Career
November 15, 2019

Addressing Imposter Syndrome: Why now is the time to let it go

Imposter Syndrome is a very real term that has come to light in the past few years. If you haven’t heard of it or don’t quite understand what it means, the feeling of imposter syndrome is doubting that your abilities, knowledge and expertise earns you the right to perform in your current role. Thoughts like “who am I to ________” come to mind. 

 

I think Imposter Syndrome has really blown up as a conversation piece because through Instagram we are seeing so many people living unconventional lives and establishing careers that used to never exist, not to mention all those who work remotely. We share our highlight reel online but then don’t feel like we deserve to live it! 

 

Even though I’m an MD and I am definitely qualified in the world of health care, I still experience Imposter Syndrome when writing for my blog and showing up on Instagram. Who am I to tell you what’s going on and to suggest how you live your life? It’s such a crazy feeling and emotion that can definitely be consuming at times. 

What Is It? 

Imposter Syndrome can be defined as a chronic-self doubt and intellectual fraudulence that overrides our success. We get so caught up in the idea that we’re not qualified or even worthy to speak our thoughts out loud that we inwardly sabotage ourselves! 

 

It’s a brutal quality that can be detrimental to our progress and achievements. Imposter syndrome is common in people who strive for perfect or even fitting in their social circles (which, who isn’t?). But allowing imposter syndrome to consume us also really belittles our capabilities and our recognition of how far we’ve actually come! It can make us feel like the only way that we got to where we are is due to dumb luck. As if we hadn’t actually put in the work to end up where we are today! The feeling further contributes to social anxiety and other fears.

Why Do I Have It? How Did This Happen?

So at this point I’m pretty sure you can relate. And trust me you aren’t alone. Everyone experiences feelings of doubt in both career and social situations.

 

Circumstances that may contribute to Imposter syndrome include 

  1. Having a ‘not normal’ career or having an established career at a young age. How old you are in comparison to your colleagues can often become a trigger for feeling less-than even if you hold the same career title or sit above them in the office hierarchy. There is something about ‘respect your elders’ that was so ingrained into our minds as a child that we can’t possible assume we could be more talented than someone older than us. However, it’s totally not true! 

 

  1. Childhood experiences. If as a child you were told that you have to work really really hard to get the things you want, and now all of a sudden you have some success, whatever those may look like, and it didn’t seem ‘that hard’ you’re tricking your mind to believe you didn’t work for it! But remember all those hours you put in learning, or studying or working?! You DID the work! You deserve to be in the position you’re in now! 

What Happens

Depression and Anxiety

We know that one often leads to the other. Anxiety is often caused by the seeming need to overwork and continuously prove yourself to your peers or those around you. It can be especially exhausting and burden you while you’re trying to live out experiences that you truly deserve! 

Increased Fear & Mistakes

The anxiety that you experience could lead to an increased fear that you’re not going to prove yourself and that you’re going to mess up in some way. This fear is really what will end up making you mess up or make a mistake. It’s not happening because you’re incapable or not good enough, the fear and anxiety that lies in you will actually just cause you to make these mistakes! You’ll get so distracted and consumed by these emotions that you will find yourself self-sabotaging.

What You Can Do

There’s a lot that you can do no matter what type of mental health struggles you’re looking to overcome. 

Talk About It!

Meet with a trusted friend, family member or mentor and tell them how you’re feeling. If it’s someone who cares about you, they’ll listen and likely offer some good advice or help you see the circumstance from a different point of view! If you don’t feel comfortable discussing insecurities or mental health with a friend I recommend that you go talk to a therapist or a professional who can help you out.

 

Reframe Failure As Learning

Maybe you did make a mistake, and perhaps something hasn’t gone right, and you’re ready to write off your whole career or plan because you’re worried you’ll never be able to make ‘it’ happen! Please, don’t! Just take a step back and look at how much you can learn from this setback. This opportunity to learn will make you an even better student or professional!

Remember What You Do Well

Take a second to sit back and remember what you’re good at. Like, really good at. Maybe it’s related to your career or degree, but perhaps you just make the world’s best vegan brownies. Who cares?! Take some time to do what you’re best at and let that fill you up for a few hours. Then, hopefully you’ll have some renewed confidence to carry on doing what you need to get back to.

Remember That No One Is Perfect

Take a deep breath, in and out, a few times. Then calmly remind yourself that literally, no one is perfect. Especially the people that you’re seeing on social media. That’s only their highlight reel, which is okay! It’s just essential that you remember that there is a whole other part of their life back there! 

 

Imposter syndrome is definitely a part of the overall mental health struggle that we all go through, and it’s okay to admit that. I’m writing about this because it’s something that I’ve experienced and am continually trying to overcome even as I write this blog. But I keep going because I know that if I can provide helpful information to even a few people, then we are worthy of growing and learning together!

Action Step 

Take a blank piece of paper and turn it sideways, drawing a line horizontally through the middle. Put a small circle on the middle of the line. On the left side of the circle brain dump everything that you’d learned, worked through and experienced to get you to where you are now, on the right side write down a few accomplishments you’d like to achieve moving forward. Just like that you can see how far you’ve come, how much you know and how you ARE ALLOWED to play big, stand in your truth and share your passions with the world! 

 

Imposter syndrome is only holding you back from leveling up. When you feel the negative thoughts creep in continue to practice talking them down and counter those thoughts with positive mantras like “I am enough”, or “I’ve got this”! It won’t go away in one day, but one day at a time we can continue to practice remembering our value and our worth. 

 

Have you experienced this in life? 

 

Photos by Zo’e Cole 

 

Health
October 26, 2019

FIGS x Lululemon Immersion

Hi friends! As I’m sure you saw last week, I spent some time in Ojai, CA, at the FIGS x Lululemon Immersion with other like-minded healthcare professionals! This retreat included fellow doctors, physician assistants, nurses, vets, dentists, and students in all fields! The goal for the weekend was to get away from life’s significant stressors and look at how we’re treating our personal pressure. The saying goes that you can’t pour from a cup that’s not full and so the retreat highlighted the importance of filling our own metaphorical cups before serving our patients/clients, etc. 

 

 

My 5 Core Values

Over the weekend, we were asked to reflect on core values that were important to us and consider how we fit them into our day-to-day. My 5 core values were honesty, reliability, kindness, positivity, and happiness. I really had to settle into those words and use the weekend to help me a) figure out what they were, and b) where I see these or emanate these values in my day-to-day reality. Honesty and reliability are two huge components of the work that I do as an MD. Additionally, kindness, positivity, and happiness are things I pride myself on providing to others, but also thrive in settings where these things are prominent.

Reflection

We were given time to reflect on questions and provided prompts to really analyze where we are currently at emotionally and mentally. Wow, what a fantastic opportunity! So often, we forget to truly stop and check-in with ourselves! 

What Do I Miss About Myself?

This question really struck me. As we keep moving in life, we often forget that there’s a person we’re leaving behind. As we grow and “shed” new skin and move forward as people, we tend to forget the things that once motivated and shaped us. For me, it was definitely missing my naive sense of reality and excitement for the smallest things. Getting caught up in the seriousness of life can definitely dull down that optimism – which is okay! I’m so happy to be the mature female that I am today, but it’s crazy to look back and see someone different! 

 

I also miss my more positive attitude! It’s almost ridiculous to admit. Still, my job can cause me to bring a lot of negativity into my personal life. Whether it’s been a stressful day and I maybe take it out on Chris, or just forgetting the joy in the small things – like an accidental upsize at Starbucks! I really long to come back to that simpler and better way of thinking!

 

Where Do I Feel Stuck?

This question hit home because, on paper, it seems like I’m definitely not stuck! As I mentioned, my life is continually moving forward! However, I’ve definitely noticed that medicine is my comfort zone – which is crazy! That high paced Emergency Department is my comfort zone! But I absolutely love what I do and feel like I thrive in the setting that I’m in. This is a good thing, but it definitely limits my willingness to adventure outside of it! 

 

I guess you could say that’s what I’ve chosen to do with this blog and Instagram page! Get myself out of my comfort zone and ensure that I’m always learning! Sometimes I tell myself that I don’t have the experience or education to pursue other things. Still, I think that’s an incorrect assumption, as well. I never had blogging experience before – yet here I am! There’s always the reality and fear that people won’t want to hear what I’m putting out there as well, so the support of this blog just truly means the world to me!

 

 

Your Own Reflection

I encourage you to ask yourself these same 3 questions

 

  1. What are my 5 core values?
  2. What do I miss about myself?
  3. Where do I feel stuck?

 

See how true you can answer them! You don’t need a fancy immersion experience like me, I invite you to create your own! Maybe get some girlfriends together over wine and charcuterie and chat about these topics together, or simply find a journal or a piece of paper and jot down some notes. Use the questions that I’ve provided above to start as prompts for yourself and maybe check back in once every 6 months. This can be a super useful way to increase self-awareness! 

 

Another great option is meditation! Certain apps and programs will even provide self-reflection and journaling prompts which can also be great! I encourage you to incorporate these practices into your own life, since doing it I’ve been much more aware of my attitude and day to day choices. Drop me a comment below to fill me if you’ve completed the exercise or leave a comment on my Instagram page! I can’t wait to hear from you! 


Home
October 16, 2019

Make your home ready for fall

This time of year is one of my favorites! Get cozy and settle in for crisp weather and cool breezes. We hear a lot of talk about how fall is like another January 1st in the sense that it allows us to settle back into our routines after a busy summer, but it’s also a time to sit back and relax a little bit more. Nights in at home means making sure that your space is the ultimate oasis and place of relaxation and comfort. I’ve compiled a few tips and tricks of the trade that I use to get my home (my new home!!) ready for fall and ready for those cozy nights in!

 

Smell the Fresh Fall Air

One of the ways that I love to welcome a new season is with fresh scents in my home! In the summer, this means a lot of freshly picked flowers but during the fall, I love candles and diffusers with my favorite scents! Some of my favorites include the seasonal scents from Bath and Body Works or even my local Home Goods. Find great kinds like fresh apple pie or warm pumpkin vanilla scents and bask in the glow of the candlelight as the scents waft through your home. You can also use your diffuser to create some amazing fall blend! Look for different ideas on Pinterest and see what you can come up with, oils like orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg make amazing blends! Besides, at the same time, you’ll be enhancing the air in your home with all those oily health benefits. I also love Trader Joes cinnamon brooms that super fragrant and easy to hide around the house for a warm fall smell. 

 

Spooky Szn Looks

I love finding inexpensive ways to add the fall vibes to my home. The first way to do that is PUMPKINS!! Pumpkins everywhere! I love buying the mini pumpkins from Trader Joes to add décor to my dining room table or my front steps! I think it adds such a cute touch! If you like the spookier touch, I suggest some skull or skeleton décor to add to the mix! You can find such cute items from Michaels, Target or other stores to add a bit of creepy but classy décor to your fall look! 

Another great and subtle way to decorate is by changing up your bedding, pillow cases, or even your dish towels with fall themes on them! I don’t think we need a full blown Halloween bed set but a seasonally colored blanket or throw pillows can go a long way!I love finding tea towels from Home Goods with little ghosts or pumpkins on them! Maybe you can find some ghostly mugs or other small items that can discreetly add some fall vibes to your house! Another great way to welcome fall and the harvest and Thanksgiving season is with floral arrangements. To save money, you can find beautiful faux arrangements from Anthropologie or even Amazon, depending on how much you want to spend! I like combining deep colors and darker hues with mini pumpkins on a stick or pampas grass to really spruce up the front entryway or even use as a grand centerpiece on our dining room table! 

 

Sounds & Lights

Monster Mash, anyone? Thriller? Turn to Spotify or Apple Music to find the best Halloween or fall playlist and have that going throughout your house! It’s a fun way to get excited for the season and realistically, when else do you get to play these songs?! Finding little ways to add lighting to your home is also fun! This can add to the spook or cozy vibes, depending on how you want to do it! I like sets of little fairy lights that come in the shape of pumpkins or even ghosts to add to our staircase railing or other parts of the home! In addition to the candles that I have lit, it adds a nice ambiance to the room! Cozy up and watch one of your favorite scary movies or maybe even a Halloween classic like Hocus Pocus and cuddle up for the night!

 

Sip, Sip, Spook!

I love incorporating fall and Halloween vibes into our meals and beverages too! This is the perfect time of year for soups or stews in the slow cooker! It’s a great way to keep our meals healthy and makes it easy to prep! I’ll find a recipe or two for the week, toss all the ingredients in before I head to work and then I come home to a delicious smelling kitchen and freshly cooked meal! It’s the best!

This paleo chili recipe is from Rachaels Good Eats

Chris also really likes to experiment with fun seasonal cocktails, and hey, I’m not complaining! We love trying new recipes from Pinterest or even by chatting to our local retailers for great cocktails ideas! We like to come up with great ideas to bring to our next family gathering or dinner party! I personally love a good fall sangria with white wine and apple flavors! 

Lastly, where would I be without my PSL?! While I love any good pumpkin spice latte as much as the next girl (and guess what, Chris does too!) I like to find great options for making my own warm beverages right from home! Whether it’s a yummy pumpkin or salted caramel coffee flavor or a homemade syrup (no artificial sweeteners for me) to add to your Nespresso, there are great options almost everywhere this time of year. 

 

I hope you find these ideas to spruce up your home for fall helpful and inspiring! Whether you just love the season, you’re Halloween obsessed or you are looking forward to Thanksgiving already, I hope you find some great suggestions here! Drop a comment below or find me on social media and let me know which of these ideas you’ve tried out! 


 

*For reference, my black and white door mat is 2ft x 3ft. 

Health
September 28, 2019

Why I’m obsessed with coffee

Image by Ali Folster

If you’re like me, a cup of coffee or two a day is just what the doctor ordered! I’ve loved coffee for a while and can’t exactly remember how old I was when I started drinking it — but I am a huge fan. Coffee is a great solace first thing in the morning. There is no greater feeling than waking up, and making your coffee while your eyes are barely awake. Then as the house and day are still quiet, you can just relax with a warm cup of java. ~ahh

 

The Benefits of Coffee 

Woah, that got emotional. But seriously my love affair with coffee is real and what may be the best part about it, it has a lot of health benefits. Coffee increases your cognitive – or thinking – function. In addition, it protects against risks of heart disease, stimulates digestion and is a great source of antioxidants! As mentioned, I drink my coffee throughout the morning. Sometimes I’ll have one or two servings, then have the occasional afternoon cup even though that’s not the best for my sleep cycle. Before a night shift, you better believe I’m having one too! 

Since Chris and I returned from Europe, we have started implementing an afternoon espresso with a biscuit or two into our routine, and it brings me such joy!! I’ll do decaffeinated if the timing isn’t right. 

 

The Art of How I Take My Coffee

When I was younger, I used to drink my coffee with lots of added syrups and milk or cream etc. but I think we can all attest that loading up with sugar isn’t the best thing to consume first thing in the morning. These days I love either basic B(lack) coffee or sometimes I’ll add a little bit of perfectly frothed almond milk! 

 

While I no longer enjoy heavy syrups and creams in my coffee, I do still love some added flavor. It took me a really long time to find a brand of almond milk that frothed properly, but fear not, I’ve done it! The Kirkland organic unsweetened vanilla almond milk froths like a dream! If I don’t have any almond milk on hand, I’ll happily opt for oat milk instead because it’s still creamy and has a cow’s milk-like consistency. 

Personally I can’t do dairy, but I did love cow’s milk in my coffee when I was younger. I recognize the common toss-up is whether to buy skim milk or whole milk. While skim has fewer calories, whole usually has more naturally occurring nutrients. When they strip the fat content from skim milk, a lot of good nutrients may also be taken out. As we now know, fat isn’t the worst enemy we may have believed it was in the 60’s so if dairy agrees with you and your cholesterol is in check I recommend whole milk for your coffee! Creamers are also delicious alternatives but usually have additives and sugars, which I prefer to stay away from! Sometimes sprinkling cinnamon on top of your foamed milk adds a nice flavor though! 

 

My Go-To Brewing Machines & Accessories 

Chris and I definitely invest in our coffee makers, but we haven’t gone over the top just yet. Someday I’d love to get into pulling a proper shot of espresso through a big beautiful machine that sits on our kitchen counter with a milk steaming spout off the side, or enjoying a pour-over, but for now, I rely on my Nespresso Vertuo Duo or Keurig.

 

The Nespresso makes such nice espressos and americanos with the touch of a button. Nespresso machines and the pods can only be purchased in certain retailers which is a bit of an inconvenience but we buy the pods in bulk and know where to get them at this point. We are lucky enough to have a Nespresso store at our local mall, but Bloomingdales is a good option for those of you that don’t, or you can order online! I also love my Keurig for a good, reliable cup of coffee in my favorite brands like Starbucks and Green Mountain. Plus Keurig coffee makers can be purchased wherever you like to buy kitchen gear and the pods are available in almost every grocery store (or on Amazon, in all the flavors). 

 

When finding the perfect accessories for your coffee maker, I recommend the Nespresso Aeroccino. It froths milk really nicely and is super easy to clean. The Nespresso products definitely aren’t as budget-friendly as the Keurig, but I promise, the quality is amazing. I also love to search Target for mugs that suit the season or even my mood. You all also know that I love to keep things organized around my house, so finding organizing and storage accessories for my Nespresso or Keurig pods is a must. You can find really inexpensive options at Bed Bath and Beyond, The Container Store, or Homesense. Sometimes I take it a step further and include a saucer and spoon so that I can get all the foam out of the cup which is an exceptionally nice touch when I actually have time to enjoy my coffee in the morning.

 

I am OBSESSED with these espresso cups and saucers. We have these regular sized mugs and they are so artsy and beautiful to showcase in your kitchen. I just bought a coffee mug tree to showcase some of our fave new mugs from Anthro, so that can spruce up your coffee space too!

 

 

My Go-To Coffee Order

When I’m not making coffee at home, I’ll stop at one of my favorite cafes. As you can see, additives freak me out a little so I keep my order minimal. However, If I know the ingredients in a house-made sugary syrup, I would definitely choose that over “sugar-free”. Have you ever had a latte with house-made blueberry syrup?! To die for! So unless the cafe can assure me that they’ve made a syrup from scratch, I opt out. In addition to that, I never choose sugar-free sweeteners because unfortunately the artificial ingredients in those trigger a migraine for me. As mentioned before, almond milk is my go-to, even when I’m out and about. If the cafe that I’m going to don’t have almond milk as an option, then Basic ‘B’ coffee it is and black all the way! 

 

So there you have it, my coffee go-to’s, must-haves and never haves. I’m interested to know how you’re drinking your coffee! Drop a comment below or let me know on Instagram! If you have a favorite at-home coffee recipe, I’d love to try it out as well! 



Lifestyle
September 12, 2019

Back to School

Here We Go

If you’re like me, then back to school feels like a very refreshing time of the year. It’s like a mini new year within the year filled with resolutions, goals, and new pretty planners! (Hellooooo Target!) That being said, going back to school can be a rough adjustment after the summer – especially if this school year involves new changes. Maybe you’re heading into your senior year of high school or your first year of college and you’re moving away. Or maybe you’re heading off to grad school! Maybe, you’re in the middle of your degree and wondering if it’s the right choice for you. It’s all good, I’ve got some tips and tricks to help you kill it this year.

Outfit = Attitude

First things first, attitude is everything and thats starts with your outfit. Dress for success is one of my favorite mottos. Be sure to pick an outfit that makes you feel good about your first day. If you know you’re going to be hauling your books all over campus, opt for athleisurewear or something functional yet stylish. If you’re just sticking to a few buildings, pick something cute that makes you feel confident. 

Networking is the New Black

Use this change as an opportunity to expand your network or friend group. In college, you’re likely to be surrounded by people who share like-minded career goals and mindsets. Try joining a club and meeting new people that way or just introducing yourself to someone in a class! It’s super nerve-wracking but 9/10 it ends in a positive experience! 

Networking is EVERYTHING these days. Especially if you’re entering a competitive career field (medicine for example), who you know is a BIG deal. You’ll need letters of recommendation and people to speak on your behalf, so it’s important to network early. Don’t be shy. I am a big believer in taking charge of your situation and going the extra mile by forming relationships that matter. Trust me on this one. It’s how I managed to break into a competitive field of medicine in one of the most competitive states in the country. 

Routine

I’ve narrowed down some of the best tips and tricks that helped me when adjusting to the new school year. Let me know which ones also work for you! 

My routine is essential and helps me set myself up for success every day. 

 

  1. First up, sleep! Make sure you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night. I know how hard that can be when you’re stressing or cramming for an exam but if you layout your schedule and routines well, you should be able to find time for a good night’s rest. The only time you should be pulling all-nighters is if your job requires you to work night shift (ya feel me?)!                       
  2. Decide when you’ll pack your bags for the day, will it be the night before or in the morning? I liked packing my bag and lunch the evening before so that it would be ready to go with everything I needed the next morning. Now… I have the luxury of a husband who loves to pack my lunch. So I’ve gotten lazy and he does it for me the day of, while I get ready. Be sure to pack some healthy foods like nuts, seeds, and hard-boiled eggs to help keep your brain functioning at its best! 
  3. Be sure to use your study time and class time wisely. Quality > quantity for study/learning hours, my friends. Avoid getting distracted in class by leaving your phone in your bag, and listen to what your prof has to say. Read the material beforehand so that you can confidently keep up with it during class as well! Study hard but make sure to take breaks here and there which will help you refocus and ultimately succeed when it comes to midterms and finals! 
  4. Use a planner to keep things in order! I’m so old school (and just old). I love writing things down because I LOVE crossing them out when I’m finished. A physical, old school planner helps me keep to-do lists and deadlines on track and it acts as a home base for everything I need to get done – even things that aren’t school-related! Plus I use it to write inspirational or motivational quotes that I find. I also like to put those up around my workspace to give me the extra push that I need from time to time.
  5. Give this new routine, or whatever things you want to implement this school year, time. I’m sure as it’s a fresh start, you’ll feel great the first few days and then maybe fall into older habits. Don’t stress. Just pick yourself back up and try to carry on with the new routine and goals that you’ve set out for yourself. 
  6. Don’t repeat mistakes. If something isn’t working, change it. The more you use trial and error (even thought it’s uncomfortable), the quicker you will arrive at what works for you! 

 

So there you have it! I’ll link some of my favorite back to school supplies below! Comment to let me know what works for you when it comes to back to school healthy habits and what other ideas you have! I’d love to hear them! 

 

 

 

 

Lifestyle
September 10, 2019

Welcome to Saint Tropez

We woke up in Cannes, after an exquisite stay at the Majestic Barrière Hotel. To say we were sad to leave is an understatement. It was the best hotel experience we’ve ever had. But, that’s ok. We were well rested, all packed up and our Sixt car was ready and waiting out front.

Saint Tropez isn’t the easiest to get to from any particular place, mostly because it’s one of the farthest coastlines in the French Riviera. Of course, if you’re one of the uber rich, you can definitely just sail your yacht there or fly your private jet into the small airport! But for the rest of us, the Nice international airport is the best bet. From there, you can opt to fly in a helicopter over the Mediterranean Sea for about 20 minutes, or take a ferry boat for about 45-60 minutes on the sea, or lastly, take a car around the Sea for about 2 1/2 hours.  We chose the middle option! Fortunately for us, the boat’s port was about a 5 minute drive away from our hotel in Cannes. Even better, we already had our tickets and were in the front of the line to board (super crucial when you’re traveling with 6 bags).

The weather on the sea couldn’t have been any better. Smooth seas and blue skies for days. We able to get seats next to our bags so we had not a worry in the world. Once we got to the port we had a car set up through the hotel waiting for us, which is a MUST. Many of Saint Tropez’s hotels are a good ways from the port, or even the main area of town. If you’re interested in mostly shopping, you’ll want to be as close to the port as possible, but keep in mind that it’s busy and noisier in this area of town. The opposite side of Saint Tropez is where most of the beach clubs are and it just so happened that our hotel was right in the middle of both. We had an itinerary booked with equal parts shopping and beach lounging.

We pulled into the Sezz hotel, and were pleasantly surprised with the quaint upscale vibe of the place. It was very contemporary and quiet, with the exception of the waterfalls in the pool where we sat as we were checked in. We lucked out with room right at the front of the large, single story layout, which meant we were steps away from the pool, the lobby, the outdoor bar and the restaurant. That modern contemporary feel certainly carried into our room, as the décor was chic and simple. The bed may have been not quite as desirable as the Majestic hotel, but after the hotel provided an extra mattress pad, we were solid! The best part of this room, was by far the outside shower. Completely private, it’s pretty refreshing to shower in the nice outdoor French air. There was even a little backyard!

Pro Tip** Find a hotel that offers a shuttle to town AND the beach clubs

 

Day 1

Dior Cafe- We were on a mission to find the Dior café which is also one of its boutiques offering a very personal experience. We wandered through for a bit, but the food and the custom Dior latte was really what we came for! Rosé paired with a caprese salad or ahi tuna is my recommendation! Make a reservation, it’ll ensure you get a seat for lunch.

Shopping in town-  we found our way into Gucci, Chanel, Kiwi swimwear, and of course all the other local jewelry and fashion stores. After all, this is one spot you must always look your best at! Chris found himself a few new bathing suits and wristwear while I finally got my Gucci belt, Chanel perfume and jewelry as well. 

Le Tigr– we couldn’t wait to get to dinner because we had reservations at a restaurant called Le Tigrr (at Hotel Ermitage) and is touted as having the best sunset view in town. They weren’t wrong. The restaurant has a thai-vibe. Make reservations! We overindulged as per the usual with a bottle of wine, 3 appetizers and 2 full entrees.

 

Day 2

Nikki Beach- we were hesitant to try the infamous Nikki Beach because we were feeling a relaxed vibe, and Nikki Beach is anything but! However, it turned out to be THE BEST time. We splurged for a day bed that was right over the pool. We had to purchase a bottle of champs with the bed, but “c’est la vie”. The DJ was epic, the food was excellent, you can order massages and cigars, and there are cute little shops around the perimeter. 

Kimono on sale and linked HERE. 

     

L’Opera- you can’t miss this! It’s a dinner, a dance performance, a club, a unique experience. Make a reservation well ahead of time. We chose the later seating (at 1030pm) and it was PACKED. The food was actually good, and the dancing on our table while we ate, even better. The show is quite abstract, the waiters dance too, and they even pass out sparklers. The place turns into a club and if you order a nice bottle, you get to choose the songs that they play when they bring it out. I WILL be doing this next time. #goals

Day 3

We kept this day chill because we had a pretty crazy day at Nikki Beach the day before. Our hotel had an epic pool, so we lounged there the whole day before dinner. 

Colette– a Michelin star restaurant at our hotel. We had a chicken caesar and truffle fries for lunch. Can we say trés bien?! 

L’Italien Cucina Autentico– we were able to walk in at this restaurant. It’s right in the main area of the port and has the cutest Italian vibes with amazing beach decor. We ordered the arancini for an app, and split a truffle pizza and risotto for dinner. I’m still dreaming of this meal. 

La Tarte Tropézienne– a MUST if you’re in Saint Tropez. There are multiple locations where you can get this famous pastry, but this is the OG spot. This pastry was named by Brigitte Bardot (the queen of St Tropez) when she was filming And God Created Woman. 

Day 4

Le Club 55– guys… don’t miss this iconic (almost hidden) location in St Tropez. It is THE OG of this place. You wanna talk VIBES, this place has them. You NEED a reservation weeks in advance. Most people stay out late in St Tropez so when we got there at opening time (1030ish) there were still front row beds open. Totally worth it. Celebs and yacht owners park their luxurious boats within view and take a little dingy ride in for lunch, wearing the typical St Tropez attire (of course) white and/or linen. The beach club is a little old school (which we loved), the chairs aren’t really chairs, they are cushions laid right on the sand. They have a little beach bar with food and drinks but you gotta get the total experience by dining for lunch at their restaurant. We really didn’t understand the menu and the servers are so busy tending to their rich and famous that we didn’t ask and just took a stab at our orders. We didn’t really get what we thought we were getting, but the rosé was flowing and it was delicious regardless. I had the jambon and cantaloupe while Chris had an artichoke. We shared a cheese plate and raspberry cheesecake for dessert. I almost ordered the crudite plate and thank goodness I didn’t because it was basically a garden that took up the entire table with raw vegetables. I did learn a few new ways to eat said raw vegetables by observing the fancy people around me! We stayed until close. Next time I am bringing home a champagne bucket. 

      

     

 

La Petite Plage- another random find in the port, Mediterranean style french food, so good! The flooring of the restaurant is beach sand, and they serve the best chicken dish (St Tropez is also famous for their rotisserie chicken). Chris and I hung out here into the evening and it somewhat turns into a bar scene, with great music (and people watching… of course). Best part is that the yacht owners just step off their boats, right into the restaurant, and you can catch a glimpse of their on-point fashion and accessories! 

One of the fun parts about Saint Tropez… you get to dress the part. Bring all the fashion you are unsure about wearing on a regular basis, and rock it! Some of my outfits linked below. 

Can’t forget about Chris’ outfits too!

If there’s one thing I took away from our trip to Saint Tropez, it’s that I could really get used to the beach and yacht life! For real, this place gives the word ‘vibe’ a whole new meaning. I loved that we didn’t meet anyone else from America, and the French culture here was so rich. 

I mean… there’s a reason Kim K and Leonardo are vacationing here every summer. Add it to your list! 

 

 

Lifestyle
August 31, 2019

J’aime Paris

Cue the Parisian cafe music now. I’ll wait here while you set up your Spotify playlist to get in the mood for this blog post. 

D’accord. 

The truth is, Paris has my heart. My mom was born there, I still have family in the city, and part of me feels like I NEED to live there someday. Thankfully, Chris was equally enamored by it’s beauty and we’re already planning our #RetiredLife in Paris. 

You all have asked for the itinerary, so here’s a breakdown in detail! 

Day 1

We arrived into Paris mid evening, around 730pm, and were pretty tired. We stayed at the Westin Paris-Vendôme. While it wasn’t as grandiose as some other Paris hotels, the staff was friendly, our room was upgraded to an Eiffel Tower view, the bed was comfortable, and the location was ON POINT. It stays light outside until 10pm in the summer though, so we ventured out to an area close to our hotel for some food and beverages. 

Bar Hemingway – an old school bar in the Ritz hotel, guys must wear pants. The drinks are so special (and come with a fresh flower I might add). They have a small food menu, but may want to go elsewhere if you’re starving. We ordered the mini franks (super gourmet hot dogs) and ate the bar snacks. Such a cool vibe, MUST SEE in my opinion. 

Day 2

We had a bit of a rough morning due to the heat and jet lag, but had a full day planned (thanks to me). We wanted to walk and take in the city anyways, so we stopped for breakfast in a little cafe on our way to the Catacombs. 

Catacombs- buy skip-the-line tickets, trust me. You have to schedule a time to be there, and get there on time, but it’s worth not waiting in a line. We purchased the audio guide also. It’s cool down there (which we loved because it was SO hot outside) so dress accordingly. 

     

Jardin du Luxembourg- we walked through the beautiful gardens on our way to see some other things. We took a minute to sit down and take it in. This is a must see!

Notre Dame- you can still get a great view of this beauty, but of course you can’t go inside and the structure is blocked off. 

St. Chappell- we bought skip-the-line tickets to this church also (they are super affordable). It doesn’t take long to get through this one, just take in the beauty and history of the stained glass

 

Chanel- I had to see the OG Chanel store (31 Rue Cambon), where Coco herself lived above it all. Definitely made some splurges here, worth every penny for the memories. If you’re in the market to buy, make sure you ask to take a picture on the stairs to Coco’s apartment!

      

Pierre Marcolini- fabulous chocolates and sorbet, perfect midday snack 

Girafe- BEST experience in Paris. Some locals may see this as a trendy or tourist spot, but it truly is worth the visit. It has the best view of the Eiffel Tower with amazing food and service. The lobster linguini did not disappoint. Ask your hotel concierge to make you a reservation weeks in advance. Sometimes this place doesn’t even answer their phone, which was the case for us. TBH, we just showed up early (for European time 630pm) and begged because it was our honeymoon. They gave us a great table but told us we had to be out by 10pm. DONE and DONE. 

 

Day 3

We spent an entire day museum hopping, which kept us moving through at a reasonable pace (and that happens to be my museum style). Wear something comfortable! We did not buy a Paris Museum Pass, because we only planned on going to 2 museums and just purchased individual tickets, but this could be a good option if you plan on seeing a lot of museums over multiple days. 

Louvre- again we purchased skip-the-line passes. The lines here are LONG.  So much to see in this place. We stuck to one wing, and the Mona Lisa of course. They have a separate line to see Mona Lisa now, which took us about 45 minutes to go through. Have your cameras ready, they push you through there like cattle!

Musee d’Orsay- we did skip-the-line here too. Takes less time to go through. Gorgeous museum with Van Gogh and Monet pieces (my faves). Don’t miss out on the top floor! There is a beautiful view of the city. 

Angelina- if you’re going to Paris, you have to stop here! There are multiple locations but I like the original on Rue de Rivoli. I love a good Croque Madame (paired with rosé of course). 

Ferdi- reportedly Kanye West’s favorite spot in Paris. It’s small, so a reservation is a good idea. The menu is different than your typical French food. A combo of American, Mexican, and French options. 

Day 4

Despite our crazy jet lag, we got up SUPER early to do something I knew we would be thankful for, later. You’re not a blogger unless you take photos in front of the Eiffel Tower, right? 

It was actually a gorgeous sunrise and a nice little break from the scorching temperatures (it was 6am after all). 

Our photos are still being edited, so the one shown in this blog post is just a preview, but I can’t wait to share them all with you! We shot with Vio, from The Paris Photographer, and had a fabulous time. However it wasn’t long before we were sweating through our dress clothes and I forgot to bring sandals so my Louboutin stilettos almost killed me on the cobblestone streets a few times. 

We knew we had something luxurious to look forward to after the photos, as we had booked breakfast and massages at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. The spa is VERY luxurious. Probably the best massage I’ve had, ever. The amenities and facilities are fancy, to the point where I felt a little confused with how to use things. Everything is different in France! One thing to note, is that you aren’t allowed access into the pool area if you’re not a guest at the hotel. Womp Womp. It looked epic, and was part of the reason I booked the massages, but oh well. 

Eiffel Tower- we just so happened to go on the hottest record day IN HISTORY in Paris. I had purchased skip-the-line passes for this too, and I highly recommend it! You can purchase a lift ticket and take the lift the entire way up, OR you can do what we did and climb the first two portions, then take a lift to the very top (there are no stairs up to that point). We had a great time, despite sweating through our clothes. There is champagne at the very top!

       

Costes- trendy, good music, great people watching. Dress up for this one! Be sure to make a reservation. Service isn’t as good as the food and people watching, but still a must see in my book. 

Day 5

Versailles- a 45ish minute train ride outside of Paris, definitely worth seeing once. The gardens are my favorite part, although the palace is pretty epic too. You could spend an entire day here and I recommend going early to mid morning. I’ll say it again… skip-the-line pass is a MUST. The line for ticket holders (without a timed entry) can still be VERY long in the summer. 

**Pro Tip: If you walk straight through the gardens and exit the grounds (you can come back in) you will find a little canal and boat rental that is very affordable. This was the highlight of our day actually, to get a break from tourist stuff. It’s like recreation from a scene in the Notebook. If you plan beforehand, bring lunch and some wine and eat lunch on the canal. Uber romantic.          

We had dinner with my cousin this evening, at a local spot (honestly can’t remember the name). It was really cool to see family in a city so far away from home, and having a French translator to teach you what you should actually be saying when you order, was a plus!

Laduree- if you don’t know what this place is, and you’re traveling to Paris, just add it to your list ASAP. Try all the macaron flavors. No shame. Chris and I ate 15 in one night! 

 

We could’ve used a few more days (more like weeks) in Paris for sure. We had a lot of other places on our list that we either didn’t have time for, or were too tired to get to. It was honestly so hot that it was tough to sit outside and dine at the cafes, which is pretty much the best part of being in Paris! I spent hours online reading blogs to find the most recommended locations, so here’s a list of locations that still remain on my list for our next trip!

 -Le bon marche

 -Berthilon (gelato)

 -Du Pain et des Idées

 -Piere Lachaise Cemetery

 -Sacre Coeur in Montmarte

 -Chez Julien

 -Maison Kayser (baguettes)

 -Musee d’lorangerie

 -L’avenue (make a res)

 -Holybelly Cafe

 -Pierre Herme (macarons)

 -La Droguerie du Marais (crepes)

 -Luluwhite 

Paris Outfit Log 

Look… we were totally unprepared for how hot it was going to be. Apparently everyone was taken by surprise (record breaking temps). We did our best and surely sweat through most things, but still felt like our fashion guesses helped us fit in. I will say that Paris can be unpredictable with rain, cooler temperatures, and apparently warmer temps in our case. Pack pieces that you can wear in different ways, layer, etc. And comfortable shoes are A MUST. 

 

 

 

Truly, Paris is so magical and if you haven’t been, just take a leap and go ASAP! If you have been to Paris, leave your favorite memory or location in the comments!

 

Lifestyle
August 31, 2019

Planning an International trip? Here’s how we planned ours!

This has been a common question in my message inbox, for weeks now. Chris and I planned our Europe trip together, a la carte! No travel agents, no services, just us researching our little hearts out. Because Chris had never been to Europe, Paris was a no brainer. I HAD to go back to the French Riviera because it is literally my favorite place in the world. Cannes was a natural choice because I promised myself I would stay at the Majestic Hotel someday. Saint Tropez was always alluring and a total dream so we had to stop there, and Positano just looked so beautiful in photos (plus close to France) that we added that to the list too. 

 

Airlines

I started planning our trip about 4-5 months in advance. I researched airlines for hours and found that in the summer the prices are NUTS. It is what it is. I initially wanted to fly into Paris and out of another city, but the one way flights were so much more expensive. 

We chose Norwegian Air because they had premium economy seats for a (semi) reasonable price AND their seat comfort had better reviews than many other airlines’ premium or business class seats. Our experience boarding out of LAX was not great, but I don’t really think it was related to the airline itself, because on the way home it was easy. 

Pro Tip** Something to keep in mind- the Premium Economy seats DO NOT include lounge access. You have to buy a Premium Flex ticket to have access into the lounge (which we did on the way home). 

We knew taking the train was an option within Europe, but still chose to fly between areas that we were traveling. Chris and I’s traveling style doesn’t ever include us being too busy. We like multiple days in a single location, to get to know the area and do all the things we desire PLUS relax. 

Flight Schedule

LAX —> Paris (Norwegian)

Paris —> Nice (Air France)

Nice —> Cannes (car service)

Cannes —> Saint Tropez (Trans Côte d’Azur ferry) 

Saint Tropez —> Nice (car service)

Nice —> Naples (Easy Jet)

Naples —> Positano (car service)

Positano —> Naples (car service) 

Naples —> Paris (Air France) 

Paris —> LAX (Norwegian)

All of the car services we used were booked through the concierge of each hotel, and it served us well. It may have been more expensive than an Uber, but the cars were nice, the drivers spoke English, and we had a reliable pick up. 

I also liked using the Sixt app, although that may require you to have cell service so the drivers can communicate with you. We used this for certain day trips (like Cannes to Monaco). 

Back to flights… obviously traveling by plane requires a bit of planning with luggage. This was a challenge, but we are seasoned pros now! Check each airline’s restrictions at least 48 hours before your flight. If you need to purchase extra baggage it’s cheaper to do it online, then at the airport. There are weight restrictions on Norwegian for carry on too. They make you weigh everything. The more expensive the ticket, the more allowance you get. 

You probably saw in my last blog post, that we had a lot of luggage. It was a learning experience. We were maxed out by the end of the trip and had to pay 12 euros per kg that we were over in one of the checked bags. I’m still trying to let it go! 

 

Hotels 

We chose to skip the Air bnbs, and stay in hotels only. I have stayed in Air bnb locations in Europe in the past, and it has been hit or miss. We chose hotels based on how much time we’d be spending there, because of course we didn’t want to pay a ton of money for a place where we’d just be sleeping. I would say Paris (especially if you’re doing tons of tourist activities) is a location where you can save on a hotel. The Westin was very affordable and in a fabulous location, but we were hardly there so were very thankful we spent the least on this hotel. 

When we traveled to Cannes, we knew we wanted luxury and would be tired from the heat and tours in Paris. Hotel Barrière Majestic was just on another level, probably the nicest hotel I have ever seen. We spent a lot of time at the hotel here because they had so much to offer. In St. Tropez we wanted something quiet and away from the bustle of town, but that also offered transportation to town and the beaches. Hotel Sezz was uber modern but also quiet and comfortable. 

Pro Tip** If you feel a bed is too firm or uncomfortable, ask the front desk for a mattress pad. I encountered this twice in Europe and the mattress pad really helped. 

In Nice we chose a hotel close to the airport, Radisson Blu, and it happened to have a great view of the sea. In Positano, we wanted something comfortable (I mean… you’re huffing and puffing up and down aggressive hills all day), and close to the beach (because again, hills). We chose Palazzo Murat and the bed was SO comfortable. The breakfast was included and always offered prosecco, and the concierge was helpful with booking dinner and beach club reservations. Because we had a last minute change in plans and decided to stay in Positano instead of head to Barcelona, we had to find another hotel (Palazzo Murat was sold out) in a pinch. Luckily, we secured a room at Hotel Poseidon, which was pleasant, but to be honest not as nice as the other hotel and much more of a walk down to the beach. 

Pro Tip** Double check that your hotels or rentals have air conditioning in the summer. There is NO way I could’ve stayed somewhere without it. 

Bottom line, plan ahead, especially in the summer. Consider how tired you might be with flights and cars (especially with how they drive in Europe), and plan your dates accordingly so you don’t end up changing your mind last minute and sacrificing money and comfort. 

Making an itinerary 

This takes work ya’ll. It took me months of blog reading and researching online to figure out what we wanted to do. Europe (especially Paris) is NOT the time to “wing it”. You can be spontaneous with some things, but the tourist attractions should be planned ahead of time and (IMO) tickets should be purchased before you leave. 

I used a simple Word document to map out our plans for each day in each location. I added additional restaurants or places I wanted to see at the bottom, so I could easily look them up while we were there if we had time. If you’re not using your phone service, just have it in an email to yourself and you can pull it up easily when you arrive!

I’ll share mine after my round up of blog posts are all live!

 

Tax Refunds

If you’re going to Europe and you don’t shop for something you’ve always dreamed of, what are you even doing?! Kidding… but remember that you are able to get a tax refund on goods that you purchase (over $150). You have to ask for this paperwork in the store, as you purchase. It can be up to 20% back on the price!

Pro Tip** You must have your passport or a photo of your passport. 

My personal preference is to ask for the refund back on my credit card, instead of dealing with cash at the exchange at the airport. This refund will magically pop back onto your credit card statement after you do the paperwork at the airport. 

Make sure you know the time limit for refunds for each store. If you’re staying in Europe longer than a month, especially. You have to find a PABLO machine at the airport when traveling home, and scan your VAT forms. It was SUPER easy for us. If it doesn’t go smoothly you may need to deal with a customs’ agent directly, but the process is pretty streamlined these days. 

Also keep your eyes peeled for details on the receipts (typically from smaller shops) where it may tell you the refund is only valid in their country. Therefore, if you’re traveling from Naples to Paris and then try to do the refund (from the shop in Italy) in France, they may not allow that. 

We chose to do our refunds in the middle of our trip at the Nice airport, because we purchased most of our goods in Paris, and we didn’t want to deal with it at the end of our trip. It gave us peace of mind and was so easy. 

My biggest piece of advice when planning a Europe trip is… to just HAVE FUN. It can be super overwhelming. In the grand scheme of things- flights, hotels, and some tourist attractions are very important to book ahead of time, but the rest of the planning can (and should be) totally relaxed. 

Even if you don’t get the reservations you wish you had, there is plenty to choose from, and you’ll want your planning process to come with good memories, not stressed out ones. 

Chris and I planned nights in, where we made a charcuterie board and drank French rosé while planning our activities for the trip. Keep it fun and lighthearted and it will be a lot easier! 

Let me know if you guys have questions about specifics or comments on how you planned your trip!

Lifestyle
August 17, 2019

Going International

 

It’s OFFICIAL! Chris and I finally took a BIG European vacation. It wasn’t my first time to Europe but it was for Chris which is why this was so special and also why I wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible.

If you ask me, one of the best parts about vacation is getting ready for vacation. Anyone else start packing a week before? No? Just me? Okay then! Chris and I chose to incorporate our planning into date nights! We would stay in for the night, make a charcuterie board and drink French wine while planning all the fun we’ll be having in Paris. 

Preparation for an International Trip

There’s a lot of work that needs to be done before you put your seat and table in the upright position and await take off. Making sure you have all your affairs in order and ducks in a row is key. Some ways you can do that are: 

Register with Your Embassy

This is a super important FREE service that the U.S. Government provides us. When we’re travelling to a foreign country, we can feel assured that the Department of State will be able to assist us in case there’s an emergency of some sort.

Give Your Bank a Call

Things are changing and so is technology, but it’s always important to call the 1-800 number on your credit card and let them know that you’ll be gone. Yes, it can take a little while to get through, but it’s key so that they know why you’re suddenly getting foreign charges to your credit card. Otherwise, they might flag and block your card and trust me, that’s the last thing that you want to happen. 

Also, while you’re on the call, make sure you look into foreign transaction fees. It’s always good to be mindful of what those fees are so that you’re not in shock when your credit card statement comes.  

For most banks, this can be done online these days. However I’m so neurotic that I did it online AND made the phone call to confirm. 

Shopping for the Trip

It’s important that you financially prepare for the pre-vacay shopping. One of my favorite things to do is to find different looks on Pinterest. Capsule wardrobes give ideas of 7 different outfits from the same 20 pieces of clothing and accessories which is a HUGE time and space saver. If you find that you want to use this route, make sure that you keep your eyes peeled for sales and deals so that you can complete these looks without breaking the bank before all the shopping that you’ll be doing in Paris. 

Make a List of Essentials

What do you absolutely need for this trip? Moreover, what items can be found in your hotel room or easily purchased once you’re there? Obviously, you don’t want to be wasteful, but little hacks like this are nice to have in your back pocket. Depending on how critical your hair routine is, it might be worthwhile to depend on hotel shampoos to save on space – but I’ll leave that up to you! Some essentials I bring are:

Medications

Anything you might need either in a checked bag or in your carry-on. A huge tip is probiotics of some sort to help with your digestion during travel.

Weather appropriate items

It might rain for three days straight where you’re going or there might be a heatwave! Sometimes you won’t be able to predict this… like us in Paris. Hottest day in HISTORY anyone?? Make sure that you’re packing accordingly. 

Travel Documents and Backups

DO YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT?? Don’t forget it and don’t let it leave your side. Also make sure you have any other documents, credit cards or forms of I.D. that you might need. It can be helpful to email yourself or a family member a photo of these documents as well. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend keeping them in your camera roll in case your phone gets stolen. You should also photocopy your passport/I.D. together and tuck the piece of paper in with any other travel documents you may have in another location (not directly on you). 

Cell Phone Service

You have a few options here. Some phone plans have a roam like home plan which can get pricey but is great for peace of mind. You know that once you get to wherever you’re going, you can turn on your phone and have all the same plans and data that you do at home. This is what we used when needed. Verizon and AT&T charge $10 daily for this, but it’s your home plan, so for us it was unlimited data, text, and calls. This gets expensive on two phones so we used it very strategically. There are other plans offered by your provider that set a number of texts, minutes, and data, and are cheaper, but we found the data for these options to be too low. 

Another option worth looking into is getting a SIM card. Make sure you go to your local phone provider and check that your phone is unlocked. Then, make sure to keep your phone on airplane mode until you can go to a phone provider in Europe and get a SIM card. Usually they’re super cheap and have great plans! Then once you’re back home, just pop your old SIM card back in!

Packing

Either you love it, or you hate it, but it needs to get done. A few tips: decide on how many bags you’re bringing with you. Most airlines offer one piece of checked luggage that you must pay for, plus one free carry on item and a “personal item” (like a purse or small tote). It’s important to consider how much shopping you planning on doing and saving room for that. If that means keeping the carry on completely empty – then so be it! No judgement here! 

You should decide this prior to leaving any destination, and pay for baggage BEFORE you get to the airport because it is cheaper. Watch out for overweight fees. Not going to lie, we definitely had some. It kills me a little inside, but what are ya gonna do? Chris’ mom bought us this portable scale for our luggage and it was SO helpful. 

Also consider how you’ll pack. The two new crazes are cubes or rolling. I find that rolling is easy and does help prevent wrinkles. Cubes on the other hand can be helpful if you’re into Marie Kondo-ing all of your clothes. Or… if you’re like Chris you just somehow make it all fit. I used these packing cubes from Calpak and loved them! You can purchase really great cubes that compress your clothes and even have two sides – one for dirty and one for clean. This helps with organization when living out of a suitcase.

Getting to the Airport

Ah yes, moment of truth! You’re all packed, you have your passport, now time to enjoy (or endure) that long flight. Make sure you arrive early – I don’t mind going early for peace of mind and then treating myself to a coffee at Starbucks or some champagne. Plan a meal beforehand – whether that will be on the plane or before takeoff. I recommend eating light before a long plane ride or even fasting if you’re into that, depending on how long the flight is. Travel is so hard on our bodies, so this is just another thing to take into consideration. If you want to pack snacks that are healthier (and cheaper!) than anything you’ll find in an airport, I recommend whole foods and foods packed with fiber and vitamins. Lastly, ensure that your car service or Uber is reliable. Pre-booking an Uber is a great way to have peace of mind before your flight. Chris and I like to use Best VIP when going to LAX, because the car is more comfortable and it is extremely reliable. 

Lounge Life

Chris and I have credit cards that allow us to enter many different lounges where they serve food and drinks and have comfy chairs. After all the prep and planning you’ve been doing for your trip, this is a nice bonus before take-off. Lastly, look into your airport or airline’s app for your phone so that you don’t miss any gate changes or delays.

 

Where are you going or where have you been this summer? What international travel will this post help you plan? Let me know in the comments below! I look forward to hearing from you! 



Health
July 15, 2019

Summer Date Ideas for Friends, Flings, or with your Significant Other 

If you’re like me, you’ll find that dating – or going out in general – is exponentially more fun during the summer. Patio season? Yes, please! When Chris and I first started dating, I so looked forward (and still do!) to the breaking of the season and the many options and opportunities that came our way so that we could spend more time together and even just be happier around each other! 

 

In general, the winter months are hard on our minds and bodies. This makes for a great opportunity for low key date nights in with you S.O., whether that’s watching a movie and ordering in pizza or cooking a nice hearty soup together and binge watching The Office on Netflix. As the months of winter drag on, I find that the lack of variety in date night becomes hard. According to this article on the Guardian, pleasant weather improves mood, memory and creativity. 

 

Bottom line: the ability to do more and engage more with our friends and loved ones makes people happier.

 

However, summer isn’t necessarily the best time for dating for everyone. It can be hard on people who are just starting out in a relationship. Sometimes, you’re unable to peel yourself away from that family reunion across the country and your S.O. can’t come along or it’s not really introduce-them-to-the-whole-family level yet. Sometimes, life or work or commitments are just more demanding in the summer months and a social life falls by the wayside. It’s good to remember that summer is a great time to keep things simple and to spend quality time with those around you. Whoever they may be.

In this blog I rounded up a few of our favorite date night ideas for you to try with your partner, a new summer fling, or a friend or family member! 

 

For Foodies

Farmer’s Market Shopping

Hit up your local Farmer’s Market for a half day of shopping and meeting/trying out new vendors. Try a ton of local and healthy produce that you don’t always find in your local grocery store and then create a meal together when you get back home!

Outdoor Brunch or Picnics

Whip up your favourite brunch meal together and eat it outside on your home deck or pack it up and bring it to your local park for a picnic. I find that picnics are grossly overrated and that people always picture a basket full of food, but in reality, it can be kept simple and delicious! Go to your local deli for some cheeses, crackers and other charcuterie munchies then enjoy them outside!

Wine Tasting

I mean, obviously. I don’t know what’s offered in your town but look into options in local restaurants. Wine tastings are great because they basically make you into a wine expert overnight and help you know what foods pair best with your favorite merlot.

Creative Dinners

Summer is the best time to get creative with your meals. If you have a BBQ at your disposal, get creative in how you use it! Make homemade pizza dough and cook your pizzas on the BBQ for the coal-fire effect. 

Food Tour

Create your own food tour! Pick 4 or 5 different restaurants near you that you wouldn’t normally try out. For us, it’s always on the boardwalk. At the first restaurant get a soup, then the next a salad, then the next share an entrée, then share a dessert at the final one! It’s a good way to get in a meal, get in some steps and enjoy time together. 

 

To Get Active

Bike Rides to the Beach

If possible, go for a long bike ride or ride over to the beach (if you live near one) for a relaxing day and a swim. Be sure to pack bottles of water and plenty of sunblock!

Long Walks, Taking the Ferry

If you’ve been experiencing a busy season, take some time to slow your pace by taking a walk and just chatting. Take your time and wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the fresh air. Chris and I are lucky enough to live in an area that has a cute little ferry. We choose to take it just for fun!

 

Paddle Boarding

Get ambitious and take some time to enjoy a new (or maybe old) hobby by paddle boarding. It’s a fun, grounding and exciting activity that both you and your partner will enjoy!

 

To Relax

Matinee Movie & Dinner Afterwards

On those blazing hot summer days, go see that new release that you’ve been dying to check out in a nice, air-conditioned movie theater and enjoy the smaller crowds. Afterwards, hit up your favorite go-to restaurant for dinner – as long as you’re not full from the popcorn!

Drive in or Dive In

If your city or town still has a Drive In theater, take advantage of it! A quiet nice and movie from the comfort of your vehicle! Or, see if a nearby hotel pool has a Dive In night where you can watch movies from the pool!

Daycation

Okay, this is one of my favorite things to do – go to a nearby hotel and spend the day by their pool or at their spa! See what the options there are for entry and spend the day thinking that you’re somewhere else and let all of the things on both of your minds disappear… 

 

To Adventure Together

Amusement Parks

Whether it’s Disneyland or somewhere local, check out an amusement park and see who wins the oversized teddy bear first. Or, see who gets scared on a ride first 😉 In our relationship that would be me. 

 

Sporting Events or Concerts

Outdoor sporting events and concerts are key seeing as most people want to spend as much time outside as possible. See what MLB schedules are like near you or even soccer and football leagues. Concerts in outdoor venues are also super fun as long as you cross your fingers that it doesn’t rain.

Take a Day Trip

Maybe you just need to get out of town – literally! Road trips are a great way to reconnect with your partner (or besties) and it doesn’t need to be extravagant. Simply pick a small town in your state that you’ve never been to before and go check it out. You’ll likely find a lot of fun, quirky shops and restaurants to enjoy!

 

Did you try any of these? Will you? Let me know in the comments below! I hope this can spark some summer creativity and overall, happiness.

 

Fitness
July 8, 2019

Have you jumped on the Peloton bike trend yet?

You thought spin was cool? Yeah, you’re right, but Peloton went one step further and brought spin to you. Through their top of the line bike and at-home programming, you’re able to bring a high-energy spin and cardio workout into your living room/spare room/basement – whatever you want. The creators of Peloton saw the need for an in-home workout that was challenging and “worthwhile”, as well as a need to workout with our complex schedules. 

The Peloton Community

Peloton has over 1 million individuals who are keen on improving their fitness game, the community is wild! Through their member technology and on-demand or live classes, members are able to log in and be in the same fitness class as people all around the world. Similar to other fitness apps there are badges that can be obtained and challenges completed but there’s also a fun opportunity to actually meet the fellow Pelotons in your screen though local-city meet ups.  

If you can’t attend the live classes because of your schedule, they are all recorded for you, so you have hundreds to choose from with just a tap of the finger. 

Peloton Pros

Convenience

As mentioned above, Peloton is convenient! I don’t always have the time to get to my local spin or group fitness class and now when I have a half hour to spare, I can just go downstairs and get an amazing workout in. Plus, the added convenience of not needing to commute to the gym or studio helps me to make better use of my time.

Options & Motivation

There are so many options for group classes! There are even options for workouts other than spin. From boot camp to yoga, to running, there are so many workouts that I can choose depending on my mood that day! Above all, this isn’t your typical workout DVD – you are truly able to interact with the instructors and participants inside your screen and maximize your motivation and excitement for each workout! 

Peloton Cons

Accountability & Connection

Over the years, I’ve learned that I like to sign up for and attend a class so that way I’m held accountable to my goals. Peloton offers really great resources for goal-setting and scheduling, but I find that physically attending a class helps me. In addition, attending a class helps me to interact and connect with the people in front of me. As much as I’d love to jet over to New York for a Peloton meet up, I’d much rather head to the coffee shop down the street with my friends after a good workout.

 

Repetition & Body Types

I find that workout DVDs or apps can be monotonous especially if you don’t feel confident enough to explore your options or try something new. In addition, not having a physical person present to check your form can really prevent you from wanting to move forward in the programming that you’re in. Also, I really like certain workouts for my body type and my muscle groups don’t like strength workouts all the time. At the end of the day, you need to know what’s right for your body and goals! 

Lastly, that bottom line. Peloton is an investment so if you’re going to go for it, you better use it! The bike itself starts at over $2000 and that’s just the start. I’ll break it down further below but the bike itself has a cost then the classes and “community” comes with extra costs too.

Your Investment

There are 4 packages that you can look at purchasing – all include the bike.

Basic Package – $2245

What’s included: The bike, 1-year limited warranty and delivery and set up. This package also includes the programming and subscription to the community and your exercises. 

Essentials Package – $2404 

You can also beef up your packages a bit to make sure that you’re able to have the best workout from the comfort of your home.

What’s included: The bike, 1-year limited warranty, delivery and set up and some extra accessories such as a set of weights, a set of shoes to clip into the bike and a pair of headphones.

Keep in mind that you don’t need Peloton brand specific shoes, but you DO need a 3-bolt cleat mount (often called LOOK-Delta or SPD-SL). 

Works Package – $2494 

Again, this package includes everything listen above but adds the following: a heart rate monitor and a bike mat. Great add ons to make your home gym feel more intentional!

Family Package – $2694 

If you have a partner that you think would also benefit from Peloton, then this package is for you! Everything listed above is included but there’s another set of shoes, another heart rate monitor and two water bottles included as well. This package is helpful if you need someone present to workout with you and cheer you on.  

When buying, don’t forget about the monthly fee of $39 to keep the endless classes and options updating, and at your service. 

All packages are available for financing and can be made in monthly payments that equate to some gym memberships. The difference here is that once you’re done your payments, it’s still yours and you still have full access right from home!

 

The Main Differences

So, what are the real differences between Peloton and a real in-person spin class? I found that Peloton seems to aim for high resistance all of the time during their workouts. Meanwhile, my local spin studio implements a lot more movement and choreography into the class which keeps us guessing and is oftentimes more fun! Sometimes a spin class feels like an all-out dance party on the bike and I find that Peloton focuses largely on resistance.

Chris thinks I’m crazy, but my thighs and gluts respond QUICK to heavy strength workouts and although I want a balance… I don’t want to be bottom heavy! Ya know what I mean?

Speaking of dance parties — both offer excellent soundtracks! Peloton even offers workouts that you can pick based on your preferred playlist. Whether you’re feeling a bit of 90s Britney or recent Pitbull tracks – it’s your call!

 

I’ll be honest, the Peloton was for Chris. It works great with his schedule. But I am definitely implementing it into my routine here and there. I really like our Peloton and would encourage you to do it if you’ve ever been intimidated by group workout, or you’re adamant about working out at home. At the end of the day though, I recommend trying one out if you can before you invest.

Have you tried a Peloton? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear your thoughts. 

 

Photos by Alexandra Folster 

Lifestyle
July 1, 2019

Summer Reads

Summer is here, which means I’m officially ready to sit back, relax, enjoy vacation and dive into a good book. As you know, I spent a lot of years in med school reading textbooks that were interesting, but heavy (literally and figuratively) and not relaxing to read at all. Now that this chapter of my life is closed, I’m excited to open new chapters (pun intended) and read a book or two… or five, for the pure enjoyment factor. Plus, if I happen to learn something new along the way, that’s a bonus! Lately I find myself always keeping a good book on the nightstand so that I can wind down my busy mind before bed. 

 

Now is the Time for Summer Reads

Summer is the perfect time to read more because we’re generally given more opportunities to relax. Nothing is better than a good novel by the pool or during long plane rides. In the summer, schedules are usually less busy so it’s also the perfect time to start a book club with your girlfriends and finally get around to reading Michelle Obama’s new book! 

 

Let’s Be Real: Reading Is So Important

I think a lot of us dreaded reading when we were younger. But, it turns out, it’s fun if you’re reading something enjoyable! Reading keeps our minds sharp and our imaginations fresh. It can keep our brains on the ball in ways that Netflix and YouTube just can’t. Keeping your mind active by reading provides opportunities to learn and feel things that movies can’t always make you feel. Working in a very analytical environment as a Doctor leaves a bit of a void for using my playful and imaginative mind, I find that reading is one of the best ways to practice that and unwind.

 

Light Reads vs Thinking Reads

You’ll see it in my list below, but reading really consumes us – whether our imagination and creativity is running free with the characters or we’re learning something new about ourselves and our habits. I usually reach for whatever I’m in the mood for. If I want to be entertained it’s something light, if I’m looking for motivation it’s self-help. 

My 2019 Summer Reading List

I broke my list down for you into fiction and non-fiction reads. Most of my fiction reads are mystery or suspense novels. I love how these thrillers keep me on the edge and keep my brain RACING! 

 

Fiction – Mystery & Suspense

▪ The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

▪ Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris 

▪ In a Dark Dark Wood by Ruth Ware  

▪ The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware 

▪ All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
▪ Watch Me Disappear by Janelle Brown 

▪ Luckiest girl alive by Jessica Knoll

▪ Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter

▪ The Island by Elin Hilderbrand (this is more of a love story/EXCELLENT beach read)

 

Meanwhile, most of my non-fiction reads are self-help or business books. While they’re still entertaining and fun to read – and definitely less heavy than a med school textbook – they still require thinking caps and provide learning experiences. I always make sure that if I’m by the pool or sitting at the spa, I grab a fiction read so that my brain can think less. Meanwhile, if I’m on a plane and have a bit more time to process the information and maybe even takes some notes I grab something self-help or business related. 

 

Non-Fiction – Self-Help

▪ The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

▪ Everything is F*cked by Mark Manson

▪ You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

▪ Leave your Mark by Aliza Licht 

▪ Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – Richard Carlson 

▪ How to Be Parisian Wherever you Are – by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas

Non-Fiction – Business Reads

▪ Swim with the sharks without being eaten alive by Harvey Mackay

▪ Start With Why by Simon Sinek

 

Your Summer Reading List

I took to the forces of Instagram too because I wanted to know what you were all reading this summer! You guys left me some amazing responses which I’ve broken down here: 

Fiction – Mystery/Thriller

▪ Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

▪ The Widow by Fiona Barton

▪ The silent patient by Alex Michaelides 

▪ Deja dead by Kathy Reichs

Fiction – Novels

▪ Love In The Time Of Cholera – by Gabriel García Márquez 

▪ A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 

▪ The Pact by Jodi Picoult 

▪ The Paris Wife by Paula McLain 

▪ A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness 

▪ The Art of Racing in the Rain – by Garth Stein 

▪ The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 

Non-Fiction – Self-Help

▪ No Excuses by Brian Tracy 

▪ Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis 

▪ Blink! by Malcolm Gladwell 

▪ The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

▪ The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins 

▪ The Untethered Soul by Michael Alan Singer

▪ Choose Wonder Over Worry – by Amber Rae 

Non-Fiction – True Crime

▪ Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

▪ Molly’s Game by Molly Bloom 

Non-Fiction – Auto/Biography

▪ When breath becomes air by Paul Kalanithi 

▪ Educated by Tara Westover 

▪ The glass castle by Jeannette Walls 

▪ Fail until you don’t- Fight. Grind. Repeat. by Bobby Bones 

 

Drop a comment below and tell me which of these you’ve read, which one you’re looking forward to reading and where you’ll be reading it! (Poolside with a margarita, perhaps?) I can’t wait to hear from you!



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. 

Learn More
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed. New posts will not be retrieved for at least 5 minutes.