Category: Lifestyle

January 1, 2025 Article, Lifestyle

2024 Recap

Another year has come and gone. It seems like each year passes faster than the one before. 2024 brought lots of travel (3 new countries!) and a move, albeit brief, to a new state. It brought laughter and tears. Lots of running, lots of Pure Barre. Lots of card games, lots of brewery trips. 

Here’s my little recap of 2024. These annual recaps are such a fun way for me to look back at years past and reflect on the year’s events. I hope they inspire you to do some reflecting of your own. Be proud of all you’ve accomplished this year and, most importantly, of the time you’ve spent with your loved ones and for yourself. Then dream those big dreams for 2025 with me! 

JANUARY

  • I ran the 2024 Chevron Houston Marathon. It kicked off my year with big emotions. Pride from hitting a 23 minute marathon PR (3:31:45), and devastation from falling just shy of my big goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
  • While in Houston, Billy and I also ran the Houston 5K! 
  • We almost got stuck in Houston due to so. much. SNOW! We had the most snow Knoxville has seen since 1998! It began falling during our flights back to Knoxville and the city was covered in a wintery white blanket for a week. Waffles LOVED her first snow!
  • I created many a HxH recipe and loved sharing them with you on Instagram!

FEBRUARY

  • To fill my marathon training void, and for no other reason, the US hosted the Olympic Marathon Trials. While I wasn’t there in person, you better believe it was like a holiday for me watching on TV. 
  • I took a work trip to Columbia, SC for an event & got to see great friends while I was in town. 
  • I visited Iceland for the first time as part of a work trip. Probably the most stunning natural landscape I’ve ever laid eyes on. The snow, the waterfalls, the volcanoes, the Northern Lights – it was breathtaking. 
  • I partnered with another small, female-owned business, Seams x Seemly, to create my first ever HxH merchandise! It was so much fun working with Audrey and so surreal seeing my message and branding come to life!  

MARCH

  • I took a quick work trip to South Carolina to host my favorite event, the Spurs Up Sprint 5K. Yay running! 
  • Lotttssss of walks & brewery trips with Waffles & Billy.
  • Billy & I visited one of our favorites, Asheville, NC, for a weekend trip. We love touring all the breweries and staying at a cute little airbnb in the mountains! 

APRIL

  • I met olympic running legend, Des Linden!! I went on a shakeout run with her and some members of the Knoxville Track Club and kept pinching myself to see if I was dreaming! 
  • I ran the Knoxville Marathon for the second time in person, third time if you include the virtual covid year. I did not PR, but I finished the race and I celebrated over beers with my family – a race day tradition. I also learned that two back to back marathon training cycles is not the best thing for your body or your love of the sport. 
  • Billy and I flew to NYC at the end of the month for me to race the NYRR Real Simple Women’s Half Marathon. It was my first NYRR race and my half PR (1:42:17)!!

MAY

  • Started off the month with a trip to SC for work, and got to meet my sweet friend, Hannah’s, little baby in the hospital! 
  • My bestiessss Savannah & Georgie came to Knoxville for our friend Robby’s wedding! It was SO FUN to have everyone there celebrating, and we got a bonus girls day of wedding dress shopping for Savannah. 
  • Two days after Robby’s wedding, Billy, Waffles & I moved to NYC!!!! A lifelong dream! We packed it with so much fun including: 
    • My brother, Jake, visited
    • We did sooo much exploring and ate sooo much incredible food
    • I went to live podcast recordings of two of my favorite running podcast – Believe in the Run’s The Drop and the Ali on the Run Show 
    • I ran countless miles on group runs with various run crews in NYC
    • I ran the NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon (1:46:42) and finished in Coney Island, where Jake and Billy were waiting on me 
    • I cheered Billy on in a race in Central Park for his law firm 
    • Billy and I saw The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway 
    • Among it all, I flew from NYC to Columbia, SC for another work trip

JUNE

  • Summer in the city! 
  • I ran on Global Running Day among hundreds of fellow runners with the Endorphins run club. It was so much fun to be in the company of so many people who love running as much as I do. 
  • I raced the NYRR Women’s Mini 10K, which has been a dream of mine. So many professional runners I admire run this race each year, and while I was farrr behind them, it was so cool to be a part of that race. 
  • We played lots of mini golf, ate lots more good food (bagels & pizza & pasta, oh my!), and enjoyed many a happy hour cocktail.
  • We went on many, many west side highway runs and walks with Waffles.
  • I attended my first ever Peloton Studios NYC run with my favorite coach, Becs Gentry. Was such a pinch me moment to meet her! 60 min class and yours truly finished top of the leader board of the studio runners.
  • We explored more exhibits at the MET.
  • I took an in-person Melissa Wood Health workout class which was so much fun and another “how am I meeting this person in real life” moments! 
  • I taught Pure Barre in NYC!!! I mean, what?!?! 
  • Billy and I ran the NYRR Queens 10K.
  • Billy and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary! We kicked off the day with a morning group run with Dirty Bird run club and a coffee date before he went to the office. After work, we headed to a Yankees game and enjoyed the Audi Club. 
  • I launched the HxH Podcast!!!! One of my proudest accomplishments of 2024 and something that has brought me so much joy. I truly hope it has brought you entertainment and encouragement. 
  • I volunteered at the NYRR Achilles Hope 4 mi race and got to cheer Billy on at the water stop. 
  • Billy and I ran the NYRR Pride 4mi Race through Central Park. 
  • Billy and I saw the Book of Mormon on Broadway. 

JULY

  • NYC summer in the city REALLY started getting HOT.
  • Billy and I went to another Yankees Game, this time with Pepsi club tickets that did not disappoint. 
  • Our dear friends, Hope & Timothy, visited us in NYC for 4th of July weekend and we had a blast taking them around the city (L’Industrie & Talea, anyone?!).
  • The four of us saw the Great Gatsby on Broadway. 
  • I taught more Pure Barre at several studios in the city and enjoyed trying new workout. classes. SLT & New York Pilates were my faves. 
  • I celebrated my 29th birthday all weekend long with: 
    • A spa day
    • A 45 min Peloton Studios NYC cycle class with Camilla Ramón
    • Harry Potter & the Cursed Child on Broadway
    • NYRR Retro 4 miler race in the pouring rain
    • Dinner at Palma, my FAVE
    • Romeo & Juliet performed by the American Ballet Theater
  • I flew to DC for a work trip. 
  • My brother, Milo, visited us in the city! We did all the city things, including: 
    • The Museum of Ice Cream
    • Aladdin on Broadway
    • Saw the Friends building
    • Walked the west side highway
    • Rode the Staten Island ferry & saw the Statue of Liberty 
  • The Olympics began!

AUGUST

  • Billy, Waffles & I made the long drive from NYC back to Knox. I was kicking and screaming to leave the city, but excited to see our families and my Pure Barre Knoxville friends! 
  • I became Lead Teacher of Pure Barre Knoxville and Pure Barre Farragut. Seriously such a dream come true! I love that place and those people with my whole heart! 
  • Jake’s girlfriend Liz visited the US from Germany and it was SO amazing to finally get to meet her in person and show her around Knoxville. They make each other so happy which makes me happy. 
  • Billy and I made a visit to his family in Johnson City and I went on yet another work trip to SC.

SEPTEMBER

  • Billy and I traveled to Kentucky for a work trip for me, which had the perks of being a part of a small Gamecock 1801 Bourbon selection group and attending the USC/UK football game. 
  • I taught a super fun Pure Barre pop up class and spent all my free time in the studios. 
  • Billy and I went back to Johnson City to run the Bluegrass Half Marathon. The race was canceled from the hurricane devastation, so he and I ran the 13.1 together – his first half marathon!

OCTOBER

  • I completed the fall fit challenge at Pure Barre – 30 classes in 60 days. It had been several years since I prioritized this challenge, and I’m so glad I did! 
  • Billy turned 30!!! We celebrated with a nice dinner in Knoxville on his actual birthday. The weekend prior we also celebrated at a surprise tailgate before the ETSU football game. 
  • We finished off the year 30 celebrations in Greece and Turkey!!!! The cruise was incredible and we saw so much history, culture, and beauty on the many islands we visited. Unreal! 

NOVEMBER

  • Another work trip to Columbia, SC for Homecoming weekend to kick off the month. 
  • The following weekend my family ran the Cades Cove Loop Lope. It was so fun to run together and for the cherry on the cake I placed 1st in my age group and 4th female overall.
  • Billy and I traveled back to Johnson City to race the Bluegrass Half Marathon take 2. We ran together and finished in 1:52:31. I’m so proud of Billy and only slightly bitter at how seemingly effortlessly his speed in running has developed. 
  • We celebrated another great year of Pure Barre at our annual holiday party! 
  • I took another work trip to SC and then Billy and I took another trip to Johnson City for Thanksgiving. It was great to also get to see his aunt & uncle from Florida and run the JC Turkey Trot in the morning! 
  • The month concluded with a delayed Spanyer Thanksgiving when we returned from Johnson City. 

DECEMBER

  • A month of Pure Barre, including my first experience at the Xponential Fitness Convention in Las Vegas with my great friend, Rachel! 
  • Then it was allll Christmas, including both families, a book club girls night, and a family friends’ annual party. 
  • Lots of reading, puppy snuggling, and coffee to conclude a cozy Christmas and a busy year! 

Overall, it was a very eventful and rewarding 2024. Looking forward for so many more exciting things to come for Health by Haven in 2025! The happiest, healthiest new year to you and yours!

January 1, 2024 Article, Lifestyle

2023 Recap

My 2023 recap! I mostly write these selfishly each year – it’s so fun to look back on the year and have it documented in time. If you’re interested in what I was up to, keep reading. Let me know in the comments your favorite parts of 2023 and what you’re looking forward to in 2024! Happy New Year!

JANUARY

  • 2023 kicked off with a lotta running and a lotta cooking and recipe development, just how I like it!
  • I set a PR of 1:50:30 in the half marathon at the Strawberry Plains Half Marathon. Super proud of this effort considering how hilly the course is.

FEBRUARY

  • I traveled to Reno, NV for a work conference. I have to say – it’s a city I never need to visit again, though the mountains are stunning.
  • Took a quick work trip to Columbia, taught a lot of Pure Barre & cooked a lot of yummy, green foods.

MARCH

  • Hosted the third annual Spurs Up Sprint 5K with my job at the USC Alumni Association – my favorite event of the year. I love seeing the Gamecock community of all ages and abilities come together to better themselves and raise scholarship money.
  • A lottttaaa running building up to my next marathon.

APRIL

  • I raced the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon for the first time (in person) and set a PR of 3:52:23. It was awesome getting to walk to the start line (yay less race day logistics to pair with my race day nerves!) and spent the afternoon celebrating over beers with my dad, my brother Jake, and Billy.
  • My youngest brother, Milo, graduated college!! Smartie pants grad from Eastern Michigan University – it was a quick trip and the fam is so proud of him.

MAY

  • After a quick work trip, I flew to Cincinnati to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon with my dad. It was a total monsoon, which made it all the more fun. I will definitely be back at some point and hope to race the full course one year too!
  • Traveled to Savannah, GA to watch some of our best friends get married. It was the sweetest weekend and bonus fun with time on Tybee Island! 

JUNE

  • Spent a week in Columbia for work events and new employee onboarding. While work travel can be tiring, I love that I get to spend time with my Columbia friends & workout with the amazing ladies of Pure Barre Columbia.
  • Billy and I celebrated our second anniversary back in the city he proposed – Asheville, NC! Lots of good beer and good food with the best company. 

JULY

  • Spent my 28th birthday in Boulder, CO at a work conference. Luckily I was able to start the day with a birthday run (my fave!), a local coffee shop, and a beautiful hike before sessions began.
  • My former college roommate, Kara, and I got to throw one of our other roommates, Taylor, a baby shower! It was such a sweet morning – hard to believe we were preparing to welcome the first little one to our Buc Ridge crew!
  • After 8+ years together, Billy and I finally took a trip to his hometown of Manasquan, NJ. It was so wonderful seeing where he grew up and spending time enjoying the cuisines of his childhood on the beach he used to play on. We also got to spend a few days in NYC, which is always such an amazing time! 
  • After our trip up north, Billy and I spent a quick weekend in Nashville, TN. We went on a (very hot) group run hosted by some of my fave running podcast hosts (shout out to Fuel for the Sole!) and had brunch with college friends!
  • Then we ended July by picking up our sweet little puppy, Waffles! Our very own golden retriever pup – something I’ve dreamed of my entire life! July was a big month!

AUGUST

  • Billy and I took a quick trip back to NYC and got to explore Brooklyn. I’ll never turn down a chance to travel to the best city in America!
  • August also meant the start of Billy’s 2L year of law school and lots of brewery trips with the pup.

SEPTEMBER

  • Billy and I traveled to Johnson City to cheer on the Bucs at a football game – something we love to do at least once a season! We enjoyed a lively tailgate and spent a few hours enjoying the suite (thanks, Timothy!) while we waited on rain delay after rain delay. Maybe next time we’ll actually get to watch some football, but it was a fun time with friends regardless. 
  • We traveled back to JC and I set another PR in the half marathon, coming in at 1:46:13 at the Bluegrass Half Marathon in Johnson City, TN. This race is so special to me, as it was my intro into distance racing. Billy and Waffles were there to cheer me on, which definitely kept me going! Now my goal is to break 1hr 45 min at this distance. 
  • I also hit my 100 classes taken (& 265 classes taught) at Pure Barre Knoxville/Pure Barre Farragut. I’m so lucky that I’ve found community in this fierce group of women!

OCTOBER

  • Kicked off October with work coming to me in Knox this time – hosted Gamecocks on the Road events for the South Carolina @ Tennessee football game. 
  • The next day, I hopped on a plane to Barcelona, Spain! It was the most incredible week exploring Spain. I visited Barcelona, Alicante, Almería, Melilla, Málaga and was wined and dined on a stunning cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea. Truly a pinch me trip that I will never forget.
  • I got one day at home before I drove to Columbia for my busiest work week of the year, homecoming. I got to spend the first night in town with friends at the Jonas Brothers concert (I first saw them in concert opening for the Hannah Montana/Meet Miley Cyrus tour in 2007!!!) before the events began. Tired is an understatement, but it was all so worth it.
  • I ended October with one more work trip. This time Billy joined and this time it was to College Station, TX for the South Carolina @ Texas A&M football game.

NOVEMBER

  • Took a quick trip to Asheville, NC the first weekend of November to surprise one of my childhood besties, Savannah, for a celebration lunch after her engagement! EEEPPPPP! Then my mom and I toured the Biltmore house decked out in Christmas decorations!
  • The next weekend Billy and I ran the Cades Cove Loop Lope 10-Miler, his longest race to date! I am so stinking proud of him. My dad and Jake were there with Waffles to cheer us to the finish line!
  • Then after a work trip I got COVID – just in time for Thanksgiving. So it was just me and Waffles for Thanksgiving – no Turkey Trot or family travels. I felt truly terrible, but I’m so lucky that it wasn’t worse and that I was able to recover in about a week. 
  • November ended with Health by Haven finallyyyyy getting its own Instagram page. It only took me 3.5 years! But if you’re wanting more recipes and fitness inspo, be sure to follow it @healthbyhaven! 

DECEMBER 

  • Spent the first weekend of December on a combo work & pleasure trip to Columbia, where I helped throw a 30th birthday party for my Cola BFF, Hannah! We danced the night away while celebrating one of the most kind, thoughtful, and selfless people I know. It was an absolute blast. 
  • Then when Billy’s finals were over, we visited my favorite – NYC – for a third time this year. Nothing compares to the City at Christmas. We enjoyed a Rangers game, the NYC Ballet’s Nutcracker, running and ice skating in Central Park, drinks with my cousin, and LOTS of incredible food!
  • I took one last quick work trip to Columbia before calling it a wrap on the 2023 work year.
  • We had wonderful Christmas celebrations with my family, Billy’s family, and then my extended family in Kentucky. What more could we ask for!

I hope you had a wonderful 2023! Wishing you the happiest, healthiest 2024!

November 19, 2023 Article, Lifestyle

2023 Holiday Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for the health and fitness enthusiasts in your life, I’ve rounded up some of my faves in a few categories to help you out! 

These gifts were all hand-selected by me, because I truly love them. Not sponsored, but heeeyyyy if ya know someone at these companies, let me know 🙂

For the runner…

  • Race registration: Nothing like a gift of an experience! It’s something you can look forward to when the post-Christmas blues are setting in. Bonus points if it’s a race you can run or walk together! 
  • Running socks: Quality running socks are very underrated, in my opinion. They can make or break an average run or a race. My favorites for summer are the Brooks Ghost Lite Quarter and I’ve been running in the Adidas Superlite Ultraboost Quarter a lot in the winter. I’ve heard great things about Bandit’s socks, so if you can swing the higher price, they may be worth a try!
  • Running on Veggies cookbook: This is one of my favorite healthy cookbooks. I love that the recipes were formulated by a runner, for runners, and the recipes are simple, yet delicious. 
  • Runner’s World subscription: If your loved one likes to stay up-to-date on the latest running news, the paywall on the Runner’s World website is super annoying. A subscription is a small monthly fee, but a gift that can be enjoyed year-round! 
  • Theragun: If you’re looking for a higher-ticket item that you’ll get your money’s worth, look no further. Billy gifted me a theragun and it is life changing for preventing sore muscles and helping speed up recovery time. I have the mini and find that it still has plenty of power while being compact enough to travel with.
  • Patagonia vest: If you live somewhere cold and your loved one is heading out the door in below-freezing temps, this vest is a no-brainer. It’s SO warm, and the quality has held up for me after being washed and worn hundreds of times. I also love the sleek design and often wear it as streetwear too!
  • Stocking stuffers: 
    • Graham crackers: Awesome pre-run fuel!
    • Gels: My favorite are GU Campfire Smoores
    • Goodr sunglasses: I have the these – super light weight, stylish, won’t bounce while you run!

For the barre/yoga/pilates enthusiast…  

    • Class membership: The perfect gift for someone who has it all. Rather than getting them another item they don’t need, you can gift them a studio membership! I’m partial to Pure Barre, of course, but see what studios your city offers and what type of fitness class they’re most interested in.
    • Alo Muse Hoodie: One of my absolute favorite hoodies! It’s SUPER cozy and easy to throw on for the trip to and from the studio in the winter months. They also make matching pants, which I’ve had my eye on! You can get 15% off your first purchase at Alo to help a bit with their higher prices. 
    • Yoga mat: If your loved one is super into yoga or at home workouts, a quality yoga mat is a must-have!
    • House plant: For their at-home studio! Plants provide fresher, cleaner air and give a cute, calming aesthetic to a space. Bonus points for a cute pot.
    • Heating pad: Perfect for a cold winter’s day or after a tough upper body workout, this weighted wrap around heating pad helps relieve tension in my neck and shoulders. I would highly recommend!
    • Foam roller: For extra stretching to relieve sore muscles after a yoga, barre, or pilates class, a foam roller is a perfect addition to the at-home recovery tools.
    • Stocking stuffers: 
      • Sticky socks: Lots of studios require these and you can usually find super cute styles!
      • Teleties hairbands: Cute styles that won’t snag your hair or leave creases. 
      • Bomb bars: Great on-the-go healthy snack. My favorite flavor is Java Chip.

For the wellness guru…  

    • Cocokind Sea Kale Clay Mask: The only face mask I’ve ever used that I feel like actually makes a noticeable difference. I use this 2-3 mornings a week. I love how my skin looks and feels after and I love that it’s a clean and sustainably focused company.
    • Spa gift card: This is my go-to ask for Christmas and my birthday. Nothing beats a good massage, but I rarely splurge on one myself if I don’t have a gift card. Also great if your loved one wants a facial or mani/pedi! Can’t go wrong with this experience gift.
    • Matchaful matcha: Getting quality, delish matcha in any city besides NYC is basically a failed mission (dramatic, I’m sure there are good spots, but GOSH they’re hard to find)! Even if you do find good matcha out, it’s so expensive. If your loved one is a matcha drinker, I highly recommend gifting Matchaful matcha to make at home. I have a matcha latte most mornings and can feel good about the quality sourcing.
    • One Line a Day Journal: A friend told me about this journal and it’s on my personal Christmas list this year. There’s a line a day for five years, so you can look back where you were 1, 2, etc. years prior and see how far you’ve come!
    • Essential oil diffuser: If you’re looking for a cleaner candle alternative that will still make your home feel (and smell) cozy, this is the gift!
    • Cozy blanket: Can’t go wrong with this one! You can find affordable options at your local TJ Maxx, Homegoods or Target, or opt for a more luxurious option at places like West Elm or a local design shop.
    • Stocking stuffers: 
      • Cocokind Turmeric Tonic: The only spot- treatment that’s ever worked for me. It’s like magic! 
      • Hu chocolate: Indulge, but feel good about it. All of Hu’s chocolate is vegan, non-GMO, fair trade certified, the list goes on. It’s all delish, but my favorite is the Hazelnut Butter!
      • Tea steeper + loose leaf tea: I love a hot cup of tea before bed, but disposable tea bags can leach forever plastics into the hot water. Opt for a reusable steel steeper and loose leaf tea from a local shop!
      • Glass straws: Again, better than plastic for your health and the environment. Plus, they look super chic for your iced coffee, matcha latte or smoothie!
  •  

I hope the gift guides above are helpful for the wellness gurus in your life! Maybe you’ve even been inspired to try some out for yourself! Let me know if you gift something on this list and please let me know what I’m missing! I’m always hoping to learn more about the latest wellness gifts and gadgets. Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

August 6, 2023 Article, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Guide to Summertime in NYC

If you know me at all, you know the only city that rivals Paris in my mind is NYC. I love everything about it – the energy, the excitement, the new possibilities, the hustle, the wellness scene, and, of course, the incredible food and drinks!

When Billy and I visited NYC in February 2022, I wrote a Mini Guide to NYC. (You can read it HERE!) Lots of great recs in that article, but I figured I would update it for the summer season! I hope you can put these recommendations to use next time you’re traveling to the City!

Transportation

Billy and I ventured on the subway for the first time this trip. So, so easy. So, so affordable. It’s quicker than Uber/Taxis in most instances, and it’s less sweaty than walking in the summer sun. I would highly recommend using the CityMapper app to help know which line to use. My friend, Georgie, recommended it when I visited her in London last year, and it’s so handy. 

Food

  1. The Butcher’s Daughter – Super cute & delish vegan restaurant that will still appease meat-eaters. We loved the Maple Cacao Latte. Would be a great option for brunch or lunch.
  2. Tavern on the Green – A well-known restaurant in Central Park, for sure, but I’m here to tell you it’s worth the hype! Definitely sit outside. The atmosphere is half of it.
  3. Maman – I mean I can’t visit NYC with out a stop (or two…) at Maman. They have amazing coffees and an afternoon “street cookie,” as we call them, always hits the spot. They have vegan options for all you DF friends.

Drinks at the MET Rooftop

If you know the Quinlans, you know we love a good rooftop cocktail. We somehow always seem to find a rooftop bar when visiting a new city. Well, Billy really came through with his research for this trip! We enjoyed cocktails on the MET rooftop one afternoon and the views were well worth the pricey cocktail! A few tips: 

  1. Unfortunately you do have to purchase a ticket to the MET to visit the rooftop, so I would recommend going early to enjoy the artwork before the rooftop opens. Check the website for hours, as they change.
  2. Get in line to the elevator up about 30 min early – it gets long!

Activities

  1. Broadway! – This one is obvious, but we saw the Lion King on our last trip and the staging and costumes were incredible. 
  2. The Tin Building in the Seaport District – This was another Billy research win. It’s like a really nice food hall/market combo. I would recommend going to grab a quick meal or drink and taking it outside to enjoy the view of the Brooklyn Bridge.
  3. Little Island – This is a super cute park in the Hudson River. I would recommend going early to avoid the sun and the people.
  4. Great Jones Distillery Tour – If you’re looking to enjoy a beverage away from the heat and learn some NYC prohibition history, this is your place. The old fashioned was spectacular and the tour and tasting were really fun!
  5. Runs in Central Park , Duh! – I mean, need I say more? 

Let me know if you use any of these recommendations next time you’re visiting the greatest city on earth! And, please! If I’m missing a spot (or more!) that you recommend, comment below or send me a message on Instagram @haven_quinlan. 



May 28, 2023 Article, Lifestyle

My Travel Non-Negotiables

Ever get back from a trip feeling more sluggish and tired than when you left? Or have you felt like your stomach and sleep are both totally out of whack during and after a trip? I know I have! And I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way!! 

After lots of work and personal travel, I decided I am done letting a trip completely throw off my routine and how I feel in my body! Below are my travel non-negotiables to avoid all the out-of-routine, “bleh” feelings. Try them out next time you’re on a trip. I promise you you’ll feel 1000% better! 

1. Move your body in the morning

This is a daily non-negotiable for me, and that doesn’t change during travel! If anything, I find movement even more important while traveling to help keep my body in a routine that feels good. I often feel sluggish and inflamed from long travel days, so movement helps combat those side effects! 

2. Pack healthy snacks

If you know me, you know I don’t go anywhere without snacks! You can’t always guarantee fresh, nourishing options will be available in the airport or on the road, so pack your own delish snacks that will fuel you best and keep your stomach happy. 

3. Bring a large water bottle 

& refill, refill, refill! Hydration is KEY in feeling good while traveling. Nothing worse than dehydration on a work trip or fun vacation! Plus – bringing your own water bottle will save you money (why is airport water basically equivalent to the price of gold?!) and reduces single-use plastic! 

4. Opt for tea over coffee

If you’re an anxious traveler, or if you have a sensitive stomach, coffee on a travel day is not your friend. Trust me, I know that hot coffee before an early morning flight or an afternoon iced coffee pick me up sounds like a good idea when your sleep is off schedule from traveling, but think about how it will make you feel throughout your day. I love coffee, don’t get me wrong, but I find more calm and consistent energy from a matcha latte or herbal tea while traveling.

5. Dress in layers

This one is particularly helpful when traveling via public transit. I am often cold and like to feel cozy on a flight, but nothing irritates me more than being too hot in what can sometimes be a stressful environment. By dressing in layers, I feel prepared for whatever climate the pilot chooses – arctic tundra or sauna. 

6. Wear compression socks

Okay I know this seriously sounds like I’m 1000 years old, but your feet and ankles swell on long travel days – particularly when you climb elevation in a plane or are seated for hours on end in the car or on a train. By wearing compression socks, you keep the blood circulating and keep inflammation down. You don’t have to wear knee high socks – even just ankle compression socks can make a difference! I like the Comrad brand! 

7. Skincare routine applies when traveling 

I’m embarrassed to say it took me wayyy too many years to take skin care seriously. I have a fairly minimal routine, but I at least have a routine! Baby steps, right? I find my skin is more prone to irritation and dryness when flying, so I always have a mini-hand lotion in my bag. I also take my face wash, makeup remover & face oils while traveling. I loveee Cocokind’s brand and products. I use the following products weekly! 

Travel shouldn’t feel rigid when you’re trying to enjoy vacation or a work trip, but your lifestyle shouldn’t be flipped upside down by it either! What are some of your travel non-negotiables? I’d love to know! Leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @haven_quinlan!

January 25, 2023 Article, Lifestyle

Mini London Guide

London calling! One of my besties since childhood, Georgie, is from England and despite growing up in the US, I think she knew she always wanted to move back to England. When she got a job in the fashion PR industry in London and moved back, I knew I would have to visit her (I miss her terribly!). But there ways always a reason why it wasn’t a good time for me to visit – I’m in graduate school, I’m planning and paying for a wedding this year, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic (okay this one was actually a legitimate reason), the list goes on. 

After subscribing to Scott’s Cheap Flights emails and setting various European cities as destinations I was interested in, I got a notification for a roundtrip flight to London at a price I just couldn’t pass up. Thanks to my massively supportive husband, I contemplated the trip for about two seconds before booking my flight. A 10-day girls trip in Europe?! It seemed like I was living someone else’s life.

The incredible experiences I had topped my anticipation for the trip! While I am no expert here, I thought I’d share some of my favorite (or should I say favourite) stops in London and a few tips and tricks I learned along the way. If you’re planning a visit there, I hope they help! If not, I hope you enjoy a little peek into my trip!

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation is much more commonly used in London than most of America. It may seem intimidating at first, but I promise it’s actually fairly simple to navigate. Download the app “City Mapper” and it will help you navigate which tube or bus lines to use and what stops to swap lines or get off on! 

FOOD

  • Chestnut Bakery – Adorable little stop for breakfast or just to grab a quick coffee and pastry. I would recommend the croissant with gruyere cheese. Delish! 
  • Circolo Popolare – An incredible Italian place Georgie took me to, not too far from her work in Oxford Circus. Get the burrata, you won’t regret it!
  • Granger & Co – Great brunch spot in Notting Hill. 
  • Soho House – I got a bit spoiled by Georgie and her work membership to Soho House London, so I was able to have dinner on the rooftop of their Shoreditch House location. I had a great salad, but really the relaxed vibe was the best part of this place!
  • Pret a Manger – It’s a London coffee house chain on every corner, so not a revolutionary recommendation, BUT they have incredible coffee, pastries, sweets and really great grab-and-go lunch options.
  • Dishoom – BEST Indian food I’ve ever had. If you don’t go to any other place I recommend, go here. You won’t regret it. Note that they always have a crazy wait – Georgie took me here early specifically so we could actually get a table!

ATTRACTIONS

Okay there are endless things to do in London, perks of a big city, but here are some of the attractions I visited that I would recommend!

  • Bus & Boat City Tour – I signed up for a four hour bus to boat tour of the city my first day (booked through Tripadvisor). Super touristy (yep, it was a classic vintage, red, double-decker bus), but really informative. I felt it was a great way to efficiently see a ton of sights and the tour guide was great about telling us the history of a lot of places. I would highly recommend! Some of the attractions I saw while on the bus or boat: 
    • From the bus: Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, The Shard
    • From the boat: Lots of bridges, including Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Millennium Bridge (seen in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince), The London Eye, The Tower of London
  • Buckingham Palace – I walked to Buckingham Palace immediately following my bus and boat tour. It obviously holds a lot of British history and is a must-see spot, but I have to admit, I thought it would be a bit bigger! 
  • Westminster Abbey – This was my favorite historical stop I made. Well worth the entry free. Be sure to plan about an hour to get through the audio tour. You’ll learn a lot and the architecture is breathtaking! 
  • Victoria Park – London is surprisingly full of parks, but I spent the most time in Victoria Park. Georgie lives nearby, so we went for our daily morning runs through the park! 
  • West End Shows – This is London’s version of Broadway. Georgie and I saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and I couldn’t recommend it more! I haven’t seen it on Broadway so I can’t attest to the American version, but there was just something about seeing the British play in London that made it extra special. In London the show is split into two, two-hour parts so you can grab dinner at intermission! 
  • Warner Brothers Studio Tour – Okay if you’re a huge Harry Potter fan like me, this tour is worth taking! I booked mine through Tripadvisor, as it’s about an hour outside of the city and the ticket I booked also included a coach to and from the studio. It was super cool to see the sets and props from the movies! 
  • Covent Garden – Think outdoor mall-esque. This is a fun place to grab a bite to eat or go shopping. I had the most amazing vegan ice cream of my life here one evening! 
  • Notting Hill – If you’re looking for a great place to do some shopping, Notting Hill is super adorable. Georgie took me one afternoon and we enjoyed some window shopping after brunch.
  • Morning Yoga at Sky Garden – Georgie and I took a yoga class my final morning in London at Sky Garden. It’s essentially a massive greenhouse on the top floor of a skyscraper downtown. It was really fun to see the views while getting some movement in.
  • Afternoon Tea – I couldn’t leave London without the quintessential afternoon tea! Georgie and I went to tea at Dean Street Townhouse my last afternoon in the city. It was incredible and just felt so fun! I will say – this could be a full lunch rather than an afternoon snack. Lots of delish sandwiches and treats are served with your tea.

I hope you enjoyed my London recommendations. It’s a really cool city that I’m so lucky I got to visit. I hope you get to travel there one day!

January 25, 2023 Article, Lifestyle

Mini Paris Guide

As long as I can remember, it has been my dream to visit Paris. I had an Eiffel Tower poster on my wall as a little girl that is still in my bedroom at my parents’ house. So when I finally took the plunge and bought a plane ticket to visit one of my childhood best friends, Georgie, in London, I knew I couldn’t fly all the way to Europe without stepping foot in Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower with my own eyes.

I was only in Paris for about 72 hours, but from my quick trip there, I’m sharing my mini guide to Paris. This article outlines the things I saw that I loved and  the amazing food I ate, but it’s certainly not all-encompassing of this dreamy city. I can’t wait until I visit again and can add to this list, but for now, I hope you enjoy the read or take some of the recommendations if you’re lucky enough to visit Paris!

TRANSPORTATION

  • Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may fly directly into Paris, drive into the city, or take a train. I traveled there from London and took the train under the English Channel. While I was a bit nervous about being in a train underwater (hellooo claustrophobia), it was actually a super smooth, quick (& safe!) journey. I would highly recommend it if you’re traveling from London to Paris or vice versa.
  • In Paris, we preferred to walk when we could (you see more of the stunning architecture by foot!). However, we did take the metro several times for further destinations within the city. I found the Metro to be fairly clean and quite safe! You do have to purchase a paper ticket for each trip, which is less convenient than riding the tube in London, but the machines take major credit cards, so no need to convert cash to euros. We even took the metro late at night after seeing the Eiffel Tower light up, and I honestly felt safe even late at night!

FOOD

  • Oh the amazing food in Paris! I was pleasantly surprised to find at least one vegetarian option at every restaurant we visited. We didn’t pre-book any meal reservations (living on the edge!!) and I’m not sure if it was just sheer luck or a plethora of options, but we never once waited for a table! I would highly recommend just walking up to a corner cafe and eating outside if the weather allows. Most restaurants are seat yourself and you can usually find a two-seater table where both chairs are turned towards the street with a view of the beautiful landscape and architecture of the city while you eat. One thing to note – you may have to flag down your waiter to bring your check. This laid-back city is not always in a rush like America.
  • I had a goal of eating a pastry a day and, not to brag, but I crushed that goal. I would highly recommend Mamiche and Bo & Mie for delish pastries, but to be honest, you could probably pop into any bakery and be delighted by the options.
  • One morning at the end of a run, Georgie and I stopped for crepes at this adorable little cafe, Cafe Richard, near the Eiffel Tower. I would highly recommend crepes in Paris. They did not disappoint. 
  • Be prepared – most cafes did not have milk-alternatives for coffees. If you’re dairy-free you may have to get used to some black coffee or do your research to find coffee shops that offer milk alternatives. 
  • Georgie and I also visited the famous Cafe de Flore. It was adorable and we had a sweet chat with an old man at the table next to us who told us all about his many solo trips to various countries around the world. It was a cute location and I would recommend it. Just note, there may be a wait here.
  • For lunch and dinner, we enjoyed Saint Augustin (best chocolate cake I’ve ever had), Maison Sauvage (delish gin cocktails), Brasserie Pastis (best espresso martini AND best eggplant parmesan of my life), and Cafe Palais Royal (near Palais Royal & The Louvre).

HOTEL/LOCATION

  • There are a plethora of hotel and air bnb options in Paris – it can be quite overwhelming. This is where I would recommend doing your research beforehand on what attractions you want to see and try to pick a place to stay within close proximity of the most places you’re interested in visiting. We stayed in Madeline and it was great to get to walk to so many places. 
  • Pro tip – many hotels, especially boutique hotels, also list on air bnb. We booked a boutique hotel room through that platform and had a great experience. 

PARKS

  • Jardin du Luxembourg – This was a recommendation from my brother, Jake, and wow am I glad he told me about the gardens! Amazing place to go for a stroll or a run, and there are lots of tables to sit at if you want to have a picnic meal. We also ran past some ponies one morning so maybe they do rides for kids or a petting zoo? Would be worth looking up!
  • Jardin des Tuileries – Another beautiful garden featured in Emily in Paris. Lots of spots to sit and enjoy your surroundings or a meal. I will warn you the paths in Paris parks are sandy/dusty, so closed toed shoes are best. There is not much shade here, so avoid super hot days and make sure you wear sunscreen. This is really close to The Louvre, so you could pair the two! 
  • Cobblestone Path along the Seine – Before this trip I dreamt of running along the picturesque cobblestone paths on the Seine. I was shocked to find just how rocky they are – not ideal for running! Seriously, don’t twist an ankle. While I wouldn’t advise running, I do recommend going for a stroll along the river. Super peaceful and beautiful and you’ll walk by street vendor stalls and many restaurants on parked boats.

ATTRACTIONS

  • Opera Garnier – This was one of my favorite things we did in Paris, and we totally happened upon it by accident. We stayed in a hotel just a few blocks away, and wandered upon the opera house on a walk. We took a chance on an entry fee and went inside, and it was hard to believe the inside was even more stunning than the exterior architecture. It was actually featured in Emily in Paris, though I didn’t realize when we visited. I would highly, highly recommend visiting and walking around. The painted ceilings, breathtaking tile work, gold chandeliers, and marble stairs and balconies are stunning.
  • The Louvre – This is not a groundbreaking recommendation. Everyone knows about The Louvre, everyone loves and recommends The Louvre. Rightly so! Definitely go, even if museums aren’t usually your thing. There are incredible bits of history and world-renowned artwork here that you don’t want to miss. Also – the building itself is art (much like pretty much every building in Paris). Definitely go to the exhibit that explains the history of the building itself – it’s so fascinating. And of course see the Mona Lisa, although unless you’re just dying to have a close view, I don’t think it’s necessary to wait in the queue. You can view it from afar just fine! 
  • Palais Royal – While we didn’t have enough time in our short trip to take a guided tour, Georgie and I did run through the Palais Royal courtyard both mornings on our runs. The courtyard architecture is modern and very unique. Palais Royal, which temporarily housed royals before the Palais Versailles was built, is not far from The Louvre, so you could pair the two together. Versailles is another place we didn’t have a chance to visit, as it is a bit outside of the city, but it is on my list for the next time I’m in France!
  • Sacré Coeur – Okay be prepared for it to be packed with tourists, but it’s still a fun place to visit. There are tons of talented street artists you can observe painting and drawing and even buy yourself a souvenir if you’d like. You can walk by the iconic La Maison Roso and Moulin Rouge on this stop. There are also lots of food options and you have to walk through the Basilique de Sacré Coeur. It’s so gorgeous and a really special experience. While you’re there, enjoy the views of the city from a super high vantage point. If you want a pastry while you’re there, I would recommend Alexi Boulangerie. 
  • Notre Dame Cathedral – An architectural masterpiece. When we visited there was still fencing and scaffolding, so we couldn’t see it all or go inside, but it’s definitely still worth walking by!
  • Boat Ride along the Seine River – We opted for a boat ride on day two after spending far too much time on our feet. It was honestly much more affordable than I expected and one of the highlights of the trip. There are tons of boat companies to choose from (we walked up and bought tickets right at the boat). Our tour began at Notre Dame and went along the river to the Eiffel Tower, where we turned and looped back. I would highly recommend it – it was so relaxing! And bonus points if you bring a pastry onboard to enjoy like I did!
  • The Eiffel Tower, of course! – I mean this one is super obvious, but it was still the sight I was most excited to see. I would recommend going a few different times and viewing it from different sides! It’s great to go early in the morning before it’s super crowded for the best view, but you also can’t miss the lights at night. Depending on the time of year, the Eiffel Tower sparkles at different times. Do your research beforehand. While we were there, it was every hour on the hour while it was dark out, but it didn’t get dark until like 10 p.m. in May! 

Okay I hope you enjoyed the insights from my trip and that my recommendations are helpful if you’re planning a trip to Paris (if you are, can I come with you?!). This is a city I dreamt of visiting my whole life and I was a bit nervous I had built it up so much in my head that the real thing was going to be a let down. Luckily, that wasn’t the case. I had the most wonderful time in this stunning city, and I hope you do as well!

January 1, 2023 Article, Lifestyle

My 2022 Recap

2022. A year of change and exploration.

Lots happened this year – the good, bad & ugly. But overall, I’m feeling very thankful for a lot that this year brought.

Most notably, Billy and I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee after five years in Columbia, South Carolina. For me it was moving home, for him a new chapter. I’m honestly so happy to be back here close to my family and watch him thrive in law school. 

Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of tough times this year. None that I really want to talk about. Just a reminder that everyone is fighting battles we know nothing about and to always treat people with kindness.

Below is a little recap of the year. All of my favorite parts included travel, my loved ones or both:

JANUARY

We rang in the new year with some of our best friends in Columbia. I miss them dearly. Billy and I took a day trip to Isle of Palms – another thing I miss about living in South Carolina. Day trips on the off season were the best. Not too busy or too hot. We also got our first snow in Columbia in the five years we were there, which was so fun! I ended January with a weekend trip to see one of my childhood besties, Savannah, in Charlotte, North Carolina. We had the sweetest weekend and I loved seeing where she calls home.

FEBRUARY

In February we lost my Gram. It was really hard, but it was so special to get the family back together after COVID kept us apart for so long and to share fond memories of her. Also in February, Billy and I spent a long weekend in New York. I love the City so much it’s hard to explain, and we had a wonderful time eating glorious food and exploring all the City has to offer. We even had a snowy last day, complete with a picturesque, wintery walk through Central Park!

MARCH

If you know me at all you know how much I love running, and in March I was able to host an in-person 5K for my job. It was an absolute blast made even better with Billy and my parents participating in the race. The spectating was so much fun it made me want to cheer at races every weekend (although I was jealous I was working and unable to run)! I did have a few 20-milers in March in preparation for my April marathon that surprisingly felt great. Convinced myself I could be an olympic marathoner before having a totally terrible 5-miler a few days later. Such is running!

APRIL

March into April I was lucky enough to travel to Minneapolis, Minnesoda for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four/ National Championship games for work. While I had great company and it was incredible watching the confetti fall for our team, I think I have had my fill of that city and don’t really need to visit again – particularly in the winter! 

In April I taught another Pure Barre pop-up class at Tasty As Fit, a local healthy grab-and-go in Columbia. Two of my favorite things, despite the rainy morning!

I rounded out April with my proudest accomplishment of the year. I completed my second full marathon, the Derby Marathon, in Louisville, Kentucky! My first full marathon was turned virtual in 2020, so this was just such an incredible experience. The fanfare was electric and my dad and uncle ran the half, making it a family affair! 

MAY

In May my dream of traveling to Europe finally came true! After several years of talking about going and finding reasons why it wasn’t the right time, I finally bit the bullet and booked a flight to visit another childhood best friend, Georgie, in London. We also spent a weekend in Paris, my favorite city on earth. It was so indescribably magical – the architecture of the city was breathtaking. Honestly the whole trip was such a dream – from seeing the cities, eating amazing food (a pastry a day!), seeing the Cursed Child on West End, and spending 10 days with Georgie, it was really a dream.

Lesson of the year – stop making excuses and just do the thing, book the trip, etc.! There’s always a reason not to, but life is too short.

JUNE

In June, Billy and I took another day trip to IOP (yay)! Beach days are the best. I also spent a weekend in Asheville for my dear friend Anna Belle’s bachelorette and had a blast getting to know her other bridesmaids. It’s so fun celebrating someone so selfless, getting to make something all about them, and it was just that 🙂

June was just the month for weekend trips, I guess! Billy and I spent the weekend in Charleston/Isle of Palms to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. We had the best time at the beach and our favorite brewery – Edmund’s Oast. 

The last weekend of June I spent with some of my Pure Barre Columbia teacher best friends – Megan, Meriwether, and Micah – on Hilton Head Island. It was so refreshing to relax with these amazing ladies on the beach with no plans, just fun and relaxation! I’m so thankful for that time we spent together.

JULY

My birthday month! The last few years when Billy asked me what I want for my birthday I said a day trip to the beach, but this year we combined it with a full summer beach trip. We spent a week at Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. Nothing like starting the day with a beach run and ending it with dinner with an ocean view, a delicious salad and slice of cake, an espresso martini and the world’s most wonderful husband. I have to say – I could get used to a vacation on my birthday haha! I also had the chance to celebrate at happy hour with friends in Columbia. At this point we knew we were moving, so it was extra special to have that time together.

AUGUST

The first week of August we packed up our first house and moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. It was bitter-sweet leaving that home, I really did love it, but it was time for a change and we were so excited to start our new chapter in Knoxville. Thank goodness for my dad and brother for helping us pack up our house and drive a 20 foot Uhaul through the mountains. We literally could not have done it without them!

Less than a week later we were back in Columbia, as I was a bridesmaid in my friend Anna Belle’s wedding. It was the sweetest reunion of the Pure Barre Cola family to celebrate her love! 

Billy and I also got to spend a quick weekend in Johnson City, Tennessee for a reunion of former orientation leaders, made even more fun with the celebration of our friend Graham’s surprise 30th birthday party and the time we spent with a Columbia grad school bestie turned ETSU employee, Timothy. 

Finally, at the end of August Billy began law school at the University of Tennessee and I began teaching barre classes at Pure Barre Knoxville and Pure Barre Farragut! 

SEPTEMBER

Billy and I were lucky enough to spend time exploring our new city in September before school got too busy. We tried lots of local restaurants and breweries in addition to making our downtown loft into our home. We also enjoyed dinners and game nights with my family and morning runs with my dad, really taking advantage of the close proximity after so long apart!

I also took a quick weekend work trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where I spent a summer working during graduate school. It was fun to be back in that cute little town and reconnect with some former colleagues. 

At the end of September I traveled back to Johnson City to run the Bluegrass Half Marathon with Timothy. He was faster than me, of course, but I was so proud to finally break two hours in the half marathon after eight years of running half marathons. It was a full circle moment, as the Bluegrass Half was the first half I ever raced!

OCTOBER

The first weekend of October we went back, yet again, to Johnson City for the weekend. This time, for an ETSU football game. It was freezing and rainy, but boy did we have a great time cheering on the Bucs with college friends and Timothy!

A few days later, Billy and I traveled to Lexington Kentucky for one of my work trips. The preparation was hard work, but we luckily got to reap the rewards! We took a group of Gamecock alumni to four bourbon distilleries, lots of meals and, of course, a tailgate and football game. So much fun made so much better with Billy on the trip with me!

During my only weekend in Knoxville in October (seriously, I was out of town more nights than I was in my own apartment this month), we got to celebrate two sweet college friends, Pierce and Claire, at their wedding, alongside lots more college friends. So fun!

Then, I spent the last 11 days of October back in Columbia for work events, including Homecoming Weekend. It’s always the most exhausting but most rewarding week. I was so glad I was able to catch up with friends there and am so thankful to Hannah & Scott and Molly & Ben for housing me during that time. I was even able to teach a few classes at Pure Barre Columbia, which made my heart so happy!

NOVEMBER

The first weekend of November Billy’s parents traveled to Knoxville to visit us and we had a blast showing them around town. I also hosted the Pure Barre Knoxville Friendsgiving party and ran the Cade’s Cove 10-miler with my mom. It was so fun to run with her (despite the temps being in the 20s!) since I usually run with Billy and my Dad.

After one more work trip to Columbia for the year, Billy and I decorated the apartment for Christmas! I love decorating a new space for the holidays, and our tree just looked so cozy in our loft. We traveled to Johnson City for Thanksgiving to visit Billy’s family, and after 8 Thanksgivings together I finally convinced him to run the Turkey Trot! I rounded out November by visiting the Fantasy of Trees with my mom (we used to go every year when I was a kid!) and having a delayed Thanksgiving with my Family.

DECEMBER

December kicked off with one last work trip for me, but my first international work trip! Part of my job with the USC Alumni Association is overseeing our travel programs and I was finally able to attend one. I went to Montreal and Quebec City and my mom came too! I was so much more magical to explore the cities and the Christmas Markets with the biggest Hallmark Christmas movie lover I know!

I was back in Knoxville for a week, including our Pure Barre Knoxville Christmas party, and then Billy and I took one more trip of 2022 to NYC! As I mentioned, I love the City so much, and it was even more magical at Christmas. We went to a Rangers game, saw the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, toured Yankee Stadium, ran and ice skated in Central Park and, of course, enjoyed lots of amazing food and drinks.  When our trip was over, we split Christmas between our two families and spent the past week relaxing at home. 

 

2022 was really full of so many wonderful experiences. I love writing these re-cap posts each year, because it’s the perfect chance to reflect on all I got to experience and on how far I’ve come in the last year. Here’s to a healthy, happy 2023 from me and mine to you and yours. Happy New Year! 

March 2, 2022 Article, Lifestyle

My Mini Guide to NYC

Billy and I just took a trip to NYC for a long Valentines weekend, and let me tell you, it was just so much fun! I adore the energy of the city and the endless options for food and things to do. It’s true what they say- there’s just nothing like it! Below are some of my recommendations from our most recent trip to the city.

Coffee/Breakfast

1. Maman

This breakfast spot was completely adorable! We had a delicious breakfast complete with the most beautiful latte art. My advice- get a bag of pastries to go. The chocolate croissant and peppermint chocolate cookie were my personal faves. Best news? They have a bunch of locations throughout the city, so you can pick one convenient to you.

2. Matchaful

I’ve been dying to try Matchaful. I’ve heard about them from several food bloggers and fitness influencers I follow on Instagram, and it did not disappoint. I’m typically an iced matcha latte gal, but I wanted to try something different here. I got their iced Cacao Dream and it was incredible! Like Maman, they have several locations throughout the city. Since visiting, I ordered matcha powder from them and have been using it to make my at-home matcha lattes!

Lunch/Dinner

1. Valerie

If you’re looking for a menu with good variety, Valerie is a great spot! It’s located in Midtown Manhattan. I would recommend this place for dinner over lunch. They have a really cool, dark and glowy vibe with a full gin & tonic menu (my cocktail of choice lately). I also had a fantastic salad here, so it’s a good place to get something with redeeming health value between all the decadent food stops.

2. Roey’s

Roey’s is a cute Italian spot in the West Village I discovered by the recommendation of the hosts of one of my favorite podcasts, Mostly Balanced. Billy and I had the most amazing pizzas with burrata- I mean the picture speaks for itself.

3. The Smith

We went to The Smith on our last day in the city. It’s in Midtown and has a large menu- great to please a group. They serve brunch on Sunday, but as we had already eaten breakfast, we ordered off the lunch menu. I also ate a really fantastic kale salad here, and had leftovers for dinner on the plane.

Drinks

1. Daintree 

Daintree is a really cool bar in Midtown with great views of the city. The cocktails are a bit pricey, but I would highly recommend for post-dinner drinks if you want a lounge vs. table and to take in the nighttime views.

2. Peak

Peak is another restaurant with amazing views. We ate there for lunch and the food was good, but to be completely honest it was quite pricey for the portions. I would recommend skipping the meal and going for a drink at the bar instead, so you don’t have to miss the breathtaking views. Peak is in Hudson Yards on the 101st floor, overlooking Chelsea/the West Village and the Hudson River.

Exercise

It’s no secret that NYC has endless boutique fitness options. I tried a Soul Cycle class and really enjoyed it! Of course, you know I have to plug Pure Barre always, and if you don’t want to commit to a group fitness class, there’s always a good ole fashioned walk in Central Park. We were lucky enough to stroll through the park in the snow. Talk about dreamy!

1. Central Park

2. Soul Cycle

3. Pure Barre

Attractions

1. High line

This was a stop Billy really wanted to make during our trip. The High Line is on the West Side/Chelsea. It used to be a train track, but it’s been repurposed into an elevated walking path over the city. Highly recommend for a stroll!

2. Chelsea Market

While you’re in Chelsea, be sure to make a stop at Chelsea Market. It’s a renovated train station, now full of shops and restaurants! 

3. The Vessel 

The Vessel is a bit of a touristy area, but still a really cool piece of architecture to check out if you’re on the West side of Manhattan. 

4. Top of the Rock

This one is quite touristy too, but it was still one of my favorite stops of the trip. We rode the elevator to the top of Rockefeller Center at sunset and it was stunning watching the views turn from golden hour to the nighttime skyline. 

I hope you guys enjoyed a peek into our weekend in NYC. Hopefully some of these recommendations will come in handy next time you travel there! What are some of your favorite food stops and attractions in the city? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram at @haven_quinlan. 

January 22, 2022 Article, Lifestyle

How to Make a Vision Board

Hey friends! How are you?! We’re having a lovely snow day here in Columbia, SC- words I never thought I’d type! It’s magical! I decided today was the perfect opportunity to share with you some tips on making your own vision board. 

As I discussed in my “How to Set Achievable New Year’s Intentions” and “2021 Recap & 2022 New Year’s Intentions” articles, I love envisioning what I want out of the year each January. This year, that not only included writing out my intentions, but also adding a visual element. I created a vision board for what I want my 2022 to look like. You can take a look at the collages below, if you’re interested!

So what is a vision board? A vision board is simply that- the vision you have for the year ahead. My personal board this year is a mixture of images of things I do that I enjoy- running and eating healthy foods- and images of what I aspire out of the year- travel, glamor, and living for joy in the moment.

Here are four simple steps to create your own vision board: 

  1. Think about what you want out of the next year. In an ideal world, what do you want your year to look like? What do you want to accomplish or experience? 
  2. Search for images that remind you of your goals or make you feel how you want to feel as your best self. I have a board on Pinterest where I found images I liked and then narrowed them down on my board, but you could also clip magazines if you want to make a physical board! 
  3. Either create a physical or digital collage with the images. You can add words as well! Anything that speaks to you or brings you joy or inspiration for the year ahead. There are no rules here. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. Just add what brings you joy and inspiration! 
  4. Display your board everywhere! I have mine in 3 versions: phone-sized, as my laptop background, and printed out hanging on my bathroom door. That way, I see at least one version of my vision board every day. It reminds me of my goals and the vibe and feel of how I want to live my life. It’s a great boost on a day I’m not feeling particularly inspired! 

If you try making a vision board, let me know! I’d love to see your collage. I really enjoyed making mine. It was a wonderful creative outlet! Took me back to my crafting and scrapbooking days from childhood. It’s also a great reminder to me when I see it each day that I am in control of building the life of my dreams. What’s on your vision board this year? Let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram @haven_quinlan.