Fashion is a part of my life that I really enjoy. Although it might not be for everyone, I wanted to share a glimpse into my closet this fall. Fashion, to me, is not just about following trends or styles, but rather about feeling comfortable and confident.
1.Chelsea Boots:
This fall and winter, don’t forget the classic Chelsea Boots.
They are totally acceptable to wear with a suit or jeans and are the ultimate in comfort.
2. Leather jacket:
Layer up with a vintage leather jacket from All Saints.
You can catch this jacket at the outlet at a crazy discounted price. It is super comfortable and cozy.
3. Cuff(er) it up:
This bangle bracelet from Haze and Glory, is fun and unique and adds a stylish touch to any suit or casual wear.
They ship internationally and have a great selection of hand made pieces.
4. Double Breasted suit:
Zara, one of my favorites stores, has affordable pricing.
This suit would be a great addition to any wardrobe. Weekend night out? Wear the blazer with jeans, a button down and your favorite Chelsea Boots.
5. City Sweat Joggers:
Who doesn’t want to chill at home or run errands with some stylish sweats? Check my pick from Lululemon.
Jose Suarez
Jose is an ambassador for many brands including Lululemon, SweatNet, and our very own Clean Juice. Follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/josesuarez84/
AUDIO BOOKS
I love reading self help books! I look for books that will help me become better as a mom, a wife, a friend, and business woman.
MUSIC
Music inspires, motivates, and brings complete joy to my life. My boys and I love to dance and sing along. We have dance parties often! I listen to music to pump me up during a workout. I also listen to music to get me hyped up before teaching. Spotify, Pandora, Itunes, I love them all!
CHIC-FIL-A
If I am going to eat fast food this place is my #1.
CHATEAU MORRISETTE OUR DOG BLUE WINE
I enjoy a glass of wine while I cook dinner. It’s a way to help me relax after a busy day, but I also have a huge appreciation for the way wine is made. I truly appreciate the process.
CLEAN JUICE
Avocado toast and berry bowl for life. Clean juice is important to me because of the trust I have in their product and purpose.
LUNA’S LIVING KITCHEN
My go-to for a sit down healthy meal. I discovered Luna’s when I was nursing my son and had to eat a restricted diet due to his sensitivities.
YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS
They are important to me because I know they are safe for my family and I. I use them for cleaning, cooking, medicinal, and emotional/mental well being.
NAP SOCKS
These Brookstone socks go wherever I go! No other sock compares.
RUME REUSABLE BAGS:
I’m obsessed with these bags! They save the earth, machine washable, and come in a variety of sizes and patterns.
TONE IT UP BOOTY BANDS
Exercising is a priority in my life. When I am traveling I bring my booty bands so I can add some resistance to my workout.
About Melissa
Senior Role Model Program
BEAUTY BY EARTH TINTED FACIAL SUNSCREEN
This natural SPF 20 sunscreen is lightly tinted so there’s none of the white chalky weirdness that you get with other mineral-based products. It’s lightweight, water resistant, and serves as the prefect moisturizing base for full make-up or a naked face day.
TECHNIVORM MOCCAMASTER
This is a one-time investment that will improve your mornings for the rest of your life. The Moccamaster is handmade in the Netherlands and makes the highest quality drip coffee on the planet. Imagine! A whole pot of pour over quality coffee brewed with the convenience and ease of a drip coffee maker! I love coffee at a freakish level and I work form home, so being able to quickly grab a good mug is everything to my day.
WHOLE FOODS HOT BAR BACON
BACON PRO TIP: Did you know that you have permission to fill up one of those cardboard buckets at the hot bar with only bacon?! It’s true! If there’s enough available at the magic moment (before 11am) that you happen to be there, you can take ALL OF IT. And you get more bacon for your buck when you buy it with all the fat already rendered off of it! AND it’s delicious. And clean. And do you really need another reason to get in your car right now and drive to Whole Foods for a bucket of hot bar bacon?
RIFLE PAPER COMPANY 18 MONTH PLANNER
I never thought it would work, but going analog with my calendar has changed my life. I’m very visual, so seeing everything laid out on both the monthly spreads and daily pages helps keep me organized and where I’m supposed to be. I love that there’s space to keep up with my own appointments, as well as everything my two tween/teen daughters are into. It’s functional, sturdy, and beautiful!
TRI-CONDEROGA PENCILS
The matte black triangular version of the old standard #2 pencil from Ticonderoga has stolen my heart over all other writing implements. I love their style and the way they feel in my hand. I have rheumatoid arthritis and at times my hands have a hard time holding on to a round pen or pencil. The triangle shape helps me keep my grip even on my worst day.
SHE READS TRUTH BIBLE
This Bible is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The book itself is a work of art and contains stunning typography, charts, and maps. It’s the newly released Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation, which is highly rated for both readability and accuracy. It comes in a variety of colors and materials to suit any budget, and every one is really well constructed. If you need some fresh inspiration to get your nose in the Word, this beauty will do the trick!
THERM-A-REST COMPRESSIBLE PILLOW
About twice a year, I take long trips to the bush of rural Kenya. The area where I work is so remote that you can’t run out and pick up whatever you forget, you just have to do without. Sometimes in the weeks leading up to travel I dream that something goes wrong and it’s usually that I forgot my travel pillow, which I affectionately refer to as my boyfriend. We love to cuddle and we’re always together on road trips, flights, and overnights. I love that the chunks of memory foam compress when folded and get nice and fluffy when unrolled. The best part is you can run it through the washer and dryer every time you get home and it stays looking like new.
BOSE NOISE CANCELLING EAR BUDS
Long flights, crowded coffee shops, and sometimes even my home office create a need to silence the noise. As a writer, it’s not always possible to be alone in a quiet place when inspiration strikes. It’s important for me to be able to tune out the distractions around me and these puppies do just the trick. Not only is the noise canceling function top-notch, the sound quality is as expected from Bose— simply impeccable!
TIMBUK2 COPILOT LUGGAGE
I’ve killed many a suitcase dragging my crap across the globe, but even the most violent airport staff can’t seem to injure my trusty Timbuk2 luggage! Made in San Francisco, these intensely practical clamshell suitcases glide on skateboard wheels and are pulled by a durable bike-inspired grip. I have both the carry on and extra large sizes and it’s the only luggage I need.
KARAMA LEATHER WRISTLET
I carry mine everywhere. Even when I’m toting a larger bag, in she goes with all my essentials! My favorite part about this timeless piece that only gets better with age is that it’s handmade by artisans in Ethiopia and sold to support Young Life Africa. Job creation, teens meeting Jesus, and a trusty accessory— that’s a whole lotta good in one little product!
Tia McNelly
blogging + coaching: tiamcnelly.com // @tiamcnellynotes
workshops + podcast: collectedworkshops.com//@collectedworkshops
passion + second home: flourishkenya.org // @flourishkenya
Generosity is often viewed as sharing material or monetary gifts. There are plenty of very real barriers to that type of generosity, but we can always give of our selves. Whether you have a heart that longs to give more or you have a hard time being generous, we can all make choices that deliver love and kindness to others without costing us a penny.
Here are seven practical ways you can choose to be generous in your day-to-day life:
ONE: SHOW UP
Go to other people’s stuff. Support the people you love even if you’re not really into what they’re doing. Be their biggest fan. Everyone needs someone to believe in them. Why not be that person for the people you love? Pour yourself into other people’s work, passion, and dreams. It is so satisfying to know that your encouragement has spurred someone on to greatness.
Furthermore, be present when your people find themselves in times of need. Go to others when they simply need the comfort of your company. Remember that you carry with you the very presence of God. If you aren’t sure what to say or do in the most difficult times, rely on the Spirit to work through you. You may only need to sit and be silent to let God minister through you. All you have to do is show up.
TWO: SERVE WHEN IT COUNTS
Do the thing that needs to be done even if you don’t want to do it. There is no act that is beneath you, no matter how high you climb by societal standards. Taking out trash, scrubbing toilets, changing bandages, filing papers, entering data… you get the point. If there is a need and no one to fulfill it, step up! This might mean sucking it up when someone is desperate for childcare, in need of a ride or a place to stay for a while, or scrambling to put on an event.
Look for ways to be of service to others and live from that posture. Let your constant thought process lead with, “How can I help?” Eventually, you will begin to notice other people’s needs before they do. At that point you are winning at life. You’ve reached the top. You’ve achieved the highest status of being more concerned about others than yourself.
THREE: BE VULNERABLE
Being vulnerable may be the most generous practice of any listed here. It takes courage, humility, and strength of Spirit to practice vulnerability with pure motives. Our culture of pride and can-do attitudes has caused many to view vulnerability as weakness. Admittedly, when practiced with the wrong motives, it can be evidence of weakness in one’s character. However, those who live their lives and engage in relationships with a commitment to vulnerability are often perceived as being the strongest and most admirable. People identify with those they admire. This means that vulnerability can sow seeds of empathy and empathy drives human connection.
Our ability to connect with and offer some part of ourselves to others really depends on our willingness to be seen for what we really are. Thankfully, vulnerability gets easier with practice. Getting good at being vulnerable will make this next act of generosity far easier.
FOUR: TELL THE TRUTH
There are times when the people closest to us are operating with unchecked blind spots. When you see what they can’t see, don’t save yourself the trouble of saying the hard thing. As much as you may think that sparing them the pain of hearing the truth is “nice”, it certainly isn’t kind. If you have a relationship with someone that permits feedback and feedback is warranted— give it.
Before you ever begin, pray for a heart to be helpful and that Jesus would do the talking. Be sure to examine your motives for any judgment, pride or hidden agenda. Measure your feedback against God’s truth and let that be your guide. Take time to empathize and intercede. Try to sit on the other side of the conversation and experience the thing from their perspective. This will shape your messaging and your heart.
Remember to offer constructive ways to move forward. Don’t drop your observation like a judgment bomb and walk away. Stick around to walk it out with them. Be brave and check in with them later as well. Think of ways to come back to encourage, honor, and uphold.
FIVE: SHARE YOUR INSIGHT
If you’ve learned something that has changed the way you think or see God or understand life, please don’t be stingy! A generous soul humbly shares God’s gift of understanding and wisdom. You can do this in casual conversation, in your small group, on social media or another outlet you might have for sharing. Simply say what you’ve learned. God doesn’t want us to put the insight He’s given us in a box and bury it in the ground. The gift of sharing revelation can change a life!
SIX: LET GRACE FLOW
I never feel richer than I do when I’ve been shown grace and I know I don’t deserve it. When someone chooses to see my value instead of my sin, I am overcome with gratitude. Withholding grace is the least generous (and least Christ-like) act we can engage in. Nothing will separate us from intimacy with Jesus faster than refusing to choose grace, forgetting our place of privilege. Sharing the grace Christ put in us through His Holy Spirit is the least we can do to show our gratitude for His sacrifice.
SEVEN: PRAY AND CHECK IN
When someone presents a prayer need, or when you simply detect one, don’t just say you’ll pray, actually pray! Like right then and there! Make their problem your problem and place it before the throne in faith. Stand in the gap for the weak and afraid. Speak bold prayers over those in need and then follow up with them to see how things are going. If the situation hasn’t improved, keep praying.
The beauty of intercession is that it not only impacts the one you pray for, but it brings you into the presence of God, which inevitable transforms you in process. Why would we not allow this consume our days?
See? We have so much to give. Why not start now?
Written by Tia McNelly
blogging + coaching: tiamcnelly.com // @tiamcnellynotes
workshops + podcast: collectedworkshops.com // @collectedworkshops
passion + second home: flourishkenya.org // @flourishkenya
The following are unpaid and unsolicited reviews of products that I love.
PLANTS
I haven’t always been a plant lady, but I’m finding that within the last 6 months to a year, I’ve started developing a desire to have more and more around our home. I have been working really hard on finding ways to manage my anxiety and panic disorder in a natural way, and believe it or not, plants do actually offer health benefits for this! They release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide (the opposite of us!) so they are actually detoxifying the air in your home. Studies have also proven that indoor plants help regulate humidity, reduce stress levels, improve concentration and productivity, increase levels of positivity, and so much more. My current plant company obsession is The Cactus Club (@cactusclubco) , a mobile plant shop here in Charlotte. I don’t think I’ll stop collecting plants any time soon!
SALT LAMP
A couple of years ago, my brother and his fiancé gifted us with a Himalayan salt lamp for Christmas. We had never really heard of one before, but were eager to find out. Similar to plants, we learned that Himalayan salt lamps are a natural air purifier. It’s hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules to itself. In doing so, it also collects the air pollutants like mold, bacteria and allergens that come with it. Pretty cool, right? The soft warm glow of the lamp is soothing by itself, but make sure you put it next to your television or computer! It can also reduce the toxic electromagnetic radiation (positive ions) exposure from electronic devices by emitting negative ions. I love mine! You can purchase one just like mine on my Amazon shop here!
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/DP/B012TX2RYW/REF=CM_SW_R_CP_API_GZWRBB60D0C98
KOMBUCHA
More specifically, Lenny Boy organic kombucha! They are my absolute favorite brand right here in Charlotte! If you aren’t familiar, Kombucha is a fermented tea rich in beneficial probiotics, powerful antioxidants, antimicrobial effects, and has been shown to improve LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and may also protect against heart disease. I drink this regularly for my immune system, digestive system and overall health! It’s hard to choose, but my favorite flavors from Lenny Boy are the Good ol’ Ginger, Lavenderade and Elite Beet!
@LENNYBOYBREWINGCO
SPROUTS FARMER’S MARKET
I never thought I’d say this, but I have an absolute favorite grocery store. I find myself actually looking forward to my shopping experience every time at Sprout’s Farmers Market in Ballantyne, which is currently the only location in Charlotte right now. They have a lot of specialty items we have found and loved, but because they aren’t carried at your typical grocer, we would have to make multiple trips to different places to pick up everything we needed on grocery shopping day. With Sprouts, I was blown away when I went for the first time and realized they had *everything* we wanted, all in one spot. There are so many new products I have come across there that are safe for me to eat with my dietary allergies, and I practically strut out of the store every time with my bags and a smile on my face. The majority of items are organic, their prices are amazing, and I love using their mobile app for even more savings too!
WWW.SPROUTS.COM | @SPROUTS
INSTAX MINI CAMERA
Ok, so I realize at first glance a Polaroid camera wouldn’t be considered a “health” or “wellness” item, but for me I like to think it is. Creativity is a part of who I am and what makes me happy. If I don’t have some type of creative outlet in my life, my mental health suffers. It is a type of therapy for me, and photography has always been at the forefront of that outlet. I love my Instax camera because it fulfills both that need for creativity, but also allows me to express my love for nostalgia. You can shop for an Instax just like mine on my Amazon shop here!
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/DP/B06WWLJ7KY/REF=CM_SW_R_CP_API_K0WRBBSRNES34
SCHMIDT’S NATURALS
I have really started paying attention to not just the food I’m putting in my body, but what I’m putting ON my body. It wasn’t until I had to cut out gluten and dairy from my diet, that I started learning gluten is in EVERYTHING. Even our personal products like shampoo & conditioner, toothpastes, soaps, etc! Not to mention all of the other chemicals we can’t even pronounce, much less know what they are. Schmidt’s Naturals products are gluten free, vegan, cruelty-free, certified by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (Leaping Bunny), certified by PETA, no artificial colors or dyes, and their toothpaste is SLS, fluoride, PEG and dye free! That is something I feel safe using on a daily basis! You can shop my favorite deodorant stick (Lavender & Sage) on my Amazon shop here!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N04VOMF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_j1wrBbAKZYGKP
HERBAL TEA
I’ve always had a deep love for strong coffee, but found that when I replace some of that intake with decaffeinated herbal tea instead, my stress levels are significantly reduced. I am much calmer, lose that “buzzing” feeling in my body, and of course it comes with so many other health benefits. There’s a certain peace I get in the routine of making and drinking tea, especially in the evenings before bed. I love many varieties for different reasons and I what I choose depends on my mood or intention, but my go-tos are usually lavender, earl grey, and mint. I use a Teavana Perfectea Maker to brew it just right every time, which you can find on my Amazon Shop here!
ESSENTIAL OILS / DIFFUSER
This is another gift that turned out being one of my favorite things I own and use. Our friends knew essential oils were peaking our interest and got us a diffuser for Christmas this past year. I had no idea how many oil companies and recipes there were out there, and reached out to my online community for guidance, which was SO helpful. I usually enjoy just a simple lavender oil to help ward off restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and tension. Overall, it just creates a really calming environment for me and I love that. You can find many great diffusers to choose from, like this one in my Amazon shop!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CKC69S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_GZwrBbD431C9F
SPIRALIZER
One of my favorite kitchen tools to date is a Spiralizer I purchased on Amazon. Why? Not only are there health benefits for everyone to swap out carbs for produce, but it can make cooking more exciting and inventive! The recipe possibilities are endless and using this directly increases your vegetable intake. Spiralizing does not require much cook time, which retains maximum nutrition value. Some of my favorite dishes we’ve made are lemon garlic zucchini noodles and a spiraled beet side salad with an orange vinaigrette! You can shop my exact spiralizer on my Amazon shop here!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GRIR87M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Q3wrBbFHF3JDE
RECORD PLAYER
This is another item that normally wouldn’t be grouped with health and wellness products, but one that I’m going to share anyways. Like photography, music is also therapy for me, as it is for so many others. Studies have shown that the feel-good nerochemical Dopamine is released when we listen to music. Another amazing fact about music? It is often used to help elderly clients deal with memory loss associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. That just goes to show how powerful the effect of music is in our lives. We have a blue tooth vinyl record player we absolutely love (again, gifted!) and we enjoy the hunt of searching for our favorite records and listening to them while we are relaxing at home. You can shop our exact player on my Amazon shop here!
Thank you all so much for taking the time to read through my favorite things. I really am passionate about them and it is my hope that others out there will hear about them and be able to enjoy them as much as I do!
MEET SHANNON, UPTOWN GIRL CLT!
QUEEN CITY BLOGGER & INFLUENCER
ESTABLISHED FOODIE NEW TO GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE LIVING
LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE
MYSTIC SYSTERS PODCAST CO-HOST
@UPTOWNGIRLCLT
UPTOWNGIRLCLT.COM
No, it is not the most fashionable or desired accessory, but anxiety has been a part of my “design” since childhood. I have always kept it hidden behind my metaphorical curtains, tucked away under smiles and positive outlooks. While it is something I have learned to accept and function with mostly privately, I have recently been going through an emotional transition where I have felt drawn to express some of my challenges publicly. Partly because I want to be a voice for those like me to know they are not alone, but also because it helps me to have an outlet. The older I get, the stronger it seems to get. I am beginning to think if hiding it has not worked, maybe exposing it can. I could write a memoir on how it has ruled my life behind the scenes, but “Why would anyone want to read it?” it asks me. I will just save that for another time.
I first want to say that this is no way a replacement for professional help, and as always if you have any concerns definitely talk to a professional. As part of my journey to being more open about my lifelong battle, I just wanted to share a few things I have been doing currently to help try to manage my stress levels and prevent anxiety and panic attacks. These things are by no means new-found or extreme measures, but very simple ones that I have been trying to make a priority in my own daily life.
HOT TEA > COFFEE
I have always loved coffee, probably too much. Most days a year for me have started with a large travel mug of the stuff, including a copious amount of creamer mixed in. Of course caffeine can have positive effects for certain reasons, but for someone who deals with excessive stress, it is probably not the best idea to have a daily stimulant intake, especially first thing in the morning. With that being said, I have been working on replacing most morning mugs with hot tea instead, and also having a cup in the afternoon and at night. I have been trying different caffeine-free herbal varieties and so far I am really enjoying the tastes and noticing practically immediate calming effects. Aside from that, I love how many other health benefits there are from drinking it. For example, my blood pressure teeters at a fairly high level for my age and I noticed after a few weeks of drinking tea, at my latest doctor’s appointment it was significantly lower than normal. I was shocked, especially because it is usually higher at the doctor due to nerves. At the very least, it is helping to keep me more hydrated.
USING RESOURCES
Normally, I would have made a mental health Pinterest board private for fear of what someone would think of me. This time I am ignoring that mentality and made mine public to share with others who might need to find them on their feeds like I did. There are so many resources out there, and I love how Pinterest keeps it all tidy and easy to find what you are looking for in a hurry. Reading quotes that put your feelings into words and learning breathing exercises and grounding techniques can be what feels like an actual life saver when the moment strikes.
TALKING
Not just to those online, but to my family and close friends, to my coworkers, to my acquaintances. People I care about. People that (despite what my anxiety may tell me at times) care about me, too. Instead of hiding it from them, maybe telling them about it will make it easier to get through an attack if one happens while they are around. What I have been finding with this exercise, is that each person I have had a conversation with has given me a new perspective for me to see it from, great tips for getting through an attack that their therapist recommended, and had complete compassion for me, even if they could not fully understand what I am going through.
These are just 3 easy things I have been trying to do on a consistent basis to change my habits and the way I have been doing things for so long. While I am seeing some improvement already, I know there is a long road ahead of me and I may never reach the destination. I have to be okay with that.
Do you live with anxiety, panic disorder, or any other mental illnesses? If you are open to it, I would love for you to share what helps you in the comments. Maybe it can help one of us, too!
MEET SHANNON, UPTOWN GIRL CLT!
QUEEN CITY BLOGGER & INFLUENCER
ESTABLISHED FOODIE NEW TO GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE LIVING
LOVE IS LOVE IS LOVE
MYSTIC SYSTERS PODCAST CO-HOST
@UPTOWNGIRLCLT
UPTOWNGIRLCLT.COM
1. Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen – Matcha AND collagen!? What’s more to say? Vital Proteins makes some of my favourite collagen powders, and they even have a dairy-free creamer with collagen! Yes, it’s amazing.
2. Crunchi Beautifully Flawless Foundation – I recommend this foundation to EVERYONE. It’s medium coverage, but can be sheered out or built-up to a med/full. It smells like vanilla (but doesn’t linger too long), is creamy, hydrating, but not has a satin-like finish and those ingredients! Crunchi knows how to do it right.
3. Mowellens Keeper’s Stash (CBD Honey) – I seriously don’t know what I did before this honey came into my life.
4. Aleavia Lavender Body Cleanse – It’s not actually soap, you guys. But it cleans you! Say what?! Yup, it’s a blend of prebiotics that naturally feeds your skins microbes and balances your skin’s pH! (Long story short, it doesn’t strip your body’s beneficial bacteria!) It’s my favourite for cleansing with, shaving with, safe and effective for babies, mama’s, children, husbands…dogs…shoot, I even clean my makeup brushes with it!
5. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Balm – This balm is my crack. I don’t leave home without it. In fact, it’s always in my purse. I also have a back up one because I go through these like water! It’s truly one of the most moisturizing, lovely smelling balms there is (in my opinion)!
6. Inika Organic Mascara – Nontoxic mascaras are some sort of beast to tame. They can easily flake, transfer, smudge…not last, not perform well, you name it. But let me tell you something, this mascara is a WINNER. It lengthens, strengthens and lasts! I love the skinny wand and the ingredients don’t irritate whatsoever.
7. Milk + Honey No 46 Room Spray – The BEST Home Fragrance in No° 46: Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Cardamom. (I have this scent in their candle too!) I want to LIVE IN IT. It’s soooo good. I spritz the room; my couch, pillows, my hair…(oops?) and maybe even my sheets and clothes too. It’s 100% organic ingredients (scented with pure essential oils) so you can run around the house like I did and spray it on everything…jk not all the things but most things. Go buy this – oh, and use my code HULLO25 for 25% off all products. You’ll die and go to heaven. You’re welcome.
8. The Hollywood Silk Solution Silk Pillow Case – Did you know that sleeping on silk may help reduce tugging on delicate facial skin, reduce sleep crease, bedhead and even extend your blowout? I love using mine when I’ve just heat-styled my hair and want it to look as fresh as possible the next morning! These silk pillows are made from the Highest Fiber Mulberry Silk (topside) and cotton (underside) and they have an Invisible zipper, PLUS (it gets better!) they’re dyed using non-toxic dyes.
9. Artifact Skin Co. Mer-Mer Monoi Tiare Tails Hair Oil – Not only does this hair oil smells like a vacation, but it tames flyaways, smooths out frizzy hair and I love using it in my hair damp to give my hair shine and decrease any frizz upon blowout.
10. Kaia Naturals The Takesumi Detox Charcoal Deodorant + Detox in Sakura Blossom – Baking soda free (so it doesn’t cause any reactions to my skin) and smelling like a fresh bloom, this deodorant is next level. It keeps me fresh and stink-free almost a full day (sweating is a normal part of not wearing a toxic-antiperspirant) and it’s also detoxing your pits as you wear it! (Use code HULLOSAM for 15% off!)
SAMMIE KOLK •
CLEAN BEAUTY MUA
CANADIAN LIVING IN NC. CLEAN BEAUTY, EATING + LIVING IS MY PASSION. I MAKEUP FACES, LOVE FLOWERS/PLANTS, AND SOMETIMES I SING.
#MAKEUPTIPSWITHSAMMIE
@HULLOSAM
CAMPSITE.BIO/HULLOSAM
I feel like 2017/2018 have been the years of self-care & thank goodness for that! Personally, my life changed for the better when I started listening to what I needed to take the best care of myself. The cool thing about self-care is that it looks different for everyone. The way I care for myself might not resonate with you… and that is the beauty!
When I started to dive deeper into manifesting the life of my dreams, I came across Danika Brysha. If you have no idea who I am referring to right now, stop reading & go follow her on Instagram! Danika is a self-care enthusiast, Founder/CEO of a multi-million dollar meal delivery service called Model Meals, and Founder of The Brunch Series. Oh, and she has a 200 pound English Mastiff named Kingsley who is pretty comical.
While all of those things are equally impressive, Danika has created a movement with #TheBrunchSeries bringing this amazing event on tour all over the country and Canada. When I saw Charlotte was a stop on the tour, I knew immediately that I needed to attend. See all the stops & if The Brunch Series is stopping in your city here.
On Brunch Series day, 35 women gathered in the home of a local Charlottean and bravely spoke about their struggles with self-love, self-care, and the other things we are sometimes too scared to say out loud. It was a powerful day full of tears (happy & sad), incredible discoveries, and learning how to create the life of our dreams.
Danika speaks about the self-care checklist she created and how it played a huge part in her recovery from self-loathing and debt to reaching happiness and success. You can read her blog post for a more in detail about the self-care checklist here.
The idea of the self-care checklist is to complete it as soon as you wake-up. It consists of a Monthly Challenge, Top 3 To-Do’s, Morning Routine of gratitude, affirmations, movement, and a biography from your future. Now, the key is not to give yourself unattainable goals. As an example, my June Monthly Challenge is to stretch everyday. This is something that can take anywhere from 5-30 minutes, but something that can easily be checked off each day. At the end of the month, you can decide to keep that habit or not, and then add something new in. Before you know it, you are creating healthy daily habits that cultivate self-love and self-care.
What is an affirmation? Here is an example: I am healthy. I choose to eat foods that nourish me. I prioritize my health. I sleep well. I practice self-care daily. These “I Am” statements are seriously so powerful. You might be hesitant like I was, but I have reaped the benefits of manifesting what I want in life. I encourage you to try it!
The biography from your future is just a fun little paragraph and can really take on a life of its own. Close your eyes and imagine yourself 5,10,15 years down the road. What are you doing? What successes have you had? What passions are you living out? Danika describes this as a time of play. Just have fun with it, don’t think too much about it, and see what you come up with!
We covered SO many more incredible things during The Brunch Series, this just scratches the surface. It was a magical day filled with empowering each other, cultivating community, and building confidence.
It is not selfish to care for yourself. Pour into yourself so you may then pour into other people!
“A great life is just made up of a series of great days. If we can just focus on building a plan for a great day, we’ll soon find ourselves looking back on a great life.” -Danika Brysha
MACY VONDERSCHMIDT / @MINDFULLYMACY
I am a social media influencer/blogger part-time and full-time marketing professional. I love being a dog momma to Milo (Aussie) and little Harley (Tibetan Mastiff). After years of yo-yo dieting and 2+ hour workouts, I found a way to stay healthy and also sane. I strive to live a healthy life, but I never turn down ice cream- ever! My passion is inspiring women to live a life full of self-love and finding their bodies perfect resting place. I take a holistic approach to health and believe you have take care of your mind, body, and soul in order to truly live well. I spend my weekends buying fancy lattes, taking the pups on long walks on the rail trail, and creating content for my Instagram and Blog.
WWW.MINDFULLYMACY.COM
Success. We all chase it – in work, health, fitness, in life itself. We all want to be successful. To know that the work is paying off, to reap the benefits of our labor, success can look different to many people. Why are some people successful and others are not? Regardless of the outcome you are looking for, these behaviors can be adopted and implemented in your daily life and your pursuit of being successful.
1. CREATE AND PURSUE FOCUSED GOALS
Everyone sets goals with the best of intentions to follow through. The truth is, distractions and daily struggles can lead to a loss of momentum and motivation. Narrow your list of goals and create structure and discipline to carry yourself through to meet those goals even when motivation falters.
2. TAKE DECISIVE AND IMMEDIATE ACTION
Don’t put off to tomorrow, what you can get done today. Too many times we put things off and they get lost in the shuffle. Take action in the now if it is important to you.
3. AVOID THE TRAP OF TRYING TO MAKE THINGS PERFECT
Perfection is not attainable. Choosing to progress will always have a better outcome than not starting at all.
4. WORK OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
The best things in life are just outside of your comfort zone. You cannot grow and learn if you are always using the comfort of normality to be your security blanket. Take the risk, put yourself out there, you will never regret it.
5. EAT THE FROG
Tackle the most pressing task first thing in the morning. Before life gets in the way, just get it done.
6. FOCUS ON MAKING SMALL, CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS
How do you eat the elephant? One bite at a time. Break down your goals from the big picture to create smaller, even daily lists, that over time bring you closer and closer to achievement of your goals.
7. MEASURE AND TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
You cannot measure what you do not track. You can gain some of that motivation to keep pushing on and also know when corrective action is needed.
8. MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AS YOU LEARN FROM MISTAKES
Stopping yourself from making a mistake is progress. Making a mistake and not having anxiety and fear consume you is also progress. Mental progress is just as important is physical progress.
9. SPEND TIME WITH THE MOTIVATIONAL PEOPLE
You are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely. Success leaves clues – seek out those that are out there making progress and learn from them, spend time with them, understand their mindset and personalities.
10. MAINTAIN BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE
Successful people come in all types of personalities. I have seen business owners that can get more work done in 4 hours than most can do in a 40 hour week, then spend their time doing activities that bring them joy that are not work related. Others I’ve seen work 70 hours a week for months, then they cut out for vacations for weeks at a time. The point is – mental breaks, workouts, family time, hobbies – not everyone works 24/7 to be successful. Find what makes you happy, do more of that, success will come.
Jessica is a health and fitness enthusiast currently living in Lake Norman. She works as a fitness & lifestyle model and is a small business owner who has found success in franchising opportunities. She spends her time finding adventure with her 2 girls, and surfing the lake whenever possible.
@jkharve