I just started a new skincare routine a couple of months ago, and I am IMPRESSED.
Let me start by saying that I don’t believe you have to have a long, complicated skincare routine. I repeat, it can be very simple.
My new regimen just happens to be quite long. Much longer than I was used to. Cue Chris rolling his eyes while he waits for me to get ready! But so far, so good.
I’m 33 and have suffered from cystic and hormonal acne my entire life. Only recently has my skin been clear consistently. I also have large pores and an element of rosacea. Add in some acne scars, and under eye circles (genetic + my job). I’m not super excited about walking around without makeup, to be honest.
This post highlights my skincare routine prior to our wedding, and goes into detail on acne products that I was using (both topical and oral).
I started using Zo Skin Health products in January after a plastic surgeon friend Dr. Donald Mowlds recommended it for me. Believe me, I have ALWAYS been skeptical of pricey skincare products because who says they’re going to work? Well… I’ve noticed my skin is brighter, more even, and less reddened. It’s such an elevated skincare experience- smells nice and feels nice. Not like some products where they cost an arm and a leg but don’t produce effects and/or don’t even feel nice on your skin. Also I haven’t seen a zit for a while! Please don’t send me one, universe!
The top shelf in our bathroom is ALL mine! Well, the one below it is also mine too! Clearly you ladies understand, right?
Disclosure: this multi-step regimen is pricey AND time consuming. I never thought I could follow through because I like an easy morning and night time routine. But I figured, I’m in my 30’s, maybe it’s time to invest in my skin and get serious.
The regimen isn’t the same for everyone and largely depends on what your healthcare provider recommends. I actually use every, single, one of these products daily. My morning routine is 8 steps! My night time routine is only 3 steps.
I highly recommend you see a healthcare provider before ordering from a product line like this. Many dermatologists or plastic surgeons will offer a free consultation and it is worth your time and energy to chat with them before investing.
There you have it! My newest skincare secrets! I am SO happy with the results and have heard so many similar stories from others after using this line of products.
My husband and I have an interesting story, a meet-cute if you will.
“How did you and Chris meet?” is one of the most popular questions I receive, so I figured why not highlight our early days in a story for those of you who are interested in reading a good love story. It all started in the Emergency Department…
“How did you and Chris meet”?
It was June 26, 2016. I woke up early and headed in for my last shift as an Emergency Medicine resident. I had essentially already graduated residency, but I was covering for a colleague who left town early for a vacation. I remember vividly how relaxed I felt that morning, I even curled my hair at 5am (thankfully), in preparation for some “last shift” group photos that I knew would come up.
I hadn’t been on shift long and one of the nurses popped her head in the physician work room. She asked if I could see a patient in the hallway, and said it wouldn’t take long. She then mentioned it was a firefighter who had a potential needle stick, so he just needed some blood work before going back on shift.
I sauntered out into the hallway and was met by three firefighters. The patient was a medic and when starting an IV in the ambulance on a trauma patient we had just received, he noticed a hole in his glove. He was there just as a precaution. There didn’t seem to be any blood or wound, so I reassured him and we collected his labs to test for infectious diseases; merely a precaution.
In the mean time, one of the other firefighters seemed very chatty; he was easy to talk to. We talked about my being done with residency and starting a new job in a few weeks. It was brief, but memorable. I quickly discharged the patient and sent them on their way. Shortly after they left I noticed a facebook request on my phone. I didn’t recognize him at first, but I realized it was him… the chatty firefighter. I thought to myself, “of course we can be friends, emergency department providers and firefighters are a team”! Thank goodness I did my hair that morning!
Our entire relationship started with facebook messenger. Back and forth, back and forth. We liked all the same things. Sadly I had a messy past and was still dealing with some of that. It almost pushed us apart entirely. You can read more about that HERE.
Fast Forward…
Fast forward to January 18, 2018, I’m heading in for another Emergency Department shift. It was a quiet morning. I was paged to one of the trauma bays and walked in to a firefighter on the gurney. It was one of Chris’ friends, whom I knew very well, and he looked like he was struggling to breathe. I was very confused, as typically these types of patients come with a trauma activation and no one was there but me and a nurse. In rushed Chris, who is spitting some story about a house fire and the roof collapsing and there being a smoke inhalation. As quickly as he was there, he rushed off to “update the media”.
I thought it was a joke. Then I thought, “holy crap this is for real”. He had soot on his face and was breathing really fast. I looked at the nurse and said “why isn’t anyone doing anything? Get him on the monitor, start an IV, call the trauma team”! One of the Emergency Medicine residents took over, and another nurse ran in and dragged me out of the trauma bay to update family. I remember saying, “my job isn’t even done, I need to be back in there”.
That’s when I blacked out.
I saw Chris and a bunch of people behind him standing in the hallway in front of me. No one looked worried. People were smiling. I walked towards him slowly, half knowing what was about to happen but the adrenaline still managing my body. I stopped for sanitizer on the way (yes this is on video). That’s when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, in the same exact hallway of the Emergency Department where we met.
It was all a set up, a fake shift, a fake fire, a fake patient, I couldn’t believe it. In fact, I don’t think I believed it until about an hour later. Chris had pulled off the single most impressive act I’ve seen in a county Emergency Department. My bosses were involved, the nurses, he had invited his colleagues, our friends and family, it was EPIC. He had been trying to get me to take this (fake) shift for weeks. I was trying my best to get out of it and even said “no” twice!
The best part outside of being engaged to the love of my life at the end of this charade, was learning that I didn’t have to finish my shift!
I have to be honest, I knew Chris was the one from VERY early on. I don’t really think I believed in love until I met him. He helped me understand that I could be myself AND share that life with another person.
Before you think “this story sounds perfect”, there was a lot in between that was not easy. A doctor-firefighter marriage is not an ideal situation, when it comes to schedules and stress levels. You can read Chris’ experience on being married to medicine HERE. Being intentional is our secret. Intentional in what we do with our free time, who we spend it with (outside of each other), and our “work hard, play hard” way of life.
Who knew that I would find my one, true love in the Emergency Department?
Do you have a crazy story about how you met your significant other? Tell me in the comments!
I have received a ton of messages asking how you can help during this worldwide pandemic. I compiled a quick list of things you can consider, that I KNOW will make a difference.
Donate blood- many areas have a shortage. It is considered an “essential” service so Red Cross locations are open and going to your local Red Cross can really help hospitals/patients in need. Make an appointment HERE.
Order from your favorite local restaurant to support their business, or BONUS- send some of your favorite takeout food to a local hospital. A lot of restaurants are using delivery services like Postmates or Uber Eats, but many are also offering curbside pick up!
I’ve received a lot of questions as to whether or not it is safe to do this. The experts have all said YES, and I agree. I trust that any business will be taking extreme measures to protect their employees and clients/guests. If it’s a restaurant I would visit regularly, I trust them the same with delivery or pick up during this time. Coronavirus can live on objects but it has not been shown to be transmitted through food ingestion, if it were sitting on your food. You could argue that eating out at ANY time comes with a small risk because there are tons of GI bugs out there. I choose to trust that this risk is low, and continue to live and support local businesses.
Emergency Departments and other healthcare operations nationwide would love your food donations at this time. Inside info: sometimes we don’t get breaks, we are almost always hungry on shift, and will eat anything we can find!
Check your supplies for any masks you may have and donate to your local hospital or clinic.
There is a massive shortage on personal protective equipment (PPE) for hospital workers right now. So much so that the CDC is recommending homemade masks if nothing else is available.
Check your garage in case you happen to have some leftover masks from a home project, or if your a clinic worker (dentist, or other provider that isn’t working at this time) consider donating some of your supplies.
If you are based in NYC and have OR need PPE, a follower of mine sent me this helpful link. There are multiple drop off locations throughout the city and the website notes which hospital the PPE will be donated to.
This GoFundMe page will help NYC and Brooklyn healthcare providers purchase more PPE.
Shop for an elderly family or healthcare worker in your neighborhood
The Next Door app and other neighborhood apps are banding together to arrange shopping and delivery for those that are unable to do it for themselves.
Help the kids!
We know that kids receive education at schools, but they also receive meals there. This has presented a challenge for so many families whose children are now home everyday. You can donate to No Kid Hungry here, and First Book here.
Be mindful of how much you buy at grocery stores. This is not the time to hoard.
Hopefully the panic is dying down a bit, but many grocery stores still have lines to get in, as they can only let so many in at a time. Consider those behind you who may also need some of what you’re buying.
Donate to the CDC foundation.
This will always help the cause. The CDC works hard to put out relevant and accurate information as soon as it is available, as well as provide supplies and research.
Stay home.
This part is super important. Not all states are on official “shelter in place” orders. But please pretend that you are. Leave the house only for essential items (groceries, meds, emergencies, work (if it is essential)). You can enjoy the outdoors but do not congregate or get together with anyone outside your household.
Social distancing is key. 6 feet apart from others when in public.
Hopefully this gives you a few options if you are itching to help our country recover from this. If you have any other requests or ideas please send them my way! I am happy to repost, share, educate on any other opportunities that may be available.
I knew I wanted to take Chris somewhere special for his birthday, and Park City seemed to be a natural choice, because this California boy loves the snow! I had been there for my bachelorette party (you can find details on that HERE), but I had never been to ski, and I am SO glad we went.
It was all a surprise for Chris, and he didn’t know until we arrived at Long Beach airport and I gave him his boarding pass. So much fun keeping a level of suspense for your loved one’s birthday!
We stayed at the Marriott Summit Watch and I used Vacation Candy Rentals to book. Park City is NOT cheap in the winter season and I wanted him to have the full Main St experience for his first time visiting. This hotel is half vacation rentals, half hotel, and the location does not disappoint. It’s right on Main St and we were able to walk to all of the cute shops and restaurants.
Our very first stop when we arrived was High West Saloon. Get the burger, you will leave satisfied and happy! We also had the chicken wings and pretzel and they were mouth watering. We ended the night at Alpine Pie Bar, with a large slice of pie and a glass of champagne. It’s this cute little speak easy beneath a restaurant with romantic vibes; highly recommend!
Chris and I are not advanced skiers, so I spent a ton of time researching the best place to ski and came upon Deer Valley. The prices are high but the snow is great and it’s a ski-only mountain that limits the number of lift tickets they sell in a day. I purchased ahead of time and reserved rentals out of Deer Valley Resort. Don’t get me wrong, the skiing was excellent, but the main attraction for me over here was the epic Veuve Cliquot yurt at Montage Deer Valley. This is a pop-up that will only be there until April sadly, and in my opinion is a DO NOT MISS if you’re going to Park City. You can ski in/out for lunch, as it’s only open from 12-4pm daily. Even for novice skiers like ourselves, it was easy to find and there were green runs available to get there.
If you watched my stories, you’ll know that I had a little goggle snafu that I realized only once I got to the Veuve yurt where I was super excited to take photos. I bought a brand new pair of Smith goggles and after only 3 hours of skiing, they left a huge imprint into my forehead. “This happens to everyone”, you’re thinking. Nope… these had the brand name written on the inside. I had the word Smith imprinted into my forehead for HOURS. I even had the goggles on the loosest setting with my helmet. If you zoom in you can see it, I left this photo unedited for your viewing pleasure!
I had to suck it up, it’s not like I’ll ever get back to this yurt! So we drank champagne and ate charcuterie and the most delicious mini sandwiches, while everyone probably questioned my choice in goggles. SO worth it.
I was able to find a new pair of goggles at Deer Valley Resort and they even took my other pair back, which was very validating! In fact, the lady working there bluntly said, “I am mortified for you”! I knew I wasn’t overreacting! In the mean time I found a headband to cover my Smith forehead branding and we headed to the St. Regis for a little après ski action. This property is special because you have to take a funicular from the slopes to get up to the main part of the hotel. They have a tradition everyday at 530pm where they saber a bottle of champagne on the beautiful terrace overlooking Deer Valley and hand out free champagne to their guests. We stayed for dinner at Brasserie 7452 and ended the evening with s’mores cheesecake and hot cocoa. Don’t worry, I found a headband to cover up my Smith goggle branding.
On Chris’ birthday we had an epic morning dog sledding at North Forty Escapes. What we didn’t realize was how far the ranch was from Park City! We didn’t rent a car on this trip, so we used Uber or Lyft which was super easy, except for when you have no cell service and are in the middle of no where! We were thankfully able to arrange for our Uber driver who took us out there, to meet us when we were done and bring us back, but definitely something to think about if you ever plan for an activity like this.
The dog sledding experience was SO cool. The Utah countryside is so beautiful and serene and the dogs were super friendly. The tour was about an hour and there was plenty of time for petting the pups and taking photos.
After our breathtaking morning with nature I wanted to surprise Chris with a little luxury so we hit the Montage Deer Valley spa for a massage. I’ve been to other spas in Park City and this one was by far my favorite. There’s a giant indoor heated pool and hot tub, in addition to the separate locker room jacuzzi, steam room, and saunas. I splurged on a 90 min couples’ massage and we both agreed it was one of, if not the best, massages we’ve ever had.
We sipped aperol spritzes and listened to the live music in the great room after the spa, and Montage has the cutest s’mores bar out on the terrace everyday at 430pm, complete with hot chocolate!
We had to make a quick stop on our way home before dinner, at Windy Ridge Bakery, for Chris’ birthday cake. If you know us, you know that Chris LOVES sweets, and every year I order him a cake with a personalized message on it. Usually it’s a phrase that he overuses and makes me laugh… this year I chose “38… What is happening?”. When I went to pick up the cake the owner broke the news to me, that the pastry chefs were both out sick and they couldn’t write on the cake. I asked if she could just do it real quick, because honestly I didn’t care what it looked like! She said no… but asked if I wanted to do it. So there I was, with zero baking experience, writing on my own husband’s cake! It was quite the memory, and of course he didn’t care, he ate the whole thing anyways! The cake was german chocolate and YOU GUYS, it was amazing.
We ate at 350 Main for dinner which was such a cute environment and offered delicious food. Our original plan was to eat at Tupelo for his birthday dinner but they called us literally <24 hours before our reservation, cancelled for no reason, and were very inappropriate in dealing with the situation. Have to admit, they are 100% on my shit list at this point!
I had a TON of recommendations from you all about a breakfast spot called Five5eeds, so we headed there for brunch on Saturday. It’s a health conscious spot that I could totally see here in Orange County. We worked off our brunch with some walking and shopping on Main Street (Cake boutique was one of my faves), and we had the pleasure of taking photos with Amelia Blaire in the afternoon. Amelia is SO fun and captured our Park City memories perfectly. I always like when a photographer can get me to loosen up and have fun, while directing me towards what looks cute. Let’s be honest… I am not a model! I need direction!
If you’re an Italian fan, go to Grappa for a cute, romantic environment and some BOMB Italian food. We also spent a few minutes at The Cabin for drinks after a recommendation and they were craft cocktails like no other.
We chose a late flight out of Park City on Sunday and had to check out of our hotel early, so we spent the entire day at Stein Eriksen where we stayed cozy in the lodge and ate THE BEST all-you-can-eat brunch. I’m telling you, it’s amazing. Plus the views are that of the best Deer Valley ski runs so we had fun recapping our day on the mountain.
Chris and I left Park City talking about how much we can’t wait to go back. We only skied one day, because we had so many other plans, so next time we will definitely be spending more time on the mountain. There’s just something to be said for a vacation in the snow, bundled up and trekking through the snow during the day, all cozied up by the fire at night, hot toddies, delicious warm comfort food, and your best friend!
Have you been to Park City? Share your favorite places with me!
Life can be overwhelming with tasks and to-dos, especially if you’re a career woman, a wife, a mom, a student, or even a dog-mom like me! If you feel as if you’re never actually getting anything done and your wheels are constantly spinning, then you’re not alone.
I thought I was busy during my undergrad and then med school came around. That was a level I didn’t think I could handle but I got really great at prioritizing and making the most of my time really quickly. Quality over quantity anyway! Now I’m balancing full time work as an independently contracted ER doctor, my personal brand and blog, wifely duties and dog-mom status. I definitely have a lot of systems in place to make sure our regular schedules run smoothly. AND don’t worry I have plenty of time for rest and fun. But this did not come easily, in fact, I’m still working on fine tuning the process to avoid palpitations and last minute worry. The question remains, are you prioritizing your tasks correctly?
Make a Plan
All goal setting and prioritizing starts with a plan, you have to set out and declare to yourself what you want to get done and when you want it to be done by. I usually start by doing a brain dump and jotting down everything that I need to get done in the next little while. These tasks can be big or small – they just can’t be forgotten about.
To-Do Lists
I don’t love this as a (daily) strategy because it can lead to a never-ending list that stresses me out. No one crosses off everything in one day. In my opinion to-do lists are better used for that brain dump, then reorganized into more manageable chunks. A to-do list is a great tool to remembering those things that you know you’ll otherwise forget but don’t put the pressure on yourself to complete it in one day or week.
A Planner
Putting a hard deadline on things can help, especially if you’re going old school and writing it down in a hard planner. If it’s a goal or aspiration, putting a hard deadline on it can be stressful and sometimes impossible. I recommend taking your to-do list, then looking at your week in your planner and putting in those tasks where appropriate. Prioritize the more urgent and difficult tasks for the beginning of the week and go from there. Like I said above, the to-do list is great for remembering everything but the planner can help you break that down and allow you to see realistically how many hours these things will take. This is SO important.
The planner can help you with your big goals too! Look at your goal – maybe you want to accomplish it in the next 6 months – break down the tasks that you need to complete to achieve that goal. Rachel Hollis likes to call this “goal posts”. Break down monthly tasks, then even more into weekly tasks, and then into daily tasks. Suddenly, that hard deadline becomes much more manageable when you know you can do little things by the day (or hour) to work towards that goal.
Calendar
I love buying a beautiful wall calendar at the start of every year, and then I keep it in a central location for Chris and I to reference as we go. Family events, trips, and our shared plans go on there. Or, if there’s a week where one of us has an intense deadline, that goes in there too so that we know to respect each other’s time and space. Even a shared Google calendar can serve as a solution for this if you prefer to have things on your phone! But I’ll be honest, I prefer an old-school, hard copy!
Distractions
Distractions will create set backs when it comes to achieving the tasks that you’ve prioritized. More often than not, those distractions come from our phones, our environment and maybe even the fridge. Your environment an important factor. If you need to take time to study, write, or work on a computer, where are you sitting? Do you have a dedicated space or are you in the busy kitchen while others from the household are all around you? Do you work better with the background noise of a cafe or in a quiet library with little movement around you? Your dedicated space doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy, it just has to be a place where you can commit to being distraction-free. Also, have your phone on airplane mode (or at least do not disturb) in another room, it’ll work WONDERS for your productivity if you can bring yourself to do it! Let me be real with you… productive people are NOT instagramming their productivity as they go! Put down the phone, the story of your IG-worthy study or productive space is not as important as actually BEING productive.
Wasting Time
This might be a hard pill to swallow, but saying “yes” to things that you don’t really want to do does nothing for your productivity. In fact you might just be contributing to someone elses to-do list. Do you ever get that feeling in the pit in your stomach when you’ve said yes to something that you don’t really want to do? Your gut is literally reminding you that this was never a priority but now you’re stuck. This can apply to a lot of different areas but a particularly hard one is when it comes to spending time with a friend or family member. If you know you’d rather use that time to work on other things you have going on that’s okay! Don’t feel bad, it’s okay to step back and let yourself be focused on your goals.
What Do YOU Want?
When it comes to meeting your goals whether that’s getting good grades, or working on a side hustle, ask yourself what you really want. Be honest with yourself and go get it. If it scares you and makes you SUPER excited all at once, you’re probably on the right path! But sometimes the motivation doesn’t come easily. If you don’t know your WHY, you might not be able to prioritize the tasks that will move you toward your goals. When procrastination creeps in, or motivation is low, try silencing out the world around you and really take time to remind yourself what you want to do and where you want to be. Pro tip: you do not have to want something just because it’s “the thing to do”, or what all the other med students or bloggers are doing. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF. What do you want and WHY do you want it?
Make the Change
Sometimes a little change or new habit can go a long way for productivity. Start with doing a little inventory on your habits; your workspace, where your phone is, what time you get to work at, how you sleep at night, even how you’re fueling your body! Plan some actionable steps for change where it makes sense and feels good. Small changes will add up to help you feel more confident and prioritize the work that you want to do. A big change that you can make – and possibly the scariest – involves considering who you’re surrounding yourself with. Are they respectful of the goals that you’ve set for yourself and are they understanding of your priorities? If not, you might need to make a change in your circle, which is so hard but can be very liberating!
All these tips, tricks, and tidbits are always easier written in a blog post than put into action in real life, I get that. But of course I want you to achieve those big goals of yours and ultimately get shit done! Use one, or a few of these tips to slowly begin to up your productivity game. Success is out there for you to grab onto! Don’t let old habits and current circumstances deter you from that. This is your life, girl! Go out and give it your all.
Happy February, everyone! I love this time of the year so much. It’s heart month, Chris’ birthday month and of course, Valentine’s Day is coming up so there’s an extra dose of love in the air! Whether it’s loving on your significant other a little more, your family, or just showing yourself some extra love this month, be sure to make time for those who mean the most.
Chocolate Love
I thought it would be fitting to write about one of my deepest loves this month, chocolate. I have no regrets incorporating sweets into my diet every now and then. I think at this point in the winter months – regardless of where you live – it’s nice to just indulge a little bit more on things that make your taste buds and soul feel good! I’m here to encourage your chocolate habits but also to give you a quick reminder from the doctor side of me, enjoy everything in moderation.
The Benefits of Chocolate
We probably all know this to be true; dark chocolate is one of the best options out there in terms of sweet treats that stay in line with your health. The darker you go, the better it is for you. I suggest looking at bars that are 70% cacao or higher. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants – specifically flavonoids, and so much more! It actually contains more antioxidants than both green tea or red wine— Bonus!
What Are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables but also in wine, tea, and you guessed it, chocolate! Chocolate specifically contains a type of flavonoid called Flavan-3-ols, which are very high in nutritional value. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant that help your body defend against harmful molecules that can be introduced in various ways like through stress, and just everyday living. Your body does produce antioxidants naturally, but chocolate is a tasty way to get bonus amounts into your system. Antioxidants help fight against things like inflammation, which is caused by germs, allergens, and other toxic irritants that trigger these reactions.
Happy Brain
Dark chocolate and specifically, cacao, can help boost your mood! Research found that when participants consumed 48 grams of organic chocolate that contained 70% cacao, it increased neuroplasticity in the brain. This can help with mood, cognitive function, and memory. The perfect excuse to eat some chocolate while you study!
Other Benefits
Heart Health
In moderation, dark chocolate can help improve your blood flow and help lower blood pressure. In addition, it’s convenient that we’re celebrating heart month because dark chocolate can also help raise HDL – which is the good cholesterol, but also prevents oxidation in LDL – which is the bad cholesterol. Plus, it can aid in reducing insulin resistance which helps with heart disease and diabetes.
Weight Control
As mentioned above, dark chocolate can help stabilize insulin which stabilizes blood sugar and helps manage appetite. Both of these results can lead to added weight control if that’s a goal you’re trying to achieve. Plus, it improves glucose metabolism, which will also help with weight control and prevent the onset of diabetes.
Glowy Skin
As if this list of benefits can get any better! There are many nutrients in dark chocolate that also benefit your skin and complexion. Some of those include manganese, which supports the production of collagen and helps keep your skin looking young and fresh. Then calcium, which helps repair and renew, and is so essential because our skin is constantly turning over. Lastly, the high levels of antioxidants in darker chocolate can help protect our skin against harmful UV rays from the sun.
Moderation, Moderation, Moderation
This list is seriously impressive, but remember, moderation still matters. I am not giving you the green light to go consume all the mocha frappucinos. I mean, if you want to, go for it, but don’t expect these results! It is recommended that you stick to 1-2 oz of dark chocolate daily. Remember it is ideal to keep it at 70% cacao or darker! If the taste is a little too bitter for you, I love to break up some pieces with some nuts or berries and enjoy them together. Keep in mind that dark chocolate is high in calories and fat, again, not always a bad thing but if that’s on your radar, it’s good to know.
My Favorites
Alright, I’ve broken down all the info, now let’s dive into some of my favorite dark chocolate treats. I honestly love the classic glass of wine and a piece of chocolate pairing after a long shift when I need to wind down a little bit so I’ve definitely found my favorites over the years!
See’s Candy
I wrote about See’s in my last newsletter and I’m just such a fan. They offer the Classic Red Heart boxes of chocolate right in time for Valentine’s Day but also have one specifically for dark chocolate lovers!
Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight Bar
This beauty sits at 72% cacao. Chocolate has flavor notes, almost like coffee or wine, and I find that this one has a deep roasted flavor, with notes of coffee. It pairs so well with an espresso or black coffee during that midday pick-me-up!
Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Intense Dark Bar
Lindt is such a staple and classic in any grocery store. I find their dark chocolate to be the perfect level of creaminess. If you’re new to incorporating dark chocolate into your life, don’t worry! It’s an acquired taste! I would recommend this Lindt Excellence bar as the perfect first place to start.
There you have it! A great way to kick of this month of love with some extra heart health tips and a way to indulge in delicious types of chocolate. What are your favorite dark chocolate go-tos? I’ll take any excuse to try more!
How to Get Started as a Personal Brand on Social Media
Where it All Began
Remember back in the good ol’ days when Instagram was easy and fun and you simply posted photos and the followers rolled in? When the timeline on Instagram was chronological and the algorithm didn’t exist?! Or, maybe it did and we just didn’t care. Either way, it was a glorious time. I can’t believe how much has changed in the world of Instagram since I first started my account in 2015. I remember I had set out to share my knowledge and educate people on health-related topics. I was sharing about things I was excited about and honestly didn’t really care if people saw it or not, I just liked sharing!
At first, I thought I knew who my audience would be and what they’d look like, but in reality, my audience chose me. As I said, when I first started my account, it was mostly for fun but my account grew really fast in followers and I found that a lot of students and healthcare professionals who preferred lifestyle content were drawn to what I had to say. I also started by following a ton of people in my field – anyone who was interesting to me. I commented on their posts, liked their content, and engaged with them for hours. Once I saw the potential for growth I got hungry to share my blog, I tried to get my name and platform in front of as many people as possible without being annoying.
Now blogging is my second job along with being an ER doc. I love the creative outlet and partnering with brands when they are a perfect fit so I can share cool products and services with my audience. I can’t wait to expand even more this year!
Tips from a Pro
I invited my friend and colleague Johanna (@johhhanna on the ‘gram) to help me explain the value of social media, an online presence and of course the potential of a personal brand. Johanna has built her career helping other influencers, entrepreneurs and bloggers do just that and I couldn’t think of anyone better for the job. Please enjoy her sage advice:
Hi friends! As Cassie mentioned I’m Johanna but you can call me Jo. I’m an influencer coach, and personal branding expert currently living in beautiful Bali. I’m pumped to be here giving you some easy tips and tricks to start your personal brand and crush the social media scene. Now is just as good a time to invest time in social media as it was in 2015. Social media has evolved a lot but it’s still a very new industry! The potential for Influencers (of all follower numbers) is amazing right now if you know what you’re doing 😉 Let’s dive in.
Identify Your Why and Brand
First off, you need to consider why you’re actually interested in being involved in social media and using it as another stream of income. Do you have a freelance business? Are you a business owner? Are you interested in sharing beauty/lifestyle/fitness as a blogger? Whatever it is, get crystal clear on your purpose for Instagram and set some goals.
From the perspective of being an Infulencer are there certain brands that you’d love to work with down the line? Does your brand align with theirs? What type of social media accounts are their clients currently following? Are you a fit? Sometimes, you need to think about this stuff from the top down. You should definitely be sharing about those brands organically right now!
Be All In
In order to make moves in this space as an Influencer you need to be all in. They aren’t kidding when they say that in 2020, social media is like a second job. Plus, the saturation is no joke. This doesn’t mean that there’s no room for you, it just means that you’re going to need to stand out and continue to show up in an authentic way. Make sure that you’re being consistent in your posting. I know that we don’t all have the time and luxury to sit and post on Instagram all day long, but there are a lot of great scheduling apps and tools to get you going. I’m a huge proponent of batching content! Grab a friend and spend your Saturday morning shooting 6-8+ different looks so you can have a stock on content. When it comes to actually posting be sure to be adding value for your audience. Pretty pictures of you are cute, but it’s better for your audience and your growth when you can educate, inspire, inform, or entertain them while their scrolling. Go back to your WHY and make sure your posts are translating that why to your audience!
Diversify Platforms
Being an Influencer sounds like a glamorous job, paid to post on Instagram? Heck ya! But it’s a total labor of love, especially in the beginning. There is a ton of content creation that goes into Instagram alone but the thing is, you don’t own your Instagram followers. When the algorithm changes, or if your account were to ever be compromised it’s basically too-bad-so-sad. I’ve had clients with over 150K followers have their accounts hacked and wait WEEKS to hear back from Instagram.
As an Influencer or personal brand you don’t want all your eggs in the Instagram basket. I recommend branching out with a blog and/or newsletter. Again, choose what’s realistic. From a brand collab perspective I’d say brands prefer the Influencer who also has a blog. It’s an opportunity for you to offer the brand additional deliverables ie. sell them an Instagram post but also a blog post. Plus you are then providing back links to their website, which is valuable in the google language of SEO (search engine optimization). However an email list is super valuable if/when you decide to create a product to sell to your audience. With email YOU decide exactly when you show up in someone’s inbox, it’s not up to any algorithm.
Let’s talk about blogs and newsletters in a bit more detail.
The Value of Having A Blog As An Influencer
I always enjoyed telling stories and casual writing, so blogging was a no brainer for me. We live in a time where most audiences are really visual. You don’t NEED photos on your blog but it helps make your content more enticing. Plus, those are images that can be repurposed on Instagram. Regardless of what you’re blogging about shoot for 800-1200 words per post, keep it valuable with advice, stories and tips and use headers to help guide your audience through the content. Having a blog is a great way for your platform to be shared on Pinterest and it’s a great place to write more long form content because sometimes an Instagram caption just doesn’t cut it. Blogging also allows you to build up your own reputation as an expert in your industry. The more your name is tied to the topics you write about online the higher you will begin to ‘rank’ on google when people are searching for your niche. You can check out my own blog post here that tells you step by step tips to create a quality blog post.
The Value of Having An Emailing List As An Influencer
If you’re going to have a blog, website and any sort of social media presence, the next step is for sure a mailing list. If you KNOW you won’t blog consistently start an email list first. Like I mentioned, imagine the seemingly impossible happens: Zuckerberg decides to shut down Instagram and Facebook one day. Where is your audience going to be?! Your email list will always be with you if all else fails. Plus, it’s a more direct way to get in front of your audience on a weekly basis!
But how do you get people to sign up? And what do you email them?
For Influencers I recommend creating fun freebies or tip sheets to exchange with your audience in exchange for their emails. When it comes to sending out emails I suggest have a weekly or bi-weekly newsletter with topics such as music or podcasts you love, a life update, a content recap, some exclusive content (only for subscribers) and current favs – this also provides an opportunity to link affiliate/commision products from RewardStyle or Amazon Affiliates and make some extra cash. For more tips on how to get started, check out this blog post.
Commit to It, Own it
I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with too much info!! I could seriously talk about this stuff allllll day. If you know that you have valuable content to bring to the table or you just have something you’re passionate about sharing then don’t hold back! But before anything else, take the time to get clear on what your personal brand is, decide what platforms you want to use to showcase that knowledge and consistently show up for your audience!
Take it one step at a time and be intentional with your efforts. Good luck! I can’t wait to see you out there!
xx,
Jo
Johanna has a FREE 3 part video training series for Influencers which you can grab here! It’s packed with more tips and super helpful information for how to get seen by more brands, how to increase your engagement rate, and how to get paid more by brands. All tips I’m applying on the regular!
Thanks again to Johanna for all the info! Make sure to check her out on Instagram too!
Choosing The Perfect Everyday Bag and What I Keep In Mine
I think there’s real merit to owning that “perfect bag”. The one that fits everything you need in a day and has the perfect amount of pockets and space for all of your things. One to haul all of your stuff around campus, work, or wherever you’re going in a day. The perfect bag also aids in the mindset of “look good, feel good”, for me anyway! If you’re using it every single day, then you might as well splurge on the one bag that will last!
There are a few key features that I look for when shopping for the perfect work/life/school bag.
Comfort
This isn’t 2004, we aren’t 1 strapping it down the high school hallways with a backpack full of books pulling our spines out of alignment. We want comfort! I tend to haul around a good amount of stuff on the day to day and I want to be comfortable (and look cute) while doing it. So step one when picking a bag is comfort. Is it a backpack style, or a shoulder strap? Make sure the shoulder strap feels good for you and consider how long the bag hangs on your side. Trust me, if you’re a shorter girl this matters, you don’t want the bag swinging into your knee-caps while you’re walking!
Material/Durability
A higher price often reflects better durability but you never know, so feel out the quality of the bag to make sure it’s going to hold up. Where are you taking this bag? Will it get dirty? Do you need to be able to fit it in smaller places like a locker? Leather can crease, but saude is sensitive. If the bag has too much structure it might not fit into a locker, but if it’s too soft your stuff won’t compartmentalize inside very well!
Size
Speaking of stuff. Keep it REAL with what size of bag you need. I love cute small purses but I can never fit everything I actually want to bring with me. If you’re choosing a bigger bag for day-to-day maybe this bag will also act as a carry-on when you travel in which case it better fit my book, a snack and a neck pillow as well.
Style
Get creative and see how you can combine fashion and function into what you want. I recommend sticking to a neutral color like brown, navy, or black which will be good for the whole year and match almost any outfit.
Cost
And of course we are considering the price. Bags can get really expensive but think about it, would you rather spend a little more and have it last you a few years or spend less and have to replace it more often? Plus you’re using it DAILY. I’m a huge advocate of investing in high quality items like clothing, bags, furniture etc. that I know will last me years. Honestly, if a bag is something that you need to save up for, that’s okay! I believe it’s an investment that will be worth it in the end.
My Bag of Choice
Everyone is different, but I’m the type of person who has two bags: one for work and one that’s a little more fashionable for ‘everyday’ use. For work, I use the large Le Pliage tote by Longchamp. Yes, this was a bit of an investment as far a tote bags go but I love it because it’s durable, simple and cute. I like that there’s no strap but the handles are long enough for me to toss it over my shoulder. It holds everything that I need for my day and has a zipper to ensure that everything is secure inside. What’s really awesome about these bags is that if I’m not using it or want to bring it as an extra wardrobe option on a trip, it folds right up! I can toss it in my luggage and bring it with me wherever I’m going.
In the Le Pliage tote is where I keep everything that I need for work. This includes work essentials like my badge, stethoscope, pens, trauma shears, and note cards. But there’s also plenty of room for everyday essentials like sunglasses, floss picks, gum, toothpaste and a toothbrush, some healthy snacks, headphones, chapstick, body spray, lotion, and tea. No matter how long my shift is, everything I could possibly need is found in my Le Pliage.
For everyday/personal life, I use a Big Black Bag to haul my life essentials around with me whether I’m running errands or off to a lunch date with friends. I like having the classic, female “bag that holds everything” rather than constantly switching purses and bags when I’m in a rush to head out.
Disclaimer: I have a bag problem, so you guys probably already know I have a few choices in my bag closet. But this one is my easy go-to.
Here, I keep my essential accessories like sunglasses, extra hair ties, concealers, lip gloss, chapstick and of course, my wallet (which is basically a clutch bag in itself), phone, and keys. But you’ll also find hand sanitizer – especially during cold and flu season – a Tide-to-Go pen (come on, none of us are perfect), body lotion, as well as my OTC meds. There are doubles of some things between my two bags but as I said, I’d rather be able to grab the bag when I’m rushing out the door, rather than switching items back and forth. The only things that switch back and forth between each bag are my keys, wallet, and phone.
Safe to say my baggage situation is locked down and organized! At the end of the day I’d recommend investing in a good bag that you love, that holds everything you need and goes with any outfit.
Can you believe it?! We’ve almost come to the end of another year! I love the end of December because, well the holiday time is filled with so much love and joy, but also because it’s the best time of the year to reflect on how far we’ve come. This is the time of year to dig deep into the good, the bad, and the in-between of the last 360-ish days. Then, we get to experience a “fresh start” in the New Year!
The reality is, we can experience a fresh start whenever we want, but there’s something about the new year that makes it so much grander. When I think about reflection and goal setting I get a bit overwhelmed. I barely remember what I did last week let alone in January of this year so I decided to break it down into manageable chunks; questions I can ask myself to help facilitate this process! If you’re like me and don’t even know where to begin when it comes to moving into 2020, I’ve broken down some tips to help you!
Recap the Good
First thing, identify your big wins! What experiences or accomplishments took place this year. The obviously stand out moments, maybe an event, graduation or career change (it’s okay if there are none!). Then move into the small wins, what went well for you this year? What area of your life evolved in a positive direction – think career, relationships, personal development. Maybe you scored the perfect winter coat for a good deal; it doesn’t need to be a super significant thing! Noticing what comes to mind will also show you what moments stood out for you this year. Browsing back through your calendar/planner can be a helpful reminder.
This year, the good was SO good for us and we are both extremely grateful. We went on our big Europe trip which was an absolute dream! I also had the opportunity to become a partner at my work and continue to grow professionally. I was on a billboard for FIGS in Times Square in New York which is kind of a big deal! I still can’t believe that happened lol. Chris and I also bought and moved into our dream home which has been a really rewarding project. Thanksgiving in Michigan was also a very standout weekend with the fam. Needless to say it’s been a great year and I can especially say that, after taking time to reflect on it, I can really see how amazing it has been!
Recap the Bad
I know, it’s the thing no one wants to do, but it helps us to be better for 2020! Plus as you were trying to think of the good I have a suspicion the bad stuff was bubbling up. Rest knowing that it’s already in the past! Don’t reflect in regret or anger, or shame or guilt, instead just identify what you learned along the way and how you can course correct in the New Year and take different action as you plan to tackle all of your dreams. There might be some things that you need to intentionally avoid, some self sabotaging thoughts that need to be tossed out the door, or people in your life that are bringing you down and you need to let go. We all have different versions of anchors that are weighing us down without even knowing, and this is an excellent time to reflect on that.
I found that I sometimes avoid my goals, even though I had plans to expand my brand, I let myself get paralyzed by imposter syndrome and I get worried that I’m not ‘ready for this’. Even though I’m already doing it everyday and you’re all here! I wrote a blog post about Imposter Syndrome recently which has more of my full thoughts and tips.
I also found that I haven’t scheduled enough “true” downtime. Yes, Chris and I spent a lot of time traveling, and while the hustle and bustle of exploring new places is fun and inspiring it’s not necessarily restful. This coming year, I’m aiming to schedule more time with myself and truly resting. Staycations over plane rides, and quiet days once every other week minimum. To be transparent, I’m not sure what I’ll do to make this happen, but it needs to happen! I’m thinking I’ll look at my monthly schedule and lock down some catch-up days (which we know we all need), but then also some full rest days and make them non-negotiable!
Plan for the Future
I’m sure you’ve read it a million times already but Start. Planning. For. 2020! And not just Jan 1 but the whole year. I think that there’s something magical about the fact that we’re heading into a new decade. Use this time to reflect on the last year or ten, appreciate how far you’ve come, then turn around and crush the next ten!
Goal Setting
No plan will move forward without some tangible and measurable goals! Dig deep into what you want to do this year, the things you want to achieve and who you want to become! From there, we can ask, “What do I need to do today to get me to XYZ?”. Get as specific as possible when writing your goals and make sure they are attainable but still challenge you. Finally, what measurable milestones do you have? If your goal is to start a blog what are the steps leading up to the launch? List out your steps and then create a timeline.
What is it they say, “A goal is just a dream with a deadline” – don’t quote me on that, I’m not sure who said it. But, if you’re planning to set goals, then they need to be realistic. If your goals are really broad, try breaking them down into quarterly steps which will make them more attainable.
List Your Wildest Dreams
What wild thing – or things – do you want to accomplish this year? WRITE THEM DOWN! I think our brain/mind/ego whatever you want to call it immediately blocks us from dreaming super big because we are scared of failure. But no one needs to know about your big ambitions and perhaps if you are feeling doubt or you think others would doubt you then perhaps we are all simply thinking too small. Anything is possible for you if you are willing to go out a work for it! There is so much power in putting pen to paper, this is one of the best ways to manifest your goals and dreams into real life in my opinion. That and shouting it from the mountain tops can keep you really accountable. Give your wildest dreams a place in your day planner or journal, then they are always in the front of your mind.
Find Your Tribe
Identify who is going to help you achieve these goals along the way. Who are you excited to spend your energy and time with this year? Who can support you and who are you excited to support? Maybe it’s your partner, or friends, perhaps it’s your mom. Regardless, find the people that are in your corner and those who are here to help you every step of the way!
Cutting people out of our life is hard, even when we know it’s completely necessary. Maybe you have the friend you’ve known your entire life that is just so negative, the college friend who just hasn’t grown up, the family member who doesn’t support you whatsoever. I get that cutting someone off is way easier said than done, all we can do is limit the time we spend with them, redirect conversation when possible and at the end of the day remember not to take negativity personally and also know you are not responsible for other adults’ lives.
Invest in a Planner
Whether it’s the Google Calendar app on your phone or an old school physical day planner, make sure you have something to write down these dreams, deadlines, and plans. It does not need to be fancy or cost $100; just a practical item that you can carry around and refer to to record your deadlines and appointments. Popular brands include Passion Planner,Best Self Co. and one of my favorites, Sugar Paper.
There’s no perfect way to plan for the new year but I do think reflection and setting new intentions is important and super valuable! I hope that this list can help you get started. Reflect, show gratitude, see how you can improve, and create a detailed plan to make it happen!
Need a last minute gift for the medical professional in your life? Check out my gift guide centered around the nurse, doctor, or student in your life! I’ll be honest, I own most of these products and can speak to their usefulness in my busy life at work!
Order STAT, there’s still time to have them shipped before Christmas!
After Chris and I moved into our new home this year I knew I wanted to host guests more. No matter the time of year, I love welcoming friends, enjoying food together and sitting around and chatting. During Christmas, there’s just something even more magical about this! Chris and I hosted his work colleagues recently and had SO much fun! They’re a fun crew that we get along really well with, so it was a treat to have them all over before the ‘real’ Christmas madness set in. I think having a Christmas dinner well before Christmas contributed a lot to the success of the evening. The earlier you host your event the better the chances people will actually be able to come. I’ve laid out some of my top tips and tricks when it comes to hosting during the holidays!
Smaller ombré tree linked here. We have a 7.5ft version and you can find that here. They also have black and gold! Cozy plush rug here.
Where To Host A Holiday Event
Just because you’re “hosting,” doesn’t mean it needs to be in your home! I’m sure there are a lot of great places in your town or city to host an event. It’s all really up to you and the space that you have!
In-Home
Luckily we now have the space to host a larger crowd of people, so we decided to take that route! Plus, it gave me the excuse to decorate extra! Yay! It’s nice to be able to have control over the evening and event and not have to drive home or find a ride at the end of the night. Legitimately a big perk is rolling into bed after a night with friends, and dealing with the mess the next morning! Yes, it’s a lot of work with the clean up before and after, but it’s really rewarding at the same time.
Depending on your situation and the number of people that you’re inviting, it might be worthwhile to check out restaurants in your city who can accommodate you. Some places have separate dining rooms or tucked away event rooms to host a more intimate gathering. If you truly are hosting this might end up costing you a lot more. Communicate to the guests who is flipping the bill. Sometimes a restaurant will suggest a set menu which usually means the food is coming out faster but also means you have to individually check on everyone’s food restrictions. Overall the restaurant experience can be great – no prep, clean up, or other hassles. Just show up and enjoy!
Hotel
If you’re planning on hosting an even larger holiday party, renting out space at a hotel could be your best option. Whether that’s a formal dining room or an even larger banquet hall. It’ll provide you with the time and space to invite as many people as you’d like and leave all the catering and finer details to the staff there. I can’t say I have a lot, or any, experience hosting an event this big but I can imagine you want to make sure you’re booking your date and sending invites well in advance, especially if the event is during the holidays!
Planning Food When Hosting a Holiday Event
When you decide to host in your home, there are a lot of different ways that you can choose to feed your guests! You can go full on homemaker and prep for days, encourage guests to bring their own dish or outsource and get it catered! It truly depends on your budget and what’s best for you!
Catering
Chris and I decided to use our good friends Taylor and Mike De Costa, also known as Taylor Made Cuisine for our gathering. They are a boutique catering company that is sure to impress. We found that they were actually a really affordable catering option and they provided us with the menu options that we were most excited about.
The best part about some catering services, is that they can take care of actually serving your guests and even making sure the kitchen is clean when they leave! We had the food delivered without the serving staff, since our gathering was small, but you can choose either option with catering companies, typically. We didn’t feel as much pressure surrounding the food because we knew it would be good and be delivered warm. It made the evening that much more enjoyable!
Homemade
Putting in the work to make the food on your own is admirable! But even if you’re an excellent chef (which, I’m sure you are!), it’s a lot to do. Depending on what you want to make, it might take either all day or even several days to make everything! Then when it’s time to serve your guests, you’ll want to ensure that everything is warm enough and coordinate what time the different dishes will be ready.
If you’re going to go the do-it-yourself route, you’ll definitely save money (but IMO time=money sometimes)! Be sure to look over all of your recipes and dish choices a week in advance so you can prep your master grocery list and ensure that you know the schedule that you need to make yourself!
Potluck Style
Everyone loves a good potluck! If you’re hosting friends around the holidays, this is such a fun and tasty option! If we do a potluck, we make sure to send out a sign up sheet beforehand so that we know all bases are covered. We’ll also take on the task of providing the meat and then asking our guests to bring salads, appetizers, sides, and desserts! It’s so much fun!
Prepping Drinks/Alcohol For Your Holiday Event
Of course no good adult party comes without a few flowing drinks. We want to make sure that we’re keeping our guests hydrated (and maybe a little rosy) while they’re over! Chris and I are really into craft alcohol and love making semi-advanced cocktails at home. Basically we’re willing to go beyond a spirit + soda blend but we aren’t lighting drinks on fire or using more than like 6 ingredients.
Serve Yourself
I usually love to set up our bar cart or different “stations” for beverages. It’s a fun way for people to decide for themselves. Often, there’s a cooler filled with beer or anything that comes in a can. Depending on your guests, you can also have a separate cooler filled with pop or La Croix. Our bar cart will have more hard alcohol choices with mix and ice and then have another space for wine. These different spaces make it easier to have stations and ensure that everyone is not huddling around one surface.
Hire a Bartender
Chris and I splurged on this for our guests this year, and it was a game-changer! Hiring a bartender, and the catering, ensured we had time to spend with our guests and enjoy time together. Because of this, we got to craft themed cocktails, and it was so fun! Our friend, Andrew Unke, dreamed up our themed cocktails and brought them to life (and he DID use fire)! He made a delicious Hot Toddy and a Cranberry-spiced pear martini as well as a Holiday old fashioned! They were so delicious and definitely brought a nice holiday flare to our event!
Entertainment When Hosting
It’s fun to help all of that food digest with a few games! Nothing too active, but still something to bring the group together. The White Elephant Game is one of my favorites around the holidays because it goes hand in hand with the spirit of the season! Set a dollar amount limit for your guests to spend on and decide ahead of time whether it’s supposed to be a silly present or something that anyone would enjoy! This game is so much fun and a great way to get some friendly competition and suspense going! We decided to do a $25 limit and encourage practical gifts (not silly). Chris ended up with a pair of athletic underwear (with a giant lion face I might add, so kind of silly but an inside firehouse joke) for Chris and I got a movie-themed gift with candy, popcorn and movie tickets. The high-in-demand gift that everyone was chasing was a set of flavored coffee syrups with mug.
Other great games ideas for after dinner is a scavenger hunt throughout the house or whatever space you’ve decided to host your event in! If you’re looking for something more laid back, bring along fun games like Jenga, Forbidden Words, or What Do You Meme – that one has been a favorite for Chris and me this year!
Have Fun Decorating
I said it above, I’m so happy to host because it means I get to add a little extra holiday flair to our home and especially our dining table! I kept it pretty minimalist, crafty chic this time! I used a lot of pine cones and garland to give our space a bit more of a woodsy, cozy feel. My go-to company for personalized decor is For Your Party. I used this brand for my bridal shower and they never disappoint. Personalized napkins, cups, and favors are a MUST for me. It always puts a nice little touch on any event you are hosting and they have a TON of options on their website.
I also love to decorate our front porch as you might know from Instagram. I think it creates a welcoming vibe for us to come home to on the day-to-day but also from the moment that our guests step onto our property! First impressions are important! I decorated our porch with poinsettias, garland, and a few other touches!
There are SO many decor themes to choose from around this time, it’s not just all red and green. Target and Michael’s have some beautiful stuff and they are easier on the wallet. Even the dollar store can be a great place to buy an inexpensive plain vase or other little pieces to add here and there!
No matter what your plans are for hosting this holiday season, there are a lot of different ways to execute the perfect holiday get together. After hosting our first dinner in the new home I’m thinking hiring a caterer will be pretty popular for us moving forward. Have fun making YOUR event entirely your own! These are just some of the best tips and tricks that I’ve come up with and will be sure to use for years to come! Let me know how your holiday hosting goes by tagging me on Instagram. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Get ready, get set! The Holiday season is upon us. If you do the math, November 28th – January 1st (or, arguably, November 26th until January 2nd) is over a month of holidays! While it’s such a wonderful time, a time to give thanks, be with family, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a good meal or two (or seven), it can also be a really overwhelming time for a lot of people.
I’m so excited this November because we’re traveling back to Michigan the home I grew up in, for the first time in over 2 years to spend Thanksgiving with my family! I can’t wait to see everyone, visit with old friends, and enjoy the slightly chilly weather! Holidays in 87 degree heat is still so weird to me!
As excited as I am, this is definitely going to be a change of pace from my regular routine. Maybe you’re experiencing the same thing, or maybe you’re gearing up for a busy season of working long hours while balancing holiday festivities. Below, I’m going to lay out some advice as we head into the holiday season so that you can feel confident and not overstretched throughout!
If You’re Traveling
Whether you’re going home or traveling with your partner or friends, it’s essential to try and stick to your routine. Enjoy those daily tasks that are part of your routine at home, it will help keep you sane! If you’ve gotten into the habit of morning meditation or getting a half-hour of movement every day, make sure you find the pockets of time to do that. Also, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and bringing a good moisturizer with you! This is so important, especially if you’re traveling to colder climates.
Be sure to give yourself the grace to indulge and relax! Enjoy that glass of wine or charcuterie night with your friends. You’ll probably regret it more if you don’t. There is no amount of food that can’t be undone with a good sweaty workout, and your body won’t REALLY change after 1 or 2 big meals. This season I’m going to practice letting go of expectations that I might have previously had in regards to food, working out, or even gift giving! That’s where the holiday magic begins to fade; when we’re so consumed by expectations that we put on ourselves or others! Go easy on yourself and focus on spending time with loved ones!
Check out some of my favorite holiday travel must haves!
If You’re Working
If you have a packed work schedule as we roll out of 2019 I hope you have opportunities to relax and enjoy holiday dinners and events around your schedule. Try to dial it back at work if you can and join friends for a holiday cocktail during a weeknight out. If you’re not getting any time off this time of year, then be sure to savor your weekends whatever that looks like for you! If you’re a work hard play hard kind of gal I’m imagining you all dolled up attending weekend parties, if you’re a low key hermit then Christmas movies and baking cookies it is!
The goal is to come out on the other side of the holidays READY for 2020 so do what you need to do to work around your work schedule and prioritize yourself in order to reset.
Another note for the busy working bees this season, get that Christmas shopping done early! Use Black Friday sales and the magic of online shopping to really crush your list ahead of time! There’s no way that you’ll be wanting to spend your weeknights in a busy mall after work, so get this done ASAP sister!
If You’re Hosting Family Dinner
If you’ve decided to take on the task of having your family over this year, then kudos to you! I love entertaining, and I think this is such a great way to see everyone! Plus, you get to crash in your own bed when the night is done – a bonus!
When you’re hosting family, do you best to drop the stress. Feel free to honor the traditions passed on to you, but put your own spin on things and maybe even start your own traditions. Be sure you plan ahead for the holiday meal, I think that’s one of the hardest parts! Put the more you plan the more prepared you’ll be. Keep in mind how long dishes have to cook for and how long other items will take to prep! Make a grocery list, check it twice (..gunna find out who’s naught or ni….) and review your recipes, this will ensure that your dinner party goes down smooth as eggnog!
Secondly, don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if this is your first time hosting a large crowd. Trust me, people love to contribute! Make your meal potluck-style and ask your guests if they can bring a dish or even a bottle of wine to share. Sometimes I ask people to bring an appetizer so we can have a little snack while we wait for the main course! It’s so fun and brings everyone together, and you won’t be alone in the kitchen prepping! Add some fun and entertainment to your evening by encouraging your guests to bring a small gift! You can do a simple $5-$10 limit and play the White Elephant Gift exchange!
If You’re Already Getting Holiday Anxiety
No matter how much you prepare the Holidays can be a stressful and even unenjoyable time. But you’ll get through it just like you did last year. Ultimately we just need to remember what Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year is all about; gratitude, love, connection, and renewal! If you find yourself on the other end of the spectrum from these emotions dial it back and please do something for YOU!
Overall, be sure to keep yourself happy and healthy during this time of the year. Trust me, I know it’s so much easier said than done. You want to start 2020 off strong (the roaring 20s! I’m so ready!), and you shouldn’t end the year overwhelmed, overworked, and stressed out. Remember, the holidays are a time for loved ones, and they want you to shine as well!
Drop a comment below and tell me how you’re spending this holiday season!
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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.
