Boston 2018 || Freedom Trail

Boston.  Such a rich juxtaposition of history and modern city life.  There was so much to do, so much to see, so many various cultures and ways of life joined in a beautiful port city.  The integrity of the historical significance is still so much intact and evident in the city's architecture. 

We spent some of our summer days simply walking along the freedom trail.  We stopped in places that were interesting and caught our eyes.  We walked and explored a new city.  It was refreshing to be a tourist.  To explore. To wonder.  And more importantly to wander. While walking around the city streets I couldn't help but to think about all who have walked here before me.  It is always humbling to reflect on other's lives besides my own. 

I would highly recommend exploring the city upon a first visit via the freedom trail.  You cover so much of the city.  You can choose to stop in the historical sites or various restaurants, coffee shops, or stores along the way.  You can take it as quick or as slow as you want.  The trail is your path and guide but it is your choice of how you want to explore.  I am a history nerd, so of course we stopped at the historical sites to learn more about the city. 

Boston.  You were lovely.  I will definitely be back.

Outer Banks 2017 | A Pup at the Beach

Location: Avon, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Finn is the blog mascot, he is my best bud, and currently snoring next to me while I write this.  I will always choose getting to take Finn on a trip or adventure with me over boarding him. We have had good experiences at doggy camps, yet I think a vacation is so much more enjoyable with my pup by my side, if he is able to come with.

We rented a dog friendly house right on the ocean.  The beaches in Hatteras / Avon are dog friendly too.  I have been to some beaches where there is a time restriction for when dogs can be on the beach but not on the Outer Banks! Finn could come and play whenever he wanted.

Finn had the best time at the beach.  He chased ghost crabs, dug many many holes in the sand, went swimming in the waves, took long walks on the beach in the morning, and his favorite part sitting in the sunshine on the deck watching over all the people playing at the beach.

We also got some local treats while we were at the beach.  Finn devoured them.  I found some Sandy Paws treats at the farmers market on the island when we went one morning.  The treats were adorable and so beautifully made.  Almost too cute to eat but Finn said they were too tasty to save!

Now that we are home from the beach we are already planning our next adventure.

What is a fun dog friendly place that you would recommend? 

Outer Banks 2017 | A Clamming Adventure

Location: Pamlico Sound, Outer Banks, North Carolina

Details: Team Dempsey Guide Service 

Have you ever been clamming?  This was a first for me for sure; but it was an absolute blast! My sister and her boyfriend arranged the whole trip for us.  We headed down to the marina to get on our boat.  The day was pretty cloudy and lightly rainy; the weather didn't stop us from going and having a good time. By the end of the trip the sun started peeking through the clouds a little!

We took the boat out to the Pamlico Sound where a sand bar was formed.  We just got out of the boat to about knee deep water and walked out in the middle of the sound to the sand bar.  Basically you walk around in the water digging your heels into the sand until you hit a clam.

Did you know a clam spends it's whole life going only vertical and never moving away from their original spot?

Our limit was 200 clams.  You can't get more than that because clams, like oysters, are natural water filters and we want our earth to have nice clean water.  As a group we found way more than 200 in just the little spot we were walking around in.  We counted them out at the end of the trip and threw the excess away.

The 200 that we did catch we cooked up later that evening.  They were so fresh and delicious. We literally just had clams and wine for dinner and it was pure bliss.

If you are ever in the Hatteras region of the Outer Banks contact Team Dempsey Guide Service! This links to their facebook page.  They did a fantastic job of taking us out for our clamming trip and a little bit of fishing for my dad to test out his new pole.  They run these clamming trips and also purely fishing trips out on the sound!

This was an amazing way to spend part of our day on the island.  Clamming was definitely one of the most unique experiences I have ever had.

P.S. RIP to the hat I am wearing in these photos.  I flipped my kayak on a huge wave two days later and sadly the hat got taken away by the ocean while I was in survival mode.  Now I am in search of a new favorite hat, any recommendations?

What is the most interesting thing you have ever done at the beach?!

How to Stay Healthy on Vacation

Location: Hatteras, OBX | a throwback to Finn's first time at the beach!

Today, I am off to the beach for a much needed vacation.  My family has been exchanging group emails and messages all week long preparing for this trip. With how much I have researched and delved into health and nutrition this year I don't want to have a week that does me more harm than good.  That got me thinking.  We are texting about our packing items and events that are being planned so why can't we prepare to have a healthy vacation as well?

I am sharing some of my favorite ways to stay healthy while taking a necessary break from the every day life and routine.

1. Get moving. Go for morning walks with your coffee first thing in the morning.  You will get to explore your vacation spot and get your metabolism kickstarted by moving early before the rest of the world wakes up!

2. Do what you can. If you don't eat 100% clean and workout for an hour and a half every single day while you're on vacation; know that it's totally okay.  It's better to do a little something than nothing.  Change your mindset about your workouts and focus on what you can/ are able to do and do that!  Every little bit matters, no matter how little.

3. Focus on nutrition. We are bringing some already prepped meals [go mom with the zucchini lasagna!] lots and lots of healthy snacks, and healthy options that we can't live without daily.  Bringing items from home will help you stick to your meal plans as well as save money and the hassle of beach grocery stores on check in days. We are also renting a beach house, meaning we can cook more meals at home rather than eat out.  If you have to eat out just make sure your meals are lean, clean, and green!

4. Enjoy your vacation + rest. Our bodies need sleep and rest just as much as they need movement and fuel. Don't be so focused on your fitness goals that you miss life.  Eat that local decadence.  Spend time with your family or friends.  Take a nap in the sun on the beach.  Being present in the moment and taking in the adventure as it comes will do wonders for your overall wellness.

5. Think outside the "gym".  Find some fun ways to explore and be active. When I am at the beach, I love trying things like standup paddle boarding or kayaking.  If you are vacationing on a budget; running up and down the beach with the pup is always a fun adventure.  Be active in your experiences.  You will not only stay happy and healthy you will make some fun memories in the process.

What are your favorite ways to stay healthy on vacation?