About Me

Hello-
My name is Lauren, and I am a 25 year old just trying to live life to the fullest.

Three of my favorite things in life are Food, Wine, and Traveling. I am learning how to fit it all in while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Enjoying a glass of wine in Vieux Nice

Enjoying a glass of wine in Vieux Nice

I recently became interested in healthy living blogs in the past year or so, and thought it would be fun to create my own. But I also wanted to incorporate my love for wine and traveling. I am really enjoying it so far and feel so excited about what the future holds.

A little bit about my background:

I graduated from Elon University in 2006 with a Major in Broadcast Communications, and a Minor in Psychology.  The day after I graduated I boarded a plane to LA to pursue my dream of becoming a TV Host.

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I lived in Los Angeles for two years working at EXTRA, E!, and STYLE. It was quite an amazing and surreal experience, but it wasn’t right for me at that point in my life. I proceeded to move back east, where I am originally from, and decided to seek out the food and wine industry. This was another passion of mine that I wanted to learn more about.

Chapoutier Vineyards in Hermitage

Chapoutier Vineyards in Hermitage

Beringer Cellars in Napa Valley

Beringer Cellars in Napa Valley

I took a job at Cecile’s Wine Cellar as a wine sales consultant in July 2008 and have been there ever since.

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It has been such an amazing challenge and treat to learn about wine, and I continue to keep learning everyday. I was also able to complete Level 1 and 2 of the International Sommelier Guild, which was a HUGE accomplishment for me!


In 2009 I made a pact with myself to get back in shape and to start running again. I enjoy participating in races and completed my first half marathon in October of 2009. It was then that I realized I have a passion for running and racing. It is something I hope to pursue even more through out the years. Since I started running again I have never felt better!

Since high school I have always run as a way of exercising, but just recently I have really taken it to the next level. I consider myself fairly healthy, but after reading healthy living blogs I have really started to become aware of what I am putting in my body. I LOVE food, and I LOVE to eat-

Goat Cheese Salad in Cannes, France

Goat Cheese Salad in Cannes, France

-so this is sometimes a struggle for me that I am still working through. I like to make every meal count, and really love GOOD (gourmet) food, but sometimes my schedule (and budget) just doesn’t allow it. That is why I consider myself Every-other-Day Gourmet.

In no way shape or form am I an expert on health, food, wine, or weight loss. I just know what I like and I like what I love. I am learning and growing everyday to be more knowledgeable in all these areas, and to be healthier and happier.

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I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I am hopeful it is going to be something I love. I hope I can share my journey through life as I experience Food, Wine, and Traveling-some of the worlds greatest pleasures while maintaining healthy and happy!!

Looking over the vineyards in Tain l'Hermitage, France

Looking over the vineyards in Tain l'Hermitage, France

Sipping on a Panache on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France

Sipping on a Panache on the Champs Elysees in Paris, France

{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }

Richard Riedel August 21, 2009 at 7:45 pm

I really loved your web site you popped up on my page so I decided to write you really look like you are having a blast. Keep up the good work.

Richard

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Lauren August 21, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Thanks so much. It is a lot of fun. I’m glad you enjoy reading it..I enjoy writing it!

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Andrea@WellnessNotes August 23, 2009 at 12:51 pm

Hi There,

I found your blog via Foodbuzz. I loved reading your about page, and your pictures are great! Looking forward to reading more! :)

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Lauren August 23, 2009 at 1:20 pm

I’m so glad you like it. I don’t have a great camera so my pictures are not what I wish they were, but thank you so much for reading. I hope you continue to enjoy my blog in the future!

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natalie September 30, 2009 at 6:50 pm

So glad you found me. I LOVE meeting new people and learning about their stories! I can’t wait to get to know you better!! :) Loved reading your about me!!

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peanutbutterfingers October 2, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Loved learning more about you. Super cute running shoes too! ;)

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Kristen @ Simply Savor October 8, 2009 at 9:32 pm

Loove your about me–what an inspiring story!! I can’t wait to keep reading more from you (just bookmarked that delicious pasta recipe i saw here!) :)

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Katie October 19, 2009 at 11:24 pm

I came upon your blog from a fellow foodie blogger’s page, and I really love your blog, I realized to that you live somewhere near DC, I live in Alexandria, VA, just moved here in June from Pittsburgh , PA, so cool that you are from around the area too! Love your blog ! Have a great night!

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coffee bean grinders October 25, 2009 at 6:04 am

Interesting blog, i have bookmarked it for future referrence.

Greetings from Tim. :)

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talesfromtwocities October 26, 2009 at 11:13 pm

Hi! I like your blog – mine is about food travel and some wine as well. I’m actually looking into getting a wine certification soon, maybe the the WSET one since that is offered by me. Where did you take your ISG course?
Looking forward to reading more!

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Salt October 28, 2009 at 2:14 am

I just wanted to say that I love your blog! I too, was a Maryland transplant in LA for awhile and know just how challenging and different it can be (I moved out there in 2005 and then returned last year).

You are so lucky to have found your niche! I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!

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Alyson December 9, 2009 at 9:33 am

Just stumbled on your blog, and I love your story. I’m a bit of a ‘jump-arounder’ as well, all with the purpose of following my passions. I look forward to following you :)

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theemptynutjar December 17, 2009 at 8:54 pm

Hi
You have an amazing blog. I started one as well, but its more of life blog – silliness, product reviews, book reviews. I think yours is great :)

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cookinfanatic January 28, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I am excited to find yours as well and interested in reading more…. looks like we share some very similar interests! :)

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Meredith February 2, 2010 at 1:07 am

I actually chose my school solely based on the location. I was already living and working in Miami, and I didn’t want to break my lease or find a new job. Taking undergrad courses wasn’t too bad. It was hard knowing that it would take longer to finish my degree, but I knew it would be worth it! Let me know if you have any other questions :)

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Jen Sanders February 2, 2010 at 3:15 pm

Lauren,
I found a link to your blog on Fitnessista today, and I have to say I love it! I grew up in the DC area. It’s neat to see someone writing about somewhere close to home!

I love your blog, and will add it to my list to follow! I’m sorry to hear about your stress fracture! I am also suffering from a foot injury, and healing from surgery. It’s tough to get back into working out. What kinds of workouts have you been doing without putting impact on your foot? I’d love to hear some tips! I’m getting so bored and frustrated!!!

I just started a blog a few weeks ago! I’d love it if you checked it out and let me know what you think. I would love to hear any suggestions or ideas, especially about gaining traffic :)
~Jen
Happy Heart, Happy Mind
http://jensanders52.wordpress.com/

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Lara (Thinspired) February 4, 2010 at 12:15 am

Hi Lauren! Thank you for your comments on my blog, and it was nice to connect with you on Twitter, too.
Wow, it sounds like you had a lot of fun out in Hollywood! It’s great that you got to have those experiences and then pursue your other interests, too! I think between travel, food, and wine, we have a lot in common :)

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Allie (Live Laugh Eat) February 17, 2010 at 7:42 am

Hey Lauren!

Thanks for the comment on my blog! Wowza have you accomplished a lot since graduating! I can’t believe you worked for E!, Extra, and Style–so cool! I learned about sommeliers at my wine tasting dinner…I didn’t know you had to be certified. What a cool life you’ve got :)

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Jenna February 24, 2010 at 1:05 am

Hey !
I just found your blog and I can’t wait to read more! I would love it if you could come check out my blog and follow :)
jenna

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Keri February 25, 2010 at 11:13 pm

I love you blog but love you even more. You are amazing

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Joelle (The Pancake Girl) March 19, 2010 at 2:36 pm

I just discovered your blog and I’m so glad! I’m in the D.C. area as well. :)

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Katherine May 7, 2010 at 10:34 pm

Great to know a little about you and glad to see you so happy being healthy. Eating the right foods puts me in such a better mood! You can see it in your smile that you’re doing great!

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