I mentioned in Monday's post how I've been close to burnout mode, which is why I'm just catching up on recapping the whirlwind event weekend that was almost two weeks ago now. Just as we did last fall, we were on site at a venue, shot the event on a pretty epic looking stage, but streamed it virtually around the globe instead of having a live audience. These events are so much fun to work at, but they are usually throughout the weekend which takes me away from my little family.
My days usually start pretty early, I eat breakfast and have coffee while trying to get work done in my hotel room before running over to the venue to work all day. When I return to my hotel in the evening, I'm sifting through content and working on posts for the evening and the next morning. I literally am working from the moment I get up until my head hits the pillow, and even then messages may come through that I need to attend to. It's A LOT, but call me strange - I love it.
This time, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency across from the convention center, and I enjoyed the brisk walk back and forth even though it was super chilly. As beautiful as their pools are, I was dumbfounded by the tourists swimming in the pool at night. It dropped to 39 one night, and even though the pools are heated it was NOT swimming weather. The hot tub would be the more optimal choice - ha!
Wearing all black from head to toe with coffee in hand is my work event uniform. The Spanx Faux Leather Leggings truly are a holy grail item, and are insanely comfy to run around in all day.
The Marc Jacobs Luggage Tote bag I treated myself to at the beginning of the pandemic (you know - back when we all thought we would be home for a couple weeks) comes in handy. I fit everything I need in there for the day including my laptop, mouse, and charger.
I went live on Instagram for the first time ever on my personal page, and as nerve-wracking as it was I now don't know why I haven't done it more. It was a great glimpse into what I do, and part of who I really am since I truly enjoy it. It took a lot of crappy jobs to get to doing what I love and it was worth it.
I took everyone behind the scenes, and explained what it's like to work at one of these events especially during COVID. The biggest difference is we are no longer flying all over the world, and working in arenas with thousands of people in the crowd. Instead, we are filming on a stage and streaming it globally with simultaneous translations in other languages. Everyone on-site has to submit a negative COVID test, wear a mask, and we have daily temperature checks and other various protocols in place to keep us all safe.
Did you like this small glimpse into what I do for work? I try to keep details off the internet and social media, but think it's fun to take a peak behind the curtain. We spend so much time working and thinking about work that it truly is a huge part of who we are. Which is why it's so important to be happy - never ever settle. The right fit is out there, I promise!
I'm a huge fan of basic pieces that are dressed up a little by a fun pair of heels or pretty accessories. I recently paired my white tee and jeans look with a leopard clutch and stackable rings, and may just need to make it my new weekend uniform. Also, I think this is the first pair of jeans I've purchased in a very long time that didn't have holes in them. I still love my distressed denim, but it was refreshing to whip out a new pair that has more of a finished look.
We headed over to F&D Kitchenfor dinner and bottomless mimosas - I'm always won over by a place that offers this option aside from just at brunch. We sat outside on their beautiful patio with views of the nearby fountain and lush vegetation (have I mentioned lately how much I love living in Florida?!), and I only needed a light sweater.
After working all last weekend on site for a virtual event, it was nice to relax and spend time with those who matter most. Add fresh air and bubbles, and it was just what I needed to unplug. I truly love what I do, but have been feeling lately like my brain is always ON. Between my full time career, a freelance side hustle, being a momma to my sweet girl, a wife, a good friend, sister, daughter, etc... and then add on this blog on my tiny slice of the internet and I get burnt out. Unplugging is necessary and good for the soul.
After dinner, we went for a nice walk and headed home to relax with Disney+. Have you heard? We finally joined 2020... errr in 2021 and signed up for Disney+. We are 3 episodes into The Mandalorian, and I have Hamilton and all the old Mickey cartoons on my list. I am all about the old Disney movies and cartoon shorts. Bring on the nostalgia!
Pop Fizz Clink is the official sound of the weekend!
**This blog post is in collaboration with Responsival, however all opinions are my own.
I'm VERY much looking forward to yoga with the work fam over Zoom tomorrow. It's time to step back, take a deep breath, and set new intentions. Last week was a rough one folks - on top of the awful acts that went down at our nation's capitol I was also insanely stressed at work and in my personal life as we await some test results on a family member. Social media has become such a place of hate and judgement. I saw a lot of polls that people held where people felt they were damned if they do and damned if they don't. It's incredibly important to get the word out for real change and healing in our beautiful nation. However, I do not for one second judge those who choose to sign off for a while and not fill up their cup with stress and hate. We all cope in different ways, and need this time to heal. I do judge those who act as if nothing is happening and continue posting about $500 dresses that you just "have to have" right now. Yep... major side-eye. Read the room people.
Let's try to start this fresh new week feeling a little less anxious, and filled with hope. Thankfully, a small handful of our population does not represent the majority of us. Most people are saddened by last week's events and ready to move forward towards much needed healing. No matter what side you are on, we are all looking forward to much needed peace. And I'd like to take a look at the good things that have happened so far in this brand new year.
But first coffee is always my motto (unless it's Champs of course), and when I tried to spread some positivity on the 'gram the other day I asked people to tell me something GOOD. Christine responded saying she just tried the new Pistachio Latte at Starbucks and it was amazing. I of course, picked one up the next morning before tackling housework and it was delish! So good, my bestie decided to cash in her birthday reward on one and loved it too.
I've been self-isolating at home as we prepare for a big work event this weekend. We are filming it on a stage, but streaming it around the world since we won't have a live physical audience. With all the time at home means all the comfort. Ain't nobody got time for jeans or bras... or makeup for that matter - ha! Other than walks outside with Lil' Miss and the pup, I've been cozied up inside in these slippers which keep my notoriously cold feet nice and toasty.
And alas - the lighting in my room just is what it is. These were taken when the sun was shining bright outside, both bedside table lamps on AND using the ring light tripod my mom sent me for Christmas. I'm a dunce at photo editing (everything you always see is un-touched), so this is life. Along with cords hanging from the tv on the wall, and paint chips in the background as we prepare to re-paint and brighten up our space.
Slippers and good coffee, a negative COVID test for above mentioned work event, re-organizing closets as we put away the Christmas decor, and tomorrow's Zoom yoga class. All very good things in addition to the obvious amazing things like family, friends, remaining employed with the ability to work from home during this time, and our sweet girl. I'm focusing on that, cheers to a great week!
After ringing in 2021, we headed out last weekend to enjoy the remnants of the holiday season by taking Lil' Miss to see the Christmas lights on the town green before they're taken down. We both sported some of our new pieces from our shopping trip to Nordstrom Rack, and she was a dancing machine to the music that was set to the lights. I'm truly going to miss this magical time of year, but am ready for what 2021 is going to bring.
Happy New Year! As busy as I was during my staycation between Christmas and New Year's Day, I am happy to report that I feel refreshed and ready to head into the new year. I do not believe that all our problems from 2020 will magically go away, not even anytime soon but there is hope. I do believe that things will gradually get better, and we will get through this.
I have a positive spirit, as we head into another big work event in a few weeks. This one will also be filmed on a stage, and streamed to everyone around the world instead of an actual live audience. I'm really hoping that by the time we get to our annual world tour in the fall, that things will be much better. Always be positive.
Staycation consisted of brunch with "framily", margaritas on the patio of our favorite local spot, eating leftover Christmas cookies, starting Bloodline on Netflix (already hooked - SO good!), and we rang in the New Year outside by the firepit with one of H's friends who lives nearby over drinks and games. The free firework displays from neighbors were also an invited bonus.
We had a jam-packed staycation week with a trip to the playground, a mommy and me shopping trip, lots of bike rides around the neighborhood on her new big girl bike from Santa, and a cleaning at the dentist for Lil' Miss. She was a trooper, and was super excited for her new Mickey toothbrush and toothpaste.
We headed to Nordstrom Rack armed with a gift card, and she picked out a new top and I also chose the most darling chambray ruffled dress for her while treating myself to new Zella athleisure pieces and a reversible belt. After our shopping trip, we stopped for a donut which I think was the highlight of her day! Mine too if we're being honest - ha!
Merry Christmas Eve-Eve! How did we get here already? I know none of us can wrap our heads around it, but here we are. As rough as this year has been, I'm still incredibly thankful for all the little things and the health and happiness of our families as we close out this crazy year and the holiday season. I will be unplugging from work and here on the blog until the new year, and want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The year started off "normal" with Lil' Miss going to a few birthday parties, going out to dinner, grabbing brunch with friends, activating our annual passes at SeaWorld, and working at the actual office instead of from home. And then March came in screeching everything to a halt. However, there has still been SO MUCH good to come out of this year, and I wanted to reflect upon it before closing it out.
The good things to come out of this past year:
Both of us still having our jobs AND the ability to work from home.
Welcoming a new pup into our home - I can't imagine our lives without Luna already!
Lots of projects done around the house that we never would have had the time for with our usual hectic schedules.
The ability to slow down, and focus on what truly matters.
Online workouts from my local Bar Method studio and our zoom workouts from our Fitness Director at work. Oooh and yoga!
Eliminating negativity - ain't nobody got time for THAT!
Athleisure and all things comfy on repeat daily - how are we ever going to be expected to put on a bra and makeup every day again?
All the homemade baked goodies
LOTS of extra time with Lil' Miss which let's be honest has not always been easy (not even CLOSE). However, it is a time that we will always treasure for years to come.
Board games and puzzles
Lots of swimming which turned Lil' Miss into a fantastic swimmer this year
Netflix shows and my forever go-to for laughter The Impractical Jokers
The ability to road trip to amazing beaches in Florida. We enjoyed a weekend in St. Pete Beach and in Key Largo.
Daily walks with Lil' Miss
Supporting our favorite local businesses
Glasses of bubbles
Celebrating my birthday with a few of my best girls
Target Drive-Up
A work event which we shot on a stage, and streamed virtually to people all around the world. The highlight of said event - we had Tony Robbins as our keynote speaker which wasincredible. Since we didn't have an audience, and it was streaming around the world it felt like a private show for those of us working the event.
Decking the halls in our home which has brought a lot of happy cheer!
All the cheesy Netflix Christmas movies - just the feel good relaxation I need in the evenings.
Yummy smelling candles
Now, I want to hear from you - spread some more holiday cheer by talking about all the good things in your life this past year.
I always seem to wait too long in-between hair appointments, and I can never figure out why. Because you always walk out afterwards feeling like you can take on the world. I was excited to visit Salon Dulayback in August for my first ever Shine Treatment (because this mane can take ALL the help it can get!), and was swooning over the beautiful space. You can find my Shine Treatment recap here which was back before they changed owners, and it was called Rizzieri Salon.
The new owners have made the space even more beautiful, and added on some fun features like a complimentary hand massage with a color treatment and Chakra aromatherapy during the hair wash. I was pampered to say the least! I think it's safe to say I'm honored they asked me back for a full touch up color and haircut, and walked out feeling like a queen. Ok not THE queen. Is it that obvious I recently finished Season 4 of The Crown? If you haven't caught up - what are you waiting for? They finally made it to Princess Diana!
How gorgeous is the hair washing room? I now want a wall like that in my bathroom! I was very impressed by their safety measures. Masks are mandatory, your temperature is taken at the door, lots of hand washing, and there were even dividers at the sinks in case you end up next to someone during the hair washing portion. I love seeing businesses stepping up and enforcing the right protocols to keep everyone safe while also being able to survive. It breaks my heart to see so many shops and restaurants going out of business.
*Before the Magic*
If you were following along on my InstaStories, I mentioned that I ordered a festive coffee before arriving at the salon minus the calorie bomb. I was craving one of their Irish Cream Cold Brews, but my eyes bugged out that it has 14 grams of fat. Yikes! So, I ordered a blonde roast with a splash of skim and 2 pumps of Irish Cream syrup which totally hit the spot. If you're looking for more of a peppermint flavor you can sub in 2 pumps of peppermint syrup in place of the Irish Cream. Tastes like Christmas!
I loved how there were things that remained the same since the name change such as the use of Aveda products, and the adorable hair dryers that hang from the ceiling. Less clutter on the stylist's station, and fun to watch when it's blow dry time! I was also treated to the same stylist as last time, and it didn't even feel like it had been 4 months since I had last seen her!
The before and after shots side by side were a true eye opener. You know when you think you look cute, and then you realize you have been talking to people with food in your teeth or your hair has frizzed up without your knowledge. Yeah that's how I felt. I like to call the "before" look air dried chic.
Since I had taken the day off to burn off some end of the year PTO, I met up with H for some lunch and we had a much needed day date. He had also gotten a hair cut that morning, so we both were rocking the so fresh and so clean clean vibes. A stroll down Park Avenue, and popping into some of our favorite spots was on the agenda. However, I was deeply saddened by how many shops and restaurants have gone out of business. Don't forget to support your local businesses during this awful time! Curbside pick up options and gift cards are causing the owners to have a little happy dance!
And can we please talk about this sweater dress? It was a "gift" to myself as I was shopping for loved ones, and I couldn't be happier. It was warm and cozy for a chilly day in Florida, and it's SO soft. It comes in 3 colors, and I may need to scoop up another. Perfect for some me-time at the salon and a day date with my favorite guy afterwards. Plus, it pairs perfectly with over the knee boots.
Festive, cozy, and quiet weekends are my favorite this time of year. The weather was meh, so aside from taking Lil' Miss and the pup to the park to run around we cozied up at home. We made our annual gingerbread house which Lil' Miss called her "bringe-iss-bread" house, baked Christmas cookies - Grinch Cookies to be exact, mailed out our Christmas cards, wrapped Christmas gifts, ordered in pizza with extra fresh garlic (I guess it's a good idea we were homebound - ha!), and curled up on the couch watching Christmas movies. Ok that's a record for using the word Christmas in an opening paragraph. 'Tis the season...
*She looks like Michael Jordan going for a layup*
I included the recipe for Grinch Cookies on my InstaStories which is super easy, and totally negates my rule of no fake crap in our food. Between the cake mix and the food coloring (only 1 drop thankfully) it's me saying who cares it's the holidays (and still 2020) - ha! And let me tell you it's totally worth it.
And to switch gears in the biggest way because who talks about beach and pool cover ups less than 2 weeks before Christmas? When I was reached out to so I could give material and sizing feedback on this kimono coverup I was mentally transported to an actual real life tropical vacation. My passport is burning a hole in my pocket, and waiting to come back out and play! Where is the first place you'd like to go once it's safe to travel again?
I have a short week this week, as I have more PTO to burn off before the end of the year. We're taking Lil' Miss out for more festive fun, and I'm also finally getting my hair done. I thought going back to brunette from blonde several years ago would be less maintenance. Not the case! It ends up fading pretty quick and looking dull, and let's not forget the lovely grays that are duplicating by the day. After my hair appointment, I'm looking forward to a day date with the hubs. Happy week before Christmas!
