Hey hey!

I'm back for week two of the fuel my soul series.  Yeah!!  This completely gives the opportunity to reflect on the things that fueled my wellness, heart + soul this week (and I hope you too).  It's been a good week, with the interesting event of having a vestibular migraine attack- the first intense one in seven months.  It sort of feels like it didn't happen though because my body has lovingly bounced back very fast and I'm so grateful for that.  The problem with the intensity of attacks is that the mind does not forget so quickly because it is traumatic.  I've been extra kind to my mind + body this week, which I'll share below.  So, let's get to it.  Here are the five things that fueled my soul this week.​

I shared the details of my vestibular migraine attack the following day, but now a few days later, it's easier to really reflect on it.  I felt the symptoms hit in the early afternoon that day and by night time I was close to back to my 'normal' self.  What a whirlwind that filled that period of time though.  As I type this post, I feel fantastic, except for being a bit tired.  I've spent the last few days listening to how my body is feeling- really listening. 

I did a move + meditate workout today and for the 15 minute meditation part, I just sat and listened.  I listened to the thoughts that stood boldly in the forefront of my mind and how my body was feeling.  It's amazing what comes forward when I stop and listen.  Life is noisy and making light movement and meditation a priority in my life has been one of the greatest things I've done for myself.  

If you're life feels cluttered and your mind on overdrive, I encourage you to take a few minutes to sit still.  Feel the emotions and what your  body is saying to you.  Our bodies let us know what it needs, it's just a matter of clearing space to effectively listen in.

My natural toolkit has been huge support this week.  I'm constantly amazed that just a few years ago, I knew so little about oils, and now they play a large role in my wellness.  I've been doing some reading about taking my self-care routines up a notch.  I do think this latest migraine attack correlated with my cycle (as I'm sure many women can relate) and this is a topic I'm very interested in.  So I've been looking into using oils to support hormonal balance.  It's not just that I used oils during the migraine attack though, it's all the moments around then too.  This morning I took Lemongrass + Turmeric essential oil in a capsule and it made my heart so happy to have this support in my life.  Lemongrass is electrifying, regenerating and purifying, and turmeric is healing on a number of levels, so I'm excited to incorporate the two oils daily.  And that Wild Orange I'm holding is fantastic for diffusing in my home: uplifting, invigorated and renewing.  I'll take all those blissful vibes, thank you.

I had a call with a fellow Vestibular Warrior this week and it was such a happy thing for me.  I know there are many people dealing with a vestibular condition, but it's still the type of thing that feels very isolating.  I think we all can relate to that feeling on some level though.  She and I talked on FaceTime and there in front of me was another person battling vestibular migraines and pushing forward to flourish + thrive in this beautiful life.  We talked about our symptoms, what doctors had told us, and we laughed at how similar our experiences were.  I'm further along so I was able to provide hope + inspiration that it does improve and there are things we can do to feel empowered and elevate our wellness.  I told her my story and how I got started with essential oils and I'm so thankful for that opportunity.  

I believe in the power of the food I nourish my body with.  I look at food not only as sustenance, but a way to level up my wellness with every bite.  I love spending time in the kitchen because I love eating delicious food.  This weekend was filled with lots of banana blueberry muffins (Oh She Glows app!), black bean soup, noodle + broccoli dish, buffalo faux 'chicken' patties (with avocado + vegenaise, sooo good!) + kale chips, and tonight I'm planning a curry stew with naan bread.  A plant-based diet is not only incredible fuel for the mind + body, but super fuel for the soul as well.  

If you want to shift your energy, start by looking at what you're eating.  

I worked on the Bliss Out Guide more this week.  I set a goal for myself to finish it this month and I plan to stick to it.  I put on my headphones, play music that sings to my soul, and start typing away.  Of course, I sometimes spend 1/2 hour looking for the perfect photo and then my boys are up from nap, but at least I found that damn good picture ;)  I really can't wait to release it because it will be the heart of this space.  More on that soon!

Well, that just about sums it up.  I still need to grocery shop, but I'm waiting to see if my four-year-old decides to fight his nap, and wants to join me.  As much as I treasure nap times, I also love having his company when I shop.  

Hope you have a great rest of your weekend!

Hey hey!

I'm back and it's the shiny new beginning of a weekly series.  I'd say I'll commit to posting every Sunday, but let's be real:  I've got preschoolers and I rely on their nap time to create + inspire in this happy space, so we'll just take each week as it comes.  That being said, if it's not Sunday, be on the lookout each Monday for a new post.

I'm really excited about this because each week I will be sharing a few things that fueled my soul from that week.  It will be little things that brought me good vibes or something that inspired me.  Because, it truly is all about soaking in the goodness from all the little things in this life.  Good hair days, laughter with my boys, hot showers, move + meditate sessions, cozy lattes, learning new things, widening my perspective, a new song that sings to my soul, connections with people... you get what I'm saying.  Finding gratitude in the moments is what lights me up.  It's my drive to create this empowered movement to elevate wellness and the reason I will continue to uncover all my inspiration.

In the early years of Love A Latte I used to just write about whatever was on my heart and I miss that.  So these posts will fill that void as well.  I hope it inspires you to think about the things from your week that fueled your soul, and please share, because the more inspiration we got flying, the better.

Let's get started in no particular order, ok?  I'll try to link everything so you can explore what resonates with you.

I took a longgg break from coffee.  With all the vestibular stuff the last few years, I didn't dare take a chance with coffee.  I spent so much time feeling disconnected from my body and to be honest I just was sort of scared to have coffee.  That statement may not make sense to you, but when you go through a health thing, it makes you question everything.  I wasn't drinking coffee when I got hit with the vestibular condition, so I just didn't think it was time to start.

So why am I bringing it back now?  Well, for starters I trust this brand and I heard the founder talk on a podcast.  This is more than just coffee- this is coffee + superfoods and that makes my heart happy.  I honestly wasn't sure how my body would react to it but each morning as I started my work day I drank this coffee with almond milk mixed in and my soul just sighed happily.  Ok, yeah now I'm getting a little dramatic, but if you're a coffee lover I'm sure you get that there's an emotional connection there.  I mean I did name my first blog Love A Latte.  I'm already excited to start my day tomorrow with this.  

One Part Podcast is seriously my favorite.  The host, Jessica Murnane is just awesome and she has the most inspiring guests.  It honestly doesn't even the matter the topic of the conversation, I learn every episode and expand my perspective.  On her season finale, she had Dr. Jolene Brighten who discussed the Pill + Post Birth Control Syndrome.  Every woman should listen to this episode.  It was eye opening and I wish my 20 year old self had been informed.  So go listen + share!

If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably noticed I like cookies.  It's no secret.  Know what I really like though?  Incredible vegan/gluten-free cookies that taste like heaven and leave me simultaneously feeling happy I ate a cookie.  I truly believe in quality ingredients (plant-based always in my case).  If I've got coconut sugar in the cupboard and Bob's Red Mill GF flour, you better believe cookies are happening.  You can't go wrong with any Minimalist Baker recipe, so go try one now (or at least later this week).

Ohhh I'm so happy to share this with you!  It's all about elevating our wellness and to do that I think it takes making small shifts that make a big difference when it comes to nourishing our mind + body wellness.  I've broken it down into 4 paths so you can start where it feels right for you.  Maybe that means making some diet tweaks, getting a natural toolkit of oils (pure plant power), taking on superhero status with supplements, or starting a blissful wellness business of your own. 

There's a lot packed in and I would just love it if you checked it out.  Let me know what you think and if you have questions.  This truly needs to be a post of its own, but I'm sure you sense my passion for leveling up how we approach our health. 

​Let's make waves when it comes to our wellbeing, because it's one thing to just live, but it's another to flourish + thrive.  

If you're new, I encourage you to watch this video where I talk about my experience with a vestibular condition.  That way you get to know me a bit better.  Connecting with others living with a vestibular condition is therapy for my soul, because we get a part of each other.  There are just some things that only another Vestibular Warrior can understand, because so much of it is unspoken understandings. 

Vestibular conditions are invisible on the outside, but completely life altering.  I count my blessing every day for the progress I've made because these days I feel pretty damn incredible.  I say that because I'm bursting with gratitude and I know how precious it is to walk and feel grounded rather than as if I'm standing on a moving dock.  I know how beyond gorgeous it is to look at the world and truly see it as it is, nothing slightly off and dancing in the distance. 

I've been on the other side and there's no forgetting the relentless awful moments.  Talking to others that are in the throes or have been through an experience similar to mine is a gift from the universe.  Bliss Out was inspired by my journey with a vestibular disorder and sharing my experience and everything that's helped me along the way has just opened up my soul.  

Well, that's a wrap, friends!  

How was your week?

I’ll stop rambling and start sharing my favorites when it comes to movement, mediation and just feeling good.

Here they are:

Kait Hurley: Move + Meditate
These workouts are amazing.  My FAVORITE right now.  Think yoga, but lots of movement, and happy vibes, and awesome music.  Then at the end a meditation and you feel like you’ve just conquered the world.  Workouts are short and long, so you choose what works for you.  I love a workout at the end of the day because I go to bed feeling so good.  Again, there’s a free trial period so give it a try and see what you think!

oneOeight
Yoga, meditation, and wellness!  I rely on this platform for all my yoga classes.  From beginner to advanced, so many videos and teachers so you can find who you jive with.  Note, there’s a free 10-day trial so you can see if you like it.

Lauren Roxburgh: Taller Slimmer Younger
This made me fall in love with the foam roller.  I heard Lauren on a Podcast and was super intrigued.  I bought her 10-week program (going at my own pace) and the foam roller workouts are so therapeutic.  My muscles relax and so does my mind.  I know I’m stronger from them too.  She also has individual videos you can get.  Foam rolling is super empowering.

These platforms are incredible and I’m sharing because they continue to make a difference in my world.

I definitely have gone through times in my life when I was just into running, but right now I’m really into more gentle yet super strengthening and challenging exercises for my mind and body.  My body is also thanking me hugely for it.  

Feel free to ask me any questions!  Go put on a podcast and level up your wellness.

xoxo,
Em

{for my full story with a vestibular condition + guide to thrive, visit here}