weekend inspiration

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Spring has finally sprung!  Oh thank you to whoever decided we were so worthy!  With the temps finally in bare leg, toes out range I'm going crazy for all my spring dresses and shoes.  I'm loving anything bright colored, floral and easy.  That's what spring is about, right?  Fresh easy stylings with patterns, colors, whatever your little heart so desires.  

Last Saturday (before the *hopefully* last snow storm) I swapped my closet.  Yeah, I know not exactly the ideal day but it worked out in my favor afterwards :) 

Now whenever I peer into my closet I am greeted by my bright and bold sun dresses verses the furs and winter blazers.   I am so stoked to mix my favorite pieces with the new trends of this season! 

Have a great weekend, friends! 

Spotlight Link Up - Florals

anorak - target | tee - gap | pants - target, last season (similar) (love these!)| shoes - sole society, last season (similar) | bag - target (similar)

 How is everyone's week going?   I'm so happy to be co-hosting the Spotlight Linkup with Elle and Jacqueline today!!   If you aren't familiar with their blogs, go check them out!  They are very stylin' ladies - I mean, Elle and I styled the same pattern and look at that dress Jacqueline is sporting.  So chic!
The responses are still pouring in from my post on Monday about pulling back a bit.  I'm already feeling much less stress and anxiety about this blog.  A lot of you wondered how I'm actually doing all of this in the first place!
Well, my secret is taking my outfit photos during my lunch break at work.   It actually helps break up my day, keeps me away from the mall 5 minutes down the road, and is bit of creative thinking.
I'm still working out the details of when I'll post, how often, etc; but, I'm trying to keep it stress free.  Awareness is everything and so far I'm feeling much better.  Thank you ALL!  I love you guys! 

Shop more Florals below! 

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spring trend - ankle straps

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My favorite part of a new season is all the fresh styles.  I know I'm not alone here.  One trend that popped up last spring was ankle strapped sandals and flats.  They're back and in full force.   Flat ones, wedge ones, fat heels or spikes.   I actually went and purchased #6 shown above.  I couldn't resist the mid wedge heel and the delicate colors.   I cannot wait to style them with boyfriend jeans, dresses, skinnies and a tunic - you name it!  

Are you going to scoop up a pair for yourself?  

I also want to say thank you for all of the sweet comments on yesterday's post.  Your never ending support is what keeps me going here! xoxo

real talk - teal talk

jacket - old navy | shirt - j.crew factory (similar) | pants - old navy | booties - forever 21 

Hi there friends.  You may have noticed I've been kind of off the map for a week.  Sorry I didn't warn you but I had a mini freak out/melt down and it just kind of happened.   First, the weather wasn't warranting outfit photos and I'm tired of freezing my bootie off.   I also thought since I had been in such a depressive state that I shouldn't come on here and post because I really had nothing good, nice or friendly to say.  

March is a very busy month for me.  I already wear many hats; the day job hat, the irish dance teacher hat and the style blogger hat.   There are changes and transitions going on in my day job.  They're good changes but transitioning from the old into the new has taken a toll on me this week.  There are people that I worked with that are mean and nasty and took out their anger on me.  You can tell me all day that it's not personal, but it is.  So there is that.

My dance studio is a huge part of my life too.  I not only teach Irish dancing but I'm co-owner of the business and it's a lot of work outside the studio.  Right now we are discovering the reasons why we aren't growing and trying to adjust the way we do things so that moving forward we can grow.   Fortunately for the dance school, being a single adult I have the free time to do so.  Unfortunately for me and my social life that means I have to make a LOT of sacrifices.  One of them being this blog.  

I hemmed and hawed over just stopping this operation altogether.  I thought, well it really doesn't take up that much time but on the flip side it's a huge stress knowing I have to get a post up or edit photos, comment, etc.  I'm so thankful to all the friends I've made who've helped make this a warm and friendly place to live on the internets.  All the support from other bloggers and readers over the past year has been literally amazing.   

I won't stop blogging; but, I will be taking a step back.   I've taken something fun and creative and made myself crazy trying to build a workhorse.  I am never going to be that kind of blogger.  I don't have the time in my day to seek out new blogs to comment on, post on social media every hour, publicize myself daily.  I have come to the harsh reality that this will just be a hobby because I love it.  I LOVE sharing styling tips and what I wore with all of you.  I love taking and editing the photos and have learned SO MUCH about it along the way.  I love seeing all of you even if it's within the 13" screen of my MacBook daily.   I just need to take a slight step back;  be more relaxed and part time.   I need to know, for my own sanity, that if I miss a post on a Wednesday the world will be OK!   Take a bit of the pressures off so that I can re-focus.  If it turns out I'm able to stay sane and do this as I've been doing - great!  

So, happy Monday friends.  I hope last week treated you well and that spring has finally arrived for you too!

My Quick Beauty Routine

With the changing of the seasons and not having to hibernate any longer you want your skin to look as good as it can.  I'm definitely one who thinks less is more when it comes to makeup.  Although I do find myself plastering it on for special events, this is my go to every day beauty routine.  

clinique rinse-off cleanser and clarifying lotion

cetaphil moisturizer with spf

loreal eye defense cream

At night I wash my "face" off with the Clinique Cleanser and apply the moisturizer and eye cream.  I have found that it works best with my skin and t-zone to use the clarifying lotion about once a week or every few days.  It'a a little harsh otherwise; if I were to use it I would prior to applying moisturizer. 

clinique blemish treating concealer

loreal bb cream in medium

elf highlighter and concealer

elf blush bronzer combo

loreal volumizing mascara in jet black

eco tools brush (similar)

In the morning I simply wet my face in the shower (rinse off any residue from my workout) and pat dry.   I don't re-wash my face because I find that I don't need to.  However, if your face is super sensitive or oily then it may work for you to wash again.  

I first apply the blemish concealer if/as needed.    Then I follow with the BB Cream.   I love the Loreal BB Cream, but to be honest I never really tried any others so I am not a real good judge.  Do any of you have favorites?  

I use about a dime size dot and with my fingers apply evenly all over my face and eye lids.   Once my skin is sufficiently covered and blended I move on to the highlighting and concealing.  I use the concealer under my eye and to cover any spots the BB cream didn't.  Then I use a bit of the highlighter to do under my brow line and along the bridge of my nose.  

I follow with the mascara and blush. 

This is for the everyday.  It takes me about 5 minutes in the morning and about 5-10 mins at night.  Sometimes I mix in an avocado and oatmeal mask for exfoliating.  

What is your skin and beauty routine? Do you have any favorite products?

  

{FITNESS FRIDAY} Leg Strength

Image source here

You may be thinking if I'm running I'm toning my legs.  Although that is the case it's also important to strengthen those muscles.  Some of the most common injuries that runners suffer from are caused by weak Glutes (that's your bum) and Quads (those are your thighs).   

This week we continue to focus on that 5K program and cross training to improve your running.  The above interval workout is a great start to strengthening those legs.  Some other options are to do weighted squats and deadlifts. 

The above video will help you if you've never done a proper squat before.   

Keep in mind, you don't have to do these weighted.  They are just as impactful if you do them with your body weight only or you can even hold a medicine ball to your chest.  

This guy is deadlifting a ton; you can easily do these with just a bar at your gym, hand weights at home, or even by bringing your hands in and grabbing a kettle bell or medicine ball.  Just be sure your back and leg form is good.  Use a mirror if you don't have a buddy! 

Give 2 miles a go this week.  Keeping with the 2 runs a week your first run should be 1-1.5 and the second 1.5-2.  

TGIF!! Enjoy your weekend!

plaid's last chance

dress - gap | belt - american eagle really old (similar) | shoes - forever 21 (similar) | bag - michael kors (similar)

Trying to weather the storm here by transitioning some of my favorite wintry pieces into spring.  I am sad to say I think this is it for my dear plaid shirt dress.  I am truly sad as I was only able to wear this a few times due to the extreme cold.   

So today being the first day of Spring (officially, yet so very unofficial) I'm saying no to the drab colors that winter brings.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not packing up the sweaters just yet just thinking more spring from here on out! 

How has everyone's week been?  I feel like it's been a whirlwind.  First day back to work yesterday and I was given news that I'm moving to a new team.  I'm really sad to leave my current leadership but I'm excited for a new start and a fresh set of relationships to work with.  

Anything exciting going on in your world?