In a Nutshell

February 8, 2017February 8, 2017 / realmofvibes / 14 Comments

I grew up on bars. All kinds, really, – granola, nut, fruit…My mom would buy them in bulk at Costco and pack them into our lunch bags and backpacks. She would have several in her handbag, and store them in the glove compartment of all our cars. “You never want to be cold or hungry,” she would say as my sister and I were running out the door to meet with friends or rushing to arrive at the next extracurricular activity.

I also grew up wanting to be a food critic. I used to read restaurant and product reviews on new places and food items and think, “Why can’t I do that?” So thanks, Nutshell, for making my dream come true and making my mom happy that I have followed in her footsteps by stuffing your nut bars into every pocket, purse and facet of my life.

This week Realm of Vibes has had the pleasure of reviewing Nutshell bars. They are hand-crafted in Connecticut and are sold in bakeries, cafes, and farmer’s markets. Nutshell bars are also sold online (shipped to your door in 2-3 days) by packs of 12. Here is the Nutshell nitty gritty:

All bars are: Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Eco-friendly packaging: fully compostable cellulose material
Each bar is 2.3 oz (65g)
5 flavors: Java, Devil’s Detox, Peanut Butter & Banana, Big Fig, Chipotle
Best kept in the refrigerator for optimal freshness
Motto: Fresh, Nutritious, Delicious

Nutshell bars have complemented my morning coffee as I blog on the weekend, are awesome to take as a pick-me-up on a long hike, and are an excellent meal replacement when taking a lunch isn’t a reality. Nutritional information is located on the website – each bar is approximately 320 calories.

Here are the highlights of the four Nutshell bars I received:

Java

Crunchy with intense cinnamon flavor. Loved getting the pop of espresso bean and the hint of coconut with the almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews. Perfectly salted. Not too sweet, and perfect with my morning coffee. Hands down my favorite Nutshell bar.

Devil’s Detox

The cashews and cranberries really stand out in this one; I wish it had a thicker layer of chocolate spread (you can never have too much chocolate). I like how this includes flax seed, the ultimate detox ingredient.

Peanut Butter & Banana

I love peanut butter. It’s second best, only to chocolate. Whenever I make a protein shake, I add a scoop of peanut butter and a banana. This was incredibly delicious, softer than the other bars, but still firm and crunchy. This was absolutely fabulous, and Bailey smelled the goodness as soon as I took the Nutshell bar out of the fridge.

Big Fig

This bar made me feel nostalgic. My Nonno has many fig trees and my Nonna always made sure that when I left her house, I would leave with a big bag of figs. This bar was crunchy, had nice chunks of sweet fig that blended well with the cashews, almonds, and walnuts. Yum!

In a Nutshell:

Absolutely delicious; whether on the go or for a sit-down breakfast the taste is unbeatable
I wish the nutritional information was on the packaging.
With shipping, Nutshell bars costs approximately $4 each. My health is paramount. I fuel my body with fresh, nutritious ingredients. The Nutshell bars serve as my meal replacement and give me the energy to sustain my lifestyle.
I love the compostable packaging and support companies that are environmentally friendly. (I compost and recycle!)
The flavor combinations and texture are on fleek. Nutshell bars don’t crumble and taste great a little cold from the fridge or at room temperature. You could also crumble your Nutshell bar on top of yogurt.

Nutshell, you get 5 stars, hands down! Be sure to shop small, and live large. Visit Nutshell, follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

Disclosure: I received a sample pack from Nutshell in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started.

The OT goes to Rehab

February 6, 2017March 18, 2018 / realmofvibes / 39 Comments

My BP was 136/98. I couldn’t help the tears from streaming down my face. It happened so quickly. It was doing something I have done over a hundred times a day the past 4.5 years. When I stood up from readjusting a wheelchair to affix the leg rest on the hinges, a sharp, intense pain overcame my left glute and back. I could barely walk. I couldn’t sit. My mom shuttled me to the nearest urgent care to seek medical attention. My diagnosis is a severe lumbar strain. I injured my butt and my back. My husband had to take off work and help me don my underwear, pants, socks and shoes. My mom brought me food and picked up my medication. I went from independent to dependent quicker than the blink of an eye. Numerous pain killers, muscle relaxers, steroids, and OTC medications later, I was walking into the physical therapy outpatient clinic for my evaluation. But that day, I was not the therapist, I was the patient.

They always say, healthcare professionals make the worst patients. We challenge everything. We know what to say, what not to say, and exactly how you are going to document our session. It is a humbling experience to be on the other side of the coin. I went from giving orders to following them, and relying on the physical therapist to be my cheerleader to help me get through my sessions. I depended on them for pain relief and counted on them to help me return to work. The role of being a patient has allowed me to document some of my personal experiences to take back to the clinic:

3 sets of 10 repetitions

“Is that always the magic number?” my patient would always ask me as I would hand them a weighted dowel and demonstrate the movement I wanted them to complete. Wow. Who knew 3 sets of 10 reps of an exercise with a lumbar strain would be difficult? Most of the exercises, I would complete 2 sets of 10 reps, and if I felt good, I would do a third. Here I am, a healthy, fit woman having trouble completing exercises. My butt and back felt as if they were on fire. I had to breathe through the pain and take rest breaks. 3 sets of 10 repetitions is not always the magic number.

Patient Care & Quality

Healthcare is a hot topic. Rules and regulations increase every year. Productivity demands for therapists are often unattainable and fostered by big businesses that want to shuttle patients in and out of the clinic like cattle. Therapists that can work in outpatient clinics can treat 4-5 people an hour. I try to schedule myself when they are less booked and could provide undivided attention. Some people, like me, need manual techniques (stretching, joint mobilizations, etc.), in which you would have to keep your other patients working simultaneously. I can see how it can be frustrating for the patient as they are getting split time, and overwhelming for the therapist dealing with multiple people with varying needs. When a patient or a therapist, having patience is a virtue.

Pain is not a Joke

Holy hell. If my patient tells me they are in pain, now I really feel for them. As a clinician, I am always mindful of pain, but now I truly understand what it is like to be in therapy and have pain. When I walked into my PT evaluation, my butt and back pain was an 8/10. It hurt to transition between sitting and standing and sitting to laying down. I was walking slowly and carefully. I was barely sleeping and the prescription Naproxen wasn’t helping. Everything was aggravated; me, my butt, my back, my attitude. Pain impacts daily life. Having pain has taught me to be more aware of the pain my patients experience during their therapy session.

Home Exercise Program Compliance

I received 5 exercises for my core, back, and legs on the first day of physical therapy. I was instructed on each exercise and told to perform them 2x a day (1x a day on my PT days). I do them when I wake up in the AM, and before I go to bed in the evening. They are time consuming and take diligence, planning, and time management to complete. As a therapist, I give my patients home exercises to help with his/her joint mobility, strength, endurance, and to help reduce any stiffness before he/she comes to therapy. As a patient, a home exercise program feels like a nuisance, even though it makes me feel better and results in less pain.

Final Thoughts

One of the main reasons I became a therapist is because I needed physical therapy to recover from a meniscus tear in my right knee. After being exposed to the clinic, I signed up for observation hours with an occupational therapist. One of my fondest memories was watching an OT teach a young child in a wheelchair how to open a door and negotiate through the threshold. I wanted to help people, too. I am now the one being helped. I try to turn bad fortune into positive experiences. Being the patient has given me insight regarding workload, pain, quality care, and home exercise programs. It has helped me realize the importance of my profession and the impact it makes in people’s lives. Now, excuse me, but I need to go do my home exercise program…

Namaste.

PS. Due to this injury, our Lake Placid trip was postponed.

Meditation, Peace & Strength

February 3, 2017February 3, 2017 / realmofvibes / 23 Comments

I have practiced yoga since I was thirteen years old. I accompanied my mom to work at a nearby YMCA, where I would take a ninety-minute beginner yoga class with a short, brunette instructor named Mary. I was the youngest person in the class, surrounded by an encouraging, experienced group of yogis. I left before Shavasana every class. One Sunday, before class started, Mary asked to speak with me privately. She asked me to stay for Shavasana and explained the importance of meditation and fully surrendering both my mind and body after a yoga practice. I obliged, but I felt uncomfortable. “I’m just laying here!” I thought. “I could be on the treadmill!” I didn’t know how to meditate. Mary would gently press her index and middle fingers on my temples and quietly whispered, “Relax your mind. Think of nothing.”

I am so honored, and proud to announce, that Seeking OM, a Boston based artisan company, acquired yours truly as a brand ambassador to promote their exquisite crystal & gemstone jewelry. Their jewelry, for both men and women, can heal the 7 chakras and can empower you to be the best version of yourself. When you visit the Seeking OM website, you will be able to customize your own jewelry by stone (Howlite, Tiger’s Eye, Moonstone, Kyanite), style (plain, Buddha, Ganesh, sandalwood, lava stone) and size (small, medium, large). Seeking OM has a great motto: find your journey, find your true self. Their mission is to guide you to find a way of healing your chakra, physical and mental body.

My Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet has many shades of purple. The crystals absorb, conserve, focus, and emit energy for the set intention. A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal, used for making jewelry. With consistent use, crystals may become saturated with negative energy. It is recommended you re-energize the crystals every four days. To re-energize, you can rest the jewelry under a full moon, under Sun rays, or in brown rice or Himalayan salt. (Dispose of the rice or salt after use.) To clean your jewelry (recommended every two weeks), use a damp cloth (water only), and dry completely. Never submerge your gemstone jewelry, or spray colognes/perfumes, as that will not only damage the crystal/stone, but congest it.

What I love about Seeking OM’s gemstone jewelry is the complexity. Here are the components of the Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet:

· Amethyst: protective and powerful stone, purple in color

· Aides: protects from psychic attacks, turns energy into love, balances highs and lows, excellent for meditation, peace, and strength

· Chakra: Crown, located at the top of the head, is the state of pure consciousness

· Ganesh pendant: Hindu God, Lord of Beginnings and Remover of Obstacles, both material and spiritual

The Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet brought me back to my early years as a teenage yogi. Before I donned the bracelet on my wrist, I allowed myself to reflect on my personal growth and development regarding meditation and finding inner peace. My thirteen-year-old self didn’t value Shavasana. Her mind ran wild and she didn’t know how to let her thoughts go. Almost 18 years later, the woman typing this blog values her guided meditation apps, and allocates a few minutes each day to meditate. Before I leave for yoga class, I slip on Seeking OM’s Amethyst and Ganesh gemstone bracelet to serve as a reminder to let it go. And for Shavasana, well, that’s become my favorite pose.

Visit Seeking OM to explore more gemstone jewelry, malas, and candles. Like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram, and Pinterest. Shop small, live large.

Disclosure: I received gemstone jewelry from Seeking OM in return for a featured post on Realm of Vibes and social media platforms. All opinions and views within are authentic. Have you considered featuring your business or service on Realm of Vibes? Please visit my Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started. Namaste.

Bones are to Dogs as Pacifiers are to Babies

February 1, 2017June 19, 2017 / realmofvibes / 18 Comments

Bones are to dogs as pacifiers are to babies. They should stick that one on the SATs. My dog, Bailey, has very high energy. To occupy her time, and give me a break from her begging for constant attention, bones are one of the most helpful tools in my toolbox. I am particular with what bones I feed my furbaby. They are not all created equal. Realm of Vibes is honored to feature Peacebone, who creates all-natural, antibiotic free, non-GMO, preservative free, bones.

Peacebone impresses me. Their bones are made in the USA (from my home state of NJ!). Peacebone only selects USA farm raised and USDA inspected beef from local farms for their bones. They have created a high-quality product that is sourced responsibly. All the bones are hardwood smoked.

Peacebone sent me The Pacifier, The Peacemaker, and The BareBone. The Pacifier is a slow roasted, hand-trimmed all Beef Kneecap, approximately the size of your fist. The Pacifier retails for $3.19. The BareBone is their most popular marrow bone, about 4-6 inches in length. It retails for $5.49. The Peacemaker is a beef hind leg, approximately 7-9 inches in length. It retails for $7.99. Peacebone offers a variety of family packs and my personal favorite, the Peace Pack, which includes one Peacemaker, two BareBones, and two Pacifiers. Shipping is free over $49. You will receive your bones two days from placing your order.

Peacebone also sent me Earth Rated, lavender scented waste bags, a personalized thank you note, and a bag with tree seeds, attached by a dog bone paperclip. Peacebone gives back; they want you to take a hike and plant a tree (they send directions with how to grow the seeds), and are invested in the “Zero Carbon Footprint” initiative by shipping with USPS. Not only are the bones you purchase high quality, but they are environmentally friendly. (The waste bags also have a breakdown component in them; they just can’t be coined biodegradable due to current United States FTC regulations).

Please be responsible when your dog is enjoying his or her bone. Peacebone has their disclaimer on the label of the bone. They should be eaten outside with supervision. If the bone splinters, discard immediately. The bones are not for human consumption.

Let your canine enjoy the bones outside. Otherwise, they will make a mess. Bailey truly enjoys her bones, but I must monitor her while she chomps away at the meat and marrow. Fortunately, none of the Peacebone’s splintered and provided Bailey with a very long lasting, enjoyable experience. Bailey preferred the Pacifier, and this kept her well entertained for over an hour. Heath, my last foster dog, enjoyed the BareBone. He loved the marrow and grinding on the corners of the bone. Bailey didn’t know what to do with herself when I gave her the Peacemaker. She kept running around the yard with it until she finally settled down and gnawed until her heart’s content.

I would absolutely purchase Peacebones in the future. I am not only pleased with the quality of the bones but are happy they are responsibly sourced. I compost, recycle, and feel strongly about taking care of the world in which we live, so Peacebone providing seeds and being environmentally friendly means a lot to me as a consumer.

Head over to Peacebone to spoil your canine companion. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and like them on Facebook!

Peacebones were received complimentary in return for a review on Realm of Vibes and posts on social media. All opinions within are authentic and honest. Would your business or service like to be featured on Realm of Vibes? Please visit the Collaborate page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com to get started. Please support artists and small businesses. Be environmentally friendly and pick up your dog waste. Be a responsible pet owner. Namaste.

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My At-Home, Budget Friendly Spa Day

January 30, 2017January 28, 2017 / realmofvibes / 2 Comments

** This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission to help sustain this blog.**

I am writing this wearing a leopard robe. Coconut oil is swishing around in my mouth. 11 more minutes to go before I spit my toxins out into the garbage can. My face has a dark grey, charcoal mask on it. A nose strip is waiting for me on my bathroom sink. That fruity sugar scrub is going to exfoliate the winter dryness off my scaly body. A hair mask will hopefully tame my split ends and make my natural balayage tendrils extra soft and shiny. A lip scrub and conditioner will make my pucker extra plump and smooth. Today, is a day of at-home pampering.

I wish I could afford facials and massages, but those are luxuries, and do not fit into my budget. I will ask for them as a gift for special occasion like my birthday or Christmas. In the interim, when I have some extra time, I try to take care of myself at home. Here are some easy, but effective ways to make yourself feel good on a budget.

Water

I fill up a huge (wine) glass of ice water, and then add a few slices of lemon and/or cucumber. Drinking water helps maintain your metabolism, increases energy, decreases fatigue, and improves your complexion. I hydrate during my in-home pampering experience.

Meditation and/or Music

I turn off my cell phone and other electronic devices and really take the time to focus on me. I type “guided meditation” into a search engine, and play something that takes me to a calm headspace. Sometimes, of I want to zen out without a guided meditation, I will turn to Trevor Hall. If I’m not in the mood for calm, then I will turn on Amy Winehouse or Joss Stone. Set the atmosphere for your mood.

Robe & Scents

I absolutely love my fleecy leopard robe that I bought myself and my bridesmaids for my wedding. It is incredibly warm and comfortable, and I don’t have to worry about pulling anything over my head. (I don’t want to get my face mask on my clothing). I usually put a headband on as well, to keep my bangs out of my face. Then, I light a candle in my bathroom, so I can smell a relaxing scent as I perform my at-home pampering routine.

View my ipsy Glam Bag

I subscribe to the ipsy Glam Bag. Each month I receive a bag with 5 samples including facial cleansers, blushes, face masks, primers, moisturizers, eyeshadows, hair care items, and brushes. It has introduced me to so many different products and brands. On my at-home pampering days, I go through my ipsy Glam Bag and see if there is anything new I can implement (usually the hair/face masks, moisturizers, body lotions). The ipsy Glam Bag costs $10/month, or you can sign-up for their yearly plan which is $110/year.

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The Full Package: Teeth, Face, Hair & Body

It sounds counterproductive, but you want to start with a clean canvas. Brush your teeth swish with mouthwash, and floss. Wash your face with a mild cleanser or exfoliant (I use what I have received in my ipsy Glam Bag), then I use a toner to make sure my face is stripped. I apply Giovanni D:tox System Purifying Facial Mask and scoop 1 tablespoon of Carrington coconut oil into my mouth. Oil pulling, when performed regularly, pulls toxins out of your blood and benefits your oral and overall health. I swish for 20 minutes, and then spit my toxins into a garbage can. I have oil pulled for 2 months straight and my teeth are noticeably whiter and it feels like there is a protective layer covering my enamel. After the 20 minutes are up, I hop in the shower, where I wash the face mask off, cleanse with a mild cleanser, and exfoliate my body with Yes To Coconut Polishing Body Scrub. I rub Sara Happ Vanilla Bean Lip Scrub on my lips to exfoliate dry skin. While I am shaving, I apply Marc Anthony True Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Deep Nourishing Conditioning Treatment. The mask needs 3-7 minutes to be effective. I wash it out, then shampoo and condition. Before I towel off, I slap a Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strip on my nose and then slather lotion all over my body. After I remove the nose strip, apply a cream moisturizer to my face and a lip conditioner. Bam, new me.

Power the Temple: Food & Vitamins

On my at-home pampering days, I make a nice healthy green shake (water, spinach, banana, strawberries, blueberries) or salad. In healthcare, sometimes meals happen, and sometimes I can be found scarfing a Larabar on my way to see my next patient. When I am home, I try to savor each bite, really focusing on the taste and texture of what I am drinking or eating. After I have a full belly, I make sure to take my vitamins.

Open your Mind: Read

Read something, anything. We spend way too much time on our electronic devices. Pick up and hold something in your hands. I subscribe to a newspaper and ten magazines. Books sit patiently on my built-ins waiting for my attention. Find a comfortable spot to lounge, read, and relax. I try to spend at least 15 minutes each day reading something that inspires or motivates me. It is another gratifying, stress-relieving activity.

Feel Good, Be Good

When I spend time pampering myself, I feel better physically and emotionally. You don’t have to have a lot of money to feel good and clear your head. Even if you pick one or two things to do from my post, you will reap the benefits. If you need someone to tell you to make time in your schedule to treat yourself…

Stop what you’re doing and go take care of you.

Namaste.

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