36 Things: A SimpleSavvy Hodgepodge
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As I celebrate my 36th birthday this week, I thought I’d use this opportunity to create a list, of sorts, that includes a few things:
A little bit more about me
Some tried-and-true #simplesavvy tips (to date)
A few of my (current) favorite things.
It’s a hodgepodge of stuff, really. Just like your mid-30s…a real hodgepodge.
I constantly wear sunglasses…on my head, like a headband to hold my hair back. It’s ridiculous, honestly, and now my daughter has started to imitate this.
I think I may have learned more from podcasts over the last few years than I learned my entire time in college. Lately, I’ve been sharing my favorite podcast episode of the week on my facebook page - come check it out!
I have naturally dark brown hair that I simply can NOT embrace. Give me all the blonde highlights, forever!
If I had to choose one thing to give up: coffee, dark chocolate or tortilla chips, for the rest of my life, let’s just say, it would be a painstaking decision.
I hate accumulating things. When it doubt, throw that ish out!
Keeping my home clean and well-organized is a constant source of stress for me. When things are messy, I’m distracted and it makes me anxious, but I can also get really resentful about how much time household “duties” require of me on a weekly basis.
I’m naturally curious and I ask lots of questions. This is what makes me a good coach and I hope what will ultimately propel me to podcast host stardom ;)
Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water every day is a game charger in terms of your health. It might take a while to make this a habit, but it’s worth the effort (and the time you’ll spend in the bathroom).
Don’t overcomplicate exercise. If you have classes or activities you love, try to do those as often as possible. The rest of time: walk, take the stairs. do jumping jacks, lift some weights. Focus on quick, frequent bursts of activity throughout the day. No human being was meant to sit for 8 hours.
Don’t buy bananas at convenient stores or coffee shops. They’re 5 times the price of a normal grocery store. It’s highway banana robbery!
I am an introvert who can, at times, be very extroverted, but I really like my alone time.
I met my husband, through a friend, at a bar. A few run-ins on the metro and a year later, we went on our first date.
Get in the habit of reading the ingredients in your food and products. Not sure what something is — look it up! Decide if you want to purchase it again or not. We are lucky enough to live in a time of infinite choices. We can choose better.
Healthy eating got you down? Think of your plate similar to your favorite black dress. What fabulous accessories (veggies!) can you add to spice things up?
Less scrolling and more strolling (preferably with your spouse, your dog or a friend).
These are my current skincare must-haves: AM - Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum, Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion, Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream; PM - Overnight Resurfacing Peel and either No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil or Cleansing Balm, as an overnight moisturizer.
We don’t have any pets, but we spend 30 mins every day with Daniel Tiger. If you’re a parent of a toddler and you need a few minutes to yourself, turn on PBS, slowly back out of the room and do #ALLTHETHINGS.
Most nights, I drink Yogi Honey Lavender tea. It’s been my go-to for years.
I think about food a lot. I think about what to feed my family a lot. Food is very important to me and takes up a lot of brain space, it seems; however, I’m not fond of cooking. I am a very proud “assembler” of meals.
Contrary to what others might think, I really don’t like shopping and I hate malls. I get overwhelmed by all the options. I would much rather find something very specific I want and order it online.
My No. 1 requirement for my dream home is walkability. If I can walk to a coffee shop, a yoga studio and a great restaurant or wine bar, I would never, ever move. Oh, and major bonus points if this location never gets above 78 degrees :)
Effective multitasking is a myth, but multi-MASKING, is a must. You CAN achieve clearer pores while watching TV, emptying the dishwasher or doing some stretches. All from the comfort of your own home. Follow it up with this super affordable, clean face scrub (yes, I use a few things besides Beautycounter) and No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil (with Vitamin C) and you will honestly feel and look like you’ve had a facial!
I really love fall but I’m not into any of the “pumpkin spice” hype.
I want to start or be part of a walking club. My entire childhood, all I did was walk places with my gfs. Now as an adult I can recognize both the mental and physical benefits of this. Who’s interested?!
I rarely sit down. This causes a lot of anxiety for my husband, especially when he’s sitting.
Let’s talk smoothies. Have you heard of Kelly LeVeques Fab 4 Smoothie recipes? The concept is this: Basically we put way too much fruit in our smoothies, people! This causes our blood sugar to spike and crash (used to happen to me all the time) and instead we need to ensure our smoothies contain the Fab 4: protein, fat, fiber and greens. Now that I invested in a quality protein powder and I’m careful to use only 1/4 a cup of fruit - game changer! I can actually drink a smoothie in the morning and it keeps me full until lunch.
I completed my health coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) in 2013. In 2016, I completed a 60 hour professional coach training program and in January of 2018, I completed my 100 + hours of coaching clients and obtained my ICF (International Coach Federation) accreditation. Interested in learning about any of this training or working with a coach? Let’s chat!
Odd as it sounds, Amy Poehler’s Yes Please is one of my favorite books of the last 5 years.
When I first moved to DC, I took Improv classes and performed in an Improv show
Although I’m a really slow reader, I love to read and I often feel overwhelmed by all the books I want to be reading.
I believe there’s a lot of benefit in writing things down. If you want to eat better, start keeping a food journal. If you want to better utilize your time, track how you’re spending it first. If you want to have a more positive outlook, write down things your grateful for everyday. Seriously, write things down, with a pen! We’re all forgetting how to write. Lately, do you ever kinda struggle with signing your name? (I know! It’s terrifying)
The average woman uses 12 products every day. Many of those products include ingredients that have never been tested for human safety. I joined Beautycounter because I believe women shouldn’t have to compromise their health in the name of beauty. AND because sharing about things I use and love comes pretty naturally — who doesn’t want a good recommendation?!
I can’t believe I’m not at 36 things yet so I’ll just say, I love Trader Joe’s (where the bananas are always 19 cents)!
I adore my emerald green SJP shoes I wore on my wedding day (and to many weddings after that). Probably one of the most comfortable pair of heels I’ve ever owned (I realize pointing out this pragmatic detail seals my fate as “a Miranda”)
Sometimes being mindful is as simple as looking up from our devices and looking around. Noticing.
A little savasana never hurt anyone. If all else fails, lay on the floor for 5 mins. It won’t hurt anything and will probably help.
There we have it. More difficult than I had expected, but hopefully you found something useful and/OR entertaining.
