Why I’m Going to Tulum

I’m sitting here on the floor of my apartment (yes, we have an office and a gorgeously fluffy couch and I’m choosing the floor!), hair braided, suitcase packed and zipped….I’m ready to officially start my journey to Tulum. Why not publicly set my intention to why I’m going?

My friend, spiritual mentor and guide, Heather Lindemenn, announced that she was doing a retreat to Tulum. The uniqueness of Tulum always called to me, but I’d never thought I’d go, just because of the sheer fact that it’s Mexico – and it’s “not that far” from me. Going on an adventure with Heather peaked my interest a bit – but again, nah, it’s cool. I’m going to Europe this summer. I’m good.

Well, I’ve been meditating in the morning religiously for months and the Yucatan came up! I had a calling to go. A day later, Heather and I hopped on a phone call, she basically waved her connected wand of the universe and I was IN. So IN. My heart felt alive and the doors opened.

So – why am I going?

I’ve always been a spirit junkie. I’ve always wanted to do sacred travel. (John of God is next, maybe India too, who knows). This was a great opportunity I just couldn’t pass up. It felt right. The pieces fell into place with no struggle. My gut told me YES YES YES.

Clearing Anxiety. I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was in my early 20’s when I was drinking A LOT. It started up in full-force last year when rapid changes were made at the company I was working at. It was bad but I moved on from that job, thankfully, but slid into another one – and again, anxiety is it a high. I dealt with it today. I’m hoping this trip will hit the “reset” button for me and anxiety is no more. (no one should have to put up with the symptoms I get – dizziness, shortness of breath, can’t swallow, headache – AWFUL!)

Enhancing My Work. I’ve always loved work. I’m obsessed with it. Both of my parents worked their asses off my entire life. I want to work with purpose and love. I do love what I do but sometimes I take things too personally or I take things so seriously. I want to let that shit go, but still be fiery, amazing and one of those people you always want to come to work to see and work with. I want to be a courageous leader. I want to be looked up to. I want to be that honest team member that lights up the room. It’s me and it’s happening.

Financial Freedom. It’s coming and I’m so close but this is always on my mind. Someone once said to me, “it’s not about a certain amount of money, it’s about being financially free!”. She was filthy rich and had literally everything I wanted: a quaint little house in the 90210, 2 cars, a closet filled with designer clothes, a delightful and successful group of friends and a really famous career. A successful career that she comfortably left to follow her heart. She inspired me and I think of her often, even through we lost touch. I know I too can have those things and more. And I’m asking God to lead the way for me…

Deepening My Relationships. We all can use some help in this department, but I want to be connected to everyone around me. Especially my family, my boyfriend, my friends and co-workers. I’m thinking less jealous, less judgmental, and more supportive, more loving.

I also want to add once I committed to this journey, all of the above notes started little by little unfolding. These are the things I want and I am working towards.

Tulum, here I come. I can’t wait to meet you. I can’t wait to meet the 4 other girls. I can’t wait to go to the ancient Mayan healer in the jungle!

10 Random Things About Me

IMG_4214

  1. I have the most gnarly sweet tooth
  2. I wash my hair maybe every week and a half and blow outs are my best friend
  3. I would seriously love to be 100% vegan
  4. My morning and night routines are very intense and I am so out of whack if I go off schedule
  5. One of the best songs to just completely rock out in the car to is Aerosmith’s Livin’ on the Edge
  6. One day….I will compile a list of my all time favorite songs
  7. My friend Maria D and I send SnapChat videos back and forth using the animal filter pretty much every night.
  8. I’m a bonafide bad TV watcher – Kardashians, Housewives, you name it, I watch it via Netflix and Hulu
  9. As stated in #7, I am a SnapChat junkie. It’s the only social media that I can control
  10. I gratitude journal every single night and I love it!

Meyers Briggs Personality Test- ENFJ-T

Okay, my best friend came to visit yesterday and demanded that I take the Meyers-Briggs personality test. She assured me it was a quick version and it wouldn’t take too long – so I was totally IN!

It took maybe a total of 10-15 minutes, of course I read all of the “tough” questions out loud to drive the BFF nuts – but I got my results and I squealed with delight – I’m a ENFJ-T. The Protagonist.

If you know me, you know I love all things wellness, psychic, therapeutic treatments – anything to give me insight to bettering myself and those around me. I read and read and read. I couldn’t stop and I needed more. For me, the results were accurate and if you want to know me better – and how I deal with things – and how I want to make the world a better place – then read up about the ENFJ’s in the world. (Hello, Oprah is a fellow ENFJ!)

diplomats_Protagonist_ENFJ_strengths

A little bit more details about “my kind”:

  • 74% Intuitive
  • 71% Feelings
  • 60% Extraverted
  • Charismatic – Charm and popularity are qualities ENFJs have in spades. They instinctively know how to capture an audience, and pick up on mood and motivation in ways that allow them to communicate with reason, emotion, passion, restraint – whatever the situation calls for.
  • Altruistic – Uniting these qualities is ENFJs’ unyielding desire to do good in and for their communities, be it in their own home or the global stage. Warm and selfless, ENFJs genuinely believe that if they can just bring people together, they can do a world of good.
  • Natural Leaders – More than seeking authority themselves, ENFJs often end up in leadership roles at the request of others, cheered on by the many admirers of their strong personality and positive vision.
  • Weaknesses – Too idealistic, too selfless, too sensitive, fluctuating self esteem and struggle to make tough decisions

Take the quiz here for yourself – it’s SO fun! 

5 Things

I’m losing my blog momentum – lots going on with work, working out and wellness but here’s a little run down about what’s going on in my life and 5 things I’ve been digging. What have you been diggin’ lately?

Amma’s Rose Oil – My Signature Scent  – I love love love this smell. It’s basically a sandalwood and rose oil and I get so many compliments on it. It’s a whopping $35 on Amma’s site (and EO makes it too but they are out of stock A LOT). Trust me, this stuff is gold.

IMG_9436.JPG

Afternoons at the Pool – Steve and I moved into our place in Long Beach and we are enjoying every moment of it and taking advantage of the amenities – including this beautiful pool. Sometimes I did to just unplug, reboot and just sit back and relax!

IMG_9446.JPG

TSC Bombshell Body Guide – Okay, I’ve never, ever done this before but I bought meal/fitness plan online but I am loving every minute of it. I’ve been in deep for almost 2 weeks now and I’m down 3 L-B’s and I feel great. Like, super great and I can see the difference in my bod. It’s so good, it’s easy and manageable! Try it!

IMG_9440.JPG

Tony Robbins – Yep, I’ll admit, I’m a Tony Robbins newbie. I am a self-proclaimed self help book junkie and I’ve never got into Tony Robbins, until now. It took my the documentary I Am Not  Your Guru. At this point, I’m all in! He’s incredible! Check it.

IMG_9451.JPG

 

Zucchini Noodles – Another thing I’m late to the party on is these bad boys. These are gluten free and AH-MAZING. It takes like 7 minutes in a pan with a TBSP of olive oil and BAM!, throw on some red sauce, add some fresh mozzerella and basil and VOILA, perfectly healthy! (I got mine at Whole Foods Market Long Beach)

IMG_9472.JPG

Hope you enjoyed reading this one!

3 Not-So-Normal Things I Do in the AM

Oil Pulling

You may have heard about this healthy action – but let me tell you – I love it. At first, I though anyone who can spend 20 minutes in the morning tolerating oil being swished around in their mouth was NUTS. But, here me out! Literally, the FIRST thing I do in the morning is hit the kitchen cabinet and stuff my face with Dr Bronner’s Coconut Oil (organic, raw, unrefined, fair trade, ALWAYS). Before water, peeing, EVERYTHING, I do this. I put on the coffee, pack my lunch, put on my skincare routine (more on that at another time), get dressed – and my 20 minute oil mouth is done. I rinse with really warm water and scrape my tongue after – and – boom – my mouth sparkles for the day. Yes, I brush too after coffee and brekky.

Why do it? It feels so great. My mouth feels cleaner – cleaner than a good brush and floss and the oil itself is antibacterial and antimicrobial – it gets in my gums, mouth tissue – all around. Lastly, it’s weird, but my teeth feel STRONGER.

Just do it – trust me.

Oil Pulling 1

Take Flower Essences

These I take when I’m ready to head out for the day or before a morning meditation. They are from my friend Shelly Rike in Encinitas, CA. She hand makes these and they are to die for. Made from essential oils, the doesn’t want to be called Shaman, Shaman creates these littler wonders. I (and my intuition) picked my own formula out in her tipi back in SD and these little guys give me an extra little pick me up in the morning! I love ’em. Learn more about what Shelley does here.

IMG_4930

Dry Brushing

I’m sure you’ve heard about this one too – but I’m a fan! I brush upwards and towards my heart taking long and gentle strokes up my body and on my limbs. This gem is also known for busting cellulite (so why not do it, right?). It supposedly cleanses the lymphatic system too. It gives me energy and naturally exfoliates the skin. Another great healthy part of my routine. I can’t get enough! I got my dry brush at Whole Foods Market on sale – but the same one is available here.

IMG_4924

I want to hear – what do you guys do in the morning? Got any weird morning routines that you want to share? I can add a little healthy something-something to my day!

One Day in Catalina

Soooo – my guy and I have both lived in SoCal for 10+ years now and neither of us have ever ventured to the island of Catalina. We’ve talked about going but never got around to it.  It was Steve’s birthday this past Sunday – so I decided to surprise him with a boat ride on the Catalina Express (you get yo ride for FREE if it’s your birthday!).

IMG_4877.JPG

We pulled up to the port in Long Beach and were shocked at how many people were lined up to board the boat! People going for the weekend, just for the day, bikers, fishers – you name it, they gathered there. We hopped on and off we went – 1 hour on the water and then we arrived.

IMG_4900.JPG

Catalina  is STUNNING. As soon as you pull up to Avalon – you are immersed in pure beauty.

IMG_4911.JPG

Here’s what we did:

  • Rented a golf cart for 2 hours and toured the island (total highlight!)
  • Played in the arcade for an hour or so
  • Had a delicious meal at Blue Water Grill 

I (and we) highly recommend a day trip to Catalina. Steve and I had a blast.

IMG_4922.JPG

 

Power Hour in Redondo Beach

Wednesday night – after a long day of work. I had the opportunity to have a second chance at paddle boarding in the marina of Redondo Beach. I did a brief stint on the board about 2 years ago and loved it (I’ll admit I got stuck in the mud in the Carlsbad Lagoon and I’ll leave it at that) but I was not with any professionals and was given no direction. I also had no clue how hard it was paddling against the wind! It was different. It was fun. It was in nature.

IMG_4866.JPG

My next time around was a completely different tune. I went with Michelle of Olympus SUP because my lovely new friend Juli kindly invited me. I gladly accepted the invite. What I didn’t realize that this was a YOGA/PILATES/STRETCHING class on a paddle board. HOW WAS I GOING TO DO THIS BEING A BEGINNER?!

IMG_9376.JPGIMG_9371.JPG

We did a loop in the Marina to warm up while Juli and Michelle gave me the basic download of this giant board in the water. I actually learned (and paid attention to) how to maneuver the board. We scooted around, I got better and better as the session went on – but then – we dropped our anchors (aka – alb weight) in the water. We were going to exercise, like for real. Well, it was easier than I thought. You do need balance – but easy peezy. I actually did it! And, for those of you wondering, I DIDN’T FALL IN!

The grand pay off in the end was a 5 minute meditation while the sun set. It was magnificent. I am so grateful to have experienced this among the pros. I made new friends, connected with the ocean and learned new skills.

Interested? Go online to Olympus SUP and give it a try. $25 gets you your equipment rental and a 2 hour session.

IMG_4867.JPG

I Haven’t Blogged In a Year

After lots and lots of life changes – I just realized I haven’t blogged in over a year. I am embarrassed! But after LOTS of thought – I AM BACK and COMMITTED to bring you what you want to read about, what I can share to make your life easier and peaceful!

Little ditties about me in the last year:

  • I’m back in LA – work moved me back here and I’m so happy to be back here!
  • My job has massively changed
  • I’m a Xtend Barre Fitness addict
  • I’m in love with decorating our new apartment in Long Beach.

…looking forward to posting more! xxxoo

Gemstone Organics

I’m baaaack! (from San Diego, Vegas, 2+ weeks in Costa Rica and back around). Pura vida and I can’t wait to share more about my travels here!

Before I do that, I wanted to share these pretty awesome eco skin care products I came across a few weeks ago. The company is called Gemstone Organic. Based out of LA and hippie approved, these products are lush and loved by me! I had the opportunity to try 2 of the face creams and one of their hydrosols (I can spray all day long for an easy pick me up!). I loved each of the them! Annnnnd, their products are CERTIFIED organic. Boom!

What’s really unique about this company is that they are using crystals to infuse their products. I’m a HUGE fan of crystals and their healing properties so why not make face and body care that is packed with healing elements of gemstones! Gemstone Organic is just getting off the group – but you can buy online and in some select Whole Foods Markets in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

FullSizeRender-2 FullSizeRender

Shop online here and give Gemstone Organic a try!

100% Pure LOVE

Sooooo, I met the lovely folks at 100% Pure a few months back and I couldn’t wait to try their products! If you know me, I’m a whore for everything all natural – so all natural is a sheer give-in, right? I try to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and I’m almost there – but make-up is super hard. I’m tied to big brands like Mac and Kat Von D for the bases (foundation and blush….and a side note, every girl has to have Warm Soul blush). I flirt with eco brands but end up going back to the naughty stuff because they are tried and true!

I go on – sorry for the rant there! I found 100% Pure and gave them a whirl and they are the real deal! I love their colors (and they are colored with fruit extracts!) – So far, I’ve tried their nude palette [pictured below] and 2 of their nail polishes. The pigments in both are fantastic. If you want to go for a goddess look, this is your brand!

I can’t wait to try more stuff by 100% Pure – I just love them and their mission so much!

IMG_6365 IMG_6366

Find out more on their website, Facebook,Twitter and Instagram!