This Month In Pics

Hello loves!  Happy last day of March!  This past month went by in the blink of an eye, and I wanted to share my month in pics with you ladies.  Lets get started :)

 The best view in the house might be from the guest bedroom!  How beautiful does the ocean look?

 Still watching what I eat this past month.  Grilled chicken & veggies for lunch.

Taking Lulu for a walk wearing my new favorite Splendid maxi dress {available here}, and an old J.Crew denim jacket.

 Beyond obsessed with these!  I eat one everyday!

 New beauties :)

Who else saw this movie?  I'm such a sucker for those tween type flicks.

 Downward dogs :)

 Boring dinner!  Small piece of baked chicken w/ hummus and sweet peppers....

......and then sometimes you just need a good glass of wine w/burrata cheese!  It's all about balance.

Casual ripped denim + slip ons.  These jeans are SO comfy!  They are higher waisted and so flattering!  Citizens of Humanity jeans {here}, Joie sneaks {available here}, Rag & Bone tee {old}, and Gucci sunglasses {here}

 Oatmeal with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter + blueberries.  Tastes like a PB&J sandwich!!

 Doing a bit of fasted cardio first thing in the morning.

 I loved this laid back look, especially the oversized button down {found here}.

 New Aquazzura wedges!

Pretty pastel skies.

Cheat meals make my week so much better ;)

 Obsessed with boyfie shorts!  Wearing Rag & Bone shorts {available here}.

An old guilt free favorite snack: gluten free matzo cracker topped with half an avocado mashed with lemon juice, sea salt, and red pepper flakes.

 

Kinda embarrassed to share this but I think it's important to "keep it real" on my blog.  The picture on the left was taken on 2-24-14 and the pic on the right was 3-23-14.  Such a difference that one month of clean eating + workouts 3x per week can make!  I feel so much better; less bloated, less breakouts, and so much more energy!  

We're off to Israel tomorrow and then Italy next week so my blog will be a little silent for a while.  You can always follow along on Instagram {andy_adler} to see some of our international adventures :)

Have a great day! xx

Exciting Announcement!!

So, so, so exciting!!  This has been in the works for a while, and we just received the confirmation last night.  I can't wait to share our stunning wedding images with all of our family & friends :)

Grilled Chicken & Creamy Avocado Lettuce Wraps

Am I alone in feeling like the few days leading up to a vacation is the most stressful & hectic time frame ever??  Between squeezing in last minute workouts, trying to anticipate everything that our dogsitter/housesitter might need while we're away, tackling my never ending 'to do' list, packing, and oh yeah, some idiot hit my car last week so now I'm dealing with insurance companies & the body shop......sigh.

I had every intention on putting up this post on Monday but it didn't happen, same deal with yesterday.  I put out a little teaser photo of this on insta last week, and then totally left you guys hanging.  Sowwy ladies!

Lets get down to business here.  This healthy recipe's loaded with veggies and is big on flavor; jalapeno for heat, fresh lime & cilantro for citrus flavors, and mango chunks for a nice sweet contrast.  I've been watching my carb intake lately, so I opted for lettuce wraps as opposed to whole wheat {or brown rice} tortillas but this recipe would work {and would be equally as delicious} if paired with either form of tortilla! 

Enjoy!!

Ingredients

1 boneless chicken breast 
1½ avocado, pitted and cut into bite sized chunks
1 heaping cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium sized jalapeno, de-seeded and diced
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 medium sized cucumber, quartered and cut into small chunks
1½ cup mango, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
juice of 1 lime freshly squeezed
salt & fresh ground pepper
cayenne pepper
romaine lettuce {larger leaves selected}, washed and blotted dry with paper towel 



Directions

Season your chicken breast with seasonings of your choice {I used just basic s&p} and grill over medium heat until fully cooked.  Set aside to cool.

In a medium sized bowl combine avocado, tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cucumber, and cilantro.  Toss to combine.

Add in lime juice, salt & pepper to taste {I used about ½ teaspoon of each}, and a heavy dash of cayenne pepper and give it a good toss again.  Fold in mango chunks and set aside.

By this point your chicken should be cooled enough.  Cut chicken into 2-3" strips and gently mix into avocado mixture.

Spoon about 1/4 cup of mixture into lettuce leaves {or tortillas if you are using}, garnish with extra cilantro and serve immediately.

You can refrigerate leftovers for around 2 days.  I used the mixture the next day with a salad - so yummy! xx

Weekend Wishlist - Saturday Night Spa Essentials

Yessssss, it's Friday!  I'm so ready for the weekend - who's with me?  This weekend I'm dreaming of a nice relaxing Saturday night in, with a warm bubble bath drawn and a big bottle glass of wine.  Sounds dreamy, right?  

At home spa treatment are the best, and these are some of my favorites products for pampering yourself in the comfort of your casa.

 From top left:  Fresh Brown Sugar Bath + Shower Gel {smells amazing here} //  Dr. Teals Lavender Epsom Salt Soak {here} //  Clarins Pure & Radiant face mask {found here} //  Essie 'Spin The Bottle' {from the spring 2014 collection here} //  Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub {here} //  Kiehl's Olive Oil Repair Hair Mask {under $30 here} //  Aloe infused lounge socks {only $4 here} //  Diptyque Rosamundi candle {my new favorite scent here}

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping by.  xx

Spring Entryway Decor

Happy first day of spring!!!  When changing my home decorations to reflect the seasons, the first space that I like to update is my entryway.  It's the first area that guests see when they visit your home, and I like for this area to feel warm & welcoming. 

Nothing quite says "Spring" like festive flowers & foliage, and there's no better way to usher in the new season than with a fresh update to your entryway decor.

Here's what my entryway currently looks like.......

Since we live in a condo, I have to deal with an elevator in our foyer.  Luckily, we have a private entry {meaning that we don't share a hallway} and we're the only unit on this floor.  We have extra high ceilings {I think they're 14 feet}, so I thought a tall gallery wall featuring black & white photos would be striking in this space.

I picked up these pussy willows from Whole Foods almost 2 weeks ago!  I've amazed at how long they've lasted.  If you're lucky enough to live in an area where you have pussy willows or cherry blossoms {anything that really signifies spring}, you should take advantage of it by clipping a few branches.  Even plain ol' maple leaf branches with budding leaves look glamorous sitting in a vase!

I also chose two different colors of mums for this display.  I love them because they're cheap and last forever if you change the water every few days.  I arranged them in small vases of various heights around some of my favorite silver frames.

All of the frames for the gallery wall were purchased from Pottery Barn, and the 'Boujour" print I found on Etsy.

For the bottom shelf, I wanted to continue the 'foliage theme' so I filled an old vintage wooden bowl with moss.

To give the shelf a bit of color, I used a couple pastel colored coffee table books to boost up my vintage looking urn.

I didn't need to purchase anything new to complete this look {except for the pussy willows + flowers}.  I mixed and matched items that I already had from around my house to create this spring display.  I love how it turned out; it's simple but it really wakes up this space! 

How do you update your home for the different seasons?

Traveling Basics

With our upcoming trip to Israel & Italy, I have been slowly picking up some basics that are ideal for travel.  I always keep an eye out for articles of clothing that meet my 3 rules of traveling; it must be comfortable {nothing makes for a worse day than touring around in uncomfortable clothes}, it should be able to be layered, and lastly it must be capable of being worn multiple ways.  

A striped knit is one staple item that is always tucked away in my suitcase.  Aside from being classically chic, a striped knit can be worn with just about anything from white pants, with any style of jeans & shorts, with a cute skirt, or over a dress.

Here's an affordable striped knit that I found over the weekend that I fully intend on purchasing, along with other essential items that make for some great traveling basics.

Shop These Items:

Tassel trim scarf {currently on sale here with code 'sunny', super affordable version here} //  Tortoise framed Ray-Bans {here, similar also here} //  Navy striped knit sweater {under $50 here} //  Adorable 'ciao' iPhone case found {here} //  Boyfriend shorts {found at a great price point here} //  Small wallet/clutch {here, extremely similar budget friendly version here} //  A cheeky silk eye mask for long haul flights {available here} //  I think I need {this} light denim jacket! //  Comfy woven leather flat sandals that goes with everything {here} //  Fun leather passport case {available here} //  A classic crossbody bag {available here}

A few quick notes:

• Whenever we travel, I tend to stick to a basic color palette and then plan my outfits around that.  I wear a ton of neutrals in everyday life, so most often you'll find me packing grays, whites, tan, and blue colors.  Sticking to a neutral palette allows you to mix and match your outfits so that you don't need to pack as much {trust me girls, you do not need to pack the whole closet!}.  I'll be gone for 16 days next month and am only bringing 1 suitcase :) You can always throw in a fun pop of color with accessories like a patterned scarf, or a great piece of jewelry.

• Choose functional items that can be used in different ways.  For instance, the small wallet/pouch can be used to store small items in a tote while in flight, or exploring a city during the day, but is pretty enough to serve as your clutch in the evening.

• Always, always choose comfortable pieces.  I can not stress this enough!  Those stylish boyfriend shorts look cozy enough to tour around in all day long!

• Choose shades of brown leather.  Brown leather {esp cognac colored leather} always looks rich plus it's classic and goes with literally everything.  It doesn't have to cost a small fortune in order to look great!  Case in point: that crossbody bag that is so similar to the Chloé Marcie small bag [see it here].

Lastly, I wanted to share with you girls this post that I found on Polyvore that serves as a great example of basic pieces that are ideal for bringing along on your next vacay.....

image source

It's all about the neutrals, ladies!! ;)

Happy Monday! xx

OOTD - Draped Cardigan

There are a few things in my wardrobe that I feel like I'm always on the hunt to find the perfect version of.  For example, no matter how many pairs of white jeans that I own, I'm always always searching to find that holy grail pair.  A few other things that I'm constantly searching for is perfectly broken in v neck tees,  the ever so slouchy cashmere sweater, distressed skinny jeans with perfectly placed rips, etc.  One of those items in my mental inventory, the drapey cardigan, is now officially crossed off my list....for now lol!

I adore this cardigan!  Girls, you know that I have a thang for my neutrals, and I'm loving the soft heather gray color with the contrast cream ribbed side panels.  Other great features are the asymmetrical zipper and the draped lapels that hang in a slouchy yet polished type of way....is that even possible!?  It is because this little cardy pulls it off.

Outfit deets are below.

Shop This Look:

Cardigan - BB Dakota {here}

Tee - Belongs to my hubby!  

Shorts - AG Jeans {here}

Booties - DV Dolce Vita {on sale for 33% off here}

Here are a few more pics of the cardy showing how it can be worn:

Given the price point {under $100}, I think this is a great buy since the outfit possibilities are endless with it.  Works well with white denim, paired with skinny jeans, over a cute sundress, or with denim shorts are I did.  Also would make the perfect light accessory when traveling through chilly airports!  I'll definitely be getting some use out of this cardigan this summer :)

Have a great day!! xx

Beauty Buys - March 2014

Hello, babes!  I really hope everyone had a nice weekend!  How bizarre is this time change business?  It really is the weirdest concept ever, but I'm not complaining this time around because our pups are finally allowing us to sleep in until 7:30 now - yeah!!  I swear since last fall when we switched the clocks backwards it has been like the movie 'Groundhogs Day' over here and every.single.morning. they would wake us up at 6:24 am.  Spring ahead means seven thirty sleep ins, and I'm all for that :)

I know I've told you guys in the past that I am a 100% admitted beauty junkie.  Even if I have a current skincare/makeup/haircare regime that I absolutely love, I'm still always wanting to try out new serums, creams, hair tonics, and makeup.  Today, I wanted to share with you some of my latest beauty buys that I'm testing out.

Read on for more deets.

Shampoo:  Currently, I've got a couple different shampoos on rotation in my shower, and I've recently added the Alterna Caviar shampoo into the mix.  This moisture replenishing, and color protecting shampoo is formulated without any damaging sulfates, parabens, and a host of other nastiness found in most other common shampoos.  I've used it in the past,  and I really like how my hair feels healthier after using.  My dry ends visibly appear to not be as dry and brittle after using.

Hydra Pearls:  This is my first time trying out the NEVO Hydra Pearls capsules {which I picked up at Ulta} and so far I really like them!  Inside the tiny capsules is a blend of natural Amazon replenishing oils which is perfect for dry, color treated hair.  You can apply to either wet or dry hair, although I've only tried when my hair is damp.  The bottle is 100% biodegradable, and no animal testing with this product.  Purchase at Ulta or online at Amazon.

Face Serum:  I've seen Lancomes Visionnaire everywhere; magazine ads, billboards, online, etc and figured since it has great reviews that I'd give it a try.  I've been using this for about 3 weeks and I love what I'm seeing so far!  This product really seems to be helping with evening out my skin tone, and reducing the acne scars that I have.  I even went in for my monthly brow appointment last week at Anastasia, and my usual waxer commented on how this is the best that she's ever seen my skin looking...."glowing" was her exact words!  I'll take it! :)  So far, so good, and I'll definitely keep using this.

Root Amplifier:  Girls, look no further!  This is hands down the best root amplifier/ volumizer that I have ever used.  I'm talking mega volume!  Two small pumps of this velvety primer applied to damp hair is all it takes, and it smells amazing!

Nail Polish:  I am absolutely in love with this soft pretty pink polish from Chanel.  "Ballerina" is my new fave, and is the perfect neutral pink shade.  Very similar in color to Essie "Ballet Slippers", except that I find the Chanel polish to last longer; I got around 5 days out of the Chanel polish before it started chipping.

Mascara:  I swear I can't get over how much I love Bobbi Browns No Smudge Mascara.  This mascara somehow manages to lift & separate every individual lash and it does so without ever clumping, smudging, or flaking.  This may be the best waterproof mascara I have ever tried out {and I've tried the majority of them out there!}.  The best part about this mascara is that it can be layered over any regular ol' mascara and it instantly makes the formulation waterproof!  I highly, highly recommend this product!

Nail Polish Drying Accelerator:  I am notorious for smudging my nails.  It's just inevitable that if I do them at home, it's gonna happen.  On my last Ulta run, I picked up this QTICA Half Time drying accelerator which claims that, "Never again smudge, dent, or streak your manicures.  Qtica Half Time dries all layers of polish from top to bottom rock hard in 5-7 minutes."  First off, let me say that it really does dry your polish very quickly.  I still somehow managed to make a small smudge in my thumbnail {always the thumbs!} so I'm not quite sure about their claims, but I'll continue to use this for now.

Tinted Moisturizer:  I had tried this product years ago, and had completely forgotten about it until I was browsing around online on the Nordstrom website and came across it due to the great ratings it has.  This sheer,  SPF 15 moisturizer, comes out a blueish color and automatically color corrects to your unique skin tone for a healthy, even-toned glow.  I have fallen in love with this all over again!  I love how light weight & natural looking the product is, and that it has many anti-aging properties.  I definitely would recommend this tinted moisturizer. 

Shop These Products:

50 Healthy Habits Every Girl Should Have

Hi girls!  I saw this floating around on Pinterest the other day and thought that I'd share it with you.

image source

I just love this!  It serves as a great reminder that we should always be doing more.  Being proactive about your health is key, and even the smallest of changes that you make now in your earlier years will pay off enormously later on in life.  

Please share this, forward this link, pin it {whatever your preference is}, and share with the favorite chicas in your life. ♡

**Congrats to Meghan & Whitney for winning the S'well water bottle giveaway!**

Springs Hottest New Sandals

The block heel sandal is one of the hottest shoe trends for this upcoming Spring/Summer season.  After first gaining popularity last summer, it looks like this stylish sandal isn't about to go anywhere.  This type of heel is super comfy, and beyond easy to walk around in {dreams do come true girls!}.  I love how they can be dressed up with just about anything, or dressed down by pairing with your favie broken in denim shorts or skinny jeans.  

These are an absolute must have for your wardrobe, and today I've selected 9 of my favorite block heel sandals for every chicas budget.

Shop These Sandals:

Top Row- Black Sole Society sandal {cute laser cut & stud detailing! under $60 here} //  I can not take my current favorite Dolce Vita sandals off my feet lately! {here} //  Hard to believe these tan beauties are only $31!! //  2nd Row- I'm seriously debating getting these taupe Dolce Vitas {those buckles! here} //  I'm not really a fan of the Valentino Rockstud pumps, but I love the block heel version {available here} //  Great snakeskin detailing & a wide ankle cuff on these sandals //  Bottom Row- White leather laser cut cuties {under $30 here} //  These fun studded Sam Edelmans remind me of the popular Isabel Marant sandals from last summer {available here} //  With the gladiator style straps, these black sandals are right on trend for summer! {under $40 here}

Which is your favorite?