Caroline, Author at Bloom & Spark

The Healthy Holiday Platter

by Caroline | Dec 21, 2018 | Recipes, Wellness

OK friends, I’ll make this super short but OH SO SWEET!

It’s the holidays, which means either you’re hosting people, or you’re going somewhere. For those who are always staying mindful of how they treat their bodies this time of year can be riddled with land mines.

But fear not! I’ve put together a super simple Healthy Holiday Platter that required NO COOKING WHATSOEVER! Can you sense my excitement over this?

I recently hosted a Christmas Vacation viewing party for some friends who had never seen the movie before (Gasp! *clutches pearls*). My goal was to snack all day on the healthiest, yet still tasty, items I could think of.

It was a huge success!

Here’s what you need:

Guacamole
Rainbow carrots (because they are so pretty)
Olive Tempenade
Rice Crackers (or any crackers you prefer)
Greek Olives
Grapes
Trail Mix

I’ve found that all these foods are easily snackable, don’t need utensils, and don’t make much of a mess. While at the same time they have vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fat, and a little bit of sweetness so you can snack all day and not feel guilty, or totally sick.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and MINDFUL Holiday season!

xo,

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Here’s How I Deal with Holiday Stress

by Caroline | Dec 17, 2018 | Self Care

I don’t know about you, but I feel the holiday stress. It’s not necessarily the holiday parties or the excessive spending, but it’s the compounding overwhelm that all the little things bring on when they add up. More responsibilities, more things on the dreaded “to-do” list, and even sometimes more FUN can be overwhelming (hi, I’m an introvert apparently).

I LOVE all things Christmas, but the holiday stress is real. I mean I’m easily overwhelmed even when it’s NOT the holidays so…

This time, more than ever, I HAVE to prioritize my wellbeing. Yes, that looks different for everybody so I’m not here to tell you what YOU SHOULD be doing. Rather I’m giving you a glimpse into how I plan my days so that I can still feel awesome during the holidays.

If you’re like me then you probably experience a wide range of emotions this time of year. These can go from “I cannot make small talk with another one of my husband’s co-workers while sipping on cheap wine out of a plastic cup, in a room with fluorescent lighting, get me the F outta here right meow!” All the way to “Yes I’m CRYING at Love Actually, even though I’ve seen it 50 times!…it’s just so moving!”

Girl, it’s totally ok. You’re normal, you’re fine…”To me, you’re perfect.” Sorry HAD TO!

It’s incredibly common to experience heightened stress and anxiety during the holidays, even if you’re someone who doesn’t normally have much anxiety.

Here’s How I Deal With Holiday Stress:

I take time for myself.

Not just because I happen to have an afternoon free, but I purposefully make sure there’s time in my day when I am alone. Spending time with people, no matter how wonderful they are, can be draining for sensitive people and introverts. You can do whatever you want with this time, but the idea is being ALONE, and preferably quiet at some point, every day.

I simplify the gift giving.

Part of the overwhelm around christmas is the extensive time and mental energy we give to gift giving. I love the idea of giving gifts, but we don’t need to make it such a time suck.

Look at how much time (either driving, shopping, or online browsing) that you’ve dedicated to holiday shopping. Ask yourself what you can do differently to simplify it. Ask the people you love to send you some links to things they want. That way they don’t know what you’ve gotten them, but you know it’s what they want, and you didn’t spend hours driving from store to store (cuz that’s just the worst!)

I’m extra mindful about how much alcohol I have.

Most of the year we drink a normal amount of alcohol and we don’t really need to monitor ourselves. But, this time of year we drink much more frequently without realizing it. For example most of the year I will have about 3-4 drinks per week, but during the holidays the parties and get togethers add up without us realizing it.

Alcohol consumption always increases my anxiety the next day, so I have to be especially mindful of not drinking more than I normally would. So, you can still enjoy a nice holiday beverage, just in a more mindful way

I practice grounding rituals.

Ok the word ritual might throw some people off but hear me out. We spend so much time in motion and in our heads. Always on the go, always thinking of the next thing. Over time that energy can totally drain us. A grounding ritual can be anything that makes you feel connected, strong, peaceful, still, in your body, and takes you out of that tailspin feeling.

I hope these are helpful and easy to implement this holiday season. Leave a comment and let me know what you do to stay sane this time of year!

xo,

Holiday Gift Guide for the Inspired Reader

by Caroline | Nov 23, 2018 | Gift Guide, Shop Posts

For all those who love inspiring reads, you know who you are… or maybe you’re just someone that keeps thinking they want to learn more about living a more inspired, conscious, and happy living. Either way, I’ve got you covered with this gift guide!

I am a firm believer in protecting your energy when it comes to the malls and hectic shopping situation during the holidays. It can leave you feeling angry, depleted, and completely out of the holiday spirit. You can either find me at the mom and pop shops in my hometown supporting local businesses, or ordering gifts online, in my pj’s with a cup of tea.

Let’s simplify the task of your holiday shopping, so you can retain some joy and remember what this time of year is really about. The gifts I have included in this guide are all affordable, and curated for you!

As I’ve started to grow my blog, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with some great companies to help monetize this blog, so I’ve also shared Amazon links here as well, to make your shopping much easier. I’m a big fan of Amazon just for the convenience. I want to note that some of these links are affiliate links which means I may earn a small (like jokingly small) commission if you purchase through my link. Just gotta throw that out there to be all legal and stuff.

1. White Hot Truth by Danielle Laporte. I read this book this summer and every page was another aha moment. I absolutely LOVE the way she crafts her beautiful messages, because it always feels like something I’ve already known to be true, but just haven’t been able to articulate. She is a true wordsmith and sometimes I highlight sentences just because of how beautifully she constructs them.

2. Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. I haven’t read this one yet, but I love how the title sums up this major movement away from perfectionism and toward accepting what is. We could all use more of that in our lives!

3. Unfuck Yourself by Gary John Bishop. I gotta admit, the title grabs me (in a good way). Sometimes we just need a little kick in the pants and a dose of humor to get going in life! Also I like books with curse words as titles, hehe.

4. Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dale Evans. I listened to the audiobook of this on my commute to work and I loved it so much that I plan on reading it again in book form. This is great for those who may want to change certain aspects of their life (though this book mostly focuses on career) but just don’t know where to start or how to proceed. It gives really tangible advice for designing the life that you want to live.

5. Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss is one of my oldest and most favorite books that I have on my bookshelf. I read it years ago when I was first getting into spirituality and it’s great for anybody, whether you are a beginner or seasoned expert. It really taps into the power of the mind body connection for healing and growth.

6. Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, the IT girl of the blogging and personal development world at the moment. What I love most about her is that she is totally real about all the good and the bad, like the time she talks about peeing her pants on a trampoline. Ya, go read it! She helps you bust through the lies that we’ve all been telling ourselves so you can be the absolute best version of yourself, while still embracing the messes that life hands us sometimes.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Self-Care Enthusiast

by Caroline | Nov 23, 2018 | Self Care

For all the self-care enthusiasts out there…you know who you are… or maybe you’re just someone that keeps thinking they need to prioritize their self care a little bit more. Either way, I’ve got you covered with this gift guide!

I am a firm believer in protecting your energy when it comes to the malls and hectic shopping situation during the holidays. It can leave you feeling angry, depleted, and completely out of the holiday spirit. You can either find me at the mom and pop shops in my hometown supporting local businesses, or ordering gifts online, in my pj’s with a cup of tea.

Let’s simplify the task of your holiday shopping, so you can retain some joy and remember what this time of year is really about. The gifts I have included in this guide are all affordable, and curated for you!

As I’ve started to grow my blog, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with some great small businesses and I’m so happy to share these companies in this year’s guides. I have noted in the descriptions below which ones are from small businesses, if you’re tying to support the little guis this year. Additionally, I’ve also shared Amazon links here as well, so make your shopping much easier. I’m a big fan of Amazon just for the convenience. I want to note that some of these links are affiliate links which means I may earn a small (like jokingly small) commission if you purchase through my link. Just gotta throw that out there to be all legal and stuff.

1. Herbivore Calm Bath Salts, because most self care rituals start with a good relaxing bath! I am a huge fan of baths and always put salts and essential oils in them to help not only my body relax, but salt is a great cleanser for your energetic field too.

2. The Universe Has Your Back Journal. A great accompaniment to Gabby Berstein’s most recent book by the same name. This journal has such beautiful artwork and quotes on the inside. Perfect for your quiet journaling moments.

3. Jade Roller. Ok I don’t have one yet but I’m definitely getting this. The jade rollers have been used for centuries to help increase circulation and can also help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles (so they say…I’m somewhat skeptical about that). The most well-known benefit of using a jade roller is that it helps to reduce puffiness and inflammation in the face due to stagnation of the lymphatic system. It also helps your skin absorb your products better when you roll them on. So let’s get rolling!

4. Salt Lamp. I received a salt lamp for Christmas last year and not only is it a really cute decoration but it’s super functional too! Salt lamps help with air purification, reduces electromagnetic radiation and airborne infections, eases allergy symptoms, and is believed to be a mood booster and helps promote better sleep.

5. Herbivore Pink Cloud Moisturizer. I love this brand. Every product they make is so luxurious, yet have an emphasis on organic, high quality, and food-grade ingredients, and now they are on Amazon, so you can feed your newfound clean skincare addiction with next day delivery!

6. Ceramic Tea Pot. ‘Cuz if you’re gonna drink tea, you might as well do it out of something that also can bring some beauty to your home. I know my self care routine always includes a hot cup of tea.

7. Calm Magnesium Drink. This is great for helping you fall asleep and easing anxiety and stress. Even my integrative doctor recommended I take magnesium every night before bed to help with my tension headaches and insomnia.

8. Supherbals Sacred CBD Oil. If you haven’t tried CBD yet, then the time is now. I currently use Supherbals tincture and vape pen to help manage my anxiety and general feelings of overwhelm. It’s also one of the things that helps the most with getting to sleep. They are a small company based out of Brooklyn NY, and make all their products on Staten Island (as a native New Yorker I gotta show some love to a small business from my own backyard. You can also use my discount code Caroline15 to get 15% off!

9. Meditation Pillow. Your self care routine may or may not already include meditation, but if it doesn’t, then getting a meditation pillow and carving out a little space for you to sit in quiet still ness is a great way to start. Don’t let the name fool you. You don’t have to meditate on it if the word meditation scares the bejeezus out of you. Just sitting for a few minutes with your eyes closed listening to the sound of your breath is incredible beneficial on it’s own.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Yogi in Your Life

by Caroline | Nov 23, 2018 | Wellness, Yoga

Happy Holiday Season! Even though Thanksgiving just happened and it still feels a lot like fall (we still have some beautiful foliage here right now in North Carolina) I am all into the holiday spirit right now.

I am also a firm believer in protecting your energy when it comes to the malls and hectic shopping situation during the holidays. It can leave you feeling angry, depleted, and completely out of the holiday spirit. You can either find me at the mom and pop shops in my hometown supporting local businesses, or ordering gifts online, in my pj’s with a cup of tea.

Let’s simplify the task of your holiday shopping, so you can retain some joy and remember what this time of year is really about. The gifts I have included in this guide are all affordable, and curated for you!

As I’ve started to grow my blog, I’ve had the opportunity to partner with some great small businesses and I’m so happy to share these companies in this year’s guides. I have noted in the descriptions below which ones are from small businesses, if you’re tying to support the little guis this year. Additionally, I’ve also shared Amazon links here as well, so make your shopping much easier. I’m a big fan of Amazon just for the convenience. I want to note that some of these links are affiliate links which means I may earn a small (like jokingly small) commission if you purchase through my link. Just gotta throw that out there to be all legal and stuff.

So for all the wellness enthusiasts out there…you know who you are… drinking green juices, going to soul cycle, sage-ing the F out of your house after you have a fight with your boyfriend, and reading the latest personal development book, I’ve got you! Check out my pics for 2018!

1. Confused Girl In The City- Grace Leggings. I love this brand! Not only was it started by a young female entrepreneur (I totally want to support all my ladies out there) but what makes them different is all the patterns are taken from images of actual crystals. The pattern on the Grace leggings are images taken directly from a ROSE ONYX Crystal. Onyx is associated with the root chakra. It assists with challenges in life, especially those caused by a drain of energy. It prevents the draining away of personal energy and can be used for protection from such. It also helps with grounding or eliminating unwanted energies. These pants are on sale at the moment AND you get to use my discount code bloomspark. *You’re supporting a small business by purchasing from this company*

2. Sex, Drugs, & (mostly) Yoga by Kara-Leah Grant. I haven’t read this but I’m super in to Kundalini right now and it looks awesome!.

3. Satya Jewelry. I am sooooooo jazzed that Satya jewelry is now on AMAZON! I first learned about Satya through my teacher Gabby Bernstein who is friends with Satya the jewelry designer. She was selling mala beads at the Spirit Junkie Masterclass I attended and her stuff is beyond gorgeous! Any piece from her is a winner. For those who know me well, i wear my gold Satya Spirit Junkie necklace pretty much every day! *You’re supporting a small business by purchasing from this company*

4. The Singing Bowl is my jam right now. I’ve recently partnered with a small business out of Canada called Shanti Bowls that sources high quality yet affordable singing bowls. I use my singing bowl for helping to unwind from a stressful day and clear my mind from work thoughts and daily stress. *You’re supporting a small business by purchasing from this company*

5. Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish, this stuff feels amazing after a sweaty vinyasa class, or really anytime you need to feel clean and sparkly. Also, the Herbivore brand is on Amazon now and all their products have an emphasis on organic, high quality, and food-grade ingredients.

6. Four Sigmatic Lion’s Mane. If you haven’t gotten on the mushroom bandwagon what are you waiting for? The health benefits of mushrooms are innumerable! All of Four Sigmatic’s products are derived from high quality mushrooms are are incredible for your health and vitality. But sorry, they won’t get you high!

7. The Inner Tradition of Yoga by Michael Stone. I’m interested in reading this book because so much of yoga in our culture is so focused on outward things like your outfits and what fancy poses can you post to instagram. This will help you get back to the real meaning of yoga, which is truly an inward journey.

8. Confused Girl In The City Mystery Leggings. I know, I have them on here twice, I just find the patterns so pretty I couldn’t choose just one! The pattern on the Mystery leggings are images taken from a beautiful MARBLE Stone. This stone is beneficial for the blood, skin, and cleansing systems. It is used to provide both clarity and states of suspension in meditation. Provides for strength of self control and mastery of thought. It enhances the powers of serenity. These are also on sale at the moment AND you get to use my discount code bloomspark. *You’re supporting a small business by purchasing from this company*

The Healthy Holiday Platter

Here’s what you need:

More posts to inspire you…

How to know which form of yoga is right for you

6 Lessons Gabby Bernstein Taught Me

Low Waste Living is Easier Than You Think: Here’s How to Do It

Here’s How I Deal with Holiday Stress

Here’s How I Deal With Holiday Stress:

I take time for myself.

I simplify the gift giving.

I’m extra mindful about how much alcohol I have.

I practice grounding rituals.

More posts to inspire you…

How to know which form of yoga is right for you

6 Lessons Gabby Bernstein Taught Me

Low Waste Living is Easier Than You Think: Here’s How to Do It

Holiday Gift Guide for the Inspired Reader

More posts to inspire you…

How to know which form of yoga is right for you

6 Lessons Gabby Bernstein Taught Me

Low Waste Living is Easier Than You Think: Here’s How to Do It

Holiday Gift Guide for the Self-Care Enthusiast

Holiday Gift Guide for the Yogi in Your Life

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