E-3 Live For a couple of months I was feeling a bit foggy in the mind and my energy level was waning and yet everything was really good in my health and daily routine. There were no big changes in my life that warranted this feeling and so I was wondering if it may be hormonal or seasonal. Others were claiming astrological shifts. Whatever was happening, it was happening and I was opening to receive some new information to clear the channels and the pathways in my body and mind. I was seeking clarity and sustained energy in a natural form that was plant based and SHAZAM! It arrived. A dear and trusted friend recommended E3Live. I purchased some and started it the next day. Within 24 hours ~ yes, A DAY! ~ I was feeling back on track and better than ever. Astounding!!!!! What is E3Live? E3Live is an all-organic superfood. It is 100% blue-green algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA). This nutrient dense superfood contains over 65 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids. It is a plant-based superfood that is non-GMO, vegan and a rich source of chlorophyll. E3Live is wild-harvested from Klamath Lake in Oregon, USA. This one is my favorites and it tastes pretty good, too! E3Live + BrainON  You can find it at Wholefoods in the freezer section by the ice cream or order it here. Definitely visit the E3Live website for all products and information. And, please let me know how I can help you! This stuff is AWESOME!!!!!! As always, check it out for yourself for a week or so and see if it works for you. The company offers a 100% guarantee that you will feel differently! Let me know how it goes!  #secretagentstephanieculen #mydailyom #healthandharmony #e3live
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The Secrets of Oil Pulling 
I love my oils!
I love my teeth. As a matter of fact : one of my favorite personal care activities is brushing my teeth! So, it goes along to say that I am a big advocate for a healthy mouth which equals a healthy body. I'm often asked how I keep my teeth so white. My little secret is ... oil pulling. Oil pulling is easy. It's fast. It's economical. It's uber beneficial to your oral hygiene as well as your overall well-being. Here's what it is and how to do it : What is Oil Pulling? Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique dating back about 3000 years. It involves swishing oil in the mouth for a short period of time between 5 minutes and 20 minutes each day or as a weekly ritual. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita where it is called Kavala Gandusha or Kavala Graha and is referred to as medicinal gargling. It is a very important element to oral hygiene that has other benefits to the body's overall health and well-being. If we agree that the mouth houses millions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other toxins, then the oil acts like a cleanser, pulling out the toxicity before they get a chance to spread throughout the body. It's kind of a miracle how it works. If the bacteria, fungi and other toxins are not passed through the system, then the immune system is free to activate other elements and helps the body reduce stress, curtail internal inflammation and other more immediate "attacks" on the system. This all equals a more vibrant body and system in present time. Oil pulling has many benefits and I encourage you to do your research. There are many books and information written on the topic. I would also encourage you to just start doing it and see how you feel. Be your own physician and test the process. How does Oil Pulling Work? First thing in the morning on an empty stomach and before drinking any liquids (including water), take one tablespoon of sunflower or sesame oil or coconut oil into your mouth. Do not swallow the oil but swish it around for 5-20 minutes. You can multi-task here and check your emails, social media, make breakfast for you kids or hang with your pet. Enjoy the swishing and DO NOT SWALLOW! When the time is up, spit out the oil in a napkin and discard in the trash. DO NOT SPIT THE OIL DOWN THE DRAIN UNLESS YOU WANT CLOGGED DRAINS IN YOUR FUTURE! Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth. And that's it! Continue with your day. It's as easy and beautiful as that. Which Oils to Use Ayurveda traditionally recommended certain oils for oil pulling depending on your dosha : kapha, pitta and vata. Personally, I love sesame oil but many people enjoy coconut oil. Sesame oil is more warming than other oils and may be more gently detoxifying than other oils that are “colder” energetically. It has a somewhat strong sesame flavor, which is a familiar food taste for most people. Sunflower oil has a milder taste if you prefer that. Coconut oil is a familiar taste for many people. It has a cooler energy than sesame oil, so it’s good for people who tend to have a warmer constitution or condition of heat. Some people have reported that coconut oil is more strongly detoxifying, which isn’t always a good thing for some people, so it’s best to be cautious and go slowly You can experiment, trying different types of oils to see which one feels best to you. You can also experiment with oil pulling for a longer or shorter duration, and doing it more or less often. It is recommended to use organic, unrefined, cold pressed oils. Benefits of Oil Pulling 1. WHITENS TEETH Top of the list! The oil has natural antibiotic and antiviral properties that brighten and clean teeth, keeping them quite white. Try it for two weeks and test the results. 2. INCREASES ENERGY Oil pulling lowers the amount of energy the immune system has to generate to continually clear out toxicity. This naturally helps us to feel better holistically. 3. DETOXES THE BODY One of the gateways of germs into the body is through the mouth. Taking out the germs at the source helps to prevent the spread within the body. 4. AIDS HORMONAL CHANGES Without having to compete with other elements, hormones can function better. 5. REDUCES HEADACHES Oil pulling is a big time help with headaches and migraines. All I can say is try it the next time you wake up with a headache from having drank too much alcohol the night before and see how you feel. 6. KEEPS THE SKIN CLEAR Removing toxins from the body that would otherwise make it into the bloodstream means the skin has a chance to shine. Rashes and skin issues often reduce dramatically, or even clear up completely, when oil pulling. 7. PROMOTES ORAL HYGIENE Oil pulling is highly effective at reducing tooth cavities and at eliminating bad breath. When you start this technique, you might experience some of the positive effects immediately, or it may take a few days or even weeks. It will be personal and particular to you and it will also depend on the state of your immune system. Try it! It's easy. And, then let me know how it goes!!!! Are you an Oil Puller? Share your experience in the comments! 
share with hashtags #stephanieculen #mydailyom #iloveoils #healthandharmony #secretagentstephanieculen On a flight to Seattle, I was reflecting on the last three months since January 1st arrived and what had shifted for me in my heart and mind to build my dream and I wrote this poem.  Build your dream On rock and with cream Step by step you will be seen Move slow Dance quick And in a lickety split The vision and mission come together with wit Keep going Things are flowing With effortless effort When you build your dream On rock and with cream...  I discovered iMovie on my iPad and it's been so much fun exploring different elements and aspects of life to share in different ways of mood and temperament that come together in harmony. This is my second insta-film. Hope you enjoy it! This insta-film is about my dear friend, Pitango. We met in 2010 on Prince Street where he sold his rings. He was a street vendor there for 20 years and I walked by him for 20 years before I actually "saw" him. When we met, it was a friendship from the soul and heart that will last forever. He is a great teacher of life and love and laughter. Please share on social media!
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 What's for dinner?!? |  |
P.S. Here is another wonderful article on the remarkable uses of turmeric that also includes skin, beauty and health treatments.
Happy reading! Please share! xoxo
Castor Oil : Retro is the New Wave
Castor oil has been a household health remedy for centuries. And it still should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet. Here's why: It is super inexpensive and works wonders in the body both internally and externally. I recommend finding a good quality cold-pressed castor oil to use and pour it in a beautiful glass bottle. It is an oil that deserves a high seat of respect and admiration.
Castor oil is a pale, yellow vegetable oil derived from the castor bean seed (Ricinus Communis) in its purest form. It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It strengthens the immune system and is a wonderful healer.
It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste, castor oil is used in many everyday products including cosmetics, soaps, massage oils and medicines.
The history of castor oil goes back a long way, with Ancient Egyptians allegedly using it for their lamps around 4000 BC. Greek travelers like Herodotus recorded that the Egyptians also used it as an ointment. Cleopatra reportedly used it for brightening the whites of her eyes. Over the years, castor oil has earned a phenomenal reputation for being a laxative, cathartic, and purgative medicine.
It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. Although it has a strong and rather unpleasant taste, castor oil is used in many everyday products including cosmetics, soaps, massage oils and medicines.
The history of castor oil goes back a long way, with Ancient Egyptians allegedly using it for their lamps around 4000 BC. Greek travelers like Herodotus recorded that the Egyptians also used it as an ointment. Cleopatra reportedly used it for brightening the whites of her eyes. Over the years, castor oil has earned a phenomenal reputation for being a laxative, cathartic, and purgative medicine.
What Is Castor Oil?
My Top 5 Uses of Castor Oil
1. Helps with Arthritis: the anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it very helpful in relieving pain from arthritic joints, nerve inflammations and sore muscles. A little goes a long way. Use it as a massage oil and rub it on the body where you feel pain.
3. Healthy Bowels : it is a very strong laxative, and typically what this oil is known for healing. Take a teaspoon of castor oil in the morning will be extremely effective. Mixing it with some juice like orange or cranberry is nicer. Just don't overdose on it. If nothing has "moved" after 3 days, then it's best to seek another remedy.
2. Wrinkles Be-Gone : apply castor oil directly to the skin for a shimmery glow. This oil helps eliminate and prevent wrinkles. It is a natural emollient that penetrates the skin and helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which softens and hydrates the skin. Wow! Like yes, for real!
4. Hair Growth : massage castor oil into affected areas of balding or thinness on the scalp every day to stimulate natural hair growth. This technique also works with eyebrows and eyelashes. Just use a few drops for the smaller areas around the face.
5. Sleep Better : rub castor oil into your feet at night before you go to bed and your sleep will be much deeper and sounder. You can also rub some oil on your eyelids and temples.
To learn more about the many beautiful uses of Castor Oil, visit CastorOil.org.
Essential Oils and Castor Oil
You can add delicious and delightful essential oils to the castor oil when using it for external use. Great oils to use for many different purposes include Frankincense, Rosemary, Lavender and Oregano.
To learn more about essential oils or to build your own collection of high quality therapeutic grade oils, visit Oil of the Day.
To learn more about essential oils or to build your own collection of high quality therapeutic grade oils, visit Oil of the Day.
Please Share!
Valentine's Day is upon us….
… and it is a "holiday" that creates mixed emotions and expectations for many of us. Personally, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite days because it is a reminder to love everything and everyone, and to honor our connection to love and be loved.
I guess you could call me a a kind of love gangster!
One of my "get real with life" mentors is Danielle Laporte.
She inspired this "love gangster" practice based on her Desire Map work.
Here's a practice to do at the end of each day:
As you lay in your bed wandering off to sacred dream land, ask yourself,
"How do I wish to Ultimately feel?"
You will want to choose an aspect of your day to focus on : body, work, relationship, home, spirit, etc.
And go there….wherever that place takes you. Do you wish to feel held, acknowledged, nourished, passionate, sexy, playful, radiant. You name it. Go there!
And then create experiences in your day that allow those feelings you desire to take shape.
Want to know more about the Desire Map?
Some of the feelings that most often radiate through my spirit are qualities of warmth, grace, passion, soft, sweet and sexy.
I take small moments in my day to make sure that those qualities are nurtured. And, one of the ways I conjure experiences for myself daily is through essential oils.
The scent and quality of certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils are amazing and incredibly healing.
One of my favorites is doTERRA's Whisper. Whisper is a delicious blend of my favorite oils : ylang yang flower, vetiver root, cinnamon bark, jasmine flower absolute, rose flower, Hawaiian sandalwood, bergamot peel, patchouli leaf, cocoa bean absolute and vanilla bean absolute all based in fractionated coconut oil. Pure Yum!!!
Whisper works harmoniously with each person's unique chemistry and I personally love it as an everyday oil. It's intoxicating and also incredibly calming and nourishing.
I guess you could call me a a kind of love gangster!
One of my "get real with life" mentors is Danielle Laporte.
She inspired this "love gangster" practice based on her Desire Map work.
Here's a practice to do at the end of each day:
As you lay in your bed wandering off to sacred dream land, ask yourself,
"How do I wish to Ultimately feel?"
You will want to choose an aspect of your day to focus on : body, work, relationship, home, spirit, etc.
And go there….wherever that place takes you. Do you wish to feel held, acknowledged, nourished, passionate, sexy, playful, radiant. You name it. Go there!
And then create experiences in your day that allow those feelings you desire to take shape.
Want to know more about the Desire Map?
Some of the feelings that most often radiate through my spirit are qualities of warmth, grace, passion, soft, sweet and sexy.
I take small moments in my day to make sure that those qualities are nurtured. And, one of the ways I conjure experiences for myself daily is through essential oils.
The scent and quality of certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils are amazing and incredibly healing.
One of my favorites is doTERRA's Whisper. Whisper is a delicious blend of my favorite oils : ylang yang flower, vetiver root, cinnamon bark, jasmine flower absolute, rose flower, Hawaiian sandalwood, bergamot peel, patchouli leaf, cocoa bean absolute and vanilla bean absolute all based in fractionated coconut oil. Pure Yum!!!
Whisper works harmoniously with each person's unique chemistry and I personally love it as an everyday oil. It's intoxicating and also incredibly calming and nourishing.
Another one of my favorite perfume lines that uses essential oils is The Goddess Line.
The oils are named after deities and they are all so gorgeous. Simply divine.
Lastly, another amazing blend that is absolutely exquisite is Young Living's Lady Sclareol™.
This blend was designed as a fragrance and is made of essential oils : clary sage, jasmine, vetiver, ylang ylang, Idaho blue spruce, spearmint, hinoki, geranium, Royal Hawaiian sandalwood, orange, Spanish sage, coriander and bergamot.
A beguiling and alluring blend of most of my favorite essential oils!
Pure seduction!
Whatever your pleasure takes you, whether it be scent or taste or touch or sound, may your Valentine's day be filled with beauty, bounty and bliss!
Wishing you a day of sacred love … today and everyday. You are loved!!!!
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Note: I am a distributor of doTERRA essential oils and I use (AND LOVE) oils from all of these brands.
There is never any pressure to sell or be a part of a team when you buy from me.
I simply wish to share the joys and pleasure of these oils and I hope you will find benefit in using them.
There is never any pressure to sell or be a part of a team when you buy from me.
I simply wish to share the joys and pleasure of these oils and I hope you will find benefit in using them.
It’s true. While I was in grad school studying for my masters in education at Sarah Lawrence I was a professional organizer and personal shopper to the NYC elite rich and famous. I payed bills, cleaned out closets, organized libraries and children’s rooms. I planned parties and events and was a personal stylist, too. You name it, I did it under the umbrella of a professional organizer.
One of my favorite jobs was shopping for Howard Stern as a personal stylist for all the people on his Christmas list. And what a list it was! I shopped for jewelry, art, electronics, clothes, designer pens, accessories and all sorts of specialty one-of-a-kind items. It was a blast. I matched up personalities with a vision of what they may enjoy and everyone was incredibly pleased and surprised with his thoughtfulness and great taste! Amazing grace!
I can do the same for you!
After 10 years, I am now offering personal styling again.
This time, however, my styling is specific to accessories and jewelry by Chloe + Isabel.
Chloe + Isabel is a fashion jewelry lifestyle brand devoted to empowering and inspiring!
The company’s mission is part of my mission, too.
Do you need a special piece that turns your ordinary black dress into red carpet mystery?
Do you want to dress the part and take your career (and your wardrobe) to the next level?
Do you want to jazz up that jeans and t-shirt weekend outfit and make a more sophisticated statement?
Do you need a unique and special gift for your wife, sister, daughter, mother or partner?
It would be soooo much fun to help you.
Personal styling is truly a gift of mine and one of my favorite things to offer. And everything I do has a certain personal styling twist that is sassy, sexy and smart. I can do the same for you. I match your personality to your vision and needs and together we make styling miracles happen.
If you want to see what the Chloe + Isabel Jewelry is all about, go direct to my online boutique where you can view the chic and contemporary jewelry that awaits you. Pure bliss and glamour at a great price.
Here is the link : Chloe + Isabel Jewelry
The latest collection called Moroccan Summer JUST LAUNCHED and the pieces are exquisite.
The jewelry is hypoallergenic, nickel free, lead-safe, and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. As a gift for yourself or someone else, the pieces are packaged in signature keepsake pouches and most pieces are also branded with signature Chloe + Isabel closures.
They are beautiful. Really beautiful. You and yours will just love the styles, the quality and the prices. Truly!
My mission is to empower and inspire with practices and adornments that are embedded with beauty and grace.
Let me know how I can help you.
It would be a blessing to work with you.
With love and gratitude,
xo
Stephanie
One of my favorite jobs was shopping for Howard Stern as a personal stylist for all the people on his Christmas list. And what a list it was! I shopped for jewelry, art, electronics, clothes, designer pens, accessories and all sorts of specialty one-of-a-kind items. It was a blast. I matched up personalities with a vision of what they may enjoy and everyone was incredibly pleased and surprised with his thoughtfulness and great taste! Amazing grace!
I can do the same for you!
After 10 years, I am now offering personal styling again.
This time, however, my styling is specific to accessories and jewelry by Chloe + Isabel.
Chloe + Isabel is a fashion jewelry lifestyle brand devoted to empowering and inspiring!
The company’s mission is part of my mission, too.
Do you need a special piece that turns your ordinary black dress into red carpet mystery?
Do you want to dress the part and take your career (and your wardrobe) to the next level?
Do you want to jazz up that jeans and t-shirt weekend outfit and make a more sophisticated statement?
Do you need a unique and special gift for your wife, sister, daughter, mother or partner?
It would be soooo much fun to help you.
Personal styling is truly a gift of mine and one of my favorite things to offer. And everything I do has a certain personal styling twist that is sassy, sexy and smart. I can do the same for you. I match your personality to your vision and needs and together we make styling miracles happen.
If you want to see what the Chloe + Isabel Jewelry is all about, go direct to my online boutique where you can view the chic and contemporary jewelry that awaits you. Pure bliss and glamour at a great price.
Here is the link : Chloe + Isabel Jewelry
The latest collection called Moroccan Summer JUST LAUNCHED and the pieces are exquisite.
The jewelry is hypoallergenic, nickel free, lead-safe, and comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee. As a gift for yourself or someone else, the pieces are packaged in signature keepsake pouches and most pieces are also branded with signature Chloe + Isabel closures.
They are beautiful. Really beautiful. You and yours will just love the styles, the quality and the prices. Truly!
My mission is to empower and inspire with practices and adornments that are embedded with beauty and grace.
Let me know how I can help you.
It would be a blessing to work with you.
With love and gratitude,
xo
Stephanie
Twenty years ago, I had a dream…..
I had a big dream. I wanted to turn 25 years old in New York City and work in the fashion industry. Yup. It’s true! Fashion was my passion! And I was an aspirational young lady. I knew what I wanted and I was ready to go for it!
When I was 24 years old, I lived in Washington D.C. and was working in Public Relations for Neiman Marcus. I loved my position and had climbed the corporate ladder from temporary Christmas salesperson to top salesperson in the Dress Department to Public Relations Assistant ~ all in 6 months! Neiman’s was grooming me for BIG things and all things fashion, but I had a different vision for myself. In college, after having studied in Oxford, England and traveled a bit of Europe, I had already set my future plan to live in New York City, I just didn’t know when then was going to happen. And, then one day an opportunity presented itself. I was invited by my then boyfriend to move to New York. His mother was moving back to D.C. and she offered us her apartment in the now coveted Nolita on Lafayette and Prince Street.
Back in 1994, that area was Gotti-Gangster Land and it was a really funky neighborhood. I was in heaven. It was awesome! And so with no job, no savings and all Love, I was in New York City, shacking up with my guy and I started to hit Seventh Avenue with my stellar resume! As fortune would have it: no New York experience closed a lot of doors for me and so professionally I never made it past the sample sales and showrooms in the New York fashion scene. Over the years, I strategically managed to develop other entrepreneurial skills that included event planning, real estate sales, wedding planning, professional organizing, teaching pre-school and finally, teaching yoga, which has been my main gig for the last 10+ years.
I LOVE teaching yoga and this service has been my living grace for the last decade in New York City. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all of you who have been with me on the yoga journey. The blessings and riches from teaching yoga are beyond blissful and this part of my life WILL absolutely continue. BUT, I’ve been chomp.chomp.chomping for something to revive my passion for fashion for a very looooooong time. And it has arrived!!!! Hallelujah!
I have come full circle in twenty years and am delighted to share with you a new direction of services to you that include STYLING in jewelry and accessories. Between my full yoga teaching schedule at Equinox, I have joined the team of Merchandisers at Chloe + Isabel which is a fashion and lifestyle brand based right here in New York City! Woot! Dream come true. The company’s mission is to connect stylish, creative and confident women through a modern-day social shopping experience, and I couldn’t be more excited to be sharing this with you! Their mission is definitely my mission!
Thank you for being in my life and giving me the privilege of sharing my desires and passions with you. Living with purpose, passion and peace, I do believe that all dreams come true!
Sending you light and sooooo much love!
I had a big dream. I wanted to turn 25 years old in New York City and work in the fashion industry. Yup. It’s true! Fashion was my passion! And I was an aspirational young lady. I knew what I wanted and I was ready to go for it!
When I was 24 years old, I lived in Washington D.C. and was working in Public Relations for Neiman Marcus. I loved my position and had climbed the corporate ladder from temporary Christmas salesperson to top salesperson in the Dress Department to Public Relations Assistant ~ all in 6 months! Neiman’s was grooming me for BIG things and all things fashion, but I had a different vision for myself. In college, after having studied in Oxford, England and traveled a bit of Europe, I had already set my future plan to live in New York City, I just didn’t know when then was going to happen. And, then one day an opportunity presented itself. I was invited by my then boyfriend to move to New York. His mother was moving back to D.C. and she offered us her apartment in the now coveted Nolita on Lafayette and Prince Street.
Back in 1994, that area was Gotti-Gangster Land and it was a really funky neighborhood. I was in heaven. It was awesome! And so with no job, no savings and all Love, I was in New York City, shacking up with my guy and I started to hit Seventh Avenue with my stellar resume! As fortune would have it: no New York experience closed a lot of doors for me and so professionally I never made it past the sample sales and showrooms in the New York fashion scene. Over the years, I strategically managed to develop other entrepreneurial skills that included event planning, real estate sales, wedding planning, professional organizing, teaching pre-school and finally, teaching yoga, which has been my main gig for the last 10+ years.
I LOVE teaching yoga and this service has been my living grace for the last decade in New York City. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all of you who have been with me on the yoga journey. The blessings and riches from teaching yoga are beyond blissful and this part of my life WILL absolutely continue. BUT, I’ve been chomp.chomp.chomping for something to revive my passion for fashion for a very looooooong time. And it has arrived!!!! Hallelujah!
I have come full circle in twenty years and am delighted to share with you a new direction of services to you that include STYLING in jewelry and accessories. Between my full yoga teaching schedule at Equinox, I have joined the team of Merchandisers at Chloe + Isabel which is a fashion and lifestyle brand based right here in New York City! Woot! Dream come true. The company’s mission is to connect stylish, creative and confident women through a modern-day social shopping experience, and I couldn’t be more excited to be sharing this with you! Their mission is definitely my mission!
Thank you for being in my life and giving me the privilege of sharing my desires and passions with you. Living with purpose, passion and peace, I do believe that all dreams come true!
Sending you light and sooooo much love!
Stephanie Culen
#theartoflivingpoetically #talesfromthetreehouse
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