I am finally getting better! I have been sick for the past two weeks with a nasty virus which sent me to the ER. I ended up booking a flight home to Michigan, so here I am, sitting on my couch in front of the fire watching Sex and The City and writing you this handy dandy little guide to stay healthy this season. Thanks to the team over at Eat Clean, who wrote this post.

1. Wash your flipping hands. My mom is a stickler for this and I always am like "yeah yeah yeah, i've got you girl." But seriously, make sure you wash your hands frequently; before you eat, when you come back from errands/work, at the gym, just basically if you have the opportunity to wash your hands, do so! And don't forget to use a moisturizing hand lotion so you don't chap your skin.

2. Eat rainbows of veggies and fruits. The best way to pick out your fruits and veggies is by picking veggies that are the colors of the rainbow.

3. Yes to yoga. Yoga has been one of the most rewarding practices that I've added to my routine. I go to an advanced yoga class at Equinox, but what I love most is the teacher's invigorating and motivating attitude. Yoga is a physical workout and a mental workout.

4. Breathe. Yoga focuses on the breath, but you can do simple breathing exercises on your own to reduce anxiety. When I'm not prepping for auditions, I'm usually equally as spastic and stressed out so breathing techniques are something I have to force myself to learn and practice, but well worth it for health overall.

5. Walk. I have a weird theory that walking and moving around strengthens your immune system. Steve Jobs believed in walking to boost creativity and productivity. I recently moved from Chicago to LA, and I am walking a lot less, and driving a lot more. Even in Chicago's harsh weather and daily subway rides, I never got sick. Once I moved to LA I started getting a lot of respiratory bugs (pollution I know) but I also think that the lack of walking is a culprit too. I've made a point to find ways to walk more and go on hikes. Indoor air is also where germs are circulated and re-circulated so getting fresh air is in your best interest.

6. Journal daily and set goals. Keep a journal, or even better a gratitude journal too. I always feel lost if I'm not writing down my goals (long and short term), and also journaling my emotions and current challenges. Right now I'm all up in the air about moving to NYC and journalling is helping me make the right choice.

7. Drink more water! Not only does it make your skin glow, it cleans out toxins from your body and energizes you. I like my water ice cold and with lemon.

Most of these tips are a no brainer, but worth revisiting to make sure you are hitting the basic principles of good health!

Morning routine

I am a morning person! So obnoxious I know! But I do love to be awake before everyone else and get a head start. 

The way you start your day can make it or break it. 

1.) Decide to be happy. That's an easy one. But you have to really mean it! But being grumpy is not a good look, and also complaining is not an answer...if you don't like something then change it! 

2.) Sweat it out and release endorphins through exercise. I workout right when I get up, no makeup, no breakfast, I just hit the gym and go hard before my body realizes whats going on. I also feel amazing after a morning workout as opposed to one later in the day. Also you burn more calories if you eat after your workout . 

3.) Reflect...Gain clarity about your life, some people pray, I personally just think while I am working out and try to pump myself up. I think about my goals and ask myself what can I do differently today. I try to always outdo myself and do more than I did yesterday. 

4.) Planning. Time management is something I feel I can always use guidance on. I try to prioritize my tasks by what will have the best outcome, and also school always comes first. 

I am a clean eater so after my workout I will have fresh fruit, oatmeal, or eggs. I drink green tea or grapefruit juice and a glass of water with lemon( I don't like coffee!) Eating healthy is something to feel proud about so celebrate your victories (no matter how small they may be) throughout the day!

Also, I am excited about 2014. I know it is already day 20 but I think it will be an amazing year for all of us! Just keep working at whatever it is you need to improve on. Everything get's better if you keep at it! And focus on your "why" or purpose (whatever excites or fulfills you). Do something every day to get you closer to your goal/dream. 

And lastly...Life is supposed to be fun!

Okay I am off to bed xoxo, Goodnight loves. 

Don't let your clothes wear you down! Organization 101

For some reason cluttered spaces give me anxiety. Ironically, I'm a complete mess when I get home from class or a long day. I usually throw my clothes across the room and put on my workout clothes and head to the gym. My life has very little time for cleaning or myself so I am making one of my resolutions to be more organized. 

Obviously us girls have a lot more to keep in check then boys, and especially girls with a flare for makeup and fashion. (You don't want to see my vanity table when I leave in the morning-its a mess!) 

 Photo: http://www.songofstyle.com

* A quick tip i jotted down in my notebook: Never let one item enter the house without another item leaving the house. (Donate, resell, give to a friend, etc.) 

1. Arrange your closet by items you wear the most towards the front, and items you wear the least towards the back. It's important to edit your closet so you can keep an eye on what works and what can be pitched. 

2. I organize my closet by item: all of my dresses together, all of my skirts, blouses, jackets, cardigans, etc. 

3. If possible, store your wardrobe that is offseason somewhere else. I get plastic bins from Target and store in a separate closet and under my bed. 

Photo credit: via Diana Hernandez Pinterest

4. Keep your shoes visible... or if you are like me you can keep your accessories and jewelry visible as well. I bought a gun rack from an antique flea market and painted it and put jewelry bars across it to hang my necklaces. It get's people talking and is a great way to showcase my accessories. 

5. Invest in the right hangers. I personally like the velvet ones because my clothes stay on them and they don't rip delicate fabrics. You can buy them at Target, Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond. 

Have fun! And stores like salvation army are a great place to look for goofy odds and ends for your closet. I'll show you this awesome octagon coffee table I bought at a thrift store recently. I think I'm painting it Dark Salmon, Grenadine, or Par Three Green. I'll show you guys in a DIY post coming tonight or tomorrow!

Home inspiration: Boho and lofty

I love hardwood floors and lots of natural light, white walls to keep it clean and elegant all year long. 

The fun comes in with oriental rugs, furniture with a lot of personality, and interesting pieces from stores like Anthropologie.

Photos courtesy of Domainehome.com 

Home inspiration: Eccentric and rustic

Photos: Domaine