Look of the day: Vests and Maxi's

I have been loving jean lately (I'm all about the 90's) so I got this super cheap and cute vest to go with just about everything this spring. I decided to match it up with a super simple crop top, and flowy maxi skirt. What do you think?

Jean vest: Nordstrom BP Rubbish
Crop top: American Apparel
Maxi skirt: On sale from Marshalls

How would I accessorize?

Option 1:
Gold simple flats, and a few gold bangles.
A tan or beige small purse or clutch
Wavy hairdo

Option 2:
Summery Wedges
Big bright earrings
A side bang braid

Option 3:
Toms shoes (off white, peach, or crazy colored)
A little backpack
A cute off to the side pony

If You Don't Do YOU, You Can't Help Others

I have to admit to y'all (I just got back from Texas and Y'all seems appropriate) that I have learned this the hard way. If you don't do you, you can't help others. Not only can you not help others, there's a good chance you cannot be the best friend, spouse, co-worker, or partner.

A lot of my work (both professional and personal) has to do with me trying to help people. It may be as small as teaching someone a new workout, how to make better eating choices, or be the person they have to lean on so they can get ready to make changes. I love my job, and I think I am really darn good at it.

I have just realized though, I am just like everyone else. I am not "all-knowing", nor do I "have it all", and no it sure doesn't come easy. I am going to tell you right now, I GET OVERWHELMED TOO!

This past week I got extremely overwhelmed with work, clients, friends, and family. I put everyone's needs first before my own. I wasn't happy with my week, so the people around me only got a percent of the little energy I had. My conclusion after this week is... I have to put myself first before others.

It sounds selfish; right? Well I have found out that if I don't do me, I really suck at moving in a positive direction in all the other aspects of my life. My "me" time recharges me, energizes me, makes me happy, and seriously keeps me sane.

I encourage all of you to DO YOU, don't be afraid to take a step back and realize you are human and need some time for you.

My ways to recharge:
Sleep (physical, mental)
Workout (physical)
Do yoga (more spiritual)
Sing or blog (spiritual)
Read (educational)
Cook (seems spiritual and a bit social)
Watch trash tv ( I don't know what it is but I sure do enjoy it from time to time)


What helps you recharge? Try doing some things on your list this week, and let me know how you feel after!

Thea's Take On Raw Vegan Lasagna

I never realized (until I made this recipe) that HOT DANG am I good at this preparing meals thing:) I seriously felt so amazing cooking this weekend, and back in my element. The results.... This amazing raw vegan lasagna.

This delicious lasagna is layered with fresh Raw veggies from the farmers market, and has 3 different sauces; marinara, pesto, and cashew cheese. All brought together to create a flavorful and delicious (and of course nutritious) meal.

Ingredients:
2 large zucchini
2 yellow squash
2 large portobello mushrooms
2-3 medium- large tomatoes
1 bunch basil
1 bunch parsley
5-6 large medjool dates
5-6 strips of sun dried tomato (sulfate free)
1 head of garlic
1 lemon
1 c. Raw cashews
1 c. Raw pine-nuts
1/2 cup water
Cayenne pepper
Himilayan Sea Salt
pepper
Paprika


Utensils:
Vitamix
Measuring cup
Big (deep) lasagna dish

A) First we are going to make the cashew "cheeze"
1. Measure 1 1/2 c of raw cashews and pour in to Vitamix.
2. Add 1/2 cup water
3. Add juice of 1/2 lemon
4. Add 2 garlic cloves
5. Add 2 tsp. cayenne pepper
6. Add a few pitches of sea salt and pepper
7.Blend on low, then on high until creamy.
8. Pour in a small bowl and place to the side.

B) Secondly, we will (in a clean Vitamix) make our marinara sauce
1. Throw in the Vitamix 2-3 tomatoes
2. Add in 5-6 sundried tomatoes.
3. Pit, then place in 5-6 mejool dates.
4. Place 2 garlic cloves
5. Add in 1 bunch parsley
6. Add in salt and pepper to taste.
7. Blend in Vitamix on low then high until thick and smooth.
8. Pour in a small bowl and place to the side.

C) Next, we are making the pesto sauce in a clean Vitamix.

1. Place in 1 c. raw organic pine nuts
2. Add in 1 bunch basil and 1/2 bunch of parsley
3. Add in Juice of 1/2 a lemon
4. Add in 3-4 Cloves garlic
5. (optional) 2 tbsp. cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (you can substitute 1/2 a zucchini)
6. Add some paprika and salt and pepper to taste
7. Pour in to a bowl and place to the side.


NOW IT'S TIME TO MAKE THE LASAGNA

1. Thinly slice 1-2 zucchini long ways.
2. Lay zucchini slices along lasagna pan, covering as much of the pan as you can.
3. Lay a bunch of basil on top of the zucchini to close the holes.
4. Pour over your 1st layer (one of your 3 sauces). I chose the marinara.
5. Cut your squash long ways in thin strips.
6. Place your thin strips of squash long ways on top of your sauce.
7. Pour your next layer of sauce on top of the squash. I chose to spread on my pesto.
8. Cut your portobello long ways (so the mushroom stays wide) in to thin strips.
9. Place mushrooms on top of sauce, covering the sauce completely.
10. On top of the mushrooms, spread your last layer of sauce. (I chose my cashew "cheeze")
11. Cut in to thick slices, serve on a plate and enjoy!

Vegan or not, this recipe is absolutely yummy!

Spring Fashion: In The Texas Heat

I am headed to Austin and can't wait to wear some of my cute spring outfits! The weather should be nice and warm, so I'm going for something sort of edgy and easy to throw together.

Don't be afraid to take chances on something you usually wouldn't wear, that's most often when people notice your outfit and give you compliments!

Jean vest: Nordstrom BP
Tank top: Wildfox couture
Shorts: Levi's from LF

Workout Of the Day: Got Hops?

Last night I did some cardio, and finished up my workout with this kicker. Try it out!

3 Rounds
15 Box Jumps
30 Double Unders
Immediately followed by...
2 Rounds
10 Burpee Box Jumps
30 Double unders

Have fun!

Look of the day: White & Dreamy

It's still warm out! What are you going to wear over the next few beautiful weekends? I threw this outfit together, and it was a hit!

1. Kimono blouse: Myne
2. Crop top: American Apparel
3. Vintage Levi short: LF

Accessorize with:

Option 1: strappy sandals, cute sunglasses, and a slangy purse and you're set!

Option 2: Flat tennies, tons of rings, and a big hat

Option 3: booties, tons of necklaces/bracelets/rings, and a ballet bun

Motivation Monday: Get In The Groove Again

Are you coming off a weekend of junk food and drinks? Don't worry!! Life is about forgiving yourself and moving on, so time to dial in and make it a great week!
Motivation Monday to me means a great great workout, centering my goals for the week, and eating right! Today it's time to do you!

1. Get a workout in: Whether it be a run, a new group fitness class, a long walk, yoga, a bike ride, or even a weight lifting session.

2. What do you want to accomplish this week? Make a list! Start with workouts, then meals, then house work, then outside stuff, and finally work to:do's.

3. Get to cooking or prepping. Plan out what healthy meals you are going to ear, and prepare them! Do you have to have a meal out? Look at the menu online beforehand and choose!

Happy motivation Monday! Rock this week:)

Spring Fashion: Sunny Weekend Look

Lately I have been getting more requests for posts on what clothes I'm wearing, Makeup I'm wearing, where I get my hair done, along with the normal health and fitness questions I love to get.

It's time to start incorporating beauty and fashion in to my blogging.

Here's a great outfit for a nice sunny day out! Lately hats have been my thing, so why not go for a big floppy one! I chose this tank, because I love the sporty neckline. The shorts are super casual, but with the little heeled sandal it all comes together nicely!

Hat: Urban Outfitters
Tank: Free People
Shorts: Vintage Levi's
Sandals: Jeffery Campbell for Free People

How to accessorize:

Option 1: Throw on a chunky necklace or statement ring, part your hair down the middle with loose waves

Option 2: Wear too many bangles, a pop of pink lipstick, and a brushed back loose low pony

Option 3: just wear a very dainty ring or bracelet(no statement pieces), do a winged liner, a nude lip, and Part your hair to the side down and straight

Heat It Up With Hot Yoga: Everything you need to know!

I have been practicing Hot Yoga for about 4 years. I don't claim to be a yogi, but I do really enjoy going to yoga once or twice a week when my body is feeling like it needs some more attention. The workouts I typically do at the gym are very high intensity, heavy weights, and taxing on my body. It is important I don't over train or injure myself, so when I feel tight or tired I hit up a yoga class, hot yoga in particular.

What is hot yoga?
Hot yoga can refer to any yoga class done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees F . I enjoy these classes in comparison to Bikram, because each instructor gets to create their own flow. Bikram classes, on the other hand, will ALWAYS be the same series of poses wherever you practice (even if you go to a class on the opposite side of the world).

Why is it good?
- YOU SWEAT MORE- meaning your body is speeding up it's ability to detoxify! The additional heat and increased body temperature encourage toxins to be released via the sweat and active/deep breathing exhalations. The sweat is good!!
- YOU BURN 30% MORE CALORIES- heated yoga classes are shown to burn up to 1,000 calories per session. The heat improves circulation and metabolism and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
- IT'S AEROBIC EXERCISE- The heat & humidity of the environment create a much higher oxygen demand from the body than in a normal room. The requirement for more oxygen forces the lungs to expand to a greater capacity to hold more oxygen, meaning your working your cardiovascular system moreso.
- YOU GET A DEEPER STRETCH- When the room is heated, your muscles loosen up a bit faster. You are able to get a deeper stretch during the series of poses when the room is heated. Be careful to not push it too hard!

How to I arrive to the studio?
- Try not to eat an hour and a half before, you want the blood to flow to your muscles not your stomach
- Arrive a bit early to check in, lay out your mat, etc.
- A yoga mat, hot yoga or regular (if you have a regular you will need to bring a big towel to lay over your mat)
- A water bottle
- A smaller towel (sweat towel)
- Tight athletic clothes (loose clothes soak up the sweat, and tend to droop)

Thea's Choco-PB-nana Shake

This is heaven in a cup, and isn't even a cheat meal!

Ingredients:
1/2 banana
1 scoop choc protein
1 tbsp cacao
1 c almond milk
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 c ice

HEAVEN, and under 300 calories!!

Chunky Monkey Shake or Ice Cream

I've done it again!

I made something that I can't even believe tastes so good. One of those drinks you take a sip of, and then it's gone, and you have a shake mustache.

Today, I made a little blend of heaven.

Chunky Monkey Shake

1 scoop lifetime protein (chocolate)
1 frozen banana
1 tbsp. cacao powder
1 tbsp. undated almond butter (or any other nut butter)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup ice

1. In a blender add all ingredients.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Drink up!