Style Statement Tuesday

Hey, y'all! I'm still traveling, but Kelsey from Beauty Without Limits so graciously offered to guest post for me.

If you haven't met Kelsey, be sure to hop over to her blog and say hello. She somehow manages to juggle nursing school and work while still looking fab. Girl is some kind of cute! So check her out!

OK, Kelsey, take it away!

Being a girly-girl, I love my feminine pieces, patterns, and floral. I think trends are fun to follow, as long as you do it your own way. I like to pull ideas from different trends, different "types" of styles of clothing, and make them my own. I have never been one to label my style, as I feel it is a mixture of all the things I love, all put into one.

 

After really thinking about it though, I decided that my style statement would probably be "feminine casual". You will hardly ever find me in heels and a fancy outfit, but you will find me in stripes, pastels, cardigans, lace and so on. I may stray here and there from my style statement, but that is what makes my style my own.

 

When I shop, I will always be pulled toward girly, easy-to-wear pieces, that aren't too revealing. Since I am a nursing student, I have the casual side down pat! When I am not in class or studying, I have clinicals at the hospital, so you know that when I am done I will want to wear something pretty, casual but still put together!

My faux leather jacket that I am in love with! Much needed for when it gets a little breezy! (Similar).

A little bit of stripes, gold, and color never hurt anybody.

Outfit details: Top: Daytrip Cold Shoulder (Buckle) // Pants: Kohls Celebrity Blues (similar) // Skinny Gold Bangles: Forever 21 (similar) // Gold Sequin Flats: (similar)

I think this follows my style statement because it is very casual and cute with the "cold shoulder" style of the top. The pants are great for spring, and would look amazing with a white button down and statement necklace, which definitely fits my style, but I decided to have a little more fun with it and style the pants this way! I wore this while hanging out with my family, and running a few errands, so nothing special, but still trendy, casual, and spring appropriate!

I am so happy to be hosting the link-up for Jessica while she is out of town, so thank you for letting be take over today!

See what I mean? Adorbs, right?

Link up and share your style!

Giveaway!

I'm sponsoring Pursuit of Pink this month, and she's hosting a fab giveaway with items from her April sponsors. Check it out!

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Beach Recap & 30 Miles in 30 Days

Now that I've been home for 4 days and am leaving again tomorrow, I feel it is appropriate to recap my beach weekend.

We arrived in Tybee around 3:30 and promptly crashed on the couch. Something about sitting in a car for 7 hours made us want to sit some more. We went to dinner around 7 and were in bed by 9:30. This is not a joke.

Friday, we awoke to the news that the Boston bombers had been identified and one was still on the loose. We had a gigantic breakfast, and spent our morning on the couch glued to CNN. Being an educated woman can be tough. We did, however, manage to ride bikes all over the island for a good part of the afternoon. We hit the beach for about 20 minutes, but the wind was terrible. We had an amazing dinner and talked politics all night. Again, we were in bed by 10pm.

Saturday, the weather was terrible. We got pedicures and watched TV all afternoon. We drove into Savannah that night to let our hair down. Drinks, dinner, and after dinner drinks proved to be too much for us. We were back on Tybee by 10pm.

I should be utterly ashamed of myself (and my friends) for going on a girls' trip and being so lame, but I am not. The truth is, I had an awesome time. Getting 10 hours of sleep every night was just what the doctor ordered.

30 Miles in 30 Days Update:

Friday: 3 miles biking

Saturday: 2 miles walking

Tuesday: 2 miles walking

Wednesday: 2 miles walking

Total Weekly Miles: 9 miles

Total Miles: 37 Miles

Miles to Go: Done! 7 miles over with 5 days to go!

Style Statement Tuesday

I'm heading to wine country on Friday, and I could not be more excited. Northern California is pretty much my favorite place on earth.

Last time we were there, I felt like I could have done a better job packing outfits that were more "me." To preempt any fashion faux pas, I've created a Wine Country Essentials board to help me stay true to my 'Classic Pretty' Style Statement.

Napa and Sonoma are super laid back with an easy elegance. While I would not call any of these pieces elegant, I do think I'd fit in quite nicely in these items. I chose pieces that are interchangeable and wrinkle resistant, perfect for travel. What do you think?

 

Forever 21 denim shirt dress / Old Navy cami dress / J.Crew merino wool sweater / J.Crew summer blouse / Mossimo cap sleeve t shirt / J.Crew chino shorts / J.Crew chino pants / Short heels / Forever 21 strap sandals / Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Denim Jegging - Assorted Colors / Old Navy Boys Denim Jackets / Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Foldover Maxi Skirt Assorted Colors

Link up and share your style!

I'm Back!

I'm back from the beach, which also means I'm back at work. I'm trying to play catch up this week because I'll also be out of town Friday through Tuesday!

BTW, anyone interested in guest posting for me for Style Statement Tuesday on April 30? Let me know!

Happy Monday!

A Favorite Yoga Sequence

Today, I'm super pumped to share a favorite yoga sequence of mine with you. I'm headed to the beach today for a long weekend, but that's no reason to slack on the exercise. I plan on doing this exact sequence every morning and evening while I'm on my beach trip.

If you're interested, head over to Yoga Journal and build your own yoga sequence!

 

Inhale. Start in mountain pose, an easy standing pose, heels together if it's available

 

Exhale. Bend forward from the waist into forward fold, go as far as is available. Bending your knees if you need to do so is perfectly acceptable.

Inhale. Come half way up, flatten your back, and gaze forward

 

Exhale. Place your hands on the mat, step back right foot bending your left knee. Keep your chest lifted and gaze forward.

 

Inhale. Place both hands on the mat, step back with your left foot into plank

 

Exhale. Lift your hips up, pressing them back, into downward facing dog. Try to think of yourself as pushing your chest in between your legs.

Inhale. Step forward back into forward fold

Exhale. Come up slowly back into mountain pose. You can also move your hands to heart center if you like.

Repeat this sequence, on the other side (stepping back with your left foot). I like to do 3-5 sets meaning, I will complete this sequence 6-10 times. Remember, it's important to perform these poses with fluid movement keyed to your breath. Focusing on your breath keeps you present and helps you stay in tune with what your body is telling you!

 

 

30 Miles in 30 Days Update:

 

 

Sunday: 2 miles walking  + 75 minutes hot yoga

 

Tuesday: 2 miles walking  + 60 minutes hot yoga

 

Wednesday: 1 mile walking + 60 minutes hot yoga

 

Total Weekly Miles: 5 miles

 

Total Miles: 28 miles

 

Miles to Go: 2 miles

 

 



Style Statement Tuesday

Welcome to Style Statement Tuesday!

If you're new here, Style Statement Tuesday is way for me to chronicle my outfits and discuss how/if they fit my style statement, which I've defined as 'Classic Pretty.' It's also a place for you to link-up  your outfit posts and inspirations. To read more about Style Statement Tuesday, click here.

This week's outfit is something I would (and have) worn to work. I work in a very relaxed environment where it's OK for me to be business casual. Who am I kidding? Casual casual is fine, too!

Skirt & Tee: Target; Clutch: Gap; Bangles: J.Crew; Shoes: Old Navy

I like that the skirt has a classic silhouette in a trendy polka dot print. I think a pencil skirt is flattering on a woman's body, but sometimes they can feel old. This definitely feels sophisticated, but young.

This t-shirt top is great, but you could also add a button-up or the lace top from this post and it would work, too. I added a bright bag and bangles to punch it up a bit. I chose neutral shoes to keep it work appropriate and because I feel like they are more 'Classic Pretty.'

Link up and share your style!

I'm linking up here and here!



5 More Things

I just love to learn about the people behind the blogs I love. I'm assuming that you do, too. Here are 5 more things about me. In case you were wondering...

1. I eat a golden delicious apple almost every day.

2. I shower at night because I hate getting up in the morning. Seriously, I'm a snooze-aholic.

3. I'm the only woman lawyer at my company. Our General Counsel sometimes calls me Legally Blonde, even though I have brown hair. I think he means it as a compliment.

4. I'm an extreme neat freak. It's kind of like a sickness. I get major anxiety when my house is messy.

5. I'm going to be a sommelier in my next life. Either that, or a princess. I haven't decided.

High Five For Friday!

Dear Friday, I thought you'd never come. I longed for you day after day, and here you are. Like a beacon shining brightly onto my soul, you bring hope.OK, enough with the drama. But seriously, I'm glad all that separates me from freedom is a 9ish hour work day.

I need some Zen in my life today, so I'll probably be hitting the yoga mat later tonight. I also plan on getting some major outdoor time this weekend. I hope I get my wine crate coffee table finished, but that may not happen. I tend to get sucked into reality TV without realizing how much time has passed.

Aside from being hectic, stressful, and sleepless, my week wasn't so bad. I mean, I survived, so that's something. Plus, these 5 five things made me smile. Linking up with Lauren today.

1. Someone is still upset about his cone. Only 2 more weeks, buddy!

 

 



2. We're getting a new ottoman!

 

 



3. Five spent the afternoon looking at me like I was a moron.

 

 

4. This is my husband's idea of making a schedule

 

 

5. Making plans for our wine tasting party!

Happy weekend!

30 Miles in 30 Days

To say that this week has been a struggle would be an understatement. Bourke's eye drop schedule and activity limitations are killing me. Not to mention the huge project at work I'm lawyering. It never stops, does it?

The only solace I've found has been in exercising. It's been my refuge.

I'm going to the  beach next weekend, so that has also motivated me to exercise. I wouldn't say I'm 100% bikini ready, but I don't think the whales will be singing "we are family" too loudly. I'd call that a win.

Here's how I did this week:

Friday: 3 miles - walking

Saturday: 2 miles - walking + 75 minutes hot yoga

Monday: 2.5 miles - walking

Tuesday: 2.5 miles - walking

Wednesday: 2 miles walking - walking  + 75 minutes hot yoga

Weekly Total Miles: 12 miles

Total Miles: 23

Miles to Go: 7

One thing I've found that really helps me is wearing a pedometer. I check it periodically during the day and that motivates me to either (1) keep up the good work or (2) get my tail moving! Plus, we've had just wonderful weather the last week or so, and I have just loved getting outside and walking.

I've done great so far, but I'm traveling a lot over the next couple of weeks, so I hope I can find time to exercise while I'm gone.

How do you stay healthy and active while traveling? I need some tips!

Tennessee Sundrop Cake

Kris gave up sweets for Lent, and although I never bake/cook I wanted to do something special for him. So I made him a Tennessee Sundrop Cake.

If you don't know, it's a super moist lemony cake with glaze icing. It's delish. And probably the reason I gained 2 pounds last week. Man was it good.

You'll need:
Cake                                                                            Glaze
1 box lemon cake mix                                                 1 cup powdered sugar
3 eggs                                                                          2 tablespoons water
12 oz Sundrop                                                             1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup applesauce
1 pkg lemon pudding mix

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray your bundt pan with non-stick spray and put it in the freezer.

Empty your cake mix (setting a tiny bit aside to dust yout bundt pan) and lemon pudding mix into a mixing bowl. Combine the eggs, sundrop, and applesauce into another mixing bowl. Whisk to combine the wet ingredients. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix together with utensil of choice. I use an electric hand mixer on low for 2 minutes and high for 1 minute.

Once all the cake ingredients are mixed together. Get your bundt pan out of the freezer. Use the cake mix you set aside to dust the inside of the pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking.

Pour the mix into the pan, and put in the oven on the center rack.While the cake is baking, go ahead and make the glaze. Stir the water and vanilla into the powdered sugar until well combined. You can add more water or sugar to get your desired thickness. Stick the glaze in the fridge. This will thicken it up a bit. After your cake is done (mine took about 30 minutes) let it cool for 15-20 minutes before you take it out of the pan. After it cools, place it on a cake stand or serving dish. Let it cool for another 10-15 minutes.

After it cools, drizzle the glaze over the cake. Use as much or as little as you like. Clearly, I like a lot.

Then, I suggest you eat a giant piece. Life's too short.

Style Statement Tuesday

To be honest, you're lucky you're getting a Style Statement Tuesday post today. After the weekend I had, I can barely see straight let alone dress myself. Which might explain this week's choice.

This outfit is all about comfort. It's such an easy look.

Tee & Bangle: J.Crew; Jeans: Gap Outlet; Shoes: TOMS; Watch: Michael Kors

I'm not normally a t-shirt girl, but this tee is soft, v-neck, and very loose. I swear it was screaming at me in the store. I'm glad I bought it because I really do love wearing it. The jeans I've had for years, and they never stop being good to me. Rolling the hem and wearing flats make them perfect for the weekend.

Although this look isn't exactly 'Classic Pretty,' I still feel it fits my style statement. Jeans and a tee, can you get more classic than that? The vibrant pink trends it up a bit. Overall I'm happy with how this looks, but I don't think Vogue will be calling anytime soon!

Link up and share your style!


I'm linking up here, here, and  here.

I saw the future, and it wasn't pretty

I mentioned last week that my pup, Bourke, had surgery on Thursday. He was released from the hospital Friday night, and it has been one crazy weekend. Before I go into the details, I'll give you a little back story. Bear with me, this is a long one.

Bourke has always been a low maintenance dog. Like sleep and lie in bed with you all day never caring if you feed him or take him out (which we always did). All he cared about was being with you. If you dream up a perfect dog, it would be Bourke.

Do you know another dog that can pull of a pink bow tie?

In September of last year, we started noticing some odd behavior from him. Long story short, he was diagnosed with diabetes. This low maintenance dog now has to eat at the same time every day and get insulin shots with his meals. He can't really have treats, and we have to go once a month for the vet to check his glucose level. It was difficult at first, but we've adjusted to our new way of life.

Diabetes Diagnosis = Pirate Boot for the weekend

 In February, we noticed him acting odd again. He walked very slowly and kept his nose to the ground almost all the time. Over the next few days, we realized that he couldn't see. The vet confirmed that he had cataracts. Apparently 80% or so diabetic dogs get cataracts.

Shortly thereafter we made the decision to have his cataracts removed. I know that dogs can live perfectly fine lives being blind, but I constantly worried about him being scared not knowing where he was or what was going on. So, Thursday was the big day.

We were sent home with 4 different eye medicines we were supposed to dispense 4 times a day. All this on top of his insulin regimen. He also has to be in a e-collar (cone of shame) and be kept away from our other dog, Five, for 3 weeks.

1 shaved face and 2 artificial lenses later, we're on the way home

Kris worked Friday night, and I was responsible for both dogs. Who couldn't be in the same room. And I haven't figured out how to be in 2 places at once. So it was a rough night.

When Kris got home at 1am, I was still awake and exhausted. Because Bourke and Five can't be together, Kris and I decided the easiest thing to do would be to sleep apart for the next few weeks. I'd take Bourke and he would take Five. Our dogs are spoiled and sleep with us, spare me the grief on this one because it ain't changing.

When he realized the cone was staying, he got depressed

6am came and it was time for Bourke's eye drops, food, and insulin. It was also time to go outside. I don't know why, but I picked him up after we went out. I got mud all over me. By that time it was around 7am, and I was seriously too tired to care. I just crashed on the couch mud and all. 

I woke up about 9am, and Kris was getting ready for work. Lucky bastard. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Yikes! Messy hair, muddy sweat pants and t-shirt, no bra, and some serious dark circles. I think they call that a hot mess. While staring at the unfortunate stranger I saw in the mirror, it hit me. Oh god, this is what I'll be like when I have kids. Probably worse.

I've always thought I would be the kind of mom who takes care of herself. Still fixes up and wears makeup and nice clothes. Well, the best thing that I can say for myself last weekend is that I managed to swipe on some mascara and throw my hair in a pony tail.

Apparently this isn't going to be me

I told Kris to look at me. That this was the future. That I was one step away from thinking that yoga pants were appropriate for things other than yoga. He laughed, but as he walked out the door for work he said, "It would do you some good to get out of the house today."

Ouch.

Linking up for Weekend Shenanigans.