June 28, 2019

Travel Essentials for Organized and Easy Packing

June 28, 2019/ Colleen Marie

Knowing what and where I packed my things from shoes, to tops, and bottoms is essential to keeping organized once I unpack at my destination. One of my biggest passions is traveling and I’ve loved the opportunities I’ve had to do so, whether it’s for work or personal trips. I used to get so overwhelmed with packing, procrastinate, and then end up over packing or forgetting the essentials I need.

When I used to nanny I was always impressed with how organized the mama was with keeping all of the children’s items organized in their suitcases by color coded zip storage pouches. This also made things easier for me when packing up! Though those days have ended I still swear by the zip around pouches and have used them for years to keep my garments sorted, making everything easy to find. They’ve become more popular now and usually come in a pack and in various sizes.

After some trial and error with what to bring or leave behind I feel like I finally have a handle on my packing lists and if you’re traveling this summer I hope these tips can help you too! There’s nothing worse then arriving to your vacation spot and realizing you forgot something you need, then as you dig to locate it everything gets all mixed up into what looks like a dirty laundry pile! Sounds like a night mare right? So I started to make little investments over time for various items that I keep stored away in my suitcase for when I’m ready to pack up.

Something new I’m trying is this purse organizer because I always use a larger tote when traveling and it keeps me from having to dig to the bottom of my bag for lost lip glosses ! I love the use of see through pouches for my electronics/charging cords, headphones, mints, and pens. I’ve also used a similar one for my makeup that I don’t check with luggage. This option from amazon is great and keeps everything safe whether in a suitcase or carry on. I keep a smaller pouch with me for in flight items (tissues, hand sanitizer, mints, sleep mask, lotion, chapstick, eye drops)

Luggage

I have honestly gone through so much luggage in the travels I’ve had and many time the airlines don’t always handle your prized pieces as carefully as you make hope for. I do think investing in a feather weight suitcase is a great idea because why have extra weight before you even begin packing?! My favorite brand is always Delsy Luggage bu I do love the Calpak version and my tried and true Diane von Furstenberg that’s sadly discontinued! I love my hardshell suitcases lately because they’ve really held up and don’t snag. I’ve been fortunate to just have some scrapes happen or wheels needing replacing, but fortunately most are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. Always check for that shelling out cash on sometime pricey!

Don’t forget about luggage tags for your carry on and checked bags. I love the leather or silicon ones because they last much longer.

Carry On

Whenever possible I try to get my carry on items into a larger tote. I love how this one can be personalized too with so many prints & monogrammed. When traveling I pack and organize my totes particular to what I’ll need with me. Things like my ipad, headphones, charging cords, makeup, snacks, or books. I use this bag for an overhead carry on, it’s great quality and doubles as a beach bag and gym bag. I have used it over and over and the bottom of the bag is finished well so I couldn’t recommend more at this price point!

Be sure to check out the widget below to see some of the pouches and other items I pack into my carry on to stay organized.

Travel Outfit

As much as I like to look put together and feel my best when I look my best I do tend to lean toward comfort and ease when traveling. My ankles usually swell on flights so I try to avoid tight clothing. I always end up cold on airplanes or want to sleep so I often bring a shawl or scarf that could double as a cover up or beach blanket for warmer trips, or scarves for cooler trips. This is of the easiest way to pack smart and functional.

What are your travel essentials for your bucket list destinations? I’d love to hear what you use or anything I should try for my next escape in my comments section!

May 25, 2019

5 Reasons to Consider Acupuncture

May 25, 2019/ Colleen Marie

Have you ever been in a place where you find it difficult to just disconnect from the busy noise around you ? When we get wrapped up in all of our routines and are constantly on the go it can be difficult to self reflect and just be in the moment with yourself. We are constantly filling time with ways to be more productive, or working efficiently while we try to multitask so many aspect of our lives. However, sometimes taking care of our health falls by the wayside when it should be a priority.

As a chronic multitasker myself, I have been guilty of putting my health aside to meet deadlines and eventually it alway catches up with me! Something I’ve kept up with is regular visits to my chiropractor. Growing up dancing and with scoliosis I’ve had back pain and tense muscles. I’ve tried to stay active with fitness, lots of stretching, and chiropractic care. Something I occasionally tried was acupuncture, but stopped when I switched to a new chiropractor’s office that didn’t offer it.

My friend recently shared with me a new spot that has a great spa like atmosphere I found to be very clean and convenient. Wthn, is a new health spot in New York City that specializes in acupuncture and herbal supplements to support overall health and wellbeing.

If you’re not familiar with acupuncture it comes from traditional Chinese medicine techniques of achieving a flow of energy throughout the meridians in the body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very tiny needles to these specific points to treat pain and discomfort associated with a range of ailments.

5 Benefits to trying Acupuncture:

Acupuncture can help reduce headaches and pain associated with muscle tension in the back, neck, and other areas of the body.
May ease menstruation symptoms and support female fertility.
Ability to smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The addition of light therapy can increase these results.
Helps to reduce the inflammation in the sinus cavities since it has anti inflammatory effects on the body. This has helped me a ton during allergy season!
Promotes overall relaxation to restore your internal balance and energy.
Acupuncture treatment can help manage various aspects of your health and It is not painful at all! I promise! Most importantly, all of Wthn’s acupuncturists are licensed and only disposable and new needles are used. If you are wondering if acupuncture could be right for you or still not 100% on board let the experts at Wthn answer your questions here.

In the past when I had injured my back I remember it was the only thing that sped up the healing process and made me super relaxed during the session! However, it doesn’t have to be used as a reactionary form of treatment. If performed regularly it can be preventative, as it improves the circulatory system by increasing blood flow.

I’ve had some sleep difficulties recently and muscle tension so I knew that I’ve been past due for a session. Just checking out the website gives you a preview for what the experience will be like and how every aspect of your session can be customized based upon your needs.

Wthn also offers LED light therapy for rejuvenating your facial skin cells and an area that can be focused on for fine lines/wrinkles with repeated sessions. My experience at Wthn was professional and I loved how my acupuncturist took time to consult with me with a full intake regarding my health concerns and overall goals for the session. I never realized how much acupuncture could support such a wide range of areas. Wthn offers a one time reduced rate for new customers ($65) and also has a membership for $75/month. It pays for itself after the first visit because recurring visits are $85/session.

The session itself is about 45 minutes and there’s options for headphones with guided meditation or calm music. If you like a blanket or additional pillows all are provided. My face was even rolled with one of the quartz rollers! The entire experience had me feel deeper connected within myself and walking like I was on a cloud. I felt so relaxed! It honestly is the perfect escape to unwind and recharge!

If you are in Flatiron I recommend checking it out or trying their supplements. I see Lauren B. and can’t recommend her enough!

If you have any questions please leave them in the comments section.

March 24, 2019

Houndstooth Blazer Outfit

March 24, 2019/ Colleen Marie

It seems like winter was never ending and boy am I ready for spring! As I’m anxiously awaiting a time where I can fold my sweaters away into storage I’ve been grabbing some end of winter sale items that work for this in between season. I found this blazer marked down… then discovered it’s a dress. Ha! Only on my 5’11” figure! I kept it to have it as a longer blazer perfect for this tall girl and pair it with pants or thicker leggings. Though it does look darling with OTK boots or ankle booties for a day at the office to a night out.

I’m also seeing a lot of the plaid and 90’s feel in the spring forecast so figured this could be the perfect transitional piece as it’s not too heavy. Be sure to check out the widget below for some other tailored blazers that would be perfect with a simple white cami or t shirt underneath them. I’ve loved also pairing these with some distressed lighter wash denim in a cigarette fit like this pair.