<![CDATA[Lauren-Bragg.com - Blog]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 01:46:23 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Greek Yogurt Parfaits]]>Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:43:30 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/greek-yogurt-parfaitsEasy peasy, make ahead parfaits! 

Ingredients: 
  • 1 container plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 pack raspberries
  • 1 pack blueberries
  • Honey
  • Small glasses for serving
  • Optional toppings: raw almonds, chopped cashews, maple syrup 

Instructions: 
  • Wash your fruit
  • Place a few berries in the bottom of your cup
  • Add some yougurt and honey, repeat until full
  • Cover with plastic wrap 
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]]><![CDATA[Upgraded Empanadas]]>Fri, 01 May 2020 18:26:05 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/upgraded-empanadas
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Dough Ingredients:
  • 2.5 cups of flower
  • 4oz cold butter- cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt 
  • 1/3 cup ice water


Filling Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 white onion- diced
  • 2 cups chopped Swiss chard
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 russet potato diced 
  • 1/2 cup celery grated 
  • 2 carrots grated 
  • 1/2 cup broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tap cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste 


Chimichuri Ingredients:
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro
  • 1/2 bunch parsley
  • 1 small white onion 
  • 1 like juiced
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup EVOO
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper




Dough Preparation:
Pulse the flower and salt in the food processor. Add butter egg and ice water and gently pulse until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Wad into a ball and tightly wrap in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours, 1 hour at least.


Filling Preparation:
Boil the cubed potatoes for about 4 minutes, drain and set aside. Brown the turkey in a large sauté pan, letting it get a bit crunchy before stirring it. Add the all of the other ingredients except parm. Simmer for about 20 minutes, salt and pepper to taste. 


Assembly 
Preheat the oven to 375. Cut the dough ball into 4 equal parts. Roll out each piece separately on a floured surface until very thin. I was able to get two, 7 in rounds per quarter. I used a salad bowl and a knife to cut out the pieces. Add about 1/3 cup to each round, sprinkle with parm cheese, fold the dough over and press together with your fingers and then a fork. Beat the egg and brush empanadas, don’t forget the back of the fat part. Place on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown

Chimichurri Preparation

Pop everything except for the olive oil and pulse until almost smooth but still has some texture. Drizzle in the EVOO slowly and pulse until just combined. 

​Enjoy Vixens! 
]]><![CDATA[The Vixen's Holiday Gift Guide]]>Tue, 13 Nov 2018 17:07:54 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/the-vixens-holiday-gift-guide
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I've gathered the BEST gifts for all the different women in your life! Shop local, support entrepreneurs and get EXCITED about the gift of giving this holiday season! 
I curated this list to basically copy Oprah's Gift Guide. There's something for everyone! Make some tea or grab some wine and let's get to shopping! 

For the Foodie
For the Artist
For the Gardener
For the Animal Lover
For the Mama
  • Mothersun Bamboo Tanks- soft, cozy and artfully printed for the Mama's. 
  • Asher Market- fall in love with luxurious baby alpaca throws and shawls and even shop their baby line

For the Nester
For the Fashionista
For the Hustler
For the Gym Rat/Yogi
For the Mellow Maven
For the Beauty Queen
For the Water Baby
For the Adventurer
Happy Shopping, Sweet Vixens. Gift Responsibly! 
]]><![CDATA[The Refill Shoppe- A Vixen Encounter]]>Tue, 09 Oct 2018 20:08:18 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/the-refill-shoppe-a-vixen-encounter
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I sat down with Michelle Stevens, the owner of The Refill Shoppe to talk all things eco-friendly living. Here are her tips, tricks and even ideas for the holidays! PS- Ain't she sweet as sugar?!  
I'm constantly trying to live a more eco-friendly, less toxic lifestyle. Specifically, I'm looking to reduce my footprint on our precious Mother Earth by eliminating single use plastic products from my life. It's a challenge guys cause guess what, single use plastic is SUPER CONVENIENT, it's absolutely everywhere. It's also no secret that plastic severely harming our environment, our oceans and our precious animals. Did you know that not ONE single piece of plastic that have ever been manufactured has completely biodegraded?! Plastic in the ocean turns into micro-plastic and sea creatures eat it and (if they survive being poisoned) vis-a-vis, we eat it too. YUCK. 

I've been feeling myself slipping in my efforts a bit so I thought it would it be fun to collaborate with The Refill Shoppe. I wanted to get re-inspired and learn. We've got some JUICY tips from the expert, entrepreneur and VIXEN herself, Michelle! Here are a few things you should know before we get to the tips:

  • Michelle has owned and operated the Refill Shoppe in Ventura, CA for 8 years and fell in love with Mama Earth when she was a young girl at conservancy camp in the Everglades! 
  • She advocates for an eco-friendly, SUP (single use plastic) free lifestyle. Not necessarily all plastic free because she believes in reusing everything! Single use is where we get into trouble, it's just too wasteful!
  • She wants to remind us to NEVER EAT ESSENTIAL OILS! Thy are volatile compounds and you get enough of a dose on your skin. 
  • She has a beautiful online store if you're into shopping online. 
  • One of the highlights of my visit was when she me my own CUSTOM SCENTED, VIXEN body lotion blend (photos below)! I even got to pick out my own essential oils (spicy of course!) and the amount of food-grade glitter (which was of course LOTS of glitter). I've been using the Trader Joe's body butter and it's FULL of toxic shit. Upgrade complete! 
  • The holidays are coming up. Michelle is a WHIZ at creating thoughtful, custom gifts like salt scrubs and perfumes! The cutest thing ever- go in the shop and buy an empty, vintage perfume bottle for a friend. It has a little note that says this is your gift certificate and they can then head into the store to create their very own, customized scent!

 ​
Michelle's Tips: 
  1. Start small. Little changes make a big difference! Think about the SUP products you use MOST frequently and investigate a swaperoo. Is it plastic food wrap? Produce bags at the grocery store?Daily Starbucks cup with a plastic lid? Water bottles? Plastic straws? Ziplock bags? Just choose one and commit to swap it out with a better alternative. Fun fact, if you took this info to Michelle at her store, she would 1000% percent have a more eco-friendly swap for you! Also, nothing a quick google search can't help you solve!
  2. Coffee & water. Speaking to the two BIG areas of single use plastic I mentioned above, water bottles and plastic coffee containers are not only items we use almost every day, they also make a huge impact environmentally. Simply stop buying these items, invest in a beautiful, glass water bottle (tastes so much better too!) and travel coffee mug you love! Like she mentioned above, just start with one though, until it becomes a habit. 
  3. Use up what you have. You don't have to start running around dumping all the SUP products into the trash. Use up what you have and prepare for your swap when the time comes. You can even bring your old plastic shampoo bottles, laundry detergent containers etc. to The Refill Shoppe and she'll fill them up, turning the SUP item into a reused one! Also, if you're a creature of habit and use certain household/beauty products religiously, stop in the shop and have Michelle make you custom scented dish soap, laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner etc! Cleaning and beautifying will smell oh-so-sweet! 
  4. Reduce, reuse, refill, recycle- IN THAT ORDER. Did you know that only 5% of what you put into your recycle bin actually gets recycled?! Recycling, or pitching the item should be at the bottom of the list! 
  5. BYO food containers. Have you ever left a restaurant with like 3 styrofoam containers, plastic cutlery, plastic lids all wrapped in a plastic bag? I have! Michelle brings her own little bento box containers to the restaurant when she's dining out. Brilliant! She has the cutest little stainless steel ones at the store. Find something that fits into your purse and ask the server if they'd be willing to send off the leftovers in your own container. 
  6. Reduce- napkins. Most of the time, napkins aren't SUP items but they are wasteful. Invest in a set of your own washable, cloth napkins. This is especially useful when you bring your lunch to work! See? Less waste. 
  7. Body first. Our skin is out biggest organ and what we put ON it is just as important as what we put IN it. If you're not sure where to start, is there ONE part of your beauty regimen that can be naturalized? Maybe a natural shampoo bar instead of your precious Pureology?! 

Michelle's Favorite Products Right Now:
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Custom salt scrub station, refill station and community board.
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My new pal and I in front of the refill station.
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Michelle giving me a scent preview of the Vixen Blend!
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The Vixen Blend- with food grade glitter of course, LOTS!
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The most DARLING ideas for gift certificates.
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Various tonics, elixirs, essential oils and self care goodies.
]]><![CDATA[The Perfect Vegetarian Dinner]]>Wed, 12 Sep 2018 16:18:55 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/the-perfect-vegetarian-dinner
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A super easy, vegetarian, weeknight meal that your husband will love even though there's no meat!
HOLY CRAP Y'ALL

It's been a while since I've done a blog post. I'm going to keep this very simple for myself to prove that it's easy as pie to get back into the swing of thing so here goes! 

VEGETATRIAN ZUCCHINI PATTIES: 
  • 3 large or 4 medium zucchini - shredded
  • 1 large white onion- minced
  • 4 cloves garlic- minced
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp seasoning of your choice (season it up! I used: red pepper flakes, every day seasoning, herbs de provence, salt & pep)
  • 1 tsp EVOO
  • SAUCE: 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1 lemon juiced, coconut aminos, hot sauce: mix well. 

Instructions: 
  • Preheat the oven to 350.
  • Add 1 tsp of salt to the shredded zucchini and let it rest for 10 minutes, put it in a cheese close or towel and squeeze the shit out of it to remove excess water. 
  • Add all the ingredients to a bowl, mix well and form into patties. 
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, drizzle with EVOO and place patties on the baking sheet. 
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes per side. 
  • Drizzle with greek yogurt sauce and serve. 

KALE & PEACH SALAD: (if you want to go the extra mile, make THIS SALAD and add peaches but below is a simplified version). 
  • 1 bunch of kale- washed, dried, rolled into a burrito and minced
  • 1 tbsp EVOO
  • 1 tsp coarse salt 
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • Sprouts or edible flowers 
  • 1 peach, diced
  • VINAIGRETTE: 2 tbsp EVOO, 1 tbsp mustard, 1/2 juice lemon, 1/2 avocado, salt & pep, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: blend thoroughly (can be made ahead of time and/or in bulk). 
Instructions: 
  • Put all the ingredients in a large salad bowl, drizzle with vinaigrette, toss and serve. 
Wow, that was easy and took me all of 15 minutes lol! Time to get back on this blog horse!

​I hope you make and enjoy this recipe as much as we did! There are even leftover patties for breakfast! 

If you haven't got your ticket yet to the Goal Setting & Feng Shui Workshop DON'T WAIT! We only have 14 spots left! Check out our website for more information and the link to buy $50 tickets. Hope to see you there Vixen! 

Live to Thrive, 
​Lauren
]]><![CDATA[My Favorite Things: Trader Joe's]]>Fri, 09 Mar 2018 16:09:02 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/my-favorite-things-trader-joes
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These are a few of my favorite things! Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing my must-have items that help me live life #likeavixen. This week, we'll talk about Trader Joe's! 
Let me just start out with one disclaimer. I believe that TJ's uses WAY too much plastic packaging (they're "container happy" I like to say). Opt to get your produce at your local Farmer's Market.  If you'd like to learn more about the controversy CLICK HERE. The name of the game with most of the items is to repurpose the packaging. Get creative with jars, reuse items for different purposes, or just use it until it's no longer functional. Let's get to my favesies!!

Produce (without packaging):
  • Loose Avocados: There's usually all different kinds of ripeness so you can buy a few that are super ripe and a few greenies for later in the week. 
  • Loose Sweet Potatoes: I usually make sweet potato fries, mashed sweet potato or this week, for example I'm making Shepherd's Pie with a sweet potato lid! 
  • Loose Apples: PERFECT for juicing or with almond butter for a snack.
  • Bananas: We don't go through a ton of bananas because Jeremy doesn't eat them.  I buy them green and put them in smoothies and when I have leftovers I take the peel off and freeze them for banana bread. 
  • Loose Onions: Oh I love onions so much, ROASTED is hands down my fave. I also make pickled red onions every couple of weeks that seem to magically disappear. 

Pantry:
  • Everyday Seasoning: An absolute staple! Everyone I've introduced it to is hooked (including my Mother In Law in Mississippi that gets regular shipments!). The ingredients are clean and it's delicious on everything savory. I reuse these jars to grind up dried herbs from my garden! 
  • Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: Another staple that's amazing on everything. I might actually like this seasoning better than Everyday, go try for yourself! 
  • Ethiopian Organic Fair Trade Coffee: It's affordable and has all the qualities I look for in a whole bean coffee. I also love that it's not bitter. 
  • Coconut Oil: I love the triple filtered for cooking and the regular jar for my beauty regimen. Unless I'm making an Asian style dish I don't love a ton of coconut flavor. The triple filtered is very mild! 
  • Garlic Olive Oil: This is SO good drizzled over tomatoes or roasted veggies. The garlic flavor is super strong and sometimes I just don't feel like mincing garlic! 
  • Tunisian Olive Oil: Pretty sure this is my favorite EVOO ever. There's a local shop here in SB that kicks this ones butt in flavor town but you can't beat the value and flavor of TJ's Tunisian. 
  • Turmeric Powder: Perfect for golden milk and curry bases! Another super affordable spice option but I'm not 100% sure about the quality! 
  • Free Range Organic Chicken Broth: I typically make my own chicken broth but I always keep this in the panty and sometimes even use it as a broth base for homemade to get some extra flavor. This is the newer one in the white box (not the red one). 
  • Hemp Seeds: I love easy superfoods! These go all up in my salads, smoothies and healthy treats. 
  • Coconut Milk: TJ's organic coconut milk is absolutely delish. I will say that it can be kind of chunky though! If I'm using C Milk for smoothies for the week, I'll usually open up several cans, immersion blend them and store it in a carafe. That way I can easily add silky smooth C Milk to all kinds of things. 
  • Ghee: Ghee is a pain in the butt to make at home. I try to but sometimes I just need the easy way. The glass jar is perfect for repurposing too (paint the inside, add some soil, succulents and a ribbon!).
  • Hatch Valley Green Salsa: Mmmm, super spicy green salsa with chiles from Hatch, New Mexico. 

Snacks: 
  • Olive Oil Potato Chips: Two ingredients- EVOO and potatoes. So simple and if I'm craving salty/crunchy (ALWAYS), these are a healthier option than a normal chip. 
  • Raw Cashews: Probably my favorite nut! You can make cashew milk, add them to salads and smoothies or just grab a handful for a snack. 
  • Turkish Dried Apricots: When you see bright orange apricots, RUN. They add sulfur dioxide to keep the color and it acts as a preservative. TJ's Turkish apricots are sulfur free! 
  • Almond Butter: I LOVE raw, crunchy almond butter! My favorite snack to make is frozen almond butter banana slices.

Fridge:
  • Pickled Cauliflower Medley: Pickle everything, I'm all over it. Crunchy, salty, cold and awesome chopped up onto a salad. 
  • Sauerkraut: Again with the crunchy, salty, cold AND it's packed with gut supporting probiotics. Excellent on avo toast or by itself. 
  • Kerrygold Butter: Unsalted and grass fed, Kerrygold really paved the way for grass fed dairy products. If you're gonna do dairy, definitely keep it grass fed and even better if it's raw and organic! 
  • New Zealand Organic Sliced Cheddar (grass fed): same as above and I love this cheese with apple slices. 
  • Avocado's Number Guacamole: I usually make my own guac because I love cooking so much but this is a delicious, no fuss option with clean ingredients. 

Self Care:
  • Vitamin E Oil: I keep this in my manicure kit and if you get yourself a pair of silk gloves, try massaging this into your hands and wearing the gloves overnight. Baby soft!! 
  • Dr. Bronner's Soap (bar & liquid): The OG of the natural soap world. We use this for dish soap, laundry detergent, in the shower and when we're camping in the van. It's super versatile and won't harm Mother Earth. 
  • Lavender Salt Scrub: Another item I typically make (coconut oil, essential oils, brown and white sugar) but this stuff is pretty dreamy. The ingredients are pretty clean too, lots of different oils! 
  • ​Coconut Body Butter: This one's ingredients aren't super clean but I like to use this after a hot bath. It's literally my favorite smelling body butter EVER. 

Frozen:
  • Grass-fed Ground Beef: I've spoken to several TJ's and they all seem to agree that the frozen, organic, grass fed ground beef is superior to the refrigerated one. It's from a single source in New Zealand rather than several sources for the latter. Again, if you can get your products locally, this is always a better option. 
  • Riced Cauliflower: SO easy! My favorite way to prepare this is as cauli cakes. I add almond flour and an egg and make patties. Bake them for 40 minutes at 350 for a perfect side dish. 
  • Cauliflower Pizza Crust: It's so crispy and delicious! There are a few added starches but I think this is one of the best cauli crusts out there. 
  • Organic Superfood Pilaf: Quinoa, kale and butternut squash. I love this as a side dish or as a main and keep it in the fridge for when I'm feeling kitchen lazy. 
  • Organic Mixed Berry Blend: Perfect for smoothies and an easy way to get a variety of berries! 

​Bevvies: 
  • Well Read Organic, Sulfite Free Red Table Wine: Although it's only 12.5 %, it's SO delicious and it doesn't give me a headache! Hands down, my favorite wine right now. Oh yeah, and it's $6!!
  • Spindrift Raspberry Lime Mineral Water: I like that it's in cans vs. plastic. It's a great mixer or on its own and comes in a 4 pack. 
  • Organic Green Tea & Lemonade: This is Jeremy's favorite! There's not a ton of added sugar and is pretty tasty over ice with fresh lemon. 
  • Monopolowa Potato Vodka: It's made from potatoes and it's pretty mellow AND it's only $10. Win win win! 
  • La Ferme Julian Rose Wine: This is the wine I usually bring to a potluck or enjoy when it's a little warmer. It's cheap, delicious and the bottle is super pretty :). 

Naughty Treats:
  • Salted Caramel Gelato: Just a whole lot of yum. Jeremy actually doesn't love it but it's the go to dessert for a dinner party with Mom and Dad. 
  • Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Covered Almonds: These don't tend to last very long at our house so I buy them sporadically. I actually don't have a huge sweet tooth but I know someone who does lol. 
  • Gone Bananas: I haven't seen these lately and maybe that's a good thing. They are DELISH!! It's how I started using the raw almond butter instead actually. Just banana slices and dark chocolate ready in the freezer. 
  • Sublime Ice Cream Sandwich: This is probably my favorite dessert. I buy them a couple times a year. The mini chocolate chips around the edges are what get me! 
  • Ghost Pepper Potato Chips: They're have the perfect level of heat and they're super crunchy and waffle cut. These are usually camping treats! Jeremy says these are the best with the bacon ranch dip, I wouldn't know lol.  
  • Peanut Butter Pretzels: These are my road trip kryptonite thanks to my friend Haley. 
​
I hope these items add a little joy to your world! Lots of love,
Lauren

PS-I am in no way associated with Trader Joe's and I was not paid to write this post. 
]]><![CDATA[How to Sleep Like a Vixen]]>Tue, 27 Feb 2018 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/how-to-sleep-like-a-vixen
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Hey Beautiful! If you struggle with sleep or you're interested in improving your sleep, keep reading! I'm sharing my juiciest tips and sleep habits to get your sleep regimen on point! 

  • Set a Goal
    • ​The first step in creating a new sleep routine is to create a plan of what excellent sleep means to you (and because I'm a goal coach, we ALWAYS start with a plan!). Here's a great journal exercise to get you going: start by determining how many hours you need to feel rested. Write down a DETAILED description of what a perfect night's rest looks like for you. Also, write down what your pre-sleep ritual looks like (more on that below). 
    • If you're currently getting 4 hours of sleep and need 8, I would break your goal down into 3 phases so you gradually work up to your sweet spot.  
    • Your goal should read like this: "I consistently get 8 hours of sleep for the next 6 days." Feel free to plug in your own numbers and adjectives. Some of my clients say "deep/restful sleep" or "uninterrupted sleep."
    • If you're working on implementing a bunch of different habits in your life and aren't sleeping well, I recommend you focus solely on getting your sleep in order before adding more to the mix. Sleep is the foundation to success in other endeavors. 
    • Now, we need to work on some action plans to achieve your sleep goal. Keep reading....

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  • Read
    • Reading before bed always makes me fall asleep and I've heard many others agree.  The trick is to put a lamp or reading light next to your bed with your book.  When you're ready to hit the hay, you have everything you need to read until your peepers close. 
  • Essential Oils
    • ​I'm such an essential oil nerd. I use Young Living but I don't sell it. I like the quality, the selection and the monthly auto ship. My top 3 oils that I use before bed: lavender, roman chamomile and valerian. If you're lucky enough to know someone that makes or sells tinctures, I highly recommend kava kava to calm your nervous system (I swear by it!). Check out Pura Luna Women's Apothecary here in Santa Barbara. I've also recently fallen in love with Saje Wellness. They have TOP quality oils and diffusers and I love their Pocket Farmacy for travel. 
  • Your Bed
    • Your bed should feel like a sanctuary. Hands down, the best (and most used) investment I've made is my bed. I know it's challenging for the busy Mommas and go-getters out there but do your best to guard your bedroom and treat it as a sanctuary. A fluffy comforter, a quality pillow, a throw that you love and cotton sheets are my go-to's. Make an effort to build your bed over time with items you adore.  
    • You might also be interested in learning WHERE your bedroom is in your home and calling in some Feng Shui/energy movement. HERE is a link to a Bagua Map. One of the bottom 3 squares will be the entrance to your home and your other rooms will land accordingly. Take into consideration the colors and elements mentioned on the map and any stuck energy that may be lingering in your bedroom (clutter!). If you need some Feng Shui consulting, my Mom is simply the best. Here is her website. 
    • Make your bed every morning. Just do it. 
    • Dial in the temperature of your room. Ideal temps are between 60 & 67 degrees. If you have heavier blankets keep it cooler and keep it warmer if you have lighter bedding. 
  • Black it Out
    • ​Light pollution = no good sleepy. I don't care if you have to pin all of your favorite scarves to the windows temporarily, cover your light sources! Blackout curtains are also a good, more permanent option. Just make sure you're letting natural light in your room during the day. 
  • Electronics/Mirrors
    • The last thing we need when trying to get a good night's rest is a bunch of extra energy flying around. The only electronics I have in my room are my cell phone/watch chargers and a lamp. I put a scarf over the chargers and unplug the lamp at night to quiet the energy. If you have a TV in your bedroom, relocate it. 
    • You can also counteract some of the electricity with living, indoor plants, dream catchers or crystals.
    • Make sure you don't have two mirrors facing each other. The energy exchange between two mirrors is essentially infinite and very hectic. If you have mirrored closet doors, consider hanging sheer curtains. My Mom recommends this and ties hers up during the day to lift the energy and lets them drape at night to quiet the energy.  
  • Cut Caffeine 
    • If you're a die hard coffee addict and aren't sleeping well, I'm talking to you sister. I recommend switching to green tea at first (which still has caffeine) and then to herbal tea or hot water with lemon. Feel free to keep your creamer option the same as you transition. I've found that my my morning craving is actually just a hot liquid of any kind. I make myself coffee about 2 times a week now instead of daily. It's taken some time to get used to but if I can do it so can you, promise! 
  • Visit a Naturopath
    • ​If you are consistently getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night and are exhausted all the time, I recommend making an appointment with a naturopath. You could be suffering from adrenal fatigue, cortisol imbalance or another malady that needs to be treated by a physician. My naturopath did blood work, urine, saliva and fecal tests and recommended a few herbs/tinctures to get back to homeostasis. We also found out that even though I'm a sun slut, I was vitamin D deficient! I really enjoyed learning more about my body and I think you will too. Side note: insurance only covered a portion of the costs for the testing so take that into consideration. 
  • Medical Marijuana/CBD
    • ​I'm a big fan of Mary Jane. I don't use it all the time, nor do I recommend it for everyone. What I would recommend for anyone having trouble sleeping is a pure CBD product (here's my favorite brand of oils, here's my favorite brand of gummies). CBD doesn't have any psychoactive effects (meaning it doesn't get you high) and it's a powerhouse when it comes to medicinal effects. Here's a great article describing the difference between THC & CBD. If you're into the consciousness shifting stuff, I recommend the Indica strains which are more relaxing. Stop by your local dispensary or check out the awesome products from Caliva. Let them know you're looking to improve your sleep, they'll have some great recommendations! 
  • Exercise/Nutrition 
    • ​We all know exercise is important right?! Even on your non-gym days, I recommend getting in at least 10 minutes of movement. Taking a walk, working on your mobility or doing some home yoga will absolutely help you fall asleep and stay asleep, especially when you're consistent.
    • I know lots of my Vixens prioritize healthy eating. I just couldn't write a post on sleep and not emphasize that what you put into your body effects every single bodily function. Are you supporting your systems so they can optimally function?   
  • Pre-Sleep Ritual
    • ​Creating a set of things you consistently do before bed is essential (and this one is tough for me!). My ideal pre-sleep ritual is to shower, coconut oil my face, floss, brush my teeth and spend 15 minutes reading. What should you be doing to get ready for bed? 
    • This ritual could also include setting an alarm for when it's time to get ready for bed and GUARDING that time for yourself. 
  • Pre-Sleep Yoga
    • Whether you have 7 minutes or 20 minutes before you hit the sack, take some time to disconnect from your screen and to do some moving meditation. ​I ADORE Yoga With Adriene, she has zillions of YouTube videos and if you have an Apple TV you can subscribe to her app for 10 bucks a month.  
  • Gratitude
    • ​When I have trouble falling asleep or when I wake up in the middle of night I always turn to gratitude. Start with your toes and in your head, recite everything you're grateful for about your toes and move up your body. I try to touch every body part and I'm descriptive. "I'm grateful that I have all of my toes and they're injury free, they're pretty and they allow me to walk." Then move to your heels, ankles and so on. 99% of the time I don't make it to the top of my head/hair because I'm already asleep. Try it! 
  • Gypsies/Nomad Vixens:
    • I have a dear friend that is doing a temporary nomad-thing right now and is having trouble sleeping because she doesn't feel like she has her own nest. If you can relate, I recommend traveling with with your favorite blanket (like Linus) or pillow. Always bring a book, a scarf for a window and a few essential oils. Based on what you learned above, consider making some small changes to your sleep space like covering a window or electronic devices and relocating a plant. 
​There you have it Vixens! I'd love to hear about your sleep regimen, what you've done to improve it or if you'd like some specific attention on sleeping better. Sending you lots of love and sweet dreams! 

PS- My one hour, private Goal Coaching package goes up to $150 on March 1st.  Take advantage of the $79 special and let's work on your goals! I promise you'll leave feeling clear, inspired and organized for the rest of 2018. <3 

​Live to Thrive,
​Lauren 
]]><![CDATA[13 Reasons to Come to the Goal Setting & Feng Shui Workshop]]>Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:52:53 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/13-reasons-to-come-to-the-goal-setting-feng-shui-workshop
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Some PRE-TTY compelling reasons to join us on February 10th! 
  • Sisterhood​ & Community
    • ​You know that feeling you get after you spent some quality time with your tribe? Safe, supported, heard and belly aches from laughing so hard. This is what community is all about. We're brining together some incredible women. Who knows who you'll meet?! New besties, business connections, accountability buddies, new clients??  Come connect with us and your new sisters and leave feeling renewed and inspired.  
  • Mother/Daughter Duo
    • ​Well, this part is just a dream come true for me.  I think it's pretty amazing that I'm able to host a workshop with my Mom (Pamela) because our businesses (and souls) align so perfectly together. How is it than in my practice there are 9 goal categories and in hers, there are 9 quadrants of the Bagua Map (more on that below)?! We're brining the magic y'all! 
  • The 7 Steps of Goal Setting
    • ​Goal Setting is an art form. Through the years, I've designed a SUPER SIMPLE approach that you can apply to your life whenever you need a shift. You'll leave with a fresh set of crystal-clear, 2018 goals and all the essential tools to help you achieve them. I've taught hundreds and hundreds of women my system and they stay steady goal diggin'! To reflect on all that's been accomplished by my clients is hands down the best part of my job. 
  • Journal Exercises
    • ​I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for journal prompts and worksheets. There are 3 phases of Goal Setting (prepare & visualize, organize & clarify and reflect & maintain). In the prepare & visualize phase, you'll get to complete a set of super fun, inspiring, thought provoking exercises aimed to get your juices flowing and to identify your passions and desires for the remaining 2 phases.  
  • LUNCH!
    • We've got a beautiful, patio lunch planned for you. The food at The Goodland is organic, rooted in farm-to-table sourcing and it's delicious. We'll have an array of wraps so whether you're vegan, Paleo, vegetarian or gluten free, you'll be covered.
  • Basics of Feng Shui
    • Since Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art form, my Mom (Pamela) will teach you the basics. She's been practicing for over 20 years, has read every Feng Shui book under the sun and has compartmentalized the practice so we can easily and correctly apply it. 
  • The Bagua Map
    • ​We'll walk you through this VITAL tool in the Feng Shui world and you'll learn how to orient the map to your personal home. Once you know the areas of your home AND your goals, you can move energy in your home to support your goals! 
  • Feng Shui Cures
    • Learn about FS cures and how to remedy any stuck energy in your home. For example, the "love & marriage" section of my home is in my LAUNDRY ROOM :/. I even had a special basket for "lonely socks" when everything in the love & marriage section should be in PAIRS. Mom walked me through the cure and let's just say I noticed some serendipitous results :). 
  • Champagne 
    • ​I'm not sure this one really needs a description ha! We'll wrap up the afternoon with a social hour to deepen our connections and to relax our our bodies/minds. If you don't drink, we'll have options for you too! 
  • ​Fresh as a Daisy
    • ​Here in Santa Barbara, we've had a rough start to 2018. We like to think of February 10th (day of the workshop) as the NEW, New Years Day.  You'll feel fresh as a daisy with your new goals, crystal clear action plans and you'll be so excited to get home and move some energy! Think of this a your fresh start card to 2018! 
  • Invest in Yourself
    • ​You know what they say...."the best money is the money you spend on your growth." This day is all about YOU. Think of it as a mini vacation from your to-do list. Better, you'll be paying for an experience where you'll learn tools that will be useful for a lifetime. If money is still a sticky point for you, we offer payment plans. CLICK HERE to learn more (scroll to the bottom).  
  • The Goodland
    • ​Straight up, the Goodland is GORGEOUS. We've also hired Erika Bellitt, owner and lead designer of Event Bliss.  We'll go above and beyond to create a beautiful, serene setting so you can tap into your flow and design your best year ever. 
  • ​Take Control
    • ​Sometimes it feels like life comes AT you. Like you're destined to play the game of life with the hand you're dealt. It's time to take control and make some plans to achieve what's meaningful to you. Although I believe the universe is in control, it doesn't mean we can't design an abundant, passion-centered life. Set a goal, create a plan, find accountability and support your desires within your nest. So, what do you want to achieve this year? 

​Won't you join us? Tickets are selling fast and we only have 30 spots! I can't wait to see your face and give you a squeeze! 
Get Tickets

Have Questions? 

Take a peek at our FAQ page or get in touch with me directly below! 
]]><![CDATA[The Best Roast Chicken Recipe...ever.]]>Sun, 07 Jan 2018 16:11:27 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/the-best-roast-chicken-recipeever
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This, my dears, is the only roast chicken recipe you'll ever need. It's foolproof, incredibly moist and super easy! 
I'll be straight up when I say that I think brining a whole chicken is ABSOLUTELY VITAL. I do keep the brine recipe super simple thought. I've also been happy with the organic, pre-brined chickens at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods.  Feel free to skip this step if you can find whole, brined chicken.  If you're into brining yourself here's what you'll need: 

GET IT: 
  • 1/2 cup sea salt
  • 1 orange
  • Spring or filtered water
  • 2 handfuls of ice cubes
  • Large stock pot

DO IT:
  • Bring the salt, squeezed orange (with peel) and about 2 cups of water to a boil to dissolve the salt. 
  • Remove from heat and add a couple handfuls of ice to cool the brine. 
  • Once cooled, add the whole chicken and cover with water (make sure to remove giblets!).
  • Place in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours. 
Now let's get to the fun part! Let's roast this baby!

GET IT:
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into small pats
  • 2 oranges (bonus points if you can find some blood oranges!)
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt & pepper
  • Drizzle of EVOO
  • Optional: fresh rosemary, garlic, different citrus like grapefruit
  • Baking sheet & wire rack
  • Sharp knife

DO IT: 
  • Preheat the over to 425.
  • Pull the chicken out of the brine, rinse and pat dry.
  • Place the chicken, breast side upon the rack over the baking sheet.
  • Use your fingers to separate the chicken skin from the breast meat (creating a little pocket for butter).
  • Use the knife to cut one small slit in the skin at the top of each of the chicken legs (also a pocket for butter).
  • Use the whole stick of butter: tuck the slices underneath the breast skin and into the legs.
  • Squeeze the citrus all over the chicken skin and stuff the rinds inside the cavity. 
  • Drizzle with EVOO and season liberally with S&P. 
  • Pop in the oven and bake for 90 minutes.  
  • Let rest for 10-15 minutes and carve (here's a video on how to carve a cooked chicken).
  • Bonus points if you save the carcass for chicken stock!
]]><![CDATA[Let's work on your relationships!]]>Thu, 09 Nov 2017 23:36:28 GMThttps://www.lauren-bragg.com/blog/lets-work-on-your-relationships
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Let's talk relationships shall we?!  Platonic or romantic, we're going to cover a few things that will help you excel in the world of HUMANS.  
Here's my theory: get to know yourself so that you can understand and get to know others.  I'd like to have you take a few personality tests to get a better idea of how you function.  Here they are:
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