Lifestyle

What’s the Update, nutMeg?

Well I’ll be honest, January has felt like the longest month EVER. But, hey, I’m not complaining, I’ve had a great 2019 so far!

I’ve been VERY absent from the blog and the wellness community online over the last 2-3 months. In that time I started a new job and really dove head first into my work and didn’t have the creative energy to write or share as much online.

Even before then, I felt myself holding back from posting on Instagram and on the blog because I didn’t really have anything new to say regarding fitness or wellness. I was SO uninspired. But, at the same time, I was enjoying my friends and family, getting into the groove at work, and just enjoying life. And, after some time, I realized that was OK.

Taking this little break has been good for me. So much pressure has been lifted and I feel ready to jump back into this creative outlet.

So…the update is: I am back and ready to have more balance in my life.

ILY,

nutMeg

P.S. Here I am world, what do you want to see from me next?

Unfollow

This morning I unfollowed close to 50 accounts…and it felt really good.

Unfollow.

This morning I went on a huge unfollowing spree on Instagram and probably unfollowed close to 50 accounts.

I realized that almost everyday I would get on my Instagram and see pictures that weren’t inspiring to me and I was spending time just scrolling through and not really caring about the content in my feed. Plus, I always want my feed as positive as possible. I never want to feel bad about myself when looking at other people’s content.

I’ve heard a rule that you shouldn’t follow anyone that doesn’t bring you joy. So, I decided to go through my follow list and go on an unfollowing spree!

I unfollowed:

Accounts that don’t inspire me
A celeb I was obsessed with for 1 day and never thought about again
An old acquaintance I haven’t spoken to in years (unless I still look forward to their posts)
Influencers that I don’t connect with
- I want to be invested in their content and walk away feeling positive/empowered/inspired/happy

Anyways, maybe this will inspire you to unfollow an account that brings you down or doesn’t bring you joy anymore. Your feed is yours and social media should be a positive place.

ILY,

nutMeg

So, what’s new with you?

A phrase that I seem to hear over and over. Not just from casual acquaintances but close friends as well.

So, what’s new with you?

A phrase that I seem to hear over and over. Not just from casual acquaintances but close friends as well.

It seems I’ve run out of things to say. Meaning, I always go with the same thing, “Oh, you know, just the same old. Work, chores, the usual. ”

I don’t know why I’m so quick to disregard the question and not really answer them. What I should be saying is:

“It was Patrick’s birthday and we went to the cutest pumpkin patch.”

“Oh my gosh it’s hell week with my trainer and I’m dying.”

“I’m thinking about doing a Whole 30.”

Why is it that we put on a polite face when someone asks us how we are or what’s new in our life? Are we scared to open up and be vulnerable in fear of rejection or judgment? Maybe.

I’m going to try and be more conscious about how I answer this question and try to give more of myself to the person asking.

Happy Tuesday!

-nutMeg

P.S.– Every Tuesday & Thursday after I work out I go to a coffee shop and get some work done before my job. I’m thinking about starting a series like this post where I sit down in the coffee shop and just write whatever comes to mind. I hope you enjoy. Today’s thoughts are coming to you from to Sama Food For Balance!

Trip up North + My Travel Tips

I wanted to share some of the highlights of my trip along with some health tips while traveling.

Hello everyone! I recently went on a mini vacay with Patrick, my husband, and my mom to visit our family in Connecticut! I wanted to share some of the highlights of my trip along with some health tips while traveling.

Let’s jump right into the trip:

FRIDAY

Our flight was at 9 a.m. so we were up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport in time. If you’ve ever been to the ATL airport, you know you need some time – it’s huge! Anyways, when we got there I made a b-line to starbucks to grab oatmeal and coffee.

Travel Tips:

* I bring stevia and packets of collagen. Perfect for adding some protein to my oatmeal and sweetening my coffee at the airport.

*I packed these in my reusable Stasher Bag!

We arrived in CT and had some time to spare before meeting the fam, so we decided to make a pit stop for pizza. My cousin recommended Locali, and I have to say, Northerners know how to do pizza!

That night we hung with my other cousin and his family. This was one of the highlights for sure. It was great catching up with that side of my family and seeing their new home for the first time!

After getting back super late we were pretty tired and had an early day so we headed to bed.

SATURDAY

The next morning we started the drive to Rhode Island to see my mom’s cousin! It was a quick 2.5 hour trip up to Narragansett.

We hung out at the house for a while then headed out for a true RI lunch. Orders included: crab cakes, clam chowder and lobster rolls. I played it safe and got a burger & fries. Not a big sea food gal…

Travel Tip:

*It’s ok to indulge and not feel bad about it!

SUNDAY

This is the day we ventured into New York City for a full day! We took the 9 a.m. train and arrived around 10:30. From Grand Central we bought our subway passes and went down to the financial district to see the Freedom Tower. The whole area where the Twin Towers were has been made into a beautiful memorial that left Patrick and I speechless.

After that we walked over to the golden bull and saw the New York Stock Exchange building. Which, btw, they totally ruined with an IG ad…

We hopped on the subway again and went up to Chelsea. We met my friend from college, Abby, at a chic Australian inspired brunch spot, Citizens of Chelsea. It was totally delish but I will say the carafe of mimosas was just too small!

From there we walked over to the Chelsea Market, Blue Bottle Coffee and then strolled the High Line. I love to see the contrast between the busy NY streets and the florals on the High Line.

We were told there was a cool Biergarten near by so we decided that would be our next stop. However when we got there, we decided to be risky. We headed into the Standard Hotel on a mission. Hopped into an elevator with someone who was actually staying there so we could go up to the roof top. Pro tip – Have them swipe their card, push the button for their floor, then choose the top floor.

The Standard Hotel bar was absolutely beautiful and was totally 60’s inspired. I will say they had the most expensive drinks I’ve ever seen but I guess thats what you get for a hotel in NYC. We enjoyed our one drink and looked over the amazing views.

We finished the night at The Loyal for dinner and Venieros for pastries. We were specifically instructed to go to Venieros for real Italian pastries. They did not disappoint!!

Travel Tips:

*Walking around the city and not taking cabs will save you money and help to get your steps in!

MONDAY

Well, I accidentally slept in to 11:00 a.m. Guess NYC really got to me! We met my mom, cousin and uncle for brunch at Terrain. It was so gorgeous and the food was really tasty as well. Such a great way to round out our trip!

ily,

nutMeg

25 Little Things I Find Joy In (And You Should Too)

Sometimes, it really is about the little things. As corny as that sounds.

Even though these things go unnoticed by most people, it’s important to me to relish in the small joys in life. Life is full of curve balls and things that throw off our game so I try to find happiness in life’s everyday moments.

Here are some of my favs:

Iced coffee from a local coffee shop (My fav right now is Dancing Goats)
Spending a bright sunny day outside
Meeting a new friend that you click with right away
Taking a cold shower after a sweaty workout
Les Mains nail bar and their fresh designs
Finding the perfect playlist for you mood
A free workout class
Waking up late on a Saturday morning and cuddling
When your computer is fully charged when you open it up for the day
Getting lost in a book and loosing track of time
A perfectly ripe avocado
Random dance breaks in the living room
Reading old journey entries
Listing to a podcast in the car (been into true crime lately)
Making a baby smile in public
Laughing so hard you cry
Looking through old family photos
Eating fresh food & herbs from my garden
When my smoothie is the percent consistency
Sitting in silence with a good friend and not feeling awkward
Making conversation with a stranger in public
Electrolyte water
Randomly getting flowers (either for myself or as a gift!)
Cleaning out my closet
A good back crack

These are just some small & random things that bring me joy. I’d love to hear what you guys find joy in the comments. 🙂

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ILY,

nutMeg

Why I Write “The Morning Pages”

Why I Started “The Morning Pages”

My morning routine is sacred. It is by far my favorite part of the day. Wake up, open the blinds, workout, get ready and have some alone time before the craziness begins. Now my morning routine, no matter what, includes The Morning Pages.

So, what the heck are The Morning Pages?

This idea comes from the book The Artist’s Way, which admittedly I have not read. The Morning Pages are three pages of stream of consciousness writing. Every. Single. Morning.

They don’t have to be organized in any way, or about a specific topic. They are more of a brain dump. I’ve always been a journal-er but in the past it was just a way for me to express my personal feelings, not to spark ideas.

Meant to inspire creativity and move through a block, I think The Morning Pages can be beneficial for everyone. It is kinda like thinking through your day before actually jump in.

The first day I wasn’t really sure where the writing exercise would bring me and I kinda just wrote a stream of consciousness about how I was feeling that day. Through the next couple of days I got more used to writing the three pages and found I was inspiring myself. I thought of blog ideas, worked through feelings and gave myself props for what I had accomplished and that felt good. I really make an effort to to be negative when writing them to start my day on the right foot.

Now I can’t go a day without The Morning Pages. I am a habits driven person for sure which keeps me accountable. I like a structure, ok?

Only one rule: Write three pages every day.

I challenge you to try it and see what ideas spark!

ILY,

nutMeg

Summer Sun Safety Tips

This time of year we all LOVE to be outside and feel the warmth on our skin. I’m with you, sister. But…staying safe in the summer is so important. The sun is dangerous, can cause cancer and age you! No thanks!

Not sure about you but I’ve been on the anti-wrinkle train recently. Yes, I’m only 23 but it’s all about prevention! I want to prevent sun damage while I can before it come irreversible. Make sense? I want to be a milf one day…is that so much to ask?

Now that summer is upon us I’ve got a few summer sun safety tips to use everyday or on your summer vacay.

Avoid the Sun (duh)

There are a few layers to this one. On the day-to-day I try my best to avoid the sun by walking in the shade, sitting in the shade while on my lunch break outside, and wearing sunglasses as much as I can. Small pockets of time add up when it comes to sun exposure. Just be conscious of avoiding the sun can help to make this change.

Daily Facial Sunscreen

I am so not a fan of liquid sunscreens that go on before makeup. I feel like they make me so oily and my foundation just slips off. I found this and I can just brush it on top of my makeup. It goes on clear for me so I kinda think of it as a setting powder. In the summer this is a daily necessity.

SPF in Makeup

Skip a step and get a foundation with SPF! Just be careful if you’re going to use flash photography. I use this brand!

Good Sunscreen Brands

We’re getting specific here. Recently my friend introduced me to the brand Alba. Not only is it good for sensitive skin, it’s vegetarian, made without sulfates and coral reef safe! Perfect for all your summer get aways. It’s important to me to use natural brands in my beauty routine as much as I can and this includes sunscreen. I will be purchasing shortly!!

After Sun Care

So let’s say you do end up getting a sun burn this summer. Bummer! This homemade after sun lotion is so soothing and will help with the pain and irritation. But let’s try and avoid that with the above tips, ok?

Stay after out there this summer!!

ILY,

nutMeg