A hop over the pond for NYE? How could I say no? When it was decided that we’d be going to Scotland for the holiday, I was beyond excited. Here is the first of a two-part blog for our time in Scotland.
There is a 6 hour nonstop flight from NY to Edinburgh. If you live north of the city, you could fly straight from Stewart International Airport and utilize long term parking for a very reasonable rate.
We opted to take an Uber from the Edinburgh airport to spend a night in Glasgow. You can take the train, but it takes longer and comes out to about the same price as two train tickets.
Glasgow is a very walkable city, but cabs and Ubers are readily available.
The Grand Central Hotel is a great choice for a centrally located stay. The room was cozy, the staff is accommodating and there are restaurants and bars right inside the hotel. Within an hour of arriving we were sipping champagne at Champagne Central bar, a chic hotel bar that serves up delicious cocktails and local beers. It’s a great place to pop in for a pre-dinner cocktail. You don’t miss the epic chandelier in the bar.
Tea Room of my dreams in The Grand Central Hotel
There’s the cutest tea room that I fell in love with and although we didn’t have tea there, I’d definitely love to go back for that one day. I’d also love to remodel a room in my future home after it.
Phillip made sure to do extensive research on the most important element of any trip: where we would eat! (Am I right?) Glasgow’s restaurant scene did not disappoint! Delicious dishes and divine decor were on the menu.
Although slightly jetlagged, one of my most vivid memories from the trip was our first lunch in Glasgow at The Ubiquitous Chip.
Beautiful welcome to the Ubiquitous Chip Brasserie
A lot of restaurants offered holiday or festive menus, a few choices for three courses at a set price. Warning: Mostly every nice restaurant you go to in Scotland will bring you the most delicious sourdough bread before your meal and as much as you will try to fight it, you won’t be able to resist. The butter is on another level. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Note: There are two areas of the restaurant, one is a brasserie which is upstairs (pictured below) and one is more fine dining which is downstairs. We wanted a more open, chill vibe so we went to the brasserie which was fantastic. I’ve read that the downstairs restaurant has a Michelin star if you’re into that though! Reserve in advance as it is popular even with the locals.
Food Art at The Ubiquitous Chip
Try The Gannett for modern, seasonal Scottish restaurant offering a 3 or 5 course meal with a wine pairing. There is a vegetarian option here as well. Take your time to savor the meal. I didn’t take any pictures here because it was dimly lit and too romantic to ruin the moment with a photo. If the salted caramel fondant is available, get it for sure!
After dinner, hop over to the Kelvingrove Café right next store for great music and glamorous cocktails. The bar closes at 1 a.m. so be prepared for last call around 12.
Is this not the prettiest pink drink you’ve ever seen?
Two Fat Ladies at The Buttery is also worth a try. It’s traditional Scottish fare in a really cozy atmosphere. Think old lady chic in the best possible way. Any restaurant with butter in the name is good by me!
My #1 highlight from the trip was definitely our self-guided tour of the University of Glasgow. Just a short walk from the West End, don’t miss this beautiful campus.
Library/Chapel
We got extra lucky to catch the sun setting, giving us the best light for photos!
My favorite photo of the trip!
I actually felt like I was at Hogwart’s
Magical Light at The University of Glasgow
Explore the art and culture of Glasgow with a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Entrance is free, but there is a $10 suggested donation. There’s also a cafe inside if you need a coffee or sweet treat. There are a bunch of cool exhibits to check out too.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
You can walk here from the University of Glasgow in about 12 minutes.
This painting really resonated with me
Don’t miss the West End where you’ll find cobblestone streets, cute shops, bars, restaurants and other charming Scottish things.
Ashton Lane
The Finnieston is an up and coming neighborhood with great shops, restaurants and The Hidden Lane. There are a bunch of independently owned shops selling handmade jewelry and unique gifts, craft and tea shops and more. Call before you go because a lot of places were closed when we went.
Check out the colorful shops at The Hidden Lane in The Finnieston
It was on the milder side when we went, but you can expect temps to be similar to New York winters. You can’t go wrong with layers and a good wool coat. Most restaurants are casual, so unless you’re going for a special occasion, you should be good with a nice pair of dark jeans.
Bring a pair of good walking shoes and flat boots for nights out on the town. Don’t forget the hat, gloves and scarf for winter travels.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Glasgow. If you’re planning a trip and you have more questions, feel free to reach out to me. You can leave a comment below or DM me here.
May you travel safely to the land of the Unicorn!
I turn 35 today. OMG!!! Truthfully, I’m totally embracing this halfway point between 30 and 40 and I’m feeling really great about what this year has in store for me.
This past year was one of looking deeper at myself. What makes me tick? What excites me? What no longer brings me joy? And most importantly, what brings me more FREEDOM?
I acknowledge that part of my freedom is sheer privilege (which I will never take for granted), but the other half is what I’ve created through years of hard work and deep work on myself- an ongoing process of getting to know myself. When I look at my life and where I’ve been, it definitely wasn’t always travels and yoga and yummy food in my belly. It took commitment and overcoming some hardship to reach a place of freedom. It meant I had to shut out all the voices that told me no (mainly my own). It meant eating tuna fish sandwiches and Campbell’s soup (ain’t knocking the tomato rice!) for weeks on end throughout college. But mostly it took me believing in myself, trusting that I was enough and knowing that I could create the life I wanted to live.
Today I feel at peace with where I am. I have carved out a life that allows me to have the freedom to do what I love, travel the world, and be happy with the company I keep on a daily basis- myself included!
I started out pretty safe, but in recent years I’ve started taking more risks and trusting where my path may lead. I’ve had surprises, successes and disappointments, but no regrets at all. Taking a long, hard look at what we truly want is crucial. Whether it’s a lifestyle, a job, a vacation or a feeling, we can plan and work toward it, but we may realize along the way that it wasn’t what we really wanted after all. The trials either push us to work harder or reveal to us that it wasn’t meant for us to begin with. I’ve learned to accept the impermanence of everything. If something doesn’t fill me up, I don’t force it. Freedom is knowing when something isn’t serving you anymore and letting it go.
Life isn’t perfect, nor do I want it to be. I still struggle, but I’ve learned to make peace with the struggles that have paved the way to where I am today. And as I enter a new phase that will bring lots of changes in my life, I’m facing it head on, and going with the ebb and flow of what will be. I’m trusting God and the Universe in all that this magical, yet very real, life has in store for me. So Big 3-5, I’m ready for you. Bring. It. On!
Here are some of my intentions for this next chapter:
It is so sacred and precious. Appreciate and indulge in the time spent with yourself and don’t go a whole week without dedicating at least one hour to you.
There is so much to know and see and do. Get off of social media and study all the things you want to learn. Write at least one page a day; You have a lot to say!
Growth comes from being who you really are, imperfections and all. Don’t hide yourself.
Let things flow and you will be surprised at how well they will work out in the end
Invest wisely and spend less money on things
Take classes, workshops, and online courses. Go to retreats and conferences knowing that you will gain so much!
Thanks for reading,
Xo
Ashley
I’m typically not a cold weather destination traveler, but after being convinced by my other half to take a fun road trip adventure to Mont Tremblant, Quebec, I conceded. I’m happy to report that this snow covered winter village exceeded my expectations in every way! Not only is the landscape absolutely stunning to look at, but I experienced the true beauty of winter in all its glory. Between dog sledding, an outdoor scandinavian spa in subzero temperatures, and some of the most delicious food, this was a trip that will be in my memory forever.
Check out this video for a few Mont-Tremblant highlights. Keep scrolling below for the full guide on where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in Tremblant!
Mont Tremblant is just over a 7 hour drive from New York City. If you get tired by hour 5 or 6, make an overnight stop in Montreal, Quebec. With a great selection of lodging options, you’re sure to find something right downtown with plenty of great restaurants within walking distance. I had taken over driving during the last leg of the trip and to my surprise, Phillip booked us a night at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (I think our recent binging of The Crown influenced that!) I was so excited to be back at one of my favorite hotel chains with my favorite le labo products! We stayed at the Fairmont, Sonoma on one of our first trips together and it was love at first night. Spoil yourself a bit and stay for the night!
Arriving just past 9 p.m. with hungry bellies and in need of a cocktail, the concierge recommended we try The Dominion Square Tavern. The jazz age ambience and food at this hotel bar was the perfect Canadian greeting. A wonderful wine list, goat cheese stuffed cornish hen served with fresh roasted vegetables, and a sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream was the warm comfort food we needed after a 6 hour drive. Don’t miss this place if you ever find yourself in downtown Montreal.
Dominion Square Tavern
Goat cheese stuffed cornish hen for two. Get it.
The sticky toffee pudding is more like a sticky cake and it is satiating! Don’t leave without ordering it.
Before checking out of the Fairmont, check out Marché Artisans for a variety of delectable cheeses, a bakery, and a wide selection of French and Canadian delicacies. Their chocolate and maple syrup game is on point. I found myself admiring all the nooks and crannies of the market. There’s another corner of the hotel lobby to check out if you just want to chill and get some work done.
Marché Artisans
There are a few different areas within Tremblant, but the Tremblant Pedestrian Village is your best bet. It’s within walking distance to the all the restaurants, shops, and slopes. So when you’re enjoying an après ski vin chaud, you don’t have to worry about driving even just a little bit!
Everything is right in village. You don’t ever have to leave!
So many great shops and restaurants to choose from in the Pedestrian Village
Tremblant isn’t just a ski destination. There is so much more to do! One of the highlights from the trip was dogsledding The Tremblant Activity Center set us up with the dogsledding.
Scandinave is the place to go if you’re looking for total relaxation. Massage, scandinavian baths, a relaxation room and even a cafe will transport you to complete bliss. Truth be told, this is what convinced me to go to Canada over the Caribbean!
Let me take you on an adventure
Dogsledding was a super special experience. Despite it being the coldest weather I’ve ever experienced (it was -17 fahrenheit that day), I would do it again in a heartbeat. As you arrive to El Diable golf course which turns into a dogsledding destination in the winter, you are greeted by 60 beautiful huskies. They are so excited to see you and extremely friendly. You get a quick, but helpful lesson on how to ride the sled. If you’re in a double, one person drives while the other one sits back and enjoys the ride. You’ll be guided by a pack of 5 dogs.
The course is mostly flat with some small hills that are easier to navigate than you think. Once you reach the midway point in the woods, there’s a cute little tent set up where you can enjoy the warmth of a space heater and some hot chocolate. This was a much needed break to warm up before turning around to finish our tour. The guides are friendly and kind. Ours was so quirky and fun. She loved practicing her English with us and I was proud of myself for speaking a little bit of French with her.
Chasing the sun with my wolf pack
One of the guides will take some professional photos along your dogsledding adventure. They charge $10 for 3 printed photos or you can buy a CD with all of the photos from the trip for $25. Only problem is, who uses disks anymore?!
Make sure you get the right gear as well as hand and foot warmers. We wore 3-4 layers. Get a base layer pant with heat tech such as Columbia midweight stretch baselayer tight. Check them out here and here. The second layer can be another pair of leggings or fleece pants, and the third layer is snowpants. Get the right socks such as Kodiak Heat Plus. I found these to be extra thick and warm. You need a diesel pair of gloves and goggles too. Don’t mess around. Check these out. Make sure the label says they are good for VERY COLD temps.
This is not sponsored by Columbia, btw. It just happened to be what I got because I’m not serious about cold weather sports and it was an affordable option for what I planned to do on this trip. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the cold, you may want to invest in a different brand, but I found these to be sufficient.
The evolution of layering…
Scandinave is a unique spa experience. The spa is equipped with outdoor hot tubs of all different temperatures. It sounded like a really cool thing to do, but I was also pretty intimidated to be in the subzero temps in only a bathing suit. Verdict: totally worth every moment!
Book a a 50 minute massage in the morning when they first open, 9 a.m. Bring your own robes or they will charge you an extra $10 fee to rent one of theirs. After a super relaxing massage, you get access to all the baths on the premises, including the lake (if you’re crazy enough to jump in).
Picture it, you’re in a hot tub with a snow-covered hat and the steam coming off of the water into the cold air is blinding you. You can choose to go in the cold baths too, but, really? Some people did it. After all your muscles are relaxed, grab your robe and head into the steam room and sauna, followed by a cold water bucket. Ahhhhhhh.
There’s a relaxation room with magazines, couches, and lounge chairs. Grab a hot beverage, soup, or a cheese plate in the lobby cafe. I really have to make this trip a tradition. I’m already thinking about how I can squeeze another Scandinave spa day into this winter!
Café
After being out in the cold,warm up at La Forge with a hot cocktail, such as a vin chaud (red wine with rum and spices, served with a cinnamon stick and orange slice) or hot shots! Grab a seat at the bar for spectacular views of the slopes. They have great poutine, French onion soup, and duck wings. Get the soup served in a bread bowl because, why not?
You can’t go wrong as far as I’m concerned.
Bottoms up!
No guilt here!
If you’re looking for something other than bar food, check out Le Q.G. Resto-Pub. For a mix of new American with a French twist, this small restaurant serves dishes such as carpaccio and tartares as well as a delicious catch of the day and of course, steak frites. The most inventive and aesthetically pleasing appetizer was the escargots served on a thin, crispy, croissant-like wafer.
I’ve never had escargots served this way, but I’m not mad at it!
Arctic char was full of flavor (probably butter) served over white carrots and turnips yum.
Pizzateria had delicious personal pies good for two people to share. Get there early or wait until after the dinner rush because this place fills up quickly and I can understand why. I recommend the meat lovers pie.
Do not miss the AXE lounge bar at the Fairmont Tremblant. Bar bites can be enjoyed at their posh, yet relaxing bar. I’m not big on whiskey, but this drink garnished with espresso beans was fantastic.
Festive drinks
MicroBrasserie la diable is a cool little stop off for craft beers and more bar food.
Café D’époque is the late night spot for dancing. The DJ plays great music and it’s a great way to work off all of that poutine and pizza!
If you’re on your way out and just need that last fix of Poutine, definitely try Smoke’s poutinerie. They have many different varieties made to order. This was the winner of all the poutines we tried (and more than we care to admit!)
Grab a few jars of maple syrup for yourself and friends before heading out of town at Cabane à Sucre aka Sugar Shack. Roll your own stick of maple syrup on a sheet of snow.
Don’t forget to grab some gifts to take back with you!
I hope this travel guide helps you curate your next winter escape. I would love to hear about all of your winter travels, cold or warm! Also, send me any questions you have as you plan your getaway. I love talking everything travel and would love to be of assistance in any way that I can. Looking for more travels guides? Check them out here and here.
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Like this post below or leave a comment!
xoxo
Ashley
Maybe you recall my first trip to Woodstock two years ago. Since then I’ve always had a special place in my heart for this picturesque Vermont town. My mom turned 65 this fall and I thought Woodstock would be a beautiful place to celebrate her birthday, enjoy the foliage (duh) and have some great farm to table meals.During this trip there was a stop in Brattleboro along the way, which is about a 3 hour drive from NYC. It’s a great town for an evening out and some retro digs.
Downtown Brattleboro overlooking the Connecticut River
I’ve added a bunch of new go-to spots to my list and if you’re thinking about a trip there. If you’re looking to enjoy the town, some cheese tastings, vintage shopping and lots of fantastic food, I would highly recommend Vermont.
We arrived to Brattleboro on Friday afternoon and checked into the Latchis Hotel. This retro hotel is a converted movie theatre that still has a theatre on one side of the building (great for late night popcorn cravings!) The Art Deco rooms are clean, spacious and the beds and linens are incredibly comfortable.
An art deco hotel that offers a comfortable stay right in the heart of downtown Brattleboro
Downtown Brattleboro is only a few short blocks of shops and restaurants, a fun choice for a quick overnight in VT. We popped into duo for some wine and ended up staying for dinner, the great ambience and live jazz. A cozy American restaurant with a Mediterranean twist that’s the perfect place to linger from happy hour into your Friday evening. Snack on the house marinated olives with your wine. We’re still talking about how good they were.
Penelope Wurr is a gift shop owned and run by an English woman with the best taste in gifts from all over Europe. I got this wool German hat and I couldn’t be happier with the quality! Chic, non? I could’ve hung out there all night appreciating the greeting cards, art and holiday gifts! If you’re looking for something special for the holidays, check out her online shop here.
Check out Twice Upon a Time for vintage clothing, hats, home goods and loads of other fun stuff.
*Still regretting that I didn’t get this hat
Before heading out of Brattleboro onto our next destination, we stopped at Grafton Village cheese shop for a tasting and an education on cheese. With a huge selection of fresh local cheeses as well as a variety from France and The Netherlands, there’s a cheese for everyone!
My big takeaway was that the cheese is better here because of Vermont’s high mountains. In the summer months, the cows are moved to the top of the mountain where the grass is better and they are free to pasture. This explains why Swiss cheese is also so good! Don’t believe me? Check out this article. You’re welcome for the cheese lesson.
I was actually this excited when Phillip surprised us with this cheese stop before leaving town
My mom in her element
We drove about an hour north to kick the day off with a delicious brunch at Simon Pearce in Quechee, VT. There’s a small bar area in the front of the store where you can enjoy beer flights and bar bites, like homemade kettle chips, while you wait for a table in the dining room.
The beer flight was the best deal $10 for 4 hearty tastings
Simon Pearce’s restaurant uses local ingredients serving delectable dishes like Vermont cheddar soup, beef stew, lamb burgers and other seasonal specialties.
The main floor offers a retail area that feels like some sort of glass museum with prices to match! Head downstairs to see glass blowers working at their craft.
View of the covered bridge and Ottauquechee River waterfall that powers the energy for the furnace that’s used to blow the glass.
A fun shopping experience in Quechee is the Antique Mall. It’s a huge antique store connected to several other gift shops and an Alpaca farm! You can buy scarves, hats and sweaters made from the wool of the Alpaca’s right outside.
This huge Antique Mall is a must visit in Quechee.
Staying at The Blue Horse Inn was one of my favorite parts of our trip. The sweetest couple, Jill and Tony, just reopened this quaint Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Woodstock. They really nailed the cozy bed and breakfast feel that we were looking for. With a few sitting rooms each equipped with a fireplace to curl up with a glass of wine, cup of tea or a good book, this was one place I never wanted to leave.
We opted for the suite since there were 3 of us traveling. The king bed and linens are the most comfortable, there’s a brand new pullout bed that we were the first ones to sleep in!
Probably the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in
The breakfast was beyond delicious- homemade zucchini bread to start, a rolled cheddar omelet with spinach pastry or vegan granola cups with banana cream and berries served with green mountain smokehouse maple bacon village, sausage or vegan sausage from the Woodstock Farmer’s Market. It was heavenly.
There’s no shortage of good restaurants in Woodstock.
Mangalitsa. This will go down as one of my favorite dining experiences to date. Call at least one week in advance to reserve a table. A dimly lit, 20-seat dining space that offers a limited, yet delicious menu with a wide wine selection and the warmest service that makes you feel like you’re a guest in their own home.
The menu changes daily based on what is local and fresh. I had butter poached lobster.
Bentley’s
Serving up pub food and spiked apple cider, Bentley’s is the just the place for a hearty lunch, midday drink or even late night dancing (DJ on Friday and Saturday!)
Red Rooster in The Woodstock Inn
Located in the Woodstock Inn and Resort, this is a great choice for a bite at the bar or a nice sit down meal. Dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Don’t skip the bread basket!
Definitely make some time to walk around to see the beautiful landscape and covered bridges that are quintessential Vermont.
Play pool, shuffleboard, pinball and life size scrabble
Curl up in front of one of the many cozy fireplaces.
Visit Sugar Bush Farm for cheese and maple syrup tastings. You can also feed the goats!
Cap off your weekend with a visit to the Spa at The Woodstock Inn. Book a service here and get access to the amenities for the entire day. My mom and I both had facials and we were so pleased with the service.
Enjoy aromatherapy in the sauna, multiple relaxation rooms, herbal tea and healthy snacks and Naturopathica products.
You can also order lunch and enjoy it in the spa.
Vermont has this inviting quality that makes it hard to leave. Its understated charm and beauty paired with its slow-paced lifestyle makes it a destination I can count on when I need to escape for a few days of recharging. I’m so thankful to Phillip for bringing me here two years ago and even more grateful that I got to share it with my mom this fall.
I hope this guide helps you plan your next Vermont getaway. As always, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Happy Travels,
Ashley
With all the weddings, birthdays and fall festivities this month brought, I’ve been trying to simplify my usual day to day hustle. This month has been full of activity, but also I’ve managed to rest more and simplify my weekly routine.
I used to stress out and mentally punish myself for “doing nothing”. I had a serious fear of FOMO (fear of the fear of missing out) Is that a thing? I’d put so many expectations on myself and wonder will I regret not attending this event or am I going to miss out on an opportunity? I would drive myself bonkers over making a decision.
Sometimes I would commit to something way in advance and then the days leading up to it I would dread it. It’s like when you find that perfect sweater you think you really need/want, so you jump the gun and buy it because you don’t want to miss out or hold off until it’s sold out in your size, but then it arrives and you’re like why did I buy this? I don’t want to wear this anymore.
Giving myself permission to do nothing has been a big adjustment, but I’m learning that by saying no to another thing, I’m saying yes to myself. I’ve realized that I can be so much more present for a few good things rather than committing to something I was unsure of to begin with and regretting it. Be honest with yourself and set boundaries.
Agree to make one day of the week/weekend just for you. It can be tempting to be out and about, enjoying a sunny day in fall or to be the friend that always shows up. Take the pressure off of yourself! Show up for yourself by prioritizing rest. Of course non negotiables will arise, but when you have a few things lined up for the month in advance you can honor those commitments and assess whether you can really commit to anything else.
If overcommitting is a problem, plan the month out so that you can schedule the 1-2 days a week for yourself. If that means scheduling rest, write it down! You’re more likely to stick to it. If I’ve scheduled a workout or a yoga class, but I feel like resting instead, I honor that. Scheduling at least one day of rest during the week (preferably 2) with nothing on the calendar makes me so much more productive in the long run when the things I HAVE to do roll around.
Check out some great exercises on how to simplify in this book.
I used to be all about getting energy from HIIT workouts or going for a long run. I would hold myself to a strict schedule of getting to the gym 3-5 days a week. But for the past year, my body has been craving lighter, low intensity workouts. A yoga class, a brisk walk with Jack or some light weight lifting at home have been my go-to workouts.
Listen to your body and try not to be so rigid. Push yourself if you know you need the discipline, but switch it up if you start to get bored and dread working out at all.
Instead of a run, go for a brisk walk; Forego the HIIT and try a pilates class. Something as simple as a series of stretches or an at-home workout will save you time and allows you to really tune into what is working for you that day.
Check out my simple yoga wakeup video here. More coming soon!
Stop hitting the snooze button! I’m generally a morning person and feel most productive when I rise early, meditate before work and leave myself enough time to make my breakfast. Decide what you’re going to wear the night before and lay it out. (Just like in high school, right?!)
As much as it feels good to sleep for those extra 10 minutes, our snoozing habit leads us to rush out the door in a frenzy and ultimately start the day off with the sense of hurry.
Stay away from trends. Invest in classic pieces that you’ll wear year after year.
Some of my favorite brands for classic, affordable pieces that transcend the trends, but don’t sacrifice style are Cuyana, Sézane, Everlane, and Uniqlo.
Everlane’s workpant
A photo I shot at the Cuyana store on Prince Street in SoHo
Try a simple “uniform”. Black pants with flats and a button down shirt or sweater has become my work uniform and it takes the thinking out of my morning. Get a few pairs of basic black pants and rotate them. And when you’re feeling bored, you can always switch it up!
This sweater is the perfect addition to your fall uniform as the weather is getting chillier (size down).
Make a decision and stick to it. Don’t agonize over the what ifs. Think about it for a day; sleep on it if you have to. Write down the positives and negatives, but if it’s not a life or death situation, decide and be content with your decision.
Meditation has helped me to have the mental clarity to not dwell on situations. I’ve been working on a simple meditation called The Space Between. It allows us to be where we are right now, in the space between. Maybe something happened before that you keep going over and over again in your head or maybe you’re anticipating something that’s coming up.
This simple meditation helps with focusing on the present moment.
Try it: Close your eyes, inhale deeply and when you get to the top of the breath hold it for a moment. Focus on that pause. Exhale it out. Let all the air out and pause at the bottom. Focus on that moment. Repeat this for about 10 rounds of breath. You could also slow down or lengthen the breaths as you progress through the meditation.
Now that the days are getting shorter, give yourself permission to simplify a few areas of your life so you can savor the everyday.
Have more ideas for simplifying your everyday? Share with me in the comments below or on my instagram page.
xoxo
Ashley
As I wrap up Self-Care September on the blog, I’m not retiring any of the practices that I’ve shared throughout the month. I’m just going to get better at them over time! For instance, today I took a two-hour after work and I hope to do that every single Friday from now on. I’ll be incorporating self-care rituals into my everyday and continue to be more mindful about how I view self-care overall.
With so much being wrapped up in a pretty bow and sold to us through social media today, it can be hard to distinguish the real from the gimmicks. I’ve become so much more selective about what I’m reading these days.
Today I’m sharing a few books and blogs I’ve been reading throughout the last month as part of my ritual of winding down in the evening. And instead of listening to music when I go on runs with Jack, I listen to my favorite podcasts. Each one of these reading choices has served as a reminder of how I can evolve and improve a bit more each day. Perhaps more importantly, they have guided me in finding contentment in the here and now. I hope my selections will inspire you to live your life more fully too!
Mindful Mondays- A Yoga and Mindfulness Program to Help Your Child Improve Attention and Emotional Balance
This resource was shared with me by a fellow yoga instructor and mindfulness teacher. A publication by Little Flower Yoga, this weekly email would be great for classroom teachers as well as parents. As an eighth-grade English teacher and yoga instructor, I’ve been including this resource in the classroom. Every Sunday you’ll receive an email for the week ahead. It includes a mindfulness article, a kid-friendly video and a breathing exercise that can work for kids and adults alike! Visit here for the direct link to sign up.
I couldn’t be more grateful for this resource as I started teaching a yoga and mindfulness class at my school this year. It has been a great addition to my teaching arsenal. I also discovered this book and have been using it as an additional resource in classes. It offers breathing exercises, yoga postures with easy to follow instructions and inspirational quotes throughout.
Little Flower Yoga also offers trainings for teaching yoga to children. They have both in-person training as well as webinars and online.
The Simple Sophisticate Podcast and The Simple Sophisticate Podcast.
If this blog didn’t already exist, I would write it. It’s the perfect mix of all the things I love including French culture, food, fashion and how to live simply luxuriously.
Shannon Ables is such a refined, authentic person. She’s a high-school English teacher and blogger who wants to bring the simple pleasures or as she calls them, petit plaisirs, to her readers. A very well-read woman who shares the best books, her podcast often features guest authors and shares all the tips on how to live a fulfilling life.
Each week she puts out a This and That post where she recommends books, articles, recipes and signature style pieces. She recently posted this article which I’ve been reading to my students and yoga clients. These 10 Truths that Will Change the Way You See Yourself Today has been such a profound reminder of all the ways in which we see ourselves and how we can shift that perspective as well how we can change the stories we tell ourselves about what has happened to us along the way.
Check out her book, too. She’s releasing another in November!
If you haven’t heard of this book, you may be living under a rock. Just kidding, but not really. My friend over at @becomebetty recommended this book over the summer and I finally dove into it. This is another good one for reframing the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. It’s full of great tips and and motivating stories that Rachel has experienced. Full of humor and truth, this book is a friendly reminder that we are not what has happened to us.
Some of the lies (chapter titles) are “I’m Not Good Enough”, “Something Else Will Make Me Happy” and “I’ll Start Tomorrow”. I find this book to be especially helpful for those of us who want to take a leap and do something different with our lives, but that little voice inside of us keeps getting in the way. Entrepreneurs and career changers alike may really appreciate Rachel’s words in this book.
Rachel’s podcast RISE also has episodes where she reads chapters of her book to you, so if you don’t want to read the book you have the option of listening to the audio version. She also has RISE Together a podcast about relationships that I want to dive into next!
This podcast is great for yoga instructors and practitioners alike. It’s so much more than information about the postures. Andrea Ferretti talks about the sutras, yoga as a business and has other yoga instructors on the show to share their journey.
If you don’t mind some of the silly banter between her and her husband when he’s on the show, the you just might like this one!
This was one of the required readings for my Yoga Teacher Training and I keep coming back to it time and again. I’m intrigued to learn about the whole person and this has helped me understand why we are the way we are. It’s basically a guide to the chakras which explains all about our personal development from the inside out. Learning the chakras is not a small task. There is so much to know and thankfully this book breaks in down in an easy-to-read yet comprehensive way.
If you’re interested in learning about the chakras, this book is a great place to start!
What books and blogs are you reading and what podcasts are you tuning into that make you feel good? Are they helping you on the path to living more fully? Share them with me in the comments or on my instagram page.
I hope you took the time to care for yourself this month. It’s so important for us to slow down and have those rituals we can turn to when we need them most.
Wishing you well.
xoxo
Ashley
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Breakfast. The most important meal of the day, right? But who wants to make it on a busy work day? I try to squeeze in every last minute out of my sleep and I really don’t want to spend a lot of time in the morning preparing my breakfast. Here are my 5 go-to, easy breakfasts that are just as healthy as they are delicious.
A simple grab and go breakfast, no cooking required! Yogurt is such a good source of probiotics (good bacteria) and it’s high in protein, depending on the variety you get. I really like the Trader Joe’s almond butter coconut yogurt. Probiotics in yogurt also promotes digestive health and boosts the immune system.
Add some chia seeds, honey and granola and you have yourself a balanced breakfast that slightly sweet, but still healthy.
Breakfast on the go
I love a good liquid breakfast and I’m not talking about mimosas (although I don’t mind those either!) When I know it’s going to be a busy morning at work and I won’t have time to sit and eat, I’ll quickly mix a few ingredients in my magic bullet and off I go.
I’ve been experimenting with different flavors over the last couple of years, but I always come back to my old faithful. A little bit sweet, but protein packed and easy to drink, I reach for strawberry, banana, peanut butter, cacao, chia seeds, almond milk and if I’m in need of some greens I add spinach. I use frozen strawberries so that I don’t need to dilute my smoothie with ice. I also add a quarter cup of yogurt when I want it a bit thicker.
It doesn’t get more simple than this. I use 1/2 of one ripened avocado and sometimes I mash it with lemon and salt and other times I slice it and add lemon and Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning. I toast my multi-grain bread, spread the avocado on and voila: Avocado Toast. Who said this had to be an overpriced basic breakfast? For me it just hits the spot!
I’m a big fan of bread in the morning. If I need the energy I reach for the peanut butter and slice a banana and if I’m not really in the mood for breakfast and just want something light, ghee on toast is my go-to.
Ghee, or clarified butter, is not only delicious, but it’s strengthens your bones and promotes healthy weight loss. You can totally make your own ghee, but I like the Banyan Botanicals ghee, which comes from small family farms in Northern California where the cows are given tender loving care, grass-fed, and pasture raised.
When I have more time I’ll whip up an omelet. If you don’t have enough time to make an omelet on an average morning, you can pre-make little egg omelet muffin cups. Find the recipe I use here.
Take two eggs and add a dash of water from the faucet. Option to add salt here if you’d like. Then you beat the hell out of them- a little trick my Grandpa taught me (in those words!)
Heat up a tablespoon of ghee in a non-stick pan (These are my favorite) Sauté the kale or spinach to let it cook down a bit. Then pour the egg mixture on top and let it cook at low heat for a few minutes. Fold over the sides of the omelet with a spatula and let it cook for another 30 seconds to a minute. One more flip to seal the deal and you’re done!
Add a multi-grain english muffin and some Bonne Maman jelly or spreadable cheese and your breakfast is complete.
The tea I like with my breakfast is Harney and Sons Paris. This is where I channel a little piece of Paris with my petit déjeuner.
What are your go-to, healthy breakfasts? Share them with me on my instagram page or in the comments below. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to go and take care of you!
xo
Ashley
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It has been one heck of a summer, but I’m seriously ready to get back to some of my routines and rituals like eating better and taking the time to truly sit and savor as many moments as I can after a long day’s work.
I’ve been redefining what self-care means to me and I’m dedicating a whole month to it on the blog. The complaint I hear the most amongst friends is that they don’t have enough time for self-care. I couldn’t agree more, but I also don’t want that excuse to allow my days to wither away without taking full advantage of the time that I do have. So I’m excited to share with you a few simple self-care tips and tricks that I’ve integrated into my daily/weekly routine that help me to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Maybe you’re already doing these and don’t define them as “self-care”. I’d love to hear the simple ways in which you spoil yourself in the comments below!
You’ve probably heard me say this before, but I’ll say it again because it always helps put things into perspective. I’ve been doing this once or twice a month when I’m feeling extremely grateful as well as when I’m feeling some kind of lack. The latter might be an even better time to do this as we tend to get carried away by what we don’t have rather than acknowledging all the good that we do have.
Spend the first or last 5-10 minutes of your day jotting down a few of the things you’re grateful for and see how that list grows! I always like to go back after a few weeks or months time and reread my gratitude lists. This is a reminder of how fortunate we really are.
I love splurging on a facial when I can, but treating my skin to a weekly face mask when I can’t make it to the spa is such a simple and affordable alternative. I’ve been using Caudalie products for a few years now and during my last visit to their West Village location, I tried the glycolic peel mask. I’ve been using it once a week ever since and I love it. It’s my 10 minutes of pampering during the week and leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft yet firm. Finish it off with their night oil and you’ll wake up feeling like a million bucks. I’ve also been loving this moisturizer. It’s light, yet very hydrating.
I’ve also been doing a deep conditioner for my hair once a week. I pick one day where I leave in my conditioner for 10-20 minutes before rinsing. My hair feels so healthy.
Carve out a space in your home where you can escape to when you need to just be. Break out the candles, burn some incense or diffuse essential oils. Set up a comfy reading chair, or meditation pillow and make the space clean and uncluttered. Add a few plants, like succulents, for aesthetic and voila(!) your sanctuary awaits. Don’t have too many distractions in your space so you can focus on being present whether it’s to read, journal or meditate. Speaking of meditation, I’ve been using the insight timer for a few weeks and there’s a great variety of free guided meditations on there. If you’ve been looking to start a meditation practice, but don’t think you can do it, Insight timer is a great starting point.
Find more home sanctuary inspo here and here.
Photo from sporteluxe.com
A huge shift in my self-care over the past few years is feeding my passions outside of work. I felt like for too many years I was going through the day to day motions without really tapping into my purpose. When I decided to leave my second job over a year ago and pursue yoga teacher training, I felt so liberated and empowered. I was tapping into a new calling. I listened to my heart and took the leap.
Investing in yourself is about educating yourself. Once I finished YTT, I realized how much I didn’t know. It’s a big responsibility to guide yogis and there’s SO MUCH to learn about anatomy, chakras and the list goes on. So over the summer, I took some in-person and online trainings for additional yoga certifications. Not only did I meet some great people, but I learned a ton. If we don’t fuel our passions by making the time and financial investment in them, we may never reach our full potential.
Not sure how to invest in yourself, where to start, or feeling unclear about the direction of your life? This month my friend and Kundalini teacher, Courtney Clifford is hosting a workshop at The Guided Healing in Brooklyn with Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, Facilitated Journaling and Sound Healing. If you’ve never done Kundalini, it is a powerful practice. “An uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices, Kundalini Yoga incorporates movement, dynamic breathing techniques, meditation, and the chanting of mantras, such as Sat Nam, meaning “truth is my identity.” The goal is to build physical vitality and increase consciousness”- Yoga Journal.
Check out Courtney’s site here to sign up or see other offerings. Invest in this evening of self-care and you never know what it can stir up inside of you to get you more aligned with where you want to be.
Unplug from phones and computers an hour before bed. When you set boundaries and time frames for “logging off”, you create more space for yourself and the evenings become more sacred.
Make a cup of chamomile tea, draw yourself a bath or read a book just for pleasure. Start to settle in an hour before bed and make the last hour of your day just about you. Slowly incorporate this into your routine by getting to bed 30 minutes earlier at least twice a week.
So how are you incorporating self-care rituals into your days? I’d love to hear what you’re doing in the comments or on my instagram page.
Thanks for reading! Until next week,
xoxo Ashley
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The third and final installment of this Pacific Northwest travel guide ends with 24 hours in Seattle. The last leg includes a roundup of what we ate, where we stayed and something a little touristy, but so worth the experience.
If you’re looking for a chill city with cooler temps, a laid-back vibe, and a great food scene from what I experienced, then Seattle is for you!
Welcome to Seattle
From Olympic National Park, drive to Bainbridge Island to catch the ferry to Seattle. This is about a 30 minute ride. As you come into the terminal, you’ll get fantastic views of the Seattle skyline and the Pike Place Market. I was pretty giddy as we were out for the woods and into the city. A warm welcome indeed!
After we packed up our camp, we drove through Sequim, Washington to fuel up with a big breakfast Country Breakfast at The Oak Table Cafe.
Country Breakfast at The Oak Table Cafe
This family establishment serves up the fluffiest pancakes and some real farm-to- table breakfast. Think Walla Walla onions from East Washington that were picked that morning and delivered to the restaurant that afternoon. The French style omelet with heaps of sharp cheddar cheese and chicken apple sausage was the quintessential country breakfast in Washington.
Piggies in a blanket is their signature dish. 3 breakfast sausages wrapped in pancakes. Yes, pancakes! Espresso is really big in Washington and they have drive-up espresso stands every few miles. Definitely pair your country breakfast with one of the espresso drinks here.
Inn at the Market was a perfect location for our 24 hour stay in Seattle. It’s within walking distance to many restaurants, shopping and the Pike Place Market. The rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious. There’s a beautiful rooftop terrace with lounge chairs, tables and a daily happy hour to enjoy sunset views of the Puget sound.
The Inn at The Market is conveniently located right in the center of Pike Place Market
Shopping at Pike Place is a very unique experience with hundreds of local artisans selling their wares. It can get a bit overwhelming, so hold out for that special something. Maybe aromatherapy from All Things Lavender ?!
For once, shopping was not at the top of my travel to-do list, but eating my way through this city was.
Start at the Old Stove brewery. Grab a cold beer (I went for the Streaker Citra Pale Ale-YUM) and sit outside for a great view of the Puget Sound.
A cold beer and a great view
The food options at the market are endless so try as much as you can. The fish is literally the freshest it gets in this country. The diverse array of options ranges from Filipino cuisine, to empanadas, to Greek and Moroccan, but we settled for some raw oysters and fried clam strips to kick off our foodie adventures in Seattle at Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar. Located just off the marketplace, it was the quiet we were looking for amongst the throngs of tourists at the market. It felt like our little secret place!
En route to meal #2 of the day we stopped for some Russian pastries at Piroshky, Piroshky which smelled amazing, but tasted just meh. I would liken it to a dry croissant. It wasn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t go back. I really do like saying the name though, Piroshky, Piroshky.
We knew we couldn’t leave Seattle without having sushi and Sushi Kashiba did not disappoint! Not only was the sushi super fresh, but the level of service we got at the bar was top notch. The bartender perfectly paired our dinner selection with a Washington Viognier and was incredibly knowledgeable about the sushi. He also gave us a bunch of suggestions for our next meal.
The best Sushi at Sushi Kashiba
Chef Shiro Kashiba, also known as The Sushi Sensei of Seattle, opened Seattle’s first sushi bar in 1970. He was classically trained by Jiro Ono who you may know from Jiro Dreams of Sushi. This was a truly special dining experience and we would’ve stayed here all night if we could!
Finally to satisfy your sweet tooth, try Shug’s soda fountain and ice cream bar. A Seattle staple serving up sundaes, coffee and ice cream cocktails. Shug’s was a great way to end the night. We got the Sunday’s Best which was the homemade vanilla with fresh fruit, a waffle cookie, whipped cream and a cherry and the Brown Derby– a Mighty O chocolate donut with a scoop of ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. It was a sweet ending to a sweet day.
Check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room for a unique coffee shop experience
The last and final stop in Seattle was a morning well spent at Starbucks Reserve. This is an experience. It is unlike any coffee shop or Starbucks I’ve ever been to. My favorites here included the chocolate bread with orange marmalade and a the prosciutto with parmesan and arugula croissant.
Chocolate bread- a MUST!
All the breads are hand made by Rocco Princi who started making bread in Italy in 1985
The coffee options are abundant so make sure to try something different. Check out the menu and a barista will guide you toward what your taste buds are craving. It was so hard to go back to basic Starbucks after the exotic options served at the Reserve store.
Grab a coffee cocktail at the Cold Brew Bar
So there you have it, a 24-hour foodie adventure in Seattle. I hope to add more to it on my next trip. Have you been? Share in the comments below and let me know where to go next time.
Happy travels!
xo
Ashley
Spending two days out in the woods initially didn’t sound like much of a vacation to me. I’m not a hiker and the only outdoor activity I do in the summer involves swimming in the ocean. But, I was persuaded that the weather would be cooler in the Pacific Northwest and Olympic National Park had more to offer than just hiking trails.
So I went off into the wilderness and geared up for what nature had to offer. Camping and hiking can be fun, but they also challenge you in different ways. Using your resources, having the perseverance to continue up a mountain when you want to give up, and putting in the effort to set up your “home” is all part of the experience.
And to everyone who doubted my outdoor skills, you’d be very proud of me. I survived the wild with limited cell phone service and no shower for two days! This vacation was a breath of fresh air literally and figuratively.
Just a casual backbend along the way
If you read part one of this travel guide, you already know that this trip began in Vancouver and continued onto Victoria, BC. From here The Black Ball Ferry Line will take you to Port Angeles, Washington. Stop by The Olympic National Park Visitor Center to pick up your map and ask any questions you might have before entering the park.
Part of the journey is driving from place to place and there’s so much to see along the way. Drive about an hour to Marymere Falls at Lake Crescent. After a day hike, drive 90 minutes to the Kalaloch campsite. (For all my Twilight fans, you’ll drive through Forks along the way!)
Where are my Twilight fans?
If you’re renting a tent and other equipment, you can have it shipped to the Eighth Avenue UPS store in Port Angeles. We went with Outdoor Geeks for our camping needs. Make sure to reserve your equipment in enough time to have it for delivered in time for your arrival.
Swain’s general store in Port Angeles has everything for your camping/hiking needs. If you forgot to order or rent something, Swain’s will likely have it. Don’t leave without getting a bag of the 25 cent popcorn on your way out!
Fuel up for your day with smoothies and sandwiches at Country Aire Natural Foods. This place is a smaller scale whole foods, but so much better! Some of the specialty items included local honey, Washington state wines, delicious smoothies, fresh deli sandwiches and baked goods like lemon-fig cookies.
This market is a one-stop shop for all the food you’ll want to grill up at your campsite.
Hike to Lake Crescent where there are two trail options. Marymere is an easy, mostly flat trail that you can complete in under one hour. The payoff is a gorgeous waterfall.
A stop along the Marymere trail for some Utthita Hasta Padangustasana
Marymere Falls offer this beautiful gift at the end of the hike
Mount Storm King trail is a much longer, harder and steeper hike, but the payoff is unbelievably beautiful. As hard as it was and as sore as my body was the next day, the view from the top made it all worth it. This hike can take you close to four hours so get an early start and bring snacks with you to enjoy for when you get to the top.
Kalaloch Campground is a great choice for beginner campers like me. There’s access to bathrooms and running water. The campsite is just a short walk to the beach and you can hear the waves crashing from your tent. It’s magnificent. This is one of the rainiest places in the country, but we lucked out with sun and warmth on the trip The days are long here and the sun sets after 9 pm in the summer. Walk down to the beach to check out the tree of life and definitely don’t miss the sunsets.
The Tree of Life at Kalaloch Beach
Exquisite sunset- one of my favorite memories from this trip!
Ruby Beach is unlike any other beach I’ve been to. It’s like something you only see in pictures and movies, but it actually exists! The driftwood and sea stacks are a sight to see!
The driftwood on this beach is so beautiful to look at
Sea stacks at Ruby Beach
Solduc Falls is a beautiful area of Olympic Park with natural hot springs, waterfalls and a few easy hiking trails. The hike to Sol Duc Falls from The Sol Duc Resort was a flat 2.8 miles.
Just when you start to wonder if you’re getting close, you hear the sound of rushing water get a little bit louder and you arrive to this…
Put Sol Duc Falls on your top ten list of places to see!
Yoga. Always.
Take a different route on the way back. Lovers Lane trail is another 3 mile option.
Enjoy the night sky with a bottle of wine and some s’mores around the fire. A good night’s sleep awaits you when you’ve been trekking through the rainforest for miles and miles each day.
There’s no better teacher than Mother Nature to show you how to slow down, breathe in the fresh air and savor each moment you have in this lifetime.
I hope you found this guide useful in planning for your future trip to the Pacific Northwest. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments below.
Happy Travels!
-Ashley
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