midpractical Modern

Living in the middle of a modern world

Monthly Challenges

During the pandemic, Midpractical Modern creator, Regi Strauss, decided she wasn’t going to watch TV for a month. Little did she know, this would lead to a new way of developing habits and achieving her goals, one challenge at a time.

Click to explore past and present challenges and get inspired to start your own!

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Blog Posts

Need motivation to tackle your next project? Are you looking for tips to develop better habits? Or just needing inspiration to do something new?

Follow the blog to get lifestyle tips, tricks, and ideas that will help you achieve moderation not just for your wallet, but your time, effort and energy as well.

Meet the Maker

Meet the creator and mind behind Midpractical Modern, Regi Strauss, and how living this lifestyle is helping her and others to flourish.

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What is Midpractical Modern?

You know what midcentury modern is, but what is midpractical modern?

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Follow along on social to get real time updates on projects and challenges.

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It’s been 84 years…👵🏻

Just kidding. It’s been a little under 2 weeks without TV. And it’s been refreshing and productive!

Is anyone else not watching TV this month? Let me know how it’s going and what you are doing instead 📺

Here’s a quick recap of how I’ve been keeping busy:

🐶 Spending time with the dog outside and helping a neighbor with puppy training
🍓 Enjo fun than the kids in the sprinkler
🍕 Devouring pizza from a friend’s freshly built wood-fired pizza oven
💪 Trying to uncover some core strength at Pilates
🌿 Removing the ginormous weeds from the garden
🐿️ Caulking gaps in the driveway and giving the chipmunks one less place to hide
👩‍🏫 Getting some work done at the library
💋 French-inspired makeup to go to a French restaurant followed by Moulin Rouge the musical!

#NoTV #TVfast #MidpracticalChallenge #MonthlyChallenge #MidpracticalModern

“I probably need a bigger shovel” 🤦‍♀️

During my #NoTV Midpractical challenge, I am finding ways to stay busy. I decided I would weed the garden that I haven’t touched in 3 years 🫣

Turns out I really enjoyed being outside and working in the garden! Hopefully I only shoveled out the weeds and not actual garden plants 😂

Make sure you are following to see part 2 - more weed jungle and also the before and afters!

#NoTV #TVfast #MidpracticalChallenge #MonthlyChallenge #Weeding #gardening #greenthumb #beginnergardener #MidpracticalModern

Satine-inspired makeup to go see @moulinrougebway

Satine-inspired makeup to go see @moulinrougebway 🎶💃🏻💎🇫🇷

This month, my #MidpracticalChallenge is not watching TV. So instead, I watched a makeup tutorial on how to contour and let Moulin Rouge inspire the rest before heading to @playhousesquare to see the tour. Follow along for #noTV inspo and ideas!

I don’t usually wear makeup but since I had some time on my hands, I decided to try something different. How did I do? 💋

#NotWatchingTV #Makeup #Inspiration #MoulinRouge #elfcontourpallete @elfcosmetics

Reinforcements arrived for part 2 of the basement

Reinforcements arrived for part 2 of the basement demo 💪

My current Midpractical Challenge is not watching TV for the month so we are getting started on our basement project!

Back in December, a pipe froze then burst, flooding the finished part of our basement. The clean-up crew got the water out, but we had to figure out how we wanted to use the space (we never used the bar!)l

So, fingers crossed, we can turn this now demoed space into a full bathroom (with a sauna! 🧖‍♀️)

Let me know if you want me to record and share the rest of the basement journey!

#basementreno #MidpracticalChallenge #NoTV #BeingProductive #bathroomrenovation #cleveland #diy #notsolodiy 😂

I’m available for hire, ready with my safety gog

I’m available for hire, ready with my safety goggles 😂

My current #MidpracticalChallenge is not watching TV so there’s plenty of time to start demolition on the basement 🔨

Back in December, a pipe froze then burst, flooding the finished part of our basement. The water clean up company removed flooring and drywall and since then, it’s just been sitting there waiting for us to make some plans.

Unlike the pipe, I hope our dreams of having a full bathroom with a sauna don’t burst 🙏

If anyone in the CLE area has recommendations for a place that can do custom saunas, lemme know!

#basementreno #MidpracticalChallenge #NoTV #BeingProductive #bathroomrenovation #cleveland #diy #notsolodiy 😂

It’s been 3️⃣ years since the first challeng

It’s been 3️⃣ years since the first challenge! Who knew a month of not watching TV would have led to YEARS of challenging myself to learn new things, take on projects, and push myself to accomplish things I never thought I could do.

And I feel like I’m just getting started 💥

So in honor of that first challenge, I’m doing it again!

No TV for the month and this time, no video games either. There is an exception for social settings, but other than that, the boob tube is off until July.

I have a running list of projects to do, places to explore and people to see, but I’m always looking to add more! Send me your recs or add them to the comments below! 😃

#NoTV #TVfast #MidpracticalChallenge #MonthlyChallenge #AlwaysLearning #AlwaysGrowing #MidpracticalModern

Last weekly update of the #MayReset MidpracticalCh

Last weekly update of the #MayReset MidpracticalChallenge! What routines were you able to get into this month?

🥗 Did a mini salad challenge with some recipe suggestions from my last salad challenge. They were all delicious and I would eat them all again! Let me know if you want the recipes!
🪴Attempting to grow my own micro greens so I can get in the habit of eating more salads!
😴 Did my weekly float at @marigoldwellness_ and was so relaxed, I fell asleep!
🎨 Went to the Tuesday Morning Mojo session with @yourcreativegroove and incorporated some journaling, stretching and tapping into my day
👷‍♀️Because the critters ate through all my wires and totaled my car 😑, I’ve been biking everywhere and getting extra exercise (and it’s been fun!)! Here’s me at The Home Depot buying things to evict the chipmunks 😳
🚲 Speaking of biking, I got to ride with @jsm815 at @harnesscycle ‘s opening week!

Kickstarted my morning routine today in a new way!

Kickstarted my morning routine today in a new way! 📝💃🏽🫶

Thanks to @yourcreativegroove ‘s morning mojo session, I started my day with a little writing, a little movement and a mantra!

And what I noticed is that I had more energy and focus throughout the day (for real tho, I was so productive and creative today)

@yourcreativegroove leads these virtual sessions on Tuesday mornings at 7:15 EST (before the workday starts!). Who’s coming??

#MayReset #MidpracticalChallenge #MorningMojo
#CreativeGroove #virtualcreativity

I interrupt this week’s midpractical challenge u

I interrupt this week’s midpractical challenge update with a break in the routine. I unfortunately had another challenge to deal with this week…🐿️

I was minding my own business in my living room when a little ball of fur jumped out from under the couch and scared the bejeezus out of me 😧

Cooper 🐶 helped me track it down and I contained it until a capable adult got home (b/c it certainly wasn’t me 😆)

Swipe to the right to see the outcome of chipmunk-gate 2023

One of my favorite bedtime routines…sipping on G

One of my favorite bedtime routines…sipping on Goodnight Irene tea from @clevelandtearevival 😌🫖

It’s the perfect blend to help me unwind at the end of the day.

And don’t let their name fool you - you don’t have to be in Cleveland to enjoy this tea! Head over to their site to place your order online and have it show up to your door 😀

#tea #sleepytea #bedtimeroutine #sleeproutine #sleephygiene

Your girl is back in a tub…(but thankfully, this

Your girl is back in a tub…(but thankfully, this is not filled with 40 degree water) 🤪

This time I’m in a float pool at @marigoldwellness_ !

I wanted to share a bit more detail around float therapy since a lot of you mentioned you hadn’t heard of it or haven’t tried it. It’s a pretty simple and straightforward process that can produce some great health benefits. Here’s a quick list to check before you float off…

1️⃣ Before you book a session, make sure you read through who should or should not do floats (most people can, but there are some conditions that you may want to check on before you sign up!). And there are a few things (like shaving or waxing, spray tan and hair color) you should avoid in the days or weeks leading up to a float.

2️⃣ Day of the session - eat a light meal and don’t drink caffeine a few hours before your session. You don’t want to be jittery or starving (or overly full) while you are trying to relax.

3️⃣ Once in the room, undress, pop in your ear plugs and take a lukewarm shower. This gets all the lotions, body oil, and makeup off your body. You can wash with shampoo and body wash but leave the conditioner until after your float.

4️⃣ After your shower, you are ready to float. Carefully get in the tub and lay back. Let your body go limp. Move your arms and legs around to stretch out your body. Heck, you can even fall asleep. It’s your time to relax.

5️⃣ When your session is over, (again, carefully) get out of the tub and take another shower, this time using conditioner for your hair. Get dressed and enjoy the rest of your day!

If you want to book a float session, head over to @marigoldwellness_ in Wadsworth. They have 4 float rooms and a ton of other services there, so you could make it a whole ‘treat yourself’ day with friends! 🧖‍♀️😌

#floattherapy #saltfloat #floatpool #REST #sensorydeprivation #wellness #cleveland #akron #wadsworth #sleephygiene #musclerecovery #stresssolution #mayreset #midpracticalchallenge

(* Note: I’m not a medical professional and am not providing medical advice. You should consult with your doctor before starting a new health regimen)

CLOSED – winner to be announced soon! ✨ GIVEAWA

CLOSED - winner to be announced soon!

✨ GIVEAWAY 💤

To celebrate my midpractical challenge of establishing healthy habits, like a sleep routine 😴, one winner will float away with the following prizes:

⭐️ A 60 Minute Float Session at Marigold Wellness Collective
⭐️ 2oz of “Goodnight Irene” loose leaf tea from Cleveland Tea Revival
⭐️ “Take Care of Yourself” Inspiration Mug

To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow @midpracticalmodern @marigoldwellness_ and @clevelandtearevival
3️⃣ Tag someone who would love some sleep TLC. Each comment/tag is a separate entry.

The winner will be announced May 19 on @midpracticalmodern IG story. Good luck!

#giveaway #clegiveaway #float #tea #rest #cleveland #akron #neohio

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on 5/18/23
The winner will be randomly selected and sent a direct message from @midpracticalmodern only. Please be aware of spam and imposter accounts. We will never ask for your billing information. Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.

Floating…it’s not just for beach vacations 🌊

Float therapy is a practice that can have huge health benefits when you make it a part of your wellness routine. You are in a dark space, in the nude, ear plugs in, with room and water temperature similar to your body temperature to minimize stimulation to your senses and maximize relaxation 😌

The potential benefits of float therapy range from improved quality of sleep, immune function and muscle recovery to a decrease in inflammation and stress.

It is also just a great way to unwind and give your brain and body a rest.

I prefer the float pools at @marigoldwellness_ because they are open concept, have a night light and and don’t have a claustrophobic lid like the float tanks.

So if you’ve never floated before…are you going to try it?

#floattherapy #saltfloat #floatpool #REST #sensorydeprivation #wellness #cleveland #akron #wadsworth #sleephygiene #musclerecovery #stresssolution #mayreset #midpracticalchallenge

(* Note: I’m not a medical professional and am not providing medical advice. You should consult with your doctor before starting a new health regimen)

May Reset Midpractical Challenge Week 2…Monday p

May Reset Midpractical Challenge Week 2…Monday proved to be its own kind of challenge, but trying to be grateful for all the things that did go well 💛

1️⃣ Overcoming obstacles - When an unexpected breakdown of both your car and bike happen at the same time…you get a lot more walking in! 🚶🏻‍♀️

2️⃣ Thanks to @spinbikeshop for getting my bike back into riding shape so quickly (I think the car is going to take awhile so I will need it!) 🚲

3️⃣ Friends & Fitness - I’m grateful for friends who drove me to classes, meetings and other fun things this week! It helped to keep me accountable. Thanks to @sunayastudios @fitnessedgecle and @everybody_cycle for letting me sweat out Monday’s frustrations with you this week. And special S/O to @gingc who let me be her guinea pig rider while she trains to be an instructor (ride with her at Everybody Cycle on Friday 5/19 at 5:00p!) 🥳

4️⃣ Sleep - Still working on the no-phone before bed routine (some nights are better than others). Thanks to everyone who shared their secrets to a good night’s sleep, I need to try some of these! 💤

5️⃣ Floating into Sleep - Continued my float therapy sessions at @marigoldwellness_ Keep an eye out this week for more info on what float therapy is, what you do, and how you can win a session… 🎉

6️⃣ Nutrition - we had some delicious meals from @blueapron this week! But still caving into my cravings and not where I want to be with my diet. So I’m resolving to have a mini salad challenge this month because I need more veggies (and less sweets) in my life, stat! 🥗

How’s everyone else doing on their own resets? Have you had any hiccups or obstacles to overcome??

Week 1 of the May Reset #MidpracticalChallenge don

Week 1 of the May Reset #MidpracticalChallenge done ☑️ let’s see how it’s going…

1️⃣-5️⃣ Fitness 💪 it was a stellar start to the challenge thanks to @everybody_cycle @soar_and_flyfitness and @thebeautyboost_cleveland . And thanks to my workout friends that help to hold me accountable and keep me motivated (you know who you are!)! S/O to Cooper who always wants to be on camera 🐶

6️⃣-7️⃣ Sleep 😴 I have been trying not to be on my phone right before bed as well as cutting back on drinking alcohol during the week, which seems to be helping. I also have started float therapy at @marigoldwellness_ …more to come on how that is going soon and very soon!

8️⃣ Nutrition 🍽️ well…2 out of 3 ain’t bad, right? 🥴 I need to make more balanced choices when it comes to meals, snacks and desserts (but honestly, who can say no to that tiramisu 🤤) I may have to go into my #SaladChallenge archives to dig up a few recipes…

If you are working to reset something in your life, how is it going? What’s motivating you to keep going? Lemme know! 😃

Getting Into a Routine with… @everybody_cycle

Getting Into a Routine with… @everybody_cycle

It’s no secret that I love to spin, but it wasn’t always that way. It was scary and intimidating to start. Everybody Cycle is a great place for new and seasoned riders alike because you are welcome at all stages of your journey and are part of a community that will support and celebrate you through it. It’s a place for everybody!

Check out the fitness giveaway post on @midpracticalmodern to enter for a chance to win a $75 gift card to Everybody Cycle along with some other fitness goodies! Winner will be announced May 4.

Getting into a routine with… @soar_and_flyfitnes

Getting into a routine with… @soar_and_flyfitness 💪

Sometimes it’s hard to make time for a trip to the gym when you have a long commute. But there’s no excuses when you can stream your workout! That’s what I did with Julie Stover of Soar and Fly Fitness. 30 minutes of strength and cardio (and sweat!), right from the comfort of my own home.

Check out the fitness giveaway post to enter for a chance to win a live virtual and on-demand class with Julie along with some other fitness goodies! Winner will be announced May 4.

Getting into a routine with @thebeautyboost_clevel

Getting into a routine with @thebeautyboost_cleveland “Taste of Yoga” 🧘‍♀️

I’ve been without yoga for the past month, so The Taste of Yoga on May 7 couldn’t come at a better time! I’m looking forward to getting appetizers of yoga goodness from @ascendcleveland @sharanstudios_ @chagrinyoga @lake_yoga @dear_wild_heart along with a buffet of local CLE businesses to check out in between sessions!

Check out the fitness giveaway post to enter for a chance to win 2 tickets to the Taste of Yoga along with some other fitness goodies! Winner will be announced May 4.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED – winner to be announced soon! My

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - winner to be announced soon!
My midpractical challenge this month is dedicated to establishing healthy habits, including a fitness routine. But working out is more fun with friends! So I partnered up with some awesome businesses to put together a fitness giveaway that will have you breaking a sweat in no time 😅

One lucky winner will receive:
• 2 Tickets to The Beauty Boost Cleveland “Taste of Yoga” Event on May 7, 2023
• $75 Gift Certificate to Everybody Cycle
• 1 Online Live and 1 On-Demand Class with Julie Stover of Soar and Fly Fitness
• ZYIA Classic Shaker Bottle
• K-Pow Booty Bands 3-Pack

To enter:
1️⃣ Like this post
2️⃣ Follow @midpracticalmodern @thebeautyboost_cleveland @everybody_cycle and @soar_and_flyfitness
3️⃣ Tag a workout buddy! Each comment is a separate entry.

🏆 The winner will be announced May 4 on my IG story. Good luck!

#Cleveland #Giveaway #Fitness #Yoga #IndoorCycling #FunctionalTraining #Wellness

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on 5/3/23. The winners will be randomly selected and sent a direct message on 5/4/23 from @midpracticalmodern only. Please be aware of spam and imposter accounts. We will never ask for your billing information.
Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.

After spending a month in a different country in a

After spending a month in a different country in a different time zone where I didn’t stick to a regular diet, workout or sleep schedule 😬…I decided my next midpractical challenge will be a “reset” month dedicated to establishing healthy routines.

Throughout the month, I’ll work on getting back into some of my regular regimens, but also explore some new practices at some new places to take things up a notch.

If you are also working on getting better sleep, making healthier food choices or starting a workout routine, let me know in the comments or send me a DM so we can cheer each other on!

Also, keep an eye out for some giveaways that will help you kickstart some new fitness, food and sleep routines 💪 🍽️ 😴

#MidpracticalChallenge #MayReset #RoutineReset #NewHabits #Fitness #Sleep #HealthyHabits #SleepHabits

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