Starting a “diet” presents challenges all on its own, but if you don’t create a plan beforehand, you set yourself up for failure. Try to create a plan of action to eat healthier. This could include writing down your short- and long-term goals and taking small steps to reach them. Your plan could also have a weekly meal plan in which you switch up your meals to get more nutrition.… Read More »Beginner’s Guide: How To Start a Healthy Diet
“Pretty is as Pretty Does.” That’s what my Gram used to say to me if I asked how I looked wearing something. I’ve thought about that many times. It taught me not to ask, but to do. Every day we are bombarded with images of what a “Beautiful” woman is supposed to look like. We are told that a beautiful woman is tall, yet not too tall. She doesn’t want… Read More »Pretty is as Pretty does
What’s your defining moment? They say that a defining moment is one that is life-changing. It is said to happen in the blink of an eye. It’s a pivotal moment filled with critical choices. For many, they struggle to discover that moment when they engage their passions, rise above the crowd and grasp their shining star. And for some, you are handed a gift of opportunity and what you do… Read More »How I Turned Painful Grief Into My Defining Moment
Stress is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to lie down and accept your struggles without any help. While there are a million and one ways to relieve stress, not all of them will work for everyone. One natural solution that many people find solace in is the use of essential oils to find calm and relaxation. Some essential oils do this better than others,… Read More »What Are The Best Essential Oils To Use for Stress Relief?
I live every day with Lyme Disease. It’s a struggle some days, but after the death of my brother, I learned that stress and grief can be physically felt and Lyme Disease tried to take advantage of that. In 2012 my best friend and adopted brother, Lance was killed in an accident involving a distracted driver and his motorcycle. His devastating loss and my grief sent me into spirals. It… Read More »How I Learned How To Accept Grief And Fight Lyme Disease
I was under the impression that acne would disappear when my teenage years ended. I was wrong. Even now, skin care can be a struggle. If you’re like me and still dealing with acne as an adult, here’s how to fight acne with effective home remedies. This post contains affiliate links that I make a small commission on with no added fee to your purchase. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider… Read More »How To Fight Acne With Effective Home Remedies
Simple Living and Minimalism go hand in hand. But there are many myths about Minimalism that just aren’t true for me. Each of us has a different way of looking at Minimalism and how it works for our lives. Myth: Minimalists only own 1 shirt. LOL! While many people who have adopted this state of mind actually do shave down their wardrobes or have 5 blue shirts, the idea is… Read More »Myths About Minimalism
Anxiety is rampant in our cultures and lives, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless to stop it. Here, we offer some natural ways to relieve anxiety and stress. This post contains affiliate links that I make a small commission on with no added fee to your purchase. Work has piled up, the kids are fighting again, the house is a mess, and you haven’t had a decent night’s sleep since… Read More »Natural Ways To Relieve Anxiety and Stress
When you live with migraines, like I do, you know that you’ll do almost anything to make it stop. Today I’m sharing some of the best foods you can eat to make that migraine go away. We have some interesting facts about how these foods work and what foods might be a trigger to bring them on! This post contains affiliate links that I make a small commission on with… Read More »10 Best Foods to Conquer An Aggravating Migraine
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 help bloggers like myself to earn a living without costing you a penny.… Read More »How To Get Focused When You Are Distracted: Tips You Can Do Today
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 reduce fat, boosting your liver, and even preventing cancer. These benefits… Read More »11 Incredible Proven Benefits of Green Tea
Knowing when and where you are going to be having your next meal might seem like overkill in the planning, but trust me. It will save you time and money if you have a plan ahead. Without it, you might be stuck wandering around looking for food and forced to pay more than you might be comfortable with paying.
Many of you have asked me about how I spend my day and how I keep it simple. It’s taken years, but I have adopted a minimalist workday and I love building this simple farmhouse life. But being this way doesn’t mean that I have lost my creativity or junk. It just means that I make an effort to take an honest look at what steals my time and energy.… Read More »My Minimalist Work Day
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
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 how we connect. Garden pathways From solid paver pathways to soft pea… Read More »Gardening For Wellness and Traditions
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
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
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
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
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
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
When you learn how to manage your wellness, you learn how to help your mind and body to move through the hard days with ease. Learning how to let go of stress is crucial, and we have a few tips to help you mitigate your stress and anxiety. From long days working from home to getting better sleep, we know that many of you are struggling, and we want to… Read More »Wellness Tips For A Stress Free Year
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
Share on facebook Share Share on pinterest Pin Share on twitter Tweet If you can dream it, you can do it. – Walt Disney I believe in the power of setting Goals AND Intentions. Yes, friends, there is a difference, and I am so excited to share what that means AND how you can improve your goal-setting process. It’s that time of year when many of us are putting the… Read More »How To Set Achievable Goals
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 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
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
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
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
8 years ago, my best friend was killed in an accident that forever changed my life. He was “My Person” because unlike everyone else in my life, he was there the longest and knew the darkest parts of my life. And he loved me all through it, like a brother and like someone who understood trauma intimately. When he was gone, I was left in a world that suddenly had… Read More »It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
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 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!
Finding calm during stressful times isn’t easy. But we have some tips that we hope might help. We’ve been talking a lot about how 2020 was one of the most stressful years for many people. Just as scary, millions of people are out of work and wondering how they will be able to feed their children, pay their bills, or when they will be able to go back to work.… Read More »Finding Calm During Stressful Times
Each day begins with sleep. The way you feel, the way you think and react, and the basis of each day start with how you sleep. We have a few tips for you to get better sleep naturally. An estimated 164 Americans have trouble sleeping at least once a week We all need to rest. Without enough sleep, our health suffers. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation increases your risk… Read More »12 Ways To Sleep Better Naturally
Ready to make your own hand sanitizer? We have an easy recipe that not only soothes your hands, but leaves them clean when you can’t get to soap and water. Let me stress this very clearly, please wash your hands with soap and water. This is not a replacement for good hygiene and this is NOT to be used around your face and eyes! Click to go to… Read More »Soothing DIY Hand Sanitizer Recipe
Who doesn’t love Yoga? Looking for that perfect birthday gift or holiday surprise for that person on your list who loves yoga, nature, and wellness? We have found 5 great products that are sure to be a hit this year for your loved ones. Or maybe you just need to give yourself some self-care and buy something nice just for you. (This post includes affiliate links. Should you click an… Read More »5 Gifts For Yoga Lovers
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
Have you ever been so tired that just the thought of moving makes you want to put your head down and cry? There are days that I know I swim in the heaviness of exhaustion and my eyes beg to close for just a moment. I don’t dare because I know that I won’t open them again for hours. Sometimes when my Lyme Disease is rearing up, I fight this… Read More »Exhausted – A Lyme Disease Symptom
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?
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
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
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
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 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
“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
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.
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
“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
For a lot of people, 2017 has been extremely stressful already. But we can take steps to not only protect our own mental health, but to spread that calm to the rest of our friends and family.
(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.) Our love of chocolate is strong. And it should be! Because is it not only the best way to turn a long conference call into a few moments of bliss, but it is also good for you! Did you know that approximately 71… Read More »Why Dark Chocolate Should Be A Workday Staple
(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
Skincare is about more than what you put on your body. You also want to focus on eating correctly and getting a nice supply of antioxidant rich fruits that replenish everything your skin needs to repair itself.
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
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
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. This post contains affiliate links that I make a small commission on with no added fee to your purchase. I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease in 2003 after years… Read More »How I Use CBD Everyday To Cope With Lyme Disease
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
Many people think that you have to start a yoga class, or meditation group in order to begin training your brain to be mindful. But did you know that being mindful is practiced in every moment? You can begin by closing your eyes at your desk, taking a deep breath, BEFORE answering that next email, it’s that simple.
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
Sometimes I’m no good at writing poems. I tend to lie about what seems to rhyme. Sometimes I am just terrible and can’t find the words I have a mean temper when writing poetry. What does that say about me? that poems seem so hard? Sometimes I’m no good at being a Poet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I wrote this poem back in 2014 as part of a… Read More »Mindfulness Monday -No Good
It’s bitter cold. I just moved back to an old place and I’m trying to find my place. Today, I am anxious about building a new house. And I have this stupid heart monitor that I have to wear for the next 25 days. This is uncomfortable!!! Life is made up of millions of moments. Each day we are filled with so many opportunities to have both good and bad… Read More »Mindful Monday:Being Uncomfortable
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
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
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
When we got married, we had a lot of crazy things on our minds. For us, it was already complicated. We started things off by throwing every obstacle in the world at our marriage. We launched right into having a family, not a small one.. one cute kid and a dog, but a large one ending in 5 kids, dogs, cats, and a ton of debt that we managed to… Read More »In sickness and in health
