STL Staycation

Since the majority of air travel is out of the question, I decided to take a much needed staycation.

During my stay I was sure to support a super cute local, Black owned business: C. Oliver Coffee + Flower Bar. The chilled strawberry chai with oat milk was divine and the flower wall was everything!

SIGHT SEE

You cannot visit St. Louis without seeing the iconic Gateway Arch. Under normal circumstances I’d be eager to actually go inside but we just admired her from afar with a simple park picnic and trashy fast food from White Castles.

SHOP

CLR MNSTR- a gift shop like no other full of vibes and rare finds.

Stay

I was super excited to return to The Angad Arts Hotel located in the heart of St. Louis’s Grand Center Arts District. The last time we were here was the night before our wedding. This luxury hotel features artfully designed guest rooms and suites. You have the option of booking your room to experience an emotion of color. For obvious reasons we picked Rejuvenation Green.

ON MY BEAUTY COUNTER

Beauty and wellness products currently in rotation:

I’ve fully incorporated CBD into my skin care and wellness routine. Last month my personal cannabis concierge HiVi sent me Saint Jane Luxury CBD serum and I couldn’t be happier! This facial serum has been on my radar for months so I was ecstatic to get my hands on it. It’s the matte black bottle for me. It screams luxury and this oil smells rich AF! This multi-correctional blend is packed with 500mg of CBD and 20 potent botanicals to intensely hydrate the skin. CBD in skincare is known for its calming and soothing benefits. My skin is extremely sensitive so any and almost everything breaks me out. This helps to combat inflammation and texture issues on my forehead. I use a few drops at night as the last step to my skincare routine and wake up to glowing skin.

I’m on my second bottle of Tarot Elderberry Rose and CBD Oil. I use one drop daily to support my immune system and maintain my body’s natural vibrance and balance. I like to use this in the morning to get my day started. This CBD tincture is hemp derived, all natural, and THC free. Meaning its completely legal. But don’t get it twisted, not all CBD oil is created equally. I love the Tarot brand because all their products are third-party lab tested so you know you’re actually getting a high quality product. If you want to try it for yourself use my code PLANTLOVER for 15% off.

The last serum in rotation is an absolute must have. I’ve been raving about this vitamin C serum since it launched! Take my word for it and use this down time to incorporate medical grade skincare by Michelle German Aesthetics into your skincare routine. Your skin will thank you. Take this quick skin care quiz and get your personalized guide to the German Glow.

Clean yet effective products are the only things I want touching my face and body. Since I’m focusing on keeping a summer glow year round I absolutely love REN Steady Glow AHA Toner. This toner is gentle enough to use daily to brighten, exfoliate, hydrate and smooth out the skin. As a product junkie willing to try anything once I appreciate that the packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable.

The entire Nécessaire body care product line has changed the way my skin looks and feels. I started using these products at the beginning of the pandemic and I can’t see myself using anything else. I buy the fragrance free Body Essentials kit for $60. It comes with the body wash, exfoliator, and lotion. Ethically made, products without controversial ingredients. Clean body care packed with vitamins and nutrients 

BRUNCH

Brunch used to be one of favorite weekend activities. The weather was extremely nice so we opted for outdoor patio brunch at Billy G’s in Kirkwood. Bottomless mimosas are so much cheaper in St. Louis than DC.

SIGHT SEE

Columbia Bottom Conservation Sunflower field. Even though his beautiful field is expansive enough to allow for social distancing I’d still recommend wearing a mask. Not just to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, but the dirt path is extremely dusty. If you have allergies beware! You will also need sunscreen, water, bug spray (the bees were HUGE), and comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. There’s also 15 miles of hiking and multi-use trails for bicycling and horseback riding along with fishing, hunting, nature viewing, and photography if that’s your thing.

Even though we are in the midst of a public health crisis, I encourage you to really do the things that bring you joy. I‘m a very social being and quarantine has affected me more than I care to admit. I knew I had to do something to shake these feelings. This staycation really saved me from absolutely loosing it. Something as simple as changing your physical environment for a few days does something to your spirit. I’m forever thankful!

Stay safe, social distance, and wear a mask! Demand law enforcement to arrest the cops that killed Breonna Taylor