Sweet Dreams: The Best Bedding Solutions

October 21, 2020

Being married to a Sleep Specialist means hearing a lot of advice about phone usage before bed, ideal meal times, and of course suggestions about bedding. After my recent pajama collaboration with Cozy Earth, I couldn’t help but wonder if their bedding was as soft as their pajamas.

Bamboo Sheets

I ordered a set of bamboo sheets from them and began researching what bamboo fabric actually is. Derived from the pulp of the bamboo plant, bamboo fabric is said to be the world’s softest and most breathable fabric (featured in Oprah’s 2018 Favorite Things) and after wearing it and sleeping on it for weeks, I have to agree (to learn about how it is made, click here).

Cozy Earth Pajamas — Cozy Earth Short Pajama Set (CODE: CHICKS50 for 50% off)

The sheets are not measured in thread counts like traditional sheet sets but feel like an ultra-soft and silky sateen. If you like the feel of mico-fiber sheets, then these sheets are NOT for you. These are super soft, lightweight, and breathable. I am not a night sweater, but people who are, swear by bamboo fabric.

This is a non-sponsored review of Cozy Earth bedding. Afterall, after finding the best sheets in years, I had to share it with all of you! If you are interested in trying out their collection of pajamas, loungewear, or bedding be sure to use code CHICKS50 for 50% off your order.

Bamboo Sheet Set ON SALE (Code: CHICKS50)

Pillows

Of course, a post about bedding would be remiss if we did not talk about pillows. Finding the perfect pillow can be a struggle, but I recently discovered a brand that will work for every single type of person out there. Luxome has a customizable pillow that you can create in your home to the height and firmness that you desire. I got one for me and of course one for the hubby and after customizing ours, they looked totally different. He prefers a flat but firm pillow (I call it a pancake-like pillow), I prefer a taller memory foam type feel. With the inserts provided by Luxome, you can truly make the perfect pillow in minutes.

CODE: RINA20 for $20 OFF

I know that neither the sheets nor the pillow are cheap, however, I tend or splurge on home items like this that I use every single day. This combination for your bed is truly life-changing. So if you are looking to try something new that is vetted and on sale, check out these products and let me know what you think!

Your Chick,

Rina

Lifestyle, Wellness

Now What? Let Serene Help You Achieve Your Fullest Potential

June 28, 2020

I am one of those people who believes I am capable of many things, but I can be a little ‘all over the place.’ Lately, I have been asking myself what is next for me- professionally, spiritually, and emotionally. In trying to sort through all my feelings and the confusion around my goals, I got an email from my friend Serene Hebert. Just in time to catch me before I fell, she reminded me that self-doubt and goal setting do not go hand in hand. She said, “If you are watching others achieve their goals and wondering when it will be your turn, it’s time to take the wheel.” I knew right away that I needed more of Serene in my life!

| Follow Serene for life changing tips on IG here @Renegades_2.0

I am one of those believers in affirmations; I have the Gratitude App to inspire and guide me daily. I also turn to places like YouTube for tutorials and ideas. These are all great, but they are things that I pop in and out of, and my confusion continues to cycle every few months.

Serene gave me some tools to get started on my journey of figuring out what is next. Some were easier than others:

Surround Yourself With Go-Getters (it will rub off)
Focus every day on your goals, work a little bit every day to build the confidence to take the steps head-on.
Practice Gratitude.
Make a decision, just do it! One way or another and move on.
Prepare to work harder than you have ever worked before because nothing comes easily or quickly.

Serene is a High Performance and Motivational Coach with tools to help you and literally HOLD YOUR HAND through the entire process. She won’t let you lose sight of where you want to be. Sometimes we need that kind of accountability. Similar to my personal trainer, Serene is there to ask the tough questions like, “What have you done lately to achieve your goals?”

In addition to the free tips she offers in her Facebook group, you can join her “Banish Limiting Beliefs™ workshop now for $27!

The workshop includes:

✅ 5 digestible, impactful core video trainings to banish limiting beliefs
✅ 2 self-assessments to benchmark and measure your progress
✅ A 7-day personal mindset pivot challenge that works!
✅ A custom-tailored workbook to help you apply the concepts to your own life immediately
✅ Audio training option for on-the-go learning

For now, my goals are mostly professional, but goals can be mental and spiritual too! For a fraction of what I pay my personal trainer, Serene helps me be a better me. I am hopeful that in my journey of self-discovery she can motivate me to stay on my path by staying on hers.

Learn more about High-Performance Life Hacks and Life Coaching from Serene by joining her closed Facebook Group today!!

Your Chick,

Rina

**This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Renegades 2.0**

Chicks Picks:

Lifestyle, Travel, Wellness

A Girls Getaways Close to Home; Check Out the Grand Geneva Well Spa

May 14, 2018

I am a Chicago native, and for most Chicago folks we look forward to Spring and, of course, summertime CHI! However, stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the city is a great way to decompress and reconnect with nature!

I recently took a weekend trip with some girlfriends and drove up to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. It was a quick 2 hour drive from the city! Lucky for us, one of my girlfriends has a house right on the water. Having a place that felt like home made our trip just a little bit better. We started our mornings with a healthy breakfast and ended our days with girl talk on the couch filled with lots of laughter!

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva has a quaint downtown with boats, restaurants, and even a small beach! We set out to see Lake Geneva and try some of their yummy eats. While I didn’t love our dining experiences there, the feel of this small city is just what the doctor ordered.

The Grand Geneva Spa

One thing we knew for sure was that we were going to top off our weekend with some time at the spa. In doing some research, we realized that the spa at the grand Geneva hotel is rated the best in Lake Geneva. Of course we couldn’t leave without checking it out! Each one of us received different services ranging from seasonal farmhouse massages, to deep tissue services. We were greeted with a friendly face, and shown the amenities of the spa. The spa offers a whirl pool, sauna, steam room, and place to get your nails done! Since there were seven of us, we were given the Tranquil Lounge to sip on champagne and nosh on small bites while we waited. I did the deep tissue with Diana, I have to say she has fingers of magic! I would highly recommend requesting her if deep tissue is what you are into. The Grand Geneva certainly did not disappoint, we spent a little bit of time before and after our services just enjoying the amenities.

Thank you Lake Geneva for creating a lifetime of memories for my friends and I. Also, thank you Grand Geneva for giving us the rest and relaxation we needed to end our weekend filled with laughter and love!

Also, if you have not already, check out all the beauty tips we have on YouTube here!

Your Chick,

Sonia

At Home Spa Essentials:

Beauty, girl talk, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting, Wellness, women

Turmeric – Why Your Body Needs It (and How to Use It)!

November 15, 2017

What is turmeric and why is it so talked about these days? Turmeric benefits are comprehensive, and most are due to its active compound, curcumin. For the last 2 years, I have probably missed a handful of days where I have not consumed turmeric. Let me tell you, it is probably the best thing I have done to my diet (Never going back!).

There are seriously so many benefits of Turmeric and I would need multiple blog posts to go through them all. Here the benefits that are most important to me! Side note: Black pepper contains piperine, which has been shown to help our bodies absorb the turmeric by 2000%. Try to use black pepper with any turmeric consumption!

Turmeric goes beyond the kitchen! — Spices that go beyond the kitchen!

ANTIOXIDANTS and IMMUNITY

Curcumin is a power antioxidant. We always hear about berries having a significant number of antioxidants and how important it is for our bodies. Antioxidants can fight molecules known as free radicals, which negatively affect cell health, and may reduce or help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Winter Immunity Shot:

Juice fresh turmeric, lemon, ginger, and gooseberries. Add a teaspoon of wheatgrass powder. Every morning through the winter months to keep the viruses away!

Easy smoothie recipe:

Blend 1 cup of coconut milk with 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, the juice of one lemon and/or one orange, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, a tiny pinch of black pepper, and about a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root. I don’t add any sweeteners but if you need it you can use agave nectar or stevia.

Being mindful of what goes into your body can go a long way, it can even help you have healthier hair.

SKIN BENEFITS

MY FAVORITE BENEFIT (Obviously.) Research suggests turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties make turmeric effective in treating skin conditions. It can help speed wound healing, calm the pores, and help control psoriasis flares.

Turmeric - Natural Face Mask — Natural Face Mask

My weekly Turmeric Face Mask Recipe:

Mix 2 tablespoons of unsweetened yogurt (I use homemade yogurt) with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and 1 teaspoon of honey for a soothing and cooling face mask. I leave it on for about 5 minutes and wash off. (I’ve never had problems with it staining skin, but use an old towel just in case.)

Acne Spot Treatment:

I make a paste of honey and turmeric (2 parts honey to 1 part turmeric) and dab on to spot treat.

BRAIN

This benefit is important to me for my toddler! Curcumin has been shown to have positive effects on brain function and memory by increasing levels of the brain hormone that boosts neuron growth (and fights decay in old folks).

Ever since my toddler has been on whole milk I have added a pinch of turmeric to her milk servings every day. She is 2 and still drinks her milk with a pinch of turmeric! You can also give it to them in a smoothie!

TEETH WHITENING:

I have not tried this yet, but it is next on my list! We are all busy and sometimes it’s hard to get around to doing some of these things that are beneficial for our bodies. To make life easy: There are Turmeric Supplements (which also include the black pepper) that you can take daily!

Let me know what works for you, comment below!

Love,

Neema