2.27.23

A Winter Retreat to Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel

Several weekends ago, my sister Lindsey and I checked into Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel for an amazing winter retreat, and I am excited to share about our trip with you today. Located just an hour away from Washington, DC in Columbia, Maryland, the beautiful property overlooks Lake Kittamaqundi — Merriweather Lakehouse was kind enough to host us for a wonderful weekend, but as always, opinions are my own.

One thing that stands out about this hotel from the moment you check-in is that it is immersed in tranquility — there are floor-to-ceiling windows on the lobby level offering stunning views of the lake and our room had a wonderful balcony. We also spent a lot of time walking on the miles of Columbia Trails around the lake and beyond — it truly felt like we left the hustle and bustle of our daily lives behind. There is something about nature that is so restorative!

In addition to being a great destination for a staycation, it’s also a fantastic option if you want to check out a concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion given it’s just a few blocks away, allowing you to avoid the post-show parking lot chaos and enjoy a short walk home. (Fun fact, I saw my first Taylor Swift concert there as a high school senior in 2009!) Plus, if you’re a foodie like me, you’re in for a treat — Merriweather Lakehouse has great on-site dining — more on that below! — and lots of great restaurants within walking distance.

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2.17.23

Life Lately

TGIF! This is the first weekend night in months that I don’t have plans, and I am so excited for a lazy, cozy night at home. I am going to catch up on bad television and order sushi (and tater tot!) takeout for dinner.

One thing I have been thinking a lot about lately is how I spend my time. I recently saw this quote on Instagram and it spoke to my soul, so I wanted to share it here:

However you choose to live your life
Just know one thing for certain:
Someone is going to be disappointed.
So the choice before you is ‘who’?
And here’s the whole truth of it:
It really shouldn’t be you.

I have a lot of demands against my calendar, and often finding myself saying yes to too many things in any one given week because I am worried about disappointing other people or letting my friends down or attending things because I feel obligated to, not because I want to. But when I am so over-scheduled, I end up letting myself down since I don’t have enough free time in my schedule to reset and rest. As such, prioritizing me in my own schedule something I have really been working on this year. And, I am really proud of myself because I turned down brunch plans this weekend and an upcoming baby shower (I will still send a gift!) in an effort to protect one of my favorite weekend indulgences — sleeping in without an alarm and then reading for a while before cooking a big veggie egg scramble.

Additionally, knowing that my time is my most precious resource, I have also been thinking about ways I can “buy back” my time. Historically, I have not been a huge spender on convenience — for instance, if I do takeout, I go to the restaurant to pick it up myself and, if possible, I plan ahead so I can walk or take the Metro instead of always Ubering. Recently though, because I have been feeling pressed for time, I started ordering groceries via Instacart and it has been such a lifesaver. I’m able to get groceries delivered while I am working from home, which frees up my time on the weekend or after work to do things that actually bring me joy. And I’ve found that it isn’t all that more expensive than going to the store and shopping myself.

So, needless to say, today’s plan-free Friday couldn’t have come at a better time! And, I am lucky enough to have Monday off work in observance of Presidents’ Day. I am treating myself to a facial and am really excited. I hope you have a great weekend, too — and without further ado, here’s a look at my life lately.

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1.29.23

Life Lately

Hello! I can’t believe it is already the end of January — this month has felt really long and really short at the same time. I started out the month still on my “adult winter break” from work and am ending it already have taken both my first work trip and first personal trip of the year. The year is off to a great start for me already, and I am excited for the good times to continue from here.

The weather is incredible today — it’s in the 50s and I was able to get in a long walk outside for the first time in ages. Since it’s been cold, I have been going to the gym in my apartment building four or five times a week — got to get those steps in! — but I much prefer walking outside. I love the fresh air and the change of scenery, and it’s good time to think, talk on the phone with my mom and sisters, and catch up on my favorite podcasts. I don’t know about y’all, but I find  the treadmill so boring. I do it because I love the health benefits and always feel better after getting in a workout, but I, for one, am ready for spring and longer days so I can resume my after work walks.

I love pulling these life lately posts together, so I hope you enjoy — and I hope your year has been off to a great start! x
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