Beauty Buys: January

Posted on by

Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom Cologne

For a while now, I’ve been on the hunt for a signature fragrance. At the end of last year, I fell in love with two. Jo Malone’s “Mimosa & Cardamom” is a really light and clean scent that I’ve been wearing for the majority of the New Year.

 Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Boosting Face Mask

My favorite items to purchase are always beauty and skincare related. After a year of traveling (what felt like every other month) my skin felt extra dull and dry. Enter — Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Boosting Face Mask — and my skin has never felt more vibrant. I use this mask once a week and it always makes me feel insanely glow-y.  When I am really in a “relaxation” mood — I will sometimes follow up this mask with my other favorite from Fresh: the soothing rose face mask. The combination of the two makes my skin feel so nourished.

Boy Brow

The holy grail of eyebrow products. Confession: before I found “Boy Brow,” I didn’t really do anything to my eyebrows. I always LOVE the way my brows look after I leave the salon (where I get them waxed every couple of months), but I have never been able to recreate the look at home. Then I discovered, “Boy Brow.” Marketed as the brow product to replace all others, it thickens, fills in, and grooms them into place. It’s so simple, so easy to use — and I don’t know how I ever had a beauty routine without it. It keeps my brows in place and makes them look super great all day long.

 

In the Kitchen: Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Posted on by

Chocolate Chip Cookies might be one of the best desserts. Chewy, Gooey, and all around delicious —  the perfect cookie can literally turn a bad day into a good one.

cookie monster totally gets it

  The other day I had a craving for some Chocolate Chip Cookies — and I decided to try a new recipe that I found on Pinterest. I have to admit, I was a little hesitant. When I’ve tried to make “healthy” cookies before, they don’t really taste like cookies at all. This time I was pleasantly surprised.

 These cookies are a GAME CHANGER!

 Dairy free-grain free-and made with coconut sugar and coconut oil (instead of butter). The flour is a mix of almond flour and coconut flour. The result: the perfectly delicious, gooey, soft center cookie. Not kidding, these might be my new favorite cookies. My husband also really loved them. Total win.

 the cookies before I put them in the oven.

In addition to being so yummy, they are also super easy to make.The almond flour and coconut flour smell sooooo good and putting the ingredients together was a pleasure. I also used parchment paper, so clean up was a breeze.  These chocolate chip cookies will be on heavy rotation in my home this year.

Screen Shot 2017-01-11 at 4.21.04 PM 1.png

Friday Favorites

Posted on by

It turns out, I really like to cook. I’ve made dinner (or lunch) almost every single day this week. I made: Zoodles with meat sauce and mozzarella, Homemade Turkey Chili and a Healthy Chicken Salad (mashed with greek yogurt, chickpeas, cucumber, apples, and avocado)…that blew my mind. In addition, I made some tried and true favorites including SkinnyTaste’s Sriracha Glazed Salmon and Chinese Five Spice Turkey with Zoodles (another great Pinterest find)!

I think why I love cooking so much is because I am truly able to focus on what I’m doing — and nothing else. Which for this over thinker, is huge. Cooking has really become something I look forward to and get excited about.

The week started off with this fireplace, study, and dialogues about peace.

screen-shot-2017-01-11-at-4-21-04-pm-1

I have been searching Pinterest for healthy recipes and desserts. When I came across this “healthy” chocolate chip cookie recipe, I knew I had to try it. The result? A TOTAL GAME CHANGER! Post with recipe will be up on Monday.

Happy Friday!

 

Baby It’s Cold Outside (Seriously Frozen)

Posted on by

Oh, Winter… I did not truly understand you until last month. In December, this California Girl went to NYC for work and play – and definitely experienced “cold weather” for the first time. My childhood trips to Mammoth  (and the snow that I hopped around in) definitely did not prepare me for actual winter. 6 degrees is cold. and I walked around in as many layers as I could (see photo above! LOL)… With that said, it was also ridiculously magical. The snowfall was EVERYTHING and I made my husband wake up waaaaaay too early one morning so I could walk around in it. While I was definitely frozen, I also did not hate wearing so many comfy, cozy, and cute outfits. I found myself wanting ALL THE WINTER CLOTHES, even though I don’t have much of a purpose for them here in Los Angeles. Below check out some of my favorite / most used purchases from the trip:

Continue reading →

Sakara Life Meal Delivery Program

Posted on by

screen-shot-2017-01-05-at-11-37-57-am

screen-shot-2017-01-05-at-11-38-13-am

A few months ago, I tried the “Sakara Life” meal delivery plan for the first time. Since then, I’ve done it two more times and I absolutely love it. Sakara Life is an organic meal delivery program based on a whole-food, plant-rich diet that includes fresh, nutrient-dense, and delicious ingredients. Each meal I received was yummy and super filling. All 3 times, I did the lunch and breakfast option – and got dinner on my own. By the end of the week, I had an extra pep in my step from all the nutritious food I had eaten.

Screen Shot 2017-01-05 at 12.23.32 PM.png

sample menu above from http://www.sakara.com

My menu was simple, nutritious, and of course – delicious. Working with the team at Sakara Life was also a wonderful experience. The window of time they originally provided for drop off, didn’t work well with my schedule. It was so easy to speak with a member of their team and coordinate a time that did work. It was the best customer service! Everything ultimately arrived perfect and on time. In addition to the food, a special blend of morning and evening waters and tea arrive to compliment the meal program.

Screen Shot 2017-01-05 at 1.04.47 PM.png

My favorites of the week were the Aphrodite morning bar and the 1966 “burger”

I will definitely be ordering again soon and highly recommend the program!

New Year, Same Me.

Posted on by

 

I love everything about the New Year — what better excuse to get organized, make lists, and take charge. While I am not one for New Year’s “resolutions,” I do like making a fresh set of “goals” for the year and the vision I have for my life. In 2016, I was able to travel a lot (and to many new places!), spend quality time with friends and family, solidify important relationships at work,  and make memories that will last a lifetime. While the year wasn’t perfect, I hope that all the hard work, sweat, and tears (happy and sad), will pay off in a big way this upcoming year. We have another journey around the sun, and I want to share some of my thoughts for 2017 and beyond (with some of my favorite photos and memories from 2016 sprinkled in…):

img_2049

Continue reading →

Draper James Party Dress

Posted on by

screen-shot-2016-09-26-at-2-05-58-pm

Early last week, I celebrated my 28th Birthday at one of my all time favorite places,  San Ysidro Ranch. For the occasion, I ordered my first dress from Draper James, and instantly fell in love. The “Love Field” Dress could not have been more perfect. Flattering, adorable, comfortable, fun, and easy to wear – it was the best Birthday Dress. I can’t wait to order more items from Draper James, now one of my favorite new clothing lines.

Santa Barbara Guide

Posted on by

 IMG_5121

Santa Barbara is one of my all time favorite places to visit. It’s just about an hour North of Los Angeles and (to me) it’s the perfect escape. It’s an amazing place for a long weekend trip or just a day of sunshine and fun. If you’re planning a trip to California or live here, Santa Barbara is an amazing city that should not be missed. While most people know to check out Julia Child’s favorite restaurant”La Super Rica” for tacos, indulge in ice cream at “McConnells”(that’s been around since 1949), or enjoy great antique shopping in Montecito… I want to share some of my favorite places to eat, beach, sip, and stay in Santa Barbara.

Deep Sea Tasting  Room & Los Agaves.

Deep Sea Winery is on the pier and overlooks the ocean. The breeze and the crowd is always perfect. There’s even an adorable rescue dog, Ringo, (with his own charity bottle of Red Wine!) who makes an appearance. The wine is delicious and the tasting menu is great and cost-effective. Come for the views and leave with a bottle of wine!

Los Agaves is some of my favorite Mexican food in Santa Barbara. Even though the line to order is always long, you can still easily score a seat. I almost always get a side of guacamole and the chicken fajitas. I promise it won’t disappoint.

IMG_5095

Butteryfly Beach

Butterfly beach. One of the most beautiful beaches across from the Four Seasons. When I’m in Santa Barbara, I always go for a long walk or jog on this beach and then come back in the evening for the most beautiful sunset. Parking can be tricky on the weekends, but on weekdays it’s easy to snag a spot and enjoy the view. There are also always a ton of dogs running and playing on the sand and in the ocean, which I love.

San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch. There are literally no words to adequately describe the beauty of this resort. It is my favorite hotel and it is honestly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been (other than Paris!). The grounds are so beautiful that it was hard to leave and venture out for the day. The food is delicious and so is the wine. It is truly the most romantic, relaxing, and stunning place in Santa Barbara. It is a splurge, but if you want to visit for an afternoon, I’d recommend dining at one of the restaurants. The unique cuisine and stunning ocean views from the restaurant are great in itself, but after you can walk around and enjoy the property with a glass of wine.

 

Gucci Soho Leather Disco Bag What Fits Inside?! And Mini Review!

Posted on by

Happy Friday! I am sharing what fits inside my Gucci Soho Leather Disco Bag and a mini review!  This is the most GORGEOUS purse! I was hesitant to purchase this bag, because of the small size… but I found A LOT can fit! I get so many compliments when I wear it. The color I own is “Rose Beige.”

 

Since I purchased this bag in June, I’ve noticed the leather is more worn in (I wear it almost every day!) but I like it better this way. If you have any specific questions, please let me know!

Target Style: Work Blouse

Posted on by

Blouse, Target. Shoes, Tory Burch. Jeans, Rag and Bone. Purse, Louis Vuitton.

I love a great flowy blouse and dark green is one of my favorite colors. My shirt above (similar here) is a Target score that I snagged almost 1 year ago. As we move into fall, I have been searching for some versatile blouses to add to my wardrobe. These shirts from Target are great for the work place, easily transition to dinner after, and the prices are great! Below I have shared some of my favorite Target Style finds perfect for the work place and beyond..

Women’s Dot Print Tie Neck Top

Women’s Printed Sleeveless Shell

Sleeveless Tie Front Button-Up Top

Button Down Plaid Shirt Mixed Print

Printed Bow Neck Blouse Navy/Pink