Summer Travel Workout: No equipment needed

Over the last few months I've been traveling a bit more than usual. When I'm on vacation I love to relax, but I also sometimes feel like breaking a sweat. I love finding local places to hike or explore, but if I wake up early and want to sweat a little I try to get some energy out by doing a bodyweight workout like this.

Warm up: (be sure to do a short warmup and stretch out)

Complete A,B & C then rest for 30 seconds repeat for a total of 3 times through this circuit

Circuit 1 (complete 3x)

A) 20 squats

B) 20 side lunges (10 each leg)

C) 20 glute bridges (or hip thrusts) lying on a mat 

Circuit 2 (complete 3x)

A) 15 push-ups

B) Plank with 20 shoulder taps (tap your opposite hand to opposite shoulder while keeping your hips neutral)

C) 15 burpees

Circuit 3 (complete 3x)

A) 20 walking lunges (10 each leg)

B) 20 walking plank (hold a plank walk to your left for 10 and to your right for 10)

C) 40 mountain climbers 

Circuit 4 (complete 3x)

A) 15 full sit ups 

B) 30 Russian twists

C) 15 leg raises (both legs together)

Say you have a trip planned, make 30 minutes of time for this. Maybe you don't have a trip planned, but need a short workout to do in the park or in your living room- this is perfect!

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 Cute Swimsuits: For the ladies with a larger cup size

Alright- this one is a more personal post. I have a larger chest (thanks mom) and have had trouble finding the perfect bikini that is flattering. Don't get me wrong, my friends always comment when I wear a regular bikini saying I look fine, but I prefer to not let it all hang out and have too much attention on my chest when I am going to the beach. I have found that what works best for me is tie strings in the back and behind my neck, so I can make adjustments. I have been on a hunt for the perfect swimsuits for quite some time and I have found some really amazing ones. I hope this post can help you out if you deal with the same problems when shopping for swimwear.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Luli Famia (Size D-F)- I got this one in the color Showstopper and I'm obsessed. I opted for the string bottoms, and I can't wait to wear this!

2. Lolli Swim- I love this athletic one piece. Who said one pieces had to be ugly? Throw on some ripped denim and you're good to go!

3. Beach Bunny- This lady lace bikini is super cute. I love that it is flattering and sexy, but not too much since it's black.

4. Vix- This swimsuit has fuller coverage if you size up. I like Vix and love that they make this bikini in a variety of colors.

5. Vitamin A- I bought this one in 2 colors, because it fits SO well. I love love love it. Try this one for yourself. Also note, it doesn't have to be worn like it is below. you can also adjust it to fit like a normal halter top.

 

6. Becca Virtue- This brand specializes in larger cup sizes. I love this brand because again, they have every color and size. Check them out!

7. Lolli Swim- This crop top is everything. It's water friendly and has great coverage. I also love the nude and white combo! 

8. Mara Hoffman- This one piece has GREAT coverage in the front. I know when I am at the beach and want to paddle board, play volleyball or do anything else active... I get a little insecure. This swimsuit will cover you up, without making you look like you have no style. I absolutely love this cut.

9. ASOS- (DD-F)- ASOS has a ton of swimsuits for large cup sizes. I like that it is affordable (most large tops are expensive) and that they are pretty cute. Some large tops are horrendous.  Make sure if you're going for a color like this, that you either a) get a spray tan or b) are tan. Otherwise you will look naked! 

10. Monday Swimwear- I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting this line to re-launch. They are coming out with a few suits for larger busts, and they are SO cute.

Coachella Style Part 1: Tops

I am going to post a ton this week on Coachella style. Today I am starting with tops. Each day I will be posting on how to make your look ROCK. Try to be a little different with your tops. A plain crop top is well, plain. At this festival you want to stand out so try an aztec pattern, floral, vintage or a fun texture. Below are some of my favorites. Later this week bottoms, beauty, hair, accessories, and shoes to come!

Starting from top left: Aztec structured top:Similar here
Top middle: Fringe leather jacket similar here
Top right: Kimono Here
Middle left: Crop top here
Middle middle: Vintage here
Middle right: Blouse here
Bottom left: Off the shoulder here
Middle bottom: Crop here
Right bottom: Crochet bikini here

My Summer Slim Down Plan

I often get asked what I eat. Well, there is no short answer for that. My diet varies depending on a million factors including changing my food up to whatever my goals are, what I have planned that week or month, what's in season, or what I'm craving.

Right now, I am reeling things in a bit for a few reasons. Budget & summer. I want to go out a bit less & save, but also get myself to a place where I am comfortable in short shorts & tank tops. It's fun for me to set little goals, and right now this is just the push I need.

My workouts to slim down a bit will consist of:
Mondays: Leg day & cardio
Tuesdays: Cardio & abs (or double days of cardio)
Wednesdays: Upper body & cardio
Thursdays: Cardio or class
Fridays: Total body & cardio
Saturday: Glutes & abs & cardio
Sunday: rest or recovery (long walk, maybe a massage, foam rolling, or gentle yoga)

Food will consist of:

Morning: Coffee with soy or almond milk

Meal 1: YOGURT. 1cup greek yogurt, 1 tbsp peanut butter, stevia & cinnamon
Calories: 235  Fat:9g Carbs:12g Protein: 27g

Meal 2: PROTEIN PANCAKE. 1/2 cup oats, 6 egg whites, 1/2 cup blueberries
Calories: 282 Fat: 3g Carbs:37g Protein: 28g

Meal 3: LUNCH. 4oz lean meat, 3 cups veggies (1/2 c quinoa on leg days)
Calories: 232 Fat: 4g Carbs: 18g Protein: 34g

Meal 4: BAR. Quest bar, think thin bar, or dales bar
Calories: 190 Fat: 8g Carbs: 21g Protein: 21g

PREWORKOUT. 2 rice cakes 1 tbsp greek yogurt, 1 tbsp peanut butter
Calories:160 Fat:9g Carbs:12g Protein: 6g

POSTWORKOUT: scoop of protein, 1 small banana, 1c almond milk, 
Calories: 237 Fat:14g Carbs:27g Protein 25g

Meal 5: GREEN SMOOTHIE. 1 scoop vega protein, 2 frozen figs, 2 cups spinach, 1 1/2 c almond milk, ice
Calories: 254 Fat:15g Carbs: 28g Protein:27g

Daily total:
Calories: 1590 Fat:61  Carbs:155g Protein 168g
If I'm still hungry I will have a few egg whites and some more greens.

If I get bored of the plan I make myself I will either a) switch up the order of my meals b)change my meals and add new recipes or 3) look up recipes online to create with stuff I have at home. I also am not THAT strict 24/7 so I will allow a treat meal or 2 and maybe even a night with a few drinks. I am no longer prepping for anything besides living a happy & healthy life. To me, life isn't worth living if you aren't enjoying it!

This is MY plan, so I want you to remember you don't have to eat like me. It looks like a lot of food to some people, but remember I workout 1.5-2 hours a day. If it looks like too little of food, just know I always adjust depending on how my energy is.

My Favorite Summer Hair Products

I am obsessed with hair. This isn't news to anyone. I haven't shared my hair routine for summer, so I thought I would tell you my product obsessions.

I have been using Biolage for my shampoo and conditioner the last few weeks. I really like it! After my hair is towel dried I mix in the palm of my hand Hot Toddy & Sachajuan Intensive Hair Oil. I put both of those starting on the tips of my hair and work them throughout. After that I put some Sachajuan Styling Cream in my hair. From here I either do nothing and let my hair dry naturally, or I blow it dry. After I blow dry I usually curl my hair. I love the Money Maker flexible hair spray to finish my look. If I want a messier look I will spray in some Hair Play for texture. Lastly, if I want my curls to hold for days I will just touch up the front and spray some dry shampoo in my hair (Detox). 

You don't need to use these products, but they are what have been working best for me to keep my summer curls lasting! 

Summer Hairspiration

Last week I realized one huge thing.

Hair is everything. Yes, I said it. 
Hear me out. 

Picture yourself leaving the hair salon with a really great cut and style. You know that feeling? Hair bouncing and you have a huge smile on your face. You love the way you feel. 

Now, picture yourself leaving the hair salon in tears. The stylist did not do what you asked, and you leave with a really bad cut. I know this feeling all too well. When I got an accidental bad haircut as a kid, I was often mistaken for a boy for a summer!

My friend got her hair cut last week, and hated it. She wore her hair in a pony tail this whole week. It was definitely something that could be fixed, but we once again realized "hair is everything". It doesn't mean you need long luscious hair. All hair is great short, brown, red, long, purple, medium length; just as long as it's what you want and feel comfortable with! 

Since I know the power a good hair style can have over my confidence, I started playing and styling with my hair. I look up styles on Pinterest, or in magazines and dedicate some time to get good at doing them. Here are my favorites for the summer.

You might look at these and think that they look way too complicated to do on yourself. If you practice, I promise you can get most of them down (if not all of them). Here are some styles I've been playing around with.

Think to yourself this week about trying something new, you might just get a new found confidence! 

Summer Rugged Florals

I got a ton of compliments on an outfit I put together really quick while on vacation. I threw together a "boyish" look with some florals and curls to make it a bit more feminine. I loved how comfy I was!

Here are similar items:
Shorts: Rag and Bone has these seriously awesome boyfriend shorts. They are cute, and not too short.

This Komono: Any floral kimono will work.

A crop top: This white crop top is the perfect pairing

Where To Shop: My 10 Favorite Online Shops

I used to love shopping at the mall. The busier I get, the less time I have to shop. I have become a serious master of online shopping since moving to SF. I now feel like I know all the cool online shops, that don't carry the typical department store looks.

1. Revolve Clothing: This site has EVERYTHING you can think of. I online shop here more than any site, and they also have really great sales. Make sure to sign up for their email list for a discount.

2. ShopBop: I often check ShopBop for a wide range of clothing. They have so many clothes ranging from high fashion runway pieces to cheap white tees. They have a great return policy, and it's worth signing up for their newsletter. Check out the site here.

3. Shop Van De Vort: If you like beachy, boho, bright, and patterned clothes Van De Vort has some amazing pieces. I feel like they have more wearable boho looks, so you will look chic and not like you are headed to a festival. Look at these pieces, super Cali girl.

4. Totokaelo: I usually shop Tototkaelo for amazing Fall and Winter boots/sweaters, but they often have some super nice summery styles. I like that they focus on quality, and class. These outfits are perfect for formal nights out, and are timeless.

5. Emerson Fry: I love this site. Emerson Fry is pretty small in their selection, but I have bought some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe from their site. Check them out before your favorite items sell out.

6. Nic Del Mar: Need a bikini? Look no further. This site has EVERYTHING. I love looking at this site for some inspiration before I make a purchase. They really have the best selection I've seen yet! They also have great dresses and beachwear.

7. Soleil Blue: This is another beachy summer site. I love the styling on the site. It inspires me to put my look together before I head out on the town or to the sand!

8. Tea & Tala: This site reminds me of the Australian version of Forever 21 just cuter. Check out Tea & Tala for affordable yet stylish looks. I especially love their rompers.

9. The Birdcage Boutique: All of my favorite Australian designers are up on this site. They have great sales, and super different clothes that you would see in the US. I love shopping here for pieces no one has ever seen around the states. You also get $30 off your first purchase when you sign up with your email. WORTH IT!

10. Planet Blue: This online shop has so many cool pieces. Needing something a bit different? Check this sites variety! I especially love the boho looks on this site, they give me inspiration.

Be Beachy

All I pretty much wore on my trip to Turks & Caicos was swimwear. It was so warm, and pretty much impossible to not sweat through anything but a bikini. If you don't own a L*Space bikini you're missing out! My favorite look right for the beach is unbuttoned shorts, a bikini, a big hat, and stunnas.

My Summer Beach Essentials: 

Bikini- l*space Swimwear Chloe Wrap Top in Pebble

Shorts- One Teaspoon Trashwhore Shorts

Hat- Brixton Gia Hat

Sunnies- Oliver Peoples Ria in Tortoise

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! 

Summertime Favorites: Vacation Essentials

I'm leaving tonight for Turks & Caicos! I am so excited, but couldn't even think about packing until today! I will be blogging about my favorite essentials throughout my trip. My first few are some items I take to the beach.

A floppy hat, big sunglasses, short shorts, and a cute bikini! 

 

Bikini Season: The best part about vaca is lounging in a cute bikini. My favorite bikini right now is the Bliss bikini in Olive made by Kaohs here.

Summer Sunnies: I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't purchase expensive sunglasses until I didn't break my cheap ones for a year! It worked, and after saving up I splurged on these Oliver People sunnies!

Daisy Duke Denim: If Beyonce wears them, I want them. I am obsessed with One Teaspoon Demin, and these shorts are everything. They have the perfect balance of "worn in" yet not too trashy.

Floppy Hat: There is nothing more essential than a hat when lounging in the sun. My favorite hat this season is this hat "Gia" by Brixton.

Now start planning yourself a vacation...you totally deserve one!

Shut Up & Sweat

Do you have fitness goals? 

If you don't, you better figure them out. It's hard to achieve greatness when you don't have a goal. Today, we will talk about achieving personal fitness goals and why you have to get serious, get sweaty, and buckle down to make progress.

Working out isn't easy for everyone. It isn't supposed to be. Sometimes it hurts, burns, is exhausting, or makes you want to quit. I believe whenever you are put in uncomfortable situations and you see them through, you learn how to preserve and gain the tools to achieve greatness in life. With fitness there is no difference. When it comes to fitness there will be numerous hurdles (pun intended) & you need to be prepared for whatever is thrown your way.

Are you a person who does the same sort of workout everyday?

Don't be one of those people! You need to change. That isn't an effective workout, and is most likely a waste of time. Once your body adapts to your program you need to make changes to it. You need to change the weight, the reps, the rest time, or the exercises to make it more challenging.

If you aren't willing to sweat your ass off, then you truly don't want to reach your goals bad enough. When you push yourself harder than you have before your mind will tell you to quit, that's it's "too hard", and it "hurts". The crazy thing is that if you change your mental processing of those negative thoughts, your body can keep going. That's where you increase your fitness.

Now stop being a weak person who does what's comfortable. Grab a friend, a trainer, or sign up for a class that makes you uncomfortable.

When it comes to a great workout you have to just Shut Up & Sweat. 

What's In My Makeup Bag?

Summer is here! I am all about highlight and bronzed makeup for the summer. Here are my summer beauty essentials:

Face:
Start with a good moisturizer: In the summer I like to use Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Face Cream

I then add a tinted illuminating moisturizer with SPF: My favorite is Joeur in the color Golden

For concearler and highlighter my favorite is: Kevyn Aucoin skin enhancer in the color SX02

Next, I love a good bronzer: I use Tarte's Park Avenue Princess.

I love to highlight in the summer with: MAC Global Glow

My favorite summer blush is a light pink: MAC Dainty

Finally, I love finishing my look with a simple nude gloss or Chapstick. 

Lululemon Palo Alto: My Favorite Finds

Ok, I have to write a little review blasting the amazing team at Lululemon Palo Alto. I had the chance to go to the store yesterday, and try on some swag. Lordy do they have cute stuff. I am planning an event at FB, so naturally we went over to the store for a meeting. Little did we know we had the chance to do a mini shopping spree.

I decided to pick up a few of my new favorites.

THIS DRESS: Ok...really... It's Lululemon. I don't go there to buy dresses. This time shopping it was different. I tried on this dress and realized Lulu can't really go wrong with their clothes. This dress is super comfy, functional, and can be styled a million ways.
5 ways to wear this
- Wear this with a bikini and these flip flops to the beach.
- This dress and this infinity scarf. That is all.
- Throw the dress on top of these leggings, with booties, and a jacket!
- Throw on short shorts, a cute sports bra,  cute tennies, and head out to hot yoga!

 

Stuff your Bra: Lululemon came out with This sports bra last year, and I was so bummed when they discontinued it. Well, it's back! This is the best sports bra I have ever purchased (that's why I bought 5). 

1. It's cute. I love the criss cross back.

2. It's supportive. Who else has a big chest? This will tame your tata's.

3. It is functional. You can wear it anywhere, anytime. Yoga, runs, gym, weekend trip, etc.

4. It is useful. I always use the pockets for my phone and credit card. No need for a purse at the gym!

5. You get your money's worth. The quality fabric and design are worth it!!

A fun colored jacket: Lulu has the most comfy fitness jackets on the market. I love their above the others, for a number of reasons.

1. The colors are SO MUCH fun. They always are coming out with new colors!

2. The fit is snug.They hug your curves, so they are still feminine. I can workout in these jackets and still be comfortable.

3. They are super versatile. You can wear them to yoga, the gym, on a weekend trip, a hike, or throw on with boyfriend jeans and flip flops.

4. The material isn't too heavy. You don't feel weighed down by the fabric.

5. I am obsessed with the pockets, and finger covers.

Go check out Lululemon Palo Alto to shop around, or Lululemon.com.

Paint Me Pretty: My 4 Favorite Summer Nail Colors

I have a little nail obsession. If you know me, you probably know I always have my nails done. The main reason I like having my nails done is... when you have your nails done you feel girly even when you wear workout clothes all day long.

1. Gelish: Make You Blink Pink

The perfect Barbie pink for summer!

Buy this pretty GEL color here.

2. OPI: Mod About You

I am mad about this color! It's the perfect blend of cotton candy and white <3

Buy this in the Gel color here.

Buy this regular polish here.

3. Gelish: I'm Brighter Than You

This is really bright, and perfect for vacation!

Buy this bright GEL color here.

4. OPI: Bubble bath

This is the PERFECT neutral, and will go with ANY outfit!

Buy this pretty neutral GEL color here.

Buy this pretty neutral regular polish here.

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