Vaping With Friends – What We Thought We Knew!

by with No Comment entertainmentgiveawayslifestylereviewsvideo

If you would have told me that today I’d have my friends over to try vape mods and e-juices I would’ve given you an eye roll because, moms who vape?! Seriously though we had the BEST time laughing over what we thought we knew about vaping and trying the different flavors!

I’ve vaped essential oils before but never an e-juice and I found the same went for a lot of my friends. So when I got the opportunity to try out different mods from Mt Baker Vapor and the e-juices they offer, I called my friends over and here we are!

It’s incredible the amount of negativity that surrounds vaping and I believe it’s largely due to misinformation and lack of individual education. I’m not a nicotine smoker and as a mother I’d never promote something that I believed was a ‘gate way’ to anything- this was something that also came up as a hot topic. However, I will promote something that I myself have tried and tested and I will absolutely promote something that I think can help people when used with proper intention.

My mom has been a cigarette smoker since she was a teenager, I grew up with it my whole life. So I know 1) the effects of smoking  2) the effects of peer pressure and 3) the effects vaping can have on someone transitioning away from smoking cigarettes and finally weening off of nicotine all together with the help of vaping. So it really bothered me that I got flack for wanting to try vaping and be more educated about it and less curious about all the hype.

I understand the concern but again, you have to inform yourself on the issues that concern you. I was hugely concerned about this “popcorn lung” that kept coming up any time I talked about or searched vaping. It was a lung disease in the 90’s that became headline news because of a chemical used in artificial butter popcorn factories. Lung disease … now that scared me. But I did my research and Mt Baker Vapor DOES NOT use that chemical in any of their products! Relief!

I’ve never vaped with my friends before, so Mt Baker Vapor to sent us different mods to try and a selection of e-juices. They were even so kind to send me more of their 0-Nic juices to try knowing that I’m not a nicotine smoker. We got to try the Joyetech All In One, Vaporesso Swag Kit, and Smoant Charon TS 218. Buzz words haha! I had no idea what we were looking at or that they’re called mods! Luckily though they’re much easier to figure out and operate than they look.

Essentially, we received the beginner, intermediate, and advanced mods and we tried them all! We went through the different flavors and some of our favorites were Hawk Sauce (berry fruitiness), Green Apple (sweet and sour yumminess), and Cinnatoast Munch (I mean! It tastes like your favorite cereal)! Fan favorite of the mods was the Joyetech AIO vape pen because the ladies thought it was dainty enough to toss into your handbag and they loved the design! Joe really loved the Smoant Charon with the sapphire blue Uwell Valyrian sub ohm tank <— more buzz words, sub ohm tank! He loved how sturdy it felt and that it was a glossy glass mod with a rad touch screen. I loved the Vaporesso Swag Kit box mod! I liked that it’s palm sized, so medium in comparison to the vape pen and bigger box mod. It has a spin push top (twist open) design which if you’re tactile like me you’ll find that fun too, and an OLED screen on the side.

I really enjoyed trying out vaping with my friends, debunking some rumors, and having a genuinely good time with my people who are like-minded. I hope you enjoyed the video and please enter my giveaway! Mt Baker Vapor was so generous to gift 3 of you with one of these: Joyetech AIO, Vaporesso Swag Kit, and an Innokin MVP4 vaporizer. All you have to do to enter is go to my YouTube video, LIKE the video, and leave me a comment! I’ll choose 3 of you next week and Mt Baker Vapor will send you the e-juice of your choice.

Even if you don’t win the giveaway, tis the season and I have a treat for you! Head over to Mt Baker Vapor and enter the code ICHOOSEFLAVOR for 50% off your first purchase of Mt Baker Vapor juice! Check them out they have other really awesome products on their site, be sure to enter the giveaway, and have a wonderful holiday season! Vlogmas, it’s a thing and I’m doing it!

Have you tried vaping before? Do you know someone that used vaping to stop smoking cigarettes? Which mod would you like to try? 

 

 

 

Top Shelfie Picks + GIVEAWAY!

by with No Comment beautygiveawayslifestylemakeupreviewreviewsskin carewellness

What fun would a top notch selfie be without the addition of a top shelfie?! Social media has taken the regular ol’ selfie and upgraded it to a product-driven top shelfie! If you haven’t seen this hashtag that’s overthrown the “favorites” product list on your Instagram feed, I’ll share with you my #topshelfie and I hope it inspires you to share yours!

So here it is, my current list of favorites . . . errr top shelfie products, and why I’m so swoon!

  • Circ- Cell: a) face rejuvenation serum– easily one of my holy grail products of the year, this silky formula is enriched with oxygen and algae complex. It visibly brightens and tones your skin, and contains sea fennel stem extract. My favorite part beyond the benefits, is that the scent is clean and light and Circ-Cell products are paraben free! b) rejuvenating eye serum– your eyes say it all baby. With this light and quickly absorbed serum, the appearance of puffiness and dark circles will be gone! Also enriched with oxygen and algae complex, your friends will wonder how you’re so dewy and glowy! shhhh 😀
  • Native natural deodorant: as you know I’ve tried many all-natural deodorants and this stood the test of sweat and stank! Coconut Vanilla and Lavender are my all time favorites btw! It won’t chafe you at all and will protect you against funkiness. But remember, your body needs some time to rid itself of those toxins, so be patient lil grasshoppa 😉
  • IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Compact: +SPF  50! I mean c’mon! So I’m one of those people who live for the “natural- but totally not natural – you can still see my pores” kinda look. This foundation IS that and contains their best selling Confidence In A Cream . . . do it! Buildable, smooth, and anything but cakey – this is one of my favorite products of the summer.
  • Coola Classic Sport SPF 50: a usual suspect in the line up of my go-to’s, this SPF is light, nourishing, goes well under your makeup, and is full of antioxidants! Coola products make it into my year round must haves.
  • OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream: applied before my sunscreen and after my Circ-Cell, this hydrating cream helps to provide a protective barrier between my skin and the environment. Containing Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, it’s moisturizing without being greasy and won’t interfere with the yaaaaas queen of your makeup.

  • Dove Dry Shampoo: I have my friend Miya to thank for this one! It smells so clean and fresh and doesn’t leave behind any white residue or flakiness. I carry this in the car for after the gym or for before an event when I feel like I smell like scalp . . . you know what I mean 😉
  • Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil: plant and essential oil based, this product is ONE of the TWO things I will NOT go to sleep without applying to my face . . . the other is my eye serum duh. Although it’s an oil it’s not greasy or sticky, it’s easily absorbed, and you’ll wake up feeling like newness.
  • Ange Ou Demon Perfume: if you’ve ever hugged me IRL, you know I covet smelling like an angel fallen from heaven fresh out the shower HAHA This perfume right here, it’s my signature scent! It’s sexy, subtle, flirty, and fun! A lil peppery- but I say, if it doesn’t make you sneeze than it’s not spicy enough 😉
  • Pur-lisse Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask: if you have skin than you need this! I’m all about preventative measures now so that I don’t have to worry about it later! We’re all gonna age y’all so lets do it gracefully! This is an all-natural fiber mask infused with Blue Lotus and restorative Asian botanicals. It packed full of antioxidants and you’ll go to sleep feeling like a brand new (and more youthful) you!

There you have it! My current favorites, go-to’s, and must have top shelfies! But wait, there’s more! Not only do I enjoy sharing with you what I love in these articles but I also love GIFTING them to you IRL!

I’m happy to announce that I’ll be doing a Circ-Cell giveaway where two of you will receive a travel sized skin care kit FULL of their best sellers! I hope you know that I would not promote anything I don’t already use myself and adore, so believe me when I say that I’m JEALOUS to mail these out haha

The giveaway will be done over on my Instagram page so please follow me over there, follow Circ-Cell, and comment on my last post ONE thing about your skin that you’d love to improve and ONE thing that you LOVE about yourself!

I’ll choose two winners and announce them this Saturday! Good luck and I love thee and yo beautiful self!

Have you tried any of the products I listed here today? What products made it into your #topshelfie list this month? 

 

 

 

 

 

Taking The Fuss Out Of Fashion!

by with 3 Comments fashionlifestylelook bookreview

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ben Bridge Jeweler. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’ll be the first to admit that casual and comfortable are my go-to when it comes to personal style. Who doesn’t live for versatility and practicality! Well I’m happy to report that I’ve met my match in the accessory world. Ben Bridge bridges the gap between informal and ceremonial, pun intended!

I took two of my favorite pieces from the Ben Bridge Jeweler collection and styled them with my favorite ensembles to approach every occasion you’ll ever encounter.



For that work flow business meeting, brunch with your babes, or a casual day at the beach, this Disc Choker Necklace is the perfect accessory! The streamlined and classic design make it a stand alone piece that will absolutely make it a staple in your jewelry box. For moments when you’re feeling spontaneous, you can stack it for a trendy look which is my personal favorite. I love pairing a dainty detail like this choker with other pieces that give it an especially feminine feel.  It’s a 14K yellow gold dangle disc and the slide closure allows for it to be worn as a choker like I wear it, or up to 16 inches long.




Here we are, my all time favorite earring . . . not gonna lie, I feel like a rock star with these cuffs! These are the Ben Bridge Black Diamond Ear Cuff, oh la la. They’ve got the perfect amount of attitude to take any outfit and spice it up! Whether you’re leaving school or work to run some errands, or you’re headed out to a summer festival, this cuff puts an edgy spin on the traditional stud. I paired mine with a brass pair that complimented the cuff and it’s black diamonds nicely. These earrings make for an eye catching conversation starter so be prepared to share where you got them. Pssst, they’re set in 14K white gold with a curved tear drop design and adjust to THREE different sizes, but you didn’t hear it from me!

Don’t take my word for it though, accessorize all the things, stack all the pieces, and fall in love with them yourself. These Ben Bridge designs provide versatility and practicality to your wardrobe when accessorizing can feel overwhelming. This coming from queen of casual. I mean, who doesn’t live for comfort and simplicity!

These pieces allow me to dress for the occasion but still feel confident that they meet my mood, and elevate it! They’re timeless, minimalistic, and classic . . . just like me! Badadum ching 😉

What’s the ONE accessory you can’t live without?

 

 

 

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High-Protein Cakes That Taste Amazing!

by with One Comment bakingfitnessfoodhealthreviewswellness

Cake that’s good for your cakes! Hey, when you were born with a pancake booty you take all the help you can get, and your girl over here is carbing up to build these cakes. Get excited because I’ve FINALLY found a recipe for cake that tastes amazing and doesn’t taste like protein powder! A cake mix that is just like the full sugar, full fat, full gluttonous cake without the extra calories . . . and without tasting like fake sugar. You know what I mean!

Lil Buff Protein Cakes is a cake mix I found *thank you Instagram* and have incorporated into my weekly meal prep. Their mix is gluten free, vegan friendly, microwaveable, and has a whopping 26+ grams of protein y’all! Also, if you’re a cookie lover you’ll be happy to know that their mixes can also be prepared into cookie form! And with flavors like Cocoa-Crave, Fit-fetti (featured here), and Lemon-Berry Squeeze you’re gonna wanna go ahead and buy a few pouches of each, just trust. I purchased some Fit-fetti and limited edition Red Velv-Fit and I can’t get enough. Here’s how I made these high-protein cakes, and did I mention that they taste amazing?!

I made this particular pouch of Fit-fetti into heart shaped cupcakes and baked them with applesauce and a smashed nana. That means these babies are vegan, gluten free, and completely guilt-free. Even if I did devour 3 of them while they were still warm, frosting melting off of ’em and all. Y O L O

The magical thing about this recipe is that it actually tastes like funfetti cake out of the box because they’re fluffy like the one out of the box. Oh boxed cake with your fluff. It’s our eternal desire to chase that fluff, except that the fluff is full of ingredients that you don’t need. And though delicious, it also makes my sensitive belly fluff, because bloat.

 

 

 

 

Bonus points for these rainbow sprinkles that come included along with a recipe for frosting! An alternative frosting that I can down with because it still contains key ingredients like cream cheese and vanilla pudding haha

Perfect for your pre-workout and delicious as your post-workout, if you haven’t given Lil Buff Protein a try, do it! They’re delicious, healthy, packed with protein, and they’ll grow your gains.

Have you tried protein oats, protein pancakes, or protein cake like I’ve mentioned here? What do your taste buds tell you? Be honest, you can tell me.

 

 

MUST HAVE SUMMER HAIR AND SKINCARE PRODUCTS!

by with No Comment adventurebeautyfestivalsleisurereviewsskin caretravelwellness

With all of the pool side bronzing you’ll be doing, the ocean dips you’ll be taking, and the festivals you’ll be prancing around, today I’m sharing with you my must have summer hair and skincare products!

After a week in Palm Springs for my friend Miya’s annual birthday tradition at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, I really know what it feels like to crave hydration and replenishment. It was 110 degrees on our first pool side bronzing day ONE HUNDRED AND TEN DEGREES lol. One of the most relaxing and beautiful places to visit, here’s what I toted along with me so that I would remain dewy and moisturized.

  • suncare protection – Coola is hands down one of my all time favorite sunscreens, for both my face and my body. It’s a mineral sun protectant and smells like damn heaven
  • sweat and odor protection – I don’t know about you but even poolside I still swipe some odor protection under my arms because, 110 degree weather and bronzing . . . and sweating. I’ve raved about Native before but if you haven’t jumped on the natural deoderant band wagon, their Coconut Vanilla scent will make you take the leap, trust
  • lip moisture – lets not forget about our pouts while we’re out there surfing the waves and sipping down those pina coladas. This Hanalei lip treatment is so rich and I love the light vanilla smell it has. It also doubles as a lip gloss because it’s so moisturizing that your lips will shine baby
  • body butter – this Island Elixir by Farm House Fresh Organics is a shea body butter that smells like an island and feels like a vat of pure luxury
  • hair leave in and smell goods – this Sea Salt spray by my girls over at Tone It Up is making a come back with this post becuase it’s THAT versitile. Create to foster body and movement in your hair, I also use it as a leave in for the pool/beach because it’s also hydrating to my hair. And if you haven’t guessed already, yup it smells just like a coconut
  • hair leave in and wash outs – after a long day under the sun I condition my hair with this coconut oil deep conditioning protein pack. About once a week I’ll leave this treatment in my hair while I shave my legs in the shower and then rinse it out for the softest hair you’ve ever seen. Keepin’ that coconut theme going, this too smells like the ripest coconut in the middle of an island

I can’t get enough of these summer time hair and skincare products so I hope you try them out and let me know what you think. Also, I hope you like COCONUT! haha You can take the girl off the island but you can’t take the island out of the girl.

What are your favorite summer time hair and skincare products?! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOP 3 BEST NATURAL DEODORANTS

by with One Comment beautyget the lookhealthreviewsskin carewellness

A few weeks ago I walked into Corrine’s room to find her rubbing some weird cream underneath her armpits to which I gave her a questionable look. “Don’t look at me like that mom, you’re the one putting aluminum into your body”. There it is everybody, my 19 year old daughter telling ME how I’m the one who should be offended by what I’m putting into my body. Well well, here we are present time and here I am with my top 3 ALL NATURAL DEODORANTS! Whodathunkit?!

It’s a popular movement that I’ve just thrown myself into, this idea of all natural skincare, body care, and hair care products. Not gonna lie, for the first week or so I was highly skeptical because as humans we have odor, and if you think you don’t I’m here to tell you that you do.

Coming in at the #1 spot is Native’s all natural deodorant in Coconut Vanilla. They had me at coconut, but also the bar applicator makes for an easier transition for this past ‘aluminum wearing antiperspirant doting’ consumer. It kept me dry, non funky, smells delicious, and wasn’t gritty. I took this to bootcamp with me, the ultimate test, and left feeling fresh and confident.

Primally Pure’s lavender tube is also chemical free, smells like lavender fields, and keeps odor at bay. It took the number 2 spot because the baking soda in the stick was a bit hit or miss when it came to irritating my sensitive under arm area. Other than that I loved the smell and it kept me just as dry as Native’s.

And last but definitely not least on this list is Schmidt’s Lavender Sage pot. I only ranked this as my third choice because I had to pick up the crumbles and maneuver them around my pits until the granules had melted and then got absorbed by my skin. Not the cutest thing to do every morning, but just as effective as the other two. It smelled divine, kept any odors away, I remained dry, and there was no chafing or irritation.

If you haven’t tried an all natural deodorant I HIGHLY recommend these brands (and these scents!), so so so good! I mean, we’re human, we’re SUPPOSED to sweat, but that doesn’t mean we have to stink 😉 I’m all about putting better ingredients into my food, and natural products onto my body these days and I couldn’t be happier to make the switch.

Have you ever tried a natural deodorant before? Which brand/ scent was your favorite? 

 

 

 

 

 

LOCAL EATS L.A. – VOODOO DONUTS!

by with No Comment adventurecommunityfoodreviewstravel

It’s about time I thank Portland for its sole contribution to my expanding waist line LOL Anyone else? No, just me mkayyy. Well if you’ve ever savored the flavors of Salt & Straw, relished in a creamy cheese by Tillamook , or basked in the light of the combined ice cream + Tillamook’s brand, than you too can send this post to Portland as a thank you.

A lot of Portland’s local sensations have made their way out of the big city into some of our own towns, and have I mentioned Salt & Straw yet?! Okay if that name sounds unfamiliar to you, please locate one asap, go overindulge and thank me later. In the meantime, we have our friends Karissa and Sebastian to thank for hand delivering us to this deliciousness this past weekend!

A recent addition to Los Angeles from the great city of Portland is Voodoo Donuts. I have to say, there’ve been a lot of conflicting verdicts when it comes to if the donuts are delicious or not. Can I just emphasize here . . . they’re DONUTS! I personally don’t have a palette advanced enough to turn down a donut, even if it were on the floor of a subway station. Oh I’d take a second glance! 😉

So we gave it a go after seeing a ton of Instagram photos showing off their picks at their newest location in Universal City Walk.  After a half hour wait we were there, at the front door, aroma and all! Lots of photo ops, they know what they’re doing!

And what was our ruling? Well our group was elbow deep in fried fluffy pastry bread, milk, and there were a lot of happy dances happening lol Again, they’re just donuts, who doesn’t love donuts?! But I get it, if I’m comparing Voodoo donuts to places like Dunkin Donuts, Yum Yum’s, or any other donut place, there really isn’t one.

Sorry if that’s disappointing, but honestly if you placed two donuts in front of me, one from Voodoo and one from Yum Yum’s, I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Wrapping this up I’ll say this, Voodoo Donuts may be pricey, they may be all fancy looking with their fancy toppings, but I’ll give ’em this, they’re yummy. They make a signature donut called the Voodoo Doll and it’s damn delicious!

I suggest you make a trip over there and try a box of donuts for yourself, see how you feel about them! And don’t be alarmed but this was the only photo I got of said Voodoo Doll person, it was too delicious to wait haha

Any newness in your hood? I hear we have a new coffee shop opening much like Philz Coffee and I couldn’t be happier about it! I love coffee! I love dessert! I love food! 

 

 

 

 

MUSINGS – WHIMSY AND ROW

by with No Comment beautyhome decorhome improvementstyle

If you consider sprinkling flowers around the place decorating, than I’m an interior designer 😉 I think simple additions like fresh florals and nice smelling candles make your home cozy and inviting – it’s the little things I tell ya! Today’s post is inspired by the most effortlessly charming shop around that currently contributes to our Spring-time home makeover.

Our recent visit to Whimsy and Row was for their launch party in Venice, CA. With live music, laughs and libations, it was such a fun event and I had some of my best girls with me! Swag bags are always so appreciated especially from locally ran businesses where we get to support fellow entrepreneurs, but this swag bag was SUH-WAG-GA-LICIOUS!

Huge shout out to P.F. Candle Co., The Giving Keys, Led To Believe, and Back Beat Rags for their generosity, we’re officially fans! Check them out if you haven’t already, add their items to your wardrobe collection or set out some pieces around the house for some Spring flare!

What are some additions around your house that help welcome in a change of season? This can be in your closet or interior design! 

Stay tuned for our “How To Spring Forward” post! Slowly but surely we’ll all be prepared to declutter our lives and decorate the crap out of our homes! lol

 

 

 

BEAUTY CORNER: MUST TRY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS!

by with One Comment beautyget the lookholidaysreviewsskin carewellness

There’s one thing we can thank 2016 for, upping its makeup game! Thanks to Instagram videos, trend upon trend, and each of our inner makeup artists, we now have “highlighting on fleek” and weird tools to apply contour with . . . like hand mixers 😉

I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to trying the new ‘it’ look, but using kitchen utensils during my makeup application is where I draw the line! LOL I’ve also tried a lot of different skincare regimens this year and the products featured today are on my must try list!


Ole Henriksen’s Feel the Difference perfecting face mask – perfect for those monthly breakouts! See what I did there 😉 It’s rich in antioxidants, goes on cool, and the borage & linseed oil help to repair

Glossier Priming Moisturizer – containing hyaluronic acid, you know it’s immediately one of my favorites!  This super light cream allows for you to build up to the amount of moisture you need without it becoming heavy

Glossier Super Bounce – again with the hyaluronic acid! I love this ingredient because it’s the plumping agent in your skin that transforms the cells from raisins to big ol’ grapes! This serum is the key to perfect makeup application

Algenist 360 eye serum – free of sulfates and parabens, you can apply this eye serum around your ENTIRE eye! Ground breaking if you have hooded eyes like me! Most eye creams intend to thicken up the skin under your eyes as this is where it’s the thinnest, hence we age there there quickest booo! But not this one, it’s brightening, hydrating, and should be renamed to ‘bags be gone’ haha



Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream – this has easily become one of my holy grail products. For dry, dehydrated skin, this silky moisturizer offers that deep hydration it really needs. It feels rich but is never heavy, goes on creamy and is absorbed quickly. It’s created with anti-aging properties, wrinkle fighting ingredients, and is free of parabens and sulfates. What’s not to love!

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm – this lil pot of magic heats from a balm to an oil in the palm of your hand. It removes all makeup, dirt, and oil lickety split! You won’t even need to cleanse your skin once more after removing it with a warm cloth or cotton round. And if you’re wondering if it leaves behind any residue or greasy traces, I’m happy to report that the answer is no

I’ll continue to try out all the latest and greatest products and report back on what I love, what I believe works, and things I recommend for you. So let me know what you’d like for me to review next <3