My 400th Peloton ride!

 


I wrote a review of everything you need to know about Peloton in this post, so now I want to update you after taking 400 rides, although this photo was taken when I marked the 200-ride milestone. I've been working from home for three years now and my 12pm ride has been a regular part of my day since I got my bike. Last year I logged 8K miles! Exercise improves mood, and health is wealth! Research has proven that exercise makes for younger looking skin as it increases blood flow and that helps with improving skin tone so you look more youthful and drains fluid so you look less puffy. Exercise also helps to lower the effects of stress and helps you sleep better.   I love the joy of movement. I've always had a good relationship with exercise and enjoy it. I  crave my peloton rides and look forward to it every day.  The serotonin we get from moving our bodies is absolutely amazing.  I make exercise non-negotiable and work out 5x a week at home and on Saturdays do something outside like a long walk to the grocery store and/or a virtual zumba class. 

3 Memoirs Written by Men

On Black Friday I purchased an annual Audiobooks subscription for $137 so $11.42 a month when if I were to purchase a single audiobook it would be  $20-36. For comparison Audible Premium is $15 a month, only with premium can you get new releases or books people have actually heard of. Sometimes the line at the library is so long and they take back the audiobook when your time is up so I thought it would be easier for me to get a membership and this way I'm guaranteed to read/listen 12 books this year. I listen to books while I walk down the street.  I think I will only do this for memoirs because for fictional books I really need to sit down and read to get a grasp for all the characters involved. On my wishlist to read this year are the following memoirs by Pamela Anderson, Paulina Porizkova, and Anne Heche. Last year I listened to Viola Davis' memoir which I highly recommend! 

Best Long-Lasting Lipstick


I was looking for a wallet friendly formula for my mom whose lipstick always disappears as soon after she puts it on. If you’re looking for a budge proof lipstick that will actually stay on your lips, I’ve put together a list of 3 lipsticks that will stay on all day. I bought these at Ulta but you should also be able to find them at CVS. All three of these set within minutes so they won’t rub off, then they fade slowly over time. I tested these lipsticks by wearing them all day on my lips even though I looked funny working from home on zoom with lipstick on. I ate, drank and exercised as usual during the day. To remove them at the end of the day I used a sugar based lip scrub then conditioned my lips with a balm as they are a little difficult to get off. If you’re looking for an alternative to the sold out Rhode peptide lip treatment, try out Ole Henriksen or Paula's Choice.

What to Watch on Netflix


Here's a comprehensive list of the most BingeWorthy TV in my opinion. These are all shows that have come out in the last 3 months. I know everyone is watching Wednesday (the Addams family) but here are some other good shows not to miss. 

Pamela, a Love Story releases Jan 31

Netflix describes it as an intimate and humanizing portrait of one of the world’s most famous blonde bombshells and follows the trajectory of Pamela Anderson’s life and career from small-town girl to international sex symbol, actor, activist and doting mother.

Last year Hulu had the miniseries Pam & Tommy which Pam claims to have not watched and wanted to release her own story. The hulu show followed the story of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's relationship, going back to their whirlwind romance that started with them marrying after only knowing each other for 96 hours in 1995 and how their infamous tape was stolen. I also highly recommend watching The Dirt on netflix to learn more about Tommy. Pamela is now 55 and even though she has had quite a few plastic surgeries she said she will never get botox so she is aging naturally in Hollywood. I hope the documentary discusses her relationship with  Julian Assange as she used to go visit him while he was holed up at the Ecuadorian embassy in the UK.

Top 5 Best Travel Pillows


I want to talk to you about my favorite travel pillows that will help you get more comfortable and hopefully fall sleep on your next flight. These innovative pillows are better than the old U-shaped travel pillow! All five products are available on amazon; however the turtle and the bcozzy have overwhelmingly the most reviews. These first class travel pillows will make your long haul flights in economy more doable. When sitting for a long period of time on a plane you want to have the best support and comfort. These premium travel pillows each have their own strength. Choosing the right travel pillow for you will be a personal decision. For me, I only use travel pillows for 4+ hours of travel. In choosing a pillow you want to think about functionality, so for long haul flights you want to  ensure that the pillow doesn't move when you move, for instance when you're not in a window seat. Look for ones that will stay anchored to your body or seat that will be good for sleep. 

Best Instagrammable spots in Charleston

Charleston is the most charming small town I've visited! From the scent of the blooming jasmine everywhere in May, cobblestone streets, charming historic district, amazing restaurants,  elaborate flower window boxes, waterfront views, pastel colored homes, moss-laden oaks and palm trees galore this Southern city stole my heart! Downtown was extremely walkable and easy to get around and I also rode the public bus which happened to be free the month I was there.  

Charleston is called The Holy City because it has 180 churches.  For ethical reasons I chose not to visit a plantation. Charleston is a beautiful city in the low country with pretty parks, beaches, has southern hospitality and incredible architecture. If you love photography, there are many Instagrammable spots in Charleston! Take a walk around the The Battery to see all the grand estates from the 17th and 18th centuries. I made a list of the best photo spots for you so you can have fun exploring this quintessential southern charm of a city.

Oaxaca Food Guide


Oaxaca is considered Mexico’s food capital for it’s complex cuisine full of rich flavor. Oaxacan food is made up of moles, chocolate, quesillo cheese, grasshoppers, tlayundas, tamales, huitlacoche (corn fungus), memelitas, worms & herbs. My meals there did not start with a frozen fruity margarita, guac &chips.  Instead in Oaxaca, it's all about mezcal. Food to me is an integral part of any travel experience and thus when I travel I always research the best places to eat; and go out of my way to find them. I don't want to waste a single meal; and by that I don’t mean expensive or Michelin star restaurants, I just mean unique experiences or typical representations of the country’s cuisine. I spent a week eating my way through Oaxaca with a food bucket list of all the things I wanted to be sure I tried and checked off my list along the way as a vegetarian.