Unwind

"My key to dealing with stress is simple: just stay cool and stay focused." - Ashton Eaton

Life can get so busy and a little overwhelming! It's very important to make time for yourself and get some much needed relaxation.

Below are a few ways I like to unwind and clear my head during stressful moments.

• Unplug. The best way for me to decrease my stress quickly is by ditching the phone, TV, laptop, or tablet. Personally, my phone can be a great distraction. All of the alerts and messages can be so intense. Try to limit "screen time" when you can in those busy moments.

Tip: Utilize the "do not disturb" feature on your phone. I turn the feature on between the hours of 9 PM and 6 AM. Also, I've made a modification so that a few people can bypass that in a case of emergency. This helps me wind down in the evenings and get a good night's sleep.

• Go for a walk. This is something that I do during the work week a lot. It can be so hard breaking away from meetings and your co-workers. I try to go for a 30 minute walk each day to clear my head. It's a fantastic way to relieve some stress and knock out the second half of the day!

Tip: Pack a pair of sneakers and put them on for walk during your lunch break!

• Breathe. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I'll take a moment to collect my thoughts and slow down. This is a bit challenging for me since I'm constantly on the go. For me, it is super important to pump the breaks a bit and smell the roses.

Tip: Find a quiet spot to collect your thoughts. Essential oils and candles help me out a lot during this moment.

• Play music. Music is one of many things that I love. It also reduces my stress greatly! I make my own playlists for different moods and situations. Music is a great outlet and always helps me feel a lot better.

Tip: Spotify has the best playlists to decompress and relax.

What are some ways you unwind?

XO, Analise

Date Day Guide

Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. ... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole. - Michelle Obama

When G and I first started dating, we really loved day dates. We met in a city that was in between where we both lived at the time. During this time we really had to maximize the time we spent together. Day dates quickly became our "thing" and it was so much fun. We love spending time together, and to grow and learn about each other. It was casual and so relaxed - which was absolutely perfect.

Today I am sharing my favorite day dates with you all!

1. Museums - We are all about going to a good art museum or exhibit. G will research and look into museums before we visit. He will make sure we hit all the best exhibits. 
2. Wineries/Vineyards - Of course, it wouldn't be a great day date without hitting a good winery or two. If the winery or vineyard has a restaurant, we are definitely hanging around  for lunch. But, if there isn't one, we pack a little basket and a blanket - and do a picnic. Also, sometimes wineries will have food trucks - jackpot!
3. Tours - One of our favorite things to do are tours. All the way from a Segway to Model Home (hey, we get a lot of decorating ideas from touring newly constructed house) tour. We make it fun! 
4. Gardens and Parks - I'm a sucker for flowers, so going to a Botanical Garden or a Historical Park is always fun for me. We even take our bikes and go for a ride - just getting out and enjoying the fresh air is so nice.
5. Brunch or Lunch - Who doesn't like a good mimosa or four during the day? I'm never turning a mimosa down. We are always on the hunt for a new brunch spot. 
6. Movies - We are huge fans of the Marvel Universe and make it our mission to see each movie that comes out. Sometimes we will go during the day - hello matinee prices! 
7. Collectible Hunting - So, we are super into comic books. G and I even collect statues. We have a few favorite comic book stores in the Hampton Roads area that we love going to. I enjoy seeing what they have in stock, and thumbing through some comic books. This activity is one of my favorite things to do with G, and we have a blast.
8. Art Studio - We enjoy going to our local art studio and painting some wonderful pieces. It is a way for us to use our creative outlet and have fun.

Tip: Sometimes we will "un-plug" on our dates. No social media or phones, just the two of us enjoying one another. 

What are some of your favorite day dates?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Holiday Cheer

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The holidays can be a super fun time. It is filled with excitement, parties, yummy food, and love from family and friends. Yet, if you are not careful it can be super draining, and not so stellar. Here are my tips for staying happy and healthy during the holiday season!

1. Do not over extend yourself. Like, I stated before, you will be hustling to someone's home for a party, baking, and attending family functions. Learn to set boundaries and not over extend yourself. It can be so easy to say "yes" to going to an event, but remember to pace yourself and learn when to take a step back and relax.
2. Get your holiday shopping done early. While, this is most certainly the season to give, try to get your shopping completed as soon as possible, so that you can enjoy this fun time! People often poke fun at G and I, but we start our Christmas shopping in the summer! Yes, and we are always done by Halloween. We like to spend the holidays spoiling each other and getting our home decorated for the season. 
3. Try not to over indulge. For me the holidays means lots of wine, champagne, and food! Yet, after the holiday season I may regret going a little too hard on the baked goods. So, I try to pace myself, and balance what I'm eating and drinking during this festive time.
4. Give back. During this time, not everyone is fortunate and may not have a lot of loved ones around them. Being a former Navy Brat, my Dad was not home for several holidays when I was little. It was so nice when people reached out to ensure that we were okay and having a fun time. Take some time to volunteer, or just connect with a family who may not have a loved one around them during the season.
5. Surround yourself with love and positivity. Remember the holidays are supposed to be fun! Ensure that you are around people who are positive, loving, and a lot of fun. Enjoy the holiday season with amazing people at your side who love and adore you.

What are some things you do to ensure you have an amazing holiday? Have a safe and fantastic holiday season darlings!

XO, Analise