Tag Archives: Connecticut

How to Get Through a Travel Dry Spell

It’s that time of year here in New England.  When the appeal of cozy-ing up by the fire because it’s winter goes away. The time of year when 50 degrees means windows down and jackets off.  You literally crave the sunshine and longer days (we turn the clocks ahead in two weeks by the way!).

It’s also the time of year that many of us are flying to warmer parts of the world.  To be surrounded by palm trees, white sand beaches, and a go with the flow vibe.  Three years ago I had just returned from Puerto Rico, two years ago I was planning a trip to Belize, and last year I was getting ready for Jamaica.  And this year?  My next plane ride is six months away.  That means I haven’t gotten on a plane in almost a year.

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It’s funny.  When you have this love for travel and you realize it really is sort of an addiction.  The past couple of months I’ve felt like I’m going through withdrawals.  I browse my social media feeds and feel this yearning to be anywhere but here.  To be experiencing new places, meeting new people, immersing myself in a new culture.

Well when time, or money, or whatever the circumstance, prevents you from taking the next flight out of here there are a few things that can get you through this travel dry-spell.

  1. Plan weekend trips.  Even if it’s just a night or two.  I guarantee there are so many places within driving distance to you that offer something new and beautiful to see.
  2. Plan your next big trip.  Whether it’s six months away or two years away.  Plan it so that you can start strategically saving for it and now you have something to look forward to.
  3. Find adventures at home! Try out new restaurants, scout out new places to go for a hike or walk, visit a new town.
  4. Practice gratitude.  Every morning for one week, as soon as you wake up, think about three things you are grateful for.  You’ll be surprised at how especially blessed you are.
  5. Make a reverse bucket list.  I had read about this a long time ago.  Instead of listing out all of the places you have yet to see, make a list of ALL of the incredible places you HAVE visited. Break out the photo albums!
  6. Disconnect.  Make it a point to put away the phone.  Close the laptop.  Spend some quality time with your loved ones.  Have meaningful conversations.  I dare you to do this for 24 hours.
  7. Create an oasis at home.  Whatever gives you that relaxed feeling…flowers, candles, or simply a room that is just tidied up.
  8. Buy experiences. Not things.  Research shows that people understand that making meaningful memories leads to happiness rather than just acquiring more ‘stuff’.
  9. Practice living in the present moment.  Whether through meditation, practicing yoga, or finding five minutes for yourself at home.
  10. Get outside. Connect with nature.  No matter where you are, breathing in fresh air cures almost everything.

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Why I Love Practicing Yoga to Music

The first time I ever stepped my ten toes on to a yoga mat was during a Hip Hop Yoga class in Boston.  A friend had asked me if I’d like to join her and I couldn’t resist.  I grew up a dancer and well always heard yoga was “good for you.”

One hour and 15 minutes later I was hooked and never looked back.  People used to ask me, ‘Hip Hop Yoga? Isn’t that an oxymoron? Are you dancing on your yoga mat?’  Not exactly.  Hip Hop Yoga was (and still is) a 75 minute vinyasa class set to loud, hip hop music.  Bostonians used to flock to these classes to set up their mats inches from the next yogi, sweat and flow to the music.DJ

For me, it was the time in my day that I was able to just be with myself and tune the rest of my daily stresses out.  I was working a 9 to 5 job, living paycheck to paycheck, and trying to find my way in the world.  If my early 20’s were a roller coaster ride, Hip Hop Yoga was my harness, keeping me from flying out of my seat.  Continue reading →

Truly Eating Local

Hey there! Happy December people! I hope everyone’s holiday season has been a great one so far.  I can’t believe the 2015 year is coming to an end. Too fast, always.

With the holidays here, I always seem to over indulge just a tad during Christmas parties and family get togethers.  This means it’s even more important for me to really be eating clean during the week at least about 80% of the time.

Andy and I recently switched up where we are purchasing our meat.  For the past two years we have spent about $150-$200 a week on food shopping at Whole Foods.  We try to get grass fed, organic, and/or local meat whenever we can.  At Whole Foods this costs a pretty penny for sure.

Last month I came across a post on CTBites about Stuart Family Farm here in Connecticut.  The farm, located in Bridgewater, Connecticut, raises 100% grass-fed Red Angus cattle on 600 acres of land.  They also have pastured pork and poultry.  The farm is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays so Andy and I decided to take the hour long scenic drive north a few weekends ago.  We met the wonderful staff and also the little piggies.  It was a really cool experience to actually see where your food is coming from.

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Rudy’s first encounter with these little piggies

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