Author: elspeththeblogger

My name is Elspeth. I'm young professional living life one day at a time. I have a passion for fashion, a love for living a clean and healthy life and I can organize anything.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #19

Sporty-chic

LOTD

Are you in search for a casual but sporty look for the fall? I have just the outfit for you today. I threw this outfit together one Saturday when it was warm in the morning but cool at night. Last week, I shared how I try to stick to wearing colors perfect for fall and this is another example.

Let’s break down this outfit starting from the bottom. Because it’s still early fall, converse are still acceptable, in a few weeks it will be time for boots, short and tall. I wore leggings with this outfit since I was out and about but, black jeans or black pants work just as well. I got this leggings from GAP, I love how thick they leggings are and they last a long time. In any season, I try to keep my pants a neutral color so I can have more fun with the top and accessorizing it. My burgundy sheer top is from Tilly’s. It has three-quarter length sleeves so it works nicely in transitional weather. Because the top is sheer I typically wear a tank top underneath. My sweater is also from Tilly’s. The is one of my favorite dark sweaters to wear in the fall and winter. It’s over-sized so it covers not only your top but leggings and booty as well. I don’t always wear long sweaters since I’m short but if I find one that fits well, then I buy it. Plus they work great for leggings. Since I am wearing a lot of dark colors I decided to wear a long gold necklace from Francesca’s as well as gold earrings to break up the color scheme.

That’s what I am wearing today, I hope this gave you some ideas to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to clothes. Have a beautiful fall weekend.

Categories
Fabulous living

Why it’s Okay to Eat Alone

Tuesday Thoughts…

Although, I am only a sophomore in college I have grown a lot in the time I have been in school. I have learned more about what I want to do in regards of a career, I have learned more about myself as a person, and I have become more independent. Whether, you go to school across the country, a few hours away from home, in your own city, or just by commuting, college is all what you make of it.

By choosing a school that is a few hours away, I don’t have the opportunity to go home whenever I want. It forces me to stay during the long and sometimes boring weekends and find a routine that works for me. Most weekends, I can be found in the gym, doing homework, watching movies or grabbing a meal or two on my own.

During my first year of college most of my friends lived close by and went home on the weekends. Although I was alone for most of the time that didn’t stop me from living life. I didn’t stay in my room alone all weekend, I went out and did things.  I went to Sunday Mass, hit the gym, went to movie nights, and ate meals by myself. Yes, eating alone was uncomfortable at first but the more I went alone the more confident I got. I felt comfortable going to movies alone and being the only one at the gym early on Saturday mornings. When I would go to dinner by myself I enjoyed the silence, in world that is filled with noise, distractions, chaos, and technology, it’s okay to be by ourselves for a few minutes. I like deciding when I wanted to eat and how long I want to stay.

Now, for the record I don’t eat by myself every day, I have my girlfriends who I eat my lunches and dinners with daily and who I can count on for girl talk. Even though I have found people who stay on campus with me and who I can count on to grab brunch with, it’s such a good feeling to know that I can eat by myself and be okay with it.

I know this is not for everyone and it can feel awkward and uncomfortable but give it a try. You may appreciate the silence and the solitude. Some of my most relaxing times are when I am alone with my thoughts. If the feeling of sitting alone scares you, bring a book to read while you eat or call a girlfriend up to chat while you finish eating. Give it a try, you never know you may like something if you never try.

Categories
Fashion

Look of the day #18

LOTD

Hall Fall!

Fall is in full swing and it’s time to start dressing like it. This outfit is a perfect look for a day at the office, a dinner with family, or Sunday mass.  I recently wore this at home for Sunday mass and dinner after. It is still early enough in the season so this short-sleeve dress worked perfect for an early fall day spent with family.

Whenever a new season rolls around, I like to change my color palette of outfits. In the autumn, I love to wear plum, brown, olive green, and navy blue just to name a few colors. I got this olive green dress from Francesca’s Boutique two years ago. It’s a simple green dress but can be layered if needed depending on the season and weather.

I love how you can add a bold or simple piece of jewelry to accessorize your outfit. I decided to make this look more simple with a pair of gold hoops and a gold, long necklace. Necklaces can truly do wonders for an outfit. I wear chokers, chunky necklaces, and long necklaces. Any of those styles can work with a simple solid color dress. Because it is fall, I decided to make gold and brown my accent colors. My jewelry is gold and my shoes and purse (not pictured) are leather and brown.

These shoes are a staple for me in the fall. I got them from T.J. Maxx two years ago and they have worked as a great fall shoe boot. The brown, leather peep toe boot works great to dress up a pair of jeans and a blouse. They can also be paired with a solid or busy brown dress or even a corduroy skirt. These shoes are great for transitional weather from summer to fall or winter to spring.

I hope this look gave you some inspiration for some fall colors or fall fashion. I can’t wait to see what fall trends will be coming out soon.

Categories
Fitness

Healthy Snacks for a Healthy Year

A new year calls for new healthy choices. I am still working out five times a week and I eat balanced meals. I always try to eat healthy and work out daily to feel my best. I have already shared my work out routine and ways to stay healthy.  Today, I am sharing some of my favorite healthy snacks to eat when you are on the go and life slips away from us. These snacks are great to pop in your purse or pull out in the middle of a study session.

It’s hard to eat healthy especially when there are always temptations wherever we go. For example, I see this every time I walk in the door and it’s very hard to grab an apple instead of chocolate.

UGH! Temptations!

Here are my favorite go-to snacks.

  • Water (I’m a huge advocate for water. I go through 3-4 of these day. Water keeps us healthy and fit. You can never have too much water.)
You can never get enough water
  • Trail Mix (This is my favorite brand of trail mix. Trail mix is low in calories but keeps me filled. I love the combination of sweet and salty.)

    My favorite brand of sweet and salty!
  • Skinny Pop (Once again, I love some salty snacks. This snack is perfect while relaxing or doing homework and it’s only 100 calories!)

    Perfect for studying or tv time!
  • Pro2Snax (This protein pack comes in different combinations. I love the apples and cheese. Much better afternoon snack compared to a bag of chips)

    A good afternoon pick me up!
  • Pretzels (I prefer salty snacks even though I love my chocolate. This 100 calorie pack of pretzels are great to dip with peanut butter, hummus, or by itself.)

    Salty > Sweet

I hope these gave you some ideas for healthy snacks for you or your children as the new school year starts. What are you favorite snacks to eat on the go?

 

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #17

LOTD

Happy Fall!

As we transition from summer to fall, I like to incorporate outfits that can work if it’s cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon or vice versa. This outfit is one of many that is perfect for transitional weather. It can work in the spring and fall or even winter if you layer it the right way.

Starting at the bottom, these are my favorite fall booties. I wear them with jeans, leggings, dresses, and skirts. They are suede, have laces, and have a wedge on the heel. A perfect fall shoe boot. I’m already planning lots of outfits with these shoes so prepare to see them a lot during the fall months.

I decided to wear black leggings with this outfit, however, if you want to dress the look up a bit, black dress pants would go great with it as well. My shoes and leggings are solid, neutral colors which means my top needs to have a bold feel to it. This floral top was perfect to add to my outfit. I got this top from Francesca’s Boutique and I have worn it with jeans, leggings, even a black pencil skirt. I love how versatile it is. It’s lightweight and it is made from satin-like material. Simple jewelry can be used to finish off the ensemble. This look is easy and can be thrown together in minutes.

This outfit would be perfect to wear to class with leggings. It would also be great to wear out to drinks with the girls paired with a pair of jeans. This top could even be worn to a business meeting with a pencil skirt. The possibilities are endless.

Have a wonder-FALL weekend!

Categories
Fun Ways to Organize

How to Organize: Your Backpack

With back to school in full swing, it’s time to take advantage of organizing the things we use every day. Let’s start with the backpacks.

Head back to school in style!

Whether you are a mom with a fifth grader who likes to collect everything under the sun, a freshman in high school trying to navigate the halls, or a sophomore in college who’s just trying to get by, this post is for you.

Our backpacks become a place to throw whatever we want in it. Pencils? In the backpack. Tissues? In the backpack. Dry cereal that you forgot to eat for breakfast? In the backpack. Before we know it, we can’t find anything in the mess we take everywhere with us.

I always like to clean out my backpack and give it a good washing before every school year. I have bought my backpacks in the past from L.L. Bean or Lands’ End and they last a long time. They come in fun designs, are durable, and machine washable!

After it’s finished being cleaned, I put the essentials in, the things that never come out. This can vary for everyone, but for me I always like to have these things accessible always. I always carry…

  • Tic tacs or gum (Fresh breathe always!)
  • Spare change (Always good to have emergency money)
  • Tissues (Fall and colds are right around the corner)
  • A snack (trail mix or something dry to eat in case I’m running around and don’t have time for lunch.)
  • Pencil Case (yes, I still have one even in college-where else am I going to store my pencils, pens, and highlighters)
  • My Planner (A must have for everyone. You can never be too organized)
  • An umbrella (you never want to be caught across campus in a thunderstorm without one)
  • An extra empty folder (I use this if I am collecting papers throughout the day to ensure they don’t get crushed or wrinkled)

I alternate my books and binders depending on the day and the classes I have. If they are not in my back pack they are sitting on my desk. I try to keep things in the same spot, so I can always find them.

I appreciate  a clean backpack so I know where everything is. I don’t like clutter so I keep things in separate pockets to keep them organized.

Now, it’s your turn! What essentials do you keep in your backpack? Or moms, what things can’t your little ones live without? Let me know in the comments below!!

 

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #16

LOTD

One last summer look!

It’s time to fire up the grills and put on those swim suits one last time for Labor Day! Whether you are home with family and friends or hitting the books like I am, I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day.

This outfit is perfect for a picnic by the pool or a cookout with family.  I got this slip-on blue and turquoise dress from Francesca’s Boutique. It’s lightweight and a great summer color. The best part of it? I got it on SALE! You can dress it up with a pair or wedges for a night out on the town or you can dress it down with sandals or flip flops for a summer picnic.

This hat is a perfect accessory to go with it. I got mine from Francesca’s as well but you can find hats similar at many other retail stores. Hats are coming back in style more and more. You can wear a different hat every season and it could still work with any looks.

A perfect summer hat.

It’s a bold accessory that won’t go unnoticed and it will protect you from the sun. What more could you ask for?

Let summer go out in style and celebrate one last time with this look for Labor Day!

Categories
Fun Ways to Organize

Back to School Essentials

The last week of August means its time for back to school, whether it be the smell of new supplies, the feel of new clothes, or the excitement of learning new things…I love it all. I always loved going back to school and this year is no different. I officially started classes yesterday and today, I’m sharing my back to school essentials.

Pinterest quotes just gets me!
  • A planner
    • Whether it’s a big calendar blotter, a small planner you can pop in your backpack or even an app on your phone. A planner is critical for keeping you studies and social life in order. I can’t live without one! Plus the designs are so cute and creative, it might as well be a fashion statement.
  • Fresh supplies
    • You can’t start the new school year or semester off without some new supplies. It’s okay to splurge, get the fun notebook, buy the colorful pens. It will keep you organized and it will make you smile, when you are slaving over homework late at night.
  • A new outfit (or two)
    • Confidence is key for taking on new adventures. One way to boost your confidence is with getting a new outfit or two. Show off you style. Be comfortable with who you are.
  • Goals
    • A new school year means its time to set new goals. What things do you want to accomplish? What do you want to get out of this year. How much effort do you want to put in? It’s all about what you make of it. You have the chance to make this school year great!
  • A positive attitude
    • Each school year brings its own worries and excitements. The best way to embrace it all is with a positive attitude. Tackle any struggles or fears you have with a smile. It will go a long way.

Keep those essentials in mind as you take on a new semester or school year. What things are essential for your school year or your first day of school? I have one last summer look for any Labor Day picnics, then it’s time for fall fashion. See you on Thursday!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #15

LOTD

A great outfit for sightseeing

I shared my travel diary a few weeks ago about my trip to D.C. and Philly. Today I am sharing one of my outfits from the trip. I wore this on Day 2 which consisted of A LOT of walking around and sightseeing. This t-shirt dress was perfect for a day of sightseeing followed by a nice dinner. Let’s get down to the deets about the dress.

I got this black and white t-shirt dress from Marshalls on sale a few years ago. I love getting deals on great outfits. This lightweight, cotton dress worked great for weather in the 80’s. I wore a pair of black and white converse so I was comfortable but still chic! For dinner later in the night I changed into my favorite fuzzy slides. Both shoes worked great with the classic t-shirt dress.

If it is cool evening, a jean jacket would match perfectly with he black and white stripes. If you are looking for a dramatic look a pair of gladiator sandals would work great with the black and white as well. I have worn this dress in the spring with a pair of leggings and high black boots. This dress is a great transitional piece from spring to summer.

Have a great weekend and be back here on Tuesday as we get ready for back to school and fall!

Categories
Fun Ways to Organize

My Summer Recap

I love lists! Lists allow me to organize my thoughts and things that need to get done.

Every summer I create a list of things I want to do. Some things are fun and are spent with family and friends. Other things might be things I hope to accomplish or things that need to get done. At the end of this summer, I am happy to say I got almost everything I wanted to accomplish done! That’s doesn’t always happen. Here’s a peak into my summer and everything I got done.

SUMMER TO DO:

  • Read Five Books (read 7 instead!!) ✅
  • Blog Twice a Week (if you are reading this now then I must have done it) ✅
  • Finish The Office (gotta get my Netflix in-it was my second time watching it and I couldn’t get enough) ✅
  • Finish House of Cards(it took me to long to finish but it was worth it and I can’t wait for next season) ✅
  • See one friend from college (I didn’t see any friends from college but I will be seeing them soon enough once classes start)❌
  • See High school friends (yes I did and loved every second we spent together-friends for life) ✅
  • Spend a Full day at the pool (it may not have happened until the last week of summer but I got it in) ✅
  • Go out got ice cream at night (I ate way to much ice cream this summer but it was worth it) ✅
  • Go to White Turkey and Sara’s (one of my last meals at home this summer was spent here) ✅
  • Go on more walks (my favorite way to relax) ✅
  • Go to the beach more than once ( I made it twice- does that still count?) ✅
  • Take it slow-try not to rush all the time (after a whirlwind of a school year I tried to take it slow and that happened maybe 5% of the time. BUT it happened) ✅
  • See extended family (seeing my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents truly made my summer. Family over everything) ✅
  • Take advantage of the free things (go to the zoo, beach) (nothing better than taking advantage of activities in your own backyard) ✅
  • Host people for dinner at my house (I love having company over and I was happy I could help entertain this summer) ✅
  • Try something new ( I’m starting a new job this fall so that’s new!!) ✅
  • Physical Therapy (not something particularly fun but it was necessary and it was so helpful) ✅
  • Surgery (again, not so fun but I am so glad to have it behind me) ✅
  • Hit the Gym (I didn’t go as much as I would have liked but I felt so much better when I went) ✅
  • Do decorations for school (part of my new job and they turned out pretty good) ✅
  • Internship (I learned a lot and it helped my career-success!!) ✅
  • Work my summer job (in addition to my internship I’ve been working here for the past 5 years and I love it) ✅
  • Family Vacation (spending time with family and getting away-nothing better in life) ✅

I got a lot accomplished this summer. Some work, some play. And (almost) everything got crossed off. Another summer in the books. Now it’s time to hit the books. Time for school and fall fashion!