why i quit my job to go back to working for myself (and how i got the nerves to do it)

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Flashback to about one month ago. I had just landed a promotion at work for my dream company, and was living the high-life — traveling from Boston to New York City to Connecticut back to Boston to DC. “We’re so proud of you!” everyone around me exclaimed. My life was in fast-pace and I was riding the wave…it felt a little crazy but I liked it. I felt recognized, important, like I was growing.

Until it didn’t really feel all that good anymore. The first time I felt things were off was on my plane ride home from Washington DC after I fully accepted this new position. I had this intense, anxious pit in my stomach but couldn’t really pinpoint what was going on. And so I ignored it. “You’re fine… you’re just nervous. It’s natural to be a little nervous,” I told myself. I closed my eyes and shut it out…and landed back to Boston feeling back to myself (well, at least for a bit).

A few days later, I was setting my career goals for the next month, quarter and year and that familiar feeling came back…this time much more fierce than before. As I looked at … Read More!

NBGNO EVENT ANNOUCEMENT: BOOTY + ARM READY

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Boston ladies, summer is here (well almost) and it’s time to embrace the beauty of the season! And what screams summer like cocktails, bumpin’ beats, movement, and spending the night mingling + laughing with your best gal pals?

Fortunately you can do all of that and more at Boston’s next New Balance Girls Night Out event! Find all the important deets below. Oh, and did I mention I’ll be hosting again? 😉

WHO: You! Grab your best gal pals or show up solo to make some new friends for summer…is there really a better way to kick off the season? I’ll be the host of the evening — you can find me all mic’d up likely wearing my NB fresh foams! And New Balance Ambassador + bad-ass Sarah Kusch will be leading you in a booty + arm workout like no other. Get ready to sweat!

WHAT: The theme of the night is “Booty + Arm Ready.” Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a fitness model or have arms sculpted like the celebs to join in on the fun. In fact, it’s quite the contrary! To me, “booty + arm ready” has much more to do with your … Read More!

What If Less really is more?: A Small Good Thing {A Review}

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Do you believe that you have to work  60-70+ hours a week, buy all the nice things and have a steady job with a salary (and benefits!) to be fully happy? Got the whole work hard, live hard thing a bit backwards? Feel like you always need to do more, more more?

I sure did. I thought that if I worked really hard, made good money and got a “real job” I’d be all set for life.

Only problem? I was listening to everyone else, except the most important person: myself. Rather than listen to my heart & keep the whole “In think I can” mentality, I allowed others to constantly tell me I “can’t,” I’m crazy and that my big dream, entrepreneurial ways are “not the way to make money.”

But is there more to life than that? I have a tiny voice is my head saying there is… and I’m willing to take the risk and get super vulnerable to find out.

The other week, I gave my notice at my “real” big girl job (with salary and benefits and the whole sha-bang!) to pursue my dreams in working for myself again. The thing is: I loved my … Read More!

On Learning to Listen + Trust in the Universe

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I have a confession to make: I worry a lot.

Like a lot, a lot.

As an empathetic, emotional cancer-the-crab, I have this innate sense of concern for myself + others that’s pretty darn hard to shake. It’s not necessarily a bad thing (I think everyone in my family including my husband to some extent appreciates the constant reminders to drive slow during a snow storm and call me immediately upon their return. Well, maybe.) Regardless, it is a part of who I am.

Of all the worries in the world, the one that sticks with me most is fear of the future. I can’t help but wonder, “Are we all going to make it through this crazy, beautiful, fabulous life OK?” And in a world of constant surprises + wonderings, it drives me absolutely mad to NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. If only I had a crystal ball…

Is this rational? Probably not. But it is who I am, and I’m learning to embrace that.

When I went to an energy reading a few weeks ago, the therapist said something that really stuck with me: “You have a fear associated to there being no real … Read More!

Fit2Fly Healthy Travel Tips {+ A Giveaway}

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When I first graduated college, my dream was to become a big-shot NYC magazine editor. I envisioned myself running around on assignments, traveling and living the highlife. I also remember being super envious of my friends who scored jobs where they could travel. Visiting different cities? Spending the night in swanky hotel rooms? Room service? I wanted a piece of that glamorous life.

Needless to say, little-old-me took a different path, and in doing so my old aspirations began to shift. And while I do have to travel from time-to-time for work, I quickly realized how not-so-glamourous the whole 24/7 travel thing can be. Along with room service + first class seating also comes added pressure, lack of sleep, and the struggles of finding something healthy to eat on-the-go. Not to mention, traveling can also be downright stressful.

Do wellness + traveling really go hand-in-hand?

Maybe not traditionally, but over the years I’ve gathered little tips ‘n’ tricks to bring back that “glamour” (+fun!) to traveling once again, while still making healthy choices to boot. After all, there’s no reason to compromise your own wellbeing for flying points — so why not do both. With Fit2Fly week approaching (more … Read More!

A Healthy Chick’s Guide to Ringing in Spring: 10 things to do right now for health + happiness

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Spring is finally in the air (at least here in Boston!) I can’t tell you how truly happy I was yesterday morning when I woke up to sunshine, 70-degree-weather and that oh so joyful feeling of utter bliss. I put on my new maxi dress ‘n shades, head outside and didn’t look back. There’s something about spring that gives me a newfound sense of renewal and passion, which I’m sure many of you can relate to.

Ready to ring in spring with an extra pep in your step, the Healthy Chick way that is? Here are 10 things to do right now.

1. Set Your Intention Spring is a time for new beginnings and change! Take out your journal and get really clear about your intention for the season. Think about what you want…and then ask yourself why. Right now my intention is around clarity, self-care and being true to myself.

2. Take a Spa Day Literally. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to spend an evening at Boston’s newest organic day spa, Spa Day. This hidden oasis on Washington St. makes you feel like you’re miles and miles away from the city. While I was … Read More!

A New Kind of To-DO List: The Happiness Journal

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Remember when I took part in the 100 Happy Days Challenge last year? Each day — no matter how crappy the weather or crappy your day — you were to photograph one thing that made you happy. And that I did.

I found such a great amount of joy living in the present + seeking out little things each day that truly made me happy, no matter how silly or insignificant they may have seemed to others. It’s what makes you happy that truly matters.

Flash forward approximately one year later from when I started the challenge, and I’ve yet again found myself drawn to look at my happiness levels, to look within. I’ve realized that I’ve been working so darn hard to make everyone else happy + get sh*t done that I’ve started to let go of some of the fundamental things that make me shine bright. That is, the things that make me me.

Something as little as spending an hour unplugged with the hubby, cooking a homemade dinner or taking 60 minutes out of the day to sweat can go a long way in filling up my “happiness tank.”

And so I’ve decided to create one … Read More!

5 Healthy Finds I’m Loving Right Now {Beauty, Fitness, Wellness, Fashion + Food}

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Well, it’s officially Daylight Saving Time, and I’m praying/hoping/dreaming that we really do indeed “spring ahead.”

But in the meantime as I continue to freeze my butt off, share Ubers with strangers to work, and recoup from the Boston Blizzards of 2015, I’ve also been having a lot of fun navigating some new + exciting healthy finds. Hey, when the weather gets rough, spend your paycheck on things that are good for your health. Am I right or am I right? Hey, at least it makes things seem a little sunnier! Below are my latest obsessions.

BEAUTY FIND: Love Lettuce Face Mask, LUSH, $6.95

Last week while visiting my lovely friends at LUSH Cosmetics, I was given a tub of their “Love Lettuce” fresh face mask. Made with natural, soothing ingredients like lavender, almond oil, and honey, this mask is intended to give dull skin a renewed glow while balancing oily t-zones.  The product also contains ground almonds for an all-natural exfoliating effect!

Since my skin can be on the sensitive side, I tested it out on my nose and neck last night and fell in love. I can’t wait to try it out on my entire … Read More!