A City Girl Meets the Joy of Fly Fishing
You might be thinking, “did I read this title right?” The answer is yes. And before you think you have nothing in common with this article, read on.
If you only know me on the surface you know I’ve lived in a handful of cities from Manhattan to Paris, and I love a good night out on the town with delicious food and divine wine, the loud music at a crowded club, fancy hotels, theatre and comedy shows, walking busy streets, and lit up skylines of skyscrapers at night. Heck, loud traffic and people talking outside my window has been a lullaby soundtrack that puts me right to sleep every single time. If you ask where I want to live every time I move to a different city—the answer is right in the center.
BUT I have another side. In fact some might say I am a complete contradiction. I even find it hard to reconcile sometimes. I find so much contentment in long hikes by myself, camping (yes in a tent—not glamping, actual camping), canoeing, kayaking, cooking food over an open fire, and yes even fishing. Now this isn’t some “come to” moment like the movie or book (whichever you most prefer) Wild. I am not here to preach about finding yourself, or about how nature changed my life, because it didn’t. It’s just always been part of my life.
I like the peacefulness of it all, the solitude, the adventure, and hard work that comes with being “outdoorsy”. I have been lucky enough to found the man that I am madly in love with, and helped blossom my love for being in the wilderness. I would probably have never picked up a fishing pole without him. One of our first dates was him taking me out on a boat to fish in a Michigan lake (SIDE NOTE: highly recommend finding your husband in the midwest—they raise them right out there).
I thought it was so sweet all the effort he put into these fishing dates. Getting the fishing gear together, lugging a boat to the boat launch, launching the boat, making sure we had lunch and good beer for the day trip, and teaching me how to tie on the lures, cleaning off the boat after, getting it out of the water, driving it home (yes he’s a very strong dude). It seemed like a lot of work for just a day of fun, and yet he would do it all the time. With some good tunes, and beers you can get me out on the water any day, because even if I sucked at fishing I could drink beers. It was a win win. Now, I have taken my “outdoorsiness” (I definitely made up this word) to a whole new level.
This fall, I wanted to learn how to actually fly fish and be decent (I’m hoping one day we fish in the Rivers of Montana and I know exactly what I am doing). I wasn’t sure I would even like it, if you know anything about fly fishing it resembles (at least to me) a cowboy trying to laso their cattle, but instead they are getting ready to lay out the fishing line on the river in the most realistic way so it looks like a fly is floating down, and then hopefully a fish will come up to eat it. (RIVER COWBOYS! That’s what fly-fisherman should be called. haha)
I am still pretty new to the sport, so while my cast, I have been told is pretty good, there’s so much more intelligence that goes along with catching a fish like: not letting your line bow as it floats down, which fly to use in which season and at what part of the river for what fish you are trying to catch, making sure the line floats precisely over a part of a certain rock where a fish might be hiding out, and the list goes on.
While I don’t think this is for everyone, because some of you definitely think I am insane right now, I hope everyone can find something that helps them stay present. I love fly fishing probably because I am in the moment. This past weekend we were in the Deerfield River in the Berkshires with the tree leaves turning all sorts of colors of a sunset, the sound of nature as my soundtrack, breathing in the fresh air of wood, grass, and fall. I was able to take it all in. No worries, no to-do lists, no what time is it, just stand, cast, and be.
I have tons of hobbies, but usually I end up getting competitive or too intense, which ends with me burning myself out i.e. everything I have ever tried, which is a good thing if you want to become an olympic athlete a bad thing when you are just trying to get the most joy out of life.
Someone told me recently every cast is a new chance. I knew he meant a new chance to catch a fish, but I really took this as a metaphor for life. It resonated with me on so many levels in my everyday life. Who knew the hobby that would have resonated with my life—is one I never thought twice about until recently. And don’t worry, I’ll make waders look fashionable.
4 Great Places To Get Your Hike On This Fall
Here we are…Fall of 2020. As we all know the colder weather is around the corner, so I have been making sure I get outside as much as I can. I love winter sports (snowboarding and snowshoeing, here I come!), but there’s something about being outside when you don’t have to bundle up that I love even more.
FULL DISCLOSURE! I have always craved the electric energy of the city even before my move to NYC to go to NYU. Never time to really breathe when I lived in the city it was always on the go: the next accomplishment, the next job, the next whatever. I know I am not alone in the fact that this year has changed that. I’ve never craved a slow pace, or being outside as much as I do now. I thought doing anything outdoors besides running and biking workouts—was supposed to be a together activity. Something you do with other people. Now, I love hiking alone. I love getting lost, and then trying to find my way. I love being able to stop and journal, or read at whatever spot suits me on the trail. I love finding my own way, breathing in fresh air, hearing the quietness of nature. So I am disclosing my favorite hiking spots that I regular trek these days. Not only are they beautiful spots, but I feel really safe being alone out there because there is good cell service, and a good amount of people I pass and see along the way.
Blue Hills Reservation
This reservation has so many great trails with hidden gems. On my last hike I found a lovely fishing hole, and some great views and climbs set deep in the woods. I can easily get in a 2.5 mile hike without even thinking about it. In fact, with all the ups and downs and climbs you can find in this reservation my legs are almost always sore after—regularly need Advil after this one. I passed families and college students during the day, so I don’t feel so alone in the woods. It’s also a relatively easy drive for anyone living in and around Boston.
Break Heart Reservation
This is hands down my favorite place to head out into nature. My favorite trail is the Saugus River Trail, and my favorite spot to take a break is lower pond. I usually set out on a 4 mile hike. The terrain isn’t as challenging as Blue Hills, but I just love it so much. The winding woods trails are amazing if you want to get off the beaten path. However, there is a paved loop you can also walk or run that keeps you in a safe, reliable direction if you are worried about getting lost. If you have kids or dogs this trail is for you! Playgrounds, beach area, water, benches, and even a bark park for our four legged friends.
Mount Wachusett
One of my best friends really turned me onto this hike. I grew up snowboarding on this mountain, and never really paid much attention to it during the warmer months, but in the past few years I really like the challenge of walking the road up to the top. I am always sweating and out of breath no matter how many times I do it. I think I love the trail option just as much though it’s more of a straight route to the top rather than the winding paved roads, but still a challenge. I haven’t walked up the face of the mountain, which I see a lot of people do, but I hope to try that one soon. BONUS! I also really love the Crow Hill to Mt. Wachusett hike. You can do Crow Hill by itself which is one of my favorites and has great views at the top, with a few thrills on your way up of particularly steep areas. If you do choose to do the Crow Hill to Mt. Wachusett be prepared to hoof it—it’s an almost 11 mile hike!
Mt. Watatic
This one is a goodie, and you can tell immediately by how heavily trafficked it is. Not a super long hike, but good for all levels, plus the view at the top is always a keeper especially in the fall. Also, this trail always makes me want to get a dog with all the dog owners who happily trek along with their furry friends. Of course, if you want that insta photo at the top—you will not be disappointed.
These are four of my favorite places right now, and as the leaves continue to change color probably the best they are going to be in the coming weeks. I am heading to Sunapee for the weekend in New Hampshire. I have never hiked out there, but we plan to do some hiking and kayaking this weekend. This won’t be a solo trip—but may be worth it’s own blog post in the future! Stay Tuned. In the meantime let me know your favorite spots to get outside!
5 Ways To Be Your Most Productive
Do you have trouble getting in the zone?
Especially working from home? Me too! Read on.
If nothing else, COVID has really changed the way we do work. A lot of us are working from home trying to start our own businesses, or job searching, or taking our work life into our living rooms—whichever one you are doing sometimes it can be hard to transition your comfort space into your work space. Home is usually the place I unwind, relax, and can leave the stress at the door, so turning my living room into a productive work space has been a struggle, but over the past several months I have been able to come up with 5 little adjustments that have helped me immensely.
Clean and organize the space you are going to work in.
Whether it’s your coffee table, kitchen table, or any makeshift desk area clean and organize that space. Having an organized space helps me think clearly, and get in a working mode. It makes me more relaxed, and when I am more relaxed I find it easier to dig into the work ahead of me. A chaotic workspace makes me a little more anxious and more difficult to focus on the first task at hand. Full disclosure—I am not an organized person by nature. I am cleanly, but I am messy—ask any of my past roommates (god bless you all for putting up with me). I promise the clear and organized really changes your whole mindset before you get down to it.
Make a list!
I am such a list person. Something about crossing off that item on my list makes me internally scream “hooray!”. With that satisfaction of one task done it propels me to the next task. I think this has a lot to do with the fact I am a visual learner, and visually seeing my progress on a piece of paper motivates me to tackle the next “to do”. I love lists, I can’t lie. Try it.
Candles & Diffusers
I don’t know specifically why this helps me so much, but the calm of a nice candle lit on my work space makes it so much more enjoyable. Right now I light my scented soy candle of the scent blushing amber. I think its the visual look of the flame, and the smell—a small luxury to make my work space so much more enjoyable. When you love your work space, and feel comfortable in it, I don’t mind staying put and getting everything done for the day. Relaxation is a huge theme in order for me to do good work. While I am admittedly an adrenaline junkie who loves the pressure of a good deadline, I do my best work when my mind is clear so I can be my most creative. This is especially useful when I am doing tasks on my to-do list that I absolutely despise. This is where my diffuser comes in. Right now I adore lavender essential oils. I like the dull sound of the diffuser as well as how it makes me feel. It’s perfect to keep me put while I do all my work, and the minute I feel stuck or want to give up, I can sit back for a few minutes feel relaxed with the lavender being whirled into the room, and I find myself back at it in no time.
Have your favorite beverage at your fingertips!
I find that having my favorite cold drink (I am from New England, even in winter I will have a cold beverage) right by my side when I am doing my best work. For me I like to have a cold brew with almond milk or ice water with True Lemon (I LOVE THIS sweetener). It’s a great habit to reach for your beverage when you are thinking, need a small break, or quench your thirst. Plus it saves the time of constantly getting up to grab something to drink. Also, sometimes we think we are hungry when we are thirsty, so this will save you time from getting up to snack because instead you will be well hydrated. I think part of this is comfort—add a straw for extra luxury as you sip & work.
Take at least 3 short walking breaks.
Yes. Being productive also means taking short breaks. I prefer 3 ten-minute breaks during an 8 hour work period at minimum! I really believe getting out and getting some fresh air helps my brain function and stay on my toes. If you are constantly going and going, and don’t take time to get some movement or fresh-air chances are you are not going to give out our best work. Movement is so important for me. It gets my blood flowing, and gives me an automatic burst of energy. Work hard, take breaks.
Can you have it all?
At one of my first jobs I had an amazing mentor. She once told me there’s no such thing as having it all. You can only successfully have two out of the three. A career & kids, a career & a husband, a husband & kids. I remember thinking, “yeah sure, that won’t be the case for me”, but as I get older I understand a little more what she meant. Balancing it all is HARD.
And if I am being honest with myself when I looked around and saw some of the most successful people in the game - they didn’t have all three. On the flip side, I saw people ditching the height of their careers to live what I thought at the time was smaller lives in small towns and start families. I didn’t understand either option.
But then I set out on this crazy reporting journey, which can be lonely and grueling. You end up in places where you don’t know anyone, you have impossible working schedule and expectations, for almost little to no money. With that said, you are trying to move up and on as fast as as possible. Because of all those factors, most of my relationships have been long distance for a period of time, and inevitably they ended because I wouldn’t budge and move to my significant other, or I took the next step in my career instead which required me to move and start over again. My career has always been so important to me. It was, it is, a part of me. It gives me independence, freedom, and creativity. I know a lot of people don’t understand that. Sometimes I don’t either, but it fulfills me. There’s something about being a reporter: adrenaline rush, storytelling, getting to know people. It becomes an addiction. I really love it.
When I met my now boyfriend who I am sure I want to spend the rest of my life with—my career trajectory has gotten more than complicated. Making choices isn’t as easy as getting up and leaving, and starting anew again, because now I am responsible for uprooting my boyfriend’s life.
Make no mistake there’s still guilt put on my shoulders for being a woman and wanting a career and a family. You’d think by now it would be a norm. We’ve come a long way, but clearly not far enough. The amount of times I have been asked by loved ones “when am I settling down?”, “You can’t keep picking up and moving forever?”, “when are you ready to just call it quits?”, “when will you have a normal life?”, “when are you getting married?”, “when are you having kids?”. It’s exhausting. What they don’t realize when they ask is I’m already thinking about those things. Obviously. Like clearly I see careers and families are hard to balance. I am ambitious not dense. So the questions just add to the chaos. Also, it’s not right or genuine to just get married and start a family because people want you too.
Not only that but as much as I’d like to ignore that women have a ticking biological clock it’s a reality. While raising a human literally scares me half to death, I don’t want the choice to be taken away from me before I can decide what I want.
There’s also heartbreak in this career. When you set out to have achieved certain milestones at a certain age—and then nothing goes as planned, it’s sent me into a downward spiral at times. It’s hard to just let it go, especially when there’s so many sacrifices made: failed relationships, friendships lost, family moments missed, holidays passed without being able to come home. When I write it out it’s hard to imagine that I even have enough ambition and love for what I do to endure all that hardship. Also, on my deathbed is anyone really going to care about the work I did as a reporter? Or is my niece just going to remember that Auntie Cassy wasn’t around enough to really get to know her?
I really don’t want all the sacrifice to be all for not, and that may be a huge reason I refused to give up. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it all. I could conquer it all. The real question is at what price?
So we are back to our initial question, can you have it all? Not the Instagram version of having it all, but actually having all the parts of your life filled with joy? I don’t know. If you were to ask me right now, right this second, I would say no. But I hope someday soon I can say yes.
A Boutique You Can’t Live Without
A lot of you may know I’m obsessed with Hey Chick. This boutique is like no other I have been to because of several reasons.
The owner, Michelle, is a goddess when it comes to finding you an outfit that looks amazing on you. I always walk in there thinking I am going to buy something, and she completely changes my mind with an outfit that is a “wow” factor when I walk into a room. Seriously, the wow factor is guaranteed. Every time she picks me an outfit I get so many compliments, and I always feel my most confident.
The price point is unbeatable. You get original, high quality clothes for under $100. And every time I go in there I find staples, but also items that are so different than anything else in my closet.
VARIETY! So much variety from cute sweat suit sets, to going out clothes, to a casual BBQ, or a formal occasion. I can get whatever I need there for whatever occasion. One stop shopping is my fav.
So I have included some of my favorite outfits from the boutique. Full disclosure—I own more pieces than what is shown here, but these are a few of my on rotation outfits!
Sparkle blazer
White body suit
White stretch jeans
All three of these pieces are super comfy, and fit any curvy body like a glove!
I wore this for an interview I had scheduled. This easy overall dress with the snake skin—is perfect for comfort and to make a statement! Also, another one piece from Hey Chick for the win. The black long sleeve onsie is a staple in my closet for all outfits and occasions.
10/10
I hosted an event in NewPort at the Lobster Barn.
Michelle pulled this silk light blue blazer for me. I can’t resist a good blazer, and we paired it with a tight white dress, and the cutest Steve Madden sandals. Perf combo of professional and stylish.
So I went in to buy one outfit and came out with three-which is usually the case. These jeans are a dream. I hate jeans these days because they are so constricting but I have three pairs from Hey Chick bc they are stretchy and fit oh so good! This crop fits and hides all the right places.
10/10
This dress was not my style on the hanger, but when I tried it on I had to have it! Great scrunch dress with a great sleeve detail. Great to dress up or dress down for a BBQ or casual wedding.
love love love.
Abs are Made in the Kitchen
I hate this expression so much
Unfortunately this expression is 100 percent true. Exercise has never been my problem. I love working out. It’s a form of therapy. I love challenging myself, the endorphins, and the physical transformation. However, there’s only a handful of times in my life that I have actually looked the way I want, because let’s face it, it is not news that we are under extreme pressures and standards to look a certain unattainable way. With that said, I still have my own standard and I know why I haven’t been able to achieve my ideal body: my diet has never been that great. I don’t eat enough, definitely don’t eat enough protein, my macros are not balanced, and I’m not consistent. We all have our own issues, but for me, I just have never had a good relationship with food. It causes me stress, I hate to cook, leftovers gross me out, and decision making for food has always been tough for me (yes, I am that girl “i don’t know what do you want to eat?”). So you’re probably thinking “ok you know the problem, just fix it”. I would counter that with— it’s not that easy. When life gets hard and hectic I always let the “food” part slide. I have made several valid attempts in my lifetime so far to get my eating habits right. All worked really well—for a period of time, until it didn’t. I tried weight watchers after I came back from Paris after living there for a period of time. I gained all the good food weight from baguettes, cheese, wine, and mayo & butter (they put both on everything). So I went on weight watchers bc it took thinking out of it. I looked great for awhile, until counting points forever wasn’t going to be a long term solution. Instead of learning healthy eating habits, I manipulated numbers and would starve myself so I could eat and drink what I wanted to go out with friends. (EYE ROLL). Another time I loved how I looked is when I met my now boyfriend. He was a trainer when I met him (he now has a masters in geography and does really smart things that I can’t explain).I made him make me a workout program and an eating plan. He introduced me to a heavy weight lifting regimen, and macros! He also upped my calorie intake and really encouraged me to eat more. My metabolism got so fast, and I finally had some abs! It was great. Then, I stopped listening to him as much because, well, he’s my boyfriend. For me, it’s hard to listen to the person you love, and the one you live with when you just want to eat the whole carton of icecream.
Now my motivations aren’t so shallow to just want abs. I want to live a long life, and not have pain or health issues. I saw a nutritionist that really helped me adjust my sleep which is key to maintaining good health and longevity. Also, she helped me find ways to drink more water (thanks to the discovery of true lemon! highly recommend). My insurance at the time covered my sessions with her, but eventually I didn’t have insurance that was that good anymore, and it became a little bit more expensive.
Now I am trying to go a little more all in, and try this macro thing again. I went to my best friend which kind of goes against my rules of taking advice from the ones you love, but she’s different. She’s a bad ass mom with two girls, and she is just so strong. Her athleticism seriously is so impressive. Not only was she a two sport athlete in college, but anything she tries she is good at. She did do bikini competitions, which I am not into, but it’s just another example of her discipline. She also did crossfit right up until she had her kids. (she’s also a crossfit instructor). She is freaking amazing. Now she’s opened her nutrition business, and I couldn’t help myself. I needed her services. Amanda Nisula at Nisula wellness is the perfect friend to coach me through bc she gets not being perfect and trying to live a balanced life, but she also gives you that hard ass push you need to achieve your goals. I just want balance, nothing crazy.
We are in week two—she just looked at all the food I ate last week and gave me my first goals for this week. Let’s just say I have some food calories I need to start eating, and a good amount of protein that must be on my plate. I like how she goes in steps though—so I am not so overwhelmed. If there’s too many things I need to remember and achieve, I give up before I start.
I think that the reason I feel better with a nutritionist is because of the fucked up stories television and magazines feed us about how women should look and the million and one diets and superfoods we can eat to get us there. But none of it ever really works—because they are only touting half the story. You need good foods and exercise—you need to eat to keep a good metabolism. Not eating, and only eating low calorie foods, and no carbs is a terrible tactic! Not to mention all the contradictory information and new studies that come out everyday. I am getting so overwhelmed just typing about it. So I decided I needed a partner to help me navigate it all.
So I am using Nisula Wellness to help me through this frustrating process, and not just relying on exercise this time around. What will probably make the biggest difference for me is that my motivations are different. I don’t want to be an instagram model with thousands of likes and comments about how great I look. I want to be healthy so I can live a long life. So I can continue to go on adventures with my boyfriend, play with my nieces and nephews, and maybe have my own family one day. I think once your mind is right and intentions are clear—the rest falls into place with some hard work and guidance.
Life Coach or Therapy?
Is it for you? Do you need it?
For the majority of my life I found it hard to ask for help. I thought it was better to “suck it up”. If I felt overwhelmed, unhappy, or irritated I just tossed it up to being dramatic. Until one day, putting my head down, & working my butt off & ignoring my feelings wasn’t working anymore. I was the type of person who said when I finally “make it” and achieve my dreams, then I will have time to be happy, relax, and enjoy life. NEWS FLASH! If you aren’t enjoying life now—you won’t enjoy it when you finally get where you think it is you want to go. Some of you might be reading this and go “duh”, I already knew that. I guess I had so much tunnel vision that I didn’t stop to really think about it, I was just full blast ahead. I really needed help to sort it all out. That’s where therapy has been most useful for me. Sometimes the problem isn’t feelings though. I found there were a lot of things my therapist couldn’t really help me with, when it came to life decisions, or my career path. So I bit the bullet last year and made the investment into a life coach, and I absolutely don’t regret it one bit. One of the best things I have ever done. It can be pricey—but if you have a good life coach he/she is probably putting in the hours to cater to your goals, fears, and plans for the future.
Here’s the deal, I had tried therapy a few times. I never had the right fit. Finding a therapist is sort of like dating. It’s a chemistry, a dance, a comfortability to make that relationship work, so you can get the help you need. For a long time I said I wasn’t “crazy” so I didn’t need a therapist, but I was really saying I didn’t care enough about myself to get help, and to do the work to find the right person to be my therapist. What was so relieving about therapy to me is that I could talk to someone who had no bias about the people or situations I was feeling so awful about. Also, she helped me separate facts from the negative talk in my head. Sometimes we associate our opinions with facts and we get it all mixed up. I highly recommend seeing someone if you are having a hard time processing any situation, feelings, huge life changes, and depression. Honestly, I think therapy should be mandatory for everyone—I think we all have our own issues to work out in some form or another.
Eventually, there was something I wasn’t getting from my therapist. My therapist was focused on my feelings, my thinking, how I was processing those thoughts and feelings, and what I needed to overcome certain obstacles. All of this was so important to me, but I had career goals, and contradictions that I needed to sort out, and my therapist wasn’t necessarily the person I wanted for that. I reached out to a life coach, and I am so glad I did. She helped me figure out my motivations for my career and goals. We did exercises and homework, and made a plan to achieve my goals. In addition, she helped me cope with hard work environment situations, poor managers, and figure out whether I was overreacting or I was being treated unfairly. Sometimes all we need is someone on our team to give us the courage to take leaps we never have before. With her help I started BossTown, and got into acting and modeling, and started believing that I was more than my job and my one goal—I could dream up a bigger story—one that I was proud of.
Because I love my life coach so much—I want to share her with you! For a long time I wanted to keep her to myself because she is such a gem. Teresa Sabatine is the person who can help you make that business plan, start and finish that passion project, or just help you sort out whatever obstacle is standing in the way of you reaching your true potential. She is so genuine, and has this uncanny way of believing you are not alone. I think of her more as a partner than a coach these days. Some people run a business to run a business, and hers is so much more than that. Her caring for people is next level. I highly recommend her.
Full disclosure right now I am not seeing a therapist or getting one on one life coaching. I feel like I have some solid tools to help me get to the next level at this current moment, but they are certainly two resources I will always fall back on, because the truth is we can’t do everything on our own. Success comes with lots of help along the way, and I know that to be truer than any statement.
Not getting sleep?
How I elevated my Sleep Game.
Are you feeling unmotivated? Constantly tired? Gaining weight? Breaking out? Don’t get me wrong here, those issues could stem from a lot of different things. I am not a doctor, but I do know the first thing you should check on is your sleep. Are you getting enough? Is it restful? Do you wake up a lot? Toss and turn?
I have never been a good sleeper, but during quarantine I was getting even less shut eye than normal. Even when I was sleeping it was not restful sleep. It was that half awake—eyes slightly open, begging my brain to shut off so I can go back to bed and get a few more minutes of sleep that I know I desperately needed. I was breaking out, gaining weight, irritated, tired, and not looking my best. At the time, I kept pushing forward. I keep thinking I was the problem. I wasn’t working out hard enough or eating well enough or applying enough face masks or serums to make my skin beautiful. (The amount of product I buy is absurd haha).
I never once considered sleep could be the problem. Instead, I started working out more, eating healthier, practicing yoga, drinking more water, and journaling. Anything I could do to try to improve my physical and mental state, I was doing it. While all those things are great, I was sort of over-doing it and ignoring the one thing I should have been fixing first: SLEEP!!! I went to a nutritionist. She asked me about my routines, and before we even got into food she asked the question “how’s your sleep?” I was sitting there for like a full 5 seconds, blank stare, then the question finally made a connection to my brain, and still I was like why does that even matter? She made it clear that before I focus or adjust my fitness, and eating I need to take my sleep seriously. Sleep is a huge part of our well-being and if you’re like me—you’re probably neglecting it.
Ever since that conversation (3 or 4 months ago) sleep has become a priority to me. So I am going to share with you some of my secrets so you can achieve your full potential at your job or in your business. Again, not a doctor here, just letting you know what works for me if you are looking for more restful sleep. Let’s get it started.
Sleepytime Tea
I take this about an hour before I get into bed. I absolutely LOVE this celestial seasonings tea. It makes me sleepy every single time. Also how cute is the bear? I’m already a tea person, because it helps me wind down. My mother and her mother are big tea people, and I guess it just rubbed off on me. So take it from a serial tea drinker—Celestial seasonings is FLAMES. This is the first step to my road to dream land routine.
CBD Oil & Ointment
Two companies I have come to trust and love are Reset—you put the oil under your tongue or can put it in your drink, and CBD Clinic—you put this on your skin. I use it for aches and pains, and sometimes put a bit on my temples to help me relax. Melatonin does not work for me. I might fall right asleep, but I will wake up wide awake a few hours later. The CBD works wonders for sleep, and helps me relax. I highly recommend both of these before you try to get some Z’s. It’s after I take the oil and apply the cream that it’s time to dim the lights and head into bed. I read before I sleep because it calms my mind, without letting it run crazy with to do’s, worries, and anxiety for tomorrow. The dim lights help my brain to signal it’s time for sleep. I found the nights when I watch TV before I go to bed or read with a bright light on—it’s harder for me to fall asleep. Also once I head into bed—no screens! I charge my phones and apple watch outside the bedroom. There are studies that say WIFI interferes with sleep waves. Here’s the deal—I’m not a scientist—but without the reminder of e-mails, texts, and instagram to check sitting right next to me I have found I sleep way better. If the WIFI thing is true—that’s cool, but I think of my bedroom as my sanctuary, a safe place—so no screens allowed. This has worked wonders for me.
Weighted Sleep Mask & Blanket
I quite literally can’t sleep without a sleep mask, and I love the feel and comfort of my weighted sleep mask. Any light no matter how little will interrupt my sleep whether the moon is too bright, or when it starts to get light early in the morning, so the sleep mask helps keep out all interruptions. Also, I made a purchase for a weighted blanket, and it feels like a huge hug. It helps me get right to sleep. I have no specific product suggestions, I think they all work relatively the same. My weighted blanket is from room essentials, I bought it at Target for 50 bucks.
Sound Machine
Last but not least—do yourself a favor and go out and buy a sound machine. I know there are apps on your phone you can download but if you are like me and want no screens in your sanctuary a sound machine is a must. That white noise lulls me to sleep like a baby. I never really believed in sound machines but I got a recommendation for it and it is a game changer when you have those nights or early mornings you wake up wide awake and you have no idea why—and you really need the extra sleep. Turn on a sound machine, and let it work its magic.
I hope you’ll try out some of these tips and tricks and see if any work for you! Let me know if you find any of them helpful, or let me know if you have other suggestions. I am always looking to improve my sleep these days—mostly because I want to be productive as I can, but I have noticed good sleep contributes to me having a happy, healthy day. Most importantly I want to live for a long time—I got a lot of goals left on my list to accomplish!
Follow These Fitness Females
If you are like me fitness is a big part of your life, but it’s not your whole life. I am always going through an ebb and flow when it comes to working out. Sometimes I am going strong. No motivation needed. Other times the thought of working out overwhelms me, and I want to quit before I begin. Not to mention if my routine gets too “routine” I stop seeing any changes. Basically I need to constantly change up my routine ever so often. (Side note: Highly recommend an apple watch—it really motivates me to reach goals, and move throughout the day no matter how I am feeling). At one point I was training for marathons, had a Crossfit membership, a gym membership, and followed my favorite fitness leaders on Instagram to get an at home change up. Too much? Yeah. I am always at one end of the spectrum—I have always been an all or nothing type of person. I’m working on it, because as we all know consistency and healthy eating habits are really where you win this game.Here’s a list of the women I love the most, and make their routines motivating, fun, and burn! In addition, some of them have workout programs and nutrition suggestions if you are on the lookout for any of that.
Eliza Shirazi
Kick It By Eliza is something I originally thought would be too easy, but it is just the opposite. It’s a fun way to get your cardio in, if you’re sick of running. Also, she has Kick It Sculpt and Kick It Strength these days. Not only are her instructors located all over the United States but her digital platform is so easy to use, and super convenient. The cherry on top is that Eliza is a breath of fresh air—her positive, can-do attitude combined with her Fempire that feels more like family than a fitness group makes a 40 minute cardio workout the highlight of your day.
Alanna Perry
Alanna Perry, the creator & owner of Barre Groove, is a unicorn. She is sassy, fun, and wild. I can’t really express enough how much I love this human. She makes working out look sexy. Although I do not look like her when I do her workouts, I feel sexy. Not only that but her classes are filled with adult candy: trampolines & pom poms. Do I need to say more? I will anyway. I have always been an intense athlete: figure skater, competitive dancer, field hockey & basketball player, marathon runner, and most recently crossfitter. I recently had rotator cuff surgery so I take my form and technique much more serious these days than the amount of reps and weight I can bang out. With this said, Perry’s workouts are low impact, but intense. The best part is I can’t start smiling whenever I take her class.
Stacie Montanaro
Stacie Montanaro more popularly known as Sweat With Stace is a true staple on my Insta feed. I have never met Stacie Montanaro in person or taken any of her classes, but I follow her on Instagram and her content is fire. I like her workouts because they don’t look so overwhelming and complicated that you want to quit before you start, but you are going to sweat, A LOT. It helps her stories really make me laugh. If you are looking to strenght train and sculpt in a meaningful way give her a look. I have never done her Slim in 6, but it looks like a program I would definitely be willing to try. I also dig her entrepreneur spirit. She’s basically the poster child for crop tops, and she sells some pretty awesome, original design sweatshirts.
Ashlen Sandefur
Ashlen Sandefur is not in the Boston area but she’s another great person to follow on the gram. Why? I appreciate the simplicity of her workouts, and also the fact that I wake up the next day sore AF. She’s constantly putting out videos on the daily for workouts in the gym and at home for all levels. The minute I save and finish one of her workouts she already has another one out. Also she categorizes each workout by the muscle group, which I can appreciate. She’s basically a personal trainer for free on her instagram feed—I mean…..what are you really waiting for if you’re not following her? I love doing my own cardio routines, and adding some strength training from her is really an easy way to hit all the fitness goals. She has a 6 week workout program you can shop as well. Personally, I have not tried her 6 week program. but I have linked her website if you want to check her out.