Link Love: April 24-30

6 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder [Levo League]

12 Coachella Looks That Beat the Heat in Style [New York Times]

20 Experiences You Should Have Before You Turn 30 [My Domaine]

How Jenna Lyons Wears Gingham [Design Darling]

How To Stop Feeling So Stressed, According to Science [Refinery 29]

My Zero-Waste Week: How I Cut Down on Food Packaging When Eating (or Taking) Out [The Kitchn]

What - and Who - Are Meal Delivery Services Good For? [Food 52]

Tech Talk: Wellcoin

Wellcoin has become my latest obsession, and let me tell you why. Wellcoin is the first app to offer health-related digital currency, where you can exchange healthy living choices for gifts, discounts, and gift cards. Based in Boston [woohoo!] with an operational center in New York City, all in-person redemption occurs in these cities until more national partners are added, hopefully in the near future.

The app is completely free to download and use, and it's so simple to start earning your way towards a Whole Foods gift card, discounts on headphones, and more! Here it is broken down:

-Make a healthy living choice, i.e. healthy lunch, sleeping 7+ hours per night, buying healthy groceries
-Log what you did with a photo
-Added coins for adding your location and sharing to your social media channels
-Earn coins instantly, plus the community will verify your activity for added coins
-Once you rack up enough coins, redeem away!

Yup, it's that easy! It's a part of my everyday routine to log almost whatever I'm doing to earn my coins, I currently have enough that I've racked up over the past month for $20 to spend at my local Whole Foods.

Beauty Sales Week of April 24th

Gilt:

• La Prairie (Sale begins Noon ET 4/27)
• Terre Mère Cosmetics and Skincare (Sale begins Noon ET 4/29)

HauteLook:

• Mirenesse Australia, Tiziana Terenzi Luxury Fragrance & Candles (Sales begin 8am PT 4/27)
• NuMe Style Hair Tools, Tweezerman (Sales begin 8am PT 4/28)
• CONTEXT Skin Care, truewhite whitening system (Sales begin 8am PT 4/29)
• D'OR 24K Luxury Skin Care, LightStim LED Light Therapy (Sales begin 8am PT 4/30)

MYHABIT:

• NuFACE (Sale begins 9am PT 4/27)
• L'Occitane (Sale begins 9am PT 4/28)

Rue La La:

• Clarisonic & More: Our Kind of Face Time (Sale begins 11am ET 4/29)
• Luxe Fragrances feat. L'Artisan Parfumeur (Sale begins 11am ET 4/30)

Link Love: April 17-23

8 Superfoods For Better Sleep [The Zoe Report]

73 Questions With Taylor Swift [Vogue]

Don't Wait for Door to Open [Tory Burch - LinkedIn]

Spring Fruit Sangria [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Southern Charm's Patricia Altschul Guide to Etiquette [Town & Country]

The Brief: Get Ready To See a Woman on the $20 Bill [Levo League]

The Nightly Routines of 14 Successful Women [My Domaine]

Think About Your Eyes

This post was sponsored by Think About Your Eyes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received compensation as a thank you for my review.

Just as I'm working hard towards nourishing, caring and strengthening my body with a vegetarian and dairy-free diet, and working out multiple times a week, there are things I definitely take for granted, like my eyesight that should not be forgotten. Just like any other muscle, your eyes need regular care to maintain maximum performance. Eye problems can be detected when they're most treatable, in their early stages by getting an annual eye exam.

Promoting the benefits of eye health is a national public awareness campaign, Think About Your Eyes, which encourages comprehensive annual eye exams. Recently, members of Life Time Fitness were surveyed by the Think About Your Eyes team, and it was found that some gym-goers tend to neglect their eye health, despite leading generally health-conscious lifestyles.

In the same study, Think About Your Eyes found that 33% of surveyed members are not getting annual eye exams, but get good marks when it comes to sleep, physicals, and exercise. Unfortunately, I feel like I totally fall within this category, because as someone who gets 7+ hours of sleep almost every night, eats a mostly plant based diet, and works out at least 4-5 times per week, I haven't had an eye exam in longer than I would like to admit. I also fall within the category, as I've said, of working out to strengthen my muscles every day, but it's definitely time that I focus on muscles other than those in my legs and core.

Continuing on that, I make my bed every single morning. It's the first thing I do before a few stretches and sun salutations and start my day. Even if I'm in a huge rush, I always make my bed, along with 2/3 people surveyed, which is the same amount of people that get an annual eye exam, but I am not one of them.

I am nearsighted, so I do wear my prescription glasses when I'm driving, at the movies, or if I can't see something on a board in class. It's no excuse, but I haven't gotten an eye exam since well before I came to college, probably when I was in high school and realized I was having a hard time seeing in class. 

Visit the Think About Your Eyes professional eye care locator to find a doctor near you and schedule an appointment.

Review: Blue Apron

I recently ordered a Blue Apron voucher on Gilt City after a great experience with Purple Carrot last month and was excited to give it a try! I was however disappointed to find that despite my ordering a vegetarian meal plan, most of them were dairy heavy, and thankfully I was able to make adjustments to this weeks plan to stick with my vegetarian and dairy-free lifestyle. 

Falafel with Pea Shoot Salad

I didn't end up making the pea shoot side salad, but this was definitely my favorite dish to make and eat! I have loved falafel since visiting Israel two years ago, and have always wanted to make my own. The preparation process and cooking was super easy, and I simply substituted a dairy-free Greek yogurt alternative for the tzatziki. 

Asparagus and Arugula Pesto Pizza

This pizza was so good and I can definitely see myself making this on my own again, especially because the pesto was so good! I did put the ricotta on the pizza for presentations sake, but took it right off after this photo, and held off on the mozzarella all together. I almost wish it had been a whole wheat dough instead of regular, but it was still great!

Fresh Fettuccine with Porcini Mushroom Bolognese

I've always loved fresh pasta, and when I can get it, I prefer it to regular pasta. Again, I wish it had been whole wheat or whole grain, but this was still very good. I really miss doing fun things with my pasta dishes, and this proved that you can do alternatives to meat without buying 'meat alternatives'.

Beauty Sales Week of April 17th

Gilt:

• Best of Beauty: Skincare Essentials (Sale begins Noon ET 4/18)
• Beauty Gifts: Sets & Fragrances (Sale begins Noon ET 4/20)
• Top Beauty Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 4/22)

HauteLook:

• Hairdo Hair Extensions & Wigs, T.O.R.I Cosmetics USA (Sales begin 8am PT 4/17)
• Le Angelique Hair Tools Up to 85% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/17)
• #ManiMonday: Deborah Lippmann, H2O Plus, tweexy Nail Polish Holder (Sales begin 8am PT 4/18)
• Designer Fragrances for Men & Women, Erisonic Facial Cleansing & Massage System (Sales begin 8am PT 4/19)
• Alterna Hair Care, Perricone MD (Sales begin 8am PT 4/20)
• Bliss, ghd: good hair day, every day (Sales begin 8am PT 4/21)
• Generation Klean, Terre Mere Organic Vegan Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 4/22)
• Josie Maran, Silk'n Hair Removal (Sales begin 8am PT 4/23)

MYHABIT:

• SK-II (Sale begins 9am PT 4/19)
• Reno Laszlo (Sale begins 9am PT 4/20)
• 90% Off: LE' ROYAL 24K Gold Collection (Sale begins 9am PT 4/21)
• Up to 80% Off: Infinique Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 4/22)

Rue La La:

• From Masks to Body Butters Featuring Martinni (Sale begins 11am ET 4/19)
• Crown Brush, SK-II Skincare (Sales begin 11am ET 4/21)

Link Love: April 10-16

Brands Are Reaching Out to Millennials Who Want a Break From 'Adulting' [Ad Week]

Everything You Need To Know To Assemble and Care for a Succulent Garden [Washington Post]

Meet The Millennial Women Shaping Politics [Refinery 29]

So-Called 'Farm to Table' Restaurants Can't Stop Lying About Where Their Food Comes From [Saveur]

Target Debuts a Collaboration with Marimekko [Boston Magazine]

The 12 Most Powerful Feminist Moments in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt [Levo League]

Treat Yo' Self to These Spa-Like Bathroom Luxuries [My Domaine]

One Month Vegetarian & Dairy-Free

Last week marked one month of being a vegetarian for me, and this month marked my fourth as being dairy-free. Yes, this is borderline vegan, but I'm not quite ready to take that big of a leap.

One of my favorite breakfasts: Ezekiel bread with scrambled egg whites, avocado, and pepitas

I made this decision to be a vegetarian almost on a whim when I realized I just wasn't enjoying eating meat anymore, and when I did, I felt heavy and unhappy. I wanted to see how long I could make it, and I'm pretty proud of myself for the lifestyle changes I've been making in 2016 so far.

Being dairy-free has actually been harder than being a vegetarian, and not just because my dad owns a cheese shop back home, but because dairy is much more commonly found in dishes than meat is. My decision to go dairy-free stemmed from throat and tonsil issues I began experiencing in November 2015, and realized that if I cut it out, I would feel better, and I was right.

One of my favorite dinners: Grilled portobello mushrooms with peppers and onions, Zucchini noodles with pesto

Aside from my diet changes, I've been making efforts to workout a minimum of four times per week, mixing up yoga, spinning, other cardio classes, as well as lifting. I have seen the combined results of my efforts in the tone of my arms, legs, and stomachs, and can honestly say I have never felt or looked better, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

I've also been toying around this month with (gasp) easing up on my coffee addiction. While I definitely don't think I can give it up completely, testing the waters and seeing how long I can go without it and running strictly on pure energy, hasn't been that bad so far!

Something I hear all the time from my favorite spinning teacher is that change does not come without a challenge, and she's totally right. Every time I feel like giving up when my body feels just too tired to keep going, I push through it, and I'm grateful that I do it every single time.

Products I've Used Up #15

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleaning Towelettes: I liked this, but they weren't my favorite because they just didn't get everything off of my skin before cleansing.

Circuit Cosmeceuticals Savior+: This cream based cleanser was really nice but definitely felt heavy at times, so I preferred using it at night to in the morning. 

BioRepublic Skincare Pomegranate Crush Illuminating Fiber Mask: I loved this mask, and I definitely want to try more sheet masks in the future.

Tree Hut Tropical Mango Shea Moisturizing Body Wash: I wasn't a huge fan of this liquid consistency, but it smelled great and was definitely moisturizing.

Gillette Satin Care Sensitive Skin Shave Gel: Again, no specific tie to any one brand or type of shaving cream, and this one is pretty good.

up & up Cotton Rounds: I have no specific allegiance to any brand of cotton rounds, so like most things in this post, it gets the job done and I have no major complaints.

Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub: I had never tried a coffee scrub before this, so it was pretty cool! It was always on the messy side and I had to rinse off the shower after using, but it exfoliated nicely.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+: I thought I liked this, but I quickly realized that compared to my usual L'Oreal BB Cream, I wasn't a huge fan of this.

Prada Candy Eau de Parfum: This lasted me a surprisingly long amount of time, and I think it's mostly due to the fact that anytime I sprayed this directly on my skin, I experienced an adverse reaction. Onto my clothes were ok, but directly on my skin was a big no.

Degree MotionSense Fresh Energy Deodorant: I'm not tied down to any specific deodorant, and this one is pretty good.

Beauty Sales Week of April 10th

Gilt:

• The Beauty Boutique (Sale begins 9pm ET 4/10)
• Beauty Brands We Love feat. StriVectin (Sale begins NOON ET 4/14)

HauteLook:

• Pura D'or Haircare, Vivant Skin Care (Sales begin 8am PT 4/10)
• Lorion Beauty Hair Tools Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/10)
• FaceBase, Tokyo Milk & Library of Flowers (Sales begin 8am PT 4/13)
• KORRES (Sale begins 8am PT 4/14)
• Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Fragrances, Korean Beauty: Secret Key, The Hot Brush by DS Secret (Sales begin 8am PT 4/15)
• Le Royal 24K Gold-Infused Skin Care, Luminess Air (Sales begin 8am PT 4/16)

MYHABIT:

• skinChemists (Sale begins 9am PT 4/10)
• Panier Des Sens (Sale begins 9am PT 4/11)
• Clarins (Sale begins 9am PT 4/12)
• Kérastase (Sale begins 9am PT 4/14)
• Best Sellers: Spring Scents (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/14)

Rue La La:

• Sisley & Shiseido (Sale begins 11am ET 4/12)
• BeautyDNA, The Beauty Gifts Mom Really Wants (Sales begin 11am ET 4/13)
• Best Face Forward: dr. brandt skincare & More (Sale begins 11am ET 4/15)

Link Love: April 3-9

5 PR Lessons From 'House of Cards' [PR Daily]

10 Things to Do When You're in a Rut [Corals + Cognacs]

Ask Polly: How Do I Start Believing in My Worth? [The Cut]

Funfetti Sugar Cookies [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

How People Look After 1, 2 & 3 Glasses Of Wine [Refinery 29]

How To Keep Up With The News [Hitha On The Go]

Queen Elizabeth's Fashion Exhibit Will Be Full of Tartans, Ball Gowns, and Bling [Harper's BAZAAR]

April Shopping List

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Suki Cross Body Bag // Soleil 'Stardial' Round Beach Towel // J.Crew 'Ecru Wash' Denim Jacket // BaubleBar Crystal Flurry Stud Earrings //  Solid and Striped The Ballerina Color-Block Swimsuit // L'OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream

In exactly one month from now, I'll be on a plane to Marseille, France for 5 weeks of traveling around France, and I could not be more excited. When I think of the South of France, where I'll be spending most of my time, I think stripes in black and white with pops of pastel shades, which is thankfully much of what I already wear.

Sweet Sale: SHOPBOP Friends & Family Sale

Today through Thursday, April 7 at 11:59pm, Shopbop hosts one of the most anticipated sales of the year, their Friends & Family sale where everything is 25% off with code INTHEFAM.

Read on to shop some of my favorites from the sale that would be the perfect additions to your spring wardrobe.

Amanda Uprichard Rachel Dress // kate spade new york Mini Hayden Cross Body Bag // Madewell Lassi Flower Scarf // Three Dots Sleeveless Boat Neck Top // Rebecca Minkoff Passport Holder // Scotch & Soda Home Alone Hoodie // Jennifer Zener Jewelry Love You More Necklace 

Beauty Sales Week of April 3rd

Gilt:

• Gilt City Presents: Elizabeth Arden 50% Off (Sale begins Noon ET 4/4)
• Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins 9pm ET 4/6)

HauteLook:

• PureO Natural Solutions for Skin & Hair, Pulsaderm Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 4/3)
• Brilliance New York Hair Tools: Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 4/3)
• Kevyn Aucoin, Mario Badescu, MIAMICA: Trendy Travel Accessories (Sales begin 8am PT 4/4)
• Floris London, ORA Dermal Roller System (Sales begin 8am PT 4/5)
• Infinique Organic Skincare, Laura Geller New York (Sales begin 8am PT 4/6)
• FHI Heat & Verdict by HairForensic Hair Tools, Macadamia Natural Oil Hair Care, Stila (Sales begin 8am PT 4/7)
• Talk Paris, TARINA TARANTINO Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 4/8)
• Eyelashi Luxe Mink Lashes, White with Style Teeth Whitening (Sales begin 8am PT 4/9)

MYHABIT:

• Designer Fragrances feat. Chloé and Dolce & Gabbana (Sale begins 9am PT 4/4)
• Guerlain Super Aqua (Sale begins 9am PT 4/5)
• Up to 90% Off: Brilliance New York (Sale begins 9am PT 4/7)
• Algenist (Sale begins 9am PT 4/8)
• Beauty Boost: Tools for Hair & Skin (Sale begins 9am PT 4/9)

Rue La La:

• RapidBrow Eyebrow-Enhancing Serum (Sale begins 11am ET 4/6)
• D'OR 24K & Dynamic Innovation Lab (Sale begins 11am ET 4/7)
• Treat Mom to Her Next Signature Scent (Sale begins 11am ET 4/8)
• SkinCeuticals & More for a Fresh Face (Sale begins 11am ET 4/9)

Link Love: March 27-April 2

#missadventure season 2, episode 1: the perfect weekend [kate spade new york]

A Week in Boston On A $14,000 Salary [Refinery 29]

How I Map Out a Successful Week [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

The Brief: Will Lululemon Make Your Next Suit For Work? [Levo League]

Tory Burch on What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur [My Domaine]

Watch How Lipstick Gets Made in These Mesmerizing GIFs [Marie Claire]

World's Strangest Hangover Cures [Travel + Leisure]