It’s no secret that cauliflower has been an incredibly trendy food in 2018-2019. I mean why would we need buffalo wings, pizza crust, rice or gnocchi when we have cauliflower?! Kidding. But cauliflower has proven an awesome substitution to help lower carbohydrate intake and increase fiber and nutrient intake in some dishes.
The Benefits of Cauliflower
Even though cauliflower is a white vegetable, which is often associated with high starch content and lower nutrient value it’s actually got some great things going for it! In fact it has quite a bit of Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin K, B6 and Folate! And because it is on the more fibrous/starchy side like a potato it can hold up almost like a flour or grain in cooking.
Cauliflower is also a good source of antioxidants. Usually we think of berries, coffee, chocolate and leafy greens which are super high in antioxidants, but cauliflower still has a recognizable amount, especially the colored varieties.
I love strolling through the grocery store and seeing interesting looking vegetables like purple, orange and green cauliflower (aka broccoflower – yes it’s actually called that). These naturally colored varieties do have slightly higher antioxidant content but not enough that it makes a huge difference. Don’t feel like you need to go breaking the bank or scouring grocery stores just to get the purple variety – unless it’s for some pretty food dish you’re making. Purple cauliflower hummus anyone?
What you can do with cauliflower?
Speaking of cauliflower dishes let’s talk about all the neat ways you can incorporate this neutral, slightly nutty flavored vegetable into your routine.
Pizza Crust – Have you tried a cauliflower pizza crust yet? They are definitely hit and miss. Don’t be fooled by the crusts that are 90% flour and 10% cauliflower, they will definitely taste more traditional but you aren’t getting the low carb, zero gluten deal you might be looking for! Make sure to take a peek at the ingredients before you pick up one of these or go crazy and make your own.
Cauliflower Rice – This is definitely one of my go-tos! I have to admit I buy the Trader Joe’s pre-made stir fry with cauliflower and other minced vegetables plus a soya-ginger sauce BUT it could very easily be replicated at home!
Mashed Potatoes – I’d say this version is most popular in Keto and Paleo diets. It’s a low carb alternative and something that you can totally cover in cheese or butter if you’re keto.
Crackers – I’ll leave the cauliflower cracker making up to the guys at Hippie Snacks and Cali’Flour Foods because it really is an art. Make sure if you’re looking for a gluten free option you don’t assume there’s no flour in it just because they say cauliflower.
Cauliflower Steak – These are probably the easiest to make at home and so fun to flavor! You basically slice the cauliflower into huge slabs and roast in the oven or chuck on the barbie and sprinkle with a steak spice or seasoning of your choice!
Making Your Own Cauliflower Alternatives
If you’re making these yummy dishes at home it’s almost always going to start with a food processor or blender. In some cases the cauliflower needs to be cooked before like in mashed cauliflower and sometimes you cook after processing like in the case of rice. I’d go visit your trusty Pinterest app and find a recipe that looks good!
When buying the products pre-made beware of additives or fillers. Cauliflower alternatives can be a great option for many diet goals such as adding more vegetables, eating more fiber, or even weight loss but you have to make sure you’re doing it right!
My Favorite Pre-Made Cauliflower Meals
I love keeping some cauliflower alternatives on hand for a quick last minute meal. I know when I’m reaching in to the freezer I’m not going to come out with something that’s more similar to fast food than a real meal. Instead I’m picking something I can make quickly but still feel good about!
Trader Joe’s Must Haves include:
Cauliflower gnocchi– I like to make this with a teeny tiny bit of olive oil, seasoned with garlic and pepper as a side dish
Cauliflower pizza crust- this one may require some experimentation on how you like it cooked, to avoid sogginess. Chris and I like to bake these with toppings as directed on the box, but for 15 extra minutes. This has given us the best results
Cauliflower stir fry– seriously an amazing base for main dish or can be used as a side
I LOVE interacting with you guys. Seriously. When you fill my DMs with questions and comments, it fills my heart so much! The problem… I have trouble keeping them organized and getting to all of the questions.
So… I’m going to do a monthly Q+A on my blog! This can be a place where you come when you’re curious, and each month I’ll remind you to submit your questions for the next month. Ask ANYTHING.
Here. We. Go.
When did you guys move to California?
Chris was born in San Bernardino, so he is a California boy (lucky me). I moved to California when I started residency in 2013. Holy crap it feels like yesterday. California has it’s negatives, but I’ve been blessed to live in and experience some amazing cities. I moved to Long Beach initially, then Laguna Beach for two years, Dana Point for one year, and found my true love in Newport Beach, where Chris and I live now.
Favorite store to shop:
Tough question! Nordstrom is by far my most frequented location because they have such a huge, affordable selection. But truthfully… I love to find cute pieces at random boutiques. Some of my favorites in the area are Vici,OPT, and Planet Blue. I’m a huge fan of Anthropologie too!
Who watches EMS while you guys travel or if you are both at work?
Now that I’m no longer a resident, and Chris doesn’t have to be at work for two days at a time, we can manage her being in her kennel for up to 10 hours on some days. One of us is home by that time and because of my schedule flexibility, she has a lot of time outside of the kennel. When we travel, she has a favorite auntie who watches her and takes her everywhere. I wrote all about having a french bulldog here.
How is practicing EM in California?
I think this answer will always depend on where in California you practice. I work at a community hospital that has been around in the community for a long time. I love the people I work with, but the patient population in our city can be very challenging. Most people think of gunshot wounds and people lacking medical care as challenging. Well challenging to me, is serving an affluent population made up of educated, well doctored (and living into their 100’s), sometimes entitled and demanding people. It was tough to break into the medical field in California, it’s very competitive. I am SO thankful to be here, but it does have it’s challenges.
How many shifts do EM doctors get per week and how long do they last?
This depends on the needs of your group, and how many shifts you want to work. I choose to do 12-14 a month for many reasons. One being, I have been working a lot of night shifts these past 3 years so the transition is hard and I need more days off. Second being I REALLY enjoy time off and more time at work to make money will not make me any happier than I am with a few more days off a month. Our shifts are 8 hours of seeing patients but typically we are there 10 hours. In residency we did 12 hour shifts… I can’t even imagine a day like that anymore!
I’m a student doctor marrying a police officer soon. What is the most challenging thing as a doctor’s wife?
Yikes! I FEEL YOU. Police officer + doctor = chaos. In a good way if you’re soulmates, of course. Thank you both for what you do. I think it depends on what area of medicine you go into, as to what the biggest challenge will be. You can read Chris’ blog post about being married to medicine here.
What is your everyday makeup routine and what products do you use?
I keep my makeup routine as basic as possible. I hate spending time in front of the mirror doing my makeup, probably because my hair always gives me a run for my money so I spend my time doing that. I use concealer, bronzer, eyebrow powder, and mascara religiously. That’s about all I use for my everyday look. Some of my daily products linked here.
What kind of car do you have?
I drive a Lexus RC 200T. It’s rad. The most fun car I have ever had, and basically a gift to myself when I finished training.
Any tips on USMLE, residency programs for IMGs?
I am not super well versed in resources for International Medicine Grads. I don’t know anyone personally that has gone through this process. I will say that any residency program is going to want dedication and a reason for why you want to be there. I used some of these tactics when applying to competitive California residencies. Be persistent but not annoying. It’s hard. Get to know someone at the program, shadow there, talk to them, ask questions, show interest, show your value and commitment.
What is your favorite part of EM life?
Emergency Medicine allows you to have the best of ALL worlds. I meet great people, terrible people, sick people, healthy people, young and old, happy and sad, challenging and easy. It has made me this person who can handle anything. I take everything with a grain of salt. Most things don’t scare me and I may make others’ problems seem like they’re not problems… because they likely aren’t! It truly puts life (and free time) into perspective. I am SO grateful for that. Oh, and the schedule is flexible! Not perfect, but flexible.
How did you and Chris meet?
Chris and I met in the hallway of the Emergency Department where I trained in residency, on my very last day of residency. He brought one of his medics in for a potential needle stick and I was the doctor to see him. Long story short, he Facebook friended me 5 minutes after they left. I accepted, and the rest was history! We got engaged in that same hallway.
What is going to be your next car or automobile?
I have no idea! I keep feeling like I need to get a bigger vehicle in case we have children, but I am SO drawn to tiny little sports cars with two doors. We shall see!
Does Chris need to stay in the firehouse for periods of time?
He used to have a 2 days on, 4 days off schedule up until he became a Division Chief. Now he works Monday-Thursday (but brings work home regularly). It’s a trade off!
What’s your hair routine? What shampoo/conditioner do you use? Favorite products?
My hair routine is ALL over the place. Basically have no routines because of my schedule. I have a lot of hair so I push the limits on how often I wash it. Legit… I’ve gone a week before. If I work out, I try to salvage it but sometimes can’t. I use Olaplex shampoo and conditioner– it’s rich and hydrating, but a little pricey. I used Infusium for years and was happy. Currently I use all things Oribe- the dry shampoo, texturizing spray, volume spray, anti-humidity spray… you name it, I use it! I will be doing a more in depth hair post SOON!
Any advice for keeping long term relationships alive and happy in medical school?
Make time for them! Cliche answer, but it’s true. When you have free time, be all in. Don’t cut into that time by being on devices, or worrying about studying/working. Make sure that your partner knows they are still a priority.
What are your individual hobbies?
Chris has tons of hobbies! He’s a helicopter pilot, a scuba diver, runner, and loves to write. I am pretty simple. I love to have a fitness routine, travel, read for leisure, and social media of course.
Any advice for a third year medical student starting rotations in July who is interested in EM?
Network, network, network! Get to know people early on and be on time. Be eager, show interest, be helpful but not too persistent or annoying. I think if you are truly passionate about something, it will show. Target who you’d like to receive letters of recommendation from, early on. It’s really important to have a genuine connection with these people, in my opinion, because they will help you stand out in the application process. Bottom line, don’t be afraid to get in there and get dirty!
How do you find time to keep studying in medicine and be up to date?
Most of my learning and reading happens at work, or after work. It’s kind a learn-as-you-go career. I do reading at home when I have time, but it’s not like you have to sit down and study anymore. Most of your knowledge is always there, you just have to brush up on the research, which happens at department meetings, and as you see patients and learn from consultants, etc.
Do you work with DOs (doctor of osteopathy)?
I do! I feel like once you get past residency, MD vs DO doesn’t matter as much. I work at a very coveted location in Orange County, and there are multiple DOs practicing there.
How is the house hunt coming along?
The house hunt is slowly happening, but kind of at a stall right now. We are traveling to Europe in 2 months so we are taking a little break and refocusing our plan.
What can a nurse practitioner do and not do, in the ED?
Nurse practitioners function like Physician assistants. They typically see the lower acuity patients and do many of the procedures like laceration repair, abscess drainage, etc. In our Emergency Department however, they may see higher acuity patients because we operate mostly as a single coverage MD provider facility. If we are in a procedure or with a very sick patient, they help cover the entire floor during that time.
What’s on your bucket list?
Traveling to Bora Bora and writing a book.
Favorite part of your wedding?
All of it!! Honestly it was just the most magical day ever. From start to finish. Of course, saying our vows overlooking the ocean was pretty epic! But just being with Chris and enjoying both of our families and friends coming together for us, was amazing.
How do you find things to talk about after being together for a while?
Our jobs don’t make that very challenging! Really, I never have nothing to talk about. I think for those whose jobs are maybe less crazy, just making sure you have your own hobbies and goals can help with conversation with your partner.
If you weren’t a doctor, what other career would you have picked?
Most definitely an interior designer. I have zero training in this field but I would LOVE to learn. I would love to be the designer behind the catalogue photo shoots for West Elm or something like that.
What do you think about the abortion ban?
I have a lot of opinions on this topic… but I don’t know that using my platform to talk about them, is appropriate. I know the thing to do as a blogger is “use the platform”. But I asked myself “what would come from me taking a stance and announcing it to my community?” and overall my answer was- a flood of messages and opinions and judgments, probably. I’m all for this occasionally, but this topic is just too much to be talking about on stories I’d rather have a live discussion about it so people could go back and forth. Instagram just isn’t the platform for this, in my opinion.
What is your favorite mascara/do you use any lash enhancing product?
I have used Bobbi Brown, Smokey Eye for years! I used Latisse before our wedding and it worked super well, but on a regular basis I don’t use lash-enhancing products. My mom has long lashes and thankfully passed them onto me!
What made you want to become a doctor?
I LOVE science. I always wanted to know more about injuries and trauma. I would watch Rescue 911 (#OLD) on tv and be upset because I wanted to see the injuries in more detail, I wanted to ask questions and be there real time. I love the detective work in medicine and I LOVE meeting different people and hopefully making an impact in their lives.
How did your husband go about becoming a firefighter?
He started as an Explorer (basically shadowing), very young. He made connections that way, and worked for an ambulance company. He completed his academy as soon as he could, and climbed the ranks from there! He’s a huge leader in the field and loves teaching, so if you have specific questions, feel free to email me!
Where did you go to medical school?
The Ohio State University, Go Bucks!
What advice do you have in becoming successful and reaching life goals?
It’s not going to be easy. You can’t expect things to happen overnight. You have to keep your head down, and avoid letting the negativity creep in. Keep supportive and positive people around you, and use them.
What was your first “I made it” purchase after receiving your MD?
A black Chanel tote bag. I never owned a designer purse of this caliber and had always dreamed of owning a Chanel. It was such a cool experience complete with champagne and laughs; I will never forget it.
Favorite music?
I like a variety of music! Anything from EDM to pop to jazz to country on a hot summer day. Most commonly you can find my car Sirius radio station set to CHILL.
How many kids do you want? Baby names?
Eek! Babies! We want two kids, but we should probably get started on that soon unless we want two toddlers at once! That’s a NO for me. We want to name our children with names that start with ‘C’, so we can all have ‘C’ names. Someday we will have a boat called Majestic C’s (like seas, get it?)!
What is your favorite place you have visited together?
Maui! The Four Seasons in Maui was by far the most luxurious and beautiful place we had ever been. You can find details on our honeymoon HERE.
What are your favorite types of ED patients to see?
I LOVE a good joint reduction. I think I was an orthopedist in another life. Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle… bring it on! It’s so satisfying and the patient feels better after you do it. I actually love the fact that it’s not about strength, but more about technicality and positioning, which is a challenge sometimes. Overall I prefer the Emergency medicine complaints that you can fix or help in some way. It leads to better patient satisfaction which is satisfying for me.
Despise: Neuro complaints! Tingling here, numbness there, all over numbness, dizziness, “I don’t feel right”… my worst nightmare!!
Have you ever thought about teaching medicine?
I actually work part time at the academic facility (UC Irvine) in Orange County, where we have residents. I love teaching them things about community medicine, but overall I prefer seeing my own patients and having full control (control freak here). As far as teaching medicine in a classroom, I’m not really into that. I do enjoy educating my patients and community on Instagram! A different way of teaching, I suppose.
Thanks for sending in all of your questions friends! I REALLY enjoy hearing from you and I hope that you’ll continue to send over your wants/needs/questions so that we can grow in this amazing community together.
Boston has become a place of many memories for Chris and I. He started traveling to Boston annually, years ago, before we even met. His mom had family there, years back, so they have a strong connection to the city and every sports team that it holds. It has now become a sweet tradition of our own, and hopefully one we can enjoy with our future kids.
Boston is such a charming city, and I’m excited to share all of our favorite spots from this years’ trip!
Where we stayed
In years past, we stayed at the Lenox Hotel, which I really liked until we had a less than positive experience with their customer service last year. We had always dreamed of staying at the legendary Fairmont Copley Plaza, so this year we made it happen!
The hotel is simply beautiful and filled with history. They even have their own hotel dog, Carly the black lab, who greets guests with her sweet face. My favorite part of the hotel is the long hallway, also known as Peacock Alley, where the lighting is gorgeous and any Instagrammer meets their best photo dreams. This hallway, since 1920, is named after the debutantes of Boston that used to saunter down the hallway wearing their finest designer clothing, to attend various events and balls at the hotel.
We had a great experience here. The robes are comfortable (A MUST for vacation life), and the room service is excellent; plus they obliged us with items from the bar downstairs but off the menu (more on that later). The front desk employees are super friendly, and the rooftop gym offers some very gorgeous views of the city.
The Fairmont also houses one of my favorite bars, Oak Bar. The bar is made of copper and has a rustic yet classy feel. Their menu has a little bit of everything, but the pretzels and cheese are a MUST. We probably had a total of 5 orders over the course of our stay in Boston (including the order we requested for room service). Even if you don’t stay at the Fairmont, add this bar to your list and you’ll feel super fancy!
What we did
Lucky for us, we were in town during the infamous Boston marathon. It was such a cool event to experience. Chris is a big runner, so he really enjoyed seeing the patriotism and hearing the stories that everyone had to share, for why they were running. The bartenders and locals in Boston had their own stories about the bombing and previous marathons, so it was cool to experience a little piece of Boston history.
Chris has done pretty much everything in Boston, including many of the tours, so we kept this trip pretty low key in terms of tours or plans. One thing he had never done, however, was see the aquarium. Boston has one of the coolest aquariums I have experienced, whose layout allows everyone to see everything without being crowded or trampled.
Bonus** You can even pet stingrays and baby sharks! You better believe that we pushed our way through the sea of children to get our hands on that sea life!
We spent a little bit of time walking through the Granary Burying Ground, where Sam Adams and Paul Revere, amongst many other historical figures, are buried. Seeing the super old, sinking grave sites that have been there for centuries, certainly puts the word history into perspective.
Walking through Boston Commons is always a tradition for us. It’s such a simple activity yet so enjoyable. I love seeing the families of Boston with their children, running amongst the squirrels and ducks. I love seeing the brownstone homes on the edge of the park. Can’t say I wouldn’t snag one of those if I had the opportunity!
We always walk Newbury Street on our way to the Commons, so that we can be lured into the amazing designer stores along the way. One thing you might not know about Chris and I, is that we both have a love for retail therapy. Once we get going… watch out! Chris snagged his first leather jacket on this trip, from All Saints. I had to nudge him a little bit… we’ll see if he wears it, but it looks great! I also picked up a pair of sunglasses that I totally didn’t need, from Burberry (always coerced by my husband).
Where we ate
On to the most important part of this blog… THE FOOD.
Every year we find new gems in Boston, but we also have our staple favorites. Unfortunately, we can’t make it to every single restaurant every single trip, although we certainly try! Let me be honest though… I’m still recovering from my poor eating habits in Boston (getting older sucks)!
You heard about Oak Bar at the Fairmont Copley earlier. Don’t miss it.
Just down the street is Saltie Girl. What we didn’t know, was that there is a list here and you have to sign up earlier in the day. You can’t call, you must sign up in person. At least that’s what we were told. We got super lucky and the bartender took pity on us and let us enjoy a hot lobster roll standing up. OMG. BOMB. It’s a small, swanky, little spot that is worth the extra trouble of signing up on the list.
We headed to Stephanie’s on Newbury on marathon day. It was such a fun scene. They have a ton of seating but also a really cool bar that was playing excellent music. It was a perfect place to hang out while the streets were packed with runners. I’ve heard the brunch is really good. We had lunch- a hot lobster roll and chips to share. They had a great drink selection and we will definitely go back.
One of our favorite experiences in Boston is at Lolita’s Cocina! Seriously, I can’t say enough about this food. It is SO good. We usually order the queso and a quesadilla as appetizers, chicken, fish, and steak tacos for entree, AND the churros for dessert. Yah, we eat it up here. They also serve cotton candy on the house, after your meal.
Beantown Pub (across from Granary Burying Ground) has some history for me. I had been to Boston once in the past, prior to meeting Chris, when I was going through a lot in life. I actually ended up crying in the bathroom. Haha, long story! But being there with him now just makes me smile. I had no idea that day when I was crying in the bathroom, that I would be back, with the man of my dreams. Funny how the world works, isn’t it? We like to stop in here for a Boston beer and some traditional bar food.
Chris had asked a local many years back, for the location housing the best clam chowder. He was told Sail Loft is where it’s at! It was nearby the aquarium so it worked perfectly for lunch one day. It’s the cutest little family-owned restaurant with a slightly different spin on clam chowder. It was SO good. We met the owner who was very personable and even gave us a few life tips on his way out. I love a small town vibe to any business.
Neptune Oyster– the holy grail of restaurants in Boston. The wait is long, but the lobster rolls are available HOT (the only way I eat them) and worth it! Chris and I made it our mission to try this place during our trip because everyone talks about it. You have to put your name in at the restaurant, as they don’t take reservations. We waited about an hour, but had a few drinks across the street so it was painless. The space in the restaurant is tiny; you’re sitting next to other groups of people and it’s a bit of a tight squeeze. However, the service is pretty quick for the amount of people they’re pulling through, and the food is worth it. We tried the Neptune Johnnycake for an app and lobster rolls with fries for dinner.
Last but not least… we don’t leave Boston without a trip to Mike’s Pastry. This is a long time favorite of Chris and his family. I didn’t get any still shots of our pastries this time, but I assure you, you would have judged us.
Some other restaurants that we love and some that have been recommended to us:
Marry a Doctor, they say. It’ll be great, they say. “No thanks”, I said! As terrible as that sounds, it was actually quite the case. Having been in public safety and EMS for almost 20 years, I had my thoughts about intermingling that home and work life. Besides, those doctors, their schedules are quite possibly as bad as a firefighter’s. Who would sign up for that willingly? I guess it’s easy to think you have it all figured out, until you realize there’s far more than meets the eye with this lifestyle.
With so much school and training, doctors are certainly more academically and time constrained than the rest of us beginning our careers. The naive me wanted to believe, there’s no way I’d have any kind of a social connection to someone of the sort! Every time I brought in a patient into the emergency room from the field, those docs always seemed so bland. Not interested!! I can also vividly remember thinking, “this career I’ve chosen takes such a heavy emotional and mental toll on me, I need my significant other to be in something completely unrelated”. It’s no secret that many firefighters find their life long loves in the hospital setting or other realms of public safety, but I was determined to alter course. When I was off duty, I needed to be OFF DUTY! Oddly enough, dating endeavors showed me that I was vastly wrong. What I needed was that doc who not only understood my world, but also had that deeply nurturing soul. And well, all that education, leads for incredibly good conversation and spirited debate after all. What more could a guy ask for?!
It’s quite the learning curve going down the path of life with a doc by your side. Their struggles are heavy and often times, incomparable to anyone else around us. I often times look at my wife and think, “how the heck does she remember all that stuff?” They’re held up on society’s pedestal and the elite of the elite. I guess you can say they have no choice. Admiration doesn’t begin to describe how I feel in those reflections. Do I ever feel inferior? Certainly not. We’re all experts in our own realm, contributing to the greater good as we’ve chosen to do. But the battle of wits can get definitely get pretty intense at home sometimes! That’s just good old fashioned competitive fun, right? At least I think so.
One of my biggest complaints from the start is validated regularly though. This schedule of my Doctor Cassie can be a complete mess. I’m quite certain that her and all of her colleagues live in a constant state of exhaustion. Never quite completely rested, its a rotating schedule between early morning shifts, graveyard shifts, and everything in between, can be absolutely brutal…. for the both of us. I was introduced to Cassie’s evil alter ego pretty early on. You know, the one that’s cranky and irritable and very unforgiving. Yes, that one. A common night shift theme around the house, the alter ego just comes with the territory. Treading lightly and choosing battles becomes a highly sought after skill set. I mean, that’s even if we get a chance to see each other, that is. As the saying goes, we’re quite often “two ships passing in the night”. The quick kiss as were both coming or going, has to be held onto tightly since we sometimes only get quality hours together once or twice a week. I can’t blame that entirely on the life of a doctor, considering the fire life has me coming and going at all days and hours of the week sometimes too. Either way, we definitely pride ourselves on making it work. Those “date nights”, days on the couch together and frequent vacations are an absolute must have in the lives of two people with so much at stake professionally.
Imagine the compassion one must have to commit their lives to helping others in their greatest time of need. Saving lives, taking the pain away, or even just providing the comfort we all deeply need sometimes. My medical professional rides the emotional rollercoaster every day as she holds each patient near and dear to her heart. Their outcomes weigh on her heavily, good or bad. Consequently, they also weigh on us together. I feel her sadness, grief and happiness, and try my best to be there for her regardless of the good or bad. I consider myself fortunate for knowing those same emotions first hand in my career, but the real victory is knowing that I can be her rock of support at any given time. This duty, I don’t take lightly, nor for granted. It comes with the territory. Only time will tell how our family-to-be will navigate these same waters.
We can’t wait to have our very own little ones. You know, so we can give them names that start with “C” just like us! Or at least we talk about it often. If I’m being honest though, we constantly find ourselves trying to figure out how it will all work. You know, our schedules, emotional/mental/physical drain, finances, a family house and so on. Will we even logistically be able to pull it off? To nanny or not to nanny… THAT will be the question!! Either way, we know we have so much love to give and some smarty pants genes to pass along, so we’re determined to make it work. In the mean time, we spend our days spoiling the dog and ourselves, as to enjoy the so well deserved fruits of our labor. After all, that shiny new thing is often the reward for working so hard right? We both believe heavily in monetary therapy from time to time, which provides for some incredible fun time together. Even if that means sharing interest in the latest and greatest purse or pair of shoes. What baby wants, baby gets!!! She deserves it.
This thing we have going is quite possibly one of the most difficult experiences I’ve experienced to date. Sure marriage is an adventure filled with ups and downs, but whoever said that, most likely wasn’t aware of what it’s like to be married to medicine. The downs can be much more prevalent if you’re not ready for how taxing the profession can be. My elite smarty-pants wife is the pillar of all that is good in the world to many, but when she’s home and in my arms, she’s my fragile, tired, emotionally ambiguous inspiration. Neither of us know what the next day will bring, even when we’re forced to schedule and hour of time together, 2 weeks ahead of time. But one thing is for sure, we keep it real interesting in this house!
Comment below if you’re married to medicine! Tell us about your experiences.
It’s no secret that my sleep schedule is ALL over the place. Is it morning? Is it night? I typically have no clue. My blackout blinds and bedroom set up won’t allow me to know the answer to that question. And I like it that way.
That being said, I need my go-to’s at my bedside, 100% of the time, so that I don’t have to move more than an inch if I need something in the middle of my sleep. I guess the only time I really have to open my eyes (just a tiny little bit) is if I have to hit the loo, which is typical considering my kidneys can’t figure out my schedule. What are ya gonna do?
Bottom line with my nightstand is… I like to keep it simple. Basic. Functional. Sure I like a certain look but since sleep is so important to my well being and career success, I choose function over fashion here.
So let’s get into it.
#1. Aromatherapy
My favorite candle comes from Diptyque. These fragrances and candles are pricey, but SO decadent and aromatic. I can smell this candle just from setting in next to my bed, without even burning it. I like to have options, so I keep the Capri Blue room spray and Breathe Deeply peppermint aromatherapy spray next to my bedside as well. I’m not a huge essential oils person; my headaches can actually be triggered by heavy smells, but I love this light spray over my pillow before bed.
#2. Beauty products
Keeping it REAL basic here. My favorite chapstick is Blistex medicated balm. I never stray from this. I have multiple tubes at all times and store them everywhere. I use this every night before bed and when it’s super dry, maybe throughout the night as well. Although my glasses used to be a nightstand essential, now it’s eyedrops. I had LASIK a few years back and suffer from the typical chronic dry eye that occurs in many patients. I don’t need eyedrops throughout the day but sheesh when I wake up in the morning… my dry eyes are painful and I must have eyedrops STAT.
#3. Beverage of choice
Typically it’s water in tumbler of choice (I own a ton), but sometimes it’s tea or hot water before bed in my typical inspirational mug (also own a TON of these). I like keeping the furniture nice so I always use a coaster. Gosh I’m so old. Do you ever wake up SUPER parched though? The worst. So I always make sure there’s something on my night stand. We used to have a fridge with mini waters upstairs in our bedroom but we had to move it to make room for my selfie mirror. #PRIORITIES
#4. Sleep mask
I have gone through TONS of these. They are either too tight, or not tight enough, not comfortable, or let some light in. Well I finally found a favorite. The Silk sleep mask is uber comfy, and fits just right. FINALLY. It comes in all sorts of pretty colors and they have matching pillowcases!
#5. Reading material
I LOVE to read, for leisure that is. I spent enough years reading medical books so I try to keep any bedside reading super light these days. My fave genre is probably mystery/suspense or inspirational material. My mini iPad always stays here, because occasionally I will read a book on there instead of paperback. Chris and I also started filling out this special book, at the beginning of this year. The book lists one question per day for couples to do together. It’s totally random and super fun to stimulate conversation. We obviously aren’t always home together at night (night shift woes), but we catch up on other days if we have to. It makes me feel like we are regularly checking in with each other and since the questions are random, it sometimes brings to light topics that we wouldn’t otherwise talk about.
#6 BONUS. Jewelry dish
I had to move one of my jewelry dishes over here because I realized I would always forget to take my earrings out after a long day. And who wants to go to bed with earrings poking into your head? Exactly. This one is no longer available online, but it’s actually an ashtray and I love the classic look.
Each of the things on my night stand truly serve a purpose. There’s one thing missing from these photos… it’s a photo of my hubs. SWOON.
I’ll take one juice with a side of bacteria to go, please
Life on the go is never easy. You have to find the right routine that’ll keep you on time, find the right foods and drinks to keep you going, and the right attitude, of course.
I’m not really sure why I am always rushing off somewhere or another. I guess if you combine both Chris and I’s schedules, it makes perfect sense. But I still find myself scratching my head sometimes thinking, “is there an easier way?”. At this point I’ve learned to accept the madness that is our lives, with ever changing work schedules and sleep patterns.
It’s funny, even on our days off I feel like we are running around. That leads to breakfast or lunch on-the-go. We typically stick to protein bars, coffee, or a juice; something that has the appropriate nutrients to keep us going but that won’t weigh us down or make us tired. And if I can get Chris to actually ask for/want vegetables (even in juice form), that makes me a HAPPY GIRL. All photos of him in this blog post were not posed, simply a happy wife taking real time photos of his healthy choice for the day!
I don’t do juice cleanses, but I really enjoy implementing them into my daily diet because it’s an easy way to get fruit and veggies in. I will say however, I am VERY picky about which brands I purchase.
I had tried Evolution Fresh juices in the past, because we frequently stop at Starbucks and they are sold there. The accessibility of this brand is key, for me. This brand is 100% organic, gluten-free, and kosher plus the juices are cold-pressed using high pressure processing to ensure they are flavorful and safe to drink. Personally, I like to drink greens because I lack these in my diet (just being honest). Greens & Ginger and Green Devotion are my faves although the fruitier ones like their watermelon juice are great to add to lunch on a hot summer’s day.
They also came out with a Kombucha line recently, and the flavors are on point.
Let me back up for a second. I have been drinking Kombucha for years. In my mind, it has always been a healthier way to experience a flavorful beverage without the sugar or calories. If you look around in grocery stores today, you’ll see it everywhere. It seems like a “fad”, but it really is nothing new. Kombucha has actually been around for THOUSANDS of years.
So what is Kombucha?
Kombucha is a sweetened green or black tea that is fermented using symbiotic bacteria and yeast (now we’re talking my science language, it basically means they’re friends and live together while benefiting each other). The living bacteria are said to be probiotic, which is why it gets buzz for being a “health product”. The name is reportedly derived from the Korean physician who brought fermented tea to Japan, Dr. Kombu.
What is your favorite flavor of Evolution Fresh Kombucha?
This one is tough, because Evolution Fresh offers so many great flavors. Again I would have to go with a greens base being my favorite because I know I want the extra veggies in my diet. The Spicy Greens blend has a little kick, and I’m a huge fan of spice in my diet! They also have a Ginger Lemon Honeycrisp and Pink Grapefruit blend, which are super refreshing, and would be my choice of a lunch time beverage or if I’m en route to an afternoon event.
Is Kombucha good for you?
There are phytochemicals and nutrients in the beverage that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Kombucha is also rich in certain vitamins. Animal studies that have been done, show it could be beneficial for liver and kidney health, and may help to reduce complications of various diseases. Studies in humans have not been conclusive. Just like any other beverage or food out there, you should be checking the label! Don’t forget to check the serving size. Many drinks have 2 servings in each bottle. Evolution Fresh Kombucha has less than or equal to 5g sugar per serving and this is a huge plus for me. I tend to drink one serving (half a bottle) at a time, especially if Chris and I are sharing.
Why I drink kombucha.
I used to drink sugary juice and soda, even diet soda, but once I realized what I was consuming, I had to stop. My palate however, still wants something other than coffee or water (boring), on a regular basis. This is my way of adding a little flavor to my life, with potential health benefits included.
Is Kombucha alcoholic?
Technically, yes. But it contains so little alcohol, that you won’t feel any “buzz”. Retailers require that non-alcoholic beverages on the shelves have <0.5% alcohol.A light beer contains 2-3%, for comparison. In the past, there were some issues with certain brands having more than this allotted amount, due to improper completion of the second fermentation process, and kombucha was withdrawn from many grocery stores. Now, the process of brewing has become much more streamlined and regulatory.
Is Kombucha dangerous?
I wouldn’t recommend brewing your own Kombucha, as the process needs to be perfect and sterile. But the brands sold in stores are not dangerous. There are reports out there of lactic acidosis secondary to ingesting too much Kombucha, but in my opinion as a physician, you would have to consume VERY LARGE amounts in order to even make this a potential outcome. Stick to my usual mantra- balance and moderation, and you’ll be just fine.
I may have given up soda, but my beverage game is still strong. You can still get the nutrients you need, with an on-the-go lifestyle, while enjoying what you’re drinking. There’s just something about that unique, funky beverage that satisfies my palate, with a side of bacteria for later.
Have you tried Evolution Fresh? You can find them here.
I was never a watch girl before I met Chris. Yep, fully blaming him for yet another reason that I spend money! I always wore watches, but I put ZERO effort into finding a watch that meant something to me, or that I really enjoyed wearing.
Of course, I was a student and resident for a long time, so purchasing a nice watch was not on my radar. It kind of became another one of those “I made it” fashion pieces. Plus, I really believe that every professional should own a nice timepiece. Some people like Rolex, or Cartier. Chris is a huge Breitling fan (talk about Mr. fancy pants). But for some reason, Michele always made it on my radar. It always struck me as the ultimate girly, chic but classic watch.
I’ll never forget the first nice watch that I received. It was right after I passed my Emergency Medicine boards exam. Chris and I were out to dinner at our favorite restaurant, and we had this wild idea to go to Nordstrom and look at the Michele watches, a brand I had always wanted to own. We got over to Nordstrom and they were closing. Guess we had one too many cocktails beforehand and lost track of time! Oops! Well Chris recited in his usual business savvy voice, “we are about to purchase a very nice watch, maybe you could let us in for just a few minutes?”. Well it worked! Officially the only people in Nordstrom with the lights all turning down.
We walked right up to that Michele counter and that’s where I joined the “big-girl watch” club, as I like to call it. My eyes lit up and we laughed the whole way home. She’s still my favorite Michele! Always will be.
I chose this one first because it is classic with the two tone bracelet watch band so it can be worn with gold or silver.
Since then Chris has gifted me a Michele each Christmas. A beautiful silver Michele with more diamonds than my first one. She is SO gorgeous and every time I put her on I feel like I have a little more pep in my step!
I also own a sporty version now, pictured below, but I still don’t dare wear any of these to work. These are for my normal life moments!
Cut to my go-to watch at work… ALSO a gift from Chris (what is up with him and watches?), my Apple watch! This was the very first gift I ever received from Chris. Christmas 2016. I remember thinking, “damn this guy is good”!
Not sure I have to convince any of you about the Apple watch being awesome. Especially if you’re an iPhone and Mac user. Because I am running around the ED at light speed pace, it’s super helpful to have my watch to read text messages quickly AND our hospital uses TigerText, which is also usable on the Apple watch. Seriously… I was intubating a patient one day, all gloved up, and felt my watch buzz. I was able to read another patient’s radiology results while prepping to intubate the patient in front of me. RAD. Not to mention I can track my calories. I have found that the Apple watch is pretty accurate if you input your workout prior to starting.
I have fun with the bands and change them around here and there. Michele even makes bands for the Apple watch, but I have yet to go there. I like to keep the dirty, gritty Emergency Department apparel separate from my nice fashionable finds.
The beauty of living in Southern California, is that you can hit the beach and the mountains, all in the same day if you wanted!
I’ve always hear people say that, but never really participated in snow sports after I hurt myself trying to learn to snowboard many years ago. Never in my mind did I think I would get back up on a mountain. But once I took a ski lesson a few years back, I was sold! Something I could do, but not fail at miserably. Thank you snow gods!
Chris and I trekked to Mammoth a few years back for the annual Emergency Medicine Conference, but he just had surgery on his writ so you can imagine we didn’t do anything adventurous! He had been wanting to go back since then, so we finally made it happen for his birthday. Lucky for us, our good friends Taylor and Mike, from Taylor Made Cuisine, were up for the trip and we made it a couples’ week!
Chris was always an avid snowboarder growing up, but there was no way I’d ever get to his level, and since then he’s had a wrist injury, so he agreed to take a ski lesson with me. What a good husband!
We headed up to Mammoth mid day and got there by dinner time. Although the Westin is super nice up there, I wanted a cozy cabin rental for us, and ended up using Airbnb. Piece of advice: avoid going during ski week unless you have kids and that’s when you have to go. There weren’t many options for accommodations and prices were high but we got super lucky and ended up within walking distance from Canyon Lodge, which is my favorite location to ski. The condo was super modern, complete with heated bathroom floors (adding that to my list for my next house, thank you!).
Our first night, at the recommendation of a friend, we tried Mammoth Tavern for dinner. It did not disappoint. The cocktails were divine and the food was amazing. Think, fondue appetizers with hearty comfort entrees. Downside is, they don’t take reservations, but we were able to get in within 45 minutes.
We were super anxious to hit the mountain, so we signed up for a ski lesson the next morning. They made it uber easy- lift tickets, rentals, ad the lesson were a package deal. They provide helmets also, but we brought our own. Honestly the weather was gnarly. The fresh powder was amazing, but the wind was brutal. It was SO cold and the lift rides accentuated the bite from the wind. Not to mention we ended up on a lift that was FAR beyond our skill level and I lost my cool a bit on the way down (picture frozen tears, curse words, and fear that I would die before I reached the bottom). I guess the warm up from the hot toddy once we got back to the lodge made up for it. Après ski is always the best part of a ski trip anyways, am I right?
We stayed in that night and Taylor made us some BOMB beef stew that I am still dreaming about. I think we all know that the best part about a cold weather trip is the comfy cozy cabin life after a long day in the snow! We improvised without a real fireplace and made smores in the oven that did not disappoint.
On our second day in Mammoth, which happened to be Chris’ birthday, we set out on an epic snowmobiling adventure. Seriously… if you have the chance to plan this, DO IT. You can rent a single or double, which we ended up choosing. We did the 1.5 hour tour, but they also offer 3 hour sessions. We went on a gorgeous trail and had a chance to go fast and play around.
There was a point that Chris got a little adventurous and went out into some fresh snow, which ended in us flipping the snowmobile. If I wasn’t cursing and yelling at him with frozen fingers that were incapable of grabbing my phone from my pocket, I would’ve documented the process.
I really enjoyed spending a few days in the snow, but I’ll be honest, part of the reason is because snow gear options these days are on point! It was really nice to wear layers, cozy boots, and go back to my cold weather roots. Although I could’ve gone for slightly warmer snow weather (it was as cold as -10 with wind chill!). I did my best to link what’s available out of my snow gear below. I love to buy snow gear now, because it’s almost spring so there are sales on many of these pieces linked!
We spent the rest of our snowy day at Mammoth Brewing Company and Kitchen 53, with some apps and beverages for the birthday boy. These are both close or located within the Village, which has shops and restaurants, and the gondola that will take you up. Kitchen 53 has the best pretzel bread with cheese and/or mustard sauces. I’ll take five of those, please.
After a little relaxing at the cabin, we trekked out onto the snowy streets again for Chris’ birthday dinner at Morrison’s. I love a small, quiet place for an intimate celebration, like a birthday. This location did not disappoint. It was hard to choose from their jam-packed menu, so we all ordered something a little different and shared.
Butternut squash ravioli, Chicken wings
Salmon and shrimp pasta, Beef stroganoff
We ended the night with a cake (you know the way to my husband’s heart by now, if you’ve been following me for a while) from Dessert’d– celebration flavor with buttercream frosting; one of his favorites. Every year I personalize Chris’ cake with an inside joke or phrase that he uses regularly. This year it was complete with sparkler candles that I was too scared to light. Luckily we have a fireman in the house!
We were all so full from dinner that only Chris had the cake (he ALWAYS has room for cake), and then… we accidentally left it in the fridge when we left town the next morning. Just my luck!
On our way out of town we had a country style breakfast in a small, local spot and hit up Schat’s Bakery (it’s a tradition) to score some delicious pastries and sandwiches for the road.
I think Chris and I both realized this trip how much we enjoy the snow, and skiing. For me growing up, I was never a fan of the snow because it seemed as if the winters were never ending. But now that I live in southern California, I’m craving winter weather regularly. We’re already planning our next trip in the snow!
Have you been to Mammoth? Where are your favorite snowy locations to visit?
We all love getting a little surprise now and again, right? Especially when you’re hard at work studying and don’t have time to celebrate the little holidays like Valentine’s Day! I remember when I was a student and living alone, a package or surprise from my mom would really change my tune! Most of my packages were filled with candy, candles, coffee mugs, and other little treats that my mom knew I would never buy myself. Heck, I barely left the house some days!
I own many of these products and can speak to how much I love them, AND how much they can change a day stuck in your home studying. Because I got carried away, here’s a few more (some specific to the medical field).
Last year for Valentine’s Day, Chris bought me a pink yoga mat, which was an upgrade from the previous one that I owned, and we were taking a lot of yoga classes together, so it was very useful. I snagged a super comfy UGG blanket for him, with a set of adorable Bachelor-themed wine glasses. This year we have something super fun and exciting planned and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!
Do you have plans for this Valentine’s Day? Would love to hear what you all are planning. Even if it’s a night of studying with your favorite wine and pajamas!
When Chris and I were deciding on a location for our honeymoon, we immediately thought of Hawaii. Neither of us had been to Maui, and it had been many years since we each took trips to the beautiful state. Plus, we have been thinking about a big trip to Europe this year, so we wanted to keep our honeymoon budget on a smaller scale and shorter flight. I had heard about Maui’s beauty, but I really didn’t understand just how beautiful it was, until I saw it with my own two eyes.
Because our lives are so busy and we would be winding down from a big wedding, we wanted absolute relaxation. We wanted a beach, cocktail, great food, and luxury. We also couldn’t take off more than a week for the trip, since we had already used vacation days for the wedding. It was an easy trip to plan, with nonstop flights from LAX we were set! We didn’t plan much prior to leaving, because we wanted to keep it relaxing and see how we felt in the moment.
To start, we left 2 days after our wedding, which was a great decision. It gave us time to clean up our home and pack without rushing. Chris booked a limo for us to take to the airport, so we could have a couple mimosas and enjoy the drive while we sat in LA traffic. So worth it. Honestly, it wasn’t THAT much more costly than an Uber and far more comfortable.
The flight was easy; we picked up our rental car at the airport in Maui, and headed off to our hotel! I felt it was only appropriate to explore Maui in a convertible, and there are many mustangs available to rent at the airport.
The Hotel(s)
I always choose to be super honest with you all, on my social media accounts, because I want you to know my true experiences and know that I’ll give you the facts (and opinions). So hopefully you see my reviews here as helpful instead of complaints.
We preferred to stay in the less busy area of Wailea, and chose a hotel that offered a more adult vibe. There were many positive reviews for Andaz Maui (a Hyatt hotel), and it seemed to promote a romantic, couples’ experience. The hotel is located on the beach, so you have both pool and beach options when soaking up some sun during the day. They offer snorkeling equipment, kayaking, and canoeing included in the resort fee, which was awesome. We spent a day out on the ocean kayaking and snorkeling right off the beach, where there were many fish and even turtles.
We arrived early and were able to check in, without issue. They didn’t offer any upgrades for any reason, without a large fee. Our room had an ocean view and was beautiful, but lacked what I would call warmth. The floors were bare, although they offered slippers if you asked for them. The decor was very modern, overall, and the rooms were small. Our bathroom door didn’t shut well and required a sort of slamming motion in order to get it to close. We ordered a movie on our second night there, and there was some issue with the connection, so it kept stopping during different parts. That led to us troubleshooting it ourselves, and eventually we had a maintenance person in our room at 10pm. We kind of gave up on the movie at that point.
View from our room at Andaz
The pools were huge; tons of options for laying out in the sun or shade. There was also the beachfront lounge area, but it filled up pretty quickly. There was an adult’s only pool, but hardly any people were over there and it seemed like poolside service on that side was spotty, so we chose to lay in the main areas. The food was epic, truly amazing. The drinks were very expensive, although also amazing. For some reason the price of wine in Maui seemed much higher than usual, especially at Andaz, so I stuck mostly to cocktails even though I love wine.
We tried to book a couple of sunset excursions on a sailboat, but we were told the tours were full and to be honest, the concierge was not particularly helpful or encouraging with getting us booked on an alternative tour or excursion. The staff was nice, but not overly nice, I’m not sure how else to describe it.
We happened to spontaneously read one of my Instagram DMs while laying by the pool, and Four Seasons was mentioned, for a dinner spot. We headed over there on our third night in Maui, and immediately were taken aback. The lobby was exquisite and HUGE, a place where many people were relaxing over a cocktail or glass of wine. There was live entertainment and friendly, smiling staff everywhere. It was probably about 15 minutes before we came up with a plan to leave Andaz and check in at Four Seasons the next day. Not without a fee, of course. But I’m honestly SO glad we made it happen, because it truly was just what we were looking for.
You can really feel the warmth from the staff at Four Seasons, as soon as you get out of your car. It helps that they say “welcome home” when you check in. The check in process was seamless, we also had early check in here, without issue. We had a garden view room here, as they upgraded us from a mountain view, for our honeymoon. The rooms are MUCH larger here, and carpeted, which makes it feel warmer. The bathrooms are enormous and ornate, with internal speakers built in that allow you to easily enjoy music while showering or getting ready. The bed and pillows… I can’t even talk about it. Best sleep of my life. I’m already planning on ordering Four Seasons pillows asap!
We did ironically have one issue the first night, when we were awoken by our neighbors screaming at each other for hours. Hey, I guess vacation isn’t relaxing for everyone! It was pretty bad, and we mentioned it to the hotel expecting nothing, but instead received an upgrade to a beautiful ocean view room. What an adventure! Packing our bags for the third time on this trip, we laughed about it and were just thankful for the amazing service.
There was a multi-tiered pool in the main courtyard of the hotel, but also an adults’ only pool on the side of the hotel. Now this was the real treat. The downside- the chairs fill up early, and I’m definitely not one to get up early just to get a chair by the pool. We headed to the main pool on our first day there, but quickly were able to switch to the adult pool, when they called us with available chairs. The views from the pool are EPIC. There is a swim-up bar, and constant attendants circling the chairs to see if you need anything. They provide sunscreen, evian water spray, and an amazing poolside menu.
Chris and I didn’t spend a ton of time worrying about workouts, but we do like to enjoy a hotel gym when we can. I have never seen a hotel gym like this one. It’s partially outdoors but not miserable with humidity. There is constant cleaning happening, and the amenities at the gym include headphones, towels, and eucalyptus towels.
One of my favorite moments of the trip (and probably life in general), was my poolside massage experience. I had an hour long foot massage, overlooking the ocean, while eating a poolside hot dog and fries, I might add. Seriously my dream.
We ordered room service twice, and it did not disappoint. I’m telling you, Four Seasons Maui has the BEST pool/room service menu I’ve seen, and includes healthy options. They also offer airport snacks- basically make you a lunch to take on the plane and you order it before you check out so they’ll have it ready. We even ordered a movie one night, free of interruptions or maintenance required.
Funny thing about all of this… is that I went back and forth for HOURS about Andaz vs Four Seasons. I even went to change our reservation to Four Seasons at one point, only to find out that Andaz has a 21 day cancellation policy. Go figure! I also want to add here that these hotels are very similar in price. Our ocean view room at Andaz was the same price as a mountain view room at Four Seasons. If I had to choose, I’ll take service over a view, any day.
Chris and I agreed that both hotels were great, and it’s no wonder they both received fabulous reviews, but Andaz felt very cold and lacking in true customer service while Four Seasons was over the top luxury.
Where we ate
We spent most of our time at the hotels, where we had some very impressive eats.
Ferraro’s– located oceanfront at Four Seasons, true Italian cuisine with some of the finest views I’ve ever experienced. Food is divine and they offer wine deals after 8pm. We ate here twice! Call ahead for a reservation, they fill up quick, especially around sunset. Do yourself a favor and get the rigatoni.
Ka’ana Kitchen– breakfast is a must here, if staying at Andaz. They offer a buffet, but I never really get my money’s worth at a buffet, plus it didn’t include the king crab with poached eggs or these stellar pancakes I had been looking forward to for months! Get the mimosa with pog (passionfruit-orange-guava) juice.
Morimoto– located at Andaz. Very pricey, but SO delicious. The rock shrimp was different than any I had had in the past and the sushi was super fresh. Overlooks the ocean and has indoor/outdoor seating.
Mama’s Fish House– located in Paia, can one even go to Maui without hitting up this iconic spot?! It was about 40 minutes from our hotel, and worth the drive. I made reservations 4 months out… yes FOUR MONTHS. Do it! Don’t let this one slip through the cracks. We started with the mahi-mahi rolls, shrimp won ton, crab cakes, and split the crab/lobster stuffed fish for dinner. You know Chris doesn’t leave anywhere without dessert, so we polished off the banana nut crisp for dessert, paired with mai tais of course.
This place was so fun, located on the beach with fabulous photo ops (make sure you go before sunset), and had a true Hawaiian feel with excellent service.
Toby’s Shaved Ice– located in Paia, and know for their shaved ice, they also have insane poke. We didn’t try the shaved ice because we were so full, but the poke did not disappoint and the environment is beachy, like a locals’ spot.
Activities
Chris and I were ambitious in the beginning, but after the hotel switch we cut back on our original plans and chose to enjoy the hotel life for the most part. We ventured out to Paia one day and shopped around for cute souvenirs. We stopped at Ho’okipa Beach Park to watch some waves and almost tripped over a turtle, or two, while walking the beach. I had to have a roadside coconut, and we snagged some authentic banana bread to take home.
The turtles are sacred in Hawaii. General rule is that you never touch them, and should stay 10-15 feet from them, and avoid blocking their path (trust me you have plenty of time to get out of the way haha).
We stopped in for a little tasting at Maui Brewing Co on our way back to our hotel. I’m not a huge fan of beer so I stuck with the super sweet ones.
Grand Wailea Spa was also on our list and was UBER luxurious. Seriously the most amazing spa experience I’ve ever had. I have no photos because I was too busy relaxing, but take my word for it, it’s fabulous. Chris and I had a couples massage and body scrub, with bath. The lockerroom room facilities are so grand, with multiple jacuzzis and baths filled with different aromatherapy oils. It truly was an experience we will never forget, and the service was impeccable.
What to wear
We checked the weather before we left, and it was reporting 60’s-70’s. The actual weather in Maui… 70-80, and humid! Chris and I definitely wasted a ton of space packing clothing that we didn’t need. I suggest your typical beach wear- shorts, tanks, bathing suits, summer dresses, rompers.
Full disclosure- I spent most of our trip in bathing suits or pajamas! It was divine. I kept the honeymoon attire super simple. I didn’t care much about accessorizing, I just brought some of my favorite pieces of jewelry and practical accessories like hats, headphones, and books.
I invested in some cute pajamas that were super comfortable, and a little more luxurious than my typical mismatched shorts and sweatshirts.
I have such fond memories of our honeymoon in Maui. It was the perfect combination of activities and relaxation. We returned home feeling rejuvenated and with memories to last a lifetime. If you are out there planning your honeymoon, remember to take a step back and keep things simple. It’s all about you and your new spouse, so don’t get overwhelmed and if things don’t go according to your plan… just pack up and move somewhere else! 🙂 No sweat.
This post has been created in partnership with AZO Complete Feminine Balance®, but all opinions are my own.
A couple of disclosures:
1. I am not a specialist in genitourinary health. My statements and opinions are based on my own research, analysis, and patient reviews. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
2. No one should read this and assume this information applies to everyone. Each patient is different, and any decision to start a new medication OR supplement, should be made individually with your doctor.
It’s not everyday you find a blog post discussing the V. Yah, that’s right, I mean the vagina. It’s not as scary when you say it out loud three times!
I love talking about medicine, health, and wellness. I really have NO shame. I can’t! I have pretty much seen it all, in the Emergency Department. Ladies, we all know how confusing the information about women’s health can be. So when I get an opportunity to learn about a product and educate all of YOU, I get excited! As an Emergency Medicine Physician, I see female patients and perform pelvic exams regularly. As a female of course, I also get my required pelvic exams from my physician. So I get it. And let’s be honest, none of us enjoy those exams. **Insert eye roll here**.
So what is AZO anyways? You may have heard of the brand, or seen it in drugstores when shopping around. The AZO brand has a complete line of urinary, vaginal, and bladder health products.
AZO Complete Feminine Balance® Daily Probiotic was created to help protect vaginal health, and restore and maintain the natural balance of good bacteria and yeast. The vagina is home to a host of live yeast and bacteria colonies, AKA the vaginal microbiome. When it’s in balance, everything is all good! It’s like your vagina’s own little defense system. Unfortunately, all of life’s happenings such as your period, pregnancy, or stress can disrupt its delicate balance, leaving you with infection and discomfort. Awkward!
AZO Complete Feminine Balance® Daily Probiotic contains IntellafloraTM, otherwise known as a four strain blend of the most dominant lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora. Not all probiotics are equal, as bacteria is different in all different parts of the body. This probiotic was designed specifically for vaginal health and pH balance. AZO in particular, can work in up to 7 days§, and is safe and effective for pregnant women.
Now let’s talk about what our lady parts are susceptible to. I commonly see vaginal infections that bring a wide range of symptoms that can be very bothersome.
The most frequent question I get is- “what am I doing wrong”? The answer little lady; often times nothing! Every woman’s body is different. There are many factors that play a role in contracting infections. Adding AZO Complete Feminine Balance®daily probiotic helps support natural defenses to specifically maintain vaginal health. Keep in mind: AZO is not marketed as a specific treatment for these infections. But always consult your doctor if you feel it’s necessary.
We really are complex, ladies. Men have always been right… it’s just not our fault!
I’ve given you the science, and now I’ll give you my clinical experience. I see a variety of patients in the Emergency Department. Many of these patients are women who come in with genitourinary complaints. I have the same conversations with each of them- history, surgeries, medications, etc. A large amount of these patients, when asked about supplements, have endorsed using a number of AZO products. I would say it is the most popular brand used by my patients who present for genitourinary complaints. I have always been curious about patient results when using these probiotics, and many endorse them for maintenance of their vaginal health.
Ladies, if you are out there thinking and wondering if there’s an answer for you, ask your doctor about AZO Complete Feminine Balance®. Again, this is an individualized decision that should be made with a medical professional. Keep in mind this is true especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic medical conditions.
To my medical providers who are reading this- patients WILL ask you about this product. Educate yourself, try it out if you feel it’s a good option for you, and be open to what is out there outside of the medications you learn about in your pharmacology class and from your textbooks. This is super important in order to relate to your patients.
To my non-medical community- hopefully after reading this you feel a little less embarrassed by the taboo out there that surrounds the vagina, pelvic exams, and how us ladies can keep ourselves “in check” down there.
It’s the question of the year… will I be staying Dr. Majestic?
We all know it’s tradition for a woman to adopt her husband’s last name, when she marries. Tradition that dates back to the ninth century. It used to be forbidden legally for a woman to keep her last name, under the premise that the married couple were viewed as “one person” by the law. That one person happened to be the husband. It actually wasn’t until 1972 when every state in America legally allowed a woman to use her maiden name as she pleased.
Surprisingly, 80% of women still change their last names, both professionally and legally.
Chris and I went back and forth many times on this topic. Should I change my name? Should I hyphenate? Should HE change his last name? I told him he was welcome to be Chief Chris Majestic, and we got a laugh out of that. But then we went wine tasting with my parents in Michigan and my dad was less than thrilled about that idea. He’s very traditional.
My decision wasn’t just based on becoming “one” with Chris. It was based on the work I would have to do as a physician, to change all of my documentation AND the fact that I always dreamed of becoming Dr. Majestic. I didn’t even know where to start.
Depending on the state you live in, the process for marriage is obviously different. First the marriage license, then the marriage, then the social security office, then alllll the places where you have to change your name legally. Nightmare! I did find a couple of resources called HitchSwitch and MsNowMrs, a couple of companies that help you change your name in all the important, hard-to-find places! I had to chuckle, they each have different packages with the best package including your own personal name change concierge. I don’t know anyone personally who has used this resource, but it seems like a great idea.
They mention that although they try to make the process easy for you, there are many steps in the name changing process that require direct interaction due to the confidential information involved. Honestly, there were mixed reviews on the wedding boards for both of these resources.
I slept on it, I thought over it, I dreamed about it. I toyed with hyphenation, one way or the other. Chris’ last name doesn’t bother me… but as a physician, I wanted so badly to stay Dr. Majestic. Do I keep one professionally and the other for personal use? Do we combine our last names? Niggestic anyone??
After much conversation, we realized that there was just a lot more to this name change thing then a few signatures and papers. We both came to the conclusion that yes, we are each others’ soulmates and are becoming one, but we have still established successful lives on our own, with our own last names.
So… without further delay…
I WILL be staying Dr. Majestic! Legally and professionally.
Chris and I decided to insert his name as my middle name so that I’m still legally a Nigg. What can I say? We got creative! Whew, that decision was a long and difficult one!
Now when the kids come into the world, we got a whole other discussion to have!
How do you all feel about name change after marriage?
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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.
