Healthy Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Giving

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Giving a gift from a small business is giving a gift twice. – Anonymous

It is such a special treat to receive a handmade gift and I am thrilled to have put together a variety of my favorites things to make and use. Also, two of my most popular yoga and wellness offerings are also listed. If you would rather give a gift certificate and allow the recipient of your generosity to choose what he/she would like, please just reach out to me. I cannot wait for your loved ones to get some of these unique items.

Gratitude Essential Oil Blend

$22

This perfectly crafted blend is my most popular mingling of aroma and gemstones. This wonderful scent will instantly shift your mood towards a place of abundance and gratitude. Apply to the wrists, behind the ears and on the heart.

  • Siberian fir helps in breaking negative emotional and spiritual patterns
  • Frankincense raises awareness and helps to shine your bright light
  • Grapefruit teaches us to appreciate who we are
  • Wild Orange brings abundance, a bright future and gladness to the heart
  • Geranium is heart opening and helps one to feel security in what you do have
  • Clove instills personal power and a sense of protection and integrity
  • Amber chips are a fossilized tree resin. Amber radiates laughter, vitality, and courage. This stone holds the protective energy of our beloved trees, the guardians of Earth. Amber helps to alleviate stress. Amber clears depression, stimulates the intellect and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. It encourages decision-making, spontaneity and brings wisdom, balance and patience.

Aromatherapy Bath Salts

$7

These gorgeous tubes make great stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or special offerings for loved ones. Each tube is filled with epsom salt, lavender petals and soothing essential oils to bring a spa like experience for the lucky recipient. One tube will fill one or two baths.

This year I added FRESH lavender petals to the bath salts and the aroma is so good!

candle wax on hand

Woodsy Beard Oil

$20

Give the men in your life this wonderful, woodsy beard oil. It will be grounding and spicy and make their stubble feel soft and shiny.

Bath Fizzies

$20 for 10 Fizzies

There is nothing like sinking into a tub with a hot bubbly tub with fizzing bath bombs. If you know me well, it is my ultimate form of self-care. I have mastered the bath bomb and have found the perfect combination for a deep relaxation for the body. These smell amazing and are also so good for the skin and detoxing the body.

Custom Essential Oil Blend

$22

Do you have a special person in mind that would love a little remedy to help them sleep? Maybe manage some aches and pains? Boost immunity? Feel calm and centered? When you purchase this, you and I will chat and find the perfect blend for your loved one!

Body Butter

$25

This fan favorite is a popular gift for anyone! Handmade with natural shea butter and pure essential oils this creamy skin soothing butter is the perfect gift. Not only does this smell amazing but it is a completely natural and skin loving cream that makes the skin feel so soft.

This year I have three different varieties of body butter available!

Marigold Infused Body Butter

Marigolds are a relative to the ever popular calendula flower which is known for its skin healing properties. By infusing fractionated coconut oil with fresh marigold petals the body butter comes out silky, creamy and ultra soothing for skin. I added Wild orange, Grapefruit, Siam wood, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Green mandarin other pure essential oils.

Geranium Infused Body Butter

Geraniums are commonly referred to as poor man’s rose, both of which are known for their skin healing properties. By infusing fractionated coconut oil with fresh geranium petals the body butter comes out smooth, creamy and so soft. To enhance the floral theme, I added pure magnolia, jasmine, and geranium essential oils.

Lavender Infused Body Butter

Lavender is known for its soothing and calming properties. By infusing fractionated coconut oil with fresh lavender blooms the body butter is perfect for a bedtime application to support sleep. Lavender is also one of the most calming plants so this is a great choice for any skin issues or simply to help dryness. To enhance the lavender, I added pure lavender essential oil.

Christmas Spread

$5

Christmas Spread is a fruit spread made with cranberries, strawberries, oranges, and wonderful spices. What a bountiful flavor of the holiday season in every bite! Perfect for toast, cheesecake, Brie cheee or homemade waffles.

I also have a limited quantity of Palisade Peach Jam!

$5/jar $3/half-size jar

Potpourri Simmer Pot

$8

A potpourri simmer pot is a natural, fragrant way to freshen up your home by simmering aromatic ingredients in water on the stove. As it heats, the ingredients release their scent, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. These simmer pots are made of citrus peels, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.

How to Order

To simplify the process of ordering, simply email me below (or you can text me) and tell me which items you would like and if you will be picking them up, or if you’d like me to ship them. I will email you back a confirmation and a total. You can use venmo, Zelle, PayPal or good old fashioned cash.

Email Me Your Order

Thank you!

So many of you have been so supportive of me over the years. I am so blessed that I can continue to share my passion and touch your life. It means a lot to me that you know that you are very important in my life and I am incredibly grateful that our paths have crossed. I believe that now more than ever, we need to recognize the people and meaningful connections that we all have.

As always, it is my hope that you stay healthy and happy in your mind, body and spirit.

xo, Stacie

November Inspiration

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“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melodie Beattie

Dear Friends,

This is a special time of year when we find ourselves being more thankful and extra appreciative. A deliberate practice of gratitude can truly change your life. Many years ago I began a daily gratitude journal and after a short time I realized that throughout my day I was looking for things to be able to write down in my journal. What a life-changer to be on the look-out for what is good versus what is lack. In times of fear or sadness, I can open up a past journal and be reminded of all that I really do have in my life.

Research says that a gratitude practice can boost the neurotransmitter serotonin and activate the brain stem to produce dopamine. Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel. Amazing, eh?

When we think of abundance we often think of the tangible, material, often obvious things in our life to be grateful for; house, food, car, employment, etc. I would like to offer up acknowledging the abundance of less visible things, such as the love you feel for someone, the colors that surround your life, the sounds of music and laughter, the aroma that fills your home from a hearty soup, or the growth that you have shown this year.

I have a few ways you can join me in developing a mindfulness practice and maintaining a grateful heart. I am sharing my 10 days of Gratitude Virtual Yoga Series and I have created a fun Mindfulness group that will give you daily tips!

Join Free Mindfulness Group

Soak in all that is untouchable. Fill your heart with the fullness of simply being alive and experiencing the sensations each day offers. I often use my five senses to tap into abundance in any given moment. Think about what you have touched, tasted, smelled, heard and seen just today!

As I reflect on my life, I know for sure that I am incredibly thankful for the path that has led me to each of you. What a journey the last seventeen years has been!

Always grateful,

Stacie

For it is in giving that we receive. ~ Francis of Assissi

Wellness Offerings

HOLISTIC HEALTH SERIES

What if I told you I could give you some systematic choices and alternatives that are life sustaining and could possibly guide you to creating a balanced mind, body and spirit? What if I was in your corner WITH you as you bravely began to navigate across new territory? What if I held the map for you as you take the first few steps? This series includes yoga, discussion and practical tips and tools for your holistic toolbox. And, the content is yours forever.

This series will teach you practical tools and practices for the mind, body and spirit.

This guide is for you if you’re looking to learn about:

  • Mental Clarity and Stress Relief
  • Movement and Nourishment
  • Inner Essence and Love

Get Access to Holistic Health Series Here

Be sure to watch later this month for my Shop Small Business Gift Giving Guide!

Essential Oils

Many of you know that I use and rely on essential oils to maintain the health of my mind, body, and spirit. I use them throughout my home from cleaning, for pain management, energy, sleep, mood and much more. One of my favorite things is helping others get started using natural remedies and plant medicine.

You will also get an awesome welcome package from me, access to my exclusive VIP community group, on going education and mentoring, and much more. It is easy to get started! I am also happy to chat personally with you to find the perfect options for your needs. If you already are a customer consider gifting someone you love with the same amazing benefits! I can help you!

Get Started with Essential Oils

Do you know someone who could benefit from my services? I offer an amazing referral program and would love to help your loved ones find health.

Referral Program

Promotions

GRATITUDE ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND

This wonderfully earth, spicy and warm aroma is the perfect blend to bring about feelings of thanks and gratitude. This is my MOST popular curated blend I have available. It smells heavenly. Plus, what a great gift for someone you appreciate!

  • Siberian fir helps to break down negative emotional patterns
  • Frankincense raises awareness and help to shine your bright light
  • Grapefruit invites appreciation for who you are
  • Wild Orange evokes abundance and gladness to the heart
  • Geranium is heart opening and helps to realize security in what you do have
  • Clove instills power, sense of protection and integrity
  • Amber chips—A fossilized tree resin, amber radiates laughter, vitality, and courage. .

Purchase Gratitude Blend

Recipes & DIY

Did you know you can use essential oils in your favorites dishes in place of dried herbs or zests of citrus? Plus, they can add a great aroma to your house!

THANKSGIVING GOODIES

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

Healthy Pumpkin Pie

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Lesson from Gratitude

The evidence for the impact of gratitude isn’t just anecdotal. There is scientific evidence for the benefits of gratitude. There have been numerous studies on the effects of gratitude. It’s been scientifically proven to improve the lives of those who practice it.

However, as the cold winds begin to blow, we know we must hold on tight to our branches until it’s our time to fall. It’s interesting because none of us want to drop. We just want to stay in our spot, high above the ground and admire the magnificent atmosphere fall brings.

1.Gratitude Makes You Mentally Stronger Living a grateful lifestyle can make you mentally tougher. It doesn’t mean you won’t still have to deal with stress. It just means that you’ll be able to deal with it much easier. Stress won’t have as debilitating an effect if you’re practicing gratitude regularly. In one study, it was shown that Vietnam veterans who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fared much better when they practiced gratitude. As a matter of fact, the study made it clear that the veterans who practiced gratitude were able to cope with their condition much more effectively than those who didn’t.

2. Gratitude Makes You Healthier. Gratitude is not only great for your mental health, it can help you physically too. It can boost your immune system and make it easier for you to adopt healthier habits. It’s been shown that those who practice gratitude also participate in other healthy activities such as exercising and eating healthier. In another study, it was shown that gratitude has other health benefits. In this study, people who suffered from neuromuscular disorders were examined. The group that wrote in a gratitude journal daily were found to be much healthier than the control group. They also slept better and reported fewer health symptoms.

3. Gratitude Makes You More Productive. Robert A. Emmons, one of the leading authorities on the science of gratitude said this about one of his studies: “Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period compared to subjects in the other experimental conditions.”

4. Gratitude Makes You Happier. Focusing on the things that are going right in our lives is absolutely crucial if you’re going to be happy. After all, how can you be happy if you always focus on the negative parts of your life? Gratitude enables you to really see how blessed you truly are.

5. Gratitude Allows You To Impact Others. Everyone wants to feel like they matter. It’s the reason we do many of the things we do. When we help others, we feel a sense of significance. When you express heartfelt gratitude to someone else, you are showing them how important they really are. You’re drawing attention to an action they took that made your life better.

Thank You

So many of you have been so supportive of me during this unusual time in our lives. I am so blessed that I can continue to share my passion and touch your life. It means a lot to me that you know that you are very important to me, and I am incredibly grateful that our paths have crossed. I believe that now more than ever, we need to recognize the people and meaningful connections that we all have.

As always, it is my hope that you stay healthy and happy in your mind, body and spirit.

Much love and light to you!

xo, Stacie

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Living More Mindfully

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Living more mindfully is about being fully present and engaged in your everyday experiences, with a sense of curiosity and openness. November is a great time to practice living more mindfully because we can learn to say No(vember) to things that do not serve us.

Here are some tips to help you live more mindfully:

1. Start Your Day with Intention

  • Take a few moments each morning to set an intention for the day. It could be something simple, like being patient or staying present. This gives your day a mindful direction.

2. Create a Morning Routine

  • Start your day with a mindful practice, like stretching, breathing exercises, or even savoring a quiet cup of tea or coffee. Engage fully in these moments rather than rushing through them.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing

  • Throughout the day, take pauses to focus on your breath. Breathe slowly and deeply, and notice the sensation of each inhale and exhale. This can help center you and relieve stress.

4. Slow Down Your Eating

  • Mindful eating involves truly savoring each bite, noticing the flavors, textures, and aromas. Avoid distractions while eating, like phones or TV, and enjoy the experience of nourishing yourself.

5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  • Notice the details in your environment: the colors, shapes, sounds, and scents. Even on a familiar walk, you might discover new things. This habit can bring a fresh sense of appreciation to daily life.

6. Listen Fully

  • When someone speaks, listen to understand rather than just waiting to respond. Set aside any distractions, look them in the eye, and be present in the conversation. This can deepen your connections with others.

7. Limit Multitasking

  • Focus on one task at a time to improve your focus and reduce stress. When you’re working, be fully engaged in the task at hand, and avoid jumping between multiple things.

8. Cultivate Gratitude

  • Notice the good things around you, no matter how small. Keep a gratitude journal or mentally note three things you’re thankful for each day. This practice encourages a mindful appreciation of life’s gifts.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

  • Notice when you’re being hard on yourself, and treat yourself with kindness. Allow yourself to make mistakes and be imperfect. This can reduce inner judgment and promote self-acceptance.

10. End Your Day Mindfully

  • Wind down each evening with a mindful activity, like stretching, journaling, or reading. Reflect on your day, savor the good moments, and let go of the less pleasant ones.

11. Bring Mindfulness into Daily Tasks

  • Whether washing dishes, folding laundry, or taking a shower, focus fully on the sensations and movements involved. This simple practice can turn routine tasks into moments of calm.

Would you like any specific exercises to help integrate these practices into your day-to-day life? Watch this introduction video and take on the assignment to choose one activity or chore to practice mindfully. In time you will find it easier and easier.

Join my FREE private group for daily tips the month of November for living a more mindful life.

Join My Group

What Is Holistic Health?

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Holistic health is an approach to well-being that considers the whole person. Mind, body, and spirit instead of just focusing on physical symptoms. It views health as a balance among these areas, each of which influences the others in creating overall wellness. Unlike conventional medicine that may concentrate on treating individual ailments, holistic health aims to uncover root causes of imbalances. It also helps to nurture each aspect to foster healing from within. This approach encourages looking at lifestyle, emotional well-being, and personal beliefs, emphasizing that true health is about harmony within ourselves.

The Mind

The mind in holistic health refers to mental and emotional well-being. Our thoughts, emotions, stress levels, and mental clarity all play a major role in our health. When we’re mentally balanced, we’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges, make healthy choices, and maintain positive relationships. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and stress management can support mental clarity and emotional stability. This can help prevent or manage issues like anxiety, depression, or stress-related illnesses. Cultivating a healthy mind enhances our emotional resilience and contributes to better physical health.

The Body

The body in holistic health represents the physical aspect, focusing on maintaining the body’s strength, flexibility, and resilience. This includes physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and overall self-care practices that support bodily health. When we take care of our bodies—through movement, balanced eating, hydration, and rest—we’re better equipped to handle stress, fight off illnesses, and sustain energy. The body also directly impacts our mental and emotional states. For instance, exercise releases endorphins that improve mood, and good nutrition supports mental clarity.

The Spirit

The spirit aspect focuses on finding meaning, purpose, and connection in life. Spirit doesn’t necessarily refer to religion. Rather it’s more about feeling connected to something bigger than ourselves, whether through nature, relationships, personal beliefs, or a sense of inner peace. When we nurture our spirit, we feel a deeper sense of fulfillment and joy. This can motivate us to take better care of our bodies and minds. This spiritual wellness adds depth to holistic health, recognizing that our well-being isn’t just physical or mental. Spiritual wellness is also shaped by our sense of purpose and our connection to the world. Together, mind, body, and spirit create a foundation for lasting wellness and a more fulfilling, balanced life.

I have a complete three part series that goes a little deeper into these aspects of holistic health. We will learn techniques for keeping our holistic health optimal, including yoga, essential oils, breathing practices and crystals.

Ready to dive in?

Get Your Access Here

Sourdough Pumpkin Cookie Bars

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Here’s a delicious recipe for Sourdough Pumpkin Cookie Bars—perfect for fall and a great way to use sourdough discard!

Ingredients:

  • Wet Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
    • 1/4 tsp cloves
    • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional Add-ins:
    • 1 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
    • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, melted butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Add optional ingredients: If using chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
  6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars.

Enjoy!

These cookie bars are soft, moist, and packed with warm fall flavors. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices!

My Teacher

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Long ago when I was volunteering in hospice rubbing people’s feet near their time of death, I met perhaps one of my greatest teachers. Almost breathtaking in her vibrancy this angel gifted me an important message that will stick around for many years to come. I ponder her message often and wonder how I can learn it.

My Teacher

When I pointed out that we had the same birthday she immediately listed all the qualities of a Capricorn; strength, independence, tenacity, hard-working, task completing, don’t take-anything-from-anyone-attitude and basic bad-ass.  We immediately recognized the qualities in ourselves and laughed together at our headstrong stubbornness. Most of the session that I was rubbing her feet, she kept her eyes closed with a peaceful expression on her face. I finished rubbing her feet and was getting up to leave when she grabbed my arm.  And then with that all so familiar Capricorn fierceness she looked deep into my eyes and said, “do not let your strength get in the way“.

The silence that came afterwards left the words hanging in the air for what seemed like hours.  As her beloved partner walked past the bed, my patient gestured to her and told me that she is a Cancer.  She then said to me, “We are Earth dwellers.  Sometimes we have to carry the water of others. (nodding to her love).  And sometimes we must allow the water to wash over us.”  Her eyes closed again and she smiled.

Moments later her eyes opened and she asked me what I wanted my kids to know before I died.  I explained that I wanted them to know without any hesitation that they are loved unconditionally and accepted for who they are.  She smiled and assured me that they knew that.  Our time together became quiet and touchably calm.  As we said goodbye, we both had tears rolling down our cheeks.  In a short period of less than an hour, I was given more wisdom than I could ever have hoped or anticipated. Filled with gratitude, I held her hand and thanked her.

She repeated to me, “do not let your strength get in the way.”  

The craziest part of this entire experience was that morning I had tattooed on my ribs the word “strength” after polling my boys to give me one word that they would describe when thinking about me.

Perhaps a wall I have built around me is known as strength. Maybe this is a strategy of survival and safety for me. It might be that although the strength has served me well, it has also gotten in my way a time or two.

Your task is not to seek love but merely seek and find all the barriers within yourself you have built against it.

Alignment

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When you hear the word alignment, what comes to mind? The dictionary defines alignment as arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions or  a position of agreement or alliance. This can mean a multitude of things as it relates to decisions we make, how we conduct ourselves, and even how we literally move our bodies in space.

To be “out of alignment” can be simply understood as an arrangement in which two or more things are not positioned correctly in a straight line or parallel to each other. In Yoga we hear a lot about the body being in alignment, but can that statement also relate to how you show up in the world?

Living Alignment

Remember last month I asked you to determine what makes up the roots or foundation that sustains you when life gets hard? Now it is time to put the proof in the pudding and see if your words, thoughts, and actions are in alignment with that.

Let’s say that integrity is a value you hold as something that keeps you steady. Then your actions dictate otherwise; you mislead people, you are a doormat for others to mislead you, you often fudge or hide the truth, or possibly you make decisions that are anything but ones packed with integrity. Simply thinking, if you say being healthy is important to you and you consume crappy food and toxic media, it is probable you are out of alignment with what you say you find important.

Alignment in Yoga

If you have been paying attention for long you may notice that I am big believer in living yoga and not just practicing yoga. I believe that far more of the yoga principles are implemented off the mat (or chair) and teach this all the time. The shape our bodies create while practicing is just a small part of it.

In Yoga, the principle of Alignment is closely related to principles like: balance, symmetry, precision and harmony – all are fundamental principles in yoga practice. Iyengar Yoga is the practice of precision. Poses are held for long periods and often modified with props. This method is designed to systematically cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness, and can be therapeutic for specific conditions. B.K.S. Iyengar, an Indian teacher and guru, founded Iyengar Yoga. Iyengar says:

Alignment is to bring balance between the flow of energy and intelligence to connect the body to the mind.” And then, he says “We adjust not the body, but the awareness. The moment the awareness is brought to function, then the body finds its right alignment and adjusts; as water finds its level, the awareness, too, finds its level.”

Having Awareness

Practicing yoga on the mat (or in chair) is a sure way to bring awareness to the language your body speaks. It invites you to pay close attention the nuances of the shape your body is in. It encourages you to listen and make adjustments along the way.

Imagine having this type of awareness in the thoughts you have? Or the words that you speak? How about the actions (or lack of) that you do everyday?

Putting the principles of alignment into your daily life following the “practice” will integrate the principles of this beautiful lifestyle into your life.

Join me on Youtube this month as I walk you through a weekly practice of alignment. There I will suggest ways to align yourself with what you said keeps you steady.

The Greatest Gift of Alignment

We have all had that magical feeling when everything in our life is flowing well. Our relationships are easy and fulfilling and we feel balanced. Or, when it seems that everything we attempt becomes a success. When life feels “easy” and we are rarely agitated by everyday things, it is likely we are in alignment. You might say it is as if you are in the beautiful flow of life where a gentle reciprocity exists in all areas.

This is the divine alignment. You are in it.

Affirmations

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It is amazing to me how our inner narrative about ourselves can be so negative. Years ago I started a pretty solid affirmation practice and continue to this day. By rerouting our thoughts and words to a positive place, we actually retrain our brain to think and see the good in our lives.

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.

When you repeat them often, and truly believe in them, you can start to see positive changes in your life unfold. Practicing positive affirmations can be extremely simple, and all you need to do is pick a phrase and repeat it to yourself.

I don’t know about you, but I have spent many years, speaking things like “I am a mess, I am overwhelmed, I am stressed, I am in so much pain.” I still catch myself and can now rephrase to “I am doing my best or I am handling this with grace or I am feeling my body tell me something”.

Affirmations require regular practice they can help you to make lasting, long-term changes to the ways that you think and feel.

Do you have a list of affirmations? What’s your favorite one? I love having sticky notes and reminders around my house and I even have an app in my phone that periodically throughout the day sends me an I am_____ reminder of something good.

I encourage you to start a 30 day affirmation practice and see what shows up in your life. Need some help coming up with affirmations? I am happy to help!

You have probably heard about intentions, right?  Especially at the beginning of a new year, it is quite the buzz.  I am all for people setting new year goals, visions, intentions, or whatever you want to call them, but I am talking more about a daily focus on something you want to create in your life.

Over the years I have worked with intentions and affirmation on a daily basis. I have seen first hand when they work, and when they do not work.  They work when you truly feel what you are saying, when you visualize it often to the details,  and the same holds true when they don’t work.  Feeling it is key. You can’t expect results just by just repeating it. The more you speak it, the more you feel it, the more you feel it, the more you speak it, and the cycle continues.

Positive affirmations require a consistent and regular practice if you want to make lasting, long-term changes.

The good news is that the practice and popularity of positive affirmations are based on widely accepted and well-established psychological theory, –yes, science backs up the new agey, hippie feel-good vibes. Pretty amazing, right?

Practicing positive affirmations can be extremely simple.  You pick a statement that is positive and you repeat to yourself.  Over and over.  You write it down and then sit with it.  Next, you believe it. This repetitive practice is powerful. Try a meditation called Japa meditation using mala beads.

Choose intentions to motivate you, encourage positive things in your life, or even boost your self-esteem. The subconscious patterns of negative self-talk can be eliminated by a regular positive affirmation or intention practice.

Here are the steps I follow to living my intention with affirmations:

  1. Get clear. Sit quietly without distractions and think of one (or two) areas in your life that you would like to be different. Some ideas include generating more income, finding true love in a partner, having a healthier body, or increasing self-esteem. I also love to use lime and rosemary essential oil when getting clear.  These two essential oils are powerful when it comes to the brain and can bring a sense of focus and inner knowledge.
  2. Create a powerful statement. Whatever you choose, having a very clear and deliberate statement, preferably spoken in the terms of I AM_____ (healthy, abundant, happily in love with a loving partner, surrounded by supportive friends, confident and strong). The two most powerful words in any language is I AM, so start by speaking in those terms versus I want, or I need.  I AM is ownership.
  3. Incorporate your intention into your daily life. Write down your affirmation and put it in a place where you will see it often.  Or even better, invest in sticky notes and put throughout your home. Mirrors, refrigerators, planners, cabinets, your car, etc. are great places.  I also like to may a simple photo and make it my wallpaper on my phone.
  4. Affirmations as a practice. Recording your voice on your phone and listening to yourself speak the affirmation is a great way to reinforce your intention. There are also some awesome apps you can get on your phone that remind you throughout the day to pause and listen to your affirmations.  Setting aside five minutes each morning to get still, quiet, and then repeat them in your meditation practice is also wonderful. If you want to incorporate the mantra/affirmation into your japa meditation practice, this can be incredibly powerful as well.  Basically, find a way that works for you to repeat the affirmations as often as you can.
  5. Be deliberate with your actions. Setting an intention is an amazing way to create the life you want, and deserve, but sitting back and expecting the Universe to plop it into your lap is a set up for a big-time disappointment. Manifesting and creating also take effort on your part.  Let’s say you want a healthy body.  Speaking about it but continuing to be a couch potato and indulging on cheeto’s probably isn’t going to make that happen.  Expecting or desiring to have a steady source of income while absorbing yourself in leisure activities (TV, video games, reading novels, going fishing), isn’t going to make a lot of financial deposits. The truth is, whatever you desire in your life,  you first have to FEEL you deserve it so begin sort through those common feelings of not being enough now because it’s blocking your flow, FEEL it in every cell of your being when you speak it as if it has already happened, and FEEL so strongly about it that you begin to take mindful and deliberate actions steps towards making it happen.  That is what we know as co-creating.
  6. Gratitude. Without a solid a practice of gratitude all the affirmations in the world aren’t going to make a difference. And by solid, I mean a deliberate and consistent sitting down and acknowledging all the good in your life. Remember, what you focus on is what you’re inviting in. So, the more you focus on your abundance the more you will have. So simple.

Now, it is time to get busy. What do you want to create?

Follow me for more goodness!

Autumn Equinox

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The Autumn Equinox is a time of letting go and harvesting the good that is abundant in our lives. To allow the stalks and leaves to fall aside and go back to the Earth. With this beautiful and colorful season emerging it is our time to loosen our grip on the focus of growth and prepare to move into a more dormant season.

Autumn Equinox and cycles 

This is also a great time to look at the cycles of life; seasons, months, breath, and even life. As we embrace the time of gathering our harvest we are also preparing ourselves for the cycle in which we become more hunkered down. A little more in hibernation mode. The paradox of understanding cycles exists everywhere. 

The simplest observation is the breath; to inhale you must also exhale.

When we are awake we come to know that with each ending there is a beginning in whatever shape that takes; self awareness, growth, wisdom, letting go, forgiveness and grief.  If we pay attention, we can see this so easily in the changing of leaves. The amazing color that emerges following a season of bounty. Then the ease in which the leaf lets go. Watch as leaves effortlessly fall to the ground. They are taken into the loving arms of Mother Earth for the new growth that waits for the next season.

Take time to look at letting go of what no longer serves you.

At the autumn equinox there is a dynamic shift. The season of sunshine, growth, taking action, movement to a more quiet and still season. This time of year during the equinox is a powerful time to pause after the often chaotic energy of summer. Back to school and busy-ness to a more dormant and contemplative time.

This is time where we replenish, regenerate and recuperate from a season of push. 

Well, at least we should try to as the we are so in tune with nature and the natural rhythms of the world, if we are paying attention. Nature responds to the lessening hours of daylight by slowly fading into dormancy. Watch as the leaves fall from trees, the lush green of shrubs and vegetation fades, and animals forage and gather for a season of hibernation. How do we mimic these natural occurrences? We withdraw from the rush of outward action to a season of a more contemplative inner reflection of our spirit.

With this season also comes a wonderful reminder to gather your harvests and share with others and to celebrate the abundance of the world with your neighbors, your family, or even a stranger. We tend to want to hang on to “things”, both tangible and intangible and really all that does is is exhaust us and stop the flow of goodness.

During a yoga practice watch as you move in and out of balance and neutral. How your breath becomes rapid and slow, though we strive for equality of breath. Notice how the tension in our body is often paired with ease. Thoughts come and thoughts go.

The skills that we learn on the yoga to find neutral, equanimity, and harmony teach us the gift of following the rhythm of nature. Remember, our time on the mat is truly a practice for living yoga as we know that yoga really happens off the mat. 

Our practice this time of year should reflect the message of the equinox and allow it to be filled with times of pausing to gather your breath, to reflect in mountain pose with a sense of neutrality and to find the balance between dynamic postures and stillness.

Welcome the harvest that is within and always look for opportunities to be grateful.

 I know for myself, the practice of gratitude has lead me into a life of awareness that has enhanced my life everyday.

Life is really good, friends.

About Stacie

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.

With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Discard Loaf

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It is pumpkin spice season and I admit that I am here for it. Adding sourdough discard gives it an amazing tang and lots of moisture. This pumpkin spice sourdough discard loaf is truly a fall part in your mouth. I made this loaf last weekend and it was gone quickly!

Here’s a simple Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips recipe, perfect for fall:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar (or ½ cup brown sugar + ½ cup white sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  3. Wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the sourdough discard.
  4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
  5. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tip:

Let the bread cool before slicing for the best texture. Slather it with butter or enjoy on its own!

Self Reflection

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Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…. then better yourself.

How much time do you spend self reflecting? Do you ever hit the pause button and reflect on your decisions for the year and if they are aligned with your goals or visions for your life?

We are headed into the final quarter of the year and it is a good time to reflect on your beginning of the year visions and see how they have evolved and what you can do in the final stretch to reach them.

Equanimity

I set out the year with a quest to live with equanimity. To be steady and unwavering no matter what shows up. I should have known to be careful what I wish for. What a year it has been. I had two major hip surgeries and an infection in the hip. Add in some horrific reactions to the medications to treat the infection AND blood clots in my arm that resulted in permanent damage to the veins.

Despite it all, with the exception of a few days where I struggled to see beyond the pain, I feel that I did a great job maintaining equanimity as it is defined: evenness of mind especially under stress… a calm mental state and without hurried movement…right disposition or balance.

Self Reflection

Reflecting on the year is a great way to see the actual tools and actions that were put into place to lean towards your goal. Where did you grow and what is left to do?

I dug into some new things and discovered quite a bit about myself.

How did I remain steady and unwavering given all that this year asked me to face?

Learning a new skill can be a great way to redirect your mind away from what ails you to a new place of curiosity and challenge. I took on learning how to bake sourdough bread, canning jams and jellies and more.

Getting creative is a great way to bring happiness to your life if you are struggling. I opted to use a fun digital planner to help me create a system of graphics and ideas for my YouTube channel. I also found joy in creating homemade body butters, lotions and serums.

Participating in education and classes uses a part of your brain that can ignite interests in other areas. I explored a variety of free online courses to keep my brain working and sharp while my body healed.

Being outside does wonders for our mental health. Whether it is caring for a simple garden, sitting under a tree or basking in some sunshine, it all helps.

Gratitude is proven to be a tool that can truly change your life. When you practice gratitude, you shift your thoughts away from negative emotions and uncomfortable sensations. A daily heartfelt gratitude practice is a must.

What will you do in these final few months of 2024 to come closer to your vision?

How can I support you? Look at my podcast for past and upcoming episodes that dive deep into this.

Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils

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Soft, golden sunlight filters through the bedroom window, casting a warm morning glow throughout your home. You take in the serene scent of Lemon and Juniper Berry essential oils from a gentle mist that flows from the Volo® Marble Diffuser beside you. As you contemplate the day, you’re elevated by your environment, finding the peace and presence you need to begin your routine.

Anyone can appreciate the breathtaking scents of pure essential oils being diffused, but are you aware of the plethora of benefits that come from doing so? Here are four of them!

1. Bring the Outside In

Spending time in nature offers beautiful sights and smells. By diffusing pure essential oils, you can harness the power of nature to create a harmonious and calming environment in your space.

Whether it’s the invigorating aroma of sandalwood trees, the calming scent of lavender fields, or the refreshing notes of an orange grove, diffusing essential oils brings the wonders of the outdoors inside your home!

2. Enjoy Natural Scents

Unlike commercial air fresheners and scented candles, which can contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances, essential oils serve as a safe and natural alternative. These pure extracts from plants, flowers, and trees are free of artificial additives and toxins, making them an easy choice for you and your family.

Rather than turning to unnatural scents, try diffusing Eucalyptus essential oil for an effective solution to unwanted smells. With essential oils, you enjoy not just pleasant fragrances but also their purity.

3. Bask in Portability and Flexibility

One of the most convenient features of diffusing essential oils is portability and therefore incredible flexibility. With a diffuser, you can easily move from room to room, diffusing scents for a variety of purposes. Here are some examples:

  • Start your morning routine with the renewing aroma of Purify in the kitchen.
  • Use Rosemary in your home office for a refreshing space.
  • Refresh your bathroom with a burst of Peppermint after a shower.

The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the atmosphere in each room to match your needs and preferences at any given time.

4. Diffuse from Dusk to Dawn

Every good day begins with good sleep! Diffusing essential oils at night can create a more serene and relaxing environment conducive to sleep. It’s a simple yet effective way to support your bedtime routine.

The soothing, grounding aroma of doTERRA Serenity® Restful Blend will make your bedtime routine complete—rest assured.

Experience the benefits of diffusing today. This bundle is the perfect starter kit!

About Stacie

With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.