This week I celebrate the 6th anniversary of launching my blog. On July 3, 2012, I was SO nervous, you have no idea! It took me a while to press “publish,” and I was shaking when I did. And then, I didn't even tell anyone about the blog for some time. It felt so...personal. While I’d worked in communications my whole career, writing about myself — and things so intensely personal like body Continue Reading
2017 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for a great gift for a family member, a friend or for yourself? Whether they are into tech, beauty, cooking, or fitness - I'm here to help! Here are some highly-rated, awesome gift ideas I've hand-selected for this year's Guide. They are all conveniently available from Amazon, who saves Christmas for me every year. See descriptions of these items, below. Sports Sunglasses with Continue Reading
Portable audio equipment that’s PERFECT for a group exercise class (or any small event!)
Note: This review was updated on Aug. 30, 2018 with links to a newer model of speaker and a portable power bank for the wireless headset receiver. I am a fitness instructor, currently teaching a large group exercise class at a gym and also creating my own classes and pop-up workshops in various locations. When it comes to my classes and in my own workouts, I'm ALL about the music! It needs Continue Reading
100 things to do other than mindless eating during the snow
When you're house-bound because of a snowstorm or other bad weather, it's easy to let boredom or stress get the best of you -- and mindless eating ensues. To make matters worse, being at home means easy access to all the goodies you have on hand. Is it any wonder that over-snacking goes hand-in-hand with storms? There is no magic pill to cure that, but distraction and staying busy helps a lot. Continue Reading
Week includes a mountain, music, fitness, thrifting, crafting and preparing
Hi there! Here are a few highlights from my past week, aside from working in the office. Above is a shot from one of my favorite places in North Carolina -- Pilot Mountain State Park. I've posted about hiking there a number of times on the blog. However, last weekend we were there for a different reason -- a memorial get-together in honor of a dear friend's son who passed away. There Continue Reading
Welcoming spring with open arms
Happy (almost) Spring! Today I'm starting something I've been wanting to do for a while on the blog, a weekly wrap-up. Here's a quick update on the past week. First of all, I am LOVING the wonderful warm weather we've been having here in North Carolina for the past several days. Highs in the 70s? Yes, please! One of the best parts of that is I've been able to get back on my bike. One day Continue Reading