This Sunday marks an important milestone (and also my mother's birthday which I am excited to be able to celebrate with her in person for the first time in a LONG time!) - it's my five year anniversary of barre!!! It is no exaggeration to say that barre has changed my life - it has become an important part of my identity and was the impetus for so many of the other healthy habits I have formed, things I have accomplished, and invaluable relationships that I have formed throughout the years. Since this time last year, my lifetime barre stats have increased to a total of 2,479 hours of taking…
Whole30 Swordfish Salmoriglio and the Good Kind of Comparison
Being back in my hometown after so many years is very strange. While some of the streets, stores, and faces are of course familiar, there has been A LOT which has changed. The city has definitely been in growth mode over the past 10+ years and my once or twice annual pilgrimages hardly gave me the opportunity to see all that was new each year, not to mention the cumulative effect. Everything is familiar, but little is the same. Grand Rapids is all grown up now. And although I kind
Identifying “Hot Points” and Perfecting Whole30 Pomme Anna
Transitions are tough. I am so excited to be back in Michigan, close to family and working on our new home, however, I am still working on feeling settled. Of course there are still boxes to be unpacked and renovation projects which will just take time, but moreover I feel a bit dazed and transient. But I do know that we'll get there. In the meantime, my biggest challenge proves to be remaining calm. I hate clutter, mess, and an unsettled routine. And although I find it relatively manageable to maintain my regular healthy habits when it comes to eating and exercise, I often struggle to maintain a positive outlook…
Future Discounting :: Why Getting Started is the Hardest Part
For me, and many others as I understand it, getting started really is half the battle. Whether it's due to perfectionistic tendencies and anxiety about making a wrong first step (me) or some other variety of procrastination, just getting going can be a big hurdle to overcome. I have written a few times (here and here) about what is referred to as "tomorrow" logic or our tendency to discount what we do today because we are going to do XYZ tomorrow. When we think about our future selves, we typically see them as more virtuous and superior to who and what we are today, which t
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!! As one of thosetypes of people who always loves any chance for a fresh start, I especially love a brand new year and usually try to capitalize on the psychological advantages that the blank slate provides. And in light of all that's going on this year with the big move back across the pond, becoming homeowners and settling into life in Grand Rapids - it feels like this year is especially turbocharged! However, although I am a resolutions and habit fanatic, I know that many others are decidedly not. And because there are as many different perspectives on goal setting and resolutions as there are individuals out…
Taking Advantage of Temporal Landmarks and Enjoying Paleo Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes
Over the past week onboard the Queen Mary 2, I've had a bit of time to reflect on the year - what went well, what did not-so-much and think about what I want to do with our fresh start back home. Although I really love the process and "doing" once I get started on something, whether that's making a presentation for work, writing a blog post, undertaking something artistic, or soon designing and decorating a new home, I often feel quite overwhelmed by a totally blank slate. However, since I know that a lot of research shows that a big change like a move, a different career, or a new…
What I Read Last Month :: November
November was HECTIC between the packing and moving prep, a few days of work travel, girls' trips to London and Lisbon and studying for a Pilates certification test therefore the time to read was a bit sparse. In order to prepare for the exam, I decided that any time that I had up until then needed to be focused on reviewing anatomy, the history of Pilates, specific exercises, contraindications and modifications. Thankfully I passed so I consider that time well-spent as was soaking up as much time with friends in Cork while we had the chance. However, I am definitely looking forward to a bit more time to indulge in…
Slán go Fóill! Lessons I’ve Learned as an Expat
Wow. The past few weeks have really flown by. They've been crazy busy with moving preparations, finishing out work for the year and making the most of the time left with our friends here. I have been overwhelmed with emotion and the whole thing is very bittersweet. Of course I am thrilled to be returning home home/being near to my family for the first time in a long time and I'm excited about our new house and the conveniences of living in the US again. However, I am leaving behind some of the best people I have ever met and the place where I have lived some of my best…
Farewell to Flex! A Love Letter to My Barre Tribe
I have to say, this is a TOUGH one to write. Things are well past getting real around here. Our homehas been empty for over a week, everything shipped off to the US of A, we've said many final farewells and have only two and half more days in Cork at this stage. The entire experience of living abroad has been nothing short of amazing and I will definitely miss the ability to travel around Europe for the quick weekend city breaks, my weekly trips to check out what's new at Sostrene Grene's, and the Sweet Potato Toast at Spitjack's, but I have to say there is no question about…
My “Personality Project” and Paleo Zucchini Brownies
“One tree is like another tree, but not too much. One tulip is like the next tulip, but not altogether. More or less like people—a general outline, then the stunning individual strokes.” - Mary Oliver As I prepare to move back to the US, there are a lot of not fun things that need to happen - the packing, the administration of closing accounts and opening new ones, and most obviously leaving behind some of the best friends I've ever had. It's been a lot of work and a bittersweet experience so far, but of course there are many things on the other hand to look forward to - including…
