Hello Fellow Bloggers,
This is indeed my last blog and I am a little upset about it. I never really saw myself as the blogger type, but once I was given the opportunity (or in other words the mandatory assignment), I really seemed to get enjoy it. I like the idea of finally writing down all of those floating thoughts in my head. And by writing down those thoughts, I was finally able to come to conclusion with myself on those specific ideas and how, what, or when I should fulfill them. For instance, I was finally able to come to conclusion on my short-term goals, long-term goals, and my summer fun list. Ever since I wrote those bullet points, I have been so excited to fulfill and accomplish each one and see where those experiences takes me. After I gain all of those memories and adventures, I know I will become a better version of myself and that excites me more than anything. I also liked the idea of providing fun tips to share. I don't really have the most creative or helpful tricks of trade, but anything can help. I liked to read the positive feed back in the comment area and also to hear other shared ideas to improve myself. Everyday I strive to be better and so I am always eager to learn new tips and tricks on how to do so. Overall, blogging was a fun and positive experience and maybe in the near future, when I begin a whole new chapter of my life, I will pick it up again to share my adventures. But for now, I say goodbye and thank you for reading Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice.
-Laura Rita-
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
Summer Checklist
Hello Bloggers!
With summer vastly approaching, I began developing a mental checklist of all the things I would like to do this summer. It seems like almost every year I form these mental checklist and the next thing I know, it's the end of August, summer is over, and my check list remains untouched. I decided to final transform my unsuccessful, mental checklist into a written blog, hoping I will be able to accomplish more and to share my potential summer fun. Without further or do, here is my Summer 2016 Checklist:
-Go to the Bahamas with my family at the end of May (that was already planned)
-Go to Six Flags
-Go to the beach once a month
-Go to Country Thunder at the end of July (that was also already planned)
-Attend as many Thursday night "Concerts in The Park" in Rosemont, IL.
-Have my first club experience in downtown Chicago
-Go to a Cub's game.
-Go to the Taste of Chicago
-Go to the Air and Water Show
-Potentially attend one day of Lollapalooza
Last but not least....
-Have an amazing summer with my friends and family and cherish every second of it.
I am super excited for summer being right around the corner and I can not wait to finally be home in Chicago and enjoy it. Let me know what your summer checklist is.
*Gluten-Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Picardi-
With summer vastly approaching, I began developing a mental checklist of all the things I would like to do this summer. It seems like almost every year I form these mental checklist and the next thing I know, it's the end of August, summer is over, and my check list remains untouched. I decided to final transform my unsuccessful, mental checklist into a written blog, hoping I will be able to accomplish more and to share my potential summer fun. Without further or do, here is my Summer 2016 Checklist:
-Go to the Bahamas with my family at the end of May (that was already planned)
-Go to Six Flags
-Go to the beach once a month
-Go to Country Thunder at the end of July (that was also already planned)
-Attend as many Thursday night "Concerts in The Park" in Rosemont, IL.
-Have my first club experience in downtown Chicago
-Go to a Cub's game.
-Go to the Taste of Chicago
-Go to the Air and Water Show
-Potentially attend one day of Lollapalooza
Last but not least....
-Have an amazing summer with my friends and family and cherish every second of it.
I am super excited for summer being right around the corner and I can not wait to finally be home in Chicago and enjoy it. Let me know what your summer checklist is.
*Gluten-Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Picardi-
Monday, April 11, 2016
Staying Productive
Hello Viewers!
Do you have ever have those days where you need to get so much done in such little time and then you end up accomplishing everything and anything else besides what really needed to be completed? If you followed me on what I just stated, this happens to me a little too often. Especially with graduation vastly approaching in just four weeks, some days I will clean my room, clean the house, go grocery shopping, workout, and then boom its 10 PM and I can barely keep my eyes open. It's all about balance and determining your priorities. Unfortunately, at this specific time in my life school work seems to be the absolute last thing on my agenda everyday because I am just so darn sick of it. But as I mentioned before I have only 4 weeks left and I need to be on my A Game to finish strong. In order to keep my focused on what is important, I began making lists of what needs to be completed in order of importance. I will also write a time frame of how long I should spend on each task, so time isn't wasted. I always feel that there is never enough hours in a day, so this helps me use my day wisely and to make every hour count. Also, I only have class on Tuesday and Thursday (second semester senior perks), but I still set an alarm for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to keep myself in a routine. Without an alarm I feel unproductive because there is no urgency to get up and start my day on the right note. If you are experiencing these same symptoms, try these tips and hopefully you will see some progress.
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Do you have ever have those days where you need to get so much done in such little time and then you end up accomplishing everything and anything else besides what really needed to be completed? If you followed me on what I just stated, this happens to me a little too often. Especially with graduation vastly approaching in just four weeks, some days I will clean my room, clean the house, go grocery shopping, workout, and then boom its 10 PM and I can barely keep my eyes open. It's all about balance and determining your priorities. Unfortunately, at this specific time in my life school work seems to be the absolute last thing on my agenda everyday because I am just so darn sick of it. But as I mentioned before I have only 4 weeks left and I need to be on my A Game to finish strong. In order to keep my focused on what is important, I began making lists of what needs to be completed in order of importance. I will also write a time frame of how long I should spend on each task, so time isn't wasted. I always feel that there is never enough hours in a day, so this helps me use my day wisely and to make every hour count. Also, I only have class on Tuesday and Thursday (second semester senior perks), but I still set an alarm for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to keep myself in a routine. Without an alarm I feel unproductive because there is no urgency to get up and start my day on the right note. If you are experiencing these same symptoms, try these tips and hopefully you will see some progress.
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Sunday, April 3, 2016
What's On My Mind
Hello fellow bloggers,
Happy Sunday. I am going to take about something we either like or dislike, relationships. As a 21 year old, female, college student, I can speak for majority of people that everyone has a love/hate relationship with the topic. I am currently very much single and couldn't be happier. Being single I am able to strictly focus on myself, my friends, and family. Between my internship, school assignments piling up to my ears, having to devote time to work out, go to the grocery store, clean the house, and anything else that fills up my day, it can get a tad busy. Not having to worry about another individual is extremely relieving and helps me isolate my mindset to what is important to me. Though, there is a part of me that questions if that is how I actually feel about the situation or if I have convinced myself into thinking thats how I feel. It's a toss up. I would say that it is a tad ridiculous to be in a serious relationship at such a young age, but the comfort of having someone always there is something I long for. I have great friends that are always there for me when I need them, but there is something about having just that one special person to turn to and not have to feel that you are bothering or burdening them. But like I mentioned before, I am only 21 and my life is just beginning. After graduation and once I finally have money to my name, I plan on traveling and experiencing as much as I can. Once I finally see what the world has to offer, then I will be able to open my mind and heart to a relationship. For now, I am content being single but look forward to what and who my future has in store for me.
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Happy Sunday. I am going to take about something we either like or dislike, relationships. As a 21 year old, female, college student, I can speak for majority of people that everyone has a love/hate relationship with the topic. I am currently very much single and couldn't be happier. Being single I am able to strictly focus on myself, my friends, and family. Between my internship, school assignments piling up to my ears, having to devote time to work out, go to the grocery store, clean the house, and anything else that fills up my day, it can get a tad busy. Not having to worry about another individual is extremely relieving and helps me isolate my mindset to what is important to me. Though, there is a part of me that questions if that is how I actually feel about the situation or if I have convinced myself into thinking thats how I feel. It's a toss up. I would say that it is a tad ridiculous to be in a serious relationship at such a young age, but the comfort of having someone always there is something I long for. I have great friends that are always there for me when I need them, but there is something about having just that one special person to turn to and not have to feel that you are bothering or burdening them. But like I mentioned before, I am only 21 and my life is just beginning. After graduation and once I finally have money to my name, I plan on traveling and experiencing as much as I can. Once I finally see what the world has to offer, then I will be able to open my mind and heart to a relationship. For now, I am content being single but look forward to what and who my future has in store for me.
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Sunday, March 27, 2016
When Life Happens
Hello Fellow Viewers,
I hope everyone is refreshed and ready to start the new week with a positive attitude. So, I was a little stumped on what to write about because my mind is racing in twenty different directions. Between end of the year deadlines, my portfolio being due, group projects, my internship, graduation, and committing to full-time with my job, I can't seem to get a firm grip on anything. In other words, life is happening and I am stumped on where or what to begin with. But even when life is in full swing and about to over flow, I never allow myself to be distracted from the things that make me happy. For instance, no matter how busy I am, I always face-time my best friends from home, Francesca and Rachel, and either call or text my parents to let them know I am alive and well. I am also a huge, huge, HUGE Netflix fan and I am extremely proud of my collection of television shows, so I always make time to keep up on the latest seasons or episodes. I have mentioned previously that fitness is huge part of my life, and two hours everyday is strictly left for me to burn off some steam at the gym. Lastly, I take time in taking care of myself. What I mean by that is clearly through what I consume, but also what I use on my skin and hair. I am a nut when it comes to using products on my skin and hair and the chemicals that are within the products. I am a lover of the Lush products, because everything is hand-made with natural ingredients and each product states who made it, on what date and what time, so I know the product is fresh. I use a morning/day face wash and face lotion, and a night face wash/lotion for when my body is repairing itself. On my skin I use coconut oil, so my skin absorbs natural ingredients rather than the chemicals used within in body lotions. I also use coconut oil in my hair. I use bare mineral make-up and I never go to bed with my make up on. By taking just a little time out of my day to pamper my body in the way it properly needs, I feel so much healthier and happier. It's a nice stress reliever. So if you are currently extremely over whelmed with school, stop what you are doing, put the phone and laptop down and go take a hot shower and pamper yourself for half an hour. You will feel so refreshed and get more things accomplished, while feeling rejuvenated. My point is to never let yourself stop from doing the things you love and stop taking care of yourself. No matter how busy you may be, keeping yourself happy and healthy is the most important thing.
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
I hope everyone is refreshed and ready to start the new week with a positive attitude. So, I was a little stumped on what to write about because my mind is racing in twenty different directions. Between end of the year deadlines, my portfolio being due, group projects, my internship, graduation, and committing to full-time with my job, I can't seem to get a firm grip on anything. In other words, life is happening and I am stumped on where or what to begin with. But even when life is in full swing and about to over flow, I never allow myself to be distracted from the things that make me happy. For instance, no matter how busy I am, I always face-time my best friends from home, Francesca and Rachel, and either call or text my parents to let them know I am alive and well. I am also a huge, huge, HUGE Netflix fan and I am extremely proud of my collection of television shows, so I always make time to keep up on the latest seasons or episodes. I have mentioned previously that fitness is huge part of my life, and two hours everyday is strictly left for me to burn off some steam at the gym. Lastly, I take time in taking care of myself. What I mean by that is clearly through what I consume, but also what I use on my skin and hair. I am a nut when it comes to using products on my skin and hair and the chemicals that are within the products. I am a lover of the Lush products, because everything is hand-made with natural ingredients and each product states who made it, on what date and what time, so I know the product is fresh. I use a morning/day face wash and face lotion, and a night face wash/lotion for when my body is repairing itself. On my skin I use coconut oil, so my skin absorbs natural ingredients rather than the chemicals used within in body lotions. I also use coconut oil in my hair. I use bare mineral make-up and I never go to bed with my make up on. By taking just a little time out of my day to pamper my body in the way it properly needs, I feel so much healthier and happier. It's a nice stress reliever. So if you are currently extremely over whelmed with school, stop what you are doing, put the phone and laptop down and go take a hot shower and pamper yourself for half an hour. You will feel so refreshed and get more things accomplished, while feeling rejuvenated. My point is to never let yourself stop from doing the things you love and stop taking care of yourself. No matter how busy you may be, keeping yourself happy and healthy is the most important thing.
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Smart Grocery Shopping
Hello there!
Today I am going to provide some small, helpful tips that you can use while at the grocery store and want to make healthier decisions. Grocery shopping can be a very difficult task for certain people, especially if they have never been taught on how to smart shop properly. For example, one day my roommate came home with three different types of chips, cookie dough, a bag of cookies, and milk. (This is a true story) She then realized, once she got home, that her poor decisions left her with no healthy options for the week or even a meal. Grocery shopping can be stressful and overwhelming if you do not have a written list that states exactly what you need to purchase and to make sure that each item can be used in several different meal options. That is what I consider "smart shopping". Since, my fellow roommates and I are on the "college budget" some items are out of our reach , but that doesn't mean we can't eat healthy, well balanced meals. So let's begin! Sandwiches are considered a staple in a college students diet because its quick, easy, and requires little to none eating utensils involved. Sandwiches can either be packed with nutritious ingredients or high in fat and sodium ingredients. So how to make the perfect "Scooby-Doo" sandwich that is filling, delicious, and high in nutritional value? First, we choose a multigrain bread. Then a lunch meat that is low in sodium, my personal favorite is Oscar Mayer Naturals Oven Roasted Chicken Breast packaged lunch meat. The chicken breast is high in protein, low in sodium, fat, and carbs, versus the turkey breast product. Next, pick a low in fat, white cheese. It was proven that cheeses lighter in the color are better for you. I personally pick Sargento's low-fat provolone cheese. After that, we move onto garnishing our delicious sandwich. I typically top my sandwiches with spinach, avocado, tomato, onion, and mustard. Spinach provides more nutritional value than lettuce, avocado provides a healthy source of fat, onion is just great with everything, and mustard is one of the healthier condiment options. Boom your ideal "Scooby-Doo" sandwich is complete, piled high, and deliciously healthy.
Here are other tips to keep in mind while grocery shopping:
-Water over soda
-Purchase low-fat dairy products
-Greek yogurt over regular
-Almond milk is the healthiest option and tastes the same.
-Tortilla Chips with salsa or pretzels (for the chip/snack lovers)
-Buy fruits and veggies (you will be forced to finish them before they spoil)
-Dark Chocolate (for the sweet tooth)
Hopefully these tips help make your grocery shopping experience easier and beneficial. Please comment below with additional tips!
*Gluten-Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Today I am going to provide some small, helpful tips that you can use while at the grocery store and want to make healthier decisions. Grocery shopping can be a very difficult task for certain people, especially if they have never been taught on how to smart shop properly. For example, one day my roommate came home with three different types of chips, cookie dough, a bag of cookies, and milk. (This is a true story) She then realized, once she got home, that her poor decisions left her with no healthy options for the week or even a meal. Grocery shopping can be stressful and overwhelming if you do not have a written list that states exactly what you need to purchase and to make sure that each item can be used in several different meal options. That is what I consider "smart shopping". Since, my fellow roommates and I are on the "college budget" some items are out of our reach , but that doesn't mean we can't eat healthy, well balanced meals. So let's begin! Sandwiches are considered a staple in a college students diet because its quick, easy, and requires little to none eating utensils involved. Sandwiches can either be packed with nutritious ingredients or high in fat and sodium ingredients. So how to make the perfect "Scooby-Doo" sandwich that is filling, delicious, and high in nutritional value? First, we choose a multigrain bread. Then a lunch meat that is low in sodium, my personal favorite is Oscar Mayer Naturals Oven Roasted Chicken Breast packaged lunch meat. The chicken breast is high in protein, low in sodium, fat, and carbs, versus the turkey breast product. Next, pick a low in fat, white cheese. It was proven that cheeses lighter in the color are better for you. I personally pick Sargento's low-fat provolone cheese. After that, we move onto garnishing our delicious sandwich. I typically top my sandwiches with spinach, avocado, tomato, onion, and mustard. Spinach provides more nutritional value than lettuce, avocado provides a healthy source of fat, onion is just great with everything, and mustard is one of the healthier condiment options. Boom your ideal "Scooby-Doo" sandwich is complete, piled high, and deliciously healthy.
Here are other tips to keep in mind while grocery shopping:
-Water over soda
-Purchase low-fat dairy products
-Greek yogurt over regular
-Almond milk is the healthiest option and tastes the same.
-Tortilla Chips with salsa or pretzels (for the chip/snack lovers)
-Buy fruits and veggies (you will be forced to finish them before they spoil)
-Dark Chocolate (for the sweet tooth)
Hopefully these tips help make your grocery shopping experience easier and beneficial. Please comment below with additional tips!
*Gluten-Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Eating Out and Eating Healthy
Hello Fellow Bloggers,
So I was a tad puzzled on what to write about this week, but I decided to provide advice on what many of my friends come to me for, healthy eating suggestions. I am not a huge health freak, but being gluten free and maintaining a healthy diet, I would say I eat pretty well for a 21 year old college student. I also try to limit myself from eating out as much, which can be struggle because "getting food" is always a go-to plan when groceries are low or bored with friends. But even when I splurge and eat out with friends, I make sure I chose an item on the menu that provides nutritional value. That is key. Always strive to purchase and consume food that will benefit your body and functionality. Greasy, junk food does not provide anything for your body and it will result in feeling sluggish and most likely a stomach ache. I am a huge, huge, hugggeeee lover of Chipotle and since it's consider as a healthier fast food alternative, I never feel guilty visiting once a week. I am a burrito bowl kind of gal and it is jam packed with simple carbs, healthy fats and high in protein. In other words sour cream and shredded cheese is not included. My order is: brown rice, black beans, fajita peppers, chicken, mild and corn salsa, guacamole, and extra lettuce. It's super filling and lip smacking good, even without the unnecessary fattening ingredients. Being gluten free and a healthier eater, I never miss a beat and make sure my healthy lifestyle does not get in the way from me enjoying my life. So next time you decide to eat out, make sure to scan the menu throughly and pick out the item that will benefit your health and your improved lifestyle. Good luck!
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
So I was a tad puzzled on what to write about this week, but I decided to provide advice on what many of my friends come to me for, healthy eating suggestions. I am not a huge health freak, but being gluten free and maintaining a healthy diet, I would say I eat pretty well for a 21 year old college student. I also try to limit myself from eating out as much, which can be struggle because "getting food" is always a go-to plan when groceries are low or bored with friends. But even when I splurge and eat out with friends, I make sure I chose an item on the menu that provides nutritional value. That is key. Always strive to purchase and consume food that will benefit your body and functionality. Greasy, junk food does not provide anything for your body and it will result in feeling sluggish and most likely a stomach ache. I am a huge, huge, hugggeeee lover of Chipotle and since it's consider as a healthier fast food alternative, I never feel guilty visiting once a week. I am a burrito bowl kind of gal and it is jam packed with simple carbs, healthy fats and high in protein. In other words sour cream and shredded cheese is not included. My order is: brown rice, black beans, fajita peppers, chicken, mild and corn salsa, guacamole, and extra lettuce. It's super filling and lip smacking good, even without the unnecessary fattening ingredients. Being gluten free and a healthier eater, I never miss a beat and make sure my healthy lifestyle does not get in the way from me enjoying my life. So next time you decide to eat out, make sure to scan the menu throughly and pick out the item that will benefit your health and your improved lifestyle. Good luck!
*Gluten Free by Chance, Healthy by Choice*
-Laura Rita-
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