vacations I’ve ever taken. We jumped on The Rock Boat and sailed on a beautiful Norwegian Cruise ship to Belize and Honduras. This cruise is unlike most other cruises, because it is a rock… Read More »10 Ways To Stay Healthy While Traveling

How to Use CBD to Treat Anxiety

Anxiety is an unpredictable disorder, and you never know when it will strike. While there are medications for managing anxiety, natural remedies may be a more effective and healthier option. Cannabidiol is among the recommended ways for putting anxiety under control naturally. The science speaks in favor of that, and you can find studies that proved its anxiolytic effects. CBD is one of the main components of cannabis, but it… Read More »How to Use CBD to Treat Anxiety

Holiday tips for stress

5 Easy Ways to Relieve Holiday Stress and Avoid Burnout

5 Easy Ways To Relieve Holiday Stress And Avoid Burnout Self-Care This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I was also compensated to create this post, though all opinions are my own. Many people anticipate the excitement of the holiday season, but they don’t always prepare for the additional… Read More »5 Easy Ways to Relieve Holiday Stress and Avoid Burnout

How To Survive Holiday Parties When You Have Food Sensitivities

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Surviving Holiday Parties with Food Sensitivities Food and Recipes The holiday season is fast approaching and that means you’re probably getting invitations to holiday parties left and right. For those with food sensitivities, you may be approaching these holiday parties with equal amounts of anticipation and dread. Having specific dietary requirements or allergies can be especially difficult at this time of the year… Read More »How To Survive Holiday Parties When You Have Food Sensitivities

Surviving The Holidays With An Eating Disorder

Surviving The Holidays With An Eating Disorder

Surviving The Holidays With An Eating Disorder Isn’t What You Think Hey everyone, I have a special guest post for you this week. For some, the issue of food is a sensitive topic. The holidays for many people is a time where we are gathering with friends and family, usually around food, and then searching for gym membership coupons by January.  But those people who battle disordered eating or have… Read More »Surviving The Holidays With An Eating Disorder

cast iron teapot

Why You Really Need To Be Drinking More Tea

“A cup of tea would restore my normality.” [Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Screenplay]” ― Douglas Adams Taking time out of your day to stop whatever you are doing, take a deep breathe and make a cup of tea is quite simply the best way to refresh your day midway through. I love this tradition of making time to sit and take a few minutes to center your mind and… Read More »Why You Really Need To Be Drinking More Tea

Not a Hugger

I’m NOT a Hugger. And I’m still worth loving.

Hands Off! No touching, please.  Nope, I’m not a hugger or a casual cheek kisser.  I don’t like it and I have my own reasons for setting down this boundary.  I’m polite when I take a step back from the group body smashing.  I smile and wave when I meet people and offer a “Hello” to offer my introduction instead of free access to my body.  I am just one… Read More »I’m NOT a Hugger. And I’m still worth loving.

Honoring and Acknowledging Grief for a Parent You Hated

My Birth Mother Died and I’m Glad I was raised in a world where mothers are praised and uplifted.  But I know that not every woman who gives birth should hold that honor. Yet when my birth mother died, I was surprised by the unexpected range of emotions I went through. Like millions of adopted or foster care children, I had a complicated relationship with my birth mother.  I dreamed… Read More »Honoring and Acknowledging Grief for a Parent You Hated

Distracted!

It’s HOT! Like most people, I’ve been trying to find ways to stay cool and not think about how hot it is. And today I have to tell you, I have been so distracted that trying to stay focused on work has been HARD! So I’ve been trying to work on a couple of new product reviews and some articles.  But I’ve really been having a hard time keeping my… Read More »Distracted!

Why Talk About Your Challenges?

“When you know your ‘Why’, your ‘What’ has more impact, because you’re walking in or towards your purpose.” – Michael Jr. (This post includes affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.)  There are reasons for WHAT I do.  I write because I feel I am… a Writer. But WHY I walk towards that… Read More »Why Talk About Your Challenges?

Making the best out of a frustrating situation

Lemons! Making something sweet out of drama

“All right, I’ve been thinking. When life gives you lemons, don’t make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back! Get mad! I don’t want your damn lemons! What am I supposed to do with these?! Demand to see life’s manager! Make life rue the day it thought it could give Cave Johnson lemons! Do you know who I am? I’m the man who’s gonna burn your house down! With the… Read More »Lemons! Making something sweet out of drama

self-love

Mindfulness Monday – Self-Love

When starting a practice of mindfulness, you must first begin with Self-Love. Without loving yourself, giving attention to your needs, you lose most of the value of mindfulness. It isn’t selfish or conceitedness to put value in yourself. Practicing Self-Love means that you are tending to your own well-being. Self-love is important because it affects how you feel, how the world sees you, and even your physical health. Your home… Read More »Mindfulness Monday – Self-Love

Leaning to live Gluten and Dairy Free

I want my Gluten and Dairy!!

(This post includes affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.) A few weeks ago I headed back to the doctor for more blood work. It’s routine, part of surviving life with Lyme Disease and trying to beat this epidemic of death that has been floating around lately. Anyways, they did a bunch of… Read More »I want my Gluten and Dairy!!

Declutter your life!

Mindfulness Moments: Declutter Your Life!

(This post includes affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.) I took a powerful class on Fueling Your Creativity this week, and something that I didn’t expect to take out of this class was a lesson in mindfulness and living with things that we tolerate but do not love.  Not just emotionally, but… Read More »Mindfulness Moments: Declutter Your Life!

Focus tips for creatives

Focus Tips For Creatives

(This post includes affiliate links. Should you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.) “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”             – Scott Adams I have never lacked creativity, in fact growing up my imaginary friends were the best ones I had. I tend to be a dreamer, and following… Read More »Focus Tips For Creatives

Why Mindfulness Works

Mindfulness Moments: Why Practicing Mindfulness Works For Change

  If you are looking to train your mind through mindfulness, is probably because you are looking for a change. Mindfulness teaches us that we need to pay attention to the present moment. Maybe it is keeping the focus on our breath, or learning how to let go of thoughts.  But Mindfulness works for whole life wellness. The mind wanders 47% of the time. Through mindfulness, we are learning how… Read More »Mindfulness Moments: Why Practicing Mindfulness Works For Change

The Key To Unlocking Flawless Skin After 40 Isn’t What You Think

Essential oils have been around for a very long time. But Face Oils are a new trend that combines the natural healing of essential oils and the ability to customize your beauty routine. Healthy young-looking skin is the dream most of us over 40 looks to our beauty routine to attain. Beyond a healthy diet and lifestyle, we also need to make sure our skin has all of the vitamins… Read More »The Key To Unlocking Flawless Skin After 40 Isn’t What You Think

How to use CBD everyday and why you should too!

How I Use CBD Everyday To Cope With Lyme Disease

I’ve been on muscle relaxers, pain killers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, liver support, thyroid meds, heart meds, and anti-anxiety meds. Western medicine hasn’t been able to help me. But CBD has changed my life and allowed me to live beyond my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease in 2003 after years of living in pain, inflammation, and brain fog. I have been on so many medications that now there is… Read More »How I Use CBD Everyday To Cope With Lyme Disease

A Case Of The Mondays – Tips To Improve Your Mood

  Mondays are hard.  Sometimes they even suck. A case of the Mondays can happen any day that you feel like you just can’t get things going and find your energy. However, you can’t change the fact that like Mondays, bad days and sad days just come around.  They don’t last a lifetime unless you want them to.   You just have to move through them, remember to breathe, and soon… Read More »A Case Of The Mondays – Tips To Improve Your Mood

How To Meditate

How To Meditate

Learning how to meditate is easy, free, and you can do it almost anywhere. Oddly, it’s not as easy as it sounds. However, the results of building up your meditation practice make it all worth it. Mindfulness is the process of letting go of everything else that is cluttering up your thoughts and bringing your attention to the present moment.  It is a deep breath that calls your focus back… Read More »How To Meditate

Mindfulness Moment: Accepting Friendship

  This year as we focus on mindfulness I want you to stop and think about the beautiful relationships in your life. I am blessed with some incredible and beautiful relationships that have enriched my life and made me appreciate each day. Being part of the NOW also means appreciating the positive influences in your life. I know that there are so many people out there looking for the perfect mate… Read More »Mindfulness Moment: Accepting Friendship

Mindful Monday: Look Up

This week we are on the road. We are out in Snowy Seattle and the PNW. I’ve been trying to work in as much mindfulness and meditation as I can as we travel and explore. But it can be hard! Making time to be mindful is as much part of the practice as deep breathing. It takes effort to press pause and take time to stop being busy. Mindfulness isn’t… Read More »Mindful Monday: Look Up

5 Foods That Fight Anxiety

  There is no easy cure. There is no simple plan.  Living with Anxiety is difficult. But there are foods that help fight anxiety! Living with Anxiety is like living with a weird cat, sometimes you think you have it all figured out. You have your triggers figured out, you have a routine, and then you start to get relaxed and comfortable. Then, out of nowhere, it creeps up on… Read More »5 Foods That Fight Anxiety

Fulfilling A Passion For Travel After Cancer

  Hey everyone, I’d like to share a fantastic story with you today of a young woman I recently met who has a fascinating story about learning to love traveling the world after she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Sam Rose has a great story about moving forward in her life and discovering new places that inspire her to live beyond her diagnosis and live each day full of life… Read More »Fulfilling A Passion For Travel After Cancer

6 Ways To Naturally Boost Your Immune System This Winter

Stock up on tissues, someone you know is probably sick! Winter is here and so is the dreaded cold and flu season. We all know that washing our hands and trying to stay away hydrated helps to keep you from getting sick.  But what else can we do? We all have our rituals for getting better once we have been infected. But what are you doing to boost your immune… Read More »6 Ways To Naturally Boost Your Immune System This Winter

space

Holding Space

Being able to hold space for someone else means that you know you are able to be the calm in the room, knowing that things might get ugly and accepting that moment. Holding space doesn’t mean you have to be quiet.

memories

Taking Back Joy – Lessons after a Panic Attack

Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet When I turned 40, I began having panic attacks.  At first, they would come on in the middle of the night and I believed that I was having a heart issue but I was too scared to tell anyone.  ( Later on, I discovered that I indeed DO have a heart condition that had not been diagnosed my… Read More »Taking Back Joy – Lessons after a Panic Attack