What I Ate Wednesday: Gluten Free

Today I ate a pretty okay-balanced-ish diet. I was pretty busy today with a doctor's appointment in the morning, meeting up with my friend for the first time in too long, and a job interview at night. I even managed to sneak in a quick gym session at the end of the day, though, so I'm proud of that! I did, however, forget to take pictures of what I ate. I'm also perfecting the art of making my food not just taste good, but look photo ready. I'll work on that.. onto the food!

Breakfast:
I knew I had an early morning doctor's appointment (keep in mind that early for me was a 10am appointment), so I made overnight oats the night before to have this morning. Here's the recipe of what I put in my overnight oats.

1/2 cup of oats

1/2 cup of unsweetened original almond milk

1/3 of a banana

1tsp of chia seeds

dash of cinnamon

2-3 chopped dried figs (which I added in the morning)

Overall, they were pretty good but I wish it was a bit sweeter. Adding the figs helped with sweetness, but I might get some honey or agave to use in the future.

Lunch:

After my doctor's appointment my dad took me out to lunch. Eating out is a huge red flag for me because I tend to overeat bad foods, and then spend the rest of the day feeling guilty and sad. Instead of moping this time I just vowed that the rest of the day would be healthy (which it was) and to try and get in a workout (which I did!). 

We went to a diner we found near the doctor's office and I got two eggs scrambled with american cheese. I also got a side of fries with it. It was a pretty good meal though, so I don't have much to complain about. I wish I remembered to take a picture because they had definitely perfected the art of photogenic food. 

Dinner:

I wanted something I could make quickly before my job interview (nothing exciting it's a babysitting position, but I did get the job so yay!!). I had the leftovers of the quinoa salad I had made the day before in a wrap. I used the gluten free brown rice wraps from Trader Joe's. I used some guac in the wrap too to act as a very flavorful "glue."

I use the Shayloss recipe for my quinoa salad. I make it all the time, it's super simple and tastes amazing! Here's the link to the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCcOubnEsxk I just use it as a rough base, though, and switch it up with whatever else I have around.

Snack: (post workout)

My mini workout got a not-so-mini snack. My gym closes pretty early and I didn't have much time after I got home from the interview, so I only managed to get in 25 minutes on the elliptical. But 25 minutes is better than nothing! 

I made a green smoothie, and also grabbed a string cheese because I needed some more cheese in my life today. Here's the recipe for the smoothie I made. I don't really use exact measurements, though, I kinda just wing it...

1/4 cup (I think?) of unsweetened original almond milk

a bit of kale

a little bit more of spinach

a small handful of frozen tropical fruit

two-ish spoonfuls of low fat vanilla yogurt

a little pinch of chia seeds

Sorry if that was VERY unhelpful, but I made it super quick today because it was just a snack. And I was proud that it actually came out a lovely green, as opposed to the other one I tried yesterday that turned a not-so appealing brownish-purple-red-bruised skin color.

Monday Check In: Week 1

I have been promising myself I will get fit for too long. I'm sick of making promises and not sticking to them. This time I will follow through.

I just finished my sophomore year of college, and within the two years I've been there I put on about 15-20 pounds. It was the "freshman fifteen" plus a little extra sophomore year fluff. I want to look good, feel good, and fit into my clothes again! Starting in early July I'll be returning to a day camp as a counselor, again. I want to be able to feel confident in the bathing suits and shorts I have to wear everyday.

My diet:
Since last summer I have gone gluten free. Now, before you close out of this page and think I'm some crazy freak who voluntarily gave up bread, I should let you know that I did this for health reasons. I had gotten really sick with rashes, stomach problems, lethargy, canker sores, and a whole list of symptoms that were congruent with celiac and gluten sensitivities. And trust me I had to feel reallyyyyyy sick for it to be worth giving up New York bagels. I got one blood test that told me I was not celiac, but never actually went to a GI doctor because I have a strong distrust in doctors (it's another whole long rant I have that I won't get into now). Lately, even with my lack of gluten, I have been feeling sick so I'm reluctantly going to the GI Wednesday to get some answers.

With that being said, I lost 0 pounds without gluten. Going gluten free DID NOT make me lose ANY weight. Bummer, I know. I do feel and look less bloated though, which is nice. It also made me feel so restricted in what I could eat that it led me to binge more on junk food and eat an excess of dairy products (cheese=my life).

I'm going to try and switch up my diet for a more plant based whole foods focus. Not "vegan" but with trying to implement some of that into my life, without going cold turkey (pun slightly intended). I'll be doing a "What I ate Wednesday" post once a week to document a regular day in the life of my meal plans.

My fitness:
I used to be pretty good about going to the gym, which was a lot harder to follow through with while I was at school. Now that I am back, with practically nothing to do before I start working, I am going to get back into the swing of things. I do not like running, I wish I could pretend like I did and maybe one day I will, but to try and force myself to run now will just get me discouraged from my goals. I prefer group fitness classes, and my gym offers some great ones! I'm going to try and go M-F to at least one class, giving myself a rest on the weekends (my gym closes at 2 on the weekends and let's be real I'll still be fast asleep).

That is my very loosely set plan for the next few months! And I'll be documenting it all here! I'll fill you in on how I'm feeling, if I actually made it to the gym, and of course how many pounds I dropped! Here's to a great summer 2015!

How To Style Chelsea Boots

The Fall is here and along with the changing leaves is boots season. Personally, I am a total boots girl. I will trade in my wedge sandals for fun boots any day. This Fall crunch over those piles of leaves in style with these outfits inspired by Chelsea ankle boots.

via: pinterest

Before we get into ways of styling the Chelsea boot, I want to list a couple of options of Chelsea boots that I think are a good staple in any girl's wardrobe. 

via: H and M

via: asos

It gets cold quick where I am, so I like to embrace the warmer part of Fall as much as I can. I love over sized, open knit cardigans paired with dresses and skirts. One of the reasons I love these boots so much is because they are ankle length, so they're short enough to pair with skirts and dresses. Wear this cute combo of the floral dress, loose cardigan, and dark tights with any pair of Chelsea boots for a perfect outfit on a warmer Fall day.

via: urban outfitters

A must do look with Chelsea boots is cuffed denim pants. I love the carefree, casual look it gives off. Add a jacket, scarf, and hat to keep you cool during the colder part of the season. It also gives you a chance to show off more of your personal style with the unique accessories you add on to the basic ensemble.

via: pinterest

One of my absolute favorite basic pieces I have is my high waisted, black, circle skirt. I think it is the perfect cut for my body and so easy to style. I love wearing it with a cropped sweater, some sheer black tights, and Chelsea boots for a fun Fall day. I especially love this one from H and M, with the added flare from the leather. 

via: H and M

via: pinterest

Chelsea boots don't only have to be a day time shoe. Rock your Chelsea boots for a going out look as well. Wear them with dark wash, high waisted jeans and a black crop top. Take this look from day to night easily by switching up your hair and makeup. Let your locks down and put on a dark red lip for Fall, and wear this outfit wherever the night takes you.

via: urban outfitters

via: brandy melville

via: mac

I am so excited to wear these looks and many more with Chelsea boots. What are some of your favorite ways to style your boots for the Fall?

Winter Manicures

The Winter and Holiday season always bring out cute nail designs. Whereas the summer always makes me want to stick with the basic brights, Winter is a fun time to experiment with unique designs. So pull out your favorite polishes, make a mug of hot cocoa, and get ready to stun everyone at your holiday parties with these great looks.

via: pinterest

Rather than detailing all of your nails, just accent your ring finger with a fun design. Paint all of your nails one base color, and then accent the ring finger with a snowflake design. If you don't have a dotting tool or nail art brush, just use a tooth pick or a regular pen. Both work just as great! Dip the tip of your chosen tool into some white polish and start drawing the lines. Even real life snowflakes aren't perfect and that's what makes this look so fun! No two will ever be the same.

via: pinterest

If you think you have a bit more of a steady hand try out this design. This one reminds me of a fun, cozy, Holiday sweater. Pick one or two nails to accent. On those nails alternate between stripes of both of the two colors. After that coat dries, dip your chosen tool again into one of the colors and start making your design. It can be uniquely yours with whatever pattern of lines, dots, hearts or whatever else you choose.

via: pinterest

If you're feeling extra jolly and in the spirit, check out these candy cane tips. Just apply either one coat of red polish, or white. After that coat dries take a nail art polish of the color you didn't use and make the diagonal stripes. The nail art polishes, with the thin striper tips, can be found at a beauty supply store and sometimes I even find them at the dollar store. To make this look even neater and easier keep the hand you're using the striper with still, and simply rotate the finger you're painting slowly. You can even use different shades of white and red to add more definition to the look. 

via: glamour

This next look is more a bit more sophisticated and glam. Simply paint your nails a rose gold, and then add on a glitter, gradient tip. Rather than globbing on a lot of the glitter at once on the tip, brush off a lot of the excess paint and start gradually adding it on. Start with a thin later towards the middle of the nail, and make it thicker as you get to the tip. You can also take a cosmetic wedge, that you would typically use for your face makeup, to help soften the edges of the glitter. Finish off with a topcoat to seal in the glitter and give a smooth finish on top of the grainy glitter. 

via: pinterest

No matter what look you'll be wearing this Holiday season, these nails are sure to be a hit. Do you usually stick with the basics, or experiment with your nail looks? Personally I love the fun nail trends because it is a total no commitment necesarry way to try out a trend! One swipe of acetone (maybe a few more for the glitter--let's be real) and you have a new blank slate.

Must Have Sweaters

It's that time of year again! The pumpkin flavors are all back and I know that's my cue to start switching my wardrobe from cropped tanks to oversized knits. Invest in these sweaters that can be worn in the Fall and Winter to help keep you warm and cozy, while looking super stylish throughout the seasons.

via: pinterest

I love sweaters with elbow patches, it's the perfect unique detail. Pair it with a fun skirt in the fall, or jeans and boots as the temperature drops and the snow falls. This one below is my favorite because of the cute girly touch with the heart.

 via: asos

This fun bedazzled sweater is a cute way to stay comfortable, and show off your girly flare with the detail around the collar. I like how its detailed and cute, but still wearable and understated. Theres a good balance between the beaded details and the plain grey color.

via: topshop

Tis the season to be stylish! It's never too early to start getting into the holiday spirit, especially with an adorable cardigan like this one. The bright red is great for a pop of color to pair with neutral basics.

via: asos

I love the contrast between the geometric pattern on this sweater with the organic form and structure of it. It's also a fun sweater to have since it is enough of a statement itself to throw on with basics and still have an on point outfit. 

via: anthropologie

This over sized sweater is a stylish way to stay comfy and cozy. I love the neutral colors and simple design. Also, oversized sweaters are a great way to get to rock the simple leggings and boots look and still have your outfit on point. 

via: urban outfitters

No matter which sweater style you choose you really can't go wrong with the classic staple this Fall and Winter. What's your favorite sweater look? Do you prefer a more structured cardigan, or a an oversized pullover?

Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is a time filled with lots of fun parties and social events. If you don't want to head on out to a costume store for a traditional costume that you will only get one wear out of, here are some ideas to help you have the best costume at the party (and in all of the pics to follow) in clothes you can find in the stores you are already shopping at. 

via: hannahbeth

1.Ditch the sexy maid costume this year for a fun new take on the classic costume. Pair this cute oversized tee with some over the knee socks, and the sexy bed head hair for a hot, no fuss costume.

via: urban outfitters

2. Who said you can't rock your every day clothes on Halloween, too? As if! Pull out your best preppy pieces, grab some shopping bags, brush up on your 90s lingo, and go as Cher Horowitz. You'll be the hottest Betty at the party and get all those Baldwin boys.

via: topshop

via: topshop

3. It's a bird.. it's a plane.. it's your super cute new Halloween costume!! Why should the boys have all the superhero fun, ditch the damsel in distress routine for this adorable superman costume! I rocked this look last year and it was just as simple as it was cute. Get a superman shirt from the boys department at Target or Walmart and cut it into a cute crop top. Pair it with a high waisted black circle skirt, throw on a pair of faux glasses and a loose tie around your neck.

Bonus! This works as a group look too! My friends and I each chose a superhero to dress up as together. 

4.  Nothing wrong with sticking with the classics. Support your inner cat lover this year and go as a fierce feline. I love this dainty, handmade headband from Etsy. It's more unique than the furry, Party city ones, and I think it resembles a tiara (which is always extra fun). Get your royal paws waving from elbow to wrist, and wear the "tiara"ears with pretty much whatever you want! I think this playful, backless romper is a fun twist on the classic LBD. 

via: etsy

via: urban outfitters

5. If you're looking for a retro inspiration, throwback to your inner flower child. I personally love the floral crown trend, and think it would be fun to play up for Halloween. This is also a great look that you might be able to throw together with stuff you already have in your closet.

via: urban outfitters

via: free people

I love all these looks because I rather get more than one wear out of what I buy, and think any of these pieces would be fun to wear in different ways all year round. What do you prefer, the store bought costumes or the semi-DIY ones?

2014 SAG Awards: Best and Worst Dressed

Amy Adams:
My favorite of the night! She looked elegant, in a retro-glam simple look. The royal blue color was stunning with Adam's red hair. The one shoulder was interesting with the cutout, and the unique v-cut in the dress. I usually can't stand belts on dresses, but this one just worked perfectly. Loved it all.
  

Kerry Washington:
Loved her at the Golden Globes...but this time not too sure. Last night as I watched it I was appalled and hated it, but revisiting it I'm conlicted. It is a fun ensemble, and happy she took a risk, especially while pregnant. I think it's fun and works for her, the mix of the fun girly pink with the harsh black skirt.

23 hours ago

Jennifer Lawrence:
For such a gorgeous actress, I don't understand why she keeps wearing such icky dresses? I mean its not awful but why this dress? Its just icky! In my last post (about the Golden Globes) I stated the wet suit from Catching Fire would've been better...it looks like she took that advice and wore it to the SAG Awards! A glittery, sleeveless wetsuit...but somehow she still looks beautiful (just that dress?! why!) Really hoping she's been saving something amazing for the Oscars!!


Jane Krakowski:
I love it so much! The shape, the color, the fit- its all perfect! And I loved her hair, so modern and sexy. She looked beautiful!


Abigail Breslin:
I guess her version of trying to prove that she look grown up is dressing like some weird vampire-withc halloween costume. It was too dark and overpowering, she didn't look grown up sh looked likeshe was dressing up for a costume party. There has to be a dress for her to find between little girl tea party dresses and a costume from Party City.


Emilia Clarke:
The simple, shimmery nude, one shoulder gown looked gorgeous on the Game of Thrones starlet. I loved the simple old Hollywood glam of the dress, and up-do.