What do community, mocktails, and mindfulness have in common? According to Cristi Kaido — everything. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of The Mindful Mixer, Central New York’s first mobile mocktail bar and wellness experience. Cristi shares her journey from growing up in a low-income neighborhood to surviving a life-threatening blood clot, and how those moments sparked a mission to help people slow down, connect, and sip with intention.

You’ll hear how her new book “12 Sips of Christmas” is way more than a recipe collection — it’s a step-by-step mindfulness toolkit wrapped in fun, flavor, and self-care. Plus, she spills the (mock)tea on why sleep, gratitude, and community might just be your ultimate wellness secret weapons. If you've ever wondered what a wellness coach’s evening routine looks like, or how to make mocktails that actually make you feel better — this one’s for you.

Episode Highlights:
• Why mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword (and how mocktails can help you practice it)
• What happens at a Mindful Mixer workshop — from muddling to reflection
• The powerful inspiration behind The 12 Sips of Christmas book
• Sleep routines, blue zones, and why Cristi swears by 8 hours a night
• The bigger mission: building community, one sip at a time

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro
(1:00) - Mindfulness & Slowing Down
(2:30) - Combining Mocktails with Mindfulness
(4:15) - Ingredients & Wellness
(6:20) - What to Expect at a Mindful Mixer Event
(9:00) - Unique Gathering Opportunity
(10:40) - Foundational Years & Community
(12:25) - 2020 Health Scare
(15:10) - 12 Sips of Christmas
(20:45) - Food Pairing Ideas?
(21:30) - November 15th Event at The Portal
(22:45) - Favorite Drinks & Mishaps
(26:00) - Certified Wellness Coach
(28:00) - Cristi's Personal Routines
(32:30) - Alcohol & Sleep
(34:35) - Surprises in Business
(36:15) - Talking to Former Self
(37:30) - Vision For the Future
(38:50) - November 15th Tickets
(40:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Cristi Kaido's Links
12 Sips Book - https://www.amazon.com/12-Sips-Christmas-Mocktails-Reflections/dp/B0FV8NVX68/ref=sr_1_1?
Website - https://www.mindfulmixercny.com
IG - https://www.mindfulmixercny.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristi-kaido-30429167
FB - https://www.facebook.com/mindfulmixermocktails

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