Warning: I may be posting (too many) Instagram pictures from the Windy City soon.
Recently, I got a mini-trip to Chicago all planned and booked! I’m looking forward to taking a few days off and exploring. I’ve been to Chicago many times before, but it has been a while since I’ve actually been downtown.
I’m planning on enjoying some of the classic tourist spots, like Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier. Also, you can’t forget Millennium Park and the world’s largest Starbucks. Of course, I’m looking forward to some iconic Chicago deep-dish pizza too. If you have any recommendations, let me know!
I’m planning on exploring some new-to-me areas of Chicago as well. For example, my stay is booked at the Moxy downtown. I was sold as soon as I saw that the hotel had a taco bar in the lobby. I was even more excited when I saw some of the spots to check out around the Moxy. For example, there’s a radio-themed bar/restaurant just a couple of blocks down. Understandably, this may just be cool to me since I work in the industry. But, if the food/drinks are good, I’m sure I can convince my travel partner that it’s a good place to be.
Once I’m back from the trip, I plan on recapping it on the blog like I did with my Nashville getaway! Then, I can share some of my thoughts and recommendations for what to do in Chicago.
In the meantime, I do have a few tips for you if you’re planning a trip to Chicago:
Purchase your parking ahead of time. If you’re driving to your destination, plan where you are parking! Also, beware that not all hotels have parking. For my stay, I pre-paid a 3-day parking pass at a nearby ramp.
Purchase your passes ahead of time. This will also save you a headache and some money. If there is something that you want to see or do, don’t wait until the last minute to buy tickets. Often, tourist stops have higher prices at the door than online.
Stay loyal to a hotel chain. Many hotel chains or groups have loyalty programs that are free to join. I’m part of Marriott‘s rewards program, so I typically try to book with Marriott. Then, I get better rates and can rack up points!
Download OpenTable. A lot of restaurants use OpenTable to manage reservations. With the app, you can easily make dinner plans on the go and avoid waiting for a table.
Make a list of what you want to do. Prioritize the items that you 100% want to experience, and keep some bonus items in your back pocket. This ensures that you will get the most out of your trip!
Have fun! I know this is an obvious point, but it’s the most important. Sometimes staring at a computer screen and booking hotels isn’t the most exciting process, but it’s part of the bigger picture: your vacation! Enjoy the process of customizing your trip and curating an experience for yourself.
Have you ever explored Chicago?What are some of your recommendations? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Last Saturday, I made a mini-trip to Madison to visit a friend. Per usual, it was a great time! I figured I’d recap it on the blog, so you have some recommendations in case you ever find yourself in Madison.
I got in town at around 6:00 pm. Right away, my friend and I hit the shops. Ragstock was our first stop; they always have the best vintage pieces and fun new items. We also checked out Singlestitch. They had a pretty cool TV set up in the corner of their store, and I loved their fitting rooms. If you’re a fan of vintage t-shirts and hats, you should definitely check Singlestitch out.
After resisting some impulse buys, we grabbed dinner at Canteen. I ordered the spicy shrimp tacos and a spicy marg. It was absolutely delicious. I’ve also had and enjoyed their portabella mushroom tacos; they are a great vegetarian option!
Later that night, we ended up hanging out at Sotto for a bit and then Red Rock. Sotto is the spot to go to if you want a neon sign photo opp (pictured below). If you want to challenge your friends to ride a mechanical bull, check out Red Rock.
The next day, we got up bright and early for a Basecamp workout. Shoutout to them for inviting us to a class! It was high energy, fast-paced, and fun. I typically do at-home workouts with Obé, but I wouldn’t mind mixing in some more in-person classes.
For brunch, we grabbed Colectivo. The honey lavender latte and veggie burrito I had hit the spot. This is a coffee shop that I always like to stop at when I can.
Around 3:00 pm, I hit the road back home. Since Madison is only a two-hour drive away, I’m sure I’ll be back soon.
Have you ever explored Madison, WI? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Hormonal birth control isn’t your only option. Yet, for many reasons, it seems to be the option most favorably promoted to women. Slipp, a “female-first” condom brand, is changing that. Simply put, we deserve to have more shame-free options when it comes to birth control.
I first came across Slipp on Instagram. I was captivated by the content I saw because it was honest, unfiltered, informative, and very relatable. The message that “safe sex is self-care,” stuck with me. I appreciated how conversations around sex and sexual health were happening on the page. I knew that I wanted to bring some of that conversation to the blog, so I slid into Slipp’s DMs and got in touch with Victoria, the founder of Slipp.
In our Q&A discussion, we chat about shame-free protection, setting boundaries, and consent. I’m excited for you to read along and join the convo!
Q: First, can you share a bit about yourself and Slipp?
A: My name is Victoria Lyons and I’m the Founder of Slipp Health – a “female-first” condom brand (not to be confused with ‘female condoms’!).
Our mission is to minimize the barriers that prevent women from buying/carrying/using condoms and help people feel in control of their reproductive health.
Our condoms are delivered discreetly to customers’ doors so they can avoid the awkward trip to the condom aisle; and developed with simple ingredients for optimal vaginal health.
Q: What inspired you to start Slipp?
A: I have personally sought out non-hormonal birth control methods and been frustrated with the lack of options on the market.
In doing so, I found condoms to be a great option: they are highly effective; they don’t come with the side effects of many other methods; and they’re pretty affordable (relatively speaking).
But I learned that women, in particular, feel awkward about condoms.
68% of women say they feel uncomfortable buying condoms
82% of sexually-active women say they don’t carry condoms with them
And women are more likely than men to feel uncomfortable enforcing the use of a condom
On top of that, I felt like the condoms on the market weren’t speaking to women about their reproductive health concerns. So I decided to step in and try to fill that gap in the market.
Q: What have been some challenges and successes so far in starting your business?
A: Challenges: Where to begin?! There are so so so many components to starting a business. I think one of the hardest things is not knowing what you don’t know. There’s no guidebook to starting this specific business. So I’m constantly learning on the fly. The good part is that since there are so many challenges, there are lots of opportunities to overcome them and become more and more confident in my ability to do so.
Successes: I am honestly just so happy to have gotten this far! To have a physical product that I can see and touch is so exciting. I can’t wait for our upcoming launch and to continue to grow from here.
Q: Why do you believe there is such a stigma around condoms?
A: I think women, in particular, experience a stigma around buying/carrying condoms. There actually used to be a law that carrying condoms as a woman could be used as evidence of prostitution (crazy, I know).
There’s this notion that carrying condoms as a woman is promiscuous. Yet, when a man is carrying condoms they’re generally seen as responsible. I think the reasons for this are complex and deeply rooted in the history of gender inequality and purity culture.
I think it’s important to normalize women carrying condoms so that more of us can feel in control of our sexual health.
Q: When you say shame-free protection, what does that mean to you?
A: I think there should be no shame in taking care of your body, and no one should make you feel uncomfortable for enforcing the use of a condom.
Q: What would you say to women who are hesitant to carry condoms?
Personally, I think carrying condoms feels empowering. It sends a message that you’re in control of your sexual health and you care enough about your body to take care of it.
Q: According to Slipp’s page, women are more likely to feel uncomfortable enforcing the use of a condom. What advice would you have for women that may empower them to set boundaries in the bedroom?
A: Women – more than men – tend to have an ingrained belief that they should put their partner’s pleasure above their own wants/desires (you can thank the patriarchy for that!).
However, there are a few things that might help you feel more comfortable enforcing the use of a condom:
Bringing your own condoms can help you feel more ownership over your contraceptive choice, making you feel more confident asserting your desire to use one.
Keep them somewhere handy! Sometimes people tell me they think condoms “kill the mood.” But often that has to do with having to scramble to find one. If you keep them somewhere handy, you can seamlessly put one on with little interruption.
Have conversations about contraception BEFORE you’re in the heat of the moment. Communication is key – so take the opportunity to discuss your contraceptive choices before you’re in the heat of the moment so that all parties are on the same page.
Remind yourself that healthcare is self-care – safe sex included! You don’t want your sexual experience to be tainted with worry and fear after it’s over because you didn’t take the proper precautions. Sex is so much better when you feel safe, healthy, and protected!
Q: I believe that when we talk about sex, we also have to talk about consent. What misconceptions have you noticed around the conversation of consent?
A: Absolutely.
For one, I think consent is more than saying “yes.” Consent is an enthusiastic yes, and should involve continuous feedback (in other words: you can change your mind at any time). For example, try saying things like, “is this ok?” “do you want to keep going?” etc. to check in with your partner over time.
Also, I don’t think there’s enough of a conversation about the importance of getting consent before having sex without protection. If you choose to not use protection, it’s important that both/all individuals are on board with that decision, and have clearly consented to it. Don’t assume your partner is on birth control, or that they’re okay with it. It should also be agreed upon each time you engage in sex.
Q: Where can we keep up with you?
A: @slipphealth on all platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter)! Or check out slipp.org to sign up for our mailing list to know when we launch (soon!).
“That Girl” wakes up early, works out, eats healthy, has an organized schedule, is productive, and lives aesthetically. Basically, she’s doing the things that we all strive to do. When I think of “That Girl,” I think of someone that has intention, motivation, and confidence.
The only issue “That Girl” has is the fact that she’s not real. She’s simply an idea that was popularized on TikTok. In case you’re not familiar with the trend, here’s a Pinterest board that sums up who she is.
While you can argue that the “That Girl” trend is idealistic, I believe the idea of “That Girl” can provide a lot of inspiration for enhancing our day-to-day routines.
According to “That Girl” content, here are a few positive and actionable things that we can all do:
Set goals and have a plan. Determine what you want and what you need to get there. I like to do this in the short-term and long-term. Each day I try to create priorities and have a to-do list that aligns with that. Yearly, I create a top three to five goals that I work towards.
Make time for movement. Move your body in a way that feels good to you. For example, you could find movement by going for a walk or following along with a yoga YouTube video.
Drink more water. Seriously, this is a basic yet very important bullet point. Feel free to sip while you read the rest of this blog post.
Dress in what makes you feel good. Whether it’s athleisure or a blazer, wear something that you feel confident in.
Try journaling, meditation, or listing gratitudes. Find time in your day to just focus on yourself and your mind.
Challenge yourself to wake up earlier. Even waking up 15-30 minutes earlier than you usually do can have a huge impact on how you start your day. This extra time allows you to work movement or journaling into your schedule.
Create a skincare routine. Personally, I view my skincare as a daily act of self-care. It’s something that I always make the time for, and I enjoy the calm it brings me.
What’s your take on the “That Girl” trend? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
On my latest Goodwill thrifting adventure, I found eight new pieces for my wardrobe for just $50 and some change. In my haul, I scored brands like Madewell, BDG, and BB Dakota. I adore each piece and think they will compliment my wardrobe well. Also, I believe this haul contains a lot of nice wardrobe staples/basics. If you need some ideas of what to add to your thrift shopping list, you’ve come to the right place.
First up, I found a striped button-up and some classic ripped jeans. The cut of the top is perfect for me, and I love the button detailing on the side. Thrifting jeans is my favorite thing to do because then they are already a bit worn in. Uncomfy jeans are just not for me.
Next, I found a blouse-style black tank and three cozy cardigans. Wintertime in Wisconsin is chilly, as you may imagine, so I knew I wanted a few new sweaters in my closet. The light grey, dark grey, and green cardigans will go nicely with many of the tops already in my closet.
Lastly, I found one of my new favorite outfits: a simple grey tank and black wide-legged paper bag waist pants. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t squeal with excitement when I tried these pants on. The fit, the style, and the look was spot on for me. I will definitely be wearing them out soon.
What’s your favorite thrifted find? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
I couldn’t have asked for a better time for my first time in the Music City. On my recent trip to Nashville, I enjoyed late honky tonk nights, lots of drool-worthy food, and an endless ambience of country music.
I’d say that my S.O. and I planned just the bones of our trip before visiting. We knew where we were staying, how we were getting there, and we had tickets for the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Yet, we left quite a bit of room in our itinerary to explore.
We decided to stay right in the heart of Downtown Nashville at the Moxy for a few nights. This hotel was very different than your average stay. The lobby had live music, games, a swing, and lots of lounge space. On the first night, we checked in at the Moxy bar and got our hotel keys along with a couple of drink chips.
The rooms at the Moxy were very clean and modern with an industrial style. If you ever stay at a Moxy hotel, definitely click the “bedtime story” button on the phone in your room for a laugh.
It was around dinner time by the time we settled into our room and got ready, so I booked us a reservation at The Diner. This place was a quick walk away from our hotel. I’m still thinking about the shrimp and grits that I had; it was seriously the most delicious start to our trip.
After dinner, we walked over to some of the bars. Our first stop was Johnny Cash’s bar. Here we learned that you better pay attention when the band tells you to raise your glass. My S.O. and I may have been distracted in conversation and a bit surprised when the bar went silent (and everyone was looking at us). I’m thankful for the bartender that tapped me on the shoulder so we could all get on with a “hell yeah” cheers.
After Cash’s, we checked out Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk. This spot became one of our favorites. The music was great, and the atmosphere was very fun. According to some locals, it’s one of the louder bars. That night we also went to Ole Red; it was a good time with a more laid-back vibe.
We began day two with a tasty brunch at Another Broken Egg Cafe. Pro tip: make reservations ahead of time for this place, so you don’t have to wait as long as we did.
Once we were full of coffee and beignets, we headed to the Johnny Cash museum. It was conveniently across the street from our hotel. If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash or country music history, I’d say that this is a must-see spot.
Later that day, we grabbed a quick dinner and went over to the Grand Ole Opry. It was an incredible experience to see a show at the Opry, and it was an added bonus that we got to see Jon Pardi take the stage.
The next day we went on a tour of Studio B and explored the County Music Hall of Fame. Overall, it was a really cool experience. At Studio B we even got to sit at the piano that Elvis used to record his music.
We also grabbed drinks at Miranda Lambert’s bar and Nudie’s Honky Tonk. Casa Rosa had a great dance floor and all the pink decor you could dream of. When we went to Nudie’s, it was gorgeously decorated for the holiday season.
As we walked around downtown, I did some window shopping at Boot Country. But, all I got was a photo with their giant boot. Unfortunately, I was not going to fit new boots in my luggage.
The following day, we checked out of the Moxy and into the Graduate. We thought it would be a nice place to spend our last night in Nashville. Full transparency: the hotel was gorgeous, but the service was not. I wouldn’t book a stay there again, but I would probably stop by to snap some insta-worthy pictures.
Soon after we got into our room, we went to the rooftop bar, White Limozeen. I had a “Queen of the Rodeo” cocktail, which was absolutely delicious. Later, we grabbed dinner at an Italian restaurant across the street and then watched a movie in our room. It was a good and relaxing night before traveling home the next day.
When we got back to Green Bay, we had a lot of sleep to catch up on, but it was absolutely worth it. I’m looking forward to planning another adventure soon.
Have you ever been to Nashville? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
If you can’t get enough of cinnamon and spice around the holidays, this drink is for you. It’s simple to make, and it will give you just the kick of caffeine you need. Also, it’s a great treat to make for guests!
Here are your six steps to a perfect Dirty Chai Tea Latte:
Step 1: Add 1 tablespoon of Vanilla Copina Co to your cup (or another vanilla flavored powder or syrup).
Step 2: Add an espresso shot or a bit of hot coffee to your cup. Mix the coffee well with the vanilla flavoring.
Step 3: Add 1/2 cup of chai tea concentrate of your choosing.
Step 4: Add 1/2 cup of milk (I used oat milk).
Step 5: Add ice.
Optional: Add a cinnamon stick for some extra spice
Step 6: Enjoy!
What’s your go-to coffee to make at home? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
First, I want to thank you for reading this blog and keeping up with my content. I appreciate having this creative space that allows me to connect with others from all over! As this blog has grown, it has become something more than just a spot for me to type; it has become a community. I am glad that you are a part of it!
Next, I feel like I have to beg the cliche question: has it really been two years already? It doesn’t feel like that long ago that I purchased my domain and started writing weekly. It has become so integrated into my routine, and I am very happy that it has. Creating content on this blog keeps me in the habit of writing, which I adore doing.
Throughout two years of editing the website and publishing posts, I’ve learned a few things. I would say the biggest journey and lesson was finding my voice. And, what I mean by that is my writing voice. It took quite a bit of time and drafting before I truly understood my style. I’d say that blogging helped me to learn more about who I am, what I value, and how I communicate that.
For example, when I look at recent blog posts compared to blog posts from this time a year ago, I can see a difference in my comfortability to show up authentically. It’s not that I was sharing a false version of reality a year ago, but I don’t think that I was as confident in my voice. A year ago, I second-guessed myself way more than I do now.
So what changed? Well, I think time and practice had a lot to do with it. Continuously writing and creating helped me to get more comfortable with showing up in this online space. With time, I’ve allowed more breathing room in my writing process. I brainstorm, I write, I edit, and I give myself time to work with the words that I type rather than being super quick to publish. Of course, it’s good to have some structure and deadlines, but allowing some fluidity in your work and life can be good too.
In my second year of blogging, I got into even more of a groove with things than in year one. I’m looking forward to another year of creating and learning.
Cheers to the beginning of year three!
What was your favorite blog post from 2021? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Brianne Helfrich is a college student, CEO, and podcast host. She is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, but she currently lives in Pittsburgh where she is completing a master’s program before attending medical school. During the pandemic, she started her clothing brand, Helfrich Collective.
Brianne and I recently connected on Instagram, and as soon as I heard a bit of her story, I knew that I wanted to have her on the blog. To say the least, she’s making things happen, and I admire that. Throughout our Q&A, Brianne tells it how it is about starting her business, finding balance, and creating positive habits.
Q: What inspired you to start your business, Helfrich Collective?
A: During the pandemic, I started going through my own mental health struggles. I needed something to look forward to and work hard on, but I also wanted to give back and raise awareness. So, I randomly decided to start my own clothing brand that donates to various charities for each collection.
Q: What prepared you to start your business?
A: Honestly, I had no preparation before starting HC. I kind of jumped into it and as a STEM major, I had no business background. Thankfully, I was able to surround myself with people who understood the business side of HC and they have helped guide me along the way. A big thing that I’m thankful for is that I was taught and brought up with a strong work ethic. Like any business, it takes a lot of work and isn’t an overnight success type of thing. It’s very easy to get discouraged when starting your own business, so my resiliency has definitely helped the process.
Q: How do you balance being a CEO and attending school?
A: To be honest, most of the time I don’t balance it very well. I want to do the best I can at everything, so sometimes that means overworking myself and pushing myself a bit too hard. It’s something I’m working on because I know it’s not healthy for me and leads me to insane burnout. I think a big thing for me is prioritizing and planning ahead. It helps alleviate my anxiety and helps with my time management when I know what’s coming up and can prepare ahead of time. Another big thing is asking for help whenever I need it. Sometimes I can delegate tasks or even get advice when I feel like I’m having a tough time balancing.
Q: What are some positive habits that you’ve created in your life?
A: Positive habits I’ve created in my life are the usual things like working out, eating what makes me feel good, saying positive affirmations, etc. But one big thing that has really helped transform my life was seeking help and going to therapy. This has made such a positive impact on how I view myself and the world. Learning that it’s okay to not be okay and having a safe outlet to talk/express my feelings has been so impactful.
Q: What does a day in your life look like?
A: My days are pretty similar during the week, but normally I wake up around 5 am. I’ll then head to the gym (it’s my favorite way to de-stress), workout for a little bit, then go home and get ready for the day. I then head off to clinicals and school. I am constantly working on Helfrich Collective, so I’ll send emails, prep for launches, contact manufacturers, etc. all throughout the day. Then when I get home from school, I normally do any homework I have, make some dinner/watch TV/facetime my family and friends, and go to bed early.
Q: What advice would you give other 20-somethings who want to start their own businesses?
A: Just start. You will always feel like you aren’t ready or not prepared enough, but you learn by doing. It’s normal to make mistakes, so take everything as a learning curve and grow from it. Just believe in yourself, work hard and you can achieve anything.
UK-based artist and author Florence Given has a gorgeously unique and defined style. I admire her bold attitude and confident self-expression. You may recall a few times on the blog where I have quoted her book, “Women Don’t Owe You Pretty.”
As a way to play around with my personal style, I recreated three of Florence’s in-feed outfits. This allowed me to mix and match items that I already had in my closet in new ways. This also forced me to jump outside of my comfort zone.
First up, I copied this little black dress look. This was fairly simple to put together since it just required a black dress, black boots, and a scarf. I think this is the perfect simple yet elevated outfit to go out in.
Second, I put my own twist on another one of Florence’s slip-dress looks. This outfit was a lot of fun to put together; it challenged me to mix up various patterns, textures, and colors.
Last but certainly not least, I recreated this black and denim look. As with the first outfit, the “recipe” is pretty simple. All you need is a black tank, black boots, jeans, and a black belt. This is a great outfit for looking effortlessly put together.
While I have my personal style preferences, recreating Florence’s outfits helped me to explore. I believe that when it comes to style, you have to be open to trying new things whether it’s a new trend or aesthetic. Through trials and the occasional errors, you are able to learn a lot about yourself and what your style truly is.
Which look was your favorite? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram. Let’s chat!
Megan Burton 