April 30, 2015

Staying on track

It's finally Thursday and I can't wait for it to be Friday, as it's one day closer to the weekend! I've been so exhausted, work has been kicking my butt with project after project, I took a mini hiatus from the gym this week, due to said exhaustion, but I'm proud to say I've stayed on point with my healthy meals and snacks.

Check this baby out!

Spinach, chicken, lemon and pear juice dressing, crushed pita chips and zucchini. Delish! 

April 24, 2015

New Challenges Breed Transformation

Yesterday was an exciting new moment in my life. I had the spontaneous idea that I was going to try a new fitness class at the gym. Body pump! I had seen the videos, and heard the stories, and I have to admit I did get a little scared when lining up for class, but then... It happened! I kicked ass! I was so proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone, for challenging myself, and most of all, for trying something new!

You only have one body and you only get one life. #Yolo! 

April 23, 2015

When Acne Attacks, Fight Back!

Every once a while my delicate, sweet precious adult skin breaks out. I know! It's not fair, right? But when I see a challenge, I tackle it head on.

My army trio of choice is all from Mario Badescu...

1. Special Cucumber Lotion (toner)
2. Drying Lotion. (Where while sleeping)
3. Drying cream. (Wear under makeup)

Next time your face tries to destroy your day, fight back with these bad boys. I promise you'll see a difference in one day.
Find them all at Ulta beauty stores.  

April 18, 2015

Relaxing Active Rest Day

Repeat that title 3xs fast...
Haha! Today was so soothing. After an incredibly long and rather tough work week, I felt myself coming down with something, but with it being high pollen season, it was tough to tell if it was allergies or a head cold. 

I used the Neti pot, guzzled down some water and my bombshell spell from the Tone It Up Nutrition plan. (If you don't know about Tone it Up, you need to google it, stat) And was ready to start my day with yoga.

 Surprise! We had a sub. I was a bit weary at first but everything turned out great. I challenged myself and was soaked in sweat at the end of the hour, which is a good thing when you're working on cleansing your body of toxins.

After that I walked two cute pups around the neighborhood. I thought it would be more of an excursion, but they seemed more interested in sight seeing. 

Story of my life with these two... 

Anyway, I hope you're enjoying your Saturday! Much love and blessings. 

The Bark Corner :Meet Apollo:

The Bark Corner
:Meet Apollo:

A proper pug by day, and a party animal by night. 

What is he doing?
Due to respect, we will refrain from spilling the dirty details that led him to this moment, but it's safe to say he's nursing a hangover. 

Where did she come from?
Originally from La Canada, CA, Apollo, along with his human Dad and Mom, are now currently nestled into the quaint neighborhood of Long Beach, CA.


What is he wearing?
A well heated terry cloth towel in the color eggshell. 


What's next on his social calendar?
Apollo is not one to let a little setback ruin his weekend. Once he's well hydrated and gets some food in his belly, he'll be up in no time to catch the surf, layout and get a tan...maybe even cruise up on a few chicks. The sky's the limit.


April 17, 2015

Casual Fridays


If I could, I would wear this look every day and make no apologies for it. The vibrant blazer is 
energetic but not overwhelming, and when paired with casual basics and gold accessories, you just 
can't go wrong. 

Happy Friday Beautiful!

Casual Fridays



April 14, 2015

Hair Transformation

It's not a crime to change your hair color, although be prepared if you do, as many people, including complete strangers, will have an opinion. It's very similar to when you pick out baby names. "Ew, really?" Or, "hmm... That's an interesting name," accompanied with a head tilt.

The truth is, it's really no one's business what you decide to do with your hair (or name your baby). In fact, change is really good, and FUN! What's more, hair is the easiest thing to change up when you need a little pizzaz in your life.

In fact, some ladies (and men) will spruce up their do when there's something new happening in their life, or they're transforming emotionally. A new job, breakup, moving across the country, you name it, your hair can make a BIG difference on your outlook towards life. And when your hair looks good, you feel good.

I personally like change. Can you tell?

Dark brown: 













Dark blonde/light brown:
...don't mind the cute boy in the next few photos.

















Ombre with bangs and some more highlights throughout.

















Red(ish) (check out the ends)
















To dark, again...













And now? Well, now after a year of having the dark hair, I added some light brown highlights.

















"So what should I do now if I want to change my hair color?" Glad you asked! Follow my tips below: 

1. Find a great colorist. 

A colorist is a tad different from a typical hair stylist. Some stylist only do cuts, but a colorist is someone who can make magic! A colorist can be found one of two ways: word of mouth, or research from your end. Search on the computer, ask your friends, or call up a few salons, but the truth is in the pudding. You can't fake it.

How do you know if they are good? My rule of thumb has always been by watching how my hair grows out. A great colorist will know where to lay your highlights and make recommendations for why you should do thin or thick highlights, toning and blending certain colors together depending on the frame of your face and so on.

2. Stock up on images and styles you like and bring 2-3 of those photos to your colorist. 

You will never look exactly like the photo, because that person is probably going to have different features, different natural undertones, and, they're not you! And that's ok. What a good colorist we'll do is use those images as inspiration to give you something that fits your look and style.

3. Watch for ego.

A great colorist won't rush you, pressure you or butcher your style. They will listen, offer suggestions (read: won't tell you what to do) and leave you feeling at ease.

Note: Colorist are artist. They are playing with color and manipulating its lights and darks. They will have some sensitivity to their work, because after all, they are proud of what they do. A bad colorist will be angry when you're not happy. A GREAT colorist will listen to your feedback and do what they can to offer some manipulation if the end point was somehow missed.

4. Relax.
Take your time to select someone you feel at ease with. If you're uptight, guess what? They'll be uptight. The more you're relaxed, the more that energy will radiate. Most importantly, know you can change your hair color at any time. #YOLO (you only live once)

5. Watch your health
If you are a surviving cancer patient in remission, check with your doctor first before exploring the realm of color. Also, check with some salons as they offer vegan (plant based) color which is non toxic.

And lastly... never color inside the lines. The world is so much more vibrant with a bit of contrast. ;)

April 13, 2015

Scrambled Egg Tacos

Breakfast tacos for dinner? Yes! If you've learned anything about so far, you know I love breakfast for dinner. 

 So delicious, easy and simple. 

1. 2-3 scrambled eggs mixed with cilantro and zucchini slices.
2. 1 Avocado slices
3. Dash of pepper Enjoy!! 


April 11, 2015

Coachella Bella

I may not be going to Coachella, but if I were, this is what I would wear.

Simple and light, free flowing yet classy and undeniably sexy.
To all those already out there or on their way, drive safe and enjoy the weekend!

Just don't forget your sunscreen! ;)


Coachella Bella


April 9, 2015

Fancy outfits on a budget

Spring has definitely sprung. I started my new job on April 1st and the days are long and packed with training. I feel so blessed, but between the new schedule and passing out before 10pm, I haven't had as much time to write, but rest assured that somewhere between sales meetings and event coordinating, this girl will never be too busy to talk fashion. 

This week I joined floral with leggings, tight with flouncy, feminine with structured.

How did I do this? You ask.  

Well, if you're like most of us average blue collar Americans, buying expensive duds is simply out of the question. So instead, I mixed highs and lows. The best part is, I found a few highs at a low budget retail chain store. Think TJ Maxx and Marshall's. ;)

Wanna know where I bought my Olivia & Joy bucket purse or my Franco Sarto boots? You guessed it. (See paragraph above). I rarely ever buy name brand pieces at full price. It's just not friendly on my wallet for one, and two, I need my Starbucks. 

I would love to hear about your favorite budget friendly spots. Let me know where you like to shop!

Comment below or find me on Facebook!  Don't forget to like the page. Shoes, Dogs & Chocolate. 


️Xo 
Lisa