I think that we can all agree that international travel is one of the things we miss the most ever since COVID-19 forced us to experience a new normal. Traveling internationally can still be a bit tricky as several countries are still giving the US and its citizens the side-eye due to the current number of COVID-19 cases here. Besides, travel bans, entry, and re-entry requirements seem to be changing by the day which adds another element to consider when traveling outside of the US.
The Centers for Disease Control provides a country-by-country risk assessment if you still plan to travel to another country, however, if you still aren't ready to leave the United States, it doesn't mean that you can't indulge in some travel this year. There are plenty of places right here in the US that will be sure to satisfy the wanderlust that I'm sure we're all experiencing right about now.
Check them out below.
1.Napa Valley, California
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One word: Wine. Do I really need to say more? Napa Valley, home to over three hundred wineries is one of the most famous wine regions. For most of the year, the weather is pretty close to perfect so there isn't really a bad time to go. So, whether you want to plan a romantic getaway with your boo or a fun girls' trip, Napa Valley has you covered with five-star restaurants, beautiful hotels, and spas.
2.Key West, Florida
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Want to experience a Caribbean-like vacation without leaving the US? Well, look no further than Key West. One look at all of the beautiful conch-style architecture, stunning beaches, and rich history, you'll swear you're no longer in the US. Key West is not only beautiful to look at but there's tons to do from dolphin watching, to snorkeling, to kayaking, to sailing. No worries, if you're not the adventurous type because you can drink by the pool and eat deliciously fresh seafood all day too.
3.Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
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It may take a bit of work to get there but that hasn't stopped people from flocking to Martha's Vineyard for a summer getaway and that is not expected to change in 2021. Martha's Vineyard is known for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, great food, and most of all for its worst kept secret: being a hideaway for the rich and famous.
4.Chena Hot Springs Resort, Fairbanks, Alaska
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Chena Hot Springs Resort is probably one of the most popular and accessible natural hot springs in the state. Visiting the Chena Hot Springs Resort will for sure give you a touch of the Blue Lagoon, Iceland feels. The resort is also home to a campground, a restaurant, and an ice museum. You can even catch a view of the Northern Lights if you visit in the winter. The resort also allows day trips if you have other plans for accommodations.
5.Aspen, Colorado
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Put your Ivy Park, Icy Park collection to good use and visit Aspen. You are certainly welcome to visit Aspen any time of the year but there is something to be said about visiting in the winter and experiencing one of the city's four ski resorts. If skiing (or other outdoor activities) isn't really your thing, Aspen is a literal shopping hub with stores like Prada and Gucci. You can also relax at one of their many spas after a long day of shopping.
6.Santa Fe, New Mexico
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History. Culture. Art. Architecture. Healing. Those are just some of the things you can expect when you visit Santa Fe. Santa Fe literally has something for everyone. Home to a plethora of museums and art galleries, delicious fresh cuisine, hot springs, hiking trails, and spas.
7.Kauai, Hawaii
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Kauai, Hawaii's fourth-largest island may not be the first island that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii but that doesn't make it any less beautiful than the others. The island is laid back but also offers tourists tons to do from kayaking, to ziplining, to snorkeling. An additional perk is that Kauai is often not as crowded as the other islands.
8.Palm Springs, California
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In search of a vacation where you can just sit by the pool and drink cocktails all day? Well, look no further than Palm Springs. Palm Springs, known for its eclectic food and drink scene and luxurious hotels can certainly give you all of that and more. If you can manage to pull yourself from the pool, Palm Springs has plenty of other activities for you to indulge in like hiking, shopping, spas, and museums. Palm Springs is also only a two-hour drive from LA if you find that you want to venture there for a fun day trip.
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Erica Green is a Clinical Research Associate, blogger, and a sneakerhead. She has a love for all things women and she's pretty sure that women are God's greatest creation. Connect with her on Instagram @ erica_britt_ or www.lovethegspot.com
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
WNBA star Angel Reese stuns on and off the court, and now she’s spilling her beauty and skincare secrets with us. The 22-year-old gave some insight into her beauty and skincare routine while speaking to Vogue, including her game day routine.
“My grandma used to always put mascara on my eyes when I was younger, and I used to go on the basketball court; that’s how I got the name 'Bayou Barbie' ‘cause I always had my nails, lashes, hair done,” she explained.
Below, Angel shares the skincare products that make her skin glow and her go-to makeup looks.
Check out her routines below.
Skincare
Vogue/YouTube
Angel starts with La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. “I love skincare. Makes me feel good, makes me feel cleanse, especially after a long day because I’m always on the go,” she said. “I play sports, so my face is always drenched with sweat, and I always gotta keep it clean.”
Vogue/YouTube
Angel uses two moisturizers. She uses Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 first and follows it up with Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe.
"You have to use the thinnest layer and then the thickest layer," she said. "I learned these tips because one time I posted a skincare routine and they were like, you need to run that back. And they taught me you need to do thin then thick and then I could see the complete difference with my skin."
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She keeps Laniege Lip Balm with her at all times, including during games.
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One-Size Setting Spray is her go-to for keeping her makeup fresh on the court. “I usually spray my beauty blender with my setting spray,” she said. “People usually wet the beauty blender under the water, but why not set it with this.”
Vogue/YouTube
She rounds out her beauty routine with mascara, brows, and her lip combo using Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner and Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss. But before closing, she made sure to give flowers to the WNBA stars before her who were also known for getting glammed on and off the court.
“I gotta give kudos to the girls who were wearing makeup before. Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, Candace Parker. Everybody already had their edges and their lashes, lipstick on," she said. "Tina Thompson; she used to wear a full red lip on her lips during the game, but that’s something I could probably never do.”
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Feature image by Vogue/YouTube