SEARCH RESULTS

Most moms I talk to share the same worry “Am I doing enough? Am I being enough?” These are the same worries that have kept me awake countless times. (And between diaper changes and now waiting for my teens to make it home in time to meet curfew, the last thing I need is another reason to lose sleep!) Ladies, let me tell you a secret – you ARE! You are doing enough. You are being enough! This mom-ming thing is a marathon, not a sprint. As a fellow mom, I’m pleading with you to take some time to recognize all that you do, realize that you are enough. As moms, we’ve got to wear many hats. Chef, therapist, chauffeur, coach, nurse, friend, disciplinarian, teacher, cheerleader… the list goes on and on and this growing list has been the biggest source of pride and joy in my entire life. The mix of hats we wear and everything we do to keep our families together is what I like to call “the Mom Hustle” and the mom hustle (and struggle) has taught me more about myself and what I am capable of than any other experience in my life. I remember thinking when I had three little kids and Chris was on the road often, that was a REAL mom hustle. When I had a second to breathe I found myself worrying how I was going to get through the next day! As my family has grown up, I’ve learned that it doesn’t get easier – you just get better. The mom hustle has taught me to pivot and to be able to switch hats when it’s needed – and to be able to take my “mom hat” off when that’s needed, too. Balancing being everything we need to be for our families all while fulfilling what we feel our lives purpose to be is tough. As individuals, our goals and aspirations evolve as we grow. In my early twenties, the life that I pictured is far different than what I’ve designed for myself in my forties and with experience and wisdom (and loads of laughter) I’ve learned that that’s okay. I’ve launched Well Inspired Travels as a way to fulfill the dreams that I’ve always had for myself and my family. I have learned that if I “drop a few balls” along the way (like not making that charity meeting, or volunteering at school, or forgetting that email) it’s ok and I refocus on slowing my juggling down to keep the most important 4 balls always in the air: Chris, Jack, George, and Lilah. Right now, I’m embracing the craziness and wearing all of the hats, because I know that in the blink of an eye they won’t need me to (as often) and I’ll look back on the chaotic weekday mornings, Saturdays spent navigating tournaments, and late nights and I’ll miss them. So, for now juggling more than 4 balls is enough for me and those balls are too precious to ever drop. I LOVE my mom hustle (and my “closet full of mom hats!”)

I feel that a blog about wellness would be remiss if I didn’t focus a bit on laughter. Laughter was, is, and always will be a huge component of the Pronger household and Chris and my relationship. In fact, it’s what brought me and my husband together in the first place! Like many first encounters, Chris and mine wasn’t an instant connection. He was incredibly shy when we first met and I wasn’t necessarily looking for love or a new relationship with a giant, gorgeous, budding hockey star. We met, we parted, and that was that… or so I thought! Chris contacted me to tell me about a party he was hosting (which I later found out was a ploy to get another chance to hang out with me and show me who he really was.) I came to his party, laughed harder than I had in years, and I’ve been belly laughing with my husband for over twenty years now. Accepting this invitation has changed the course of my life and to this day Chris’s unique perspective, laughter, and lighthearted outlook keep our household together. During our darkest times we’ve found joy through laughter and I love that we’re able to connect this way. Here are a few of my favorite quotes about laughter and the undeniably positive effect it has on our lives! A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand. — Mark Twain A well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert Procknow As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul. — A Jewish Proverb He deserves Paradise who makes his companions laugh. — Koran Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. — Victor Borge Remember this: very little is needed to make a happy life. — Marcus Aurelius The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. — Voltaire We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh. — Agnes Repplier He that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. — Proverbs 15:15 When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky. — Buddha Wit is the key, I think, to anybody’s heart, because who doesn’t like to laugh? — Julia Roberts If you’re too busy to laugh, you are too busy. — Proverb We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh. — William James Laughter is an instant vacation. — Milton Berle

I always knew I wanted to work when the time was right. Before Chris and I got together, my plan was to attend law school. Three pregnancies, raising three kids with a husband consistently on the road, four moves across the country, and nursing Chris through 14 surgeries later, here I am: a luxury travel consultant and female entrepreneur. And you know what? I couldn't be happier. I certainly didn't expect that my path would take me from dreaming of law school to owning my own business several years later, but two years ago an overwhelming feeling came over me that this was "my time"--my time to start something for myself, my time to pursue my true passions, and my time to give my family the chance to show me their undying support of my dreams. I'm sure other mothers can relate to the feeling that "this ship will sink if I'm not at the helm 24/7." We are personal shoppers for our families, errand runners for our households, chauffeurs to school and practices, nurses for sicknesses and broken bones, chefs for hungry mouths, and therapists for young, broken hearts. As mothers, we do it all, so the thought of doing something for ourselves is often times foreign, unnatural, and honestly...scary. But it was time to take a leap of faith. Chris was home consistently and the kids were all at the age of self sufficiency. I was so nervous to begin building Well Inspired Travels as I knew the time commitment it would take (and if you know me, you know I go all in when I put my mind to something). Then, something unexpected happened... As I spent long hours and late nights researching and crafting content for Well Inspired Travels, Chris and my children became my biggest cheerleaders. Jack, George, and Lilah told me how proud they were of me for creating something that fed my soul-- something that was truly for me. This new level of respect, admiration, and support from Chris and the kids made me emotional. My greatest pride has been and always will be my children, but I never considered that pursuing this dream of mine would be a source of pride for them. Tug at my heart strings! As March is Women's History Month, it's important to talk about the struggles we go through as women and mothers to chase after our dreams, build the business we've been dreaming of, and release our fears and trust in the process. Well Inspired Travels has grown into a full time career for not only me, but for Chris as well. Together we've brought on a team comprised of several women, created job opportunities for women, and mentored those women along the way. Inspiring women to take control of their lives, gain financial freedom, and be empowered is one of my goals for Well Inspired Travels. It's also important that my encouragement and mentorship of women goes outside my own business. I proudly work with organizations like The Covering House, World Pediatric Project, and SSM St. Louis Cardinal Glennon Hospital mentoring women during challenging times in their lives, while bringing awareness to these world- changing organizations. If there is one thing I want every woman to take away from my story, it's this: It is never too late to chase after the dream you've been keeping tucked safely away in your mind. Take the risk, empower yourself, and by doing so, you'll foster empowerment of those around you. Do it for women everywhere. Happy Women's History Month!

We hope this blog finds you and your families as well as can be expected during these unprecedented times. Amidst all the negatives, we are excited to share some happy thoughts answering a question that I am faced with often….”What is Wellness Travel?” Please enjoy this read below to answer this question. One thing that I am certain of is “wellness travel” will be more popular than ever once people do begin to explore and travel again. Until then let’s dream WIT style… By now you know that our business, Well Inspired Travels, is based around the concept of wellness travel, but what exactly is wellness travel anyway? While the concept isn't exactly new, it's one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry today. So if you're interested in knowing how you can return home from vacation without feeling like you need a detox from said vacation, read on... Wellness travel is a simple concept: trips thoughtfully curated to establish and/or add to a healthy mind, body, and spiritual foundation. In the Pronger household, we’re firm believers in taking care of our bodies from the inside out, but part of that commitment to our well-being requires the same care while we're vacationing from our everyday lives. I think it's safe to say most people view their vacations as a time to let loose, indulge, and relax, and while we're big proponents of that, we think it can be done in a way that serves your health--not takes away from it. A vacation focused on wellness involves healthy eating, physical activity, spa treatments, and spiritual rejuvenation. A perfect example of healthy eating done right is what The Ranch in Malibu provides for its guests. The chefs at The Ranch offer tastebud tantalizing dishes while sticking to a plant-based menu, a prime example being their incredible mushroom tacos with radicchio leaves and butternut squash soup! Proving that eating healthy doesn't require sacrificing taste, you can look forward to every meal on vacation and leave the guilt behind. When it comes to staying active on vacation, the options are endless. Through our years of scouting destinations for our clients, we've done everything from stand up paddleboarding (my personal favorite at Miraval Austin) and 6-mile hikes to floating yoga and HIIT classes. Regardless of the level of intensity you choose, the only thing that matters is that you're active and moving your body. Going on vacation shouldn't mean you have to derail all the progress you've made at home. By booking trips to resorts that offer a variety of fitness options, you can be confident knowing that you'll return home feeling just as good as when you left--or even better! Wellness travel prioritizes relaxation and rejuvenation, therefore a vast spa selection is important wherever you go. The Equinox in New York City has absolutely nailed their spa services by offering everything from integrated circuits and massage and bodywork, to the skin and techno therapies. So whether you're looking to obtain a youthful and fresh, dewy glow, or need something a little more intensive for deep tissue healing, you can find exactly what your body needs at that time. Possibly most important is the spiritual journey of wellness travel, which can have the most healing power of all. The intention of the trips we book for our clients centers around reconnecting with who you are at your core, and Rosewood Mayakoba in Mexico offers ways to do this beautifully. Their Cenote Temazcal Purification is a traditional Mayan practice that not only includes a physical component to detoxify the skin, but also involves a Shaman who guides you through a practice in controlling your thoughts with your mind--something that we all as an over-scheduled and distracted culture can benefit from. Chris and I are passionate about wellness travel and have personally witnessed the transformative power it's had in people's lives and in our own. We founded Well Inspired Travels as our way of changing lives for the better, so if you're interested in changing the way you travel, let's talk!

Ladies – this spring I faced the ultimate fashion conundrum. What does one wear to do yoga with flamingos? Throughout my life, I’ve welcomed new opportunities and “first-time” experiences with open arms so when I had the chance to try yoga with flamingos at Baha Mar in the Bahamas – I was more than ready! I feel like taking life’s little adventures and exploring all that the world has to offer is part of what builds us, shapes us, and makes us uniquely us. That’s why I am absolutely, 100%, irrevocably obsessed with Goldsheep – a handmade brand that’s inspired by individuality. While packing for my Bahamas trip to Baha Mar I knew I’d want some fun pieces that encompassed the vibrant, beautiful vibes that this region offers. I was ready to sweat, flex, and try some new fitness activities on my trip so athletic wear was an essential (and, let’s be honest – it’s 75% of my wardrobe!) What I love about these pieces are that they’re just as durable, flattering, and well-made as they are fun – serious these fabulous and creative prints make my day! There is nothing less zen than constantly readjusting your bra and bottoms during yoga. While packing for my Bahamas trip to Baha Mar I knew I’d want some fun pieces that encompassed the vibrant, beautiful vibes that this region offers. I was ready to sweat, flex, and try some new fitness activities on my trip so athletic wear was an essential (and, let’s be honest – it’s 75% of my wardrobe!) What I love about these pieces are that they’re just as durable, flattering, and well-made as they are fun – serious these fabulous and creative prints make my day! There is nothing less zen than constantly readjusting your bra and bottoms during yoga. Scrolling through their collections I grabbed the Pineapple Party leggings and a few new essentials to add to my suitcase. I’ve been wearing Goldsheep’s tanks, sports bras, and leggings for over four years. These pieces go with me all over the world because they’re cute enough to wear while you’re out and about exploring and you’re always dressed for action! I’ve even been known to match my yoga pants with where I’m traveling (if I’m in Sedona I wear cacti and Navajo prints, ski resorts I rock snow prints, alpine, and winter styles, and naturally in the Bahamas I brought along all of the tropical pairs I could get my hands on!) Taking these handmade pieces wherever I go feels like I’m adding some flair to my suitcase – I’m traveling with actual art! Keri Wilson, the founder of Goldsheep and artist behind the brand, started her company as she was inspired by her grandmother’s individuality and the uniqueness people have inside. I love that bringing vibrant patterns and creative leggings brightens my wardrobe and my mood and often they spark a conversation and I get to know more about people, places, and spaces because of them! Getting up close and personal with one of my favorite birds while doing one of my absolute favorite things is a memory I’ll have forever. These beauties were fearless, making the experience a bit more interactive than I had anticipated. I’m so grateful that I’ll have these memories and photos forever- and someday my kids’ kids will look at them and think – “Wow! Grandma had style!”

I’ll go across the globe to chase the warm summer sun – literally. I’m not a huge fan of cold weather and when the Midwest is extra dreary, cold, and grey, you’ll find me making plans for a sunny escape to just about anywhere! Like so many, I didn’t start taking good care of my skin until my early 20’s. As a teen my girlfriends and I would slather on baby oil, grab a cold drink, and spend the day by the pool without a care or wrinkle in sight! When I started to learn more about the dangers of UV rays I started implementing more sun protection products into my daily routine. Thankfully, for sun worshippers like me, there are so many quality products available that are designed to keep your skin healthy and protected from the harsh rays that are also easy to take with you wherever you go! I’ve rounded up just a few of my favorite products that help keep my skin protected during any season – all over the world. I Love... Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Our skin is our largest organ. If we work hard to eat clean, exercise, and stay healthy but then cover our skin in harsh chemicals is it all for nothing? I feel good about packing Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen in my beach bag because it works and it’s free of the nasty chemicals found in most drugstore brands. Bonus: this brand also carries a Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist that’s great for adding a healthy glow to your complexion. Our skin is our largest organ. If we work hard to eat clean, exercise, and stay healthy but then cover our skin in harsh chemicals is it all for nothing? I feel good about packing Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen in my beach bag because it works and it’s free of the nasty chemicals found in most drugstore brands. Bonus: this brand also carries a Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Mist that’s great for adding a healthy glow to your complexion. Colorescience So many foundations boast that they contain SPF… but I’ve gotta wonder – what else do they contain? I don’t have to question that with Colorescience. This beauty brand gives my skin a glow – and their pressed powder is unlike any I’ve ever worn. It’s free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, talcs, dyes, drying alcohols, mineral oils, chemical sunscreens, and it’s not tested on animals. I Love... Pressed and Compact Foundation I love the medium to full coverage formulation because it gives me the coverage I need without looking too “done.” (I like my skin to look like skin!) It’s water resistant, has quality packaging, & can go anywhere I do. This formulation features SPF 20, which is a wonderful addition that helps keep my skin protected from sun damage while I am out and about! San Diego Hat Company I love that the San Diego Hat Company was born out of a love for world travel. After taking a trip to Bali, the founder crafted their Original Cotton Crochet Hat and they’ve been making the world more beautiful and shaded ever since! With their incredible selection, I never have to sacrifice my style for sun protection and peace of mind. I love… Women’s Raffia Roll Up Visor This is their best-selling visor and for good reason! I’ve got this visor in a couple of colors – one to match just about any swimsuit or sundress. It rolls up into a perfectly packable addition to your wardrobe so you can throw it in your beach bag, purse, or carry on. Bonus: It’s UPF 50 meaning it only allows 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation through, so not only is it a cute addition to my summer wardrobe – it’s healthy for my skin, too!

Building Well Inspired Travels and compiling some of my family’s favorite ways to stay healthy on the road and in our home has been such a joy! Through the conception and creation of this blog, we’ve had the chance to work together to work on different projects, gain perspective from each member of our family, and take a closer look at the things we’ve always done and “never thought to share.” While perfecting a couple of healthy recipes for our blog, my youngest, Lilah, placed two cucumbers to her eyes and said, “Mom! Look, a spa treatment, too!” This got me thinking… what other ways do we enhance the things that we’re already doing at home to take even better care of ourselves? Here are three of what I’ll call or “home spa hacks,” that you can find me doing both at home and on the road to enhance my sleep, skin, hair, and overall mood! DIY Sugar Scrubs Lilah makes the best sugar scrubs for friends, family, and teachers! She adds the specially blended scrubs to cute canisters we pick up at the craft store and decorates them for each season. Her recipe is quite simple – which is perfect for anyone who loves clean living! 1 C granulated organic brown sugar ½ C organic coconut oil, liquid 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil Blend all of the ingredients together until creamy and pour into your sealable canister! Use in the shower or tub by rubbing a quarter-sized amount in circular motions across your body. Rinse well and enjoy smooth and softened skin! Deep Conditioning At Home I cannot remember the last time I’ve been to the hair salon for a deep conditioning treatment, but I do try to treat my locks to this once per week. My favorite store bought conditioning treatment is made by KERASTASE but when I run out and I’m in a pinch, I whip this up. (Bonus: a great use for avocado that’s too ripe for your liking!) ½ ripened avocado, mashed1 tsp olive oil 2-4 drops of your favorite essential oil I slather this on my ends and pile it on my head before sitting in the infrared sauna. The warmth helps to open my hair follicle and receive the moisture. I finish my sauna treatments with a shower and a  good scrub to remove impurities and this treatment helps naturally condition my hair! Treat Yourself to a Sheet Mask Okay, so maybe this isn’t entirely DIY, but one thing I do is try to make the most out of my “me” time by getting two treatments done at once. When I book a massage therapist to visit our home and I always bust out my favorite sheet masks to wear while I’m lying on my back. I’ve also been known to use sheet masks on flights, in the spa bathroom area waiting for other treatments, and while kicking back with a book. Often, I get just as much joy in preparing my treatments as I do from the benefits of the treatments themselves. Plus, I love sharing any kid friendly DIY opportunities with my daughter. What ways do you pamper yourself at home or on the road? How do you squeeze in a bit of extra “me” time?

How you kick off your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Anyone with a morning routine knows that preparation for the perfect day starts well before the alarm clock goes off. Transferring your morning routine at home to your life while on the road can be difficult, but it’s important to keep your health goals in check! Rest The best days start with a full night’s rest. It can be tempting to watch the sun come up and spend your nights out on the town while traveling, but for your body to stay at its peak performance you need your rest! Ensuring you get your rest should be a priority no matter where you are in the world. While visiting gorgeous resorts and wellness retreats, I’ve found that guest services are more than happy to help create the peaceful space you need to restore. Ask for additional pillows if the ones provided are not supportive enough – refuse turndown services if you’d prefer your quiet time before bed. Making your needs known before your stay can help keep your routine seamless! I was hesitant about where to put “wake up calls” in this blog, as I feel that rest is so paramount during your travel, however, staying on routine and getting a full day in can be so rewarding! Give yourself a large window of rest and recovery after traveling – but don’t sleep too late! You can always take advantage of the “wake up call” service so you can rise and shine in paradise! Here are some of my rest-saving favorites: Lavender Scented Eye Mask Travel Friendly Sound & Aromatherapy Machine Lagunamoon Essential Oils Kit doTERRA Essential Oils Kit Prep Your Morning Mixes Whether you drink a morning elixir like me, or prefer hot tea of coffee to kick off your day, prepping what you need before you head to bed makes your morning less stressful! I keep my reusable water bottle with a lid on the counter in the bathroom filled halfway full with water and a side of fresh lemon wedges or lemon ice cubes from the freezer! By morning, everything is room temperature and I can mix my Vital Proteins, Super Greens, and Pure I-Glutamine in, shake well, and drink. Depending on the length of my trip I pack each individual canister to ensure I have enough for my entire trip. Plan Your Workout or Activity Ahead of Time Knowing what your day has in store is a key component to keeping your routine in check. In fact, planning the next day’s activities may be a part of your routine. Whether you’re at home or on the road, it’s important to integrate things that excite you into your daily routine. If your workouts are getting a bit stagnant try making arrangements to visit a new gym or hiking trail! Big shocker here: I’m a Type-A Planner! I tend to book my classes in advance or have a game plan for how to get active right after a healthy breakfast. I do let myself sleep in the first morning (especially if I had a late flight.) If I am taking a class off of the property where I’m staying, I use the ClassPass App. I always lay my workout clothes and running shoes out the night before so I am ready to roll. Breakfast Prep Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and a very important part of your morning routine. If you don’t plan ahead you can plan on failing when it comes to breakfast (and just about anything in life.) I always, always, always travel with my 1st Phorm protein powder + a shaker because it’s a super easy way to get my healthy breakfast in without worrying about hidden butter and salt in prepared breakfasts. Prep your breakfast plan the night before by stocking your fridge with healthy options like hard boiled eggs, clean Protein-rich breakfast bars, or these gluten-free cookies. I love storing my travel meals in these bento-style boxes, too. If you plan to eat out, check out healthy options the night before and plan your reservations ahead of time so you won’t be tempted to stray from your nutritious plans. To me, a morning routine is more than time at a mirror with mascara. Mornings set the tone for my entire day, so I make sure to give myself plenty of time to fit in everything that’s essential to a good day: rest, exercise, nutrition, and a bit of excitement! How do you keep your routine going while you’re on the road?

There’s nothing more cleansing than a good sweat! I love Infrared Sauna Treatments from the inside out – and here’s why! Until recently, if there was a sauna session happening you’d be quick to assume that robes, billowing steam, and seventies-style wood-paneled walls were involved, right? Not necessarily! Infrared sauna sessions are taking the health world by storm and I’ve jumped aboard because the benefits are more than a trend – they’re a proven part of my lifestyle! Chris and I purchased a JNH Lifestyles Infrared Sauna which was very easy to assemble and in no time at all we were reaping the benefits. Here are my tips for the perfect infrared sauna session: Temperature: 130-140° Duration: No more than 20 minutes, no less than 15 for a cleansing sweat Frequency: 5 times per week Pampering + Prep: Dry brush + deep conditioning hair treatment Considerations: No alcohol + additional water to avoid dehydration If possible, I like to enjoy my infrared sauna sessions on an empty stomach which allows for greater benefits. (Who wants to sweat after a full meal?) You’ll gain tolerance to the heat the more often you doit, and I always recommend listening to your body and never going beyond the safety recommendations of your sauna. Adding time in the sauna after my workout soothes my entire body and gives me some added recovery time after giving it all in the gym. Pre-pampering + Infrared Sauna Sessions Before hopping in the sauna, I take the extra time to use my favorite dry brush to stimulate my skin. I’ve found this helps to open my pores for a healthy and cleansing sweat! Plus, getting my lymphatic system going before my sauna session can help eliminate toxins and helps me get the most out of my session. Slathering my favorite Kerastase Fusio-Dose® Homelab™or Kerastase Masque Chromatique Hair Masks on my hair and loosely piling it into my shower cap makes my time in the sauna at home feel more like a mini spa vacation! I’ve found my favorite hair treatments to be even more effective as the heat opens my follicle and really lets the product penetrate. Meditation + Detoxification This relaxing and cleansing process is packed full of benefits – and the more I do it, the more I see these beneficial results. As a busy mom of three, these twenty minutes I make for myself are probably the most relaxing part of my day! While sitting in the sauna, you have no other option than to relax. I take this time to literally unplug – as no electronics are welcome! I use my infrared sauna time to meditate on my health and happiness and consider my goals for the future. While meditating I’ve found it’s fantastic to visualize the detoxification process happening during your infrared sauna treatment. Imagine your circulatory system coming alive, and the toxins within the tissues of your body being released as sweat droplets evaporate off of your body and out of your life! (So long, guys!)This sauna also offers color therapy, so that you can literally bathe and soak yourself in the color that you need to relax, rejuvenate, and feel completely revitalized. After the Sweat In addition to the gorgeous sweat after-glow, detoxification, and relaxation, I’ve enjoyed some other lasting results! I notice that I sleep so much better after a good sweat and we all know that a great night’s sleep is the foundation for a productive day. I love finishing my time in the sauna with a “cool down” including no less than 15 minutes of time to acclimate myself back to a normal temp and then a refreshing cold shower! This cold shower sloughs off the impurities and literally washes them down the drain. My time in the shower seals my newly cleansed pores and I like to polish the entire treatment off with my favorite moisturizer. If you’re considering adding infrared sauna sessions to your post-workout or daily routine, I urge you to educate yourself on all of the health benefits and the safest practices for you and your body’s needs. This has been a fantastic addition to my healthy routine – but it’s not for everyone, so it’s important to find what’s best for you!

The one drink that’s a must for any trip I take? Kombucha. My love for this healthy refresher has been going strong for about ten years now and it’s even the first thing I buy (in bulk!) when I arrive at any destination. Sourcing Kombucha During Trips Whether I’m traveling by train, plane, or automobile, as soon as I get to where I’m going to my first stop is to a Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or any retailer where I can find my favorite GT’s Living Foods Trilogy™ flavored kombucha. I realize this sounds like an ad or endorsement as I write this – but truly, it’s my go-to drink. I’ve even been known to have my Trilogy shipped and stocked at wherever I’m going so I can ensure that I have my one (sometimes two) a day while away from home and my best friends literally ask me where it is if I don’t have it in hand. Travel tip: I ask the hotel staff to remove all unwanted beverages from the room’s mini fridge so I can source and stock healthier options like this. Some hotels without fridge service may charge extra for this – but I feel it’s worth it to have the things my body craves on-hand while I’m traveling. Most destinations I’ve visited are happy to oblige and ensure your comfort and satisfaction – don’t be afraid to ask! History of Kombucha Though I’ve been drinking kombucha for just over a decade, and Chris’s love for it has just kicked off in the last few years, this fermented and fizzy tea has been around for thousands of years. In fact, it first appeared in Northeastern China in 220 BC! Making its way across the world as a “healthy elixir” or “Immortal Health Elixir,” kombucha’s health benefits have been compared to that of yogurt as it’s packed with amino acids, vitamins, glucosamine, antioxidants and so much more! Benefits of Kombucha Any drink that’s touted as an immortal health elixir is sure to be backed by science and packed full of benefits, right? While researching the benefits of kombucha, I decided to share the info that I’ve found to be true with my own experience. I love that this healthy and tart drink helps keep my system regular, working to aid my digestion. Also, I’ve found that kombucha helps keep me hydrated while the antioxidants work to shield pollutants from my body. Studies of kombucha all across the web claim weight loss, liver protection, the prevention of diseases such as heart disease or cancers, mood enhancement, and cellular health support all to be benefits found when regularly consuming the nutrients found in this “living” drink! How I Drink Kombucha Studies of kombucha all across the web claim weight loss, liver protection, the prevention of diseases such as heart disease or cancers, mood enhancement, and cellular health support all to be benefits found when regularly consuming the nutrients found in this “living” drink! While stocking my cart shopping for kombucha, I’ve been known to put bottles back in search of those that contain the most “floaties!” These floaties are living strands of a healthy culture. The longer the bottles are packed, the more time the live probiotics have to build up, so I feel the more the merrier! I prefer to quench my daily craving of kombucha during the afternoons on an empty stomach well after I’ve eaten lunch. Like all of my healthy remedies and elixirs, I feel that I get full absorption when my stomach isn’t processing anything else but what I’m currently giving it. Because I’ve been a kombucha evangelist for so long, I’ve had many friends, family members, and strangers ask me “what does that taste like,” and I’ve developed my own special response! “It tastes like drinking an explosion of the rainbow!” I’m sure when people hear me say this they think I’m a complete health nut – but cheers to healthy rainbow-drinkers everywhere!

As you have learned I’m always researching the latest and greatest in holistic healing therapies. When I first read the rave reviews in the wellness world, I have to admit I was a little skeptical and freaked out. But, the curiosity was killing me and I had to test it out. I thought that this bed of nails experiment might be at the top of my list for the nuttiest ideas I’ve tried! I kept reading about the Spoonk and thought I would order a beautiful bed of nails in a bright shade of hot pink to increase the fun with this daunting torture mat experience. Let’s get to the details … This acupressure mat arrived in 2 days (thank you Amazon Prime!) and appeared to look like the bottom of my golf shoe…YIKES!  The Spoonk mat consists of small plastic nodes, containing a total of 6,210 stimulation nails. This exact number of points is enough to distribute your weight across them safely when you lie on it.  Trust me I have been laying on mine for 5 years now and have had no injuries to report! The Spoonk was invented in Sweden though it comes from the healing practices of acupressure, which originates in India then later developed in Japan as Shiatsu massage. I’m a big fan of acupuncture and all the incredible healing benefits, but I don’t have the time or money to get acupuncture every week. This was all the more reason for my interest in a similar therapy to enjoy in the comfort of my home every night. Let me woo you with the benefits… Induces sleepiness Promotes better blood circulation Helps to relieve back and neck pain, muscular tension, aches, and pains Increases relaxation and reduces stress Increases energy levels and helps with fatigue Helps stabilize digestion issues Increases the release of endorphins and oxytocin “feel good or happy” hormones Are you still with me? Ok, here’s what to do and expect. I recommend placing your mat on the bed 20 minutes prior to bedtime. Place your favorite reading material next to the mat. From the base of the tailbone gently roll on to the mat and slowly lower the rest of the body. The mat should range from your tailbone to the base of your neck or shoulders, depending on your height. It’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable at first, go ahead and cuss my name out loud! Grab your reading material or simply mediate for a distraction. Miraculously in about 1-2 minutes, with the increase in blood flow to your neck and back you will notice a warm feeling and will relax into the mat. Your body literally melts into the tiny points, this is when the magic happens. Time goes by and you forget you are even laying on the torture mat. This is a sign that it is working! The instructions for my bed of nails recommended laying still on the mat for just a few minutes the first time, slowly increasing the time with each session. Now as a 5-year pro I stay on it for 20 to 40 minutes.  After one week the noticeable benefits for me were deep relaxation throughout my whole body, release of any tension held from head to toe, promoted intense sleepiness, and an overall sense of well being. Funny side story, when Chris first saw me lay on the bed of nails he thought I had completely fallen off the deep end with all the other health freaks! After my first week and noticeable benefits I felt I told him, “don’t knock it until you try it!” It took a lot of courage for this large 6’6 230lb man to lay on the bed of nails, but he did it because I challenged him. Do you really think this tough NHL defenseman would be scared of 6,210 nails?! After crushing his first session at 20 minutes he woke up the next morning after one of the best night’s sleep of his life and asked me to order him one ASAP. Now if you walk into the Pronger master bedroom at 9pm most nights you will see one navy Spoonk lined up on the left and one pink Spoonk on the right.  Who would have ever thought a bed of nails would be such a gift? As I have discussed, it is vitally important to maintain your health and wellness practices when traveling as well so you will definitely find our his and her Spoonks in our luggage. They have a handy Velcro siding to easily fold up and pack. I always wonder what the housekeeping crew thinks when they stumble across these bed of nails in our hotel room!

What’s the deal with dry brushing? Dry brushing seems to gaining in popularity but many still don’t know what it is, how to do it, or what the benefits of dry brushing are. Look no further! Right here I’ll share everything I know about dry brushing and why I try to include it in my daily routine. What is dry brushing? This popular skin treatment has been used by men and women for as long as there have been men, women, and brushes. Dry brushing is the act of using a special brush to massage the surface of the skin with varied techniques and pressure levels. But, why do people do it? See below. 😉 How do I dry brush? Look for a natural stiff-bristled brush to use during this process. The natural bristles will be the perfect combination of durable, gentle, and coarse giving you the optimum exfoliation and circulation benefits. The most convenient time to dry brush your skin is before a shower or bath, while both you and your brush are completely dry. Brushing your skin in a combination of long strokes and delicate circular motions that are stimulating but not irritating removes dead skin cells and stimulates your blood flow. Start from your feet and head upwards towards your heart! Working in this direction will help to stimulate your lymphatic system and aid in detoxification. Look for a brush that’s Made of natural fibers including cactus, or boar bristles Sturdy Has a long handle (so you can reach anywhere!) My pick: Pretty See on Amazon Can be easily maneuvered across your body – I love the Voya Exfoliating Body Brush Or you can grab this kit on Amazon that has a variety of brushes and exfoliators What are the benefits of dry brushing? Perhaps the most obvious benefit – dry brushing is the ultimate exfoliating experience! Dry brushing before you shower or bathe readies your skin to slough off dry, dead cells. Removing these dull cells gives your skin a bright and beautiful glow – naturally! Some believe that dry brushing reduces the appearance of cellulite and helps detoxify the system by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymphatic system to flow and drain. Others just enjoy the incredible exfoliation and naturally improved circulation that occurs during brushing. More benefits of dry brushing include: The massage & release of tension can be a relaxing addition to your day, relieving stress, and caring for your whole self. Tone up the look of your skin! Dry brushing could help distribute fat cells and smooth the look of your skin. This simple process can assist in the reduced appearance of cellulite + break down toxins accumulated in the body! Stimulate your nervous system – giving attention to every inch of your body will send blood flowing there and thus stimulate your nerve endings. (Ahhh, that feels nice!) I love that this process is all natural, and I’ve found it to be a wonderful way to “check in” with my body every day. Take just a few minutes to stroke each square inch from head to toe, wash away your dead skin cells, and start each day with a clean slate! After I dry brush I shower as I normally would and treat my skin with my favorite Epicuren after bath moisturizer or Beautycounter Body Butter in Citrus Mimosa.