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Quit the Jealousy: It's Not Pretty!

As women, we master the word jealousy a long way back, from the first day we begin kindergarten and are introduced to BOYS. It’s just innately in our blood. Throughout life, we are jealous of other women’s boyfriends, other women’s jobs, and other women’s lives in general. 

And I don’t know if it’s just me, but lately I’ve been observing a lot of women jealous of other women’s bodies. It seems everywhere I go I overhear yet another woman complaining about her body, idolizing or wanting to look just like her girlfriend. “Ahhh. . . if only I could be your size!” “I wish I had your legs,” “God I hate that you can eat all that shit and still be a size 2!” 

These comments tend to come up left and right: at the corner coffee shop, on the T, at work, etc etc. My goodness, enough already ladies! These unnecessary negative comments are literally ringing in my ears all day long, giving me a headache.
I’m not going to lie. I myself went through a phase where all I did was compare myself to other girls, wishing I had what they had rather than accepting myself. But Read More!

Quit the Jealousy: It's Not Pretty! Read More »

BORED? Don't Be a Baby: Change up Your Workout Routine This Holiday Season!

So, yesterday I was bumming around the apartment, contemplating what time to go to the gym, when my roommate suggested we try taking a group fitness class for a change. I immediately thought, ‘great idea,’ for I knew if I just went to the gym it would turn into yet another run-of-the-mill workout: boorrringgggg
I’ve always been an advocate for changing up your fitness routine, but lately since I’ve been pressed for time, I haven’t really been following my own advice. I admit it: I’m guilty. I used to be so diverse, taking a challenging step class one day, running 3 miles outside the next day followed by yoga the following day, etc. etc. But lately, I’ve just been plane old Jane, getting stuck in a rut.
Anyway, I took the hour long spinning class with my friend, and it felt great to do something different for a change, challenging my body in a different way. Granted, the instructor wasn’t that great and the music was a mush of horrendous of songs gone wrong, I still had a good time and definitely wasn’t as bored as I’d be on the elliptical.
So I challenge you to do something Read More!

BORED? Don't Be a Baby: Change up Your Workout Routine This Holiday Season! Read More »

6 Ways to a Happier, Healthier YOU

Today I got to thinking about the little things in life that simply make you a happier, healthier, more content person. You know, the little things in life we sometimes forget to make time for. The best part is, none of these things are very time demanding at all.  If you take a few extra moments a day, you’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling life! 

1. Friends: Yup, surrounding yourself with lots of friends actually benefits more than your social life. Studies show that the more friends and social networks you have, the happier you are… and happiness ultimately leads to a healthier YOU. I’ve always been a firm believer in this, because my great grandmother lived to be 99, and had more friends than anyone I know. Up until the day she passed away, she had visits left and right from close friends and family. So, embrace the social butterfly in you and it can benefit your health in more ways than you may think!
2. Making lists: Not only can lists motivate you to accomplish daily tasks and goals, but they can also make you feel a lot better about yourself! Lists don’t always have
Read More!

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Tips for a Thinner Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving is coming in just 2 days, and I’m already getting all giddy about it, as it’s hands down my favorite holiday. For one day a year, all my family comes together to eat good food, drink good wine and be merry! But just ’cause Turkey Day is known to make you overindulge and feel the need to unbutton those pants, doesn’t mean it has to be a day of gluttony. Here, 7 tips to make this years Thanksgiving just a tad healthier. 

1. Go for a morning run! Sign up for a Turkey Trot in your neighborhood, take a morning spin class at your gym, or just go for a light jog with your family. Starting your day off on the right track will make you feel much better throughout the day!
2. Eat breakfast! Many people fast before the big meal because they know how much food they are going to be eating. However, that’s actually counterproductive. Instead, go for a healthy, light breakfast like fresh fruit with toast and nut butter, or an egg white omelet. This will keep you satisfied until Thanksgiving meal is served, and you’ll be much less likely to overindulge.
3. Fill up … Read More!

Tips for a Thinner Turkey Day! Read More »

30 (More) "Happy Things"

I received so much positive, cheerful feedback from the post 2 weeks ago-“The Simple Things”-that I decided to post an additional 30 things that make me smile. Enjoy! : ) And please, add your own at the end!

1. English accents (or any accent for that matter)
2. Sitting by the TV on a rainy day and watching episode after episode of your favorite sitcom
3. S’mores by the campfire
4. Christmas CARDS
5. Colorful scarves
6. The smell of bacon upon waking
7. The first snowfall
8. Family vacations
9. Thanksgiving dinner
10. Summer BBQ’s
11. Dressing up
12. Carving pumpkins+then roasting the seeds afterward
13. Couple’s first dance at weddings
14. Sentimental toasts
15. Fancy hats on fancy ladies
16. Tea parties
17. Sleepover parties
18. Family dinners
19. Awkward people who aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves
20. The color purple
21. Looking for beach glass and coming across that perfect shade of blue or purple
22. Listening to waves crashing at the beach
23. Decorating the Christmas tree…in PJ’s…with Christmas music in the background
24. Little kids saying blunt things (ya just gotta laugh!)
25. Walking in the city for hours
26. Fresh flower bouquets
27. … Read More!

30 (More) "Happy Things" Read More »

Question of the Week: Food On the Go!

Q: “First of all, I LOVE your blog… you have so many great ideas and I love reading about them. I have a problem that you might be able to help me out with…I just moved into my first apartment a few months ago after living in dorms the past few years and i’m loving it, but my one issue is making food for myself. I like cooking my own meals (so much cheaper and healthier than eating out) but with my crazy class schedule I just dont have the time to cook during the week. Do you have any suggestions/recipes that are good to make over the weekend then freeze to eat later in the week?”-Kristen, 20


A: Kristen, I feel your pain. Transitioning from the dorm life to an apartment for the first time can be difficult when it comes to eating healthy in the kitchen. But, good news you aren’t doomed and there are plenty of quick meals you can make ahead of time or even the day of (yes, even on those extra hectic days!) 
For breakfast:
>whip up a quick smoothie with soy or skim milk, a slightly mushy banana, and frozen berries of Read More!

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The Simple Things in Life

Today was one of those days where my morning started off so well that I just knew it was going to be a good day. I woke up at 7 a.m., got some cleaning done and then trekked off to Shaw’s to buy some waffles ‘n’ turkey bacon for breakfast-which was so delish, by the way. Anyway, while at Shaw’s, as I walked by the deli, an older man and middle-aged woman began humming and singing to “What a Night,” with huge smiles on their faces. Then, the older man looked at the woman and said, “Ya gotta be happy in the morning. . . sometimes, ya just gotta smile.” That made my day, as odd as that is. Really, it’s the little, simple things in life that get me.

So, it got me thinking of some of the little things in life that always make me smile, no matter what I’m dealing with. I put together a list of 30 of my personal “happy” things…
1. Breakfast buffets, especially at nice hotels or on vacation
2. Reading a book by the fireplace on a cold, cold night
3. Used Bookstores, or any bookstore for that matter
4. Beatles music… Read More!

The Simple Things in Life Read More »