Sunday, June 29, 2014

Life Lists | Re-Post

Just sharing some love this Sunday. I know that I'm getting to the age of being budget friendly now that I have real bills and responsibilities. So when I saw Taralynn posted this last week I knew I wanted to do a re-post with it. I know it may seem boring and lame but you will be thanking me when you no longer have to dig through your old purses for gas money a few days before you get paid. Yes, I've been there before and I can tell you that it feels good to never have to worry about it anymore. Budgeting is your friend and it's here to stay so you might as well embrace it. You can see the entire post HERE! XO



The Two Necessary Life Lists: Making Decisions & Saving Money

Have you ever been nervous about making a decision? How do we know if it’s the right one or a big mistake? I know it’s all about instinct, but what if our instincts are wrong? I’m one of those people that likes rash decisions. I make them quick and sometimes too quick. If I have too much time to think about it, I become wish-washy and go back and fourth with my decision. It’s one of the most stressful things I do to myself. My dad always says “if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it”, but sometimes that doesn’t apply. I get high levels of anxiety about making decisions and that’s why I used to let people make them for me.
I have been getting a lot of questions about how I went about making the decision to live on my own in North Carolina, deciding if someone isn’t the right one, and other life decisions.
Lately, I’ve been all about the pros and cons list. That’s what helps me weigh out the bad decisions.
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Another questions I get a lot is how I manage my money and how do I let myself spend. Again, I’m all about the list.
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(save and print)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Montauk | City Guide

Happy Wednesday ya'll! I've been wanting to start including some posts lately that give you an insiders look to some of the best cities in the states. I've been wanting to do some for my go to places like Seattle, Denver and Tulsa but when I came across a city guide to Montauk in this month's LUCKY MAG I figured it would be a great way to kick it off. I've never been to that side of the country but I know that it is the place to be when you live in the northeast. Especially in the summer!!!! So I hope you enjoy the post and all the others to follow :) XO


BFFs Dj Chelsea Leyland And Stylist Kate Foley's Guide To Montauk

DJ Chelsea Leyland and her best friend, stylist Kate Foley, share their favorite ways to unwind and indulge in their favorite seaside spot.

What's summer without a soundtrack? Listen to DJ Chelsea's beach-ready playlistand download the tracks for your next day by the shore.

18 Bay Restaurant

If we’re not cooking dinner, we’ll go to 18 Bay Restaurant for an equally fresh meal. All of the food is farm-to-table, with a delicious menu that changes weekly—and the atmosphere is so relaxed. 23 N. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, 631-749-0053

Monc XIII

On rainy days, we venture into Sag Harbor to raid treasure-filled home store Monc XIII. It’s full of super-unique pieces—modern accents, midcentury furniture and antiques. 40 Madison St., Sag Harbor, 631-808-3333

The Surf Lodge

For sunset drinks, head to The Surf Lodge. You can’t beat that view—it’s the best place to watch the sun go down. Then check out the hotel’s boutique, Surf Bazaar, which has an awesome selection of bikinis and cover-ups. 183 Edgemere St., Montauk, 631-483-5037

Sylvester Manor

We pick our own vegetables at Sylvester Manor, an organic farm on Shelter Island, then bring them home and make a feast. 80 N. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, 631-749-0626

Shelter Island: Hither Hills And Shell Beach

Our go-to beaches are Hither Hills in Montauk and Shell Beach on Shelter Island. They’re usually not crowded, so you really get to chill. But if you’re looking for more excitement, Sunset Beach might be more your speed. It has all sorts of activities—yoga, kayaking, volley-ball—plus it’s home to hotelier AndrĂ© Balazs’ spot by the same name. 35 Shore Rd., Shelter Island, 631-749-2001

Reddings Market

The perfect morning starts at Reddings Market. It has a big breakfast menu and veggie and fruit juices. Out back there’s a little seating area that faces the harbor so you can enjoy your meal while looking at the sea. 184 N. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, 631-749-0003

Melet Mercantile

For vintage bits and bobs, we’ll hit up Melet Mercantile. It has housewares as well as clothing, like lace tops and denim cutoffs. 102 Industrial Rd., Montauk, 631-668-9080

Monday, June 23, 2014

New Summer Recipes | Chow

Since I've moved into my new place I've been super into some new summertime recipes to replace my old ones. So after spending about 20 minutes browsing my fav food sites I came across these AMAZE new meals and snacks to make my neighbors jealous. I hope you enjoy!! XO


 

Mexican-Inspired Street Corn
Serves 6

Ingredients
12 ears of fresh sweet corn
1 cup of cashews (soak for at least 4 hours)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
3 tbsp coconut milk
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup water
1/2 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
Hemp seeds to garnish

Preheat grill, on a gas grill medium/low heat is best.

Remove husks and silk from corn, leaving a bit of the stalks to hold onto when eating.

Prepare lime crema by combining cashews (drained) with lime juice, coconut milk, salt and water. Blend until creamy. Add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed. Crema should be thin enough to easily pour, but not watery.

Grill corn over medium heat, turning often, until cooked through and slightly charred (see photos for reference).

Presentation is so much with this dish, so have fun with it: Place grilled corn on a platter, drizzle with crema, sprikle generously with cilantro, hemp seeds, and maldon salt. Enjoy!





Roasted Potato & Paprika Chickpea Salad
Serves 3-4 as a side dish, 2-3 as a main

Ingredients
12 small red potatoes or approximately 3.5 cups chopped
1.5 cups of cooked chickpeas (15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 meyer lemon
1 large garlic clove, crushed
1/8 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped mint
1/4 tsp salt
6 cups baby arugula
Finishing salt
Fresh cracked pepper


Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Wash potatoes and cut into quarters. Spread evenly on baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

Place in oven and roast for 15 minutes. Turn potatoes to prevent burning and roast for 15 additional minutes or until crispy.

Place chickpeas on a baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with sea salt, paprika, and coconut oil. Shake pan and roll chickpeas around to coat them all evenly. Place in oven with potatoes to roast alongside for the last 15 minutes.

While potatoes/chickpeas are roasting, prepare dressing by combining shallot, lemon juice, garlic, mint, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Mix well.

Combine arugula, potatoes, chickpeas in a large serving bowand dress to your preference. Give it a few tosses, add finishing salt to taste and serve warm!






Pineapple-Black Bean Guacamole
  • Makes: 18 servings   Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Ingredients
medium avocados, halved, seeded, and peeled1/4 cup bottled green salsa (salsa verde)tablespoon sour cream1/2 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned crushed pineapple, drained1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drainedfresh jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and mincedtablespoons finely chopped red oniontablespoons chopped fresh cilantrotablespoon minced garlictablespoon lime juice1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground cumin1/4 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
In a large bowl mash avocados. Stir in salsa and sour cream until combined. Stir in pineapple, beans, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and cumin. Cover and chill for 2 hours or until ready to serve. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.





ALMOND, BERRY, AND CHICKEN SPINACH SALAD
Serves: 2


INGREDIENTS
  • 4 cups baby spinach (remove stems if desired)
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup clementine oranges
  • 2-3 tablespoons feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (plus olive oil, salt, and pepper)

DRESSING
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon, Mrs. Dash chicken grilling blends seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the fruits and lettuce by washing and completely drying.

Remove strawberry stems and slice them. Remove clementine skins and separate into sections.

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash chicken grilling blends to taste.

Lightly coat your skillet with 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil.

Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken in the skillet and then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 8 to 12 minutes.

As the chicken cooks, turn it occasionally so it browns evenly. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Meanwhile, combine all of the dressing ingredients into an airtight jar. Shake until well combined. Toss the dressing with the spinach. Add in the fruit and feta cheese and toss again. If desired squeeze some fresh lemon over the salad. Just about a teaspoon.

Toast the almonds in a small skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes stirring constantly. Add the almonds to the salad.

Once the chicken is finished, remove from heat and slice or chop it. Let it cool and then add it to the salad.

Separate the salad onto two dishes and enjoy immediately.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Fitcations | Travel

Hi babes!! I hope you're all having a great weekend! I have about 5 friends travelling through Europe right now so I've got the travel bug. Don't get me wrong - I love living through their pics but I would love to be sprawled out on a beach right now. As I was looking through the most recent SELF MAG I came across a genius article about Fitcations!! I wanted to share all of it so you could browse through all of the amazing options they have scouted and given a little description about. You might even be able to get two trips in this summer if you really get on it!! XO

Find Your Fitcation Paradise

Instead of getting in killer shape FOR your vacation, why not do it ON vacation? A new breed of getaways is designed to send you home healthier and happier.


We love to stretch out by the pool and luxuriate with a few margaritas as much as anyone, but we don't love the way our pants fit when we get back to reality. And we aren't alone. According to a survey by TripAdvisor, roughly a third of Americans report that theyalways gain weight on holiday. But we can defy our fate! Right now, activity-based vacations are huge, increasing in popularity by 65 percent yearly since 2009, a recent Adventure Tourism Market report says. We went in search of the perfect fit-cation—pack all the Lulu; you're going to need it.

Surf Escapes
You know surfing does the body good (we will never not covet Kate Bosworth's physique in Blue Crush), and even beginners can see results in a short time. "It doesn't matter if you can't stay up on the board, because paddling into the ocean over and over is a killer upper-body workout," says Aimee Nicotera, fitness expert and former fitness director at Canyon Ranch and group-fitness manager at Equinox gyms. Beyond the physical gains you'll make, there is also a burgeoning body of research that proves proximity to water can reduce stress and improve mood. "We found that even just the sound of water can make us feel more optimistic and positive about our lives," says marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., author of Blue Mind. Where to go: Find surf serenity with daily lessons (beginner to advanced), friendly waves and dazzling beach at Mexico's Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa.

Book It: Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa, San JosĂ© del Cabo, Mexico
Reservations: 858-964-5117; CaboSurfHotel.com
Price Point: $265 to $625 per night
The oceanside Surf Lodge in Montauk has quickly become the gem of East Coast surfing. You'll agree once you ride along Ditch Plains Beach and Turtle Cove, which have some of the best waves on Long Island. On lazy days, paddleboard across the Fort Pond, then watch the sunset with a tasty mojito served over fresh fruit in a signature mason jar. The Surf Lodge is also known for its free summer concerts, and this year the indie lineup does not disappoint, with more than 15 shows starting on May 24. Get the full list.
Book It: The Surf Lodge, Montauk, New York
Reservations: 631-483-5037; TheSurfLodge.com
Price Point: Call for pricing
The Ritz-Carlton is no doubt a luxury stay, but you'll get your money's worth in Laguna Niguel. (Their first-floor oceanfront rooms are complete with a fireplace right on your private outdoor patio.) Even better—the five-star hotel offers a range of active packages, including an all-girl surf getaway (includes two hours of individual instruction, with all equipment provided, and a complimentary 60-minute massage treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa), a Billabong Surf tour, as well as sea hikes along Strands Beach and whale watching along Dana Point.
Book It: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, California
Reservations: 949-240-2000; RitzCarlton.com
Price Point: Call for pricing
There's tons of action here for both beginner and advanced surfers at Blockade Runner Beach Resort. All lessons include a top-quality board and range between $60 and $120 for two hours of instruction, depending on your group size. Beginners will master basics like paddling strokes and pop-up technique. Advanced surfers will learn carving to aerials and layback snaps. (Other water sports include kayaking and sailing.)
Book It: Blockade Runner Beach Resort, Wilmington, North Carolina
Reservations: 910-256-2251; Blockade-Runner.com
Price Point: Call for pricing
Not only is the Andaz Maui in Hawaii going to bring you amazing waves, but the resort boasts four infinity pools and a 15-acre beachfront. Two-hour surf lessons range from $99 to $169 per person, depending on the size of your group, including board rental. Relax afterward in the apothecary lounge, which features a blending bar that incorporates locally grown herbs, plants and fruits for customized treatments. And if you happen to book your stay over July 12, sign up for the Ikaika Nui Extreme 5K Obstacle Challenge, just a half-hour drive away.
Book It: Andaz Maui at Wailea, Hawaii
Reservations: 808-573-1234; Maui.Andaz.Hyatt.com
Price Point: Call for pricing



Yoga Retreats

Feel centered after an hour of Bikram? Imagine devoting an entire trip to quieting your mind and working out your kinks. "The relaxation benefits of yoga are reduced when we only squeeze the practice into our hectic lives," says Nicotera. When you don't have to rush to an early morning class or fight for a mat after work, it's easier to let go of distractions and be present. Extend the oms with a postyoga massage at your resort's spa, says Nicotera—it may improve flexibility and recovery. If you're focusing on gentle, restorative yoga, ask the massage therapist to use a light touch. Couple more intense practice with deep-tissue massage, she says. Where to go: The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, which offers a wide variety of sessions, from Sunset Bayside Yoga to a Floating and Flying master class, plus muscle-melting treatments.
Book It: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Reservations: 305-673-1717; StandardHotels.com
Price Point: From $295 per night
Named the Best Wellness Resort by USA Today, there's something for every yogi at the Miraval Resort & Spa. Choose from restorative yoga, a yoga hike along the foothills of Miraval ($55 for 2.5 hours) and even aerial yoga, where you can feel just like P!nk and stretch and twist using silk hammocks suspended feet from the ground ($75 for 45 minutes). The resort also offers tons of integrative wellness and nutrition programs, including an anti-inflammatory kitchen and a seminar on mastering your metabolism. Check out the Girls Getaway Package, which includes a $150 nightly resort credit to spend on select services at the resort's luxurious Life in Balance Spa.
Book It: Miraval Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
Reservations: 800-232-3969; MiravalResorts.com
Price Point: Call for pricing
If you're looking to book a true yoga retreat, the Feathered Pipe Ranch hires the best trainers to help you do it right. They have tons of excursions throughout the summer, from The Whole Enchilada: Practical Yoga Therapeutics, Ayurveda, and Nutrition (July 5–11), featuring healing Hatha yoga with Dr. Baxter Bell and nutritionist and Ayurvedic health educator Melina Meza, to Watching the Body, Watching the Mind, offering a yoga practice that will turn off your crazy-brain (July 19–25). Yoga instructors should look into Mindful Resilience: A Veterans Yoga Project Training for Yoga Teachers (August 16–22).
Book It: Feathered Pipe Ranch, Helena, Montana
Reservations: 406-442-8196; FeatheredPipe.com
Price Point: Call for pricing
For a real escape, Ahau Tulum is an environmentally friendly Mexican resort that prioritizes wellness. They offer morning yoga sessions every day of the week, as well as yoga classes with live music ($12) and candlelight yoga, wine and chocolate included ($20). If you're game to jump in the water, you can also take paddleboarding lessons with certified instructors right along the Mexican Caribbean.
Book It: Ahau Tulum, Mexico
Reservations: 52-984-802-5632; AhauTulum.com
Price Point: Junior suites from $250 per night
Canyon Ranch is a luxury destination in Lenox, Massachusetts offering more than 40 complimentary fitness classes, including yoga, of course! They offer everything from a chill morning stretch to athletic-level classes. And if you want to practice your moves ahead of time, their website is updated regularly with yoga poses to energize your morning, restore you throughout the day and relax you at night. They also have locations in Miami and Tucson, Arizona.
Book It: Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts
Reservations: 800-742-9000; CanyonRanch.com
Price Point: Call for pricing



Outdoorsy Oases

Your treadmill has nothing on nature's own version—the trail. "A hike is rarely just an hour, and you're on very varied terrain—climbing up rocks, or descending a steep hill," Nicotera says. Same goes for biking and kayaking: You're on unpredictable ground or water, so your muscles are challenged more. You'll also access vacation Zen with ease: You're more mindful of your movements in nature, so the workout becomes as much about the mental engagement as the physical. Where to go: For prime trails and stunning views, check out Rockwater Secret Cove Resort in British Columbia, near Smuggler's Cove Provincial Park. They even offer couples packages, so you and your guy can rack up those hiking and biking miles together.
Book It: Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Reservations: 877-296-4593; RockwaterSecretCoveResort.com
Price Point: From $139 per night; couples packages start at $399
The Solage Calistoga, a beautiful hotel set in America's wine capital, has a Team Fitness Challenge ready for you and your friends to take down. It includes boot camp classes, competitive bocce and—no joke—Wine Country Olympics. Smoothie shots and energy snacks are complimentary, and there is a personalized awards ceremony and a group photo at le fin. Start rallying the troops now.
Book It: Solage Calistoga, Napa, California
Reservations: 707-266-7531; SolageCalistoga.com
Price Point: From $55 per person for a minimum group of 10
If you want to whip yourself into shape this summer and have no jokes about it, Bella is your boot camp. You can do a full program for up to 6 nights. The boot camp at Vita Vie Retreat includes a room, three full meals per day, five classes per day (from core training to pilates and belly dance/hip hop), a spa treatment and more.
Book It: Bella Boot Camp, Vita Vie Retreat, Delray Beach, Florida
Reservations: 800-768-5708; BVRetreat.com
Price Point: From $890 for a 3-day program
Just two hours outside of Las Vegas, the Red Mountain Resort features a bucket-list-worthy roster of fitness classes—from Tabbata boot camp to TRX, HIIT and sports training. For Tabbata, our fitness editors recommend instructors Cindy Boyce and Lorie Jones. For TRX, try to train with Rebecca Dalley. All classes are complimentary with any retreat package.
Book It: Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah
Reservations: 435-673-4905; RedMountainResort.com
Price Point: From $200 per night
As the name would suggest, New Life Hiking Spa is a hiker's paradise. You can choose beginner trails (2 to 4 miles), pass waterfalls along their classic 4-to-6 mile hikes, or go all the way to the top of Vermont at an elevation of 4,000 feet—a certified alpine tundra environment. There are tons of classes, from yoga to dance kinetics and fitball, plus a relaxing spa to soothe sore legs. One $75 service is included with your stay—try the Swedish massage or reflexology.
Book It: New Life Hiking Spa, Killington, Vermont
Reservations: 802-353-2954; NewLifeHikingSpa.com
Price Point: Call for pricing

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

What's in their bag?! | Tone It Up

I don't have much time today (it's my GRANDPA'S bday!!) so I'm sharing a resent post from the babes at TONE IT UP!! They share their top 3 gym tips and what's in their bag when it's time to get it going. I hope you love it as much as I did. I've been saving this post for a rainy or super busy day so forgive me! I will make it up to you - I promise!! P.S. I've had my eye on that blue bag for a while now... maybe I should add it to my wishlist (hint hint). Have a great night!! XO



Top 3 Gym Tips

1. Prep your bag ahead of time. Keep your gym back stocked and ready to go at all times. If you need to buy two of your top necessities, like deodorant, foundation or face wash, go for it! It will save time and make it that much easier to get to the gym.  See some of our favorite beauty products here!
2. Set your intentions at night!  Some sleep in their workout clothes ;) You can also set aside your clothing and shoes next to the bed. You’ll wake up motivated and ready to head out the door for that Booty Call. 
3. Motivating Music! Fresh jams are a must to keep you motivated and energized! Need suggestions? Listen to your BIKINI SERIES Motivation Music Mix ~ Kat updated it last night with new songs to keep you going strong all throughout the series! Make sure you always keep a pair of headphones in your gym bag too. We love the LG Wireless ones.

tone-it-up-gym-bag-2 (1)

  • We’re so excited to share with you the Tone It Up Custom Gym Bag! 
  • Your NEW Tone It Up Gym Bag! The Flamingo & The Kauai Duffle. These are exclusively designed by us and Maaji just for you. They’re beautiful, easy to carry and they match your exclusive bikinis :) 
  • Fitbit: We’re so grateful that Fitbit has gifted you for the BIKINI SERIES prizes!!  We LOVE this slim, stylish device to track your activity levels and calories burned. It’s brilliant!! Since it syncs wirelessly to your computer or smartphone, it’s also a fun way to challenge your friends to stay active and keep each other accountable!
  • Hint Water: We’re always looking for a little flavor in our water!  The Watermelon & Blood Orange flavor is amazing. 
  • ASICS Running Shoes: We’ve been wearing ASICS for years, and we love how they fit! Katrina & I both wear the Gel-Kayano
  • Always pack a hat or visor for outdoor workouts :)
  • Perfect Fit Protein ~ Remember, the best time to replenish your body is immediately after your workout :)
  • Perfect Fit Coconut Water~ Providing electrolytes during your workout!!  You’re going to love it! We created it for the busy, on-the-go girl!