I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good quinoa salad for lunch or dinner! it’s easy to make, filling, refreshing and healthy! today I’m going to show you how I make my go to quinoa Greek salad! You’re going to love it and it literally takes 20 minutes to make, if that!
What you’ll need…
Quinoa
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Red onion
Feta cheese
Kalamata olives
Fresh parsley
Lemon
Olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Oregano
Everything but the bagel seasoning (trust me!)
Cook your quinoa, and while it’s cooking start chopping up your veggies & herbs. I personally like to cut mine a little on the thicker side to get a lot of different texture in my salad, but cut as you please. Once you’re done cutting it’s time to start on the dressing! Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, the juice of 1/2 a lemon, oregano and a few sprinkles of everything but the bagel seasoning in a mixing bowl, all you have to do now is mix and enjoy! You can definitely eat it warm if you’d like, but I prefer to let it chill in the fridge for about an hour, and let the quinoa and veggies marinate in the dressing.
I really hope you all enjoyed this recipe, please let me know if you tried it & tag me in your pictures, I’d love to see your recreations!
Hello friends! I hope you’re all staying happy and healthy during this pandemic. It’s been a ride for me, there’s days I feel super happy and productive and others I just want to stay in bed and watch trashy TV to help me forget about real life problems. Regardless, I’m just grateful that my family and I have stayed healthy. Today I’m going to tell you how I’m managing to stay sane through this lockdown and hopefully it helps give you some ideas!
STICK TO A SCHEDULE MON-FRI
Even though I don’t usually work a Mon-Fri job, This is the time I’m giving myself that schedule. I have to be somewhat productive those days so I don’t feel bad for staying in bed all day during the weekend. If you’re like me and you’re completely out of a job during this time it’s hard to find ways to stay productive, but there’s definitely ways! here’s what I do…
WORKOUT
Release those endorphins!! I try to workout everyday for at least 30 minutes, It doesn’t have to be hard workouts that make you hate life. Some days I just go for long walks and that’s my work out, other days My boyfriend, dog and I will go for a run and then I’ll come home and do some strength training. There are tons of free online workout videos you can follow but my favorite is the FitOn app, if you haven’t heard of it yet you’re about to be hooked! it’s a free app with a ton of different work out videos. They also have different intensities, and all of the trainers do a great job of keeping it fun while still kicking your butt!
TRY NEW RECIPES
I don’t know about you but I LOVE cooking new things, I think it’s so therapeutic and you get an instant satisfaction. If you haven’t tried Homechef yet now is the time! They deliver to your door once a week so you don’t even have to go to the grocery store as often and you get everything you need for their recipes, except for salt, oil & pepper. All of their recipes are so delicious and you get to pick and customize your order which is nice since my boyfriend and I don’t eat meat. If you’re not into the whole food delivery services, cooking books are a good way to go I mean yeah, we have Pinterest and Youtube now but there’s something about a good cook book that makes cooking more fun.
EAT HEALTHIER
I’m not saying eat a kale salad everyday for lunch and dinner but try to incorporate healthier meals through out the week to keep your body feeling good. When the lockdown first started I was pigging out I felt gross, and even more depressed! So this has definitely helped me feel better and like I’m doing something good for my body. Yes I still eat ice cream and chips, but it’s BALANCE my friends!
PICK UP A NEW HOBBY
Try to find a new hobby that doesn’t require any screen time. I’ve discovered that I enjoy puzzling!
CATCH UP ON YOUR READING
I LOVE reading, but I felt like I never had time to read because I was always on the go. Now I’ll schedule myself 30-45 minutes a day and I just sit down and read till my alarm goes off and its the most peaceful thing ever!
SELF CARE
Lastly schedule some self care time EVERY DAY, 10-30 minutes of doing something to help you feel good! wether it’s stretching, doing a face mask or painting your nails. Figure out what you like. Now is the time to get to know ourselves and really take care of us!
Hi Friends! Happy Leap Day! I hope you all have an amazing extra day and go out and do something fun!! If not, you can at least get some shopping done! You know retail stores are always looking for an excuse for sales and what’s a better excuse than an extra day in February. I went ahead and looked up what stores were having these deals and here’s what I found!
-Topshop has 20% off site wide and free shipping with code LEAP20. If you read my last post, you know I LOVE my Topshop jeans, so now is the time to try them!
– Bare Necessities has 29% off on a bunch of styles anddd free 2 day shipping on orders over $70! So you get your goodies ASAP!
– Reebok has a ton of deals starting at $29.99 with code LEAP
– Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite stores! and they are having hundreds of items on sale for $29 or less, plus free shipping on orders over $50!
– The GAP is offering an extra 10% off, which may not sound like a lot but you can tack the extra 10 onto other sales!
I used to never really think too much about jeans, I would just get some that fit and called it a day. Until my coworker introduced me to Topshop jeans and I became obsessed! I swear I bought 4 pairs in one month, I started with one, went back the following week for another one, then the next week I got 2 more! Luckily for me, Topshops in the U.S closed down and now I can control myself and just order what I need online. So today, I’m going to show you my 3 favorite cuts so you can order them and become obsessed yourself!
The Jamie Jeans $70 – BEST skinny jeans EVER! They’re a bit stretchy so they hug you in all the right places & they’re super comfortable. They are also super versatile, you can dress them up with some heels or down with some sneakers. The quality on these is amazing! Well worth the price.
The Hayden Jeans $67- Cutest bf jeans! I’m only 5’2, so when the whole bf jean fad started I couldn’t find any jeans that fit me the right way, till I found these. They’re slightly cropped, so they hit me right above the ankle, and they’re a bit over sized but snug enough to not feel like you’re drowning in them. They are also on sale right now!
The Dad Jeans $75 – These ones are everythingggg, they are straight leg so you can tuck them into some boots for that LA look, you can wear some cute mules with them or even some dad sneakers! They’re also extremely comfortable and they’re mid rise so you can wear them with almost any top!
Happy V-day Friends! I hope you all have a day filled with love and happiness! I know there’s this negative stigma regarding V-day for a lot of people, but I’m here to tell you there shouldn’t be. Take advantage of this fake holiday and show the people you care about some love. I don’t know about you but gifts is definitely one of my love languages. I LOVE receiving and giving gifts, it doesn’t have to be an expensive gift but a thoughtful gift! And today I’m going to give you 5 unisex gift ideas to give your mom, dad, brother, sister, bff or significant other to show them you’ve thought of them today!
If you’re on instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen this book! everyone is reading it and there’s a reason why, it’s amazing! I’m not saying you’re going to be this rich billionaire right after you read it, but you will be a happier person. Author Jen Sincero gives you all these tips to see life in a different perspective, from practicing how to be more grateful, to ways to be more giving!
Hydro Flask water bottles are my favorite! It keeps your water cold for HOURS, so every time you go to get a drink it’s nice and refreshing! I also love the fact that they have different lids for your preference. My favorite one is the wide mouth straw lid.
Beats Solo3 are the best headphones! I’ve had mine for years and they still work amazing. they connect via bluetooth and they stay charged for up to 40 hours! and the sound quality is bomb!
“Alexa, play my playlist” “Alexa, What’s the weather like” “Alexa, how many tablespoons are in a quarter cup” I swear you can ask Alexa anything! I also love how chic the new designs are.
You can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of wine! You and your loved one can open the bottle, play some board games, maybe watch a good show and enjoy some wine and each others company. At the end of the day this is what this holiday is all about. Spending quality time with the ones you love!
Hello friends!! I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA. The holidays are here and its been a bit overwhelming, and honestly I’ve just been uninspired. uninspired to write, or dress up buuut you know what helps the holiday blues? SHOPPING! and you know what’s even better than shopping?Getting GREAT DEALS! I did a lot of black Friday online shopping, most stores had 30-50% off all purchases. I shopped at Macy’s, Adidas, Michael Kors, Lacoste and Nike, but most of my purchases from those stores are gifts to my loved ones so I won’t be writing about those. I did however buy myself a bunch of clothes at Forever 21, If you follow me on instagram I’m sure you saw the pieces already, but here I’m going to link the pieces that are still available if you’re interested in getting them. They currently have 20% off the site with an additional 50% off sale items AND they have 50% off everything in store!!
First is this gorgeous satin midi skirt, the material is so soft and it’s the perfect pink. This one was originally $15 and I got it for $8.
I’m always cold, so I’m always on the hunt for cute thick jackets and this is it! Not only is it fluffy and thick enough to keep me warm, but it’s also slightly cropped so it’s comfortable enough to wear while you’re at work and not feel like you’re drowning in your jacket, always a plus for us petite girls! The original price for this one was $55 and i got it for $26! Luckily for you if you want to get it it’s still on sale for $27!
I also got this super cute cardigan, it’s so soft and slightly over sized to keep you warm, comfy and stylish. Originally it’s $38 and I got it for $18!
This one is one of my favorite purchases, it’s so warm and so cute! the original price for this one was $35 but I got it for $21.
I actually got this one in black, unfortunately the black one is sold out but this cream color is gorgeous! I was a little disappointed in the material, it’s a little thinner than I expected but for this price I can’t really complain. Originally this runs around $42 but I got it for $25!
I literally LIVE in this sweater!it’s so warm and comfortable and a great conversation starter!! Every time I wear this out people start talking to me about the show! Originally this sweater is $25 but I got it for $15.
This hooded sweater dress is EVERYTHING, you could dress it up with some boots or dress it down with some sneakers. Every time I wear this dress I get so many compliments and questions about where I got it. Well it’s from Forever 21 & it’s available for 25% off! Original price is $20 and I got it for $12!
This corduroy skirt is so cute and it has freaking pockets!!! originally this one was $15 and I got it for $7.
This little fuzzy crop top is the perfect shade of pink and it’s so soft! originally $15 and I got it for $7
I was really excited for this striped sweater but I was a little disappointed with the material on this one, it’s super thin and it runs small. It’s not bad for the price but definitely size up if you’re looking for a looser fit. Originally $19 and I got it for $9
I LOVE this one!! it’s so cute and soft and the color is gorgeous! it also keeps me pretty warm which is always a plus. Originally it was $25 and I got it for $10!
I love me a good pleather jacket, it keeps me warm, stylish and I’m not wearing a dead cow which is always a plus in my book! I usually buy one every beginning of Fall to keep me warm all the way till the end of Spring. The one I bought this season is from Topshop. My coworker Jo told me about this great deal Nordstrom was having on this jacket and I had to get it. Originally it was a little over $100 and I got it for $51! Unfortunately, this one is sold out now but H&M carries a very similar one for about the same price (I have linked it in the picture below). Today I will be showing you 3 ways you can style your pleather jacket, but in reality the possibilities are endless!
THE SPORTY LOOK
Whenever I don’t feel like dressing up, I opt for a monochromatic sporty outfit & spice it up with my jacket. Usually it’s all black, or all gray. Those are honestly the only colors I can wear from head to toe comfortably. Here I wore a black band tee with some sporty leggings and some sneakers. If you’re going to wear leggings as pants, make sure they’re athletic apparel so they’re nice and thick and don’t show anything! They don’t have to be expensive! I got these from Forever 21 for $20!
THE GIRLY LOOK
Another plus is you can turn your favorite Summer outfit into a Fall outfit by just adding your jacket and some booties! I wore this skirt from Asos a million times this Summer, It’s so girly and comfortable I was not ready to retire it! I added a white button up tied at the front for a cropped look.
THE GIRLS NIGHT OUT LOOK
If you’re a “grandma” like me, you don’t own any clothes to go out in. Back when I was 21 my BFF and I used to go out every weekend! I had so many cute dresses and super high heels I don’t even know how I was able to walk and dance all night in them! Definitely not the case anymore. I NEED comfort! Here I went with the all black again, I added my faux leather jacket and thigh high boots to make my Blaire Waldorf inspired outfit a little sexier for a night out with the girls. Kind of channeling her that first night she hooked up with Chuck Bass. If you know, you know! and if you don’t know catch up before they remove GG from Netflix!
Hello friends! Todays blog isn’t fashion/beauty related but a lifestyle blog, MY lifestyle. When I started this blog I wanted to help inspire and empower all women with my fashion & beauty tips. I’ve always loved clothes, and how a good outfit can help you feel so much more confident. Helping women feel better about themselves has always made me feel good, which is why I decided to become a hairstylist! I LOVE giving someone a whole new do and just see how much better they feel about themselves.
The second reason, was to inspire women with similar struggles as I. I was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 13, and ever since it’s been a hell of a ride. In and out of hospitals, almost failed my sophomore year of high school, since I missed like half the school year when I got my transplant, (I graduated in time though, shoutout to my class of ’09!) and just when I thought life was “normal”, had my transplant for 12 years had managed to stay out of the hospital for the most part. Got a job at a great salon, got a dog and moved in with my boyfriend, my transplant fails. Yup, gone.
Now, I’m on peritoneal dialysis. Basically I hook up to a machine every night for 12 hours, that machine pumps sugar water through a catheter in my stomach and that liquid removes the toxins and fluids your kidneys usually would. I’m not going to lie, the first week I went back on dialysis, was really hard, emotionally. I couldn’t help but wonder why me? I mean, I knew it was going to happen eventually. Kidney transplants aren’t forever, but how can you honestly be ready to go through it all over again? It’s like God gives you 10 good years, then you feel shitty for 2 and then your 13th year you’re basically dead and need a machine to survive, and then it happens again. I’m hoping that my next transplant lasts longer just to break the 13 year cycle.
This isn’t a pity party post though, as much as it sounds like it. Because during that week I spent unhappy with me, my body and with God for what I was going through AGAIN! I realized I’m freaking alive!! Why am I unhappy? thank you God for creating such smart people that created this machine that not only gave me a second chance, but a third chance at life!! I’ve been given 28 years so far and I’d be lying if I’ve said I haven’t made the most of it. I’ve managed to travel (even on dialysis), I’ve spent my 28 years loving my awesome parents and my gigantic family, met so many great friends and my super supportive boyfriend.
It’s finally starting to feel like Autumn is here! I live in San Diego, so I really don’t get to enjoy seasons. Once it starts to cool down a bit though I’m so ready to bust out my chunky sweaters, boots and trench coats and pretend it’s actually cold outside. Fall 2019 is filled with such cute fashion! We have the puff sleeve sweaters, the plaid, all the lavender on the runway & we can’t forget about the itty bitty bags! Here are my top 5 closet staples you should grab to keep you stylish this season!
Leopard is EVERYWHERE this season, literally. You can’t go on instagram and not spot someone in leopard something. Especially midi leopard skirts! Midi skirts are so comfy and the leopard adds so much trendiness to your outfit. You can style it with a cute long sleeve like the picture above or a black, chunky sweater! (my fave!)
Sliiip into satin this season, There’s a satin something for everyone this Fall! Satin is a material that can be a little hard to dress down for every day use, so I recommend getting a cute pair of trousers and an oversized button up and tucking it in halfway for a more relaxed look.
Puff sleeves are all the craze this season, there’s puff sleeve blouses, sweaters and dresses! I love a comfy puff sleeve sweater with some skinny jeans & some strappy gold heels. You’ll be super stylish at any get together.
Invest in a long statement coat!This season you’ll find coats to be SUPER long. Which can be a struggle if you’re a petite woman like me (I’m only 5’2). Find a coat that you love, and get it altered so it fits right above your ankles. I love this trend because you’ll be comfortable, and warm wrapped up in your coat buuuut you’ll look super chic! Add some booties and your good to go!
Lastly, the teeny tiny bags!! you can wear a cute sweater, some ripped jeans and step up your outfit by adding one of these bad boys! Opt for a snake or croc print to really add some style.
If you’re not obsessed with dry shampoo yet, you’re about to be! Dry shampoo is one of those products that everyone needs to use. It’s fast, easy and has many benefits. As a hairdresser I never recommend that my guests wash their hair more than 3 times a week. Washing your hair often dries out your scalp, which leads to DRY HAIR! ugh!! You need those natural oils your scalp produces to keep your hair the healthiest it can be. Another benefit of grabbing the dry shampoo bottle instead of washing, is that the color that you paid hundreds of dollars in the salon for will last longer! Every time you wash your hair it strips the color leaving you with sad, dull strands. Dry shampoo is super easy to use, simply spray at your root and brush through. I always recommend to spray first thing when you’re getting ready in the morning, then do your make up, get dressed and then brush through and style your hair. Those extra moments will give the dry shampoo more time to soak up the oils before you brush! Here are my top 3 dry shampoo recommendations…
IGK First Class Charcoal dry shampoo is amazing! it soaks up all the oils and adds so much volume and texture to your hair! It has a strong scent when you first spray it but it doesn’t last long. The volume and clean hair lasts all day though! IGK carries 2 other dry shampoos, Direct Flight & Jet Lag for medium and light cleansing, but First Class is the best one in my opinion! You can get it at your local Sephora or online for about $27
My dearly Amika! Amika is formulated without talc or aluminum so there’s no yucky stuff being absorbed into your scalp. Because it’s talc free it doesn’t have that gritty feeling a lot of dry shampoos have, it does however still soak up excess oils and adds volume. The smell on this one is sooooo good!! I honestly wish they would make a fragrance of this because I could smell this forever! You can score this bad boy for about $25 at Sephora or online.
Lastly we have Batiste, Batiste is known for their dry shampoos. They have a ton of different scents and colors so theirs an option for everyone. The cool part about these having color in them, is that if you have grey you can spray this and it will cover it up till your next wash. They’re also the most affordable of the 3, so if you don’t want to spend too much you can try them out for about $9 at your local drugstore.
The Fashion Habits 