workout wednesday …

with summer quickly approaching ( less than 20 days to go!), there's no time like now to get those arms whipped into tank-top ready shape!  one of my favorites and easiest workouts to do is a simple pushup.  they can be done anywhere, require no machinery, and are super effective.  simply drop to the floor and modify to your ability--knees or toes.  try to bust out 100 each day.  break them up into sets of ten, twenty, or twenty five to help get the job done.  interested in incorporating weights?  try this workout and let me know how you do!

10 pushups

24 bicep burners 

( 8 full bicep curls, 8 curls half way up, 8 curls half way down )

15 shoulder press

10 pushups

25 tricep dips

15 back rows

15 lateral raises

10 pushups

25 tricep dips

15 back flies

15 shoulder front raise

10 pushups

10 burpees

choose weight accordingly and complete 2-3 rounds of workout.  have fun!

happy sweating!

workout adapted from :

friday five …

//  image via blackswandive  //

may first is approximately one week away… which means memorial day weekend (hello summer!!),  mother's day, and cinco de mayo.  while i'm clearly not of mexican heritage, i am 100% on board with celebrating and eating fun mexican food-- my favorite!!  i love the idea of having a mexican fiesta to celebrate with friends and think this tablescape is perfect for decorating.  simply use a blanket as a table runner or tablecloth and decorate with cacti and bold flowers.  this recipe for mexican quinoa has my name written all over it!  or, use the quinoa to make these quinoa, black bean, and corn tacos.  spice things up with this recipe for easy blender salsa or this chunky mango and avocado salsa recipe.  if there's one thing i'm a sucker for, it's definitely chips and guacamole.  my absolute favorite!  i plan on following this recipe for guacamole!  no fiesta is ever complete without sangria --- find 'the BEST sangria recipe' here!  including arugula in my sangria drink has me a bit leery, but i'm more than willing to test it out.

or, keep it simple and set out a taco bar with all the helpings and let the guests do all the rest!

//  image via  olive&clover  //

rather keep things simple for a cinco de mayo fiesta?  this moodboard via camille styles is sure to drum up inspiration!  simply set out a taco bar with all the helpings and let the guests do all the rest!  add to your decor by DIY-ing your own paper flowers.  find an easy-to-follow tutorial here.  looking to literally dress the part : this dress or this dress (similar here) is perfect for the party!  

//  image via  pinterest  //

could someone please invite me somewhere it would be appropriate to wear a floral crown ?!  i'm dying to diy my own and try these 'five fabulous floral crowns', but have a feeling it'll look funny in the grocery store or target…the only places i seem to frequent these days!!  thinking i'll have to stick with my no-mess, laid-back, typical bun.  at least i can look here for bun inspiration to jazz it up a bit.

have you heard about this collaboration between Shopbop x Vogue x 22 top designers such as jcrew, chloe, lemlem, stella mccartney?!  it's an exclusive collection of women and children's clothing with one hundred percent of the proceeds benefitting their mission to end mother-to-child HIV transmissions at birth.  shop the collection here!

//  image via theyallhateus  //

we're heading away on vacation to costa rica soon, and, of course, i've been gearing up!  here are a few pieces i've picked up recently :  these flat sandals are so reasonably priced and super cute and instantly add fun to any outfit!  i'm especially loving them paired with this chambray dress and this hat!  loving the print on this free people dress (on sale!) paired with these sandals (on sale!).  this off-the-shoulder beach coverup might be my favorite!  i also love this free people x mara hoffman poncho.  it's currently out of stock so be sure to sign up to be notified when it becomes available!

happy friday!

workout wednesday …

i'll be running in the Nike Women's Half Marathon in DC this upcoming weekend, so i've been updating my music and prepping a playlist to get me through 13.1 miles.  here's what i'll be listening to:

1.  MS MR :  think of you  (HAERTS remix)
2.  cut copy  :  nobody lost, nobody found
3.  nico & vinz  :  am i wrong
4.  kongos  :  come with me now
5.  betty who  :  somebody loves you
6.  lucas nord  :  run on love
7.  bingo players  :  rattle
8.  nonono  :  pumping blood (the chainsmokers remix)
9.  rihanna  :  what now (R3hab remix)
10. neon trees  :  sleeping with a friend
11. arcade fire :  no cars go
12. chrvches  :  recover
13. empire of the sun  : dna (calvin harris remix)
14. pitbull ft chris brown  :  hope we meet again
15. kimbra :  warrior


happy running!

loving lately …

karen walker sunglasses  //  sara happ lip slip  //  essie nail polish     //  madewell dress  //  holst & lee necklace  //  tory burch tote   // steve madden wedge  //  steve madden flat gladiators  

here are a few favorite items i'm loving lately!  

happy shopping!

workout wednesday …

//  image via foodista  //

i typically try to resist a pancake stack slathered in butter and drenched in syrup, but sometimes it just.looks.so.good. and calls my name.  but, ever since receiving a protein pancake recipe from a girlfriend a few weeks ago, i've been a bit obsessed with this 'healtheir' version.  they'll keep you fuller for longer since they incorporate protein, and you'll start your day off right by eating breakfast.  here are a few favorite recipes : this recipe for pancakes packs 56 grams of protein and are ready in just ten minutes.   here's a gluten free recipe to try for those who need grain and gluten free foods. my kids would love this vanilla cinnamon version.  these carrot cake protein pancakes would be perfect for Easter brunch.  like waffles?  try these high protein flax waffles.  and for fun… try these 'healthy chocolate oreo cookie pancakes'.  they all sound so yummy!

try them and let me know which recipe you like!  or, have another that's your favorite?  tell me!  i'd love to make them!

ps… a few of the recipes call for cottage cheese.  i personally choose to use greek yogurt instead.

friday five …

//  image via she knows  //

prepping for Easter?  this year, let's skip the typical PAAS-dipped eggs, and go all out.  make the above pictured golden marbled Easter eggs.  here's how.  everyone will be dye-ing over them.  here are a few other fun ideas :  love these chalkboard easter eggs,  these gold-leaf easter eggs,  or these glitter dyed & glitter bomb eggs.  they may be my favorite! or, simply whip out the crayola washable tempera paint and let the kids go wild.  so fun!  view how-to here.

//  image via migonis home // 

hosting an Easter meal this year?  read on to find some decor inspiration!  i love this diy tutorial on how to make a flower box centerpiece out of an old wooden pallet.  and it seems totally functional for other holidays, too!  need more decorating ideas?  here are '41 fashionable ideas to decorate your home for easter' or these '20 clever ideas for stellar spring table decor'.

//  image via lilluna  //

this Easter bark actually has me itching to bake.   and by baking, i mean melting chocolate and inserting crushed up candies on it.  it's so simple and easy and only takes five minutes.  sounds absolutely perfect.  and delicious!  my weakness is m&ms so this is a no-brainer for me!  they'll definitely be used in my bark.  and if i happen to have any leftover, i may make these cookies.

i'm so excited that spring has finally decided to arrive and looks as if it's here to stay.  i'm over the heavy sweaters, coats, hats, and boots, and ready to move on to lighter and brighter colored clothing!  here's a roundup of 50 street style trends to try this spring.  head on over to lord and taylor and see if you can score some fun spring wear during their friends and family event!  this free people dress is one of my favorites!  i also love this blank nyc faux leather jacket, these 'spray on' skinny white jeans, and these havianas flip flops.

// image via our happiness tour //

speaking of spring, did you catch lindsey pinegar's piece on how-to throw a fairy party?!  she is one of my favorite bloggers, and i love all her cute & crafty ideas in addition to seeing how she dresses her little girls.  adorable.  but, this fairy party takes the cake!  so super cute and so easy!  read more here!!!  this is one i will be doing, for sure!  not sure how much my son will enjoy it, though ;) might have to store this idea for when my daughter gets older.


happy friday!

workout wednesday …

need some new music ?  here are some songs to update your playlist and get you moving!

1.  calvin harris : summer
2.  haim :  forever
3.  foster the people :  coming of age
4.  pitbull ft usher & afrojack :  party ain't over  (E)
5.  mo :  don't wanna dance
6.  bastille :  icarus
7.  lily allen :  hard out here  (E)
8.  paramore  :  ain't it fun
9.  fitz and the tantrums :  the walker
10.  ellie goulding :  beating heart

what are you listening to?  tell me!