Depending on the activity, the first thing I typically ask myself is “what should I wear?” Whether I am hiking, biking, running, walking, or backpacking – my favorite items remain the same. Which reminds me of my favorite Scandinavian saying, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” I think about this everytime I prepare for an outdoor activity – I need to bring the right clothes! I’ve definitely invested in some high quality outdoor clothing but let’s be real… I have some inexpensive favorites too. Here are my essentials from top to bottom.
When I found out that every employee at Arc’teryx owned this jacket, I knew there was something special about it. Expensive? Sure. Worth it? 100% YES!!! This jacket is the perfect layering piece and transitions between seasons better than any other jacket I own. My favorite winter, fall, and spring combo is the ATOM LT Hoody paired with my Gore-tex Shell Jacket to keep me waterproof AND warm! These are the best purchases and both are from Arc’teryx, I recommend them to anyone who is serious about spending time outside.
These shirts are my favorite to pack for an overnight backpacking trip. Breathable enough to hike in yet warm enough to use as a baselayer. I have several of these Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Shirts and I got them from the Lululemon outlet. The “we made too much” tab on Lululemon’s website typically has these shirts often as well. I have multiple sizes (I like to size up) and choose what I want based on how tight or loose I want the shirt for my activity. Call me crazy (or sarcastic) but sometimes I don’t want my activewear to feel like second skin, but rather I’d like it to be comfortable. These shirts keep me comfortable.
Pants.
I am not going to lie, I am still on the hunt for the perfect athletic pant. I have multiple pairs of leggings ranging from the popular Lululemon, the quality Arc’teryx, the breathable Brooks, but my favorite are my basic Old Navy Activewear Leggings… they are ALWAYS the ones I grab. It never fails. They are also several years old. I haven’t bought Old Navy Activewear for years so I can’t send you to a specific pair but they have a lot of options and reasonable prices. Someday I will try some other brands but for now I am happy with my Old Navy Workout Pants!
Footwear… My footwear varies the most from activity to activity. I could write an entire blog post on active footwear and someday I will, until then, I reference my favorite hiking shoes in this previous post.
Now I am curious, what are your tried and true outdoor clothing items?
*Not sponsored by Arc’teryx, Lululemon, or Old Navy… I genuinely love all these items.
So, I don’t know about you but I can (with confidence) count on one hand the number of times I have worn jeans in the past 10 months. Three. Three times. Leggings have become my life. I say that with pride and with practicality. My 22 year old self would be cringing in horror right now.
In 2016, I moved to Spain with my husband and was a stay at home partner. Gone were the days of getting dressed up for work and doing my hair and make up. It was hard at first to get used to my face without makeup. I was almost ashamed of what I looked like in my natural state. It took months getting used to wearing less makeup and letting my hair air dry. It’s not that I “let myself go.” It was just a new chapter of my life that meant I didn’t need new makeup every 3 months or stopping into Nordstrom for a new item every week or so. I was in a place where I just could “be.” Sure, I still dressed nicely when we went out and did my make up every once in a while (not in the summer though- the Mediterranean heat would just melt it off). My shopping needs changed. In Spain I wore dresses in the summer with a swimsuit underneath since I was always jumping in our pool. In the Spanish winters I wore leggings or jeans with a light sweater and flats. I stopped shopping so often (hello, saving money) and instead shopped every few months and usually at places like Mango and Zara (which are actually affordable in Spain but overpriced here in the US). God, I miss you, Zara.
Fast forward to Vermont life in the thick of a pandemic. Yeah, my wardrobe has changed. I have a healthy supply of Zella leggings and t-shirts from Target and Madewell. And sadly (or luckily from a fiscal POV), that has become my year round “look.” Being home for most of the past year has made my nicer pieces of clothes last longer from lack of use but has also made me truly aware of what I need. I need underwear, a wireless bra, leggings, and a comfy shirt. Throw in a variety of casual and comfy sweaters or longer button ups and there you go. That’s me. Guess what? I am totally ok with it. I love being comfortable. I love the functionality of my wardrobe. I love saving money! I also love that when we do eventually get to go out again and do things, I can still wear my leggings and throw on a pair of cute flats or heels and one of my nice sweaters. Jeans, I have learned, are overrated for my lifestyle. As summer approaches, I know that I will once again be in casual summer dresses with a swimsuit underneath. I will be ready to jump into the pool with my daughter at any time.
If you get dressed up every day- that is freaking awesome. Good for you! Part of me misses that. If you are home and sitting in your underwear during the pandemic, good for you. Embrace that. But then, eventually put some pants on.
I have actually been thinking a lot about robes lately. I want a few robe options. I am ok with being a robe person. I don’t judge myself for that. Robes… and maybe a caftan or two. Because why the heck not?
In 2020 I was set to have the best travel year of my life. Obviously it didn’t happen… however, I would like to reflect on the life-changing trip I snuck in just before the pandemic and how extremely grateful I am that I got to experience another country before COVID struck.
In September of 2019, I went with a group of my coworkers to Guatemala with an organization called Medical Teams International (MTI). I had never traveled very far outside the country except to bordering countries. Canada hardly counts since the maple leaf country is in my backyard. Traveling to a distant place isn’t new to me though… I’ve traveled to Hawaii several times, taken a week-long family cruise to Alaska and even a small two-night cruise to Mexico but nothing fully prepared me for my week-long trip to Guatemala.
The culture, the food, the cars, the countryside, the people…it was so much to take in.
My expectations weren’t elaborate. I wasn’t expecting a desert wasteland, nor was I expecting ancient ruins, or a tropical jungle. Guatemala felt surprisingly similar to home. Instead of the PNW dome-shaped snow capped mountains, the mountains there were pointy, hot, and active. Exactly what I imagined a volcano to look like. Guatemala’s countryside was decorated with lakes, beautiful valleys, and green lush forests. The landscape had so much depth and variety.
Our tour of Guatemala (mainly by bus) from Guatemala City, to Chicaman, to the village where we worked- San Sebastian Beleju, to Antigua, and back to Guatemala City. I couldn’t get enough of the views and the hillside village where we spent the majority of our time. We were there to partner with local MTI staff to install latrines and hand washing stations alongside some of the village contractors. Although our work was physically demanding and took a decent amount of time and focus; we were able to install a total of 20 latrines, benefiting 20 different families in the village.
They showed their appreciation by giving us a welcome ceremony, offering us food when we were in their homes, and at the end of the week in the village we received hugs and a few more verbal exchanges; we tried really hard to learn some of their language throughout the week. It was the most rewarding experience because we got to feel welcomed and loved by people so far away from our own home. We were able to experience firsthand their joy, their livelihoods, their homes, their food, and a glimpse into their beautiful Guatemalan culture.
My team left the trip feeling nothing but gratitude for the gift of travel. We were able to play tourists for a few days of the trip but the most special time was in the village immersing ourselves into another culture and way of living. It put our face-paced American lives into perspective and left us craving another opportunity to explore this glorious and diverse planet. Again, I am so thankful I was able to do this trip before the world shut down, before travel became limited to none, and my canceled trips became my new reality.
I haven’t lost hope for my next adventure and I hope, someday, to visit Guatemala again.
Where are you eager to travel? Have you ever been to Guatemala?
Ah, travel. You sweet, sweet tease. As we wrap one year of the pandemic under our belts, I am starting to really feel some travel fever. I know my husband and I had hoped to take our daughter to Spain this summer (we had been planning this since May 2019). International travel just doesn’t seem to be on the radar this year. Additionally, I really had wanted to take my family to Boston this past Autumn; yet another trip left on the road of pandemic despair. SO. What are my hopes for travel this year? Well, that’s a little tough.
My family and I in the BTV airport in January 2020 BC (before Covid)
What I really want is a trip to Las Vegas with my husband. I want to go to the spa, I want to eat good food, I want to drink some drinks, and I want to see a show. AND I want to do this all without my kiddo because I need some connective time with my husband to make up for all the date nights out that we haven’t had the opportunity to have! If you know me, you know that Vegas is NEVER on my list of places to go; the fact that I want to go speaks to my desire for some fun!
On the family side of things, I really want to do something most east coast centric. What better place to visit than Boston? My husband has never been and I know he would love it! Rosemary would love all the sites and walking. It’s an easy drive from Vermont to Mass and would be ideal for a long weekend trip.
Another place I was hoping to get away to this summer was Portland, Maine. I was lucky enough to meet my bestie, Kate, there in the fall of 2019- before the world stopped. Rosemary accompanied me and was a champ on the five hour car ride. Portland had such a fun vibe, great food, and friendly people. I know that would be a great spot to journey to as a family. Issy and I would totally eat our way through the trip- with zero regret.
And finally, we currently have plans to visit some close friends in the greater Sacramento area for Thanksgiving. Not only would Issy be able to travel the short distance from there to Tahoe to ski, but I could spend some good quality time with our friends that are basically family. And I know Rosemary would relish in playing with her Auntie Aillene. But alas…
What’s going to be realistic, safe, and practical? We don’t want to travel anywhere in the thick of the pandemic and be “those” travellers. I also realize that life goes on and we have to figure out ways to adapt and “get back out there.” As a family, we also need to prioritize our finances to start planning for a big international trip to Spain in 2022 (come on, 2022!). The truth is that we want to see people, places, and things. We want to be responsible. Some people say you are stupid if you travel. Others say to follow the rules, be aware, plan, and you will be fine. I think the truth is somewhere in the middle. Yeah, follow the rules of the place you are going to in terms of safety (think masks, quarantine, etc.). And yeah, think critically. Look at the realities of the travel destination’s numbers, policies for the pandemic, and any reviews from others who have traveled.
I can tell you that IF we do decide to travel and need to purchase plane tickets, we will not be using third party platforms to buy them. We have heard some horror stories from our family and our friends about not being able to get their money back/even rebook their tickets. While airlines can also be challenging, it’s one less “person” to work around if something happens. One less fee too!
We can’t stay locked in our homes forever. Well, actually, we can. And I have no problem following the guidance of my state lawmakers and of course, the federal government. I look to these people to light the way for all of us. I also expect that if someone is coming here to Vermont, they have to follow the rules. At present, you have to quarantine. And you bet your butt I expect all friends and family who hope to travel to check on that information before they travel and then be able to comply. Because #rulesarecool.
Anyways, where do you want to go? What is your ideal travel schedule? What have you learned from traveling? Give me all the advice!
Vermont in the winter is amazing- if you have the motivation to make do with colder temps. It is super easy to stay inside all winter. I mean, like super easy. But Vermont has a ton to offer if you are looking to get out of the house. There are plenty of places for skiing, snowshoeing, and, yes, ice fishing. The great thing about living here is that we are prepared for snow storms and icy conditions. There are more than enough plows to keep our roads clean AND that is a fantastic thing… it helps to make sure we can still get out and go places… even in the midst of a global pandemic. So with that said, here are some fun things to get out and do in the state of Vermont this winter.
One of the most popular places to go wintering merrily along is the quaint town of Stowe. Stowe is home to some wonderful outdoor activities. The Stowe Mountain Resort is one of the most popular spots on the east coast for any winter enthusiast. Whether your pleasure is skiing the slopes, cross country skiing, snowshoe trekking, or taking a beautiful gondola ride up the mountain, Stowe Mountain Resort has something for everyone. OH! There is even an ice skating rink. So, there’s that. Personally, I am terrified of ice skating.
Right across the street from skiing at Stowe Mountain is Spruce Peak. Spruce Peak is home to where the above mentioned ice skating rink is. They help with coordinating snowy horseback rides, sleigh rides, ice climbing, and the ever popular Vermont hobby, snowmobiling. Spruce Peak is in strict compliance with current Vermont restrictions of travel due to the rise of COVID-19. Please check out their procedures and stay up to date with Vermont’s rules and regulations before traveling anywhere!
All over the state of Vermont there are trails and parks to explore. Some of these trails are for snowshoers and some are for those just out hiking. The Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Willison is a fantastic location to jump on some trails for the day. They also offer all kinds of rentals on snowshoes and other outdoor gear. With the different activity options available on the property, it really makes it easy to try different things and have fun with friends or family (in a socially distanced manner, of course). We have trails in our neighborhood that we hope to hit soon! (If only my effing snowshoes would arrive…) Honestly, VT is full of so many places to go exploring in the snow. The options are truly limitless.
I currently have about 3.5 feet of snow piled up on the side of my driveway. Since the cold temperatures have yet to melt any snow that has fallen in the past 30 days, our yards are housing a ton of localized fun. Rosemary thinks rolling around in the snow is the best thing since breast milk. Thanks to Frozen, building a snowman is the most exciting thing in the world right now. It’s also the easiest. Do you want to build a snowman?
And lastly, Vermont is just so freaking beautiful. I look out my window and I sort of melt… haha… get it… snow… melting… ok. Not funny. But you get it, right? I have never lived in a place with so much natural beauty. Sometimes I sip my coffee and just stare out the living room window. The air is even cleaner here. Seriously… Google it. I mean, it’s not perfect… but I swear, I can breathe so much better here than anywhere else we have lived. And that’s saying something considering I have to have surgery next month to help me breathe better.
Washington in the mid-winter months is lovely- despite the joke that it rains here 24/7 (which is simply not true). The weather is relatively mild which makes traveling to some of the most beautiful places in the state totally possible. I live up in the most Northwest part of the United States, in Whatcom County. Thankfully there are so many beautiful adventures within 2-3 hours from my own backyard. Without further ado, let me name a few…
First off, one of my favorite places to go year-round is a little Bavarian-style village that is nestled in the Cascade Mountain Range, called Leavenworth, WA. Personally I think the midwinter season is the best time to go… less tourists, beautiful snow, and a relatively clear pass and picturesque drive on Hwy 2. Some of the activities to enjoy in Leavenworth are horse drawn carriage rides, snowshoeing, shopping (covid restrictions apply of course), delicious Bavarian restaurants, and apparently, the Post Hotel, a beautiful hotel and spa that ALL my friends are raving about. You can’t go wrong with an VRBO or Airbnb either, there are so many cute quaint homes for you to enjoy. Just look for yourself and book quickly… Leavenworth is popular.
Another gem of Washington is the snow-capped volcano Komo Kulshan, also known as Mount Baker (see image above). The drive up to the mountain is scenic and relatively quick (a little over an hour from the main interstate). My favorite little place to stop on the way up the mountain is the Wake N Bakery, a quick but delicious cafe to grab breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee (also the last bathroom break before the ski area, especially important if you are snowshoeing). Mount Baker Ski Area Heather Meadows is where the Mt. Baker Highway terminates and the skiing and snowboarding begins. People travel from all over the world to ski here. I, however, prefer to snowshoe near the lower lodge (pro-tip: my favorite route is along White Salmon Rd). The upper lodge, Heather Meadows, has a bowl shaped sledding area that is perfect for families to enjoy! You can easily spend all day up on the mountain and on a clear sunny day (yes we have sunny days in the winter), the views are unbelievable.
Not only am I an hour away from snow-capped mountain adventures but I am also less than an hour away from multiple islands. The San Juan Islands to be exact (insert all the dreamy heart eyes here). Since our weather is mild, the islands aren’t covered in snow and are accessible all year long. Again, VRBO and airbnb rentals are ready to be reserved on these beautiful isolated islands that speckle the Puget Sound (see above image from the San Juan Island website). Ferry rides are an experience all on their own… getting there is half the fun, right?!?! If timed properly you can walk on the ferry and spend all day just island hopping and shopping the cute port towns. From Anacortes you can leave your car and walk on the ferry to visit Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island all on foot or bike (a goal of mine is to take my bike sometime).
I have to give a shout out to my own hometown of Bellingham, Washington and the adventure it has in itself. Bellingham is equipped with countless attractions on it’s own; from hiking in the Chuckanuts, to sailing in Bellingham Bay, dining in local highly-rated restaurants, to multiple cute shopping areas- specifically downtown Bellingham and Fairhaven Village. Not to mention the mountain biking on Galbraith Mountain; so many trails for all skill levels! Bellingham is the city of subdued excitement (see video below), I am totally biased.
Not to mention that Bellingham is also home to WWU, where I met Kendall years ago.
There you go. Some of my favorite places in Washington to travel and enjoy in the midwinter months. I know, most people will tell you it rains here non-stop. It’s not true. Find out for yourself and visit if you haven’t before.
Valentine’s Day. The day of overpriced flowers, stuffed bears holding chocolate boxes, and the impossible to get dinner reservation. Now, to be fair, this year might look a little different on the going out to dinner part… but you get my point.
This is a surprisingly controversial day in our culture. Some rebel against the idea that you have to celebrate romantic love only and instead celebrate the love of friendship, family, or a pet. Personally, I think Valentine’s Day is a bit ridiculous. I like to celebrate love ALL the time. I don’t need an excuse to throw on something spicy and seduce my husband. And I find the notion of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day to be a bit… much. I love roses. But not at $100. PLUS- my husband better be giving me flowers all throughout the year… not just as a copout for February 14th. To that end, here are the ways we keep Valentine’s Day interesting… please note- some spicy content ahead.
First, let’s talk about lingerie. I hate buying it. I hate shopping for it. It’s sort of a daunting process! With that said, here are my top 3 favorite places to shop for something sexy.
Nordstrom– Nordstrom stores and online have a plethora of really classy pieces in all different price points. I would say that their selection is classified as more “traditional” pieces.
H&M– H&M has a varied selection of lingerie online (some physical stores differ in their inventory). I definitely think that H&M is budget friendly but still gives you the “wow” factor you are looking for.
Lovehoney– Lovehoney is sort of my favorite spot to shop for lingerie. Please note: they carry other items on their website so don’t freak out if you click the link. I love their super sexy variety of outfits. And when I say sexy, I mean sexy AF. They are always changing up their inventory and have great sales! They also have something for everybody… you know what I mean? Ahem.
Ok, lingerie? Check.
Now on to dinner. Dinner? In a pandemic? With a toddler? PLEASE. Even before this pandemic, getting a babysitter was hit or miss. Issy and I love to wine and dine. We love a good night out. Last year we discovered one of our favorite spots was doing a Valentine’s Day dinner to go special (pre-pandemic… maybe they had a feeling?) and OMG, it was delicious and perfect for our schedules in regards to work, baby, etc. This year, we are looking to do something similar. In order to make it feel more like a date we will most likely do a super late dinner after we put our little girl to bed.
If you know me, you know I LOVE champagne, cava, bubbly goodness, etc. One of the best parts about Vermont is that when it snows you can cool your champagne on your back porch IN the snow. It happens to be incredibly romantic. There is something so special about pulling a bottle out of the snow, filling up our flutes, sticking the bottle back in the ice cold snow, and snuggling in to watch a movie with my husband. Truly, it’s the best. But- bubbly can be a little expensive, right? WRONG. Head to your local Trader Joe’s for affordable and decent bubbly options. If you are a bit of a snob like yours truly, find a local wine shop and support local business! In Vermont, I head to Dedalus in Burlington. Their staff knows their stuff and is great at helping me find new bottles based on my tastes and past purchases.
Flowers and chocolate. Ok. Like I said, I LOVE flowers. But Valentine’s Day flowers just seem super pricey and it’s not something I need to celebrate the day. But- that’s me. If you are a person who wants flowers- of course, go to your local florist. If you are a woman or man on a budget, then, once again, head to Trader Joe’s. They have ALL kinds of flowers and bouquets at great price points. You do not need to break the bank. And while you are there, check out their chocolate options. Once again, Trader Joe’s delivers GREAT choices at GREAT prices. I cannot recommend them enough for your Valentine’s Day needs.
So, with that said, go forth and enjoy the day in whatever way you want! Spoil your pup and snuggle up for a nap on the couch. Virtual cocktails with your girlfriends? YES, please! Romantic night in with your partner- definitely, yes please. Life is a smidge unpredictable these days… embrace yourself and what you want to make the day have meaning (if you even want to- you don’t have to!) and have fun. Personally, I will wine and dine with my husband at home, wear something comfy, have some bubbly, and make my husband watch Sleepless in Seattle.Cliche? Maybe. Fun? YES.
Can I get a show of wine glasses from all the ladies who celebrate GALENTINE’S DAY?!
What is Galentine’s Day? Great question… Galentine’s Day is celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day (February 13th) and is a day to honor the female friendships in your life by celebrating together, thus declaring your love and affection to the girls that make up your support system (thanks for the description, Google!). Galentine’s Day was invented by Parks and Recreation’s fictional character Leslie Knope, who says in an episode, “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it, breakfast style”. In the show Leslie gathers up her closest friends and they have waffles and spend time brunching together- “Ladies celebrating ladies.”
This concept was founded nearly 11 years ago in 2010, which was when I was in my mid-early twenties. I loved celebrating nearly ANY occasion with my girlfriends. I still love celebrating any and everything with my friends. There was always something special about Galentine’s Day that lightened the mood and the stressfulness that can be brought up around the Valentine’s Day societal pressures (especially when you are still early on in dating, oof). The most memorable Galentine’s was a happy hour that my friend and I hosted. We made our favorite appetizers and dessert (ahem, chocolate covered strawberries over cake any day) and we invited a few gals over. It was simple, it was fun, and we *clinked* our glasses to another year of friendship!
I realize that Galentine’s Day won’t necessarily look the same this year (thanks, but no thanks COVID) but I still encourage you to find the best Galentine’s Day gif (or meme) you can on the 13th and send it to your ladies, your support system. Now more than ever it is a year to celebrate friendships- even virtually. Although many feel isolated, it is comforting to know that you really are not alone and your friends are only a message, phone call or socially distant walk away.
In honor of Galentine’s Day, I want to say a special shout out to my Salty Exchange partner, Kendall. Although I wish we could celebrate by having brunch with our favorite college girlfriends sipping on espresso from Adagio and eating baked goods from the Mount Bakery… I want you to know how special I consider the ability to connect with you each week. How lucky am I to have such a fiercely loyal and dependable friend in my corner. When you were in Spain, I thought about you all the time, my only regret was not texting you more to let you know. But making up for lost time, I am glad we reconnected last year – by far the best thing to come out of 2020 was our rekindled friendship and the creation of this blog. Even if it’s only ever a collection of our thoughts, musings, and current reality…it is something special we share and a commitment that I wouldn’t be able to do with just anyone. Thank you Kendall for editing my blogs, making time for weekly FaceTime dates, and for being my Galentine! *Clink* to you, to us!
They are marketed as meak, quiet, boring, and unhappy people. Who wants to be friends with an introvert when you can hang out with a fun extrovert? Well, I suppose the answer is up to you!
I am very much an introvert. Specifically, I believe myself to be a social and thinking introvert. Always have been. Probably always will be. I prefer time alone to recharge and feed my soul. Big crowds can be overwhelming and make me feel very insecure. I don’t have a particularly “big” personality. I cannot (not even to save my life) charm a crowd of people. Attention paid to me of any kind makes me a bit uneasy. Ok, a lot uneasy. I am better off one on one. That’s me. And I am ok with it.
With all of that though, I am a lot of other things… more peppy things. I am a realist (which makes my optimism more authentic- in my opinion). I love getting to know people- just not all at once. Because I get to know people on a personal one-on-one level, I also remember a great deal about those individuals. I am self-reflective and take my time making decisions… which is a good thing for my family. Hence, my personal identification as a social and thinking introvert.
Taking ownership of this part of myself has taken some time. Hell, liking myself has taken way too much time. Being an introvert in college always made me feel… inadequate. Pair that with a very angsty and intense battle with depression and I WAS very much a stereotypical introvert. With the help of medicine and counseling, I was able to overcome a lot of the darker parts of introversion. Better than that, I was able to understand how my introversion can get in my own way and how to work on combating it. I don’t want to be so fearful of the world or closed off that I sabotage the important parts of my life.
I often feel the need to defend myself because of how I live out my introverted ways. For example, my husband loves to socialize. I can- to a point. I am happy to leave him at a party and go home to either watch a movie or go to sleep. People often misread this and assume I am pissed at them or him because he didn’t leave with me. Not the case, my friends. Another example? I dislike large social gatherings… even with friends! I prefer smaller group settings… but I will do both because I am not so introverted as to not appreciate socialization… especially in the time of this pandemic isolation. And a final example is that I am terrible at engaging in loud debate and banter. To this point, I am very capable of being loud and more “fun.” It’s just exhausting. AND depending on what we are talking about or where I am, I often feel shy about talking too much. Why waste my breath when I know I can’t possibly keep up with more boisterous friends? My silence isn’t a sign of disinterest or even lack of knowledge on the subject… I am just listening and (usually) enjoying myself! So be flattered when 6 months from now I remember what you said and chat with you about it.
To put it simply, I prefer a more mellow approach to life. Thus, it can be assumed that quarantine hasn’t been as challenging for me. You would be right. Being in quarantine has been hard on MANY levels but not really on my mental health and well-being. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss my friends- because I do. I hate that our families have had to cancel trips out here because I do love and want to see them. All it means is that being on my own during this time has really helped me to refocus, reflect, and plan for the future. As an introvert, these are all GOOD things- for me. So, my name is Kendall and I am your resident introvert at your service.
I wouldn’t consider myself an Enneagram expert by any means. The Enneagram (if you haven’t heard of it before) is a collection of nine personality types and each “Type #” has a different description. At its core, the Enneagram helps us to see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge.
When it came time for me to figure out what number on the Enneagram fit my personality type, it was painfully obvious. Don’t get me wrong, I feel very seen as an Enneagram Type 7 but with every personality test or classification there are parts that make you say, “Hey wait a second, do I really come across that way?” AND that is the painful reality of self awareness. No, I don’t relate to EVERY part of the description of Enneagram 7, however, I’d say The Enthusiast description is 98% accurate; see the below excerpt below from the Enneagram Institute website:
“Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with impatience and impulsiveness. At their Best: they focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming appreciative, joyous, and satisfied. Their key motivations are to maintain their freedom and happiness, to avoid missing out on worthwhile experiences, to keep themselves excited and occupied, to avoid the possibility of pain.”
Amelia Earhart was also a Type 7 🙂
It is true, I am an extrovert but there are some common misconceptions that I have learned over the years. People assume I am always busy. While I enjoy doing a variety of activities, I also enjoy relaxing at home. I do not have infinite energy (I wish) and don’t always feel like socializing and networking (blasphemy!). I get tired and exhausted; I am human. During a time in my life when I was networking daily, working late, and burning the candle at both ends (so to speak), I remember thinking, “I wonder what would happen if all my plans all got cancelled?” I never thought that question would become a reality but due to Covid it has…
What have I learned about myself from COVID?
I have learned that having a full calendar isn’t always fulfilling. As much as I love being on the go and looking forward to the next adventure, it took my attention and focus away from those closest to me. Cancelled plans back in March of 2020 translated into free time that I wasn’t used to having but welcomed; re-organizing my neglected home to suit my work-from-home needs, quality time with on my soon-to-be husband, re-planning an upcoming wedding, all these things required me to rely on my quick problem solving skills (I love brainstorming and thinking creatively). Although I can list off all those positive outcomes due to Covid cancelling my plans (very type 7 of me), I still have to acknowledge that I miss people, I miss physical touch (hug me!), and simply being in social settings like events and family gatherings. I had travel plans that I was really looking forward to in 2020 (including my honeymoon) and canceling or changing them ALL was rough. I can understand the ‘dumpster fire’ that was 2020 but my personality can’t help but simultaneously reveal all the silver linings as well.
As a Type 7, there are a few things I think you should know… with their naturally cheerful outlook on life their bright ideas are often brushed off as wishful thinking, when actually they want to be taken seriously. Often my ability to spin a situation in an optimistic light and my excitement for a specific topic may seem like an *eye roll* enthusiasm to most. However, I‘ve genuinely thought the topic through and my ideas are worth taking into consideration. I can’t tell you how many times my initial idea was overlooked, only to be what the group finally agreed on weeks later. Frustrating. Similarly, Type 7’s are great at problem solving and generating ideas “on the fly” – this is probably the reason I am a professional event planner and enjoy the spontaneity of being on-site and working logistics for events. Often I find myself getting so caught up in making sure the event is going smoothly and everyone is having a good time, that I literally forget to take care of myself. It took years of physically demanding events to realize I have to sit down, drink water, take a self evaluation on how I am doing and not to overexert myself and my energy. I have also learned to ask for help, which isn’t always easy.
Me trying to balance EVERYTHING. But not really me.
Another reason I value learning more about my Enneagram Type is to become more self aware. Self awareness can go a long way- especially when you are trying to relate to those close to you. For example, I practice empathy, not because it doesn’t come naturally but I am just so used to dismissing my own pain that I struggle to acknowledge other people’s pain. I have worked hard to empathize and not try to make the other person see the “bright side” of the situation, like I would do to myself. I’ve learned how to sit with my friends and family in their pain and their grief and I am still learning how to do that for myself. Check out my post on unconventional grief.
I encourage you to start there (take the free test if you’d like) and if you want to know more, I suggest the Sleeping At Last Podcast that discusses each Enneagram Type. Sleeping At Last is an artist that wrote a song for each Type and the way the artist approached each Enneagram Type with such specific sounds, detailed lyrics, and genuine care is amazing. Here is the song for the Type 7, simply named Seven:
There are two parts in this song that related to me in a very personal way…
“I will find the silver lining no matter what the price”
This line made me realize that at the expense of myself, I aim to see the positive even when I really need to allow myself the pain of the situation in order to process and move forward stronger, healthier, and more self aware.
The other part of the song that I related deeply to was the part about travel…
“Let me tell you another secret of the trade
It feels like sinking when I’m standing in one place
So I look to the future and I book another flight
It is known that Type 7’s get bored easily and like to look ahead to the future and worthwhile experiences. That is VERY me, that was my 2020 plan… so many trips to look forward to… Interesting to use a concept of travel to expose the 7’s inability to feel satisfied and thus always want to seek something new and exciting. Also showcasing my point earlier about pain and being able to suppress it and move forward in the lyrics “when everything feels heavy I have learned to travel light”.
To wrap up this long post about Enneagram Type 7’s, I just have to say to my fellow 7’s… stay curious. Don’t let others diminish your sense of childlike wonder and happiness just because they don’t understand it. I tell myself this a lot lately. And to anyone who knows their Enneagram Type but doesn’t think it accurately describes you… it probably doesn’t. The Enneagram is a guideline, not a perfect representation. The beauty of being alive is to be unique and ever evolving.
In late 2019, I rededicated myself to “wellness.” I knew it was going to be a long journey and not a get rich quick scheme. I wasn’t expecting dramatic results for a few reasons:
I wanted to give myself some grace and not be too ambitious and then, as a result of potential failure, be disappointed in myself.
I really wasn’t focused on anything other than establishing a routine, finding new ways to care for the various parts of myself that motherhood had pushed to the side, and creating a mental space in which I could healthily address all the thoughts and feelings that go along with being healthy and well.
Despite 2020 being a bit of a total mind f&#k, I think I did a really good job of prioritizing my health and what it means to me. I got to know my body again through pushing the limits in workouts, figuring out what I actually like to eat (because that’s not quite what I originally thought it would be), what I need mentally, and in prioritizing my partnership with my husband. All of these things taught me one thing: Obsessing about my body and losing weight really isn’t for me (see my post from a few months back about that). And, it still isn’t. I have been thinner, and I have been bigger. The truth is, I like myself in THIS moment… it only took 32 years to happen, but hey, it did. I have a bit more cellulite than my past self and my backside looks WAY different than it used to but oh well. I really don’t mind it. What my journey to wellness enlightenment has given me is a better appreciation for my body and what it’s capable of and why I need to take care of it.
The truth is, I wasn’t emotionally mature enough to tackle the weight stuff and the self-confidence of that issue until now. I am one of just many people who grew up associating worth with weight. And oddly enough, you feel like you have MORE worth when you weigh LESS. And when I used to try and fight that battle, I always ended up losing and hating myself for it. To be fair, health and being mindful of your body and the decisions you make with it ARE important. It is common sense that a healthy salad is probably a better choice than a triple cheeseburger and fries… now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge. BECAUSE YOU SHOULD. But you should also eat the salad and find a way to not hate it. Don’t like salads? I have some alternatives that I will share with you in a bit. I learned that I really like salads. I don’t like plain salads… I like really hearty salads that are full of mixed greens, protein, nuts, maybe some blueberries, and a great homemade vinaigrette and some feta. I genuinely like that stuff. I also love to stuff my face with pizza… So, how do I balance?
Well, that’s the kicker isn’t it? There are a bunch of different avenues to go down when it comes to the subject of wellness. And, boy oh boy- EVERYONE has an opinion. Not just an opinion… but like, an opinion… you know what I mean? And the truth is, everyone’s body differs in what it needs. The key for me to properly address my health is to not be afraid to ask questions, not be afraid of my scale (not an easy emotional feat), and to have ownership of my decisions. That’s ME. I have friends who do other things and stay in great health! And for some other friends, it takes like no effort… and yeah, you can bet I am jealous. Imagine how much mental space would be freed up if staying in shape and keeping your body truly healthy took absolutely no effort? What a different place the world would be… Instead, my instagram and facebook feeds are littered with ads for different weight loss teas (seriously… WTF), workout styles (I personally love Cassey Ho from Blogilates and was doing her program super consistently before getting pregnant), and different diets… oh, the diets. It’s an endless puzzle of sorting through these things. And here’s the thing… I have a lot of knowledge of food. A lot. It’s all jumbled in my head and it’s been hard for me to make sense of it all. So… I caved. I researched a bunch of different programs to see if one of them might be a good fit for what I was trying to achieve. What was that, you ask? Well, now that I am on a good physical fitness path, I am trying to figure out how what I eat affects my body. Do I bloat? Do I lose sleep? Is my energy depleted or lifted? HOW DO I FEEL? And the truth is this: ALL of this is very much influenced by your own personal goals. As I said, I am not in this journey for immediate results… I barely have a final “number” in mind because for me it isn’t about that. I am ok with the slow and steady race that I can actually maintain for the rest of my life. I am in no mood to be let down by a program that promises a lot of things in a short amount of time that is either impossible to maintain or too expensive to maintain. Enter, Noom.
Noom. It’s EVERYWHERE. Truth be told, their success stories were, sure, inspiring. But I didn’t really care about them… what I did find out I was interested in is that I got to set the script for my goals; how I got there, how I am motivated, and more importantly, doing all of that and not instantly reverting to 24 year old Kendall (ugh- she was a mess) and hating myself for not being perfect at it all. Noom has things in place to keep you accountable such as food and water logs, exercise logs (hey NOOM- add a HIIT setting, will you?), daily lessons that are a required part of the journey, and your very own personal goal specialist to help you meet milestones and give you support along the way (a real person, not a robot). Personally, I like Noom; despite the extra cheesy factor, I like them and feel comfortable taking 10 minutes out of my day to do the work. I am a relatively new Noom user but will be keeping you updated in the coming months about how I feel, how it helps, etc. I think what I most appreciate about Noom is that everything is on me to accomplish. Sure, I have support (and they teach you a lot about the psychology of food (which I knew a lot of but had a hard time organizing to make it relevant to me) but it’s up to me. I don’t feel bad that I am getting out of the holiday food funk and some days are great and some are bad. There is no beating myself up. I am just chugging along on my journey. That alone is something I could not have done in my twenties. I simply wasn’t mentally mature enough to really understand health and wellness… but then again, it’s not like they teach you how to love yourself in school. That S*^t just comes with time. And patience.
I could go into all the different tips and tricks that I find useful, but the truth is… you don’t need it. As I said, the idea of what constitutes wellness and health is different for everyone… whatever that looks like, YOU DO YOU. What I will share with you all are a few different links to great articles that give you truly good and wholesome recipes (nope, not all of them are salads). So go forth and live well. Don’t take that for granted. At the time of this writing the US Coronavirus death toll is 406K. Life is really fragile, y’all. Take care of yourselves… Whether that’s eating a quinoa bowl, running a 5K in your city (by yourself of course, because, you know- COVID), or biting into a big ole’ bowl of homemade mac and cheese- make sure to be feeding yourself in every possible way. Get the facial. Binge the show. Take the nap. Go on a walk. For me, it will be taking my daughter out into the snow to play and be merry. That trumps my workout today. Be well, my friends.
Need some food inspo? Check out these articles- they’ve got some good and healthy recipes!
Health: what a LOADED word that is. It can mean so many different things to so many people and, sadly, most of us still struggle to define it in a truly healthy way.
My adolescent brain associated heath with weight and athleticism. As a 16 year old, going into my junior year of high school, I trained all summer in the hot and blistering sun to attend a soccer camp at what would eventually be my college alma mater. All of that hard work was put in to obtain athleticism and yet… that time was really just a thief of joy because I never felt good enough… no matter how much energy I exerted. Countless days during camp left me nearly crawling back to the dorms, feeling nauseous and fatigued for the majority of the summer. My hard work and consistency paid off though. I made the varsity team that year only to sit on the bench because the coach had her own methods of not allowing her subs to play, if she did, it was never for long. Due to her warped coaching agenda she single handedly ruined soccer for me. After playing soccer for 12 years I never played again after that year. Dramatic? Yes. Absolutely. However, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self during that season of life how proud I was that I did not allow my mental health to go through the abuse of that ignorant coach. Instead, I used my own, hard earned money and took private tennis lessons after school and around my work schedule my senior year. Again, my hard work had paid off, I was captain of my tennis team. High fives, 17 year old self for being competent enough to re-route that energy into something positive (a major enneagram 7 trait, I’ll blog on that in the near future).
In college, fad diets and an unattainable image of what women were supposed to look like was the standard. Although I wasn’t particularly mad at my weight or pant size, I was constantly striving to be smaller which translated to petite, cute, attractive… UGH. I remember looking at all my beautiful girlfriends and thinking I was the largest one of the group (*facepalm*) when the truth was I actually wasn’t and probably had slight body dysmorphia at the time. Also in my 20’s, I did fall victim to fad diets. There was, however, one fad diet in particular that was a 24 day challenge which made me rethink my cooking skills and try some fun food switches like using spaghetti squash instead of pasta (who knew?). Although I am not a fan of fad diets because they are usually not attainable for the long term, I did enjoy improving my skills in the kitchen and still reference several of the recipes from that challenge. I like to lovingly refer to ‘the experimental food phase’ as a major advancement in my appreciation for food and eating thoughtfully. Food is fuel! It really is AND we are allowed to enjoy it too. I learned that I could make a vegetable soup that tasted delicious and ALSO have a cookie with no shame or punishment at the gym. What a liberating concept!
Now I am in my early 30’s and looking at health in a completely holistic way. I have the experience and maturity to understand that health is not only about weight, athleticism or food…it is about your mental health, financial health, spiritual health, work/business health, and relational health. Health takes EVERYTHING into consideration which is why it is such a loaded word. We all search for what health means because to be healthy isn’t one specific answer. When I write out my health goals now compared to when I was younger my goals include budgeting my finances, incorporating spa days, traveling, daily prayer & gratitude, sleep, meal prepping, movement, career goals, and lots of family time. The vision I have of myself at my healthiest looks like hiking up a mountain barely winded, cooking meat and veggies over the open fire, with my husband and friends laughing nearby, bare feet in the dirt, security of a job and a home to come back to after this idyllic, healthy, and welcomed getaway. And during this getaway I envision being well-rested with energy to explore and swim in the alpine lakes. I will also see my family when I get home – we’ve made dinner arrangements. I am out enjoying God’s creation where I honestly feel the most spiritually connected. I am happy, I am content, THIS is what HEALTH is.
If you’re reading this, I hope it is a reminder that there is more that comes into play with your health than diet and exercise. How do you envision yourself at your healthiest?
This blog has been started so many times. Maybe I am rusty from a few weeks off, maybe I can’t focus correctly due to our political climate, maybe I just need to write-it-out but feel unmotivated… either way I don’t feel like discussing the “new year” nearly two weeks into 2021. I originally titled this “Embracing the New Year.” Hmmmmmm. To be honest, I never expected 2021 to be much different from 2020. We are still in a global pandemic, we are still a divided Country, we are still going through the motions of what work, school, and life looks like in this constantly changing reality. We walk on eggshells around people that aren’t in our immediate friend groups and constantly witness the clashing of opinions on social media.
I am tired.
Are you?
So, in that spirit… let’s talk about something uplifting shall we? Something that you could even try yourself.
Several years ago when I was in life coaching we talked about our “Essence Words.” They were words that my life coach chose based on a task I had to accomplish. I am not going to lie, the task was awkward; I had to call 5 or 6 people closest to me and ask them “When I walk into a room, how do I show up? What do you feel?” To my surprise, the responses were beautiful and sparked a unique conversation with each person I called. My mom said “light and happiness.” My best friend said, “friendship and love,” and a coworker said, “fun and joy.” I had a variety of responses from multiple people. After these phone calls, I cried. I had never really thought about how I made other people feel when I walked into a room. As a recovering people pleaser, I didn’t want to think much about what other people thought about me – but WOW, it was so sweet to hear from my mom, my best friend, my coworkers, and others how I make them feel when I enter a room. Their thoughtful responses will stick with me forever.
If you feel like being brave and having an interesting conversation, I challenge you to ask this question to a few people you trust to give you an uplifting response. Don’t ask this to your uncle who is always in a bad mood or your cousin that is always competing with you… ask people who know you, love you, and appreciate you. I guarantee you will be encouraged by their responses.
If there is anything I learned from 2020, it is that you should never take for granted your time with loved ones. Tell them how much you love them, send a thoughtful gift or card, and actually make the phone call. 2020 wasn’t an easy year and 2021 is shaping up to be similar. You need to hear the goodness you bring into the lives of others, just as much as they need to hear it too.
Going back to the task my life coach gave me- based on the responses from the 5-6 people, my life coach came up with my “Essence Words.” JOY, CONNECTION, RADIANT, VISION, POWER. I remember when she listed off these words, I felt a magnetic reaction to each of them.
JOY – My happiness is something I am known for (a part of my personality type). I remember writing my first essay in elementary school and my teacher said I had a very positive tone in my writing, she instructed me that it was a gift and to never lose it.
CONNECTION – I love meeting people and networking. At the time, this word described part of my social life perfectly! It was, and is, spot on. My desire to have meaningful connections is something that inspired me to be a Communication major and study relationships.
RADIANT – What a beautiful word to describe light and brightness. I think of when people tell new moms that they look radiant, glowing, pretty… I think RADIANT is my favorite essence word.
VISION – I function extremely well when I have a clear direction, as do most people. This word is something I strive to attain, to dream, to keep my goals, focus, and direction always in view.
POWER – I am a natural leader who has taken leadership roles in many groups and organizations. As a woman, this word embodies empowerment and success – what an inspiration I can be to myself by simply leaning into my own power.
These words were not dreamt up, they were given to me through many tasks I had to complete in life coaching including the awkwardly empowering phone calls I had to make to family and friends. If I can give you any gift in 2021- it is to ask you to allow people to tell you what makes you so wonderful. I know it is tempting to brush off the compliments and stay humble but I challenge you to listen and absorb them. You will owe them nothing in return but a simple thank you. So ask them, “ What shows up when I do? What do you feel when I enter a room?”
Nothing from the craziness of 2020 or the beginning of 2021 can take away the unique and amazing qualities that make you, YOU!
Self care should not be rare. Self care should not be rare. I have been repeating this little rhyme to myself for the past month. It’s become my mantra. I never understood the hype of the new year or resolutions. As stated in a previous blog, I find my rebirth and goal setting time to be most therapeutic in the fall. Specifically, at the start of the academic year. That’s my jam. That’s where I feel hope and the beginnings of rebirth. So, it is with great humility that I share that I have made a new year’s resolution.
Let’s back this up… My dad came to VT to spend about 4 months with my sister and I. He was in our bubble for the holiday season and was able to spoil his granddaughter rotten. With his visit, I realized that I had put “self care” on the back burner… like the way back burner… like back behind the burner and up past the backyard and main road and in the woods burner. The last time I was truly good at self care was probably 2015-2017ish. I was consistent with reading books, meditating, sleeping 8 hours a night, getting pedicures, and utilizing my monthly massage membership perks. Then, we moved and I readjusted that routine to other things like reflection, travel, and time with my husband. And then… I had a baby.
Suddenly, my time was, and is still, no longer just my own. I have a little human to grow. I can’t exactly slack. I want to help grow her into a big human… who is decent and kind. And with that, taking care of myself just became a selfish thing to indulge in (in my brain). With my dad here, I was able to do a few simple things while he took care of Rosemary. These few things became a wake up call. Getting a pedicure? Heaven. Getting a massage? Epic. Taking a nap when I felt sleepy? Necessary. Last year, I started taking steps to better take care of myself. I have been in the gym consistently, eating well, and connecting with my husband more. These things are all good. Really good, actually. Now, it is time for the next step. Or should I say, it is time for a resolution… or resolutions…
I need to spend some time figuring out my skin… ever since growing my little human, my skin has been a wreck. I need time for a skin care routine and facials. Carrying a 26 pound child around and weight training is a perfect recipe for knots… so a massage is important every now and again. Losing myself in a novel is downright restorative… I need these things. I need to do these things so that I am capable of being a GOOD human… and therefore, a good mom and a good partner. I need to stop feeling bad when I ask Issy to help me with something… And this is so silly because my husband will JUMP at the opportunity to help me with things. He isn’t a passive partner or father… but I also realize that between him being a full time employee during the day and grad school student by night that he also needs rest and self care. So in my endeavors to take care of myself, I also need to encourage him to do the same. We can’t put taking care of ourselves off until my dad comes back to Vermont. We need to establish and implement new ways of caring for ourselves and of making it actually happen.
I need to get back into my head again and get to know myself. I have changed a lot in the past few years… my priorities, likes and dislikes, hopes, dreams… they’ve changed a bit. Shari and I recently had a big planning meeting for TSE and we’ve set some goals and made some promises to ourselves. In honor of our desire for authenticity, collaboration, and discovery, we are going to “go there.” Yup… you read that right. Nothing is off limits for us this year. We are going to talk about things. Self care? Yup. Relationships? Yup. The ever ongoing saga of “health” and weight? Yup. Politics and our belief in democracy being respected? YUP. And I may even write a little Valentine’s Day post… because we all know what happens on Valentine’s Day. So stop blushing. Come along with us… let’s chat. What’s on your mind?
It really isn’t Christmas if this specific cookie isn’t on the table. For as long as I can remember my mom and I have made Swedish Snowball Cookies (aka: Russian Tea Cakes) (aka: Mexican Wedding Cakes) together. Yes, this cookie has that many names and to be honest, there are probably more! I called my mom to get her Betty Crocker version of this recipe because (in typical mom fashion) she has altered the recipe, well… let’s be real here, she has altered almost every recipe you can think of. I NEEDED her version of this classic cookie! So here you go! Enjoy the sweet powdered sugar, melt-in-your-mouth, first to get devoured, delicious cookie of my childhood.
**Bonus, I typed the directions nearly word-for-word straight from the pro herself, my mom.
Ingredients
1 cup room temp butter (or put in microwave until not fully melted)
⅔ cup powdered sugar (rather than 1/2 cup that the Betty Crocker cookbook calls for)
1 tablespoon vanilla (or do half vanilla & half almond extract to make it more Scandinavian – optional)
2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
¾ cups chopped walnuts (or pecans)
Instructions
Mix above ingredients well (we use a kitchen aid or handheld mixer)
Roll into 1 inch balls
Bake 10-12 mins at 375 degrees (this helps it cook all the way through) check after 8 mins because you only want the cookies lightly browned. Oven temps vary!
Let cool on a cookie rack for 5 mins, then roll in powdered sugar. You want the cookies to still be slightly warm so the powdered sugar sticks better on the first roll.
Once cooled more, roll in powdered sugar for a second time. These cookies actually taste better a few days later (which is impressive) and they freeze really well!
Enjoy! And pro-tip, whatever you do – don’t inhale the powdered sugar.
‘Tis the season to be jolly and eat lots of carbs and sugar too! But really… but really what? You know it’s true! Sugar cookies and winter holidays go together like peanut butter and jelly. I am not a great baker… I am passable. I am great at following directions to prepare and bake cookies but lack the imagination to frost them in a pretty way. As long as there is a cookie and some frosting, you bet I’ll eat it! I could care less about what it looks like. My palette isn’t that discerning when cookies are involved. Did you know that “cookie” was my first word? That should have been a sign of some sort.
Anyways, my neighbor, we’ll call her Josephine March (not her real name because you know… privacy and crazy cookie stalkers may read this) makes THE BEST cookies I have ever had. AND they are pretty. It’s enough to make me super jealous but not enough to stop me from eating any treats that she may share with me. I recently asked her for one of her yummy recipes and not only was I pleasantly surprised by the source of her recipe but by the easy instructions and prep- even an amateur baker like me couldn’t mess this up too much! Her super soft sugar cookie recipe is from none other than the critically acclaimed novel, “Clifford Wants A Cookie.”
Without further ado, here is the recipe…
Clifford’s Sugar Cookies:
Ingredients
1 cup of butter, softened
⅔ cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
½ tsp salt
Instructions
Cream your butter and sugar mixture until fluffy and, well, creamy. Add your egg and vanilla and mix until well integrated (about another 2 minutes). Add the flour and salt until well blended. Form the dough into a big ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours… yes, 3 hours. Don’t take any shortcuts. After the 3 hours, roll out the dough on a nicely floured surface and shape with your favorite cookie cutters. Or, if you are like me, don’t roll and shape them on a nicely floured surface but instead, take the dough from the fridge and pull apart to make littler balls about an inch (or a little more) in width and bake them as drop cookies. Bake at 350 F for 9-11 minutes. The bottoms should be just turning brown. When you take them out, they may seem a little fluffy and this is ok! They will settle as they cool. Let them rest for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Let them cool before frosting… Finally, frost to your heart’s desire. I make my frosting (that’s about as fancy as I get) or buy your favorite brand from your local grocery store’s baking aisle.
Make a plate for yourselves, settle in with a good movie, a snuggly blanket, and enjoy yourself. Be safe this week. Make good decisions and to those of you that celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you and yours.
What establishes a tradition? Well, Google states that it is a custom or recurring activity passed through generations. I would argue that in our minds we all have traditions that are simply considered yearly activities or events that we enjoy doing with our families. This year it may not be so easy to keep some event-based traditions alive but there is always time to create new traditions… At least that is my philosophy!
Let’s take it back to my childhood… I have so many great memories of Christmas. Mostly the excitement to be with family, opening gifts, and decorating the Christmas tree (which was always taken down from the garage rafters and was quite the production to set up). The ornaments that pre-dated my arrival to the family were always some of my favorites and each year we would add another personal ornament to the tree. Those personalized ornaments were my favorite to hang each year after that. Although our house rarely had Christmas lights on the outside, my mom always made sure it looked like a holiday explosion inside! My mom’s love for Christmas could be an entire blog post all on its own. Our family usually made an effort to go drive through the “Christmas Lights on James Street” every year. It was a local mobile home neighborhood that would get all lit up to THE extreme; from the lawns to the rooftops, the driveways and often even the cars, the James Street houses did not disappoint. We would ohh and ahh over the bright magical displays and talk about any other neighborhoods that might also be decorated nearby, I think we just liked driving around as a family.
One Christmas tradition that stands out above the rest is decorating sugar cookies with my mom. Since my mom is an amazing cook, she would make an effort to bake and decorate sugar cookies with me. We’d pull out cookie cutters, food coloring for frosting and ALL the sprinkles in the baking cabinet. Bless my mom’s heart because it was always such a mess and I rarely helped clean it up. I remember having the best time and getting extremely excited when my dad picked out his favorite frosted cookie that happened to be one I decorated. As an adult, I like to buy the premade Gingerbread house kits for the kids and now my mom typically will still do sugar cookie decorating with the grandkids. So sweet…literally!
Are you ready for my favorite Christmas tradition OF ALL TIME? The Christmas Eve Service at my Grandparents Church, trust me it was quite the production. I still remember the smell of the church, the color of the carpet, the pews that were handmade by my Great Uncle Ed, and the slightly terrible childrens performances that made you both laugh and cringe at the same time. The youngest kids would sing “Happy Bells” which is the cutest little song when coming from a 3 year old who is simultaneously shaking the bells in their hand as fast and hard as possible. As a group (congregation) we would take out the hymnals from the back of the pew in front of us and open to whatever page we were instructed to sing “O’ Holy Night” and numerous other Christmas songs. What made this so special was the unique sound of the organ piano. They save the best for last and as you left the ushers would give you a bag full of hard candies, peanuts (with the salty shell), and an orange. I loved this Christmas tradition and even typing about it makes me ache deep down inside, I miss it so much! The church built a new building and it just doesn’t have the same feel (or smell).
Although those are some of my more treasured traditions from childhood, the beauty of growing up is incorporating new traditions and evolving your knowledge and understanding of a holiday. Over the past few years I have poured myself into my Scandinavian heritage only to learn about the Norwegian Nisse, the Rommegrot porridge that the Nisse eats, Krumkake baking, candles and the (quite popular) concept of Hygge. It’s been so much fun to incorporate what I am learning back into my family traditions, hoping that something I am doing was what my great grandmother’s family did back in Norway.
Traditions can be beautiful and special when passed down from generation to generation. They can be a memory that you hold dear, or they can be something you just started doing this year. I would love to know (in the comments below) what holiday traditions are your favorite? What are some traditions that you are hoping to create?
Tradition. Traditions. They are important to our lives- especially around the holidays. Whether it’s a big meal with family or an ugly sweater party with your closest friends, this year is a game changer for everyone. The holidays bring out a beautiful and sentimental side to people. The month of December is like a blanket of hope and generosity of spirit.
My mom and grandma did traditions well. Decorating the trees, making Mexican Christmas cookies, shopping for gifts, hot cocoa… I miss those days. I miss the smell of it. As I got older, things changed and not all in bad ways. Life can’t stay the same! Neither can traditions. After my mom passed, we felt a little lost in terms of traditions… we never really got it “right.” There was a certain amount of pressure and shame (for me) that I couldn’t do it all the same way. Sure, we tried and we got some things right. Over time, we were okay with letting certain things go and modifying others. It was liberating to discover that we didn’t have to decorate the Christmas tree the exact same way! We got to play with the holiday season and try to figure out how to make it fun again… make it happy again.
I feel like the Christmas of 2017 was the one that I finally started to see what I wanted the holiday to be. My husband and I were in Spain and my father-in-law was in town for Christmas. It was… simple. We watched our favorite movies, made different kinds of delectable sweets, socialized with friends, and made a Christmas Eve feast that was ON POINT. We kept the pressure low. That has very much been the key to us being happy during the season. We mostly just want to be happy- so we do the things that make us happy. We have been open to change- something that I think has made us fairly comfortable during this… crazy… year.
This year, we have my dad with us. He’s been here in Vermont since September. We’ve decorated our home, are slowly purchasing gifts and last minute stocking stuffers, and are about to begin an intense week of baking cookies. This is also our second year of doing a Christmas puzzle. Settling down with a glass of wine or a cup of tea and focusing on a puzzle has proven to be a soothing pastime for me. It’s not just Issy and I anymore. Rosemary has started to discover the magic of the season. She is learning about the holidays through books and her favorite, so far, is “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.” She is SO my grandmother’s great granddaughter. Rosemary is also discovering the joys of snow, the perils of things freezing over, and the delights of cake pops shaped like snowmen from Starbucks. I very much want her to feel the same excitement and joy that I did as a kid. I want her to enjoy giving more than she does receiving. I want her to understand that this is the time of year where we open our wallets for not just gifts but for different causes… and sure!- this doesn’t have to be experienced only during the holidays, but it sure is a good time to show her the pleasure in giving to others.
On Friday I have grand plans of going out and finishing ALL shopping, getting a Christmas eye brow wax, and meandering over to the wine shop to get the wine for our Christmas day meal. That’s this year’s traditions. Maybe next year, things will be different? Traditions don’t really matter… What matters is being with the people who make traditions worth doing.
Earlier this week marked six years since my mom has passed away. She passed away from complications of the flu. It was very sudden, very confusing, and very, very sad. It all started when she needed to be hospitalized because she was having problems breathing. The medical team determined that in order to stabilize her breathing she needed to be put in a medically induced coma so that they could take over and control her breathing functions. Before they put her under, I was able to tell her that I loved her and that I would talk to her soon. Cruelly, only one of those things was true; I never got to talk to her again.
The week that she was hospitalized was chaotic. She was up, she was down, up again, and then down. I tried to continue on as normal as possible because I knew that if I didn’t there would be problems when she woke up; she would most likely have yelled at me for being dramatic, for everyone making a fuss, etc. When the doctor told us that her kidneys were shutting down, I began to understand that this wasn’t going to get better. In addition to that, her oxygen levels had never returned to normal. She still wasn’t able to breathe on her own. There was no miracle drug to give her. There was no miracle prayer to pray. We decided to let her go. She was read her last rites and the machines were turned off. While in her coma her body was rotated (I don’t remember why but I know there was a reason for it) and when the machines were turned off the nurses turned her so that she was face up towards us. They say she was gone before they even finished turning her. That, was that- I say that with the most sad and bitter of tones.
The days following her passing were a blur of getting things done. We managed to plan her funeral for 5 days later. During this time, I held it mostly together in front of everyone. I didn’t really have time to grieve. Over the next several months I managed to grieve in my own way… which I won’t discuss here because that’s a whole other can of tomatoes. It wasn’t until I met my husband about 10 months later that I managed to emotionally stabilize. He helped me find my anchor and let go of/process a lot of the heavy emotions I was harboring.
My mom’s death made me wake up and pay better attention to my health. As you can imagine, living in the time of a pandemic has heightened these feelings. I am a firm believer of being vaccinated, wearing a mask to protect others just as much myself, and taking precautions set in place by my state seriously. For more in depth thoughts on the Coronavirus, please refer to my Dear Karens of Covid-19 post. Anyways, because of what happened to my mom, I am super vigilant when it comes to my health, my husband’s health, and my daughter’s health. I will do whatever is necessary to protect us. I will gladly down some gross tasting immune booster stuff if it means it may help. I will wear my mask in Costco even if I start to get claustrophobic. It was a super sobering event that has carried with me and will always be with me. I think of her every day. And I really, really miss her. I wasn’t ready to lose her, but it seems the universe had some other plan that I really don’t understand or like.
Something else I often reflect on this time of year is the idea of grief. When my mom died I learned that everyone grieves super differently- and this is ok. I may not understand someone’s process but I know it’s normal to have different feelings about death. One of the most important takeaways I have from my mom passing is the notion of taking care of myself not just physically but emotionally as well. Putting me first wasn’t something I really did before that. I put the collective of work, family, friends, etc. before myself. That change was one of the most important of my life. We only get one life- we need to take care of it. There’s always an excuse of being busy or tired that can get in the way of being happy. I see people hiding behind these things instead of taking genuine care of themselves and it’s something I 100% relate to doing. My mom was a huge believer in living life on your own terms, living with the consequences both good and bad of those terms, and not shying away from moments that may challenge your current assumptions about something. And every day, I try to do that not just for her- but for myself and my family. Stay safe out there-
Typically these “outdoorsy” blog posts are prompted out of necessity. Lately, I have had several friends reach out to me to ask about snowshoeing. What to wear, where to go, where to rent or buy snowshoes… simply put, where to even start? I figured I would make it easy and put together a Q&A post all about SNOWSHOEING!
Before we “spill the tea” on the topic of snowshoeing, let me start by introducing you to Kate. Kate isn’t your average guest blogger; she is an extremely special friend of the blog. Better yet, she is one of Kendall’s best friends, godmother to Kendall’s little girl, Rosemary, and one of my (Shari’s) favorite friends to bump into in town. Kate’s quick wit, varied interests, and adventurous spirit make her one of the most magnetic individuals that you will ever meet. When I thought about writing a blog on snowshoeing, I knew I wanted Kate to weigh in on the topic. She grew up in the outdoors with a family that loves to adventure.
*Special shout out and thank you to Kate for sharing your snowshoeing expertise!*
Guest-blogger, Kate, in the beautiful snowy Pacific Northwest Mountains!
Without further ado, here is our Q&A:
What is so great about snowshoeing?
Shari: One of the many ways I combat the winter blues is by getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. Especially on sunny (yet cold) days up at the nearby mountain. Unlike most people my age I am not a skier or snowboarder. I’ve tried (ok, not that hard) to ski but it is expensive and a huge time commitment so I decided to look into snowshoeing instead. I purchased my first pair of snowshoes at an REI garage sale (it was a MSR men’s pair). I had no idea what I was doing but I dressed in layers and we walked along a snowy road up near the top of the mountain. I wasn’t overly impressed with this “walk” in the snow but the more I went, the more I explored other trails, adventured through the trees, laughed when we tripped, and marveled over the winter wonderland and breathtaking views…I was forever hooked! Snowshoeing is truly amazing.
Kate: Snow is magic- so mountains covered in snow are enchanting and awe inspiring, which is needed in these unique times and short, cold days. I wish I would have known how fun and attainable snowshoeing is. It’s hiking/walking on snow. It’s not like skiing or snowboarding. Had I known this, I would have started sooner.
What do you wish you had known about snowshoeing before you went for the first time?
Kate: The knowledge that I mainly lacked upon my first big snow shoe is that you are hiking… uphill… but with snowshoes on. I grew up skiing and had hiked in cold weather with the use of micro spikes but when I initially went snowshoeing it was with a large group and the terrain was fairly flat. I suppose I somehow tricked my brain into thinking that most trails would be more of a snowy walk, but I was ruefully mistaken. In saying this, treat snowshoeing like a hike, read the trail reports, check for avalanche warnings, and try to have an idea of what the weather will be like through the day. There’s a trail out there for all levels, so find a trail and get out there.
What items do you always make sure to bring?
Kate: Layers. I always bring extra layers. I wear many layers, I carry extra layers in my knapsack, but also (pro-tip), I bring dry warm clothing and socks that I leave in the car for something to change into for the ride home. For more of what I recommend to bring see below in “what’s in my backpack.”
Shari: Trekking Poles and eye protection (sunglasses or goggles) are my most recommended gear. I always make sure to bring my Thermarest Z-pad seat and lots of snacks/food (typically – veggies, sandwich, hot soup in a hydroflask, and a spiked hot drink in a thermos).
What advice would you give someone thinking about going for the first time?
Kate: Layer up. When it is cold outside you want to be warm, too warm. I am naturally warm, but have learned it’s better to be too warm in the cold than cold in cold. You have to consider there just might be a wind chill or that it will be snowing and snow melts on our bodies. Bring sunglasses or goggles, it can be hard to look at all the white snow, beautiful but blinding. For me waterproof shoes are a must. Whether you’re wearing snow shoes or hiking boots, be sure they are lined and waterproof.
What boots, snowshoes, or other gear do you recommend?
Boots:
Kate: I have been participating in mountain sports since early childhood and have an inherited love for Sorel boots. They are waterproof, warm, and comfortable to hike in. My feet will be steaming when I take those boots off.
Shari: Anything waterproof and comfortable. I wear Salomon GTX, DO NOT wear rubber boots – your toes will get too cold- even with thick socks. Along with my comfortable Gor-Tex boots and I always wear Outdoor Research Gaiters (you can thank me later). Please note that I also wore my gaiters backwards the first two times I wore them, so don’t feel bad if gear is confusing sometimes- haha.
“Put your snowshoe in, put your snowshoe out, put your snowshoe in, and shake it all about…”
Snowshoes:
Shari: Honestly, if you only plan on going a few times you can find a local place to rent snowshoes (a quick google search will help you locate the closest rental place). If you want to invest in a really good pair – I recommend MSR Lightning Explore purely because I like the ratchet system with these snowshoes. I also have friends that bought less expensive snowshoes on Amazon or at Costco and they work great!
Clothing:
Kate: I have also had a recent love affair with various base layers. There are varieties of weights (mid weight, light, etc.) and they are wonderful. I have worn my Smartwool midweight long sleeve top more than any other outdoor item I own. I don’t usually wear snow pants or waterproof pants when I snowshoe, I wear base layers under leggings and I stay warm. Socks are also so important, wool socks\ski socks are life giving for keeping your feet warm. I have a Bearz outdoor waterproof picnic blanket, it’s pocket size and works well thrown down on the snow so I can sit and rest while I snack and not get wet, therefore remaining warmer.
Shari: I, like Kate, don’t typically wear waterproof pants unless it is snowing out. Yoga pants and gaiters over warm wool socks and my boots keep my legs and feet warm. Optional, wear a puffy down skirt to keep your butt warm, my friend Kristina wrote an awesome blog about down skirts here. I typically wear a long sleeve base layer (Lululemon Long-sleeve), a mid layer zip up (Arc’teryx Atom LT), and a shell (Arc’teryx Shell). My top layer, the shell, comes off pretty quickly after I get going and my core temp heats up. I always wear gloves that are waterproof and warm and wear a hat or earmuffs to keep my head and ears warm. It is better to bring more than you need.
What’s in my backpack:
Kate: I have an affinity for preparedness, therefore I always have water, snacks, a first aid kit, and sunglasses or goggles. I definitely bring sunscreen because getting burned in winter somehow hurts even more than in summer. The sun reflects off all the beautiful white snow and onto our very un-sunkissed faces. On longer hikes I might bring a pocket stove to heat up some apple cider with bourbon (or anything warm) or bring it in a thermos. I also like to have hand warmers in my knapsack in case my hands or feet get really cold. I also bring my camera because I love to take pictures of the beautiful views.
Shari: I always have a hydration pack, that is if it’s not too cold or the straw can freeze on you – in that case I just bring a bottle of water. Like I said above, I love to bring snacks, food, and a thermos with something warm and delicious. Definitely the 10 Essentials which includes Sunscreen, chapstick, and sunglasses because the snow is bright and reflective on a blue-bird winter day. Sometimes I will bring a few extra layers to be safe and toilet paper & a plastic bag in case you need to go potty during your walk/hike in the snow. Lastly I always bring an extra pair of socks, hat/beanie, hand warmers, and for good measure…candy.
This photo was taken on a SheJumps Snowshoeing Event that Shari lead in February 2018
*This post is not affiliated with any of the above brands or companies. We purely recommend the items that we have personally field tested. Shari is an Ambassador for SheJumps, a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering women and girls to get outdoors.
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