Calling all iced coffee lovers

Spring is here and summer is approaching. In the winter you can find a hot cup of coffee in my hand every morning, but once those hot, humid days arrive I switch over to my iced coffee drinks. I work within walking distance of a Starbucks. A daily trip could cost at least $20 a week. And let me be honest, Starbucks may be the most popular coffee house worldwide, BUT...  their coffee products aren't the best. I've found something I prefer that is not only a healthier option, but could save you some cash.

Califia Farms iced coffee products! You can find these at Whole Foods, Sprouts and Natural Grocers. Not only do they taste better than the bottled Starbucks products, they are made with better ingredients. 

No dairy, low sugar, low calorie, low carb, low fat, no saturated fats, AND since they are made with organic almond milk, they pack in a serving of calcium that most Starbucks drinks don't offer. 

Here's a side by side comparison:

Regular Iced Coffee (Califia left/Starbucks right)

 Iced Coffee with Mocha (Califia left/Starbucks right)

You can see in the side by side comparison that Califia has half the calories, half the carbs, and even half the sugar of the popular Starbucks drinks. If you want to try before you buy, they DO offer single serving mini bottles.

That's what's in my jar.

A little spring, a little break

Unfortunately, this year, I won't be taking the traditional spring break trip to the beach with a group of friends. Instead I'll be sleeping in, fighting these crazy Oklahoma sinus problems, getting a head start on school projects and clocking in a few extra hours on my paycheck at work.

I'm not having a pity party at la casa de Mason, but I can't lie... It's hard to see all of your peers going on fun vacations while you sit at home. Let's be real, the only adventure I'm embarking on this week is season 2 of Gilmore Girls. If you're staying home like I am, I've put together a small, silly list of things to do on spring break that don't require a 7 hour road trip.

1. Go get a snocone!

This is a perfect pick-me-up and a great reminder that summer is just around the corner! With so many great snocone stands here in OKC there's bound to be one around you. Try a new flavor or add in some gummy bears. It's spring break man, go crazy.

2. Try that restaurant you've been talking about

A lot of locally owned restaurants are popping up in OKC. Grab a friend or family member and go have breakfast, lunch or dinner at one that you've never been to! SO many of these new restaurants have created such a fun environment that you can guarantee a good time along with great food. Instagram that my friend!

3. Rent a movie! Yes...like at a video rental store

Whether it be your favorite 90's chick-flick, or one of the recent Oscar nominees, going to a video rental store gets you out of the house and will probably stir up some fond memories of the days before Netflix and RedBox. (RIP Blockbuster) If you're of age, why not grab a bottle of wine to enjoy with it?

4. Buy a new pair of sandals or sunglasses

You're not spending 3 months of paychecks on PCB and booze for all of your friends, so why not spoil yourself a little with some fun accessories to add to your spring wardrobe? Target, Marshall's and TJMaxx are a few of my favorite places to find great deals. Plus, with all of your college friends out of town, you'll have free range to buy all of the cute stuff in popular sizes before they get back! No shame in my game.

5. Read a book

These are a few I've read recently. Reading and finishing a book brings about a teeny-tiny sense of accomplishment. If you're looking for a light-hearted, easy read with a touch of love and laughs I would highly suggest Eleanor and Park or The Rosie Project. If you want to laugh so hard that you cry, and you don't mind a little vulgarity, I can promise that Chelsea Handler and Caitlin Moran will have you in stitches. I love reading. With my busy schedule I don't get as much time as I'd like to do it, but spring break frees up a few hours so that I can get lost in a new book.

6. Get active!

Go outside! Take a walk around your neighborhood. Maybe go downtown or to a local park for a more scenic view. Most gyms and specialty studios such as pilates or yoga even offer a free first time guest pass so you can try out a class at no cost. Sunshine and exercise can get your endorphins pumping so you can kick the home-bound spring break blues! When you feel good it's easier to have a positive attitude.

There's no reason why you can't enjoy your spring break from home. So get out there and find a reason to have a good day today!

That's what's in my jar.

Converted Yogi

I did it!

Last Sunday I finished my 30 day Yoga with Adriene challenge... so what's my final verdict? I'm hooked! 

I'm so glad I made the commitment to push through 30 days. Starting my yoga journey with a home practice was so beneficial to me. Like I mentioned in my previous post (Namaste or Nah?), going to a public yoga class can be intimidating if you are a newbie. Adriene's YouTube channel was a perfect place for a curious beginner like me. One thing I absolutely LOVE about the way she teaches yoga is that she does not want you to strain yourself to do a perfect downward dog, or for you to feel discouraged if you have to modify the pose. Her main focus is that your body should benefit from yoga and that it is important to find what feels good. You'll see me sporting the FWFG tank in the picture above! 

After my 30 days I've come to be a lot more conscious of my breathing and my posture. I've always had a tendency to slump over when I sit down and even when I stand. Yoga has made me more aware of how my body reacts when I do those things. My upper body and my core have gotten stronger and more capable of supporting the rest of my body when transitioning from position to position. It has improved my flexibility and I feel more limber. Last but not least, it has definitely given me a chance to connect with myself. Mind, body, spirit, ya know. 

When I sit on the mat it's time to let go of whatever the day has thrown at me and to reconnect with myself and what I am doing. I don't think about the client that was rude to me today at work or about how Panera Bread forgot the avocado in my salad. It's hard to explain the peace of mind I have found in taking time to do this daily practice, but this is truly the reason why I 100% plan on continuing in growing with yoga.

A few days after I finished the challenge I made the decision to brave another public class. After my previous not-so-fantastic experiences with classes, I was a little nervous. But I did feel a lot more confident going in than I did before. The class ended up going SO well. Afterwards I felt relaxed not intimidated, and I was even complimented by a few ladies. They asked how long I had been doing yoga and were definitely shocked when I laughed and said, "um about 30 days."

If you are still on the fence about this whole yoga hype like I was, I encourage you again to give it a try. And really give it a try. Now here are some fun pictures of a few poses I've been working on... laugh if you want (:

A crow pose (harder than you'd think!)

A good place to practice balance for a headstand! And then you transition...

TA-DA! It's not perfect, but there it is. One day I'll be able to do a HAND stand, I'm determined!

That's what's in my jar.

Red Lips for Beginners

Do you want that, "red lip classic thing that he likes?"

Yes, I just quoted Taylor Swift. 

But let's face it, a red lip is timeless, bold - and definitely sexy. Women have desired a red pout for centuries. Cleopatra was said to have crushed beetles to get that crimson color and Queen Elizabeth used a mix of beeswax and flowers. We've come a long way from lip junk made of bugs and plants, but that bold, red lip can seem intimidating sometimes. When I worked at a local make-up store, I heard women say ALL THE TIME, "I've always liked a red lip, but just not for me."

Why not you? If you feel intimidated by such a bold look but are tempted to dip your toe in the sensual pool that is red lipstick, or if you are a red lippy FIEND looking for a more subtle approach to the look, then I have a solution for you!

Lipstick Queen's Medieval

Lipstick Queen is such an incredible brand offering an extremely wide variety of textures and colors of lipstick. Medieval is a sheer, creamy red that brightens your face and gives you that red lip confidence without screaming, "I AM RED LIPSTICK. HEAR ME ROAR."

A subtle and beautiful red option for a bride...

Or a fun, flirty every-day look

(both models wearing Medieval)

Medieval looks awesome on everyone and is a great first step to conquering your red lip fears. (I actually sold my boss on it a few months ago and she wear's it all the time now!)

Find Medieval and other Lipstick Queen products at Ulta, online, or locally at the Make Up Bar in Nichols Hills! And comment below to share your favorite red lipstick!

That's what's in my jar.