All posts by Beth Berger

About Beth Berger

Hi there! Finding Delight is a lifestyle and lifelong learning blog written and curated by me in Alabama. Along the way, I attempt to tackle the rough real world with books, budget-livin', brainpower and all the beautiful stuff you can find when you really look. Won't you join me? The true delight is in the finding out. View all posts by Beth Berger →

On summertime traditions.

June 23, 2016Personalaquariums, family, Lake Michigan, memories, ritual, summer, vacationsBeth Berger

On Monday we talked about items to check off our bucket list THIS summer, but today I’d like to talk about things to do summer after summer. Stuff to look forward to all year; like a yearly road trip to camp in a state park with your cousins or an annual backyard barbecue held for the whole neighborhood. Do you have any summertime traditions like this?

Growing up, my family would pack up the mini-van each summer and head north to Lake Michigan. We’d rent a cottage within walking distance from the shore and head to the beach each day with an armload of sand toys, books, and floating rafts. I’ll always remember eating packed PB&J’s (with the added crunch of specks of sand) and plums from the Farmer’s Market. Maybe indulging in a few kolaches as a treat, made locally in a Swedish bakery. I would finish book after book, lounging sun-kissed and sprawling on the beach-themed furniture, trading dog-eared paperbacks at a used book store for new-to-me stories. Frequent evening trips to the ice cream parlor were a non-negotiable.

Now that I’m getting married in just a few weeks, I’ve been thinking about how meaningful these types of traditions are. I’m eager to lean in to the rituals of my new, soon-to-be-official, tiny family.

The last two summers, Chet and I celebrated his birthday with a trip to the aquarium. (We walked across a rope bridge above a shark tank right after we got engaged!) And I love imagining what it will look like if this ritual carries on into the expanse of our years. Who knows if it will, but I can see our future selves fawning over sweet turtles and fish so colorful it’s hard to believe they’re real. And that’s pretty cool.

But the possibility of traditions not yet thought of is pretty cool, too.

What summertime traditions do you hold dear? I’m oh, so curious…and who knows? Maybe we’ll get some ideas!

mid-week round-up

June 22, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, Audrey Hepburn, documentary, food, history, Kim Kardashian, longform, made me laugh, Miami, news, real estate, round-up, social media, summer fun, YoutubeBeth Berger

How’s it hanging, love-bugs? This time next week I’ll be in Lexington! I’m flying up a couple weeks before our wedding to finish out all the preparations while Chet stays behind to teach. The final count-down is upon us! Flying with my wedding dress makes me a tad anxious, I’ll be honest. But I’m SO excited to be back in Lexington for the first time in almost a year. In the meantime, there’s plenty of prep left to do here in SoFlo. And we’ll also be taking it easy just enjoying each other and quiet nights at home before the madness ensues! Hope your week is extra fun-filled, and here are a few links for your enjoyment…

No one is building the suburban homes Millennial buyers want.

10 ways to give your kids a 1970’s summer.

An inside look at Bulgaria’s controversial bride market.

Instagram hashtags to organically grow your following.

Kim Kardashian West: “Settling down allowed her to turn up.”

The polyamorous christian socialist utopia that made silverware for proper Americans.

How YouTube videos can help people cope with mental illness.

Licking intensified. (Reminds me of Wink.)

The mysterious vlogger who changed the internet.

A former crisis pregnancy center volunteer tells all.

Audrey Hepburn’s newly discovered love letters.

The 38 essential Miami restaurants.

My Top 10 Skin Care Staples

June 21, 2016Every day lifebeauty products, FOTD, products I love, recommendations, what's on my face, what's on my skinBeth Berger

Today I thought I’d give you a peek at the products that have currently taken up residence on the side of sink. While my skin care routine is fairly minimal, I’ve found a groove that works for me. And I’ve come a long ways since my college days when I would regularly dive into bed after a debate tournament with a face full of makeup and wake up the next morning armed with a bar of hotel soap and a rough washcloth. My skin thanks me for each small step I’ve taken away from that nightmare, trust me. So, here’s a look at the goo and gloop that I slather on my epidermis, why I love it, and when I use it…

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser I switched to this cleanser about 6 months ago and I think it would take something extra special for me to fall out of love with it. I use it to wash my face morning and night. It is so gentle, doesn’t dry out the skin, and leaves my face feeling super clean.

2. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Scrub I mentioned this scrub in a monthly favorites and for good reason. Alba Botanica is one of my favorite skin care brands and this scrub doesn’t disappoint! It contains gentle buffing granules to refine pores and leave skin feeling all a-glow. I feel like a lot of folks get a little addicted to scrubs. They just make your skin feel so soft as soon as you step away from the sink. But over-using can cause your skin to produce excess oils, having the adverse effect that you intended. So I only use this guy once a week.

3. Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Clay Facial Mask Similar to scrubs, I like to do a mask about once a week. I don’t actually recommend the mask pictured here (I’m just too stubborn to let a product that’s just okay go to waste). I bought it when I popped into CVS for a treat yo’self one-use mask. This full-size version was only two dollars more than the mini so I figured, “What the hey?” In reality, not my favorite. (And now I know…masks = worth investing in. Don’t waste your money on the cheapy-cheaps!) I would recommend this one or this one instead. But the point is, indulging in a face mask once in a while is awesome and my skin loves it!

4. Up & Up Sensitive Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes Sometimes I get a little lazy and need to swipe off some mascara with out turning on a tap, ya feel me? Because I take my laziness very seriously, I’ve tried a whole bunch of these genius little wipes. And these are hands down my favorite. Check ’em out if you suffer from occasional bouts of laziness as well.

5. Vichy Lifactive Supreme As I mentioned in this post, this stuff is kind of amazing. I dab a bit of this cream on fine lines day or night as needed. It soaks right into the skin, without feeling wet or tacky, and has instant results. It smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening and firming the skin. I don’t have a whole lot of experience with anti-aging products, but I’d totally recommend this one!

6. Cetaphil Mouisturizing Cream Since moving to South Florida, dry skin hasn’t been so much of a concern. (No winters!) But keeping a good drug-store moisturizer on deck for those days when my skin has endured a long day of sun and salt-water is generally a good idea. I used to swear by the drug-store dupes for Aveeno, but since receiving Cetaphil in an Influenster box, I’m a convert. I just pick up a sample size at Target so it can easily travel with me to colder climates.

7. Alaffia Coconut Water Face Toner In lieu of a cream, like the one above, for everyday moisture, I love this coconut water face toner. It feels so nice to just mist it on, especially in this heat, and it smells good too! Bonus: It’s made from certified Fair Trade ingredients. Woohoo!

8. Wellness of Eden Lavender Body Oil For moisturizing my body, I love using oils because they soak right into the skin. To me, lotions tend to feel like they’re hovering on top of the skin and can feel greasy. I specifically like to use lavender because I shower at night, and nothing will transport you to sleepytime like a little post-shower lavender aromatherapy.

9. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen SPF 30 More Alba Botanica! I’m a half German, half Irish girl living in a very tropical world. Daily sunscreen is a must. While I tend to use a more sport-oriented sunscreen when we go to the beach or pool, I use this one on my face and shoulders for day-to-day adventures out into the great outdoors…like walking through my parking lot to get to the car.

10. Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer For a touch of color correction and concealing this little tube has been my go-to the last few months. It has a very light formula that’s great for sensitive skin while still providing enough coverage to even out skin tone. I’ll definitely repeat purchase this brand!

What skin care staples do YOU swear by? Have you tried any of the products listed above? Any you’d like to add to your repertoire?

Summer Bucket List

June 20, 2016Personalflorida life, goals, make memories, Miami, summer in florida, summer vacation, touristBeth Berger

Last summer felt like such a whirl-wind. What with Chet’s graduation, getting engaged, packing up my life in Lexington, and moving to Miami. While we still managed to squeeze in lots of fun it seemed to go by in a flash! This summer isn’t free from big changes/life events by any means(our wedding is SO SOON!), but I’m more than ready for the little moments, too. I want to slow down and enjoy my surroundings. To take full advantage of the extended daylight. And make memories to last a lifetime as I enter this next season of my life.

So, in honor of the first day of summer, I thought I’d jot down a few items for a seasonal bucket list…

Sample the fare from new-to-me restaurants like this one and this one.

Concoct a pitch perfect summer cocktail to enjoy while taking in the vibrant sunset skies on view from my balcony.

Rent one of those surrey bike contraptions and take it for a spin around Tropical Park.

Stick to a Sunday morning ritual of Farmer’s Market haulin’.

Find the perfect coffee shop to soak up free AC and Wi-Fi. Bonus points if they serve delicious cafe con leche and piping hot empanadas.

Take a road trip up the west coast of Florida, and stop to snap photos at whatever abandoned tourist attractions and motels that strike my fancy along the way.

Capsule my summer wardrobe.

Give our screened-in outdoor space a little design face-lift. Fairy lights! More potted plants! Wind chimes!!! The possibilities are endless.

Experience a quiet moment of reflection, and check out the giant Buddha statue, at the Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple.

Challenge myself to reach a new fitness goal. Think: mileage, daily yoga challenge/achieve a pose I have yet to master, or a new-to-me form of exercise.

Three words: SWIM UP BAR.

Spend a few evenings playing disc golf, once I learn how to actually play of course.

Add more books to my spreadsheet, like this one and this one and this one looks good too!

Go on a middle-of-the-day adventure to track down lunch from an obscure and tasty food truck.

Blog about all of the above RIGHT HERE on findingdelight.com!

What’s on YOUR Summer 2016 Bucket List? Share below! xoxo

(Photo by Sur La Lune Photography.)

Corita Kent: In the Beginning was the Word

June 17, 2016Brainpoweractivist, art, art history, education, FIU, forgotten pop artist icon, Miami, peace, pop artist, revolution, screen prints, Sister Mary Corita, The Frost Art MuseumBeth Berger

While my mom was in town last week, we stopped by The Frost Art Museum at FIU. One exhibit up for display was the work of Corita Kent. She was an iconic pop artist, prolific activist for peace, and, at one time, a nun. Her pieces were so inspiring and I’d love to plaster them all over my walls. I thought her life story and work was fascinating, and wanted to share a little bit with you guys…

Her Background: Born Frances Elizabeth Kent in Fort Dodge, Iowa in 1918, Kent joined the Roman Catholic order of Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Los Angeles in 1936. She took the name Sister Mary Corita. After receiving an education in art and art history, she became an teacher and later the chair of the art department at Immaculate Heart College which housed the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Charles & Ray Eames. Her own art was almost exclusively serigraphy, developing innovative methods of screen printing. Over the course of her career she created hundreds of designs, for posters, murals, book covers, and even a U.S. Postal Service stamp. Her art, with a strong focus on messages of peace and love, gained popularity during the 60s and 70s. While her politics, geared toward activism and a strong opposition to war, led her to split from her Catholic order around that same time.

Her Art: Corita Kent most often used popular culture as material for her art. Her screen prints would incorporate imagery from well-known products and brands alongside texts of a spiritual or peace-promoting leaning. In this way, she created a juxtaposition between acknowledged “art” and imagery most associated with American consumerism, art encountered in everyday life. She placed the ordinary with the holy, the picture on the front of the cereal box with the words of scholars and saints. As Harvey Cox, a theologian and friend of Kent’s, remarked, “Like a priest, a shaman, a magician, she could pass her hands over the commonest of the everyday, the superficial, the oh-so-ordinary, and make it a vehicle of the luminous, the only, and the hope filled.”

Her Teaching: Whether the faith infused in Kent’s work is holy or human is irrelevant, because her body of work ultimately highlights the inherent fusion of both. As such, in her teaching, Corita Kent focused less on showing her students how to paint and draw and screenprint, and more on helping them see the world anew. She taught her classes to gain new perspectives with the help of a 35 mm slide mount that students could look through to frame compositions and images. She encouraged students to seek out revolution in their everyday. If you’re interested in experiencing Kent’s teachings firsthand, her book is linked below, and is chock-full of unique assignments for fostering creativity.

Read More:

Someday is Now: The Art of Corita Kent

Corita Kent: An overshadowed pop art icon

Learning by Heart: Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit by Corita Kent and Jan Steward

Spotlight: Altruist Apparel

June 16, 2016Brainpower, Fashion, Style and DesignBecause I am a Girl, community over competition, donate, female empowerment, female entrepeneur, interview, motivation, Plan International, small company spotlight, sport the look, support girls, support women, t-shirts, tank tops, workout clothesBeth Berger

Hey friends! Today I’d like to introduce you to Amy – founder and operator of Altruist Apparel. When I first found out about Altruist Apparel, a small company that believes in wellness and empowerment for women all over the world, I fell totally in love. Their designs feature words, phrases, and symbols that invoke fire within the female spirit. Across the globe they seek to help women and girls by donating a portion of all their proceeds to organizations that help women and girls in developing countries have safe access to education, health care, and living conditions. How cool is that!

Intrigued by this unique business model (and the totally kick ass slogans emblazoned on their products), I reached out to Amy to ask her a few questions…

Hi Amy! Can you tell Finding Delight readers a little bit about yourself and Altruist Apparel?

Hey Beth! I am an editorial photographer and designer based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Before leaving my 9-5 to pursue my creative businesses full-time, I worked as a children’s mental health worker which had it’s good times, but in the end just didn’t fulfill me the same way being creative for a living does. Altruist Apparel was birthed from a spark of an idea — to create an online business that somehow inspired and affected change in the world. I’ve always felt vehemently about women’s issues, both at home and abroad, and I’d recently gotten the idea to design t-shirts for another startup that I’m planning with my partner. The two combined in a brain explosion that was pretty epic. It kept me up half the night thinking and planning it all out and by morning I’d already established 90% of the Altruist Apparel brand in my mind. Altruist Apparel features designs that promote women’s empowerment, resiliency, and community over competition, in an effort to help women here at home live their best lives. The other extremely important part of my business model is to donate 15% of all profits to an organization that helps women and girls gain safe access to education and health care, and addresses social issues like child marriage and gender-based violence. I teamed up with Plan International’s Because I Am A Girl project because they do such a fantastic job doing just that!

Does your background as a children’s mental health worker help you craft the sort of messages you want your company to stand for?

Absolutely. Throughout my work in children’s mental health and child welfare, I’ve had a lot of adolescent girls on my caseload who are brilliant young women with so much potential. Unfortunately many of those girls will never end up realizing their potential, due to issues with self-esteem, familial and social issues, school difficulties, drugs, alcohol, and even prostitution. Altruist Apparel’s messages of empowerment, strength, and resiliency are often inspired with them in mind; messages I wish they could internalize and believe, and that would help them combat their demons and live their best life. Some of the girls I’ve worked with have been able to do that, and they are the embodiment of these messages.

How would you describe your personal style? Did it play a role in your vision for Altruist Apparel?

It sure did! I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. As I write this, I am wearing a black t-shirt with a picture of a cat with wings on it and the caption “dreams come true.” I didn’t design it, but I wish I had! I love how t-shirts can be worn while working out, hiking, or camping, but also under a cute blazer with a pretty necklace and hot shoes. T-shirts are my uniform, so designing t-shirts seemed a natural fit for me.

Altruist Apparel is currently focusing fundraising efforts on Plan International’s Because I am a Girl project. Can you tell us a little bit about this organization and why you chose it?

Plan was founded in 1937 and is one of the world’s oldest and largest international development organizations. The focus of the organization as a whole is to improve the lives of children, and the Because I Am A Girl project focuses specifically on issues faced by girls. 62 million girls world-wide are not in school. 15 million girls are forced to become brides before the age of 18. Girls are twice as likely as boys to become malnourished. And millions of girls are victims of gender-based violence. I chose the organization because it covers the issues that are most important to me. There are numerous organizations out there that do phenomenal work, and I hope to work with more of them in the future.

When designing your apparel, who do you envision wearing the results?

Women with undaunted, unbridled spirits. Women with fire in their hearts and a will of iron. These are the women I design for, and the kind of women I aspire to be. I also design girls’ shirts and onesies so we can start them young. A lot of the messaging young girls are receiving is downright concerning. Girls are taught to place value in being pretty, in being fawned over, and in having the attention of boys. I find the whole idea of raising girls as little princesses downright sad. I think we need to raise warriors, not princesses.

I absolutely love the message behind ALL the phrases and words you’ve chosen for your shirts, tanks, and onesies. Can you tell us about some of your favorites and how you chose them?

The quote “Fate whispers to the warrior, you cannot withstand the storm. The warrior whispers back, I am the storm” gives me chills every time. I absolutely love it. I want to get it tattooed on my body. It’s not an original of mine, it’s an older quote that is of unknown origin, but damn it packs a punch. I also really dig the warrior shirt, because I’m really into the idea of the modern day warrior. A couple of years ago I shot a fashion editorial with a warrior girl theme. We had bows and arrows and really awesome war paint for the models’ faces. It was an incredible, creative experience and helped me form this idea of the modern day warrior woman that I love. I also love the thought of women enduring adversity in their lives with the strength, determination, courage, and pride worthy of the warrior title. My warrior shirts really resonate with me for that reason.

What do you hope Altruist Apparel will look like in one year’s time?

In a year’s time I hope that Altruist Apparel is solidly established with a huge following. I have three additional t-shirt lines in the works to be released over the next year, and will be adding totes, pillows, prints, and iPhone cases in the near future. The more money the company makes, the more I can give to help girls and women in developing countries. I would also love to take some of the profits to fund a volunteer trip for myself abroad so I can provide hands-on help and photography for NGOs. I have huge dreams for this little company. 🙂

Thank you so much, Amy! Your story, company, and products are truly inspiring. Wishing you and Altruist Apparel the best of luck. ❤

P.S. To keep up to date with news and products, you can follow Altruist Apparel on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE.

mid-week round-up

June 15, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, eating on a budget, fitness, goals, home decor, instagram, made me laugh, Mother Teresa, My heart is with Orlando, news, Perrier, renters, round-up, say their names, survival, TED talk, The Hills, weird journalismBeth Berger

How are you this week, my friends? This one started out rough so I hope you are taking sweet and gentle care of yourselves. I hope you are finding ways to laugh and hugging your loved ones tight. Love is love is love is love. I long for a time when senseless tragedies didn’t feel so familiar, but encourage us all to keep fighting for a world where they aren’t. In the wake of what was happening in the world, I was super lucky to have my mom visiting over the last few days. We saw a cool art exhibit, checked out a farmers market, took tons of pictures of tropical plants, and lounged at the beach. What a fun few days! She flew back to Lexington yesterday afternoon but I’ll be headed that way too in just two short weeks. Wedding countdown and all that. Eeps! Alright my dears, have a good week, and check out the links below…

The story behind a failed Chinese investment is stranger than it seems.

Paying a premium for fancy bottled water.

20 renter-friendly decor ideas.

How Instagram stars bring home the bacon.

A parody of every TED Talk ever.

The incredible story of a man who survived 20 hours treading water in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mother Teresa: Sinner or Saint?

Made me laugh.

11 ways to eat healthy on a budget.

Do you set skill based or aesthetics based goals?

What a beautiful couple. My heart is broken.

More than blood.

June Stitch Fix (Unboxing + Try On)

June 10, 2016Fashion, Style and Designmy style, personal stylist, playing dress up, pre-wedding activities, Stitch Fix, subscription clothing, wardrobeBeth Berger

I received a box from Stitch Fix this week!!! Wanna see what’s inside? For those that don’t know, Stitch Fix is an amazing online company that hooks you up with your own personal stylist. It’s pretty simple! First, you sign up on their website and fill out a style profile. It asks you questions about what you like to wear and your lifestyle to get a clearer picture of the type of clothing you would enjoy receiving. You can also include a link to one of your Pinterest boards for your stylist to peruse. Next, you schedule a “fix” and leave a comment with any special requests or upcoming occasions. And then WAM-BAM, in a few weeks you have a package with five unique items, hand-picked by your own stylist. You also receive a style card for each of your five pieces with two outfit ideas. This is a neat way of showing you how you can incorporate the pieces into your own wardrobe.

For this “fix,” I asked my stylist to send me dresses or outfit pieces that I could wear during the events leading up to my wedding — bachelorette party, bridal luncheon, etc. She delivered some really beautiful pieces that totally fit the bill! She even wrote in her accompanying note where she envisioned me wearing each item. So sweet and personalized! Here’s a look at each item…

1. Pixley embroidery detail cami.

2. Brixon Ivy textured knit dress.

3. Kut From The Kloth printed maxi skirt.

4. Adrianna Papell lace dress.

5. Zenzii tassel drop earrings.

Now comes the fun part! Deciding what to keep and what to send back. Your box comes equipped with a pre-stamped bag/envelope so you can send back what doesn’t work for you at no extra charge! However, if you keep all 5 items you receive a 25% discount off your total bill. You have three days to make your selections. I like to have a rifle through my closet, jewelry box, and shoe collection to try and come up with full outfits for each piece. This is my way of sussing out if I’ll actually wear the item or not. Here’s what I came up with…

This cami looked super cute paired with a little black cardigan and I love the pretty detailing peeking out. However, I’m not a huge fan of thin straps (curse of big boobs), and June in South Florida means I’m not in need of a shirt that requires an extra layer in order to wear with confidence.

Verdict: Sent back.

Unfortunately, this dress didn’t fit. I still wanted to play dress up in it but *spoiler alert* it is NOT zipped up all the way in the back. Haha! While I like the unique print, and think it would be a lovely option for my bridal luncheon, I wasn’t entirely sold on that neon yellow color. Kinda looked like a highlighter in person.

Verdict: Sent back.

Pulling this number out of the box I gotta admit I was a little hesitant, but once I put it on I fell in love. I absolutely love the print and colors, and the slits up the side are perfection! I also was super impressed with how well it fit. Being a little height-challenged, I was nervous about a maxi skirt being way too long. But my stylist totally took that into account and sent it in a petite size. Score!

Verdict: Keep.

To be honest, if this dress had shown up on my doorstep BEFORE I settled on a wedding dress it would be a STRONG contender. Ugh! Looking at these pictures makes me love this dress so much. So boho, so cute! SUCH a hard decision to settle on in a couple days but I just couldn’t justify the $138 price tag on this beauty. Mostly because, while it would look stunning for my pre-wedding activities and/or photo session, I’m not sure I would actually ever wear it again. And I already plunked down a chunk of change on a one-time wear dress. No need to make a habit out of that. I’ll probably try and find a similar dress for a cheaper price now that I know I like this look.

Verdict: Regretfully sent back.

I didn’t get a great shot of these in my ears but you get the idea. They looked super cute with the accompanying cami. They’re very on trend (tassels!) although I’m not in desperate need of new earrings.

Verdict: Sent back.

So there you have it! While I only decided to keep one item, my stylist’s notes and the outfit cards really helped me nail down the types of pieces and ensembles I could wear for the pre-wedding events. A brightly colored dress (I have one from a previous “fix”!) with pearls would be well suited for the bridal luncheon and a sweetly detailed tank with a cardigan and shorts would make for a nice option to throw on for getting breakfast the day after the wedding. I’m excited to grab drinks out on the town in the maxi skirt I kept and I know to keep my eyes out for a white dress with a boho vibe (maybe one with a more moderate price tag). What do you think? Which pieces are your favorites? Would you have chosen differently? Let me know your thoughts below!!

P.S. My November Stitch Fix Unboxing + Try On!

If you’d like to give Stitch Fix a go, and I SOOO recommend you do, CLICK HERE. It’s a service I’ve used for a few years now and the pieces I’ve kept become closet staples.

june stitch fix box

mid-week round-up

June 8, 2016Wednesday Linksarticles, cocktails, DIY, feminism, Hamilton, happiness, Hillary Clinton, internet culture, John Green, language learning, made me think, news, productivity, products I love, recipe, refugee crisis, round-upBeth Berger

What are you up to this week, friends? My mom is flying down to visit us on Saturday, and I can’t wait to show her around. I hope she’s ready for lots of tropical plants and Cuban food! I just finished the book “Me Before You.” Have you read it? Chet’s mom mailed it to me the other day (Thanks!) and once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to the movie! Hope you all have a wonderful day, and now check out these links…

A perfect cocktail for adult summer camp.

The female journalists on Hillary’s campaign trail.

How self-deprecation is taking over the internet.

For summertime travels.

Would you try The Pomodoro Technique?

How to make an origami corner heart bookmark.

If Hillary could go back in time to tell one person she’d been nominated for president…

An algorithm that unpacks the master rhymes in Hamilton.

Thoughts from a refugee camp.

Chicken, leek, and pea pasta bake.

How Hawaiian immersion schools saved the Hawaiian language.

9 contradictions to embrace for greater happiness.

My Top 4 Healthy Lifestyle Intentions

June 7, 2016Every day life, How to'sadventures, healthy food hacks, healthy living, real life application, set intentions, summer changesBeth Berger

my top 4

This post was inspired by BetterHelp.com which provides online therapy with licensed therapists.

I for one don’t feel like I need a new year to set new intentions, goals, or dreams. In fact, I kinda think summer is a great time re-commit to healthy living. The weather is warm and ready for outdoor exercise. The fruits and vegetables are fresh and plentiful. The daylight hours stretch for maximum productivity. The world feels full of possibilities…. making changes to your life feel possible.

With that in mind, I thought I’d share my top 4 intentions for healthy living, as well as how I’ve been applying these intentions in my every day life. If summer has you itching to set some new Healthy Lifestyle Intentions, then this post is FOR YOU!

1. Make time for dedicated outdoor play every day. I’m not talking about those moments of fresh air between house and car, car and work. I’m talking a dedicated half hour to soak up some Vitamin D. No need to reinvent the wheel. Just go for a walk or plant things in the dirt. Kick around a soccer ball or splash in the pool. If it’s raining, grab an umbrella and go for a stroll anyways. Or do some yoga under an awning. If it’s snowing, throw on your coat and boots and go for it. Just get outside!

My current favorite way of doubling down on this intention is taking all my phone calls outside. Phone rings…I head outside. But for my dedicated 30 minutes of play time, I’m a long-time lover of a casual walk or a quick dip in the pool. My living situation/climate makes both options super easy (year round!) and for that I am thankful.

Pictured above: A trail through Biscayne Bay National Park, the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

2. Keep healthy hacks on hand for the unhealthy foods you most often crave. I for one think that, if you love burgers/ice cream/pizza/burrito bowls/brownies, you can have your cake and eat it too. Just be honest with yourself about the things you love and LEAN IN. Prepare for those inevitable days when you’re feeling a Papa John’s delivery by always keeping a crust and some topping options in your kitchen. In doing so, you’ve just made it RUHL easy for yourself to get a pizza in the oven and in your belly. No phone dialing necessary. Once you’ve figured out the craving hacks that work for you, give the necessary ingredients a permanent place of honor on your weekly food shop list.

Lately, I’ve been loving banana soft serve as a replacement for my frequent need for fro-yo. I portion and freeze bananas so that I can pop them right into my food processor (usually with a scoop of frozen blueberries or some peanut butter) and have a delicious evening dessert in seconds.

Pictured above: My “fried” pickles, a hack for my very favorite restaurant appetizer.

3. Take consistent breaks throughout your work day. Your work is a marathon not a sprint. There will always be another project, another email to answer, another meeting, another goal to cast your eyes upon. As this is the case, what’s the use in pounding the pavement so hard on one task that you’re too exhausted to give your all to the next? Give your brain space to breathe. Get your legs out from the confines of the underside of your desk and STRETCH. It may seem counter-intuitive at first but your productivity levels will thank you.

My approach to this intention is ever changing and has evolved and shifted along with my professional life. Currently, it centers around choosing priorities for the day and working to complete those top priorities first. This allows for larger breaks later in the day (a perk of working from home!). I also try to break those priorities down into 45 min – 1 hour long tasks and break for 10 – 15 minutes in between each task.

Pictured above: Cool drinks on my balcony, a great place for a break when you work from home.

4. Schedule outings with friends and partners that are fun-focused, not food-focused. Yes, grabbing brunch is a great way to spend some quality time with your bestie. Dinner and drinks is a classic recipe for a great date with your boo. But they aren’t the only options. They’re the easy, no thought needed options. Why not plan a trip to the art museum with your gal pals or a bookstore adventure with your boyfriend? I’m not saying you should eliminate food-focused outings all together, just that switching it up can go a long way in getting you out of an eating-out holding pattern. Oh, and huge bonus points if you can plan something active and/or outdoors! Summer is the perfect time to make this switch.

Since moving to Miami, Chet and I instituted #AdventureSaturday. We check out new-to-us parks, head to the ocean, or just stroll around some shops. It’s a great way to spend time together and, because we are having experiences instead of meals, we make lasting memories.

Pictured above: Playing a video game at the arcade, one of our favorite outings.

Have you set any new intentions lately? What were they? Do you have any tips for tackling the ones listed above? Share below! xoxo