Giving Thanks for Alcohol-removed Wines by MO and Heather Lowe As we prepare for our journey's home to family and friends, launching into old cookbooks for the dressing recipe, we are inclined to savor a sip of wine. Planning for Thanksgiving can be an epic challenge of making things "just right." From exactly how many hours per pound to roast a turkey to making sure that all types of cranberry sauce (canned and homemade) are covered. Thankfully, now that there are so many delicious alcohol-removed wines on the market, we can sip to our hearts content without consequence or complications ..read more

Pulling off the best non-alcoholic (NA) holiday soirée is all about creating a festive, fun, and inclusive environment without relying on alcohol. I’m Heather, the ultimate party girl turned sober coach. Trust me when I say I would not sustain sobriety if I wasn’t having any fun. I host more parties now that I am sober than I ever did as a drinker. I have curated this holiday guide just for you this holiday season.   Photo courtesy of @Ditchedthedrink / Heather Lowe Fellow Chicago AF member Kate Bluestein introduced me to Priya Parker's book The Art of Gathering: How We Meet an ..read more

  Ditching the drink was the single best decision I could make for my health, my appearance, and my confidence. That being said, I am very transparent that I also started Botox during my alcohol-free journey. I am not about to keep secrets in shame. I am not ashamed about my Botox decision. I didn't always feel this way. I had to overcome my own concerns and self stigma about it.  I am all about self-care and self-improvement and I am also not above vanity. I love a good before and after picture and since ditching the drink I have some impressive transformations that have gained atte ..read more

My stepmom, Cheryl, died last week. We said our final goodbyes far in advance, about 18 months ago. I had the foresight to know it would be our last visit. I have been blessed with many known final visits with loved ones. This might sound morbid, but my mom always taught me how special it is to be with people who are close to “leaving their earthly bodies," as actress Dedee Pfeiffer said on my podcast.    I had the chance to say good-bye to my Aunt Joan and Aunt Mary. When I left Mary, we huddled around and sang “Leaving on a jet plane” through tears before my early morning departure ..read more

In social media today, the terms “coach” and “content creator” are often thrown around interchangeably. Both coaches and content creators deliver value, inspire change, and build communities. But as someone deeply rooted in the coaching world, I can tell you there’s a big difference between what coaches do and what content creators focus on. If you're considering entering either field or working with a coach, understanding this difference is crucial. The Purpose: Transformation vs. Information Content Creators: Their primary role is to educate, entertain, or inform. Whether it's through blogs ..read more

Talking to Teens About Alcohol: A Sober Mom's Perspective As a sober mom, I’ve had my share of experiences with alcohol—both the good times and the not-so-good. Becoming sober was one of the most transformative decisions of my life, not just for me but for my family as well. Now that my firstborn is off to college and my baby is 16 years old, the topic of alcohol is more relevant than ever. Here’s how I approach these conversations and why I believe they’re crucial. Understanding the Teen Perspective Teenagers are naturally curious, and as they grow, they start to encounter alcohol in various ..read more

I spent the weekend at Sober in the City, Seattle. I was the weekend MC and I hosted a Thought Leadership Collaborative. Working for myself from home has so many perks, but it does get lonely, so I cherish the pockets of time when I can be gathered in real life with clients, peers, and friends.I look forward to the next one already (spoiler alert Scottsdale in May 2025 and there will be a few exclusive opportunities for Insider Members only). There is something different about the energy when we are gathered in real life. I encourage you to start with my free Insider Trial. There were about 10 ..read more

  September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate those who are in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders, raise awareness about the importance of treatment, and reduce the stigma that often surrounds addiction. Whether you’re in recovery, know someone who is, or simply want to show your support, there are many ways to get involved this September.   Here’s how you can make a meaningful impact during National Recovery Month:   Educate Yourself and Others Understanding the complexities of addiction and mental health is a crucial first step in supportin ..read more

Labor Day Weekend 2024 something got me, but let’s back up and start at the beginning. I am 6 ½ years sober and a sober coach. Alcohol has nothing to do with holiday weekends anymore. The days of last chances to soak up summer and get wasted in pools and boats are long gone. In part because I am sober and also because my youngest daughter typically has a soccer tournament that keeps us at home and away from bodies of water on this holiday weekend. Obviously everyone else in the world has travel plans so we are left alone. A part of me wants to have a big blowout party because, even though I am ..read more

Remember when I smashed it out of the park for a super productive July and then set up a Go Slow and Savor Challenge for August? It’s backfiring. It is so hard for me to go slow and savor. I am not winning at my challenge, despite my best attempts. I am trying to spend time watching movies, reading books, going to bed early, and taking sniffing walks with the dog. I am still not able to go slow and savor. I have so much anxious energy. Is it Lions Gate? Every planet in retrograde? Super Blue Moon? (For real, though, I’m not just saying that.) My firstborn is back at college (not our first rode ..read more