Model Moment this Weekend!

Good Afternoon!

How was your weekend? I hope you enjoyed the weather. I certainly loved every minute of the sunshine. Today is a rainy day, which makes it the perfect time to blog...right?

This weekend was one of the best I've had in a really long time. Seriously. Here I'm going to discuss the highlight of my weekend (there were many, but this one was worth writing home about!) I'm just so grateful that I can wear many hats as my Guru, Blanca, always says. It's nice to be able to work a full-time job, balance a side business, and do freelance modeling when the opportunity arises! I like to switch it up. Keeps things interesting and makes me feeling alive. 

 I've been freelance modeling since I was 17 (my first gig was in Seventeen magazine!) but this weekend I had the opportunity to do a different type of modeling: jewelry. Hair was styled by Denise at Ambiance Salon in Roslyn Heights, NY. I actually did my own makeup and kept the look fresh + natural (my favorite). The location was set at a breathtaking, private mansion on Long Island. We shot half of the day inside and the other half in the backyard. The weather was 70 degrees and clear skies... absolutely ideal lighting and perfect temperature!! Our team was super accommodating, which made the entire shoot run as smoothly as possible. I just loved the whole experience, from posing on chaise lounges to laying on the grass outside, to taking breaks to sip fresh ginger tea and admire their beautiful home. I felt really special and appreciated--which is a nice feeling when you are working diligently to execute a vision.

 I can't give away too many more details about the exclusive jewelry collection, but I will as soon as they publish their new look books and official website. Every single necklace, ring, and earring was absolutely exquisite and rare; I have yet to see designs of this quality  and uniqueness here in the U.S. The line originates from India and yes I would honestly wear every single piece! The owner graciously gifted me with these beautiful blue  and gold earrings. I especially love the on-trend statements necklaces, as pictured in the photos below. The designs smoothly transition from day to night, which is hot for summer. I'll keep you posted with all the details, since many of you have already asked where to purchase the jewelry!!!

I can't recommend the photographer enough. Karen was AMAZING to work with: super professional, lots of fun, amazing eye, lover of good lighting, excellent directing skills AND she was willing to scale all heights to get the perfect shot. Literally. I foresee many more projects in the future!! Karen Ruffini was on board for a solo project for her, but you can checkout more of her biz productions on her biz page. She does weddings, events, and fashion shoots like this one: 

Paper Hearts Photography.

Here are a few SNEAK PEEKS of the shoot!

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini

Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

 

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini
Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

 

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini
Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

 

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini

                                               Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini

Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

 

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini

Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

Photo Credit: Karen Ruffini

Model: Noel O'Donnell (me)

 

Isn't the jewelry just gorgeous? And how about those photos by Karen! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. Many more photos to come! 

P.S. 

I must thank one very important person, for which there would be no modeling career! Why, of course, the woman who passed on her beauty. This weekend we celebrated her birthday and her ageless beauty...

My Mom!

God Bless America, and good genes. LOL

Stay tuned for more fun adventures!

xo, health, and happiness,

Noel 

Why We Need To Unplug and Go Outside this Spring!

The other day I read a thought-provoking article in the April issue of Women’s Health Magazine about Vitamin N deficiency. Vitamin N? What’s that? You see, I am a health and wellness nut; I was a med student; I taught nutrition at an obesity clinic; and this year I became a certified wellness coach. This begs me to ask the question 'why didn’t I learn about this in nutrition class?' I was instantly inspired to learn more about this “supplement” and what it could do for my clients’ and my health.

                                   

I am well-versed on the importance of micronutrients, such as fat-soluble A, D, E, K and water-soluble vitamins B’s and C. The term 'Vitamin N' completely intrigued and perplexed me. I had to dig deeper and find out more. What I unearthed was eye-opening. With the advent of technology and living a more desk-bound lifestyle, human culture has become increasingly more sedentary. In my senior thesis, I actually looked at the behavior of obese children and the impact of inactivity on their health. Much of their obesity was attributed to their lifestyle choices: Playing video games, surfing the Internet, social networking, watching movies/TV, doing homework on the computer, etc. I have seen similar parallels in my peers and colleagues who spend the bulk of their day on the computer typing up expense reports, press releases, organizing their calendar, emailing, and/or tweeting from a desk. Being in a seated position staring at a blue screen for eight to ten hours per day would leave anyone feeling unwell. We are not sleeping adequately, eating properly, or taking time to get fresh air—which makes us feel cranky, achy, and uninspired.

                                  

Dr. Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, and co-founder of the Children & Nature Network described this behavior as “Nature Deficit Disorder.” Some doctors now recognize this as a vitamin deficiency and treat it by writing prescriptions for Vitamin N. Patients are literally receiving doctor’s orders to go outside and spend time in nature.

The past few days here in N.Y.C. have been absolutely gorgeous and the weather has me in a better mood. I have been spending my lunch break walking four miles everyday. I am so excited to spend some time playing in the sunshine, just like I did as a child. Growing up as a city kid, I've been exposed to pollution, smog, the aroma of the Staten Island dump, poor air quality, cigarette smoke, traffic jams, etc. I'm not here to complain, I'm here to bring to light something that us city slickers are lacking: Exposure to nature. Personally, I’m always craving the freedom to spend time outside, surrounded by trees, breathing fresh air, walking on grass, and feeling the wind across my face. Have you? 

Dr. Louv gives 10 reasons why children + adults need more Vitamin N:

1) The more high-tech our lives become, the more nature we need.

2) Humans are hard-wired to love and need exposure to the natural world. 

3) We suffer when we withdraw from nature.

4) Nature brings our senses alive.

5) Individuals and businesses can become nature smart.

6) Nature heals.

7) Nature can reduce depression and improve psychological well-being.

8) Nature builds community bonds.

9) Nature bonds families and friends.

10) The future is at stake.

This is why I have always taken my niece, nephew, and the kids I've cared for to the park—because it’s good for them and good for me, too!  We get our daily dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine, our hands deep in the dirt for healthy bacteria and boosting our immunity, and giving our lungs the chance to be oxygenated with fresh, crisp, smoke-free air. This spring, I hope you, too, will take a walk outside and spend more time in nature. You deserve to feel well and like I I said in my previous blog post, I’m determined to help get you outside on May 26th!

                        

xo, health, and happiness,

Noel 

www.SheLivesInspired.com

Announcing the Wellness Weekend on May 26th!

Happy Monday to you!

I wanted to personally extend an invite you to a really exciting collaboration I've developed! This past weekend, I signed the contracts with Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens and secured a gorgeous space for next month's BIG EVENT. I'm so excited!!!! But first, I must thank a few important people. Many thanks to my dear friend Megan for her expertise on the event space and planning. Special thanks to my colleague Blanca for believing in my vision and helping to brainstorm ideas! I'm so grateful for all the amazing healers, talented vendors, and awesome speakers who will be participating. 

Megan and I checking out the outdoor event space, The Tuscan Garden, this past weekend!

You're invited to:

Wellness Weekend 

Gorgeous Flyer Design by: Loose Lid Creative

After a long, stifling winter, it's time for us to bond with mother nature again. Many events beyond our control have left us feeling very uneasy. By creating stability within, we will renew our trust in our environment. We believe this event can be tremendously healing for the community on Staten Island and all those affected by Hurricane Sandy. We have all been touched in some way by this tragedy. We have had to hold each other up, had to ask for help, and many of us have been displaced. It's time for us to come together to heal our spirits just as we came together to rebuild our homes.  Join us for this momentous day and be recharged! 

Inspire your life with empowering concepts that you can take advantage of to create and live happier, healthier, and more intentionally. Featuring progressive authors, speakers and healers in the mindful spirituality, health, and holistic lifestyle movement. These trendsetting speakers will INSPIRE your passion with topics ranging from nutrition, wellness, spirituality, to personal transformation and mindfulness!

Save the date and grab your tickets before they're gone! 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

NOEL O'DONNELL Life and Wellness Coach, Reiki Practitioner, Founder of She Lives Inspired

"Why We Need to Unplug from Technology and Reconnect with Nature."

Springtime is the perfect opportunity to infuse ourselves with the light, laughter, fluidity and untapped inspiration that exists in nature. According to Dr. Louv, author of The Nature Principle, "we are entering the most creative period in history; in fact, the 21st century will be the era of human restoration in the natural world." By tapping into the restorative powers of nature, we can boost mood, mental acuity and creativity; promote physical health and wellness; reduce stress and anxiety; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies; and ultimately strengthen our connection with ourselves, our loved ones, and the universe. This timely, encouraging and influential talk will inspire a renewed sense of optimism while challenging us to rethink the way we live! 

More about Noel here: www.SheLivesInspired.com

BLANCA BEYAR Spiritual Author, Guru, Empath, Visionary

"The Power to Create with Empowerment and Passion"

As we continue to harness and to develop the energies of creation, we have learned that in order to manifest a seed of desire, we must first create it through divine intention. However, as we set intentions into motion, we must also fuel it with the intensity of our heart's passion! 

Join me as I share with you the process by which we can ignite the energy of empowerment to fuel and nourish our deepest desires into fruition! 

More about Blanca here: www.blancabeyar.org

                                       

LINDA PRINCIPATO, Holistic Health Counselor, Reflexologist and Reiki Master

"Find Your Well Spot ~ A Holistic Approach to Body-Mind-Soul Nutrition" 

We all know that good nutrition starts in the kitchen. But what are you really hungry for? Does your body move around in ways that feel comfortable for you? Do you have nourishing relationships that ignite your passions? Are you fulfilled at your job? Do you engage in creative activities? Can you find time in your life for self-care rituals? Does your spiritual practice connect to something bigger than the self? These are your Primary Foods, the stuff that feeds your Soul, and Linda Principato is dedicated to helping you find balance in all these areas!

More about Linda here: http://wholehealthandwellness.com/

KARYN ANNETTE, Crystal Healer and Spiritual Artist 

"Awaken your Creative Flow with the Therapeutic Touch of Crystal Energy."

How many times have you admired someone’s creative expression and wondered to yourself what your talents were. Perhaps you tried to paint or draw and weren’t happy with the final product so you simply gave up because you felt discouraged or thought that you lacked any “real talent”.

What would you think if someone told you that tapping into your creative energy reserves starts with re-connecting with your inner child…finding that path which leads you back to the joy and free spirit of childhood.

Crystal Healer & Spiritual Artist Karyn Annette will discuss ways in which you can harmonize your Chakra’s and clear out stagnant areas within your energetic body with the powerful yet subtle use of crystals. This will help you to reconnect and awaken the flow of creative energy that resides within you. Awaken the joy of spontaneous creativity with a little help from our Crystal friends!

Meet Karyn here: http://www.reflectionsofaine.com/index.html

Yoga Class will be taught by Jennifer Jenevi Varriano of Inspiring Om outdoors in The Tuscan Garden at Snug Harbor. 

Your ticket includes access to guest speakers and a yoga class with guided meditation. Plus, Healthy refreshments will be provided. Reiki Healings, Massage Therapy will be available at an additional cost.

Gorgeous handmade jewelry by BRACELETS BY BREANNA, Inspirational Books by Blanca Beyar, healing jewelry by Seanora, and Crystals by Reflections of Aine will also be available for purchase! 

Register today to reserve your seat. SPACE IS LIMITED. Only 30 seats available!!!

Your Investment: $75 per person, non-refundable and must be paid in advance by May 12th. 

Purchase tickets here on my website!


 ENTER THE #wellnessweekend GIVEAWAY HERE. 

Hope to see you there!

xo, health, and happiness,
Noel
www.SheLivesInspired.com