Health & Wellness

5 Ways to Get More Daily Steps

Easy Ways to Get Moving Throughout Your Day Without Realizing It
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

We’ve all heard the benchmark we need to hit: 10,000 steps per day. And that’s definitely a smart goal to have; according to the CDC, adults need 150 minutes per day of moderate aerobic activity.  That translates to at least 7,000-8,000 steps per day, and I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t get anywhere near that, and I really need to increase my average daily steps. 

Working from home—and well basically working behind a computer in general—isn’t helping me reach my daily goal.  So I’ve been on a mission lately (just ask all of my friends) to increase my average daily steps. I may be a little bit late to the game after the FitBit craze a few years ago, and right now I rely on my handy iHealth app on my phone (though it’s definitely not as cool). With all of the amazing FitBit designs these days, and my recent obsession with my step count, I’m tempted to buy this one soon. 

In an effort to increase my average daily steps, I’ve adopted a few simple habits in my daily routine on top of my daily workouts, which you’ll find in the slideshow above. These easy changes have a) opened my eyes to how much more I should be moving, b) have entertained me while I keep track of my activity (I’m a data nerd) and c) have helped me feel stronger and more energetic throughout my day.  Win-win-win.  Tell me, how do you fit more activity in your day to increase your own average daily steps?  Cheers, Kat

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Pace while you brew

Pace while you brew

You know how slow those few minutes seem to roll by when you're waiting on your morning cup of coffee? Use this time as a chance to pace around the place. You'll hit at least a few hundred steps in the meantime.

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VIA PARK & CUBE
SNEAK AWAY FOR LUNCH

SNEAK AWAY FOR LUNCH

Whether you can take your full lunch break or grab a quick bite to bring back to your desk, it's crucial to use this as a chance to get up and move around.

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VIA THE SARTORIALIST
PARK FARTHER AWAY

PARK FARTHER AWAY

Forget trying to find the best parking spot in the grocery store's parking lot. Instead, park farther away, allowing yourself to walk more steps to get to where you want to be.

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VIA TUMBLR, SOURCE UNKNOWN
TAKE CALLS ON THE GO

TAKE CALLS ON THE GO

Make the habit of taking calls on the go and try to schedule meetings when you can get up and walk alongside each other. Added bonus: the positive energy from the endorphins may just be what your calls and meetings have been missing!

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VIA A LOVE IS BLIND
Schedule It!

Schedule It!

Getting up and moving seems easy, but sometimes we simply don't give ourselves the time to do so. If you're still scraping for chances to get your steps in, consider scheduling reminders on your calendar.

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, BY CHELSEY HEIDORN

Featured image, Luke Schneider for Waiting on Martha

5 Winter Style Essentials to Own

Must-Own Classic Pieces for Winter That Don't Sacrifice Style
Filed Under > Noted By

With that little blip of spring weather earlier this week, I found myself yearning for warm days already.  Definitely wishful thinking on my part, but around this time every year, I’m itching to file my sweaters and scarves away for another year.  But reality has it that the temps have dipped again, and I’m still relying heavily on a few favorite cold weather staples.

Early on this winter season, I hunted down the exact black turtleneck I was on the hunt for (on major sale right now too).  This piece has proven to be just one of my favorite winter style essentials that I find myself reaching for again and again.  Like a favorite pair of jeans, this sweater makes me feel good the second I put it on…I can just depend on it to make me feel put together and like myself. I was specifically on the hunt for a lightweight option, and it’s proven to be a great buy (I bought it in grey too!).

Since I’ve recently been on a big fewer-better-pieces kick (probably in huge part due to one of my favorite brands, Cuyana), I’ve come to find that having a few basic winter style essentials that I really, really like (like said hat, a wool hat and a great oversized scarf) makes it easier to get dressed every day. So in the slideshow above, I’ve rounded up five winter style essentials that I think are crucial for anyone’s cold weather fashion game.  These pieces are classic, timeless and ones that will take your outfit up a notch or two…while keeping you warm and cozy.  Nothing crazy—we don’t need street style on the way to the office or happy hour—but practical pieces you’ll be glad you have in your closet.  What do you consider to be your winter style essentials?  Cheers, Kat

P.S. Any fellow Cuyana fans out there: can we talk about how good the spring collection is going to be?! I think I bookmarked every piece, and it’s just another reason why I’m counting down until warmer days.  xo

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SHEARLING OR (FAUX) FUR

SHEARLING OR (FAUX) FUR

A GOOD SHEARLING COAT OR FAUX FUR AUTOMATICALLY ADDS INTEREST AND TEXTURE TO YOUR WINTER LAYERS.

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VIA WHO WHAT WEAR
THE BLACK TURTLENECK

THE BLACK TURTLENECK

YOU ALREADY READ ABOUT MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CLASSIC BLACK TURTLENECK...IT'S JUST SO GOOD.

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VIA A LOVE IS BLIND
THE WOOL HAT

THE WOOL HAT

I THINK IT'S SAFE TO SAY THAT A WOOL FEDORA INSTANTLY ELEVATES ANY COLD-WEATHER LOOK (WE SWEAR EVERYONE LOOKS BETTER IN ONE TOO). AN ADDED BONUS? IT KEEPS A LITTLE HEAT IN!

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VIA WAITING ON MARTHA, BY KATHRYN MCCRARY
THE OVERSIZED SCARF

THE OVERSIZED SCARF

SERVING AS THE PERFECT THIRD PIECE TO YOUR ENSEMBLE, AN OVERSIZED SCARF IS THE EASIEST WAY TO BURROW YOUR FACE IN STYLE ON A COLD WINTER'S DAY.

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VIA TUMBLR, SOURCE UNKNOWN
THE OVERCOAT

THE OVERCOAT

A LONG OVERCOAT IS THE EPITOME OF WINTER WARMTH. BUT IF YOU DON'T ENJOY THE WAY IT SWALLOWS YOUR FIGURE, TRY BELTING IT. WE LOVE THIS EXTRA DETAIL ON ONE OF OUR MOST IMPORTANT WINTER FASHION STATEMENTS.

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VIA PINTEREST, SOURCE UNKNOWN

Featured image, A Love is Blind

6 Natural Ways To Fight A Cold

Natural Remedies for When You're Feeling Under the Weather
Filed Under > Health & Wellness

It’s that time of year…sore throats, coughs and sniffles, and we’re just going to come out and say that we don’t have time for any of it.  So in an effort to avoid any wasted time being down for the count, and to find natural ways to fight a cold, we’re reaching for back-to-basics remedies.  

You may have noticed that we’ve been on a natural kick lately; check out our 8 natural beauty habits.  These simple, yet effective tricks are what we’re currently turning to when we’re feeling under the weather. From getting your greens to enjoying a foot soak with some Epsom Salt, we rounded up six, natural ways to fight a cold and feel better quicker.  Click on the slideshow above to read more, and tell us: what natural remedy do you swear by?  Cheers, Kat

P.S. If you’re looking for more details on essential oils, be sure to visit The Well Code.  Both MKR and I have our Premium Starter Kit and turn to oils like Thieves, Peppermint, Lemon & more to help support a healthy immune system.  Reach out if you have any questions at all! xo 

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SIP ON HOT TEA

SIP ON HOT TEA

NOTHING BEATS THE SOOTHING FEELING OF HOT TEA WHEN YOU'RE NOT FEELING 100%. BE SURE TO INCLUDE LEMON AND HONEY, AND CONSIDER GINGER AND SAGE AS THEY ALL HELP WITH THROAT PAIN AND INFLAMMATION.

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BY KATHRN MCCRARY
GET YOUR GREENS

GET YOUR GREENS

INCREASE YOUR INTAKE OF HEALTHY GREENS TO SPEED UP YOUR RECOVERY TIME, AND GIVE YOUR BODY MUCH-NEEDED TLC IN LIQUID FORM. A FRESH JUICE OR SMOOTHIE WORKS WONDERS, BUT WE ALSO SWEAR BY THESE EASY TABLETS WHEN WE'RE NOT FEELING AMBITIOUS IN THE KITCHEN OR CAN'T MAKE IT TO OUR FAVORITE JUICERY.

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VIA THE HEALTHY CHEF
GARGLE HONEY & APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

GARGLE HONEY & APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

IT'S KNOWN THAT DR. BRAGG'S ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SUPPORTS A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM, SO THE MIXTURE OF IT PLUS HONEY WITH A GOOD GARGLING IS JUST WHAT YOUR SORE THROAT NEEDS. SERIOUSLY, THIS STUFF WORKS (WE COULD PROBABLY DEVOTE A WHOLE POST TO ITS MANY MAGICAL USES).

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VIA HELLO GLOW
TURN TO ESSENTIAL OILS

TURN TO ESSENTIAL OILS

I'VE BEEN ON AN ESSENTIAL OILS KICK LATELY (PEPPERMINT OIL IS A LIFE SAVER FOR MY FREQUENT HEADACHES) AND OREGANO ESSENTIAL OIL IS AN IMPORTANT ONE TO HAVE ON HAND FOR LINGERING SICKNESS. IT PURIFIES, BOOSTS IMMUNITY, AND HELPS IMPROVE RESPIRATORY OR DIGESTIVE ISSUES. TRY A DROP OR TWO WITH HONEY TO SOOTH A SORE THROAT.

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VIA BY BRITTANY GOLDWYN
ENJOY A FOOT SOAK

ENJOY A FOOT SOAK

SOAK YOUR FEET IN A HOT BATH TO DRAW THE BLOOD TO YOUR FEET, REDUCING INFLAMMATION TO YOUR HEAD AND CHEST, AND ULTIMATELY MAKING YOU FEEL A HECK OF A LOT BETTER. ANY EXCUSE TO ENJOY A LEISURELY SOAK IN WARM WATER IS WELCOME BY US.

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VIA HELLO GLOW
LET YOURSELF REST

LET YOURSELF REST

LASTLY, GIVE YOURSELF THE BEST NATURAL REMEDY: GOOD REST. TOO OFTEN WE TRY TO RUSH THE RECOVERY AND END UP SICKER THAN A DOG FOR LONGER. LET YOURSELF PROPERLY HEAL BY TAKING SOME MAJOR R&R.

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VIA CHARLOTTE MINTY, BY PAUL BARBERA FOR FEM HOME

Photography, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

AS PICTURES: BREAKFAST-IN-BED TRAY | SCARF (SIMILAR) | SWEATER

*THIS INFORMATION IS NOT TO BE USED OR RELIED ON FOR ANY DIAGNOSTIC OR TREATMENT PURPOSES. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE PATIENT EDUCATION, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

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