Peach Cobbler Sourdough Muffins

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There’s something magical about opening the freezer and pulling out a taste of last summer. These Peach Cobbler Sourdough Muffins are made with the golden sweetness of Palisade peaches I froze at their peak last year—and let me tell you, the flavor is still sunshine in every bite. Any frozen peaches will do, though.

Soft and tender from the sourdough discard, filled with juicy chunks of peach, and topped with a warm cobbler-style cinnamon crumble, these muffins are pure comfort. A little tangy, a little sweet, and everything you want in a late spring or early summer treat.

Perfect for slow mornings, afternoon tea, or a thoughtful gift for someone who needs a little homemade goodness.

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Peach Cobbler Sourdough Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

For the muffins:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sourdough discard
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup frozen peaches, diced (don’t thaw)

For the cobbler topping:

  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp cold butter or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line or grease a muffin tin.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the sourdough discard, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
  5. Fold in the frozen peach pieces (keep them frozen so they don’t make the batter soggy).
  6. Spoon batter evenly into the muffin cups.
  7. Make the cobbler topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter with a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle on top of each muffin.
  8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are golden.
  9. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Why I Love These Muffins

  • A delicious way to use sourdough discard
  • Nostalgic summer flavor from Palisade peaches
  • The crumble topping gives it a cozy, cobbler vibe
  • Not too sweet—just right for breakfast or snack time
  • Easy to freeze and reheat

If you have peaches in your freezer and sourdough discard in your fridge, this recipe is calling your name.

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Diffuser Blend for for Calm & Clarity

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Some days call for quiet. For deep breaths. For a moment of stillness that feels like pressing your feet into the earth and letting the noise melt away.

This is where the Grounding Walk Diffuser Blend comes in. It’s inspired by that feeling you get on a peaceful walk through the trees—the earthy scent of soil and leaves, the whisper of wind, and the sense that everything is just as it should be.

It’s peaceful. It’s steady. And it’s just what you need right now.

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Grounding Walk Diffuser Blend

  • 2 drops Frankincense – for deep calm and spiritual grounding
  • 2 drops Lavender – to soften tension and promote peace
  • 1 drop Patchouli – to anchor you in the present moment
  • 1 drop Rosemary – to bring mental clarity and fresh perspective

Add to your diffuser with fresh water, settle in, and breathe deeply.

When to Use This Blend

  • During meditation or journaling
  • After a long or emotionally draining day
  • When you feel ungrounded, overwhelmed, or disconnected
  • While stretching, resting, or enjoying a cup of tea

Let this blend be your companion on the days when your nervous system needs a reset—no walk required, just the intention to come back home to yourself.

Want to Take It Outside?

You can also turn this blend into a DIY grounding perfume or a roller bottle using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Just reduce the number of drops and keep the same ratio for a gentle, portable version of your peaceful forest walk.

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

5 Gentle Yoga Poses to Reduce Anxiety — With Chair Yoga Options for All Bodies

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5 Gentle Yoga Poses to Reduce Anxiety — With Chair Yoga Options for All Bodies

We all experience stress and anxiety—but you don’t have to face it alone.
This new yoga video offers a short but powerful practice featuring 5 calming yoga poses, each designed to soothe your nervous system and quiet your mind.

Whether you’re brand new to yoga or seeking an accessible way to find ease in your day, these poses can help you feel more grounded, supported, and at peace.

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What You’ll Practice:

  • Forward Fold – for gentle spinal release
  • Legs Up the Wall – to reduce swelling & calm the nervous system
  • Cat-Cow – to awaken the spine and connect breath to movement
  • Child’s Pose – to settle the body into rest
  • Seated Twist – to release tension and improve circulation

And the best part?
Every pose includes a chair yoga variation, making it perfect for seniors, beginners, or anyone needing extra support.

Plus, keep an eye out for Leo the cat’s peaceful cameo—adding a little joy to your practice ?

Chair Option Here:

Subscribe for more:
 Embracing Spirit Yoga YouTube Channel

? Your 10-minute self-care break starts here. Your body and mind will thank you.

Stay Connected:
 Website: embracingwisdomandwellness.com
 Instagram: @embracingspirityoga
 Facebook: Embracing Spirit Yoga

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

DIY Rose Eye Cream

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own skincare—especially when it’s infused with love and ingredients from your garden. I’ve been infusing coconut oil with homegrown roses, and now I’m turning that dreamy base into sweet little 2oz jars of rose eye cream. It’s rich, nourishing, and beautifully fragrant thanks to rose essential oil and skin-loving butters.

Here’s how you can make your own small batch of this luxurious cream at home.

Prior to making your rose eye cream, you will need to harvest clean rose petals from your garden. Making sure there is NO water on the petals, soak them in fractionated coconut oil for at 7-10 days. After that time, the oil will be infused with rose and ready for use.

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Ingredients (Per 2oz Jar)

  • 1 tbsp rose-infused coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp shea butter
  • 1 tbsp mango butter
  • 1 tsp rosehip oil
  • 2–3 drops rose essential oil
  • (Optional: 1 drop vitamin E oil for preservation)

Tip: Multiply the ingredients by the number of jars you want to make.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Heatproof glass bowl or double boiler
  • Mini whisk or hand mixer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sterilized 2oz glass jars
  • Small spatula or spoon
  • Clean towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Butters
In a double boiler or glass bowl over simmering water, gently melt the shea butter, mango butter, and rose-infused coconut oil. Stir slowly until fully combined. Do not let it boil—gentle heat is key.

2. Add Rosehip and Essential Oils
Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the rosehip oil and optional vitamin E. Pour into a bowl.

3. Whip for a Fluffier Texture (Optional)
If you prefer a whipped texture, place the mixture in the fridge for about 20 minutes until it turns opaque but not solid. Add 3-5 drops of rose essential oil. I also love to add frankincense to anything I make for added benefit. Then whip with a hand mixer for 1–2 minutes until creamy and light.

4. Jar It Up
Spoon your eye cream into sterilized 2oz jars. Wipe the rims, seal tightly, and label with the date and ingredients.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store your eye cream in a cool, dark spot. You can also refrigerate it for a firmer texture and longer shelf life.

Shelf life: ~3–6 months (vitamin E oil can help extend this).

Why I Love This Blend

  • Rose-infused coconut oil hydrates and carries the soft, calming energy of the rose.
  • Shea butter and mango butter protect and nourish delicate skin.
  • Rosehip oil is known for its anti-aging and brightening benefits.
  • Rose essential oil adds a beautiful aroma and supports skin rejuvenation.

Whether you’re gifting these sweet jars to a friend or keeping them for yourself, this rose eye cream is a true act of self-love.

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If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Finding Joy in the Everyday: Why Simple Moments Matter

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I wasn’t headed anywhere special. Just me, my sporty blue Jeep, a wide stretch of road, and that particular kind of stillness that comes when you’re not rushing to get somewhere. It was one of those ordinary days that didn’t begin with a plan. But as life often reminds me, the most beautiful moments rarely need one.

I had driven past fields and fences, wildflowers and weathered barns, when I noticed a quiet little scene that pulled at my heart. I slowed down, pulled over, and let myself be drawn into a moment that asked nothing from me—just presence. There, on the side of the road, surrounded by sun and soil, was a glimpse of simple beauty. And it was more than enough.

This moment became a gentle reminder: joy lives in the everyday. Not just in the big celebrations or grand adventures, but in the pause. In the noticing. Paying attention to the way the light touches a leaf or how the wind plays with your hair as you drive with the windows down.

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Since we live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, hustle more, we forget how healing it can be to simply be with what is. To let the road stretch out before us and not be in a rush to arrive. Joy is not something we earn. It’s something we allow. It meets us when we slow down long enough to see it.

The Benefits of Finding Joy in the Everyday

1. Reduces Stress
Pausing to appreciate small, joyful moments calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, and supports emotional regulation.

2. Strengthens Resilience
When we train ourselves to find beauty in ordinary days, we build emotional endurance for the harder ones.

3. Improves Mental Health
Gratitude and joy are directly linked to increased life satisfaction, lower levels of depression, and improved outlook.

4. Enhances Presence
Joy brings us back to the present moment, grounding us in our bodies and our breath, rather than our to-do lists or worries.

5. Encourages Connection
Everyday joy invites us to share, to smile at strangers, to slow down with loved ones, to open our hearts to the world again.

So here’s my invitation: pull over sometimes. Let yourself linger in the unexpected quiet. Roll down the window. Let the sun warm your face. Let joy find you right where you are.

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Garden Chats: A Summer Series for Mindful Living, Healing, and Connection

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Coming This Summer: Garden Chats – A Mindful Living Series

There’s something quietly powerful about pausing with nature—about letting the warmth of the sun, the hum of bees, and the fragrance of blooming flowers remind us that life doesn’t have to be rushed.

This summer, I’m inviting you to join me in the garden for a new kind of gathering.

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Garden Chats: A Summer Series of Mindful Living is a weekly YouTube Live experience where we slow down together. Starting June 22 and continuing through the end of summer, these free, heart-centered chats are open to anyone seeking gentle connection, reflection, and a breath of peace.

No script. No pressure. Just space.

What to Expect

Bring a cup of tea, your curiosity, or simply your quiet presence. Each week, I’ll go live from my garden to share thoughts on mindful living, healing, and being present with what is. Sometimes we’ll explore simple practices; other times, we’ll just talk about the real stuff—grief, growth, gratitude, and everything in between.

The days will vary, so make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel and have notifications turned on so you don’t miss a session.

Why the Garden?

The garden teaches patience. It reminds us to root, to bloom in our own time, and to trust in cycles of rest and renewal. It’s the perfect backdrop for conversations that nourish the soul.

You’re Invited

This is for you if you’re craving calm. If you want to reconnect with yourself. If you’re ready to welcome a little more meaning and stillness into your days.

We begin June 22 and continue through September 22. Let’s spend the summer together, one mindful chat at a time. Subscribe here and be sure to turn on notifications so you’ll know when I am on live!

With warmth and wildflowers,
Stacie

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Easy Sourdough English Muffins (no oven needed)

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Easy Sourdough English Muffins

Makes: 8–10 muffins
Fermentation Time: Overnight (8–12 hours)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

A Simple and Delicious Sourdough Treat

If you’re looking for a gentle entry into sourdough baking, these easy sourdough English muffins are the perfect place to start. With just a few pantry staples and an overnight ferment, you’ll wake up to dough that’s ready to cook into golden, soft, and delightfully tangy muffins.

They’re perfect for breakfast sandwiches, a quick snack with jam, or toasted with a bit of butter and honey. No oven required—just a skillet or griddle and a bit of patience.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
  • 1 cup (240g) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) sugar or honey
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Cornmeal or semolina for dusting

Instructions

The Night Before:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together:
    • 1 cup sourdough starter
    • 1 cup milk
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
  3. After resting, add ¾ teaspoon salt and knead it in by hand or with a stand mixer.
  4. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and allow it to ferment overnight at room temperature (8–12 hours), or until doubled in size.

In the Morning:

  1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently pat it to about ¾ inch thickness.
  2. Use a 3-inch biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out muffins.
  3. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Sprinkle more cornmeal on top.
  4. Cover with a towel and let rise for 30–60 minutes, until slightly puffy.

To Cook:

  1. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Do not grease the pan.
  2. Gently transfer the muffins to the skillet. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning. Muffins should be deep golden and cooked through.

Tips for Success

  • Use a thermometer to check doneness—internal temp should reach 200°F (93°C).
  • For a soft interior and signature English muffin texture, split them with a fork instead of slicing with a knife.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Why Sourdough?

Sourdough offers more than just incredible flavor. It’s a gut-friendly, fermented grain that can be easier to digest than conventional breads. The long fermentation process helps break down gluten, increase nutrient availability, and naturally leavens the dough without commercial yeast. These English muffins are a great way to enjoy all the benefits of sourdough in a manageable and beginner-friendly recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about crafting your own English muffins from scratch—especially when your sourdough starter gets to shine. These muffins are simple enough for everyday baking and special enough to share.

Let me know in the comments if you try them, and feel free to tag me on social media with your delicious results. Happy baking!

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

DIY Floral-Infused Body Butter for Glowing Skin

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DIY Floral-Infused Body Butter for Glowing Skin

There’s something magical about capturing the essence of your garden and turning it into skincare. This dreamy, whipped body butter is infused with flowers like lilac, peony, rose, and calendula—each bringing their soothing, hydrating, and uplifting properties into your daily ritual. If you love botanical beauty and want to nourish your skin naturally, this one’s for you.

Why Floral-Infused Body Butter?

Infusing oil with dried blooms adds subtle fragrance and powerful skin-loving properties:

• Lilac: Known for its calming and lightly astringent qualities.

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• Peony: Softens and soothes sensitive or dry skin.

• Rose: A classic for hydration, balance, and emotional comfort.

• Calendula: A skin-healer and anti-inflammatory hero.

Ingredients:

Floral-Infused Oil:

• carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond, jojoba, or sunflower oil)

• fill quart size jar with lilac, peony petals, rose petals, and calendula

Body Butter Base:

• 2 cups shea butter

• 2 cups of your infused floral oil

• 6 tablespoons beeswax pellets

• 10–15 drops of essential oils (rose, lavender, or geranium pair beautifully—optional)

How to Make Floral-Infused Oil:

1. Add your dried flowers to a clean glass jar.

2. Pour carrier oil over the flowers to cover.

3. Seal and place the jar in a sunny windowsill for 1–2 weeks, shaking gently each day.

• Or use the quick method: Warm oil and flowers in a double boiler on low heat for 1–2 hours.

4. Strain oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a clean jar. Your floral oil is ready!

How to Make the Body Butter:

1. In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and coconut oil until fully liquid.

2. Remove from heat. Stir in the infused floral oil and vitamin E.

3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then place in the fridge until it begins to solidify (about 1 hour).

4. Once semi-solid, whip with a hand mixer for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.

5. Add essential oils and whip again briefly.

6. Spoon into clean jars and label. Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

To Use:

Massage a small amount into damp skin after a shower or bath. A little goes a long way! Let the botanical blend work its magic as you inhale the subtle floral scent.

Making your own floral-infused body butter is a beautiful way to connect with nature, slow down, and nourish your skin with intentional care. It’s a garden-to-body ritual that feels both luxurious and grounding.

Let me know if you try this recipe—or share your favorite floral pairings below!

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Part 4 | Gentle Stretching & Mobility for Healing

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Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Part 4 | Gentle Stretching & Mobility for Healing

If you’re in the midst of your hip surgery recovery journey and looking for a supportive way to restore flexibility and mobility—without getting down on the floor—this session is for you.

In Part 4 of the Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Series, we explore gentle, yoga-inspired movements using a chair for support. These mindful stretches are designed to promote functional movement, ease muscle tension, and encourage breath awareness for a grounded, healing experience.

What to Expect in This Video:

  • Seated and standing stretches to gently open and lengthen the body
  • Breath-led movement to calm your nervous system and invite awareness
  • Supportive transitions that build trust in your body’s strength
  • A compassionate pace for mid-to-late stage recovery

Whether you’re returning to movement after surgery or integrating a long-term recovery plan, this session invites you to move mindfully and with kindness.

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Inspired by my own healing journey through multiple hip surgeries, I offer this practice as a tool for encouragement, stability, and deeper connection to yourself.

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Follow the Full Rehab Series:
 YouTube Playlist Link

Let’s continue healing, one breath and one stretch at a time. Thank you so much for your continued support of me and my healing and work.

Much love, Stacie

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Simple Summer Joys: A Mindful Celebration of the Season

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As the days stretch longer and the sun lingers just a bit more sweetly, I’m finding myself drawn to the simplicity of summer. There’s something about this season that invites us to slow down, breathe deeper, and take pleasure in the little things.

You don’t need a packed vacation or a fancy plan to feel the fullness of summer joy. Sometimes, it’s the smallest moments that hold the most magic. Think about it:

  • The first bite of juicy watermelon on a hot afternoon
  • A barefoot walk through the grass or warm sand
  • Reading in a hammock with a breeze on your skin
  • The scent of fresh flowers on the kitchen table
  • A slow sunset walk with nowhere to be
  • Yoga outside with birdsong in the background
  • Homemade lemonade, extra ice, and a splash of calm
  • A morning that starts slow, with sunlight and stillness

It’s these little rituals that shape a season—what I like to call everyday joy.

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Which simple summer moment brings you the most joy?

  • Strolling a farmers market
  • Picnic in the park
  • Barefoot in the grass or sand
  • Evening walks at sunset
  • Reading in a hammock
  • Morning yoga in the sunshine
  • Fresh flowers on the table
  • Homemade lemonade with extra ice
  • Watermelon on the porch

Or maybe you have one of your own? Comment below or share on social media and tag me — let’s inspire each other to embrace the slow, simple beauty of summer.

Want More Inspiration?
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for seasonal wellness tips, summer recipes, essential oil blends, and ways to root deeper into calm and joy — all season long.

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

5 Calming Poses to Support Cortisol Balance

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Cortisol Reset: 5 Yoga-Inspired Poses to Help You Feel Calm and Grounded

Have you ever felt tired but wired at the end of the day—like your body is begging for rest, but your mind just won’t turn off?

That’s often a sign of high cortisol levels—your body’s primary stress hormone—still running the show, even when the day is done. Whether you’re managing chronic stress, burnout, fibromyalgia, or post-surgical healing (like me), that overstimulated nervous system can leave you feeling restless, achy, and emotionally depleted.

Over the years, I’ve found that weaving a simple, mindful yoga practice into my evening routine can help bring the body into a state of rest and safety. This gentle sequence of five poses is my personal cortisol reset—designed to calm the nerves, ground the energy, and support the body’s natural transition into rest and recovery.

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1. Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
This restorative inversion helps drain tired legs, calms the mind, and invites your body into its parasympathetic “rest and digest” state.

Try it for 5–10 minutes with a folded blanket under your hips and soft lighting in the room.

2. Supported Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This gentle forward fold cradles the nervous system. When supported with pillows or a bolster, it helps you feel held and grounded.

Let your arms relax and forehead rest on something soft to activate the calming pressure points.

3. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana)
A slow, inward fold that quiets the thoughts and releases tension in the spine and hamstrings.

Don’t worry about reaching your toes—just soften and breathe.

4. Reclined Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
A beautiful heart-opener that helps ease anxiety and promote stillness. Use pillows under the knees for full support.

Place one hand on your heart and one on your belly to connect inward.

5. Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
This twist helps release the spine, massage the organs, and encourage a natural detox of the stress hormones.

Let your breath be long and slow here, feeling into the release.

Bonus Tip: Add Essential Oils for Even Deeper Calm

Pair this practice with a calming essential oil blend for extra support. I like to use a blend of tulsi, cedarwood, clary sage, and chamomile—applied over the adrenals (lower back), heart, and wrists. Aromatherapy sends another signal to your body: “You are safe. You can rest now.”

Your Cortisol Reset Ritual

Set the tone with soft lighting, a cozy blanket, maybe a cup of herbal tea or magnesium. Take your time with each pose, focusing on slow, nourishing breaths. Even just 15–20 minutes can shift your nervous system in powerful ways.

Your body wants to heal—it just needs space and signals of safety. This practice can be your invitation to slow down and reconnect with that healing rhythm.

Let me know if you try this sequence—or share your favorite evening wind-down ritual in the comments. We’re in this together.

Looking for more gentle healing tools?
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for upcoming guided videos and practice sessions.

Shop My Wellness Picks on Amazon

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

A Mid-Year Reflection: Returning to My Word of the Year

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Coming Back to Center: A Mid-Year Reflection on My Word of the Year

Back in January, I set an intention for the year—a single word that would guide me, ground me, and gently pull me forward when things felt heavy: RENEWAL

At the time, I wrote about what I hoped this word would bring into my life. The year was fresh, and like many of you, I felt a quiet optimism tucked inside the unknown. Now, as we meet the halfway mark of 2025, I wanted to pause. Breathe. Reflect. Revisit.

What’s Shifted Since January

This year has unfolded in ways I couldn’t have predicted. There have been seasons of pain and fatigue, but also moments of resilience and creativity that surprised me.

Share the Kindess

I’ve had to adjust how I move through the world—literally and emotionally. What once looked like long hikes and high-energy classes now looks like short walks with a cane, deep breaths between strength training sessions, and meaningful time behind the keyboard writing and creating.

I’m still showing up—but in new ways.

Has My Word Stayed With Me?

Yes. In unexpected ways. It whispered through quiet mornings. It held my hand when I had to slow down. It was there when I reimagined what strength could look like in a healing body.

It’s not always easy to stay connected to a word or intention. Life gets busy, messy, unpredictable. But coming back to it now—six months later—I’m reminded that this isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of the year, I’m not setting new goals or adding pressure. Instead, I’m asking:

  • How can I honor this word for the next six months?
  • Where does it want to guide me now?
  • What would it look like to live even more aligned with this intention?

Maybe you chose a word in January too—or set a goal that’s gotten dusty. That’s okay. Let’s dust it off together. Recommit. Reimagine. Or maybe even pick a new one if the old one no longer fits.

The beauty of intention is that it’s never too late to begin again.

A Gentle Invitation

If you feel called, take five minutes today to reflect:

  • What was your word or theme for the year?
  • How has it shown up?
  • What does it need now?

And if you’d like, share your word or reflection in the comments—I’d love to hear how your year is unfolding.

Here’s to the second half of 2025… may it meet us gently and deeply.

With heart,
Stacie

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