Making Life Easier

Currently, my absolute favorite blog and enewsletter to read and receive is by Wellness Mama. (more on her later – love this girl) In all, it is an amazing site that provides ways of living a healthier, more natural life. If you are really interested, read her About page and download some of her resources.

Today she sent out an enewsletter to those who have subscribed. A copy of the email is below. Ultimately she is providing a link to a great and inexpensive resource that allows those (me included) who work a full-time job and do not have hours each day to spend turning their home in to photos you see on Pinterest. If there is a trick that can be done to make your life at home a little more fancy and easier is it provided here.

Interested? Well following the link below. It is 95% off! We can all benefit from a little organization in aspect of life.

Ultimate DIY Bundle

 

Eat PA: Duffy’s Tavern

Recommendations for each stop on Eat PA come from a variety of people: friends, family, co-workers, our own discoveries and more. This next stop was a place I visited briefly with my sister at one point, but was recently recommended as a “must stop” by my parents when I told them about this new blog campaign.

Tucked away in the small town of Boalsburg, just four miles from State College, PA, is a Victorian tavern that has been around for almost two centuries – Duffy’s Tavern. It was built in 1819 and with traditional wood flooring, deep-set windows and seven fireplaces is a rustic and necessary stop for everyone.

One of the most interesting aspects of traveling to each of these different eateries in various geographical locations of PA is discovering and learning the history that each area represents. Whether national, local or even personal history – so far each spot I have stopped at, and the few I have planned for the near future are rich in history. This building, still standing in its original stonework, catered to colonial travelers in the past. The entire colonial atmosphere of the small downtown atmosphere located in Boalsburg is one that really makes you feel like you are stepping back in time.

Our experience was great. We visited on a Sunday afternoon. The tavern was packed full of Steeler fans, but the dining area was quiet and homey.  Walking through each room felt somewhat like you were walking through a museum – excited to see what was to come next.  We sat in a dining area that was once a porch. It is now enclosed and part of the building and provides a great view of the middle of town. Taylor indulged in a bottled root beer – we both agreed it tasted even better because of the glass bottle. After our appetizer and meal we took a stroll through entire tavern. With multiple dining rooms and a bar it was so interesting to see all of the vintage decor – pictures below. Not to mention it looked lovely decorated for Christmas!

Taylor and I both agreed it was a great place and we can see why locals love it. A great staff, diverse menu, varying specials, historic building and rustic decor all tucked in the small town of Boalsburg, you are sure to have a great experience.

Appetizer-Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks

• 3 soft pretzels (Taylor ate one before I returned from the bathroom)
• dipping sauces: whole grain mustard,  jalapeno cheddar cheese, maple butter

Taylor – Salmon Filet

• parmesan salmon
• rice pilaf
• creamed spinach

Me (Elle)- Lamb Sliders

• lamb sliders
• toppings: roasted red peppers, onions, garlic herb aioli, mixed greens
• sweet potato fries

Price Guide- 

Bavarian Soft Pretzel Sticks: $8.00
Salmon Filet: $25.00
Lamb Sliders: $11.00

Call It Spring – The Shoe Gold Mine

There is nothing more intriguing than discovering a new brand that you find is filled with items you love. Call It Spring is a shoe line that carries a wide range of shoes, from flats to heels and sandals to boots, they represent it all.

I stumbled across the brand’s store while venturing through the Mall of America. After walking in to the brightly lit and colorful store I was instantly interested and impressed, specifically in their flats. With work as such a vital part of my life now, I am constantly on the lookout for pieces I can wear to work and on the weekends. After checking out their selection, it was as if I struck gold!

The pair I picked up are Call It Spring’s CRILAMA, a navy pointed toe flat, that I have been able to mix and match with cropped pants, J. Crew dresses and jeans for a night out. Even though I was only able to walk away with one pair, the entire collection is filled with items that can play the same role in your wardrobe. Not only are the stylish and durable, but you can always find a good sale on their website, as well as in-store, which makes them the ultimate shoe shop.

With such a versatile and lovely collection, I would recommend the different styles to any fashionista. As fall creeps around the corner, may I suggest these adorable ankle boots, perfect for the cool weather – it’s never too early to plan for fall fashion. (My favorite time of year!)

Guess Who’s Back?

Guess who is back! That’s right. I needed to take a little time off from the blogosphere to totally concentrate on my new position. My new job is great, I really am enjoying every second of it and while I am doing the work that I love, I  am doing it in an industry that is totally new to me. This provides a brand new challenge in my life, but I am taking it one step at a time and am absorbing as much information as possible.

Now, while I am back from my temporary break, I am also here for a little flashback. Today’s post I am taking it back to the 90s, however, we really aren’t going anywhere because it looks like the 90s are right here in 2014. So much talk and so many articles have been written about how 90s fashion trends are making their return, and honestly I am loving it!

Over the past few years I have really been able to establish myself and my look; a rather preppy, classic and conservative one. And it is a known fact that I can’t pull off the hipster, grunge or punk look, but if I am going to add a little twist to my pretty consistent style, hints of the 90s is my favorite way to go!

The 90s trends that are making a comeback are:

• overalls
• chokers
• slip dresses
• backpacks
• Birks
• jellies
• crop tops
• bucket hats
• baggy tees
• grunge

Of course I am so pumped about this return, but let’s be real there are a few that you will not catch me in. Crop tops for one. Not for me and have strong opinions about those who do, ill keep my mouth closed. Chokers, not my style, but it’s rather astonishing when you find someone who can pull that look off!

On the other hand, Birks. LOVE! I purchased a pair in the spring, a basic taupe color. They officially have formed to my feet and I wear them whenever possible! For me, these shoes add a masculine flair to my outfits. Much of the 90s trends that are listed above allow you to pull off that tomboy look, Birks being an essential component of that look. However, with my very girly and colorful style, adding these Birkenstocks  make for the perfect balance.

My newest favorites are the jellies. Just recently I ordered a clear pair from YCMC. I am not afraid to say that most of my inspiration to purchase a pair of these came from my one and half-year old niece. Either way, I love them! I purchased a clear pair and while they are a neutral shoe that can be matched with almost anything, they add just enough edge to many of my outfits.

One of these that I have yet to try, except the fact that I use to wear them ALL the time when I was younger, overalls. Currently I do not own a pair of overalls that would fit me, however I would not be opposed to finding a pair that did and complemented me well.

It really is interesting to see how trends resurface and even more appealing to see how they remain consistent, yet there are always a few tweaks that make them vintage, but still trendy. For being one that is totally obsessed with the 90s; shows, movies, music and more, these trends coming back from the grave is an exciting time for me and for all fashion lovers. Whether you like it or not, these trends really make a statement for social trends of the 90s and although times have changed it is still fun to experiment! So find your inner Cher Horowitz, Cindy Crawford, Gwen Stefani or Winona Rider, or whoever you believe you were meant to be in the 90s, and portray your favorite 90s fashion icon!

June Necessities

The necessities of June revolve entirely around by busy schedule and a month full of travelling. This first week of June I am in Michigan for work, following a brief weekend vacation in Washington, D.C. Throughout the rest of the month I will also be traveling to Pittsburgh, Minnesota and possibly Baltimore.

With a month this jam packed of spending little time at home, I have declared each of the following a necessity for any girl’s traveling routine.

1. With a mix of travelling for work and for pleasure comes along some tricky packing situations. Even on work trips, while almost every outfit is instructed and scheduled, there still leaves some time for casual ensembles to be worn. After purchasing this Printed Cutaway Top from J. Crew not too long ago I have found that it is a great piece to transition from a casual to business look. For work and other business occasions, I pair it with a pair of khaki or blue dress plants, a blue blazer and nude heels. It is then as simple as losing the blazer, changing in to a pair of white skinny jeans, while keeping the top and nude heels for a bright, yet casual look. Whether for work or play this top is versatile, a statement piece and the perfect traveling outfit choice.

2. My Lilly Pulitzer Tumbler is a great companion while travelling. The tumbler is obviously adorable and does a fabulous job of keeping my drinks icy cold. It provides a cute way to carry your drinks, withstands the heat and allows for easy refills; which is also eco-friendly! These large tumblers are an easy clean-up and like I mentioned, THE perfect companion for traveling.

3. For comfort and style I turn to my Luck Brand Platform Wedge Sandals. A total inspiration from my mom, these heels are the shoe for comfort, height and complete summer fashion. Whether you are driving or flying, maintaining a stylish look is a must. If you are one of the few that choose heels for travel may I recommend these cork sole wedges by Lucky. The wedge provides total foot comfort and the natural stretch linen straps hug your feet so it feels like you are wearing nothing at all.

4. No matter how much you use your phone, it is something we all rely on, yet we all seem to be running on a low battery when we need it most. My fourth must-have to travel is this all white Power Bank portable smart phone charger. External battery chargers are becoming more and more popular; coming in many color, sizes and prices. This sleek 4 inch charger is very inexpensive and comes with an attachment making it easy to keep track of. For an inexpensive tech gadget it preforms rather well; supplying two dead smartphones with two 100% batteries.

5. There is one thing that I can’t stand about travelling, and that is missing my workouts. With crazy agendas, early morning or late night flights, and other unexpected situations, getting in a solid workout is somewhat challenging. However a recent discovery in the app store has solved this problem. The 7-Minute Workout App is a series of workouts that last only seven minutes. If you follow the plan exactly it really gets you moving and provides a great increase of your heart-rate.

[Tuesday’s Taste – Leaf Lettuce w/ Smoked Mozzarella & Slow-Roasted Tomato Crostini ]

As school comes to an end and summer is about to begin it sometimes seems as if this is the time our lives become busier than ever. With such tight schedules you can expect weird eating habits and/or times to occur. Often, I find myself coming home from work and both before and after my workout without much of an appetite. This recipe my mom introduced to me is one that totally hits the spot when you are hungry for only a small meal, or as a delectable starter salad or side dish.

The recipe begins by roasting tomatoes and toasting your crostini. The salad portion of this dish is quick and easy and when paired together makes for the perfect light meal on a warm summer night.

• vine-ripened tomatoes
• olive oil
• sea salt
• 1 dozen thinly sliced baguette
• 12 thin slices smoked mozzarella
• 6 of the roasted tomatoes
• 2 cups of shredded leaf lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ground black pepper
  

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Slow Roasted Tomatoes

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F

2. Cut tomatoes into halves or thirds and rub olive oil and a pinch of sea salt

3. Bake seed side up on a cookie sheet for 3-5 hours

Leaf Lettuce Salad

1.  Preheat your oven’s broiler

2. Lay the sliced baguette on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil – keep under broiler for no more than 5 minutes

 

3. Remove baguette from oven and top with mozzarella. Place back under broiler for no more than 60 seconds (until cheese melts)

4. Remove from oven and top with two roasted tomatoes

5. Toss lettuce, scallions and dressing in salad bowl

6. Place one serving size of salad on a plate and serve with two of the crostini on top.

 

 

Graduation Has Come & Gone

Seven days have come and gone since the day of my college graduation. Of course, these days have been relaxing and I have enjoyed having no real obligations, however, it has allowed me to really process the idea that I am done with undergrad. This means no more living with my friends, sleeping in late, cramming, anxiety that an exam is in the near future, Netflix binges or the thrill of Saturday/Sunday brunch. Yet, while these are the moments that first stick out in my head, reviewing the many great experiences I encountered throughout college, I have realized that it is much more than the material I learned in class or was tested on through exams.

My college years were great; filled with influential professors, wonderful friends, memorable moments and experiences that have taught me more than I ever thought college had the ability to.

With time to process and ponder the next chapter of my life comes many apprehensions, as well as, excitements and possibilities. Currently, with my diploma and  and my new journey in my professional career, I see nothing but new and intriguing experiences to build on from college.

Time management, adaptability, responsibility, confidence, maturity, teamwork, faith and more are just a few of the many skills and lessons that college has taught me. In college you are surrounded by people with similar aspirations, responsibilities and dreams. Parents, professors, coaches and more are always behind you 100% pushing and helping you in every way possible. As I prepare myself for this next chapter, I realize I won’t be alone, however, it will be an environment totally different from that of a college or university.

Like mentioned, college has taught me a long list of things, however one of the most important would be facing and overcoming a challenge.  This skill is one that I have been faced with from the minute I stepped on to campus, until I was handed my diploma. Facing and dealing with a challenge is something that has become a more evident reality, specifically while on my own at school.

No matter what type of encounter I had to deal with, these constant challenges have allowed me to grow into a strong, confident and intelligent professional. Not only will these experiences help me in every aspect of my life, (especially work), but they have allowed for receiving my diploma to be that much sweeter.

Excelling in school and working hard for my education is something that no one can ever take away from me. Conquering tasks, challenges, responsibilities, work, sports, studying, exams and more have provided life-changing experiences that will act as stepping-stones to my adult and professional life. I know that my future provides even more challenges that I must overcome, but I couldn’t be more thankful for the people, places, and situations that have challenged me and made me into the strong person that I am today.

 

Tuesday’s Taste – Chicken Avocado Tostadas

As the date of moving in to my own home gets closer, my urge to obtain recipes from my mother has significantly increased. When the recipes are quick, easy, healthy and make great left overs they really are hard not to grab on to. Adapting to the change of living in a home of just two, and having to prepare most meals alone for us both, will allow me to cherish these versatile and simple meals.

My mom’s Chicken Avocado Tostadas can be prepared quickly, make great leftovers and has a simple recipe that can be changed to make a meal that is perfect for anyone. The preparation and assembly of this recipe truly is simple and toppings can be changed and adapted to meet any acquired taste.

As my first meal of the summer on the back patio, this serving ( 2 tostadas), was a colorful, healthy and scrumptious meal that was perfectly satisfying. Enjoying this with the entire family was great, but I can see this meal being ideal throughout the summer; a refreshing dinner and effortless to pack in a lunch for the next day at work.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grilled chicken
• Mexican seasoning (1 packet )
• 8 small soft tortilla shells
• olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced rings
• 2 thinly sliced peppers
• fajita sauce ( packet )
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• 1-2 sliced avocado
• sour cream (topping)
• salsa (topping)

Makes approx. 8 tostadas – 4 servings

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1. Preheat oven to 300 degree F

2. Grill chicken breasts. Slice chicken until shredded. Place in skillet to warm – low heat. Stir in one packet of Mexican seasoning.

3. Fill the bottom of a separate skillet with olive oil. Place tortilla shells, one at a time, into oil to brown lightly on both sides.

4. Cut and slice the peppers and onions on board. When the tortilla shells are done browning saute onions and peppers in the remaining oil. Stir in one packet of fajita sauce.

5. Place browned tortillas on to baking sheet.

6. Top each tortilla with shredded chicken, shredded cheese and sautéed peppers and onions.

7. Bake in oven for 5-10 minutes.

8. Remove from oven. Top each with shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, slices of avocado, a dollop of sour cream and a small scoop of salsa.

 

 

April Obsessions

April was a beautiful, yet stressful month, to say the least. However, the wonderful signs of spring were a great distraction from the amount of work that was piled up as the semester winds down. As it quickly comes to end and I have recently realized that it was throughout this month that I stumbled across a few of my current favorites.

Each spring I take part in the Estee Lauder free gift promotion and it is absolutely perfect that the gift is always a Lilly Pulitzer makeup bag. This year however, running low on cash and no real reason to purchase makeup, my mom made her $40 or more Estee Lauder purchase and re-gifted the Lilly bag to me. Perfect!

Another of my new favorite products are Luna Bars. Spending years in college I really have found a love for delicious on-the-go snacks, and protein/nutrition bars have become quite a favorite of mine.  Currently I am obsessed with the “Chocolate Dipped Coconut” flavor. So delicious!, and tastes just like a Somoa Girl Scout cookie!

Two of my previous posts have discussed the next few items on this list; my Donald J. Pliner Malibu wedge heels and Sally Hansen’s INSTA-DRI Petal Pusher nail polish. Both of these products are wonderful for the warm weather, and great to accent the feel of spring.

A last favorite is a blue and white striped Marin Dress by Tabitha from Anthropologie. I wore it to an event I had to cover on social media, paired it with the Malibu heels and added a colorful necklace; the look was to die for.

Each of the products and purchases not only were marvelous purchases for myself but, complemented the incoming warm weather. One thing I love about the changing of the seasons is how the weather is not the only transformation we see. Wardrobes, snacks, polish, activities and more all adapt to the season and temperature outside. Bright colors, easy snacks and floral prints are great signs of this transformation!

Image Dependent Design Continues to Evolve

Although unintentional, you could say this is a continuum of the last post. I discussed earlier how important visual content has become on almost every social media platform and how some of these platforms rely completely on images.

Just recently, Facebook announced its new design for 2013 and this year the design focuses on bigger, clearer and more vibrant images. After reading endless articles, blogposts and even looking directly at what Facebook is saying, there are a few key enhancements.

1.Vibrant visuals
2.Friends
3.News Feeds
4.Mobility

Although I believe Facebook has done a good job evolving their platform to an image based one, their new design is all about huge and vibrant images. Full page images will be able to be seen on news feeds and timelines of friends. You can get an idea of how literal the concentration on visuals is for the new design (see below).

Along with these enhanced images comes the way we ‘see’ our friends on Facebook. The new design of the visual content that will be highlighted plays an important role in how our friends will show up on our news feed, through messages, timeline etc.

Not only is the new design evolving and adapting to the needs/wants of larger and clearer images on our computers, Facebook’s new design will 100% mobile friendly. Again, providing us with bigger images that are easier to see. But, it is not just the clear images that is changing the way we see Facebook on mobile devices, but the new design is says the ability to view your lates newsfeed content will be much easier. (http://www.facebook.com/about/newsfeed)

As you look at the picture below, you can grasp a different angle in which Facebook is depending on images. Where we usually would see text that says, “News Feed” “Messages” “Events” etc. these options are now depicted by image icons. Not only are we now navigating our way through Facebook using images, but activity by a friend is shown as a profile picture. For instance, if a friend post a video on Facebook, it shows up on our news feed as “Joe Smith” just posted a video. In the new design, “Joe Smith’s” profile picture is shown much larger than before and in my opinion over powering the text.

I have looked through and am currently on the waiting list to officially use the new design.  But, when you get your turn, if you think you are viewing a site similar to G+ and Instagram, you may be right. Whether intended or not, the new full size images and vibrant colors that are used for the new Facebook design resemble much of what G+ and Instagram display.

No matter what the platform, design is constantly changing. Sometimes it may be hard to keep up with, however it is always interesting and intricate. The new design of Facebook should be a new experience for most users. But, most importantly it is going to appeal to almost every user.