Tag: HHW

Between the office grind and your personal life, you’re a bundle of stress. You’ve heard that meditation can help you calm your mind and dispel feelings of anxiety, so you’re ready to give it a try. You sit on the floor in a quiet area, cross your legs (maybe even light a candle or two), and close your eyes. No matter how hard you try to relax and breathe, you still cannot stop the thoughts from rolling around in your mind, and you quickly decide to postpone your meditation practice for another day.

Instead of wondering how to get happy one day, start exploring what you can do to get happy today, and see the benefits for yourself.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

What daily routine? Just kidding. Every day looks different for me, but there are a few things that stay the same. I always wake up, brush my teeth, do a few simple moves—like child’s pose, side body stretches, and cat cows—then I meditate. I meet with my husband every morning by 10 a.m. He also happens to be my business partner, and these meetings set the tone for our day. We decide exactly what our priorities are and what we’re each tackling. It helps me stay on track and ensures I’m working on the most important things that will move our business forward.
Honestly? I’m pretty terrible at eating breakfast. I prefer a matcha latte with full-fat coconut milk to anything else early in the morning. Then I sit down for a bigger meal around 11 a.m. I avoid scheduling any meetings or calls before 1:30 p.m. That allows me to block off my mornings and use that time to get work done. Around 3 or 4 p.m., that’s when I move and meditate on my own. Usually that looks like a sweat session in my living room before I sit in the quiet. Once or twice a week, I might pop into a yoga class in Portland with my mom or a friend. There are incredible teachers who I adore and learn from here. Mostly though, I do my own thing depending on how I’m feeling and what my schedule allows for.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

It’s the simple things. Moving my body in a way that feels good but also challenges me. Sitting in the quiet and meditating. Drinking lots of water. Calling my mom or meeting a friend for some matcha. Staying in with my husband and cat Javier to watch HBO and cook dinner. I work a lot, and I love what I do. My self-care practices need to fit into my busy life—not the other way around. I’m always looking for strategies to uncover a little more ease and joy in the simple things.

How do you stay inspired?

Connecting with badass women is a huge source of inspiration for me. The Portland community is so open and supportive. I’m grateful for the women in my circle every day. Also any time I can get away from my computer. Spending time outside and walking on the trails or along the Oregon coast helps me hit the reset button.


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

A few weeks ago, I picked up the Moisture Renew Mask by January Labs. It’s hydrating without being too thick. This summer I’m traveling a bunch—including co-leading a retreat in Bali—this mask is absolutely coming with me in my suitcase. I’m also so into Outdoor Voices—currently wearing these pants like a uniform. Another favorite item right now is this “Un” Cover-Up from RMS Beauty. I am so impressed that an organic foundation actually works well—even for my 12-hour days filming workout and meditation classes. I don’t even have to reapply it. Last thing: This “I love you so matcha” tote by my friend Alison Wu. I carry it with me in my bag at all times in case I do an unplanned grocery shopping trip.

What are your favorite apps?

I love Voxer. It’s a walkie talkie app that allows you to leave voice messages for friends. I love talking on the phone—or better yet, in person—but that’s not always doable or easy because of crazy schedules. Voxer makes it a breeze to stay in touch, and it’s more personal than text or email.
Another great app to help with communication is Slack. Our team relies on it, and it cuts way down on the volume of emails.
Spotify is another app I use on the daily. Music is a huge part of the online experience, and music drives the workout portion of my classes. My husband is a DJ on the side, and we have so much fun searching for new tunes and putting playlists together.

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

Right now, I’m totally inspired by RayRay Ricketts. She’s an intuitive coach, healer, a spiritual activist, and the founder of @lossandfoundxo. One of the things she talks about a lot is grief and how it can be an everyday experience—not just something that you feel when someone you love passes away. We don’t have enough tools to deal with negative emotions and the energies that come along with grief. I respect her work, and I’m aligned with her approach to help people find the joy and connect with their inner resilience during tough times.
Another Instagram account that I’m following closely is @1thatgotawayy by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle. Rachel is an activist, a writer, speaker, and she’s currently attending Columbia University. Her work is dedicated to anti-racism and she calls us all to embrace a feminism that is inclusive and intersectional. As a white woman with boatloads of privilege, she helps me understand issues that people of color face every day and what I can do on my end to lift up and amplify existing efforts and movements.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

I love smoothies. Especially this Cherry Cacao Be Well Smoothie by Kelly LeVeque. I’m also super into roasted chickpeas. I drizzle avocado oil and then add tons of garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of chili powder over a sheet of chickpeas and roast them for 35 minutes at 375 degrees. It’s so good! Oh, and I’m obsessed with Cinnamon Maca Almond Butter by Jem Organics. My husband complains about the price, but it’s worth every penny.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m listening to The Feel Good Effect podcast by researcher Robyn Downs. She’s entertaining, she gets to the point, and I always learn something new when I tune in. If you’re curious, I was on her show, and you can listen right here. I also love Dear Sugars with Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond.
And TV? Honestly, I love it. I love Homeland, Insecure, and the creativity and scenery of Westworld.

Kait IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

I have a beloved cat named Javier. He’d probably tell you that my favorite time of the day is when I’m working at my desk and he sleeps behind my computer with his paws resting on the keyboard. He’d also tell you that he has me trained. He’ll go over to the pantry where his snacks are and just start meowing until I give in and feed him treats.

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Ida B. Wells is definitely on the list. She’s an African-American journalist, abolitionist, and a feminist who led an anti-lynching campaign in the late 1890s. I’d also love to meet Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the author of the short story “The Yellow Wallpaper.” She wrote about a woman’s descent into madness, and the story reveals how women were treated in the 1890s and also reveals views about mental health at the time. I remember reading that short story in high school and being grateful for the women who have come before me and fought so that I can have a better life.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

You don’t have to prove yourself to yourself every single day.
I’ve struggled with anxiety pretty much my whole life. A part of me really liked being anxious and on edge because I thought it helped me achieve. Once I learned how to manage the energies of my anxiety, I realized that constantly proving myself to myself doesn’t make me better—it just sucks up my energy and steals my attention from the things that matter the most. Learning how to extend love, kindness, and patience to myself…also learning how to let go of chasing perfection? That’s been transformative and something I’m passionate about sharing with others through my online workout and meditation classes.

What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?

I have an uncanny ability to rest and watch really good television. TV binges don’t happen often, but when they do? Let’s just say I watched 7 episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale in one day last year. And about a month ago, I watched season 7 of Homeland in 8 days.

What is your bucket list travel destination?

I want to go all over Jordan and Israel. This summer, we’re checking off two of my bucket list items by visiting the Greek islands and Istanbul. I can’t wait!


To learn more about Kait Hurley, be sure to check out her Instagram and YouTube channel! You might even see some familiar faces…

This week’s Healthy Her Way feature is wellness guru and matcha maven Alison Wu.
Stylist and blogger Alison is all about healthy living; she focuses on eating a plant-forward diet that includes fresh, organic, and local (where possible) ingredients, and if you’ve seen the inside of her fridge—a Smeg that’s in the dreamiest kitchen ever—or pantry, you’ve probably felt some serious envy. How can someone eat like that all the time? Well, luckily for readers, Alison also develops recipes on her blog, Wu Haus—and most of them are actually way simpler than they look! Her incredible layered smoothies and colorful bowls are way attainable and have definitely served as inspiration when I am dragging myself to the kitchen to cook dinner.
Alison is open, though, about the times she doesn’t make choices she loves for herself, like when she’s not eating food that’s exactly fit for the ’gram or when she struggles with self-love. In March, she wrote this candid nugget about her Instagram feed: “Everything I share here is an authentic expression of who I am and what I love, but is by no means a full picture of my life. When I’m stressed or overworked, sometimes I skip meals or make poor decisions like eating a piece of toast for dinner like I did on Saturday night. This whole weekend, I was so focused on other things that I let healthy eating fall to the wayside.” Been there, sis.
Feeds full of picture-perfect shots sometimes feel unrelatable, but if you read Alison’s captions or her blog posts, you’ll quickly see that she actually shares a lot about the parts of her life that some people hold closer to the chest: thoughts on marriage and friendships, her wellness journey, selfies with skincare issues, and honest accounts of when she feels she didn’t do her best that day.
As she wrote on that post in March, “I slip up. I make bad decisions. I neglect self care. I let my impulses take control. I am human.” What’s more relatable than that?

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

My husband and I usually end our days around 6:30 p.m. and begin prepping dinner to our favorite playlist of the moment. Eating nutrient-dense, nourishing meals is incredibly important to us. I’m a big proponent for understanding what your body needs and feeding it accordingly. For example, in times of heightened stress or anxiety, we’ll cook warming, grounding foods that balance the chakra—muladhara or root—to bring us back down to earth.
My husband usually helps me cook, and we chat about our days. To begin the unwinding process, I’ll prepare a cup of calming tea using herbs like chamomile, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, and cinnamon, which all have comforting effects on the nervous system. I use tea time to unplug from my phone and computer and focus my attention on the present moment, read an inspirational book, or write in my journal.
Creating a bathtime ritual is one of my favorite ways to practice self-care. I love making over-the-top baths with florals, citrus, and crystals and really taking the time to relax my body and my mind. I’ll skim through a book of poetry or just close my eyes and let my senses take over. I love to prepare a castor oil pack with a stress-relieving essential oil blend and apply it for 20 to 30 minutes while lying in bed reading a book or catching up on the news.
One of my intentions for 2018 was less scrolling, more page turning, so it’s important for me to disconnect from my phone before bed in order to fully relax.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

• Slowing down and listening to my inner voice
• 3 liters of water a day
• 8 hours of sleep a night
• Quality time with people that bring me joy

How do you stay inspired?

I’m constantly gathering inspiration from my surroundings: nature, shapes, texture, interiors, fashion, fantasy. If I’m going through a period of feeling uninspired (like we all do), I try to be gentle with myself, remind myself that inspiration ebbs and flows. There’s so much in the world to be inspired by. Honestly, sometimes it’s overwhelming! A lot of times I find getting quiet, disconnecting from technology, and immersing myself in nature inspires me the most.


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are your favorite apps?

Audible, Instagram, VSCO, NYTimes

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

@cleowade

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m reading the Steve Jobs’ biography, watching The Handmaid’s Tale, season 2, and listening to Frank Ocean’s Spotify station.

Alison IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

Well, I just got back from Puglia, Italy, and that’s all I can think about. Next maybe India or Australia.

Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?

Space. Seeing all the plastic in the ocean would make me depressed.

What’s your coffee order?

All about the matcha! My favorite is the one I make at home with coconut butter, collagen, adaptogens, cardamom, and ½ a Medjool date.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

Our thoughts shape our reality. I always keep that in mind, especially when I’m feeling down and find myself in a cycle of negative thinking.


Follow Alison on Instagram and at her blog, Wu Haus.

“You don’t need to be there every minute of your kids’ life for them to know they’re loved.”
Read that sentence again. And again. Okay, just one more time.
When I read that on Laura Scott’s blog post about being a working mom, it instantly resonated with me—hey, I’m a working mom! My daughter has attended daycare, is currently in a before- and after-school care program, and my family babysits her all the time—all of which allow me to juggle my career, a social life, and self-care. Even though I know time apart is important, the mom guilt constantly creeps in. But reading Laura’s posts on the importance of finding a village (and using that village!) was so important for me; it never hurts to be reminded that my daughter is loved and well cared for, even if I’m not there every hour of her life.
So that’s why I’m happy this week’s Healthy Her Way feature is Laura Scott of A Little Bit of Lacquer. Because of posts like that (and so many others), it’s clear that Laura is a mom who gets it. Plenty of moms on the internet are at the harsh end of pointed fingers for not doing enough for their kids, for not being there enough, for having other priorities too. Laura, on the other hand, is open about the fact that she does do a lot besides parent her three daughters. Of course, she’s more than just a mom (aren’t we all?)—she’s a graduate of Harvard Medical School, a dermatology resident specializing in skin of color, a wife, and a blogger. To say that she’s got a lot to juggle is an understatement.
Laura started her blog in her second year of med school to hold herself accountable for the interests she had outside of medicine (and constant second-year studying). Today, it helps pay the bills that come with being a med school graduate and mom of three. She regularly posts about being a working mom, her interests both professional and personal, and how she and her husband, Nathan—who’s also a Harvard Med grad because of course—make it work.
Reading Laura’s blog and scrolling her ‘gram, you get the sense that she won’t lead you astray with her recommendations. You won’t find any Flat Tummy Tea or appetite-suppressing lollipops here. Instead, she works with brands that actually meet her needs and those of her followers. She shares details about her working mom style and how to look put together when you’re feeling anything but (polished nails, well-fitting clothes, and good shoes are her top three tips). And, ever the doctor, she regularly posts skincare tips, dermatology issues to watch out for, and advice that will help us all stay safe in the sun.
If I haven’t convinced you to follow her religiously until the end of time, check out her responses below: She’s totally badass. She’s #blackgirlmagic embodied. She’s definitely one of my favorite finds, and I’m really excited to feature her this week.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

Wake up between 5 and 5:30, take care of emails and maybe some studying, get ready from 6 to 6:30, then wake up the girls and get them dressed and fed. We’re out of the house by 7:20, drop them off at daycare, then head to work to be in by 8. In clinic it depends on the day, but I can be seeing general adult dermatology, pediatric dermatology, or be doing skin cancer surgeries and reconstructions.
I love the variety of things we do every day! Most days I’m done by 5:30 or 6, pick up the girls, and relax. I either cook something easy or order takeout, my husband usually gets home shortly after, and we play with the girls and just catch up on our days. The girls are in bed by 9, then we usually stay up until 11 or so working on various projects, catching up on Netflix, and spending time together!

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Self-care is such a hot topic right now and I feel like everyone thinks it should mean some fancy green juice and hot yoga—but neither of those are my kind of thing! Self-care is whatever fills your cup! So for me it’s getting down on the ground and playing with my kids, indulging in a good movie and delicious takeout, and getting to spend quality alone time with my husband.

How do you stay inspired?

I’m incredibly lucky in that so much of my inspiration literally gets sent to me daily. Every day I get messages from young women all over the world who share how my life has impacted them. So many of them started school again after having a child, or decided to push through and apply for a new program, or just keep working hard knowing that what they want in life is attainable. It’s those messages that really push me and remind me not only of how blessed I am but how important it is that I keep going!


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I am obsessed with Dove Beauty Bars—old news for any dermatologist since we always recommend their sensitive skin bar to most of our patients, but I’ve recently discovered their scented bars and the Go Fresh Revive beauty bar is my current obsession!

What are your favorite apps?

On the fun side, I’d say the app Snug—it lets you plan your IG feed to see how your pictures will fit and play around with the look. It definitely helps in planning a cohesive gallery! On the work side, I’d say Evernote. I use it for all my notes and ideas and screenshots and even saving receipts, and the best part is it’s searchable!

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

Oh my goodness it’s impossible to pick one! I love the IG community and surround myself with inspiring accounts! I think my two favorites right now are @travelnoire for constantly inspiring me to travel and empowering women of color to do so, and @thehomeedit. Literally every single one of their pictures makes me want to organize my house—another form of self-care for me: cleaning!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Dear White People, Season 2

Laura IRL

What would the title of your autobiography be?

Ramblings. Anyone who watches my Instagram stories would know about my ramblings!

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Madam C. J. Walker—often cited as the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S. and one of the most successful African-American business owners ever

What superpower would you like to have?

Move at superhuman speeds—like Quicksilver!

What’s your coffee order?

Blonde roast with cream and sugar: cheap and it’s the roast with most caffeine!


Follow Laura on Instagram and read (every single post on) her blog, A Little Bit of Lacquer.

Nikki Sharp is an internationally known wellness blogger and health coach. More than 350,000 people follow her on Instagram to see her recipe videos, life updates, and inspiration posts. She is the quintessential representation of health and fitness: toned, blonde, and beautiful.
But even she—the ideal picture of wellness—has struggled with some dark demons: body dysmorphia, anorexia, binge eating disorder, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
In recent years, though, she’s managed to cope with and even overcome her problems. In an incredibly raw post on her blog about her experiences with recovering from disordered eating, she writes, “I focused on health, balanced meals with no restrictions, eating lots of colors, added meditation, and journaling. I started seeing exercise as a reward, not punishment. This … transformed my life and my health: it literally made me survive.”
Nikki’s health journey has taken her across the globe, but years of modeling led to loneliness and unhealthy relationships with food and her body. From Colorado to Shanghai to Sydney to London (and more!), she discovered that a) was she was tired of damaging diets and b) she actually loves eating clean. In 2012, Nikki started her blog to document the process of learning to cook nutritious meals, getting certified to be a health coach, and building a better relationship with her body.
Since then, Nikki has been dedicated to showing her followers how they, too, can overcome their issues with health, nutrition, and wellness. With her health certifications (and years of professional and personal experience to back them up), she’s written countless blog posts full of recipes and life advice, nine e-books, and two full-length books.
Her first book, The 5-Day Real Food Detox, has nearly 100 five-star reviews on Amazon. Though detoxes are typically a fad (and a misguided one, at best!), her version of the trend is completely different: It encourages you to eat! The focus is on “detoxing” from foods that don’t fuel your body and instead making healthful choices that help you get your glow on from within.
Nikki released her second book, Meal Prep Your Way to Weight Loss, this month (which is why she’s the perfect choice for this week’s feature!); it promises to show readers how to finally stop dieting and change their lifestyles for good. Plenty of people have recommended meal prepping to stay on track, but this book will show readers how to really do it by learning the best techniques, delicious recipes, and offering a 28-day guide to make sure your new habit sticks.
From her years as a model subsisting on the bare minimum to becoming a renowned health coach with a sunny, approachable attitude to boot, Nikki’s journey is definitely an inspiration. We can’t wait to see what she does next.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

I tend to wake up at 7 a.m. every morning, then depending on my schedule I will work out in the morning—I like doing it when I wake up because it gives me less reason to make excuses later in the day—have breakfast, and do emails/check social. Each day is so different, and sometimes I’m doing interviews all day, others I’m having meetings, and there are times I head to my office to buckle down and work.
My routine nearly looks the same in that I have a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner and try to make time to exercise four to five times per week. I’ve also been doing more meditation lately and will make it a priority to go to a 45-minute class in my day, which has had tremendous effects on my stress levels. I aim to be in bed by 10:30 and turn my phone off around 10 p.m. and put it in a different room.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Meditation—even if it’s only 5 minutes, exercising—this is my therapy—putting my phone away at night, and making time to call or text my friends every single day to check in and say hi. Eating well is obviously a huge way I practice self-care because I like to feel energized every day.

How do you stay inspired?

By focusing on how I am helping others achieve better health and happiness. Whenever I get stressed I find that it’s because I am focusing too much on myself or allowing fears to come up, so immediately I will shift back to “How can I serve others?” and this always helps me to become re-inspired!


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

Uliv skincare, Just Add Water snack, which I take every day, and Believe Athletics yoga clothes, which I am loving because of the fabrics.

What are your favorite apps?

My 5-Day Detox app whenever I want to do the detox, UNUM to curate my IG feed, and Pandora for music, which I listen to literally all day!

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

@elsas_wholesomelife because of the travel and food inspo

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

My roasted red pepper hummus and beet chips from my new book. I pre-portion them so it’s easy to grab and go, which is key for how busy I am right now!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m an avid reader and have about three books at any given moment that I’m reading. Right now The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Contagious, and Break the Norms are on my bedside table.

Nikki IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

That I’m like a cat. I am super social when I want to be and most other times want to curl up in front of a fire. I am actually quite shy but once I get to know you I am very talkative and will get to know you quicker than most.

What is your bucket list travel destination?

India! I’m hoping to go there for six weeks next fall.

What’s your coffee order?

A matcha latte with almond milk with a shot of espresso—called a dirty matcha

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

Don’t rush. And know that everything is happening for a reason, even if you don’t agree with it. It means you have a chance to learn and grow from every single thing that happens!


Follow Nikki on Instagram and check out her newest book, Meal Prep Your Way to Weight Loss, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or iBooks.

This week, we’re crushing on Tori Simeone, a professional dancer, Pure Barre instructor, certified holistic health coach, and Tone It Up trainer (just to name a few of her impressive qualifications).
A New York City native, Tori recently moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for dance while making it her mission to help others learn how to live their best lives along the way. As a NBA spirit dancer for the Clippers with Broadway, tap, ballroom, and partner dancing experience, Tori is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to moving your body. And we aren’t the only ones who think so…
During a recent Tone It Up tour, the TIU team met Tori and instantly knew she was the perfect fit. As a Studio Tone It Up trainer, Tori is able to share her talent and love of exercise with people all over the world. The best part? You don’t need dance experience to keep up with Tori—she breaks down each movement in a way that’s easy to comprehend while still keeping her workouts fun and getting your heart pumping.
With a busy schedule like Tori’s, it can be difficult to prioritize self-care. We appreciate Tori’s honesty when it comes to finding balance in her life. She regularly shares her favorite ways to practice self-care, like taking herself on solo weekend getaways, relaxing with a face mask, or doing one of her favorite things in the entire world—cooking (while dancing around her kitchen, of course!).
When she’s not in the studio or learning how to care for her plant babes, Tori enjoys creating new dishes (which often feature adaptogens), and she even shares her recipes on her Instagram and her health and travel blog, TorrSim.
We can’t help but feel motivated by Tori’s positive energy, confidence, and desire to inspire others. Keep hustlin’ Tori—we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!  

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

I have a morning routine that sets me up for a fantastic day. I try to wake up around 8 a.m. each day. I am one of those people that needs her full eight hours of sleep. I drink a large glass of water immediately after opening my eyes to wake up my body, followed by making warm water with lemon. Some mornings I add ACV and cayenne. I meditate and then make a protein-filled breakfast and can start my day.
Each day varies for me; I either start with a hot yoga class down the block from my apartment in downtown LA or I head down to my gym for cardio and a Tone It Up workout. I am a Pure Barre instructor, so on days that I am teaching I will head to the studio early to get in the zone for my clients.
I give myself down time in the middle of the day to let my body get some rest while I work on answering emails, content for my blog, reading a book (usually self-help or nutrition based), or I call a friend from home to catch up.
Each day ends with dinner and downtime at home with my man.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Cooking and baking healthy, gut-friendly foods is my favorite way to show myself some love. I will light candles, blast music, and dance around my kitchen while I create fun new recipes. I have so much fun doing this. It is not an obligation, no one pays me for it, and that is why I can enjoy it so much and have a blast while doing so!
At night, I love to indulge in homemade face masks often throughout the week.

How do you stay inspired?

I am constantly reminding myself of my goals. Whether it is by writing them out daily, taking a look at my vision board, or scrolling through posts I have saved on Instagram. This motivates me to keep moving forward and reminds me why I am making the choices I am making. Some days are harder than others, that is just natural, but by keeping my goals my top priority it makes it so much easier to keep my momentum.
Listening to my intuition is important as well. I have learned to say no to the things that do not serve me. By placing my time and energy into the things that light me up, I have no choice but to be inspired. When you work from this place of authenticity, you wind up inspiring the people around you as well!


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

Kopari Beauty Products, Vered Botanicals, and Ilia Beauty are my current favorites. All of these are kind to your skin with clean, non-toxic ingredients.
I also love the women that are behind each one of these companies. Supporting brands that are made with love from the very beginning is something I love.

What are your favorite apps?

The Calm meditation app is my number one favorite. Yes, I am ranking it higher than Instagram.
Instagram takes a close second though.
MyFLO is another one of my faves. This is a period-tracking app made by the incredible Alisa Vitti geared towards helping women during every phase of their cycle—not just menstrual. It shows which food is best during the phase you are in, which exercise is best, and even shows what your mental and sexual state are. Highly recommend this app!

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

@katrinascott and @karenadawn might be girl bosses but they will always be #lifegoals.
@earthyandy is my #familygoals and #foodgoals—her life in Hawaii looks amazing and the food she has available to eat is my dream! @alison__wu of #WuHaus is #aestheticgoals for sure.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

Almond butter and berries or veggies with any homemade dipping sauce that I have ready.
Sometimes I go for a sliced avocado with tomato topped with salt and pepper—so yummy!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Reading: Go With Your Gut by Robyn Youkilis, The Food Therapist by Shira Lenchewski, WomanCode by Alisa Vitti, and House of Plants by Rose Ray and Caro Langston.
Watching: Billions, This Is Us, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—and I will admit that I still watch Grey’s Anatomy.
Listening: Lana Del Rey—always. I have been mostly into podcasts while I walk and drive though. Faves are Let It Out, The Armchair Expert, Almost 30, The Balanced Blonde, and mindbodygreen.

Tori IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

I don’t have any pets (yet), but if my plants could talk they would most likely say, “She doesn’t know what she’s doing, but she tries really hard!”
Still learning how to keep my plants alive and thriving! They would also say I’m goofy, quirky, I talk too much, and I love dancing around to music all day long.

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Zelda Fitzgerald. She was a wild child in a time when women didn’t usually come out of their shell or disobey the rules. As the first ever flapper girl, a writer, and an artist, she sounds so interesting, and I would love to sit down with her and ask her about the 1920s.

What’s your coffee order?

I make my own matcha latte at home using an array of adaptogens and collagen, or I grind Modern Times coffee beans and make a cold brew with similar ingredients.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

What is for you will always come to you at the time that is right in your life. The universe will always lead you to the right path, just give it time. Maybe someone else got the thing you thought you wanted, that’s okay! Be happy for them! Your thing is on its way to you, and it is yours and no one else’s to take.


Need more good vibes in your life? Be sure to check out Tori’s aesthetically appealing blog and follow her on Instagram!

Looking at her now, it’s difficult to envision that Jenna Fail was once a 20-year-old housewife who felt unfulfilled and unmotivated, but she’ll be the first to tell you that a life of self-doubt and anxiety was once her reality. That is, until she attended a meet-and-greet event for bodybuilder Jay Cutler with her husband, Chris.
As she entered the event, Jenna couldn’t help but notice the women in attendance who wore their crop tops confidently–showing off their hard-earned physiques. It was right then and there that Jenna decided she would look like those women one day, and the course of her life changed forever.
As she began training, Jenna realized that she had the power not only to shape her body, but also her mind. Her newfound self-confidence permeated into all aspects of her life.
Just six years after that meet and greet, Jenna is a 4x NPC National Qualifier, 1st Phorm Elite Athlete and Elite Trainer, and the 1st Phorm 2017 Athlete of the Year. Despite having earned her success, Jenna is still as humble and kind as ever with a smile that can light up any room. She knows firsthand that if you change your mindset, you can change your life, and she’s made it a priority to share her journey to help others realize their worth and personal power.
Jenna’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, especially after she and her husband lost everything they owned, including their beloved pets Moose and Rocky, to a tragic house fire in 2017. As someone who has followed Jenna on social media for a couple of years now, I’ll never forget reading her Instagram post last March as tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t even begin to fathom her pain and heartbreak, yet Jenna, who was actually experiencing the loss, kept looking for light and positivity and remained grateful, which only caused me to admire her more.      
While Jenna’s physical strength is undeniable, it’s her mental fortitude that impresses us the most. “I can tell you the most beautiful stories out of tragedies in my life only because I look for the good. The story never changed, only my perception & willingness to make something positive out of a negative,” she shared on Instagram.
Jenna is a constant reminder that things aren’t always as bad as they seem and that positivity and kindness can go a long way. If you’re feeling unfulfilled and are looking to change your life, I suggest looking to Jenna for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to start today, even if it’s just a small step!

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

My daily routine varies day to day, but typically it’s something like: Wake up. Love on my animals a bit before getting out of bed. I keep my “Jesus Calling” devotional by my bedside and usually read my page before getting up. Then I prepare breakfast and have my coffee. I try to relax and give myself a quiet few minutes before jumping into work, but it never fails that I drink my coffee cold because I’ll answer just this one email while my eggs cook, which turns into many emails, and before I know it, iced coffee! Somedays I tell myself, “Jenna, you will finish this coffee hot this morning!” Goals!
From there, I continue on with emails, messages, and my Team Fail group while planning what I want to talk about or share on social media that day. After a few hours, I’ll eat again and then do my hair and makeup, which I really enjoy! My first career was working as a cosmetologist, so hair and makeup is something I always enjoy! It’s also a little time that I can shut off work and solely focus on something else. From there I run whatever errands I have to do that day.
On many days, I make it a point to stop by our local antique–salvage shop. I love to restore old furniture and buy unique pieces. When shopping for things like that, you have to be on the lookout regularly because they come and go so fast! Right now my current project is an old church pew I’m restoring for our foyer!
From there, if my husband is off work, we may spend a while getting some different content—pictures, videos, et cetera. Typically we do that at least once a week.
I spend about an hour to an hour and a half in the gym five days a week. Sometimes I go early, sometimes late. It just depends on my work load and my husband’s work schedule.
In the evenings, me and my husband catch up on how our day went and usually relax with something on TV. No phone! Right now we are into American Idol. We love having a scheduled program to watch because in a way to gives us a scheduled time to sit and relax together. America’s Got Talent and American Horror Story are a few of our other faves! Luckily all these shows seem to be pretty well spaced out in the year.
Then it’s time for bed! My schedule varies greatly due to travel and whatnot, but on any relaxed, normal day, this is about it. Nothing too exciting!

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Writing, keeping a healthy diet, eating and enjoying the occasional donut, soaking in the tub, exercising, reflecting, devotion.

How do you stay inspired?

I stay inspired by the fact that we are all here for such a short amount of time. For many that’s scary, but for me, it easily keeps me in the “why not just go for it” mindset.


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

Hands down 1st Phorm’s Opti-Greens 50! I am not the best at getting in enough vegetables each day, so having a quality product to ensure I’m giving my body all it needs to function and feel its best is amazing!

What are your favorite apps?

I am awful with apps. I am not technology savvy! I use the basic socials, and that’s about it.

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

My feed its typically full of my teammates, which I love! I feed off their positive energy and hard work. I believe your social feed should be only things that are positive for you. After all, you are seeing it all day, and you become whatever you surround yourself with. I also follow many animal pages for a laugh and smile throughout my day!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Always listening to the MFCEO Project podcast and Food In Session podcast. They are amazing! I’m currently looking for a good book.
I’ve been hooked on watching Trading Spaces since it came back! TLC has been playing all the old episodes, and I’ve been binge watching! I also religiously watch the Baking Championships on Food Network, and Teen Mom.

Jenna IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

Weird for sure. I read an article that said your cats feel loved if you sing them little songs that rhyme with their name. So, yeah, me and my husband sing little songs every day that we try and rhyme with Bug and Darla. The songs never make sense! That article was definitely someone playing a joke, and here I am—lookin’ like a fool! Geez!

What would the title of your autobiography be?

Life Goes On

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Marilyn Monroe!

Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?

The ocean intrigues me more. I feel like there’s a bigger variety to see. Can you believe that of all the books and exploring we’ve done, 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored? Thats crazy! It’s a very cool thought, but also pretty scary! What’s in there?!

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

When I was growing up, my mom always said, “Suck it up and tough it out!” When I was little, I didn’t like when she said that. I just wanted to whine, but now as an adult I see how true it is. It’s nice for “Shut up and do the work.”


For more information on all things 1st Phorm, down-to-earth workout advice, and the power of positivity, be sure to follow Jenna on Instagram.

As a lover of all things plant related, I can’t help but crush on this week’s Healthy Her Way feature, Remy Park, as she takes the term plant lady to a whole new level. In addition to being a talented food photographer and recipe developer, Remy is also a wellness coach (and yoga instructor in training).
On her Instagram, which is filled with incredible photos of houseplants that often leave me green with envy, Remy also shares her plant-powered vegan and gluten-free recipes complemented by colorful food photography.
Although Remy’s thoughtfully curated blog, Veggiekins, initially started as a personal food accountability journal intended for select eyes only, it has since grown into a stunning website that seamlessly shatters stigmas about vegan eating. For Remy, becoming a vegan wasn’t a temporary fix or fad diet—it’s a way of life. It’s truly impressive to see how Remy has turned her plant passion into an inspiring career, especially considering she’s still in her early twenties.
If you’ve ever pondered over the question What the heck can vegans eat?, prepare to be amazed by Remy’s flavorful creations and personal insights regarding how her plant friends help her entire being.
Living a vegan lifestyle isn’t for the faint of heart, and Remy is candid about the fact that she initially struggled with feeling hypocritical discussing vegan eating while owning clothes, beauty products, and household items that contained toxic ingredients and weren’t vegan-friendly. As a result of this realization, she has since become committed to finding non-toxic items for her home and body while sharing her knowledge and favorite finds with fellow (and aspiring) plant enthusiasts along the way.
Remy’s dedication is admirable, and we’re blown away by her knowledge on the topics of clean beauty, vegan and ethical fashion, and green living.
For those of you who love recipe videos as much as we do, Remy also has a YouTube channel that she uses to share creative recipe videos and more personal vlog content, such as Q+A sessions that allow her followers to learn more about the brilliant mind behind Veggiekins.
The vlog that really broke the mold for us was when Remy opened up about her struggles with anorexia and OCD. Remy is extremely genuine and raw, stating, “If this helps one person then it’s worth it.” We can’t help but feel inspired by Remy’s compassion and desire to help others live their best life.
Keep spreading love and light, Remy! “Magic goes where intention flows.”

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

On my best day I wake up around 5 a.m., start my morning with a liter of warm lemon water, take my vitamins, and do a quick stretch if I’m pressed for time or ideally a quick 20 to 30 minute yoga flow just to get the blood pumping. I am more of a morning workout person, so I’ll either head to the gym or take a workout class. My favorite ones lately are Sculpt at Corepower Yoga, classic SoulCycle, or an interval class.
I’ll then eat breakfast, typically a smoothie or something sweet because I have the worst sweet tooth ever! I respond to emails in the morning, then move on to recipe development and food photography. I love morning light and using natural light so I typically try to wrap up by about 12 to 1 p.m. I usually have a matcha latte in the afternoon as a pick-me-up and typically a gigantic, colorful salad for lunch.
In the afternoon, I usually focus more on editing content, for example blog posts, photo editing, video editing, and client work. If I have errands or events to attend that day, I’ll typically be out and about wearing athleisure—most days! In the early evening, if I can, I like to have my dinner pre-prepped. I typically don’t take photos of my dinner past the afternoon because of light, so what I’ll usually do is make it in advance and toss it in to the fridge or freezer to reheat for dinner.
I try to spend at least 10 to 15 minutes outside and disconnected so an after-dinner walk is my favorite way to wind down. I light candles, get the diffuser going and then I wrap up emails once more and call it a night! Although I’m an early riser, I’m in bed between 11 and 1 a.m. most days.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

My favorite way is to disconnect. Because social media and technology are so integrated into what I do, it can be deceiving sometimes and it may feel like I’m not working when in reality, I still am! It also allows me to check in with my feelings, energy levels, and just recenter myself. I also try to prioritize movement each day and time outside. Even on my busiest days, I’ll try to fit in a workout or at the very least a walk outside to make sure I get movement and sunshine in.  

How do you stay inspired?

I actually stay inspired by disconnecting. I find myself stuck in a rut if I’m scrolling through social media for inspiration. I end up drawn to whatever it is everyone else is doing so instead I spend time disconnected, out in nature, and I try to stay inspired by colors, seasons, and nature.


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I’ve recently been hooked on cashew butter, though I was previously a die-hard almond butter fan. I’ve also discovered a new brand of almond butter from Better Almond Butter which is raw, unpasteurized marcona almond butter (heaven!).
I’ve also been really loving Snow Monkey ice cream, which is a superfood infused, gluten free, and vegan high-protein ice cream developed by athletes. It’s the cleanest vegan ice cream I’ve found on the market that still tastes delicious.
I’ve also been loving Food Huggers, which are food savers that eliminate the need to use plastic food storage bags and saran wrap. They keep my avocado halves fresh, and same goes for my lemon and lime halves! In the beauty and skin department, I’ve been really loving the Moon Fruit night cream by Herbivore Botanicals—a vegan and natural brand—as well as the Vitamin C probiotic face polish by Osea. My go-to body product is still the Mount Airy body serum by Franklin and Whitman. I’ve also rediscovered my love for my inspiralizer!

What are your favorite apps?

Some of my favorite apps are SnapSeed for quick phone photo editing, the MyFlO app—this one is a recent love and gamechanger: It provides recommendations for everything from the kinds of workouts you should do to the kinds of foods you should eat to support the current phase you are in of your menstrual cycle and has a really comprehensive symptom tracking system.
Todoist is my all-time favorite app because it syncs to my laptop and is how I organize and stay on top of tasks. I also love Sleep++, and not going to lie, but my sweetgreen app gets a good workout. I also love using the HappyCow app to find vegan food spots around me when I travel. Lastly, I am recently transitioning over to using AirTable for spreadsheets, lists, etc. because it’s so versatile.

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

I love @floretflower for general flower inspo and @loriastern for floral food inspo—big into florals in my food!—@glowmaven for wellness, @elllenfisher for incredible tropical living inspiration and the sweetest family shares—it feels like watching a TV show because I’m so invested in her sweet family!—@cbquality for general badassery and boss lady inspiration, @stayandwander for travel inspiration, @spiritdaughter for astrology, @malloryonthemoon for vibrant lifestyle inspo, and @matthewkenneycuisine for gorgeous plating and vibrant plants!

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

My go-to sweet snack would have to be green apple slices and almond butter or a baked good with beans in it, like chickpea cookie dough or black bean brownies! If I’m feeling savory, I love having raw veggies with hummus or a super quick avocado toast on gluten-free bread!

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Watching: One of the only shows I’ve kept up to date with is Grey’s Anatomy. I also love Broad City and need to catch up on Black Mirror Season 4. I recently watched the movie Wonder, which was one of my favorite movies this year, though it is a children’s movie.

Remy IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

I’ve been really wanting to visit Egypt for the longest time. I think it’s a really beautiful destination and have heard great things from friends about not only the sights but also the culture and the history!

What superpower would you like to have?

I wish I could be in two places at once! I have a hard time saying no sometimes, and I have a particularly hard time overbooking myself, so if I could be in two places at once, most of my problems would be nonexistent. Also, I could be eating Pressed Juicery freeze while working out simultaneously. Seems like a good combination to me!

What’s your coffee order?

I typically don’t drink coffee, but my go-to drink at a cafe is usually a matcha latte unsweetened and made with either almond or cashew milk. If I make it at home, I’ll add a little vanilla bean and usually maca or another adaptogen.

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

“Let your past make you better, not bitter.” I have always loved this quote and try to live by it.


To learn more about green living and what a vegan really eats in a day, be sure to check out Remy’s blog and vlog!

This week, we’re featuring Jah9, a Jamaican artist, yogi, and activist. This year we’re laser focused on total body well-being, mindfulness, and women’s empowerment—and Jah9 is all about those concepts, making her a perfect fit.
Born Janine Cunningham, she started going by her childhood nickname Jah9 as she got older, and that’s how she’s been known ever since. From her music and yoga to her activism and passion for gardening, Jah9’s work is rooted in her African heritage and spiritual influences, bringing a balance of tradition and new-age philosophies to her followers.
Her music, which she’s performed the world over—and describes as “jazz on dub”—is perfect for the introspective and dynamic vibes we’re hoping to feel this summer. Check out her Instagram: Her photos, personal expression, and music videos are true works of art and certainly different from the typical yoga influencer aesthetic most people have come to expect.
Jah9 is serious about her yoga: She’s a certified instructor trained in Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Kemetic yoga. Haven’t heard of all of those? No problem—Jah9 makes yoga accessible for all people, regardless of their background or locale. She leads Yoga on Dub workshops around the globe, where she teaches attendees to see yoga in the context of Afrocentric expression, and she also features sequences you can follow along with on YouTube and Instagram.
We especially love the spiritual spin Jah9 puts on everything she does: With her music, poetry, and yoga, she focuses on the connection between body and mind. Building on that philosophy, she’s worked with at-risk youth in her city, Kingston, Jamaica, to help kids pursue the arts; she’s also taught African refugees how to find healing through yoga and breathwork. It’s refreshing to learn about someone whose work is truly bigger than they are.
We asked Jah9 about her source of inspiration, her recent faves, and the advice she lives by. True to form, her answers are no bullshit: a simple, straightforward look into the life of someone who’s teaching us to pause and find our power.

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

First hour after I open my eyes is breathwork and reflection, then water. It may vary after that depending on what the day entails.

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Watering and oiling my hair—and sunbathing.

How do you stay inspired?

Serving my community and family, and reading.


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

BeMoor handmade herbal supplements from the UK

What are your favorite apps?

MultiTrack DAW, Notes, Voice Memo

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

@acrovinyasa #squadgoals

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I am reading Her-Bak: The Living Face of Ancient Egypt, watching my herb trees grow, and listening to my intuition more and more.

Jah9 IRL

What is your bucket list travel destination?

Egypt

What’s your most-used emoji?

Clasping hands

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Empress Menen of Ethiopia

What superpower would you like to have?

Telekinesis


To learn more about Jah9, visit her YouTube channel and Instagram. She’s recently released two new songs, “Love Has Found I” and “Feel Good”—tune in, turn them up, and embrace the vibes.

Cool. Compassionate. Chunk. These are just a few words that come to mind as I consider this week’s badass Healthy Her Way feature, Samantha “Sammy” Eason. You’re probably wondering why anyone would use the word “chunk” in introducing a grown woman. On her Instagram (and IRL) Sammy lovingly refers to her son, Isaac, as “Chunk.” This nickname also inspired the title of Sammy’s unapologetically honest blog, Mother of Chunk.
On her blog, Sammy openly shares stories from her past and the lessons she’s learned (admittedly the hard way at times) in the hopes of helping others by proving that your past does not have to dictate your future. Sammy’s transparent content tackles topics that can often feel taboo, such as her father’s alcoholism and how the grief she experienced following his passing negatively impacted her perception of herself. Sammy has since turned her life around for the better and now has a constant source of inspiration and motivation in her pursuit of clean living: her son.
Sammy’s love of motherhood radiates through her content, often reminding readers that sometimes all you need to stay grounded is to look at the world through the eyes of a child.
For Sammy, clean living doesn’t just involve eating fewer processed foods, it also involves thinking clean, since our mindset is what ultimately impacts our feelings about ourselves and our interactions with others. “Our thinking is so powerful, and while it’s great to want to live and eat clean we also need to THINK CLEAN,” she shared in one powerful blog post.
In addition to Sammy’s raw and undiluted blog, she enjoys sharing her colorful food imagery, recipes, and real talk about her current pregnancy (yes, you read that correctly—Chunk is going to be a big brother!) on social media. In a world full of stress driven by social media, Sammy is able to stay grounded and doesn’t pressure herself to become a world-famous influencer or wellness guru. Instead, she views social media as a wonderful way to connect with new people and form friendships since relocating to St. Louis from Wellesley, Massachusetts. She simply wants to share her foodie creations, fitness updates, and unfiltered thoughts with others—and we’re here for it!
Despite the array of topics Sammy discusses with unrivaled transparency, she has one consistent message that is important to share: Do all things with love because love always wins. Sammy knows firsthand that it can be difficult to keep a positive mindset when life throws challenges your way, but these words are a powerful reminder that keeping love and kindness in your heart is the ultimate key to happiness (and it makes the world a better place to boot!)

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

Before I was pregnant with my second, I would get up around 5:30 to sip on coffee and listen to music. I used to run first thing in the morning, so I’m convinced I do my best thinking early on. It’s nice for me to sit and plan ahead or write down thoughts. However, now I’m taking all the sleep I can get! We wake up around 7:30 and come downstairs for breakfast. Sometimes I take videos of my son eating because his facial expressions kill me, but I try not to have my phone out until after we’re dressed and ready for the day. Then we either head out for an activity or go play in our playroom!

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

Take a tub, get a massage, run errands solo, coffee or brunch with friends, redoing something in our house—I love change!

How do you stay inspired?

Luckily social media makes it easy to see tons of stunning content that really lights a fire under your tush (for me at least), but this past year traveling has definitely made a huge impact in my life. After moving to the Midwest from the east coast and starting a family, it’s been challenging to feel that sense of freedom that used to make me so wildly inspired. Now, whether we go back to Boston to visit family and friends or venture to the beach on the West Coast, there is nothing more special and inspiring than watching my son observe our world. It gives me a fresh perspective and new ambitions.

 

Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

I’m loving all skincare from Follain and Saje Wellness Head Soother Kit. Some of my favorite products from Follain are the Lavendar Bath Salts, the Dream Bath Elixir, and the Everything Soap. 

What are your favorite apps?

Instagram, Spotify, Pinterest, my workout apps—Shred415 and CycleBar—and Two Dots. It’s like an electronical puzzle/problem solving game.

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

For food: @thefirstmess—I just feel cozy and at home looking at her feed. For motherhood: @amberfillerup—her family photos are so fun and inviting and she makes traveling to other countries with her kids look like a damn breeze. For fashion: @thesaltyblonde—her effortless looks make me feel like I could be good at dressing myself and she’s funny and thrives off of pizza and beer. What’s not to love? For travel: @gypsea_lust—ice cream, insane pools, and a twin sister to do all the fun things with?! Sign me up!

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

A dark chocolate chip peanut butter Perfect Bar. They actually keep you full and are the most satisfying when hanger strikes.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

I’m currently reading Oh Crap!, which is a book on potty training so I’m not sure I would recommend that (unless you have a 2-year-old), but my favorite book right now is Hillbilly Elegy.
For TV: How to Get Away With Murder makes me wish I had gone to law school!

Sammy IRL

If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?

Loud and embarrassing

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Anne Frank

What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?

I can’t go to bed with dirty feet. So I’d say I’m exceptional at washing my feet haha.  

What piece of advice has impacted you the most?

“Always be loving.” —my mom


To learn more about Sammy and Chunk (and what they’re eating this week), be sure to visit her Instagram and blog!

Full disclosure: I started watching Shona Vertue’s workout videos on her YouTube channel as a way to learn more about her training methods and to get a better sense of her personality. Okay, you caught me…I also couldn’t stop watching because her Australian accent is the shiz.
Fast forward a few weeks—I now work out along with at least one of her videos every single day, starting my mornings off right with this Vertuous Quickie (a clever name for her shorter workout videos that also serves as a testament to her wit).
Shona’s ability to captivate and educate people all over the world on all things food and fitness is one of the reasons our HealthyWay team knew we had to share her talents with our readers.  
During her youth in Australia, Shona pursued gymnastics, surfing, dance, and bodybuilding. Although her bodybuilding experience resulted in a brief battle with orthorexia, Shona views this time a powerful learning opportunity during which she acquired new knowledge about nutrition and how to properly build muscle. It was also during this time that she realized feeling good should always come before looking good—a belief that she often shares with her personal training clients and followers. Shona knows firsthand that self-love is a more powerful source of motivation than vanity, and all her efforts demonstrate that.  
After relocating to London from Australia in 2014, Shona started working in an office environment and began noticing body aches and pains due to her sedentary weekday routine. Although she no longer works a 9 to 5 office gig, Shona still creates videos for those of us who do—and boy are we grateful!
With more than 10 years of experience as a yoga teacher and personal trainer, Shona is eager to share her insights to help you (yeah you!) feel your best—regardless of where you are in your fitness journey.
One of the things we enjoy most about Shona is her incredible personality and emotional intelligence. Whether in writing or on film, Shona’s sense of humor shines through and keeps her message both relatable and inspirational. From full flow videos to HIIT workouts to short clips focused on breaking down specific foundational yoga poses, Shona really does have something to offer anyone who’s looking to get their workout on.
Fortunately, Shona doesn’t keep all of her hot bod secrets to herself. In fact, she willingly shares her tips in her book The Vertue Method: a 28-day plan that has a little bit of something for everyone, from vinyasa yoga, meditation, mobility, and full-body circuit training to a registered dietitian–approved eating plan and more.
While Shona is all for helping you get the bum of your dreams, she also wants your soul to be well. She views exercise as an opportunity to enjoy your body by taking time to be present and listen to what it is telling you, which we feel is an extremely important message.
If you’re looking for a reason to smile today, take some time for yourself and try a Vertuous Quickie workout tonight after work (or even while you’re at the office).

A Day in the Life

What does your daily routine look like?

It varies so much, however, there are a few things that remain constant—and must remain for my sanity—those being my daily Meds (Meditation), a workout (whether it’s at home or in a gym), and a good moisturiser (because my Islander skin needs that self-care every day in London).

What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?

I feel as though we have so many opportunities in our daily life to practice self-care, from swapping a workout for a relaxing bath to saying no to an event or task that would push your stress levels over the edge. I try to consider the idea of self-care in as many decisions as possible.
In saying that, my favorite self-care practice at the moment is slowly devouring a self-made crème brûlée—the satisfaction it brings from an elementary perspective as well as the gratification I get from knowing that I made it soothes my soul and my ego!

How do you stay inspired?

I try to stay as curious as possible—I’m always learning, and it’s the spark that comes from learning something new that makes me want to continue to learn even more.
As Anaïs Nin says, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage”—so I try to take risks to stay engaged and on my toes, or heels if I’m activating my glutes. See what I did there? Lame personal trainer joke.


Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you order an item through one of our posts, we may get a small share of the sale.

Loving Lately…

What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?

Skimdo—a curl creme that has changed my life and the lives of my other curly-haired brothers and sisters (from other misters).
Chanel Blue Serum has changed the game for my skin while living in London.

What are your favorite apps?

Google Translate—so that I can answer DMs in other languages and practice French and Spanish.
Insight Timer – Meditation App—there are guided meditations, but I use it to keep track of my meditation habits. The gong sounds are also amazing.

Whose Instagram is on your radar?

Hannah Bronfman: I just think that she is so chic and makes health and fitness cool.
Celest Pereira Yoga is an incredibly knowledgeable yoga teacher and physiotherapist. She is also an author and takes the most incredible pictures of her own practice. #skills
Cycles and Sex for educating men and women on social media about periods and reproductive health as well as helping to break down the misogynistic taboos around women’s health.

What’s your go-to healthy snack?

I don’t really snack. I just have a slightly smaller variation of my bigger meals, for example a smaller salad with protein and lots of vegetables or a quick protein shake.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to?

Reading: Anything and everything from the School of Life and anything written by Alain de Botton. The book Essays in Love helped me survive a tough breakup and I feel forever indebted to this book.

Shona IRL

What would the title of your autobiography be?

Sho-no-vertue

What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?

Maya Angelou

What superpower would you like to have?

Either Jessica Jones’ strength or John Coffey’s healing power from The Green Mile

What are you really great at (that might embarrass you to admit)?

Playing video games and reverse parking


To learn more about which yoga mats Shona recommends, her Green Boss smoothie recipe, and relaxing hip stretches, be sure to check out her blog and visit her Instagram. Namaste.