Homemade Household Cleaner

I'm obsessed with my casa feeling and smelling clean & fresh, but I hate the thought of all the chemicals that are needed to obtain that fresh scent.  Plus who really knows what damage is being done with long term exposure to that crap!  Most of the time brand name household cleaners that say "All Natural" are still loaded with chemicals, and the truly organic ones you can buy at places like Whole Foods are beyond expensive.  There are many advantages to making your own household cleaners at home with the main selling points being that a) its wayyyy cheaper than purchasing your average store brands, and b) you get to control exactly what you're putting into the bottle.  

Cleaning with distilled vinegar isn't a new method by any means.  In fact, I still have memories as a child being overwhelmed with that distinct vinegar scent while my grandmother scrubbed away in her kitchen!  Vinegar is effective in killing most molds, bacteria, and germs due to its high level of acidity.  This is just a basic recipe for an all purpose cleaner that you can use basically anywhere in your house.  If you have an issue with the scent of vinegar, don't worry!  The scent vanishes once its dried.  I like to also add a few drops of lemon essential oil which just adds a nice fresh scent to the concoction.   

Its super simple to whip this up using ingredients that are typically found in any kitchen.  I really hope that you try out this eco friendly + friendly on your wallet cleaning solution.  :)

Ingredients Needed

1 part distilled white vinegar
1 tsp. liquid dishsoap (I use organic 'Dish It Out' found @ WholeFoods)
5-8 drops lemon essential oil
3 parts filtered water

Combine all and store in any size spray bottle.  I found a pretty glass version on amazon {view here } but I also love this one sold at Williams & Sonoma made of recycled plastic {view here }.

Praying For Cooler Weather...

1.  J.Crew Merino Pocket Tunic {here}

2.  Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil {here}

3.  Tom Ford {here}

4.  3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Trapeze {here}

5.  Balenciaga {here}

6.  Paige Denim Vegan Leather Leggings {here}

Seeing this street chic ensemble makes me wish that I lived in a NYC neighborhood like Soho where I could easily wear this comfy outfit while running errands when the weather gets a bit cooler.  I am so envious of those girls who are already busy prepping their fall wardrobe (ughhhh, I wish it got colder in Miami!).

I purchased this perfect sweater from J. Crew in 2 different colors (for our trips to NYC & Europe) because I LOVE LOVE its boxy shape, the front pockets, and borderline tunic length.  Be sure to size down 1 size to maintain a feminine shape (I purchased an xs).  I also included these Paige vegan leather leggings in the set because leather is everything this fall but if you're still not ready to commit to full on leather pants, these leather only in the front-stretch leggings in the back are the perfect pair for you!  I purchased last winter and love!

Rock your cool weather outfit with an effortless high ponytail, some oversized sunnies, trendy high top sneaks, and a bright pop of color. xx


When the temps finally cool down, what Fall trends are you most looking forward to?

This Week In Pics

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's supported my little charity project this week!  I've raised close to $1,000 so far, and am hoping that by the end of the weekend that number will be closer to $1,500!  I sincerely appreciate everyone who's helped me get the word out there about my closet sale for charity!

Here's my week in pics and you can always view these images + more by following me on instagram :) { andy_adler }

A few outfit details: Joie Edana Pants {here}, Michael Kors clutch, J.Crew bracelet {similar here }, Saint Laurent heels.

Loving the bright colors of the rainbow chard.

Its impossible to eat at Prime 112 without indulging in fried oreos.

Much harder than it looks!

Bucket list check off for my husband! Needless to say, we'll be in NYC off & on for the tournament :)

I'm always posting photos of our gorgeous ocean views, but we have pretty city views as well!

Welcome home ladies.  Isabel Marant Tacy Boots {here}

Rory Beca Keala Dress {now on sale here}, Rag & Bone Harrow boot {here}

They're becoming fast friends :)

Gorgeous koi pond at Bal Harbour Shops.

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping by! xx

The Perfect Autumn Outfit

 

Jacket - AllSaints

Tee -  Sundry

Denim - Current/Elliott 

Heels - Aquazzura

Bracelet - Jules Smith 

Clutch - Clare Vivier 

Shades - Saint Laurent 

Polish - Essie Fall 2013 "After School Boy Blazer" 

I am absolutely obsessed with this leather jacket from AllSaints.  It will definitely find its way into my closet soon!  I think this ensemble is perfect, and could easily transition from day to night.  I would wear this on a sexy little date night with the mister.  Casual perfection at its finest! xx

 

Closet Sale For Charity

Hi girls! If you follow me on instagram, you may have seen my post about my closet sale.  Basically, I am cleaning out my closet and will be parting ways with anything that I haven't worn in the past year.  Normally, I just give away a lot of items that I don't wear anymore to my friends, or I bring them back home to WA and my mom gives them to her friends' daughters who are still in high school (lucky girls!).  This time, because I have such a large quantity (which I paid a lot of money for) I've decided to sell everything and donate the proceeds to charity.  I am very aware of how fortunate I am to be living this lifestyle and that I have the means to be able to buy most of these things.  While my husband, Adam, is constantly donating to various charities, I don't do nearly enough.  The way that I look at it is like this: I could either sell this stuff, take the profits and buy a couple nice pairs of shoes, or I could take the money and actually make a difference.  Making a difference always feels so much better than any pair of shoes! :)

If you're looking for some high end goodies at affordable prices, be sure to check out my ebay page (info below).   Here's a few things that I will be listing:

• Designer denim from brands like Rag & Bone, J. Brand, and Hudson. (sizes range from 25-27)
• Close to 20 dresses from casual to cocktail.
• Uggs, wedges, booties, stilettos, and flats. (15 pairs in total, sizes 7.5 & 8)
• Lots of cute tops & sweaters. (sizes xs-m)
• Brands such as Mason, Tory Burch, J. Crew, Herve Leger, Zara, Parker, Torn by Ronny Kobo + more.
• Many items with tags still attached, and most were only wore once or twice.

Info:

Closet sale will start today at 11am & run for approx. 1 week with items being posted every day.

100% of proceeds will be donated to the Make A Wish Foundation.

Click on the link to be taken to my ebay page, and then click on 'Items for Sale' below my profile picture.   http://myworld.ebay.com/clothesaddict26 


Thanks so much for reading my blog & please help spread the word about my closet sale! xx

Vegan Chocolate Coconut Protein Truffles

Happy weekend girls!  As promised yesterday, here is the recipe for these delicious chocolate + coconut cheat treats.  This recipe is not my own, although I wish it was!  My gorgeous gf, Jenn, brought over a small batch of these delicious "ferrero rocher" type truffles that were all healthied up.  They lasted approx. 2 days in our house....we kind of liked them :)  So, so tasty and absolutely zero unhealthy ingredients!  They are extremely easy to throw together; the perfect weekend snack.  Enjoy! xx

Ingredients

1/2 c. almond meal
1/4 c. cocoa powder (I used organic, raw cacao powder)**
1/4 c. unsweetened coco shavings (I used raw cacao nibs)**
small handful of walnuts
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
2 tsp. coconut oil
1 tbsp. peanut butter
1 tbsp. sugar substitute (I used organic coconut palm sugar)**
unsweetened coconut flakes.

Directions

In a food processor combine almond meal, cocoa powder, coco shavings, walnuts, and protein powder until well combined.

Add in peanut butter, and coconut oil, and sugar substitute & pulse until thoroughly incorporated.

Roll into small balls, and gently coat the outsides with unsweetened coconut flakes.

Refrigerate for at least one hour before tasting.  

Store in fridge, or they can be frozen for up to 1 month.
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**Since my obsession with eating as natural as possible is now bordering psycho territories, I substituted the ingredients marked with the asterix in an attempt to make these even more "clean".  You by no means have to use these exact ingredients, and in fact, Jenns version that she made me was a little tastier than my cleaner version.....**

This Week In Pics

One topic, two words, and approximately 13 letters have ruled my life this past week: Potty training.  Ugh, I had forgotten how frustrating house training a dog is.  Ace is so perfect, we walk him 3 times a day, he does his business, end of story.  When we picked up Lulu a couple weeks ago, I vowed that we wouldn't use the "wee wee" pads, and would train her to only go outside since Cesar says that a puppy will pick up on house training faster when following the guidance of the older dog in the house.  WRONG!!!  We walk her outside; "walk" meaning that we walk and carry her most of the way since she refuses to walk on a leash, and occasionally she'll go potty, but more often than not her preferred choice for bathroom breaks are on one of the only carpets in our condo.  Out of frustration, I caved and purchased the wee wee pads, which she has yet to use on her own.  We've tried getting her on a set schedule so she'll learn to hold her bladder, but Ms. Lulu hasn't quite grasped that concept yet.  She just kind of goes whenever she feels like it, which drives me absolutely insane since I'm a complete neat freak and loathe the feeling of my house being dirty.  She's so young so I shouldn't be discouraged, but man oh man its hard not to be frustrated!

So our pursuit towards potty training continues......wish me luck!  xx

P.S. If any of you have any advice/tips for potty training pups, I would love to hear!

My week in pics:

Getting my juice fix!

Bright denim paired w/ neutrals.  J. Brand denim, Monrow tissue tee available {here}, Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

I love watching Adam play tennis.  He's played since he was 3 and went on to play in college & on tour.

Much to Aces delight, Lulu isn't allowed on the bed anymore....won't go into specifics :)

One of my fave snacks - half an avocado mashed with fresh squeezed lemon juice & sea salt on toast (I often eat it on gluten free crackers as well).

Zara oversized knit, AE denim shorts (probably my fave pair ever, purchased from Marshalls natch!), and fun Soludos {here}

I'm so happy I got my hands on this impossible to find Sofia Al Asfoor Shield bag before it becomes the next "Celine".   

Its the little details.....candlelight dinner I prepared for Adam :)

Beyond thrilled that Suja finally made its way to Whole Foods in the Miami area.

I love how this J. Crew statement necklace instantly glams up this otherwise casual outfit.  Also loving these new MiH Marrakesh flare jeans {here} they make your butt look amazing! With AllSaints tee & JCrew belt.

I normally don't do weekend posts, but couldn't wait till Monday to share these with you! Vegan chocolate coconut protein "trufles" will be up on the blog tomorrow!

Gourmet Greek Salad Recipe

I'm not quite sure when exactly my obsession for Milo's first started, but its a serious problem.  For those of you that aren't familiar with the Greek restaurant, Milo's is a Mediterranean restaurant with locations in Las Vegas, Miami,  New York, Montreal, and Athens.  Milo's prides itself on sourcing the very best fresh ingredients and preparing them in such a simple way that strictly enhances the natural flavors of that item.  For instance, a fish is prepared with only lemon, olive oil, and sea salt but somehow turns out to be the best fish I've ever eaten.  Same goes with their "Milos Salad" (AKA the best f*!king Greek salad you'll ever eat sent straight from the Greek gods themselves).  After eating this salad too many times to count, I finally mustered up the courage to ask the waiter if would be so kind to disclose to me how they make it.  He divulged (leaving out exact measurements, of course) and I was on a mission to recreate this in my kitchen.  Now that I've mastered it on my own it has become a staple salad in our house

This salad is bursting with flavor and every ingredient truly does compliment the other.  The key component is olive oil, so it is important to use a good quality oil.  The oil really enhances every aspect of this salad and brings out all the natural flavors - exactly what Milo's aims for.

Enjoy! xx


Ingredients
  
2 large beefsteak tomatoes / or heirloom tomatoes cut into chunks (I used yellow heirlooms because they're in season right now & so delish!)
1/3 c. good quality extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. sea salt
1 c. cucumbers, sliced into rounds then halved
3/4 c. thinly sliced green pepper
1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion
1/4 c. rough chopped italian parsley
1/4 c. kalamata olives, pitted & chopped in half
1 c. barrel aged feta, cut into 2-3" strips
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
pepper to taste


Directions

In a medium sized bowl combine tomatoes, olive oil & sea salt; let sit for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally.  

Add cucumbers, green pepper, onion, olives, vinegar and toss again.

Mix in parsley, and feta and carefully (making sure to not crumble the feta) toss once more.  Finish w/ fresh cracked black pepper & serve immediately. 

*The oil will sit in the bottom of the bowl, and can be drained & enjoyed as a nice vinegarette the next day*

 
    

Health Benefits of Lysine

You may have heard about Lysine or even seen it in the vitamin aisles at Whole Foods, but do you actually know what the heck it is and how it can benefit your bod?  Let me fill you in on a little story......

When I first moved to Miami, I was working at the Fontainebleau hotel doing VIP bottle service at a nightclub.  I had never worked in a club before, and I'm not sure if it was the environment or the backwards sleep schedule, but for whatever reason I was sick for the entire 8 months that I worked there.  I'm not talking about a little sniffle sniffle sickypoo.  I would have a cold that would turn into a sinus infection, that would turn into sinusitis and bronchitis, and then repeat the process all over again for 8 months straight.  I was absolutely miserable.  Adam happened to read an article on yahoo about the health benefits of L-Lysine and figuring that we had nothing to lose, we both started taking it twice per day.

I immediately saw results.  Within a few days my symptoms started to clear up, and about a week later I was feeling pretty darn good.  So what exactly is lysine?  Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that our bodies need it.  For years lysine has been used to bolster the body’s immune function, but recent studies have shown that lysine deficiency leads to immune deficiency. So simply put, if you are not getting enough lysine, you are far more likely to get sick more often.  It also turns out that this amazing amino acid does more than just fight germies.  Here's a few more deets about the health benefits of L-Lysine:

• Promotes normal growth and development by increasing collagen formation
• Supports the production of other proteins like enzymes, antibodies and hormones
• Promotes bone health by increasing calcium absorption; prevents osteoporosis or weak bones by reducing bone loss
• Helps convert fatty acids to energy, aiding in weight reduction
• Helps lower bad cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk for heart disease
• Promotes skin health through increased collagen formation
• May be used to treat viral infections like herpes simplex, cold sores, shingles,human papilloma virus (HPV) infection such as genital warts, and genital herpes
• Can relieve migraines and other types of pain and inflammation
• When taken with other nutrients like vitamin C, it can reduce chest pains (angina) related to heart disease
• Helps in muscle building, when taken with other amino acids like arginine

We still take lysine everyday, and in the 2 years that I've been taking it, I've only had cold/flu like symptoms twice.  If I know that I'll be traveling, I increase my dosage for an extra immune booster.  The particular brand that we take is Quantum Health Super Lysine+ Immune System, which has Vitamin C, Echinacea, Licorice, Propolis, and Odorless Garlic for added immune support.  

So next time that you're taking a stroll through the vitamin aisle at your health food store, pick up a bottle and be on the road to healthy!

**Please note that I am obviously not a doctor, and you should consult a physician before taking any supplements.**

This Week In Pics

Yayyy its Friday!!  My week has been a blur.....seriously, getting up several times in the middle of the night to take the puppy outside is exhausting.  We're all a bit sleep deprived around here, Ace included.  I'm definitely figuring out that I'm an 'I need my 8-10 hours of sleep' kinda gal.  

Since I've been trying to stay home as much as possible to ease Lulu's transition to her new environment, that means that I've had plenty of time to try out new recipes in the kitchen.  I'm really excited to share them with you next week!  :)

In the meantime, here's my week in pics (and a few from last week as well!).

Hope you guys aren't getting sick of my balcony shots! I'm constantly in awe of the beauty in So. FL.

Rory Beca maxi's are some of my absolute faves! They're so feminine and flattering.

Mozzarella Caprese salads are eaten regularly in our house and when I saw this amazing presentation on Andee Layne's blog 'The Honeybee', I had to give it a try!  View her blog here.

I love these boys so so much!

Mini pineapple grown on my balcony!

Crazy storms lately.

Casual & comfy in Siwy denim, Monroe tee, and Isabel Marant.

Obsessed lately with this rice + quinoa blend.  Also they make a blend with flaxseed, couscous, and black lentils which is equally as delish.

Veggie + rice medley using the rice above.  So healthy and easy to make!

Their first time meeting :)

Homemade oven roasted organic tomato soup I made using heirloom tomato's.

Freezing fresh fruit in ice cube trays is a fun way to make water not so boring.

Zara blouse + shorts, Prada clutch, YSL heels.

In love with this arrangement I made using roses, mini hydrangeas, and eryngiums.

No filter necessary on this gorgeous sunset!

To see these pics + more, you can always check out my Instagram account (andy_adler).  I hope you all have an amazing weekend! xx

Puppy Swag

First and foremost, allow me to officially introduce you all to the newest member of our family.......

 Meet Lulu!!! She's is a 3.2lb fluffy ball of pure sweetness and the perfect addition to our little fam!  We're so thrilled to finally have her home :)

So in honor of our little one, I've put together a list of darling pup accessories that would be perfect to spoil the four legged member of your family.

One.  Loving this dog shabby chic dog feeder!  Hand made of sustainably harvested wood, and non toxic paint available in 16 colors.  Available on Etsy, click here to view.

Two.  I love the Wildebeest Company and everything that they stand for.  This leash, collar, and baggie collection is beyond perfect.  View here.

Three.  Barkbox - a monthly subscription of adorable treats & goodies for your pooch!

Four.  Pamper Fido with this luxurious bed fit for royalty!  View here.

Five.  Lulu loves this Piggy Boo organic crochet dog toy that contains 100% organic cotton with durable threads that act as a natural tooth cleaner - perfect for teething pups!

Six.  I adore the look of this ombre rope & leather collar made by Found My Animal.  All products are 100% made in the USA.

Seven.  The Meadow Pet Rug from Wildebeest is the perfect alternative to the traditional pet bed.  Its super cozy, made of 100% cotton flannel.  It can be enjoyed as is or stuffed with blankets, a pillow, or your pups current pet bed.


Love this quote.....

How do you spoil your pups? xx

Current Obsessions

Is it too soon to be mentioning the F word?  Not that eff word.....F as in Fall!  Since moving to sunny south Florida 3 years ago, I've really missed out on my favorite season.  There's nothing better than crisp Autumn mornings, perfect temperatures, the spectacular sight of the leaves changing to orange & crimson tones, and best of all, cozy Fall Fashion.  Here's some current cooler weather faves that makes me wish we lived someplace where I could enjoy the changing of the seasons.

One.  Vegan Pull On Leggings.  (similar here)
Two.  Claire Vivier Fold Over Clutch (similar here)
Three.  Juliette Jake Two-Tone Throw Sweater 
Four.  Rag & Bone Clean Bell Jean.  (similar here)
Five.  Rag & Bone Floppy Brim Fedora (similar here, here & here)
Six.  Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard Pumps (similar here and here)
Seven.  Quiksilver Walden Slouchy Sweater (currently on sale!)
Eight.  Joie Raquel Open Toe Booties (similar here)



What are your favorite fall pieces? xx

August Fitness Inspo of the Month

The number one thing that I get emailed about is diet/fitness questions.  It seems that everyone (myself included!) is always looking to add to whatever regime they're currently on.  Since its always fun to mix things up a bit, I thought it would be fun to start a new monthly feature 'Fitness Inspiration of the Month' where you can read about gals who inspire me through their passion for fitness, healthy lifestyles, and amazing bodies. 

For Typical Domestic Babe's first fitness inspo of the month, it was a no brainer that I had to feature my friend Michelle.  I'm constantly amazed by the insane pictures of her on Instagram in yoga positions that would send me straight to my chiropractors office!  Not only is she absolutely gorgeous, she's also super sweet + one of the most down to earth girls I know.  Read more about her and her passion for yoga below.

Give us a brief bio about yourself.

I was born in the Philippines but was raised in the greater Seattle area.  I loved living in Washington and it will always hold a special spot in my heart.  

I think I took my first yoga class when I was 19.  I was never really that athletic.  At that point my exercise consisted of working out at a gym or running maybe once or twice a week.  Afterwards, I rarely stretched like I was suppose to so I naturally became very stiff.  A friend had suggested yoga so I decided to give it a go.  I found a cute little studio and started going once a week.  I can barely remember my first class but I do remember all the props I had to use to be able to get through class.  It wasn't something I kept up regularly but I did always find myself back at the studio.

Then I moved to Miami.  I didn't practice for probably my first year living here.  I had been given a free class pass for Green Monkey and decided to give it another go.  I just jumped into all level classes.  My classes were always on the smaller side so I received a lot help with proper alignment.  I bounced around from different studios but then came back to Green Monkey where I met Paula Walker.  I went to a couple of her classes a week and really started to see my practice advance.  What an amazing transformation I saw my body go through.  After a year or so practicing with Paula she suggested that I do the teacher training they offered that Paul Toliuszis lead.  I put it off the first time because I thought I wasn't ready.  Since I regularly attended Paula's classes I made a yogi friend Julie Valbuena.  Paula suggested that we both should do the teacher training.  I still felt like I wasn't quite ready but decided to do it anyways!

So in the fall of 2012 I started my 200 hour intensive teacher training.  I was blessed with an amazing group of individuals.  We had such a great time learning together.  The 10 week program flew by.  It was such an awesome experience.  I really saw my body, mind, and soul transform.  I became stronger not just physically but mentally.  I saw myself doing things I never thought I could.  I became a certified yoga instructor December 1, 2012.

You're body is unreal!  What does your weekly workout schedule look like?

Thank you for such a great compliment!  Thank goodness something I love so much does my body well.  I take class as much as I can.  Usually anywhere from 4-5 times a week with a couple of 90 minute power yoga classes.  On the days that I don't head to Green Monkey I try to do a short home practice.  I also include running 3-5 miles around the beach a couple of times a week.  Another hobby of mine is paddleboarding. Not only is it an incredible full body workout but it's so much fun and time passes by so quickly.  I recently started doing yoga on the paddleboards - amazing for your core!  I try to do that at least once a week, weather permitting of course.  I only work out in gym once a week cause I would rather be outdoors.  Living in South Beach its very easy to stay active.  If its only a few blocks away I tend to just walk or ride a bike.  

Lets chat about yoga.  Why is it so amazing?

  

There are so many reasons why yoga is so amazing that I doubt I will be to share every single one of them!  On the physical side, its a no brainer.  You get a nice, lean, toned body while becoming more and more flexible with a consistent practice.  There's so many different styles of yoga to fit your fitness needs.  Your posture slowly starts improving and you start standing and sitting up taller.  It is so necessary if you have to wear high heels regularly.  I use to have the worst back pain when I didn't keep up with my practice.  

The greatest change you will start to notice is with your self, your mind, and your soul.  I started getting this rush of joy and happiness after my classes, a high like no other.  That's what ultimately kept me coming back for more.  I started to really appreciate the smaller things in life.  Simple things like the fresh air early in the mornings, someone opening the door for me, or only hitting a couple of red lights on the way to work.  Everyday I wake up grateful for the people that continue to stay in my life, a healthy mind & body, and for the life I am so blessed to live.   You start to learn how to be mindful instead of having a mind so full that life just zooms past you.  You start to appreciate just being in the moment.  Yoga helped me get through some very hard times in my life.  I fell into a depression from partying and not living a balanced life.  It left me with myself whether I liked it or not.  I had to deal with me and all of my imperfections.  Living in Miami, where everyone seems to be so damn perfect looking, I became very hard on the way I viewed myself.  I wanted bigger boobs, a bigger butt, rock solid abs, oh and to be few inches taller.  Wishing to look like someone else is just no way to live.  With my yoga practice I learned to love my body and my soul the way it is. Of course this all did not happen over night.  You have to learn to be patient and trust the process!

Fave yoga pose and why?

 I have so many! I love to be upside down and you can definitely see that in my pictures.  I'm currently working on my handstands but I do love to pop into headstands.  Headstands can be scary.  You literally are turning your world upside down.  You dance around with fear, courage, and your inner strength.  It always leaves you with wanting more and absolutely boosts your confidence.  There are also so many health benefits of being inverted.  They don't call it the fountain of youth for nothing!  Being upside down reverses the pull of gravity and lets your skin hang in the opposite direction.  It gets fresh nutrients and oxygen to your face which leaves you with a nice glowing face. The reverse pull of gravity also greatly improves your blood circulation and is very cleansing for your insides.  Being upside down also gives your heart a break from constantly fighting gravity to get fresh blood up to your brain.  The pressure is reversed so blood flows to the brain with little work from the heart.  Time spent being upside down is really one of the best things you can do for yourself!

Ok, so I'm basically living in a headstand from now on!! :)  Whats your favorite go-to healthy snack?

KIND bars.  I have a deep love for chocolate.  My favorite bar has dark chocolate, dried cherries, and almonds.  So delicious and not a bad treat to have!   

Any specific diets that you stick to?

 I absolutely love eating.  I've been very fortunate to have a fast metabolism so I've been able to get away with a lot.  With age though, I am able to get away with less and less.  Coming from Seattle, I learned to keep it organic.  I've always shopped that way.  I try to eat as clean as possible.  I read my labels, and if I can't pronounce it I put it back.  I stay away for sodas and juices unless its freshly made.  I really don't eat a lot of meat or very much dairy.  I actually enjoy finding healthy alternatives to my favorite guilty pleasures.  Some of my favorites include zucchini crust pizza that can be made without using an animal products, as well as a vegan "cheesecake" made with just nuts and fruits.  I truly believe that once you put yourself on a "diet" and restrict yourself from certain things, you are setting yourself up for failure.  Know what makes your body feel good and eat that.  If you want to cheat more than once don't beat yourself up for it.  I believe its important to have a healthy relationship with food.  It is meant to be enjoyed!

Whats an all natural beauty product that you can't live without?

Coconut oil!  There are so many countless ways to use coconut oil.  It is an incredible moisturizer for your hair & skin and great for dry lips.  It can also be used to remove makeup and as a natural SPF 4 sunscreen - great for tanning!

Miami girls are known for their teeny bikinis and amazing bods.  Do you have any stay skinny secrets that you care to share?

It's way more simple than people make it out to be.  Know what you are eating.  Stay away from things that are sugar-free, fat free, labeled diet or heavily processed.  All that means is that it is full of chemicals.  Eat things that you can pronounce and that fuels your body. Stay active, try to sweat once a day, and do yoga of course! ;)

 

Be sure to follow Michelle along on all her yogi adventures on Instagram (@michemichee) by clicking here.  Trust me, her pics are amazing!!  :)

What do you girls think?  Isn't her inspirational story & dedication to living a healthy lifestyle so motivating?  Please comment/leave feedback, and also let me know if there's any particular questions that you'd like to ask for future "inspo of the month's".  xx