Little Life Hacks

Do you guys remember that survey I asked you to take waaay back in August? I know — it seems like yesterday and a million years ago all at once.

One of the consistent themes that you mentioned in your responses was wanting more free-flowing lifestyle content. And specifically, thoughts about body shape, life balance, confidence and the like.

I’m still in the process of analyzing and putting action behind those results (coming soon!), but in the interim, I thought we could check-in and chat.

It’s Friday, after all — let’s shoot the shit.

Okay, so. Real talk? I’m pretty obsessed with health and wellness.

Not, like, in a pre-dawn gym sesh/kale-instead-of-fries kind of way — but in more of a mindful, conscious awareness. I’ve simply been wanting to lead a healthier, happier lifestyle. Aren’t we all?

From this, I’ve learned that it’s not always about big sacrifice — there are bite-size, day-to-day tweaks you can make to be happier, boost your wellness and meet your goals.

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It’s easy to talk about living a healthier lifestyle, but once you’ve made the choice to do so, how do you keep yourself honest? I mean, girls. Some days it’s all I can do to make decent food, much less make good life choices.

However, there’s a few Little Life Hacks that I’ve been doing consistently over the past few months in an effort to improve my well-being and general lifestyle. Here’s what they are:

For better… Skin, hair and nails.

Over brunch last month, I was introduced to Optimal Solutions by Nature’s Bounty.

I was intrigued, but I’m an avid supplement-taker already (Biotin and various vitamins), so I didn’t see the need to switch up my routine. If it ain’t broke… you know?

After consulting a nutritionist and doing a bit of my own research on the product, though, I decided to try it out.

In addition to Biotin, the Optimal Solutions formula has high-potency B Vitamins — which are good for your metabolism — as well as Vitamins A, C and E, which are necessary for skin maintenance and overall health. Many birds, one stone.

They have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, which you can read about here — and also, the gummy version is dee-lish.

Since I’ve switched to using these supplements, my hair has looked shinier and gotten longer. It hasn’t grown like a weed, but nonetheless, it grew — the images above were snapped five weeks from one another. (And you can tell by this photo that it hasn’t stopped growing!)

It took me about two weeks to notice any change, but in my experience, if you commit to taking the supplement, you’ll notice a difference. My manicurist even commented on my “strong nail beds” last week! Too bad that’s not what Wall Street’s Private Equity lot looks for in a partner, eh?

I might sound salesy, but no — this isn’t sponsored. I’m just sharing what’s worked for me. And, um, I think this is some sort of legal requirement, so let me just clarify that I’m actually not a doctor. You should probs consult a physician for your health-related questions.

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For better… Smiling.

On to the next:

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit are awesome. I know that’s a mouthful, but it’s plain and simple, really. They just work!

I use Whitestrips two or three times a year and always receive comments about how white my teeth look in the month or two that follows.

3D White’s whole motto is “life doesn’t have to stop just because you’re whitening,” which is exactly how I’ve embraced ’em since I’ve been on-the-go these past few weeks. Crest’s new Luxe Supreme FlexFit has this no-slip technology, so you can wear them in public (on a plane, in an Uber — speaking from experience) and talk, whistle, or do whatever it is that you’re doing while you’re whitening.

Despite all of the coffee and red wine that I drink (and will be drinking — it’s the holidays, after all), my teeth are sparkling white compared to what they were — as you can see from the photo above.

If you can handle the potential for minor, temporary tooth sensitivity (I’m susceptible to this and it’s never been bad), I’d highly recommend them. (I began to notice results after day four.)

And before we move on, please note: Crest incentivized me to trial and share my thoughts on the 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit, but I have bought and used this product since college. I’d genuinely recommend ’em to you regardless.

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For better… Appearance.

Move your asses, people! Le duh. Just kidding:

For me, fitness is a life-long journey — and an enjoyable one. I was in every sport in high school. I played soccer in college. I’ve done a handful of half-marathons. And I’m all about getting a free t-shirt for running a 5k!

Now, the struggle: I think it’s a hybrid of my love of happy hour and lack of self-control genes and petite stature, but weight does not fall off of me easily. It sticks, man. Mainly to my mid-section. This part of the fitness journey — the results portion — is annoyingly frustrating and relies on lots and lots of proactive accountability.

There is no one-size-fits-all formula to share here, but the Little Life Hacks that have worked for me are to simply eat less and move more.

The photos above were taken approximately six weeks apart from one another.

I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.

It helps me to have small group training/a personal trainer (enter FitBallet) and/or exercise that I genuinely love and look forward to (SoulCycle, yoga).

If you don’t live in NYC or have access to these specific resources, bounce around to different studios or try ClassPass — or make your Little Life Hack’s more about lifestyle adjustments. (Park farther away, take the stairs, have a Meatless Monday, etc.)

Two of my biggest fitness inspirations are actually dear friends of mine — Kate, a Chicago fitness instructor and Nike Master Trainer; and Angela, a pal from LA whose fitness journey I am obsessed with (40 pounds and counting this year). Love you both, bitches! Shine on.

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For better… Mindfullness.

Lastly, this might surprise you, but I often avoid social media. (For you bloggers out there wondering, I use a variety of social media scheduling tools.) I’m plugged in during the workday — and I love what I do, so it doesn’t feel like a burden, but…

I take a lot of tiny tech detoxes.

When it comes to feeling happy and fulfilled, we can do all the right things — but we each have our triggers that cause those confidence levels to nose-dive. Are you nodding?

Personally, I’ve noticed that the roof of my insecurity is often something I saw on social media — and it’s because I’m usually comparing my own behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. How stupid and unnecessary!

Homework time: As a Little Life Hack, take a tiny tech detox this weekend. Seriously — do it. No digitalisms for even just a few hours. Tell me how you feel after.

Now, I realize as a blogger that I have to share the highlights — but I always aim to do so in an honest and conversational manner. (I hope this comes across as such.) While I won’t ever burden you with negativity, finding balance in also sharing the “bad” is more about telling a story or discussing a lesson.

… And, well, you know I’m not afraid to share the ugly.

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In closing, a little food for thought…

Have a great weekend, guys.

What are some of your Little Life Hacks?

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PS: Happy birthday to my mom, the OG of storytelling. The phrase “I got it from my mama” applies in every facet of my life and I couldn’t be luckier. Except karaoke — I royally suck at that. I love you, Mom!