I purchased my ticket at 12:30 pm that Saturday. It was very last-minute and totally worth it. I’m still buzzing from the joy that this band spreads with their music. Coldplay has a way of uniting over 60,000 people with their music in joy and love.
This was my first Coldplay concert and my first time going to a concert solo. It was such an amazingly good time that I’m still processing. I keep going through my camera roll because I still can’t believe this spontaneous weekend happened. It is absolutely worth it to go to a concert solo. Don’t miss out on the experience, even if it is just you going. I ended up meeting two other girls who were also attending solo. Each of us had purchased a last-minute ticket and just happened to arrive at the right time quite spontaneously. It was a blast making new concert-loving friends and talking about the latest concert news with them while we participated in pre-show activities. I will say this. Experiences like these don’t happen unless you give yourself the opportunity to have them. Every time I put myself out there, I end up having a fantastic time and learning something new. While it’s always fun to go with friends, going solo gives you opportunities to have new experiences and meet new people. It will force you out of your comfort zone; however, this helps you gain more confidence in new situations.
While nosebleeds are not known to be the most desirable seats, they do give you a bird’s eye view of the whole stadium, which can be magical, especially at a Coldplay concert with all of their lights and bracelets. I’m not sure who started it, but the whole stadium participated in the wave. We passed it around multiple times while we waited for Coldplay to take the stage. It was a lot of fun to watch it come around to my section and jump up from the seat with hands in the air. It was amazing to see 60,000+ people get into it.
Even though it would be a seat in the 300s, I still wanted to see Coldplay live. It’s quite high up in 320. I loved seeing the whole stadium light up during different songs. I wasn’t quite prepared for how excited everyone was going to get during the first few songs. Our section was shaking with everyone dancing. I couldn’t help but wonder if we could cause it to collapse. It was my first time experiencing a concert in the nosebleeds, so I wasn’t expecting that. I still loved the experience and still had a great view of the stage and band.
Chris Martin has a speech about love and community that he does at each show. He emphasizes the diversity in the crowd and thanks them for proving how we are capable of spending time together peacefully. He ends the speech by having the whole stadium send love out to wherever we choose in the world. In these times, it’s so important to remember to be kind and spread love wherever we are. This part of the show is so inspiring to me because we are capable of coming together peacefully. We did just that, and I hope that everyone who witnesses this speech takes Chris’s words to heart. The world is a better place with more kindness and compassion.
Overall, Coldplay puts on an incredible and magical show. It is 100% worth it to grab that last-minute ticket. I loved hearing songs that I grew up with live. The show was colorful, joyous, and unifying. Thank you, Coldplay, for your artistry and for helping us believe in love.
Whenever there is a three-day weekend approaching, we should always take advantage, even if the travel and traffic is chaotic. Booking the trip was absolutely worth it. I visited Maryland’s Ocean City and Assateague Island with the same group that vacationed in Greece last summer. On the way back, we also took a quick visit to DC. None of us had time to take a regular vacation this summer, so when we all realized this opportunity, we jumped on it. I’m very glad that we did because the memories and stories will last forever.
I caught the first flight out of Florida and met up with my friend at the airport (DCA). We drove out to Ocean City from there. Traffic wasn’t too bad getting to the outside of it, but we quickly realized that it was bad getting to the boardwalk. It was only a few miles, so we decided to walk over there after we had lunch and got settled into our hotel. Back and forth, the total was at least five miles. It was worth it because we got to see stingrays on the way. Ocean City’s boardwalk is very much an American Carnival type of deal. There are all kinds of fair food and rides to do. We explored a little bit and had dinner down by the inlet, where we saw dolphins jumping at sunset. A word of advice about finding the best view for fireworks. You want to be able to have your eyes on the truck that carries them. We had an incredible view of the fireworks, and the show was quite spectacular. Every single time we thought it was over, they had more fireworks to pop. Quite a few people were chanting, “USA! USA! USA!” as the show went on.
Assateague Island is stunning. I was especially excited to see the famous wild ponies that live on the island. We wanted to make a day of it with some time on the beach, a kayaking trip, and a sunset cruise. The beach had some surprisingly large shells that the waves tossed right at our feet with a lot of force. We swore they bruised our ankles. On our way in, we saw quite a few ponies and a foal, which were very cute. I love how they know they own the island.
The kayaking trip was a blast. It was also a perfect day for it with a nice breeze and not a cloud in the sky. We got to see all kinds of creatures that live out there, including the famous Maryland Blue Crab. Our guide showed us how to look for clams with our feet as well. I gave it a try and found what I thought was clam. Turns out, it was a sea squirt. The guide told me to put it down quickly because apparently, they squirt out all kinds of things when they feel threatened. That was the end of my clamming. I did help catch some creatures in a large net with our guide. It was nice to do an outdoorsy activity that afternoon.
We had to move on quickly for our sunset cruise, so we made a mad dash over from Assateague to Ocean City. Our cruise was quite relaxing. Our guide told us numerous stories about how the ponies ended up on the island. His favorite is the one about the Spanish Shipwreck. I’m inclined to agree that’s the cooler story. As we cruised along, we saw an osprey nest. I remember seeing them when I was growing up in Virginia. We also passed by where we had dinner the night before. It was a truly beautiful evening. We trekked back to Sunset Grille for dinner after the cruise. The sunset from our table was gorgeous as we enjoyed a delicious meal after a big day.
Since I was flying out of DCA anyway, we decided to go to DC for the day before my flight. The traffic getting out of Ocean City was a bit heavy, so we did not have a lot of time in DC. We were able to check out a few exhibits at the Smithsonian and swing by the Washington Monument and the Capitol. It was a very quick visit, but I’m still very glad that we got to do it.
Had I known about the chaos I was about to experience trying to get home, I might have stayed in the city longer. I had a later flight that was delayed five times. They finally let us on the plane around 11:30. However, we were kicked off at midnight and told that it was delayed till the next day. Everybody was frustrated and scrambling to find a place to stay. Some fellow passengers were very kind and shared the customer service card with me. I passed it along to the next person when I was finished using it. The reps were very helpful, and we were provided with vouchers for the hotel, Uber, and a meal. This was my first time handling a situation like this, and I was traveling alone. It was unique. When I got to the hotel, I also met some people who went to Beyoncé’s DC show. Once I was settled in, I found that the flight was delayed again. I logged on and switched. I was able to get home that Monday morning and get to work to finish the rest of the day. Despite the chaos, I’m still happy I went on the trip. I’d rather be tired from an adventure than not have gone at all.
Cécred has been a game changer for my hair. I’ve struggled a lot over the years with looking for products that could help contain my frizz, dryness, or help with an oily scalp. I was quite skeptical at first because it seems like every celebrity out there has a brand. I had not had a good experience with Blake Brown previously. I finally tried Cécred a month into its drop at Ulta, and I apologize to Beyoncé and Tina for not trying it sooner. My sister got me some travel sized products to take with me to CC CHI N2, and I fell in love. Check out the TikToks below to see which products I used and why I love them!
Replying to @ayana Due for conversations on my last video, here is my review of the products I’ve used so far! @CÉCRED #cecredbybeyonce#cecredwashday I’m experiencing healthy, growing hair from these products. Two different hair stylists I’ve seen recently commented on it’s health! Can’t wait to try the rest of the line!(Not a partner or influencer of Cécred). #honestreview#cecredreview
Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub: It’s super helpful for removing buildup and helping my scalp feel fresh and clean! I use it once a week with the Cécred method (apply it on a dry scalp).
Hydrating Shampoo: I love how smooth this shampoo is with its luxurious lather. I think it’s a way to provide a hydration foundation for the hair before following with a conditioner. I use Beyoncé’s method of working the shampoo into sections of my hair.
Reconstructing Treatment Mask: I’ve noticed visible strengthening in my hair and less breakage as a result of using this mask. I use it once a week to keep my hair strong.
Moisturizing Deep Conditioner: From root to tip, this conditioner has my hair feeling moisturized with no dryness in sight. My hair feels soft and healthy using this with the hydrating shampoo.
Moisture Sealing Lotion: This product really helps the moisture and hydration stay in my strands, keeping the frizz and dryness at bay. I apply it to wet hair.
Nourishing Hair Oil: This oil is nice and light, which makes it easy to spread on my hair. It gets to those few pesky strands that want to jump out. I also love that it’s a great final touch to have my hair looking shiny and ready for the day.
I was pretty much convinced that the cat distribution system would always glitch when it came around my home. My neighbors were finding cats and kittens around their houses. I found bufo toads, which are nowhere near as cute as kittens. Their “skin-gland secretions” are actually quite dangerous for dogs, so if you live in South Florida, beware. My good friend and neighbor found a kitten hiding in his garage and was not able to keep it. We aren’t sure what happened or how he was separated from his mom and siblings. There is a cat colony issue within the area, and some of the cats are feral. Some can’t be caught. We waited a few days to see if the kitten would leave the garage or if his mom would find him. He stayed put and was given food and water. He is a very smart little guy. I saw one picture of him and was sold immediately. We caught him together, and I whisked him off to the vet.
For a tiny thing off the streets, he was doing alright and got the all clear to come home with me. I decided with my sister to call him Julius. Her cat is named Cesar, so we thought it would be cute to have a Julius and a Cesar at our place. We did everything the vet instructed. Julius was still pretty frightened, but he began to warm up to us when he was wrapped in towels after his bath. He started purring as we cuddled him. Cesar knew immediately that something was up and kept bringing his toys over to the bathroom where Julius was settled. He was very interested in making friends and kept sticking his paws under the door. Julius settled in wonderfully, and once it was safe for both cats to do so. He and Cesar got to meet! They became fast friends and love playing together.
Julius is growing like a weed and is a little rascal. I traveled twice during the month of May, and each time I came home, it seemed like he had grown two sizes. He’s very curious and loves exploring our home. He loves to try to climb into the fridge and dishwasher. Julius will play with just about anything, including my clothes and shoes. Cesar and Julius managed to break my clothes hamper. He has brought out Cesar’s playful side and given him some new energy. He’s also a cuddler. I wake up most mornings with him snuggled next to my face. He loves to share my pillow with me. He has since learned how to play fetch with these little spring toys you can find on Amazon for cats. It must be his love for chasing things, but I do encourage him to bring the toy back to me. It is really cute to watch him bring it back.
I really do enjoy watching him grow up. Like Cesar, he loves everything that we give to him. Both of our cats are rescues, which might have something to do with it. This is our first time with rescues, so we are learning as we go. We are thrilled that they’re happy and healthy. I recently got him a mini cat tree and a cat house. Julius loves them. Both were found on Amazon. He has taken to sitting on my counter and mainly in the sink while I get ready in the mornings and evenings. He’s very curious about the hairbrushes. I’m so thankful that we were both in the right places at the right time. This little guy is the light of my life.
It’s summertime, so naturally, everyone has started traveling and posting on social. If you’re like me, you’re happy for them but are experiencing major FOMO. I can’t help but daydream about some of the cities I’ve been to. Certain places get under your skin. You’ll always want to travel back or maybe even move there. I’m very lucky to have had the opportunity to travel growing up and study abroad. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. It’s always an adventure. You never know what you will encounter, what foods you’ll try, or who you will meet. Traveling provides us with the chance to have all kinds of new experiences. I’ll share some details of my favorite cities I’ve gotten to visit so far.
Paris, France
Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities in the world. I’ve visited three times and would love to live there one day. The sights and neighborhoods are truly romantic. It’s all so artistic and inspiring. Paris has this magic that shows people how spectacular and beautiful life can be. There are endless possibilities. No wonder it has inspired so many people to its streets. I could spend hours wandering through them. In the summer of 2023, my friend and I ran into Selena Gomez as she was leaving her hotel. (View TikTok Here) We had no idea she was still in Paris, and it was such a cool sighting. She stopped and took as many pictures with fans as she could. I really appreciate the insanely kind French girl who pushed me to the front so I could see her. You’re a real one, don’t ever change. The food is absolutely amazing. Paris possesses the creamiest of cheeses, flakiest of pastries, silky hot chocolate, and desserts that look too perfect to eat. Angelina’s has gorgeous food and desserts to pair with your hot chocolate. The restaurant has a fabulous atmosphere with its pink and white china. There aren’t enough words to describe how heavenly French hot chocolate is. Readers and writers must visit Shakespeare and Company, a one-of-a-kind bookstore, which is like a portal to the 1920s & “Midnight in Paris.” I loved exploring the store and purchasing a few books. It is worth it to book activities like a croissant-making class or a secret food tour. They really do help with getting to know the city and culture. I look forward to returning to this lovely city and discovering more of its magic.
Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the cities that makes you think you’ve time-traveled. It has the perfect mix of modern-day life mixed with carefully protected ancient ruins. It’s a very walkable city and easy to navigate. I don’t think I took a taxi unless I was heading to the train station or to the airport. I visited with my family and got to study abroad there. I got to experience living in the Trastevere neighborhood while I studied Communications at John Cabot University for 6 weeks. I fell so deeply in love with this neighborhood. The people are very friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to walk to. There’s live music at night during the summertime weekends in the square on the way to the campus. One of the coolest things about Rome is that you can walk into a small market and find delicious wine, cheese, and other foods for a small amount of money. Pasta is sold on every corner in all kinds of shapes. One of the most beautiful views of the city can be seen from the Spanish Steps. Be careful when climbing them, especially when it rains, as they can be very slippery. A study-abroad friend and I joked about how falling would be considered a hiccup, and every hiccup can be a great story. The Coliseum is a must-see. The fact that it still stands to this day is truly remarkable, and the history it holds is massive. It’s also easy to travel from Rome to other parts of Italy, like Florence and Venice. Until we meet again, Roma.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fans of Game of Thrones, outdoor activities, and delicious food with Italian & Mediterranean twists will love Dubrovnik. The city is right on the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by castle walls. The people here are very friendly and excited to share recommendations for restaurants and more. I was there with a friend for a few days, and we both wish we had stayed a little longer to enjoy the city. We went on a Game of Thrones Tour, kayaked on the Adriatic Sea, and visited the island, Lokrum during our time here. The Game of Thrones Tour takes you to multiple filming locations and will even give a volunteer the chance to walk down the stairs in shame. It gives everyone a good laugh, and we even got to see replicas of some of the props from the show. Kayaking the Adriatic Sea at sunset was magical but tiring. The currents demand that you use your upper body strength to paddle through. It was totally worth it to see the sights and enjoy a gorgeous sunset. Lokrum was fun to explore, especially with adorable critters around like rabbits and peacocks. There are plenty of walking trails around and places to grab a bite. It is a nice place to go to escape the hustle of the city. The food here is so fresh, and the perfect combo of Italian and Mediterranean coming together. We were also treated to complimentary shots and cocktails a couple of times. Dubrovnik is truly charming and welcoming. I hope to make my way back there again soon.
London, England (UK)
It’s such a large city that you have to go multiple times to see it all. I’ve been on holiday twice and spent an entire semester abroad in London. London has something for everyone, whether it’s high fashion, history, entertainment, or exploring the city. The Tube is your best friend. Ubers and taxis can be expensive. However, it is worth experiencing a Black Cab ride at least once. It’s an iconic symbol and experience of the city. Londoners are very friendly and always willing to help you find your way. I’m thankful for those kind people who helped me out when I was learning to navigate during my semester abroad. Exploring the city is always such a pleasure, from shopping at Harrods, walking across London Bridge, visiting Buckingham Palace, strolling down Bond Street, and checking out local finds down at Covent Garden. London has all kinds of historic sights to visit. My favorites are the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court Palace allows you to look into the life of Henry VIII and see what life was like during that period. The palace seems to still hold his presence along with his family’s. The Tower of London holds so many dark pieces of British history and is worth seeing with its numerous artifacts and reenactments. It can be a little pricey, but High Tea at the Ritz is such an elegant way to experience this lovely British tradition. It usually takes place late afternoon, early evening, which also gives you time to catch a show at the theatre. The foods and teas provided are exquisite, as well as the service. The hosts are happy to inform you of which teas are available and the food that you will be served. Going to the theatre to see shows like: Come From Away, The Six, Mamma Mia, or Phantom of the Opera is a must-do. London contains many theatrical productions with such incredible talent that will leave you talking about the show for days. My friend and I still talk about Mamma Mia. We were blown away that some of the actors were understudies. With its unique neighborhoods and global charm, London is a city that I will always want to visit again.
Each of these cities has its personality and captivating presence. I do believe it is worth it to visit them more than once because each time is a new experience with opportunities to learn more. You never know what could be around the next corner, from a celebrity sighting to fantastic street music.
Epic Universe is worth the hype it is receiving. The designs, animatronics, rides, and shows were out of this world. The park really does make you believe that you’ve been transported to another universe. I especially loved the portals and pathways that led you inside. We didn’t get to do everything that was on our list; however, it gives us good reasons to plan another trip. Click here for more visuals.
The Isle of Berk was a 10/10. It is nicely spaced out with plenty of activities outside of rides to go on. There are plenty of dragons to interact with throughout the park. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders really does have you feeling like you’re flying with him and Toothless through Berk. It was an unforgettable journey that had me trembling with joy. “The Untrainable Dragon” was very well done with a Broadway feel. Both the park and show do a great job of transporting you to Berk. Be ready to meet all kinds of dragons! Next time, I’d love to meet Toothless & Hiccup, hatch a baby dragon from Toothless Treasures, and try some of the food offered.
The 1920s-themed Ministry of Magic transports you to Paris and the Wizarding World. The ride taking you through Umbridge’s trial had fantastic storytelling and attention to detail. The entrance takes you through the Ministry, and you travel like a wizard or witch. The shops around the park were very well themed, and I even met an employee who spoke French. The show “Le Cirque Arcanus” did a great job of having an array of magical creatures to see throughout the story. I won’t elaborate more upon it because I don’t want to spoil it! The only thing I didn’t love about this world was that the activities were limited.
Super Nintendo World was like walking straight into any Super Mario game you might have played growing up. I truly felt like a game character. The only issue with this part of the park is that it seems like they were trying to fit a lot into a smaller space. It felt very crowded and overwhelming because of the small space. Unfortunately, the weather was a bit stormy, so we did not get to do any rides. I still loved seeing all the interactive activities to do within the park and would love to eat at Toadstool Cafe next time.
Dark Universe is everything that classic monster lovers could want. The main ride had insanely good storytelling with an array of monsters to see. They really get up close and personal with you. I was also delighted to run into some old friends from college while exploring this park, a fun surprise! We all agreed that we wish it had more to do! We also had a fun interaction with Ygor, who hid behind one of my friends to startle another visitor. We all had a good laugh at that and a fun conversation with him.
I most definitely recommend going to Epic Universe. I do recommend wearing good walking shoes because there is a lot to see and explore. Celestial Park has plenty going on as you decide which world to enter first. Keep an eye on the weather because Florida is well-known for its sporadic rain showers.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour is still living rent-free in my brain. We attended her second night show in Chicago. I attended her OTRII Tour in Orlando back in 2018 and was ecstatic to see her perform again! It was my first time seeing a concert at Soldier Field, and I loved every second of it. It’s a fantastic venue with plenty of space to hang out while you wait for the main event.
We decided to go to the stadium early to get merch and check out other activities around the stadium. I was a little worried about the lines being insanely long. We got there a little before 2 pm and only had to wait less than an hour to grab merch. We were also early enough to be some of the first in line for the Cécred event! I recommend bringing snacks and water along just in case. We were glad that we did. Watch below for more!
I especially loved the Cécred event with photo opportunities and a free keychain. The staff were super friendly and enthusiastic. It was a fantastic way to interact with and get to know the hair brand. It’s a genius marketing move that I have since tried and am in love with. The weather was on our side, but we made sure to keep an eye on it before arriving at the stadium.
Beyoncé is an absolute powerhouse of a lady. Her performance and storytelling are out of this world. I loved the “say ya” challenge she does with the crowd. She got the band and us during it. She also has a great sense of humor. She was very excited when her robot was working when it was pouring her whiskey. I planned ahead to record certain parts of the show to enjoy later on. She has a way of making her music sound so much better live. Click this link to see more from Chicago night two!
It is absolutely worth it to stay for the entire show, even though leaving can take a while. The venue and security did a great job of directing us to where we needed to go. I was a little nervous about leaving at first, but everyone involved with putting us in the right direction made it less stressful. It was magical to see her fly around in her horse show and red car for certain songs. She flew right over our heads during “16 Carriages”, and I was floored. Beyoncé was sure to include classics from previous albums, which were a blast to sing along to. The Beyhive knows how to hype up our queen and have a sweet honey buckin’ good time.
Ticketmaster Fan Presale Wars are not easy to get through. As someone who managed to survive the first battle for both The Eras Tour & the Cowboy Carter Tour, I’d like to share some tips from my experiences. I’ve used my computer for both. Dozens of videos have been made about this on social media. Be sure to check those out. I found them to be very helpful. I’ll link Alex Day’s video @repudaytion on TikTok here. His advice was extremely helpful to me for Beyoncé’s upcoming tour.
As Ticketmaster advises, save your payment method and update your profile. I had my code already copied and one window open on my computer. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the presale goes live (I logged in 30 minutes early) and do not refresh your screen. Don’t be too alarmed about seeing a large number of people ahead of you. Just be patient and take a deep breath. Beyoncé’s queue moved at a good pace which was shocking to me after the way Ticketmaster crashed with Taylor Swift.
Be prepared for extra fees and dynamic pricing. Create a budget or payment plan for your ticket purchase. With Taylor Swift’s tour, the tickets I managed to get were not as expensive as I thought they would be, which was very lucky. However, Cowboy Carter Tour tickets were more expensive than expected. Planning ahead and preparing is everything. Remember, there are other presales to sign up for. The verified fan presale is not the only one. There will be other chances to purchase tickets. When I saw Taylor Swift at the last minute, tickets were purchased on another resale site.
Enter your code immediately once you enter the ticket purchasing room. When selecting your seats, it is faster and easier to select from the right side of the screen, where the quantity and pricing are. Select how many tickets you want and start looking. That is how I was able to grab my seats for Cowboy Carter. You’ll need to do so quickly. I was able to grab specific seats for Taylor Swift. However, it is difficult to zoom in and maneuver the seat map quickly, which is why I recommend the other method. If it’s showing no seats, refresh and enter your code again because other seats can pop up. That is how I found mine. Have your card on hand because you will need to enter your security code when purchasing your seats. You will also need to select whether or not you want ticket insurance before purchasing, and make sure you have that decision made at checkout.
Finally, purchase those tickets and check your email for confirmation. Move your tickets into your device’s wallet and don’t let the battle get you down! The experience can be emotionally exhausting, but once you’re at the concert dancing, it’ll be at the back of your mind. Start planning that outfit, stream your favorite songs, create a countdown, and learn those dance challenges! Those memories and photos will last forever, and I still look at my concert content with joy. I’m counting down the days till the Cowboy Carter Tour! See you soon, Beyoncé!
“It’s one hell of a drug.” I happen to agree after living here for ten+ years. I always warn people that it is like a trap. Once you’re in, it is hard to leave, and some don’t want to. I have enjoyed all of the benefits of living in Florida and even stayed here for school. Go Canes! Go Tars! I’ve spent most of my time in South Florida, and I’ve chosen a few of my favorite spots from last year’s adventures to share.
Naples, FL, will always hold a special place in my heart. The beach is stunningly beautiful and is home to a great deal of wildlife. I’ve seen dolphins, all kinds of fish, crabs, starfish, hermit crabs, manatees, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and even a baby seahorse on an extremely lucky occasion. Every time I’ve walked that beach, I’ve seen something exciting. Fishermen love to cast lines from the sand, and I once saw a shark that had been caught earlier that day. Yes, people stopped for photos, but I opted out of swimming. I’ve also found some beautiful shells that look like they were hand-painted. Sand dollars tend to wash up along the shores, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find one whole.
Key Largo’s Jimmy Buffett vibe causes one to feel relaxed upon arrival. A close friend and I drove down to go snorkeling for the afternoon. I found the activity on Viator. The water down there is the most brilliant blue and so refreshing. We saw all kinds of parrot fish and even a few barracuda as we snorkeled the reef. I enjoyed exploring the reef and admiring its beauty. The other thing I liked about this activity was that it wasn’t noisy, so we could really immerse ourselves in this adventure. Taking the time to disconnect from technology and connecting with nature and its sounds is something I highly recommend doing. Taking the opportunity to slow down from the hustle and observe the world around us can be soothing and inspiring.
Jupiter and the West Palm Beach area can be a blast. A close friend of mine took me boating. We started in the WPB area and headed up to Jupiter for lunch. U-Tiki Beach has a fantastic atmosphere with a view of the lighthouse. It’s always nice to see fellow boaters out and about enjoying the day. Florida has gorgeous winters, and we were taking advantage. On the way back, we cruised around Peanut Island. It’s a favorite hangout for many boaters, and I’ve also been paddleboarding out there with friends. I have yet to experience hanging out on a floating tiki bar, aka Cruisin’ Tikis, but they look like a blast. West Palm Beach’s Clematis Avenue has fantastic restaurants and nightlife to explore as well.
If you’re looking for a beach town vibe, Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue is the place to go. I’ve spent a lot of time on the avenue meeting up with friends for dinner and heading to the beach. The avenue has tons of shops, restaurants, and nightlife for everyone to enjoy. Personally, I love The Office, Lemongrass, Kilwins, Elisabetta’s, and City Oyster. The avenue has something for everyone. While the beach is a blast, you have to watch out for the Portuguese men-of-war during their season. Their stings are no fun to deal with at all (click the link to learn more).
The title of this post is dedicated to Taylor Swift and her awesome song, “Florida!!!” Thank you for writing such a fabulous song about the Sunshine State.
Personally, I don’t put a whole lot of emphasis on New Year’s Resolutions because I’m the type of girl who says, “You want to make changes? Let’s start right now.” I don’t like to wait. I started in December and cracked down once New Year’s Day hit. For the first month of year, my goal is to create healthy habits and get fit. When I woke up that morning, the air felt different and fresh. Good things and change are coming. I’m choosing to be optimistic and maybe manifest my dreams to come true. I wanted to kick off the new year strong and thrive in 2025. I’m leaving behind bad habits, negativity, and anything that made me sad in 2024. Healed wounds will not be reopened. It’s time to move on to a new chapter of prosperity.
I’m convinced every day that we don’t emphasize enough how good we can feel when we eat healthy food. I’ve noticed that my energy levels are up, and I sleep better as a result. I’m focusing on my diet and making sure that protein, fruits, veggies and healthy carbs are included. My parents are friends with a professional chef and health coach who made the recommendations of these foods which help promote a healthier side of living. Check out Adam Potash Approach for more. I switched my morning coffee to green tea with lemon which still has caffeine and perks me up for the day. For example, breakfast contains plain oatmeal sweetened by blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. I like to switch off between a tofu stir fry and zucchini noodles with ground turkey in red sauce. I also love an apple with peanut butter as a snack. I’m always experimenting and trying new things. My new rules for my diet are that certain things like coffee, pasta, pizza, dessert or any fast food is a special treat only and only during social times.
I’m making exercise a priority and even getting back into doing pilates on the weekends. I’m a cardio and a strength training girlie. I like to do classes with Apple Fitness and sometimes I’ll run freely on my own. Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but amazing for mental health with releasing endorphins. I’m always happier when I exercise regularly. Some people are naturally active and most people I know are, especially those who are former athletes. I used to horseback ride competitively for years. I quit over a year ago and got back in the saddle recently for a hack at my friend’s place. It was a blast despite me being a bit out of shape. I felt like a noodle, but it’s comforting to know that it felt like something I haven’t forgotten how to do. I also want to make getting outside a priority, and this is a great way to do that. Routine and planning ahead is everything, that way I can prioritise getting the activities done.
Focusing on self care has also been very beneficial for me. I’ve been spending time figuring out what makeup styles I like and putting outfits together for work. I’ve never been great at eyeliner but practicing has helped a lot. I like to spend the weekend recharging and resetting for the week with hair or face masks and sometimes a manicure. These simple actions with planning ahead give me more activities to look forward to with my week. It’s good practice and preparation for the next step in life whatever that may be. It’s also a great confidence booster. I’m also spending more time reading books, specifically ones that contain helpful tips for young women navigating life, the office, and more. This is not an easy time to navigate when you’ve recently graduated and are starting professionally. What styles do I like? How to budget and save? How do I start that career? I found these three books to be particularly helpful; How To Be Hepburn in a Kardashian World by Jordyn Cross, Everything Will Be Okay by Dana Perino, and The Financial Diet: A Total Beginners Guide to Getting Good with Money written by Chelsea Fagan and designed by Lauren Ver Hage. What can I say? I like to read little pink books that help us figure things out.
Making changes like these to my life has been very beneficial for me. I’ve learned that it is also about reframing the ideas in your mind. If you pay attention to how you feel during and after an activity, you’ll notice positive effects like confidence, happiness, self-assurance, and more energy. I work out because it is fun. Read more to calm my mind and learn something new. I focus on healthy foods because they make me feel strong and have more energy. People on TikTok have been saying that you have to act like the person you want to become. I think that’s true and if you treat yourself like that person, others will see it too. Here’s to a happy & healthy 2025 and may we thrive.
Livvienitup 