{A Laundry List of DIY Projects}

Last night during a fun night out of dinner and drinks with a group of girlfriends, the topic of Pinterest came up. Of course we talked about how amazing it is, how it's taking over our lives {both at work and at home}, how sometimes it's depressing because there is no way we could afford half of the things we pin, and we talked about how even though we pin a lot of amazing DIY ideas, we probably are never going to do any of them. So it got me thinking and this weekend I am committed to completing the following project - and for proof, I will post about it on Monday. Maybe we can't afford everything we pin, but in this instance why not make the look for less instead? The shoes were inspired by Blair over at of Atlantic-Pacific and here are the directions for how to make this DIY version.

What about you? How many DIY projects have you pinned that you probably will never get around to making? Do you think you could commit to doing at least one over the next couple of weeks? If so - let me know, send me pictures, I'd love to see what you come up with!

{Food For Thought Tuesdays: Raiding My Fridge}

On this journey that I've decided to take to a healthy body and lifestyle, I've learned so much about my body and the food that I decide to put into it. I am still following the Weight Watchers points+ program by counting my daily points, drinking 6+ glasses of water, and getting in lots of exercise, but in my quest to become more educated about this healthy lifestyle, I've decided to change things up a little. I have eliminated processed food from my diet, and have decreased my sugar and carb intake - I now fill up on fish, chicken, fruits, veggies, and what they call super foods. 

Over the weekend I went grocery shopping and my refrigerator {below} is looking quite colorful and…. really full. 6 months ago, it looked nothing like this and my pantry and freezer were chugged full of processed meals. While processed meals can be made in minutes and usually are light on the wallet {ie. 5 frozen 'lean' meals for $10} - they are notorious for being absent of fiber. I mean, there is little to no fiber in processed foods at all. What is fiber? It’s a substance in our food that your system is unable to digest, but it serves a very important purpose. Because the digestive system is unable to do anything with it, it basically serves the purpose of cleaning out your digestive tract and pushing the food out of your intestines into your colon… eventually leaving your system. Yes, that means it helps you poop. {click here for a list of foods that are high in fiber}

Think about it – all the food you take in, how much actually comes out? How much of it is still sitting in your intestines? Yuck. Take a look at where your digestive system sits - right in that area that us women obsess about - the stomach.

In my refrigerator I've decided to stick with those types of foods that will give me the appropriate amount of fiber and nutrients needed and are foods that are going to keep me full and satisfied longer throughout the day. My ultimate goal is to mainly intake foods with only one ingredient - think about it...

1. Shrimp | 2. Salmon | 3. Bacon {we'll talk about bacon vs. turkey bacon in the coming weeks} | 4. Blueberries | 5. Onion | 6. Strawberries | 7. Red pepper | 8. Avocado | 9. Garlic | 10. Cabbage | 11. Eggs | 12. Greek yogurt | 13. Pears | 14. Kiwi | 15. Babybel light cheese | 16. Goat cheese crumbles | 17. Hummus | 18. Shredded cheddar cheese | 19. Mushrooms | 20. Blood oranges | 21. Ephemere beer {we all have to splurge every once in a while, and this is my fave} | 22. Mich Ultra {I said we have to splurge every once in a while, lol} | 23. Brussel sprouts | 24. Sweet potatoes | 25. Kale | 26. Broccoli | 27. Apples | 28. Lentils | 29. Arugula | 30. Asparagus

Once you have plenty of fresh foods at home, set a time to cook and prepare your meals. This day for me is usually on Sundays where I prepare 2 - 3 meals at a time, utilizing my freezer to separate appropriate portions and store the overages. By planning your meals and making time to purchase the right types of foods, you too can eat healthier and lose weight. 

{Oscar Best Dressed Recap}

Yay!!!!! The Artist won - wooohooo - so well deserved!!! I've been saying this for some time now - go see it, you will not be disappointed! So did you guys watch the Oscar's last night? As you know I watched most of the nominated movies before the awards and it really made watching them more enjoyable. If you followed me on Twitter last night you know that I tweeted throughout the show, mostly about the fashion {ie. "I love Michelle Williams' hair", "I'm striving for Viola Davis' arms", "I can't believe P.Diddy has his own lent roller assistant", "shave the stash Bradley Cooper","Yay Octavia!!!", "Emma Stone is hilarious", and "Yay The Artist Wins"}, so without further ado here are my  best dressed picks...

Gwyneth by far was my absolute favorite, with Jennifer Lopez right behind - STUNNING! Who were your faves of the night?

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Black bean sweet potato tacos - making them this weekend!

- Loving Jess LC's new FLEA Collection - I'm eying the flamingo bracelet.

- I need a live in photographer so that I can take cute pics like Bri's...any takers?

- Yay Raleigh Denim getting some blog lovin - I'm still workin hard to get into a pair of you!

- I need this dress and this shirt - I'm on a major color kick - who is this new Jessica???

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!

{Wanted: Sweet Knitting Skills}

I consider myself a pretty crafty and creative person, but for some reason I can not get the whole knitting thing down. My mom ever so patiently tried to teach me, and while knitting is supposed to be all in the wrists, for some reason I've got this whole arm flapping action going on and after just a few minutes, I get frustrated and my crafty pride is put to shame. Anyway - I LOVE....as in LOVE this knit blanket shown below and am willing to pay someone to make it for me. Name your price! I will purchase the supplies and pay you for your time, I just need someone with some sweet knitting skills {no arm flapping allowed}. 

Click here for instructions {and I'm so serious about commissioning someone to make this for me - spread the word}

{Give It A Try: Avocado Toast}

Avocado toast is my new favorite breakfast, and before I became educated on what foods I should be eating and avoiding, I thought that avocados were fattening and bread, all bread, was bad for you. If you've also thought this - below I've provided the deal-io, and the benefits, of these 2 myths.

Myth: Bread = Carbs = BAD!

Truth: White bread (even whole wheat) products have minimal nutritional value and are quickly converted by your body into sugar. So you may as well eat a cupcake. Instead, try sprouted grain bread, which is a lot easier on your digestion and is packed full of nutrients.

Good healthy carbs everyone should grub on: fruits and veggies, whole grains, quinoa, beans, and sweet potatoes.

Myth: Avocados are fattening.

Truth: Avocados provide the healthy kind of fat that your body needs. They contain 60% more potassium than bananas, and studies show that diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension and possibly stroke. Avocados are also rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K, all of which are essential for a healthy body. In addition, avocados are known to help lower blood cholesterol, and reduce the risks of heart disease.

So now that we've got that out of the way -  give this treat a try and to kick it up a notch - add a few slices of tomato and even a couple of slides of turkey bacon for a little protein. Enjoy!

{Switching It Up From Day To Night}

This isn't the first time that I have posted the striped dress below, but I recently purchased it and have already worn it a couple different ways. I thought for my post today I would should you how to take a simple dress and make it work for during the day, and by switching up a few essential pieces, making it work for the evening.

To shop everything shown above - click here

{4 Important Post-Workout No-No's}

Something happened this week - after 4 months, I finally made it over the hump to where I actually really enjoy going to the gym. I've always heard that if you do anything for 30-days it becomes a habit - which it did for me, I just didn't like having to go to the gym. I realize that I love the way I feel afterwards, I enjoy working with my trainer, and I like the friendships I've built with my gym-mates. Would I rather be able to sit on the couch, eating chips and queso and watching TV after a long day of work? Abso-freakin-lutely. However, since that's not possible with my short and long-term goals of a healthy body and life - I might as well embrace my many hours spent in the gym per week. So yay me - I finally made it! For those of you that are also frequenting the gym, here are a few post-workout mistakes that we all have made and should correct:

1. A 12 oz. bottle of Gatorade contains 330 calories. That's almost as many calories as a serving of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup ice cream! If you're doing a regular 30- to 60-minute workout, rehydrate with good old-fashioned water. If you're concerned about replacing lost electrolytes, go for a low-calorie coconut water.

2. The post-workout cool-down and stretching session is essential to your workout because it allows your heart rate to slowly return to its normal pace and can prevent soreness and injury by stretching out the muscles you just used.

3. You wouldn't ball up your sweaty sports bra and then slip it on the next time you work out, so why do the same thing with your yoga mat? Keep in mind that dark, moist places are breeding grounds for bacteria. After getting home from class, wipe down your mat and hang it over a door or banister so it can dry

4. Aside from feeling disgusting, staying in sweaty clothes can lead to a yeast infection or body acne. And although going outside in wet clothes won't make you sick, when you walk out into the freezing air, your wet clothes are going to make you very chilly, and being cold for too long can weaken the immune system. Change out of your wet clothes as soon as possible.

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Oh! And I'll be doing this over the weekend as well!

- I want to recreate this space - I actually have many of these pieces already...

- Lo-ving this mustard jacket and this fuchsia dress - color color everywhere.

- I really want to make this cake - IF I had the time, patience, and will power not to eat the whole thing once it was made.

- Cute DIY confetti tablecloth - I see doing this in gold stripes or polka dots too.

- Friends lift you higher - you're only as good as the company you keep.

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!

{In Need Of A Pick Me Up}

Do you ever feel like this picture below? You try to do right, but wrong continues to rear it's ugly head. You move forward with approved plans, only for those plans to be completely changed at the last minute. All you want to do is have 1 hour a day to do exactly what you want to do, but someone else's choices keep you from that short amount of 'me time'. And just when you think you're refreshed and can keep going, you suddenly become burnt out again?

I'm in need of a pick me up. Ideas?

{Sooo Appreciative}

Hey loves! How was your Valentine's day? I hope that everyone who signed up for the giveaway received their gifts in time. If by chance you didn't receive it, please let me know asap! My Valentine's day was pretty good until I got home and saw a lovely package sitting on my doorstep - which immediately turned my pretty good day to a pretty great day!!! It turns out that the package was from one of my amazing blog readers, and let me just say that she knows me well because the box was decorated beautifully with gold glitter, pink crocodile paper, and leopard print - so me! So I slowly open the box and to my surprise she made a mobile full of hearts and it's absolutely gorgeous. I was sooo touched that I immediately posted the pics on Instagram, Twitter, and now this morning with you.

Blogging has become such a passion for me, not only because I get to share everything I love with you, but that you, my amazing readers, find inspiration in my daily posts. It's you that keep me going. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Susan for the lovely surprise - you truly made my day.

{Happy Valentine's Day Peeps}

Happy Valentine's Day to all of the lovely couples and single ladies and gents out there!!! One of my favorite quotes from Pinterest says "Yes I am single, and you are going to have to be amazing to change that" lol. This quote pretty much sums it up for me, and the traits below are what I would consider to be pretty amazing in a partner, and am willing to spend Valentine's day single until I find it. So for those that are currently in loving relationships - make today a day that you celebrate the rarity of finding someone to spend this crazy life with. And for those that are single, celebrate your willingness to wait for the person that would do anything to be your everything.

Someone who is like-minded: Joy and Bob Cho from Oh Joy! - such a cute couple! | This would be the epitome of pampering to me - I'd marry him, wouldn't you? | Someone who is supportive of your passion: Kendi and Bryan Skeen from Kendi Everyday | If they are willing to try new things {like food trucks - you know me, lol} then they are a keeper for sure | So simple right? LOL!!!

Happy Valentine's Day Loves!

{Weekend At A Glance}

Morning! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was fantastic and here's a little glimpse:

1. Shoes were not on the agenda for this weekend, but when I walked into Cole Haan and saw these shoes, I kind of fell hard for them and after trying them on and feeling the Nike Air technology along with the memory foam padding, all I could do was walk over to the counter and pull out the card. Yes they are uber bright and I love them! Oh - how do you like the nail polish?

2. This skirt was definitely in the plan. I saw it a week or so ago on Pinterest, and then later in the week my sister emailed me and told me I should purchase it. I took her confirmation as a sign that this skirt needed to be mine - so with a gift card that's been burning a hole in my pocket, I purchased it. I plan to style it a few different ways with pieces I already have in my closet- a chambray shirt, a vintage gray tee with brown leather belt, a white and orange boat-neck top, or once it gets warmer a simple white tank...

3. The girls and I went to Beasley's for dinner to indulge in a little fried chicken and the most amazing macaroni and cheese (thank God for my extra 49 WW points) and a couple glasses of wine.

4. Yesterday (and Saturday night) were the coldest days here in Raleigh this winter. The high was 24 with a wind chill of 12. Lucky me, no matter the weather - the puppy still has to go out - so I bundled up and braved several walks. At least the sun was shining!

So was your weekend? What did you do?Anything exciting to report?

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Beyond Valentine's Day

-I would take ANY of these homes - right?

- Check out a bunch of bloggers having fun over at Gap (loving how Gap is branching into color lately)

- Loving this idea of Valentine's Girls Night In

- A day in the life with Style and Grace – I need someone with mad skills to make a little video like this for me

- And I would love for someone to take a pic of me like this

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!

{Mint Condition}

Every now and then, I'll become completely obsessed with a singular color - and right now it's mint green with a hint of turquoise. The outfit shown below is another that I wish I knew where to get them. That shirt has me written all over it, and those pants are definitely a must-have for this spring.

{pic credits: outfit | choose happiness | don't be like the rest of them}

{Skirt Hunting}

I apologize in advance for the short post this morning, but I had a pretty late night at work and my brain hasn't fully started to function yet. During short breaks last night, I took little sneak peaks over at Pinterest and fell in love with this skirt. I'm dying to know where I can get, and if you happen to find it for me, I may buy one for you too (my fingers may or may not be crossed behind my back - depends on if you find it or not, lol)...

{pic credit}

{I'm such a romantic at heart...}

...I love cheesy, predictable movies - I gushed at the Royal Wedding - and I feel that while you should do loving and kind things year-round, couples completely miss out by not celebrating Valentines Day. Yes it's a Hallmark holiday, but so what! So here I am, the single girl giving relationship advice saying that for the right one you should:

1. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve - I love this chiffon blouse by ModCloth. I called to see when it will be restocked, and they said within the next couple of weeks. You can sign up to get notified via email once it does - can't wait!

2. Snuggle - You are the cheese to my macaroni - I love this quote and need it print version.

3. Haiti Heart - Have a heart. Created by Haitian craftsmen through Aid to Artisans--an organization helping communities in developing countries build profitable businesses -each piece is sourced from stone purchased by local quarries. Artisans then hand-carve each heart using found materials. A beautiful complement to your desktop or office and a thoughtful choice for a worldly gift. Handmade in Haiti.

4. Make Breakfast In Bed - love this pancake plate and how the syrup strategically falls into a little dipping space for later. Too cute!

{Weekend At A Glance}

Morning Peeps! I thought I would share with you a few pics of my weekend:

1. Playing around with my glasses and sporting the nerdy-chic vibe.

2. I have experienced a weight loss plateau for about 5 weeks now, and last week I was almost in tears that I gained again - but short of quitting, I decided to switch things up by changing what I ate (tried the WW Simply Filling Program, instead of tracking points) and this week - I LOST 3.4lbs for a total of 31.6 lbs down! BOOM!

3. I rewarded myself by purchasing this dress at J.Crew - it will definitely help me through my transition. Thanks Andrea for the 20% discount coupon!!!

4. On Saturday, me and the girls went to see The Artist - and let me tell you, I haven't seen all of the Oscar-nominated films yet, but I want this movie to win. I was a little hestitant on going to see it because it's a silent film, but it was one of the most entertaining, lovely, and brilliant movies I've seen in a long time. Go see it!!! Another Oscar nominated movie you should see is Midnight in Paris (it's available via redbox now) - if you love the 20s, ah-mazing flapper dresses and vintage hats, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, and Woody Allen films - then you'll LOVE this movie.

5. After dinner we went to Calavera to chow down on some empanadas - and if you're in the Raleigh area (or plan to visit in the near future) I beg you to go! I had the black bean and sweet potato, and the Mexican picadillo with ground beef, tomatoes, potatoes, onion, and green chili. Delicioso!

6. Sunday I did a little bit of work and then spent the whole day making your Valentine gifts, and then of course watched the Super Bowl: here are my favorite commercials : this (duh) and this (you didn't see nuthin)! If you didn't sign up for my Valentine giveaway....well there's always next year, lol! For those that did, I think you'll love everything (I do!) - I'll be Instagraming hints of the gifts this week.

PS. The most important thing that happened this weekend is my sister Kendra GOT ENGAGED while at the Taj Mahal in India. I'm sure she'll be blogging about it soon - but in the interim you can check out her travels, thus far, by clicking here! Sooo exciting!!!

Enjoy your day loves!

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- LO-VING fashion designer Rachel Roy's studio space!

- The new Matchbook Magazine is out.

- Was introduced to Girl With Curves yesterday - love her and her style.

- Fancy toast...yummmm.

- You've heard me talk about the Alt Summit conference that I'm dying to go to next year - here are several pics of this year's summit - can't you see why I want to go so badly? Blog friends - who wants to room with me?

- I want a bike and I love this one. All it needs is a bell and wicker basket.

- These neon heels are everything.

Enjoy your weekend Peeps - I hope you are doing something fun!!

{Weight Loss Journey: Transitioning Your Wardrobe}

I received an email from a reader earlier this week that is also trying to shed some lbs. She asked if I could do a post that would help her as her body is transitioning to her goal weight. As you know, I'm also going through this problem and I've found the solution to this issue: skirts and dresses. Unfortunately (well fortunately because that means the scale and the measuring tape are going in the right direction) none of my pants fit. While I would love to buy all new ones, I'm no where near my goal weight and I would have to end up buying all new clothes all over again. So I put together several pieces (and tips) that can help during this transition period:

[To shop these items - click here]

Tips:

Get a great belt, you may find that belting over the top of your shirts/dresses to define your newly emerging waist will get you a few extra months from some of your shirts and tops that are now too big for you. Additionally, belts can keep up your pants and skirts as they get loser around the waist. Plus moving your belt to the next hole is always a boost!

Focus on accessories, wearing a scarf or great necklace or earrings to draw attention up to your face and to dress up your basic clothes and create lots of different looks.

Check the sales racks first, look for stretch fabrics which will accommodate you more as you become slimmer. Buy only basics that are easy to mix and match so that nobody notices you’re wearing the same clothes over and over.

Get some alterations on your existing wardrobe. Taking in a waistband can make a garment wearable for another few months and is a much cheaper alternative than buying new all the time.

Check out thrift shops, consignment stores and ebay for well priced clothing items to get you through your transition.

Resell your larger clothes on ebay. If they’re not in your closet then you won’t be tempted to ever put back on the weight!

{February Picks = How Shall I Reward Myself?}

It's the beginning of the month and you know what that means - time for my February Picks:

1 - I tried this J.Crew necklace on last weekend and it laid on my neck like it belonged there. I ended up getting this rhinestone necklace, but the one above is currently on my wish list.

2 - I've been eyeing these stud earrings for quite some time now - is it time for me to purchase?

3 - I'm into the color mint like big time right now. This nail polish (mint candy apple) is currently on backorder, but I can't wait to get it!

4 - This skirt is everything! I tried it on at J.Crew last weekend, and as I mentioned above the rhinestone necklace won, but the outfit possibilities with this skirt are endless!

5 - I don't think I need to add a description for these. All I can say is - these will be on my feet this spring!

6 - Don't you love this tortoise shell iphone case? Yea, me too - lol!

As this is the season of tax returns and bonuses - we all deserve a little reward. Don't you agree? What's on your wish list lately?