The Best Apps: How To Celebrate When You Can't Be There

Do you have friends who live all over like me? Not all of my friends live in San Francisco and I can't always show them how much I love them over the phone or by texting. I love giving gifts and I have some apps that are my go-to's to send a little love to my gal pals. Whether it's a birthday present, a congrats on their engagement, or just an "I miss you" I love to send them a little somethin' somethin'. Here are my favorite apps that are easy to use and super cute.

BloomThat: I love sending fresh flowers with BloomThat. I have used them for years and they are super reliable and always fresh! Send for a birthday, a promotion, anniversary or even Valentine's Day! I also love that you can now send cute succulents for your friends who are starting a new job or just for those who don't love flowers. Use code thean70s16 for $10 off!

Farmgirl Flowers: Farm girl has the cutest little burlap wrapped flowers. I love love love how eclectic their arrangements are and buy these often! I also love how they started doing little gift bags if your friends don't love flowers. I just sent this birthday pack to my friend and she absolutely loved it.

Packed Party: Are your friends fun and quirky? Send them a fun care package from Packed Party! What I love about Packed Party is you can even send to your friend when they are having a not-so-good day or week, if they just had a breakup, for their birthday, or even if they're getting married. These cute packages will surely put a smile on your friends face.

Saucey: Are your friends celebrating something that you can't be there for? Why not send a bottle of wine, some beers or some nice champagne? Saucey is perfect for a birthday, engagement, or just to surprise a friend when they got a new job. I love using this app, especially when you're in a bind. They deliver late!

Birchbox: Is your friend a beauty queen? Does she always have a new lip color, fresh scent, or moisturizer? Then she will love Birchbox. Birchbox is a monthly subscription for beauty products. I got this as a gift 2 years ago for my birthday and it introduced me to so many fun products. I am obsessed, and have sent to a few friends! It makes for a great gift, promise!

Doughbies: YES! You can send cookies and brownies straight to your besties door with Doughbies! How amazing is this? Doughbies are seriously delicious and when someone sent it to me with this I almost started crying. It's so cute and delicious, perfect to send to your favorite people to show them how much you love them. Use this code for $10 off : qumwmnqt.

PopSugar Box: This PopSugar Box is a fashion & beauty box in one! Look at this months box to get an idea what your friend would be getting. If your friend is a fancy pants, this may be the box for her! Click this link to join: https://musthave.popsugar.com/p/must-have?utm_source=account-overview&utm_medium=account-page&utm_campaign=referral&utm_content=u:18301864  

 

Gorgeous Hair: The Best Toner Around

Do you die or highlight your hair? If your answer to that question is yes, then this product is for you. During the summer months often times the sunshine oxidizes died hair color and makes it look not so fresh. BLNDN created a toner and treatment to keep your hair tone picture perfect. Whether you are blonde, red head or brunette; this product will keep your hair from getting super brassy looking or too "orangey".

I bought their brightening trio which comes with a purple shampoo, purple toner & conditioning treatment (& it's on sale). I just started using it and had to share, and no this isn't a sponsored post I just really like their stuff. The longer you keep in the purple the more toned down your color will be.

The coolest part about this product is that it is actually clinically proven to work. Yes, they did studies on hair oxidation and this product helped prevent it!

I suggest you use:

If you're any shade of blonde

If you're brunette and have blonde highlights or even caramel highlights

Red head and don't love the way the sun hits your color

Check out their insta: here

The Best Makeup for Green Eyes

If you have green eyes like me you may or may not know what eyeshadows make your eyes "pop". Purple is usually the suggested color, but to be honest I just don't love purple eyeshadow. My go-to's are golds, browns and surprisingly oranges. I have discovered a few favorites and want to share them with you.

Tom Ford: Duo Cream & Eye powder color
Color: Naked Bronze
This is my new favorite. It is on the pricier end, but I am completely SOLD on the product. You can literally apply the cream with your fingers and it looks like you just left getting your makeup done ( a little goes a long way so it lasts forever. I love how smooth and easy it is to apply & when you want to give a little extra, the gold powder is EVERYTHING.

Kevyn Aucoin: The Loose Shimmer Eyeshadow
Color: Kunzite
I got this in a free gift bag about a year ago and I use it just about every time I go out. I use it with a blender brush just in the crease in my eye and also dust right under my outer lower lash. It is beautiful and build-able, so you can keep adding for a more dramatic look.

Urban Decay: 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil

Color: Bourbon

I don't wear a ton of eyeliner, but when I go out and want an extra soultry look I add this liner. It is shimmery, but not too glittery. I love how smoothly it glides on and it doesn't run!

Too Faced: Eye Shadow Palette
Color: Neutral Eye shadow collection (I love Honey Pot)
Ok, so I am VERY picky with what gold eyeshadows I like. Some are too glittery and don't stick to your eyelid, some are too yellow, too orange, too matte or they don't have enough pigment. Honey Pot from the Too Faced Palette is PERFECT. The only downside is, they don't sell it separate from the palette. If you can get your hands on it you'll know what I mean.

Mac: Eyeshadow

Color: Saddle

This color is the perfect neutral. I love it because I can put this in the crease of my eye and blend it during the day, then go back and touch up to add more and build it to an evening look. I will add some under my lower lashes and it softly enhances my greens. It was my first "green eye" purchase that I noticeably felt made my eyes look extra green.

Charlotte Tilbury: Color Chameleon

Color: Bronzed Garnet

I havent tried this yet, but it's in the mail. I've read multiple articles on how amazing it is, and I can't wait! It looks absolutely stunning.

Nars: Eyeshadow Duo

Color:Portobello 

This Nars duo is perfect for day time. The lighter color looks great on the base of your eyelid and the darker shade works well on the crease. This is less dramatic, but is sure to make your eyes stand out!

Lancome: Hypnose Drama

Color: Excessive Black

Don't forget Mascara! My all-time favorite mascara is this one.

Now you should be well prepared to create even more show-stopping eyes everyday!

New Week New Mindset

Prepping for your week doesn't just mean updating your calendar, planning your meals, and having your clothes ready. Being prepared to means to me, getting mentally prepared. Easy to say, but sometimes hard to do.

Here are some tips I use to getting mentally prepared for my week:

1. Sunday alone time: 

I am someone who is extremely social. I often book my calendar morning until night without much time between. What keeps me in check and mentally prepped for my week is taking some time for myself on Sunday. I often wake up a little later (without an alarm if I can help it) then walk to get coffee and head towards the bridge. This allows me to think, relax, calm my mind, and enjoy my beautiful city.

2. Forget what bothered you last week at work:

Did your coworker annoy you? Even worse; your boss? Write it down, and move on. Seriously. We won't always agree with everyone, understand everyone, and you need to realize that your reaction may be debilitating your progress at work. If you can change the way you react then you might be able to diffuse any issues.

3. Didn't catch up on enough sleep?

Is Monday and you didn't get enough R&R over the weekend. Do not allow that to slow down your week! Make it a priority on Monday to get in a power nap. You need to manage your schedule!

4. Goals

What do you want to acheive this week? Besides chores & work you should be making a list of things you want to do and out them in your calendar. Sometimes we forget that is better to work to live than living to work. Make sure you prioritize doing something fun! 

5. Clean space 

I am working on this right now, but I've read a ton about having a happy clean space to come home to. This means decorating, dishes, and laundry. It's important to leave a stressful job space and come home to a relaxing spot. It's sometimes a chore, but will be worth it to kick off your shoes and relax after your place is tidy. 

6. Exercise 

You knew this was coming, didn't you? When I am stressed I usually call my dad. He will listen to me blabber, and if I am a little stressed he usually asks me one thing, "did you workout today?". My answer when I am stressed it usually, "no, not yet". He replies, "go workout, and call me after." Seriously?! That's not the answer I look for, but when I workout I usually figure out my own answers. 

I hope these tips help you find a positive mindset to start your week! Happy Monday. 

How You Expend Your Energy

I had an amazing conversation with my boss this week that made me look at my relationships a little different.

What do I spend my energy on, who do I spend my energy on, and is what I'm doing worth exhausting my energy stores?

Let me explain.

These circles demonstrate efficient ways to distribute your energy.

1. YOU- Most importantly you need to spend the most time and energy working on yourself. Whatever that means to you, it is your responsibility to make it happen. If you don't give yourself time and love, you will have a hard time giving it to others.

2. Your BFF's- These are the FEW people who you would do anything for, and they would do anything for you in return. What's sad is when you acutally do this exercise you might notice that not everyone you love and care for would drop everything for you. Don't waste your precious time or energy pleasing people who wouldn't do the same right back. These BFF's are people who would fly across the country if you needed them to.

3. Good Friends- We all have good friends who we care for, but wouldn't call our besties. These are people who you talk to weekly. They want to know how you are, and you want to know how they are. You aren't butt buddies, but you care for one another.

4. Friends- These are people you see and say hi to, but don't know all the deets of their lives. You are friends of friends or say hi at the gym.

5. Acquaintances- These are the people you sort of nod your head at. You know who one another are, but don't really chat much.

Now that you know what all these circles stand for it's your turn to learn who in your life belongs in which circle. This week I was feeling run down. My clients drain me. Some of them are "takers" and once I spoke to my boss I realized one BIG thing. These people don't actually care for me, they aren't my best friend. The energy I spend on them is essentially a waste if I am going above and beyond. True friendship is a two way street. You are the only one to blame when you feel run down. Start observing now, before your energy is run down like mine was last week. Your time and energy are extremely precious, so take care of yourself first and foremost.

5 Ways To Make Working Out Fun

I get asked all the time, "how do you workout so much, it's so boring indoors!" Simply put, you just need to find ways to enjoy your exercise. I enjoy killing myself in the gym, however, you might not. These tips will help you have fun with whatever kind of fitness you want.

1. Good music: Seriously this is KEY. It's important to have a beat pump up your adrenaline. Lately I've been bumping Beyonce and can stay at the gym forever...motivation! 

2. Cute clothes: I have fun going to the gym when I feel good. Cute workout clothes help me feel good as I workout! Also, a MUST; bright sneakers!

3. Bring a friend. Seriously I always am crackingn up with my girlfriends around, and we still get in a killer workout. It seems time flies when you're having fun! 

4. Go to a class: INFINITY, Zumba, TRX, The Pad, soulcycle.. Try them! Who knows you might find something you love and enjoy going to.

5. Switch it up: Of course it's boring when you do the same thing every week! Get a fitness magazine, search on Instagram, or google to search for new exercises to incorporate. 

Make sure you have fun with it, that's what will keep you going ! 

Fit Friday Tip: When You Are Drinking

FIT FRIDAY TIP: If you are going to drink tonight, or this weekend try to limit your carb intake throughout the day. Keep fresh fruits and veggies stacked.

 

Dinner options:

Salmon, with a salad or steamed veggies, and a glass of red wine.

Chicken with black beans and guacamole, and a skinny margarita (agave).

Sashimi with a cucumber salad, and a glass of wine or sake.

Turkey wrapped burger with a side of tomato, onion, and avocado with a light beer.

 

My Holiday Eating Tricks!

Ok, we all know it isn't realistic to skip out on all the delicious food & drinks the holiday has to offer. I mean it is possible, but it might drive you a little crazy. Go in to your day with a plan.

For example, my trick is to....

1. Workout the day of the holiday, so I am feeling ok before going in to the party.
2. Eat what I want or drink what I want, NOT BOTH. If I want numerous cocktails, I will try to not have numerous cookies. (it's hard, but worth it).
3. Walk around after your meal. Get a group together, and go out for 15-30 minutes.

Hope these tricks work for you. They are simple, and do-able!


Have a happy holiday!

Grocery List: My Staple Must Have Items

Sometimes going to the market is simply too overwhelming for some. There are thousands of options, and who is to say which is better for your personal genetic make up and taste buds? Well, for me not every trip is the same. I like switching it up and adding new things to the cart to create variety, but at the same time there are definitely some staple items I must not leave without. My house must always be stocked with the following:

Fruit: * All the variety in the world (think seasonal, and ORGANIC)
Veggies: * Think GREEN: fresh and/or frozen * Fresh Salads: Mixes, kale, spinach, arugula
Clean Carbs:
* Oatmeal- I like Bob's Gluten-free
* Quinoa
* Yams or Sweet Potato
* Brown Rice Cakes- lightly salted
* Ezekiel bread
* Oat Flour
* Coconut Flour
 Fats:
 * Organic Hemp Hearts
 * Avocado
 * Cold-pressed oils- VARIETY
* Nut Butters- Unsalted Raw I like Artisana
Proteins:
* Eggs (organic free range, vegetarian fed)
* Raw Vegan Protein Powder: Dales Raw Protein
 * Wild Salmon (wild, no color added)
 * Organic Chicken Breast (free range, grass fed, organic)
* White Fish: Mahi, Tilapia, Hawke, Cod, Swai (wild, no color added)
Extras:
* Almond Milk- Unsweetened
* Balsamic vinegar
* Mustard
* Mrs. Dash or salt-free seasonings
Clean sweeteners: TO BE USED IN MODERATION IF AT ALL
* Agave Nectar
 * Honey
* Stevia

I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE GLUTEN INTOLERANT, RAW, VEGAN, OR VEGETARIAN.  THIS IS JUST A SAMPLE LIST, YOU CAN MODIFY ACCORDINGLY!!!!

Eat Fresh & In Season- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, & Dinner

It's Spring and summer is around the corner! It is absolutely beautiful outside, and honestly it is my favorite time to get creative with juicy fresh fruits and vegetables. How lucky are we? The markets are in abundance of fresh colors ready to be consumed! Right now mango's, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, avocado's, beets, tomatoes,and spinach are in peak season to name a few of my favorites. I am loving seeing the colors, but to be honest I am twenty times more excited to taste the freshness. Now, here are some ideas on how to keep your fruits and veggies on the top of your priority list when it comes to your daily meals.

Breakfast tips: - Green smoothie - Fresh fruits and veggies- SIMPLY JUICE THEM! - Sliced bowl of fresh fruit topped with fat-free greek yogurt. - Egg white omelette with fresh chopped veggies. - Whole grain toast topped with avocado and spices. - Whole grian toast topped with cottage cheese and fruit. Snack tips: - Bowl of fruit,chia seeds, and mint. - Piece of fruit - Green smoothie - Bowl of fresh chopped vegetables spritzed with lime, and served with a lime quinoa. Lunch: - Salad with tons of fresh veggies, fruit, seeds/nuts. - Sushi paper wrapped around tons of veggies and fruit. - Fish, chicken, tempeh, or quinoa topped with a homemade fruit salsa served with an amazing small seasonal balsamic drizzled salad. Dinner: - Eggplant grilled with a balsamic glaze served with a side of mango &strawberry mixed greens salad. - Grilled hearts of romaine topped with a lemon grilled fish/chicken/tofu/tempeh/turkey/(or lemon infused grain) topped with homemade salsa- - Yummy seasonal tacos Now get to cookin', or better yet EATIN'

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

This is a great saying.

It relates to my journey with fitness. Workouts I've endured in my past seriously come to mind when I think of this saying! My whole life I have been an athlete, but today I think that lightbulb just went off making me put the pieces together.
My mom reminded me of how I for sure will get through this fitness competition and the intensity of my workouts. She reminded me of my freshman year of college, first week as a Division 1 athlete at track practice being literally what I felt like run in to the ground ( or stadium stairs for that matter). We laughed about it, and the funny thing is after enduring a crazy tough workout and sticking to it through sweat and mental toughness, I knew I could do it. I know today I could do that again, although it seems like hell!
Doing things that push us to our limits teach us a whole lot about ourselves, in many aspects of our lives. So go ahead and push your limits, I'm pretty sure you'll be surprised with how it helps build mental and this case physical strength!

Motivation Monday: Planning For A Successful Week

Happy Monday all! I know Mondays are usually everyones most dreadful day, not only does it mean back to work or school, but it means getting back on track with your normal routine. I personally like Mondays because I am always pretty motivated after sometimes relaxing and not being as tight on my diet.
Last night I decided to plan for a successful week by going to the store and stocking my fridge with healthy food choices. Then I decided to take it a step further and truly plan for a slip-up-free week. I packed all my snacks and lunches for the week. I precooked and packaged my food so when I wake up in the morning I made my breakfast and my 1st snack, lunch, and 2nd snack are packed right in my cooler. By doing this it not only saves me money at lunch, it helps me eat more frequently which helps regulate my blood sugar and not have huge spikes throughout the day. I also have found that I am less likely to give in to temptation when my meals are near. For example, someone brought cupcakes in to my work and instead of indulging I knew I had yummy snacks right there in my bag that I would much rather fill up on and fuel my day with. I don't have to stress about trying to hunt on my lunch break for something healthy when I have my cooler!
Try it out this week, pack your snacks and lunches! It saves time, money, and for me helps me work towards the flat stomach I want.

Pack Your Lunch This Week: Top 5 Reasons Why I Love My Cooler

One of my favorite quotes when it comes to eating healthy is " failing to plan is the plan to fail". When I don't have a plan/goal there is no way I am going to be on track to reach them! I make sure I plan my meals the day before so it is far and few that I ever have to go get a fast food meal. The night before I always pack 3 meals. I pack my first snack (or meal 2), lunch ( or meal 3), and second snack (or meal 4). I eat my breakfast (meal 1) at home then head to work with my cooler of food. This is the simplest way to fool-proof your diet.
Top 5 Reasons why I love my cooler:
1. I never go hungry. My snacks are always near!
2. I don't have an excuse to eat junk. When we don't have a plan for lunch we are more likely to eat whatever is around (ie. Donuts for breakfast in the office if you forgot to eat)
3. I know what's in my food. I could go grab a sandwich or salad around the corner (which I may do every now and then as a treat), but when I pack my meals I know my food isn't cooked in tons of oil, or have added sugars/salt.
5. It saves me SO much money! Cooking at home seems pricey but when you eat a $12.00 salad out, and have to tip on top of that IT GETS WAY TOO PRICEY!!

My meals today:
2. Homemade protein bar (search my blog for recipe)
3. Asain Chicken and broccoli stir fry (coming soon to blog)
4. ACAI cottage cheese and almonds

You Ate What?

It is a new year, Happy 2012! With all the resolutions we have all made, many of us have decided to work towards making healthier lifestyle choices. This includes eating healthy foods, and making them at home. I get asked pretty frequently what types of food I eat. When I share them, people look at me with crazy eyes! They say "you ate what?", or "I have never heard of that". With this post, I hope to familiarize you with the crazy foods you may not have tried before. Also, why they are good for you.

Quinoa- This is the ONLY grain that is considered a complete protein and complete in essential amino acids and nutrients. It is similar to oats in the nutritional value, and less like other grains like rice and pasta. Quinoa looks similar to couscous and comes in different colors I enjoy red the best. I usually cook quinoa in a rice cooker and eat instead of oats in the morning to switch things up from time to time. I will serve it as a side with protein and veggies, or sprinkle on top of a salad to add some healthy carbs.


Oat Flour- This is essentially ground up oatmeal. You can buy it at any market in the baking section. I love oat flour, because unlike white flours this doesn't spike your insulin levels. I use this in my protein bars, homemade muffins, as well as any substitute for flour in baking. It is a more nutritious substitute for white flour.

Flaxseed- Flaxseed is definitely a big part of my daily diet. I sprinkle it on greek yogurt, add it to my protein pancakes/ protein shakes, or sprinkle on my salad. They tend to have a sort of nutty taste, and the nutrients are only absorbed by the body if they are ground. You can buy the flaxseed pre-ground, or you can grind them in a coffee grinder. Once ground, they must be stored in the fridge or freezer so they don't go rancid. Flaxseed is rich in fiber as well as Omega-3's and antioxidants. Flaxseed has also been said to help reduce risks of cancer. I usually sprinkle 1-2 tbsp. on something I consume each day.

Kombucha- Check out my post on this here -> http://theanolan.blogspot.com/2011/08/what-is-kombucha-why-should-i-drink-it.html .

Chia- This is the new SUPERFOOD according to many. You can add it to water and drink to reduce inflammation, and increases energy. It alse reduces heart attack risks, improve brain function, reduces cancer risks, reduces risks in high in fiber, calcium. You can grind it and add it to smoothies, or sprinkle on top of food. I have tried it with my kombucha and really enjoyed it. I drink 1/2 the bottle a day (When I buy it) and it really increases my daily fiber intake - read more about the Kombucha Chia at http://www.bevnet.com/reviews/synergy_kombucha/Cherry_Chia .

Ezekiel breads, muffins, and tortilla's- I like to eat ezekiel bread instead of consuming other wheat breads. Just because bread labels say whole grain that doesn't mean they aren't filled with sugar. Ezekiel bread is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and natural fiber with no added fat. The bread is flour-less and is made with fresh sprouted grains, it has 18 essential amino acids, and no added JUNK. Check out the ezekiel brand here www.foodforlife.com/product-catalog/ezekiel-49/breads/120C6-organic-sprouted-whole-grain-flourless-bread .

Tempeh- Tempeh is a soy product that many vegetarians and vegans consume as a protein source. It is also high in fiber and vitamins. This product uses the whole soy bean, in comparison to tofu where only part of the bean is used, so this tempeh is richer and allows the body to absorb more nutrients. This product tastes great grilled and consumed with a side of veggies, or stir fried. I also grill it and throw it on a salad. I got turned on to this product after trying it at http://nativefoods.com and at and http://veggiegrill.com/.

I hope this helps you get familiar with some unfamiliar products. If you have any other questions about unrecognizable foods, workouts, or recipes make sure you ask. I am here to help :)

Have a great week!!!

Thea's Thanksgiving Tips:

Thea's Thanksgiving Tips:
1. Start your day with a morning workout. A run, hike, or walk with
your family could be fun!
2. Drink tons of water! This helps you recognize real hunger versus
thirst/dehydration.
3. Eat veggies and protein first then go on to bite at the heavier
foods. (ie. By filling up on tons of mashed potatoes/gravy/bread rolls/
stuffing you are more likely to consume more and get less nutrients
from these).
4. Grab a smaller plate and utensils. (this helps you not overSTACK
and slow down when you eat).
5. Bring healthier options that still taste amazing (sugar-free mousse
or pudding, homemade healthy cake, cookies, dark chocolate)
6. Eat throughout the day, and don't eat like you've never seen food
before ( most likely there will be leftovers tomorrow).
7. Enjoy your meal and a slice of desert(don't deprive yourself,
hopefully you've been eating clean and deserve a holiday treat).
8. If you're planning on drinking. Sip on water between beverages. Also stay away from high-calorie add-ins if you are making mixed drinks. TRY: Brut Champagne, Unsweetened Cranberry Juice, With a few cranberries in the glass.