Healthy Chicks

As you know, I’m usually not a fan of “quick fixes.” I believe in a whole, individualized approach to health & wellness (meaning small, gradual changes make big differences and many things effect our health in different ways) and I greatly despise the word D-I-E-T. Living a healthy, pure lifestyle isn’t just a checklist that you do once to see results; rather it’s the day-to-day that counts.

That being said, there are a few things I practice nearly every day to feel happier, healthier, and more whole in the moment. Yes, these little tips will work better if you combine them with other methods that personally work for you, but this is a great jump-start. Like I said, little changes = big differences.

4 Things I Do Every Day for My Health:

#1 I attempt to cook at least two, ideally three of my meals myself. Doing this allows me to know exactly what’s going into my food, and essentially into my body. I love dining out just as much as the next girl, but quite frankly it doesn’t always work for my budget not my taste buds. Cooking allows me to have delectable roasted veggie omelets for … Read More!

1. The fact that you can still wear your absolute favorite summer dress just one more time (even if this past weekend was the last)

2. That running outside is pleasurable yet again, especially with the scenic fall leaves & wind blowing in your hair

3. Pumpkin everything. Have you tried adding it to your oatmeal yet? If not, I highly suggest you do.

4. The fact that candy corn was on sale for .89 cents the other day at CVS, reminding you that it’s OK enjoy a handful here and there (and to act like a kid again)

5. Hayrides, hot cocoa, cornstalks and apple cider everywhere

6. The discovery that adding a few chocolate chips to your coffee & then stirring = pure bliss.

7. Fall vegetables. Hello acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash. Try one of my favorite ways with butternut squash here.

What’s got you grinning from ear to ear?

XoXo,

… Read More!

summer on a plate – fresh blueberries, sliced banana, & agave syrup topped waffles

Happy June 21st all, you know the first day of summer – the absolute best season in the world! Not only is it the season of loving, but it’s also the season of fireworks, my birthday (24 in two weeks – eek!), BBQs, the ocean, pretty flowers in your hair, clam bakes and lobster fests, blueberry pickin’, frozen yogurt and freshly squeezed margaritas (on the rocks).

With that unfortunately comes the season of mosquito bites, bad hair days, pit stains and even worse – smelling other people’s sweat while squished in between a random dude’s crotch on the train. Not fun.

However, I choose to think of the delightful things summer has to offer! I guess that’s just the kind of person I am. I always try to see the good in things, and tend to push aside the not-so-good. Call me annoying or “too happy,” but that’s how I am and have always been.

On that note, the other day I had a not-so-pleasant experience I thought it was time to share with you all: I had my first ever anxiety attack out of no … Read More!

I have a confession: As happy-g0-lucky-kinda-girl that I am, I sometimes feel a little “off” inside, as I know many who can relate. That “Off”-ness can mean many things to many different people, whether it’s feeling torn, confused, scared, or even having a little less confidence in yourself than usual.

It’s a difficult thing to put a finger on because the feeling comes from within, and you are the owner of it. It’s not something a mani-pedi, glass of red wine, or five hour conversation with your best friend can fix. I’ve come to realize that when you are not feeling your best, 100% self, only you can give yourself the strength and courage to bounce back.

So how do you bounce back? How do you bring yourself to the mental state of assurance, happiness, and “OK”? That’s something we all struggle with from time to time, but here’s a few ways to start:

• Play your favorite, inspirational song over and over and over again. Currently I like anything by Adele or Ingrid Michaelson.
• Make a happy list. Yes, composed of everything in your life right now that fills your little soul with happiness.
• Live in the present,

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Can you believe it’s already June 2nd? Where oh where did the time go? I’m not complaining however, because June means we’re closer to summer (only 19 days away as a matter of fact) which means lots of fun in the sun! Anyway, if you’re human, I know you could always use an extra smile to get you through the day. Here are 11 surefire things to get you grinning in no time. Go ahead, don’t hold  back!

1. It’s the season of BBQs. That means you can eat that cheeseburger or extra rib (or two) without the guilt, that is as long as you go easy on dessert. Remember, being healthy is all about balance, and if you make good decisions 90% of the time, one extra ‘dog isn’t gonna kill you.

2. You can wear white and rock it proudly. White shorts. Long white summer dresses. White button down flow-y blouses. Deck yourself out in white. It’s a beautiful color on you!

3. Flowers, flowers everywhere. They are now in full bloom! Pick a big juicy purple one and put it in your hair…just don’t get caught!

4. Summer cocktails are everywhere now that the … Read More!

This coming week, I’m going to focus very hard on finding harmony and balance in my life. Not over-analyzing everything. Not thinking too much about the future, nor too much about the past. On just going with the flow. I believe that if you let yourself think, do, and say as you please in the moment, you will ultimately find that place of harmony and happiness you’ve been looking for.

What goals have you set for yourself this upcoming week?… Read More!

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I love making people smile. It’s just something I love to do. Normally I’d give you a hug or tickle you or attempt to tell you a funny joke or outrageous story about my life, but since I can’t do that, I figured this is the next best thing…Here, 21 reasons to smile now. Why 21? Because it’s my family’s lucky number and was also my grandma Carol’s lucky number and I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately! Grandma, this one is for you <3

1. iced coffee season!

2. spring-y dresses

3. wine & cheese…outside on the porch

4. it’s that time…you know the time of the season for loving

5. flip-flop weather…a gal can never own too many flip-flops!

6. little colorful surprise post-it notes left on your desk, mirror or lunch box

7. lots of upcoming wine & food fests like the Spring Wine Fest this weekend

8. SoWa Open Market starts this weekend & so do lotso’ local Farmer’s markets (helllooo fresh veggies)

9. having a lucky streak & believing it was fate

10. waking up to birds chirping ‘n’ sunlight

11. ending a long, stressful day with a soothing yoga … Read More!

Good afternoon ladies! Hope you all made it through the Monday blues, and now that it’s Tuesday have a smile on your face. Lately, I’ve been one smiley girl as I realize I have lots to be happy about: my relationship, my super sweet North End apartment (come September), my amazing friends whom I keep in touch with even when far away, my (sometimes crazy) family, the fact that I can buy coffee out again now that Lent is over (helllooo venti iced coffee from Starbucks) and the bag of Munson’s Chocolate The Easter Bunny i.e. my mom got me for Easter.

If you’re looking for another reason to smile, I suggest you try this super easy pasta dish I made the other night – perfect for a nice spring evening when you’re looking for something light, simple and delicious. I know how much we all HATE being bloated after an overwhelming amount of spaghetti, but this dish left me feeling satisfied, rather than uncomfortably full.

Easy Broccoli, Tomato & Pesto Pasta for One

-1/2 c. whole wheat pasta* (*Use brown rice pasta if you have a sensitivity to gluten/wheat like me)

-1/2 c. frozen broccoli (I bought mine … Read More!