My, oh my, is it August already? How did that happen?
I’ve got quite the way to kick off your new week and your new month–motivation galore, folks!
First, I’m thrilled to have officially re-launched the 14 Days to Fit motivational program to help you start to build consistency with your workout plan. All-new daily motivational videos delivered directly to your inbox, plus an upgrade option that allows you instant to all the video lessons, access to a full-length workout video, and some super practical nutrition trainings. Sign up for your free 14 days to Fit lifestyle jumpstart HERE!
Secondly, it’s the first Monday of the month, which means it’s time for my favorite blog feature: Elevate Pro’s! Once a month, I interview a hardworking, successful business professional like you who’s also killing it on the fitness front.
I’m thrilled to introduce today’s guest to you. Nicole Regan runs her own business, works like a maniac (I know, because I’ve been working on some projects with her and get emails from her after I go to bed and before I wake up!), and yet has been equally committed to making healthy changes in her life. Nicole runs the gorgeous blog Cedar & Rush, while also running her company full-time.
Nicole is one of those rare creatives who can totally think outside the box and yet runs her business with the organization and reliability of an engineer. PLUS she looks good doing it. And just when you kind of want to hate her, you can’t because she’s so incredibly nice to boot.
So enough ABOUT Nicole–let’s have you meet her!
- What is your profession and any other boards, hobbies, etc. you participate in? Hi there Elevate Mobile friends! My name is Nicole and I am the Chicago blogger behind Cedar & Rush, as well as a Social Media Strategist.
- Favorite motivational quote? “Cinderella never asked for a Prince. She asked for a night off and a dress.”
- Please walk us through a typical day for you: Both my husband and I work from home. Every morning we go for a family coffee walk with our dog child, Larry (we swear he’s a human). Then from there, every day is different. Tuesday’s are my busiest days. To stay efficient, I’ve learned to schedule all my meetings in one day. The remaining days of the week I am answering emails, working on client projects, Instagramming, Pinning, writing blog posts, planning, staying organized and taking photos.
- How often do you workout? I consider working out like a relationship. There are ups and there are downs. Right now I am averaging 2 days a week. But I am much more active in the summer. Taking my pup to the park, riding bikes to a restaurant, playing in the ocean, walking, etc. I love being outside! In the Fall/Winter I will workout 3 – 4/week. Mixing it up is key for me, as I get bored.
- What is one piece of workout gear you cannot live without? Can I pick two? I am obsessed with Lululemon and Zella (Nordstrom’s Line) workout pants. They are incredibly flattering and last for years. Completely worth the splurge.
- How do you motivate yourself after a long, exhausting day? I struggle with this big time. One thing that Mariah recently taught me (I completed her 8-week Custom Nutrition Inventory) is “anything is better than nothing”. It’s significantly more motivating to go for a 10 minute run versus a 1 hour workout class. Therefor I end up doing something versus nothing. These little things add up!
- Favorite workout song at the moment? I Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd. I tell ya, it gets me moving!
- How do you balance between splurging and staying healthy on a weekly basis? I don’t like diets or tracking calories. Who has time for that?! The best thing I’ve learned is to counter balance splurges with smart decisions. For example, if I go out to dinner and have cocktails on Tuesday, I make sure to have a booze free night with grilled chicken or homemade cauliflower pizza on Wednesday. A short term example is I have to have a glass of water before busting out a glass of Pinot Noir.
- Any favorite spots to find a quick, healthy lunch/dinner option on the go? My friend recently introduced me the broth bowls from Panera. They are awesome! I also love Pret A Manger’s soups, anything from Roti (Mediterranean) and Jimmy John’s Unwich (a sandwich made with lettuce instead of bread). I always add something with heat too (spicy mustard, hot peppers, a sassy dressing or giardiniera). Hotness seems to make food ten times more satisfying!
- What wholesome snacks do you keep at your desk or in your purse? I have the biggest sweet tooth in all the land. If I don’t have healthy options around, I will gorge on a whole bag of cookies. Some of my favorites are Hail Merry’s Macaroons, Lily’s Chocolates and frozen raspberries. I get all of these from Whole Foods. Cashews, La Croixs and baby pickles with spicy mustard are a weekly staple as well. Not to mention convenient. No prep work.
Did I tell you she was great? Nicole, thank-you so much for joining us on a busy Monday morning! I’m a big fan of the Panera Broth Bowls myself–and, of course, Lily’s chocolate!
You are so exemplary of the Elevate lifestyle–one that “elevates” ambition and drive through intentional and consistent choices to care for the machines that are our bodies.
(P.S. Stay tuned next month for an interview with Taylor Bradford of Pink Heels Pink Truck and the Boss Girl Creative!)
Want to be reminded when a new post comes out? Sign up for the 14 Days to Fit challenge and you’ll be in the loop! Signing up will also ensure you don’t miss my awesome giveaway coming up August 12th-20th with lots of cool prizes!
FYI, sharing this post today on the Life of Meg link-up!
