YOSEMITE SNOW DAY AND HOW TO GEAR UP!

by with No Comment adventureget the looklifestylesportstravel

If you’ve been following my adventure series than you know I’ve been on some pretty awesome excursions these past few months!

Our latest explorations brought us to Yosemite, CA with our good friends Esther and Jacob of Local Adventurer, who invited us to join them on a snow-shoeing snow-day extravaganza! Before hopping into the car and excitedly making our way from the sun to the snow though, I of course, had a meltdown … WHAT WAS I GOING TO WEAR?!?!?!

We live in L.A. so we’ve become a little lot accustomed to our ‘clear skies, perfect 75 degree, surf and swim’ conditions. So to prepare for what was predicted to be a winter storm with 10+ inches of snow and icy roads, I told myself, “meh, five layers will be fine!”

I searched high and low for good deals on the internet for a few reasons, 1) I had t-minus 4 days to get my butt in gear, literally 2) if you haven’t been in the market for snow gear lately, insider-tip: they’re expensive! 3) I’m not an insider so I have zero clue what I need, where to get it, or what I will actually use verses what I will buy just because it’s CUTE, hashtag Wanderlust.


So this is what I ended up purchasing, and I have to say, I did pretty good! *high fives self* I got most things on sale and on time (hallelu Amazon Prime)! I also got a few things in child sizes because, cheaper. I’m a size 5 1/2 in women’s shoes so that makes me a child size 4! Pro tip: you can apply this kind of calculation for purchasing Uggs and other expensive shoes that you’d like to pay 30-50% less for.

I didn’t know how ‘active’ we’d be on this trip and a lot of the gear was labeled ‘low to moderate’ activity. How does one quantify the level of activity snowshoeing will bring? So I assumed it wouldn’t be THAT strenuous (1st lie I told myself). So I layered up (pictured below), featuring the bottom layer, and I also wore some tights underneath and a huge winter coat over top.

1. weatherproof thermal shirt 2. thermal bottom layer 3. waterproof pants 4. thermal socks 5. lightweight waterproof jacket 6. waterproof gloves 7. winter snow boots 8. snow googles

Emphasis on waterproof for as much of the apparel as possible because when snow melts it becomes cold ice-water. You don’t want that pressed up against your skin when changing isn’t an option (oh you’ll be cute with less layers they said, it’s not that cold they said. Hashtag Wanderlust).


Well here I am, all geared up, layered up, and ready to go! How cute are Esther and I?! This is us attempting to throw a snow ball. Jacob snapped a few photos of us and then we all frolicked in the snow until we were ready to go inside to thaw out.

Snowshoeing with everyone this weekend in this snowy winter wonderland was wonderful! Also, it was a workout! Midway through the hike up a hill (that felt like it was an 80% incline but was probably not steep at all, 2nd lie I told myself!) I removed two of my layers and rolled them up into Joe’s backpack and honestly I was just fine for the rest of the trip. Blame it on sweaty me, huffing and puffing up the hill, but I didn’t need the extra layers at all.


This was the entrance to the short cut that Joe and I took back to the lodge to meet up with the group for lunch. How incredibly beautiful are these trees? Snow makes everything even more magical, but so does Joe’s photography skills.


This is tunnel view, looking out onto half dome when we first arrived into the park on Friday. Just moments before this photo was taken the clouds were dark and we thought we’d missed seeing the sun look over the mountains. Then, wouldn’t ya know it, mother nature peered her beautiful face through the clouds and we all went nuts!


This is from our second trip to tunnel view this weekend and the landscape looked completely different from the 24 hours before. Ominous and moody, I was happy that we could appreciate the contrast in views and see the beauty in both.


I was sad to leave this enchanted forest but I’m excited to come back this summer! It’s pretty remarkable the ways you experience nature just given the change in season.

I hope this post inspired you to visit a snowy scene near you AND informed you of how to properly layer up! To see more photos from this weekend’s trip check out the hashtags #yosemitesnowday #tenayalodge and #yosemite_dn. While you’re at it, catch up on all of my #FindYourPark happenings by typing in the hashtag and scrolling through!

I really had a superb time with all of these marvelous people; I loved meeting new faces and spending quality time with long time friends, so please head over to Esther and Jacob’s blog and check out their adventures! They inspire me so much!

What winter wonderland activity would you most like to do?! P.S. If you haven’t tried snowshoeing than you should because, easier than snow boarding!

SPRING DECOR ROOM INSPO!!!

by with No Comment DIYget the lookhome decorinspirationlifestyle

Having enjoyed a staycation this past weekend, in one of the most luxurious homes I’ve ever visited, I was totally inspired to revamp my room! I took these photos from a beautiful home in the hills that we stayed in that was elegant and clean with its crisp whites and pops of color!

Stay with me here, if you’re ready to flee from the pom poms, stick around because it’s a jungle in here, literally!


I really love this string of pom poms above this simple bed, the chandelier above, and the all that natural light coming through! It was a YouTuber’s dream to film in here … ahem no lights necessary, there was so much light coming through both corners of the room! Filming a vlog was the first thing I thought of when I saw this set up, “Yes I can sit there and face that way”. Also, those prints you see on the bed spread, that would be from puppy Luna thinking she owns the place! She galloped (she runs like a baby horse) from room to room and jumped on all of the beds. All of them.

This was one of the 4 bedrooms in the house, and my personal favorite! I called it the Princess Room because that’s what it felt like to me, a doll-house princess room, so pretty and dainty. The second room I’ll feature was Corrine’s favorite! We called it the Jungle Room because the walls were covered with giant leaves and the green hue was so beautiful, I wish I could’ve really captured it’s true tone!


Again with the simple, clean, white bedspread and sheets, I love the choice here because it doesn’t take away from how busy, yet fun, the walls are. A simple lamp in the corner, two windows allowing for the day to peak through, and this beautiful set up on the far wall – we were in love I tell ya.


Why yes, that is my phone just candidly hanging out on the bamboo table. I had forgotten where it was until I saw this photo and remembered I’d put it down here. Lavender stems in vases sprinkled around the house was the most inviting and fragrant aroma you could imagine. Again, the decor is simple, but I love simplicity, I love the bamboo themed furniture, and I love how it fit so perfectly with the painted walls.

The rest of the home was just as beautifully decorated as these two rooms, people were bustling about so I wasn’t able to capture the home room by room. It has however inspired me to focus on being more simplistic in my decor choices, more open to big prints and bright colors, and to let light be the focus of each room.

I really loved it here and I loved how inspired we were when we left. I actually ordered some pom pom wall hangings of my own and a new white duvet cover in honor of these rooms! One room at a time, one space at time, that’s what I keep telling myself. I think it’s easy to get overwhelmed by decorating, by theming a room or picking colors. It’s especially difficult when you have zero clue what you’re doing … me!

I like to think that once my bedroom is complete, I’ll migrate into the living room and redecorate the space in there. Baby steps … if I can do it, trust me, you can too! Pick a space in your home, start small, and surround it with things that make you feel less anxious and more relaxed. That’s exactly how I felt when I walked into this house.

I hope this inspired you to get thinking about Spring decor and what colors you’re drawn to. I know that I’m really loving this white out look!

What kinds of colors or prints are you most drawn to, and are you more of a decor person or a wall and accessory person?

See you next week with some more happenings and have a wonderful weekend!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR RESOLUTIONS IN 2016!!!

by with No Comment DIYinspirationlifestylemotivationwellness

I will what I want! This is something we should say to ourselves every day. It’s 2016 everybody! You know what that means … new year resolutions and the struggle to keep them! Oh and we’ve all made them! Gyms are filling up, farmers markets are being frequented, and books are flying off the shelves! That is, if your resolution is to be healthy, to eat cleaner, and to read more! Ahem, raises hand. So today I’m going to share with you how to KEEP your resolutions this year and to why ‘the secret’ actually works!


Have you ever read The Secret, or watching the film on it? It’s the idea that our thoughts create our destiny. For instance, if you tell yourself that you aren’t successful, the Universe will agree with you, and hence you will not be successful. The Universe’s job is to AGREE with you, so be sure you’re telling it POSITIVE things! So my number one key to accomplishing your goals … vision boards! I can’t begin to tell you how much power vision boards have in amplifying motivation. To have something to look at daily, something you put together with your hands, something you thought about and sifted through … this makes a HUGE difference! For me, having a vision board puts my thoughts into one place, a tangible place that I’m forced to look at each morning. So what have we learned:

1) Create a vision board.

My friend Miya and I each created a vision board last week and it really set into motion all of things we want this year. They’re really easy to make too! All you need is a poster board, some scissors, a glue stick, and magazines!

Miya said it best when she said that most people think they need to look for pictures of things that represent their goals, but honestly, we found so many inspirational phrases that we put together just by finding WORDS that represented our goals. There are no rules when it comes to your vision board, just cut, glue, paste, and create!

2) Keep your vision board somewhere you can see it.

For me, hanging my vision board up next to my bed where I literally have to wake up to it each morning is the greatest form of inspiration. It’s the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep. To have it in a space that I’m in creates a sense of urgency within myself, something I can’t take back and something to push me forward. So here it is, the view of my vision board from my pillow!

 

Be realistic with your goals, yes I totally glued ‘one million’ to my vision board, but seeing all those zeros really enforced into my thoughts that I want to grow this year. I like to gather my goals into areas of my life that I want to improve; work, love, self-improvement, and travel. This works for me, if a board full of inspirational thoughts and pictures work for you, do that! So long as you tell yourself that you will what you want, you WILL get what you want. And lastly, don’t stop, keep your eye on the ball.

3) Stay focused and don’t give up.

There will be days that you want to give up, days that you’re tired and that you feel like your goals are too big, or that they’re just too far to be within reach of. Just remember that every day, do one thing to accomplish your goals and you’ll see that even these small steps turn into huge leaps towards the bigger picture. We all get discouraged, just don’t let one day turn into one year. Baby steps.

So whether it’s creating a vision board or writing out daily to-do’s in a calendar, physically putting your goals onto paper will make a huge difference in your motivation I promise! You can check out what Miya and I put on each of our vision boards and what they mean to us, here!

Miya also wrote a motivational piece on how to keep your resolutions this year on the blog we have together, HapaHour.com, so head on over there for more inspiration! She inspires me every day with her wisdom and words of encouragement. Which brings me to my last point, surround yourself with like-minded people. They say that we become the 5 people we surround ourselves the most with, so be sure that your inner circle is full of people who uplift, inspire, encourage, and empower you.

Let me know what your number one goal is for 2016 and how you plan on accomplishing it and I can’t wait to share with you a ‘mid-year’ update on my own goals! Good luck and Happy New Year!!!

MY GYM BAG ESSENTIALS!!!

by with No Comment fitnessget the lookhealthholidayslifestylereviews

As I currently find myself in the middle of holiday season ‘feast mode’, I also find myself in the middle of “tis the season-full blown- freak-out-mode”! Anyone else find it difficult to say no to all the holiday food and NOT partake in all the merriment? Seriously, my body doesn’t know what to do with all the extra egg nog and yule log calories that I HAVE to indulge in because, Scrooge.

During this time of year I try to balance out all the holiday feasting with extra strength training and doubling up on HIIT workouts. So here is my number one tip to maintaining your waistline this season … get up and get moving! That’s right, gym time baby! Where’s the motivation you say?!

Well just like when we were younger and the new school year would begin, you’d have a new backpack full of shiny new school supplies, welcome to the adult version of that! Meet your new backpack … Lil Ms. (or Mr.) Totebag! Being fully prepped to hit up a sweat session will have you prepped to hit up the food table for seconds! Here is what’s in my gym bag!

1. The tote – this sleek lil baby will carry your gym essentials in style! It’s the perfect size, not crazy bulky like a duffel, yet spacious enough to hold all of these items AND a change of clothes!

2. A sweatband – oh that sweet sweat, it doesn’t stand a chance with this nylon sweat band. Ladies and long haired gents, you’ll be happy to hear that this also doubles as a hair tie!

3. Headphones – not just any headphones, these are blue tooth ear buds that allow you to lunge and lift without the annoyance of cords. Don’t you just hate that!

4. The kicks – my most recent obsession, these tennis shoes! Like with hand bags, shoes also set the tempo, literally. These are comfortable and classic, and will get you excited to pump some iron!

5. Recovery – this is important if you’re ripping and tearing through your workouts, AND your muscles. These are BCAA’s- branched-chain amino acids, which help to repair and build your muscles. I like this blueberry flavor, it’s like a sports drink meets koolaid! I habitually add this to my water bottle and drink it up during my workout. I’ll also reach for some coconut water during my more intense workouts, which replenish lost electrolytes and aid in hydration.

6. Protein – this is key to building lean muscle and fueling your muscle growth. Remember to have your protein shake or protein + carbohydrate packed meal within 30 minutes after completing your workout. You want to send protein to your muscles as quickly as possible so your body doesn’t eat away at the muscle you just worked so hard for! I love this Perfect Fit Protein because it’s a plant based protein powder that is especially good to bake with, ummm can you say protein waffles every day all day?!

7. Sweat be gone – I love this micro fibre towel because it’s made from a quick dry, anti-bacterial material, and has a grip covered underside. So no matter how crazy I get with my burpees and jumping lunges, this towel stays in place!

8. Hydration –  hydration, hydration, hydration!!! It’s crazy to think that we should be drinking half of our body weight in water! Sounds daunting but it can easily be done if you infuse your water with some lemon wedges or some fruit pieces. Just a trick that makes your water delicious and extra beneficial! This water bottle is especially dear to me because proceeds from each water bottle sold goes to support clean water efforts in Africa. Also, it’s BPA-free, dishwasher-safe, reusable, and recyclable! I slip this into the side of my gym tote making it easily accessible, just refilling it at the water fountain. Ahem, Los Angeles tap water is OK to drink now haha!


There you have it! The only sure way to ensure that the only thing you’re spiking this holiday season is the eggnog and not your cholesterol! Share with me your gym and fitness essentials, and I hope you enjoyed this post!

This really is the time of year to indulge in all of your favorite holiday dishes with wild abandonment! No regrets! I’ll be doing the same, so just do it, and I’ll see you later this week with some festive side dish ideas! Yum!!!

 

HEALTHY LATE NIGHT SNACKS!!!

by with One Comment bakinghealthlifestylerecipeswellness

If this sounds like you raise your hand … Wakes up early to work out, has a protein shake, eats every few hours while making responsible meal choices, 9pm hits and BAM … eats something bad EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!

Sound familiar? Well that is another reason why I jump started #30dayswithJess 2.0! Here are my go-to snacks that are … wait for it … late night consumption APPROVED!

Craving something sweet and savory? Well I have your new favorite treat! Here’s the recipe for frozen yogurt-banana cream filled strawberries – topped with salted caramel dark chocolate pieces! I know, I know, you love me. I love you too!

  • 10-12 strawberries
  • 1 & 1/2 Tablespoons of Blue Diamond sliced almonds
  • 1/2 banana
  • 3 & 1/2 Tablespoons honey yogurt (or any greek yogurt)
  • dark chocolate of your choice (I used salted caramel dark chocolate)

Method:

  1. Smash the banana in a bowl with a fork and add the yogurt until mixed well
  2. Cut the centers out of each strawberry – very carefully, this was tricky for my uncoordinated self
  3. Fill each strawberry with the banana-yogurt cream and top with a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
  4. Place a chocolate piece on top of each strawberry and freeze over-night or until firm. Which ever you have time can wait for! They are messy, but sooo delicious!

  • For that chocolate pudding crave, try making some chocolate coconut chia seed pudding! It’s so much healthier for you and is packed full of omega 3’s and antioxidants! I topped mine with frozen mango chunks and pomegranate seeds *insert drool emoticon*!
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds (I used a chia seed, buck wheat, and hemp seed mix with cranberries and coconut flakes)
  • 1/2 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup coconut milk (almond milk works also)
  • fruit and unsweetened cocoa powder for toppings (I used pomegranate seeds, frozen mango chunks, and 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder)

Method:

  1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a mason jar with the exception of the toppings
  2. Shake well and refrigerate over night, giving the mason jar a good shake after about 30 minutes to an hour
  3. Once thickened, top with your favorite fruits and cocoa powder for a kick, and ENJOY!

I saved the best for last! When that ice cream craving hits mid-day, or mid-night, you’ll be able to indulge without the bulge. Wow look at my rhymes! Here’s your chocolate cherry ice cream recipe! This ‘ice cream’ is made with frozen bananas, cherries (yes cherries), and peanut butter. Yes you CAN nix the PB, but combining cherries and peanut butter WILL be your newest obsession!

  • 4 frozen bananas (this makes enough for our family of 3)
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 1 cup of frozen cherries
  • 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Method:

  1. Place the frozen bananas, peanut butter, and cherries into a food processor
  2. Blend well until smooth and creamy, like ice-cream. It will look like this!
  3. ENJOY!

I mean, how stinkin’ pretty is this home-made chocolate cherry ice-cream?! PS if you’re not a peanut butter fan, exclude this ingredient and add in some more frozen berries and you’re set! So delicious! Frozen fruit whipped up to make ice-cream … genius!

So there you have it! My current three most favorite, go-to treats! You can enjoy these any part of the day, but for me it’s all about settling those late night cravings.

I hope you’ve joined us for #30DaysWithJess 2.0, where we share our meal prep ideas, snack recipes, and workouts with each other! I love trying out your recipes too!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember, you can have anything you want! The key is: everything in moderation <3

Jess Lizama

Jess Pointing At Rangers Pointing At Things

PLAYLIST LIVE D.C. WITH MASHABLE AND THE NPS!

by with No Comment adventurelifestyletravel

Team Internet is back at it with another exciting and fun filled convention, and this year I joined Mashable and the National Park Service who brought me all the way to our nation’s capital for Playlist Live D.C.!

Video conferences like Playlist Live are a place for creators, brands, and audience members to gather and chat all things new media! It’s such an exciting time in our space and I’m so happy to announce that I’ve partnered with Mashable and the National Park Service and Foundation for their centennial celebration! 100 years of service!

In honor of this special occasion the NPS and Foundation launched operation #FindYourPark Press Play- and being the avid adventurer that I am, I was beyond excited to join the movement! It’s a YouTube based contest and the goal is that we inspire you to discover your National park and to share your adventures with us!

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

I kicked the campaign off for myself by hiking our favorite spot, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (above) – where in ONE spot you can stand and enjoy views of both the ocean and the mountains. It’s my go-to place for a reset and reflection. As creatives, we’re required to pump out daily ideas and spontaneous creativity – and for most of us that requires us to be at home. A lot. It’s nice to get out and get moving to recharge your mind and body so no matter your occupation, here’s your friendly reminder to do that.

So with my hiking footage in tow, I traveled to D.C. to meet up with Park Rangers Emily and Mathew to help announce our mission, live on stage, to Playlist Live! Here we are, right after crushing it on the main stage in the company of our amazing audience members! P.S. I moon-shuffled off stage.

Jess Pointing At Rangers Pointing At Things
Jess Pointing At Rangers Pointing At Things

Me pointing at Rangers pointing at things. This is a meme everybody, you’re welcome. Also, we became the three best friends that anyone’s ever had.

After the event I went exploring, after all D.C. is my birth place!

The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument

I made it to the Washington Monument and in true Jess form, I took about 274,388 selfies with this beautiful landmark.

When in D.C.
When in D.C.

I love Maryland for all of its seasons, good food, and good people. I can’t wait to come back! I really had a blast at Playlist Live with our team from Mashable and the National Park Service and Foundation. If you were there and we got a photo together, please TAG me on Instagram or Twitter! Perhaps you got some footage of me doing that awesome moon-shuffle off stage!

If you weren’t there here’s your chance to win FREE tickets to Playlist Live Orlando 2016, and if you were there, here’s your chance to COME BACK! 5 lucky winners from the #FindYourPark Press Play contest will win tickets to Playlist Live Orlando 2016 and here’s how you enter!

  1. Visit a national park – find one close to you here
  2. Record your adventures! Get creative and have fun … and remember, safety first!
  3. Upload the video to your YouTube channel and don’t forget to include the hashtags #FindYourPark and #Contest in your video’s description
  4. Submit your video link at FindYourPark.com/Share
  5. GOOD LUCK!!!

I can’t wait to see you next year, and guess what else!!! Amongst other awesome prizes, those 5 lucky winners will also have their videos featured on Mashable! So go be adventurous, discover your park, and share your explorations with us! You have until March 4th to submit your videos.

You can check out the article on Mashable that features my video here, and follow me on Snapchat for all of my Snap Stories! I’m back with our annual #30dayswithJess challenge, and we’re on day 5 so tomorrow we’ll take our #JessQuests on yet another adventure, and I will have that video up this Wednesday!

I’ll leave you with this photo, #SquadGoals, as you conjure up YOUR next exploration! Here’s a link to 37 National Parks you should visit recommended by my friends at montemlife.com!

Squad Goals!
Squad Goals!

 

Jess Lizama

This post is sponsored by Mashable in partnership with the National Park Service and Foundation. I am proud to explore our park for the #FindYourPark Press Play campaign.

Fall Moodboard: Lifestyle with Corrine

by with No Comment fashionhome decorlifestyle

Fall is my FAVORITE and being a Scorpio, rightfully so. With Summer in Los Angeles nearly over, my excitement and anticipation is already starting to settle in. In preparation of chunky knits, chelsea boots, and warm cups of cocoa, I have put together a charmingly simple fall mood board to inspire and create those warm fuzzy feels the season invokes. Disclaimer: the photos you see below are not owned by me in any shape or form. I have borrowed them from Pinterest for my own inspiration.


I hope these images inspired to get excited for Fall! Why not curate your own mood board? Fall is on its’ way and I can’t wait for its arrival!

xx, Corrine

SUMMER MAKEUP FAVORITES: WITH CORRINE

by with No Comment beautyget the looklifestylereviewreviews

We all have our everyday essentials that live in our bags, we can’t leave the house without em, and they’re essential to any and every dilemma. For me, my makeup must-haves that can undoubtedly be found at the bottom of my bag are: LIPSTICK (as always), perfume, and blush.

Favez

Here I’m sharing with you some of my favorite products by my favorite brands:

1. Nars Lipstick in the shade “Audrey”

The perfect rosy red for any night out.

2. Bobbi Brown Blush in the shade “Pretty Pink”

Creates the perfect flush.

3. “Daisy Dream” by Marc Jacobs Rollerball

smells like a real life DREAM.

4. Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighter

YOU NEED THIS. apply lightly to the cheekbones and down the center of your nose. you’re on fire.

xo, Corrine