There are so many things to love about spring. Here in AZ, our spring actually started in February, and I am enjoying this perfect weather we are currently being gifted for as many days as it will last. For me, that means spending free time doing outdoor projects, getting the pool area ready for summer, planning summer holidays (and the styles that will accompany me), and doing lots of day trips and outdoor activities with the kids. We don't really "do" a spring break in my house. I am long ... read more
Dam Boutons: The Button Shop of Montmartre
My last trip to Paris I had a couple of areas I had my heart set on seeing: The Marais and Montmartre. Our day in Montmartre was fabulous; what started as a very cold and wet day turned sunny and warmer (though we were having such a good time we would not have noticed either way.) We started at the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. From there I was set on finding the button shop of Montmartre, Dam Boutons. Luckily, we did not walk far when we ran across this wonderful little shop. For someone like me, ... read more
Valentine’s Day Paris Style
Paris, the City of Love. Valentine's Day has come and gone. Did you partake in chocolates? Paris Chocolate Shop Or perhaps your amour surprised you with flowers? Or maybe you were the recipient of jewels? Cartier Jewelers, Champs-Élysees or perhaps a quiet dinner with a decadent dessert? Whatever you did, however you celebrated, I hope your day was full of love. ... read more
Why New Year’s resolutions fail–5 steps to make real changes
Resolution, to resolve, from the Latin "resolvere", to "dissolve, dissintegrate, or solve a problem"; to determine or decide upon . With the beginning of every new year, we make resolutions. We make a resolution to do or not do something out of a belief that once the resolution is obtained (the goal met), our life will be better in some way. Resolution, to resolve, from the Latin "resolvere", to "dissolve, dissintegrate, or solve a problem"; to determine or decide upon . A better definition is ... read more
21 Days of Gratitude Event 2016
Do you practice gratitude? That is, do you mindfully take part in acknowledging what you have to be thankful for in your daily life? I have never considered myself an ungrateful person. I know how lucky I am to have been born in the country I was born, with all the conveniences of daily life that are at my disposable. I am healthy. I have an education. I have a career. I have always tried to not take those things for granted. But until I started a daily gratitude practice, I was not ... read more
Stop feeling guilty about self-care
"Self-care is not about self indulgence; it's about self-preservation."~~Audrey Lorde Yesterday I was having a crappy day. I was in a bad mood and feeling... frustrated, overwhelmed, sad. Maybe I was focusing on the negatives, on losses, on the past...maybe my ponytail was too freaking tight, but regardless the reason, I set myself up with my bad mood to have a bad day. So, mid-day, when I'd had enough (wallowing, complaining, self made misery), I gave myself the gift of ... read more
The Power of Essential Oils Book is now available!
About 18 months ago, I was asked to collaborate on a book project sharing my story of my own journey of holistic wellness, claiming my personal power, and how I learned to live my best life. The fruits of that labor are available now, in my new book collaboration, The Power of Essential Oils. In this book, myself and 30 other women share our stories of personal transformation, wellness, and the solutions that holistic entrepreneurship can bring to you and your family. All amazon sales profits go ... read more
On the story of Secretariat and being a trailblazer
I like the word trailblazer...It makes me think of someone who paves the way, who is fearless, who is someone I want to know. There have been many trailblazers in the history of women and this post is not to exclude them or their accomplishments...I just want to write about one in particular today...Penny Chenery, and the lessons I am taking with me this week from the story of Secretariat. Penny Chenery was a trailblazer who broke into the boys club of horse racing and showed them all up with ... read more
25 Self-Care Ideas that Nourish mind, body, and soul
Self-care doesn't have to be a lengthy or expensive endeavor to be beneficial. Just like a 20 minute power nap can be refreshing and beneficial, so can 5-10 minutes of intentional self-care. Self-care typically falls under seven types: Sensory, Pleasure, Mental/Mastery, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical and Social (www.psychologytoday.com). It is also not a one size fits all. My cousin runs every day, participates in marathons(Physical) and blogs about her experience as someone who turned their ... read more
Love the Mosaic that is you
In 2013, an ordinary trip changed the trajectory of my life. I didn't know before then that was the beginning of when everything was going to change. I didn't know it was going to begin a season of hard lessons and brutal growth. Even during the short interim where it seemed things were leveling out, they weren't. Life kept coming. My stepfather passed away from cancer, my mother had a stroke, I quit my job, I started a new job, my 9 year old had life saving surgery followed by a 5 day hospital ... read more