Maintaining Long Distance Friendships

"The language of friendship is not words but meanings." – Henry David Thoreau

I have some of the best friends in the world. Some of my close friends live in my city of Virginia Beach. Yet, my two closest girlfriends from college are the furthest away. They are like my sisters, and while they are not local, we still make time to touch base consistently with each other. Both of my girlfriends are about 4-5 hours driving distance. With that being said, Alisha, Tiffany, and I get pretty creative on ways we can see each other. Below I'm giving some tips on how I maintain my long distance friendships!

  • Check-In Consistently. With one of my best friends, I speak to her about 5 days out of the week. My other bestie, we touch base once a week. Even though we have different schedules, it is super important to check-in and chat. Whether it is sending a funny GIF or just saying "Hey, are you alive girl", we make it a priority to talk about our lives and if anything is new. Also, you do not have to speak to someone everyday to know that they are your true friend. 
  • Make Plans. My best friend Tiffany and I have this thing, where we meet up about once a quarter, in a midpoint location. It makes it super easy for us to not make the long commute to one another. We spend all day together, hitting some of our favorite spots and reconnecting - it's like we never skipped a beat! In order for this to work, we make plans sometimes 2 months in advance so that this is successful. She and I are both planners, with our busy schedules this method really helps!
  • Be Patient. Life happens, and sometimes texts or calls aren't quickly answered. Know that your bestie isn't ducking your messages. For instance, my friend Tiffany, like myself works full-time. Also, she is now in graduate school, and is a new homeowner! This lady is super busy, so I'm very understanding that there may be some delays in her responses ... and it is really OK. 
  • Stay True. Know that through it all you and your bestie have a special bond. Make sure you take the time out to touch base, and make plans to hang out when at all possible. For example, my best friend Alisha and I have a tradition that every Christmas we get together with our husbands and have a "Bae Christmas". It usually involves a lot of wine, good food, UNO, and exchanging some of the coolest gifts with our spouses. This tradition is one of the many ways we stay true to our friendship. Even our husbands love how we include them in the our special moments! 

 

What are some ways you keep in touch with besties who are far away?

XO, Analise

Recipe: Oven Roasted Red Potatoes

"Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together." - Guy Fieri

Roasted Red Potatoes are super easy to make and a favorite at my house! When I saw a similar recipe in Chrissy Teigen's Cravings cookbook, in that moment I knew she was my soulmate. Below is my favorite recipe for my roasted potatoes. 

What You'll Need

  • 1 bag of Baby Red Potatoes
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic & Herb OR Lemon Pepper seasoning (lemon pepper seasoning is my personal fave!)
  • Sea Salt
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment Paper

Step 1: First, cut your potatoes into halves, making them into small wedges. While you are preparing the potatoes, go ahead and pre-heat that oven to 450 degrees. 

Step 2: Place them into a mixing bowl and add desired seasonings generously with olive oil. ** Depending on the amount of potatoes you are making, ensure that the olive oil and seasoning coat them evenly. 

Step 3: Once complete, place the seasoned and oiled potatoes onto a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place into the oven for 25-30 minutes! ** Why do I use parchment paper? It helps the potatoes to not stick to the baking sheet!

Step 4: Continue to check on the potatoes periodically to ensure that they are browned evenly. Use a large spoon to turn the potatoes over every 15 minutes.

Step 5: Once they look crispy, and the time is up, pull out the baking sheet. Then, let potatoes cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

Step 6: ENJOY and dip those potatoes into some ketchup :)

XO, Analise

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Shine Bright

Shine bright like a diamond ...

I have a few pieces of precious jewelry, that I'm always making sure are taken care of properly.  When I was a little girl my parents gifted me a pair gorgeous gold hoop earrings, and I took so much pride in keeping them safe. Over the years I was gifted jewelry, and purchased some amazing pieces myself as I got older. Yet, my engagement ring was one that was super memorable, and of course the most expensive thing I've worn on a daily basis. When I received my engagement ring from G, I knew I'd had to take care of this gorgeous piece! Below are some ways I take care of my delicate and precious jewelry to ensure that they always shine bright.

  • Do not shower in your jewelry. This one is a biggie. I use soaps that exfoliate my skin, and those little beads can be in a killer on your jewelry! I do not shower in any of my earrings, or jewelry. Also, I am always super paranoid that something may go down the drain!
  • Try not to apply any lotions, oils, or creams while wearing your rings. I'll never forget the time that I forgot to take off my rings, and my lotion got all in the nooks and crannies. It was a pain getting that lotion out, and it also create a haze over your jewels or stones. So, be safe and take off your rings when applying any lotions or creams.
  • Remove your rings before you cook. You definitely do not want food particles stuck in your rings. Also, if you are using utensils and lifting pots and pans, be cautious to not bang up your rings in the process. Often times, I place my rings in a holder while I'm cooking up some goodies in the kitchen.
  • Take off any jewelry when you go to sleep and put it in a safe place. I keep a ring holder on my nightstand, and are the last thing I take off before bed. Also, my father gifted me a 4 foot tall jewelry stand a few years ago, and it's one of my favorite items. It's perfect because it keeps all of my jewelry together and safe. I keep everything in there - bracelets, watches, earrings, etc., and it is stored securely.
  • Make an appointment with a local jewelry shop, or where you purchased your item to have it cleaned and inspected regularly. My jeweler recommends that I come into the shop about 4 times a year (once a quarter), to have my ring inspected and cleaned. They check for loose stones, and ensure that the ring is secure and good to go! G will receive an email notification when it is time for me to get my rings inspection. Also, my jeweler will clean any of my items for free as long as I bring them in with my engagement ring and wedding band!

** Pro Tip: Can't make it to jeweler regularly? You can use white toothpaste, hot water, and a toothbrush to clean your jewelry! Or you can sub out the toothpaste, and use dishwashing liquid (AJAX or Dawn) and hot water. Works like a charm! Also, there is the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stick Jewelry Cleaner and it is pretty amazing! You can even carry it on the go! :)

What are some ways you take care of your jewelry? 

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

It's Really Lit

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." - Eleanor Roosevelt 

I am really into candles - in fact maybe a tad bit obsessed. There is literally a candle in each room of my house, and I'm not ashamed of it. When we first moved into our home, G saw how many candles I put around the house, and he was a tad bit frightened. What can I say, candles are my thing!? Today I'm breaking down my top five favorite candles, and where you can buy them! ** Hint: these are also AMAZING gifts for anyone who loves a great candle :)

  1. LIT Brooklyn - Hands down this is one of my favorite candles in my collection. I've purchased several of these candles, and the quality is bar none! Not only are the candles amazing, but the customer service is extremely stellar. These candles will forever be in my stockpile! ** Bonus, not only is this company owned by a fantastic woman, but it's black owned! Fave Candle: 1989 (because, duh that's the year I was born in!)
  2. Diptyque - I love this brand and the quality of their candles. They smell amazing and are amazing. My best friend Alisha, bought me this candle as a birthday present one year, and it is my ultimate favorite. Fave Candle: Roses
  3. Voluspa - I stumbled upon these candles while I was creating gift baskets for my bridal party. These candles are amazing, and honestly I'm a fan of almost every scent! I found these candles in a local shop in Downtown Norfolk, as well as a major retailer. I'm very much a fan of this brand and their unique scents! Fave Candle: Crisp Champagne
  4. Bath & Body Works - Their partnership with White Barn is bar none. I absolutely love all of their scents. It also doesn't hurt that B&BW has amazing coupons and deals! The holiday scents are G's absolute favorite. He loves when the house smells like baked goods, even when I haven't made cookies in months! Fave Candle: Eucalyptus Mint
  5. Rewined - Last, but certainly not least ... this candle is a winner in my book. The glass holding these beautifully scented candles, are indeed wine bottles! All of their candles literally smell like an amazing glass of wine. I stumbled upon these candles at a winery, and bought several of them immediately. Then, I found them at a large retail store near my home and was hooked! I absolutely love these candles! Fave Candle: Rosé

What are some of your favorite candles?

XO, Analise

Signature Scents

"A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future." - Coco Chanel

I absolutely love perfume. When I was a little girl my mother and grandmother always had the most impeccable collection of fragrances. I remember always sitting at their vanity and playing with the gorgeous, dainty bottles. Now that I'm all grown up I've curated my own collection of fragrances, that I am pretty proud of. Below (and above) are my top scents, in no particular order of course.

  • Eau de Parfum, KAI, I picked up this fragrance at a local shop and fell in love with it. The floral scent literally lasts all day, and is simply perfect. Not to mention it was one of Oprah's favorite things, so how could you go wrong?
  • 'walk on air' eau de parfum, KATE SPADE NEW YORK, I'm a big fan of Kate Spade, so when this scent made its debut, I had to give it a try. The notes of lily and magnolia, bring me back to the days when I used to sit under the magnolia trees in Mississippi as a kid. 
  • 'Love Story' Eau de Parfum, CHLOÉ, This is one of my favorites, as I wore the scent on my wedding day. Whenever G and I are going on a fancy date night, to some of our favorite local restaurants, I'm wearing this. The scent is floral and fresh, it is absolutely lovely - perfect for any woman.
  • CHANEL N°5 L'EAU SPRAY, This classic fragrance, was gifted to me by my mother last Christmas, and I absolutely adore it. Its floral and citrus notes make it wonderful to wear on any occasion. Chanel does no wrong in my eyes!
  • Love Relentlessly Eau de Parfum Spray, TORY BURCH, I love this scent, and it is the newest one that I've recently acquired. It is super unique, with pink pepper, rose, amber, and patchouli notes - it's a winner. G picked this one out for me recently when we went shopping, and it is quickly becoming one of my new favorites.

What are some of your favorite fragrances? 

XO, Analise

 

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography