I'm back, I'm back! I feel like I don't know where to begin tonight. I just came back from a week away in Punta Cana with seven of my closest friends. I had planned on writing a 'vacation prep' post before I left, but, admittedly after my Boston posts the week prior, I didn't have any creative juices left in my system to put anything interesting to paper/laptop. Safe to say, I really needed a vacation.

Here's what I'll tell you about vacation. So many health and fitness magazines preach about 'ways to stay slim on vacation'. Friends ask me if I work out or eat healthy, etc. etc.

Now, as much as I love a solid health tip... my goal is to RELAX on vacation and that means... doing whatever I damn well please. Do I work out? Yes, because it makes me feel good in the morning. Do I eat healthy? Eh, no and yes. What I can tell you, however, is that I start to crave healthy food a few days in... guess that's just my nature. My 'health advice' for vacation goers is this... do what makes you feel good... relax, get a massage, drink pina coladas, and have lots of laughs with your friends. Stress is the cause of countless health problems. Escape, turn off the news, social media, and your work email... just be happy. Don't even dare try and follow some strict fitness plan because you want to keep up with your six pack... drink a six pack and park yourself on a lounge chair. What you'll usually find is... you didn't gain any weight. And, if you do and you're a healthy person anyway, you'll lose it the first week you get back. Yup, I said it.

This is how a typical day usually went: Gym with Rachael, Bfast, Shower, Suntan Lotion, Lounge Chair, Pina Colada, Lounge Chair, Mama Juana, Lounge Chair, Book, Swim, Lounge Chair, Swim, Lounge Chair, Cheez Wiz & Tequila (yes, cheez wiz), more Tequila, Shower, Dinner, Drinks, Drinks, Bed.

Now, onto part 2 of this post. I signed up for a half marathon two days before I left for Punta Cana. The Boston Run to Remember honors law enforcement officials who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition to that, I am raising money for the Alzheimer Association of MA/NH. My full story is here: http://bit.ly/18wUgPH. I won't repeat myself, so I will just say that I felt physically compelled to sign up for this race and I am so glad I did. I'll post about my progress and running tips over the next few weeks. (and throw in some sweet pics of the city - below is a tulip garden in the North End)

Have a wonderful evening, friends. xo.

Last August, I posted "7 Quick, Everyday, Easy Health Tips". I promised I would make it a series. That was my last post of 2012. Whooops! You all know I'm officially back now and I am one to keep my promises so here is PART TWO!

1. Get up, stand up. So, you've probably heard me preach about standing during the day. I've been doing this for about two years now. At my former job, I decoupaged a box and put my keyboard on it. At my current job, I ordered these simple monitor risers. There are now five of us that stand in our office. There are multiple studies that prove sitting during the day is extremely hazardous to your health. (read rockcenter story here, nbcnews here, womens health here, huffington post here)... have I convinced you yet? These studies all confirm that sitting all day is basically killing us. You won't look like an idiot if you stand, you'll look smart. And, your energy will be increased, you'll be less fatigued, and you'll burn more calories! If you can't stand... then make sure you're moving, tapping your leg, etc.

2. Water & Healthy Snacks. Another thing you'll notice in these pictures is my nalgene, green apple, and almonds. In my last post I said "always eat healthy at work". This just adds to that. Drink plenty of water and have only healthy snacks available. Green apples are loaded with antioxidants and are filling. Almonds have healthy fats to keep you sharp and are also filling.

(not my best look today, I blame the freezing weather... big thanks to Krista, fellow blogger, stander, and work-wife for the pics!)

3. A Balanced Breakfast. I talk about "balance" a lot. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. I aim for all of my meals to be balanced carb/protein/fats, but, breakfast is where it's most crucial. Below you'll see fruits and rye toast for my carbs, cottage cheese and almond butter for protein, and almond butter for healthy fats. Delicious, filling, and kept me full until lunch.

4. Stop the Glorification of Busy. It speaks for itself, but really, we are all BUSY. We all have our things. Stop talking about it and start making time for those you love, listen when people speak to you, take care of yourself, get some rest, and slow.... down.....

5. Make Fitness Goals. Last year when I tore my hamstring. I found a few images on pinterest of moves I wanted to be able to do once I was healed. Well guess what? This isn't me in the pic but I can do this again. Constantly having a fitness goal will keep your mind and your body challenged and fit. (BTW I know I haven't posted a lot of workouts lately, I promise they are coming back... stay tuned :)