On My Radar

Getting older means a lot of things, but for me it means choosing where I spend wisely. Making smart choices isn't always about buying the cheapest option, but rather the best option for yourself. You've probably seen that quote that says "buy the best and you'll only cry once," and I truly believe that. I am buying a lot less these days, and saving up for quality pieces to build my wardrobe with the classics. Where to start can be a daunting task, but luckily there are some great lists out there on how to stock your closet (I took my inspiration from this one in particular). While I won't be acquiring everything at once, I am taking baby steps to build a classic wardrobe that will serve me for years.

Accessories: Skinny Belt, Matching Lace Bra & Panty, Tortoise Sunnies, Opaque Tights, Shawl, 

                     Leather Bag, Evening Clutch, Tote, Black Swimwear 

Bottoms: Dark Jeans, Skinny Black Pants, White Denim, Trousers, Flared Skirt, Pencil Skirt,

               Maxi Skirt

Jewelry: Gold Watch, Pearl Necklace, Diamond Studs, Statement Necklace, Pearl Studs

Shoes: Sandals, Ballet Flats, Sneakers, Loafers, Black Pumps, Tall Leather Boots

Tops: Striped Boatneck Shirt, Silk Cami, Long Sleeve Tee, Polo Shirt, Dressy Tank, Tunic, Wrap 

          Sweater, Cashmere V-Neck, White Button Down Shirt, Silk Shirt, White Tee, Cashmere  

          Cardigan

Outerwear: Navy Blazer, Wool Coat, Leather Jacket, Denim Jacket, Trench Coat

Dresses: Comfortable Maxi Dress, Little Black Dress, Sun Dress, Shirt Dress

If you made a list of closet staples, what else would be on your list? I would love to know how you would further expand upon this list!

Motivation Monday

Hope you all have a great start to your week!

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Weekend

Oh em gee I cannot believe I made it to the weekend! This has been a week of chores and getting things done which has made it seem like the longest week ever. So to lighten the mood and get happy for the weekend here's some fun stuff from around the interwebs.

Elle Decor's roundup of 10 Things You Must Have in Your Home By Age 30 got me thinking about investment pieces for the home. Sort of a game changer.

As a product loyalist, I rarely try new things without strong recommendations. This list of 35+ eye products recommended by beauty bloggers is a solid collection of things to try.

Emily crushed it with this outfit. I adore every inch of it.

Warm weather means fun nail hues, but with my sucky nails keeping a mani is next to impossible. I'm really intrigued in this at home gel manicure hack. The possibility of fresh nails all summer is worth a try.

I love Pinterest, but recently I have been gravitating towards Tumblr for inspiration. I think the free scrolling and endless supply of pictures really speaks to me. Oh and I just made over my page.

Loving this quote about the difference between elegance and snobbery. I think it's an underrated timeless trait that is often misunderstood.

The most gorgeous color, and the ingredients are all favorites. New summer cocktail? I'll drink to that!

Two things I cannot resist: chicken and waffles and biscuits. Clearly, my mind is blown over chicken and biscuit waffles. Drooling.


Have an amazing weekend! xx

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ESWD

Eat: It's not too often I find myself drooling over salads, but the minute I saw this brussel sprouts, pomegranate, bacon salad I wanted it so so bad.

Sip: Orage Julius is a childhood classic, but loaded with sugar and other icky things. This clean/healthy version is also vegan.

Wear: Layering activewear can be tricky, but the folks over at Pure Barre have come up with the perfect solution with this easy breezy top.

Do: Through traditional ab workouts out the window and mix it up with Tracy Anderson's standing ab routine. She makes everything look simple, but trust me her workouts are killer and often result in me screaming obscenities. 

On My Radar

sandals // iphone case // clutch // ipad case // wedges // passport sleeve

Weekend

Holy amazing thank you sweet baby Jesus it's Friday! Here's what I think you should know about.

Ashley shared this article yesterday, and I am so thankful she did. As someone in their late twenties, I have started thinking about investing in skincare. Luckily we can all get those same luxe results for just a few dollars!

With a trip on the horizon, I've picked up a slight habit of searching out pictures, places, and sites to see. I recently came across this blog, and even if I wasn't heading to Paris I know I'd still love it.

I am almost went on a rampage last night when people were live tweeting the Scandal finale. I shall push my rage aside for a moment, and instead share with you this Scandal Monologue Mad-Lib.

I would love for this to be mine. To me, it is perfection.

Summer weddings = new shoes. I have some really nice Zara neutrals, but they are sky high. Perhaps a slightly lower heel like these pretties could get in on the rotation. My poor feet will thank me.

Does anyone else love corn season as much as I do? Bueller...? Anyways, this Mexican grilled corn is going to be a weekly occurrence once I get my hands on some local corn.

Ever feel like you need an attitude/outlook makeover? I definitely do at time. Julia's Feel Vibrant in 30 Days challenge and 100 Happy Days are two things I am going to participate in to get the ball rolling.

Preach, that is all.

It's Sangria season loves! This infographic on the anatomy of sangria will have you mixing like a Spaniard in no time! Cheers!


Have a fabulous weekend and a very Happy Easter! xx

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ESWD

This week's ESWD is looking pretty minty, but I love that about it. 

Eat: I love food that packs just as much flavor and satisfaction as it does the nutritional punch. Spicy shrimp tacos with mango salsa might be the most perfect meal for summer.

Sip: People swear by BluePrint cleanses but they can be pricey and juices can get boring. A homemade version that adds sparkling water will surely liven things up a bit.

Wear: Anytime I wear something bright it instantly shifts my mood. These mint sneakers are so fun and defintely calling my name. 

Do: Summer bring a lot of joy, but also a ton of anxiety as we shed the layers and sleeves for cooler options. A circuit dedicated to toning those arms will have you looking like the first lady in no time!

OMR: In the Kitchen

This week's On My Radar is a little different. I never spent much on kitchen gadgets and tools because I didn't cook consistently enough to warrant the spending. However, lately all of that has changed. I'm cooking dinner 4-5 times a week, and bringing my lunch to work everyday. I'm re-energized in the kitchen, and that makes me want to "pimp it out" if you will.

A stand mixer is a staple and no brainer, but this copper one is simply stunning.

I love love love cookbooks as I have mentioned before, and Bobby Deen's cookbook and My Paris Kitchen are currently on my wishlist.

Zoodles are all over Pinterest! The pasta alternative looks awesome, but hand cutting veggies into pasta-like strips just ain't gonna happen. A handy spiralizer will do all the work for you!

I'm a big fan of sea salt for many reasons, but I hate the clunky cardboard tube it comes in. I would love a beautiful salt cellar to house my salt and decorate my counter top with.

Something I have wanted for a while but never pull the trigger on is a mandolin (I think my fear of it is the driving factor). It's definitely not necessary, but perfectly thinly sliced veggies = perfect veggie chips and this carb addict needs some crunch in her life.

If you are anything like me then you have no clue what actual portion sizes are. I used to have a food scale and it really helped me stay on track. This sleek model needs to be mine.

The Le Creuset matte collection is gorgeous. On top of being functional, their enamel is fairly non-stick which is great for those of us that don't have the patience to scrub pots.

Want to crush garlic and herbs like a pro? A mortar and pestle is just the ticket, and the white marble screams luxury.

Motivation Monday

An so we start another week. For this installation of Motivation Monday, I wanted to share a list I came across on Pinterest. The pin is from Design Aglow, and couldn't be a more perfect way for all of us to get and keep those creative juices flowing. I know I can get stuck in ruts, and I'm wondering how you all deal with declines in personal creativity. I would love to hear your ideas on how you stay creative.

Have an amazing week! xx

Weekend Links

Finally spring has sprung! Literally I want to do is anything outdoors. The picnic pictured above would be perfection, but since we are not that fancy I'll settle for a meal or two al fresco and maybe some outdoor cocktails. I am so happy it's the weekend. This week has been challenging starting a new diet and trying to be good, but I get to cheat a little the next two days and man am I looking forward to that. Let's get into this weeks links.

Sixty of the most powerful photos ever taken. Some of these gave me straight up goosebumps.

Lucky posted a great article about nine signature pieces that launched some of our favorite brands into iconic fashion names.

Suns out, guns out. Now is the time to tone up those arms for all their upcoming exposure. I am doing my best to keep from looking like a flying squirrel. 

I realized something when it comes to my blog: I'm ok being a little fish in the ocean of blogs. I like the collaborative bloggers, and I hope to pass on that kindness to others. This quote sums it all up!

You would never think you need something called a Spiralizer, but my friend just got one and now I have kitchen envy!

The new Lilly print is so cute. I struggle at time with the cutesiness of some of their prints, but this one is on point for summer.

A big shout out to Julia for posting this recipe from Skinnytaste. Pizza is just non-negotiable even during diets.

Last, but not least warmer temperatures mean it's rosé time! Pink wine gets a bad rap but you can sip the good stuff without breaking the bank. This great list has rosé at every price point!

Have an amazing weekend friends! xx

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ESWD

This has been a tough week. I got back on the bandwagon with a diet program, went to a seriously tough barre class, and have punished myself with a large amount of food porn. While I write and create my content for myself and an audience, this one is really about keeping me motivated while I acclimate to changes.

I don't crave sweets much, but when I do it is intense. Luckily, I really chia pudding and this chocolate version looks like it would definitely hit the spot when chocolate dominates my thoughts. I am trying desperately to drink more water, but between having to run to the bathroom constantly and getting bored of the taste I don't stick with it. Detox or infused waters will most likely do the trick and many tasty combinations actually make your water even better for your body. 

Is there such a thing as activewear envy? If so, I have it. I'm in that awkward stage where I don't really want things too form fitting, but I am looking forward to the day when I will gladly throw on this very cute tank, cut outs and all, and rock that bad boy. Yep, I'm going to be that broken record and talk about my love of home workouts with yet another. Whatever your reason for wanting a work out that can be done outside of a gym/studio you have to try this full body barre workout and find out what all the fuss is about.

On My Radar

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

Yoohoo guess what day it is? Sorry but I had to. This week I'm all over the map in terms of things I have my eye on. This striped dress is on its way to me and will most likely serve as my Easter & Gold Cup dress. With the weather finally warming up, my oily skin becomes a little more high maintenance. A mattifying pore minimizer and gel cheek stain will be just what the doctor ordered. 

Wedding season is about to be upon us. A beachy wicker clutch and gorgeous cuff are so versatile they're sure to go with many outfits. I tend to like in flip flops during the warmer months, but sometimes my feet need a little dressing up. A pair of structured leather sandals add a little formality to my very laid back wardrobe. I'm not one for those huge headphones that are popular right now, but these pretty earbuds are right up my alley. 

Motivation Monday

I don't really know if there is such a thing as a happy Monday, but we can always hope for a good start to the week! I'd like to try Motivation Monday to do my part in starting off the week on a positive note.

I found this gem on Pinterest and loved it. As a blogger, it's hard not to compare yourself to other bloggers. Some make everything look so perfect, and it's hard not to get down on yourself or go on an insane mission for perfection. The truth is, even the "perfect" people are judged, have haters, and have their totally insecure moments. So instead of trying to be like them or trying to live how I think others want me to, I'm going to start living the way I want to. 

Why bother with something I cannot control, and besides "haters gonna hate," isn't that how the song goes? Do you have any quotes that really get you going? I'd love to hear them!

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Weekend 4/4/14

I'm crunched for time so let's get to it!

An essay on boycotting bridesmaids. I love it!

Warmer temperatures mean sangria will be in rotation! I cannot wait to try this skinny version.

This, times infinity. Can I get an Amen?!?

Coconut and lime are one of my favorite flavor combos, so I know this recipe is going to be AH-mazing.

I'd never think to put up a front door like this, but then it happens and the results are so lovely.

Have a great weekend! I'm literally running to my trade show booth as we speak!

Fit Day Thursday

           

Eat // Sip // Wear // Do 

I am testing out a new weekly series, Fit Day. Maybe it will be Thursday maybe Tuesday, but what I do know is I want to keep it in rotation. So please bear with me while I figure out the presentation of it, the day, even the name.

Eat: I love Greek salad, and grilled veggies. What could be better than both of those combined?!?

Sip: Watermelon season is just around the corner, and this coconut water watermelon cooler is a must!

Wear: I like to be comfortable when being active and I wouldn't have to sacrifice that in this tank.

Do: The ladies at Tone It Up have a great killer ab workout (and full body program). Be bikini ready!