Friday, July 31, 2015

Good Vibes for a Good Morning






Mornings are a pretty significant part of our day. It sets the tone for what's ahead of us. Lately, Ive been paying real close attention to what happens first thing after I wake up and how it affects my day.  I started throwing different routines in to see what would work and what wouldn't. Many of us lead busy schedules and are usually in a hurry to start their day instead of having a calm routine that sets the tone of it. I think its time to get back to when people weren't in such a hurry to be busy. These days, every hour is some sort of planned itinerary and after the day is over, we realize that we haven't taken any time to pay attention to ourselves. In these past few weeks, I've learned some new things that I have put into my daily morning that has shifted my way of thinking into a more positive outlook. The great thing about this is that it's not just for you, its for everyone around you. Once you feel positive, those good energy vibes your feeling can be passed on to whomever is around because energy is contagious. Now I finally understand the saying "If you want to be happy, then be". 


Ways for a Positive Morning


Don't immediately be on your phone 

My usual routine consisted of  my phone alarm clock going off. After I turn off the sound I start going through some of my social media apps to see whats going on in the outside world around me. After getting lost in my technology I realize that 10 minutes has passed by and my eyes are already strained from staring at my phone after a restful sleep. This past week, I made an effort to put down the phone and just give myself some time without any outside influences. 

Take a few minutes 

Its not necessary to jump out of bed as soon as you open your eyes. Give yourself some time to relax and do a few stretches while your still in bed. It will help your body charge a little bit and recognize that your going to be using a lot of energy soon to start your morning. Stretching will help get the blood flowing and relax any stiffness from laying down all night. 

Smile

I know this sounds weird, but cracking a smile while your still laying comfy in your bed actually makes you feel happy and gives you a good feeling. It automatically makes you feel better and good thoughts enter your mind which is good for the soul. 


Think of the possibilities

Each morning is a fresh start. You can make the day anything you want. I think its amazing that we have so many opportunities is this world. Its our decision of where the day takes us and how we let certain situations effect us. We have so much opportunity to learn new things, connect with people, think of new ideas and try something new for ourselves. The fact that we can control all of this is such an exciting thing. Thinking this way when you wake up makes you excited for your day and for what lies ahead. 

Take your breakfast outside

If you have a backyard, have your breakfast outside. This lets you have some time in the fresh air. If your someone who's work makes them be stuck inside all day, get the time in the morning to enjoy and take in nature. Behind outside is good for your health. The sun will give you your daily dose of vitamin D and you get away from the stuffiness of being indoors. It's also mood boosting which is what we want to achieve.  

Meditate and breathe 

Mediation is a great way to to quiet your mind from any outside stresses you may be feeling. It allows you to connect with your higher conscious and helps you hear your inside voice a little better. You can sometimes recognizes negative thoughts you didn't even know you were feeling during meditation. Focusing on your breathing is also important. When your body is in deep breathing it's forcing itself to bring it back to its center. This is great if your someone who experiences anxiety. Meditation allows you to have a dedicated quiet time to yourself during your busy day. 

Give Gratitude  

You get what you give. Giving out gratitude to the universe and being thankful for what you already have can start your day off on a positive note. You are recognizing all the good things in your life before you start your day instead of focusing on the negative. Getting rid of the negative thoughts only makes room for more positive. 



 I hope you take some of these ideas and use them in your daily morning routine. 
Im sending good vibes your way. Use it for yourself and then pass it on. 





Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Beautiful Balayage





It's amazing how Balayage is so low maintenance! My client came in today for a haircut with one of our amazing stylists. When she was done getting beautified, her color looked absolutely gorgeous! This Balayage was done by me 3 months ago and has grown out with grace.

Balayage is great for anyone who doesn't want to be in the salon every few weeks getting touch ups. It's healthier for the hair and looks so natural it looks like you were in the sun all summer.

A hairdressers job isn't just making sure the clients hair looks fabulous when they leave the salon, it's making sure it still looks fabulous months afterwards.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Taco Tuesday



            I don't know about you, but tortillas out of a plastic bag just don't do it for me. They're stale, flat and the taste is so bland it's like eating floppy cardboard. I've been on the hunt for an easy tortilla recipe that doesn't sacrifice the taste and texture. Most of the ones I came across contained yeast and took a few hours to prepare. I just don't have that kind of patience during the summer, I want an ASAP recipe and relax the rest of the day, tacos in hand.

           Last week I was doing my usual Pinterest surfing for some new ideas. I came across such a foolproof recipe that anyone can do it. You don't need to be an expert and you can have fresh made tortillas within 20 minutes. I have stand mixer with a dough hook so for me it was a less challenging then if you don't own these things. Not that it's hard to mix the dough together with a wooden spoon, just takes a little more elbow grease to get it done.

Ingredients you will need

2 cups Flour
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup of water



In a large bowl, or stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine together flour and salt. Next, mix in olive oil and water until dough is well incorporated.

Divide the dough into ten round balls, about the size of a golf ball. Put them back into the bowl and cover with a damp towel so the dough stays moist.

Heat up a large skillet. Working with the dough balls one by one, roll out the ball into a thin circle. Place the rolled dough onto the hot skillet and cook until both sides are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes for each side.

Keep the tortillas covered so that they stay fresh and soft.


This is the part where you realize you will never buy tortillas in a supermarket again. It just seems unnatural. Since I had the bright idea of making these at 10 AM, I made an awesome breakfast quesadilla with eggs, avocado and cheddar cheese. I have a feeling my house will never be empty of these little gems.

                                                   

                                                                    Happy Eating!