Monday Motivation

Happy Monday!

The day often gets a bad rap, but Monday’s can be great if you look at it from a positive perspective. Think of Monday as a fresh start to your week. A new day for new beginnings.  With a positive attitude, Monday can set the tone for the rest of your week.

Start the day off right by waking up and naming three things that you are grateful for. This can be something deep or simply that you woke up with a roof over your head. Appreciating what you already have will make you feel grounded and thankful for your life.

Something I like to do in the morning is read inspirational quotes while I’m either eating breakfast or in my bed, still trying to wake up. I love using Pinterest to feel inspired by other’s words of encouragement. (Follow my Pinterest @goodvibesandblueeyes to see what quotes inspire me.)

“One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day”

I also like to think of a couple of attainable goals that I would like to achieve throughout the week. These goals can be complex or as simple as making it to a yoga class. Setting goals is important to our self being and allows us to measure our personal growth and progress.

Even something as easy as making your bed in the morning or enjoying a healthy home cooked breakfast can make us feel that we have accomplished something great. Feeling accomplished can inspire us to achieve more greatness throughout the day.

All in all, Mondays can be tough, if you choose to make it that way. Changing your perspective and accomplishing a few small goals can empower you to have a great week!

Have a wonderful week, you deserve it!

Xo

Jul

SoJo Spa Club

Every now and then I like to treat myself to some form of relaxation. Wether its a massage, pedicure, or spa day, I think its so important for our inner happiness to take care of ourselves from the inside out. A couple days ago I spent a day at SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater, New Jersey and had such a wonderful day!

For only $60 you get full access to outdoor pools and baths, multiple saunas, saunas and therapy rooms, and more! Honestly, a pretty affordable price for such a relaxing and rejuvenating day. The amenities are beautiful and the staff is warm and friendly. The rooftops have views of the New York City skyline.

We started out the day by laying out by the the Silk Bath on the spa’s comfortable lounge chairs. After a little too much sun we decided to try out the pools and baths. Some are warm and some are a bit colder so I recommend testing the water with your foot first! My favorite was the Hinoki Bath because it had a faint lemon scent that very much relaxed me.

 

On our way to the Hydrotherapy Pool we walked along the Foot Massage Path. It’s basically a walkway with water and stones. It’s supposed to give a relaxing massage to the feet and provide entire body awareness. I really enjoyed this although not everyone does. If you have sensitive skin it might be a bit hard to walk through. Take your time!Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

We then made our way inside to try out some of the saunas. My personal favorite was the Himalayan Salt Sauna. This sauna is supposed to detox the body while providing purified air to ground the mind, body, and soul. You can even taste the salt if you breathe in deeply through your mouth! Himalayan salt has such natural benefits to it and I prefer it over sea salt.

After sweating and detoxing our then, very warm bodies, we tested out the ice room. It might have been unhealthy and shocking for our bodies to go from one extreme to the next, but we did it anyway. This room of course felt cooling but also very peaceful because of the icy white walls and floors.

Overall, it was a great day for a great price! I would definitely recommend trying out the SoJo Spa Club and I will be making my way back there sometime soon.

Xo

Jul

The Wellness Wave

Today, June 21st, is International Yoga Day. A day to celebrate the gifts and lessons that this beautiful practice gives us, as well as all those who practice. Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that is so beneficial to one’s mind, body, and soul.

I began my own yoga journey just a couple months ago and already am reaping the many benefits. I feel more empowered, confident, stronger, and happier. Yoga is not about flexibility or strength, but rather passion and dedication.

One of my biggest yoga inspirations is my dear friend Mackenna Atherall . A licensed yoga teacher and a social work graduate, Mackenna is dedicated to helping others through yoga and positive thinking. To share her passions about yoga, healthy living, and happiness, Mackenna created The Wellness Wave.

The Wellness Wave is a platform for people to connect and share the importance of health, wellbeing, and creating a life that you love. “My main goal is to help people (especially young women) feel empowered to take charge of their well being and own their power! Focusing less on being perfect and having the most followers on Instagram and more on LIVING. Less on being skinny and more on eating real whole foods. Having less anxiety and more trust that the universe has your back.”

Mackenna even plans to host fun personal development events and workshops around the New York and New Jersey area. Follow @thewellness_wave to keep up with Mackenna and to start your own healthy and happy journey!

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Jersey Shore Summer☼

Summer is one of the BEST seasons because there are endless options of fun activities to partake in! Besides going to the beach, there are outdoor concerts, baseball games, barbecues, and so much more that are all calling your name! This summer, make a bucket list of all the fun things you would like to do. Here are some of my favorite things to do this summer in and around the Jersey Shore.

Beach with friends – Of course going to the beach is my favorite summer option and there are so many to choose from. From Asbury, to Long Beach Island, to Belmar to Cape May, Jersey Shore beaches are beautiful. Grab some friends, a good book, and some sunscreen to have a relaxing and fulfilling day.

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Outdoor concerts – It wouldn’t be a Jersey Shore summer without going to a concert at PNC. Country concerts are especially fun in the summer, but no matter what you’re into it is bound to be a good time.

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Barbecue with friends – Grab your besties, grill up something good, and mix a few drinks. Nothing is more summery than that!

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Baseball Game – Have an all American summer by supporting your favorite team! To be honest, I am not a baseball fan, however; going with a large group of family or friends can be really fun.

Race Track – The Monmouth Race Track can be a great time. Its not Belmont, but why not dress up anyways, grab some friends, and have a day!

Sunflower Fields – How beautiful?! In August these beauties will be in full bloom. It is definitely worth a day trip. For more information go to brodheckerfarm.com 

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If you end up making a bucket list or have any more summer activity ideas, I would LOVE to see! Comment below or share with me @goodvibesandblueeyes.

♡Jul

Read This If You Are Feeling Discouraged

 

Quotes can be so powerful. A few words can inspire you, make everything seem better, and put life into perspective. I love discovering new quotes on Pinterest (@goodvibesandblueeyes) and thinking about the meaning behind each word.

We often turn to quotes when we are in a state of discouragement. When we are looking for something to be better we often find ourselves looking for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite quotes to get me through a long day.

“The comeback is always stronger than the setback”

 

“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be”

 

“Everyday may not be good but there is good in every day”

 

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there”

 

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. working hard for something we love is called passion”

“You are capable of amazing things”

 

“No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again”

 

“Remember why you started”

“The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best”

 

“You are braver than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know”

 

I hope that in reading these 10 inspirational quotes that you are able to have a more positive and productive day. If you have been feeling a little discouraged lately, read a few inspirational quotes every morning and see where that takes you. A positive mind can lead to a happier life.

♡Jul

 

 

Goal Digger

Hi prettty people!

Today, I thought I’d talk about the importance of goals and how setting a few can really change your life. In today’s social media society, it is common to see people frequently use the term “goals” in replace of sharing someone’s expression.

Couple goals

Body goals

Life goals 

These do not have to be your goals. To me, the above aren’t goals. Goals should be set from a single person with a passion to accomplish it.

“Dreams without goals are just dreams”

If you have a dream , don’t just dream it, plan it! Set a concrete goal that will get you there. Have you ever heard of S.M.A.R.T. Goals? The acronym is a great tool to use when setting a goal.

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Timely

I promise you that even setting simple goals that you can accomplish throughout the day can really leave a positive impact on your day. Waking up and saying “Today I’m going to make my bed, go to the gym, and do my grocery shopping” instead of “Ughh I need to go to grocery store, I should probably make my bed, but I won’t have time to go the gym” will entirely change your perspective and leave a positive impact on your day. For more about positivity, read my last blog, “The Importance of Perspective: 5 Easy Steps to Staying Positive.

Lead a positive life and always be a goal digger!

♡Jul

Summer Staples☼

Summer is finally here and I cannot be more excited! Besides the sun and the beach, one of the main reasons I love summer is because of the wardrobe options. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fall, but I’d trade in booties and jeans for sundresses and sandals any day.

This summer there are so many cute trends. However, you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe to update your closet. A few key pieces can elevate your closet and give you all the more options.

  • Ripped boyfriend jeans – I’ll admit, it took me awhile to get on the boyfriend jeans bandwagon. However, after purchasing my first pair I can’t stop wearing them! They go with anything, literally.
  • Small heeled sandals – I have a nude and a black pair and I seriously wear them with everything. Two inch heels are SO comfortable and dress up any outfit.
  • Crossbody  bag – A summer must! A cute little summer bag for everywhere you go! Try a fun summer color like yellow or pink. 
  • Statement Belts – Belts can easily transform a drab outfit and make it fab.
  • White tanks/Ts – My favorite! I probably wear a white T or tank almost everyday. Throw on some cut offs, trendy sandals, and a cute pair of sunnies and you’re good to go.
  • Sunnies – THE summer staple! I have so many and its always so fun to pick out which ones to wear for the day! I never spend more than $20 on a pair because I will loose them or break them in a week. Seriously, I’ve gone through four pairs since summer began.

Remember, whatever your style is make it YOU! Confidence and happiness is definitely the best accessory and is always in! What are your favorite summer staples that are in your closet? I’d love to know! Share with me on all of my social media @goodvibesandblueeyes

XO

JUl

The Importance of Perspective: 5 Easy Steps to Staying Positive

Do you see a glass half full or a glass half empty? Our inner happiness has a lot to do with our perspective on life. It’s important to be positive about life and its challenges in order to live a more fulfilling and happier life.

No matter what, life always has its ups and downs. It is so natural to focus on the negative that it can sometimes be difficult to focus your energy on the positive things going on in your life. However; it is necessary to stay positive for the well being of  your mind, body, and soul.

Of course, I too struggle with always remaining positive. It is human nature to become frustrated, angered, annoyed, upset, etc. However; I find that the more positive I stay, the happier I am. Below are some of the tips I have learned over the years about staying positive.

Surround yourself with positive people. Have you heard the saying “your vibe attracts your tribe?” If you are working towards a more positive life, it is important to make sure the people around you are also positive. Your mood can really depend on the people you choose to surround yourself with.

Focus on the positive. Of course, this is easier said than done. However; try to be a half glass full type of person and look for the good in every situation. I personally believe that everything happens for a reason. If you have a positive perspective, it is always possible to find the positive in every situation.

Count your blessings. There is so much to be grateful for! No matter your situation or what you are going though, there is always something to be grateful for. Take a moment to think about this daily.

Let it go. I know it could be hard to focus on something that seems so important. But the truth is, if that person or thing doesn’t bring you happiness, let it go. If it won’t affect you in 5 minutes, 5 weeks or 5 years…let it go. Life is too short to focus on negative energy or people.

Take care of yourself. The MOST important tip! Put yourself first! Your happiness and well being matters the most. Eat healthy, drink water, excersise, get enough sleep, and do the things that bring you happiness.

At the end of the day, it is up to you how to live your life. One of my favorite quotes ever is “The purpose of our lives is to be happy” – The Dalai Lama. Find what makes you happy, have a positive perspective, and start living a more fulfilled life♡

Recipe Time: Vegan Cookie Dough

Hello:)

I know I have been doing a lot of recipe posts recently, but I have been on such a cooking kick lately. I’m toying with the idea of becoming vegan so I have been trying some new recipes while my mind is still considering the possibility of a lifestyle change.

If you’re anything like me, you have such a sweet tooth! I don’t think an hour goes by throughout the day that I don’t crave chocolate. Seriously, it’s a problem. I recently found this recipe for vegan cookie dough that promised to be delicious and put sweet tooth cravings to bed. The only catch, it’s made from chickpeas, yup chickpeas. I’ve made vegan brownies using black beans before and vegan fudge using dates, but never something like this. I thought I would put this recipe to the test and share with you guys what I thought.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Rinse and peel chickpeas. Not going to lie, this took me quite a bit, however; taking off all of the skin ensures smooth dough. To make this easy, take a drainer and rinse the chickpeas a couple of times while moving the chickpeas around with your hands. You will start to see the skin coming off. Just pinch the skin off to separate and set peeled chickpeas aside. Once they are all peeled, rinse a couple times and then set aside on paper towels to dry.
  2. Blend the chickpeas, peanut butter, vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, and chia seeds in a food processor or a strong blender. I used the dough setting and blended until smooth.
  3. Remove dough and place into a bowl. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  4. Enjoy:)

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I actually really enjoyed this recipe. It’s pretty simple, no bake, and no oven time. The worse part is peeling the chickpeas, but you get that out of the way early on. I stored the dough in an air tight container and was able to enjoy it for a week. Guys, I’m not kidding its so delicious and it totally satisfied all of my midnight snack cravings (trust me there is a lot). I even tested it on my little brother who is such a picky eater and he loved it! Of course I forgot to mention that it wasn’t actually cookie dough and that it was made from chickpeas, but he doesn’t have to know that;)

If you end up trying this out, let me know what you and your family think of it! Also, if you have any suggestions or recommendations about what I should try out next, I’d love to hear so please share!

Lots of love

♡Jul

 

 

Recipe Source: https://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/vegan-chickpea-cookie-dough/

Recipe Time: Açaí Bowl

Hi loves!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably have seen açaí bowls everywhere, especially in New Jersey! This superfood has become increasingly popular because of its health benefits, good taste, and of course the trendy bowls that are very Snapchat worthy!  I too love açaí bowls but they can get pretty expensive and surprisingly, aren’t as healthy as you think.

When you go out for an açaí bowl they are often very high in sugar due to the juice, sugar in the granola, and various other toppings such as Nutella and honey. Once in awhile I like to make my own açaí bowls so I know exactly what is in it and what I am putting into my body.

You can find frozen açaí in most grocery stores and the superfood usually comes in small packets with easy to follow directions. The flavor and topping combinations really are endless and I encourage you to have fun with making your very own açaí bowl! Here is the recipe I used for these two bowls

Ingredients:

(for the base)

  • 2 packets frozen açaí
  • 1/2 banana (frozen preferred)
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries (or other fruit)
  • 1/3 cup water

(toppings)

  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 kiwi
  • 1/4 cup plain granola
  • 1/4 cup dried coconut flakes
  • chia seeds
  • blueberries
  • blackberries

(Side note: the possibilities are endless! Pick a couple of your favorite ingredients to top)

Directions:

  1. Blend base ingredients in a  blender ( I use a Vitamix) just until it is a smooth mix. *Tip: if the consistency is too smoothie like, you might have blended too much. No worries, just place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle on your ingredients! Arrange however you would like.
  3. Don’t forget to snap a pic!

Yup, its that easy! I would love to see your own variations and creations. Share with me on my social media and tag #GoodVibesandBlueEyes

Enjoy:)

Xo

Jul

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