133: Joy with Tablespaces and Charcuterie Boards

Entrepreneur Mel Pugh brings your dining vision to life with her artistic customized Charcuterie boards and Tablescapes. 

Mel Pugh

Charcuterie 

Today's Lexi: 

Χαρά - Chara - Joy

In Today’s Episode:

Before you know it, the holidays will be here, and the Kefi L!fe Team wants to help you create an unforgettable meal experience. 

Our guest, business development executive-turned-Décor Stylist MEL PUGH of Set Thee Mood with Mel, is bursting with creativity for your next special event.

Get inspired with her truly unique charcuterie boards.

Board Highlights:

• Fresh Ingredients

What makes a unique charcuterie board? The value of food and conversation.

What is Mel’s favorite charcuterie board and why?

What is tablescaping?

This episode brings JOY to your table, one that will be remembered for the ages. 

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Convo Starters

Resources:

SET THEE MOOD

Set Thee Mood on Instagram (@settheemood)

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

132: Gab It Out Girls — Moving

The Gab It Out Girls return to get us past the emotional block of moving our stuff.

Linda and Meredith

Kiki, Linda and Meredith

Today's Lexi: 

Οργανώνω - Organóno - Organize

In Today’s Episode:

Linda and Laura of Gab It Out (Garage, Attic, Basement) are with Kiki to talk you through your clutter and help you conquer the move of a lifetime.

Get clear, calm, and uncluttered so you can move with peace and take with you only what serves you.

During this episode learn about the mental process of moving. Is there really an emotional component to it all?  You also will learn how to incorporate the floor plan of your new space with the packing of your current space.

Discover the solution to CLUTTER CATCHERS.  Create a surface with a purpose and follow the rules.

RULES FOR A GOOD MOVE:

• Be fun and flexible.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Mental Preparation for the Big Move

Resources:

GabItOut.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

131: How Does Your Past Affect Your Physical Health?

Maura Gates holds a Masters in Exercise Physiology.  As an Athletic Trainer, today she will guide us through the Activation process on how to release pain and painful emotions. 

Maura Gates

Kiki and Maura

Today's Lexi: 

Eμφαδένας - Lemfadenas- Lymph node

In Today’s Episode:

Meet Athletic Trainer Maura Gates.  With a Masters in Exercise Physiology, she is always researching and learning new techniques to support the healing of her clients.  “I am passionate about helping humans become the best version of themselves by acknowledging how their past experiences have affected their physical health and working collaboratively to enhance it through movement, activation and education.”

Today learn about the relationship between trauma and wellbeing. How does your body interpret trauma, and why do we hold these painful emotions in our bodies?

Discover the value of the Autotomic Nervous system and Belly breathing.

How do you get out of the sympathetic state, and who is Douglas Heel Be Activated? Can his practice help you?

How important are your lymph nodes, where are they in your body and how do you keep them healthy?

Maura is based out of Chicago but can treat in person or over zoom. 

Enhance your wellness and release what’s holding you from a beautiful and wonderful life.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Put Yourself on the Schedule

Resources:

Flex Wellness Chicago — Maura Gates

Maura In the News

Flex Wellness Chicago on Instagram (@flexwellnesschicago)

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

130: Elevate Yor Next Meal with PremOla Granola

PremOla Granola, a mother and son business, brings a healthy, delicious, and nutritious 20-year formulated food to your table. 

Kiki, Lisa, and Ben

Today's Lexi: 

Καρύδι - Karýdi - Nut

In Today’s Episode:

Today we have the tale of PremOla Granola, and how one mother and son brought their household snack routine to the community.

Over twenty years ago Lisa began making her unique granola recipe for her family.  She continually refined the mix, making it healthier and tastier with every batch. 

Today her family’s favorite snack is fast becoming a community’s go-to for favorite granola.

In this episode you’ll learn how PremOla Granola is different.  How did Lisa create this exceptional recipe, and how did she and her son Ben decide to launch to the world?

What are some great ways to incorporate PremOla granola in day-to-day eating in order to elevate a meal?

The nuts have it in this episode of Kefi L!fe.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Breakfast at Dinner

Resources:

PremOla Granola

PremOla Granola on Instagram (@premolagranola)

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

129: Southernish Personalized Culinary Experiences with Joe and Linsey Rousey 

Personal Chef Joseph and Linsey Rousey are Southernish!  An exciting Southern + Contemporary food concept which honors In-Home Hospitality with organic, delicious home-cooked meals.

Joe and Linsey Rousey

Kiki, Joe, and Linsey

Today's Lexi: 

Καπνιστό - Kapnistó - Smoked

In Today’s Episode:

Southernish Chef Joe (A 10 year Army veteran) has worked in the kitchens of the most notable and recognized celebrity chefs in Chicago.  He took his love for Southern cooking and now brings the restaurant experience directly to local diners in their own home.   Southernish. As the name suggests, Joe and Linsey love to cook and eat southern food.  As the -ish implies, they make lots of other foods as well, from American classics to Asian and everything in between. 

Smoked Scallop Crudo: the creation of the day brought to life.

How did the pandemic encourage Joe and Linsey to build a business which feeds you in your own home?

How does Joe operate in the kitchen, and what was his military career before he discovered his own personal talents?

Organic and fresh are two of the ingredients which springboard an entire menu. Learn why!

AND — what are the basics of the Southernish experience?

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Plating and Presentation

Resources:

Southernish

Spira Farms

Ecole Ducasse

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

128: Italian Nostalgia with Modern Taste — Jo Marie Scaglia’s Inspiration

A third generation Italian, a foodie at heart and a lifelong cook, Jo Marie Scaglia is the heart behind Caffetteria Café, The Mixx and MW Maven.  Get inspired with her passion for food, kitchen meditations and ingredients that connect old-school recipes with modern taste.

Jo Marie Scaglia

Today's Lexi: 

Κοινότητα - Koinótita - Community

In Today’s Episode:

Kiki is over the moon to connect, collaborate, and share the talents and wisdom of 3rd-generation Italian Jo Marie Scaglia.  A foodie at heart and a lifelong cook, Jo Marie Scaglia is the heart behind Caffetteria Café, The Mixx and MW Maven.  Get inspired with her passion for food, kitchen meditations, and ingredients that connect old school recipes with modern taste.

The essence of the Italian word CAFFETTERIA, an eating and meeting place, centered around the love of food, family and community, is alive in Jo Marie’s kitchens.   

So, what’s cooking?  It all begins with…

“What’s in the fridge and what can I make with it?”  Discover the basics of Jo Marie’s philosophy, and how does an ingredient inspire a memorable meal?

What are the kitchen Meditations Jo Marie practices, and why?

This renaissance woman designed three successful businesses; how did she do it?

Also...great conversation about nostalgic influence, sustainability, health and classic ideas.

Exciting stuff when Greek meets Italian providing meaningful, memorable meals, and Kefi L!fe products are now featured and sold at Caffetteria Café in Prairie Village, Kansas. 

Don’t delay…check out this episode with our new collaborator Jo Marie of Caffetteria Café, The Mixx and MW MAVEN.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Farmer’s Market Tips

Resources:

Caffetteria Modern Cafe

Caffetteria Cafe on Instagram (@caffetteriacafe)

MW Maven on Instagram (@MWMAVEN)

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

127: Integrative Mental Health = HOPE

Dr. Toula Kelikian joins Kefi Life® to talk about microbiome, relationships, sleep, self-regulation and more! 

Dr. Toula Kelikian

Kiki and Toula

Today's Lexi: 

Νοσοκόμα - Nosokoma - Nurse

In Today’s Episode:

Toula Kelikian is a professor of nursing and a uniquely compassionate professional with over 40 years of experience and a PHD in integrated mental health. Toula shares how the daily physical and mental challenges she experienced during her career as a nurse led her to develop a coaching model for nursing students. Toula shares a simple, easy way to check in with yourself to make sure all of your needs are being met.

Dr. Toula discusses the importance of close relationships and the effects loneliness can have on physical and mental health.

Listen to this helpful conversation between two friends who share the benefits of European cultures, pointing out that strengthening relationships is more of a priority especially in Greece and Italy – AND, eating is seen as a social experience that shouldn’t be rushed.

What is the vagus nerve, and how is it related to mental health?

What is Flora, and how is it related to brain health?

Dr. Toula talks about how the negative impacts meat has on gut microbiome lead her to become a flex-etarian- eating a plant-based diet 90% of the time.

“You don’t have to be all-or-nothing! Start with small changes.”

Learn a few more small changes you can make in your daily life that will have a big impact on your overall health.

Finally, sleep is the underrated nourishment, discover how to create a mindful wind-down routine for yourself each night before bed.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Check in with yourself

Resources:

 Morton.edu

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

126: Flourish & Live Your Best Life with Organic Juices

Nutritionist Kaitlin Soto, owner and operator of Flourish Juice Co. joins the show today! Kaitlin believes that food is medicine, and everyone deserves to feel their best and flourish! Tune in to hear how Kaitlin turned her passion for nutrition into a successful, sustainable juice business!

She is dedicated to educating others on how to improve their quality of life through nutrition.

Kaitlin Soto and Flourish Juice

Kiki and Kaitlin

Today's Lexi: 

χυμός - chymós - Juice 

In Today’s Episode:

Kaitlin Soto of Flourish Juice Co. is here to teach us all about juice and the health benefits that come with it! Kaitlin shares her journey of how feeling frustrated at the lack of local, healthy juice options led her to start her own juice company.

What exactly is cold pressing, and why does that method of juicing produce a much healthier product?

Kaitlin discusses her passion for recycling and the steps she takes to make sure Flourish Juice Co. is sustainable — One being using non-toxic, lead free glass bottles...this saved 70,000+ single-use plastic bottles from landfills! Learn about the harmful chemicals found in plastic containers and how the Flourish Juice Co. team encourages their customers to be “eco-champions'' by returning their glass bottles.

Kiki and Kaitlin talk about medicinal properties of food and the increasing popularity of plant-based medicines.

Is this the future of medicine?

Kaitlin shares her dream of eventually turning Flourish Juice Co. into a completely circular business where they grow all of their own ingredients! 

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

First line of defense 

Resources:

• FlourishJuiceCo.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

125: The Power of Mushrooms

There’s a new substitute in town, and it’s low calorie, vegetarian, vegan non-GMO and USDA Organic.  Windy City Mushrooms is this week’s guest on Kefi L!fe.

Johnny, Kiki, and Matt

Mushrooms

Kiki, Johnny, and Matt with Mushrooms

Today's Lexi: 

Μανιτάρι - Manitári - Mushroom

In Today’s Episode:

Meet the very cool and very knowledgeable Johnny and Matt of Windy City Mushrooms.   Today they pave the path to mushrooms, their nutritional value, and how to best cook them. 

What is a Fungitarian?  Where do mushrooms grow and how many varieties exist?

Other things you learn today include why florists are using mushrooms: how do they help the soil and which kingdom do mushrooms belong to? Which mushroom is a fish replacement, and what do mushroom teach us about ourselves? And what is a mycologist? 

Open your eyes to the world of mushrooms with Windy city Mushrooms.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Eggplant Inspiration

Resources:

• WindyCityMushroom.com

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

124: Live On & Follow Your Dreams When Life Throws You a Painful Obstacle

Ellie Strong : Helping families that have been affected by cancer “Live on, and Follow their Dreams.” 

Ellie Cuiching

Kiki and Kyle

Today's Lexi: 

Βοήθεια - Voítheia - Help

In Today’s Episode:

Kyle Cuiching, founder of the Ellie Strong Foundation, joins the show to tell us her truly remarkable story of how she turned her family’s tragedy into an ever-growing and helpful foundation.

Kyle, the brave and sweet mother of Ellie, has created ELLIE STRONG to share support, love, and dignity for families who have a loved one go through the cancer process.

How does a community impact those suffering?  What is the Ellie Spirit that can truly alter our day-to day living, and how do toiletries really help those caring for cancer patients?

Why did NFL player Bret Farve and comedian Paul Rudd become interested in supporting this foundation?

Ellie, a sweet girl who loved pets and cheerleading decided to keep on with her dreams during the most painful moments of her life, and you can too with her powerful story.

Get inspired today to live on and follow your dreams when life throws you a painful obstacle.

Today's Ola Kala Moment:

Turn Adversity in to Opportunity

Resources:

• Live On Follow Your Dreams

Credits:

Music: Spiro Dussias

Vocals: Zabrina Hay

Graphic Designer: Susan Jackson O’Leary

🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at the Kefi Life Shop!🫒

Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul!

Insta: @kefilife_

For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife.

This episode made possible in part by:

The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1

LTLawChicago.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.