rail trail extravaganza

Evening Beauties!
Hope everyone has had a fabulous day! The weather here was absolutely beautiful! Spring is definitely in the air and I am loving it.

For lunch today the boy brought back Jimmy Johns Holy Yum!


I got a unwich beach club with no avocado or mayo.


After lunch the boy and I went to the rail trail. I didn't want to do a run and have to face hills. So I was all about the flat land.


Found a tunnel which was kind of neat.


Came across some snow


and more piles of it! Inside of the tunnel







The run went pretty decent. I did pretty good I think. Hopefully I can increase my runs soon. I am still doing more walking then running.


For dinner I had a piece of Hawaiian chicken and some baked beans.


I decided to have some veggies with them too.


In case you missed it I have a few preppy towels for sale! Click here to check them out!

xo

Restless night

Good morning beauties!
Last night was an absolutely dreadful night! I haven't had a restless night like this in so long. When I went to bed my knees were insanely sore, and I could hardly get into bed. So it began with me not being able to get comfortable, and the cranky monster came out. I finally managed to fall asleep courtesy of my sleep mask. Sleeping didn't last long. I was up every hour and then every half an hour. It was really ridiculous, and extremely annoying. At five a.m. I was wide awake with no hopes of falling back to sleep so I just laid there. Finally I got out of bed, and just started reading more of "Social Climbers". I do not want to experience a night like this ever again. It was hot, I was cranky and my knees killed. Looks like I will need to start icing my knees down!

The weather today is bright and sunny! This is suppose to last all through the weekend so I am extremely excited! I am thinking the boy and I are going to hit up the rail trail for a run. It's the flattest area around, and honestly I am thrilled. I do not feel like running today and attempting to tackle hills as well!

For breakfast I went fruit sundae style! Strawberries, banana and oranges with whip of course.


I am loving in season fruit!



Strawberries: 1 pt.
1/2 banana: 1 pt.
Oranges: 0 pts.
Whip: 0 pts.

Breakfast: 2 pts.

I must AMP up my water intake! I was doing so good, and then I slacked so it's time to get back on track!

Pink and Green
a timeless preppy characteristic

When I was in college, and had my own apartment I always wanted to throw the most fabulous parties, and have the most fabulous accessories. My apron was perfect, my heels were set and my kitchen towel was magnificent!

Going to a party? It's important to be a good guest and bring the hostess a gift.
Friend just moved into a new place? Get her a house warming gift
Getting married? You want your kitchen to look fabulous you'll be hosting fun parties!

If you're like me you want to have an elegant area for hosting a party, and you want to be the hostess with the mostess.

Let me introduce you to Preppy Chic a towel to complete any girls kitchen ambiance!




It's green and pink with adorable white polka dots at the bottom


Hang it on your oven and give your kitchen a timeless addition! Plus who can pass up on pink and green!


After many request about my towels I have decided to give YOU the opportunity to purchase Fashion meets Food Ambiance Towels!


Preppy Chic
is on sale today for $12
if you are interested please email me at:
fashionmeetsfood [at]yahoo [dot]com


Notes about the towels
• They wash up fabulously
• You'll get a ton of comments on them
• You get something else special in your package!! :]

Picture Perfect

One of the perks of having artsy friends is getting some great tips and tricks. I recently got some amazing tips from one of my fabulous photography friends. She let me know five tips to keep in mind when it comes to engagement pictures.

On a budget? These tricks will work for you if you are DIYing engagement photos.

5 tips & tricks for fabulous engagement photos


• Choose your wardrobe wisely
The goal here is not to match but to coordinate your clothing. Choose colors that complement each other and avoid patterns that clash. Most importantly, stay away from logo tees. Your engagement photos are not the place to advertise what you love.

• The right time of day for pictures
This tip is simple...let natural light do most of the work for you! When the sun is directly overhead (10 am to 3 pm) it creates harsh and unflattering shadows. So avoid these times. Shooting before or after will give you less shadows and the glow will be even. Looking for a warm and soft tone? Try an afternoon shoot. For a cool tone you want an early morning shoot.

• Digital Time
If you can't get someone to press the shutter button don't worry just make sure you have a digital camera with a self-timer and a tripod. The first step is to frame the shot on your fiancé from behind the camera, leaving room to one side for you to jump in. Set the self-timer and be ready to get in place as soon as you press the shutter button.

• It doesn't pay to save
When it comes to printing your pictures it will not pay off to go the cheap route. You've taken the pictures yourself now and saved a lot of money there. Now you want to get some high-quality prints of your photos. So look for a high-quality printer. Drugstore's, Sam's, Costco, Target etc., use lower quality ink and paper. Your prints will end up lacking detail and won't look fabulous like they should. If you still are on a tight budget try a place like Office Max. Their prints come out well you just won't get retouching services.

• Let your personality shine
Engagement photos are meant to capture who you are, not just as individuals but as a couple as well. Creating a setting or activies that show who you are. You want a photo that is unique for you. Sure the standing by a tree smiling is fine, but why not swing on a swing and capture the picture. Jump in the air, have your boy tip you back. Be playful and fun!

new shoe day is my favorite day of the week

Good Evening Beauties!

Hope everyone has had a fabulous day today! I decide to nix the running today, and just do a decent brisk walk. My knees are killing me which could be from the running or the lunges. I am trying not to completely kill myself over it. My knees aren't the greatest, college workouts pretty much took there toll.

Check out my new shoes! Love them!! Okay so everyone said that shoes were key with running. Well I talked to people, tried on a bunch of pairs and ended up back with Sketchers. They were the most comfortable pair of shoes that I tried on.


They didn't have pink ones so I went with glitter blingy orange!


For dinner I just had half a can of Progresso Beef Stew and a slice of bread.


Sugar cookie dough... complete! Cookies to come soon!


With the shoe talk let's get to know you!
What's your shoe size?
mine is a 6.5/7

I'm a flirt

Heyy Loves!
Sorry for the late post today! I suddenly startled myself awake this morning to learn that we had lost power. This was not the type of thing to start a morning off very well! As a result the boy was late for work, and I had missed Yoga...yikes. So much for a battery backup alarm that the backup doesn't work in!

Since I knew opening the fridge would be bad news I decided to have a banana nut muffin top...wasn't in the mood for it as I only ate half.


I did manage to sneak the frig open and get some fruit and whip. Yum Yum!! While I was eating breakfast i started reading "Social Climbers" a book by Beth Dunn.. THANKS KIM! I am loving it so far. I will keep you all posted on what I think of the book. Have any of you read it yet?




1/2 muffin top: 2 pts.
Strawberries, Banana & Orange: 1 pt.
Whip: 0 pts.

Breakfast: 3 pts.

Since power was non existent still when the boy got home from work we decided to do some shopping. As I needed some running shoes & something to support my girls while I run. The boy needed some swim trunks that weren't hideous like the ones he has. I think all guys need a girl to show them how to shop! We stopped back off at the apartment and had power yay! So we hit up the grocery store to do some Easter shopping! We are having over one of the guys the boy works with and his girlfriend for Easter. I love having company over for food. Sometimes it makes me a little nervous though.

When we returned I had a turkey sandwich on a bagel thin with lettuce and mayo. I had some veggies and dip on the side.



Turkey: 1 pt.
Bagel Thin: 1 pt.
Lettuce: 0 pts.
Mayo: 1 pt.
Veggies: 1 pt.
Dip: 2 pts.

Lunch: 6 pts.


So if you didn't know I am jewelry obsessed. Rarely will you see me venture out into public with rings, bracelets, watch or a necklace. It's kind of my signature staple. Recently I came across a necklace called The Flirty Lasso. The necklaces are all handmade by the fabulous Denise (which means it'll probably be the most durable necklace I own) and you can do pretty much anything with them. Think about the possibilities with a scarf, and you can create that with The Flirty Lasso!





I cannot believe how veristile the Flirty Lasso is... you can wear it different each time you wear it. Have it be a necklace or a choker switch it up to fit your personality! When you order a necklace you get a free pair of earrings too. Accessories are complete with just one order!


What do you think of The Flirty Lasso?


So I told you that I am currently reading "Social Climbers"
What are you reading?

xoxo

How To Tuesday: Spring Clean

Spring Cleaning
Tips & Tricks for cleaning out your makeup and home!

With spring just around the corner, the spring-cleaning syndrome breaks though. Most of us not only clean our homes, but our closets out as well. What about your make-up trains? Do you clean out your make-up…. ever?

I bet some of you are saying “WHAT”.

I thought since spring gets us into the cleaning mode I would share with you how long your beauty products are good for.

When to get rid of make up

• Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
• Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
• Concealer: 12-18 months
• Powder: 2 years
• Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
• Cream Blush: 12-18 months
• Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
• Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
• Eyeliner: 2 years
• Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
• Mascara: 3 months
• Lipstick: 2 years
• Lip liner: 2 years
• Lip gloss: 18-24 months
• Nail Color: 1 year

Mascara: I know that its costly but this is the most important one to me. When I open my mascara for the first use I always put the date on it, and then what three months from that date is. Mascara is a product that you use around your eyes. It should be changed to prevent eye infections.

Nail Polish: it’s said to only really be good for a year. I don’t follow this one when it comes to the color polishes. However I usually end up throwing out my base and topcoats before the year is up.


As spring settles in, the days get sunnier. Doesn’t it feel like it’s time to open the windows and spruce up your living space with a little spring cleaning.


Schedule your spring cleaning. Don't just start it on a whim, you really want to be in the proper mindset. Make sure you get all the cleaning supplies you need. Don't forget a killer playlist! Think about how amazing you'll feel when everything is spiffied up!

Make a check list.. room by room of the task that need to be completed.
• dust every surface (this includes walls, ceiling and all lights and pictures)
• wipe down dirty walls (use a sponge, water and a little bit of dish soap)
• clean you vents (soak them in the sink and give them a good scrub down)
• wash drapes and blinds
• vacuum and mop (move all furniture that is movable)
• beat your rugs and mats outside
• clean your windows inside and out (dont forget your screens)
Tackle your list bit by bit and you'll be proud of the outcome!

Prioritize! Decide what you want to tackle first, and make sure that you can complete it. You don't want to create a bigger mess. Trust me you'll regret it! I suggest starting what you hate doing most. Cleaning the bathroom is my least favorite.

Create room by room task
• kitchen: wipe out fridge, throw away expired things or that orange growing mold in the back of your fridge...oops, defrost and wipe out the freezer, clean your oven and organize your drawers and pantry.
• bedroom: buy new pillows, flip and rotate your mattress
• closet & drawers: switch from winter to summer clothes, switch to your spring purse :], donate clothes that you no longer wear.
• bathroom: (be sure to add in your weekly task to the agenda such as scrubbing the toilet, sinks and shower)


Having issues dusting high-up spaces (story of my life) wrap an old T-shirt or flour sac towel around your swiffer or a broom.

In these rough financial times, we’re all looking to save a little green. So here are some cleaners you can make on your own! (thanks Hannah!)



• All-Purpose Cleaner: To make a simple cleaner for wiping down counter tops, sinks, and cupboards, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
For cleaning linoleum and tile floors, place this same mixture in a bucket and dip your mop in.

• Air Freshener: To get rid of unpleasant odors, leave out a halved lime (make sure that the cut side is facing upward) in a bowl of baking soda. Instead of throwing the lime and baking soda into the trash when you’re finished using them, grind them up in your garbage disposal instead to freshen the surrounding area.

• Fabric Freshener: To freshen couch cushions, use a spray bottle filled with water and two drops of an essential oil such as lemon, lavender, or peppermint. Essential oils are very potent, so one or two drops is all you need. Shake the bottle to mix the ingredients and mist whenever freshening is needed.

• Cooktops and Ovens: For cleaning cooktops, dust with a bit of baking soda and squeeze some lime juice over it. You can use the cut lime half as a scouring tool to scrub the cooktop. Use a toothbrush to scour any hard-to-reach spots. For tough spots, make a paste out of some lime juice and baking soda, and let it sit on the problem areas for several minutes before scouring.
For ovens, make a paste out of lime juice, baking soda, and salt. Wipe out the inside of the oven with a damp sponge, then apply the paste. Allow the paste to stand for about a half-hour, then scrub it off using a scouring pad.

• Hard-to-Reach Grime: Have an oddly shaped vase that you can’t seem to clean the inside of? Squeeze a drop of dish soap or some vinegar into the vase and add water along with a small amount of dried rice. Cover the top with your hand, shake and swirl the rice around, then rinse.


Have any tips or tricks? Share them with us!

xo

I wanna see your grill

Good Evening Darlings!

I have been so distracted watching Dancing with the Stars. So addicted! Hate Kate though!

I went for another run today! So I am really trying to excel at this. Today was a little better... but I am insanely sore!

For dinner tonight I made Chicken Parmesan, but I made it two different ways. For the boy I breaded the chicken and cooked it in the oven. For me I grilled mine. When the boys chicken was done I placed them both in the oven with some spaghetti sauce on them. I placed mozzarella cheese on the boys and provolone on mine.


I made the boy butter and parmesan noodles


Doesn't his look delish?


Here is my dinner... one piece of chicken parm and some veggies in garlic sauce.


I had some fruit with some whip on top


My mum works at a dentist office so my teeth are a huge part of my life. I was recently introduced to a new toothbrush it's a Radius Toothbrush, and it's changing the way I brush! First of all it has an ergonomic handle that allows you to have precise brushing. The tooth brushes come in right handed or left handed... fabulous right! Left handers they have not forgotten about you! They want you to have pearly whites as well!


The handles are made from trees and I love the fact that some look like they're made of beach glass. For instance the ones above. Beach glass is one of my favorite things! When I was going to school in the UP I would walk the beach and collect beautiful beach glass. My mouth is little who would of thought? So I think the kids one work better for me. If you love your teeth check out Radius Toothbrushes.



Are you a righty or a lefty?
I am a righty

Elephant in the room

Hello Loves!

Since it's a rainy day today earlier the boy and I hit up Target and Kohls. There were some laaaaames outside of Kohls handing out anti-Kohls fliers. Really you have nothing better to do with your life? Any way I manged to get my finger stuck in my umbrella when I was taking it down. Can we say holy painful!

When you were little did any of your moms ever cut your sandwiches into shapes? My mum use to do it all the time, and holidays such as Valentine's Day I would get hearts. It was fun way to get me to eat my sandwiches.

Kiersten in Australia has taken sandwiches to the next level with her Lunch Punch. The lunch punch allows you to create fabulous fun sandwiches. The Lunch Punch makes me think of the way my mum made sandwiches and I am loving it.


When I got my Lunch Punches in the mail the boy voiced his opinion about wanting an elephant sandwich. So today for lunch he made an elephant sandwich. The Lunch Punch is plastic, and went through his "elephant size" sandwich with ease.


How much fun is his sandwich?


If you want to order your own Lunch Punch you can get it at the following online stores... If you have kids you definitely want to get the Lunch Punch! It's so much fun!

Spoon Sisters (love this site and I order off it often!)

Fawn and Forest

Amazon

Lindentree Boutique


For my lunch I had a bologna sandwich with on a bagel thin with lettuce and mayo. Apple and Pickle on the side. I also had some Chex Mix



Apple: 1 pt.
Pickle: 0 pts.
Bologna: 1 pt.
Bagel Thin: 1 pt.
Lettuce: 0 pts.
Mayo: 0 pts.
Chex Mix: 3 pts.

Lunch: 6 pts.

Nude

You don’t have to look like you’ve just come down with an illness in order to rock a nude lipstick. So what’s the secret to pulling off this look? It is actually to add subtle touches of color.



If you don’t know what your skin tone is or maybe just need a refresher. Check out my post here. It will help you greatly!

Choosing a color for your skin tone:

• fair or pale skin: With lighter skin tones, steer clear of beige lipsticks, they’ll just end up washing you out. Instead, look to pink, peach, or pale apricot as your base shade. Tip: apply a lip liner in a color that is one shade darker than your natural tone this will brighten up your nude look.

• golden girls: If you have golden undertones in your skin, go for creamy, caramel-toned nudes as well as warm beiges. Stay away from anything too cool, such as silvers and grays.

• olive tones: If you've got olive skin, you're a lucky girly!. Just about any nude shade will look gorgeous on you from beige to bronze to pinks!

• skin with yellow undertones: Think radiance, creamy-toned beiges such a mocha.

• dark-toned skin: Go for chocolate tones such as rich golden browns.

Here are some other tips for you!

• Exfoliate the lips before applying a nude tone to create a smooth surface and creating a surface for your tone to stick to. This is important when it comes to applying any lipstick or lipgloss! Remember to exfoliate.
My favorite lip exfoliate is made by The Natural Lip Scrub. It's organic, and it doesn't just exfoliate but it conditions your lips so that your lipstick or gloss will last longer!

• For the cheeks, if you want to brighten up your face add a dusting of bronzer and then pink or peach blush.

• Play up your eyes. The smoky eye look is playful and sexy played right with the nude lip. If smoky eye isn’t your thing why not try black eyeliner and a light shadow. You’ll be looking magnificent!


What do you think of nude lips? Would you ever try it out?

Have a makeup or beauty question? Feel free to ask!

Problemo

Blogger isn't being very nice! Sorry for the inconvenience! Hopefully everything will be sorted out soon! I have a giveaway to post!!


xo

parfaiting it up

Happy Monday Buttercups!

I welcome the week by looking outside to another dreary day. Doesn't thrill me much. By the weekend we should in the 80's though! Hello Spring! I cannot wait to be reunited with you!

Before breakfast I was a good girl and did my weights! Lets hope the rain stops so that I can get in a run! After the bloody mess of yesterday I think I need some thicker socks, and can no longer use my fun ones for runs. Boo..ha

Breakfast parfait! I am loving that states actually have some fresh fruit right now, and it's not costing me an arm and a leg. Honestly this is my favorite part of spring and summer. I can't wait for watermelon! Back on track my breakfast parfait this morning included... oranges, strawberries, bananas and of course some whip on top!






Divine!


Strawberries: 1 pt.
Banana: 1 pt.
Orange: 0 pts.
Whip: 0 pts.

Breakfast: 2 pts.


I did not create a weekly menu over the weekend so this could be a disaster. Looks like I need to take some time today to come up with one.



What you missed over the weekend!

My college may not have won, but they made a girl proud to be a Wildcat!

Smoothies & a fun lip balm

Homemade Chex Mix, and learning how to run

Breakfast Martini & Egg in a Basket

Lavender an awesome stress reliever


xoxo