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No matter who they are, everyone at one point or another in their lives needs to just get away and relax. Whether it be to the supermarket, a friend’s house, or across the country, sometimes people long to be “free” of their responsibilities, even for a short while.

When it comes to vacationing and exploring, there are certain destinations that are a must-see because of their beauty, elegance, uniqueness, popularity, and landscape. With traveling it’s better to do it young, that way you can remember it for the rest of your life and be able to tour more readily.

Rome

This capital of Italy is a cosmopolitan and beautiful city that’s full of architecture, museums, stores, fountains, artwork, churches, palaces, statues, food, animals, and loads of history. One of the most famous parts of Rome is the colosseum, which is an historical amphitheater. There is also the Trevi Fountain, which has been refurbished multiple times and is common to throw euros into. Some foods to try while walking the streets of Rome are bruschetta, pizza, fritti, carbonara, suppli, gelato, and fried artichoke.

Arenal Volcano

Located in Costa Rica, this must see active stratovolcano and its surroundings is a fascinating sight to explore and discover. This national park is surrounded by hot springs, trails, lakes, forests, the waterfall La Fortuna, and so much more. While visiting some popular activities are walking on lava fields, watching the lava flow at nighttime, swimming in a volcanic hot spring, and enlightening one’s senses as they tour through a rainforest.

Paris

Located in France, this glorious city is home to the Eiffel tower, The Louvre, Notre-dame de Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Le Marais, and so much more. From decorated streets to dazzling lights it’s no wonder Paris is such a popular tourist attraction. Paris is also known for its foods, some of which are macarons, croissants, crêpes, baguettes, cheese, and chocolate; so you’re definitely going to want to remember to grab a bite to eat.

Bali

This Indonesian island is so energetic, lively, and colorful that you could easily spend months there touring and still have missed things. There are temples, forests, markets and gift shops, parks, volcanoes, rice terraces, beaches, valleys, waterfalls, and so much more. Bali is so full of culture that even if you don’t practice it it’s amazing to take in all the art, history, traditions, dances, healings, and spirituality.

Grand Canyon National Park

Located in the state of Arizona in the country America, this colossal canyon is a National Park and a must-see for anyone that loves nature, walking, the outdoors, hiking, touring, walking, rafting, camping, etc. Full to the brim of geological history, the Grand Canyon is an astonishing location. When visiting, you can stay at the South rim, North rim, West rim, and East rim, but for most travelers, they choose the South rim. The Grand Canyon with its gorgeous colors and sights is so vast and popular you’re going to want to book your stay months in advance.

If you’re not familiar with LIVELY, you should be. I was their #WCW of the week last week, which made me smile SO MUCH! because this brand stands for everything I live for. I didn’t realize that the founder, Michelle Grant, decided to start LIVELY and risk leaving a life of comfort in the corporate world to fill the missing void in the bra market: a brand that stands for something more than sexy models. She founded LIVELY just a few years ago, and self-funded the project. Now, LIVELY competes against Aerie, and is winning the race. Michelle is incredibly inspiring, and her story is one to hear. Listen below!

Prom is the dazzling, spectacular event that typically takes place during the junior and senior years of high school. It can take days or even months to pick out the perfect outfit for the evening, so it’s beneficial to understand the latest prom trends for 2018. Whether you’re planning on attending the event with your friends or a date, it’s important to take some factors into consideration to make more special.

Matching Outfits

It’ll look 10x better if you match with whomever you arrived with. Having clashing, distracting, or uncoordinated outfits with your friends/date won’t look good. If you color coordinate and plan your outfits together ahead of time, you’ll stand out, draw attention, and look much more fashionable.

Plus, matching outfits is in right now, people match with anything from their pets to their children, so you’ll definitely be fitting one of the latest trends.

Make the Back of your Outfit Stand Out

Directed for those wearing prom dresses, make the back of it as noticeable, or possibly more noticeable than the front. There’s a lot that can be done with the back of someone’s outfit, so why not take advantage of it. Although, try and take into consideration what you’re comfortable with wearing, don’t wear something if it’s too exposing for you. Some of the back dress styles include the keyhole, a lacey look, the droop, a clear/sheer look, a corset, bows or buttons, and slits.

Get Bold, Get Fierce, and Get Unique with your Style

Don’t be afraid to be different and express yourself through your prom outfit. Make sure to wear what makes you comfortable, not what impresses those around you. Stand out by having a creative and colorful hairstyle or facial hair, or maybe by wearing an exotic headpiece. You can also spice up your outfit by wearing a unique design; animal print, exquisite patterns, and a blast of different colors are just a few of the possibilities.

Identify the Tiny Details

For an outfit to be complete, it must have every detail thought of, no matter how small they might be. Hairstyle, hair color, jewelry, shoes, an outfit, and make-up are the main details that need to be considered for the optimum prom outfit, and each one shares an equal importance. You can be innovative with your choices by creating your own outfit and accessories; or you can simply evaluate all aspects to see what would look the best. Even if one feature of an outfit is missing or incompatible with the rest of it then the entire ensemble could be lacking or not meet up to its full potential.

Wear a Two-Piece Dress

A two-piece prom look is a huge trend right now because of how versatile the outfit can be. The outfit can look like a dress by having the bottom part be longer, or like a skirt if the bottom part is shorter. The cut off top commonly reveals the belly bottom or parts right below it; or the bottom half can ride above the belly bottom or hang low on the hips. These looks may be funky, cute, frilly, and overall glamorous, which is why they’re so popular in today’s fashion.

Since these 5 trends are perfect for a 2018 prom look, you’re bound to be the talk of the party when you use one or combine multiple.

I came across LIVELY some time ago, and was obsessed with their mission almost instantly. After doing more research into the company, I realized that the mission behind the companies stands by everything I align with. Funny story: back when I was about 16, I actually created a bra app to help young girls find bras that fit them. Because I was always busty, I had trouble finding bras that fit. I never ended up building the app out because I couldn’t afford to hire a team (apps are expensive) but I do still have the business plan I made. Now, brands like AERIE and LIVELY are taking over the bra market. Instead of companies like Victoria Secret, we’re seeing brands hit the market that are focusing on body image and self-love.

I’m honored to be LIVELY’s #WCW, and stay tuned for the founder Michelle Grant to be on This is Life Unfiltered!

READ THE POST HERE!

The most intriguing part of my podcast is that I get to speak with people from all walks of life. When I first started This is Life Unfiltered, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted it to be. I wasn’t sure the route I wanted to go down, because with any startup company, everything comes down to trial and error. I have many days where I record episodes with guests to find out that I screwed up the sound, or they didn’t have headphones in so there was an echo throughout the interview etc…which constantly reminds me that even when life is going well, something is always going to get in the way! It’s up to you, and me, to ride the wave.

I interviewed Joey Tierney a few weeks ago at my apartment in LA. I actually tried to cancel the interview, because I was so exhausted and depressed that day. I woke up feeling disappointed in myself and my work (I have many days like that) so I was no way interested in speaking to anyone!

When Joey came over, my entire day switched gears. I went from being in a weird mood to diving into her incredible story of resilience. Joey might be friends with Paris Hilton, Audrina Patridge, and Britney Spear’s, but she actually grew up in the system in Orange County. She had no parents, no direction, and no reason to make her life something positive.

But she did.

I freakin’ love Joey, and I adore her story. I think this is an episode that might make your day just 100% better, but I’m a bit biased…

Listen to Episode 18 of TILU below and on iTunes, SoundCloud and the TILU app!

You guys are probably familiar with Canada Goose, right? They’re a high-end company based out of Canada that supplies super fancy coats and outerwear for wear below 20 degrees, literally! Back when I was 14, Canada Goose gifted me an awesome jacket. I’ve worn it ever since, but now that my jacket is getting some years old, I’m ready to find the next best winter fashion product…and I think I finally found the right company!

I came across Moose Knuckles a few weeks ago, and have been stalking their rad social media pages for a few weeks now. Founded in 2009, Moose Knuckles makes the leanest, toughest and most fashionable sportswear out of all of the fancy winter brands out there. With clothing for men and women, there are styles available for just about everyone. The styles are even more affordable than Canada Goose, so you’re getting a bang for your buck here. I adore the Debbie and Rosedale bomber- both for under $800, which is much more practical if you’re looking to invest in a hefty jacket that you’ll have for years. Some of my favorite styles are below:

Don’t forget to grab a hat or scarf on your way out- you never know when you’ll need a little warmth on your head!

Ladies: I don’t care whether you’re 12-years-old or 20, you’ll quickly learn that you determine the type of skin you have as you get older. If you’re battling acne or cystic acne right now, you won’t be for forever! You don’t have to spend a ton to make your skin feel fresh and clean before and after school.

Oh, and don’t leave your makeup on (like I occasionally do) while you exercise or sleep! Apparently, that’s a skincare no-no!

Here are some of my favorite products that I keep on hand in my makeup bag.

Before we get into the makeup…I got given this personalized makeup bag for Christmas last year and it’s quite cute!

Pop & Suki Bigger Makeup Bag

The best cleanser for dry skin: 

Skoah face wash: $30

I really love this skincare chain called SKOAH. I came across them in Boston and usually get facials there when I’m in town. They have great masks and this particular face wash doesn’t make my face dry or tight like other cleansers.

The best cleanser for oily skin: 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub: $7.09

I’ve used this a few times in the past but my skin is very dry compared to oily, so I prefer to stick to the SKOAH cleanser above. But this grapefruit one is super cheap and does the job. 

My favorite 2 moisturizers:

Belif: The True Cream Aqua Bomb: $38.00

I purchased this at Sephora last year and was hesitant to try a new product that is expensive (in my opinion) but this is a fantastic moisturizer. I use it quite often, in the morning and evening, and never feel dry or tight after using it. 

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Moisturizing Super Cream: $48

IT Cosmetics is a very neat brand overall because they have crazy affordable products that truly fit in with any lifestyle. This particular cream is very versatile and though more expensive than the rest of their line, also does the job well. 

My Go-To Foundation:

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: $45

I was advised by the NARS team at their West Hollywood store to purchase this particular (foundation) and the highlighter below. I left the store very satisfied, and use both of these products on the daily. However, I have noticed that the staff their advised me to get a foundation that is 3 shades darker than my normal skin color. So if you enjoy looking like a nice orange color, I encourage you to get your makeup at the West Hollywood location. Otherwise, Sephora and ULTA staff will probably be less likely to give you a color that’s too dark for your skin tone. 

& I use it with the

NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer for $36

You know, I think this episode speaks for itself. I don’t have to say much, but I encourage you to listen to this episode. Last week should never have occurred, along with every other shooting in history, and it’s up to us young adults to join together and create the change we want to see. In Episode 17, I discuss my opinion behind gun laws and mental health, along with what my TED talk was truly like, and where my new partnership with Rutgers University plays in.

Enjoy this episode- and we’ll be back with a new guest next week!

I dragged my assistant to the Beverly Hills Hotel for tiramisu 2 days ago. This is the most outrageously overpriced ball of heaven you’ll ever eat, but it’s the only food I’d eat if I had one meal left. I was also craving that cake, and I figured I could call it a business expense by bringing her along and taking pictures. Being an entrepreanur has some perks…

This week has got me thinking a lot about the future. I had a moment yesterday where I realized I’ll be 30 years old in less than 10 years- that’s scary to think about!

Episode 16 with Simple Mills founder Kaitlin Smith is LIVE! If you’ve ever tried Simple Mills food, you know what this paleo goddess is all about