LA by Diana - Personal Style blog by Diana Marks

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.

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.

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? :)

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.

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.

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!

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!

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?

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.

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 ;)

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 ;)

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.

Lighting Solution with Lamps Plus

As you know I have been working on decorating my new space for almost half a year now, and finally all pieces are about to come together. The final touches were lighting and art. While art is already in the mail, I was finally able to concentrate on lighting. I am thrilled I discovered Lamps Plus at a perfect time, they have so many amazing lighting solutions. Their table lamps help me satisfy two rules of thumb: You should have a mix of light sources at different levels and appropriate lighting for whatever you are doing in the room (i.e. reading). Go check out Lamps Plus site and their inspiration pages for more!

Copper Makes it Better with Absolut Elyx

Being originally from Eastern Europe, I am expected to know the difference in the quality of vodka. And I have to be honest here, I haven't tried all vodkas in the world, but I tried a few, and I can give you a few tips on how to establish whether the vodka is good or not. There are two characteristics that I go after when choosing the right vodka - the brand, that I trust, and the price. Alcohol is the one product you can't be cheap with, because it's the key factor of the whole experience of drinking it. Most of us drink it socially, so it's important to have the whole experience safe, luxurious and entertaining. Plus it's not just the alcohol, it's everything around it - from where you drink, who you drink with and what you drink from. For those reasons, my ultimate favorite is Absolut Elyx, which is the ultimate expression of Absolut Vodka. It's the first single estate copper crafted luxury vodka of exceptional quality and silky smooth character. It's produced using winter wheat grown on one single estate in Southern Sweden, where the company traces and controls the quality every step of production - from seed to bottle.

Absolut Elyx is more than just a vodka brand - it's a liquid that tells a story with a lifestyle that embodies the hospitality, integrity, playfulness, warmth and style, which, by the way, happen to be my personal values as well! Especially integrity - it's one of my key principles in life, and I am glad it's one of the main values of Absolut Elyx. From the way they make the vodka to their environmental policies and water donation program, they truly redefine luxury and high quality business. That's the company I want to support!

Did you know how copper plays the lead role in the production of Absolut Elyx? The whole process is known to select few, but copper is integrated in every step, from copper catalyzation to rectification. It's their unique way in which Absolut Elyx gets its rich silky mouthfeel. And since it's all about the experience, the ultimate addition to vodka drinking is the glassware, where Absolut went above and beyond with their copper barware. It looks and feels luxurious and precious, which makes the whole experience 10 times better. Visit Absolut Elyx Boutique and check out their timeless stemware and bartools. Or at the very least, treat yourself to some Absolut Elyx and celebrate in style! And take advantage of 25% off site worldwide if you order until Monday night! Hurry up!

The Perfect Gift for Holiday Parties

Holiday season is the busiest time for me, but when the holidays actually arrive, it gets peaceful and quiet. It's the perfect time to reconnect with friends or family, decompress and disconnect for a little. And the best gift for me is time. Time that I can share with people that matter. Thankfully they kindly invite me to their gatherings at home (I don't cook, so it's better to join friends that do :)). I used to be anxious about being invited, because I never knew what to bring, until I found the perfect gift and a great companion to every party involving adults - wine! It's the best holiday gift that I repurpose for different invitations. I try to make sure that the packaging looks festive, it always adds a little holiday cheer to the whole gift giving experience. Wine creates warm memories and is a great way to connect and reconnect during those rare get-togethers!
As you know, I am a fan of Wente Vineyards wines in particular. Red or white, you can never go wrong with them! Plus they have the wide variety of wines for every budget. Wente is offering a 25% OFF discount on their site exclusively for you guys! Just enter 25TOAST at checkout! Cheers!

Healthy and Simple Snack with Bellwether Farms

As you know my life is insanely busy and I am always on the go. It often takes its toll on my health and wellbeing because I have a risk of skipping meals and overeating next time I eat. Therefore I am always looking for food hacks and healthy snack alternatives. Recently I decided to go back to basics, and rediscovered my love for yogurt. But not just any yogurt - sheep yogurt from Bellwether Farms.

It has the most nutritions whole milk, which has more protein, good fats, and vitamins and minerals than either cow or goat milk. It's also the most digestible, which makes a perfect snack! Instead of making recipes with it, I just enjoy it alone and it became such a favorite of mine. When I say I got back to basics, I went for it fully, so I go for the simplest flavors - plain or vanilla. It's perfect in between meetings, as a post workout snack or just as a little pre-dinner appetizer to enjoy while taking a neighborhood walk with a view.

I love that Bellwether Farms is a family-owned farm and creamery in Sonoma County, California. So not only I support small businesses, but also local farms. I also love the fact that the their full-fat sheep yogurt is probiotic and contains 12 live, active, beneficial cultures free of antibiotics and growth hormones. And lastly, during September Bellwether Farms is partnering with Whole Kids Foundation and donating $1 of every cup of yogurt sold to support schools and inspire families to improve children's nutrition. Get a discount for Bellwether Farms sheep yogurt at your local Whole Foods with the coupon provided on their site.

Perfect Lingerie: from Bedroom to a Girls' Night Out

This post is sponsored by b.tempt'd, but opinions are my own :)

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I am showcasing more roles in my life than just a blogger and influencer. I am also an entrepreneur, a self-made woman and hopefully an inspiring voice.

I believe that women shouldn't just show their pretty faces and impeccable taste, but celebrate and showcase how smart, sexy and confident they are. We live in a great age for women and I support female empowerment all the way. I am glad that my advertising partners celebrate it as well. Today's blog sponsor is the lovely b.tempt'd, which is a versatile, youthful and original line of lingerie products. It looks a-ma-zing! And feels even better! Soft, incredibly comfy and sexy textures with lots of lace and colors. It is the brand for young established women who love their bodies and treat them accordingly. Most importantly, some pieces can be worn as a layering piece or a stand alone garment for a night out, like my incredibly cute b.charming bandeau that I styled in a playful summer look pairing it with a cute mini skater skirt and a denim jacket :) I love that it's is thin and soft (feels like you have no clothes on!), but yet it's so supportive and cute! Another bra that you'll see in the shoot is the grey b.charming front close t-shirt bra - it's obviously very supportive, plus there are no annoying hooks in the back - just a pretty lace texture all along! I just want to show more details of that bra every time I wear it.

And their panties! Don't even get me started! So soft and soooo beautiful! I am a lace underwear kind of girl, so b.tempt'd lace kiss bikini and b.enticing boyshorts are the winners for me! They both are such different styles, but yet the same feeling of comfort and pleasure! Love every single piece!
I am sure b.tempt'd will be in every girl's lingerie wardrobe in no time. And by the way, if you are a male follower, you know what to get to your lady as a gift! You are welcome ;)

The Ultimate Margarita Recipe

The content is intended for adults of the ages 21+

I am not a big drinker, but when it comes to hosting a girls get-together in the summer time - Margarita is my favorite cocktail of choice. Whether it's frozen or on the rocks, from delicious variants like strawberry to chipotle and more... It's actually the #1 cocktail in the US, with 70% of them made from scratch at home...who knew? :) Today I am going to share with you the one secret ingredient that turns ordinary margarita into a an extraordinary one - Agavero Orange. It's a tequila based liquor (delicious on its own too!) that is the perfect addition to any margarita recipe. It's Gran Centenario tequila's perfect match, and it's your dance partner, party pleaser and top-secret ingredient ;)

My ultimate margarita recipe is ironically very simple. I am not a big cook, neither I am a great mixologist. I prefer to eat simply and mix accordingly. Here is my ultimate recipe for the simplest and delicious margarita:

- 1 part Gran Centenario Tequila

- 1 part Agavero Orange Liqueur

- 1 part lime juice

Shake and pour over ice! Serve with salty rim and enjoy ;)

And what are your favorite margarita flavors?

Back to Athleisure

Athleisure style is huge trend these days and I couldn't be happier. What can be better than the look you can take from gym to brunch to strolling around town. I love this look that I created with VIP.com latest collection. Their site is amazing for finding great limited deals and discounts. The items are super adorable (as you can see), shipping is easy, and the selection is always changing. The top that I am wearing here has the cutest print I have seen, and the leggings are a classic staple piece. You can use code Diane724 for $5 OFF on orders over $50 at vip.com.

Wipe the night away with these affordable products

I don't change up my beauty routine too much, because if I find products that work, it's hard to convince me that there is something better out there. But every once in a while I explore new products out of necessity, like having to stay overnight at a friend's house because it's too long of a drive back home (LA problems!). On one of those nights I was forced to go to a local Walmart and find myself a whole new beauty routine at an affordable price as I only needed it for one night originally. After exploring countless options, I got myself 4 products that are now my favorites long after I needed them for one time use. Not only they are effective, they are also extremely affordable and they all smell delicious! Here are 4 top products that I hand picked from the shelves of Walmart:

1) For the glowing skin, I recommend to exfoliate 3x a week with St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub - love the smell and the texture!

2) Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes are a skin savior wherever the day takes you, they are easy to use and super effective!

3) Start the day fresh with Noxzema Classic Clean Original Deep Cleansing Cream - love the eucalyptus smell!

4) For night time moisturizing I recommend PONDS Dry Skin Cream to lock in moisture for those who suffer from occasional dry skin.

All of these products are available at your local Walmart with great saving deals. SHOP HERE!

5 reasons why I love living in Venice

This post is sponsored by ForRent.com but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As you know, I made a big move last year (within LA area) - from a perfectly clean and safe Beverly Hills to a diverse and vibrant Venice Beach. As a former luxury freak, I thought I wouldn't like Venice (or anywhere outside Beverly Hills), but it turned out that not only the area and the beach culture grew on me, but it also taught me so much about myself and opened up my mind in ways that I never imagined. As a creative constantly looking to get inspired, I can't imagine any other place to live that will give me so much satisfaction. So here are the best things about living in Los Angeles, particularly in Venice.

1) The weather. The weather in LA is perfect for long term living. Not too cold in the winter, warm summers (with chilly nights so that you are not too hot) with perfectly blue skies without a single cloud on them.

Back to Classy

As you know my style got more casual chic, and deviated from my classy vibe, and I am very happy with an organic transition. But every once in a while, I love going back to my "classy" looks, especially since classy doesn't have to be expensive thanks to my friends at vipme.com site. All details below:

Great Summer Snacks with My/Mo

This post is sponsored by My/Mo but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

You guys know that I am obsessed with food hacks and latest treats and inventions in the food space. So here is another discovery of mine - My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream. It's definitely something. A combination of deliciously chewy mochi dough with mouthwatering melty ice cream in just the right amount. At only 110 cal per serving it's a perfect snack or an addition to ANY meal this summer. Seriously! I already tried My/Mo Mochi Ice Creams with every meal and at any occasion. Weather it's after a tennis game, a snack while chilling by the pool or mid-afternoon bite, it's my perfect companion this summer. Love all their flavors. They are so fun and instagram-friendly: ripe strawberry, sweet mango and cookies and cream. Try it, and you won't regret it ;) I found mine at my local Pavillions, find your nearest location for these delicious snacks HERE.

Meet a Celebrity at Barnes & Noble + GIVEAWAY!

This post is sponsored by Barnes & Noble, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

We are so "digitized" these days that we forget how fun it is to go to actual book stores. I remember years ago, when I just moved to LA, my local Barnes & Noble book store used to be my favorite place to hang out. They have great atmosphere, good background music, coffee and books available for purchase and/or reading there - what else do you need for a perfect afternoon?

And I didn't realize that it's also a great place to meet other interesting people, including celebrities too! Barnes & Noble host more than 100 000 events per year, bringing major authors, actors, musicians and other influential figures to their stores across the country. All you have to do is buy their book, and you can talk face to face with Cameron Diaz, Kim Kardashian, Bruce Springsteen etc. Check out your local Barnes & Noble store locator and their events and find out where to meet Kevin Hart, Eddie Izzard, Bethany Mota, Sherman Alexie and Don Winslow in June alone! Meeting celebrities is easier than you think these days!

Also, super exciting giveaway! You can win a $20 Barnes & Noble gift card, just visit the Barnes & Noble store locator and comment which author/event you are most excited to attend! Don't forget to leave your email so that I can contact you!

Transition Easy with tasc Performance

This post is sponsored by tasc Performance but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

I love the fact that fitness clothing is becoming more fashion friendly, and we can easily transition outfits from yoga to working out to hanging with friends these days. And tasc Performance is taking it to a whole other level with their innovative and comfortable performance lifestyle clothing, and they start with their fabrics! Their fabric blends are sustainable, chemical-free and derived from the highest quality natural sources, including bamboo, merino wool and organic cotton. When I wore this outfit I didn't want to take it off! I started the day with a light workout at the park, and transitioned it to a chill brunch + a beach bike ride with friends. tasc fabrics deliver the luxuriously soft feel paired with natural moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ sun protection and odor resistance without sacrificing style. They have the cutest styles and colors! Check out their performance wear HERE. AND USE A 20% OFF code experiencebamboo

Discover Your Unique Personality Type with Good&Co

This post is sponsored by Good&Co but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

We are fortunate to live in a time, when information is so easily accessible, innovation and individuality are encouraged, and growth and progress are the definition of success. We can also learn about ourselves much faster with the help of personality quizzes and tests, and therefore choose a better fitting career path. My new favorite way to learn more about myself is the Good&Co app. It's a self discovery app that uncovers your personality type through a set of fun quizzes. It helps you discover your strengths and weaknesses, find a career you love, learn how to succeed in it, explore your work style and how to become a better leader. Not bad for a simple app, right?

I took the first test to get my custom Strengths Card, which showed (or rather confirmed) that I am a strategist, a go getter and a visionary, and also confirmed just once again that I have a creative personality (along with other traits like discoverer, innovator etc). It's pretty fun to discover your unique personality traits, and to find a new or adjust your existing career in case the one you have no longer fits your personality. As for me, I am sticking with the same path as it still fits me perfectly - creating great content, negotiating on my own behalf and having my own schedule :)

Download the app and take the first Good&Co quiz yourself. Unlock the Strength card, discover in-depth insights into your work style and your compatibility with others and companies!

Protection without Distractions with U by Kotex Fitness

This post is sponsored by U by Kotex Fitness, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summer is around the corner and we are all trying to get our bodies ready for those bikinis and hit the gym as much as we can. I initially went back to my regular workouts to get in better shape for the summer, but now I do it more for mental reasons. Regular exercise supports my energy levels and my sleep patterns and elevates my mood. So many perks!

But we all know how easy it is to break the pattern and slide out of the routine. When I have a long break from the gym, I drag going back and end up not going for weeks or sometimes months. And for us, ladies, it's especially hard to stay on track when that time of the month comes along. All we want to do is stay home and do nothing, even though we know that exercise will actually help us feel better. Well...gone are those sad days, because U by Kotex Fitness is a new product line designed specifically for that time. They have a whole line of products such as pads, liners and tampons, that are shaped to fit and flex with your body, and uniquely created for exercise. Designed specifically for bodies in motion, each U by Kotex Fitness product offers you comfortable protection that stays in place - so you don't have to! I love that U by Kotex Fitness products support my decision to be my period boss. Learn more about U by Kotex Fitness here.

Life Hacks: How To Indulge Mindfully with VitaTops

This post is sponsored by VitaTops, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

My life has always been an "organized mess", as I call it; and you guys know about it. I don't shy away from stating the reality of my behind-the-scenes, which is sometimes full of events and meetings, sometimes full of boring and unproductive errands, and always full of emotional highs and lows. It's a mess, but a mess that I learned how to survive and thrive in. With such a hectic lifestyle, I rarely have time to cook, and, even if I did, I am just not a big fan of cooking. Therefore, I always try to find different products that can make a healthy, delicious and fast meal or snack on the go. I love sharing them with you guys, so here is another discovery of mine - VitaTops MuffinTops!

Join Me At KAABOO Del Mar

This post is sponsored by KAABOO Del Mar, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

If you have been following me for a while, then you probably know that I am all about experiencing life and getting out of your comfort zone. That is why this year I am challenging myself to a new experience. I am going to be attending a music festival for the first time. In the past I avoided such events, but there is always first time for everything. Especially if you find a more comfortable and quality experience that is not just another music festival ;) So here it is! After careful research, and due to the line up being just recently released yesterday, my festival of choice is KAABOO Del Mar. It's a live music festival and cultural experience in beautiful Del Mar, San Diego happening this September 15th-17th at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. I was just in that area last weekend, and instantly fell in love with the area. So pumped to go back there in September!

My Favorite Pieces from Uniqlo’s Spring Collection

This post is sponsored by Uniqlo USA, but my love for their modern apparel is my own.

Spring is around the corner, and it's time to switch our wardrobes and get out of our coats and sweaters into a more breezy stylish wear. This time I am partnering with Uniqlo to showcase their apparel that comes from their Japanese values of simplicity, quality, and longevity. I love the how I was able to find amazing elegant pieces for a great price, and the quality is just superb. Their spring collection is incredible, and being a classy girl who was tired of casual winter wear, I went for their women's drape long jacket with matching jogger pants in a beautiful brown color, that is a perfect shade for this spring. The material is resistant for wrinkling, and shapes the body perfectly. As elegant as the outfit looks in heels, I absolutely love the way it looks with my fashion sneakers, creating a perfect balance of casual and classy. Check out Uniqlo's spring collection HERE.

Health and Wellness in the New Year with Olly

This post is sponsored by OLLY, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Last year was a very challenging year, and it is taking it's toll on me these days. Not only you guys are seeing that my creativity and overall drive has declined significantly this month, but I also hit my lows with depression and anxiety. But it's life, things happen and we learn how to get back on our feet. I am now actively trying to get back to my normal routine and get my health back on track.

Regular sleep is obviously important, just as much as workouts and fresh air. But there is one thing we don't nearly get as much of these days, and it's probiotics. They support our immune system and digestive health as well as overall health and wellness. They also support regularity or relieve occasional constipation. Thanks to OLLY Quick Melt probiotic sticks I can immediately jump start my wellness journey. OLLY created this delicious, multi-tasking blend of good bacteria to help support digestive health and overall wellness. OLLY packed 10 billion live cultures from four scientifically studied strains into everyday single-serving stick. Perfectly portable and totally tasty, OLLY probiotic sticks make it east to be good to your gut wherever you are. That's what I start my wellness journey with!

Try a free sample of OLLY Quick Melt Probiotic Sticks HERE, while supplies last. Plus you'll learn how to save 20% on your next online OLLY purchase.

Augustine Prague: A Luxury Collection Hotel

Last year was full of travel experiences for me. I stayed in lots of lovely hotels, from big chains to boutique ones, and one of my favorites and freshest in my memory is Hotel Augustine in Prague. It was my first time visiting Czech Republic, and the hotel was a perfect choice. It is centrally located in a quiet neighborhood walking distance to city's sights like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, and, most importantly, it has the most fascinating history.

The hotel's suites feature amazing views of Prague castle, the monastery or garden courtyards. But the most impressive room is the 360-degree-view Tower Suite, a three-story penthouse that once served as the monastery's observatory. You can see the whole Prague from there!

Home Favorites

A lot of you know that I moved last September. I left my beloved Beverly Hills, where I lived for almost 5 years, for vibrant Venice Beach - a completely different area in Los Angeles located next to the Pacific Ocean. It took me a long time to make that decision, but once I made it, I wanted to move fast, as we all know that moving is one of the most stressful experiences in life. I found a lovely modern apartment, where I am temporarily living, while getting familiar with the area and prepping for a more permanent settlement here. The new place has a beachy Venice-appropriate vibe as opposed to my classy black-and-white Beverly Hills pad. Naturally, I didn't want to bring my favorite pieces from the old apartment, but I also didn't want to get rid of them. Putting things in storage felt like a perfect solution, but I didn't want the hassle of actually arranging a delivery and going to the storage unit myself. Luckily I found the wonderful company Make Space, that takes care of all the storage problems for me. Their team came over at a designated time, picked everything up (and packed it!), and also provided me with their free stylish storage bins. I didn't have to lift a finger! Any time I want any or ALL of my items back, I can simply order them online (I can see everything I am storing with them on my account online!) and their wonderful team will bring it all back to me. And all of this for a very affordable price! It's a super easy and convenient way of approaching storage nowadays. Gone are the day of self storage, and I couldn't be happier about it.

The apartment where I am currently staying, came in furnished, and while I didn't want to refurnish it as I really like the design, I needed to add several details to make my temporary place feel like home. You see glimpses and pieces of it on my social media, but here are just a few of my favorite additions to my current home.

My bed is super important to me, so the first thing I did was upgrade my bedding to a luxurious Brooklinen collection.

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