Tea

I've been exploring different sources lately for tea. Between being a coffee drinker and a tea drinker I've always loved tea. I only drink coffee when I have a deadine for any sort. Been interested in getting feedback on everyones favorite type of tea and what they drink it for. 99 Ranch has an excellent source of Green, Oolong, and Jasmine teas that i've been curious to try.

My favorite tea is Starbucks Zen which is Green Tea with a hint of Lemongrass. I find lemon perfect with Green Tea because it takes the strong taste away. I've also been a fan of the Yogi Detox Tea, it has a hint of spice.

I've also been making myself Matcha Green Tea smoothies in the morning to get my dose of antioxidants and it helps with my weight loss. As I try and experiment with different teas and their benefits I will make sure to share.

Eat, Pray, Love + Committed

I read Eat, Pray, Love last summer and absolutely fell in love with Liz Gilbert. I finally found an author that gave me a voice. She shared so many thoughts and insecurities about life that  I've thought at one time or another. Her philosophy on love, travel, and spirituality is life changing. After reading it I actually restarted my yoga practice and want to start meditation because of how it helped her and how she benefited from it. I watched the movie which equally did the book justice which is rare. I'm going to be reading her sequel which is Committed, and I hope to read it along with other Eat, Pray, Love fans as well to get their feedback and thoughts.

The Beauty Department

If you need basic tutorials on hair and makeup subscribe to Lauren Conrads new website which is www.thebeautydepartment.com. It shows step by step instructions for basic day to day looks as well as evening.Also, there is homemade recipes for spa and beauty products that Lauren makes at home.  Also, the website showcases some of Laurens classic staple looks such as her everyday waves and catty eye. I learned how to do makeup late in life and have found this website super helpful when doing my makeup and hair. They also keep you update on the seasonal beauty trends so your always "in the know".

http://www.thebeautydepartment.com/

Love Culture

Love Culture is a new store put in Stoneridge Mall and they also have a online website as well. For anyone that is bored with the usual Forever 21 and Wet Seal will find this retail store refreshing and new. Way more affordable fashions from the season as well as shoe and accessories. Also offer sales on basic items that can be used as loungewear or activewear to the gym.

http://www.loveculture.com/

Red Square Salon

My favorite hairdresser in the entire world is Steffani Pfaff at Red Square Salon in Downtown Pleasanton. I discovered Steff at the Cosmetology School in Pleasanton and was blown away by her complex knowledge of color. I have continued to be her client as she graduated and now found her home at Red Square. The best part about Steff is she understands how her clients need their hair to fit into their budget. I have sent over several refferals because of her quality of work, how she treats each individual client like she's known them forever, and her prices are the best in the area. Contact Steff at Red Square Salon in Pleasanton and say her most devoted client Erika sent you. I guarantee you will leave feeling like a whole new woman ready to conquer the world.

http://redsquaresalon.net/

Bikram Yoga

I fell in love with Yoga when I was 17 years old and senior in high school. The perfect time in life to start learning about stress management since you are closing one chapter and starting adulthood. I like how Yoga taught me to just focus on my own journey with my body and block out the rest of the world for that 90 minutes you are in your zen zone. After a couple of years of just regular yoga I wanted to take my practice a step further.

When I was 20 I discovered Bikram Yoga which is practicing Yoga in 110 degree heat. With Bikram Yoga you can advance your practice faster due to the heat warming the muscles making them more flexible. At the same time you also release toxins from the body. I live in the Tri Valley area of the Bay Area and a brand new Bikram Yoga studio will be opening in Pleasanton any day now. I highly recommend giving Bikram a try as it gives you a challenge both mentally and physically. Introduction rates are $21 for new students for 7 classes. When I start my practice again I will keep you informed on my mental and physical transformations. Namaste

http://www.bikramyogapleasanton.com/

Getting Sumer Ready

As every female knows we are going into the summer season which means several things. Getting bikini ready from head to toe, changing our wardrobes to accomodate the weather, and so forth. My blog is going to be about most stuff that I tend to tell all my friends about, new random stuff everything from books, clothes, makeup, skin care, vitamins, diet, hair, and more. I always tend to look for things that are basic, simple, and frugal for the most part. Every twentysomething girl lives on a budget, so as I find deals for anything or just my favorite things I will share. Hope you enjoy.....