Helping With Hyundai

by with No Comment adventurecharitycommunityfamilyholidaysmom lifephilanthropy

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – MLK

Ever since Corrine was little I’d try and do things with her that would teach her to be empathetic. I think one of the greatest things we can do for one another as humans (and to teach our children) is to practice empathy and selflessness. So whether it was donating some of her gifts to children less fortunate than her, serving meals at Thanksgiving, and mentoring children at The Mission together in downtown L.A., it was a way for us to give back to our community and practice gratitude even when we were struggling ourselves and graciousness didn’t come so easily.

I was a single mom, a teen mom… and I remember that even the smallest gestures of kindness made such a huge impact on my life. I worked two jobs when Corrine was little and on the weekends to make ends meet, I’d pull overtime where I’d bring her to work with me and I’d set her up in a sleeping bag near the foot of my desk. She’d watch SpongeBob (the ONE episode she had) on repeat while I’d work from 5am-noon. My manager Karen at the time was so wonderful to let me do that because over time was a privilege and she allowed me to do this for months.

Girlfriends of mine would bring extra lunch to work and share it with me, for Christmas my friends would give me gas gift cards and donate wrapping paper for me to wrap presents with… just a few of the sweetest things that would mean nothing to someone else meant everything to me. So I really try and teach my daughter to give back when and where she can because if we’re in the position to help someone, why wouldn’t we? They say it takes a village to raise a child, well it also takes a village to help keep your head up when you’re down and out. 2020 was a perfect reference point for that and we all came together to help one another. I’d love to keep that theme going.

You’ve seen on my Instagram how proud we are to be a part of the Los Angeles Hyundai fleet. My Kona boo and I bop around town, choosing a different organization to highlight and help each month. For December we partnered with Hyundai to provide infant and toddler essentials to the families in need at the Good Shepherd Shelter (to help end domestic violence and rebuild lives) and donate to the CHLA. For January I picked up your donations from all around the Los Angeles area to donate to the Good Shepherd Shelter (new and unused items) and to the Mission (used items and goods) and I just wanted say thank you for being a part of this with me.

You’ve helped to restore hope for individuals and families, provided essentials that we wouldn’t think twice about not having, and purged your closets for donations … I’m so honored to be a part of this community. Please join me in continuing on with this mission, for the month of February I’d love to pick up where we left off in November with the food drive. There are a lot of non-profit organizations around L.A. as I’m sure there are in your communities, so if you’re local email me or DM me! Let’s try and feed 100+ families together this month <3

Food, water, shelter, and safety … these are the things I believe to be a human right and the fact that so many go without in the world of abundance that we live in is just incomprehensible to me. So I’d love it if you’d help me by A) donating canned goods and non perishable food items for me to pick up B) list some of your favorite organizations that we can all help and highlight in the coming months and C) tell me what you’re doing in your local community that we can support you with.

Helping with Hyundai means helping in our communities, activating our neighborhoods to reach out and give back where we can. I appreciate you, I love that we’ve been doing this together, and I hope I get to see your smiling faces (through masks… smile with those eyes haha!) very soon as we make our way around town this month.

Was philanthropy something you learned as a child or something you got involved with more as an adult?

p.s. my email is [email protected] and my IG handle is here

It’s A Heluva Holiday To Give Back

by with No Comment familyfoodholidayholidayshostinglifestylemom lifeparty planningphilanthropy

to dip or double dip, that is the question

This post was sponsored by Heluva Good! Dip as part of an Influencer Activation, like always, all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

So chips and dips… I will use any portal necessary to get the biggest bite from my dip, anyone else with me on this???

I’m proud of my snacking skills, my hosting abilities, and how HUMBLE I sound right now haha I’m also really passionate about working with companies that are philanthropic. You’ve seen me talk about this during the release of my Gift Guides this month so you’ll understand why I’m proud to have teamed up with Heluva Good! Dips and Walmart today!

I love that we’re helping to raise awareness about 1) their delicious dips and 2) ’tis the season of giving and Heluva Good! Dip will be donating a portion of sales to Toys for Tots that will run through the remainder of the year. I mean, talk about my two favorite things teaming up … spreading dips and spreading joy.

Dips make for delicious snacks perfect for anytime aka when everyone is waiting for dinner to be made this holiday season, just set out some chips (and some pita, oh and some crackers too) and Heluva Good! Dips for them. This is a for sure crowd pleaser every time!

Easy snacking, a time to gather around the table and catch up with friends and family, chips and dip are nostalgic for me. During this time of year when we can’t be with our families due to the pandemic, it’s so wonderful to have some tradition here at home. My mom always had her favorites in the fridge and can you guess what it was? French Onion! That’s my go-to flavor as well, it’s so creamy and SO yummy.

If you’re passionate about benefitting great causes and supporting brands that are like minded, please join me in purchasing your Heluva Good! Dip at Walmart or Walmart.com (pssst available for pick up or Walmart grocery delivery) and help donate to Toys for Tots this month. How convenient and wonderful it is to do some good, simply by purchasing something your family will enjoy while helping to make someone else’s holiday just as wonderful.

It’s a Heluva Holiday to give back … see what I did there? 😉

Happy holidays from me and mine to you and yours <3

Gift Guide – For The Littles

by with No Comment Gift Guidegift ideasholidayholidaysinspirationlifestylemom lifeshopping

for the munchkins and anyone who is young at heart

Even though I created this gift guide specifically for the littles in our lives, I think anyone on your list would love to receive them because they’re all so fun! Let me explain.

Food Between Friends Cookbook – best friends Julie and Jesse (Julie is my friend and her stories will make you want to cook all the things!) whip together their favorite recipes, putting their own Southern and Southwestern spins on them in this cookbook perfect for your family! Teach ’em how to cook young, let them help you put the ingredients together, and share time in the kitchen with them … this is still one of my favorite things to do with Corrine. Available now for pre-order, March 9th is the day! I’m including it now because this kind of gift is perfect for any time of year

Annoying Orange plush toys – pssst, did you know that yours truly is the voice of Lil Sis, Annoying Orange’s little sister?! I represent other characters in the YouTube series and have been friends with the creators for over 10 years now. I’m so proud to include them in my gift guide and what they’ve accomplished, and I know your little (or your friends) would be proud to have a plush toy like this around. Squishiesss are all the rage

Valerie Confections – the most decadent of treats, this local treasure was founded by chocolatier Valerie Gordon and her partner Stan Weightman Jr. A perfect gift for the littles under the tree this year and anyone who loves a sweet treat! She’s also offering holiday menus if you live in the Los Angeles area, check it out

Paper Please stationary and gifts – founded by my friends Christine & Friedia, this local stationary shop has all of your paper needs and adorable gifts to include this holiday season. I especially love their puzzles, books, and sticker sets that you can decorate together with your little ones. Get artsy!

This Saves Lives treats – besides being delicious and nutritious, this bar saves lives. With every purchase from This Saves Lives you send a packet of life-saving food to a child in need, providing a packet of powerful peanut paste full of vitamins and nutrients specifically made to treat severe acute malnutrition. I really wanted to include this philanthropic company because … what a wonderful way to get your kiddos to eat well than to present it to them in this most beautiful packaging! I’ve had almost every one of their snack bars and I’m here to tell you that when you purchase a box for the littles, purchase a box for yourself too

And there you have it! The last of my gift guides this holiday season, I have one more treat for you coming up this Friday. I really wanted to showcase my friend’s companies, highlight local businesses to support, and encourage everyone to shop small when you can. Me love you.

Will this be for him, for her, for the littles, or for the ones that have it all?

Gift Guide – For The One Who Has It All

by with No Comment Gift Guidegift ideasholidayslifestyleshopping

for anyone who has everything and wants nothing

But what about that person on your list who has it all and you really want to get them something special? Well these five gift ideas are sure to dazzle them … here’s the gifts that keep on giving.

TOPTOPE – the ‘best thing since the hat box’ invented by my super genius friend Lindsay Albanese! This is a hat clip but beyond your wildest dreams of what a ‘hat clip’ could look like. It’s classic and chic, the styles are timeless and versatile (perfect for her or him!), and the magnet will hold that hat in place no matter the travel, gust of wind, or stranger that bumps into you unexpectedly. TOPTOTE is a part of Lindsay’s “Serviceable Style™ collection of fashion accessories and products designed to bring ease and order into your life” and I’m here for vouch for it! Attach it to your luggage, your bag, your belt loop… endless possibilities and if you check out her site you’ll see all of the other travel accessories you didn’t even know you needed and now won’t be able to live without! Guaranteed that person on your list doesn’t have anything like this

Ayara Thai Pad Thai Kit & Cooking Lessons – family owned and operated right here in the heart of L.A., you’ll need to look no further for the best Thai in town! My wonderful friends Vanda and Michael ensure that your experience feels like home. With traditional recipes passed down from family member to family member, you too can be a part of the family by purchasing their Pad Thai Kit (and other cooking kits), virtual cooking lessons, and special sauces to make in the comfort of your own home. What a wonderful gift this would be to receive for anyone who has everything already. The gift of food haha. Food is family and family is love <3

Hedley & Bennett Gift Bundles – another local company here in Los Angeles (what can I say, I love supporting my friends) founded by my girl Ellen Bennett, her aprons are absolutely stunning and it’s no wonder they’re wildly popular! When the world shut down because of Covid, H&B pivoted to quickly create face masks for front line service members and our community. For the one who has it all, gift them a bundle that they can grill, cook, and bake with. The cutest part is the message on the inside of the box, “put this on and make something”…. deal!

The McBride Sisters Wine Shop – I could need nothing in the entire world and if you gifted me a membership to this wine club, it’d be the gift of the season! Something for everyone, there’s a tasting selection for anyone who love reds, blends, rieslings, and bubbles. One for them, two for you, go go go

OMA The Label Jewelry – OMA’s pieces are exquisite and perfect for every day. Created by Neumi Anekhe, a New York based fashion stylist, her mission is to create quality pieces at affordable prices and I’m here for it. Whoever you gift these dainty pieces to, they will feel empowered and confident.

The gifts that continue to give the whole year through, I hope you loved this gift guide as much as I did. Honestly, if I were given any one of these, I’d be over the moon.

One for them, two for you, which will you be gifting them and you? haha xoxo

Gift Guide – For Him

by with No Comment Gift Guidegift ideasholidayslifestyle

for him, for her – this is for anyone who loves androgyny

Keeping with the theme of supporting local and shopping small, I want to highlight some of my favorite items to gift that special fella in your life. These brands have inspired me to lean into my own androgynous side, they’re perfect for a sexy wind down, a lil spark up, and the all around chill-mode time.

Custom woodwork from my friend Aaron – hand crafted, pure art, these custom designs by my friend A Massey Design are one of a kind! I just ordered a personalized cutting board from him and this Connect Four game caught my eye when I was on his Etsy! It’s made of Walnut and brass and the game tokens are made of Zebrawood. Best part, you can customize anything in his shop with your (or your friend’s) name or logo! Gogogo

DoubleBlind Magazine – maybe they’re a reader! I love a good reader ha! This is such a good read, blending spirit and science, DoubleBlind prints biannually and should be a staple on everyone’s coffee table <3

The Sexy Smoker (of plant powered offerings…) – these perfectly pre-rolled Barbari CBD spliffs are made with CBD-rich hemp flower Suver Haze. They’re citrusy and reel in the focus while bumpin’ up the productivity… or just bumpin’ 😉

Concrete Cat Incense Bowl + Ashtray – the perfect spot to rest their Barbari spliffs or favorite incense, this ashtray bowl is handmade (so every piece is unique) and made of concrete. So dreamy!

Give them a spa day! – this cushy robe is everything! It’s luxurious and soft and will make you want to snuggle them all day. Pssst: this is a hard gift to try and not keep for yourself

Talk about Kush(y) – I swear I’m like, so good with the puns. This Kush candle from The Flower Pot is hand poured in L.A. and burns the scent of florals and brushed suede. Everything from Boy Smells is divine, but this cannabis candle is one of my favorites from their line and I know who ever you gift it to will love it just as much as I do

BONUS! Use code FLOWERPOTFRIDAYS for 15% off your cart total for anything purchased from The Flower Pot, let’s get to shoppin’!

Can you believe there are only 21 sleeps left until Christmas?

Gift Guide – For The Fitness Lover

by with No Comment Gift Guidegift ideashealthholidayslifestyleself careshoppingskin carewellness

let’s eat the good stuff and push through the rough stuff

Setting aside time to create movement for myself isn’t always easy. Mom guilt is a real thing and even though my baby girl is a grown woman, it doesn’t mean that I don’t feel guilty, even now when I could legit retire from parenting ha!

Movement to me is my mental health. Making time for myself isn’t selfish (and f*ck it if it is), it makes me a better mom, a better girlfriend, and a better human. It opens up space in my mind to take on the day and I’m thankful for an able body that allows me to move through the muck of it all.

Connecting to our community and coaching you is a purpose of mine and giving you my energy in a place where we can laugh and sweat together (sup Zoom) is my passion. I’d love for us to not get used to the loss of human connection that this year has brought on. Let’s bring it back and eat the good stuff and push through the rough stuff. So if you’d like to move through it with us, I’ve got you.

Here are my picks for you and for the fitness lovers in your life <3

  • Lacey’s Holiday Deals + Steals – whether it be a package of Zoom classes to work out with us, your 7 day meal plan, the virtual platform, or Lacey’s Stone Tone Core program it’s all here! I hope to see you at least 3x a week to move it out and to keep it movin’!
  • Turmeric Salve – we work out at least 3 days a week and in Zoom camps we work out 5 days a week… this salve has saved my muscles. I do a bath bomb or bath soak from The Flower Pot, pop out of the bath and rub on some salve and thennn…
  • Stress Finesse – to finesse my stress I love all of TFP tinctures and this one does what it says and says what it does. Zen through plant power, I love to drop this in mid-day, light a candle, and child’s pose
  • Super Beauty Vitamins – collagen … free radicals … oxidative damage – oh my! These lil beauty babies are vitamins that protect against oxidative damage, promote collagen production, and neutralize free radicals. I keep them by my bed side table so I don’t forget to take them, rotating through these and my Ritual vitamins which you’ve heard me talk about before
  • CBD Pre-Rolled Spliffs – the word spliff is just fun to say, try it aloud. These are Barbari Airplane Mode CBD spliffs! They’re pre-rolled relaxation with CBD-rich hemp flower so you can toke it on up and relax it on down. I feel very speak easy when I smoke these chillin’ just in my robe (BONUS: enter FLOWERPOTFRIDAYS at checkout for 15% off your TFP cart!)
  • FRE Skincare – this skincare line was specifically designed for skin that sweats. I mean, how perfect is that so we don’t burn our eyes out when we’re sweating our faces off. Complete with a face wash, serum, hydrating SPF, and detox mask – they’re having a sale right now and it comes with a traveling bag so it’s perfect for under the tree or as a stocking stuffer!

So there you have it ya cool cats and kittens! My personal fitness faves, from me to you, from you to yourself, or from you to a loved one … because nothing says “I love you” like the gift of health (mental health, heart health, and physical health) <3

Tell me where you are in your shopping to do’s … 1) are you just getting started 2) did you start in February bc you’re annoying like that jkjkjkjkjk or 3) do you wait until the night before and scramble to wrap something?

2020 Gift Guides Start Here – Self Care

by with No Comment Gift Guidegift ideasholidaysmental healthwellness

Cancel your plans, I’ve got you!

Today marks the ‘almost’ end of this month and an ‘almost’ close to this wild year that has been 2020. Thanksgiving was yesterday, I hope you enjoyed your holiday however you spent it and I want to wish you a very happy National Native American Heritage Day.

So while people are sifting through online sales and email alerts for even more sales, I guess it’s time I begin sharing my gift guides for this holiday season. So cancel your plans (tbh did we really have any), I’ve got you!

This year I wanted to focus on shopping small and supporting local and I’d love for you to help me do that. Our friends who have small owned restaurants and businesses need us more now than ever and I’m so happy to share with you my close friends and brands that I love. You’ll see me highlight these kinds of offerings over the next few weeks leading into the new year.

a big part of self care is checking in with our mental health

As I speak to my personal experience with each of these brands you’ll notice that I take pause for myself because mental health is everything. Health is wealth and in my opinion mental health is equally as important as your heart and physical health.

A gift for yourself, a gift for a friend or a loved one (ahem this is perfect for moms, sisters, SIL, daughters, dad, brothers, all of ’em!), you just can’t go wrong gifting wellness.

  • OSEA Malibu – family owned and operated, this company is truly an entire family passion. Their ingredients are all organic, plant based, and their USDA certified organic seaweed (which is present in almost all of their formulations) is sourced directly from a family-operated cooperative on the shores of Patagonia. So much of their line has lived on my vanity for the past five years, it’s a spa in my very own bathroom! And today you get a FREE FULL SIZED (yes I’m screaming) Hyaluronic Sea Serum with all purchases of $135+
  • Trestique – female founded, Trestique knows how to make you look and feel your best! Their motto encompasses the “simple beauty routine” and sustainability has been woven into their product line. Goals! They’re a cruelty-free brand featuring creamy formulas and high performance built-in tools, so you get luxury products at a reasonable price. The Essential Mix featured above is less than $80 and the Mini 5 is less than $49. This year especially, my beauty routine has been a grounding sense of normalcy and this is the most perfect 5-minute makeup routine
  • The Flower Pot LA aka TFP – you’ve seen TFP all over my life, I just cannot rave enough about this company. I have a series called #FlowerPotFridays on my Instagram where I highlight TFP’s offerings and how I use them in my daily life for relief and recovery … they are my mood shifters and energy lifters! The Flower Pot was founded by my dear friend Rebecca, who personally curates these plant powered offerings for you and has aesthetics on LOCK … peep my IG for her beautifully branded gift boxes. You can always count on TFP products to be natural, non-toxic, ethically sourced, and sustainably produced. For your wellness gifts use the CODE: FLOWERPOTFRIDAYS at checkout and receive 15% off your cart total
  • the Daughter Of The Land Bath Soak, the Queen Idia candle from Liha Beauty, and the Bloom Farms Recovery Tincture featured above are all a part of my daily ritual to unwind, recover, and keep my lil spirit still
  • KNC Beauty – retinol infused eye masks… ummm they had me at retinol, yes please! In 20 minutes your eyes will be revived and bonus… they’re all natural! My favorite thing to do is to keep these babies in the refrigerator and to pop them on in the morning while I get ready. It takes my eyes from kinda wonky to totally wide eyed. So like, self care but make it fashunnnn <3
  • Mason Grey LA – I LIVE in this robe! I mean, Lacey probably wonders if I ever get around to washing it because I wear it so often, but who is really putting on pants these days? And it is the coziest, most chicest robe evaaaaar

This is one of my favorite things to do- share with you products I love, companies I support, and highlight the small businesses that could really use our business as we close out this year. Let’s support one another, let’s grant ourselves grace, and let’s find time for self care. This holiday season I hope you too find time to be still, take care of yourself, and give yourself the gift of wellness.

From me and mine, to you and yours – Happy Holidays. (I can say that now, it’s offish)

So tell me, how did you spend yesterday? I love hearing your stories <3

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Best Healthy Pumpkin Spiced Latte Recipe

by with No Comment bakingholidayholidaysrecipes

I’m so basic when it comes to pumpkin spiced .. everything! What does basic even mean by the way? That I love Uggs and cozy sweaters that look like blankets, Christmas music in October, and all things pumpkin spiced? Okay fine, it’s me!

This recipe however, unlike the original that I’ll refer to (which btw I’m actually obsessed with- it’s a problem) may be basic but it’s way healthier than it’s original. The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew that I’d love to have on the daily has 250 calories and 31 grams of sugar. And listen, I’m not one to not enjoy something just because of its calorie count. I will actually always have this extra layer of “life” on my body which I’m absolutely happy with, just so that I’m able to enjoy the things I love i.e. tequila, pizza, fluffy hot cheetos, and the PCCB  from good ol’ Starbies.

However, if I consume it as much as I’d like, I mine as well say buh-bye to the balanced lifestyle I lead because it’s just too sugary for me to have more than once a week. So while this recipe is DELICIOUS, just know that it’s not as sweet (ahem 31 grams), and won’t be made by your favorite barista. Here tis:

say hello to your new pumpkin spiced latte bff:
  • 1 cup cold brew (I grind my beans fresh, brew fresh and then refrigerate until I need it. Usually by the am)
  • 1 cup almond milk (I’ve used coconut milk, hemp milk, and oat milk for the recipe, all are dank)
  • 2 TBS pumpkin purée
  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (1/8 tsp if it kicks you in the throat & exclude all together if you’re not into spice)
  • 1 1/2 TBS maple syrup (more or less depending on how sweet you like your suga… coffee) and also there are other sweeteners like stevia, xyliol, raw honey etc!

*blend in blender, hello froth, hi get in my belly. This recipe yields two servings, half if necessary and enjoy <3

Are you a pumpkin spice kind of person? I see pumpkin spiced everythingggg out right now and I’m very very into it. Cookies, cakes, beverages, candles, all of it.

Hit me with those holiday recipes baby, you know it’s fast approaching! <3

 

 

 

Staying On Track In 2020!

by with No Comment familyhealthholidayholidaysinspirationlifestylemotivationreviewswellness

I’ve partnered with Green Giant, Optimum Nutrition, vitafusion and L’il Critters as part of an Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Can you believe we’re already through January and walking firmly into the rest of the new decade?! We launched this year with goal sharing and our family’s resolutions for the year and I wanted to check in and see where we all are now that the first month of the 2020 is coming to a close <3 

To recap: our family wants to eat more meals together, eat healthier, be more active, and take our vitamins! I’m happy to report that we’ve been staying on track *praise hands* I went to our local Walmart at the start of this month and picked up some things that have helped us to stay focused and support our wellness goals. 

My top picks are the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein and Essential Amino Energy, the Green Giant Veggie Hash Browns, and vitafusion – with a shout out to the L’il Critters too! I hope you enter the Resolutions at Walmart Sweepstakes and do it with us. Here we gooo!

I mean, this Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein is Vanilla Ice Cream flavored, travel friendly (oh hai tumbler), perfect for in between meals, and it’s SO delicious that you can mix it with just water and go! This protein is so important with how often we’re working out and helps us meet our daily protein requirements. Win win.

Essential Amino Energy not only gives us energy and focus for those workouts, but also helps support muscle recovery … perfect for bootcamp heyyy. I love this Fruit Fusion flavor!

vitafusion Men and Women’s Gummy Vitamins have been such a yummy way for us to be nutritious and get our daily vitamins in. They are the #1 Gummy Vitamin Brand and the only gummy vitamin brand with “clinically proven absorption”. Sure, those are great facts but the fact that as adults we’re taking our vitamins daily … super win! 

The L’il Critters Children’s Gummy Vitamins are a perfect way to get you little ones to take their vitamins. They’re fun, taste great, and are this cute lil gummy bear shaped! There’s no artificial sweeteners or flavors in them, and is the only gummy vitamin brand with “doctor tested proven nutrient absorption”. Again, win win!

*For Vitamins C & D3 in products that contain those nutrients
**The ChefsBest Excellence Award is awarded to brands that surpass a quality standard established by independent professional chefs

Green Giant Veggie Hash Browns what I can say, these are crunchy and everything we love about has browns with one full serving of cauliflower in each serving. Corrine doesn’t even know that it’s an actual veggie hash brown, she just asks for them every day! Perfect as a breakfast side, grab and go snack, and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives *where are those praise hands again* If you love these as much as we do, be sure to check out the other great Green Giant products at Walmart, like the Cauliflower Gnocchi!

I hope my go-to products that have helped keep us on track as a family so far this year also inspire you! You can shop all of these products at Walmart and enter the Resolutions at Walmart Sweepstakes! 

Here’s all the Sweepstakes Information you’ll need:

  • Enter for a chance to win a gym membership for a year!
  • Entries valid from December 28th 2019 – February 24th, 2020
  • Limit one prize per person or household.  Only one valid entry per person over the sweepstakes 
  • Visit WalmartResolutions.com for full terms and conditions

Tell me, how are your goals going this year so far? Any tips and tricks you wanna share with us? Please do, and remember we’ve got this! <3