Kate Walsh Boyfriend Inspired Outfit

So I've been spending a lot of time on Bloglovin' lately and came across a fun opportunity to style an outfit inspired by Kate Walsh's new fragrance Boyfriend. Now I personally haven't had a chance to smell this particular scent, but with "vanilla, jasmine blossoms, and an accord of amber set against the sensual scents of a man, including a light musk and a shimmer of fresh woods" I'm definitely intrigued. I'm very picky about scents, so I'd have to smell it before I tell any of you guys what I think about it. I figured if it has hints of "boyfriends" I would be inspired to style an outfit that is something I'd wear out on a lazy day of shopping or grabbing lunch with my boyfriend. A casual chic take on a boyfriend date!

Shoes- DSW, Bracelet- Forever 21, Earrings- Etsy, Top- Old Navy, Shorts- Forever 21, Bag- ASOS, Perfume- Sephora

I'd definitely wear this outfit other places as well, but out with my boyfriend I like to look casual and cute. He always likes when I am looking more casual than all done up.

April Favorites 2013

Well I'm going to sound like such a girl right now and say that this month went by so quickly. I'm not joking. It feels like just yesterday I was on my way back home for the half-marathon that took place the first weekend in April! Here in Minnesota it didn't start feeling like April until last Friday, so I am very happy that spring has decided to come out of hiding! Here are a few things I've been loving the past month!

I talked about the Pink Fresh and Clean body spray in my collection post, but the lotion is equally as amazing. I love that when you pair fragrances with the matching lotion the staying power is tripled! This is a great lotion and I've used it for years. I only recently started using it again as a daily lotion and I'm so happy I did!

If you've already read my post raving about the Neutrogena Hand Cream then it wont be a surprise to you that it is showing up in my favorites! I love that this is a multi-use cream and it is the best chapstick replacement ever. I don't think I'll ever buy chapstick again.

I bought this Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Refreshing Toner awhile back because I had forgotten my Bioderma at my house in Wisconsin and needed something gentle to take off makeup and refresh my skin. I definitely believe this is a dupe for Bioderma and if you've ever purchased Bioderma in the states you'll appreciate the $4.00 price tag on the Boots version. I still love my Bioderma as a number one product, but since it's so expensive I've been happy using this as a substitute.

In my Bursting with Blushes post I mentioned the Revlon PhotoReady Coral Reef Blush and ever since that post I have been wearing this blush everyday. I'm so glad I found a coral/orangey blush I can pull off.

This Revlon Fearless nail polish is a perfect bright spring red. I don't usually go for reds in spring time, but I wore this for a week and a half and almost wanted to repaint my nails the same color because I loved it that much. I paired it with my new Essie Strength base coat and was very impressed with how long it lasted.

The Essie Fiji nail polish is the perfect baby girl pink. I think of a baby shower when I wear it because it is so creamy and cute. It does need two coats to be opaque, but I don't mind an extra coat for a perfect pink.

I've had the L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Brown for a long time and it lasts forever! I love that it is a creamy eyeliner that just glides right on. It doesn't drag my eye and you can smudge it easily to get that "smokey" eyeliner look. I've been wearing it only on my bottom lash line to create a darker look

Now for some Non-Beauty favorites of the month:

For the first part of April there was still snow on the ground here in Minnesota, but once the sun came out I finally got to test out my new Birkenstocks in the style Gizeh. I purchased them because of my plantar fasciitis and they have been amazing. I will be living in these shoes this summer. I won't need anything else. Ever.

My favorite song of the month has been "I Do Adore" by Mindy Gledhill. I love the ukulele and the happy upbeat lyrics. It feels like summer and I love to belt it out when I'm in the shower.

What are some of your favorites from this month?

The Beauty of a Comfortable Work Space

I've seen a few bloggers show their desks and work spaces and I really enjoy seeing where fellow bloggers write and create. My desk is where I live; I write, read, do homework, and even watch Netflix.  I like my work area to be clean and organized, but also show a little bit my personality with cute details.

My computer is easily the most important thing on my desk for a multitude of reasons, but mainly because I do all of my school work on it. I always have the book I'm currently reading within reach because I like to read whenever I get a chance. I also have my favorite hand cream/chapstick on hand for those emergencies.

I like having photos of me and my friends on my desk to brighten my mood if I'm stuck inside doing homework on a gorgeous day. The flowers are fake, but they add a special sparkle to my desk. I am not so good at keeping plants alive (I used to have an aloe vera plant but I killed it) so I like that these will always look alive. I always have my favorite candle of the moment on my desk to set the mood for long nights of writing and I have a little notebook to track my Pilates progress and daily workouts. I have loads of books waiting to be read and have to remind myself on a daily basis that I have other books to read for class first.

I hope you gained some inspiration for your desk! I'd love to see your desk posts! I think you can really get to know a person through the items on their desk.

Outfit Inspired by Bandages by Hey Rosetta!

That's where we belong

We've been abed too long

All our weaknesses are growing strong

But winter always ends

With water on your lips
 The April rain comes swinging in

I know song meanings are up to personal interpretation (which is what makes music such an amazing experience) so for me this song is about encouraging happiness and waking up from a dark period. Like the transition from winter to spring. So I thought, what better time to pull outfit inspiration from this song than in spring?

Bracelet - Brandy Melville, Hair clip - Forever 21, Ring - Brandy Melville, Top - Ruche, Shorts - Forever 21,             Bag - ASOS, Shoes - TOMS

I really wanted to play with some fun pops of color and trendy polka dots (if you've seen my other posts lately you will see I'm loving polka dots lately). This outfit screams spring to me because of the bright sunshine yellow top and the flower accent hair pin. It's an outfit awakening like the trees and flowers waking up from a long winter's sleep. Moving from dark sweaters and boots to bright happy tanks and shorts. This outfit is a bit more sophisticated and could easily be dressed up for a more professional occasion with a cream colored blazer or cardigan. 

If you've not heard Bandages by Hey Rosetta! then you can check it out here.

Outfit Idea Under $30

Being a college student, I'm definitely a girl on a budget. I thought it'd be fun to challenge myself to put together a complete outfit with shoes under $30 dollars. Summer is coming up and this outfit is something I'd wear out to a lunch with friends or any day I'm feeling a bit girly.

Earrings - Forever 21, Hair Bow - Etsy, Sandals - Old Navy, Dress - Forever 21

The total ended up being $33.53. Over by a tiny bit, but I felt the bow just really pulled the look together into something that wasn't just a dress and sandals. I think it really is a challenge to be on a budget, but with a little inspiration and some bargain hunting, you really can create fun, fashionable, trendy looks without spending much. A lot of times you may already have accessories and shoes to match new dresses or outfits so the only part you really spend money on is the new accent pieces like this polka dot dress with is only $14.80 at Forever 21! That is a steal because polka dots are very in for spring and this dress looks adorable!

 

A Beauty Bag Must Have: Neutrogena Hand Cream + A Dupe!

I purchased this product way back in August after I got my tattoo because it was a fragrance free, no-nonsense lotion. After tossing it aside in my beauty closet for many months, I rediscovered it at the height of dry hand season. From the moment I started using this I knew it would be life long love.

As the package says, "Just a dab heals dry skin." They're not kidding. A tiny drop of this thick hand cream will leave you feeling as soft as a baby's bottom. I guarantee it. It does have an interesting formula because it starts out as a gel consistency (think Vaseline) and as you rub it in it becomes more like a lotion. I've carried this around moving it from my backpack to my purse, my overnight bag to my gym bag, and everywhere in between.

Only yesterday did I read the back of the package and really take it seriously. It says, "And it's not just for hands. Use it on your elbows, knees, face, and lips..." Now I don't know about you, but putting lotion on my mouth just seemed weird. After trying every lip product in my collection, I had given up on having moisturized lips. So as a last resort I grabbed the hand cream and slathered it on. Crazy as it seems, this works wonders. I cannot rave enough about this product! It continues to surprise me even though I've had it for months!

And at just under $5, I think this would be a great dupe for the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream.

My Perfume Collection

If you know me, you'll not be surprised with this post. I'm drawn to anything that smells pretty. I'm into candles, body sprays, perfumes, lotions, hand soaps, and anything that smells like flowers or fruit.

It's hard for me to pick an all time favorite fragrance because I choose my scent based on my mood that day or if I am attending a certain event.

Miss Dior Cherie is a fragrance I've had for a few years now and it was my first real grown-up perfume. I've always worn body sprays or mists, but this is a real perfume and I'll always think of this scent as being a sophisticated adult. I've been told I smell like expensive champagne when I wear this, but the official notes are "Italian mandarin essence, Egyptian jasmine absolute, and Indonesian patchouli essence." It's a very strong fragrance and one spritz will stay with you all day. It's also a very warm smell so I tend to only wear this one in the winter. 

Philosophy Falling in Love is my newest addition to the collection. My mom smelled it one day at Ulta and told me it smelled like me! How could I not love something that already smells like me?! It's a fresh spring time smell and has notes of "vanilla, jasmine, Lily of the Valley, musk, and blackberry." I think of a simple romantic date when I wear this. It's perfect for everyday wear and also for special occasions. 

Versace Bright Crystal smells heavenly. I received a small sample in a Sephora order last year and used it up so quickly I knew it would become an all time favorite. It's a light scent, but a little goes a long way. It's interesting to find a light scent that sticks with you for so long. The notes are of "iced accord, yuzu, pomegranate, peony, magnolia, lotus flower, acajou, vegetal amber, and musk." I couldn't tell you what many of those scents smell like, but I assure you it is lovely.

Pink Fresh and Clean Body Spray is probably my oldest fragrance. My friends and I have agreed that this smell is high school for us. We all used to run to Victoria's Secret at the mall and spray each other. It's one of those scents that I'll always need in my collection because there are so many memories attached to it. I'm a firm believer in scent memory connection and each scent brings me back to a certain time period. This has notes of "crisp apple, bergamot, Italian lemon, pink grapefruit, soft lily, amber, and musk."

Pink Sunkissed is another new addition to the collection, but I believe they just changed the name and packaging of a scent I'd previously owned. It smells like summer in a bottle with notes of "coconut water and warm vanilla." I've been wearing this a lot recently because I needed the smell of summer since it has felt like winter here in Minnesota.

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Touch is one of my spicier scents and I love wearing it for night time occasions. It has notes of "Italian iris, gilded apricot, and amber wood." It's not something I'd usually pick up because it is so spicy and I go for fruity warm scents, but I really liked how different it was and am so glad it is a part of my collection.

Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things Noir is a very subtle scent with notes of "sparkling nectarine, amber, and cattelaya orchid." I bought this scent after smelling it at a friend's house and had to buy it. Every time I spray this it reminds me of the good old days; I love that scents can transport you back in time. It's a perfect fall scent because it has the warmth of summertime, but can transition you into the colder weather.

Victoria's Secret Lost in Fantasy is an ultimate summer scent. It smells like a fresh sea breeze blowing off of the ocean. It has notes of "Brazilian orchid and kiwi" which make it as refreshing to spray as it is to smell. This scent is bright and wakes me up if I'm feeling out of energy. I haven't worn it a lot recently, but I know I will be pulling it out every day in the coming weeks.

Mark Get Misty Pear Blossom smells just like what the name implies. Very few perfumes actually have names that explain what it smells like so I enjoy that. This fragrance has notes of "pear blossom and vanilla" which makes it a refreshing spring scent. While researching this scent for the notes I actually found out that it has essential oils in it to hydrate the skin! Bonus!

I'd love to hear about your favorite perfumes! Am I missing anything in the fragrance world that is incredible?

When I Read This Book Review - Beautiful Creatures

“I said it, just like that. No stupid jokes, no changing the subject. For once, I wasn't embarrassed, because it was the truth. I had fallen. I think I had always been falling. And she might as well know, if she didn't already, because there was no going back now. Not for me.” 

by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Creatures is a fantastic read for fans of Twilight, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and other paranormal romance novels.

This book came highly recommended from my cousin who reads everything! We have very similar taste in books so I definitely trust her opinions. The first thing I noticed about Beautiful Creatures was the point of view. Finally, a book with a male narrator. It's fun to read from a teenage girl perspective because I was a teenage girl and can easily relate to those characters, but once in awhile it is a nice change of pace to read from a teenage boy perspective. It is also a new take on paranormal romance because in many books, like Twilight (which I still love, so I don't care what anybody says), the male love interest is the one with the super natural abilities. In Beautiful Creatures, Lena has special abilities and is the character with strength, physically and mentally.

Ethan Wate, the protagonist, lives in the small southern town of Gatlin, South Carolina where nothing ever changes. He's always dreamed of a way out of his boring life until one day Lena Duchannes shows up and nothing is ever the same. Lena is the town shut-in's niece and is labeled a weirdo from the moment she steps into the school. Little do her classmates know, Lena is a Caster with special abilities. Through a series of weird dreams, Ethan feels he already knows Lena in a special way. The two can't stay away from each other and begin to form an unbreakable relationship. The problem is that Lena turns sixteen in just a few short months and that's when she will be chosen for the Dark or the Light. The story follows the trials and tribulations of their relationship and the moment of truth for Lena's fate. 

I loved this book and am eagerly awaiting a trip to the library to pick up the next one.

As always, I'm always looking for book suggestions so if you've read anything life changing recently just let me know!

Bursting with Blushes

My makeup bag has been bursting with blush lately. Perhaps it is because there has been no sunshine to give me a natural glowing flush (yes, it is STILL snowing in Minnesota). So I've been turning to these lovely blushes to keep me smiling even though it's dark and gloomy outside.

Tarte 12 Hour Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface, Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush in Coral Reef, Laneige Gradient Blush in 02 Light, Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, Origins Pinch Your Cheeks Cheek Stain in Raspberry

I've obviously been loving the Tarte blush in Dollface because I've hit pan on it. It's a pink that is flattering on my fair skin because it brings out a natural blushing look. It's been my everyday blush and I don't think that will be changing even into summertime.

The Revlon Coral Reef blush is a recent purchase for me. I've only worn it twice, but I know it will be a favorite for spring and summer. It's a cream blush so it will have a nice staying power for those warmer days and it gives that dewy fresh faced look. I used to be afraid of brighter colors like this orangey shade, but it's fun to mix it up. There's no reason I should be safe with natural colors, we should all go for the fun ones occasionally!

I posted about the Laneige blush recently because it was a gift from my brother on his trip to Korea. It's a shimmery gradient and gives a different look every time I wear it. It's a very smooth consistency and I love how it has a built in highlighter. I've been taking the lightest shade on my ring finger and using it as my brow bone highlighter as well.

For a very different look, I've been using the Milani Luminoso blush because it's such a departure from my normal blushes. It's shimmery and coral, but has a dark tone to it. I'm not big on contouring, but I've been placing this in the hollows of my cheeks and creating some dimension.

The Origins Raspberry Cheek stain is a holy grail product for me. I love that it is a stain because I feel like the saying power is stronger than some powder blushes. It's a beautiful natural color for my cheeks on those "No Makeup" makeup days. I love it and will always repurchase it. Just be sure to work quickly when applying or it will stain your fingers instead!

Do you have any fun blush recommendations for me? I'm always looking to try something new!

Outfit Inspiration: Puck Connolly from The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

“Does anyone ask you why you stay, Sean Kendrick?"
"They do."
"And why do you?"
"The sky and the sand and the sea and Corr.” 

~Maggie Stiefvater, The Scorpio Races

In The Scorpio Races Puck Connolly, a feisty young girl, is fighting to the death for her future and her family. Her ultimate plan never included competing in the Scorpio Races, but it is her only option. The Scorpio Race is an event held on the first of November. This is no normal race, these horses, or capaill uisce, are deadly and emerge from the sea every fall. Puck is the first girl to ever compete in the race, while nineteen-year-old Sean Kendrick is the reigning champ. The story is told from both the point of view of Puck, as well as Sean. As much as the book is about the killer horses, the island, and the race itself, it is a tale about a heroine and a hero who both must win this deadly race to survive. Their lives intertwine into a beautifully written story. Puck’s strength in matters of the heart, the family, and the race lead her to some incredible feats. “Some race to win. Others race to survive.” If you’re looking for something thrilling, romantic, and powerful then I fully recommend The Scorpio Races. 

Corr - Sean's Capall uisce

Dove - Puck's pony

Kinnagoe Bay, Donegal, Ireland

Hair clip, Sweater, Jacket, Boots, Leggings, Ring

Puck is a rugged, tough, and spunky young girl who spends her time training and racing her pony, Dove, on the beaches of Thisby. She would need a wax cotton jacket to keep her dry on misty island days and boots ready for riding. This outfit would be comfortable enough to train in, but also practical for her island life.

Source

Each year the town of Thisby bakes November cakes for the festival leading up to the Scorpio Races. Here is a recipe for this yummy treat.

Empty Product Review #1

I always love watching Empty Product videos on YouTube because I feel like they really inform the viewers on what products are worth buying. If I make it through a product (and I'm scraping at the remains), then it comes highly recommended by me. I love testing beauty products and skin care items so more often than not I'll discover a new item that I love before I've used up a similar product.

These are items that I've been collecting for the past few weeks!

Hair Products

Paul Mitchell Smoothing Serum, LUSH Veganese Conditioner, Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray

The Paul Mitchell Smoothing Serum smells great and really does smooth your hair. I usually applied this right after I got out of the shower so it could double as a detangling product. It something I enjoyed using while I had it, but would probably not repurchase because in full size it is a bit pricey.

The LUSH Veganese Conditioner "smells like 7-Up" according to my roommate. I agree, but there are also hints of lavender that make it smell like a spa. This is a very light conditioner and claims to be "exceptionally good for limp, fine, or lack-lustre hair." I have limp hair and am always looking for voluminizing products, but this was not exceptional for my hair. I've been using the Clear Long Lengths Conditioner and have been very happy with the results. I did enjoy the scent though, so props to LUSH.

I wish I would have grabbed the full size version of the Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. I had run out of my Bed Head Masterpiece spray and wanted to repurchase it, but Target was sold out so I grabbed this thinking it was just a stand-in until I could find the Bed Head spray again. I was wrong. I fell in love and can't wait until I'm out of hairspray again so I can buy the full version. It smells great, it has all day power, and doesn't make my hair crunchy.

Random Samples

Fresh Picked "Beautiful Day" Lotion, Ange ou Demon Eau de Parfum, Daisy by Marc Jacobs

I love beauty products; therefore, I also love beauty samples. I received a perfume sample in an order from Sephora and quickly ran out of Daisy by Marc Jacobs. I'm not usually one for floral scents, but this doesn't smell overpowering and has hints of vanilla. I also used up a sample of the Givenchy Ange ou Demon Eau de Parfum. I'm not a huge fan because it was a little too strong for me and smelled very spicy. 

I also used up a sample of the Bath and Body Works Beautiful Day lotion. I have already purchased the full version so I guess that pretty much speaks for itself. I love the fresh spring scent and I believe it will transition well into summer.

Concealers

NYX HD Concealer in Light, Almay Clear Complexion Concealer in Light

I usually go through concealers pretty quickly because I don't use foundation so concealers are my base, but these ones were not my favorites so they took a long time to use up. The NYX concealer may have been a bit too light for my skin (if there is such a thing because I'm very fair skinned) and the Almay concealer had a gloppy consistency. I raved about my favorite concealers in a post here.

Hygiene Products

Top: Dove GoFresh Deodorant in Plum and Sakura Blossom, LUSH Charity Pot
Bottom: Method Hand Soap in White Nectarine, LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel, Degree Sexy Intrigue Deodorant

Deodorant is deodorant. I liked it, it kept me smelling fresh. Enough said.

I adore the LUSH Charity Pot lotion mostly because the proceeds go to charities. It's very moisturizing and the scent is sweet like honey and sticks with you. A little goes a long way so this $5 container was definitely worth it. I have already repurchased this and have been using it!

Method Hand Soap is my favorite because it isn't full of antibacterials or chemicals that can actually harm your skin. This has a nice fruity nectarine scent and I will be sticking with the Method brand, but perhaps trying another scent because they're all very nice.

I received this LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel as a Christmas present and it smells like cotton candy. It's also a lovely pink color and really brightens up a dull winter morning. I enjoyed using this, but because it is special addition I will not be repurchasing it right away. Maybe I'll get it again next year!

Another normal deodorant. Degree in Sexy Intrigue. I love this scent, but will be searching for a more natural deodorant.

 Face and Shower Products

Alba Even Advanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub, The Body Shop Vitamin E Illuminating Moisture Cream, LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask, The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Body Wash, Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer, Bath and Body Works Pink Chiffon Lotion

I love the Alba Even Advanced Sea Algae scrub. It's been a favorite exfoliator of mine for a while and I've already purchased another. It smells kind of herbal and really gets deep into my pores for a deep clean while sloughing away all the dead skin.

I'm not a huge fan of this moisturizer from The Body Shop. It had a nice subtle smell and was very moisturizing, but it is illuminating and had too much pink tone for my skin. I am very fair and have pink undertones so this was not the right illuminating product for me. It made me look too pink.

I've raved about the LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask before and I will hopefully be repurchasing it again soon. It smells like blueberry muffins and works wonders on my skin.

I bought this Cranberry Joy body gel from The Body Shop around Christmas time, it smells like the cranberry candle from Bath and Body Works. The perfect smell for winter time. I loved it, but will be using more spring and summer scents until winter hits again.

The Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer is my everyday moisturizer and I've already purchased another. It has SPF in it, it clears dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and it's not too think for every day wear.

I love Bath and Body Works lotion and Pink Chiffon reminds me of the Pink Sugar perfume from Sephora. I haven't repurchased this, but it's a possibility in the future because I love the smell.

Candles

Bath and Body Works Slatkin & Co. Candles in Island Nectar and Pineapple Mango

The Island Nectar candle smells like a fancy cocktail that you'd drink on a beach and the Pineapple Mango (my favorite BBW candle) smells like a fresh cut pineapple covered in mango juice with a hint of vanilla. Best. Smell. Ever. And reminds me of summer. I highly recommend both of these candles.

Outfit Inspired by The Paper Kites "Bloom"

In the morning when I wake

And the sun is coming through,

Oh, you fill my lungs with sweetness,

And you fill my head with you

Scarf, Dress, Bracelet, Hair Pins, Shoes

I've had "Bloom" by the Paper Kites playing on repeat for about a month now. The beautiful lyrics entwined with haunting harmonies create a dream like image in my mind. I found delicate pieces that seemed as if they could float through the woods and into the clouds. The steady beats building to the chorus make me think of fairies in the woods who are pulling lovers together so I wanted this look to be something effortlessly alluring, as if you were to be magically pulled through the woods to a handsome man waiting to tell you he loves you.

If you haven't heard this song yet, I highly recommend checking it out here.

P.S. Future husband, this is playing at our wedding :)

Treats from South Korea

My brother recently visited friends in Jeju, South Korea and brought back some skin care goodies for me! I have the best big brother in the world; he even ventured into beauty related stores to find these masks for me.
I wish I could post all of the pictures from his trip because South Korea is such a beautiful place. I've definitely added it to the list of places I need to visit. He had a spectacular time and I enjoyed hearing about his travels.

I've already used the Tea Tree face mask and it was a lovely experience. It wasn't at all what I expected, but I definitely liked it. The mask wasn't a paste or a cream, but instead it was a cloth with eye, nose and mouth cut outs soaked in the fresh essences. I wouldn't say it changed my skin dramatically or made me feel like a new person, but it was very refreshing and soothing for my face.

I don't know how I'll live without this Laneige blush once I've used it up. I have it in the shade 02 Light, but there are other shades as well. I'm so proud of my brother for picking this up for me because he didn't even know what he was looking for! It is gradient blush and looks slightly different every time you wear it because the brush will pick up a different mixture of the colors. It is shimmery so I think it will be great for summer and add that extra dewiness to my skin. 

I'm so lucky to have a big brother as great as mine. Not just for bringing me treats from his trip, but because he's an all around great person and an inspiration for me everyday. I'm sure you'll hear more about him soon. He's my role model and one of my best friends.

Beauty and the Beast

As a little girl I found it hard to walk the line between being a strong athletic girl and a fashion obsessed sweet girl. I played hockey with the boys and spent little time on makeup, clothes, and hair because I didn't know I could be both tough and pretty at the same time. I guess I just hadn't had the time to explore both realms. But after years of practice, I've merged the two into my own style. I've decided to call it "Beauty and the Beast" because we can all be both. I can be a beast on the pitch, but I'm a beauty once I step off. Here are two looks - one beauty and one beast.

Beauty

Dress, Headband, Ring, Shoes, Bag, Nail Polish (Angelic)

I don't often wear dresses, but when I do I love to have it look as girly and sweet as possible. Dresses make you feel like a modern day princess! I like soft muted colors and this dress is a perfect periwinkle blue with ruffles to enhance the girly feel. I paired it with accessories that are simple and classic so they would not take away from the main piece, the dress. This dress looks floaty and fabulous for a beautiful day.

Beast

Top, Pants, Bag, Sports Bra, Yoga mat, Shoes

This beastly outfit would be perfect for a Pilates session, a hard training run, hurling practice, or even just a day when you want to look like you are going to kick butt. The bag fits a yoga mat, but could easily fit running shoes and whatever products you need for post-workout touch ups. Personally, I always need dry shampoo if I'm going to be running off to my next class!

Don't think that just because you're a kick butt girl it means you can't throw on a dress if you want to! Be you. You can be both the scary beast on the field and the sweet innocent girl off!

Favorite Healthy Snacks

I'm a fitness lover. I love Pilates (rant is here if you'd like to read it), running, hockey, hurling, and yoga. Anything that gets me moving and sweating; I'll love it! Here are just a few of the healthy snacks I like to power up with after a good hard workout. Brain workouts count too because these are also snacks I eat when I've worked up a mental sweat writing papers or doing research.

1. Kind Fruit and Nut Bars - These are delicious if you're an almond lover like me! They have other flavors, but these two are my favorites. They're also gluten free and made with all natural whole nuts, fruits, and ingredients you can see and pronounce.

2. Celery and Almond Butter - This is a recent favorite of mine. I know I need to eat more veggies, so I always try to have celery on hand because it's one of my favorites. Pair it with almond butter and you've got a perfect snack full of protein.

3. Fruit Strips - I know there are recipes all over Pinterest showing how to make your own fruit strips, but sometimes I just want to grab a box and go. These taste like fruit snacks, but they're not full of high fructose corn syrup and other weird preservatives!

4. Sunflower seeds - When I'm in the mood for something crunchy or salty I love to reach for sunflower seeds because they satisfy my craving and I'm not reaching for a bag of chips or another unhealthy alternative.

5. Luna Protein Bars in Cookie Dough - These actually taste like cookie dough. And I know this might not be classified as a "healthy snack," but I had to throw it in here because it does have a lot of protein packed in it. I ate a lot of these bars following my long training runs preparing for the marathon.

6. Champagne Mangoes - And here's the winner! My all time favorite healthy snack award goes to the Champagne mango because of it's sweet and juicy flavor. I don't know exactly why I like Champagne mangoes better than conventional mangoes, but if you haven't tried them then you definitely need to! 

What are your favorite post-workout healthy snacks?

Something I Need to See

So if you know me you already know about my tiny gigantic love for France and all things French. I was searching through iTunes Movie Trailers because I like to know what is coming out in the glorious world of cinema and I came across this film called "Renoir." It's in French (awesome), it's about Impressionism (my all time favorite art period), there's going to be romance (hello hopeless romantic over here), and it's set in 1915 (can we say Downton Abbey?). So pretty much I need to see this right away. It is beautifully filmed and I cannot wait to rave about it more after I've watched it!

Three Looks I Will (hopefully) Be Rocking This Spring

Depending on the weather and my low funds for shopping, I may or may not be able to wear spring clothes any time soon. No one can run out and buy new clothes every single day to match her mood, BUT if I could, these are three looks I would love to wear.

Fresh and Floral

Earrings, Shirt, Necklace, Shorts, Sandals, Sunglasses

The inspiration for this outfit came from the shorts. I've never worn floral shorts, but I saw these at Forever 21 and I was drawn in. I thought they'd look cute with multiple colors on top and could be a casual but trendy way to enjoy a spring day.

Bold and Bright

Blazer, Jeans, Tee, Bag, Flats

For a more professional look, I love this bright blazer. I know it might not be office appropriate for everyone, but as a college student I feel like this definitely fits in the professional look category. I love the bag from Forever 21 because it is almost identical to a really expensive designer bag.

Classic and Simple

Tee, Flats, Scarf, Jeans

I'd have to say this is my favorite of the outfits because it is most like what I wear on a day to day basis. It's casual, it's comfortable, and you could wear this to shop with friends, go to class, or grab coffee with a date!

Where do you shop to pick up all of your spring essentials?

Half-Marathon #13.1

I did it! After months of training and excitement I finished the Trailbreaker Half-Marathon! Six months ago I set out with high hopes of running a marathon; and while that is still my long time goal, injuries, time, and lack of experience with long distance races set me back to the half-marathon. I'm still extremely proud of myself (and my running buddy, Connor) for finishing with a time we set out to run.

Race day was an experience I'll never forget. I was nervous, jittery, and a bit worried that the last few miles would be difficult. Connor and I kept pace and never stopped moving. Just one foot in front of the other. By the 7 mile turn around mark I had lost myself in the run, all you runners out there know the feeling. I wasn't thinking about breathing or running, I just was. It was such a great experience and everyone there was very encouraging. I'm proud to say I finished and I know there will be many more half-marathons (and full marathons) to come! I already have plans to sign up for a run at the end of the summer!

Downton Abbey Inspired Outfit

If you haven't joined the thousands of people who are in love with Downton Abbey, I highly suggest you take few moments and watch the first episode because you will not be disappointed.
I fell in love with the characters and the story line within the first five minutes. I was already shipping couples, drooling over landscapes of England, and wishing I lived in the 20s so I could steal all of their clothes.

Speaking of fashion, there's a lot of it in many different styles. There are the three high society Crawley sisters, the servants, and guests from all over the world visiting Downton. I'm in love with Sybil Crawley, the youngest of the sisters, because of her fearlessness. She has a feminist spark and a revolutionary attitude. She's such a strong character. Sybil lives for herself and not for pleasing her family's societal demands. Without actually realizing it, I was window shopping online pulling inspiration from Sybil with her brighter colors and younger approach to the style of the age. I was also searching the stores for any long necklaces and realized that must have been an effect of Downton as well. Mary Crawley, the eldest sister, always sports long necklaces during fancy dinner parties and I'm enthralled with her Art Deco style.

I was inspired by some of the episodes later in the series when the 1920s fashion begins to emerge. Mary often wears a sparkly clip in her hair, all the girls wear Mary Jane high heels, and long necklaces appear in almost every episode.

Necklace, Dress, Headband, Clutch, Shoes

This is a very wearable way to show your love for Downton Abbey. The pieces are classic, the look is chic, and everyone will be wondering where you got your accessories!
Let me know if you've found any other stores that are carrying Downton-esque pieces because I'm obsessed!