Lifestyle

Friday Thoughts: On Kindness, Curves, Herbs and Getaways!

4 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all had a fabulous week. Since it’s Friday, I’m here to share some favorites from the week, since as you know I always have something new I’m absolutely lovin’. Here’s what made the cut this week:

Nice People: Seriously. I’ve come to the conclusion that there just aren’t enough nice, truly genuine good-hearted people in the world. Some random stranger screamed at me the other day for getting on the T before he got off. I didn’t see him, so I quickly apologized and stepped off of the train so he could exit. But that still wasn’t enough. “What is your problem? PEOPLE GET OFF FIRST.” “I’m sorry sir, I know… I just didn’t see you.” “NO, I said PEOPLE first.” He gave me a death stare. Ouch. I’m sick of the ‘tude people.

That’s why when I come across nice people (i.e. the nice man who started talking to me about my blog on the train the other day or the funny guy at Trader Joe’s or my neighbor who made me smile by sending a simply text), I truly cherish it. Nice people out there: keep up the good work!

My Curves: Ever … Read More!

Friday Thoughts: On Kindness, Curves, Herbs and Getaways! Read More »

A Lil Adventure, Baby: On Getting More Out of Life and The City You Live In!

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle /

[source]

I have a confession: When I first moved to Boston I was like a freshman going to college – everything in the city just seemed SO cool to me and I wanted to see & do absolutely everything. I wanted to try every single restaurant, attend every museum, run on the Charles River, see a Red Sox game, hit up all the best bars, party my life away, go on fancy dates and explore with my camera in hand. I wanted to do it all. Unfortunately – and somewhat fortunately for my budget- that bright-eyed excitement has kind of disappeared. It’s not necessarily a bad thing or a good thing; I’ve just gotten comfy in the city I now call home.

However, last night when I attended Blueman Group at the Charles Playhouse for my first time ever, that rush of excitement came  back…and I found myself kinda, sorta missing it. OK, REALLY REALLY REALLY missing it. My oh-so-wonderful neighbor was able to score my best friend and I free tickets and we just had a ball. We started our night off with a yummy dinner at Motien Thai & Sushi Lounge where we split a Spicy … Read More!

A Lil Adventure, Baby: On Getting More Out of Life and The City You Live In! Read More »

Friday Favorites: On Pretzel Crisps, Childhood Snacks and Dating

1 Comment / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

[source]

HAPPY FRIDAY HEALTHY CHICKIES! Yes, the rain isn’t fun if you reside here in Boston. But whatever…embrace the rain and go play in it. That’s my attitude these days. Speaking of my attitude, this week I’ve really been trying to follow my heart. I’ve always been a major fan of following my heart, as I think there’s no better way to go. Whether it’s leaving a job that you know isn’t right for you or  doing something completely spur of the moment like going on a cross-the-east-coast road trip to Florida with a guy you just met (yup, I did that) because it just felt right, following your heart is important to me. So I’ve really been working on that this week. And since it’s Friday, here are share some other things I’m lovin’ this week too:

1. Pretzel Crisps: The kind people over at Pretzel Crisps sent me two huge bags filled with pretzels to try out. I’ve old had Pretzel Crisps once before, and it was a while ago so I was excited to test out the flavor flave. I have to say they were INCREDIBLE. And no, I’m not just saying that to … Read More!

Friday Favorites: On Pretzel Crisps, Childhood Snacks and Dating Read More »

Gifts Galore PLUS a Healthy Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe

10 Comments / Food & Recipes, Lifestyle /

[source]

No matter how old I get, I still love presents just as much as I did when I was a little kid. Seriously, what is better than getting an unexpected surprise gift “just because?” No, I don’t need diamonds or expensive clothes to be happy. It’s the little things that count for me, and yesterday was FILLED with them. Let’s just say I felt like a little kid on Christmas. C’mon, who doesn’t love presents?

My day of fun gifts started off in the morning when I met with Catherine and Kathy of Boston Sports Woman for coffee, chit-chat, work and snacks. Let’s just say it never feels like work when I’m with these ladies; we always have so much fun together! Anyway, Catherine is notorious for cooking up fun appetizers for us at her beautiful apartment, and this time she really impressed. She surprised us with a super expensive (hence super delicious) triple creme cheese from Cowgirl Creamery served aside a sliced baguette. If you know me, cheese is the way to my heart. I was one happy camper.

After our glorious meeting, I headed over to The Boy’s for another surprise. Well, this one was … Read More!

Gifts Galore PLUS a Healthy Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Recipe Read More »

6 Little Healthy Ways to De-Stress

8 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

I don’t know about you, put this past week has put some major stress on me. Now, I’m not one to get STRESSED OUT to the max, but I’m only human after all. Luckily, after a weekend with family, The Boy, movies, and lots of good food at my grandparents house, I feel loads better. That’s not to say that another stress attack can’t come on at any given time this week. Luckily, I have a few tricks I use when times get a little crazy.

1. Breathe – Seriously. Go lay down on your bed or a comfy couch and just breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. That’s why yoga’s so effective after all! I do this sometimes at night after a long day. I go to my room, shut off the lights, and after 10 minutes of breathing to myself I am fine again.

2. Massages – No you don’t have to throw away $100 on a professional massage when you have a roommate/best friend/ boy friend to give you a hand or two. If you live with a bunch of ladies, sit in a “train” and take turns giving each other back massages. It’s lots … Read More!

6 Little Healthy Ways to De-Stress Read More »

Quotable Sunday: On Living in the Moment

4 Comments / Lifestyle /

[source]

The other day, my lovely cousin came to me concerned about getting older, and things changing. I have to admit, this topic gets to me from time to time as well. But what really gets me through the day – and life in general – is living in the moment. I strive to live in the now, take every day as it comes, and not fret about the future. If you put too much stress and thought into what lies ahead, you will never fully be able to enjoy the present…the beautiful, amazing wonderful present.

So that’s what I leave you to think about on this sunny Sunday morning. Enjoy the day…it is all yours.

XoXo,
… Read More!

Quotable Sunday: On Living in the Moment Read More »

Friday Favorites And Popchips Giveaway!

36 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

[source]

Happy Friday all! Since it’s the end of the week, I figured I’d share some of my current favorites of the week, as you know there’s always something new I’m lovin’.  Here goes:

1. Core Fusion: Boot Camp – Usually I stick to Core Fusion: Body Sculpt (my go-to workout DVD as you know) but last week I got my hands on both the Boot Camp and Thighs & Glutes to change it up a bit. I still have yet to try the Thighs & Glutes but let me tell you Boot Camp is absolutely incredible! You can really feel the burn, in a good way of course. From pushups and burpees to squats and lunges, there is never a dull moment in this fabulous DVD. HIGHLY RECOMMEND to anyone looking to shake things up a bit. Oh, and your bod will love you too.

2. Strong Coffee – Usually I’m a fan of the lighter or medium roasts, but this week I’ve been craving strong, baby! It’s been a really tough week on my family and I (we lost our beloved Papa George) but strong coffee has been, well, keeping me stronger. The other … Read More!

Friday Favorites And Popchips Giveaway! Read More »

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Friends With (and Without) a Valentine

2 Comments / Lifestyle /

a sample of my cupcakes…

As you know, this is my first year with a Valentine, but it doesn’t mean I forget all those 23 years I hated the damn holiday. If you’re a single lady it’s not exactly fun seeing all of your coupled-off friends overflowing with special gifts and roses and ginormous teddy bears. So, if you want to be a super duper good friend this year, make some last minute gifts for your single AND “taken” friends alike. Here are some ideas:

If your friend is single:

-A “F*ck Love” CD with songs like “Fuck It (Don’t Want You Back)” by Eamon, “No Scrubs” by TLC and “He Loves You Not” by Dream.

-corny valentines (I got my friends Sesame Street ones)

-fun silly bands – seriously, they are so fun!

-an ugly cupcake to throw at the sidewalk on your way to work decorated with brown sprinkles, an exploding heart gummy, cinnamon and black pepper (seriously, we really did this for our roommate and she said to “make it uglier.”)

-undies! (can a gal have enough?)

-a special treat i.e. a manicure or massage (if you’re a super duper nice friend)

-bake ’em a nice … Read More!

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Friends With (and Without) a Valentine Read More »

Quotable Sunday: Just Keep Swimming

6 Comments / Lifestyle /

I’ve always loved this classic quote from Finding Nemo, as it’s a reminder to just keep moving forward, no matter how tough life may get. Yesterday this quote especially struck home to me, when I was in the hospital speaking to my Papa George for the last time. When I asked if he had any words of wisdom for me, his very last words to me were “Just keep pluggin’ along.”

From now on, whenever I’m in a tricky situation – whether it be in a relationship or financial issues – I’m going to remember these four words and do my very best to pick my head up, smile and pull through. After all, giving up and being negative will get you no where in life. While I am heartbroken my grandpa is no longer with us, this advice I will remember and cherish forever.

I love the fact that I have a strong, supportive family who remains positive and upbeat in tough times like these. Let me tell you: we’re definitely going to just keep swimming ‘n’ pluggin’ along.

[source]

Do you have any “life mottos” or words of wisdom you’d like to share? I’d … Read More!

Quotable Sunday: Just Keep Swimming Read More »

Picture Yourself in Spring Recap: Playing Dress Up at Savas Studios

12 Comments / Lifestyle /

[source]

I have a confession: I have zero sense of fashion. Healthy? Yup. Good in the kitchen? Duh. Exercise freak? You know it. Fashionable? NO. WAY. Maybe it’s because I’m color blind or maybe it’s because I am mostly-unemployed with little money to spend on clothes, but the truth is I don’t know a thing when it comes to fashion advice. Nor makeup and shoes either. I try sometimes, but I’m definitely no expert…at all. That’s why when I was invited to the “Picture Yourself in Spring” Trunk Show and Photo Fashion event that took place last night, I knew I’d be in for a treat.

I walked in to Savas Studios in the North End, and immediately fell in love. The dim lighting was perfection. The staff were as friendly as can be. They made me feel comfortable, rather than intimidated (always a fear) even though the gorgeous girls put my blah outfit to shame. I was immediately taken to the back room – which was absolutely adorable with exposed brick walls – where I was offered wine (3 kinds!), smoked salmon, crackers and mango bean salsa. YUM. The smoked salmon was to die for.… Read More!

Picture Yourself in Spring Recap: Playing Dress Up at Savas Studios Read More »