Food & Your Skin: How What You Can Eat Can Effect the Health & Glow of Your Skin

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Yesterday, I went to Exhale Spa for my second follow-up facial, since facials are kinda-sorta my new favorite thing. I had the works, including extractions, a hydration mask, and even a peel. Needless to say I was a tad pink afterward, but today my skin is feeling smooth and healthy. Score. During my facial, I was talking to the esthetician about how I don’t really take care of my skin as well as I should. I’ve never owned an exfoliator, I rarely moisturize, and sometimes I’ll even leave remnants of last night’s makeup. (EEK!)

It got me thinking how I should really start taking care of my skin. After all, I am 24 years old and I’m not getting any younger (and neither is my face). So why not start now? With a little help from my esthetician, I now know some steps I can make to take better care of my skin (product wise) but I was also interested in what I can do for my skin the natural way (a.k.a food).  I mean, you are what you eat after all.

Since I dream about food and healthy recipes all day long, I decided to … Read More!

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Quotable Sunday: On Washing Away The Worries

The other day, I wrote this post regarding a lesson that I learned from my yoga teacher on worrying less – something we should all strive to do. This post led to a great discussion on how all of you feel about worrying, and letting the little things go. I encourage you to leave a comment & get involved if you have not done so yet.

Anyway, since today is Quotable Sunday and all, I share with you this quote which I whole-heartedly agree with. Now whip out that chicken stock and some root vegetables, and get the ball rolling (er, the wooden spoon stirring)!

What’s your favorite worry-free remedy?

XoXo,

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Friday Favorites: Green Juice, Facials & Cleansing

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Oh hey fellow Healthy Chicks, and Happy Friday! Let’s just cut to the chase and go over what I’m lovin’ this week. Here goes:

Mega Green: This green juice blend by “Simply Nutritious” is surprisingly mega-tasty as well. I spotted it in the Whole Food’s aisle last night and decided to pick some up. Packed with nutritious ingredients like peach puree, spirulina and barley grass, broccoli and spinach power, this Mega Green juice is Healthy Chick’s approved for sure.

Facials: You may be shocked, but I went 24 years of my life without getting a facial. That is, until this past week. I officially had my first Cool Beam facial at Exhale Spa, and am definitely hooked. Who knew how relaxing a facial could be? From the steaming to the “Cranberry Crush” exfoliating mask, to the cool beam light therapy treatment, I was in pure bliss. I will definitely be back for more of that!

Cleansing: I’m not a huge fan of diet cleanses, you know the Cayenne Pepper celebrity fad or eating only raw foods. However, I’m totally all for going on a temporary cleanse that is right for your body. For me, that means … Read More!

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A Lesson From My Yoga Teacher: Learn to Worry Less

Yesterday during the final meditation phase of my Pranavayu yoga class at Exhale, our teacher (David Magone) said something that really stood out to me. Each day he brings a new lesson to his practice, and yesterday’s was on worrying.

He said that we all spend far too much time worrying, jumping from one worry to the next, that we’re wasting time. As we’re busy taking time to worry, we’re actually hurting ourselves by missing out on the time we have to take action.

For the next 10 minutes, he had us lay there on our mats, eyes closed. Whenever a worry was to jump to our mind, we were to mentally bring ourselves back to the practice, the now. After all, a worry is something that comes from the inside, and by the power of our mind we can shut that worry out for a while, or ultimately eliminate it alltogether.

If you’re like me, you worry way too much about things that aren’t even worth worrying about. For instance, I tend to worry too much about the future: the what if, the but, the fear of the unknown. However, lately I’ve realized that worrying isn’t going to … Read More!

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Rachel’s Recipe Roundup: Fall Favorites

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craving fall?

Now that it’s fall, I find myself craving different types of foods. Instead of lemonade and a salad with grilled chicken, I want comfort food. You know, chicken soup for the soul, roasted squash and pumpkin spice lattes. So today I thought I’d share with you some of my personal fall recipe creations. Hope you enjoy!

If You’re Craving Hearty & Wholesome: The “Healthy Chick” Chili

If You’re Craving Seasonal & Soothing: Baked Butternut Squash with Garlic Sauteed Vegetables

If You’re Craving Soothing & Comforting: Autumn Chicken Veggie Soup

If You’re Craving Sweet ‘n’ Light: The Perfect Chai Tea Latte

If You’re Craving Savory & Saucy: Sweetie Pie’s “Spaghetti” & Turkey Meatballs

If You’re Craving Pumpkin & Chocolate & Ooey Gooey Goodness: Gluten Free Chocolate Pumpkin Oat Muffins Read More!

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Quotable Sunday & Newport Half High

I just finished running my second half marathon this morning, that is the Newport Half Marathon. I ran the race with my sister, father, cousin and her husband. I also had my very proud boyfriend and mother there cheering me on for support. I must say there’s nothing like the feeling you get looking up at people you love all around you.

Nor is there anything like the  feeling of running for a purpose…with a dream. After all, that is why I run now. Forget exercise. Yes, that’s a plus. But I run for the high. I run to l.e.t g.o. I run to feel powerful, to feel alive. I run for me. And that’s what is important. I am extremely proud of myself for completing my second half marathon, with a personal record to top it off. I’m mostly proud of myself for running with my all, you know my heart & soul.Read More!

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A Fall Feast: Baked Cajun Salmon, Roasted Cauliflower & Kale Avocado Salad

Yesterday evening, there was no doubt fall was in the air. That’s why I decided to embrace the crisp weather and whip up an autumnal fall feast. I was craving salmon, so I based my dinner around the fish and my thinking cap went into full-fledged action. In a few minutes, I came up with a brilliant idea to make a baked cajun salmon with mango salsa, paired with roasted parmesan cauliflower and finally a kale & avocado salad.

Want to mimic last night’s dinner for yourself?

Here’s how:

Fresh Kale & Avocado Salad

  • Bunch of fresh green kale
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 TB olive oil
  • 1/4 c. fresh shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • salt & pepper
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • handful pinenuts (optional)

~Mix ingredients together thoroughly, and chill for about an hour before serving (to give time for olive oil & lemon to soak up for ultimate flavor)

Roasted Parmesan & Garlic Cauliflower

  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • handful of parmesan cheese (to taste)
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp. cajun seasoning
  • olive oil

1. Spread cauliflower out on a coated baking sheet. Top with garlic, parmesan cheese, cajun, … Read More!

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7 Things to Smile About Right Now

1. The fact that you can still wear your absolute favorite summer dress just one more time (even if this past weekend was the last)

2. That running outside is pleasurable yet again, especially with the scenic fall leaves & wind blowing in your hair

3. Pumpkin everything. Have you tried adding it to your oatmeal yet? If not, I highly suggest you do.

4. The fact that candy corn was on sale for .89 cents the other day at CVS, reminding you that it’s OK enjoy a handful here and there (and to act like a kid again)

5. Hayrides, hot cocoa, cornstalks and apple cider everywhere

6. The discovery that adding a few chocolate chips to your coffee & then stirring = pure bliss.

7. Fall vegetables. Hello acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash. Try one of my favorite ways with butternut squash here.

What’s got you grinning from ear to ear?

XoXo,


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FAGE Greek Yogurt Contest: Win a Trip to Greece!

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I like to share anything and everything I find fascinating on my blog with all of you, be it a recipe idea, a hot new workout, or an inspiring quote. That’s why when I came across a chance to win a free trip to Greece, I felt it was only fare to share it with you fine people.

The lovely people from FAGE yogurt are hosting a Greek Getaway contest on their site for the next few weeks, and I’m here to tell you the dirty little details.  Not to mention I am a huge fan of FAGE, as it contains 100% natural ingredients, no artificial crap, and packs on up to 23 grams of protein in a single serving!

Now the deets:

  • First Class Round-trip Airfare
  • Three nights in Athens with luxury accommodations at The Grand Resort Lagonissi, one of the leading hotels of the world
  • Four nights in Crete with private accommodations at the Elounda Mare, traditional Cretan mansion turned award-winning hotel
  • Exclusive tours through Athens, Crete and the FAGE Factory

Take a peak and enter for yourself here. I mean, how can you pass it down, really?Read More!

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Quotable Sunday: Celebrate Life

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Every day should be a celebration in my opinion.

Scratch just birthdays, anniversaries and graduations.

Celebrate the life you are living.

Celebrate the gorgeous food on your plate that fuels & energizes your soul.

Celebrate crossing the line of your first 5k, your first half marathon, or your first triathlon.

Celebrate that first magical kiss.

Celebrate finally being able to reach flying crow pose in yoga.

Celebrate the first leaves changing colors, the first snowfall, the first flower blooming, and the first beach day.

Celebrate…life.

XoXo,

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