Brazil Photo Diary

by Daniella Grace in , ,

Hi loves, I'm sorry for my absence on the website lately.. I've been busy the past few months working on a project with my sister but now I'm back home in Barcelona and will get back into the swing of things.... ;) Anyways, I wanted to share some photos of my trip to Brazil with you guys.. as most of you know, Brazil has been on the top of my travel list for years and this year for my birthday, I decided I was finally going to make the trek.. even though I only had a week to do so.. 

The only thing on my agenda this trip was to relax, explore and just enjoy time with friends.. I think it's nice to detach every once in a while from work and social media and just fully enjoy being in a place... Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was able to do so... but I'm just thankful that out of all places, I was able to do so here. 

My time was spent between Maresias and Guaruja (where my family lives).. Both places are so beautiful but in entirely different ways... but Maresias is the epitome of heaven on earth. A quiet little beach town, nestled between lush green mountains.. white sand beaches and is somehow rain or shine... you can't help but admire God's work here.. and wonder if maybe He spent just a little extra time on this place... I know I have a few favorite destinations but Maresias has topped them all. My entire experience there holds a special place in my heart that definitely cannot be replaced. I think I'll let the photos speak for themselves... I can't wait to go back and explore more of this beautiful country soon! XO

 

A Tranquil Getaway - Hotel Minho, Portugal

by Daniella Grace in , , ,

This past week I found myself traveling back to beautiful Portugal. And as some of you know, Portugal is one of my favorite countries but I've never ventured into the northern region above Lisbon and the southern coastal towns. I've been hearing the North and Porto are some of Portugal's best and it was next on my list as a must see.

Well known for it's world renowned winery's and the beautiful Minho river that flows through it, I couldn't wait to see this region of the country, as I'm already such a huge fan of the Napa Valley, and this region was said to be it's European equivalent for Port wines and a longstanding family tradition as well. After making the hour drive north of Porto, we reached the Minho Valley. And nestled along the riverside was the adorable Hotel Minho. Upon arrival, I knew instantly I was in for a few days of tranquil luxury and enjoying the outdoors. 

Hotel Minho has found the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The design is minimalist yet modern and very much inspired by the surrounding Minho Valley region and all that if affords.  They've done a wonderful job of bringing the different elements together to pay homage to the region and it's beauty.

The Spa was by far the highlight of my stay. I've been in great need of a good spa day after all my travels the past few weeks and Minho spa was just what the doctor ordered! I spent an entire day alternating between the luxurious massage pool, steam rooms and sauna. I also had a wonderful massage after arriving to ease the travel tension.

Also another highlight of this hotel are the bikes that they supply to their guests for a short ride down to the beautiful Minho River or anywhere else you care to venture off to. My second morning was spent biking along the lush trails to the next town of Vila Nova De Cerveira, which I highly recommended stopping by if you're interested in taking a step back in time and experiencing it's quaint charm as well as it's famous crochet artwork hanging amongst all the buildings and lining the streets. There are also a few great restaurants there as well.

In the afternoon, the guest services had arranged for me to take a tour of a nearby winery called Brejoeira Palace. And I am so, so thankful they did. It was a short 25 minute drive by car from the hotel through old village towns and sprawling vineyards.
The palace reminds me of Versailles and the history there is incredible. It's a hidden gem in the Minho region and the Verde wine was out of this world. 

I want to extend a big thank you to the Hotel Minho for the wonderful hospitality shown me for my weekend full of relaxation and adventure. This trip is one for the books.

Mondays

by Daniella Grace in ,

Body Suit- Indah // Skirt - Brandy Melville // Shoes - Sam Edelman // Sweater - Rag&Bone // Backpack - Rebecca Minkoff // Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

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Scenes from Portugal

by Daniella Grace in ,

Bom Dia from Lisboa! I can't tell you all how happy I am to be here.. I've waited years to visit this city and when I finally found the opportunity to do so, I jumped on it. And with the help of my friends and family (who are all from here) I have quite the agenda set out for me.

Lisbon is famous for it's laid back lifestyle, scenic and cultural beauty... Between the rolling hills and cable cars I find that it shares a lot of similarities with San Francisco... Except here you'll find much warmer weather, historical sites on every corner, and shop windows filled with pastel de natas and hearty Portuguese cuisine. To me, this city is a recipe for happiness! I'll be sharing with you my favorite restaurants and "must see sites" in my next post! Xo

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My Travel Workout

by Daniella Grace in ,

Ok ladies, my favorite workout routine is finally here! After quite a few requests, I thought I'd share with you all the workouts I like to do when I'm on the road. You can do these routines from home, in a hotel room and or gym. It was vital for me to find certain workout plans that I could do from almost anywhere (with and without weights) as I travel quite often. So my trainer introduced me to TRX bands, and they've been life changing for me. When you're in a different city ever couple of days, it can be difficult to find time to hit the gym and get a proper workout but with these lightweight bands, I can literally take them anywhere and complete a full body workout no matter where I am. I just attach them to a door and I'm set.. The trick is that you use your own body weight in place of equipment you may have needed before.

Also, I've included a few exercises at the end (without the TRX bands) that are my go to's at the gym. Sometimes I'll incorporate these into my TRX workout as well. 

 I can typically get through this routine in 45 minutes but feel free to shorten or lengthen it as you prefer.. Also, the descriptions may not be by the book.. This is just how I like to refer to them.. (Remember I am not a personal trainer haha).

LEGS AND GLUTES:

Single Leg Squats : 15x each leg | 3 Reps

Start in standing position with one leg extended out.

Sit back into a seated position, keeping leg extended. Push back to standing. Alternate legs. 15x each.

Under Arm Split Leg - Hop & Tuck:  15x each leg | 3 Reps

Place the handles under your arms, step/squat back and then jump forward and tuck your knee.

Continue the rocking/ jumping motion until you've completed 15 then switch legs! Your booty will thank you later!

Single Leg Balance Squat with Kick Back: 15x each leg | 3 Reps

Balance is key with this move. It took me a while to be able to do these without the support of a bar or broom. If you need help balancing don't be afraid to grab on to something.

 

This move really helps stabilize your core as well as build muscle in your legs!

ARMS:

The Chair Sit Pullup: 15x | 3 Reps

Act like your sitting down in a chair and then pull yourself back up while squeezing those shoulder blades together.

Make sure to watch your posture and continue to keep knees bent when you come back up. Let the arms do all the work.

Bar & Band Pushups: 15x | 3 reps

Slide a broom or any kind of bar through your TRX handles for push-ups. These will sneak up on you so take it slow.. Make sure to keep the hands wide. The bar is unstable so these really make you use your arms and core to stabilize.

 

ABS:

Slide your TRX bands down to the lowest point.

Plank Mountain Climbers: 15x each side | 3 Reps

Slide toes through handles and start in plank position. Make sure your back is completely straight and not arched.

Pull knees in to meet right elbow. Extend back out to plank position then bring back in to opposite elbow. 15x each side.

And there's my favorite TRX workout! Like I said, go at your own pace and feel free to do less reps if you need to. It's always better to build up slowly then push yourself too hard. And don't forget to HYDRATE!!! My go to hydration drink is the Suja Probiotic water.

 

IN THE GYM:

ARMS:

Bosu Push-ups: 15x | 3 Reps

The bosu ball should be your new best friend in the gym. You can make any easy exercises more challenging by adding it in.

It forces you to balance by stabilizing your core while activatng more of those muscle groups.

ABS:

Pike and Plank: 15x | 3 Reps

Start in plank position with your shins on medicine ball.

Roll up and pull glutes to ceiling. Make sure to keep abs activated through entire movement.

Good ol' Bicycles: 15x | 3 Reps or 1 minute | 3 Reps

Lay down on back. Pull opposite elbow to opposite knee.

Repeat other side. Continue fluid movements. 15x each side or for one full minute.

FULL BODY:

Weighted Ball Slams: 15x | 3 Reps

This is my favorite leg/abs/arms workout. Using a weighted ball, reach up with hands above head, and in one quick squating motion, slam the ball to the ground with all your strength. Make sure your knees don't pass your toes!

The ball won't bounce back up very high so it might take you a few try's to catch it. Once you do, continue this movement as fast/strong as you possibly can for 15x. Great way to relieve stress too! ;)

LEGS AND GLUTES:

Bosu Ball Squats: 15x | 3 Reps

Because every woman should be doing squats for a nice/round booty.

Again, the bosu ball just makes your average squat that much more challenging and effective by forcing you to use that core to balance.

Kettle Bell Swing: 15x | 3 Reps

Start in standing positing, then squat down and spring back up pushing through your legs.

Let the kettle bell swing up and fall back down as you return to squating position then repeat. Keep the same momentum as the kettle bell by pushing through those legs.

That's it for now! I hope you all enjoy these workouts and the results! Any questions feel free to comment below! Xo

Workout Bands - TRX // Sports Bra - Alo Yoga //  Pants - Alo Yoga // Shoes - Nike

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SF

by Daniella Grace in ,

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas here in San Francisco! Having been born in the Bay Area, I've always felt a strong connection to this city, especially during the holiday season. I don't know what it is exactly that makes this "little city by the bay" so dear to me.. maybe it's the festiv decor that lines the streets and proudly hangs in shop windows or maybe it's simply the fact that SF is chilly a good 364 days out of the year.. and there's nothing that says "Christmas" quite like bundling up and braving the cold in search for a warm cup of coco or clam chowder. Either way, I always love coming here to get into the holiday spirit. Hope you enjoy today's look!

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Jacket - PAIGE // Hat - BCBG // Shirt & Jeans - TOPSHOP // Belt - VERSACE // Backpack - REBECCA MINKOFF

SIMLAR LOOK HERE: 

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