There have been a lot of surprising things about 2020…and that, my friends, is the finest
understatement of the year.

But perhaps we can all agree that a horse named Authentic winning
the 2020 Kentucky Derby couldn’t be more fitting. We strive towards authenticity in our daily
lives. With the great pause the pandemic has offered us, and the forced introspection which has
accompanied it, we are able to better examine our insides and what makes us who we are. Lately
we’ve had some extra time to reflect on ourselves, and what better time to ponder who we really
want to be.

We focus a lot on our exterior; on nutrition and diet, exercise, beauty and skincare, and these
are all important things, integral to our overall health. But equally important is a focus on our
wellness from within. How we feel on the inside makes a direct impact on our ability to project
confidence on the outside.

I choose to surround myself with inspiring women. Many among us are mothers who encourage
their children to be curious and never stop learning. I love that so many women have begun new
and interesting things at different stages of their life. Whether it’s becoming yoga-certified,
taking up guitar, getting fluent in Spanish, going back to school or deciding to cook vegan – I’m
inspired by my friends who are exploring the depths of their ability and reaching for new
heights.

Empowering other women is a way of leading by example.

As is the case with any team, we succeed best when we work together. But lifting each other up
doesn’t always come easy to women. I’ve had some wonderful female managers, but I’ve also
had some that felt threatened. Women shouldn’t feel a sense of competition with one another
unless they’re literally on a playing field. It’s hard enough to have the inequities of an overly
male-driven society, without us not being able to fully support one another.
We can do more together than we could ever do alone. Throughout history, women banded
together to make the most happen. Think back to the suffragette movement, the fight for Title
IX, the MeToo movement, what women have done to speak up for rights – it’s in our best
interest to succeed as a team.

Even girl bands are a little cooler, am I right? From Bananarama
to The Bangles, The Spice Girls to The Supremes. Girls make other girls better.
We want to feel strong on the inside and confident on the outside. It’s a partnership. One
woman making others feel better is portrait photographer Sarah Hinchey. Her commitment to
authenticity allows your personality to shine beyond the dimensions of a photograph. A
professional headshot can remind you of your own personal power and bring a renewed sense of
self-confidence.

And what have we learned from the strongest, most confident women leaders? When Ruth
Bader Ginsburg banged her last gavel, I was reassured by the poetry of Maya Angelou’s “When
Great Trees Fall.” I’ve discovered it’s women who consistently comfort me during this time. We
are united in power and share a common, yet defining, female emotion of empathy.

Melinda Gates says: “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to
find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” We need other women to help us be heard. Kamala
Harris told us: “Dream with ambition and lead with conviction.” Let’s lift each other up and
propel ourselves forward into 2021 with a renewed focus on teamwork. On leading by lifting.
And perhaps at this year’s Kentucky Derby, a horse named Run Baby Girl will
win, you just never know. RBG, we thank you.

To learn more about the Creative Confidant, please visit online and be sure to follow along on social media for all of the latest information, upcoming workshops, inspirational messages and local appearances.

Professional cover image headshot by Sarah Hinchey Photography. Sarah’s mission is to build self-love and self-value in every single person who walks into her studio. Sarah specializes in creating an empowering portrait experience.

Teakwood Tavern Hospitality, offering virtual wine & cocktail classes, specialty cocktail creation, menu consultation and personal wine shopping services, focuses on providing wine and spirit education in the form of blog posts and YouTube videos.

Wine articles and videos showcase different wine regions or grapes from around the world that don’t receive the attention they deserve. Stated alternatively, they don’t discuss Napa, Sonoma, Burgundy, or any of the other incredibly famous wine regions because enough has been said about those places. The focus is on helping the consumer find great wines at great value prices. Selecting wines to pair with your Thanksgiving meal shouldn’t add to any holiday stress. Dry sparkling wines pair well with a wide variety of foods so it should be no surprise that these wines can hold their own at a Thanksgiving table. The acidity cuts through rich, fatty foods and balances tart items like homemade cranberry sauce. The effervescence also helps to cleanse your palate as you jump between bites of different items. If you’re a fan of bigger, red wine, a California Zinfandel will serve you well. It’s robust fruit and baking spice notes are a perfect match for a Thanksgiving feast (for more Thanksgiving wine pairings, see below).

When it comes to spirits, Shen and John Reyna, founders of Teakwood Tavern, usually focus on a particular spirit and explain the history and flavor profile. Then, they make two cocktails with the particular spirit. Just like with wine, they have written articles and YouTube videos for each spirit that they discuss.

“Cocktails with a Cause”, Teakwood Tavern’s events with the National Liberty Museum, each have a theme based around “liberty.” Past themes included the Suffrage Movement, Civil Rights Movement, and Labor Day. Most recently, Teakwood Tavern created two specialty cocktails based on President Lincoln’s Proclamation of Thanksgiving. However, each presentation is more than just us making drinks. Background is provided on why the drink fits the theme, as well as an in-depth look into chosen ingredients and cocktail creation technique.

The “Turkey Trot” and the “Apple Pie Punch” are two specialty cocktails, created by Teakwood Tavern, perfect for your Thanksgiving celebrations this week. With ingredients like brown butter bourbon and sage honey syrup, fall flavors come to life and your carefully curated menu will sing while you toast to family, friends, health and the gift of a perfectly paired cocktail (recipes below).

If you are making spirits bright with non-boozy beverages, Teakwood Tavern also has you covered with their spirit-free specialty beverages, like Shanina’s Kiwi Cooler with kiwifruit and fresh coconut flakes (we think this sounds like the perfect way to kick off the celebratory long weekend ahead).

Shanina’s Kiwi Cooler

2 ounce kiwi, coconut, and basil shrub (recipe below)
4 ounces Topo Chico carbonated mineral water
Garnish: toasted coconut (recipe below) and basil sprig
Combine shrub and Topo Chico in a Collins glass. Fill with ice. Garnish with toasted coconut and basil sprig.

Recipe for kiwi, coconut, and basil shrub (makes about 625 ml):

355 grams apple cider vinegar (we recommend raw, unfiltered vinegar with mother culture)
13 grams basil
25 grams unsweetened coconut flakes
710 grams kiwifruit
267 grams sugar

In small batches, smack the basil between your hands. This releases the aromatics without overly bruising them. Then, place basil leaves into a nonreactive container (we use mason jars). Place the coconut in the same nonreactive container. Cover basil and coconut with vinegar, and store the mixture covered in the refrigerator for 2 days. Take the rest of the day off.
The next day, wash and quarter the kiwifruit. Don’t bother removing the skins. Place kiwifruit and sugar into a large bowl. Crush the fruit and stir to combine.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Allow to macerate for a day.
Once the basil-coconut mixture has sat for two days and the kiwi mixture has sat for one day, you are ready to proceed. Position a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl and pour kiwi mixture through to remove the solids. This is your kiwi syrup.
Strain basil-coconut mixture over the same mesh strainer (i.e., the strainer with the kiwi remains) into the same bowl as the kiwi syrup. Whisk well to incorporate any sugar that didn’t dissolve. TIP: There may be some sugar clinging to the fruit solids in the strainer. For that reason, we recommend setting the strainer with the solids over another bowl. Then pour the syrup-and-vinegar mixture over the solids to wash the sugar into the bowl. Repeat as needed.
Pour the syrup-and-vinegar mixture into a clean jar/bottle. Shake well to incorporate, and place in refrigerator for at least 5 days before using. You could use this earlier, but it tastes even better when it has rested for a few days.

Recipe for toasted coconut garnish:
Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees
For each drink, place a pinch of unsweetened coconut flakes on a sheet-pan
Toast for 6-8 minutes. Be careful, once coconut starts to change color it quickly burns.

Computers, tablets, multiple cell phones. Like so many Americans I am constantly surrounded by technology. Work demands it.

Off days are never truly off days. The weather never sleeps.

New computer model data flows in multiple times a day. Viewer reports and questions stream in constantly on social media.

For me, getting away from that is top of mind when it comes to self-care.

There are a couple ways I do that, none of them fancy, and all of them involving nature.

For starters, I love taking a walk through the woods. I live very near the Stony Brook Reservation, and I’ll regularly pick a trail to follow on a nice day. I really like just being in a spot where it’s quiet. I enjoy poking around on the forest floor, or walking along a small stream, taking note of what’s blooming and which critters are running around.

It helps me keep things in check, preventing me from getting too carried away with what’s going on in a virtual world of Twitter or Instagram.

And I think it actually makes me a better meteorologist. Looking at what’s happening in a pond, or with leaves on a tree, can sometimes reveal just as much as a computer model.

Any day that’s sunny or dry is a day to walk in the woods. Perhaps a rare, sunny February day that’s 50 degrees. A spring day as the ice starts to melt on the ponds, and flowers pop for the first time of the season. Summer hikes offer cooling shade and a flurry of activity from insects of all kinds. And of course fall brings the splendor of foliage, one of my favorite times to be around nature.

When I’m not in Boston, I very often find myself in Hingham. And if that’s the case I substitute a walk in the woods for a paddle around the Harbor.

Kayaking is another great way to get away from the virtual pulls of daily life, either heading to one of the Boston Harbor Islands to explore or just floating around listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.

Then, of course, there are the occasions in the year where I get to combine my love of nature with my other love of travel.

When I go away I try to keep my phone on airplane mode as much as possible, taking in the sights and sounds of a new place without the bothers of home.

In each of these cases, be it walking in the woods, paddling in the Harbor, or traveling with no cell service, I end up refreshed.

The stress of keeping up with notifications, or being on-call constantly, melts away.

Being connected all the time is bad for your brain, I’m convinced of it. And these moments to stop and (sometimes literally) smell the roses, is all the self-care I need to feel refreshed.

—
Michael Page, Meteorologist

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @MichaelPageWx

When I hear the words “self care” my mind drifts to thoughts of luxurious spa treatments, relaxing salt baths, hot yoga sessions, and free time soaking in nature. And, while I love all of those things I am also a workaholic balancing my family and my business, both of which I love passionately. Carving out days or even hours to regularly enjoy these expressions of self care feels unrealistic. So, I practice a simpler form of self care that I can incorporate into every day, and that’s doing my best to speak to myself with love, acceptance, and kindness.

As a portrait photographer, I always begin by asking my clients “What is it that you love most about yourself that you would like me to capture today?” And, often the response sounds something like “Well, I really hate my [insert perceived physical flaw here], so I definitely want you to hide that.” And, that’s ok! My studio is a safe, open, and completely judgement-free space where people are encouraged to express themselves with honesty and authenticity. Most of us have things we haven’t accepted about our appearance, and my magic is in capturing the most beautiful version of my subjects, drawing out the things they love about the way they look. But, imagine how much happier, healthier, and lighter we can feel in our everyday lives when we really focus our attention on appreciating the things we LOVE about ourselves. It gives me so much joy and power when people say “I love my hair so I really want to show that off.” Or, “I love my eyes when I smile. Let’s get lots of smiling shots.”

Our own inner voices often include criticism we would never direct towards someone else. So, why do we think about ourselves that way? My personal commitment to self care is doing my best to show myself the same love, acceptance, and kindness that I give to my clients, my family, and my friends. When I look in the mirror, I make a genuine effort to see and appreciate the things I really love.

Running. It’s just GOOD for MY soul. Picture this, the sun not even up, it’s crisp (or freezing) out and I stick my headphones in and head out on a run. The run varies, could be 5-8-10 or 20 miles(GULP). I’m training for my first Boston Marathon to benefit The Martin Richard Foundation. When I first head out, I’m praying I don’t see coyotes. I’m not kidding, I hope I get to sunrise alive, LOL.

Hitting the pavement before the sun comes up is something only those that do, appreciate. The early bird gets the worm. There are parts of Hingham that I will run to so I can catch the sunrise. The most BEAUTIFUL sunrise. I always stop, snap a pic and thank GOD for the beautiful day. Running, as it does for many, allows me to clear my head or work through tough stuff. I usually will review my work notebook before I head out on a run, so I can work through my “list”. It helps me focus. It helps me solve things. Running is something that starting each day with allows for me to become a stronger person. If you have the chance, set your alarm for 30 min earlier than you are used to…lace up those sneakers and step outside into the CRISP winter(ish) air and take a deep breath. I can promise you one thing, you will not regret it (and just watch out for the Coyotes) If you’re not a runner, that doesn’t matter, walks are just as good. Grab a friend, bring a coffee. It’s all good for the soul and after all, time, fresh air and some movement and a stunning sunrise are all we need.

Life is good. Go get it.

-Erin Childs
President, boloco, & CK Community Rock Star

We head to work early at CK which works for me because I love my morning and having a few minutes of quiet before the house wakes up and things get busy. After grabbing a cup of coffee and a glass of water with juice from a squeezed lemon, I turn on the gas fireplace and wake up my body by stretching and rolling.

It only takes 10 minutes and it gets all the aches out and helps me feel energized and ready to start the day!

– Barbara Dalimonte, CK Kitchen Team Member

Hello, everyone! My name is Lara, and I am a college student and the creator of the blog called Naturally Lara. On my blog, I share lots of recipes, focusing on plant-based desserts, foodie guides, and travel guides! I’m so excited to be writing a guest post on the Clandestine Kitchen website today! Today’s post is all about my top twenty nutrition brands throughout 2019! Over the last few years, companies have become extremely innovative with healthy products. They have been able to create delicious snacks that are suitable for people who follow a vegan diet, gluten-free diet, or even a paleo diet.

So without further ado, I present to you my twenty favorite nutrition brands from 2019 in no particular order:

1. Simple Mills
Simple Mills products are always in my basket when I am at the grocery store! This company makes so many delicious products, but one of my favorites has to be their almond flour crackers! I love dipping these crackers in hummus or a homemade tapenade! They also sell ready-made cookies, baking mixes, baked bars, and icing. All of their products are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar-free, and paleo-friendly.

2. Perfect Snacks
My mum and I have become obsessed with Perfect Bars this year! They are insanely delicious and have so many different flavors to suit different taste buds. My favorite flavor has to be the chocolate chip peanut butter one because I am a chocolate lover, but I have heard so many good things about their other flavors. These bars are gluten-free, and the only dairy-free flavor is the chocolate walnut brownie one. They also make Peanut Butter Cups, which are amazing! My favorite peanut butter cup flavor is the dark chocolate one!

3. Oatly
This is my favorite plant-based milk alternative. It is super creamy and foams perfectly if you want to make a cappuccino! I also love to use this when I make a homemade hot chocolate as it makes it extra creamy. They also make amazing frozen desserts in so many different flavors.

4. Miyokos
This is one of the best plant-based dairy alternative brands! They have so many different products that taste delicious and are great substitutes in recipes. They use all plant-based ingredients in their products. I love their vegan butter, cream cheese, and mozzarella!

5. Ark Foods
Ark Food products are another staple in my basket at the supermarket! They are perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t have a lot of time. My particular favorite is their veggie spaghetti with pesto or marinara. It takes less than five minutes to heat up, and I usually throw some salmon or beans on top as well, and then dinner is done! They also make squash snack packs and cauliflower mac and cheese.

6. Siete Foods
Siete Foods is such an amazing company! They have so many different products that all taste so delicious. Their Lime Tortilla Chips are always in my basket at the grocery store. They also make tortillas, taco shells, dips and queso, and hot sauce! All of their products are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free.

7. Go Macro Bars
I love bringing Go Macro Bars with me to classes at school! My favorite flavor is the chocolate chip peanut butter bar. I love that all of their bars are vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free.

8. Hope Hummus
This is my favorite hummus brand! They have so many unique flavors of hummus, but my favorite has to be the original one. It is vegan and gluten-free and so delicious! They also make cashew and almond dips and guacamole.

9. Cappellos
Cappello’s is such an innovative brand! I love their grain-free and gluten-free pizza crust! They also make grain-free pasta and insanely delicious cookie dough. I love that they use simple and real ingredients in all of their products. Their products are a weekly staple for me.

10. Lilys
As a chocolate lover, chocolate is very important to me! One of my favorite chocolate brands is Lily’s Chocolate! They use stevia to sweeten their products, so they are all refined-sugar-free and gluten-free. I love using their baking chocolate in my recipes as well as their chocolate chips. They have recently launched peanut butter cups, chocolate covered nuts, and chocolate covered popcorn, which are all incredible!

11. Beyond Meat
Beyond Meat is amazing! If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a vegan meat substitute that tastes and looks just like real meat, and it’s gluten-free. Lots of restaurants are incorporating it into their menus for individuals looking for a plant-based meat option. They have a few different products ranging from the Beyond Burger, Beyond Beef, and the Beyond Sausage. My favorite is the burger!

12. Justin’s
Justin’s is one of the best brands in the nut butter aisle, in my opinion! I love anything peanut butter, and their products are particularly delicious, especially the honey peanut butter flavor. I also love their chocolate peanut butter cups for a tasty treat. Their products are gluten-free and vegan.

13. Primal Kitchen
Primal Kitchen is such an innovative company! They have products that are keto-approved, and even Whole 30 approved! A few of their products include ketchup, dressings, protein bars, pasta sauce, and protein bars. My favorite is their honey mustard dressing and their unsweetened ketchup.

14. Hu Kitchen
If you haven’t been to the Hu Kitchen in New York, you are missing out! It is hands-down one of the best restaurants ever! They have so many different products, and I felt like a kid in a candy store there! You can get Paleo Pancakes, Paleo bagels, and so much more at the restaurant. Even though you can’t get these delicious meals in stores, you can get their chocolate bars, chocolate hunks, chocolate gems, and crackers in supermarkets. I am obsessed with their cashew butter and vanilla bean dark chocolate bar, which is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free.

15. GT’s Living Foods
This is my favorite kombucha brand! Most kombucha brands include refined-sugar in their drinks, but luckily GT’s doesn’t as they only use fresh juice. They make so many delicious flavors, and my favorite is the Strawberry Serenity flavor.They also make coconut yogurt, adaptogenic tea, water kefir, and probiotic shots.

16. Bob’s Red Mill
Bob’s Red Mill is an amazing oat brand! As I am celiac, I have to find gluten-free oat products, and I love to have their gluten-free muesli for breakfast. It is so filling and super delicious! Bob’s Red Mill has a massive range of products that are great for baking and cooking, ranging from different types of flour to protein bars.

17. Banza
Banza is always a staple for me when I am craving some pasta! I love that they focus on gluten-free and plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, and they are packed with protein. They offer a wide variety of pasta like penne, shells, and bowties. They also make rice and Mac and Cheese and offer a completely plant-based option with vegan cheddar.

18. Right Rice
Right Rice is another innovative company that focuses on plant-based ingredients! Their rice is made out of lentils and chickpeas, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. Their products are gluten-free and vegan and are packed with protein.

19. LaraBar
Lara bars are one of my go-to bars to bring to school with me! I love that they are made with simple ingredients like dates and nuts, and they are gluten-free and vegan. My favorite flavor is the chocolate chip peanut butter one. Simple and delicious!

20. Siggi’s
Siggi’s is probably one of the most popular yogurt brands on the market! They make Icelandic yogurt, so it is super thick and packed with lots of protein. They have a wide variety of flavors like classic vanilla to Strawberry and Rhubarb. They have drinkable yogurt, lactose-free yogurt, and they also recently launched a plant-based option made out of coconut milk, which is very exciting!

What if I told you there was a more natural way to plump, lift and tone your
skin other than traditional injectables? I’d like to introduce you to your new
favorite beauty ritual, gua sha.

Often referred to as Eastern Botox or Eastern Facelift, facial gua sha is a
massage technique designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the face,
boost blood circulation, and encourage lymphatic drainage.

Gua sha utilizes a tool with a flat, smooth edge to gently scrape (gua) the skin. The
gentle scraping motion affects the connective tissue and muscles within the
face to help ‘iron out” fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously
increasing blood flow to the face to bring about a healthy glow.
When performed correctly, puffiness is instantly reduced and stagnation is
dissolved, while the gentle glide and pull on the face tones muscles and
firms the skin. Facial gua sha also repairs the skin’s natural
hydration, sculpts the jawline and cheekbones, lifts facial contours, softens
the forehead, brow and nasal labial lines, and carries away toxins that can
lead to acne and blackheads.

Plus, it releases tension around the eyes to
lift and smooth lines, and stimulates the skin’s natural ability to heal.
Lets talk tools. Most gua sha tools are made of gemstones such as jade
and rose quartz and come in a wide variety of shapes. Choosing a gua sha
tool is really quite simple. Pick a shape and a stone that you’re most drawn
to. The most important thing is to make sure the tool is made of natural
stone and not dyed acrylic or glass. The dyes used in the fake stones can
irritate the skin and acrylic and glass provide none of the healing benefits of
natural stones.

Facial gua sha is definitely having a moment on social media and a quick
Google search will bring up numerous tutorials but here is a quick and easy
gua sha routine. You’ll need your tool, a clean face, a few drops of your
favorite face oil and about 5 minutes. Keep in mind that the movements are
gentle and slow, almost meditative. Each stroke should be repeated 3-5
times.

1.Begin at the base of your neck and applying gentle pressure, gently glide
the stone upwards. Be sure to work the front and the back of the neck.

2.Working one side of your face at a time, place the stone at the center of
your chin and glide the stone outward towards your ear.

3.Next, move the stone up to the corner of your mouth and side of your
nose, working outward under and over your cheek.

4.Repeat the same motion between your eyes and over the brow and
forehead.

Pro tip: Apply a warm, damp washcloth to your face and hold for a few
seconds after your gua sha routine and gently wipe away any excess oil.
Once finished, you can follow up with your normal skincare products.This
ritual is easily incorporated into your weekly skincare routine and can be
done two to three times a week.

Can this ancient modality replace your modern day injectables? If you’re
looking for a more natural and holistic approach treating aging skin or an
alternative to traditional injectables, consider adding gua sha to you
skincare routine. Keep in mind that the key to lasting results is consistency.

And if this all sounds a little overwhelming, you can always schedule a
professional gua sha facial at Tryst Studio in Hingham.
*Stay tuned for some gua sha workshops in 2020!

Book a professional gua sha facial with Renee Wood at Tryst in Hingham

What are we loving about local portrait photographer, Sarah Hinchey, in 2020? EVERYTHING. To know Sarah, is to totally, completely love her. The honest passion she has for making every human see the beauty within themselves, reflected in the lens, then pierced right through to the heart of each, individual soul is why Sarah is building a brand that echos everything this New Year is promising.

We are about to embark on an amazing mission with Sarah this year but, first, she has a few New Years goals and dreams (and incredible projects) of her own. Cheers to no apologies, no self-doubt and no apologizing for the uniqueness that makes you, you. There is so much to smile about.

Sitting down with Sarah:

“I’m on a mission to build self-love and self-value in every single person who comes to me for a portrait experience. I’ve been photographing people for the last decade, and we all do the same thing. We step in front of the lens and apologize for our physical insecurities. “I’m sorry, I need to lose ten pounds,” “I’m sorry, I look old,” “I’m sorry, my smile is super awkward.” The list goes on and on. I’ve heard it all, and I’ve felt it all about myself too.

We are so hard on ourselves, particularly when it comes to the way we look. Insecurity can be crippling, but our appearance is the least interesting thing about us.

At the end of the day, we all want the same thing. We want to feel seen and to feel loved. My superpower is gifting that to the people who step in front of my camera. I know that I can show every person I photograph a portrait of themselves that they will absolutely fall in love with. They will see the beauty that everyone else in their life sees reflected back at them. It is a magical, transformative experience, and a powerful way to encourage self-confidence. And, the world needs more confident people!

My portrait sessions are completely customized to you and your personal style. We consult in advance to discuss your dream gallery, and coordinate on styling, location, lighting, posing and wardrobe to make sure your vision becomes a reality. Whether you’re red lipstick bold, classic to the core, or a bohemian romantic at heart, your session is tailored to be an authentic reflection of you – capturing your unique personal style and celebrating your individual beauty. Your photoshoot begins with professional hairstyling and makeup application so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the magical “model for the day” experience. You can share this special session with your loved ones – children, spouse, Mom, sister, best friend – or use it as an opportunity to enjoy time for yourself. At the end of your photoshoot, you’ll have an elegant gallery of Vanity Fair style portraits celebrating your beauty and confidence, and reminding you that you are PERFECT exactly the way you are right now.”

And, what does Sarah have in store her 2020 passion? It’s an amazing look into an empowering demographic – 50 Over 50.

“I love photographing all people – 8 days old to 80 years and beyond. And, while I continue to photograph all ages, this year I have a passion project to photograph 50 women over 50. This demographic has empowered me my entire life, and as a portrait photographer I have the ability to empower them in return. It is a population that is so under-represented in the media, but these women are too experienced to be ignored, and too beautiful to feel unseen”.

To inquire and learn more about Sarah’s 50 over 50 campaign, we encourage you to visit her website and become informed, empowered and inspired (HERE).

This time of year everybody is ready and eager to shed the extra weight – whether that be in the form of negative thoughts, a few extra pounds gained over the holidays, or maybe junk that accumulated around the house since the start of the school year.

At Orangetheory Fitness Hingham, our 2020 Transformation Challenge is designed to help you do just that. The 8-week challenge that runs from January 20th through March 15th encourages you to “transform” in whatever way you see fit: your body, your mind, your habits, or all three and more. This year we are teaming up with a hoarde of wellness-experts to assist you in reaching your goals through weekly Facebook-live seminars with Nutritionists, Macro Coaches, Psychologists, Physical Therapists, Yogi’s and more.

Our weekly challenges and prizes will keep you motivated, and a special focus on rest and recovery will remind you that what you do outside of the studio is just as important, if not more so, than what you do inside the studio. The newest addition to our challenge this year is the implementation of our Inbody machine – a safe, effective, and quick way to measure your body composition, because you are more than just a number! This will provide valuable knowledge into how you should approach your nutrition, your workouts, and your rest to ensure you are giving your body exactly what it needs to be the well-oiled machine it was designed to be. It is so important to remember, especially during this time of year, that weight is just one number. Someone with the exact same weight could have very different compositions inside. As we age, some need to worry about maintaining fat and muscle. Others may need to lose fat, but be sure that in that process of doing so they do not lose, but rather add to their muscle mass. Perhaps you find out your lower body is weaker than your upper body – you now have the extra push you needed to grab a more intimidating set of weights on your next leg day.

At Orangetheory Hingham, we have members that range from 14-75. The entire staff is really excited to go through this challenge alongside our members. For anyone that may have started and stopped a routine in their lifetime, its so true that committing to a certain habit or workout is far more fun with friends!

Note: This year we are offering a special option for nonmembers to participate in the challenge! For $199, you will receive 18 classes and a pre/post inbody scan. Those 18 classes get you 3 classes per week for 6 out of the 8 weeks – the minimum requirement to be eligible for the cash grand prize! Regardless of potential winnings [think LuluLemon, this is the only opportunity offered all year to try us out without having to commit to a recurring membership.

We love being able to be a bigger part of the CK community this time of year by offering CK’s amazing, clean food to challengers and having our Head Coach and CK Fitness editor, Ali Winslow, leading our fitness crew. The New Year has begun and we are ready to help make your 2020 goals become reality. New Year. Best You. Let’s do this…together.

Marisa Barr is the Studio Manager at OTF’s Hingham location. She can be reached via email HERE with any questions regarding OTF, the upcoming transformation challenge, or to help you find an OTF near you.