holidays

Holiday Self- Care Tips

/ gabrielletownsend / Leave a comment

IMG_3493

Dear Friends,

As November draws to a close and the holidays begin rushing upon is, it is really easy to become bogged down with the stresses and pressures that the holidays bring. The holidays are my absolute favorite time of the year because giving gifts to friends and loved ones is one of my favorite things to do. Does anyone else get super giddy when you are watching a loved one open up the perfect gift?!

However, over the holidays a lot of us unknowingly give so much of ourselves without taking time to take care of ourselves and our mental health. Last year, by the time Christmas rolled around I was so run down and depressed that I was not able to fully enjoy the love and joy that surrounded me. So this year, I have been implementing some changes and I already feel so much happier and healthier. So if you are not sure how to relax and take care of yourself this holiday season or even if you would just like to gather a few new ideas on self-care, stay tuned for my favorite ways to relax over the holidays!

  1. Taking quality time to do things you love on your own– One of the best parts about the holidays is spending time with loved ones, however, everyone needs to take some time on their own to refuel and rejuvenate. One of my favorite ways of doing this is by curling up with a warm drink and a fantasy book(:
  2. Get active– Even if you aren’t a huge gym rat, spending time moving your body is an instant mood changer. For me, working out is my “me time”. It allows me to actually think while also getting an instant mood booster from the surge of endorphins. Even something as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood or sitting down for some relaxing stretches instantly improves my mood.
  3. Take a bath– Grab a bath bomb, a luxurious smelling bath oil, and sink down into a nice, long bath. It will help ease the tightness in your muscles and calm your heart rate for a better night’s sleep.
  4. Drive around and look at the Christmas lights– Nothing makes my heart happier than driving around and looking at the wonderful Christmas lights around my neighborhood. Grab some friends and family members and see who can find the most decorated house!
  5. Watch some corny, romantic Hallmark holiday movies– No matter how much we complain about how predictable they are, there is something that always pulls us in with Hallmark movies. Maybe it’s the predictability that we find so appealing. It is nice to know that no matter what, love is always going to prevail.
  6. Do an art project- It doesn’t matter how un-artistic you believe that you are, everyone can find a project that they will enjoy. Even if it does not turn out perfectly, it is nice to lose yourself in the joy of creating something all on your own. Try painting, or writing poetry, or making a holiday wreath; the possibilities are endless.
  7. Bake some holiday treats– You and your friends and family will love this one. If you love baking, try a new recipe that you have always wanted to conquer. If you are new to baking, try something simple that reminds you of your childhood. Plus, the yummy treats will warm you from the inside out.

These are just a few of my favorite ways to practice self-care over the holidays. Even if none of these interest you, the important thing is finding what kind of activities relax and revitalize you. Holidays are all about giving, but don’t forgot to take some time to take care of yourself too!

Wishing you a wonderful start to the holiday season!

The Traveling Brunette

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

/ gabrielletownsend / 1 Comment

New York City at Christmas (visited in 2015)

I don’t know about you but when I think about Christmas time I cannot help but turn back into that giddy little four year old girl who was jumping on my parents’ bed at 2 a.m. in the morning screaming, “WAKE UP! IT’S CHRISTMAS!” (P.S. I may or may not still do that (: ). One of my biggest dreams was to see NYC at Christmas time because deep down in our hearts, I think we all want to live out those Hallmark Holiday Movies and in my opinion, New York City is the perfect place to do so. Around the winter holidays, NYC transforms into this entirely new world filled with gigantic Christmas decorations, lights hanging from every street corner, store windows filled to the top with winter displays and moving animations, and the always classic Rockefeller Christmas tree to bring it all together.

img_2862

(Me and my mom in front of the Rockefeller Tree)

If you know me, you know that I usually like to spend a quiet Christmas at home with my family and loved ones (and my dogs), but last year my mom and I stepped out of our comfort zones and did something I have always wanted to do: take a trip to NYC during the holiday season. Even though I am usually the kind of girl that resists change, I loved every single second of this trip. I had been to New York City twice before this trip, once in the summer and once in the spring, but this trip was an all new experience. Not only does the city look incredibly different with all of the decorations, but the feel of the city changes too to fit the growing holiday cheer. There are so many fun and amazing things to do in NYC at Christmas, it can get a bit overwhelming if you are thinking about planning a trip. So, since the holiday season is growing closer and closer, in this post I have compiled a list of my top recommendations of things to do and see in NYC at Christmas time. Keep in mind I am not a native to NYC so my list might look different from someone who lives there, but as an outsider these are my top picks for things to see!

Top 10 Things to Do/See in NYC at Christmas Time:

  • Rockefeller Christmas Tree- Of course, nothing says “holiday cheer” like a gigantic Christmas tree! Plus, right beside the tree you can rent a pair of skates and go iceskating on the outdoor rink.

img_2043

img_2044

(The outdoor iceskating rink beside the Rockefeller Tree)

  • Shopping on 5th avenue- 5th avenue is amazing at anytime of the year, but the decorations and light shows that happen around the holidays are like something out of a fairytale.

3

7

  • Seeing the Empire State Building lit up with green and red- It is so fun to see the lights on the Empire State Building change to red and green around Christmas.

img_2125

  • Go see a Broadway Play- Again, this is something I recommend doing regardless of the season, but there is something extra magical about seeing one of these spectacular masterpieces during the holidays.

img_2116
img_2155

  • Check out Top of the Rock at night time- The Top of the Rock has one of the best skyline views of NYC (including a great view of the Empire State Building) and it is a completely different experience to come back and see the view at night.

img_2098

(Featured in the center is the Empire State Building before the lights were switched to red and green)

  • Check out some amazing seasonal food!- NYC is known for some great food and the holidays are no exception, but for me, my favorite was the seasonal veggies and smoothies!

img_2088

(Featured here is some healthy seasonal veggies with chicken and rice and a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie- yum!)

  • Spend some time in Times Square to see the holiday ads (and because it is a must!)

img_2108

img_2112

  • Go see the famous Macy’s department store that is featured in Miracle on 34th Street.- It is one of the most fantastic places in NYC and you instantly become a little kid again when you see all of the magic that the store has to offer!

8

(The giant mailbox for letters written to Santa)

9

  • Look at some of the incredible winter and holiday store window decorations.- Nothing can beat the window decorations for a NYC Christmas. I think the pictures speak for themselves here.

img_2045

2

1

(Anthropologie store beside the Rockefeller Tree)

6

(Henri Bendel window)

  • And last but not least, spend some time with the people you love- NYC at Christmas time is amazing, but it would not have been nearly as special if I had not been able to share the experience with someone I love. So whether that is your family, your special someone, or some of your best friends, I encourage you to share the joy of Christmas and the experiences that NYC has to share with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!

Love,

The Traveling Brunette

*All pictures taken by me