Fieldtrip Friday: Camping

Photo taken by Nick Califf @Mono Village

We were supposed to go camping this weekend but alas life got in the way. But that doesn't mean I
cannot share some great places to spend your summer!

1. Annette's Mono Village: My family's favorite place to camp, located miles from Bridgeport. This place has large sites, two pristine lakes, entertainment, boat rentals, a nearby restaurant with famous malts, a 10-mile hike into Yosemite/Barney Lake and beautiful scenery.
2. Kirk Creek Campground: Located in Templeton, this campground offers Pacific Ocean views for every site!
3. D.L. Bliss State Park: On the west shore of Lake Tahoe, you can sunbathe at Lester Beach, hike to Balancing Rock, or simply ogle Tahoe’s famously blue waters.

Happy summertime!

Thrifty Thursday: Day to Night

For a dear friend (ahem, Carter), I'm posting about taking a 'fit from day to night. Here is how - according to my copious notes and research. Hehe (wink).

Here are four tangible steps to taking a day outfit and making it appropriate for the night.

First off, don your accessories! In order to make an outfit transition into happy-hour with coworkers or a GNO (that's Girls' Night Out), add a statement necklace, bangle or dangling earrings. Your outfit will already look night worthy with that simple step.

Secondly, change the shoes. Add a sassy high heel. Or for those that rather preserve their feet, sport an embellished sandal or flat.

Third step? Add some bold lip color. Refer to an earlier post to score that perfect lipstick for your complexion.

 

Lastly, add a clutch.

So it's easy - just change up your accessories, carry a clutch, put on a heel/fun flat and add lip color. Voila! You are ready for the town.

What's New Wednesday: Cool Creations

As part of the Words Alive Westreich Scholarship program, we host fun events with our scholarship recipients and mentors. For an end-of-the-year soirée, my teammate Carter scheduled a unique afternoon with pizza and coffee mug decorating at a new business venture in Pacific Beach, Cool Creations! It was a blast!!!

Cool Creations opened it's pottery painting café in February 2013. With walk-ins welcomed, folks can paint any type of ceramic - from mugs, cups, bowls to figurines. It's a way to showcase your creative side while catching up with friends. Bring a bottle of wine, sample from their café (coming soon!) and dip into your artistic side! Check it out!

Tasty Tuesday: Juicin'

Nick and I have been eying posts about juicing - so, my goal this week? Juice! These recipe from Pinterest look simple, inexpensive and tasty. Do you have any favorite juice recipes?

 

Motivation Monday: Memorial Day!

Please remember those that served and those that are serving - whether that be a moment of silence, a status update on the FB, a visit to a local military grave site to pay your respects, or donating your time/monies. Here is one meaningful place to donate: the Memorial Day Foundation. The Memorial Day Foundation is dedicated to never forgetting those Americans who died serving their country in defense of freedom/liberty and their families who loved them and whom they loved.

Also look into Support Our Troops or USO.

Fieldtrip Friday: Plan a trip!

Now that you are motivated; versed on ways to speed your metabolism; up on the current workout trends; and have your swimsuit (and flippy-floppies); take your hot bod on a summer trip!

Personally, I need (scratch that) deserve a vacation. Once I know my hubby's next work venture, I plan to go on my own adventure.

Here are some ways to plan a vacation without breaking the bank! Shamelessly copied from Family Travel because I'm feeling lazy (and as I said, need a vacation!). Enjoy!

Be a backyard explorer. Don’t assume that the grass is always greener, or the water bluer, a thousand miles away from home. No matter where you live, there are national and state parks, gorgeous lakes, vibrant cities, and idyllic summer resort towns within a day’s drive. Make a point of discovering a few nearby treasures this summer and you’ll find yourself in excellent company.

Time it right. Hotel rates fluctuate with supply and demand, so it really pays to go against the flow. In many popular summer resort destinations, prices peak between July 4 and mid-August. Consequently, vacationing in June or late-August can translate into significant savings. You’ll typically get more bang from your buck at summer resorts if you visit midweek, but the opposite can hold true for city breaks. During the summertime in the Big Apple, for example, when business travel slows and locals flee to the hinterlands, hotels have been known to drop their rates by 15 to 20 percent midweek and up to 30 percent for Sunday night stays.

Focus on extras. When it comes to finding a bargain hotel, don’t automatically assume you get what you pay for. When you look beyond nightly rates, you’ll discover that dozens of economy chains offer free breakfast, wi-fi, and parking, while their mid- and high-end counterparts are more likely to charge for those amenities.

Arrive armed with deals. Before you leave home, order the Entertainment Book or another coupon book for your destination. These popular editions are so stuffed with discounts on dining and attractions that you’ll likely recoup your investment within the first two days of your visit. (See also: 6 Ways to Save on Kid-Friendly Attractions.)

Keep meals cheap and cheerful. Keep a cooler in your car and restock it with snacks and drinks bought at local grocery stores. Stay at a hotel that offers a free breakfast (see above), and plan to picnic at least once a day. When you treat yourselves to a restaurant, do it at lunch time, when menus are less expensive.

Mix in free fun. Nothing takes the sting out of vacation sticker shock like a few good freebies. So after you visit San Diego Zoo, give your wallet a break with these free things to do in San Diego. Consult your destination’s tourism organization to find local parks, nature trails, playgrounds, and farmer’s markets—all go-to stops for free fun. And don’t forget the joy of simply hanging out at your hotel pool.

Thrifty Thursday: The Swimsuit

This summer, the swimsuit is reflective of your personality. Really anything goes - from fringe, bright colors, retro, beads, monochromatic designs or floral. It's all...summer!

Fun bikini options

One-pieces!

Even for the boys...

 

Where to shop? Try...

Forever21

Charlotte Russe

Victoria Secret

PacSun

Target

Roxy

What's New Wednesday: New Routines!

Bored of your typical workout regime? Want to integrate new routines? Well, here is what's new!

Bollywood Dancing: Like to dance? This new workout craze is not only fun, it's sweat worthy. Check it out!

Surfset Fitness: Recently on the Shark Tank, this new workout trend couples surfing, Pilates, Yoga and isometrics. Great all around workout.

Antigravity Yoga: Not much of a yogi; heck I'm not one at all. But this look fun...right?

Paddle Boarding (w/ or w/o yoga): I have been dying to try the paddle board - a bit nervous to be stranded in the bay but it's an adventure!

Red Velvet/Acrobatic Class: Pretty, stinkin' awesome. If this doesn't make you want to work out, I'm not sure what to tell you!

Tasty Tuesday: Boost Your Metabolism

Here are a few simple ways to get your metabolism pumping in no time:

1. Drink Up! If you're even just a tad thirsty (or dehydrated) you run the risk of slowing your metabolism.
2. Get Moving in the Morning. An early morning sweat-session will get your metabolism running and therefore burning more calories for the rest of the day. Here are a few ways to get your heart pumping: two-mile jog, a quick cross-fit workout or abs/push-up/triceps dip (e.g., 100 crunches, 3-minute plank, 50 push-ups, 100 triceps dips) routine.
3. Eat Breakfast! The worst thing you can do to kick-start your day (and your metabolism) is skip breakfast. Click here for healthy breakfast options.
4. Eat Whole Grains. Complex carbs and fiber-rich foods help to speed up your metabolism. Whole grains are good, multigrain are not. If anything, just remember that!
5. Eat More, Smaller Meals. According to WebMD, if you divide your meals into smaller portions and eat more often, your metabolism will speed up. So, try to eat smaller bites throughout the day instead of three large meals. Click here for some healthy snack ideas!

Motivation Monday: Bikini (one-piece) Ready!

Last week it was all about your spring wardrobe - this week? Swimsuits! Each day will be dedicated to getting yourself bikini (or one-piece, tankini, monokini, burqini) ready. What ever "kini" you desire to sport, that will be our goal.

But today will specifically be about getting yourself motivated; hence, motivation Monday. Look how clever I am?!

First thing is first: set a goal. Make it attainable. Do you desire to lose 20-pounds? Two-dress sizes? Or, just feel more comfortable in your clothes. Whatever it is, set a realistic (AND HEALTHY) goal. And, give yourself a time frame (i.e., by June 30 I will lose 10-pounds). Keep in mind it is easy (well, easier) to be motivated to lose weight when you no longer fit into your favorite jeans. The problem is maintaining said motivation, especially if you are not seeing desired results. The trick? Take action physically and mentally.

This segues into the second step: change your mindset. The truth is that taking action will yield mediocre results if you do not employ positive thoughts. The mystery of success is hidden in this simple proverb, “as you think, so you become." Your reality responds to the thoughts in your mind. If you don’t have the ideal body weight, it is more to do with your thinking than the food you are eating. See if you have these thought patterns going on.

• Are you constantly worried about your weight?
• Do you think about gaining weight every time you put some tasty food in your mouth?
• Are you constantly complaining about your body weight?
• When you meet people do you compare your body weight with them (in your mind)?
• Do find it difficult to believe that it’s easy to lose weight?
• When you see yourself in the mirror do you have negative feelings about your body?

The surprising thing? Most of these thoughts are subconscious, especially if you have been working to lose weight for a long time. These thoughts sabotage your motivation.

Third step: cultivate positive thoughts. Before you take action, you need to change your attitude and thought processes; align the aforementioned with your desired end result. Not sure how to accomplish this change in behavior? Here are some examples - look in the mirror and say these out loud.

• I do not need struggle or suffer to lose weight. My focus is to enjoy life and feel good. As I become joyful and release my stress, I will be able to lose weight more easily.
• I can change my reality by changing my thoughts. Thus, if I want a well-toned body, I must visualize it.

The most important thing is to make peace with your body and relish life - heck, our days are not promised and life moves quickly. And remember: with every challenge brings with it the seed of liberation and success. Always remember that the action you take is not as important as the thoughts you think.

And from PopSugar, here are 50 tangible ways to stay motivated in your journey to becoming a healthier you!

Fieldtrip Friday: Graduation Day

Okay, not my graduation day (although I graduated on May 17, 2003 - 10 years ago today). But rather the graduation of our first scholarship recipient from the Words Alive Westreich Scholarship program, Trisha! She graduates from San Diego State University tomorrow. Trisha is a very special person to me; she has participated in the Words Alive program in high school and now college. She has overcome so many obstacles, including homelessness. But look at her today?! She is getting her psychology degree, in the military reserves and plans to go to graduate school. To say the least, I'm very proud of her.

So, in celebration of my spring wardrobe week I thought I would showcase ways to dress for graduation. Check it out! (Source: LaurenConrad.com)

Step 1: Choose a cute but conservative dress. Keep in mind that graduation is a ceremony for parents, grandparents, and professors. Therefore, lean on the conservative side - think sleeveless shift dress rather than the trendiest, tightest dress in your closet.  Check out these spring-like dresses from Forever21, ranging from $15.80-$27.80.

Step 2: Wear comfortable shoes. Being comfortable on graduation day is a must. But if you don’t go the sandals route, wear a pair of wedges. Find a pair that is classy, cute and comfortable. Again, Forever21 provides inexpensive yet fun wedges, ranging from $26.80-$34.80.

Step 3: Sport your sunnies.  Just like your shoes, your sunglasses can be fun and stand out since you will be wearing a cap and gown to cover the rest of your outfit. I like these half-framed, round sunglasses from Forever21 ($5.80)

Happy graduation day!

Thrifty Thursday: Repurpose Winter

Okay, it's getting hot and maybe not appropriate for scarves, blazers, chambray shirts, sweaters and pants. But don't store your winter clothes just yet. Find ways to integrate them into the warmer months. Personally, I like variety so looking at my closet in terms of seasons is limiting (for me). I like to find ways to make my favorite winter items work.

Keep the scarf! Lighter winter scarves can add sophistication to spring wardrobe. Let it hang free, whip together an elegantly draped loop, or create an artful head wrap.

Don’t pack up the sweaters quite yet! For those in-between days, pairing a slouchy sweater with a youthful skirt/short in a perky color or print is an unusual and fun way to usher in spring style. 

Cuff your pants. A subtle ode to spring/summer, a nonchalant cuff with a cute pair of heels, ballet flats or loafers is a charming and casual way to repurpose winter denims.

What's New Wednesday: Bold & Bright

This spring? Get noticed! Wear bold and bright colors. Maybe it's an accent piece. Or maybe a color block. No matter how you style this trend, just remember to be bold and wear your brightest pieces…heck, that’s what spring and summer are for. So, try a bright purse, shoe, peplum top or maxi dress!

Tasty Tuesday: Tasteful Leopard

Okay...not to eat but to wear. Yes, I know. Tasty Tuesday is dedicated to food and drinks. But this week? It's all about the spring (and summer) wardrobe.

What's new, fun yet tasteful? Leopard print! It's not just for the 30+, puma or cougar demographic any longer. Although technically I'm a puma now...sigh.

But leopard is a great way to make an everyday outfit...well, sassy. Check out these ways to integrate leopard into your wardrobe.

Top Left: Forever21 ($22.80)//Top Center: Forever21 ($10.80)//Top Right: Forever21 ($22.80)
Bottom Left: Forever21 ($8.80)//Bottom Center: Forever21 ($19.80)//Bottom Right: Forever21 ($17.80)

Motivation Monday: Spring Work 'Fit

This week I'm dedicating each day to your spring wardrobe: re-purposing your winter items for warmer days; entering in bold, bright pieces; making a statement; donning leopard print; and making your work attire warm-weather appropriate.

Hence, your spring work 'fit!

By now your closet is full of the latest spring trends (enter, lace, color block, white, leopard and stripes) but maybe you are at a loss as to ways to make said trends look office appropriate (source: LaurenConrad.com). It's easy! With the help of Ms. Conrad, here workable style tips for five spring trends.

Trend #1: Stripes
While your pinstripe shorts and/or tank tops might be too revealing for work, there are endless ways to transfer this look to the office. Try a black and white striped blazer paired with a neutral separate. Or, a classic pinstripe button-down blouse with a dress suit.

Trend #2: Printed Pants
Put a professional twist on the jean and wear a patterned/printed silk pant! Make sure to create a general color scheme so the look isn't too distracting. Word to the wise, black and white patterns look more sophisticated than colorful ones.

Trend #3: Color blocking
It’s easy to pull off color blocking in the workplace—just be sure to stay within the same color family. One suggestion? A navy cardigan paired with a sky blue blouse and an indigo pencil skirt. Steer clear of any neons, brights, or too many pastels.

Trend #4: All White
Trade in your navy skirt suit for a cream version this spring and summer. It's on trend, fresh and sleek. Suggestion: carry a tide-to-go pen in your purse just in case. =)

Trend #5: Lace
No, not referencing your lacy, festival-worthy shorts. I'm thinking more of lace in the form of a blouse, dress or pencil skirt. Wear an A-line lace dress, a lace button-up or a lace pencil skirt underneath your favorite blazer - the blazer keeps your overall look professional.

Fieldtrip Friday: Mother's Day

To all those moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!

This weekend, my husband and I will celebrate his mom by taking her on a picnic at Kate Sessions Park, a beautiful location overlooking the San Diego bay and beaches. We are excited to enjoy some sun, yummy food and time together.

To be honest, Mother's Day has been something that has haunted me since my mother's passing in 2002. I dreaded the commercials, campaigns at grocery stores, and cards all reminding me of what I lost. But as my heart has healed, I can appreciate this special day again and remember the amazing, beautiful memories I had with my mom.

How do you plan to celebrate mother's day? Here are some suggestions if you are looking for inspiration:

• If you are not local, plan a surprise trip to see your mom! But this of course needs to be planned in advance. =)
• If the aforementioned is not within your budget, wish your mom a Happy Mother's Day via Skype.
• Send tulips, sunflowers or daisies
• Take your mom (or M.I.L.) on a picnic!
• If you have siblings, do a photo shoot and assemble a scrapbook for your mom. Or, a digital picture frame.
• Make her breakfast! Or lunch, or dinner, or dessert.
• Go for a Sunday drive and be spontaneous! Stop by random places you wouldn't normally venture to, and just embrace the day.
• Take a hike
• Take your mom shopping
• Send a handmade card

This post is dedicated to my hero, teacher and mother, Beryl J. Green (8.7.1953-9.17.2002)

Thrifty Thursday: Mirror, Mirror

I recently fell in love with the mirrored print. While not necessarily new, it's fun, versatile and classic. Check out these easy ways to integrate the mirrored print into your closet!

Top Left: Forever21 $12.80/ Bottom Left: F21 $17.80/Center: F21 $11.99/Top Right: F21 $15.80/Bottom Right: F21 $15.80