Sunday, December 16, 2018

Germany Travel Wardrobe

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and www.andreaswellnessnotes.com will benefit from actions taken on the links.

Last year, I put a lot of time and effort into planning our trip to Germany in December. Since we live in a warm climate and don't go skiing anymore, I also had to buy several pieces of clothing for everyone, including thermal underwear to make our "fake winter clothes" work in a much colder climate.

This year, I'm going to visit my parents by myself for a week, and the trip somewhat snuck up on me. Luckily, I documented what I took last year on Instagram, and since everything worked very well together, I'm pretty much copying everything exactly.



The only items I bought new this year are a pink scarf, a hat and gloves. I really like pale pinks and grey together, and since my winter jacket is grey, I thought it would be perfect. I also snagged them on major sale and used an awards certificate, so all three items came to less than $50. I love the weight and warmth of the scarf; it's definitely going to keep we warm.

 Details: Scarf, Hat, Gloves

Questions: What are your plans for the holidays? Did you buy yourself a gift this year? 



Sunday, December 9, 2018

Black and White Cardigan from Eva Trends

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Eva Trends. As always, all opinions are my own.

The last piece I chose for my collaboration with Eva Trends is a black and white cardigan called Doodle Up Cardigan. I wear a fair amount of black and was right away drawn to the pattern. What's especially nice about the cardigan is that it has short sleeves that help hold it in place, yet it lets the clothes underneath shine.


I first styled the Doodle Up Cardigan with a black turtleneck, jeans, a brown belt, brown boots and a brown bag.



I also wore the Doodle Up Cardigan with an all black outfit and liked the interest the black and white pattern added to the outfit. 




Eva Trends Coupon Code

If you want to check out Eva Trends, you can save 10% off your entire order by using Code MM10. It's a great website with very unique pieces, like the Girl in the City sweater I showed you here or the Snow Love Sweater I showed you here. But there are also beautiful dresses, pants, overalls, accessories, shoes and more.



Question: What new piece of clothing are you thinking about adding to your wardrobe?  

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Sentence a Day: November 2018

Here are my sentences for November 2018. Since I practiced yoga again every day of the month (and will do so until the end of the year), I didn't mention the yoga challenge very often so that I wouldn't bore you (and myself). You can read my past sentences on my Sentence a Day Page.

Thursday, November 1, 2018
I kept my walk short as my calf is speaking to me; after yesterday's indulgences, I tried to eat clean and roasted some veggies and topped them with marinated chickpeas.


Friday, November 2, 2018
Andy didn't feel well, so we didn't make it to our weekly barre class date, which was probably not a bad thing as it allowed my calf to rest; I bought rumbutans for the first time - so good! Can't believe I hadn't tried them before!



Saturday, November 3, 2018
We saw Harry Potter in Concert (our bday gift to Andy), and afterwards we got delicious sushi in the Lobby Lounge at the Fairmont San Jose.


Sunday, November 4, 2018
We went on a beautiful hike at Wunderlich Park.


Monday, November 5, 2018
I'm starting a modified cleanse today and started the day with a green smoothie; for lunch I had sauteed veggies and ground turkey over a bed of "power greens."



Tuesday, November 6, 2018
It was a busy day, but I managed to sneak in a barre class, and in the evening the kid had his first rehearsal for the Christmas play he is participating in.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Another busy day: walk, work, lunchtime barre class, more work, kid's choir practice at night.


Thursday, November 8, 2018
Andy and I attended a painting party at Bottle & Bottega in Belmont and had a great evening.



Friday, November 9, 2018
The air quality was really bad today, and I had the worst headache all day; I feel so bad for all those directly affected by the fires.

Saturday, November 10, 2018
We went to AT&T Park in San Francisco for the Bacon and Beer Classic where Andy was a judge; after several hours outside, the air quality really started to affect me.



Sunday, November 11, 2018
Andy and I were invited to a press preview at a new restaurant in Cow Hollow in San Francisco - Cow Marlowe - it's a beautiful space with great drinks and food.


Monday, November 12, 2018
We decided to go on a short hike but didn't get very far before breathing became difficult due to the bad air quality, and we had to turn around.

  
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
I'm going to work a few hours a week at my barre studio, and training started today.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018
The air quality was really bad, and I had constant headaches, chest pain, and a sore throat; I got training during the morning and the evening shifts.

Thursday, November 15, 2018
More training at the barre studio; unfortunately, the air quality continues to be "unhealthy," bordering "hazardous;" as a result the community college district where Andy and I work cancelled classes today and tomorrow.

Friday, November 16, 2018
I woke up with a terrible headache, burning eyes and a sore throat, so I booked a hotel in Pismo Beach (where the air quality is much better), and we left after I got training at the barre studio in the morning. It was so nice to be able to enjoy the rooftop terrace at night and breathe much better air.

Saturday, November 17, 2018
We are so thankful for being able to breathe better air.

Sunday, November 18, 2018
Unfortunately, we had to head back home as I'm scheduled to work at the barre studio on Monday; because of the bad air quality the colleges we work at are going to be closed on Monday. It was tough getting back into the "unhealthy" air, but we were thankful that we got to buy some air purifiers and masks (which were completely sold out in the Bay Area for days) down south.


Monday, November 19, 2018
I worked at the barre studio in the morning, we made a Costco run in preparation for Thanksgiving, and we stayed inside the rest of the day, decorating for the holidays as I'll be visiting my parents for a week in December and wanted to enjoy the holiday season with the boys early.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018
I worked a few hours at the barre studio in the morning and spent all afternoon completing an assignment for my online class; there is supposed to be a storm with wind and rain moving in that will hopefully help with putting out the fires and improve everyone's air quality.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018
The air quality was not "unhealthy" or "hazardous" for the first time in almost two weeks, and we are so thankful and hope the fires will be contained 100% soon; the kid had his annual checkup in the morning, and I worked a few hours at the barre studio.



Thursday, November 22, 2018
I started the day with an early morning barre class, and we had a lovely Thanksgiving with the older kid and his wife.


Friday, November 23, 2018
I started the day with another barre class and worked a few hours at the barre studio.

Saturday, November 24, 2018
We went to Picchetti Winery to take some photos for the blog, went on a hike there, and then did some wine tasting.


Sunday, November 25, 2018
I started the day with the seventh barre/yoga/Pilates class in a row, and we spent the rest of the day getting ready for the week.

Monday, November 26, 2018
I took a break from barre but worked a few hours at the barre studio; I finally ordered our holiday cards and took care of numerous items on my to-do list.


Tuesday, November 27, 2018
I'm almost done with my sports physiology class and worked several hours on an assignment; I love that I learned quite a bit and can apply what I learned to real life situations.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018
I started the day with a yoga class, worked, and then worked a shift at the barre studio at night.

Thursday, November 29, 2018
I had a doctor's appointment and a mammogram scheduled, but an hour before the appointment, it got cancelled; I got caught up on work instead.

Friday, November 30, 2018
I started the day with a barre class, worked at the barre studio for a few hours and got caught up with life in the afternoon.




Question: What were your highlights in November?



Sunday, December 2, 2018

Fun Holiday Sweater from Eva Trends

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Eva Trends. As always, all opinions are my own.

The second item I chose for my collaboration with Eva Trends is a fun holiday sweater. I've been wanting a "loud" holiday sweater for a while now, and when I saw the Snow Love Sweater, I knew it was it! I love snowmen - maybe because I have been living in an area where it doesn't snow for over 25 years now - and the sweater really spoke to me.
 

The bold colors make me happy. The sweater is oversized, which makes it perfect to wear with leggings.


I'm quite sensitive when it comes to sweaters and easily deem them "itchy." Fortunately, the Snow Love Sweater is not itchy at all but soft and comfortable. It has a solid green back, which I like.



Seeing myself in my Snow Love Sweater makes me smile.

Eva Trends Coupon Code

If you want to check out Eva Trends, you can save 10% off your entire order by using Code MM10. If you love graphic sweaters, you'll be very happy you did. But there is so much more, from embroidered pants to the most beautiful, unique dresses and cardigans.




Question: Do you own a "loud" holiday sweater? If no, do you want one? 

Monday, November 26, 2018

Oversized Graphic Sweater from Eva Trends

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Eva Trends. As always, all opinions are my own.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Eva Trends and asked if I was interested in reviewing several of their items. Looking at the website, I was right away drawn to the unique designs. Many items have graphic patterns. The sweater I'm wearing in today's post caught my attention right away as it reminded me of a sweater I owned in the late 80s that I absolutely loved. It had a girl walking down a street on it - I always presumed it was a street in Paris - and the colors were mainly black, white and a little red. I could have worn that sweater every day, and I have a feeling some weeks I did...



The Eva Trends sweater is oversized and long enough to wear with leggings. In fact, it's perfect with my faux leather leggings that I seem to be wearing all the time lately. 


The sweater is called Girl in the City sweater.

Eva Trends Girl in the City Sweater

The design continues on the back of the sweater, which I love.

Eva Trends Girl in the City Sweater

The sweater is very soft and thin enough to drape well, which is important since it is oversized. I chose to wear it with a black turtleneck underneath for added warmth, and it was very comfortable.

Eva Trends Girl in the City Sweater

One last look at my new Girl in the City sweater. I know I'll wear it a lot! And I'll feel like I'm back in the 80s every time I do. And in this case, that's a good thing! 

Eva Trends Girl in the City Sweater

Eva Trends Coupon Code

If you want to check out Eva Trends, you can save 10% off your entire order by using Code MM10. If you love graphic sweaters, you'll be very happy you did. But there is so much more, from embroidered pants to the most beautiful, unique dresses and cardigans.



Questions: Did you ever own a graphic shirt or sweater? What items from way back when do you still think about today? 

Friday, November 16, 2018

Faux Leather Leggings for Fall/Winter & the Holidays

This post contains affiliate links, and www.andreaswellnessnotes.com will benefit from actions taken on the links. 

Today's post is a collaboration post with four other fabulous bloggers - Suzanne, Robin, Julie and Nina. Make sure to read to the end for lots of style inspiration.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I love faux leather leggings. In fact, I own multiple pairs. The last pair of faux leather leggings I bought is my most affordable one, but I like them a lot.

In fact, I like them as much as my much more expensive pairs. I think they are also a great option for those who may be on the fence about faux leather leggings as they are not a huge investment.


I love faux leather leggings in fall and winter and for the holidays. I bought the Desigual dress in Germany a few years ago and knew it was a bit too short on its own. Since I have a tradition of adding at least one Desigual item to my wardrobe on every trip, and I really liked the dress, I had to find a way to make it work. I think it works well with the leggings. It's one of the holiday outfits I'm going to bring to Germany when I visit my parents in December.


 I like that the leggings have a ponte back, which makes them very comfortable.

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Leggings

And now on to the other fabulous bloggers and how they have styled faux leather leggings. 

Suzanne from Ask Suzanne Bell always styles faux leather leggings so well. In fact, I bought my other favorite pair of faux leather leggings, Lysse, on her recommendation last year, and I am glad I did as they are still like new after countless wears. Here are two examples of how Suzanne styles her Lysse faux leather leggings. If you don't already follow Suzanne, check out her blog for great, relatable style advice, follow her on Instagram, and like her on Facebook. Here is a link to Suzanne's blog post.



Next is Robin LaMonte from Hello I'm 50ish. Her faux leather leggings are from Chico's. Isn't this the perfect holiday outfit? I so want to recreate this outfit! Here is a link to her post. You can follow Robin on Instagram here and like her Facebook page here.


Julie from Fashion Trends and Friends styled a very affordable pair of faux leather leggings from Amazon. Didn't she create a lovely holiday look? Here is a link to her blog post. Follow Fashion Trends and Friends on Instagram here. And like their Facebook page here.


Next is Nina from Sharing a Journey. Here is a link to her blog post. I love the pop of red she added to her outfit! It makes it instantly festive. Follow Nina on Instagram here and her Facebook page here.


Questions: Do you own faux leather leggings? If yes, what is your favorite way to style them for fall/winter? Do you ever wear them for the holidays?