CAPSULE WARDROBE: SLEEPWEAR

My favorite thing to do after a long day, is to come home, slip on a simple nightgown, wrap up in my purple polka dot robe, put on my fuzzy slippers and cozy up on the leather couch (especially if Ironman is there).  Best feeling ever.  However, I don't like to just throw on anything.  Ever since I was in junior high, I have always chosen pajamas that are cute and matching so that I still look put together, even at night.  I know it's tempting to throw on old, worn-out sweats, but I think that it's beneficial to always look our best, especially at home with our families.

I'm in love with the Capsule Wardrobe, but not just for my everyday clothes.  I also enjoy branching out this idea to my shoes, scarves, purses, jewelry, makeup, hair care, outerwear, swimwear and even sleepwear!  The idea of the Capsule Wardrobe is to have fewer, better quality items that make you feel comfortable and confident in how you look.  It also cuts down on wasted time and money.  So, why not use this method with sleepwear also?

Personally I love nightgowns.  I never liked to wake up to my shorts or pajama pants twisted up around my waist and thighs.  Also I love the color grey.  It just seems like such a calming and relaxing color, perfect for sleep.  Throw a soft robe on top and I am set!  Although I don't wear my pajamas during the day, if I am home, my shoes are always left at my door and replaced by my slippers.  They are not only more comfortable than shoes, but it helps to keep the floors in the house cleaner!  Win win.

So, here are 5 reasons why I think you need to incorporate the Capsule Wardrobe into your sleepwear...

1.  SELF CARE.  Your family (or roommates) will see that you care about yourself.  If you have kids, think about how they are watching how you do or don't take care of yourself.  Also, I read somewhere a few years ago about how your spouse only has one wife (or husband), so make sure you're a cute one to look at!  I mean, since Ironman leaves the house before 7am, he only sees me in my pajamas in the morning.  And by the time he gets home at night, we are both putting dinner together, getting in our pajamas and settling in for the night.  So, I definitely want to wear cute pjs since that's what I tend to be wearing most often around Ironman!

2.  GOOD CHOICES.  It rids your drawers and closet of old, worn-out stuff so that you only have good options to choose from when changing out of your clothes at the end of the day.  I always look forward to getting rid of the old stuff and reorganizing because it gives me more room and helps my mind feel less cluttered!

3.  MORE CONFIDENCE.  You will feel more confident and will probably make better choices because of it...like not eating a gallon of ice cream while on a midnight Netflix binge and remembering to wash your make up off before bed.  You might even decide to cuddle up with your significant other and have some quality time.  I know that I make better choices when I feel good about how I look!

4.  WELCOMING HOST.  When someone randomly decides to stop by at a terrible hour, you won't freak out, since you'll be answering the door looking put together!  I know I know, not ideal to open the door in a fluffy purple robe.  But, I apologize for being in my robe, we laugh together and then I usually get complimented that my robe is cute.  So, not ideal...but not embarrassing like if I open the door looking like a hobo.

5.  BETTER SLEEP.  Pajamas are more comfortable than everyday clothes because they are usually made with lighter, more breathable fabric and often have a good bit of give in them.  I have had pajamas in the past that wake me up during the night because something is stretched too tight or got twisted up and around.  I know that when I am comfortable, I sleep much better! 

Taking time to wear decent pajamas doesn't have to be drastic or difficult.  Simply consider switching out your old sweats and t-shirts for a cute, but comfortable matching set like this one.  You can go get something at almost any department store or even online!  Or if you are like me and don't like pants or shorts, consider switching out an old baggy t-shirt for a simple, but pretty nightgown like this one.  It's so easy!

I'd love to hear if you are already incorporating the Capsule Wardrobe into your sleepwear!  If so, how do you handle fewer, but higher quality items in this area? What pieces are a must for you?

3 WAYS TO MAKE BIRTHDAYS SPECIAL WITHOUT GIFTS

Let me start by saying Happy Birthday to my Ironman!

Birthdays have always been a big deal in my family and I look forward to my own every single year.  Ironman and I used to do gifts, but a few years back we changed up the way we celebrate.  Here are three ways that we make our birthdays special without giving gifts!

PAMPER.  One way that we make birthdays special is by pampering the birthday girl or boy!  We always go out for breakfast to start the day off with an early morning celebration.  Shopping or pedicures or something else fun may happen mid-morning for the girls.  Lunch together is a must.  Coffee surprise is always an afternoon treat that the boys love.  The day really depends on whether the birthday girl or boy has to work and what they want to do if they don't.  Finally, we always end the day with a big family birthday party at my parents house.  The birthday girl or boy gets to pick their favorite dinner and dessert and relax while others get everything prepared and decorated.  Ironman almost always asks for a cookie cake, like the enormous ones that you buy at the mall.  Plus, the birthday boy or girl gets to eat on the special red plate!

ENCOURAGE.  Another way we make birthdays special is by saying why we love the birthday girl or boy.  After we have had dinner and dessert, it is our family tradition to go around the room and each person say one reason why they love that person.  For instance, when it's my turn tonight, I might say "I love Ironman because he is a hard worker, he never complains, he selflessly puts others first, he is generous with his time and money and he is a good listener".  Then, once, I am finished, it is someone else's turn to say why they love him.  It can sometimes be awkward when we have new friends over...we are just getting to know them and they have to say why they love us!  haha.  We usually end up bickering about who gets to go first so that we get to say what we love before someone else "steals" that reason...because we can't all love the same person for the same reason, right?  And we always make Lizzie go last since she always has the most to say!  One birthday of mine, Lizzie went on and on for so long that she got confused and forgot why she was talking and ended with "amen".  We all just died laughing and remind her of it at each birthday.  If you are not able to tell them why you love them in person, do it through snail mail!  Skip signing your name on a hallmark card and instead take the time to write a real, heartfelt note...I bet the birthday girl or boy will keep it forever.

TRAVEL.  A few years ago, Ironman and I were low on cash.  I told him that instead of him giving me a gift, I wanted to do something fun.  So, we went to Greenville for the weekend, stayed with his parents, ran the Color Vibe and biked on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  We absolutely loved it and have continued to trade out gifts for travel each birthday now.  Ironman always chooses camping, so this weekend we are headed up to Lake Hartwell with some friends!  We love going off and doing something fun together to celebrate a birthday, especially when we can cross it off of our Bucket List!

As you can see, it is easy to make birthdays special without gifts!  Instead, focus on how to make that person feel special by spending time with them, showing them how much they are loved and making new memories together...it's so much better than accumulating more stuff.

Do you have a birthday tradition that doesn't involve gifts?  We loved to hear it in the comments below!

20 REASONS WHY THE FAROE ISLANDS SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

I still remember meeting Josef, finding out he was from the Faroe Islands and wondering where on a map they would be found.  It wasn't until two years later that Ironman and I were finally able to go see for ourselves.  We spent two weeks touring the entire country with Josef and his soon-to-be-bride, Gunhild.  Then, the last few days of our trip was spent celebrating their wedding!  

This was by far the most amazing place Ironman and I have ever been, so I want to give you 20 reasons why the Faroe Islands should be on your bucket list.

1.  Wake up to beautiful views.  While we were there, Josef's aunt was out of town and allowed us to stay in her apartment.  We had everything that we needed and our bedroom window was enormous.  So, each morning, we would wake up, lay in bed and look out of the window, shocked at the view.

2.  Enjoy perfect weather.  I can't stand heat and humidity and was excited to be coming to a cold climate for vacation.  The day that we arrived was chilly for us, but hot for the Faroese people.  However, the longer we stayed, the colder it became (apparently they had just been experiencing a random heat wave).  Finally there was so much snow that we couldn't get the car back to the apartment one night and had to go on foot!  It was a windy and slippery adventure for sure!

3.  Take National Geographic worthy photos on your iPhone.  I don't have a camera.  About five years ago, I needed to replace my phone and camera so I decided to get an iPhone to kill two birds with one stone.  Now, when I travel, the only camera I use is the one on my iPhone.  Many people ask me how I have such good photos, but it must just be that we are visiting such beautiful places!  PS, this photo was taken outside of our bedroom window, to the right of the apartment.  Unreal, right?

4.  Eat every meal with a gorgeous background.  Here Ironman was enjoying his breakfast, but even when we would walk over to Josef's parents home, we would eat lunch and supper with an amazing view there too!  Basically, no matter where you go, you can't find a bad view.  Also, being up high where the wind was stronger, meant that we got to watch the birds soar through the air all day long, right in front of our window.  It was so inspiring that I even wrote down my thoughts in this post.

5.  Walk everywhere.  While we were visiting our friend, we stayed in his hometown of Klaksvik.  It is the 2nd largest city in the Faroe Islands, but still only has 5,000 people living there.  This was great since we didn't rent a car and just planned to walk everywhere!  The only trouble is when you want to get to another city...then, we would go by car.  Luckily Josef was a great host and drove us all over the country!

6.  While walking, you pass by little mini waterfalls.  Not only is the area covered in little waterfalls, but also sheep!  There are more sheep than people...and no trees at all!  It was such a unique place.

Dinner at the Jacobsen home.

7.  The people are the most welcoming in the world.  Everywhere we went, the locals would motion for us to come and say "Please, you are welcome!".  I don't think that we met one unfriendly person the entire trip.  Although we were total strangers, everyone was so happy to have us into their home!

8.  There are tiny houses with a grass roofs.  If you've seen my bucket list, you know that I would love to one day build and live in a Tumbleweed Tiny House.  So, naturally I was super excited when I saw one with a grass roof.  Apparently it is used for a kids program...I would love to go play!

Kirkjubø

9.  Visit a 600 year old viking home.  I was so surprised at how well this home has held up over the hundreds of years that it has been sitting here.  Inside was all creaking wood and ancient tools and ropes.  Since I've always heard that the vikings were huge, I couldn't believe that the staircase was so narrow!

10.  The government buildings in Torshavn (the capital) are all painted red...

Tinganes

11.  ...and have grass roofs that you can stand on!  I loved how the buildings were all matching and clean.  It seemed so welcoming and not at all like I would have pictured parliament.  Supposedly, this is the oldest parliament in the world!

12.  Your morning walk will consist of breathtaking views of the marina.  We stayed on one side of the city, while our host Josef was on the other side.  So, each morning as we walked to his house, we came down the mountain, passed by this beautiful area and then walked back up the other side of the mountain to get to his home.  Every morning I would ask Ironman, "Can you believe that these people get to see this every single day and it's totally normal for them?!"...

13.  You are offered cake, cookies, fruit, nuts and coffee at every single home you visit.  Remember I said that the Faroese are the most welcoming people in the world?  Every area of the country we visited, we also visited the home of a friend or relative of Josef.  No matter what they were doing, they would stop and excitedly invite us in.  Relationships definitely come before time in this country!

13.  You can't find a bad view.  As you drive around, touring the islands, you will run into beautiful churches and buildings with amazing views everywhere you go.  The weather was beautiful and overcast, the mountains were jaw dropping, the landscape was like something out of a fairy tale.  I have heard it said that the Faroe Islands are considered the last frontier on earth.

14.  The locals have a great sense of humor.  While there, I got to participate in the bachelorette party for Gunhild.  We went all over town doing crazy things and even stopped at the local police station and asked to be locked up in a cell.  I was slightly concerned that I was going to end up on the next locked up abroad if the police didn't think we were funny.  There were only a few cells with a cot and a blanket and all of them were empty.  Apparently there is no crime in the Faroe Islands, so the police joined in the fun and took photos of us acting like we were in jail.  Never a dull moment when you travel to other countries and cultures!

15.  You can see where they swam over 100 years ago.  This cement outdoor (yes, outdoor) pool was built in 1905 and used for swimming lessons for the boys and then later the girls.  Since Ironman and I visited in May and were dressed in our warmest South Carolina winter weather clothing, I cannot imagine anyone wanting to swim in this outdoor pool during the summer months here!  Yes, I love the cold weather, but no, I wouldn't want to swim.  I mean look at the snow capped mountains in the background...and this is their summer!  So, I just pretended to float while staying warm and dry.

16.  There are many beautiful parks that are free to the public.  In the same area as the swimming pool is a beautiful park with trails, a small playground, cute little bridges and as always, breathtaking views.  It is a great place to take a walk each evening as a family!

í Grøv

17.  You can take a walk up Lover's Lane.  Gunhild took us on a long hike up Lovers Lane to Hals (the neck) to get a full view of the entire city of Klaksvik.  It was about an hour long hike, but well worth it after we saw this view.  Plus, it is tradition to kiss your lover at the top!  I was so tired after this hike that I came back to their house and took a two hour nap, only to find out that many people run that daily for exercise!  I felt like a wimp.

Hals

18.  The locals throw the best weddings in the world.  I absolutely loved the way that Josef and Gunhild celebrated their marriage.  A clip was put in the newspaper to announce the wedding and all were invited!  Then, special guests were personally invited to the dinner reception.  The groom bought his tux, since he will wear it again for future events.  However, the bride rented her dress since she won't wear it again.  That makes so much sense!  The wedding lasted all day Saturday, for the ceremony and reception.  Then on Sunday, guests came back to the home to visit the new couple, eat leftovers and see their gifts.  One thing that was so interesting is that it was tradition for each and every guest to bring a cake to the reception.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Every guest.  So, there were over 70 cakes!  We ate and ate and ate and the food kept coming all day long.  In addition to the cakes, another tradition is to sing.  Each guest had formed groups with friends and planned out songs that they wanted to sing to the new couple.  Although I had no idea what anyone was saying, I loved that the guests took so much time to make the new couple feel special and sing words of encouragement to them and their future!  The wedding began at 10am and I finally told Ironman I had to go home at midnight...14 hours later.  The Faroese sure know how to throw a good party!  

19.  You can eat Murstein every day!  Seriously.  I did.  Somehow I ended up trying this weird looking dessert and absolutely went crazy for it.  Ironman and I found a local bakery that we visited several times to enjoy this treat.  We also found out that we could get some at the little gas station near the apartment.  So, I ate about a years worth of this stuff within two weeks.  If I go back to the Faroe Islands, this will be the first thing that I eat.

Photo by Josef

20.  Spend some time in Denmark.  On our way back to the USA we had an overnight stop in Denmark.  We were lucky enough to be set up with a family to stay with and the husband wanted to take us sight-seeing!  Ironman and I both agreed that one night in Denmark was not enough and plan to go back again one day.

 So, what do you think?  Are you convinced yet?  Will you be adding the Faroe Islands to your Bucket List?  Let me know in the comments below!

THE LAZY GIRLS GUIDE TO GETTING IN SHAPE

If you know me, you've probably heard me talk about how much I hate to exercise.  Seriously.  I am really good at coming up with any excuse why I can't go to the gym.  Even right now, I am trying to think of a reason why I can't show up to the 9:30am Zumba class.  It's just not my favorite thing.  But, because I am married to Ironman (who is all about health and fitness) and I want to live a long and healthy life, I know that I need to suck it up and get in shape.  So, here are some things that I have found work for me...

1.  Get the right clothes.  When I wear work out clothes that fit well, feel comfortable and look good, I am much more confident.  And when I am more confident, I am much more likely to get in a good work out.  My new favorite thing to do is get my monthly Wantable box.  I filled out a quick profile and each month, Wantable sends me a box of work out goodies!  I get to try it all on, keep what I like and send back what I don't want.  Each time I get a new outfit from them, I am excited to go to the gym and wear my new work out clothes!

My favorite!

2.  Drink plenty of water.  When I don't drink enough water, I feel tired and groggy and usually get a headache.  Then, of course, I don't want to work out.  So, I ordered a cute water bottle from Blogilates.  The timer helps me to track my water intake and make sure I am staying hydrated.  Also, have you ever heard of drinking a full glass of water before each meal?  This helps with digestion and overeating...I have a friend who has lost a significant amount of weight just by doing this!

3.  Don't overthink food.  The more I think about what I should or shouldn't eat, the more I think about how hungry I am and end up making bad choices.  So, I try to stick to some simple tricks.  Eat when I feel hungry.  Simple right?  If it's lunch time, but I'm not hungry, then I don't eat.  Eat off of a 9 inch plate, instead of the large dinner plates.  This will naturally help you to eat less food.  Don't get seconds.  This is hard when you really love the meal, but I try to eat until I feel satisfied, instead of eating until I am stuffed.  Don't eat past 7pm.  This gives me a few hours before bed to digest my food so that I am able to fall asleep and sleep well.  Drink a glass of water before eating your meal (we talked about this above).  And finally, don't deprive yourself!  I find that the more rules I make for myself, the more food consumes my thoughts.  Find what works for your body and what helps you to feel your best!

4.  Sleep well.  Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night.  Ironman and I normally go to bed around 10pm and sleep until 6pm.  I find that when I am well rested, I make better choices in other areas like food and going to the gym.  If you have trouble sleeping, considering using essential oils to help you calm down and relax at night.  Our favorite is to diffuse Lavender and then apply Frankincense topically to our wrists and back of neck.  Also, remember to turn off electronics at least 1 hour before bedtime...choose a good book to help you wind down, instead!

Ironman came to Barre class with me!

5.  Work out with friends.  This helps me so much.  I am terrible about working out with no accountability.  If I plan to go to the gym alone, I end up talking myself out of it.  But, when I plan to go with a friend, I know that they are counting on me and I don't want to let them down.  Find some friends who enjoy exercise and begin to work out with them!  Or find some friends who are motivated to get in better shape and work together to keep each other accountable.

6.  Just do it.  I have gotten to the point where I had to just decide that I must get some type of exercise every week day (at least).  I don't give myself a choice.  I made it a rule.  So, each day, there is no decision to be made about "if" I will exercise...it is just "when" I will exercise.  I think of it like part of my job as a wife...take care of my home and take care of myself.  This helps me so much by taking the choice away from myself.  Haha, I probably sound crazy right now!

Biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville

7.  Take a walk or go for a bike ride.  Not everyone can afford a gym membership and not everyone can do intense work outs.  That's ok!  If all you can do is go for a walk, then that's great!  Click here to read my post about why I am in love with walking.  Do you have a bike? If yes, then go for a ride! These exercises are so great because you can do them with friends and family.  I bet your kids would love a nightly family bike ride...I know that Ironman and I love them!

8.  Stay positive.  No, you're not going to be perfect.  I am definitely not.  I am lazy!  I don't work out as hard as I could.  I don't work out as often as I could.  I just don't.  But, I have come a long way.  I am trying.  So, instead of focusing on all the ways that I am not perfect, I choose to focus on how far I have come.  I used to never exercise and now I do it pretty much daily.  That's progress!  And 4 months ago I couldn't fit into some of my clothes that I am now wearing again.  That's progress!  Progress, not perfection, is the goal!

9.  Get in the sauna.  I know, I know, people hear me say this all the time.  But the sauna is so good for you and your health...yes, it can even help you lose weight.  Click here to read my post about it.  Again, this is a great one because you can go with a girlfriend and catch up!

10.  Follow inspiring people on social media.  When we were watching Gilmore Girls, we began to crave coffee and drink it all the time.  Then, when Ironman and I got into White Collar, we ended up falling in love with red wine.  What we watch and listen to has such a huge effect on our every day lives.  So, make sure you are letting in things that are encouraging and motivating!  Find people on Instagram that you enjoy following, search for an inspiring fitness blogger, pin motivational quotes, google work outs and use YouTube to your benefit.  There are so many positive resources out there!

11.  Do the 30 Day Bodyweight Challenge.  I can't say how much I love this challenge.  It is FREE and the daily workouts are only 15 minutes.  Can't get much better than that!  Betty Rocker is super motivating and encouraging and always offers modifications in case you can't do what she does.  I am only on day 21 and I can tell I am getting in better shape, quicker than ever!

12.  Make everything a work out.  Look for ways to get some exercise.  Park farther away from the store so that you have farther to walk.  Take the stairs, instead of the elevator.  Ride your bike around the neighborhood, instead of driving your golf-cart.  If you live in a city where it's possible, walk to the store instead of drive your car.  Play games at the beach, instead of just sleeping in the chair.  When you are traveling, walk instead of use the public transportation.  Choose vacations that are active.  Clean your house instead of hire a maid.  Work in your yard instead of hire a landscaper.  There are so many things that we do on a daily basis that can work up a little sweat and keep us in shape!  It doesn't have to be a big planned out event or an expensive gym membership...it can be little good choices, all day, everyday, that help us lazy girls get in and stay in shape!

Are you a lazy girl?  Do you have any more tips to help me stay on track?  I'd love to hear them in the comments below!

HOW I TRAINED FOR MY FIRST TRIATHLON

On Friday, I was a little nervous for my first triathlon.  As we were driving down to the beach, I was mentally preparing for Saturday morning.

Saturday morning check-in.  As I set up my bike, I was able to talk to other competitors about where to put my numbers, about the water temperature and listen to the stories they had of past races here in the same state park.

I walked out early to check the water temperature myself and to see if I needed to wear my neoprene.  Luckily, it felt like bath water.

Listening to the rules of the race and wondering what the start would feel like...so much anticipation!

Ocean swim done.  I accidentally swallowed some of the water and dry heaved mid swim.  On my way to the 1st transition.

The bike ride was the easiest out of the three.  My legs were tired, but it was a nice break between swimming and running.  Part of the biking was on a skinny trail and I got stuck behind a slow mover, so it set me back a little.

At this point, my legs were tired and I could really feel them on the verge of cramping.  I kept hoping it would hold off until I was done.  Running was the hardest part.

So glad to have finished my first triathlon and my #1 fans were standing there, waiting on me at the finish line.

Even though I didn't win 1st place overall, I won 1st place in my age group.  

During my training, I tried to swim, bike and run the distances that I was going to be doing during the race.  I didn't try to follow any type of schedule (like the ones found online).  I used weekends and some nights, here and there, to train.  Although I was training for the triathlon, I didn't actually swim, bike and run back to back until the day of the race.  Even though triathlons seem daunting, there were competitors of all ages and ability.  There was even a man in his 70s who crossed the finish line.  So, I want to encourage you to train as best you can and then just go do it.  If you want to try it, just do it.  The time that you finish doesn't matter.  But saying that you've tried it and done it, does.

In addition to my training, I tried to stick to a plant-based, whole foods diet.  I made it a point to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.  I quit drinking coffee and began drinking only herbal tea.  I also cut out alcohol.  Staying hydrated was also important to me and I would try to drink at least drink 64 ounces of water a day (most days I would drink more than 64).  I also made sure that I invested in good goggles and a neoprene warmth vest for swimming, a pair of tri-shorts that I could swim, bike and run in, a used road bike (I wore a helmet I already owned), a good pair of running shoes and quality supplements and essential oils.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  I would love to help you complete your first triathlon.

-Nick