Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Favorites

Happy Tuesday!

I hope you all had enjoyable weekends. I was out of town this past weekend, doing some work for school as well as celebrating one of my friend’s birthdays an seeing lots of college friends. It was such a fun weekend to see everyone and catch up!

Today’s post is all about my summertime favorites, from music I’m listening to, shows I’m binge watching, fashion trends, and summer snacks. 

Favorite Music: Summer Time = Country Music. I have been adding to my country loving playlist all summer long, it’s a perfect blend of Thomas Rhett, Luke Combs, Darius Rucker and more. I love playing it while I’m at work or road tripping. 

Love me some country music in the summer

Favorite Binge Worthy TV Show: Outlander has been my go-to this summer, My friend Bailey got me hooked on it and now I can’t stopped. SO good. I can’t wait until the next season comes out. 

Who else has binge watched?!

Favorite Drink: I have been drinking all the water this summer, but to change it up I love adding some lemon, mint, cucumber, or other fresh fruits for a refreshing taste. Plus, its great for detoxing.

Drink for the day-water, strawberries, lemon and mint.Delicious and refreshing

Favorite Food: I am all about the salads in the summer. Check out my favorite summer salads here!

Fresh salads in the summer

Favorite Beauty Products: In the summer, I am all about minimal makeup. Unless I am at work, I am just wearing the basics, a bit of foundation and mascara are my go-tos. I have also been growing my hair out for the summer and use less product on it. During the school year, I would be straightening it several times a week and using lots of product, in the summer I have been letting it dry naturally and leaving it down. There is something refreshing about natural hair.

Minimal makeup for summer for the win

Favorite Summer Activity: Nothing says summer like going for strolls in the evening followed by ice cream. I am always down for an ice cream run. 

I always love going on hikes in the morning or evening

Favorite Spot: Whenever I get a chance to relax, you will find me outside by the pool reading, it doesn’t happen every day but I love being by the pool with a book in my hand. I have been reading a lot this summer and I can’t wait to share my summer book review with you.

Favorite place to read at the end of the day

That’s just a glimpse into my favorite things in the summer. The carefree days of summer are fleeting. Soak up all moments and make them into memories. See you on Thursday for another look of the day!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #112

LOTD


Hi folks! 

It’s Thursday! One more day till the weekend! I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend. I’m planning on visiting college friends after work on Friday and enjoy a summer fun weekend. The weeks are filled with work, so I am always down for an entertaining weekend. Since, I will be having fun this weekend, I figured it was time for a fun outfit to go with it!

This ensemble was giving me all the nautical vibes, put me on boat and let me sail into the sunset. Hey, a girl can dream!

Let’s break down this look. 

Summer Fun

This pinstripe shirt, is one of my favorite pieces from GAP, it can be layered, worn solo, dressed up or down. I wore it layered here,I wore it to work here,and now I am wearing it dressed down. I love the soft material and the soft blue and white colors. The versatility of this shirt allows you to mix and match outfits without breaking the bank. I’ve tucked the shirt in for more professional looks, but I was going for a more carefree style, so I left it untucked. 

I opted for a pair of high waisted shorts from Marshalls.These are my favorite summer shorts. They don’t wrinkle easy and are a good length, not to short and not too long. I loved the way it let the thin blue stripes pop against the white shorts. 

Close Up of the Outfit

Lastly, I decided to finish off my outfit with a big daisy necklace from Francesca’sand daisy drop earrings also from Francesca’s.I don’t wear this bulky jewelry often, but when I do, I want it to stand out. A pair of sandals from Old Navy, completed my outfit. 

Up close of the jewelry

This finishes off my look of the day. It’s crazy to think we are heading into August…soak up these next few weeks of summer! Enjoy the weekend!

Categories
Fabulous living

Slice of Summer-Pizza Edition

Happy Tuesday!

A while back, I shared some summer salads and I got so many positive responses back from YOU! 

I figured it was time for another recipe, today I’m sharing all about homemade pizza (well, kind of homemade pizza). 

In my family, we are big fans of Pizza Friday- a fun way to unwind after a long week and treat ourselves! Whether it’s ordering in or making our own, we all love Pizza Fridays!

I’m sharing our favorite types of pizzas-one that everyone will like and specialty pizza. Start taking notes, you will want to make these for yourselves!

Who doesn’t love pizza?!

We will start with the original cheese pizza.

What you Need:

-Pie Shell (Boboli pizza is my favorite-easy to use right away or freeze and save for later.)

-Pizza Sauce (whether you like to make your own or buy store bought-you need lots of sauce)

-Mozzarella Shredded Cheese (I typically don’t measure it out but rather sprinkler it on top of the sauce)

What you need

Directions:

After laying the shell out on a pizza tray, pour and spread pizza sauce on the pie shell, I prefer the more sauce the better on mine. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce and spread evenly. Add basil or oregano for extra taste. Once your pizza is constructed, place in oven for 8-10 minutes at 450 degrees and Enjoy!

Before
After

Our next pizza will be a white pizza-which is personally my favorite!

What you Need:

Pie Shell (Boboli pizza is my favorite-easy to use right away or freeze and save for later.)

-Mozzarella Shredded Cheese (I typically don’t measure it out but rather sprinkler it on top of the crust)

-Cherry Tomatoes (They give so much flavor to your pizza)

-Olive Oil (for flavor)

-Basil Seasoning (for taste)

-Oregano Seasoning (for taste)

-Balsamic Vinegar (for taste) 

Add these spices to your plain pizza

Directions:

Start by sprinkling mozzarella cheese on top of pie crust evenly. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top on mozzarella cheese. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and lay on top of cheese. Sprinkle basil and oregano seasonings throughout the pizza evenly. Add a dash or balsamic vinegar for taste. The seasonings are optional, it’s mostly done for flavor. Once done with assembling the pizza, place in oven for 8-10 minutes at 450 degrees. Take out and enjoy! This is an easy meal for a family on a busy night, it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and make. This would also make a great appetizer for an Italian night!

Before
After

What are your favorite pizza combinations?!

Share them in the comments below!!

Eat up!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #111

LOTD

Hi guys and gals!

We are almost to the weekend. I can’t believe we are already in the middle of July! Summer slow down! After the short week last week with the Fourth of July, I am back into a routine of summer. 

Today’s outfit is one that I’m very excited for! I firmly believe all girls should have a little black dress in the collection. It doesn’t have to be super fancy or flashy, but something simple and elegant, and can be worn for a date night, dressed up look, or office wear. 

Hello Little Black Dress

I got this little black dress from Old Navy on sale, I never would have guessed I would find this there, but I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!

I opted for an all black look. I wore a high black heel, not only to make my legs look longer (haha) but also to make the dress more formal. I wear these for formal occasions, and got this pair at Marshalls! 

I then opted for add a monogrammed clutch from Marley Lilly to the ensemble. 

Everyone loves a monogram

The outfit is put together and can be worn to so many places without breaking the bank. As a college student transitioning to young adult life, I believe you can look good and put together without breaking the bank. If you look good, then you will feel good!

Spinning into the weekend

Where’s your favorite place to wear a little black dress?

Categories
Fitness

Healthy Summer Habits

Hi friends! Happy Tuesday. 

I hope you all had a wonderful and joyous Fourth of July! I know I had such a fun weekend with family. We grilled, swam, spent time outside and enjoyed the summer season. I truly soaked up the time I had at home and was present in the moment, something I am working on for the summer.

However, after the holiday weekend, it’s time to get back on track with healthy and cleaning eating.

One of my goals this summer was having healthier habits. I wanted to feel my best during the summer months and focus more on my healthy since during the school year it can take a back seat sometimes. I have started to implement ways to live a healthier lifestyle this summer, with summer well under way I figured I would take the time to share with you, healthier habits that have been working well for me. 

  • No snacking!

This has been the hardest thing to do, but the biggest game changer. Through my time in college, I have tried different health kicks, from eating small meals through the day, no carbs for lent and working out almost every day. I have seen the best results by not snacking. I typically eat three medium meals a day, and between meals I just drink water. I have lost weight by sticking to this regime as well as feel better and not full all the time. Here’s a look at what I’ll eat in a day.

Breakfast (7:30 am) -Apple, peanut butter, and banana muffin

Lunch (12:30pm)-Caprese Salad with some animal crackers on the side

Dinner (7:00pm) -Spaghetti and a Side Salad with a piece of chocolate for something sweet.

The key is to eating all the food at one time and not between meals. In the mornings, it’s not too hard, I’m busy with work and doing things that I don’t get hungry. However, the afternoons are more challenging, especially when I get home from work and am craving something sweet. Drinking lots of water through the day helps combat the need to eat something.

  • Drink all the water.

Speaking of water, drinking water through the day is such a healthy step in the right direction. My goal is to drink 64 fl oz of water a day, to put that in perspective, that would be like drink 3 large tumblers of water through the day which is easy, especially when you are sitting at your desk through the day or you are battling hunger in the afternoon. 

Always have my water wherever I go
  • Get outside and take a walk. 

On the more physical side of things, walking is such an easy thing to do. Not only are your getting exercise but you are also able to clear your and getting in touch with nature. I like to take walks and visit with a friend, listen to a podcast or take a walk with my dogs. Plus, I’m getting my steps in which is a bonus. I aim to get 10,000 steps a day and most of the time I am hitting that goal with working, running errands and getting a walk in. 

These are just three ways that have been keeping me on track for a healthy lifestyle in the summer. What ways are you staying healthy in the summer months?

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #110

LOTD

Hey guys! 

Happy Thursday and more importantly, Happy Fourth of July! Today is such a special day not only to remember those you gave their lives for our country. They paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The Fourth of July is one of my favorite summer holidays. My family and I always throw a big picnic with swimming, grilling, and family. What more could you ask for?! 

If you are still looking for a last minute outfit or some yummy treats to take to your picnic, you can check out this post here. If you are throwing a family picnic, you can check out this post all about planning for your party!

Today’s look of the day is so versatile, you can wear it to a casual Friday at the office, a low-key dinner get together, or even a more dressier picnic. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how much I love to wear outfits on more than one occasion. 

I love these white capris. Perfect for an early day at work, family barbecues, drinks with the girls, or a day shopping. I got these at American Eagle a few years back and I have gotten so many uses out of them, truly one of the best purchases from American Eagle. 

This blue and white blouse is from Old Navy that I got on sale. I have worn it to work before with dress pants, but I love how it looks dressed down with capris. I may even try a pair of white shorts with it. 

Lastly, these slip-on shoes have been my go-to for the summer. They really add a pop to any outfit you are wearing and they are comfortable. I got this pair at Marshalls. I love all the unique things I find there.

Where would you wear this outfit out to? Work? Date night? Family picnic? Let me know.

Have a wonderful and safe fourth of July!

Always remember…land of the free because of the brave!

Categories
Fabulous living

Friends, Friends, Friends!!!

Hey guys!

Happy Tuesday and an early happy Fourth of July! The Fourth is one of my favorite summer activities. Not only is it a day for seeing family, eating delicious food, and being outside in the sun, but it’s a day to celebrate our country!

This past week has been such a whirlwind filled with so many wonderful moments and memories that I loved making. 

Let’s recap!

On Wednesday to Friday my best friend, Bailey, from college came to visit. This was one of the first times a college friend came to visit me, since I live further away from school. During her visit, we did so many things.  

Look who’s here!!!

We started the mini vacay with a drive around my hometown and the happy hour by the bay. 

Beautiful weather for her visit!

We then headed to the beach to listen to live music at sunset. After the live music we headed to get some ice cream before heading back to my house for a cook out. We relaxed for the rest of the night and caught up. 

Sun setting at the beach

We got up bright and early on Thursday morning and headed out for a morning run. It was great to get a workout in, to start the day. 

Hello Morning Run!

We then came back to my house and got ready for a day out in the sun. We got lunch at Sara’s, an iconic diner in my hometown.

Introducing her to Sara’s!

We then went kayaking, which was my first time going out, but so much fun! 

After spending time on the water, we went to the beach, we tanned, relaxed, went in the water and even took a nap. 

ALL the beach vibes!
Beach vibes

After spending all day out in the sun, we went back to my house and relaxed. I just started watching Outlander and am obsessed!

We ate dinner and then went out for the night, which was so much fun!

  • The bay at night

We eased into Friday by going for a hike and then coming back for breakfast before she had to head back to Pittsburgh. 

Hiking before she had to head back to Pittsburgh

I am so thankful for our friendship and her visit. It was so good to be a tourist in my own hometown. We are already planning our next adventure! Much love Bailey!

Thanks for a great visit!!!

After she left on Friday, I quickly had to switch gears since I was going away for the weekend with my high school Madeline to visit our friend Ryan in Buffalo!

REUNITED

We left early Saturday morning and made the journey up to Buffalo. 

Buffalo bound

Once we arrived in New York, Ryan gave us a tour of Buffalo, from his college, Canisius, to downtown Buffalo and the canal side. It was so nice to get a look into his world. 

Checking out his school

We went to the Terrace for lunch, the food was delicious, and the view was even better.

Lunch with my favorite high school pals
Beautiful view

After walking around the city, we relaxed until we went out to dinner at Duff’s and had some of their famous wings. They didn’t disappoint. We hung out and played some games before calling it a night. 

Did someone say Buffalo Chicken Wings?!

Before, Madeline and I left Buffalo we got brunch at Pano’s, a delicious place that was in downtown Buffalo. It was delicious and so filling. 

I love these people

I was so glad to have made the trip to Buffalo and spend some quality time with my high school friends. 

Thanks for being some of my best friends!

These past few days have truly reminded me how lucky I am to have such good, fun, and supportive friends. From high school to college, we all get by with a little help from our friends!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #109

LOTD

Hi guys! It’s Thursday!

This week and month are flying by. I believe it’s been going so fast with how busy I have been. I have been working during the weeks and traveling on the weekends, I’ve been gone for work, visiting friends and seeing family. This summer has been so good so far and I am looking forward to what’s in store for the rest of the summer.

One of my best friends from college is visiting me and I am so excited to show her around my home town and just relax for a few days. I will keep you posted on what we all do next week!

For my next few looks of the days, I will be alternating between business casual looks and more summer chic looks. Today I have a summer chic look for you. I put together this look for my trip to Chicago a few weeks back and I loved it so much that I knew I had to share.

Perfect for sightseeing

Let’s first start with these shorts. I got them from Old Navy. How cute are the blue and white checkers?! I love how effortless they look but can really pull together an entire outfit!

Since I wore this while sightseeing, I opted for a white t shirt from Old Navy, but I plan on pairing these shorts with a white blouse. This top is what I wore for my birthday celebrations in Pittsburgh. It can be worn to dress up a pair of jeans like I did or worn with a pair of shorts like you could also do with this outfit. 

How cute is this top?

A jean jacket is a must for my wardrobe and my navy blue one has gotten a lot of use. I got a white jean jacket to break up my go to colors. I have been loving this jean jacket. I wore it with a black and white romper when I was out with friends, I have worn it with leggings when I went to get ice cream one night and I have worn it with a few sundresses. I know this will be a summer favorite for me. 

I wore a pair of slip on sneakers from Target, they were comfortable for walking around in the city but in the future, I could see myself wearing sandals with this outfit!

Overall, this was the perfect outfit for a day of sightseeing and being out and about and something I would definitely wear again especially when traveling! 

Have a great weekend!

Categories
Fabulous living

Summer Salads

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 

I hope your week’s are off to a great start! One thing you may or may not know about me is that I am a food lover! I love trying different things, whether it’s sweet or savory…although I prefer sweet! Haha! I hope to bring more recipes to the blog this year, whether it’s meals, sweet treats, or side dishes. I love to try new recipes and I would love to share them with you!

One of my goals for this summer is to start healthier habits, one of the ways I am working to achieve this is by making more healthier dishes.  I prefer to eat at home rather than going out, I like to know what I am putting in my body. Salads are a huge component of what I eat daily. Whether it’s pre-made salads from the grocery store for lunch or a large tossed salad for dinner, I try to eat a salad for a meal each day.

Today, I am going to share three easy salads to make for lunch or dinner. They are easy to make, nutritious, and filling. Let’s begin!

  1. Caprese Salad 

What You Need:

Spinach 

Sliced Tomatoes (1-3 depending on how much you want to make)

Mozzarella Cheese (1/2- 1 full ball depending on how much you want to make)

Olive Oil (for drizzling)

Balsamic Vinegar (for drizzling)

Oregano (for drizzling)

Basil (for drizzling)

Garlic (for drizzling)

Directions

  • Place Spinach on platter
  • Lay Sliced Tomato on top of Spinach
  • Put Mozzarella on top of Tomato
  • Drizzle your mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, basil, and garlic on top of salad for taste.
  • Enjoy!
Caprese Salad

2. Apple and Almond Salad

All the food

What You Need:

Lettuce

Spinach

Sliced Apple ( ½-1 full apple depending on serving size)

Sliced Grapes (1 cup-each grape cut in half)

Sliced Colby Jack Cheese (1/2 bar- or shredded cheese works great too)

Sliced Almonds (or your favorite nut)

Dried Cranberries

Directions

  • Slice Lettuce, Apple, Grapes, and Colby Jack Cheese and put in large bowl
  • Add Spinach to mixture
  • Add Slice Almonds and Cranberries to Salad for extra taste
  • Mix all parts together
  • Add your favorite dressing for taste
  • Enjoy!
Apple and Almond Salad

3. Poppyseed Chicken Salad

What You Need:

Lettuce

Sliced Grilled Chicken Breast

Strawberries (1/2-1 full apple depending on serving size)

Pineapple (I like to get pre sliced pineapple to make it easier when preparing meals)

Poppyseed Dressing 

Directions

  • Cook Grilled Chicken Breast and add your favorite seasoning for taste
  • Cut up lettuce and add chicken when cooled to mixture 
  • Slice strawberries and pineapples and add to mixture
  • Drizzle Poppyseed dressing on top for taste
  • Enjoy!
Poppyseed Salad

All three of these salads are super easy to prepare and meal prep! You can make a big bowl of it for dinner as a side or make a large bowl for yourself and eat it for lunch for the whole week. You can easily adjust portions to what works best for you. Not only are these fun and light for summer but also healthy and filling.

What are your favorite meals to meal prep? What are your go-to summer salads? Share them below!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #108

LOTD 

Hey guys! How has your summer been? Busy? Restful? Mine is going wayyyy to fast, I need it to slow down. HAHA! I’ve been trying to slow down on nights and during the weekends but it’s easier said than done. Can anyone relate?! Today’s look of the day is another one for the office. The older I get, the more I choose clothes are that used more for the professional setting than casual. Gone are the summer days of shorts and t-shirts. Dress pants and dresses are what I’m rocking nowadays. 

All blue every day

I started today’s look with a pair of dress navy blue pants from The Limited, they are great quality and can be worn in so many settings. You may remember, I wore them this past spring for a few award ceremonies I had. A pair of navy-blue trousers are a must for your wardrobe. 

I opted to wear them with a pair of navy-blue sling back heels I got from T.J. Maxx, what I love about these shoes is that they give you a little bit of height but nothing extreme, you can wear them all day and still be comfortable. 

Lastly, since my pants and shoes were so dark, I decided to add a lighter top to the mix. You may remember this top from Old Navy when I wore it in the winter with dark jeans and knee-high boots. This is light gold top that really dresses up an outfit. I wore it today with a much lighter look. I love shirts that are versatile. ‘

We love an outfit with versatility

That’s another look into what I am wearing. I promise to have more fun outfits for the weekend, but for now, I hope this shows how you can dress both professional while still looking cute!