Grey has been asking to travel back to Chicago since we moved to Texas (almost 3 years ago), so he and I took a little trip together this week and hit up all of his favorite spots. What a gift it was to see the city through his rose-colored glasses. So inquisitive, JOYful, and just the best buddy to explore with. It felt both familiar (we lived there for 7 years) and fresh – if you haven’t been in a while, it has really come back since the pandemic and feels vibrant again. Send us a note if you’re headed that way and we’d love to share some must-see/taste/do spots! But first – big family news, and the top meals, movement, and mindset shifts of the week:

Meals

We’ve had a bit of a stress rollercoaster over the past few months (you too?), and I’ve been down the rabbit hole researching nutrients to reduce cortisol spikes and support our overall immunity. It’s a big YES to all of these (and they have so many additional benefits that boost longevity, fight chronic disease, and improve circulation).

Movement

Lowered grip strength is a sign of frailty and associated with a high risk for dangerous complications, but people with a strong grip are able to stay active well into their golden years. We work on strength training all of the other muscles in our body, but fail to think about those little digits carrying the heavy loads day in and day out. A strong grip is associated with lower mortality risk, better quality of life, improved athletic performance, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease – here are a few more ways to strengthen it.

Mindset

I believe all of these in the deepest part of my being. Which one is a screen-shotter for you?

More

What a FUN concept that I am immediately putting into action – “dopamenus”.

14 Standing Stretches You Can Do Literally Anywhere to Loosen Up.

My friend Laura sent this awesome DYI idea to make with kids in the summertime! 💦

Map ranks 184 countries based on how many vegetables they consume each day 🤯.

Have you been to this underrated Florida city? It looks beautiful!

No-Cook Lunch Ideas That Actually Keep You Full (I love the meal prep options and the breakdown of how much protein is in each item)

Wellness Experts Are Saying These 5 Trends Are Game-Changers for Your Health

Sipping This Tea Is Like A Gut Reset: 5 Of The Best Times To Drink It. Yes, my favorite!

15 Heirloom Tomato Recipes You Need to Try This Summer.

How to stop comparing your current body to your former one.

This was track #4 on the Tony Bennett cd my Dad sent me for my birthday one year. My mom just told me they sat first row at a Tony Bennett concert for their honeymoon. My Dad was a Tony mega-fan and who isn’t 😍. What a life he lived!

And for the family news, the Nixon Pack is on the move again. We are so grateful to Texas for welcoming our family so wholly, and have cherished every second in our home here. It’s hard to believe we moved three years ago; loading the last of our boxes in the middle of the night from Chicago, never having stepped foot in Texas, nor had we seen the house we bought online. This was our longest stay yet! We have big ideas for the next move, and it’s probably not what you’re expecting. I can’t wait to share more 💙. In the meantime, we are covered in packing tape and bubble wrap and the countdown has begun – 17 days to go!