Today I'm introducing you to Sara Schwartz Geller. This woman is a powerhouse of creativity. If you live in mid-town Toronto you probably know her already and you might feel like she's one of your besties. She's our neighborhood fairy godmother who sprinkles magic and delight on everything she touches. Sara is a mom, professional entertainment producer and the owner and chef behind Toronto Soup Co., Soul Provisions, and Soul Pops. At the core of all of her endeavours is a desire to DELIGHT to the people she serves. Her chicken noodle soup is the best when your family has the sniffles and her pink lemondade gummy bear Soul Pops are just genuis. Find them at 571 Vaughan Road, you're welcome! Sara has recently blended her culinary prowess and experience as a producer as the creator and host of the TV show "City Girl Eats The Country." Sara's multidimensional entrepreneurial expertise extends beyond the kitchen, as a showbiz producer of over 20 years, which is why you will find a touch of theatrical flair woven into all of her culinary and television ventures.
Tell us about your morning self-care routine: I have always wanted to be a morning person with a morning routine. That sounds very civilized. My morning goes like this - lie in bed for 5-10 minutes and literally count my blessings - no matter what's going on - then I get up against my will, put on some proper pop or dance music such as 'Titanium' by David Guetta/Sia, 'Work Bitch' by Britney (very inspiring), or a Gaga or Madonna remix (come see my Gaga musical when it comes to Toronto in May). I open the blinds and turn the lights on and fling myself around (I can't describe - come by the shop, and I will show you) to wake myself up before I do the bathroom things. Somehow, no matter how loud I make the music, I cannot wake up the damn kids. (How I dreamed of these days when they were little and getting up at 6am). Then I make my old-fashioned drip coffee, which I drink with my old-fashioned cream and I make lunches that are so high-end that I wonder what I'm compensating for by making such a daily effort. At least my kids will remember my lunches. Then I attempt to get everyone out of bed, which often involves pulling the eldest, who is way bigger than me, out of bed by one leg, and then I throw clothing at the other one. I then attempt to answer random questions about African politics or how the first suspension bridges were engineered, asked by the eldest (why he bothers to ask me, I don't know; he is way smarter than me) and try to pay an equal amount of attention to the youngest so he doesn't fall apart on the way out the door, all the while trying to suggest in a 'I'm-not-trying-to-be-your-mom' way that the very cool high schooler stepchild wear a coat in -19 weather. I then shove people out the door - three kids, three different schools - driving only those who are running late (usually 2/3). I then return home, sigh loudly, feel accomplished, meditate for 15 minutes (which I have been doing since I was 22 - I am now 47), then make a TO-DO list in my notebook, put the pop/dance music back on, get dressed (outfit and makeup depend on whether I am cheffing, producing, or doing something on camera), and walk the dog while on the phone with one of my besties to get the day started right.
What is your favourite, nourishing breakfast? Eggs and the leftover cooked veggies from dinner with very random/bizarre condiments.
What's your feel-good beverage of choice? Bone broth, miso ginger broth or the two mixed together. I also love black tea (PG Tips only) with milk and honey in the afternoon.
Do you have a favourite personal development book or podcast that you always go back to? Podcast: The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes and feel-good read: The New Yorker
What does your weekly movement routine look like? A lot of dog walking (including the Casa Loma stairs,) serious dancing in the kitchen, chefing is very physical (the pots, boxes of chicken bones and bags of carrots and onions are often over 50 pounds) and the elliptical (I have one at home) for cardio if I need a hit to boost my mood. I used to love going to reformer pilates classes at Body Harmonics but I'm not organized enough to book months in advance so now I can't get in to any classes. So if anyone has any suggestions, let me know.
When it comes to mindset, are there any mantras that you live by? Always find the humor. Meet people where they are, always have compassion for those in a different chapter - EMPATHY. Decide what you want and then make it happen; it can't happen if you aren't clear. Ask, believe, receive. Food is fuel, choose wisely. Don't weave negative stories. Elevate those around you however you can. Double check your spelling. Dress well. Be present and if you can't set reminders.
What's one piece of advice that you'd give to your younger self? You are the prize.
What are your most important feel good routines and rituals? Serious and intentional gratitude. Thai massages in sketchy places.
What is your number one indulgence? I don't beleive in this term.
Name a regular appointment that you have that supports your well-being: Aggressive and painful Thai Massage cause I am both natrually stiff and even stiffer from chefing. Facials from Tilda Peltz (IYKYK.)
Tell us about a feel-good habit that you're loving right now: Stretching and foam rolling at night. Flossing twice a day instead of once. Turning off all the overhead lights off in the house after 8pm and using lamps with pink bulbs (both theatrical and soothing.)
If I could wave a magic wand and get you 24 hours to do whatever you want, how would you spend it? I already spend my time pretty much exactly how I want to.
How do you wind down at night? I try to go outside one last time wtih the dog just for a few minutes - I love the fresh air in all weather and I listen to a really great Yoga Nidra podcast once in bed called Yoga Nidra & Beyond by Ayla Nova.
