New Year, More Intentional YOU: A Feel-Good Approach TO New Year’s Resolutions

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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!

Healthy Chicks in the Community: Meet Calli Pappas of Eat, Run & Everything in Between

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Happy New Year, beauties! As you probably know by now, I am so not a fan of the typical New Year’s resolutions i.e. lose the weight, join the gym, buy the house — unless that’s truly what your soul desires, that is. Rather, I’m all about setting feel good intentions based on how you want to feel vs. what you want to have.

If you need a little help setting feel good resolutions that actually stick, check out my article over on WELL Insiders. No gym membership required!

Alrighty, onto this month’s Healthy Chicks in the Community feature, Calli Pappas! As a yogini and wellness advocate, Calli shares all about the work she does in Corporate Social Responsibility, her love for large salad bowls (um, yes please!) and her side passion writing for her blog Eat, Run & Everything in Between. I’ll let Calli take it from here!

NAME: Calli Pappas

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS/LINE OF WORK: Full Time Gig: HR / Corporate Social Responsibility at a Healthcare company / Part Time: Yoga Sculpt instructor at Corepower Yoga and SLT instructor in training. On the side, I have my blog Eat, Run & Everything in Between and I’m … Read More!

Baby’s First Christmas {The Holiday Season Through the Eyes of 4 Month Old Isabella Rose}

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Last year mommy was wishing for me — she even received an ornament that said just “Believe.” Little did you know, I was already on the way, a magical journey just like Santa’s sleigh.

“It’s a Christmas miracle,” mommy shouted when she took the test. I was just a tiny poppyseed then, so I don’t really remember the rest. This Christmas, you get to actually hold me in your arms nice and tight, as the stars twinkle all through the night.

You took me to this place with a warm fire & lots of different shaped trees. “That’s the one!” daddy pointed and shouted with glee! I may have been sleeping for most of the trip, but I still had fun sucking my thumb and minding my own business.

Daddy likes the colored lights just like me, decorated with pretty ornaments on our Christmas Tree. This year I get special ones made with my name — Isabella Rose — and they twinkle in the night just like Rudolph’s red nose. When you feed me in the morning we listen to Christmas songs like Santa Claus is Coming to Town, but I’d have to say my very favorite is the album Read More!

‘Tis the Season to Take Care of YOU: 5 Tips for a Peaceful & Healthy Holiday Season

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‘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!

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Healthy Chicks in the Community Series: Meet Social Media Influencer Elissa Garza of Style Wire

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December is here! Can you believe it? I’ve been busy this week taking part in holiday vendor fairs for Spark Your Bliss, and also ruined a big batch of truffles trying to be all cute and D.I.Y for gifts so there’s that. But we’re getting our Christmas tree this morning, and I’ve been loving experiencing the joy of the season with our little one!

Alrighty, it’s time for this month’s feature on Healthy Chicks in the Community, a series highlighting rockstar Girl Bosses doing their thang in the wellness world and beyond.

Today we’re chatting with Elissa Garza of Style-Wire! As a Social Media Influencer & Consultant, this Boston babe shares all about starting her own business and her love for her dog/BFF, Bubzy. I’ll let Elissa take it from here!

NAME: Elissa Garza

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS/LINE OF WORK: Social Media Influencer & Consultant

WHERE YOU LIVE: Chelsea, MA

HOW YOU SERVE THE COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUR WORK: I always aim to serve my followers and clients through content; whether it’s sharing local events, supporting local charities, or just reminding my followers that I’m human and struggle too, I try to make a positive impact on everyone.

NUMBER … Read More!

Spark Your Bliss in Health magazine!

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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!

A Doula, What? The Ins & Outs of Hiring a Doula for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond

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I can’t believe it’s almost been 3 months since we welcomed our beautiful little girl into this world. Suddenly the 48+ hours of painful contractions and early all-nighter feeding frenzies are a daze, and I now understand how people have more than one kid!

While much of my experience is hazy, one thing I know is certain: my experience wouldn’t have been nearly as sweet without my angel of a doula, Emma O’Brien of Lavandoula.

Not only did she answer all of my crazy pregnancy questions (Um, is that normal?! How will I know when it’s really go-time?), but she stayed with us throughout my lengthy labor. She even spent the night on our couch to console me during my painful back labor and helped me advocate for myself when the doctor wanted to induce me early due to a high blood pressure false alarm.

Seriously, she’s a superhero in my eyes! Not to mention, we bonded over our love affair with bone broth and essential oils.

When I told people I hired a doula, I received a mix of excitement and skepticism. A do-what? So I decided to interview my doula Emma to chat about the day … Read More!

6 Healthy Ways to Ditch The Food Fear & Navigate Eating at Holiday Parties Like a Champ

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! However, unfortunately holiday parties can bring on quite a bit of anxiety…especially around food. It’s common to feel anxious, guilty or even fearful over what you’re going to eat at your next social gathering. Sound familiar? No worries! Here are 6 healthy ways to navigate eating at holiday parties like a champ (without giving up apple pie).

1. Bring a Homemade Dish

Consider bringing a homemade dish to your next holiday gathering! Rather than focusing on the calories or fat content, focus on the beautiful, nourishing ingredients that go into your meal. Follow Mother Nature’s lead by cooking with seasonal produce like winter squash, apples, pears, sweet potatoes, beets, and of course — an extra dose of love!

2. Slow Down

The holidays only come once a year, and so does grandma’s famous mashed potatoes. Why race through them? Instead, take a deep breath before your meal, slow down and enjoy yourself. Relish in the flavors, the smell and the texture, and thoroughly soak in every last bite.

3. Celebrate the Experience

If eating at holiday parties brings you a lot of anxiety (trust me, I’ve been there), try shifting the focus … Read More!