When I founded Lemon Stripes, a healthy living lifestyle blog, I wanted to share outfit inspiration and healthy recipes with my friends and family. That was six years ago and so much has changed! This year, I quit my day job as the Marketing Director for Nourish Snacks and started blogging full time. Working for myself has been a dream come true.
I’m now reaching huge number of readers as I document my adventures in fashion, home décor, and healthy living as a 30-something with my husband and puppy in Stamford, CT. I love my job and wouldn’t have it any other way!
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
My husband and I met while working at the holistic nutrition school that we both attended so health and wellness is hugely important to both of us. We try to eat a clean, whole food diet that nourishes our bodies, and workout to keep ourselves strong and mentally sharp.
On top of that, I work with an acupuncturist twice a month and try to meditate daily to stay on top of my game. Self-care is a big part of my life and I strongly believe that if people (especially women) would stop feeling guilty about putting themselves first, everyone would feel a lot better and get a whole lot more done!
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
I make a revitalizing green tea spray for when I travel or don’t get enough sleep that instantly tightens and brightens my skin. I steep green tea for five minutes, let it cool, and then throw it into a travel-sized spray bottle. So easy and so effective!
What’s your favorite go-to outfit for a quick polished look?
Skinny jeans, white silk blouse, a big necklace, and polished flats. I’ve never been comfortable in heels!
What’s your favorite quick-prep dinner for your family?
Brown rice bowls. I always have a batch of brown rice cooked in my fridge. I’ll grill chicken, add sautéed greens, slice an avocado and top with sesame seeds and homemade green goddess dressing. It’s a healthy, delicious, and easy-to make meal.
Tell us your favorite Instagram account to follow and why?
@graymalin. I love his artwork and seeing how he styles it in different ways. I also love the work he’s doing now with the #peacechallenge. It was such a beautiful way to use his influence.
What tradition or routine is important to you?
My sleep routine is incredibly important to me. I’ve struggled with insomnia my entire life and the routine I’ve created around bedtime has changed the game. You can read more about it here.
What’s in your purse?
Three pairs of sunglasses (really!), lip balm, a phone charger, and snacks. I make my own trail mix (salted cashews, tamari almonds, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips) and keep it with me at all times because I’m constantly hungry.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! On the streets of NYC, in magazines, from Instagram accounts, you name it.
We know you’re a busy lady! How do you balance all of your work responsibilities with your home and personal life? Any tips for our readers?
Now that I work for myself, it’s definitely a challenge to separate my work and home life. I create very structured days for myself so that when my workday stops, I stop working. As a blogger, I kind of always have to be on (even on nights and weekends), but try to get the bulk of my work done between 9am and 7pm.
Down time is very important for me to be productive. I take small breaks throughout the day to walk the dog, workout, or eat lunch. If I try to work too many hours in a row, my work is definitely not top notch!
What’s your favorite app (or other tool) for helping you do life?
Plano.ly has saved the day for me at work. I use it to schedule Instagrams so I never miss a beat and don’t feel tethered to my phone. For personal use, I use the Sonos app to play music in our speakers located around the house. I always need music playing and love how they make it so easy!
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