Hello beautiful souls! 🌲✨ Happy Fun Fact Friday! Today I'm bubbling with excitement to share something that feels like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself - forest bathing! Fun Fact: Did you know that just 15 minutes among trees can lower your cortisol levels by up to 16%? The Japanese have been onto something magical with their practice of "shinrin-yoku" (forest bathing) since the 1980s! Here's what makes my herbalist heart sing about this gentle practice: 🌿 Your nervous system gets a natural reset - Those lovely tree compounds called phytoncides actually boost your immune system while you breathe them in. It's like nature's own aromatherapy session! 🌿 Your mind finds its quiet space - I've noticed that when I'm feeling scattered (hello, busy mom life!), even a short walk among trees helps my thoughts settle like leaves finding their place on forest floor. 🌿 It's ridiculously simple - No special equipment, no complicated instructions. Just you, some trees, and your willingness to slow down and notice. The beautiful thing? You don't need a pristine wilderness. Your local park, a tree-lined street, or even sitting under that old oak in your backyard counts! I'm curious - have you ever noticed how differently you feel after spending time around trees? Sometimes the most profound medicine is the simplest, don't you think? What's your favorite spot to connect with nature? I'd love to hear! 💚

I had some technical difficulties recording the mediation, and unfortunately, I did not catch it in time so our meditation for today will be canceled. I will learn from my mistake and this won't happen again.

I tested out the three different 'cinnamons' from my favorite spice company. (Left) Korintje Cassia Cinnamon - Scientific name: Cinnamomum burmannii - Industry standard for bakers, chefs and home cooks - Similar to red hot cinnamon candies - from Indonesia (Center) Vietnamese Saigon Cassia Cinnamon - Scientific name: Cinnamomum loureiroi - This is the one I already had in my cupboard as you can tell my the use of the jar - Typical but better of the kind you buy in the grocery store - from Vietnam (Right) Ceylon Cinnamon - Scientific name: Cinnamomum verum - 'Real' cinnamon - This variety is used heavily in Mexican hot chocolate, rice pudding and atloe - from Ski Lanka First half bite of each and Ceylon was off the table right away, too strong of a flavor and I lost the apple in it. The other two were in the running together at this point however the center one won out just slightly. It let the sweetness of the apple from forward without overpowering. French toast test in the future!

I am creating more meditations and I need your help with deciding which one I will create first. If you have some suggestions, please comment below! Pop over to the classroom to find meditations, more added weekly!

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!