Quotable Sunday: Making Changes

12 Comments / Lifestyle /

I used to be one of those girls who would flow through life settling. I settled on a long-term toxic “relationship” in college that was going no where because I was too afraid to say what I really wanted: a real relationship. I settled on a few entry level jobs after college, until I I realized I had much more potential than sitting at a desk in a position I loathed.

Worst part? Not only did I settle, but I’d complain about it. I want a boyfriend. Why isn’t he calling me back? I hate my job. I need more money. Why am I not making more money? Why is life so hard for me? Why am I having the worst luck? Wah. Wah. Wah.

And then I realized, while it may be difficult at times, things are really pretty simple. We are all in control of our own lives, and ultimately play a huge part in our own destiny. Therefore if you are unhappy in one area of your life (be it financial, personal, etc) then make a change. Maybe that means letting go of a relationship that isn’t working, or asking your boss for a raise or … Read More!

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Green PolkaDot Box Interview + Huff Post Article

6 Comments / Lifestyle /

[source]

Good afternoon ladies. I am one happy blogger indeed, as I have some exciting news to share with you today over here on Healthy Chicks!

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to interview Rod Smith, founder and CEO of the Green PolkaDot Box (GPDB) for an article featured in the Huffington Post “Good News” section. Yes, my writing has been published in the Huffington Post, which as a journalism graduate and freelance writer is a huge (HUGE!) accomplishment for me and something I’ve worked incredibly hard at.

OK, now that I got that off my chest, I’ll rewind a little bit for you all. What is GPDB you ask? While I encourage you to read my article “Organic Food, Delivered Fresh to Your Door” I’ll give you a mini synopsis over here on Healthy Chicks. The company, which just launched in December 2011, is an online buying collective featuring organic, non-GMO foods and products at a bargain price (at up to 60 percent off retail!). Think: Sam’s Club and Costco had a baby with Whole Foods, and revamped their marketing plan to accommodate the online, “tech-savvy” generation.

I was actually first introduced to … Read More!

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Follow Your Heart (and Your Passion)

5 Comments / Lifestyle /

[follow your own, unique path to success]

Yesterday, I worked at an event for VMware at the beautiful, spacious Boston Convention Center. I have always enjoyed working promotional events, socializing and meeting new people, so whenever I find time in my crazy schedule to make some extra money, I usually jump at it.

While surrounded by a bunch of intelligent “techies” for the day, I was actually able to have some great conversations  throughout the day, one in particular which made a strong impact on me.

As the event was winding down and I was working my last booth for the day, I struck up a meaningful conversation with one of the woman. While she was an attendee dressed in a stunning pencil skirt and heels, and I was just a “worker” wearing flats and holding up a sign, we were able to relate to each other.

She didn’t look down on me or treat me as a “kid” (even though I am years below her), but rather talked to me like a best girlfriend would. Blunt. Honest. Hilarious. She saw something in me.

When she asked me what I “do” I explained to her that I went to school … Read More!

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A Mother’s Day Treat for You: Gluten Free, No Bake Brownie Balls

5 Comments / Food & Recipes /

Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful, determined mother’s I know. Guiltlessly treat yourself to some of these No Bake Brownie balls, that take just minutes to make yet have a rich, decadent taste similar to truffles. While I altered them a bit, I owe a big thank you to SnackGirl for the recipe inspiration.

The best part? These little bites of joy are 100% gluten free (we have a couple gluten sensitivities in the house) and contain only a few ingredients – roasted almonds (which I roasted myself), pitted dates, organic cocoa powder, a handful of organic dark chocolate chips, and agave nectar – with a shake of powdered sugar on top for decor.

Next time I make these, I’m going to play around with them even more, trying out different combos like figs and maple syrup or cherries and honeys. More recipe combos to come…

Enjoy…I’m off to spend the day with my family on Fisher’s Island!


… Read More!

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On My Book Shelf Right Now: 5 Information-Packed Wellness Gems

6 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

[Gourmet Nutrition: The Cookbook for the Fit Food Lover]

It’s no secret that I enjoy writing and blogging, but just as much as I’m a sucker for pen & paper (and the keyboard), I’m just as much as a sucker for reading.

And I’m not talking about reading blogs or the latest celebrity fashion advice found in InStyle.com. While I do appreciate my fair share of those kinds or reads, I’ve always been more of a flip-through-the-pages, fresh-from-the-press kind of girl.

I love snuggling up with a cup of soothing chamomile tea with raw honey and a good book in those last minutes before bed. It puts your mind and body at ease, letting you escape to a different place for a little while, a place that doesn’t include worries, thoughts, text messages or tweets. A place of calm.

Lately, I’ve been purchasing a plethora of wellness related books, mostly do to my studies at Institute for Integrative Nutrition and recent launch of my health coaching business Zesty Living. While learning new information every day about health, wellness and nutrition, I also like to keep up-to-date on the latest finds by reading books, studies, and lengthy articles.

Here’s … Read More!

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Reaching My Goals & Get Real (About Food) Event Announcement

6 Comments / Lifestyle /

[Big thanks to best friend/inspirer/other half Marybeth P. for designing my logo]

Happy Friday ladies! Remember a few weeks ago when I laid out my Life “Wish List” goals? Well, I’m happy to say that many of them are coming into full affect, particularly my business-related goals for Zesty Living.

I’ve been really focusing on networking, reaching out, and putting myself out there lately (even if that means writing and working on business ideas at the local coffee shop instead of at my apartment in my PJs.) It’s amazing how many  opportunities and inspiration you can find from other like-minded passionate people; the world really is a big place filled with many, many ideas!

Well, partly due to my positive vibes and vision board (I’m certain this is part of it), things have really been picking up lately. In fact, I’m hosting my very own healthy eating workshop all by myself (eek!) in mid-June , with another speaking engagement at the end of June (details to come).

Here are the ins & outs of my “Get Real (About Food)” workshop on June 14th at Oficio on Newbury Street:

Join Rachel Chemerynski, Health Coach and founder of Zesty … Read More!

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Morning Rejuvenation: Real Simple D.I.Y Lemongrass Body Scrub

33 Comments / Health & Wellness /

For the majority of the time, I prefer to simply do it myself in all aspects of life given my ability to do so. That being said, I will always pay money for a good-quality manicure, and try as I might, I will never perfect my mom’s famous Chicken Divan recipe.

Last week, I concocted my own Sugar Body Scrub for the first time. While I am a huge fan of beauty products and anything that smells good when it comes to bath supplies, I am not a fan of the harmful ingredients that often come along with them like parabens, added colors, and other chemicals. In my mind, if you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognize it, why put it on your skin, and ultimately in your body? (Same goes to food as well.)

I wanted to craft something that was simple, rejuvenating and smelled good so I chose to use Lemongrass Essential Oil I bought from Whole Foods for its fresh, earthy properties ideal for springtime. In addition, Lemongrass can be used  for a number of health benefits including  aiding sore muscles, boosting confidence and even acting as a natural deodorant! I also added in a touch … Read More!

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Quotable Sunday: Release That Inspiration

3 Comments / Lifestyle /

[via my fortune cookie from Billy Tse’s last week]

I’m really not a fan of the actual fortune cookie (tastes like sweet cardboard to me), but I am always a sucker for the secret message within.

This particular fortune really stuck with me, as I have many ideas for my business rolling around my head at the moment. Each and every day, I feel even more inspired about everything I’m learning at IIN, my growing practice as a health counselor, and the wonderful people I meet along the way.

I am truly blessed to be living the life I want to be living for myself (rather than have to be living), even if that means taking some risks and not always being certain of the “what if?” But I guess that’s all part of the journey, right?

If you’re feeling inspired by a particular something or someone, then by all means go out and live that inspiration while it’s on fire. What are you waiting for? As my fortune says, it’s time to “go deep.”


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Busy Gal’s Five-Minute Dinner: A Healthy “Fast Food” Trio

6 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Today is one of those days where I found myself pressed for time in the kitchen, let alone to breathe in general. With work at 6 a.m., then straight to a meeting with a client for a health coaching session, and hours of freelance writing in Starbucks, I knew I wouldn’t be home for dinner until at least 8:15 p.m.

However, I didn’t want to let my action-packed day get in the way of my dietary choices, as I know very well that the more wholesome and balanced the meal, the better I feel overall (mind, body, & soul).

As you know, I’m usually a huge fan of 100% home-cooked, all-natural meals for ideal nutritional benefits, but today I had to be a little flexible due to the time crunch. Instead of settling for ordering in (or dining out), to-go sushi, or bland pasta, I chose to make the most of what I had on hand with a little help from Trader Joes.

Here’s what made my plate:

1. Salad with organic arugula + extra virgin olive oil + fresh lemon juice + feta + fresh mint + dried basil + raw pumpkin seeds

2. 1 c. Trader Joe’s … Read More!

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