https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1 daily 0.75 2021-03-18 https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/meditation-and-mindfulness-8t8zx monthly 0.5 2020-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559922145203-4UZ9A7U2UDQLLASA05R5/Aro+Ha_0387.jpg Blog - Meditation and mindfulness https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/a-room-with-a-view-as5mw monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559922634239-LTWQDADJXFHBQ497WG3X/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A room with a view https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/on-a-mountain-over-the-sea-stl4h monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559078407689-J8RBKLD6HS9EF7X3V3MD/Large+JPG-20140301_Trade+151_0206.jpg Blog - On a mountain, over the sea https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/pure-bliss-2hmdh monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559931618898-Q3YDWHLD1K9TUZDLEF91/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Pure bliss https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/much-needed-rest-yffn7 monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559927535027-E9DEY1L6Q6EEBMSSMUOY/20140301_Trade-151_0181-copy.jpg Blog - Much needed rest https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/point-lookout-94khg monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559927394429-XFF18L64AOIVS4P4W610/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Point lookout https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/finding-serenity-thxsr monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559922684212-G1V5DLNSW7T65T07X905/Aro-Ha_0986-copy.jpg Blog - Finding serenity https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/everything-you-need-gpd8d monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559081494651-62BNGZ3U6UTKZIVHDUO3/Large+JPG-Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Blog - Everything you need https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/a-place-to-retreat-to-nhgha monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559079876163-16A6NV2BRDGN3R09NQMF/Large+JPG-Aro+Ha_0010.jpg Blog - A place to retreat to https://www.ilsamarie.com/blog-1/risk-and-reward-l6t7p monthly 0.5 2019-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ced960a97bd510001b7ecec/1559921988100-ORMAMB2PMWJWMECVXRF7/Aro+Ha_0507.jpg Blog - Risk and reward https://www.ilsamarie.com/words daily 0.75 2023-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1616511989463-0HMVW5JD4A9N85YN0N8F/Ilsamarie-element-moon-05.png Creative https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/to-age monthly 0.5 2022-05-19 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/find-someone monthly 0.5 2022-04-16 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/potential monthly 0.5 2022-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/cfe0d478-6d78-4956-bece-abb4b2377ea3/tumblr_ozym5edDSa1rreqavo1_540.jpg Creative - Potential - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/wintertime-blues monthly 0.5 2021-12-15 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/heavens-in-your-eyes monthly 0.5 2021-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1634439082806-H4X7EEAN6OZORV7DZ7M4/tumblr_8ac78bd5cf7ca8d6721dca094360966c_4846e68a_1280.jpg Creative - Heavens in your eyes - Heavens in your eyes, Dewdrops of caramel hues Sunsets in Malibu I rarely do But when I do I think of you. Heavens in your eyes Sweet lullabies of crescent moons and faraway tunes that make me melt into the pews of your ever gazing dreamy blues Heavens in your eyes As my eyes Drip into view of your gaze that dreamy haze that make their way into this daze This sweet sweet daze As heavens in your eyes. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/a-letter-to-my-younger-self monthly 0.5 2021-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631421369822-7XXR4C4WO47NSFYK1H9E/tumblr_b3fe22d849d3495144136abd639f2325_50320ac5_640+%281%29.jpg Creative - A letter to my younger self - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/summertime-nostalgia monthly 0.5 2021-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630204760428-GVXDTBXIWA8XYC03Y0QU/FullSizeRender+12.JPG Creative - Summertime Nostalgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630204753822-C6KOB0QSWQMALC6Z976S/DSCN3769.jpg Creative - Summertime Nostalgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630204758797-7XUI0EVQ2OACGO4ILAP4/DSCN3796.jpg Creative - Summertime Nostalgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630204745188-KJ1AURDRLAXUMZDDQ14F/IMG_8064.JPG Creative - Summertime Nostalgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630204743287-D4HB682HV24TO6B283NR/IMG_8085.JPG Creative - Summertime Nostalgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630204762498-1661668I1QCYJ7M7977Y/FullSizeRender+15.JPG Creative - Summertime Nostalgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630338803286-ZJA4Y3IGSKJJNU97VCDN/IMG_1704+%281%29.JPG Creative - Summertime Nostalgia - The Mediterranean sea I dream of the seaside in the Mediterranean. Her glassy reflection and tranquil coo lure me to her baby blue. Inhaling her seaside do, exhaling her precious view. As none are quite the same, as her glamourous cascades and nighttime masquerades. As none are quite as grand, as her sunlight sands, and her dolce vita caravans. Making their way, to bask in her calm waters and float among the abyss of colors. One day I shall return to swim in her waters, to lounge on her shores, to sip to her pure beauty. A dopo amor, A dopo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1630338610801-QADRB226MFF82UHKQ3FG/IMG_5298.JPG Creative - Summertime Nostalgia They say that Rome comes alive in the summer- and its true. But Rome in the evening is its own festivale’. I recall a summer weekend spent in Rome with friends. I visited the ancient city twice before, but there’s something magical about the way it lights up in the warm summer months. Locals wait until 10pm to head to restaurants. The streets are filled with energy, chatter and excitement of reunion. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/growth monthly 0.5 2021-07-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1627088988557-I9NC35VBPW0UQFPGJMZ5/tumblr_c256a863a93580ffc14f8ac1d3a31a0d_1dc2af7f_640.jpg Creative - Growth - Growth Is not linear It’s ever changing Ever wayward Through life’s unpredictable nature It ebs and flows Wains and crescendos Until you look back and see how far you’ve really come. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/to-live monthly 0.5 2021-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1621186669788-H1HVCG2PPWNS1XQEH0WI/tumblr_aa2ea59876a049ad8a78b96af415a763_738d66bb_1280.jpg Creative - To live - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/hello-again monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618412560233-4BGNOTDZLL9QXIT6KP9V/Hello+Again%2C.jpeg Creative - Hello again, - Hello again, It’s been so very long since I've last created words in these pages. This used to be my place of solace. My place of rescue in hard times. My place of ultimate expression. My place of sincere creativity. Hello again, It’s been so very long since I've last created words in these pages. It’s been so very long since I've last created words in these pages. This used to be my place of solace. My place of rescue in hard times. My place of ultimate expression. My place of sincere creativity. So you can imagine how I must feel bringing it back again. It’s been more than 2 years since my last written post. And here we are. Cheers: To newness To new words To new thoughts To this new journal of sorts That I share with you Whoever you may be. If you so choose to read To listen, To learn, To hear, I’m so glad you are here. This used to be my place of solace. My place of rescue in hard times. My place of ultimate expression. My place of sincere creativity. So you can imagine how I must feel bringing it back again. It’s been more than 2 years since my last written post. And here we are. Cheers: To newness To new words To new thoughts To this new journal of sorts That I share with you Whoever you may be. If you so choose to read To listen, To learn, To hear, I’m so glad you are here. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/autumn-whispers-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618420703280-6058L3HZYPC1N9HJD72Q/IMG_1991.JPG Creative - Autumn Whispers https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/sunflower-lessons-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618948846279-W2ZM1GIQGJ609DCYBUJM/IMG_4517.jpg Creative - Sunflower Lessons - I bought a sunflower today, and it reminded me of memory I once had. A memory from a time, a while back. The beautiful deep yellow and hybrid colors of its petals spoke to me of life's constant change. Of the ebb and flow and the forever motion which I strive so hard to resist. The sunflower shared to me that often times letting go is the very thing one must do to move forward. Yet it becomes the factor most feared. I sometimes wonder to myself: What if you were able to start over with anyone you had ever known? Say that the past was most simply the past and not something constantly brought up and carried over one's head like a heavy boulder. How much would differ if this were the case? If there were only beginnings and no endings. But you see, even the sunflowers bright colors must fade. There once soft petals turn stale and begin to fall off. Their time must come just like anything else, and soon new flowers will take their place. But despite the change, the memories of their presence will always remain. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/contemplations-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617816324190-HABLOH4JVSW6JGVHX6X8/Contemplations.JPG Creative - Contemplations https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/the-mockingbird-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618412856382-0CGWZRR6PCPLQ422K6OS/The+Mockingbird.jpg Creative - The Mockingbird https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/the-fear-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618412752669-JRM4616P2UN3HRQ6Y0OX/the+fear.JPG Creative - The Fear - I was walking on the edge of a beautiful mountainside, the rocks were shades of limestone and little sprouts of greenery were peeking through them. I looked down at my own feet and saw the massive canyon below me. Shades of orange and red rocks spoke in a mesmerizing yet chilling way to my memories. It was all so picturesque. A screenshot of beauty that seemed so flawless to the naked eye. This is a place so many would call natures most tranquil atmosphere. And although I admit its attraction, below my shallow breaths I felt utterly terrified. You see I began to recognize this place. It's somewhere I had been a few years back. A peacefully joyous place. I recall the happiness I once experienced here. The endless laughter, and even more so, the seemingly sincere love. I recall standing on a solid canyon rock that seems as if nothing in the earth could weather its support. Now you may be thinking I have a serious phobia of heights, and perhaps, but in my opinion, it is, in fact, the act of falling that terrifies me even more than the height itself. If you have ever felt the impact of your body as you hit against unforgiving rock then you'll know what I mean. Or if you've ever tasted the dirt from your lips as they've scraped across the ground. Evermore, if you've ever heard the hollow emptiness at the bottom-most walls of the canyon, you will know what I mean when I say it is not a fall that you easily recover from. So the fear of potentially going back to that state of being is almost too much. And when the memory of this all enters my body, it becomes difficult for me to breathe and appreciate the scenery that surrounds me. Even its soft ambiance begins to grow troublesome inside me. I want to run. Go as far away from this place of vulnerability as possible. And as I stare out into the abyss of it all I see my own fear building a wall that blocks me against everything I can experience. But what if we knew that not all rock weathered? That there was somehow a possibility for newness, for joy, and for love. Can you imagine if the fear of our past events, or whatever fall we experienced became irrelevant? As most things go, we are always given at least two pathways to choose from. An option to leave or to stay, to do something or to do simply nothing at all. An option to stay back in the fear that drains us of happiness or go forward in our own beautiful vulnerability. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/paradox-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617818161027-ILH21PNZOOYGK5VLFGR3/Paradox.jpg Creative - The Paradox https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/the-dropoff-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617817719075-6U6E72UHRFVNBI5H63QB/The+Dropoff.jpg Creative - The Drop Off https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/waves-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617818494689-SARDS2T1WD75DUS3H9BN/Waves.jpg Creative - Waves https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/somber-nights-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617816651536-9EQFJGHMU7XUZVGF4Z54/Somber+nights.jpg Creative - Somber Nights https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/new-york-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617815999616-9VA2K08X89IOXIVY1NMI/And+so%2C+New+York+City.JPG Creative - And so, New York City. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/provo-beach-quote monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618412681473-IIGSU0SQYKIQP9MI03AT/Provo.jpeg Creative - Provo https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/absentee monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617815504915-NL09PKTUKMHHOW3TAUEP/Absentee.JPG Creative - Absentee https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/another-year-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617815695652-63FQAT7CO1A6VMZEC1PN/Another+year.JPG Creative - Another Year https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/the-art-of-discovering-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617816941098-S3L01RP9K8HHMTG4J8B6/The+art+of+discovering.JPG Creative - The Art of Discovering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1619549765499-NQKLMFTNFTBESET1M77G/IMG_3701.jpg Creative - The Art of Discovering I believe it is the unexpected that catches our memory and creates the experience to be something more than just an outing. While I was sitting on my chair looking out to sea I had a mother and daughter sitting next to me. It was one of those conversations that are worthwhile not just small talk. The daughter had shared how she was a nurse at a local children oncology hospital and that ever since she was young she had felt a need to do this. Her mother lived all the way across the U.S. in Virginia and was visiting. I'm not parent ( other than to my dog if that even remotely counts) but we talked about how as a parent it is a struggle learning how to let go and just be truly happy for your children even if that means they live across the country just doing what the love. Selfless love-is what I call this. Although I lost my mother a few years back this really hit home with me as I recall my mother encouraging me to travel to Italy for a year after high school . Like so many parents that don't want their kids to leave home I am sure she could have pressed me to stay near by but instead she did the opposite and for me that is something truly beautiful. My second encounter was with a couple of girls to my right. One of them had just gotten married to her high school sweetheart and her best friend was sitting next to her celebrating with some wine. The newly wed shared with me how she had gone to school with her now husband and as so many do they parted ways and it was years later until they met again. She was in Chicago and happened to pass him and just as simple as that- they reunited. We exchanged talk about relationships how coincidentally it is meeting people in life. A world where timing is everything, how two people meant to be together meet is something greater than mere coincidence. As they left and went on I stayed looking at the sun beginning to set as my wine slowly disappeared as well. Until I met someone close to home. This woman who sat alone and was quiet a first and asked me about what I was eating. Slowly we began to discuss what led us to La Jolla this past weekend. Where as her trip was based on business mine was due to family. Ironically enough she was from the good state of Texas. There's something about that state that once you've lived their it's as if people have an automatic connection. So we chatted about traveling and places we'd been until the sun had disappeared completely. So as this may all be mindless chatter to some, I wanted to share about this evening at the cafe because it was one filled with discovery and authentic connection-of which I'm sure we could all use more of. Many times I don't feel the need to have to be with someone or go somewhere with another person, I challenge you to do the same once in awhile. Because you never know who you'll meet or the conversations you'll have with what appears to be the most random strangers but in turn become inspiring notes in a collection of experiences. So like I said earlier: Go away for awhile, try something you've never done by exploring, take some time by yourself, and get utterly lost for awhile love. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/thoughts-and-other-matters-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617818338642-IBZ41JUJCJDX9L40KKIT/Thoughts+and+other+matters.JPG Creative - Thoughts and Other Matters - You're the type of person that makes forever seem too short Have you ever met someone and the moment you saw them you knew your life was about to change? The expression of their face told you that they were something more, they weren't a casual encounter that you may never see again. Their open arms told you that they already knew you even if you didn't quiet know yourself. I ask this, well, because I have. I remember the first time I met you, it was like yesterday in the sense of how vividly I can see it all. What has stayed in my mind the most was your smile. You had one of those smiles that are rare in life. It was almost as if you said "I've known you all along " rather than, "nice to meet to you". If you take the time you can tell a lot by a persons gaze; by the way in which their eyes set on others. Some eyes merely look past you, some can't even look at yours straight on, some drift from person to person, some fall straight to the ground, and if you're lucky you'll meet someone with eyes that believe in you without ever knowing you before. So here I am a few years later, looking back at everything since that moment. The moment in which you opened the door and I saw you for the first time; I was thinking it would just be another hello and nothing else. And all I can think of now is how you are the person that does make forever seem too short. And as lame and as high school-ish as that may sound I think it's true. Not sure if you've heard that before but you should know. I've learned time is so short, and moments pass by without even leaving a chance to take them in. So I wanted to write about this one. I'll leave you all with this, We pass by hundreds, sometimes thousands of people every day, everyone with their own stories and own lives that we seldom can ever see. So when you meet someone that before even words come out you know is about to change your life don't run away. Go head first, because in life these people are what make it all worth while. https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/-chaos-of-beautiful-mess-creative-writing monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617817547541-QIFCE5PUCVBIIUFKGZZW/chaos+of+a+goregous+mess.jpg Creative - The Chaos of A Gorgeous Mess https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/confessions-of-a-yoga-teacher monthly 0.5 2021-04-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1617815886172-KY1Z1FRP3MA10TSIKROV/Confessions+of+a+yogi.JPG Creative - 3 Confessions of A Yoga Teacher https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/love monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/be+free monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/inspiration monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/believe monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/eyes monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/wintertime monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/life monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/summer monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/quotes monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/younger+self monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/paris monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/poem monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/limitless monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/live+life monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/memories monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/youcan monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/potential monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/possibility monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/live monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/italy monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/a+letter+to+my+younger+self monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/poetry monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/nostalgia monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/aging+with+grace monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/livelife monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/journey monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/words monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/wintertime+blues monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/heaven monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/creative+writing monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/poems monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/someone monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/inspire monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/letter monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/yourpotential monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/growth monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/travel monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/words/tag/summertime monthly 0.5 https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle daily 0.75 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1616522213183-P8YSDKWFQ3U7E1LTXZHF/IlsaMarie-Symbol+on+Side+-+Orange-01.png https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/remodeling-lil-blue monthly 0.5 2026-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9c949b26-7ce3-4fbf-b395-7759cd694c20/IMG_1620.jpeg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/390ca025-056d-4e94-8176-aaa6e0066f44/IMG_8413.jpg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out BEFORE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/75e2dc48-9eb0-4aa6-89a6-1206f1577932/IMG_8517.jpg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/de7760b3-b1de-4644-9ffa-43142cb842c2/Sherwin-Williams-Greek-Villa-warm-white-paint-color-review-with-Kylie-M-Interiors.webp Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/f437ca1b-03ce-40a5-aba1-47016dd2160c/purple.webp Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out Before^ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1714d73e-e1b5-4e81-969f-5693e122aa19/IMG_1599.jpeg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out After! ( You see, I wasn’t kidding about the purple paint! ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c7ca064b-fb44-4ee1-bdcc-17f8a0f0ce5a/IMG_8491.jpg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/a235930f-db09-4286-97dd-40cd54f67039/IMG_1594.jpg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/da68531d-6bbb-48b2-99f0-40ebcc2cc9f9/IMG_1217.png Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/db97bc2d-22bb-472f-a870-1b8fce4fcb03/IMG_1597.jpg Lifestyle - Remodeling Lil Blue - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1df142e1-57e9-4a90-bb7c-fadeb1cbe8af/IMG_8194.jpg Lifestyle - 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Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/403db958-28af-4143-9239-fdf852eee61e/IMG_9842.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/34e3ac73-33ee-4cf4-b369-fdbd8a2886c6/IMG_9823.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6370feb5-3e16-4361-b5d7-40687efde0c9/IMG_9839.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany - Cat of Cetona https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5a62140a-a692-4fc9-bb04-ad8dc1f34d95/IMG_9828.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/f36ee03c-3340-4482-809a-d36946544c33/IMG_9809.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany - Salami shop in Sarteano https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/180dd171-58c0-454a-9456-a32e5a8d5bb2/IMG_9891.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany - Make it stand out When I was in the early process of finding a space to host The Unwind Tuscany, I kept coming back to one listing that felt like it was calling my name. The photos were lovely, but what really stayed with me were the words of past visitors: “Better than the photos.”“Surreal views.”“Simonetta’s kindness.” I knew I had found a special place. It was Monday, the day before arrival, and my nerves were chit-chattin’ around. An advisory had gone out the night before, warning of severe rainfall on Tuesday. And while I’m used to a good downpour—coming from Florida—it’s different on these winding backroads, and I worried about the driving conditions. From our humble bed and breakfast in town, we drove twenty minutes through unmarked roads. Let me tell you, that van really proved its worth! As we drove along, the brush and shrubbery grew denser, blocking what I imagined were the “breathtaking views,” and my anticipation started to build. There’s always that moment of Instagram vs. reality, and this was it. After what felt like forever, the GPS announced, “Turn left.” Ahead of us stood an iron gate marking the entrance to the property. I rang the remote bell and said, “Buongiorno, siamo qui!” — Good day, we are here. It didn’t take long to realize, upon pulling in, that this was the place. A vast quietness surrounded us as we stepped out of the car, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret garden hidden in the hills. Moments later, a little dog came running toward us, and Simonetta appeared, shouting at it in Italian. I quickly called out, “Sta bene, mi piace il cane!” — Don’t worry, I like dogs! She gave me the warmest smile and a welcoming embrace. Alas, siamo qui, siamo qui — we are here, we are here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/11d632c5-c790-44a2-9962-af6fff0713b2/IMG_9859.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/491fb55e-49ac-4c1c-aecb-a7605440e487/IMG_9897.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/40823e94-bb56-451c-968f-6957e73b3cdd/IMG_9904.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/661f4664-ca33-47a8-a81f-d17d57f48c78/IMG_9914.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9470ef5b-799d-44a7-b718-33398d0747a7/20250910_065215_729CF1.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1761509302826-LQOMVMKEZX5JS3VV9Q58/IMG_9889.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/243264d3-f335-4d00-a1f6-377c35aeb28a/IMG_9911.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9168f1d0-5fe5-4ce0-9314-d89147232d36/IMG_9794.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany - As the evening closed, all jitters and severe storm watches subsided. Tomorrow would be arrival day. I couldn’t wait to welcome the eight women making their way from across the world to join us for The Unwind Retreat 2025. What a beautiful thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3efe1a92-2a52-47f0-8fca-ded101861f47/IMG_2500.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany There is something so magical about arriving in a new place, and for me, something equally magical about welcoming everyone’s different energy as it comes together. Of course, it doesn’t always feel magical; travel brings unexpected moments. Things go unplanned, wallets get forgotten, bags go amiss, the whole nine yards. But it’s how we adapt despite those bumps in the road that truly matters. Just like I strive to welcome my students at the studio, on arrival day I aim to keep my energy grounded and be a warm presence for my travelees, a home away from home. I love to set an intention at the start of each retreat, before our first meal, as a moment to pause, breathe, and honor the fact that we made it here together. It’s a moment of gratitude, acknowledgment, and recognition that, despite all the ifs, ands, and buts, WE SHOWED UP. And indeed, what a magical thing that is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1761872838312-IN9ENHYFIXSEM25NCEKP/IMG_2796.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1761872822025-9N4R3LKETZFVA17OA045/IMG_2560.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1761872867298-0E4L5TAHL2TYGVIUSFMP/IMG_0015.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/e6721f60-4760-4b49-a851-d5fcb772c474/IMG_9925.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/46b91d8a-8d86-4937-87e0-ba977ebe0b8b/20250910_092938_7DE34C.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/12494a2c-653f-4067-be09-54664e9a1224/IMG_9976.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/df36b241-04c3-48e7-93ff-884e6f24a3b2/IMG_9814.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1761874921865-XK9P5L6L94WMARJOSY0Q/IMG_9978.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/4285438d-0d1e-4dda-abde-7d209d5d3d1a/IMG_2542.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5896c7a7-9ddc-4a8d-bd18-54d46a09afc8/20250912_002204_7D4B09.jpeg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d399087a-d3bf-4244-96ac-2d0b487367d0/IMG_0012.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/e500a30c-8f71-4e16-9cd7-c61113d3265a/IMG_2709.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/22736a77-4ba2-47cf-8df2-84bc6a2b4734/IMG_9789.jpg Lifestyle - Sharing Tuscany How do you put into words an experience like this? The sound of birds in the morning. The dewiness of the air. The chatter of an elder couple walking hand in hand. The clacking of shoes on cobblestone. The smell of lavender. The connection with so many beautiful humans. Our days came and went, and a year of planning absorbed into the atmosphere. But what remains is the beauty in it all — our memories, our keepsakes, the little threads that, over time, weave together into a canopy of moments that make up our lives. And I am so grateful to have been a part of even one. Arrivederci, Toscana. Until next time. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/my-girl monthly 0.5 2025-07-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751857560943-9UYZDTENZFD9LCTBRZFJ/IMG_1800.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858123510-JE9B6J01C24FFJY6OCGN/IMG_0443.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858132889-61W6N1WMT3N5AEZD0COS/IMG_0087.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858142027-SQ9N7DNHHW509CGYGWLZ/IMG_0926.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858143557-XQ0QW9OKBTDOCQXPREQB/IMG_0265.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858148962-AEI0TP4P3G0JGCAQHQYR/IMG_1935.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858146872-EJ1VELI60SOU33HMDPY6/IMG_2081.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858156318-M7QIDB9YAGPDFKMMKU5G/IMG_0903.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858157160-H3IRQSR170KZL559GTCT/IMG_4588.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858178305-V9CD93KRQ4BEOREDFB44/IMG_6720.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858172215-F99ALDNTVWJBZ4N0Q70O/IMG_7651.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858189862-LD9F5Q5J2X4CHRWJ9PE9/IMG_7746.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858203474-OFVDEF2MUHC5DGMIAYYS/IMG_7903.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858211994-MD8Q4RIW16442WGXIX15/IMG_4981.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858447165-YP03QYXGAFURQFC19KEP/IMG_0099.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1752088800371-ETWP1X25TK1MO5U8PWY0/IMG_2130.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858220579-22NE69D0UGQAMLWCZ4TO/IMG_3562.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858223865-BAE048N6XPLC54QOQX3I/IMG_9171.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858223536-7IRS2H43JK4XOV7IQI90/imagejpeg_0.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1751858234865-AD4RAVJFZKJNISKZEN55/IMG_1242.jpeg Lifestyle - The One Who Chose Me https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/our-10-day-trip-to-greece monthly 0.5 2025-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/223c5418-77c0-49a3-9e25-9a09e6eb3445/Screenshot+2025-05-26+at+3.07.14%E2%80%AFPM.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Our flight from JAX had one stop in Boston, and then we were all set for our 9-hour journey into Athens, Greece! New passport stamp secured! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/40b6efe4-7aae-4bb6-9643-603c2fec9a76/IMG_0157.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/73ca0657-f4f6-4a96-934b-957f0b24bc4a/IMG_7347.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/ee1b88d7-ca3d-437c-911e-b152347c74cc/IMG_0185.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/df10d0e8-936e-45f0-8e04-6032cc24a94f/IMG_0138.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/260ff754-e8d3-4b89-9a6c-3abd79a1a5c3/IMG_7435.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/2653cc8e-4a71-4540-9427-2d889548bf10/IMG_7430.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/970a1a4b-f687-41f2-8ca7-945d34d40a53/IMG_0162.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/2a9ce240-8bed-4bb8-8037-f16a45726ae2/IMG_7449.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/ee442492-0ea0-420f-9727-69a39839f6c3/IMG_7440.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/bc7a8a64-7ac0-49da-9acd-35121fef0d78/IMG_7459.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/87e10629-1889-437c-9fe3-352bef313ebe/IMG_7465.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/20668ff9-da7b-4468-9b2f-4873b460c1af/IMG_7454.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3165aacb-3f4a-41a0-b85d-81ef1dfc50a3/IMG_7477.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Off To SEA After 24 hours in Athens, it was time to embark on our first ferry across open waters. Our ride: The Speed Runner Jet via SeaJETS ( see photo) Our destination: Milos Time to Destination: Approx. 3 hours For being first- timers, SeaJets was awesome! Their process is super rinse-and-repeat (no pun intended). They take this route daily, making two stops along the way, and although the boat wasn’t anywhere near capacity, you could tell they’re used to handling large groups of people and vehicles. Pro-tip: If the budget allows, buy the platinum tickets on SeaJets. It’s not much more, but seats are nicer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d110f60d-3e69-43e6-8859-d4f69b593ede/IMG_7495.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/cc5bc8cc-0c14-48f4-a630-2154f0481d6b/IMG_7509.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/70b26959-2507-4990-ad50-3b482c63ae5b/IMG_7546.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c6ce7847-49c4-4f5b-8f0b-b10721147acc/IMG_7523.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/20fb1765-89fd-48cb-adcc-42763b90b4dc/IMG_7525.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/81014021-3f3c-4cc6-9adf-28651418c149/IMG_7527.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/05b3fffe-f6ea-4630-8418-f1d721396763/IMG_7590.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out During our stay, the weather was true spring— temps hovered around the high 60s and 70s. And since we’re now considered Floridians, we naturally sought out the heat. I found this beach on the southern side of the island that’s known for its warm sand and tempered winds. Paliochori beach has sulfur components in the sand, which makes it nice and warm — turning the cool water into a refreshing bath. When we first arrived, I eyeballed a section of the coast that looked untouched, private, and rather mysterious. I was determined to traverse as far as we could around the bend to get to it. When we reached the end of the main beach, I asked Joe to scope out the rocks that divided the two inlets. He returned a few minutes later and told me our journey would be challenging—but we were capable. Of course, we were about to scale jagged black rocks, backed up to a cascading drop-off, just to get to the other side. Why relax on the main beach when you can scale the cliffs? After quite the hike over.. ahhh, such relief—we had our very own private beach! Time to dive chest-first into the crisp, cool water. Pebbles galore! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3f9bc7a4-1b32-4e2a-8104-0c07a28c2add/IMG_7603.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5b39bf70-9127-47b5-9c9a-54d87e96b839/IMG_7587.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6d798a62-16fd-4412-835b-abcc2dcadb1b/IMG_7579.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/219cdc43-13ae-4066-ad24-196dd7ff4b05/IMG_7601.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655311885-8MOZBRMTBP2625UIMUZX/IMG_0406.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655311195-WERHYEYZ0OC1FM7635K7/IMG_0411.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655319460-U3Q7O1N9LQ7RCW51XDT1/IMG_0408.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655322617-358R9DA96WHO7BHRKS8M/IMG_0422.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655432117-O7TROTA0QV1S2VYA6EOE/FullSizeRender.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655333914-LA9I7G2RE8HUFL6PJFUD/IMG_0543.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655343070-QB6FARUI99HGSHKBSBV7/IMG_0558.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748655345615-E421100ZO1S8P8HDYF3I/IMG_0559.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656271735-G0DIAF85DULNRU760HF8/IMG_7625.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656271695-T6WLZ9DUYXC2TMUY2DYN/IMG_7621.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656281383-32ITDA99WYFYGXPUILIL/IMG_0355.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656278660-7C68PDWLQ0MTQ0SQUWV6/IMG_0360.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656290927-4EACJI0Y7PEZF40KBKIW/IMG_0580.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656295966-8EO4S9Y5LE1WHIZ5RUI1/IMG_0585.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748656286478-6MH5ADWN57D18042FJJC/IMG_0572.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748746345908-538ISDJDKXSYSG2XETQ2/IMG_0600.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748746345104-P1MXD0J7AM5UP71LN7B6/IMG_0632.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748746362983-K1LCP8RWQVS9VA6QE1HY/IMG_0637.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748746356303-4MV1EBGVFMUL4XG4D6AU/IMG_0624.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748746364982-HV4THF93IUMDMRRA483N/IMG_0640.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748807937295-V6QEJUIQX853UB4RTU0F/IMG_7863.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748914716265-8Y4KMUBYPZFQ9GM9M1JG/IMG_7870.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - To Sifnos and Beyond Choosing which Greek island to visit had been no easy feat! Joe and I have this inside joke from a time when I insistently kept asking him which two island combinations we should go with. I went on and on about my findings—why this, why that—until he finally yelled out in desperation “I DONT CARE, YOU PICK!” So Milos & Sifnos it was! With my extensive research, I chose Sifnos as the second island to visit after reading this beautifully written article from a travel blogger who shared her time on this quiet foodie island. In addition to being a food lover’s paradise, Sifnos is also known for its extensive hiking. People from all over Europe travel to Sifnos for its well-marked trails that cut across sweeping vistas. As you can see in this photo, the distance from Milos to Sifnos is quite close— just a 45-minute ferry ride from port to port. But for being so near, I didn’t realize how vastly different the two would actually be. If there’s one thing I learned about Greece since arriving, it’s to expect the unexpected— and the land of Sifnos was no exception. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915929818-0TJ0DQAK6WY8SL9R9RER/IMG_0658.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915922960-9IYA3KY5LTAL6L9QBTAV/IMG_0661.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915939440-NXZ3342PWITZJNKXWAYT/IMG_0663.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915946501-KOXAXF97S5NHC1G667RK/IMG_0667.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915956354-P004WZ5B4EI01GGW1EDS/IMG_0671.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915979914-SKZBKVBZZQA6X8ER8G09/IMG_0692.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915970866-16HPHFT77Q7EE7XKLX4I/IMG_0676.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915963753-XSBILG0NOPRRD1JWNOUM/IMG_0681.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748915981170-FTQHMRKFW407E0K354KW/IMG_0694.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b1179a62-6f9a-4ac6-99ec-f9a591d73937/IMG_0721.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - A Serene Paradise Verina Astra was our home for our 4 days in Sifnos. It was everything I had hoped for—and more. From the moment we arrived to this hilltop haven, we were in awe. For some, where you stay when you travel may just be a place to rest your head. But for me, I believe discovering new places starts with where we stay. Everything from the little details, to the people you meet, to the inspiration of design, to the feeling it brings you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/a3ba03d5-efb3-44b1-beb1-1a2856357b0f/IMG_8242.jpg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1f87b36f-e1af-4ab6-9bf4-2cb481906cbd/IMG_7897.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748918029980-SZS7JKJHBMSXYO9N7D4T/IMG_0762.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748918025872-VACM9IBVQ9WQ1LBS2AWY/IMG_7995.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748918042141-76ICFJI56JYB3CRRACY5/IMG_7996.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748918055318-14LBZN8NSS22SNSNRBL1/IMG_7998.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748918058790-E97RVHVC6Q4H27WINE4J/IMG_0766.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1748918069155-VF0LS36VOGOZBLMSXFWJ/IMG_8003.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/89e8fb8f-5ab3-4eb2-b5ed-2d3d85896311/IMG_0793.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Pictured: Marinated shrimp pasta at one of my favorites in Sifnos: Okalyos! 10/10 I desperately miss Greek restaurants. Not only is the food affordable and insanely delicious, but they don’t rush you to eat. You’re there to relax, to socialize, to enjoy, and it doesn’t matter how long you stay! No rush— can you imagine?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d7db438e-d8fb-4ac0-b52a-a325187bbcc8/IMG_0796.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Joe with co-owner of our favorite restaurant. If you know Joe, you’ll know that he has that special gift to meet friends wherever we go—and Greece was no exception. Had to snap a pic of these two before we said our goodbyes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/920167f2-d6a8-46c2-ad28-6b7de9049e13/IMG_8036.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/20b08fb7-a540-4ceb-8933-fa36507b3941/IMG_8037.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out $3 gyro that I am still craving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/07fd318f-a9a2-4b99-8600-73d9bce2dbb3/IMG_8061.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 10 Day Trip to Greece - Make it stand out Greece was everything I had imagined and so much more. A country of magnificent beauty, ancient ruins, and sweeping landscapes. But more than its aesthetics, I was deeply moved by the people we met during our time here. They welcomed us with open arms and shared true kindness of heart. In a world where we often polarize ourselves by our differences and beliefs, traveling is the greatest cure. It brings unity, perspective, and love to the forefront. I am so grateful to the Greek people for welcoming us into their home. Until Next time—Kalinýchta! https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/100-years-young monthly 0.5 2025-02-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/cfcbe8d7-6679-47db-b03f-abe231179331/FullSizeRender.jpg Lifestyle - 100 Years Young https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/8c575443-6ac8-4f1e-8982-e0884142e5ef/IMG_0508.JPG Lifestyle - 100 Years Young https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5a22a279-d47c-4088-880e-b9ac539bc8e6/IMG_1913.jpeg Lifestyle - 100 Years Young https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9fb0a4c2-b4fa-4ccb-a959-560eea52f644/IMG_2598.jpeg Lifestyle - 100 Years Young https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/hosting-my-first-international-retreat monthly 0.5 2024-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/f928f784-82a1-4ba9-b15b-05b2593e2a7b/IMG_1710.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9286b58d-6de9-4ac1-ae6f-a698dd991490/FullSizeRender.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d1ecc00d-9c35-47ec-9d3f-356cb7d31d94/IMG_0671.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b51c1f04-efe6-44c6-9e41-aa1518ab3d07/IMG_0306.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6512f6ba-0108-463f-9c44-ea48dd15d063/IMG_0924.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/00b485bd-762d-43be-a719-256f316da113/bb50e755-e91d-43fd-9ac3-02ac11c0daae.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/07ebda97-497a-4395-9661-de594b6cc6bc/97ec7f19-91d4-42df-a1f1-48c29f3a2090.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6a392edc-e4aa-4d36-972b-1fd0e968aaec/DD23E2B9-36D9-4304-BB20-EFEC3D28A5E2.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/55ba20e4-f3de-4f43-bfc4-666d05a0bcf2/0345E7FB-1FCC-498A-A950-6AF02C8C088F.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/313bc280-d660-42d7-9d0d-0497b27b9b0d/403FE914-0140-4F84-A2DC-3D05E23B2A3D.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5c98ebe5-9c3c-418f-8cc6-d925f572dee5/1AB8736F-EAE1-4B47-96DD-9EF0425E30A2.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9785dcba-fcfc-4d19-9932-6249efcc6de6/CF920219-9B27-4DB0-AC43-14330CD0EF80.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6a90c4a3-36f0-4f4b-a107-13c2385ec854/D825882A-6009-40A5-80C3-B04508FEAD53.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/93a51109-032b-4e07-8e74-9ffb7d290f04/IMG_0949.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/4f5e79bc-9823-42bf-b09c-d0eeebbb7100/IMG_0652.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/97dd899f-3550-44ef-83b9-0d770fa80bcb/IMG_0856.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1818672a-891b-44da-bf34-663b9503aa2c/e2a8295e-8b62-4091-bc73-27fa2e78e24f.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1892349b-b688-4c13-862a-976efbf3540c/IMG_0882.jpg Lifestyle - If Not Now, Then When? My First International Retreat https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/sht-yogateachers-do-5-habits-to-cut-from-your-teaching monthly 0.5 2024-05-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1714618677845-LWIPX9D84YCH378HJSZK/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Sh*t Yoga Teachers Do (5 Habits to Cut from Your Teaching) - hands on assist First and foremost one should always ask: Are my assists helpful or harmful to the person I am assisting? There’s 3 components I want to talk about here: #1 Be mindful of injuries- This is a kind reminder that you NEVER know what’s going on in a persons body so don’t assume because they look a certain way that they are injury free. There’s a difference between challenging your students verse pushing them to do a risky pose in which they might injure themselves without knowing their preexisting conditions. #2 Be Trauma informed -This is extremely important. Just because someone is joining a yoga class does not mean they feel comfortable having hands on assist. As a teacher you must ask permission. Take 1 minute while everyone is in child pose to ask for a signal or wave or confirmation before offering assists. Again, just because hands on assists may feel therapeutic and relaxing for one person does not mean it won’t trigger or cause panic in another. As a teacher, there are plenty of ways to give support without laying hands on your students. Always ask first and do not assume. #3 Get educated in proper hands on assist-This should be additional training - not your 1 hour course you had during your 200hrs. Do not grab people if you have not had proper training on how to lead safe assists As for the teacher who grabbed my hair as a way to assist my neck to go back further. THIS IS NOT AN EDUCATED ASSIST. Rule 101 from art of assisting - open palm assist only . Meaning no grabbing, no cupping, and certainly no yanking with your hands while “helping” someone in a yoga pose. For the people in the back of the room , if you have not had proper training on how to hands on assist then DO NOT feel qualified to do so - because you are not. An uncomfortable, triggering or unsafe assist can ruin someone’s experience to yoga - so please educate yourselves first!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1716865495563-7S96Z75A84VIETC44CSW/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Sh*t Yoga Teachers Do (5 Habits to Cut from Your Teaching) - Name That Pose We’ve all been in that class where the teacher says “now bring your right food forward, next to your right wrist and your left foot back and your back up straight” instead of just simply saying, ‘Crescent Lunge’ and behold! Yoga student goes in pose. I think often times teachers are afraid that students won’t know “what to do”. Teachers literally cause greater confusion by over queuing the pose prior to just naming it! In my level 1 training, at the Baptiste Institute, Baron had all of us just start with calling the poses. No extra stuff, no clutter. Just say the pose. Now obviously if you have a group of all new students and you say “Crescent Lunge” and they all just stare like deer in a headlights, you can surely give them some much needed queues and/or a demonstration, but if you teach a group of regular practitioners LESS IS MORE. So if this is you, don’t get discouraged, just become aware. Next time you are teaching try just saying the pose, then observe, and based on what you see your students doing offer a queue if needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1716865904037-7HMNMAXOBIHGADVOVKOR/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Sh*t Yoga Teachers Do (5 Habits to Cut from Your Teaching) - Non Stop Talking Ahhh the non stop talking class, this is a big one! Think of the last time you were in a yoga class and the teacher did not stop talking. They were your cheerleader, yoga master, and life coach the entire time. Constantly telling you where to go, what to feel, how to adjust, how to breathe, and how to relax. They were telling stories, filling the brief moments of space with counting, queues and additional tid-bits. It’s a lot! And in reality, all this chatter is really just nervous energy. Whether or not you realize it, you radiate energy. We all do. If we, as teachers, find ourselves being chatter boxes, then it’s a sign that we need to get grounded in our own bodies first. I recognize getting grounded may sound easier than it is, especially when we are checking students in, setting the music, and coming to teach while putting our own busy lives on pause. But offering space for quiet in yoga is so instrumental to leading an empowering and rejuvenating yoga class. Our students, and heck, we NEED less chatter in our lives. So take a few minutes, breathe, feel your feet on the floor and know that what you say matters. Don’t just talk to hear your own voice. Give your students the gift of silence every once and awhile. You all will greatly benefit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1716866411789-AUXHSIOMKB38K6NRGJB9/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Sh*t Yoga Teachers Do (5 Habits to Cut from Your Teaching) - Sanskrit Lingo A teacher of mine, during a training once said, “Sanskrit is Foreign Language- remember that. Do not use it to show-off to your students leaving them in the dust.” It’s one thing to educate our students on terminology, allowing them to feel informed and well versed in the roots of yoga. However, just throwing out Sanskrit terms like its common knowledge creates an unnecessary disconnect. I believe yoga should be an accessible practice and that begins by clear communication. If you are teaching a group of new students, it is more important to give English names for the poses (or whatever the local language is) so they know what to do, rather than aim to impress with Sanskrit. This goes for you anatomy nerds out there too! Educate your students, help them learn their bodies and how they function in various yoga poses, but don’t speak to them like we are all graduate students in med school. Most of us don’t know where our ischial tuberosity is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1716866554680-8NXPF6IUIKQ4XF9EIT7E/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Sh*t Yoga Teachers Do (5 Habits to Cut from Your Teaching) - What the Flow You see what I did there? :D Alas, let’s talk about the flow/sequence of your yoga class. I was trained in Baptiste yoga where we bleed the Journey into Power Sequence, and I absolutely love it. If you’re unfamiliar with it, you can find it online. It is a great foundation and offers a structure for any class that has many opportunities for modifications and advancements. Now don’t get me wrong, I do not believe this is the only* sequence out there that is solid. There are a lot of amazing yoga flow variations. BUT, I do want to talk about the difference between creating an Instagram aesthetic flow verse a body conscious yoga flow. Instagramable Flows: What do I mean by this? Well we’ve all seen the eye catching yoga flows that influencers and others post to social media, they string together a beautiful combination of acrobatic twists, flips and dips that will “invigorate” your practice and “spice up” your class! And I get it, as a yoga teacher you may feel uninspired sometimes, tired of the same old same, and you may want to switch things up. And its okay to draw inspiration, to be creative and to want to offer your students variety. So there’s few check points I suggest looking at when considering your flow: #1 Provide your students a holistic warm up Heated studio, or not, give your students time to warm their bodies. Too many times, I’ve been in a class where the teacher calls out a back bend early on in the practice. This is just posing an unnecessary risk for injury. Move intentionally slow, like heat rising, let the body, mind and breath warm up. #2 Build integration vs. tricks Enter in the Instagram worthy flow. Our practice should not be centered around the tricks like we are in a gymnastic competition. We want to build students up so that they can have a long lasting and sustainable yoga journey throughout their life. As a yoga teacher, you have the opportunity to guide students to integrate further in their practice by full engagement. Example, there are two ways you can do a Warrior 2. Draping the arms up and just waiting to come out of the pose, OR pressing down into the floor, lighting up your legs, gaze dialed in, breathe a constant flow, core ignited, and crown of the head lengthened. One builds true integration. #3 Allow time for “cool down” Whether your class is 60 min, 45 min, or 75 min- be mindful of the timing. Savasana should not be your sole “cool down” . We need time for opening, for release, and to bring our heartrates back down. Our classes should not be all YANG energy, we need some YIN. So please give it to your students, dear teacher. Last thing I’ll say on What The Flow, ultimately, read the energy in your yoga classroom. If you see your student are needing more time for hip openers, restorative poses etc. don’t lock yourself to your “plan”, be adaptable to the energy in the room. That energy is always clear on what’s needed. You only have to listen to it. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/discovering-yin-yoga monthly 0.5 2024-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1710383331304-6ZRCL6KY0GU1QSWES825/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Discovering: Yin Yoga Welcome, dear reader! If you’re here, then perhaps you have some curiosity surrounding the restorative practice of Yin Yoga. Well, in any case, I am so glad you’ve found your way to these pages. It wasn’t long ago that I dismissed Yin Yoga as an “easy practice”, always opting for the intensity of Power Yoga and constant motion. “Savasana is enough of a rest” “My busy mind can’t sit still that long?” “The more physically challenging a practice is the better!” These were all thoughts I had surrounding my yoga practice, and it wasn’t until I took my first Yin class, led by a gracious and compassionate teacher, that I realized how mistaken I had been. Yin is the very balance to our Yang driven world. It is the cool to the heat. The pause to our constant go-go-go. The slowing down we need when everything seems to be speeding up. Yin is the exhale to our inhale. I truly had no idea what Yin would unlock for me… Shift forward to today, Yin is one of my most cherished and transformative practices I lead. I am continuously amazed by the profound depths Yin Yoga unveils, both for myself and my students. Join me as we discover the why, what and how of Yin Yoga and its beautiful ability to reshape not only our bodies, but our hearts and minds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1710724331494-6UU3N09DQAWNC3Y5IL7O/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Discovering: Yin Yoga - Why try Yin Yoga? There are SO many benefits to practicing Yin Yoga, that I want to just shout because WHY NOT!? As a teacher, I find that many people come to my Yin class because they want to work on stretching, or a way to ease sore muscles ( both which are great reasons), however, they often leave surprised to discover the incredible effects it has on their mind as well. It’s all about the perks! Here are some other reasons to try Yin :) Improved Flexibility Stress Relief Enhanced Joint Health Increased Mindfulness Improved Circulation Release of Tensions and Toxins When I first discovered Yin, I joined because I was feeling super tense from all the weight training I was doing at the time. Not only did it help restore my body, but it challenged my mind in a way I didn’t expect it to. Yin for me, is a practice of staying present. I notice when my mind is already out the door planning dinner, and I redirect my thoughts to the present moment. I am not perfect at it, but that’s the extraordinary thing about Yin- there is no perfection. It’s a continual practice, and this practice reminds me to be present both on and off my mat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1710724137894-IXFW8XIEMDMVGYM8X01E/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Discovering: Yin Yoga - What To Expect? Although each Yin class and instructor will vary, here are some elements that you can expect: Poses are held between 2-5 minutes each. This timing is intentional as it allows the body space to relax into the posture. Props are used! We typically use a yoga bolster, block and blanket in each class. These tools are to help bring ease and comfort throughout the practice. I highly recommend buying your own bolster for your own at-home practice if you can! This one here is wonderful. Breath work. Yes we work on how to breathe! Breath work is an important element of most yoga practices and is central to Yin. We use breath as an anchor throughout class to relax the body, focus the mind, and calm the central nervous system. Quietness! You may notice that the class has more quiet/still moments than a typical vinyasa practice. Giving my students space for quietness is one of the most important things I believe I can do in a Yin class- we just don’t get enough of this in life! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1710724038018-77AKKHQKKN7RF8GKKITI/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Discovering: Yin Yoga - How To Get Started? So let’s get started then! Thankfully today, there are so many ways you can practice Yin Yoga. Here are a few: Search online in your local area for a yoga studio that offers this style class. Sign up and give it a try! If you live in a remote area or don’t have the ability to go in-person, YouTube has so many great at-home offerings just search Yin Yoga. Local to OKC? Join me on Sundays at 4pm! Whatever way you choose to get started, just give it a go! https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/my-5-fav-spots-in-phoenixaz-from-a-local monthly 0.5 2024-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/aaec6f03-6a2b-4903-bca7-514412814489/pan.jpeg Lifestyle - Exploring Phoenix: My 5 Favorite Local Spots - Panaderia Los Jarochos There is something special about handmade pan dulce, and if you are a bread lover—like me, you’ll know that there is nothing like some fresh pan dulce! Panaderia Los Jarochos is the locals' best-kept secret. Every morning, they are working on delicious handmade bread, and you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose to take with you. My pro tip? Get the empanada de manzana—delicioso! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3d76fbb1-0427-48f4-a9bf-b6eac26d3b1a/IMG_3751.jpg Lifestyle - Exploring Phoenix: My 5 Favorite Local Spots - The Underground Phx If you are looking for a workout that will literally blow your socks off, LOOK NO FURTHER! I absolutely love going to The Underground. The owner, Stephanie, is such a fun and inspiring spin instructor who has attracted such a strong community. Spin is not something I normally practice, but this place is truly my home away from home studio! I’m telling you, this is the spot to be if you want a great workout—just be sure to reserve your bike ahead of time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d332042c-732e-4806-bf35-2eb1b614c559/la+grande.jpeg Lifestyle - Exploring Phoenix: My 5 Favorite Local Spots - La Grande Orange This sweet neighborhood bodega is an ideal place to stop and grab a fresh lunch. They have everything from crunchy kale salads to hot rotisserie-style chicken sandwiches. It’s really a one-stop-shop kind of place; plus, they even have a curated wine corner if you want to pick out a bottle for later or enjoy an iced latte at their nice outdoor picnic tables. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/971b2458-c847-4588-9989-3a5cac43ed88/IMG_1172.jpg Lifestyle - Exploring Phoenix: My 5 Favorite Local Spots - Phoenix Mountain Reserve One of our favorite areas we spent hiking this go around was the Phoenix Mountain Reserve. Within this mountain range, their are so many breathtaking trails to explore (many of which are dog friendly too)! Of course, Piestewa Peak is one of the most popular; however, this time around, we discovered the Ruth Hamilton Trail and found it to be such a peaceful hike with gorgeous views of the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/fcd55af0-4663-4b0d-8a91-9f54bf000093/lalocanda-049.jpg Lifestyle - Exploring Phoenix: My 5 Favorite Local Spots - La Locanda La Locanda is our family staple, offering delicious Italian cuisine with something for everyone. We've been dining here for the past five years and enjoy it every time. Recently, we discovered that on Thursday nights, they feature live music, and this changed the game for us! Nuance Jazz and Jackie Lopez are amazing musicians, creating the best evenings out in Old Town Scottsdale. Music, vino, and pasta? What more could you want! https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/best-books-i-read-in-2023 monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/e518bfd4-be8d-4f30-b440-2f41b88ad7af/the+change.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2023 - The Change By Kirsten Miller I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, and once I started it, I could not stop listening. The Change is a captivating and thrilling read about 3 women who become unlikely friends. The author creates such a descriptive story that I felt like I was there every step of the way feeling a wave of emotions as the book intensifies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/31ab3b00-95bb-40fd-b8a8-aa23e1780d9b/remarkbly+bright.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2023 - Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Read with Jenna Pick Remarkably Bright Creatures is one of those books that will stay in my soul for the long haul. This heart warming story had such a positive impact on me. It reminded me that humans and mammals (or in this case cephalopods) can have such a profound connection. If we as humans, were better listeners to the non verbal communicators of our world we would learn so much from them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/ec16a5e2-5d23-4ba3-9f5f-64ec03410ebf/mattperry.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2023 - Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir If you haven’t already listened to this memoir-it is a must listen!! And I specifically say listen because Matthew Perry does the actual audible audio book to his book and I loved listening to him recount his life. It felt like he was right there in the room, sharing it all. So whether or not you are a friends fan, or a Chandler Bing fan doesn’t matter- Matthew’s memoir is so heart wrenchingly honest and open that I’d encourage anyone to pick it up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/aaaafd32-8e14-4c54-b230-99d250cc18eb/bea.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2023 - Bea & Lily: Book One - Comparison One of my mentors and the person who really inspired me to become the yoga teacher I am today, recently wrote and published her first book. The concept is unique: it’s a kids book for adults! The idea being, we all have those 300 page self help books that we buy thinking we’ll come out a new person and instead the book just sits on our shelves unread. Bea & Lily offer an easy way to ingest many of the things we all face in life. The first book dives into the topic of Comparison- something we all deal with whether we recognize it or not. Brooke offers a beautiful reminder of life’s simple, but often forgotten truths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c40b83f1-7683-4e4e-a5c5-93412c907d69/tidying.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2023 - The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing This book came home with us after we visited the giftshop in the Portland Japanese Garden. I think it’s the perfect book to read at the start of a new year as the art of tidying up is not always a natural skill ( myself included) BUT is a skill that can be learned and makes all the difference in your livelihood and space. Marie Kondo, walks through how to actually declutter and organize in a way that is lasting and effective. Happy tidying! https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/our-3-day-trip-to-portland monthly 0.5 2023-12-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/53039d7e-a36b-4baf-b692-89192e57d1e8/IMG_0180.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland - We arrived in Portland around noon from Oklahoma City and traveled straight to the quaint hilltop neighborhood of Arlington Heights where our Airbnb was located. I did extensive research on what part of town we should stay in while in Portland and ultimately decided on this northwest hood with historic homes that draped unique architecture and bordered the Rose garden, Washington park and the Hoyt arboretum. Our Airbnb was a private entry through a residential home- that made us feel like locals when we’d take strolls through the neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/32c51ff5-22d0-4e4d-82f7-2b95112f1e6d/IMG_0188.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland - For lunch we decided to walk to a local grocery store that we spotted on our drive in-Zupan’s Market. The walk was only 20 minutes long and full of vibrant green flora! If you are staying in the area, Zupan’s Market was fabulous. I always say, you discover a lot about the local cuisine and the culture by going to a neighborhood grocery store. If I could transport the delicious smells into this text for you I would! Oh and the moss- all the moss!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/298d9adc-e618-44a1-a3ba-d61d9e9438b9/IMG_0227.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/eef6a057-f806-4de4-a2c9-8eecb05bd872/IMG_0220.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5dfb211d-7f7f-4e13-a985-11fef0a2c7f0/IMG_3088.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland - Downtown PDX The morning of Day 2 we went to a small hipstery coffee house called In J Coffee where I sipped on a frothy cappuccino and we munched down their famous breakfast bagels. Our dilemma was that our cheap a**( I’ll omit flavorful words) Target umbrella decided to break after its first use and it was pretty rainy outside. Luckily, this coffee house was just a couple blocks away from the strip of stores in Downtown Portland. Even if you aren’t in dire need to buy an umbrella or even shop for that matter, I really enjoyed walking on Broadway as it had a bustling New York feel to it with its cozy bistros and dancing department stores stunning the streets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1702407272055-3MRJ74KTM78YF2SB7LJE/image-asset.jpeg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland At the end of our downtown stroll we landed at the infamous Powell's City of Books. This is a book lovers paradise. Honestly, I am not sure how you get through the whole store. Any genre, any book, any little knick knack you want…they have it! I imagine one could get utterly lost in a maze of storybooks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6778ead9-ca6b-4baa-a958-e96353b4ec53/IMG_0243.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland - Make it stand out Post our downtown excursion and post lunch at Zupans again— we went on a little hike with our dear friends who were coincidentally visiting Portland from AZ. They took us to the Hoyt Arboretum, and I am so glad they did, because truthfully I don’t know if Joe and I would have wandered into the forest by ourselves. The Hoyt Arboretum is free and has endless trails to walk through. We were surrounded by redwoods and although the rain was coming down the trees protected us from getting soaked. You could definitely spend all day here, wandering through the trails and streams. I feel like we hardly scratched the surface, but I am so thankful we came. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b1e00307-28f4-4b62-b70b-d74a3e93a2b4/E4ACD2A6-CE8C-4B15-8BC2-FADDFFB9B451.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland - For dinner, I found a cute local spot called The Pocket Pub in the Irvington area. The hanging lights outside welcomed us into the cozy interior. We took a couple seats at bar because we don’t typically mind sitting next to strangers. Dinner was all that we wanted- a couple craft beers and pizza to share. The kitchen was an open concept on our left so we could see them kneading the pizza dough before throwing it into the wood fire oven. I imagine this is the type of place that would be my “usual spot” if I lived in Portland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c789d905-baab-4093-8f28-dd6333ba622f/IMG_0278.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/de4579a1-12ce-4270-bdea-360f041bee53/IMG_0268.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/84e173e7-87fd-427d-8716-47f9c4809108/IMG_0506.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland Day 3 took shape naturally and it all started with a great chai latte from Barista in the Alphabet district. We had no idea 23rd Ave is the street to be on in Northwest Portland, but it is. This coffeeshop felt like something out of a European bar. Truthfully, we couldn’t have picked a better spot. After chowing down a chocolate croissant, we walked the shop filled streets of 23rd avenue, peeping into stores and people watching as we walked with our large suitcase and sparkly umbrella in hand. I am usually one to try and blend in when traveling, but this was just not one of those days.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/cb0fe04a-02e8-477d-a4ec-03042572b294/IMG_0292.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/bcde3765-a30a-496d-bb96-da6f112fd39f/IMG_0297.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland - Lunch at Lela’s Bistro What better way to finish our culinary adventure then to refuel with a bowl of steaming hot Pho! Lela’s was located off 23rd and it felt like we were stepping into someone’s home converted into an eatery. Although their was a line of people squeezing in the door, everyone had a table to eat at. Can you smell the broth?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6d20c292-d5a0-4e17-9516-58bf196f1bc2/IMG_0386.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d38e325a-49b7-4a80-b8a7-776c053e2a10/IMG_0299.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b1881405-9032-49cd-ba0d-e1ed724433cf/IMG_0356.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/e24e4e1b-c49b-469f-92ea-fd9ecf01fda1/IMG_0364.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/eb669274-331c-44a2-8272-2da903b53288/IMG_0324.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b20476eb-5dff-4d84-97b4-b18ad27e0728/IMG_0313.jpg Lifestyle - Our 3 Day Trip to Portland https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/summer-in-the-low-country monthly 0.5 2023-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/2aaa5727-44c9-49a7-afdf-9ef3781e76ec/IMG_2074.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry - Weltons Tiny Bake Shop There’s nothing I love more than a tiny bakeshop that has freshly baked goods. Welton’s was a sweet new discovery this trip and once we discovered it, we visited every day we could. Pro tip: Be sure to get there when they open if you want the full selection of goods and check their website as they are only open a select few days a week. Oh and you really can’t go wrong with anything you choose, so just point to a few things and you’ll be quite happy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/ac0ca799-2def-433f-a6cc-a0666fb65880/IMG_2172.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry - Sullivans Fish Camp I think this photo speaks a thousand words, or maybe I am just feeling nostalgic . But anyhow, I had been dying to go here as they opened shortly after we moved away, Sullivan’s Fish Camp is a perfect addition to Sullivan’s Island. Their menu ranges from fish and chips, fresh catch of the day, beet margaritas and my very favorite- the swordfish tacos (complete with Mexican style corn)! Pro tip: Leave some room for their soft serve ice cream, you’ll feel like a little kid again hurrying to eat it before it melts in the warm Carolina weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/8b77f69b-da97-4a29-a573-4382393dd122/7C17BAE1-8D76-4B36-8505-F9EEB65BB28B.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry - renzo Renzo is a Huger Street staple. It’s lovable, it’s intimate, it’s delicious. And let me tell you their wood fire pizza is unbeatable. Truthfully, this place is just a vibe. Whether you come with friends or just to sit at there New York City-esque bar, it is the place to be. Other menu favs? Korean fried chicken, the Caesar salad, and ask for the homemade Irish Cream- it’s the perfect ending to a fantastic meal! Pro tip: We love siting at the bar, but if you want a table I’d make reservations as this place gets booked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/0ca4c0f2-7525-4e27-a9be-c7f2af12de46/CB62940B-F524-4A1C-BCDE-76FD5909935A.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry - Ethos Athletic Club This place is one of the reasons we keep coming back to Charleston. To call it a gym feels limiting to Ethos- it is SO much more than just a gym! This athletic club is truly one of a kind. From the pristine equipment, to their high caliber classes, to their strong culture- this is a true community of individuals that elevates my fitness journey in a way that leaves me so inspired each time I visit. Pro tip: They offer an “Out of Towner” pass for those of you planning a visit. I cannot encourage you enough to stop by, take a class, get your sweat on, and move your body at Ethos— you will be blown away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/65c2edd2-7f73-4fb8-88d7-4048d8ac097e/IMG_1926.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry - Sullivans Island Beach White sand, warm water, and plenty of beach access for miles- Sullivan’s Island Beach is 1000% my favorite beach in all of Charleston. This place is what summer in the low country is all about. I left Charleston with sand in my suitcase, a smile on my face and a warm tan on my skin all thanks to Sullivan’s Island. Pro tip: Grab a Pub sub on your way across the bridge- and if you don’t know what that is— you are in for a reaaal good sandwich.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/303836f3-3f40-486b-a386-b2656d434927/IMG_2004.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3c768629-8153-4b3f-90d3-1d81d3ec3ad1/IMG_2033.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/18584402-7a6f-4ae8-b43c-7e98dab16570/85D3584E-1D13-4319-8426-0DFBDA6DCBC7.jpg Lifestyle - Summer in The Lowcountry https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/our-desert-elopement-a-gallery monthly 0.5 2023-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/8eeb33c7-5fbf-4984-ad70-dc17a6ff0142/IMG_1382.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9fb88bda-d9f1-46ec-b77d-890ce1d17d2d/IMG_1523.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3e7490db-9a04-4e53-a2ac-4c92593c7ddc/IMG_1522.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/4742af49-7d36-40fc-8602-11a4b45ebcfa/IMG_1673.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/0f3397f1-9664-46f6-81b2-488842b7b592/IMG_1700.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/7a266083-0724-4040-bf7a-a1eeb633836f/IMG_1676.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/032b2b6d-f4ad-4a08-a26c-a6ac8229159c/IMG_1384.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/ca0116f1-85cf-4df9-acc5-bd3f2320e731/IMG_1678.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/0bab3cef-8524-40c7-b03c-b61293e97261/IMG_1679.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/7b494163-24ef-4c38-8959-feae2ac49c91/IMG_1680.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/84179201-2655-432f-be6a-2f77f7403feb/IMG_1682.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/224647e9-db48-47c9-ab2e-7d7f5825b5b7/IMG_1681.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/61bf552e-ac44-40e8-8c83-325176c6ce8f/IMG_1527.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6d182cba-7c51-4d52-b50c-32532d51526f/IMG_1708.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Left: Our custom weddings bands made by Roger from Rings Etc. Fine Jewelry Middle: Gold and Pearl bracelet given to me by my sweet mother who passed Right: My “something blue” - my engagement ring made by Kristin Coffin Jewelry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d254246c-7488-40be-a882-d6811b4d7168/IMG_1397.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/36a78343-14db-400d-874d-77726fb72cf1/IMG_1393.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/695c050c-5120-44ec-a9ca-da58d3acdcc2/IMG_1391.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/684af31a-888b-4256-a147-a4c16a11a49c/IMG_1394.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/4a2be00b-ecfc-42ff-8210-69dc2283ce7c/IMG_1716.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1c91a7a6-df1d-4562-b04d-229a409ff17f/IMG_1717.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/8fe54a0d-cae1-485f-a249-7bc2a70f1c2d/IMG_1710.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Him https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c07e04a1-c280-4f70-984b-05947a85a653/IMG_1386.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out &Hers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/878ef33e-f548-4f54-9062-58815065e178/IMG_1728.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/0f280e00-d7a9-46f4-a1db-3a3acf5a2a16/IMG_1725.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/e71111e5-96fe-487d-9d35-b08cefefd058/IMG_1398.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b486828a-fe9d-4720-8963-e7f398457b79/IMG_1403.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5a99da03-79f2-4e47-915b-acdf72b488db/IMG_1729.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/fd92fbaf-42ae-4963-bda1-4072317f88ae/IMG_1401.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/0075dc2e-e94b-405e-bde7-d0c10c6a13db/IMG_1400.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/0b7bca99-2be8-4f43-b71c-6b4035f433cf/IMG_1730.JPG Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688764094179-W8NY5SIKPF02HHM6REP6/IMG_1558.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688763461310-1WGQDG7SCW26HA7AR8HI/IMG_1404.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688763459381-J7LYYWVIX4CT7PS6UTFA/IMG_1584.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c5b98a15-77df-4e83-9f96-148d9559dbaf/IMG_1747.jpg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688766401710-9LWFGDIQU23EES5C39EW/IMG_1748.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688766403753-JR5C3MQLFE6NL1U8QPNZ/IMG_1750.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688766405956-INGAUERRRUHGPP5M7K8N/IMG_1749.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688766399715-P3YTYEFALHVU4LLDXRDK/IMG_1752.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688766464132-D5EW1KWEQUR271QRR4YN/IMG_1414.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688766466021-IKH9HIRS3KJS0LBLI4HJ/IMG_1559.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/81d081ed-2657-4989-ab29-b3101ca42e2f/IMG_1426.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/a47008f5-632d-41b6-a601-e34b9eb12010/IMG_1424.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/07175e58-30a0-47d6-93d8-a7d4da5e0a10/IMG_1421.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/69694600-962f-4471-90e7-3352687854f3/IMG_1427.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/876fec04-88c6-4dbf-8d7f-ac531981c0c2/IMG_1429.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out our first kiss as husband & wife :,) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688871785574-MSOS9DBYGBZ88VJ2O45N/IMG_1430.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688871782433-06TBQVXBCNQD9Q4LU721/IMG_1431.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688871785816-OTKB72U0OJ83CEM2ODH4/IMG_1435.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688872519393-E1H9CRRGG84NXA9TICN5/IMG_1437.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688872018528-FJFY45EEUAKAG7FVRCCO/IMG_1444.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688872022262-V76FF97KJNBHJ5ZL8PCS/IMG_1440.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/206cdcf5-5cd3-4db2-bd7f-e31d8a7b4927/IMG_1452.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688874459360-S2FK6808PYUAEAWY7UIR/IMG_1773.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688874463128-DGBDXEKSCSII1T0S85BD/IMG_1774.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688874945334-26GZ1B3OQXT8HQSO466S/IMG_1770.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c25e51df-8fd2-4dd4-be7f-f02a4f9ca427/IMG_1784.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688932786998-VN80ZJOW20ZXOZKO4UYX/IMG_1788.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688932787088-SZPSXERM8Z28IDPDZ4BD/IMG_1786.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688932789899-WA0UT0XH7I8Q2AAR6OA0/IMG_1789.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934119227-Y1OG29X16VVHEJEON94D/IMG_1798.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/8e3314e7-5922-4fb6-9bc5-e07a67c6ce83/IMG_1561.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/800c3816-2c77-48cd-9aed-6f299b8ce1f3/IMG_1562.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688932789716-SSGD052AL0T6ATNIMPRY/IMG_1560.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934046953-74I5HUHSJHRT461H1851/IMG_1797.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934046331-O92S85R3CINRRT1MGKGX/IMG_1794.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934046481-WG13G78O95V9FXHWYS90/IMG_1796.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934046882-LBWZR883PKHPIMUNPU07/IMG_1795.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934046858-WOTV3W1W2GRNR1LDRLMB/IMG_1791.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1688934046876-13UBWNW6FS6B4BSU4GDT/IMG_1799.jpeg Lifestyle - Our Desert Elopement: A Gallery https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/best-hidden-gems-in-sedona monthly 0.5 2023-05-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1682989608236-WZOZ6V1GZ4027L84X65V/unsplash-image-wJHd7fuzDzk.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1683080912216-ESYDANIW6PG2A7HH6AM5/IMG_4924.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1683080994614-D6GVLOAXAIZ72SMEV9RV/IMG_8363_jpg.JPG Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1683081094565-MVHOM3BGOEN8PRNR7IHN/IMG_8344.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1683081009713-2MRSPSZK9SQRF8JBCRFC/IMG_8540.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/016167f7-04b9-42b2-b15b-b4ffd3d15884/IMG_8420+%281%29.JPG Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/37876795-0993-4270-a566-d0aba8e97304/IMG_8515.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/364fa7bc-3a68-44c8-9971-5ce55f973faf/2023-04-07+17_09_47.546.JPG Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Great lunch spot: Tamazila Lunch: Tamaliza I find great joy in discovering the type of places where there’s heart and soul. Where you can see some ones dream living out and support it. I also find great joy in tasting food where you feel that heart soul was put into creating it. For me that was Tamaliza. This is the type of modest spot that you can come in and drink a refreshing glass of horchata while admiring the Latin American decorations that lace the walls. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and it reminded me of meals made by my own grandmother. This is one comforting and wholesome gem in West Sedona that you don’t want to overlook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/6a8f1f0c-3f27-48ca-81d0-441c9edf698e/IMG_8352.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/c4ad506f-59c7-46f9-8232-d5f1e69d6347/IMG_8355.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/554a7ac6-0722-4107-8622-fa9d46fd9050/IMG_0155.jpg Lifestyle - Best Hidden Gems in Sedona: From Our Mini Moon - Make it stand out Relax: Uptown Massage Last but not least, what would a honeymoon be without a little bit of R&R? Goodness, I am still in awe from our Serenity Bliss treatment at Uptown Massage. I knew this was a special place when I booked our appointments and the owner herself gave me a call and took the time to learn about us and our treatment preferences. If I lived locally, I would be a regular here. The techniques my therapist used made me feel like I lost 10 pounds in my shoulders and jaw alone; the tension and knots just melted off. This was truly the perfect way to end our honeymoon and time in Sedona. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/how-to-plan-your-dream-wedding monthly 0.5 2023-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1682445693068-PUOJALGDKPX3326Y8AH5/unsplash-image-vD9Gb_H7RR8.jpg Lifestyle - How To Plan Your Dream Wedding - Visualize What do you want your wedding day to be like? But really though! It’s easy to get pushed and pulled around right after getting engaged, by a flutter of family suggestions or social media algorithms telling you what all you need. The first exercise I would HIGHLY recommend any couple to-do is this: Sit down together and on separate notebooks journal how you imagine your dream wedding day. This is an unfiltered visual. What does your wedding morning look like? How is the weather outside? What do you spend your day doing? Who are you with? What kind of food do share with your loved one? Write it all down- from start to finish. No judgement, just get it on paper. Last part is sharing! Take turns reading what you wrote with your partner and remember its OKAY if they are different! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1682017733032-J4E26WF3D2PHH4YKP8OS/unsplash-image-qRNctETJJ_c.jpg Lifestyle - How To Plan Your Dream Wedding - Align Find the place and the people that support your vision. When we first did our visual exercise we actually both visualized having an elopement. Just the two of us. That vision transformed over the months and thankfully we had settled on a place that supported both elopements and small intimate weddings. I’ll be honest, we didn’t tour several venues- nor even visit ours before booking it— we simply landed on it because it matched the essence of what we were going for. Peace, tranquility and a touch of cacti. So before getting blown away by all the venue packages- get a sense of what matters to you and if the space you choose aligns with your visual. I personally wanted somewhere that would allow us the freedom to incorporate what we wanted and not limit us to using their “approved vendor list”. Secondly, align with who. Who do you want to be a part of your day? As I shared, that vision transformed for us over the course of our planning. For me, it started with my grandma. I am lucky to still have her living at 98 years young. She’s one of the most precious people in my life and I wanted to have her witness the most special day of mine. On the flip side, I want to empower you to remember that you don’t have to invite everyone you think you should. We had 12 people total- including ourselves. This meant limiting the people we could have- and it also meant not an immediate +1 invite. This can be hard for some people to grasp, but at the end of the day it’s about the two of you- and if there’s anyone who would really get angry then maybe they shouldn’t be there in general. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1682437036620-SBYTM9RT3J567E9VOBUC/unsplash-image-qwTnNrkE78Q.jpg Lifestyle - How To Plan Your Dream Wedding - Focus On what really matters. In a world that is constantly trying to sell us more and more, focus on what really is essential. For us that was: Delicious Food Incredible Photography Beautiful music ( we created our own playlists) People we love Another part of staying focused is staying organized. As I was our sole wedding planner I created email folders to keep vendor communication tracked, excel sheets to log financials, and day-of timelines for everyone to know what was going on. This helped tremendously as wedding day approached and led to no unexpected surprises. Ultimately, focus on staying strong to your shared vision. I can’t tell you how many people may try and imprint what they wish they had done on their wedding day or what they think you should do— stay connected to your core and don’t falter under pressure, but lean on your partner to talk through what will make you both at peace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1682439671894-J3RX4YIMB4KCFGNIDJ3E/unsplash-image-jw3xbuelpKM.jpg Lifestyle - How To Plan Your Dream Wedding - Gratitude Along the way goes a long way. In the beginning, I made a self undeclared pact that I would not be a bridezilla— heck, I don’t even like that phrase. To me that brings up Real housewives vibes and some snobby girl in a white tiara demanding everyone around. Instead, I challenge you to make time in your planning process for gratitude to others. Our wedding day would not have been the same without the hard work and mindfulness of those that helped to create our vision. For me it has always been important to let people know how much they mean to you. Ultimately, that shows through in the way you treat others- but also a thoughtful gift, kind tip, or written note goes along way. I’m going to write a blog featuring all the small business owners I used in our wedding, but some ideas are below: Hand written notes as table place cards Personal Gift boxes Reusable thank you note Lastly, share gratitude to your future husband/wife. It’s not unusual for wedding planning to cause a bit of strife between a couple- remember at the end of the day, this is all one day that goes by in a flash. Be kind to those who are by your side and the whole experience will be that much lighter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1682440884543-Q3774VSPIK04PLEAKXG7/unsplash-image-PCf3I5uGzbY.jpg Lifestyle - How To Plan Your Dream Wedding - LET it Go Experience it all There will come a point in your planning- and you’ll know it deep down- that it’s time to let go. Drop the planner, close the Pinterest boards, stop the planning and experience the ride. I can’t emphasis how important this is in order to truly be able to enjoy all that you’ve built. There will always be thoughts in your head that say “Well what if I added xyz”, but unless it’s a table stakes item i.e. food, shelter, clothing etc. It will be okay- and it’s time to just let it go. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/ode-to-africa monthly 0.5 2023-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672243454326-YSGJBCXNMX8LS22KAHM3/IMG_4361.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672241680011-TMXSW6UV2M028DO0N9A4/IMG_4377.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672243005046-YGI6MRVYHYCPO4LYUS8R/IMG_4495.jpg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672241823424-0KNA6E21QW5POM7OGAR2/IMG_4409.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672241825392-C9TF7TQM4KOQ4WTWR4NA/IMG_4511.jpeg Lifestyle - 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An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242375338-BRO3FSZXT4IBESJAC9E8/IMG_4411.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242377581-S5FN924GYUA0T9Y58R7Y/IMG_4410.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242475808-VSPOS08UKBH400QUEI40/IMG_4531.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242379650-D3WE8KVCBZ2RJEDR8NHW/IMG_4414.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242381525-BBO3RZJQJXAZZADNLMRF/IMG_4378.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242478196-AKYP2UA5ITCL2YJBMGTP/IMG_4525.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242591132-PAUJ5C0JJUZNVII4K6GX/IMG_4397.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672242594761-6MEPGQSMHR32AU0VPN52/IMG_4381.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672243337853-GD8DJH3ERBDQ7EZP02TT/IMG_4372.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672243341733-SA2WPDQNV96J1XOEZLDL/IMG_4417.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672243362072-EVVQ3NEP7025J8V3259J/IMG_4387.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1672243452696-MPMMOVK4EPMB65D1JHZO/IMG_4516.jpeg Lifestyle - An Ode to Africa https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/top-books-i-read-in-2022 monthly 0.5 2022-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1671730224563-WWSJRCPX6CSJ159YNKOX/unsplash-image-GVhAezjtX-4.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b203a21d-d31b-476a-8744-96ada2d68cbd/devil+in+the+white+city.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2022 - The Devil in the White City By: Erik Larson I’ll preface this excerpt by saying I’m not normally into historical thrillers—-BUT this book completely enveloped me! It offered a unique insight into the rigor and dedication that took place to bring about the Chicago World Fair, while simultaneously telling the story of one of Americas first documented sociopaths. If you’re looking for eerie, this is it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d3a0f7b4-9881-4a51-8fb8-b6c115f145e0/greenlights.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2022 - Greenlights By: Matthew McConaughey Now does this really need an introduction? The way McConaughey weaves together his life lessons and heartfelt stories makes you feel like you’re riding along side him as he narrates in an almost poetic like a autobiography. And I will say, if you go for the audible his smooth country twang makes you feel like you’re back home in Texas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/19eaa2ef-ad97-471e-8a7f-6c37e7be7432/lessons.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2022 - Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel By: Bonnie Garmus This was one of those books that I didn’t know what to expect. It was voted on in our book club and without reading any summaries I just sort of jumped right in! Brutally honest, heart wrenching, comical and down right empowering, this book has so much to offer! Don’t let the chemistry scare you away, you’ll find we all need a lesson (or two) from Elizabeth Zott. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/fc0ad022-a155-47f9-9aa9-684de81ae43d/water+keeper.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2022 - The Water Keeper By: Charles Martin The Water Keeper hit close to home as it’s based in my old stomping grounds off the coast of Northeast Florida. I don’t want to spoil it by telling you what it’s about, but truthfully it deals with something that is in front of our eyes more often than we’d like to believe. Martin has a way of captivating the reader like few authors can. This book has two sequels and I binged all three just like people binge watch Netflix. Absolutely riveting and absolutely eye opening, I will never look at Yachts the same way… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/e61a127c-f61d-4ab7-ac34-a2b65f9c3e46/manifest.jpg Lifestyle - Top 5 books I Read in 2022 - Manifesting: The Practical, Simple Guide to Creating the Life You Want By: Kris Ferraro I stumbled across this book at none other than ye old Home Goods. Let’s just say it was meant to be! Now FYI this is one of those books where you’ll want to highlight, draw arrows and scribble miscellaneous notes to yourself within its pages. I mean why is this not a course in college!? Anyhow, this is powerful stuff y’all! If you are looking for a book that will push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to live the life you actually want to live, you’ll want this in your possession. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/best-amazon-purchases-to-to-get-organized monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/a2a14412-2f86-4f52-a1c5-d1f6aee33603/813nMDQ3EuL._AC_SX522_.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - Boho Ceramic Plant Pot with Stand I’m a huge plant lover— so much so, that we moved cross country with 22 of our houseplants…Yes 22 plants in my Ford Fusion! Anyways this standing planter pot couldn’t have been more perfect for our cacti who likes to hang by the window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/92176a40-4a7e-4a1e-a4f5-6af48c995865/71rku5HJu7L._SX425_.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 2.SONGMICS Trash Can A trash can! Glamourous— I know. But every household needs one. And for the longest time I had a single compartment can and always had to have the recycles piled up in an old bin or trader joes bag next to trash. Well, let me tell ya — those days are long gone! This is probably one of my most “upgrade worthy’ purchases I’ve made. This dual compartment bin comes in a lovely neutral color and encourages recycling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/68701c6d-7730-4293-8586-50c2e23dc97a/711wlavngdL._AC_SL1500_.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 3. Flannel Blanket with Pompom Fringe In honor of finally buying a new couch, I read a million reviews all to find this cozy blanket for us and the dogs to snuggle into. This is one of my favs! I chose the vibrant yellow color, but they have so many other choices and the quality feels divine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/92a1c90d-fe2b-40d1-8186-01b72d060441/71r1ncRIo-L._SL1500_.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 4. Pumpkin Spice Diffuser I’ll say this, there’s nothing like being in a new home and having it smell divine! This amazon small business has had my business for awhile. Every so often I buy a new diffuser and the scent lasts so long! This is one of my favorite flavors (as I am a pumpkin spice gal) but if pumpkin isn’t yo thang- they have others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/3003aa58-837a-4095-87d0-ec83d661832c/81v0pkISD-L._AC_SL1500_.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 5. Mellow Naturalista Platform Bed One of the perks of our new home is having a guest room. I’ve always hoped to host friends and family and having a dedicated room to do so makes it all the more inviting. I purchased this bedframe for our guest room and it’s exactly what I was looking for. Minimal, natural and an easy no-fuss setup! Plus, tall enough to store all the random things you don’t know where to put… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/27190f92-739f-47df-a897-565b2f8d5965/71lsHtemZgS._AC_SL1500_.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 6. Modern Boho Chic Butt Planter Okay, so I was only going to put one plant item in this list- but had to add this one as well! This cute little planter bottom is the new home to one of my succulent babies and I adore it. Something about a nice set of cheeks adds a dash of personality to the mix! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/d819f891-a4bd-4cd7-b0e3-dfad4ddb1faa/jar.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 7. Large Storage Jar Prior to moving into our home, I made a conscious decision to take this new beginning as chance to get organized. I am planning on doing a blog post solely over my revamped kitchen organization and all the things I bought that helped me, but I had to at least share this one with you all as it’s one of my best finds. This jar is universal and so well made. I’ve purchased two since moving in and am about to order a third. I love using this for cookies, nuts, sugar, you name it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/8befcf6d-718c-463c-9d15-97af27141b10/68529852922__6CACA86E-614B-4A6F-97B6-E91548478832.jpg Lifestyle - Best Amazon Finds for Our New Home - 8. Felt Letterboard Last but not least, a letterboard! Yes, now I do understand this is not a home essential— but well it’s one of my favorite bits I’ve added to our home and I find it gives a little personal flair. After all, nothing like going to the bathroom and being reminded that you are indeed welcomed! https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/plan-your-next-trip-to-joshua-tree monthly 0.5 2022-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/b6ab565f-fff2-4233-8d60-0858d8ffe036/IMG_1062.JPG Lifestyle - Plan Your Next Trip To Joshua Tree - Airbnb is the way to go If you know me, you know that I LOVE Airbnb! It’s my favorite way to travel and discover a new area. I’ve stayed in countless airbnb’s so when booking a trip- this is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. Finding the perfect place in Joshua Tree was no different. Luckily, JT has a TON of options when it comes to Airbnb, so it really just narrowed down to budget and aesthetics. >> this is the place is where we stayed- and I couldn’t have loved it more! It was an intimate 2 person studio- that had such a lovely view of the national park. The elements inside were carefully crafted and brought such a comforting experience to our stay. Plus the fact, I got to meet the owners dogs while they were playing fetch in their desert backyard so that was just a huge PLUS! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/9cf58578-9d5e-4447-be77-01250f9bf160/2022-05-15+16_51_50.741.JPG Lifestyle - Plan Your Next Trip To Joshua Tree - Where the food at?! As many of you know… IM A FOODIE! I truly get inspiration and joy from trying new foods and eating delicious quality noms. Discovering The DEZ was pure happenstance. We were just walking along the strip and saw this corner store and upon walking in we were pleasantly surprised by all that this small space had to offer! I’m tellin’ ya! For you coffee fanatics they had the brews, for you cheese lovers they had to-go charcuterie boards, oh and for you sandwich fans—- they had fresh off the press panni’s…..My mouth is still watering. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/46e80cb0-0e2c-45e8-8e58-f4e714c27882/IMG_1077.jpg Lifestyle - Plan Your Next Trip To Joshua Tree - Take a hike! But literally! I mean, if you do anything in Joshua Tree you have to visit the National Park- that’s a given. We were visiting for minimal time, so I had the tough decision of trying to determine which ( out of the many) hikes we should do. After reading countless reviews on hiker websites, I decided on Ryan Mountain Trailhead. It seemed like the perfect amount of difficulty + epic views. My #1 PRO-TIP if you are visiting during the warmer months as we were, GO EARLY! It is so worth it. We saw several poor souls starting the hike once we were already down- and that’s just brutal… This trail along with many others in JT have minimal shade so getting up prior to the sun makes for a more relaxing hike- and hey you get to catch this beautiful sunrise! Ryan mountain trail hike is about a 2.9 mile hike in total with a gradual elevation gain of 1,062 ft. Think of it like a nice long Stairmaster workout with serene views along the way. I absolutely loved it and would go again on our next venture out there! Other pro-tip I’ll mention is be aware that the national park does have an entry fee. It’s approx. $30 for 7 days or you can buy the national park pass for the year which is around $85. Either way- it’s an incredible park and well worth contributing to its overall preservation! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5396259b-0f32-4570-9b4d-7b7b91a6c9c6/IMG_1110+%281%29.JPG Lifestyle - Plan Your Next Trip To Joshua Tree - Nothing like a little wine cooler To take the edge of the heat! So naturally, I have to share about my favorite wine shop we pursued into while exploring JT. This place is owned by a past school teacher who became a sommelier and opened shop locally. When I say this place has taste I MEAN IT! They don’t just have your average run-of-the-mill wines. No- they have the GOODS. We purchased this lovely white based off the label (duh) and the owners recommendation. Being Sauvignon Blanc lovers, we wanted to be a bit adventurous and try something new but similar. This 2021 “Band of the Stones” was a delicious compliment to our cheese board our last evening in JT. So whether or not you even think you like wine, stop in the Joshua Tree Bottle Shop and find yourself picking up a bottle… or three! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/7ba970aa-43c2-454e-8c69-f8a65f9d43a5/AFB4DD40-1571-4687-A1CC-4AEE6CD8FAE2.JPG Lifestyle - Plan Your Next Trip To Joshua Tree - Try something new One of the most rewarding parts about traveling is having the opportunity to try something new. This go around we decided to give Airbnb Experiences a try. If you’re unfamiliar with what that is, Airbnb has a section dedicated to local experiences in the areas you are traveling to. These experiences can range from cooking with a local chef to practicing goat yoga on the side of a hill—You name it ! We signed up for a “Sacred Sound and Tea Ceremony” which was being held our last evening in JT. We had both done a sound bath meditation before, but let me tell you this was the REAL DEAL! We followed our teacher to her 10 acre property in the middle of the desert. She had set up individual sleeping bag stations with pillows and beautiful crystals. Outside under the full moon, she guided us through a breathtaking sound bath meditation. There’s not quite words to describe how incredible this was. It was one of those outer world experiences that really can’t be made up. I am still in awe. When in doubt- be open to new experiences. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/what-is-work-life-balance-and-why-is-it-so-important monthly 0.5 2022-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1639881236376-4BU0FSWEVP8ZV7NTNDAA/unsplash-image-F3fRaZNb570.jpg Lifestyle - Work Life Balance - What really is it? As someone who has been a huge advocate for this topic it’s fascinating getting to dive deeper into what it really means to have a work life balance. Certainly there are multiple definitions depending on who you ask, but this is what I’ll share based on the experiences I’ve had. For starters, it means having the time to live outside of work. Because HEY - YOU ARE NOT YOUR WORK. Despite how much you love what you do (or don’t ), despite how much energy and time you put into. The truth is, you are separate from ____ ( fill in whatever your title is). I find that this is something people often forget and is a very important reminder as we dive into the topic. In any job, whether you work a 9-5, are a freelancer, or work longer shifts on and off, I truly believe in the hours outside of work as sacred time. And this sacred time is vital to your well being. Having time outside of work to pursue alternative passions, be with loved ones, be creative, have side projects, etc. shouldn’t be considered a luxury, but an essential. After all, true work life balance allows you to do the things you love and still pursue your career. Last but not least, work life balance is also having adequate time off. Many people have a mere 2 weeks off for an entire calendar year.. I’ll say it again for the people in the back.. 2 WEEKS OUT OF A YEAR… And then there are those who don’t even use all their PTO. I’ve heard so many excuses from these people, things like “I don’t have anywhere to go”, “ I could never use all my time off”, “ I have too much work to take the time off” and so on, and so on… To these people: Have you ever considered that you don’t have to go on a fancy vacation, or schedule a beach trip to enjoy your time off? And have you ever considered that your work will still be there when you come back? Taking PTO could simply look like taking a day for yourself at home, taking a day to reconnect with your partner. Taking time off and fully away from work is another quintessential part of real work life balance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1639881048690-NVR2HJRN25O52TQQGLHF/unsplash-image-NTyBbu66_SI.jpg Lifestyle - Work Life Balance - Why is it Important? The big and somewhat rhetorical question that must be asked is “WHY IS WORK-LIFE BALANCE SO IMPORTANT?”. And quite frankly, why should we care about it? This is a weighty question and I know people who spend their entire PHD dissertation writing about this subject alone. I’ll keep my answer on the shorter side of that. I believe work life balance is so important because it impacts our lives in the here and now. Think of the choices you’ve made that have impacted your life in major ways. Perhaps it was moving out of state, marrying your best friend or choosing a different career path— whatever it is, these things have all shaped your life in a significant way (negative or positive). I think it’s similar with choosing to maintain a healthy work life balance. I’ve met people who allow a lack of boundaries at work to completely rule their life. It impacts their relationships, their ability to have meaningful friendships, their sleep quality, and their overall health as human being. So whether or not it’s something you actively think about, your relationship with work is impacting your life right now and that’s why it’s so important. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/5a5e8ffa-5e55-49f2-a4d8-9191dcf896e8/luke-peterson-_VGk86UQWR0-unsplash.jpg Lifestyle - Work Life Balance - What can you do? As I close this blog I want to highlight one last element on work life balance, which is what you can do to create it. Look I get it, we all should be grateful for having a job that pays the bills, but the truth is having gratitude doesn’t diminish your ability to create or advocate for improvement. If you work for yourself, maybe that looks like defining boundaries to end/start your day. Maybe that looks like shutting off your work email after certain hours and adding a friendly disclaimer to clients so they know when you’ll be back. If you work for a corporation, speak up! Develop tangible ways that your company can contribute to a healthier work atmosphere. And if you’re at an institution that doesn’t value this feedback at all- perhaps it’s time you reevaluate your choices and explore the options around you. After all, work life balance is essential. It’s life. It’s here and now. And it begins within you. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/to-travel monthly 0.5 2022-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1642608565973-HCK3ZDMICCKX6NSJCZOB/IMG_6292+%281%29.jpg Lifestyle - To Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1642608573242-BLZG221C0FS5D40U28WT/IMG_6228+%281%29.jpg Lifestyle - To Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1642608675837-ZI5XTU5XF3GZSMMR1HID/IMG_6417.jpg Lifestyle - To Travel https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/3-places-that-made-okc-feel-like-home monthly 0.5 2021-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1635775445516-0K5658PZFSGMD51409Z4/IMG_9703.jpg Lifestyle - 3 Reasons I Love Oklahoma City - The Bradford House This gorgeous boutique hotel, stole my heart. I’ve spent many mornings sipping my coffee here while basking in the lantern room. If you are visiting town- this is the place to stay! And if you are local- stop in for a bite to eat or join one of there community events. There always something exciting happening at The Bradford! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1635775443149-4MK7MTSVQWX7PJ1QL0JH/IMG_2002.jpg Lifestyle - 3 Reasons I Love Oklahoma City - A Date with Iris A whimsical floral shop that has everything from sassy napkins to calming crystals. Don’t let me forget the star of the show- Didi- the shop cat- who aides you with her presence as you explore the goods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1635775462471-DYQ3YLOWP4GH0DC88N3G/IMG_1413.jpg Lifestyle - 3 Reasons I Love Oklahoma City - Salt & Water co Although the store front is transitioning to an online space, this business has brought such a bright light to my experience in OKC. The tranquil atmosphere of this store- welcomes wellness on every level. And the shop owner, Chelsey, is a real OKC gem. To check out there offerings visit their online shop- some of my best skincare products have been purchased here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1635908037754-OYSOQ0CT1XIQO62YZOQO/IMG_6298.jpg Lifestyle - 3 Reasons I Love Oklahoma City Contrary to popular opinion, Oklahoma has such a wide array of beautiful land. If you can get past the icy winters; spring, summer, and fall are beautiful seasons to explore “the wild” in OKC. This was pictured about an hour or so away from the city in the Wichita Mountain range. Yes, there are mountains here! If you’re looking to stay more central, there are so many lovely parks and trails. My go-tos? Myriad Gardens and Edgemere Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1635882520391-N30QM8QK57QBCJBAJA2T/IMG_0597+%281%29.jpg Lifestyle - 3 Reasons I Love Oklahoma City - Nothing makes a place more than the people in it. As simple as that sounds- it’s the real deal. I’ve lived in many states throughout my life, and the people here have been genuinely kind. Our neighbors, the friends we’ve met, and the people out in the community have been so warm to us. And at the end of the day that is something that will stay with me wherever I go. The genuine care of Oklahomans- who knew!? Well, now I do:) https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/rest-and-rejuvenation-by-the-seaside monthly 0.5 2021-10-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1634442107743-41S769D6TVQNNZ9ZBNZZ/IMG_4159.jpg Lifestyle - Rest and Rejuvenation by the Atlantic Ocean - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/moving-to-charleston monthly 0.5 2021-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1633098412673-KYLW8CN7MY91F5CIV83X/spanish+moss.jpg Lifestyle - Moving to Charleston! - So why Charleston? Well why not?! After all, I’ve heard it’s a lovely place filled with friendly southerners...But truthfully, I’d never considered moving to Charleston. Visiting? Yes. But moving in a month— Not really. But as I said, life takes you through streams and paths in ways that those “original plans” never quite imagined . My fiancé recently decided to pursue a career outside of the soccer field and landed an exciting opportunity within medical sales in the trauma unit. So to the OR he goes and to the east coast we all go! Dogs and all, next month we’ll venture cross country to the “lowcountry” as they call it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1633127427373-I3RWEGLW6POTM8XYBYX1/homes.jpg Lifestyle - Moving to Charleston! - The Road Ahead As with most new beginnings, the road ahead will be an unfamiliar one. And unfamiliarity can feel a bit scary at times- after all, it is the unknown. But I think it’s like that with any new experience; whether you start a new career, find a new home, or move to new city. Change can feel scary, but can also bring so much growth and discovery. After all, it’s a time to drop what you know and be open to the road ahead. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/a-sweet-suprise monthly 0.5 2021-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1632707874330-A7XLCNV0BEPEVT1GSDH6/IMG_3162.jpg Lifestyle - A Sweet Surprise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/sunrise-hike monthly 0.5 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631410450600-K7HFLQ18BQRWEMCKGPUC/IMG_2735.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - 5:30am If you’re going to hike anywhere in AZ ( let alone Camelback) during the summer, first and foremost go early! The trailhead opens at sunrise, so that’s just what I did. And honestly, it was inspiring to see so many cars in the parking lot at that hour. When you first arrive, there’s a campground of sorts, where you can find bathrooms, benches, and park rangers greeting you along. In my pack, I had two large water bottles, a headlamp, chapstick ( when in doubt), a banana, and my airpods. There’s something about being alone in nature that activates your senses, puts you in tune to the world around you, and for me, fills my inner energy- even if it’s 5:30 am.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631411041780-WNUBWPU3JTNBNQ3F7TVF/IMG_2740+%281%29.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - Make it stand out 5:53am As I approached a plateau in the initial incline, the sky was lit up in a golden orange hue. I looked out to homes and the city below and marveled at the stillness of it all. My breath was already audible as the climb up to this point was a steady elevation. Blood rushing- I snapped a photo for the memory and trekked ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631411241869-8PP3EQ8LR3JY2254DRRR/IMG_2745.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - 5:59am The first “real” slap of Camelback mountain is in this first primary climb. Snapped a few minutes after my previous photo, I arrived to this rocky welcoming. I don’t feel like the photo gives it full justice, but it’s a STEEP incline. Safest course of action is holding on to rails on the left side and trusting the grip on your hiking boots to take you up! I will say, there was a man next to me that breezed it without any support, but I swear he was part mountain goat.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631411807271-LPUQZ540MCMH1VRMH6TG/IMG_2758.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - 6:14am As the sun started to make its way up, the canyon began to reflect a warm red glow on its mighty boulders. Taking a moment to look back and see how far you’ve come is always worth it. After all, you never know the beauty you may find while reflecting back. This also gave me a moment or two to catch my breath. Let me not misguide you, I was downright drenched by this point- and still a long way to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631412448794-XT5RARJ1ARHFQ5KO7GKI/IMG_2767.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - 6:29am The thing that makes Camelback mountain one of the most dangerous and difficult hikes in the valley, is the sheer number of rocks on trail. It’s less of a defined path and more of a maze of rocks to limber up. There are plenty of signs that show you the direction to stay on path, as that is very important; many people have died on this hike by venturing off-trail and so for newcomers, it is especially important to follow the flow of other hikers. Although it looks barren here, there are many other people hiking the same trail. The thing I love about Camelback is the community, people encouraging each other as they pass by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631413343076-R3N7RHA6T2LLRRESDNTH/IMG_2799.JPG Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631413344412-TOKPP56F46GXR5T1473O/IMG_2780.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631413432262-RCVM7E5X8CV2RIKNHKIR/IMG_2805.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631414018190-MCXL7G8VZE9T9TN71Y7Z/IMG_2839.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - Make it stand out 8:07AM To give Camelback its full credit, I have to show you all this photo from my descent down. There’s really no easy way out. In fact, the path down is a lot of upper body work if you don’t want to slip off the cliff. It’s truly all about finding the right footing, and in many cases using your hands to maneuver your way carefully through the giant rocks. You’ll see many pros wearing gloves, and it’s for this very reason- you use your arms a TON on the way down. Things were slow and steady here my friends.. slow and steady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1631414573866-E7L7V692X352R7EXK8WQ/IMG_2842.jpg Lifestyle - Sunrise Hike at Camelback Mountain - 8:24am With the sun all the way up, I was more than thrilled to be back at base level. I took a photo of these maps that highlight Echo trail: Total Length: 1.14 miles Total Elevation gain: 1,234 feet https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/a-visit-to-the-city monthly 0.5 2021-08-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628631559932-LHMP0U93O05L7RTF9UGZ/IMG_1607.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628631339857-33E91TS7JAZRI90XRY06/IMG_1578.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628632046302-QXLJ5Z1CJWLPY2RJNU5Q/IMG_1587.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628634373716-QM4R6STUC0ETVIC0JK10/IMG_1624.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628635833001-WCGHZAZKOE69PYL2YWLV/867A6676-9089-47B3-A6C3-53F1412C2828.JPG Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628635891028-KPJTYQZRGB4BYS52HHQ2/IMG_1654.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628635837195-2NNV9CE0LJ82GWZMGGB8/CD5C0A68-1D0F-49A5-B029-C17151C0BBF8.JPG Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628635886733-M3B8JN3MUC718838ZYQJ/IMG_1659.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628636931348-2NDZSRTLV28DM9YQ137V/C797044B-8894-4577-B97F-6B5AC13C8EA0.JPG Lifestyle - A Trip To The City - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628652328471-SPFQFYKOQJXCG53VKOV9/IMG_1719.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City - Make it stand out View from dinner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1628629929108-6J9BC1RZ6AU39DNN0UPH/IMG_1572.jpg Lifestyle - A Trip To The City https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/work-life-balance-when-you-wfh monthly 0.5 2021-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1627511260906-SLB7PRDY4FGBA3PDGIQ4/unsplash-image-B5Thyv8d3mo.jpg Lifestyle - Work-Life Balance when you WFH - Give yourself time in the morning Before rushing to open your laptop- give yourself time in the morning! This is a huge one and I hear this struggle from SO many people ( I’ve been guilty of it too). The anxiety to be “online”, check emails, or respond to a teammate before even drinking your coffee is such a common feeling amongst those of us who WFH. So I challenge you to reclaim your morning! Maybe that looks like waking up earlier to give yourself time before that 9am zoom call. Whatever it is, give yourself time to enjoy a warm beverage, breathe in the morning air, hug your loved ones, read a few pages from a book, meditate, or just simply be before automatically checking into work mode. I assure you, it will positively set the course for the rest of your day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1627512614601-I0G2I2SMI06J66XRVGFX/unsplash-image-SwHvzwEzCfA.jpg Lifestyle - Work-Life Balance when you WFH - Schedule in well-being throughout your workweek Many of us, tend to fill our work day calendars up to the brim, but forget to include time to reset, recharge, and refuel. Why is this important you ask? Because giving yourself time between meetings, allows for greater productivity, focus, and improves your overall mood. Long story short: it also prevents burnout. So best practice? At the start of each week block time on your calendar with yourself! A 1 person meeting so-to-speak. Why is this especially vital for those of us that WFH? Well, think of the last time you worked in an office.. I remember many parts of my day being broken up by breakroom chats, walks , in-office events, etc. At home, the majority of us spend more time glued into the screen with fewer breaks. Go ahead and schedule that 20 min stretch session each afternoon, or space between meetings to eat a energizing meal. Goal here is to establish a dedicated time to refueling you before you push on. And just like if you were meeting with a client/co-worker commit to your time. Don’t be flakey on yourself and let it easily be pushed around until it falls off the calendar completely. Set a time and commit to your own well being. This will only make you be a more pleasant person to be around and work with! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1627594945989-KAK4AOPJENO45YMYND7X/unsplash-image-bI-5oijU1qE.jpg Lifestyle - Work-Life Balance when you WFH - Fully Disconnect after work This is probably one of the most difficult practices to do when you WFH. The temptation to just check your inbox “one more time” is so easy to do, but the fact that the great majority of remote employees continue working well past the 5pm marker shows our immense lack of boundaries in the workplace. Disclaimer here: No one can set your boundaries except for you! So there are few different ways I’ve found to set these boundaries after hours: Mute your notifications. On your phone and laptop. Leave your physical workspace or “the office” ( which is just a room in my house) Use sticky notes! I used to do this when I was working east coast hours and would work from California. I had a sticky note on my laptop that indicated the time to end my work day so as not to work past 5pm EST. OF COURSE, I always have people who remind me that there are exceptions and I agree. Fires can happen and you may need to take one for the team and put in the extra hour; but in general the culture of WFH has leaned on working through dinner, checking emails while with your family, feeling the need to clean your inbox on Sunday, and the list goes on.. These habits are things we can change and are so beneficial for our mental health and sustainability as remote employees. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/summertime-amp-essential-oils monthly 0.5 2021-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1625266570289-AYIKSZGGQXBR44AIBJ2V/IMG_0939.JPG Lifestyle - Summertime & Essential Oils - In my Yoga practice As a yoga practitioner and teacher, I spend A LOT of time on my mat. I wanted to incorporate the beautiful blend while moving through poses. I added a few drops in an empty glass spray bottle filled with water. From there, I sprayed my matt with the lovely aroma of summer. This was a special way to incorporate the blend while breathing in radiance throughout my flow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1625266782977-82X2RFD0T190FKP1RFC2/unsplash-image-v1ZT8Y76hqc.jpg Lifestyle - Summertime & Essential Oils - 2. In my workspace Adding a few drops of essential oils into my diffuser is one of my most common practices in my workspace. Like with everything, the quality of ingredients matters and makes ALL the difference. I could tell right away the care and quality that Kate and her team put into this blend. As I work from home, staying focused and keeping mental clarity can be hard- especially during the summer (when I am most prone to day dream). I found this diffused blend super energizing, allowing me to create in such a productive light! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1625266932798-AXG0HM1261OTTDW3C70S/IMG_0978.JPG Lifestyle - Summertime & Essential Oils - 3. As a facial/body spray After trying out the the blend a few different ways. I decided to also try it as an overall spritzer. Diluting the essential oils in a glass spray bottle and spraying lightly across my face and body felt so incredibly refreshing! The scent of these florals is too good not to use it as a body mist when desired. https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/my-favorite-spots-in-jacksonville-fl monthly 0.5 2021-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1622998027224-DN73W2C4Z3UFYJUV2RPI/5f44e4aa225cd54c902b57cbf808e7a1.jpg Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Bold Bean Coffee Roasters This used to be my go-to study spot during undergrad and graduate school. Bold Bean has 3 locations throughout Jax, but the Stockton street local is the OG. During my short stay, I had to go back for old times sake. I pulled out the laptop, ordered a dirty chai, and reminicensed while watching all the Riverside hipsters do their thang! I’m telling you, if you’re a coffee fanatic or just like exploring local coffee shops this is the place to go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1622998609195-BD0UAH91IYYETG2SZBKM/IMG_9898.jpg Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Clover & Woolly Out of ALL the cities I’ve lived in, I have NEVER found a hair salon quite like this. To say I will travel far and wide to get my hair done here is no exaggeration! Admittedly, I’ve fallen head over heels for my stylist, Martha, as we share the same hair language. But this place is truly for EVERYONE— with hair of all textures, styles, and shapes. PRO TIP: If you want to get your locks done you’ll have to make sure to book plenty in advance as this gem is no longer a secret around town. Note: The Best of JAX magazine on the coffee table speaks for itself ;) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1622999264647-BITCIZ2XTB0QQ57RCDWW/IMG_9930.jpg Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Restaurant Doro Fresh ingredients, luscious wine, intimate dining, what more could you want? Restaurant Doro is not only my favorite spot in Neptune beach, but also home of my first official fine dining job back in college. Yes, I was one of their first hostesses and still make it a point to come back. This last visit, I indulged in the kale & blood orange salad, flounder special, strawberry sorbet, and the DIVINE Chocolate Block wine to tie it all together. Can you say delicioso!? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1622999747861-K7LX6EM73J2Z9A3E2E3I/IMG_9990.jpg Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Community Loaves This place has my heart! If I could stop by for a croissant and cappuccino everyday life would be too sweet! This past visit to JAX, I was so excited to check out their newest location. They renovated an old historic home in Murray Hill and now have a lovely garden for guests to sit outdoors. I had to order my “usual” and it was JUST as good as I remember! Now do yourself a favor and order one (or five) of their delectable baked goods to dine in or take home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1623000933935-13JX75IIRFNFRI6OQY8V/IMG_0035.jpg Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Cultivate Located off Park Street, Cultivate is a store that is so much more than a regular home goods shop; it is a place that brings community together. They do this by supporting local goods, offering workshops, and leading communal events. It’s one of my favorite places to bring out-of-towners as they always walk away with a piece of Jax or two:) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1623000261034-FYCA9NOCRJNAJQZQRX2V/IMG_0073.GIF Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Congaree & Penn Annnddd you’re welcome for the goat gif! Last but surely not least, Congaree and Penn is one of those truly magical places that you can’t replicate anywhere else. A Floridan owned farm, this place is perfect for relaxing outdoors, dining, weddings, sunset tours, kids to play, dogs to run, and honestly for anyone who wants to step into a calmer pace and enjoy life. This was the last place I visited before hopping onto a plane back to the midwest and it couldn’t have been a better ending to my quick trip to JAX. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1623003929743-JG5YN0UPJFFM0NLY259Q/IMG_9819.jpg Lifestyle - My favorite spots in Jacksonville, FL - Whether you have JAX on your radar for the future, are a local, or someone new to town, I hope you found a few new places you’d like to visit! Thanks for reading and as always share your comments below. XOXO, Ilsa Marie https://www.ilsamarie.com/lifestyle/weekend-getaway-to-texas monthly 0.5 2021-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618428846796-4DXHNOLOSND854J9KPMY/IMG_6432.jpg Lifestyle - Weekend Getaway to Texas! - Cool stops along the way: On the 1-35 south, there are many noteworthy stops, but probably the most famous nowadays is good ole’ Waco, Texas! Thanks to HGTV’s Fixer Upper stars Chip & Johanna Gaines, they have completely revamped the once small town of Waco. It’s now a destination spot for so many. Last time I was in Waco, the Gaines’s had just started construction on their now notorious “Silos”. What was once and abandoned saw mill has now become a community center and a spot for travelers to visit. From food trucks, to Joanna’s home goods store- there is truly something for everyone. Take the extra hour or two and make the stop in Waco! You won’t regret it :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618429522969-NGGCS826GS0WJ84TKEEL/IMG_6520.jpg Lifestyle - Weekend Getaway to Texas! - Best place we ate: When it comes to food and ATX you honestly can’t go wrong. But being a veteran to area, I have a little spot I love to go anytime I visit and this time was no exception. Sure, we ate at some fancier places, and tried some other things, but I rank Little Deli Pizzeria as the best place we ate on our weekend excursion. What’s so great about it you ask? Well, It’s BYOB- meaning you can bring your own bottle of vino, case of Topo Chicos, beers, you name it! Who doesn’t like to bring their own beverage?! They make AMAZING pizza and believe me when I say they are Texas sized pies! You get to sit underneath the hanging lights and feel like your part of the neighborhood community just enjoying dinner with the neighbors- literally! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605365d0f03a492095fbe9bb/1618513360167-L6KF3YT2VNR1MA9HTJJT/IMG_6542.jpg Lifestyle - Weekend Getaway to Texas! - What to do? The real question is what can’t you do in Austin, Texas!? There is truly something for everyone! As for us, we opted for paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. I like to rent from The Rowing Dock as you can choose anything from double kayaks, to paddle boards, to full dog-proof canoes. And when you see the view from the water, you’ll fall in love a little bit more with the city; Texas Hill country to one side, downtown ATX on the other. Now only if it had been warm enough to take a dip in the water! 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