While I’m a huge sucker for Valentine’s Day, a good Rom-Com, and sweet love notes, I also think it’s the perfect time of year to acknowledge all matters of the heart, including heart healthy foods, stress management and exercise habits. The past year has been even more stressful than “normal” years, which means our hearts have taken a few hits in more ways than we know! This year, for Valentine’s Day, explore the dangers of stress and the magic of meditation for a healthy heart.

I can’t help but sing the song “ch-ch-ch-chia” every time I talk about these tiny little seeds that made their debut by growing hair on a terracotta head! Through the years, they have become quite the talk of the town in the superfood world, and rightfully so. They are a great nutrient rich powerhouse to add to your diet.

As long as we’re talking about stepping over all the shattered glass on the floor, let’s stop and take a look at Athleta’s most recent announcement. When I recently pulled the new February 2021 Athleta catalogue out of my mailbox, I was blown away by the bold statement of the true “Power of She” on the cover.

New Year’s Day often puts pressure on having all your goals and intentions set and made for the next year. For some of us it works to sit down on January 1 and map it all out, but personally, I need some time to sit in the New Year frame of mind. I often don’t choose my word or set intentions until we’re at least a few weeks in. So far this year has already had its multitude of distractions, disappointments and challenges, which has nudged me to set some intentions with a little more fervor than I normally would simply to be more focused and centered.

While I have always loved ringing in the New Year and looking forward to a fresh perspective, I have also struggled with real downer mind games, self doubt and negative self talk during this powerful time of year. 

It’s that time of year again when we all stop drinking alcohol, stop eating everything except vegetables, exercise like we’re training for the Olympics, follow the strictest schedule and stress ourselves out with an endless list of goals, dreams and desires! This year should be extra stressy with all that has happened (and not happened) in 2020.

Don’t get me wrong. I am ALL IN for creative vision boards, setting intentions and dreaming up new dreams for the New Year. However, I am completely against putting all sorts of extra pressure on ourselves. I like to set intentions that support me and lift me up.

Here are five things I take into consideration when exploring and determining what I want my New Year to look like:

This will be my last post before Christmas Day 2020. How better than to end this Holiday Rally with Gratitude?

I find it amazing to think that such a simple practice as writing down three things you are grateful for everyday can change your life!

I have become totally addicted to Podcasts and Audiobooks. I listen to them on my everyday walks around the neighborhood.

After 14 years of living in the same house and walking the same loops, it began to get a little repetitive and I became unmotivated…enter Podcasts and Audiobooks!

Happy Winter Solstice! Today is the longest night and shortest day of the year – the official start of Winter. From here on out, the days (light) are longer and the nights (darkness) are shorter.

The celebration of the Winter Solstice goes back to ancient times when people of all groups and religions relied on the sun, stars and planets to keep track of time.

Today I wanted to take a time out from organizing, thinking, running around like crazy, overthinking, and planning to really focus in on the JOY of the holidays.

We often get sucked into the stresses of the holidays and forget to sink in to the opportunities for joy, family, celebration, happiness, reminiscing, etc.

Another Saturday, another style of journaling!

We’ve talked a little bit about using Morning Pages and List Journaling to brain dump, but today’s type of journaling is a more organized and specific way to brain dump.

You can use this method for to-do lists, but also studying for tests, learning a new skill or organizing tasks.

I’m starting to get bored with my meals again, so it’s time for some new inspo! I came across this recipe from Daphne Oz the other day and I cannot wait to try it!

Curry Chicken Patty Lettuce Wraps!

I know it’s cold outside, you’re busy finishing up Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts or planning meals, but just trust me! You need to get outside and catch a breath of fresh air.

On Monday, there was a New Moon. No, I’m not a professional astrologer and I don’t base all my life decisions on astrology, but I do find comfort and sometimes guidance or ideas in the cycles of the planets and the moon.

I’ve been especially paying attention to New Moons lately after learning that they can signify new beginnings, new strength and new power. Who doesn’t want a new beginning right now?

What makes you laugh - like serious gut-ache, cheeks hurting, tears streaming laugh? I love the rush of relaxation I feel after a good laugh, but sadly, I don’t feel like I’ve laughed that hard in a while.

They say, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

Scientists have done research to discover that laughter, humor and even just smiling have a number of benefits that support your physical and mental health, including:

-        Reduction of stress and anxiety

-        Improving optimism

Christmas is so close, yet so far away. Here’s where I’m at today:

Stresses of shopping, deadlines and planning are starting to pile up. Time seems to be running out while my list continues to grow. My kids’ focus in remote learning is dwindling by the minute, which means my focus and attention is being sucked into 5th and 8th grade. The holiday blues seem to be tugging at my heart strings.

Can you relate?

Self Love is the name of the game today. I know that the hot trend right now is “Self Care Sunday”, which in my opinion is the same, but different than Self Love.

It’s the weekend! I hope you’re taking some time to meditate, love on yourself, and JOURNAL!

Last weekend we talked about List Journaling, so this weekend I wanted to introduce you to Morning Pages.

I first learned about Morning Pages from a class I took during my Health Coach Certification from Julia Cameron. It is a method of journaling that uses stream of conscious writing. The idea is to wake up and before you do anything else write at least three pages of whatever comes up.

‘Tis the Season to Be Merry!

We all tend to indulge in All The Things during the Holiday Season! That’s what it’s all about, right? Celebrating, partying, connecting, spreading good cheer, gifting, friendships, drinking and eating.

This is such a tough season for not only those who are sober, but also those of us who are trying to stay within bounds, trying to be healthy, trying to lose weight or trying to survive the pandemic without completely losing it!

When is the last time you checked in with your friends?

It’s been hard to keep track of my friendships since marriage, kids, life, and now the Pandemic makes it even harder  – even the ones who live next door and in the same town.