The August Edition

Let’s get one thing straight — wellness doesn’t mean saying no to everything you love. In fact, I’d argue that a life without pizza (especially on a Friday night or down the shore) is not one I’m interested in living.

Yes, pizza. The crispy, gooey, cheesy comfort food that’s usually unfairly booted from the "eat well" list. But here’s the thing: when enjoyed in moderation and made with quality ingredients, pizza can absolutely be part of a feel-good, fuel-your-life kind of lifestyle.

Here’s why:

Carbs + Protein + Fat = Satisfaction
A well-balanced slice — especially one with veggie toppings — can provide a satisfying mix of macronutrients that keeps you full and happy.

It’s a Social Food
Pizza brings people together. Sharing a pie with friends or family creates connection and joy, both of which are vital to overall well-being.

It’s All About the Ingredients
When made with fresh, simple ingredients — think homemade sauce, hand-stretched dough, and quality cheese — pizza can be a masterpiece.

Now, here’s where you come in.

✨ Can you guess where this slice is from?
Here’s your clue: It’s it’s close enough to smell the salt air. Locals & tourists line up all hours of the day and night because the pizza speaks for itself.

DM me your favorite pizza spot… maybe I’ll do a taste test next month. 😉

When I visit Cure de Repos at their Ardmore location… I never want to leave. The space is a serene sanctuary, with every corner designed to melt stress and elevate your glow.

On my most recent visit, I experienced the Contour Marine Body Wrap, and it was next level. It starts with dry brushing, which helps stimulate the lymphatic system, support detoxification, and boost circulation. Next comes the application of Dead Sea mud, rich in minerals and perfect for drawing out impurities while hydrating the skin. After rinsing, a luxurious massage with contouring cream seals in the glow—leaving you sculpted, smooth, and completely refreshed.

Before the wrap, I relaxed in the infrared sauna, which helps relieve muscle aches and reduce inflammation (especially welcome after a long boxing session or a stressful week). I even braved the cold plunge—only 20 seconds, but who's counting? That quick contrast of heat and cold was invigorating and grounding. A few months back, I also had one of the best facials of my life here, and I could have easily cycled through the whole experience again: sauna → plunge → facial → repeat.

What makes Cure de Repos even more special is Chrissy, the owner. Her calm energy, deep knowledge, and personalized care are the heart of the experience. She’s created something truly unique—a space that welcomes you as you are, and sends you back into the world renewed.

Cure de Repos offers more than just treatments—they’ve created a wellness ritual. Complimentary infrared sauna and cold plunge sessions are included with any 60+ minute service, or you can book them à la carte or through a membership. If you've been searching for a place to unplug, recharge, and glow well, this is it.

Book it-you won’t regret it. And go give them a follow on Instagram.

This is my happy place. From the moment you walk in, Society Boxing & Fitness feels like a community — the owners, the trainers, the members… it’s a vibe. I’ve been boxing here for years, and it’s one of the best ways I know to sweat out stress and reconnect with yourself. They specialize in blending real boxing instruction — from footwork and stance to punches and combos — with high-intensity interval training, ensuring every class is equally challenging and fun. 

A couple reasons why every woman should try boxing:

• Stress relief like no other. Hitting the bag literally helps lower cortisol and releases endorphins.

• Builds confidence and mental clarity. It’s not just a workout — it’s therapy with gloves on.

They offer a 5 day trial so be sure to check them out- Society Boxing & Fitness.  

One of the habits I got into over 10 years ago was building a morning routine. Truth is, when my girls were little, their schedule ruled my life. I woke when they woke—and from that moment on, it was go-go-go until bedtime. There was very little space left for me.

So I started waking just a few minutes earlier—not to do anything grand, but simply to sip a cup of hot coffee in peace and have a moment to myself. That tiny window became sacred.

A few years ago, I discovered the 5-Minute Journal, and it quickly became part of my morning rhythm. If you’ve ever wanted to journal but didn’t know where to start—or if you feel like you don’t have the time—this is the perfect entry point.

What I love about it:

• It gives you simple, intentional prompts so you’re not staring at a blank page.

• It’s designed to take just five minutes, which makes it incredibly doable, even on the busiest mornings.

• It helps you focus on gratitude, daily intentions, and wins—which shifts your mindset before the day even begins.

I found it on Amazon- Grab your own here, and I truly recommend it if you want to add something mindful to your morning.

No matter what your morning looks like, I believe how we start the day influences how it unfolds. We can't always control what comes at us, but we can control how we respond. A morning practice—even a simple one—helps with that.

Am I perfect? Heck no. Do I lose my cool with my kids sometimes? Ashamed to admit it, but yes. But when I journal, I’m always reminded to look for the beauty in the small moments. And that, in and of itself, is a gift.

What’s your favorite way to start the day?

There are some places that don’t just serve food — they serve memories. Palizzi Social Club is one of those places. Tucked away on a quiet block in a small South Philly row home, you’d never know it was there if you weren’t looking for it. No sign. No grand entrance. Just a single neon light in the window that turns on when it’s time to enter — like a quiet whisper saying, if you know, you know.

Originally founded in 1918 by immigrants from Italy as a gathering place for fellow Italians to connect, share a meal, and keep their heritage alive, Palizzi Social Club has been passed down through generations. It remains a private, members-only club, steeped in old-world charm with just 30 seats and a whole lot of soul. But don’t mistake its exclusivity for pretension — this place is full of warmth, laughter, and the kind of energy that can only be created by shared stories, clinking glasses, and unbelievable food.

So how did I get in?

Well, let’s just say I have good friends in great places. My high school bestie Kristin — who, fun fact, played a major role in the story of how I met and eventually married my high school sweetheart, Matt — invited us to join her and her husband Brad for dinner at this secret spot. When she said “you need a member to get in” — my answer was: we’re in.

When we arrived, we stood outside the unassuming townhouse and waited. No fanfare, just that glowing neon sign in the window. Once it lit up, we stepped into a tiny vestibule that instantly gave me Wizard of Oz vibes — you know that scene where Dorothy knocks on the Emerald City door and a little window opens so the gatekeeper can ask who you are? Yup, exactly like that. The small door window slid open and all we could see were the eyes of the man behind it (manager? doorman? secret-keeper?). He asked for a name and a membership card.

We passed the test.

The door opened, and just like that — we were in.

Palizzi is pure magic. It’s the perfect blend of my family's South Philly row home and a stylish Italian jazz lounge. The floor plan is tight, the lights are dim, and the smells… well, the smells are something you’ll want to bottle up and take home. The décor is nostalgic yet chic — vintage tile, checkerboard floors, deep wood accents, and just enough patina to feel like it’s been lived in for a hundred years (because it has).

We ordered just about everything on the menu — all served family style, just as it should be. Ten plates, four friends, one perfect night. The cocktails were divine. And the food- every bite tasted like it was made with love and Nonna’s approval.

Then came the cherry on top. Albert — the same kind eyed man from the vestibule — came over to check on us. He smiled and said, “There’s a private lounge upstairs. Live music. Want to check it out?”

Don’t have to ask us twice.

We climbed the narrow stairs to a cozy, dimly lit room where live music played, the servers were kind, and the vibe was electric. An espresso martini (decaf, thank you very much) was the perfect nightcap, and for someone who usually calls it a night early, I felt like the evening was just getting started.

Before we left, I asked Albert what it takes to become a member. He looked at me and said, “I got you.” I didn’t even have to tell him that I’m Italian through and through — that my mom was born and raised in South Philly and that her maiden name is Giallombardo. He just knew. And just like that, Matt and I are officially members of Palizzi Social Club. 

The moral of the story? Live well. Say yes to the invite. Step out of your routine. Choose experiences over things. Laugh loud, eat slow and share generously. And if you're lucky enough to get the invite — go.

That’s a wrap for July!

As always, I’d love to hear what you’re loving and exploring locally — drop me a message or tag me in your adventures @Jaimelynncurley.

Here’s to living well, all summer long.