A Way to Start Your Day

All hail early risers... (or wannabes)!  You know what they say, “the early bird gets the worm,” so, why not make the best of your day and get up early with the other movers and shakers?  I’m sure you’ve heard the countless studies linking early risers to health and success—so, why argue statistics?  Just roll with it!  There are never enough hours in the day but if you start early, you find the ability to accomplish more than you've ever known!

Okay, off my soap box.  I get up around 6am every workday, whether I feel like it or not.  Luckily, my boyfriend rises at just about the time (if not earlier), so there is some motivation to get up and get moving.  I make myself a piping hot cup of coffee, knock off small chores around house… relax on the couch, admire the awakening city skyline and bust out my laptop for a good read.  I always look forward to my morning reading routine.  Without coffee, none of this would happen before 8am, I ensure you.

I read all sorts of material: fashion blogs, trending news, career oriented articles, industry/trade publications … pretty much anything that will capture my attention early in the morning (it really varies day to day)!  

Just this week, I signed up for theSkimm, after reading a write-up about the company in Fast Company.  TheSkimm delivers news to your email inbox every morning condensing major headlines into a manageable one-page brief.   TheSkimm entered the marketplace aiming to create a better news experience for busy professionals, particularly millennial women.  I guess I fit that demo!

Note: theSkimm isn’t for all.  Some might even find the one-page daily news feed non-educational, lacking of substance or even just downright “unprofessional”.  I admit the tone of the content is written in non-formal, millennial-speak; but, I love the creativity and voice of the editorial.  TheSkimm is exactly what they proclaim: they do the reading (across subject and party lines) and break the news down with fresh editorial content.  It’s kind of like having your best friend fill you in on current events over coffee.

Save those extra zzz’s for the weekend.  Get up early and subscribe to theSkimm! 

Workin' Nine to Five

So I have been “back to work” for approximately a week now and one thing is for sure; I need to keep my office diet in-check!  I'm now being tempted by the break room goodies, caffeinated sodas and coffee pick-me-ups, lunch outings, corporate parties and special functions.  Now that I have an expectation for what I'm up against, I am feeling more prepared and motivated this week to put my nutrition back on track!  In an effort to discover new, healthy snack choices; I came across this informative list of snack items.

SnackAttack: 10 Yummy Low-Calorie Snacks by Arizona Foothills Magazine

1. Hard Boiled Eggs: For a natural protein boost in the middle of your busy day, enjoy one or two hard-boiled eggs. One medium hard-boiled egg delivers a host of essential vitamins at just 81 calories.
2. Tomato Topped with Balsamic Dressing: Ok so it’s not the authentic Caprese Salad from Italy, but it’s pretty close, and minus the fat! You can’t go wrong with stuffing your face with tomatoes at only 30 calories a pop (medium-sized). This tasty veggie is packed full of vitamins and minerals, most notably vitamin C and vitamin A.
3. Celery with Peanut Butter: Did you know you actually burn off the amount of calories in a stick of celery just by chewing it? This means it has negative calories! Spread some low-fat peanut butter on these crunchy green veges and take in some good fats as it is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Cup of Cottage Cheese and a Grapefruit: Dieters often steer clear of cheeses because they are chock-full of fat. Well delicious cottage cheese is the exception to the rule… And no it won’t give you “cottage cheese thighs.” This healthy snack is low in fat and carbs, and very high in protein — just what you need to decrease that body fat percentage. Add a grapefruit to the mix, because this special fruit is low in calories and sodium, high in potassium and fat burning enzymes. Perfect!
5. Sargento’s Low-Fat String Cheese with an Apple: If cottage cheese isn’t your cup of tea or you’d like something more mobile, try healthy string cheese, like Reduced Fat, Low Moisture Mozzarella String Cheese by Sargento. This particular brand is filled with snacks at only 50 calories each with just 2.5 grams of total fat. However, this isn’t going to stop your stomach from rumbling, so throw in a juicy apple rich in Vitamin C.
6. TCBY’s Fat- & Sugar-Free Frozen Yogurt: Who would have thought stopping at your local TCBY would actually be healthy for you? Well it is when you choose the fat- and sugar-free frozen yogurt. Just three ounces of a fat-free brand will only set you back 100 calories.
7. 14 Whole Natural Almonds: Nuts are jam-packed with fat… good fat! A measly 14 almonds, in particular, are not only just 80 calories, but have 3 grams of protein, 7 grams total fat and 1.5 grams dietary fiber.
8. Hummus with Whole Wheat Pita Bread: This Middle Eastern creation is delicious and super healthy. It is filled with fiber and dripping with olive oil for our essential fat burning, fatty acids. Choose whole wheat pita bread for dipping. This has less simple sugars and even more fiber!
9. Fiber One Yogurt with a Banana: For all you gals with a sweet tooth, yogurt is the healthiest way to get your daily fix. Try Fiber One’s non-fat, 50-calorie yogurt packs. These delicious treats are filled with fiber, which will help your belly feel more satisfied. Toss in a nutritious banana for some more fiber, potassium and vitamin B6.
10. 100% Dried Fruit Bars: Try these delish Trader Joe’s Handmade Fruit Bars… if you haven’t already. You’ll be hooked! They are less than 50 calories each.

TIP: For years my mother has prepared her hard-boiled eggs with a dash of white vinegar.  This is the best trick for making easy to peel hard boiled eggs.  Follow the simple steps below for the perfect, hassle-free hard boiled egg:

• Place water in a large pot. Add desired number of eggs. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of white vinegar to the water and a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil for two minutes.
• Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Let it stand for 11 minutes. When eggs are done, remove them from water and allow them to cool. 
• Crack the shell at both ends of the egg and begin removing the eggshell, which should come off easily.

Happy Monday, ya’ll!

Kombucha

Cherry Chia Kombucha

Oh hey, blog.  Nice to see you, again.  I’ve seen I’ve neglected you, again.  I am sorry and I offer my sincerest apologies. 

Okay, so what’s new in the life of Rachel?  Not too much I’d say.  I am so happy spring has officially arrived.  With a trace of color on my skin, I am happy to report I have been incorporating pastels into my wardrobe like its my j-o-b and the pastel colors make me feel extra feminine and youthful (not a bad combo, eh?).  Mixing the pastel pieces with bold bright hues has been a fun way to remix my spring closet.  Statement necklaces have continued to inspire me and my collection seems to be growing at an exponential rate.

Also, I have discovered a deep obsession for drinking Kombucha (ancient fermented tea elixir).  I started writing a blog post on my love for Kombucha last week but I didn’t have the motivation to finish and post it, oops!  So maybe I’ll do a brief recap here and now to get the whole thing over with.

Bottom line: I highly recommend the GT’s Synergy Kombucha.  My favorite flavors are: Cosmic Cranberry, Gingerade and my beloved Cherry Chia.  Kombucha offers a multitude health benefits including: increased energy levels, a decreased appetite, an aid in digestion, healthier skin and hair, and even a stronger immune system.  Be careful, this product is dangerously addicting. Also, I do know a few people who have had adverse reactions to this product and I do believe this product is a natural diuretic, so be easy if you are a Kombucha virgin!  Also, many of the flavors (especially the originals) are fermented; therefore, do not shake before opening unless you are prepared to be sprayed. 

My favorite flavor, as mentioned above, is the Cherry Chia.  The Chia flavors contain chia seeds and come in three delicious flavors (grape, raspberry and cherry).  The chia seeds bring their own added health benefits to the already healthy beverage.  Drinking the Chia Kombucha is similar to sipping on liquid Jello—it is that much fun!  The consistency of the tea is so fun and enjoyable to drink.  What more?  The chia seed is a nutrient-rich super food that provides sustained energy for your body.  How so?  The chia seed is packed with more than 8 times the omega-3’s found in salmon and contains more antioxidants than blueberries and more fiber than oatmeal.  A truly incredible super food, indeed.

Try GT’s Synergy Kombucha at your local supermarket or natural health foods grocer.  Safeway offers a large selection at an affordable price (around $3 a bottle).  Check it out!

Cosmetic Toss

LORAC, Unzipped; Sephora

Stila, Waterproof Eyeliner; Sephora

I had an epiphany early last week and realized my makeup bag needed a makeover, stat.  My eyeliner and eye shadow palette were looking a little . . . sad.  A sad appearance led me to believe that my makeup might be a potential bacterial hazard.  Yikes!  Let’s get real, bacteria happens and it is critical that you keep your makeup bag clear of any potential “bacteria-parties”. 

After a little research I found there are quite a few inconsistencies as to how frequently you should toss makeup to ensure your makeup bag stays healthy; but I think the following article provides a decent suggestion as to how frequently you should discard opened cosmetics:

Expiration dates: 
Beginning from the time you first open these products

Powders and shadows // 2 years

Cream shadows // 12 to 18 months

Foundation // 1 year

Lipstick & lipliner // 1 year

Mascara & eyeliners // 3 months

Makeup brushes // Clean weekly using a mild detergent

Makeup sponges // Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled

Ha!  I am impressed to say that I actually “toss” out makeup more frequently then suggested.  Most of my makeup ends up running out before the expiration date comes due but it is important to toss out expired makeup when the time comes due.  It is even more important if you occasionally share makeup with friends and/or family.  Needless to say, always err on the side of caution.  If there is an odor, toss.  If you start breaking out, toss.  If the pigment in the makeup starts to discolor or deteriorate, toss.  Pretty simple stuff.

So, my makeup bag ended up being “clean” but I still treated myself to a new eye shadow pallet from LORAC and some new waterproof eyeliner from Stila.  I have been wearing less and less eye makeup recently but the LORAC palette comes with both 10 beautiful neutral-shade eye shadows and a bonus eye primer.  The two together are a match made in makeup heaven.  I am also really excited to try Stila’s waterproof liquid eyeliner (with a felt tip).  I have heard rave reviews of its mighty stay-power and ease of use. 

Moreover, don’t neglect the health of your precious makeup and if you ever need an excuse to buy more makeup; remind yourself of the potential health risks of ignoring the signs of spoiled cosmetics!

Lenscrafters

                                                       

Coach eyeglasses - Lenscrafters

       
I made a new eyeglass purchase this weekend, horray! This was my first experience buying eyeglasses from Lenscrafters and I have been more than happy with the whole experience. Bonus: I was lucky enough to have my parents with me to help pick out the perfect pair!

I was impressed by Lenscrafters in the following way(s):

Frame selection.  They carry so many stylish frames to choose from.  Some brand highlights: Coach, Tiffany’s, Ray Ban, Prada, Burberry, Tory Burch, and the list goes on. Also, during the frame selection process, they have cameras to snap photos of you with the frames on your face; providing both a front and side profile image.  This is a major bonus to help you select your favorite and most complimentary frame.

Price.  They seem to have competitive pricing relative to the quality of product.  They offer a discounted product with boutique-style experience.  It's quite nice! They take a variety of insurance plans and offer  discounts for members of AAA and AARP.  Watch out for sales!

Friendly sales staff.  The sales staff made my experience very enjoyable.  There was no “bait and switch” activity happening (which can often happen in these purchasing environments).  They appeared to maximize the use of my medical benefits by calculating different pricing and promotional alternatives to get me out the door with the best possible price. The sales associate that helped me even walked me to the door at the end of our appointment (a very sweet gesture).

Quick production.  My glasses were finished to perfection in less than 8 hours.  Need I say more?

Technology.  Lenscrafters is the only retail optical store that utilizes a high-tech system to accurately fit frames to your face (private or boutique stores also use the same technology).  They pop out the plastic showroom lenses and apply the frames to a sensor mount and then apply the frames to your face and then take a picture.  The sensors sync with computer software making sure the lenses/frames are in the accurate spot.  If I can remember correct, the system can measure up to a tenth of a millimeter in accuracy!

Insurance coverage.  You can buy insurance coverage that protects your purchase for up to a year.  Their policy covers all damages except for being lost or stolen.  Upon damage you pay $25 to get a completely new pair of glasses.  So, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can do a direct exchange within 90 days of purchase (frames, lens quality, etc.).  Talk about being covered. 

Needless to say I highly recommend Lenscrafters for your next eyeglass or prescription sunglass purchase.

Zumba!

Great article, check it out!

So, Tuesday I went to the most invigorating Zumba session and I have fallen in love with going back to the gym.  Let me set my story straight, I've never really fell out of love with Zumba, I simply needed a really enthusiastic and high energy instructor to motivate me to show up to a class (instead of doing the at-home version).  

Anyway, it is the NEW year... so, try something new!  Or better yet, rekindle an old passion of yours to stay motivated through (what can be) the non-stimulating winter months.  Your body and general attitude will thank you come spring.  And always remember to have fun.  That is why Zumba exists.  I really can't wait to shake it, again, in just a few hours.  

Find Zumba class near you!

Zumba!

Be Kind to Yourself

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Excuse me for the prolonged absence from writing a post!  I spent a gorgeous few festive days in the Pacific Northwest catching up with friends and spending quality time with family.  I worked for a mere day before continuing my holiday vacation into the New Year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado with my boyfriend and our great friends.  We made big meals, drank plenty of spirits and skied for days. 

I am now settled back into the ol' homestead and knocking back piles of "to do's" at work while trying to formulate my New Year's resolutions.  In light of another New Year, I think these words of wisdom must be shared.  I have seen this article passed around by a few family and friends but I continue to be impressed by the inspirational content and feel it is worth sharing, too!  I really hope you enjoy reading and reflecting on this article.  I also hope you had an incredible holiday season and are looking forward to a prosperous, positive New Year!

Be kind to yourself and to others.

Yogi Tea

Egyptian Licorice Tea, $3-$5 at your local market

Really, Wednesday... why'd you have to chew me up and spit me out!  Geesh!  

Yogi Tea, has been my saving grace today!  As I am trying to fend off what may be the third sinus infection over the course of two months, I am doing everything in my power to beef up my immune system.  In the mean time, I just trying to take a breather and hope that tomorrow will bring a new, healthy day.  Here's to feeling healthy in the mind and body in days to come!

Bonus: the Yogi tea bags come with a cute quote similar to below...

"Those who live in the past have nothing to look forward to in the future"-- Yogi Tea Bag

Seasonal Cupcake: Sweet Tooth

Pictured: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

A round of applause to my favorite food blog at the moment; Gina's Skinny Recipes.  This site is perfect place to look for nutritious and low-calorie/fat/sugar recipes.  The recipes featured are health-conscious yet naughty at the same time!

I especially love the "Under $10" recipes.  Each dish is well-photographed and the recipe description is always thorough.  If you are a Weight Watchers follower, all recipes give a PointsPlus value (and old points system value), added bonus!

You do NOT need to be Julia Child to enjoy this blog.  New recipes post nearly every day.  Check it out!

Bon Appetite.