Spring Cleaning.

So. I'm moving. It's exciting. As I'm packing up I also find myself throwing out a ton of ... well crap really, and fantasizing about someone with no feeling towards any of this stuff coming in and taking it all out in one foul swoop. If that were to happen, I know that there are only a few things I would really miss. Even knowing that - I still have a hard time parting with this stuff! Why?! I thought maybe you guys might have this problem too if your moving, or spring cleaning- which lead me to write this post and maybe distract me from packing... mu ha haha (evil laugh*)

 So let's break it down..

EVERYTHING BUT THE BATHROOM SINK.

I started here. So many products! Who the hell needs all this?! Serums, samples, Christmas presents from years past of lotion and perfume sets, dusty candles (huh?) So many half used bottles of Advil/ Midol/ contact solution and the like.. And the nail polish. I never even paint my own nails because I totally suck at it. So all the nail polish went. All the gift sets went. All the samples went. All the products I don't use on a daily basis went. That's a lie. Argg... most of the products I don't use on a daily basis went. A few sprays and serums stayed.

THE GREAT UNDERWEAR PURGE.

Every girl does this. Maybe twice or four times a year you go through all your bras and underwear and determine which are worth hanging on to and which need be tossed. The lace is ripped, the bra fabric has pilled up, the underwires are stabbing you... but still it's my instinct to hold on to these? Not sure for what... obviously not saving them for a hot date. Do I think there will be an underwear shortage at some point? No more underwear to purchase anywhere? Am I totally alone? I'm thinking of throwing them all out and starting entirely fresh. Here are a few good deals on underwear if your thinking of doing the same...

PINK: 5 for $26

URBAN: 4 for $19

(not my underwear drawer... photo via shopimagine.com)

CLEANING OUT MY CLOSET.

Just steal my clothes. Seriously. Debating giving out my address. Or! Hiring some kind of hitman but for my closet? Just don't take any shoes or bags. Like most of you out there, I don't wear even half of what's in my closet. And that "6 month rule" is really hard to go off of! Because it's as soon as you drop the bag off at the women's shelter or throw it into one of those drop boxes, you remember something you accidentally put in and now it's just gone, gone forever. But who cares! I mean really. It's gone to a better place. Having too much stuff just isn't healthy. Right? I feel such a weight off my shoulders! Or.. am I going to. Hopefully.

So here we go, any jeans I haven't worn in the last 6 months- gone. Sweaters piled up and stretched out- gone. The ex's tee shirts- ugh long gone. Dresses I have worn only once- gone, gone gone... Old socks, tights, scarfs...get outta here... Man this feels good! Theoretically. This was great mental preparation. Thank you! Any advise feel free to comment below! Happy Spring Cleaning!

xx

Jess

Beaming.

How does a mid-week mini vacay sound to you? Sounds good to me! Last week the wonderful folks at "Beaming" in Del Mar treated me to 2 days of delicious, healthy food and juices! I was like a kid in a candy store, and to me a Superfood Bar stocked with fresh pressed juices, power tonics, acai bowls and yummy salads (hello kale, quinoa and kelp noodles) is definitely my version of a candy store!!

My faves: The "Sexy Mayan" Smoothie: Sprouted Almond Milk, Beaming Protein, Raw Cacao, Banana, Dates, Maca, Vanilla, Cayenne, Cinnamon and Nutmeg- which gets it's name from it's libido, yep libido- enhancing properties. Also, the dessert quality Acai Bowl: Non GMO Acai, Organic Gluten free Granola, Honey, Cacao Nibs, Berries- I could eat one every single day!

Here are a few pics from my trip! More to come! Thanks Beaming for spoiling me- not rotten but fresh and healthy as can be! I'm now having withdrawls and missing Beaming already!! Can't wait for the LA location!

Xx,

Jess

Rapping with Dirtbag Darling.

There are some people you just like instantly. I've gotten to know Johnie aka Miss Dirtbag Darling herself- over the last year since starting my clothing line, Mint. Johnie is a writer, editor, adventurer and just an all around cool girl. Her blog, Dirtbag Darling is an inspirational documentation of those adventures, the amazing people she meets along the way and helpful tips on how to take care yourself ie: yummy recipes and exercise tips! I have been the subject of several of Johnie's Q&A's (our first one ever here!) SO in honor of Dirtbag Darlings remodel debut yesterday, I wanted to turn the tables on Johnie and ask her a few questions! Muahahaha...

What is the inspiration behind your blog, Dirtbag Darling?

I was working for a fashion magazine out in California, and on the weekends I would take off (and take off my heels!) to explore the state: rock climbing in Yosemite, surfing at Sunset Cliffs, hiking around Santa Barbara. I would come back to the office and all the other women would say that they wished they could do those things, but they didn't know how to get started. I started hunting around for blogs that I could share with them that would get them comfortable with the idea of getting outdoors, but I couldn't find a single one that wasn't full of technical jargon and expert content—so I started my own. I'm by NO MEANS an expert on anything outdoors-related (I don't think anyone would argue otherwise if they could see me surf), so this is also a fun way to keep my skills fresh and learn new things, too.  

Am I Dirtbag Darling? How do I determine this?

Heck yeah! Some sure warning signs include salty hair, chipped nail polish, bruises, sunburns, tan lines and a huge smile. A Dirtbag Darling is anyone who loves the Great Outdoors and tries to spend as much time in it as possible, whether that means you paddle out before work or you live in a van surrounded by climbing gear. She's someone constantly on the search for the next adventure.

Most recent Dirtbag Darling adventure?

A few weeks ago, nine friends and I loaded up an old school bus that we renovated into a mobile home and headed out West. We stopped at a bunch of national parks for overnight backpacking trips, rock climbing and hiking—glad we missed the government shutdown. That would have put a damper on things. Our bus did break down, though, and we had to leave it in Colorado. It had a good last trip though...RIP!

You are always posting the most inspirational photos and quotes, I have to ask which one is your fave?

Those are usually just the things that pop into my head when I'm outside doing something I love, but my favorite quote is by J.R.R. Tolkien—the man who wrote the Lord of the Rings— "Not all those who wander are lost." Oh, and, "When in doubt, vacation" (not by the man who wrote Lord of the Rings, but still good). 

How did you know about my chipped polish girl?! 

Check out the new and improved Dirtbag Darling here! 

And follow Johnie's daily adventures on Instagram here.

Xx,

Jess

Rapping With: The Skinny Confidential.

As the story goes, we were at each other's 1st birthday parties.. (Our Dad's went to High School together!!) so we go waaaayy back, although growing up on other ends of the coast (San Diego > Malibu) we haven't gotten to spend all that much time together! Thanks to this blogosphere I am now getting a daily fix of this spunky, uber healthy and stylish young lady via her totally addictive blog The Skinny Confidential and new Youtube Channel: The Style Kittens. I chatted with Lauryn about healthy snacks, getting motivated and her favorite spots in beautiful San Diego! 

What inspired you to start your blog: The Skinny Confidential?

I had the initial idea for The Skinny Confidential while I was attending San Diego State University. It occurred to me, not because I wanted to become a career blogger, but because there a desperate need for a website that advocated healthy living. I was noticing that all blogs were either very strict or very relaxed. I wanted to create a website that represented balance, moderation, & a healthy ideal. After two years of work (read the story here), the blog was launched! It's been an amazing journey ever since! 

You are a San Diego native- name a few of your favorite places to hang in SD:

Ahhh! Love this question. I'm a big fan of hole in the walls. I die over Craft and Commerce in Little Italy. Another random ass spot I go to is Tabu. I'll go by myself to blog! It's literally so small (they have amazingly fast WiFi though!!) but has the most delicious veggie roll. 

Searsucker is fun but it's very scene-y. Mister A's is a timeless, classic with delicious food. And if you want ambiance head over to Cowboy Star- it's literally where Johnny Cash would hang out. So cool and so fun.

I also recommend Market (<< amazing sushi/food), Fidel's ( authentic Mexican food ), & The 3rd Corner (because who doesn't like wine + cheese?!).

You're always posting delicious and healthy snacks, what's favorite go-to?

I'll break down my ideal day: 

Breakfast: I love a veggie juice (this one in particular). 

Snack: I'm a big hummus fan; believe it or not I dip tangerines and grapes into it! Add some Meyer lemon and you're golden.

Lunch: A sprouted piece of toast with soy nut butter & sliced bananas is one of my favorites. I also love veggie burgers, a huge, full salad (like this one), or a kale and quinoa salad from Whole Foods.

Snack: a green smoothie (1/2 of  banana, a handful spinach, hemp seeds, water, & ice).

Dinner: I'm going through this gnarly sweet potato stage. I use dairy-free butter and make the most unbelievable cucumber, tomato, onion, basil salad. It's the perfect combo. And it's even better with a glass of Pinot Noir!

Dessert: I love this raspberry dessert- it's light, low calorie, & delicious!

Tell me about your newest venture; your YouTube channel The Style Kittens?

The Style Kittens originated when my fashionista girlfriend, Jackie and I decided to merge together to create a channel that encompassed everything girly. 

Basically it's where fashion meets skinny. Jacqueline is a jewelry designer and stylist and I'm a fitness trainer and lifestyle blogger, so you get the best of both worlds.Think makeup, boys, hair, nails, beauty, fitness, diet, jewelry, clothes, ETC. You can check us out and subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/user/thestylekittens

Best workout tip and how do you stay so motivated?!

PILATES!!! Learn it, live it, love it. It's changed my bod. And changed my life. Ya wanna look like a Victoria's Secret 'Angel?' Ya, well. Get Pilates in three days a week.Not only does it change your body, it's not as strenuous as cardio, so you end up consuming less food.I stay motivated by reminding myself (daily) that I want to be the best version of myself. Get your ass out of bed, stop complaining, and MOVE your body. It's not fun working out everyday, but if you make it a habit, it becomes like brushing your teeth. You just do it!

Thanks Lauryn for the tips! Oh yeah! And Happy Birthday Love!!

Xx,Jess