About Sonya Julie

Sonya Julie is a Freelance Writer and Life Coach. She Writes about Health & Healing, Fitness & Yoga, Food & Paleo, as well as Travel & Adventure, and Community. Visit Sonya's Website, Sonya Julie Exploring Life.

Oakland University’s Hillcrest Hall is the Future of Campus Dorms

Construction on the Newest Addition to Student Housing at Oakland University Underway Hillcrest Hall is scheduled to open its doors to students in fall of 2018, seamlessly combining school activities, such as meals, study time, socialization, and workouts, within the same space as their living quarters. Construction is well underway at Oakland University (OU) on this new seven-story building. Hillcrest is the first student housing to appear on the south side of the campus. All the … [Read more...]

Healthy Tips for the Holidays, Part Two

Tips from Local Experts - Part Two (Read Part One First) Mind, Body, Nature Heading outdoors can make a tremendous difference in the ability to cope with stress. Holly Wolfe, Yoga Instructor with Lifetime Fitness in Rochester Hills, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and Reiki 3 Level Practitioner explains, “While it is tempting to hibernate on the couch inside during the winter months and have Netflix marathons, there are so many other activities to do with your family. Beat the holiday … [Read more...]

Healthy Tips for the Holidays, Part One

Tips from Local Experts Tis the season to be jolly – and to feel overwhelmed. Maintaining diet, fitness, and self-care practices during the hectic holiday season is challenging. Local experts offer guidance on making the time leading up to Christmas and into the New Year a healthy and joyous one. Holiday Foods and a Healthy Gut Being mindful of nutritional support and good eating habits can make a big difference during the holidays. Doug Ferner Jr. from Live Clean Nutrition in … [Read more...]

REVIEW: ‘A Christmas Carol’ Embodies the Spirit of Christmas at Meadow Brook Theatre

Bah, Humbug! As I take my seat, carolers sing beautiful Victorian Christmas songs, helping me to let go of the stress of a busy day to settle in to the comfortable theatre. A Christmas Carol, originally a novella by Charles Dickens, revives my spirit as it offers an important reminder of the power of kindness and compassion toward all of humanity. I was surprised by my emotional reaction to the play, expressing tears of both sadness and joy, as the talented actors drew me into the familiar … [Read more...]

North Spur Trail Connects Rochester Area to More Neighboring Communities

A ribbon cutting was held at Galloway Lake Park in Pontiac on Thursday, November 16 to celebrate the new North Spur Trail extension of the Clinton River Trail (CRT), a 4.5-mile rail-trail that connects the CRT at Opdyke Road and extends north to Jaycee Park on Walton Boulevard. A culmination of efforts allowed the city of Pontiac to acquire the ‘North Spur’ from Canadian National Railroad. This abandoned rail line will provide a more scenic alternative to the present CRT sidewalk … [Read more...]

Rochester Irish Connection and the Motor City Irish Dance Company

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting on October 4, welcoming the Rochester Irish Connection to their new and permanent home in Rochester Hills. David Walker, with Brookview Realty and board director with the chamber, offered a welcome describing them as an “all-encompassing performing arts, recreational and entertainment hub.” The Rochester Irish Connection is home of Motor City Irish Dance Company which offers Irish dance training and performance opportunities … [Read more...]

50+ Senior Expo at Rochester OPC

The Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) collaborated with the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce (RRC) for their 50+ Senior Expo on October 4 and offered attendees a wealth of information, resources, education and fun from over 70 exhibitors. The event was designed for adults 50 years of age and older, caregivers, friends and family. The event featured services and resources focused on senior living, health and fitness, finances, nutrition, health screening, caregiving, adult education, … [Read more...]

Ribbon Cutting: Retro Fitness of Rochester

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Held the Ribbon Cutting Welcoming Retro Fitness of Rochester to the Chamber On September 14, community leaders, family, and friends welcomed Retro Fitness to their remodeled location in Downtown Rochester. Founded by Eric Casaburi in 2002, New Jersey-based Retro Fitness began franchising in 2006. Retro Fitness locations are found nationwide and are known for their state-of-the-art equipment, aerobic classes, cycling, boxing, team training, tanning, … [Read more...]

The Fizzy Facts About Kombucha

Effervescent and Fermented Stores are stocking up on Kombucha and more people are drinking it, but what is it? Kombucha is a slightly sweet, slightly acidic beverage that is consumed worldwide. It’s created through the fermentation of sugared tea with a SCOBY, or symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, also known as tea fungus. The sugar used in the recipe fuels the fermenting process and the final product is very low in sugar, with most 15-ounce bottles containing only 4 to 16 grams of … [Read more...]

Outdoor Fun and Fitness in the Rochester Area

The Great Outdoors  Summer is officially here so grab your gear and head outdoors for a great workout. Exercising outside can increase your motivation and make your workouts more interesting. Research shows spending time outdoors reduces stress and the fresh air releases serotonin in the brain which can put you in a fantastic mood. The scenery can help exercisers from getting bored and outdoor workouts offer more of a full-body workout that can burn more calories. The Rochester area has lots … [Read more...]