The AWEd Life

FINALLY! I’m giving you my recap of our trip to Portugal this past June. I’m sharing a bit of our itinerary, what we loved, what we learned, and whether we will go back again.

SHOW NOTES:

My friend, Heather of Mindful Migrant (her TikTok account)

Where we stayed:

Lisbon:

Locke de Santa Joana, Lisbon

Ericeira:

Hotel Reserva

Porto

Youropo - Ribeira Gaia 1

Sintra

Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Resort

Where we ate (worth mentioning):

Lisbon:

lunch: Maison Luce (salad)

dnner: Leitaria Da Anunciada (traditional Portuguese, lots of seafood)

Cascais:

lunch, Sacholina (pastries/salads/sandwiches)

Ericeira:

Tapas: Mar Das Latas Wine and Food

Dinner: Petiscaria Ancora (locals just call it Ancora)

Coffee at Hurley

Late night: Veneza Geladaria Pasteleria (two espressos and two pastries for 4.50 Euros!)

Lunch: Bowls Surf Café

Porto:

Dinner, night 1: Frederica (Italian)

Brunch, day 2: O Caseirinho (small mom and pop eatery, traditional Portuguese)

Favorite stores (I didn’t mention in the podcast)

In Cascais: A Industria

In Porto: MUD (Manufacture Under Design), cool purses, bags, and backpacks made from local cork and wood

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife 

YouTube: @Hallie_Sawyer

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Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

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The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

 ION Intelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

You may be thinking, “Duh, more freedom,” but that’s not it. Freedom actually has nothing to do with what I’m sharing in this episode.

Even if you’re not an open nester yet, I’m sharing some things I’ve learned to help you love your open nest era someday, too.

This one’s short and sweet. You’re welcome! :)

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads:@Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

YouTube: @Hallie_Sawyer

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Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

IONIntelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

Have you ever met someone who makes you say “I’ll have what she’s having”? Well, Sarah’s one of those people.

Today, I am talking with Sarah Schmidt about her “Wholey Schmidt” moments in life and how she’s arrived at the freest and most joyful she’s ever felt.

Sarah is the host of the podcast, Wholey Schmidt, holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology, a Masters in Pastoral Counseling, a Health Coach certification, and is a successful investor and philanthropist as well. Whew!

We chat about her cancer diagnosis in young adulthood, how it changed her, what life has looked like since, and how she arrived at what she feels is her best life at the age of 53.

SHOW NOTES:

Sarah’s podcast, Wholey Schmidt, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

More about Sarah on her website

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads:@Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

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Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

IONIntelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

Discover Bookshop.org! The only online bookseller where every purchase supports local bookstores. Enjoy 20% off your first order usingthis link.

In this week’s episode, I’m finally sharing my experience of living in Colorado this past spring. We learned a lot, loved a lot of things, and also had our share of disappointments. But I would do it all over again and plan to next spring!

We were able to be only an hour from our boys during their college baseball season (they played on the same team!) and it was such a memorable time for our family.

I’m giving you a glimpse of what life was like living in two different rental homes as well as how we spent our time when we weren’t watching baseball or working.

SHOW NOTES:

Some of our favorite places:

Coffee/Bagels/Burritos

The Loft in Manitou Springs, the BEST bagels, pastries, and breakfast beverages in the area by MILES

Story Coffee in Old Colorado City, small yet simple and elegant experience. Plus, they have a great tag line: Live a great story.

Loyal Coffee in Colorado Springs, downtown location is the best, IMO; amazing avocado toast and my fave espresso beans

The Coffee Exchange great remote working environment and huge breakfast burritos!

Pizza

Ruffrano’s Hell’s Kitchen Pizza in Manitou Springs, great selection of toppings and just the perfect amount of crispy to chewy ratio

Manitou Baked organic sourdough crust pizza

Mexican Food

Crystal Park Cantina off-the-beaten path with amazing staff and unique twist to traditional dishes

Dos Dos Tacos order at the counter but high quality food, bowls and street tacos were delish

Bar and Grill

Red Diamond Gastro Pub in Woodland Park, the patty melt with bacon/red onion jam with gouda cheese is the only thing to order

Wines of Colorado in Cascade, mostly ordered takeout but amazing food for a small town

Swirl, in Manitou Springs, known for their wine list but has a great little menu

Favorite podcasts right now:

Wholey Schmidt (start at the beginning of the podcast, not the latest episodes, and work your way to more recent)

Episode 150 from Dear Nina: Conversations about Friendship; Nina chats about friendship and community with siblings and co-directors Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis, the team behind the Netflix documentary Join or Die: A film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America depends on it. So insightful and eye-opening!

Episode 2 from Halfway to Dead, A Midlife Spiritual Journey, discusses the Akashic records, including what they are, how to access them, and what they can help us understand about this life. This is a topic that may be considered woo-woo, but I find it fascinating. I only heard of Akashic records a few years ago and have yet to have mine read.

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

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Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

IONIntelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

Discover Bookshop.org! The only online bookseller where every purchase supports local bookstores. Enjoy 20% off your first order usingthis link.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing what I think may be the hardest task I’ve tried to undertake: learning how to love myself.

I’ve been trying my entire life to learn how to love really well (especially myself) and I found a book recently that’s helping me put this task back on my radar.

The reason I want to work on learning to love myself is so that I can better love others in my life. I know it’s a huge obstacle in having the type of relationships I want, in deepening the relationships I currently have, and in how I show up for myself.

I’m sharing what book I’m reading and what I’ve read so far that’s made the biggest impact so far.

SHOW NOTES:

Things No One Taught Us About Love by Vex King

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

******

Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

 ION Intelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

Discover Bookshop.org! The only online bookseller where every purchase supports local bookstores. Enjoy 20% off your first order using this link.

Today, I’m sharing a brief recap of my yoga and meditation retreat in Panama. Ironically, the yoga and meditation ended up not being the main events for me.

I walked away with some unexpected gifts from places, people, situations, and even disappointments. I hope you take a listen and perhaps my experience may help you reframe something you might be going through now or down the road.

SHOW NOTES:

Check out some of my very talented Sansara sisters:

Artwork by Marjory Oliva @marjoryoliva

Identity beyond motherhood with Mallory Andrews on IG @LifebyMallory and her Substack, If I’m Being Honest

Dr. Sara Poldmae, doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and functional medicine, IG @drsarapoldmae and her podcast, Midlife Rise + Thrive, Helping Women Navigate Midlife and Menopause

Inspiring a life you love with Darcy Mauke on IG and her Substack, Manifest Your Best

Michelle Steele, Esthetician of 21 years, owner of Inner Glimmer Skincare Studio and on IG @innerglimmerskin

Sansara Resort in Cambutal, Panama

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

******

Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

IONIntelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

I am so very honored to have THE Libby DeLana on the podcast today.

I’ve been admiring her for a long time for how she shows up in her life—for herself, for her friends, for her community, and out in the wild, wild world.

Libby is a creative director, author, cold joy enthusiast (listen to the episode to figure out what that means!), world traveler, adventure seeker, daily walker, fly fisher, podcaster, aspiring pilot…the list goes on and on.

Today, we talk about the inspiration behind her daily walks, why she continues to do it, her travels, her methods and mindset to overcome hard things, and so much more.

I can’t wait to share this episode with you and would love to continue the conversation in our Substack community (our private chat group) after you listen.

SHOW NOTES:

Libby’s book, Do Walk: Navigate Earth, Mind and Body. Step by Step.

The Bucket List Family YouTube Channel and Instagram

Ebb and Flow Collective on Instagram

Pre-order her upcoming book, Cold Joy, coming October 2025

Libby’s podcast: This Morning Walk

This Morning Walk, Libby’s Substack Publication

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

******

Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

IONIntelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

I used to let fear run my life and not in a good way. (Yes, there's a good way to use fear.)

I avoided things that I was afraid of: deep water, confrontation, sucking at something, and speaking in front of people.

It wasn't until I let that fear guide me that I found true empowerment in my life.

Don't get me wrong--I'm still afraid of many things but I no longer allow that fear to keep me from doing hard things in my life. It actually serves as a guide as to what I need to explore.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing stories of what I’ve been fearful of and how I used to to help me rather than hinder my life.

Let me know over on Substack or in the comments a fear you’ve used to find empowerment in your own life.

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

******

Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

 ION Intelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

This week I’m sharing about our time in Colorado (we’re renting for 2.5 months!) and how I’m retraining my brain to search for the things I want in life rather than spending all its time conversing energy. I want it to spend energy helping me, not hurting me.

Come listen to see what I’m talking about and how you may be able to do the same.

SHOW NOTES:

Our rental in Colorado

The book I quoted: Mind Magic by James Doty (Yes, I know. I talk about this book all the damn time but the more I read, the more I need to share with you all!)

Link to give feedback and make topic suggestions

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Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

******

Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

 ION Intelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order

Today, I’m sharing more about an upcoming “adventure” we’re having and how it’s part of my search for “home".

I’m excited for what I’m about to embark on and what it may show me about what “home” looks like, feels like, or where it might be. There’s only one way to find out so come along with me as I share where I’m headed for the next six weeks!

SHOW NOTES:

My upcoming Panama trip

Mozart’s “Magic Flute” on PBS

Book: I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You by Miranda Hart

******

Follow Hallie on socials:

IG @theawedlife and @hallie_sawyer

Threads: @Hallie_Sawyer

TikTok: @theAWEdLife

******

Subscribe to my Substack for my weekly newsletter, podcast updates, weekly posts, to support the podcast, or to join our private AWEd AF community chat.

******

The AWEd Life podcast is supported by:

 ION Intelligence of Nature Gut Support: Defend from toxins, support healthy digestion, and boost immune function

Four Sigmatic Coffee- Unlock the power of mushrooms by ordering here and using Hallie10 for a 10% discount 

PERFECT AMINO™ is composed of pure essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, in a form and ratio that is up to 99% utilized, but without the caloric impact and without breaking a fast.  Get 20% off with this link

Tenzo Tea- my favorite matcha! Use TENZOHALLIE at checkout for 25% off your first order

ARMRA Natural Immune Support: This is a once daily product I use to boost, protect and restore my immune system, using the power of colostrum and its 400+ bioactive nutrients. Use HALLIE as discount code for 10% off your order