Issuu

The FEBRUARY 2016 | Series No. 2, Issue No. 3

fun

Celebrate Your Sweet Spot with Desha Peacock ALSO

Talk to Yourself

•

Get Cozy

•

Love the World

Issue

I N THI S I S S U E

Create

fun

by Celebrating Love

realize

Discover tips & techniques for loving yourself: having self-conversations & establishing rituals; treating yourself to goodies and T H I S M O N T H ’ S COV E R : wearing the clothes you love; CELEBRATING CREATE the life, home, and winter weather, business you’ve always wanted natural skin, to have–that you’re meant to good books and have–your Sweet Spot. Featuring a fizzy cocktail. Lifestylist Desha Peacock, Feast on love! of Sweet Spot Style.

dwell

Curate FUN and function in your home by restyling your nightstand; rearranging a room or two; and rethinking intimacy, in the master bedroom or elsewhere.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

live

Awaken to the infinite possibilities of LOVE by befriending your body; showing up in your relationships; and sharing love with the world.

T H E P E RP E TUAL YOU VI S I ON

The Perpetual You is a movement in which women are encouraged to love and share who they already are. We believe in choosing, embracing, celebrating, and unleashing the best parts of ourselves-the parts that never change-our Perpetual Selves.

Welcome. T H E P E RP E TUAL YOU TE AM

LaKay Cornell

Lee Lee Thompson

Jessie Leiber

Co-founder & Editor of all things people-related

Co-Founder & Editor of all things words-related

Editor of all things design-related

LaKay is a true believer in consciously orchestrating your life. She is a lover of people, networking, champagne, the world of self-actualization and social media. She can frequently be found enjoying craft beer and introducing friends to things they didnâ€™t know they needed. See what she's up to at lakaycornell.com.

The lee lee is a mother by choice, writer by trade, and designer by heart. She loves shopping, drinking, redecorating, and traveling. She keeps busy trying to do all of this while remaining true to her thrifty roots. Her online personalities include @leeleeinp and @boyswholovepink.

Jessie is a multi-disciplinary designer & art director striving to make her world more pixel perfect. When not staring at computer screens, she can be found singing (loudly) in her car or compulsively buying striped shirts. You can stalk her on Instagram @jessieleiber or see work with her at createlittlelegends.com.

T H E F UN I S S U E

T H E P E RP E TUAL YOU MAKE RS

The Perpetual You wouldn't be possible without the help of our amazing team of volunteers. We would love to take this opportunity to introduce them to you.

Walker Sisters

Sarah A.

Photography

Sarah Annay is a full-time photographer, storyteller and globe-trotter. When she’s not taking photographs she’s teaching, blogging, relaxing by the waves in St. Augustine, introducing herself to the newest craft beers and camping in Vermont. Sarah’s newest project is teaching photography workshops for women in Kolkata, India. See more of her photography on her website or @sarahannayphotography.

Deborahhannah Neele has been traveling the globe since birth. As a result of growing up internationally and move countries every two years, wanderng has become her norm. She picked up photography out of gratitude for her crazy life. She lives in the Midwest, but since her bags are always packed, she may be across the ocean by next week. You can follow her on Instagram: @debneele.

Amy and Kay Walker traverse New England and beyond chasing sunsets, circling crowded dance floors, capturing tears and laughter, all in the pursuit of preserving stories of love, friendship, and family. You'll find a camera around Kay's neck, a paintbrush in Amy's hand, and joy on both their faces as they do what they love best. See some of their work online and connect with them at @walkerstudiosllc.

Jennifer Photography Jennifer Wenzel is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. She never leaves the house without her camera, because beauty is all around waiting to be found! You can connect with her on Instagram @jenwenzelphoto or hop over to her website.

Deb

The Perpetual You is a place where creatives and coaches can come together to showcase their work and be part of a movement designed to shake up the world. Interested in adding your talents to the mix? Email hello@theperpetualyou.com.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Kirsten Graphic Design Kirsten Eike is a creative entrepreneur with a love for food, photography, and design. When she's not curling hair for her bridal clients, she spends time dabbling in hand lettering, food photography, and yoga. She is a true homebody and enjoys relaxing with a glass of wine and a good movie. You can peruse her lifestyle photos on Instagram or her beautiful hair styles @kirstenmariedesignllc.

Maya Photography

Frances

Maya, of MOJALVO, is a cinematographer and photographer, capturing moments in hopes of telling rich stories of the world around her. Most days you can find her behind the camera lens, but she also enjoys snuggling with a big mug of coffee, baking something paleo, or exploring the northeast. See her work at mojalvo.com or on IG @mojalvo.

Photography

Born and raised in Chicago, Frances Iacuzzi began her photography career when she moved to Los Angeles in 2009. Previously, she dedicated her life to soccer, and played Division I soccer at Colgate University in upstate New York. She now runs her own photography business with a focus on weddings, portraits, and special events. She is known for capturing her subjects' honesty, inner (as well as outer) beauty, and joy! For more info, visit her website.

Jazell's Artistry inspires creative entrepreneurs to strengthen their brand by finding power and beauty on and off camera. You can find more of her work at JazellesArtistry.com or on Instagram and Twitter as @JazelleArtistry.

Jazelle

Desha Sarah S.

Video

Krystal

Editing & Proofreading

Video

Sarah Sandidge can often be found reading a book. When she’s not reading for fun, she’s reading for work as a freelance editor, which is also fun. Her love for language, cultures and sociology makes people fascinating to her even though she’s a bit of an introvert, albeit a chatty one. When she isn’t glued to a written sentence, she is spending time with her family—mostly taking care of her two beautiful children— somewhere in the heart of Missouri. See how cute they are on Instagram @LulainLondon.

Desha Peacock is an Author, Retreat Leader & LifeSTYLE Design Coach. She’s helped hundreds of people find their “Sweet Spot,” a self-defined place of success & beauty. Her first book Create the Style you Crave on a Budget you can Afford, was listed in the Huff post as “the book to give your girlfriend” & sold out in less than 20 days. She’s been quoted in the Huffington Post, Yahoo News.com, Career Rookie, US News Money & has made radio & TV appearances across the nation. Get your free Sweet Spot Style Life + Biz Guide or join her on retreat.

Krystal Brandt, Authenticity Coach, is a soulful, sensual siren who lovingly and powerfully guides highachieving women back to their innermost desires by reintroducing them to their own intuitive whispers of wisdom. She brings a provocative, feminine and powerful edge to creating deeply connective experiences where vulnerability is invited, divisive walls come down and your truest self comes out to play.

P.K. Editing & Proofreading Our resident proofreader, P.K. McGill can typically be found on her back patio—enjoying a cocktail, talking with friends, yelling at her puppies, cavorting with her husband—or all of the above. Her better-known alias is Nani: she has four amazing, smart, & talented grandchildren, who all take after her. Connect with her on Facebook.

T H E F UN I S S U E

WE L COME

“The most exciting, challenging, and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.”

- Carrie Bradshaw

Celebrate being in love by listening to our Spotify mix.

am probably one of the most romantic people I know. Much like Mindy in The Mindy Project, I have seen every single romantic comedy/dramedy that ever was, and many of them more than once. Some of my greatest days as a mother were sharing Dirty Dancing, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Love Actually with my own daughter just as my mom shared The Way We Were, Gone with the Wind, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s with me. In fact, I am SO in love with romance as it is presented in Hollywood, that my favorite part of almost all of my relationships has been the part where we were falling in love. Is there anything more romantic than that moment when you realize what “your song” is going to be or you see beauty in someone who hasn’t fixed their hair or brushed their teeth yet? Imagine having that feeling for yourself. Can you remember the moment you first thought of yourself as beautiful? Just as our hearts skip a beat when we look at our lovers and imagine the next 25 years of our lives, imagine looking at yourself in the mirror and dreaming of the whole life you have ahead of you and all the amazing things that you will do.

Join the Movement.

Those of us who are proponents of the cheesiness that is Valentine’s Day will tell you that Hallmark created or not, it is wonderful to have a day set aside to celebrate love, even better if it is a day that calls for romantic gift giving. I have spent every Valentine’s Day since birth with the same person, myself. And still, I have never taken the chance to celebrate this person. This year feels like the perfect year to start because I am smack in the middle of falling in love with myself! This year, let’s buy ourselves romantic gifts, take long relaxing baths in bathtubs full of rose petals, dance sexy to our favorite music, find the perfect Valentine’s Day card and send it to yourself, and of course, pour yourself a glass of Prosecco and toast to the awesomeness that is you.

realize to align your daily practices with your

ever-evolving desires

7-Day Challenge Our Self-Talk Challenge starts on Monday, February 15th. Join our Facebook group The Perpetual You Society for details!

Cultivate a

Language of

Love

with Yourself T HE PERPETUA L YOU

REALIZE

There was never another love I needed more than my own. — Lauren Eden

Language. Speech. Communication. These are some of the most precious gifts we have as human beings.

hink for a moment. Who is the person in your life that you communicate with the most? Is it your spouse, child, parent, sibling, or best friend? The answer is simple: you! Each and every day you have more conversations with yourself than anyone else. All day, every day, you are creating a language with yourself, and this language has great impact on the way you feel, act, and interact. In my practice as a therapist, I spend my days in conversation with others. During these conversations I am privileged enough to bear witness to the inner language my clients have created with themselves. Despite being incredibly caring, empathetic, and loving towards those around them, many of my clients are often critical, unloving, and unable to empathize towards their self. How about you? Are you in the habit of tending to the inner language you have created? What are the conversations you have with yourself like? Some of us are positive, enthusiastic coaches; more of us have an inner monologue filled with criticism and the

repetitive “shoulda, coulda, woulda’s.” Becoming aware of your natural style of self-talk is the first step to cultivating loving conversations with yourself. Some of my self-conversations are more positive and loving than others. There are certain moments in my day in which affirming self-talk comes easily and freely. At other times, cultivating a language of love toward myself is more challenging. I find that these moments occur when I am less in the present moment. If I am struggling to be consciously aware of my thoughts in the first place, controlling their tone is next to impossible. For example, I have strong self confidence in my abilities as a helping professional. I am often able to identify my strengths during my work day and find my inner dialogue to be positive; in this regard, I am my greatest cheerleader. Whereas, in other aspects of my life, I can become my biggest critic. In the winter

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T H E F UN I S S U E

months, when I spend less time outdoors, I’m less physically active. Engaging less frequently in physical activity combined with being inside more often creates the perfect breeding ground for negative self-talk. During this time of year, I have learned to make a more conscious effort to be gentle toward myself. Thoughts are powerful: here is a simple, cognitive equation to keep in mind; thoughts impact feelings and emotions. Feelings and emotions impact actions. It is important to think about the language we choose to use towards ourselves in our own thoughts. Our language has the power to shape our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions. When we speak to ourselves in a kind and loving way, we increase our capacity for self-love, which impacts how we interact and operate in the world. If we can begin from a place of self-love, we will become equipped at asking others for what we deserve. We deserve love and kindness, but in order to be able to fully receive this from others, we must start by giving this first to ourselves. Cultivate a language of love with yourself and celebrate the lightness, joy, and ease you will experience as a result.

Katie Lynch is a wannabe Buddhist, mindful psychotherapist, newbie wife, avid baker, and blissfully recovering perfectionist. She really believes that there isn’t any problem a hot cup of tea and a nice long nap can’t solve.

Start Today You can create a language of love with yourself by:

Observing. Take a moment right now to observe: what was the last thing you thought to yourself? Was it positive and loving? Throughout the day, notice what the conversations you have with yourself are like. Become aware of your natural self-conversation style; is it positive or negative? cheerful or doubtful? encouraging or disparaging? 

Recording. External surroundings affect our internal thoughts & feelings. Under what circumstances do you find it easy to speak kindly and gently to yourself? When is it more challenging? Pick a certain time during three consecutive days to record a thought you are having, and the circumstance in which the thought took place. Write (or type) these down in a journal.

Manifesting. Choose an upcoming day in which you will set an intention to be mindful of the way you speak to yourself throughout the day. Pick a mantra for the day that encourages self-love such as I am doing the best I can or I͞ am enough for everyone and everything. Practice saying this to yourself throughout the day, especially in those challenging situations where negative self-talk is likely.

Choosing. Select a day this month in which you will deliberately speak in caring, positive ways to yourself. Set a reminder in your calendar, and possibly throughout the day, to help you reach this goal. If negative thoughts occur (and they likely will!), filter them out by replacing them with a loving thought or positive mantra instead.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Find a Good Book Looking for something to read? Keep your list up to date by following us on Pinterest!

Every Good Heroine

loves

Herself First

Girl Waits with Gun

Make Every Man Want You

The Optimists Daughter

by Amy Stewart, Pub 2015

by Marie Forleo, Pub 2008

by Eudora Welty, Pub 1972

In 1914, three unmarried sisters are out for a day in the city when their buggy collides with, and is destroyed by, an oncoming automobile. The rogue owner– silk textile owner by day; possible thug by night–refuses to pay for the repairs. When the eldest sister, Constance, insists on being compensated, the cloistered young women become entangled with a disreputable gang. This brush up against danger brings out the best in Constance, who at 35, has yet to come into her own. Leaving her quiet country life in order to bring her nemesis to justice, Constance turns her love for her sisters and other voiceless victims into mad capped, at times hilarious, action. Doing so, she steps into herself, allowing us to witness a woman finding autonomy even while loving others fully.

How to Make Every Man Want you.... Hint: it begins with desperately wanting yourself. Small business and marketing maven, Marie Forleo does a kick-butt job of defining true confidence and helping us to cultivate it, for keeps. She poses a festering question: “What will you invest in, your insecurity or your irresistibility?” A crazy fun read, this book takes self-care up a gigantic step. If you are not already aware of the magnitude of self-love, be prepared to leap into your own happiness and fall madly in love with your entire life. Marie strips away all the pretense, and releases you–beautiful, irresistible you into the fun of loving and being loved.

Middle-aged and recently widowed, Laurel Hand returns to her hometown of New Orleans to deal with the aftermath of her prominent father’s death. Of no help is her step mother–a younger woman, who is selfish and conniving but fairly dumb. Laurel has built a life for herself in Chicago, a place she feels at home; but now, while grieving several losses, she must re-engage with the beautiful memories that reside in her childhood home. Amongst swirling conflict, and a tight-knit community of well-meaning neighbours, Laurel must find a truer definition of love and acceptance than the one that has controlled her thus far. In the end, both she and the reader are left with the closure that only comes from truly moving on.

Radically committed to magical mornings - Micayla is a wordsmith, entrepreneur, and mindset enthusiast living out a decidedly different post-secondary path while eating wholesome plants, drinking black coffee, hyper-organizing her days, and staying up too late working on poems. Lots more online and tweeting cheer from @Micayla_Vranic. T H E F UN I S S U E

REALIZE

Throw a

Love Feast May We Suggest… If you prefer serving your love up the old-fashioned way, visit any of the links below to find recipes & methods similar to the ones featured here. • Rotisserie Chicken with Dark Chocolate Chili Sauce • White Bean Soup with Truffle Oil • Roasted Vegetables with Candied Nuts and Brown Sugar Butter • Honey Biscuits with Berry Compote

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Keep up to date with our recipe suggestions— past and present—by following us on Pinterest!

Celebrate your romantic, creative side by throwing a Valentine’s Day gala. Whether you invite your intimate family members, couples you never get to spend time with, or your whole tribe, this fun meal will tempt everyone to feast away.

divinely roasted chicken, drizzled with a dark chocolate chili sauce, offers a rich combination of flavors perfect for a special meal, complemented by a white bean soup with truffle oil and the vegetable of your choice, roasted with candied nuts and brown sugar butter. If that weren’t enough, we’ve topped off this feast with a sweet & savory finish: crumbly biscuits covered in homemade berry compote. To keep from making it into a time-consuming labor of love, consider purchasing some items pre-made: rotisserie chickens can be found in the readymade section of almost any market; pureed soup or roasted vegetables can be obtained from your local grocer; and local jelly or candied nuts from the winter farmer’s market are as yummy to talk about as they are to taste. Even biscuits can be ordered ahead of time! Whatever method of preparation you decide on, make sure you’re cooking/ordering enough for seconds. The dishes in this feast are meant to be devoured!

Whisk + Brush is a food blog & small-scale catering service with a side of craftiness. Our mission is to inspire you to cook, create, & live with passion.

T H E F UN IS S U E

Order Your Kit Get 10% off when you order your next cocktail kit from Crafted Taste .

CRAF TE D COC KTAI L

Kat Rudburg, founder of Crafted Taste, tells why you’ll love their super fun Cherry Almond Fizz cocktail kit.

Use coupon code PerpetualCraftedLOVE0116 for 10% off your order from Crafted Taste.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Champagne often finds a way into our most beloved moments: a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds; clinking glasses at an anniversary; a tray full of coupe glasses waiting for the New Year or another celebration. When we want to feel special, be surrounded by love, or just have some good old-fashioned fun, we top it off with bubbly. The Cherry Almond Fizz begs you to take your relationship with champagne to the next level: the champagne cocktail. Infusing cherries and squeezing lemons might take a little more work than simply popping a cork, but the effervescent, easyto-drink Cherry Almond Fizz is so delicious you won’t mind. February offers plenty of excuses to throw a party–solidify your love for champagne and tempt your guests with this fizzy and fun cocktail.

Love

the Winter

You're In

This month, celebrate whatever winter weather you get! Whether your streets are covered in snow or you're still hanging out on the back patio in flip-flops, winter is the time we're less likely to get out there and move. Combat nature's compelling hibernation invitation by bundling up (if necessary!) and reclaiming those fun activities you loved as a child. T H E E A S E IS S U E

Keep up to date with all of our carefully curated products by following us on Pinterest!

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5 3

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Treat Yourself to a Basket of

love

In place of wondering whether flowers will show up at your door this V-Day (or any other day!), shower yourself with love. This month’s traditionally romantic products–perfume, flowers, lingerie, chocolate–are just the goodies you need. Please: Don’t wait on someone else to purchase these for you. Double your pleasure and be both giver & receiver! You’re a lovely woman, and you deserve a treat.

“Mojave”͟ Flower Bouquet ($50-80, Bouqs)

Crazy Sexy Love Notes ($15, Kris Carr)

Bourbon Women Chocolate Truffle Collection ($10), Art Eatables)

Healing Red Rutilated Quartz Pendulum Necklace ($38, Kate Stephen Jewelry)

͞Royal Apothic Conservatory Eau De Parfum (English Rose) ($55, Anthropologie)

Ashley Graham Lacy Babydoll in Petrol ($99, Navabi)

T H E F UN I S S U E

REALIZE

Bountiful Self- Love There are so many people to love: partners, friends, children, parents. While it's life-affirming to nurture the affection of others, we can only do so if we also cultivate love for ourselves. Why not treat ourselves to the bounty of love we so readily offer others?

hen you adventure into the unknown parts of your soul, you will realize that loving yourself is just as meaningful as loving others. To be the love of your own lifeâ€”a soul mate for the selfâ€”pamper those parts of yourself that you usually neglect. Loving yourself is an inner exploration. Start by cultivating your hearts' desires. Create romance with yourself by setting aside expectations and courting desired emotions. Spend some time alone; meditate on what you want. What makes your heart happy? Where does the mind wander? That's where self-love resides. Whether it be long walks on the beach, bouquets of flowers and candlelit dinners, or boldly pursuing a new life purpose, celebrations of love do not require attachment to others. We can show ourselves grand gestures. We can gift ourselves intentional acts of understanding. Being adventurous with expressions of love toward other people is fun and beautiful, but celebrating love of self is even more empowering, even more fantastic.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Don't deny yourself an amazing adventure because it might only be a party for one. During the journey of self-discovery, the effects of personal recognition and adoration transcend the solitary. Loving yourself will imprint on everyone you encounter. And what better way to enjoy our own love than to have it reflected back upon us?

Summer is always enjoying the journey and making the most of the everyday moments. She is the wearer of many colorful hats; a yogi, mom, wife, writer and marketing & education coordinator in the Florida Keys. She is also the lover of really great red wine. You can follow her island life adventures on facebook, and instagram @airabess or #findingmywaylivingthisdream.

“It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.” — Mary Dunbar

Try This at Home Proclaim love for yourself! • Take yourself out. Dream up the best, possible date experience and make it happen. The restaurant you've been dying to try, or the amazing meal you've been wanting to cook. Or maybe...a good wine and a good book is all you need to feel loved! • Buy yourself something. Every week, treat yourself to a gift, whether a bouquet of fresh flowers or a visit to the spa. Recognize this aesthetically pleasing token as a present celebration of your self-love. • Pamper yourself. That 'dream' ring you want? Bring it home! Instead of an hour massage, take a weekend retreat. Make a grand gesture because you love yourself that much.

TTHHEEEFAUN SE ISSUE

REALIZE

Love your

Natural Beauty

â€œA girl should be two things: who and what she wants.â€? - Coco Chanel

here is a time and place for putting on a full face of makeup but who wouldn't choose the au naturel look if they thought they could get away with it? I'm here to tell you that you can. Makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. When you use makeup to play up specific features or just to feel polished, you will feel more beautiful and confident.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Using eyeshadow colors that complement my eyes means I can apply a lighter coat. It only takes a sheer layer of tinted moisturizer to brighten my complexion and make me feel ready to face the day. A light application of blush before powder, lightly near my hairline, helps me achieve a natural glow with staying power. To look well-rested, I simply swipe a pearlcolored eye shadow just under my eyebrow and in the inside corner of my eye.

BeYOUtiful…

The following tips will allow you to amplify what you love about yourself.

Renew Yourself. Natural doesn't mean dirty! Cleanse, moisturize, and follow with a lightweight primer, perhaps a face oil, to keep your skin glowing naturally. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer with skin care benefits to even out tone and create a dewy finish. Leigh recommends… Beautycounter's Dew Skin – The peony flower root extract hyaluronic acid in this tinted moisturizer promote bright and smooth skin.

Reflect Yourself. Whatever your favorite feature, you can play it up with minimal makeup and total ease. Make your blue eyes pop with bronze shadow or make your green eyes glow with a plum eyeliner. Use a cream blush and highlighter right on the apple of your cheeks to make your cheek bones pop.

Leigh recommends… Pacifica Radiant Shimmer Coconut Multiples – The mineral formula of this highlighting cream creates a naturallooking glow.

Relish Yourself. A bold eyeliner or bright red lip is a fun way to exude confidence. Feature one aspect to keep from feeling overdone or unnatural. For example, navy eyeliner with a nude lip, champagne eye shadow with a bold red lip, or a natural bronze glow with subtle eyes and lips. Leigh recommends… Bite's Luminous Crème Lipstick in Pomegranate - This bold offers attitude without any of the usual toxins.

Too many influences say: Change; Mold yourself into this arbitrary attractiveness; Be just like her... Society wants us to “cover up” our natural beauty, which does nothing to aid our self worth. Rather than covering perceived “flaws,” start a beauty routine that enhances the facial features you love and are proud to flaunt.

Leigh Schwab is a mother of twins who uses her love for skin care to help educate women about the ingredients in their products and the need for proper skin care legislation in our country. You can learn more about Leigh’s passion for a healthy and simple life on Facebook and Instagram.

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REALIZE

This monthâ€™s Self-Care Toolkit

Create a

Love Ritual

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Red Clover Lavender Selenite Kuan Yin

Self-care is love; love is self-care. To begin walking down the path of self-love, turn daily acts of self-care into rituals. Pursue mindfulness in the smallest of moments, taking time to love the parts of your life that you usually breeze through. Whether it’s a walk in the garden or drawing yourself a bath... the more care you put into each action, the more special you will feel.

H E RB

ESSE N TI AL O IL

CRYSTAL

GO D D ESS

Red Clover

Lavender

Selenite

Kuan Yin

B E N E F I TS

BE N E FI TS

BENEFITS

BENE FITS

Heals respiratory issues and nourishes with minerals

Relieves stress and soothes the mind

Cleanses negative energy

Promotes compassion and gentleness

ed Clover is a beautiful flower found most often in the Northeast. A tonic herb, known for cancer-prevention, red clover can be consumed daily. This nourishing, delicious herb aids the respiratory system. Add 4 tablespoons to a mason jar, cover with boiling water and let steep covered for 5 hours or so. After steeping, warm on the stove or enjoy over ice.

The eastern goddess Kuan Yin says: “Release judgments about yourself and others, and focus on the love and light that is within everyone.” With gentleness in your heart, you can then begin to spread love to all the people in your life. Meditate on Kuan Yin to guide you when you’re struggling with hate, unforgiveness, and negative thoughts. Keep this ritual sacred by reserving a special, private place in which to reflect on your life.

The ultimate self-care oil, Lavender is great for healing. If you are new to oils, start with Lavender, which eases and relaxes you. For peaceful nights, spray a lavender mist on your pillow and sheets. Take a few minutes each day to apply lavender to areas of your body that need a few drops of extra love.

Use this month of love to create rituals that help you be mindful about the magic of each moment. Love can come out of any situation. Loving yourself fully means you can love others fully, too!

Selenite is a soft mineral that quickly opens your upper chakras, making this a great stone to meditate with. Selenite works wonders at clearing out negative energy from the body. Keep this stone around your house to clear the energy; meditate with it for purity, strength, forgiveness, and to make room for love in your life.

Ashley Dees frolics around Saint Augustine Florida, picking herbs, finding herbal remedies, and playing with aromatherapy, tarot cards and crystals. Learn more about her, and how she teaches and gathers goddesses together at her website greenharmonyaromatherapy.com.

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REALIZE

Love Getting

Dressed Again

Have you given up on looking good day to day? Is getting dressed at the bottom of your priorities? What would happen if you celebrated your unique sense of style, got dressed for yourself, and wore clothes you love every single day?

our years ago, I decided that wearing clothing I loved was pointless; my wardrobe would just get ruined by my children. Most days, I wouldn't even see other adults. Why put in the effort to dress stylishly when time and energy were so limited? With this mindset I succumbed to being “frumpy mom.” Jeans and t-shirt, with a sweater on top; ponytail, and no makeup. I put all my energy into the children; they deserved my attention.

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

While there's nothing wrong with dressing casually or feeling comfortable, the mindset of believing we aren't worthy to take care of ourselves takes a toll on our self-estimation. We can rationalize the situation (I'm a mom—all I do is cuddle anyway), but not liking what we are wearing still leads to not liking who we are. Not getting dressed in a style I loved affected me negatively, so I committed to getting dressed—for myself—every day. The change was remarkable! I glanced in mirrors, and instead of cringing, loved what

Celebrate Your Style 1

Classic + Colorful If you hopped on the yoga pant craze and never looked back, now is the time to make an investment in the look. The highest quality athletic wear will last from season to season, whereas less expensive versions found at big box stores tend to fade, pill, or stretch out. Invest in classic black to wear from season to season and supplement with this year's trends—a fun variety of colors and patterns more typical in nonathletic clothing.

Cool + Comfortable Leggings and oversized sweaters are comfortable— and completely on trend. Try a heavyweight ponte legging, which are thicker and warmer than traditional ones. Bonus: they'll last longer! Keep it interesting by going for details like zippers, a tuxedo stripe, or piping. Balance out modern details with a fun bootie and fringe necklace.

Cozy + Contemporary Some looks will never go out of style: jeans & a t-shirt; a black skirt & a button up; and winter's staple, no matter the year—the cable knit sweater. What does change, though, are the details. This year, look for subtle, monochrome patterns; marled texture; or faux leather trim. If you've always loved plaid, you're in luck! This fun classic is here to stay.

3 I saw. Unexpected knocks on the door, impromptu trips to the store, chatting with strangers...I did it all. I was me again, only better. Instead of thinking that getting dressed is just “one more thing on the to do list,” adjust your mindset: get dressed in something you love, because you love it. Your style doesn't have to be uber-trendy or ultra-fancy; comfy and cozy are just fine. As long as you are loving what you're wearing, you'll love who you are.

Alice Tegtmeier is a Personal Stylist and mother of three who uses personal style as one way of helping women live authentically. You can see more of her passion for personal style, coffee, and encouragement on Instagram and Periscope: @aliteg. T H E F UN IS S U E

PE R SPE CTI V ES from THE P E RP E TUAL YOU S OC I E TY

How do you celebrate

By giving attention. The hardest and most important thing I can do for those I love is to give them my undivided attention. Phone calls to my friends, play time with my daughter, camping with my husband...I try to focus solely on them.

love ?

By giving away my troubles, literally asking love to

By sharing cute animal pictures with each other,

step in and guide me, and then relying on it to get me out of confusion and situations I can't seem to resolve “on my own.”

creating fun for my boyfriend and me.

Katerina (Clearwater, FL, USA)

Bri (Houston, TX, USA)

By seeing the love that surrounds me in my world —the love in the eyes of those close to me is my proof that I love myself. From there I create my world and all its miracles. Brenda (St. Catherines, Ontario, CAN)

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

Brook (Southington, CT, USA)

By giving undivided attention. All that it takes to

By allowing myself a moment to sit back, relax, and appreciate it all. We

make someone realize you truly care about them is putting your phone on silent and taking the time to really hear what someone is saying.

make our lives so busy that it's easy to overlook all the love that's around us. Making myself slow down, be present, and enjoy the love that's around me has been my favorite way to celebrate it.

Charlene (Naperville, IL, USA)

Elaina (Cheshire, CT, USA)

By doing my best day in and day out to be love. I often ask myself what would the most loving, kind and generous Theresa do in the situation. Then I do whatever comes up. If I am being love, everything else falls into place. Theresa (Orlando, FL, USA)

TTHHEEEFAUN S E IIS SSUE

“Plant

your own

garden and decorate

your own soul. ” — Veronica A. Shoffstall

T HE PERPETUA L YOU

dwell to align your physical space with your

ever-evolving self

T H E F UN I S S U E