Staying Healthy On The Go

12:41 PM Elvira 0 Comments

I think one of the biggest mistakes I have made when trying to lose weight is not having healthy options to grab and go. Working long hours and then coming home to a kitchen filled with options but no real meal often deviates me from my weight loss plan.

I have only been on the Weight Watchers plan now for 3 weeks. In that time I have implemented some things that I think are really helping me stay on track with my food choices.

I love having food that I can grab out of the fridge in order to prepare quick and healthy meals. Meal preparation has really allowed me to stay the course. What I did today is just grill up a large amount of veggies for the next few days.



Grilled veggies are a fantastic way to get your daily allowance of vegetables all the while following a balanced diet. I simply lightly coat my vegetables in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an added depth of flavor. I use these grilled veggies for my organic veggie bowls, salads, and as a side dish for meals.



Morning time is pretty chaotic for me. I hit the gym first thing in the morning so once I get home I have a limited time to get dressed and out the door. I love making fruit parfaits for breakfast (see my fruit parfait blog for my recipe) and this is something I make in bulk. I can make three of these for the week and they still taste incredibly fresh and keep very well in the fridge. This fruit parfait with a delicious cup of coffee first thing in the morning definitely gets my day off right. If you are following the weight watchers plan this serving is only 5 points total.





Fruit infused water has been a godsend for me. I love adding granny smith apples and a cinnamon stick to my water bottle. Drinking fruit infused water has allowed me to quit my diet soda addiction. This is an incredibly refreshing way to hydrate through the hot summer days.

There are ways to stay healthy, and believe it time management and preparation play a huge key in success. Plan your meal ahead of time, and you also might begin to notice the healthy changes you start to make.




Tags: Wellness

Natural Remedies for Water Retention

10:47 PM Elvira 0 Comments

As the weather heats up I already know I will have a day or two where water retention is an issue for me. I hate the feeling that comes with water retention, so I began to implement natural remedies which work for me to alleviate some of the swelling I experience.

Cranberry juice is usually my go to drink for the summer time. I buy a 100% organic cranberry juice which means there is no sugar, and this drink is incredibly tart. I usually mix the cranberry juice with some water, add a ton of ice and drink this off and on throughout the day. This drink is a natural diuretic which will promote a lot of trips to the restroom.


Another favorite of mine is Dandelion Root tea. Though this tea definitely takes some time to get used to the taste I find this to be the most effective drink when trying to minimize and eliminate water retention. Dandelion root is loaded with potassium and this helps reduce sodium levels within the body. I like to drink up to three cups of this tea a day when experiencing water retention.


Fresh lemon juice is another fantastic option. I mix lemons with my water daily. Lemon water is a great way for your body to alkaline.




Epsom baths are another way to help reduce water retention. Normally I add 2 cups of epsom salts to my bath and soak for about 20 minutes. A few drops of essential oils adds an aromatherapy element to the bath which is very relaxing.


Though water retention is often an uncomfortable thing to deal with it is good to know that there are many natural remedies to help. I also have cut back on my sodium intake, and eat barely any processed foods. This in itself has helped tremendously. Also, keeping active helps eliminate water retention. When I sit for long periods of time I generally have problems with water retention. Getting up and moving around is key.

Before starting any natural remedies talk to your doctor! For more information on what I do for water retention check out my YouTube Channel.

Be well!


Tags: Wellness

Organic Veggie Bowls

9:36 PM Elvira 0 Comments

With the summer heat here I have decided to be in the kitchen as little as possible. Though I love cooking, I hate cooking in the heat. I wanted to create a meal today that was both nutritious, quick, and packed with flavor.

I have been eating a lot of poultry lately, and to be honest with you I am pretty over it. I wanted to switch things up so I decided to make a meal that was vegetarian all the while hearty and filling.

Veggie bowls are a summer stable for me. I first started making these years ago while in line at Chipotle waiting to by my burrito bowl. I remember going through the long line thinking, "I could just make this at home." And I did. The end result was a healthy meal which allowed me to never have to wait in those long Chipotle lines again.

For this veggie bowl I focused on the local organic produce I had. These are the following vegetables I cut up and coated lightly in olive oil and balsamic vinegar: baby peppers, egg plant, onions, yellow squash, zucchini, and Roma tomatoes. In a separate bowl I cut up some sweet potatoes and coated them in about 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil. I then placed all of these veggies on my George Foreman grill and allowed them to cook for a few minutes.




While this was cooking I mixed some cooked chopped veggies up with the Tru Roots Sprouted Rice and Quinoa blend which I purchased at Costco. For added flavor I added a bit of turmeric and curry powder to the mixture.

Once all my veggies were cooked, I measured out 1 cup of the quinoa blend and put it on half of my bowl, and then on the other side I added a handful of a organic salad blend. Next I added some of my grilled veggies, and sweet potatoes. I garnished the whole bowl with some fresh shredded carrots, green onion, and a light drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. This bowl is to die for!




The flavors are amazing, and the mix of the veggies leaves you feeling satisfied and healthy. I love packing this for both lunch and dinners. And if you are following the Weight Watchers program this whole bowl is under 8 points. Can't beat that!



For a more in depth look at how I create this meal check out my YouTube video. 




Tags: Wellness, Recipes 

Staying Active in the Heat

8:24 PM Elvira 0 Comments

Oh my goodness it is sooo hot! I had spent the last 7 years of my life in Hawaii where yes we dealt with some hot days, but the heat here in the Pacific Northwest has been pretty miserable lately. Today we had a 97 degree plus day with enough humidity to make everyone want to hover over an air conditioning unit.

It is hard for me to get motivated and exercise when I feel this way. But I have to. I want to stick with my weight loss goals, so that means even when it is hot and sweaty outside I have to stay committed to my fitness. Little tricks that are working for me is simply changing the time of day I work out. If I work out first thing in the morning, I am able to beat the heat and get outdoors before the sun comes pounding down on me.

Another option is to work out at the end of the day. I have found that working out later in the day can sometimes be better. The sun is setting, and normally a slight breeze starts up which is always helpful when walking in the evening. I also am able to stop and admire nature a bit more at the end of the day. The evenings have been simply breathtaking here in the PNW.





If you are able to get into a pool and swim. Do so! This way you can get fit and stay cool all at the same time. I just don't have that option, so walking has been my main form of exercise.

I keep my FitBit on, and with everyday that goes by my walks are getting longer. Because I am following the Weight Watchers plan I am able to track my activity points on my WW app and it is so exciting to see the progress I am making week to week.



Whatever you do to get active-Keep it Up! I know it is hard to get motivated and get out the door, but once you do get out there make sure to get moving, get sweaty, stay hydrated, and have fun!


 



Tags: Wellness

Get Active

10:22 PM Elvira 0 Comments

With Summer upon us the weather is becoming so incredibly nice. I love being able to open my window and see a bright sunny day waiting for me. So with that in mind today I got outdoors and did all I could to not only enjoy the weather but also increase my activity.

What I really like about being active outdoors is the endless things you can do without reaching into your pocket book. Living in the Pacific Northwest I have numerous trails, gardens, and areas I can explore without ever spending a penny.



This morning I strapped on my FitBit and grabbed my boyfriend and we hit the trails. We spent the morning walking through the most glorious nature paths while spending quality time with one another. We were able to stop and appreciate nature in all its glory all while burning calories and moving.



While doing Weight Watchers and being mindful of what I am eating I also have made a commitment  to be as active as I can. I have realized that I do not need to do heavy workouts to see the benefit, instead just moving as often as I can has really been the key.

Today I tracked a good amount on my FitBit, all while barely realizing it. I spent the day looking at beautiful things, and moving my body allowing myself to get healthier by the minute.







So do yourself a favor and get outside and enjoy nature. There are so many amazing things to see and experience while being outdoors. Get moving, and get healthier





Tags: Wellness

Weight Watchers Warrior

6:26 AM Elvira 0 Comments

Another FABU day on Weight Watchers. I am feeling so motivated and positive with my program so far. I have hit so many low points while dieting so this time around I chose to look at this entire thing as a lifestyle change versus a, "diet." And with that I am staying focused with my eye on the prize-a healthier me:)

Like I had mentioned before the food isn't the only part of successful weight loss. Physical activity is key. I have gotten into a routine the last few days in which I am getting to bed a bit earlier and waking up 1 hour before I normally would. That extra hour is now spent being active. Trust and believe though I still have to battle with that inner voice that tries to sabotage me...you know which one I am talking about. The one that says, "Stay in bed..it's so early!" When I start to have those thoughts I try to counter them immediately with positive self talk that says, "Get out of bed and get moving! You deserve this. You are one step closer in reaching your goals." That's the voice that is getting stronger and the self talk I am choosing to focus on.

With my activity levels higher than normal I notice I am also choosing healthy food options all day. Normally I start the day off with a "green smoothie," but this morning I wanted something a little different so I made a cherry smoothie which was so yummy!



Cherry Smoothie Recipe

1-2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
1 cup organic frozen cherries
1 frozen banana
1 TBSP Chia Seeds
1 TBSP Bullet Proof Protein Whey
A pinch of cinnamon

Throw it all into your blender and blend away for a tasty smoothie.


Then for lunch and dinner I have been having salads. With the weather being as warm as it is I have been too hesitant to get into a hot kitchen. I figure that the vegetables are fresh and delicious now so a salad has been a fantastic choice. With 4 ounces of grilled chicken added, it really makes for a filling meal.



Lastly, dessert does not have to be something you kiss goodbye when you are on WW. I am eating fresh fruit for my after meal sweet treat. Watermelon and blueberries have been a satisfying and healthy option.




Weight loss is hard. No doubt about it. But once you get into a bit of a groove it does start to get easier. Yes, you will still have to stay strong not to sabotage yourself, but just focus on the progress you are making. Remember you are worth these positive changes!



Tags: Wellness

Sephora Haul

8:06 PM Elvira 0 Comments

Had me a little splurge this weekend at Sephora. I LOVE Sephora. There is so much to look at, try on, and play with while you're in there. I went in hoping to buy a contour kit and walked out with additional goodies that I am in love with.

First I want to start off with the item I went in to look for. Anastasia Contour kit has been around for awhile but I only recently heard about how useful the kit really is. There are 6 colors in the palette which allows you to apply and contour to your face. I like the way the colors blend together, and I really like the overall appearance of the product. The other bonus is that you can totally use this palette as eye-shadow as well. I love a multi-purpose product.



Next I decided I wanted to get a few odds and ends. I purchased the Beauty Blender, some Sephora blotting papers, as well as some falsies. I really like the eye lashes which are so gorgeous on. They aren't overly dramatic. Instead they look great on and give your eyes and face that extra Va-Va-Voom! The Beauty Blender is a tool anyone who wears make-up and spends a good deal of time blending their make-up should get. It effortlessly allows you to blend your colors for a natural look. Lastly, the blotting papers are a nice way to refresh your face and eliminate shine-especially as the days get longer and hotter.



The last thing I bought was Josie Maran Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil. Overall I have always been satisfied with all of the Josie Maran products I have purchased in the past. This one didn't disappoint either. I wanted to use this Argan oil as a night cream. Even though I have oily/combination skin I tend to need a great deal of moisture applied in order for my face to stay hydrated. This does look greasy when first applied, but in the morning there is no oily residue on your face. The oil absorbs well leaving your face looking rejuvenated and smooth. I am excited to have this as my night time routine.



As you can see all in all it was a successful haul at Sephora. I love the items I picked up and am eager to find new ways to use them-especially the Anastasia Contour kit. Hope your next Sephora trip is as FAB as mine. Happy Shopping!

Tags: Beauty 

How to be Successful with Weight Watchers

8:07 PM Elvira 0 Comments

I have done so much dieting in my life that I could probably write a volume of books on the struggles I have encountered while attempting to lose weight. Over the years I have learned that the only way you really can lose weight in a safe way is to simply eat right and exercise-consistently. There are a million gimmicks out there that claim they will help you achieve your optimal weight goal, but bottom line once you begin eating healthy and live a more physical lifestyle that's when results will start to show up on the scale.

For myself support is also an important element for successful weight loss. That's why I have turned to Weight Watchers as an additional tool in my weight loss journey. I am only going on my third week of the program, but have already dropped weight and am feeling an overall sense of commitment to myself and well-being. Weight Watchers doesn't try to push diet pills, or sell magic formulas for weight loss instead it promotes healthy balanced eating and activity.

I am not going to give an overview of the program, instead I am going to write about what is working for me. For those of you familiar with WW I am following the Simply Filling technique. What that means is all of my food selections are selected from the Power Foods list. Examples of power foods are: lean proteins, abundant amounts of delicious vegetables and fruits, small amounts of whole grains, and an occasional treat of yummy dark chocolate.

I will not lie and say that it still isn't a daily challenge, but what I appreciate about this program is the healthier options I can make without feeling deprived. I still have to practice self control daily and focus on positive self talk and with the weekly meetings its refreshing to reconnect with others who are also turning to WW for weight management.


Things that are allowing me to be successful at WW are:

    Meal prep! I like to cook up a lot of chicken breasts on Sunday which allows me to grab it easily throughout the week. Generally I stick to organic chicken and eat about 4-5 ounces

    Drink LOTS of water. I know we all know this but seriously this has been a life saver for me. The water allows me to remain hydrated throughout the day. In my water bottle I like to throw in different types of fruits for additional flavor. Right now I am loving Granny Smith apple slices in my water.

    Have a plan: If you know you are going to go out to eat with people have a plan. Prepare by possibly looking at the menu of where you are going and narrowing down things that keep you on track.

    GO to the meetings! The meetings are crucial for me. At this time I am taking a journal with me and I journal my successes of the week along with goals and positive affirmations which keeps me centered.

    Don't give up. Weight loss is hard. There is no doubt about if. But feeling miserable in your skin and being at higher risk for medical problems is so serious. Stay determined. Believe you deserve this, and know that it will be a roller coaster but treat yourself with love and commit to this journey.

 There are a few items from Weight Watchers that have helped me. I did purchase the WW Starter Kit, which contains portion controlled plates. I eat off of these plates daily and am really trying to monitor the amount of food I am consuming.




I also like the WW bars when I need a sweet treat. The chocolate shakes mixed with unsweetened almond milk has also played a big part in my weight loss. But really I am able to eat the most amazing food. This weekend I grilled up some chicken breast and had lettuce wraps. With the summer produce harvest upon us eat local as much as you can and enjoy all of the fabulous fruits and vegetables that are out there. Also-get active. I have only been walking. At first 25 minutes a day and then I increased it 5-7 minutes extra a day and now I am up to walking for an hour. It's my alone time where I get to reflect on the day and the accomplishments I have made.





I will continue to track my progress and share my weight loss here. I am choosing to stay positive and determined. I wish the same for you. Take the plunge and start today. Your body will thank you:)


Tags: Wellness

Costco Organics

11:36 PM Elvira 0 Comments

In the spirit of shopping healthy while on a budget I wanted to write a bit about my favorite go to place...COSTCO! Yes that's right, the the super store of all super stores. Over the years Costco has seriously stepped up their game in regards to the world of organics.

Though I like going to Whole Foods, I really can't afford to shop there regularly. The quality is amazing, but the sticker price is often shocking. So with that being said, I now head to Costco to get my organic staples.

Costco has a fantastic grass fed ground beef. The quality has always been great, and the prize is even better. The same goes for there organic chicken products. My family says the organic chicken from Costco is there all time favorite. Eggs are also a great buy here. I love that they carry a cage free organic egg.



Costco also has a wonderful selection of frozen organics. I always buy there frozen fruits to throw into my smoothies. They have mixed fruits that always taste delicious in all of my smoothies.

But really the things I can't live without while living a healthy lifestyle are coconut oil, avocado oil, hemp seed, and high quality coffee. All of which Costco carries in a large size. Honestly buying these products in the size Costco carries allows me to have my pantry full with all the things I need to maintain a healthy way of life.





If you wondering where to get your next organic haul consider Costco. From eggs to meat, to organic fruits and vegetables you really can't go wrong. Happy shopping!


Tags: Wellness

FabFitFun Unboxing

8:57 PM Elvira 0 Comments

Another subscription box review for you all. I was super excited to get my FabFitFun box in the mail today. I had heard about this subscription box from a friend and was eager to sign up for a box of my very own.



This is the Spring 2015 box which I was able to purchase for $39.99 due to a $10.00 discount online. The FabFitFun box is filled with a little of everything. From fitness, to glam there is something in there for everyone.



I really liked the variety in this box. Everything from full sized nail polishes, to fitness DVD's, and even my very own tomato pod to plant for summer tomatoes. This box comes in the mail once every three months, and is a great treat to yourself. I was even thinking with the amount of gift cards and various items in the box you could even break it up and give some items as gifts to your friends. The company states that every box has about $200.00 + in merchandise. So for under $50.00 a month you could potentially get things for yourself and also have items to give out as gifts. This box is a steal if you ask me. Can't wait for the next one.



Tags: Wellness, Fashion, Beauty

Taking Care of You

9:37 PM Elvira 0 Comments

With a new work week upon us I would like to take a few minutes to focus on a topic I think many of us forget to practice due to our insanely hectic lifestyles. Self care is a time to focus on you and your needs as an individual. I have always found that when my mind, body, and spirit are aligned all is well with the world.

It has taken me years to realize the importance of self care and now it is something I value with my whole being. I have spent the majority of my career in social services. Though I wouldn't trade it for the world, there has been a great deal of obstacles I have had to overcome in order to be a healthy provider. As social workers we often take on something I refer to as secondary trauma. This is the stress we as caregivers take on while attempting to help traumatized individuals. Often times one does not even realize they are experiencing this secondary trauma as it slowly starts to trickle in to our lives in various ways. It may come on as sadness, fatigue, depression, weight gain or weight loss, relentless anxiety, or simply a feeling of negativity.

The best thing you can do for yourself is once you have identified these feelings, take action. That may be in the form of counseling, exercise, healthy socialization, prayer, or something as simple as a nightly ritual that makes you feel better. For instance a nice warm bath, while listening to your favorite music. Secondary trauma does not just happen to social workers. It impacts anyone who is caring for someone else. I have always said that even though you may have a passion to help others, you must always be in tune and aware of what you need in order to be a balanced and healthy giver.




Often for myself I like to take one day a month where I get a massage, which is not only relaxing but it also recharges my body. I love incorporating essential oils into the massage which adds an extra element of relaxation.





But day to day I do little things like: walking mediation, prayer, reciting things I am grateful for, and simply focusing on the good in my life versus anything negative. Make yourself a priority. You are worth it, and those around you will also feel the benefit of your invigorated spirit.


Tag: Wellness

Walking Meditation

11:37 PM Elvira 0 Comments

I have a long history of suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. Anxiety has been something I have had to battle with since the age of 17. I can still vividly remember my first attack which happened in a crowded mall. The entire building felt like it was slowly starting to spin and I had sea legs. I grabbed onto a handrail terrified at what was happening. My heart was racing, the floor felt unsteady, and I was overtaken with panic and fear. I remember looking at my mother who seemed just as scared as I was. Though that first attack only lasted a few minutes, I had no idea what I was in store for.

As I grew older and spoke with doctors and counselors I learned that physically there was nothing wrong with me. Yes, I did suffer from heart palpitations but those palpitations only really came on during times of stress or worry. I underwent multiple cardiac evaluations and was told time and time again, "Your health is good, there is nothing wrong here." 



Finally while living in Hawaii I had found myself under tremendous stress and the attacks became more and more frequent. So much so, that I ended up in the emergency room convinced this time around my heart was truly to blame and that I must be suffering from some sort of cardiac issue. Once again they spent the day running me through a full gamut of tests. Toward the end of the evaluation a well respected cardiac surgeon came in to go over my results with me. He matter of factly informed me that yes, it was true I did have heart palpitations. I then stated to ask him question after question. "Was it dangerous?" No he said. "Was it something I would need medical treatment for?" No he said. My mind was racing and though his answers gave me some sense of relief I still didn’t understand what was happening with me. As tears ran down my face I can remember asking him, "What's wrong with me then?" He looked me square in my eyes and placed his warm hands on mine and as he gently squeezed them he said, "You need to learn how to manage your stress better, and you need to learn how to relax and stop worrying about everything so much." With that simple answer I finally realized that I was in charge of my own cure.



From that day on I started to make daily changes. I knew that I would never be anxiety free, but I also knew that there were ways I could help myself. I looked at my overall health and decided it was time to eliminate processed sugars from my diet. I then began to drink more water, and focused on eating more of a paleo style diet. I saw a counselor regularly who helped me navigate through high anxiety issues, and worked with me on understanding ways to recognize my triggers and create healthy coping skills in order to manage my stress and worry.

I started to exercise. I had always loved going to aerobic classes and participating in group exercise but I also knew that this too was often a trigger for my anxiety. So I looked at other options one of which was simply walking. I started to get up early in the morning and walk around my neighborhood. Some mornings these walks were amazing and invigorating, other mornings my mind would be filled with things I was worried about and the walks would do nothing but give me an opportunity to walk around with a mindful of worry. I knew the benefits of walking was something I wasn't willing to give up so I started to look at things I could listen to while I walked. This is where I came across walking meditation podcasts. On my I Phone I searched in the Podcast section for walking meditation. There was an over abundant amount of options to choose from. I listened to a few and narrowed down a list that I really liked and made these a regular part of my walks.



Walking meditation allows me to focus on my breathing, my mind, and my environment. Over time I have been able to redirect negative thinking, and focus on the moment. I began to look at my surroundings differently. Everything was so vibrant and majestic. Mother nature was in full bloom and I was finally starting to pay attention. My thoughts are now centered and focused on the now. The meditation also helps me focus on the things that I am grateful for and all the blessings in my life. The walks have transformed me. I would have never imagined that a walking meditation would be a tool that I so often turn to in order to cope and deal with my anxiety in a healthy manner. But it is. So get out there. Take a deep breath and look at the world around you. Focus on the trees, the clouds, and all the glory that surrounds you. And while you're at it, stop and smell the roses.



Tag: Wellness

Organic Produce, Do I or Don't I?

8:22 PM Elvira 0 Comments

Buying organic is ideal. But if you are like me, you probably follow a monthly budget which only allows you a certain amount of money to spend on groceries. I really do love buying organic and there are ways to incorporate a fair amount of organic foods into your diets while still staying within your monthly budget.

Buying organic allows you to eat nutrient dense food while receiving the most optimal benefits.  Many of you have probably heard of the, "Dirty Dozen." This is a list of produce with the highest amounts of pesticide loads. This year the list comprised of: apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported sweet peas and potatoes.




With this list in mind I now pay more attention to buying these fruits and vegetables organic. I have generally noticed that as long as I pay attention to weekly ads, and shop where I will get the most bang for my buck I have been able to afford a great deal of organic produce for our home.



Whether you buy organic or not you can still do your part to help eliminate pesticide residue on your produce. You can do this by simply giving your produce a good scrub and wash. I do this with all produce including fruits and vegetables with an inedible skin.

Bottom line-go organic as much as you can. The quality and freshness of the organic fruits and vegetables is so apparent, and worth the extra money. Stay healthy, and be well!






Tag: Wellness

Dia & Co Unboxing

10:18 PM Elvira 0 Comments

Edit: Check out my YouTube video for a more in-depth look at the garments I received.

When you are on the hunt for plus size fashion it can be pretty discouraging when you find yourself empty handed. I have been in this situation countless times in my life. I have an idea of an outfit in my head but once I actually get out into the stores that offer plus size clothing I hit a dead end. So when I find a place for trendy high quality plus size clothing I love sharing it with others.

That's where the company Dia & Co comes in. Dia & Co is a company that specializes in plus size clothing. Subscribers receive personally tailored boxes shipped straight to their door, where they are able to try on new items in the comfort of their home. This is a fantastic idea for the woman who is on the go, or someone who simply needs a little extra help in picking out clothing to incorporate into her wardrobe. When you sign up for the service, you fill out a very detailed style profile. You answer questions about your specific fit, your style, and what you would like to see in your clothing box.




I had informed the company that I was on the hunt to vamp up my current wardrobe a bit. I told them that generally I like a classic, casual, and traditional look. As a career woman I find it hard to incorporate trendier pieces into my day to day wardrobe, so I thought Dia & Co could help me with this. Once you fill out your style profile, which is something you really can make incredibly detailed, a stylist from the company calls you. My stylist was Nadia, who was a delight to talk to. She and I were on the phone for a good 30 minutes talking about what my style was, what I was hoping to find in my box, along with what brands I generally was drawn to. I found the conversation to be so helpful, and honestly Nadia is so knowledgeable and friendly that it made the whole experience so fun. I actually went to work the next day and bragged that I had my very own stylist.

It takes about 2 weeks for your first box to arrive. But once it does, the excitement kicks into high gear. I was thrilled to rip open my package and see what kind of clothes were hand picked for me. The first thing I noticed was a hand written note from Nadia my stylist. I found this small attention to detail to be so incredibly thoughtful. Nadia had remembered how I spoke to her about my move from Hawaii to Washington. This might not seem like much, but really I thought the hand written note was friendly and so charming.




In your box you receive 5 different garments. In my first order I received the following: Michael Kors Black Skirt, Black pants from Moda Mix, a burgundy sleeveless top from Alfani, an adorable cream colored peplum top from ASOS Curve, and lastly my favorite which was a floral printed flowly Kimono. I found the clothing to be exactly what I had asked for which was classy and traditional. I had mentioned to Nadia that I loved jewel tones and I could tell she was mindful of this while selecting my items.





Another little piece that I found to be so helpful was on every clothing item you find a Dia & Co tag with a helpful note on how you might style and wear that particular item. Again, that attention to detail is priceless. Once you receive your items you have 5 days to try everything on and decide what you are going to keep and what will be sent back. They also make returns easy with self addressed envelopes included in your package.

The cost to subscribers varies. Initially when you fill out your style profile you also indicate how much you are willing to spend on your clothing. I decided to splurge a bit and gave a higher amount. If I kept everything that was shipped to me I am looking at a total of $212.00 for clothing that was hand picked for me and delivered to my door. Though I won't be keeping all of my items, I really am so pleased with this service. I feel like I have found a company that I will definitely recommend to others, and use time and time again. It is such an enjoyable way to try things on that normally you may shy away from and the excitement of receiving your mystery box is so fun. Check this company out, you will not regret it.

 Tag: Fashion

Drug Store Summer Makeup

7:52 PM Elvira 0 Comments

I love when summer is approaching. It's time to pull out our cherished summer outfits and get ready for warm weather ahead. Whenever I think of summer I visualize a color palette of corals, pinks, teals, and bright vibrant colors. During the summer it always feels like you're able to wear colors that are bright and vivid.

So with the summer just around the corner I wanted to prepare myself by picking up some of my all time favorite drug store beauty products. I LOVE make-up. I love looking at it, trying it on, and playing around with different products whenever I get the chance. Whenever I walk into an Ulta, Sephora, or even down the make-up aisles at Target I get lost in the bright lights and gorgeous make-up displays.

For today's purchases I stopped at two of my go to places. The first being Ulta, and the second Target. Both were running great deals on lipsticks and that's what I decided would be my main purchases for the day. Ulta has a free membership program where they track the amount you spend over time and will send you small discounts on purchases. It may not seem like much, but if you are like me any amount off is better than none.

I spent most of my time looking at colors that I thought would look nice on me as the weather becomes warmer and my skin gets sun kissed. There was an over abundant amount of corals, and shimmery pinks in the form of lipsticks, pencils, balms, and glosses.

I can't get enough of Maybelline's Baby Lips. These come in the most prettiest colors, and have strong hydration power. There hasn't been a color that I have disliked. For $2.50 you really can't go wrong. I purchased the Baby Lips Crystal Kiss line, the color I chose was a shimmery and light tinted coral called, "Gleaming Coral." And like I mentioned, no joke this is hours of hydration and protection on your lips.

For an all over shimmer powder, I chose a product from the Physicians Formula line. I can remember buying Physicians Formula when I was in high school. The brand has been around a long time and there make-up continues to improve with every year that goes by. This all-in-1 custom nude palette is exactly what I want for the summer. Something with a hint of shimmer, allowing for my natural sun glow to come through it. The powder has a strong staying power and is lovely all over the skin and even on your decolletage.





For the remainder of my purchases I bought Rimmel London's Provocalips 16 Hour Kissproof lip color in, "Little mink." Rimmel is a brand that I only recently started purchasing. This particular lipstick stays on and does not budge. I wore this all day and honestly I think I got about 8 hours out of it before it looked like it could use a little touch up. For a little over 9 dollars you definitely get a complete bang for your buck on this one.

Next I purchased L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip in, "Nude Ballet." This is seriously my new all time favorite lip color. I purchase a lot of MAC cosmetics and I would say that the color of this is comparable to MAC's, "High Tea." For a mearly $7.00 you get a lip color that truly glides on and glistens on your lips. It looks lush and upscale on. And the smell of the lip color is sooo good too! The second product I purchased from L'Oreal was L'Oreal's Colour Riche Lip Gloss in, "Golden Splash." This lipgloss is infused with hydrating Omega 3, and both argan and vitamin E oil. This is such a nice lipgloss that is not tacky when applied, and I can already tell you this will get a lot of us out of me in the coming months. 

The one product I purchased for my eyes was a white eye liner from NYX in White milk. I love using white eye liner in the corner of my eyes to help open and brighten them up. This NYX brand is really a fantastic find for only $2.00. 

I gotta tell you these are some of the most fabulous products I have purchased in a LONG time. The colors are gorgeous, the staying power is strong, and every product truly looks fabulous on. I really am incredibly pleased with the quality of these products. The price was right, and the product themselves deserve high ratings. Lastly, of course I had to pick up Almays oil free make up wipes which are a staple in my beauty routine. Fantastic beauty haul today...I am a happy girl today! 












Tag: Beauty