Maple Holistics

Hey guys!

It's been a while since I've shared some products here on the blog, which is why I thought today would be perfect to introduce a natural and cruelty-free brand called Maple Holistics. They're known for their wide range of products from haircare, beauty, and other personal care. 

I recently tried out their sage shampoo and I must say I was hooked the first time I tried it out, I absolutely love the subtle sage/rosemary scent, it's so soothing and not too overpowering.

I typically have dry skin around this time, therefore my scalp gets pretty dry too, but the essential oils of sage helps soothe the scalp and it even promotes healthy hair grow. Anddd it's paraben and sulfate free, that's always a plus! :)

I'm all about trying out natural and cruelty-free products and I have to say I really loved this shampoo, I highly suggest checking out Maple Holistics if you haven't yet, they have a little bit of everything for anyone :)

x

StephC

Homemade Harvest Parfait

In honor of October's arrival and my excitement for fall, I got inspired to make my own homemade quickie parfait. If you haven't noticed from previous pics and posts I'm obsessed with parfaits and acai bowls, the more toppings the better! :)

It took me less than 10 minutes to prepare this in the morning before work. It's so quick and easy to make, and it's also a perfect midday snack.

Here's what you need:

1. Yogurt 

( I used Fage yogurt)

2. Sliced apples 

3. Granola 

( I used Kashi's honey almond flax granola)

4. Dark chocolate bits

(Trader Joe's has yummy dark chocolate with almonds I just cut it into chunks/ pieces and voila)

5. Pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds

(Again, Trader Joe's has the best pumpkin spiced seeds and they're the perfect addition!)

6. Cinnamon powder

(one or two pinches should be fine for that extra kick)

Last but not least, mix it up and enjoy... it literally tastes like autumn in your mouth! 

Cheers to a new month lovelies :)

x

StephC

Lavender Craze

♫ Beach House- Better Times ♫

(Images via: Pinterest and Tumblr)

Ever since my visit to Clairmont Lavender Farms I've been obsessing over lavender products. Since lavender season is in full motion I've been trying out many lavender-infused products and  lavender flavored desserts. I've recently tried: lavender iced lattes, lavender oil/lotion/soap, lavender spray, and lavender chocolate ice cream....allllll worth it if you ask me! My favorite though, are the lavender iced lattes I've tried at various tea houses and the organic lavender oil I bought at Clairmont Farms. Lavender oil has many health benefits: it helps induce sleep and has a calming/soothing effect, it's a bug repellent, it's great for pain relief (muscle tension), it improves blood circulation, and tons of other health benefits. I love lavender season I'm hoping to visit Provence's dreamy lavender fields one day.....most definitely noted on my bucket list! ;)

x

StephC

Strawberry Fields Forever

(Wearing: F21 blazer, Target romper, Vans sneakers)

Perfect spring outing= strawberry picking!

I must say I missed my old stomping grounds (Oceanside and Carlsbad) in San Diego. This past weekend I felt like spontaneously driving out to SD with friends and we decided to go strawberry picking. I just love it out there, the weather was perfect and we got a bucket full of yummy fresh strawberries! It brought back great memories when my family and I used to go strawberry picking every spring and make chocolate covered strawberries, and strawberry lemonade. Good times!

We also checked out Carlsbad's flower fields right after, so stay tuned for those pics! :)

x

StephC

Milk + Honey

Iced spiced chai yummyness ^

(Wearing: H&M shades, Topshop scarf, F21 DIY ripped jeans, Ecuadorian espadrilles)

Milk + Honey...where do I begin!

Gosh well it's got be my fave cafe/ lounge spot for a while now. I took these pictures during my "study session" there, and I loved how lonely it was around 9am. I had the place all to myself, it was so relaxing ..since most of the time it's filled with people. 

This cafe is perfectly quaint and artsy/hipster/earthy/organic/boho, etc...lol, but so worth it!

What I first loved about it was the atmosphere, chill vibes all around with the best soundtrack.  Of course I can't forget about their organic yummy drinks either.

Here are some of my fave drinks : Iced spiced chai tea latte with almond milk (The Best), iced lavender latte with almond milk, and the peach iced tea with aloe vera chunks. 

If you're ever in the Costa Mesa/Newport Beach area you MUST check it out they also have acai bowls, froyo, snacks, etc.

I highly recommend this cute little hidden gem! I would dedicate a post just for Milk + Honey, it's that good!

x

StephC