New Year, Full Body Workout

We are officially two weeks into the new year and I've noticed that the crowds at the gym are starting to dwindle. To be honest, I'm not mad because I prefer to run when the treadmill next to me is empty. However, it also means that the people who started strong are already giving up on their New Year goals.

If you read my post about resolutions a few weeks ago, you'll know my goal this year was to build confidence rather than build muscle. I am completely shocked how hard this goal has turned out to be. I am a little ashamed to say that I haven't really accomplished much in the way of moving towards totally accepting my "flaws". I know I'm not the only one out there with the same issues, though, and I want every one of you to know that you just don't wake up one day and decide that you love everything looking back at you in the mirror. It's a process that you have to work at a little bit every day and hopefully at the end you'll look back and realize that your outlook has changed for the better.

 So for this week try this full body workout for no other reason to improve your posture and walk a little taller. I'm also going to do my best to eat clean (meal prepping last week helped!) and get back to drinking a ton of water (this goal was dropped last week). You don't have to be perfect every day, but you owe it to yourself to do at least one thing that enhances your mood, health, or your outlook on the world. You owe it to yourself to "Spread some Sunlight," if you will.

Love you lots,

My workout look:

Weekend Whatnots: Pampered Sunday

Essie "Sew Me" || Vogue Magazine || Illume Gilded Amberleaf ||

Free People Sweater || Sam's Social Club || 

This weekend has been jam packed with activities already, so today I am taking it easy, spending time with friends, and turning in early for an at-home spa night! Between going to the gym yesterday, a Target run and taking down all the Christmas decorations (yes, they were still up) I need a day to recharge before the week really gets going! And everything on this list is going to help me achieve that goal.

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Love you lots,

January Inspiration

Free People Sweater || BLANKNYC Jeans || Leith Sweater || Make + Model Sweats || JOA Jacket ||

Patagonia Pullover || Sperry Snow Boots || Sweaty Betty Base Layer || Ugg Beanie || Ugg Ear Muffs ||

Half Marathon Sticker || bkr Water Bottle || Asics Running Shoes || Lululemon Leggings || Fitbit ||

Difficult Women || Coco Chanel || In the Company of Women || Talking As Fast As I Can ||

January has the reputation to be cold, grey and drag on forever. It's also the first month of a new year and we all need to start off on a high note! The sun might not be out, but we can still have an amazing time with a little but of inspiration.

This month instead of falling into the habit of wearing dark colors and neutrals try a pretty blush color. This pale pink shade was last year's Pantone of the Year, but it's sticking around well through this spring. Find a few of these cozy sweaters that you can layer with now to stay cozy, but still wear in the spring with flowy skirts and some cute shorts. Of course, you can also pair a white one (both sweaters come in a few colors) with these lounge pants for a lazy weekend reading!

Instead of hating the weather and dreading the cold it's time to embrace it. Go skiing, snowboarding or just play in the snow! I am, of course, from Texas and I know how hard it is to find snow in some parts of the country so gather some friends and go on a hike, instead! It's a great way to keep from feeling cooped up and jump start your New Year's fitness resolutions.

I ran a half marathon in 2015 and haven't done a ton of running since. There's a race in my town in a few months and I'm really considering training for it! I loved the way I felt after finishing my first race and it makes it so much easier to train when you have a set goal. So this month I'm lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement (or the treadmill on the really cold days)!

Lastly, get some inspiration from a great book! I got In the Company of Women for Christmas and I've been obsessed with the amazing stories. It's such a great book and there's undoubtedly something each and everyone of us will connect with. 

Love you lots, 

Get inspired:

Pink, Grey & a few Pom Poms

ASOS Bomber Jacket || J. Crew Factory Jeans || Sam Edelman Pom Pom Sneakers ||

BP. Gray sweater || Quay Sunnies || LV Speedy || David Yurman Cuff || Pearl Studs ||

Lorac Lipgloss in "It Girl" || Essie Gel Polish in "Gala-vant" ||

Like any girl I love to get dressed up, but I also love a fun laid back look. There's nothing better than having a casual outfit to run errands in and still look put together. Don't get me wrong I've definitely run to Target in my favorite Sweaty Betty leggings, but it's always nice to be able to go out for a nice lunch after you've finished your to-do list!

The sneaker trend is here to stay! Rather than just picking up any pair of sneaker this season I've been looking for a few pairs with some fun details. These pom pom Sam Edelman's are definitely not subtle, but I love that the grey color makes them super easy to style. Of course, they do come in a gorgeous blush (definitely recommend), a deep red (in velvet) and black so everyone can find the best fit for their closet.

Another trend that's been all over the blogs, fashion magazines, and runways is the bomber jacket. These were huge in the fall, but I love this light pink shade to carry into spring. I also love that it's a matte fabric because it makes it look so much more luxe than some of the satin-look ones on the market. Plus, you can't beat that it's on sale for under $30!

Love you lots,

Get the look:

Weekend Whatnots: A Rainy Weekend

Welcome to a new series I'm starting for the New Year! Every weekend I'll be sharing 5 things that I'm doing or being inspired by. I live in California and we are being slammed by the biggest rain storm, so this weekend I am staying inside and being cozy.

1. Enjoy your favorite mug

Stock up on your favorite tea, coffee or any warm drinks. As I mentioned above I'm trying to drink more water, but when it's cold I love to have a warm mug of tea in my hand. I'm also sure my Nespresso will be getting quite a bit of use this weekend.

2. Make a reading list for the year

Elle released a list of "The 25 Most Anticipated Books by Women for 2017" and I am going to be reading through all of the descriptions and adding my favorites to my Goodreads profile. I also love to pin books I want to read so I have two easy places to search when I'm shopping. So many of these look really good! 

3. Watch a Documentary

I've been completely obsessed with fashion documentaries over the last few months. Today's matinee feature is going to be Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's. If you want to do a marathon I reccommend adding Iris, The First Monday in May & The September Issue. If you're a fashion lover you'll love any of these docs and you might even learn something on your day off!

4. Get cozy!

 I've linked these socks before during a Christmas post, but now that they're on sale I wasn't able to say no. I love the pom pom detail! I tend to always be cold so a chill day means bundling up in my favorite soft sweater, tall socks and a blanket. I can stay like that for most of the morning until I get bored and have to move around, but while it lasts it's pure bliss!

5. Make a yummy meal

Meal prepping is such a "thing" nowadays, but I've never really gotten into it because I hate to give up one of weekend afternoons to cook. This weekend with the rain pouring down I might as well give it a try. I love spaghetti squash and I love pesto, so when I found this recipe I knew I had to give it a try. If there's only one of you eating it and you cook a whole spaghetti squash, you'll definitely get a few meals out of it. Not into the vegan thing, just added a little chicken breast for some extra protein.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!! 

Love you lots, 

Blush Shearling

Banana Republic Coat || J. Crew Factory Gigi Pants || Nine West Booties, similar ||

Vince Camuto Top, similar || Rayban Sunnies || Layered Bracelet, similar ||

Mossimo bag, similar || Essie Gel polish in Gala-vanting ||

We made it to Friday! I have nothing planned this weekend and I am SO looking forward to a little down time! By down time I mean doing a ton of blogging, but I can do it all from my couch, so...

I've been hunting down a cute shearling coat all season and like the coat from earlier this week I stumbled upon this one early in the fall online shopping. I initially wanted something in suede, so I put it on the back burner (& pinned it), but it kept coming to mind. In the end, the blush color finally won me over. Although, it seems to be a color that no one can agree on: cream, blush, "warm stone"?With the more muted color, I find it's much easier to style than a natural leather or black. The neutral color works just as well with brown or beige boots as it does with the black accessories and I love adding a more versatile piece to my winter wardrobe.

As for an absolute closet must-have, these Gigi Pants need to be purchased by everyone! They're the thickest and most professional pair of leggings I've ever owned. My mom fell in love with mine and I ended up getting her a pair for Christmas. I have the version without pockets because I find they lay so much smoother, but if you love pockets there's a pair for you! They run true to size and fit like a dream. So instead of wearing workout leggings as pants definitely give these trouser-inspired pair a try. They'll quickly become a staple in your wardrobe.

I also realized that almost everything in this post is on sale! Yay!

Love you lots,

Get the look:

Favorite Five books of 2016!

My favorite thing in the world is to find a great book that you just can’t put down. I am undoubtedly an introvert and I’ve come to find that I am most at peace when I’m wrapped up in a blanket and a captivating story. To me it’s the best way to relax and unwind, leaving my world behind and venturing into another. 

Looking back at my shelf I realized that I really didn’t read that many books this year. I was far short of my 30-book goal, but more importantly I realize that I didn’t take enough “me” time in 2016. This year I definitely want to read more and have that quiet time with a cup of decaf tea and a new book right before bed. (I sleep so much better when I fall asleep reading!)

So of all the books I read this year these five titles really stuck out to me as my favorites. I hope you find at least one that you want to read this year because I can’t recommend them enough! I have full reviews for most of them that you can check out if you just click the bolded blue links and the last two will have longer reviews coming soon. I'm also linking a few similar books that I want to read this year!

1. The Likeness by Tana French- 

If you’ve followed my blog for a while then you’ve heard me rave about this series and if my Goodreads dates are correct I read three of them in 2016. While they’re all really great psychological thriller mysteries, the second book in the series has been my favorite by far. All page-turners and I would definitely recommend reading them in order.

2017 similar read: This year I want to finish the remaining books and read The Trespasser, which was just released in October.

2. At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen- 

If you’ve read Sara Gruen’s other books like Water for Elephants you’ll know she’s a great story teller. At first I really hated the main character, but as the story went on I really fell in love with it. It’s a quick read, so grab some tea and popcorn and dive in.

2017 similar read: Read Water for Elephants if you haven't, already! I have so this year I want to add The Nightingale to my shelf. I've heard nothing, but great things about this WWII novel.

3. Villa America by Liza Klaussmann- 

This is one of the longer books I read this year, but I really enjoyed it. If you’re interested in historical fiction that takes place in the 1920’s then I definitely recommend this book. There are appearances from Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Hemingways and it takes place in the French Riviera, so what’s not to love!

2017 similar read: Aside from some non-ficiton pieces I can't wait to find, I want to read Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night, which he apparently wrote about the Murphy's and Villa America.

4. How to be Parisian by Anne Berest-

 I’d heard so much about this book and after a trip to France this summer I just had to pick it up. I read it in two sittings and loved every minute of it. I was quoting it for weeks to my great delight and the great annoyance of my BF.

2017 similar read: I can't wait until Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon gets to my mailbox! 

5. The Spy by Paulo Coelho- 

I quite literally just finished this book right before the New Year and I’m so excited to include it on this list. It’s again another historical fiction, but with very strong ties to what really happened. If you love stories about independent women then you need to pick up this very short book about Mata Hari and her unfair demise.

2017 similar read: Cleopatra: A Life has been on my bookshelf for a while and I think this year is the perfect time to tackle it.

What were your favorite books of the year? I’m always up to check out a few new titles!

Love you lots,

p.s. follow along with what I'm reading on Goodreads!

Singing in the Rain

Barbour Coat || J. Crew Factory Sweater || J. Crew Factory Jeans ||

Hunter Boots || MK Watch, similar || Kate Spade Bangle || Target Scarf, similar || 

J. Crew Factory earrings, similar || Kate Spade Bag, similar ||

I admittedly didn't do any singing while taking these photos, but it was a really fun day! I generally hate when it's cold and rainy, but I've realized it gives me an excuse to bundle up and wear all of my winter gear. I'm finding the bright side of this not so bright weather.

I have to take a minute to brag because I found this Barbour coat at Nordstrom Rack earlier last fall and it was 60% off the regular list price. It was probably the best deal I got last year! About five years ago my BF and I went to London and he bought a classic wax Barbour coat and I've been jealous ever since. Then I stumbled upon this one and I was so excited! I love the classic look and it's so warm! I'm also not mad that we can pretend to be a cute couple in our matching jackets!

Then because I desperately wish I were British, I had to pair this coat with my new Hunter boots. I have a pair of matte navy Hunters, but I have always loved how the glossy ones look. I do have to reccommend (for the millionth time) J. Crew Camp Socks to wear under wellies! They're thick enough to avoid the boots from rubbing, but also add a really nice warm layer in the winter. I also like that they look cute if you have to take your boots off. In fact, they're my go to airport socks just in case my pre-check doesn't work for security!

It's only a few days into the year, but I hope it's been a great couple of days!! Make sure to spread some sunlight to everyone around you!

Love you lots,

Get the look:

My New Fav Coat!

Levi's 721 || J. Crew Coat || Vince Camuto Booties ||

Forever 21 Sweater || Kenneth Jay Lane earrings ||

Banana Republic Ring || David Yurman Cuff || LV Speedy ||

This coat first came into my life in a catalog last fall. I dog-eared the page and went on my way, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed it in my closet. Then Black Friday came and J. Crew had one of the most amazing sales ever. I sent the link to my mom, including the promo code, and hoped it would find it's way under our family Christmas tree. To my absolute delight on Christmas Day I opened a J. Crew box, saw a corner of hot pink wool and knew that this love story would have a happy ending.

Unfortunately, it was basically 80 degrees in Texas while I was home, so I had to wait until my return to Napa to really get the chance to enjoy this statement piece. It's so incredibly warm and with this fluffy sweater underneath it was the perfect pairing to brave the freezing weather.

Kenneth Jay Lane has been all over the blogosphere with their popular beaded earrings, but I absolutely love these carved cream ones! They were also a Christmas gift from my amazing parents and I have so many ideas of how to wear them. They're a statement all their own, but the cream color makes it easy to wear them with almost anything!

I love this post because almost everything is on sale! I want to kick myself for how cheap these booties are now. I, of course, bought them full price a few months ago and now they are over 60% off. They are without a doubt the comfiest and most versatile booties I have in my closet!

Love you lots,

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