STAY CLASSY ANASTACIA

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Almond Oil for Dark Circles Under Eyes

Published by Anastacia

I have always struggled with dark circles under my eyes even though I get plenty of sleep! In fact, it’s the one reason I wear make up to begin with, to help even out my skin tone. I’ve tried other beauty products before to help reduce the pigmentation and always gave up. Either because it burned my eyes or I didn’t feel like it was working. Also, the eye creams tend be really expensive for such a small amount.

In my quest for new and healthy beauty, lo and behold…almond oil. An all natural approach to reducing dark circles under the eyes. Almond oil also has many other benefits: anti-wrinkle, moisturizing (rich in Vitamin A, B and E all good for skin), make-up remover, can be used for hair and many other things. Most importantly, almond oil is a natural and safe approach to mending my tired eyes.

I purchased the ‘Now Solutions’ sweet almond oil in the beauty section of Whole Foods. I emphasize the beauty section because almond oil used for the face should not be purchased in the cooking section. Those oils can sometimes be processed differently and include chemicals. Also, make sure to use an almond oil that is cold-pressed or organic.

It’s only been a few days, but I do believe I’m actually seeing a difference. Where I normally put concealer under my eyes before walking out of the house, today I didn’t have to. Just some ultra-protective sunscreen and gloss. Of course, this is supported with drinking lots of water, a healthy diet and enough sleep!

Check out the New Health Guide to see the many benefits of almond oil in detail!

Crostini’s at Fig and Olive: Melrose Place

Published by Anastacia

Looking for a trendy chic restaurant this weekend or even for a Valentine’s date? If so, now is the perfect time to try Fig & Olive on Melrose Place. The upscale restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with its elegant white decor. It almost feels as if you’re eating in a luxe garden patio at night in some foreign land. The menu features a variety of fresh and healthy Mediterranean inspired dishes. They have a wide selection of appetizers, including a mouthwatering selection of Crositinis. The dishes are in the $20-$30 range, but the portions are a generous size so I don’t think you’ll be left hungry. They also provide bread with three different types of olive oils from around the world for you to try before or during your meal. Your server will explain the origin of each oil at the table.

I came here for dinner on a Wednesday night and was surprised at how crowded the restaurant was. You will definitely want to make reservations when coming here. It is the perfect place to meet your girls for drinks, a date or group dinner. Sorry for the dimly lit pictures, but if you have any questions on their menu options click here or leave me a comment! Fig & Olive also has locations in New York, Chicago and Newport. Click here for the location closest to you.

MAINE LOBSTER BOUILLABAISSE 32
Grilled scallop & lobster, chilean sea bass, mussel, lobster bisque, shaved fennel saffron garlic aioli, olive oil cracker – Saffron infused Olive Oil

MAINE LOBSTER BISQUE 12
Pimenton chive mascarpone, olive oil crackers. With lobster Add 6

Olive Oil Trio selected by the server

CROSTINI – 3 for 12 | 6 for 21

Burrata, Tomato, Pesto, Balsamic

Mushroom, Artichoke, Truffle, Scallion, Parmesan

Shrimp, Avocado, Cilantro, Tomato

*Some photos courtesy of Fig & Olive website.

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes California

Published by Anastacia

As much as I love international travel, I hold something very special in my heart for ‘Staycations.’ I love a good getaway that is relaxing, but still close enough to home where you don’t have to go through check-in, security and aisle seats.

Thus, I introduce you to the luxurious Terranea (terra-NAY-a) Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes California. The 102- acre private peninsula is absolutely breathtaking. We visited in the month of February and the weather was surprisingly perfect. Although we’ve been spoiled in California when it comes to winter weather. When we pulled up to the valet, I instantly felt as if we were on actual vacation in some tropical destination. The grounds include: residential bungalows, casitas and villas, an award winning 9-hole par three golf course, an ocean front spa, restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping boutiques and the best part a walking trail along the coast. The resort is also eco-friendly.

We had dinner reservations at the hotel’s restaurant Mar’Sel, but came early to grab a drink and enjoy the lounge and walk along the coast. It was so fun to blend in with the “real” vacationers. Dinner at Mar’Sel was beautiful and romantic. My fiancé made our reservation around sunset. We sat on the outdoor patio and had appetizers and wine. By the time night fell, we were enjoying our dinner under the stars. If you live in the Southern California region, I highly recommend checking this place out for a day or weekend getaway. The rooms are a bit expensive, but do make a reservation or grab a drink at the bar to enjoy time and experience Terranea.

Easy Recipe: Roasted Spaghetti Squash (Video)

Published by Anastacia

What you will need:

One 5lb spaghetti squash
Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper

Watch my video to follow along and please don’t forget to subscribe:

Stay Clean and Think Dirty

Published by Anastacia

One of my goals in the new year is to make healthier choices beyond my normal diet and exercise routine. As I’ve grown older and become more health-conscious, it’s forced me to reflect on how important the daily choices we make can affect our long-term health. I’ve been trying to make healthier choices in my beauty routine slowly ever since the negative effects of some of my favorite makeup brands were brought to my attention from my fellow beauty/health/fashion blogger friend Hello Amanda. She started an amazing Instagram called @OrganicBunny which features beauty and skincare products the are certified organic and overall healthier for your skin.

She also introduced me to the Think Dirty App, which is a phone application that educates consumers on potential toxic ingredients in beauty products. The application allows you to scan products and get an overall rating based off of a 1-10 scale (with 10 being the worst). The app is great because it’s backed by scientific research and provides references from its studies on how the evidence is determined to be conclusive or not. If the product is not already in the database, you can submit it for research by scanning the barcode and taking a picture of the front and back of the product.

*Photos courtesy of Think Dirty Website

I’ll admit, I tried to ignore the reality of the harmful effects of products that I was in love with and swore by, but I just couldn’t do it anymore. When you know better, you instantly feel obligated to do better. I wouldn’t consider myself a full eco-beauty blogger, but I am committed to making healthier choices each day to the best of my ability. I plan to feature the products that I try on my blog and hope that it encourages you to make these healthier changes as well!

I highly encourage downloading the app, checking out the blog on the Think Dirty website, which conveniently shows you healthier swaps for some of your favorite products and of course, following @OrganicBunny on Instagram for fabulous healthy beauty products to try!

Stay Awake and Glowing with My Morning Routine

Published by Anastacia

I’ve been wanting to share this routine for awhile. I know mornings can sometimes feel rushed or groggy after a late night. I’ve been on this routine for the last few months and really feel that it helps me start my day and my digestive system on the right foot, no matter what happened or what I ate the night before…

Routine:

1 full glass of water as soon as I wake up. I always fall asleep with a water bottle next to my bed in case I get thirsty in the middle of the night. Whatever I haven’t finished, I finish immediately in the morning when I wake up.
1 cup of black coffee while I get ready. I genuinely enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning. There’s something about the smell, taste and oh yea the caffeine that really helps wake me up and focus me. I’m not addicted and typically only drink one cup per day, but I do love to drink coffee! I used to add sugars and creamers, but I prefer to get my sugar naturally from fruit in the morning or sometimes will use half a packet of Stevia.
8 to 16 ounces of green juice or smoothie. This is quick and on-the-go. I buy my green juice at my local farmers market on Sundays. It costs $8 for a quart and lasts me three days. If I have enough time in the morning, I’ll opt for a smoothie instead. To see my ‘Go-to-Smoothie’ recipe, click here.
Tea all day, every day. I have a tea tumbler that I carry around that diffuses loose leaf tea and stays hot for up to 8 hours! I fill my tumbler in the morning with my favorite herbal detox tea from World Flavorz Spice & Tea Co that I get from the farmers market. Once I’ve finished the detox tea, I put green tea into the tumbler and continue to drink it throughout the day. *Benefits of Green Tea (via Pinterest)
After all of this, comes food of course but this easy-to-follow system gets my day and stomach started on the right track! Leave me a comment and let me know your morning routine and where you might need areas of help.

Stay Skinny Detox Water Recipe

Published by Anastacia

*Photo courtesy of Healthy Holistic Living

I love water and try my best to drink as much of it as I can throughout the day. I truly believe that H2O is one of the best beauty remedies! Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Also, I’ve often heard that oily skin can sometimes be due to dehydration because your body is trying to compensate for not having enough moisture.

One of the best ways to not get bored with your water is to infuse it! This past weekend, I headed to my local farmers market to invest in a mint plant. A $4 investment to make infinite infused amounts of water (or as long as I can keep the plant alive).

Here are the simple ingredients for refreshing skinny detox water.

Ingredients (for 16 oz):

1/2 lemon sliced (Meyer lemons are my favorite to use)
1/2 cucumber sliced
1/4 cup mint leaves
16 oz filtered water
1 tbsp grated ginger (optional)

*Try and use organic produce if you can!

Directions: Slice vegetables and grate ginger. Place in a pitcher or water bottle with filtered water. Let sit for 4 hours or prepare overnight for the next day!

I use an infuser water tumbler because it’s a convenient way to diffuse and filter the water. Plus I can carry it with me everywhere while I’m running errands. I’ve seen them sold cheaply at stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. Of course, you can use any water bottle, but an infuser makes it easier if you’re one that likes to sip through a straw like me without getting chunks of fruit stuck in the straw.Hope this post encourages you to drink more water! Leave me a comment and let me know other infusions I should try!

Love these charts I found on Pinterest that show the benefits of each ingredient!

Breakfast Sandwich from Eggslut in Downtown LA

Published by Anastacia

*Pic from website.

Located in Grand Central Market in downtown LA is one hardy, ooey-gooey breakfast sandwich! If the name doesn’t intrigue you and pull you in, than the pictures on their Instagram feed certainly will. This instafamous breakfast spot, is open 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm.

The menu has six exciting sandwiches and two specialities (one being the “slut”). The slut is a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and served with a demi baguette. If you’re trying to watch your carb intake, they offer all of the sandwiches on a salad.

The line is usually long here and has limited counter seating so be prepared to get your meal to-go or find seating somewhere in the market which is like a food court. However, the pay-off of the delicious sandwich is well worth the wait!

Fresh Shrimp Ceviche Salad

Published by Anastacia

One of my favorite Mexican dishes is shrimp cevichè! I feel like I could eat it every day for every meal. It’s tangy juices are so refreshing and I never feel heavy after I’m done eating it. Since cevichè is usually served in small portions or as an appetizer, I decided to make my own in a larger version and as a salad. The recipe is simple, easy and delicious!

4 heirloom tomatoes
cilantro (to taste)
1/2 medium sized red onion
2 small avocados or 1 medium sized avocado
2 limes
1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Pink Himilayan Sea Salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon of pepper
pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
1/2 pound of raw shrimp

Directions: Boil the raw shrimp for 5 minutes or until done. The color should be bright/pink orange. Peel the shell off and set aside. Chop the tomatoes in bite size portions. Chop onions and cilantro finely or throw into a food processor. Cut the avocados into cubes. Toss the tomatoes, cilantro, avocado and red onions together. Cut shrimp into half pieces and add into mix. Squeeze fresh lemon and lime over the mixture. Add spices, seasoning and olive oil and toss together! If you can wait, put the salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This will give the seasoning and juices time to marinate the vegetables and shrimp. Enjoy!

Brunch at The Penthouse in Santa Monica

Published by Anastacia

Food with a view? Does it really get any better? If you’re looking for a new brunch spot with a view on a sunny day, you’ll want to check out The Penthouse at The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. It is located on the top floor with gorgeous views of the ocean and coastline. The restaurant has a big bar located in the center which is known for its cocktails and panoramic views.

You’ll definitely want to make reservations here as it can easily get crowded on a nice day. The menu is American, Pacific and hint of Asian cuisine. They have fresh juices, pastries, egg dishes, brunch and lunch entrees, salads, flat breads, pastas and sandwiches. Something for every palette. Click here to check out their full brunch menu.

Sea Bass Steak Sandwich

Even the bathroom has a view!