I recently turned 70 and , at the same time spent a number of months giving palliative care to my wonderful 90 year old mother in law. Although I have always been a student of staying as young as possible over time, turning 70 & caring for an amazing lady who I love, has been an inspiration to continue my research into aging backwards. Let me start this blog by saying that aging has long been considered an inevitable aspect of life, accompanied by a gradual decline in physical and cognitive functions. However, recent scientific breakthroughs have lately challenged this notion, sugge ..read more

This Spring why not treat yourself to this yummy, nutritious salad, featuring some of spring’s best organic ingredients. What makes this Spinach Salad truly memorable is the combination of natural sweetness combined with tart flavors. Of all the greens available for salads, baby spinach has the highest level of iron which is such an important component in making our red blood cells.  In this recipe I am combining sweet organic strawberries but you could switch it up with a more savory note by using fresh avocado chunks instead of the strawberries. I am also giving you options for the nuts ..read more

Over the last 6 months I’ve been updating my Image Consultant skills by taking a Personal Stylist certification course. One of the subjects covered in my certification was the importance of creating a powerful personal brand for my clients. I learned that today  personal branding isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer for your career and your personal life. Crafting a genuine personal brand can make all the difference, and here’s why: Why craft a unique personal brand? Embrace Your Uniqueness: Your uniqueness is your secret sauce—it’s what makes you stand out in a crowd. It’s about sharin ..read more

We are moving through winter & will soon becoming to my favorite season – Spring. Before Spring arrives, though, is one of my most treasured days of the year-Valentines Day. whether you have a “special someone” in your life or not, I believe that this “special someone” should also be yourself. So, in honor of this day to celebrate LOVE ,I am dedicating this “Inspired by Elegance” blog to Valentines Day & have created a number of easy to make recipes for a Dining In with Your Valentine experience. Ah, Valentine’s Day – the day of love, romance, and, let’s face it, crowded restaurants wi ..read more

As a makeover specialist, personal trainer & image consultant, my passion lies in helping individuals create a personal brand & love who they see in the mirror. Sometimes this includes creating a vitality filled nutrition & fitness program, curating the perfect skin care program, teaching clients how to use makeup to bring out their natural beauty. We also work together to discover & refine their unique personal style so they can present themselves with confidence and sophistication, in any situation. Today, let’s explore the coming Spring 2024 fashion trends., I’ll guide you t ..read more

It’s almost here-New Year 2024! Here is a personal ritual that I like to do in the quieter week between Christmas and New Year’s Day or on New Year’s Day itself. I am excited to share this creative process of how to make 2024 your best year yet! While it’s essential to set intentions for the New Year 2024, I believe that it’s just as important to commemorate and celebrate all we did in the past.  I read about a unique way of setting New Year’s goals about 9 years ago and have been enjoying this process ever since. Look back first, to remember and celebrate all you that DID in 2023 …and th ..read more

I am always trying to create new recipes that my entire family can enjoy . These almond flour Christmas cookies are not only gluten-free and dairy-free but also wonderfully flavorful. They are also low in sugar so can be enjoyed guilt free. They offer a delightful texture and can be customized with various toppings or icing for a more festive touch. Enjoy these cookies as a treat during the holiday season! Almond Flour Christmas Cookies Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour 1/4 cup coconut oil (or dairy-free butter substitute), softened 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 te ..read more

The  Christmas season is a time that we expect to gain a few pounds. Year after year, this adds up to a waistline that you are struggling to get rid of. This year, why not make a new start with some healthy desserts like this Chia Seed Pudding with a holiday flair. Whether you are entertaining yourself or attending a dinner party, you can offer this healthy but decadent dessert to appeal to the pickiest of guests. I’ve given you options for serving that can change this dessert quite a bit so you can even serve it to the same people twice & they will not be able to tell. It’s our littl ..read more

Here’s how to breeze through the holidays with no weight gain. I love Christmas time. Spending time with friends and family members is so special in our fast paced lives. On the other side of the coin, the Christmas Season is also known as weight gain season .  Did you know that on average, North Americans gain anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds of excess weight between the beginning or December and the New Year? The problem is, most people won’t lose this extra weight in despite New Year’s Resolutions Weight Loss diets that promise a quick fix. Year after year by the end of the Christmas season ..read more

  I am hooked!  These Pumpkin Pancakes are absolutely delicious and provide you with a gluten free, fiber rich breakfast that is full of beta carotene and great for your digestion.  You may never have a “regular old” pancake again. If you choose quinoa flour you will be helping your body break down proteins plus help detoxify your liver. Cinnamon and ginger help with blood glucose regulation plus are great for digestion. This recipe will serve 2-3 persons. If you want to make more, simply double or triple the recipe.   Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes Ingredients: 1 c. pureed can p ..read more