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Stef | Wine, Wellness + Chaos

@lifestyleofstef

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Wine, wellness & questionable DIY decisions 🍷🌿🔧
BC wine • food • adventures
Come for the chaos.Stay for whatever I attempt next.
@stefanichieswellness

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Clinical herbalist by trade, drywall gremlin by choice. Prescribing unreasonable amounts of spackle for no reason.

Come for the chaos, stay for whatever I attempt next.

Wanna hire me? 🤣

#diyprojects #doityourself #livingthelife #diyfail #unhinged by @lifestyleofstef

Counting the days until Summer again...lol

But excited about the time I now have to get some things organized! Especially with my business and house.

Going to be sharing some stuff soon!

#HerbalWellness #holisticnutritionist #businesswomenlife #lifeisanadventure #buildingmode by @lifestyleofstef

It’s officially that time of year again. 🍂

Facebook post:
“Anyone else’s kids bring home EVERY illness from school?! 😭”

Photo attached:
Tylenol. Advil. Cough syrup. Cold & flu meds. Lozenges. Nasal spray. Vicks. Electrolytes.

Meanwhile, the herbalist in me is over here like:

👀🌿 …have we considered supporting the body too?

Don’t get me wrong. There is absolutely a time and place for symptom relief. If you’re miserable, manage the symptoms you need to manage.

BUT...

A fever, cough, runny nose and mucus aren’t just your body being wildly inconvenient. They’re part of your body’s response to whatever tiny germ your adorable child brought home from the classroom petri dish. 😂

So instead of ONLY asking:
“How do I make these symptoms disappear?”

I also like asking:
“What can I do to support my body while it handles this?”

This is where my fall cupboard starts looking a little different. 🌿

Elderberry.
Ginger.
Echinacea.
Rosehips.
Hibiscus.
Cinnamon.
Clove.

Basically... my Elderberry Syrup Kit. 😂

And yes, oregano has entered the chat too. 🌿

Add in fluids, nourishing food, sleep, rest and the radical concept of ACTUALLY STAYING HOME WHEN YOU’RE SICK so we can stop playing community germ ping-pong. 😅

You don’t have to throw out the medicine cabinet.

Just maybe make a little room beside it for the herb cabinet too. 🌿

Because cold and flu season is coming whether we like it or not.

Might as well have both teams on the bench.

Let me know if you want 1... Or 2...👇🏽

#herbalmagic #herbsforhealing #herbalsupport
#elderberrysyrup #diyelderberrysyrup by @lifestyleofstef

Some people are afraid of colour...
Meanwhile, I'm telling myself I'm a flower 🪻

#herbalistsofinstagram #betheplant #betheflower #plantpowered by @lifestyleofstef

I'm obsessed with my new kitchen appliance from @ourplace !!!

Air Fry
Bake
Steam
Toast
Roast

Done.

And it's cute looking.

Who else has one?! by @lifestyleofstef

#visitokanagan and stop by one of BC's oldest wineries and dine with us on the patio at the beautiful Lookout Restaurant at @graymonkwinery

#okanaganrestaurants #okanaganwinery #lakecountrybc #bcwine by @lifestyleofstef

I had no idea who I was setting this up for.

Then @jillian.harris walks in.

It was her mother in law's birthday dinner.

We were so honored to host them for this occasion 🥳💜

Unfortunately, our patio was closed due to poor air quality 😭 at least they got the best corner with all the windows.

Come see us at The Lookout Restaurant @graymonkwinery

#graymonkwinery #thelookout #lakecountry #foodandwine #okanaganrestaurants by @lifestyleofstef

Maybe, you just need to hug a tree?

I know… it sounds a little out there.
But stay with me for a second.

Most people are trying to fix their gut with food, supplements, protocols…
But they’re completely skipping the system that controls digestion.

Your nervous system.

When you’re stressed, rushed, eating on the go, constantly “on”… your body shifts into fight or flight.
And digestion? It takes a back seat.

Less stomach acid
Slower enzyme release
Poor nutrient absorption
More bloating, more discomfort

Now here’s where this gets interesting…

Spending time in nature, especially around trees, has actually been shown to lower cortisol and calm the nervous system. Practices like forest bathing can shift you back into a parasympathetic state… that “rest and digest” mode your body needs to actually process food properly.

And when you add touch to it?

Even better.

Putting your hands on a tree, slowing your breath, being still for a minute…
You’re giving your body a signal: you’re safe

And when your body feels safe…
Digestion turns back on.

You break food down better
You absorb nutrients better
Your gut can actually do its job

So no, hugging a tree isn’t the “solution”
But it might be the missing piece people aren’t even thinking about.

No cost
No side effects
No protocol to follow

Just you… and a tree.

Go try it.

Worst case? Someone sees you and questions your life choices
Best case? Your gut (and your whole body) finally gets a chance to catch up

#hugatree #treelove #guthealing #nervoussystemsupport by @lifestyleofstef

You’re eating healthy… but still bloated, tired, and feeling off?

Yeah… that’s exactly why I created this.

This isn’t another “cut everything out” kind of reset.

We’re fixing the foundations your gut actually needs to function properly.

And honestly… it’s $7.

If you’ve been wanting to feel better but keep putting it off, this is your sign to just start.
It’s simple. It’s doable. And it can make a big difference.

Comment “GUT RESET” and I’ll send you the details.

#guthealthiseverything #guthealing #healwithfood #healwithherbs #wellnessjourney by @lifestyleofstef

We’re constantly trying to fix stress.

Supplements, protocols, productivity hacks.
But sometimes your nervous system just needs one simple message:

You’re safe.

Step outside. Look around.

Nature has been regulating humans long before biohacking existed.

Even 30 seconds helps.

No grounding mats or sheets needed. It's a gift from the earth.

#biohacking #naturesmedicine #wellnessjourney #groundingpractice #nervoussystem by @lifestyleofstef

Lots of people know about lemon in their water but most ignore what lime can do too!

While lemon contains higher vitamin c, lime has a bolder flavour and slightly higher levels of minerals.

Add salt, and you have the most wonderful, cost effective electrolyte drink!

Both lemon and lime can help with:
✨Hydration
✨Wake up the digestive system in the morning
✨Support skin health
✨Support immune health

They contain:
🌿Flavonoids that may help with heart disease and disorders
🌿Vitamin c - important antioxidant and for immune support
🌿Minerals such as potassium, folate, calcium

The salt provides essential minerals like magnesium and potassium, which help the body absorb water better than plain water.

If you're drinking water and still feeling dehydrated, try adding a pinch of salt!

Water with no minerals will pull minerals from your body instead in order to absorb and leave you feeling thirsty still.

CAUTIONS:
May worsen heartburn or digestive issues in people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease.)

Try it everyday for the next week and see if you notice any difference. Many will experience feeling more refreshed and energized after having a glass of this right after they wake. I sure do! 😁

Who does this or is going to try?

#wellnessjourney #lemonwater #simpleremedies #healthandwellness #healingwithfood by @lifestyleofstef

Your morning doesn’t need a 2-hour routine to be supportive.

Small shifts done consistently matter more than doing everything once and burning out.

Here are a few things to consider if you want a gentler, more supportive start to your day 👇

💦 Hydration first
Water first thing (bonus points for lemon + a pinch of quality salt) helps rehydrate you after sleep and supports digestion + energy

☕ Delay caffeine ~30 minutes
This allows your natural cortisol rhythm to do its job instead of forcing energy right away.

🦷🪥 Wait 30 minutes to brush after coffee
Brushing too soon after acidic drinks can weaken enamel over time. Or brush when you first wake.

🚶🏼‍♀️🚶🏼‍♂️ Light movement before intensity
Gentle stretching or a short walk helps circulation and stiffness before the day ramps up.

📱 No phone first thing (if possible)
Even 10–30 minutes without input helps your nervous system start the day in a calmer state.

🍳 Protein within the first 60-90 minutes
This helps:
- Stabalize blood sugar
- Prevent mid-morning crashes
- Reduce cravings later in the day.
👉🏼Even a small amount helps if mornings are rushed!

📓 Keep inputs low, outputs high
Instead of immediately consuming:
- social media
- news
- emails

Try:
- journaling one intention
- reviewing your top 1–3 priorities
a quick gratitude thought
👉🏼This keeps your nervous system from starting in reactive mode.

⚠️ Important reminder:
You don’t need to do all the things.
Pick 1–2 habits, make them automatic, then build from there.
Your routine should support your life — not become another source of stress.

What is your morning routine like?

#wellnessjourney #healingwithfood #coffeefirst #healthandwellness #morningroutine by @lifestyleofstef