Meditation for the First Day of School

I’ve said it a million times, but I was really so nervous about starting any new school year. If I had known about meditation, I would have totally used this tool before my first day. In this video, I will guide you through a relaxing meditation to prep you for an awesome school year!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sscbS74nQXQ

Modern Mentor Tips for Texting

Confession: I LOVE to talk… but sometimes texting can be confusing! In this video, I break down my tips for texting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCDMtgcPIOg

How my New Look Helped Another Person

If you take a look at the video below you’ll notice that something is missing… 10 inches of hair! Click the video to hear how my change, changed someone else! P.S. If you’re looking for an organization to donate your hair, I gave to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which makes wigs for women with cancer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl_4FC1wFjc

What I Posted on Instagram vs What Really Happened

Last week, I read a post by a blogger who revealed what really happened behind her Instagram pictures. Feeling inspired, I’m sharing my Insta feed, but I’m taking it a step further. I always tell my students to ask themselves WAIP (Why Am I Posting) before they upload, so today I’m going to show you why I posted the pictures I did (and what didn’t make the cut).

THURSDAY

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Why Am I Posting:

My intern and I are working hard on creating Modern Mentor give-aways this summer and if you’re one of my students, I’ve been talking about these babies for awhile! I posted this picture because I wanted to make girls happy knowing they’d get cute MM gear soon!

What I Didn’t Post:

I did lots of work at a cafe, held a private group, and had a private one-on-one session. At night, I took a yoga class, ate a healthy dinner, and read a book before bed. Trying to be really present in my everyday life means not taking pictures of everything.

FRIDAY

Why Am I Posting:

I posted nothing.

What I Didn’t Post:

Busy day! In the morning, I visited my family in town from Texas on the Upper East Side. After, I walked through the park to a meeting on the Upper West Side, while on my phone for another meeting. I took pictures of the Central Park Zoo, but didn’t post because they were just for me. No pictures of my meeting on the UWS because we were too busy chatting.

My friend and I met our mentor, Gabby, for lunch. We haven’t seen each other in awhile and spent all our time catching up, not on our phone. I got my nails done then headed back to the apartment to send out a bunch of emails before the end of the day.

In the evening, I met friends for dinner. We had Mexican food and if I posted all the tacos I’ve eaten this summer, my whole entire feed would be food. There were tons of opportunities for posting pics, but I don’t need to show I’m having fun because I’m too busy having fun!

SATURDAY

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Why Am I Posting:

I went with my sister and a friend to the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park. It was so peaceful. I’m always amazed that in the middle of the concrete jungle there is this gorgeous green park. It’s a metaphor for life. You can always find inner peace, even when life around you gets crazy. It was very meditative. I wanted to share and inspire!

What I Didn’t Post:

In the morning, my sister and I got coffee at a cute little place before I headed to my friend’s awesome yoga class. I didn’t post pictures of the crazy poses we did because I was too busy being upside-down! After, I met up with my sister and our friend for brunch before heading to the garden.

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Why Am I Posting:

You know how I tell you to be active, get moving, and make sure you take care of your body? I just wanted to show you that I take my own advice and inspire you to move your body!

What I Didn’t Post

My sister and I met my mom and dad for a family dinner with our cousins in from France. I tried escargot (which just tastes like lots of butter). Took pictures of the snails, but it stayed in my personal file because I didn’t think it was inspiring. After dinner, I met my friends visiting from Boston. I was too busy having fun to post pictures.

SUNDAY

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Why Am I Posting:

I was so happy to meet another friend in from Boston for brunch. We went to a really cute place where the sugar had quotes on it. I felt inspired by the sweetness and wanted to pass it along.

What I Didn’t Post

Walking through the city, catching up with my friend, making lunch for my grandparents, being super tired, going to bed at 9:30pm.

So there you go, my weekend on Instagram. Now, what feels authentic for me is going to be different for you, but I hope this inspires you to really WAIP before you post!

Can Happiness Be Scary?

I have a question for you today… Can happiness be scary? The answer may surprise you. Check out the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNJv0_YbXCA

What to do When You’re Meeting New People

Heading off to sleep away camp? Going away to college soon? Starting a new school next year? All involve meeting new people. I get to know new people all the time and today I’m sharing the tip I use to ease my nerves when I’m in a new situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1dvxiYGCTk

How to Handle Peer Pressure

I’ve had lots of requests for this topic and I’m happy to bring it to the site today. This is exactly what I do when I experience peer pressure. Use these tips when you feel like your friend’s decisions are influencing your own!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU6cyNxmgq0

How to Keep it Healthy at Summer BBQ’s

Happy (almost) 4th of July! As we bring on the BBQ’s, we can sometimes over do it in the food department. Don’t leave your festivities beating yourself up. Check out this video for tips on how to keep it healthy at all your summer parties!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTEVjy6lE00

Healthy Travel Snacks

Summer is travel season, but a vacay doesn’t mean you have to forget all your healthy habits! I just got back from a beach trip where I enjoyed the foods I really love, while making sure I balanced it out with healthy choices. My biggest tip for keeping it clean on vacation is to kick off the trip with healthy snacks. When I make smart choices from the start, I find that it’s easier to keep it going. Check out my favorite healthy travel snacks below.

Apple & Almond Butter

– This is my favorite snack. I love Justin’s grab and go packets of almond butter so there’s no mess!

Pretzels & Hummus

– Super easy. Super yummy. Sabra has one that comes together!

Carrots, Cucumbers & Cheese

– The cheese adds some protein to the healthy veggies keeping you fuller longer.

Larabar

– These bars have far less ingredients than many other grab and go snacks. I love the peanut butter jelly.

Water, Water, Water

– This is good advice always, but especially important when you’re traveling. Water keeps you hydrated, while also keeping cravings at bay.

What I Wish I’d Known In College

I loved my college experience, but if I could go back, I would give myself this piece of advice…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=842wzEjInsI