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July 16, 2020

How to: Small, Intimate, & Safe Gatherings This Summer

Summer is here! Thank goodness! Even in California where it’s relatively warm all year (sorry, North Dakota), the summer season is definitely the pièce de résistance of living here! I love all the beaches, the backyard barbecues, outdoor patios and endless fresh air options. That being said, COVID is also still here. Which means that a lot of state leaders are encouraging and enforcing against large get togethers or parties. While this is necessary, but less than ideal, there are things you can do so that you can still enjoy time with your friends and family while being responsible. Remember, trust your gut always and do what feels best for you. If you’d rather have a laid back summer in your own back yard or on your own patio sans guests, that’s totally cool too!

We have a pretty large backyard for Orange County standards so there is plenty of room for distancing. Most of this patio furniture is old, from Living Spaces, but these boho chairs are new and linked HERE.

Trim Your Guest List

If you’ve planned an event, the first step is trimming your typical guest list In a global pandemic, it’s essential. This isn’t about who’s in or who’s out. This is about who we’re committed to keeping safe. It’s important to give second thought to those who are immunocompromised and inquire about possible guest contact with positive COVID cases. People might feel weird or uncomfortable about it, but if it’s your house or space that you’re inviting them into, then you’re definitely in your right to keep everyone – and yourself – safe. There is no specific number that is recommended against, in terms of gathering, but the smaller the better (in my opinion). 

Stay Outside

I don’t mean to be the Debbie downer, but if you plan a beautiful event for a Saturday afternoon and it starts raining, I highly recommend that you cancel or postpone the event. Staying outside means that it’s easier to social distance and take control of the space around you. Not to mention the presumed thought that it’s more difficult to contract the virus via respiratory droplets, outdoors. You can still add special touches for your guests, like towels and sunscreen or other products for them to use outside. Be sure you have enough water available outside to prevent multiple trips into the kitchen. 

I understand that guests still might have to come inside to use your bathroom, etc. so it’s important to make that as safe as possible. When coming inside, it’s a good idea to put a mask on and have hand sanitizer stations at the entrances for guests to use.

Serving Food Safely

I’d vote that the best bet is for everyone to bring their own food and enjoy picnic style, but that does take away some of the pleasure of hosting. Or maybe not?! Be smart about your food sharing and how you serve! For starters, I think buffet style is the way to go if one person is serving and handling the utensils. Using disposable utensils is best, but if you’re trying to save on waste, then just ensure just one person is handling them. As for silverware and dishes, try to keep that disposable for sure. You can always find compostable disposable items online. If you’re trying to keep with a specific theme, you can also find cute designs for disposable items! We had a recent dinner that was nacho-themed, and purchased these disposable trays from amazon; they were a hit! This snack below was just an appetizer- tachos (tater tot nachos)! 

I also ordered this set of bowls from amazon for all of the toppings. There’s something very “adult” about owning a full set of matching bowls for serving. 

Have Fun

What’s a backyard barbeque without fun games to play? Again, I realize that this gets tricky because you don’t want to get too close and don’t want to all be touching the same items. Luckily, there are a lot of games that you can play that don’t involve this! A couple of my favorites are ladder ball or bocce ball. Yes, I realize that you need to throw a ball in order to play but everyone should only throw/touch the ones assigned to them. That way, you simply sanitize the items between games and you’re good to go! Other great games that are on the less active side include a good ol’ game of charades or pictionary! You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here, just look at your current favorite backyard games and see how you can make them socially distancing friendly for everyone! 

Drinks can be fun too! I like to set them out on a pretty bar cart or stand so people can just serve themselves outside.

My new favorite bar cart item is from Olivia’s Interior Design; it makes for a gorgeous centerpiece too!

Themes Make It More Fun

I recommend distracting from the stress of COVID by creating a theme. While it’s good to be aware of your surroundings and the current state of things, it’s also important to relieve some stress and have fun. I choose to encourage this with a theme! We had a nacho-themed party for the Fourth of July and it was so great! For this party we served a lot of finger foods – minus the finger part! We made sure there were tons of serving utensils to avoid touching the food directly. It was a huge hit for everyone who came by!  

Even though our get together was very small, Chris wanted to spruce it up with the chocolate fountain that he has owned for years. He is a VERY firm believer in dessert. Grab a few essentials to go with your chocolate fountain and everyone will be very happy. Plenty of wooden sticks are a must to avoid spreading germy germs! (Not pictured: more of those gold tongs that I got on amazon for scooping up the other little bites)!

 

Summer Isn’t Cancelled

Remember, we can still enjoy the best parts of summer without compromising our safety and health. Be smart about your plans and don’t be afraid to be brutally honest with your friends and family. It’s important to keep everyone safe. Not everyone will be on the same page as you in terms of caution, no matter what side of the spectrum you’re on, but it’s important to stay safe and do what’s best. Keep it simple, small, and set boundaries. We’ll get through all of this together and have a safe summer while doing it!  

 

Fashion
July 3, 2020

T-Shirt Science

I think we can agree that not all t-shirts are made equal. It can’t be too tight on the armpits, or the neck, but also not too baggy on the neck. They have to have just enough extra fabric to feel totally comfortable in but not too much that it looks like you’re swimming in it. Oh and t-shirts MUST be soft, definitely soft. 

Comfy tees have been my jam during this pandemic, and pretty much whenever I’m not wearing scrubs. They’re versatile, can be dressed up or down, and worn right to bed. It’s the perfect core closet piece! I know you’re thinking to yourself, “Cass, t-shirts? Really?” but SERIOUSLY I’ve got them down to a science. I’m going to break down which I’ve been loving and how I’ve been wearing them! You probably have an entire drawer of t-shirts that you think are too casual for some occasions or maybe you don’t know how to style them! Don’t worry; I’ve got you.

Endless Options

No matter your size, body shape, or color preference, I believe there is a t-shirt for you. It might take some trial and error, some of us like the v-cut neck, others love a scoop, and some are for the classic boy cut. If you’re like me, when you find a reliable piece of clothing, you buy it in every color so that you can always have it on hand and wear it again and again – without looking like you only own one t-shirt. The thing with T-shirts is basically if you can dream it up it probably exists – loose-fitting, slim fit, slouchy, more athletic cut, from solids to tie-die to sports teams (Go Bucks!) they can express YOU. There are so many fricken t-shirt designs out there that it’s almost like they are custom for you. Finding a seemingly custom rain jacket on the other hand would be a little harder to do. 

Splurge vs. Save

Like any article of clothing, someone is selling it at a premium price. They CAN cost a lot of money, but on the flip side, they don’t have to. Honestly, I recommend saving where possible. However, if you’re like me you will wear the t-shirt over and over and over again so maybe it’s worth the $50-$80 investment for that amazing soft fabric. It might feel like “a lot for a t-shirt” but I’m sure you’ll be wearing it a lot more times than that $300 blazer you bought.

Style Them!

Okay, so we’ve gotten through variety and budget, let’s talk style. SO many ways to style a t-shirt. The most exciting part really. This is where the tee really proves it’s value. I have a few favorite styles that I love, I can pair them with jeans, skirts, shorts, OR leggings to achieve any look that I want. Basically whatever you’ve got going on on the bottom, a t-shirt can go on top. 

Tucked

Whether you’re going full tuck or a cute French tuck (front tucked in, back out), this is a great move especially when I’m looking to dress up my jeans. I can pair a more casual tee with dress pants and some statement jewelry and heels for a polished, confident look. If I want to be even more polished I like to find a tighter fitting bodysuit-style tee, that keeps the casual capped sleeves but makes the tuck-in game so much easier.

Tied

If you can find a t-shirt that is a couple of sizes larger than your standard size, or made or be oversized then you have your perfect opportunity to tie a small knot in the front or off to the side. Paired with a cute pair of shorts or jeans, you can rock this look to a family barbeque or night out with friends. Add a belt for a little extra. 

Long

I love a long t-shirt – or borderline t-shirt dress – to wear on its own or pair with leggings. I’d choose this for a casual date with Chris. Paired with mules and maybe some long chain necklaces for a more put-together look that’s still effortless. In the fall or winter, a long t-shirt paired with leggings and a chunky cardigan is the way to my heart. 

Off the Shoulder

For added sass and flair, I love an oversized, open neck tee for the off the shoulder look. A strapless bra with one side off the shoulder (and maybe even tied in the front!) is perfect for walking on the boardwalk and taking in the sunset. 

My Fave Tees

I have a few favorite t-shirts that I have come to love and accept splurging on over the years. They all serve a slightly different purpose but are go-tos in my closet!

Lululemon

Firstly, I love Lululemon’s fabric, so even if you’re wearing a t-shirt from them out for an event, you’re going to be comfy and feel good in the t-shirt itself. Their styles range from athleisurewear to workout tees to even those over-sized comfy pieces. The boyfriend tee (pictured below) happens to be my favorite and I own it in… many colors. 

Madewell

Madewell offers the comfiest bodysuit options for the perfect tucked look. Their bodysuits also come as long-sleeved or tank tops, depending on the season and your preference. I also love that they have a variety of colors in the basic tee which you can also buy in threes for a lower price. The one pictured below is from Madewell and is very similar to the basic tee sans pocket. 

We the Free by Free People

This is my one-stop-shop for oversized tees that are ready to be tucked or tied. I can always count on them to deliver, AND they’re so comfortable. The We The Free Clarity Ringer is perfect for knotting, and the We The Free Fearless Tee is my go-to for an oversized slouchy look.

T-Shirts for Liiiife

There you have it! The lowdown on my favorite t-shirts and ways to wear them. If you aren’t in love with tees then you probably just haven’t found that perfect one! I hope this post can help you get there so that you can live your life in extreme comfort and cuteness. Also if you are in t-shirt overload take stock of your closet and drawers and see how you can repurpose some of your old tees to create the perfect summer look. Maybe it’s time to take a trip down memory lane and try and remember how you made that tye-dye one time at your friend’s birthday in the 90s, or get out your kitchen scissors and start cutting. If your t-shirt strategy is non-existent definitely go find one you’re obsessed with and thank me later! But don’t let your partner blame me if you live in it for the rest of summer.  

 

Health
June 24, 2020

Post COVID Lockdown Anxiety 

Is It Over Yet?

I realize that it’s different everywhere, but life MIGHT be going back towards normal for you. Maybe you’re back at work or maybe there’s less of a line up when you go to the grocery store. You might be starting to hang out with friends on the back deck and restaurant patios and you might even hug the odd person again. It’s gradual, and we never know if we’ll ever get back to a real normal, but it’s a welcomed start for many. With everything that’s going on, you might start to feel a little bit anxious. The virus is very much STILL out there and the media is still circulating a lot of information. It’s hard to navigate right and wrong, safe versus not safe. I hear you. This post is about the anxiety related to all of this information. 

The first step is to ask yourself – what is actually making you nervous? Is it the fear of getting sick? Getting someone who you love, sick? Maybe you’re fearful of the future of your job, or passions like travel and other activities that will all see changes due to this global pandemic. Your fears are all valid. No matter what they are.

One Day at a Time

My first piece of advice is to take it one day at a time. Wake up each morning, carry out your new routine and check in with your mindset. How are you feeling? What things do you need to do each day that are essential to your very being? I think this can apply no matter what type of anxiety you’re having. Start by making breakfast, showering, going to work, etc. If you’re like me, your social calendar after work and on weekends might be filling up again. If there is something in your gut that holds you back from wanting to attend, by all means, you have permission to say “No, thanks, not this time.” However, if you’re ready to “get back out there”, there are things you can do when you’re feeling anxious over what socializing and being in public again really looks like.

 

Keep Social Distancing

Firstly, social distance. Yes, it’s still a thing. We are still encouraged to keep six feet of distance between ourselves and other people. That means you can sit on friends’ decks, bring your own lawn chair and enjoy their company in your own safe space once more. If you’re going out to a restaurant or somewhere public, and you feel nervous, suggest a park and make it a picnic. Or, find the patios and spots that are especially known for accommodating social distancing. Letting your friends and family know that you have those boundaries in place is okay. 

Wear a Mask

I know, I’ve been the doctor who has teetered around with this topic but wearing a mask can help when combined with social distancing. If you’re going out for food or to drink, a mask is tricky, but not impossible. I have only been to a couple, but the restaurants here are requiring mask use when walking in, and if moving about the restaurant. The staff is all masked, at all times. I mentioned this in one of my newsletters, but please remember that wearing a mask doesn’t make you invincible either! Remember to be mindful of how you’re touching your mask and your face while you have it on. One of the restaurants we visited supplied a paper bag, which totally impressed me. That’s what we do in the hospital, so I found it a nice way to show they were taking this seriously. 

Mask is from Olivia’s Interior Design

Hand-Washing

Keep washing your hands often and don’t be ashamed to keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on you for added peace of mind! Washing your hands often is always good practice for your basic health and wellbeing so being more mindful of that is definitely a good idea.

Set Healthy Boundaries

I mentioned it above, but if the people that you want to hang out with INSIST on getting food or other activities that prevent you from hand washing, wearing a mask or social distancing, this is your PERMISSION to say, “thanks, but no thanks.” If you have loved ones that you’re trying to go see who are immunocompromised in any way, it’s okay to opt-out of some social gatherings. You can let your friends know you have an immunocompromised loved one or grandparent that you’d like to spend time with. I don’t think you need to justify your decisions but that’s one way to explain your choices. 

I realize that it’s really hard when those around you are going back to normal and you might feel fear and frustration, believe me I do too! Maybe you’re watching the numbers of confirmed cases and deaths and you feel like ‘re-opening’ society is taking a step back. You need to continue to do what’s best for you at this time. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic so no one should be pressuring you to do anything that doesn’t feel right. This is going to affect a lot of people in very different ways, so no matter what you’re feeling, be sure to support and care for yourself and your loved ones.

Talk it Out

Last but definitely not least, remember to talk to someone you trust about what you’re feeling. All of your feelings are valid and whether you’re chatting it out with a spouse, parent or therapist, I can’t recommend just TALKING about it enough. Even if you’re reading this and feeling fine with everything right now, it’s healthy to unpack a little bit and take it all one step at a time. How has your life changed in the last months? How are you feeling about it? 

We’re All in This Together

A lot is going to change, and has already changed permanently, in terms of how we work, play, meet, travel and live! It’s going to take a really long time to understand what our new normal is, and actually feel normal. There are still many factors to consider and it’s okay to take as long as you need to process them. Be sure to keep up to date on your local news networks  (in moderation) and don’t stress yourself out unnecessarily with the entertainment versions of the news. Talk to your doctor about all of your concerns and getting tested if you feel it necessary, if that’s an accessible option for you. You’ve got this, friends. Step by step, day by day, we’ll make it through this together.

Advice
June 16, 2020

Everyday Budgeting Tips and Tricks

There is never a bad time to sit down and think about your budget or financial goals. With 2020 starting off in a way that NO one expected, I felt it appropriate to share this blog post with you now. In a time when many are stressed out about our mental health, physical health, relationships, and finances I find the best thing to do is to stop and make a plan. It’s time to think about financial goals – retirement, vacations, and splurging, as well as ensuring that you’re not taking on the additional stress of living paycheck to paycheck.

These were all things that I thought about early on as a student and gratefully, have translated into healthy spending habits into adulthood. There is so much advice out there, but honestly, I figured why not keep it simple and outline some of my favorite tips for you! Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor (I know, you’re surprised). I have had an advisor since I was a resident however and have learned so much over the years that has helped me be less anxious about finances in general. 

Creating an Actual Budget

This does not need to be hard. How much money do you make either in one month or every two weeks and where do you need to spend it? How much goes towards rent, groceries, and utilities? How much goes towards days off and free time activities? It’s really time to evaluate how much money is going out and coming in each month. There are many awesome, free budgeting apps to help you get started! One of my favorites is EveryDollar! I used this religiously as a resident. I’m more lax now because things aren’t changing as much as they were then, but I would totally recommend it. 

The 50-30-20 Rule

I heard this rule in a podcast once and it really resonated. Plus, it makes budgeting easier if you’ve now downloaded an app, but don’t know where to begin! Basically, 50% of your income should be going towards essentials. The roof over your head, food on your plate, water, warmth, etc. Then, 30% can be allocated to your fun money. Anything you want from those nights out for dinner and drinks, new Sephora finds, or a new gym outfit! Lastly, 20% goes into savings. Whether that’s your emergency fund, vacation fund or even going towards debt repayment. That last 20% is so important to figure out!

Update and Revise Your Budget Often

Once you create a budget, nothing is set in stone. If you see that your rent takes up most of your income, it’s OK to look for a new place and make your life more affordable in other places. Likewise, it’s ok to notice that you’re spending WAY more than you should be on eating out and allow yourself to say “no” to drinks out more often! I know, growing up sucks! On the flip side though, if you take on a roommate or begin living with your partner, you’ll find that you maybe have less (or with the S/O, maybe more especially if his name is Chris!) expenses! Make sure you adjust your budget accordingly.

Easy on the Plastic

If you don’t NEED to use a credit card, try to avoid it. I know, some payments need that but instead, look to options like KOHO (where are my Canadians at?). Now that we are in a land of COVID, cash is becoming less utilized. KOHO is a prepaid credit card that’s reloadable but works like a Visa. You can transfer money from your bank account to your KOHO account and use that for all of your online shopping! This is such an easy way to stay on track and not let credit get the best of you. Credit scores are necessary, but be wise about it! Plus, KOHO cards come in really cute colors! In the United States, you can choose a prepaid card (Visa, Amex, etc). I will say, I acquired multiple department credit cards over the years and it has helped with my credit score, but I always pay them off in full. If that’s not happening, those cards have extremely high APRs and are not likely doing you any good. 

Get Visual

You know when there’s a fundraiser and you see a visual of the money that’s being donated? Usually, it looks like a big thermometer filling up. Try using something like this to track your saving or debt goals! Create a poster and color in a square each time you pay off $100 towards your student loans! Or have the thermometer image and fill it in towards that trip to Europe next summer! Since we keep our money in a bank usually, it’s nice to have a visual representation of our finances in this way. For the record, some people take it one step further and literally empty their bank accounts for cash on payday. Except for say, automatic payments or savings contributions. This way, the money is tangible and once it’s gone, it’s gone! I’m all about saving yourself from a credit card debt disaster if possible! I like to put money into multiple online savings accounts. Ally Bank was recommended by my advisor and I love it. It’s easy to use, the transfers are quick, and you can open multiple accounts and name them accordingly (which obviously makes it more fun)! Things can get complicated when you’re an independent contractor like me (more on that later). I have to put aside my own taxes and retirement contributions from each paycheck and it lives in one of these online savings accounts until it’s time to pay. 

Budgeting is Not One Size Fits All

In the end, it’s all up to you on how you want to manage your money (and sometimes that takes time to figure out), but it’s definitely something to think about! Check-in with a professional. Talk to the accountants or financial planners in your life and see what’s feasible for you. I can guarantee that you’ll never regret planning ahead and it is NEVER too early to think about retirement. I knew NOTHING about this until I took it into my own hands to learn. Being able to enjoy mojitos on the beach when I’m 55? Yes, please!

 

What are your favorite finance tips?

 

Health
May 21, 2020

Essential Oils

Essential oils have hit the ‘health and wellness’ trends by STORM! Whether you’re shopping at Home Goods, Sephora, or know someone who’s a distributor for dōTERRA, I find that they’re popping up everywhere! I only used to experience essential oils like this when I went to the spa, especially for a massage—usually greeted with the smells of eucalyptus or lemon. Now that they’re so accessible to use inside the home, I’ve been learning more about them and love being able to bring the spa home! You’ll find diffusers all around our house, so even Chris can find some calm in his day with a few deep breaths of peppermint or lavender!

I have really enjoyed getting to know Melody Brandon, who is local to Orange County, and runs her own shop of essential oils. She provided me with these cute rollers, blended for use topically. She hosts regular classes to educate on the safe use of oils and takes a wellness approach that I can identify with.

Disclaimer: These are my own opinions. As a physician, I am extremely careful in recommending something like essential oils in a medicinal format. I am however very open minded to the benefits of alternative therapies in a patient’s everyday life (not to treat medical conditions). I love reading about holistic therapies so I am able to answer any questions I receive from patients and advance my own learning as we continue with research in these areas. I think the most important point here as a medical provider is to avoid shying away from discussions about alternative therapies with patients. 

What are Essential Oils

Essential oils are simply the pressed oil or essence of a particular plant or botanical. They’re used most commonly in aromatherapy but have also become very popular for using topically. Usually, the oil is purchased in the purest form and then needs to be diluted with a carrier oil in order to use it on the skin. I think it’s important to remember that any medicinal claims surrounding essential oils are not 100% proven yet, so while I believe in the power of plants, I find them an excellent tool as a supplement to other remedies. Essential oils have not been subject to the same methods of study for most medical conditions, so we don’t have reliable and reproducible evidence of their usefulness or safety. If you have questions about using essential oils, I recommend chatting with your doctor or healthcare provider.

The Benefits of Essential Oils

There are quite a few suspected benefits to essential oils. A few drops of oil can go a long way. It’s important to remember that the personal use of essential oils is quite new, and there’s still a lot of research to be done, but incorporating plants in any form into your daily life can be beneficial!

Anxiety & Stress

Aromatherapy has been a common remedy for managing stress and anxiety for some time now. In addition to pausing to take a few deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed, there could be a positive impact in breathing in oils like peppermint or lavender to help ground you in the sense of calm. There was an interesting small study done in ICU patients who had recent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The number of patients observed was small, but showed promising results for subjective reduction of anxiety after this procedure by inhaling a blend of lavender, chamomile, and neroli oils. Some of these oils have been shown to reduce cortisol release therefore helping to induce relaxation.

Nausea

Essential oils have been used widely in patients that suffer from chronic nausea, such as those undergoing cancer treatments. Inhalation of various blends have been shown to be helpful, even when anti-nausea medications are not. 

Sleep Quality

I LOVE diffusing lavender oils before bed. It’s the perfect scent to help me drift to sleep after a long day. Sometimes, I’ll buy it in a spray to mist on my pillow before bed. It has been shown to slow central nervous system activity and assist in serotonin release, supporting sleep. A quick mist with some deep breaths after a long day in the ER is heavenly. There was another small scale study related to inhaled aromatherapy done in patients with dementia that showed a reduction in sleep disturbances. Lavender is known as a natural sedative and anxiety reliever, so if you’re having trouble getting your mind to wind down at night, try some lavender! 

Antibiotic and antimicrobial

Some oils have anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. You can find tea tree oil in skincare products, especially for those who experience acne problems. I do not personally use essential oils to treat skin conditions. There are still many studies that need to be done before claiming which essential oils hold these properties. But, skincare lines often boast the use of tea tree oil and shampoos like Head and Shoulders use eucalyptus!

How I Use Essential Oils

There are two basic ways that I use essential oils in my day to day life – either diffusing them or applying them topically. I have quite a few diffusers throughout my house, and I try to use them all regularly to keep each room smelling fresh and feeling centered. I have some blends that help me focus in my office, some fresh lemon oils in the fitness room, and lavender in the bedroom.

I also use them topically in very small amounts using a roller. It’s super important to trust who you are buying oils from and understand the limits. Depending on the kind of oil it is, I roll on my neck, wrists, and sometimes even my feet! These rollers are also great to toss in a bag when I’m on the go. Sleep blends are great to use on the temples, back of the neck, and the bottom of the big toe. 

What you Should Avoid

Remember that not all essential oils are created equally. Quality essential oils come with a higher price tag, but then you’re getting a high-quality, pure product. When you find three-packs of essential oils for $15 at Home Goods, it’s important to keep in mind that those might contain fillers and not be 100% pure. Remember that whatever you diffuse is part of the air that you breathe in and whatever you apply topically gets absorbed into your body, so it is essential to look for quality oils.

Also, if you have pets in the home, be sure to do your research on whether or not essential oils are harmful to them! Never apply essential oils topically to your pets and be mindful of which rooms you’re diffusing in if your pets spend a lot of time there. Again, if you have specific questions, be sure to consult your veterinarian. They’re more than willing to help!

As a general rule, I recommend using essential oils in small amounts. You should always look for signs of allergic reaction or rash if using topically, and/or breathing problems such as development of a cough, shortness of breath, or chest tightness when inhaling or diffusing them. Some can react poorly with the sun, causing chemical burns, so keep this in mind when applying topically! I also don’t recommend them to be used on children, or pregnant women without first speaking to your doctor.

Essential oils have been an excellent way for me to manage stress, enhance a calm environment, and honestly just make my home smell nice! From a medical perspective, I look forward to seeing how they’re used and studied more as people continue to look for more natural and holistic healing methods. For now, they’re without a doubt an excellent tool for self care! 

Do you use essential oils? What has been your experience? Share with me in the comments below!

 

Photos by Amelia Blaire

Career
May 15, 2020

What does the schedule of an Emergency Medicine Physician look like?

As an Emergency Medicine Physician, my schedule is anything but predictable. One of the hardest things I remember from my first year in residency, was teaching my body NOT to have a schedule. It took about a year for me to get used to switching back and forth. That’s part of Emergency Medicine. We work mornings, days, nights, weekends, holidays, you name it we work it. The hard part, is that our schedule is never the same. Often times we will work a couple of morning shifts, then transition into a couple of night shifts, and then back to mornings. The hardest transition being nights back to days within a short period of time. Of course, our schedules are dependent on the group we work for and what their requirements are, but every week is different for most EM docs.

How many shifts per month?

The hours in an EM doc’s shifts and number of shifts worked per month is largely dependent on the group requirements also. “Full time” for one group may be 12 shifts per month while for others it may be 15 or more. Some groups hire part time physicians, so the option to work less than 12 is also out there. My experience may not be the same as others, but I typically work 12-13 shifts per month. The number of shifts per month was a choice for me, thankfully.

That’s one of the things I love about Emergency Medicine. The shifts may be tough and at light speed, but the positive trade off is that we generally have more days off than any other physician in medicine. I used to work more shifts each month, but I noticed a little bit of burn out and blogging became my second job. Finding more of a balance is something I am grateful for, because I love medicine but I also love free time to be creative.

Emergency Medicine offers up a widely flexible schedule, on top of everything else I just mentioned. Have a dentist appointment you’ve been waiting to schedule? No problem. Just plan it for a morning when you don’t work until the afternoon. Easy peasy, with no time-off requests needed. You want to take a vacation with your family? We EM docs can typically stack a chunk of shifts together, allowing for multiple days off in a row. There are of course, the trade offs of night shifts and holidays, but at least there are many positives to sweeten the deal.

How long are the shifts?

The length of each shift will depend largely on the department’s flow and census. Physician coverage is also dependent on these numbers. Some locations may be very slow with a low census (think small rural town), so they will likely have single doctor coverage (only one doctor in the department seeing patients). These shifts could be up to 24 hours, but this is rare for any busier department. The majority of departments have shifts that are 8-12 hours (8-10 being most common), and staff multiple physicians during each shift, tailoring up or down for the busiest/slowest times of the day. I personally see patients for 8 hours on average, but my shift isn’t necessarily done at 8 hours. Many groups will sign out patients to the next oncoming doctor while others do not. In the latter case, the physician stays until their patients all have a disposition (admitted or discharged).

What does a typical shift look like?

A shift in the Emergency Department is typically busy. Unlike a doctor who is “on call” overnight, we don’t lay down or nap during shifts. There is rarely down time, for me, but again this is dependent on the population you serve and the areas surrounding the department. The best part about being busy for 8 straight hours, is that the time seems to pass quickly!

What about night shifts? Do you have to work nights forever?

Some Emergency Medicine group structures include a “buy in” period, where the newer physicians work more nights than those with more seniority. This has been my experience. When I started (almost 4 years ago!) I worked half of my shifts at night. Back then it was about 7 night shifts per month, single coverage, and it was brutal at times. Circadian rhythms do not like to be disrupted my friends. Chris had a night shift alter ego name for me, we won’t get into that part! You can check out this blog filled with tips for those night shift workers out there.

So there you have it! My full time job as an Emergency Medicine Physician allows me the time and flexibility to also be here, in this space, writing blogs and creating content. And now you know why!

Feel free to leave any additional questions about scheduling below in the comments!

 

 

Home
May 6, 2020

Doormat style

You all know I love to keep my porch looking on point. It’s important to me! I want others to have a great first impression of my home, before even setting foot in the door. There is also the fact that I moved around so many times for school. I felt like I could never truly decorate because it wouldn’t be my permanent home.

Now, I soak up the fact that I have roots and the ability to deck out my porch! I can never decide between an inspirational or humorous doormat so I rotate through them both.

Here are some of my favorite doormats! Notice the one that says “hope you brought wine”. Every medical professional thought it said, “hope you brought urine”. Sorry, now you probably can’t unsee it!

 

In additional to these linked doormats, I love to shop local with Nickel Designs. The layering palm doormat is from her shop and linked here. I also have this black pattern aztec rug to change it up when I’m ready! If you want to shop some of her amazing designs, you can use code MAJESTIC for 10% off.

Having a put together porch has done wonders for my mood. So happy Wednesday friends, from my porch, to yours!

Which doormat is your favorite?

Fitness
May 4, 2020

“Overflow” room turned fitness space

I know you all have been wanting a house tour for months now. Truth is, I had a videographer scheduled to come and shoot our home, but then coronavirus happened. That damn virus has ruined a lot of plans, I know! So you’ll just have to wait. But I’m excited to say that all of our rooms are done now, so it’ll be perfect for filming when the time is right!

Until then, here is a preview of what I liked to call our “overflow” room. We shoved the Peloton in there when we moved in and pretended it was a workout space but there was no room to workout around the boxes and piles of furniture. Until now! How I forgot to take a before photo? Not sure, but I didn’t. So you just get the AFTER!

Before we go any further, the most common question I get is about the wallpaper. It definitely helped win me over when we looked at this home. It is the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel wallpaper, Martinique, and can be purchased with many different retailers. I found a couple HERE and HERE. Lighting is from West Elm.

I wanted this little corner to feel like a gym. I bought some affordable white towels at Home Goods and roll them up in this woven basket. The extra equipment and spin shoes are hidden in the baskets as well! We store a couple of yoga mats, towels, and blocks in here, as well as some free weights and resistance bands.

You can read more about the Peloton in this blog post, but sometimes I prefer to do other non-Peloton workouts on the bike. We put the TV up so we can cast workouts from our phone, or via the apps on the tv. It has come in handy during this quarantine time, that’s for sure. I’m not really sure why we have an uber comfortable Restoration Hardware cloud chair in the fitness room. Maybe someday I’ll sit there and observe Chris working out when I’m too lazy to do so.

No fitness room of mine is complete without some type of diffuser or candles. This one in the above photo is super simple, and from Target. I turn it on when I’m doing yoga or after a sweaty workout to avoid stink in the room!

Of course it’s still a little bit of an overflow room. I didn’t have another location for my garment rack that Chris didn’t want me to put on our registry. I thought it was so “blogger” but then I realized I really have minimal use for it except to hang my wedding dress that I am procrastinating paying for to clean and box. The steamer just fit best in the corner. EVERYONE needs a steamer y’all.

Chris snagged this artwork from Lululemon at their first store opening in Orange County years ago. He framed and kept it ever since. I’m happy to finally have a place for it!

My biggest piece of advice when designing a space in your home, is to FEEL it. Don’t think about trends or what everyone else is doing. Think about what YOU are feeling and liking. For Chris and I, we need a space that is calm and inviting in our time off from work. Every inch of our home has a relaxing vibe, one that makes us feel like we could be here forever! This is something that requires a little bit of thought on your part. So many little things can make it perfect, if you just find the right decor pieces! It takes time… but is SO worth it in the end.

What is your favorite room in your home?

Beauty
April 29, 2020

How I manage my hair

Today I’m here to tell you about my hair journey. Not to toot my own horn, but I get a lot of hair compliments 😉 I find that as women we ALWAYS wish we had different hairstyles. If our hair is naturally straight, we want waves and curls. If we have waves and curls, we’re always trying to straighten and tame our hair. We all want “effortless”! It’s taken me a while to “figure out” my hair but I’m excited to share my personal results with you! Turns out quality products actually can make all the difference. 

My Hair Type

I was born with curly, excessive amounts of hair and it took me a really long time to tame it without damaging it. I used to pull it out in anger when my brush became tangled in the dread locks (as I like to call them), underneath. As you know by my photos, I like to use a combo of straight and curly styles for my hair. Methods like the Curly Girl Method don’t work for me because I like to use heat on my hair intermittently. For those of you who don’t know, the Curly Girl Method was designed by Lorraine Massey and is a hair care method that discourages using shampoo, heat and other elements to treat your hair and instead, focuses on getting your curls back to their natural state using conditioner. In theory that sounds great but I feel the most confident when I have a straightener and/or curling wand at the ready. 

Patience is Key

That being said, I do have some favorite products and tools to use when styling my hair, regardless of what I decide to do with it on any given day. Yeah even the old messy-bun-on-top-of-my-head has a BIT of technique. Finding the perfect product for your hair takes time. Also, as you get older and your hormones change you’ll sometimes find that not all products work the same as they used to (crazy right?!). It’s okay to experiment and switch it up but that can get expensive. Talk to your hairstylist and see what they recommend for your hair as well! 

 

Favorite Products

Kérastase

I started using this line for shampoo and conditioner about a year ago and I love how a little bit goes a long way. There are a ton of options to choose from depending on your hair type, but these were recommended to me by my stylist.

**I recently ordered the Oribe Gold Lust repair and renew shampoo and conditioner (to keep it consistent) and I will update you soon on my thoughts**

Oribe

Oribe is a great brand because they have so many different products for so many different types of hair. From curls to dandruff (for my friends in cooler climates, I feel you) to damage repair and so on. They have great products to help me keep my curls in check like the Curl Control Silkening Creme which I just apply to damp hair after a shower. 

Favorite Tools

I’ve made it my mission to find high quality hair tools that don’t break the bank. The blow dryer is an exception. But what I (or should I say my husband) invested in this blow dryer I saved with my other hot tools. Let me explain why I love each of them.

Dyson Hair Dryer

I am obsessed with my Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer and am so happy that I got one. It has different attachments (which magnet on btw) so that I can choose how I want to style my hair and I especially love it because it’s made for all types of hair. Plus, it doesn’t use extreme heat which is so nice. I love that I can give my hair a break while still achieving the look that I want. Did you know that it’s always recommend to use a diffuser (extra piece) on the end of your blow dryer? If the hot metal is exposed it can singe your hair if you get it too close! 

Jose Eber Curling Wand

I love the Clipless Curler – or Curling Wand – purely out of preference, but I find that the wand leaves a nice, loose, beach wave look. Their curling wands range in thickness so it’s up to you to decide what type of curl you want to achieve. For my hair type, the thicker the barrel, the better. I definitely go bigger than 1 inch. 

FHI Straightener

I’m a huge fan of the FHI ceramic straightener because they are high quality at a semi-reasonable price point and you can choose how wide you want the plates to be for your hair. A tip with any hot tool is to remember that you don’t need to set it to the highest heat before you style your hair. Taking more time to style your hair and use that lower heat setting will be better for your hair in the long run. 

 

My Hair (non) Routine

It should be no surprise that my hair routine is literally constantly changing because of my schedule, as in I shower at different times on different days and don’t style my hair the same all the time. Nothing really stays consistent but I like to think of my hair routine as a method of self-care. My go-to method is simple – I sleep on my wet hair and wake up to nice curls (thanks to the Oribe Curl Control Silkening Creme). I never let my hair air dry during the day because it becomes frizz mania so if I do shower in the morning I will blow dry it or keep it in a braid or bun. 

When I get out of the shower I use this detangling primer and a wet brush. If I’m blowdrying my hair I use a round brush.

Because I prefer a low maintenance routine that requires minimal trips to the salon, I avoid highlighting my hair. I did implement some lighter pieces a few years back but I noticed a lot of damage and death to the ends of my hair, which scared me. I vowed never to do that again. I really believe there is substantial benefit to keeping it simple and embracing your natural hair color to avoid gradual damage over the years. I have some grey hairs popping up these days (actually since I was 27, I blame medicine) so I do dye my roots from time to time and tone the rest of my hair as needed.

I have found that the less I mess with my hair, the better! I don’t recommend constantly running your hands through your hair. The oils from your hair will transfer to your head and that’s how your hair can start to look oily. I also recommend not trying to make it perfect or expecting the same thing every day! Having a go-to “up” look can be helpful for the days that your hair just isn’t cooperating. Maybe a pony tail, a bun or a sporty french braid.

Keep it Dirty

I realize it’s weird and against our nature to not wash our hair but it’s actually so good for your natural hair. I go anywhere from 3-6 days without washing! By day six, I’m usually tossing it up in a bun, but still! If you have less hair, you’ll likely need to wash more, but investing in a good dry shampoo (Oribe again for the win) or texturizing spray will definitely help.

My best advice to you is to take it one day at a time with your hair. If you’ve always been the type of person to wash your hair every day, it’s going to take some time to “train” your hair and get it to adapt. A lot of women give up fast because they can’t handle how oily their hair looks! I feel you! I would honestly recommend giving it a month or two – wearing your hair up when necessary – and going from there. The end result – and FREEDOM – that comes with not needing to wash your hair every day is worth it! 

Do you guys have any products that you swear by? Leave them in the comments!

 

Lifestyle
April 23, 2020

Quaran-tunes

Have you guys made it through all of your typical playlists and podcasts by now? I know I have! Music has really been getting me through my days in a productive manner. I try to avoid TV until later in the evening because (let’s be honest) there are SO many tempting series out there right now.

So here are some of my favorite playlists! Some are Spotify curated, others are direct from my all-time favorites that keep me moving. I listen to a little bit of EVERYTHING, promise you won’t judge! I think I’m supposed to disclose that there may be some explicits… 🙂

When you’re still waking up over your cup of coffee.

Try this if you feel inspired to hit the pavement for some exercise, or just need a feel good list.

If you’re a lover of French or European culture and looking for the perfect pairing to your glass of vino.

If you’re looking for a little time travel back into the 90’s/2000’s.

For that romantic date night in your home (but you want to feel like you’re elsewhere).

This playlist is from a trip that C and I took to Mexico. It’s been one of my favorites ever since!

 

Hopefully these playlists did their job and made you tap your foot, shimmy in your mirror, or enjoy your day a little bit more!

Share some of your favorite quaran-tunes with me in the comments section!

Home
April 20, 2020

I kill plants, so I went faux

Plants are a Nice Idea

I would love to tell you that I have plants all throughout my home. I would love to tell you that I have plants in my home because there are so many benefits to having them. They’re so good for your overall health! Plants absorb toxins in the air and provide oxygen in your home. They’re also outstanding for your mental health. In the same way, as when you take a long walk outside, plants have the same effect to make you feel refreshed! When we get in touch with nature – no matter where it is – we reduce anxiety and increase relaxation!

Cassie, the Plant Killer

That’s all well and good, but I just always kill them.

My name is Cassie, and I’m a plant killer.

It took me multiple attempts at buying plants before I finally gave up! I’d go to Ikea or a local plant store and browse. I would imagine which plant would look cutest in which corners of my home. Then they would come home with me and, well, it was all a very short-lived dream. To be fair, our ever-changing schedules make it difficult to stick to a regular watering schedule. 

It looks like this- “babe did you water the plants?”, “yah, yesterday”. “Oh crap, I just watered them because I thought they looked dry”. “Babe why didn’t you ask me first?”. “I couldn’t even remember what day it was or where you were today”. Well… another one bites the dust.

Plant Options

All plants are different. Some require a lot of sunlight, some can survive in your office cubicle and everything in between. If I were to have an abundance of plants in my home, I would choose Snake Plants or a Monstera! Monsteras are those beautiful plants that you see on almost everyone’s Instagram account. They’re native to the South American rainforests and require a lot of warmth, sun, and water to stay alive. Snake plants are much easier to take care of. They require little to no direct sunlight and don’t have to be watered often. Apparently, succulents are the best low maintenance plants but, you guessed it, I kill those too! What’s a girl to do?!

Keeping It Real Fake

I started looking into faux plants, but just beware, those can get a little expensive! The selection on Amazon can range from $25 to $200! Target offers a lot of faux plants in all shapes, colors, and sizes that can spruce up your living space with. These artificial succulents are perfect for adding greens to your bathroom or in front of the kitchen window. Meanwhile, I like these smaller potted pieces for my desk on a side table. The great thing is that I can switch up where they go because they don’t actually depend on certain sun levels! If you’re looking for fake plants to spruce up your space, I also recommend checking out furniture stores in your area. These can get expensive but will often look more real and be of higher quality. I also sprinkle in faux flowers to pair with the greenery. The BEST part, (you guessed it) your investments will never die. 

Spruce It Up!

If you’re going to go the faux plant route, I recommend a couple of things. First, make sure that you dust them often! Even real plants can collect dust, so you need to remember to treat it like any other surface in your home. If you have real plants, you need to be gentle, but with the faux plants take your Swiffer duster and go to town. I also recommend investing in beautiful decorative pots to house your faux plants in. You might as well go all out with the decor if you’re going to invest in them! I’m LOVING this white and gold tripod plant holder from Target! Planter pictured in photo is no longer available, sadly, but I linked more for you below! 

Self Love & Fresh Flowers 

At the end of the day, if you can’t keep a plant alive, you’re not an animal. It’s just not your thing! Another easy solution that we do is purchase fresh flowers weekly to have at least one living thing in the house beside us and our dog! That little bit of life and freshness adds a lot to any space. We recently had a great experience with BloomsyBox and they offer subscriptions (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) so you don’t even have to leave your home to get your blooms. Find cute vases throughout the season and treat yourself to some fresh flowers in your home! 

You can get 10% off all subscriptions on BloomsyBox with code DRMAJESTIC through the end of April.

Now tell me… are you a plant killer, like me?

 

Photos by Amelia Blaire 
Uncategorized
April 14, 2020

How to social distance in a relationship

How is social distancing affecting your relationships?

Have you guys seen the meme where the guy is asked who he’d rather be quarantined with… and before they even finish saying “your wife and kids”, he chooses the second option that he hasn’t even heard yet?

Look, being stuck in your home with the same people for weeks on end can drive people crazy! That’s why most couples still have their own sets of friends and plan girl nights and guy weekends.

I welcome the idea of being stuck at home with my honey, but don’t think for two seconds that we don’t have struggles too. It’s business as usual for us in terms of work, only now the fun outings we used to plan are no longer there. So because we’re in the trenches, our patience definitely runs thin with each other.

Chris and I try our best to be intentional about the time we spend together. That means doing things that take our mind off of ANYTHING that could be putting stress on our relationship.

 

Try these tips with your quarantine partner

  1. Take turns picking a Netflix show. So far we have really enjoyed (for different reasons) Tiger King, The Stranger, and Ozark!
  2. If you’re on your devices together, include each other. Share articles, memes, text messages, etc. Maybe even start a text chain with your favorite group of friends together.
  3. Break out the board games. We tackled Scrabble last weekend and I found out that I’m definitely a better speller. He did win, however. But it’s because I helped him. The laughs were flowing!
  4. Wine (or your favorite beverage) tasting. We just did a virtual wine tasting with Justin wines a couple weeks back and are planning another one this Friday! The wines shipped directly to our home, they were a great price, and the session was on IG Live so it was seamless to set up and fun to chat with others.
  5. Talk about your feelings! But don’t take them out on your partner. Being snappy and allowing small things to annoy you will make this harder. Take a deep breath and when you feel annoyed ask yourself, “What am I feeling? What am I wanting?”.
  6. Don’t be afraid to take time apart (in another room). Many of us like our space. Go watch TV in another room, take a bubble bath or long shower, chat with your girlfriends for an hour or two, then you can get back to your quarantine partner feeling refreshed!

 

Do you have a quarantine partner? What has been your experience?

Dr. Majestic

I invite you to take a glimpse into my crazy, beautiful life in medicine and allow me to teach you my health, wellness, and lifestyle tips along the way. 

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