Nantucket

I wouldn't consider myself a travel blogger by any means because we don't get to travel that much with our kiddos being so young.  But, we did just get to take a fabulous long weekend trip to Nantucket that I wanted to share with ya'll!

My hubby and I had never been up north to the East Coast, and wanted to go somewhere that we hadn't been before in celebration of our 10 year anniversary.  We had 3 child-free days so we wanted to go somewhere that was easy to get to.  We also had a good friend that had been to Nantucket a lot, so she gave us some fabulous recommendations!

The flight was surprisingly pretty easy!  We left Nashville at 6:00 AM, and landed at Nantucket's airport by 11:40 AM.  The first night we stayed at 21 Broad which is an adorable boutique hotel.  I am not one for staying at a true bed and breakfast so that is why we chose this spot.  The hotel was very quaint and had that bed and breakfast vibe without being a true one.  Note- the room was TINY!  But the hotel was really nice and was in a perfect location.  They also made yummy breakfast in the morning which was an added bonus.

21 Broad Boutique Hotel

We grabbed lunch at Brotherhood of Thieves which was right next to our hotel.  It was like a little German pub with great food.  We sat upstairs at the bar and had a great time.

Then, we got bikes and headed to Cisco Brewery which is about a 20-minute ride.  I loved the vibe there!  They had a wine bar, liquor bar, and obviously great beer.  I was pretty sure my husband never wanted to leave.  Our fave beer was the Grey Lady.  They also had live music- it was fantastic!

Striped Top + Pendant Necklace

Dinner that night was at Lola 41 which is known for their burgers and sushi, (plus it was in walking distance of our hotel).  We luckily got a seat at the bar, but I would recommend getting a reservation because it gets pretty packed.  The food and drinks were awesome and I highly recommend!

Friday we got to check into our other hotel which is a resort called The White Elephant.  I can't say enough good things about this hotel!  I kinda didn't want to leave our room, it was unreal.  It was the nicest... and most expensive hotel that I have ever been to.  I do believe it is worth the splurge because of the location, and you get to use all the amenities at the resort like the pool, workout facility, and restaurants.

White Elephant Lobby

White Elephant

We called the day before and got a boat reservation on Lady Wauwinet for a ride to eat lunch at Toppers at the Wauwinet Luxury Seaside Hotel.  The boat ride was about 45 minutes and had some great scenic views.  They also offer a dinner cruise which includes drinks on the boat.  When we arrived at the Wauwinet I was blown away by the quaint surroundings and dining.  At Toppers we got the clam chowder, which is usually not my thing, but it was delish.  I also got the crab + lobster cakes which were the best I have ever had.

Enjoying some Rose' on the lawn at Wauwinet

After we got back from our boat ride we packed up and biked over to The Sandbar at Jettie's Beach.  This was a beach front restaurant that was quite the lively party vibe (which we loved).  We hung out on the beach and the Sandbar, then grabbed an early dinner there.

Saturday we worked out in the gym, then took a dip in the pool.  We got ready and biked over to Cru Oyster Bar.  I am so obsessed with this place.  It was chic nautical decor and right on the peer so you had a view of all the yachts.  I had my first lobster roll and it was unreal.  They also had fabulous cocktails and oysters.

Lunch at Cru

My first Lobster Roll @Cru

There are lots of little shops around Cru, so we walked around and visited the stores.  We also did some Yacht shopping😉.  We biked around a little more and found the Tree Bar and had some drinks.  We had a flight out to Boston that night at 6:00 PM, so we then headed to the airport.  We had dinner in Boston Saturday night, then flew out first thing Sunday morning.

We loved our trip to Nantucket and cannot wait to go back.

XOXO,

Crystal

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It's here! The ultimate shopping sale is now underway for everyone and not just cardholders.  If you are going to shop one sale a year then this is the one!  I always try to have a game plan for shopping the sale.  Be sure to evaluate your closet and decide on items that you are missing in your current wardrobe.  I wouldn't go crazy during the sale but instead, invest wisely on a few pieces that you know you will get tons of wear out of!  And if you do go too crazy Nordstrom has a great return policy and even free return shipping as well.  Just a reminder the sale is now open starting at 12:30 PM ET through August 5th (prices go back up on August 5th).  Many items sell out quickly so if you really love something I would buy sooner rather than later just in case it sells out.

The top items I've loved on the sale are athletic wear, beauty items and of course shoes!  Not going to lie I wasn't entirely impressed with the clothing items this year but the shoe selections are always top- notch.  Here are some of my top picks!

If you don't own a pair of faux leather Spanx leggings then this is your chance to scoop them up at $65 (they are normally $98 and hardly ever go on sale).  I literally wear them all winter and they go with practically everything!

These peep-toe booties have been a staple in my closet for years and I was pumped that they brought them back!  The deep cut V in the front elongates the legs and adds interest.  These are great for pairing with skirts/dresses and black jeans!

Crystal got these amazing Adidas running shoes in black- she has been raving about them and how comfy they are!  You can tell Crystal took this pic because it has her beloved Defiance Fuel in it- read her blog post here about the benefits of this water.

This is the best beauty deal that I saw!  This is the holy grail of self-tanners and this jumbo-sized one is a great value and will last you a long time!  Check out my tips on self-tanners here.

Shop more of my picks below!

Athletic Wear

Beauty

Shoes

Clothing

Accessories

Happy shopping!  And as always if you have any requests or need help shopping the sale-feel free to email or DM me.

XOXO,

Amanda

Shake It Up!

I love starting my day off with a delicious + filling shake. I feel like it sets the tone for the day to be healthy and gets me off to a great start. I feel like starting the day with a healthy shakes keeps me more motivated throughout the day to stay on track with my eating. I have always said strive to have the healthiest breakfast as possible. You may not be perfect the rest of the day, but starting off on an unhealthy note can wreck you whole day.

I have tried so many shakes over the years and I have a few favorites. Like always I am looking for powders that are low in sugar and carbs with fiber to help keep me fuller, longer. My two favorites are 310 Nutrition and F-Factor.

I have tried 310 Nutrition in the past and have really liked it. Since then, they have come out with new flavors that I am loving. Toasted Coconut is my favorite flavor right now. These shakes only have about 90 calories per serving with 15 grams of plant based protein + no artificial sweeteners. They also have some fiber, usually around 5 grams. Side note, I also am loving their Detox tea. I usually think tea is blah, but this tastes great, and is helping curb my appetite. You can get free shipping by using code 310CRYSTALJ. FYI the bag is huge and lasts forever!

Sweatshirt + Shorts + Backpack

I follow the F-factor lifestyle diet so I love their shakes as well. I go back and forth between the Vanilla and Chocolate flavors. They are both so creamy and filing and jam packed with 20 grams of fiber in 2 scoops.  (Do I talk about eating fiber enough ?!). They only have 3-4 net carbs + 20 grams of protein.  You can also cook with them if you chose to do so unlike myself.

Chocolate Shake

Here are some other things I will throw in my shakes for taste + added healthy benefits. Not all in the same shake because I like to mix it up! For the most part I mix about 5 ounces of water then add a few of unsweetened Coconut, Almond, or Cashew milk and blend in my Vitamix. We have had our Vitamix for a while now and I love love it.

Shake add-ins:

Frozen Rice Cauliflower- Gives you shake a little more consistency
Spinach- Added fiber benefits you can’t taste
Peanut Butter Powder- Added peanut butter taste without the fat
Cacao Nibs- Gives chocolate taste + rich in polyphenols
MCT Oil Powder- I have tried a few, and this is by far my fave brand
Amazing Gass Green Super Food Powder
Low Sugar Yogurt- you can add just a spoonful for a little more taste + helps with consistency

I think its all about playing around with what tastes best to you, and what keeps you feeling full longest.

XOXO,

Crystal

Low Sugar Yogurt- you can add just a spoonful for a little more taste + helps with consistency

Amazon Prime Day Picks

Okay, July has officially become sale crazy with allll the sale notifications but Amazon Prime is always a winner.  Prime Day has been stretched to 2 days- so you still have tomorrow to shop the deals as well.  If you aren't a Prime member you can sign up to start a free 30 day trial to gain access to the deals.  

Amazon is a great resource for not only household items but tons of fashion and beauty deals.  You can always visit our Shop Amazon tab on the blog, where we have our fave style, fitness, beauty, home, and gift picks saved.  

Some of my fave Amazon items:  Beauty Gummy Vitamins + Lip Mask + Beaded Round Earrings + Rattan Shoulder Bag + Nude Thong Sandals 

This is a great time to stock up on closet essentials!   These hangers help your clothes lay better and they save space in your closet.  

This seriously is one of the best sunscreens out there!  I use it on my kids as well as myself- you save almost $10 buying it through the sale

I'm truly obsessed with this stay all day liquid lipstick.  You get 30% off reflected during checkout.  Some long lasting lipsticks tend to be drying on me but this one does not! I love the color Caro which is a beautiful pink shade!

Some healthy treat finds are on the sale as well!  I love Quest Cookies that have low in sugar + high in protein if you have a sweet tooth.  I also have been hooked on S. Pellegrino Sparkling Water to keep my fasting times during IF "clean."  I also love putting Cacao Powder in my smoothies to give a nice cocoa taste + it is packed with anti oxidants.  

Amazon also added our fave Alo Yoga ripped warrior leggings.  These high waisted leggings barely ever go on sale.  They retail for $125 and you can get them today only for $75!  They come in 5 colors.  

You can also get the ever-popular Alo Yoga moto leggings which come in 11 different colors.  

Here are some more amazing Amazon deals!

Fashion

Beauty

Home

Happy Prime Shopping!

XOXO,
Amanda + Crystal

Holiday Weekend Sales

Holiday weekends mean plenty of deals to be had! When you need a break from the sun + fun- plan to check out alllll of the amazing sales.  We rounded up some great deals from our face retailers.

Eyelet Cover Up Dress (20% off with code: SWIM) / Indio Sunglasses / Red Scarf / Red Bikini Top (20% off with code:SWIM) / White Frayed Denim Shorts / Smoke Mirror Sunglasses

Anthropologie: 
Get an extra 50% off their summer tag sale no code needed!

Seriously drooling over this white fringed tote bag!  It's off half off with no code needed.

And this acrylic cutie is also crush worthy (and under $100!)  I'm loving this moss color but it comes in 5 other colors.

Joss and Main:

From today through July 6, score up to 80% off site wide!

I decorate my home with mostly neutrals and I love this white coral sculpture!

This outdoor market umbrella would make a great addition to anyone's outdoor space. It tilts and is under $100!

Kendra Scott: 

From today through 7, the site will be featuring markdowns at up to 50% off.

This classic hammered long gold pendant goes with absolutely everything!

This chain gold bracelet would be perf for any bracelet stack.

Nordstrom:
Up to 65% off sale items.  No code needed!

This lace one-piece swimsuit is from my fave swimwear designer.  It comes in white as well and is under 45% off!

These flat ankle strap sandals literally go with everything and come in 5 colors.  

Old Navy:

Now through July 7, take up to 60% off everything — styles start from $4.

This high-rise button-fly denim mini would look adorable for a bbq or over a swimsuit!

I purchased these in linen-blend shorts in the khaki color called "ochre to you".  These seriously are the comfiest shorts ever and come in 6 colors.  

Target:

20% off men's and women's sandals.

20% off women's swimwear with code "SWIM."

These scalloped flat slides are great for the pool or running around errands.  I have them in red but need to scoop up a pair in white

How cute is this tropical print swimsuit?!  I love the off the shoulder detail and high waisted bottom!

Check out some more holiday deals below!

Can I have ____ while fasting??

Swim Suit + Black Sunnies + Light Wash Denim Shorts + Skova Travel Towel

Can I have ______ while fasting is the most popular question about IF. The short answer is NO, ha. 

I have gone back and forth and here is my opinion on it all. Disclaimer: This is MY opinion, I am sure not an expert by any means on this matter. I also don’t think what anyone on IF is doing is wrong, this is just going to be my strategy on how I do it. I know there are a lot of different beliefs and strategies out there.  I support them all and think you have to do what is best for you!!

Ok...I truly try to be as clean as I can during my “fast.” For me, that means black coffee ( I still hate it), plain water, and non-flavored sparkling or mineral water. Period, end of sentence. Well..some may say that coffee breaks your fast, but I am just going to straight up ignore that.  That is just how I am doing it for now. Why do I want to clean fast?  Here is the thing, it’s nearly impossible to tell what signals our body to produce insulin and take us out of the fasting state. Is it calories (under 50?).... everyone is different so there is no way to know.

My strategy is fasting as clean as possible for a while, so I can figure out how my body responds to foods and drinks.  After I really know what it feels like to be in ketosis, and the fasting stage, I can start to introduce things back in to see if they throw me off or make me more hungry. Ketosis is a normal metabolic process. When the body does not have enough glucose for energy, it burns stored fats instead; this results in a build-up of acids called ketones within the body.

It is all about not releasing insulin when in the fasted stage. We want our body to burn fat from our bodies while fasting. LOWER INSULIN = GREATER FAT LOSS.  So, we don't know what triggers our insulin levels for sure.  Studies have shown just tasting something sweet, not even swallowing it, can trigger the brain to start producing insulin.  Click on the link for this specific study. 

I feel like I can keep this up too, because I have a longer window than a lot of IFers have . I am doing the 16/8, so I have 8 hours to drink my yummy coffees and other drinks I enjoy during that time. I find during the week I am doing 10-6 or 9:30-5:30 depending on my schedule.  The weekends are harder, but if I go off for a few hours, it's not hard for me to hop back on. 

I am going to stick to it a little longer mainly because my energy levels have been so good.  Still not down any weight, but I really am not as tired as I use to be which is the biggest win in my opinion.

Thanks for all your tips and info you have shared with me as well.  Have a great Monday!

XOXO,

Crystal 

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Portable Fold- Up Grill / Patagonia Swim Trunks / Wireless Charging Pad / Sport Slides 

/ 12 oz Cooler Cup/ Wireless Earbuds / Set of 5 Personalized Socks / Floral Dress / Tassel Earrings / Gold Round Sunnies / Hubby's Slim Fit Blazer / Boys' Patterned Bow Tie/ Boys' Oxford Shirt

Father's Day will be here before you know it!  This is such a special time to celebrate the dads, husbands, or father figures in your life.  We will probably spend time on the lake during the day because that it my hubby's fave place to be!  In past years we've also done a family round of golf and even done a canoe trip as well.  There are some great places to go canoeing around Nashville- we highly reccomend Foggy Botton Canoes in Kingston Springs for rentals! We usually do a dinner with my dad in the evening to celebrate him.  I'm a self-admitted daddy's girl so I love to take the time to be with him on this special day!

I put together some top items that the special men would love + actually use! Dad's tend to be a tad more practical than ourselves so I came up with everyday items that serve a purpose!

My Top Picks for Father's Day:

Like I mentioned above, we spend a lot of time at the lake so a good comfy + stylish pair of swim trunks always make for a great present.  These Patagonia pull-on trunks have a quick-drying outer surface + sun protection.  These come in 6 solid colors and 2 patterns.  I personally love the 'spiced coral' color for a preppy look.  My hubby's last pair of Patagonia trunks literally lasted 15 years- I had to make him throw them out!

These sporty + functional slides are perfect for summer.  These are by an Italian designer and give an on-trend sporty vibe to any dad. They come in 3 colors as well as a camo print.  I love the navy color for an all-American look.

My hubby loves a classic bourbon cocktail like an Old Fashioned.  This set of two large ice molds allow different shapes for different cocktails.  These are great for entertaining!  Check out a great recipe for an Old Fashioned drink here.

This portable fold up grill is perfect for any dad that loves to tailgate or camp out! The slim and easy design makes it unique compared to other grills on the market.  It's also a great price point at only $61.

Shop More Ideas Below!

Always a Daddy's Girl!

Happy Shopping!  As always let me know if you have any questions or need me to search for something more specific.

XOXO,

Amanda