• Setting Intentions: Does it Work?

    We’ve all heard how powerful our minds are. Mind over matter. The gut-brain connection. Manifestation. Plus, there has to be a reason pop culture’s newest buzzword appears to me “mindfulness.” However, how true is it all? Is it truly possible for humans to think things into reality? What’s the science behind these unusual powers? Here, I put intention-setting to the test and see for myself. According to medium.com, setting intentions means putting what you plan to accomplish through your actions down on paper. Ultimately, it’s your commitment to yourself to not only accomplish a goal, but also to hold yourself accountable. No, it’s not a “To-Do” list to simply check things…

  • A Day in the Life on Vacay

    Hi, if you’re new here, I’m Shannon. I’m a foodie. I’m also the uptime of a creature of habit and love my routines and rituals more than the average person. However, I’ve taken the Christmas-to-New Years break to practice what I preach — to allow myself to be selfish. To relax, and to spend quality time with my family before reverting back to my extremely self-disciplined self. So, I’m saying “Hola!” while oceanside in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, and I’m going to share with you what a typical — or should I say untypical — day looks like here. Keeping it authentic here on day three! Read on as I…

  • Fitness is Cute, Too

    Growing up as a dancer had a huge impact on who I am today. Aside from teaching me what it takes to master a skill and gifting me with lifelong friends, I gained a passion for learning about my body — how to fuel it, nourish it, and move it in order to live healthfully.  Since graduating high school and no longer having scheduled, implemented dance classes, I’ve now channeled that into a fitness regime. Others may say I’m addicted to the grind, but I’d just say I love moving my body in a positive way. I love having a huge space and filling it. I love bettering myself. Most…

  • Your Guide to NYC Avo Toast

    Let’s be cheesy and put it this way: Manhattan is the avocado to my toast! It’s ever-changing and always on-trend, despite the fact that it creates most of those trends.  Inevitably, this got me thinking: How well does the greatest city in the world* do the greatest brunch dish in the world*? The open-faced sandwich has worked its way up the social ladder, and is now THE thing to do. Yes, avocado toast is no longer merely something to eat. It has become something to do! Just ask the nearly 1 million posts featured on #avocadotoast. The Internet became obsessed in 2016, and have you checked your Instagram feed lately?…

  • Sweet Heat Summer Shrimp Salad

        This Sweet Heat Summer Shrimp Salad (phew, try saying that 5 times fast) is a refreshing and delicious dish — great paired with chips to turn into a party salsa, or equally yum with a fork on its own!   I tried to come up with something that defies the struggles of being invited over a friend’s home for a party: whether that be worrying whether or not there will be food there to meet dietary needs or having to contribute a dish, yet not wanting to simply buy a fruit platter, but also not wanting to make a mess of your kitchen while trying to prepare a…

  • How to Get Ready in 20 Minutes (or Less)

    We all know that pressing ‘Snooze’ for those extra 5 minutes of much-needed sleep come with some consequences. Believe it or not, there are ways to master your morning routine in 20 minutes (or less) without looking like you just got ready in 20 minutes (or less)! Yes, it is possible to still wear your hair down and yes, it is possible to still wear makeup, and no, it’s not as impossible as you may think. Here are my secrets: 1. Shower & prep your hair the night before. Shave your legs in the PM and time off your routine in the AM. To avoid frizz, spritz in a product…

  • The Truth About Airplane Snacking: What to Eat

    I could tell you it’s easy to make healthy choices while traveling because ‘healthy’ is a lifestyle choice I committed myself to quite some time ago. But let’s be honest with ourselves, it’s difficult enough to sit through a 2-hour movie without needing something sweet to nibble on. Put me on a plane for triple+ that amount of time and forget about it! However, by prioritizing your health and putting in slightly more effort, there are simple methods to combat that bottomless airplane hunger. I have done my fair share of research and a common ‘tip’  (if it even qualifies as such) is to ‘evaluate: Are you actually hungry, or…

  • Tokyo Food Tour

    It’s crazy to sit here and write that for two months, I lived in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It has taken quite some time since my trip (Oct. – Dec. ’17) to compile what I ate and experienced (although @the_cutiefoodie did not exist yet, so please excuse my sub-par foodie pics). In my defense, at least you know that if these places have stuck in my head this long, they’re worth a try! Although most days were consumed by a hectic work schedule, my days off were spent exploring the city that is known as one of the world’s capitals of dining. Through my foodie lens, I’ve documented my Tokyo travels…