• the blessings butterfly
    healthy - inspiration - life challenge - self help

    September 30 Day Challenge: Halfway Point Check-in

    September 14, 2016 - By 

    Here I am, halfway through my September 30 Day Challenge and I have a few observations to share with you. I’ve broken them down into the three categories of my Challenge: Diet, Exercise, and Gratitude. DIET CHALLENGE: 30 days without consuming any sugar*, grains, dairy, or alcohol. (*No artificial sweeteners too. I do allow honey in my tea and pure maple syrup in my almond butter) Changing the way I eat is actually a lot easier than I thought it would be. I knew I was ready for a change, and I started out with the mindset that this is…

  • blue hair and a buffalo
    blessings - brain training - healing - healthy - life challenge - self help - The Cocoon

    Adulting: Tips for Easing Back in After a Holiday

    September 6, 2016 - By 

    Adulting can be so hard sometimes, AMIRITE?  Don’t worry Lovelies, you can do this! Whether you are trying to get yourself out of bed and back to work after a long holiday weekend or perhaps an even longer vacation break, there are a few simple things that you can do right now to make your reintegration to Responsible Adult Life a breeze. Here are my Top 5 Tips for Easing Back in After a Holiday: Re-Hydrate!  Top of the list for getting your body back on point. Spending fun times with friends and family almost always revolves around food &…

  • empower
    healthy - inspiration - life challenge

    September 30 Day Challenge

    September 1, 2016 - By 

    HAPPY SEPTEMBER! Lazy days of summer are coming to an end (okay I am honestly NOT great at being lazy) and you feel the energy around you shifting.  What is one positive, healthy thing you can challenge yourself with over the next 30 days? If you need a teensy bit of inspiration & encouragement, you can join me on my September 30 Day Challenge!  Here’s what I’m challenging myself to do for my health & well-being: 10 minute walk Adjusting my diet Daily gratitude journal   Here’s the details: A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single…

  • Cantaloupe Almond Milk Dairy Free Smoothie
    healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipes: Dairy-Free Smoothie (Tastes Like a 50/50 Bar!)

    August 27, 2016 - By 

    I wanted to create a sweet, creamy smoothie that was dairy-free but still tastes great & has an indulgent mouth-feel. BOOM! The Cantaloupe & Almond Milk Smoothie is just the thing.  It has a smooth texture and is sweet with a flavor reminiscent of a 50/50 bar without being overbearing.  It’s also a super-healthy fruit that’s loaded with potassium and B vitamins including B1, B3, B6, and folate, plus Vitamin K, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and fiber.   Calorie wise, a medium-sized melon only contains about 186 calories! Here’s my super-simple recipe: 1/2 ripe cantaloupe melon, seeds removed (you…

  • the blessings butterfly - brave
    blessings - brain training - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - The Cocoon

    Body-Positive Fitness, My Top 5 Tips, & Why I Created The Cocoon

    August 24, 2016 - By 

    For the past couple of years, I have been wanting- no, longing to- create a series of fitness videos for people living in bigger bodies, with a crazy twist: I don’t want you to lose a bunch of weight (unless that is something YOU want for yourself).  Instead, I wanted to simply love, support, and encourage people just like me to love the body that they are already living in, and provide them with some easy action-steps to help guide them to a healthier lifestyle.     I had this radical notion that I could begin to deeply, truly LOVE…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    (Cocoon Exclusive) Rad Recipes: Vanilla Date Shakes (V, VG, GF)

    August 24, 2016 - By 

    SWEET Secret Recipe just for you in The Cocoon:  Vanilla Date Shakes!   A sweet treat that Serves 2 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/2 large banana 3 Medjool dates, chopped (pits removed) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups vanilla yogurt  (try it with Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt!) ground cinnamon to taste ground cardamom to taste Blend almond milk, banana, dates, and vanilla extract until smooth; add yogurt and blend until mixture reaches your desired consistency (add a little more almond milk if it’s too thick).  Pour into glasses, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and/or cardamom on top. Enjoy! *approx.…

  • empower > compete
    healthy - recipes

    Rad Recipe: Create Your Own Quick & Easy Cucumber Detox Water

    August 18, 2016 - By 

    Creating your own Cucumber Detox Water is simple and quick.  Especially important for people who don’t love the taste (or lack thereof) of plain water, this naturally flavor-infused water tastes great and makes is easy to drink the healthy stuff all day long. Who says anything good takes a lot of time? Watch my super-fast video! Beautiful Body Benefits: Keeps your skin hydrated from the inside Helps your body flush out toxins and impurities Rich in antioxidants Nourishes your internal organs Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps curb mindless eating, so that you only eat when you are actually…

  • healthy - recipes - The Cocoon

    Rad Recipes: Strawberry & Chia “Detox” Smoothie

    August 15, 2016 - By 

    Now, I put the word “detox” in quotes because our bodies already naturally know how to get the crap out of our systems- that’s what livers, kidneys, and sweat glands DO. The word detox has become dangerously synonymous with diet culture, so I have become a lot more careful with it’s usage. Also: F*CK DIET CULTURE. After indulging several meals that mainly consisted of deliciously deep-fried everything, my body is begging me for a “detox” which actually just means that I am craving something lighter and easier on my digestive system. I still want actual food with wholesome ingredients that…

  • blessings - brain training - healthy - inspiration - Mantras - Meditation, Mantras, & Mindfulness - Monday Mantra - self help

    #MondayMantra Today I Feel So Good!

    July 18, 2016 - By 

    The quickest way I know how to get myself out of negative thinking and raise my vibes to a higher state of Love & Light is to speak in positive affirmations. We believe what we tell ourselves, so let’s make it good!  It is the tool I use daily to get back into my sunny, happy place- especially after going through tough emotions that can leave me feeling otherwise drained, or scared, or insecure.  Today, I encourage you to pour yourself a big glass of positivity and drink it in!  You deserve to feel good!

  • 5-in-5 MiniSession - healthy - inspiration - life challenge - Mantras - Meditation, Mantras, & Mindfulness - self help - The Cocoon

    The Blessings Butterfly is Going LIVE Next Week!

    July 13, 2016 - By 

    I’m going LIVE next week! What?! At the beginning of 2016, I settled on the word TRANSFORMATION as my word of the year. Let me tell you, it has been an amazing focal point for me!  This one little word is having such an impact on me and has been a catalyst in spurring me on my dream path. I know that transforming my own limiting beliefs and fears into positive, powerful, and uplifting mantras is the key to creating the life I want to live- and empowering & inspiring others to do the same. Earlier this year, I began…