Category: health

Holiday Gift Guide: Wellness and Self Care Items

Post author By tiffany
Post date November 21, 2019

As a busy mom of 2 and an entrepreneur, I know it’s not easy to make time for self-care. I also know how incredibly important it is to force yourself to take that time for yourself, so that you can be at your best in all of the other areas in your life. Helping our loved ones prioritize self care is just as important as doing it for ourselves, so I thought I’d share an entire gift guide dedicated to wellness and self care items that will help jumpstart anyone’s self care journey.

I love to give gifts that will really make an impact in my loved ones daily routine, and these 16 wellness and self care items are thoughtful, mindful, and functional! Check them out below.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: WELLNESS AND SELF CARE ITEMS

#1 Back Into It Cut Out Hoodie – Whether it’s to wear for a workout or to relax in, anyone can appreciate a comfy and cute sweatshirt

#2 The Five Minute Journal – This book is the gift that keeps on giving, with a prompted format to follow every day that is proven to boost happiness and productivity

#3 Two Cranes Attune CBD Oil – This is my absolute favorite CBD Oil! It helps so much with stress, anxiety and has tons of other benefits. This brand is local to Seattle as well!

#4 Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robe – This luxe robe is so soft and perfect for cozy evenings in

#5 Calm Bath Salts – Who doesn’t love bath salts?! These are made with Himalayan pink salt crystals, floral ylang-ylang and natural vanilla to relax the mind and body

#6 Adore Via Water Bottle – Give the gift of hydration with this reusable water bottle, that is not only visually appealing but the gemstones in the bottom actually energize your water and restructure it to the same level as pure spring water

#7 Dahlia Yoga Mat – How cute is this striped yoga mat?! It is made from eco-friendly materials that are super absorbent and guaranty a no-slip grip

#8 FitBit Versa 2 – This is an amazing gift for the fitness lover on your list and is on sale right now!

#9 Clean Greens Superfood Face Mask – This face mask is incredible nourishing and made from one-hundred-percent pure, edible superfoods! Perfect for a spa night in.

#10 Vitruvi Stone Diffuser – An oil diffuser is a must have, they have so many benefits and are a perfect tool for anyone on a wellness journey

#11 Moonlit Skincare Sleepy Spritzzz – Give the gift of a good nights sleep! This facial toner doubles as a sleep mist and has an amazing chamomile and lavender scent

#12 Quiet Blend Essential Oil – Inspired by quiet spaces filled with flowers, this essential oil is claimed best diffused when you have the house to yourself and need a recharge

#13 All Sport Backpack -A gym bag that is cute and functional! It even has straps on the bottom to secure your yoga mat

#14 Slip Pink Marble Sleep Mask – Give the gift of solid sleep! These sleeps masks work so well and are so cute

#15 Polishing Body Brush – Another great addition to an at home spa night, dry brushing has so many benefits and feels luxe

#16 Vitamix Blender – For a splurge gift idea, you can’t go wrong with a Vitamix

#17 Kbanana Gold Foil Eye Masks – These gold foil eye masks are the best and are from another local Seattle brand that I love! These would make the cutest stocking stuffer

#18 Rose Quartz Workout Set – This facial tool set is so great and such a steal! It includes a rose quartz roller and a guy sha tool

#19 Live In High Waist Leggings – These leggings are the best! They come in multiple colors and are under $60.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE GIFT IDEAS AND GIFT GUIDES WEEKLY, AND DON’T MISS THESE GIFT IDEAS BELOW!

BEST OF OPRAH’S FAVORITE THINGS 2019

THE 10 BEST PLACES TO BUY FAMILY HOLIDAY PAJAMAS

Shop my handpicked gift guides

THE BEST GIFTS FOR THE MOM FASHIONISTA

MUST HAVE GIFTS FOR THE HOSTESS

health seattle Uncategorized

Life Time Athletic Grand Opening in Bellevue!

Post author By Jen
Post date April 14, 2018

Life Time Athletic is the brand new luxury health club + gym located in the heart of downtown Bellevue, WA right inside The Shops at the Bravern. Consistent with the vision of The Shops at the Bravern and fitting in with the posh downtown Bellevue scene, Life Time Athletic lives up to the standard of having the best customer service paired with ultimate luxury for fitness enthusiasts featuring endless inspiration and options!

I had the opportunity to check out the club before it officially opened to the public and had so much fun! I wanted to share it with all of you before you go and check it out for yourself!

First, the space is BEAUTIFUL. From the front entry lined with cushy chairs to the fresh flower decor throughout club, the space is meticulous and clean. It really is a for everyone as they have a variety of studios including yoga, pilates, fitness, indoor cycling and barre studios. The cardio and weights floor is expansive along with the gym and you’ll have chance to wind down and relax in the steam room or sauna. Once you’re done with your workout or if fitness is not your thing, they also have the Life Spa where you can indulge in skin and massage services as well as the Life Cafe where you can enjoy chef-crafted meals, takeout options, smoothies (the Almond Butter smoothie is DELISH!) and protein-packed snacks. As they say, if it’s there, it’s healthy! Always a good thing! 😉

Next, my husband and I got to try out one of the fitness classes. Always interested in Spartan races but never having had a chance to participate, we decided to go with the Spartan Strong workout. This was a SERIOUS workout! If you haven’t done Spartan races before, this is a great way to get a sneak peek of what they entail. The thing I loved about it is that there was a lot of partner and/or teamwork. These little weighted “pancakes” were the star of the show and worked us in so many ways! The whole group gets going and everyone is working together. It was awesome sweatin’ it out with everyone as there was a feeling of camaraderie when we were all done!

Finally, after our sweat sesh, we walked around the club, sipped on beer + wine and had some lite bites from the Life Cafe. Everything was delicious and was nice to know that all the options are healthy, especially when you’re trying to stick with a nutrition plan. If you don’t have time to sit down after a workout, they have a case of healthy grab-n-go options as well as a variety of snack bars.

All in all, Life Time Athletics is an EXCELLENT place that has thought of all the details for someone who is looking looking for the ultimate luxury health club experience. For more information on membership, check out their website here!

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4 Ways to Make Your Water More Fun + BONUS: Favorite Infused Water Recipes!

Post author By Jen
Post date July 14, 2017

Summer is finally here and with the hot sun + long days playing outside, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated! We all know you should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day (or 1/2 your body weight in ounces, whichever is more) but sometimes plain water can get BORING. So here are some of my favorite ways to make your water more fun!

1. INFUSE with fruit + herbs
You can put just about anything in your water but fruits + herbs make your drink so pretty! There are tons of combinations that you’re sure to find one that you love. A couple of my favorites are lemon + ginger + cinnamon and strawberry + lime + basil. Instructions on how to infuse water here. BONUS: Check out this list to find a recipe combination you love!

2. FREEZE flavored ice cubes
If you don’t want to make an entire pitcher of infused water, you can freeze flavored ice cubes to have on hand for a single serving. Chop fruit + herbs into small pieces, put them in an ice tray and fill with water. For more flavor, crush the fruit or add a squeeze (for citrus fruits) of juice directly into the ice tray. Do the same with your herbs and it will release more flavor as the ice melts! Here are instructions and ideas on what kinds of cubes to make!

3. SPARKLING water for fun bubbles!
We all know that soda is not recommended when trying to quench thirst and staying hydrated but if you must have your bubbles, try adding some sparkling water to your fruits + herbs! It gives the affect of a soda without all the sugar and chemicals! Perrier has regular as well as a bunch of flavored sparkling waters with all natural flavoring!

4. Add an UMBRELLA
Lastly, since it’s summer, what better way to dress up your water than to add a fun umbrella to your drink?? It might not be a cocktail but when you’re sipping your infused water in the backyard, it will take you away to that tropical beach even if just for a moment! Find cocktail parasols here!

So there you have it! 4 ways to dress up your water and stay hydrated this summer! What are some ways you make your water more fun?

fitness health jen review Uncategorized

Soulcycle Review: Pros + Cons and finding your SOUL

Post author By Jen
Post date June 22, 2017

I have been wanting to check out a spin class for a while so when I was offered the opportunity to check out SoulCycle in Bellevue, I jumped on it! I had NO idea what to expect because I’ve never been to a spin class before. You know the saying, “It’s like riding a bike”? Well a few years ago at a family vacation, I got on a bike (after God knows how many years) and LITERALLY had to re-learn how to ride. Needless to say, I was NOT ready for the intense heart-pumping workout I had just signed up for.

SoulCycle Bellevue is located in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Given the pricing of classes, this is probably the right location / demographic / niche for this type of place. Walking into the studio, the stark white + bright yellow theme gave a sterile feel, but not in a hospital type way…in more of a fresh, happy, modern kind of way. Complimentary lockers, gum and ear plugs as well as hair-ties, bobby pins and razors was a nice bonus!

Upon check in, I got my shoes and bottled water. If you don’t have your own shoes, they are $3 to rent which adds to the cost of the session but they are included in your class fee if it’s your first ride. If you’ve never worn clip-in spin shoes before, they are a little weird at first. Almost like wearing cleats…or at least what I’d imagine wearing cleats would be like! Since this was my first time, I got there early and was able to get on my bike to adjust my seat and practice clipping in + out. There were plenty of SoulCyclers that were willing to help and everyone was super nice!

The dark room is candlelit except when the instructor introduces a new move. During those times, the lights come on the instructor (rest of the room stays dark) and then turn off again. It was nice because for a newbie, it helps to have a visual of the next move. The darkness helps you get in the groove and depending on the instructor and their style of music, it’s easy to get lost in the beat. My instructor was Jenna and I absolutely loved her vibe! I could see myself going to more of her classes in the future! On special occasions (like the night I went), they have a DJ mixing throughout the class which definitely adds to the experience. Almost like you’re in a club but getting a KILLER workout at the same time. The first 30 minutes(ish) was all about cycling to the beat of the music. Sitting, standing, moving from side to side, forward – backward, up – down. Then we incorporated upper body moves using light dumbbells for the last 15 minutes. It doesn’t sound like much but when you’re cycling and lifting to the beat, it’s a FULL body workout! But what I appreciated the most during the class was the cool down at the end. Maybe it was because I was exhausted and felt muscles in areas I didn’t know existed before, but the stretches Jenna took us through really targeted the areas we worked hard on for the past 45 minutes.

To be honest, I didn’t think cycling would be as tough of a workout as
some of the workouts I’ve done before (I’m comparing to HIIT cardio
with weights). I figured you’re *just* moving your legs but it was WAY
more than just moving your legs. It’s definitely a full body workout! I can see why so many people are into SoulCycle as it’s more than just a spin class but there definitely are pros and cons.

PROS
– No membership fees!
– Bright, clean facility with showers (including shampoo, conditioner and body wash)
– 62 bikes that are reserved upon sign up for a class (so no waiting around for an open machine)
– Complimentary lockers, gum, ear plugs, hair ties, razors, etc.
– Validated parking in Lincoln Square

CONS
– Classes are pricey – $28 for a single class (+$3 if you don’t have your own shoes). You can advance purchase packages of classes but there is an expiration date that you have to use them by
– Waiting area before classes start is a bit cramped with only a couple benches for people to sit or put on shoes
– Only 4 showers (I can’t imagine trying to get to a class before work and having to fight for a shower)
– Located in downtown Bellevue which could mean high traffic area making it difficult to get to during peak times
– No childcare

Overall, SoulCycle is a GREAT workout, burning over 500 calories per ride! If you have the time + money, it’s definitely worth checking out and finding an instructor that speaks to your soul. If anything, your first class is $20 and definitely worth trying out for the experience alone.

Thanks Jenna for a serious soul pumping first experience at SoulCycle! <3

food health healthy eats jen Uncategorized

Cauliflower Pizza Crust + Top 5 Cauliflower Recipes for a Low Carb Diet

Post author By Jen
Post date May 16, 2017

Note from Tiffany: Jen is our new health and fitness contributor. You will be seeing a few posts a month from her and I’m so excited to have her! Hope you enjoy her posts as much as I do!

Cauliflower Pizza Crust + Top 5 Cauliflower Recipes for a Low Carb Diet

With summer right around the corner and vacations / weddings / reunions / BBQs coming up, it seems like everyone is on a quest to get healthy to look FAB at the next event! But why is it so hard to find healthy food that’s YUMMY too? I’ve found that with a little effort and lots of trial + error, it IS possible to enjoy your favorite foods but modified to make them easier on the waistline!

Cauliflower has been around forever but how many times have you gone through the produce department without even looking at the white flowery veggie? In the past few years, cauliflower has gained popularity by those that are looking for a low carb, high fiber diet (think Paleo, Keto, Atkins, etc.). The great thing about this unassuming veggie is that it is so versatile! It takes on the flavor of anything you cook it with and can be transformed to take on the look of some of my favorite bar foods (think Happy Hour). If you haven’t jumped on the cauliflower bandwagon yet, now’s your chance! I’ve rounded up my Top 5 Favorite Cauliflower Recipes for a Low Carb Diet!

1. Cauliflower Tots

Tater tots are one of those things that takes me back to my childhood. I didn’t buy school lunch very often but when I did, I LOVED these little bite sized snacks! I would always check the menu to see when they were serving them so I could ask to buy lunch that day! But as an adult, these starchy snacks are high in carbs + fat (especially if they’re fried) which means no bueno when working on your summer goals! These Cauliflower Tots are perfect! They are reminiscent of your childhood tater tot but high in fiber and WAY less fat! Try them at your next BBQ!

2. C auliflower Buffalo Wings

One of my FAVORITE Happy Hour foods…BUFFALO WINGS. I love spice and wings have just the right amount of kick to them! But being fried (I actually didn’t know that wings were fried!), they are not the healthiest choice on the HH menu. Enter Cauliflower Buffalo Wings. If you ever wondered how you’re supposed to host a football party (tailgating? Superbowl?) while trying to stick to your nutrition plan, try making these for your next get together. No, they’re not chicken, but if you’re looking for that same spice and a Happy Hour regular, try out these Cauliflower Buffalo Wings!

3. Cauliflower Breadsticks

How many times have you been to a restaurant and ordered your food, only to fill up on the free bread that comes beforehand and been too full (not that it stops me) for your actual entree? If you’re entertaining and looking for an appetizer that won’t make your guests too full for the main dish, try these cauliflower breadsticks! They’re buttery, cheesy and garlicky and your guests (and kids) won’t believe they’re made out of veggies!

4. Cauliflower Pizza Crust

I’m not gonna lie – this is not the deep dish crust from Pizza Hut but if you thought you had to give up pizza altogether, think again! I made this for my husband who’s a total skeptic but even he liked it! Top with whatever toppings you want to make a margherita, meat lovers or even a breakfast pizza (eggs + turkey bacon anyone?)! The possibilities are endless!

5. Cauliflower Fried Rice

Being Korean, I grew up on rice. I’m sure for my mom, making fried rice was a way to get rid of leftover ingredients but for me, I loved it and it was definitely a treat from the normal plain rice we got. When I started a healthy eating plan, I cut out white rice and replaced it with brown rice or quinoa. But when I came across this cauliflower fried rice recipe, I did a little happy dance because that meant I could save my carbs for something else (like, ahem…red wine!). This recipe is SUPER easy to make and most grocery stores even sell riced cauliflower! Make it even easier by getting a rotisserie chicken to debone and use mixed frozen veggies and this is a quick dish to make when you’re in a pinch!

So there you have it! My Top 5 Favorite Cauliflower Recipes for a Low Carb Diet! Which one is your fave? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

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Losing the baby weight

Post author By tiffany
Post date November 25, 2013

I’ve had a few readers ask about losing the baby weight and how I did it or if I have any tips. To tell you the truth, I haven’t done as much as I thought I would. When I was pregnant I totally thought I’d be back in the gym in no time and doing all this stuff to get my pre-baby body back. HA! The reality of having a newborn and running a business demolished those dreams but I am working towards getting back to the gym soon and really trying to cook more and make healthy meals like I did before the baby. Although I don’t have any great tips, here’s what I did during and after my pregnancy that I think helped me lose the weight.

During my pregnancy

I worked out until almost the very end. I never did anything super strenous and just did what I was comfortable with. My doctor told me I could do anything that I was doing before I got pregnant so I didn’t try anything new but kept at what I knew I could do.
The amount of weight I gained was in the range of what my doctor recommended for me.
I watched what I ate for the most part. I tried to eat healthy although admitedly I went from eating fast food from never to at least once a month during my pregnancy! I had to have my french fries!
I stayed away from foods that made me extra bloated as I was already feeling so big I never really wanted any additional bloat! (except for the french fries. haha)

click through to see more…
After my pregnancy

Breast feeding is probably the biggest factor in losing the weight. I know not everyone has this option but I really think it was what helped me the most.
No snacks! After I had the baby, I completely stopped snacking. I’m so busy these days that I can only think about eating full meals and in between I’m either taking care of Layla or working so I never think about eating in between!
Stroller walks – we live in a very hilly neighborhood and the walk alone is already a great workout but taking the stroller out and walking it uphill is a GREAT workout. I’m huffing and puffing all the way up.
Baby wearing – I rarely put Layla in the stroller, only when we go on walks with the dogs. She’s only been in the stroller twice when we went out shopping. All the other times I wear her in my Sakura Bloom ring sling and wearing a 10lb baby while walking around for a half hour to an hour is not super tough but I do feel like it helps!

Although I can fit into all my pre-baby clothes, my body has definitely changed in some ways, especially my belly. I was actually looking online about any products women use after their pregnancy and a lot of women have mentioned belly bands or shaping undergarments that tighten up the core again.

The lovely team at hourglass Angel sent over the Almighty Vest to try out and to my surprise it really has helped! I haven’t worn it as much as I should (it’s not the most comfortable thing) but I have seen results with it. The first time I put it on, I was slightly shocked. I’ve never worn a shaping undergarment like this before but it totally sucks you in – like a whole size down. It’s not easy to get into! But there’s good reason for that and once you put it on, you know why. After the first time, I knew what to expect so it got easier to wear every time after that. Here’s the description that they give:

the Vest utilizes the science of compression to support long-term
slimming. The PowerLatex core stimulates thermal activity and
perspiration, mobilizing fat and toxins. You’ll see results as soon as
you put it on.

And after wearing it a few times now, I totally believe it! I haven’t taken measurements or anything but after I take it off, I always feel a difference in my belly. I plan on wearing it more throughout they year to tighten up my belly area. Obviously I know that a healthy diet and exercise is what will really help me lose weight but any help I can get in the belly department (always the last area I lose weight) is much needed!

This is not a sponsored post but I was sent the almighty vest for free. All opinions are genuine and my own!

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Favorite Work Out Clothes

Post author By tiffany
Post date January 15, 2013
12 Comments on Favorite Work Out Clothes

One of the things that keeps me motivated to go to the gym is work out clothes! I like to work out in clothes that not only do their job (like keep the sweat away, keeps me cool, keeps things sucked in, etc…) but also that I feel good in. I figure if you’re at the gym to make yourself feel better and look better why not start out by already feeling good in the clothes that you wear? I’m a huge Lululemon fan and admittedly spend too much money there but I also get good use out of it so at least for me, that justifies the cost. I do have a few other go-to brands that I love so here are my top faves for work out clothes that you will usually find me in when I’m at the gym.

For tops, I tend to stick to form fitting tops because I don’t like my clothes to get in the way. Whether I’m doing yoga or something more active, I do not want my clothes to be riding up or needing to be adjusted. I love the “No Limits” tank for when you are feeling a bit bloated and not wanting to put on the form fitting tank that day. It hides the little belly just perfectly but also does it’s job and stays in place because of the waistband.

Lululemon ‘Cool Racerback’– my favorite. I have so many of these and I love going to the store to see the new colors and patterns.
Zella ‘Fresh Take Z’ Tank – a little thicker (fabric wise) and shorter (length wise) than the Lululemon Racerback but very similar
Lululemon ‘No Limits’ tank – Zella has a very similar version for less. I haven’t tried it yet but am going to order it!
Nike ‘Indy’ Print Tank – Nike is a bit more sporty for my taste but they do still have some cute tanks that I like.

Same with pants. I see people working out in baggy sweats and I have no idea how they even do it. I need my clothes to stick to me and keep me cool or else I can not work out properly. If anything, investing in proper workout leggings has been the best investment for me because I used to work out in just regular old leggings but trust me when I say that these make a world of a difference. They suck you in all the right places, don’t ride up or down and the fabrics they use keeps the sweat away and comfy the entire time you are working out.

Zella ‘Live In’ Cross Dye Reversible Capri Leggings – I have 3 pairs of these, that’s how much I love them. They are easily my favorite. So comfy and they don’t ride up or down on you and they hold you in at the places that need to be held in.
Lululemon ‘Wunder Under’ Pant – if you have not tried on the goodness of the Wunder Under pants, just try them and you will see why every woman that owns them raves about them. They are AWESOME. I have the long ones to wear to the gym (I then change into my capris and they do make capri versions too) but I also wear these just lounging around the house, they are the best ever!
Nike ‘Filament’ Capris – again, a little sporty for my taste but if I’m doing circuit training where I get a bit more hot and sweaty, these are great for something that’s more active as they have cooling mesh inserts at the back of the knees.

If you didn’t know, Zella is a Nordstrom brand, however I read an article
about how one of the designers from Lululemon actually started working
there to help create the brand so the similarities between the two are
not coincidental. I love both lines and Zella has great pieces that are a bit more reasonable price wise and they also go on sale unlike Lululemon
which rarely has sales.

Shoes wise – I’m a Nike fan but mainly because of my husband, I don’t think he’d let me buy any other brand of shoes. LOL. But really, they make the prettiest shoes (in my opinion) so I’d buy them anyway. I have a few pairs of the Nike Free Runs and they are my favorite shoe ever. So lightweight and easy to do all my activities in. I know that it’s technically a running shoe but I use it mostly for circuit training (cardio + strength training exercise) which the Nike TR Fit is a training shoe and good for that as well.

Nike ‘Free Run+ 3’

Nike ‘Free TR Fit 3’

On the cheaper side, you may be surprised (I was!) but the work out stuff from Forever 21 is pretty decent! I actually buy my yoga sports bras from there as they are pretty comfy and hold up pretty well. For low impact stuff, I think their sports bras and are pretty good and the price is even better!

Mesh Paneled Sports Bra | Neon Crisscross Sports Bra | Heathered Sports Bra

Target also has great sports bras and tops, I highly recommend this bra and this tank.