Archives for November 2014

How to Survive Holiday Travel

November 26, 2014 By Caroline Peterson

I’m traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday (NOT the Wednesday before, see below) and I figured I’d give you a few tips to make it through the mind-numbing process of waiting for someone to put their overpacked carry-on in sideways into the overhead bin.

How to SurviveÂ Holiday Travel

(without wanting to gouge your eyes out)

1. Avoid the busiest travel days

Unless you enjoy amateur hour, don’t travel the day before Thanksgiving or the day before Christmas Eve. People are trying to get the most bang for their buck with their time off and it shows. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest day at airports all year. You’ll also often find that the Sunday after Thanksgiving and Christmas are incredibly busy too. I’m flying out super early on ThanksgivingÂ to Vegas,Â to arrive just in time to squeeze these cheeks.

Then, I’m taking a red-eye back to Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday evening. Sure, it’s not ideal. But I get a better chance of an upgrade with less people clamoring for seats and I’ll be home to see my hubby for longer. (Yes, I plan trips on upgrade potential.) Plus, I avoid the larger crowds and it’s often cheaper. Win-win.

2. Carry-on only

You can do it. I promise. Even if you’re gone for an entire week, you can do it. I will write a post about how I packed a carry-on for 2 weeks forÂ Thailand & Cambodia soon.

How to Survive Holiday Travel — That’s my blue backpack/carry-on behind me in Tokyo-Narita Airport on the way to Bangkok, Thailand.

But in the mean time, grab some of my favorite eBags packing cubes and go at it. You’ll save time at baggage claim and more importantly, you’re forced to pack less and therefore have less to lug around.

3. Get to the airport early

My flight leaves at 6:45 am on Thanksgiving. WeÂ live about 15 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. It’s REALLY tempting to take advantage of that. That said, my anxiety prevents me from ever living on the edge and leaving for the airport late. I will try to get to the airport no later than 5:30 am. I have Global Entry, which also includes TSA Pre-check so if security is a breeze andÂ I have a lot of time to kill, I’ll grab a ~~Bloody Mary~~ Starbucks.

4. Find your happy place

See above. Starbucks is a great bribe to get me to the airport early. Similarly, if you have a long layover, check out the airport prior to leaving and scope out any place that may interest you. Somehow my nose always heads to the local watering hole, but airports have tons of things to do now. San Francisco Airport even offers yoga!

5. Remain calm

Don’t be the asshole yelling at flight attendants when things go wrong. Do you honestly think that will get you anywhere? And more importantly, do you want to be that guy? We’re all in this together. No one actually likes flying. Okay except me. I sort of love flying. Keep your cool, find your zen place and chill the hell out. More than likely you aren’t the only one delayed or inconvenienced. A crazy thought, right?

Fun side story: On my way back from JFK to FLL this September, I got upgraded. (SCORE!) I watched a lady with her toddler board the plane very last and in a rush. She was incensedÂ that there wasn’t enough room for her baggage left in First Class. She took it out on the flight attendant and inferred that we all did this to her on purpose. Yes, lady, I specifically chose this precise flight because I knew you’d be on it and I wanted to take up “your” overhead space. Her poor son was being quite fussy, as kids get on planes, and she was on the struggle bus trying to calm him down. I felt bad for her, but the thing was, she was such a wretched person to all of us, including the flight attendant, that none of us offered to help. When the FA asked if I wanted another glass of wine (The answer is always, duh) he asked if he could have some of mine too and then moved his eyes towards the nasty lady. Ha! I feel like we could have done shots together in the galley… But, I digress. Just don’t be a jerk!

6. Bring entertainment

I bring a fully charged: iPad, iPad keyboard, iPhone and IV of caffeine. My iPad has all the books I have from the Kindle app and if push comes to shove, I’ll buy a trashy magazine. Only if push comes to shove though… I’m also a big people watcher, you can see a lot of funny shit just by watching people. Okay. That sounded creepy.

7. Don’t get hangry

Hungry + Frustrated + Hungry + Large Crowds = Angry. Hangry. The hubster has called me a squirrel because I bring nuts on long trips. If it prevents Hangry Caroline from emerging, I think he should count his blessings. amiright? I usually toss a couple granola bars in for good measure. Airport food can be awful. But granola bars and beer can be glorious.

So those are some thingsÂ I’ve learned fromÂ years ofÂ traveling. Probably most important though, just remember how lucky you are to be flying and enjoy the view. Even if it’s for a brief moment.

Hasta luego, Ft. Lauderdale! â¤ï¸

A photo posted by Caroline (@carolinemadethis) on Aug 8, 2014 at 5:36am PDT

Have I missed anything? Â Are you traveling this holiday and what do you guys use to survive?

Sports Bra Review for Big Boobs

November 23, 2014 By Caroline Peterson

You know those skimpy camisoles with built-in bras?

Ha!

How about straplessÂ bras?

Ha!

Going bra-less?

Ha! Better not be next to me if I turn around too quickly, you could be knocked out.

Over the years, I guess I’ve learned to love my big boobs and the hassle that comes with them. They were one giant embarrassment (well, two…) in middle school and high school. I swear, I just woke up one morning and immediately hopped from a training bra to a wired C-cup. In middle school! And they just kept growing. But whatever, I’m rocking them now.Â I mean, half my schtick is about big boobs, so the world would be a totally less fun place without them.

The path to a perfect sports bra:

The one area that I did struggle with was in the sports bra department. I look back at some of the flimsy, cotton sports bras I wore and cringe for my poor boobies and the beating they took. I totally understand why some ladies wear TWO sports bras, nothing just seemed supportive enough.

I once competed in a triathlon and noticed some girls just ran and biked in their swim suit from the swimming portion. Ha! Hahaha. I remember explaining to the associate at Macy’s that I needed a sports bra that I could wear under my wet suit, that would still function for the biking and running portion of the triathlon.

Poor thing had no idea what to do with my triathlon titties.

About 7 years ago, I discovered the Enell Sports Bra. I don’t know if it was because my big breasted sister, Oprah, endorsed it or what, but once I wore an Enell, I never went back. And no, I’m not being paid to endorse Enell. I just want to share the love because I understand the big-boobed struggle.

Wearing it at first was weird because it was so supportive. I wasn’t used to it. Your breasts are literally propped up to a position they probably haven’t seen since your teenage years. Not only are they held up, they are now in a boob compartment that is flexible enough to let you breathe, but firm enough to make sure those puppies don’t move.

Best part? No uni-boob!

It’s not exceptionally pretty. But honestly, I’m not the gal who prances into a gym with just my sports bra on, so I really don’t care. The seam that goes across the front can often be seen if you’re only wearing a thin tank top, but again, I really don’t care and if it’s supporting my girls, I’m cool with it. I lovingly joke that it’s my bullet proof vest because you put it on like a vest and then hook it together on the front. Once “hooked in”Â your lady twins are standing up so tall that you’re basically a bonafideÂ Fembot.

I love it!

I also have the new Enell LiteÂ that I wear around the house or during yoga. It’s supportive enough for lighter exercise.

They have a different sizing system, that you can explore more on their site. Basically, be honest with your measurements and you’ll fall into a sizeÂ 00-8. I wear a size 3 with Enell. To give you an idea, depending on the brand, I can vary between a 34 or 36 FF or G cup. When I complain about the hard time I have finding a regular bra because of my cup size, the hubsterÂ reminds me that FF and G standsÂ for Freakin’ Fantastic and Gorgeous. He’s pretty swell.

For years, I could only order Enell through their website, but now you can find them pretty much anywhere. Woohoo! I even saw them at my local running store this past weekend when I went to get new running shoes for my half-marathon coming up.

Sure, they are probably more expensive than the flimsy sports bras. But guess what? So are breast lifts! You don’t want to need that surgery because you saved a few bucks on a cheaper sports bra. It’s an exaggeration, sure, but you get my point. I own 4 and it’s well worth the investment.

I honestly can’t imagine running now without it on. Truth be told, it has made a world of difference in any athletic activity I participate in and looking back, that’s a lot. From triathlons, to 5Ks to 10Ks to half-marthons, gym sessions and soccer games thrown in between. My boobs are happy to have an Enell Sports Bra.

Go make your boobs happy and get one. Then tell me how much you love me for telling you about it.

You’re welcome, big-boobed gals. You’re welcome.

You Will Always be Too Much of Something for Someone

November 17, 2014 By Caroline Peterson

*Jazz hands are always necessary in Sydney, Australia*

Ever had one of those epiphanies and ask yourself why you put up with the same shit for so many years?

I had it happen to me at the end of last week. Staring right at me on my computer screen. Right there. In the comments awaiting moderation on this very site.

There was a nice, little nasty-gram comment that struck me as odd b/c it wasn’t spammy; it didn’t contain any links and the email address looked legit. I ask you to provide an email address (that is never published) when making a comment for security purposes. Quack email addresses get sent to SPAM and those without email addresses can’t comment. Sometimes there are lots to wade through and I miss some, but I had just cleared comments out so I only had 2 comments to moderate. I didn’t recognize this email address though and the person made up a fake name “All your friends.”

Curious about it, I looked up the IP Address (as anyone can do). It was a mundane reaction as I wasn’t expecting to find anything. I saw where the IP address was locatedÂ and after a super ah-ha moment (meaning I only know one person who works at this place), I knew who it was.

As in, I know this person. Or loser, as my husband and friends said.

Yup. My first nasty comment was from someone I know. How fun, right?

My website is getting good traction these days – I LOVE YOU GUYS – but let’s keep it real. Until I gain more readership (which will happen) the vast majority of people who are reading this know me in some capacity, either having met me or knowing me virtually. Internet trolls are usually total strangers.

So this one was a fun one. Trolls that you know.

This oneÂ made me smirk and say, “Finally. VALIDATION!”

*Epiphany engaged*

You see, I have plenty of supportive, wonderful friends in my life. This person really wasn’t one of them. I sucked up instinctive feelings and pushed aside obvious actions over the years for the sake of remaining affable.

I had something staring me right in the face late last week that said— Forget ’em.

Yes!

It’s funny, I had a conversation with a close guy friend of mine maybe over a decade ago, but the memory is very vivid. I was confiding in him that one of my friends had hurt my feelings and it was hard to push past them. He told me something that has stuck with me to this day. The gist of it basically went like this:

Look, Caroline, snap out of it, you turd.

Just kidding.

Look, Caroline, friendsÂ aren’t always going to be perfect or say the right things and they may even be mean unintentionally, but at the end of the day, it’s the guys that are waiting out in the parking lot to defend you when someone is picking a fight with you, that are your real friends.

While I think this is a very masculine way of saying, your real friends are loyal, I got what he was saying and it held true after the absurd comment was left on my blog. (Which you can find if you look through, it’s not tough.) Support came from texts and calls, a comment back and even encouragement on Facebook.

I have a great support system. With or without nasty comments left on my blog.

I realize writing about this event is bringing more unnecessary attention to it and I want you to know the reason I chose to write about it is because I know the struggle is real. In a world filled with just the highlights of the “good life” on Facebook and balancing out what real friendships mean, you have no room or obligation to keep people around who aren’t supportive. I’m not talking blowing-hot-air-up-your-ass supportive, either. True friends give it to you straight when necessary. Not under a fake name and not without a shred of credibility to hold their stance.

That’s what gets me about leaving a stupid comment under the guise of a fake name, why take the time? You don’t like me but are still coming here to read and watch what I do? (Hi. Hello. I’m sure you’re reading this.)

I’d rather be someone’s shot of whiskey than everyone’s cup of tea. Don’t like me? Move on. It took me far too many years to embrace that. Sometimes it’s still a struggle in my people-pleasing head. But, it’s true.

Make no apologies for who you are. Learn, grow from mistakes, evolve as a friend or wife or sister, fill your heart with experiences, apologize when necessary, but don’t ask for forgiveness for being your unique self.

And more importantly don’t waste my time and yours by putting up this charade masked in friendship. Time is valuable and I’m spending it on genuine relationships.

So put that in your peace pipe and smoke it.

Be Soft. Do Not Let The World Make You Hard.

November 13, 2014 By Caroline Peterson

No matter how prepared you are to deal with any situation, there are stillÂ unwelcome eventsÂ that can giveÂ even the most emotionallyÂ equippedÂ personÂ a nice case ofÂ whiplash.

The emotions are swift. A rogue wave of sorts. You can’t turn your face quick enough as it’s frigid forceÂ smashes into you, soaking your clothes, leavingÂ you gasping for air at itsÂ bone-chilling temperature. Finally able to gather your breath, you gently shake off your clothes andÂ quietly say,

“Where did THAT come from?”

Recently, the selfish, exploitative actions of someone I know delivered a swift punch to my gut and caused a very visceral reaction.

I felt like spikes were going to shoot out of my spine. I was unusually pissed off for what was, and still is, an all-together sad situation.

In these moments, I get mad at the world and immediately want to put on armor; shield myself from the other manipulative stuntsÂ this person may bring into my corner of the universe.

It’s in those knee-jerk, “I’ll show ’em”, “Fine! Then I’ll take all of my toys and just go home” moments, that I have to remember how very seldom I actually feel this way.

Because in reality, it doesn’t last long.

Perhaps it’s part of my stubborn will to refuse to believe that evil outweighs the good in the world.

I will not let the disingenuous actions of someone else define my reality, which is surrounded by supportive, loving souls. This world is aÂ wonderful place and I won’t let anyone shatter that belief.

I will not let it make me hard.

Lay Off Me I’m Starving

November 11, 2014 By Caroline Peterson

In training for my upcoming half marathon, I’ve increased my running a lot over the course of this past month. Even brought in my fastest pace for the 4-6 mile range.

Don’t worry, kids. It’s still moderately slow. I’m not breaking any land-speed records here. I’m usually just a bit faster than my elderly neighbors who use walkers. Usually.

But guess what, I still freakin’ running! I’m not too concerned with opinions about my slow speeds.

All that said, with the increased mileage and pace, my appetite is ravenous.

I want to eat allllllllllllthefoods.

When coworkers ask me how training is going, I think they’re surprised I have an 8 mile run next weekend. Why? Because I usually can’t even answer since I’m too busy stuffing my face.

This happened last year when I was training, so it’s really no surprise. But it’s sort of counterproductive to weight loss after a 6.5 mile run to be shoveling Halloween candy in my mouth like I have an army of children to protect from their teeth rotting, so I take one for the team and eat some Reese’s peanut butter cups for the kids and maybe some Nerds for the kids and maybe some Hershey kisses…for the kids. You know, for the kids.

I digress…

I really need your help here.

What type of foods would you suggest for this increase in appetite? I’m looking for quick, filling snacks!

I know proteins over carbs, but let’s be honest you guys, carbs aren’t da debil and some of you go overboard with PROTEIN IN ALLLLLLL THE THINGS ALLLLL THE TIME.

I also will not be doing any chemical-filled bullshit. You hear me? Â The only protein powder shake/drink I use is a plant based protein and I lover it.

Yes, lover it.

So help a sista’ out. What type of foods would you suggest? Maybe I haven’t thought of some options that you guys would have great suggest…OMG IS THAT HUMMUS?!

But I deserve it.

November 9, 2014 By Caroline Peterson

IÂ guess it can beÂ called a pet peeve of mine, since it makes my hair stand on end the second it comes out of someone’s mouth. Interestingly, it happens onÂ House Hunters a lot. The couple looking for a homeÂ has a laundry list of “must-haves” that their realtor can’t possibly meet except to go over their initial budget. Once the couple narrows down their choice of houses from 3 to 1, the conversation sometimes goes like this:

But, it’s over our budget.

Yes, but that back yard and the stainless steel appliances?

We could maybe make it work…

Those granite counter tops and hard wood floors are something we’ve always wanted.

Yeah. They are nice…

Come on, honey. We deserve it.Â

*Cue toÂ theÂ house choice that is over budget but is everything the couple feels they deserve.*

Back up the train. No. Just no.

TheyÂ don’t deserve any of that.

Let me age myself by 30 years and give you…

A quick list of what you deserve in life:

Love
An education
A roof over your head
A full belly
Happiness

The last of which…can’t be bought because you deserve granite counter-tops.