Over a year ago I was dealing with some heavy issues in my life. I was at a major turning point and I had to make some serious adjustments.  I wasn't sleeping well and was lacking energy during the day. My anxiety was having more control over me than I wanted to admit.  I had already been using dōTERRA Essential oils, but hadn't really gotten into the supplements. I did some reading and one thing I kept reading was how people felt more energized after taking the Lifelong Vitality Pack (LLV).

In November of 2017, I started taking the LLV.  At that point, I was having trouble sleeping more than 5 hours at a time. My mind was always racing and sleep evaded me. I didn't notice a change right away, but it did come.  Around the beginning of December I realized I was sleeping all the way until my alarm went off. I was sleeping 8 solid hours. I could go to bed and not toss and turn, and was waking up feeling rested.  It was working. The Life Long Vitality was doing what it was supposed to do. I was more energized and I noticed my mind had calmed down some.  

Now, you are probably wondering what Life Long Vitality is. LLV is a package of 3 supplements that each have their own function.  Alpha CRS+ is the cellular energy blend. With ingredients like L-Carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 your body will have more energy without a caffeine type spike so there is no crash either.   xEO Mega has your essential fatty acids, and those are necessary for healthy brain function. MicroPlex VMz had your essential vitamins and minerals. Combined, they work to help your body function better, therefore giving you more energy during the day. I still take my LLV and don't imagine a day that I will stop. If you have any questions, feel free to message me.

One of the complaints I often hear from people when they start working out is how they have to get used to the soreness.  I used to have a love/hate relationship with the stiffness and soreness that comes from working out.  I am already attached to several dōTERRA Supplements, so I figured I should reach out and see what others around me were using.  

I kept hearing about two oils over and over. One was DDR Prime and the other was Copaiba.  I put both of these on my next LRP order and patiently waited. I wanted to see how they worked independently, so the first night I took 2 DDR before bed. What happened next was not what I was thinking. Within a half hour I was relaxed and ready for bed. That night I slept like a rock.  My body took those ingredients and my body melted. It makes complete sense considering DDR Prime includes frankincense and lemongrass, two oils known to help with pain and tension. I kept taking the DDR Prime before bed, and a few weeks later, I realized some of my joint pain in my knees had lessened, as well.  Having the tools to help my body recover from working out and exercise has been a god send.  If you aren't one to take pills, the DDR Prime also comes in an oil form. The oil for can be applied with fractionated coconut oil for easier distribution and for spot application.   

Shortly after, I added in Copaiba.  This has been a game changer.  I won't go into it all, but the properties outweigh the ever popular CBD oil.  I added in just one pill into my night time routine and really noticed a shortening of my recovery time.  Not only does it help with pain and inflammation, but it also is calming to the nervous system, so it just helps you get that strong sleep.  Sleep is one of the most over looked factors when dealing with muscle repair and recovery. Lack of sleep has also been shown to increase certain types of cancer, as well as contribute to obesity.  Anything I can do to keep those things at bay is a plus in my books. The great thing is you are not stuck taking a pill if you don't want to. dōTERRA also offers Copaiba in an oil form. If you want it to affect you quicker, a drop under the tongue will do the trick.  If you want to apply it topically to a certain area, you can apply it diluted with fractionated coconut oil to the area.

Now there are times when I need just a little extra help easing my mind and body before bed. On those days, I use the  Serenity Complex from dōTERRA.  Not only does it help me sleep, but it helps me not focus on the soreness or stiffness from whatever I did that day.  Of course one of the ingredients is lavender oil, and that alone is a fave of mine. The next ingredient you might be familiar with is L-Theanine.  While L-Theanine is known to help with relaxation, I like it because there is no linger to it. I never feel groggy or out of sorts the day after. I will usually only need one of these if I add it to my Copiaba and DDR Prime.

 I hope these tips help you on your health journey. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Every so often a styling line breaks the mold and shakes the hair industry. 10 years ago Oribe Canales did just that with the release of his signature line. Taking in over 30 years of experience and countless hours of perfecting his craft, Oribe released a line. Not just a styling line, but one that used premium ingredients that made for exceptional results. I have been lucky enough to have been using the line for over 8 years. I love where the line has come from and I can not wait to see what the future holds for this luxury experience.

To celebrate Oribe's 10th anniversary, I thought I would share with you my top 10 Oribe products.


1/2 Shampoo and Conditioner for Moisture and Control. An essential for curly hair.
3  Swept Up Volume Powder Spray. Use at the roots to create envious volume.
4/5 Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner. This is the go to if you want to repair tired, damaged hair.
6 Signature Shampoo. A favorite for all hair types.
7 Rough Luxury Molding Wax. Many men swear by this wax.
8 Superfine Hair Spray. Tames and styles effortlessly.
9 Run Through Detangling Primer. A leave in that provides heat protection and slip with almost no weight.
10. Dry Texturizing Spray. This has a cult following unseen by any other luxury brand.

To purchase these or any of my other ORIBE favorites on Amazon, please click here.

Recently more and more individuals are opening up about their sexuality and gender identity. With that more and more questions are brought up in the world of dating. Dating can be tricky.  Knowing when to say that you are bisexual is even more complex.  Sometimes I have chosen to do that right away, others after a few dates. The response is never the same. I have been met with wide acceptance from some while others just say I am selfish or just don't want to dedicate to the gay lifestyle.  So, that being the case I wanted to share some of my past experiences. 
 
One point that I have heard repeatedly is how the world of bisexuality seems to affect the males’ way differently than females.  Several of my guy friends who have had homosexual experiences and relationships are often hesitant to, if at all, tell their female partner. If this was your situation, what would you share and when?  What must be shared?  What if it was only a kiss?  What if it wasn't anything long term? Is full disclosure really needed?  Is omission a lie? What if the guy really has no more interest in men and wants to have the traditional marriage? So often though people will say that men can't be bisexual, that they are just gay men who don't want to come out all the way.  There are times to the female partner isn't too receptive and the relationship ends shortly after any type of open dialogue about past sexual ventures. Very seldom though, if the female has had some bi experience she is more accepting. Most people don't want to lie in a relationship but when is honesty not the best policy? Does one's sexual trysts need to be fully disclosed?  It gets even more complicated when a bi male dates a gay male who has never had any heterosexual experience and can't relate at all.  Sometimes there is a mistrust that has no foundation or reason. There is something that drives a wedge between two people when one cannot relate to the others' desires. I have dated gay men that have never even kissed a girl. They will sometimes use that against me, like I am not as dedicated to the relationship since my past covers a wider spectrum.  I am now seeing that this is changing with the younger generation.  Younger people aren't so quick to be put or put others in a box. I have recently dated younger guys who don't even consider themselves bi as much as they just don't want a label but just want to love.  They don't even bring up pasts experiences but would rather just enjoy what is currently happening between us.  Personally, I am finding it easier to connect with other bisexual men or those who might consider themselves fluid.
 
Of course, this changes as we move on to the other sex.  On the flip of this is when a female has a bi experience others are quick to call it a phase.  Do you know a friend that maybe even had a girlfriend all through college but after got married to a man and lived happily ever after? I know several and yet nobody seems to have a problem with it.  There is very little accusation of her not being true to herself or just not wanting to commit to a certain lifestyle. Now I know a few friends that have never told their man about their bi life and really don't ever feel that it should be discussed being that they have agreed not to bring up each other’s sexual conquests.  
Where do we draw the line of what has to be told in a relationship?  I don't want to lie to my partner but unless something I've done in the past has any potential harm to them, should it really be a topic of conversation?  If you do want to be honest, when is the right time? How far do you let the relationship go before saying anything? How many people lie about the number of partners they have had?  Others will lie about how old they are when they had their first experience or who that was with. As more and more are living their truth, others will have to learn what that means to them and their potential partners.  How much of somebody’s past will you let really affect your relationship?  Would you carry on a long-term relationship with an openly bisexual partner? When would you want to know about their past?  What are some of your general standards for dating? Let us know.

Now when I first heard about this product I have to admit I was a bit hesitant.  The first thing I think of when I hear spray gel is something that I used to use in middle school. Yes, I used product in middle school. That alone should have been an indicator that I would be a product junkie.  
 
If you know me, I love a product that can be used on more than one hair type and that can also help create more than just one look.  Like always R+Co exceeded my expectations.  The first time I used it was on myself. Being I have wavy, almost curly hair, I like to see what a product does in my hair if I apply it to wet hair and let it air dry.  I was impressed that I had hold in my hair, but none of the tackiness that I was sort of expecting.  Once it was dry, I was able run my fingers through my hair without it getting stuck.  A few days later I tried it before blow drying a clients hair.  She had finer blonde hair - the exact opposite of mine, so I wanted to see the difference.  I have to be honest, I probably over sprayed her hair. But, I brushed the product through the hair thoroughly before I sectioned her out and styled her.  I was so excited when I saw how much bounce my client had. So now I am really into FREEWAY at this point.  A few days later, I had a client that had curly, medium almost fine hair.  Well, here I was again going for the FREEWAY to see what it could do.  Like before, I was impressed with how the hair looked after the blowout.  The hair was smooth, yet had a controlled lift to it.  I am pretty much a fan of a product that can be used on various hair textures and for various end results.  R+Co again produced a vegan product, at a great price point, that really did what it said it would do. If you have tried it, please comment with your experience below.

Click here to purchase this product via Amazon.

I remember being a kid and getting so annoyed but a few simple words,"I remember when this song came out" It was most often said by my mom when she would hear a song that reminded her of her younger years.  I would often think; how do you remember a song so old. My mom is barely 20 years older than I am. Now looking back, when I was a teenager hearing her say this, she was only in her 30s. I mean hopefully she would remember. Now hear I am, just turned 40 and I have been saying this in my head for years. I will be honest, when I say it to myself, I do chuckle a bit.  One of the groups that always takes me back is Depeche Mode. I can hear an older song and be instantly transported to a time hanging out with friends and thinking, this is an awesome song, these guys are so cool. The group has basically been around my whole life, and in honesty, I really can't remember the first time I heard them. Even with that, they are a group that I have wanted to see, and I finally got to see them live.

I was lucky enough to get amazing seats at the sold-out show in Vegas. Before the show started I just sat there, looking around, thinking, I am going to see them! Depeche Mode is going to be on THAT stage. There was an old life that just came back to me.  I was in high school all over again. I was thinking of old friends that would have been so jealous to see them.  

Before Depeche Mode came on Warpaint wowed the crowd.  This all female group had the attention of everybody in the place.  I really enjoyed the rotation of the vocals.  There is something about a group that is cohesive, and they definitely are.  I was impressed on how each voice had a distinct sound yet when they sang together, the harmony was flawless. The set was just enough to tease you but not so long that you wanted them off stage.  

Once Depeche Mode took the stage there was not one person sitting down. The energy was insane. Starting the set with a song from the new album got everyone in tuned for an amazing show. Dave had spark and life from the get go. There was no warm up needed for this performer. His ability to glide and dance across the stage still have me in awe. From one song to the next the spirit was alive and well, not only with the group, but the audience as well. Hearing Never Let Me Down Again and Everything Counts were two of my highlights. Depeche Mode paid respect to the LGBT community in Walking in My Shoes with a great background video. Martin also gave a great performance in his performances as well.  His voice is one I could listen to repeatedly. There was an emotional cover of David Bowie's Heroes that really showed their respect for the late artist. DM ended the show with Personal Jesus with all the enthusiasm that they started with. Even as I was leaving the arena I was still in shock that I was able to witness one of my favorite bands live.  

Of course, afterwards I started telling myself to see more shows. There is nothing quite like watching a group that you have admired for so long do a live show. If you still have a chance to see them before the tour ends, DO IT!

It is that time again, the era of regret and new promises is upon us.  if you are like me, you have vowed to never do new year’s resolutions again. But the truth is, they are not all that bad. Sometimes we need a swift kick from reality to remind us that goals and aspirations are a good thing.  One of the most popular resolutions has to do with our body.  Some want to keep the body they have worked all year on, others want to have the body that escaped them 15 years ago.  I won’t lie, I wouldn't mind being in better shape. Since I am like most of you reading this, I figured I would get some tips from a pro.  Matt Inglese has been in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. Besides being a Kinesiologist, he is also a personal trainer and lends his knowledge to various companies concerning supplement development.  Here’s what he had to say:
 
What is the first rule in New Year’s goals?
Set realistic and honest goals. Make sure you are honest with yourself and realize the process is a marathon not a sprint.  You can and will achieve goals if you are realistic and honest with yourself.
 
How soon after changing my eating habits will I see a change?
Well, it takes 21 days to build a habit and 45 days normally to see changes.  There are 3 easy ways to monitor these changes.  The obvious is to use a scale to track your progress as a first option.  The second way is to feel how your clothes feel on you.  The third and most telling way is to take pictures of yourself. Try to make a weekly routine of taking a picture of yourself in the same clothes.  Make it a Monday morning and monitor it week to week.  Remember, the camera never lies.
 
How soon after exercising will I see a change?
Incorporate an exercise plan that you will enjoy and you will see changes in 45 days.  I would still suggest tracking your progress so you can see the changes.
 
I know I should really be doing both. How long with combining a better diet and exercising will it be before I see changes?
Now the combination is going to be your best course of action.  With the combination of both you will see noticeable changes and results in 30 days.
 
What are some of the MUST DOs?
Drink water!  Water is one of the most important tools for a healthy body. The body NEEDS water.  Cut down on sugar consumption.  There are just so many ways this will help your body.
Eat. You must feed your body. Starving your body does more harm than good. Just remember to feed your body the good stuff. 
 
How do I get back on track if I mess up?
No one is perfect, so this will happen.  Just get back on track as soon as possible.  Just get back to what was working and keep pushing.
 
Should I workout with someone?
A workout partner will help keep you accountable and motivate you. A gym buddy will also push you on days that you are lagging or would otherwise skip the gym.   If you aren't familiar with a gym setting, you can always get a trainer.  They can help set you on the right track, but not everyone needs to go that route.
 
Any last bits of wisdom?
Pick a routine that is going to work for you.  When your workout is fun you will stick with it longer.  If you like Zumba, then do that.  If you like yoga, do that.  Same applies to weight lifting or whatever you decide to help you make those changes.

For inspiration and gym motivation, follow Matt on Instagram.

I know in the past I've talked about treating the hair BEFORE shampooing.  I'm going to bring it up again, but in a different light.  RandCo recently came out with a product specifically to be used as a pre-shampoo, appropriately named PALM SPRINGS. It comes out in a perfect puff of oils and butters in the consistency of a mousse.  As a lover of anything citrus, I really appreciate the fragrance. It's the perfect mix of Sicilian Lemongrass, Tangerine, Eucalyptus, Green Tea, Tea Moss and Crisp Amber. I've used it as intended and as a post shampoo mask and both test runs resulted in healthier, smoother shinier hair.  If you have fine hair this is a great option for you, being traditional conditioner can add to much weight to the hair. Apply the PALM SPRINGS mid shaft to ends and leave on the hair for 10 minutes.

If you want to add some texture to your hair, follow up with CACTUS Shampoo also from RandCo. The trick is to make sure you only wash the scalp area.  This creates texture and thickness, something every person with fine hair craves. The scent is a light blend of Bergamot, Wild Fig, Cyclamen, Lotus Flower, Cedarwood, and Tonka Beans.  CACTUS is also great for short haired clients that don't really want to add product after the shower but want fuller hair that has more grit.