Meet Living Beauty Executive Director Nancy Davidson!

Nancy Davidson is the Foundation for Living Beauty’s Executive Director! We are so grateful for her commitment to growing the organization and expanding our reach to serve even more women!

Keep reading to hear from her about her time at Living Beauty!

 

Nancy (second from the left) with Living Beauties at our golf tournament!

Hi, I’m Nancy, the Executive Director of The Foundation for Living Beauty. I have spent more than 35 years in non-profit management, and I love what I do with Living Beauty! Once I met Amie Satchu and learned more about Living Beauty, I knew this was where I wanted to be. I have been with the organization since 2016, and we have grown and changed so much in that time! From around 300 women then to more than 1,400 women now, our programs and services have evolved to meet a growing and more geographically diverse sisterhood.

I love our Living Beauties. I love the fact that they are willing to share their journeys with us. I love the connection we have with them, and the changes I see in their lives as they experience wellness retreats, workshops, movement classes and sisterhood events. I’m proud that we are making a difference in their lives during such a challenging time, and that we are there to experience both the highs and lows with them and walk beside them.

Speaking of our Living Beauties, I am so excited about our upcoming Beauty of Change fashion show on October 26th! Our lovely beauties will model lingerie created for women with cancer by everviolet. Not only is it a beautiful event, but it is a self-affirming, confidence-building, amazing experience for women who are embracing their new normal after cancer. There’s never a dry eye in the house, and I love bringing this experience to our women and to our supporters!

I’m so grateful to be with Living Beauty, and with the amazing team of women who make everything possible. Indyra, Ariana, Mariella and Jade are the best, and together, we are creating magic!

Living Beauty Celebrates International Day of Yoga!

June 21st is International Day of Yoga and it also happens to be the Summer Solstice! The Summer Solstice happens every year when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun and it marks the start of summer.  It is the longest day of the year and in many cultures throughout history, it is seen as a day of celebration often marked with festivals and rituals. It is known to represent the transition from action to nourishment and the journey from darkness to light. Because of the extra sunlight, the solstice is associated with nourishment, fertility, and sensuality. This time of year, we are more connected with nature and each other! It is a great time to come together with others, enjoy the local fresh foods that are in season and connect with your body.

 

Considering the International Day of Yoga falls on the Summer Solstice, a yoga practice is the perfect way to celebrate the change in season and get more in tune with your body! The International Day of Yoga was officially recognized by The United Nations in 2014 and was created to raise awareness of the many benefits of practicing yoga. Yoga can increase strength, flexibility and balance which helps reduce pain and inflammation in the body. It reduces stress, improves sleep and increases your energy overall improving your mental resilience. When the proposal to create a day celebrating Yoga was introduced to the United Nations by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, he stated, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action … a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”

 

 

The Foundation for Living Beauty brings yoga to the women we serve all year round because of its amazing physical and mental health benefits. This year we are celebrating International Yoga Day together with a day retreat! Led by the wonderful Yoga Therapist and Living Beauty Sharon Holly, our International Day of Yoga Day Retreat is bringing together Living Beauties in Santa Monica to spend the day practicing yoga, mindfulness and meditation to help them on their cancer journey. Sharon Holly is certified in yoga4cancer, a yoga practice specifically designed to address the physical and mental side effects of cancer and its treatment on our bodies. This day of yoga will allow Living Beauties to practice self-care, learn tools to heal their bodies and minds, and connect with one another.

 

 

We are so grateful to be able to spend the International Day of Yoga and the Summer Solstice with our Living Beauties! Don’t forget to spend time this summer nourishing your body, enjoying nature and connecting with others!

 

If you are a woman with cancer and would like to participate in programs like our International Day of Yoga Day Retreat click here to become a Living Beauty!

 

Read more about yoga4cancer on our here!

 

 

 

 

Living Beauty Debuts a Brand-New Overnight Retreat!

Last week, twenty-two Living Beauties gathered at the beautiful UCLA Lake Arrowhead retreat center for our first-ever Elemental Overnight Retreat led by the amazing Kristin Dwan! The retreat was specially designed by Kristin and Indyra, Living Beauty’s program director, to take Living Beauties on a journey through the five elements exploring their healing powers. What is even more special about this collaboration is that Kristin is a Living Beauty herself and while attending a retreat at Lake Arrowhead in 2022, her and Indyra were inspired to create the Elemental Retreat. Six months later the seed of an idea that they planted at that retreat came to fruition and the rest is history!

 

Kristin leading Living Beauties in a workshop about our inner child and how our conscious mind is formed as a child.

 

The retreat was created around the 5 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. Each element has specific qualities that can be harnessed to help anyone on their journey through life and more specifically for our Living Beauties their healing journey after cancer. At the retreat, we used Earth to ground our intentions, Water to cleanse and feel them, Air to dream and clear your mind, Fire to activate and Spirit to connect and level up your healing intentions.

 

Each of these candles represents an element. Kristin used them to call in the elements during our practice. The candles surrounding the elements represent a Living Beauty and her intention for the retreat.

 

Everyone Living Beauty created a seed (or intention) for the retreat that they spent the 3 days focusing on bringing into existence. Kristin helped guide them through this process by leading Living Beauties in hypnotic journeys, breath work, reiki, healing time in nature, a bonfire to cut cords with worries and create a clean slate, and deep connection and sharing time with each other.

 

After the retreat one Living Beauty stated, “I have a new sense of self. I feel lighter than I did when I first got here. I am extremely overwhelmed with love and acceptance. This is exactly what my heart needed.”

 

We are so grateful to Kristin for bringing her expertise in Hypnotherapy, Reiki and navigating the elements to The Foundation for Living Beauty! You can learn more about her practice and get in contact with her by visiting www.thehealingwoods.com. As always Indyra created and executed an amazing retreat and we can’t wait for the next one!

 

 

If you are a woman with cancer, click here to learn more about how to become a Living Beauty and participate in retreats like this one! To donate to The Foundation for Living Beauty and help provide more programs like these to women with cancer please visit www.livingbeauty.org/get-involved/donate/.

 

 

 

Meet Living Beauty Program Director Indyra Flores!

Indyra Flores is the Foundation for Living Beauty’s Program Director! Her role at the foundation is to create and execute all of the amazing holistic wellness programs we offer to women with cancer. We are so grateful for her dedication and the incredible work she does!

Keep reading to hear from her about her job as Program Director for Living Beauty!

Hello Living Beauty Community!

I am the program director here at this amazing organization that supports women with cancer through holistic programming. I am so fortunate to be a part of creating the experiences that make up what Living Beauty is about. My background in psychology, energy work and body work helps me see the healing process as a holistic experience; one that addresses the body, mind and spirit. I also use a trauma-informed approach when creating programs for Living Beauty; keeping in mind the taxing experience of cancer treatment. I believe that ultimately, the healing journey is the path where we remember the connection we have to our Selves. There are so many ways to find that, and I am so grateful for the knowledgeable facilitators that join our Living Beauty family to help guide you there.

I enjoy what I do so much! I love helping people find the tools they need to heal, find the connection with each other and themselves.

I am entering my 10th year here at this wonderful organization. I look forward to serving you for many more!

~Indyra

Announcing Our New Living Beauty Marketplace!

The Foundation for Living Beauty is so excited to announce the official launch of our Living Beauty Marketplace! You can now shop the collection of amazing goodies here and all net proceeds from your purchase go directly to providing holistic wellness programs and support services to women with cancer!

 

The Foundation for Living Beauty aims to educate, uplift and empower women with cancer and cancer survivors. Proceeds from your purchase on our marketplace help to further our mission and reach even more women who need the support we provide. The goal of our marketplace is to feature women-owned brands and provide products that are designed for women with cancer in mind.

 

Our marketplace includes lots of exciting items such as Living Beauty branded clothing, tote bags, hot drink cups,  water bottles and more!

 

 

We also have specially curated items on our marketplace from our sponsors. You can purchase items from Everviolet, a woman-owned lingerie company that creates products specifically designed for women with cancer. You can purchase The Untamed Elemental Oracle Set, a beautiful oracle deck created by artist Tasya van Ree who is a generous supporter of The Foundation for Living Beauty. We also have jewelry from Lee Brevard available for purchase designed by a Living Beauty highlighting the lotus flower that is on our logo!

We are so grateful for your support and happy shopping!

 

You can shop the Living Beauty marketplace and learn more about the brands featured in this post by visiting www.livingbeauty.shop.

 

Thrive Causemetics Named a New Product After Our Original Living Beauty Joni!

The Founder of The Foundation for Living Beauty, Amie Satchu, and her mom Joni.

 

Thrive Causemetics has launched a product named after our Original Living Beauty, Joni!

We are so incredibly excited to announce that Thrive Causemetics has launched a new shade of their Infinite Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick and named it after Joni, our original Living Beauty and the beautiful mom of our founder Amie Satchu! Amie was inspired to start The Foundation for Living Beauty as a way to help Joni on her journey with Multiple Myeloma. The Foundation was created to give women with cancer access to free wellness and support services that would improve their quality of life after a cancer diagnosis.

 

Thrive Infinite Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in the shade Joni, a beautiful shimmery blue.

 

Thrive Causemetics was founded by CEO Karissa Bodnar and is a brand that is passionate about empowering communities. Through their Bigger Than Beauty™ program, Thrive partners with nonprofits and for every product purchased, they donate to help communities thrive. They are a generous supporter of the Foundation for Living Beauty providing free products to our Living Beauties, helping to improve the quality of life of hundreds of women with cancer!

We are so excited to be able to honor our guiding light, Joni, in this way!

 

 

In 2005, Amie Satchu honored her mother Joni’s journey with Multiple Myeloma by creating the Foundation for Living Beauty. The “Original Living Beauty” Joni was the kind of person whose spirit radiated love and acceptance. She made everyone feel like she was your best friend. With her mother as the driving force, The Foundation for Living Beauty was born and Amie’s mission to provide emotional and physical support to women with cancer became her central focus and passion.

Although the Foundation’s original intent was to focus on “look good, feel good” events, it rapidly became much more, meeting the complex emotional and physical needs of women cancer patients, called “Living Beauties.” Living Beauty was born out of a need to find community and holistic wellness programs that weren’t available at the time. What started out as a small sisterhood that created healing energy for one another, has since grown and transformed into over 150 wellness events a year, serving over 1200 women. The essence of our programs has remained to this day: that the power of community and addressing the mind, body and spirit are an essential part of the healing journey.

Through Joni’s personal journey, a social worker herself, the organization has learned the value and importance of creating a strong support system for the women it serves and understands how that support can impact their quality of life and health outcomes.

Joni’s graceful and vibrant spirit transcends time. Her legacy lives on in the magic that is The Foundation for Living Beauty. We are honored to celebrate her and each and every Living Beauty!

 

Living Beauty Founder Amie testing out the new product!

 

When asked about Joni, Amie shared the love, light and legacy that her mom left with The Foundation for Living Beauty.

“Those who have met my mother know what kind of outrageously beautiful soul she is. Through her 8-year cancer journey, she inspired us all by transforming her pain and suffering into hope. She inspired a community of women to let light filter in through the cracks of the darkness of a cancer diagnosis.

The Foundation for Living Beauty took shape by responding to her need and longing for quality of life in the physically and emotionally exhausting cancer journey. With the advancement of cancer treatments, more women are left struggling to understand how to live with the taxing effects long term. I have great pride that my mother’s legacy is the guiding light that allows Living Beauty to educate, uplift and inspire these women to thrive and heal along their cancer journey. It is also this guiding light that leads our Living Beauties out of the emotional isolation of cancer and into each other’s supportive and nurturing arms.

Mommy, thank you for the gift you have left us. Your spirit will always shine on as our eternal Living Beauty.”

–Amie Satchu

You can purchase the Infinite Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick™ in the shade Joni here!

You can learn more about how to support The Foundation for Living Beauty and the vital work we do to support women with cancer here.

 

Meet the Malones

 

Pictured from left to right – Matt Gershik, Erin Gershik, Cynthia Malone, Michael Malone at our Dinner Under the Stars Fundraising Gala

 

Meet Cynthia and Michael Malone, who have been major supporters of The Foundation for Living Beauty for a number of years. The Malone’s daughter, Erin, is a Living Beauty, two-time cancer survivor and the chair of the Living Beauty Board of Directors.

 

We asked Mike, why do you support Living Beauty?

 

“First of all, we were brought to Living Beauty by our daughter Erin’s circumstances. We saw what it meant to her, and what the organization does, and it was an obvious connection for us.” Mike continued that he and Cynthia appreciate and value what Living Beauty does to enhance the lives of women with cancer. “We might never have known about The Foundation for Living Beauty but for the positive support that has come from Erin’s experience. The mission is critical to women, and we learned that through Erin’s cancer journey.”

 

In looking for an organization to support, Mike indicated three factors that are important to consider. He feels that the donor must feel a personal connection and way to identify with the organization’s mission. Whether it is a personal cancer journey, or that of a loved one, identifying with the mission is an integral part of why donors choose to give. Mike feels that donors are also looking for firsthand evidence that the organization’s mission is being implemented effectively, and that the programs and services being offered are of benefit to the clients being served. Along with that is an assurance that the organization is practicing fiscal efficiency in the use of donors’ dollars.

 

The Malone Family has been the main sponsor of Living Beauty’s golf tournament for all 5 of the years we have held it. He said, “The golf tournament is an opportunity to bring people into a different environment to learn about Living Beauty’s mission, who might not have already known about the organization’s programs and services for women with cancer. It’s a way to be together and celebrate the organization and its mission and contribute to its success.”

 

The Foundation for Living Beauty is so grateful to the Malone Family and the many other donors who support our important work!

 

If you are interested in becoming a supporter of The Foundation for Living Beauty and help us in our mission to educate, uplift and empower women with cancer you can learn more here.

Cannabis 101: Breaking down Cannabis and what it does for us as consumers 

Cannabis 101: Breaking down Cannabis and what it does for us as consumers 

Written By Velvet Cannabis a cannabis company located in Eagle Rock, California.
www.velvetcannabis.com

 

Stepping into the Cannabis world can be a little overwhelming. Don’t you worry that is what we at Velvet are here to help with.   

Cannabis contains hundreds of active compounds with a range of medical benefits to be found.

 

At Velvet, we’ll walk you through the best way to pinpoint effects of different cannabis strains. We’d love to talk about their mix of cannabinoids and terpenes, or the chemical compounds in it. These compounds combine to create the entourage effect experience that can lead to the feeling of being high.  (explain the entourage effect some more)

 

 THC and CBD are two of cannabis’ most well known cannabinoids, although there are many more that offer a unique range of effects. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound that most  think of when talking about weed—it’s what makes you feel high, and relieves symptoms like pain and nausea. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound known to alleviate anxiety, pain, inflammation and many other medical ailments. 

 

The words “indica” and “sativa” were introduced in the 18th century as a way to describe different species or “strains” of Cannabis. 

 

Sativa- tends to give the consumer more uplifting, active cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings and creative projects. Cultivated for its seeds and fiber, Sativa was named by Carl Linneaus and found in Europe and Western Eurasia. 

 

Indica- known for being physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie, or as a nightcap before bed. Indica was named by Jean-Baptiste and discovered in India, where it was harvested for its seeds, fiber, and hashish production. 

 

Hybrids-  falling somewhere in between the Indica-Sativa Spectrum depending on their lineage, they inherit traits from their parent strains. 

 

There is importance in noting that every individual’s body chemistry is different. Indica doesn’t always mean “in da couch” and sativas don’t necessarily energize all consumers. The origins of the two terms are historically rooted in botany and describe the physical structure of a plant, not the depth of your experience. A strain might impact you a little differently than it might your neighbor and that’s the beauty of cannabis. There is something for everyone. 

 

When you look at the back of your shampoo bottle, you may see a term such as “Linalool.” Linalool is a compound known as a terpene also contained in Cannabis! Terpenes are naturally-occurring aromatic compounds that determine the scent of many flowers and herbs; they give cannabis its distinctive odor, flavor, and enriched color in the leaves and buds. 

 

Cannabis has more than 150 terpenes, but some are only present in small amounts; however, the more prominent ones combine together to give us a signature scent profile for specific strains. Terpenes not only give the cannabis plant its unique scent and flavor, but can also produce a range of therapeutic and mood altering effects to a cannabis consumer in conjunction with cannabinoids. There’s more of the entourage effect! 

 

Now here comes the biggest question we all have as consumer:

 

 How will this help me with anxiety or stress? Depression, pain, condition or ailment?

 

Below we’ve provided a short, but exhaustive list of cannabinoids within the Cannabis plant that have been researched and studied for their medicinal properties to help you choose what may be best for you. At Velvet, we care the most about educating and supporting you as our neighbor. 

 

 CBC a non-psychoactive cannabinoid being studied for its anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

CBN is a sedating, sleepy cannabinoid found in higher amounts of aged cannabis or degraded THC. Any studies of cannabis or cannabinoids in people with health problems (such as multiple sclerosis, PTSD, or chronic pain) have looked at effects on sleep. Often, there’s been evidence of better sleep quality, fewer sleep disturbances, or decreased time to fall asleep in people taking cannabis. 

 

 THCV is being studied for uses such as an appetite suppressant, as a bone growth stimulator, diabetes management, and anxiety treatment.

 

 CBG has many potential therapeutic benefits, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory qualities.

 

A 2018 review looked at 47 studies (4,743 participants) of cannabis or cannabinoids for various types of chronic pain other than cancer pain and found evidence of a small benefit. Twenty-nine percent of people taking cannabis/cannabinoids had a 30 percent reduction in their pain.

 

It’s a common misconception that “marijuana” or “hemp” are two different species of plant. In fact, they’re not distinct species at all. They’re just two different names for cannabis, a type of flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family. While science doesn’t differentiate between “hemp” and “marijuana,” unfortunately the law does. It is our hope and belief at Velvet that we can help play a part in changing the stigma.

We hope this starts you off in the right direction in learning more about Cannabis as the industry continues to discover new and exciting qualities about our beautiful plant, Mary Jane! Please come visit us at Velvet for any questions or assistance you may need in Cannabis. 

We are here for you, 9am-9pm everyday! 

 

Living Beauties can receive 15% off of their purchase when visiting Velvet Cannabis. Just mention Living Beauty at checkout. Learn more about Velvet Cannabis and their store locations by visiting www.velvetcannabis.com!

 

Sources:

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/sativa-indica-and-hybrid-differences-between-cannabis-types

The leafly guide to Cannabis, A handbook for the modern consumer By the LEAFLY TEAM

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312634/#:~:text=Cannabis%20is%20a%20plant%2Dbased,Romania%20has%20been%20described%20extensively.

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana

10 Ways to Bring Healthy Summer Habits into Fall

10 Ways to Bring Healthy Summer Habits Into Fall 
By Keira Kotler, CEO & Founder of Everviolet 

Keira Kotler is the Founder and CEO of Everviolet,  a beautiful lingerie and loungewear collection
nurturing changes in a woman’s body following treatment for breast cancer and other meaningful life events. Everviolet is a generous supporter of The Foundation for Living Beauty! Keep reading to discover Keira’s tips on how to have a healthy and happy transition into the fall season. You can learn more about Everviolet and shop the collection by visiting www.everviolet.com.

 

In the summertime, it’s easy to fill our diets with fresh produce from the farmers’ markets and fit in our daily workout, thanks to the longer days. But once autumn rolls around and temperatures begin to drop, a lot of these healthy habits can often fall by the wayside. So, as vacations come to an end, children head back to school and summer fun comes to a halt, we’re taking this opportunity to prioritize our health – to feel our best and give ourselves the energy we need in the new season. Here are some good warm-weather habits to stick with this fall.

 

 

1. Eat Fresh Fruits & Veggies. 

Eating well keeps our immune system strong. As we head into flu and cold season (and likely, another Covid season), it’s time to continue to focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods high in vitamin C like organic citrus, berries, green veggies and peppers are best, in addition to vitamin D from farm fresh eggs and wild-caught fatty fishes. Also, beta-carotene found in carrots, sweet potatoes and squash (lucky for us, they’re all coming into season!) is a must.

2. Stay Active (Indoors & Outdoors). 

Just because our bods will soon be covered under warmer clothes, it doesn’t mean regular workout routines should go out the door. Daily exercise does wonders for the body. From enhancing quality of sleep to building immunity, burning calories to clearing the mind, fitness is key to quality of life. In the wake of fall, consider swapping out swimming for cycling or walking, and if weather is an issue, replace outdoor workouts with trips to an indoor gym or studio. Moving our workouts to morning hours also jumpstart our metabolism and help us stay in top physical and metal shape. Don’t forget to vary up exercises to maximize muscle mass, burn more calories and flush stress and toxins from our system.  

3. Morning Routines Matter. 

Fall often brings busier days and the need for more structure than summer, which means it’s the perfect time to overhaul our morning routines. Journaling first upon waking or taking supplements with a healthy breakfast are great ways to start the day off right. Other options are to meditate, initiate a gratitude practice or do a few stretches with the sunrise. Whatever rituals we choose, it’s about prioritizing self-care and giving to ourselves before we turn our focus outward and set about our day.   

4. Staycations. 

As summer comes to an end, typically, so do our travel plans. But who says we can’t explore into fall? Planning a quick getaway just a few hours away – whether it be by car or train – can offer just the fresh break we need and keep life feeling adventurous. As can staying home and engaging in local activities we often don’t make time to do. Enjoy the foliage, camp in warm climates, travel to a great museum or wildlife park. Not to mention, with summer travel being pricey and often crowded, fall excursions can help preserve our resources for even more travel. 

5. Drink Water. 

During the warmer months, we know to drink as much water as possible in order to stay hydrated. But it’s just as important to drink water in all seasons. Fresh water purifies the body, helps keep pounds off and serves as an overall daily detox. And while it can be tempting to opt for flavored beverages, it’s healthier and much kinder to our waistline to pass on the liquid sugar. So, invest in a new water bottle, fill it up and commit to drinking its contents twice per day. Pro tip! As temps get colder outside, consume water with no ice and a squeeze of fresh lemon It’s cleansing, hydrating and tastes delicious.  

6. Wear Sunscreen.

Don’t skip this essential skincare step – sunscreen. It’s easy to remember our summer routine when we see bright sunshine and feel the heat. But even though the sun might not feel as strong in fall and winter, UV rays are here year-round (and now stronger than ever). Even when it’s cloudy, it’s important to protect our skin to avoid skin cancer, sunburns, wrinkling and sunspots. For best results, opt for a sunscreen that’s a combined daily moisturizer and keep sunglasses and a hat at the ready, so they’re always there when we need them.   

7. Spend Time in Nature. 

There’s no better time of year than fall to be outside. With temperatures cool enough not to overheat but warm enough not to make us shiver, it’s an ideal season to walk, hike or go forest bathing. Taking in small doses of sunlight each day helps support our circadian rhythm, promoting restful sleep, and keeps our Vitamin D levels healthy. Known to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, promote good bone health and build immunity, healthy doses of vitamin day are also a great way to prevent seasonal cold and flu. Just be sure to dress in layers for those last-minute temperature swings! 

8. Slow Down. 

The summer season is often associated with being able to slow down. Breaks from work and vacations are scheduled, kids are out of school and long days make for more social and outdoor time. But in every season, it’s critical to find time to pause. Offering a respite from routine, slowing down enables us to connect more deeply with our emotional, mental and physical patterns, ultimately promoting more self-awareness and appreciation for our surroundings. Consider carving out an hour a week to simply stop. Still the mind, take in the sounds and see what sparks arise. 

9. Prioritize Sleep. 

We all know sleep is good for our health, but as we head into the hectic schedules of fall and then, the holidays, it’s truly essential that we get enough zzz’s. In order to get a good night’s sleep, avoid using any sort of technology one hour prior to bedtime, skip caffeine after noon and sip on soothing, herbal tea to relax before bed.  If news or entertainment can be triggering, opt for a book or magazine instead of Netflix. Rituals like epson salt baths, self-pampering and slipping into cozy loungewear also promote a restful mood. 

10. Schedule Dr.’s Appointments. 

Summer ends, fall begins and before we know it, the holidays are upon us. Make sure to schedule routine screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies before insurance plans reset and the year is out. Aside from keeping up with regular medical check-ins, clinical trials have shown that screening can save lives. We’re fortunate to have imaging and surgical practices to help catch cancers early, so open the calendar and book appointments for optimal health. 

“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” — Henry David Thoreau 

How to Start Your Own Fruit and Vegetable Garden

How to Start Your Own Fruit and Vegetable Garden

By Dan Hanley

 

Dan is a Living Beauty supporter who shared with us how he grows his own fruit and vegetable garden! The Foundation for Living Beauty is passionate about providing education on the benefits of implementing a plant-based diet and growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a great way to help incorporate them into your diet more. Keep reading to learn how Dan grows his own garden!

 

We are in year two of our backyard garden and this post has ideas for you to begin growing your own food.

It’s something we had put off for a few years, and it felt so good to have started it. The main reason I started growing our own food was to be able to have fresh veggies for us. And in California we can do that all year long!

Before you begin, find out what growing zone you’re in. This will be helpful as you decide what, and when, to grow. Simply Google “what growing zone am I in?”.

I started the process by digging up a small part of our backyard and spending about a month cultivating the soil and adding peat and garden soil. After the dirt seemed good, we built a couple of boxes, then added some more good dirt.

If you do not have a yard, don’t let that stop you from growing fresh veggies and/or herbs. We’ll have another post on this, and for now you can start with a couple of pots and good dirt. You’ll also need a sunny area, whether inside or out.

Then this weekend we planted some seedlings along with seeds. It’s all very exciting.

So far, we have planted tomatoes, kale, dinosaur kale, broccoli, spinach, red peppers, bok choy and basil. I’m happy to report that in the last month we have harvested Swiss chard, kale, tomatoes, zucchini, bok choy and potatoes! It’s super exciting for me and our garden is getting close to having produced more food (if we had bought it) than what we put into it financially to get it going.

Our garden checks many boxes that are personal to us, including having healthy food at our fingertips and being part of the food justice movement by growing our own food.

It’s an ongoing process. Just this week I planted more tomatoes and some cucumbers. It’s also a process where I am constantly learning. Our first planting of bok choy rocked, the second one not so much. What I learned is that bok choy does better when it is cooler, not so well in day-long heat.

A few weeks ago I planted melon and zucchini, and fortunately, all of it has taken as is growing.

What are you growing?