Lifestyle quiz Archives - Alison Canavan

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Inspiration / Motivation, Minding Mum, Parenting, Wellness Wednesday

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH MELISSA WOOD-TEPPERBERG

For this weeks #WellnessWednesday I’m super excited to be chatting to a very inspirational lady. I know Melissa Wood-Tepperberg from my time in New York and she is a truly beautiful soul.

She lives with authenticity and presence and if you follow her on social media you can’t help but be inspired. Her stories always leave you invigorated and motivated to live better and take some space for yourself. Here she tells us how she unwinds and copes with daily stress by meditating.

How would you describe your lifestyle?

I have a very fun and healthy approach to everything I do. Whether it’s making food in the kitchen, working out, taking Benjamin to a class or working in the office. Living by my 3 M’s (meditation, mindful eating and movement) has allowed me to cultivate habits that no matter where I am or what I am doing; I find balance incorporating these three things.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

My ultimate favorite food is definitely avocado toast on manna bread with sea salt, nutritional yeast with squeezed lemon. I was told for years to stay away from carbs because they make you fat and this way of thinking created a laundry list of issues for me. Now, I eat this almost every day and tell myself that I am nourishing my body and my soul and I’m living my best life- so don’t always believe what everyone tells you. Carbs are not all created equal. At the end of the day you have to find what works for you.

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

I work out on average 4-5 days per week and now that I’m sharing all of my workouts on the Fitner app this has become an even bigger part of my routine. Even 15 minutes of movement a day can change your entire mood. I’ve created 15-45 minute flows, so no matter what you can get something in.

How do you find balance in your day-to- day life?

I read my daily lesson in A Course In Miracles and meditating everyday morning for 20. This has changed me as a person. I look at both my life and myself in such a positive light now.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate?

Meditation all the way.

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

I don’t necessarily write down goals and intentions. At the end of every meditation I close with a prayer to help connect me to my highest power and open up the energy in every area of my life, “What would you have me do? Where would you have me go? What would you have me say? To whom?”

How do you unwind after a busy day?

I take Benjamin to the park and go for a walk almost every night after work. No matter how much stress I have from the day, it’s all washed away as soon as I’m with him. He brings a whole new meaning to happiness.

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

I take a yoga or Pilates class, go to the park with my family, have dinner with my husband, go out dancing with my girls and let Benjamin stay up late one of the nights and watch television in my bed.

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

My top health tip for everyone would be to find stillness in your day by creating some space to sit with yourself and connect to the truth of who you really are and what matters most to you.

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

…Loving and accepting myself no matter what the situation is.

Melissa shares great easy to follow daily workouts on the fitner app

Check out her new website and you can follow her on

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

**Melissa Wood-Tepperberg is a mom, certified health and wellness coach, meditator, Yoga and Pilates teacher and thriving on a plant-based diet. Her three pillars of focus are: meditation, mindful eating, and movement. Melissa Wood Health is a platform for sharing all of the wellness tips that she swears by – from food, fitness, beauty, fashion, baby and overall lifestyle – to help achieve your best self.

June 7, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Wellness Wednesday

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH CELEBRITY STYLIST JEFF MEHMET

For this weeks #wellnesswednesday I’m chatting to Jeff Mehmet who is a whirlwind of smiles and energy when you meet him.

Based in London Jeff works as a Stylist and Brand Consultant for clients worldwide. With a strong background in editorial, celebrity styling and design development he has a wide variety of experience and an outstanding portfolio.

In fact his VIP celebrity styling extends through to internationally renowned celebrities such as Justin Timberlake, Kellan Luts, Amanda Seyfried, Lindsey Lohan, Dannii Minogue, Kat Dennings, Immodesty Blaize, Josh Daniel and also the Hilton sisters, Paris and Nicky.

But lets not forget his home country with various members of hit reality show ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ including sisters Billie & Samantha Faiers, Joey Essex and Gemma Collins amongst others.

Jeff’s editorial work has been published in numerous key fashion publications around the world including; UK, USA, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and Australia.

Here he tells us how he likes to relax with long baths and how hydration is key to coping with a busy life and how travelling helps him to BeComplete!

How would you describe your lifestyle?

My life is always on the go, sometimes very stressful (Late Nights and Early mornings).

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

I love Chicken Curry or Pizza

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

I go to the gym 3 times a week when I can. I also try and walk loads.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

Haha! Hmmm you tell me?! I don’t really find balance.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

I have tried to meditate, but I find it very hard to switch off – my brain doesn’t stop…

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

Yes all the time. You have to set goals otherwise you have nothing to work towards.

How do you unwind after a busy day?

The best way for me to unwind is by having a nice long hot bath..

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

For fun on the weekend I usually meet up with friends for lunches or dinners, and try and relax

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Drink lots of water in a day! Even Lemon water.

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

Being complete for me means, family ,working hard, trying to be happy always and travelling the world.

Follow Jeff on his adventures on

INSTAGRAM

AND

TWITTER

Till next week,

Shine Bright

Ali xxxx

May 24, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation, Wellness Wednesday

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH JENNIFER ROCK AKA ‘THE SKIN NERD’

For this weeks Wellness Wednesday I’m chatting to Jennifer Rock AKA The Skin Nerd. I love Jen, her energy and enthusiasm for all things skin related is infectious.

I first met her when we shot some videos for Yonka about a year and a half ago (you can see them here) and have been an avid fan ever since. Her approach to skincare is refreshing, knowledgeable and honest.

But I wanted to know a little more, like how does she balance work and play and what her favourite foods are? You are going to love her answers as they prove her honesty is more than just skin deep….

How would you describe your lifestyle?

At present quite hectic. I just recently switched from being employed to self-employed, which is very different. I rebranded my product, hired nerds for my team and I also have a new business launching in the summer.

In the last quarter of this year I am launching some new products so it is busy!

As much as I love being busy and my brain to buzz and pivot, I have been ill of late and the unexpected time in a hospital bed has allowed me to place a lot in perspective. The past few weeks have highlighted key factors that have to change for me both personally and within my family.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

Nice – Well I adore salmon, quinoa, spinach with balsamic vinegar with a few sweet potatoes and ketchup – do the tomatoes count as healthy Alison?

I have a very black and white approach towards food. It really a case of all or nothing in the health department! I wish that wasn’t the case but I cannot lie to you!

My guilty pleasure is ice cream – with raspberry sauce, flakes and ferrero rocher sauce. I love visiting scrumdiddly’s in Donabate and Dun Laoghaire. It’s simply heaven!

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

Unfortunately at present I am housebound and so exercise is not allowed for 4 more weeks. It is ironic how much I want to do it now that I cannot. To be honest it had been lacking due to my work /life balance pre operation as well. I used to be a gym bunny but during the transition from employee to self-employed I was working 19-20 hours a day for the best part of 8 months – exercise simply did not happen. I lost the physical mojo, gained three stone and have not returned since.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

I have to have me time or I am highly irritable! No phone, no TV, just time to chill and think, take a walk on the beach or sit out the back door with my shoes off for 10 minutes. It’s these small moments that count. I physically crave fresh air and time out. If I do that I am productive and nice again! I ALWAYS NEED MY SHOES OFF, ALWAYS! Unless of course I’m at a work event!

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

We did meditation in school when I was younger. An ex partner of mine was hugely involved in mindfulness, yoga and self-appreciation yet it was lost on me at that stage of my life in my twenties. It is an area I have started to read up on now. I try to not think, allow my brain to rest and I believe it is a skill I will become better at, however I try not to over think it and just be! For me there is something hugely medicinal when watching and listening to the waves – that’s my downtime!

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

Yes I live by goals and challenges however they change regularly and I do not stress myself out by watching the dates pass and the target is not reached- unless it is work! I am 32 and used to so desperately want to be married by 28. Now that 28 has passed and two partners later I realize that I am happier single right now than when I was either relationship. This is by no means a reflection of the relationships but rather my own mental space. My mam used to always say ‘you cannot love someone until you love yourself’ I thought she was wrong, in fact she was wrong as I loved both my partners immensely and with every part of my being (as I do with all I give attention to – son and career included) BUT if you do not know yourself, your true self, you become lost in a couple. That is my personal musings!

How do you unwind after a busy day?

Time with my son Matt; once he walks in the door I automatically change. That email I HAD to reply to suddenly takes a back seat till he’s at soccer hours later! I try to be with him not serve him or talk at him. Easier said than done while trying to do the chores while he sits looking at me!!

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

Walks on the beach are a must, watching Matt play soccer, as it’s his passion. I love to read, potter and visit friends. My home is the home many come to and I love the open door attitude we have. Matt’s friends typically stay over on a Saturday night and we have big breakfasts on a Sunday with teenage kids “go Leor”. Memory making days are what I like to call them! Essentially I mortify my son just by being me!

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Be yourself, stop trying to struggle and juggle all while trying to please other people. Say NO. Learn your boundaries, be proud of you and don’t change for anyone. People are so happy to criticize others, so don’t get sucked in. The negative energy will affect you more than anyone else! What you put out is what you get back so move on, breath and live! Or as I say ‘be alive..don’t just live’

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

Having my health, my son Matthew’s health, planning holidays, laughing out loud regularly and being somewhat content with where I am rather than dreaming aimlessly about where I’d like to be.

Is this always the case? No, but this is what I aim for and know to be my truth. I spent all my life wanting what was next, the next goal and challenge but have since realized that NOW is the reality and all we really have.

Check out Jennifer’s award winning cleanse off mitt

*******************************************************************************************************************************

Jennifer Rock is a keen skin enthusiast, a multi-award winning aesthetician, dermal facialist and international skin lecturer in the USA, London, Paris, Melbourne, Glasgow, and Dublin, and for brands and professional bodies such as ITECX and CIDESCO.

She’s attended skin conferences around the world with plastic surgeons, aesthetic doctors, dieticians, nutritionists, and nurses. She’s had the pleasure of lecturing alongside luminaries such as IMAGE Skincare certified plastic surgeon Dr Marc Ronert and the co-creator of London Harley Street Medical Hospital Dr Ahmar Khan, to name a few.

She’s been seen in U Magazine, Irish Country Magazine, Xposé, IMAGE Magazine, Sunday Business Post, Sunday Independent, Woman’s Way, Professional Beauty Magazine, BABTAC and The Irish Times, and as heard on 4fM, Today FM, Q102 and Sunshine Radio. She has her own website, the skinnerd.ie, filled with a panel of industry experts, dedicated to teaching her followers unbiased and factual skin truths along with the dos and do not’s of skin care.

However, most people simply know her as “The Skin Nerd”. Check out her amazing website

Till next week,

Shine Bright

Ali xx

#wellnesswednesday

May 10, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH ACTRESS ROSEANNA PURCELL

I was so excited to speak to Roseanna Purcell this week after witnessing her stunning performance in David Gilna’s new play, The Unsung Hero. In todays Wellness Wednesday she explains why she champions eggs, why good communication is so important to her and why bananas are her top health tip for the Be Complete readers.

How would you describe your lifestyle?

My lifestyle can appear vicarious but I try to keep it as routed as possible. I’ve an incredible network of family and friends and lots of interests outside of acting, they keep me grounded. Working as an actor is unpredictable but I’ve learned to embrace that uncertainty and it’s now what makes my job so exciting. You never know what the future has in store, it’s unknown and that’s the thrill of it.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

That. Is. One. Seriously. Tough. Question…. I’m a big fan of eggs. Simple in their goodness, so satisfying, comforting and variable. I’m a champion of the underrated egg.

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

At the moment I’m in between homes, I’ve had to move house twice in the last month or so, so it’s quite the upheaval to your routine. I’m looking forward to getting booked into a new gym in my new area in Glasnevin. In the meantime I have Judy Garland (my trusty bicycle) who takes me around the city.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

People. I’ll call my Mam or Dad or chat with friends I haven’t spoken to in a while or speak to everyday. Communication, at any level is so important. Being present and not elsewhere in my head. Also, (back to food J) I think it’s really important to have at least one decent meal a day, for me that’s dinner. A day feels neither here nor there for me if it doesn’t involve that unwinding, relaxing time to sit and enjoy a meal.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

Again communication. If there’s something on my back or bothering me, even if I’ve told myself to not talk about it, it manages to seep out in conversations. People you trust, who know you offer reassurance, help and comfort. Engaging and really living in the present and not imaginary stresses about the future etc. Also singing. Music; playing or listening. DANCING! Music is very much part of who I am and offers huge cathartic release. Try turning on some tunes that make you feel good, turn it up and just dance! Good for the soul stuff! I haven’t meditated but I’m up for trying it.

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

Very much so. I have done since I was small. I’m stubborn about them too! But as I get older I’ve learned to be stubborn about your goals and flexible in your methods of achieving them. Life throws up lots of diversions, embrace them and trust you are still going in the right direction. Everything happens for a reason!

How do you unwind after a busy day?

A phone call to someone close to me, my fella or family or friends. Cooking something, I’m no Masterchef but love the therapeutic, rewarding process.

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

I try to fill it with cultural things. You’ll find me in a theatre enjoying an enriching stage experience, the cinema, the odd gig now and then. Ireland is saturated in artistic talent, get out there and soak it up!

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Bananas! They settle nerves, they’re filling and full of goodness. Bananas and communicating, just careful not to combine the two. That would be most unhealthy!

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

Being surrounded by good people.

Roseanna is an award winning actress, hailing from Co. Tipperary. She attended UCC studying Drama and Theatre before going on to train full time as a professional actor at The Gaiety School of Acting. Some of Roseanna’s memorable theatre credits include AnnaBellaEema (Rough Magic Seeds), War Of Attrition (Devious Theatre Company; Dublin Fringe Festival Best Female Performer Nomination), The Bridge Below The Town (Livin’ Dred Theatre Company), Beyond The Brooklyn Sky (Red Kettle Theatre Company) and Perfidia (Theatre Upstairs). As well as being a professional actor Roseanna is also a singer and musician. She is currently a member of Discovery Gospel Choir; Ireland’s leading intercultural choir and plays both violin and piano. She is currently performing in “The Unsung Hero” by David Gilna at Theatre Upstairs on Eden Quay running until April 2nd. Following this she will be performing in “Signatories”, a prestigous theatrical event collaborating with world class writers such as Emma O’Donoghue, Frank McGuinness and Marina Carr, directed by Patrick Mason as part of the Easter Rising commemorations, playing at Kilmainham Gaol and other various venues across Dublin.

Tickets still available for “The Unsung Hero” by David Gilna at Theatre Upstairs on Eden Quay running until April 2nd

March 30, 2016/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH AUTHOR ANDREA HAYES

I’m ridiculously excited to have Andrea Hayes as my #wellnesswednesday guest this week because she is one of the most genuine, driven, supportive and talented people I know. She has always been there for me and i’m delighted that her first book ‘Pain-Free Life; My Journey to Wellness’ is in stores now! The book is an honest and open look at pain and in particular a brave personal story that is both moving and incredibly inspirational. She is a passionate advocate for chronic pain awareness and is currently on the governing body of Chronic Pain Ireland, she is a trained clinical hypnotherapist and shares free healing downloads on her website andreahayes.ie

Andrea is best known for presenting TV3’s hugely successful series Ireland’s Animal A&E. She is also the associate producer on the popular format which has sold internationally and has aired across 12 countries, including the United States, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Canada and on Channel 5 in the UK. She also presents ‘Sunshine Meets’ on Dublin radio station Sunshine 106.8.

How would you describe your lifestyle?

My wellness is central to most of my lifestyle choices, managing any chronic illness every day requires a lot of pacing and spacing of activities and tasks and that’s what I have to apply to my everyday planning of my day. So my lifestyle is very measured and balanced.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

I don’t eat meat so I adore vegetables, at the moment I am having a love affair with chickpeas so I eat a lot of dishes with them as a core ingredient. We also love smoothies in our house and my daughter is excellent at combining unusual flavors. I love brown whole meal bread and hummus. I have recently discovered ‘Nobu’ a diary free ice cream, I am really loving the vanilla and coconut flavour.

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

With my chronic pain condition there is always a little fear avoidance with exercise and also I am limited to what I can physically do. So I tend to stick to walking, nothing too strenuous. I have a nice gentle walk with my dog most days.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

Balance is central to any good wellness and pain management program so I work on keeping everything in balance as much a possible. Planning and prioritising my tasks is a wonderful way to identify what are the important things to focus on. Every evening I like to make a little plan and list for the day ahead so I can focus my attention on what I want to achieve. It is so easy to become distracted with social media and the general diversions that crop up in everyday life so keeping the balance right is the key to having a harmonious day for me.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

I have studied hypnosis and have trained as a clinical hypnotherapist so I use my own formula of hypnosis and deep relaxation for my own physical healing and wellbeing. I am also a great believer in reframing your mind to focus on the positives, using affirmations, auto suggestion and focused self talk daily to keep my mind and body in tune. I have free hypnosis for Healing, Manifesting goals and Health Affirmations on my new website.

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

Everyday I set an intention about my health, and apply an affirmation to help my mind and body achieve my intended goal – I regularly say ‘I am safe, I am secure, my body is restoring itself back to perfect health and I am well’

In terms of long term goals, I had a very specific intention to reduce and eventually come off my long term medication to treat the many chronic conditions that I have and I am so grateful I have successfully reached that goal with the help and guidance of my medical team, it has been a long road, and has taken me almost two years to get to this place now. I take every day as it comes but I know I will always be affirming my daily intentions and will continue to set goals as I continue on my life’s journey.

How do you unwind after a busy day?

I like to watch TV or read a good book but if I have had a stressful day I find the only way for me to pull all my energy back to a place of love and balance is to do some relaxations, hypnosis or meditations. Depending on my mood I will always try to spend some quiet reflective time alone in my ‘sacred space’ to work on unwinding and getting into a peaceful mindset

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

I love to spend time with my family; anything from a long walk in the mountains with our dog ‘Dash’ to discovering a new restaurant or ice-cream parlor is my idea of bliss! I just enjoy having quality time together nothing beats that special time.

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Follow your instincts on your own health and do what feels right for you.

In terms of managing any illness or chronic pain my advice would be to become an empowered patient, don’t be afraid to challenge the medical profession and look for a second opinion if you don’t feel listened too or taken seriously -change your doctor. Seek out support from other patients on social media or through a local group or self help charity.

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

Harnessing the power of my own magnificent mind to have complete wellness and love in my mind, body and affairs.

FOLLOW ANDREA ON HER SITE

andreahayes.ie

TWITTER

February 17, 2016/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation, Newsletter

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH STYLIST HOLLY WHITE

This week I’m chatting to stylist, blogger and broadcaster Holly White whose warm smile simply lights up a room and when we bumped into each other last week she was beaming and I’m not surprised as 2016 as new as it is has already been a huge year for Holly. She got engaged to the love of her life and has also started her exciting new role as fashion contributor to UTV Ireland’s prime time show ‘The Pulse’ Holly radiates health and wellness so lets see how she does it….

How would you describe your lifestyle?

My lifestyle is quite healthy over all. My work is a combination of pressure and creativity but I do really love it so I think that makes it all worthwhile and keeps me motivated through the stressful times.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

Raw chocolate is high up on the list. I make my own or else there are some great ranges in health food stores

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

Exercise has become really important to me since starting to train with John Belton and his team at Number 17 Personal training. Having a trainer forces me to turn up even when I don’t want to and I genuinely know it reduces stress and irritation.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

I feel this is a work in progress. Some days become busier and there are deadlines and I can’t always push things back. I find I just need to go with things when it’s busy as not replying promptly to emails makes me more anxious but I always switch off on a Sunday.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

I have the Headspace app and I sporadically use it. I always feel the benefit when I get into the habit of it.

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

I really believe in visualization and always before filming run through the script in my mind and how I want to feel after filming or at the end of a project. I find my goals are more about how I want to feel, rather than what I specifically want to achieve.

How do you unwind after a busy day?

Ideally I would go for a walk and switch off but more likely I lie on the couch and watch Kardashians. Playing with or grooming my two cats Tom and Will is also very soothing!

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

I love baking – anything from Deliciously Ella or Susan Jane white that’s gluten and dairy free. I’ll try to fit in a spin class on a Saturday, catch up with friends and on a Sunday maybe go for brunch, have a glass of wine and possibly shoot a blog post.

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Exercise is the cheapest form of therapy and become educated about your food and the connection between how you feel and what you eat.

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

feeling content with who and where you are, and the people around you.

FOLLOW HOLLY ON:

TWITTER

HOLLYS WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

January 27, 2016/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation, Newsletter

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH SINGER/SONGWRITER KEITH CULLEN

This week I’m delighted to be chatting to Keith Cullen who is a Dublin born Singer/Songwriter. When you meet Keith you instantly light up because his positive energy is contagious.

Keith has immersed himself in music his entire life and is career has taken him to Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, New Zealand, Cairo, London, LA, New York, Boston, Paris and Berlin.

Currently splitting his time between LA and Dublin, Keith has recently signed a Management Deal with the legendary Phil Quartararo – Former CEO at Virgin records, Warner bros and EMI and he has also been hand picked by Grammy award winning producer Robert Cutarella who has had hits with Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Air Supply, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, The Police, Elton John, Celine Dion, to name but a few. But lets find out a little bit more about how Keith balances his busy lifestyle..

How would you describe your lifestyle?

My lifestyle is predominately a positive and focused one! I would describe my lifestyle as one of constant change. It is one that requires me to be flexible in my thinking and ready for the unexpected.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

I am just back from LA where I’m learning that foods primary goal is to nourish and fuel our system. That being the focus of my New Years resolutions I’m going to say Wheatgrass simply for its health and healing benefits.

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

I am very lucky to work with two amazing people who wrap up all my fitness needs up. Igor Sidarchuk who is a bodybuilding champ looks after my weight training and Dominic Munnelly from crossfit green who takes care of my cardio and conditioning.

I love a good hike when I’m away or a long walk to focus my mind.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

I have a very clear vision of my goals for this year so I’ve build in a fool proof routine that encompasses all aspects of my life! I find if I’m on a good routine my days are super productive from start to finish which leaves me satisfied feeling balanced and happy.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

I’m a big believer in meditation and living your life in the most beautiful way possible given your personal circumstances. Daily rituals of: relaxation, meditation and gratitude combined with a mind that supports your goals tends to prevent stress for me.

I don’t believe in managing stress I believe in erasing it.

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

Always! I am an extremely visual person and believe 100% in the power of visualisation. It never fails me. I always carry a notebook for writing down my end outcomes and how I would like situations to look! I always write in pencil as it can be rubbed out and changed when your own goals and intentions change.

How do you unwind after a busy day?

I find the more of the “good stuff” and the things that motivate me and excite my mind I do daily the less I have to “unwind”.

I find these days I get energised by the team around me and the invaluable support structure of friends and family.

I also recently bought Dr Mercolas Melatonin sleep support which is a life saver and ensures a restful sleep after a long day or long journey.

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

My vice is a Jameson! Saying that my philosophy is that I live each day regardless of the name given to the day. Life is far too short to simply live only for the weekend.

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Take the step that is In front of you and do something everyday that will lead to a good habit being formed. I believe your “self-talk” is key to you achieving anything in the world it is that you want to achieve.

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

Being fulfilled. The more fulfilled you are the more you have to give. I believe success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.

FOLLOW KEITH ON:

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

January 20, 2016/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation, Newsletter

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH MODEL THALIA HEFFERNAN

This week I’m chatting to model Thalia Heffernan who I’ve known since she started working as a model six years ago. I always knew she’d be a star as she has incredible presence and grace and I’m really excited to see what 2016 has in store for her.

She started modelling at the age of fifteen and managed school and her career until completing the leaving certificate in 2013.

Since then, she’s travelled to places like London, New York, Germany and Australia and has more exciting projects to come in 2016. She has four international agencies representing her with more to come in the coming months but just how does she balance work, rest and play?

How would you describe your lifestyle?

I love to keep fit, and train regularly with my trainer Sophie Kavanagh at No. 17. I try to get into the gym 3-5 times weekly, but between work it can be difficult! I haven’t got much routine as jobs vary day to day.

What’s your favorite food? Naughty or nice.

McCambridges brown bread. It’s my favourite. Taste of home! Even better with some sausages on top!

Do you exercise and if so what do you do to keep fit?

My trainer keeps me on track! Sophie is amazing at alternating my workouts to get the best results and train every part of my body equally. So we change it up daily to keep it fresh and exciting. My favourite exercises usually consist of ab work, but I also love training legs.

How do you find balance in your day-to-day life?

I find balance in my day to day life by keeping true to myself and allowing myself time to do the things that I love to do. I enjoy cooking, playing piano, listening to music and many other things. I’ve also found that meditation, particularly at night before I go to sleep can help even out the thoughts in my head and help me to achieve the balance that I need.

How do you manage stress in your life? Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it?

I try to have a positive outlook in life, and that alone helps to alleviate stress. But of course, being human, it can still get on top of you. I try to just give myself a minute to remove myself from a situation and look at it from an outside perspective. I take in everything that’s going on and try to understand why. By doing this, logically your mind can find comfort in understanding. I find meditation great to calm the mind and help eliminate any stress.

People often set goals or intentions as they go through life. Is this something you do?

I think it’s important to set goals so that you have something to look forward to and strive towards. It can be hard having motivation when you don’t know where you’re going or what you’re doing. I would say that I set goals: Sometimes loosely and then sometimes very intentionally. As I’ve grown up I’ve learned that subconsciously I’m always striving towards something, and recently I’ve learned to put these things on paper and make them a more solid thing that I want to achieve.

How do you unwind after a busy day?

I listen to music, take a hot shower, lie on my bed or on the sofa, make dinner and prepare meals for the next day or week ahead. Sometimes I knit; I find it very therapeutic and it helps me to switch off too. I try to play my keyboard daily, which is in my room, and that definitely helps me to unwind.

It’s the weekend, what do you do for fun?

It depends on how busy my week before was!! But I always find time to spend with my friends, go for a few drinks, dinner, whatever! I’m a pretty relaxed person, I don’t usually make huge plans for the weekends ahead, I prefer to play things by ear and see how it goes. I often spend time with my dad on the weekends, Sundays in particular. We usually go for walks out in Howth or Portmarnock and get some lunch while we’re out there.

What’s your top health tip for our readers?

Drink plenty of water!!! It’s so important to keep yourself hydrated. Water is key to keep every part of you healthy, it affects your skin, hair, mental state, everything.

Finish the sentence – Being complete for me means…

Being happy in life, myself and to surround myself with people who contribute to that and strengthen me as a person.

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January 13, 2016/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation, Newsletter

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH JULIANNE PONAN FROM CREATIVE NATURE

This week I’m chatting to Julianne Ponan who is the owner and CEO of Superfoods brand, Creative Nature. I find Juilanne such a huge inspiration because in 2012 she saw a sinking ship but took the company over at aged just 22 and within 18 months the company was back in profit. Not only did she raise the brand’s profile but they also launched new product lines – and all of this with only two members of staff!!

December 23, 2015/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Love, Inspiration / Motivation, Newsletter

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY WITH STEPHEN TERRASS FROM TERRANOVA

This week I’m delighted to be chatting to Stephen Terrass MRNT, who is one of Europe’s leading authorities in natural medicine, with a particular focus on nutraceutical and botanical science. Stephen has over 30 years’ experience in the natural healthcare field including more than a decade as technical director of Solgar UK before he parted ways to develop his own brand of vitamins and supplements in 2008 called Terranova.

December 16, 2015/0 Comments/by Alison