healthyish, vol. 3

diet: 

This week was definitely more about setting myself up to not fail rather than really actively sticking to my diet. I was traveling Tuesday - Friday, between going to my interview which always includes a dinner and lunch, and driving to Chicago to spend a few days there with my sister. I packed a big lunch box full of snacks for the first two drives - carrots & hummus, turkey roll ups with laughing cow cheese, hippeas, and a banana. At the interview dinner I only had a few bites of the appetizers, ordered the salmon with vegetables, and had one third of the dessert (I couldn't be the only one who didn't order a dessert!). In Chicago, it was definitely a balance between enjoying the great food and trying to make healthier choices. I tried the new egg bites from Starbucks as a protein snack before my first SoulCycle class - they definitely have an interesting texture! My sister and I went to a German restuarant for dinner, and I ordered the salmon and potato pancakes, so not exactly the healthiest! I also went to dinner with Liz, and had a pizza, which was amazing. On my way out of town, I stopped at Left Coast since it was near where I went to SoulCycle, and got some amazing avocado toast for brunch and a smoothie for a snack later on in the drive. So like I said, I knew that these four days of traveling would make it difficult to really stick to the way I eat at home, but I think I found a good balance of enjoying the food while not over eating.

exercise:

Sunday: 45 minutes on the stair climber (150 flights of stairs!)
Monday: 60 minutes of spin class (22 miles)
Tuesday: I was supposed to go to spin but the instructor didn't show!! >:(
Thursday: SoulCycle + 15k steps exploring Chicago
Friday: SoulCycle with Hallie :)

goals:

Last week's goals: Pack enough snacks for my road trip to my interview and home so I don't get tempted by drive throughs, hit 23 miles at spin again on Monday, and actually try to track 100 ounces of water/day. 
        - No drive throughs!  I'm actually very proud of this one (I think telling you guys this made me actually stick to it!)
        - Spin on Monday was more about climbs than sprints, so I hit 22 miles. So close!
        - This did not happen. With 5-6 hours of driving most days, I would have had to stop every hour to pee!

This week's goals:
       - Go to four spin classes 
       - Try out a new exercise class with my friend (we want to try kickboxing!)
       - Stay away from the scale until next Friday

treats:

We aren't having our normal cheat meals today because of the above mentioned pizza and desserts and so on that I already enjoyed. So for the next week, definitely excited to be home and find a few new things to cook at home. I did buy a few new work out clothes from Old Navy though, so those are my treat for the week! I got a new pair of my favorite type of work out pants, a new sports bra, a cute little tank top, and a zip up for the cold treks to the gym. 

weigh in:

I didn't weigh myself today! Between the not great diet and bloating during this time of the month, I know that seeing a number I'm not excited about will just kind of throw me off. I'd rather continue to work hard for the next six days, and see where I'm at in a week! I guess it's also about not living and dying by the scale - I know that I ate pretty healthy this week, got a lot of exercise, but also enjoyed my time with friends and family, so that's more important than what the scale shows!

breezy

Ahhhh, vacation :)

We get four weeks of vacation each school year, and since it's been fifteen months since my last one, I am so excited to finally have a few weeks off! I'm currently in Chicago - my sister and I met up here for a few days for exploring, eating, and shopping! I'm heading back to Ohio today (after a SoulCycle class with Hallie!). Next week I'm going down to Miami for a little family trip for my youngest sister's birthday, and the following week CR and I are hoping to go to Montreal! So lots of little trips packed into a few weeks. 

Of course, I couldn't really post without quickly commenting on my outfit! The shirt is from Loft (currently 40% off!) and is something a little different for me with the looser fit and sleeves. Definitely fun to get a bit out of my comfort zone, even if it's just with a different style shirt! The shoes are probably one of my favorite things right now - they are tortoise shell! They look like they'd be uncomfortable, but I think these are actually more comfortable than the traditional Revas. 

Blouse: Loft [exact]

Jeans: 7 for all Mankind c/o Shopbop [exact]

Scarf: H&M 

Shoes: Tory Burch c/o Shopbop [save | exact]

Purse: Coach 

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington [exact - use code FRANZISKA15 for 15% off]

Loft is getting ahead of the weather and has a ton of cute (almost springtime) new pieces in! We're just starting winter here, so I can't get too excited about pencil skirts yet (although the tulip one is super cute, right?) but there are a lot of items you can either layer (like that amazing lace top that is now in my cart) or that wrap cardigan. Everything is currently 40% off!

one | two | three

four | five | six

seven | eight | nine

beauty tuesday: recent empties

It's been almost five months since my last empties review! I recently ran out of a ton of products at the same time, so I figured it was finally time for another post. As you'll see, I'm a big creature of habit, so once I find something I like, I stick with it!

ONE // I've talked about Glossier's cleanser several times (here in a review, and here in my top buys of 2016). I bought my first bottle of this back in February, and used it probably three days a week, so it really really lasted for me. I use this either in the morning when I need to wash off an overnight face mask, or at nights after days I wear minimal make-up. It removes all my eye make up easily, it's soothing, and I enjoy the smell.     VERDICT: already repurchased

TWO // I have purchased this powder countless times over the past six years. I'm absolutely obsessed with it - it's hydrating (great for those with dry skin), it has good coverage (on my less make-up days, I only wear this on my face with concealer on blemishes), and it lasts a long time. I just love it.   VERDICT: already repurchased

THREE // You guys know I already love this magic potion (see my original review here). Every once in a while I think to myself, no way is this really what keeps my acne at bay, and then I go a week without using it, and my skin just freaks out. So it's one of those items I've found that has been extremely effective for me.   VERDICT: already repurchased

FOUR // I love this moisturizer - I talked about it in my last empties post (this is the container I had already repurchased). It has been perfect for both the summer and winter, which makes it my go-to moisturizer.   VERDICT: ....already repurchased

FIVE // When I find a mascara I like, I'm very loyal to it for a long time, which is why I wore the Better than Sex mascara for three years before discovering Bobbi Brown's Eye Opener mascara. You can see my comparison of the two mascaras here. Ultimately, I've really enjoyed this mascara to the point it was one of my favorite finds of 2016.    VERDICT: already repurchased

SIX // Unlike with mascara, I jump from concealer to concealer. I've tried a ton, including ones from Nars, Too Faced, Tarte, It Cosmetics, and Benefit. Urban Decay's Naked concealer is one of the only ones I've ever repurchased, which is why it was also one of my favorite purchased of 2016.    VERDICT: repurchased (review coming soon!)

SEVEN // Possibly my 20th time I've repurchased this eyeliner. It's just my absolute favorite - it lasts all day, it goes on in a sharp line, and the tube lasts at least three months at a time. It's been the only eyeliner I've worn for the past five+ years.    VERDICT: duh, repurchased and a back up

EIGHT // I've been switching between Anastasia's eyebrow pencil and Charlotte Tilbury's eyebrow pencil, and I finally finished the Anastasia version. I really like this, and honestly can't tell much of a difference between the two, but since this version is $7 cheaper, I'll probably go back to this one.    VERDICT: will probably repurchase

NINE // Well it's been more than a year, and I finally finished my Glam Glow mask! I bought the holiday set in December 2015, and used it about once a week since then. I keep going back to it because it removes impurities, gets rid of the flakes, and is the perfect first step in my weekly three step at home facial. I actually repurchased the holiday set a few months ago when it was on mega sale on HauteLook so.... VERDICT: already repurchased ;)

top three [01.08.2017]

a last day of rotations tradition

medicine

• Over New Years, there was a few set of twins born in different years! 
• Mesentery, which is a fold of peritoneum that connects several abdomen organs to the abdominal wall, has now be reclassified as an organ! I found this blog post about what an organ is, how many organs there are, and who decides what is classified as an organ pretty interesting.
• Carcinomatosis: a condition where multiple carcinomas (cancer) develop at the same time. This is usually from a dissemination from a primary cancer (the cancer that developed first). 

on the internet

• After reading Grace's post on Instagram and its bots (that I didn't even know really existed or that people bought bots to comment/like for them), I read Cathy's post on etiquette for blogging and it was such a great read. I'm proud to say that while I don't have the biggest insta following, 100% of it has been organic growth. 
• Sarah nails the perfect weekend outfit. 
• Rachelle picked out some of the cutest work out clothes, and talks about her own fitness goals for the year. 

spotted

• I always love these types of pop over blouses, and seeing how they styled it, and that it comes in a large variety of sizes (petites and talls!), I'm pretty much obsessed. 
• Although I have a favorite type of shirt, I always want to try new things, so I'm very tempted by this cute flowy top from Modcloth. It's a bit different than most tops I own, but I think could still be very "me".
• My trip to Miami is in two weeks, so I'm still looking for just one or two new springy things to take with - a flutter sleeved dress looks like it would be really cute (although maybe just a bit too short?)

ask me anything

• I'm a second year medical student, and I'm starting to think about tote bags for 3rd year. I need one that fits a 13 inch Macbook Air. What would you recommend?
• I have lots of recommendations! One of the big things that I learned going through the clinical years of medical school is that every month, you are going to be working in a different space, so the area you leave your personal belongings will be different. One rotation you'll have a locker, another you'll have a corner in an office, another you'll have a closet you can keep your stuff in. So you want something that's not super expensive and that can also be squished around a bit. The first one I found and loved was this under $70 version that looks so much more expensive than it is. Everlane has a great option for under $50 that is a twill fabric which means it will hold up really well squished into a locker. The most professional option is also under $50 and is perfect for those rotations you'll be wearing professional clothes for. 
• Do you have any thoughts on doulas? Have any of your patients used one, and if so, do you have any tips on what to look for or avoid?
• I personally have only seen a professional doula used two times, and both times they were amazing at helping the mother through her delivery. I think if a woman/family decides that a doula is something they are interested in working with, they should definitely ask around for suggestions, read up on what the role of a doula is, and meet with her several times before the end of the pregnancy. I do not know about the specifics about the training requirements of becoming a doula or if anyone can just say they are a doula (and this may very well change state per state like the laws of midwifery changes state per state), but those are things that again should be researched for the area of the country you are in!
• I'm looking for shoe suggestions now that winter weather has hit! I don't always want to wear tall leather boots, but am struggling to find something that works for slushy, wet days. I'm 5'3" with wide calves, dress casual since I work from home, but do attend meetings where I can get away with black jeans/cute top type outfits.
• I think what would be a great option in this situation are waterproof booties! They give you a dry foot while still looking really cute, and are perfect for those situations where you don't need full on snow boots but don't want to have wet feet from walking outside. Cute flat options include Cole Haan's Chelsea boot or this rain boot from Bernardo that I don't think really look like rain boots! If you're looking for something with a bit of a heel, Bos & Co. makes a really cute pair (I think these are my favorite) while Sorel has a pair that's a bit more sturdy looking (but still cute!).

on franish

• on the blog: best of beauty 2016
• on the instagram: celebrating another rotation down (only four left!)
• on the snapchat (fhasselhof): the amazing items from this month's Popsugar Must Have box - get yours for $5 off with code SHOP5!

notable sales

• Boden: 20% off everything (code: 9U4J)
• OMG - I don't know why I love this open cardigan so much, but I just feel that I need to own it. Now to pick out a color...
• Another great sweater pick? A double v sweater! If only it didn't have dropped shoulders though :/
• Okay, navy + tassels makes for the perfect beach cover up. need. 
• Madewell: 30% off sale items
• Ever the chambray lover, y'all know that their shadow pocket version is right up my alley!
• I could almost see myself wearing this off the shoulder dress. Bonus, most sizes are still available!
• Block heel + ankle strap? So cute! 
• Shopbop sales picks: soooo many jeans on sale, several great Marc Jacobs crossbodies, and my favorite brand has a ton of items now marked down. 

at home

• Man you guys, that mac & cheese last night was amazing. I  could only eat half of it, and was sad to leave some behind, but today we're starting back at it! This week will be a bit difficult to get in as many work outs as I'd like, but I'll be traveling for an interview and going home for a few days, so hopefully I can get in a few before and after the trips! 
• The reason I'm able to travel this week is because I am officially on vacation! We get one month per year off for vacation (rather than time around the holidays and summer), but with fourth year scheduling, I haven't been on vacation since October of 2015! No huge trips planned this time around (bummer, last time we went to Santorini), but I'm excited to spend my time with CR (since we now officially live together again!!!!), start the cleaning out process (we move in five months!), sleep in (yaassssss), and spend some more time blogging than I have recently. 
• Coming up this week: a day in the life of emergency medicine! 

healthyish, vol. 2

diet:

So many good meals this week! I had an omelet most mornings this week. For lunches, I made zoodles (I have and love this spiralizer) and combined them with turkey meatballs and a tomato pesto sauce. Later in the week I made a burrito bowl using this recipe (I substituted the rice with veggie rice from Green Giant). Dinners included chicken sausage and brussels sprouts, veggie tots and chicken breast. Snacks included turkey slices rolled up with a Laughing Cow, carrots + hummus, and pistachios. I tracked all of them on My Fitness Pal (@fhasselhof), which I'm pretty proud of because I typically track for a day or two and then give up. I've loved following you guys on there as well!

exercise:

My goal this week was to do three BBG work outs and go to three spin classes. Due to a few personal things going on in my life, doing a leg or arms work out in my cold garage just seemed so not fun. I did do the full body work out, and went to three spin classes.  My favorite one was on Monday morning - the instructor was so energetic, engaging, and encouraging! I already scheduled to go back to her class next Monday. I also started using cycling shoes, which I think helped during the workouts.

- Sunday: BBG Week 2 full body
- Monday: 60 minutes spin (23 miles)
- Wednesday: 60 minutes spin (22 miles)
- Friday: 45 minutes spin (17 miles)

goals:

Last week's goals were to drink 100 ounces of water a day, do 3 BBG work outs + 3 spin classes, and try a new recipe. I didn't track how much water I drank (I tried, but got bored) but I'm pretty sure I was close most days. I didn't do all six work outs - I'm disappointed I didn't actually do that, but I did get in four and all things considered, I feel really good about that. I did try a new recipe too as I mentioned earlier!

This week's goals? Pack enough snacks for my road trip to my interview and home so I don't get tempted by drive throughs, hit 23 miles at spin again on Monday, and actually try to track 100 ounces of water/day.

treats: 

We went out with a few friends last night and shared a small pizza and had a beer. Therefore, instead of doing a full cheat day today, we are going to eat well during the day, and then tonight we are going out with our favorite couple and I plan on eating as much lobster mac and cheese as possible. It's going to be awesome.


weigh in: 2.4 lbs down this week (4 lbs overall)

beauty tuesday: best of 2016

One of my favorite things I started doing in blogging in 2016 was focusing more on beauty and skincare posts. I had sporadically done them in previous years, but last year was really when I tried to least post a few times a month about new products or old favorites. Looking back, here are the winners out of the bunch! Most are items I use every single day - my tried and true favorites that I buy over and over..and over again. Here are my favorites from the entire year!

ONE // I haven't talked about this concealer yet, but I'm obsessed with it. Full review coming soon (I just had to reorder as mine finally ran out!) but it goes on smoothly (best blended with a beauty blender), covers all blemishes, and lasts. Plus it comes in a ton of colors so you're sure to find one that suits you (I wear the light neutral).

TWO // Holy grail dry shampoo. See how it helps me only wash my hair twice a week.

THREE // My go-to moisturizer for the past year. If you have dry skin and aren't finding a day moisturizer that really helps, highly recommend checking this one out.

FOUR // This helped me through last year's struggles with flaking and dryness from starting a tretinoin cream. Just ran out, so quickly adding this to my Sephora basket!

FIVE // My most pricey lipstick, and one that's saved for special occasions. It gives you the perfect natural lip color (the color is nude lavalliere) and it feels so good on. I used it as my good luck charm during interviews ;)

SIX // Coloring in and defining your brows makes such a difference, especially on a blondie like me. I love how quick it is to use the thicker pencil. It lasts all day for me!

SEVEN // My go-to blush for the past six months - it's the perfect pink!

EIGHT // See my review of it here compared to my previous go-to mascara. I can't get enough of the "falsies" look it gives! I wear 2-3 layers over this primer and am asked at least weekly if "those are really my lashes"

NINE // A behind the scenes winner, this has helped drastically cut down on frizz when I wash my hair. Because of the decrease in frizz, I style my hair less, and therefore, it's healthier overall.

TEN // One of the my favorite discoveries this year! Check out my review here to see how long it truly lasted on me. Can't wait to test out more colors!

ELEVEN // I got to work with Sephora earlier this summer, and was finally able to get my hands on this amazing curling iron. I recently had to use an old iron for a few days, which made me really realize how much of a difference this curling iron makes.

TWELVE // Here's my review from earlier this year. I love this cleanser to remove my eye make  up on days I wear only eyeliner and mascara - it's definitely a great 2-in-1, plus it smells amazing! I just purchased a second bottle (the first one lasted forever). 

top three [01.01.2017]

top 3, meet top 8! 

medicine

• A hemiplegic migraine is a subtype of migraine that manifests itself as a migraine plus paralysis of one side of the body. The symptoms are very similar to a stroke, which makes it frightening experience both for the patient and for the doctor treating them. 
• During CPR, one of the ways to know if you are giving compressions at the right speed is to sing "Staying Alive" in your head with compressions. This week was the first time I had to give compressions to an actual patient, and I did this just to make sure I was doing it correctly. 
• This week I learned that children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years who are receiving the flu shot for the first time actually have to receive two shots. The CDC says that is so that the first shot "primes" the immune system, and that the second shot actually provides the immune protection. 

on the internet

• Alicia is killing it in this stunning dress + clutch for a sexy NYE look. I seriously love that clutch. 
• I found Ali's life style change post so inspiring - I've been following her for several years now, and she's part of the reason I love spiralized veggies so much! I love her outlook on living a healthy life - that it's all about balance and finding what works for you. 
• How freaking cute is Katrina in her iceskating outfit?!

spotted

• I absolutely love the look of the Givenchy Antigona purse, but at around $2,500...that's not happening. Thankfully, Sole Society has made a very very very similar styled bag. We'll just say they were inspired, rather than copied them ;)
• Another item "inspired" by another? Old Navy's herringbone jacket looks surprisingly like Lululemon's versions, for about a fifth of the price.  
• I want to buy this oversized turtleneck sweater, and wear only it for the rest of the winter. It looks so cozy!

ask me anything

• I'm searching for a warm, cozy pullover sweater (no hood, and preferably no extra long sleeves with the thumbholes) to wear with jeans, yoga pants, etc. Any suggestions?
• I definitely know exactly what you are talking about because I have a similar sweater I wear around the house all the time, except mine is an open front cardigan I wear with just a tee underneath. What I would suggest for a casual but not sloppy casual top for lounging/running errands would either be a normal v-neck in a comfy shape and fabric, a loosely knit v-neck sweater, a cowl necked sweatshirt, or a funnel necked tunic. All of them are comfy, but something you can definitely step outside the house with!
• Can you talk about the engagement ring process? Did CR surprise you completely, or had you both picked out the ring? Where did he get it?
• CR and I had discussed rings previously, so he knew what kind of look I preferred. I really wanted something very classic - there are a lot of styles that are very current and popular that I also like, but knew that I would prefer something timeless. One of our very good med school friend's dad actually works in the jewelry business, so she offered to connect CR with her dad. So CR ended up working with someone directly instead of going through a jewelry store. CR told him what he was looking for, what style he wanted, and what his budget was, and then they emailed back and forth for weeks on the specifics. In the end, it was exactly what I was hoping for - they did an amazing job! So while I was completely surprised by the proposal, I suppose I wasn't as surprised by the ring as we had discussed it previously! 
• I am currently double majoring in biology and chemistry as a pre med student! I've been set on going to med school but recently my family is telling me I need to look into pharmacy since I like chemistry so much and it's not as long of school. I have no idea what to do now! Any advice on how to figure this out before it's too late?
• Shadow!! That is really one of the best ways you can figure out what you want to do. In college, I was pre-dentistry...until I shadowed a dentist and realized it really wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Then I spent some time with a family physician and fell in love with it. Get in the pre-reqs for both types of programs (I assume they are pretty similar) and then shadow both pharmacists and physicians. It may also help joining a pre-medicine and a pre-pharmacy society, if your school has them. We had similar groups in college, and it gave me the opportunity to go to talks by both dentists and lawyers, which again helped me decide which way I was leaning! 

on franish

• on the blog: this month's budget post
• on the instagram: matching my pants to my water bottle keeps me motivated ;)
• on the twitter: seriously, 4 of those products are in my Nordstrom cart now

notable sales

• Ann Taylor: up to an extra 70% off sale items
• I just bought this popover blouse, and of course now it's on sale! Get it for a better deal than I did!
• I've had my eye on this bejeweled sweater for months now - wouldn't it look cute with just a white tee and distressed jeans for a fun sparkly casual look? 
• A houndstooth skirt with just a bit of shimmer? Yes, please!
• Anthropologie: 40% off sale items
• I love the idea of wearing a white swing top with just black jeans and colorful shoes. I don't think that top would look great on me but I still love the idea of it!
• A style that I know works on me though is a simple button up blouse - I think those types of buttons are just the cutest and hello, how fun are those swans? 
• Another item that would be fun to take with to Miami? A fringed shift dress!
• Nordstrom: half yearly sale
• The booties I've had my eye on forever is finally on sale! I love that cognac color so much. 
• I adore this fit and flare dress from Eliza J - she always makes the prettiest dresses.
• Isn't the tassel detail on this crossbody bag so fun? I love that it involves all colors of metals so it goes with everything. 

at home

• Happy New Years, you guys! Did you all have a fun night? Ours was very chill - we had a few friends over, ate some delicious food, and then went to bed at 12:15. 
• This next week is my last week of emergency medicine (although I may do another month in May). I can really see the appeal of this speciality, which is why I've enjoyed the past two months of this so much! I brushed up on a lot of things I haven't learned about in months and months, got to see some really interesting cases, and got to work with some really cool people. Next up - vacation! I haven't had vacation since October of 2015, so I.am.ready! After that I am doing another month of ObGyn (yay!) followed closely by a month of MFM (the high risk Ob doctors). Only four more rotations until graduation!
• Thank you so much for all of your positive feedback on my new wellness series. I was pretty nervous about it, but your support has made me really excited to continue with it. And thanks to Katie, I've come up with a name for it - Healthyish, which I think is just so fun. Yesterday was our cheat day, and it was great - we went out for brunch, had a pizza for dinner, and had some delicious apps for NYE. Today we're back at it with cleaner eating and a round of leg BBG (which kind of sucks because today is the first day I've been able to walk normal since the last round!)