Want to stay committed to your fitness journey and avoid boredom? I know how easy it is to fall into a routine that eventually becomes a workout rut. Finding new ways to have fun while getting fit is something I always like to encourage my clients to do because I have been down that road before.
This summer Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises (Pier 83 at West 42nd Street) teamed up with Crunch Fitness to put together an innovative cruise series to get New Yorkers in shape all summer long with CruiseFit.
I loved the concept behind this experience largely because it is something I have never tried before. Workout enthusiasts got to enjoy the entire boat (all three levels), mixing and mingling and getting a killer workout. The crowd was diverse, with participants who appeared to be regulars and a few newbies like me.
The workout was scheduled to happen rain or shine, and fortunately we got clear weather to get the full experience of exercising outdoors. As we all waited to depart, the instructors entered the ship, and their enthusiasm changed the entire dynamic and eased the tension of any newcomers.
CruiseFit hosted two 30- to 45-minute workouts, kicking things off with a POUND workout, which I have been eager to try. The POUND workout was created by two women drummers and blends cardio interval training with using drumsticks to provide an additional challenge. Even with the confined space, everyone was still able to get an effective workout in that short period of time. Both the instruction and the music were upbeat and kept the intensity and moods high!
Guests were given a break to hydrate and take photos as we circled around the Statue of Liberty. I caught a few new friendships forming in the crowd, which didn’t surprise me since it was such a memorable experience. We were also given the opportunity to order healthy or alcoholic beverages, but many of the guests stuck to water until after the second workout.
Zumba was the next fitness session, and it appeared to be a crowd favorite. I like the variety of styles that were offered, as each instructor took turns working out the crowd.
I wanted to dive in and learn more about the series and how the public had been responding to this unique workout experience, so I took the opportunity to speak with Brookelyn Suddell, director of group fitness strategy and development at Crunch Fitness.
(Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.)
Nadia Murdock: How has the public responded to the CruiseFit Series?
Brookelyn Suddell: The response from our members and the general public has been overwhelmingly positive. The uniqueness of the experience is in our Crunch brand identity to offer the most interesting, innovative, and fun fitness experiences we can dream up.
We had originally thought that this series would be desirable to tourists primarily, although most of our guests are locals who love being able to watch the sun set over their city while getting a great workout and having a great time!
Murdock: In what ways do you as an instructor help to make the experience even more unique than it already is?
Suddell: My team and I are always trying to create a unique and positive experience for our members and guests in and out of the gym. For this program specifically, we look to really connect with the guests on a personal level.
As instructors, it’s not often that you have extended one-on-one time with members and vice versa. So being able to really talk to them, see what they like, maybe take a few song requests, [and] even grab a drink with them offers a unique opportunity to take an instructor–member relationship and transform it into a friendship.
Murdock: What do you love most about teaching the CruiseFit Series?
Suddell: Tough one! My team and I love everything about it! We’re able to do what we love [and] share our passion with amazing people, and the setting is unmatched. Personally, I am really proud of this partnership.
The Circle Line team has been fantastic, and I think the program as a whole embodies everything we stand for here at Crunch: inclusive, innovative, creates a sense of community and camaraderie, and most importantly, it’s FUN!
I give this unique wellness experience a thumbs up, and I am hoping it will return again next summer!
Tag: organic
Shave my legs. Take a hot shower. Put on lipstick. Wear a really great swimsuit (one-piece please 😬). Curl my hair. Wear heels.
These are just a few of the things that make the HealthyWay gang feel sexy—no bump and grind required.
One of my favorites that I can do essentially anywhere? (Although in a piping hot shower is my fave.) Brushing my teeth. Yes: Scrubbing my pearly whites, gargling with just the right mouthwash, spitting with abandon, and running my tongue between my just-brushed-teeth and upper lip will have me saying Ahh every time. It’s an instant ego boost, whether it’ll be followed by the commute to work or a makeout sesh.
Oral care is a matter of personal pride for me. I’ve never had a cavity, and come on—doesn’t the thought of a minty-fresh kiss put a little pep in your step?
Taking good care of your teeth, tongue, and beyond isn’t what we typically think of when we clear our calendars for #selfcare, but I love shopping for oral care products and putting them to good use, especially when they’re eco-friendly or come from companies that are doing their part to make the world (and my mouth) a better place.
But First: Don’t genetics determine who’s enjoying the cavity-free life?
According to Oksana Boyechko, DMD, of Shingle Springs Dental, “Genetics can certainly play a role in determining a person’s likelihood to develop any number of health issues. But when it comes to oral health, as much as we’d like to believe it’s out of our control, genetics isn’t as significant to our oral health as the way we treat our gums and teeth over a lifespan.”
She goes on to say, “Daily habits like brushing and flossing, and the foods and beverages we choose to eat, have the highest probability of determining whether we develop tooth decay or periodontal disease.”
Here’s what Boyechko and another ladyboss dentist, Samantha Rawdin, DMD, a prosthodontist with Gallery57 Dental in NYC, think of my favorite finds (plus the alternatives Rawdin recommends for the picks that aren’t exactly what the doctor would order).
1. A Toothbrush Made From…Yogurt Cups
I discovered Preserve’s “Made with LOVE and recycled yogurt cups” toothbrushes during a leisurely Trader Joe’s stroll and am completely smitten with them. Of course I appreciate that they make use of waste, but beyond that, the streamlined design is aesthetically appealing (I’m not a fan of bionic-looking toothbrushes with seemingly unnecessary bells and whistles), and Preserve is a B Corp that makes its products in the U.S.
The brush features a curved handle for “those hard-to-reach places,” and based on my experience, it really works. That said, I’ve always been a medium bristle kinda gal. So what are the dentists’ thoughts on this pick?
Rawdin says, “Honestly, any toothbrush that will remove plaque is good in my book. I tend to steer away from recommending anything other than soft toothbrushes for my patients as I find that harder toothbrushes tend to cause more gum recession.” This is the official stance of the American Dental Association, too, but Rawdin says if gum recession hasn’t been an issue for me, I can stick with what works. The good news for everyone? Preserve makes soft and ultra soft toothbrushes, too.
“I also love that Preserve uses recycled plastic—good for your teeth AND the environment!” says Rawdin.
Already a fan of another type of toothbrush? Boyechko recommends switching it up:
When patients are trying to decide between different toothbrushes, like a manual one versus an electric brush or a variety of brush shapes, I like to say you don’t have to pick just one brush. You can vary it up every day, like using a manual brush in the morning and an electric one at night, and even change the brush head every other week if you’d like. That way you’ll ensure you’re getting all the advantages from the different toothbrushes, rather than feel like you’re limiting yourself to just one style.
If you haven’t tried a Preserve brush yet, go for it! They’re very reasonably priced (we’re talking under $3) and you’ll feel good about your purchase—just be sure to reach for one that’s soft or ultra soft so the experience is nice for your gums, too.
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2. Toothpaste With a Dash of Blue Green Algae
My sister, Emersyn D., a healthcare design strategist who’s en route to becoming a physician assistant (and is five years a vegan) turned me onto JĀSÖN products a number of years ago. JĀSÖN’s code of honor promises wholesome, effective products that are free from parabens, phthalates, harsh sulfates, and artificial colors and are never tested on animals.
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JĀSÖN’s parent company, Hain Celestial, has also paired with CARE to help fund an afterschool program for girls in rural Guatemala, meaning purchasing toothpaste from their lineup contributes to something even bigger than self-care.
So—which of their flavors is my favorite? I’ve been jamming on Sea Fresh Anti-Cavity & Strengthening Gel in Deep Sea Spearmint, which contains blue green algae, aloe vera gel, spearmint and parsley extracts, and (ding, ding, ding! we have a winner!) fluoride.
Rawdin’s take?
This is not a toothpaste I have tried myself, but I am a fan of JĀSÖN products and the fact that it contains fluoride is really all I need to know! Your toothpaste absolutely should contain fluoride. I know this can be a controversial topic, but fluoride is the number one reason the cavity rate has decreased in the U.S. There are no scientific studies to support that fluoride has any adverse effects when used appropriately, but there IS overwhelming evidence as to its benefit. The addition of CoQ10, algae, and aloe have no proven benefit, but certainly won’t hurt the teeth.
JĀSÖN does offer an impressive array of fluoride-free toothpastes, but don’t miss out on all that tooth-strengthening goodness when you can choose from three fluoridated options: Tea Tree Oil & Cinnamon, Powerful Peppermint, and of course my fave, Deep Sea Spearmint.
3. Mouthwash Formulated With Spearmint Oil and Grapefruit Seed Extract
Do you derive inexplicable pleasure from purchasing matching products? Me too, which is why my mouthwash-of-the-moment is also from JĀSÖN.
Sea Fresh Strengthening Sea Spearmint Mouthwash—which includes grapefruit seed and perilla seed extracts—tastes refreshingly mojito-like. Plus, the tube of toothpaste and matching mouthwash bottle look so cute together!
I’ve used JĀSÖN’s Total Protection Sea Salt Mouth Rinse in Cool Mint in the past, but it was a bit too salty for my liking. The Sea Spearmint variety is the perfect alternative: minty enough to remind us of the Listerine that Mom and Dad might’ve used during our childhoods, but decidedly more wholesome feeling, given the citrus notes and alcohol-free formulation.
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4. Something Bubbly
I used to have an epic soda habit (we’re talking a pack a day at its worst), but thanks to the advent of naturally flavored sparkling waters being sold in cans everywhere, I’ve been able to leave my soda chugging days behind me.
My current faves are LaCroix apricot (the moscato of sparkling waters) and Original New York Seltzer watermelon (sweet summertime, summertime in a can). A bottle of S.Pellegrino with dinner never hurt anyone either. But are sparkling water options really that much better than soda for our teeth?
Rawdin shares some interesting information:
These are fine, but ideally should be drunk only at meal times. The reason being the sodium bicarbonate that makes the bubbles in the drinks actually makes these beverages acidic. So, if you’re sipping on them all day long, you’re constantly exposing your teeth to acid, which can slowly erode the enamel—the hard, white outer layer of your teeth—over time.
Sweetener free: good. Nursing my non-alcoholic bubbly from after-my-coffee o’clock to EOD: something to reconsider.
5. More on Bubbles
Or, gum, that is. While I grew up on sticks of Fruit Stripe and mouthfuls of grape Bubble Yum, 2018 finds me devoted to peppermint Ice Breakers Ice Cubes. (Though the summer snow cone glitter gum—yes you read that right—limited edition is worth a Target run, too.)
Is this the best gum, though, or would my teeth appreciate a different pick?
“If you’re going to chew gum, make sure it’s sugar-free, like this one,” says Rawdin. “Ice Breakers actually contains xylitol, as do many of the others sugar-free gums on the market. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener which actually helps to prevent cavities.”
Rawdin says she tries to steer clear of gum that contains aspartame as a sweetener. “Anything with the ADA seal of approval—gum, toothbrushes, toothpaste, et cetera—is always a safe bet.”
Touchdown 🙌
6. A Trusty Water Bottle
The U.S. cavity rate hasn’t decreased because of fluoridated oral care products alone. In many areas, tap water is fluoridated too, which means a trusty reusable water bottle will allow you to treat yourself to refreshing sips that are good for your teeth while minimizing the waste associated with single-use water bottles.
Rawdin says the amount of fluoride in tap water is “low enough to not affect you systemically, even if you’re drinking a lot of water during the day, but just a few parts per million of fluoride in the water is enough to help protect your teeth.”
“Plus,” she says, “drinking water helps to keep your mouth hydrated. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and can cause cavities to arise much more quickly.”
My on-the-go go-to is my Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug in Polar White (of course). I’ve clicked the lock into place and tossed this trusty mug in my purses and backpacks many times over the past year and never experienced a leak. Note that the vacuum seal mechanism in the lid can be unlatched and dishwashed, while the mug itself has to be washed by hand.
To find out if the water in your area is fluoridated, check out this handy map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And if your water isn’t fluoridated, Rawdin says you should be sure your toothpaste and mouthwash are.
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7. Time to Strip
Not that kind of stripping! Unless you want to, in which case, go for it knowing you can do pretty much whatever after applying Crest Whitestrips: another one of my favorite finds.
I love to get my sparkle on when I have a special event or vacay coming up. Of this pick, Rawdin says:
These are very effective and safe. The biggest risk to using these or any whitening product is residual sensitivity. Typically the sensitivity is short lived and any over-the-counter pain killer will help. There are also whitening methods that your dentist can provide for you which tend to work a bit more quickly, such as an in office whitening session or custom whitening trays. The best option will depend on your budget and what fits best with your lifestyle.
8. A Handy Floss Alternative
Don’t forget to floss!—the battle cry of many a dentist, I’m sure. My dirty little secret? As much as I love brushing my teeth, I’ve always hated flossing. It feels eternally clumsy, and I’ve never developed a regular flossing routine.
That said, I am a huge fan of Plackers—even more so now that I know they’re recyclable (though, as a Plackers team member says, “We would suggest asking your local municipality regarding how to properly prepare flosser picks to make them acceptable for pick up as the bags and the flossers are composed of different materials”).
While some dentists are adamant that flossing is far superior to using Plackers, Rawdin says,
These are great, especially for patients who don’t like using string/ribbon floss! One is not better than the other, but you do need to work a little harder with the Plackers to achieve the same benefit as regular floss. The goal is to get the floss on either side of the little triangle of tissue between the teeth and to hug the floss against the tooth to clean out the small space between the tooth and the gum.
So, instead of Placker shaming, let’s embrace using them the right way so we can take advantage of an affordable and recyclable option that’s here to make oral care a little easier.
9. A Brand New Retainer
My sis and I both endured the American rite of passage that is having braces. I wore my clear retainer faithfully until it cracked a few years ago (admittedly it was looking worse for the wear way before that). I decided to get a Hawley retainer—one of the metal and acrylic ones (blue sparkles FTW) that will last for ages but potentially cost you more than $500 even if you have dental insurance, since orthodontic care typically isn’t covered for members over 18.
Emersyn says she settled on new clear retainers after exploring a number of options. “My teeth have shifted over the years due to not wearing the retainers faithfully and ultimately losing them. A few front teeth are more crooked than I would like, and I later learned that my midline and bite had also shifted. I had seen ads for Smile Direct Club and looked into their plans, but I was wary of doing something orthodontic via mailer boxes, plus I was going to have to get a small permanent retainer behind my front two teeth removed to do it.”
“I then went to an orthodontist and she said I would be a good candidate for Invisalign. I had a consultation and received pricing for an Invisalign package, but it was way out of my budget as a young professional, especially knowing I was about to return to school,” she shares. “I asked about retainers to hold my teeth in place for the time being. The two options were metal and plastic or clear plastic. The metal and plastic has a longer lifespan but was far more expensive, so I opted for the clear plastic retainers. These have a lifespan of about a year and I believe they were $50 each, which I paid out of pocket.”
Rawdin says, “I see at least a couple patients a week with this issue!”
While she notes that Invisalign or Smile Direct Club are good options if you want your teeth to be straightened, she says a new retainer is the perfect option if you’re looking to maintain the position of your teeth and prevent them from moving in the future.
Retainer lost or looking less than hygienic? Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about an investment that’s right for your budget and will keep your teeth right where you want them to be.
10. A Good “Tung” Scraper
This pick is from my sis and is one that I look forward to trying in the future, especially because it comes from a company that uses only natural ingredients (“mostly wildcrafted and organic”), demonstrates a long-term commitment to sourcing recyclable and biodegradable materials, and has “strong ethical values: Ethical & honest, cruelty-free, no child labor, no discrimination.”
“The tongue scraper I use is Dr. Tung’s,” Emersyn says. She purchased it at a local herbs and supplements store after trying a copper tongue scraper that rusted almost immediately.
“I’ve had the Dr. Tung’s scraper for about six months now and love it. I became curious about tongue scraping when I was reading about different Ayurvedic remedies and looking into oil pulling. I scrape my tongue once a day after brushing my teeth at night. I love that the tongue scraper helps get rid of bad breath and aftertastes. It makes my mouth feel a lot cleaner.”
Rawdin says, “Cleaning your tongue is an important step in your oral hygiene routine, however, you don’t need a fancy tongue scraper. You can just use your toothbrush to clean the coating that can form on your tongue containing plaque and bacteria. If not removed, it can often cause bad breath.”
If a patient uses a tongue scraper, Rawdin says she certainly doesn’t discourage it, and she shares these tongue-scraper tips:
- Tongue scrapers can be used once a day to remove the discolored coating that can form on the tongue.
- A few sweeps with the scraper should do the trick.
- You don’t want to apply too much pressure, because you can cause bleeding and superficial damage to the surface of the tongue, which will heal but will be a little tender in the meantime.
“A warning, though,” Rawdin says, “if there’s a coating on the tongue that does not come off with gentle pressure or there is bleeding when the coating is removed, be sure to see your dentist. These signs can be an indication that something else may be going on.”
Whether you opt for a Dr. Tung’s scraper or choose to clean your tongue with your sweet new Preserve toothbrush, here’s to feeling your sexiest, whether you’re flossin’, smoothing on a White Strip, or sipping on tap water to keep those pearly whites shining bright like diamonds.
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All I knew about kids’ bath products before I had a child was that littles smell more delicious after a bath than anything a Sugar Rush contestant ever created. But after I became a mom, I became obsessed with reading product labels, because I only wanted to use the safest products on my son’s sensitive skin.
That’s why I was so excited to hear that Avon’s calling their brand new line of kids’ bath products “100 percent fun and toxin-free”—it sounds right up my alley! And I was even more excited when Avon asked me to try out their new line with my little munchkin. Here’s what I learned after using Avon Kids during bath time this week.
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You’d think kids’ skincare products are naturally toxin-free, right?
Not so much. Most personal care products, even those intended for kids and babies, are loosely regulated by the FDA. A lot of icky ingredients, like formaldehyde, are banned from most skincare products in Europe but are still legal for American companies to include in their products. Yikes!
That’s why buying toxin-free products for your kids is so important. There’s no set standard for what makes a skincare product toxin-free, but in general, toxin-free means that a product doesn’t contain ingredients that have been linked to toxic reactions in people, such as phthalates and parabens.
Avon Kids is 100 percent fun and toxin-free.
It’s really disheartening to learn that you can’t trust most brands to make safe skincare products for children, which is why these brand new products from Avon Kids are so refreshing. Before I even tried the products, I looked at the ingredients labels: No harsh soaps. No parabens. And definitely no toxins like formaldehyde.
To become a regular bath time staple in our house, though, Avon Kids had to face the ultimate challenge: getting a toddler’s seal of approval. So we put these products to the test during bath time over the last week. Here’s what we thought of three of these toxin-free products.
1. Soapy Slime Body Cleanser
We tried the Soapy Slime Body Cleanser after a particularly messy spaghetti dinner. Kids will love the Soapy Slime Body Cleanser because of its fun texture, but let me tell you, this stuff is the dishwasher liquid of kids’ soaps.
The ultra-thick texture of this cleanser gets rid of the kids’ equivalent of baked-on grime—hardened spaghetti noodles and sauce stains—and it does it fast, minimal scrubbing required.
2. Superfoam Body Wash
I was a little skeptical that the Superfoam Body Wash would actually work other foaming washes I’ve used just don’t work as well as regular soaps and body washes. But I was pleasantly surprised by the Superfoam Body Wash!
It actually suds up really well, did a great job getting in my kid’s nooks and crannies, and comes in two delicious scents: Apple Burst and Sea Splash.
3. Triple Threat Shampoo, Conditioner & Detangler
My kid has fine hair that tangles easily, so I am always on the hunt for an all-in-one product that promises to clean and detangle his hair. He immediately loved the “very berry” scent (it smells like his berry-flavored medicine, which he’d eat as a treat if he could).
I loved that the Triple Threat Shampoo, Conditioner & Detangler actually did leave his hair clean, soft, and with minimal post-bath tangles to comb out.
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There are two other products that I didn’t try in the Avon Kids line, but would love to: Bubble Trouble Bubble Bath and Hocus Pocus Lotion Moisturizer. Like the other products in the Avon Kids line, the bubble bath and moisturizer are gently formulated for kids’ sensitive skin and come in yummy scents like Marshmallow Poof, Sea Splash, and Apple Burst.
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So, do I recommend Avon Kids? Absolutely. Your kids will love the scents and textures of these bath time products, but you’ll love that Avon Kids truly is 100 percent fun and toxin-free.
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This post is presented in partnership with Avon.
We know: We’ve all been brainwashed into thinking that self-care involves expensive spas, luxury body scrubs, weekend getaways, and one million dollar face cream from GOOP.
Not so!
Let’s be real: Most of us can’t afford any of these things. That doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a little self-care. And here’s the thing: Self-care can be anything. The point is that it’s something that feeds you that doesn’t involve work.
It’s a time for you to replenish your body, mind, and soul—yes, it might sound lofty, but you don’t need big bucks to do it.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to take care of myself on little cash:
1. Take a bath.
This is my #1 self-care strategy. I do it almost nightly (sorry, California drought). It’s my favorite way to unplug from the day, which means I don’t bring in any devices. (I’m also afraid of dropping an iPad in the water.) Pick up a favorite magazine or dig into a killer novel, pour yourself a glass of rosé, and let Calgon take you away.
2. Make your own yummy vat of chai (iced coffee, iced tea, etc.) that you can dip into for a day or two.
I often use coffee or tea as a self-soother—if I’m out and need a lift, I’ll pop into a café for a treat. But that adds up over time (and all those paper cups are awful for the environment). I’m always delighted when I think ahead and make myself a vat of chai that I can just pour first thing in the morning, either over ice or heated on the stove.
3. Practice yoga/pilates while following an online tutorial.
No money? No problem. Classes are always best (a teacher should be checking your alignment once in a while!), but sometimes you don’t have the cash or time to make a class. Check out an online tutorial instead. You can do it at 5 a.m. or 10 p.m.!
4. Go for a walk-and-talk with a friend.
Make exercise social. Or make exercise less exercise-y. I often meet a friend 30 minutes before preschool pickup and we do a couple of laps around the block, catch up on the day, and get our heart rates up a bit (the walking and talking helps with this!). Best of all: It’s completely free and usually full of laughs.
5. Meditate with an app.
There are loads to choose from, but my favorite is Headspace. There’s a guided meditation for whatever mood you’re in.
6. Go to one exercise class a week. Just one. Schedule your life around it.
I’ve started attending an 8 a.m. Pilates class in my neighborhood on Saturdays. It’s hard for me to get to classes during the week, and with a small kid, it’s tricky to do stuff by myself over the weekend. But slipping out first thing on Saturday for an hour seems doable. Put it in the schedule and alert your partner, family, or babysitter that this time is sacred and non-negotiable.
7. Go for a long walk/hike/run while listening to your favorite podcast.
It’s fine to listen to Forever 35 while doing dishes, but it’s even better to do it while running, hiking, biking, or walking.
8. Don’t text your friends—call them.
This one is especially important if you have moved far from home/college/friends/family. My BFF and I have started just calling each other at random—no more phone dates (those never work)—and hoping the other picks up. If your bestie isn’t free? Just leave a long, rambling message. It’s always a joy to hear her voice (even if it’s just on a machine), and I get a little caught up on her life.
9. Buy some of your favorite color polish and do your own nails.
Manis and pedis get expensive, but there’s no reason you shouldn’t have beautiful nails! Buy your fave colors at the drugstore and go nuts.
10. Enjoy the subscriptions you have.
Netflix, Hulu, Spotify—enjoy! But make sure you are using all the ones you’re paying for. Binge watch away (that’s the self-care part), but make sure you aren’t paying for something you’re not using to stay under budget.
When I was single and in my twenties, I’d have what I affectionately referred to as “life maintenance” days. These were the days I spent catching up on all the things I had neglected to do during the other six days of the week—or, let’s be honest, the other 29 days of the month.
Can you guess what those things were? Laundry, paying bills, making doctor and dentist appointments, grocery shopping, dropping off my favorite shirts at the dry cleaner. If I was feeling really energized (or flush), I’d add in a manicure and pedicure. And when I was feeling extra special: a haircut or wax.
You can moan and groan about the mounds of laundry to be done or the fact that your fridge is totally empty, or you can look at it as a form of (quite necessary) self-care. It’s a way of making the rest of the week a little more carefree.
Think of these relatively mundane tasks as a gift to your future self! How awesome would it be to wake up and find that your favorite jeans aren’t at the bottom of a laundry pile or that you have arugula, goat cheese, and a fresh baguette in the kitchen?
So there are the obvious tasks that need to be done: Laundry. Dry Cleaning. Grocery Shopping. Call the dentist. Call the doctor. Pay the gas and electric bills. One way to confront those and make them feel like the self-care you see on Instagram? Pair them with more fun tasks:
- After booking the dreaded doctor’s appointment, book a treat for yourself: a massage, acupuncture appointment, or an afternoon at the spa.
- After doing your laundry, schedule a mani/pedi with a friend.
- Stop off at your favorite cafe for a latte on the way home from the dry cleaner.
- After you go to the grocery store, invite some friends over for wine and cheese. Major incentive.
- While shopping for said groceries, don’t forget to buy yourself some Epsom salts and end the day soaking in the tub.
- While shopping for said groceries and Epsom salts, call a friend you need to catch up with.
- Listen to your favorite podcast while folding laundry and putting away dishes.
- Make yourself your favorite cup of tea or stop by your favorite bakery for a treat before paying bills.
You get the gist—pair something sort of dull and obligatory with something more fun. Or do the obligatory thing and then reward yourself with another, more fun form of self-care!
Have you ever heard the expression “outer order, inner calm”? There is something really powerful about taking care of your space and your to-do list that will free up brain space for the rest of the week. Who wants to spend the week worrying if there’s milk in the fridge or clean bras in your drawer?
Designate a time to do these things and you will feel taken care of. The beauty of it? You’ve done it all for yourself.
As a health and wellness professional, I feel wellness is something that should be practiced both inside and outside of the gym, as it’s truly a lifestyle. In the past, when I limited my mindset to being fit only when I was at the gym I never saw lasting results physically or mentally.
Over time I learned how to train my mind and body for overall success. Trust me—this did not happen overnight and definitely took some time and discipline to master! Eventually, I realized I was practicing the following principles every day and I finally started to see the benefits I had been seeking for years.
Here are five ways I routinely train my mind and body outside of the gym and studio.
1. Inspiration Station
Finding sources of inspiration has always kept me motivated professionally, and I have adopted this same technique for my personal use as well. It could be anything from reading the latest plant-based cookbook to joining a webinar on wellness.
I find new ways to get inspired and excited about living a healthy lifestyle that ultimately keeps me focused by reminding me why I enjoy prioritizing health and wellness in my life. I especially enjoy meeting new people, learning their lifestyle practices, and weaving some of their ideas into my own routine.
2. Write this down.
I write stuff down all the time. My to-do list is a mile long! However, when I started writing down quotes and inspirational tips, it was really a game changer. Before I launched Nadia Murdock Fit full time, I was working a job I hated. During my lunch breaks, I would make it a habit to watch videos from Mastin Kipp. I was hooked!
I found myself taking notes and turned those nuggets of wisdom into a quick reference sheet. I put them on mini index cards and read them daily on my commute. This practice helped to create a positive mindset that empowered me to make smart wellness decisions each day.
3. Try new things.
I use to be such a creature of habit—and still can be at times. However, I find that when I try new things, whether it’s a new workout or a vegan restaurant, I get a jolt of excitement for maintaining a fit and healthy routine.
My nutritionist said she loves how open I am to trying new things, and I’ve learned that stepping out of your comfort zone is where you will see the real change in yourself.
4. No stress, no mess.
Looking back on my past behavior, I realize that I would adopt stress from others by either soaking up their bad attitudes or becoming reactive to situations that I really should have ignored. That’s why I am very selective about who I spend my time with and who I choose to speak to on a regular basis. If the conversation is not positive, I tend to take a step back.
There was a friend I had for a long time who regularly chose to talk poorly about other people when we got together. At the time it was not odd to me because I was young and hadn’t been exposed to other types of friendships.
After college, I saw the toxicity that the friendship entailed and over time decided to step away from the relationship. You should never feel bad about removing negativity from your life. This process isn’t easy, but you will know when it’s time; it just feels right. Because of my past experiences, I am more in tune with people’s energy. I listen to it when meeting new people and this has really worked for me.
5. Pump the brakes.
As a mom, wife, and entrepreneur I am always in “go mode,” trying to make every moment of the day count. This is still a learning process for me, as taking a minute to slow down sounds so much easier than it actually is. Through yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises I find that this task is becoming more attainable. As Lori Harder, the author of A Tribe Called Bliss, says, “Showing up with focus is the secret to changing your body and habits.”
Now that you know my five favorite ways to train outside of the gym, I challenge you to try one or more of these practices for yourself this week! Write down some inspirational quotes or positive affirmations, take a moment to meditate, or listen to a new podcast during your commute—you won’t regret it.
Some call it rosé and some call it summer water (we prefer the latter). Whether you sip this pink perfection sweet or dry, there’s a bottle of rosé for everyone—and it works in any cocktail that could use a splash! Rosé has been making appearances in everything from sangrias to margaritas all summer long, and you know we couldn’t miss out on all the fun.
We’ve thrown together a list of our favorite summer rosé cocktails for the ultimate inspiration. Make these for a ladies’ night on your patio or a cozy night in with your boo—either way, we’re positive these cocktails will leave you feeling refreshed and rosy.
Rosé Lemonade
Day Owl Ruby Rosé Cocktail
Rosé Royal Cocktail
Watermelon Rosé Margarita
Strawberry + Peach Rosé Sangria
Frosé Slushy
1 Step Lavender Frosé
If your workplace or ladygang is as connected by Slack, Microsoft Teams, or group text as we are, you know the sheer delight that is implementing a new, on-trend emoji. Last week’s gift to HealthyWay HQ: a Jonathan Van Ness (aka JVN) emoji created by our graphic designer Alyssa Pearson.
Of course, those of you who love Queer Eye as much as Alyssa, our Editor-in-Chief Ashley Murry, Senior Lifestyle Editor Maggie Tyson, and MD/influencer Elyse Love (who counts Queer Eye among her favorite shows) get the importance of a tiny glyph that features a delightfully surprised (and sweatered) JVN radiating against a bubblegum pink background.
My binge-watching, on the other hand, revolves around SATC (aka the wind beneath my wings) and E.R. (whose last season has definitely left me in deep winter depressions that I welcomed like a martyr in the name of seeing John Carter’s maturation through to its bittersweet end). All that to say, I’m a Queer Eye outsider who needed to know what all the celebration and good feels are about—STAT.
So, whether you started watching Queer Eye as a gangly tween circa 2003 and have powered through Seasons 1 and 2 of the 2018 reboot (plus the “Yass Australia!” special) or are feeling tempted to run a @jvn Google search to determine what the heck we’re talking about, read on. Ashley Murry and life coaches Sharon Roemmel and Jenny Giblin weigh in on Queer Eye’s cultural relevance and how binge-watching the right shows (for the right reasons) can lift us up and serve as a powerful act of self-care.
But first: a quick QE introduction/timeline for those who are completely unfamiliar with the show:
After the Emoji
Immediately after our 2D Jonathan talisman joined us in Slack, I reached out to Ashley, Sharon, and Jenny to get the scoop on some of the things they think Queer Eye does well, and they’re not just for those receiving the Fab Five makeovers.
Sharon, a certified life coach, registered yoga teacher, and licensed massage therapist (who shares that she’s a lesbian, “although”—her words—“not certified” 😂) says she loves Queer Eye and thinks the show’s appeal comes from two things:
We see ourselves in the weekly guests. We relate when Tom on episode one says, “You can’t fix ugly.” Whether our own moments include feeling ugly, too fat, too skinny, not well-dressed, too shy, not smart enough, or some other perceived failing, we let those moments limit us. As we connect with the guests’ lack of belief in themselves and then watch their transformations, we can see what’s possible for us. We see that we, too, are worthy. We could update our wardrobes, learn a few skills in the kitchen, and get rid of that pile of magazines to begin shifting our lives for the better.
The second appeal relates to the feel-good nature of seeing others shine. In an era where people feel free to say cruel things to others both online and in person, where violence and harm are perpetrated every day, it feels good to see strangers lift someone up. The show reminds us that when we see the best in others, they do shine.
Jenny, a trained therapist and life coach who lives in Hawaii and rarely ever watches TV, is also a huge fan of Queer Eye. “After watching the very first episode of Queer Eye with a friend who was visiting, I was moved to tears and it instantly replaced Keeping up with the Kardashians as my new favorite show,” she shares. “I instantly downloaded Netflix and proceeded to watch the entire two seasons over the course of the next few days—and cried during almost every single episode.”
Jenny says Queer Eye can—without putting it into words—expose us to the following very important (and empowering) ideas:
1. The power of deep transformation comes from within. You can take anyone and use the right tools to help get them from who they are now to who they want to be, but that deep willingness to change has to come from within.
2. The most powerful experiences that can heal and change us come from the bond we have with the person guiding us, and the power of human connection.
“You can tell from watching Queer Eye that every single cast member on there feels some kind of love or actually genuinely cares about the person they are working with,” Jenny says, going on to share that based on her professional experiences, “the number one predictor of whether or not therapy will be effective is based on the connection between the therapist and the client.”
In the case of Queer Eye, she believes the reason that the outcomes of the Fab Fives’ makeovers are so impressive is the connection between each client and cast member. Takeaway: Who you surround yourself with and choose to learn from can make all the difference.
Jenny also highlights two more Queer Eye ideas that really resonate with us:
3. Our style and our environment, and how we take care of it and use it to reflect how we feel and our true sense of self, is so important, but this can be easy to lose sight of during times of stress, or just over time, especially when we lose sight of valuing ourselves, or feeling not good enough, or just from taking care of others and focusing on our to-do lists or responsibilities.
4. We were not always taught how important or necessary it is sometimes to put ourselves first, or to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others and be the best versions of ourselves—or how we were meant to live an amazing life.
These are things we can learn, and Jenny believes Queer Eye reminds us and gives us permission to give ourselves the self-care we need, “along with the tools and inspiration you need to bring that into your own life while you cheer others along.”
Ashley reaffirms Jenny’s points in reflecting on why Queer Eye has had such a positive impact on her, sharing that Queer Eye “shows that what’s on the outside can impact what we feel on the inside.”
She believes it gives people—women especially—the freedom to explore outward expressions of beauty if they feel compelled to. “It’s not about the clothes or the new haircuts, but how those simple changes can often give us the opportunity to see ourselves in a new light. It’s a major nod to self-care.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkFv7XvFW4K/
These self-care, feel-good points alone are enough to get us feeling warm-hearted and proactive, but it’s Ashley and Sharon’s discussion of Queer Eye’s power to expose and heal certain realities we all live with that can really take our appreciation of what the Fab Five, the show’s producers, and Netflix are doing to the next level.
Talking About the “Queer” in Queer Eye
Queer Eye 2.0, like the Bravo series before it, is a show about gay men who, save the first episode of Season 2 when they make over Tammye, are making over men. So, beyond espousing self-care and encouraging us to prioritize relationships with people who really want to support us as we blossom into our true selves, how does it benefit women?
“If you’re ingesting current event media or scrolling through social media, you’ve seen the mean-spirited them-versus-us articles, posts, and comments. Feel-good shows like Queer Eye that highlight diversity can act as an antidote to that polarization and negativity,” says Sharon, who goes on:
It can be easy to forget in this era where gender diversity makes the news daily that many of us were raised in a soup of homophobia or by parents who simmered in that soup. Calling someone a lesbian or a fag was an insult to be feared when I was growing up in the ’60s and ’70s.
Even in this era of gay marriage, our homophobic history colors our beliefs and thoughts about people who identify as LGBT. When we join the Fab Five for one of their makeovers, we get to see some of the diversity in the gay community and some of our outdated beliefs can more easily slip away.
These points resonate with Ashley, who says Queer Eye “exposes us to the often overlooked variety that exists in every lifestyle and sexual orientation. You have Jack, who is feminine and very comfortable in that expression of femininity; you have Antoni, who is much more quiet and reserved. Karamo is a broad black man you may not have guessed was gay—my very point. Tan was raised Muslim and is married to a Mormon man. This is just such a refreshing reminder to explore more of the intricacies of humanhood and a reminder that none of us should confine ourselves to any standard because of a larger label.”
Sharon says that while watching Queer Eye, “we remember that we are more alike than different as we find common ground. By watching others accept their emotions in a supportive and uplifting environment, we can also begin to do the same in our own lives. We see possibilities for caring, healing, and connecting and hopefully take action.”
More on the Medicine
Extracting the show’s production from New York and filming in Georgia (and, for Season 3, Kansas City, Missouri) implies a new element of diversity for Queer Eye as the Fab Five interact with fewer cosmopolitans and more lifelong residents of Middle America. As Ashley points out, “The conversations they have with people from very different walks of life show, with each episode, that we are all far more similar than we are different. And it’s beautiful.”
Finally, as Ashley says, “The show shines light on men showing emotion. Nearly every episode shows the person who is being made over crying or having some sort of emotional breakthrough. This display of emotion is often unexpected coming from men. Society looks to them to be the heroes. It’s such an important example for the next generation of men that they be allowed to show emotion.”
This can also be medicine for women watching Queer Eye, who, let’s be honest, could use some confirmation that men face many of the same fears we do and are capable of tapping into emotions that are just as raw and vulnerable as those we experience when it comes to #metoo, the wage gap, and facing whatever body image issues we’ve developed as symptoms of living in a society that promotes countless unattainable ideals.
So, is binge-watching all bad?
When we think about self-care, binge-watching isn’t necessarily up there on our mental lists of valid pursuits. In fact, we’ve probably all betrayed our own shame when responding to “What’d you do this weekend?” with “Managed to watch three seasons of [insert your show of choice] in under 48 hours without getting up more than a handful of times for powder room breaks and snacks (because vitamin D and showers are optional).”
That said, Sharon, who says TV watching doesn’t typically make her top-ten self-care list, agrees with Ashley and Jenny that “watching a show like Queer Eye can be an act of self-care, especially in context to our current culture.” Remember what she said about all that mean-spirited stuff many of us see on social media? Indulging in a show like Queer Eye—and a little quiet time that doesn’t involve scrolling—might just be an antidote (but not the antidote).
Sharon’s tips for knowing when binge-watching has crossed a line into a sedentary, emotionally unhealthy behavior:
If you use a show like Queer Eye to numb or check out from your life while staying stuck, then you aren’t practicing self-care. If binge watching leaves you with a high that moves you into warm fuzzy feelings and ready to clean up your own life, then go for it. But if you find yourself numb, binge eating, or feeling worse about yourself, then walk away from the screen. Even if you feel uplifted, but find yourself staying stuck, you might want to take a binge break.
Need to peel yourself off the couch? Why not get some JVN-to-go from his Getting Curious podcast? (I’m listening to the September 2016 episode with plus-size/curve model Denis Bidot right now and it’s 👌.)
Some other self-care activities you can pursue while listening? Organize your closet, stop and drop for an at-home bodyweight workout, or work on your vision board. Have some Queer Eye–inspired successes to share? Keep us in the loop on Instagram at @itsthehealthyway or Twitter at @healthywaymedia.
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With all due respect to all of your moms, I have to claim the mantle of having the best mom in the world. (Yes, I know a lot of us think that! We are the lucky ones.)
I’m obviously no longer a child, but I tend to listen to my mom and still think she’s right about most things. In fact, I call her to consult on almost all major matters in my life. So I got to thinking: What are my favorite things she taught me?
There are only a few things we really disagree about, so most of her advice here is sound and can be passed on to any child (or adult!).
29 Things My Mom Taught Me
- Recycle everything.
- Always make homemade desserts. (Store-bought ones are unacceptable.)
- You must eat salad after a main course.
- Take your kids to see live theater.
- Buy books (but wait for the paperback).
- Keep in touch with old friends.
- Eat dinner together every night—with whom you’re “together” is up to you.
- Learn another language.
- Write well.
- Show up for people.
- Be loyal to your friends.
- When someone is sick or hurting, call them.
- Try again.
- Drink tea in the afternoon.
- Enjoy good wine.
- If you like a shirt, buy it in four colors.
- The person who cooks doesn’t clean.
- Talk it out—with a friend or a spouse.
- Use cloth napkins.
- Stand up for things you believe in.
- Say “I love you” all the time.
- Let your kids be who they are.
- Invest in high-quality clothing.
- Make time for exercise.
- Put wet laundry in the dryer for at least 10 minutes so it doesn’t wrinkle.
- Read, read, read.
- There’s no shame in watching trashy TV.
- Walk whenever and wherever you can.
- Take notes.
5 Things My Mom Wasn’t Right About
1. Tea bags need to steep for more than three seconds.
My mom has a thing about dipping her tea in hot water for so little time that there’s no way it tastes like anything other than…hot water. It’s gross. I am a firm believer in steeping tea for a long time for a really dark, deep taste.
2. Not all religion is bad.
Okay, this one is rather heavy and controversial, but my mom is fervently anti-religion. She grew up in a communist home, but in adulthood I’ve taken great comfort in some aspects of Judaism. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that we will never see eye-to-eye on this—and that that’s okay.
3. T-shirts do need to be thrown away when they have holes in them or are totally faded.
My mom still wears T-shirts from the 1990s. Since she is a writer who works from home, she rarely needs to fully put herself together. This means that when my sister and I recently helped her clean out her closet, we found a lot of shirts with frayed necklines…that she didn’t want to throw out. Not okay.
4. There’s no need to keep newspapers.
My mother has devoutly been holding onto newspapers for as long as I can remember. Every few months she clears out the massive pile from the closet. Why not just recycle them the following day?
5. It’s not good to hold grudges.
My mom is really good at holding grudges, sometimes (?) for good reason, which has made me think it’s okay to hold grudges. Not so. What’s the point? You are only making yourself miserable. Let it go.
Driving to work can be a drag. Whether you’re headed to a confining cube or you’re going to the job of your dreams, a long commute doesn’t exactly rev you up for the 8+ hours of work you have ahead of you. That’s why we’re recommending some majorly inspiring and interesting podcasts (all lady-led, of course) that’ll give you some real-life motivation, advice, and entertainment to empower you before you dive into the daily grind.
1. Girlboss Radio
Former Nasty Gal CEO Sophia Amoruso talks to other—you guessed it—girlbosses. When you’re heading into a job, whether you love or hate it, this podcast will motivate you to keep up the hustle. Not to mention, these successful ladies have some kickass advice for your day-to-day life too.
Our Episode Picks
For the Pop-Culture Junkie: Sarah Jessica Parker, actress, producer, entrepreneur
For the 60-Hour Workweek Warrior: Arlan Hamilton, founding and managing partner of Backstage Capital
For the Workout-Legging Addict: Tyler Haney, CEO of Outdoor Voices
2. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin, a writer who studies happiness and human nature, and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, discuss the ins and outs of finding happiness in the chaos of daily life. They give straight-up advice for boosting happiness and discuss the value of self-reflection. For practical-minded women, these tidbits of advice and insights give tangible steps for increasing happiness and fostering good habits.
Our Episode Picks
For the Realist: “Remember, This Is Supposed to Be Fun”
For the Post-It Queen: “Write It Down (Really)”
For the Yoga-Pants Zealot: “Wear ‘Clothes’ Every Day”
3. Almost 30
Friends Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, a playful duo from Los Angeles, chat about the fun of transitioning into adulthood and all that comes with it. For those approaching 30 (which can seem daunting), there’s so much—too much!—to figure out. Regardless of what you’re feeling uncertain about (whether it’s your health, your career, your relationships, your mental state, or all of the above), you can find a relatable episode that’ll encourage you and let you know you’re not alone.
Our Episode Picks
For the 420 Friendly: “Cannabis 101 + Why It’s Important”
For the Yogi: “The Beats, The Sweat, The Tribe”
For the Foodie: “‘Genius Foods’ + How Eating for Optimal Brain Health Will Make You Happier and More Productive”
4. Forever 35
If you’re over 30 and interested in what wellness can look like for you in this chapter of your life, listen to these two friends and self-described wellness addicts discuss how people in the real world (i.e., not wellness influencers) are trying their very best to be comprehensively well. They talk to women who are engaged in the pursuit of wellness from all angles—from maintaining practices that focus on their physical bodies to working with their minds and souls.
Our Episode Picks
For the Minimalist Mom: “Mother of Intention” with Emily Gould
For the Naturalista: “Talking Natural Beauty” with Jessa Blades
For the Serum Devotee: “Skincare Questions” with Courtney Chiusano
5. On Being with Krista Tippett
For the deep thinkers, Krista Tippett will get your gears turning as she discusses life’s big questions with interesting people. If you’re looking to go on a deep dive into your mind, listen to On Being for your fix of profound reflection.
Our Episode Picks
For the Artist: “The Normal, Daily Things We Fall in Love With” with Maira Kalman
For the Self-Identity Seeker: “Finding My ‘I Am’” with Maria Shriver
For the Writer: “Soul Food, Sex, and Space” with Nikki Giovanni
6. By the Book
Each week, Jolenta Greenberg, a producer and performer in New York City, and Kristen Meinzer, an audio producer and host, live according to the advice of a self-help book to determine if these authors know what they’re talking about or if they’re just selling a gimmick. For those who frequent the self-help section of their local bookstore or the cynics calling BS on Malcolm Gladwell, this podcast assesses the power of such literature to revolutionize your life.
Our Episode Picks
For the Eternally Messy: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
For the Real Housewives Fanatic: Class With the Countess
For the Down-on-Her-Luck: You Are a Badass
7. Free Cookies
Hosted by real-life couple Kate Fagan, an ESPN reporter, and Kathryn Budig, a yoga teacher and foodie, this podcast shares “free cookies” about their respective areas of interest, plus deets on their relationship. Juicy.
Our Episode Picks
For the Sports Fan: “Abby Wambach Kicks Off Cookies”
For the Barre Class Enthusiast: “Curtain Calls & Cookies”
For the Yogi: “Cookies for Every Body”
8. Unladylike
Unladylike gets into the challenges, stigmas, and stereotypes women face in today’s society and what they’re doing to overcome them. Hosts Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin bring on ladies who talk about self-empowerment and ignore the haters trying to tell them how to live their lives.
Our Episode Picks
For the Women Crushing on Fitness Influencers: “How to Get a Yoga Body” with Jessamyn Stanley
For the Working Mom: “How to Nanny Up”
With intelligent and genuine ladies like these paving the way, it makes sense that podcasts have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years. The right Beyoncé track can pump you up momentarily, but the right podcast can give you some sustainable motivation to work hard while making your daily commute more empowering.