WELCOME TO WELLNESS!!

This House is for US ~

My latest news is SocialRevUp.com ! A forum to connect brands with the best bloggers. We also hold networking events and workshops! Register for our upcoming conference July 21, 2011 Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, IL EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

What began as a journey in 2007 to provide enlightening conversations, interesting tid-bits and fun has become a way of life!!!

I have met fascinating people - just like you -

I hope you will sit and stay awhile or even leave something about yourself. There are plenty of interviews chronicled for you to enjoy, so please feel at home!

Don't hesitate to inquiry ~ would LOVE to feature you here in this HOUSE!

Ann Evanston Is A Warrior-Preneur! 2011

For many of you who have been reading since 2007, Ann Evanston is a "House"-hold name.

We "met" via the web-world on a women's networking site and have been friends, support-mates, and cheering partners ever since. Ann was one of my first interviews. Her "Feistiness" sparked not only passion within myself, but across the social-media-sphere. It was featured in Exelle.Monster.com and let's just say, things catapulted from there and we have both been flying ever since!

Ann took a moment out off her extremely busy schedule, which includes coaching me!, to give us an update. I am certain you will be inspired!

House - Ann, tell us a bit about what 2010 was about for you and your business.

Ann -   Wow 2010 was a year of grounding. In 2007, when I decided I wanted to work more with entrepreneurs than corporate leaders, I had to radically change my focus and really get the word out. In 2010, that all settled in. No one asks “what do you do” anymore! They know! And with the rapid growth of the Social Networking Coaching Club (which had its 2 year anniversary in Oct 2010) I certified 2 new coaches!

House - What is Ann Evanston the "brand" about?

Ann-   The Ann brand is all about “Smart, Savvy and Sexy”. It’s about Leadership (knowing your PERSONAL power), Ownership (taking Responsibility) and Empowerment (getting the life you DESIRE). It’s all about watching others step into their voice, discover their REAL edge, even when they think they have I can typically find a greater depth and clarification to it!

House - How do you see  yourself and Warrior-Preneur.com impacting the social networking world in 2011?

Ann-  Warrior-Preneur impacting the SoMe world in 2011-I like that! I think the greatest impact will be these amazing new coaches certified to get the word out! See those of us in it for years, think EVERYBODY’s doing it - they are not. And the Warrior-Preneur message is special because it’s more than how to tweet, it’s about Education Based Marketing, it’s about relationship building, it’s about being a go-giver, it’s about a system, that when used, gets great results…warrior-style of course!

House - Tell us about your Tory Johnson "Spark & Hustle" connection.

Ann-  Networking created that connection! I believe in networking in person and online, and it really works! Speaking on her stage is an honor, one I don’t take lightly! Tory is a woman who has done and continues to do amazing things for women!

House - You are such a great motivator, and friend to women in particular, who are seeking to break out of either a rut, or stagnation in their lives. Why is this important?

Ann-  As a woman who has been through it all, abuse, neglect, name calling, being stereotyped, second guessing myself and coming out the other side…I want ALL women to know that.

House- Can you share any other news that we can be on the lookout for this upcoming year? 

Ann-  WELLLLLL…the AnnEvanston.com speaker site is relaunching. From 1997 to 2006 that is what I did traveled and spoke, all over the world. I stopped primarily because I wanted to be home and secondly because I met so many speakers that were NOT the same person off stage as on. It broke my spirit. About six months ago the stage kept calling, for my story, my wisdom, my feistiness! So we are bringing it back!

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Feisty Ann!!! You can follow her on Twitter @AnnEvanston  Facebook YouTube

You TOO Can be a Feisty Warrior-Preneur !!!!

Meet Anna Soo Wildermuth! 11-1-09

two pictures of Anna Oct. 29, 2009 at Barnes & Noble in DesMoines, Iowa. 

Anna with Douglas Burns a reporter Daily Times Herald

Meet Anna Soo Wildermuth author, and personal image consultant!

Anna, you are so sleek and stylish. Tell us about how you came into your own sense of style.

Thank you for the compliments. It is combination of being clear what you like to wear, colors, fit and style. It started very young being conscious of it was important for me to like what I wear and have a style, being sensitive to my environment and the image I wanted to project. I believe everyone goes through style changes and for me it is a revisit every 5 years. I had role models, my dad who had a great sense of style, Doris Day was always a role model – loved to watch her movies and all the wonderful outfits and jewelry was always amazing.

When did it click for you that we all have an attribute that we need to behold?

It began at a very early age and I continue to be sensitive of what works for me.

Love what you wear, always feel attractive, buy the best you can afford, know what colors work best for you and always fit. Your tailor is your next best friend.

In your book "Change One Thing: Discover What's Holding You Back and Fix It" (with Jodie Gould) you speak about some of your early challenges. I was very touched and surprised by some of them. Which one of your earliest challenges impacted you most?

My first outfit I loved and wore it forever before my god mother told me gently you don’t’ mix big flowers with plaid. I was so embarrassed but never forgot it. So sometimes your biggest embarrassments are the best lesson’s learned. Now it is done all the time.

I enjoyed reading because your true self comes through loud and clear. The humor is great. How did you make the decision to share yourself with the world?

I love helping people I want them to know we all are more alike than different. What the difference is what we do with our experiences.

Seeing you work your magic in person was a gift. Precision and class. How can our readers catch you in action?

Most of my work is company sponsored but I am planning on putting together a series of free webinars based on the book beginning in January. Please sign up for my free monthly tips which will announce when they will begin. Also, I hope to have a book signing in January at a Barnes and Noble or Borders.

What, do you think are the most important factors when searching for that new job or your niche in life?

Knowing what you are good at and have a passion for. It takes patience and perseverance. Please visit my blog PersonalImagesInc.Com/Blog which comes out on Friday’s and Monday’s and my monthly tips. The website is here : PersonalImages.Com 

Also I will be starting a Change One Thing FaceBook Fan Page starting November 15th.

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Anna, I can't wait for all of the new information ~ Thank You so much!

Dr. Sander Marcus In The House! 10-27-09

photo courtesy of Dr. Sander Marcus' collection

What a special treat to have a few words of encouragement and focus as many of us are seeking employment and making new life changes.

Dr. Sander Marcus was kind enough to share his background and wisdom. I know we will benefit from his words!

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What were your professional intentions upon enrolling in a Psych program?

Actually, I'm an example of how most people "choose" their career - they just seem to "fall into" a career, based on chance opportunities usually. I know that happened to me. Just a few months before I graduated college (I was a chemistry major), I just happened to see a movie in which one of the characters was a therapist, and the part was written in a very positive manner (unlike how most people in my field are portrayed in film). I walked out of that movie theater knowing what I want to do. I opted for psychology because I didn't want 4 years of medical school. So I got a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and here I am, 40 years later.

What avenues did you cross on your path? How did it help you evolve into this Job Market guru?

I'm not sure I'd refer to myself as a "guru," but over 30 years ago I was hired by IIT to be the University's Counseling Center Director, which I did for 9 years. One of my responsibilities was career and job search counseling, and I've been doing it ever since - first at IIT, then in private practice, and now back in the fold on the staff of IIT's Center for Research & Service (a division of IIT's Institute of Psychology).

Your "Changing Career" advise shares that we must all consider strategy. What are some 'helpful planning' tips?

For career planning, there are many things to consider in making a decision. The most important thing is to gain a perspective on one's personal characteristics, motivation, values, goals, aptitudes and abilities, interest patterns, and knowledge of careers and the job market. Once you have a line on these factors, and then take a step back and see where the important criteria are in your individual situation, then you can make an informed career choice.

I know that's a little general, but there is no such thing as a standard human being, and everyone's situation is different.

What are some productive ways to narrow ideas and gather pertinent information to bring clarity to a successful job search?

I think that you have to get clarity about the kind of job title you are looking for, how you see your "role" (i.e., a helping role? a sales role? a managerial role? a technical role? etc.), not only what company but what industry (or industries) you are interested in and where they are going, your pattern of skills and knowledge, and similar factors.

Obviously you enjoy people and helping them overcome challenges, tell us about Illinois Institute of Technology, what you've contributed there, and how we can engage with you directly.

Thanks for the plug. I am the Practice Leader for Career and Educational Assessments Services for the IIT Center for Research & Service, which is a fee-for-service to the outside community. We do not actually work with IIT students (except for a few special projects). The services my unit provides include comprehensive career counseling and testing, job search coaching and

resume writing, achievement motivation counseling and evaluations. Our Center works with companies (surveys, special research, 360 evaluations, consultation, training, pre-employment testing, and related services).

My books are:

"The Psychology of Underachievement: Differential Diagnosis and Differential Treatment," by Drs. Harvey Mandel and Sander Marcus, 1988, Wiley & Sons, New York.

"Could Do Better: Why Children Underachieve And What To Do About It" (a book for parents of underachievers), by Drs. Harvey Mandel and Sander Marcus (with Loral Dean), 1995, Wiley & Sons, New York.

I have also written a 22-page pamphlet (71 Keys to Getting Better Grades Easier and In Less Time), which is published by our Center and is available for $8(including postage). This is appropriate for high school and college age students. I am also the Testing Supervisor for a project that the Center and the Clinical Psychology program have with the Chicago Public Schools(CPS).

We provide all of the admissions testing for children (ages pre-kindergarten through grade 3, and grades 6 and 7) applying to the CPS gifted programs. This our 4th year with this project, in which we test over 5,000 children within a 4-month period (from the beginning of November to the end of February). Put all of these activities together, and I'd say that I am busy. In addition, I am the President of the Rotary Club of Chicago Near South, writer, speaker, and an amateur violinist. I can be contacted at my IIT office 312-567-3358 in Chicago or by email marcus (at) iit (dot) edu.

Cheers,

Sandy

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Dr. Marcus (Sandy) THANKS!!!! (from the House ~ )

Steve Nash Wants You To Self Help Collective! 9-13-09

Steve M Nash is NOT the Steve Nash of National Basketball Association Player!

He is interesting, giving and funny, not that the other is not-I just don't KNOW him!

This Steve Nash is across the ocean from where I sit, yet another example of the greatness of the internet.

Our paths crossed because of THIS & THIS

I am grateful to Steve for sharing his time and himself to enlighten us ~

♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

Steve, currently your residence is Yorkshire? Tell us about life there. What intrigues you, what are your projects?

Well I am Yorkshire born and bred so I consider Yorkshire, and in particular West Yorkshire, my home. I may move away in the next few years to live somewhere that I feel to be more stimulating, professionally speaking, but I know I will return, eventually, to the hills and dales of Yorkshire. I absolutely love the landscape here (just do a search for 'Last of the Summer Wine' - a TV program that was based near where I live - and you'll see what I mean) - I feel blessed to be able to walk where I can see such fantastic views.

What intrigues me? People intrigue me - why they do what they do, why they don't do what they say they'll do, and why I do exactly the same. People intrigue me, life intrigues me, and I intrigue me.

And so my current project is a self-help website called The Self Help Collective, whose aim is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge or wisdom for the benefit of all. I literally wanted to create a self-help resource where people could help themselves - understand their weaknesses, and strengths, and improve themselves accordingly - and also help others, by sharing what they *do know* about living a successful life.

And... so far, so good. :-)

Tell us about your first web site. What were some of the things you learned that helped your site become successful.

My first website was a website called Diary of a Volunteer, and it was about the two year period I spent working as a volunteer Computer Trainer in Malawi, Africa. I worked under the auspices of an organisation called Voluntary Service Overseas, which is a British organisation that is similar to US Peace Corps.

As for what I learned to make my site become successful: well I learned basic HTML skills; I learned how to write; and I learned how to share personal experiences in a personal way. I'm not sure that website is a 'success', particularly, but I am very proud of this site and it will stay online for as long as I am alive! :-)

What are some of the subjects you write about? What types of things do you typically enjoy covering?

Ah, my favourite topics on the Self Help Collective website have easily been the subject of happiness, and the subject of fear. Oh, I was so smiley when I was writing about being happy, and I was introspective (and concerned) when I was writing about fear.

This quote by Gerald G. Jampolsky kind of sums up both states of being, I think: "Teach only love for that is what you are"

Tell about your goals for "Self Help Collective".

That's easy. I want to get 10,000 unique visitors per day visiting the site. I want them to help themselves via the great self-help content, I want them to help others by contributing their thoughts or views on subjects they feel qualified to do so. The idea being that we all know more than we think.

Financially speaking, I'd like to earn a good living from this website, meaning I'd like to be earning at least £10,000 per month from the site. (I earn less than £100 per month at time of writing!) There are various ways to earn money that don't require charging for content. And I'm going to explore those in the next year or so.

And maybe I could use the website as a platform for my writing - who knows.

What inspired the "Steve's First Haircut" Campaign?

Well, I hadn't cut my hair for 5 years. Literally. Nor had I brushed it. And I have curly-ish hair. So can you imagine what sort of hair I had, after 5 years? Yes, I had dreadlocks and very long dreadlocks at that. (I've never had dreadlocks in my life and I was completely surprised when they appeared.)

So anyway, after 5 years my hair was pretty long - too long! - and I decided to get my hair cut, and I also decided to get my hair cut for charity. So I called it my first hair cut in 5 years to try and drum up some spsonsorship interest.

I raised about £500 in the end, which is around $700US. And I've still to post my after-haircut video, but I will. I got a bit traumatised by my actual haircut, as it happens, as I actually had my hair cut with a pair of garden shears (again, for dramatic effect that I hoped would boost charity earnings) and I did not enjoy the experience, if I'm being honest. :-(

Can you tell us about Steve? Who is Steve? I read somewhere you "wince" when you hear "football" being called "soccer"; tell us about that.

Hmm, well I've shared a little about who Steve is in this interview and on my Self Help Collective and Diary of a Volunteer websites. And I don't want to bore people too much lol. Simply put, Steve is a man who believes in himself, believes in others, and who does not think that gender or age or race need necessarily define who anyone is.

Do you think Americans are a tad whacky calling our "football" football, when clearly it is a running throwing game?

The truth is, there are many games called football - Aussie-rules football, Rugby football, and American football. They're all derived from the same game (more or less) of playing with a ball. So I'm less precious about it than I used to be. But I don't think I'll ever be using the Soccer-word myself for what I call football!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Well, I can't answer this question in full, I just can't. But I do see myself being in a place that I could never imagine being in only a few years ago. An example of that 'place' would be being in my own band. I've never, ever sung or played an instrument but I intend to play in my own band at my own 50th birthday party in May, 2015. And I'd like similar transformations to have taken place in other areas of my life, too, by that time.

Can the things you have uncovered about yourself benefit others? How so?

Always. I firmly believe that each of us has a lesson for everyone else on this planet and vice versa. I believe that my struggle in one area of my life is your struggle in an area of your life. I believe by leading by example and showing others that if I can do it so can you...

What are your goals for your articles? Your writings are very quirky and real. Your personality totally comes out and your quick humor as well.

Thanks, that's very kind of you. I just want to encourage people to be themselves. Everyone *is* unique, after all. And the world is a better place when people act from their own integrity, their own values, and their own quirkinesses. The world does not need any more sheep, really!

Discuss Site Build and what your vision is for your Site Build IT! sites.

Gulp, I've said so much already! Well, to put it very briefly, I see Site Build It! as providing the technology and the supportive environment to enable ordinary people who have a passion and who want to share that passion (in their own voice) to either earn an extra income or a full-time income, from their own website.

Site Build It! does not guarantee success but I truly see SiteSell's SBI! as a fantastic self-improvement tool that enables you to take positive action in your life!

On a typical day, what can we find Steve M. Nash doing?

Well, typically I'm usually writing. Either I'm writing a page for the Self Help Collective website, or I'm writing an article to promote the website, or I'm writing an email, or I'm writing an interview about myself (ahem!)

Otherwise I read - mainly self-help and inspirational books, but I also read novels.

So, finally, here are some of those websites I've mentioned above

STEVE IN MALAWI

STEVE & SELF HELP COLLECTIVE

STEVE & SITE BUILD IT!!!

And here are a few photographs that show me as my hair turned from curls into dreadlocks...

RUN ANNA RUN!! 9-3-09

UPDATE! On 10-10-10 Anna completed the Chicago Marathon YAY ANNA!!!





Today I would like you to welcome Anna Strazzante! Anna has been gracious enough to share her story - her battle with cancer - it is our hope that you will find strength to help. If you are dealing with your own battles, know that you can make it.

She is an inspiration and I thank her for her courage!!! All photos courtesy of Scott Strazzante ~ THANK YOU, Scott!!

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Please tell us a bit about you before your life was changed.

Before my cancer, my life was like any other working mother of four - crazy.

My husband Scott and I had just moved into a new home in Yorkville, Illinois with our blended family of six. My two daughters Sophie and Caroline and Scott’s children Betsy and Cameron who were working their way through life in a new town, finding new friends and living full-time with new siblings.

I was working 4 days a week as a home health physical therapist and then taking care of the children after that while my husband worked an evening shift as a photographer for the Chicago Tribune.

Daily life was quite exhausting but slowly things seemed to be improving.

How did you see yourself and what was your vision for your life before your diagnosis.

I had always considered myself a very healthy, physically fit person. I ate well and exercised regularly. I worked very hard at my career and even harder at creating a stable and healthy home life for my children.

There is no history of cancer in my family so I never imagined that I would become a victim.

How were you diagnosed.

During early 2008, I had a series of urinary tract infections that despite treatment with a wide variety of antibiotics wouldn’t go away. Despite the presence of blood in my urine, my urologist was still convinced that it was still just an infection.

Later in 2008, after a week of visible blood in my urine I was encouraged by a girlfriend to demand a cystoscopy.  It was discovered that I had a tumor in my bladder.

After a biopsy, I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, a very rare form of bladder cancer that makes up only 2% of bladder cancer cases. In addition, the rareness of a woman my age being stricken with this cancer only made my case that much more statistically improbable.

What was the impact.

I was devastated. At the time of my diagnosis, my husband Scott was in Beijing photographing the Summer Olympics. Luckily, my mother was visiting from Sweden at the time but not having my husband next to me lending his support made the news even harder to take.

At first, I was in shock and couldn’t bear to even read about the cancer. At my request, my mother started researching bladder cancer and its survivability.

After my husband returned from China, I started doing my own research. My urologist referred me to University of Chicago’s Dr. Gary Steinberg, an expert on bladder cancer. Steinberg’s advice was a radical cystectomy and the construction of a neo bladder made from my small intestine.

At the same time, a second opinion painted a rosier picture. This doctor said that I would only have to have a partial cystectomy.

After several difficult days of going back and forth, the knowledge that bladder cancer has one of the highest frequencies of recurrence led me to follow Dr. Steinberg’s advice.

My procedure was scheduled for September  10th.


Were there others in your life before you who had been challenged by disease? Did you know what to expect, and if so was that helpful in coping?

No one that I knew had ever had bladder cancer. Every day was a new experience and each day brought new challenges both physically and psychologically.

What were the reactions of those close to you?

My husband took on the role of cheerleader. He kept saying that everything would turn out all right. My children were very scared and didn’t want to talk too much about my cancer. Several of my friends stepped up big time and gave me a ton of support.

My mother was a rock. She stayed an extra month and took care of the daily responsibilities around the house.

In situations such as these, do you feel you must be strong for those who love you? What emotions were you feeling? Responsibilities?

My theory was that the most important thing that I could do for my family and friends was to concentrate all my effort on surviving. I was very scared and despite the healing of surgery’s physical scars, I still struggle daily with the incredible emotional scars that cancer has caused.

How did you choose what course to take with your diagnosis?

I chose what I thought gave me the best chance of long term survival. I wasn’t too concerned about the change in lifestyle that not having a bladder would have, I was just intent on living.

Were your treatments presented to you in a supporting manner?

Dr. Steinberg was very forthright in his explanation of what the surgery would entail and what my chances of living a long and healthy life would be.  It helped that I was 100% on board with his plan and the reasoning behind it.

What were you treatments? Surgeries? Were you informed on what to expect?

My cancer was so rare and with so few studies on it that there are no follow up treatments after the radical cystectomy and the reconstruction of the bladder. I have had to learn how to empty my bladder every three to four hours by using my stomach muscles and to change some of my daily habits.

How did you come to run?

Around the time of my diagnosis, my children started participating in a local running club. I used to be an avid runner but some nagging injuries dampened my enthusiasm for the activity.

I had always had a thought in the back of my mind about running a marathon but I lacked the needed motivation.

Now I have the motivation.    

Running with the goal of finishing the Chicago Marathon has helped me create a mental picture of myself completely healthy. When I am feeling down, I visualize myself completing the marathon and the great joy that will come with that accomplishment - and I feel better.

Tell us about the fundraiser?

After my surgery, I started being very active in the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN). I participate daily with BCAN’s online community of those who have had or are now confronting bladder cancer. I answer people’s questions, try to alleviate their fears and also lean on others for support as I continue my recovery.

When I decided to run the Chicago Marathon, I figured that it would be a great opportunity to increase awareness about bladder cancer and support BCAN.



What are your goals post-bladder cancer?

Of course, I want to remain cancer free and live a long productive life but I also want to help as many other people stricken with bladder cancer. I was very fortunate to have my cancer detected before it was too late so if I can at least make people realize that cancer can strike anyone at anytime, maybe they will get checked before it is too late.

You have specifically empowered a family member of mine, do you feel the love and appreciation the universe throws out as you give to others?

Definitely. So, many people have helped me and still are helping me through this ordeal that I feel that the least I can do is pay it forward. Helping others helps me feel a connection to the world. A feeling that we are one.


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Let us all wish Anna the best.

Feel moved? Donate through the secure network just to your left, or directly at the site here : GIVE FORWARD

The Chicago Marathon is a few weeks away! Get involved. Anna helped my family member get through her bout and I am forever grateful.

Please do what you can to support this endeavor!

Meet Irina Wardas ~ The Natural Counselor 8-28-09

Irina, I absolutely love your bio. It is chock full of credentials and very important health education. Were you completely inspired simply by bettering your health?

Oh thank you Dwana.  I have been doing my best. As a matter of fact, I was inspired by my mother and thanks to her I am a second generation of Alternative Practitioners with a lot of insightful tips full of European wisdom, flavor and experience.

What types of maladies did you first begin to experience and how long did you endure before you sought to address and ultimately alter your self?

Well, I started studying and using natural remedies when my son was 4 years old helping him when he had fever, sore throat, stuffed nose, regular cold or cough.

As for me, after I turned 30, I struggled with failed diets and weight gain; I was overstressed and had hormonal imbalances with non-stop heavy bleeding before I hit menopause; and I had severe PMS issues at a much younger age than most. I gained much knowledge and insight from my unpleasant experiences and have since gained a new outlook on how to take care of myself. I share my experience with my clients, being an exclusive Holistic Health Counselor to support and guide them in getting rid of health concerns they may have, and help them become healthier and happier.

My positive and negative experiences in overcoming difficulties associated with multiple marriages, dating online and in person, being in an abusive relationship, raising my son by myself give me capability, knowledge and expertise to be the best life coach. By the way, my son is in NYC right now, and has a wonderful career in finances. As for me, I am in California with my wonderful and supportive husband and two rescued dogs I love very much.

The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is extremely influential. What was your focus there? 
Why did you feel compelled to certify your training in all of these practices? It is so very commendable. Would you recommend it, all or a few for those you list for seeking better overall nutrition expertise?

At the Institute of Integrative Nutrition I studied all the different dietary theories, from the ancient to the modern, through an integrative approach in a program designed for working professionals. It is very important to be certified in this country so I chose the best possible credentials.

Talk to us a bit about "failed diets", "overstress" and hormonal imbalances.

My mother always tried different food recipes to cleanse her body, so I started learning about detox properties of different foods and have realized that we don’t need to go to extremes to cleanse our body- we can do it with the right foods, herbs and spices.

At the same time, I was also learning about stress, foods and stress, foods that can calm you down or visa versa. So my focus became on detox and distress. Stress is number one cause of all illnesses. It is also one of the reasons we have hormonal imbalances and slow metabolism. The solution? We have to reduce stress and detox our body first if we want to be healthier. I have the same approach to weight loss, something a lot of coaches overlook. They help people lose weight, but it doesn’t work in the long run, because weight loss is about lifestyle, not the diets.

As for diets, we are all different, we are not the same age, so how can the same diet help everyone? And I hate the word diet. Diets don’t work because we are forced to eat something we don’t like for a certain period of time. Of course we stop doing what we don’t like. That is why I teach my clients to listen to their bodies, find the right food choices for them, so they can accept, like and be able to stick to them in the future when I am not around as their counselor.

What is the first change you made to your eating habits? Home life? Cleaning products?

I started drinking one extra glass of water a day, it was my first step. Then I started using soap without chemicals and artificial colors and fragrance, by the way, my mother’s influence. She explained to me 30 years ago that if the soap was not white and smelled good, it contained chemicals. As for cleaning products, I lived in Ukraine at the moment so it was completely natural for me to use vinegar and baking soda.

Is there a specific yoga you follow?

My mother was 80 and still was practicing yoga every day starting with Sun Salutation. I also try to do yoga every day, especially a shoulder stand –Sarvangasana to improve circulation and look fabulous. (I recommend this asana to all my clients if they want to fight wrinkles naturally) If  I don’t have time or not in the mood, I always do at least 10 Sun Salutations to keep my body flexible.

How can someone be enriched by your program?

In general, my holistic and wellness approach is focused on achieving whole-body health through nutrition, exercise, meditation and preventive care. As a Holistic Health and Nutrition Counselor, I help my clients find balance in every aspect of their life including health, relationship, spirituality, career, exercises and food.

As a certified holistic health counselor, I work with women who are under a lot of stress, especially relationship stress, and are experiencing weight gain, lack of energy, insomnia, mood swings. I help my clients get healthier and it means happier by changing their lifestyle and food preferences. We work in a step-by-step ~ very enjoyable way for long lasting results.

What do you see for those you help?

Better future and by that I mean better understanding of what is to be healthier and happier. I try to help people get rid of their concerns by changing their lifestyle without taking pills. We can be healthy and active and live longer, by it is up to us, it our choice only.

What has been the greatest challenge in changing your old habits? For me, I do not even miss the way I used to live, what do you think it takes to make the best adjustments?

Well, the greatest challenge for me was to resist temptations to try all unhealthy processed foods in the grocery stores when I moved to US 11 years ago. It took a lot of self-control and self discipline at the moment.


Was your family receptive? Children adapt well?

My son is 25 and he still eats oatmeal with raisins and walnuts for breakfast. His girlfriend has changed her eating habits (according to her mother). It is still a lot of improvement can be made but one step at a time is my motto. As for my husband, hmmmm. There are some changes after learning a lot from my website and blog. He drinks only organic milk, tries to read labels, doesn’t eat red meat…Well, I don’t force him, he changes his habit at his own pace, one bite at a time. And I work with women, not with men, anyway don’t I?

Tell us about NaturalCounselor.com. How did you begin, where would you like it to go and what do you see for yourself in 5 years?

NaturalCounselor.com is Holistic Health and Nutrition Services for women - everything they need to get healthier and happier as well as feel and look fabulous:

Holistic Health and Nutrition Programs for Women in person and over the phone: Five-Month Personalized Program for Women Balancing Act, Healthy Relationship – Healthy You,
Single Holistic Health and Nutrition Consultation with Follow Up
Holistic Health and Nutrition eCoaching for Women,
Business Coaching for Holistic Health Practitioners and Counselors/Coaches

As a certified holistic health counselor, I work with women who are under a lot of stress, especially relationship stress, and are experiencing weight gain, lack of energy, insomnia, mood swings. I help my clients get healthier and it means happier by changing their lifestyle and food preferences. We work in a step-by-step very enjoyable way for long lasting results.

Ebooks
“Detox – 101 _ Super Simple Detox, The Ultimate guide for Beginners″

“DeStress – 101- Survival Kit for Busy Women″ 

Resources with links to websites with information for women
Health Tools for Women including Body Mass Calculator, Body Fat Calculator, Food Calorie Counter, etc.

Holistic health and nutrition tips on detox /cleanse with whole foods, stress and relaxation techniques, weight loss, better sleep, high blood pressure, headaches and migraines, cancer prevention, food as medicine, beauty remedies and facials, healthy cooking with healthy recipes, benefits of whole foods, self-motivation and relationship / dating – you can find them on my website and on my NaturalCounselor Blog.

Books I Recommend - I have selected books that worth reading and might help women feel and look fabulous.

Podcast and Video
Radio Show “Feel and Look Fabulous with Irina” 

And in five years from now I plan to have a Retreat center for Women who want to feel and look fabulous.

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LISTEN TO IRINA



How exciting Irina! You can also follow Irina on Twitter @IrinaWardas