10 tips for feeling good & healthy

Lo and I are constantly talking about certain habits or things that we do in our daily lives to feel our best. From recipes, to yoga, to getting a good night sleep, there are certain things that we swear by in order to feel good & healthy and we are each sharing our top five things with you today. Find them below + get the details for these over-the-knee boots and the rest of the outfit at the bottom // xo

images by felicia lasala

LO

1. I used to be all about high-intensity works outs, and even though I crave one every once in a while, I recently created a new work out routine that feels best for my body: hiking, practicing yoga, and a weekly pilates session. I have noticed such lengthening in my muscles and a more relaxed body and mind. Stressful days seem to affect me less!

2. Making a nutrient-packed smoothie in the morning seems to start the day on the right foot. I feel so nourished and energy-filled to take on the day ahead!

3. Getting a massage every couple of weeks is so important and necessary for my body. I found this place down the street that is extremely affordable, so that helps to fit it into my lifestyle without spending a fortune!

4. Bath-salt-filled bubble baths are essential for me, especially when the weather cools down. Also, doing consistent face and hair masks bring me life, so I usually incorporate the two at the same time. All of these spa-at-home activities help me relax and wind down from the day.

5. Good quality time with my man is something I can't live without. We try to change it up between last minute getaway trips, movie nights at home, sweet and intentional conversations around the table, evening strolls, or a spontaneous date night.

MELISS

1. Staying hydrated is key. I have a glass life factory bottle that I carry around everywhere with me and am constantly refilling it.

2. I have seriously not been sick since September 2015 and I truly believe it’s because how much I sweat. I do hot yoga about 3 times a week and do about 30 minutes in an infrared sauna once a week. Ridding the body of toxins and heating up your core is a good way to keep the common cold and viruses going around at-bay.

3. I typically always have a mug of Rishi turmeric ginger tea before bed + am in bed reading and unwinding around 9:15pm every night during the week. I usually sleep 7-8 hours- straight through. I am a major morning person so I am up at 5:30/6 ready to roll.

4. Eating a ton veggies is a must! I get a veggie fix with almost every meal, starting with a romaine, carrot, cucumber ginger smoothie in the morning. That is not my breakfast however, just my post-workout drink! It’s a great way to get veggies in first thing.

5. Worrying is a no no. Worry = stress, which does not make for a happy soul. I used to be a worry-er but spent many months praying about it and reading biblical verses/ listening to sermons about worry and fear. I have made a ton of progress and can truly say that I rarely feel worried now because of my increased faith. Faith and fear cannot coexist! I do believe that less worry makes for a healthier life + a happier soul.

the outfit: boots (c/o) // denim (c/o) // sweater (c/o) // sunnies

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a sale we love

you guys- a shopbop sale is happening and it's so good

get the details here + below are our favorite things XO

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Everlane gives back

Happy Friday, you guys. We hope that you had a sweet Thanksgiving day yesterday, enjoying it with loved ones over good conversation and yummy comfort food.

As we all know, today is black friday and there are many amazing deals to be had. It's no secret that today and Cyber Monday are both great times to get going on that Christmas gifting list.

We were so excited to hear that Everlane is using today as a way to give back to the people in their factory in Vietnam. A few years ago Everlane started their 'Black Friday Fund' where they use the profits made that day and put them toward helping the workers at one of their factories in some way.

This year, they plan to give helmets to 8,000 workers in the factory that they use in Vietnam. Having a safe helmet is unfortunately not common in Vietnam, even though traveling by moped is extremely common. 35 million people travel by moped every day in Vietnam, but less than 20% do so with a safe helmet. This is clearly a very alarming statistic, so Everlane is doing something about it.

Shop at Everlane today and help them reach their goal and give 8,000 workers in the Vietnam factory a safe helmet. How amazing is that? Just by shopping on their site today you can be part of their incredible mission.

Below are our favorites and thank you, Everlane, for being so incredible.

This gorgeous sweater

These classy black pants

This cool bomber

These leather shoes

A chic sleeveless turtleneck

A stylish ribbed dress

This timeless coat

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image via Everlane

thankful for the love

  

This Thanksgiving we are feeling extra thankful for love- the unending love from the Lord, love for one another, love for life’s sweetest moments, and love for everyday moments as well.  We will definitely be counting our blessings all day long and we hope you will join us.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” Psalm 107:1

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the outfit:

 cape jacket // from anthropologie

 sunnies // (c/o)

denim // love levi's

 top // actually a bodysuit

belt // western inspired

 shoes // under $100

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images by felicia lasala

morning routine + favorite bomber

the outfit: bomber (c/o) | skirt (c/o) | tank | sunnies (c/o)

shoes c/o (here, too) | necklace c/o (here, too)

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Hey guys! Lo and I both love our mornings, but spend them pretty differently. I live by myself in a one-bedroom apartment in Annapolis, MD and Lo obviously lives in LA with her husband, Jason! Below we are sharing a few details on a typical weekday morning for each of us.

lo

I really love mornings because I usually get up a little bit before Jase, so I have that peaceful alone time to go in my favorite chair in my office and read and maybe start a few emails if the time allows! Then I go into the kitchen to make a lemon water and our morning smoothies! By this time, Jase is usually awake, so we chat and snuggle and get ready for the day together!

melis

Mornings are my favorite. During the week I wake up at 5:30am. I have coffee first thing and make my bed. Two days a week I go to yoga at 6:15 and on the three days that I don’t, I go down to my apartment gym around 7 for 20-30 minutes. On gym days, I blog from 6-7am. I have to leave for work at 8:30, so I use the remaining time to shower, get ready, and make lunch and breakfast. It sounds like a lot, but somehow it all gets done and I feel super productive by the time I leave for work!

how do you spend your mornings? let us know in the comments below.

*images by felicia lasala 

fall dress + precious weekend time

The weekends are precious, you guys. Lo and I always look forward to them as I am sure do as well. It usually means more downtime, less work, more fun times with your friends and family, and quality time with your significant other. Weekends also allow more time for hobbies, errands, and things that you have been wanting to do, but didn't have time for during the week. Precious weekend time goes by fast though, and before you know it it's Monday morning once again.  To savor weekend time as much as possible, we try to intentionally put away phones every now and again through out the weekend. This isn't a "rule" by any means and it's not 100% of the time, because phone calls with friends/family members, Instagram moments, and other iPhone things are fun and part of weekend life. However, putting the phone away does open up time to fully appreciate the moment, your surroundings, and the people in your life. Give it a try this coming weekend and let us know how it goes. For us, our minds, hearts, and eyes always love the break from screen time. Details for this fall dress look are below // xo meliss + lo      

the outfit: 

dress // same one in different color (c/o)

booties // on sale! (c/o)

sunnies // old

bag // (c/o)

 similar sweater dresses:

dreamy fall color combo

   

I absolutely love simple statement pieces, like this kimono jacket. It's one of those unique, special pieces that you just slip on and you instantly feel stylish, confident, and comfortable. I've paired it here with Paige denim, Everlane boots, and a striped bodysuit.

The dreamy, classic combo of black and white stripes, denim, and camel is one of my all time favorites. This is a look that I would definitely wear during the day, but it could also transition to a dinner date outfit or happy hour with girlfriends. Since I live in LA, light layers like this kimono are perfect for fall, since it's not too heavy but it still has a fall look and seasonally appropriate vibe.  xo

the outfit: jacket (c/o) | denim (c/o) | bodysuit (c/o) | boots (c/o)| sunnies (c/o)

images by felicia lasala 

click to shop:

black basics for fall & winter

black leather crossbody: the city girl bag by hobo

black leather booties: accordion booties by seychelles

faux leather skirt: [old] from mango | similar | similar

moto jacket: [old] from loft | similar | similar

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Wardrobe necessities are a real thing and these four items fall into that category- black leather bag, black booties, a cool black skirt, and a moto jacket. All four are timeless, versatile, and forever in style. The key is to invest in quality styles that you really love, to ensure that you will keep reaching for them time and time again // xo melissa

holiday season mindset

photos by felicia lasala

the outfit: sweater (c/o) | leggings (c/o) similar + similar

lip color | bandana (old- similar)

Now that it's November, our minds are starting to get into holiday gear. Thoughts of holiday plans, invitations, family time, meal planning, decorating, and gift giving are beginning to come to mind. We are of course very excited, as the holidays are such a special time to give thanks, count our blessings, give, love, celebrate, and enjoy. It also seems to be a time though when overspending, over-indulging, stress, super busy calendars, and tiredness are too common. That being said, we invite you to join us as we make a conscious-effort to not get swept up in the "madness" and not fall into the "more, more, more" trap that seems to go hand-in-hand with the holiday season. Instead, we want to take one day at a time, keep healthy habits going strong, spend within our means, commit to plans wisely, and take time to rest and savor the season. Doing so will free up time to do what really matters- spend precious quality time with loved ones // xo melissa

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