10 things I can't stop talking about
+ a personal overshare and an exciting announcement
Hello readers,
A bit of a personal share today. I’ve been in reflection mode lately—feeling a little emo (in the best way) and a whole lot of gratitude for the work I get to do.
Ten years ago, I was trying to figure this out. I was stuck in a toxic work environment but needed the income—I had gone back to school, and started slowly taking on clients and doing some consulting until I could go part-time, and eventually go all in on building my own practice. It’s been a long journey, and if you had told me a decade ago where this path would take me, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you.
While my business has evolved in so many ways, one thing that’s always been important to me is the tone. I knew then that I wanted it to feel positive, approachable, and genuinely uplifting. In a time when nutrition (and health in general) can feel so polarized, punitive, and overwhelming (the big ughhh), I’m really proud to have stuck with an ethos that’s about feeling good, not guilty, stressed or perpetuating fear.
I’ve been writing on Substack for almost two years now, and I continue to be blown away by this community. The response to my recent post about reclaiming my body after having kids was beyond epic. I’ve been giddy reading the comments—so many of you are putting in the work to feel stronger, more energized, more like yourselves. It’s inspiring and affirming, and I’m so, so grateful you're here (like really, so grateful).
Keeping with the theme of feeling strong, we hosted a Substack live this week all about optimizing body composition. If you missed it (or got caught up in all the technical difficulties 🙈), you can catch the replay below. I highly recommend tuning in—it was packed with info.
So what’s next? I know we’re in peak summer right now, but I’m thrilled to open up enrollment for the Fall chapter of my group coaching program, Beyond the Plate.
If you’re looking to reclaim your body, reignite your energy, and feel your absolute best, then this is for you.
This is the third time we’re running the program this year, and it’s been such a joy to connect more deeply with so many of you. The fall chapter kicks off September 3rd, and it’s the perfect way to reset after summer and finish off the year feeling your best.
As always, I’m committed to offering high-value, accessible nutrition information—90% of my Substack content is totally free. But if you're craving more structure, accountability, and community, this is a great way to go deeper.
Early bird pricing ($100 off!) is available through August 1st. Spots are limited, so grab yours if you want to join. And, feel free to drop any questions in the comments.
So is that all for today? Of course not, lol.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how often I repeat myself when it comes to recommendations. At first I thought maybe I need some new material, but I know you want things that actually work.
And good things are worth repeating.
So in that spirit, here are 10 of my all-time favorites—the things I come back to again and again. You’ve probably seen some of these before (👋, collagen coffee), so if you haven’t yet taken the plunge, maybe this is your sign to.
1. LINNÉ BOTANICALS Protect sunscreen
This is the most luxurious step in my skincare routine. I love to mix with True Botanical’s bronzing glow drops—no makeup needed. I know it’s a bit pricey, but a little goes a lot way. Discount code: MIAXLINNE
2. Needed Women’s Collagen (in my coffee!)
I love this brand for a few reasons: A) I trust the sourcing—Needed is super transparent and I know the team personally. B) It’s completely tasteless. C) It adds 15g of protein to my morning brew (over 10% of my daily protein needs). Discount code: MIA20
3. A rubber cutting board
I’ve purged a lot of plastic from my kitchen, and this is one of my favorite swaps. It’s non-porous, super easy to clean, durable, and looks great on the counter.
4. Cast Iron Grill Pan
Yes, I’ve mentioned this like 5 times recently. But I legitimately can’t stop using it. Chicken, flank steak, and veggies—it gives everything that perfect char.
5. Aarke Carbonator
We’re sparkling water people over here, and this has saved my back (and my recycling bin). I love the taste more than canned, and we often add organic lime juice for a refreshing twist.
6. Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner + Air Dry Mousse
It’s air-dry season and these are my summer hair heroes. The mousse is especially great for taming frizz. Bonus: their dry shampoo is amazing if you don’t wash your hair daily (same).
7. Mandelic Acid
Truthfully I’ve never had an acne problem, but definitely a blemish here and there and the worst part is that I’m a picker (I know I know, I just can’t help it). I started using Mandelic Acid (which comes from apples!) at the advice of my girl Jennifer and have not had a single blemish to pick at since. It’s truly amazing. Every other night I use the face & body wash and serum. It’s also a great exfoliator if you use it more often (like on consecutive days).
8. Nanocurrent + Red Light Mask
I’ve been religious about my skincare recently and I have to say I love the Ziip nanocurrent device and Current Body’s red light mask. They work when you use them consistently. I also have been getting facials with the one and only Jennifer of Beverly Hills Skin Muse—her Cold Atmospheric Plasma treatment is wild (she’s booked until September!).
9. Lunya Sleep Mask
I simply refuse to sleep without this. The weighted one is really something special. These pajamas are also my absolute favorite—I have two pairs.
10. Viani Milano Mary Janes
My shoe of the summer every summer. Cute and very comfortable They always start selling out by this time of the year, but last I checked, I saw sizes available in terracotta, olive green with eggplant edging, chocolate brown, and black.
Finally getting the Needed collagen!! Can’t wait to add it to my morning matcha 🍵 😍