LA by Diana - Personal Style blog by Diana Marks: 2018

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September 18, 2018

Workout Anywhere with Ladder

This post is sponsored by Ladder, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
You guys know that my schedule is very hectic and every month is different. That's the reason why I love my life - you never get bored! But there are downsides to it, like inability to join a gym or commit to a workout schedule long term. Luckily though, I found this app called Ladder, and it solved my problems so easy. It's like the Uber of workouts. You match with a trainer according to your needs and he or she trains you regardless of where you are with a personalized plan - all via the app! So easy!
I love the idea that I can workout anytime anywhere! From my gym to any travel location, or simply a local beach in my neighborhood. All I need is my phone with me. Moreover, I have a personal trainer available at a click of a button at a fraction of a price. Not only does he train me, but provides accountability, motivation and consistency, everything that I lack with such a hectic lifestyle! 
Get a 7 day FREE TRIAL, followed by the 25% discount on Ladder subscription with this code: DMARKS. 

September 8, 2018

Casa Velas - A Luxury All Inclusive Adults-Only Resort in Puerto Vallarta

It's time to tell you about my ultimate favorite stay in Puerto Vallarta. You guys know from my Instagram that Puerto Vallarta trip was one of my favorites this year, not only due to the people I met, the variety of activities we did, but also for the perfect hotel, where we stayed - Casa Velas. Casa Velas is an exclusive adults only all inclusive resort in Mexico's Pacific Riviera, awarded 4 stars by Forbes Travel Guide and a member of Small Luxury Hotel Group. It has been in the top 5 on Trip Advisor for Puerto Vallarta since 2010! It feels like you are living in a tropical oasis with onsite golf course, luxurious swimming pool and organic garden. The pool is never crowded, somehow it feels that that you are visiting family or friends. Dining on site is fantastic, and room service food is equally as incredible. But if all of the above is not enough luxury for you, you can head out to a private beach club which is located 2 minutes away from the hotel. It features a pool, a jacuzzi, full-bar service and fine dining restaurant.
Photo by Kate Skogen

August 15, 2018

Kayumanis Jimbaran - The Ultimate Luxury stay in Bali

It's been over three months since I came back from Bali, yet I am frequently going back to my epic trip in memories, and my mind takes me to Jimbaran in particular, which was the last stop of my Bali adventures. I am sure, it has a lot to do with the hotel, where I stayed - Kayumanis Private Estate and Spa. It’s a high end property with massive private villas and excellent customer service, that is beyond any other I have ever experienced. As mentioned, it was my last stop in Bali, so I was already pretty exhausted from moving around and having explored Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak and Gili Islands. I wanted a quiet place to relax and recharge before returning to my hectic lifestyle in the USA, and Kayumanis exceeded my expectations in that matter.
I stayed in a private 1 bedroom villa, that consisted of a separate bedroom with an outdoor bathroom (a dream!), open plan living and kitchen area, a separate personal spa room and a huge private pool. Beyond the excellent customer service, guests enjoy a personal 24 hour butler, daily high tea, a complimentary bike service,and a shuttle service to anywhere in Jimbaran/Nusa Dua area. Hotel stuff feel like old freinds, they have many stories to share and are always happy to assist. Every single one of your needs is met and exceeded to make sure you feel comfortable and welcome. 

June 29, 2018

The Best Underwear for flattering looks

This post is sponsored by Sneaky Vaunt, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
I have always wanted to try out those magic Sneaky Vaunt push up bras everyone is raving about. I personally tried a few brands in the past, and wasn't too impressed. Sneaky Vaunt is different though. I love that their bra is thinner and feels so soft to touch, it sticks to the body so tight, that it looks perfect underneath the clothes. I also love that it amps up cleavage without making it look fake.
I have been dreaming to wear my tight body hugging velvet dress, but could never do it without a proper bra and shapewear (every girl could benefit from it when wearing a tight dress ;)). Sneaky Vaunt's shapewear feels particularly pleasing as the material is soft. It shaped my body perfectly without feeling too tight. It gave me so much confidence to wear that dress, that has been hanging in my closet for months. Can't wait to wear it more and more with all sorts of sexy looks I was hesitating to wear in the past!

June 18, 2018

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger - Queen of the South

This post is sponsored by USA Network, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
These days I am struggling with keeping up my motivation and energy, and even though I am a strong person, I do have my days like this. I consider myself lucky to live in the age where women empowerment is trending, and motivation and inspiration is literally everywhere. One of my motivational routines is watching empowering TV shows, dressing up the part and taking some time to myself. These days I am catching up on Queen of the South seasons 1 and 2, in preparation for season 3. I am obsessed with Teresa Mendoza and the way she rose up from the bottom to build her empire. She enjoys being boss, having a lavish luxury lifestyle and using her power, ruthlessly moving on after her heartbreak. Something all women could use as an example. Can't wait to see what happens in Season 3, that premieres Thursday, June 21 at 9/8c on USA Network.

May 4, 2018

My Bali Trip: Blue Karma Resort Seminyak

It's time to continue my story of exploring Bali. After introduction to the island in Canggu, and cultural zen experience in Ubud, it was time to check out the most stylish and upscale area in Bali - Seminyak, famous for the best Bali shopping, beach clubs, top restaurants and the most luxurious resorts. 
I stayed at the beautiful luxury boutique hotel Blue Karma, which is a bit tucked away from the action yet just a short walk away from the best local shopping streets, restaurants and the beach. Artistic creativity, ethnic design and a beautiful garden came together to create a unique hidden paradise in the middle of all the action. With only 9 villas from 1 to 4 rooms, the hotel feels very private and peaceful, and of course their service is beyond excellent. I stayed at a 1 bedroom villa called Lavender, and I was completely in love. I think the designers were building it specifically for me, because I would literally live in that place! Minimalistic ethnic decor with lots of wooden elements, a private pool and so much space - it is truly my personal interior dream.
Unfortunately I had to leave the hotel very early on the last day, hence cut my stay there short. But I was up for a spontaneous last minute adventure trip to Gili islands, that you can check here :)
Check out the video tour on my INSTAGRAM (scroll right for the video!)

April 26, 2018

Springtime Snacking with My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream

This post is sponsored by My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Spring is in the air, and I am back exploring my favorite healthy snack options. Luckily my favorite My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream has so many flavors to choose from! I have recently been obsessing with their Sweet Mango flavor, it's a perfect snack on the go. This is not a dessert, it's a delicious portable snack for anytime and anywhere. It's super cute looking, has a different unique texture and overall super fun to snack on! Most importantly, I can take it along while running errands and share with friends on the go too :) Check out My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream at your local retailer and online :)
Happy Snacking!

April 25, 2018

My Bali Trip: Tugu Hotel in Canggu

As you know from my social media accounts, I recently went on a solo trip to Bali, which was full of adventures and self-transformational experiences. I managed to go to 5 different places (one of them is not even in Bali, it's another island in Indonesia!) over a span of 2 short weeks, but it seemed like I spent a lifetime there. I only had my first and last two nights of the trip planned, everything else was meant to be figured out as I go. I was following my heart and local advice, and ended up having the best travel experience of my life!
Bali is truly a magical island, with its own spirit and way of life. It is made up of fascinating history, a blend of religions and spiritual atmosphere all around. Local people are warm and welcoming, they believe in karma and energy, live in the moment and practice gratitude. I learned a lot from the local way of life. All areas in Bali are different from one another with their own unique twists, however they all unite under one balinese spirit. So without further adieu, let me introduce you to each area (and the place I stayed at) individually. 
My first stop in Bali was at a coastal village Canggu beach famous for great waves for surfing, cute cafes, co-working spaces and also known to be an up-and-coming resort area. I chose to stay at Hotel Tugu, which is a family owned museum-like property owned by a renown Indonesian art collector Anhar Setjadibrata. He owns a few hotels in Indonesia, all of which store his unique collections of art, therefore being on a mission to bring back to life the art, soul and romance of Indonesia. No wonder the hotel feels like his private property, and it seems that you are just vacationing at your friend's place. From museum-like decorations and a huge collection of antiques to the greenest tropical garden area, everything at the hotel looks dreamy and surreal.
The staff treats you like family, and goes above and beyond to meet each one of your needs. I felt like I am the only person staying there, despite the hotel being fully occupied. My suite had an oceanfront view, and I had a hard time leaving my balcony both in the morning and at night - sunrise and sunset ocean views are stunning! The location of the property is just footsteps away from the beach, where I took my surf classes despite myself never being an avid surfer. Weather you are into surfing or not, I definitely recommend it for an intense workout, super fun times and even a spiritual journey. 
As for the food, I was obsessed with Tugu Hotel's cuisine, which is almost upsetting as I didn't even get to try many other places in the area. Their breakfast bowls were delicious and dreamy, and dinner at JI Restaurant, which is located on the premises serves the freshest sushi that melts in your mouth! Check out full photo diary below:

April 8, 2018

My Home Office Area

Working on my own online business allows me to be able to work from anywhere (coffee shops, hotels, my home, co-working spaces). Sometimes I am productive in any of them, but there are periods of time, when I can only concentrate in my home office. I am not one of those "girly" women, who need flowers, fashion books and candles all around my office (even though I do appreciate them outside my office space), but what I like to have in my office areas is simple minimalistic design and seamless motivational signs. Thanks to signomatic.com I was able to customize my signs for my second home office area exactly how I wanted it - from material to color, shape and font, all of which you choose directly on their website. With Signomatic.com you can design everything from exclusive company signs and advertising signs to attractive engraved door signs and interior signs.

March 29, 2018

From work to fun with b.tempt'd

This post is sponsored by b.tempt'd, but opinions are my own :) 
You know that my lifestyle is very hectic and unpredictable, which can take its toll on my stress levels and overall health. I take this seriously and try to take care of my mind and body well-being as much as I can. Luckily, I live in Venice beach, where there are countless options to unwind and take care of your balance - from sunset walks to biking, paddle boarding or exploring local neighborhood stores. We all know that staying active is the best way to have a healthy mind. My new favorite activity is Bird scooters - a fun way of transportation, that makes you feel like you are a child again. And with my favorite lingerie brand b.tempt'd, I can finally do it all almost immediately because I don't need to change.  b.tempt'd is a lingerie brand that not only fits your body, but also your lifestyle. Their bras are comfortable for anything - work or fun, plus the brand is heavily encouraging us to take care of ourselves. I wear their bras under a t-shirt for meetings and for a light activity right after; it looks and feels amazing in any situation.
Here I am wearing the b.tempt'd Modern Method Bralette - perhaps the most comfortable bralette I have ever worn, because it still provides the support of a regular bra, yet feels cozy without the extra weight. And it looks so cute - I deliberately want to show off as much of it as I can. That's why I paired it with a loose contrasted tank top - and you know me, I love black and white combination more than anything. 

March 19, 2018

Self-Care with Biore


I have been talking about self care more and more on the blog, mainly because that's what this year is all about for me - taking care of my mind, body and soul without being too obsessive about it. I am humbled to keep partnering with the companies that are on the same mission as I am, and they introduce me and my audience to new helpful products. Today's blog post is about Biore - the brand, which has innovative products that really work, with superior technology, unique ingredients, and unexpected sensorial solutions that targets the root of all skin problems - the evil clogged pore.
I am not a huge mask fan, it takes too much time and is always messy for me, but Biore One Minute Self Heating Mask is the product I fell in love with immediately. First of all, it's only one minute, second - it doesn't harden, and rinses fast and clean - hence, no mess! I love the way it heats up on the face, such a cool sensation! Plus it's infused with natural charcoal, which draws out pore clogging dirt, oil and impurities in just 60 seconds, and it's 2.5x times more effective than a basic cleanser! Handy compact packaging makes it a great product to travel with. What is there not to love? :)

February 26, 2018

Worry-Free with Kleenex Wet Wipes


I am always on-the-go - whether it's running errands, taking meetings, travelling, working, shooting, or exploring. These days my family is visiting from another side of the globe, so I literally need 48 hours to stay on top of my busy lifestyle and time with them. Balancing everything leaves no time even for some basic hygiene like washing hands regularly, and I am so happy that my new Kleenex Wet Wipes help me stay germ free and clean throughout the process - now available at Target! 
Kleenex was always known for their facial tissues, but now they are extending their legacy to a new generation that enjoys getting their hands dirty and keep moving forward with new products - Kleenex Wet Wipes. They are meant to be used every time you would like a refreshing clean to rejuvenate yourself - whether at home or on-the-go, on hands or on your face! They have 3 types of wipes (only $1.49 each at Target!) - gentle clean, germ removal and sensitive. 
I use them throughout the day - in between meetings, before and after a meal in my car (guilty of that!), during extended periods of time in public places and on my face after a long day. Get them at your local Target or on Target.com.

February 16, 2018

Welcome to My Home

I can say confidently that this post is the most anticipated on my blog ever. I moved to a new place more than half a year ago, and was teasing you guys on socials promising to show you my decor ever since. I didn't realize that furnishing and decorating my place entirely from scratch will take that long - perhaps I am too indecisive, or just a careful tastemaker. In any case, it was a big project for me, and I enjoyed the experience (even if it was stressful at times). While decorating is a constant work in progress, I couldn't be more excited to finally show you the first version that I am truly happy with. I decided to go for a mid-century all white decor with a few boho details here and there. I feel like this decor represents my personality the most at the moment, and every piece that is here is chosen with love and attention. The place is fairly small, and I tried to keep it cozy yet minimalistic. I actually adopted elements of minimalistic lifestyle in all aspects of my life, and it has helped me so much mentally.
Let's start the tour with the living room, where I spend most of my time - on my cozy white couch from Crate & Barrel, in particular. All the rest of the furniture comes from Rove Concepts - literally the best furniture I have ever seen. My coffee table, moroccan pouf and TV stand are all from their Kure collection, I am completely in love with its solid quality and amazing design. I can definitely say, that Rove Concepts is for perfectionists! More importantly, I am almost scared to browse their site, because I always feel like I need to buy everything (even if I have no space for it). Trust me, when you discover their quality, you'll get addicted as well.
Of course I couldn't get a place without a fireplace - it makes such a difference in creating a cozy environment. I use it every single day since I moved in. As for the art, all of it is from Minted - my favorite go-to place for amazing art pieces. The "Staredown" photo, that you see framed to fit my interior perfectly thanks to my local Universal Art Gallery (I second LA Magazine, they are definitely the best framers in LA!), is by far my favorite art piece that I ever owned. This photo has so much energy - power, strength, stillness and stability. Everything that I strive for. The rest of my art pieces are more of a romantic nature - to showcase the feminine side of my personality. 
The dining room and the bedroom are the areas, where I decided to mix in other decor elements, such as boho motives and quirky vibes. I barely ever sit at my dining table (I spend most of my time sitting at the bar area that is not pictured in this post), hence there was no need for a big dining table. It almost looks miniature, but definitely sits up to 4 people comfortably. The planter above it is from We Are M.F.E.O., I have been obsessed with it the moment I discovered it on Instagram. And the straw hats on the wall are a final touch that added those boho and beachy vibes to the whole decor. 
My bedroom was a challenge. With 2 huge closets on both sides of the room, I wanted to keep it as minimal as possible. My bed is from Rove Concepts (obviously!) - definitely the best bed I have ever had. I am in love with their built-in solid panel foundation, makes it so sturdy and comfortable. Not to mention that the design of it is perfect. Having romantic art, minimalistic mid-century bed, I needed to add some quirky elements to showcase that private side of my personality, so I added these fun all-white tiny nightstands that I got on Amazon. Bedding is exclusively from Brooklinen, I have been their fan for over a year now. Candles around the house are from them as well. 
I hope you enjoy this little tour of my cozy place. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

February 15, 2018

Style Without Stiffness with TRESemme Compressed Micro-Mist


As I get a lot of hair questions and compliments on my socials, I decided to dedicate a whole blog post to this topic and share my new favorite product with you. My hair always appears to be naturally styled, and while it is true, there are a few products that I use here and there to maintain this style. My go-to hair is styled with a flat iron and a hair spray. But I am very specific about my hairsprays, as I don't like "sticky hair" look that some might create. That's why I am using breakthrough new TRESemme Compressed Micro-Mist Hairspray Texture that helps me style my hair without stiffness for a natural, lasting hold that will move with me. I even tested this on a recent walk on the beach ;) They have 4 sprays in this collection: Texture, Smooth, Boost and Extend - and all of them are great!
This spray is perfect for both everyday style and a date night look. Your hair will look intact while maintaining life and movement. All of it is thanks to the new breakthrough Micro-mist technology, formulated without clunky particles (unlike other traditional hairsprays), and packaged in a special can for a more targeted, efficient spray for a flexible hold. Also, due to their new packaging, the hairspray is smaller in size, yet contains the same amount of product. Plus the package looks very sleek.
I also love the fact that it is available at my local Walmart, which, we all know, is a convenient place to shop. Let me know when you try it out, would love to hear your thoughts!

February 13, 2018

Stay Balanced with Michelob ULTRA


Let me start this post by saying that I am not the biggest beer fan by any means. Reason is that beer is one of the most calorie packed alcohol beverages out there. But these days I am leaning more towards a specific product - Michelob ULTRA! 
Did you know that this premium fitness beer brand is only 95 calories and 2.6 carbs per bottle? When I found out, I was so excited. Now I don't have to sacrifice all those hours at the gym for a little chill time. Refreshing and light, Michelob ULTRA is for those who want to have it all (and don't we all? ) - stay fit, lead an active lifestyle and still be able to have some great social time. Balance is what I strive for in life, and Michelob ULTRA is all about it, especially the concept of no dieting, but heaving a steady "diet" of friends, fitness, and occasionally laughing a little too hard. 
It was the perfect way to relax and unwind upon arrival to Pismo Beach on my recent road trip - makes it so much easier to stay on track with my diet and calorie intake, even when I am travelling.
Check out their super awesome Michelob ULTRA 95k Experience Sweepstakes, where you can win tons of awesome prizes NOW!

February 6, 2018

Why Health is More Than A Number


While concentrating on working out regularly, I started completely forgetting to keep my weight in check, so it was no surprise that when I got on the scale last month, it showed me a higher number than I expected. Even though it IS just a number, it's a great way to stay in check with your routine, and adjust your course of action accordingly. 
Luckily I now have the new Nokia Body+ , which is not just a scale, but a body analyzer with info on your weight, bone mass, muscle mass, and fat mass. I love the fact that it pairs with a free Health Mate App, which allows me to keep track of everything automatically. You can add up to 8 people to the scale, and they'll all be able to track their progress. All of this makes me feel extremely excited about living in technology era. Not only it's helpful, easy and useful in so many ways, all this technology is looking so stylish and modern. My Nokia Body+ also fits my interior perfectly! And to make things even crazier, your scale is can now provide you with a weather report :)
And how do you keep yourself in check?

January 18, 2018

Winter Skincare Survival Tips

This post is sponsored by Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant, but opinions are my own :)

Here in LA the weather has been changing like crazy lately. It was rainy, gloomy, sunny, hot and cold several times in one week only! Needless to say that the weather is taking its toll on my skin. I am particularly struggling with dryness and feel like I need a refresh. Luckily I discovered some amazing tips from Dove Dermatologist, Dr. Alicia Barbra, that help me stay on top of my winter care game. 

1) Lay off intense exfoliation and moisturize nightly. It's so true, I kept exfoliating in hopes to clean off dead skin cells but ended up stripping my skin of its essential oil, which lead me to breakouts. It was a long and annoying process to get my skin back to normal. Now I am trying to get my moisturizing game back on track to avoid that in the future by using overnight moisturizing masks.

2) Care for your underarms. Underarm skin is sensitive, Dr. Barba says, and clothing fabrics can irritate it (especially in winter, with layers, sweaters, etc!). Under all those layers we need a protective product that will keep the skin hydrated. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant is the one I use personally, it makes my skin feel so soft, fresh and smooth!  I love that it also provides 48-hour odor and wetness protection. Check Dove Advanced Care out for yourself here.

3) Sunscreen for all seasons. Harmful UV rays don't take a break for cold weather. Always protect your skin regardless of the temperature outside. In winter time, consider switching to a moisturizing sunscreen to keep your skin extra hydrated.

4) Invest in a hydrating cleanser. Dry skin is more than just annoying and uncomfortable, it can lead to serious skin problems such as worsening of eczema, psoriasis and can be a major cause of winter itch. A great way to fight this is to use a hydrating cleanser and make sure to moisturize the skin after cleansing. 


5) Moisturize beyond the face. I am guilty of that throughout the year, not just winter. Sometimes I neglect areas outside my face and my skin pays for it. You want to be active in treating neck, chest, hands and elsewhere at all times, Dr. Barba says.

January 16, 2018

Protein Packed Snack to Fuel Your Day


As I keep mentioning on the blog, this year for me is not about committing to new goals, it's about sticking to a long term lifestyle (much longer than a year!). While I keep making progress in finding balance between regular workouts, getting enough sleep and fueling myself right, I stumble across new products, that quickly become my favorites. Like Oikos® Protein Crunch, for example. It's a combination of smooth Greek nonfat yoghurt with tasty toppings to give the yoghurt you love, the crunch you want, packed with the protein you need. It gives you more of the nutrients (protein + fiber) you want, with no artificial sweeteners, to help keep you going. Weather it's a post-workout protein snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a healthy breakfast,  it's a great option for hustlers on-the-go, who are obsessed with healthy lifestyle. The added benefit is that it's available at your local Walmart - so easy and convenient! Try it out and let me know you thoughts, use Oikos Protein Crunch Ibotta Offering for a great deal ;)

January 12, 2018

Neu Year, Neu Daily Beauty Regime


New Year is in full swing. Can't believe we are already almost half way through January! Anyway, I am going to continue my topic of New Year's non-resolutions. What I mean by that is that I actually changed my lifestyle and approach in life instead of making new plans for every year (and let's be honest, resolutions don't work!). Along with my workout routine, I am continuously sticking to my make up routine. I actually had the same attitude towards make up for years, only changed up my products every once in a while. These days I am a fan of Neutrogena Cosmetics for their SkinClearing Cosmetics. I control my breakouts since early twenties and I am always excited to discover new products that help me with that. I try to stay away from heavy foundations during daytime and only wear them when I go out to events, but with Neutrogena SkinClearing Cosmetics I am set for nights out as well! Their SkinClearing Liquid Make Up has a wide range of foundation colors, and it was super easy to find my match, I apply it all over the face with a sponge, add SkinClearing concealer under eyes and necessary areas and finish with a light touch of SkinClearing Powder. Super easy, fast, affordable and so good for my breakout-prone skin! Neutrogena SkinClearing Cosmetics also works to improve skin while covering all the imperfections. Such a perfect solution for my nighttime looks now!
More importantly, the products are available at your local Walmart and on their site. You are welcome ;)

January 5, 2018

How I Stay on Top of an Active Lifestyle After the Holidays


2018 is here! Happy New Year! A lot of us are trying to keep up with our New Year's resolutions, and as for me, I decided to make this year completely different. I don't have any! I do have my overall life resolution though - to be a healthy, active and fulfilled version of myself, and I try to stick by it regardless of the new year ;) 
Active and healthy lifestyle is something I am struggling to keep up with at times, but it seems that over the years I finally got a hold of it. I stopped beating myself up for skipping the gym, found new ways of being active (it got easier after moving close to the ocean and discovering my obsession with bike rides along the beach) and started listening to my body and mind. It is really interesting to see how I transformed, and it's all thanks to letting go of some of my mind limitations. I started doing more weight training, I switched my cardio to outdoor activities like biking and I started taking regular walks again. Every week / month is different, but what I saw is that the key is regularity, not frequency. December was super busy, and I only managed to work out 2-3 times a week, but I found out that it was enough to transform my body and keep my mind sane. Sometimes it's not about killing yourself at the gym every day, it's about doing it right and balancing yourself.
It does help to have a little bit of an energy boost before workouts at times, especially now after the holidays when we actually struggle to get back to our routines. It can be a light pre-workout snack, a cup of coffee or my new trick - Alert Caffeine Gum. It's a caffeinated chewing gum for adults that provides 40mg of caffeine, or about the same as half a cup of coffee, one 12 oz can of soda or a half of one 8oz energy drink. What I love about it is the fact that there is literally no effort involved - just chew your gum and get the boost! It's super portable and does the trick for me. Learn more about it HERE.