Uptown Fashion by Jess

Hello Friends,

Last week on instastories, I asked you all if you would like me to share where I got my fitness equipment. I got a huge response and lots of questions on where I bought my fitness equipment. All my Fitness equipment was bought through Amazon.

As you all know I love to workout and now that we have to stay home during quarantine, everyone seems to need some fitness equipment. Some of my favorite items that I’m currently using in my workouts are; resistant bands, the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, jump rope and a Yoga Core fitness strength slide, that I just ordered.

What I love about having this equipment is that it’s easy to travel around the house with. I usually like to workout in my office, outside my backyard or in my living room. Having this fitness equipment enables me to be creative so I’m not bored. I feel if I stay active I will keep my mind busy and get myself through this quarantine.

Below I have linked a couple of my favorite workouts that I been using with my resistant bands. I found some of these workouts through Pinterest, which I highly suggest going to. You can also read my resistance band routine HERE!!!

Thank you for stopping by! As always I enjoy reading all your comments below.

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Hello Friends,

I have been wanting to go to Cartagena and I’m glad I made this trip come true. If you are looking for a new place to plan a vacation, Cartagena, Colombia is the place to go. The food, coffee, art, people, beaches and music will all captivate your heart. This beautiful country is a destination you will remember.

The people in Colombia Cartagena are really nice to Americans and super helpful. Cartagena also felt extremely safe and no one was rude. Colombia people are super attentive and you will see a lot of vendors selling products. If you are not interested, all you need to say is ”No Thank” (No gracias) and they will kindly leave you alone.

What things should I do in Cartagena?

Explore the Old City:

There is so much to do in Cartagena. You will want to go to the Centro, San Diego and Getsemani. It’s a beautiful big plaza that is super colorful and the scenery is gorgeous. Most of the tourists stay in Old City Cartagena and I would highly recommend staying down there because it’s easy to get around.

It’s time to take out your camera out because this place is remarkable. You will see a lot of colorful colonial architecture, artists, and venders selling hats, jewelery and fresh fruit on the streets. You will also see lots of Las Palenqueras, which are colorful dressed ladies with fruit bowls on there heads. They will offer to take a picture with you, but out of courtesy please tip.

A couple of other sites you will want to check is the Centro Historico, Plaza Bolivar and Plaza Santo Domingo. These places are very photogenic and really gives you a chance to take in the culture.

Castillo De San Felipe is the famous fortress of Cartagena and is quite impressive due to its architectural design. You don’t want to miss it! Walking through it’s underground tunnels in the fortress were amazing. The tunnels will take you to the highest point, where you will see the overview of the city. You won’t be disappointed.

Getsemani: This beautiful neighborhood in Cartagena is full of life. The street, art, murals and graffiti is where you will find a lot of great scenery and cool bars. In order to get to this location you will have to walk through Parque Del Centenario, which has a lot of shopping.

The Beaches in Cartagena: The beach islands are so gorgoeous. The best way to get to the beach is by arranging a full day boat tour. The two places we took a tour to were Rosario Island and Bendita Beach. Playa Blanca is another beautiful beach location to visit but we didn’t get a chance to go.

These day boat tours were the best and most relaxing days of our trip. Once back to the Port, you will want to grab some fresh fruit from the vendors. It’s super refreshing!

Cartagena Food:

The food in Colombia is to die for! Dan and I weren’t disappointed at all. You have to try the coconut rice, plantains and ceviche. Below I have listed a few of my favorite Restaurants that you will want to check out.

–Juan Del Mar: It’s a really good spot in old town that has delicious seafood. The atmosphere is bright and lively!

–La Perla: It’s a Caribbean Peruvian restaurant that will leave your tummy wanting more.

–Bailica Pizza: This pizza has a Columbian flare to it and melts in your mouth. I suggest sitting on the balcony, so you can get a beautiful view of the city.

DI Silvio Trattoria: The atmosphere is incredible and food will leave you mesmerized. This place is located in Getsesmani.

Where to Drink:

Townhouse Hotel Rooftop over views the city. This place I highly recommend. You walk into the hotel and head straight for the rooftop bar which has some great cocktails and food. A great place for seeing the sunset also.

Coffee Shops:

Colombians are known for their coffee!

There are so many great coffee shops in Cartagena. The place that I really enjoyed coffee and breakfast was the Libertario Coffee Roasters. Here you have to try the Libre Intenso Afrutado coffee. It’s one of the strongest coffee I’ve ever had. Also the breakfast we had with our coffee really hit the spot, leaving Dan and I speechless when we left.

This was a great overall experience and was the first time Dan and I agreed that we wanted to return again. We just loved everything this beautiful country had to offer. There are so many more things we wanted to experience but seem to run out of time.

I had so much fun writing this post for all of you and hoped you enjoyed it.

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Hello Friends,

As you all know I started my online Boutique, Refinedbyjm. This store is my baby and I’m so glad I decided to start my boutique.

With Spring just around the corner, some of us are getting ready to go on vacation. With that being said, Refinedbyjm has some great transition pieces that are perfect to wear on vacation and into the Spring.

Today I will be showing you three outfits that Refinedbyjm has avaiable in store. To showcase these pieces I decided to do a little video so you can see how you can style these outfits.

I have linked all the outfits below for you guys to shop! Thank you for stopping by!

Outfit 1: The off the shoulder Ruffle Dress : I’m wearing a size small. This dress is so adorable and perfect for Spring.

Outfit 2: White Babydoll Eyelet Dress: This beautiful white Babydoll dress is the perfect fun and flirty choice whether you’re heading out for a day with your girlfriends or a special date night. Feminine ruffling and cut-out details make this dress stand out from off-the-rack designs.  I’m wearing size small.

Outfit 3: The Lace Cami Bodysuit: This bodysuit is one of my favorite pieces in our boutique. It fits so good. I’m wearing a size small.

Outfit 4: Cozy Popcorn Cream Cardigan: This cardigan is so soft and perfect to wear with anything. You won’ want to the it off. It also comes in a mocha color too. I’m wearing a size s/m

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