I am not someone who spends time on their hair or does it every morning before work. Heres a little hair history, my hair is somewhat naturally curly, but losses its curl through out the day. I wash it every three days and use dry shampoo daily. I get my hair cut and colored every once in a blue moon. And honestly, I feel like I can never use heat on it because it kills my hair, and I’m still trying to grow out my hair. But recently I’ve been using a SoCal Curls for the past month and I am obsessed.
Natural Hair
Hair after using SoCal Curls
SoCal Curls is a hair curling tie that creates beautiful beach waves in just 30 minutes! It doesn’t use extreme heat or damages your hair. All you have to do is heat up the hair tie for 30 seconds in the microwave and wrap your hair around the band. Depending on how much or little hair you tightly wrap, you can create many types of curls. You can also leave your hair tie longer 30 minutes for more dramatic curls. Thats what I do! I have left my hair in the SoCal Curls curling hair tie while I cleaned my house and by the time I was done, I had beautiful curls with undamaged hair. I think one of the best things is that when my hair is in this curling tie, it actually looks really cute! I’ve totally left this curling tie in and gone in public.
SoCal Curls was started by two moms who met on a school field trip of their daughters. Together they wanted to find a way to curl hair without using intense heat that damages your hair with every use. What started as a small Etsy business has now turned into one of the most go to hair products for women of all ages. SoCal Curls has come so far in just a few years, and is taking the hair world by storm. SoCal Curls has been mentioned and seen on the Today Show, Bustle, Seventeen and Popsugar Magazine, Marie Claire, and Brit + Co. I have been using it religiously since I got it, and highly recommend it for anyone with a busy schedule or just wants curls without the damaging heat.
No intense heat damage!
This product is so east to use and just takes a few steps!
Step 1: Heat for 30 seconds
Step 2: Tie on your head
Step 3: Wrap your hair
Step 4: Chill or go on with your day and in 30 minutes you’ll have the perfect beach curls!
Step 2: Tie around your head.Step 3: Wrap your hair around the curling tie.Step 4: Wait and in 30 minutes for the perfect and easy beach curls.
The first few times it took me some time to get the hang of it, mostly with taking it out. But I got the hang of it and have used it almost daily since I got the SoCal Curls hair curling tie. Here are a few things I have learned…
Watch the SoCal Curls videos if you are lost on how to do the curling tie. They really supply the answers to their products, its really helpful!
Use some sort of holding product and texture spray. I put a a holding product when my hair is wet and then one its dry I usually spray hairspray all over my hair before I put the curling tie in and then texture spray after I take the tie out. I will always finish with hairspray. I noticed my hair usually does the best with day old hair, I think because of all the holding product already in it. So the day after I usually just dry shampoo my hair, put the curling tie in, and then finish with hairspray.
Make sure your hair is completely dry, unless you are leaving the SoCal Curling hair tie in for a long time.
If you want a more dramatic beach wave, weave smaller sections of hair. If you have larger waves, weave larger sections of hair.
The Pueblo is a indoor plant shop owned and run by plant lovers. This store looks tiny from the outside, but as you walk in you are surrounded by plants coming from every angle and it an illusion from the outside it actually really big.
The Pueblo has three areas that lead into each other. The main room which you walk into from the front door, consist of a few household and coffee table books about plants, and a whole lot of plants themselves. There is such variety of plants right when you walk into the store its actually kind of overwhelming! But don’t worry the staff is so helpful and knowledgeable. To the left of the entry room, there is a green house filled of plants. There are so many different types of plants in Pueblo, its amazing! I was tempted to buy this coffee plant, but came to the realization I might kill it.
Back inside by the register they have a bunch of plant posters and cool desk accessories anyone with a home office would want. The costumer service is amazing and the staff is very helpful as well as enjoyable. There is no parking lot for the store, however I didn’t have any trouble finding parking on the street!
There was a lot of waves of foot traffic coming in and out of Pueblo. This Indoor plant shop, is a popular but almost a secrete gem of Phoenix. The Pueblo has only been open for two year and though it is already popular, way more people should know about this plant shop!
Founder Michael Lanier IIIwas born and raised in the Arizona desert, grew up on a large desert property which is where he found his love for Arizona wildlife and nature. Lanier participated in FFA and competed in Native Wildlife competitions. I love that the founder was apart of FFA, I believe it is a great organization that teaches kids about agriculture and provides opportunities to grow. I was a member of FFA and participated in livestock judging and sheep showing, I loved every part of it.
Pueblo started as a small booth at he Phoenix Public Market for Lanier, and is now a thriving small business of two years.
Michael Lanier went on after high school to major in biology, sociology and horticulture in college. Partner Coby Bruckner was born in sunny California and got to experience living in Italy and Phoenix before he was 10. Ending up in Tempe, Bruckner to a liking to urban forest and wildlife. Coby Bruckner went on to attend ASU and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Landscape and Architecture. Since graduating Bruckner has worked on small and large projects around the Midwest.
Pueblo offers bromeliads and tillandsia, succulents/cacti, carnivorous plants, potted ferns and mounted staghorns, hanging green plants, marimo, monstera, orchids, Philodendrons, decorative planters, and terrariums.
If your a plant lover you’ll love Pueblo, as Pueblo’s mission is to make small changes to the forest canopy of our central city, encouraging wildlife hot-spots and botanical diversity, indoors and out.
Dark Hall Coffee is small but unique coffee shop, this coffee shop is vegan! Dark Hall Coffee serves vegan coffee and pastries. With an Addams Family vibe, this coffee shop redefines the beauty of goth.
Dark Hall Coffee makes all nut milks in house, and all pastries are 100% vegan. You can buy coffee, chai, teas, and something called brown sugar lemonade which I need to try next time!
Leather Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Vintage High-Rise Leather Mini Skirt, $69 (not the same one but very similar)
Even if your not into skeletons and wearing black or even if your not vegan, this coffee shop captures your attention with stunning wallpaper and a beautiful wall mural thats on the side of the building.
I am not unsupportive or pessimistic about Valentines Day, but I also think people hold so much importance about this day. I’ve never had a Valentine’s and I’m completely ok with that. I usually spend Valentines day working and then having a movie or wine night with my friends in the evening. So this blog post is about how to spoil yourself on Valentines day, a day where couples celebrate their love.
Buy or rent a movie: honestly the best thing is coming home looking forward to watching a movie with a glass of wine. Even better go out to the movies with some friends.
Buy yourself something nice and write a gift message: This is something you’ll look forward to on that day! Might sound pretty extra but the thought of receiving something just for you is a great!
Have a Galantines Dinner: Use this night as an excuse to see your friends and have a fun night. Maybe do a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite comfort food. You and your friends can even bake some fun Valentine’s Day deserts!
Hat: Lack of Color, Ivory Rancher, $130
Chocolate Strawberries: Make yourself some chocolate strawberries, super easy to make and quite delicious!
Treat Yo Self: Instead of focusing on how you don’t have a valentine of significant other, spend this day just for yourself. Indulge on a meal and make yourself feel special. Wether thats putting on a face mask or working out, do something that you love and get joy out of. Also have a glass of wine because {wine}not!
Remove yourself from social media: If your someone who spends Valentine’s Day looking at pictures of couples and wishing you had one, remove yourself from the situation. If you get down and sad about the fact that you don’t have a significant other, don’t purposely surround yourself. Think about yourself and things that are important to you.
Pants: Urban Outfitters, BDG
FaceTime: FaceTime your family and friends,and let them know how much you care for them! The people important to you will always brighten up your day.
Heart Shaped Pizza: Its the one time a year they make heart shaped pizza, so buy one and enjoy!
Dirty Dough: If you haven’t tried it yet, todays the day! Its what everyone is currently trying. It’s a cookies delivery service that bring you delicious fresher backed cookies!
Post a Selfie: Sometimes you just need an ego boost or some self affirmation, post a selfie!
Podcast: Listen or start a new podcast! If you need some recommendations check out my previous blog post.
At the end of the day Valentine’s Day is just any other day, you don’t even get the day off from school or work. What it should be is an excuse to treat yourself and fun with your friends. So if your really struggling today and feel like your so alone in life, spend time thinking about what you do have.
You can’t love others without loving yourself first!
Sweetz Cold Brew is located in Gilbert Arizona, and its one of the most trendiest places I have been to yet. From their bright pink twirling chairs to the hanging lights, everything about this coffee shop is the most instagram worthy.
I walked into Sweetz Cold Brew greeted by a friendly barista who was a great help to choosing what beverage I wanted. Sweetz Cold Brew is for sure know for their cold brew. Little did I know that when I ordered a simple cold brew, there was a almost a million (ok a little dramatic) of flavors I could add with my cold brew. I ended up choosing the peanut butter flavor to my cold brew.
When I first walked in, Sweetz cold brew was really busy and was afraid there was going to be no seating. But the bar set-up really opens up great work space, and once I settled down it was quite enough to get work done. Even with their very strong caffeine cold brews in my system, I was able to be productive. It just happened that the day I showed up to Sweetz Cold Brew, they where having a cake-pop class! It is so awesome that Sweetz Cold Brew has that class.
Sweetz Cold brew was started by a women who discovered cold brews where perfect for her husband’s medical dietary restrictions. The dietary restrictions involved cutting out chocolate, coffee, and other acidic foods. Being a couple who loves coffee, she was determined to keep coffee in their lives. By testing batch after batch and a coffee shop experience they had as a family, the idea popped into their heads. After a year and a half of being a small business, they opened their doors to what we see today. Sweetz Cold Brew is opened Monday-Friday 6am-8pm, Saturday 8am-8pm, and Sunday 8am-6pm.
I feel like podcast became a trend in the most recent years, and as its the hot “new” trend I tried to avoid it as long as possible. I used to never get the point of podcast until I eventually gave in and I can honestly say I’m hooked. There are so many different types of podcast you’ve got your politics, current events, murder, comedy, not famous people, famous people, people from The Bachelor and pretty much anything you can think of. Podcast are great to listen to during your morning commute, workouts, cross country drives, or even at work at your desk! I love how podcast can cover topics that people are either afraid to talk about or should be talked about. There is literally podcast on every topic and there is a podcast for everyone. Sometimes after listening to a podcast I feel like I should start my own podcast, but then I remind myself that maybe people don’t want to hear my voice and I might not have enough to say for a 30 minute podcast. So as I dream about the day I start a podcast, I have compiled a list of podcast that I am currently listening to and in love with!
Flannel: Goodwill, $10
Girls Gotta Eat: Ashley and Rayna a couple of New York women keep it real and sometimes dirty in this comedy podcast about everyones love life. GGE is your go to for any 18-30 something women. I absolutely love this podcast, it was the first one that I became obsessed with! This podcast is about relationships, dating apps, sex and real life talk that any person single or in a relationship can relate with. Every episode brings me to laughter or yelling in total agreement! GGE keeps you totally engaged and thinking about things you have been through yourself. Ashley and Rayna are not afraid to talk about controversial topics and share personal stories, which keeps them real and relatable. GGE has amazing/hilarious guest that always bring new material and aspect to the show. Every episode ends with a game that engages their listeners, my favorite game they just started is called, Psycho or Power Move. Listeners submit actions in which they have done that could literally be psycho or a bad ass power move. Another fan favorite is the game, Is This Weird?, listeners submit tales of uncomfortable or strait up strange situations that they have encountered with a date, significant other, or even a stranger. Overall, this podcast is my favorite and I truly anticipate the new episode every week on Mondays. I also think I might be more invested in Ashley and Rayna’s love life than my own.
Yung Daddy: I actually got hooked on this one through Girls Gotta Eat. This podcast is hosted by young New York comedian Lev Fer, who talks about dating and life. Females, Lev is a great go to for any male advice or the male perspective to any topic. With his multiple and endless amount of accents, Lev answers listeners questions about pretty much everything you can think of. Though his audience I believe is mostly female, men have also submitted question and have been guest on the show. So girls, if your BF knows you listen to this show and a question is read with his name… its probably him. Lev’s guest on the Yung Daddy podcast are hilarious. The interaction between Lev and the guest keep everything interesting. My favorite guest seems to every listeners favorite and that is our favorite ginger comedian, Tori Piskin. This podcast kept my attention for a 10 hour drive to California, so if tells ya anything give it a listen! New episodes come out every Sunday and Wednesday!
Every weekday feels like a Monday, am I right?
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: If you love getting the real insight into celebrities lives, this is your podcast. However its not quite what you think, yes theres the glitz and the glamor of being a celebrity but Dax Shepard gets real and covers controversial topics with these celebrities. Dax Shepard (AKA that guy from Punk, AKA Kristen Bells hubby, and that guys from Without a Paddle & CHiPs), keeps it easy, breezy, and fascinating talking to people of all kind. Dax covers all the happiness and setbacks individuals went through and the growth they gained from it. Dax himself has had challenges in his past that has caused him to ultimately change his life for the better. Living more than a decade of sobriety, you can tell the depth of impact and insight it has given Dax. Dax is so natural when talking to his guest so much that I honestly don’t realize its been an hour into the podcast. You can truly tell Dax listens to what his guest are saying because his response either a really good question or some insightful commentary. This podcast is pretty full in length for each episode is about an hours and a half long. Armchair Expert always ends with Co-Host Monica Padman fact checking and discussing topics with Dax that where brought up in the podcast. Its a great touch to the podcast and you can see Monica and Dax flow and connection.
Happy Face: This is a podcast that I recently started but boy am I hooked! This podcast is about the Happy Face serial killer Keith Hunter, from his daughter Melissa Moores perspective. The podcast has Melissa accounts her childhood and past with chilling stories of her father. As Melissa investigates her fathers brutal crimes, she also shares fears and hopes for herself in the future. The Happy Face podcast is very addictive to listen to, but it is also very dark. But if your into murder, mystery, and psychology, this podcast is for you! Each episode is about 30 minutes and has you at the edge of you seat the whole time.
Tapestry: Urban Outfitters, Catherine MacDonald For Deny California Poppies Tapestry, $69
My Favorite Murder: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark host this crime podcast about tales of murder and mystery. They share their favorite murder stories and hope that the more they know the less likely it will happen to them. With a comedic relief to murder this podcast is a good one for anyone who is into crime but doesn’t want to get to dark. My favorite thing about this podcast is that listeners submit their local murder stories. Yes, the girls go into the famous serial killers but they also share stories that you never knew about. They analyze crime scenes and give their own conspiracy theories to what happen and who really did it. This podcast is awesome and highly recommended!
Ron Burgundy: So this podcast hasn’t actually released an official episode yet, but if you love Will Ferrell and Anchorman you’ll be sold! I listen to the 2 minute preview and I am already anticipating the release of their first episode. I will for sure follow up on my thoughts!
Hope Y’all enjoyed my current favorite podcast rotation roundup!
Sedona is a beautiful place, a photographers dream, a hikers love, and a must for anyone visiting the Arizona area. Sedona is known for their Red Rocks and natural views. And great place to escape the heat.
Sedona is only a two and a half hour drive from the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Tempe area. You can accomplish Sedona in one day if you want to. There are also amazing Airbnbs in the area, along with restaurants and hikes. (Side Note: Sedona has some great pizza places.) I have personally done Sedona a few times and each time has been a day trip. Which for me is plenty of time, if I was generally just want to do a few hikes.
Before each trip I have googled, “top views in Sedona.” That is the best way that I found to find great hikes if you re not too familiar with the area. If you find the right website they will have a map to the hike and a detailed description of what the hike is like. Some of the most popular hikes are…
Cathedral/Templeton Trail
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Soldiers Pass Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail
All are generally close in proximity. However if you go to a really known spot like Cathedral Rock, the road leading up will have many more trails branching off. For instance the Slim Shady Trail, I initially found it on accident when I wanted to stop and take pictures. Turned out to be a pretty easy trail with amazing views! The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Catholic Church and well-known landmark of Sedona, is also on the same road leading to the Cathedral Trail. But definitely have one trail in mind before you drive over to Sedona, it’s better to know where you should start and venture off from there. It can be a little confusing on where to exactly go at first when you arrive.
Boynton Canyon Trail is beautiful and by far my favorite! It is an amazing trail that gets you up close and on the Red Rocks. I honestly haven’t been on a hike before with such amazing views. It was a tricky hike towards the turning point/end, mostly because we didn’t know where the hike ended and what was the turning point. There is the Boynton Canyon Vortex which is supposed to be amazing, but we had a hard time finding it. It said a local climbs to the top every day and hands out heart-shaped rocks carved from the Red Mountains.
Things to know before you go
1. Parking Pass/Permit. Arizona has many natural hot spots hat do require a permit. For example the Seguaro Lake requires a certain parking pass. You will need to check before you make your way over to Sedona is if you are going to need some sort of parking pass or permit for the activities that you will do. Not many do require a parking pass, however there are locations in Sedona that you will need one. When traveling to Boynton Canyon we needed one, luckily it was an electronic machine that accepted a credit card! But also a lot of people end up parking on the side of the street. If you plan on camping or driving your jeep in the mud, you will need a pass and make sure you check if it’s in season.
2. Know when to go. Just like any other place, Sedona does have its busy season. The busy season is typically in the summer. Also plan according for any hiking and excision you might do. You sometimes will have to book appointments for adventures, such as the Pink Jeep Tours. There are also times on the year where they do not want people hiking or driving their vehicles. Also you have to try to work with the sun and weather, because as you might guess the Arizona sun takes no pity.
3. Know the weather. You also want to make sure you know what the weather is going to be like when you go. If its going to be a hot day go hike in the morning, and avoid going during monsoon season because flash floods are a REAL thing in Arizona.
4. Dog Friendly. Most of Sedona is dog friendly, but always check before you drive two and a half hours to Sedona. Majority of the hikes are dog friendly, unlike some in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area which you really need to know in advance for.
Sedona is just a great trip to take when you just want to get out of the heat or see some amazing views.
After a little hiatus, Im back! Life just got a little busy, I’m a graduate assistant athletic trainer. So being in the middle of season in addition to school, things just got pretty busy. I swear, there are not enough hours in the day!
Known for their unique shape of popsicles, Pop’N Tear Bar is taking Pheonix by storm. A couple from California moved to the desert and decided to create something unique and new. The owners have a background in art and try to make every piece on their menu a masterpiece.
Pop’N Tea Bar has changed the way we see a traditional popsicle. This isn’t the frozen treat you make in your kitchen during the summer. This is cultivating art that makes living in Arizona such a statement.
The staff was amazing when it came to helping you understand the menu and what you could do with the popsicle. All the suggestions by the staff sounded amazing, and the suggestion of adding chocolate and coconut to the popsicle was brilliant.
I have to say that I thought Pop’N Tea Bar was going to be bigger. But thats only because of all the perfect backdrops which are a great stop for photos.
Although not an official fashion post, heres my outfit! I am wearing Levi Jeans from Urban Outfitters (of course!). The official name of them are the Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans. If you click the picture below it will send you right to the page! I love them, this was actually my first time wearing them so they where a bit stiff but loved the way they fit. The common thing I saw on the comments online before buying them was that they run small. And they diffidently do, not too small but if you are going to buy a pair online I highly suggest automatically going up one size. I paired them with black ankle booties and a white halter top from Oh La La in Fresno, California.
Jeans: Urban Outfitters, Levi’s 501 Skinny-Cant Touch This
Overall the experience was amazing as I got to taste this new and creative frozen treat.
I have never had a Valentine on Valentine’s Day and I am completely ok with that. In previous years I used to be so oriented around not having a Valentine or a boyfriend. But nowadays I know it’s one day, and it really doesn’t matter that your in a relationship or single. Being single is not a bad thing especially on “Single Awareness Day”. Spend the day treating yourself or act like its a normal day. Because lets be honest, Valentine’s Day is just one day out of the year. So I made a list on why being single on this famous day is so truly great.
Top: H&M, Satin Camisole Top, Beige $25
No pressure, There is no pressure to get the best gift or plan a special night. You don’t have to stress bout how far in the relationship you are, or worry about what type of gift is appropriate. You’ll probably spend the night inside on the couch drinking wine and binge watching movies, or go out and meet other single people!
Galentines, Who needs men to make you feel special when you got your girlfriends! The best time is spent with friends. Living in a new state away from all my friends and family, I really try to make friends that I can be myself around. Has been pretty hard, but I’m glad I get along with the wonderful people I work with.
You don’t have to share, You don’t have to worry about sharing your chocolate or wine. For me, I’m mostly stoked for the excuse to order a heart shaped pizza and only share it with me, myself, and I. You also don’t have to argue about which movie your want to watch.
Excuse to treat yo self, Valentine’s Day honestly gives you the best excuse to buy as much chocolate and sweets as you want without judgement. Treating yourself is essential for a fully functioning mind and the survival on Valentine’s Day. There is nothing better than going to Target buying a pint of Ben&Jerry’s, facial masks, and a movie to settle you in for the night. I am not just saying this because its the best way to keep your mind of the fact that your single, but the sales around it holiday are the best.
So spend your Valentine’s Day however you like, just know single or not your going to have an amazing day.
Bringing a hometown series for y’all, this week is one of the most popular coffee houses in downtown Paso Robles. Quiet coffee house, but definitely gets a lot of traffic. I went on a weekday around 2:00 and there was only one other guy in his computer. Im someone where if I am working on something important there has to be few distractions, and Spearhead was the perfect place. Other than the baristas cleaning and talking, it was pretty quite.
I had Spearheads cold brew, and man was it strong! I got my hair cut following drinking the cold brew, and damn I was shaking because of all the caffeine.
I have to admit, I really did miss the small town vibe. Especially Paso Robles, there is so much to do in this every growing town. Paso Robles has over 300 wineries/breweries and keeps growing every year. Paso Robles is also the town to go to for great restaurants and great services from locals. In the summer Paso Robles will have concert in the park and the California Mid State Fair, which always has great concerts.
Spearhead Coffee features local artist, which is amazing support for the community.
This is one of many post I will make about Paso Robles. So the next time your making your way along the Central Coast in California, stop by some of the amazing places I’ll highlight throughout my blog!
