New Year...New Promises

Who is ready to step into 2018? Every New Year it seems brings the perfect opportunity for all of us to BE BETTER and DO BETTER than we were the year prior, right? I have always set goals versus resolutions each year with the hope of achieving them before the year ends- do you all set goals for yourselves? If so, what are yours for 2018?

This year I have decided that I’m not going to set ANY GOALS. No-sir-ee! Instead I am making PROMISES. Promises first and foremost to myself. My thought behind this is that I NEVER go back on a promise. I am a girl of my word. If I promise you that I will or won’t do something, you better believe I will follow through with it and won’t let you down. So why on earth would I make a promise to myself and let mySELF down? Not going to happen.  Makes you think differently, am I right?!

2018 is upon us, and so is the promise of what is to come. Promise yourself you’ll work towards being the best version of YOU-mind, body and soul. Then work on the promises you’ll make to keep for your loved ones, etc.

Last but not least, as we get ready to say goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018, I just want to wish every single one of you a wonderful and amazing New Year. As we say goodbye to this year, and reflect on things that we accomplished / are grateful for- I just want to say thank you all so much for an amazing 2017- together you have helped me accomplish so many things far and beyond my dreams and I am so extremely grateful.
I can't wait to see all the awesome things that we will explore, experience and achieve in 2018 together. Have the most wonderful New Year. I promise I will do my absolute best to help make that happen for you in any way I can.

xo,

Gina

Holiday Self Care Challenge! Simple Ways to Take Care of yourSELF During the Holidays...and beyond.

Simple Ways to Take Care of YourSELF During the Holidays.

Most of us are in the throes of the season. With that unfortunately is us getting sick and feeling rundown due to the expectations and pressures that we put on ourselves to create the “best holiday ever”.  Unfortunately, the stress that comes with this magical time of year seems to be accepted by many and par for the course.

Tis the season to socialize more, spend more, do more, eat more, and sleep LESS. If taking care of yourself doesn’t come naturally, and you still insist on putting everything else before your own needs, you probably go into over-serving mode during the holidays. You go out of your way to make sure everything is ready, and neglect taking time out to care for yourself. Does this sound like you?

If you fall into this mode, or if you are just in need of some extra good TLC during this time, try one of these simple ways to take care of you during the holidays...and into 2018.

1. morning routine
If every day, you make a little time for yourself first thing, you can move through your day with more grace and intention. Your morning routine might only be 5 minutes long to start, but even that will help. Use the time to sit quietly with a cup of tea, meditate, journal, walk, or include other activities that feed your body, mind, heart, and soul.

2. candlelight
I love listening to music with candles burning or just sitting quietly in candlelight. As the days get darker, add light to your day.

3. take a walk
Go outside and take a walk. Bundle up if it’s cold and head out with the intention of noticing the magic of the season. Don’t worry about burning calories or tracking your activity, just enjoy yourself and the moment.

4. respect your budget
Once you figure out what you can spend on extras like holiday gifts, events, and other holiday things, honor that. If you splurge now, you pay even more later. And later comes sooner than you think. Why not invite those you usually exchange with to spend quality time versus gift giving. It eliminates the stress of what to buy and provides memories that will be priceless.

5. indulge and eat well
Indulge in your favorite holiday treats, but keep a balance by eating well during 85-90% of the time. Don’t eat the treats you don’t really care about just because it’s there, and savor the first few bites of your indulgences. It’s ok to give it all a try in smaller portion sizes and enjoy without the guilt.

6. live without a schedule
Make room for holiday magic to unfold and cancel some of your planned activities.

7. nap
Give your body and brain a chance to recharge on those go-go-go holiday marathon days. Even 15 minutes can make a big difference.

8. get lost in a book
Unplug. Close your computer and other digital devices and curl up with a good book. Instead of reading something for self-improvement or work, read something for your heart and escape into a good read.

9. laugh
Call or spend time with those that make you laugh harder than anyone else. Then laugh until you cry.

10. find the blessings in your messes
For some reason we really like to beat ourselves up at the end of the year for all that we’ve done and left undone. Sometimes it takes a big, heart wrenching mess to wake us up, to inspire change, and to finally release us from the guilt of getting there in the first place. Understand the lessons and the blessings and move forward.

11. forgive
It’s not too late. Your forgiveness will not only heal their hearts, it will heal yours.   P.S. You don’t need an apology to forgive someone.

12. be grateful
Directing more of our attention towards gratitude for the things that make our lives wonderful are scientifically proven to make us healthier, more energetic, less stressed and anxious, and help us get better sleep.

13. say goodbye to guilt
Usually guilt is not guilt at all, but instead it’s sadness that you couldn’t do more to help, disappointment that you didn’t achieve something you set out to do, or anger because you said “yes” to something that deserved a “no”. Let that go.

14. give
There are so many opportunities to give, so many people and organizations in need. Pick something close to heart and give the way you want to give instead of how you think you are supposed to give.

15. make something
Be creative. Write a poem, start a book, draw or paint, and express yourself. Make. Create. Enjoy the process with no expectations.

16. breathe
Frustrated? Breathe in. Breathe out. Worried? Breathe in. Breathe out. Overwhelmed? Breathe in. Breathe out. Confused? Breathe in. Breathe out. Exhausted? Breathe in. Breathe out. Start there and you can often avoid over-thinking and over-reacting.

17. let go
There are benefits to moving through life, work, and relationships with a lighter step, a lighter look, and a lighter heart. If we want to be light, we have to let go of what is weighing us down.

18. stop and drop
If you’ve already overdone it, consider a full stop. Sometimes backing off isn’t enough. Take a whole day to yourself and vow to do nothing more than take care of yourself all day long.

I hope that you will take care of yourself over the holidays. It’s the best gift you can give yourself and everyone you love.

Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

Xo

Gina

Need a HYGGE?

Lately I have been really wanting to ground myself and enjoy a more simplistic way of life.  I am often regarded as the girl that can do it all, I work full time, have a busy lifestyle and holistic coaching practice, three boys, one of which is a toddler, and life in general is just BUSY.  I find myself needing and wanting to slow things down. In this feat I have come across the Danish lifestyle practice of HYGGE and have been adapting it little by little into my daily life. I have made a more conscious effort to spend more time present with family and friends.  I have enjoyed that cup of coffee and savored that glass of whiskey for a little while longer.  My husband and I have been cooking home cooked meals together at least 3-4 nights a week and have made a more conscious effort to slow things down.  I have turned off the television and have read at least one book a week with a candle burning nearby while wrapped up in a cozy chunky-knit blanket.  I have lingered in the shower for a few extra minutes to enjoy the warmth on colder mornings.

So I have broken down what I have learned about Hygge and what I am starting to practice in hopes that in translating it here, you can adopt some of this practice and also enjoy your time alone, with family and friends and ultimately have more precious moments this holiday season.

What is HYGGE? How to embrace this cozy Life Style Concept:
In Danish, hygge is (pronounced “HUE-gah”). Though there are many ways to describe hygge, it is known simply as the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. Friends. Family. Graciousness. It is used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cozy, charming or special.

Frequently described as ‘coziness’ or ‘togetherness’ in English, the term has no literal translation, making it almost impossible to pinpoint exactly what hygge means. Largely defined as more of a feeling or mood more than a specific word, the concept can be interpreted as a mental state rather than a physical one. 

Hygge is the art form of creating intimacy in any given moment. Normally a social occasion for loved ones to get together to experience the comradeship, warmth and contentment of the event, it can also be enjoyed alone to calm the nerves and sooth the senses. It is about appreciating the small joys in life at all times. 

How to Adapt to a Hygge Lifestyle

1. Light a Candle(s)
Whether scented or unscented, candlelight transforms an interior space into a flickering escape from chilly weather and a simple lit candle is seen as one of the most fundamental hygge moments to achieve. Give it a glow.

2. Add Textures to your Space
When you think of cozy and warming to create the perfect relaxing moment, think of lusciously soft textures for your décor such as chunky knit cushions, faux fur throws and pillows and fluffy woolen rugs. Not only does this create a modern and on trend styled look in any room, when combined with a roaring fire or soft candlelight, there is no setting more hygge.

3. Keep it Simple
You don’t need to overhaul your interior to make it more "hyggeligt", tiny additions to the home can transform any moment. Treating yourself to your favorite coffee or tea, indulging in new bubble bath and add some candlelight or finally putting your favorite photographs on the wall are all instant mood lifters whenever you use/see them, so take the time to enjoy them.

4. Hygge with Family & Friends
Why not invite your nearest and dearest over and get cooking, or enjoy a glass of wine (or whiskey) by a fire? Try hosting a Game Night. Not just reserved for staying inside, hygge can also be found in the great outdoors and joy can be found from simply putting on your warmest clothes and going on a winter walk with your favorite people. The notion of hygge can also be used to uplift others, so test out your baking skills and take your creation round to a friend’s house you haven’t seen in a while to indulge in a spot of hygge together.

5. Take Up a New Hobby or Practice an Old One
Taking up new hobbies to enjoy in the home allows you to switch off and refocus the mind. Turn off the TV and computers, put down the phones, and grow to love something new that you can nurture during your hygge moments in the home or pick up something you used to love to do but don’t have time for anymore. Curl up and read a good book or take on a new crafty hobby such as knitting or sewing.

6. Slow it Down
We are always rushing aren’t we? We always have somewhere to be and we are always thinking about the next thing we have to. To truly hygge you need to slow down a bit to take it all in, enjoy the small cozy moments. There will always be something else to think or worry about but this concept teaches you to take each moment as it is without rushing onto the next. Sleep in! Take the time to really enjoy the mug of coffee you have made, stay an extra ten minutes in the shower to ensure daily stresses have melted away and definitely savor that slice of cake – or you will regret it later.

7. Don't Overdo it
Hygge is never about overdoing it. It’s not about who you can impress or wow.  It is more about creating a warm and inviting space for friends and family to gather—or one that is your own unique haven.  Dinner gatherings should be simple and go back to basics for a more natural, laidback feel.

8. Enjoy the Space Around You
The key idea behind hygge is to enjoy the environment around you and feel that you have your own sanctuary to retreat to and escape and enjoy true relaxation. So whatever you are doing, take the time to revel in the tiny moments that make you smile and uplift the soul.

9. Remember to Hygge Year Round
Hygge is frequently associated with coziness, but it is a life style that can be enjoyed all year round. In warmer months, go to a local park for a picnic, sit out in the sun with a magazine, enjoy a BBQ outside with friends.  

10. Find the Hygge in a simple hug
Remember Hygge is more of a feeling than an activity.  It’s more about the connections made and the state of being.  If you look it up, it is appropriately linked to the word “hug”. 

So go ahead, pull someone close and start your Hygge lifestyle journey- one hug at a time. 

Xo
Gina

Your Life...Styled | Gratitude Challenge

Your Life...Styled | Gratitude Challenge

November is a month that is celebrated for giving thanks and reflecting on all that we are grateful for as we quickly find ourselves in the throes of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It is important to be thankful during this time, however more importantly we should practice gratitude daily.  I firmly believe that the simplest and most effortless habit for living a happier life is to take one or a few minutes every day to focus on what you are grateful for in your life.

Last year I posted something similar to this, but this year truly awakened me to the power of being grateful-as hard as it can be at times to find something to be thankful for. For the past year, I have sat down just about every night and wrote out 3 simple things that I was grateful for that day. I simply reflected upon my day and picked 3 things that stood out as something to be appreciative for no matter how small it may seem.

I give myself only ONE line for each item because I want this process to be quick and simple. No explanations or long drawn-out journal entries here… just a short and sweet log of the things that made me happy and appreciative that day.

At first, I had a hard time coming up with 3 items to write down each day. You see, I wasn’t in a gratitude mindset when I first started. Life can be HARD, very hard as I am sure you all know with the challenges you face regularly or from time to time.

Something however that is pretty unexplainable has happened to make me a firm believer in this practice and my perspective has permanently shifted.

First what happened was instead of staring at my 3 blank lines not knowing what to write, I somehow just knew what to write.

You see, by logging my gratitude each day, I began looking for more things to be grateful for. I woke up wondering what things life would put in my path that day that I’d be able to include in my gratitude log that night.

I found myself on a daily search for things to be grateful for, because there were so many things to focus on that were causing me pain. I started to notice all of the things that I had previously been taking for granted.

Do you know what gratitude really does, though?

It squashes your negative mindset. It challenges your thoughts. It changes your behavior. It allows for more positive to be attracted to you.

Keeping a log of all the things you are grateful for slowly conditions your mind to believe (and rightfully so) that you actually have a LOT to be grateful for. It takes all of those negative thoughts like “I don’t have enough _____ (you fill in the blank: time, money, friends, talent, fun) and turns them into positives.

Suddenly you find yourself constantly thinking about the things that are going well in your life. Even if they are super-tiny ones like a warm steamy shower, that hot cup of coffee that smells and tastes so good in the morning, a great new book, a hug.

This practice has shifted my perspective in a much more positive direction. It has granted me the ability to look at life with an abundance mentality, sometimes during the most difficult and trying times, and I know that it will do the same for you!

Don’t just keep the gratitude on the inside. Express it.

Make other people happier too – and help them to perhaps pay it forward later on – by expressing how you are grateful for having them in your life. Plus, their smile and the joy in their eyes when you tell them this will make you happier too.

Now, that gratitude could just be a small sentence. But it can have a big impact on someone’s day, week or even life sometimes.  I believe that we all have reasons to be grateful, some days, weeks and months it is harder than others to truly feel positive and grateful, but I am consciously making an effort to journal what I am grateful for each night before I go to bed.  This helps me keep things in perspective.  I also must stress, if we all get into more of this practice-you never know how your kindness, advice or love can make an impact and be what someone else records in their journal.

What are YOU grateful for? This month, I challenge you to start a life style of expressing gratitude.  

Write down 3 things that you are thankful for every day or evening. Tell the people in your life that you appreciate them.  Show yourself some love.  Enjoy that hot cup of coffee.  

Knowing how this could change your entire perspective on life, I really hope you’ll give it a try. If you accept-let me know!!! There will be something in store for you in return :).

I am grateful for all of you and I am wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.   

Xo

Gina

Style Your Zenful Life: Tips for a Calmer Lifestyle

Style Your Zenful Life

Our lives can be busy, hectic and at times overwhelming-on the daily. Most of us start out with good intentions to bring a little more decompression and calmness into focus, but often times that seems like a wish more than an action we can accomplish.  It doesn’t have to be so hard.  What I’ve learned is that the smallest changes can add up over time and become more of our daily routine.

Here are some tips to Bring on the Zen…

1.     Don’t overcommit and set limits. If you find that your life is overfilled, you may need to set some limits. So stop doing some of the least important things, the things that honestly don’t matter that much. Set a limit for how many times you will check inboxes, Instagram, Twitter etc. per day. And say no to anything that will overextend you if you really don’t have the time.

2.     Find a way to decompress that works for you. I like working out to release tensions and curling up with a good book. Get in the car and drive with the tunes on high. What works for you? Long walks, or a run, yoga, meditation, going down to the water or taking a nice hot bath? Find out and do that.

3.     Get out of your own head. Don’t make mountains out of molehills. This can create a lot of unnecessary stress. When facing what looks like a mountain ask yourself questions like: Does someone on the planet have it worse than me right now? Will this matter in 5 years? These questions help you to zoom out and realize that things may not be that bad and that you can handle them.

4.     Slow it down. Your emotions can work backwards too. If you slow down while walking, moving your body or talking you can often start to feel less stressed (compared to if you move/talk fast). Slowing down to decrease stress goes for many other things you do in everyday life too like eating, working at your desk and having a conversation.

5.     Unclutter your space and unclutter your mind. Give yourself just 5 minutes to declutter your workspace or the room you’re in-or start smaller with a drawer at a time. A uncluttered, simplified and ordered space around you brings clarity and order to the mind. So don’t stop there. Declutter, simplify and organize your home and life too to live in a more relaxing environment.

6.     Use a minimalistic mindset. Eliminate the distractions. Once you have decluttered your space take pride in the simple things you surround yourself with. Rid yourself of distractions here. This will brings you a sense of peace and makes it easier to focus.

7.     Be 10 minutes early. It’s a small habit but it can transform much of your travel time during the year from a slightly or very stressful time to periods of relaxation and recharging.

8.     Ask instead of guessing. Reading minds is pretty much impossible. But still we often try it and create anxiety, uncertainty and misguided conclusions for ourselves. So ask and communicate instead. It may sometimes be a bit hard at first but it can save you and the people around you so much trouble in the long run. I can’t stress this one enough!

9.     Disconnect. Disconnect or at least limit your internet activity and the checking of your smart phone.  Spend more of your time and give undivided attention on your family, friends, hobby or maybe being out in nature.

10. Breathe. When stressed, lost in a problem or the past or future in your mind breathe with your belly for two minutes and just focus on the air going in and out. This will calm your body down and bring your mind back into the present moment again.

When implementing even a few of these tips, you should feel more grounded, less stressed and the presence of a zenful lifestyle beginning to take shape. Namaste.

(Hey and if all else fails--you can always enjoy a nice whiskey!)

How do you Style the Zenful life YOU Want?

Healing Your Whole SELF

“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need” – Ayurvedic proverb

                         

I am excited to announce that I am officially a Certified Holistic Nutritionist! Many of my clients come to me for emotional support and advice, however during our sessions there is often a missing piece that I needed. Many clients struggle with health issues and I felt that I needed to have more training and information on how to offer solutions and guidance to support your goals.

I have always recognized that there is no “one size fits all” diet which is going to cure all illnesses. Through my insight and coaching with you, I focus on having a thorough understanding of your personal goals, needs, and lifestyle to create a food and life style that is tailored for YOU.

Let me help you get things back on track not only emotionally but physically as well so you can start thriving, rather than just surviving!

Food STYLE

Food has the power to nourish, heal and energize our bodies. As a society, we are no longer truly nourishing ourselves with food, usually because we are too busy to take the time to do so. Instead we opt for pre-packaged and processed “fake foods”, which cause us more harm than we could have ever imagined. To truly heal ourselves, we need to reconnect with real, whole, nutrient-dense foods and eat the way nature intended. 

Four simple food rules:

1. If you can grow it, pick it, hunt it; if it will rot; if it was once alive (plants as well) – eat it. If it is packaged and processed, don’t eat it

2. Food should always be enjoyed – “healthy” does not have to mean “tasteless”

3. Create an awareness and appreciation of how you eat and where the food you eat comes from

4. Choose quality over quantity


Active Life STYLE

Exercise is a form of stress on the body, which means a little can be of huge benefit to your wellbeing, but too much is just as detrimental as none at all. My key exercise principles:

1. Train smarter, not longer, doing a variety of exercises and movements that you enjoy and have fun!

2. Never view exercise as “punishment” for something else

3. Always allow adequate time for rest, recovery and regeneration and incorporate mindfulness in your routine to help with stress and decompression

My Life STYLE Approach

My philosophy is simple: Eat real food! Holistic nutrition addresses the whole person by determining and addressing the underlying causes of your health conditions rather than simply addressing the symptoms.Stress, negativity, lack of sleep and lack of play can undo all of the benefits we obtain from eating well and training smart. It’s true. 

So start being kind to yourSELF (and others) NOW by:
1. Try to get 7-8hrs of sleep each night to allow your body to adequately rejuvenate
2. Incorporate stress management into each and every day, such as meditation, deep breathing or simply going for a 10 minute walk (or sit) outside
3. Play! Do something fun with friends or family on a regular basis that is unrelated to work or exercise

Remember –

• 
Optimal wellness is so much more than simply eating good food, but food is an excellent starting point
• You can’t out-train a bad diet
•  Have fun with your new life style approach to wellness

Styling Your Personal Program:

I design personalized nutrition & wellness programs for my clients, who come to me with a variety of concerns such as stress, fatigue, aches and pains, weight gain and weight loss, digestive issues, hormonal balance, infertility, PMS, anxiety & mood swings, or direction with cleansing/detoxing.

My approach focuses on three main areas: nutrition, lifestyle/emotional wellness, and exercise/stress relief. I will design a meal plan, help you uncover hidden food allergies that may be causing some health problems, and aside from what I uncover during the consultation process, I use my insight and training to uncover areas of imbalance, and I’ll recommend various methods to help you achieve optimal health.

You deserve to be SELFishly Styled from the inside out and to live a life that is healthy and vibrant!

If you are interested in a FREE Holistic Nutrition Assessment, Contact Me Today or visit my website, www.ginaclapprood.com

xo

Gina

Falling HARD for Fall

It’s already October and this can only mean one thing,

AUTUMN IS ON IT’S WAY. Summer’s over and we are back in the “normal” routine of our lives.  I have always loved autumn, it’s not too hot and not yet too cold.  The leaves are turning on the trees and getting ready to fall.  And fall HARD.  Much like most of us do as we start to reflect on the year and our summers that came to another quick end. 

To me, this symbolizes a time that is bittersweet.  The colors of the leaves change, the nights get darker much earlier and depending on your outlook on it, this is a time that can represent barrenness or the preparation for renewal.  I tend to choose the latter. 

To grow, we must release and let go of the dead weight that is holding us back.  This season should serve as a reminder to shed the parts of ourselves that we need to let go of.  We don’t need to completely change, but adjust in order to blossom new ideas, deepen our relationships with ourselves and others and grow into who we are meant to be.

If you’ve made mistakes, forgive yourself and let them go. If you’ve made choices you regret, free yourself of them. If you have even purchased items that no longer serve you, donate them to someone they can serve. Letting go requires us to acknowledge facing the unknown and trusting in ourselves to grow even stronger than we were before.

As you think about the “leaves of yourself” that you are letting go, it is the perfect time to cozy up and comfort yourself in the process with all the delights of the season.

Here are some things I recommend you do to help give yourself support through the process of falling hard this autumn season:

• Practice positive affirmations 
• Set aside time each day to decompress and slow down 
• Wrap yourself up in a cozy sweater or blanket and read for a while 
• Drink a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate-or pumpkin spice anything, or you know a nice neat whiskey :)  
• Light a candle and take a relaxing bath (if you’re a mom-don’t forget to lock the door!!!)
• Cook some favorite Fall inspired comfort food like apple crisp and chili 
• Sit outside by a fire 
• Get in the car and take a scenic drive to see the foliage 
• Catch some z’s early and treat yourself to some much needed restorative rest 
• Write in a journal about what you are releasing
• You can take this a step further and write your thoughts down on a piece of paper and then burn them in that outside fire to truly let them go 
• Create a Vision Board that is themed on renewal and self-care for the season ahead 

What will you do to Fall Hard and take care of you SELFishly?


XO, Gina

Time to Level Up!

How many of us go through life wondering do we belong here? Who genuinely loves and cares about us? Who is in our inner circle? Who will miss us when we are gone? Yes, this post is off to quite the start, but I must share, these are all the thoughts that have been in my mind recently. I fully admit that I wanted to keep it a secret that I was turning 40 last month, yet at the same time felt myself telling everyone?!  I don't know why, but I did. Holy confusing I know. Am I OK with it or not? It's time to make up my mind--so I decided it is time to embrace it and level up.

I would like to equate it to feeling like I hit a new level in my life. A whole new level of my life, that I will navigate using my prior learned lessons. I was (ah hemmm still am) sad to kiss my 30s good bye, but at the same time I feel like if I take a step back and observe my own life from the outside, it's kind of like wondering what the next season will bring.  Just like a television series, there is the wonder of excitement, the unknown that sparks intrigue yet also some fear.  Each year and each decade if we look back, we often realize that major life shifts have happened. We have navigated through the storms, the trials and tribulations but if we are lucky enough, we have loved harder, danced longer, laughed crazier and enjoyed all those other precious moments in between.  

For me, this new decade of turning 40 is truly about leveling up. I vow to focus on the simple and sacred moments that money can't buy.  Because just like any series you watch, you just never know when your favorite character will be off the show, or if new characters come into focus for you to get to know, or even if the entire series has an unexpected series finale.  I want to make sure I experience each moment purposefully.

One of those moments happened for me during my 40th birthday evening with my closest family and friends.  At the party, everyone was handed a white illuminated balloon and each of us tied a wish for ourselves to it.  We released them into the night sky at the same time.  It was a magical moment.  What was also magical was most of my family and friends came up to me afterwards and hugged me, wished me a happy birthday and told me in various ways how much they loved me and how much I have helped them in their lives.  Some even told me that they wouldn't be where they are today if it were not for me and my guidance.

It's ironic because as a little girl, I was always conflicted.  I possessed wisdom beyond my years but didn't understand how I could have the knowledge that I did.  I’ve come a long way since then. It’s not that I didn’t feel loved and cared about before this party, but this night was for ME, my family and friends came to celebrate ME.  The love that I felt surrounding me was a really nice affirmation, that only reconfirms I do belong here and serve a concrete purpose for those in my life. It was the perfect springboard into the next level of my life.

With that being said, I have been thinking a lot about my work advising others. I am leveling up my practice to encompass the more seasoned and confident me.  I have years and thousands of hours of client service behind me.  Experience and time is an extraordinary teacher and I am ready to expand my wisdom.   I have leveled up my own personal growth and know without a doubt that I am living my purpose and concretely help people find and live theirs.  I am ready to live my truth and pass that truth onto others.

I am excited to officially launch my new website www.ginaclapprood.com! I hope you will visit me there for more information, inspiration and motivation on how I can support you in designing the life that you want. Subscribe to stay in the know on all promotions, workshops and events. (There just may be a little something for you too if you do!)

If you are ready to truly participate in your own life and live each moment for you, level up with me!  I will help guide you to style the life you want, the life you desire, and even more important, the one you deserve.  

You deserve to live a life that is styled for you...by me.

Let’s do it!

Xo,

Gina

Oh Hey There 40...I'm Ready for Ya!

So this is it…(dramatic pause here)…the last day of my 30s.  I know that sounds dramatic but I feel like I have learned so much just in this year alone that it’s important to me to document it somehow.  Forty is coming at me fast and furious, part of me is ready, part of me is in denial, and part of me has a half pint left of Ben and Jerry’s Urban Bourbon sitting in my freezer on standby when I’m ready to eat my feelings.  

Anywho, so now I guess it’s time for me to become an adult, a legit, forty-something. I guess now I am supposed to be wiser and more seasoned on certain topics, right?  However, somehow I still feel like I am a twenty-something which makes no sense because I have no interest in going back to my twenties. I must be getting older because I never thought I would say that. Like EVER. I am at the stage in my life where I am looking back and can say that I am so different than who I was at this point ten years ago entering my 30s, and I am actually proud of the person I’m becoming.  

I do feel that as I look back I am trying hard to remember what I have learned over the last 39 years and 364 days.  The ah-ha! Moments, the ups, the downs, and hard life lessons.  At the end of the day, the biggest lesson is: It shouldn’t really matter-just live your life to the fullest and be happy.  I am pretty sure everyone has these moments at some point or another. What matters is what you do about them, take from them and learn from them.

So here is a list of 40 things I have learned along the way about life and/or myself. Maybe you already know all of the things on my list or maybe I can help you to pick up a few new facts before your next birthday.

1. There are not going to be 40 things on this list.  Who has time to read through 40 things?! Not this girl. I don’t even know if I would have 40 things to list here. And 10 years ago, that would have been what I would do, I would have listed 30 things and it would have been all cute and completely predictable of me. 

This almost 40-something has learned that I would much rather not go with the status quo lately.  Do what may be a little unexpected, break the mold, try to be full of surprises.  So maybe I’ll end up listing 8, 19, 34 or 20 things—doesn’t matter. Learn that you don’t need a plan, and wing it sometimes.  I have always had a Plan A, and then a Plan B, and a Plan C on standby.  Now, I am trying to just go with the flow as much as I can.  This has been a hard one for me, especially being a Virgo—but it has been an important one and if you read no further I’m ok with that because I feel that strongly about this one.  

2. Just as important, (and thank you for continuing to read on) your eyebrows really shape your face.  I learned that the hard way when I “accidentally” removed the inner halves of mine when I was like 12.  It wasn’t a good look on me.  Take care of those arches ladies (and gents). It’s one of the first things I notice and I can’t help it.  Guilty as charged. 

3. Growing up my grandmother would always say, “Little girls should be seen and not heard”.  So that’s pretty much how I grew up, kept to myself, observed and listened…until something clicked and I realized that wasn’t me—I should be SEEN and HEARD.  I mean there is a way to do this appropriately, so I suggest when you are seen and heard you do so with class.  Class is important.

4. Speaking of class…you either have it or you don’t. There is no in between.

5. Smile when you feel sad and know that it’s ok to ask for a hug. Try it right now, if you make the biggest smile you can, you will automatically feel happier.  If you are lucky enough to have someone to hug you—really hug you tight and hang there for a few moments—that feeling alone can melt the sadness away.  I can always go for a hug like that. (tomorrow would be a REALLY good day for a hug)

6. I need a lot of different shampoos. NEED not want. That’s just the way it is.  Bad hair day…blame the shampoo of the day.   Switching it up is a good thing…on the daily. My husband doesn’t call me Medusa for nothing, sometimes I put extra bottles in there just to mess with him.

7. I am not a good cook.  I tried. I can try harder. I need to make the time to cook and when I actually do I can be semi-good at it.  But it’s not my forte and I will accept it.

8. This brings me to meal prep.  It’s impossible in my house.  Can’t happen, my savages eat all my food, healthy or not.  So, spending time prepping for the week here just translates to how much can I prepare so that these little animals can eat it all in less than 4 hours.  Not for me.  

9. Hairspray.  I can’t live without it.  Not in a Teresa Caputo way, but if I am going to have any style to my hair—it needs to be held with the spray.  Don’t judge. 

10. Lipstick.  Need I say more? You can never have too many. Don’t leave the house without any on.  Even if it’s a clear gloss, I always have something on.  OK? OK.

11. Amazon Prime Membership is totally worth it.  It can be dangerous, but totally worth it and saves a bunch of time.  

12. You will reevaluate relationships every so often.  There are people that we cross paths with for a reason, a season and for a lifetime.  They will enter your life at different times and you may be surprised just who your absolute true friends are.  When you do, let them know how much you love them and care about them.  If it’s consistently not reciprocated, you will know it’s time to place your energies elsewhere. 

13. Just say the real reason, if you can, that you may need to cancel plans with someone.  Don’t give a lame excuse.  I would rather hear you are broke, don’t feel like it because you had a long day, don’t want to see me, don’t like me anymore, whatever, than get some reason that is obviously not the reason you are canceling.  

14. Read as much as you can. Whatever you want to read, just keep your brain sharp, escape in a book, and learn something new.  I’ve recently started reading again and it’s become my escape and it’s a feeling of accomplishment when you finish a book and can feel the impact it has made on you.  

15. I am not a politically charged person.  I may pay attention, but I will respect your choices no matter what side you are on. Everyone has a right to their opinion. I’ll leave that one there.

16. Whiskey.  Who knew? I used to drink Midori Sours! Ten years ago I never would have thought I would be drinking whiskey when I loved my sugary drinks. And now I love me a good whiskey.  I love the warmth of it and the benefits. Don’t know what they are? Google them…stat! You. Are. Welcome.

17. If you want something, ask for it.  Don’t think that you can’t, don’t hint because people usually don’t pick up on the hints.  Just put it out there. Straight. 

 18. Get a bra fitting. If your bra fits you right, you will see and feel the difference.  After three kids….you can trust me on this one. 

19. Don’t think every new trend and style is for you. If you don’t love the way you look in something and feel you just look “ok” don’t buy it.  Also ask yourself if something is too trendy or if the piece is something classic enough where you will get your wear out of it for many seasons.  Trust me on this. I decluttered and was sick to my stomach when I saw all the trendy clothes that I put in the donation pile. It feels good to donate though but think about your purchases first and ten years from now. 

20. Learn how to say no, let go and let it flow.  Ditch the whole idea of being perfect.  You will disappoint others, yourself included.  It’s normal and part of life. It’s how we learn.  But it’s important to stay true to yourself and do what is right for you-so if saying no to something is what fits best with your desires-by all means do it.  

21. Do not over commit and under deliver. Just don’t. It’s so much better to just say no and leave it at that.

22. If you are thinking of doing something nice for someone-do it.  Don’t OVERDO it. So many times I used to see something that would remind me of someone and want to buy it or mention it, and didn’t because I didn’t want to seem like I was being “too nice” or whatever it may be seen as. These days, if you cross my mind and I see something I will let you know, because life is just too short to not show you I care.

23. Let your kids splash in the puddles after the rain.  (My sister will just love this one) Live vicariously through them with a little bit of reckless abandon.  That kind of happiness is so good for the soul, for them and for you.  

24. Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s.  I can assure you that what you think isn’t always the case about someone almost 100% of the time. Trust me on this. I am the keeper of a lot of secrets and I can attest to this for many of my clients. Life isn’t always what you think it’s like for someone on the outside as it is for them on the inside.

25. Don’t assume. Don’t.  What we create in our heads will destroy us.  Ask questions, communicate with each other and get the FACTS.  Much conflict in relationships can be avoided and resolved if we can eliminate our assumptions about what the other is thinking, doing, why they are not responding back, etc. It’s too vicious of a cycle.

26. Don’t rely on all these popular inspirational books.  I read them myself but I feel it is important to listen to your own inner voice.  Learn what it is that inspires you. Your OWN story.  What is your story? Write that versus reading someone else’s.  

27. Life is hard.  It will challenge you, break you, build you back up.  It’s a roller coaster ride for sure.  It’s up to you to figure out what makes you happy. Live your own moments and relish in the small moments. Someday you may look back and realize they were the big moments. This is the hardest part for me about turning 40, it’s not the whole aging thing or any of that, despite my references to lipstick and shampoo above.  For me, it is that I don’t want to miss those moments that are yet to come. Life IS short, every day isn’t guaranteed and each day we wake up we should remind ourselves of that. (Put the lipstick on though just to be safe)

So, we will leave it there at 27 things. Deep breath, I am smiling because I feel a little sad, I need a hug but I’ve got this. Oh and one more thing…

28. I have learned that you can have TONS of class and drop and F bomb every now and then and it feels really good when you do. (You know you want to drop one right now just because)

And so with that… I’ll accept this and say Eff it…Hey 40! I'm Ready for Ya! Let's do this! (Let me just finish my Urban Bourbon first)

Xo, Gina

Significant as the 'G' in Gina

Recently what has been coming up for me is the sense of feeling insignificant, despite my attempts to take care of myself and put myself first.

I posted something the other day that said, “Today I am going to be as useless as the ‘G’ in Lasagna”. That’s actually what prompted me to think about this post and write about how I was feeling. I am certainly not feeling useless.  But can identify with that insignificant ‘G’ in lasagna.  It’s like the ‘I’ in Gina. Not really necessary but makes the word look a lot better.  Or on the flip-side, there are the a$$holes that will tease me and call me G (long I sound) na-knowing how much I hate it. Then by all means that letter's gots- to- go.

Anywho....back to the G. Who the hell am I? Why am I feeling insignificant? I mean I know I have the peeps that love me, care about me—who are my PEOPLE.  The ones that really want to see me, spend time with me, and listen to what I have to say and not rush through our time together. 

Not sure.  I try to make plans and it’s like everyone is busy—too busy—sure, I’m busy too-but I always give a plan B and follow through.

This feeling has come up at different times in my life –I am pretty sure it’s coming up now because I am coming up on my birthday and per usual, reevaluating the last ten years and gearing up for the next ten. Wanting to hold on to the people around me because I feel like life is so short we never know what the next day will bring.  So morbid I know, but true.

So, here’s a little story. The other night I was talking about hearing that Ben and Jerry’s came out with a new flavor of ice cream. Urban Bourbon.  For this Whiskey Girl-say no more! I need to find it and of course can’t find it anywhere! I was telling my husband how I have been everywhere on a mission to find it and have had no luck. It was just a passing conversation, but an hour later, my eleven-year-old son, Josh, came inside from playing and came up to me to tell me that he was Googling places to see where Urban Bourbon was being sold.  

This kid HEARD me. He was paying attention to me. I am NOT insignificant to him.  It was important to him to try to help me find it and I can’t even tell you how my heart could have burst in a million pieces at that moment.  

And in that moment, it hit me…smacked me right in my gut. I needed to call myself out and realize that this feeling of whatever the hell I was feeling is -

Bullshit.

I’m not insignificant. No one can make me insignificant – or feel insignificant – except for me.

It’s true. It’s not anyone’s responsibility to make me feel more important.  It’s mine – and mine alone. I mean a little love from you would be helpful—but it all stems from me and my perception.

If I’m feeling invisible, it’s not because others aren’t seeing me. It’s because I’m not seeing me. I am allowing others to make me feel the way I am feeling versus letting them know that I miss them, want to see them, spend time with them.  Or I need to let them go.

I am not going to become invisible to myself. I am certainly not invisible to my son who was paying attention to the little details of my conversation last night.

I become significant by seeing myself. All of me-the good, the bad(ass), and the ugly – the joy and the pain, the laughter and tears.  The real me. 

When I see me, others see me.

When I see me, it doesn’t matter if others see me.

So, I will strive see myself as significant as the G in Gina.

(And I AM going to find that pint of Urban Bourbon)

Xo

Gina