Friday Favs

I know I’m not the only one struggling to stay healthy during these trying times. I’m home ALL. THE. TIME so I’m eating more than usual and lord knows I’m drinking more than usual. So here are a few things that are helping me pretend to be healthy and active.

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OK, so I did it. A few weeks ago I finally jumped on the bandwagon and bought an Apple Watch and now I see what the hype is all about.

I love not having to have my phone next to me at all time and I love closing circles- thats when you have achieved your movement, exercise and standing goals for the day.

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The only thing I love as much as the watch itself is my band which I found on etsy. 

I love that its elastic and I just stretch it to put on. Bonus that it’s faux Chanel (they have other faux designers as well).

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This awesome Apple Watch Charger. $10 from Target!

Keeping with the vibe of this post, I have to share how much I’m loving the Peloton App First of all, I don’t even own a Peloton. I use the app on my Amazon Firestick and workout in my family room. I love how it has sooooo many options (I typically do yoga, strength or cardio) and that there are options as short as 10 minutes so I have literally no excuse. 30 days for free and then $12 a month is a steal!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I’m looking forward to my first Girls Night Out (Outdoors! With peach sangria!) since February and my sister’s virtual baby shower on Sunday.  xoxo

 

Friday Favs

Friday Favs- a spot where I share my favorite products, apps, sites, articles, and moments from the week.

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An afternoon pick-me-up for you and a friend- now through Saturday, Macchiatos are buy 1, get 1 free at Starbucks from 2-5 each day.

Speaking of Starbucks, I grabbed this bar for the baby a few weeks ago. I was so impressed I looked for them in my local grocery stores with no luck. Amazon to the rescue! I ordered a case and I may like them just as much as she does 🙂

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This isn’t new but every time I start to use it again, I wonder why I stopped. Natural Calm is a magnesium supplement that helps with stress, helps you sleep, helps with headaches, and helps keep you regular. Read the reviews on Amazon and check it out for yourself.

Finally, with the weather warming up, I’ve got Spring on my mind. Check out the sale at Shop Bop until tomorrow. The more you buy, the more you save at Shop Bop until 3/4.

 

 

Revel in the beauty and wonder of spring

Ahhhhhh…it’s spring in New York and there’s no where else I’d rather be (well, maybe Paris but New York will do for this year). I cannot begin to express how much I adore the change of seasons. It’s only my second spring and I feel the wonder like a child. In order to take advantage of all spring has to offer, I have made a Spring Bucket List (find the template here). Listed below are a few of the ways my family and I plan on making the most of this season of renewal.

  • Spring Cleaning- what is it about this time of year that makes us want to clean and organize? I found this handy checklist on the one and only Martha Stewart’s website.  I also change my air fresheners to a new, lighter scent and check the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure everything is working as it should. The hot tub will be drained and cleaned and the patio furniture set back up. Enjoying my morning tea outside is a simple luxury I’m eager to begin again.
  • A spring nature hunt- I can put a check by this one already! My little one loves the outdoors and I love taking pictures so we took the camera and searched for signs of spring in our yard(a lot of the pictures here were taken by her!).

  • Picnic in the park- Doesn’t this picture make you want to pack a picnic basket and set off to the closest park? We are lucky enough to live in walking distance to a lovely park and duck pond so a picnic to celebrate the season is definitely in order. Don’t forget to pack a blanket and some toys for the kids to play. I’m thinking a frisbee and bubbles…I’m sure my girls will complain they’re too old but will then delight in the beauty of the bubbles floating everywhere~ I always do!

  • Shop at the local Farmers’ Market- Why not get your fresh veggies from your local farmers’ market instead of the grocery store? I can’t wait to take my dog and peruse all the goodies and then go home and make a meal of it. Remember, eating seasonally has so many benefits!

  • Opening day at Yankee Stadium- What says spring better than baseball? B’s love for the game has rubbed off on me and the girls and we all enjoy going to games. We’ll be there next Friday, April 13th to root for the Yankees. Why don’t you show your support for your team and enjoy a hot dog while you’re at it? I can almost smell it!

  • Get ready for the rain- Polish up those wellies and make sure you have a fabulous umbrella. I have to admit, I don’t like the rain and have never went for a stroll (by choice) in a downpour but I’m going to give it a go. I can only imagine my little one’s delight and joy when I suggest a walk next time it rains. Life is short; dance in the rain!
  • Make fashion and beauty updates- I would normally be making quite a few spring purchases but I’m on a shopping hiatus until after the wedding (which, by the way, is in 36 days!!!). So instead I created my fantasy shopping list on my pinterest board. One thing I will be doing, however, is sampling all the great spring nail colors. Essie’s Spring Collection and Resort Collection are so much fun! A Crewed Interest in currently on my tips and Orange, It’s Obvious is on my toes. Nail polish is such an easy way to keep up with the trends and who doesn’t deserve a mani/pedi after a long week?
  • Attempt, again, to grow herbs and tomatoes (my daughter’s request)- I don’t know why I can’t seem to keep anything alive. It’s really quite frustrating. I will try again and keep the manicured fingers crossed that something grows.

And that’s it. Well, in addition to planning an Easter Brunch, my daughter’s 13th birthday, my other daughter’s first communion, and, of course, the wedding! Summer will be here before we know it. Time is ever so fleeting so make sure you find ways to enjoy the now.

XO,

Tanya

Transition Seamlessly Into Fall

Being born and raised in South Florida, I knew very little about seasons until last August when I made the move to New York. Now that I’m entering my second year up North, I can actually say that I’m looking forward to making the transition from Summer into Fall. The girls started school last week and with Labor Day today, I figured it would be a perfect time to blog about preparing our homes and ourselves for Fall.

  • Fall cleaning is just as important and necessary as Spring cleaning. Flip your mattress (this should be done twice a year), winterize your pipes, and clean out your closet. You know the drill~ anything you haven’t worn in the last year, donate. Anything with tags still attached, wear or list on ebay. Items that need repairing should be sent to the tailor (make sure to give your shoes the once over too to keep your heels in pristine shape). Make room for a few fall purchases to update your look.
  • Give your garden some TLC. Uproot summer plants from the soil, dispose of them, and don’t forget to turn the soil over. Now is a great time to invest in some Chrysanthemums. They come in all different colors and are the ultimate fall flowers. Go to your local nursery and purchase a generous amount to give your yard a beautiful, autumnal look.
  • Change your tablescape. I use a different table runner for each season and fill a tall, glass container with seasonal things. Goodbye, seashells, hello, pine cones!
  • Change the scents that surround you. I start with my air fresheners. I’m slightly addicted to plug-ins and switch the scent to correlate with the seasons. Try “Warming Apple Cinnamon Medley” for the scent of fall. Heaven! Varying your hand soaps, lotions and even your perfume is a simple luxury that will make you feel at one with the changes around you.

  • Scour the fall fashions and choose a few key pieces that will add to your wardrobe. Check out one of my favorite blogs for some inspiration and direction.
  • One of the easiest ways to stay current is with your nail polish. Make the transition from your Summer brights to jewel tones or other new fall colors.

September 23rd is the first “official” day of Fall so make sure to celebrate by noshing on some delicious seasonal foods. Put a date on the calendar to go apple picking and pick up your pumpkins for carving and decorating. And finally, for all my fellow Starbucks junkies, make sure to grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte (just released!) to really put you in the fall mood.

xo,

Tanya