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Beauty: It's Undefinable

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For a good part of my teenage life, and well into my early 20s, I considered skinny to be pretty, as after all that is the conventional wisdom. Skinny girls with big boobs, flat stomachs, no thighs, rock-hard abs and arms that don’t jiggle are perfect. Oh and you must be a size 2 to be desirable, right? 

HA, I laugh so hard at myself for believing I ever thought that way, and I laugh even harder and somewhat pity those that still do think that way. I mean c’mon, we are only human. Why must everyone have to fall into a perfect barbie doll physique category?
The thing is, which I’ve finally come to realize after far too long: beauty comes in all different shapes and many, many different sizes.
But, and trust me on this one, inner beauty and confidence in oneself is the most beautiful of them all, and it really does show. I know of girls who may be a size 2 with gorgeous faces and perfectly formed bodies who act bitchy, snobby and self-conceited about their looks, whom by that point I consider them not so pretty anymore. In fact, people like that go down … Read More!

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Boil Up Some Farm Fresh Corn!

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Yes, summer has officially ended and fall has begun (crazy to believe, I know!), but that doesn’t mean we have to end our favorite summer eats as well. Go grab some corn today at the grocery store or at your local farmer’s market while it’s still fresh and (semi) in season! Hey, summer just ended a few days ago; there’s no need to stop all the fun just yet.


The other day, I purchased 2 fresh corn husks at the farmers market for 50 cents a pop, and boiled ’em up today to have for dinner. I’m thinking I’ll eat one “on the cob” with a veggie burger tonight to savor that summer bbq essence. 

But there’s plenty of other things to do with corn after it’s cooked as well (off o’ the cob…) :

-Shave off the edges and cut it up into your favorite salad. Try some fun combos like corn, black beans, onion and cilantro atop some fresh arugula OR corn, chopped hard boiled egg, avocado and spinach. 

-Add some corn to your a.m. omelet for a mexi-flavor! Try corn, tomatoes, cilantro with a few TB of salsa for a spicy breakfast kick!

-Throw it in your … Read More!

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Reach Your Goals. . . NOW!

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So, today I woke up at the crack of dawn (aka 5 a.m.) unable to sleep due to butterflies in my stomach. No, not because I had a hot date or some big important presentation to give. Rather, my nerves were flying because of my 5K race-the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure- that was to start at 9 a.m. (Yes, 4 hours from the time I woke up.) 

Sure, I had done a 5k before, but this time I had a specific goal in mind: I wanted to break my 27:58 from last time…and I wanted to break it bad.
You see, the first time I ever ran a 5k, I was a tad out of shape and it took me a whopping 33.5 minutes! Mind, you I was also huffing and puffing and complaining to my dad the entire time on top of that. 
My second 5k I did in 27:58, and was thrilled I could run 3 consecutive 9 minute miles, something I never thought that I’d be able to do. After all, I have never really been a runner, and still wouldn’t consider myself one.
So, today was important for me, not because I’m some … Read More!

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Trader Joe's: The Way to Go

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I admit: I am (or was) a Whole Foods fanatic. I’m obsessed with their bulk nuts isle, ginormous salad bar and sampling tables. 

Well, the other day at work I was rambling on about my out-of-control obsession with Whole Foods Market, and a coworker responded, “You Mean ‘Whole Pay Check?'” While at first I laughed, I got to thinking about how true that statement actually is. 
Seriously, every time I walk into Whole Foods, even if I’m just getting a small salad for lunch, I spend at least $10. Then on the days I actually go on a shopping spree, I rack up a quick $50 in no time!
Do we really have to throw away our entire pay checks just to eat healthy? Why must we pay such a great price to stay healthy and fit?
Well, good news is, we don’t.
I’ve now thrown aside my Whole Foods phase, and have moved onto good ol’ Trader Joe’s, and couldn’t be happier about my smart decision.
Trader Joe’s has many of the same options as Whole Foods, but for much cheaper prices. Their vegetables, organic items, meals to go and signature chips, various nut butters and dips could … Read More!

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7 Savory Money Savers: Healthy Choices to Save Big Bucks at the Supermarket

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1. Sweet potatoes (about 50 cents a pop and so darn delicious)

2. Eggs (Got a dozen for $1.79 the other day–thats about 15 cents per egg…can’t get much cheaper than that!)
3. Brown Rice (Buy it in the bulk section at any health food store for MUCH cheaper than boxed varieties, and this allows you to buy as much as you want)
4. Canned Tuna (Always a cheap favorite of mine–buy it in a big package of 6 or 12 for cheaper)
5. Apples: This time of year, they have bagged ones at grocery stores from local farms for great deals.  The other day I bought a dozen for $3.00, which is excellent considering they go for $2.00 a pop sometimes. Fall is also the perfect time of year to go apple picking with your guy or friends…you can pick ‘n’ eat as you go too!) 
6. Oatmeal 
7. Bananas-soooo cheap…got some today at Trader Joe’s for 19 cents each!

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LATE to Bed, Early to Rise. . .

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OK, so I know how important sleep is. . . get your 8 hours of sleep each night, blah blah blah. But last night I ending up going to bed around 1 a.m. because I couldn’t sleep from the jitters my black coffee gave me that  I had around 7 p.m. (I know, stupid move, especially when I am no longer a daily java-consumer as I used to be). 


But anyway, my point is that even though I went to bed so late, I still forced myself to resist pressing the snooze button on my 6 a.m. alarm and was able to drag myself out of bed this morning for a 7:15 bootcamp with Jaylin Allen from AIR Personal Fitness (Thanks Jaylin, great class today!) 

And the funny part is that I wasn’t even that tired. In fact, while it may sound contradictory, waking up early to exercise actually made me more energized than ever! I had previously planned to go back to bed immediately after class, but I instead find myself awake, perky and ready to start my day (and already blogging!) 

I have to admit that with my new cave like room in Boston (the sun doesn’t shine … Read More!

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Healthy Tip of the Day: Make Your Own Din!

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Save money and cals by making your own din tonight! Get your roomies or fam involved too, assigning different tasks to each person. Tonight, I made a delicious egg white omelet with tomatoes, avocado, spinach, oregano and basil. Both super cheap and super delish. 


Other quick healthy dinner suggestions are brown rice with veggies, a large sweet potato with toppings of choice, a turkey burger with a side salad or chicken/veggie fajitas! Be creative, and you’ll find plenty of ways to savor the flavor and save some cash at the same time. 

What are some of your favorite easy, healthy homemade dinners? 
… Read More!

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Budgeting Your Moolah the Healthy Way

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Hi all! Sorry I haven’t written in a few days. I have been moving into my apartment in Boston…and settling into the city. So far, I must say I am absolutely in love with everything about the area so far. From people watching on the t, sitting in quaint little cafes, walking everywhere I go and exploring the city, life has been good. No, I take that back: life has been great.

Anyway, the one thing that is not great about city life is how fast your money can go. I’ve found in the past few days that I am realllyyyy going to need to learn how to budget my bank account in Boston. 

Here, 5 ways to budget your money the healthy way:

1. Make your own coffee/tea at home: Do you realize that those daily trips to Dunkin Donuts and Starbuck’s are damaging your bank account, majorly? Instead, purchase a coffee pot or tea kettle (split it with your roomies if you can) and make your own drinks at home cafe style. You can even add your own personal touch of love!

2. Research Farmer’s Markets: Today, I came across the cutest little Farmer’s Market by Kendall … Read More!

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Question of the Day: When Do YOU Feel Your Most Confident and Sexy Self?

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I know this may sound strange, but I always feel my “best self” when I’m wearing barely any makeup, tight yoga pants, and a fitted tank. Maybe it’s because it’s my typical gym outfit, and when I’m at the gym I feel good about myself, so I’m correlating the two? There’s also nothing like coming back from a long run, sweat dripping down your face with that phenomenal feeling aka an adrenaline rush.


But, I’d like to know what does it for you. Whether it’s a certain dress, a specific activity you take part in or even a special perfume, what is the #1 thing that makes you feel absolutely gorgeous, sexy ‘n’ strong inside and out?… Read More!

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Cool Idea: Meal on the Go

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I had this light meal for dinner last night, and let me tell you: boy oh boy did it hit the spot. Have this anytime you need to eat on the run, great for lunch or dinner. Also, this is a great option for any of you with allergies, because there is no soy, gluten or wheat and it’s preservative free!


What you’ll need:
–1 Bahama Rice Burger, Original Beach Griller (or other flavor of your choice)
-1 small/medium sized sweet potato 
-2 TB Smart Balance butter
-1 TB olive oil for cooking
-salt and pepper

1. Poke holes in the sweet potato and pop in the microwave for 6 to 8 minutes, or wrap in tin foil and bake in conventional oven on 350 for about 35 minutes. 

2. In the meantime, spread olive oil on frying pan set at medium heat, and cook veggie burger according to directions, for about 4 minutes. 

3. Mash up sweet potato with the Smart Balance butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve along side the veggie burger, and pile on toppings of your choice. Some suggestions: a TB of ketchup, drizzle of yellow mustard, 1/2 TB light mayo, … Read More!

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