Holistic Wellness with Mena

03/28/2025

Want to support your family's immune system while the cold & flu germs are circulation? This course covers tips for supporting the immune system from a holistic perspective.

The information shared in the course can be applied to the cold & flu season, back-to-school season as well as times when someone will be exposed to high germ spaces such as vacation travel.

Topics covered will include:

-daily ways one can support the immune system & wellness that fit into your routine without breaking the bank
-helping your child & family with simple tweaks for big impact
-recipes for herbal remedies that can be made with items found in your pantry delivered as an eBook
-recipe demonstration
-time for Q&A with Mena & classmates
The goal of this course is to empower you with tools so you can support your health & that of your family with food-like herbal remedies.

Recipes include:
-Elderberry Syrup
-Vitamin C Pastilles
-Herbal Honey
-Ginger Tea
-Herbal Sprinkles

Register here: https://l.bttr.to/V7w8C

Can't make it live? No worries, registered attendees will receive the eBook & class recording.

12/03/2024

10/16/2024

Sign up for this 1-2-3 Culinary Extract Making Workshop this Sat. @ 3 pm in Walnut Creek.

Topics covered:
- the difference between an extract & a flavor / flavoring
- how this easy skill can save you money $
- how to use extracts / flavorings

What you get:
- a new skill
- 3-4 extracts to take home for holiday fun
- an eBook with the recipes delivered to your inbox after the workshop

Register here: https://l.bttr.to/tm9Zi

Use code Early-10 for 10% off.

Need more details?
https://www.facebook.com/events/1047720756649969

10/08/2024

Fall means some fun in-person classes at The Plant Sanctuary in Walnut Creek

Saturday, October 19th
* Culinary Extract Making Workshop @ 3:00 PM PDT
- Register here: https://l.bttr.to/tm9Zi

Monday, October 21st
* Lunch Hour Chocolate Tasting @ 12:00 PM PDT
- Register here: https://l.bttr.to/GjQRk

* Laughter Yoga @ 2:00 PM PDT
- Register here: https://l.bttr.to/UNCHG

Saturday, November 2nd
* Chocolate Tasting with Mini-Fondue @ 4:30 PM PDT
_ Register here: https://l.bttr.to/vpDqX

Saturday, November 9th
* Immune Support for Cold & Flu Season @ 4:30 PM PST
- Register here: https://l.bttr.to/RldIL

09/25/2024

Nutella fans, check out my latest recipe up on the blog with info on what a gianduja is and nutrition concerns with Nutella:

livefreeandthrive.space/blog/simple-copycat-nutella

This is a no-nonsense version which is simple, I will be working on a more traditional version for those who want to melt chocolate, so keep an eye out for that.

What is Gianduja? “Gianduja or Gianduia: a mixture of chocolate , sugar , and nuts which are finely ground or ground into nut butter. While made traditionally in Italy using 30% hazelnuts and dark chocolate, it can be made with milk or white chocolate as well. The most famous version

09/22/2024

I had the pleasure of hosting a fun, laughter-filled Chocolate Tasting this Friday at The Plant Sanctuary in Walnut Creek.

I have had a lot of inquiries & wanted to post some pics as well as update you on future tastings because they are in the pipeline!

The next tasting will be this Friday in Alameda at Swings & Wings. If you'd like to join us, register here: https://l.bttr.to/5GqmD

Regular price is $55, but a parent & kiddo or a couple can sign up for $99 as a pair. If you'd like to sign up with your kiddo or partner / date, reach out so that I can facilitate the process.

There will be at least another tasting in October. If you'd like to attend in Walnut Creek in October, let me know so I can plan dates.

For anyone wanting to have a private tasting, we can accommodate up to about 22 people & fully customize the experience.

I welcome any comments & questions.

I'm so excited to share this experience with fellow chocolate enthusiasts.

09/11/2024

Hello Friends.
International Chocolate Day is on 9/13 which also happens to be my birthday!
To celebrate, the 2nd edition of "Theobroma Cacao: An Illustrated Guide to All Things Chocolate" https://a.co/d/gOXrR3h has just been released. It contain new contents as well ass new recipes.
The companion journal has also be released for he first time: https://a.co/d/5FwACdF

I'll be keeping the chocolate celebrations going with 2 in-person chocolate tastings in the Bay Area.

9/20 taking place at The Plant Sanctuary - register here: https://l.bttr.to/eJRB1

9/20 taking place at Swings and Wings - register here: https://l.bttr.to/5GqmD

There is a discount available for early birds & expires 9/14: Chocoholic.
Register to reserve your spot as they are limited.

09/10/2024

Calling all East Bay chocolate enthusiasts.

I will be hosting a chocolate tasting at The Plant Sanctuary in Walnut Creek on Fri, Sept 20th at 4 pm.

We will taste up to 6 chocolates & I will show attendees how to infuse chocolate using botanicals. All chocolates will be free from gluten, soy, corn & refined sugars.

Join us for a fun event with a friend or even your kiddo among beautiful plants.
For an early bird discount, use code: Chocoholic. The coupon expires on 9/14 the day after International Chocolate Day, so register before it expires.

I'm so excited to see you there!

09/01/2024

Happy Birthday to my fellow Virgos & September babies! May your day be filled with health, love & peace!

If you'd like to read my little Virgo's empowering birth story, here it is: https://livefreeandthrive.space/blog/2018/2/12/soul-babys-birth-story

08/14/2024

This week's recipe is a yummy dessert that kids of all ages can enjoy: raw SCD Carrot Cake & Vanilla Cashew Frosting.

Here's what is to love about this cake:
- It's raw = no baking
- It's nutrient dense = it is filling which makes it a perfect "excuse" to have cake for breakfast or a snack
- The flavor comes from real food & spices = good for the taste buds & body
- It's SCD = safe for those who eat a low-carb diet, gluten free, grain free & corn free
- It's plant-based = good for vegans & vegetarians
- It's date-sweetened = food for those watching glucose levels
- There's a nut-free option = for those with nut allergies
- It's delish = a win!

Check it out here:

Affiliate Disclosure Vanilla Cashew Frosting & Raw Carrot Cake Today’s post is a recipe for a Raw Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cashew Frosting where both are not only vegan, but also SCD and paleo making them also free from corn, dairy, egg, gluten, peanuts and soy.  For those who ha

08/12/2024

The topic of anxiety has been coming up lately, so I want to share some ideas that will hopefully help those who need to it.
· What is Anxiety?
· It is a negative reaction to stress & is characterized by worry, nervousness, or unease.
· Symptoms may include backache, churning stomach, diarrhea, dry mouth, flushing, headache, heart palpitations, muscle tension, nausea, sweating, &/or trembling.
· It may also involve panic attacks, social phobia & / or the inability to rest, relax or sleep.
· What can cause Anxiety?
· Some causes include traumatic events, prolonged stress, genetics & some nutrient deficiencies.
· Are there dietary changes that can help?
· Yes, some foods to focus on include those rich in antioxidants (fruits, veggies, herbs), healthy omega-3s, pre & probiotics, electrolytes, protein, quercetin (organic apples, onions, green tea, blueberries), lecithin (choline in eggs).
· Are there lifestyle changes that can help? Yes, here are some examples:
· respect circadian rhythms, specifically sleep & eating schedules
· reduce stress
· make time for movement / exercise
· make time for pleasure (hobbies, nature time, etc.)
· avoid too much screen time
· How can herbal remedies help?
· There are many herbs that can help such as those that relax the central nervous system, those that help with better sleep & those that support healthy stress responses.
If anxiety is affecting you or a loved one & you’d like to explore a holistic approach (which is completable with CBT), book a complimentary consultation with me in my virtual clinic here: https://l.bttr.to/yFrMO
Be well & may those embarking on a new academic year have a wonderful one.

08/10/2024

Gentle reminder: register for my virtual Immune Support for Back-to-School class happening tomorrow morning at 10:30 - 12:30.

The class ideas & recipes are applicable to the cold & flu season too.

This is great timing since the flu is going around & back-to-school season is a time where the various germs are spread quickly.

Come learn how to make your own:
Elderberry syrup - without the preservatives
Vitamin C pastilles - that you'll enjoy as will your kiddos
Herbal honey - to add to teas
Herbal sprinkles - to use in cooking (so your kids won't know that you are helping their immune system 😉)

Register here: https://l.bttr.to/54ToY
Use code Back2School for 15% off (coupons are limited)