Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #22

Fall Fashion

LOTD

Today’s outfit is all about taking neutral pieces and putting them all together in a chic outfit. We all have simple pieces in our closets but we never think to wear them together. Today, I’m going to show you how. Wearing all these pieces alone makes your outfit bland but tying them all together with a few accessories makes everything better. This outfit is perfect for college students heading to class. Heading to a fall festival? A pumpkin patch? Or a day shopping? This outfit would work great for any fall activity. Everything I am wearing are all neutral, fall colors and I’m sure you have these pieces or ones similar in your own closets. Here’s what you need to make this outfit work for you.

  • Black leggings or pants even jeans if you like. Whatever you feel most comfortable in. I get my leggings from GAP.
  • White t shirt (long or short it’s up to you. I wore a short sleeve shirt since it warmed up in the afternoon. I get my white t shirts anywhere. Whoever has the best sale wins.
  • Light jacket or coat. I got this tan jacket from Old Navy and it is perfect for fall or spring. A jean jacket or leather jacket would work great as well.
  • Little booties (a must have for fall, I love these suede wedges but brown, black even peep toes shoes can work great). I got these last year from Shoe Carnival.
  • A scarf to tie the whole outfit together. This scarf is from Old Navy has the black, white, and brown to tie the whole outfit together.

Alone all these pieces are simple, solid colors but get a scarf, fun jewelry or even a pop of color and you are set to go. I didn’t spend a penny on this outfit this season. It was all things I already had in my closet. Sometimes we forget what we have in our closet and we want to buy something new. However, if we take a few extra minutes we can be creative and make our own outfits. I hope this inspires you to think out of the box when it comes to fashion. Who knows your next favorite outfit may be your own creation.

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Favorites

I saw this Q&A for fall on two other blogs I follow, The Blended Blog and A Little Bit of Everything Blog. I love fall and everything that comes along with it. Thanks so much for the great fall idea questions. Here are a few of my favorite things about fall.

  1. Favorite Fall Sweet Treat?

Candy apples or apple crisp

2. Red, yellow, or green apples?

Red

3. Favorite Fall Sport to Play?

I don’t play but I will watch countless soccer games or go to football games.

4 .Best drinks for Fall?

Hot Apple Cider

5. Favorite Fall Activity?

Going on walks with the leaves fall or going to any fall festival

6. Must have Fall Purchase?

Sweaters!!

7. Pumpkins? Pick your own or Store bought?

I would love to pick my own but I don’t always have the time, so store bought it is.

8. Real or fake pumpkins?

A few real pumpkins but more fake ones.

9. Favorite Halloween Costume?

Last year I went as Sandy from Grease. BEST. COSTUME. EVER.

10. College Football of NFL?

I watch both but you will find me rooting more for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

11. Fall or Halloween Decor?

Fall decorations. They last longer, I shared my fall decorating tips so you can see more here.

12. Raking Leaves or no Leaves to Rake?

Raking Leaves

13. Favorite Soup?

Nothing says fall like chicken noodle soup.

14. Favorite Fall Candle Scent?

Anything Apple and Cinnamon,

15. Love or Hate Pumpkin Spice?

Not a fan, I will have a small slice of pumpkin pie but that’s about it.

16. Short booties or Tall booties?

Short booties all fall long!

17. Favorite Halloween Candy?

M&M’s. I don’t feel as guilty eating them. HAHAHA

18. PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) Yes or No?

Nope, not a starbucks or coffee fan. Sorry.

19. Hayride or Cornmaze?

Hayride!

20. Favorite Fall TV Show?

I can’t choose just one. I’m a big lover of tv, I would rather watch it live then binge watch it. This fall I’m watching This Is Us, SEAL TEAM, and the TGIT lineup which includes Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. My tv time is my me time.

Tuesday 9:00 NBC
Wednesday 9:00 CBS
Thursday 8:00 ABC

Well, there you have it. My favorite things about fall. What are some of your favorite things about fall?

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #21

LOTD

Cute and Comfortable…a match made in Heaven

Looking for a quick and effortless outfit to throw together for a lunch date?  Want to be cute and comfortable? I have the perfect outfit for you. This outfit is simple enough to wear while traveling and still look cute when you arrive. I recently wore this outfit to class and I loved how I could still look cute, matching, while not breaking the bank.

I don’t shop at Forever 21 a lot but, when I do I typically get classic black and white t shirts and black leggings. These are staples in my wardrobe since they are simple colors that can be worn with every outfit. In today’s look everything I’m wearing is from Forever 21.

Let’s start from the top with this light, caramel sweater. This light sweater is perfect for wearing alone or layered. I have a lot of ideas of how to layer this sweater for fall so stay tuned. This sweater came in a lot of colors but I decided to go with neutral color since I can match it with a lot of things.

In the past, I have worn this outfit with a pair of black dress pants to dress it up. However, on this day I had a long day filled with a lot of running around so I opted to go for a pair of leggings.

Perfect little ballet flats. The colors match my outfit perfectly

My shoes are my favorite part of the outfit. Ballet flats are a hit or miss for me. But, when I saw these tan and black flats I knew I had to get them. This also went perfect with this outfit so I was more than happy when I got them. Pair this outfit with a simple brown clutch and some gold earrings and you will be good to go on the go.

Happy Weekend Friends!

Categories
Fabulous living

Fall Decorating

When it comes to fall decorating I try to decorate for the whole season of fall not just Halloween. Although, I’m all about the candy, the costumes, and the scary decorations, Halloween only lasts for one day when autumn last for months. I try not to go over board when decorating for each season. I like to have small reminders of the new season around my dorm/house.

Today, I am going to be sharing my decorations at home and at school that I have up for fall. Let’s start with school. I got these cute decals for my window at Target in the dollar section. I put them up in the beginning of October and take them down the day after Halloween. They are a simple reminder of Halloween without overdoing it.

Window Decorations. I used gel window clings to add some spookiness to my dorm room

I also keep my candy dish filled with Halloween candy for anyone who stops by. I also try to get a small pumpkin to have out just to add a bit more fall feeling to the room. It’s still a bit early so I haven’t gotten my pumpkin yet but when I do, I will be sharing pictures!

Halloween Candy

Now, for at home here are a few areas that are always decorated season long for fall. At home we (my mom and I) try to reuse decorations from last year but we do upgrade a few decorations each year. Centerpieces are crucial when decorating. They make the table, more than just a place to eat. Since it’s fall we used a lot of pumpkins, we have them spaced out through the house so it’s not overwhelming. Below are some of my favorite spaces at home for decorations. We tried to incorporate pumpkins in different ways and settings.

Kitchen Table Centerpiece. I love how bold and unique this centerpiece is. The table is a symbol of gathering and this centerpiece ties the whole room together.
Side Table Decorations. Another example of incorporating pumpkins in different ways. The acorn is also a fall touch without going overboard with decorations.
Coffee Table Centerpiece. I love the warm feeling the candles bring to the room. The leaves are also a good reminder of fall.

I hope this gave you so inspiration for fall decorating. Happy Tuesday!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #20

LOTD

A perfect fall ensemble

It’s officially fall! I love the leaves changing, the crisp air and the smell of apples all season long. But, as soon as the first snow fall hits, I am in the Christmas spirit. Thankfully, we have a few more months until it’s time for Christmas carols and sleigh bells.

Fall weather means it’s time for shoe boots, comfy sweaters, and hot apple cider. This outfit is perfect for an autumn walk or pumpkin carving. Although, you can’t see my shoes I wore a simple black, wedges shoe boot. These are my favorite shoe boots that I wear in the fall and winter. The heel is big enough to a long pair of jeans or a simple black skirt. I got these jeans from Old Navy. Old Navy is my go to for jeans, I love all the unique styles they have and there so many options that you can find one that fits your style and look. I am wearing the boot cut style in this picture and it works perfect for heeled shoe or boot. I got this black turtleneck sweater from GAP a few years ago both in black and a fuchsia pink. They are staples in my wardrobe for fall and winter. They are warm and comfortable but are also unique with the neck. A long necklace would make a perfect statement piece with this sweater. It’s also thick enough that you don’t need to wear another layer in the warmer fall weather. I am obsessed with hats this year, from monogrammed baseball hats, to floppy summer hats, and panama hats. I found this cowboy style hat on sale from DSW and I had to get it. It completes this outfit perfectly and I have found other outfits that I can add it to.

Hot Apple Cider may be my favorite part of Fall.

Finally, I have my hot drink in my hand, whether you are a #PSL girl or a hot apple cider girl like myself, a warm drink is crucial for fall. Speaking of which, I hope you are reading this blog with your favorite fall drink. Happy Thursday and TGIT (Thank God it’s Thursday)…if you get that reference I hope you are as pumped for tonight as I am!!!

 

 

 

Categories
Fitness

Pound Rockout Workout Class

With a new semester comes a new fitness routine. I am still going to the gym three mornings a week before class and on the weekends.  But, I like to try new things which helps break up my routine. My college campus always has new fitness classes and activities. They offer Zumba, Kickboxing, Yoga  and this year they introduced Pound Rockout Workout. It’s a fast-paced class filled with a full body cardio workout and drumming.

Get yourself a friend who will take a selfie with you after a full day of classes AND an intense workout.

I was hesitant at first to try it, but my best friend and fitness motivator Shalyn convinced me to go and boy am I glad she did.  Fun fact; we randomly match most of the time we are at the gym and it’s totally not planned. This is one of those times. It was pretty surprising we can workout that afternoon and be back in the gym at 7:00 the next morning.

It was a 30-minute work out that got me sweating.  The class was at 5:00 which I really liked. I had tried Zumba before but it was from 9-10 at night and I didn’t like working out so late. I like to start my day with a workout not end my day with one. The music was fast paced and got me rocking. Each week we stick (no pun intended)  to the same routine and songs but every few months she changes up some of the moves or songs. The class focused on a core workout, lunges, squats and got us moving. We used drum sticks to hit the air or floor. After a long day or classes and work, it was a great and healthy way to release the stress and tension I had in me.  It was definitely a workout and I felt the effects the next day (or two).

Whether you have a Pound Rockout Workout Class near you or not, it’s always good to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. Try a yoga class or spin class. You never know if you will like something until you try it. My goal this school year is to say yes to more things (another blog post for later) and this class is just one example of that. I said yes to something new and I was so glad I did. Thank you Shay for taking me to class and sweating it out with me. It won’t be my last time there.

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?