Daily Self Care Tips Beyond The Holiday Season

Sometimes self-care can be the last thing you think about or make time for around the holidays. We want to give, prepare, and be unselfish during the holiday season, thinking of how we are going to feed our loved ones and what gifts to buy. This year, we insist that you take the time to think about yourself and your own health and happiness!  There are several easy ways to make small adjustments to your daily routine that will give you the extra self-care you need this holiday season. You may take this time to relax and pamper yourself by going to a spa for services like facials, sugaring, massage, etc. Vaping may also help you relax and calm your mind. If you want to try vaping, you may order high-quality products online. Welcome to the world of Elfbar Vapes, a high-quality range of … [Read more...]

My Christmas Wishlist

I'm not big on Christmas or any of the holidays that roll around in December.  For me, Halloween and Thanksgiving are where it is at.  I love the weather, the vibrant colors, and the food.  The fact that I can usually wear something colorful, cute, and elegant without a coat is also a major plus in my book. However, I'm inevitably asked by my family what I want for Christmas.  Honestly, I never know what to ask for or tell them.  I should make a 'NO SHOPPING' moratorium on myself from August to December just so I can have something to add to a wishlist.  *Note to self: DON'T SHOP next year. Either that or think of experiences you want. Nevertheless, here we are.  Another year, another request for a wishlist.  And a request to buy something that is not books or candles.  That right … [Read more...]

Mother Daughter Weekend Fun

I just spent the weekend shopping, eating, and taking in the sights in Philadelphia with my oldest daughter. This blog started because I became her mother so many years ago. Now, we are doing mother-daughter weekends away that don't involve strollers.  Instead, it's serial killer and psychopath tours while taking in historic sights. No more sippy cups instead we hunt for pastries and testing out new culinary delights. I remember thinking the sweet spot was elementary school but I have to say that staying up late and having conversations about real life and her future are a real treat and blessing too. It was a fun mother/daughter weekend complete with a show one night that swiped a bucket list item off for her.  I love weekend trips like this in the fall. It's less hectic than summer … [Read more...]

Fall Favorites 2021

Fall is officially here!  Unlike last year where I had zero desire to shop for fall looks or even care about the trends that might be happening, Fall 2021 is pure fun. I'm excited to dive back into my closet, dust off my booties, and start wearing clothes that go beyond athleisure once again. Bring on the collar necklace to wear under the perfect white button-down shirt or sweater dress. Sling that new crossbody or bucket bag over your shoulder and head out into the crisp fall weather. Here are some of my favorites pieces that I bought but probably never wore (thanks, worldwide pandemic) and some new ones. Alexander Wang Lane Black Boots/AuRate Gold Collar Necklace/J.Crew Plaid Pants (similar)/Shopbop Shacket/Lioness Palermo Black Blazer/Lola Mae Crossbody Mad for Plaid … [Read more...]

Best Ways to Motivate Yourself to Work Out Every Day

pink sports bra

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that 1 in 4 adults aren’t getting the right amount of exercise and physical activity, with the percentages rising to 26% of men and 35% of women lacking physical activity in developed, high-income countries. Changing your routine isn’t always easy, but with the right amount of pre-planning and dedication, you can make working out every day something you look forward to! Frame your fitness goal First, take time to think about what your fitness goals will look like when you achieve them. Is weight loss your goal, or are you working towards participating in a marathon? Whatever your goals, frame them carefully, and then plan all the steps you will take to eventually meet these goals. Make sure you plan for some sort of exercise every day and … [Read more...]

We are Dog People

Doberman

Look at the gorgeous face! The face of a true protector.  He's also a total lap dog that weighs in at 85 lbs.   While We Were Away Recently we took a family trip to the beach for some end-of-summer R&R.  We left our two dogs, which may have excelled from training like that on https://www.canine-by-design.com/programs/aggression-training/, at home and in the care of a trusted pet sitter and family friend.  We knew they were in excellent care while we were away. Families who are going on a trip may consider leaving their pets in a dog boarding or pet boarding facility as well. Pet hotels are more like a resort for your pets than traditional boarding kennels such as doggy daycare. Soulmutts offer a variety of amenities and services to ensure your pet is comfortable and happy while … [Read more...]

The Health Benefits of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

fresh berries

Cancer won’t be cured today, and the spread of COVID promises to continue, but in a world where illness can make us seem powerless, there is a medical issue you can cure today, with a few easy, natural steps. Inflammation is our body’s way of healing and defending itself, and we have all experienced it at one time or another. "People think inflammation needs to be stomped out at all times,” says Dr. Robert H. Shmerling, a medical editor from Harvard Health Publishing and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School “But it plays an essential role in healing and injury repair to keep your body safe and healthy. Some inflammation is good. Too much is often bad. The goal is to recognize when inflammation is simply doing its job, and when it can potentially cause problems." … [Read more...]

What I Love for Spring

It's that time of year again. Spring is here! It is a time for renewal and all that comes with what I love about spring. I'm feeling very grand millennial in my home style and it is certainly trickling down into what I want to wear.  Straw bags, even a vintage one from my grandmother, preppy prints, and colors. Gold hoops, white sneakers, vintage denim, animal prints, pastels, and some vibrant greens, yellows, and pinks will dominate my wardrobe over the next few months. What are you loving for spring 2021?  Are you ready to ditch the sweats and leggings wardrobe and send your cozy sweaters to the back of the closet?  I know that I am! I cannot wait for flowing sundresses paired with slides of all types. That goes along really well with my recent shopping over at Shopbop. They … [Read more...]

Plant-based Food and Beverage Trends for 2021

The green movement has gained steam in recent years, with more and more people turning to eco-friendly lifestyles, buildings, and diets. However, there is a bit of a difference between an environmentally friendly diet and a plant-based diet. Both options are green diets, but they focus on various aspects. An eco-friendly diet will offer more food groups and options for meals than a more strict plant-based diet. Plant-based diets are not bad or significantly more complex than environmentally friendly diets, but there are some extra steps and potential pitfalls to watch out for. As the trend continues to grow, it is worth taking the time to ensure you are jumping on the trend as safely as possible. Changing your diet is still a significant change for your body, so ensure any new diet is … [Read more...]

Tips for Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Improving, updating, and or renovating your home is always an exciting idea, but not everyone considers how home improvements will affect the environment. Home improvements are not inherently bad for the climate, but there are choices you can make that will lower your household's carbon footprint. You can both make your renovation process eco-friendly and use renovations to make your house more eco-friendly in the future. Starting home improvements can be a slippery slope as you see more and more things to update, but the foundation of eco-friendly living is not using things unnecessarily. While excessive upgrades are both expensive and not the greenest idea, that doesn't mean you are limited in ways to make your home better. Home renovations are not small tasks and can take months … [Read more...]