MY 7 FAVORITE TED TALKS

Happy Wednesday, beauties!  How is your morning going?  Yesterday I shared this affirmation on Instagram (side note: you should follow me there, as I post inspiring messages, meal ideas, and more).  I love affirmations, and often times come up with them while I am meditating, or just throughout the my day.  This helps set my intention for the day, and I love repeating them as necessary.  Every so often I will be sharing them here, too.  🙂

As much as I love affirmations, today I am going to be sharing some of my most favorite TED Talks with you.  Do you ever listen to TED Talks?  I find them incredibly inspiring and uplifting!  For those not familiar with TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design), they are a nonprofit organization that spreads ideas in the form of short (I think 20 minutes or less) talks. The speakers are well-versed in their topic, and range anywhere from authors to CEO’s to engineers to athletes to school teachers, and everyone in between.

For your viewing and listening pleasure I compiled a list of My 7 Favorite TED Talks.  Take a peek below!

1. Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability

My favorite Ted Talk to date.  Brené is witty, courageous, and simply amazing.  She shares her own personal story of vulnerability, and her quest to share it with humanity.  So good! #fangirl

2. Meg Jay: Why 30 is not the new 20

Whether you are a twenty-something or not, this is a great message on being present at any age.

3. Elizabeth Gilbert: Your elusive creative genius

I love Elizabeth Gilbert!  This is a very touching, and thought provoking talk.  Gilbert speaks about how we all have a genius within.

4. Amy Purdy: Living beyond limits

Amy is so inspirational!  She has such motivation and courage, and shares her wisdom of darkness and light in such a powerful way.

5. Susan Cain: The power of introverts

As an introvert myself, I connected deeply with Susan’s words.  Her passion is evident as she shares the talents and traits that introverts possess.

6. Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity?

I remember this being one of the first Ted Talk’s I ever watched.  I was blown away with Ken’s humor, passion, and honesty.  What he shares is profound, and really makes you think.

7. Meaghan Ramsey: Why thinking you’re ugly is bad for you

As a health coach and self-love advocate, I could not promote this talk enough!  Meaghan speaks candidly about the harmful impacts of negative thinking, and poor self-image.  This would be a great talk to share with everyone, especially young girls.

Do you have a favorite TED Talk?  Share with me!  I love to listen to new ones!

xo.  Jen

WEEKEND RECAP #33

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?  Did you celebrate Halloween?  My weekend was very full, but really fun, too.  I have LOTS of photos, so I’m jumping right into it!

After work on Friday we jumped in the car and headed to Ventura!  My Dad’s birthday was earlier in the week, so we went out for sushi that evening to celebrate.  My rainbow roll was delicious!

Saturday morning, Greg, Charlie, and I went down to the beach.  It was a STUNNING day! The water was super glassy, and the sun was shining beautifully!  Greg decided to take a bunch of photos, and I am SO glad that he did!  He got some really great shots!  After our walk, we went and had a breakfast burrito on the pier (which ended up holding me over for the majority of the day).

Saturday afternoon I met up with some friends.  Starla and I have been best friends for 18 years (CRAZY how time flies), and I have know her cousin Jo for just as long, and we’re all great friends!

Saturday evening we went to a Halloween party.  Greg was a priest, I was a nun, and Charlie was a dinosaur.  My mom was the cutest kitten ever, and my dad was a USC coach.  🙂

Sunday was church, lunch at Spencer Makenzie’s (I got the ahi burger, and shared my fries with everyone), visiting with more friends, then heading home.  We spent the rest of the evening snuggling on the couch, and going to bed early (time change got me all mixed up, haha).

All in all, another fantastic weekend!  Tell me about yours!

xo.  Jen

INTERVIEW WITH: RAVEN PINSKER

Good morning, beauties!  I have a special interview for you today, but before we jump into it, I wanted to do a brief check-in with you (my awesome readers).  In the upcoming posts, I really want to concentrate on quality over quantity.  Starting next week, I am going to try out only posting Monday/Wednesday/Friday.  This may be temporary, or it may be permanent.  Just seeing what works best.  Life is a constant learning process, right?

Secondly, I really want to hear from YOU (again, my stellar readers)!  What do YOU want to read?  Below is a quick poll for you:

Lastly, I have three coaching spots available for November.  If you’re interested in working together, or just wanna chat, connect with me here.  Okay, on to the interview!

Meet Raven Pinsker!  Raven and I have been friends for quite some time.  We met at our spiritual center when we were about 13/14 years old, and instantly became friends.  Well, let me just say, that while yes, she is stunning, her heart of gold and kind spirit is what I adore most about her! Raven is a professional make-up artist that uses her creativity to enhance the inner and outer beauty that we all naturally embody.  I asked Raven to join us today, because she is SUCH a HHB gal!  She is all about empowering women, and raising the beauty consciousness.   I am so excited to have her here for all of you learn more about her, and her biz.  Take a peek below to learn more about Raven!

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

RAVEN: I am a Professional Makeup Artist, certified by The Academy of Makeup and Fashion in Canoga Park, California. ♥  I’ve been doing makeup free-lance for about two years with focus on Bridal, Print and Special Events.

Q: What inspired you to become a make-up artist?

R: Empowering women.  In my personal experience as a woman, mother and Makeup Artist, I find most women (myself included) too easily focus on what we don’t like about ourselves, feel defined by those “flaws” and perhaps even apologize for them.  As women, we are naturally powerful, and can inadvertently allow our self-proclaimed imperfections to define our self-image and confidence.   What inspires me is the ability to remind women of their beauty and to bring their beautiful features to light.   That is empowering. 🙂

Q: If applicable, how is your relationship with make-up different now, than it was when you were in high school?

R: To put it very kindly, I was a makeup catastrophe in high school.  I saw makeup as a way to hide from my perfectionistic insecurities and low self-esteem.  I was the biggest critic of my own appearance, not willing to accept that although my features are different, they are beautiful in their own way.   Instead, my method was, the more makeup, EVERYWHERE, the better.  I used makeup to define me versus letting it enhance the natural beauty I had hiding behind it.

I think the biggest change in my relationship with makeup since high school, has been; me.  It took me time to discover my beauty, strength and positive self-image.  Today I use makeup to highlight the features I love most about myself, which would be my eyes, lips and cheek bones.  I feel great on the inside and want that to reflect on the outside.  It’s really great fun.

Q: Why do you love make-up, and what do you feel like it does to the person wearing it?

R: I love makeup because it’s an amazing tool for self-expression. It gives you control over the planes of your facial structure, manipulates how light and shadows hit your face, and can overall enhance the beautiful facial features we all have in one form or another.

It’s the most rewarding confirmation that I’m doing my life’s purpose when a client says to me, “I never knew I could look this beautiful” or “I never knew my eyes were that color!”  I think when women wear makeup they feel empowered and validated that they are amazing, and their features celebrated.

Q: How do you show yourself radical self-love?

R: Loving and accepting myself through my journey, the ups the downs and the imperfections along the way.  Knowing there is a reason why I strongly advocate self-love and empowerment for women from the inside out; as it is a chapter I can close with confidence and help others do the same.

Q: What is your favorite self-care regimen?

R: Taking the time to be centered no matter what life throws my way – trusting and always living from a place of gratitude for my soul’s journey and life’s blessings.

Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?

R: Raising my beautiful daughter, and doing girly things. 🙂

Q: Do you have a spiritual practice?  If so, describe it.

R: Not specifically, it’s more of a state of mind and a trust in a higher power.

Q: What does a Happy, Healthy Balance look like to you?

R: Doing in life what makes you the most fulfilled and happy! 🙂

Q: Where can we find you?

R: www.ravenmakeup.com//Facebook//Instagram

1. What is the last meal you cooked?

R: Lemon Chicken.

2. Favorite food?

R: Pasta.

3. Favorite way to indulge?

R: Staying in bed all day.

4.  What is your favorite way to move your body?

R: I love Pilates!

5. Who is your girl crush?

R: Huda Heidi Kattan.

6. What is your spirit animal?

R: Raven?

7. What is one of your favorite quotes?

R: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

8. What would you name the autobiography of your life?

R: Beyond Beauty

9. What is the best gift (material or not) that you’ve ever received?

R: My daughter.

10. What is your wish for the world?

R: Trust.

I hope you all enjoyed reading this interview with Raven, as much as I enjoyed asking her the questions!

xo.  Jen

HOW TO SHOW YOURSELF LOVE

Today I am featured on the lifestyle blog Just Go Left.  I talk about the importance of self-love, and different ways you can show yourself love.  Head over there, and take a peek!

Have a beautiful weekend!

xo.  Jen

 

 

INTUITIVE EATING 101

Hi friends!  Today I am here to talk about intuitive eating.  We, as humans, are intuitive by nature, and I feel that absolutely extends to our eating.  However, we (myself included) don’t always follow our intuition.  Intuitive eating is the idea that when we listen to and trust our bodies, we are naturally led to a way of eating that is best for us based on an individual level.

Who likes being on a restrictive diet?  I see zero hands raised.  Intuitive eating is the opposite of dieting. Dieting leads us to believe that there are “good” foods and “bad” foods, and when we don’t follow our diet strictly, we often feel guilty, and end up eating emotionally anyway.  No fun. P.S. I only know this because in the past, I HAVE BEEN THERE, way tooooo many times!

Let’s take a deeper look at intuitive eating, and how we can all connect with our inner intuition on a deeper level.

• Listen for your hunger.  Often times people eat because of one or more of the following reasons: the clock says it is 6:00pm and that is “dinner time,” our friends are eating so we should join them, out of habit, etc.

• Finish eating when you feel satisfied.  On a scale of 1 (starving, belly completely empty) – 10 (full, stuffed to the max), I feel best when I begin eating at a 3, and stop at a 7/8.  If we eat when we’re famished, we tend to eat everything in sight, and very quickly and mindlessly.  When we eat when we’re not hungry, more often than not, this is emotional and on a deeper level.  Something I always tell myself is “if you’re still hungry in 30 minutes, eat again.”  This always helps, and 99% of the time, I am not hungry later on.

• Eat things that taste delicious, and make you feel nourished.  Food is not only a source of energy, but it is meant to be pleasurable!  I’m not saying every meal for the remainder of your life has to be a 5 star gourmet experience, but what I am saying is that it should taste good!  Studies have shown that when we truly enjoy our food, whether it is a bowl of Brussel sprouts or a slice of chocolate cake, it nourishes us on a greater cellular level.

• Pay attention to how your body reacts.  Notice how your body feels after you eat.  Do you feel light with more energy, or sluggish and like you want to take a nap?  Do you feel saisfied, or like you need to eat 20 minutes later?  Any physical reactions (intestinal, headaches, etc.) may be a sign or an sensitivity or allergy.

• Trust yourself.  We are all unique individuals, and we all require different types of food to fuel our bodies.  What works for one person, may not work for the next (hence why diets don’t work).  Trust that your body knows what to do, and recognize when she will always provide you with the right nutrition.

Look at the photo above (taken on a trip to NYC with two of my favorite gal pals and fellow health coaches, Paige & Simi).  This is me.  All of me.  I’m not a size 2, nor do I have rock hard abs.  I have curves, soft skin, and strong legs.  I eat intuitively, I am STILL on my own personal journey and have days where I “feel all the feelings,” but most importantly…I am happy and healthy.

I hope this post was helpful!  If you are interested in learning more about intuitive eating, health coaching, or just want to explore, I’d love to provide you with a consultation.  Can’t wait to chat!

xo.  Jen

WEEKEND RECAP #31

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?  Mine was awesome, and family-filled!  We went to Ventura to hang with family and celebrate my brother’s birthday.  So much fun!  LOTS of photos below…

On Friday I took a half-day at work, and Charlie and headed up to Ventura (Greg came later after work).  Once there, a bunch of us headed to Brophy Brothers for a late lunch in the harbor.  It was hot all weekend, but absolutely beautiful nonetheless!  I ordered an ahi poke salad and a super spicy Bloody Mary.  Both were delicious!

Friday evening family and friends gathered in the backyard for dinner, drinks, and Cards Against Humanity.  So much fun!

Saturday (my brother Spencer’s actual birthday) morning we made cinnamon rolls and breakfast burritos at home.  SO good!

The birthday boy!

After breakfast, my brothers, Aunt Kathy and I headed to The Collection.  The boys went to REI, and Kathy and I went to Charming Charlie.  That place has so many great accessories!  I treated myself and bought a dress, necklace, and earrings.  Super cute!

Later that day, we all (both brothers, Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Auntie, Greg, and myself) jumped in our cars, and headed to Carpenteria.  Our friend other brother Curtis works at this awesome deli, and he personally made us the BEST sandwiches.  Seriously, I got the veggie sandwich, and it was amazing!

Greg, my brothers, and I stopped at the beach for sun and swimming on the way home.  The beach is my happy place!  🙂

Saturday night we celebrated again!  We had tostadas for dinner, and for dessert Spencer’s girlfriend made him the cutest the cake!  So sweet!

Sunday morning we relaxed, and had more family time.  Greg and I went downtown, then met Em for lunch.  Em and I shared a seafood salad and gnocchi, and I had a jalapeño-cucumber mojito.  YUM, and so refreshing on a hot day!

It was the perfect weekend!  I feel loved, filled, and super grateful.  Primary food to the max!!  Hope you all have a lovely week!

xo.  Jen

15 MEATLESS PROTEIN SOURCES

Hi friends!  One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “How can I get more protein without eating meat?”  Now, I am not saying you need to go vegan or vegetarian.  In fact, I am a firm believer in bio-individuality (everyone is different, so our bodies need different sources of nutrition).  However if it is something that you are thinking about, or you just want to incorporate different sources of protein, today I am sharing a bit more about it.  Take a peek!

Seitan – 63 grams per cup

Tempeh – 30 grams per cup

Cottage cheese – 28 grams per cup

Greek yogurt – 22 grams per cup

Lentils – 18 grams per cup

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – 15 grams per cup

Black beans – 15 grams per cup (cooked)

Chia seeds – 11 grams per serving (usually 2 tbsp.)

Broccoli – 11 grams per cup

Quinoa – 8 grams per cup (cooked)

Peas – 8 grams per cup

Oats – 7 grams per cup

Eggs – 6 grams per egg

Almonds – 6 grams per ounce

Spinach – 5 grams per cup (uncooked)

I hope this post gives you new ideas for meatless protein sources!  How do you like to get your protein intake?

xo.  Jen

P.S.  Happy Birthday, Greg!  You’re my rock, my best friend, my cheerleader, and the greatest partner imaginable.  I love you, and can’t wait to celebrate YOU!

INTERVIEW WITH: ASHTEN FROM JUST GO LEFT

Good morning, lovies!  I’m really loving the interviews I have been doing lately.  My first was with the lovely ladies from She Arises, and the second was with Helya Naghibi from The Studio. Both great, so I definitely recommend checking them out!  Today, I’m on to interview number three!

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ashten Giardine!  You’re going to love her as much as I do, I already know! 😉  She is the witty, charismatic, and joyful lifestyle blogger behind Just Go Left, and I simply adore her.  While Ashten may be a new friend to you, I have know her for roughly 15 years (think: me in my awkward braces-wearing stage in high school).  We bonded over lunch while eating Jack in Box curly fries, and I always thought she was soooo cool because she worked at Starbucks.  Fun fact: Ashten was the first person that EVER introduced me to texting.  Nowadays, we still chat about our deep love of coffee, but also our adoration for Brené Brown, wellness, dogs, USC Trojan football (don’t hate), and Andie Mitchell.

I wanted to bring Ashten to The HHB because of the joy that she chooses to embrace.  She speaks it, she lives it, and quite honestly, that is the vibe I get from her just by looking at her pretty face in a photo.  I LOVE that!  Joy is part of balance, and of course, that is what we’re all about here.  So, enough with my rambling, let’s chat with Ms. Ashten!

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!

ASHTEN:  I’m the lifestyle blogger behind Just Go Left.  I live in Atlanta with my boyfriend Kyle and our big white dog Gatsby.  I am always somewhere between healthy living and cramming a cupcake in my mouth (but I’m learning it’s all about balance)!  I believe joy can always be found in a good cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito.  Apparently I really like food.

Q: You recently launched your new lifestyle blog, Just Go Left.  Tell us a little bit about your intentions, and what you want to share with your readers.

A: Just Go Left is my love letter to living my best life.  It’s my attempt to be more balanced, make better choices and find joy among life’s twists and turns.  You will read tidbits and tales from my everyday life: the good, the bad and the funny.  I try to find the joy in all of it, usually with a cup of coffee in hand and my big white dog, Gatsby, in tow.

Q: I LOVE that you intentionally choose joy!  What does that look like to you?

A: Choosing joy means I find bravery and strength to thrive despite life’s obstacles. Easier said than done sometimes!

Q: Since we are both lovers of Brené Brown, I would love to hear how she inspires you, and which of her books is your fave?

A: I mean, what is there NOT to love about Brené Brown?! She’s one of my heroes. I love that she encourages us to get messy, to let go of the idea of perfection and get in touch with empathy and vulnerability. She makes me a better writer!

Q: How do you show yourself radical self-love?

A: I admit, I am not very good at radical self-love. I’m really, really hard on myself and I don’t always accept myself fully. This is something I’m really working on, and hopefully my blog will reflect this, and the positive changes that come from it!

Q: What is your favorite self-care regimen?

A: Every morning I wake up at 5:30am and take my dog, Gatsby, for a 3.5 mile walk around our neighborhood. It’s my quiet time: when I get centered, collect my thoughts and prepare for my day. I always feel ready for the day when I get home.

Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?

A: This might sound SO silly, but honestly, I feel the most beautiful when I curl my hair into “mermaid curls.”  I don’t know why, but adding a little sass to my hair always makes me feel a little more beautiful.

Q: Do you have a spiritual practice?  If so, describe it.

A: I write in a “joy journal” every night before I go to bed; I basically write down all the things (big and small) that brought me joy throughout the day. I know that’s not very spiritual, but it’s very therapeutic for me.

Q: What does a Happy, Healthy Balance look like to you?

A: A happy, healthy balance means I make choices that fuel me mentally, physically and spiritually.

Q: Where can we find you?  IE: site, blog, IG, FB, etc.

A: Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter

1. What is the last meal you cooked?

A: Sweet potato, cubed, seasoned with season salt and garlic powder, cooked in a pan with olive oil, with a scrambled egg on top. It’s my go-to meal right now: so easy and satisfying!

2. Favorite food?

A: Sushi, hibachi and breakfast burritos.

3. Favorite way to indulge?

A: Every time I come back to California to visit, I stop at In N Out and have a #2 animal style, with animal style fries. Never regret that meal!

4. What is your favorite way to move your body?

A: I like to walk my dog Gatsby every morning. We do 3.5 miles!

5. Who is your girl/boy crush?

A: Boy: Leonardo DiCaprio (since Titanic!)

Girl: Rachel McAdams

6. What is your spirit animal?

A boxer dog. They’re clumsy, playful, devoted, bright, loyal, energetic, friendly, calm, cheerful, confident, fearless, brave & intelligent.

7. What is one of your favorite quotes?

A: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” Albus Dumbledore

8. What would you name the autobiography of your life?

A: Give Me Coffee and I’ll Tell You Anything.

9. What is the best gift (material or not) that you’ve ever received?

A: After my grandma passed away in 2011, I was given one of her rings. It is, to this day, my most prized possession.

10. What is your wish for the world?

A: That we would spend less time comparing ourselves to others, and more time finding happiness in our own lives.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did!  Head over to Just Go Left, and show Ashten some love!

xo.  Jen

INFUSED WATER

Good morning!  Do you ever find yourself feeling dehydrated, or like you really need to be drinking more water in general?   Our bodies are made up of up to 60% water (and a larger percentage in certain organs).  That’s a really large amount!  It is so important to stay hydrated because it helps your brain function on a higher level, flushes out body waste and toxins, helps to deliver oxygen to the body, and so much more.

I get it, sometimes water can be kind of blah, (and frankly I would rather have a latte at times). Well, today I am here to share a few fun, delicious, and invigorating ways to drink more water!

Lemon

Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation
• Aids in digestion
• Cleanses your system

Raspberries

Benefits:

• High in antioxidants
• Helps regulate blood sugar
• Great for reproductive health

Basil and blueberries

Benefits:

• Great for your skin (basil)
• Stress reliever (basil)
• Helps with PMS (basil)
• Can help with your memory (blueberries)
• Improves urinary function (blueberries)
• Reduces muscle damage (blueberries)

Cinnamon sticks

Benefits:

• Lowers blood sugar
• Anti-inflammatory
• Protects against infections

There are a ton of ways to infuse your water!  You could also add mint, other types of fruit, apple cider vinegar, coconut water, and so much more!  As you can see, I use my Blender Bottle a lot!  This one is 28 ounces, and I probably fill it up at least 3-4 times per day (even more lately because it has been so dang hot).  Having my water in a bottle (as opposed to a glass) really helps me drink more.  Is anyone else like that?

I hope this was helpful, and I would LOVE to hear new water infusing ideas!  Leave me your tips and tricks in the comments.

xo.  Jen

P.S.  There is a super awesome interview coming tomorrow morning!  You will definitely want to read it!  😉

INTERVIEW WITH: HELYA FROM THE STUDIO

Good morning, friends!  Today I have a very special post for you.  Remember a few weeks ago when I did my first interview with the lovely ladies from She Arises?  Well, today I have my second interview for you!

I am very excited to introduce YOU (my amazing readers) to Helya Naghibi!  Helya is not only a friend of mine, but I also trained privately with her before I moved away from Ventura.  One of the things that I love about Helya is that she has such a big heart, and truly wants the best for everyone.  She literally researched various exercises and modifications just for me because of my weird knees, and we would test them out together.  Helya worked with me in a gentle, yet tough way, because she has so much faith in what her clients are capable of.  I also love that she innately knows the difference between when her clients need an extra boost, and when they need to rest.

Part of why I wanted Helya here on The HHB is because she is all about balance.  She meets people where they are at, and helps them set realistic, attainable goals.  Health and happiness are high on her list, and you can really feel that when you talk with her.  Honestly, I wish she would just move into our spare room, but I think her fiancé, pups, and everyone else in Ventura may miss her.  As for now, I will settle for seeing her via social media.

If you live in the Ventura County area, I highly recommend checking out The Studio for either a private session, or one of the amazing classes.  For now, read more about Helya below.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself!

HELYA: Hi! My name is Helya and I’m a NASM Certified personal Trainer and I own a small boutique studio in the beautiful city of Ventura, CA.  I absolutely love what I do, I am extremely passionate about health and wellness and my clients mean the world to me.

Q: Have you always been into fitness?  If not, what inspired you to get into your healthy lifestyle?

H: Nope! I was very much a late bloomer, as some would say. I did not seriously start making changes in my life until after I had gained all of my weight and was told by my family that I no longer had the metabolism I used to have. I also saw some really awful pictures and was horrified. I started to work out, but I didn’t actually change my lifestyle until about 3 years ago.

I always wanted to “lose weight” and to me, that was healthy. But there was a point where I realized, no matter how much “weight” I lost, I could always find something else to beat myself up about. I realized that losing weight was not a goal for me; I had to love myself first and simply take care of my body. That means I have to nurture it, give it good food and move. Move it every day! And honestly, everything else just fell into place after that!

Q: What was the motivation behind starting The Studio?

H: I have a confession: if you told me I would open a gym in a town where I knew no one and moved to only 3 years ago, I would call you crazy. But life is crazy! I have always known that I would work with people, I just had not realized how until I found fitness. When I took my first group class at a small gym, I was in awe of all of the amazing people around me. I then heard their stories and found my own. I started to get certifications left and right and before I knew it, I was being asked for advice, for training… and it ultimately just grew into this incredible community I now call, My Studio Squad.

Q: What is your mission/goal?

H: To help people become the BEST version of themselves, because they deserve to see that, be that and live that!

Q: How do you show yourself radical self-love?

H: I truly live the life I talk about with my client. I love my body. I care for my body by nourishing it, by moving it and by living the best version of me. I call that radical self love 😉

Q: What is your favorite self-care regimen?

H: It’s been tough owning a business, I’ll admit. And there have been highs and lows, just like anything else. I make sure to set my schedule correctly so I have a day where it’s about me. I get to do whatever I want. Sometimes that means, I get to cook all day and play with my doggies. Other times, it means I get to have a glass of wine with my hunny. Whatever it is, it’s about me and no one else.

Q: When do you feel the most beautiful?

H: I feel the most beautiful when I’m in my element. I’m in my element when I’m training. Whether I’m with a client, a class or by myself, I feel the most beautiful when there is sweat on the floor from HARD WORK!

Q: Do you have a spiritual practice?  If so, describe it.

H: Yes, I believe in a Higher Power and I speak to Him often. I have a spiritual group I confide in and a spiritual coach I call when I need advice. It is the one thing I cannot explain, the one thing I have no words for other than… it keeps me feeling alive and sane.

Q: What does a Happy, Healthy Balance look like to you?

H: A happy, healthy balance means two things to me: 1. It means it is from the heart. As in, I truly believe in what I do day to day and it makes me happy. And 2. It is healthy in more than one way… in all ways that make me whole: mind, body and soul.

Q: Where can we find you?

A: Oh boy, so many places!

Website: www.thestudioworkout.com

Facebook

Instagram:

Personal – @hellyahelya

The Studio – @TheStudioVentura

Nutrition – @TheStudioNutrition

Recently I’ve joined Periscope where I can interact with my clients live while I teach them something like a new recipe or a workout, or a recovery technique.

My name on Periscope is: @Hellyahelya

Also, you can always email me: Helya@TheStudioworkout.com

1. What is the last meal you cooked?

H: Slow roasted garlic tomatoes and pureed into a salsa!

2. Favorite food?

H: Honestly I eat everything. Anything homemade is my fave!

3. Favorite way to indulge?

H: McConnel’s Ice cream seems to be the one right now.

4. What is your favorite way to move your body?

H: Dancing, with loud music on, all alone, at my Studio.

5. Who is your girl crush?

H: Right now, Ruby Rose! But all time crush is Mila Kunis.

6. What is your spirit animal?

H: Not sure exactly what that is, but something that flies, fast like… a hummingbird.

7. What is one of your favorite quotes?

H: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

8. What would you name the autobiography of your life?

H: No. I don’t have a brother named Helno.

9. What is the best gift (material or not) that you’ve ever received?

H: My engagement ring – the promise to have a partner for the rest of my life.

10. What is your wish for the world?

H: My wish for the world is to live a life they are proud of.

I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did.  Thank you for joining us at The HHB, Helya!

xo.  Jen