If you’ve been following me along on social media lately, you might of noticed a few new products in my daily routine – Skinnygirl protein shakes and the newly reformulated protein snack bars!
The shakes come in two flavors – rich brownie chocolate and vanilla bean sundae. Both flavors are delicious to drink, only 80 calories, no sugar, low in fat and they are gluten free (super important for me!). Each bottle also provides 12 grams of protein. I’m partial to the vanilla bean one but that is also coming from the girl who prefers vanilla ice cream and cake to chocolate so there is no surprise there.
Besides tasting delicious, I have found that these are perfect pre and post workout for me. Like a lot of women, I often have a hard time getting enough protein from my daily diet alone. The average woman needs about 45 grams a day and these shakes are the perfect supplement in addition to healthy eating.
When keeping an active lifestyle and wanting to stay fit and strong – this is extremely important as well. Protein helps with muscle recovery, growth and prevents soreness. The fact that these shakes taste like dessert also makes it easy to grab one and drink on the way to a barre or spin class or after for me.
I’ve also been snacking more on Skinnygirl Protein Tasty Nutrition Bars – these are the same SG bars you might have already grown to love (like myself) but they have been reformulated to pack in more protein with less calories. Each bar has 150 calories and 10 grams of protein – they are also gluten free and have no artificial flavors or sweeteners. From Dark Chocolate Almond (with coconut), Chocolate Peanut Butter (with sea salt), Lemon Swirl and Dark Chocolate Pretzel – you really cannot go wrong.
I normally keep one or two of these bars in my bag throughout the day – sometimes I will end up eating one for breakfast or also on the way to a workout class or just an afternoon snack. Incorporating one in the morning helps to keep you full throughout the day (one other benefit of protein). Because I am gluten free – I like to always have one on hand in case I am out and there is not a GF friendly option I can eat.
Some other benefits of a healthy protein diet are that it helps to boost metabolism and maintain a healthy weight. I will notice that if I’m not getting enough daily, my muscles will not look as toned and I don’t feel as energetic either.
As you can see, I am absolutely obsessed with these new products and they have just launched at Walmart nationwide and are coming to other retailers soon. So obsessed that I have decided to host a giveaway for my readers so that you can try them both for yourself!
Be sure to enter below and tell me what you think!
So, October is my favorite. No, really. And what’s more so my favorite is all the fall wardrobe options that October brings.
I shared some of my picks last week but after packing in “all things Fall” over the weekend, I’m sharing two looks today that you can layer and wear all season long. What I also love about these two is that you can mix and match and swap them out with the various staples below. What’s even better? Many of these items are 25% OFF through Thursday with J.CREW’s Fall Sale.
I spent Saturday at my friend’s farm in Pennsylvania, which was like a page out of Town & Country magazine and a gorgeous day. We explored the grounds, fed the horses, had delicious food, a bonfire, played cornhole and of course, enjoyed spiked cider and wine.
Sunday, I spent the afternoon (c/o* Reston Limo) at Stone Tower Winery (c/o*) & Greenhill Winery with some of my favorite bloggers. We tasted, tasted some more and enjoyed cheese galore while taking in the gorgeous Virginia vineyard views.
Today I’m back with a recap of my Charleston trip this past summer – my last trip to share with you while I was away on my hiatus. While we were certainly all in our summer’s best, all of these hotels, restaurants and activities are perfect for a Charleston trip any time of the year.
This trip was for the Southern Blog Society annual conference and I was so lucky to attend this year again. Luckily it was in Charleston – one of my favorite cities in this world! (if you haven’t read my sister’s Bachelorette recap series – please do.)
I landed and we checked into the charming & historic Mills House in downtown Charleston. We were greeted by the sweetest staff and bottles of vino in our gorgeous hotel room which overlooked the city.
The Mills House is everything Charleston – its pink exterior is enough to make any instagrammer pose out front for a photo (which all of us bloggers did, shocker). The four of us were hosted by welcoming and the most accommodating staff all weekend long. We had coffee at our door each morning and amazing bacon-cheese chips to munch on before heading out each evening.
Also, if you can imagine the amount of bags that 4 bloggers travel with for one weekend – our room was quite the sight to see (including our new matching weekenders from Barrington Gifts).
After we unpacked, Jenny and I then headed on over to Tease for the best blowouts in this world (see more about Tease here) and quickly met up with the other ladies to tour a few local showrooms. We stopped into meet the girls from Escapada Living and do some shopping and then over to II Brunettes to check out their adorable boutique too.
The first night of the conference was spent mingling and cocktail-ing on the rooftop terrace of Charleston Place. We caught up with our fellow southern bloggers from all over.
Below is what I wore with some similar options linked! I loved this little jumpsuit. After cocktails, we headed with group to dinner at Indaco – which is surely a new favorite. I’m told the pizzas were delicious (#glutenfreeproblems) and so was the wine (I can attest to that)!
It’s been awhile since I’ve sat down to write on this little site that has been so much a part of my life for the past 2+ years. First and foremost, I want to thank you – yes, each and every one of you who continues to come back and read even in my absence the past few months and for all your sweet messages, comments, snaps and support.
I was inspired to write today’s post after reading my good friend and fellow Hokie + blogger, Jenn of Southern Anchors, coffee date post yesterday. She lifted the veil on blogging and was real and honest. I’ve seen several other close blogger friends do the same over the last year so here it goes…
The only other time I’ve ever been “personal” on H&T was on its first birthday when I shared why I was inspired to start this blog in the first place. I’ve always kept my day-to-day life details, career and relationships off this space. I even made a point starting this summer to keep “personal” photos off instagram and stick strictly to blog (which I still intend to do).
Regardless, if you follow me along on instagram (or snap chat – @bannc) for that matter, you probably noticed that the usual lattes, liketoknow.its and travel photos were replaced with more Bible verses, encouraging words or just, well, blank spaces.
Days upon days without instagram posts, an overwhelming inbox with unopened emails, and a queue of blog posts to do – I took an unexpected but much needed hiatus and today I want to share with you why.
I had intended to take a mini-blog break at the start of my aunt & uncle’s trial to go home and be with my family (see: blog birthday post). The same week I was supposed to fly home for the trial, I got another call and flew home 4 days earlier as my mom had a serious stroke and brain surgery from which she is still recovering. I could not believe this was all happening and at once.
I had prepared myself as much as one can for such a surreal experience as a trial and was asked in the weeks before if I would write a victim impact statement to testify in court. Writing a eulogy about these amazing people came much easier for me three and half years ago but to put into words to a jury of complete strangers what these people meant to me, who they were and what their loss has done was much more difficult. Without my aunt & uncle’s loving strength from above, my family closeby and friends’ encouraging words, I would of never been able to read it, while sitting in front of the same person who took them away from us and a room full of cameras.
While my family and I are happy that chapter of our lives is finally over and that justice was finally served, it took a toll on me after 3 long weeks day in and out. It truly was the most exhausting and emotional time I’ve ever endured encompassed with everything else. I could not of been more blessed with such loving friends and colleagues during this time – from sleepovers to packing my suitcase to airport rides and flowers from afar, to say I am lucky is an understatement.
I share all this with my readers, not so you feel bad for me because I’m much stronger & will be okay. But because I think sometimes us bloggers give you a glimpse into only one part of our lives. You see the fancy brunches, the fun trips, the gifted clothes and not much else. And while that might be inspiring and pretty to look at – there is so much more to me, to H&T and to my life than perfect lighting, gluten free avocado toast and over-sized sunglasses.
A perfectionist by nature (as most of us bloggers are) I’ve also learned through all this it’s okay to not have it all together some days. It’s okay to miss a 6AM barre class because you didn’t sleep (or barley ate) the night/day before. I can absolutely assure you that at this moment in time, my room is the messiest it’s been in years. My dining room table is full of UPS boxes instead of a beautiful fall tablescape as it usually is this time of year – and that’s all okay too.
However, above all, what has truly gotten me through all this is my faith and love in God – my faith has always been important to me and I often turn to the Bible and Christian teachings. {“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 & “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” – Philippians 4:13}
I’ve also embraced my own spirituality more. {“If you knew who walks beside you on this path that you have chosen, fear would be impossible.” & “Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.” h/t Jenn} I can thank my sister and some of my favorite spiritual teachers – Heather Waxman, Jennifer Kass & Gabrielle Bernstein for that. I know I often share all my lifestyle & fashion blogger BFFs but these ladies are also truly remarkable. A Course in Miracles is beginning to change my life and I look forward to Heather’s periscopes each and every day (thanks girl!). Hopefully you’ll bookmark these babes too!
The past few months have been anything but easy and so scheduling time to blog became less of a priority than focusing on myself and what I needed each day. Through all this, my heart has also broken in more ways than one, more than one time. Some situations I was prepared for, others were unexpected and another reassured me once again, how short life really is. I’ve learned to forgive others, to forgive again, make mistakes, make the same ones again and finally, to let it all go and yes, even forgive some more.
You know, there used to be a time where I would rush home from work late and stay up blogging until the wee hours just to get everything done because it made me so happy. And now, as I sit here WELL past midnight finishing this post – that same feeling has taken over me – happy to share this other side with you and let the veil down a bit.
AND if you’ve been so kind to make it to the end of this and read my journey – below is the outfit I teased on instagram last night.
It’s safe to say that with all of life’s recent events, I’ve been doing a whole lot more toasting these days than hosting, ha! There’s lots more exciting news & posts coming H&T’s way soon too.
I’m so happy to be back.
But from the bottom of my heart to yours, thank you for reading – today and always.
The summer has surely flown by quickly! Life has been a little busy for me lately but I’m finally back to recap a few of my summer trips.
For all my DC/Virginia area readers – this Charlottesville trip is a perfect getaway for you and super easy to plan with my guide below. If you haven’t visited this gorgeous town full of scenic views and vineyards – I highly suggest you make it your next roadtrip. I was lucky enough to be hosted twice this summer in Charlottesville – once for a girls weekend with my sister and a few weeks later over the 4th of July for a blogger trip (Heather joined me as well!).
This charming boutique Inn has modern guest rooms, luxury beauty products and the friendliest staff. The guest rooms are in historic Virginia homes and have a library on each floor – perfect for working remotely (hello, Wifi!) and conveniently stocked with San Pellegrino flavored sodas, waters and a Nespresso machine. The decor varies by room but each one is gorgeous with all white bathrooms. You also receive freshly baked cookies and branded waters in your room as a part of turn down service each night. What could be better? You’ll feel right at home!
It is perfect for wedding groups, a romantic getaway, girls weekend, a UVA alumni weekend or even a solo trip full of relaxation. I stayed twice this summer and am looking forward to going back as soon as I can.
On both occasions, I had the pleasure of dining at Red Pump Kitchen for dinner. Red Pump is located on the Historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville and is a must if you’re in town. It is an open kitchen restaurant with a classic burning oven. We were lucky enough to be seated by their large front open windows on a perfect summer evening (not too hot yet!)However, there is also plenty booth & bar seating and an outdoor patio space too.
All of the dishes are made with local Virginian farm ingredients but influences by Mediterranean, Tuscan and Italian cuisines. There is also a full service bar, excellent cocktail menu and a charming wait staff. The attention to detail at Red Pump is impeccable – from the striped cloth napkins to the gorgeous water glasses and dishes. I’m pretty sure between both trips and all us girls, we tried just about everything on the dinner menu too. Some of my personal recommendations would be the Blueberry + Burratto Salad, Beet + Goat Cheese Salad and the Atlantic Grouper – delicious!
For brunch, we dined at Oakhurst Cafe located on the Inn’s property. It is a popular breakfast and brunch spot for hotel guests and locals alike. There is also a coffee and espresso bar for grab and go options.
It is every bit as charming as the Inn – with mix and match cappuccino cups and fresh juices. Everything here is also locally sourced – a very common trend in Charlottesville overall. I would recommend the Baked Local Farm Eggs or the Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal (it comes with avocado and beets!).
