I don't know what it is with me and cleanses, but right around day 3, I seem to hop from the go-for-it-100% ship to the go-ahead-and-indulge boat.

That's totally what happened last time I did the Conscious Cleanse, and you can bet your beer-drinkin' dollars on which day I cracked this time. I kicked off the 14-day journey on a Sunday night, and by Wednesday afternoon, I was cheersin' Pils on a boat: 

BUT GUESS WHAT?!?! 

I didn't beat myself up about it. And I by no means threw in the towel.

I texted my husband when I saw the drink menu and said, "Oh, man...mama needs a beer, today. What happens on the water stays on the water. LOL!" 

He replied, "80:20." 

Now THAT'S a CC mindset I can get on board with, and one that I'd obviously updated my other half on.

80:20 is the long-term lifestyle theory that Conscious Cleansers are encouraged to live by after the cleanse, and in fact, Jo + Jules JUST launched an ongoing membership based on this very thing.

"Eat and live consciously at least 80% of the time. Then throw any notion of deprivation out the window the other 20%!"

• LAY OFF THE GLUTEN 'N' DAIRY, BRIT
  This is not an easy feat in a place where cake is an afternoon tradition, the smell of fresh bread is billowing from almost everywhere, ice cream cones are as common as purses and people are practically bubble-bathing in the frothiest, fluffiest cappuccinos. 
  
  I didn't COMPLETELY lay off these things, but I definitely cut back and noticed a HUGE difference in how I felt. Much more energy. Clearer skin. Calm. Smiling when I didn't realize it.  
  
  

So, all in all, I think I did pretty damn good. Yes, champagne, pasta, beer, pizza, dark chocolate, coffee and potatoes were had, but I'm proud that a good 80% of these two weeks was focused on fruits, veggies, lots 'o water, new smoothies, new chicken recipes and more. I even discovered that cod is actually really delicious even when it's NOT breaded and fried. Who knew?!

>>> Um, speaking of COD. Do you know how much cod THE ROCK consumes in a YEAR? Go get your jaw dropped.

It's all about self-love, people. 

And because I'd already gone through the cleanse in the fall with the INCREDIBLE coaches and community that come with, I already knew that it's better to build something you can sustain, rather than crash and burn...to pick yourself up with love and pay attention to how certain food and drink choices make you FEEL.

The encouraging voices from last time replayed in my head, especially as new folks buzzed about their guilt and cheats:

There really is a method to this cleansing madness. There's a divine place that awaits after all the headaches, bloating and cravings are left in the dust. It REALLY does pay off,  whether you see and feel it for yourself or witness it in the Facebook group. 

Maybe one day I'll reap those divine benefits myself. Until then, mama's gonna be over here on the 80:20 boat, havin' her champagne and espresso...in moderation, of course. 

Don’t EVEN get me started on the birds here. There is something SO powerful about getting out in nature.

On weekends we’re in town, David and I take long walks around this city…each time taking a new path. We always discover SOMETHING interesting or new.   

4. We learn the power of being truly present. 

I’ll never forget Teresa Taylor’s keynote speech at the inaugural Work-Life Thrive Summit. She recounts the time she was late to her son’s school because something came up at work. By the time she arrived to eat lunch with him and his friends, she only had seven minutes with him. Teresa was devastated and spent the afternoon crying in her office. But what her son said when we came home changed EVERYTHING. You can read the full story here.  

This mindset has helped me in more ways than one. It’s what got me through our first holidays away from family. When we immerse ourselves in the places we choose to be, we’re not thinking about what we’re missing out on or what we should be doing. 

5. We’re reminded of what we took for granted. 

Now that we’re officially 4,926 miles away from Denver, it’s been pretty eye-opening how much I took for granted. Precious, face-to-face, in-person moments with family and friends. Being able to just call anyone from anywhere at any time. Driving. HUGGING my niece and nephews. Delicious Chinese delivery. Chipotle. The hot bar at Whole Foods. If I don’t stop…I’ll keep going.

Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. It wakes you up a little bit. It makes the moments you reunite with loved ones, cities, or even foods (Ha! Dairy Queeeeen, I neeeed you!) that much sweeter. 

6. Our work is better because of it. 

We return with fresh eyes…maybe even some new ideas. Taking brief, mental breaks will actually keep you focused. You’ll be less likely to make mistakes, too.

Studies have shown that some of the mind’s stickiest problems are solved whilst daydreaming AKA “diffuse mode.” Stepping away from “focus mode” allows our brain to make connections and realizations. 

Here are 3 scientific reasons you should prioritize breaks at work. 

7. We learn to let go. 

It’s taken some time to realize it, but I can’t agree more with C.S. Lewis: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

Leaving communities behind that I worked so hard to build was NOT easy. Leaving behind opportunities that had finally presented themselves and projects that were just picking up speed? NOT easy.  

But now, it’s amazing to see all that I’ve gained because I DID let go.  

8. We see the bigger picture. 

When we don’t take breaks, we get lost in the weeds and forget there’s a much bigger world out there. It’s amazing what taking a step back can do. You’re able to check in on your goals and priorities instead of working in a silo. 

9. We’re able to foster the best versions of ourselves. 

We need to make it very clear to ourselves and those around us that in order to be our best and take care of others, we MUST take care of ourselves first. 

This is a great read: How to Take Care of Yourself -- What Does it Mean?

10. We’re reminded of the possibilities of life. 

Remember this video? You know, the one that features a British artist delivering a spoken word poem about looking up from our phones? It’s a little intense, yes, but I love the message.

You never know what might happen when you take a break from your device, work or normal routine. You just might meet your soulmate or a new friend. You might discover a new hobby or hidden place.  

Breaks encourage spontaneity, letting go of control and embracing all the possibilities that LIFE can bring.  

SO, I’m currently exploring opportunities of all shapes and sizes in Germany, from job interviews to language lessons! I have no idea what these next few weeks or years hold, but I do know that letting go, letting God and letting new things in will leave me with no regrets…only good stories and a heightened perspective on life that I’m so excited to share with you.

While I’m pausing my business efforts until that little voice speaks up again, I’m not pausing THE B LINE.

I want to stay connected with youuu and will continue to send ditties on business, people and products into your inbox when I feel inspired to share. PLEASE keep me in the loop of anything happening in your business or any cool brands you love. Would love to buzz about anything that would be a good fit in here!

In the meantime, if you’re interested in keeping up on my personal ramblings and experiences, I’ve decided to document these Euroland adventures in another digital corner...

Come dig in with me at The B Diary.

Sending hugs + high fives from across the pond, 
Brit

As Cottey College prepares for their inaugural "Going Places" Tour to make their first stop in Denver this week, I've been speaking with a number of alumnae and even a current student. 

These women have opened up their hearts about their experiences before, during and after their time at this all-women's college. 

While each has their own unique story, there's been a common theme throughout: Cottey is a transformational experience that allows students to grow personally and professionally into confident women. 

When they leave, they're equipped with a lifelong sisterhood of mentors at their backs, best friends by their sides and memories that last forever. 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Briauna Persinger, an incredible young woman who's in her third year at Cottey. Before planting her feet in Missouri, she was living in a motel with her grandparents on East Colfax Avenue in Denver. 

9News captured her story in 2012 as the teen who wanted to break out of the Colfax cycle. Even being surrounded by drug dealers and prostitutes (some 12 and 13 years of age), she knew she wanted to go to college, but didn't know where to start, as no one in her family had done it. 

Briauna worked hard at George Washington High School to get good grades - even after she got pregnant. Then, the family who adopted her daughter was her ticket to a better life. They hired an advisor to help her apply for college and obtain scholarships, and luckily, they knew about Cottey College. 

"When I came up for one of the preview weekend tours, I knew I wanted to go here," said Briauna. "The food was really good and the people were awesome. What really stood out to me were the girls who were touring us around called 'golden keys.' It was clear they were supposed to drive home all the positive things about Cottey, but I loved how honest they were about it, too. They said there was definitely going to be girl drama (nothing serious though) and even though it was all women, there would still be boy problems. Their honesty showed me they were strong and willing to stand up for what's true, and this made me feel like I could do the same."

She received scholarships from the Denver area Cottey Club and landed government grants. Today, she's on track to be the first person in her family to graduate college (in spring 2016), will be going into her third year as an R.A., is currently getting a bachelor's in psychology, aiming for grad school and planning to work with kids who have autism. 

When asked what she'll miss most about Cottey, she said she'll miss the supportive atmosphere. "Here, you're part of a community. Everywhere else you're just another face," she said. "Cottey has taught me that I, myself, have value...and can do anything. You CAN be an individual, and you CAN stand up and be strong." 

I loved speaking with Nicole Vap, who will be co-hosting the first event of the "Going Places" Tour with Cottey President Dr. Rogers. It will be taking place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Hotel - Sage Room on Sept. 25. The topic of discussion? Women: Leaders for the 21st Century.

Nicole Vap, who's now an Executive Producer at 9News, will be talking about her experiences at the college. Here's a snippet of Nicole's story: 

Cottey College was the only school Nicole applied to, thanks to a bus trip to Cottey that inspired her when she was a little girl. As a woman from a small town in Nebraska, she had a very limited idea of what she could do for the rest of her life, but Cottey showed her that she could do anything. Nicole learned how important it is for women to collaborate and work together - not compete against each other. 

Even before the school started international trips and the business leadership programs, Nicole was able to get an international experience on Cottey's campus alone. She had girls from places like Japan, France and Africa and found it so fascinating to learn about everyone else's lives.

Nicole met some of her best friends at Cottey who are now based in Denver and all around the country. Nicole was the manager of the radio station for two semesters and loved it. For her, this college gave her great confidence in who she was and what she wanted to do. When she stepped foot into a big, four-year school after Cottey, she was more prepared than ever. She was ready to just GO for it! 

"All of the professors were so different and came from so many different places and gave someone like me — a girl from a very small town with a very limited idea of what I could do for the rest of my life — the idea that anything is possible...that you could go and do anything, " said Nicole. 

We also got to talking about her role as an executive, mother and wife. She has a a strong partnership with her husband and has 10- and 14-year-old kids. Nicole was brought up by a mom who worked, so to her, it never felt like she had the option not to work. It just feels natural. She likes to think she's better at both roles because she has both roles. Nicole believes there's a different kind of patience that you learn as a parent - you're always learning. 

If you're interested in attending the Sept. 25 wine and cheese reception focused on Women: Leaders for the 21st Century, you can RSVP to brit@britstuevenpr.com or 877-426-8839.

Then, I got to chat with sweet Lucinda Clauter-Lull, who was not only Pitkin Mayor from 1990 - 2000, but the first woman mayor (and only so far) of the oldest continuously incorporated town on the Western Slope of Colorado. 

Lucinda grew up in a small, Midwestern town in Illinois with all brothers, so for her, going to Cottey with all girls was enticing. ;) 

Her mother was a PEO, but didn't push her to attend. She was instead inspired through a friend.

Cottey taught Lucinda to stand up for herself. "I was the littlest in my class, but I spoke my mind," she said. "The size of the school helped. They deliberately put you into groups, starting first with your suite. Then, you were able to join one of the four 'societies' on campus which made everyone feel like they were part of SOMETHING."

While chatting with Lucinda, her cell phone rang. The ringtone? A quacking duck. She said, "Once a duck, always a duck...that was our second-year student mascot." 

Here were just some of the memories she mentioned during our chat:

• Sit-down Sunday dinners with a five-star chef ..."His name was Delano. He was ultra fabulous." 
• 8-10 immediate friends in the housing suites
• "You were NEVER afraid to ask a question in class. Your question was NEVER wrong, never out of line and always appreciated. You learned so much from the other students there as well."
  
• Each dorm had a student officer and even a song leader. Singing was and still is a HUGE thing at Cottey. There are traditional songs that each class and dorm sing to each other. 
  
• "The Class of 1975 was called The Class of Change. We went from being locked out of our dorms at night to being able to have key cards. We were the first class to be able to have cars. We didn't need parental signatures to stay out over night. These were big changes and a BIG deal!"

When Lucinda's daughter was looking at schools, Cottey was 100% her own choice. She said she wanted to have the same relationships that Lucinda has today, 25 years later, with her Cottey friends. 

So, she encouraged her daughter to go see the campus without her, and when she returned, she talked for 4.5 hours nonstop and immediately filled out her application. She said, "Mom, they made me feel like a PERSON."

"My heart does really belong there," said Lucinda.

Now, meet Lynn Bartels...well, if you don't know her already. 

This Political Reporter for The Denver Post was named one of Colorado's 10 most influential women in 2012. 

Lynn confessed to me that she flunked out her first semester at Cottey. What was she doing with all her time you ask? Well, she certainly wasn't studying or going to class. She instead couldn't get enough of talking and hanging out with all the other girls. Lynn came from a family of nine kids, so being around people her own age 24/7 was so exciting.

"I still think back about it all the time," Lynn said. Between the skits, singing, dancing, sit-down dinners and talking late into the night, how could you blame her? 

Don't worry. Lynn obviously snapped back into academic gear her second semester when she made the Dean's List.

She wasn't an arts person or musically inclined but loved being around all the artistic and creative happenings at Cottey. The atmosphere fostered so much creative freedom. She couldn't believe how smart everyone was. 

"Here's what I loved about Cottey," Lynn dished. "Going to Cottey meant your class president was going to be a woman. The person with the highest GPA was going to be a woman. It was always going to be a woman."

For Lynn (and all the alumnae I've spoken to), to this day, she can pick up where she left off with anyone who went to Cottey - even if she didn't run around them. This is a prime example of The Cottey Factor. 

Can't get enough of stories from Cottey alumnae? Check out this Q&A with business owner and publisher Mary-Frances Main. 

Whether Cottey College is new to you or the catalyst for your successful career, Dr. Judy Rogers (President of Cottey College) and Nicole Vap invite YOU along with other Denver-area women of influence to join them as they discuss: 
WOMEN: Leaders for the 21st Century 

A wine and cheese reception
Sept. 25 // 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sage Room – Oxford Hotel
1600 17th St., Denver

RSVP to brit@britstuevenpr.com or call 877-426-8839. NO cost to attend. Space is limited!

Once you graduate from Cottey College, you're immersed in a lifelong network of professional connections and great friends. That's what the college refers to as The Cottey Factor. 

In talking with all the alumnae I've connected with as of late, this concept rings true. Every single one has raved about some of their best friendships forming at Cottey and how it continues to make an impact on their lives to this day.

Over its 128-year history, more than 8,900 women have graduated from this leading liberal arts college for women. As they kick off their inaugural Going Places Tour in Denver next week, President Dr. Rogers and college representatives look forward to connecting with the local Cottey community and meeting many new faces. Over 150 alumnae and several hundred P.E.O.  Sisterhood members reside in Denver. While here, Cottey will announce their new baccalaureate degrees focused on women's leadership, social responsibility and global awareness.   

According to a press release from Cottey College, the inequality of women in the workplace and the need to empower women through leadership development are increasingly evident. Note Michelle Obama’s White House initiative for equality for women; Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In and her TED talks about how, “women aren’t making it to the top of any profession anywhere in the world.” 

While there's clearly work to be done, it's important to celebrate women who are leading the way and drive home the value of community, education and friendship. 

The following is a mini Q&A with '87 alumna Mary-Frances Main, of Denver, who's currently the owner of Widget Inc. and editor/publisher of three online magazines: Denver Parent, Mid Century Style and Wyoming Parent.

Brit Stueven: How did you find out about Cottey College?  

Mary-Frances Main: I learned about Cottey at a “tea” where they showed a video and photos of the college. I never wanted to go anywhere else (never applied to another school) and never visited until the day I showed up.

B: What did you study? 

M: I had an art focus at Cottey. I worked in the art building for scholarship money and enjoyed all of my classes there. I really felt I had a chance to explore my artistic side and develop myself as an artist – something I did not feel when I transferred to another college.

B: Where did you go after Cottey? 

M: I went to Colorado State University where I found the art classes were a lot more impersonal – I still wonder if Cottey had been a 4-year if I would have stayed, maybe.

B: What was your housing experience like? Ahem, five-star chef? 

M: Chef Michael wasn’t there yet, when I went, but we had “sit-down dinner" which was a wonderful dinner in a private dining room with the president of the college and our suite. It was great.

B: The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio at Cottey is amazing. How do you feel this impacted your experience?  

M: Cottey’s one-on-one education experience is fantastic. I felt as if my professors really understood me, and I still consider several of them today to be the inspiration for where I am now.

B: What is your favorite Cottey memory? 

M: There are so many, I have no idea where to start – and I still make them today with other generations of Cottey Alums as well as my own classmates.

B: Tell me about The Cottey Factor and how this impacts your life today. Do you still keep in touch with fellow alumnae? 

M: My daughter is 13 and already plans on attending Cottey – I think her overwhelming desire is due largely to seeing my friendships I developed there and how they impact my life today. I never go somewhere without having a Cottey friend to connect with and since being on the CCAA board, I have multi-generational friends who are almost as close as the ones I made when I went to college there.

Whether Cottey College is new to you or the catalyst for your successful career, Dr. Judy Rogers (President of Cottey College) and Nicole Vap (Executive Producer at 9News and '89 alumna) invite YOU along with other Denver-area women of influence to join them as they discuss:

WOMEN: Leaders for the 21st Century 

A wine and cheese reception
Sept. 25 // 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sage Room – Oxford Hotel
1600 17th St., Denver

RSVP to brit@britstuevenpr.com or 877-426-8839. 

NO cost to attend. Space is limited!