Wellness with Maria

13/01/2021

20 years ago today, our angel Michael ❤
"You can look at things negative or positive in life; it's a no brainer" ~Michael

28/09/2020

Happy National Sons Day! ~ this little guy stole my heart 23 months ago, he's made me a better person, a better a human; helps me see and be reminded of the beauty of life through his everyday joy in the simplicities of life; living this world with you in it my son has been the answer to my prayers. I love you with ALL my heart FOREVER and EVER.
~
Side note: He initiated this before bed yoga session last night. 💙 Oh my boy, I pray and hope that I continue to be the good example to you for health, wellness, both mentally & physically. 🙏

27/09/2020

Peach Pie! ~ as the summer season came to a close this week, I headed into my baking kitchen last night and used up the last Ontario peaches that were lingering in the fridge. Here we have a gluten free refined sugar free peach pie 🍑🥧

18/09/2020

4.5 months pregnant with baby #2 and continuing to work hard through my workouts.

21/03/2020

Uncertainty

Yoga ~ for the mind, for the body, for the soul; my primary grounding tool.

Through this time of uncertainty, find something that grounds you.

I am thankful for the yoga studio I practice at for the live virtual classes they are making available to us all to practice in our own homes.

Get some fresh air (while continuing to practice social distancing), find a workout that interests you on YouTube, take deep breaths, mediate, bake a cake, cook something, read a book, listen to a podcast, listen to music, organize a room, paint a picture. Whatever it is for you, be sure to take the time to ground yourself.

Keeping ourselves grounded allows us to be there for ourselves, our children, our husband/wife, our parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc.

Keeping ourselves grounded now, allows us to come out of this strong/stronger.

Remember, we are all in this together.

06/11/2019

What's my story? In a nutshell:
👉 Anorexia
👉 Depression
👉 Anxiety
👉 Body Dysmorphia
👉 PMDD
👉 Binge Eating Disorder
👉 Perfectionism
👉 Infertility .....
Sound familiar? Maybe you know someone that can relate? Maybe you are interested in reading/hearing/learning?....
What I have done and continue to do and work through, is making my world a more beautiful place; through all the struggle, turmoil, grief, tears, anger, frustration, mistakes, lessons... I continue to push to work through it. It's not easy, and definitely is not glamorous, but the outcome in the end every time is well worth it......
If I can help even one person to live a better life while dealing with all, any, some of the above, and LIFE in general, then my mission is accomplished. .....
I am born and raised in BC. I temporarily came to Ontario in year 2002 when I was 20 years old, and I still live here; now for 17 years. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a grandaughter, a niece, a cousin, a friend......
I come from the most loving, caring, thoughtful, generous family, and we are all super close. A rare find nowadays and I am so grateful for what we have......
Continue to follow along, as I share, more of my story will unfold along the way......

31/10/2019

Today I was lucky enough to be amongst the 9000 people attending the 2019 POWER OF SUCCESS event.
The line up speakers was incredible!

Listening to each 'coach' speak about all to do with success in life and in business. Reminding each of us about tips we know, and teaching us new lessons to be carried through.
If I had to choose one thing I took away from today to share with you, here it is... STAND BACK UP! ....
No matter what mistake, action, or failure you experience that has brought you down, REFOCUS, MOVE YOUR BODY, and GET BACK UP.
Did you know that 60 seconds of light jumping in one spot can click your brain out of the negative? Allowing you the opportunity to grasp yourself, refocus, and execute what you need to in that given moment.
Live each and every day with intention and gratitude, as if it is your last!

28/10/2019

A Monday well spent with this beautiful soul.
You wouldn't know it, Rossana & I only met 4 short months ago, and became instant friends.
The first day we met we felt we had already known eachother for years, and learned from day one the extraordinary number of things we have in common.
She is the piece to my puzzle in the friends world that has been missing for years.
I count my blessings daily for the beautiful, positive, motivating, energetic people in my life.
We never know who we may meet. Be open and welcoming to what comes your way. 💞

25/10/2019

Hello Everyone! 💖

08/10/2019

Monday evening yoga 🧘‍♀️
I aim to arrive on my mat in the yoga studio, 3 - 4 times per week, however with my husband's work schedule, a son to care for, and no childcare services offered where I practice yoga, my opportunities to leave the house alone become far & few. However, I do not let this stop me from arriving on my mat.
I instead arrive on my mat in my own space at home.
Don't let obstacles get in the way of you doing for yourself what you love, what makes you feel alive, what allows you to move your body, what allows you to live a better more fulfilled life. There are always ways around obstacles, we may just need to dig into our creative side.

05/10/2019

Future Toomey Hockey School player!! Get your hats & jerseys!... www.toomeyhockey.com... and find out more on what training is offered. Get training with the best in the business!

05/10/2019

A much needed girls night with the perfect friend!

04/10/2019

Oat Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe!
swipe 👈
Here is the recipe I promised you all!
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
💋

03/10/2019

02/10/2019

Are you a vinegar lover for cleaning?... Go buy the Allen's Cleaning Vinegar ASAP!! This is all I use for EVERYTHING!! floors, kitchen counters, mirrors, bathrooms, etc. And with my little 'assistant' always around while I am cleaning, I have no concern with him around it.
I do need to thank Josie for introducing this one! I had no clue Allen's came out with this; no longer mixing on my own. The convenience is such a time saver! Oh, and a money saver too because you're only buying one cleaning agent for ALL THINGS!
Do you love it as much as I do??!!

01/10/2019

The beauty of what is around us through the eyes of a child is remarkable.
Having this little guy in my life has helped bring me back to enjoying the present precious moments of life.
Let's remind ourselves of the innocent child we once were, living life for what it is and not making it so complicated; this allows us to enjoy the beauty of what is infront of us.

30/09/2019

The next best thing by Rodan+Fields, RECHARGE Regimen.
*Paraben Free
*Gluten Free
*Nut Free
*Sulfate Free
*Phthalate Free
*Mineral Oil Free
*Synthetic die Free
*Soy derivative Free
Created for those in their 20s/30s with no major skin concerns. Made of ELECTRI5 COMPLEX = a super vitamin blend that boosts skins defenses containing:
*Antioxidants
*Electrolytes
*Peptides
*Prebiotics
*Superfruits
All working together to help defend against pollutants and fight against skin damage.

29/09/2019

Life gets in the way... it's never too late to get back to the things you love to make you feel good from the inside. 🧘‍♀️

28/09/2019

Open road... clear the mind and revive the soul.
One way I like to soothe is by being amongst nature. While I prefer to be on foot, when my little one falls asleep in the car & needs his sleep, our drives are extended through the open roads and hills of Caledon ON.
I feel right at home living amongst the Town of Caledon... for the green and the hills bring me back to

26/09/2019

Let's talk PMD: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Similar to PMS but much more severe.
PMDD brings on significant depression, anxiety, irritability 1 to 2 weeks before your period.
Statistically 1 in 20 woman suffer with PMDD.
I am one of these 20.
I was diagnosed 4 years ago, after reoccurring episodes 2 weeks out of every month for 12 years prior.
PMDD is very severe in completely distrupting the lives of woman affected; it is debilitating to say the least.
It causes extreme lack of control; extreme anxiety; extreme depression; feelings of emptiness; significant loss in sleep; changes in appetite; weight gain; significant increase in food cravings; extreme irritability; extreme loss of sense of self; sudden mood changes; holding back from social outings; holding back from social engagement; absence from work; loss of interest in daily activities.
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to the above, you are not alone.
Certain foods, supplements, medications can help to reduce symptoms. Don't stop searching for your answer.
I still go through all of these symptoms every month; I have yet to pin point what the answer is for me in reducing my symptoms, but I will continue to fight in finding my answer. Sometimes a long time suffering takes longer to correct; as long as we do not give up is what matters.
I share this with you today to help any other woman like me suffering from PMDD but not knowing it. We are 'normal', we just have an imbalance that takes alot more effort to control. The diagnosis does not define us as individuals but does help us in finding the correct sources and ways to make ourselves better.
Speak to your doctor, do your research, do not stop the fight; there is a road to living a healthier life while living with PMDD.
An app to help track your sysptoms:
Me v PMDD
A website with useful information:
http://emilybennettnd.ca/blog/2016/6/23/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
Any other sufferers out there? Share what has worked for you.

24/09/2019

Introducing our brand new PORE CLEANSING MD system made to unclog pores + remove blackheads!
Rodan+Fields introduced 2 new products last week during our annual convention.
The PORE CLEANSING MD system which I will be sharing today, read below; and the RECHARGE Regimen created for millenials (stay tuned for more information on RECHARGE)
We have 10,000 pores on our face all with the potential to become clogged and create blackheads. This tool has 2 tips:
1. Pore Cleansing tip - For clogged congested pores; providing the precise amount of suction & pressure to extract pore-clogging dead skin cells, excess oils and debris.
2. Blackhead Removal tip - For stubborn blackheads; provides precise suction and pressure to target hard-to-remove blackheads.
Used for 3 minutes once a week at night; that's all it takes!
Results will be seen at first use! Expect tonsee fewer clogged pores & blackheads, cleaner-looking pores and smoother skin immediately after first use.
This innovative tool has been created to bring professional clogged pore removal right to your home. Clogged pores + blackheads are one of the biggest concerns of the everday person.
It is one of my primary concerns that I've been working to clear from my nose, this tool will be the addition I need to my existing R&F skincare routine.
Get on my VIP list today so that we can get your order placed come October 1st when online ordering for this will be available.
Talk soon 💋

23/09/2019

For all the beautiful woman 💞

Everyone should read this...
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
"A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."
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Later, the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry...
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Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"
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God said, "When I made the woman she had to be special.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.
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And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."
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"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
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The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼
Please share this.
Dedicated to all of beautiful moms and women out there!
💐🌺🌼🌹🌸💐🌷🌺🌼

18/09/2019

Stillness [stil-nis]: The word stillness comes from the Middle English word stillness via the Old English stilnes, ‘meaning silence, absence of noise or disturbance, tranquillity, quietness and absence of movement’.
There is at least one day per month where I need to remind myself to be ‘still’. Yesterday was one of those days. Stillness for me now a-days with an 11 month old baby boy to care for, means taking the day off errands, chores, work; simply being in a state of tranquility playing with my son, resting during my sons nap times, enjoying the sites & sounds of nature. You see, part of my story is living with anxiety & depression; I know I am not the only one suffering and working to keep these at bay and so I am choosing to no longer stay silent but to share. My anxiety & depression has stopped me from working jobs where I was striving, where I was valued, where I was involved; it has stopped me from enjoying in functions with family & friends, it has kept me from social outings & activities; it has stopped me from LIVING. Until the birth of my son 11 months ago today, did I really choose to make a difference and change in how I live. On the days of ‘stillness’ I am refilling my cup and refueling so I can have the ability to go out there and continue to conquer.
I have had to learn to allow myself these days of ‘stillness’, and to not feel guilty about it. It is not easy, it is work, and sometimes my mind gets the better of me, but the key is to keep at it.
Today is a reminder to ‘refill your cup’.

14/09/2019

While on a small road trip today with the hubby & little one, it is clear Fall is fast approaching.
The changing season of fall brings a cleansing feeling spiritually for me, which is fitting for the season as "Fall represents a time of transformations both personally and environmentally". The tree leaves change to vibrant colours; the fashion is all about cozy sweaters, layers, boots; it is the most perfect time of year for long walks and hikes. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, but I didn't fully embrace the symbolism of Fall for myself personally until my early 20's when I began my life transformation journey. I will share this story with you all soon. For now, what does Fall represent to you?

12/09/2019

/skincare/ “the range of practices that support skin integrity, enhance its appearance and relieve skin conditions
Skincare = the things you do and use to keep your skin healthy; the products used on your skin
Skin care = how you take care of your skin; the cleansing, the moisturizing, etc
Why is proper skin care important? >Skin is our largest organ
>Our skin is absorbing the every-minute of every-day environmental stressors
How do I take care of my face?
1. Get into a routine of caring for your face with a skincare regimen morning and night
2. Moisturize!
3. Protect your face from the sun using a sunblock every day .
My 7 Life Hacks for Healthy Skin:
1. Use a premium quality skincare product to cleanse your skin
2. Keep moisture in the skin
3. Protect your skin from the sun
4. Eat a healthful diet
5. Drink water
6. Keep stress in check
7. Get your beauty sleep
Have you been wanting to get started on a skin care routine but don’t know where to start? I can help you.
Rodan&Fields is the #1 Skincare brand in North America, it considers all skin care issues & types and offers 4 regimens to correct & better your skins while delivering real results. I believe in these products because they deliver real results, and provide life changing results to those that have struggled in finding a product that actually work. For those that know me personally, you know that I would not endorse something that I do not believe in, this I believe in, and I want to help you achieve your best skin.
Start by visiting my page via the link in my bio to take the Rodan&Fields Solutions Tool; this will help to narrow down the correct regimen for your skin care goals and your skin type, then I will work with you from there! I’m here to help you! Contact me. 💋

11/09/2019

1. These suction plates clearly do not work for my almost 11 month old baby boy!
2. When your child is on a rant of feeding 'himself' only... do not feed him quinoa! The clean up is not fun. Atleast the dog benefits.

10/09/2019

Baby nap time = mommy work time!

09/09/2019

07/09/2019

Hello & Welcome!! I'll be sharing in all things relating to wellness & more... mom-life, wife-life, fitness, skincare, food, sweet treats, motivation, beauty, self-love, just to name a few!