It’s been gloomy in California lately and I decided to spend the afternoon at home “pampering” myself the other day. I think it’s important to realize you don’t have to spend a whole bunch of money to feel better about yourself. No matter how great I feel with fresh highlights and a new outfit, it would be a pricey habit to rely on spending all of that money to brighten my day.

Sometimes just spending a hour or so on yourself is good enough! I was feeling like a hot mess – with un-brushed hair and chipped nail polish – when I decided to go for a run/walk but right when I laced up my shoes, it started raining. I could have done another workout instead but I decided just to go for it. Oddly, running in the rain makes it more pleasant for me.

• After my workout, I had one of my favorite protein packed snacks – snap peas dipped in hummus with hot sauce and a string cheese.
• Then I took off that chipped nail polish! Typically doing our nails is thought of pampering but because of all the chemicals in nail polish, I feel better when my nails are bare. Scrubbing off my O.P.I. and cutting/filing my nails makes me feel best.
• Next I took a hot shower and SHAVED even though it’s raining here and I won’t be wearing shorts anytime soon. Nothing gets you feeling like you brought your A game like smooth legs.
• After I showered, I slathered myself with avocado oil – how California of me, I know.
• I got dressed and, for once, avoided yoga pants or leggings, opting for jeans. (Full disclaimer: this was more for Mike than me;)
• Next I dyed my  eyebrows. Some people feel best when they’re having a good hair day, for others it’s all about their outfit, but for me? when my eyebrows are a tad darker than their natural state that I feel my best.
• While my eyebrow dye sat and dyed, I brushed my hair (it is all too often that my hair defaults in a messy bun on top of my head) and fish tail braided it to get it out of my face. Braiding my hair is one of my favorite things to do – it’s so simple and really gives you bang for your buck because after you take it out, you’re left with pretty waves. Two hairstyles out of one? Sold.

After I felt like a human again, I hit the kitchen to try out a new recipe. I originally saw this recipe on the YouTube channel What’s Up Moms (which I am obsessed with, even though I’m not a mom yet). There are a few alterations but it was delicious!

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Creamy Avocado Pasta

Prep time: 15 minutes – Cook time: 15 minutes – Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1.5 c of your favorite pasta (I used brown rice and quinoa)
• 1 bag baby kale
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/4 c basil
• 1/2 c cherry tomatoes

Directions 

• Cook pasta according to package
• While pasta is cooking, add kale, pealed avocado, olive oil, garlic and basil into blender and blend until smooth
• Strain pasta but keep some of the water to thin out sauce (if need be)
• Pour sauce (thinned out with pasta water, if needed) over hot pasta
• Add sliced cherry tomatoes and mix together
• Serve and enjoy!

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Stay tuned and eat your greens.

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** Note this blog went through a rebrand and is now veg vibes; which aligns better with the direction I organically gravitated towards. It’s all about your vibe **