Tucked into a peaceful corner of the event, Jenna, a licensed acupuncturist from Peace of Nature Acupuncture, welcomed guests for ear acupuncture sessions. As people stepped away from the excitement of the event, they found a quiet space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves.

Meeting Jenna

Before the treatments began, Jenna explained the fascinating concept behind auricular (ear) acupuncture.

Holding an ear acupuncture model covered with tiny pressure points, she shared how different areas of the ear correspond to different systems throughout the body. It’s remarkable to see how one small part of the body can represent the whole person.

Her calm presence immediately put people at ease, making even first-time visitors feel comfortable asking questions and trying something new.

What Is Ear Acupuncture?

Ear acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture based on the idea that the ear contains mapped points connected to various organs and body systems.

Using tiny, sterile needles placed at carefully selected points, practitioners like Jenna aim to support the body’s natural balance and encourage relaxation. Many people include auricular acupuncture as part of their overall wellness routine for stress management, mindfulness, and general well-being.

While everyone’s experience is different, many people describe the treatment as deeply relaxing.

A Quiet Moment in a Busy Event

Watching Jenna work was almost meditative.

Each treatment was performed with precision and care, creating a peaceful atmosphere that stood out from the busy energy of the DRIFT event. Guests settled into comfortable chairs while Jenna gently placed the tiny needles, taking time to explain the process and answer questions.

Some visitors admitted they were nervous beforehand, but after just a few minutes, many commented on how surprisingly calming the experience felt.

It became one of those moments that reminded everyone that wellness isn’t always about doing more—sometimes it’s about slowing down.

More Than Just a Treatment

What made Jenna’s booth special wasn’t just the acupuncture itself.

It was the conversations.

People gathered to learn about holistic wellness, ask questions about stress relief, and discover how traditional practices like acupuncture can complement a healthy lifestyle. Even those who didn’t receive a treatment walked away with a greater appreciation for the body’s incredible ability to restore balance.

Final Thoughts

The DRIFT event celebrated wellness in many forms, but Jenna’s ear acupuncture sessions offered something truly unique—a chance to pause.

In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, taking a few quiet moments to care for ourselves can be one of the most valuable experiences of all.

Whether you’re curious about acupuncture or already enjoy holistic wellness practices, Jenna’s thoughtful approach showed that sometimes the smallest treatments can create the biggest sense of calm.

The post Meet Jenna: Ear Acupuncture at the DRIFT Event | Peace of Nature Acupuncture appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt welcoming and uplifting. We checked in, rolled out our mats on the beach, and prepared for an energizing workout as the sun began its slow descent over the water. The fresh sea air and stunning coastal views made every movement feel even more refreshing.

Fitness That Feels Like Fun

The beach workout reminded us that fitness doesn’t have to happen inside a gym. Exercising outdoors, surrounded by nature and supportive women, creates an entirely different experience. Every squat, stretch, and strength exercise was accompanied by laughter, encouragement, and breathtaking views of the ocean.

Sweat & Social Victoria has created more than just a workout—it’s a space where women can prioritize their health while building genuine friendships and celebrating movement together.

The Perfect Post-Workout Social

After class, everyone gathered for a beautiful beach social featuring refreshing mocktails, healthy bites, and time to simply connect.

One of the evening’s highlights was the incredible catering by Crumbs Coastal Kitchen, who prepared a fresh, colorful spread that was as nourishing as it was beautiful. From crisp vegetables and creamy dips to handmade pasta salad and wholesome snacks, every bite complemented the wellness-focused evening perfectly.

Meet Crumbs Coastal Kitchen

Behind Crumbs Coastal Kitchen are Chef Darryl Crumb and his wife Julia Hunter, a registered nurse and wellness advocate who share a passion for helping people thrive through nourishing food and meaningful connection.

As parents of two young daughters, they’ve built a family-owned business centered on one simple belief: great food brings people together.

Their approach combines Chef Darryl’s culinary expertise with Julia’s background in preventative health and wellness, creating meals that celebrate fresh, locally inspired ingredients while fostering community around the table.

Whether they’re catering beachfront wellness events, boutique weddings, intimate gatherings, private celebrations, or serving from their food truck, Crumbs Coastal Kitchen focuses on thoughtful hospitality, fresh seasonal flavors, and creating memorable experiences through food.

Their beautiful grazing tables and wholesome dishes were the perfect addition to an evening centered around wellness and connection.

More Than Just Exercise

One of the most beautiful parts of the evening wasn’t the workout itself—it was the friendships.

Between the laughs, group photos, healthy snacks, and conversations overlooking the ocean, we were reminded that wellness is about so much more than exercise. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you, encourage you, and make healthy living feel joyful.

These are the moments that fill your cup long after the workout is over.

Looking Forward to the Next One

As the sun began to set and everyone headed home with smiles (and a fun swag bag!), it was clear this was more than just a fitness event—it was a celebration of movement, community, and supporting local businesses that share the same passion for wellness.

We’re already looking forward to the next beach social.

Because the best workouts don’t just make you stronger—they introduce you to incredible people, unforgettable experiences, and communities that feel like home. 💕🌊💪

The post Sunset Sweats, Coastal Bites & Community: An Evening with Sweat & Social Victoria appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

And then there are experiences that completely shift your nervous system.

DRIFT by Sweat & Social Victoria was one of those rare experiences.

Hosted at The Parkside Spa, DRIFT combines floating meditation, sound healing, aromatherapy, and intentional mindfulness into one beautifully curated evening. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen—not simply to create a spa event, but to invite you into complete rest.

First Impressions

Walking into the pool area immediately set the tone.

The lights were dimmed, candles flickered around the water, and dozens of floating mats gently drifted across the warm pool. Crystal singing bowls surrounded the space while oversized gongs stood waiting at the front of the room.

There was no rush.

No phones.

No expectations.

Just calm.

Everyone arrived wearing soft white spa robes, quietly preparing for an evening unlike anything most of us had experienced before.

The Ritual Begins

One of the things I loved most about DRIFT was how intentional every single detail felt.

Before we entered the water, each guest received thoughtfully selected comforts that instantly encouraged relaxation.

✨ Soft meditation blankets

✨ Lavender-scented silk eye pillows

✨ Floating mats that allowed your body to effortlessly drift across the water

The beautiful meditation blankets and eye pillows from B Halfmoon weren’t simply accessories—they became part of the ritual itself.

The gentle lavender scent immediately helped quiet my mind while the soft eye pillow encouraged me to let go of visual distractions and become fully present.

Wrapped in the blanket, floating weightlessly, it became surprisingly easy to surrender.

Floating Without Effort

There is something incredibly peaceful about floating.

Unlike lying on a massage table, the water supports your entire body.

Every small movement creates gentle ripples that slowly carry you around the pool.

You stop thinking about posture.

You stop thinking about your to-do list.

You simply breathe.

Watching everyone quietly drifting across the water felt almost surreal.

Some people closed their eyes immediately.

Others watched the ceiling for a few moments before relaxing completely.

Within minutes, the entire room seemed to settle into one collective rhythm.

The Sound Journey

Then came the sound healing.

Led by Little Pili, the experience unfolded through crystal singing bowls, resonant gongs, and carefully layered frequencies that filled the entire space.

The sounds weren’t loud.

They weren’t overwhelming.

They simply moved through the room—and somehow through you.

Each vibration seemed to melt away another layer of tension.

It wasn’t just something you heard.

It was something you felt.

Sometimes deep.

Sometimes gentle.

Always grounding.

More Than Relaxation

What surprised me most wasn’t how relaxed I felt.

It was how present I became.

Without screens.

Without notifications.

Without conversation.

For nearly an hour, there was nowhere else to be.

That stillness is incredibly rare today.

The combination of warm water, calming scents, soothing sound frequencies, and floating weightlessness created an environment where slowing down didn’t require effort.

It happened naturally.

Small Details That Made a Big Difference

One thing that stood out throughout the evening was the incredible attention to detail.

Even before the session began, guests gathered together, enjoyed light refreshments, shared conversations, and eased into the experience. The atmosphere felt welcoming rather than formal.

Throughout the evening, every element worked together seamlessly:

• Floating meditation mats that allowed effortless movement
• Lavender silk eye pillows that encouraged deep relaxation
• Cozy meditation blankets for warmth and comfort
• Warm indoor pool at The Parkside Spa
• Crystal singing bowls and resonant gongs
• Soft candlelight surrounding the water
• A peaceful, judgment-free atmosphere where everyone could simply be

None of these elements alone would have created the same experience.

Together, they transformed an ordinary evening into something deeply restorative.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an experience that’s different from a traditional spa day, I can’t recommend DRIFT enough.

I had the opportunity to experience it during a special evening hosted by Sweat & Social Victoria, a wonderful community that brings women together to discover and try unique wellness experiences.

DRIFT isn’t just floating. It isn’t just meditation. And it isn’t just sound healing.

It’s a beautifully curated experience that combines movement, stillness, and immersive sound in a way that allows you to truly disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself.

From the moment I settled onto the floating mat until the final notes of the sound bath faded away, I felt completely supported—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Sometimes the best form of self-care isn’t about doing more.

It’s about allowing yourself to simply drift.

Check out their Instagram page here: Sweat & Social

The post Drift at Sweat & Social Victoria: The Floating Sound Bath That Gave Me Permission to Slow Down appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

Better health.

More energy.

Stronger muscles.

Stress relief.

But after years of fitness classes, I’ve discovered something even more powerful than the workout itself:

The women you do it with.

Every weekday morning at 5:30am, a group of us shows up at SpinCo Oak Bay. We roll in wearing our matching Alo sets, coordinating colours (because why not?), and ready to tackle a workout that challenges us physically and mentally.

To some people, it might look like we’re just showing up for spin class.

But it’s so much more than that.

It’s accountability.

It’s friendship.

It’s laughter before sunrise.

It’s knowing someone is waiting for you when your alarm goes off and you’d rather stay in bed.

The Power of Connection

Research continues to show that social connection is one of the most important factors in long-term health and happiness. Women who have strong friendships often experience lower stress levels, improved mental health, increased confidence, and greater overall well-being.

When you combine friendship with exercise, the benefits multiply.

You work harder.

You stay consistent.

You show up more often.

And most importantly, you enjoy the process.

More Than a Fitness Class

What started as a workout has become a community. A place where women encourage each other, celebrate wins, support one another through challenges, and create friendships that extend far beyond the bike.

Some mornings we’re energized.

Some mornings we’re tired.

Some mornings we’re simply showing up because the group is counting on us.

And honestly, those are often the most important workouts.

Health Is About More Than Exercise

The older I get, the more I realize health isn’t just about what we eat or how many calories we burn.

It’s about connection.

It’s about belonging.

It’s about surrounding yourself with people who make you want to become the best version of yourself.

Why We Keep Showing Up

So yes, we love our Alo outfits.

We love matching colours.

We love being a little extra.

But what we really love is the incredible community we’ve built together.

Because a girl gang doesn’t just make workouts more fun.

It makes life better.

And that’s a wellness habit worth keeping.

💜 See you at 6AM.

The post Why Every Woman Needs a Girl Gang to Work Out With appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

It changed how we read labels.
It made us more intentional about ingredients.
It invited us to ask better questions about what we’re putting on our skin—and why.

And while that movement sparked something important, beauty has continued to evolve.

Today, we’re looking for more than just what’s left out of our skincare.

We want products that perform.
We want formulas that deeply nourish.
We want ingredients with purpose, concentration, and integrity.
And we want beauty that feels aligned with both our wellness and the world around us.

That’s why Oliveda feels so different.

Beyond Clean Beauty: The Rise of Waterless Skincare

Most conventional skincare products use water as their first ingredient.

In fact, in many beauty products, water can make up 70–90% of the formula.

Oliveda takes a completely different approach.

Instead of using water as a filler, Oliveda replaces it with olive leaf cell elixir—a highly potent botanical extract derived from the olive tree and rich in antioxidants like hydroxytyrosol.

That means every drop is more concentrated, more nutrient-dense, and created with intention.

This is what makes waterless beauty so exciting.

It’s not just skincare without water—it’s skincare with more of what your skin actually needs.

Why Waterless Beauty Matters

For me, beauty today is about more than appearance.

It’s about choosing skincare that supports the skin deeply while also reflecting a more thoughtful lifestyle.

What I love most about this approach is that it brings together:

🌿 Results-driven skincare
Formulas designed to actively support hydration, radiance, and skin vitality.

🫒 Concentrated active ingredients
Less filler, more nutrient-rich botanicals.

✨ Waterless innovation
A new standard in beauty that feels intentional and elevated.

🤍 Supporting skin health from the inside out
Skincare that nourishes—not just coats—the skin.

🌍 More conscious beauty choices
Choosing products that care for both skin and the future of the environment.

Beauty Is Evolving

Clean beauty started an important conversation.

But today, we’re entering a new chapter.

One that’s less focused on what’s removed…
and more focused on what’s intentionally added.

More potency.
More performance.
More purpose.

That’s why I believe:

Clean beauty was the beginning.
Waterless beauty is the evolution.

And for anyone looking for skincare that feels luxurious, effective, and rooted in nature—I think this is where the future is heading.

The post Clean Beauty Was the Beginning—Why Waterless Beauty Is What’s Next appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

Instead of diluting products with water, Oliveda replaces it with highly concentrated, bioactive olive tree extracts designed to nourish the skin more effectively. The result? Potent skincare packed with antioxidants, nutrients, and active ingredients your skin can actually benefit from.

What Makes Oliveda Different?

Unlike conventional skincare brands, Oliveda focuses on creating formulas without unnecessary fillers. Their products are powered by Hydroxytyrosol, a powerful antioxidant derived from olive trees, along with bioactive Arbequina olive oil sourced from eco-certified olive groves in Spain.

This means:

• More concentrated skincare
• Less dilution
• Fewer preservatives
• Better ingredient absorption
• Cleaner formulations

Oliveda describes their formulas as being significantly more concentrated compared to traditional water-based skincare.

The Benefits of Waterless Beauty

More Powerful Ingredients

When skincare products are packed with water, active ingredients become diluted. Waterless beauty removes that excess and delivers more concentrated nourishment directly to the skin.

Many users notice:

• Better hydration
• Softer skin
• Improved glow
• Reduced irritation
• Healthier skin barrier

Even beauty publications like Vogue highlighted how waterless formulations provide a more concentrated and nourishing skincare experience.

Sustainability Matters

One of the biggest reasons people are embracing waterless beauty is sustainability.

Water is one of the world’s most precious resources, and the beauty industry consumes enormous amounts of it during manufacturing. By reducing water usage in skincare formulations, brands like Oliveda aim to create products with less environmental impact.

Oliveda also supports clean water initiatives in Africa by funding water well projects since 2013.

It’s beauty with a bigger purpose.

Why People Love Oliveda

Consumers are becoming more ingredient-conscious than ever before. They no longer want products filled with unnecessary fillers, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives.

Oliveda’s philosophy centers around:

• Organic ingredients
• Botanical-based skincare
• Minimal fillers
• Eco-conscious practices
• Holistic beauty from the inside out

The brand also offers skincare, haircare, body care, wellness products, olive oils, and beauty elixirs designed to support both inner and outer wellness.

Waterless Beauty Is More Than a Trend

Waterless beauty is quickly becoming one of the biggest shifts in modern skincare because consumers want products that are:

• More effective
• More sustainable
• More transparent
• More concentrated

And Oliveda is leading that movement.

Instead of paying for a bottle full of water, people are choosing skincare that focuses on active ingredients that truly support healthy, radiant skin.

With its olive tree-powered formulations, commitment to sustainability, and focus on highly concentrated ingredients, Oliveda Waterless Beauty is helping redefine what modern skincare should look like.

Because true beauty isn’t about adding more fillers — it’s about giving your skin exactly what it needs, and nothing it doesn’t.

The post Why Everyone Is Talking About Oliveda and Waterless Beauty appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

Lately, I’ve been loving combining my favorite wellness ingredients with products from Oliveda, paired with my trusty blender that makes every smoothie creamy, smooth, and delicious.

Why I Love Blending Healthy Smoothies

Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to give your body vitamins, antioxidants, healthy fats, and hydration in just a few minutes. Instead of skipping breakfast or grabbing processed snacks, I can quickly blend ingredients that support my energy, digestion, skin, and overall wellness.

Some of my favorite smoothie benefits include:

• Increased energy throughout the day
• Better hydration
• Supports healthy digestion
• Helps nourish glowing skin
• Easy way to add fruits and greens into your routine
• Keeps me feeling full and satisfied

And honestly… it just feels good taking a few intentional moments for yourself every morning.

Why I Use Oliveda in My Wellness Routine

One thing I’ve been loving lately is incorporating Oliveda products into my healthy lifestyle. Oliveda is known for using powerful olive tree extracts packed with antioxidants and wellness benefits.

What I love most is how their products focus on natural ingredients and holistic wellness. Pairing nutrient-rich smoothies with intentional wellness products helps me feel like I’m truly taking care of my body inside and out.

My routine is all about balance — nourishing foods, hydration, movement, and choosing products that align with a healthier lifestyle.

Adding Oliveda 170 to My Smoothies

One of my favorite wellness additions lately has been Oliveda 170. I love adding it into my smoothie routine because it’s packed with hydroxytyrosol — a powerful antioxidant derived from olive tree polyphenols.

Adding Oliveda 170 to my smoothies helps elevate my wellness routine while supporting hydration, overall vitality, and healthy aging from within. It blends perfectly into my morning routine and pairs so well with nutrient-rich smoothie ingredients.

Some reasons I personally love adding Oliveda 170:

• Rich in antioxidants
• Supports healthy skin and glow
• Helps support overall wellness and hydration
• Easy to incorporate into daily smoothies
• Complements a healthy lifestyle naturally

Now every smoothie feels like a beauty and wellness boost in a glass.

My Favorite Smoothie Ingredients

Here are a few ingredients I always love adding into my blender:

• Spinach or kale
• Frozen mango or pineapple
• Banana for creaminess
• Avocado for healthy fats
• Almond milk or coconut water
• Chia seeds
• Matcha or greens powder
• Protein powder
• Ice for the perfect texture

My Go-To Green Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp matcha powder
• Ice cubes
• Optional: honey or dates for sweetness

Directions:

Add everything into your blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy immediately.

The Blender That Makes Everything Easier

A good blender truly makes a difference. The smoother the blend, the more enjoyable the smoothie experience becomes.

I love using a powerful blender that can easily handle frozen fruits, leafy greens, ice, and supplements without leaving chunks behind.

👉 Shop My Favorite Blender on Amazon

Whether you’re making smoothies daily, meal prepping, or creating wellness drinks at home, investing in a quality blender is absolutely worth it.

Creating Healthy Habits That Feel Good

Healthy living doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s the small habits — like blending a smoothie, staying hydrated, and creating intentional moments for yourself — that make the biggest impact over time.

This simple smoothie routine has become one of my favorite ways to slow down, nourish my body, and romanticize everyday life a little more.

If you’ve been wanting to start your wellness journey, this is your sign to grab your blender, try new ingredients, and create routines that genuinely make you feel good.

Oliveda 166 for Wellness Drinks & Mocktails

Another favorite addition to my wellness routine is Oliveda 166. I love using it not only in smoothies, but also in refreshing wellness drinks and mocktails when I want something light, hydrating, and elevated.

It’s such an easy way to turn a simple drink into something that feels luxurious and intentional. Whether mixed with sparkling water, fresh citrus, herbs, or blended into healthy cocktails and mocktails, Oliveda 166 adds a wellness-focused touch to every sip.

Some Fun Ways I Enjoy Oliveda 166:

• Mixed into sparkling water with lemon and mint
• Added to refreshing cucumber or citrus drinks
• Blended into healthy mocktails for gatherings
• Used as part of my self-care evening routine
• Paired with smoothies for an extra wellness boost

Creating healthy drinks at home has honestly become one of my favorite forms of self-care. It makes wellness feel fun, beautiful, and easy to maintain.

Final Thoughts

Blending healthy smoothies has become one of the easiest ways for me to prioritize wellness, energy, and balance in my everyday life. Pairing nutrient-rich ingredients with my favorite Oliveda wellness products and a reliable blender has truly elevated my routine.

If you’re ready to upgrade your mornings and create healthier habits, start with something simple — one smoothie at a time.

Shop My Wellness Favorites

• 🌿 Oliveda Products: SHOP HERE
• 🥤 Favorite Blender on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/

Cheers to healthy habits, glowing skin, and feeling your best from the inside out.

The post Blend Your Way to Better Wellness: My Healthy Smoothie Routine with Oliveda + My Favorite Blender appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

I am!

Living Hollis Style 14 Days of Health with Lesley Martel is BACK this Monday, January 9th for 2 weeks!

Join us or follow along for some accountability & ideas to incorporate more greens, exercise (movement) and no refined sugar everyday. We will have a private Facebook group for posting our #healthyhabits and keep us motivated! Yay! Comment or Dm us if you are in! 

The post New Year, New You! appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

Women in my age group still want comfortable, stylish and fun workout wear. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Uzavy.

Uzavy aims to help all women to be an inspiration and unique idol inside and outside of the gym. They strive to make you feel like a member in a bigger family; sharing hopes and dreams and trying to fulfill them physically and mentally. Bringing customers the new, exclusive, creative and one of a kind fabrics and designs to bring the best out of you anywhere, anytime.

Shop this set and more here.

The post Uzavy – My New Workout Wear appeared first on Living Hollis Style.

The reality of period equity is that there are many barriers to receiving equal opportunity period care, and one of them is neurodivergence. My daughter Victoria has non-speaking autism. She will communicate simple phrases like, “I want strawberries.” But mostly, her communication is non-verbal, and I understand her very well through body language and facial expressions. 

Victoria is dependent, but she’s patient and happy! She teaches me every day what is truly important in life. Like any other person, she wants to be safe and loved. 

Period care for autism

Having non-verbal autism, Victoria can’t tell me when she feels terrible or starts her period. It can be challenging and scary for all teens to experience their period in a way that isn’t empowering or normalized. I’ve always been very open with her about my period and have walked Victoria through my own. Being consistent is essential, with a pad that’s comfortable and works like Joni.

Better period care with Joni

Joni aims to make sustainable and affordable pads for all menstruators, regardless of gender, location and class. Joni pads are made of bamboo, cornstarch, biodegradable paper and plastic, and are about 92 percent biodegradable after 12 months. 

Like many people with autism, Victoria has sensory sensitivities and OCD. The pad must be the right length, and the sides have to stick down for her. It has to feel just right, or it simply won’t work – she has to feel comfortable.

Pads and underwear give Victoria period care independence, something many of us take for granted. Period cups are challenging to master and too personal and invasive, especially when support workers are involved.  For me, autism has environmental factors as well as a genetic disposition, so I want to know more than anything that she’s using safe and clean products, which is why I love Joni!

Why period equity matters

Equity acknowledges different people need different levels of support. Achieving period equity all begins by acknowledging the different barriers that are in the way for various people. When it comes to autism and periods, we need to look at the barriers and get the complete picture toward greater understanding. It begins by acknowledging diversity, including neurodiversity so that no one is left behind! 

We all have our challenges, and when we share those challenges, that helps everybody. Some people judge autism and say how awful it must be. It is challenging, but it comes with a lot of learning. Victoria teaches me, again and again, the different values in life. Because of her, I’m more patient and less judgemental. I’m less concerned with stuff and more concerned about our health—health is everything.

 Read my full conversation with Joni here: https://getjoni.com/a/blog/autism-and-periods-periodequity

 

The post Let’s talk about period equity! appeared first on Living Hollis Style.