Lindsey & Krista from Almost 30 on Friendship, Passion & Wellness

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When I learned about the Almost 30 podcast a few months ago, I listened to it immediately and loved every second of it. I knew from the very beginning that these girls were my kind of girls. Definite “Happsters” at heart!

They are so down-to-earth and interview the most amazing guests on everything from the juice craze to psychic mediums to hormones in a fun and compelling way. I was excited when the podcast hosts, Krista (blogger at The Hundred Blog) and Lindsey (actress, singer, model and SoulCycle Instructor) agreed to an interview. Krista and Lindsey answered separately, so you can see both of their responses to each question below! Enjoy ♥♥♥

1. I love love love your podcast, Almost 30! Why did you decide to start it?

LINDSEY: Krista and I were introduced by a mutual friend who knew that we would connect immediately.  Our friendship is SO DAMN EASY.  We have supported each other and have been one another’s sounding board from day one.  Almost 30 was inspired by our deep chats about who, what, and where we are, as well as hilarious recollections of our early 20’s.  We are both obsessed with finding the experts and guru’s, the practices and habits, the products and innovative ideas that will help us to be the best versions of ourselves.  Sharing this with our listeners has been the BIGGEST GIFT.

KRISTA: That means so much ☺ we love you. I can’t even remember the genesis behind starting the podcast, but we recorded for a few months in a closet before we shared anything. I have been a podcast fan for years, and felt like there wasn’t a podcast out there that spoke to women in their twenties and thirties about bettering themselves and navigating life’s transitions. We also wanted to bring together a community of women who could support and encourage each other (that’s our secret Facebook group!).

2. How did you two meet?

LINDSEY: As I mentioned above, through a mutual friend!  What’s funny is that we both lived in NYC before LA…and then both settled on the west side.

KRISTA: Through SoulCycle! I was auditioning to be an instructor and Lindsey offered to help me out with my audition. After I moved to LA from NYC, I remembered how cool she was and asked her to hang out. We knew instantly that we had something special. Lindsey and I are super similar because we have the same dreamer mentality, plus we work wayyyyy too hard.

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3. What has been the biggest thing you’ve learned since starting the podcast?

LINDSEY: I’ve learned that when I am passionate about something and I have a clear vision, I have the power to commit and follow through.  In the past, I had convinced myself that I should be grinding and miserably over-worked in order to achieve what I wanted.  The moment I realized that the space between A and B was the best part, that I could actually enjoy the process and thus be inspired to create even more, was the moment I felt free to unapologetically take pride in my path.

KRISTA: Podcasting has taught me so much! It makes me feel like there is something out there for everyone and to have faith that if you persist to do what you want to do. It may not be the first or second thing, but to keep trying. I LOVE my blog, The Hundred Blog, but knew I wanted to incorporate something else. I would have never done the podcast if I didn’t blog for a few years prior. Also, we’ve had the greatest guests on the podcast ever so each time we record I learn so much. As an example, in the Be Well By Kelly episode, I learned about incorporating the ‘Fab Four’ into your diet: Protein, Fiber, Fat and Greens. I try to incorporate that in most meals that I eat!

4. Do you have morning routines? If so, what are they?

LINDSEY: Oh, yes!  When I wake up, I put my phone in my night stand drawer for 30 minutes.  Within those 30 minutes, I will:

  • meditate on my little balcony
  • write three affirmations that I will turn to throughout the day
  • write down three things I’m grateful for
  • write down three things I will get done today
  • take my vitamins
  • make tea or a small amount of cold pressed coffee with a lot of almond milk
  • make a healthy breakfast

By then I am awake and have a clear sense of how I want to feel today.  Then I can hop on my phone and computer and start to tackle the day!

KRISTA: I do! I am in love with a good morning ritual. It’s super important and sets the tone for your entire day. I would much rather get up early than sleep in and feel late any day. I don’t keep my phone in my room, so my alarm in the kitchen will most likely wake me up. I get up around 5:30 AM and once I do, I’ll take a moment to put my hand over my heart and say thanks. Thanks for waking me up, for my house, for everything! After that I’ll drink warm lemon water (because people have said it works, ha) and then I’ll meditate on the couch for 10 minutes. I usually do a TM meditation and if I can’t get into it, I’ll just do affirmations. After that I’ll leave and go workout (I always get them in early) and then have breakfast when I return. Usually a protein shake + avocado + collagen + pearl powder + maca. I love Sun warrior Protein in Vanilla or Vega Sport (super smooth and delicious).

5. When you’re having a bad day, how do you pull yourself back up?

LINDSEY: A great workout never fails to raise my vibration.  It helps me to shake up any mental, physical, creative, or emotional blocks I might be experiencing. I also love being by water when I’m feeling off. Water is so calming and humbling to me, so I will usually take a walk on the beach to reset and recommit to the day.

KRISTA: Meditation really helps me to navigate any bad day. It’s changed my life in that way. I know that if I do have a bad day, or a bad week, that it’s temporary and it won’t last forever. I also don’t attach myself to the feeling. So if I am stressed for some reason, practicing un-attachment really helps me to stay happy. I remember that feeling just ‘is’ and it’s not Krista. Or I’ll have a good vent session with my sister because what else are sisters for?

6. What is your favorite mantra that continues to be relevant in your life and why?

LINDSEY: My potential is greater than any problem I have.

My dreams are big. As I pursue them my mind tends to create problems, because, well, that’s what the mind does. It tries to protect me by looking for what could go wrong or what isn’t so perfect in the moment. This mantra/affirmation reminds me that the problems are specifically for me and I am more than capable of finding flow in any situation.

KRISTA: My mantra is ‘I am’, which reminds me to always ‘be’ wherever I am, and that I can always consider myself at home. I repeat it whenever I need to be reminded to be more present. I also use it when I am saying my affirmations, I’ll use ‘I am…’ then add whatever I need to hear that day like “strong” or “golden” or “love.” After I meditate, I always do a few affirmations before I start my day.

7. Do you have any wellness rituals that you swear by?

LINDSEY: I’m learning that if I don’t take care of me now, I will be useless for my dreams later.

  • massage every two weeks
  • facial every three weeks
  • move my body every day
  • YOGA YOGA YOGA
  • I sleep with my crystals (placing the appropriate crystals on my chakras to balance and ground me)

I use Saje essential oils before bed and to wake up in the morning!  “Cleanse” is one of my favorites. I put it on the bottom of my feet before bed and I AM KNOCKED OUT and feel amaaaazing in the morning!!

KRISTA: Honestly I have tried them all. Everything under the sun! I love trying new things, seeing how good I can feel and experimenting! I’ve tried LED Light Therapy, Cupping, Acupuncture, Reiki, Crystal Therapy, Cryotherapy…to name a few! This is so weird, but I swear by not taking birth control, ha. I stopped taking it 5 years ago, and have never felt better. My mood improved, I felt clearer, and my hair, skin and nails looks so much better – especially my hair! It’s never been so thick. I have the copper IUD which is amazing and non-hormonal. Once I got off birth control, I was also able to pay close attention to my hormone levels and feel so much more connected with myself.

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8. You two have such a great bond. Do you have any tips on how others can find friends as adults?

 LINDSEY: Such a good question. It is so important that you follow what makes you happy and what fills you up.  You will find like-minded people there. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of what my authentic self feels like. The more I stand in that truth, the more people I attract who have similar goals, visions, love, light, and balance.

KRISTA: YES. Definitely. A lot of the way that Lindsey and I met I felt like was divine timing. It helps that at this stage we know who we are and have similar interests. Along with that, we have a deep respect for the other person. Not only do I love Lindsey, but I respect her. She’s someone I would introduce to my parents, my lifelong friends, and my co-workers because you want to be around people that you’re proud to know. If you’re looking for to listen to you complain all day about your job you hate, how will that serve you? Find people you want to be like and be friends with them. You can also find friends as an adult by doing things you love, and standing in your light, you’ll attract the right people. I found Lindsey through SoulCycle and through that activity I did for me, I was given this friendship.

9. Do you think finding “balance” is possible? If so, what are your tips on finding balance in your life?

LINDSEY: At this point in my life, balance means working really hard and loving it.  I think balance will mean something different at various stages in my life. Right now I am happy and fulfilled in the work that I do, so that feels balanced.  I have a wonderful group of friends, but I also truly value my alone time…that feels balanced. Krista and I are contributing so much to the podcast and putting in so many hours, but we are also having a blast and receiving so much from it. #ALMOST30NATION makes us so happy. That is balance.

KRISTA: I love this question! I do believe that you can ‘have it all,’ but ‘balance’ I am not so sure! Both are in the eye of the beholder. I would not say that anyone in my life thinks I live a balanced life, but I’m so happy! I work 7 days a week – I have a 9-5, my blog and podcast. I don’t watch TV or relax much, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Oh and if you think that you can have it all, you will. I believe that I have everything in my life that I need, and the universe responds to that by actually giving me everything I need.

Also with balance, I’m vegan and gluten free both by choice and don’t drink alcohol at all. But again, this is what makes me feel good and happy.

If there’s something that’s telling you that you’re not living a balanced life, then listen to that, but not to anyone else that could tell you that your life is unbalanced. I’ve had moments where I’ve pushed myself a little too far and I make sure to note that and chill out for a few days.

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You can find Krista and Lindsey online at www.almost30podcast.com. You can also follow them on Instagram at @almost30podcast and be sure to join their secret Facebook group where all the good stuff goes down here.

This interview is part of Happsters Happy Questions, an ongoing series of interviews that take a peek inside the lives of inspiring women around the world.

Take 31 Happy Photos This August

Are you up for a photo a day challenge this August? Join my #HappyAugust Challenge and get happy! All you have to do is:

1) Accept the challenge here

2) Invite your friends to join you (optional, but recommended :-))

3) Post a photo to the challenge page each day for the month of August

4) Follow along on Twitter and/or Instagram by posting your photos there as well with #HappyAugust @happsters

Here’s a look at the photo prompts for each day:

#HappyAugust Happsters Challenge

Will you join me in making this August the happiest one yet?

Life is too short to…

1. Life is too short to…be afraid to fall in love.

2. Life is too short to…spend time worrying about what others think.

3. Life is too short to…not tell those close to you how much you appreciate them.

4. Life is too short to…not reach for your dreams.

5. Life is too short to…be stressed.

6. Life is to short to…take yourself seriously all the time.

SO…

7. Have a blast

8. Dance in the rain

9. Make time for your friends

10. Learn from your mistakes

11. Laugh at yourself

12. And believe that everything happens for a reason



Do you feel like you need to remind yourself of some of the items on this list often? Which ones? Let me know in the comments!

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Become an official Happster & get free happy notes here: http://tinyurl.com/imahappster

Inspiring Happy Notes

There are just 2 days left in the Happy Note a Day Challenge. Thank you to everyone who participated!! You all rocked it! Here are some notable happy notes from Happsters in the challenge. Maybe it will inspire you to write a happy note or two…

1. Idol Happy Note

Idol Happy Note

Via Renae: To Princess Penny 🙂

2. Escalator Happiness

Escalator Happiness

Via Jolanda: this for the guys that fixed the escalator at my job

3. Iced Coffee=Happiness

Iced Coffee=Happiness

Via Eat Nap Play: A happy note and an iced coffee for my hubby! #imahappster #spreadthehappiness
Continue reading “Inspiring Happy Notes”

Happiness Delivered to Your Door

Monthly delivery and subscription services have become much more popular in the last few years. You can pretty much get anything you want delivered to you with the click of a button. Some of them deliver necessities like tooth brushes and shampoo, while others deliver more fun and unusual products. Take a look at these 6 awesome delivery services:

1) Conscious Box – This monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products helps you discover everything from natural beauty products to health food and non-toxic home goods. Learn more about Conscious Box here: http://www.consciousbox.com/

2) The Secret Cookie Service – Dressed in suits and sunglasses, the San Diego based cookie team delivers freshly-baked, gourmet cookies right to your door in a briefcase. What’s happier than delicious, homemade cookies? They’ll even bring milk if you want it! Learn more about The Secret Cookie Service here: http://thesecretcookieservice.com/

Continue reading “Happiness Delivered to Your Door”

5 Happy Websites You’ll Love

Happy Websites You'll Love

I’m always looking for websites that will make me smile or teach me new things about happiness. Below are 5 of my favorite happy websites that I think you’ll enjoy too.

1. BuzzFeed: BuzzFeed is “the leading media company for the social age, intensely focused on delivering high-quality original reporting, insight, and viral content.” Reading BuzzFeed makes me happy in general, but the happiness section of BuzzFeed takes it up a notch.

My favorite happiness article on BuzzFeed right now30 Things That Will Test If Your Smile Still Works

2. HuffPost Happiness: I can always count on great articles from the Huffington Post. Their content is quality and engaging. They also recently came out with a fun app called GPS For The Soul.

My favorite happiness article on HuffPost right nowHow To Be An Optimist: 10 Habits That’ll Help You Look On The Bright Side 

3. IDEA Health & Fitness Association: IDEA Health & Fitness Association has award-winning content for the wellness & fitness industry. They strive to help millions of people around the world live healthier, happier lives.

My favorite happiness article on ideafit.com right nowCome On Get Happy

4. The Daily Love: The Daily Love is a blog started by Mastin Kipp. Their mission is to help bring healing to the planet by helping people connect to what makes them happy.

My favorite happiness article on The Daily Love right nowYou are More Powerful Than The Jerks in Your Life

5. Greatist: Greatist is focused on improving your health, happiness, and fitness. Every fact is cited by a PubMed study and expert approved.

My favorite happiness article on Greatist right now15 Ways to Beat Anxiety Now

BONUS – The Daily Puppy: Each day The Daily Puppy features a new puppy.

Do you read any of these websites? Are there any that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments!

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Not an official Happster yet? Become one and get free happy notes here: http://tinyurl.com/imahappster

9 Happy Facts That Will Make You Smile

9 Happy Facts That Will Make You Smile

1. A group of unicorns is called a blessing. (Source)

2. The average person laughs 13 times a day. (Source)

3. Blind people smile even though they’ve never seen anyone smile before. Smiling is a natural human reaction. (Source)

4. If you walk and talk with someone, eventually you will synchronize your steps with each other. (Source)

5. People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don’t. (Source)

6. In Korea, there is a cat cafe where you can get coffee and hang out with cats and kittens. (Source)

7. Otters hold hands when sleeping so they don’t drift away from each other. (Source)

8. The kingdom of Bhutan use ‘gross national happiness’ as a key national indicator. (Source)

9. 2013 is the first year since 1987 that has four different digits.

Which one is your favorite fact? Have you heard any fun facts lately? Comment and let me know!

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Not an official Happster yet? Join us here: http://tinyurl.com/imahappster

Spreading Happiness Over Easter Weekend

How to Spread Happiness Over Easter Weekend

One of my Happster friends, Allison, had a great idea for how to spread happiness for Easter. Once I heard it, I knew we had to do it! We got together and started working on the best way to make it happen. Here’s the plan:

1. Fill plastic Easter eggs with candy

2. Write happy phrases and words on the eggs with sharpie markers

3. Randomly distribute the eggs over the weekend so that some lucky people get a happy surprise!

How to Spread Happiness Over Easter Weekend

Will you join us in spreading happy Easter eggs around your neighborhood this weekend? Let me know in the comments!

Become an official Happster & get free Happy Notes to make it easy for you to express gratitude to people you encounter here: http://tinyurl.com/imahappster.