Minty Business

Since I study magazines like I should've studied my books in college, I have it on good authority that mint and seafoam are making big comebacks. I bought some mint green nail polish, but I got gels last weekend (great investment), so I have to wait about a month before I can wear it.

I'm currently on the hunt for a pair of mint green jeans. Know where I can get some that won't break the bank?

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

(image source)

Flower Power

I have the world's WORST allergies. Well, maybe not the worst, but they're pretty bad. Since I can never be around flowers, I have an appreciation for floral prints. Whenever they come back in style, I buy up everything I can. This time will be different since I'm not an adult and have bills, but I've been avoiding the mall like the plague to save money since summer.

I'm allowed to splurge a little, right?

Distsy Floral Romper, $39.50
Petite Moto Chintz Leigh Jeans, $90
Butterfly Floral Jumpsuit, $116
Millbank Skirt, $79.50
Floral Colour Block Shift Dress, $50

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Fitness Friday: Workout Schedule

It's been almost two weeks since I started this fitness journey. And it feels like two years, but I can feel a difference in my body and I think I'm totally committed this time. I haven't eaten any fast food and when I went to eat out with friends last week, I choose healthy options and watched my portions.

This is my workout schedule right now. It's a BEAST! But you've got to work hard to get results. I'll continue to add a more condensed version (since we change it up a bit every week) at the end of these posts, along with my current weight loss.

SUNDAY: YOGA
When you spend six days working out, stretching helps with the soreness and improves flexibility. I have no balance, so it really consists of me falling over and giggling a lot, while my trainer insists this is supposed to be relaxing.

MONDAY: NO TRAINING
I had a conference call and got out of training for a day. Boss!

TUESDAY: CARDIO/CHEST/ARMS/ABS
1 mile jog on the treadmill
3 sets of 12 reps with 15 pound weights
3 sets of 12 reps with ab crunch with 20 pound bar / 10 sit-ups in between sets
3 sets of 12 pull down bar at 40 pounds
3 sets of 12 cable cross overs at 30 pounds

WEDNESDAY: CARDIO
We got our schedules mixed up, so I didn't have a formal training session. I went to the gym on my own time and ran 1 mile on the treadmill.

THURSDAY: CARDIO/LEGS
1 mile jog on treadmill
3 sets of 12 lunges with 15 pound weights
3 sets of 10 squats with 40 pound barbell
3 sets of 12 reps at 55 pounds on the hip adduction/abduction machine
3 sets of 12 leg curls at 55 pounds
3 sets of 12 leg extensions at 40 pounds

FRIDAY: TBA
I go to the gym tonight, so who knows? Except my trainer, of course. Last week, I did the elliptical for a mile, 95 sit ups (in two different exercises) and posture exercises. Plus, wall sits, which definitely a creation of Satan.

SATURDAY: RUNNING
On Saturdays, I get to run around my huge apartment complex. Obviously, there's a cardio benefit, but we're also going to use it to see how my time improves as we progress.

If you have questions about a particular workout, I'd love to answer them. I'd also love some suggestions for fun stuff I can do after all this hard stuff is over.

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Sparkle & Shine

I really love subtle to see a subtle sparkle in photographs. I'm not against in-your-face glitter and disco balls, but I like photos where it seems muted and understated. Maybe it's the part of me that's in love with prep style or perhaps a result of the gaudiness my mother loves in her jewelry, but I always thought to be a little too much so this is how I resolved my feelings.

Who knows? And with glittery things, who cares why you love them? Just love them.

"Domino" by Jessie J

(images: 1 2 3)

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

House Envy: Nicole Gibbons

I'm thinking Wednesdays will be when I share photos of homes I love. I really like looking at shelter magazines and photos of beautifully decorated homes. If Domino still existed, I'd probably be clamoring to get a job there right now.

Glitter Guide has some great home photos, including this feature on blogger Nicole Gibbons. Her home is really relaxing and I'm especially in love with the living areas. I'd never have the patience to even work with a decorator to get this done. Wouldn't it be nice if having a nice house was as easy as shopping for clothes? Excuse me, I'd like this house in gold please.

(images via Glitter Guide)

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Sassy & Sweet: Jeffrey Campbell Litas

I don't own Jeffrey Campbell Litas for two reasons: I'm cheap and they just seem really heavy. Plus, my daily shoes are ballet flats and oxfords. But I appreciate the fashion fandom they've created. I also think they don't seem to versatile at first glance, but they can be style in different ways.

 SASSY

SWEET

"Take Care" by Drake ft. Rihanna


(images via LOOKBOOK: 1 2)

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Street Style: London Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week is over (tear), but London Fashion Week is already in full effect. It's insane how all fashion weeks are so close together. It has to be crazy for fashion insiders, but I would love to experience the insanity.

I was looking through some street style from London Fashion Week and it was amazing. I saw some OK street style for New York Fashion Week, but somehow London's has struck a bigger cord with me. By the way, the leather sleeveless jacket in the last photo is EVERYTHING.

"Labels or Love" by Fergie

(images via Streets-of-Style)

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Fitness Friday: The Beginning

A picture of me from high school. My parents
monitored my food consumption back then.

I'm not going to deny it, for the past four years I've have been really unhealthy. I ate out A LOT. I'm talking going to drive-thrus almost every day and regular late-night runs with friends to McDonald's for study breaks. The only exercise I got was walking around campus and when I graduated in May that was over.

I really wanted to be healthier and I tried right before Feather launched, but it's super hard work. Also, I never really made much of a lifestyle change. I still ate out once a week and wasn't cooking any healthy stuff at my house.

As if by magic, one of my friends gifted me with six months of his personal training expertise. The ultimate goal is for me to lose 30 pounds, which still isn't my goal weight, but is a HUGE step in the right direction.

I've only been working out and eating healthier since Sunday, but it's been really hard. I've been to the gym EVERY DAY! I'm there for at least an hour and a half. I woke up yesterday and my arms were so sore I couldn't extend them. My entire body hurts. This means I complain ALL the time and my poor trainer has to deal with it. Did I mention I don't pay him? He's totally getting the bad end of the deal.

My trainer's promised that in two weeks, this will start to get recognizably easier and my body will realize that I'm not going to coddle it anymore.

As I learn more about healthy living, like how to make tasty healthy food or how to stop dreaming about french fries, I'll be sharing it here on Fridays. Next week, look forward to seeing my actual exercise routine in full. And get ready to pity me because it's a BEAST.

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

 

 

This Week...

CamiCakes Cupcakes made my life on Saturday. The red velvet was sooo good!

I WROTE... Paisley Pride, Glamour Gets a Makeover, The Chalk Art of Dana Tanamachi

I WATCHED... The Vampire Diaries. I watched the first episode when it premiered years ago and I hated it. I've been watching it on Netflix and now I'm obsessed. I cannot really explain the change of heart.

I READ... Fallen. I thought I liked it, but I realize I'm in no rush to read the second book. So, maybe I didn't like it?

I PARTIED.... for a friend's 22nd birthday. I actually help throw the surprise party and set up for it, which including driving to Jacksonville to pick up a party guest. While I was there, I got to visit my friend, Alicia. We ate Mellow Mushroom and had red velvet cupcakes at CamiCakes. The party was pretty fun, but I left early (around 2 a.m.) because I was exhausted. I used my walker to get home. Ya know, since I'm too old to stay awake at parties now.

I WAS CRAFTY... and shot photos for a DIY for Feather Magazine. Our Editorial Assistant is also our photographer, and she took the pictures. I'm excited to show them to everyone next week.

It was obviously a LAME week. But what do you expect from me? I'm not a MACHINE. I need sleep. Unless I'm on a Vampire Diaries binge, in which case, I need a cup of tea to keep me awake longer. How am I expected to wait until the next morning to find out if Damon ever locates Katherine? Or if Stefan and Elena can get past their latest relationship hurdle?

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Are You Red-y?

"Wine Red" by The Hush Sound


How awesome are red lips? Tip: The paler you are the more vibrant your red should be. Darker skin tones (like me) should stick to wine hues. Of course, there's nothing wrong with breaking the rules.

(images via Peace, Love & Magazines Tumblr)

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE

Get Your (Accessories) Game Up

I did a little traveling over the weekend and my arm looked nothing like this on the steering wheel. WHY?! 

That's it, I'm upping my accessories game. I'm talking bracelets and watches galore. You can now call me Arm Candy. And I'd also like a cool classic car to ride in with my bangled arms. 

TWITTER | TUMBLR | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE