I went in to get my eyebrows done and left realizing how much I avoid being alone with my thoughts. What I thought would be a beauty appointment turned into six and a half hours of stillness, tears, lidocaine that actually worked, and a reminder that sometimes self care looks like letting yourself feel everything you’ve been dodging.

Danika and I hopped on the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train for a day that included Bloody Marys at 7 a.m., jaw-dropping views, a helicopter landing on a mountain, and yes… me accidentally comparing blueberries to goat poop. Here’s what I wore, what I packed, and how the whole adventure went down.

After 23 years of teaching, I’ve finally figured out which pieces actually get me through the school year — and they’re not just for teachers. These 7 staples are comfortable, stylish, and easy to mix and match, whether you’re in the classroom, the office, or just tackling your daily to-do list.