Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park was one of the prettiest places I've been so far. My second National Park, (Crater Lake being my first). I feel very lucky have have had two great days of exploring this magical place.

Mount McLoughlin

Mt. McLoughlin is a steep stratovolcano. Which means its built up of many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and ash. It is one of the volcanic peaks in the Cascade Volcanic Arc, within the High Cascades. Elevation is at 9,493 feet.

Castle Crags

Castle Crags is a dramatic rock formation in Northern California. The formation and surrounding habitats are protected by Castle Crags State Park, and Castle Crags Wilderness Area of the Shasta- Trinity National Forest.

It's All Good In The Woods

This past weekend I headed up North to the McKenzie River. I stopped at a hidden hot springs, two beautiful waterfalls, Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls, and Tomolitch Blue Pool. The weather was beautiful!

10 Must Have Summer Dresses

1. Indah Harlem Layered Mini Dress // 2. Capulet Maxine Maxi Dress // 3. Santa Rosa Maxi Dress in Plain Yellow Sorbet // 4. MAJORELLE Mistwood Dress // 5. Sally Kimono Dress in Multiprint // 6. Melbourne Romper in Star Beige // 7. Sunlit Mini Dress in Pink // 8. Sid Wrap Dress in Robin Dot // 9. Chiara Midi Dress in Kaia Floral //  10. ale by alessandra x REVOLVE Bia Dress

Father’s Day Gift Guide

1. Whiskey Wedge & Glass $18 // 2. Yeti Rambler Mug $30 // 3. Patagonia Pullover $119 $89 // 4. Nike Training Sneaker $75 $60 // 5. Truffle Infused Hot Sauce $18 // 6. Lotuff Black Leather Credit Card Wallet $125 // 7. Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler $200 // 8. 1901 Jameswood Silk Tie $40 // 9. Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker $33 $30 // 10. Sudski Shower Beer Holder $18// 11. Sorel Men's Suede Moc Slippers $85 $57// 12. Fishing Lures Crew Socks $12 // 13. Maui Jim Water Lily Polarized Sunglasses $279

The Mmm Margarita (Mango Mint)

These mint mango margaritas were the best margaritas I have ever had. The texture was perfection and the flavors are perfectly balanced. This recipe is super simple and takes no time at all! I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. These will definitely be a staple this summer!

If you make these, be sure to tag me. I love to see your photos!

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 mangos

9 oz tequila

2 oz mint simple syrup

3 cups ice

Mint Simple Syrup

1 cup water. 1 cup sugar. 1 cup mint. Cook on high until sugar is dissolved. Let cool and strain mint leafs.

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend on high until consistency is smooth.

2. Pour in a salt rimmed glass (I used Trader Joes Chili Lime Salt). Top with garnish.

Outdoor Accessories Under $30

1. Ceramic Planter With Wood Stand $25 // 2. Zebra Pillow $8 // 3. End Table $23 // 4. Flexi Wine Glasses $7 // 5. Carry-All Utensil Holder $10 // 6. LED String Light $10 // 7. Wood Tray $21 // 8. Leaf Dinner Plate $4 // 9. Garden Tool Set $25 // 10. Mini Greenery Wreath $25 // 11. Outdoor Area Rug $24 // 12. LED Pathway Light $3 // 13. Macrame Plant Hanger $13 // 14. Wicker Placemats $25 // 15. Gray Pillow $5 // 16. Jar Candle $4 // 17. Cactus Pots Doormat $15 // 18. Brass Planter With Stand $15

5 Tips To Make A Blowout Last

I used to just wash my hair once a week. Maybe, if I was lucky, I'd go 8 or 9 days. Crazy right?! 

Although, ever since I started going to Orange Theory 4-6 days a week, that has changed. I get so sweaty at those workouts, some days I am literally dripping sweat. My head gets soaked, and disgusting. For months I have had to wash my hair about every 3 days because it gets so gross from all the sweat. I've been trying to figure out how to prolong my blowout by using different pony tails, sweat bands, etc. And I think I've finally figured out what works best for me. 

I have naturally really curly hair, so I use a curling wand to re-define my curls so my hair isn't as crazy, so it takes some time to wash, dry, and style. I definitely do not want to do that more than twice a week due to time, and frying my hair. 

1. Use a hair tie that will not crease your hair. I like these and these.
2. Put your hair in a high, loose pony tail. If your hair is slicked back too tight it will cause your head to sweat more. This method lets your hair breath a little.
3. As soon as you finish working out take your hair out of the ponytail and immediately brush through it. Do not let your hair dry in your wet ponytail.
4. Next, grab a hair dryer, and lightly blow cool air on your wet hair until it starts to dry.
5. Use more dry shampoo if needed, then style it as you normally would!

Hager Mountain Lookout

Links I Love

Potato Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies

Links I Love

Book Club // No. 4

Coffee Talk

Valentine's Day Favorites

Gấc Fruit Is The New Açaí

 

Have you guys heard of gac fruit?! Well, it's about time you did because it is AMAZING! It has sooo many health benefits; it's absolutely packed with nutrients. Plus, they're really cool looking. It's like a dragonfruit and a horned melon had a baby. Gac fruit can only be found in Southeast Asian regions, and it's harvested only 2-3 months a year!

GacLife is the worlds first direct-to-consumer gac super fruit infused beverage brand. They just announced the release of Gấc Sport. Gấc Sport offers the highest amount of all-natural antioxidant carotenoids and electrolytes. No added sugar, free from preservatives and unwanted chemicals, and weighs in at less than 10 calories per can. For athletes, Gac Sport provides powerful protection for the muscle, vision, and lung functions, leading to improvements in overall stamina, performance, and hand-eye coordination. When coupled with vitamins A, E, and C, such as those found in gac, carotenoids delay onset muscle soreness helping to heal faster, and grow stronger! One can of 12oz Gac Sport includes 20mg of carotenoids, which is equal to consuming 1 head of cabbage, 5 large tomatoes, 15 large carrots, and 30 bunches of spinach! My favorite part.. It also protects against UV rays! (You guys know how much I love anti-aging!) Carotenoids and vitamins A, E, and C, can help collagen, the strengthening protein in the skin that keeps it firm and youthful looking, from being broken down over time. Gac fruit is also low in sugar, which has been associated with acne breakouts and skin aging.
There has been research that shows extracts of Gac helped to restrict the blood vessels feeding tumors, starving the cancer and killing it. The high amounts of Lycopene and Lutein in Gac may help stop tumors from growing in the colon, the breasts, and skin. Polyphenols also do their part, preventing normal cells from being damaged and turning into tumors, while also attacking cancerous cells and forcing them to self-destruct. (source)
Lastly, the added electrolytes also help rehydrate you after a workout.. or a night out of drinking. Which I think can come in pretty handy for most of us. These days I can get hungover from just having a glass of wine with dinner. Thank you 30's. You guys feel my pain? Give me all the GacLife!

Another thing that is really cool about GacLife, is when you order online, they will gift a 6 pack to a friend! All you have to do is fill in your friends shipping info at the final order confirmation page. How nice is that?!

Now for the taste.. I tried the GacSport which is lemon and electrolytes. It has a very subtle flavor. It is light and refreshing. You can feel it rehydrating and restoring your body as you drink it.
Also, I added some GacLife Sport to my smoothie after Orange Theory the other day and it was reaaaal tasty! I highly recommend it. Maybe I should do a recipe post? What do you guys think?

               

Special thanks to GacLife for sponsoring this post!

Photography by Stephanie Ann Photography