What is Perception HeadQuarters?

It's been a crazy few weeks, and I'm way overdue for a post. I thought, what better way to return than to give a little overview of Perception HQ, what it is and what I do. 

So if you're curious, keep on reading! 

Perception HeadQuarters is a consulting business that I started, which focuses on personal, professional and academic wellness. In addition to that, I also design and teach workshops, classes and private sessions in wellness, consciousness studies and presentation skills. 

Some examples of services provided are...

Speech and Presentation Skills Courses: I have 13 years of speech and debate experience, and have taught adults and children speech in academic, non-academic and professional settings. I believe that the confidence and knowledge that comes from learning to be your best speaker is an invaluable quality. I love sharing what I know with individuals and groups. 

Academic Wellness: I've attended public school, private school, a community college, a state university and a private graduate school. Because I've been immersed in all variations of education, I recognize the possibility of overwhelm, chaos and feeling just plain stuck. I advocate for wellness in and out of the classroom and love to help students get a handle on balancing their individual needs with academic pursuits and deadlines. 

Personal Wellness: Wellness is nothing if it's not personal. It begins within - it's about choices, actions and self care. I love to help clients come to discover what choices, actions and rituals make them feel like their best self. Because of this, I offer a custom program; there is no "right" way to wellness. Each person has different needs, goals and values, so I help facilitate a way to bring them from ideas to daily realities. 

Professional Wellness: Similar to academic wellness, professional wellness is all about creating balance. In a society consumed with money and bragging about working long hours, there is a huge flaw in the system: we're humans, not robots. We get tired, we get overwhelmed, and ultimately, overworked. I aim to help people find a way to achieve their professional goals without sacrificing their identity, humanity and well-being.  

Meditation and Relaxation: I have a passion for wellness, a degree in Consciousness and Transformative Studies, and I've suffered from anxiety. I know what it's like to feel like the walls are caving in and I know that because of my personal experiences and academic training, it's my responsibility to share what I know. I use meditation and relaxation techniques on a daily basis to help combat my own anxiousness. So I absolutely love to share what I know about guided meditations, breathing techniques and calming rituals. They're wonderful for those with and without anxiety or panic disorders. 

Thank you so much for reading. Please don't hesitate to reach out! 

Email: PerceptionHQ@gmail.com
Twitter: PerceptionHQ
Instagram: Perception.HQ

Rachel Rose

Puppy Prep!

Well, I'm getting a puppy. The little darling was born on Friday, we met her Sunday and can pick her up for keeps on New Year's. Fortunately, she is close by so I can have frequent visits - although it's already pretty hard to wait! 

I thought to ease my impatience, I would create a Puppy Prep series, talking about what I'm doing to make my home, schedule and life puppy-friendly. It's going to be a huge change, but we couldn't be happier about it. We're ready!

Except...we're not! We need things and lots of them. 

So far all I've purchased is a cute leash and collar, she won't need these things (or fit in the collar) for a while, but I was just too darn excited. 

My growing list of things "to get" is as follows: 

Find a vet! (SLO County people, any recommendations..?)
Find puppy classes (Same!)
Food
Food and water bowls 
Placemat for under the bowls 
Doggy bed 
Home crate 
Travel crate 
Puppy training pads 
Soft blankets 
Puppy shampoo 
Toys 
Gate for the top of the staircase 

I think that's all. For today. 

Stay tuned, puppy will be here before we know it! 

Don't forget to say hi - 
Twitter: perceptionHQ
Instagram: Perception.HQ

The Best Products I've Found for Super Sensitive Skin

I have really sensitive skin, so many things that claim to be "gentle" still irritate me, cause redness, etc. It's frustrating! I'm finally at a point where I've found the right regime for me. 

Disclaimer: This is going to be a long post. I hope you enjoy and find these recommendations helpful! I'll be linking them based on where I buy them, each product is surely available other places but I'm using what I know!

I'll start from the top and work my way down: 

Hair: Anything by Organix. Right now I'm using the Kukui Shampoo and the Eucalyptus and Mint Conditioner. I also like the Biotin spray for when my ends look a little dry (note: I have thick, very frizzy hair). 

Face: I've been using Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser for years and it's the only thing that works for me. So many things are too abrasive, or too gentle to get the job done. This doesn't. Oddly, the Aveeno body products - lotions, soaps, and so on - really irritate my skin and cause redness and rashes. Like I said, I'm super sensitive AND inconsistently react to different brands.  

Lips: I swear by Rosebud Salve. I like both formulas, the original and the Minted Rose. Occasionally I'll use a tube lip balm but nothing feels as lush as Rosebud Salve. 

Body: I LOVE Shea Moisture African Black Soap Body Wash. I use it from the neck down to my legs on a loofah. It's soapy, lathers great, exfoliates AND actually clears up redness instead of causing it. I notice that if I have irritation from other products, this body wash helps alleviate any issues. 

I've also just discovered the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Body Lotion. I know, weird that it says "soap" but it is lotion! It's extremely thick. Like, thick. I can hardly get it out of the bottle, actually. But it's worth it! Clears up redness, irritation, leaves things super smooth and healthy. I noticed a change immediately. 

'Pits: That's right, I'm talking about armpits. Or, underarms, as they are sometimes called. I like 'pits. Anyway. I love Dove deodorant in pomegranate and lemon verbena, but I like to change it up and use the LAVANILA Healthy Deodorant about half the time. I use the original scent. 

Feet: Shea Moisture African Black Soap on a rough bristle brush at least three times a week and the matching lotion two times a day. Results: super soft. 

Thanks so much for reading, especially if you made it all the way to the end. I love experimenting with health and beauty products and I'm excited about using this blog as a way to share my findings and honest opinion. 

As always, stay tuned and say hi - 

Twitter: PerceptionHQ

Instagram: Perception.HQ

Rachel 

***Obviously, I'm recommending these products because they work for me and I want to share. I'm hoping they work for you too, but still keep in mind everyone is different =)