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When you look good…you feel good!

March 20, 2011 By Newtritionista 1 Comment

As some of you may know, I am a Chicago based healthy living blogger. As much as I love to about food, diet, and nutrition I live by the saying “when you look good, you feel good,” something my Mother always and still says to me and it’s SO true!

Here are three things that make me look good and feel good…

Workout Clothes: I know this may sound goofy but I love shopping and expanding my workout wardrobe! Actually getting my butt to the gym is the hardest part of all, so why not look cute while getting my ass kicked?! So if you’re into the idea of looking chic while doing sprints on the treadmill, here are my favorite places to shop for workout gear: Lululemon, Gap Body, Old Navy, and Forever 21 – recently came out with their line of workout clothes.

Lingerie: “Lingerie is the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, every single day. It sets the foundation for the way you look and feel, inspiring every emotion from confident to coquette,” Jenna, owner of Jenna Leigh Lingerie. SO SO true… even if you’re a single gal lingerie can be the perfect confidence booster. My new obsession, cheeky undies! I want one of these in every color!

Getting my hair done: For special occasions this is one of the pricier things I like to do. Last week, I treated myself to a blowout and it was the perfect pick me up after a rough week. My hair not only looked amazing but people were giving me tons of compliments, thanks to Matilda at Charles Ifergan Salon. If you’re feeling down or having a stressful week I highly recommend you hit this Oak Street salon and pamper yourself with the best blowout in Chicago.

You can read more from Newtritionista at her personal site here.

Filed Under: Motivate, Style Tagged With: , ,

Love Games

March 8, 2011 By Newtritionista 9 Comments

I hate to say it but all girls are crazy. We just can’t help it especially when it comes to men and dating. We sit around over analyzing text messages, voicemails, and my all time favorite question, “Why didn’t he call?”

It’s the worst, it really is. All we want is find a man who makes us happy, is that so much to ask?

Being a single girl in the dating world for quite some time, I have realized we will never find out why… he didn’t call, he ignored you at the bar, he didn’t ask you out again and instead asked out your best friend, he totally disappeared into outer space?…rude!

What’s a single girl gonna do in this big city of bachelors?

Play. The. Game.

It’s very simple.

Don’t make yourself so available: so, you want to play games? Men like a good chase, which is half the fun of dating. I hate it when men make up excuses and say how busy they are, busy shmizzy. We are all busy and I think it’s a big load of crap. If he’s into you, he will make time for you PERIOD. In the meantime, you’re busy too- duh. Don’t make yourself so available, please.

Let him wonder where you are and what you’re doing: Don’t text, call, email, gchat, etc. If you have to, take his number out of your phone and give it to a friend. Under any circumstances DO NOT find a reason to contact him… unless you’re over it or he has a personal item of yours that you want back.

He’s just not that into you: Men are very simple. If he likes you, he will contact you. If he’s not then he won’t. You don’t have time to sit around and analyze why he didn’t contact you. HE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU. Now, move on.

Don’t think you’re the only one: I HATE to say it but us ladies are attracted to total jerks. It’s just the nature of the beast. Unfortunately if you are dating someone he most likely has other girls in the mix, especially if you met him off a dating website. Unless you are in a fully committed relationship you MUST keep your options open. This will not only help your own sanity but it will make you feel more confident. I’m not saying to whore it out but there is nothing wrong with talking to a couple boys at once.

If you’re in a situation (yes, that’s what I like to call dating …it’s a situation, not like the Jersey Shore):

Play it cool: He wants to go out with his buddies, “Great! Have fun, Bye.” If you’re easy going about what he does and show that you have no reason not to trust him, he will go out and have you on his mind. If you throw a fit that he never spends time with you (especially if this is a new situation) he will just want to get away from this nagging, annoying, girl. Be cool. It’s so hard but if you start up with him or nag him, you will end up pushing him away.

Side note: I am quite the fit thrower and have gotten myself into some hot water because of it. Drunk or sober, don’t do it. Guys hate it and it’s the BIGGEST turn off.

Patience is a virtue: Dating is a marathon, not a sprint. You aren’t going to fall in love at the blink of an eye. It takes time. Be patient. Men don’t understand that us crazy women don’t have patience and we want answers NOW. All I have to say is don’t rush into things just take it day by day. It sucks, but you must be patient.

All in all, you gatta brush it off and say to yourself “ life is too good to let some guy come into the picture and mess it all up.”

Someday you’re prince will come, just when you least expect it…ughhhh. So stop looking for Mr. Right and enjoy life. Party your tush off, branch out, focus on your career, keep yourself busy, and enjoy the simple things life has to offer.

You can read more from Newtritionista at her personal site here.

Filed Under: Motivate, Opinion

Funemployment

December 7, 2010 By Newtritionista 6 Comments

I have recently become unemployed. This is something very new to me. Unemployment and I do not go together. I was working for an advertising network for about 7 months; I was the girl that was attached to her blackberry, worked late hours, and even worked from home on evenings and weekends. I personally thought things were going well, until the president of the company dropped the bomb on me and said he had to let me go due to company lay-offs. I held myself together, refrained from tearing up, and stuffed as much of my crap as I could into an old shopping bag. I think the worst part about the entire situation was the fact that I had to pack up my things as the president of the company pretended not to watch me while he “worked” on his iPhone.

When I lost my job, I became angry. I felt that I worked too hard to be the one who was let go. I did nothing but work my tail off for that company and what did I get in return? Nothing but a shopping bag filled with office supplies. My anger soon turned into the realization that I am a confident, hardworking individual, who was a great asset to the company. Bitch mode translation: they will regret their decision.

Anyhow, I now live the life of what I like to call funemployment. I am lucky to have a couple of girlfriends who got the boot as well, so the three of us united as a team of determined, young professionals who spend several hours a day working on our computers, editing our resumes, applying to jobs, networking, and, of course, stalking on Facebook.

Although this funemployment situation has only been going on for a little over a week, I feel like it is a blessing in disguise. I have never been more organized; I have a huge to-do list hanging on my fridge. Yes, on my fridge… can you say nerd alert? I have a specific daily routine that I do every single day; I wake up every morning at 8am, work out, cook all of my own healthy meals and I have more time to write and blog. Can this situation get any worse? I always said if I become unemployed I would have a hot body, so I’m going for it by working out 5 days a week.

It took me a while to finally come to terms with my unemployment, but I am taking advantage of it. Confession: I have not come to terms with losing my mayorship on foursquare that I held for 4 consecutive months. Whatever.

So, what have I been up to besides networking the crap out of myself? I bought a crock-pot last weekend, and I can’t wait to use it and cook yummy meals for my friends. I have time to bake and send a care package to my siblings who are studying for finals. I want to go rock climbing. I want to explore the city and find unique streets and restaurants that I used to not have time to find. I also want to see that new movie Love and Other Drugs, how cute?

All and all, this unemployment situation really isn’t as bad as I thought. I am not unemployed; I am funemployed (with a little bit of work in between).

Filed Under: Biz, Misc, Uncategorized

Wanna get skinny?

September 27, 2010 By Newtritionista 3 Comments
Alright people, just because summer is ending doesn’t mean you can stop eating healthy, quit the gym, and sit on your couch eating a bowl of mac and cheese. Yes, bikini season is over, but it doesn’t mean that you have to stop maintaining a healthy lifestyle and looking your best. Here are three key mantras that help me maintain my healthy lifestyle all year-round… and then some :-)
You are what you eat. This is pretty obvious. So many people don’t think about what they put in their mouths before they do it. If you eat that cake, you are that cake! Unfortunately, that cake is going to go straight to your ass! So, THINK before you put something in your mouth… you will be much happier in the long run.
Everything in moderation. This is my favorite one! I don’t believe in depriving yourself of your favorite foods, but it is imperative to practice portion control. It’s easier said than done, but if you deprive yourself of certain foods, you will end up binging later on- way worse than allowing yourself your favorite treat every now and then. If you want a slice of cake, go for it! You‘re not going to get fat from having one piece of cake. However, you will get fat from eating 10 slices of cake. Therefore, everything in moderation is key. Allow yourself one day where you can eat whatever you want and be good the rest of the week. This will help you stay in control without feeling guilty.
When you look good, you feel good. My mother says this to me all the time and it is absolutely true! When you reach your goal weight and your jeans fit  perfectly, you feel like a million bucks. Why go back to un-buttoning your jeans under the dinner table? We all know what it feels like to have to do lunges to fit into your jeans, and it is not fun. There is nothing better than feeling good about yourself, so step up your game and take care of your body. Besides, you only have one body; why not make sure it’s looking hot all year round?

I hope these ideas give you some after summer inspiration! Fall fashion is so major right now… don’t you want to look great in your new adorable clothes? Don’t stress yourself out, just continue (or start) to make smart and healthy choices!!!

Filed Under: Humor, Opinion

Starbucks

September 11, 2010 By Newtritionista 1 Comment

Every morning for the past month or so I have been visiting the Starbucks in Northwestern hospital. The people are so nice and friendly and I love when they give me a “treat receipt” where I can purchase another coffee for $2 after 2pm! I never end up taking advantage of the treat receipt but I always get excited when they give it to me. I usually get the same female barista ringing me up every morning who always asks how my morning is going, makes some kind of comment regarding  how adorable my outfit is, and then says “Oh wait… let me give you your treat receipt!” It’s by far the best way to start my morning.

Starbucks is a community. You go to the same one everyday, the baristas all know you, and some of them even know your drink order. It’s like a little social “stop and chat” on your way to work in the morning. You look forward to saying what’s up to your favorite baristas and maybe even getting hooked up with an extra shot of espresso. If I don’t go my MY Starbucks everyday then my barista friends are going to wonder where I am! After my daily morning trip to Starbucks I am the happiest person on the planet! Even going out of my way to say hello or smile to anyone I make eye contact to  (this is probably why the security guard at my office building LOVES me). They never mess up my drink order EVER even though I order the most annoying drink. A grande iced coffee in a venti cup with sugar free caramel. Sometimes I add an extra shot when I’m in the mood.

One day I noticed a disabled gentleman working the checkout counter. I walked up to him, said hello, and got out my wallet to pay for my obnoxious drink. He is tall, wears a Starbucks visor, and wears a top and bottom retainer… awwwww. I remember those days where my friends and I thought retainers were cool. I obviously had a pink glow in the dark one. Anyhow, he took my credit card from me, swiped it, and then told me to have a great day. I loved it because I was so impressed to see a high functioning disabled man working at Starbucks. I have a soft spot for the disabled, growing up with an autistic cousin made me only want to help people who are less fortunate than myself. I was determined to become his friend! Every single day I would attempt to make conversation with my new friendly barista. One day I just went up to his checkout counter and said “Hiiiiiii frienddddddd” he laughed so hard and thought I was the funniest person. We introduced ourselves, his name is Anthony.

Now, whenever Anthony is working we always chat. I found out he works on the weekends and that he was very tired today. I am still so impressed with his work ethics and abilities. I am not sure what type of disability he has but it’s pretty amazing when you see someone who is disabled serving you your morning coffee. Anthony is always so happy and cheery. When he sees me waiting in the line in the morning he starts hysterically laughing behind the counter. Knowing that I am able to make someone else laugh by doing absolutely nothing warms my heart.

I guess it’s just a nice feeling to know that two complete polar opposite strangers, a Starbucks barista and a caffeine addict can make each others day. Isn’t life funny sometimes?

You can read more from Newtritionista at her personal site here.

Filed Under: Misc

Marriage?

September 3, 2010 By Newtritionista 6 Comments

So here are my thoughts about getting married at a young age…

Once you’re married, then what? Have kids? Screw that!

We are in our low to mid twenties! Who wants kids now? Heck, I can barley even take care of myself let alone a child. I can’t even get a pet fish for crying out loud!

Sometimes I wonder about all those people who choose to get engaged or married at a young age. I wonder if they ever think that they are missing out…not taking advantage of what this city has to offer…

So many young women say to me “I’m so ready to get married, I hate going out, I hate drinking, I just like to sit at home and cuddle.” Yeah, sitting at home and cuddling is great when it’s WINTER. Just because you just so happen to be ready to get married doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, and by fun I don’t mean going out and getting wasted with your single friends.

Fun meaning, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, getting away for a weekend, renting a boat or jet ski and riding around on the lake, having a BBQ or my personal favorite BeerBBQ (oh yes, I forget miss “I’m ready to get married” doesn’t drink anymore)

When did those twenty-something people stop having fun and start being lame?

Do people want to settle down and get married at a young age so they can say they were the first ones?!

I’m just sayin… you don’t want to look back on your life and feel like you missed out since you got married at a young age, because…well…that’s what people do when they have been dating for X amount of years.

Final thought: you should be married to yourself before you marry someone else. You don’t want to look back and think you don’t know who you are married to this person because you don’t even know yourself.

You can read more from Newtritionista at her personal site here.

Filed Under: Opinion

Narsty face

August 31, 2010 By Newtritionista 2 Comments

I overheard some ladies chatting on the el about how narsty looking their friend’s new boyfriend is… I couldn’t engage in this conversation clearly because they had no idea who I was and it would be weird having some random chick jump into their boyfriend bashing.

Anyhow… when I overheard this discussion about this guy three questions came to mind… does he treat her well? Does he make her happy? Does he make her laugh? All very important qualities of a “narsty” looking guy.

What exactly is a narsty looking guy?

It doesn’t matter if this guy is cute or not… if he doesn’t have a personality he’s screwed! Personality can really make or break someone- obviously.

I like to call men with no personality vanilla.

To be honest, I would rather date an okay looking guy that an awesome personality than a gorgeous dud.

I sure hope this narsty boyfriend is not vanilla… otherwise he really doesn’t have anything going for him.

Of course attraction is one of the most important aspects of a relationship but what if women are just in relationships with narsty looking guys just because they want a boyfriend SO bad?!

Are some women really that desperate enough to just take anyone because they don’t want to be stuck single and 30? Don’t get me wrong, single and 30 is the new hot thing. I’m just sayin…

My point, why rush? You only live once… you don’t want to look back and think to yourself  “I never had enough,” because you decided to marry narsty face because that’s what twenty-something people do.

If you are single, embrace it… hopefully it will be only time in your life when you are.

You can read more from Newtritionista at her personal site here.

Filed Under: Misc

Am I a lost soul?

August 18, 2010 By Newtritionista 1 Comment

I turn 25 next month. Twenty. Five. It scares me, A LOT. I feel like every year I get older I get scared. I am the oldest out of all of my friends, some of them still not even 24. That makes me feel very old.

Looking back on my life since I graduated college I have been totally lost. I graduated, broke up with my boyfriend of 3 years and started fresh. I thought my new start would be easy, but it wasn’t. I got anxiety, BAD anxiety. I lived at my parent’s house, trying to save every penny I could. I wanted to move downtown so bad; I was sick of crashing at my friend’s places, schlepping around heavy overnight bags, and dealing with a 45 minute commute.

Six months later, I moved out of my parent’s house and into a tiny studio. I didn’t care; I just wanted to live downtown. I was scared to live alone, but kept myself busy. I had a great job and was fortunate enough to be employed and financially stable. My best friend moved away to LA and my high school friends were into their own lives, boyfriends, and careers. I felt very alone. I began to realize that I couldn’t rely on anyone but myself.

I missed my ex-boyfriend. Ok… I didn’t miss him; I missed SOMEONE aka a male companion to give me back massages on command. I felt like all of my friends were in serious relationships and instead of going out with me on Friday night, they had date night with their boyfriends. I didn’t have a roommate or any friends in my building. So there I was, doing laundry on a Friday night because I had no one to go out with.

I then realized that if I wanted to have a social life and enjoy being a newly single girl, I would have to make an effort. I began to branch out. I became closer than ever with my college friends and they introduced me to all of their friends. I went to happy hour with my co-workers, I started to pick up the phone and call people, there would even be some nights where I would go out with a random mish mosh of people. To be honest, those nights with random people you don’t know are always the best.

I started to have more friends; one’s that I can rely on. I still saw my high school friends, but I wouldn’t get so upset if they weren’t up for a night out on the town. Being single and living alone in a big city did a lot for me. More than I ever thought. I realized that I can be independent. I am okay sitting at my pool by myself, reading a magazine. I am able to focus on my career and even start a new job where I made enough money to move out of my tiny studio apartment. I started my blog. I never thought it my wildest dreams I would be living the life I am.

It was a slow process, but everything happens for a reason. So next month I turn 25 and I plan on celebrating with my best friends and family. Whoever wants to come and celebrate will, whoever doesn’t show up, it’s their loss. My friend Julie told me that 25 was her favorite age. She told me she felt so lost at 24 and 25 was where she finally felt like she had it together.

Well… I may not have it together, but I’m trying! Sometimes, I feel like my mind is a constant motor. I constantly wake up in the middle of the night with so many thoughts and ideas, some good, some bad. I then turned to writing. I would have so much to say and so much on my mind, that I felt I needed to put it somewhere. Even if my pieces don’t become public, it makes me feel better when I get my thoughts out on paper. I used to have a diary when I was in middle school and high school but in college I never continued it. Now, I just like to write. I can look back and reflect on my life and what was going on in my head at certain times.

Some people turn to music, some turn to the gym, some to yoga, and some turn to good old booze. I turn to writing. It is where I feel the happiest and at peace.

So for you, do what makes you happy. For those of you out there who may feel down or completely lost, sit back think of all the GOOD things you have going for you. Do what makes YOU happy and what you enjoy most. In due time, everything will come together. I know when I least expect it, everything will come together for me. I guess I have time to figure it out, right?!

Until I figure it all out (whatever that may be), I am going to continue living my life the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity that comes to me. Of course, you should too.

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Filed Under: Misc, Motivate