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.

#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!

poppin

I feel so lucky to be the first to try out some amazing new product, and I can't wait to share this one with you all! 

Introducing my favorite new lip gloss, Aqua Dynamic Lip Gloss by eos. 

You already know that I am a huge fan of eos products already, because of their transparency and devotion to delivering high quality products that are sustainably sourced and never tested on animals. 

What is so fun about this lip gloss, is that it is a color chameleon! This high-impact shine transforms to a unique luminescent pink based on your personal pH levels, making the color unique to you!! How cool is that? 

Not only is the color special and exciting, the ingredients are definitely worth bringing to your attention as well. The new Aqua collection was inspired by the sea, and utilizes its versatile and hydrating marine botanicals. The products were derived from sea kelp and Irish moss, among other nourishing butters and oils. 

Head to your local Target, or click this link to get yours asap!!! The perfect spring and summer addition to your beautiful lips! XO

turn that frown upside down

Yesterday was an emotional day, as I publicly revealed on my Instagram. Those days, those overwhelming, debilitating days, are (thankfully) far and few between for me nowadays. But every once in a while, because, yes, I am human too, they hit. And when they do, they tend to hit hard. 

I haven't had a day like this for about a year and a half. I'm pretty good at keeping my sh*t together, considering the amount of everyone else's "stuff" I endure on the regular. I am the mediator of my family. The peace keeper. I am the one that others usually come to to help resolve their own issues. I teach yoga, and meditation, and hold space for others to heal. I get dozens of messages every day from strangers on Instagram asking for serious advice to their very real problems. I try not to let social media define me, but again, I'm just inhabiting this human form (for now.)

Its usually an onslaught of things that causes the breakdown. Like, I'm Ok... I'm Ok... ok, I am not okay. Now I am on the floor crying in a puddle. 

You know that mindset like, "I KNOW I have so many things to be grateful for, but fuck everything and I hate myself?" That is basically what was on repeat for hours on end. 

So what can we do when we are mid puddle, snot not so elegantly pouring from our noses, face puffed, eyes red, and just an overall heaping mess? 

Hopefully that is not what you are experiencing, but that is most definitely the state that I was in yesterday. 

Here's what it took to get me to snap out of my tizzy. 

1. Good People: I have considered myself a lone wolf most of my life, marching along to the tune in my head, not too concerned with being a part of any group. I never felt like I truly fit in, and years later, aka like 2 months ago, I realized a deeply engrained limiting belief I had that I did not belong. It wasn't until that was cleared that I was able to truly attract an incredible group of humans that care for me. Not because of their own agenda, but like... because they care about me. Radical. 

These aforementioned good people can give you a loving slap in the face when you need one. Its important to reach out. Tell someone that you're in pain. That you're feeling lost. Or alone. Because we've ALL been there. Seriously. Everyone experiences the sharp teeth of life at some point, be it in all different forms, we are still here to support one another and help each other out in the low moments. 

2. Deep Breaths: When you're crying, ever notice the way that you're breathing? Or should I say, not breathing? More of a frantic gasping for air. Well this triggers your nervous system into thinking that you're being attacked, and it needs to release a chemical cocktail to amp up your adrenaline levels, so that you can either enter into battle, or high tail it out of there, even if you're alone in your room and in no actual danger. This is your fight or flight response, and its a high stress response in your body. SO when you notice yourself breathing quickly and its a shallow panting, then try to slow your breath down. Notice how paying attention to the way that you're breathing also connects you to the present moment, so that there is no room to worry about the future or replay the past. You are here. Breathe in. Breathe out. Ahh, doesn't that feel better already?

3. Rest: After a good cry, all I really want to do is curl up into a teensy ball and rest. Give yourself permission to rest. We are so overly stimulated at all times, and the notion that rest = laziness has unfairly been engrained in our society. How can we function if we are constantly moving, doing, planning, thinking, etc?! Slow down, my dear. Take a seat, close your eyes. Rest your head, and allow yourself to be still.

4. Movement: After I cried myself to sleep, and indulged in going to bed at 9:30pm, I woke up feeling like I was ready to shake off those blues. My girlfriends, aka the good people I keep around me, invited me to take a class, called "The Class." I was honestly so reluctant. I was still having a sadness hangover, and of course every possible challenge arouse when trying to get out of the house, and find parking, and not be late, and finally get there, tears welling in my eyes out of frustration and lingering anger. I took a deep breath and was greeted with a hug, and walked into the class. 5 minutes later (after doing squats for an entire song straight) I was out of my head and in my body. My heart was pumping and the music was loud, and that evil, nagging voice was no where to be heard. Needless to say, an hour later, I had flushed the woes out of my system, and I am happy to report, that after a little maintenance, and retuning, I am feeling much more like myself. 

We all fall down. We all get hurt. We all judge and criticize. Its our human nature to experience the full range of emotions. To evolve our souls we must over come the identity attached to these emotions. Just because you are feeling sad, does not mean you ARE sad. Give yourself permission to feel all the feels, and give yourself permission to let them go. 

You deserve to be happy. I'm not saying you need to be jumping for joy 24/7, thats just unrealistic! But find some tools and tips and tricks that can help make those uncomfortable moments shorter and less debilitating. 

I love you so so much.

Wall paper

Back by popular demand!

I've made 10 new wallpapers for you beautiful angels. Use as your lock screen, home screen or both! 

I want to see which one you choose. It would mean the world to me if you left a comment below with which background is your favorite. Make sure to tag me in your photos on the gram so I can check you out!! 

Let me know if you have any special requests for images or affirmations!! 

Nice 'n Easy

Last week I announced that I was part of Clairol’s empowering film emphasizing confidence and fearlessness (see my blog post here). I also got to try out and relaunch their iconic hair dye, NEW Nice 'n Easy. I’ve posted some IG stories about it but wanted to give you all the details.

Last winter I thought it would be a good idea to go blonde, however, the bleach and I seemed to have different plans. It turned out to be a mess, and I had no clue how to fix it, where to go or who to trust! This led me to wearing my hair (hiding my hair) in a bun, pretty much every day since then. 

I was aching for a solution! And I am SO happy I found this easy-to-use product at my favorite store - Target. It takes just a few simple steps, and while I have never tried any drug store brand products, I was so pleased with every step and aspect of the NEW Nice 'n Easy product. 

It was user friendly, and this is coming from a total novice, so if I can do it, you bet your sweet buns you can too. It smells delicious, not like icky chemicals, but more like fragrant lilies. The cream is thick and non-drip, feeling so luxurious. And the results were undeniable! The color that I used (plus so many other options to choose from) can be found at Target. My color is called 7G, Dark Golden Blonde. Just a little insider tip, Nice 'n Easy shade numbering goes from large number (lightest shade) to small number (darkest shade).  I want to hear what color you chose! I want to hear what color you choose!

My hair was fried!! Dry and frizzy ends... no bueno. My locks and I were craving some serious nourishment and thanks to Clairol's unique damage-blocking technology + conditioning in every step, my tresses and I couldn't have been happier with the smooth and shiny results. 

Since color correcting my hair, I have felt empowered to let it down and let myself be seen! Its amazing how a good hair day can make you feel fearless! 

This wonderful at home hair product is now available at your local Target! I highly recommend it and can't wait to hear about and see your results! 

Use the hashtag #ColorFearlessly to share your hair color stories! 

Color of Confidence: A Story About Fearlessness

Sponsored by Clairol. All opinions expressed are my own.

As you guys know, I was lucky enough to partner with Clairol last month, participating in an empowering campaign to try out and relaunch their iconic hair dye, NEW Nice 'n Easy. As part of my partnership, I took part in the brand’s new film to kick off their #ColorFearlessly movement. The film was inspired by and features REAL women, who participated in research to understand how hair color affects confidence. 100 women from the U.S., U.K. and Canada, took part, including me! 

The survey proved that hair color can give women a boost in confidence, and help them take risks and live more fearlessly! Keep reading to hear some amazing findings from the survey!

Now that it’s here, I’m so excited to share the film and story with you all.

This was the largest production that I've ever been a part of, and Clairol and the entire production team (and hair and makeup and wardrobe and craft services) were all so kind, attentive and made me feel SO special! 

Even though we were all there to launch the newly innovated Nice ‘n Easy Color Care, (my hair was dyed shade 7G, and I am obsessed!) the message has so much more depth to it, a meaningful purpose. It is about celebrating women's fearlessness, which was empowering. They fostered our connection to each other and me and the other women on set had a great experience. It felt so nice to be around so many people truly celebrating each other’s victories, no matter how tiny or grand. 

It’s no surprise that beautiful hair can help boost a woman’s confidence. The breakthrough with the NEW Nice ‘n Easy is that women can now color fearlessly at home, taking control of their color. This is especially important to me because of the bleach accident I had with my hair last winter. It was a mess! I’ll share more about that in my next Clairol blog, but thankfully the NEW Nice ’n Easy features damage-blocking technology±*, which was a lifesaver for my locks.

Clairol has addressed the fears of at-home color (the smell, the damage, the mess) so that women can unlock their confidence with healthier-looking hair.  

Click here to see more reactions to coloring fearlessly and head to Clairol.com to learn from Clairol color experts how you can find the color that boosts your confidence.

*±Reduces damage compared to CLAIROL permanent hair color without Copper Blocker Technology (EDDS)