That “BUBBLY” trip to Cancun

By

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05/26/2017

“And if TRAVEL is like Love, IT IS, in the end, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end” ~Pico Iyer

Had a wonderful vacation at the beginning of this month celebrating my friends’ bachelor/bachelorette parties-together in Cancun, Mexico. This was my first time traveling with an entire bridal party as opposed to the traditional women’s trip for a bachelorette. To travel as a whole group was the best idea because it turned out be sooo much fun for everyone. I definitely recommend doing a combined trip to other couples getting ready to tie the knot soon. But even more importantly, I recommend booking the resort we stayed at. Lot of people have been asking me the resort name based on my Snap/Insta stories they saw, so the resort is called “Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa“.

This resort was super lively and modern. They had several different pools, and their entertainment was everything. They had an amazing day venue, and a very lively nightly programs (bars/clubs) as well. Not like other resorts that end their shows at 10pm.

If I had to give these trip a theme it would definitely be called “Bubbly” because my friends ordered sooo much champagne during our stay that

The pool in the next picture overlooks the ocean, and doesn’t really get too loud

So you mainly relax at this pool and maybe play sports/exercise

A live violinist entertaining guests on Monday when you’re just relaxing by the pool

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Our rooms overlooked the Entertainment pool where there is always a live DJ, and they have constant ongoing entertainment

Live acrobat dancers during their day party. Super FUN!

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Foam Party

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Beach was only a few feet away from their pools

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I have to add though that their beach was not the cleanest I’ve seen in Cancun and not that safe either. I actually got stung by a sting ray trying to catch some waves (LOL), but things like these always happen to me on tropical trips as I am a sea creature. Although their pools definitely make up for lack of beach swim if you wanted to avoid swimming at the beach. (FYI – This is the only resort I will give a pass for not having the best beach, as I am a beach person)

Their night entertainment also included restaurants with wine tasting venues, and hookah in their outdoorsy lounges (Neither one included in all-inclusive package)

Overall this was by far one of the best resorts/vacations I’ve been to in Mexico. Perhaps this may have been due to the fact I have some of the best friends in the world, and also because this wedding party was just the best group to travel with 🙂

Now, I am just super hyped-up waiting for the wedding! Congratulations Lianna and Artur!

Add A Pop Of Color To Your Eyes

By

Adrina

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05/18/2017

8

Hello ladies! Summer is all about natural shades, but how about when you want to go fierce and make your eyes stand out? Wanted to share this lavender shade I’ve been experimenting with for the past year or so. I am not a big eye-shadow person, but when I want to add a pop of color to my face this is my go-to shade.

If applied heavy it makes your eyes smoky, but if applied lightly it gives you a nice shade of energy. It also looks cool if applied as an eyeliner at the bottom of my eyes (use very thin brush). It’s called “Unicorn” from the “Anastasia Beverly Hills” Artist Palette. Sometimes I mix it with “Buttery” from the same palette for the lighter areas of my eyes.

When You Need That Workout Energy Boost – Yay’s & Nay’s

By

Adrina

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05/17/2017

0

Do you need a boost of energy when it comes to working out? I personally try not to take any supplements for energy because I don’t want my body relying on supplements. For the most part I have wonderful workout sessions on my own, but every once in a while I do take pre-workout drinks for energy (2-3 times a month). Occasionally during evening sessions is when I may turn to pre-workouts. I usually carry one main jar in my gym-bag, but lately I tried a few different brands to see if there is something better. I am sharing my thoughts about the popular brands that I tried below:

‘C4 PRE-WORKOUT’ by Cellucor (Icy Blue Razz flavor – $30/can)

Energy level – Moderate to Strong boost

‘C4 Pre-Workout’ is my regular preference in energy boosters and comes in a powder form. One jar will usually last you 1-2 months depending on how much you consume. I usually mix one scoop with 8 ounces of water right when I get to the gym (before changing). By the time I am ready to start working out it kicks in. I love this pre-workout because it literally makes you want to do every single hard exercise that you normally don’t look forward too. The boost lasts about an hour or so and hasn’t given me any weird after effects yet.

‘C4 PRE-WORKOUT’ by Cellucor ( Icy Blue Razz flavor)

‘BOLT Organic Energy Chews’ – PROBAR (Berry Blast flavor -$3/pack)

Energy level – Light boost

These chewables are actually kind of delightful and fun. Although that’s not what their intended for. HAHA! Tried these guys twice already and I ate them as soon as I got to the gym, right before I changed into my workout clothes. They tend to give you a little bit of a boost. They are not going to make you jump across the bars but definitely a little better than not taking anything. What I love about them is that unlike a big bottle/can of liquid pre-workout drink, you will have a flatter tummy after consuming these.

PROBAR - BOLT Organic Energy Chews (Berry Blast Flavor) — PROBAR – BOLT Organic Energy Chews (Berry Blast

‘CELSIUS’ – (Green Tea -Raspberry Acai flavor -$4/can)

Energy level – Light boost

I’ve had this drink many times before and it’s one that gives a nice, light boost in energy. CELSIUS claims to be clinically proven to accelerate metabolism and burn calories/body fat, while providing a healthy boost of energy. While I can’t validate any of the body fat/calorie burning part of this drink, I can validate that it tastes great, and gives you a nice boost in energy. It doesn’t have that weird energy drink feeling at all. It kicks in withing about 20 minutes and the “Green Teat” flavor tastes very fresh.

‘SPEED-SHOT’ by A.B.B (Watermelon flavor – $6/bottle)

Energy level – Very Strong boost

Thinking this is smaller in size (thinking it would keep my tummy flatter) than other canned energy drinks, I drank a bottle of this right before my workout right around 7pm. The ‘watermelon’ flavor tasted amazing because it was light in flavor, sour, and cold. Within a very short amount of minutes this totally kicked in, and I don’t mean that in a great energetic way. It totally got my hands super itchy and overall made me very jittery. It actually got worst later that night when I was unable to sleep all night. I can’t believe it kept me up all night, so saying Bye-bye to this one.

Alright guys! Again, I am not rooting for any sort of an energy booster as I feel that they can become addictive, and cause other internal damage. However; if you are going to turn to one every once in a while at least you will know which kind to avoid. The prices I specified are if you pick it up straight from the gym counter, but I am sure you can buy them less expensive in bulk elsewhere. Oh, and never take other caffeinated drinks after consuming any of these drinks. Please comment your thoughts or let me know if you know any I should try.

5 Quick & Healthy Lunch-Dishes Under $10

By

Adrina

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05/15/2017

8

Hey guys! What’s for lunch today? Who else hates figuring out what to eat for lunch? How about when you’re on the run but also try to eat healthy… Oh, and not wanting to spend a fortune for a quick-lunch that you’re going to grab and run? Of course, we don’t mind spending money on sit-in lunch dates with friends, but not so much when comes to grab-and-go right?

On the other hand, if you’re also trying to maintain a healthy diet than you know fast food is a “No Go”. Choosing to eat healthy & fast isn’t really easy, so I decided to share my top 5 healthy choices on the go. I am highlighting the particular choices I order that are also fresh, healthy, fast, and wont break your bank. Here they go:

Habit Burger Grill

Can’t say enough about how much I love the food at Habit. One of the reasons they’re on top of my list is because they have so much variety with their menu options. They make food fresh as you order, and their food is delicious. Another advantage with Habit is that you can call/go online and order food ahead of time, so you just pick up as you arrive. Some of my favorites with them are their Chicken BBQ Salad, or Grilled Chicken Salad (450 calories without dressing and 690 w/dressing). Both these salads are super tasty, yet fresh and filling. Their sandwiches are also great. Try their Chicken Sandwich with BBQ sauce on wheat bun (680 calories w/sauce).

BBQ Chicken salad - Habit — BBQ Chicken Salad – Habit Burger Grill

Grilled Chicken Salad - Habit — Grilled Chicken Salad – Habit Burger Grill

Nordstrom’s Ebar

Ebars inside of Nordstrom stores are my next choice for quick-lunch because you can easily grab-and-go after some quick shopping. Given that most major malls carry a Nordstrom, you’re sure to come across one while shopping. They have some wonderful salads, and other dishes that are prepared daily with fresh ingredients. One choice in particular that I recommend is their BBQ Chicken Salad with the ‘Champagne Vinaigrette‘ dressing. Ask for the dressing at checkout. This salad is very fulfilling; don’t let its small size fool you. It’s served cold, and has only 480 calories without the dressing.

Starbucks

Yes, you read that right! Starbucks has a few food menu options that are healthy, and there is one in particular that I have to point out. It’s called “Zesty Chicken & Black Bean Salad”, and it’s usually seating in their cold bar so you don’t need to wait to have it prepared. This salad may also look small, but it’s actually very fulfilling. It’s got ingredients like quinoa, grilled chicken meat, roasted corn, black beans, feta and with only 360 calories (without dressing) who can say No?

You should probably grab this with your morning coffee as it runs out fast.

Baja Fresh

When I visit Baja Fresh, their ‘Grilled Shrimp Chile Lime‘ salad is one of my favorites. There is a good amount shrimp in this salad, along with kale, pico, onion, bell pepper, jicama, tortilla strips, and avocado. Tastes as good as it looks, and only had 365 calories (without dressing). You can also pre-order this dish online (during work) so you don’t waste half your lunch break waiting around. I also love their fish/shrimp tacos that are kinda light, yet fulfilling.

Oh, and they also offer beer for those who crave one for lunch on a hot summer day.

Earthbar

Earthbar is definitely on my favorite stops at any time of the day. I think they probably have the most healthiest food of all the locations I already named. “Acai Bowl” is the menu option I will highlight with them. I know it doesn’t come off very lunch-ish, but trust me when I say this bowl will get you full. It comes in a huge bowl full of fruit, granola, protein (flavor of choice), peanut/almond-butter, milk (of choice) and some other goodies. I usually get this right after a quick workout and it’s definitely considered my lunch for the day since it will keep me full until dinner. This option has 580 calories but you can always put in a request have it split it into two cups so you only consume half 🙂

OK! If you read this far I think it’s safe to assume that I am not a huge ‘red meat’ kinda gal. However; most of these food-stops also offer “steak” instead of chicken. Remember, if you are trying to go extra healthy than you may want to skip the dressings as prepackaged dressings are loaded with salt and saturated fat. They do more damage than you think! Hope you found these suggestions helpful, and if so please comment below. I am also curious to know if there are other dishes I should know about! 🙂

Mother’s Day <3

By

Adrina

-

05/14/2017

0

It was she, who was there all long. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to my lovely mother, and to all other mom’s around the world!

Le Petit Paris - Los Angeles — Le Petit Paris – Los Angeles

Quick Traveling Tip For Your Nails!

By

Adrina

-

04/27/2017

8

"OPI" Hello KItty Collection - "Let's Be Friends"

Hey ladies! I am back to pastel colors for Spring since I loved the milky, washed-out shades so much. This new color is by ‘OPI’ called “Let’s Be Friends” from their Hello Kitty edition. Perfect combo of white and light lavender. Gives my nails such a fresh appearance.

And a quick traveling tip before everyone spreads off to their Spring/Summer vacations this year.

When you get your mani/pedi done right before an upcoming vacation ask your nail-salon if they can sell you the same color they just applied on your nails. They usually have a new one in their cabinets, or sometimes they’ll sell you the used one if they don’t have a new one. This way you take the polish with you and easily touch up while you’re away. Trust me… this is especially useful on tropical vacations when your toes are soaked in water all day long. Plus, you’re nails always look on point!

Happy Traveling everyone!

If I had to give these trip a theme it would definitely be called “Bubbly” because my friends ordered sooo much champagne during our stay that

The pool in the next picture overlooks the ocean, and doesn’t really get too loud

So you mainly relax at this pool and maybe play sports/exercise

A live violinist entertaining guests on Monday when you’re just relaxing by the pool

[fvplayer src=”https://9g4943.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_1867.mov” splash=”https://9g4943.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Screen-Shot-2017-05-25-at-3.48.16-PM.png” width=”720″ height=”650″]

Our rooms overlooked the Entertainment pool where there is always a live DJ, and they have constant ongoing entertainment

Live acrobat dancers during their day party. Super FUN!

Foam Party

Beach was only a few feet away from their pools

Their night entertainment also included restaurants with wine tasting venues, and hookah in their outdoorsy lounges (Neither one included in all-inclusive package)

‘C4 PRE-WORKOUT’ by Cellucor (Icy Blue Razz flavor – $30/can)

Energy level – Moderate to Strong boost

‘BOLT Organic Energy Chews’ – PROBAR (Berry Blast flavor -$3/pack)

Energy level – Light boost

‘CELSIUS’ – (Green Tea -Raspberry Acai flavor -$4/can)

Energy level – Light boost

‘SPEED-SHOT’ by A.B.B (Watermelon flavor – $6/bottle)

Energy level – Very Strong boost

Habit Burger Grill

Nordstrom’s Ebar

Starbucks

Baja Fresh

Earthbar

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