Day 1 & 4
Night 1
For a night on the town after driving 5 hours.
Day 2
Bourbon drinking and trail walking
Day 3
It’s Vaxx Girl Summer, amiright?? But lets talk different swim options you need in your drawer. I was wildly surprised when I polled my Instagram community that several of you voted that you use bathing suits for an active lifestyle - only because I just found a purpose for active swimwear this past year. And I have to be honest - I never thought I’d see myself in active swim because you would never find me running around on a beach playing volleyball in a bathing suit. There are so many OTHER options for active swim that’s NOT beach volleyball. But, by all means, if beach volleyball is your thing - go for it!
I personally try to get the best tan ever each year, I know, it’s terrible for your skin, but I always look for a bathing suit that will give me the least amount of tan lines. That is, until recently, I’ve invested in chlorine resistant bathing suits for lap swim and water aerobics as well as active swimwear for lake activities. But before I delve into the different swim options, read my bathing suit shopping checklist. If you ever go back and forth on how much to spend - this could help you!
At age 6 or 7, I knew cute pajamas was a thing. I had a cute babydoll pajama set that I was growing out of and probably a little too old to be wearing around the house but it made me feel cute! What happened in between then and now? I couldn’t find pajamas to fit my body as I grew up - not only my size but also my curves. From a young age, I’ve always been a pear shape and pajama sets historically have not been flattering for curves. Scrubs, flannel pants - all of what was “cool” to wear at sleep overs never really worked for my booty and thighs!
Enter in my time as an associate at a plus retailer. So many customers bought these pajama sets and were repeat customers! At the time, most of the plus size customers were older than me so I wasn’t really interested. However, after I moved to Chicago - with the same retailer, a customer my age and size was taking advantage of the sleepwear sale and bought two sets at one time! Of course, I chatted her up and she said, “these are the best pajamas ever.” I took her advice and bought a set. Now for me, buying a pajama set with shorts takes some courage because I.do.not.wear.shorts. Well, I got over it and like the freedom shorts provide, atleast at home. Honestly, I loved the set! It made me feel like I did in the babydoll from my youth.
These two pajama sets I sized up on them unnecessarily. I don’t buy from these stores frequently so I guessed on the sizes. I would absolutely suggest buying your normal size.
Image 1 | Image 2 top & bottom
Let me know your favorite places to shop for summer pajamas!
Ireland holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. Two of them being: my grandmother’s family is from Ireland and I spent 4 months learning the culture, getting to know the people, traveling around and of course, enjoying the drink. St. Patrick’s Day brings back many of the memories from my study abroad plus it’s conveniently 6 weeks after Ground Hogs Day, so spring is literally around the corner. Now, this isn’t going to be a “5 most beautiful sites in Ireland” kind of article. You can buy a book for that! I’m here to tell you, enjoy the craic!
10-14 days. You can definitely do Ireland in more or less time, but 10-14 days will give you ample time to get adjusted to the time change and enjoy Ireland entirely.
Dublin is a great check off the bucket list but if you’re able to spend some time on the Emerald Island, stay in Dublin for no more than 2.5 days and hit the road to the country, you will not regret it! The Irish are known for their hospitality; you’ll get a more hands-on experience in smaller towns and driving around the countryside then if you were to stay just in Dublin.
There was a period of time that the native tongue (Gaelic) was looked down upon and therefore rarely spoken. When I studied abroad, there was a push to teach Gaelic in the schools so that it’s not forgotten. Craic - is Gaelic for good conversation/good fun. This phrase is often said on a daily basis, referring to genuine conversation with people around you, typically in the pubs - could easily be translated to “have a good time.”
Cliffs of Moher
Kilmore Abbey
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that’s definitely true in Ireland. If you stay in a hotel or a bed and breakfast, make sure not to miss the Irish Breakfast. Ireland is not known for the exquisite food, but they definitely make up for it in their breakfast! And do not worry, if you don’t fancy eggs and meat, try the muesli.
Coffee drinkers beware, coffee may be hard to find on this island. But don’t just drink the tea in replace of your coffee, ordering tea is just as common as ordering a pint of Guinness in a pub. And yes, afternoon tea is a thing 😊
This phrase is most commonly referring to Guinness, but in general, it’s referring to having a pint at the pub. And while you’re at it, you may as well learn how to pour the perfect pint. You can learn at the Guinness Factory or at a local pub or befriend the bartender, who will allow you behind the bar, to teach you the perfect pour. Both are good options 🤷♀️
Dingle Peninsula
Tully Cross
It’s Brilliant! However, this may be a logistical nightmare if you do not plan ahead - since Belfast is in Northern Ireland, governed by the queen - there are rules to which vehicles can cross the border. The Republic of Ireland, or Ireland, is an independent country from Northern Ireland even though they share the same island. If you are not familiar, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have had a controversial relationship over the years causing a lot of tension between the two countries (putting it lightly). Therefore, if you rent a car at the Dublin or Shannon airport, you probably will not be able to bring it across the border in Northern Ireland. When I traveled to Belfast, I had to take two buses to get to the border and then another bus across the border to get to my destination. I doubt Game of Thrones has loosened any of the border relations regardless of attracting more tourists to the Northern Ireland countryside.
Peace Wall, Northern Ireland
Catholic Black Cab Tour, Northern Ireland
My infatuation with CBD first started when I began hearing about it - which also coincided with my adult on-set asthma. You could say I found out the hard way, that smoking pot will no longer really be a thing for me… not that smoking or smoking pot was really my thing but, ya girl likes to have fun! I finally tried CBD in Las Vegas at a vegan restaurant downtown, drawn in by sidewalk advertisement, “tea with CBD,” and thought, I have a redeye to catch tonight, perfect timing! I slept the entire flight ✈😴
After that, you could also say I’ve dabbled with a few brands, trying different CBD products out - for you know, self care 😊
I actually started with CBD drops because I was interviewing. Now, I’m a social and would consider myself an extrovert, but going into an interview is like social suicide for me. Prescribed betablockers calmed my nerves in interviews but I hated how those made me feel the next day. As the prescription ran out and I wanted another option, I did my research on the benefits of CBD and decided to give it a shot. While the CBD worked for the interview process, a particular brand made me feel more anxious and on edge the next day.
If you’re new to CBD, here are the list of benefits:
Help with depression and anxiety
Muscle Soreness
Improve Quality of Sleep
None of this was sponsored. If you see an asterick * I have a discount code if you’re interested.
Full Disclosure - Unless prescribed by my doctor (like my asthma medication), I don’t take medicine on the regular. I think there is a time and place for eastern and western medicines and our bodies are a wonderland (queue John Mayer). My point is I don’t take CBD regularly, I treat it merely for the enjoyment, good sleep and relaxing when I’m feeling on edge.
Here is a NY Times article on the benefits of CBD.
Add a little extra!
This is the seasonal CBD flavor - elderflower (a favorite liquor) just gives a cocktail an extra oomph.
Bath Time
Facemasks, bubblebath, bathbombs*
- I love all of them.
A different sparKling
Sneak in a little CBD with your afternoon sparkling water. Tried this Austin brand* out benefits of being an aSweatlife ambassador
Pure Zzzz’s
What drew me to the softgels are their extended release. I find my sleep is 100% better and feel refreshed and ready for the day when I use these softgels.*
Moisture!
I add this Daily Treatment Oil* with my nightly foot lotion and my feet are baby soft the next morning!
I apply this to my hands as well! No cracking hands this year.
Gummies*
Making candy fun again
Meal prepping for one can be very daunting! I have been doing it since being on my own and I think I’ve finally mastered it, you know, 14 years later! As I’m sure many of you did, sometime this past year, I became very uninterested in any of my recipes in rotation and found myself very ambitious in trying two new recipes each week. Which, in this phase during the pandemic, is just one new recipe too much.
These last few weeks I have been following the five steps below and I’m far less stressed.
Tips to Stress-Free Meal Prep for One:
Grocery shop a couple days before prepping. I used to grocery shop on Sundays and meal prep on Sundays - and frankly that is just too much. My #gamechanger move is I order online, pick up at the grocery store on Fridays and prep/cook on Sundays.
Don’t be afraid to buy large portions of protein. These are great for a number of meal options. When bought on sale, large portions of protein are often cheaper when portioned out. Don’t let the protein go bad, I can speak from experience… which leads me to number 3.
Utilize your freezer. I have always struggled with the timing of this step, where I found myself frantically calling my parents asking, “my pork has been in my fridge for ‘x’ days, can I still eat it???” I cook enough lunches and dinners to last me four days, but if something changes in my schedule (especially pre-pandemic happy hours or meals out) and I have meals leftover, I throw them in the freezer for later! Let’s just say I’ve been much better at this step during the pandemic due to the lack of socializing…
Try one new recipe a week. I touched on this a bit earlier but prepping two new recipes for me on the same day/week is too much for me to process at this phase of the pandemic but rotating in new recipes is still very important! I have found it very easy to cook one new meal while also cooking one favorite - something you can throw together by memory. That way you have both meals to look forward to!
Keep your staples on hand. For me, this is eggs, creamer + coffee, yogurt/cottage cheese, fruits, snack-able veggies and lately, chocolate pudding. These can make a meal in a pinch but are fine individually.
Watching the inauguration has me reminiscing about my time in Washington, DC, but not just as an adult. Growing up, my family was fortunate enough to take family vacations to big cities, one being Washington, DC which later became my unexpected home for 6 years after college.
I say unexpected because I’m not totally into politics (like, I can’t debate politics well) and you would think, someone without those strengths would definitely not want to move to DC. Believe it or not, there is a lot more to DC than politics BUT you can’t go to DC and miss those two things 😂 After graduating college, I was looking for a meeting planner role and noticed there were a wealth of jobs that fit what I was looking for. I started applying and ended up moving there 3 months later and instead of staying 2 or so years, I stayed for 6!
Going back to my family vacations: they always took place during the hottest week of the summer and it somehow always lined up around my period, yes even at 11 years old. Think of a moody, middle school girl having to walk around an unfamiliar city with her family during the hottest week of the summer, I’m sure it was pleasant 🤣 Regardless, there is always a funny memory from these vacations that have made us laugh through the years afterwards.
The only tip I will be upset if you do not follow - bring good quality comfortable walking shoes, unless you’re willing to spend money on Ubers.
A vacation to Washington, DC. is unique where some of the tourist sites are in another state, so it actually doesn’t matter if you stay in DC, Maryland or Virginia!
In DC, Chinatown/Convention Centre is probably the most central neighborhood to stay, but hotel prices may be high as it’s close to the convention center and once live events return, that area will be busy!
In Virginia, Old Town is an excellent location as it would be a short metro ride from the Reagan Airport.
The National Harbor is not close to tourist sites or public transportation. You can access DC if you’re staying at the National Harbor by the water taxi or a 45-1 hour drive to see sites. You’ll just have to plan accordingly. But until the events/conferences return, prices to stay may be resonable.
Since it’s been some time since I’ve lived in Washington, DC and with the pandemic, I’m sure the restaurants that were my favorite are long gone.
Eastern Market: This is a my all time favorite activity to do on the weekends. This is an arts and food market with a flea market on the weekends. I always stood in line for the crab cake special at the hot food counter.
Union Market: This was just starting to be built as I left DC. There are a combination of new restaurants, boutiques, rooftop space. Just sounds like a fun time to me!
Nanny O’Briens: Another favorite of mine here. When I moved to DC, I lived in a studio with this Irish pub across the street and I made several friends here. For the first few months, this was a total blessing to have without to complicated of a route to get there. Fun fact: Tim Russert, from Meet the Press, often read his newspaper every Sunday morning until he died. He lived up the street in Cleveland Park! *Also, Nanny O’Brien’s is kid friendly until 9pm - the zoo is closer to the Cleveland Park Metro stop than it is to the suggested metro stop (the more you know😊)
Ben’s Chili Bowl: This is an institution to DC. Nestled on U. Street, close to Howard University, and an an integral part of the neighborhood's history since its founding in 1958. I mean, it’s a chili dog, nothing fancy or gourmet, but is an experience to go and see the history!
Other than other normal tourist sites, like the White House, Capitol Building, Arlington National Cemetery and Georgetown, check out:
The Pentagon: My family and I did this (pre 9/11) and I’m not sure I appreciated the tour as much as I did when I toured the Pentagon as an adult after 9/11 and while I was working with the Air Force which just so happened to be the day after Bin Laden’s death.
Smithsonian Museums: I have to say, I’m not a huge museum person but appreciate them at a fast pace. Go to one or all of the museums of your choice because they are free! The African American Museum was still being completed when I was there but I have heard great things from those who have gone!
Within the last 10 years, there is a new Air and Space Museum (making two Air and Space Museums) but this one is not accessible by foot or metro. I would suggest going to both, however the one located on the mall is more space oriented (think spaceships, astronaut suites, etc) and the newer air and space museum is more air (think military air planes in a hangar-esque building). Both are informative and interesting, but not the same and not located in the same area.
Insider Tip: the National Zoo is also considered a Smithsonian and is free, but not located on the National Mall. Guidebooks and the metro map suggest getting off for the zoo at the Woodley Park/National Zoo metro stop, but don’t! Go one stop north and exit the metro at the Cleveland Park metro stop for three reasons:
You’re saving yourself from the tourist crowds (and strollers)
You’re walking downhill to the zoo. Trust me on this one, from an 11 year-old moody girl, I wish I had known this insider tip. I learned this after I moved to DC and laughed out loud remembering how miserable I was walking in the heat up the hill to the zoo with my family.
When you leave the zoo, walk downhill to the Woodley Park/National Zoo metro stop and see all the families/tourists with strollers struggling up the hill to the zoo. In the DC humidity, it’s rough.
The National Mall: This is where most of the Smithsonians and other museums (such as the Newseum and the Holocaust Museum) are located, the monuments, tidal basin, etc. For locals, it’s often a place to go for runs as it’s a wide open area, there are frisbee and flag football games. I frequently enjoyed Jazz Nights at the Sculpture Garden in the summers. As I mentioned before, I’m not a big museum person, but two museums worth paying to see are the Holocaust Museum and the Newseum, which apparently closed before the pandemic.
H Street Corridor: This neighborhood next to Chinatown was just starting to become something during my last few years living in DC. It was funky, fresh and chill with some of the most unique things to do.
Sporting Events: I know there are some who make goals to go to every baseball stadium in the US. The Nationals Stadium is a good one! DC United (soccer), The Washingtons (football), The Wizards (basketball) and the Capitols (hockey) are all entertaining.
Cherry Blossoms: Saved the best for last! Cherry Blossom time was my favorite time in DC. I always went down to the tidal basin to see them but I never went to any Cherry Blossom Festival activities. The hard thing about traveling to see the Cherry Blossoms is the window when the Cherry Blossoms bloom isn’t always accurate so plan your trip towards the middle of the bloom window.
Black Lives Matter Plaza: This clearly came after I left DC but definitely worth a visit
U Street: When I first moved to DC, U Street was still changing. One of my coworkers (a local) even told me not to go there because it wasn’t safe. Obviously, I checked it out 🤷♀️ Honestly, I don’t think I ever had a bad night on U Street. The bars were fun, there were reggae and blues clubs as well as live music venues and good restaurants.
Public Transportation: I love public transportation. If I travel to a city that has it, I’ve done it. DC’s metro is a good system; it definitely does not drop you door to door - therefore the first pro tip - good quality and comfortable walking shoes. Definitely familiarize yourself with the bus system, it will help you from walking everywhere!
Water Taxi: This is a fun mode of transportation to throw into the mix of traveling in DC. About once a summer, I planned a progressive dinner, starting in Old Town, Alexandria and taking the water taxi to Georgetown. This is fun for locals and tourists on a hot summer day to switch things up or to make the trip back into DC shorter (or the trip from DC to Old Town). This company appears to have routes from sporting events as well!
Most Convenient Airport: Personally, I only flew into Reagan. I did fly into Baltimore (BWI) and Dulles only a few times and that’s all it took. For me, I prefer spending just a bit more for convenience of having direct metro access or a cheaper taxi/uber service. The Silver Line on the metro, that travels to Dulles, was under construction when I lived in DC which may be available now, but may not run as frequently.
Street Car: With the revival of the H Street Corridor, came the street car. This took a lot of effort for the community as it kept getting defunded. It’s a great way to get to the H. Street Corridor!
Last Insider Tip: Always check the local tourism website- which has all the updates, newest hotels and restaurant openings and closings, festival lists, etc.
Until I tried this combination, I definitely had my doubts about it. However, it’s good! It’s been my go-to snack or breakfast!
You guys, I threw together this soup in a night and it was delicious! I roasted the butternut squash in advance and then threw in the ingredients into a high speed blender and et voila! Creamy delicious soup for the night and it’s freezable!
You can easily pair this with a grilled cheese, a charcuterie board or have it as your main dish!
Fair Isle is a classic print dating back to the 50’s in Scotland. This print often is worn during the winter season, on the slopes or for the holidays. It’s a nostalgic look for some and tacky for others; if you’re on the fence about a sweater, I’ve found other fair isle items that are cute for your holiday décor, your ski house or as gifts!
When I say, I got super excited seeing fair isle in home décor this year, is an understatement. During college, I worked at a home décor store and LOVE décor. If you’re on the fence about fair isle clothing, but like the look of the print, you can definitely bring it into your home with this year’s décor.
Hosting is my jam, guys! If I was able to host this year, I would definitely accent my current party pieces with some of these fair isle accessories.
If you can’t commit to the fair isle sweater, but still enjoy the look - add these pieces into your wardrobe for a little winter fun!
This couldn’t be a fair isle post without showing a few different clothing options. Below I’ve pulled a variety of fair isle patterns from a mixture of stores and I have to say, I like all of them 😍
Have you heard? Thanksgiving is going to be different this year. If you have always traveled for Thanksgiving, you may be excited that you don’t have to travel, maybe you’re more stressed that you finally have to cook a turkey, or you’re sad that you will be spending the day without your family. Along with the rest of 2020, this Thanksgiving poses several emotions.
I have either traveled for Thanksgiving or worked everyday around Thanksgiving, so the few that I’ve had to myself were well planned. And by planned, I mean, sleeping in, staying in my sweats all day and cooking whatever I want. This year, I’ll have to add in the designated Turkey Day Zoom or Facetime schedule to my plan🤷♀️.
To make Thanksgiving special, I’ve either cooked a favorite dish or made a new one. As well as make a seasonal beverage. Which is also the dish that I’m “assigned to” at family Thanksgivings. So, it’s only fitting that I’m sharing this with you.
Instead of sharing where you can find the best Thanksgiving outfit (because, let’s be honest, we’re shopping our closet or in sweats on the couch), here are some fun Thanksgiving cocktails! I prefer recipes that have fun ingredients but are simple to assemble as well as seasonal ingredients because they are cheaper when in season! Enjoy and have a safe and healthy Thanksiving!
In your preferred stemware, pour prosecco and a dash of pomegranate juice.
Garnish with pomegranate arils (seeds).
To seed a pomegranate, I did a combination of the following youtube tutorials: Video 1 / Video 2
This is a family tradition at Christmas, but I have made this drink for several other occasions.
Prep: Combine 1 frozen orange juice can and cranberry juice (equal parts) into a freezable container and freeze for 2 nights.
30 minutes before serving, remove from freezer.
Scoop into desired stemware, drink will be “slushy” and top off with prosecco or vodka.
Garnish with orange slice.
*For a mocktail version, serve with ginger ale.
This was a new to me recipe and it was delicious!
1 part cranberry juice
2 parts pear nectar (typically found in the international aisle)
3 parts prosecco
Garnish with pear.
My favorite pumpkin pancakes. I make these year round because pumpkin has such great nutrients that I feel I should be getting year round! I often make a batch and freeze in sets of 3.
Winter activities such as playing in the snow with your children or skiing shouldn’t be determined by your size. Dread no more! I have done the search for you!
I have been skiing for as long as I can remember. My family has been fortunate to be able to rent cottages up at Crystal Mountain for a long weekend every year for the majority of my youth as well as participate in the high school ski club. Last year I skied, at Shanty Creek/Shuss Mountain, for the first time since college and had the hardest time finding ski pants that “worked.” I mean, there are ski pants out there that fit, but did the companies ever ask a plus size person how they felt - or did they just scale up in sizing?
Now, I pride myself on my squat range in normal circumstances - but squatting in some snow pants is severely uncomfortable. And once squatting in snowpants is comfortable, they are falling down when I walk because the waist is too big. Out of frustration, I slid into the DMs of plus size experts (@maxeygreene and @louisegreen_bigfitgirl) about plus size snow pants.
What I learned is international companies are doing snow pants better.
I loved the ASOS pants last year but I was late in the search and my size wasn’t available. I ordered every size around it just to make sure. I was smack dab in the middle. Honestly, I just reordered them for this year. These also sell out FAST!
If I did my research correctly this year, I’ve found several brands that suggest more stretch! When buying international, be sure to check the measurement section for sizing. Sometimes, brands convert their sizing into US sizing - but that’s not always the case.
Also, you may be sticker shocked by some of the prices. Snow pants are typically an investment - especially if you use them for winter sports such as skiing and shouldn’t be purchasing on a yearly basis. If you have another favorite ski/snow pant, please let me know! If you’re searching for winter boots, look no further than my closet staples collection of wide width winter boots here!!
From left to right
Plus Snow Raiski Savona (up to 28- not US sizing)
ASOS Curve High Waist Ski Overalls (Up to 26 in US sizing)
Obermeyer Malta Bibs (up to 18 in short, tall, petite)
Eddie Bauer Stretch Ski Pant (1-3x)
ASOS Curve Ski Pant with Stirrup (Up to 26 in US sizing)
Obermeyer Warrior Ski Pant (up to 18)
Your skin with lotion
Your Face: I got in the habit of putting an additional layer of lotion on my face (and let dry) before I went for a run.
This helps your face from getting too dry.
Your Hands: Before I leave for the run, I would also use handcream for my hands. This definitely helped my hands from becoming too dry when my hands overheated and my gloves came off.
Plus with hand sanitizers this year - if your hands aren’t already feeling extra dry, this will help alittle bit!
Your Body with Water: Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your run. It’s common to think since its cold that hydrating isn’t necessary, but the winter months are dryer and drinking lots of water is important.
Your Lips with Chapstick. I think our lips are a little more protected with the mask wearing this year, this is a good way to protect your lips when you’re out for a run. I definitely learned from mistakes on this one.
Warm up your body first, save the stretching for after. It’s a shock to the body to be outside in the cold. If you are planning on running, warm up your body by walking for a few minutes to prevent injuries as well as to test the ground - if it’s slippery or not!
Nourish & Rest. If you’re walking or running more than 2-3 miles, it is important to keep this balanced as much as possible during the cold months. Its just as taxing on your body to run in the heat as it is to run in the cold!
Have your medicine available! If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory illnesses, the cold can irritate your lungs making it harder to breath.
How to dress! It’s intimidating to dress for outdoor workouts. Dress in layers, breathable materials and alittle goes along way! I’ve provided some examples below:
30°F
Surprising as this may sound, this temperature is very pleasant to run in. If it’s closer to 30, I would also wear a wicking tank or short sleeved shirt underneath.
20°F
For colder runs, I definitely layer more, but the tip is without thick layers. You still want to be able to move without feeing weighted down. I would include a long-sleeved first layer that has a mock neck for extra warmth. I may wear a full hat instead of just the ear wrap. On really cold days, I’ve also been known to wear two layers of pants 🤷♀️
