This month we’re talking about overconsumption — the habits we don’t always notice, the pressure to upgrade everything, and the weird cultural whiplash of going from Thanksgiving gratitude straight into Black Friday chaos.

I share how my own relationship with “more” has shifted over the years, why sustainability matters to me, and what I’ve learned from seeing overconsumption up close while traveling. We get into holiday waste, the dopamine of buying, the guilt-free power of pausing, and what it looks like to celebrate without drowning in stuff.

This episode isn’t about perfection or giving up the things you love.

It’s about awareness, intention, and choosing what actually fills you — not just your cart.

In this episode:

• Why overconsumption is so normalized

• How identity gets tied to buying

• The rise in holiday waste + what we can actually do

• The “pause” habit that changed my spending

• Redefining celebration in a way that feels lighter

• Small choices that create real ripple effects

A softer, more intentional season starts with noticing what’s already yours — the people, the home, the light, the presence.

Take a second to comment, like, share, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Check out our website: www.thehappilyliving.com

Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/rwhRsBCAnx8

Instagram: ⁨@TheHappilyLiving⁩

With love and light,

Gabrielle

We talk a lot about change — big goals, big ideas, big outcomes — but the truth is, most change begins quietly. It starts with a shift in how we think, what we choose, and how we show up. This episode is about the ripple effect: the way small, intentional actions create movement far beyond what we can see.

From the water we use to the energy we give off in conversation, our lives are constantly influencing everything around us. The question is — are we aware of it? “The Ripple Effect” invites you to look closer at how your everyday choices, habits, and mindset shape the world you live in, and how slowing down to notice those ripples can help you create better ones.

Key Takeaways

• Change doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
• Energy — whether it’s in your words, your routine, or your environment — always travels.
• Living sustainably starts with self-awareness, not self-criticism.
• Bring your water bottle with you every where, don't be a crusty b***h :) <3

Quotes

“Sustainability isn't about perfection— it's participation”

"The Earth doesn't need us — we need the Earth"

“When you realize you’re already creating impact — even in small ways — that’s when it starts to multiply.”

Resources

• Native Plant and Lawn Guide for Michigan
• Simple Ways to Reduce Water Waste at Home
• Previous Episode: The Shift — Choosing Grace, Nature & Perspective During Seasonal Stress

Thank you for listening to The Happily Living Podcast. If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who might need the reminder. Every share, every listen, and every small act of awareness adds to the ripple.

Until next time — stay mindful, stay curious, and keep living happily.

🌿✨ It’s August, baby!!! ✨🌿

What better time than now to revisit the true PURPOSE of The Happily Living. Whether you’re brand new or part of our crew since day one—welcome home. 💚

We all need a refresher sometimes (I know I did!). Why are we here? What is The Happily Living really about? Why does living authentically, naturally, and simply feel like both a trend and a necessity? And why has convenience been sold to us at three times the cost? 🤯

This short episode dives into how we can show up for ourselves—right here, right now—through every season of life. 🌸🌞🍂❄️

🎙️ Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts!

—

✨ Internship Opportunity! ✨ We’re currently reviewing our Indeed listing, but all the details are already up on our website. Head there for info if you or someone you know would love to join the crew.

💌 As always, we’re so grateful for your support. Please leave a review to help us reach more hearts and homes this community can touch. xo

With Love & Light, The Happily Living Crew 🌿

🦈 Let’s talk about sharks — not the scary headlines, but the truth beneath the surface.

This week on The Happily Living Podcast, I’m joined by my girl Gabi Sleeman — a seasoned shark tagger, coral conservationist, and certified master scuba diver 🌊💙

We get into what most people don’t know about these misunderstood creatures, how they actually help keep our oceans healthy, and why being afraid of them might be more fiction than fact.

And of course… it’s us. So there’s a little marine science, a little soul, and a whole lot of entertaining side chats 🐚✨

Tune in for a deep dive into the wild, beautiful world of sharks — and why it matters for the health of the planet (and us).

🎧 Streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

#TheHappilyLivingPodcast #SharkWisdom #GabiSleeman #EcoCurious #OceanTruths #CoralConservation #WomenInScience #LivingInHarmony #SharksAreFriends #BlueMindLiving #Fisharefriendsnotfood #SharkWeek

Gabi Sleeman 📸 Instagram: @gabi.sleeman

www.thehappilyliving.com

🌊 Shark Education & Conservation Resources Curious to keep learning? These incredible orgs and ocean advocates are helping shift the narrative and protect marine life for future generations:

🦈 MISS Elasmo Marine science, diversity, and shark conservation led by women of color. 🔗 misselasmo.org 📸 Instagram: @miss_elasmo

🦈 Project HIU Community-centered shark conservation through tourism in Indonesia. 🔗 projecthiu.com 📸 Instagram: @projecthiu

🦈 Bimini Shark Lab Leading research on shark behavior, movement, and conservation. 🔗 biminisharklab.com 📸 Instagram: @biminisharklab

🧠 Amani Webber-Schultz Shark scientist + ocean educator bringing truth and joy to marine biology. 📸 Instagram: @curlybiologist

🦈 Sharks 4 Kids (Shark Education) Interactive tools, lessons, and outreach to inspire the next generation. 🔗 sharks4kids.com 📸 Instagram: @sharkeducation

🦈 CSU Long Beach Shark Lab Cutting-edge research on shark ecology, safety, and coastal coexistence. 🔗 csulb.edu/shark-lab 📸 Instagram: @CSULBSharkLab

🦈 Save Our Seas Foundation Global support for marine research, education, and public awareness. 🔗 saveourseas.com 📸 Instagram: @saveourseasfoundation

Hello Everyone! Welcome to the latest and greatest episode w/ Toni Shelaske.

She helps not only myself but listeners like you to better understand our furry loved ones and the truth in caring for them especially with how much we get in our own way!

Learn how you can simplify your life and extend the length of your pets by tuning in :) If you'd like to spare 2 minutes creating a huge impact leave us a review on Apple Podcasts <3

[email protected]

https://www.westpaw.com/pages/made-responsibly

https://tinyurl.com/Cycle-Dog

Hemp Ropes: "From the Field Tug-A-Hemp Natural Dog Toy"

https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/tug-a-hemp-natural-dog-toy-1?srsltid=AfmBOoo5A-eVxOs-r-R698bzAr8VQFEwOySQcPy17BvMDl1EYawbKgTX

InClover Prebiotics enzyme

https://shop.inclover.com/products/optagest-bottle?srsltid=AfmBOoo5WKdbflkI5E5Q62adMt6RzlUPeju8DXIY5BUGz1dWw4aww7Tf

Toni's Links

Insta: @toni.unleashed

Podcast: Toni Unleashed

https://open.spotify.com/show/1DoU2lEBbFLv4dOuH01Llb

Let’s Get Real: Small Shifts, Big Impact 🌍✨We are the difference—and that’s our power. In this episode, we’re diving into 4 ways to flip our perspective and actions in everyday life. From honoring bugs and nocturnal animals to rethinking lights, water, and plastic use (yes, even those “harmless” straws and bags), this convo is about real changes that boost our health and the planet. Let’s live intentionally, live lightly, and live well. 💧🐝♻️ #HappilyLivingPodcast #EcoWellness #MindfulLiving]

P.s. When you heard my dryer go off... twice... ..No you didn't ;)

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thehappilyliving

Website: www.thehappilyliving.com

Leave a review and share with your friends !

Let’s Get Real: Small Shifts, Big Impact 🌍✨We are the difference—and that’s our power. In this episode, we’re diving into 4 ways to flip our perspective and actions in everyday life. From honoring bugs and nocturnal animals to rethinking lights, water, and plastic use (yes, even those “harmless” straws and bags), this convo is about real changes that boost our health and the planet. Let’s live intentionally, live lightly, and live well. 💧🐝♻️ #HappilyLivingPodcast #EcoWellness #MindfulLiving

Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @thehappilyliving

Website: www.thehappilyliving.com

Leave a review and share with your friends !

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of tax season, the fog of spring allergies, or the nagging thought of “I should be doing more”—whether in health, sustainability, or just life in general.

In this April episode of The Happily Living Podcast, we explore the natural rhythm of the season—from the societal rush of tax deadlines to the energetic invitation of spring’s renewal—and offers a refreshing perspective on how nature calls us not to hustle harder, but to realign, refocus, and reconnect.

We talk about how the world around us—especially in spring—encourages restoration over restriction. It's a time to soften, to listen, and to allow ourselves space. I share personal reflections on how mindset shapes our experience of stress, finances, and wellbeing, and do my best to offer practical, joyful ways to embrace change with compassion rather than self-punishment.

Tune in to learn how small, intentional choices—like what you plant, how you gather, and what you repurpose—can create ripples of positive impact in your life and the world around you.

🌿 Featured Resources & Native Plant Guides:

• Wild Ones Native Garden Designs Explore native garden designs with plant lists tailored to your U.S. ecoregion.
• National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder (by ZIP code) Enter your ZIP code to discover which native plants support local wildlife.
• MSU Extension – Native Plants & Landscaping for Michigan Regional plant lists and landscaping guidance for Michigan residents.
• Homegrown National Park A rewilding-your-yard movement started by Dr. Doug Tallamy.
• Wild Ones – Native Plants, Natural Landscapes Educational resources and local Michigan chapters to get involved with.

🎥 YouTube Tutorials on Native Lawns & Rain Gardens:

• Making An Oasis In My Hellstrip! Garden Makeover with Native Plants! (Houston, TX) A great example of turning a difficult space into a thriving native garden.
• Lawn Gone: How to Convert Your Lawn to a Native Landscape – Wild Ones Practical steps to ditch traditional turf and create biodiversity.
• Rain Gardens 101 – Washtenaw County Conservation District (Michigan-based) Learn how rain gardens reduce runoff and restore native plants.
• "No Mow May" & Native Lawn Tips – Garden Answer Seasonal advice for skipping the mow and letting pollinators thrive.

With Love and Light,

Gabrielle Brown

In this episode of The Happily Living Podcast, I’m joined by Erin Castille for an insightful and approachable deep dive into Human Design. Whether you’re completely new to the concept or have heard bits and pieces, Erin breaks it all down in a clear, grounded way — perfect for anyone looking to understand themselves on a deeper level.

We explore what Human Design is, why it matters, and how it can support you in living more authentically. From energy types to de-conditioning, and even how Human Design intersects with mental health, this episode is filled with practical takeaways and “aha” moments.

Timestamps for Key Topics:

~ Generators – 31:14

~ The De-conditioning Journey – 44:20

~ Cognition & Determination – 47:56

~ Nervous Touch – 49:24

~ Projectors & Reflectors – 54:41

~ Projectors – 54:42

~ Reflectors – 59:20

~ Human Design, Diagnoses & Mental Health – 1:02:44

If you’ve ever felt like traditional frameworks don’t fully explain who you are or how you function, this conversation might just shift your perspective. Tune in and discover how Human Design can be a tool for empowerment, self-acceptance, and intentional living.

Connect with Erin:

Instagram: @the.high.vibration.station

Book a personal Human Design session: www.thehighvibrationstation.com

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#HappilyLivingPodcast #HumanDesign #ErinCastille #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Alignment #MentalHealth

Let’s talk about actually taking control of our health—ditching the band-aid fixes, questioning what we bring into our homes, staying truly hydrated, and surrounding ourselves with life (hello, plants! 🌿). Who knows… maybe this journey turns us into sexy, health-conscious hoarders? Tune in and find out! 😉✨ #TheHappilyLivingPodcast #NaturalLiving #DetoxYourLife

#SexySimpleLiving

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thehappilyliving/

Website: thehappilyliving.com

Podcast Episode Recap ✨

Cleaning up your home the natural way! 🌿💧

💡 Better Cleaning Supplies: ✔ Blueland & Grove – Eco-friendly, non-toxic options! ✔ DIY Cleaner – Mix white vinegar + 5-6 drops essential oil in a glass spray bottle for a simple, effective cleaner.

🌱 Essential Oils vs. Synthetic Fragrance ✔ Essential Oils – Used for centuries for healing & cleaning 🏺✨ ❌ Synthetic Fragrances – Petroleum-based & loaded with hidden chemicals 🚨

🔎 How to Spot the Difference: ✔ Labels Matter – Look for “100% essential oil” & botanical names. Avoid "fragrance" or "parfum." ✔ Scent Check – Natural = subtle & plant-based. Synthetics = strong & artificial. ✔ Health Impact – Essentials are antimicrobial. Synthetics? Just scent & potential irritants. ✔ Purity Test – Drop some on paper: pure oils evaporate, synthetics leave residue.

💧 Sustainable Swaps: ✨ Reusable water bottles (stainless steel preferred!) + Jacobsen Salt: https://a.co/d/hmRCQcC

🌿 Pothos plants in water + Osmocote for easy, natural greenery!

https://a.co/d/dDcBIzq

Listen now & detox your home the right way! 🎧✨ #HappilyLiving #CleanLiving #DitchToxins