Wellness Guide

Italian Girl Slow-Living Habits for a Peaceful, Clear Mindset

Published on December 3, 2025 by LeeLeave a comment

There’s a soft, effortless luxury to the Italian way of living — slow mornings, warm light, and small rituals that make everyday life feel more intentional. When everything starts to move too quickly, and your mind feels overwhelmed, what you need isn’t a dramatic reset but a gentle shift in how you begin and end your days. That’s where Italian slow-living habits come in, offering a soothing yet refined approach to creating mental clarity.

Italy’s place among the world’s happiest countries speaks to a culture that values balance, beauty, and presence above all else. These habits reflect that same spirit: simple, elegant rituals designed to ground your mind, soften your days, and bring a touch of quiet luxury into your routine — no passport required.

5 Italian Habits to Love

1. Sprezzatura – Making something look effortless
This habit embodies the elegant tranquility Italians carry even in the most challenging moments. Sprezzatura is the art of moving calmly, confidently, and with intention. Originating in the sixteenth century from Baldassare Castiglione’s The Courtier, it describes a carelessness that hides all effort, making everything appear natural and effortless. In practice, it’s about transforming challenges from a place of ease, learning from the process instead of struggling through it.

2. Piano Piano – Little by little
It is practically a synonym for patience; The famous “pian pianito” that we have all heard when we start something new, a course, a project, or a different stage. It is about advancing step by step, without haste and without wanting to master everything in a single day. Because there’s nothing more overwhelming than trying to learn everything, wanting to do it perfectly, and being the best version of yourself in just a moment. This habit reminds us that things well done need calm, apart from enjoying the process, celebrating small daily achievements, and waiting for the results from a comfortable place, knowing that they are already yours by decree.

3. Anni, Amori e Bicchieri di Vino – The years, the loves, and the glasses of wine are never counted
Life isn’t about tallying age, past loves, or possessions. This habit invites living lightly, without unnecessary ties or worries, and embracing every moment with joy. Age is just a number, and it’s never too late to reinvent yourself or pursue what matters most. And yes — every celebration is better with a good glass of wine in hand.

4. Il Dolce Far Niente – The Sweetness of Doing Nothing
This habit is all about stepping away from the rush and letting yourself simply be. Italians embrace il dolce far niente as a natural part of their day — not as a reward after endless work, but as an essential moment to recharge. It’s where the mind can breathe, creativity can bloom, and ideas can feel fresh and clear. There’s no “right” way to practice it; it happens while strolling along the coast, watching the sky, or simply savoring the quiet of a slow afternoon.

5. La Vita è Bella – Life is Beautiful
Existing is already a gift, and this habit reminds us to notice it. La vita è bella encourages finding beauty in every detail, practicing gratitude and kindness, and cherishing both small and significant moments. Especially in uncertain times, it’s a conscious choice to see joy, cultivate positivity, and gradually create the life you want — one mindful moment at a time.

Bonus: Mangiare con Gioia – Eating with Joy
Food is more than just nourishment; it’s a ritual of pleasure, connection, and presence. Italians approach every meal with gratitude and attention, savoring the flavors, textures, and company around them. This habit invites you to slow down, enjoy each bite, and treat mealtime as a mindful, joyful experience — turning everyday routines into moments of delight and connection.

Japanese Walking for Weight Loss and Wellness—The Effortless Way

Published on August 15, 2025 by LeeLeave a comment

Ever heard of Japanese Walking? It’s a gentle, mindful way to move that’s been quietly winning hearts—and for good reason. In a world full of intense workouts and fitness apps, this simple stroll brings a breath of fresh air: effortless, calming, and surprisingly energizing. Think of it as your new wellness secret—like a little daily step of kawaii self-care that’s both smart and soothing. Ready to walk your way to better health? Let’s take that first step together!

So, where does Japanese Walking come from?
The trend began with actor Mike Ryosuke, who swears by this clever technique for his weight loss success. Inspired by age-old Japanese practices that focus on breath, posture, and mindful movement, it’s not about walking more—it’s about walking better (and with a little omotenashi, or thoughtful care, for your body). By tuning into spinal alignment and engaging your core, Japanese Walking turns simple steps into a gentle, mindful dance that feels as good as it is smart.

Here’s how it works:

Spinal Alignment: Maintains a graceful and strong posture.
Core Activation: Powers your balance with every step.
Mindful Breathing: Breath and movement flow in harmony, calming your mind.
Deliberate Pace: Slow, smooth steps to connect body and soul.

Together, these create a walking style that’s less about speed and more about a shibui—that quiet, understated elegance and ease in motion.

How do you actually practice Japanese Walking?
No fancy gear or gym needed—just you, your body, and a little mindful intention. Start by standing tall: spine straight, shoulders soft, and your core gently engaged. Next, tune into your breath—inhale deeply through your nose for a count of three, then exhale slowly through your mouth for seven, pulling your belly in as you do.

When you begin moving, take slow but purposeful steps, paying close attention to your alignment and rhythm. The magic happens when you alternate three minutes of brisk walking with three minutes of a gentler pace, repeating this cycle for about 30 minutes total. It’s like a gentle mawari (meaning “turn” or “cycle”) for your body—a beautiful balance of effort and ease that keeps you moving without feeling overwhelmed.

Why is Japanese Walking capturing so much love today?
Because it moves with the rhythm of our busy lives—simple, effective, and gentle enough for everybody. It’s more than exercise; it’s a kokoro (心) practice, a mindful dance that connects body and spirit with each step.

This flowing movement, paired with deep breath and graceful posture, helps ease stress, awaken digestion, and invite restful sleep—like a quiet hara (腹) hug for your well-being. It’s wellness woven into your day, one serene step at a time.

Ready to add a little ikigai—your reason for being—to your daily steps?
Japanese Walking isn’t just about moving; it’s about moving with intention, grace, and a touch of joy. So, lace up your favorite shoes, take a deep breath, and step into a wellness ritual that’s as kind to your body as it is to your soul. Here’s to walking your way to balance, beauty, and genki energy—one mindful step at a time.

From Petals to Pour: A Dreamy Guide to Homemade Floral Syrups

Published on August 13, 2025 by LeeLeave a comment

Who says flowers are just for pretty tablescapes? From cocktails to lattes to weekend waffles, floral syrups are the easiest way to add a luxe, botanical twist to your favorite sips and bites. Plant stylist and author Carolyn Dunster—aka the queen of edible blooms—shares her go-to recipe for transforming fresh petals into a sweet, fragrant syrup that’s as gorgeous as it is good for you.

✨ Bonus: Many edible flowers come with skin-loving, wellness-boosting benefits, too.

Ready to sip in style? Here’s how to make it.

🌸 Flowers, but Make Them Functional

For plant stylist and author Carolyn Dunster, flowers aren’t just pretty—they’re a way of life. Known for her books Cut & Dry and Urban Flowers, Carolyn has long championed the art of growing, styling, and enjoying blooms beyond the vase. But it wasn’t until she wrote her third book, A Floral Feast, that she truly fell in love with cooking them.

After tasting countless petals and exploring how different cultures have infused flowers into their meals for centuries, Carolyn discovered a delicious truth: edible blooms don’t just elevate your plate—they nourish your body, uplift your mood, and bring a little joy into everyday rituals.

“If we start growing varieties with high nutritional value on a larger scale,” Carolyn shares, “flowers could move beyond decoration and become essential to how we eat and care for ourselves. Plus, the act of growing and tending to plants? It’s a form of self-care in itself.”

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A post shared by Carolyn Dunster (@carolynrdunster)

✨ Floral Syrups = Nature’s Sweetest Secret

Think of floral syrups as the perfume of the kitchen—only instead of spritzing, you’re sipping. “They’re a way of bottling the essence of a flower,” Carolyn explains, “and turning its scent into flavor.”

Instead of extracting essential oils like perfumers do, you gently soak fresh petals in warm water, then add sugar to preserve that dreamy fragrance. Once bottled, your syrup will last up to a year—aka four seasons of petal-powered lattes, cocktails, and desserts.

🌞 Pro tip: For the most vibrant flavor and aroma, harvest your flowers at their peak—ideally when they’ve soaked up plenty of sun.

🌸 DIY Floral Syrup Recipe

Because every dreamy sip deserves a botanical upgrade…

Ready to turn fresh blooms into a fragrant, sweet elixir? Here’s how to bottle the beauty of flowers in just a few simple steps.

What You’ll Need:

Choose highly fragrant flowers for the best flavor payoff. Here’s a quick guide for how much to use per cup of water:

Elderflower – 10 elderflower heads
Violet – 3 cups sweet violet flowers
Lilac – 2 cups lilac florets
Rose – 2 cups rose petals
Lavender – 3 tablespoons lavender flowers

How to Make It:

Make the base syrup
In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar (start with 1 cup of each). Simmer gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens.
Infuse with flowers
Remove from heat, add your chosen blooms, and gently stir to coat. Let the mixture cool completely, then cover and let it steep overnight.
Strain + store
Pour your syrup into sterilized bottles or jars. For a clean look, strain out the petals—or leave a few in for a gorgeous visual touch. Label, seal, and store in a cool, dark place.
✨ Once opened, keep it refrigerated.

🌸 Your Bloom Moment Starts Now

Ready to drizzle, sip, and swirl? Whether it’s in a cocktail, over pancakes, or stirred into a latte, your homemade floral syrup is proof that everyday rituals deserve a little beauty.

✨ Tag @BeautyLeeBar when you try it—because we love a good bloom moment.

I’ve Been on a Dozen Flights This Summer—Here’s How I Keep My Health in Check

Published on August 2, 2023May 1, 2024 by LeeLeave a comment

This summer has been my “season of not staying put,” as my family likes to call it. Without even realizing it, I have somehow planned a trip every weekend and booked over a dozen flights—and it’s only August. I’ve flown from California to Copenhagen and everywhere in between, and while it’s been so much fun to travel, quite frankly, I’m exhausted. Flying takes a toll on my health, but I’ve curated a routine that has kept my wellness in check all summer long (*knocks on wood*). My carry-on is stocked with digestive aids, immune support, hydration essentials, and sleep accessories that make red eyes more manageable. I’m certainly no wellness expert, but I swear the following items have been complete lifesavers. Keep scrolling to shop for the products I can’t travel without.

Physical Health

ONRŪ

Travel Immunity Supplement $39

This vitamin C supplement was made with travel in mind. It contains anti-viral properties, immune boosters, and stress-relieving adaptogens for the ideal on-the-go concoction.

ROOKIE WELLNESS

Wake Stick Packs $45

This gives a caffeine perk without the crash, which is ideal for combatting jet lag.

BALA

Jump Rope $55

I’m the type of traveler who needs daily movement (we can sit still when we home) but not necessarily two hours in the gym. Jump ropes are an easy thing to pack for a quick cardio burst.

Gut Health

ARRAE

Bloat Digestive Enzymes $55

These seem to be the only digestion aids that actually get rid of that post-flight bloat.

LIQUID I.V.

Hydration Multiplier $23

The only way to combat travel dehydration.

BETTER BODY FOODS

Organic Chia Seeds $13

The greatest hack of all is adding a couple spoonful of chia seeds to a glass of water and mixing it with the Liquid IV packets above. You get a hydration and digestion boost (if you get what I’m saying).

Skin Health

CHANELN°1

De Chanel Revitalizing Eye Cream $80

Packing an eye cream that hydrates and de-puffs is nonnegotiable for me.

SKIN GYM

Rose Quartz Crystal Sculpty Heart Gua Sha Facial Tool ~~$32.00~~ $24.00 (25% off)

This lightweight tool always manages to find a way into my carry-on. It’s the easiest way to de-puff after a long flight.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Cryo-Recovery Lifting Face Mask With Acupressure Technology $55

The first thing I do when I get back to my house after a red eye is throw on this frozen mask. It looks crazy but feels amazing and de-puffs instantly.