Lifestyle

Friday Flashbacks: Treat Your Body With Love

17 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

If you’re new to my blog, each and every Friday I post a Friday Flashback, taking you on a journey back into my past life. Why? Well, because I’ve been there and can totally relate to body image issues, dieting struggles and all the other things in between.

This week, I want to touch upon how we treat our bodies. During my prime time of diet-obsessed living and calorie counting, I completely disrespected my body.

I filled up on toxic, chemicalized “diet” foods that promised to make me skinny (at least, according to all the magazines and advertisements) and ate or drank my feelings away. I abused myself in the mirror (telling myself I am fat, I am not pretty enough, I am not good enough) and abused myself in the gym by overworking it and forcing myself to exercise (even when I didn’t want to or when my body was saying “No! Enough!”) I listened to what the number on the scale said, instead of what my body was telling me loud and clear.

I remember being so hungry: for real food, for love, for the answers. Unfortunately, I was starving myself by loading up on … Read More!

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These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Fitness, Food, Fashion & More {Spring Edition}

1,553 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Good afternoon, Healthy Chicks and Happy Spring to you! Even though it may not feel like it, especially with the snow/ice on the ground for fellow Bostonians, today officially marks the first day of the season (and yes, I’m wearing winter boots).

I love the beginning of the season, as it’s a chance to start fresh, get rid of the not-so-good in your life and boost up the really good, juicy stuff. And I especially adore spring because it means warm weather, chirping birds and flip-flop season is near. Plus, spring is a great time to clean up your diet and get clear about your health goals. (If you need help in this area, that’s where I come in!)  After all, lots of lively fruits & veggies come into season around this time like leafy greens and zesty citrus fruits.

For me, I’m going to dedicate this time for spring-cleaning, far beyond just my closet and drawers. While my wardrobe definitely needs to be cleaned out, I’m going to focus on de-cluttering my mind too by getting organized! I also want to continue to work on unplugging, as being hooked to my laptop and phone all day … Read More!

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City Sports Chestnut Hill Grand Opening Party

29 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

This past Saturday, I was invited to celebrate City Sports’ grand opening at their new Chestnut Hill location, which also happens to be City Sports’ 30th Anniversary month. (Happy Birthday City Sports!)

While the party didn’t officially start until 10 a.m., I got there at 9 a.m. for a private media event beforehand. I coincidentally ran into another blogger friend on the way there (the adorable, super-fit Jess from Little Miss Runshine), so we walked to City Sports together. We were shocked upon arriving, as the line was already down the sidewalk! Apparently, some had been standing out in the cold for hours.

After all, the first 100 customers were to receive a City Sports goodie bag filled with giftcards and sweet giveaways from City Sports and Nike. Plus, one lucky duck would find the grand prize in their bag: a free pair of shoes each month for the entire year! (I’d take that over the Golden Ticket any day.) Oh yea, and did I mention former New England Patriot Matt Light would be making a special appearance? I don’t blame these City Sports fanatics one bit for getting up early for the event; heck I’d do … Read More!

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Hurraw!: An Eco-Friendly Lip Balm Giveaway

82 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

As you know, I am a sucker for all-natural (preferably organic) beauty products, from store-bought natural cosmetics to DIY body scrubs and facial moisturizers. That being said, I also love a product that actually works.

Well, Hurraw! Balm lip balms are the best of both worlds, providing an eco-friendly product that delivers smooth, tasty kissable lips. Ever since The Boy stuffed a three-pack in my stocking for Christmas two years ago, I’ve been 100% hooked. I rarely use any different brands, and I never leave the house without my balm.

Not only are they made with vegan, raw, organic, non-toxic, fair trade ingredients (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, cacao butter and natural fruit oils), but the 20+ flavors are far from boring and make you want to lick your lips all day long. Some of my favorites are Chocolate (made with real cocoa), Black Cherry and Almond.

And now I’ve got some new favorites, since Hurraw! Balm just introduced their new line of Ayurvedic-based balms for each Dosha: Vata, Pitta & Kapha.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Ayurvedic approach, it’s a traditional Indian alternative
“medicine” that focuses on one’s lifestyle and unique … Read More!

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Friday Flashbacks: Bring Your Inner Sexy Out

5 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Growing up I didn’t pay too much attention to my looks, that is until I started dieting and well, my looks quickly became everything. I was consumed by my weight and how others, especially men, perceived me. Once I started getting attention from the guys, I became obsessed with my looks, in particular appearing “sexy.”

I remember one day quite vividly while loading on makeup for a friend’s graduation party, my sister (who was always the sportier one in the family) looked at me and said, “You changed.” I naturally got defensive, and she continued with “It’s great you’re getting all this attention and all, but all you care about is your looks.”  While I refused to admit it at the time, she was absolutely 100% right. Spot on.

And then there was college. Getting ready for a night out to the frat house was an event in itself. I’d change my outfit at least ten times, load layers of makeup over my face (including a dash of bronzer on my chest one of my best friends swore created the allusion of “cleavage”), and strive to wear the tightest or shortest thing I could possibly find paired with the highest … Read More!

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Bra Fitting for a Cause with New Balance in Boston’s Back Bay

5 Comments / Lifestyle /

Good afternoon ladies! Hope you’re all off to a healthy, happy Thursday. Random question for you: Do you know your ideal sports bra size? If you’re not quite sure how to answer the question, I was right there with you. Plus, apparently 70% of women don’t know their appropriate bra size!

So when I was invited to New Balance’s Bra Fitting for a Cause yesterday evening, I was quite intrigued. To celebrate the launch of their new NBPSYCHE Sports Bra Collection, New Balance hosted an event at their Boylston St. store, offering free bra fittings to attendees. Plus, for every woman who got fitted, they donated $10 to MA’s Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Upon arriving, I was given a ticket with a number to hold my place in line. (It also doubled as a raffle ticket!) As I waited for my “bra consultation,” I sipped on some white wine, nibbled on a couple apps (I really liked the mini crostini with goat cheese and eggplant) and mingled with some of the other ladies.

While waiting (and snapping pics) I also ran into two other lovely bloggers: Elizabeth from On Tap for Today and Tina from Carrots … Read More!

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Kitchen Mishaps & Arugula Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette

4 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Good afternoon ladies! Hope you are all having a beautiful start to your week so far, remembering to relax and take time for YOU (something we forget to do far too often).

I’m happy to finally be back in Boston, as I feel like I’ve been living out of a bag for the past week with my trip to DC and last-minute visit to my parents in CT this weekend.

On the other hand, I have to admit it was quite lovely being home for a couple days. I spent the last few days celebrating a good friend’s birthday with mimosas & brunch (the eggs with smoked salmon and asparagus were to-die-for), getting pedis with the ladies, cooking in my parent’s brand new gorgeous kitchen, and lots and lots of unplugging.

Speaking of cooking, I always have a blast cooking at my parents’ house, since The Boy and I pretty much have a box for a kitchen and no, I’m not joking (Think: zero counter space, no dishwasher, etc). The problem is: we both love to cook and do lots of it, which leads to knocking elbows, silly arguments and unnecessary stress. Not to mention, we also both love … Read More!

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Off On a Business Trip (aka a Vacation from Blogging)

6 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Hi friends! I’m taking a vacation from blogging for a few days…

No, not that kind of vacation (although I’m desperately craving a trip the beach) But I’m still equally excited! I’m off on a business trip to D.C. for my new position with sweetgreen.

For those of you who haven’t heard of sweetgreen before, they are an eco-friendly, healthy hot-spot serving up delicious eats like seasonal salads, wraps, frozen yogurts, and juices. If you know me well, this kind of food is right up my alley. Check out their menu to see for yourself! Even better, sweetgreen will be launching in Boston this June, bringing us city chicks a trustworthy healthy option.

Anyway, since I’ll be super busy these next few days (I’m even going to make time to see some of my best girlfriends from college…eek!) I’ve decided to take a mini vacation from blogging. But don’t worry; I’ll be back again on Thursday for a new feature on Healthy Chicks in the Community.

In the meantime, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter (on the right) if you haven’t already for free weekly healthy tips or take a glimpse of this week’s newsletter here! As always, … Read More!

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Try Something New: Pure Barre with Blog & Tweet Boston (Plus a Powerful Message of the Day)

19 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

I’m a huge fan of trying new workouts, challenging yourself and most importantly finding that exercise that makes you shine (you know, makes you feel beautiful, strong and confident in your body!) After all, that’s what FitFluential means to me.

So when I was invited by Jen and Kerrie from Blog & Tweet Boston to attend a complimentary class a Pure Barre Boston yesterday afternoon, I jumped on the opportunity! While I have taken barre-style classes before through Core Fusion at Exhale Spa, I have  never tried Pure Barre so I was excited to see what was in store!

Pure Barre recently opened their new Boston studio at 350 Newbury Street, which is a prime location for anything & everything fitness and health if I do say so myself. (Side note: sweetgreen will be located just a walk away right by Copley Station, scheduled to launch in June. Boston foodie & fitness peeps, I know you are going to fall in love. You can read all about my new job at sweetgreen here!)

The first thing I noticed upon walking in was the beautiful space: clean, fresh with lots of natural light. Plus, they have lockers and keys … Read More!

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I Am That Girl and Friday Flashbacks: Fat Thighs & Embracing Your Imperfections

14 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

I AM THAT GIRL

Last night, I was invited as a guest speaker for I Am That Girl’s Boston Chapter. If you’re not familiar with I Am That Girl, it’s a “community that inspires girls to discover their innate worth and purpose.” Obviously, their mission is right up my alley so I quickly accepted the invite!

Each meeting, the girls pick a different topic to discuss and in honor of NEDAwareness Week (National Eating Disorder Awareness Week), the topic was disordered eating habits & ways we restrict ourselves as women. Since I have been there and now work with other women to overcome diet-obsessed living, they asked me to shine the light on disordered eating habits beyond Anorexia, Bulimia, and bingeing.

It’s important to know that even habits like counting calories (in an unhealthy way), gym addictions, obsessions with the scale, feeling of shame/guilt, and restricting yourself with extreme diets and “diet-food” can be extremely detrimental to your health and overall wellbeing. I also want women to know that while these issues often aren’t talked about, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Heck, in college I thought my highly restricted eating habits were normal, and my only option if I … Read More!

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