Keli Rabon

Author: kelirabon

  • Sticking To Healthy Eating With Green Chef

    Sticking To Healthy Eating With Green Chef

    We’re now two months into 2020 and I’m making progress on my efforts to eat healthy — thanks in large part to Green Chef! You’ve heard me talk about Green Chef a few times now because it’s become such an important part of my lifestyle. Anything that simplifies healthy eating and saves time (and money) is a win in my book, so I’m thrilled to share my latest experience with you — plus an AWESOME discount too!

    One of the best surprises of my Green Chef journey so far has been the *confidence* it’s helping me build in the kitchen. I’m now making dishes that I didn’t think I could make, like meatloaf, falafel, and soup! The little victories have encouraged me to make time for cooking even when I don’t have a Green Chef meal around, and to me, that’s a big change.

    THE BASICS

    Green Chef  offers several different healthy options for a variety of diets: Paleo (free of gluten, dairy, grain, and soy), Keto (low-carb, gluten-free), Balanced Living (meat, seafood, and vegetarian), Plant-Powered (vegetarian / vegan), and Family (meat, seafood, and veggie options.)

    I got the Vegetarian Plan — designed to feed two people, but in my house there’s enough food for me to share with the two boys and occasionally have enough for lunch the next day. Green Chef also offers Family Plans; more on that later.

    There is no long-term commitment with Green Chef. You can freeze your subscription at any time, so if you’re on vacation or have a busy week of dinner plans ahead, just log in and skip a week. While some of the ingredients could be frozen and used later, the intent is for you to have the freshest food possible without running to the grocery store.

    Nearly every ingredient that you need to cook the food is included in the box (except kitchen staples like salt, pepper, cooking oil, etc.) and because it arrives in protective packaging, you can trust that your items are arriving to your doorstep safely!

    THE MEALS

    Green Chef is a USDA certified organic company, so you can expect fresh, healthy ingredients in each box — free of GMOs, toxic pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, or steroids. Whew!

    This week, my box included three meals: “Green Pea & Feta Falafel”, “Portobello Fajita Bowl”, and “Chard & Artichoke Quesadillas”. Each took about 45 min to cook and were delicious!! I was especially impressed with the falafal, because I’ve never actually made falafel before. I loved the kale salad that came with the pork meal, and that says a lot because I rarely eat kale!

    The recipes are very easy to follow (even for beginners like myself) and the cards come with step by step photos for reference too! Here are a few photos we captured while making dinner one night — enjoy!

    THE DEAL

    Green Chef is extending a special offer to my readers! Get $80 off + free shipping on Green Chef!

    This would make a fantastic gift for anyone (yourself included!) or just because — give Green Chef a try and let me know your feedback. Happy eating!

    XOXO,

    Keli


  • Frost It Forward With Random Acts of Kindness

    Frost It Forward With Random Acts of Kindness

    Helping strangers like this man at the grocery store was SUCH an amazing experience!

    In all of the hustle & bustle of the holiday season, it’s so easy to get caught up in our own little world. Running countless errands, finishing year-end work, planning for trips, decorating your home — we end up feeling overwhelmed instead of uplifted!

    This year, I’m challenging you to a little something different. I’ve partnered with Frost Bank through their Opt For Optimism initiative to “Frost It Forward”: a campaign that aims to lift the spirits of another person through random act of kindness, and in turn, could leave you feeling grateful and optimistic.

    “Frost It Forward” encourages all of us to perform random acts of kindness to help others.

    THE MISSION

    Frost provided me with a $100 cash card to spend on strangers however I saw fit. There are SO many people, causes, and agencies that could use some help and at first the flexibility overwhelmed me! But then I thought about the most basic needs that we could all relate to and it became clear: groceries and gas.

    I helped a woman out by putting $20 of gas in her car!

    THE PROCESS

    I visited two different Houston grocery stores and met incredible people in the process. There were those who genuinely felt my offer of paying for their groceries was too good to be true and were skeptical, so they declined. Others passed on the chance to accept help, instead asking that I please help someone else who needed it more than they did. I was most moved by the overwhelming appreciation of the people who DID let me help them — because even though I was just putting $20 or $30 toward their weekly groceries, they were now able to buy gas that they’d otherwise need to wait to purchase.

    This very grateful man at the grocery store was one of the wonderful people I helped.

    In all, I directly helped four different people: one woman buying gas, another woman buying groceries, and two men at different grocery stores checking out as well. It made me want to do MORE!

    This is an image of Keli standing in front of the Salvation Army donation bucket.
    Dropped a $10 Frost card into the bucket for The Salvation Army to use to help someone else.

    Frost also provided five $10 cards to encourage others to use the money to help someone else. I dropped one of these cards into the Salvation Army bucket and gave the remaining gift cards out to strangers, who promised to use them to benefit others. Sure, I won’t know exactly how they were spent. But I think that my heart led me to the right players for this incredibly uplifting game.

    Swiping a Frost card in a card reader
    With $100, we helped four people with everyday essentials like groceries and gas.

    THE LESSON

    At the end of the day, this was a success: I connected with real people, stepped outside my comfort zone, and accomplished my mission of helping people. And equally rewarding: I felt so encouraged, uplifted, and happy!

    Keli standing with woman she bought groceries for.
    One of the women I helped at the grocery store!

    Frost wants you to think about how you can have a similar impact in your neighborhood, community, city, or country. It doesn’t take a lot of money (or any at all!) to perform a random act of kindness, but the ripple effect it can create is priceless. Visit the Opt For Optimism website to see how you can get involved and help spread generosity!

    Frost gift card in Christmas tree
    Frost it Forward this holiday season to help a stranger!

    I hope you take a moment this holiday season to do something special for someone else — and savor the gratitude, hope, encouragement, and inspiration you receive in return!

    XOXO,

    Keli

  • Holiday Meals Made Easy With Green Chef

    Holiday Meals Made Easy With Green Chef

    Dinnertime is always hectic around my house — especially during the holidays when there is SO much going on! This year, we’re partnering with Green Chef, a healthy meal kit delivery service, to help make dinner fun, easy, and as stress-free as possible! Make sure to check the bottom of this post for an AMAZING deal that would even make a great last-minute Christmas gift!

    THE BASICS

    Green Chef offers several different healthy options for a variety of diets: Paleo (free of gluten, dairy, grain, and soy), Keto (low-carb, gluten-free), Balanced Living (meat, seafood, and vegetarian), Plant-Powered (vegetarian / vegan), and Family (meat, seafood, and veggie options.)

    I got the Family Plan — the perfect portions for four people! Since it’s just myself and the little ones, I knew I’d have plenty for leftovers which is a HUGE help during the busy holidays!

    There is no long-term commitment with Green Chef. You can freeze your plan at any time, so if you’re on vacation or have a busy week of dinner plans ahead, just log in and skip a week.

    Nearly every ingredient that you need to cook the food is included in the box (except kitchen staples like salt, pepper, cooking oil, etc.) and because it arrives in protective packaging, you can trust that your items are arriving to your doorstep safely with no hectic grocery store trips required!

    THE MEALS

    Green Chef is a USDA certified organic company, so you can expect fresh, healthy ingredients in each box — free of GMOs, toxic pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, or steroids. Whew!

    This week, my box included two meals: “Homestyle Meatloaf & Gravy” and “Pork with Cherry BBQ Sauce”. Both took about 30 min to cook and were delicious!! I was especially impressed with the meatloaf & gravy, because I’ve never actually made meatloaf before. I loved the kale salad that came with the pork meal, and that says a lot because I rarely eat kale!

    The recipes are very easy to follow (even for novice cooks like myself) and the cards come with step by step photos for reference too! Here are a few photos we captured while making dinner one night — enjoy!

    THE DEAL

    I’m excited to partner with Green Chef to offer you $80 OFF + FREE SHIPPING! All you do is visit Green Chef here and sign up! This would make a fantastic gift for anyone (or yourself!) this holiday season or just because — and we know those New Year’s resolutions are just around the corner! 🙂

    Give Green Chef a try and let me know your feedback. Happy eating!

    XOXO,

    Keli

  • Cyber Monday Sales Guide

    Cyber Monday Sales Guide

    This dress is currently on sale for 50% off!

    It’s that time of year when everrrrrything is on sale! I’ve sorted thru the clutter to bring you some of my favorites, and will keep updating the list with top picks!

    MY TOP 5

    LOFT — 50% off everything with code CYBER

    SAKS – TONS of huge markdowns + get $50 off every $200 with code “CYBER19SF”

    AMAZON – One-stop shopping with tons of great deals. I’m sharing a bunch in IG stories today!

    NORDSTROM – Y’all know this is my favorite and there are a billion great deals! Plus today they’re offering BONUS Notes. If you spend $400, you get $100 back in Notes to spend later (spend $250m, get $50 back, etc)!!!

    NORDSTROM RACK – Their flash sales right now are EXCELLENT, plus earn bonus Notes based on your spending as well! From Dyson to Hanky Panky, Good American to UGGs, they’ve got it all!

    MORE SALES TO BROWSE

    NET-A-PORTER
    Take an additional 15% off marked items. Valid 11/29-12/2.
    VICTORIA’S SECRET
    40% Off site-wide + $20 off $125 purchase
    CARTER’S
    60% Off ENTIRE site!! Take an extra $10 off $50+ orders with code LTKSALE at Carter’s! Plus, shop all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
    SHOPBOP
    Up to 25% off full-price items and up to 75% off sale items with code MORE19. Valid 11/26-12/3.
    BACKCOUNTRY
    Up to 60% off sitewide. Valid for a limited time.
    ANN TAYLOR
    50% off everything with code CYBER. Valid 11/25-12/4.
    YOOX
    Flash Sale: Up to 50% off sitewide. Valid 11/28. Up to 90% off sitewide Valid 11/29-11/30. Flash Sale! Up to 50% off new styles. Valid 12/1.
    LORD & TAYLOR
    Black Friday smart steals up to 80% Off. Valid 11/26-12/2.
    ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
    50% off site-wide Valid 12/2.
    BODEN
    30% off, plus free shipping and returns over $49 with code H7N3. Valid 11/25-12/3.
    HARVEY NICHOLS
    Up to 50% off selected fashion and 10% off beauty purchases. Valid through 12/3.
    BAUBLEBAR
    35% off sitewide. Valid 11/28-12/12.
    DERMSTORE
    Up to 30% off select brands sitewide. Valid 11/28-12/2.
    CARIUMA
    For every shoe purchased on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Cariuma will donate 11 trees from One Tree Planted. Valid 11/29 and 12/2.
    & OTHER STORIES
    20% off everything with code NOIR20. Valid 11/28-12/1. 30% off sale with code CYBER30. Valid 12/2.
    BERGDORF GOODMAN
    Up to 60% off sitewide. Valid 11/29-12/2. Designer Sale! Take an extra 25% off all sale and 15% off men’s already reduced items. Valid 12/1-12/2.
    COACH
    30% off select styles, plus receive free shipping with codes SAVE30 and FREESHIP. Valid 11/26-12/3.
    SPANX
    20% off sitewide. Valid 11/27-12/2.
    SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
    Thanksgiving Sale! Up to 60% off. Valid 11/27-12/1. Get $50 off every $200 you spend with code CYBER19SF. Valid 12/2.
    EXPRESS
    50% off everything. Valid 11/28-12/1.
    FRANK AND OAK
    30% off everything with code BF30. Valid 11/27-12/3.
    LOFT
    Up to 50% off sitewide. Valid 11/28-11/30.
    24S
    20% off your purchase of $250 or more with code BLACKFRIDAY20. Valid through 12/2.
    NIKE
    25% off clearance items with code SEASONMVP. Valid 11/28-11/30. 25% off select styles with code CYBER. Valid 12/1-12/3.
    H&M
    30% off everything. Valid 11/28-12/2.
    KOHL’S
    15% off with code TURKEY15. Valid 11/25-11/29. Take $10 off $50 Clothing, Shoes and Accessories with code SATURDAY. Valid 11/30. Take 20% off with code 20FORYOU. Valid 11/30-12/4.
    MACY’S
    20% off Black Friday Sale with code BLKFRI, plus recieve free shipping at $49. 11/27-12/2.
    REVOLVE
    PRE BLACK FRIDAY up to 50% off. Valid 11/27. BLACK FRIDAY SALE up to 50% off (earlier in the day). Valid 11/28. BLACK FRIDAY SALE up to 65% off (in the afternoon). Valid 11/28. CYBER MONDAY SALE up to 75%. Take an additional 20% off with code CYBER20. Valid 12/1-12/2.
    NEIMAN MARCUS
    $50 off your $200+ regular price purchase with code THANKFUL. Valid 11/27-11/29. 60% off with an extra 33% off select merchandise. Beauty/Fragrance excluded. Valid 11/29-11/30. $50 off your $200+ regular price purchase with code THANKFUL. Beauty included. Valid 11/30.
    NEIMAN MARCUS LAST CALL
    Up to 80% off everything. Valid 11/28.
    NORDSTROM RACK
    50% off clearance items. Valid 11/27 at 9pm PST- 11/29 midnight PST. 30% off clearance items. Valid 11/30 – 12/2. Spend and Get: Spend $100 Get $20 Spend $150 Get $30 Spend $250 Get $75. Valid 11/27 – 12/2.
    BLOOMINGDALE’S
    Take 25% off regular and sale price items labeled CYBER TAKE 25% OFF, plus take 50% off clearance items. Valid 12/1-12/3. Take 15% off when you spend $100+ on almost all Beauty. Valid 12/1-12/3.
    FORWARD
    Black Friday Sale up to 50% off. Valid 11/27. Black Friday Sale up to 65%. Valid 11/29.
    AMERICAN EAGLE
    40% off everything. Valid through 11/30. 40% off clearance. Valid 12/1-12/3.
    KENDRA SCOTT
    25% off everything . Valid 11/27-12/1. Select styles for $30! Plus, 25% off everything, or 30% off $300 or more. Valid 12/2. 20% of sales from the Faceted Reid Necklace will benefit Dress For Success. Valid 12/3.
    SSENSE
    Sale up to 50% off. Valid 11/25-12/8.
    MODA OPERANDI
    Take 15% off your designer purchase with code X15. Valid 11/29-12/2.
    TAMARA MELLON
    $100 off all orders with code YW100. Valid 11/26-12/2.
    BANDIER
    25% off sitewide. Valid 11/26-12/1.
    STUART WEIZTMAN
    Up to 60% off, plus 25% off new styles with code SWTHANKFUL. Valid 11/26-11/30.
    BANANA REPUBLIC
    40% off your purchase. Valid through 11/26.
    BLOOMINGDALE’S
    Take $25 off every $150 you spend. Valid 11/22-11/27.
    NICOLE MILLER
    25% off sitewide with code SALE25. Valid 11/27-12/1. 30% off sitewide with code CYBER30. Valid 12/2.
    11 HONORE
    60% off select styles. Valid 11/27-12/2.
    LACOSTE
    40% off sitewide. Valid 11/29-12/2.
    INTERMIX
    Black Friday $50 off every $250. Valid 11/27-12/1.
    HILL CITY
    20% off your entire purchase. Valid 11/28-12/2.
    SAM EDELMAN
    30% off almost everything with code SAM2019. Valid through 12/1. Take 40% off almost everything with code CYBERSAM. Valid 12/2. Take 20% off $100 and 30% off $150 or more with code BUYSAM19. Valid through 12/9.
    COACH
    30% off select styles with code SAVE30. Valid through 12/2.
    REI
    Save up to 30% off at REI’s Gear Up Get Out Sale. Valid through 11/25.
    URBAN OUTFITTERS
    BOGO 50% off sitewide plus receive free shipping on all orders. Valid through 11/39. Cyber Monday: Take $10 off $50, $25 off $100, $50 off $150. Valid 12/1-12/3.
    COS
    25% off wardrobe staples. Valid 11/29-12/3.
    BARE MINERALS
    Enjoy 30% off with code CYBERSALE, plus free shipping with code GIFTNOW. Valid 12/1-12/2.
    CHEWY
    Up to 20% off select products sitewide. Valid through 11/26.
    ASOS
    30% off everything with code BIG30. Valid 11/28-12/3.
    DSW
    30% off everything with code BIGTHANKS. Valid 11/28. FREE Grey Felt Tote with a $39 purchase with code BCFRIDAYS. Valid 11/28-12/1. 20% off everything, or buy 2 footwear or handbags and get 30% off with code BCDEALS. Valid 11/28-12/1.
    HUNTER
    Up to 30% off select footwear, outerwear and accessories. Valid 11/25-12/2.
    REBECCA TAYLOR
    25% off sitewide with code THANKFUL. Valid 11/26-12/3.
  • 4 Ways to Rock a Denim Jacket This Fall

    4 Ways to Rock a Denim Jacket This Fall

    As the temperature falls, what kind of jacket will you grab? Denim jackets are a classic staple that have made a big resurgence the last couple seasons. I’m sharing how to style my go-to denim jacket (super affordable, as its price varies between $40 and $80!) four different ways! I partnered with The Ms. Collection, a women’s clothing subscription box service, for this post. More details — and special savings — on The Ms. Collection and The Mr. Collection below!

    THE CHALLENGE

    Without any heads up on what four pieces were arriving, I challenged myself to create outfits integrating a denim jacket to show you 1) how you can effortlessly layer denim over sequins, stripes, prints, or solids, and 2) how easily The Ms. Collection integrates into your existing wardrobe!

    THE LOOKS

    The first example feels SO versatile — I feel like it’s perfect for a casual work environment (where are my school teacher readers at?!) and throwing on the floppy hat make it feel ready for the farmers market or a wine tasting. The Ms. Collection included this green animal print skirt in my monthly pack, and I think it’s such a fun piece to style!

    • Denim Jacket, Hat, Earrings, Blouse, and Booties: HERE
      Skirt:       HERE

    This coral jumpsuit from The Ms. Collection was just my speed — a bold color with a comfortable fit! Adding a snakeskin belt helped to make it feel a little more fall-like and the denim jacket made for the perfect transitional outfit! Add in neutral open toe booties and a taupe colored tote and you’ve got an outfit that can definitely stand the test of time through several seasons!

    • Denim Jacket, Purse, Shoes, Earrings, Similar Belt: HERE
      Jumpsuit:       HERE

    A denim jacket might feel casual, but it’s getting an upgrade with this sequin leopard print skirt! I love the mix of textures in this look, and how the white sheer blouse from The Ms. Collection simply pulls this look together.

    • Denim Jacket, Earrings, Skirt, Booties: HERE
      Blouse:       HERE

    I grabbed the denim jacket for this western-inspired look, again playing with textures to make an interesting yet cohesive outfit! The black & white blouse from The Ms. Collection could have been worn dozens of ways, but I wanted to pump up the western vibes with this black hat and some faux leather skinny jeans (these are 60% off at just $39!) The denim jacket made the approach a little more casual, while adding one more element of interest to this fun and playful look!

    • Denim Jacket, Jeggings, Booties: HERE
      Blouse:       HERE

    TIMELESS — FOR LESS

    The Ms. Collection makes keeping your wardrobe fresh and exciting SO simple without you wasting any time or money! Signing up is easy and the on-boarding process is enjoyable. You answer a handful of questions about your personal style, likes / dislikes, preferred colors, etc. Then the personal stylist goes to work — and before you know it, The Mr. & Ms. Collection sends a pack of clothes and/or accessories to your doorstep!

    There are a few membership options to choose from, ranging from $59 – $89 per month:

    • Standard Once a Month – Three items in each pack, 1x per month: $59/mo
    • Premium Once a Month – Four items in each pack, 1x per month: $69/mo
    • Standard Unlimited – Three items in each pack, unlimited packs: $79/mo
    • Premium Unlimited – Four items in each pack, unlimited packs: $89/mo

    Each month, a $20 credit will be added to your account to apply toward any items you choose to purchase. It makes those discounted items an EVEN better deal! 

    And while we’re talking price: You can use my code “kelirabonstyle” for 20% off your first month — this works for both The Mr. Collection and The Ms. Collection!

    Hope you enjoyed this month’s style challenge and how-to! Time to fall in love with your animal print pieces all over again!

    XOXO,

    Keli