What I'm Packing for Maui

This next weekend my husband and I head to Maui for a week-long business trip with some of our favorite people on the planet...our Chiropractic friends that are like family. We learn and laugh and soak up the sunshine, while getting super inspired talking about big goals. We've been going on this Super Achiever Gold trip for about 10 years now...and I can't wait to get packing.

So I thought it'd be fun to share a few of my favorite things that I'm packing because I found some great clothes and swimsuits this year! I know how hard it can be to find a good swimsuit.

First off, let's talk swimwear. I needed new swimsuits this year as my old ones were starting to look a little shabby AND my body has changed a bit since the last time I shopped swimwear.  Sometimes I look in the mirror and think, "where'd my 25 year old body go?!....even my 35 year old body?!"  But even though my body isn't what it once was at 46 years old and it doesn't bounce into shape as quickly as it used to, I found some suits I really like.

At my age, a high quality swimsuit makes a big difference and is well worth it to get a high quality fabric that fits well.

Here are the swimsuits I'm packing this year...

The first one in the photo (left) is a new brand for me that I found on Instagram. It took some returns to get the sizing right because this company's sizing was way different than the other brands I'm used to on the right.  They run bigger than the other brands. This suit is SUCH high quality, thick fabric. It's also completely reversible so it's like 2 suits in one with a classy Navy and White on one side and plain Navy on the reverse side. It looks great on both sides unlike some suits that "say" reversible but only look great on one side.

Heidi Klein Navy and White Reversible Bikini Top

Heidi Klein Navy and White Reversible Bikini Bottom

Sizing help: I'm a 32D size bra and a26" waist, 36" hip and the Medium top and a Small bottom worked great. This brand ships from London but I got it within 2 days!!

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The second one (middle) is a brand favorite of mine and I love the soft quality of the material. I liked this suit so much I got it in two colors.  It lays really nicely against the body an doesn't dig in anywhere.  This brand runs on the small side and also comes in a classic black top and bottom.  

Vitamin A Sage Bikini Top

Vitamin A Sage Bikini Bottom

Vitamin A Ink Bikini Top

Vitamin A Ink Bikini Bottom

Sizing help: I'm a 32D size bra and a 26" waist, 36" hip and the Large top and a Medium bottom fit me.

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The third one (right) is also a brand favorite of mine and fits great and is a flattering sporty style while still being sexy.  This brand runs on the small side also. These bottoms have the most coverage of all three while still having a really flattering style that fits straight across the hips. The color blocking is fun and is also reversible, but I probably will only wear it on the white side.

L*Space White Colorblock Bikini Top

L*Space White Colorblock Bikini Bottom

Sizing help: I'm a 32D size bra and a 26" waist, 36" hip and the Large top and a Medium bottom fit me.

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Extra essentials in my beach bag:

Sun Hat with fun verbiage in different sayings - of course I chose Rosé All Day!

Beautycounter Safer Sunscreen

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Here are a couple of the easy-to-wear outfits I'm packing this year:

 I looooove jumpsuits and rompers and this navy romper is darling!  It has a wrap look in the front and a drawstring for an adjustable look depending if you want a tighter or looser waist.  It has a snap in the chest area for closure and I'll probably wear a bodysuit underneath. The back has a beautiful lace detail on the upper back.  I got this in a Medium and it drapes really nicely and isn't too short. I'm about 5'7" and like my rompers to be a little drapey and loose because i'm too old for a tight romper! LOL! Sorry for the wrinkled look....I still need to steam it;)

L*Space Navy Romper

Here's a peek at the cute lace back!

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The short black flowy lined mini-dress with embroidered flowers will be so easy and comfy to throw on with flats and go for a day trip to Lahaina ....then dress it up with a quick change of shoes for dinner.  I love flowing sleeves....it always makes me feel like I'm channeling my inner Stevie Nicks.

Free People Mini-Dress

Here's how the dress fits...

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A few other essentials I'm packing:

My favorite Eric Javits Fedora that goes everywhere with me (yep that's the same one in all my profile pics!)

Clare V Striped Flat Clutch

Sam Edelmen Platform Espadrilles

Vince Camuto Blush Ankle Strap Heeled Sandals

Kendra Scott Disc Drop Earrings

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I hope this inspires you to book that summer vacay! 

I'm so excited to pack up all my swimsuits, coverups, cute outfits, and shoes in my new Champagne colored Delsey Luggage....this will be it's first of many trips! 

ALOHA!

I'm taking her on many trips this year!

Maui, then Palm Springs, then Minneapolis, then Bali ...and hopefully more!

Clean Swap - The 6 Worst Offenders in your Beauty Routine

***Read to the end because I tell you how you can get my 4-DAY BEAUTY DETOX PROGRAM for free....

Have you thought about how many personal care products you use every single day?

Are they safe? 

There are many ingredients allowed in beauty and skin care products that should never be used:

• harsh sulfates
• formaldehyde-releasers
• artificial fragrances
• PEGs
• mineral oil
• carbon black

WHERE ARE THESE TOXIC INGREDIENTS LURKING? YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED...

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HERE ARE THE 6 WORST OFFENDERS:

1.  EYE + FACE CREAMS

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2.  FACIAL MASKS

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3.  BODY LOTIONS

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4.  LIPSTICK

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5.  MASCARA

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6.  SHAMPOO

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READY TO COME CLEAN?

Here's an easy way to get started...and you get your choice of a FREE deluxe sample! ...or 2...or 3!

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That's THREE deluxe freebies you can get!!

What's more.....did you know this?

Here's to SWITCHING TO SAFER.  I know the thought of it can feel overwhelming. This is a great start.

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 ***BONUS FREEBIE FROM ME FOR MY NEW AND EXISTING CLIENTS:

If you take advantage of this CLEAN SWAP promotion thru my link, email your receipt to me at shannon@happywifestyle.com and I will send you a coupon code to get my 4-DAY BEAUTY DETOX PROGRAM for FREE!

Lemon Olive Oil Immunity Drink

I heard about this drink a long time ago but thought it wouldn't taste good, so I didn't try it until recently...

With the flu making it's rounds right now, it's more important than ever to make sure we are keeping our immune systems STRONG, so I blended up this immune-boosting concoction and was so pleasantly surprised by the refreshing taste and creamy texture, that I couldn't wait to share it with you.

Here's how to make it...

Ingredients:

• 4 cups filtered water

• 1 whole lemon, washed and quartered

• 2 Tbsp organic, unfiltered, cold-pressed Olive Oil

• handful of ice

• 1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract (optional)

• 1 inch piece of raw ginger (optional)

Add all of the ingredients to a high powered blender or Vitamix and blend for 45 seconds to 1 minute.  I used a Vitamix and it worked beautifully.  I didn't even have anything to strain afterwards....nothing.  It just pulverized it completely which I loved.  If you don't have a blender that is that high powered, just mix and then use a fine-mesh strainer to remove large chunks of pulp or seeds.

Drink 1 or 2 cups a day.  I like to drink it first thing in the morning because I think it will have the best detox effects on an empty stomach.  It also has an energizing effect so it starts your day off strong.  Store the rest in a glass container, like a couple of mason jars and it will keep for a couple of days, but of course it's best fresh.

Here's why to drink it:

The lemon/olive oil drink helps to improve immunity by:

• Detoxifying the liver

• Detoxifying the lymphatic system

• Decreasing viral load (lemon essential oil from the lemon rind is anti-viral)

• Improving absorption of nutrients

Reported benefits of consuming the lemon/olive oil drink include: reduction or abolishment of swollen lymph nodes, increased energy, improved appetite, decreased or complete cessation of neuropathy, normalizing of body temperature and improved immunity. - from The Paleo Secret

Brenda from The Paleo Secret started drinking this daily after suffering from swollen lymph nodes ...and the swelling went away!  I'm always looking for healthy ways to stimulate the healthy drainage of our lymphatic system like dry brushing, so I'm so intrigued by this.  I really love the concept of using the entire lemon rather than just the juice like I usually do.

This drink can also help keep you regular and help with constipation.

When I made it, I added the Vanilla Extract and it was great, I like it with that.  The next time I make it I'm going to try adding ginger too.  Normally oil and water will separate, but with this drink, it emulsifies and gives it a wonderful creamy texture!  I thought it tasted light, refreshing and creamy.

This is NOT a cleanse.  Just ADD this to your normal routine!

Give this a try and tell me how you like it below! Here's to staying healthy + keeping your immune system strong.  Other immune-boosters:  Eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, reduce stress, and get restful sleep.

Here’s what people are saying….

“I have taken this regularly in the past and loved what it did for myself and my husband. The energy boost alone was fantastic which I believe is due to all the other benefits! We are 65 now and had dropped this routine as we tend to do for no reason we can recall. However we just started back and I must say it is one of the best gifts we've given to ourselves. We feel so much better again and I thank you for this wonderful boost!” - Debbie

- Original recipe from The Paleo Secret

Whole30 Reintroduction: Fast Track vs Slow Roll?

Fast Track vs Slow Whaaaa?

When I did my first Whole30 back in 2014 I honestly didn't completely understand the reintroduction phase, so I didn't do it correctly. Maybe because there wasn't all the books, support and info we have at our fingertips today...

Now, after having quite a few resets under my belt, and taking the tests to become an official Whole30 Certified Coach, I cringe when I hear someone dove face first into a pizza on Day31!  What was the point of the last 30 days if you're going to do that?? Zero, zilch chance of those people finding their food freedom forever.  I want to help you understand the importance of the Reintroduction process.  I encourage you to take it seriously and follow the reintroduction recommendations....  

The Reintroduction is our opportunity to make the most of our efforts for the past 30 days and actually learn something about how the foods we've eliminated while Whole30-ing effect our body.  It's our chance to design the perfect way of eating that makes us feel our best...that we can take with us for a lifetime.  That knowledge is golden and is unique to us.  Hence....Food Freedom.

The Reintroduction is the heart of the Whole30, so don't skip it.

It's very common for people to feel nervous as Day 31 approaches, so here's all the info you need to plan for your Reintroduction and life after the Whole30...

Reintroduction 101

The Reintroduction Plan: Fast Track

The Slow Roll Option

Life After the Whole30

There's no right or wrong answer here. Whether you "Fast Track" or "Slow Roll", just remember to learn something, so pay attention and introduce foods back in one at a time.

If you don't miss a certain food, then don't bother to reintroduce it. You don't have to

If you're going to follow the Fast Track schedule and want to work alcohol back in, it's recommended that you start with that on Day 1, before the legumes, and make it a gluten-free alcohol like wine (or bubbly...you know me. LOL). If you do this your schedule will last 13 days instead of 10.

The order of the Fast Track is designed for a reason but here's a note on that from the Whole30 site:

Order, please. 

But what if something gluten-filled appears first—before legumes? We’ve created the reintroduction schedule in this specific order, going from food group least likely to mess you up (legumes) to most (gluten-grains). However, the order is really most important if you’re going to reintroduce all food groups in just ten days. If you decide to stretch it out longer, feel free to reintroduce out of order—but know that if dairy or gluten comes early in the process, you may need extra-extra days to recover.

I also recommend you take your healthy lifestyle a step further and read the book Food Freedom Forever which can help you kick that yo yo dieting to the curb...forever.

I'd love to hear your plan! Fast Track or Slow Roll? Which one speaks to you?

Living an empowered life

Time for some truth talk ladies...

I worked for 17 years at a hard job with long hours and zero flexibility. I never felt like I was able to save a dime. There was a ceiling on how much money I could make. I felt stuck..

A few years ago I started working for myself and started Happy WifeStyle.

Last week I was able to take an ‘extra’ $10K and put it in an investment account. I’ve never had a chunk of money to do that with that was MINE. Do you know how that made me feel? It made me feel really EMPOWERED. It made me feel excited...

I don’t tell you this to gloat. No way, that’s not the point. I tell you this to let you know that I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I wouldn’t have taken the job with Beautycounter.

My husband makes a good living. He takes such great care of our family and I love him more than anything. But what if something happened? Last year on of my oldest, dearest friend’s life blew up when her husband of 20 years left without warning and told her he wanted a divorce..

Will that happen to me?  No. I absolutely don’t think so. But I have to admit, especially knowing their relationship, can I 100% guarantee that it wouldn’t?  No. No I can’t. I can only have complete control over one thing and that’s ME.

Part of the reason I started Happy WifeStyle was to inspire and empower women to want more out of this one life. It’s too short and too many people waste it by just going through the motions…

We need something that is OURS ladies. We need safety and security and purpose to live life the way it’s meant to be lived. I know with everything that I am that my Beautycounter business is that answer for me…and it could be that game-changer for you too.

I have established quite a few streams of income now with my Happy WifeStyle blog, brand and business, but I need to be honest with you and tell you that none of those streams come close to what I make from my Beautycounter business.

If you’ve considered starting your own business but don’t have the confidence to START, or don’t know what you’d do, I’d love to help you. 

This company is growing FAST and I am so grateful someone asked me to take this job, so now I’m asking you. Beautycounter is an amazing company doing amazing things, and it’s SO rewarding to work for. We are doing things so differently than any other company out there. We are not just another "beauty company". We’re a B-Corp like Patagonia. We educate about the industry and teach people how to choose safer products for their family. We provide high performing, safer solutions. We advocate for safer beauty laws for ALL beauty brands. We collaborate with big brands like J.Crew, Goop, and Target. We allow people to shop the products the way they choose…not ONLY through consultants. Bono has even an investor with us!

The best part is, this company is not even five years old yet. We are just getting started.

If I can do this you can too. You can work it into your life on your schedule any way you choose…whether you want some extra shopping money or want to replace your income and make it a full time career… You just have to START.

Message me or email me so I can answer your questions. Zero pressure, I’m not doing this for me. I’m posting this for YOU. ...To help YOU feel empowered in your life too. I’m going to succeed in this business with or without you (just being honest). But I’d love to have other inspired, like-minded women on this journey with me. I’d love to chat with you and find out if it’d be a good fit for you.  Learn more here and get started, you could be in business and start earning money right away. I look forward to working together! 

P.S. If you are local to the northern California area (I'm in Petaluma), I especially would love to talk to you about this as I am in the process of planning in-person get togethers for fellow girl bosses to talk business and ideas to bring Beautycounter into our community! We are better together, let's collaborate!

P.P.S. This opportunity may not be for you, but I know you know someone who would love to know more about this and would like to work with me, so please share this blog post with them. It just might change their life.

XO, Shannon

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More ways I can help you feel EMPOWERED:

- My Top 5 'Smart-Style' Money TIps

- My Financial Freedom Guide

- Five Steps to Choosing Your Best Life

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**photo by Claire Dobson

Whole30 Cauliflower Buffalo 'Wings'

A few months ago, my husband and I discovered Buffalo Wings made out of Cauliflower at a local restaurant here in Petaluma called The Shuckery.  We were hooked.  They surprisingly tasted so much like wings....but there were no wings!  I'd never even heard of them and since then I've discovered Cauliflower Buffalo Wings are all the rage!  Who knew? They were probably fried, so I was on a mission to make these healthy and Whole30 approved...

Ready to get more veggies in on game day? Try these delicious bites that will be perfect for your next football party!

Ingredients:

• 1 head Cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 can (14oz) full fat coconut milk (whisked in a bowl to mix if separated)

• 1/4 c water (may need more or less to thicken or thin batter to the correct consistency. You want it thick enough to stick, but thin enough to drip off a bit.)

• 1/4 c coconut flour (plus more if you need to thicken your batter when mixing)

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp Ghee, melted

• 1 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce

• Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil Cooking Spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a baking sheet.

2. Mix the batter by whisking the coconut milk, water, coconut flour, and garlic powder.

3. Dip the florets into the batter and let the excess drip off.

4. Arrange on the baking sheet, not crowding the pieces.

5. Bake for 20 mins.

6. Meanwhile melt the ghee in a saucepan. Add the hot sauce and whisk together.

7. When the cauliflower is done, put in large bowl and toss with the sauce mixture until coated.

8. Spray the baking sheet again and spread them on the baking sheet once again, and continue baking for 15-20 mins or until cooked through. If you need to, turn it up to broil and watch closely just to finish them off so they are nice and golden.

9. Serve immediately while they're warm with chives as garnish.

Serve with sliced carrots, celery with Non-Dairy Ranch Dressing for dipping!  Happy, healthy Superbowl everyone!