​Happy Friday!

Is everyone just as ready for the weekend as I am? Because I am SERIOUSLY ready. I need like two days to just sleep. Unfortunately, that isn't on the schedule. Fortunately, I do have access to a lot of coffee to fuel me through my next few days of fun plans.

I wanted to pop on here before the weekend to talk about some of the content I have been sharing on other platforms. I do a lot of my sharing and updates on Instagram, I've been treating it kind of like a microblog these days. I know that not everyone uses Instagram as religiously as I do, or maybe you missed a post, so I want to make sure you all get to see the fun stuff I am putting out there. Every now and then, when I have a few things I want to highlight, I will do a quick post on here about them so you can always be in the loop. I'll also highlight any previous blog posts that might be extra pertinent at the time along with anything else from other platforms I'm feeling that day. Let me know if this is helpful for keeping you up to date with new content all in one place!

So what do we have this week....

I also posted this really freaking cute shirt that I partnered with Evening Star Apparel (my sister's company!) to design for Disney World. You can check out her page and her Etsy to see her other cute designs! She also made my Crohnically Blonde t-shirt!


Enjoy! 


​xx

​If you've been following my adventures on Instagram, you know that we just got home from one of our most frequented vacation destinations, Disney World! I can say that Matt and I a Disney World frequenters. We aren't as consistent visitors as the rest of my family are, but it has made its way onto one of our favorite places. This past trip I shared a lot of details on what we were doing/where we were going on my Instagram stories. While I shared our adventures, I got a lot of questions about the places that we were going that are a bit off the beaten path. I find that usually when I talk to people about going to Disney World they think in terms of rides and attractions only. We are lucky enough to have visited enough times to have the time to appreciate the other little hidden gems that you may not notice on your first or even tenth trip, unless someone points them out to you! I am super excited to share these finds with you. We've had great experiences at these places, which is why they are on our must visit list time and time again. Each of these gems exemplify the detail and magic of Disney in a way that I appreciate so much and hope you will as well! Let's count these down....

Number 5:  Dockside Margaritas

First off, I find so many people skip out on Disney Springs during their Disney vacation. In my opinion this is a huge mistake because Disney Springs is full of culinary and shopping experiences that really deliver. I can give a rundown on all of my favorites in another post, but one of my favorite spots to hang out here is Dockside Margaritas. It is located right on the water while also still in the action so you get the best of both worlds. This is one of our go to locations to grab a drink and people watch before dinner reservations. The margarita selection is delicious - their seasonal options are so fun as well - and you really can't beat the view. For couples, like I said, this is a great pre dinner date spot, and for parents this is a great spot to have one parent relax and enjoy a cocktail while the other takes the kids to explore one of the nearby toy stores. Fun fact: this is where Matt and I grabbed bright blue margaritas right before we got engaged.

​Number 4:  Tony's Town Square - specifically before fireworks

I ride or die for Tony's Town Square in Magic Kingdom. I feel like this place always get forgotten about or hated on by Disney blogs and podcasts and I strongly disagree! Matt and I make it a tradition to eat here during every one of our visits. It is an Italian restaurant right off of Main Street with serious Lady & The Tramp vibes. The food, specifically the gluten free options, are delicious, and they serve decently priced wine by the bottle. If you can get seated out in the sun room portion of the dining room, you can people watch while you enjoy your meal. Personally, those are my favorite seats in the house. If you schedule your meal perfectly, you can be exiting right on cue for the nightly fireworks show over the castle. Since this restaurant is right off of Main Street, once you walk out you are just steps from a perfect viewing location for fireworks, but right near the park exit so you don't have to fight the crowds when the show ends. I highly recommend making a reservation since this place can fill up, especially at opportune times (like right before fireworks). On the other hand, if you aren't picky about timing, this is often one of the restaurants that you can find random openings for a day or two in advance (sometimes even same day!). This is pretty rare for a lot of Disney dining. I chalk it up to park visitors totally underestimating the greatness of this place.

​Number Three:  Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar

This is an actual hidden gem inside of the Polynesian resort. They are located behind an unassuming inside of a hallway near the outdoor bar. With a quick knock, you are invited inside of a dimly lit, and usually packed room. What this bar lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere and entertainment. The decor is so incredibly detailed, you feel as though you truly stepped into a real, but crazy tiki bar. The decor is something you have to experience for yourself, so I won't ruin the surprise. What I will say is the tiki gods have an impact on the atmosphere, shining light on certain aspects, creating abrupt weather changes, and triggering volcano eruptions. When it comes to drinks, they have some killer tropical cocktails that you can also get in non-alcoholic form, which is a nice touch! They also have a variety of appetizer you can munch on as well, so if you aren't in the mood for a drink there are plenty of other reasons to come check it out. Make sure to keep an eye on other patrons as they order the signature cocktails, the tiki gods can really shake things up depending on what they ask for. Overall, we love this place because just being there is such a good time. We love looking at the detailed decor and interacting with the spirited and rowdy staff.

A few tips to make sure you have the best experience possible : Trader Sam's opens at 4pm most days so make sure to be there right there on the dot to get your name on the waiting list. The space and seating are limited so it can fill up quickly.  Due to the limited space, a lot of the seating areas are communal which lends itself to great conversation and meeting other guests around you.

​Number Two:  Animal Kingdom Lodge

I could do a whole post just about why I love Animal Kingdom Lodge so much. To give you the summary, basically the attention and execution on detailed elements will set this resort apart from anywhere else you have ever stayed. I haven't had the pleasure of staying on property at the Animal Kingdom Lodge yet, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying its various restaurants, bars, and hang out spots. The back of the main lobby opens up onto a savanna, full of native African animals, many of which have been rescued and rehabilitated. You can stroll the grounds while enjoying your morning coffee and viewing, you know, giraffes. On a nice day, one my favorite things to do is grab a book, find an open rocking chair on one of the public decks, and relax. The environment is so incredibly magical and peaceful. I actually have to set an alarm because I will get lost in my book and the beauty of the surroundings. This is also a great pre dinner ritual if you have reservations at one of the restaurants on site, which are stellar dining options as well.

​
​Number One:  Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom

I could hang out here ALL DAY. Truly all day, I would if I could. I only just recently discovered this lounge, thanks to my family who has made this a regular hangout for them. It's easy to miss as you are walking through Animal Kingdom, but once you discover it, you won't ever want to relax anywhere else. This low key bar is designed all around celebrating the love of traveling. The indoor space is cozy, and features decor with travel quotes and conversation starters beautifully sprawled across the ceiling. The outdoor area has luxurious sofas to lounge on, a view of the lush green landscape, and to complete the luxe effect, draped curtains on the open air windows. The vibe here is so relaxed and the servers/bartenders are incredibly pleasant to interact with. The drink menu is pretty extensive in my opinion, ranging from regionally themed cocktails, to a nice selection of beers and wines. Non-alcoholic cocktails are also offered here, if you are looking to try the concoctions without the booze. If drinks aren't on your wish list, you are still in the right place because, beyond the atmosphere, the food is equally as amazing. Almost all of their small plates can be prepared gluten free and they even have gluten free churros which I wish I could eat everyday for the rest of my life. Seriously.

​These are just a few of our favorite gems in Disney, but I know there are a ton more to explore and discover. That is part of the fun of going to Disney again and again, stumbling upon new magical experiences that you didn't even know you needed. We always love new suggestions on where to go so please share your favorites below! Also, make sure to let me know if you end up visiting any of our favorite hidden gems! I'd love to hear about your experiences! Magical travels.


xx

​

​We touched down back in Baltimore today from our week look vacation. As much as I didn’t want to come back to real life, I am happy to be reunited with my pups and sleep in my own bed. The day we get back from trips is always full of trying to get us set back up for the rest of the week. Unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, trying to make the transition back to the daily grind as easy as possible. My to do list isn’t just full of chores though. I also make sure to take some time to reset my body after being on a different schedule (and potentially being jet lagged). I also prepare for my week and get organized so the 'back to real life' anxiety is kept to a minimum.

Rehydrating is priority numero uno. Usually while I’m unpacking I put on a hydrating face mask to combat any dryness from being on the plane. This past trip I tried this new face mask from Summer Friday’s call Jet Lag, so fitting right? I've also been liking the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm to help any dry or sunburnt lips. 

​I also make sure to rehydrate my insides too. This is probably the most important part of my reset routine. If I don't rehydrated properly after traveling I feel pretty miserable and that on top of a post vacation slump is not fun. I usually carry DripDrop ORS on the plane with me so I drink one packet on the flight and another once I get home. On top of the usual dehydration from flying/ traveling I pretty much always have some type of Crohn’s symptoms when I’m away and out of my normal eating routine. This always requires a little extra dehydration relief to make sure I’m feeling good once I’m back to business. I notice, too, that the more dehydrated I am the more my skin will freak out from climate changes between destinations. I think of dehydration relief as the ultimate way to reset my body and make sure I am fueled and balanced to get back to the grind. DripDrop ORS also helps to pack in some extra vitamins that can help prevent getting sick from the nasty germs you can pick up on the plane. Win, win situation overall. 

Whether I traveled through different time zones, jet lagged or not, I like to keep my nighttime routine consistent and calming. I make a cup of mint tea with some CBD oil to help me sleep and enjoy this while reading. I always feel the anxiety build in me as the clock creeps closer to having to go back to work. I try and limit this anxiety by trying to stay as relaxed from my trip as possible as long as I can. By getting a good night sleep, I’m more physically and emotionally equipped to handle playing catch up at work when I am back in the office. 

The last thing I do, is block out an hour of the day to read critical emails and map out the rest of my week. It’s easy to wait until the morning you return back to the office to catch up, but to me that feels dreadful and chaotic. By feeling prepared and organized for the week of ‘real life’ ahead, my anxiety is lessened and I know what to expect. I make sure to plan my meals and time to move (walk, at home workout, gym) so I can get back into my routine as quickly as possible. 

Right now I’m snuggled up on our sofa with our pups, catching up on our shows, and feeling as ready as I can be for the week ahead. What do you do to get back into your routine after a trip?

​xx

"But everything is fine... why are you so anxious?"
How many times have you heard someone ask you this......

I’m definitely an anxiety prone person. Always have been since I was a child. It’s no secret that as my Crohn’s journey escalated, so did my anxiety. It sucks and really messes with your head when you KNOW something is wrong and nobody can figure out what it is or what to do about it. 

Now that I’ve learned to live with my symptoms and gotten things way more under control, my anxiety still hangs over me. Now that things are going, dare I say well, I am constantly worried that it’s all going to come crashing down. I remember how bad things were before and how little control I had over the situation. I’m truly so scared of going back to that. What scares me is that no matter how you treat your body, sometimes it is out of your control. Chronic illnesses are crazy like that. 

Over the past few months I’ve been trying to work through my anxiety and the fear I have of the unknown. It’s hard. And honestly I thought when I started physically feeling better and functioning well, all would be fixed. I never thought the emotional impacts of my Crohn’s journey would change me the way they have. I would love to report back saying I’ve had a breakthrough and decided to embrace ‘trusting the universe’. Well, I haven’t! I’m a work in progress and I don’t know if I’m the person who will ever get to that point. 

The takeaway from me sharing this isn’t that I have the answers to remedy the emotional impacts of this disease. I surely do not. What I do want to be a takeaway is that it’s normal that this disease impacts you mentally. There are probably things you didn’t even know are related to being sick that have been messing with your head. It’s worth taking the time to commit to yourself to sort through your thoughts and feelings so that you can better enjoy when you physically are feeling good! I resisted going to therapy for so long because I thought I’d fought through so much already, I could fight through my anxiety too. That wasn’t the case. Opening up about my struggles ended up being on of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Looking back, I was brave enough to share my physical impacts of Crohn’s and lean on others in the community. Why was I so reluctant to accept help from the emotional side of it? I think mental health is seriously one of the most under addressed issues relating to chronic illness. So let’s do it together and lean on each other. Let’s reinforce that it’s OKAY to need to prioritize your mental health just as much as your physical health. Let’s do this together. 
​
Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. 


​xx

​For the past few months, I've been on this Apple Cider Vinegar trend. Before people were doing shots of it and then it transitioned to the beauty world where Youtube was flooded with bloggers hyping up the benefits. I'm not going to lie, I usually am a sucker to try out whatever the hot new beauty ingredient is. Obviously I hopped on the ACV train, but months later, I think I'm actually sold long term. There really are some great benefits that you can get from ACV based products that actually do live up to the benefits they boast. The main area where I've seen the benefits? My hair. I've consistently been using ACV products as part of my hair care routine for the past few months and I have to say, the results are pretty good. My hair always struggles in the summer with build up from swimming, sunscreen, and my usual excess of dry shampoo. I have cycled through various clarifying shampoos and treatments without a ton of success. These Apple Cider Vinegar products I've found are the first to actually clarify my hair without stripping my color or making my hair feel sticky/dry/gross -- you know the feeling I'm talking about. For someone who doesn't like washing their hair that much, my hair better feel damn good when I do wash it. 

​My favorite ACV shampoo that I've found is this one from Maple Holistics. I usually really love their products because they truly have great ingredients, their products really work, and they are SO cost effective. I highly recommend this for anyone really, but specifically if you have color treated hair and are swimming a lot during the summer. This stuff is a life saver because it actually conditions the heck out of your hair while removing chlorine build up. Another time when this stuff saves the day? After getting an updo or your hair done for an event. I know this sounds rather specific but hear me out, it is wedding season after all. Getting your hair styled for an event looks great in the moment, but the trauma of taking out all of the bobby pins and combing through the styling products when you get home at night is not on my top list of greatest feelings. I always feel like my hair is stiff, sticky, and dry, even after multiple washes. Good news, I've tested this shampoo out in that exact situation and it exceeded my expectation. Something about the clarifying properties mixed with the conditioning ingredients was the perfect combination to get the gunk out of my hair but also leave it feeling healthy and shiny. Who knew that hair miracles could happen for only $12 per bottle? And you can get it via Amazon Prime (my fave, you know).

​So my Maple Holistics is my most used ACV product, but I do have a few others I like to keep in rotation for specific needs. DPhue has a great line of ACV products that are great supplements to your routine. They are a bit pricier (and worth if for sure) but that is why I like to use them a bit more sparingly. I'm really into the ACV Hair Rinse. I shared the details on my love for this product as part of my Budget Friendly Beauty Breakdown for haircare. You can get all of the details on how to use it and why I love it, there. The bottom line is, you can use this between actual washes to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh. 

Another supplementary product I've looped into my routine this summer is the DPhue ACV Hair Masque. I've been picking these up in the travel sized packets and toting them around with me on vacation. After being in the water I pop this stuff in my hair BEFORE I shampoo. It helps to smooth things out before you comb through your hair. I leave it in for a bit then rinse and shampoo. It helps with the detangling and hydration without weighing your hair down a lot. Since I have pretty fine hair, I only need a little so one of the tiny packets can last me usually around three washes. 


As I continue exploring ACV products and their benefits, I am branching out into skincare next and trying an ACV face mask this weekend. I'll report back, but for now, enjoy these gems of products that will certainly help your hair look and feel its best. Especially after this last weekend of summer when everyone is trying to get their last of pool and beach time in, you will need these come Tuesday morning......



xx

Our next vacation is just a little over a month away and I am ready to go. I mean, I’m always ready for vacation, but this is our last Disney World trip for a little while. I know I always say this, but for real it actually is going to be. We have another fun, very Disney related trip that we’re planning in the winter so really we have to chill on the trips to WDW for at least a little bit. The other day someone commented that we literally always have a vacation/trip planned. Yeah, we do. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Honestly, for me planning the trip is almost as fun as going. I love researching where to go, hunting for deals, and looking forward to the plans. Disney World is probably the vacation spot where it is the most crucial to plan ahead.  I think this might kind of be why I love it so much. There is so much involved in the planning it’s an activity in and of itself. The way I think about it, if you’re going to spend money on a vacation, why not enjoy the anticipation and planning of it.

I’ve done Disney World enough times to appreciate the planning that goes into it and respect the hell out of people who do that as a job. (Shout our to my sister). Luckily she helps me with all of the tough stuff (reservations, fast passes, etc.). I do always make a 30 days out plan no matter what trip I’m going on to make sure I’m ready when takeoff comes and my stress is as minimal as can be. One thing I’ve realized about traveling with Crohn’s is minimizing the stress in the front end of the trip can be critical in preventing a flare.

For those who aren’t anxiety ridden Type A’s like myself, you may think I’m crazy for planning so far out, but I promise you, there are a few things that if you do early will save you so much stress come travel time.

My first piece of advice is to make your packing list. I know this seems far out but I swear there is a reason. By making your list early, you can identify items you are missing/ need to order. You can cue up your Amazon Prime list to fill in the gaps on your list. I like to plan outfits ahead of time so I can look for deals on additional pieces I need. I also like to start ordering cosmetic items from Amazon because I can usually get a good deal for them and I’m not scrambling at the last minute to pick things up.

Extra Tip: A little bonus tip here... I get SO many samples of beauty/makeup/skincare products. Between subscription boxes, free samples, and gifted items I have a big collection. I keep all of my extra sample and travel sized products in a special bin in my bathroom closet. This way, I can grab items to pack quickly if I need to. This is also great for guests that are staying at your house! Real friends enforce each other’s skincare routines, okay?

Check for upgrades. I LOVE this one. For our honeymoon, our cruise line sent out and email to bid on upgrades. This was the first time I saw this, but ever since I’ve been ON IT. If a cruise ship or resort hasn’t reached capacity by 60 to 30 days out, sometimes they will let you bid to upgrade your accommodations. This usually means blindly putting forth an amount of money, designated by you and usually A LOT less than market value, to score a nicer room. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s always worth a shot. Sometimes vacation packages will offer add ons as it gets closer to your travel date that you can purchase for a discount. This includes things like drink packages!

Make sure dinner reservations are made and activity plans are solidified. This is a big one if you are traveling to a destination hoping to hit a hot spot for dining or drinks. When we went out to LA I knew SUR and Pump were on my ‘must see’ list, so I made sure to lock down reservations as soon as they were available. You can always switch things around as it gets closer, but it’s better to at least have something on the books. This is so key in Disney Parks where you can get highly coveted dining reservations six months in advance. Now this requires a TON of foresight so soon I’m looping my Disney planner sister in on a post to give you the whole scoop on that. Definitely it is something to be aware of though. When it comes to activity plans/ tours it is also important to research and plan in advance. Especially if there is something you really want to do or see, book it early so you don’t miss out.

These next 30 days as we gear up for our trip I’ll be knocking out these items on my ‘to do’ list. I’ve gotten a bit of a head start and have a huge Amazon clothes haul on the way, along with my outfit for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. I’ll continue to update y’all on my finds and my preparation process!


xx

​Okay, we know Amazon is where its at for just about everything. I got great feedback on my Amazon Fashion Finds blog post I did a little while ago, so I decided to start to share some more of my Amazon faves. I’ve been on a serious budget kick lately as were trying to factor in revamping some areas of our house and (hopefully) a new car soon, without sacrificing our love for traveling and our upcoming trips. Amazon is a life saver for not only getting stuff delivered to your doorstep in record time, but also for finding quality items at great prices. I’ve decided to give you all an inside look on what my Amazon shopping list has looked like for the past month, highlighting the top five items that are budget friendly and have made my life easier in some way or another.

​This COLOR WOW spray is a miracle for your hair. My mother in law recommended I try this stuff to combat the frizzy hair problems that summer brings. This heat activated spray works like a keratin treatment that you apply to your hair every three washes. I have super fine hair, but it doesn’t weigh it down. It gives me a silky texture and keeps my ends from getting dry and unruly. Its less than $30 and you only need a little bit every use so you really get a bang for your buck.

This here is a digital camera card reader that imports photos from your memory card directly to your iPhone. I bought this solely based on the recommendation of my friend and favorite photographer, Madison Short. She posted it as a must have on her Insta story and for only $12 I was sold. It makes updating your content while traveling so much easier so it’s a big must for any avid bloggers. ​

I haven’t stopped wearing these headbands. The Skinny Confidential posted these Gucci knockoffs the other day in Instagram and I purchased IMMEDIATELY. They are a current favorite for spicing up a boring outfit and ideal for days when you want to look put together but washing your hair is not in the cards for you. You can get all three colors for $12. Score. ​

I needed a new vanity mirror since mine just died on me, so I ordered this one on Prime Day. The mirror is way bigger compared to its circular predecessor and the lighting is perfectly even. It is battery powered so there is no annoying cord across your vanity, plus it has a really clean, sleek design that makes it aesthetically pleasing to stay out in the open 24/7. Great investment. ​

​Last but not least, this god damn life saver right here. My husband is NOTORIOUS for losing just about everything, including his wallet. After a close call the other day, thinking we were going to have to cancel and reorder every credit card we have, I had to put my foot down. The Tile Slim is perfect for your forgetful hubby (or for yourself). It just slips inside your wallet or purse, or even on your phone, so that you can track the whereabouts of your items 24/7. The Slim is a perfect size for a guy to slip into his wallet and will help him stay on top of his game. Let’s face it, we can’t make them less forgetful but we can help proactively solve the problem instead of searching the house for three hours every other weekend. 


I’m gearing up to do another Amazon Fashion finds post after I pull together all of my favorite pieces for transitioning into fall. I’ve already snagged a few, but I’m making sure they are tried and true before I can officially recommend. 


What was your most helpful Amazon purchase this past month?

xx

As we pieced this together I honestly felt like an idiot. She explained how your blood pressure can be seriously impacted by dehydration and I needed to make sure that was a priority even if I was seemingly feeling fine. She was convinced that the chronic dehydration I had recently been unknowingly experiencing was the cause for my blood pressure spikes. I was cracking myself up with how crazy this sounded after I went through all of these tests and freaked myself out to no end. "I have a partnership with the best Oral Rehydration Solution company out there. I drink them whenever I work out or am outside or am sick." I was literally yelling at myself in her office. "Well start not just drinking them when you think you 'need' to. Start drinking one per day at least and two in the summer." My doctor literally just prescribed me DripDrop to fix my BP and headache issues.....

Over the past six weeks or so, I've been taking her advice and making sure I am being way more conscious of my water intake and making sure I am adding DripDrop to my water at least once per day. I also have been diligent about the one glass of champagne to one glass of water ratio rule, which I am very proud of. Go. Me. Miraculously my headaches have improved and my blood pressure has been way more normal. Wow.

So what did I learn from this story and why am I sharing it. One, I am thankful I have a doctor that actually thought of chronic dehydration instead if just trying to prescribe me an unnecessary pill. Two, sometimes the seemingly more simple answer is the right one. Three, just because you are feeling okay doesn't mean you can slack on your usual care and precautions. Last thing, I was really excited to share this story because DripDrop genuinely has helped me so much. I know I talk about DripDrop often and how it is a product I am proud to be a partner to. But I also know in the world of social media where bloggers are promoting products all the time it is hard to tell what is authentic and what isn't. I like being able to share a story like this, where you can see how DripDrop truly is a part of my health protocol. It isn't just part of an Instagram post, or a blog post. This isn't just a lifestyle product I am taking cute photos of (although, yes, I think they are very cute). This is a product that changes lives and saves lives. And I am very proud to work with them. 


xx

It has been a while since I’ve shared a health update. Over the past few months it feels like nothing has happened but everything has happened at the same time. My Crohn’s symptoms have been under control for the most part, which has been a relief. I still have rough days (like today, ugh), but I can usually pinpoint the trigger and get things handled before they spin out of control. Usually the typical things are to blame, either having to push back Remicade, increased stress, or accidentally eating something that bothers me. While I feel like I actually have things somewhat under control, I’m embracing it! I also am feeling hopeful about looking at things in the bigger picture health wise and future wise instead of focusing on just getting by. The past six months have been focused around making sure other areas of my health are up to par. I’ve been working on my mental health, following up on skincare concerns, and I found a new primary care doctor. There are a lot more details through these appointments, which are definitely important and I will share in the future. For now, I'm giving you the high level overview.

As I got my ducks in a row health wise, I finally felt like I was getting some positive news. This gave me some confidence to start exploring some new possibilities. I finally took the leap and started to talk to my doctors about fertility. AHH! I know just talking about it might not sound like a big step, but for me, it is! I have had anxiety around these conversations for a long time, because I was so self conscious about how my body functioned. What if I heard answers that I couldn’t handle? So I just avoided asking. Through talking things through with Matt, I finally decided I needed to take control of what our future family was going to look like, and get educated on what that was going to look like with Crohn’s. My OBGYN referred me to a Maternal and Fetal Medicine specialist, which began the first step in learning what pregnancy and fertility could look like for me. I was incredibly nervous for my appointment, but it ended up going a lot smoother than I thought. I sat down with my doctor and we walked through everything from my medical history to my current medications. She let me know about potential risks, along with easing my mind about things I shouldn’t be anxious about. We talked through timeline, what my appointments would look like in the future, and how pregnancy can look a little different for someone with Crohn’s. Afterwards, I took the next step and followed up with my new primary care doctor. After some blood work and tests, I got the green light that my body is actually functioning pretty well even with the Crohn’s.


Although I don’t have a specific plan as far as timeline, taking these steps have helped me feel more confident that my body can handle being a mother someday. We’ve started the conversation and now I can approach it with a more realistic and informed view, instead of coming into it anxiety ridden. This is just the very beginning of this journey, and I don’t know what speed bumps I may hit moving forward. For now I am appreciative of this time where my body has been feeling better and allowing me to explore these options. I am proud of how far I have come in both my physical and mental health so far in 2019 and I am giving myself the opportunity to celebrate that. As I continue to sort our my thoughts and experiences from the past few months, I will share some more details and I will continue to share as I move forward. For now, I at least wanted everyone to have an update on where I have been health wise. I feel like in the past I’ve shared the challenges I have faced with my health, so it is a blessing to be able to share some bits of positive news with you all!




xx

Okay, let me pause you right here... If you haven't read my first Budget Beauty Breakdown, go check it out. I give you the whole scoop in why I decided to start sharing these tips and I dive into the bank account shattering expenses of haircare. 

For round two, we're going to talk nails. I remember when I got my first manicure when I was 7 years old, my mom told me that she didn't have her first manicure until she was 35. Now, doing the math, I realize that her first manicure was maybe a year before I came home demanding someone professionally paint my nails. This seems crazy to me because I have been getting regular manicures for the entirety of my adult life. When I was working in the events industry, it was an expectation that your nails were well kept and polished. That expectation has stuck with me ever since and now, like clockwork, I see my favorite nail tech, Tracy, once every 3 1/2 weeks. It makes me feel put together and honestly, I really like trying out new styles, colors, and designs that are "me". 

Nail upkeep is not, at all, a cheap endeavor. I do have some tricks that I implement to make the whole nail situation a lot more affordable and I'm here to share......



For nails, SNS manicures (otherwise known as the dip powder), are the way to go... If you find someone who can do it well, your manicure can last for a really long time. I usually can go for 3-3 1/2 weeks without them looking bad when I get the SNS. It doesn’t chip or peel like gel does and it give your nails strength so they are less prone to breaking. Usually I pay between $40-$55 per SNS manicure depending on if I get designs or an ombre or something. Compared to what I would spend to get a gel manicure that would last me maybe a week, this is a not only a cash saver but a time saver as well. You will only have to be in the nail salon once a month instead of a couple times a month at least.

Pick a light color... This is a trick I use especially when I’m about to be traveling. The last thing I want to stress about while on a trip is how my nails look and I’m definitely not taking a day out of my plans to get them redone/ touched up. Thats why I will go for a light color instead of a bright hue or funky design. With light colors it is way less noticeable when your nails start to grow out and any chips are easily camouflaged. Like I said, this is great for traveling as well as when you are going long amounts of time between touch ups.


Stock up on Vaseline... This one I thought was super weird until I tried it. Vaseline reminds me of my grandma, smothering it all over my face before I went outside in the winter. I definitely can say it hasn’t ever graced my must have list. Until now. Vaseline is the ultimate cuticle moisturizer. One of the first things that will start to annoy me when I haven’t gotten my nails done in a couple of weeks are my cuticles. As soon as they are dry and start to crack and peel away all hell breaks lose and I’m frantically texting for a nail appointment. Vaseline actually helps to moisturize your cuticles and even if you start to have pesky pieces of unruly skin, it smooths everything down, making it way more bearable. Vaseline is also way more cost effective than fancy cuticle oils and, in my experience, works even better.


Opt for a Polish Change... This is a game changer in the toe nail department. This is such an easy swap for a pedicure that saves both time and money. If I’ve gotten a pedicure in the past month or so and my feet are looking and feeling good, with the polish being the only problem, this is my answer. I’m a fan of moisturizing my feet and hanging out in aloe socks so often times I can make a full pedicure last a while. That doesn’t mean the polish always lasts as long though or I want to keep the same color. Asking for a toenail polish change at the nail salon let’s you refresh the paint job without the whole shebang. It usually runs anywhere between $12-$20 depending on the type of polish/where you go and it takes a fraction of the time. I also love this trick in the winter when my feet don’t get a ton of out and about action but I could use a freshen up for an event. I also ALWAYS recommend getting gel on your toes. First off, it lasts longer, and they eliminate any chance for oopsie moments that will mess up your polish since you leave the salon with them dry.


Wear gloves... As a Maryland girl I love picking crabs. Seriously, summer is not the same without Old Bay doused crabs that you pick yourself out on the back deck. What also is not the same is the state of your nails after you’re done a crab feast. I was complaining about this to my nail tech, Tracy, and she looked at me like I was crazy and said “why don’t you wear gloves?”. WOW. How had this never come to me before?! Now I wear gloves for most messy activities that can cause wear and tear on my nails. Whether it’s handling potent spices, painting, or gardening, I keep gloves (you can do medical or catering gloves, both work) on hand at all times. This has really increased the longevity of my nails and preserves the color/polish for much longer.


I hope these tips help you to stay within your beauty budget while still allowing you to indulge a bit. Drop your favorite nail tips or polish preferences below!

​xx