Today we're ditching beauty and fashion trends and heading to the kitchen to talk about the one thing that's always on muh mind... FOOD! It's one of my favorite things to think about but my least favorite things to prepare, lol. I hope I'm not alone in saying this, but man it's a struggle for me to manage eating gluten free/healthy/regularly along with working out, working full time, blogging, and somehow managing a social life. #adulting Can I get an amen?! The other day I found myself completely overwhelmed with trying to manage ALLLLL the things, but had to remind myself to take a step back and just focus on one thing at a time. So here we are! Baby steps! So my first effort is to pack SOMETHING for lunch everyday! Something that is gluten free and healthier than a burger and fries (shouldn't be too hard lol). Now let me warn you... if you're looking for gourmet meal prep ideas, you might want to exit this blog post now! I'm not much of a cook, and I hate most leftovers so what I'm sharing with y'all today are easy snacks for lunch that you can make in minutes, enjoy through the week, and are super budget friendly! I like to make them sound fancy by calling them "bento box" lunches! If you're a snacker like me, I think you'll really enjoy these! BREAKFAST SMOOTHIEThis is probably the easiest part of my prepping! I love a morning smoothie and it's a great way to get your fruits in for the day! I recently purchased a little single serve blender and it really does the job. Makes the cleanup super easy because you can literally use the blender as your cup to drink out of (you're welcome). I don't really measure anything out, just kind of eyeball it, and you can always add to it if needed. I just use ziplock baggies and include: blueberries, strawberries, and 1 full banana (remove the peel and I like to cut into about 5 pieces so it's easier to blend). Pop these in the freezer and whenever you're ready to make your smoothie just pour this entire bag of frozen fruit into the blender and then I add about 2 Tablespoons of honey greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of whatever liquid you prefer (I usually use almond milk but you can use water, juice, anything!), and then sometimes a handful of fresh spinach. Blend until it's smooth and DONE!!!! If you want to get real fancy with it you can make a smoothie bowl. Once you make your smoothie, pour it into a bowl and top it with your favorite chopped fruit, granola, and honey. SO DANG GOOD! I like to keep fruit already chopped up in baggies to make for an easy snack so you can just use that to top your smoothie bowl! BENTO BOX LUNCHThese little lunches are easy to get creative with! I basically just think about my favorite things to snack on and put them all in one box 😆 Like I said before- I hate most leftovers, so the whole chicken breast, sweet potato, green beans meal is NOT for me, lol. For my main snack here are a few ideas I like: Wraps (See my faves listed below) Sandwiches (on GF bread always) GF Pasta Salad (you can get so creative with this) Chicken Salad (Use plain greek yogurt in sub of mayo) Quinoa Medley (quinoa, arugula, katamala olives, feta, chicken) My fave is usually a wrap of some sort. Here are a few ideas: 1. Chicken salad wrap: chicken salad and a little lettuce wrapped up in a GF tortilla 2. Turkey wrap: turkey, provolone cheese, dijon mustard and spinach in a GF tortilla 3. Mediterranean wrap: hummus, cucumber, chicken, feta in a GF tortilla Here are some snacks I like to pair with my wrap: Cashews Blueberries Apples with peanut butter Cherry tomatoes Grapes Cheese/Crackers Sweet Potato chips & guac Avocado, crackers, everything but the bagel seasoning (from Trader Joe's) Sugar snap peas w/ light ranch These are so quick and easy to make that it makes "meal prep" a little less daunting of a task! I usually don't prep for the week- sometimes I prep it the night before, or every other night. Easy, quick, budget friendly, and pretty darn tasty- that's a win in my book! :)
I hope you guys enjoyed this post! Until next time!
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Mexico is one of my favorite vacation spots for many reasons! Short/inexpensive travel, beautiful views, and then for the most obvious reasons: tequila anddddd also tequila! But truly it was such a wonderful vacation so spilling the tea below!
TRAVEL
One of the best parts of vacationing in Mexico in my opinion is that the flights are always pretty inexpensive and it's only about 2.5 hours to get there! We flew through Spirit Airlines just because they had the best prices and best travel times available, but there are always lots of flight options. But lemme tell ya- if you plan on lookin' cute when you get there, you better pack your hair brush and some anti-humidity spray because DANG IT'S HUMID! But for real tho (peep my frizzy hair below, lol).
LODGING
My family has been to THIS RESORT for several years now and we all love it. I really don't know a good way to explain it because it's unlike any other resort I've ever stayed at, but it's basically like a compound. It's one big property with several resorts within it. The ones we have stayed at within the property are the Grand Mayan, The Grand Bliss, and The Grand Luxe. They are all absolutely fabulous.
When you get to the Vidanta, you drive into this gated property and there really is no reason to ever leave until you're ready to go home (imagine a Jurassic park vibe, lol). The cool part is you have access to all the pools on the property, the beach, tons of restaurants, shows, and a little store with basic groceries and necessities. They have golf carts that shuttle you around the property but this place is so huge that you still have to do lots of walking! You can literally go to a different pool everyday, it's so great! We usually stay for a full week and by the end of it still feel like we didn't do/see everything! Also have to add how insanely beautiful this entire property is! Everywhere you look is seriously stunning! Staff is also super friendly and attentive, and food is SO GOOD! They have happy hour everyday at the pools for 2 hours and all drinks are BOGO free (yesssss to all the margs)! Can't say enough great things about this resort. ENTERTAINMENT
Obviously the website tells you all about their activities on the property, but thought I would just round up a few of my faves! They just built on a new area to the resort called called Salum, and the new pool attached called The Beach Club. The middle and right photos above are from this area. It is so INSANELY stunning! This is where we hung out most nights- you can have dinner and watch a dance/show at the same time. Most nights they have little themed parties that are fun to watch! And once you've had just enough tequila you can join in on the dancing lol!
They also have Cirque du Soleil shows on property (I've never been but my brothers went and said it was a fun experience), a water park called Jungalla for the family, dance parties, movies on the beach, and lots more! During the day each pool has a different vibe so you can rent out a cabana and relax at one of the quieter pools or hit up the party pools where they host mid-day dance parties, volleyball and other activities. If you're looking to workout while there, there is a very nice gym with a cafe that serves healthy salads, juices, and smoothies. Oh and it overlooks the pools/beach! Literally something for everyone. I will also include that this is NOT an all inclusive resort but I kind of like that because I will never eat/drink that much! OUTFITS
All outfits I wore on the trip are linked below! Under each outfit click on the linked products to shop!
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I couldn't link this swimsuit through the LTKit app, but here it is: Bottoms & Top
Wearing an XS in both top and bottoms.
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This exact dress is actually from Zara but I've linked lots of similar ones below!
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This romper is also from Zara but I've linked a similar one below!
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Ohhhh New York! One of my favorite cities! So I've been to NYC a few times before, but both times have been super rushed, so this was my first time to actually go to a few places I had been dying to go to. AND I got to spend my birthday in NYC which has always been on my bucket list! So here's where I went on my trip, what I thought, and a few places I have on my list for next time!
TRAVEL
I opted to dress super comfy and casual for my flight there and back! From Dallas to NYC it's about a 3 hour flight- which is just long enough to justify wearing sweatpants ? I also had to wear the two flat brim hats because I couldn't fit them in my suitcase (literally had to sit on it to close it in the airport lol) so that meant they went in my carry-on!
THINGS TO DO
THE VESSEL
This is a new architectural exhibit in Hudson Yards, and it is SO cool! There isn't anything in it, it's just a really cool open-air building that you can go in and take super cool pics. It's definitely worth seeing! You have to get tickets (they're free), so be sure to plan ahead. When we went, it was raining a little outside so there was no wait to get our tickets, but as the rain stopped there was quite a long wait. I think they do tickets just to make sure there aren't too many people inside at once so everyone can have an enjoyable experience and get good pics. But be prepared to walk some stairs! My legs were jello after going up to the top ?
THE SHOPS AT HUDSON YARD
So this is RIGHT next to The Vessel! If you do one, you have to do the other ;) This is basically the brand new mall in New York and it is EPIC! Seriously so gorgeous, and just about every store you can imagine, plus awesome restaurants, and any designer you might want to shop from (I wanted to live in the Fendi store- so dreamy)! Anyways, you could easily spend all day in this mall so if you want to shop indoors, this is the place for you!
5TH AVE SHOPPING
You have to shop 5th Ave. in New York at least one time in your life! IT's seriously incredible to see some of these designer items on display when you've literally only seen them online! The displays are all so stunning and more mesmerizing than you ever imagine! My favorites are Bergdorf Goodmans (a MUST if you're shopping in NYC) and the Gucci store (3 STORIES TALL)! Save your money before your trip so that you can buy yourself a little goodie on your trip- there's nothing like buying something designer in NYC- they give you the royal treatment ?
CENTRAL PARK
We got SO lucky on our trip to be able to enjoy Central Park! It was literally supposed to rain on us the entire time, but one of the days we were there turned out SO PRETTY so we decided to enjoy the weather out at the park. If you're into biking/running/power walking/outdoors, this is the place for you! Even if you're not, it's so gorgeous just to see. There's beautiful green grass everywhere and people just enjoying themselves reading a book, having a picnic, napping, you name it. Oh and TULIPS EVERYWHERE! ? We stopped at this small outdoor food stand and got a glass of wine and some snacks, and it was absolutely perfect.
CHELSEA MARKET
We didn't spend too much time here, but ended up passing it while walking so we went in to see what it's all about. If you're hungry, this might be a good place for you to stop :) Basically a bunch of different shops/restaurants/samples of different foods/wines/desserts/flowers/merch/etc. It is free to enter, and all indoors. We didn't go too far in, so we might have missed more, but that was the basis of what it was. If we wouldn't have just eaten we probably would have spent a little more time here ;)
TIME SQUARE
This is definitely a site to see if you've never been to NYC before. There is really no other place like it. Since it consists of a bunch of bright signs and lights, I would say night time would be the best time to see it, but beware there are some crazies that come out on Time Square at night, haha! I wouldn't say there is much to do here, but a must if you've never seen it before.
BROADWAY SHOW
We didn't go to a broadway show this time, but I went on one of my previous trips, and if this interests you AT ALL then you should totally go! I saw Wicked and it was AMAZING! Unlike any other performance I had ever seen. If you get the chance, do it! PLACES TO EAT / GRAB A DRINK
SERRA BY BIRRERIA - Cutest place EVER! Great food/drinks
I'm pretty sure the pictures of this place speak for themselves, but incase they don't let me just tell you it is ADORABLE!!!! It's actually located at this place called EATALY (also so cool to see) which is basically like a eatzi's on steroids haha! Then you go up to the 14th floor to get to this precious little rooftop restaurant! There are flowers everywhere (the most instagramable place ever) and their food and drinks were so yum! Just a heads up tho, their portions are rather small, so if you're looking for a big hearty meal, you might want to eat before you go! This was hands down my favorite place of the trip.
ARTICHOKE - Best Pizza EVER!
People always say they had the "best" of something, but I really did have the BEST pizza at this place, lol. No joke, this place does pizza unlike any place else. It's a tiny little hole-in-the-wall bar (doesn't seem like much), but their pizza was drawing people in by the droves! If you go, you HAVE to get their signature Artichoke pizza! Oh and the slices are HUGE!!!! One slice took up two paper plates ? I really tried to finish my piece but half way through I was nearly in a gluten-coma haha! But it was worth it!
PALETTE- A pink sparkly dream!
Okay, so I went here on my last trip with my mom, and loved it so much I decided to come back :) It's a little hidden gem! It's actually inside of Bergdorf Goodmans on 5th Ave. Go to the beauty department and it's tucked away in a corner! The entire restaurant (it's small) is covered in work by a super amazon artist, Ashley Longshore. Just imagine pink and sparkles, and colors! SO INSTAGRAMABLE! We stopped here for mimosas before shopping- it's definitely a must!
PIETRO NOLITA - Pink Everything (great cocktails)
I'm SURE you've seen this place all over Instagram! Everyone seems to make this place a stop on their NYC list to get a pic in front of their iconic all-pink exterior! It's super cute, but prepare yourself- this place is literally TINY, haha! You walk downstairs to enter into this cute little basement type bar. Everything is pink, inside and out! The napkins say "Pink as F***" lol and they sell merch that says the same! We went at night for a cocktail after dinner, so I didn't try their food, but apparently they have great pasta! It's very casual, so don't feel the need to dress up when you go! If you're looking for a good photo op, this is a fun and well-known spot!
NOMO KITCHEN - Atmosphere only!
Okay, sooooo I will have to say if there was one disappointment on my trip it was this place ? I hate even saying that because aesthetically it is SO STUNNING, and I've heard wonderful things, but I was NOT impressed with the food/service. It's located inside of NOMO SOHO, a hotel in Soho, and has gorgeous chandeliers everywhere! It really is a cool spot! Maybe the kitchen was just having an off night, but our food was super bland, came out cols, and everything took forever. Totally not suggesting to not go here, because this was just ONE visit, but maybe just go for a cocktail and a snack instead of a meal! We also went for dinner, so perhaps their lunch menu is better! BUT for a pretty atmosphere, I give it an A++
JACK'S WIFE FREDA (Amazing brunch!)
We didn't get a chance to go here on this visit, but I've gone once before, and OH EMGEE! Their brunch is absolutely killer and SO PRETTY! As most places in NYC tho, this place is TINY! Like no joke it probably holds about 20 people max, lol. My tip for you would be to get there when (or before) it opens to make sure you have a seat! I'm not sure if they do reservations or not, but with finding out. And even if you have to wait, it's totally worth it. I tried the poached eggs and the waffle- both were incredible! Also they have 3 different locations that offer more than just brunch, so you can most likely find one near you at some point in your trip. LODGING
PARK CENTRAL HOTEL - Great central location
We stayed at this hotel on this trip, and we REALLY enjoyed the location! It's such a good central location and you can easily walk to Central Park, Times Square, 5th Ave, etc. The lobby is super pretty, and there's a full bar that is open pretty late. The rooms are pretty basic, but honestly we weren't in our room much so it was perfect. Rooms weren't very big, but I feel like that's pretty much every hotel in NYC, lol. Would recommend if you're looking for a decent price, and want a central location.
ARLO NOMAD - Amazing View
This is the hotel I stayed at on my last visit and AHHHH, LOVE! If you want a place with a view, well this is for you! Literally the walls are glass, and you feel like you're on a floating bed overlooking the city! If you happen to be scared of heights, well I'm going to discourage you from staying here, haha! I took my mom to NYC for her bday and we stayed here- it was SUCH a cool experience, and if you've never been to New York, it really makes you feel like you're IN New York. These rooms are little bitty too, so be aware of that! As far as price goes- considering the amazing view you have, it is very reasonably priced. MORE OUTFITSON MY LIST FOR NEXT TIME
ABC KITCHEN
WHILE WE WERE YOUNG BAR SIXTY FIVE THE BAGEL STORE OLD ROSE THE BUTCHER'S DAUGHTER DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY CITIZEN'S OF CHELSEA ​BEAUTY & ESSEX
YASSSS! One of my favorite sales of the year!
Every time Sephora has this sale I try to stock up on my holy grail items that I hate paying full price for! At least makes me feel better about my beauty product addiction ? I usually just share with you guys what I order, but I have my eyes on a few new products this year, so figured I would share those with you all too! On the top of this image you'll see my "must-have" items (which I currently use and love), and on the bottom my "must-try" items which I plan to order and try! Sharing all the deets on my holy grail items (what shade I am and why I like it) below! The sale started for everyone TODAY! Dates: May 2nd - May 6th Rouge members get 20% off with code HEYROUGE VIB members get 15% off with code HEYVIB Insiders get 10% off with code HEYINSIDER 1. Isle of Paradis Tanning Drops (Medium) - These are so amazing! In the past I've struggled finding a good self tanner for my face, but these are near perfect! You can also use them on your body, but I prefer using the St. Moriz tanning mouse on my body because it seems to give a quicker and deeper tan. For my face though these are perfect because they don't make my face look TOO dark- just give you a really natural glowy tan. I just add a few drops to my face moisturizer before bed and in the morning I'm sun kissed and ready for the day! I then do a quick rinse in the morning before applying my makeup. IT doesn't seem to have a strong or bad smell either, which I love. *PRO TIP* WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER USING! I learned the hard way lol! 2. NARS Blush (shade Orgasm) - So this is a new size that Sephora has (it's the large), which is awesome! Truly one of my favorite blushes ever. It's a pretty peachy shade with a little bit of gold shimmer to give you a natural glow. 3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipgloss (color: Butterscotch) - THE BEST! I wear this gloss pretty much every day. For a gloss, it is pretty pigmented so I can wear it alone and it gives me both color and shine. This shade is a nude/peach color, and if you wear and warm/brown/copper tones in your eyeshadow (or that NARS blush) it REALLY compliments it! 4. Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder - This is what I use to set under my eyes after I conceal. It's been a favorite of mine for year! I use my beauty blender to apply it and love the finish. 5. Ole Henriksen Toner - I started using this about 6 months ago and REALLY love it! I use it after cleansing my face and I'm always AMAZED at how much nasty comes off my face after I've already washed it! lol! I just put a little bit on a cotton ball and that's all it takes! Makes my face feel super clean and has helped with the oil balance of my skin. 6. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (shade Wheat when I'm tan) - My all time favorite foundation. If you're looking for full coverage then this is for you. I have combination skin and some foundation dries me out too much and others make me oily. This one is perfect and seems to last longer than others. 7. Hoola Bronzer - This has also been a favorite of mine for a long time now. It works for contouring because it's a more beige bronzer. It's also matte which is important if you're contouring. Really gives a natural warmth to your face! 8. Dry Bar Dry Shampoo - YOU NEED THIS!!!! I had been using the Living Proof dry shampoo, which I still love, but I think this one is even better! If you're blonde it's great because it almost lightens your roots (ya know when it get greasy it starts to look a little dark, haha). IT also smells AMAZING and I feel like gives my hair a little body. 9. Olaplex Bond Maintenance Conditioner - Just started using this and truly feel like it's working! It gives me silky salon hair when I use it which I LOVE! I have only been using the conditioner but think I'm going to buy the shampoo too since I like the conditioner. 10. Becca Cosmetics Ender Eye Brightener (shade Light) - Game changer! I use it after I've primed my face, before foundation and concealer. Just a little bit under each eye literally gets rid of any dark circles! A little bit goes a long way - it has lasted me forever! |
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