In the midst of everyone talking about New Year’s resolutions, goals and accomplishments, I’m much more concerned about how you want to feel, and just as importantly — why?
In fact, before you even think about crafting your vision board or vowing to go to the gym X times a week, I think it’s crucial to get crystal clear on how you want to feel first.
For me, 2019 was all about living in the flow. Here’s what I posted on my instagram last January:
“This year, my intention is for things to flow more freely — money, new friendships, this beautiful life as a new mama. Yes, there will be work to do (because #GirlBoss) but things don’t have to be ‘hard.'”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsdNr-UASs3/
Reflecting back on my past year, I’d say I definitely felt in the flow. Things felt easier, I didn’t try so darn hard and I was happy with a simpler life. That doesn’t mean it was boring; I simply embraced a life without the hustle.
Some highlights from the year included seeing Fleetwood Mac live in concert, celebrating my 5 year anniversary with hubby, moving back to Connecticut to be closer to … Read More!
Christmas is less than a week away! If you’re still wrapping up your shopping list, here are five feel-good gift ideas for your soul sisters. Best part? You can buy them all online from the comfort of your couch (fuzzy slippers, hot cocoa stains and all).
For the friend who’s obsessed with horoscopes, vision boards and journaling, you can’t go wrong with a deck of positive affirmation cards. My Spark Your Bliss deck comes with 36 cards, each with a word, affirmation, journaling exercise and action steps.
For the Mama Bear
Image courtesy of Brooke & Jess Designs via Amazon.com
This cute Mama Bear mug comes in a variety of colors, and is perfect for your mama BFF. Holding 14 oz., this mug will get you through those mornings you need an extra large coffee.
Your clean-beauty-obsessed gal pal with love adding face rolling to her morning routine! This Jade Face Roller is under $15, and is said to work wonders for anti-aging, puffiness and relaxation benefits.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and also the busiest. Between last-minute holiday shopping and hustling to hit those year-end work deadlines, it may feel like you’re go-go-go this time of year.
That’s why when it comes to cooking, I’m all about making it as simple as possible — without compromising on flavor. Looking for an easy app to add to your repertoire? Ditch your go-to supermarket veggie platter and instead make these Goat Cheese & Sundried Tomato Baked Mushrooms for your next dinner party!
They’re super savory, simple and will add festive touch to your holiday spread! Plus they’re infused with European Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a boost in healthy fats and flavor.
Now that you saved some time in the kitchen, you can kick back, relax and watch Elf with a big ol’ cup of hot chocolate. You totally deserve it!
Happy December, beauties…hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend with friends and family! The first snowfall has officially arrived, and we’ve got Charlie Brown Christmas playing on repeat over here.
As we enter the new month, it’s time for another feature on Healthy Chicks in the Community, a monthly series highlighting rockstar Girls Bosses doing their thang in the wellness world! I’m honored to highlight fellow mama and business owner Caryn Phillips of MomLife Health and Wellness. As a physical therapist (specializing in pelvic floor and perinatal health), Caryn helps busy mamas take back control of their bodies — making self care a priority. Can we get an Amen to that?!
In this month’s inspiring interview, we chat with Caryn about her work as a perinatal physical therapist, glute muscles and why grapefruit it her go-to!
NAME:
Caryn Phillips
DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS/LINE OF WORK:
I have been a pelvic health and perinatal physical therapist for 9+ years. I now own my own business, MomLife Health and Wellness, providing in-office and in-home session to women, moms (new and veteran) and expecting moms.
WHERE YOU LIVE:
This can be to work on anything from pregnancy-related pain, to core strengthening … Read More!
The holiday season is full of joy, peppermint mochas and first snowfalls, but it may also bring up anxiety and difficult feelings for some.
One of my favorite “tricks” to stay in a positive mindset is practicing gratitude. And no, it’s not just reserved for Thanksgiving time.
Personally, I keep a gratitude journal, writing down a few things I’m grateful for each morning. It sounds super simple but this practice has been monumental in my life, and consistently keeps me in check when I’m feeling low or “not enough.”
Want to give it a try yourself? Here are some other ways to incorporate gratitude this holiday season:
Grab an old mason jar, and create a gratitude jar by dropping in a post-it note each night. Feel free to get the family involved too!
Before diving into the feast, go around the table at Thanksgiving to share what you’re grateful for
Tell a friend or coworker how much you appreciate them, and why
Pay it forward
Want more? I’m co-teaching a Gratitude Workshop at The Barre CT on 11/30. Enjoy a yoga flow followed by a guided meditation and affirmation workshop with me!
Mama, you are doing a better job than you think you’re doing.
The other night I spent 2+ hours in the kitchen preparing “Christmas Chicken,” rice, and homemade hummus (yes, I squeezed my own lemons and everything). Yes, it was epic.
And while one instagram picture may look like I’m “Suzy Homemaker” and have it all together, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, the day before I felt like a hot mess, and it was a mishmash of leftovers and frozen pizza. And you know what? That’s OK; you are still nourishing your family.
Some days you may feel like you’re totally rocking the working mom life, and other days you question what the heck you’re even doing. That’s OK too; you are doing your best.
There are times that #momlife looks like giggles, sweet kisses and picture-perfect baby + me days, and other times you’re lucky if you can squeeze in a shower, enjoy a hot cup of coffee or make it through the day without crying. Either way, you’re still a great mom.
You fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans one month postpartum? High five. You’re still carrying on the “baby weight” … Read More!
I don’t know about you, but this time of year has me feeling all warm and cozy inside. It’s time for fuzzy slippers, hearty chili and lazy Football Sundays — and I’m here for it all.
Alrighty, it’s time for this month’s feature on Healthy Chicks in the Community, a monthly series highlighting rockstar Girl Bosses doing their thang in the wellness world. This month, we have the pleasure of connecting with HeHe Stewart of Tranqulity by HeHe…and I couldn’t be more excited!
As the creator of The Birth Lounge and The Birth Lounge Podcast, this rockstar empowers women to navigate the woes of pregnancy and “Birth like a Queen” — without fear & anxiety — through her one-of-a-kind maternity concierge services. I’m so grateful there are women like HeHe in the world, as I know firsthand how monumental it is to have support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum journey.
In this inspiring interview, we chat about her evidence-based approach, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and doulas, and why Meghan Markle is her forever #girlcrush.
Don’t miss her FREE live masterclass on 11/6 on how to avoid a cesarean birth. BONUS: The Healthy Chicks tribe gets $5 … Read More!
Fall brings lots of action — from kid’s sporting events to new business opportunities — and you’re likely meeting lots of new faces along the way. Some of these connections you’ll naturally “vibe” with, while other relationships may feel a little icky or not right (and that’s OK too, BTW).
I challenge you to open yourself up to receiving the kind of relationships that will be a good fit for you, lift you up and help you grow.
Here are some practical tips for creating meaningful connections:
Join a New Group
If you’re craving connection, one of the best places to start is your local community! I recommend joining a networking group, moms club or business meetup.
While it can be a little nerve-wracking being the “new kid on the block,” it’s exciting to mingle with new people. Plus, I’ll bet you everyone else felt just as awkward as you do their first time.
Spark Your Creativity
Consider signing up for a class that sparks your creativity like painting, photography or jewelry-making.
You’ll ignite your inner artist, have a little fun, and meet other like-minded folks you can hang with outside the classroom.
