A perk of living in Chicago is that many of the museums are free on certain dates/months. Luckily for us, the Field Museum is offering free general admission to Illinois residents during the month of February. I awoke on my birthday thinking it'd be nice to spend the day wandering around the museum. As I've said before, you would have to spend days, even weeks, at the Field Museum to see and ... Read more
Birthday Gifts for the Fitness Lover | My Wish List
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. My birthday is next month, and when I think about what I would like to receive, it's always fitness related. What can I say? It's what I love to do. I pretty much have everything I would want and don't need much else, but workout clothes are used so much that they ... Read more
Cruelty-Free Beauty Gift Ideas
This post contains affiliate links. This year I focused on switching my makeup and skincare products to cruelty-free options. It's been a struggle to find products that not only avoid testing on animals but also do what they claim to do. There's also the added challenge of trying to be as minimalistic as I can in the process. I don't want to end up with five different primers, ... Read more
A Hawaiian Birthday
Last weekend I hopped on a plane to Hawaii for a 1-year-old's birthday party.Just kidding, the party was in Phoenix. The guest of honor was Olivia, my niece. She looked adorable in her grass skirt, Aloha shirt and flower hair clip. Guests got lei'd on arrival to get the party started.The theme could not be more perfect for a birthday pool party in the Phoenix summer. My mom cooked barbecue pork, ... Read more
30 Lessons I’ve Learned in 30 Years
I'm 30. Do I feel 30? Yes, I guess so. Do I look 30? Definitely not if you ask the server at Gumbo Shop in New Orleans; she didn't believe I was even 21. Despite my looks, I've learned a thing or two (or 30) in my three decades of life. 1. Don't care so much what people think.2. Don't be shamed of your hopes and dreams. I used to be afraid to tweet out my blog posts. Can you believe that? Not ... Read more
February Goals
Let my birthday month begin! I can't believe the first month of 2016 -- and the past 30 years -- has gone by so quickly. I started the year a little off routine-wise because of my vacation and visiting Phoenix, but soon it'll be time to settle back into normal life in Chicago. Here's what I want to tackle this month:Start training for my half marathon. It's super early to train for my half in May, ... Read more
My Birthday Wishlist
I turn the big 3-0 in 3 weeks. I know I have some big changes ahead, and I can't wait to share of those experiences. When I think about what I'd like for my birthday, it's a short list. I'm a firm believer in collecting memories over possessions, and I plan to simplify more in the coming months. But if you'd pull my arm, here's what I'd like to get for my birthday.Irie Shells Aloha pearl necklace. ... Read more
32
Today I celebrate the life of my best friend. We're traveling from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo by boat, then doing whatever the birthday guy wants. If you're into sappy posts about why I love my husband, stick around. In honor of Graham's birthday, here are 32 reasons I love him:He’s the hardest-working person I know.He is handsome.He is goofy. He makes me laugh every day. (Sometimes without ... Read more
Intentional Gifts
Is it too early to start thinking about holiday gifts? I recently came across some items I already know I'll be buying as gifts this Christmas. (They work for birthdays, too!) Best of all, these products help others. Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration. I came across artist Meera Lee Patel's work on Instagram. I was drawn to her ethereal pieces. I bought a journal for ... Read more
Weekend in Rocky Point, Mexico
Graham and I spent the weekend in Puerto Peñasco, aka Rocky Point. This short trip was a celebration of both Valentine's Day and my 29th birthday. It was also an opportunity for Graham to see a town that has meant so much to me. My family is from there and many family members live there now, including my dad. Graham finally met him over the weekend. My niece also met him for the first time. ... Read more