SUPPORTING ETHICAL BRANDS

All of a sudden I have become radically aware of my need to support people who are making a positive difference in our world.

It is one thing to want to help, but it is another to take action, practice full transparency, and positively contribute to the Environmental Justice Foundation. Well, this is what Hara the Label is doing, and I am so excited to share it with you!

I fell in love with Hara’s casual and body positive aesthetic on Instagram. To my visually driven perspective, I was instantly captured. And then I started to learn more about their mission, how they are consciously creating with a bigger picture in mind, and I fell even more in love.

& THEN I received some pieces and fell even MORE in love, if that is even possible at this point.

The fabric is so soft and luxurious and feels absolutely amazing on your skin. The color palette is comprised of the most pleasing hues made of turmeric and indigo and other natural dyes.

I couldn’t speak more highly of Hara.

I am wearing the Ami Bandeau & Frankie Flares in Powder Blue

& the Stella Bra & Eva G-string in Pink.

SHOP ALL HERE

LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR FAVORITE ETHICAL BRAND. xx

WEEKLY #2

This has been a fun week! Holidays are approaching quickly and that means lots of social gatherings.

Recently I’ve been much more open about my cannabis usage, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed! The cannabis industry is booming, and there are some amazing companies emerging.

Like… Lowell Herb Co. I’m obsessed with their branding and pre-rolled joints! Have a looksie here.

I also got to spend the evening with Kiva Confections making my own holiday inspired edibles!

Their chocolates are delicious, and they have some wonderful flavors, like espresso and peppermint - yum!

Had some matcha with my friend Hilary, who is actually also in the cannabis industry… we are working on some exciting things for 2019!

I have been participating in a 30 day self love challenge with Pause Float Studio, Studio MDR, Yoga Wake Up and Knockout LA as well!

Finished a drawing! its 18x24” on recycled paper. Its called “FOCUS/EXPANSION” Available for purchase!

I love Mood Beli! Their packaging is also compostable! Shop here.

Finished the week with the family!! Eating well is what we do best.

So many exciting projects are in the works!!

and only 2 spots left on our January Joshua Tree retreat, so book now!!

WEEKLY #1

I’m trying to get better at consistency. Its not about doing all the things all the time, but committing to a few regular practices.

For me, writing and sharing in a visual way is therapeutic.

It gets the words out of my head.

It’s also a great way for me to reflect on whats been going on & gain more clarity on how I want to move forward.

So here we go.

WEEKLY #1

Went to a Swap Meet.

Should have bought this belt.

Hung out with Tiny, the giraffe.

Also made friends with this Lemur. Very important.

Did a cleanse with OWL Venice. It was hemp milkshakes and bone broths. It was hard. I didn’t do it perfectly. I don’t think you’re supposed to drink wine on a cleanse. But sometimes you just gotta.

My sister came home from traveling Europe and Israel for the last two months. Thank goodness!

We spent all our money at Gjusta. Actually all my money because I pay for her every time we’re together. That’s what big sisters do right?

Bought myself some weird flowers, because #singleAF. err I mean #selflove.

OH YEAH AND I CUT 8 INCHES OF MY HAIR OFF, DAS RIGHT!!

Burning Man

It feels so good to come back to these photos and be able to share such a wonderful, almost unexplainable experience with you all.

BURNING MAN.

You hear people say that it’s impossible to explain what it is really like until you experience it for yourself. Its pretty true. But I’ll do my best to share just why that is.

BURNING MAN IS PURE CREATIVE FREEDOM AND EXPRESSION.

You can show up as any version of yourself and be accepted for exactly who you are without any kind of expectation.

T H E B O Y S

Lucky for me, I got to experience this burn with my partner in crime, Caley Alyssa.

We went from futuristic aliens to The Space Spice Girls to the Sin Twins.

S I N T W I N S

One of my favorite parts of Burning Man is actually how integral of a part it is to my family. My dad has been coming to BM for the last 9 years in a row! My Aunt and Uncle celebrated their 19th burn this year. It is a part of who we are.

HUGGING is my actual favorite part of Burning Man. Pure connection. Love. To hug just for the sake of hugging and sharing a moment and offering your love. Its so beautiful.

I can definitely say that this was the first yoga class I ever taught wearing pasties, a bikini bottom, and pink socks. I think it went swimmingly.

)’(

Keeping this one short, sweet, and simple. I urge you to experience the pure magic and inspiration that is the burn for yourself.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below.

xx

CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE

One of the most common questions I get is, "How did you get to where you are now?"

There is no silver bullet to becoming a successful creative entrepreneur. There is no set of distinct instructions on how to become a "social media influencer." There is no rule book on how to be a free lance photographer. (or if there is, I haven't read it.) 

While everyone is going to experience their own unique journey, through the lens of their perception, encounters and beliefs, there are a few things I can impart with you.

3 TIPS ON CREATING YOUR DREAM CAREER

1. FORGET ABOUT "WHAT IS" - The career or lifestyle you imagine for yourself is probably something other than normal, especially if you're reading this. When I started down the path of a career, I didn't know who's footsteps to follow, because no one I knew was doing what I wanted to do. There was no job title for me yet, because I had not created it yet. So I beg of you, PLEASE, stop focusing on what already exists, and stop believing that the 'reality' you see around you is all there is. Focus on the END RESULT. What kind of tasks do you want to be doing? What kind of setting do you see yourself working in? In an office? Remotely? Alone? With others? Conjure up the details and forget about the now. Place yourself in a dream state of your perfect workplace, and feel everything until it becomes your reality. 

2. NO ONE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU - T A K E  A C T I O N. Take inspired action. Now that you've taken some time to visualize what life could be like in this dream career, start to pay attention to the ideas that come forth before, during, and after. Start to write down 5-10 ideas a day, and take action on the ones that make you feel extra giddy. Dont worry about starting a new business all at once. You can just start off with buying the domain for a bomb ass name. Or envisioning the color scheme of your business cards or website. Reach out to people. Cold call. Emails. Contacts. Friends of friends. Use what you have around you NOW. Stop waiting for the conditions to be just right, and MAKE the conditions just right. DO IT NOW. 

3. ENJOY THE PROCESS - Life is not about getting to some definite end point. The journey is the destination. All the baby steps, the learning, the growing, the failing, the falling. It is all magical and perfect in and of itself. Let go of some of the pressure you might be putting on yourself to have it all together all the time. Its ok. We're humans! We are just doing our best. Learn how to laugh at yourself, and learn from your set backs. Keep moving forward, and trust the timing of how everything unfolds. There is something to gain from every moment of every day, as long as you are open and present. Enjoy yourself, loves. You got this. 

Time for a touch up

As you lovelies know, about 6 months ago I had the pleasure of having my hair colored (fixed!!) by the masters at the Clairol salon in New York using their new Clairol Nice ‘n Easy, which contains damage blocking technology* and ME+, an allergy gentle formula**. However, since I live in LA, and wanted a little summer lightening before my trip to Hawaii and Mexico, I decided to take matters into my own hands!

I am by no means an expert when it comes to coloring my own hair, so I wanted to share how easy and achievable at-home coloring is with Clairol Nice ‘n Easy. You might have read about my bleach accident in an earlier post, but thankfully, Clairol's unique damage-blocking technology +* and conditioning in every step has been just what I need. Coloring your hair at home can be intimidating, but in just a few steps, you can turn your home into a salon experience! I use the shade 7G, Dark Golden Blonde to touch up my ombre ends.

As you can see, I artfully laid out the contents of the box... but wait, theres one more item!

I must say, these gloves make me feel VERY official. 

Let’s get started shall we?! First (with the gloves on), open tube #1 (Color Crème) and squeeze it into bottle #2 (Color Activator). 

Next, shake bottle #2 until the color mixture is fully blended.

Now that the color is ready, and YES, it is that simple, its time to take it to the locks!

Lastly, rinse with shampoo and use the CC+ ColorSeal conditioner! You can use the leftover ColorSeal conditioner once a week following your treatment. 

The results... lovely sun kissed locks that are beach-ready! The process was so easy and now I'm ready for vacation! I'll let the sun do the rest!

Just like the box says: Nice AND easy! Again – what I love most about this product (aside from the ease of use), is that it conditions at every step in the coloring process—not just at the end—so hair continuously feels smooth and healthy.

This blog is sponsored by Clairol. All opinions are my own. 

*+Reduces damage compared to our permanent hair color without EDDS

** ME+ is a revolutionary hair dye molecule that better protects people without hair dye allergy by reducing the chance of developing one.  If you have a known hair dye allergy, do not use this product unless approved by your dermatologist. Severe reactions may still occur.

MAUI WOWIE

Its been about a week since I've been in Maui, and a week that I've been here in Tulum. Not a bad way to start off summer! 

I spent so much time in my life visualizing myself traveling to tropical destinations, laying lazily in the sand, soaking up the sun, grazing my hand against oversized leaves and looking up at puffy clouds in the sky. But it wasn't until I started believing that I deserved to live this life that I dreamed of that I actually found myself doing just that. 

I hadn't been to Hawaii for almost 10 years, or on a family vacation for about that long either. Growing up, my family used to go to Hawaii, more specifically, Maui, every summer. Its amazing how many memories can flood back into the forefront of your mind when you go back to a once familiar place, isn't it?

Upon arriving, while eating mahimahi tacos, looking out into the ocean, I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. It was like I couldnt finish my meal quickly enough, and I had to get going so I could check my emails or didn't I have a meeting I needed to go to? I was in a bit of a frenzy with out a schedule, feeling like I wasn't being productive, or like I was somehow wasting time (don't even get my started on the reality of time!). Its funny how engrained in our society it is to associate busyness with success. 

Like, hello!!! Success is sitting and eating lunch with my family, in Hawaii, overlooking the ocean. Duh! 

All it takes is a little awareness and a shift in one's perspective to truly turn any situation or circumstance into one of appreciation, growth and accomplishment. 

After a day or so, it became second nature to release my to-do's and read and write and walk down the beach instead of getting caught up in the whirlwind... you know the one. 

I read an entire book that week! I haven't done that in ages!! I had the space to nearly complete my 1 Giant Mind teacher training! (woo!!) I worked out every morning, and got my family incredibly hooked on the bulletproof coffee that I made. Here are the ingredients:

- Coffee 

- Ghee, 1 heaping tablespoon

- Coconut Oil, 1 heaping tablespoon

- Vital Proteins Collagen Powder

- Four Sigmatic Cordycepts (I usually throw in a ton of their products, but this is the only one I brought with me to Hawaii! I love their coffee, and reishi and hot cocoa too! They also have Match if you don't drink coffee!!)

- Moon Juice Beauty Dust

- Vanilla, a dash

- Cinnamon, to taste 

- Almond Milk (or whatever is your fave), a splash

Blend & enjoy!! 

Besides relaxing, getting some work done, and walking through the village, I also taught a workshop at the Maui Yoga Shala. However, I was honestly so in the moment I didn't even take ANY photos!! It was so fun to meet some of my hawaiin babes in person, and to share my favorite thing in the world - juicy yoga and deep meditation!  

We dressed up, took photos, ate hula pie, and drank hibiscus margaritas. It was pretty perfect. Here are some more photos with links to these cute outfits!! xoxo

TOP // SHORTS

The mustard set is from Tobi.com and the dress on the right is a super old Free People linen sundress. The jewelry is from By Chari! 

in love with this shirt I got from Amazon! Less than $20!! 

Bathing suit is from Spiritual Gangster! 

My beautiful bestie, Laina! She is an incredible and talented life coach and I highly recommend you check her out. CHECK IT!

Also, hiiiiii, obsessed with these PANTS!! TOP is so cute, ribbed, and super comfy. (always) I wear it as a sports bra/ bikini top/ out and about. 

Stay tuned for my Tulum post!

Also, if you ever have any requests for blog content, always feel free to message or email me! 

Sending lots and lots and LOTS of love! Mahalo!!

#Revolvearoundtheworld

As you lovelies know, I don't usually do many outfit posts (should I do more?!). However, seeing as I attended such a fashion blogger-y event and was decked out in some super fun pieces, I thought it was only appropriate to share. In fact, it would be kind of rude if I didn't. 

I've been watching Revolve through fabulous events all over the world, and to be honest, I was over the moon when I got invited to their Los Angeles events. I always knew it wasn't a matter of if, but more of a when. 

I got to go to their HQ on Melrose and stock up on outfits to wear to the events! 

Here are some pieces that I tried on, but sadly, didn't make it home with me: 

This adorable one piece by Tularosa. Just click the photo to shop this bathing suit!

Tularosa One Piece! This little number is so cute and sassy. I'm in love with the pom poms!!

Ok so this bikini looked like a straight up mesh bedazzled diaper on the hanger, but I had to try it on, and I kind of fell in love. The top was not functional at all, or maybe I couldnt figure out how to put it on right, but who needs that kind of hassle anyways, right?! Heres the link for the bottoms! 

I'm still regretting not taking this top with me. Dammit! But maybe one of you will purchase it and enjoy it for me. Click here! Ps, YES, it is super cute and comfy and I can think of 101 different ways to style it... with shorts, a little skirt, over a dress... ahhh.... 

The first event was a hike at Runyon Canyon, in Hollywood. I will be honest with you, as I always am, it wasn't really much of a hike. More like a lot of cute girls walking around and taking photos. I kind of figured it would be something along those lines. Now I am still working on my angles and learning how to strike a pose, but dayum, those girls had it down.

Luckily I was there with two of my favorite girls, Bianca & Caitlin, making me feel like I didn't have to be a super instagram model to capture some worthy moments! 

We are all wearing Love Wave Active. Actually, my top is from Kendall and Kylie swim! I like to mix things up, you know me! 

LINKS: (left to right) Grey Leggings, White Leggings, White Sports Bra, my Red Leggings, my top! 

After the 'hike' and a little freshening up, we headed to Hollywood Hills for a lavish pool party! My bestie, Angelique joined us for the fun. 

I will say, that although I'm not really in the scene, I did absolutely adore and appreciate all of the art instillations and photo set ups that were spread all around the house. 

My favorite were these gorgeous balloons! 

The tub was filled with bubble balls, and the shower looked like a tropical rainforest. (didn't get a pic, there was literally a line of girls waiting to get their shot and I headed straight for the pizza, lets be real.) 

LINKS: 

Green swimsuit top (one of my new favorites!!), Striped Crop Top, Skirt!

There was the cutest corvette out front with colorful flowers spilling out around it. 

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience! The weather was perfect, and the people watching was the best part. Oh and the pizza was absolutely delicious. I ate 6 slices and that is NOT an exaggeration. 

AQUA

Work smarter, not harder. That's been my mantra for years. I'm always looking for ways to improve and achieve maximum results with the most efficiency. As someone who is also trying (emphasis on trying) to be a minimalist, I also get very excited when products have multiple uses. So you can imagine my joy when I discovered EOS Aqua Hydrating Skin Prep. This little beauty works triple duty as a toner, serum, and moisturizer all in one. Woo! 

I absolutely love the texture. It goes on like a thick cream and instantly transforms to a soft, watery texture to lock in hydration. 

With Spring in full effect, its the perfect time to declutter your beauty routine. Save time with this skin prep inspired by and derived from the sea- with ingredients like moisturizing and nutrient-rich seaweeds, including Irish moss and sea kelp - these products will bring forth a change you can actually “see.” 

Use Hydrating Skin Prep as the ultimate skin primer to keep your skin glowing and fresh under your makeup. 

This skin savior is only available online, so click here to get yours right now!

Bi-coastal and self-sufficient

I love the power of the mind. I set my intention to be bicoastal this year, and manifested 3 trips to the East Coast in the first 3 months of the year. I'm telling you, get clear on what you want, believe that its yours, and then leave room for the Universe to work its wonderful magic. 

Those 3 trips have been some of the most transformative and reaffirming trips I've ever taken. All three were work related, the first was the 1 Giant Mind meditation teacher training, the 2nd one I was in 2 separate shoots with 2 big brands, and the third was with Clairol for my first ever meet and greet. 

They provided me with the space to look at my life from a new perspective. To evaluate my habits, the unconscious ones especially, to look at who I am and what I am doing in comparison to who I want to be, and what I want my life to look like. 

It is easy to get stuck in patterns and loops because they have become habitual. Habits are formed to make our lives easier, unless they are detrimental and keep you stuck where you are instead of propelling you to where you want to be! If you're ever feeling stuck, find a way to take a few days to yourself, away from the norms of your schedule and life, to reassess the actions you take on a daily basis. Its easier to get a clear view when you're a little farther away. 

Anyways, I wanted to share this post for a few reasons: 

1. To share some of the photos I took on my most recent trip to NY (I have so many unshared photos, I have to start getting more organized about getting them out into the world!)

& 2. To share the tools I use to take my own photos on the road. 

I have had to learn how to be self sufficient, mostly because I don't like relying on other people to make my visions a reality. I believe that I am capable of bringing those visions to life. And I spend a lot of time on my own, and do not have a personal photographer, but do like to capture the moment. 

Here are the tools I use to capture my photos

1. TRIPOD:

This is the tripod that I use. Its super basic, very lightweight and definitely gets the job done!! 

2. TRIPOD FOR IPHONE: 

When I don't feel like setting up my camera, I just throw my phone on a tripod, put the video on selfie mode and then screen grab from the videos when I'm done!

3. WIRELESS REMOTE: 

This is my secret for capturing all my images myself. Literally all you do is plug one of the pieces into the camera and then program them to be on the same channel, press the button and go! I usually just dance around the camera, taking hundreds of photos until I think I've captured my vision.

CHEAPER OPTION:

4. THE EXACT CAMERA I USE aka Sony a5100: 

There are a few newer versions of this camera now, but this is the one I use. I love that it has wi-fi and I can easily transfer the images to my phone right away. Also comes in white, and is less than $500!!! 

5. MY FAVORITE LENS FOR BLURRY BACKGROUND aka an f1.8 lens: 

This lens is easily my go to. Less than $300, it is such a steal for gorgeous photos. 

6. THE LENS I USED TO TAKE THESE PHOTOS:  

This lens is a bit more expensive, but has incredible quality and more range when capturing images! I use this one for close quarters as the lens above is a crop sensor, which means its super zoomed in!

I can't wait to see the photos that you create!! Hope this was helpful, my sweet loves!