Oh hello there! Yes, always in the gym clothes — it’s just my thing! Well it’s time for a few updates. I’ve been a very busy girl — freelancing, writing, studying, holiday-ing, cooking and more. But I said it the other day, the more busy I am, the more I get done. For some people it doesn’t work that way but for me, being busy gives me a lot of motivation. Plus, I find such satisfaction in writing that it’s been easy to stay motivated that way!

PS: I also updated my media kit and have been using Vine (not so interesting yet.. ha ha).

A few things I’ve written lately: 

• My first Buzzfeed post: 13 Ways Endorphins Make You Act Tipsy
• Published in Newsweek (!!!): ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Raises Questions About When Life Starts
• 2015 is Your Year: Develop a Healthy Lifestyle That Sticks (America Within)
• Inequality on Steroids: Saudi Women Face Terrorism Charges for Driving (The Daily Signal)
• The Importance of GOTV in Winning the Midterms (Campaign Now)

I know — it’s some random stuff (really!) but that’s what’s so great about the flexibility I have. I feel so fortunate to make a living doing something I really enjoy — and went to school for, for that matter. Shout out to the Indiana University School of Journalism! 😉

A few things I’m read currently:

• Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst
• Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell
• NASM Textbook (coming up soon!)

A few things I’ve cooked lately: 

• One-pot Thai Peanut Pasta (so good!)
• Healthy Quinoa Chicken Curry Bowls
• Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Alfredo
• Easy Moroccan Beef Stew with Butternut Squash

I really wish I could be a food blogger but it’s just not my thing. I’m so envious of my friends, like Michelle and Gina, who are experts at making everything look amaaahzing but I guess I’ll settle for just making the darn food in the first place. I get on cooking kicks and then I’ll never want to cook, so sporadic. Lately, I’ve been using my Pinterest boards like crazy trying to find good stuff.

People I’ve been loving on Instagram: 

• Leeanne Benjamin
• Our Ordinary Life
• DC Travel Girl
• BeachyRunner1
• Alexa Nehter

Of course I’m missing these ones like crazy (especially Grandma…):

Hard to believe that photo was taken less than 6 months ago. My grandma’s death was the first death of someone really close to me I have ever experienced. I’m lucky I went to so long — but in a way, it brings another level of depth and perspective to life. The little things less important and I’m trying to live more for the big things. I caught myself crying again this week when I heard about the death of ESPN’s Stuart Scott, who lost his battle with cancer this weekend. He said:

“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer: You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.” 

It’s so true. Cancer doesn’t GET to win. Grandma showed everyone that. So did Stuart Scott — and so many others who bravely fight it every single day. In light of that, let’s talk about doing something GOOD — shall we?

Kids in the Kitchen

Kids in the Kitchen showcases ways kids can eat smart and make healthy lifestyle choices. Celebrity chefs host healthy cooking demonstrations, fitness experts lead kids in high-energy exercise sessions, and certified nutritionists are on hand to answer questions. Kids in the Kitchen is a fun-filled day of games, crafts, hands-on learning, and exciting raffle prizes – all to celebrate and promote nutritional literacy.

Hey, I’m all for kids learning how to be healthy so if you’re in the DC-area, check out the details for Kids in the Kitchen and join the fun! The free event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Children’s National Medical Center’s Washington National Diabetes Care Complex (111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010)