It’s the middle of January and, let’s be real, a lot of those big resolutions that were set into motion for the New Year have fizzled out. I’ve been in that boat many times before, not because I haven’t wanted to make big changes, but because the goal was so large and I didn’t have a plan to get there. Now I take a different approach to making changes and especially resolutions. Instead of saying things I am NOT going to do, I choose habits to fill my routine with positive little actions that can add up. To really get specific, I break down the year into three month increments and have specific things to focus on during each of those times. The goal is to have these little changes become habits so every few months I can build on the progress. I pick one to two simple things in a couple different categories: mind, body, spirit, and business. I have a journal that I track my habits in each week and record how I am feeling.


Okay, so lets get into how I actually come up with these small habits. I brainstorm my intentions for the next few months and decide on my top words or phrases that speak to me. For example, my intention statement for these next three months is: “Level up. Comfort. Intention. Building trust and confidence by keeping promises to myself.” Once I am clear on my intention, I can come up with habits or small changes that will help me to get there. The more simple the better, because you are more likely to actually do these things. Making small changes that build over time is way more effective than setting out for a big change without a plan you can execute on. Try things like, “meditate for five minutes everyday” instead of aiming for what might be your ultimate goal of a half hour per day. The more you get used to these small habits, the easier it will be to build on them and get closer to your ultimate goal. It also builds your excitement and confidence when you can actually achieve the goals you are laying out for yourself.


I also find that the way I word my small changes also has a big impact on my mindset around them. This might not be for everyone, but for me it really make a difference. Instead of working the habits as things I have to do, I word them in a way that makes me feel like each action is serving me. For example, if I am trying to work out more, instead of saying, “I want to go to a workout class at the gym x amount of times per week”, I say “move my body in ways that feel good x amount of times per week”. This takes away the feeling of “having to” and also allows for some wiggle room. Having a little wiggle room in some areas is key for me. Life can get crazy, plans change, and especially with my health I need to have ways to adapt that don’t get me down and discouraged. If my goal is to move my body in ways that feel good, that means when I wake up with body pain on a Sunday morning, I don’t just ditch the gym because I can’t do that specific class I was aiming for. Instead I listen to what my body is asking for and can substitute yoga or pilates. I am keeping with my habit and serving my body.


So far since I have implemented this style of making changes and forming habits, I have been really pleased with the results and my overall mindset. This is just an overview of how I set these goals and stick to them, but if you want more details and specifics I can definitely share more. Just shoot me a message to let me know! I can also send you the details on how I lay out my journals.


This is a newer area for me to dive into on the blog, but as I’ve gotten more into achieving better mental health in the way of balance, I have become super interested in things like this. I read a ton of books and articles, which I take ideas and approaches from and adapt them into what works for me. It took me a while to find these specific things that really speak to my soul and just work, so I want to spread the love and hopefully my method can help someone else!




xx

December is the craziest month where you actually have to have your shit together. With work deadlines, closing out projects before the end of the year, and navigating social functions, sometimes a few of the gifts you were supposed to order slip your mind. We have all been there, and many of us may actually be there right now. Well thankfully in 2019 we are blessed with the gem that is Amazon Prime. AND there are some really great gift options that can be shipped to your house in time for the holidays. There is still time! 

I've rounded up my tried and true options and made this guide super easy to shop. Just click the items below and it will take you straight to Amazon to directly add it to your cart. 

Consider this my gift to you. Less time braving the crowds at the mall for last minute gifts, and more time relaxing and actually enjoying your holiday!
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December has been WILD so far. In every kind of good way. But it, for real, has been super chaotic. The runner up in the gift guide poll I did the other week was this one! Gifts for Guys! I put together a list of man approved (and Crohnically Blonde suggested) gifts that you can order now and they'll still arrive in time for Christmas. 

This one Is a little brief, but pretty self explanatory, so I wanted to get it out to you all before the last shipping date passes us by. You can click through the images below and read my comments on why they made my list.

Also, if you are looking for a super meaningful (but also you are doing it kind of last minute) gift, check out my Guide to Gifting Experiences for some other awesome ideas that will make a big impact and are unique.

Happy shopping and I'll be back with some additional details on what has been happening soon!

xx
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Last week I took a poll on what gift guide you all wanted to see next on the blog. The big winner was a guide on gifting experiences or things people will actually use. I have been a really big fan of the whole gifting an experience thing, especially in a few specific situations. With family members that you always find yourself grabbing gift cards for, for couples who you are getting a joint gift, or for your significant other who you literally have no idea what else they need… experiences are great options.


Here’s an example, Matt and I, instead of doing gifts for each other for holidays, we use that money and take a vacation instead. We both love to travel so this allows us to do so and use our money to spend time together instead of just on stuff. The gift is the whole experience and the memories we will have, which top any physical gift we could have gotten for each other.


I think a lot of the times, gifting experience to those who you know well, can help introduce them to something or somewhere new that they may not have thought of! I’m listing a few of my favorite suggestions below. Hopefully they will inspire you to gift one of these or come up with an experience of your own.


A class in the recipient’s city. I love this one for just about anyone. For couples this is a big favorite of mine because there are so many options. Look up local cooking classes in the area or classes that relate to their interests as a couple. A few weeks ago, Matt and I found a candle making/distillery tour class that was so incredibly fun, it is a perfect gift to give. There are also things like cocktail making glasses which can be a great date night and educational.


If you are looking for a family member, significant other, or friend, an easy go to can be their favorite workout spot. You can buy them a pack of classes with their favorite instructor or vouchers to try something new like aerial yoga!


Airbnb in your town.​ Airbnb has a whole section devoted to experiences in different cities. They have some super unique adventures that allow you to explore your own city in a new way. These are great gifts because often times, we don’t explore our own city as we would when traveling elsewhere. There are a ton of options as far as price range and some of them are a really great deal. They are different in every city so you will have to check your own, but some great ones I’ve seen near Baltimore are wine walks, thrift store tours, and goat yoga!


If who you are gifting to a couple or friend who already has a vacation planned, that makes things EVEN EASIER. You can gift them a tour they have been dying to go on, or a special dinner at a scenic restaurant in the area. These also make really special wedding gifts! If you don’t know exactly what experience they would like for their trip you can always gift them a physical item they can use. Think, a care package for a long flight, AirPod converters for inflight entertainment, or a Polaroid camera to capture their memories.


If you want to stay on the path of experiences but also gift a physical item, I’ve got you covered there too.


Gifting board games/card games is always a fun idea that promotes many family or friend game nights to come! You are giving the gift of all the good times the recipient will have playing that game in the future, and honestly, gifted games are where Matt and I have discovered some of our favorites. Here are a few we love!

Games are also always a good gift for office gift exchanges or ‘White Elephants”. Here are some of the ones I recommend.
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If you have a friend or family member who can’t stop reading, definitely think about getting them a Kindle. They are offered at many different price points and are truly the gift that keeps on giving. If they are often on the go, try gifting an Audible subscription so they can listen to all of their must read list while driving or working out.


Let me know if you end up giving any of these experience focused gifts and share your ideas with me! Happy Holidays y’all.


xx

The holiday season means you will, more than likely, be dashing from event to event all December long. From meeting up with friends, office parties, spending time with family, and checking everything off of your pre holiday 'to do' list, chances are you are letting your regular nutrition, fitness, and sleep routines fall by the wayside. With IBD, this can be the time when flares and symptoms can hit the hardest. In my experience, I see this happen due to changes in my routine and added stress. It is also, of course, sick season so the more you socialize the more you are exposed to potential bugs that can knock you on your butt for quite a few days. Every year, I feel like I tweak my routine a little bit and become savvier in how to keep my health in check throughout the holidays while still being able to enjoy myself.

This year I have five tips that I am living by to help me make it through this crazy busy, festive month.

Vitamins and hydration

Holiday season means lots of eating and drinking outside of your normal routine, or at least the option to. I like to indulge a little when I can. Wine night with friends that are in town, dinner out to celebrate a successful year with my team, gluten free Christmas treats..... My usual rule of thumb is to let yourself enjoy what you want, while being mindful of how they will impact how you feel. It is all about the balance, baby. And honestly, this time of year we can get a little off balance and live your best life, and you should not feel guilty. That being said, during this time of the year, proper hydration and nutrient intake can become an afterthought to all of the holiday cheer. Instead of stressing, I am making things easy by sticking to a regemine I can keep conveniently in my purse everyday. I am making sure I drink at least one packet of DripDrop ORS for dehydration relief each day (more than one for sure if I am having a few glasses of bubbly). This is also key for if my Crohn's symptoms start acting up. Even when I can get those under control, the dehydration can keep me down and out for even longer. Mixing in a packet of DripDrop ORS everyday helps to keep me on my A-game no matter what my body is throwing at me.

I also make sure I take a quality multivitamin once per day. I have been taking Ritual vitamins for the past year and a half and absolutely love them. I can feel confident that no matter what weird combination of foods I'm grabbing from our holiday potluck, at least I am getting my core vitamins everyday.


Limit your plans - its okay to say 'no'

This one took me so long to actually live by. There are so many plans happening around the holidays, but you don't have to attend every single event you are invited to. I've realized that it is better to give your all at a few events you are really excited to attend then be half checked out at a laundry list of events that you only sort of care about. I also used to always feel really bad about saying no to events I would get invited to because I didn't want to let down the host. Well, let's be real, the host has so much going on, they probably don't really care one way or another. Not being rude, but unless you are the guest of honor, it is not a big deal. And if the host is a close enough friend, they would probably want you to be relaxing at home if that's what is best for you anyway.

As part of limiting my plans I make a list at the beginning of December of all of the things I want to do/attend and then I prioritize them. By adding the things I really want to do into my planner from the start I have a more realistic idea of what else I can commit to.


Work from home if your office is sick


If there is a bug cycling through your office, do yourself a favor and if you can, work from home. So many people will try to power through their illness and bring all of their germs to work with them instead of laying low at home. As someone with a compromised immune system, this does NOT sit well with me. If I notice something is going around and too many people are dropping like flies in the office, I try to limit my exposure. Whether that means staying in my office or requesting to work from home, this ensures that I can continue to get my work done and hopefully not succumb to the office plague.

Keep your sleep schedule regular

Sleep can be tricky when your social calendar is packed. You might be out late on week nights when usually your bedtime is 9pm or you may find yourself with extra time to hit snooze on your days off. The best thing you can do is keep your sleep schedule as regular as possible. I usually try to have an hour time frame that I go to bed and wake up routinely everyday (including days off!). If I am out at an event, I always set a target time for me to say my goodbyes and call an Uber, so that I can be home in time to do at least some semblance of my nightly routine and be in bed at a regular time. Of course there are exceptions and nights when you are having such a great time, turning in for the evening sounds miserable, and that's fine, stay out! Like I said, all about balance, baby.


If you have PTO take it

I can't tell you how many times I hear my coworkers talking about all of the hours of PTO they are going to lose at the end of the year. A lot of companies have a maximum amount of PTO that you can roll over to the New Year which leaves a lot of hours to be taken or lost. Most of us workaholics rack up time all year just to keep running ourselves to the ground until December 31st then starting all over again. If you have time banked up, please do yourself a favor and USE IT. It is your time, you earned it, don't feel guilty about taking off work to refresh yourself for the New Year. It doesn't matter if you are going on vacation or staying on your sofa watching Netflix for three days, either way, you're doing what you need to do to give you mind and body a break. This will help you to feel less rundown as you tackle the mid winter months, and hopefully help to keep you a bit healthier.


I hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season full of B A L A N C E.


xx

Next week kicks off Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week (December 1-7) and I have a few fun things up my sleeve to celebrate and raise awareness. To kick things off, I’m excited to share some details about a live Q&A session being held by Nori Health. If you are an IBD sufferer and haven’t checked out Nori Health yet, first off, definitely do so. They are an awesome online resource to help with managing the physical and emotional impacts of IBD.


Their resident health coach and nutritionist, Lisa Booth, is hosting the webinars next week and focusing on nutrition and pain management while dealing with IBD. Lisa has coached IBD & IBS sufferers for years in her work for Ginger.io, 8fit and now Nori Health. She understands the challenges people with a chronic disease have to deal with, and helps them discover habit changes that promote an optimal quality of life. During Awareness Week, she is trying to make as big of an impact as possible by bringing the community together to answer questions and provide help.


Events that focus on both community and education are always my personal favorites because they provide connection and value. Nori’s focus on providing an optimized life with IBD in all facets, from physical wellness, to mental health, to social life, makes me bought into their mission even more.


I am so much looking forward to the webinar next week and it is totally free to sign up so you can join me. Click here for the sign up link and note the schedule below. Space is limited so if you’re interested, make sure to sign up ASAP!


Schedule--

Monday, December 2nd: Live Webinar “Managing Pain Through Nutrition”


Monday, December 2nd - Friday, December 6th: The online Q&A is open! You can ask your questions online and Lisa will provide answers.


Friday, December 6th: Live Webinar highlighting and answering the top questions received throughout the week.


I hope to chat with you all as we go through next week and continue to celebrate our community of warriors that fight this disease!




xx

I can't believe it is already the week of Thanksgiving! I feel like it just became Fall like two minutes ago and all of a sudden here we are and I'm putting together my list of holiday activities I can't wait to do this year. This week I finally started my holiday shopping and I'm trying to get a head start on deciding what to get everyone on my list so I can find the best deals for Black Friday/Small Business Saturday this weekend. I've already released my first gift guide (For The Girls) and I have a few more in the works. Throughout this week I am also looking forward to sharing some of the deals happening at my favorite places to shop, both locally and online. I wanted to start with Meritage Jewelers, number one because I love them, but number two, I want to give you ladies time before the big shopping weekend. If there are some things you want to strategically send your husband/boyfriend OR if you want to let them know about the deals happening at Meritage this weekend, now you have the chance. They make the whole jewelry buying process super easy and personal (they actually listen to your budget and style preferences!). They also have a full bar with big screen TVs in the back so it might feel kind of natural for your man to hang out here, just saying. 

​So let's do this.....

This past weekend I got a little sneak peek of the deals Meritage Jewelers are offering for Black Friday/Small Business Saturday, and I am ALL about it. Not only do they have some perks going on, they also have giftable pieces for everyone. I found everything from gifts I could give my friends/sisters to pieces I would put on my wish list for gifts from the hubby. I am loving the chance to partner with a local small business and let more people know about a jeweler that really takes care of you and works with your budget/style.

I’m sharing a few highlights from my recent visits to give you an idea of the options they have. If you like my picks and want to shop them for yourself (or your gift list), just show this post at Meritage this weekend and they will help you find the pieces.

Their selection of stackable bracelets are swoon worthy. Mixing different metals is a trend I love, and with these delicate pieces, you can make a statement everyday. These pair well with everything and are super lightweight.

I am also loving a matching set. They are great for everyday or a special occasion because you can dress them up or dress them down. This geometric gold set is perfect to wear with an off the shoulder dress for a holiday party. And this rose gold/diamond set…. I could basically live in this one.

I love these gold statement pieces, especially the stackable bracelets and gorgeous rings. These are perfect to wear alone or layer up for a bolder look.

My favorite giftable pieces are these diamond stud earrings. This is a gift you truly CANNOT go wrong with. There is no worrying about sizing and or style, they are classic, one size fits all gifts that ares super special. Meritage also offers a lifetime trade in program where as your lifestyle evolves and upgrades, you can upgrade your diamonds too. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving.

For Black Friday/Small Business Saturday, Meritage is ready to help you find the perfect gift with their impeccable customer service and expertise. They also make they whole shopping experience super enjoyable with the most personable staff (and full bar in the back of the store!). This weekend, to celebrate the kick off of shopping season, they are giving away a free pair of AirPods with any purchase over $1,500.

I can’t wait to see what pieces you are loving and for you to get spoiled (or spoil yourself) this holiday season.


xx

With holiday season basically here, it is time to start making your shopping list for all of the loved ones in your life you are gifting to this year. I always feel like as you get older, the harder it gets to find the perfect gift for your friends and siblings. Once you're at a certain point in life, if you need it, you buy it, so what possibly can I gift you? 

I am always a fan of the gift of experiences (a winery tour, a staycation at a local hotel, etc.), but if you are looking for some perfect gifts for you friends to unwrap, I say, focus on adding a little luxury to their life. I like to gift my friends and sisters things that they wouldn't necessarily splurge on for themselves or something that they didn't even know they needed. When they open a gift like one of these, I hope it brings back a little excitement instead of just checking something off of a wish list. I also get weirdly excited when I gift a product/item that I am so obsessed with and know the recipient will be too. I try so many products so I know I'm picking out the best stuff for the people I'm excited to gift to.

Of course, these luxurious/thoughtful/actually affordable gifts are sometimes hard to find, until you know about them... then you know. I've curated a list of my favorite giftable items that range in price from $15-$200, so you have some options on what to spend, or you can mix and match a few to create a perfect bag of goodies. 

Barefoot Dreams Blanket
I'm starting with the most expensive item first, but also the most amazing. This was a gift to me from one of my best friends last Christmas (of course inspired by The Skinny Confidential), and it is probably one of the most used and favorited things I've ever gotten. I never imagined a blanket would be worth $180, but, guys... it really is. This is the softest, most durable, coziest blanket you will ever own. It is perfect to gift to a friend who just moved into a new home or really anyone. These come in a range of different colors and they even have a matching baby blanket for the new mamas in your life. 

Barefoot Dreams Socks
If you want to go a little more cost friendly, but still gift the ultimate comfort of Barefoot Dreams, these sock are the way to go. They are a perfect little piece of luxury that you can look forward to when you get home from work or throw in your carryon for a long flight. If you are gifting a gift card for a mani/pedi or spa day, these are a great extra to throw in or you can make a little relaxation kit with these, a cute mug, and some mint tea. 

Uncommon James Jewelry
You can't go wrong with these beautiful pieces. Uncommon James pieces are always trendy, but accessibly trendy so that you can wear them season after season, therefore, worth investing in. The quality is great and definitely feel a little luxurious. All of the pieces have a super delicate feel and can go with just about any style. This makes them great for gifting!

Gift Boxes from Winc
A good bottle of wine is one of my go to gifts, but I always feel like I'm missing a little something by just giving a bottle. Winc's gift boxes give a little festive extra-ness to your wine gift, which adds some personality and fun when you're opening it. I also love these for friends you have to ship gifts to, since Winc will package and send it directly for you.

Drunk Elephant Skincare
I am obsessed with this skincare and I wish I could gift it to every person I know, because its that freaking good. I love the mini sets that allow you to try a few hero products at a great price point. If you're going for a bigger ticket item, opt for one of their larger kits that contain a fuller range of products. Amazing skincare doesn't always make everyone's budget, especially when you're spending left and right around the holidays, so being able to give the gift of a little self care can feel magical.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This stuff Is a game changer. I've talked about it on the blog and my Instagram so many times before so I will spare you some of the details. This lip mask is great for everyday and overnight wear, and is especially crucial in the colder months. At $20 per jar, it can feel like a bit of a splurge for what you think you could use vaseline for. But seriously, that's why you need to gift this stuff. What one of your friends may not buy for herself, she will truly appreciate the benefits of this skincare essential. This is NO vaseline and definitely worth the $20. 

Peter Thomas Roth Face Mask Kit
Or really any face mask kit. I love sampler style beauty kits that give you a chance to sample more than one product and indulge a bit. It might just be me, but face masks feel like a universal sign of relaxation so gifting a variety of them is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Capri Blue Candles
The best smelling, most beautiful candles ever. You can never have enough of these and no one is EVER disappointed opening one. They are perfect for basically any lady on your list. I also love that they come in the standard size and the minis which are great to throw in with a gift card or a bottle of wine. 

Monogramed Bags
I love these monogramed totes from Marley Lilly. They are cute, cost effective, and super durable ( I know because I have a few myself). These are great for just about anyone of your list, but super special for the newly engaged or married ladies. There is nothing like seeing your new monogram as a bride to be! Marley Lilly also always has really great deals so you can spoil your friends without breaking the bank.

A Subscription Box
A subscription box if the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. FabFitFun is one of my favorites because it incorporates a mixture of wellness, home, fashion, and beauty products that will definitely appeal to most tastes. If you gift a year long subscription (under $200), the recipient also has the option to customize their boxes each quarter. I love this idea because it makes you feel like you are getting a special gift four times a year and you get to choose why you really want. 


So, that's my curated list! What lovely ladies are on your gifting? Is there anything you are SO excited to give this year?! Drop a comment and let me know.

Also, make sure to check back and follow along on Instagram for my other upcoming gift guides and gift recommendations. You can also check out my Spoonie Gift Guide from last year!

xx