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Memorial Day Weekend Ideas On A Budget

Lifestyle Travel

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For many of us, Memorial Day weekend is a kick-off to summer days. The long holiday is a perfect time to travel, but it’s usually expensive because of high volume of vacationers. Luckily there are many ways to still enjoy this holiday weekend and not go broke.  These are a few Memorial Day weekend ideas that fit any budget.

Staycation – My favorite thing to do on a long weekend is to book a hotel in a different part of the city. This might sound like a waste of money, but it really does make you feel like you are on a vacation. If you live in a big city, like Los Angeles, you can explore different neighborhoods. One of the best parts of staying at a hotel is the luxury of not cleaning up after yourself and having food at your beacon-and-call. My favorite was staying at the Line Hotel in Korea town LA. We ended up getting seats at a pop-up dinner hosted by Roy Choi, who was one of the starters of the food truck movement.

Home Sit – Staying at a hotel can still be costly, so another alternative is staying at a family or friend’s home at a city you would like to visit, especially if that person is out of town. Now that my sisters and I all live in different areas, Danni in San Diego, CA; my older sister in Downtown LA, and me in Long Beach, CA, we decided to do this more often. If someone is on vacation, we can take over their spot. It is like staying at an Airbnb, without the cost. 

Camping – Heading to the mountains is another great way to take time off. There is nothing better than waking up to nature sounds. National and State parks can get pretty crowded on holidays, so plan ahead. Camping allows you to disconnect and enjoy life. It’s also a great way to make new memories. 

One Day Road-trip – if you can’t get out of town for more than a day, then plan a small road-trip to somewhere nearby. When I was growing up my parents would take us to places outside of LA. One of their favorite places was Laguna Beach, CA for a beach day and grab lunch. It was a great break from our everyday routine and feels like a one-day vacation. 

Five Simple Weight-loss Rules Without Trying

Diet Talk Lifestyle

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Looking for ways to lose weight steadily without going to crazy intense diet and exercise routine. My go to ways of preventing weight gain over the last years is to follow 5 simple rules. These rules are easy enough to follow without forcing yourself to change your lifestyle. Even taking small steps to incorporate these rules can lead you to be a healthier, skinnier you.

  1. Avoid Hidden Sugars – Sugar for most people is the biggest culprit in weight gain, and often not even aware when we are eating it. You will find high sugar content in most sauces and dressings, in drinks (juices, performance drinks, and soft drinks) and used as a preservative for many foods. Just take a look at the ingredients list of a frozen chicken package, you’ll find sugar. Small simple way to lose weight is to check labels in foods and limit sugar to 10-15 grams a sitting. And when you are eating out, just ask for sauces and dressing on the side. Then you can add 2-3 spoonful yourself.
  2. Don’t be Afraid of Fats – Fats is an easy way to feel satiated for a longer period of time. Because fats are denser than carbs and protein, it’s slow digesting. When you are cooking, don’t be afraid of adding a dash of olive oil or coconut oil to each meal. Without even noticing it, you will not be as hungry.
  3. Always Choose the Most Natural Option – When deciding on what to eat, for snack or meals, choose the ones with the simplest ingredients. It does not have to be salads, but a meal with a mix of meats, good fats (avocado, nuts, etc.) and vegetables. Here are a few blog post on healthy snacks options and staying healthy when dining out.
  4. Drinking Water – Water is the key to feeling satisfied and avoid cravings. While it is not necessary to drink water where you are in the restroom all day. Sipping water throughout the day has many health…and beauty…benefits. It detoxes and keeps the body running like a good oil machine.
  5. Taking Walks – More than just burning calories, walking, before and after meals ideally, are great for the body to digest food and rev up the metabolism. Just 30 minutes a day (or break into incremental 10 minutes a day) and you will see a drop in appetite and your mood lifting. Also walking helps stimulate the lymphatic system, a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials, as well as, and other health benefits.

My Fashion Icon Meghan Markle

Lifestyle

We are only a few days away from Prince Harry and Megan Markle wedding, the event of the year. Growing up Danni and I was fascinated with anything English, especially royal family. But for me, the real star of the show is Meghan Markle.

While most people probably never heard of Meghan before dating Harry, I had already been obsessed with her. I am a huge fan of the show she was on, Suits. Her character exhibited a strong female lead with a heart of gold. Then I found out Meghan had her own blog, called The Tig, which I fell in love with. This lead me to stalking her Instagram daily…I mean daily. It was great to see a woman have it all. From her successful career, philanthropy work, and an amazing style.

Now, when I found out she was dating Prince Harry I was shocked. Unfortunately, due to her high profile life, she had to drop her blog and Instagram account. I’m not going to lie this sadden me. But my love for her style still continues. Here is why Meghan Markle has the perfect look.

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Age Appropriate

  As you get older the realization that clothes from trendy stores such as Forever 21 no longer seem appealing. Most of the new trends seem a little too out-there for me. I prefer to wear clothes that show that I have grown up and can be versatile to different events. Meghan has the perfect mix of modern yet sophisticated look that is ideal

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Sticks to the Classics 

Fashion changes almost every year, so it is nice to buy pieces that you can use year after year, especially since trends are merely temporary.  The best part of classic pieces, like stripped tee or button-ups, is that you never look back at photos and think “what was I thinking”. Megan usually sticks to a basic color pallet and wears timeless pieces. You can even see how she transitions her clothes from daily life to beach vacations. Also looking back at old outfits of Megan, there are nearly no bad outfits. 

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Keeps it  Simple 

It shocked the world when Meghan wore a sloppy bun to her royal events. I like that her makeup, hair, and outfits still seem attainable, even as she’s turning into a princess. Her wardrobe choices stay in a neutral palette and worn with dainty, gold jewelry. I also admire that she knows how to balance looking put-together without looking like you spent hours getting ready.

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Cali Casual meets City Glam 

Meghan will always be a Cali girl at heart, well at least I would like to believe that. From her casual ripped jeans, she definitely keeps her Cali laid-back look. I love that when she vacations she wears her bohemian inspired looks, but dresses in chic separates for royal meetings. As her style does evolve it never strays away from who she was before. 

Benefits of Rose-hip Oil

Beauty Lifestyle

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I’m always on the look out for natural, yet affordable, alternatives for my skincare routine. I’m not against chemical-based products, but it doesn’t hurt to stay away as the face skin is delicate. It’s also great to know what is in a product before I use it. A good source of information is Paula Begoun book, “Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me”. This book was helpful when looking for a natural oil that contains essential vitamins and that can double as a moisturizer and serum. From my research, I discovered rose-hip oil is best for aging and normal-dry skin, which is my skin type.

Rose-hip contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and Omega 3 (a-linolenic). These vitamins can stimulate collagen production, renew skin cells, increase moisture levels, improve skin texture and tone, and reduce wrinkles, due to its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin. All these benefits will make our skin look rejuvenated and healthier (link). Rose-hip oil is also known to help fade scars and sunspots.

For me, this oil is not to thick and easily blends into my skin. But before trying any new products, please consult an expert or test out in small amounts.

-Denise

Sculpting Back and Bicep Weightlifting Workout

Arm Exercises Back Exercises Resistance Training

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I always enjoy looking at Youtube videos and Instagram for inspiration and workout ideas. It pushes me to switch up my usual workouts and work on different muscles. Especially for the back and biceps muscles, where there are countless exercise for these muscle groups. However every now and then, I go back to the classic exercises. These are the exercise, if done correct, have sculpted and shape bodies in bodybuilding for years.

Here is a sculpting back and bicep weightlifting workout to add to your workout routine:

1) Wide Grip Lat Pull-down – 2 warm-up sets of 5-8 reps and 3 working sets of 8 repetitions

2) Superset:  4 sets of 8-10 repetitions

Cable Rope Hammer Curl

Close Grip Lat Pull-down

3) Assisted Chin-ups – 3 sets of 10 repetitions

4) Super-set: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions

Straight Arm Dumbbell Pull-over

Alternating Dumbbell Bicep Curl

5) Seated Cable Row –  2 dropset to failure (start with 3 rep max and keep dropping weight till no longer cable of pulling)

6) Super-set: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions

Bent Over Barbell Row

Alternating Standing Close-Grip and Wide Grip Barbell Curl

For a full weight loss and workout routine, check out this blog post.

What I Learned About Being French

Lifestyle

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I am definitely one of those Americans who are obsessed with the idea of French women. I imagine myself walking around Paris with a bouquet of flowers or baguette, and stopping by a cafe for a coffee. Unfortunately, that’s not my life here in California. But as any obsessed lunatic, I have collected a few tips on how to be French from following Parisian icons and reading books. Of course, I can never be truly French, but hey a girl can dream!

Books:

Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange

How to Be Parisian Wherever You by  Caroline De Mairgret

 

French Icons: 

Jeanne Damas – The current “It” girl, is a model and full-time fashion icons. Her quirky yet Parisian look is to obsess over.

Ines De la Fressange – She helped define the Parisian women, and she is best known for being Karl Lagerfeld muse.

Emmanuelle Alt –  If you search Parisian style on Pinterest, I guarantee she will pop-up, but of course, she is the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris.  Her staple skinny pants and blazers look is timeless.

Garance Dore – This French blogger, illustrator, and photographer always provides a dose of inspiration to the day.

Clemence Poesy – Most known for her Harry Potter roles, Clemence knows how to do the French un-done look.

Jane Birkin & Daughters – Although born in England, she is an icon of French style. Her look stands the test of time. Her love affair with Serge Gainsbourg define French love and her daughters also embody the idea of a Parisian woman.

Caroline De Mairgret – Her careless yet sophisticated attitude is one I desire. She is known for being a French model and music producer.

Carla Bruni – She is globally known for marrying the President of France, but was singer-songwriter and model before that. Her music just puts you in the French mood.

 

French Style Rules:

  1. The number one rule…stick to classic pieces!
  2. Black has to be the dominant color in your wardrobe.
  3. Monochrome your outfits as much as possible
  4. 90% of my shoe collection should be flats and a few quality high heels.
  5. Focus on interesting shapes and textures, preferably in muted colors. Embellishments, like sequins, are not needed.
  6. No matter the occasion dress in classics & simple silhouette.
  7. Look as if it took you 5 minutes to get ready, but still look put-together.
  8. Have a signature scent, so people remember you even when you leave the room.
  9. Find vintage clothing or accessories, like jewelry or scarves, to mix into your wardrobe.
  10. Spend on quality beauty products. French women believe in taking care of what your mother gave you.

 

French Way of Life: 

  1. Always be fashionably late like you, just came from an another important place
  2. Talk passionately politics and art.
  3. When at a restaurant talk more than you eat. It’s okay to take hours at the dinner table, just drink more wine and order dessert to extend the conversation.
  4. Side kisses when you enter a room.
  5. When possible order a glass of wine or espresso
  6. Don’t worry about aging, women are beautiful at any age.
  7. For your home mix antique with modern pieces for a bohemian-french look.
  8. Never seem like you take life too seriously.
  9. Everything you own should be about quality (the French never compromise on quality).
  10. Having a temper is okay. French women aren’t Stepford Wives

-Denise

Accomplishing Other Fitness Goals After Running A Marathon

Lifestyle Self Improvement

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Running a marathon has now been crossed off our list of fitness goals. It started out as running a half marathon, but after two half marathon and a nagging dad who wanted us to run the LA marathon, we added this to our fitness goals. We kept putting it off, until this year, when we accomplished it on March 18th, 2018. Finishing the stadium to beach course in 5 hours 45 minutes. Admittedly running 26.2 miles always seemed impossible, and it still boggles my mind now that we did it. Coming to realize that all we need is a strong mindset to accomplish any goal. Here are our fitness goals we still want to do:

  1. Hiking Mount Baldy in California – The mountain is the highest summit in Los Angeles San Gabriel Mountains. It is an 11 mile hike reaching elevations up to 4,193 ft. It can take a beginners like us more than 7 hours. We like this challenge to prepare us one day to hike Machu Picchu in Peru or progress to Mount Whitney (highest peak in Continental US).
  2. Competing in a Spartan Race – While we may be done with long races, the idea of adding intense obstacle courses seems like a different ball game. And because it’s a new challenge, we want to give it a whirl. We like the idea of adding functional training to our ability to run long distance. Functional training to climb over walls and ropes, or jump over fire…. just badass stuff.
  3. Training for a Triathlon –  This one by far seems the hardest physically. The idea of swimming, running and biking all in one day seems intense. Even harder for us, it will require lots of training and time. However, if I want to test out my mental-fit skills, this has to be a goal of ours.
  4. Swimming the Alcatraz Sharkfest – While I like to think I maybe a good enough swimmer..being on our high school swim team makes me a professional of course… swimming in cold, shark in fest water, will definitely NOT be easy. The swim is a 1.25 miles from Alcatraz to main land of San Francisco. It’s CRAZY right?? What better way to put our past long distance swimming events to the test it in open waters.
  5. Power lifting competition – This one maybe only for myself, as I have wanted to take my weightlifting training to a whole new level. Power lifting competition is an individualize competition to lift as much weight for one repetition in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. While the training for this is completely different then the others, it’s the one I have started training already.

On a smaller, and not so crazy goals of ours (that also differ between us):

  1. Become more flexible to the point where we can touch our toes. We both have very tight hamstrings.
  2. Do 10 pull-ups. Currently I can do three underhand or neutral grip and Denise one.

-Danni

Basic Healthy Baking Essential

Diet Talk
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https://www.stocksy.com/91212

I love to bake and create healthy desserts. It is the best way to regulate the amount of sugar and avoid any processed ingredients. So I wanted to share some healthy baking essentials used in most healthy, natural desserts or replacement ingredients in other recipes. By keeping a few of these on hand, you can quickly whip something up to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Natural Sweeteners:

  • Dates – Blend with with 1/4 cup boiling water. This natural fruit sweetener has great health benefits and maintain its fiber. Best to used in brownies and darker baked goods.
  • Stevia – Natural sweetener from a plant. Because it’s sweeter than sugar, replace with 2 tbsp of powder stevia or 1 tsp of liquid stevia.
  • Coconut/Natural Cane Sugar – Keeping sugar in a most natural state is best as it maintains more nutrients. Replace with refine sugar one to one.
  • Mable Syrup/Honey – Used in a lot of healthy recipes, although should be pointed out this sweetener a bit higher in glycemic index . Substitute with 1/2 cup.
  • Apple Sauce – A great alternative like dates, can be substitute one to one. However as it is a liquid, for every cup of apple sauce used reduce the liquids in the recipe.

Flour Alternatives:

  • Coconut Flour – A gluten free option, which maintains its fiber, is very absorbent. Therefore replace with one cup of flour, with 1/3 cup of coconut flour with an added egg and reduce heat.
  • Wheat Flour – Not as processed as all-purpose (white) flour and it maintains some fiber. This flour substitute 1:1, but it may need a bit more liquid as it can become more dense.
  • Almond Flour – Used in moderation, as it is high in fats (and calories). Almond flour can be substitute 1:1 with white flour, but typically requires more egg or binding agent.
  • Buckwheat/Oat flour: Similar to wheat flour, substitute 1:1 with additional liquid.

Natural Fats that do not need to be substituted:

  • Butter
  • Coconut Oil
  • Avocados
  • Other fats that used in healthy ingredients are apple sauce, prunes, yogurts, and pumpkin puree.

Binding agents to keep on hand when baking with natural ingredients:

  • Guar Gum or Xanthan Gum
  • Inulin or Psyllium

Natural toppings to mix in or sprinkle on top:

  • Flax or Meals – Replacement for rice krispies
  • Cocoa Nibs – Replacement for chocolate chips
  • Shredded Coconut – Replacement for sprinkles
  • Other natural toppings to not be afraid to used are nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

A Week In New Zealand

Lifestyle Travel

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Oprah once said in an interview that everyone should visit New Zealand once in their lifetime, and now I understand why. As your airplane is landing all you see is miles and miles of lakes and mountains. There are so many beautiful sights that photos don’t do it justice. My boyfriend and I went to New Zealand for his best friend’s wedding. Because we were limited on vacation days we could only take 8 days off, with one day spent on traveling. Since I knew we had a lot of ground to cover, we tried to make the most of a week in New Zealand.

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Auckland 

We landed in Auckland and the first and only thing I wanted to see was a glowworm cave. Waitomo Glowworm Caves is about 2 hours outside of Auckland. It was discovered in 1887 by two men and it was interesting to learn that they are still family operated by the original explorers. Going on a boat in an underground cave and looking up to see what looks like the night sky is unbelievable. The tour guide also tells guests to stay quiet, which only enhances the experience. After the cave I wanted to see a Kiwi, country national bird, so we stopped at a bird sanctuary. After our long drive back, we grabbed a bite to eat and roamed around the city.

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Queenstown

After only a day in Auckland, we headed to Queenstown. This is the adventure capital of the world, and it lives up to that title. There are so many activities you can book that I wish I had more time to spend here. Based on a recommendation we booked a cottage facing the city of Queenstown. The view was spectacular. The first day we just walked around the town and drove up to Glenorchy lookout to see the sunset. For our activity, we decided to book a helicopter and water rafting combo. It was my first experience in a helicopter and was overly excited. The helicopter was a short flight to where we were catching up to the tour group to go water rafting. Flying through the mountains and lakes felt like I was on a ride!  The water rafting was just as amazing, seeing the same views from below.

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Lake Topeka 

This is where the wedding guest were meeting to enjoy a dinner with the happy couple. It was great to seeing familiar faces on a vacation. Lake Topeka, like everywhere else in New Zealand, it is breathtaking. Especially the views from Mt. John Observatory. It was a great place to have morning breakfast with everyone and catch up. Lake Topeka also has a beautiful old church to visit. This place, like the next, is a great place to just relax and enjoy the views.

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Mount Cook 

As you are driving up to Mount Cook it is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The picture-perfect glacier top mountains and the green valley is unreal. This is where the wedding was taking place. The wedding ceremony views were amazing and the wedding speeches had me in tears. I had never seen my boyfriend friends get so emotional. The next day we did the Tasman Glacier View hike and then joined everyone else to do the Hooker Valley hike. Both of these hikes are a must if you ever visit New Zealand.

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Christchurch 

Right after the hike, we drove up to Christchurch. I had planned it so we landed on one side of the island, Queenstown, and had to drive to the other side, Christchurch, so we could see as much as the island as possible. The little towns and all the views were worth the time spent on the road. Once we got to the city we flopped on the bed and slept. Hiking and road trips will exhaust anyone. The next day we had breakfast at a hipster cafe and walked around town. We then went to the beach and had few drinks. Unlike all the other cities in New Zealand, this one definitely has a more artsy feel.

Our trip, although short, was incredible. Not only for the experience of seeing these beautiful islands but also spending time with friends and time alone with just my boyfriend and me on the road.

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-Denise

No Added Sugar Walnut Banana Bread

Dessert Recipes

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I have been looking to cut out refined or substitute sugar in my diet. Instead of the processed sugar, I’m trying to find sweetness in natural forms, such as fruits and other plants. That way when those craving start creeping in, I can keep to my promise and bake non-added sugar desserts. If you have seen my other post, you know I try to nip my sweet craving by making my own dessert. Therefore check my latest desert, this simple, no added sugar walnut banana bread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 bananas
  • 4 medium pitted dates
  • 1/4 cup of coconut flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp pink salt
  • 1/2 cup of walnuts

 

Preheat the oven at 350 Fahrenheit. In a blender, blend the bananas, pitted dates, and egg till all has been blended in. Add the coconut flour, baking soda, and salt into the blender and mix it in. Fold in the walnuts, while leaving a few to sprinkle on top. Pour the batter into a 8×8 baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, till it has golden edges. Allow it to cool and then enjoy!

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