happiness

Hump Day Lesson of the Day: When Life Gives You Lemons…

5 Comments / Food & Recipes /

As I mentioned on Friday, things are looking up for this here Healthy Chick. I’m making it a point this week to give myself a break, be a little easier on myself, and have a little more faith in all things in life: my relationships, my job outlook, my future writing career, myself. Yesterday’s 75 minute yoga class definitely helped me get to a place of calm…a place of belief. I’ve decided I’m going to make practicing yoga a regular part of my life again…I’ve missed the way it makes me feel. It’s an indescribable feeling of being on top of the world, like the entire world is at your finger tips for you to control.

Anyway, when things got a little sour last week, I decided to make the best of the situation and make lemonade for the boy and I. Yes, homemade lemonade (I actually squeezed all the lemons myself…what a workout!) Then I created a delicious Mango & Black Bean salsa to pair with our lemonade for a little outdoor picnic of sorts. It was much needed, and we both agreed I nailed the two recipes:

When Life Gives You Lemons Lemonade

–3/4 c. organic sugar … Read More!

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Things are Lookin Up and Friday Faves

4 Comments / Lifestyle /

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Happy Friday to all my lovely readers! How was your week? I’m happy to say that things (aka my mood lately) is looking up…way up. I’m beginning to realize that I am 23 years old and this is the time to enjoy life, rather than stress about things. There is a whole lot of years and stressing ahead of us, after all! When I put it that way, things like minor relationship disagreements and freaking out for not having a “real” job suddenly don’t seem to matter. It’s the important things in life that really matter, eh? When I think of it that way, I remain happy. You should try it. OK, enough of that… on to my Friday Faves!

1. Chai Tea: I’m a coffee drinker, therefore I never really dabble in tea when I go out to a cafe. But since I gave off buying coffee out for Lent, I’ve been thinking (and drinking) out of the box. The other day I had my first Chai Tea latte and it was amazing. I asked for less sugar/more milk and it was the absolute perfect pick-me-up on a rainy day.

2. Hugs: Really, there is nothing … Read More!

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28 Things To Smile About Right Now

1 Comment / Lifestyle /

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I think we could all use an extra smile every now and then…particularly lately. There’s just something about this month that has put me – and many people I’ve been talking to – into a major funk. So since it’s the 28th and this long month is almost over, I’ve put together a list of 28 things to smile about right now. It sure has got me feeling all warm & fuzzy inside. Enjoy!

1. European-style cafes – they are just so quaint & classy

2. The joy you get from a simple hug

3. Family dinners

4. Temps are starting to hit 50s & 60s…bye-bye teens!

5. Freshly brewed tea…the kind where you can see the petals, herbs and whatever else they put in there

6. Free re-fils

7. Sunshine – it gives you an excuse to wear your aviators everywhere

8. The simplicity of T-shirts & jeans

9. A good ol’ competitive game of Cranium with the crew

10. Spring-y scarves with flowers & bright colors

11. Purple nail polish

12. A long, much-needed chat with an old friend

13. Finding a lucky penny on the ground…and really believing in it

14. Spring-esque candles like … Read More!

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A Tasty and Fat Free Recipe: 7 Ingredients for a Great Day

2 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

[it’s the little things in life like this heart-shaped foam in my latte]

Yesterday was just one of those all around great days. You know, one of those days where everything just seems to be going your way…like the universe or astrological signs or whatever are on your side. It was nice seeing as though I had my fair share of “blah” days the past few weeks and thought it was due time for the opposite.

First of all, things are starting to look OK in the unemployed realm, as I’m pretty sure I scored myself some means of income. Then I found out that my younger sister got into grad school – her #1 choice – IN BOSTON! I couldn’t be more proud of her…she definitely worked hard for this, and couldn’t be more deserving. Plus, we are going to be roommates next year. Get ready for TWO Healthy Chicks in the kitchen.

Yesterday I also booked a “me vacation” to MIAMI from Sunday to Friday to visit an old friend from college and work on my tan. Hey, when the room is already paid for and your dad can use his miles on cheap flights, how could a … Read More!

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The Journey to My Happy Weight Sans Dieting

15 Comments / Health & Wellness, Lifestyle /

The other day when I was home spending time with the family, I decided to step on the scale for old time’s sake. I couldn’t believe what I saw. I had lost a whopping 10 pounds from what I was a year and a half ago when I graduated college…by not even trying. I looked up at my dad and said “Wow, why do you think I’m the most fit I’ve ever been in my life? What do you think it is?” He agreed that I indeed looked different, in shape…and glowing. “I know what it is,” he said smirking. “You’re happier and less stressed and in loooooooveeeee,” he said, mocking me.

While I’m most definitely not in love, I have to say he’s right: I am extremely happy lately for a number of reasons. It’s like all of the sudden things in my life are starting to make sense and fall together.

Then this morning I had another big ‘wow’ moment. I slipped on a pair of skinny jeans that haven’t fit me in quite some time, and they slid right on. I felt good, real good.

This is awesome. I don’t have to count calories, watch what I … Read More!

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