Pop That!

So this morning I was watching the Today show and what really caught my attention was the fashion segment about an up and coming trend. The Today Show's, Jill Martin, introduced another trend taking over the runways, neon coloring. What a great way to look toward sunny days --- they're coming :)

Bringing life to an outfit can be as easy as adding that luminous pop of color. Pinks, greens, yellows, oranges, blues, purples, anything bright and loud is what stands out. There are so many different ways to incorporate this trend.

*Little Black Dress --- add a neon belt, shoes, or clutch. And don't be afraid to mix and match... how cute!



* A neutral outfit --- amp it up with an outstanding bag



*Bright shoes are always a guaranteed standout!

* Nail polish is another sudle, yet great way to make a statement.



Yellow is Mello NO MORE!

Yellow is this season's color, especially for handbags. And it's not one specific shade of yellow, which is perfect because not everyone can be the same. It's a wide span that many are becoming attracted to. Mustard, canary, dandelion, lemon and even neon are all this season's yellow favorites. Here are a few of my favorites that I found throughout spring's collections...

Bottega Veneta - Medium Shoulder Bag



Prada - Mustard Yellow Handbag



Phillip Lim - Pastel Yellow Bag



Hermes Birkin - Hello Kitty Togo Leather Bag, Yellow



Nina Ricci - Yellow Handbag



Express



Forever 21 - Mustard Tote


 

Tory Burch - Yellow Leather Chained Clutch


 

There's so many... I can't pick just one! Which is your fav?

Spring into Color Blocking

Spring is not far away and what better way to welcome it, than to dress in seaon's most vibrant colors. Color blocking, the technique of mixing contrasting, yet complimentary, bright and bold colors, is taking over the runways this season. Color blocking is achieved by mixing anywhere between two and four colors, you don't want to over do it!

Picking the colors:
If you're new to this trend and have no idea where to start, there is a method to picking the perfect combo of colors to create this trendy look. When using the color wheel, you must first select a color that you wish to be your main focus. Then from that color, draw an equilateral triangle (one with 3 equal sides), to determine the colors that will play up your focal. For example, if my main color were yellow, I would draw the triangle to connect yellow to blue and red (or orange).

Some other great color combos are...

-yellow, green, and blue

-orange, purple, and teal

-blue, bright pink, and white

How to Dress for Color Success:

If you're just a beginner and not so sure if you're brave enough to go 'rainbow bright' right away, it's best to ease your way into things. Don't be afraid to use neutrals (grey, black, white, ivory, nude, navy) to play up the look. Start by pairing a bright top with a neutral skirt or pair of pants. Once you've mastered this and feel comfortable, take it to the next level by adding another color. Maybe wear a neutral shirt with a bright colored skirt and a rich blazer. You can amp it up by adding colored accessories such as jewelry or a belt.

*** An important thing to remember is that you never want to wear too many bright colors together. Never wear all neons!Mix one bright, with a bold and a neutral. That's always a sure success!

Pre-color blocking can also be bought. Many designers are now constructing dresses which combine three colors of the same material or are making shirts which block colors. This is an easy win!

Great Examples of Successful Color Blocking:

Color Block Ponte Knit Dress - $88

I love this outfit! So cute :)

Now that you've learned the ropes, go out and have fun my friends. Pay a visit to your favorite store, grab some fun colored clothes and go crazy in the dressing room. Test your comfort limits, maybe even surpass them? Tell me friends, what looks did you find or create?

Delicious Panini :)

Dinner tonight was so simple, yet wondrously delicious. I was at Panera Bread the other day and of course ordered my usual salad. While looking at the menu though, a took notice to the selection of paninis. Basically that is what inspired tonight's dinner. I had never had or made a panini before so I was pretty much just shooting in the dark with this one but it turned out perfect!

Chicken Veggie Delight Panini:

- a few slices of a red onion

- a few slices of an orange bell pepper (you could use any color)

- a handful of fresh spinach leaves

- one chicken breast

- one slice of provolone cheese (reduced sodium) -- (or cheese of your choice)

- bread of some sort -- ciabatta bread, two slices of regular bread, flat bread, sandwich thins, etc ( I used Arnold's Honey Wheat Sandwich Thins)

- olive oil

- light italian dressing

- salt and pepper

*I used a George Forman Grill to create my panini

1) LIGHTY (I used very little) salt and pepper chicken breast and place in George Forman Grill or Panini maker for about 5 minutes (long enough that the middle is no longer pink)

2) While chicken is in the grill, lightly brush outside of sandwich thin (or bread of your choice) with olive oil. Place slices of peppers and onions on the bottom half of the sandwich.

3) When chicken is ready, place the breast on top of the pepper and onion slices. Then place the slice of parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and layer the spinach on top of the cheese. Finish by lightly putting a layer of the light italian dressing on the top piece of bread and put the lid on. 

4) Place the panini in the grill for about 3-5 minutes (enough to melt the cheese, toast the bread and make the veggies slightly soft). Take the panini out, cut it in half and wah-la --- easy peasy, you're done! 

I know it's not the best picture, but I promise it's delish!

*** This is best served with a side of fruit salad or a cup of soup. Yummy :)

3 Month Workout Challenge

Bathing suit season is rushing in faster than we can imagine. Only three to four months before our bodies have to be in fit condition to be seen in a bikini on the beaches or laying out by the pool sipping daiquiris. Seventeen magazine has given me the motivation to jump into gear and get moving. The "Team Seventeen" plan is a 12 week guide to a fitter, more active you. Starting February, each month there is a new workout plan to follow for that month to trim, tone, and whip you into shape. They also have a page where you can track your workouts: http://www.seventeen.com/health/tips/team-seventeen-fitness

The plan calls for you to do the workout four times a week, with a 15 minute cardio warm-up (such as running, jump roping, dancing, etc). I started today so I will be doing my full workouts Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays I will only follow the seventeen workouts.

For example, today I warmed up on the elliptical for 15 minutes, ran threw the seventeen workouts, did 20 reps of crunches (middle, right, left, then middle again) and repeated, then did a sequence of arm workouts. Tomorrow (Tuesday), I will only run threw the seventeen workouts, then Wednesday I will do my full workout again.

I am really looking forward to the results and the energy that this plan will bring. I can't wait to go check out this seasons selections of swim suits!!! :)

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's Chinese New Year and in honor of the festivities, I have put together this outfit. Red symbolizes, good luck in the new year, so of course the color had to be incorporated into the outfit. 

Black and Tan Stripped Top - Strawberry ($14.99)

Black Belt - Strawberry ($6.99)

Red Long Sleeve Blazer (sleeves are rolled) - Strawberry ($24.99)

Black Skinny Jean Leggings - Charlotte Russe ($29.99)

Red Velour Pumps - Charlotte Russe ($30.00)

Bulk Chain Necklace - Strawberry ($10.00)

What do you think?

Chocolate Pearl Frap = Delish

Today's cold weather has inspired a chocolatey treat with a twist... I am absolutely obsessed with the fad of bubble tea, boba, or pearl tea as some may call it. Delicious drinks such as milk tea, flavored green teas, or smoothies accompanied by tapioca pearls - an asian drink introduced to me by my boyfriend :) Here's my take on a sweet treat...

Chocolate Pearl Frap:

- 1/2 cup coffee (I used Starbuck's 'Natural Fusions Vanilla') - chilled
- 1/2 cup of milk (fat free)
- 3 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (splenda or truvia for fewer calories)
- about 2 cups of ice (depending on preferred thickness)
- 1/3 cup tapioca pearls (which can be bought at an asian market - they come in black and rainbow!)

*To lower calorie intake use no sugar added chocolate syrup and the sugar substitute. Fat free milk also cuts down on the fat intake. There are also lower calorie coffee blends.

1) In a blender combine chilled coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, sugar and ice. Mix for about 10-15 seconds on high, until a smoothie like consistancy is achieved.
2) In an empty glass, scoop tapioca pearls from pan into the bottom of the glass. Poor frap mixture over the pearls, stick in a straw and spoon and your done. Now enjoy -- yummy!



*** To Prepare Pearls:

1) Fill a pan with the required amount of water (5 cups of water for every 1 cup of pearls). Bring water to a boil.
2) Measure desired amount of pearls (1/3 cup for this recipe)  and add to boiling water. Boil for 10-15 minutes or until the pearls have a gummy consistency.
3) Drain water from pearls. Sweeten with 1/2 teaspoon honey and 1/4 teaspoon sugar (splenda or truvia) - mix with pearls.

Finished Product:

Why not try something new? ;)