Kristen Woolsey

We arrived at Eileen Donan castle just as it opened for the day! Such a photogenic place. They have cafe, and we nestled up to the window overlooking the castle as we sipped on tea and ate scones with clotted cream.

Then we drove for what felt like forever..but my eyes never left the window! Beautiful views left and right as we drove. We stopped in Fort William for lunch and a little walking around. Then we drove through Glencoe which was just breathtaking.

We stopped as much as we could. Below you'll see pictures from The Three Sisters of Glencoe, and the Wee White House. These were popular stops and had parking lots full of people like us that were obsessed with the views.

-Kristen

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Glencoe | Scotland

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

I think the photos will be in reverse order, but from Edinburgh we travelled to Inverness. Stayed there for a night and then traveled over to Isle of Skye. On our way over we stopped and did a cruise on Loch Ness! We loved that. It was a great boat with a funny tour guide, and they even provided little plaid blankets to keep you warm. I learned so much, and I think we have a Nessie believer over here. I had no idea Loch Ness was such a unique place on the planet.

We also stopped at The Singleton and did a tour with them featuring some whisky cocktails. It was fabulous and that is my favorite distillery we visited. The vibes are awesome, they've got a really fresh bar and lounge areas. Plus, I think their whisky was my favorite from all the ones we tried.

In Isle of Skye we stayed in Portree, a very adorable fishing village. If you googled Portree, we stayed in the colorful pink building on the water that's in all their promotional photos. SO adorable. We didn't have as much time here as I wished. We did some cool trails and went to another distillery - Talsiker. We also had my favorite meal of the trip! We ate at the Old Inn next door to Talisker. As we approached the building, down the steps, I wondered if it was even open. But then the door swung open and boisterous pub noise filled the air. It was so quaint and warm! The thick accents of the waiters were just the icing on the cake. We went home with full bellies!

-Kristen

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Loch Ness, The Singleton, and Portree Isle of Skye | Scotland

Monday, November 10, 2025

Queue all the running selfies! We are one month into our half marathon training. March 1st is race day! The schedule I'm doing is 20 weeks, running 3 times a week. It's 2 shorter runs and 1 longer one. I like this schedule because it's very beginner friendly.

Total Miles Run: 27!

Favorite Run: I have to say it was the one I did in Edinburgh! It was dark and scary because it was unfamiliar, but what a cool place to run!

Least Favorite Run: I can't really pinpoint one specifically, but I'm sure it was one of the ones when it was very hot out.

Favorite Playlist/Song: Especially when we first started, I was running a lot to the new Taylor Swift album.

Confidence Level: Eh...I know we will get there, but when you are struggling at 2 miles, knowing you have to do 13...

Want to do anything differently?: So far, I'm pleased with how things are going. But, I can't wait for the time to change! I need the day light!!

-Kristen

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Half Marathon Training - 1 MONTH update

Friday, November 7, 2025

1. DIY Face Wash

Call it lifestyle creep, but I realized how crazy it was to spend as much as I was on Dermalogica skin care. (I did get a discount at a local spa, and I think it works amazingly well!) I used to make my own face wash! I don't know why I got away from it honestly. It's such a nice formula. The original post is here, but essentially it's- 1/4 cup jojoba oil, 1/4 cup Castile soap, and about 15 drops each of frankincense, lavender, and tea tree > then top off with water in a foaming soap dispenser. I got the prettiest soap dispenser from Amazon, and whipped up a batch in less than 3 minutes.

2. My First Stanley

A little late to the party! For Boss's day we bought an engraved Stanley, and while I was browsing I fell in love with the Mocha Latte color. I have to say, I'm in love. My water drinking goals have been getting crushed because of this cup! Plus, the leak proof straw design is awesome!

3. Nails

Normally, I'm a DIY girlie. After a lot of deliberation, I decided to get my nails done for our Scotland trip. I just knew my at home gel-manis wouldn't last the full time we'd be gone, and I wasn't going to spare the room in my suitcase to pack nail supplies. Since I do house cleaning, I figured these would just be a one-and-done situation -but here I am with a fresh Fill In. I have to say I'm pretty impressed - they've held up really well and I've been quite hard on my hands. Had to laugh when I picked a color that's almost an exact match to my cup.

4. Book of The Month - November

I've skipped a few months of BOTM boxes, just because I seem to have an unending TBR already! This month I chose Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel, and then did an add on for The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss. Can't wait to start both!

If you want to try Book of the Month, I have a referral link for your first hardcover for $5 and free shipping!

5. Astigmatism

This week was the first time I had my eyes examined in over a decade! I've noticed that at night, I have a little more trouble seeing clearly than I used to. I sort of chalked it up to everyone's headlights being so much brighter. Turns out I have a bit of astigmatism in my left eye. The doctor said it wasn't terrible, and I could hold off on lenses. I'm going to try some polarized night glasses when driving and see if that helps!

Now that Blake is over 40, we figured he'd be due for some glasses - but nope, the man has perfect vision. Surprise, surprise. Very on brand.

Happy Friday!

-Kristen

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Friday Five | 11-7-25

The Hermitage - Mark this down as one of the most beautiful places for a hike! It's an easy trail, with parts that are even accessible. It's scenic everywhere you look, and there was even a wedding at the top! (The groom was in a kilt!)

It's not long a trail, but it took us a long time to do it because of all the stopping we did to admire a view. The trees were giant, and I love the way that pine scent stings your nose. Plus, you can't beat the sound of rushing water from a waterfall!

-Kristen

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The Hermitage Trail | Scotland

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Edinburgh is easily one of my favorite cities! It's such a vibe. Moody, rainy...just so beautiful. It's really neat to see a bustling city without skyscrapers as well.

We spent a total of 3 days in Edinburgh. We started our trip there and ended it there with our flight home. I highly recommend the hop on/hop off bus tours available. It's a fantastic way to get around and see a lot. Plus, there is commentary and fun facts as you drive around. Because of this tour we were able to see and tour the castle, Hollyrood House, the Royal Yacht Britannia, visit Leith distillery, and a bunch of other historical sites. That ticket also got us discounts at restaurants which we easily took advantage of.

I loved shopping and taking it all in! We loved it so much we squeezed in an extra afternoon to see some things we missed. We also did The Scotch Whisky Experience which was pretty cool. We did a few other distilleries as we drove around the country, but this one explained the differences in the whisky based on the region it was made in. It's very well done.

Other highlights include a surprise reservation at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant Bread Street Kitchen. It was just mouthwateringly amazing. Some of the best food I've had in my life.

If you are going, I highly recommend waterproof sneakers. The Royal Mile is so fun to walk but it's a trek!! And if it's raining you will want to be in waterproof shoes. Blake and I both bought Sorrels for this trip and they were SUCH a good shoe for Scotland. I also brought my hiking boots for the highlands.