December 26, 2013

In lieu of resolutions...

While I love the idea of a fresh start, New Year's resolutions bug me for a couple of reasons:

1. They are generally vague. "I will lose weight in 2014" - great, but how? And will you keep it off, or drink your way through another gallon of eggnog in approximately 365 days and end up in this exact same position?

2. They read like a laundry list of steps to becoming a perfect person. Eat healthier. Go to sleep earlier. Be a better wife/girlfriend/dad/whatever. Resolutions tend to come in multiples - if not, aren't you underachieving? After all, you have a whole freakin' year to do this stuff, slacker. A long list of lifestyle changes can be hard to tackle all at once.

3. They make the gym really, really crowded.

This year, I'm doing things a little differently. Maybe I have commitment issues and can't settle on a single topic for a year, but in 2014 I'm going to set monthly challenges for myself instead of a few year-long resolutions.

In January, I'll be running a mile every day. 

Photo from RunOm Cincy - Great American Ballpark

I know most of you are probably thinking that's pretty easy. After all, a mile isn't a challenging run. Most people run a mile in just 10-12 minutes. My mile a day challenge is about consistency. If I can't make time for a 10 minute run every day, I need to re-evaluate my priorities. I chose January for this challenge because I also really, really dislike the cold weather.

The distance isn't the important part for me - actually running is. You see, I hate running. Loathe it. Most likely this is because I'm not great at it, and I tend to gravitate towards activities that reward me with quick, juicy, satisfying success. Here's to waking up early, freezing my butt off, and probably taking a few more running shoe pictures along the way.


So there's my plan for January. What's yours?

xo,
Rachel


December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas, friends

This holiday season has been unlike any other I've experienced. It's my first year spending Christmas away from my family, and also my first Christmas in my new apartment. It would be easy to focus on the things this holiday season is missing, but I have so very much to be grateful for. Good friends, though we may be scattered. Jobs that make me happy. Goals, dreams, and plans that I'm truly excited about. Lots and lots of love. A place that finally feels like my home. A rich, well-balanced life.



Wishing every single one of you a blessed holiday!

Cheers,
Rachel

December 10, 2013

#NoHumbug

I adore everything about the holiday season. Christmas music and movies (even the really, truly terrible kind), crazy shopping, baking, gifts - all of it. My absolute favorite part of the holidays, however, is the abundance of kindness. With the knowledge that my friends, neighbors, and complete strangers are probably dealing with an extra dose of stress around this time of the year, I like to go the extra mile to brighten someone's day. That is why I absolutely adore the #NoHumbug challenge from lululemon athletica.



I can't wait to try some of these ideas. I'll be following #NoHumbug on Twitter and Instagram, so be sure to tag me in your posts - I'd love to see them!

xo,
Rachel

December 9, 2013

Sweet Lemon Mag - Holiday Issue

Sweet Lemon Magazine's holiday issue debuted today, and it is just perfection. Think tons of gift guides, holiday beauty tips, and all things festive.

 My favorite part? Adam Braun of Pencils of Promise is featured on the cover. Who doesn't love a handsome guy with a huge heart? At just 30 years old, he was named on of Wired's "50 People Who will Change the World."



I'm also so happy to be included as one of the contributing bloggers! You can check out my feature on page 76 of the issue.


xo,
Rachel


December 5, 2013

Currently Reading...

As winter weather and the holiday craziness approaches, it's nice to have respite in the form of good books. Here's what I'm currently reading:

Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton


By now, most people know that I absolutely adore the Humans of New York blog. The Facebook comments tend to get a little crazy, but the book is purely a celebration of diversity present in a single (amazing) city. 


Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle


Okay, I'm going to admit this one sounds hokey. It came with a great recommendation though, and I want to keep an open mind. The Amazon description says "Tolle expands on these powerful ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world."  So there you go - who doesn't want that?



The Fault in our Stars by John Green

As the only fiction book I'm currently reading, I'm expecting a lot out of The Fault in our Stars. This one also comes with stellar recommendations, and even the bookstore employees told me it was their favorite book, period.




What are you reading? Any great books I should know about?

xo,
Rachel