For a long time now, I’ve been wanting to do something to show how much I appreciate YOU as part of this WellGrounded Life community … It’s hard to put into words how much it means to me to have this haven of women, each of us striving to live into our most healthy and vibrant selves while supporting each other along the way.  It is such a gift.

So this month, I wanted to Share the Love and bless you with some fabulous giveaways that will support you on your way to healthy, vibrant living!  Each Wednesday during February, I’ll be giving away a product(s) from one of my trusted colleagues or from a trusted company.  The details for how to enter are below … {Be sure to sign up for The Ripple, my weekly newsletter, so you can get all the info on the coming giveaways as well.  Sign up in the box to the right!}

Wednesday, Feb 1 Giveaway

Gnosis Chocolate

Vanessa Barg, a fellow alumni of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, founded this phenomenal company that produces handmade, raw, fairly-traded, sustainable, organic vegan chocolate.  Gnosis Chocolate will be giving one lucky lady the Aphrodisia Collection (valued at $74.48).  Watch the video below to see why I LOVE this chocolate and why it’s actually GOOD for you!

The Aphrodisia Collection from Gnosis Chocolate 

• 1 Aphrodisia Bar

• 1 Vanilla Hazelnut Bar

• 8oz How Now Brown Cacao Body Butter

• 3 Passion Truffles

• .5lb Aphrodisia Hot Chocolate Mix

• All Lovingly Gift Wrapped

2 WAYS TO ENTER

To enter, leave a comment below about which Gnosis Chocolate product you would love for Valentine’s Day!  {Don’t be shy about also sharing this with the loved ones in your life with a little, “hint, hint!”}  :)  

For an additional entry, like WellGrounded Life and Gnosis Chocolate on Facebook and then leave me a comment saying you’ve done so.

We will choose the winner at Noon (EST) Tuesday, February 7, 2012.

And please feel free to Share the Love — let the women in your life know about this great giveaway and about the community we’re creating at WellGrounded Life. 

The stronger our collective grows, the stronger each of us grows.  {You know I’m all about conspiracy groups!}

With a heart that overflows,
Lisa

I

am used to being on the other side of the mic lately with the fantastic interviews I’ve had here…but today I’m over at Spark Wellness being interviewed by my friend and fellow health counselor, Andrea Moss.

Photo by Papalars

Andrea is part of the incredible consortium of practitioners over at Spark Wellness.  If you haven’t already, please take a minute to explore her excellent blog. It is regularly updated with inspiring articles, wellness advice, tips and experiences that support you on your journey of wellness.

Andrea has a thriving business based in NYC and works with clients from all over the country in person and through telecounseling.  In fact, since I am currently not taking individual clients right now, I regularly refer people inquiring about health coaching to her.  Andrea is a passionate and effective counselor whose clients get top notch attention and serious results.

You’ve heard me talk about the benefits of cleansing here before.  I created my eBook on cleansing for those who want to design and go through a cleanse on their own.  But some may want the added attention of a guided experience.  If that is you, I highly recommend you check out Andrea’s group cleanse program.  She works with two other practitioners to set up a three tier program that allows you to choose a cleanse that is right for you, while getting the additional support of a cleanse leader through teleclasses and group forums. (but hurry it begins May 10)

And now, if you have a moment, hop on over to read my interview!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Sherri Kruger, founder of Serene Journey, editor of Zen Family Habits, and author of the ebook, Love the Life You Live.

Sherri’s book is fantastic.  Her authentic, positive voice comes through every chapter. She helps you to take charge of the life you are living in order to create a life you truly love.

For me, I need encouragement paired with concrete action steps…and that is exactly what Love the Life You Live delivers.  It will be a book I’ll come back to time and time again.

Sherri has graciously offered one of my readers a copy of her book, Love the Life You Live. I’ll give the details for the giveaway after her interview.

The Interview

Your blog, Serene Journey, is about simple tips to enjoy life.  How did inspiring others to live a more fulfilling life become a passion of yours?

Well it’s no secret that I love simplicity. I’ve seen over the past few years the side effects of living a simpler life; less stress, less anxiety, less clutter (physical and mental) and there is no drama. When I saw first hand the benefits of simplifying, slowing down and just enjoying life as it is it pained me to see others struggling with what I had been struggling with. So to answer your question (finally ) helping others is just the natural extension of my own journey.

You are a busy mom of two toddlers who also run two successful blogs.  What does self-care look like for you at this time in your life?

What-care? lol I admit this is one aspect that over all is lacking but it does ebb and flow.  I have my blogs which are my creative outlets. I will be starting yoga and pilates again soon as these are my favorite activities to relax the body and mind.

I’ve also recently changed my eating habits to include a lot more whole/natural foods with a greater variety. A lot of this stems from reading through your excellent book Real Food Cleanse. Quinoa and kale, amongst other things, now make regular appearances in our home. I’m not as chicken to try new foods now thanks to you!   -Thanks for those kind words, Sherri– I’m thrilled you like the book!-

The most challenging part of becoming a mother has been finding a balance between being me and being mom. There really is no transition into this new role.  One day you’re you and the next day you’re mom.

There is no more doing things on your schedule. It’s this new little person who dictates when you get up in the morning, when you can lay down again, when you eat and when you can vacuum. It’s tough and initially there really is no escaping it or working around it but as the kids get older and more independent you can start to recapture a bit of your sense of self.

In what way have you worked through that challenge?

How I worked through some of this was I started waking up before the kids. I get to spend some time getting myself ready for the day and simply enjoy the quiet. I can write, read and enjoy a cup of coffee before I really have to switch into mom mode.

I have a really great family who are always willing to watch our boys when my husband and I want to go out. It helps too that I have a pretty awesome husband. Anytime I’m feeling overwhelmed or like I need a break he’s right there encouraging me to take as much time as I need to re-group.

What words of wisdom would you share with a brand new mom?

Don’t wish their little lives away. This comes from a conversation I had with my mom. When our little ones roll over we wish for them to sit up. When they sit up we wish they would crawl. When they crawl we wish they would stand. And so on and so on. You get the picture.

Each stage will come in its own time. I think it’s so important to take the time to enjoy where they are at right now. Revel in the fact that your baby is rolling over. Watch him do it again and again and again as he masters this new skill. Remember that today’s milestones are exactly what you were wishing for only yesterday.

If you need a dose of positive encouragement today head on over to Serene Journey or check out her latest eBook: Love the Life You Live. Sherri is an expert at spurring you on to a happier life…starting now!

To win a free copy of Love the Life You Live leave a comment on what self care looks like for you right now  (or you can just say hi!). The winner will be chosen on Sunday, April 18 at Noon EST

{Giveaway is closed!  The winner is comment #4:  Val!  Congrats!}

My sister is a special needs teacher who is passionate about creating healthy and non-toxic environments for her students.  She works with the school and parents to educate them on dangerous chemicals in cleaning supplies and ways to bring safer cleaning products into the home and classroom.  So when she told me she decided to sell a line of eco-cleaners because she loved them so much, I knew they must be great products!

Best of all, she offered to give away a free Trial Pack to one of my readers!!

The Products:

WowGreen cleaning products are 100% non-toxic, enzyme based cleaners that are safe for your children and pets.  The company is committed to being eco-friendly and so employs 100% biodegradable packaging, as well as refillable bottles.  Every WowGreen product has a refill packet purchase option so that the refillable bottle is not going to waste.

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive a trial size package which contains a generous sample of the window cleaner (safe for all stainless steel appliances, TV and computer screens), all purpose cleaner (great counter top cleaner for the kitchen), laundry detergent and upholstery and carpet cleaner (which can be used on all types of fabric furniture). All of these products are hard working and can be used daily to maintain a green clean for your home.

Click here if you’d like to read more about the products or to get in touch with her directly.

Just leave a comment below. Would love to hear any green cleaning tips you use in your home (or feel free just to say hi!). I’ll choose the winner Saturday Nov 14 at noon.  Good Luck!

*************

WINNER!  Random.org generated #14…sooo Catie, You Win!  I’ll be sending you an email shortly. Congratulations

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I often have a handful of things I want to share that don’t really fit into a blog article. I mostly include those items in an email newsletter. So I am now officially inviting all my blog readers to sign up for my email newsletter. I generally send out a newsletter every month or two so it won’t clog up your inbox I promise!

Sign up for our Email Newsletter

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I’m a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in NYC. It was a great school and they recently have decided to expand into distance learning- which is fantastic for the many many people too far to travel into New York who would love an experience like this. For the month of August they are offering a $1000 discount in tuition if you mention a referring graduate’s name (you can use me: Lisa Byrne). If you think this may be something you’re interested in feel free to contact me (info on About page) or call the school– they are great to talk to.
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IIN is also offering a couple FREE teleclasses I wanted to let you know about:
“Understanding your cravings”
Wednesday, August 19, 3 pm EDT - Learn more and register here

“How to launch a new career in nutrition, in your spare time”
Thursday, August 20, 3pm EDT – Learn more and register here
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If you are here visiting from Simple Mom, Welcome!  I hope you enjoy looking around…I’m so glad you stopped by.
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Finally, just a little head’s up–come by this Friday for a fantastic giveaway I have in store! See you then