All Posts By

Doctor Diaries

Lifestyle

Plan Your Wedding, One Step at a Time

You get engaged and there is a rush of emotions. Surprise, happiness, love, so much excitement you don’t even know what to do with it all. But then people start asking you, “So when are you getting married?” And you literally have no idea. No idea when, no idea where, no idea how much money it will cost. Luckily for me, most of my closest friends had just recently gotten married and I was able to pick their brain when it came to the details (google helped too).

Photo by me.

I am no expert wedding planner, but I will say I think we did a pretty good job with ours, and we had some of the best vendors I could have ever imagined working with. With their help our wedding vision became a reality. In this blog post I am going to tell you guys how we planned everything from start to finish, including budgeting and the timeline of who we booked when, and some of the DIY projects we created on our own.

At the end of each section, I included questions that you should be asking, in addition to the vendors we used for each category (both local and online) with links to their websites. Hopefully this article is helpful in making your wedding planning a bit easier!

*Unless otherwise stated, all photos are by our amazing photographers Nat and Bryan

Step 1: Budgeting

First, Erik and I came to an agreement on a total budget based on what we could afford (with help from our parents). We did some googling to get average prices of each vendor, and then we decided what we wanted to allocate more money towards (photographer, videographer, DJ), and what we didn’t think was as necessary to go all out with (florals, catering, invitations). Once we did this, we decided (roughly) how much money we could spend on each. Leave yourself some wiggle room, there are always added costs that you don’t think of initially.

The list of things you have to budget for will vary based on your venue and what is included, but at the very end this was what was on ours: Venue, rentals, valet, ceremony music, DJ, food, beverages, photographer, videographer, florist, invitations, officiant, planner, hair, makeup, photo booth, wedding favors, party paraphernalia, hotel room, transportation, welcome bags, seating chart, cake topper + cutter, sandals to give out, sparklers, gifts for our parents and bridal party, and tips for vendors. And don’t forget about your dress, accessories, and a tuxedo; can’t get married without those.

Photo by me.

Step 2: Picking a Date and Venue

We had a time frame in mind, but no specific date set. This will depend largely on the venue you choose and what dates they have available. This is the first thing you should do because A. Dates fill up quickly, especially for the more popular venues, and B. your idea of the perfect venue might change once you start visiting locations in person. For example, I initially thought I wanted an outdoor venue and when we started looking, each one we visited had something we didn’t like. Also, outdoor venues in Florida are extremely risky (especially if you’re planning during hurricane season – which luckily we weren’t).

The easiest way to pick out a venue is by downloading the wedding wire and/or the knot apps. You can then put in information like the city you are looking at, the theme you are going for, and even a general budget. This will then generate a list of venues to scroll through, photos you can look at, and links to their websites. Once we singled out about 6-8 venues we wanted to see, we started emailing them to set up site visits.

Try to schedule 1-2 if you are going on a weekday after work and 2-3 if you are going on a weekend. Each visit should take no longer than an hour, and this way you can knock out a few at once. Most of the venues we looked at were all in South Miami, which is about a 30 minute drive from where we live, so we made sure to do as many visits on the same day as we could.

Once you start visiting locations, keep a list of pros and cons for each one, and any deal breakers you might encounter. Ask questions like what vendors are included (ex: food/alcohol), and which ones you would need to supply on your own? If it is outdoors what is their backup plan for rain/snow? Are there any noise restrictions or cut off times at the end of the night? Do they require you to use a wedding planner and/or do they supply one for you? (a lot of hotels do this). What additional fees are there (ex: service fees, taxes, up-charges for certain things)?

Lastly, once you decide on the venue that is right for you, find out what dates they have available. Unless you are dead set on a specific date and will only choose a venue that has it available, choosing the venue first and then selecting a date is the better order. Pick a date that is not around any major holidays, and if you live in a big city find out what else is going on those weekends (ex: we tried avoiding having our wedding the same weekend as Ultra in Miami but then they went and changed the date on us! Luckily it didn’t interfere too much).

 

Our Venue: The Cruz Building. This is a 3-story building in Coconut Grove, Miami. We had our ceremony on the first floor, cocktail hour on the third floor with adjacent outdoor terrace, dinner on the second floor, and reception back on the first floor.

Step 3: Choosing Vendors

Like I mentioned previously, this will largely depend on the venue you choose. Some venues (country clubs, hotels, etc.) will include food and alcohol in their total fees. Others, like the one we used, was literally just the rental of the building. This meant that we chose everythinggg else on our own, which means that I can tell you all how we decided on each and every one.

  • Photographer: This was one of the first things we knew we had to lock in. If there is a specific photographer you know you want, reach out to as soon as you know your date. We chose our photographer based on price, photos we had seen that they did at our venue and loved, and just how we felt after meeting with them. Make sure you find someone who is willing to work with you on your photography package. We didn’t include an engagement shoot upon booking but ended up adding it (along with rehearsal dinner photography) later on.
    • Questions to ask: cost (obviously) and what is included in that cost. How many photographers will be attending? (we knew we wanted two). How long they will be with you on the day of, and how much extra is it for additional time? How long is their usual turn around for you to receive your photos after the wedding?
    • Our Vendor: Nat and Bryan

  • Videographer: This is something we were originally on the fence about but are thrilled that we ended up doing it. Yes, it’s an additional cost, but we have already watched our wedding video multiple times and can’t get enough of it. Photos are great, but having lifelike memories is even better, so if you can afford it in your total budget, I guarantee you won’t regret it.
    • Questions to ask: Similar questions to what we asked the photographers.
    • Our Vendor: Senderey Video

  • Music: This is soooo important. After we chose our photographer and videographer (so we had a better idea of our budget) we knew this would be the next thing that really mattered. Erik and I knew we wanted a DJ with live instruments (if you have never seen it, check this out). We met with several DJ companies and got price quotes based on what we were looking for, and we read a thousand reviews online. If you really want, you can even ask them to visit a wedding they will be playing at so you can see them in action before booking them. In addition to the DJ company, we found another company for our ceremony music because we knew we wanted a string trio. This is not 100% necessary, and you can have your DJ play your ceremony music if your budget doesn’t allow for live musicians
    • Questions to ask: How many DJs work with the company? How will they decide which DJ to match you up with? Can you visit an event they will be at beforehand? Will they also be supplying any dance floor or venue lighting? (ours did). Do they offer anything else such as party paraphernalia and/or la hora loca? Will they be able to play any special requests and/or specific cultural music you might have? Will they allow you to create a ‘must play’ and ‘do not play list’?
    • Our Vendor: DJ – Vision DJs, Ceremony Music – Master Musicians

  • Food: Because the catering company was not chosen by our venue and we had to pick one on our own, we had our tastings very early on (to make sure we liked the food before fully committing). We decided to do a sit-down plated dinner instead of buffet style for several reasons: 1. Space: the dining section of our venue was a little tight and we didn’t want people wandering around, 2. Style: The Cruz Building is very elegant, and not that we have anything against buffet dinners, we just thought the plated dinner fit more with the theme of our wedding. For dessert we decided to go with a very small cake (just to have something to cut) and a dessert bar, because we love sweets and we like options. We had mini shooter desserts, mini donuts from Mini Donut World, and a Nitrogen ice cream bar that my mom surprised us with!
    • Questions to ask: What food is included with your package? Are there up-charges for certain foods? How many hors d’oeuvres are offered per person? Is a cake and/or dessert bar included? Do they offer meals for people with dietary restrictions? Is alcohol included? If you want to buy your own alcohol is there a corking fee? How many bar tenders/servers are offered based on your guest count (we added an extra bar tender to try to diminish the lines).
    • Our Vendor: Inspired Events

  • Beverages: Our catering company gave us the option of using them for the alcohol package or purchasing it on our own without a corking fee. This was huge for us because we read online that you can save a significant amount of money this way. We found a local liquor store that would allow us to purchase whatever alcohol we wanted and return any unopened bottles! They even delivered our alcohol to the venue on the day of and picked up the remainder at the end of the night. I highly recommend doing this if you can. Our catering company also only had a package for regular coffee and we wanted a little more than that so we found a second company to set up a beautiful coffee station during our reception with an assortment of coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, teas, hot chocolate, etc.
    • Questions to ask: Will they be able to deliver and/or pick up the alcohol? Are there any fees for this? Can you return unopened bottles? Is there a minimum you need to spend?
    • Our Vendors: Big Daddys Liquors, Aroma Espresso

  • Florist: I knew I wanted flowers, but I was not expecting them to be so costly. We ended up choosing a florist later in planning process, once we had a better idea of how our budget was doing. We were also very lucky because our venue was extremely decorated as is, so the florals we chose did not have to be super extravagant. Cost will also depend on what theme you are going for, and if there are any specific flowers you want (for example: orchids are pricey). We went with small center pieces on most of the tables, and larger centerpieces on some (to give dimension, and to keep the cost down). The best advice I can give here is to reach out to several companies, tell them what you want, and compare prices you get from each.
    • Questions to ask: Can you see photos of their previous events? What specific flowers and/or candles will be included? Do they offer a trial centerpiece prior to the big day? Do they allow adjustments to the invoice should you change your mind about something?
    • Our Vendor: Nevot Flower Designs

  • Officiant: If you are a member of a synagogue, church, or any other religious institution, this should be easy for you. You can just ask the religious leader at your organization to head your wedding ceremony for you. Unfortunately for us, we are not very religious and only attend temple on the high holidays. Because of this we had to find a Rabbi that fit the type of ceremony we wanted to have. We did this using wedding wire, reading reviews, and meeting with several rabbis until we decided on one.
    • Questions to ask: How many times will he/she meet with you before your big day? Do they have any religious restrictions? (ex: we made sure to pick a rabbi who was ok with starting our ceremony before sun-down on the sabbath). What traditions/customs do they include in the ceremony, and are they able to make adjustments should you want something different? How long does the ceremony usually run?
    • Our Vendor: Rabbi Robert Silverman

  • Planner: Since we were very hands on with our wedding (partially due to my type A personality), I knew we wanted to manage most of it ourselves. I also knew that I didn’t want to deal with the added stress as our wedding came closer, so we hired a planner for the “month of.” This meant that once everything was chosen and all contracts were signed, she would come in an take care of everything else. She put together our day of timeline, scheduled all deliveries and drop off’s at the venue, came to our final walk through and rehearsal walk through, brought and set up all of our extra (welcome sign, seating chart, cake cutter, etc.), passed out the party paraphernalia, and made sure everything ran smoothly on the day of. She was honestly a life saver.
    • Questions to ask: Cost and what is included? Will they be able to bring extra items if needed? When will they first meet with you and how often will they meet with you? Will it be just them, or will they have an assistant on your wedding day?
    • Our VendorEvents By Nicky

  • Hair: My mom is my hairdresser, so I lucked out in this category. But even though I knew who was going to do my hair, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my hair. I knew I wanted something a little different than just leaving it down like it always is, but I didn’t really want to put it all in an up-do either. So, what’s left? Half-up Half-down obviously. We decided on that and jazzed it up with some extensions and a beautiful vintage style hair clip from Ulyana Aster that fit perfectly with the theme I was going for. I suggest looking at photos of other hair styles for inspiration but remember that everyone is different and what looks a certain way on one person might not look the same on you.
    • Questions to ask: Ask to see photos of work they have done before. What time will they be able to arrive on your wedding day? How many hair trials can you do and is it an additional charge? If you want your bridesmaids hair done as well, will they be able to do it? If so, do they offer group rates?
    • Our Vendor: Hair by Siggy

  • Makeup: For makeup I used someone who has done my makeup multiple times before for other events. She is a makeup artist for MAC and I love her work. She did a trial run for me the day of my bridal shower and everyone loved how it came out. Bring photos with you when you go for your trial so he/she knows what you want and take photos of your own trial so you remember what you liked/didn’t like.
    • Questions to ask: similar to what I asked my hair stylist.
    • Our Vendor: Tamara

  • Hotel: This was easy. Make sure it’s close to your venue (if your venue is a hotel then there you go), make sure its affordable based on your budget, make sure they have a room that you love for your “getting ready” photos.
    • Questions to ask: Do they offer block rates if you want to reserve rooms for your guests? If they do offer block rates does it need to be paid for in advance or can your guests pay for them as they sign up? Will they upgrade you to a suite if enough gusts sign up for rooms?
    • Our Hotel: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

  • Transportation: This depends on your venue and where your guests are coming from. Our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception were all in the same place, and all our guests were staying somewhat nearby, so we did not purchase group transportation but we did pay for valet. That being said, we did have transportation for us from the hotel (where we did our first look) to the venue. This was a gift to us from my brother and the photos we got were truly magical.
    • Questions to ask: Cost per hour? What cars do they offer?
    • Our Vendor: MPH CLub

  • Photo Booth: We went to several weddings that had this and it was so fun, so we added it as well. Like the ceremony music, this is something that is not necessary, but will definitely give your guests a fun little take home to remember your wedding by.
    • Questions to ask: Do they offer different back drops? Do they offer different film strips? What props do they usually bring?
    • Our Vendor: Vision Photo Booth (same as our DJ company)

  • Rentals: Sometimes this will come with your venue, and sometimes it will be extra. For ours, we had to pay for the tables/chairs/etc. A lot of venues will have this included and only charge you if there is something specific you want to upgrade. In addition, there are wedding rental companies who may also offer some things that your venue does not offer (for example, we rented charger plates and sweetheart table chairs from a separate company).
    • Questions to ask: What do they offer? Is there a delivery/set up fee? Do they offer bulk discounts?
    • Our Vendor: Elements and Accents

  • Dress + Tuxedo: This is something that needs to go into your budget (obviously) but is extremely variable and personal. There are wedding dresses and tuxedo’s anywhere from $500-$500,000. I have a whole blog post on wedding dress shopping which you can read ­here.
    • For me, my ceremony dress was Enzoani, and my reception dress was BHLDN (literally the best ‘one stop shop’ wedding website that exists)
    • For Erik and his groomsmen we used ­The Black Tux for tuxedo rentals (they were amazing to work with).

  • Accessories: Obviously the dress is what stands out the most, but it’s the accessories that complete the look. My dress had a somewhat vintage feel to it, so my vision was to stick with that look. It took some looking around to find the right shoe, but in the end I ended up finding a company who made me exactly what I wanted.
    • Shoes: Custom Harriet Wilde shoes purchased at a trunk show in NYC. I tried on several of their shoes but the Arabella Block Heels were so comfortable and sturdy! And all of their shoes are completely customizable.  I added the gold blossom embellishment to somewhat match my hair piece (discussed earlier). I also got these Sam Edelman shoes to change into and wear with my second dress.
    • Earrings: Again, I knew I wanted to stick with a somewhat vintage feel so when I found these from BHLDN I knew I had to have them. I also purchased more durable earring backs and lobe supporters so that my ears wouldn’t be bothered at all by heavy earrings.
    • Bracelet: You guessed it, also from BHLDN because that website is the absolute best. Just a little something delicate to add to my wrist so it had a little bling.
    • Short set + Robe: I wore this short set while getting ready, and this robe when everyone else arrived.

  • Bridal Party Attire:
    • Dresses: I had my girls pick out their own dresses. My only request was that they were floor length, and in the light gold / champagne color scheme, AND since I’m OCD, that they send me a photo of it prior to purchasing. I think they all did an amazing job.
    • Tuxedos: We used The Black Tux for Erik’s tuxedo rental in addition to all of the groomsmen. They really are amazing to work with and easy to use and all of their options are super stylish. Also, I happen to have a discount code for you to use should you want $15 off your rental (code; ERICA15).

Step 4: Deciding on DIY Projects

If there is something you saw on Pinterest that looks like it could be fairly easy to accomplish, go for it! I thought it was fun that we were able to contribute to our own wedding. But be careful not to start a project that is over-ambitious, it will only add unnecessary stress.

  • Welcome Bags: This was fun and fairly simple for us to do. We bought the actual boxes here (which we customized) and the template for the welcome card here (which we printed and cut out ourselves using this). We then purchased the items we wanted to include online – snacks from ­boxed, and some other bulk items from Costco. We bought this adorable “first aid bag” here (which we filled with gum, Emergen-C, Band-Aids, and Tylenol), and lastly, we bought shredded paper to line the bottom. The easy part was putting them all together, and the hardest part was tying the bows at the end and making sure they all looked good!

Photo by me.

  • Seating Chart: Before we even got engaged I knew I wanted a mirrored seating chart, but I had no idea how to make it happen. Finally I found a lovely store Love Storey Weddings on Etsy that printed vinyl seating charts! All we had to do was find a mirror we liked, and my dad built us an easel to hold it up! Once we got the seating chart we just had to space it out on the mirror and apply it ourselves and voila! It came out absolutely perfect.

  • Wedding Favors: This is the only DIY project I ended up regretting. We knew we wanted to give out something meaningful, and I loveee to bake. One of my friend’s favorite things that I make is puppy chow, so I thought filling 150 mason jars with it would be a piece of cake! Wrong. Not only did I buy labels for the mason jar lids, but I also hand cut and tied little thank you cards around each mason jar. Lastly, the week of the wedding Erik and I made 14 batches of puppy chow and it took us about 6 hours to do. We brought the boxes of mason jars and this stand to our planner to set up at the reception, and while it turned out to be a hit, it definitely caused us more stress than necessary.

  • Extras (Décor, Sandals, Sparklers): Some of the extra things we added on our own were:
    • Table numbers: I bought these (unpainted) from Etsy and spray painted them myself
    • Welcome Sign: also from Etsy, printed and framed on our own to display as guests entered.
    • Menus: you guessed it, we got these off Etsy as well and customized, printed, and cut them out ourselves (this helped)
    • Sandals: You can buy super affordable sandals from old navy, and these cute little tags from Etsy to give your guests something more comfortable to change into while dancing. We also got this to place over the crates holding the sandals.
    • Sparklers: I loved the Idea of a sparkler exit and am so happy we did it! We purchased the sparklers here. Advice: buy the extra long ones (36″) so you have plenty of time for photos as they burn.
    • Cake Cutter + Topper: Cake cutter by Kate Spade, and cake topper from Etsy.

  • Gifts for the Bridal Party:
    • For the girls: I ended up using my favorite wedding website, (which you know by now is BHLDN) to purchase a really beautiful pair of earrings for each of them. I also got them all a robe from Plum Pretty Sugar (to kind of match the one I got for myself). And these gift bags from Etsy.
    • For the boys: Erik got them all a really awesome decanters, with their initials engraved on them and their role in the wedding. And these gift bags from Etsy.

 

  • Gifts for Family:
    • Mother of the bride: I got my mom a bracelet from Lat and Lo with the coordinates of the hospital I was born at, and this robe. Erik got her this adorable canvas with mine and my brother’s birthday on it, and the date of our wedding with his name on the bottom.
    • Father of the bride: I got my dad these cuff links, and this tie clip. Erik got him a decanter to match the groomsmen’s (except it said Father of the Bride), in addition to a bottle of his favorite whisky.
    • Mother of the Groom: I got my MIL this adorable necklace, and this robe. Erik got her this really sweet picture frame.

  • Gifts for Each Other:
    • My Gift to Erik: gifting something for each other obviously isn’t necessary, but I thought it would be really nice to get each other something that we could look back on. I was trying to think outside of the box, so I got him something I knew he had been wanting for a very long time – flying lessons! I reached out to a local flight school and got him a gift certificate for an intro course and some extra lessons. To go with it I got him a metal airplane engraved with our names and date of our wedding.
    • Erik’s Gift to Me: One of the bests and sweetest gifts I have ever received, and definitely something I will always remember our wedding by, was this beautiful “Mrs. A” ring Erik got for me. It’s something I will always cherish, and can hopefully one day pass down to future Aiple generations.

Step 5: Selecting and Sending out Invitations

Invitations. This is such a broad category. You can get simple printed invitations from websites such as minted, or you can go all out and get engraved invitations with all the bells and whistles. Whatever your preference might be, ours was somewhere in the middle. We wanted something that people would appreciate, but also something that didn’t cost a fortune (knowing they would all just end up in the garbage at some point anyway).

We went to 3 different local invitation places to see what they offered and compare prices. We ended up going with one that two of my best friends had used as well called PS Invitations. They were able to create what we had envisioned and figured out a way to do it at a reasonable price.

The best advice I can give you here is to choose a design that goes with the theme of your wedding, and don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking! We changed the fonts multiple times until it looked right, added gold foil to give it that little extra touch we were looking for, and added a pocket on the back of the invitation to hold the RSVP card, and welcome dinner/farewell brunch cards.

The next part is figuring out when you want to mail out invites and what you want your return date to be for RSVP cards. To me, this depends on how many people you are inviting, where they are traveling from, what your deadline is with your venue for a final head count, and whether or not you sent out a save the date. We decided to do our save the dates with Paperless Post to save money, so we ended up sending our actual invites out about 10 weeks in advance (slightly earlier than what most recommend).

Lastly, don’t forget about stamps. This is something that you will also need to factor into your budget. We put stamps on all of the invitations going out, and on all of the return envelopes as well. You can go crazy and design your own personal stamps here, or you can do what we did and just buy these really cute love stamps. MAKE SURE you take your final invitation to the post office before you go ahead and purchase stamps so you know how much it weighs and what price postage you will need.

Step 6: Planning your Honeymoon

There are sooo many questions to consider here. Do you want to leave for your honeymoon right away or do you want to leave some time after the wedding? Do you want a relaxing destination or something more adventurous? How much time can you take off from work and how much money can you afford to spend on traveling?

All I can tell you is to choose somewhere that will check off all the boxes you want for a first trip as husband and wife. Erik and I wanted somewhere with good food, good wine, some relaxation and some adventure, and a reasonable price. This is why we chose South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

I will be working on a honeymoon blog post for you all as well with full details of our trip, so if you have any questions in the meantime feel free to reach out to me directly. But remember that no matter where you go, it will be a memorable destination.

Photo by Nadine with @Flytographer

Step 7: Misc + Extras

Just a few extra things that are important to think about for your big day.

  • Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue – There are sooo many options for what you can do here, so I am simply going to tell you what I did for mine in hopes of giving you some inspiration.
    • Something old: I wore my very first set of ruby earrings (my birthstone) from when I got my ears pieced as a baby in my second earring hole. Another option is to use / wear a family heirloom (if you have one).
    • Something New: If you managed to get away with not buying one new item for your wedding, I am absolutely speechless.
    • Something Borrowed: there are many things you can borrow for your wedding. A lipstick, some jewelry, for mine I borrowed a friend’s veil. Not only did this save me money but it had some meaning to it as well.
    • Something Blue: again, there are so many things you could potentially do here, and I almosttt went with these Harriet Wilde shoes over the ones I got from them. But in the end, we went with blue ring boxes from The Mrs. Box. We got a lighter shade for mine and a darker shade for Erik and now that the wedding is over, we use them every day.

  • Picking songs – this can be done at any point during the planning process, but in my opinion the sooner you choose one the better. This way you can familiarize yourself with it, and even take some dance lessons if you want (we took one!). For our first dance song we knew we wanted something different that wasn’t over played, something that had meaningful lyrics, and something that we both really liked.

  • Save photos – I had so. many. screenshots. (of other people’s photos that I liked). And yes, we ran out of time to take all the photos I wanted, but having an album of photos I liked made it easier to remember them. Luckily for us, our amazing photographers Nat & Bryan were open to doing a post wedding session with us and we were able to get some of the photos we missed!

  • First Look – Some people do one, some people don’t. In the Jewish religion, signing the Ketubah (traditional marriage license) is usually done before the ceremony and is then presented under the chuppah (wedding canopy) during the ceremony. Because this meant we would see each other beforehand anyways, we decided to do a first look + take our family photos before the ceremony (so we would have more time to be with our guests afterwards).

Step 8: Packing for your Wedding Weekend

I started making a ‘Wedding Checklist’ about 6 months before our wedding weekend, and every time I thought of something I needed to bring, I would add it to the list. This helped ease my stress when it finally came time to pack for the weekend. I also packed things in outfit format – what I needed for the rehearsal dinner, my clothes for getting ready in the hotel room, my dresses and all of the accessories, and my outfit for the farewell Sunday brunch.

Obviously, everyone’s packing list will be different, but there are a few “emergency kit” things I think you should definitely bring with you regardless of where you are going, and how long you are going for. These include: sewing kit, fashion tape, extra earring backs, lobe supporters, bobby pins, safety pins, super glue, hot glue gun (honestly you never know), first aid kit, chap stick, OTC pain meds, emergency snacks, floss, breath freshener, portable phone charger, lint roller, tide pen, extra black socks and bow tie, and a case of water bottles for your hotel room.

Step 9: The Big Day!

This is easier said than done but DON’T STRESS. Wake up with some time to just have to yourself to shower, have your coffee, lay out your dress and accessories; do whatever it is that you need to do before the rush of the day begins. The best advice I can give here is make sure you have some “extra time” in your schedule in case something runs over the time you allotted for it. This will minimize running late for something else.

The next most important advice I can give you is to appreciate every second, take in every detail, and spend as much time with your significant other as you can. You will both be running around doing a million things, and will sometimes be doing your own thing and/or dancing with your own friends, so when you are together, value those moments.

Lastly, have fun! Dance ‘til your feet hurt, sing your heart out, take more pictures than you thought possible, smear cake on each other’s faces, and be cheesily and crazily in love.

Step 10: The Aftermath

Let me tell you something, post wedding blues are a real thing. We were ecstatic at how wonderful it all turned out, but after being on such a high the whole weekend I guess it’s only normal to feel a little low when it ended and all our guests had left. If this happens to you just know that it’s normal (check this out), and it’s ok, and it will pass (rather quickly actually).

And don’t worry, there are still wedding things left to do! Like prepare for your honeymoon, and write thank you cards (these are the ones we used), and watch your wedding video, AND wait to get your photos so you can look through them a million times.

I hope this very thorough (and ridiculously long) blog post has helped you in one way or another. (If you are still reading I am extremely impressed). It was definitely nice for me to relive everything by sharing it all with you.

As always, if you have any questions for me, you can comment on this article, send me a DM on Instagram, or send me an Email (erica@doctordiariesblog.com), and I would be beyond happy to answer them for you.

Happy Wedding Planning!!

XoXo
-Erica

Food Recipes

Salmon + Orzo

Ever since I moved away to college I developed a passion for cooking and baking. It started off by just watching the food network and trying to recreate some of the dishes I saw, and eventually turned into me coming up with recipes on my own. I would create ridiculously elaborate meals and invite friends over for dinner parties.

After college I moved back home for my first two years of medical school. During that time my cooking pretty much came to a halt (yes, I was living at home again and spoiled by mom’s cooking). I eventually moved out and started cooking again, only now I had to find much simpler meals that also tasted great.

That brings me to this recipe. It’s super simple to make, considerably healthy, takes about 30 minutes to cook everything, and comes out tasting absolutely delicious. It’s a perfect quick dinner for two at the end of a long work day (or for one with leftovers the following day).

I am actually going to discuss the full recipe for two different things – my favorite salmon, and my favorite orzo. I usually pair this dish with a steamed vegetable (broccoli or asparagus), with just a touch of salt and pepper (or everything but the bagel seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous).

For the Salmon, I usually get two 8 oz pieces of Atlantic Salmon from Whole Foods with the skin on (I know wild caught is better for you but my budget will usually only allow for the farm raised version). The marinade I use is Stonewall Kitchen’s Sesame Ginger Teriyaki.

If you watched my Instagram story recently you would already know how obsessed I am with this marinade. I usually buy it at The Fresh Market, but they’ve been sold out recently so I’ve been ordering it online. Trust me when I say this is the best and only marinade you will ever need for Salmon, ever again.

To marinate the salmon, I use a fork to poke holes in the top of the fish (the more holes the better). I find that this allows for better absorption of the marinade to give it more flavor. I then put the two salmon filets in a small zip lock bag with about half of the bottle of marinade. Ideally you want this to sit for 30-45 minutes.

Just before I am ready to cook the Salmon, I start making the Orzo. You’re going to melt 1 tbsp of ghee (or other butter) over medium heat in a pan or sauce pot with a lid. Once the ghee is melted, mix in 1 cup of orzo. Make sure you mix it thoroughly so that all of the orzo is coated and allow it to cook for about 5 min. Continue mixing the orzo every 20 seconds or so, so that none of the pieces burn. Your goal is to brown the pieces slightly and as evenly as possible.

Next, you’re going to pour in 14 oz of chicken stock. I personally use low sodium broth and just add a small amount of salt to taste later on, to avoid exceeding my sodium limit for the day. You can also use vegetable broth if you are vegan or vegetarian. Once the broth is added, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Set your timer for 18-20 minutes.

Now that the orzo is doing its thing, we can turn our attention back to the Salmon. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and take out a medium size (preferably non-stick) pan. Heat the pan over low-medium heat, and melt another tbsp of ghee in the pan. Again, you can use regular butter however I personally use ghee because it’s better for cooking at higher temperatures.

Next, remove the salmon from the zip lock bag and place it face down on the pan. You may want to use tongs to do this so that if any of the ghee or marinade splash up (which it frequently does), it will not burn your hand. DO NOT throw away the contents of the zip lock bag. Cook the salmon face down for about 5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally to make sure the salmon is not sticking to the bottom.

Once 5 minutes have passed, empty the remainder of the marinade from the zip lock bag into the pan with the salmon. Place the whole thing in the oven. That’s right, the whole thing; I promise your pan won’t disintegrate. Leave it in there for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.

You can now throw your veggies in a pan with a vegetable steamer basket and lid and cook on high for 3-5 minutes.

At this point, your orzo should be almost done. Check it to make sure all of the water is absorbed. If not, give it a few more minutes, and if it is, mix in your basil, ¼ cup of white cooking wine, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to your desired taste and mix well.

The salmon, orzo, and veggies should all (theoretically) be done. Plate as desired and sprinkle some sesame seeds on your salmon to give it a little extra crunch. Season your vegetables, and sprinkle some more parmesan on top of your orzo. Voila – an amazing meal in 30-ish minutes. Enjoy!

XoXo
-Erica

Salmon + Orzo Recipe
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

This is my go to recipe for several reasons; it's super simple to make, considerably healthy, takes about 30 minutes to cook everything, and comes out tasting absolutely delicious. It's a perfect quick dinner for two at the end of a long work day (or for one with leftovers the following day).

Servings: 2 people
Ingredients
  • 2 8 oz Salmon Filets Atlantic Salmon
  • 1 1/2 Bottle Stonewall Kitchen Sesame Ginger Teriyaki Sauce
  • 1 cup Orzo Whole Wheat
  • 2 tbsp Ghee or Butter
  • 14 oz Chicken Broth Low Sodium, or Veggie Broth
  • 3 tbsp Fresh Basil Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup White Cooking Wine
Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. To marinate the salmon, use a fork to poke holes in the top of the fish (the more holes the better). This allows for better absorption of the marinade to give it more flavor. Put the two salmon filets in a small zip lock bag with about half of the bottle of marinade. Ideally you want this to sit for 30-45 minutes.

  2. Just before you are ready to cook the Salmon, start making the Orzo. Melt 1 tbsp of ghee (or other butter) over medium heat in a pan or sauce pot with a lid. Once the ghee is melted, mix in 1 cup of orzo. Make sure you mix it thoroughly so that all of the orzo is coated and allow it to cook for about 5 min. Continue mixing the orzo every 20 seconds or so, so that none of the pieces burn. Your goal is to brown the pieces slightly and as evenly as possible.

  3. Pour in 14 oz of chicken stock. I personally use low sodium broth and just add a small amount of salt to taste later on, to avoid exceeding sodium intake. You can also use vegetable broth if you are vegan or vegetarian. Once the broth is added, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Set your timer for 18-20 minutes.

  4. Set oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat a medium size (non-stick) pan over low-med heat, and melt another tbsp of ghee in the pan. Remove the salmon from the zip lock bag and place it face down on the pan. Use tongs to do this so if any of the ghee or marinade splash up, it will not burn your hand. Cook the salmon face down for about 5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally to make sure the salmon is not sticking to the bottom.

  5. Once 5 minutes have passed, empty the remainder of the marinade from the zip lock bag into the pan with the salmon. Place the whole thing in the oven. That’s right, the whole thing; I promise your pan won’t disintegrate. Leave it in there for about 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.

  6. You can now throw your veggies in a pan with a vegetable steamer basket and lid and cook on high for 3-5 minutes.

  7. At this point, your orzo should be almost done. Check it to make sure all of the water is absorbed. If not, give it a few more minutes, and if it is, mix in your basil, ¼ cup of white cooking wine, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to your desired taste and mix well.

  8. The salmon, orzo, and veggies should all (theoretically) be done. Plate as desired and sprinkle some sesame seeds on your salmon to give it a little extra crunch. Season your vegetables, and sprinkle some more parmesan on top of your orzo. Voila – an amazing meal in 30-ish minutes. Enjoy!

Health and Wellness

Summer’s Eve

This blog is sponsored by Summer’s Eve ® but the content and opinions expressed are my own. #sponsored #ad

When you can’t take one step outside without instantly starting to perspire you know it’s officially summertime. Of course, there are certain things we can do to combat heat, like wearing loose fitting or light colored clothing, making sure you stay hydrated, and staying indoors during peak sunlight hours. But if we do get a little sweaty, what can we do to freshen up?

I have a few solutions, and I have partnered with my favorite women’s cleansing brand Summer’s Eve, to share them with you. All products discussed have been tested by me, and all opinions are completely my own.

One of my favorite products they make is the Simply Summer’s Eve Cleansing Wash. The reason I liked them initially was because they are made with simple ingredients, without any dyes, parabens, or alcohol. On top of that, they are infused with botanical extracts and have great scents that are inspired by nature; These include Lavender Chamomile, Coconut Water, and Cucumber Lilly. Each one smells amazing in its own way, but I think my favorite is the Lavender Chamomile.

Want to know my favorite part about these Cleansing Washes for us women? They remove odor causing bacteria and are balanced to our natural pH. For cleansing our lady parts, they are formulated for mildly acidic pH. This helps cleanse without causing any irritation. Their products are all specifically made for those with sensitive skin.

Another product they make which I love as well are the Simply Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths. They are made with the same (safe) ingredients as the Cleansing Washes, but can be taken with you wherever you might need them. I personally have been using these after the gym or if I’ve been running around all day long, and they definitely keep me feeling fresh, clean and confident throughout the day.

As the trusted leader in feminine care (and I can totally see why) Summer’s Eve ® is known for creating personal care products that are gynecologist and dermatologist tested for safety. Small bonus? They never test on animals, and some of their packaging is even recyclable. I know from experience living in south Florida, that it takes minimal effort to get sweaty when you would really prefer not to be; These products definitely make it a bit easier to feel clean and confident throughout the day.

If you haven’t checked them out yet, I definitely recommend doing so! Learn more about the line with my link here.

XoXo
-Erica

Food In the Neighborhood

Fort Lauderdale Foodie

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love to travel, and that I am constantly planning trips to look forward to. On these vacations, my days usually revolve around one thing, food. This time, instead of telling you all the places I’ve been on my trips, I figured I’d take the time to tell you about some of my favorite spots where I live, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

I’m obviously biased, but I am pretty sure it’s one of the coolest cities in the country. It has plenty of fun things to do, but still has small city / beach town vibes, and isn’t super congested. It’s also in between Miami, and West Palm Beach, and with the new Brightline Train it’s extremely easy to get to either.

This post is going to be mostly food related in an attempt to keep it somewhat short (I like food, a lot), but I’ll let you know about all the other fun things we have to do here in a separate article. I hope this list gives you a little insight into what great spots there are, and helps you out if you’re ever in the area!

Coffee Shops:

There are so many coffee shops in Fort Lauderdale that it’s really difficult to pick just a few. I’m going to include the three that I visit the most, and think are places you really should’t miss if you’re in the area, but if you’re ever here for an extended period of time and want to know of some others, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Brew Urban Cafe – Photo by Tamara Cardona @Tammyrc

  • Brew Urban Cafe is my favorite coffee shop in Fort Lauderdale. It’s right in the heart of FAT village (Flagler Arts and Technology) in Fort Lauderdale. Books line the back wall with a massive chandelier in the center to make you feel like you’re in a vintage library. The outside walls are covered in art murals, and if you’re there at the right time you can even catch a glimpse of the train going by out back.  If you get hungry, Henry’s Sandwich Station is right next door.
  • The Alchemist is in a really fun area of Fort Lauderdale, with multiple different restaurants, art vendors, and rainbow roads. They make (hands down) the best iced coffee you will ever have – that’s a promise. There is limited indoor seating so I try to go here when it’s a little nicer out, but that doesn’t really stop me from going year round. They also serve a variety of food items which are all  really good as well (I particularly recommend any of the slicers). They also just recently opened a second location in Aventura.

Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar – Photo by Tamara Cardona @Tammyrc

  • Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar is an adorable little flower shop off of Las Olas that also serves coffee and snacks. It’s fun to hang out here and study while people watching, or to listen to the live music they sometimes have playing. They also have an adorable flower wall if you need a cool backdrop for photos.
  • One of my favorite spots to study and have a coffee is Warsaw Coffee Company. How many coffee shops do you know that you can grab a beer at when you’re done studying? It’s also attached to Milk Money Bar and Kitchen, so if you need a bite to eat, they have that covered too. The coffee is great, the people are nice, and the food is on point.

Brunch Spots:

Picking the right brunch spot really depends on what kind of brunch you’re looking for – so I’m going to include one of each… (side note: these playes are also amazing for dinner – esp. Louie Bossi, and Blue Moon Fish Co.)

Louie Bossi – Photo by @LouieBossi

  • Best Bottomless – Sometimes, your crazy friends are in town that want to party and get the best bang for their buck. That is going to be either at Louie Bossi ($13 unlimited Mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Marys, or Aperol Spritz) or Big City Tavern ($13 for unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Marys). Both are on Las Olas and have really good food, but I usually prefer Bossi (Italian food) as a dinner spot than a brunch spot.
  • Best Ambiance – When looking for a great brunch I usually tend to lean toward which has the best food, and which has the best ambiance. Two of my favorites are Burlock Coast (in The Ritz), and Shooters Waterfront. Both restaurants have really amazing food (Shooters has a buffet option as well), and even better scenery. Burlock is on A1A across from the beach, and Shooters is on the Intracoastal.
  • Best Buffet – If you’re like me, and like to stuff your face with food, there are two places that I recommend for the best brunch you’ve ever had – Coastal (across from the beach), or Blue Moon Fish Company (on the Intracoastal). Coastal is $39.99 + $18 for unlimited drinks (champagne, mimosa, bellini, prosecco, bloody marry, or screwdriver), and Blue Moon is $69.95 (but comes with unlimited champagne, mimosa, and bloody mary). Both of these spots have phenomenal food, and I can guarantee you won’t have to eat for the rest of the day.

Lunch Spots:

These are my favorite “lunch” spots, though you can obviously eat here for dinner too. They are also very good if you are looking for a “healthier” option, and they all have vegetarian and vegan options as well.

JB & C – Photo by Me (@DoctorDiaries)

  • JB & C stands for Juice Bar and Cafe. It’s new, and very good. They have great smoothies, bowls, toasts, and panini’s. The food is awesome, but the space is even better. There is a lot of natural light, so you can come here to study, and a cute little nook if you want to just grab a bite and hang with friends.
  • Poke House is actually from the same creators as JB & C. The name is pretty self explanatory (they sell poke bowls, duh), but the Hawaiian flare of the restaurant is what actually makes it unique. Aside from that, the fish is fresh, and the ambiance is on point. Great to sit in for a bite or to pick up and take home.

Mayapapaya – Photo by Dorie Passen @Plantforward

  • Maya Papaya is one of my favorite spots. It’s a great little restaurant that serves fresh sandwiches, organic salads, small batch soups and raw cold pressed juices. The food is healthy and delicious, and I always leave feeling like I just did something good for my body. They also just opened a second location on the water.

Dinner Spots:

It’s very hard to narrow the restaurants down to my “favorites” because there truly are so many good ones, but these are definitely the ones I crave (and visit) the most…

  • Sun, Surf, and Sand aka S3. This has and always will be one of my favorite restaurants. It’s a tapas restaurant, across the street from the ocean, with an outdoor fire pit, small shareable dinner plates, amazing cocktails, and incredible desserts – oh, and they serve sushi too. Honestly, what more could you ask for? I went here with my entire family for my med school graduation, I’ve been here for New Years Eve dinner, anniversaries, birthdays, and even just on a random weeknight. Oh, and they have happy hour specials as well.
  • Doc B’s – This place is fairly new, but I’ve already been at least 5 times. It is actually a chain restaurant, though they only have about 7 locations right now. I would describe the food as American, and the menu has apps, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and sides. The guacamole with sweet potato chips is absolutely incredible, but everything else that you order I can guarantee will be amazing as well.

Sushi Rock – Photo by Me (@DoctorDiaries)

  • Sushi Rock – If you’re looking for really delicious sushi in Fort Lauderdale, this is your spot. All of their signature rolls are named after different rock bands, and they’re all amazing. It’s honestly hard to pick just one roll, but if I had to make recommendations I would say the Sublime, Wallflower, Pink Floyd, and Big Bopper are my favorites. They also have really good appetizers (great balls of fire!) and Thai entrees.
  • Canyon – A lot of people don’t know about this restaurant because it’s not in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and I almost feel like I should keep it that way, but I would be doing you a disservice if i didn’t include it on my list. Canyon is a “southwest” restaurant, but don’t let that fool you. Their steak tacos are made with filet mignon and their shrimp and grits are probably the best I’ve ever had. They are also famously known for their prickly pear margaritas. The prices are on the medium-high side but if you sit at the bar any day (except Saturdays) from 5:30-8 pm it’s half off small plates, half off prickly pair margaritas (for women), and 2 for 1 well martinis for men. They also have other specials depending on what night of the week it is. Oh, and their white chocolate bread pudding is the best you will ever taste.

Waterfront Spots:

These places are good for lunch, dinner, brunch, you name it. But are waterfront so you are also getting the best views while enjoying your grub.

15th Street Fisheries – Photo by @15StFisheries

  • 15th Street Fisheries is a staple in Fort Lauderdale. There is a downstairs restaurant and bar that is much more chill, and an upstairs dining room for your more special occasions. Both are great, but the menu’s are a little bit different. I personally prefer the vibes downstairs right by the water, and you can even feed the massive tarpon that swim around the dock (check out their dock cam!). They also have happy hour on Fridays, half of bottled of wine on Tuesdays and Wednesday, and brunch specials on Sunday.
  • Coconuts is one of the best waterfront spots, hands down, period. The food is phenomenal, the mojitos are top notch, and their homemade ice cream cookie sandwich tastes as amazing as it looks. Ask for their Scooby Snacks (not on the menu) if you want to try the best little baby crab claws you’ve ever had. They do get pretty busy on the weekends and don’t take reservations, so get there early.

Southport raw Bar – Photo by Christine and Mark Swenson @CM_Swenson

  • Southport Raw Bar is pretty much a local hangout with the best seafood. They have the. best. oysters. (which you can get raw, or grilled with garlic and Parmesan). They also have a signature clam chowder, which you can get mixed (red and white) and it’s fire. It’s right on the water and has  a nice little breeze so it’s not unbearable sitting outside.
  • Shooters Waterfront (discussed previously under brunch options) is a little north of downtown Fort Lauderdale but worth the short drive. They have a really good brunch on Sundays (buffet style OR a la cart) and a very fun outside patio. If you sit outside you will also get great views of the Intracoastal Waterway to watch all the incredible boats go by.

Chill Bars:

For nights when you want to do something fun, but don’t feel like raging til 2 am.

Rooftop – Photo by @Rooftop1WLO

  • Rooftop is the newest (and only) rooftop bar in the area. Despite its very unoriginal name, it’s actually a lot of fun. It’s located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale so you can make this just one stop on your list, or can stay here the whole night. They have really awesome craft cocktails, and just as delicious ‘nibbles‘. AND on Sunday’s you can come here for brunch + ProsecoPong.
  • Glitch is the coolest bar in Fort Lauderdale. Why? because it’s full of arcade games that you can play, for free. They also have a ridiculously long list of beers on tap and by the bottle, in addition to really cool cocktails (including “The Bomb” which comes with a frozen firecracker ice pop inside). They don’t serve food, but you should definitely go here for an evening of fun and games.

Rooftop – Photo by @Rooftop1WLO

  • Rhythm & Vine is a very cool indoor outdoor bar (Side note: this is where I met Erik for the first time!). You can go here at any time (day or night) if you literally just want to hang out for a little. It’s kind of secluded so bar hopping isn’t really an option (unless you Uber). They have a fun air-stream bar outside, and the inside bar is made out of train crates (how cool is that?). They also play really great music.
  • Funky Buddha Brewery is located on the North Side of Fort Lauderdale. This place is ideal for large groups of people. They have a huge tap room that you can take a tour of if you want, but the best part about Funky Buddha is their beer flavors. You can go on their website to find out what beers they currently have on tap, or just show up and hope that ‘No Crusts’ (their PB&J beer) is one of them.

Wine Bars:

I would say I’m more of a Netflix and chill kind of person, but if I’m leaving my house it’s usually for food… or wine.

Wine Garden – Photo by Sarah Updike @Dike_Pix

  • Wine Garden is similar to Vinos, but it’s very close to the beach. Because of this there is a nice breeze, and it’s very easy to go for a stroll on the sand to watch the sunset before stopping in for a glass of wine. They also have snacks if you are hungry.
  • Vinos on Las Olas is one of the cutest wine bars I’ve ever been to. It’s right off of Las Olas, which is the main street that runs through downtown Fort Lauderdale. To get to the wine bar, you have to walk through a tiny little alley, which opens up into an adorable wine garden patio. They have a great wine selection, and as assortment of food items as well. This is a great spot for a date night, or just to hang out with friends.

Wine Watch Bar – Photo by @SecretsOfSouthFlorida

  • The Wine Watch Bar is the biggest secret of Fort Lauderdale – you guys are lucky I am telling you about it. It’s not even listed on their website so I honestly don’t know how to give you the address, except to say that it’s directly across from the Wine Watch store. The owners (husband and wife) created this space to give you wine at wholesale prices. They also sell some small plates and charcuterie boards if you’re hungry. The walls are lined with wine bottles and the ceiling with huge chandeliers. They hold special tasting events as well.

Sweeeeets:

My downfall is my sweet tooth. I love chocolate, ice cream, and a good cupcake. These are the go to places to satisfy that sweet craving.

Photo by Gary James @Garydrj.Photog

  • Sweeter Days Bake Shop is the best bakery. You have not lived if you haven’t had their Cinnamon Bun Cream Cheese Swirl cupcake, but they have so many other flavors that it’s really hard to pick just one. They also have the most ridiculous cookies, and some phenomenal cakes (for any celebration). Not that you need a cake while on vaca in Lauderdale, but definitely stop by for a cupcake (or two).
  • Chill’n Nitrogen Ice Cream is my most recent obsession. For starters, ice cream is everything. But this ice cream, is everything and then some. It’s so creamy, I just don’t understand it (they must use magic). You can pick any base (I usually use coconut milk to make it dairy free), any flavors (I do PB + Nutella, because why not), and any mix ins (rainbow sprinkles and Oreo’s over here). Its heaven in a cup.
  • The two best chocolate shops in Fort Lauderdale are Kilwins, and Hoffmans. You can find anything here from your typical toffee and fudge, to chocolate covered bacon. When I’m craving some serious sweets, these are where I go.

I know this post was long, but I hope I have relayed to you how truly passionate I am about the local spots we have here in my cute little beach town. I hope you highly consider coming to visit to try them out for yourselves, and please feel free to reach out if you’re ever in the area!

XoXO
-Erica

Health and Wellness

Summertime Essentials

Growing up in South Florida, there is literally nothing I love more than spending a day at the beach, on a boat, or at the pool. Unfortunately though, there are several harmful effects that these activities have on our body. For example, we all know how detrimental the sun’s rays can be to our skin, or how damaging and drying chlorine can be for our hair.

Because of this, I’ve compiled a [short] list for you all to let you know what skin + hair products I turn to to minimize the negative effects of summertime. This post is not sponsored in any way, and all of these items are products that I have used myself and truly love.

Shampoo & Conditioner
I’ve told you guys about my favorite shampoo and conditioner before, but it’s time to tell you again because it’s really that good. I have been using ArtNaturals Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for about 6 months now and unless you are going to spend hundreds of dollars on salon grade shampoo and conditioner (which I definitely can’t afford) – this is the next best thing.

This particular formula is made with argan oil, aloe vera, green tea, kukui seeds, macadamia nut oil, lavender oil, algae and kelp extracts, which nourishes your scalp while promoting hair growth. It’s also sulfate and paraben free, and helps protect against DHT (aka it helps prevent hair loss). I have been using this to help combat hair dryness from constantly being in the ocean or the pool, and have definitely noticed a difference. It also smells incredible and leaves hair feeling soft and silky. Don’t believe me? Read the reviews.

Hair Oils
Hair oils are great for those times that you just want to give your hair a little extra TLC. My current favorite is the Ulyana Aster Garden Rose Organic Oil Hair Mask. For starters, I am obsessed with anything rose scented. Secondly, this mask is loaded with essential oils (rose, macadamia, camelia, flaxseed and coconut), plus other natural ingredients to moisturize, replenish, soften and add volume to your hair.

I literally only used one of these so far and was blown away by the results. They also make a Raw Youth Hair Mask, and a Summer Vibes Hair Mask. Or you can click here to read the benefits of each of these oils for yourself.

Daily Face Sunscreen
My absolute favorite face sunscreen is The Treatment’s On The Daily SPF 45. I apply this every morning after my face wash routine and before my makeup. It goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. It has zinc oxide and octinoxate for UVA and UVB protection, in addition to niacinaminde (vitamin B3), vitamin E, knotweed extract (an antioxidant), and hyaluronic acid to keep skin hydrated and protected from free radicals and oxidative damage.

Basically it’s a sunscreen that also protects your skin and helps keep it looking youthful. Another plus, it’s very reasonably priced. Head to GetTheTreatment.com to see what other amazing products Erin Jensen (@TheTreatment) has created!

Body Sunscreen
Sun Bum’s SPF 50 Original Sunscreen Lotion is my current go to sunscreen for several reasons. The first reason? I like the packaging. The other reasons? It’s oil free, paraben free, PABA free, cruelty free (100% vegan), and reef friendly (oxybenzone and octinoxate free). On top of that it contains moisturizers and vitamin E to promote healthy skin, and it’s water resistance up to 80 minutes. There is a spray version as well if you prefer those to rub on sunscreens.

I used this when Erik and I got scuba certified and we didn’t burn – at all.  They also make a Face Stick that I’m obsessed with (it’s small and easy to carry) and a Mango Chapstick (also comes in Coconut and Pineapple) that keeps my lips sun protected as well.

Face Makeup
I have been using the Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen for the past few weeks and I am hooked. It’s basically a mineral powder to give your skin a matte finish after you’ve applied your makeup, and it is SPF 30 as well. I use this throughout the day to keep my skin looking smooth and oil free, and to make sure I am constantly re-applying sunscreen.

It not only blocks UVA and UVB rays, but contains red algae extract to provide antioxidant protection as well. It comes in SPF 30 or 50, and in fair, medium, tan, or deep skin tones. They’re $65 each, but if you buy 3 together from their website you get a significant discount.

Face Serum
I truly believe that every single person should be using a face serum, and there are plenty of options out there to choose from. I have 3 that I alternate between, but my favorite right now is the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate Serum. This stuff is gold. I put this on almost nightly after washing my face and before my night cream and I notice a huge difference in my skin every morning.

Not only does this help hydrate your skin while you sleep, but it also helps improve firmness and elasticity, and reduces blotchy skin for a more even skin tone.  Oh yea, and it smells like heaven.

Face Shield
Remember when visors were in and everyone had one? Well, the Bluestone Sun Shields are the new cool thing to wear this summer. They were created by individuals with over 20 years combined experience in dermatology, cosmetic lasers, and anti-aging treatments, and can be worn either as a visor, or pulled down over your face for maximum sun protection. I personally wear mine when lounging by the pool to make sure I really am blocking as many harmful rays as possible. Here are the different shields they sell.

So, there you have it, all of my summer skin and hair necessities. If you give any of them a shot I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

XoXo
-Erica

 

Fashion Out of the Office

Saying Yes to the Dress

While I’d love to tell you I’m an expert at wedding dress shopping and I nailed my dress on the first try (or second, or third…), I absolutely did not. What I can tell you is that after going through the experience I went through, I have plenty of advice to give. I guess I’ll say this is less of a “how to find your dress right away” post, and more of a “do’s and don’ts of wedding dress shopping” post.

First things first – if you’re engaged, Congratulations! If you’re not engaged and just reading this because you love me, I appreciate your loyalty :). The first thing I recommend when starting to look for dresses is to find stores around you that have good reviews. Wedding Wire was my best friend for this. Start with places that people like, that are fairly close to you, that have a wide range of dresses in your budget, and most importantly will give you champagne.

Basically, after going through the whole experience myself I realized what I did right and what I did wrong, so I hope these Do’s and Don’ts are helpful to you and make shopping for your dream dress a little easier!

Photo from @DoctorDiaries

DOSet your budget before you start.
This is extremely important because there is literally no limit to the cost of wedding dresses. You can find a dress for $500, or one for $50,000 (if not more). Before you start shopping, decide how much money you want to spend. This way when you start looking around you won’t be stressed about cost and also won’t have to deal with the torture of trying on a dress you love and wondering if you can afford it. Another thing you can do is start at the bottom (those $500 dresses) and work your way up, so you are not only below your budget if you find something you love, but you can put the rest of the money toward something else too!

DON’TForget about extra items.
It’s easy (kind of) to set a budget for a wedding dress. But what about alterations, and a veil, and shoes, and a hairpiece… I think you get my drift. The best thing to do is to set a budget (total) and then figure out how much you want to allocate to each individual item. If you want to spend $2,000 total, you can find a dress for $1,500, shoes for $150, etc…

Photo from @ItsKendraLynne

DO: Make a fun day out of it.
Aside from the pressure of finding the perfect dress, take a step back and just realize that you’re going WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING (yes, caps was necessary). This is supposed to be exciting. Bring your mom, your MOH, your sister (if you have one)… and just have FUN. Go to a few dress shops and break for lunch (or brunch + mimosas) in between; But try to go somewhere you don’t have to make a reservation, so you don’t feel rushed through dress appointments.

DON’T: Get overwhelmed or discouraged.
There are a LOT of different dresses, and to be honest after a while they all start to look the same. Don’t get overwhelmed. Take your time trying dresses on and think about what you like or don’t like about each dress. If you try something on that doesn’t feel right, just let it go and move on. Try not to get discouraged if you don’t find the “one” right away. If you start feeling negatively about dress shopping, take a break for a few weeks and then start back up again.

Photo from @NurseClara

DOFind Sample Sales and Trunk Shows.
There are some dress shops that only sell sample dresses. This means you can find expensive designer dresses for up to 50% off! The only downside to this is the size they have is the size you get, so you are a little limited in that regard, but you could get lucky and find something perfect and super affordable. Another good thing to do is to find out what dress shops are holding trunk shows. This is when a specific designer brings their entire line of dresses to the shop and they usually offer 10-15% off during the show. These are very helpful if there is a specific designer you have been eyeing,

DON’T: Try dresses on above your budget.
Why tease yourself? When I called dress shops I specifically asked what the price range of their dresses were, and skipped two shops that told me their starting cost was $5,000. Thanks but no thanks. Unless for some reason your budget changes (like if you win the lottery, or find a lucky pot of gold at the end of a rainbow) don’t go somewhere you know you can’t afford. It’s not worth the torture if you end up finding something you love but really can’t afford.

Photo from @NurseClara

DOStart looking early.
How early is early? I would honestly say 10 months is ideal, so you’re not stressed about it at all. Most places will tell you it can take 4-6 months for the dress to come once it’s ordered, and 1-2 months for all of the alterations; Aka 8 months total worst case scenario. That being said, try to get a head start as soon as you can so you don’t have to worry about getting it in time for the big day. This will also give you extra time to try on more dresses before you have to pick one.

DON’T: Travel too far for your dress.
You should be able to find plenty of dress shops in your area that carry different designers and styles. Before traveling super far, give the dress shops that are close to you a shot. Remember that you also have to go back for alterations, and the final fitting. When I couldn’t find a dress I liked I almost went to Kleinefeld in NY, but the thought of spending thousands of dollars on flights and hotels for multiple trips just wasn’t worth it for me.

Photo from @ThePolishedPA

DOFigure out what theme you’re going for.
For me, I knew I wanted vintage (to go with the Venue we chose). Other themes include Bohemmian, Whimsicle, Modern, Rustic, Garden/Floral, Romantic, etc. Yes, of course, some of these themes can overlap. It will definitely help you limit the number of dresses you are interested in if you have an idea in mind of what theme you are looking for. You can also bring dress photos from online for inspiration.

DON’TBring too many people with you.
It’s definitely fun to have a bunch of people with you on this special day, but more people also means more opinions and more confusion. I started off with my mom, MOH, and grandmother, which I actually thought was a perfect amount. Eventually I started going with 1-2 people at a time (just one bridesmaid, just my mom, etc.). While I absolutely loved getting honest feedback from different people, this made it easier for me to focus on my own opinions instead of those around me. I did end up bringing the whole crew once it was time to make a final decision.

Photo from @DoctorDiaries

DOTake Pictures!!
I cannot emphasize this enough. There were so many dresses that I thought I loved in person, but absolutely hated how they looked in photos (which is actually a pretty big deal since that is all you are going to have to remember your wedding by). There were also some dresses that I didn’t think I liked in person, but kept ging back to when looking at photos. So trust me, take as many pictures, and from as many angles, as you can.

DON’TPick something uncomfortable.
Unless you are going to get one dress for the ceremony and one for the reception (which I am not), you’re going to be wearing this dress for a loooong time. Probably around 8 hours, so make sure it’s something you are going to be comfortable in. Make sure you can move around and dance in it, that the straps aren’t cutting into your shoulders (if there are thin straps), or that it wont be falling down all night (if its strapless).

Photo from @_DorothyFaye – Photographer @CompassWeddingCo

DOBe open minded.
For me, wedding dress shopping was stressful, mostly because I had a specific idea in mind of what I wanted and nothing I tried on matched it. Try NOT to do this. If I could go back and do it again I would have been much more open minded from the beginning, because the dress I ended up picking looked nothing like the dress I originally had in mind. I totally would have saved myself a ton of time (and headaches) if I just tried on different dresses from the get go.

DON’TLook at photos of other dresses once you’ve decided on the one!
Once you pick your dream dress, DELETE every other dress photo you have on your phone. Delete them from your saved photos on Instragram. Delete them from your memory. DON’T look at dress photos anymore. All you are going to do (if you’re anything like me) is drive yourself crazy wondering what if there is a better dress out there. There isn’t. So lay back, relax, and focus on what shoes you want to get instead.

   I sincerely hope this post helps you in your dream dress hunt, and that my tips make your dress shopping experience a little more enjoyable. If you have questions or want to know more about the dress I chose or why I chose it, feel free to send me a message!

XoXO
-Erica

 

Health and Wellness Lifestyle

Self Care Summer

I’m sure you guys have (at some point) heard someone say they were getting their ‘summer bod’ ready. Well, as a physician, it’s my job to make sure you are staying healthy year round. That being said, being healthy doesn’t just mean you are exercising from time to time, or eating right – it also has to do with how you treat yourself mentally and emotionally. I put this post together to give you all a few of my best tips for making sure you are not only staying healthy, but also staying happy this summer.

1. Set Goals for Yourself
The best advice I can give when it comes to staying on track is to set goals for yourself. These can be anything from how often you’d like to go for a run, how many times a week you want to cook at home, or how much weight you want to be able to lift at the gym.

Setting goals will help keep you accountable, and will make you feel so much better about it when you achieve them. Give yourself a time frame of when you’d like to reach your goals by. BUT don’t set too many goals at once, it will only make you feel discouraged if you don’t attain them.

2. Make Good Food Choices
I always encourage patients to cook for themselves at home because it’s much easier to eat healthy when you know what you are putting in your food. It’s obviously not as easy to eat “healthy” when eating out. And lets face it, between summer vacations, BBQs, and just plain life, we need to make a conscious effort to watch what we eat.

Some advice that I often tell people is to try to be more mindful when eating out. Pat attention to what you are ordering and the foods you are choosing; I usually try to go for foods that are higher in fiber (salads with clear dressings), and I avoid fried items, or things that are high in sodium (salt) or fat content (like cream sauces).

3. Do Things You Enjoy
We are all so busy working year round, that we sometimes forget to set time aside for us to have fun. I fully believe in the importance of work-life balance, especially to avoid burnout.

For me, this means being around water (going on a boat, or going to the beach), or some form of activities (my new favorite bar is full of arcade games, but I also love bowling, bike riding, etc). Whatever it is that you enjoy – just make sure you are fitting fun into your schedule as well.

4. Relax
Aside from doing things that you enjoy, I also believe it’s important to find time to relax your body and your mind. I will usually take a nice hot bath to unwind at the end of a long day. Some people use yoga to relax, but there are apps like “Calm” and “Headspace,” which are good ways of meditating and clearing your mind too.

Find something that makes you feel relaxed, and try to do it once a day if possible.


5. Stay Hydrated
I don’t know about where you live, but summers in Florida are hottt. There are plenty of negative effects of dehydration that we can easily avoid by making sure we are drinking enough water throughout the day. I usually recommend 4-5 full (17 oz) water bottles, but this is something that should be discussed with your PCP if you have any other known medical conditions. (more on this to come!)

I hope these tips are helpful to you guys, and if you have any specific questions for me, my doors are always wide open. Stay healthy, and stay safe this summer (and always).

XoXO
-Erica

 

Lifestyle

Our Engagement

Our Background:

So, I know this is a little past due (5 months to be exact), but I wanted to share the story of mine and Erik’s engagement with you all; He did such an amazing job that the least I can do is give him a blog post about it. I’m going to start off by giving you a little insight into our relationship. We met for the very first time on May 28th 2015 (I remember this because I basically mauled him at a bar after recognizing him from a dating app). A few days after that we spent the day together at the beach with some friends, and the following week we had our first date.

Photo from one of our first dates – Look at those baby faces!

We moved in together after a year (mostly because he travels for work and we could never agree on whose house we would stay at for the weekend), and have been dating ever since. After another year or so I started to show Erik rings that I liked, just in case. He always told me he would never propose anywhere I would be expecting it – so when he had the perfect opportunity to do it in Greece, I knew he wouldn’t. That being said – on New Years Eve he promised me that he hadn’t started looking at rings yet. I have since forgiven him for lying about that.

The Proposal:

Fast forward to February 2018. We do a yearly ski trip with our friends from all over the country, and this past year’s was in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. We got there on a Wednesday night and were trying to decide when would be the best night to do the Sunset Happy Hour at the top of the mountain. After what I thought was a little strategic planning on my part, we decided to do the Strawberry Park Hot Springs on Thursday and the Sunset Happy Hour on Friday (little did I know this was already planned, and the actual sunset happy hour for the public is only on Thursday nights).

After a full day of skiing on Friday, we went back to the house to get ready for happy hour. Erik is in the travel industry and frequently gets things comped for us, so when he told me he got us 4 free tickets and a bottle of champagne, I didn’t ask any questions. I did however try to recruit the rest of the group to join us, but sadly only got “No’s” in response (one person was napping, the other had “altitude sickness,” and the rest had “other plans”).

We made our way to the gondola (me, Erik, and both of our old roommates), and up to the top of the mountain. Once at the top, the restaurant was completely empty and I asked Erik at least 3 times if we were in the right place. The lights were on but the chairs were stacked, there were no bar tenders or servers anywhere, and it just felt wrong. After much hesitation from my end, we found a small table in the back with a bottle of champagne and 4 glasses (and me, still clueless).

We poured the champagne and went outside to take some photos overlooking the mountains. Mind you, its absolutely freezing, and windy, and I’m from Florida, so I quickly told Erik “O.k. no more, lets go back inside,” to which he asked for just one more photo.

This is when he reached into his pocket and got down on one knee and started saying a bunch of things (which I absolutely do not remember), and I might have cursed once (or twice) before actually saying yes (sorry, Mom). We hugged and cried, called our friends and families to tell them the good news, and finished the bottle of champagne before heading back down the mountain.

All of our friends were at a restaurant waiting for us to celebrate together. Turns out no one was sick or sleeping. Looking back on that night there were so many red flags that I just completely missed along the way, but everything happens for a reason and it truly was the surprise of my life.

P.S. I want to thank The Knot‘s How He Asked for publishing the shortened version of our story on their website! I love reading other people’s proposal stories, and it’s so exciting that others get to read ours and share our excitement as well. I hope you enjoyed it!

XoXo
-Erica

Disease Fighting Foods Food

Eye Care About Your Health

As an Internal Medicine physician, it’s important to always look at people as a whole, and not to leave any body system behind. That being said, an annual optometry or ophthalmology visit is something I recommend to all of my patients, after all, they say the eyes are the windows to the soul for a reason!

While I always advocate for eating healthy and exercising, there are certain foods which are actually harmful to our eyes, and others which are beneficial. I have asked my friend Gabriela Olivares to go into some more detail on this topic for you all, and here is what she had to say:

Diet and nutrition play an important role not only in your general health but in your eye’s health as well. Because of this, adding certain nutrients to your diet through food or supplementation can help promote good vision. For example, lutein, zeaxanthin, omega 3s, vitamin C and vitamin E are just a few key nutrients that should be added to everyone’s daily diet for better eye health.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that filter out high-energy blue light coming from electronic devices such as phones and tablets. These harmful light rays can damage the eyes over time by reducing the amount of protective macular pigment found in the center of vision. This in turn can lead to a devastating ocular disease called macular degeneration. These nutrients also act as antioxidants to decrease free radical damage, which can lead to cataracts.

Studies have shown that higher intake of lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a lower risk of developing both cataracts and macular degeneration. It’s vital to note that the body does not naturally produce these nutrients, therefore to obtain adequate amounts you must eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, broccoli), or other foods such as eggs.

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered important nutrients for the eyes as well. They can be found in cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel), seeds (flaxseed, chia seed) and some nuts. These essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—a component found in low levels in those with dry eye. Studies have shown that omega 3s can also reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. According to the FDA you should consume about 3-4g of omega 3s daily.

Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants mainly found in fruits (lemons, grapefruit, oranges), and nuts or sweet potatoes, respectively. They both help protect the eyes from molecules which break down healthy tissue. Scientific evidence has shown that in addition to being taken with other supplements, these vitamins can help slow the formation and progression of cataracts and macular degeneration as well. The FDA recommends 90 mg/day supplementation in men and 75 mg/day in women for vitamin C and 22 IU of vitamin E per day.

It is important to remember that eating healthy is not only good for the eyes, but also for your overall health.  With the high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in our communities, it is critical to understand that these conditions can affect the eyes as well. Although genetics does play a role in both, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise are major modifiable risk factors.

Though it’s not always easy for us to remember exactly what nutrients we should be eating for eye health, it is easy to remember that all of our diets should be rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as good fats, such as fish, avocado, and nuts. While I’m not a dietitian, I can tell you that keeping a balanced diet will not only lead to better vision, but improved energy and overall well being, and that preventive medicine is the best kind of medicine.

XoXo
-Erica

Fashion Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide

The Holiday Season is [arguably] the “most wonderful time of the year”, for most. For others, it can be somewhat stressful trying to pick out gifts while simultaneously attending classes, studying for exams, and preparing to travel. I usually like to do most, if not all, of my shopping online, so to help you guys out I have put this quick little gift guide together for those of you procrastinators out there (like myself).

I have split it up based on price, so you can easily find something in your budget, and there are things in here for both men and women to enjoy. Most of the links are to things I either own or have purchased before, so I can give you actual information about them. I have also linked mostly to Amazon because of the fast shipping if you are a prime member (I am in no way sponsored by them), but most of the other items will arrive on time as well. I hope that it is helpful and that you all find something to suit your needs!

Gifts Under $25

1. My FAVORITE Slippers: These slippers are hands down the softest things I own, and I wear them all the time. Not to mention they come in a ton of colors and are a really great conversation starter. They have girly options and manly ones too (My little brother got a pair as part of his birthday gift and can vouch for how awesome they are).

2. Watch Display Organizer: This is the perfect gift to give to the men in your life. It’s affordable, classy, and functional for anyone you know who owns watches. If you don’t believe me, just read the reviews on this awesome watch box – you can thank me later.

3. Coffee Accessories: There aren’t many people I know who don’t like coffee, so you can pretty much get coffee products for anyone out there. My favorite is this coffee tumbler from Ban.do that I bring to work with me daily (you can find it in my Breast Cancer Awareness article as well because it’s PINK!). It comes in several colors (gold and rose gold as well) and is my favorite. Pair it with a nice holiday coffee set for the perfect gift.

4. Tea Accessories: For the few of you who don’t like coffee, or prefer tea to get your caffeine fix, one of my favorite items is this tea infuser teapot. It can be gifted solo, or with different tea sets to make it more personal. If you prefer the quick tea method, this set is super affordable and comes with multiple flavor options. If you like tea on the go, this tumbler is actually pretty awesome (but just over $25), and lastly, this cute little guy is a great socking stuffer for the tea lovers in your life.

5. Natural Deodorant: If you read my article on natural deodorants, you would already know which one won my “sniff test.” If you didn’t, go read it now (or whenever you have time). And also, the answer is Schmidt’s Naturals. Not only do they have an assortment of different scents, but they all actually work. The best part about it is they have a holiday 3 scent pack!  You can also buy the travel size packs so you can test out different scents (both regular and for sensitive skin) – but these fall in the under $50 category instead.

6. MantraBand Bracelets: The MantraBand Bracelets are literally perfect stocking stuffers for everyone you know, especially those in the healthcare profession. It’s always nice to look down at your wrist to find a little encouraging phrase. They come in 3 colors (silver, gold, and rose gold), are super affordable, and shipping is free to anywhere in the US. (P.S. Mug pictured is from Williams Sonoma).

7. Random Awesome Things: If you haven’t heard of Jac Vanek before, now is the time. She is my all time favorite human because she is equally as sarcastic as I am, and it shows in her merchandise. She sells everything from drinkwear, to candles, to clothing (or other accessories)- all of which are awesome. Just look around her site; I’m sure you will find something to purchase (I think I own 30% of her store already).

Gifts Under $50

1. Capri Blue Candle: If you guys have been following me since the beginning, you’ll remember me raving about my all time favorite candle: and yes, it still is. Everyone needs one of these Volcano Candles in their home, so if you don’t have one yet now is the time. Your friends and family will also appreciate you for gifting this to them.  They also have reed diffusers with the same scent, and believe me, I have both.

2. Deborah Lippman Nail Polish Set: I don’t know about you, but when it’s fall/winter – all of my warm nude nail polishes come out. I also can’t commit to one color for more than 2 weeks. So what better gift than a nail polish set with all of the perfect colors. This one is limited edition, and worth every cent. Great to give as a gift (or keep for yourself).

3. S’well Water Bottle: If you are environment friendly and like to help save water bottles, this gift is for you. It can be used to keep things hot, cold, or any temperature in between. I usually take mine with me to work and to the gym so I always have water on hand to remind myself to stay hydrated. They come in a million options, but what’s better than this champagne one for the holidays? Cheers!

4. Decanters: While decanters are typically seen in bars, or on bar carts, they can really be beautiful statement pieces in any kitchen as well. This one is my favorite because you can have it personalized to any letter you want. If you want something a little more festive, this one and this one are absolutely gorgeous (but not monogrammed). Orrr this if you want something for wine instead. Just make sure the check the date of delivery before placing an order if you are planning on customizing something.

Gifts Under $100

1. WearFigs Lounge-wear Set: If there is one thing you spend over $50 on this Holiday Season, this should definitely be it. They have one for women and one for men. Words alone are not enough to describe how ridiculously soft this lounge wear set is. I have already had to wash it twice since receiving it (I might even need to get a second pair, + one for the boyfriend). Get this and the slippers listed above for the perfect cozy Sunday gift set.

2. The BEST Planner: I have been using the Erin Condren Life Planner for the past year and am getting ready to purchase a second one for 2018. The biggest decision I have to make now is what color to get (the options are literally endless). If you aren’t in a rush, you have the option of customizing it entirely, you can even put your name on it. But, if you need is ASAP, they have the hardbound options from other sellers with faster shipping.

3. Outdoor Planter: If you want to plant herbs and vegetables in your backyard, but don’t have someone to help you build one (like I did), Amazon has an identical pre-made raised planter that you just have to assemble. And if you don’t want a raised one but still want to plant some herbs, this planter is an awesome option as well.

4. Amazon Echo: This is one of those things that you don’t think you need until you have one. I use my Amazon Echo all. the. time. It plays music, it tells you about the weather, it even adds things to your shopping cart simply by telling Alexa to add it. It’s currently on sale for 79.99, but if you still want to spend a little less you can always get an Echo Dot ($29.99). I promise whoever you get this one for will love you forever.

Gifts Over $100

1. A New Stethoscope: My favorite stethoscope (which I use daily) is the Medelita ERKA stethoscope. I LOVE this stethoscope because it is less expensive than its Littman counterpart, yet works as good if not better. I have the ERKA Precise and the ERKA Sensitive, so I can attest to the fact that they all work amazingly well. They currently have 25% off everything, and are doing daily giveaways as well @medelita_gram on Instagram.

2. A New Watch: My all time favorite watch brand has new HOLIDAY gift sets (which gives you 10% off what the cost would have been individually). These include a watch + strap, or a watch + bracelet. There are numerous holiday set options, so I’m sure you will be able to find one for anyone. On top of that, I reached out to them to get you an additional coupon code. Use: DOCTORDIARIES for an additional 15% off. You’re welcome.

3. Scrub Set: the best scrubs I have worn this year are the Medelita Element Scrubs. the material is breathable and so comfortable, the color options are great, and the accent ties are super fun. I had mine embroidered with my name and specialty to look extra “official.” As stated above, Medelita currently has 25% off everything so don’t walk, run, to their site to check them out. (TheeMiranda B Lab Coat is also the best out there).

4. School/Work Bag: This Dagne Dover bag has literally been my lifesaver for the past 2 years. It has separate sleeves for my laptop and water bottle, a key hook so I never loose my keys, and a ton of other pockets for pretty much anything you need. The straps are extremely sturdy and have held up to the 30 pounds of random things that I carry around daily. It comes in different colors and different sizes and I honestly can’t speak highly enough of this bag; it’s a dream. Plus they have FREE expedited shipping from now until Tuesday.

I hope this article was somewhat helpful for you all! Good luck shopping and Happy Holidays!

XoXo
-Erica