Category: Culture

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Staycation to the Fullest – LA Edition

Summer is officially here and with that comes the hope of a sun soaked vacation. However, sometimes those dreams can get dashed when life, work, or our wallets get in the way. This is when the art of the staycation comes in handy. If done properly, a staycation can recharge your batteries just as easily as a resort can. No airports required. Check out these tips to make the most out of your summer staycation!

Become a tourist in your own city

This is the obvious first step to taking your staycation to the next level, as well as the most important. Odds are you have done fun activities in your city, but you’ve never really looked at it through the lens of a tourist. No matter where you live, the luster of your city can fade and you can forget what it has to offer. This is the time to reinvigorate your love of your hometown!

Look for:

  • Museums
  • Botanical gardens
  • Events or sports
  • Drive-in or rooftop theaters
  • Theme parks
  • Parks
  • Nature hikes
  • Spas
The Huntington Gardens in Pasadena.

Los Angeles Ideas:

  • LACMA
  • Huntington Gardens
  • Malibu & Santa Monica beaches
  • The Getty
  • The Getty Malibu
  • The Academy Museum
  • La Brea Tar Pits
  • Griffith Park
  • Studio Tours – Warner Bros., Paramount, Universal
  • Descanso Gardens
  • Venice Canals
  • Hollywood Forever Cemetery Cinespia screenings
  • The Greystone Mansion

*Pro tip: If you’re craving a day at a pool with an ice-cold Piña Colada, some hotels offer day passes! You’ll get the full resort experience without the cost of paying for a room. Check out resortpass.com for participating hotels in your area!

Go out for a fancy lunch or dinner

You’ve saved money on flights, gas, hotels, etc., so don’t be afraid to splurge on a nice dinner. Invite friends, take your family, or dine solo! One great way to take this activity up a notch is to find a restaurant out of your normal radius – if you live in the suburbs, head downtown. Or if you really want to feel fancy, find a hotel restaurant! You’ve probably never been to or heard of some of the nice hotel restaurants in your town. Do some research and see what’s out there!

Los Angeles:

  • Cara Restaurant at The Cara Hotel
  • Ardor at the West Hollywood Edition
  • FIG at the Fairmont Miramar
  • Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel
  • Bar Lis at Thompson Hollywood
  • Openaire at the Line Hotel
  • Culina Ristorante at the Four Seasons
  • Coast at Shutters on the Beach
  • Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
  • Calabra Rooftop at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel

*Pro tip: Dress it up! If there’s an outfit or sparkly dress in your closet that you never wear, this is your moment!

Make your home feel like a hotel

Who said you need to leave your home for the resort experience? Prep for you staycation by making little changes that will make your space feel brand new. Here’s a list of suggestions to get you started:

  • Pack your fridge and pantry ahead of time with your favorite summer foods. If you love to cook, make a meal plan with your favorite dishes. If cocktails are your thing, make sure you have all the ingredients whip up your favorite drink. Stock up on fun snacks that you wouldn’t normally buy and give yourself the permission to eat whatever the heck you want!
  • Make a movie night basket. If hitting the movies doesn’t interest you or is out of your budget (some movie tickets in LA are up to $25), give yourself the full theater experience at home! Gather popcorn, snacks, your favorite candy, etc. and have the basket waiting by the TV for when the mood strikes!
  • Create a spa day. This could be as simple as having a new face mask waiting for you at the end of each day! Or using shower steamers that fill up your bathroom with spa-like scents every morning. There are endless possibilities!
  • Make sure you have fresh sheets and a nice pillow spray. There’s nothing better than snuggling into clean sheets, and it you want to add another level of luxury use a pillow spray!
  • Be a little bougie and leave yourself and your partner pillow mints.

What do you think? Will you be staycationing this summer? Let us know what your favorite staycation activities are!

Follow us on social media for more lifestyle and wellness tips:

Instagram: @carrieannconversations

Facebook: Carrie Ann Conversations

YouTube: Carrie Ann Inaba

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Staycation to the Fullest – Austin Edition

Summer is officially here and with that comes the hope of a sun soaked vacation. However, sometimes those dreams can get dashed when life, work, or our wallets get in the way. This is when the art of the staycation comes in handy. If done properly, a staycation can recharge your batteries just as easily as a resort can. No airports required. Check out these tips to make the most out of your summer staycation!

Become a tourist in your own city

This is the obvious first step to taking your staycation to the next level, as well as the most important. Odds are you have done fun activities in your city, but you’ve never really looked at it through the lens of a tourist. No matter where you live, the luster of your city can fade and you can forget what it has to offer. This is the time to reinvigorate your love of your hometown!

Look for:

  • Museums
  • Botanical gardens
  • Events or sports
  • Drive-in or rooftop theaters
  • Theme parks
  • Parks
  • Nature hikes
  • Spas
Barton Springs Pool.

Austin Ideas:

  • View the bats at sunset on the South Congress bridge
  • Texas State Capitol
  • Barton Springs Pool
  • Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • McKinney Falls State Park
  • Mt. Bonnell
  • The Domain
  • Blues on the Green at Zilker Park
  • LBJ Presidential Library
  • The Driskill Hotel ghost tour
  • Mural hunting
  • Circuit of the Americas go-karts

*Pro tip: If you’re craving a day at a pool with an ice-cold Piña Colada, some hotels offer day passes! You’ll get the full resort experience without the cost of paying for a room. Check out resortpass.com for participating hotels in your area!

Go out for a fancy lunch or dinner

You’ve saved money on flights, gas, hotels, etc., so don’t be afraid to splurge on a nice dinner. Invite friends, take your family, or dine solo! One great way to take this activity up a notch is to find a restaurant out of your normal radius – if you live in the suburbs, head downtown. Or if you really want to feel fancy, find a hotel restaurant! You’ve probably never been to or heard of some of the nice hotel restaurants in your town. Do some research and see what’s out there!

Austin:

  • Lutie’s at Commodore Perry Estate
  • Central Standard at the South Congress Hotel
  • Garrison at Fairmont Austin
  • Second Bar + Kitchen at the Archer Hotel
  • Café No Se at the South Congress Hotel
  • Caroline Restaurant + Upstairs at Caroline Bar at Aloft Downtown
  • Trace at W Austin

*Pro tip: Dress it up! If there’s an outfit or sparkly dress in your closet that you never wear, this is your moment!

Make your home feel like a hotel

Who said you need to leave your home for the resort experience? Prep for you staycation by making little changes that will make your space feel brand new. Here’s a list of suggestions to get you started:

  • Pack your fridge and pantry ahead of time with your favorite summer foods. If you love to cook, make a meal plan with your favorite dishes. If cocktails are your thing, make sure you have all the ingredients whip up your favorite drink. Stock up on fun snacks that you wouldn’t normally buy and give yourself the permission to eat whatever the heck you want!
  • Make a movie night basket. If hitting the movies doesn’t interest you or is out of your budget (some movie tickets in LA are up to $25), give yourself the full theater experience at home! Gather popcorn, snacks, your favorite candy, etc. and have the basket waiting by the TV for when the mood strikes!
  • Create a spa day. This could be as simple as having a new face mask waiting for you at the end of each day! Or using shower steamers that fill up your bathroom with spa-like scents every morning. There are endless possibilities!
  • Make sure you have fresh sheets and a nice pillow spray. There’s nothing better than snuggling into clean sheets, and it you want to add another level of luxury use a pillow spray!
  • Be a little bougie and leave yourself and your partner pillow mints.

What do you think? Will you be staycationing this summer? Let us know what your favorite staycation activities are!

Follow us on social media for more lifestyle and wellness tips:

Instagram: @carrieannconversations

Facebook: Carrie Ann Conversations

YouTube: Carrie Ann Inaba

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Staycation to the Fullest – Chicago Edition

Summer is officially here and with that comes the hope of a sun soaked vacation. However, sometimes those dreams can get dashed when life, work, or our wallets get in the way. This is when the art of the staycation comes in handy. If done properly, a staycation can recharge your batteries just as easily as a resort can. No airports required. Check out these tips to make the most out of your summer staycation!

Become a tourist in your own city

This is the obvious first step to taking your staycation to the next level, as well as the most important. Odds are you have done fun activities in your city, but you’ve never really looked at it through the lens of a tourist. No matter where you live, the luster of your city can fade and you can forget what it has to offer. This is the time to reinvigorate your love of your hometown!

Look for:

  • Museums
  • Botanical gardens
  • Events or sports
  • Drive-in or rooftop theaters
  • Theme parks
  • Parks
  • Nature hikes
  • Spas
Chicago’s Wrigley Field, home of the Cubs.

Chicago Ideas:

  • 360 Chicago Observation Deck
  • Millennium Park & The Bean
  • Wrigley Field
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Navy Pier
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House
  • Macy’s on State Street
  • Garrett’s Popcorn
  • Chicago River cruises
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Field Museum

*Pro tip: If you’re craving a day at a pool with an ice-cold Piña Colada, some hotels offer day passes! You’ll get the full resort experience without the cost of paying for a room. Check out resortpass.com for participating hotels in your area!

Go out for a fancy lunch or dinner

You’ve saved money on flights, gas, hotels, etc., so don’t be afraid to splurge on a nice dinner. Invite friends, take your family, or dine solo! One great way to take this activity up a notch is to find a restaurant out of your normal radius – if you live in the suburbs, head downtown. Or if you really want to feel fancy, find a hotel restaurant! You’ve probably never been to or heard of some of the nice hotel restaurants in your town. Do some research and see what’s out there!

Chicago:

  • Nico Osteria at the Thompson Hotel
  • Allium Restaurant & Bar at the Four Seasons
  • Boleo at the Kimpton Grey Hotel
  • Travelle at the Langham
  • Shanghai Terrace at the Peninsula Chicago
  • Café des Architectes at Sofitel
  • The Florentine at the JW Marriott
  • 676 Restaurant & Bar at the Omni

*Pro tip: Dress it up! If there’s an outfit or sparkly dress in your closet that you never wear, this is your moment!

Make your home feel like a hotel

Who said you need to leave your home for the resort experience? Prep for you staycation by making little changes that will make your space feel brand new. Here’s a list of suggestions to get you started:

  • Pack your fridge and pantry ahead of time with your favorite summer foods. If you love to cook, make a meal plan with your favorite dishes. If cocktails are your thing, make sure you have all the ingredients whip up your favorite drink. Stock up on fun snacks that you wouldn’t normally buy and give yourself the permission to eat whatever the heck you want!
  • Make a movie night basket. If hitting the movies doesn’t interest you or is out of your budget (some movie tickets in LA are up to $25), give yourself the full theater experience at home! Gather popcorn, snacks, your favorite candy, etc. and have the basket waiting by the TV for when the mood strikes!
  • Create a spa day. This could be as simple as having a new face mask waiting for you at the end of each day! Or using shower steamers that fill up your bathroom with spa-like scents every morning. There are endless possibilities!
  • Make sure you have fresh sheets and a nice pillow spray. There’s nothing better than snuggling into clean sheets, and it you want to add another level of luxury use a pillow spray!
  • Be a little bougie and leave yourself and your partner pillow mints.

What do you think? Will you be staycationing this summer? Let us know what your favorite staycation activities are!

Follow us on social media for more lifestyle and wellness tips:

Instagram: @carrieannconversations

Facebook: Carrie Ann Conversations

YouTube: Carrie Ann Inaba

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7 Podcasts to Help You Reach Your Full Potential

7 Podcasts to Help You Reach Your Full Potential | CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

With series on every topic you could possibly think of, it seems like we’ve entered into the golden age of podcasts. It’s never been more easy to find entertainment, as well as free access to experts and professionals that we otherwise wouldn’t have. There are countless podcasts in the areas of self growth and development, but a few stand out for their unique approach to tackling life’s uphill battles. If you’re in the market for a podcast that will help you reach your full potential – mind, body, and soul – check out these 7 wonderful series led by some of the brightest minds we have.

Huberman Lab with Dr. Andrew Huberman

Dr. Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University. In his podcast, Dr. Huberman “discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health” (hubermanlab.com). Don’t mistake Huberman Lab for a dry university lecture though. The podcast breaks down the science in terms of our everyday life, often with the help of incredibly smart guests.

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Dr. Laurie Santos is a professor of psychology at Yale University, whose course on the psychology of happiness became so popular she turned the concept into a podcast. Prepare to unlearn everything you thought you knew about what makes us humans happy while listening. Dr. Santos’s use of research and storytelling is what makes this podcast so compelling and digestible. It’s for anyone and everyone looking to understand happiness and apply that knowledge to their own lives.

A Slight Change of Plans with Maya Shankar

Maya Shankar is a cognitive scientist and former Senior Advisor to President Obama. During her time in the Obama administration she also founded the White House Behavioral Science Team. In “A Slight Change of Plans”, Shankar uses her expert knowledge to explore how we behave and adapt while facing change. According to the show’s description, she “blends compassionate storytelling with the science of human behavior to help us understand who we are, and who we become, in the face of a big change” .

Work Life with Adam Grant

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist, author, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In “Work Life”, Grant discusses “the science of making work not suck” (adamgrant.net). Making work not suck seems to be an eternal and universal struggle, which is what makes the podcast an essential listen. Everyone can get something out of “Work Life”, even if it’s a momentary reprieve from the “Sunday scaries”.

Throughline

NPR’s Throughline, hosted by Ramtin Arablouei and Rund Abdelfatah, takes a historical approach in analyzing current events. It weaves the past and present, using compelling storytelling to connect the dots between events and cultural shifts that affect the issues we face today. Don’t mistake throughline for your average history podcast! The insights gleaned in each episode probably can’t be found in your old American History textbook.

How to Start Over

In the Atlantic’s “How to Start Over”, “staff writer Olga Khazan analyzes what it takes to change our relationships, our work, and our perspective—with a practical approach to one of life’s greatest mysteries: how to start over” (theatlantic.com). If you’ve been going through major changes recently, or want to make a change, How to Start Over is a great resource. It’s both compelling and practical – the perfect combo for a self help podcast.

The Pivot

Hosted by former NFL players Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark, The Pivot Podcast is all about making changes and moving forward. While centered on interviews with professionals in the sports world, The Pivot is universal in that it focuses on how people accepted change and pivoted their way towards success.

What do you think? Have you found your next binge-worthy podcast? Let us know in the comments and on social media. We would love to hear from you!

Instagram: @carrieannconversations

Facebook: Carrie Ann Conversations

YouTube: Carrie Ann Inaba

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6 TV Shows That Will Make You Think

6 TV Shows That Will Make You Think | CARIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

Sometimes we don’t want to think when we watch TV. Over the past couple of years we’ve used it as an escape from the unbelievable circumstances happening in the world and in our own lives. However, TV can also be a useful teaching tool, and a way to examine our problems in a safe, creative way. TV holds up a mirror to our culture whether we like it or not, and is something that can permeate our lives and start necessary conversations. If you’re in the market for a show that will spark conversation at your next social gathering, check out this list of 6 TV shows that will make you think. You never know what lessons can be learned from your living room.

“Brené Brown: Atlas of the Heart” – HBO Max

Why read the book when you can watch the movie? Or in this case, the series. Emotions researcher and author Brené Brown delivers the biggest takeaways from her latest book, “Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience”, in this HBO Max series. Brown will take you through the emotions that unite us all, and why we need to expand our emotion vocabulary in general.

“Severance” – Apple TV+

What if you could live two separate lives – a work life and a personal life – that never intersect? What if you could forget your personal life at work, and vice versa? This is the concept that “Severance” so brilliantly explores. With so many life changing events happening in the world right now, this show couldn’t be more aptly timed. Haven’t we all wondered what it would be like if the different parts of our lives never mixed?

https://youtu.be/tGtaHcqsSE8

“Maid” – Netflix

“Maid” is a raw and poignant look at the realities of being in an abusive relationship. It is based on a true story, and follows a young woman through her struggles to leave her abuser and take care of her child independently. It’s a very eye opening and honest portrayal of what psychological abuse can look like, and why it is so difficult to recognize and leave.

https://youtu.be/KcI_xfryMD0

“Our Great National Parks” – Netflix

After Obama’s two terms in office it was big news when his next move was to make a deal with Netflix! We are finally seeing some of the fruit of that deal with “Our Great National Parks”. It’s probably the easiest to watch out of all of the shows listed, but will make you look at the beauty that is in your own backyard with a renewed sense of wonder.

“Not So Pretty” – HBO Max

“Not So Pretty” is a docuseries that gives a real and unforgiving look into the dark side of the beauty industry. It explores how some of our everyday products – like skincare – may actually be doing more harm than good. Narrated by Keke Palmer, “Not So Pretty” will make you think twice about the chemicals you use on your body every day.

“Persona – The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests” – HBO Max

This documentary peels back the curtain behind personality tests, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. It makes the argument that while these types of tests can be very helpful for self-discovery, they can also be extremely harmful and unfair when used in the working world. “Persona” grapples with the insidious and possibly discriminatory nature of something that is commonly seen as benign and fun. It’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about the world of personality tests.

Which show interests you the most? If you’ve seen any of these, what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below or find us at @carrieannconversations on Instagram! We’d love to hear from you.

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6 Books to Ignite Your Mind

5 Books to Ignite Your Mind | CARRIE ANN CONVERSATIONS

Ready for a book that’ll make you think? Look no further! With the influx of self-help gurus and thought leaders creating followings on social media, it can be difficult to discern who to trust, and who has the research to back up their ideas. All of the authors listed are professionals who research and teach for a living, and are super-stars in their respective fields. If you’ve exhausted Malcolm Gladwell’s catalogue, or are eager to learn something new, I guarantee you’ll love one of these picks.

1. Emotional Agility – Susan David, Phd.

Susan David is a Harvard Medical School psychologist. In “Emotional Agility” she dives into how we can better understand our thoughts, emotions, and patterns in order to “get unstuck, embrace change, and thrive in work and life” (susandavid.com). If you’re curious, David also has an active instagram account where she breaks down the ideas in her book in a digestible way. She’s also been a guest on Brené Brown’s podcast, as well as Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert.

2. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari is a historian and philosopher. If you’ve ever wondered about the origin of the human species and how we evolved, this book is for you. It is an entertaining and extensive look into the journey of mankind. Look at it like a crash course in anthropologie, filled with tidbits you can keep in your back pocket for dinner parties.

3. Think Again – The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know – Adam Grant

Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and professor. He studies “the science of motivation, generosity, original thinking, and rethinking” (adamgrant.net). “Think Again” examines the importance of the ability to unlearn and relearn, and the possibilities that come from keeping an open mind. Grant also utilizes social media and podcasts to get his ideas out – if you love the book, check out his own podcast, WorkLife with Adam Grant.

4. The Power of Regret – How Looking Back Moves Us Forward – Daniel Pink

Daniel Pink is a New York Times Bestselling Author and former chief speech writer for Vice President Al Gore. His latest book, “The Power of Regret”, dives into the psychology and research behind how “we can transform our regrets in a positive force for working smarter and living better” (danpink.com). Pink takes a daunting topic that many people wouldn’t want to touch, and transforms it into a useful tool. If regret is something you’ve been struggling with, this might be the book for you!

5. Dopamine Nation – Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence – Dr. Anna Lembke

Dr. Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist and Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicinal Dual Diagnosis Clinic. In her New York Times best-seller, Lembke explores “why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain. Most important, she tells readers how to find the delicate balance between the two” (annalembke.com). Addiction surrounds us, and may be affecting your life more than you think. From social media to sugar, addiction takes many forms and Lembke has put the work in to figure out how to lead a more balanced life.

6. Atlas of the Heart – Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience – Brené Brown

Brené Brown is a professor and researcher of emotions, shame, empathy, courage, and vulnerability. Her latest book, “Atlas of the Heart”, explores emotions that define the human experience, and how to make meaningful connections. If you can’t get enough of this book or want the movie version instead, check out Brown’s HBO Max series of the same name. It’s like a 5 episode Ted Talk.