You catching my vibe with this week's Currently Craving? I'm still in vacation mode since coming back from Hawaii, and honestly, these picks are something that can carry through all summer long. Tropical vibes are my mood, ya hear?

1. Straw Visor: This was a game changer when I was in Hawaii. At first, I bought it as a joke but it was so nice to have laying on the beach, and I will most definitely be bringing it to my pool days.

2. Isle Of Paradise Self Tanner Drops: Okay, so I haven't tried this for myself, BUT a friend of mine looked so naturally tan the other day and she brought these drops out and I was shook. You mix the drops in with your lotion/moisturizer, and I like the idea of making it more or less diluted with drops.

3. Jungalow Carry On: I bought this a few months ago at Target and they might be sold out so linking another favorite here, but I was able to fit so many (too many) clothes when I travel to Hawaii so was definitely worth it. Plus, it's freaking adorable with that print inside.

4. Anese Booty Scrub & Mask: It took me awhile to pull the trigger on this duo. The price tag is a little high but the before and afters won me over (also, their paid social person needs a raise). The scrub is a fine walnut scrub designed to help lessen stretch marks (3x a week is the recommended use). The mask is a collagen mask that is designed to help tighten the skin. Combined, this duo is a match made in heaven for the summer time booty you want to show off.

5. Shein Two Piece Set: I'm a sucker for a good two-piece set. They are so chic and fun! I like the idea of playing with a bold print like this on vacation because honestly rules don't apply on vacation. Also, this on is only $17 on Shein, which is a steal! 

Never in a million years did I think I would be writing a blog post around a diet, let alone Whole 30. Growing up, I always ate whatever I wanted and never really thought twice about calories, what my food was being made with, or how often I was eating. 

Before Hawaii, I was working out a decent amount but still not seeing any changes in my physical appearance, and it was really discouraging me. After a lot of research, I decided that during the month of April (one month before I was scheduled to go to Hawaii) I was going to try my first Whole 30. 

First, I want to say that Whole 30 is not a weight loss diet, but more so a diet to eliminate foods that naturally are harder for our body to digest. Since Whole 30 is not a weight loss diet, you are only allowed to weigh yourself before and after; never during. I highly encourage you to journal how you are feeling every day of your journey because from day 1 to day 30 there will be a lot of change but sometimes it's hard to see/feel. 

Before I get into the nitty gritty, there are some key things to remember before you start Whole 30. 

1. Do NOT modify anything. It is only 30 days. You can do anything for 30 days. 

2. I don't recommend doing it during a month you have a lot going on, are stressed or are going through a personal tragedy. 

3. Know what you can and can't have BEFORE you start 

4. Plan, plan and oh yeah PLAN. Meal prep will be your best friend 

5. Stick to eating at home. You have the most control when you are making the meal 

6. Have 3 balanced meals a day. This helps you avoid snacking during the day

What started as a weight loss journey, for me, turned into so much more. I really learned a lot about my relationship with food (and alcohol) and that in itself was worth it. I ended up trying things I never thought I would AND I liked them. 

When it was all said and done, I lost 5 pounds afterwards. 

It wasn't easy though. Temptation is a real thing and so is snacking. Earlier, I mentioned avoiding personal tragedy when on Whole 30. That's not always something that can be planned because 15 days into my experience I had to put my dog of six years to sleep. Let me tell you, I really wanted a drink that day. Like really, really. Instead, I got Chipotle's Whole 30 bowl, a seltzer water and cried myself to sleep. 

I learned it's all about decisions and re-training your mind. It is INSANE how much added sugar is in our food and it isn't really necessary. Also, the one thing I thought I would miss (dairy) ended up being the one thing I eliminated from my diet (for the most part). 

Resources 

I'll do a separate post on my favorite products and go to recipes later on, but before you jump head first into Whole 30, I encourage you to do all the research you can prior to starting; I also encourage y Here are some of my favorite Whole 30 resources:

Whole 30 Instagram

40 Aprons

Healthy Little Peach 

Whole 30 Website

The Real Food Dietitians

Have any questions on Whole 30 or want to share your experience? Let me know in the comments below! 

XO Mandy Sue Top | Bottom | Shoes

I've had a small obsession with tie crop tops this summer. They definitely aren't practical for me in terms of being multi-functional, but I just can't shake the feeling that I need a dozen of them in my closet. 

I bought this top from XO Mandy Sue and love the versatility of it. I've worn it as a tie top & a cross over top, and they both are so cute. It's a great style to have for the summer especially if you are traveling because you can wear it so many different ways. 

XO Mandy Sue is offering all of my readers 35% off using the code "RIN35" so get shopping! They also have so many cute new pieces that are in my cart to snag!