Healthy Chicks

TRUTH: The most beautiful I ever felt was when I was pregnant.

Despite gaining nearly 40 pounds, not fitting into my favorite clothes, and treating myself to any foods I wanted, I felt like a freakin’ Goddess.

I loved watching my bump grow month after month, nourishing my body (and baby), and of course my glowing skin was a nice perk. More so, I loved how I felt in my body — especially when the baby kicked, I was in the zone doing laps in the pool, or meditating with my hands gently rested on my belly and heart.

I felt beautiful and connected in a way I had never felt before, in a way that’s hard to describe. I was simply so amazed and grateful for my body growing a tiny human — especially after struggling to get pregnant — and that to me felt beautiful.

Here’s the thing: beauty is an inside job. It’s 99% how we feel and speak to ourselves. 

In my teens and early 20s, I struggled a lot with my body — my thighs were “too fat,” my boobs were too small, and I wasn’t as skinny as the rest of my friends. … Read More!

Confession: I have a major fear of public speaking. In fact, I fear doing any type of video, lecture, podcast or anything where I’m being recorded. I’m much more comfortable writing — pen to paper or behind a computer screen.

Fun fact: I turned beet red and almost fainted during my Communication Studies class in college, and actually had to close my eyes for a moment to get centered so I could finish my presentation.

So when Northeastern college student Zoe Kenealy asked to interview me for her new podcast, Ready to Launch, my initial thought was hell no. I then realized that was my good ol’ pal fear talking, and I quickly emailed her back taking her up on the opportunity.

During the interview, we talked about how fear tends to hold us back from doing the things we want to do — whether that’s launching a new creative project or ditching the calorie counting (in fear that you’ll gain weight).

But did you ever stop to think what’s on the other side of that fear?

I decided to break through my fear and open up to Zoe on her podcast, which you can listen … Read More!

With Valentine’s Day a week away, love is in the air. While it’s fine to spoil your kiddos with candied hearts or splurge on a fancy dinner out with your sweetie, what about the love you’re giving yourself? That’s right, self-love baby! Here are three simple ways you can love yourself more starting now:

1. Quit Your Diet

Toss the scale, stop counting calories and look inward. Ask yourself how you want to FEEL. Then rather than focusing on the foods you need to take out, focus on fueling your body. This method is called crowding out; by incorporating more of the nutrient-rich, feel-good stuff, we naturally wean off of the foods that leave us feeling depleted.

What foods energize you? Make you feel vibrant? Fill you up? Prioritize those, but know there’s always room for a slice of pizza, a donut or your fave latte too.

2. Create a Morning or Evening Ritual

How do you start or end your day? If it doesn’t feel good to you, change it up. Bring in feel-good routines like journaling, DIY facials, hot lemon water, affirmation card pulls, a cozy cup of tea, or a juicy book. Here’s an … Read More!

As I mentioned earlier in this post, I’ve been craving less doing and more self-care. In fact, my word for 2019 is flow. Like water, my intention is for my life to flow freely — welcoming in abundance, new friendships and this life as a new mama with ease.  Life doesn’t have to be a constant hustle.

One area that’s been creating a blockage in the day-to-day flow is social media, specifically the amount of time I spend perusing instagram. While I think there are many wonderful things about the world of the web, I also think it can be distracting (look at all these shiny things!), draining and a rabbit hole for the comparison trap.

While I’ve been feeling this way for quite some time and have every intention to step away a bit from social media, in all honesty when it comes down to actually doing it I struggle (especially since I do it on the side for a living). I can say I’ll do it and intend to do it with every ounce of my being, but at the end of the day technology can be addicting.

In fact, tech companies know this and have even … Read More!

Did you choose a word or a theme for 2019? With some thought and meditation, the word I chose to represent the new year is flow.

2018 was a year of growth for me — I grew a baby, I grew my business, I grew into this new role as a mama. It also felt a little cluttered, like hair in a messy bun while typing invoices while simultaneously trying to feed the baby before my coffee gets cold cluttered.

This year, my intention is for things to flow more freely — money, new friendships, this beautiful life as a new mama. Yes, there will be work to do (because #GirlBoss) but things don’t have to be “hard.”

While I typically like to get sh*t done and say yes to new opportunities, my inner voice has been whispering at me to slow down and take care of myself. I think as women — especially new mamas out there — we’re inclined to take care of others first and be people pleasers. However, when I find myself going there, I’m reminded that “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

I’ve been craving less social media and more … Read More!

Happy 2019, ladies! It’s no secret that New Year’s resolutions — specifically those focused on women’s bodies — really get my blood boiling. Our inbox is flooded with “New Year, New You” messaging, touting this is the year to start fresh and lose the weight for good.

But what if you don’t want to lose the weight? What if you already like the YOU that you are? What if 2018 rocked your world, or you’re going through heartbreak or you feel a little lost? All valid, BTW.

Rather than jumping the gun and setting a resolution because you “should” (join the gym/make more money/lose the weight), quiet your mind and think about how you want to feel. You know, in your soul.

What’s your why?

Who do you want to surround yourself with?

What do you want to manifest this coming year?

In 2019, I intend to create more flow in my life — through my new role as a mother, taking charge of my finances, building my freelance writing career and spreading Spark Your Bliss to more women/getting them into some bigger stores. Welcoming abundance, baby!

If you need a little help setting feel-good resolutions that … Read More!

‘Tis the season for peppermint mocha lattes, sleigh rides and taking care of YOURSELF. While you may be busy with cocktail parties, work deadlines and holiday shopping, it’s important to breathe, and put yourself first too. Here are 5 tips for a a more peaceful holiday season!

… Read More!

EEK, I’m thrilled to announce that my Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck was featured in the December issue of Health magazine (pg. 34)! It’s crazy to think that two years ago I was in the midst of my Kickstarter campaign, praying I’d get funded, and it brings me so much joy to see my decks out in the world.

Spread positivity this holiday season by gifting a Spark Your Bliss deck to yourself, a friend or family member.

Bonus: Now through 12/20/18 I’m gifting a FREE digital download of Spark Your Bliss themed meditative coloring pages with purchase of deck. 

Simply shoot me an email with proof of purchase, and I’ll send the coloring pages your way as a special holiday self-care treat! 

With love & holiday cheer,

Rachel… Read More!