What you ACTUALLY need this Holiday Season

This morning I turned on the TV to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade like I've done almost every year.  I won't explain my frustration for all the Black Friday adverts or holiday hysteria that seems to drown out what should be the sentiment of today... because sadly it's not anything we're not used to at this point.  Consumerism has been creeping up on Thanksgiving for years now, and we’ve all kind of become numb to it.

But what really has been bumming me out isn't just that Thanksgiving is being robbed, it's the obsession with materialism as a whole. At the risk of sounding self-righteous, I’ve experienced somewhat of a personal transformation in the last couple of years. Perhaps living out of a suitcase made me pause to reconsider how very little we actually need to survive, but I just can’t help but think that it’s not really worth the time or money or stress we put ourselves through every single year to buy things like candles or lipstick.

Don’t get me wrong— I think gifts can be a great way to show thoughtfulness to someone you love. And burning a great candle or getting a new lipstick are hardly sins- so by all means, enjoy them! But buying someone something they don’t really need (or sometimes, even really want) simply out of obligation I think is missing the point. And at the end of the day, I think we could all benefit from pausing before purchasing and asking “Do I actually need this?"

So as we're all tempted by the sales happening this weekend (there are some really great ones) I'd just encourage you to be a bit more mindful about what you and the people you love actually need this year rather than buying stuff just because it's a good price. Need some inspiration for smarter shopping? These are some items I genuinely believe are wise purchases that everyone needs (even when you're living out of a suitcase and can only carry the absolute essentials). 

A WARM COAT

Okay, maybe not if you live in a sub-tropic climate… but for most of us at some point every year we need a proper coat to keep us warm in frigid temperatures. You can’t go wrong with a classic black down coat- and it doesn’t have to be expensive either. I’ve had my Michael Kors one like this (which is currently on sale) for over 4 years now and I still wear it almost every day in the winter- whether I’m dressed up or in gym clothes. 

Michael Kors Coat

These picks are from NORDSTROM, which currently has an extra 20% OFF selected sale items, FREE shipping + FREE returns from 11/24 – 11/2. 

These are some other good, classic coat options from J CREW that are 40% OFF now until 11/26.

GOOD TRAINERS

Whether you work out often or not, we all need a good pair of trainers for days that we're on the go or walking a long distance (or if you just want to go easy on your feet). I lived in these Nike Lunar Apparent Women's Running Shoes (which are currently on sale) this year- whether running on the treadmill or walking around London or anywhere else in the world. I suggest the black + white because they give a neutral look you can wear not just with athleisure, but any casual outfit really. 

Now at NIKE: Take an extra 25% off sales from 11/21 – 11/28

A JOURNAL

This may seem like it falls in the category of “fluff” or something we don’t really need… but I’d argue a journal is one of the best ways we can practice mindfulness. I never travel anywhere without mine- and I actually carry a few of them. One for prayer + practicing gratitude. One for recording memories and the names of places I visit when I travel so I don’t ever forget those precious details. And a third for jotting down work notes, to-do lists and general organization. Gifting someone a journal when they’re about to go on a big trip or if they’re going through a difficult season may be the sweetest thing you can give them. Write a note on the front cover that shares your intention or what your hope for them to get out of it is. 

I could keep going, but there are lots of other needs that are really just going to vary according to each individual person. For me, I genuinely need really great luggage and travel accessories for how often I'm on the go (see below). For someone who hosts lots of dinner parties, they'd need quality dishes and kitchen gear. My point is just that we don't all need everything.  

 

If you have some other specific items you may need, here are some sales to be aware of while you search:

J CREW | 40% OFF EVERYTHING

DATE: 11/21 – 11/26

MADEWELL | 25% OFF EVERYTHING

DATE: 11/21 – 11/26

NORDSTROM // Cyber Monday at NORDSTROM! Extra 20% OFF selected sale items. FREE shipping. FREE returns.

DATE: 11/24 – 11/2

ANN TAYLOR // 50% Off Everything with code: THANKFUL.

DATE: 11/22 – 11/24

ASOS // Black Friday Weekend- 30% off Everything

DATE: 11/22 – 11/28

CODE: EPIC30

NIKE //Take an extra 25% off sales

DATE: 11/21 – 11/28

REVOLVE //Take up to 50% off sale styles

DATE: starting 11/23

SHOPBOP // Get 20% off orders of $200 + .25% off orders of $500+ and 30% off orders of $800 or more with code MORE17 at Shopbop

DATE: 11/21 – 11/26

TOPSHOP //Save up to 50% off + Free Worldwide Shipping

DATE: 11/22 – 11/27

OTHER RETAILERS YOU MAY SHOP FROM:

WALMART

TARGET

MACY'S

SEPHORA

ANTHROPOLOGIE 

While I've shared some material things you may need and some places you can shop for great deals right now, what I really want to encourage is that you get creative and find ways to share more experiences with the people you love this holiday season. I personally have found experiences with my people to be the most valuable things in my life. They beat out the nicest material things I've ever owned and can never be taken away from me. 

I won't tell you what you should value because I certainly don't expect everyone to love travel the way that I do. But maybe just focus in on your "thing" instead of trying to do all the other things too. If you and our friends love music, prioritize gifting concert tickets. If it's being at home, consider hosting a holiday dinner party for the people you love. Do the people you love go crazy for a good meal? Take them to an epic restaurant or sign up for cooking classes together. 

Whatever it is, think about the ways you can experience the sweetness life has to offer, not just the stuff. Sure, it sounds cliché, but life really is about the memories you make with the people you love. So pause and consider what memories you want to make and with who-- then focus on that this season. 

What experiences are you thankful for and how do you plan to incorporate them into your holiday season?

I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving filled with good food, time with family and countless reasons to be thankful!

xx

Whitney

How to maintain self-care while traveling

Whether you travel often for business, sneak away for a holiday as often as possible or are a full-blown nomad who is just always on the go-- we can all agree it feels nearly impossible to maintain self-care while traveling. Routines go out the window, options become more limited and we're often tempted with experiences or choices that are a lot more sexy than "the right thing to do" (I'm sorry, but I will never order fruit for breakfast in Paris when I could have a buttery croissant instead). 

But as my travel increased to over 300 days the past year, I quickly realized I couldn't live in a perpetual state of #vacationmode. And even when I did want to let myself cheat a little, I knew there were still things I could do to take better care of myself- even when I do order that croissant (or 2). 

So regardless of what traveling looks like for you, here are a few easy ways I've managed to maintain self-care while on-the-go. 

1. FIND FITNESS STUDIOS WITH MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

There are a few studios I've grown particularly fond of because they have so many locations across the country (among other reasons). Whether I've been living in Nashville or Chicago- or just visiting another other major city, it's been so nice to have a package of classes I can use anywhere. Something about already knowing "the drill" makes it feel less complicated to show up and sweat - even if you're in an entirely new city. A couple of my favorites studio chains include: 

FLYWHEEL SPORTS

NIKE TRAINERS: NORDSTROM | SUNGLASSES: DIFF EYEWEAR | CARRY-ALL BAG: CUYANA

Flywheel is seriously such a great workout (I'm always absolutely disgusting after every class). While lots of spin studios have awesome playlists and feel like a dance party (which this absolutely does) what makes Flywheel so unique is the on-bike tech packs that let you view and adjust your effort in class. You can also choose to share your real-time performance with other riders on the in-stadium TorqBoards (which adds a fun competitive element). And after class, your personal stats are stored on their website so you can see how many calories you burned, your distance or any other information (here's a screen grab from my class yesterday to give you an idea). 

Flywheel has studios in roughly 20 cities, your shoes are always included, and select studios also offer barre classes if you like to mix up your style of work out. 

 

If you're new to Flywheel, you can get your first class free on me! Just use the code FLYBLONDEATLAS at checkout. 

COREPOWER YOGA

Yoga is definitely my workout of choice, and I've been a long time fan of CorePower. I started going when I was working in Boulder and it quickly became my daily workout. With studios in over 35 cities (and multiple locations in many of each), I've now been to countless CorePower classes all over the country. No matter if I've been in Boulder, Denver, LA, Nashville, Chicago, Scottsdale-- wherever, I know I can count on a solid yoga class. In addition to traditional hot or flow classes, they also offer a yoga sculpt class (my absolute favorite) which is unique in that you use weights during your flow to add a sculpting and toning element Consider yourself warned: it will burn so good. I can feel a noticeable difference when I go to CorePower consistently - no matter which studio it is. 

I can almost guarantee that if you travel frequently, there's bound to be a CorePower somewhere near you. If you've never been before, you can get your first week for free HERE! 

 

 

2. BRING THE RIGHT SUPPLEMENTS ALONG

With travel schedules already throwing off so much of our routines, I'd argue it's not the time to stop taking your supplements. In fact, if you aren't taking any already, I'd argue it's the perfect time to start taking them.  A strategic supplement routine can give your body some normalcy even if nothing about your day to day life follows a routine. I've recently discovered 2 different supplements that I won't ever travel without now: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides and my Care/Of Vitamins. 

VITAL PROTEINS COLLAGEN PEPTIDES

Collagen Peptides are known for all kinds of benefits: improving skin + hair, reducing joint pain, healing leaky gut, boosting metabolism + muscle mass, strengthening nails, hair and teeth, improving liver health... the list goes on.  It's basically like a tasteless protein powder in terms of consistency that you can take several different ways (although I recommend putting a scoop in your coffee every morning). 

I've noticed a significance difference in my hair and nails ever since I started taking these so I've really made a point to stick with it every day. They're typically sold in a large container (again, like a protein powder) so I would always scoop a serving into a Ziploc bag for every day I was traveling-- until I found out they sell these perfect travel-sized packages! Now I don't ever carry a bag that doesn't have a few of these guys in there. 

CARE/OF VITAMINS

I always knew I should be taking vitamins, but I wasn't too fond of my purse resembling a full functioning pharmacy. I already take a daily thyroid medication that I'm prescribed, so forgive me if I don't want to carry around bottles of fish oil and turmeric and probiotics and everything else I'm supposed to be taking to be a healthy human. Sure, I know there are pill bottles you can pack with all your various supplements, but that look me in the eyes and tell me you actually remember to do that. I can barely remember to take the vitamins when they're already in my purse...

Enter Care/of: an easier, personalized solution to your supplement needs. You can either hand select your supplements, or you can take their quiz for a recommendations of your needs based on your lifestyle. Each month, they ship you a box with thirty daily packs personalized for you. Supplements range from vitamins to minerals to herbs to probiotics and even unique specialty options. No matter what health goals you want to target, Care/of has you covered. 

GET 25% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH OF VITAMINS WITH CODE ATLAS25 AT CHECKOUT!

 

 

 

3. SIMPLIFY HEALTHY EATING

Not only is it hard to eat healthy while you're traveling, but a big struggle for me is also the lead up before and few days once you get home. Grocery shopping is such a strategy, and unless you're going to be home for a while- I'd argue it's hard to prepare really healthy meals without wasting money + ingredients. I stumbled upon Snap Kitchen here in Chicago (which they sell at Whole Foods, but they also have stand alone locations).

Founded in 2010 in Austin, TX, Snap Kitchen provides healthy, handmade meals for busy people. Snap was established on the principle that real food should be convenient and delicious, and they live for making healthy meals that people will be excited to eat. 

Snap Kitchen has dozens of locations across Austin, Dallas/ Ft. Worth, Houston, Chicago + Philadelphia (for now). You can purchase at select Whole Foods, or order via their app for delivery or in-store pick-up. If I'm being really honest, this is pretty much all I eat here in Chicago when I'm not eating out. It's so easy, healthy and reasonably priced- it just makes so much sense. 

Regardless of if Snap Kitchen is in a city near you, I'd argue there are tons of services available that offer pre-prepared healthy meals for when you're on the go (or about to be). So if you're headed on a road trip for Thanksgiving next week, think ahead about what your options will be (fast food) and consider bringing one of these along instead.  

 

4. OBSERVE SELF CARE DAYS

One of the biggest things I've had to learn to force myself to do while traveling so much is observe dedicated time for self-care. Travel means we're go-go-going all the time with early mornings and late nights trying to squeeze everything in. So whether you opt to do so during your trip or after once you're home- give yourself time to rest. Not just sleep- you need that even when you're not traveling. Use this time to unplug + listen to what you need. Shoulders killing you from carrying around bags? Get a massage. Feet have blisters from walking countless miles? Go for a pedicure. 

Recently, after back to back trips from Chicago to Santorini to Nashville to Jackson Hole and back all within a couple weeks (not to mention the changing of the seasons), my skin was dull and confused by the mix of humid + dry climates I had been in. So to treat it, I went for a self care day at Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago. 

COWSHED SPA

Knowing a lot about this brand from my time in London, (they opened their first spa in the old cowshed at Babington House, Somerset England) I was so glad to learn they have a location here in Chicago too! Their spas and products are always honest, natural and true to their British heritage (which clearly the London-lover in me gushes over). 

I always get a massage and wanted to mix things up to do something for my skin since I know Cowshed is such a great spa and would have amazing, unique treatments. I opted for The Evening Primrose Body Mask, which is a beneficial and indulgent treatment, perfect for preparing your skin for a new season. 

The treatment starts with a dry brush and body scrub, followed by the hydrating and plumping evening primrose body mask. I was cocooned in the mask while it worked its magic, and meanwhile my therapist performed a mini facial.

The dry brush used in the treatment is also sold in the spa, and it’s been flying off the shelves. Dry brushing is great for circulation, removing dead skin cells, and for stimulating the lymphatic system, making it a popular accompaniment to a detox, which is also a common practice when entering a new season.

In addition to these practices, be sure to also follow the obvious ones we all know so well: Drink plenty of water. Wash your hands. Get plenty of sleep. Okay, you get it- I'm just starting to sound like your mother now...

What are some other ways you maintain self-care while on the go? Let me know in the comment below! 

Thanks for stopping by! Until next time...

xx

Whitney

Copenhagen Travel Guide

I've dreamt of visiting Scandinavia for years and Copenhagen, the Danish capital, has always been the leader of the pack. This port city has consistently been known as one of the happiest places in the world. So naturally, my curiosity made me ask "Why?"

Even upon arriving to a cold + dreary city on what should have been (in my mind, anyway) a warm summer day in late May, I quickly learned why everyone has always raved about it. 

Copenhagen is clean, colorful, and even more beautiful than the photos. It's rich in heritage with architecture dating back to the Medieval Period-- yet at the same time, Danish design is a modern leader. From the abundance of bikers (I'd argue there are more here than even Amsterdam!) to the plethora of boats in the many harbors, Copenhagen is dripping with countless forms of idyllic charm.

We spent 3 days in this wonderful city (which felt like a good amount of time, even though we could have easily stayed longer). So if you're considering planning a trip of your own, here are a few things I think you should know about Copenhagen: 

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

GETTING AROUND:

The public transport infrastructure of Copenhagen is among the most efficient and reliable in the world, and it is still being developed and improved. But even still, I'd argue the best ways to get around are by bike or on foot. 

Immediately upon arrival, we strolled around Strøget, which is a pedestrian, car-free shopping area in Copenhagen's center. I immediately fell in love with all the pops of color to brighten up the grey skies. This was also a great area to do some shopping (although be warned, it's a bit touristy at times). Regardless of where you stroll, Copenhagen is an extremely walkable city. 

Regarding bikes, this city was made for cyclists. You’ll definitely  see more bikes than cars in the city centre. In fact, a third of Copenhageners commute to work by bicycle and it’s not unusual to see people in suits, heels and skirts effortlessly pedalling past (we even saw a girl biking while rolling her suitcase alongside her!) I highly, highly recommend biking while you're here- just be sure to observe these rules: 

• Always keep to the right. The left lane is reserved for those moving at a faster pace (which is generally true and something to keep in mind for most public spaces in Europe: tube stations, sidewalks, etc.)

• Lights on after dark. In Copenhagen it’s mandatory to have lights on your bike after dark (although if you're new, maybe just stick to day time rides!)

• Walk your bike on the sidewalk. There are certain pedestrian areas where biking is not permitted and you're required to walk your bike- so keep your eyes peeled for those signs.

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

COFFEE + CAFE CULTURE: 

Perhaps it's because of the long, dark, cold winters, but the Danes are known to consume more coffee than just about anywhere else in the world. Even with cooler temperatures, we saw people sitting outside (don't be fooled by my pictures-- we went at a time to avoid crowds!) Some of my favorite places to get coffee were Paludan Bogcafé, Café Dyrehaven ApS and my personal favorite: The Coffee Collective, which is in Torvehallerne (an amazing food hall you definitely want to visit). This cafe was called Big Apple Coffee, which was also great and is on the corner of Krystalgade and Fiolstræde. 

One thing I also noticed about Danish culture is their commitment to sitting outdoors at cafes. As I mentioned, even in cool, dreary weather you'll still see people sitting outside! They simply sit under heat lamps, wear their coats, or wrap up in blankets. Which leads me to my next point...

HYGGE

This Danish practice is one I was quick to adopt. Hygge (pronounced "hooga") essentially mean "to create a warm, cozy time." Sitting around the candlelight with your friends, cozied up in blankets and having great conversation is the ultimate definition of hygge- although, certainly not limited to that description. I'm told lots of things can by considered hygge- including types of food (usually comforting ones like porridge or baked goods). 

I'd advise popping into a cozy pub like Bankeråt, for drinks one evening. Here, we sat around candlelight and struck up conversation with some new friends we made from Croatia and Latvia-- which was a pretty great first "hygge" experience for us. 

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

NYHAVN

Originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock, Nyhavn is a must while visiting Copenhagen. Aside from colorful buildings and beautiful boats, this area is filled with people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere by the canal, jazz music and great food. 

The word København means "merchants' harbor," so naturally many of the city's most impressive buildings, are visible from the water. You can take several canal tours from here if that interests you. We opted to explore on bikes like the locals instead- although we did park them to walk along the harbor and have a drink.  

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

Christianshavn:

Another charming district worth visiting is Christianshavn, once Copenhagen's planned port. This was Copenhagen's commercial center until around 1920 when a more modern harbor was built a bit farther out. As the port's economy collapsed, it became a not-so-desireable area. But, as things typically play out, the cheap prices attracted artists + it became trendy. So now, these old warehouses are expensive condos and the area is flourishing again. Regardless of the history, it's a charming place set on the water that's a bit less crowded than Nyhavn.

One of the main attractions set in Christianshavn that's worth visiting is Our Savior's Church —which is famous for its helix spire with an external winding staircase (and you can climb to the top for impressive views of Copenhagen if it's not too windy that day). 

We also spent some time enjoying The Copenhagen Lakes, which are a row of three rectangular lakes curving around the western margin of the City Centre and forming one of the most distinctive features of the city's topography. The paths around them are filled with parents pushing strollers, bikers and runners. You'll also see lots of swans here (and in the summer months, even swan paddle boats you can rent!)

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

Some other sights you definitely need to see that I didn't get photos of include: 

TIVOLI GARDENS: This amusement park and pleasure garden opened in August of 1843 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. You won’t find many other city centres where more than 80,000 square meters have been set aside for a magical amusement park like this! Whether you visit during Christmas or in the warm summer months, this attraction has seasonal activities and celebrations year-round that are worth visiting. 

CHRISTIANIA: Christiania, otherwise known as Freetown,  is a green and car-free neighbourhood in Copenhagen, best known for its autonomous inhabitants’ different way of life. It was established in 1971 by a group of hippies who occupied some abandoned military barracks on the site and developed their own set of society rules, completely independent of the Danish government. Today, you'll find a mix of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries, music venues, cheap and organic eateries, and beautiful nature. Part of the reason I don't have photos is because visitors are advised not to film nor photograph in Christiania, especially not in the area in and around Pusher Street, mainly due to the hash dealing, which is illegal in Denmark. We rode our bikes through here which was really fun to experience, especially it was kind of a mystery with there being few photos (a rarity in today's world!) 

The Little Mermaid statue is here (because it's where the book was written), but I'm told it's super touristy and not worth wasting your time, so we skipped it. 

EAT

A lot of what we did in Copenhagen revolved around eating! Sure, we explored on foot and by bike, but most of where we were heading was usually some sort of cafe, bar or restaurant. Danish cuisine is rooted in the peasant dishes served across the country before the Industrial Revolution in 1860. It was based on the need to make use of natural products available on or near the family farm. Today, Copenhagen has become Europe's culinary hot spot and continues to influence the global culinary scene. We ate at a variety of restaurants that I thought did an amazing job of approaching modern cuisine with a Nordic twist. 

VÄKST

We came to Väkst for lunch on our first day, and it set the bar so high for the rest of our dining! Their approach to gastronomy is based on the fresh Nordic vegetables, yet they can still appreciate a good steak, seafood or great fish (which there is a lot of in this region). Set in a greenhouse atmosphere with countless plants that draw nature right into the restaurant, the two floors convey both the top floor light and the green universe, but also the basement's more urban and moody atmosphere. Everything we ate was delicious and I highly recommend coming here for a delicious Nordic meal in a gorgeous setting.

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

One of my favorite things about this meal (in addition to the INSANELY delicious butter) was that I finally got to meet a fellow travel blogger I got connected + became friends with through Instagram! Simone is a Copenhagen native who joined us for lunch at Väkst and gave us so much insight into her city. I loved chatting about life in Europe, our favorite places we've traveled and simply making friends with someone who shares my passion for exploration. After our meal, she guided us around the city by bike and gave us so many helpful pointers to make the most of our time in Copenhagen. I absolutely loved getting to know her-- check out her blog for more travel inspiration!

MADKLUBBEN NØRREBRO

Another fantastic dining experience was our dinner at  Madklubben Nørrebro, where street art, delicious design and a set menu menu go hand in hand.  A detached "neighborhood spot" with a cozy atmosphere (gimme dat hygge!) this spot is the perfect mix of classic Danish design and industrial details from the local warehouse. The menu has a special appeal for food cooked with charcoal and flames (which I personally love that taste, so this was right up my alley). Sarah and I both agreed this is a fantastic spot if you want to go somewhere that feels upscale and laid back at the same time (plus it's very reasonably priced for the quality). The staff was super friendly and taught us so much about food in general in Denmark, but specifically this menu. I highly recommend coming here yourself- it won't disappoint!

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

Papirøen | PAPER ISLAND STREET FOOD

Papirøen, or Paper Island, may have been our favorite thing about Copenhagen! With a central location in the heart of the harbour, this is one food hall you simply can't miss.  It's home to the grey industrial halls that served as paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press for many decades, hence the name Paper Island. When they terminated their contract, the halls were left empty and today it's now home to Copenhagen Street Food, which is filled with colourful and delicious food trucks with food from every corner of the world. All indoors, this is the perfect spot to sit by a fireplace, play corn hole, try different cuisines and practice hygge at it's finest on a cold day! Our favorite was the crème brûlée doughnut stand- we went back 2 days in a row just for that! I can't recommend this place enough- especially for a casual lunch or snack. 

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

HOST

For our final night in Copenhagen, we ate at Høst, located at the corner of the streets Nørre Farimagsgade and Ahlefeldtsgade (a great place to come before drinks at Bankeråt- just across the street!)

The gastronomic foundation at Høst is Scandinavian and local and combining traditional methods of cooking and flavours with a modern understanding of Scandinavian food as well as its future. It has stucco brick walls and wooden frameworks, uniting a simple and rustic interior design with disciplined architecture and the delights of the countryside. Restaurant Høst has won three international design awards, including the award as the world’s best-designed restaurant at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design

Høst is actually a sister restaurant of Väkst, and is perfect for a nice dinner if you want to experience the best of Nordic fare. Everything was beautifully prepared and tasted delicious (they also had the same bread and butter as Väkst, which honestly may have been my favorite part- it was exceptionally good!)

Overall, I was such a big fan of everything about Copenhagen. If you appreciate design, history, top-notch cuisine or, if you're simply looking for a destination that's a bit different than the touristy Paris or Rome- Copenhagen is all of that and more any time of year. I highly recommend you pay a visit yourself!

Still more you want to know about Copenhagen? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by!

xx

Whitney

Photos by Sarah Catherine Design