next step

June 10, 2016 hdoan3

Woah.. so this is a major transition phase. I’m currently at home resetting before my next move, and I am all over the place! It’s crazy to think that my entire life has been shaped by the “next step”: you go to school and work towards the next grade, apply to high school, apply to college, and now what? Sure, I could just keep moving into an entry level job and climb the corporate ladder, but I don’t see any happiness and fulfillment there. So instead, I’m choosing to spend this time discovering more about myself and what kind of impact I want to have on the world.

(To those of you who went straight to work, I’m not totally hating on you.. some of you already knew what you wanted and I respect you for your drive!)

Anyways, this time is not easy. I know it’s not supposed to be. I have so many things I want to do, so many places I want to see, and for some reason feel like there’s not enough time. I can already tell that in the future I will look back and think I was crazy to think I had so little time to see the world. But at the same time, I don’t want to sit back and let time fly.

So for now, I am trying to seek comfort in the chaos. I hope to learn and grow in the next year through new experiences. I want to take on different jobs and discover what drives me the most. My dream would be to be able to travel for my career…how cool would it be to travel with the World Surf League? I am passionate about the action sport industry, so I plan to spend this time finding what works best for me.

But at the same time, I am not locking myself into any commitments yet, as tempting as it is to be comfortable. I long to be in my home base, but have the rest of my life to do that. I want to make sure I experience as much as I can, and believe that these lessons will land me in the right place at the right time. It won’t be easy, but I know it’s right for me!

[ be sure to follow my Instagram for updates! ]

[ You can also see what inspires me on Pinterest! ]

natural healers

January 5, 2016 hdoan3

[aaaand that’s not me]

It’s that time of year where gym memberships increase, the yoga studio is extra packed, and you’ll most likely spot someone downing a cold pressed green juice (probably the only thing they’re drinking for a few days…yuck!)

Let me say, that I’ve tried the juice cleanses, the two week detoxes and even tried to cut dairy and gluten. All attempts were a total bust…for me at least. I just sat there craving everything I couldn’t have, and then would end up binge eating a jar of peanut butter. Instead, I’ve found it helpful to add natural healing ingredients to my daily routine, making me feel more refreshed and energized.

Below is a list of my top 5 favorite detox ingredients. I find these helpful in addition to a healthy diet, and less guilt with those meals I like to indulge in once in a while!

turmeric
- Turmeric is known as a natural anti-inflammatory. It can be used for all sorts of things, from cooking to beauty products. I like to use fresh turmeric juice and mix it with lemon water. This drink helps with digestion and eases inflammation as well.
- There are also turmeric supplements, for those of you who don’t have turmeric shots at your local juice bar.
- Learn more about the variety of health benefits of turmeric here.
charcoal
- I’ve blogged about the healing power of charcoal here, and still stand by it. There are charcoal supplements to take, but I recommend Dirty Lemon Detox for a short term cleanse to reset after holiday eating and drinking. Charcoal is known to strip toxins from the inside, helping cleanse your body and leave you feeling refreshed.

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[image from dirtylemon.com]

lemons
- Lemons are also a great addition to your morning routine. I like to have a tall glass of water with fresh squeezed lemon in the morning, helping get my system started for the day.

ginger
- Ginger is another powerful root that I like to incorporate, especially if I’m feeling a cold coming on. I like to get a shot of fresh ginger with a little cayenne pepper. If I already have a cold, this fiery shot helps relieve sinus pressure instantly!
water!
- Need I say more? Water is the most important cleanser for the body. Make sure to drink the appropriate amount of water in accordance with your body weight! Water keeps your digestive system moving, your skin from drying, and also suppresses hunger.

*you can also follow my clean living board on Pinterest for other tips that I’ve found!

let’s not keep this on the DL

1 Comment October 23, 2015 hdoan3

[image from @dirtylemondetox]

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!)

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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!]

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-

makin’ banana granola (not pancakes)

August 28, 2014 hdoan3

30-Minute-Banana-Bread-Granola-

{photo via: minimalist baker}

It’s been a rainy week here in Sydney…boo! The one thing I love doing on rainy, cold days is to stay in and try baking something new. My mom makes this amazing banana granola that she shared to me from Minimalist Baker, one of my favorite food recipe blogs! Her Banana Bread Granola will make your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s so easy to make! There are only a few ingredients needed, and you probably already have them stocked in your kitchen so it saves a trip (out in the rain, in my case) to the store. I added almonds and used coconut palm sugar instead of raw sugar. I also was generous with measuring the wet ingredients to make sure every bit of granola got banana syrup!

I already had a bowl with my favorite coconut yogurt and Orchard St. green meadows juice this morning. The only downside is that the remainder of the batch will be taunting me from the kitchen all day while I stay in : )

The one thing missing on this rainy day is my baby Tucker. He’s the best snuggle bug! I’d do anything to have him in Australia with me : (

coffee coffee buzz buzz

August 21, 2014 hdoan3

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When I was a toddler, my mom caught me in the kitchen, swimming in coffee grinds on the counter. Ask me why I did it, I couldn’t tell you then–but today, I would proudly say I was doing a coffee body scrub! Who knew a toddler could be so innovative? (Yes, I did just share one of the many weird things I did as a child.)

Meet Frank, the best body scrub I have found to date. Its coffee-based, all natural formula not only soothes your skin and sloughs off the bumps, it is proven to help diminish stretch marks, psoriasis, and many other skin problems you may be experiencing. The quirky packaging just arrived and I was so excited to try it out!

I may have looked like I was just casually rolling in dirt, but after leaving the scrub on for 10 minutes and rinsing, I came out of the shower smelling like sweet almond oil with a hint of coffee, and my skin was the softest its ever been! (probably as soft as it was the last time I rolled in coffee grinds…)

If you’re in Australia and New Zealand, you get free shipping. If you do not live there, I still highly recommend the product! Check out there products online, there’s a few other types to choose from! However, I found a little DIY recipe on another Australian favorite, The Beauty Chef, to try at home! (I’ll be filling you in on why she’s so amazing soon!)

Oh PS- Tasha Oakley loves Frank too! So if I couldn’t sell you on it, maybe she can!

{via: A Bikini A Day}

acai addiction

June 2, 2014 hdoan3

Happy Monday! Ever since I got home for the summer, I’ve been going to 3 Natives for my daily acai bowl fix. I’m pretty sure the people working there think I’m crazy considering I’m there almost every morning… So, in an attempt to save time and money, I found the Sambazon acai sorbet and created my own breakfast bowl! This is super fun to make with friends or family and can be personalized to any of your favorite fruit and topping preferences:

Just stir the softened acai in a bowl (mix in peanut or almond butter if you prefer) and add as many toppings as you want! I added some organic peaches (hint hint, 3 Natives!). I also mixed in a little bit of raw honey and dang coconut chips. If you haven’t tried dang, you haven’t truly lived..just saying. I also like to add some bee pollen, maca powder, and vanilla granola too.

I will say, this bowl was almost exactly the same as 3 Natives. So for those of you who don’t live in the area, you can try it out or yourselves in your own home! However, for me, I just love making the trip there after yoga with friends and family! I also just remembered I have a free acai bowl from my 10 punch card (don’t ask me how many of those cards I’ve been through…)

Hope you all have a great week! : )

i’m just doing what i love…

May 15, 2014 hdoan3

The best part about summer–wake up, take your time, go on pinterest, and then some yoga or pilates–well, at least that’s what I’m doing for now! Lauren made these amazing coconut buckwheat oat jars yesterday, which go great with my favorite green fiend juice from 3 Natives.

I absolutely love my tassel necklace from Bohemian Summer Boutique. Not to mention, the owner is one of my best friends (new website coming soon)! And of course, I can’t go without mentioning my iPhone case from evoncase.

I’ll just be here, pretending this is what I do everyday… enjoying the moment!

I’m going to miss this place…

May 6, 2014 hdoan3

Although I spend most of my time wishing I was home, at the beach with my friends and family, I really will miss Dallas! I just realized that I won’t be back until January, which means I’ll be gone for eight months! I can’t believe it… Here are a few things I’m going to miss about this place:

My favorite almond milk lattes at Number One Cafe in Highland Park. The atmosphere is so relaxing, and the people who work there are so fun to talk to. Not to mention, Chapter Two has the best coffee table books next door!

Adventures with my roommate, Kate. She’s always finding new places to go explore! This was our latest brunch trip to Oddfellows. You could say we were pretty hungry!

Roots. Juices. I don’t know what I’ll do without you! They always have the best Seasonal Smash, and the Go Green is the best green juice that won’t make you cringe! These are my all-time favorite cold pressed juices. You can sample as many flavors as you want!

The gluten free mushroom pizza from True Food Kitchen–the ultimate comfort food. This picture doesn’t do it justice, but it is a must try! Also, be sure to try the chia seed pudding, it will become your newest obsession.

Forty Five Ten’s restaurant, T-Room is a great lunch experience! The seasonal veggie quiche with the pecan-crusted chicken salad is the best. The restaurant and boutique make for a fun lunching date with friends. Make sure you make a reservation, and if its a beautiful day, definitely opt for the covered patio!