Health & Wellness

I am Thankful For…

[source]

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of people on Facebook doing an “I am thankful” countdown of sorts. I’ve been amazed and touched by how creative and inspiring people are getting with these things. Therefore, I’ve decided to dedicate a post for myself on things I am thankful for in my life. I thought it was only fitting that Thanksgiving is just two days away, and it’s been one of the only things on my mind for the past month. I guess you could say I am in the Thanksgiving mode, and have decided to treat my neighbor for lunch today because of it. He’s one of the millions of things (er, people) I am thankful for and I think it’s nice to give back sometimes and give a little “thank you” of my own. So here goes…

I am thankful for…

1. My wonderful friends who live all over the place (as far as Virginia) and the fact that whenever I see them it’s like old times again…like time hasn’t even passed.

2. My goofy, caring, and sometimes crazy family for loving me for me, and being there for support no matter what. 

3. Peanut butter, and … Read More!

I am Thankful For… Read More »

Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner…

[source]

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, but let’s be honest: I’ve been thinking about it since early October, and I’m already thinking about Christmas. Hey, it’s the malls fault for being all decorated and pretty with lights and Christmas trees. But when it’s all said and done, Thanksgiving is and always has been my absolute favorite holiday. The delicious smells, the wonderful feeling of family and the fact that I go into a turkey coma every year (no matter how much I tell myself to slow down) is all part of the joy of Thanksgiving. 

But even though I almost always have to unbutton my pants come dessert, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t try to keep my Thanksgiving just a bit healthier. After all, I’m not trying to gain 10 pounds in one sitting and feel like absolute crap the next day. That would be doing my body no good. So this year in particular, I’m working on adding a little extra healthy oomph to my favorite holiday, and that I will share with you…

#1 I’m running my first ever Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day: I’ll be running the 5-mile Manchester Road Race, Read More!

Thanksgiving is Just Around the Corner… Read More »

Pancakes Make Me Happy (Especially When They're Gluten Free)

[source]

I remember when I was a little kid, having pancakes for breakfast was just as exciting as seeing presents under the tree. Our family made such an event out of it. There were blueberry pancakes, banana pancakes, and my absolute favorite childhood flavor: chocolate chip pancakes. And of course we made a batch or two of plain, only to smother them in butter and Maple syrup. Seriously, there was nothing like pancakes for breakfast. 

Then I developed a gluten/wheat sensitivity two years ago, and haven’t been able to enjoy pancakes ever since. Seriously, I had forgotten what they tasted like. Last year, our roommates hosted a winter day brunch, and all I could eat were the eggs, fruit salad and bacon. The pancakes just sat there staring at me, with all of their ooey gooey goodness. Grr. I cursed them for containing wheat, but then again, I guess it’s not really their fault. 

Well, it wasn’t until this morning that I was brought back to childhood with a bite of some damn good pancakes. Yesterday while strolling my favorite place in the world -Trader Joe’s – I stumbled upon a box of frozen gluten free pancakes, and … Read More!

Pancakes Make Me Happy (Especially When They're Gluten Free) Read More »

Core Fusion is-a-workin’ (or something is)

So I must say when I stepped on the scale this morning I was dazzled by my consistent 3 pound (plus some change) weight loss since two weeks ago. But not only did the number on the scale make me jump for joy, but I can feel it in my energy, my body and the way my clothes fit. I simply feel goooood, healthy and toned. 

I must be doing something right. Go me! First things first, I haven’t been fussing or freaking over my weight. And I think that’s a huge mistake many women make. When you constantly worry about your weight, it’s not going anywhere but up. Since I’ve been too busy to think about trivial things such as the number on the scale, those stubborn little pounds are beginning to melt away on their own. I tell you: stress does nothing but make matters worse when it comes to a healthy weight  loss. 

However, to be realistic, I’m obviously doing something right to make for the sudden drop in poundage. It’s not magic, after all! So what is it? I must say most of my thank-yous go out to Core Fusion Body Sculpt (and Rachel WilkersonRead More!

Core Fusion is-a-workin’ (or something is) Read More »

TGIF & 3 Things I'm Pumped About

TGIF! I think I can speak for everyone when I say this week was one of those weeks that just didn’t end, but now it’s safe to say that Friday is finally here. Ahhh. As you know I like to keep my Friday posts short ’cause I know it’s the end of the week and no one has time to read a novel right now. So I’m going to go ahead and entertain you with three things I’m pumped for at the moment. 

1. Not only is it Friday, but this single lady in the city is going on TWO dates this weekend, yes two dates…with two different guys! I don’t think I’ve had that much game since college. I’m starting to feel like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. I’m excited to go out and feel out their personalities, and to not put all my eggs in one basket for once. Hello date weekend!

2. I’ve only done Core Fusion Body Sculpt twice so far, and am already feeling the burn in my legs ‘n’ tushy. Yay! I’m on my way to a hot butt and thighs in no time. I can’t wait to feel toned, … Read More!

TGIF & 3 Things I'm Pumped About Read More »

How to Have a Non-Lazy Rainy Day

[source]

Gew. I know yesterday I complained about the cold, but the only thing I dislike more than being cold (I swear I’m always cold) is rainy and cold ’cause now not only do I have goosebumps, but I’m wet, frigid and look like a drowned rat. I’d rather it be snowing; then at least there’s something pretty to look at and you can catch the tiny snowflakes on the tip of your tongue. But it looks like we’re stuck with the rain for the next few days. I have to admit: normally I become ultra lazy on rainy days, and have one of those not-so-productive days. It’s something about the dreary weather that makes me want to cuddle up with hot tea and do absolutely nothing. Also, my mind seems to wander more on rainy days…to unproductive, irrelevant places, once again contributing to my theory: Rainy days make me a lazy lady. 

BUT, and that’s a big but, today was different! I decided to not let a little wetness outside ruin all the fun…along with a whole day’s worth of productivity. And neither should you! I challenge you to make this rainy day a non-lazy day…take … Read More!

How to Have a Non-Lazy Rainy Day Read More »

Adding Sunshine Back into Your Life

[source]

Ok, seriously, what happened to the sunshine? If you live in New England you know exactly what I’m talking about. Just last week, I broke out a summer dress for a 75 degree day. Little did I know that would probably be the last time I see that dress until next June. It’s been in the 40s the past week, and frankly, it looks like it’s staying that way. Not to mention the fact that the sun goes down around 4 or 5 these days, and with Daylight Savings Time coming up in four days, it’s going to get darker even sooner! (Eek!) 

While this drastic weather change is expected for us New Englanders, it still doesn’t get any easier to watch the sunshine go and await for the snow to come, and let me tell you it’s-a-comin’ soon. Just yesterday my roommate said to me, “Looks like I’m gonna have to break out my sleeping bag coat much sooner than I thought.” You see, we both have these hideous, sleeping-bag insulated coats that keep us alive in the depths of winter. While we stored them away what seems like just yesterday, it looks like they’re going

Read More!

Adding Sunshine Back into Your Life Read More »

November Goals & Feel Better Butternut Squash

Sorry my post was cut short yesterday with just a recipe. I wish I had a cool story like I was on a hot date, traveling overseas or pampering myself all day, but unfortunately it was quite the opposite. I had a terrible case of …dun dun dun…food poisoning. It was downright awful. For someone who hasn’t thrown up since I was 12-years-old after Oreos (minus that one time in college), it’s safe to say I was in complete misery. All I wanted was to be at home like a little kid where my mom could take care of me and bring me dry toast, crackers, and ginger ale. Well, the morning after my body is still recovering but I can at least get up to write a post, so I figured I’d share with you my November goals. It’s a new month, hence I feel there should be new goals. And if you know me, I’m always making little lists and personal goals for myself, so here goes!

1. To go on a date: Seriously it’s been too darn long. November is going to be the month of love for Rachel. OK, maybe not the month of … Read More!

November Goals & Feel Better Butternut Squash Read More »

Happy Halloween! 8 Treats Under 140 Cals

[source]

Happy Halloween weekend! I urge you to go ahead and enjoy yourself on this spooky, sometimes skanky, tasty holiday! But just in case you don’t want to have a repeat of what happened to me last year (let’s just say I overdid it a tad with the sweets), here are some simple treats 140 calories or less for you to enjoy, and keep yourself in check. Oh, and I highly suggest you to go out for a run/ long walk this afternoon so you’ll feel fresh, energized and ready for tonight’s festivities!

1. Candy Corn: 22 pieces, 140 calories 

2. Mini Peppermint Patty: 2 pieces, 106 calories

3. Shot of Smirnoff Orange Twist: two 1 oz. shots, 138 calories 

4. Gummy bears (pick out the orange ones): 10 gummies, 87 calories 

5. Halloween Sprinkled Munchkin donut, 2 donuts, 120 calories

6. Orange Segments, 1 large sliced orange, approximately 100 calories

7. Orange Oreoes,  2 cookies, 140 calories 

8. Vodka Seltzer Splash of OJ, drink made with 2 shots of plain vodka and splash of OJ, approximately 140 calories

And if you accidently over-indulge, this should help to de-bloat your tummy tomorrow Read More!

Happy Halloween! 8 Treats Under 140 Cals Read More »