Holiday Travel Essentials

Image via Free People

If you are anything like me, you are just starting to gear up for the holidays. And if you aren’t, well, I admire and envy you. Regardless of how prepared you are, the holidays - especially holiday travel - can catch you off guard, causing undue stress and taking focus away from being present with your loved ones. 

So in the name of holiday spirit, I thought I’d share how I try to prepare for travels. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear eliminating stress.

My Holiday Travel Essentials:

1. Hand cream: Airplanes, cold weather and OCD hand washing (stay away, germs) all wreak havoc on my hands. My current favorite is this small batch one by Camille Beckman that is made sustainably in small batches.
2. Healthy snack bars: I have the hardest time eating in airports and on the go, so I stash up on go raw bars and elemental superfood bars (both available at Whole Foods). Tip: the spirulina ones pack extra protein.
3. Host gifts: Mulling spices from Williams-Sonoma or Bulleit whiskey for hot toddies (pick up some mini bottles if you're flying).
4. Sequins: The holidays aren’t complete without them.
5. Serial: The new podcast by the creators of This American Life makes long car rides go by in a flash. But Serial debates can get heated, so maybe don’t bring it up over Christmas dinner.
6. My husband’s portable iPhone charger: What’s his is mine, right?
7. Tide to go: This isn’t just a holiday essential. I carry one in my purse and one in my car at all times, because I’ve learned the hard way that if something can be spilled, it will be spilled. Usually, on my white blouse.
8. RelayRides: I just discovered this peer to peer car rental service. Rent your car airbnb-style while you're away for a little extra holiday cash, or rent one at the airport to save money and avoid ridiculously long waits at a rental counter. Added bonus: the sharing industry is the greener way to go.

Whether you are staying close or traveling this holiday, I wish you and yours the merriest. xox.

San Diego City Guide

Last week, I wrote a City Guide to San Diego for Darling Magazine. Darling curates great content, and their City Guide series reads like recommendations from your best friends. So it was such a pleasure to share what San Diego has to offer and why I've fallen in love with this city. Granted, it's not hard to do, and there's a reason it's one of the top tourist destinations in the country. But in living here for almost a decade (!!), I've found that San Diego has much to offer beyond the well known attractions, and I'm not holding back in spilling the dirt on all of its gems. Check out the full post over at Darling Magazine!

Also, aren't these photos by Gantes Co. to die for? Book your ticket now, friends. You won't be sorry.

Self Care Isn't Selfish

Image Source.

I had the pleasure of being a guest contributor for the incredible organization, To Write Love on Her Arms, this week. TWLOHA empowers young people to believe that they have a unique role to play in this world and provides hope to those struggling with depression, self harm, and suicide. I love their message: Your story matters. You are not alone. No one else can play your part. 

For my guest post, I thought I’d talk about a lesson I continue to learn over and over again - that being your most creative, brilliant and productive self means making a consistent habit of rest and play. That our dreams demand the best of us, so we need to take care of ourselves when we go after them. That self care isn’t selfish, and rest is not weakness.

Check out the full post here, and let me know what you think. 

xox.

Go Buy Now: Zella Live In Leggings

Photos: Nordstrom

My friend Ange has been preaching the Zella’s gospel for awhile now. Last week, I thought I’d check it out and see if its worth the hype. You guys, it is.

Zella is Nordstrom’s activewear brand, and the Creative Director is the former Product Manager at lululemon. I do really love lulu gear, but my wallet doesn't always agree... and the Zella prices during the Anniversay Sale are unbeatable: leggings start at $28. Twenty eight dollars, ya'll. I'll just let that sink in for a moment.

I bought the live in legging in both black & grey, and a cute sports bra for good measure. My review: the fabric on the legging is a little different than the lululemon wunder under, but just as good quality. They’re thick, so they won’t be see-through when you’re in down dog, and they make your posterior look just as fantastic. Two added bonuses - 1) you can throw these guys in the dryer and it won’t destroy them; and 2) you can’t tell they are workout gear, so you can transition them from morning runs to layering with boots and a sweater at night. Maybe just wash them first.

Just to clarify: Ange and I don’t get commission (although we wouldn’t hate it) and this post is not sponsored by Nordstrom’s. I just can’t resist sharing a great deal.

Just get there by August 3rd.