Write more, talk less

Hey, there 2016. You’re lookin’ pretty tired this morning, but we’re SO happy to have you. I’m rocking a pretty serious headache (thanks to you) but it’s still time for those New Year’s Resolutions…

This year, I’m going to write more and talk less. Which means I’m back on the blogging kick. Which means I’ll actually post some cool stuff on this thing. At this point, you probably have trust issues with this blog, as I haven’t been around much…. But I promise I’ll post cool articles about superfoods and super cool celebs and more.

So stay tuned, and drink champagne.

xx

Alisa

Life is like a box of… oysters.

Oysters are the hottest food of the summer. Low-calorie and virtually fat free, oysters pack a protein punch and are loaded with B12 vitamins. Salty and briney, they pair perfectly with a martini…or a cold beer. Check out their nutritional benefits. Also, oysters are “among the sea creatures with the lowest known levels of mercury.”

Even better, oysters teach us a few lessons.

1. Not everyone is going to like you… Oysters are an acquired taste. But who really cares anyway?
2. Work for your dinner. Every oyster needs to be shucked… and it’s not easy. Aw… #shucks.
3. Not all oysters are created equal. Don’t be afraid to be picky…
4. Stay close to the sea and always keep summer in your heart.

Brown Rice Pasta

Pasta lover? Trying to eat healthier? These days, there are so many whole wheat and whole grain pastas in grocery stores and on dinner menus. All claim to contain more fiber and protein without skimping out on taste.

However, Trader Joe’s sells an AWESOME alternative. Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Penne Pasta is made with 2 ingredients only: brown rice and water. That’s it. That means you get the benefits of whole grain brown rice without any phony flour blends or preservatives. 1/2 cup of this pasta contains 4 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein. Not bad for a pasta fix.

Check out this article which well help you consider making the switch to a more nutritious pasta. You should also check out Trader Joe’s brown rice quinoa spaghetti, brown rice tortillas and sprouted grain ezekiel bread.

#trending The Barre Method

The Bar(re) Method (also known as Pure Barre or Barre Concept) is a new hybrid style workout where you work with a traditional ballet barre. It combines ballet with Pilates, yoga and interval training to both strengthen and lengthen muscles. Barre classes are an excuse to channel your inner ballerina. Please don’t show up in a tutu though….

The Barre method challenges your core for the entirety of the class but it also targets all muscle groups. You will plié your way to a better butt, work your arms with planks and push ups, and get on your toes to challenge your quads. Most classes also incorporate lots of abdominal work. The end of the class is restorative and allows you to work on your flexibility like a true dancer. Check out this video to see what it’s all about!

Barre classes are said to blast fat, relieve stress and improve posture. You can modify the class according to your personal goals or limitations. Victoria’s Secret angel Candice Swanepoel says barre classes get her ready to rock the runway, and apparently you can burn up to 600 cals in just one class. Are you sold yet?

You Get What You Give

I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking. A recent study conducted at Wake Forest University confirmed that good vibes really do go a long way. The study investigated the way that individuals perceive others and concluded that “a person’s tendency to describe others in positive terms is an important indicator of the positivity of the person’s own personality traits.”  Individuals with the tendency to positively judge others were overwhelmingly found to be more enthusiastic, kind-hearted and even emotionally stable individuals. Those who viewed others negatively were associated with “a huge suite of negative personality traits.” Get this: they were also found to have a higher likelihood of depression. So, try to find something good in someone you’ve already labeled as bad. Who knows…you might notice something good about yourself along the way. 🙂

How Should Feminists Feel about the Olsen twins?

In the 90s, twins Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen shared the role of Michelle Tanner in the hit series Full House. The sassy blonde pair went on to produce a host of movies and CDs chronicling The Adventures of Mary Kate and Ashley. They developed a huge tween following with movies like Passport to Paris and Holiday in the Sun and actually founded the Dulstar Entertainment Group. In their 20s, they made a killing developing high end labels Elizabeth and James and The Row. In 2015, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. It was reported that they were both billionaires. Oh, and this was all before MK married Olivier Sarkozy and became French royalty.

The Olsen’s have had record-breaking success. They embody glamour and exude an effortless, yet somehow still unattainable style. Their development of “boho chic” promotes functionality and affords women greater expression. Their incorporation of oversized articles shows that women don’t have to flaunt skin to be sexy.

However, Journalist William Leith, among many others, finds conflict with the idea that the twins support female empowerment. He believes that their double-zero frame creates an unrealistic standard of beauty for impressionable youths. Leith interviewed “the tiny, tiny” Mary Kate for The Guardian. He wrote, “at this point, if you’re a feminist, you might look at the Olsen twins and groan with frustration.” Mary Kate, rumored to weigh just ninety pounds, has been to rehab for both anorexia and bulimia. Yet, youths idolize her as an iconic beauty. She makes skinny synonymous with glamorous. This is dangerous: “This pressure […] leads to all sorts of traumas, including eating disorders.”

In other ways, Mary Kate and Ashley have been amazing inspirations for young women. Their multimillion dollar clothing empire is one of the best examples of successful female entrepreneurship. They prove that a woman’s success can never be underestimated.

Moreover, the Olsen’s reject revealing and restrictive female clothing. They instead make loose, boxy items of clothing look chic. Their brands also borrow from men’s clothing, incorporating button down oxfords, ‘boyfriend’ jeans and loafers into the women’s market. These pieces allow for greater movement and comfort. MK and Ashley aren’t afraid to layer for the weather, hide behind the wide brim of a hat, or sport Birkenstock clogs for a day of errands. They show that we have come a long way since the days of the corset.

Mary Kate and Ashley are pioneers of modern style and the developers of an incredible fashion empire. But, they are far from perfect. What do YOU think about the Olsen twins???

Bruce Jenner’s Shocking Vanity Fair Cover

1976 decathlon athlete Bruce Jenner made the cover of Vanity Fair today. However, the cover, which reads “Call me Caitlyn” is his shocking debut as a transgender woman. Jenner, who recently opened up about his lifetime struggle with gender dysphoria, is now one of Hollywood’s first openly transgender celebrities. Pictured in a skimpy ivory leotard, the brunette Caitlyn is almost unrecognizable. While the transformation may be a hard pill to swallow for the Kardashians, Jenner has raised awareness for the transgender community. Jenner reminds us that even the world’s seemingly most spoiled, superficial family has deep seated, difficult issues to confront. Here are 5 things we can learn from Bruce Caitlyn Jenner.

1. Things aren’t always as they appear: Jenner’s cross dressing was a longtime, unspoken secret of the Kardashian family. Behind the oversized shades and lip implants, even the Kardashians felt they had something to hide.
2. It’s never too late to start over: Scott ‘Lord’ Disick himself says, “It’s pretty wild that you’re gonna live two lives in one lifetime.”
3. You should let your hair down: Literally, when Diane Sawyer comes over for an interview, take your hair out of its ponytail. Life is short.
4. Everyone can benefit from a good pair of heels: Jenner traded in his Nikes for a pair of size 13 stilettos and Kim claims, “He is the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”
5. Don’t expect everyone to support you. There will always be haters. After all, it’s your journey, not theirs.

Take it off!

We all have our own skincare regime. From lotions to eye creams and exfoliation, what works is different for all of us. However, there is one beauty rule that should never be broken. We cannot sleep in our makeup overnight. According to various dermatologists interviewed in Women’s Health magazine, sleeping in our makeup clogs and stretches out pores, while also promoting inflammation and collagen breakdown. Moreover, primers and foundations that have been worn all day have picked up pollutants from the air and brought them to both your pillow and the surface of your skin. Yuck!

Makeup removing wipes are an easy way to make sure you don’t skimp out on this important step. Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes are the most popular makeup wipes on the market. They are effective at removing makeup, dirt and oils and even take off waterproof mascara. A pack of 25 goes for around $7. However, there is a more gentle and affordable alternative in your local drugstore.

Huggies Natural Care Baby Wipes are an unexpected but excellent makeup remover. They are hypoallergenic and fragrance and alcohol free. Because they are designed for a baby’s skin, they won’t irritate yours. The best part? A pack of 56 costs just $2.50.

The BEST protein bar

I have a pretty serious obsession with protein and nutrition bars. Almost every morning, I reach for a bar to go with my morning coffee. I love that they pack a protein punch on the go, and admit that I have tried almost any bar you can find in the grocery store. I used to love Luna bars, but didn’t like that they came with around 12g of sugar. I like that Kind bars are made with just nuts, fruits and whole grains. Think Thin bars are delicious and have 20g of protein, but I was bummed to find out that they use icky ingredients like sugar alcohols and calcium caseinate. Then, there are those people who swear by Quest bars.

But, one protein bar triumphs above all the rest.

RxBars are the “Real Food Protein Bar.” Each bar is made with less than 8 completely NATURAL ingredients. Every flavor delivers 12g of protein from egg whites or raw almonds and are around 200 calories. Get this: they are dairy, soy and gluten free!! But the list goes on. They also NEVER contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, GMOs, or preservatives. What’s not to love?! Order RxBars on their website or on Amazon. A box of 12 is around $26 and well worth the splurge.