All posts filed under: lifestyle

joining JUNOCO on a mission #ToBeHuman

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There are a lot of things that make us human–a deep level of complex emotions, a strong awareness of self identity, the ability to question the world around us. We are a lot of things.  Perfect is not one of them. Yet, we live in a world inundated with idealism driving consumerism and self worth.  JUNOCO challenges us to rethink our imperfections with the launch of their #ToBeHuman campaign, asking friends to share personal insecurities, and how they’ve learned to be proud of them.   Thankful for the invitation, I am happy to join the JUNOCO with this message of positivity, learning to overcome perceived flaws and embracing what makes each of us unique-because that is truly beautiful.  “What’s one of your insecurities that you’re most proud of?” JUNOCO asks the question.  Dull skin, the start of a few fine lines that have emerged with time, a splash of multiplying freckles… while they can all be minor annoyances I remind myself these things: Freckles formed from blissful memories spent in the sun. From beaches abroad …

I’m literally sleeping better, with an overlooked luxury we should all invest in – Sunday Citizen bedding review

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We spend about a third of our lives in bed. Allowing that to sink in, I’m actually taken aback I haven’t made the comparably modest investment in luxury bedding much much sooner.  Consider the value of a better sleeping experience–one you actually look forward to at the end of the day rather than just another element of life’s necessities.  That’s the difference Sunday Citizen bedding made in my life.  I felt the difference immediately. That deep sinking in feeling my body had been craving since my last 5-star escape (It’s been far too long). The first night of sleep–honestly like a mini slice of paradise. I slept like a baby, wrapped in silky-soft sheets buried beneath a fluffy comforter with the AC pumping.  It felt like a stay at a luxury resort. Deepening my amusement, after making the mental comparison, I discovered Sunday Citizen bedding was ironically born to create just that experience. A story that started with a 4th generation textile family and an entrepreneur hoping to develop a blanket for his luxury hotels. …

luxe “thank you hostess” gift ideas you’ll want to give (and get)

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You know the table will be set with elevated dish wear and foods to share over the sounds of laughter and the best company. Everyone knows being the best guest means never showing up to the party empty handed, but there’s something growingly mundane about grabbing a bouquet at the nearest market on your way in. Thank your host or hostess more personally, with these distinct gift ideas for your hostess unique as they are. Swivel cheese & tapas board Plan to bring charcuterie to share? This compact cheeseboard has places for crackers, jams and meats with an included cutlery set. Make an irresistible spread to share, and leave the board as a hostess gift. Enjoying tequila tasting journal Does your hostess adore a good party? This guided tequila tasting journal includes tips on selecting the best brands and educating your palate along with mastered cocktail recipes. Bonus guest points if you also bring the tequila.  Olive oil gift curation box Bring the taste of Italy with the old world delight of “pinzimonio” (dipping raw …

bespoke mother’s day gift ideas

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Unconditional love, support and friendship, a mother is one of the most cherished relationships in our lives that no one could ever replace. Mother’s Day is just a week away, and finding something special to express your love and gratitude can be challenging.  Instead of defaulting to something generic, get her a gift she’ll truly love that shows just how much you know and understand her. Need some inspo to get started? Here are some unique, out of the box, bespoke gift ideas for Mother’s day or any special occasions for the women in your life.  For the master chef, homemaker and entertainer: DLISH gift boxes No one ever really cooks quite like mom. But how often does she treat herself to exquisite food and kitchen goods? DLISH curates bespoke gift boxes and elevated home goods from the epicenter of food culture – Italy. Combining food, art and design into a one-of-a-kind experience, DLISH is an excellent gift idea for the mom who loves to cook and entertain. Each gift box is curated with rare, …

just breathe, then you can save the world

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When is the last time you took a moment to just breathe? I don’t mean collapsing on the couch to binge watch Netflix in complete mental exhaustion. I mean really, just to breathe. No phone. No podcast. No subliminal mental agenda. No distractions.  Our society is sick. Over stimulated, over pressured. And instead of breeding a culture with the strength to heal it, we feed into it by caving into the pressure, falling before we can even begin to make a difference. The truth is, when we are not well as an individual – not only do we find ourselves constantly overwhelmed fighting between fits of over-productivity and total mental collapse… We can’t help others, because we can’t help ourselves. We live in a digital era, where a wealth of information is at our fingertips. We’ve researched every aspect of our lives from the best morning routine to how to how to fix our relationships. We also run to technology to fix our most personal issues in our lives. How can I fix my anxiety. Why …

friday 8:57 3.18.22

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I sat there for a moment, sun warming my face. It was Friday morning. I had just finished with my morning routine – dressed, out the door, flipping through emails and yesterday’s analytics.  It’s the little things. Sometimes we forget to enjoy them. Instead of stressing about the day’s deadlines, Friday at 8:57 – I was just in the moment. Listing to the musings of the birds just outside my windows, all singing their own tune yet somehow managing a perfect melody together. The song of morning, the sound of spring. Take time to be present. We so often forget. Time goes by too fast. Make the most of the moments you’re in.

7 simple luxuries you can enjoy from home or nearby

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Looking for things to do from home or nearby that feel like a luxury experience? Every year there comes I time I pace restlessly considering what to do for those days you just can’t manage to hop on a plane to the next adventure. Especially the past couple of years, when you’re in search of new inspiration during lockdown.  If you’re starting to feel the ache of cabin fever, here are a few simple luxuries you can indulge in from home or nearby, anytime you need an escape.  Grab a coffee and go for a scenic drive I’m all about efficiency, as such, I typically brew my java from home. But grabbing a coffee at a local coffee shop not only helps support local businesses, it’s also a $2 ticket to a French roast guided tour of the most beautiful areas in your city. Grab a venti, go for a drive, and discover some place beautiful you can enjoy from the warmth of your car.  Visit a local art gallery Even most rural communities have …

vision through the fog of absent mindedness

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It starts with a fog. A sort of blur where you can just begin to see glimpses of light and dark. Those movements become soft silhouettes, shifting in the back of your mind – still just out of reach. It is what happens when we are out of the practice of being present. We see something, but it’s too out of focus to become a concept we can grasp.  We are too distracted; we are too overwhelmed. We try harder. Concentrating on the moving figures, trying to imagine what is behind our eyes – imagining what we want it to be. Creativity steps in. We begin to fill in the blanks. Making assumptions from the abstract shapes now taking form. They start to come to life. Figures dancing, wind blowing. We begin to feel that moment, placing ourselves in a realm all but forgotten.  The more we seek, the more we see. And the deeper we look, we discover layers and layers within and without. Until, at last the picture starts to become clear. Then, …

living lighter with less

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’Til 2022, a deep desire for “less” has continued to well up in my being. Perhaps partially driven by a complex, heavy world around us. Simplicity is uncomplicated peace, and excess is no more than baggage. I’ve applied this not only to a more capsule approach to my wardrobe, but throughout my home and life as well. It’s become easier and easier to let go of the baggage that builds up with time, and more and more rewarding as the piles of unneeded disappear leaving more time to kick back and enjoy what you have. Not only in things which are material, but also in matters of the mind.    We are a generation of over thinkers. Of excess, and emotional weights we carry with us throughout our lives. It’s a new year, and it’s time to eliminate and reduce baggage – physically, mentally and emotionally. The cause and effect is simple, with less, we are lighter. With less burdens, we can stand up straighter. We become free to pursue what makes us truly happy without …

’tis the season, a tragic love story

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It’s here. That cold that licks your bones and laughs as the deep chill spreads like liquid nitrogen through your veins. The warm glow from the holidays disappears like a candle being snuffed out, leaving nothing but darkness in its wake. And, though the earth’s orbit tells us daylight has just begun to extend itself once again – Us creatures of the sun know now begins the longest days of the year.  The frost has burned itself onto every surface, and the living seek refuge underground where a hint of earth’s warm heart can still be felt.  And now, there’s no escape. We are trapped here, with borders closed and restrictions barring us from warmer refuge. Where will we run to now? Home. They say home is where the heart is, but mine longs for rays of sun penetrating my icy cold flesh with heat rays of welcome embrace. I long for the sea and the sounds of birds and dancing trees.  The elements are unchanged. The air is still here, but the warm breeze …