Yoga Nidra

In the last year, I have become more and more interested in finding methods for relaxation (meditation, deep breathing, etc) and have been wanting to devote more time into doing it.  It seems like such a simple task, but in yoga, I can’t seem to ever turn my mind off during savasana.  So, I figured since I have nothing but time on my hand, along with a ton of anxiety, I would expand my search.  First stop…YOGA NIDRA.

WHAT IS YOGA NIDRA?

Through the use of body sensing, breath awareness, guided imagery and other practices, you are systematically guided on a meditation journey. You remain in a state of relaxed awareness, but not sleep.

HAVE I DONE IT BEFORE?

Yes.  I actually love doing it at home when my friend Becky leads them in a salon that has a salt cave.  (Local friends…if you haven’t done this you NEED to check it out!  Email me for more info.)  It is so relaxing! A few weeks ago, Becky offered a virtual class so I was able to do it from my own living room.

WHAT PROPS DO YOU NEED FOR IT?

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FaceTory Face Mask Review

I may not be thrilled to be in social isolation, but my face is so happy right now! No makeup, face masks several times a week, and more than enough time for keeping a good nighttime skincare routine. (Keep your eye out for our DIY home facial coming soon.) My skin has never looked better! I was so happy when I got this fantastic set of face masks from FaceTory and my girls and I couldn’t wait to test them out.

Enjoy!

FaceTory Face Masks

WHY TRAVELERS WILL LOVE THEM:

Travel can wreak havoc on your skin.  From changes in temperature, sun irritation, and that mysterious craziness an airplane creates on your face. (I always break out after a flight!)  A face mask is the perfect skincare tool to carry in your suitcase.  It takes up almost no room, is easy to apply, and it is a nice way to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

We LOVED using these masks.  Trust me when I say we are experts on face masks because we have tried a ton! All of these masks left our skin moisturized, but not greasy like many masks do.  They also don’t have too much face cream on them so they were not gooey like some can be.

They come in such a cheerful package…which is a fun thing to see when you’re home in seclusion.

WHAT ELSE I LOVE ABOUT THEM:

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Ways to Stay Positive During Social Isolation

Life is pretty crazy right now and certainly not anything we ever expected to happen in our lives.  Remote learning, social isolation, and fear have overtaken our lives.  I’m an anxious person and I can get pretty frantic if I work myself up by thinking about it all day, so after a week of freaking out, I decided to add some normalcy to our lives and realized positive thinking and creativity would make our days memorable.  We are using this time together to bond as a family and do things we complain about not having time to do when we’re in our “real lives.”

I plan on using this time on my blog to share strategies that have been working for us and encourage people to make the most out of this situation.  We have been calling it our Corona-cation in our house.    I’ll be touching on each of these more thoroughly as the weeks go on.  We’re all in this together! I’m loving all the feedback from everyone telling me what they’ve been doing and sending links and suggestions.  Please keep it up!

Hope your family is staying healthy and happy!

STAY POSITIVE AND ENJOY THIS TIME TOGETHER

No one knows how long this will last and it’s very easy to become overwhelmed.  I know I can be pretty bitchy when I’m anxious and I tend to take it out on the people I love.  Now is the time to stay positive and encourage your family to do the same.  I try to stop my kids from fighting, and suggest we all do something fun together.  I have only 4 more years with my oldest and 6 with my youngest and I’m loving every day I get to have them all to myself.

GET OUTSIDE

Make sure you get outside EVERY day, even if you don’t want to.  I find the hardest part is just getting your sneakers on and walking out the door.  Go for walks, play some basketball in your driveway, do some sidewalk chalk, or just have a picnic if the weather is nice. (Obviously..avoid other people.)

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20 Books to Read While You’re Home

Since we are all spending so much time indoors, we can often feel trapped.  What’s the perfect escape? A good book!  Books are a great way to travel the world without leaving your back porch.  The first place I turn when I need a good book (besides to Oprah) are my friends and family.

Here are 20 books they’ve recommended for you.

Happy reading! Stay home and stay healthy!

Everything I never Told You

By: Celeste Ng

Recommended by:  yours truly!

 Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.” So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos. A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

The Great Alone

By: Kristin Hannah

Recommended by:  Laura

In a wild, remote corner of Alaska, the Allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.

But as winter approaches and darkness descends, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own.

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20 Ultimate Gifts for Men that Love Travel

Time to start shopping for those sweet men in your life that love to travel.  Guys can be hard to buy for because the gift needs to be fun, yet still practical.  Here are some Ultimate Gifts for Men that Love Travel.

Happy shopping!

DUFFEL BAG:

This beautiful leather duffel bag is perfect for packing for a weekend away.  It is well-made and sturdy, with a reinforced zipper and a thick cloth lining.  It looks like a vintage leather bag and has lots of room.  It can be used with or without the shoulder strap and can be used as a carry-on.

YETI COLSTER:

Take their koozie up a notch with this double-wall vacuum insulated holder.  It will keep their beverage cold for longer and can be used with cans and bottles. It comes in over a dozen colors.  It’s great for a BBQ, the beach, or a day out on the boat.

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Ultimate Gifts for Women that Love Travel

Christmas is the time for giving, so let me help you cross some items off your list!  The holiday season can be hectic, so I’ve come to love the ease of online shopping! I can put on my favorite PJ’s, pour a glass of wine, sit by the fire, and avoid the mobs of people at the mall. So, what do you get for that woman on your list that loves travel? Here are Ultimate Gifts for Women that Love Travel:

Jewelry Organizer

JEWELRY ORGANIZER: There’s nothing more aggravating than getting to your destination and having your jewelry all tangled up.  This case is a stylish way to organize your jewelry.  It has 7 ring rolls, 4 compartments, and 3 necklace hooks with pockets.  I love the classic combination of cream and tan, but they also have it in black.

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Latest Article on Thrive Global: Tips for Getting a Perfect Massage

Lying face down on a comfortable table with a soft blanket draped over your back, you look around at the candles illuminating the dimly-lit room as you let the soothing spa music lull you into a tranquil state of relaxation.  This is my happy place, and it’s my favorite way to relax and recharge.  There are a few things you can do to make your massage experience perfect!

Click here to take a peek at the article!

Foot Soak…Treat Yo’ Self

TREAT YO’ SELF 

FOOT SOAK

So, you’re telling me you are going to pay someone to let you stick your feet in water? Yes and no.  It’s more of an experience.  To me, it felt like the moment during a massage where you lay on the table waiting for the masseuse to come in and you’re listening to the relaxing music and hear no one call you Mommy.  It’s so relaxing and no one is even touching you. 

 

WHAT DO YOU GET OUT OF A FOOT SOAK?

Ok…the salon says, “It is said that the feet mirror the body, corresponding to different organs and systems. In our custom foot soaks, we use different salt blends to try and replicate the waters of natural hot springs which are high in minerals. These minerals are believed to have healing properties when absorbed by the skin.”  Interesting.  What I got out of it was relaxation, a calm mind, time to myself, and my own quiet oasis…for 30 minutes.

 

ARE THERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SOAKS?

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Sanaya Set

 

What do I love about this box?

Since I have two girls, I find it a huge responsibility to empower them to know they are fierce, compassionate, and can do anything they put their minds to.  I love that Sanaya Set, a seasonal subscription box, has a high set of values that mirror my own.  Their company was founded on the premise that each of us can make a positive impact and determine our own future. They feel strongly about intersectional feminism: understanding our overlapping identities and how these factors impact the way we experience oppression and discrimination.

Empowered women empower women!

This is one of the key morals I hope to teach my girls…always build up other women and never push them down. 

What does Sanaya mean?

Sanaya is named after Tarul’s daughter, and it means

 DISTINGUISHED, DIFFERENT IN A GREAT WAY.  

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My Top 5 Massage Experiences

NATURA CAVE SPA, GROTTO BAY BEACH RESORT, BERMUDA: Located in Hamilton Parish, this spa has the most amazing location…inside a cave! Stalagmites were dripping and the water of the underground pools reflected the flickering candles.  The hot stone massage I had included a cleansing and exfoliation.  After the massage, we were able to swim in Cathedral Cave.  It was a once in a lifetime experience.

THE LODGE AT SPRUCE PEAK, STOWE, VT: I had the pleasure of spending 5 blissful hours at this fabulous spa! My first treatment was the Stowe Cider Uber Scrub, followed by the Hydra Facial.  After all my pampering I was able to use their Healing Suite. Here I use the jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, followed by an amazing swim in their heated outdoor pool.  I would highly recommend a trip to this stunning resort during any season!

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