Dream Big
Celebrate, Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Celebrate, Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Dream Big

Have you ever dreamed of getting the perfect job that really utilizes all of your talents, ideas and direction? …dreamed of going on an African Safari with your family? .. or dreamed of owning your own private plane?

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My Favorite Fitness Motivators</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

My Favorite Fitness Motivators

This year, I am determined to lose this pesky weight that I’ve been carrying around since being diagnosed with an auto-immune. The Prednisone added 24lbs to my weight in a two week period!! Couple that with the 10 I needed to lose…well, you get the picture!!

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5 Simple Changes for Creating a Healthier Lifestyle</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

5 Simple Changes for Creating a Healthier Lifestyle

We know that there is a healthier life waiting for us, but sometimes it feels overwhelming to create big changes. The good news? Improving your life does not necessarily mean making huge transformations. Here are a few simple modifications you can make in your day-to-day activities to reap life-altering benefits:

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Embrace the winter weather!!</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Embrace the winter weather!!

Ready to add an exciting and invigorating exercise to your winter repertoire? If you think that skiing and sledding are your only snow-time choices, then you have not yet been introduced to snowshoeing.

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“Green-Up” Your Beauty Routine</a>
Beauty, Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Beauty, Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

“Green-Up” Your Beauty Routine

When was the last time you took a look at your beauty cabinets and drawers? I am sure most of you do this, but if you make it an annual project for January you’re sure to enjoy your beauty routine and elixirs without a worry.

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How Feng Shui Changed the Flow in My New Home!</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

How Feng Shui Changed the Flow in My New Home!

My husband and I purchased a small condo in Florida to escape to due to the crazy winters we experienced in Buffalo over the past couple of years. We selected a unit that was owned by an eclectic fashion designer who used the condo as a gallery and event space for his million-dollar art collection. He used the neighboring unit for his living space. We were sold on the view of both the Intracoastal and ocean, the pristine white space, and the open layout.

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Guest Post: Bring Out the Goddess in You</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Guest Post: Bring Out the Goddess in You

Why are social graces important enough to be taught to virtually everyone? Because they can influence for the better problems in our society such as child neglect, abuse, and social barriers. Simply put, basic social graces such as table manners, how to walk, how to enter a room, how to introduce yourself, etc., affect much more of how society interacts than we realize.

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Do You Procrastinate? I Do! Learn Why and How</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Do You Procrastinate? I Do! Learn Why and How

How does the word procrastination resonate with you? Immediately, I think of all the things I should be doing!! Organize my closet, clean out the freezer, make the beds, finish my work-related projects, take the recycling, call my aunt, do the laundry…and the list goes on!! Most of us procrastinate for one reason or another. One thing I do know is the sense of relief and/or accomplishment I have when I finish a project, task, problem, or goal.. it feels amazing!!

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How My Healthy Diet Almost Killed Me!!</a>
Wellness, Food Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness, Food Melissa O'Connor-Arena

How My Healthy Diet Almost Killed Me!!

If you read last week’s blog, you know I spent several hours in the emergency ward because of a bad reaction to, what we think, is shrimp. That frightening experience led to a lot of thought….and WHY!!

Once I was settled in my bed with all my cozy pillows to rest from all the medication and craziness, I began to think….OMG… what can I eat? Why me? How does this happen? sh*t!! I could have died if the swelling settled in my vocal cords and tongue!

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A Creative Connection Between Art and Healing</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

A Creative Connection Between Art and Healing

This past week I was rushed to the hospital after enjoying a lovely shrimp and avocado salad. I’ve eaten this dish at this particular restaurant many times. That evening I felt a little itch but did not pay much attention to it. I awoke around 3ish itching everywhere and my face felt funny. I got up, walked into the bathroom, and turned on the lights….. OMG!! My face, lips, and tongue were swollen. My body was covered in hives. I freaked out!

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From the Couch to Crossing the Finish Line</a>
Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

From the Couch to Crossing the Finish Line

Running a marathon or 1/2 marathon was never anything I thought I’d ever do. The sport seemed very overwhelming to me. I have lots of friends who love to run and enter into races all the time. I am NOT a runner or at least I thought I couldn’t. Then, several years ago my mother’s life was taken suddenly after a very simple operation!! I was extremely sad at that time and felt I needed some kind of healthy distraction to focus on. The holidays were approaching and I knew if I didn’t do something, I could find myself depressed!

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Emotional Eating: Nourishment, Habit or Entertainment?</a>
Food, Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena Food, Wellness Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Emotional Eating: Nourishment, Habit or Entertainment?

During the cold snowy days of winter do you gravitate towards preparing and enjoying hearty meals like; pot roasts, chili, deep dish lasagna, or stews? Do you have a habit around 3ish to find that tasty piece of chocolate or grab a vanilla latte? When you get home from work do you love to remove your shoes, pour a nice glass of wine or a cocktail, and just sit on the couch for a few minutes before starting your evening?

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