Fashionably Fit w/ Jawbone UP

Any of these thoughts sound familiar?

I need to eat better. I need to get back into shape. Why am I so tired? How many hours of sleep did I get last night? Why do I feel so sluggish? I'm sitting way too much during the day. I need to drink more water. etc. etc. etc.

We all want to improve the quality of our lives by taking better care of our bodies (and mind). But sometimes we don't know how or where to start. Well lucky for you, Jawbone has made it easy to integrate both wellness and achievement into your daily life with their new UP 2 and UP 3 fitness trackers! Not only is has the system behind UP been improved, but they’ve introduced new colors and materials into the mix, so you can set goals, track your progress, and elevate your personal style, all within a fashionably sleek band.

With the Jawbone UP app, you can set your health and fitness goals, and the Smart Coach will encourage you to drink more water, take more steps, and get more sleep to enable you to achieve your goals! As you can see above, I've left my "Move" goal at the recommended 10,000 steps, but I customized my "Sleep" goal by setting it for 7 hours instead of 8 because my body feels sluggish the next day if I sleep any more than 6-7 hours (I'm weird like that). Also, by tracking the trends in my steps and sleeping patterns, I'm able to see what days I've struggled with hitting my goals and find way to improve upon that!

I live a borderline sedentary life (I work from home so my office is my couch) so the Jawbone UP 2 has helped me remember to keep active. I set an "Idle Alert" reminder on it so that if I'm sedentary for an hour, it buzzes me (literally vibrates) to get up and walk around. I also set a reminder for myself to drink water every hour and to let me know when it's time to take my pill! My favorite alert feature about the Jawbone UP 2 though is the "Smart Alarm." You can set an alarm for when you want to wake up by, and because it tracks when you're in your Deep Sleep/Light Sleep phases, it'll wake you up when you're in a Light Sleep phase between 10-30 minutes before your desired alarm time. That way you'll wake up alert, rather than groggy. Trust me, this is coming from someone who is NOT a morning person, it works!

One of my favorite features of the new Jawbone UP 2 design is how sleek and subtle the band is. Sometimes fitness trackers are too bulky or stand out too much--making you feel like everyone can see that you're trying to track your health and fitness. I like that the band just blends right into any outfit, and looks like an accessory, rather than a device.

As a style blogger, I like it when my looks are put together and cohesive, so it's such a bonus that my Jawbone UP 2 is style-friendly and pretty much goes with every outfit I wear. I like sticking to neutrals for the fall season (blacks, whites, grey, olives, etc.) so the gunmetal grey/black look of my band compliments the vibe of my style (especially this outfit)! Yay! If you love pops of color though, the band also comes in a variety of different shades, like turquoise, violet+gold, and many more!

PS. It was VERY cold outside the day I shot these pics, hence why there are goosebumps on my arm!

I've already seen such a difference in the quality of my life thanks to the Jawbone UP 2! I'm sleeping better, I'm eating better, and I have lots of energy to actually go out and do things! I love that I can physically see and track my movements and activity, and then receive feedback on how to improve and change! It's crazy how something so minimal and small can have such a huge impact on how you live your life.

If you're looking for something that will help you kickstart your goals of living a healthier life, be sure to check out the Jawbone UP 2 and UP 3. Not only will you begin feeling good about your life and goals, but you'll look good while doing it! :)

If you have any questions about the Jawbone UP devices, let me know in the comments below! I'd love to share more about my experience with it!

Have a great Halloween weekend, friends!

Cheers.

Thanks to Jawbone UP for sponsoring today's post!
All opinions and my love for this fitness tracker are my own. #StyleUP @Jawbone

Last Minute DIY Halloween Costumes + VIDEO!

Happy Wednesday!
HALLOWEEN IS THIS SATURDAY!?!?!

Hey all you Halloween procrastinators! This video is for YOU! Today I’m sharing 5 Last Minute Halloween Costumes that are not-so-typical, creative, and unique! But don’t worry, they are still super easy to make. I know there are a bunch of these kinds of videos out there right now so I tried my best to put a little twist on these costumes for ya! Enjoy watching me dress up as a Strawberry, Damian from Mean Girls, Skeleton Panda, Princess Unicorn, and of course, Crazy Cat Lady. Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on my weekly Wednesday videos (and a splash of Vlogs on Monday and/or Friday). Love you guys!

This is the LAST video in my Halloween Video Series this year!
If you missed any, check out the videos below:

DIY HALLOWEEN TREATS + SNACKS
DIY HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
HALLOWEEN MAKEUP



I post videos every Wednesday so make sure you SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

Strawberry Stem Tutorial
Skeleton Cutout Tee Tutorial

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite costume is from this video!
And be sure to have a fun and SAFE Halloween!

Check out my other videos:

PREVIOUS VIDEO: DIY HALLOWEEN TREATS + SNACKS
DIY HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
PREVIOUS VLOG (DAY AT THE ZOO)
HALLOWEEN MAKEUP
FALL FASHION LOOKBOOK

Cheers.

Easy DIY Halloween Treats + VIDEO

Happy Wednesday!
T-MINUS 10 DAYS TILL HALLOWEEEEEEEN!

A video about tasty Halloween snacks and treats? YES, PLEASE! In today’s video, with the help of my lovely momma, I’m sharing how to make 4 creative and fun Halloween treats! Three of them are for humans and one of them is for dogs (humans can eat them too I guess but I think they're pretty bland…). Samson begged us to make him some festive treats and I couldn’t resist that face soooooo yep. Follow along as we make Pumpkin Pretzels, Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats, Frankenstein Rice Krispies, and Dracula’s Dentures! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on my weekly Wednesday videos. Love you guys!

This is the third video in my Halloween Video Series this October!
Check out my Halloween Makeup video HERE and my DIY Halloween Decorations video HERE!




I post videos every Wednesday so make sure you SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

Pumpkin Pretzel Recipe
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe
Frankenstein Rice Krispies Recipe
Dracula’s Dentures Recipe

Let me know which Halloween Treat was your favorite in the comments below!

Check out my other videos:

PREVIOUS VIDEO (DIY HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS)
PREVIOUS VLOG (DAY AT THE ZOO)
HALLOWEEN MAKEUP
FALL FASHION LOOKBOOK
I WAS IN A BAND? TMI TAG
AFFORDABLE DRUGSTORE MAKEUP TUTORIAL

Cheers.

Outfit on repeat... + MY FIRST VLOG!

 

Dress: c/o Billabong
Chambray Shirt: Madison & Sixth
Sandals: Entourage [similar]
Hat: c/o LuLu*s
Necklace: Sage Boutique [similar]
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington

Just like a song, when an outfit is good, you put it on repeat.

I wore an outfit very similar to this one last month on my blog and you better believe I've worn different variations of it multiples times without feeling shame. I mean c'mon, you really can't go wrong with a striped dress + bold fedora combo! This body-hugging midi dress from Billabong is so versatile--it's conservative enough for work during the day and sexy enough to wear out on the town! I'm stocking up on striped dresses (and other striped clothing) this fall and I'm not sorry about it.

ps. If you're digging my watch, get your own from Daniel Wellington for 15% off using the code: DWauteurariel

**************************************

Yesterday I posted my first VLOG everrrrr on my YouTube channel!

Two videos in two days. I know. It’s crayyy. I hope you guys are as excited as I am about it! WOOHOO!

In this vlog, follow me, Connor, and my mom as we explore the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah! I’m been LOVING having my mom here visiting us—it gives us perfect excuses to go do more exciting stuff like this, haha. Also, if you live in Utah and are looking for some fun things to do, check out the Hogle Zoo! Our favorites were the wolves, cheetah, and bat-eared fox (cus it reminded us of Samson). Say hey to the T-Rex for us.

I post videos every week so make sure you SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

If you haven't yet, be sure to watch my latest DIY Halloween Decorations video HERE!

Also, fun little announcement: Tomorrow we are taking a quick road trip to Arizona for the weekend to attend an award show! I don't want to say much about it quite yet, but I'm for sure vlogging the entire trip so you'll get every little detail about it early next week! I'm planning on posting the vlog on Monday so keep a lookout for it!

I'm so stoked!

Have a great weekend, friends!

Cheers.

Plaid to the Bone

Top: c/o Modbod
Plaid Shirt: c/o Billabong
Shorts: c/o Aeropostale [similar]
Shoes: Converse
Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington

p-p-p-p-p-p-plaaaaaid.

(duh nuh nuh nuh nuh)

Yes, I went there. We're keeping things punny today.

I'm keeping it super casual today with an outfit I would wear to an outdoor activity of some sort. I'm thinking maybe a day at the dog park, a casual hike up the canyon, and/or power walking around the block. The chilly weather is starting to kick in here in Provo but it's only cold in the morning! Once it hits around noon, it starts really heating up. It's like summer trying to hold on with the tips of its fingers...

I love these Signature Rev Tees from Modbod because they go with pretty much everything. I love how flattering the scoop neck is and the variety of colors it comes in! Also, this flannel from Billabong is the king of cozy. I'm wearing it around my waist because it was quite warm that day but when it's wrapped around my arms and chest, I'm quite warm. The material is so soft and it even has that cool retro 70s vibe to it, no?

ps. Like my Daniel Wellington watch? Get one of your own using my 15% off coupon code: DWauteurariel

Anywho, hope you take on Thursday like a bo$$ and you're plaid to the bone.

If you missed it, watch my DIY Halloween Decoration video HERE!

It's a fun one, I promise.

Cheers.

DIY Halloween Decorations + VIDEO

Happy Wednesday!
T-MINUS 17 DAYS TILL HALLOWEEEEEEEN!

Today I’m sharing 6 Easy + Affordable DIY Halloween Decorations! These are so quick and fun to make—you’ll have your home looking spooky in no time! Watch along as I show you how to make Mason Jar Monsters, a Skeleton Cut-Out Tee, Ribbon Pumpkins, a Ghost Garland, Trash Bag Spider Webs, and Spooky Window Silhouettes. Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to stay updated on my weekly Wednesday videos. Love you guys!

This is the second video in my Halloween Video Series this October!
Check out last week's Halloween Makeup video HERE!




I post videos every Wednesday so make sure you SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

Let me know which DIY Decoration was your favorite in the comments below!

Check out my other videos:

PREVIOUS VIDEO (HALLOWEEN MAKEUP)
FALL FASHION LOOKBOOK
I WAS IN A BAND? TMI TAG
AFFORDABLE DRUGSTORE MAKEUP TUTORIAL

Cheers.

Irresistible Me Flat Iron Review

Hey frannnnns.

Today I'm sharing my thoughts on the Diamond Flat Iron from Irresistible Me! Owning great quality hair tools is something that's always been important to me because when you've got crazy hair like mine, you gotta bring out the big guns. My requirements when it comes to flat irons are they need to heat up really quick (waiting for a cheap flat iron to heat up is equivalent to waiting for water to boil), does minimal damage (nothing worse than fried hair), and be able to pack on a lot of heat (literally--because I have a LOT of hair).

The Diamond Flat Iron hits all three of my requirements perfectly!

It heats up fully in about 15 seconds. It has diamond and tourmaline technology that protects your hair and keeps all the natural oils, color and moisture in, leaving your hair healthy, shiny and frizz free. AND it can get as hot as 450 F--which is a high setting I would avoid using because that's really, really hot.

Below is the step-by-step transformation of my hair using my new flat iron!

Check out how I go from wavy and frizzy, to sleek and smooth!

(Also make sure you scroll to the bottom of this post for an awesome coupon code for Irresistible Me products!)

This is as natural as my hair gets (minus the color, obvi). I even let it air dry after showering to show how much of a mane it is!

Voila! Hair is straightened and ready for the day.

The process took about 10-15 minutes, which I was really impressed by because doing my hair can sometimes be an all-day event.

Overall, I am extremely impressed by the Diamond Flat Iron! I love how lightweight it is and how the buttons are on the inside so you don't accidentally change the settings while you're using it! I only had to go over each section of hair once to get my desired level of "flatness" which is a big plus because sometimes I have to go over 2-3 times with other flat irons and that is no bueno for my hair.

I also love how great it lasted against humidity and the "stress" everyday activities and weather puts on hair. My hair stayed smooth and straight all day! I even got some compliments on how great my hair looked--specifically how long it is. I often forget that straightening your hair makes it look wayyyy longer than usual so there's a definite plus!

If you're in the market for a flat iron, I would highly recommend Irresistible Me's Diamond Flat Iron. It's worth what you pay for it--and is actually considerably cheap if you compare it to other professional flat irons! If you do decide to get one, make sure you use the code IRRESISTIBLEARIEL to get 10% off! You can use that code on everything on the site so even if you're not interested in a flat iron, they've got curling wands, hair extensions, shampoos, conditioners, and more!

Treat your hair to a Diamond Flat Iron from Irresistible Me!
Do it.

Feel free to leave me any questions you have on this flat iron in the comments below!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Cheers.

Glad to Give

I'll admit it: I'm the WORST at getting rid of my personal belongings. I grow such a sentimental attachment to the silliest things--like clothes--so I let things pile and build up until you literally can't see the floor of our bedroom and closet. I wouldn't go as far as saying I'm a hoarder, but I do keep a lot of things any normal human being would throw away without blinking an eye.

Now that a new season is rolling around and a lot of exciting changes are happening, I felt inspired by Glad and their Glad to Give program to finally take some initiative and rid my life of items I no longer need. Since I'm evolving into a different stage of my life, my things need to evolve with me, right? But as someone who is an expert at finding every excuse to keep something longer than needed, I've had to develop a system of how to get rid of things once and for all.

Here are some tips on making your cleaning method easier:

1) Ask yourself when is the next time you'll use this item. When would I wear this t-shirt again? When would I use this shoe box again? If you can't think of an answer immediately, throw it in the discard pile.

2) Once it's in the discard pile, NO TAKSIE BACKSIES. Don't torture yourself by peaking into the pile to see if you really want to get rid of a certain something. Once it's in there, leave it. In an hour or so you won't even remember what it was.

3) Find something trusty and durable to put your discard pile in. Don't use a cardboard box that's about to fall apart or a million little shopping bags. A garbage bag is the perfect cleanup method of choice, especially these scented Glad bags! They're reliable, stretchy, and smell so fresh, so clean!

4) Donate!!! Just because you're done with an item doesn't mean that item can't have a new purpose with someone new! Think of the joy your old belongings can bring to someone in need and how someone might love them as much as you once did! We're talking Toy Story 3 here guys. Pay it forward!

It also just so happens that Glad is currently running their Glad to Give program that'll make your cleaning and donation process much easier and enjoyable! Just visit GladtoGive.com to schedule a free donation pickup by the charity of your choice! Aaaand bam, that's it! Easy peasy.

Find what inspires you to clean out your life and donate what you don't need anymore. Someone out there is eager to love that giant stuffed T-Rex as much as you once did!!

Have a great week, friends!

Cheers.

Thanks to Glad and their Glad to Give program for sponsoring today's post!
All opinions and my love for this company are my own. #GladtoGive @GladProducts @GetGlad

24.

No, not the show 24.

The age 24.

Cus I turn 24 today.

whaaaaaaaat.

Not gonna lie, there really is nothing special about turning 24.

Every birthday before 18 is all about having fun with your friends and being a kid/teenager.

18 you are technically an "adult."

19 is your last teenage year.

20 is your first "twenties" year.

21 you are an actual adult.

22, thanks taylor swift.

23, nobody likes you thanks to blink-182

But 24?

There isn't anything you can suddenly do that you couldn't before. There are no songs about turning 24. Even 25 has more significance because you're a quarter of a century old and you can rent cars without an additional fee.

24 is like a filler year where you just kind of float in limbo about your age. Not depressed about turning 24. Not stoked about turning 24. Connor did however point out that Marshawn Lynch's number is 24 which I give him an A for effort, but still not quite special enough.

Now don't get me wrong, BIRTHDAYS are always freakin' awesome.

The age I'm turning though? Meh.

So guess what, I'm promising myself to do something epic this year to make 24 memorable (since pop culture and America has obviously failed to do so). What it will be? That's for you to stay tuned to find out. :)

Now on to my yearly visit back to last year's 23rd birthday (since today's one is still rendering).

1) Last year I spent my birthday back home in Hawaii! My mom was getting hip surgery so I flew back to support and help out and my trip just so happened to overlap my special day. It was a bummer not being able to spend my actual birthday with Connor and Sammy, but I got to see all my friends and spend my first birthday in 5 years with my parents!

2) My OG, Flounder, giving me a bday kiss. Don't tell Samson, he'll get real jelly.

3) See that deceivingly cute little kitty creeping on my cake? Her name is Peewee and she was trying to steal my birthday thunder...and DELICIOUS chocolate cake my dad made.

4) Had a little sibling reunion thanks to technology.

5) Finally back in Utah the day after my birthday! Connor picked me up at the airport with a freshly cut and fluffed Samson to cuddle real hard.

6) I came home to a bundle of presents and flowers! These guys know how to spoil a girl.

7) Connor slaved over several days making me this AHMAZING red velvet cake. Possibly the best cake I've ever had.

8) Post-party Samson still trying to figure out what happened the other night...

Welp, I'm off to party hardy all day!

Here's to another awesome birthday for the books.

Past Birthday Recaps:

2014

2013

ps. If you haven't yet, watch me turn Connor into a Skull Tiger in my most recent YouTube video!

Cheers.

Clinique x The Wink

If there is one thing my eyelashes are in dire need of, it's volume. Because of my asian-ness, I was cursed blessed with very thin, very minimal lashes. For a while I thought my lashes needed length so I would buy lengthening mascaras--I looked like I had spider legs stuck to my lash line (not a good look). So after clicks and clicks of research, I realized what I needed to focus on was obtaining mascaras and products that thickened my lashes. Falsies often make my eyelids feel crowded and heavy so when I want to go for a more natural, fresh look, I use Clinique's Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara!

I recently fell in love with this mascara and the effect it has on my thin asian lashes! It's brush has a million tiny bristles on it so when you swipe it on, it coats every single lash you got. Not only does it go on thick, but it fans out your lashes (instead of clump them together) so you can achieve that bold, bright-eyed look! I would highly recommend this mascara to my thin lash sisters (and even you blessed thick lash amigas). Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Speaking of all things bold and beautiful, Clinique just launched a new online editorial hub called The Wink and it's something you need to check out pronto! The site features amazing articles, beauty tips and more, all in an easy format that can be shared with fellow Clinique beauty fans and enthusiasts! The Wink’s mission is to inspire confidence. It's not just about beauty—it’s about living your most beautiful, confident life. Think of The Wink as your essential life and beauty inspiration guide, delivered with Clinique’s trademark smile, smarts and wit!

My current favorite article on the site is this Pretty Easy: DIY Beauty Boosting Ice Pops recipe! They're watermelon + mint ice pops that are extremely easy to make and sounds sooo delicious! I don't care if summer is already over, I'm an ice pop enthusiast all year round. There are also other informative and inspiring articles on beauty, travel, fitness, and more! The Wink is very easy to navigate through and it even allows you to create your own "Canvas" where you can save, share, and shop all your favorite stories in one place.

If you're craving daily inspiration and life tips, be sure you check out The Wink!

Then come back here and let me know what your favorite article is! ;) ---a wink, get it? mwahaha

Hope you're all having a fab week so far!

I know I am because TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAYYYY! Ahhhh!

Much happy. Such excitement.

Luff you all.

ps. If you haven't seen my latest video where I turn Connor into a Skull Tiger, be sure to check that out HERE.

Cheers.

Thanks to Clinique for sponsoring today's post!

All opinions and my love for this makeup brand are my own. #TheWink @Clinique

I Do My Husband's HALLOWEEN Makeup + VIDEO

Happy Wednesday!

Welcome to the first video in my 2015 Halloween Video Series! I'll be posting Halloween-related videos during the entire month of October so be sure you tune in every week.

Today I’m FINALLY returning the favor & doing my husband’s makeup! But being the awesome wife I am, I decided not to humiliate him TOO much and do Halloween-themed makeup instead. Make sure you watch all the way through to find out what I ended up turning him into! Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on my weekly Wednesday videos. Love you guys!

ps. Watch the original video where Connor does MY makeup HERE!




I post videos every Wednesday so make sure you SUBSCRIBE to stay updated!

Check out my other videos:

PREVIOUS VIDEO (FALL LOOKBOOK)
I WAS IN A BAND? TMI TAG
AFFORDABLE DRUGSTORE MAKEUP TUTORIAL
HOW TO GET EXCITED FOR FOOTBALL SEASON

Cheers.

Home is wherever I'm with you...

Connor's Shirt: c/o The Home T

My Shirt: c/o The Home T

My Outfit:

Jeans: c/o Aeropostale

Flannel: Madison & Sixth

Shoes: Converse

Watch: c/o Daniel Wellington

Necklace: c/o Made By Maru

If you watch the TV show, Shark Tank, these shirts would probably look familiar to you! The Home T is a company that helps you show off your state pride--stylishly, of course. They have T-shirts, tanks, hoodies, hats, and more for every single US state, as well as international designs including Canada, Africa, Australia, Mexico and France. They even have a Disneyland Home T (because Disneyland is home to a lot of us, let's be real). Their shirts are insanely soft and comfortable, and made right here in the USA! As if they aren't cool enough, they donate 10% of their profits to multiple sclerosis research.

Home to me has always been my little island of Hawaii and Connor is from the great state of Washington. Being from different states makes for an interesting clash of culture for us. Connor is used to large lakes, while I'm accustomed to oceans. I'm used to summer weather all year long while Connor feel at home with the rain and overcast weather. But now that we have both been living in Utah for the past five years, the mountains have slowly but surely become our new definition of "home." I even catch myself saying things like "Well, back home..." (referring to Utah) while I'm visiting Hawaii! But when it comes down to it, once you meet the love of your life and begin a life together, home is really wherever your other half is. :) cue the *awwwwww

Make sure you check out The Home T and get yourself a piece of home you can wear everywhere!

On a random note, I started re-watching Parks & Rec again (for the billionth time).

Andy freakin' Dwyer is forever my favorite.

Have a great Tuesday friends!

and look out for a NEW VIDEO on my YouTube Channel tomorrow! xx

Cheers.