Life Hacks Every Girl Needs To Know

I was on a girls trip in Tahoe a few weeks ago and my girlfriends laughed at how many little tips and tricks I knew (mostly how to keep wine cool and fresh LOL). They said "life hacks by Thea" and right then I noticed how many little life tips and tricks over the years I've learned from friends, family members or just by being in dire need for a quick fix. Here are some life hacks that I think every girl will benefit from knowing.


DRINKS:

Champagne!
Who doesn't love a great glass of champagne? Sometimes we just want 1 glass and another a while later, but the bubbles stop being so fizzy. Well, there's a life hack for that. All you have to do is put a spoon in your champagne (bowl up and handle in the bottle). This will preserve the bubbles. Crazy, right? It works!!

Wine
Do you ever go to the store and get home wanting to pop that bottle.... BUT it's not cold yet :( Well, I have just the tip to speed up the cooling process
- Get a wash cloth or a bundle of paper towels 
- Soak them under wet water
- Wrap the wet towel around your bottle
- Place bottle wrapped in wet towel in the freezer

- Should be chilled within 10-15 minutes

BEAUTY:

Dry shampoo
Have you ever been running around and you feel like your hair looks a bit oily, but you don't have any dry shampoo? What about when you are at home heading out and you run out of your dry shampoo? Is there anything worse? I have a hack for you! This happened to me recently and I used my translucent powder in place of dry shampoo, it worked like a miracle! I just put the powder on my hands and worked it through the base of my hair. The result was fresh looking non-oily hair! Whatever loose translucent powder you have should do the trick!

Toothbrushes are like liquid gold
Flyaways- do you have weird flyaways or baby hairs that always annoy you? I got your back. All you need to do is spray some hairspray on a toothbrush and push those flyaways out of your face. I promise they will stay put!
Brows-Are you on a trip and your brows are looking wild? A tooth brush will do the trick to tame those guys!

Hair dye- Dying your hair at home, but you literally suck and always get die on your forehead? Put some die on a toothbrush and use this to apply around your forehead and ear area. 

Makeup remover
I always run out of makeup remover, so a super cheap and easy way to remove your makeup is using an organic conditioner. It works wonders and I just completely stopped buying makeup remover. Just place it on your eyes and rub away the makeup- all you need to make sure of is that it isn't super scented (most aren't).

Top knot bun
You know how everyone buys these things for the perfect bun? Well if you don't have one, a sock will do. Yeah seriously, grab yourself a long tube sock (dark hair use a dark sock, light hair use a light sock)
- Cut the closed end off the toes of the sock
- Roll the sock up to look like a donut
- Put your hair in a pony
- Place the "donut" at the end of your hair
- Roll your hair in to a bun.

I saw this video years ago and have been using this technique ever since.

Smooth looking lipstick
Don't you hate having cracks in your lipstick or visible dry skin? All you need to do is take your toothbrush and brush your lips. Yes, this will exfoliate and get rid of dry skin! Another thing that works well is mixing brown sugar with just enough honey (or olive oil) and scrubbing your lips, then washing it off with a warm washcloth.


How to not bloat when flying
Do you bloat and/or your feet swell when you're traveling? Me too. There's a trick around it. Green tea. Get to the airport and get a large green tea from Sbux or Peet's and drink throughout the flight. Alternately, you can pick up green tea extract and pop a few before you travel. Green tea is a natural 


CLOTHING:

Off the shoulder tops
Have you ever worn an off the shoulder top that keeps creeping up over your shoulders? It's so annoying when the sleeves won't stay down. I watched this video, and it changed the game for me. Now, I do this and have ZERO issues with my tops scrunching up. 

Double sided tape
Low cut top- are you nervous you're going to flash the world with either your bra or your nip? Just apply some double sided tape on either your skin to the fabric or from your bra to the fabric.
Bra straps- are your bra straps showing in your tank top? Apply some double sided tape from your bra to the fabric, and that should help. Also if your bra in the back of your top keeps showing you can do the same.

Washing whites
Do you have a stain, but aren't sure how to get it out and not burn a hole through it. The trick is to throw some soap in to the bottom of your washer with some bleach and start the washer with Nothing in it for about 1 minute. Once the soap and bleach have blended with the hot water you can toss in your whites. Works like a charm every time!


If you think your friends or family can learn a thing or two from this post, please share :)

Why You Need A Vacation

After 10 days in paradise, I learned a few things

1. Take your vacation. You earned it. PTO is there for you as a benefit. It is one of the most underrated benefits, and many people max out their PTO and let those hours go to waste. You literally get paid to GET OUT OF TOWN, so why don't you do it? Too expensive or on a budget? Plan for it, pick up a side job (what I do), or go somewhere local (camping anyone)!
2. Unplug a bit- This one is tough. I am not going to lie to you and say I've mastered this, I haven't. To me, I just try to use the internet less than usual. AKA don't be glued to your phone.
3. Spend time doing things you love- While on vacation, don't apologize for spending time on YOU. You see- I love working out. I enjoy it, and it makes me happy, so even on vacation I like to get in some sweat sessions. Other things I love doing are reading, blogging, and drinking great wine. Plan a trip for you!! You may have a friend who likes to do similar things. Maybe you love museums- find someone who does too!
4. People with much less seem to have SO MUCH JOY- I can't begin to tell you how true this has been on each trip to a 3rd world country i've taken. People who don't even have fully paved roads, work 15 hour days, make next to nothing... greet you with the biggest smile on their faces. Yes, their jobs may not be as technical as yours, but they work damn hard for what little hey have and have found joy. Taking a trip may open your eyes to appreciate your life a bit more like it has for me.
5. Taking a vacation doesn't have to break your budget. Like I mentioned briefly earlier, if you can't go international then pick a place you can road trip to, or a city you've wanted to fly to affordibly. Monitor the prices here and find the best places to go for the best prices.
6. Find a travel buddy who likes similar things you do. I don't personally love having a scheduled itinerary on vacations, so I try to pick travel partners that are more looking to relax. Also, someone who is OK being independent or you going off being independent if the activities you plan on doing don't match up (go off for the day and meet back up for dinner).
7. SLEEP is amazing and OK to over-do. I used to think sleeping in was for lazy people, well let me tell you... I slept until 11 OR 12 everyday on my trip and it was NEEDED. On top of sleeping in each day, I took multiple naps. I finally after a few days felt back to normal and re-energized. I noticed that I really needed it, and wasn't giving myself enough of it.
8. Sometimes you have to Splurge! Yes, I said it. Stop talking yourself out of spending a couple hundred bucks on a trip. Try not going out to dinner for a few weeks- you'll be shocked how much you can save! You can make it happen, but obviously work within your budget
9. Being relaxed with friends makes for amazing memories. Jen and I laughed our butts off, chatted about everything under the sun, shook our booties on the dance floor, and had a blast just being 2 girls on vacation together exploring.
10. Food in America is Amazing- I am not going to lie, I am extra grateful for avocados, green juice, acai bowls, big salads, gluten free options, almond milk, and good coffee shops! Tomorrow is going to be amazing :)

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

10 Reasons You Need To Travel

1. Eat delicious food that you can only get away with eating on vacation:
Food is a huge part of any culture. Americas "melting pot" culture gives us the chance to try delicious international foods at our fingertips. When traveling, it has been one of my favorite things to "eat like a local". Eating locally means totally switching up my routine. In Greece I filled up my breakfast plate with greek yogurt, dates, walnuts, local honey, and a cappuccino. Lunch was a big greek salad. Dinner consisted of a greek salad, a local dish, lots of wine, and baklava for dessert. Every trip I've taken I try something new.

2. Clear your mind from everyday BS:
Work stress, sitting in traffic, doing your laundry, saving up money, relationship or friendship drama, and doing the dishes are things most of us deal with daily. When you are on vacation you are allowed to temporarily forget about these (or put them to the back of your mind). Clearing your mind from the day to day stressors allows you to breathe and just simply be stress-free. Be in the moment.

3. Experience different cultures:
Are you American? Do you think America is the best country in the world? Cool! Where else have you been? It's truly important to experience different cultures before you form opinions on them. Meeting people with different lifestyles, perspectives, and beliefs helps us mold ourselves in to the person we want to become. By absorbing other cultures when traveling you learn and have experiences that you can bring in to my life back in the US.

4. Go off the grid:
It is a part of culture to be on email or a phone the majority of the day. Whether you are working, socializing, browsing, or reading up on gossip. It is actually quite hard to go "off the grid". It's hard to not want to post things, talk to friends, and occasionally answer emails when traveling. The problem with wanting to always be on the phone is that you are NOT present in the moment. When on vacation it is super important to be present. Sipping coffee in Italy people watching is much more enjoyable than it is sipping coffee looking down on your phone. Take your vacations on a whole other level and try to pull yourself away from technology.

5. Relax:
When you travel, it is the perfect time to just take some time to sit and chill. You have the choice to go to the spa, take a nap, or read. Do what you need to do to enjoy your travel. There's no need to be your usual busy self.

6. Excitement:
Planning a trip is exciting. You get to pick where you want to go, how you want to get there, what you want to see/do, where you want to eat, when you want to do whatever you choose to do. It's exciting to live life without your routine. Plan your trip and get excited for the experiences you are about to have. When you are finally there remember to pinch yourself and put your experiences in to perspective.

7. Bucket list:
If you were to die tomorrow would you be satisfied with the life you lived? It's scary to think about, but nothing is guaranteed. Look at your life, and start planning out all you want to achieve in the next few weeks, months, years, and lifetime.

8. Because you can:

We are so lucky to have the freedom to do what we want when we want. If you have paid vacation you should take advantage of it! Otherwise, in my opinion, you are working your life away.

9. Do what you want, when you want:
When you are on vacation, you are able to focus one one thing... having FUN. Take time to sleep in, go on walks, say no to things, say yes to things, and make every decision for your personal likings. If you are traveling with someone it's ok to let them know what kind of trip you want. I have gone on trips where I want to workout while my friend reads, or I want to go shopping when my friend wants to take a nap. If you are paying for the trip then be selfish with what you want to do while traveling.

10. Realize the world is bigger than your little life:
Travel will help you realize that this world is HUGE. Not everything revolves around you, your life, your little city, your state, or your country. The world is here for us to explore, so take the bull by the horns and go do that!

Be Free

This 4th of July was different than previous. I wasn't in the country to celebrate. I am so used to extravagant over the top celebrations for the 4th. I didn't expect it to be a big day since I was in Turks & Caicos, but I was shocked to see how big the holiday was actually celebrated around the world! 

There were so many people dressed from head to toe in red white and blue. It wasn't only the Americans who were decked out. The reason? They love to be free. I asked a server at our restaurant and he said "we all rely on  America whether we like it or not". When I travel I really get to experience other cultures, but I also see how much our culture directly effects others. I am so proud to be American, we are so lucky to be free. 

Free to be whatever we want. Doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, accountants, farmers, and anything else you can wrap your head around. We are a team. We are free to make decisions and although there are laws and rules we are so lucky to decide for ourselves what type of life we want to live.

After this holiday of fireworks, booze, and bikinis take a second to reflect on what you want to make of your freedom. Do you want to travel, own a business, or move? You have the freedom to, so don't hold yourself back from it! 

Summer Travel: Skinny Drinks

Do you have a trip planned this summer? Vacation, work, or a weekend getaway?

I love enjoying some beverages when I travel, but I just can't do tons of sugary drinks. Over time I have figured out to enjoy my favorite drinks guilt free by modifying the recipes. Here are my favorites! 

Bananas for Bananas

Blend:

Banana

Coconut rum 

Soda water

Ice

Mango Mojito

Mango muddled with mint 

Coconut rum 

Soda water

Ice

Pineapple Cooler

Blend:

Pineapple

Rum

Soda water

Ice

Skinny Margarita:

Tequila

Lime juice (tons fresh squeezed) 

Soda water 

Splash of cranberry or agave 

Vacation Workout: No Equipment Needed

I'm on vacation!! I have had a few people comment to me asking me why I workout on vacation, and my response is usually this...

"I have more time while on vacation than I ever do when I'm not on vacation. Right now I have zero meetings or schedule. Why wouldn't I workout on vacation? I really enjoy it!" 

What I've realized as a fitness professional over the years is a big percent of people who work out aren't doing it because they enjoy it. This saddens me. I wouldn't workout everyday if I hated it. I thoroughly feel amazing when I do, and that's why I won't apologize for working out while traveling or any other time. I do what makes me feel good and you should too (workout or not). 

Today's Outdoor workout:

Circuit 1

20 push-ups 

20 box jumps 

Ball court Sprint 

15 push-ups 

15 box jumps 

Ball court Sprint

10 push-ups 

10 box jumps 

Ball court Sprint

Circuit 2

20 lunges

20 sit ups 

Ball court Sprint (backwards running)

15 lunges

15 sit ups 

Ball court Sprint (backwards running)

10 lunges

10 sit ups 

Ball court Sprint (backwards running)

Circuit 3

20 air squats 

20 ice skaters 

Ball court sprint (side shuffles)

15 air squats 

15 ice skaters 

Ball court sprint (side shuffles)

10 air squats 

10 ice skaters 

Ball court sprint (side shuffles)

Circuit 4

20 leg raises 

20 mountain climbers 

Ball court sprint (squat jump there sprint back) 

15 leg raises 

15 mountain climbers 

Ball court sprint (squat jump there sprint back) 

10 leg raises 

10 mountain climbers 

Ball court sprint (squat jump there sprint back) 

If you aren't near a basketball court, you can sprint from a tree or light pole to the next and sprint back! 

Enjoy this one, and don't apologize for taking the time out of your day for a good sweat!

My water bottle and towel are fabletics, which is an awesome fitness line if you are looking for an affordable & cute workout wardrobe! 

What To Pack: My Travel Musts

Ok. Let's be real, I'm a girl! There are some travel necessities! I am in Greece and wanted to share my top items I packed for this beachy trip.

1. Stunna shades, so I look cool

2. Dry shampoo, because who washes their hair everyday 

3. Itsy bitsy teeny weenie bikini, self explanatory  

4. Ball cap, I don't want wrinkles y'all 

5. Tinted moisture, SPF plus a little shimmer 

6. Nude sandals, because they go with everything and anything

7. A floral dress, because it's spring

8. A nude lip, you can't go wrong with

9. Gold bling, to dress up beachwear to nightwear

10. Bright Blush, to make a pop of  your tan

Travel. Be Wild. Be Free.

Being aware and recognizing which way your life is going is quite empowering. Do you know what you are good at, enjoy, get motivated, and thrive doing? Do you also know what nerves you, makes you uninspired, and slows down your progress?

Well for me I think I am really aware of all of the above. I can recognize when I need a break. When I've overdone it or just need to mix things up. This goes for all aspects in ones life.

Traveling for me brings balance I yearn for. It's not the balance that you search for and all of the sudden find. When I travel I get inspired. I see sunshine, feel joy, eat good food, chat with new people, & I spend time really soaking up all life has to offer. 

I see travel as investing in my happiness, well being, knowledge, relationships; all while getting a great tan. Travel has no limits. You create your wild life. No one writes your story but you. So what's your story going to be? 

You can get in your car and travel to a beach an hour away, you may grab a hotel in a city you've never been, pack some clothes and a tent for a camping trip. That's the best part of travel. Seriously, no rules! You don't need money, you just need an idea.

Pick a place. Share your story. Make sure it's wild and you run free! 

London Trip: Balance, & Lack There Of

I just got back from a much needed trip out of the country. In the last few months I have gone through a lot of "personal issues", and have been mourning the loss of a few family members. I really felt like my trip came at the perfect time.
I was able to do all the things I had hoped to. I had nice dinners, afternoon tea, brunch, Sunday roast, fish & chips, a pint of ale, saw many sights, shopped a lot, and laughed a lot.

I didn't focus on what I was eating, or how much exercise I was getting. To be honest, it felt really good for people to not see me as "THE FITNESS GIRL".
I do love love love helping people reach their fitness goals, motivating people, working out, and eating healthy. I also know that I was losing balance in my life, and this trip helped me find it. That being said, I am back to my healthy eating and normal routine.

Do you ever feel like you get out of whack? Do you ever feel like you need your life to be out of whack to find out what you really want?

I do.

Vacation/ Travel Workout

Yesterday I made up a really good beach workout! It was a total body burner, and you can perform these exercises anywhere! The gym, the beach, outside, on grass, wherever you want! 

Start with 5 minites of stretching.

Complete circuit #1 three times before moving on to circuit #2.

1.Walking lunges (50 steps)

Push-ups (12 reps)

Squat jumps (20 reps)

2. Plank walks (to a tree and back, or 1/2 a basketball court length)

Bridges (20 each leg)

Ice skaters (50 total)

3. Shoulder push-ups (20 reps)

Moving Squat jumps (15 reps)

Dips (30 reps) 

I hope you break a good sweat! 

Vacation Morning Smoothie

It is hard to get greens in your diet when traveling, so I make sure to pack some treats in my bag in order to make sure I have healthy options. In my post a few days ago I mentioned some of my groceries I bring, and today I used a lot of them! Try this recipe, or make one with different ingredients that you enjoy! 

How To Travel Healthily

While traveling it is super easy to fall off the wagon! Don't get me wrong, vacation is time to let loose. That doesn't mean your should go hog wild and stop exercising, eating healthy, and drink a ton. 

You can let loose, have fun, and not give up all your healthy habits.

1. Pack healthy snacks to fly or travel with.

- raw nut butters

- raw greens

- chia/hemp/flaxseed

- oatmeal

- coconut flour

- protein bars

- nuts

- dried fruit

- protein powder

- cinnamon 

- vitamins

2. Go grocery shopping when you get to your destination.

- soy/almond milk

- fruit

- veggies

- eggs

3. Do workouts you typically wouldn't do. If you are use to lifting weights try paddle boarding, yoga, running, hiking, snorkeling, etc.

4. Drink less caloric beverages. Ask for the skinny version of whatever drink you desire! 

5. Stay hydrated! Drink tons of water!!

I'll post about my Belize trip to show you how I ate!

No Equipment Needed Workout: Travel, Home, and Outdoor Friendly

Do you need to get in a workout, but you are no where near a gym, in a hurry, or traveling? Try this no equipment needed workout!!

THE WORKOUT:
10 Squats
10 Pushups
10 Crunches
10 mountain climbers
9 Squats
9 Pushups
9 Crunches
9 mountain climbers
8 Squats
8 Pushups
8 Crunches
8 mountain climbers
7 Squats
7 Pushups
7 Crunches
7 mountain climbers
6
5
4
3
2
1

Squat:

a)

b)

Pushup:

a)

b)

Crunch:

a)

b)

Mountain Climber:

a)

Add caption

Travel or Home Workout: No Equiptment Needed

Do you want to workout when traveling, or when you don't quite have enough time to make it to the gym? Well I have a quick, and tough workout for you. 

10 squats

A

B

 10 lunges

A

B

 10 Push-ups

A

B

 
10 Crunches

A

B

 

 

 10 ROUNDS!!!!!

Perform each exercise then move to the next. Complete 10 rounds of these exercises as fast as you can!

Mike Byerly Photography

MUA: Amanda Kroon

Clothing: Lorna Jane