Create Your Own Morning Routine

After sharing a look into my morning routine, I thought I'd share 5 ideas/tips to create your own morning routine to feel your best and most productive! I love watching morning routine videos for inspiration, but it can be disheartening to feel like you can't accomplish it all-so my biggest tip is to DO YOU. Everyone's morning goals and responsibilities are different!

What's your favorite part about your morning routine?

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Spring Cleaning | Grove Haul

Not only do I love a good beauty haul, but a box full of cleaning products is also a welcomed package. I've been ordering from Grove for over a year and a half now and am loving the product selection, free, fast shipping, and gifts with purchase. I decided to try it out for the cute 5-piece set free and got hooked! Here is my referral code if you want to try it out!

Here is what I got in this haul, if you needed some products to add to your next shipment or if you are new to Grove and wanted to see what was available!

Mrs. Meyer's - Room Freshener (Mint)

Grove Collaborative - Sleep Essential Oil Blend (Sleep)

Grove Collaborative - Glass Spray Bottle with Silicone Sleeve (Slate Gray)

Grove Collaborative - Cleaning Concentrates, 3 Pack (Lavender & Thyme)

Paw Sense - Pet Stain and Odor Remover (Lemongrass)

Mrs. Meyer's - Dishwasher Tabs (20 ct) (Lemon Verbena)

Seedling by Grove - Tree-Free Paper Towels (2 Rolls)

Other favorite Grove Products:

Grove Collaborative All-Purpose Microfiber Cloth, Set of 2

Grove Collaborative Replaceable Head Dish Brush

Grove Collaborative Wool Dryer Balls, Set of 3

Do you have any cleaning product favorites?

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Sharing This Past Year...

Hi all! I am sharing five life events from the past 12 months-it's been a crazy year! I hope to get back to posting more in the future, of course about beauty routines & products!, but also about moving cities, graduate school tips, and kidney donation! If you are going through any of these events too, let's chat! Leave a comment or send me a DM :)

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FabFitFun Summer 2018

Hello Summer! Technically, not yet, but the weather sure is feeling like it! I'm ready for beach days and long nights with fun, food, & friends. This season's FabFitFun box is perfect for the occasion. It's also packed with beauty products, which as a beauty aficionado, is my cup of tea.

My beach towels were looking a bit scruffy, so I was stoked to pick out the Summer & Rose Beach Towel. I went with the minty palm print. It's a super soft microfiber material and HUGE! I can't wait to bring it to the beach. Or maybe just snuggle up with it as a blanket. This month's box also stocked me up on several large bottles of skincare. I am set with exfoliators-both a physical scrubby formula with Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator and a new chemical peel mask, Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel. I have tried the Vasanti product in previous sub boxes and love it! For my next pick, I chose Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel. I love using this after a yoga sesh. It has a peppery scent. A summer box wouldn't be complete with some SPF. I love Coola's formula and am excited to have fresh tube of  COOLA Face Sport SPF 50 White Tea Moisturizer for sun protection. For make-up, you couldn't go wrong with tarte! I received the tarte tarteist PRO glow highlight & contour palette. Really excited to play around with that, once I bring myself to take the first swipe. My marble, rose-gold obsession knows no bounds, so this Pier 1 Imports Marble Ring Dish is perfection. I have been using it for my make-up sponges. Finally, the wow-item of the box, FOREO LUNA fofo. I have been getting more into beauty gadgets lately, but with the cost point, it always seems like you have to really research before you make that investment. I have been seeing the Foreo devices around and am so happy to finally own one. The silicon bristles are gentle for cleansing the skin. It also has an app and sensors on the back to measure skin moisture-I'm not 100% sold on the accuracy of that, but it is fun to try out. 

I have really become sold on FabFitFun! I've recommended it to all my friends and got my mom a subscription for her birthday. I've only experienced great value and actually trendy products. If you want $10 off your first box, click my referral link here.

Do you subscribe to FabFitFun? What products did you get in this month's box?

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Brandless Haul

The brand that claims to not be a brand-I am not buying that, but I am buying quite the assortment of $3 products. Three dollars. Organic, non-GMO, all that for 3 bucks. I piled my virtual shopping cart high and have been eating away to share my thoughts!

What first got me curious, was the mention of $3 dollar organic maple syrup. You really can't beat real maple syrup. When I am not pouring it on pancakes, I use it to sweeten matcha lattes. But at the grocery store pricing of ten dollars it felt like a luxury. Their coconut oil is another highly mentioned product-so I grabbed that too.

Along with all the snacks-hummus chips, barbeque, Brandless Oreos, crackers, dried mango, granola. It's amazing to have a fully stocked pantry! I also decided to try the body care items and threw in a body wash and hand soap. One item (or three) that I wasn't expecting to add were these spoons. But again, three dollars each for some sexy spoons.

I've already placed my next order-I need more instant oatmeal packets for work, some granola, maybe try a muffin mix-let me know what your favourite Brandless products are!

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FabFitFun Spring 2018

I have gone through quite the range of subscription boxes over the years. I love checking the mail, and you got to have something fun in the midst of wrong addresses, spam, and junk. I have always been curious about FabFitFun (my referral link for $10 off!). All the boxes I had seen seemed to have a high value and good variety of products. I also like that it's a quarterly box, so I don't feel inundated by stuff.

I first became a subscriber for the Winter 2017 box. I thought it was an excellent way to get a few gifts for friends while keeping a few goodies for myself. My mom loved the skincare and eyeshadow palette, my sister the necklace, and I got to keep the poncho and socks.

This month, I may just be keeping everything-wait, I did share the Lip Masks with friends which was fun. Sharing is caring :] I am loving the eye mask, earrings, and candle. I have been trying to get better about foam rolling and this massage roller is super easy to use. The moisturizer and nail polish base coat are perfect staples. I am looking forward to some spring weather- brunchin' with the clutch and earrings for a killer spring combo.

Overall, I am super pleased again with this box. The items feel very curated to me and epitomize the spring vibes of the seasonal box. I love that it's basically instant self care in a box, making it the perfect gift for friends or yourself-or a bit of both!

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Books I Read This Month | January

Whenever I start reading a new book, I'll usually snap a pic on Instagram, but I rarely update when I'm finished. Just like I share beauty reviews, I thought I'd start sharing some book mini-reviews. That way you can have a better guess at what you should be reserving at the library or adding on to your Book of the Month-my favourite places to get books!

Never Let Me Go  

Kazuo Ishiguro

I watched the film adaptation of this years ago and had this on my to be read list for a while. I love the mix of a sci-fi backdrop, English countryside, and coming-of-age. Despite the dystopian underpinnings, the story is truly a tale of three friends navigating adolescence, love, loss, and mortality. The movie is a very accurate portrayal of the book, so you won't get anymore explanation of the world, but you do get more of the subtleties of the characters detailed. Recently, I've been seeing people sharing that they are reading What Remains of the Day despite it's original publication in 1989. I'm going to have to give that one a go!

The Essex Serpent 

Sarah Perry

A historical novel with complex characters and neighborly gossip of a mysterious serpent to connect them together. Definitely more about the relationships between the characters than any magic. A mix of narration and letters between friends, lovers, and navigating those stages in between. Despite the story mainly following Cora, a recent widow discovering her newfound freedom, her entourage of friends are given enough page time to really develop and the writing is excellent.

Winter 

Ali Smith

I read Ali Smith's Autumn, in well, Autumn. So I couldn't resist reading Winter this January. If you enjoyed Autumn, you will love this one as well. But don't expect a sequel. The characters are different but those same good intentions, missteps, mental imagery, and lay-people political discussions. The story is basically the fear everyone has before going to Thanksgiving dinner with extended family.

Pond 

Claire-Louise Bennett

You never know the character's name or why we are hearing her story. But this plot-less novel sucks you into the daily activities and musings of our lonely character, and you piece together a little the reason why she now lives in a cottage by a pond. The descriptions are detailed and her thoughts are charming in their bluntness.

The Wife Between Us 

Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

This was my Book of the Month pick for December and quite the opposite of my previous reads. A fast-paced thriller with a few good twists. I would describe it as a combo of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. You have a very genuine telling of the experience of someone in an isolating and abusive relationship that looks perfect from the outside and friends' initial warnings that something isn't what it seems. I appreciated that the twists weren't so outrageous (well, maybe the last, last one-sorry, no spoilers) and added to the moral of the story.

What did you read this January?

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Hello 2018!

We are a couple of weeks into the new year, and I am still thinking of my intentions. I am not necessarily of the "new year, new you" mentality, but I am all for self-reflection. Here are a few things I have been thinking about for 2018. I'm sure some new goals will get thrown in the mix and shared here in the weeks to come. Let me know your goals for 2018 in the comments!

Read

My goal for the past few years has been to read at least a book a month, so about 12 books a year. This past autumn, I have kicked my book love into overdrive and doubled my goal with 28 books read this year. Now, I'm going to strive for 36 books. We'll see if I can do it! 

Travel

In 2017, we took an amazing trip to South Africa. This year, I want to keep up our international travel as well as add a few stateside trips in as well. Currently thinking about a California road trip and another Asian adventure. I would also love to go on an Alaskan cruise.

Friends

One of the most difficult things in adulthood is making and maintaining friendships. You just don't have those built in places to connect and packed calendars further complicate things. I also admit that I am a terrible texter. I've come to terms that that probably won't change, but dear friends, I have a hoard of stationery and a love for brunch-let's hang out.  

Home

They may call it spring cleaning, but I think a lot of people agree that the new year brings a desire to reorganize and declutter. Embracing the less is more attitude, I need to give Marie Kondo a re-read and make a plan of attack on this apartment. I keep daydreaming about building a tiny house or renovating an Airstream, so even though I have a small apartment, I could simplify even more!

Mental

One of my goals this year is to sort out a grown-up version of a bedtime routine. I would love to have a relaxing ritual to end the day. Journaling, meditation, a little beauty self-care are all on offer. 

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Is the Blog Back?

No. At least, I can't make any promises. All I can say is I'm trying. I never started this to make a business or even for anyone to read. Not diminishing the full time bloggers out there. I just love my day job-it's my calling. Everyone should get to follow their passions. But even if my main focus wasn't this here piece of the internet, it was a meaningful project. I enjoyed spending hours (what ends up being many hours-as above, blogging is workkk) thinking of ideas, taking pictures, and fleshing out some semblance of a story-musings of something in my life.

Until I didn't. I'd think of an idea. I'd take the pictures. I'd even upload them, edit them. But I just stared at the blank electronic page. Unsure of what to say. Unsure of my voice. Did I have anything to say? Did it matter? My finally putting fingers to keys is not a statement of banished doubts. I could immediately get stuck back in that mindset tomorrow and never post again.

My time away from this forum also doesn't represent how I felt in other aspects of my life. Of course, there are days when I don't want to get out of bed or nights when I am restless, anxious, skin crawling and unproductive. But for the most part, I've been enjoying those things I love. But keeping the posts to a snap on Instagram. And maybe an emoji for a caption. It's hard to find the words sometimes, exhausting to find the words sometimes-so I just needed the pretty pictures.

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Video | Power Hour Clean with Me

My apartment needed a little pick me up. I loveee watching "clean with me" videos, so I thought I'd try making one.

Cleaning Supplies | 

I buy all my cleaning supplies from Target. I love Method brand and Mrs. Meyers.

Diffuser & EO | Muji

HelloFresh Referral Link 

Thanks for watching!

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Review | Onzie Flow Yoga

I had been in real need of some new yoga outfits. My current workout wardrobe was constantly being rotated in and out of the laundry. I had been following Onzie on Instagram, and a few yogis who seem to always be repping their stuff. I loved how many neutral colored yet bold designs they featured. They are high quality with a price tag that's way more affordable than brands like Lululemon. Think $50-60 dollars per item. Every so often they have a discount code which is when I ordered. You can also find their stuff on YogaOutlet.com which is where I ordered to get the Petunia print that was off season. I have also seen Onzie at Nordstrom Rack-the difficulty there is finding your size.

These photos are some real awkward timer shots, but I hope they give you a sense of the fit and movement of these pieces. I really can't wait to order some more. The fabrics are super luxe with edgy design details. They also passed the hot yoga test with regards to moisture wicking. I will say I prefer wearing the Ballerina capri in a non-heated, not so sweaty sesh as the fabric has a more cotton/sweatpant feel (despite not being cotton-they are just more cozy feeling). It showed a bit of sweat marks during class though instantly were dry after leaving the room. I also realized I prefer long pants for hot yoga, so I am not slipping when holding my shin or ankle (trikonasana). The high rise legging are perfect for that since they are long, skin tight, but super movable. They are so sleek, it's almost like water. The bra is full of details with the darting, high neckline with chest cut out, and X back. They have so many awesome strappy selections. And speaking of straps, I just love the lace ups on the side of the ballerina capri. I ordered an XS in the pants and a S/M in the bra.

Ballerina Capri in Stone

(I feel like I am in a Thinx ad...)

Open Heart Bra in Black 

High Rise Yoga Leggings in Petunia

(Both the fox & I are headless)

What are your favorite styles or prints from Onzie?

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Pantry Organization & Vitacost Staples

I've been in an organizing mood, going through everything I see. Unfortunately, my tiny NYC apartment doesn't allow for many options. Not only have I been trying to physically organize my space, but I have also been trying to organize my head space-pretty much just my life. Between commuting, early morning yoga sessions, long hours at work, and a (sometimes) active social life, I need to streamline the grocery shopping, meal preppin' process. Otherwise, it would be Thai take-out every night (though typing it out now, doesn't sound like a bad thing...)

So I thought I would share how I set up my tiny "pantry" aka the cabinet above the stove, and a few of my staples I order from Vitacost. Online ordering and quick shipping is so convenient and having a few of these staples lets me whip up meals with limited fresh ingredients. So I'm not tempted to sign on to GrubHub.

Superfoods | I love ordering superfoods from Vitacost. If I am watching a healthy YouTube channel and an ingredient piques my interest, I can compare different brands, think about sizes, and check prices. So much cheaper than going to Whole Foods, and it prevents you from impulse buying all the things. I'd much rather see the crazy bill in an online check-out window where I can then proceed to *remove from cart*. Some of my favouries: Goji Berries, Maca Powder, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Cocoa Powder. Also thinking about ordering some Spirulina next. 

Bulk | Quinoa, cashews (for vegan mac&cheese or protein energy balls), cous cous, oats are all items that routinely get added to the cart. Then, I can refill the jars. In addition to cashews, almonds, pine nuts, really any nut, you can order for a good deal and size. I have also ordered canned items (beans, coconut milk), though I can usually find these in my grocery store for roughly the same price. 

Bars | Great to have on hand, and a box usually lasts me a while. I love the Kind bars to keep in my bag or office for a quick snack. I also order Preston's Cliff bars, so he won't steal mine. He could eat a box of Kind bars in like 2 days, defeating the whole purpose of an individually wrapped bar. :) I also like to order the individually wrapped almond butter packets. Throw one of those and an apple or banana for a portable snack.

Spices & Oils | All those cooking ingredients that I really don't want to have to think about having to buy when I'm in the aisles of the grocery store. That is how we ended up with 4 jars of Paprika. My grocery store has a really good selection of various oils and spices, but if yours doesn't, Vitacost has your back. Avocado oil, nutritional yeast, pink salt, coconut oil are my staples. 

Non-pantry related, but vitamins and beauty products are also available. I can't help but sneak a new beauty item in with my orders. Vitacost also runs a lot of additional discounts and promos. I try to order when one is happening to maximize the savings. 

If you want to try Vitacost, here is my referral link that will get you $5 off (and me too).

 

What are your pantry essentials? 

And let me know if I should share other kitchen areas- thinking maybe the fridge next? Or teas & coffees?

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Birchbox Refresh + Reset Limited Edition Box

I am so behind on blogging! I just got back from South Africa, and I can't wait to share the photos. But before that I needed to catch up on my backlog of post ideas that I took the pictures for without quite making it to the writing. First up, I wanted to share Birchbox's Refresh + Reset box. It's been on the site awhile now, but who knows when it might sell out!

Box Breakdown

Eyeko Sport Waterproof Mascara 

HUM Nutrition Raw Beauty Green Superfood Powder - Mint Chocolate Chip Infusion 
ARROW REFRESH On-the-Go Cleansing Cloths 
Avène Thermal Spring Water
Living proof. Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
R+Co ANALOG Cleansing Foam Conditione
S'well 9 oz. Bottle in Amethyst Quartz

Pointe Studio Jett Grip Light Socks

I love when Birchbox does a bigger box with a theme. There is always a mix of beauty and lifestyle goodies at a great price point. Whether you want to sample everything yourself or give as a gift. I've been back on a fitness kick, so I was already digging the theme of this one. Additionally, I had already tried most of the products included and knew I loved them. You can't go wrong with a Swell bottle. You get most of the cost of the box back right there. I have accumulated a couple of Swells but just had to have this cute mini size.

I actually ended up bringing a lot of the beauty items with me on my trip since they were the perfect size. The Arrow Refresh Cloths and Avene Thermal Water were perfect for the long-haul flight (and after hiking and camping!) Dry shampoo is always a good thing, and the R+Co Conditioner is a fav. The Eyeko mascara gives your lashes amazing length and lasts all day while still keeping lashes fluttery. I mainly do hot yoga, so the socks won't be necessary, but they are great quality and would work well for some home practice. Maybe for practicing some up the wall inversions with the non-slip sole... Finally, the box also includes a few packets of Hum Raw Beauty in Mint Chocolate Chip. These packets are perfect for adding to a smoothie to make it taste like a milkshake. I blend it with almond milk, extra greens, and frozen banana and top it with some cocoa nibs. Yum.

Anyway, definitely check this one out. I feel like all the products are everyday essentials, even when not at the gym.  

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The Internet Made Me Do It

I used to post wishlists all the time, but since trying to be more responsible, I have learned to avoid shopping. If you don't know exists, you can't know you need it, right? Well, recently there have been some cool new brands that have been getting my attention-thanks Facebook. I thought I'd share a few things I have dying to try and which ones I have.

Glossier-I can't resist their cool girl, no make-up make-up looks, and simple packaging. So many of their products have a cult following. I ordered Boy Brow and Milky Jelly Cleanser. I will be posting a review soon. Plus, when you order they send you stickers. Awesome.

Bellabeat- I have always wanted a fitness tracker, but spending the money for an ugly band just didn't seem worth it-would I even wear it? The Leaf design by Bellabeat is tempting me. They are gorgeous-I am digging the Urban Rose Gold & Grey. I am this close to pressing the order button-if anyone has one let me know your thoughts!

Thinx- The NYC subways are covered with ads for Thinx. With how uncomfortable, inconvenient, and expensive having a period is I thought, "What do I have to lose by trying these out?" And now I recommend them to everyone. Their ad campaign might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you have a period, the product is, whether you use these solo or want a back up for another method.

Betabrand-At first, you see the Yoga Dress Pant Facebook ads and laugh a little. Then, you slowly start imagining yourself sitting at the office completely comfy while still looking presentable. At least that's the impression I had. I have to admit this winter, I have only been wearing jeans to the office, but when it gets a bit warmer and I feel a little more up to dressing up-but still being comfy-I am going to have to order a couple pairs.

What other start-up/internet brand has you intrigued? Have you tried any of these brands-leave your thoughts in the comments!

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Snaps from San Fran

I went to California in early December for a work trip, and of course, I had to take advantage of the chance to explore San Fran with my partner-in-crime. After the work week was over, Preston met up with me, and we hit the pavement. It felt like a quick weekend, but we covered quite a bit of ground. And though these pics are now a couple of months old, I couldn't help but share them.

The Castro

Oakland

Powell Street

The Mission

Chinatown

Inner Sunset

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz

Fishermans Warf

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