Lifestyle

UncommonGoods: Unique, Do-Good, Handmade, Sustainable Gifts For Everyone On Your List

Those who know me know that I’m not crazy about big, glamorous materialistic things. When it comes to gifts, I much prefer a unique, handmade product with a story behind it. Quite honestly, most of the time my favorite part of the gift is a handwritten card. It has meaning behind it.

When I stumbled upon UncommonGoods, I was smitten. It’s an online marketplace for do-good artisans and designers to showcase their products to a community of passionate people (like you and me) who appreciate that special touch.

Based in Brooklyn, NY, their team of rockstars work to ensure the integrity of the company remains in tact as they grow — from sustainability to creative design. In fact, they are committed to selling handmade, recycled organic products and make an effort to steer clear of using leather, fur or anything that will harm people or animals. Most of all, I love their appreciation of craftsmanship, supporting all the creative souls out there who have a story to tell! We need more of that in the world.

The Shopping Experience: Gift Ideas, Galore!

The shopping experience is super seamless, and also a lot of fun! I had a blast searching … Read More!

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My Etsy Shop Is Now Open For Business Featuring Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck!

 

I’m open for business!

About two years ago, I set the intention to create my own affirmation card deck, but then the fears got in the way (But, what if I fail? But how will I stand out?) and so I put it on the back burner. Last summer, a little voice inside me gave me the courage to finally START, and I spent the end of summer / early fall writing content for 36 affirmation cards. I hired my rockstar creative team Chantelle Davis Gray and Precious Little Illustration to help with design, and got cracking.

By the end of 2016, I launched my Kickstarter campaign to officially kick things off with “Spark Your Bliss: 36 Practical Affirmations to Set Your Soul on Fire.” The rest is history, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the love & support I’ve received from the community thus far. It brings me so much joy to know that my cards are making a difference in so many homes across the country.

This week is a big one for me as I officially launched my Etsy shop so you can now buy these beauties online! (Individual PayPal transactions … Read More!

My Etsy Shop Is Now Open For Business Featuring Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck! Read More »

How to Keep a Positive Mindset During The “Bad Days” (While Also Keeping it Real)

One of my favorite tanks I have has the words “No Bad Days” printed in big, black bold lettering. While it may sound a little extreme and preachy to tout that, it’s the meaning behind it that I love most. In reality, there’s going to be tough times and crazy sh*t that life throws at you, but it’s the way you handle those hardships that speaks volumes.

Life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies, and I don’t think we should pretend that it is. (BTW, anyone who claims that’s how is it, I think is living in a different Universe.) However, I’m a firm believer that life is what we make of it, and while we can’t control everything that happens to us, we can control our mindset. My “No Bad Days” tee reminds me that even when things aren’t going my way, it doesn’t have to completely ruin my day, week or heck even month. It just means I may need to take a new turn and look at things a little differently.

Learning From The Tough Times

One of the most challenging times for me was about a year ago when I decided to leave my full-time job for … Read More!

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What Brought Your the Most Joy as a Little Kid? Incorporate Those Things Into Your Life Now!

Last week when I was chatting with Beth Hopkins of Shamanuti for an article I wrote for Well Insiders, we got to talking about the things that brought us the most joy as a little girl. Beth told the most beautiful story of how at just five years old, her and her cousin would make floral waters to sell to friends of her grandparents and the local community of the Gardener’s Cottage she grew up in. Each year, she’d wait for the violets and lilacs to bloom, since those made the loveliest waters.

Little did she know that years later her passion for hand-crafting floral waters would lead to the start of her business, Shamanuti, which specializes in natural products utilizing plant-based ingredients found in nature.

It’s funny how our passions as a little kid tend to stick with us, and perhaps maybe we should think more often about what made us happy growing up. I too had a similar story as Beth, and was inspired to dig a little deeper last year when gearing up to leave my full-time job.

I vividly remember sitting with my Energy Healer Katie, pouring my heart out to her about feeling … Read More!

What Brought Your the Most Joy as a Little Kid? Incorporate Those Things Into Your Life Now! Read More »

New Season, New Look: Welcoming Spring with a New Outlook (& New Outfit from prAna)

Even though it’s been rather cold & dreary in New England lately, I’m feeling all things spring. Every year, around this time I tend to go through a major reflection period. I find myself asking more questions, checking in with how I want to FEEL & spending more time with myself. I take a good, hard look at all aspects of my life — from career to finances to home environment — and dig a little deeper.

I’m blossoming.

I’m changing.

I’m growing.

Are you feeling that energy too?

prAna Love: Sustainable Wear for Free Spirits

With that being said, springtime is also the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe! Seeing as though my dresser consists of 90% “athleisure” wear, I was psyched to check out prAna’s new spring collection.

For those of you who haven’t shopped with prAna before, their clothing is absolutely dreamy and I know you’ll fall in love. Whether your thing is yoga or hiking, they’re all about designing clothing for people who “live life fully, play long, and travel well.” Um, hello that’s me! 

While the free spirit in me totally digs their mission, what I appreciate most is prAna’s dedication to sustainability — and … Read More!

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I’m Published in Shape Magazine & Garlic Lemon Zoodles with Turkey Burger & Cilantro {Paleo, Gluten Free, AIP-Compliant}

Good afternoon, beauties! I’ve got some super exciting news for you all. Yesterday, my article was published online in SHAPE magazine. Seriously, how freakin’ cool is that? In the post, I dig into why I ditched meal planning in order to discover joy & freedom around food. Head on over to Shape.com to give it a read!

As I mention in the post, instead of Meal Prepping I prefer to listen to my body & go by how it feels in the given moment. After all, it’s quite impossible to know what I’ll be craving ahead of time, let alone a week in advance!

With this mindset, I’ve found such joy around cooking & experimenting in the kitchen! With my recent Hashimoto’s diagnosis & AIP lifestyle, I’ve had to get real creative when it comes to trying new recipes. No nightshades! No grains! No dairy!

However, instead of thinking about what I can’t have, I like to load up on the stuff I can have while prioritizing the things that nourish my body.

That’s how I came up with this fun & flavorful zoodles creation featuring ground turkey burger, garlic, lemon and cilantro. This easy dish totally … Read More!

I’m Published in Shape Magazine & Garlic Lemon Zoodles with Turkey Burger & Cilantro {Paleo, Gluten Free, AIP-Compliant} Read More »

Introducing Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck: 36 Cards to Set Your Soul on Fire

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while or you follow me on social media, you’ve probably heard me mention my “Spark Your Bliss” deck, a 36-card deck with practical affirmations to set your soul on fire.

I’m happy to announce that right before Christmas, my Kickstarter campaign was successfully funded & I raised $3,600 toward the launch of Spark Your Bliss. Thank you to all who supported me through this long & exciting process!

The Backstory 

About one year ago I said out loud that I wanted to create my own positive affirmation deck.

But then the fears creeped in…the ol’ “but it’s going to be so hard,” “but what if I can’t” “but it’s already been done before,” “but how can I stand out?”

Then this past summer a little voice inside me said, “sweetie, but what if you CAN?”

And so I did, and Spark Your Bliss Deck was born. I wanted to create something new and different — something that would resonate with the “everyday chick” not just strictly for yogis or meditation gurus.

I worked hard and thoughtfully to create a deck that speaks my truth: 36 beautiful, positive mantras complete with … Read More!

Introducing Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck: 36 Cards to Set Your Soul on Fire Read More »

New Year’s Resolutions, You Can STFU

Ew.

I am seriously so sick & tired of all the magazine articles, advertisements & blogger body shots telling you what your New Year’s resolution should be (and that you need to lose weight). Seriously, you can shut the eff up. Sorry for the bluntness but this kind of stuff gets my blood boiling.

But then again, it’s sort of expected by now. Every year around this time the diet industry, media & leader’s in the health world think it’s a great idea to play on women’s holiday vulnerabilities & body insecurities to make us think that a.) you aren’t good enough b.) you need to lose weight and c.) this year you can really make a change.

THIS IS YOUR YEAR!

IT’S TIME TO FINALLY LOSE THE WEIGHT!

DROP TWO DRESS SIZES!

10 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT & GET FIT IN 2017!

GET YOUR DREAM BODY!

SLIM DOWN IN 7 DAYS!

YOUR TICKET TO A SIX PACK!

Enough is enough.

Why do you assume that the only thing us women care about is how our bodies are perceived by others? Where are the articles boasting ways to love yourself more, re-energize or find a career that brings you joy … Read More!

New Year’s Resolutions, You Can STFU Read More »

Healthy Chick’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But if you’re like the most of us, hunting for gifts can be quite the ordeal, and panicking while slugging your peppermint mocha latte is not going to get you any closer to crossing off your list. Here are some fun + fresh ideas for just about any gal on your list!

FOR THE SPIRITUAL GURU

The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein! This book changed my life and is sure to help those seeking a more spiritual life.

14.99, Amazon.com

FOR THE SOUL SEEKER

My Healthy Chick’s “Spark Your Bliss” affirmation card deck is here, and I want every lady who needs this to have it! For a minimum of $25, you’ll get a deck mailed out your way (with 36 beautifully designed cards + mandala print tuck box). And I’ve added a holiday special for $35 that I think you’ll love including a deck, Organic Living Superfoods goodie + sweet surprise.

$25+, Kickstarter.com

FOR THE HEALTH NUT

Give the gift of health with Organic Living Superfood’s Happy & Healthy Gift Basket! You can customize your own gift box, choosing your favorite superfood snacks for your loved ones.

$49.99, OrganicLivingSuperfoods.comRead More!

Healthy Chick’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide Read More »

Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck

Goood afternoon, loves. Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving with lots of delicious food, cozy vibes and family.

About one year ago, I said out loud that I wanted to create my own positive affirmation deck. I strived to design something for the everyday chick, rather than exclusively for yogis or meditation gurus.

But then the fears creeped in…the ol’ “but it’s going to be so hard,” “but what if I can’t” “but it’s already been done before,” “but how can I stand out?”

Then this summer a little voice inside me said, “sweetie, but what if you CAN?”

And so I did, and Spark Your Bliss Deck was born. I worked hard + thoughtfully to create a deck that speaks my truth – 36 beautiful, positive mantras complete with journaling exercises + supporting action steps to boot.

My cards are going to be ready for the holidays, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic! To celebrate, I decided to launch a Kickstarter campaign to help raise money + send out some cool gifts to my supporters. Hint hint: they make for great gifts for the New Year 😉

You can contribute + get all the deets here.

Rewards for … Read More!

Spark Your Bliss Affirmation Card Deck Read More »