My Go-To Wellness Weekend: Hiking, Red Light Therapy, and Beauty Essentials I Swear By

Morning Ritual: Ease Into the Day

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Some weekends are for going out. Others are for going in—into nature, into yourself, into that blissful zone where the body, mind, and spirit all say thank you.

I love starting my perfect weekend around 7:30 or 8 a.m.—no alarm, no rush. I slip outside for a dose of morning daylight (nature’s best reset), sip a glass of room-temperature lemon water, and then make my way to one of my favorite local spots, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters overlooking the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar. There’s something grounding about sipping a velvety cortado and spooning into chia seed pudding while the morning sun dances on the water.

Move: The Torrey Pines Reset

Then it’s time to move—my go-to: Torrey Pines State Reserve. Then it’s time to move—my go-to: Torrey Pines State Reserve. I hike up the mountain, loop through the North Grove Guy Fleming trail, then continue to the top of Torrey Pines toward Broken Hill North Trail before heading back toward Bird Rock, where my car waits.

Sometimes, along the beach walk, I’ll spot a sand dollar washed up on the sand—a small reminder from nature to pause, breathe, and stay present. There’s something magical about those tiny moments that make you feel like the ocean is giving you a wink.

Ninety minutes of fresh air, ocean views, and endorphins—it’s my kind of therapy.

Post-Hike Glow: Nourish & Restore

Back home, I jump in the shower and whip up a post-workout shake: soy or oat milk, half an avocado, a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra fiber, and POWERLIFE High Impact Plant Protein Powder (with 3000 mg of HMB for recovery).

After showering, I take a few moments for a little skin love—lathering on OSEA Undaria Algae™ Body Oil, one of my all-time favorites for that post-shower glow. The silky blend soaks in beautifully, leaving my skin nourished and luminous. I avoid applying it to any areas I plan to treat with red light therapy—those spots get their dose of OSEA radiance after my session.

Spa at Home: Red Light & Recovery

Then comes my favorite ritual: red light therapy. I settle into my Perfect Chair Human Touch Zero Gravity Recliner, slide on toe separators (a must since my bunion surgery), and bask under the Platinum LED BioMax light for 20 minutes. I’ll queue up an audiobook from Audible or some ’70s soft rock—Fleetwood Mac or Carly Simon sets the mood—and just drift. It’s like being in my own private spa.

While the red light does its magic, I treat my eyes to Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches—my current obsession—and listen to Chopin on my Apple HomePods. Afterward, I hydrate my skin with Biossance Squalane + Firm & Lift Dual Serum, then seal it in with Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream—a little glow insurance for the rest of the weekend.

Creativity Flow: Mind Meets Movement

That’s when the creative spark hits. I’ll pull out my laptop and start writing for Live Fit Magazine or The Plant-Based Diet. There’s something about exercise in nature that opens up my creativity; ideas just flow easily when my body feels replenished and relaxed.

Afternoon Reconnect: Movement or Moments

If my husband’s home, let’s just say my afternoon “stretch session” becomes a different kind of workout—playful, connecting, and completely recharging.

When he’s not, I’ll roll out my mat for yoga—slow, intentional movement that resets both body and mind. Afterward, I take time for myself, a ritual of pure self-care and self-fulfillment with Tabu’s Golden Hour Kit—a quiet reminder to connect inward, honor my body, and embrace pleasure as part of whole-body wellness. You’ll thank me later for that tip.

Refuel & Hydrate: The Power of Plant-Based Living

Lunch is my favorite time to refuel—colorful, nourishing, and mostly plant-based. I’ll pull from my recipes on ThePlantBasedDiet.com, where I share easy, crave-worthy dishes that support strength and recovery without sacrificing flavor. Think protein-packed Buddha bowls, bright citrus salads, and warm, comforting grain bowls layered with veggies and avocado. It’s about replenishing the body with real food that restores energy from the inside out.

I always make sure to hydrate deeply, too. Along with water, I drink Ultima Replenisher Gut Health Supplement and Electrolytes Powder—it helps me rehydrate after long hikes and keeps my gut happy. Hydration is as important as the food itself; it’s what makes me feel balanced, clear, and ready to take on whatever’s next.

Evening Glow: Social & Centered

By evening, I’m ready to glam up and head out to a party or dinner with friends. I’m naturally introverted, so after a day spent recharging, I can fully enjoy being social, energized, and present.

Not every weekend looks like this—but I aim for at least one a month that’s purely about refueling, reimagining, and relaxing. Because balance isn’t something you find—it’s something you create.