My little experiment in sobriety has become more of a lifestyle and no one is more shocked than I am. Since I started writing about this journey, I’ve had countless recommendations for zero-proof spirits, wine, and beer.  I decided to test out some of the most popular choices (starting with spirits only) and make a list of my favorites for you guys.

I often get asked why not just drink a club soda and call it a day? There is something about pouring something fancy into a fancy glass with ice and a garnish that replaces the drink I used to have. The ritual of it is half of what I loved about having a drink. It’s something to get excited for after a long day or if I’m out to dinner.

Until I stopped drinking, I never really understood the mocktail thing but now I’m all about it. And apparently many millennials agree.

I will share more posts and “recipes” for the mocktails I make at home and order out (half seltzer half ginger ale with lime is my go-to) in the coming weeks but let’s start with my favorite non-alcoholic spirits.

I didn’t include any faux wine/beers on this list because I haven’t tried enough yet but if/when that happens I’ll share those as well.

Aplos: My favorite CBD drink brand now has two varieties: Calme and Arise that do just what they promise. If you’re out at a party and want to be energized, I recommend Arise (made with adaptogens). If you’re home and want to wind down for the evening or if you’re feeling stressed, go with Calme (made with hemp/cbd). I love the botanical, crisp, clean taste of it mixed with seltzer.

Aplos is what I reach for generally to replace a “stress drink” because it actually helps calm me down in addition to the ritual of it all.

Seedlip Garden 108: Ok this stuff is amazing! It’s herbacious, botanical, and refreshing. I generally mix it with some Aplos, lime seltzer, and a drop of simple syrup at home. I also see it out at a lot of bars and restaurants which is nice.

Phony Negroni: This is by far the number one more recommended mocktail by friends and followers alike. I finally got to try it this week and OMG I see why! It somehow tastes like an actual negroni but without the alcohol. It makes no sense but I just ordered a case.

Ceder’s Non Alcoholic Spirits: A friend gave me a bottle of Ceder’s Crisp for Christmas and it has quickly become a favorite in my mocktail rotation. Ceder’s blends classic gin botanicals (like juniper) with exotic flavors for a delightfully refreshing, crisp flavor. I like to mix it with tonic for a classic G&T feel. So yummy!

Ritual Zero Proof Tequila: I have now tried three non-alcoholic tequilas and Ritual is far and away the best one. Lots of people recommended Clean Co which is also good but has kind of like a fake, manufactured taste that I don’t love (and spice!). Ritual has a really nice smokey flavor and I just use it in place of tequila in a margarita mocktail.

Curious Elixers: These pre-bottled craft mocktails infused with adaptogens to help you unwind would make a super cute gift for a sober pal or family member. I tried No 2 at a party, inspired by a dark and stormy, and it was delish. I ordered a case of all four flavors to check them out but highly recommend No. 2 in the meantime.

Lyre’s Italian Spritz: I haven’t tried this yet but ordered a bottle to try because so many people and so many lists of best zero-proof spirits have it. Plus I’m a sucker for beautiful branding…

The post The Best Zero-Proof Spirits appeared first on Lemon Stripes.

Now that I’m going on 4 months (!) sober, I’ve noticed how many restaurants have mocktail/zero-proof/non-alcoholic drink menus. It’s so fun to be able to order something fancy that feels special while out with friends or family if you’re not drinking at the moment. The other night I went out with some friends and had the most amazing No-Groni that just hit the spot.

But many restaurants don’t have a list of fancy mocktails to choose from. No mocktail menu? No problem! Order one of my go-to drinks and be sure to ask for a glass that they would normally use for a cocktail. Something about the hand-feel of a nice glass makes a big difference for me.

6 Simple Mocktails to Order at a Restaurant

Ginger & Soda: This was my pregnancy go-to order mostly because it helped curb my nausea but it is also light, easy, and tasty. I ask for half soda water or seltzer and half ginger ale with lime.

Soda with a Splash: Another easy order is club soda/seltzer with a splash of your favorite juice. I usually go for apple juice because I’m apparently I’m a child but pineapple, cranberry, and orange juices would be a more civilized choice

NoJito: Aka a virgin mojito made with club soda, muddled mint leaves, sugar/simple syrup, and lime.

Bitters & Soda: The added bitters make this mocktail feel a little more sophisticated than the others on the list. Since we’re usually used to bitters in a cocktail, it tastes more like an actual cocktail too.

Virgin Margarita: Ask for a virgin margarita or simply a mix of lime juice, orange juice, club soda with a splash of lemon and a little agave or simple syrup. Bonus points for a salt rim!

NoPaloma: I’ve been making these at home a lot (will share my recipe soon!) but have the bartender mix grapefruit juice, club soda, lime, and agave or simple syrup. I like to add a salt rim here too to make it feel fancier.

Virgin Martini: A cup with olives. Kidding

The post 6 Simple Mocktails to Order at Any Restaurant appeared first on Lemon Stripes.

Earlier this week I was a guest on the Sober Mom Life Podcast (episode forthcoming) which was definitely the last thing I expected to be on my 2023 bingo card. When I decided to take a break from alcohol last October, the thought of me continuing sobriety into February and beyond was not at all what I was expecting. And now I’m being interviewed for it? Wild!

One of the topics I brought up on the podcast was how I used to play these games with myself about my drinking. I didn’t realize how much they weighed on me until now so I wanted to share them with you.

I always knew that alcohol affected me different than a lot of my friends. Whenever I had more than one or two drinks, I would get stuffed up and heachach-y almost immediately. The exhaustion while drinking and the next morning was real, and once I started, I’d often find myself wanting more and more.

To combat this, I would set “rules” for myself like no drinking during the week which would turn to Sunday through Wednesday but then maybe an occasional Tuesday night when I was extra anxious. Then I’d feel guilt and shame for breaking my rule and not having enough self-control and start it all over again only to cycle this pattern over and over again.

I would also tell myself that I wouldn’t order a drink when out to dinner if I didn’t feel like it that night but then when my friends would all drink, I didn’t want to feel left out. Cue the shame spiral the next morning.

Another fun game I played was only drink for fun, not when stressed… until I would get extra stressed and “need” a drink. And then beat myself up for breaking yet another rule.

Every single time I woke up with a hangover, I’d swear that I would never have more than 2 drinks in a sitting again… ever. Until the next time when I inevitably did.

These games and rules took up so much more of my life than I knew until they stopped. Not having those shame spirals in my life feels better than any cocktail ever could.

By the way, when I write about this experience it’s not intended to be a soap box situation. I know that sober life definitely isn’t for everyone (and 100% was not for me until it was), but I hope that sharing my experience opens up the possibility for you if it’s something you’re thinking about or need.

I’ll share the podcast episode where I go deeper into this topic once it’s live!

Sober Curious Resources

1. What Alcohol Does To Your Body (Podcast): I highly recommend listening to the Huberman Lab podcast episode. It’s long (almost 2 hours) but worth it. I learned a lot about the physical and mental effects of alcohol both short and long-term.

2. Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington: I haven’t read this yet (I plan to), but it was recommended by multiple IG followers. According to them, it’s a non judgmental, positive book about sobriety in a drinking culture

3. Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker: If you watched And Just Like That, you have heard this title before. Miranda drunk buys it on Amazon then blacks it out.

4. Open Book by Jessica Simpson: Hear me out on this one. I read this memoire last year and was surprised at how much I loved it. Part of her story is getting sober. Unsure why it’s listed at $1.45 for the hardcover on Amazon which seems like a mistake.

5. The Sober Lush by Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward: The follower who sent it to me gave this review- “This was good to read because it focuses on fun, fancy alternatives to drinking which I needed and it frames sobriety as a badass choice rather than a buzz kill. Not sure many people have the budget for their particular brand of sobriety but it’s helpful in getting you to hone in on what you truly love about life in situations where alcohol may have normally been your default but didn’t need to be because fun things are fun without it.”

Even More Resources

– This Naked Mind Program
– The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober (Catherine Gray)

If you are struggling with alcohol and need someone to talk to or help determining your next step, you can contact SAMHA’s National Helpline at: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

The post Drinking Games (Not The Fun Kind) appeared first on Lemon Stripes.

When I started decluttering earlier this year, I realized just how many wellness gadgets we have. Anel uses a lot of them for work and I am lucky to reap the benefits. In my organizing phase of decluttering, I moved most of them (not the face ones) into a basket in our family room now so they aren’t floating around the house. When I saw them all together, I realized what weirdos we really are and thought it would be fun to do a review of each.

Shoulder Massager, $49: Anel bought me this heated shoulder massager when I was pregnant with Luca because my shoulders and neck were always so tight. It is now my best friend and I cannot imagine life without it. It is the best $50 you’ll spend this year and also makes a fantastic gift for anyone you know who holds stress up top like yours truly. You can adjust the intensity of the massage pressure by putting your hands through the straps. It’s also very easy to move around so I often use it all over my back, not just on my shoulders.

Hyperice Hypervolt: $299: This is the GOAT of all gadgets IMO. Anel does full 30-minute sessions with the Hypervolt with his clients and they love it. He bought a second one for the house a few years ago and we use it constantly. It’s similar to the Therabody Theragun (same price) but Anel swears it’s a better version. It is basically a vibrating hammer that you can use on sore or tight muscles. I’m also very lucky that he knows how to use it better than most people and can help me in a pinch when my lower back starts to tighten up.

Acupressure Mat: $29: A follower actually recommended this to me the last time I threw my back out and I have tried to use it every night before bed since. I didn’t think it would help much but it really does! It gives me immediate pain relief as well as a calming sensation after I lay on it.

So what is an acupressure mat? It is a pad that you lay on with little plastic spikes that apply pressure to specific points on your body. It promotes blood flow and diffuses your “chi” (energy) that way.

Fun facts (found here): Researchers tested (acupressure mats) in a very small study. People who laid on an acupressure mat for 15 minutes a day reported an improved sense of well-being, more energy, better sleep, and less pain. Larger scale studies also found that acupressure mats may help with mild to moderate depression symptoms.

Don’t take my word for it! Read more about the benefits of acupressure mats. And if you want one that looks and feels a little nicer, this one is great.

Hypersphere, $149: Similar to the Hypervolt, the Hypersphere is a vibrating tool that targets a specific area of your back, shoulders or legs. It’s easy to use yourself and you can put it between your back and your chair while you’re working or watching TV.

Neck & Shoulder Relaxer, $19: This little gizmo definitely gives you the most bang for your buck. Luca weighs seemingly one million pounds so my neck and left shoulder are always at least a little sore. I try to lay on this thing for 10 minutes every night (usually with the acupressure mat on my back) and it gives my neck a great stretch. It’s especially helpful if you’re hunched over a computer or phone all day.

HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat, $599: Anel had a client who didn’t want hers anymore, and let me tell you this was a great second hand gift. We keep it on our family room couch and use it every single day when it’s cold. The kids love sitting on it too for movie nights. It’s basically a heating pad but with the added benefits of infrared like easing chronic pain and recovering from tough workouts. It’s also been proven to reduce stress and increase energy.

Infrared Mask, $395: According to Everyday Health, LED light masks are used to help stimulate collagen production and kill the bacteria that cause acne breakouts, though they don’t replace your regular skin-care routine.

After four to six weeks of daily use, you can expect to see minimized redness, pigmentation and fine lines and winkles. Your skin is left looking younger and healthier. I’ve been using this since I got it for my birthday last July and definitely see a major glow.

If you’re interested in a LED face mask, this list of the best ones this year is a great place to start. It also goes over all of the benefits and the science behind it. I have the Omnilux Contour Face  and I’m sure they’re all similar in quality but every list I read says the Dennis Gross mask is the best overall. Pricey, but effective. I also just saw that HigherDOSE makes one for $299 and it has great reviews.

Solawave LED Wand, $149: Basically a more affordable version of the mask, the Solawave is smaller, more affordable, easier to travel with, and just as effective. Read my full Solawave review.

Oura Ring, $299: I love my Oura ring but only wear it at night so I’m really only getting half of the benefits. The ring tracks your sleep, activity, and recovery. I love figuring out what helps me sleep better or worse. For example, eating late and alcohol completely tank my sleep score whereas taking magnesium before bed ups my REM sleep.  Read my full Oura Ring review which includes sizing information and so much more.

Cloud Massage Foot Massager, $229: I once wrote that Anel and I are in a throuple with this foot massager. Since he got the compression boots (below), we’ve been using it less but it’s definitely a fun party trick when people come over and feels so so so good for any foot pain. You can use it while watching TV, reading a book, or even while you work under your desk.

Hyperice Normatec Leg Compression Boots, $799: Ok the price on these are insane, I realize. Anel bought them for work and often brings them home for us to use. Since I sprained my ankle a few weeks ago, I’ve tried to use them whenever I can and notice a giant difference in both swelling and pain when I wake up in the morning after I’ve used them. They look like giant space boots and they compress and massage your feet, ankles, and legs. The first time you do it, it is a weird feeling but you quickly get used to it. This $88 version has 15,000 mostly great reviews on Amazon and may be worth a try as well.

The post My Family’s Favorite Wellness Gadgets appeared first on Lemon Stripes.

This week it has been six months since I started my experiment in sobriety. It has been a weird but positive journey that has changed my life for the better in more ways than I expected. I’ve stopped playing drinking games, and I wake up without a headache every day. My sleep has improved, the purple bags under my eyes are gone, my anxiety is better, I’ve been able to take on a lot more with work, and I feel healthier and more alive than ever.

At first, I felt weird telling people about this new way of life but now it’s second nature. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that no one cares if you drink or not at the end of the day. And if they do care and try to pressure you, maybe they’re not the right people for you to be spending time with. I talked about this a lot on The Sober Mom Life podcast I recorded a few months ago. Definitely give it a listen if you’re sober curious!

I stopped drinking 6 months ago because my relationship with alcohol was no longer serving me. It was causing unnecessary anxiety and I felt like garbage. I didn’t hit a rock bottom by any means but I wanted to nip it in the bud to become a better mom, wife, friend, daughter, and person in general. Sharing my story and experiences is in no way me trying to pressure anyone else to do the same.

Pictured above: Dress (gifted) / Shoes

Sobriety Q&A:

1. What advice would you give yourself on day one 6 months ago? Don’t count the days. I’ve had drinks here and there and beat myself up about it for ending a “streak” for a while but have learned to just accept that I’m human, not a robot. What I’ve learned from these one-off drinks is that they always solidify my decision. But it’s pretty cool to be able to say that I can count the number of drinks I’ve had in 6 months on two hands!

2. What has surprised you most about your sobriety journey?  Probably the fact that it has become second nature to me so quickly. I thought it was going to be really hard but my body and mind were ready for it.

3. Is Anel doing it with you? This came up a lot. He’s not! Anel isn’t a big drinker but once in a while he’ll open a bottle of wine and when we go out to dinner he almost always orders a drink. He’s definitely drinking less, though, because I would open bottles of wine regularly during the week and he would join me because it was there.

4. Do you think it’s a forever change or one day at a time? I honestly have no idea. I’m taking it one day at a time, but at this point can’t imagine going back to the way I was before.

5. Do you ever feel like having a “big night” just to see if it’s still fun? Definitely not! The thought of a hangover is now terrifying to me. That said, when we have big get-togethers with friends, sometimes I’ll take a “special” gummy and have just as much fun and wake up with no hangover. I probably do this once every month or two.

6. Have you seen a difference in your body? I thought for sure I would lose weight with less calories but in ditching the booze, I’ve gotten a mean sweet tooth! I’m working on getting that under control but body-wise I’m about the same as before or maybe gained a few pounds even. I do think my face looks different.  My skin is clearer and my under eye skin looks tighter and brighter.

7. Will you have a drink again and not be upset about it? I hope so! I still beat myself up when I stress drink which, luckily, has only been a handful of times. On my dad’s birthday I had one drink in Punta Cana and it was a really fun night so that was the first time I had one and didn’t feel badly about it. That said, my sleep suffered and I didn’t feel great in the morning!

8. What do you do when you go out with friends who drink? Separate check? I am not a nickel and dimer so I prefer to just split it but usually my friends suggest that they pay tip and I just skip it and that works out really well.

9. Do you find yourself declining invitations to things since you’re sober now? No but I do find myself going home earlier which isn’t terrible.

10. What is the best way to support someone new to sobriety? I think it depends on their situation. I don’t care if someone drinks around me but I know people who suffer from alcoholism that have a very hard time with being around it, especially at the beginning. No matter what the situation is, ask them about their decision and try to understand why they’re doing it. And please don’t pressure them to have a drink! Ask them how you can support them instead.

One thing Anel does that is really helpful is when I get stressed or anxious and tell him I want a drink he will say let’s go through your list first and I try my CBD, going for a walk, stepping away, etc. Every single time it helps and I end up not wanting that drink after 30 minutes.

Read More on Lemon Stripes:
– My Initial Post
– 6 Mocktails to Order at Any Restaurant
– Drinking Games (Not the Fun Kind)

More Sober Curious Resources

1. What Alcohol Does To Your Body (Podcast): I highly recommend listening to the Huberman Lab podcast episode. It’s long (almost 2 hours) but worth it. I learned a lot about the physical and mental effects of alcohol both short and long-term.

2. Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington: I haven’t read this yet (I plan to), but it was recommended by multiple IG followers. According to them, it’s a non judgmental, positive book about sobriety in a drinking culture

3. Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker: If you watched And Just Like That, you have heard this title before. Miranda drunk buys it on Amazon then blacks it out.

4. Open Book by Jessica Simpson: Hear me out on this one. I read this memoire last year and was surprised at how much I loved it. Part of her story is getting sober.

5. The Sober Lush by Jardine Libaire and Amanda Eyre Ward: I ordered this book but haven’t read it yet although I’m excited to get started. The follower who sent it to me gave this review- “This was good to read because it focuses on fun, fancy alternatives to drinking which I needed and it frames sobriety as a badass choice rather than a buzz kill. Not sure many people have the budget for their particular brand of sobriety but it’s helpful in getting you to hone in on what you truly love about life in situations where alcohol may have normally been your default but didn’t need to be because fun things are fun without it.”

Even More Resources

– This Naked Mind (Annie Grace)
– Easy Way For Women to Stop Drinking (Allen Carr)
– The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober (Catherine Gray)
– Nothing Good Can Come From This (Kristi Coulter)
– A Happier Hour (Rebecca Weller)
– Quit Like A Woman (Holly Whitaker)
– The Sober Diaries (Clare Pooley)
– Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety (Sacha Zimmerman Scoblic)
– Dry (Augusten Burroughs)
– Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget (Sarah Hepola)

Photo by Julia Dags.

The post What I’ve Learned in 6 Months of (Mostly) Sobriety appeared first on Lemon Stripes.

Lately I’ve been feeling (physically) blah. I couldn’t work out for a month after my surgery and that got me into a bit of a funk. I also have a really hard time processing anesthesia and had pretty major trauma to my face, so I’ve been been off and tired for the last two months.

But I am ready to feel vibrant, healthy, and energized for summer so I decided to channel my old health coaching days (OG followers will remember this era) and create a plan to make that happen.

I’ve broken it down into categories: nourishment, supplement, movement, and mindset. If you want to join along, create the same categories and fill in your own rules or feel free to follow along with mine.

Pictured above: Old swimsuit and swim skirt. 

Nourishment

Start every morning with 16 ounces of water with lemon (and in my case, AG1): It rehydrates you after a night of sleep and flushes out the system, helping with digestion and energy levels. Read more about why you should start each morning with water before anything else.

Eat more protein for breakfast: When I eat the kids’ leftovers for breakfast and don’t have a full meal with an intentional serving of protein, I’m more likely to end up mindlessly snacking on garbage throughout the day. I’m trying to be more mindful of prepping ahead of time by making my go-to smoothie or my favorite overnight oats at night or getting up before the kids and eating eggs.

Make healthy snack choices: Check out 15 of my favorite healthy snacks as well as 7 pre-packaged healthy snacks I love.

Drink dandelion root tea daily: Read more about the benefits of dandelion root tea.

Cut down on added sugar: Since I stopped drinking, my sugar intake has been pretty out of control. I crave candy midday everyday which is a new and weird thing for me. When I eat too much sugar, however, I get terrible headaches and feel icky for the rest of the day so I’m trying to keep my added sugar intake to a minimum. That said, cutting it out cold turkey isn’t realistic or any fun at all, so my goal is just…. less.

No alcohol: I’ve been mostly doing this already since last fall but have had drinks here or there. Every time I do, I feel not so hot the next day and it never feels worth it to me anymore. If you’re not interested in cutting booze, try just cutting down!

Supplement 

Everyone’s body and needs are very different so consult a doctor or dietician before deciding what supplements would work best for you. This is the list of what I try to remember to take daily and plan to be 100% on top of for the next two weeks!

AG1: I am obsessed with this green powder and wrote a full review here. It’s been almost a year of drinking it daily (only missing a few days here and there) and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.

Collagen Peptides:I add collagen to my smoothie, tea, or oats in the mornings purely for aesthetic reasons: it helps support healthy skin and hair. Read about some other benefits of collagen peptides.

Vitamin D drops: I recently read somewhere (slash probably saw on Instagram) that Vitamin D daily for a year can actually reverse your age. That sounds like BS as I type it but it does help strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation and I’m here for that. Read more about the benefits of vitamin D.

Joy-Filled: This is a new one that a good friend recommended to me. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, it’s a natural supplement that helps with that. Even though I’m medicated for anxiety, I have breakthrough symptoms and I am happy to report that this has been helping to reduce stress, calm my mind, and boost my mood.

Magnesium Glycinate: I take 240mg (two pills) before bed every night for a more restful sleep. It makes a huge difference in my deep sleep when I take it, according to my Oura ring and also according to how I feel in the morning. Magnesium is also great for digestion.

Probiotics: Along with magnesium, I take a probiotic before bed every night to support gut health and immunity.

NAC: I take NAC daily because it supports healthy sinuses and I have a chronic sinus issue (polyps). But NAC also supports a lot of other systems in the body like the immune system, respiratory health, and liver function. Read more about the benefits of NAC.

Iron: Most people probably don’t need to take this but I’m anemic and feel dizzy and exhausted when I skip it for too many days in a row. My doctor recommended this brand when I was pregnant and it’s been great without causing me any stomach issues. They are slow release which makes it easier on the digestive system.

Movement

Strength-training: I workout once a week with a trainer at Anel’s studio (the perks of being married to a personal trainer!), but have added one more strength-training workout per week at home.

Walking: Brisk walk for 20+ minutes outside every morning. This not only gets Boots and I moving and sometimes even sweating, but it also gives me my morning light intake (see below).

Stretching: I throw my lower back out every couple of months but saw a physical therapist when I was pregnant with Luca who taught me a bunch of stretches to avoid this. Since I started doing these stretches, my back has been a million times better.

Acupressure Mat: This isn’t really movement but I don’t know how else I should categorize one of my favorite wellness gadgets ever. There are a million options on Amazon and they’re all virtually the same as far as I can tell. I have been lazy about laying on my mat nightly before bed so I’m jumping back into doing it daily. It helps my back pain, with headaches, neck tension, and anxiety. Read more about the benefits of acupressure mats.

Mindset

Sunlight in the mornings: A friend in wellness recently recommended 10 by 10. Aka 10 minute of sunlight before 10am. I’m trying to make my bed and stick my head out the window as I brush my teeth in the mornings before even looking at my phone to get this started. It’s small and silly but does make a difference in how I feel during the morning rush with the kids.

Phone off at night: Duh obviously come on we all know to do this yet we don’t actually do it, am I right? My goal is to turn my phone off by 9pm each night for the next two weeks. Or at least stop scrolling.

Rest: I had a long talk with a friend the other day about the important of rest. And learning how to rest without feeling guilty or uncomfortable. I don’t know how I’m going to work my rest in but I’m thinking an hour or two a week at the beach with a book might just do the trick.

The post Summer Wellness Kickstart appeared first on Lemon Stripes.

With Janaury always comes the craving for everything wellness. Eating clean, no alcohol, working out, and all around just feeling great. I thought I’d share some of my favorite products to up the ante. From dry brushing (my new obsession) to the PEMF mat we use daily, here are some personal favorites.

1. Oura Ring: I only wear my Oura ring at night, but even with just that info, it has been so helpful. It tracks sleep, movement, oxygen and so much more. The coolest feature about sleep, IMO, is that the ring learns about your sleep and based on nights when you’ve had your best sleep, it shares personalized guidance on when to start winding down to improve your sleep quality. For me, it’s around 7:30, way earlier than I had started in the past. This isn’t always possible, of course, but it’s a good gauge. Read my full review here.

2. Hypervolt Percussive Massager: I am a Hypervolt addict. I use it every few days on my legs, hips, and lower back to keep my muscles loose and light.

3. Molekule Air Purifier: We put these in each bedroom originally during COVID and now I can really feel a difference when I sleep without it. There’s more in your air than you think. Allergens, chemicals, bacteria, mold, and other airborne offenders are all waiting to make you sniffle, sneeze or worse. Molekule destroys the widest range of pollutants compared to conventional purifiers and looks good while doing it.

4. Bala Bangles: They’re an easy way to add a little extra to low-impact workouts. This is the review that finally sold me on them a few years ago. I’ve never looked back since.

5. Cryo Massaging Orb: This is technically a beauty tool that helps to temporarily increase localized circulation to improve the overall appearance, quality and tone of your skin on your face and body. But I’ve found it also helps with headaches and muscle pain. It’s a good thing to have in your back pocket when you need it.

6. Cloud Humidifier: I think this might be the best humidifier we’ve ever owned. Whisper quiet, 24H run time, baby-safe, easy to clean. The Cloud Humidifier naturally hydrates the air in your home, giving you dewy skin, silky hair, and improved immunity.

7. Balance Blocks: These curved blocks are made from super-dense foam and are designed for yoga, Pilates, stretching, and any other workout where you could use some support. Flat side down, they’re great for a lift. The rounded edge feels just right under your hands. And if you prefer a different height or angle than a rectangular block might give you, good news: The sloped sides give you room to wiggle and adjust. Or turn the blocks curved side down to make certain movements—planks, for starters—more challenging.

8. Dry Brush: Dry brushing is such an amazing, quick, and energizing skin-detox step. Made from pure, natural sisal, this brush exfoliates lightly and sweeps away dead skin to reveal glowing and smooth skin. Use it right before you shower for lymphatic drainage and glowing skin. PS this one is under $10 and seemingly exactly the same as the Goop one.

9. Infrared PEMF Mat: We keep ours on the couch and turn it on to watch TV or just relax on every single night. From the same people who made the infrared sauna blanket, this mat is an option for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of infrared heat without the intense sweat sesh. This mat is designed with far infrared heat, pulsed electromagnetic fields, and layers of amethyst and tourmaline.

10. Smart Goggles: They look insane, but these Smart Goggles are designed to help ease facial tension, relieve eye strain, decrease headache pain and migraines, and calm your body and mind through the use of vibration, massage and heat. Use them before bed for an amazing sleep or during a break in your workday to calm down and reset.

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It’s been over a year since I started this journey of trying to drink less. I’ve had many months of “success” where I don’t drink at all for months at a time then months when I drink once a week then weeks where I drink a few times in a row and it’s all good because I’m learning as I go what feels best for my body and anxiety. I’ve learned over this time that I feel just so much better without alcohol in my life… or with very minimal alcohol anyway. So that’s where I’m at for now!

I’ve also tried seemingly every NA spirit, canned mocktail, wine, and beer imaginable and wanted to share a new list of my current favorites.

One of my favorite resources for discovering new NA spirits and drinks is Boisson. They have pretty much everything you could ever think of and it’s fun to explore their website (not sponsored FYI just a hot tip).

1. Aplos Calme: This amazing CBD drink brand now has two varieties: Calme and Arise that do just what they promise. If you’re out at a party and want to be energized, I recommend Arise (made with adaptogens). If you’re home and want to wind down for the evening or if you’re feeling stressed, go with Calme (made with hemp/cbd). I love the botanical, crisp, clean taste of it mixed with seltzer.

Aplos is what I reach for generally to replace a “stress drink” because it actually helps calm me down in addition to the ritual of it all.

Website’s description: A complex blend of citrus and herbal botanicals is infused with broad-spectrum hemp to create a spirit that calms and relaxes without the negative effects of alcohol. Serve alongside thoughtful conversation or introspection.

2. St. Agrestis Phony Negroni: This is by far the number one more recommended mocktail by friends and followers alike. I finally got to try it this week and OMG I see why! It somehow tastes like an actual negroni but without the alcohol. It makes no sense but I just ordered a case.

Website’s description: Awarded Best of Class in the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this ready-to-drink non-alcoholic Negroni beautifully captures the essence of the original cocktail. It’s burnt-orange, bitter, and carefully balanced. Better yet, it doubles as an easy on-the-go drink or an elevated cocktail served in your favorite glassware.

This Bon Appetit review gives another great perspective on the Phony Negroni.

3. Seedlip Garden 108: Ok this stuff is amazing! It’s herbacious, botanical, and refreshing. I generally mix it with some Aplos, lime seltzer, and a drop of simple syrup at home. I also see it mixed into mocktails at a lot of bars and restaurants which is nice.

Website’s description: Seedlip Garden 108 celebrates the herbal and floral landscape of the English countryside, with flavors of hand-picked peas, fresh hay, and cucumber. The blend credits its name to the 108 days that is the average amount of time it takes peas to grow and be harvested from the day they are sown.

For years, Seedlip developed a bespoke, six-week maceration, distillation, filtration, and blending process—taking each individual botanical ingredient to be distilled separately before blending. Based in the UK, this brand uses natural ingredients and is devoted to sustainability, pledging to be carbon neutral by 2022.

4. Lyre’s Amalfi Spritz: I bring these to dinner parties all the time and love drinking them straight from the cute little can. It’s giving Aperol Spritz but without any hangover.

Website’s description: Rich, bright, and full of fine bubbles, it’s perfectly suited for on-the-go sipping and sharing with friends. The peach colored can is a nod to what’s inside: warm, juicy flavors and marigold bubbles that glisten out of the can. No matter how you serve it, Amalfi Spritz is easy to drink and brings to mind warm days in the sun, cheers at golden hour, and fiery sunsets. Are we there yet?

5. Jeng THC Cocktails: You guys know how I feel about my Jeng. This is my numero uno go-to as of late. It has 3mg of THC and 5mg of CBD so it gives me a little sparkle and giggle and calms me right down. I am in love with Jeng. My personal favorite flavors are the Moscow Mule followed by the Rhubarb Cucumber Spritz. Use my code LEMONSTRIPES15 for 15% off

6. Jeng CBD Cocktails: If you’re not into THC and just want the calming feeling without the buzz, try their CBD-only cocktails! The Jeng & Tonic is my favorite flavor for the CBD options followed by Moscow Mule.

7. Hella Cocktail Co Bitters & Soda: They have a few flavors of these super simple canned mocktails but the Classic Dry Aromatic is my personal favorite.

On another note you can always make your own bitters and soda with, well, a few drops of bitters in soda water.

8. Ghia Signature Aperitif: Ghia is definitely a polarizing spirit. It’s bitter which I love but not everyone does. If you’re a fan of a Compari cocktail, this is your jam. I drink it on the rocks in a pretty glass and out of everything on this list I think it feels the most like sipping a spirit with alcohol.

Website’s description: Born on the coasts of France and Italy, the classic non-alcoholic Apéritif is a bold combination of botanicals that kickstart the appetite and the conversation. Light and dry, an apéritif is perfect for slow-sipping and fast-talking, a drink that takes friends from sunset to sunrise. Vibrant, fresh, and satisfyingly bitter, it tastes like summer on the rocks

9. Pentire Adrift: I only just tried this for the first time after buying it based on the bottle alone. Sometimes you really can judge a mocktail by it’s cover because it’s an excellent gin alternative. I like to mix it with tonic and a lime.

Website’s description: Pentire Adrift is a botanical, non-alcoholic spirit made from unique plants native to the regions of the British seaside, the expression’s key botanical Rock Samphire is rich in iodine, vitamins C, E, and K, as well as carotenoids and flavonoids. Plus, healthy antioxidants, fatty acids, and omega 3. This spirit truly delivers from the inside out.

10. Figlia Fiore: As I’m writing this list I’m realizing how much I love a bitter spirit. Maybe it’s the Italian in me! It’s similar to Ghia but lighter and a little more floral.

Website’s description: Figlia Fiore is the signature Figlia Aperitivo: floral, bitter, and aromatic flavors come together in a luxurious, sophisticated creation. Inspired by Italian gardens and the warm bustle of outdoor dining in New York City, this spritz-like serve is made for slow, luxurious drinking and leisurely gatherings. Suddenly, we’re inspired to host a garden party. For the city-dwellers, find a spot with some fresh air and enjoy a moment of quiet sips. You deserve it.

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This fall my sister and I visited Miraval Berkshires for the first time and had a beautiful, relaxing, and inspiring weekend. I knew the second we set foot on the property that I would be back again, and I was lucky enough to be invited back by the Miraval team for a visit with Anel and some of our friends. The second trip was all of the things mentioned above and also, dare I say it, transformational.

Both times I have left feeling grounded, calm, happy, and at peace, not feeling that I normally experience on a day to day basis.

Miraval is a place to slow down, look inward, move your body, meditate, relax, soak up the spa, and so much more. I might throw my 40th birthday there and cannot wait to bring my kids one day. I am fully invested, you guys!

On the drive home Anel asked when we can go back just the two of us so pretty sure this won’t be our last visit.

Experiences

The best part is that there is something for everyone. When we went with our friends, 3 guys and 3 ladies all with very different interests, we were all able to find activities that we were excited about. For example, Anel’s favorite part of the visit? A class on how to grow mushrooms! Mine was the vibrational sound chamber and one friend was particularly excited about getting our tarot cards read. One of the guys couldn’t wait to shoot arrows in the archery class and my girlfriend was stoked to learn how to paint with watercolors.

Into horses? They have equestrian experiences. Golf in the summer? They have that too! Plus a million and one workouts, stretching classes, yoga and pilates options, and guided hikes around the property. And of course a list of wellness classes and experience that you can’t even imagine from meditation to breathwork and everything in between.

You plan your day around when the activities you want to attend are happening and then schedule spa treatments in between. The first time I went, I wanted some down time so had big chunks of breaks but quickly realized that I wanted to take full advantage of everything there so was able to add things in and change around my schedule last minute which was nice. Nothing is set in stone. On my second visit, I packed in a lot but ended up having a little cold so needed some breaks. It ended up being the perfect balance.

Food/Drink

When you book a night there, you get not only a beautiful room but all of your food and drinks (alcohol excluded) included in the price. And the food is next level. They have a stunning healthy buffet at breakfast and lunch in addition to a full menu. Dinner has a wider menu full of farm fresh meals that are all outstanding.

There is also a yummy snack bar with golden milk and green juice and coffee/tea drinks and pastries and salads/sandwiches that you can visit at any time. I have become addicted to their golden milk.

Another fun little perk is that when you arrive you get a tote bag and a reusable water bottle and they have water filling stations all over the property where you can choose different water flavors and coldness which is oddly satisfying.

Spa

Each guest gets a $175/day credit to use either at the spa or for a paid experience. The spa is out of this world and I highly recommend getting at least a massage there. After having been there for 6 full days now with 6 full spa treatments, I can tell you that none of them disappoint but my personal favorite was the simple hot stone massage.  Definitely bring a bathing suit because there is a hot tub, infrared sauna, steam room and indoor/outdoor pools where I spent quite a bit of time on each trip.

Ropes Course

Hear me out on this one. Both times I’ve gone to Miraval, my absolutely all time favorite moments have been on the ropes course. Not something that I would have anticipated but their offerings really get you outside and out of your comfort zone. I have now done The Flying Squirrel twice and the Warrior Challenge once and feel a whole lot braver and stronger after completing them both.

Going as a Group

Visiting Miraval with my sister was amazing but having a big group of my best friends to share the experience with was also SO cool. We’ve been talking about it whenever we’ve seen each other since and it brought us all closer together. We did a nice mix of group activities, singular activities and pairing off into small groups.

Family Connection Week

For the first time ever, Miraval Berkshires is opening is welcoming the next generation to experience the wellness offerings the resort offers. From April 14 – 21, the traditional adults-only resort is hosting it’s first ever Family Connection Week, a first-of-its-kind family wellbeing experience that will welcome guests 8+ years or older for the first time. The experience will elevate mindfulness and healthy habits within families, supporting children and adolescents in building a strong foundation for a balanced life and creating moments for family bonding. Families will have access to activities including mindfulness sessions, creative expression, cooking classes, yoga and outdoor adventures. I can’t wait until Amalia is 8 so that I can take her to this one day!

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Ok here is the official weirdest topic I’ve ever written about but LFG. Mouth taping is a new wellness trend that it is exactly what it sounds like… when you quite literally tape your mouth shut with a soft, skin-safe tape at night to help encourage you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, improve sleep and stop your snoring. The goal is to breathe through your nose all night which is hard to do without it.

I decided to try it after my sister and brother-in-law had pretty incredible results from mouth taping. My brother-in-law was a tosser and turner who woke up a lot at night and he now sleeps still through the night and wakes up with more energy than ever. I was sold!

Before I get into it all, a great resource if this all feels strange to you is the book Breath by James Nestor which explains the science behind the benefits of nose breathing. I haven’t read it but my husband has and I will get to it at some point too.

Building up to mouth taping:

At first it might feel a little scary to sleep with your mouth taped shut. I was worried that I couldn’t drink water in the night (which I now no longer need to do TBH since I started mouth taping) or that it would feel claustrophobic. I recommend trying it for 20 minutes before bed one night to see how it feels. After that, take it off in the night if you feel uncomfortable.

For the first 5-7 nights, I would take it off in the middle of the night, totally freaked out, but my sister told me to push through that and I’m so glad that I did.

Now I find myself sleeping all the way through the night and waking up feeling more rested than ever before. I also don’t wake up with a dry throat or mouth anymore at all which is really nice.

Does mouth taping improve your sleep?

I’m no doctor, but I would guess that while it’s been pretty wonderful for me, it doesn’t help everyone. If you have chronic sinus issues and can’t breathe through your nose (like I used to), I would imagine it’s pretty uncomfortable. But in my experience it has completely changed how I sleep at night. With the caveat that it took about a week to get used to it.

Benefits of mouth taping (all sourced from here)

Improved nasal breathing. The key benefit to mouth taping is that you breathe through your nose instead of your mouth, which is the catalyst of a number of other purported benefits. For example, Fraundorf says, “Through nasal breathing, you also produce a gas called nitric oxide, which increases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and improves brain function.”

Increased oxygen intake. “Nasal breathing activates your lower lungs, letting you take deeper, fuller breaths, therefore getting more oxygen,” Fraundorf explains. Wei adds that this improved oxygen intake is accompanied by better filtration of air and better carbon dioxide elimination compared to mouth breathing.

Reduced snoring. According to Wei and Fraundorf, breathing through the nose may eliminate or reduce snoring, leading to more sound sleep for the individual using the mouth tape and their sleep partner.

Bruxism prevention. “In some cases, mouth taping can help prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) by encouraging proper mouth and jaw positioning during sleep,” Wei says. However, the dentist warns that those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or jaw pain should avoid mouth taping, as it may increase tension in the jaw muscles and worsen their symptoms.

Improved oral hygiene. Fraundorf cites reduced mouth dryness, fewer cavities and decreased risk of gum disease as positive outcomes of mouth taping.

Better breath. According to the oral health experts, bad breath and tooth decay are linked to mouth breathing because it can allow bacteria and viruses to enter your system, thus nasal breathing promotes better breath.

Better sleep, and therefore, higher energy. Because mouth taping may improve sleep quality, Fraundorf says related benefits like increased REM sleep, higher energy in the morning, improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety may be secondhand results.

More fun facts about mouth-taping:

[One] problem with mouth breathing is that it dries out our mouth and disrupts our oral microbiome. A lack of saliva makes our mouth more acidic and causes bad oral bacteria to take over, which makes us more prone to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath (source).

When air moves through the nasal cavity, it is warmed and humidified. When you inhale through your nose during the day or at night, the air you take in is also filtered, removing dust, allergens, and other particles, and it activates the body’s relaxing, stress-reducing parasympathetic nervous system (source).

Where to buy mouth tape?

• This is the one that I use but there are tons of options out there.
• Lauren from The Skinny Confidential is now making mouth tape but it’s wait listed.
• I’ve heard good things about this one too.
• I’m going to try these next when I run out of mine based on a few recommendations.

What do you think? Would you try mouth taping?

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