Valerie's Workshop

Valerie has been blessed to know and care for many individuals living with Alzheimer's and other dementias throughout her years as a caregiver/nursing assistant but also in her personal life. She knows firsthand how dramatically these conditions can affect the lives of not only the person with the disease but those caring for them. She has been inspired to do more!  In 2019, Valerie completed the process of becoming an Early Stage Leader for the Alzheimer's Association with the intent of hosting monthly Memory Cafes in Madison, Wisconsin.  "A memory café is a meeting place for anyone who is experiencing beginning changes in memory. It can be a fun way to connect with others who are dealing with the same issues. The intent is for the person and their family or friends to come together in a relaxed and social environment to connect with one another. Each memory café is unique as the participants are encouraged to make it their own ." - http://www.daneadrc.org...

Is someone in your circle experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease? If so, they are cordially invited to this new monthly Memory Cafe at the Madison Festival Foods.  Intended for individuals with dementia or other mild cognitive impairment and their caregiver or friend, the cafe is a social gathering place where common interests are shared and refreshments are served in a caring, stress-free environment. We gather the Second Thursday of each month  from 10:30AM-12PM at Festival Foods, 810 E Washington Ave. Madison, Wisconsin 53703 Free, open to the public and dementia friendly.  2019 October 10 November 14 December 12 2020 January 9 February 13 March 12 April 9 May 14 June 11 The Alzheimer's Association's Memory Cafés offer a fun and relaxed way for people living with early-stage memory loss to get connected with one another through social events that promote inte...

Namaste, Friends! Did you know that Valerie Joy  teaches yoga classes  in Madison, Wisconsin and beyond! Valerie's Offerings Include Mindfulness Meditation Guided Meditation for Stress Management Meditate & Create Workshops Aroma Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Essential Oil Workshops One-on-One Sessions Private Group Classes/Parties

This just in ...  as of Saturday, May 26, Valerie is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance.  Valerie's Class Schedule can be viewed here!

Let’s imagine … you and your four best friends are at a concert. You’re all listening to the same song but dancing your own dance. That’s kind of how life is, you know. We are all living on this planet together but we’re all experiencing it completely different. Now, look at your friends again. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one of the 5 of you is living with mental illness . Mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders , schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors. When left untreated, the risk for suicide increases dramatically. Every single day, as many as 123 people die by suicide in the United States. More alarming is that in Wisconsin, the suicide rate has risen by 25% in the last 15 years . So, get to know the warning signs of suicide: Listen for talk of feeling hopeless, trapped or of being a burden. Watch for behavior changes like withdrawal from friends or changes in mood and sleep...

Where there's smoke there's fire & this design is smokin'! What's better than a bonfire on a crisp fall evening? A bonfire on a kick-a** hoodie or T-shirt? This design is based on a linoleum block print carved by Valerie.  Shop & Customize in Valerie's Workshop Marketplace today!

"I see you," says Little Bird! Looking for a birthday gift for a special someone? Or maybe a friend has a little one on the way? Valerie's  Little Bird design is eye catching and available in a plethora of colors and products via her SpreadShirt Marketplace. Shop Valerie's Workshop on SpreadShirt today!

'Tis the Season to be Grateful! Science shows the benefits of being thankful in our everyday lives. In this segment, Valerie is interviewed by Dannika Lewis of WISC in Madison, WI. Interested in holding a gratitude card workshop? Email Valerie today ! The art of gratitude: Doctors say giving thanks improves your health

'Tis the Season to be Grateful ... to share peace, love and joy with your loved ones. Why not tell them with a card? Join me at Java Cat,  Mondays, Dec. 11 & 18  from 7:30 am - 1:30 pm Enjoy your favorite beverage and create your own card(s). All materials provided. This is a FREE event and open to the public. This event is hosted by  Valerie's Workshop, LLC  and  Java Cat , Located at 3918 Monona Dr, Madison, Wisconsin 53716 #valsgratitudechallenge

I had the privilege of recording and producing this track written and performed by Jonny Layne featuring harmonies by his sister, Becca Reynolds. Becca is one of the four  JingleGals  of  WVMO , aspiring singer/songwriter and also a small business owner. She sincerely hopes her brother will move to Wisconsin for med school. Jonny wrote this song in 2011 on a trip to see Becca and her three daughters, featured in the photograph and in the lyrics. Listen now ... and try not to listen more than once! You'll be swaying to the beat be the second verse.

Mark your calendar. Due to public demand ... Two additional Gratitude Card make and take sessions have been scheduled in the next seven days. (Friday, Nov. 17 at Monona Public Library and Monday, Nov. 20 at Java Cat.) Hope to see you at least one session! These events are free and open to the public. All materials are provided. Children are encouraged to participate. Hosted by Valerie's Workshop. For more information, contact Valerie .

The taste of fresh squeezed lemonade on a hot summers day. That's the first thing that comes to mind for me when I think of lemons. But did you know lemons can do so much more than quench your thirst?  L emon  ( Citrus limon )  Essential Oil,   has been used in  Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Native to Asia, lemons have been used for everything from preventing infectious disease to use as a digestive aid, and from mood boosters to skin cleansers. You can cook with it, clean with it and even cheer yourself up with it. Did you know ... 1000 lemons are required to make 1 lb. of essential oil! I've created a list of the top 5 reasons why I think Lemon Essential Oil should be one of your first essential oils. It's an oil you can use everyday in multiple ways and isn't too hard on the pocket book. A few drops can do a lot! Without further ado ... Top 5 Reasons to use Lemon Essential Oil 1. Detoxification lemon stimulates the drainage o...

'Craft' conmigo por la Dia de los Muertos Monday, October 24, 2017  10-11:30am Monona Public Library Meeting Room 1000 Nichols Rd, Madison, WI 53716 Using paper, crayons/markers, paper plates and other materials, we'll create festive sugar skull masks to adorn to get into the spirit of Dia de los Muertos. Or, if you're not feeling that crafty, simply color a page to decorate your home. This event is free, open to the public, and all supplies will be provided. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Questions? Simply email  info@valeriesworkshop.com.  Or see the event page on Facebook .

Now scheduling Fall Color Mini Sessions! Friday, Oct. 27 ~ 7am-7pm 🍂   🍁 Fall color photo mini sessions.  🍂  Friday, 7am-7pm. I’ll travel just about anywhere in the greater dane county area and bring the perfe ct fall props to complement your shoot (wool blankets, vintage Madison crates, and more)!  🍁   Message me for details . Looking forward to seeing you Friday.  🎃

Join me for a morning of seasonal crafting.  Monday, October 24, 2017  10-11:30am Monona Public Library Meeting Room 1000 Nichols Rd, Madison, WI 53716 Using seasonal fabrics and other materials, we'll create festive banners to adorn our homes during the holidays.  This event is free and all supplies will be provided. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Questions? Simply email info@valeriesworkshop.com .

W hat better way to start the day,  then by taking a long walk in nature? With each new step, there's a chance to set all your troubles behind you. So, why don't you try to look up at the sky and let the sun fill you you with kindness? -valerie hein hamstra, 10.17.17

Fresh from the Workshop ... one-of-a-kind, framed vintage maps.  Some boast motivational quotes, while others let the map do the talking! $10 for blank maps, $20 for hand-lettered maps. Contact me today if interested in purchasing. $10 for blank maps, $20 for hand-lettered maps. Contact me today if interested in purchasing.

Ready to give the gift of oils? The Young Living 2017 Holiday Catalog has arrived ! And rumor has it ... it all goes fast!  Want FREE SHIPPING*? Order with me today! Flip through the catalog and compile your nice list. I've got my eye on the Yoga Kit. And the Aroma Spinner is perfect for the fidgeter in your life.  Just sayin' ... *I'm compiling an order right now, so shoot me a message if you'd like to add items. Deadline to add items is 10/23/17. If you order through me, I'll cover your shipping costs and deliver to your door in Southern Wisconsin. 

Now that cold and flu season is upon it, it's time to tackle your workplace wellness! From Thieves wipes to a USB diffuser, there are multiple ways of keeping your office clean and calm and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way. Let me know if you're interested in ordering or want to know more about Young Living Essential Oils .

Hello Friends! Happy October ...  It feel as though autumn has at last arrived. Such a blessing for this heat-loathing Wisconsinite! Since I've recently made aggressive diet and lifestyle changes to help combat my multiple disorders, I've decided to resurrect an old series; From Valerie's Kitchen .  Without diving into all the nitty-gritty details, I'll share a few details to put this into perspective. My entire digest system is out of whack, inflamed and totally unpredictable. Medication management has not been effective, yet, nor is it what I really desire for the longterm, as most meds are not gentle on the liver.  As the months go by and my symptoms continue, it's time to get aggressive. So, here I am, going Low FODMAP again in hopes that it helps ease my bitchy belly.  According to Kate Scarlata ,  registered dietitian & author and low FODMAP diet educator FODMAPs is an acronym, coined by two Australian researchers, Sue Shepherd and Peter ...