The Real Way to Get Bikini Ready in Time for Spring Break

It’s definitely that spring break time of year when every magazine is telling me how to “Lose 5 Pounds in 5 Days!” or “How to Fit into your Bikini in Time to Hit the Beach!” Let me save you the trouble and tell you that those quick fixes don’t work. Wouldn’t you want to feel great about your body all of the time?

I know that it’s not always easy to love your body. I’ve struggled with it especially as a dancer, but these tips I share have completely changed the way I think about how I look and that’s why I know they can work for you.

Click play to learn about the real way to get bikini ready in time for spring break.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6jFSeU7RHs

 

 

As always self-love is a practice, which means some days will be easier than others, but focusing on your thoughts and actions can help you make a shift that you can stick with for the long run.

 

Why Comparing is a Big Waste of Time

I know we all do it! We compare ourselves to other people. We look to our friends, siblings, relationships, celebrities and see what they have and wonder why we don’t have it. Comparing is a hard habit to break, but I’ve got two main reasons why we should cut it out.

Press play to find out why comparing is a big waste of time

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKPoopS-XJA

 

Next time you find yourself comparing, give yourself a break! We are all on earth for a unique purpose. This means that your life’s journey is different from everyone else’s and ALL YOUR OWN.  Next remind yourself that everyone is comparing themselves even that person you’ve made really special in your mind so don’t feed into the circle of comparisons! As always feel free to leave comments below with your feelings about comparing yourself to other people.

 

Stop Stressing Over Valentine’s Day

 

Do you roll your eyes when stores start putting out all their Valentine’s Day cards? Are you in a panic to find a date before the 14th? We put so much pressure on this holiday and it’s time to stop the stress! I love Valentine’s Day because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate ALL the love in your life.

Click play to learn how to stop the V-Day stress:

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xMIPx50a-o

 

Sometimes we look to romantic relationships to make us feel whole or complete when really self love is the key to having more love in your life. One of the greatest tools we have is to think about where love currently exists in our life already. Celebrate the romantic relationship if you’re in one, but don’t forget about all the other examples of love you have in your life. Below I’ve listed some easy ways to show your love:

  • Call your grandparents
  • Send your mom flowers
  • Buy your sister chocolates
  • Give your barista a card
  • Smile at a stranger
  • Text an old friend saying you were thinking of them
  • Cook dinner for your roommates

Let me know in the comments below how you’re showing your love this holiday! Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

How to Create More Time in Your Day!

 

Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time in your day to get everything done? Have you ever been so preoccupied with all that you have going on in your life that you’ve shampooed your hair twice? Well, I’ve been there and today I’m here to help you create more time!

Click play to learn how to create more time in your day

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztX7twPFDFc

 

 

Here’s the scoop: although self care is a super trendy phrase, it does have a lot of significance. When you give yourself permission to take care of yourself you create more time. How is this true? Well when you give yourself  “me time” you center, refocus and recharge for all the other activities in your life.

When we get on an airplane the safety demos always tell us to put our own oxygen mask on before we help the person next to us. That same premise goes for real life also. How can you expect to take care of anyone or anything else if you don’t take care of yourself first?

I want to hear from you! How can you add more self care to your life? Share with me in the comments below!

Do More of What you Love!

Do you spend more time during your day doing what you love or doing what you hate? In today’s vlog I share an exercise to help you take a look at the activities in your life and start doing more of what you love!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL2Md4MuUBg

Homemade Natural Beauty Products

As a health conscious girl, I try to be aware of the food I put in my body but what about the products that go ONTO my body? The more I thought about all the chemicals in my daily grooming products the more research I did on how to go the natural route and these are some of my favorites. Best of all, every ingredient can be purchased at the grocery store!

Oatmeal Face Scrub 

This may sound like breakfast, but this face scrub will leave your skin feeling great. The oatmeal serves as a skin soother, while the honey is a natural moisturizer. Yogurt’s lactic acid brightens and smooths your complexion.

Ingredients:

  •  1 Tablespoon of oats
  •  1 teaspoon of honey
  •  2 Tablespoons of yogurt

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Apply to face using small circular motions. Rinse with warm water.

Epsom Salt Body Exfoliator

Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulfate. It helps to flush toxins from the body making it the perfect body exfoliator. It’s also known to soothe achy muscles and decrease bruises.

Ingredients:

  • Epsom salt
  • Sesame oil
  • An empty jar

Directions:

In your jar combine Epsom salt with sesame oil until a paste is made. Use in the shower to smooth skin. You can also use a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I like lavender) to make it smell great too.

Almond Oil Moisturizer

Almond oil has essential fatty acids which balance the skin’s moisture levels. It’s easily absorbed into the skin and rich in vitamin E.

Ingredients:

  • Almond oil

Directions:

Rub almond oil onto skin directly after a shower.

Strawberry Teeth Whitening

It may seem counterintuitive because of the berries’ bright red color, but they are actually natural teeth whiteners. Strawberries contain malic acid which removes stains from teeth, but don’t do it more than once a week because the acid could damage the enamel of the tooth.

Ingredients: 

1 Strawberry

1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

Directions:

Wash strawberry under cool water then cut off stem. Mash the berry with a fork in a small bowl until it is pulp then add baking soda until they form a paste. Brush onto teeth and leave for five minutes then remove with toothpaste.

 

24 Hour Rule

You just found out your sister borrowed your clothes without asking. Your roommates ate all your food. You’re debating whether or not to text your ex-boyfriend. You’re contemplating how to handle a fight with a friend. We’ve all been there- situations where you want to react immediately in the heat of the moment especially in ways that you might regret later on. One of the best ways to manage emotions is to take time. 24 hours between you and a problem will make a world of difference.

Now I’m not going to lie this is a tough rule to follow. You’re going to need to check your emotions and focus on calming down. I’ve learned this the hard way. Almost every time I act out of haste I regret it and usually immediately. When I wait, I have a clear mind that gives me new perspective and I’m so happy I didn’t say/text/email/ whatever it was I really wanted to say in that moment. A day helps you to focus on what you really want from a situation.

Here are some ways to give yourself space from a problem:

– Ask your Inner Guidance System (Inner GPS) for help. All you need is one little line. I say, “Please guide me towards the highest outcome.”

– Back away from the situation. Move away from the computer. Drop the phone.

– Go work out. Nothing like sweating out a problem.

– Ask yourself if you’re bringing love to the situation? Are you making it better or worse?

– Write out your frustration in a journal.

–  Stop, drop and meditate.

I know taking time can be hard, but it’s so worth it. The 24-hour rule helps in a multitude of ways, but it all stems from the peace you get when you give yourself the break of time.

 

Hello 2013 and Goodbye to Fear

Last week I took a dance class where my teacher said something that stuck with me. She told us to dance like we’ve never made a mistake before and it got me thinking. When we make mistakes we teach ourselves something, but what if our mistakes actually scare us from living life full out. When we do something “wrong” we can create a behavior. For example if you took a risk and it didn’t work out it might stop you from wanting to take another risk. You do things a certain way because of how people have reacted when you’ve done them in the past. Ever go out with a guy and never hear from him again? It might make you not want to take romantic risk anymore! How about if you get a bad grade on a test and then consider yourself bad at that subject?

Yet what if we started 2013 as if we haven’t made mistakes before or been hurt? Take the lessons that 2012 taught to you (you are older and wiser now after all), but leave the fear of being rejected/wrong/not good enough behind. I encourage you to sit down with a piece of paper and jot down answers to these questions:

  • What would you do if you knew you couldn’t make a mistake or be wrong?
  • What do you want to take on in 2013?
  • What would you like to leave behind?
  • What would you do if you could start fresh?

Happy 2013!!