Celebrate Earth Day: 3 Little Ways to Go Greener Now

4 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Happy Earth Day ladies and gents. I’m off to work in a few, but I wanted to share three of my favorite, little ways to go greener right now. Enjoy!

1. Buy Whole Foods: Take a good, hard look at your cabinets. Are they mostly packed with processed, packaged foods? No need to revamp your entire kitchen overnight, but even a few small changes will suffice. Perhaps that means skipping the popcorn or potato chips this week, and actually purchasing real, whole potatoes and corn. Or maybe it’s simply buying your nuts and seeds in bulk and storing them in jars around the house. It’s the little things that add up, not only being safer for the environment, but also being much more safe and natural on your body.

2. Clean up Your Cleansing Products: Care2 published this amazing article “How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleansing Kit” that includes DIY alternatives for everything from soft scrubbers to window and oven cleaners. I highly suggest you check that out. Who knew how many natural solutions there were for common household cleaning supplies. Also, you may want to look into a more earth-friendly laundry detergent like Ecos Free & Clear Liquid Detergent… Read More!

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Is Your Granola Making You Fat? Try this Homemade Blueberry Flax Granola

7 Comments / Food & Recipes /

I have a huge crush on granola. I absolutely love the taste, crunch and satisfaction it brings on a dull weekday afternoon. However, I do not love the nutritional content in many store-bought varieties.

While you may be tempted to buy the brands that claim they’re “low fat” or “sugar free” or “zero grams trans fat!” I highly encourage you to read the ingredients and nutritional value on the back of the box. If you look carefully, you’ll see that many contain unnecessary added ingredients, artificial sweeteners, a heaping amount of sugar, and ultimately a huge disappointment.

Take Kellogg’s Lowfat Granola with Raisins for example, which contains whole grain rolled oats, whole grain wheat, sugar, rice, corn syrup, raisins, almonds, glycerin, palm oil, molasses, modified corn starch, salt, cinnamon, nonfat milk, malt flavoring, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, BHT for freshness, and guar gum. A 2/3 c. serving will tally up to 230 calories, and 17 grams of sugar.

When you look above, you can see that sugar is the third ingredient listed (after oats and wheat) making it one of the main ingredients in this granola. Not to mention the added corn syrup (a relative of … Read More!

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Everything in Moderation: Burritos & Beer with Boloco + Sam Adams

4 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

The Event Deets

Last night, I was lucky enough to be invited by Sara Steele-Rogers, the Boston Event Evangelist for Evenbrite, to attend a Boloco Burrito + Samuel Adams Beer Pairing. The event was hosted by Boston Marathon runner  Danielle Pillon to raise money for Jumpstart, a national early education organization that helps children develop adequate language and literacy skills in order to be successful in school.

It couldn’t have been a lovelier evening in Boston for the event, which took place at the Boston Society of Architects Space on Congress Street. And what a wonderful idea to pair delectable burritos with refreshing beer, especially on a perfect spring night. Even better, the head chef and cofounder of Boloco, Jason Hutchinson, and Director of Consumer Relations at Sam Adams, Todd Bellomy, were there to offer their expert knowledge.

Everything was extremely organized with a low-key vibe, which is totally up my alley. Upon walking in, we were promoted to simply grab a paper plate and a cup and let the tasting begin! Before I dived into the fun, I entered the raffle to win a dinner for two on the Odyssey, which would be my dream evening for … Read More!

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A Luscious Kind of Afternoon (and My First Experience at Lush Cosmetics)

23 Comments / Lifestyle /

From the moment I woke up this afternoon, I knew it was going to be one of those days, you know those really juicy, exciting, sunshiny days. Of course, it didn’t hurt that the sun was shining bright as I crawled out of bed, and it’s an expected low 60s in Boston today.

Since I met with one of my clients this morning on Newbury Street for a health counseling session, I decided to pop into Lush Cosmetics since I was already in the area. Shockingly, I have never been inside although I’ve heard many amazing things about their company, that prides itself on offering all-natural, fresh, organic beauty care.

From the moment I walked through the front door, I was absolutely in awe by all the amazing products they carry, including everything from organic body butters and deodorants to shampoo bars and facial cleansers.

{oh the luscious bath supplies…}

{and endless soaps & gift packages!}

I was particularly fascinated by their all-natural face mask line, as I’m a sucker for anything that’ll keep my skin looking brighter, clearer and fresher (Re: “Food for Thought: Super Skin Clearing Eats” to hear more about my skin struggles & obsession with … Read More!

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Life Wish List

2 Comments / Lifestyle /

I recently started a “Wish List” board on Pinterest featuring all things I want, from elegant  yoga-inspired jewelry to the Canon G9 PowerShot camera my sister has that will enable me to take much prettier pictures of food/life/everyday beauty. Perhaps that will finally encourage me to bring out my inner photographer? One can only hope.

During the process of “pinning” I realized I was a little bit constricted as everything I posted were just things, you know objects. And in reality, there are a lot of things on my “wish list” that don’t necessarily have a price tag, a fancy package or a tangible image. There are many things I wish for in life that involve events, actions, and happiness and these are the big things I’d like to focus on this month.

So yesterday during my two-hour bus ride home to Connecticut, I decided to make a list of things I both want and expect from myself. I call it a wish list, but it’s more or less a list of desirable goals I’ve had for myself for a while now and just need to implement.

Here’s What I’ve got on my plate:

Personal Wish List:

–Yoga/meditation… Read More!

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What to do When You Don’t Like Your Boyfriend’s Gift & Mushroom Breakfast Sandwich

10 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness /

I’m totally a simple girl when it comes to gifts, meaning I’m perfectly happy with a handwritten card, dinner and a bottle of wine. Being the sentimental, romantic gal that I am, I live for those gifts that come from the heart.

So what’s a girl to do when she doesn’t like said gift from boyfriend? You see, The Boy had given me several gifts this past Valentine’s Day, one being a bracelet that wasn’t quite my style at all. Let’s just say, I’d probably never wear it and I truly felt terrible for not liking it. I tried to, really I did but it just wasn’t me. So I did what I felt I had to do at the time: lied. “I love it! It’s beautiful! And it has pearls!”

But when weeks went by with me not wearing it, and The Boy questioning why I didn’t have it on, I could only use the “It doesn’t match my outfit” excuse so many times. I had gotten myself stuck in a huge rut. I just had to tell him, someway, somehow that I didn’t like his gift…but how? (Ha, that totally sounds like something Dr. Seuss would say)… Read More!

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Time for Yourself & Roasted Balsamic Veggies for Two

5 Comments / Food & Recipes, Lifestyle /

{Roasted veggies make for a wonderful side dish or small dinner when paired with soup or salad}

The other day in yoga class, the teacher – as always – had us dedicate the practice to someone we love or care about. I habitually began to think of someone in my life who needs a little extra hug or warmth, and then it hit me. Why don’t I dedicate this practice to myself?

Then it got me thinking. How many of us really give enough credit, dedication or time for ourselves? In a fast-paced, highly competitive environment, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the day-to-day stresses, leaving the one person who matters most (yup, that’s you) lost in the trenches. Trust me, many of us women are culprits of this, and that’s why a huge focus of my health counseling is on stress relief and taking care of yourself and your body.

Sometimes it’s OK to be a little selfish, to put yourself first, or to not let anything or anybody get in the way of your dreams. Let your dreams be your dreams, and by all means do whatever it takes to get there.

So as we … Read More!

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Interview with Bestselling Author, Vegan Lover & Healthy Living Role Model Kathy Freston

12 Comments / Health & Wellness /

[source]

Last week, I was given an incredible opportunity from OpenSky to interview (via email) bestselling author and health activist Kathy Freston. Not only is Kathy absolutely stunning as is evident from her photo above, but I admire her approach to living well in all aspects of her life. Talk about practicing what you preach! Not to mention she is completely down to earth and “real” with her advice; totally the kind of person I’d love to sit down with at a little cafe and chat “girl stuff” over some exotic tea. Below, Kathy dishes about her new book The Lean, her personal wellness journey, the scary four-letter word D-I-E-T, and her “get healthy” secrets. I’ll turn it over to Kathy from here.

Kathy, it’s such a pleasure to be able to speak with you. I actually had the privilege of hearing you speak at the IIN Conference in NYC this past fall, as I am on my way to becoming a Certified Health coach myself.  Were you always interested in health and wellness? What motivated you to make this your career?

KF: Hi Rachel, great to meet you, and I love what you are doing!  … Read More!

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4 Ways to Feel Healthier, Happier & Altogether More Wholesome Right Now

5 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

As you know, I’m usually not a fan of “quick fixes.” I believe in a whole, individualized approach to health & wellness (meaning small, gradual changes make big differences and many things effect our health in different ways) and I greatly despise the word D-I-E-T. Living a healthy, pure lifestyle isn’t just a checklist that you do once to see results; rather it’s the day-to-day that counts.

That being said, there are a few things I practice nearly every day to feel happier, healthier, and more whole in the moment. Yes, these little tips will work better if you combine them with other methods that personally work for you, but this is a great jump-start. Like I said, little changes = big differences.

4 Things I Do Every Day for My Health:

#1 I attempt to cook at least two, ideally three of my meals myself. Doing this allows me to know exactly what’s going into my food, and essentially into my body. I love dining out just as much as the next girl, but quite frankly it doesn’t always work for my budget not my taste buds. Cooking allows me to have delectable roasted veggie omelets for … Read More!

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On My Lunch Plate: Nutritious Turkey Artichoke Wrap

8 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness /

Good afternoon ladies.  I hope you all had the chance to get outside today for your lunch break, as it’s absolutely beautiful outside. High 60s/low 70s is my ideal springtime weather; it’s not so hot that all your makeup drips off but it’s just warm enough to get a lil sunshine and keep you feeling happy.

Speaking of happiness, I’m in a much better mood today regarding my skin dilemma. I think whatever I’m doing has been working so far, including focusing on my dietary choices, sipping Yogi Skin Detox Tea to help purify and rid my body (and skin) of toxins, as well as being gentle with my skin-care routine. The lovely lady at Whole Foods actually gave me a few samples to take home last night that help reduce redness/inflammation while calming the skin. I’ll let you know how that goes! I also bought a gentle On-The-Spot treatment called Pure & Clean Acne Treatment Gel which has tea tree oil in it to aid natural recovery.

Anyway, this afternoon I whipped up a delicious Turkey & Artichoke wrap for lunch which I wanted to share with my readers. I usually don’t eat tons artichokes, but as I … Read More!

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