Our Crazy Expectations...

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." (Au milieu de l'hiver, j'apprenais enfin qu'il y avait en moi un été invincible)

- Albert Camus, Noces Suivi De L'ete


Summer! So full! 

Big stuff for me and the people in my life this month (and beyond). A dear friend's wedding in Maine (road-trip included), an incredible memorial in honor of my Uncle Terry on the Clearwater boat along the Hudson (mini epic road trip with my cousin Riely included), and my high school reunion (also a mini road trip of sorts)! So much already, and more to come...

It's so interesting to me how we anticipate in our minds the way we think certain events are going to be and how different they are in reality. I love that actually. If you had asked me 10 or 20 years ago whether I would go to my high school reunion I probably would have laughed and said something obnoxious. Then, as it approached this year I found myself actually wanting to go! I conjured up this fantasy/image of it being like a scene from Peggy Sue Got Married, with everyone dressed up like the prom, nice tablecloths, and people giving nostalgic speeches about the good 'ol days and how far they had come. 

And, as life would have it, the night was NOTHING like what I had built it up to be. In fact it was pretty silly all around and held at a bar (in Denver) called "Brooklyn's". C'mon, really (I live in Brooklyn). In reality, when the night came I walked in with my high school bff's (thank goodness those girls were with me) to a loud, cramped bar. That was my reunion. Oh, and a photo booth, which is of course where we spent as much time as possible giggling as we squeezed as many of us into it at a time (just like in high school of course). No speeches, no heart-felt connections among the masses...just a lot of nervous energy and drunk people yelling over loud music. Wow. Impressive. A far cry from my original vision. 

The best part was the drive there with my girlfriends and then leaving together and ending up at our old late night Greek diner. It's so often the "in-betweens" of the "big events" that really make the most impact. The side notes, the behind-the-scenes stuff. Kinda like the out-takes in movies; don't you love those? The messy crumbles of the cake left in the baking dish always taste the best right? That's what I'm talking about--that stuff! So, soak it up-- pay attention to the periphery of it all, and don't believe every story your mind creates in anticipation of "the future." Surprises await you...let me know what you discover on the side lines of it all.

To a wonderful rest of the summer,
Jessica

 

Do what I do


I hope you can all tell how excited I am about the work I do as a holistic health coach when you read my newsletters and hear about my experiences. Just as I have loved being able to help people with the bodywork I've done for many years, I have also felt great able how fulfilling it's been in my health coaching practice. I feel lucky to have helped so many people live healthier, happier lives in so many ways. 

One of the most important steps that I took is the certification I gained through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. It was not only an amazing, dynamic education, being an alumni blesses my life on a daily basis. From the supportive, stellar community to the wisdom and expertise I share with my clients everyday, I am constantly reminded about what a great call I made by attending. 

I am a vocal ambassador for the school and want to make sure that everyone in my community knows about the many opportunities they have for learning. Whether you just want to increase your nutritional know-how or become a coach like me, it will change your life. Click below to get your information guide, and ALWAYS feel free to reach out to me personally with your questions about attending.

 

 

 

 

A summer snack for your next picnic


Red Cabbage Cole Slaw is one of my summer addictions. Loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals that will keep your summer skin bright and glowing, and sans the guilt some feel after a heavy weekend BBQ (hint, I do it without the mayo too, optional, but I like it better with some good olive oil)...
4 cups thinly sliced red cabbage (about ½ of an average-sized head)
1 tsp. unrefined sea-salt
1 medium-sized cucumber, (peeled and seeded if you like), and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
1 cup fresh spinach
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (add slivered carrots too if you want!)
1 to 2 tsp. minced jalapeño pepper
¼ cup apple cider vinegar+1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp. maple syrup, or more to taste (optional)
2 tsp. minced fresh ginger, (optional)
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I love this but leave out if you don't-- same goes for adding scallions or red onion)
1. Mix cabbage with salt in medium bowl. Place plate on top of cabbage, and weight with heavy can. Let stand 30 minutes to soften cabbage.
2. Stir in cucumber, spinach, red bell pepper and jalapeño.
3. Mix vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil and ginger, if using, in small bowl. Add to cabbage mixture, and mix well. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to blend before serving.
How is your summer going? Staying on top of those nutrition and wellness goals? I'm hear, ready to listen and to support you if you need more accountability, tips, love, or guidance.