Make your life all about "me"

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So in the past month I’ve done quite a lot: I’ve lost a few pounds, learned to love running, quit my job to pursue my dream as a writer and dyed my hair brunette. And I have to say it feels pretty darn good. It’s refreshing to make some healthy changes to your life once in a while, and I felt that I was well overdue for some.

Of course I’ve made changes in my life before, but this is the first time that I’ve done all of it for me, myself and I. Yes, while that sounds a little selfish, I think we all need to take some time to live for ourselves once in a while. Not for anyone else. And that’s exactly what I’m doing. My more in shape, running-obsessed, free spirit, brunette self are all things I did for me, things that that define me. I didn’t make any changes for a guy, my family, or a friend for once. This is all about Rachel.

So my advice to you is to break that habit of living for someone else and go out and get what you want. Tackle it and make it your own. … Read More!

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A Runner’s Diet: Hot Tips From RD Allison Rovtar!

5 Comments / Health & Wellness /

So, I wouldn’t really call myself a “runner” per se. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t absolutely LOVE doing it. I remember seven years ago on my 16th birthday when I couldn’t even run a mile without getting winded and let down. Now at 23, I run nearly every day, sticking to 3 to 4 miles at a nice steady pace. I absolutely love the way it makes me feel afterward. I love the wind blowing through my hair. I love how it gives my face this unbelievable glow like no other when I’m finally finished. And I love how it makes me feel strong, healthy and beautiful. Let’s just put it this way: I love running and admire all of you healthy, avid runners out there. But let me ask you this: do you know the BEST way to eat when training for a race? How about what to grab in the morning before your quick 2-mile loop? Do you need to guzzle lots of water before and after? Not a clue? I wasn’t 100% positive myself. That’s why I asked Registered Dietitian, Allison Rovtar from Chicago, to be featured on my blog as a guest columnist. Here she … Read More!

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The Healthy, No Fuss Guide to a First Date

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So, I’m going on a date tonight and I have to say I’m quite excited. Hey, dates are fun. While some of my friends (whose names I won’t mention) get nervous, sweaty and, well, gassy, before a first date (HA), I think about other things. “What do I eat? What will I wear? What do I order? How much do I drink? I’m a “light weight” these days…what if I get too drunk? Will I look OK? He’s older then me…what will he think of me?” Seriously, that’s what is going through my mind right now and it’s not even 9 a.m. OK, I’m exaggerating a tad, but really these are things you need to think about ladies. Alas, here is my quick-fix Healthy Chicks guide to a first date. Hope you enjoy!

What to eat the day of the big date:
Yes, what you eat the day of a date really does affect the way you look and feel that evening. Let’s just put it this way: today is definitely not the day to try out that sugary coffee you’ve been eying, or order the burger at lunch. No, no, no. Today you must be cautious so you feel … Read More!

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What’s a Nutcake?

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As you know, I absolutely love anything and everything local. Forget brand names and packaged foods with more than 100 ingredients. EW. Local food artisans are so much more interesting…and they make tastier products. Seriously, you should see me when I walk into Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or a local Farmer’s Market. I’m like a little kid on Christmas morning…walking around with eyes bigger than my head and a grumbling stomach. I want to taste everything; I want to taste it ALL. From wineries and cheese producers to homemade breads and ooey gooey brownies, local is totally the way to go.

Today at work we discovered Effie’s Homemade, a local company crafting up biscuit-like cookies out of Hyde Park, MA. Two life-long friends (Joan Maclsaac and Irene Costello) started the company in honor of Joan’s mom Effie and her amazing Oatcakes recipe. And there you have it: Effie’s Homemade was born, baking up fresh, simple oatcakes, corncakes ‘n’ nutcakes daily! These tasty gems beat a cookie any old day…serve the biscuits with tea, a piece of cheese or enjoy as a light, tasty snack any time of the day! Better yet, the ingredients are fresh and simple so you … Read More!

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Beauteous Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce With Asparagus

16 Comments / Food & Recipes /

I was craving salmon all day long but didn’t want the usual boring grilled I usually go for in the summer. Hence I made up my own recipe using some ingredients in the fridge plus a few other additions I picked up at the grocery store. When my roommate came home from the gym and said “WOW, what smells so good?” I knew I did something right. Let’s just say, it turned out absolutely delicious, soooo delicious that after the last bite I wished I had more. YUM.


-4 oz. salmon fillet
-2 TB plain greek yogurt
-1 tsp. yellow mustard
-1 tsp. dijon mustard (or another fancy variety of your choice)
-approximately 2 TB fresh dill
-a small bundle of asparagus (enough for one serving plus some leftovers)
-1 TB freshly grated parmesan cheese
-1 TB olive oil
-1 clove garlic, crushed
-juice of 1/2 lemon
-s & p

1. Preheat oven to 375. In the meantime, line a baking sheet with large sheet of tin foil. Prepare asparagus by removing the “stems” and keeping the tips (the yummy part).

2. Place salmon in the middle of the tray and add asparagus to each side of the fish. Drizzle … Read More!

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Cleaning Up after a Weekend of Too Much Fun

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I’m the girl who in college would be teased by my roommates because my idea of “drunk food” was peanut butter and an apple or fruit and nuts. As my roommates munched on large, extra-cheese pizzas and overflowing chicken finger orders with colossal fries, I’d join in on the fun with a plate of what they called “bird food.” One thing’s for sure, however. While my drunk eats were a tad abnormal and definitely not as fun, I’d wake up feeling somewhat better (minus the pounding headache).

You can image then why I feel so blah today after a weekend of “fun” eating. I have to say while it’s good to eat loudly and proudly most of the time, too much fun sometimes isn’t good…especially considering how I feel now. I always say it’s OK to treat yourself–every day even–but scarfing down chicken fingers, cheesy Reubens leftover from my roommates post-bar “snack” and french fries took things a little too far for me. Not to mention my sister was visiting all weekend, so what can I say? We wined and dined…hard core.

So while I am ecstatic I had a fun, event-packed weekend, I am now paying the consequences on … Read More!

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SoWa Open Market: The Perfect End to My Weekend

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Today my sister and I ventured into South Boston for SoWa Open Market: Boston’s Original Art and Indie Design Market. While at first we complained on our never-ending, mile (plus some) walk from Arlington Station, I think it’s safe to say it was totally worth it! And also safe to say that we probably needed that walk anyway considering the amount of food we consumed this weekend. Hey, walking is the perfect detox.

Anyway, back to the point. I don’t know how I’ve lived in Boston for nearly a year and have yet to visit this lovely Sunday tradition.
The two of us casually walked around the market, browsing a variety of artwork, homemade gadgets, local produce, and clothing lines. I felt like I was in creative heaven. It absolutely blew my mind to see all the unique, inspiring homemade creations, from personalized dog collars and signature greeting cards to beautiful jewelry and recycled beer bottles turned into artwork. “SO COOL!” I thought. “We really need more creative people in this world.”

As if these homemade gadgets weren’t; enough to make me fall in love with SoWa, then came the food! There were a variety of breads and … Read More!

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Sticky Notes Just Got So Much More Fun!

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In a world where rude comments are tossed around daily, it’s definitely a breath of fresh air to hear something nice once in a while. An old coworker and I once discussed that if it was someone’s job to simply go around and compliment people, the world would be a much brighter place. It’s amazing how the simplest compliments can completely turn someone’s day around. And if that’s the case, why aren’t we tossing out these compliments more often? I’ve always been one to follow the motto: be careful of what you say and do because you never know what kind of day someone is having. That’s why (for the most part) I choose to be bright, happy and well…nice. There have been times where I’ve been told I’m even “too happy” or “too nice,” but I don’t think there is such a thing, and well…that’s just who I am.

That’s why I am 100% absolutely obsessed with these “Happy Notes” my sister got me for my birthday: “101 sticky note surprises to make you smile.” Now doesn’t that just sound lovely? Not only are sticky notes cool as is, but these little colorful gems actually have inspirational, “feel good” … Read More!

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Oh-So Amazing Open Faced Turkey Burg

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This classic BBQ burger makeover pairs wonderfully with my sinless sweet potato fries, or a small side salad! While everyone else is downing multiple double decker beef patties, enjoy your healthy remake with a smirk . . .

-1 container lean ground turkey
-1/2 c. red onion, minced
-1 egg
-2 TB olive oil
-2 TB oregano
-2 TB basil
-1 TB garlic powder
-1 TB Old Bay seasoning
-1 tsp. salt
-1 TB pepper
-2 whole wheat buns*, separated into 4 slices

*Use brown rice wraps or gluten free bread if you follow a gluten free diet, or just skip the bun completely!

1. Mash up turkey with your hands as if you were making meatballs, and combine all other ingredients. Mix well.

2. Separate into 4 generous burger shaped patties.

3. Heat your BBQ grill or George Foreman, and grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side!

*Hot Tip: If you’d like, top your burger with a thin slice of mozzarella cheese and a sauce made up of plain low fat yogurt, dill and lemon as a substitute for fatty mayo!… Read More!

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Embrace Your Inner Chef & Win Some Mullah While You’re at It!

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Do you pride yourself on making tasty apps and one-bite desserts? Are you looking for a way to let our your inner Rachael Ray? Don’t lie…we know you pretend you’re on your own celebrity chef television show when no one is watching (well, other than your dog Spot).

Well, maybe Whole Foods’ last chance contest is exactly what you need to embrace that inner chef! Today, Wednesday August 11th is the last day to enter into the exclusive “Contest for Small Bites,” hosted by Whole Foods Market. The challenge is to craft up a delectable “small bites” holiday recipe that costs no more than 50 cents per piece.

Yes, we know what you’re thinking. “A holiday recipe? But it’s only just August…” Well, guess what? If your bite size goodies are selected, you’ll receive a $50 gift card and be featured in the December issue of The Whole Deal.

So put on that snowman apron, whip out those oven mitts, and start cookin’! But hurry up, today is the LAST day to enter. Click here for more details on the contest and to post your recipe…and good luck!… Read More!

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