ESteem Wellness (2026)

24/11/2022

This was just one woman’s perspective, and an easy request to honor. It was so interesting to read the history of the land my feet have touched my entire life, and I’ll be sure to include it’s original owners in my gratitude today. 🧡🤎💛

16/02/2022

A necessary acknowledgement and celebration of the Black feminist origins of self-care…

Some of the original explorations of the concept of self-care, were by Black civil rights activist and writer Audre Lorde. After being diagnosed with cancer, Lorde reflected on how she (a q***r, Black woman who had given much of herself to civil rights activism) could use the act of self-care to not only function amidst adversity, but as a means of political warfare.

“I had to examine, in my dreams as well as in my immune-function tests, the devastating effects of overextension. Overextending myself is not stretching myself. I had to accept how difficult it is to monitor the difference. Necessary for me as cutting down on sugar. Crucial. Physically. Psychically. Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

And today, established in her name:

“The Audre Lorde Project is a Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. Through mobilization, education and capacity-building, we work for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Committed to struggling across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent and serve our various communities.

Your wellness plan can look however you want it to, but the point is to name your current or anticipated needs, and who can support you in getting your needs met. Be sure to communicate your needs to the people who will support you.”

Audre Lorde was an incredible woman, this is just touching the surface of her influence. Do a quick google search to learn more about her work while she was here, and how it lives on. Or visit the website of The Audre Lorde Project @ alp.org

15/10/2021

🚴🏼 This is my brother mid a 120 mile bike race last weekend. There’s a lot wrapped up in this accomplishment, and I’m so proud of him 🙌

Last year he found out he has Psoriatic Arthritis, and at 24 years old took the reigns on living with an autoimmune in such an admirable way. He changed his diet (completely cut out gluten and dairy), stopped drinking beer (our family gatherings are now sponsored by Truly), switched from a basketball league to a bike, and gives himself shots every other week.

He has gone through the ringer with his insurance company to make sure the medications he needs are covered. Hours on the phone, receiving the wrong drugs, many appointments, and even some misdiagnoses. But he didn’t stop. He listened to his gut, listened to his body, and kept going until he (and they) got it right.

I share this as a reminder of how important it is to advocate for yourself. To fight for your health and ultimately, your comfort. Autoimmunes of any kind are life-altering, and often painful and inconvenient. Some are worse than others, and I don’t make light of that. But changes, big and small, can totally make a difference. And your quality of life is worth fighting for.

And more than just our family now frequenting the gluten free takeout menus, he’s really lucky to be living with his girlfriend, who is an incredible cook and supports his new dietary needs day in and day out. She has been his rock this year, and we love her (so much) for that. She even makes sure that dairy-free buffalo chicken dip is at every football spread. I love her for jumping in with him, without hesitation.

To anyone with an autoimmune, or really just anyone, advocate for yourself. And if you’re too tired, I’ll advocate for you! There are tiny tweaks and big tweaks, and whatever is comfortable and manageable is worth trying. This all started as pain in my brothers elbow, so listen to your body- to pain, to lethargy, to bathroom biz- and get answers.

Jeff- champions adjust. Congrats on crossing this finish line, but moreover on the year-long race that came before it 💙🚴🏼

09/10/2021

✨One year of Esteem! 🥳

Running your own business is exactly what they tell you it will be- hard and rewarding- and I have so much respect for anyone who has tried it. I still have days where I’m like whatttt am I doing, but I learn and try and fail and learn and …. 🌱

Really the best part has been connecting with so many of you, especially during a time of isolation. Human connection (with a healthy dose of introverted recharge) is the most important part of my personal health. So thank you to everyone who has supported this first year, who has showed up so bravely to do this kind of work, and who believes in the importance of it.

The reward of this job is watching someone become more connected to themselves. Makes the wtf days very worth it 💓

THANK YOU for your support this first year!

To you, to me, to connection, and most of all to taking the leap! ✨

05/08/2021

I thought about writing out the science behind why helping others makes us happier. The chemicals, the synapses, why we feel reward etc.

But I realized you don’t need all that. You know the feeling 🥰

What I *will* share is this…

“One study found that people are more likely to perform feats of generosity after observing another do the same. This effect can ripple throughout a community, inspiring dozens of individuals to make a difference.”

Let’s ripple. 🕺🏻

01/07/2021

🍹Spicy Grapefruit Margarita 💕
(no added sugar)

Grapefruit is my favorite flavor, and if you’re with me, this the summer drink for you! I don’t like cocktails that have a lot of added sweetener or that taste like splenda, and this baby is all fresh juice, fruit and a kick of jalapeño….

2 cups ice
1 oz fresh lime juice
2.5 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/5 oz silver tequila
Sea salt
Chili powder
Sliced jalapeno
Sliced lime
Sliced grapefruit

Fill shaker 1/2 way with ice and add lime juice, grapefruit juice* and tequila.
(If you want it extra spicy, add jalapeño slices with seeds and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, without ice. After 30 mins, remove jalapenos, and add ice)
Shake it up.
For rim of glass: run a lime wedge around the rim and dip in a sea salt & chili powder mixture
Muddle jalapeños in glass of choice
Add ice to glass and pour in the good stuff from shaker
Garnish with lime, jalapeño and/or grapefruit

*I’ve also used half juice and half grapefruit Spindrift which is SO refreshing and less sweet, if that’s your preference

In addition to being a delicious summer Bev, the grapefruit is providing fiber, vitamin C and vitamin A 💃🏻

Cheers! 🍹💕

30/06/2021

🍉 ENJOY THE PICNICS THIS WEEKEND!

For my anxious eaters:
Have fun with these festive foods!
Appreciate the family history or culture of someone’s dish!
Revel in the glory of trying foods you normally don’t keep in the house!
Watch the joy that your dish brings to others!
Cheers to being at gatherings again!
You deserve to celebrate!

Happy holiday weekend 💙🎆

I’m sending you a huge hug and am always here to remind you that your body is resilient, strong, safe and adaptable. And even if it doesn’t feel it right now, an afternoon of free and joyful and delicious celebration exists in your future.

A great strategy is to try small amounts of all the foods you’re curious about, so you feel satisfied, not deprived, and not stuffed. Eat to a point of comfort, and remember that even a full plate will not change your body.

I used to hate buffets and party spreads and they are now my favorite part of a celebration. The variety! Sorry friends, love ya, but I prob love that dip you brought even more. 💜

22/06/2021

💍 A lot has happened in the past few weeks, but most exciting is that we got engaged! We had such fun celebrating, but it really feels no different…in the best way ♥️

I share this for the community of divorced women who I’ve connected with here…

Honestly, I did not want to get married again. I didn’t see the point in the whole franchise (which I can now acknowledge was more fear than apathy).

Michael understood that, and gently learned the calluses of my heart. He loved (so) patiently as I re-learned how to trust someone. He never asked me to silence any part of my story in the interest of our relationship. He respected my past, which is a huge part of who I am (my ex-husband included), but always had his eyes on our future.

And in my most fearful moments he reassured me that whatever non-traditional situations we found ourselves in, he was and we were ok. “I just know I’d rather be with you than without you, whatever that looks like.”

And so, I could really and truly be me, scarring included. I didn’t have to swallow those years of my life, or sit uncomfortably and pretend they didn’t happen. And that was incredibly healing.

I felt safe in new arms, and seen through new eyes. Really seen. And eventually, I grew into a stronger version of myself with a deeper capacity to love than I’d ever experienced. And my divorce is now just one character in my always expanding story.

All this to say…don’t give up if you don’t want to. Don’t let the heartaches of the past take away the potential and great loves of your future. No one else gets to erase your story. My past brought me to this great love that I’m so lucky to experience now.

MB, thank you for letting me get here in my own time. I love you with my whole (callused and growing) heart. And I can’t wait to marry you ♥️

08/05/2021

💕 GF Sweet Potato Muffins 💕

Truly the most delicious muffin I’ve ever eaten! They are SO moist and you get lots of good stuff from the sweet potato and flax seed. Spoil your mom (or yourself) with these fiber rich cuties. And they’re gluten free!

Thank you to my sweet neighbor for this recipe 🥰...

3 large sweet potatoes
2 cups gluten free (or regular) flour
2tsp cinnamon
1tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1tsp vanilla
1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal

Pierce sweet potatoes with fork and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes (inside should be soft). Let cool (at least 3 hours), peel, and mash. Measure out 3 cups

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt

In separate bowl combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients

Add sweet potato

Pour into muffin tins, sprinkle flaxseed on top, bake at 325 for 30 minutes

You can sprinkle more flax seed or cinnamon and enjoy with Greek yogurt for added protein- they are SO good!

30/04/2021

🍓 4 Ingredient Chia Pudding 🫐

This is a great recipe for the chia novice!

Ingredients:
3-4 tbsp Chia Seeds
1 cup nut or coconut milk
1/2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/4 tsp vanilla

Stir chia seeds and milk together in bowl. (I like a thicker pudding so I use 4 tablespoons to 1 cup of liquid, but if you want it less thick than use 3 tablespoons).

Let it sit for 5 minutes and then give it another stir (break up the clumps), cover and let sit overnight.

The next morning it should be thick, not liquidy. If it’s not, stir in some more seeds and let it sit for another 30 mins.

(If it doesn't turn out like you're hoping, you can just blend it up in a blender and enjoy it as a pudding that way!)

You can use almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk is delish, especially if you want it as a desert.

For flavor you can add cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, maple syrup or sweetener of your choosing.

Top with blueberries or strawberries, granola, a scoop of almond butter, coconut flakes….whatever sounds appealing to you.

This is such a great meal prep option, you can store it in mason jars and grab it for an easy breakfast, snack or dessert!

You’re getting fiber, protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and a blood-sugar friendly treat! Enjoy :)

16/04/2021

🌿 New class! 🌿

Hormone Health ✨
We aren’t taught enough about cycle support and what is happening within our bodies throughout the month. Let’s change that!

There are four phases in our cycle and each phase affects the body differently. Join me and learn a) what is even going on and then b) ways to support your body in each phase. For example, there are ways to move and eat in week 1 that are different from week 4.

I’m confident your body (and mind) will appreciate this one 💛

$10 / link in bio to register 🌿

I can’t wait and will see you then! DM with any questions. And if you can’t make it, register and I’ll send you the recording 🌿

(Photo is not me but so fitting✨)

14/04/2021

🍃 I’ve noticed myself turning to food for comfort a lot more than usual in the past few weeks. Maybe it’s the combo of excitement and anxiety of the world “returning” or maybe I’m just in a state of flux. I don’t judge the why, I just say “okay, this is happening for some reason, I need comfort, what’s the best way for me to get it?”

Here are a few things I keep in mind when navigating this that hopefully you find helpful as well:

1) Sometimes we’re just hungry. So much influences our hunger level (stress, physical exertion, cycle placement, what you ate the day before etc.) and sometimes your body just needs more that day. This is not a cause for stress, but rather a wonderful way to connect with yourself and honor your body by giving it what it needs and is asking for.
2) Eat before you’re on empty. Whenever possible, but especially during times of high stress when we can sometimes forget.
3) Would a hug make it better? Physical touch is one of the most common things we’re actually “hungry” for. If touch isn’t possible, a conversation with a friend or loved one releases similar happy hormones.

4) Never deprive. When we deprive our bodies of food, intentionally or not, our body fights to get us to eat by increasing hunger hormones and chemicals. This is often why diets don’t work.
5) Warm drinks can be so comforting. (Especially if you’re like me and your Ayurvedic type is Vata! There are tests online that you can take to find out!)
6) Change your environment. This photo is one of my fave spots to visit when I need a change of scene. I sit there and do some box breathing and wait for those cortisol levels to drop before heading home.
7) If I do turn to food for comfort (which is fine) I make it intentional. I go to the store and get exactly what I’m craving and let myself enjoy it. Mindless eating doesn’t feel like an empowered choice, so I will just lean right in when the croissants call.

Shame is not welcome in these conversations with ourselves! And neither is punishment. We feel deep and that’s what makes us gorgeous. ✨💜💜

ESteem Wellness