let’s not keep this on the DL

1 Comment October 23, 2015 hdoan3

Who here hates cleanses? I do! I feel like every time I try to do a detox cleanse, I want to eat everything I’m not supposed to eat even more! I even tried a 2 week cleanse that had a whole list of foods I couldn’t eat, and one was red bell peppers…guess what I craved? Red bell peppers! So bizarre… anyways…

Dirty Lemon Detox is the light at the end of the dark tunnel of cleanses and detoxes. It goes in line with my eating lifestyle: everything in moderation. I eat a healthy diet, but there are times where oreos or a few extra tacos are essential to a happy day.

This detox drink contains activated charcoal, cold pressed lemon juice, dandelion root and ginger. Charcoal drinks have been making an appearance lately, however, most contain pure cane sugar to add sweetness.

Charcoal has been around in the wellness world for some time. It is used in extreme cases to extract poison and even help patients who overdose on drugs. In our case, the amount of charcoal added to the drink is just enough to help you feel less guilty about that late-night pizza order (or in my case, an extra side of bacon with my avo toast!)

11927475_10156292794565107_4178105060790641030_o

I enjoyed sipping on DL in the late afternoon or even after dinner. It helped ease digestion and went to work on my daily food intake. I even enjoyed it in the bubble bath, instead of a glass of merlot!

I also follow their Instagram and love their cheeky posts!

You can order Dirty Lemon on their website, where you can add your phone number to coordinate your next purchase (because you will want to buy another detox!) You get six bottles of DL for a one week detox for $65, which is worth the price! I already have my next order on its way after all the continuous birthday celebrations (and sweets!)

[you can also see this post on bondtwenty.com, sign up today!]

never let go of your summer glow

September 17, 2015 hdoan3

At last! I’ve finally found the best self tanning product out there. Yes, I use self tanning lotion..but hey, at least I’m not at the tanning bed!

One of my least favorite things about winter is the steady decline of my natural tan from being home in the summer. I usually just deal with it, and attempt one or two products that leave my sheets orange and make me look like an orange zebra after a sweaty workout. Not to mention, they usually smell bad!

The other day I purchased the new St. Tropez ‘In Shower’ Gradual Tan. So far, after using it for a few days, I’m hooked! It leaves a streak free, minimal odor, summer glow that builds with each use. It takes only three minutes out of your shower routine–how easy! I have always been a fan of the St. Tropez line, especially their original instant tan mousse. The ladies at Sephora said that the shower gel is great for a base tan, and the mousse is good to build on top for that instant tan you might need before an event.

I highly recommend this new product. I’m excited to see how it works out throughout the winter! Although, the thought of winter itself does not sound exciting…especially with summer around the corner in beautiful Sydney!

(my heart breaks a little every time I see this)

so much to learn, so much time

August 5, 2015 hdoan3

Looking back on the first half of 2015, I realize that I have learned so much about myself, others, and life in general. I have been enjoying Dallas, really living in the moment and have grown so grateful for the amazing friends I have there. I have spent quality time at home, as well as ventured out to California, New York, Nashville, and a couple trips to the Bahamas!

I feel so lucky to have the opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and see more of the world. After Australia, I have been plotting my escape out of the states to get back to that amazing place. However, I am learning so much through living in the moment.

Here are some quotes that really stood out to me–they embody the things I have discovered throughout the past seven months. I have experienced good and bad, and through it all I fully believe that everything is part of the experience. Every thing I face makes me stronger and more confident. It’s all a learning lesson-there’s no end result to be happy. It’s all about rolling with the roller coaster, and taking every experience for what it is.

There’s so much to learn, and I will continue to learn throughout my life. Things change, people change, and it’s all about being confident in yourself that life is working out the way it should be.

summertime

July 21, 2015 hdoan3

a million tiny diamonds laughing in the sun

June 16, 2015 hdoan3

Summertime is finally here! Well, I’m actually taking classes in Dallas right now, but I will be back to the beach in a few weeks. In order to keep my beachy, bedhead hair, I use these four products regularly. It is important to maintain your hair in the summer, since the salt water (or salt water spray) can be drying and damaging to your hair. I find that tying my hair into a knot after using these products creates beautiful, natural waves. If theres still not enough texture to hold the knot, I continue to swear by the Goody spin pins!

1. Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo: My sister recommended this product and I have been using it every day. Even after I shower, I spray it on my roots when my hair is dry and it gives just enough texture and volume. It also smells amazing!

2. Bumble and Bumble Salt Spray: This spray has been one of my staples for over a year. It gives the perfect amount of texture that I get from jumping into the ocean and rinsing when I’m by the beach. It can be drying, so be sure to keep your hydrate!

3. Moroccanoil Weightless Hair Mask: Which brings me to this product…this is the best hydrating mask that I use once or twice a week. It leaves your hair smelling amazing for the whole day! I like using the light mask so it doesn’t weigh my hair down too much.

4. Oribe Split End Seal: I just started using this product for the past few months and it is magic! It keeps my ends fresh and healthy, making my haircut visits less frequent. I just apply it to the ends when my hair is damp and let it dry completely.

working on your soul

1 Comment May 4, 2015 hdoan3

I recently watched Cassey Ho’s video on The “Perfect” Body and it was very moving. We are constantly look at ourselves and wish we had at least five different things about our body. We workout excessively, diet, try insane cleanses (that I personally last half a day through) all for what? Because, if I did end up achieving my “dream body”, would I feel that different? Or would I start picking out other imperfections? It’s all just a vicious cycle that we all play into.

I started wondering why we are so focused on our appearance, when it all comes down to who you are on the inside. This may seem obvious, or cliche (I am a fan of the cliches) but seriously! One day I am going to die, and whoever reflects on my life is surely not going to say “she had big arms” or “she had a good tan” (thanks for that one Brynne). I would hope that someone would talk about the person I was any impact I may have had on them.

Why are we obsessing over our bodies and overall appearance when that’s not what’s important in the end? Is that what really defines you? I’m not saying I’m perfectly secure with my image now that I’m posting this, but it is definitely something I am more aware of. I think we should all accept our bodies for what they are, how they were created, and how they will remain without trying to manipulate our diets and exercise. I’m all about a healthy lifestyle, but to restrict myself from good food or a day of vegging out on the couch is a waste of energy.

Embrace yourselves! We have so much more to share with the world, and good energy and a happy soul makes you look a lot better!

-xo-

dreamer

April 30, 2015 hdoan3

beach nap

The fact that I miss Australia is an understatement. I can’t tell you how many times I open Instagram in the morning, where my feed is flooded with Australian bloggers, restaurants, and other people who are in the middle of enjoying a beautiful day in paradise. My heart hurts a little, then I get up and go about my day.

I know, how dramatic! I had my experience, and I am so thankful for that. I plan to go back again soon, maybe after graduating to either travel or explore…so it was not goodbye forever!

One thing I really miss, and I knew I would miss, is the walk to and from yoga. It took about 15 minutes to walk uphill from Coogee to Clovelly, where I would walk into the intimate space of This is Yoga. Melanie and Michael are amazing teachers, with vibrant and positive personalities which makes the classes even better. After a good one hour sweat, I would make my way back downhill to Coogee. I loved walking at night, looking up at the stars in a complete daze. I would make my way to the end of Beach Road, seeing all of the people eating and drinking at Coogee Pavillion, kids running around playing, and seeing the waves crash on the beautiful shore. The moon would either be lit up over the ocean, or just a crescent in the sky, but it was beautiful either way. The sound of the ocean still resonates in my head, the feeling of the salty breeze, and the overall sense of being grounded.

Sydney truly is a special place. I don’t know anyone who comes back with a single bad thing to say about it. I hope I can go back again soon…but until then I’ll try to keep myself from checking Instagram first thing in the morning!

checking out

1 Comment April 20, 2015 hdoan3

…and checking back in at the Sahana Villas! No, I did not take this picture from Pinterest, I stayed in the room on the left for three amazing nights! We had the entire property (with three villas) with our own cleaning and cooking staff. Bali is incredibly affordable, making this $1 million a night-looking space WAY cheaper.

I would do anything to go back here and see the people we met. The owners are such a special family, who made our visit very memorable. Seminyak was my favorite part of Bali. I can picture walking down the streets to shop, eat at Mamasan, and have a drink on the water at Potato Head.

But…for now I’ll be here in Dallas, daydreaming of being tan and vacationing on the beach…

must be on vacation

April 14, 2015 hdoan3

…clearly! I haven’t posted anything in the longest time! This semester has been hectic, not to mention it’s flown by! It’s crazy to think I was in Australia a few months ago, and that I had all these goals and plans in mind. So much has changed, but I am committed to going back to Australia very soon!

I’m going to NYC this weekend! I’ve only been twice when I was younger, so I’m excited to go on my own and visit friends.

Dallas has been amazing–believe it or not, I’m going to stay in June for classes. Hopefully I can squeeze in a Bahamas trip in May, I’m dying to get to the beach for some summer sun! I’m also excited to say that I signed up to complete my yoga teacher training with Baron Baptiste this summer. I’ll be going to New York for a week-long intensive teacher training. I can’t wait to see some old faces from level one, as well as meet some new people!

I’ll be sure to keep this more up to date, with a NYC post to follow!

sweet

2 Comments February 14, 2015 hdoan3

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope you all enjoy the day with the ones you love. I am so happy to be home with my family–we’re celebrating my cousin’s engagement! The weather is perfect, sunny and a cool 60 degrees. It’s great to take a break from reality and come home for a few days.

Send the love today! I’m missing all my friends who aren’t here today, but I’m so thankful for the great relationships in my life!