Happy Friday beautiful souls! This October, I’m joining the Sober October challenge! While I don’t drink much anyway, I love the idea of celebrating with friends and still being part of the festivities—even if I’m skipping the alcohol. That’s where herbal mixology comes in! Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite non-alcoholic “mocktail” recipes so you can sip something special, whether you’re participating in Sober October or just want a delicious, healthy alternative. 🌿 Herbal Mocktails for Mind, Body, and Spirit These refreshing herbal mocktails are alcohol-free, full of natural goodness, and designed to nourish your body and uplift your mood. Perfect for wellness gatherings, evening self-care, or simply adding a touch of herbal magic to your day. 💫 🌸 Rose Glow Refresher Mood: Calming, heart-opening, elegant Benefits: Promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and uplifts the mood. Ingredients: - 1 tbsp dried rose petals - 1 tsp hibiscus - 1–2 tsp honey (rose-infused if possible) - 1 tbsp lemon juice - 1 cup sparkling water Directions: 1. Steep rose petals and hibiscus in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. 2. Strain, cool, and stir in honey and lemon juice. 3. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water. 4. Garnish with a rose petal or lemon twist. 🌹 🌿 Green Goddess Spritzer Mood: Cleansing, energizing, earthy Benefits: Supports liver detox, boosts energy, and clears the mind. Ingredients: - ½ cup dandelion root tea (chilled) - ½ cup burdock root tea (chilled) - 5–6 fresh mint leaves - 1 tbsp lime juice - ½ cup sparkling water Directions: 1. Mix chilled dandelion and burdock teas in a glass. 2. Add lime juice and muddle in mint leaves. 3. Fill with ice and top with sparkling water. 4. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime slice. 🍃 🌼 Calm & Cozy Chamomile Cooler Mood: Evening wind-down Benefits: Calms nerves, aids digestion, and relaxes the body. Ingredients: - ¾ cup chamomile tea - 1 tsp lemon balm - 1 tsp honey - ¼ tsp vanilla extract - ¼ cup almond milk

Happy Tuesday, beautiful souls! You might know dandelion as the cheerful yellow flower dotting lawns and fields, but did you know it’s packed with wellness benefits and fascinating history? Here are some fun facts and simple ways to use this wild wonder: Fun Facts about Dandelion • Dandelion’s botanical name is Taraxacum officinale, and it’s part of the daisy family—think of it as the daisy’s wild cousin! • Every part of the dandelion is useful: root, leaf, and flower. The fluffy seed heads kids love to blow? That’s dandelion, too! • Dandelion is a symbol of resilience, thriving in sidewalk cracks and lawns, reminding us to find strength and beauty in unexpected places. Traditional and Modern Uses • Dandelion leaves are rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium, plus vitamins A, C, and K. They’re a bit bitter, but that’s part of their magic—bitters help wake up digestion! Add young leaves to salads, soups, or steam them like spinach. • The roots can be roasted and brewed as a coffee substitute, or simmered for a nourishing tea. Dandelion root is especially rich in prebiotics in the fall, supporting gut health and healthy blood sugar. • The bright yellow flowers can be used to make dandelion wine, tossed into salads, or infused in oil for a soothing skin balm. • Dandelion acts as a gentle diuretic, supports healthy digestion and liver function, and has been used for skin health, especially when breakouts are linked to sluggish digestion or hormonal shifts. • The milky sap from the stem can be dabbed on warts—a little folk remedy from nature. A Few Gentle Reminders Dandelion is generally safe and well-tolerated, but if you have gallstones, bile duct blockages, or are on certain medications (like diuretics or blood thinners), check with your healthcare provider first. Rarely, those with allergies to the daisy family may react, so listen to your body and start slow. Let’s celebrate the wild wisdom of dandelion together! Have you tried dandelion in your kitchen or teacup? Share your favorite way to use this sunny herb, or let me know if you have any questions about harvesting or preparing it.

Happy Monday, beautiful souls! Let’s start this fresh week with a gentle check-in—just you, me, and a little heart-to-heart wisdom. Today, I want to talk about something that’s close to my heart (and maybe yours, too): self-love. Like a wildflower that needs sunlight and rain, our well-being blossoms when we nurture it with kindness and care. So, how do you know if your self-love garden could use a little extra tending? Here are three gentle signs to look for—and some simple ways to start today: You’re Your Own Harshest Critic If you find yourself replaying mistakes or talking down to yourself in ways you’d never speak to a friend, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too—caught in a storm of self-judgment. The first step? Try a morning mirror affirmation. Look yourself in the eyes and say something kind, even if it feels a little awkward at first. Over time, these small seeds of kindness grow into deep-rooted self-acceptance. You Struggle to Set Boundaries Do you often say “yes” when your heart is whispering “no”? Setting boundaries is an act of self-love, not selfishness. Imagine your energy as a beautiful garden—sometimes you need a gentle fence to protect your blooms. Practice saying, “I need some time for myself tonight,” or “I’m not able to take that on right now.” Each time you honor your needs, you’re watering your own roots. Gratitude Feels Out of Reach When we’re running on empty, it’s hard to notice the good around us. If gratitude feels distant, try an evening gratitude practice. Before bed, jot down one thing—big or small—that you appreciate about yourself or your day. Even a single wildflower can brighten a whole field, and so can one moment of gratitude brighten your heart. Remember, self-love isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, patience, and gentle growth. I’m walking this path right alongside you, learning and blooming with every step. Ready to take the first step? Share in the comments: Which self-love practice calls to you most this week? Let’s inspire and support each other as we grow our gardens of self-compassion.

https://www.skool.com/live/bkDTdy8dJZM Here is the link (you can find it on the calendar) for our first Tea & Talk! Here's the format: Welcome and Intro (greetings & intro to discussion topics) Check-in (hellos and personal wins) Discussion (wellness topics group discussion) Q&A (if you have any) Preview of next month Goodbyes (express gratitude and farewell....until next month) Here is the first post to learn more about this: https://www.skool.com/april-joy-wellness-8257/join-our-first-monthly-tea-talk-session?p=56e160c4

Hello beautiful souls! I'm so excited to invite you to our very first monthly Tea & Talk session happening this Saturday, October 4th at 9 am (CST) right here in our Skool community! What is Tea & Talk? Tea & Talk is our cozy monthly gathering where we come together with our favorite mugs of tea to discuss seasonal wellness topics in a warm, supportive environment. Think of it as a virtual tea party with friends who share your interest in natural wellness and mindfulness! This Month's Topic: Creating Your Autumn Herbal Apothecary As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, our bodies naturally seek different support. This Saturday, we'll explore how to stock your home with fall herbs and remedies that can: - Support your immune system as seasons change - Bring warming comfort on chilly days - Boost your energy as the days grow shorter I'll be sharing some of my favorite autumn herbs (and yes, I'll definitely talk about my elderberry syrup obsession that gets me through every fall!), simple recipes you can make at home, and practical ways to incorporate these herbal allies into your daily routine. What to Expect Our Tea & Talk sessions are relaxed and interactive! We'll start with a quick hello and community check-in, dive into our monthly topic, and leave plenty of time for questions and sharing. The whole session will last about 35-40 minutes. You don't need to be an herbal expert to join—whether you're just curious about herbs or you've been making your own remedies for years, there's a place for you in this circle. How to Prepare 1. Brew your favorite tea to sip during our chat 2. Find a comfortable, quiet space where you can relax 3. Bring any questions you have about autumn herbs and wellness 4. Come with an open heart and mind! I truly believe that connecting with seasonal herbs helps us align with nature's rhythms and tap into ancient wisdom that supports our modern lives. I can't wait to share this journey with you!