I can hardly believe it’s already November- it feels like we were just celebrating the 4th of July, and now the Holiday season is right around the corner. Sure enough, we’re even beginning to feel cooler temperatures! You know what they say… Time flies when you’re having fun. This month, I’m reminded by the holiday of Thanksgiving to cultivate gratitude for my health and the ability to move my body; it’s something not everyone has, and I never want to take it for granted! I wanted to share with you some of the ways in which I’ve been celebrating my health by moving my body and some exciting new recipes and gift ideas perfect for the holiday season. I hope you and your family are having a beautiful fall season.
Intimidated by Yoga? Here’s How You Can Get Started With Ease!
We all know Yoga can be a little intimidating (even for masters) … all those complex balancing acts? No thank you!
Luckily, there are actually plenty of easy and restorative poses to get you started on your yoga journey. Here are just a few of them:
1. Mountain Pose
2. Tree Pose
3. Warrior 1 Pose
4. Downward Dog Pose
5. Triangle Pose
6. Child’s Pose
7. Plank Pose
8. Warrior 2 Pose
9. Cobra Pose
Interested in learning more? Check out this helpful article with more details!
Not Your Grandma’s Thanksgiving Recipes:
Looking to actually FEEL good during Thanksgiving weekend this year? Me too, friends. That’s why I’m going to be whipping up this easy slow cooker soup the week of the holiday and enjoying this yummy and wholesome oatmeal the morning of Thanksgiving to fuel me through a busy day of family time and cooking.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 medium/large butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed, and cut into small chunks
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 8 cups (64 ounces) low sodium vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Directions
- Put all of the ingredients except the spinach into your crockpot slow cooker and mix well.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove bay leaf and transfer about 50% of the soup, in batches if necessary, to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the blended soup back to the Crock-Pot with the unblended portion and mix together.
- Add in the chopped spinach and stir until it is wilted. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups milk (I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, cored and diced (I did not peel)
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons Sucunat (or regular sugar) mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8 1/2″ X 11″ baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well. Stir in the apple.
- Pour the mixture into your casserole dish. If using, top with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Festive Fall Scents (Without the toxic chemicals)
Protecting Your Skin All Year Round
One of my biggest sensitive skin must-haves is SPF… and I’m not just talking about the kind you spray on at the beach in July! I truly believe that applying SPF to our skin all year round can play such a huge role in anti aging and overall skin health… and it just so happens that the existing research agrees with me.
Many people think they have a “sun allergy,” but this is actually a reaction called Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE), which causes an itchy, red rash when sunlight hits sensitive skin. Protecting this skin from harmful UV rays is crucial, even in fall and winter when many overlook sun protection.Sensitive skin is particularly reactive to environmental changes, leading to increased dryness and irritation in colder months. While people may assume UV rays are less harmful in cooler weather, they remain a risk year-round. UV exposure can worsen in snowy conditions, as the sun’s rays reflect off snow, intensifying potential damage… all the more reason to wear sun protection during the cooler months!
Sensitive skin also often has a compromised barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation from UV exposure. Regular sun protection not only helps prevent immediate discomfort like sunburn but also reduces risks of premature aging and skin cancer. UV rays can damage collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines and dark spots, while consistent protection supports overall skin health.
Ultimately, effective sun protection for sensitive skin is essential all year. For stylish and reliable options, visit BloqUV for UPF 50+ clothing that blocks 98% of harmful rays, ensuring your skin stays safe and healthy regardless of the season!
A Fresh Scent For The Holiday Season
Looking for a natural, sustainable alternative to the harsh and often irritating perfumes on the mainstream market? Look no further! Element Tree Essentials has us covered once again with their signature solid perfume in 13 different scents, like black currant tea and grapefruit sorbet. What’s more? They’re the perfect size for stocking stuffers! Make sure to pick yours up the next time you’re in the studio.
The Perfect Gift For Your Fit Fam
Looking for the perfect gift for your fittest friends and family? Why not treat them to a restorative and luxurious laser therapy experience with Lightforce Medical to address any aches and pains they might be feeling?
Local Happenings This Month
The Chalk Festival: On November 8th-10th, enjoy the ‘Floralia Infiorata’ Chalk Festival to benefit the “Grow The Heart” nonprofit program!
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic: From November 15th to 18th, marvel at the talent of some of the most incredible sand sculptors in the world! Learn more by clicking here.
Florida Turkey Trot: Presented by Publix, this fun, family-friendly event is sure to be a good time for racers of all ages and abilities. On November 28th, run or walk 3.1 miles with your loved ones to benefit the Big Bill Foundation and Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy.
That’s all for now, friends! Be sure to count your blessings this month and prioritize moving your body out of celebration rather than just obligation. I’m thankful to have you in my corner and I hope you have an amazing Holiday season!
Warm regards,
Michele