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Breaking Up with My Breasties: The Naked Truth

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Up until this point, I’ve been telling the story of my April 11th prophylactic double mastectomy on Instagram, going photo by photo and post by post describing the day-to-day feelings and happenings pre and post surgery. I wanted to expand upon every little thing here and throw it all down on paper, or screen. I’m typing a million miles a minute because I have so much to say, but it doesn’t seem to be coming out in any kind of order. Instead, this is my stream of consciousness, feelings and information bursting at the seams to get out. My boobs are gone. I think that comes as a shock to everyone but me. Don’t get me wrong, I was stunned the first time I saw my bare chest during a FaceTime call the day after surgery. It looked like I was in a vicious bear fight where I definitely lost. Maybe even died. My boobs aren’t even really boobs right now but more so lumpy, scary renditions of their former selves. My nipples look like they’ve been placed in either a space bag where all air has been sucked out or in a dehydrator. I really don’t know how else to describe it. I suppose I’ve also described my upper half as corpse looking, but I also believe that explanation does a disservice to my surgeons who are total rock stars through and through, so I prefer not to use that comparison as often. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I no longer have a body part that has grown with me since birth. Think about that. My boobs have literally grown with me and have seen me at my good, my bad and my ugly. We’ve quite literally had our ups and our downs as we traveled through junior high puberty, high school inferiority, college OH MY GOD WHERE DID THOSE COME FROM HELLO FRESHMEN FIFTEEN, and on to adult-life settlement. Hell, maybe it’s a good thing they’re gone! Time to start over with a clean (read: flat and scar-filled) slate. To all my 2nd base boys, it was a pleasure. I’ve only cried a couple of times: once before surgery and once after surgery. A couple of nights before April 11th, I became sentimental. The little guys that took up residency under my nose for 29 years were leaving. I was breaking up with my breasties, and I was sad. But hey, I was never fully invested in them to be honest. Those little suckers could barely fill out my Victoria Secret 34B padded bra. I was never a boob girl. I’ve got an ass that commanded control way back when my mom had to buy me elastic waistband jeans as a kid. My B(maybe even sometimes A)-cup never stood a chance. Post-surgery, I cried, and it hurt so badly I had to stop immediately. So much outpouring of emotion comes from your upper body, something I didn’t really think about until I couldn’t actually outpour any. Your chest heaves over and forward, almost collapsing on itself and WHOA. That doesn’t do a mastectomy body good. Looking back, it was actually a pretty comical realization. I started tearing up since I was feeling sorry for myself, something I’m sure every woman who has walked this path has experienced. That pity party ended soon after pain trumped sadness. Once the pain subsided, I was glad about the short circuit. Crying is a workout. Now a days, my definition of exercise consists of differentiating muscles groups between upper and mid-body. To sit up, I have to mentally prepare my abs to work while telling my pectoral muscles to chill the F out, or else. I think everyone tends to flex both of those groups when getting out of bed. Well no sir, not today, not for me. If my magical mind control fails, it feels like my upper half detaches from my body and BLAH that just gives me chills thinking abou tit. Ha. Tit. I’m not even going to correct that typo. It’s just too timely. The above photo shows a photo from The Last Workout. Ah. I miss them like I miss hiking in Patagonia, sweating my ass off in the humidity of Southeast Asia and even freezing balls in Canada during ungodly hours of the night while shooting the Northern Lights. Moving, fast-faced, go-go-go. I like that stuff. My Twitter bio used to read “Everything all the time.” I felt that it described me pretty well. I replaced it a couple of days ago with “BRCA Previvor.” I feel like that fits me better right now. A year ago, everything was different. I was rock climbing up the side of a mountain to sleep in a capsule that overlooked the Sacred Valley in Peru with a man I thought I was going to marry. If you would’ve told me then that I’d be having a prophylactic double mastectomy a year later, I would’ve laughed in your face. It’s funny to see how much can change in a few hundred days.
Above photo & feature photo by University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
I think best on planes, not here at home on my kitchen counter. My creative space is 40,000 feet off the ground and lately, inside my unconsciousness. My dreams have been wild and vivid recently. I found out yesterday that my first trip post-surgery would be to Europe. My dreams last night consisted of me frantically packing a bag and being late leaving for the airport (ok, that’s actually not far from reality). In my dream, I repacked in a carry-on because I was already under the airline time limit to check a bag. I was more stressed out than ever, wishing and hoping and thinking and praying I’d make it to the airport on time. As my taxi arrived to the terminal, I woke up. I have no idea if I made it to Europe or not in my dreams. As a psych major, I’m dying to know what this dream means about my current reality. Maybe it means I’m stressed. Perhaps I have an itch to travel. Both are probably true. The hardest part about this experience is not pain control or grieving a body part. It’s learning peace in stillness. I’ve been inside these same four walls for over a week now, a rarity for me. My new uniform consists of pajamas. My hair resembles a rat’s nest on most days because I can’t lift my arms high enough to do anything to it. My poor legs are starting to feel like a forest because I have been instructed to abstain from baths, and apart from very quick rinses since surgery day, proper showers are few and far between. Bottom line: hygiene is hard and staying in one place is a learning process. I think back to March of 2014 when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I got the call one night when I was living abroad in Argentina. It was my dad on the phone who said it first. “Your mom has breast cancer,” was what I heard and immediate fear and tears were what I felt. You never want to hear “mom” and “cancer” in the same sentence. Just three weeks later, she had her double mastectomy on March 31st, 2014. She has always shown me how to go through life with grace, making sure it was always chock full of fun and laughter. It’s no surprise, then, that she’d be my role model as I go through this journey almost three years to the day after her, hopefully exuding her same grace and positivity. She’s been my rock since Day 1, and now, many of my readers have followed in that role. I’m blown away at how open women are today when sharing their stories with me on Instagram, through email, in DMs and other platforms. It drew me to tears a few days ago as I scrolled and scrolled through the most positive, inspiring comments. After watching horrifying news clip after horrifying news clip in today’s world, this entire experience has restored my faith in how beautiful humanity really is. Thank you for loving me the way you do. Girl power to all.

Further reading:

13 Things to Know Before Undergoing a Double Mastectomy
Lifting up the Ladies: Breast Implants After My Double Mastectomy
My Double Mastectomy Surgery in 24 Photos
Mastectomy Care Package Ideas
Gift Ideas for Breast Cancer Patients, Previvors and Breasties
Healing from Surgery with Embrace Scar Therapy
The September Issue: Saying Hell Yes to Genetic Testing & Hell No to Cancer
The Best Double Mastectomy Bras to Wear After Surgery
How to Throw a Ta-Ta to the Tatas Party
Living My Breast Life: Boob FAQ’s
Happy Birthday Foobs! Life A Year Late

A Welsh Bucket List: What to do in Wales, U.K.

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Location: Southwestern shores of the UK

Official language: Welsh, English

Currency: British Pound

Population: 3 million

Climate: Moderate yet unpredictable

Capital: Cardiff

I’m just going to be frank. There’s no reason for Wales to be overshadowed by its northerly and westerly neighbors. Sure, Scotland has the kilts and Ireland has the luck of the Irish, but Wales can claim Welch actor Iwan Rheon (yes I am mildly obsessed with Game of Thrones) and cakes and flowers which translates to all things good in the world.

Getting There 

-2 hours by train from London (or 3 hrs by car). With that being said, Wales is the perfect add-on to London for some countryside vibes.

-1 hour by car from Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol and Birmingham

-Cardiff airport has direct flights from all over Europe

-Ferry from Ireland

Easy enough, right? Right. I opted for flying into Manchester and having a car drive me an hour to Castle Hotel in Conwy of North Wales.

 

Castles

Let’s just get to the good stuff first: Castles. I don’t know about you, but I like a good Castle. I don’t even know why I keep capitalizing them as if they are deserving of such proper noun status. Maybe in my book they are. Take that, APA.

Here’s a knowledge bomb. Did you know that to be deemed a Castle and a fort, they must be military affiliated, and Castles must also be able to host royalty? Here another: If you wanted to visit a different Castle every day for a year in Wales, you could make that dream come true. Seeing as how there are 641 total Castles here, you could could go far beyond a year. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country. I know, I know…so much intelligence handed to you today. You’re very welcome.

My favorites can be seen below in a Castle roll call:

Conwy Castle: I woke up to a view of this Castle during my first full day in Wales. Seeing as this particular Castle would be taking my Castle virginity, I immediately went out to explore. Turns out, Conwy Castle has been impressively preserved since its completion in 1289. Arguably its most spectacular aspect is its wall that surrounds the entire city of Conwy, stretching 3/4 of a mile.

Photo by Kirsten Alana

Caernarfon Castle: Sorry I’m not sorry for bringing up GOT again. This Castle is grand, but most importantly, its got dragons. All hail Khaleesi. There’s even a ‘Game of Crowns’ exhibition on the ground floor. It’s also the most expensive Castle ever built by a King of England. Pro tip: Find the Eagle Tower that gives off the best views of the Castle and city. Edward I began building Caernarfon in 1283 and chose Eagle tower this tower to live in – hence why it’s the biggest with three turrets!

Dolbadarn Castle: Welcome to my favorite Castle! After walking through enchanting green moss for a few minutes, I was put in a Hansel and Gretel state of euphoria (a fairy tale with deception, hunger and abandonment undertones, however, the setting is beautiful!).

The path continued on until Dolbadarn materialized right in front of us in all its glory. I’m awed by its simplicity on the outside, but inside the tower encloses a complex series of chambers and three stories. Edward I’s army captured the Castle in 1283, shortly thereafter shifting his attention to constructing his own Castle: Caernarfon.

Cardiff Castle: If there was a trophy for most elaborate and gaudy Castle interiors out there, this Gothic fantasy palace takes home the cake. If you’re into gold ceilings, murals and wood carvings, this could have been all yours way back when.

National Parks

On to my next favorite subject: National Parks. I like a good park because that usually means wide open spaces and a good photo opp. Nature is cool, and we were lucky enough to visit 2 out of the 3 National Parks in Wales.

Snowdonia National Park: With 840 square miles, there’s loads to see here. The most popular and highest mountain is Snowdon, hiked by about half a million people each year. Just try and make it on a pretty day, which will be somewhat difficult seeing as how it gets a fair share of rain and then some. During my day here, it was stunning. I have a knack for timing, what can I say?

Brecon Beacons National Park: Coming in at 520 square miles, the park is smaller than Snowdonia but packs in just as many adventure and photo opps. Think hiking, mountain biking, horse back riding and cave exploring. I’M IN. The countryside in and around this park is stunning on a pretty day when the sheep (which outnumber people here) come out to play.

Hotels

Although I’m quite perturbed about not sleeping inside a Castle (like super perturbed), Wales does have some cozy inns, country houses, and hotels to rest your sleepy head after a day of feasting your eyes on Castle porn.

Castle Hotel: This Conwy hotel screams English Inn if I’ve ever seen one from its quaint vibes to its squeaky floorboards. The beds are comfy, but make sure to download a noise maker app on your smart phone if you don’t feel like being able to trace the guest’s footsteps above you.

Portmeirion: Not all hotels are created equal and WHOA. This ain’t your average hotel on the outskirts of Snowdonia National Park. More of a fantasy village, Portmeirion was the colorful idea of Clough Williams-Ellis back in 1926. George Harrison and Frank Lloyd Wright used to stay here. Guests can buy a day pass or take a tour here to adventure around the grounds.

Palé Hall: Dear Palé, ily. I ventured an hour and a half out of my way in order to eat lunch inside this establishment. That’s some dedication. The entire food & beverage program is overseen and advised by renowned Chef Michael Caines while food is prepared by Head Chef Gareth Stevenson. They are a team of food gods who knock it out of the park.

I also toured Palé’s rooms and grounds, and you Downton Abbey fans should make a visit. The Small Luxury Hotels member is complete with the boards from the show used to call the servants. Chelsea Handler stayed here the day after I left and probably relished in the bathtub pictured below – one of the finer ones I’ve ever laid eyes on!

Cuisine

-Rarebit: A cheese and bread mixture that is h e a v e n. 

-Welsh cakes: My first morsel of food in Wales was a Welsh cake, and it set a great tone for the remainder of the trip. I bought an entire pack before leaving. Enough said.

-Penderyn Whiskey: I typically reserve whiskey for Georgia game day, however, Penderyn made its way down my throat and into my belly on a non-game day, and I was glad about that.

-More specialities include mushy peas (it’s an English thing), mussels, and the good ole’ staple of fish n’ chips.

–Skirrid Mountain Inn – This is the oldest pub in Wales dating back to almost 1,000 years, and some will say it’s the oldest in the world. While you can book a room here, I wouldn’t. I ordered chicken fingers and got the hell out of there after feeling spooked the entire meal.

Final Thoughts

-My road trip through Wales was jam packed with many sights, Castles, lodging options and eateries that would have been hard to keep straight if it weren’t for my iPhone Notes app. I definitely scratched deep into the surface here but like anywhere else, I could never say I fully know it. My wish list for next time includes Pembrokshire (swoon), Swansea, and hiking Snowdon Mountain.

-Welch is a tough language. Like, really tough.

-To be called the United Kingdom, there’s not much unity involved. England has something to say about Wales who has something to say about Scotland who has something to say about Northern Ireland. Even within Wales, people have a deep opinions on the north vs. the south. But then again, perhaps the same could be said about the United States.

-The power of social media continues to amaze me. I posted the below photo on my Instagram account with caption “I shall own the yellow one.”

The following day, I received a message that said, “Hi Lesley. The yellow house in Llanfairfechan is my family home. I live in Croydon presently, however the house is still my father’s. My sister and I will inherit the house one day (hopefully never of course). Perhaps I can put you down for first refusal? :)”

I was in shock. Out of all the people in the world, the man who grew up in the yellow house read my Instagram post. What are the odds?! He then went on to say how his dad was the first to paint his house a different color. They were all white and black or grey. All the neighbors hated it for the first year until one neighbor broke down and painted his blue. A pink house came next, and so on. I love a good trendsetter! Way to go, Mr. Yellow House.

-2017 is the Year of Legends in Wales. Not surprisingly for a culture stretching back to the Celtic Iron Age, Wales is rich in myths and legends full of lake monsters and red dragons. If you ever want more info on Wales, Visit Wales knows its stuff.

Photo by Kirsten Alana

The Best Travel Shoes for All Weather Types

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A good travel shoe is like a good travel buddy: they’re hard to find but when you spot a good one, you hold on to them for dear life. Here are my current favorites for all weather types!

Converse Slip-Ons – These Shoreline Sneaker slip-ons are my everything right now and probably forever. When the Oyster Gray color fades into darkness, I’ll just have to buy another sparkly pair. No shoestrings to tie, no problems.

Eileen Fisher Platforms – Whoa. Whoa. WHOA. Everyone needs to put these babies on hold and hide yo kids, hide yo husband, because you need to go buy these today. They are neck and neck with Converse as my favorite shoes of the moment and are perfect for a romp around the globe this spring/summer.

Printed Vans – Because who the hell doesn’t love a Disney Princess design?! HUH? Vans has sold some crazy fun prints in their day including pizzas and donuts, just to name a few. Here are some really cool ice cream kicks that’ll get your sweet tooth talking.

Teva Float Sandals – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used these Tevas on trips when I didn’t think I ever would. I’ve thrown them in my suitcase last minute because they weight like .5 pounds, and I’ve been glad each and every time.

Steve Madden Flats – These classics are fashionable and functional, and you really can’t beat that.

Nike Frees – Do I even need to sell these? They are as popular as Trump’s hate tweets. You’ll see ‘em daily.

Cougar Winter Boots – These shoes just make me wanna say rarrrrr. I don’t know. There’s something about them that I just love. Maybe it’s the waterproof feature. Maybe it’s the mountain woman vibes I get when looking in the mirror. Whatever it is, it’s pure magic.

Sorel Wedge Boots – So you want to be sexy but you don’t want to wear heels. Same. Been there, like every day. Sorel to the rescue! These wedged boots are much cuter on than off. I passed by them in a store a few weeks ago when a (really great) saleswoman talked me into trying them. Off to the register they went.

Faux Fur Trim Duck Boots – Tory Burch is my girl. She gets it right pretty much all the time. These boots and I go way back, and because they are so durable and functional, they’ve stood the test of time. They are now sold out, but here are some similar fur trim duck boots I also love.

Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots – I have a massive love affair with my Merrells. They’ve hiked Patagonia peaks with me, they’ve seen five straight days of Peruvian mountains, and never once have they failed me. Even that one time when I fell into a river in Argentina. I genuinely hope they live forever.

Stuart Weitzman 5050 Over-The-Knee Boots – When you gotta dress up and can forgo a heel, these feisty babies will turn heads. Many, many heads. Over-the-knee boots just do that, and Stuart Weitzman can stop an entire room.

From Takeoff to Touchdown with United Polaris

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A new business class flight + a celebratory stuffed polar bear? United had me at 11A. Scratch that. United had me way before I stepped foot on that plane. The love affair commenced when I walked into the United Polaris lounge in Chicago O’Hare. Forget overcrowded gates. Forget bad airport food. United Polaris is like a beacon amid airport chaos.

The Concept

What’s in a name? For United’s business class service, the name tells a traveler’s story from years past. The new United Polaris class was named for the North Star, the bright point in the sky that travelers have relied on as a consistent guide. Now, frequent flyers can look to United Polaris for that same dependence as they relax and rest in pure comfort.

United Polaris Lounge

Hours: 7:15am until 9:00pm seven days a week

Location: Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 1, near gate C18

Accessibility: Business and first-class passengers flying United Polaris or business or first class on Star Alliance partners

Other United Polaris Lounges: 9 are set to open worldwide including Houston, Newark, San Francisco, Dulles, LA, Hong Kong, London and Tokyo.

Art

It’ll be the first thing you’ll notice upon walking into the foyer – lights, lights and more lights. The intricate art installation by Wolfgang Buttress was designed to mimic Chicago’s night sky. The same will be done for every United Polaris lounge (and thus, their night sky) to follow. You’ll notice twinkling lights as you head towards the shower suites as well. It’s all in the details here at United Polaris.

 

Relaxation

The incorporation of four day beds was a stand-out feature for the United Polaris lounge. Each pod has its own chaise lounge, white noise maker, comfy bedding and sleep accessories like eye mask, ear plugs and other amenities. The relaxation continues into the shower suites equipped with soft towels and heated floors. Ahhhhhhh.

 

Drink

What’s not to love about craft beer, curated wines and specialty cocktails? If you’re a whisky drinker, take down the signature drink, The Paper Plane. YUM. The bar also offers beers by the bottle and on tap, a large variety of wines and spirits.

 

Food

Small plates are on offer in abundant variety, leaving travelers satisfied without being stuffed with options such as bagels, muffins, fruits, eggs, fresh salads, flavorful meatballs, and loads more. Restaurant-style dining is available in the lounge as well!

More: Wifi (lightning fast), washing machine (I’m serious), space and exclusivity (try the pods), Concierge Services (le sigh).

The Triple Seven

After only two hours inside any travelers heaven, it was time to board the flight. As I made my way to 11A, I was ecstatic that this would be ‘home’ for the next 4 1/2 hours as I traveled from Chicago to San Francisco.

Amenities

Awaiting my arrival 11A in was my United Polaris bear, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, slippers and a travel
blogger’s best friend: wifi and power outlets. Before takeoff, I was handed an amenity kit that resembled something like a binder it was so thorough. The Sleep section included a contoured eye mask and ear plugs. Relax had Soho House’s Cowshed Spa products like a chamomile towelette, hand cream, lip balm and lavender pillow mist. YAS. Aromatherapy for the win. The Rest section had socks and facial tissues while Refresh came in with a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hand sanitizer and peppermints. Who needs a fully functioning hotel when you have United Polaris at your fingertips?

One of my favorite bits about the kit was the little card inside stating that United has partnered with Clean the World to recycle unused portions of the amenity kits. I took mine home in its entirety because I wanted to be able to tell you about it, but frequent travelers who are gifted one of these on weekly flights may not have a need for them.

Cuisine

I’ve never been graced with such high quality food onboard a plane than when I flew with United Polaris. I chose the wine flight (hand-picked by Sommelier Doug Frost) with spinach salad, chicken soup and apple pie, but let me lay out this delectable menu for your salivating pleasure:

Starters

  • Chilled appetizer
  • Spinach salad

Entreés

  • Braised short rib
  • Seared turbot
  • Asian fusion chicken soup
  • Portobello mushroom and caramelized onion ravioli
  • Seasonal salad with grilled chicken

Desserts

  • International cheese assortment
  • Signature sundae
  • Mini apple pie
  • Salted caramel bar

Cold Bites

  • Fresh seasonal fruit
  • Sweet and salty snacks
  • Assorted sandwiches

Hot Bites

  • Lobster mac and cheese
  • Tomato basil soup with aged cheddar grilled cheese
  • Noodle soup
  • illy Coffee (!)

Dear Chef Gerry, thank you for concocting the most delicious meal I’ve ever devoured on a plane. Your Asian Fusion Chicken Soup with coconut ginger broth and udon noodles made my tastebuds and stomach very happy. I already told you this, but I thought you should hear it again.

Sleep

With a 180 degree recline (which translates to lay-flat beds), a Do Not Disturb decal and a relaxation channel with noise reducing headphones, you may confuse your place of rest with an actual hotel. Some may even argue that living aboard this 777-300ER is even better than a hotel with friendly quick service, beautiful and spacious bathrooms and the best part: time travel (gotta love more hours in a day when going from east to west). Sleep came easier, too, with Captain Ellis, Captain Schroeder and Captain Peterson all totaling a combined 54,000 hours of flying and 88 years of experience! So much expertise was in the cockpit of this plane.

 

Many thanks to United, the Captains and the crew for getting us from Chicago to SF safe and sound! Looking forward to my next United Polaris flight!

13 Beauty Products I Love Right Now

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1. Different strokes

I tend to think of my eye shadow set as my artsy color palette. My face, after all, is the blank canvas and right now I’m loving NARSissist eyeshadow palette (plus blush, contour and lip palette shown below).

2. Face paint

Oh liquid foundation, how I love thee. Skin Foundation (with SPF) by Bobbi Brown is some serious liquid gold. It’s like using the airbrush filter on Snapchat, getting a good night’s sleep and feeling like you just came out of the womb with so much baby soft skin, you don’t know what to do with yourself.

3. Nightly spritzer

For some curl hold, I love Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode. It embodies that perfect balance between holding the curls and still leaving the hair soft with a silky finish. None of that crunchy texture we all know and hate.

 

Stylestalker hart cropped sweater in white charcoal

4. Foreign finds

You can find coconut oil anywhere these days from the grocery store to a coffee farm in Bali. It does wonders for your skin and is rumored to slow aging and aid in protection against Alzheimer’s Disease. Disclaimer: usage of said oil will undoubtedly make you crave the tropics. Speaking of tropics, my most recent Maui gem was bought at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua while on the island, but again, tanning oil (with SPF!) can be found at just about any drug store near you.

Stylestalker hart cropped sweater in white charcoal

5. Spoiled rotten

Sometimes, you deserve to be pampered. I tend to try and do that nightly (don’t judge) in the bath with Laura Mercier’s creme brulee honey bath. Every time I pour this insanely good smelling liquid, my bath time is taken up a few notches.

6. Just breathe

What is it about essential oils that’s making them fall off the shelves? I fell right into the trend and bought Young Living‘s set of 10 that takes me on a sensual journey every time I open the box. Each oil comes with its own unique therapeutic benefit from aiding in stress disorders to indigestion.

7. Silky Smooth

This is my favorite thing to streak through my damp hair before putting it under the blow dryer. Matrix’s Biolage Exquisite Oil takes away that fried feeling and leaves your hair with a silky smooth finish. Did I just sound like a Pantene commercial? I think the answer is yes.

8. Pump it up

Spring, summer, winter, fall, give me all the lotion, give me it ALL. Whether you’re applying moisturizer from a day in the hot sun or trying to liven up dry skin from the winer chill, soy lotion from Archipelago Botanicals does a body good.

9. Skin, Hair, Nail 3some

This may just be the best invention of all time. If there’s ever ONE beauty product to replace THREE separate beauty products, fill me in because consolidation isn’t a bad thing. Skin, Hair & Nails Oil from dermae is everything (along with their masks, night creams, cleansers and serums), but if you’re looking for a drugstore version, check out the Biotin pills below.

10. Lash Blast

Let’s be honest. If you don’t have a friend or know of a friend of a friend who is selling or has sold Rodan + Fields, there’s a good chance you’re living under a rock. I love a variety of their products, but this lash boost is everything my face needs to feel good about itself (that I need to feel good about myself*).

11. Pucker up

Lipsense, you just get me. You stay on my lips all day long, and it’s a wonder how you accomplish that. But seriously, this product is amazing with its longevity and variety of colors. If you’re looking for a good drugstore alternative, L’Oreal’s Infallible Pro-Matte gloss does a lip good.

12. You’re never fully dressed without a smile

There’s a little Orphan Annie to brighten your day. If you’ve had a bit too much coffee lately or age is just doing a number on your pearly whites, Sheer White teeth whitening strips will freshen that smile up in no time (probably in about 5 days actually). Pro tip: each box comes with 10 strips total (5 upper and 5 lower), but I cut my strips in half to double the amount since I’m pretty sure the back of my teeth won’t mind being less white than the front.

13. On the road, again

Sure, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but looking put-together on the outside is important, too. This On The Road toiletry bag from Wild and Wolf Cartography gets me out of bed in the morning because it’s that adorable.

A Quick Guide to Puerto Rico

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Official Language: Spanish and English, although Spanish is the primary language

Currency: US Dollar

Population: 3.5 million

Weather: A comfortable 82 degree average temp year-round

Affiliation: Territory of the U.S., Puerto Ricans are natural-born U.S. citizens

Relationship Status w/ U.S.: It’s complicated. Many people tend to think of Puerto Rico as a college kid – kind of independent, kinda not. Puerto Rico is a territory, meaning it’s not part of any state. Many Puerto Ricans favor statehood (61% actually, according to their latest vote) because the alternative (moving towards independence) may or may not be a failure – Puerto Rico’s economy is fragile at the moment. However, some think that becoming a state would result in a loss of Puerto Rican culture, even though some fear it’s already declining. Still, others are tired of existing as American citizens denied their citizenship rights – Puerto Ricans can’t cast a vote for President and yet are U.S. citizens.

Beaches

Even with its small size, Puerto Rico consists of a whopping 1,125 beaches all with a unique latino touch. The below suggestions consist of less-touristy beaches full of the essence and culture of Puerto Rico.

Poza de Las Mujeres, Manatí

Located in the northwest region of the island (about 40 minutes from the city), you’ll have to get all Steve Erwin, get out your machete and walk a couple of minutes through some vegetation to reach the beach. I’m being dramatic. There’s a path through said vegetation and it’s not treacherous at all. Locals love this beach for surfing and natural pools along the coast. Saturdays and Sundays bring the crowds so parking may be difficult since the access point is through a neighborhood. There are no restaurants within the beach area, so bring food/drinks and clean up afterwards!

Flamenco Beach, Culebra

Considered one of the Top 10 best beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach is exactly what you see when googling beach getaways. To arrive, choose one of three options: Ferry, flight through AirFlamenco or a friend with a boat. Never underestimate a friend with a boat. The Ferry takes about 2:30hrs one-way, so I suggest an early departure. Taking a flight is definitely the most convenient option since it takes 40 minutes from San Juan or 12 minutes from Ceiba. Snorkel or take a walk down the beach to witness two abandoned WWII Tanks (more history, yay!) Unlike Manatí, Flamenco provides snacks and beverages. Just remember: no glass bottles on the beach.

Culebrita, Culebra

Locals say this is the best beach in all of Puerto Rico. I haven’t visited all 1,125, but Culebrita is paradise in my book. After arriving to the airport to depart for Culebra (main land of the immediate area) at 6am dazed and confused, I left my ID at the security counter. A few minutes later, a couple of men walked through the gate asking if anyone was from Arkansas while waving my ID in the air. As you can imagine, I was the only one in the terminal from Ark, so I thanked them kindly for finding my ID and we got to talking. They were Puertorrican and the sweetest humans ever. After a quick flight and breakfast together, they invited us to Culebrita on their beautiful boat and the remainder of the day was heaven spent with locals while getting to know this stunning area in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, this is the only way to reach the remote island. Again, find a friend with a boat!

Crash Boat, Aguadilla

This is one of the most popular beaches on the west side of Puerto Rico. An abandoned pier used during WWII is the highlight here as it occupies the site of a former military port used to rescue downed air crews. Wahoo! Isn’t history fun? Well, the real fun begins by jumping off the pier into the clear Caribbean waters.

Vieques Island

For 60 years, the US Navy took control over this island, hindering its tourism development. Today, this has been one of the main reasons why it’s such an untouched paradise. Lack of development means unspoiled and free of much commercial growth. Its claim to fame is the Bioluminescent Bay, considered to be the best example of a bio bay in the U.S.

Rivers

Charco Frío-Río Las Tinajas, Fajardo

Known for its peculiar natural water slides, this river will turn you into a 7-year-old once again. From rope swings to high cliffs to crystal clear waters, the only necessity that remains is a cold beverage. Pack some for sure.

Gozalandia, San Sebastián

A favorite rivers for locals, Gozalandia boasts a 60ft waterfall with small caves that can be utilized to jump from and into said waterfall. It also has an underwater cave to the right side where you can dive in and explore. If any rain storms are in the forecast, please be conscious of river floods and return another day. This can be said for all Puerto Rican rivers!

Río Tanama, Utuado

Calling all extreme adventurers! From cave tubing to rafting to underground rivers to rappelling, Río Tanama is an adult playground. A tour guide is recommended.

Mountains/Hikes

Pico Rodadero, Yauco

Charge your phone because you don’t wanna miss this photo opp. At 2,864ft above sea level, the entire southwest coast of the island unfolds before its visitors. Pro tip: Keep driving on Road 375 since the GPS will try to alter your route. Even with a local, this was a tough find but so.freaking.worthwhile. Sunsets here are everything.

Árbol Solitario, Cayey

After a 10 minute highway walk (sorry, dad), we finally reached the beginning of the hike. Unfortunately, visitors can’t park by the entrance of the hike (only an emergency ramp exists) so parking by El Monumento del Jibaro”= is necessary. After the highway walk, the moderate hike takes about 35 minutes. Bring water and snacks since you’ll want to spend some time at the top. The view is stunning and the tree swing makes for an insane photo opp.

Cueva Ventana (Window Cave) hike

Sitting on top of a limestone cliff, the window cave looks just like its name implies: a window from a cave looking out to the valley below. Puerto Rican residents pay $10 and non-residents pay $19 to take a guided tour beneath ground level to experience a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley of the Rio Grande de Arecibo.

Encore

El Yunque Rainforest

The 29,000 acre rainforest is a must-see while in Puerto Rico with waterfalls, outlooks and green peaks surrounding you.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

The historic 16-century fort was built to protect the entrance to San Juan Bay and defend the Spanish colonial port city of San Juan from sea enemies. It sees over 2 million visitors per year, making it Puerto Rico’s main attraction with ocean views and a manicured green lawn that hosts kite flyers, picnics and concerts.

Ashtanga Yoga Puerto Rico

My private yoga class with Laly from Ashtanga Yoga was on the beach during sunrise…and you really can’t beat that. It’s like natural hot yoga, no heaters necessary.

Surf in Rincon

Surfs up, brah. If you surf, surf at Domes Beach or Steps Beach (Tres Palmas to locals).

Set Sail with East Island Excursions

I took an Old San Juan Harbour tour during sunset and errrmerrrgerddd was it special. These boats go all around Puerto Rico for snorkeling excursions as well.

Meander around Old San Juan

Shop til you drop, drink til you’re drunk, eat til you’re stuffed, people watch until you’re cross-eyed. Old San Juan is the historic center of Puerto Rico. The 8×10 block district boasts colorful buildings and cobble-stone streets that are full of action day or night.

My picks

Hotels: Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach Reserve; Condado Vanderbilt; El Convento; La Concha

Restaurants: Marmalade, Grappa, Pirilo, and La Madre

Bars: La Factoria, Greengo, Mala Vida

Specialties: mofongo (mashed plantains with spices, chicharrón and optional fillings like shrimp, skirt steak, mahi mahi, chicken or fried pork), alcapurria (filled fritters made of yautia, plantains and ground meat), arroz con gandules (rice and peas, pork, chorizo, red peppers and olives), tostones (fried plantains)

Photo by Misshattan

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