Welcome to my lifestyle blog! Here, you'll see photos and little anecdotes of my routines, travel, things i love (my family of course), and products I would like to talk about and promote. Thanks for visiting and if you have any comments and questions, please feel free to contact me!
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It’s cold right now, but before you know it, it’s going to be Spring! Like every other family living up north, we look forward to spring break all winter long. And, now that it is March, it is time to start planning my family’s spring break trip. All I know at this point is I want to go somewhere warm and sunny. I want to put all the new sunny vacation goodies I recently splurged on at T.J. Maxx to good use!
Because this ^^^ (PHOTO: Choice Vacation Rental in Destin, FL)
Another thing I already know is that this spring break we will opt for a vacation rental over a hotel. Don’t get my wrong – I love a nice hotel! I love resort vacations! But, every now and then, I want to escape to a new locale and still have as much space as I would at home. I want bedrooms and kitchens of my own. With a vacation rental, I get to magically pretend someone else’s home is mine for just a week. It’s a nice change of pace.
Clearly I am not the only one who feels this way as vacation rentals are more popular than ever! Not only are people choosing to book a vacation rental rather than a hotel for their trips, but people are also making a second income by renting out their homes through AirBnB, VRBO and Homestay. The vacation rental industry is booming!
Given that sudden popularity, there are many people jumping on the bandwagon and renting out their homes. While this sometimes works out well for both the homeowners and the vacationers, there are also tons of horror stories. Imagine thinking you are renting an extravagant vacation home and arrive to discover a dump.
Honestly, this is the biggest reason why I start my vacation rental hunt with Choice Vacation Rentals. Choice Vacation Rentals offers beautiful homes, private residences, townhomes, and cabins as a part of the trusted Choice Hotels Brand. Instead of dealing with individual homeowners, Choice Vacation Rentals are professionally managed ensuring your rental is of clean, well-maintained, and fully furnished.
Plus, Choice Vacation Rentals offer stunning vacation homes in the most popular destinations in the US. No matter where you plan to book your family’s spring break trip, you will find a vacation home rental you love on their website, which is super easy to navigate.
Finally, Choice Vacation Rentals gets my vote because you can earn Choice Privileges Points for every hotel or vacation home stay. Since my family loves to travel, I look for any opportunity to save money. As your points add up, they can be redeemed for free nights, free hotel stays, digital gift cards to popular restaurants and retailers, and exchange points for airline miles and cruises.
Now, it’s time to decide which spring break vacation destination my family will visit this year!
Oh, T.J. Maxx, my love for you knows no end. As Rod Stewart famously sang, “You fill my heart with gladness. You take away all my sadness. You ease my troubles. That’s what you do.” I could visit your stores every day and still find something new.
If you already love T.J. Maxx or have never had the pleasure of visiting a T.J. Maxx store, I am here to shout my love all across the internet. Trust me – if you don’t already love T.J. Maxx, you will by the time you finish reading what I’m sharing today.
Some people turn their noses up at the thought of shopping at T.J. Maxx assuming it is a discount store. These snobbish people are making a big mistake.
First, T.J. Maxx is NOT a discount store; it is actually an “off-price retailer.”
Second, the products are not out of style. In fact, T.J. Maxx stocks the same current season items as Macy’s and Nordstrom.
Third, their items are not priced cheap because they are marked irregular. There is only a small percentage (5%) of irregular products sold in the stores.
Now that I’ve shed some light on the wrong ideas people have about T.J. Maxx, it is time to explain why I love T.J. Maxx. When I shop at T.J. Maxx, I don’t have to sacrifice quality or price to get looks I love. Why spend extra money on the same thing at a different store? Instead, I can go home with more shopping bags full of quality items I adore for the same price I’d spend for one bag at a department store.
Another reason to love T.J. Maxx is that they sell everything – seriously. In addition to the great clothing, you can also find shoes, handbags, accessories, fine jewelry, makeup, and hair products. You can put together your entire look from shopping at this one store. T.J. Maxx also sells clothing for men and children.
But, that’s not all! T.J. Maxx also sells home décor, toys, and pet products. Plus, I recently visited T.J. Maxx to stock up on vacation necessities such as clothing, swimsuits, luggage, beach towels, portable chargers, passport cases, and beach toys for the girls.
Every week, we seem to hear about another failing retail store. However, this is not the case for T.J. Maxx. Whereas other long-time retail stores are closing or merging with other brands, more and more T.J. Maxx stores are opening. It’s because they offer the same products we all love at prices we all want.
There is a large scale pop-up in the Flatiron Plaza full of my personal T.J. Maxx picks for going on vacation with the entire family with the coolest things to wear, to bring, and to have fun with! Stop by and check it out! If you can guess the price of everything that is in my pod, you have a chance at winning it all!
This winter has been rough for illnesses. If you are in a close working environment or have young children at home, you have no doubt spent a significant amount of time Lysol-ing everything around you. If you are like me, you hear the smallest cough and run in the opposite direction.
Plus, if you have kids, when they get sick, your whole life stops. According to John Hopkins Medicine, “elementary school children get six to eight colds each school year.” That’s a lot of times I have to take off work to stay home and take care of my kids.
During the winter, colds, the flu, and other viruses seem to spread even faster. This is because we spend more time indoors close to others, have drier nose passages, and there is low humidity where cold viruses thrive.
So, how do you survive the rest of the cold season without getting sick? Try following these tips for staying happy and healthy all winter long.
Please, please, please leave the sickness at home. Do not come to work sick and do not send your sick kids to school. Yes, it is inconvenient, but it is the right thing to do for everyone.
If someone does show up to work sick, avoid this person as best you can. For example, do not hug or shake hands with the individual.
Getting enough sleep is one of the healthiest things you can do. Not only does it help you recuperate when you are sick, but it is also a way to prevent getting sick.
Regular exercise is another way to stay healthy all year long. Our bodies need their daily dose of exercise to stay fit.
If you are filling up on junk, you will not have the reserves you need to fight off colds and viruses. Instead, eat healthy.
Quite possibly the most effective tip is to wash your hands with soap and water often. The rule of thumb is to wash your hands for the amount of time it takes you to sing “Happy Birthday.”
Just because you cannot always run off to the bathroom to wash your hands, you should always have antibacterial on you. I have bottles of antibacterial lotion everywhere – my desk, my car, my purse – and I even attach the keychain ones to my daughter’s backpacks.
Did you know water fountains are one of the worst places for germs? It’s true. So, instead of going to the water fountain, take your own reusable water bottle with you and send one to school with your kids.
Protect yourself in advance by taking your vitamins. My whole family takes our vitamins, and I know it makes a big difference in our overall health.
Can you believe it’s already March? Whenever March arrives, it is a reminder that Spring and warmer temperatures are on the way. But, those of us in New York, it means we have another month of winter weather before it actually feels like spring (which officially begins on March 20th). Since we only have an average high of 50 degrees and typically have snow, families are still looking for indoor activities.
While ice skating is still a possibility, your kids may be ready for something new to do this month. So, I’ve rounded up ten super fun things taking place in NYC this March to help you out.
This kid-friendly film festival takes place from February 22nd – March 20th at various theaters. This unique film festival is designed for kids 3 – 18 years old and gives kids the opportunity to see 125+ new films from around the world.
Photo: Puppetworks
Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm in March, kids can see the story of Cinderella told through puppetry arts in Brooklyn.
Photo: FIAF
For a taste of French culture, take your kids to the Tilt Festival to experience French art, music, theater, and more. It takes place March 2nd – 31st at FIAF (French Institute Alliance Française).
If your kids are LEGO fans, then you absolutely must make it to New York Hall of Science March 30th – 31st for Brick Fest Live. LEGO fans will get to see giant LEGO sculptures, build and more!
Photo: New York Botanical Garden
This year’s Orchid Show is inspired by Singapore. If you have never been to the Orchid Show, you are truly missing out. It is a wonderful escape from the winter cold. It takes place from February 23rd – April 28th.
Deck your family in green and head to the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16th in Manhattan. The northern end tends to be a little calmer if you are worried about your kids and a party atmosphere.
Photo: Macy’s
The Macy’s Flower Show is an NYC tradition. This year’s event will take place at the flagship store from March 24th – April 7th. This year’s theme is the sci-fi inspired “Journey to Paradisios.”
Did you know you can sleep over at the AMNH and have your own Night at the Museum like the movies? The museum opens its doors for sleepovers on certain nights in March. Just make sure you book your ticket early as they sell out fast!
Photo: National Marionette Theatre
Your kids will be mesmerized by Beauty and the Beast performed by the National Marionette Theatre taking place at Symphony Space on March 9th.
Photo: Al Bello | Times Union
For sports fans, there is still plenty of time in March to cheer on your favorite NY basketball and hockey teams. Take a glance at NYC Go’s Sports Calendar to find a game on a convenient date.
Lately, I have been shouting my love for handbags all across the blog and social media. I love my handbags – and I know you love yours, too!
Here’s the thing, ladies. If we are willing to spend big bucks on our designer bags because we see them as investment pieces, then it is time we treat them as such.
No more tossing them around or laying them on the floors of our closets. If we choose to hold on to a bag rather than ship it off to Rebag, then we better treat that bag like it is worth the money we spent on it.
If you are storing your bags in plastic storage bins, it is time to stop. This is a bad environment for your bags because of moisture. Moisture leads to mold. Mold on my precious purse? No thank you. If you must store bags away seasonally, then store them using some of the other methods we will discuss below.
Whenever and wherever possible, storage your handbags upright rather than laying them on their sides. This is better for the bag’s shape and material overall. The problem with storing bags upright is that if you do not use purse inserts, they will flop over. This is not good either.
With that being said, it is important to store your handbags using purse inserts. Now, since every purse is shaped differently, there is not one set purse insert you can buy. However, you can use household items such as scarves or acid-free tissue paper to stuff the bag. This will ensure the handbag keeps it shape.
Since we are talking about designer bags, then surely you know about the importance of a dust cover as all designer bags come with one. These dust covers are given to you with the handbag because they protect the bag while it is not in use from dust and grime.
If you made the mistake of tossing the original dust cover, you can purchase a handbag dust cover from The Container Store or simply use a cotton pillow cover.
Quite possibly the most fun care and storage tip – switch your bags up regularly! If you use the same bag daily, it will show wear. Instead, have fun switching your bags to match your outfits and moods.
Now, I know everyone has different amounts of storage space. Some women have to be more clever about how to take care of their handbag collection. So, I have compiled a few of my favorite examples for handbag storage to share with you. I’m sure you will find a handbag storage option that is perfect for your home.
Some days you just have to treat yo’self. After working long hours and coming home to take care of my precious daughters, I have earned a treat. If you are like me, you understand the necessity of treating yourself to something special every now and then. Depending on my mood (and my budget), the way I choose to treat myself varies widely. All that matters is that I am doing something just for me.
Some days the easiest way to treat myself is with a glass of wine in the evening after the girls have gone to bed.
I love having fresh flowers in my home, so this is one of my go-to ways to treat myself. Their beautiful blooms always brighten my mood.
When I really feel the need to treat myself, I head to Rebag and make a handbag swap. Nothing says “treat yo’self” like a luxurious handbag.
By now, you all know my love for fabulous footwear. The way I most often treat myself is by splurging on the newest designer footwear.
Life is busy, and my meals are often rushed, so when I feel the mood to treat myself, I like to eat well – really well. No microwaveable dinners or fast food. I want fine dining and food I can’t eat every day.
All moms know that we seldom get to drink our coffee while it is still warm, so on a “treat myself” day, I make it a point to enjoy my coffee while it is hot. I head to my favorite coffee shop and linger. No rushing and no waiting until it is too cold.
My bathroom is my sanctuary. When I soak in the tub, the kids no the bathroom is off limits to them. This is me-time. Plus, have you heard a hot bath burns as many calories as taking a 30-minute walk.
We don’t tend to have candy in our house at all times. It is a special treat for the kids, but it is also a special treat for mom. Every now and then, I have earned the right to indulge in my favorite sweets.
I’m also a big fan of things you can do for yourself as a special treat that are also good for you, like pointing on a great body lotion. Lotions are so good for your skin, but they also make you feel good. When it comes to treating myself, I use a lotion that I don’t just every day.
Somedays the best way to treat myself is to turn my brain off. I like to do this by reading a trashy gossip magazine. It takes little brain power, but it is highly enjoyable.
As a working mom, I savor all the time I have in the evenings to be with my girls. But, no matter how much I try to get these done ahead of time, the time still seems to go by so quickly. Before I know it, we’ve arrived at bedtime. While I naturally look forward to the time to myself, I also look forward to those few sacred minutes before my girls drift off the sleep.
Rather than fighting the bedtime routine, I’ve come to embrace it. I understand that it is time when I can bond with my daughters in a way I can’t during the busyness of the day. Now, bedtime is my favorite part of the day.
Of course, the bedtime routine starts by brushing teeth. It is so important to teach your kids the importance of healthy dental hygiene starting when they are young. If you want teeth brushing time to not be a fight, invest in fun toothbrushes for kids. They have toothbrushes that sing, that light up, and make funny sounds.
After the teeth have been brushed, it’s time to put on pajamas. I love to spoil my girls with pajamas with their favorite characters. Once again, these character jammies are just a way to make the bedtime routine easier. Kids are less likely to fight getting dressed in their pj’s if they like what they are wearing.
Then, I tuck my babies in and turn off the lights. This is where the fun really starts. I have invested in the Moonlite Storybook Projector, and now bedtime is magical. Once the lights are off, I turn on the Moonlite app on my smartphone and choose the book for bedtime.
The Moonlite Projector is an app and a storybook projector that allows you to project the storybook images onto any surface. My girls like laying on their beds and looking at the story on the ceiling. Not only do my girls love seeing the projections, they love hearing the sweet music and dunny sound effects.
If you do not yet own a Moonlite Storybook Projector, you can purchase the starter pack which includes a projector and five stories. For those of you who already have a Moonlite Projector, it’s time to purchase new stories! My girls love the Disney story pack.
Now, if you are thinking this will hype your kids up rather than help them go to sleep, you are wrong. The projector was designed to limit blue light emissions (the kind on your phone that keeps you awake). Just like reading before can help lull you to sleep, so can Moonlite Storybook Projector. No more fighting or fussing – just sweet dreams!
After you have successfully bonded with your kids, it’s your turn to rest. Enjoy the rest of the evening and your own personal nighttime routine.
I’ve shared recently about my love for purses and handbags. But, it’s time for me to let you in a little secret. I’ve found a way to make sure I always have the newest, most desirable handbags season after season. I have discovered Rebag and my handbag collection will never be the same, which is why I’m partnering with Rebag, the ultimate destination to sell your luxury handbags and sharing my secret with you.
Photo: @rebagofficial
At this point, we are all familiar with consignment shops and Rent The Runway. What makes Rebag different from these online stores is that it works to make sure you are constantly able to refresh your handbag collection by allowing you to sell your purses, exchange them, or earn credit for other Rebag handbags. It is THE luxury handbag destination.
Generate upfront price quotes
Purchase bags outright (no consignment hassles)
Pay via check or direct deposit instantly
Photo: @rebagofficial
Rebag has made it super easy to sell the handbags you are no longer in love with. All you need to do is take photos of the bag you want to sell and submit them to the app or website. Then, Rebag will provide a quote. At this point, you deliver your used handbag to Rebag.
Upon approval, you will receive instant payment. Approval also isn’t a huge worry like other resale shops because they provide clear guidelines for approval. Trust me - Rebag is the simplest and most straightforward way to sell your handbag. When submitting a bag to sell, use my code RachelChoy for preferred pricing.
Photo: @rebagofficial
If you live in NYC, Rebag is going to be your new favorite thing. When you sell a bag, you can have your bag picked up from your home OR you can visit one of their retail locations to receive an instant quote and immediate payment. It can not get any easier. Plus, a visit to their retail locations is like a trip to handbag heaven! You can even opt to exchange your Rebag handbag at at a Rebag Bar within 6 months to receive at least 70% of the purchase price.
For those ladies who do not call NYC home, Rebag is still the perfect option for keeping your handbag collection fresh. They offer free shipping anywhere else in the US. All you have to do is use their app or website. Get preferred pricing for your handbags with my code RachelChoy when you submit them for a quote at Rebag.com.
No woman wants to carry the same bag all the time. Here’s a way to have a new bag right when you want one without breaking your budget.
For when your it-bag becomes your forget about it bag. Sell your handbags on Rebag.com using my code RachelChoy to receive preferred pricing!
Women are spending more money than ever before on purses and handbags – a lot more. According to one study, “US women spent $11.5 billion (£7.9 million) on handbags last year.” We love our purses and the fashion industry is noticing. Today, purses are seen as status symbols with women willing to spend a nice chunk of change on designer purses. Studies show I am not the only one.
As Caroline Cox explains, “It's partly because they've become a unique outward statement of a woman's status, fashion savvy and earning power - and the rising popularity of handbags over the past 100 years has followed the increasing social independence of their owners.”
All women know the importance of a owning a purse. It is necessary for holding the things we need daily and in case of emergency. Most women would feel naked without her purse – I sure would! But, there are far more reasons for purse love than simple storage.
The right purse can dress up any outfit.
Purses come in so much variety – size, shape, color, material, and cost all vary greatly. This allows women to pick out a purse that is more personal to her taste and a reflection of her style.
You can change out your purse as often as you’d like – much easier than changing your hair. Purses can change depending on your outfit, the occasion, or the season.
Purses look good on all women – no matter your size.
Purses are now viewed as investment pieces. Women are willing to spend more on purses for this very reason.
Since women aged between 18-45 own an average of 13 handbags from seven different brands, you should not bat an eye when I share some of my favorite purses with you. I’m betting you have several in your closet, too.
I am in love with my Delvaux purses. These purses are all high quality, fine leather. Plus, they are the official purveyor to the Royal Court of Belgium.
My love for my Loewe bag knows now end. All the heart eyes for this one.
Fendi is known for stylish handbags like this one. I love the shock of color.
If you haven’t figure it out by now, I am a huge fan of pink. This one from Celine makes my pink-loving heart happy.
Ultimately, women are purchasing purses for style and quality rather than merely purchasing for a brand logo. While I am all about a designer bag, even I know quality and style trumps a logo. But, when I find the perfect combination of designer plus style and quality, I know it is a win!
Hello!
I'm Rachel, a lifestyle blogger and mom of two crazy daughters, living in New York City.
Check out my family, travel, food and lifestyle experiences on the blog, and please get in touch if you have any questions!
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