Making Health & Wellness a Priority

One of my goals for this year is to focus on making my health a priority instead of treating it like an afterthought. And when I say health, I'm not just talking in broad terms. I have very specific targets in mind, some of which include mental health and an interest in spiritual health as well. It's not just about losing a few extra pounds. although let's face it, that's certainly a reason too!

We always begin the new year with the best of intentions, but most "diets" aren't sustainable and that defeats the whole purpose, doesn't it?  Besides, losing weight is great and all but what about other aspects of well-being? We tend to associate fitness with good health, but I know plenty of people who lead active lifestyles and are completely miserable in other areas of their lives.

As I write this, I'm nursing a cold I've had for what feels like the better portion of January. so this post feels timely. If you don't have health (physical, mental, emotional) than everything else seems to suffer.

I drink this 3x per week in the mornings 

Recipe here

Ways I'm Focusing on Wellness:

1. To start, I'm doing physical activity three times a week - Two days in the gym, one at a yoga studio. You have to know what works for you. For me, I got lazy and easily distracted when I tried working out at home. I gain energy from the people around me, so paying $12 a month for my gym membership is more motivating. I know for others, working out in the privacy of their own home is best. Figure out what works for you! 

2. I stopped going to therapy for the latter part of last year and it was a bad move. Of course I didn't want to admit that. When you've been going for a long time like I have, you tend to hit a wall where things just aren't clicking. I love my therapist, but I got to a point where I wasn't being fully receptive and I was just telling her what I thought she wanted to hear. What the Hell is the point of that?! I'm paying this person and I'm not even listening? It took a few months to realize I needed to go back and I needed to BE HONEST with her. 

3. I'm drinking more water.  

4. I've been watching less t.v. and listening to more music and podcasts that help to relax me.

5. This one is proving to be tough, but I'm checking social media less and focusing more on this blog, my copy editing classes, and planning for future employment. In fact, I have a job interview tomorrow. Wish me luck!

6. I've created a pinterest board full of quotes that I've been checking every morning before I start my day. It sets the tone. I like this one: "Your attitude determines your altitude." 

7. I'm asking for help when I need it. A simple conversation with a friend can change your entire perspective. 

8. Instead of putting things off "until tomorrow" I am doing them today. Not tomorrow, not next week, but TODAY. All we have is today.

9. I have high blood pressure, so I'm eating food that helps combat that. Think lots of leafy greens! Luckily, I like vegetables and have grown to see food as nourishment. I indulge when I can, but having elevated blood pressure is no joke so I have to be mindful. This includes alcohol too.

I'm not perfect, and I know there'll be times when I fall short. As long as I'm making a conscious effort, there's no reason why I can't achieve these goals though.

What do you do to put your well-being first? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Continue the post

Dark Florals + I Sort of Tried Balayage

Wearing // Asos dress, BlankNYC jacket (on sale), Sam Edelman pumps

You might not believe this, but I tried dying my hair blonde in high school. Blonde. I actually wish I had a picture as proof, but all of my photo albums are at my mom's house probably buried somewhere. Needless to say, it wasn't flattering. It's crazy how different I wanted to make myself back then. You know, the tall blonde bombshell with blue eyes. Instead, I wound up with orange straw after a boy at the local beauty school ruined my hair. I took it well.

Ever since, I've enjoyed being a brunette. It's low-maintenance, it suits my coloring, and I only darken it a couple times per year to give it richness and shine. Except, it does get a little boring having the same hairstyle year after year, so for awhile now I've been thinking about trying balayage. Aside from not knowing how to spell it, I also wasn't sure if it would suit me. Scary images of bad brassy dye came to mind. My hair holds a lot of orange, so I'm very particular about who I let color it. Thankfully I have a great stylist and she's been gently trying to introduce the idea of balayage to me. We started last week, and even though it's incredibly subtle, I can tell the difference. She mostly painted sections underneath my hair for that "peekaboo" effect. When the sunlight hits it just right, some caramel pieces come through. I'm all about natural so although we didn't veer away from that this time, I may go lighter gradually. Or, I may not!

What do you guys think? Have you tried balayage?

Linking up with Rachelle and Carylee today.

Continue the post

Black, Camel, & Leopard

                 Wearing // Similar sweater, Topshop jeans, Similar pumps, Similar bag,  Nordstrom scarf                     Beauty // Lips in M.A.C. "Hot Gossip"

There are a few classic color combinations that everyone should have in their Winter wardrobe; black and white, grey and red, and my personal favorite - black and camel. It always translates chic! This outfit looked beautiful on its own, but in place of wearing a long pendant necklace or other jewelry, I decided to put my leopard scarf to use. I originally saw it on Gina and Amy Ann (linked below), and I'm happy I added it to my closet during the holidays. You could easily wear something like this to work, or perhaps on a night out when you want to look more polished than your regular jeans + sweater uniform (which has been mine all month long!)

I'm still nursing a terrible cold/infection so I'm keeping it short today. Just a reminder to take care of yourselves this season!

Linking up with Straight A Style & On The Daily Express

Continue the post

Current Cravings // California Winter

Every season this year, I will be resuming my current cravings post. I used to do these a lot when I first started blogging and I'm not sure why I stopped!  You probably know the drill - these are all items that are on my radar, either because I am lacking something similar in my existing wardrobe or because I want to try a certain trend.

This month finally feels "Wintery" here so most of my cravings are still in the cold weather category. January is a pretty boring month in the fashion world. Most stores look picked over from the holiday sales, but it's still too chilly to think about Spring. Luckily for me, I still need a few things that I can wear now...but also later as the temps warm back up.

Notice a theme here? Neutral, versatile, and basically fool-proof! Next month, we'll see what I picked up, what worked, and maybe what didn't. What are you craving?

Continue the post