Rooftop Mornings with Activia

June 13, 2018

This post is sponsored by Activia but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Lately, I've been really taking in my mornings with a little me-time before starting my day. Especially when the past couple of weeks have been pretty grueling (14-16 hr work days) of meetings, events, shoots, editing and then finding the time to rest and recuperate. Which is why I'm so excited to partner with Activia, a probiotic yogurt that is good for everyone. And now that it is summertime, one of my favorite places to hang in the city is my rooftop. It's not a luxury building kind of rooftop, but one that is peaceful and quiet in the mornings, so much so that I've been enjoying my breakfast while reading and catching up on emails before heading out for work. The best part? I have the whole rooftop to myself with the written word and a yummy brekkie. Continue reading to learn more about my two-week Activia Challenge experience and how these delicious yogurts help support your digestive health on top of being absolutely delicious!

Only 60 calories per yogurt, I tend to have one in the morning and another during lunch time. They're contained with loads of probiotics (the good kind) that help regulate your digestive tract with fewer tummy aches and discomfort from bloating, indigestion and more. I started to notice a difference within a week after consistently eating two Activia yogurts a day. I love how light and flavorful the yogurts are, unlike some yogurts that are too dense/thick which I'm not a fan of. My two most favorite flavored yogurts are peach and strawberry-banana, blended not the fruit on the bottom kind. What's your favorite flavored kind of yogurt?

I find that taking the time to relax before the day starts makes me more productive and at ease. I'm not so much a scatterbrain, whereas hectic mornings will leave me all over the place; forgetting things and more disorganized. I also find that eating properly is a MUST - and yes, I am so guilty of not always eating properly (I'm just a firm believer in the pleasure of food that I can't restrict myself to the enjoyment, even if that includes consequences!) But since incorporating Activia into my everyday diet, I have little to no stomachaches leaving me with a content belly. Lastly, reading first thing in the morning, whether the news or magazine article, blog post or a really satisfying book such as 1Q84. Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite writers and I have read many of his books. If you are a fan of complicated love stories & time travel - he's your guy.

Why not give Activia a try today?! Click here to get yours where you can also get an ibotta offer and save when buying the products at your local Walmart! Don't forget to drop your favorite flavored yogurt and if any Activia experiences you'd like to share with me and our readers in the comment section down below :) Wishing you all a very awesome Wednesday!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP ACTIVIA YOGURT

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Pawther's Day with Michelob ULTRA

June 10, 2018

This post is sponsored by Michelob Ultra but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

We all know that living a life of balance isn’t easy. Balancing work, staying healthy, and spending quality time with the people we love is a major accomplishment in today’s society. Most of us fall short of achieving this balance, and often the many aspects of our busy lives supersede family time, especially with our dads. But there’s one time of year that we take time to give dads the appreciation they deserve: Father’s Day. Which is why this year I'm giving a major shoutout to my husband; the father to our dog, MaQ, who is just the best pawrent ever! Continue reading to see how we will be celebrating this year.

My father passed away in 2012 and though I have many 'father-figures' in my life that inspire me, no one comes in as the first runner-up other than my husband. He's not just my partner in business but is my best friend. He is the most loving, gentle father to our German shepherd, MaQ and definitely has stepped up with the pawrent duties since the blog has taken off. It's really difficult balancing everything in life, but with him by my side, there's nothing we can't do. I'm truly grateful for his love and support, through it all. And trust me, we've been through A LOT. The end of this month will be 12 years together! Maybe an anniversary post of getting to know us better is in the making? Stay tuned... :)

Whether it’s your brother, friend, co-worker or your own father, let’s toast to the #ULTRADAD who inspire us to live full lives and make better choices. And what better way to celebrate them than on the golf course, grilling in the backyard or just hanging with friends/fam with an ice cold Michelob ULTRA? All of these are simply better together – especially when both are shared with your dad and Michelob ULTRA. What are you doing to celebrate this Father’s Day/Pawther's Day? ✨

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP MICHELOB ULTRA BEER

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What it Takes to Rule an Empire

June 7, 2018

This post is sponsored by USA Network but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

A new favorite TV show of ours is Queen of the South. Have you guys seen this series before? If you enjoy strong female leads and empowering, passionate, and action-packed stories, this is definitely a show you'd love! In today's post, I'm sharing what's coming up for Queen of the South and also what it takes to rule an empire. Because it takes one boss lady to another to know how much goes into it, let alone remaining on top. Continue reading for my top three pieces of advice to what I think is key in order to rule an empire.

1. BE UNWILLING TO COMPROMISE

In matters of ruling an empire, I believe the best way is by being pretty savage. Okay... correction: VERY savage. You have to be merciless and cannot have anything get in the way of your goals/ambitions. Many will want your time, will want to use you for their personal gain, will want your attention, but you have to remember that to rule and stay on top, you're not here to be anyone's best friend, and if anyone or anything is going to be standing in the way, you have to make the necessary sacrifices sometimes. This also means no compromises.

2. BETTER DO YOUR HOMEWORK

You think the greatest of anything became that way? Nope. Lots and lots of training, experiences, and more. And then more again. Oh, and let's not forget all the uphill battles along the way to climb your way to the top! You better be ready to give your blood, sweat, and tears... literally! Ha ha!

3. BEING A BIT CRAZY DOESN'T HURT EITHER

One does have to be a little insane to want to rule an empire (of any kind) so I do think it takes someone who's a tiny bit nuts to want to do that. Also, this is all kidding aside, but perhaps someone who is slightly a sociopath would tie in to not just being ruthless, but also having no time for any real human emotion, like remorse, fear, sadness. It's not like it wouldn't hurt or work in favor when it would come to ruling an empire. :)

Queen of the South returns for season 3 and Queenpin/Boss Babe Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga) is finally on top and has seized the throne. While seasons 1-2 showed us Teresa’s start from the bottom and her rise, season 3 focuses on Teresa becoming Queen of her own drug empire. Although she’s obsessively hunted by Camila (Veronica Falcon), Teresa refuses to hide in a hole, continuing to live the luxurious lifestyle of a Queenpin. No longer the apprentice, Teresa enjoys being boss and the power that comes with it. After experiencing betrayal and heartbreak, she soon realizes the best way to rule is by being ruthless.

Queen of the South premieres Thursday, June 21st at 9/8c and will air each week on Thursdays at 9/8 c!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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Summer Poetry with Three Olives Rosé Vodka

May 16, 2018

This post is sponsored by Three Olives Rosé Vodka but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summer has literally jump kicked right in and there's just no spring here in New York City. I don't mind as any good weather will do - I love to read indoors, outdoors, anywhere really and with the warmer temps setting in, I've found a great new cocktail that has got two of my favorite drinks into one. It's Rosé Vodka! If you guys know anything about me I'm all about efficiency and making the most out of everything. This includes reading and drinking! Continue to learn more about Three Olives Rosé Vodka, some of my favorite poetry and a video as well. Did I mention there's also a quick and easy cocktail concoction on top?

The combination of flavors comes together in such an interesting and good way! I wanted to make it a bit more of a bubbly drink with the hot weather. And since I can finally bask in the glorious warm sun, I included champagne to celebrate. But why combine in the first place? Convenience, yes, but for the quality! Winning in my book :) And a bookworm such as myself only has so much time mixing drinks before she loses patience and just goes back to reading. So a splash of this, 1 part of that, and voila! Check out the recipe:

Rosé Royale

1 Part Three Olives Rosé Vodka

Splash of Chilled Champagne

Fresh Raspberries

Pour Three Olives Rosé Vodka in a champagne flute and top with champagne and fresh raspberries.

So if you're a vodka and rosé wine fan, this combined liquor is right up your alley. I'd recommended smashing up more raspberries into the drink if you want it to be a little sweeter, but I love berries in general and snacking on them while reading is such a treat! Perhaps a little-whipped cream if that's something you fancy. But the flavors between the rosé, vodka, champagne, and raspberries are just the right amount of everything when it comes to my taste buds.

Three Olives Rosé Vodka is perfect on its own over ice or with a splash of club soda, and extremely mixable in a variety of summer cocktails, from sangria to frosé and spritzers. So whether you like to stay in or go out, this drink is ready to kick into summer all day AND night! The new Three Olives Rosé Vodka is anything but basic. Head to ThreeOlives.com for recipe ideas and more. Got a question about something or just want to drop a line? Leave your comments down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

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The Smoothest Tequila I've Ever Had

May 4, 2018

This post is sponsored by Maestro Dobel Tequila but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hey guys! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Raise your hand if you're up for some margaritas for the occasion, 'cuz I know I am! I love frozen ones for those hot, summer days but sometimes it's better to just slowly unwind after a long day and sip a margarita on the rocks - which is probably my favorite way to drink tequila. And with Maestro Dobel Diamante, a tequila with a heritage that sets it apart from every other tequila brand, its distillery process makes it the smoothest tequila available and of ultra-premium quality. Continue reading to learn how to make one of my favorite classic margaritas with Maestro Dobel Diamante along with where to shop this summery, resort-y look.

Maestro Dobel Diamante is the world’s first clear multi-aged tequila. It’s rule-defying elixir that consists of a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado Tequila, aged in the finest European white oak barrels! It is the perfect luxe tequila to relax, vibe on a good time and share these intimate moments- whether it’s with your better half, or at a dinner party with your closest friends, or just one on your own sitting on the porch, kicking back and chilling away. And I've got a great easy recipe that anyone can make! All you need are limes, a shaker, agave syrup and well... the best part... the tequila.

Now that we've got a relaxing margarita in our hand, let's talk about getting this easy, breezy summer look in there as well! I love this classic striped wrapped top from VIPSHOP, it goes well with the amazing packaging of the Maestro Dobel Diamante bottle, don't you think? I love to mix prints so I went with these super-comfy Leota pants that are just perfect for about any occasion. But they're so cozy, it's kind of hard to leave the house once you put them on! Just like having these margaritas at home. Too good and relaxing than to go anywhere else! :)

WHITE DIAMOND MARGARITA

2 OZ. DOBEL DIAMANTE TEQUILA
.5 OZ. AGAVE SYRUP
.5 OZ. FRESH LIME

Method: Shaken
Glassware: Cocktail Glass
Garnish: Rim with Salt

SHOP THE TEQUILA

My sandals are from the Patricia Green SS collection. A braided jute platform elevates a trend-right sandal featuring mixed media styling highlighted with contrast topstitching and set on a lightly cushioned footbed. It's my favorite sandals ever! My tote bag is great for quick trips to the market or liquor store to grab this beautiful Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila. I think it also goes well with the metallic in the sandals too. What do you guys think of this outfit? I think it's great for both the city and also being away on vacation - with summery tropical vibes of course, and this sleek, smooth tequila from Maestro Dobel Diamante that I just can't stop raving about! Seriously, guys it's the best tequila I've tried in the longest time, be sure to follow the links or shop down below to find where to get your bottle! Got a question about the recipe, outfit or anything else? Drop a line! I always love hearing from my readers. Cheers!