Lena Dunham, Self Love, & Her Upcoming Book

(photo from NY Times)

Lena Dunham is probably my biggest crush. The way she writes Girls and the amount of self confidence she possesses is such an inspiration. I have touched on it briefly, but I have body image issues. I spent years hating the way I look and comparing myself to other women, which are the farthest things from taking care of myself and loving me, wholly. If I'm being completely honest, Lena's perspective on body image has helped me work on caring for myself and begin not caring about what anyone thinks of me or how much space I take up in this world.

With all that being said, of course I pre-ordered her upcoming book of essays, Not That Kind Of Girl. After reading so many reviews, my excitement to read her work has only grown. This book is sure to be unapologetic, honest, and full of real experiences that are far from perfect, just as her writing for Girls has displayed.

I'm really curious though, do any of you have the same issue? How do you promote self care and body positivity? Lets talk about it <3

Xo,
Kass

P.s. If you're as excited as I am about this book, be sure to keep an eye out on the blog because I plan on doing a review on Not That Kind OF Girl and would love to discuss what you thought of it, as well. 

5 Ways To Kick-Start A Healthy Lifestyle

Hey everyone, I hope your Monday hasn't been too rough! We've spent the day around the house, cleaning and organizing, so it's really nice to sit down and do some blogging. Some of you might have seen my post this weekend, Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge, I was motivated to begin the challenge because I'm wanting to make some positive changes in my life. I feel like moving is a good time to develop new habits, so I'm here today to share some ways that I have found helpful in forming a healthy lifestyle!

1. Add A Brisk Walk To Your Daily Routine 

This is one I've been trying to do with my Fiance and our pup. Walking everyday not only helps to get your heart in shape, control high blood pressure, strengthen your bones, and keep a healthier weight; It also is so beneficial for your spiritual and metal health. Being outside and closer to nature brings peace and allows you to get vitamin D, which is very important when battling depression. A nice walk, fresh air and time in prayer always helps me to calm my nerves. Get outside and get moving, even if its only for 10 minutes!

2. Drink More Water

This tip is vital for your body's health. I know that it's hard for me to remember to do, and the only time it really tastes good is when my body is in desperate need of hydration. With our bodies being made up of about 60% of water, drinking half the amount of your body weight is the suggested daily serving in order to maintain a balance of body fluids. There are so many benefits to drinking the appropriate amount of water too! It energizes your muscles, keeps skin looking good, helps with kidney and bowel functions, and as a bonus, it helps control caloric intake (Woo!). I have found that when I make a pitcher of infused water, I will actually drink it throughout the day, rather than drink sugary beverages. Bembu has a great variety of delicious recipes. (P.S. After the pitcher is empty, you can continue to add water for 2-3 days before having to start a new batch of infusion.) 

3. Eat More Whole Foods

No, I don't mean the store (hehe). I mean, shop the perimeter of the grocery store. More veggies, fruit, whole grains, and natural proteins are absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and local is best. Easier said than done, right? For this step I have to recommend taking it slow at first. Don't focus in on what you shouldn't be eating, but instead, add the good grub to your diet. This is one I'm struggling with, but I'm slowly making progress. It takes time, patience and self-control, but whatever you do, do not get too down on yourself. Remember, It's not about losing 

weight, it's about caring for your well-being.

4. Start Cooking With Organic Coconut Oil

I started using coconut oil as my go-to cooking oil about two years ago and I swear by it. I've never had an issue with it affecting the taste or texture of my food. It makes a wonderful substitute for butter and other oils that aren't very beneficial for your body. Coconut oil is known to help maintain a healthy blood pressure, positively affect the hormones for thyroid health and blood-sugar control, and it lowers cholesterol. There are many other uses and benefits in using coconut oil. Wellness Mama has more details here.

5. Try Morning Yoga 

Starting the day with a sequence of poses is a great way to wake up and get going with a positive attitude. I find it really helpful to tune out everything else, focus on breathing and stretch all the tension away. I love this Good Morning Yoga Sequence, but there are plenty of poses for all levels of experience. It's surprising how rejuvenated you'll feel after a week of daily yoga. Better yet, before the cold months come, go outside and do it! 

I'm so glad I could share these tips with you. I hope you found them to be helpful and motivational. I'd love to hear about the ways you maintain a healthy lifestyle, leave me a comment! 

Let us show our bodies love,

Kass

5 Timeless Vintage Hairstyles!

My first 'Hair-do Appreciation' post I shared about pigtail buns. Today I want to talk about some iconic ladies from the past and their hairstyles that are still so popular! I know each one has inspired me in my personal style :)

                                                                                                                   

1. Fringe Bangs // Anna Karina
The face of French New Wave and the Actress I am most inspired by. Her fashion sense, classic long bob with fringe bang, and cat-eye is such a killer combo! Every time I see this style I'm always reminded of Anna Karina.

2. The Pixie // Mia Farrow

Okay, so I'll admit I had no idea about her influence on this hairstyle until I watched America's Next Top Model when Tyra would have the girls' hair cut to look like hers in Rosemary's Baby. It was not too long ago that I was so inspired by her look, I went ahead and cut my hair off and later bleached it blonde, haha. I'm not sure a pixie is going to happen for me again, but this cut is so low maintenance and fun!

3. Wavy Volume With a Big Headband // Brigitte Bardot
Another former French actress, Brigitte rocked the volume no matter up-do or down. She was known as the most liberated woman of post-war France in the 60's and later became an established animal rights activist. (Go girl!)

  4. Blunt Bangs // Bettie Page

She is so famous for this hairstyle, you can walk into any salon and say you want her bangs and practically every hairstylist will know what you're talking about. Bettie Page made this look as big as it is today! This is a bang cut I return to again and again when I need a change, and the black color to match is always perfect.

5. The Middle Part // Brooke Shields

Last but certainly not least, this style has been become one of the latest trends, but it was Brooke's signature hairstyle during her teen years. I wasn't bold enough to try out this 'do until this past spring!

What are your favorite hairstyles? Are you courageous enough to try something out of the norm? I'd love hear from you :)

Kass

Friday Faves! v.2

T.G.I.F. I hope everyone is having a super start to the weekend! This week has certainly been more laid back, which is really nice! Tonight I'm going out on the town for a dear friends birthday and I'm taking my camera with me. It should be nothing short of a blast and I'm so excited to take part in the celebration! This week for Friday Faves I have some links and releases I'm just so excited about. So without further ado here they are below and have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Scathingly Brilliant's Kate Gabrielle announcing her newest Etsy shop, Yourfanclub I had to share this amazing Ron Swanson Fan Club pin! She also has so many other notable wonderful pins such as Dwight Shrute Fan Club pins, as well as Fox Mulder Fan Club pins! I'm just oogling over all of them!

I don't mean to be loving on the period ad campaigns so much, but Always came out with such an uplifting new ad that explores what it means to do something "like a girl". It's super inspiring and pro-woman, I love it!

Daniel Radcliffe talks about "the friend zone" on an interview about his upcoming movie, What If and his answer was brilliant!

Cam and Joe tied the knot and returned from their honeymoon with an adorable post documenting their trip on Cam's blog! (Less than two months to go for Tim and I, EEEP!)

My blogging friend, Abigail at Mama Kelley also wrote a very note-worthy post about her "perfect" life featuring a raw look at married life with a baby and how not-so-perfect it really can be. I loved the emotion and it actually made me feel a lot better about our worst moments at home, here too.

One of my most loved bands, The Gaslight Anthem released a track of their upcoming album, Get Hurt! I just can't stop listening. This band can do no wrong!

I love these his & hers wedding vow notebooks so so much! 

I found these monogrammed succulent planters to be very inspiring! I may just have to make one myself for a DIY project.