Summer is finally here! The 3-months we look most forward to each and every year! School is almost out, the weather has warmed up and and all we can think about is sandy feet and salty air! This year, I have tons of fun summer travel planned. I am going home to Connecticut to see family, back to the Big Apple for a few days, exploring European cities and some much needed beach time! I can not wait to dive in head first !! But first … what should one pack for all of these fab adventures!?
For 10 years I lived in a very big city…the concrete jungle of NYC! As much as I loved and thrived off of the city’s energy and spirit, moving to Los Angeles has given me a new appreciation for the great outdoors. I have officially replaced power walking the streets of Manhattan with outdoor activities in California.
LA offers amazing weather year-round so my indoor daily routine from NYC naturally shifted to being outdoors! Moving across the country has given me time to reflect and reconnect with nature. I have embraced this awesome new way of life and decided to take advantage of my surroundings, so my family and I decided to take on hiking as an activity.
My husband, kids and I started exploring different hiking paths near our home and have spent the vast majority of our time being outdoors and of course, exercising (or as my 9-year-old daughter likes to say, “getting our steps in”.
After our first couple of hikes, we quickly realized we needed to trade in our NYC sneakers for some great hiking shoes and necessary gear. I came across Backcountry when I was searching for hiking gear and decided it was the perfect one-stop-shop for anything and everything needed to explore the great outdoors.
Although California has great weather, it can get very cold while hiking so staying warm (especially during this time of year) is a must!
I came across Backcountry when I was searching for stylish, yet practical hiking gear and I discovered this extremely cozy Stoic fleece jogger and hoodie set. Not only is it ideal for hiking, it’s also perfect to wear while staying cozy around the house. I am planning on layering my Stoic set when I go skiing in March! This is such a great versatile set that is also available in black at an amazing price (currently on sale)! If you aren’t in the market for a set, definitely take a look at the Stoic hoodie, it has an adjustable hood with an integrated gaiter and it also cinches at the hem, so it really seals out the cold.
I also discovered these game changing sneakers at Backcountry from On Running. They are lightweight sneakers that are ideal for hiking but also stylish enough to wear with a pair of jeans. I chose the almond color because they are neutral and easy to wear with any dark or light clothing, but they are available in a black, white and many other colors. Backcountry has an incredible selection of sneakers and hiking shoes/boots so if the On Running sneakers I’m wearing aren’t what you are looking for, I guarantee you will find a pair of shoes you love on Backcountry.
When I’m hiking, I have to be hands-free, so I like to wear a fanny pack that holds my necessities (including snacks). This Utility Sherpa fanny pack gets the job done and is the perfect size to carry around your essentials.
My kids have two weeks off from school over the holidays and I can’t wait to explore a bunch of new hiking trails! Now that I am dressed and prepared to stay warm thanks to Backcountry, I am ready for a new hiking adventure! (Oh, but don’t forget your matching beanie)! Let the adventures begin!
Use code: KRISTEN15 for 15% off your first order! (Exclusions Apply).
Happy Holidays! It’s that time of the year again! The weather is changing, sweater weather is turning into puffy coat weather and the pumpkins are soon to be replaced by Christmas trees! This year, I am on top of my holiday shopping and here to share some of my favorite gift ideas with you all!
There are so many incredible sales going on from Black Friday through Cyber Monday and beyond! It is crucial to get your shopping done early this year because shipping is expected to take longer due to supply shortages and cargo issues!
I broke down some of my favorite gifts based on categories so you can find something for everyone on your list!
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
Home
For Her
For Him
For Kids
Stocking Stuffers
Liverpool Denim
One of the most magical times of the year is when Oprah announces her “Favorite Things”!!!! Remember when the audience watching the live show would freak out when they would find out they were attending the giveaway show? So exciting!!!
A few years ago, Oprah Magazine started and O Mag Insider influencer group and I was fortunate enough to be a part of it. It was an incredible group of women from around the U.S. that were so creative and influential!
For the past 4 years, I was invited to attend Oprahs Favorite Things at Hearst Tower in NYC. It was MAGICAL! One year, Oprah herself made an appearance! The Oprah Magazine has made it really easy for all of us to find incredible gifts for the holiday season on Amazon!
This year, as always, Oprahs Favorite Things does not disappoint! Be sure to check out the full list HERE on Amazon and check out my favorite items below:
This past year has been all about taking care of my skin and overall wellness! My focus has revolved around trying a variety of products and treatments to improve my skins appearance. I spent lots of time reading about anything and everything related to skincare and the latest technologies in anti-aging. I am almost 45 years old and am just realizing how important it is to use products with ingredients that renew and rejuvenate your skin. With all of the newfound ingredients and advances in technology, you can truly reduce premature skin aging while turning back the clock.
It’s officially fall, even in Southern California! I have put away my summer sandals and have traded them in for boots and faux fur slides! In the blink of an eye, we are getting into the autumn spirit which quickly turns into the holiday season. Ahhhh I know, I know…time is moving so fast.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered when it comes to finding the most fabulous clothing and accessories for fall. First things first, let’s make sure to welcome fall while looking stylish and trendy!
This is the time of year I call, “transition season” where layering is a must! Out of every season, I find the cutest and chicest styles during this time of year. The colors of the season are beautiful, filled with rich reds, crisp greens and burnt orange.
Each September, when my kids go back to school, I often call it my “back to School” too, my reset, my reboot, my new beginning, my new year! As I start to put away my summer staples and replace them with my fall transitional pieces, I am instantly warmed with the thoughts of fall approaching, the holidays, yummy flavored coffees and the magnificent colors that come along with the fall season.
It’s Fall ya’ll ! What does that mean? Well, for most of us around the country it means we have another amazing month of lovely weather before the leaves fall from the trees and the pumpkin spice lattes are in full swing! I have recently relocated to Southern California so “fall” looks a bit different for me compared to the east coast! No matter where I live, the one thing that seems to stay pretty consistent is the necessity for transitional wardrobe pieces! I have a section in my closet where I keep my “transitional pieces” and each season, I add more to this part of my closet.