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Easy (Last Minute) Halloween Costumes

Happy Halloween! With so many fun festivities this weekend, I thought it would be helpful to share a few costume ideas if you're in a pinch. I created a few looks using mostly items you can find in your very own closet!

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A Katniss costume is so easy. Braid back your hair, throw on boots, leggings, and a neutral vest or jacket, and you're good to go! It would be helpful if you can makeshift a set of bows and arrows to accompany you.

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Another super easy costume is Blair or Serena from Gossip Girl. If you went to Catholic grade school or have a friend who did, just borrow their old skirt and pair is with knee socks and a button down! Surely a crowd pleaser.

What are you dressing up as this year? Have a great weekend!
xoxo

Benefits of Chia


I'm addicted to chia seeds.

Over the summer I tried one of my friend's Mama Chia drinks, and ever since I've been craving more. On Saturday I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on chia juices, as pictured above, chia pods which are like little yogurts I eat for breakfast, and chia tortilla chips. I'm hooked, and keep reading below and you will be too.

Chia seeds are considered a superfood meaning that have a ton and a half of benefits. However, they can be expensive. The juice like the one above costs around $4 and each chia pod, which is about the same size as any regular yogurt, is around the same price. Buuut, the taste is amazing (at least in my opinion) and the benefits are endless.

Great source of protein | Any sort of seed is typically protein rich. Just 28 grams of chia seeds can satisfy 10% of your daily protein requirement!
Get fuller faster | Tryptophan, also found in turkey, is found in chia seeds. This amino acid helps you to feel fuller longer, which is so nice if you're like me and it seems like getting through your morning classes before lunch takes forever!

Fights belly fat | Chia is known to stabilize blood sugar, aiding in the reduction of belly fat and eventually leading to a decreased risk of diabetes.

There are countless other benefits, too. What do you think of chia seeds?
xoxo

Denim + Black







sweater // skirt (similar) // boots (similar) // jean jacket

I purchased this sweater on a whim one day when I was off task in class and shopping on my laptop, and even once it came I was still a little shocked by what it looked like. It's not something I would typically pick out, and it's one of the very few articles of black clothing I own, but I'm kind of obsessed. The little chevron stripe makes a bold statement and it's so incredibly soft. I have to say I did have some trouble styling it, but I love what I came up with! I had tons of fun shooting this outfit and throwing around leaves as I went.

xoxo

Best Breakfast Burritos

Over the weekend I held a delicious brunch for Carin and I. My dad just happened to have about 6 eggs that needed to be used, but being my high maintenance self, I only like eggs for breakfast if they're in some sort of breakfast burrito. So, I ended up whipping up one of my most delicious recipes to date. 

Introducing: the chorizo, avocado, and egg breakfast burrito.


What you'll need...
4 green onions; chopped
Tortillas
About 12 oz / 4 links of chorizo or sausage of your choice
6 eggs; scrambled
Cilantro
Avocado; peeled, chunked
Salsa
Cheese


Start out by preparing your chorizo or sausage in a medium sized skillet. Sauté chorizo in this nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, breaking up, 5 to 6 minutes. Add chopped green onions; sauté 30 seconds. Transfer to bowl; cover to keep warm. I sauteed mine with olive oil, but however you prefer to do this step works! Our grocery store happened to be out of chorizo, so I actually just used typical breakfast sausages, but it was still incredibly delicious.


Chop the cilantro, and prepare your eggs to scramble. Wipe out your skillet. Whisk the eggs in medium bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper and cheese or a little cilantro if you desire. Add a little olive oil to the same skillet and heat, then add eggs; cook until softly scrambled. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm. 



Peel and pit your avocado and slice into small chunks for the burritos. Meanwhile, warm your tortillas either in the oven or microwave according to package directions.


Your sausage and onions should be all sliced and diced by now and everything should be ready to serve.


Add the onion/sausage combo to the tortilla with eggs, avocado, salsa, and cheese if desired.


Roll up the tortilla and enjoy!

This recipe was surprisingly easy and doesn't take too much time for how well it turns out. Let me know if you give this recipe a try, it's definitely a new favorite of mine and something I will for sure make again.
xoxo

Tips for Taking the Perfect Selfie

I'm a self proclaimed selfie addict. My mom thinks it's a sickness, but I think it's just a side effect of being really popular on snapchat (kidding). With my slight obsession comes skill, and I've achieved some great selfie-taking tricks throughout my addiction. 


It all comes down to three things: the lighting, the face, and the angle. 

The Lighting | Unless you're going for that pixel, super grainy, drug addict look, I don't recommend taking selfies in semi-light areas. Never a good idea. However, if you have no choice, flash selfies (turn the flash on and turn around your phone) always look suuuuper trippy, but the best lighting for selfies is a fully naturally lit area!

The Face | I'm pretty sure everyone who snapchats me hates me because 99% of my selfies are the exact same duck face look. Seriously, it's becoming a problem. Buuuut, once you find what works for you, stick with it!

The Angle | Always have your phone above tilted slightly down on you to make you look your best. Not only will this make you look more slim, you'll also avoid any double chin problems you could otherwise run into.

What are your tips? Have a great weekend!!!
xoxo

What I've Done This Fall

My Instagram has literally been killing the game recently. I'm not even kidding, the game is like 100% killed considering I've posted twice in the past three weeks. Ummm, what is wrong with me?! Don't worry though, I'm working on it. 

My French exchange student left yesterday (#crying) and as sad as it was to see her go, I look forward to getting to relax a little more on my own now, falling back into my routine, and seeing her over spring break when it's my turn to visit!


Two weeks ago I went apple picking with some friends after homecoming. Apple picking is seriously so fun, a great insta opportunity (tell me you weren't thinking it!) and fresh picked apples are a million times better than anything you can buy at the grocery store.


I've been wearing my Bean Boots a ton lately, as they are the perfect shoe for fall. Pair them with J. Crew camp socks and you have seriously the best combination.


While Camille, my exchange student, was here, we had a ton of fun picking out pumpkins and going to a haunted house, two very American things that the French don't get to experience back home! Camille and I went to this cute little pumpkin place on the side of the road after school one day, hence my uniform skirt.

What have you done this fall?
xo

Transitioning Jackets from Fall to Winter

Living in Wisconsin, I've become a pro when it comes to dressing for the cold. Finding cute jackets that actually keep you warm? Check. Snow boots that don't look like they'd fit a potato better than your real foot? Check. Today I'm sharing a few ways to transition your fall jackets into winter coats because sadly, it's already getting a little cold out for some of us.

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Your cool military jacket you wore to the haunted house, pumpkin patch, and even apple picking doesn't have to be your only outwear with a little flair. When opting for something warmer later this seasons, try a duffle or toggle coat, maybe even with a funky fur hood if you're feeling it.

fall to winter casual


All those brisk fall days where you just needed a vest might be long gone, but add some sleeves and you've got yourself a pretty cute, casual parka for winter. 

How do you transition your outerwear from fall to winter?
xoxo

Warby Parker x 826


When Warby Parker asked me to share their new 826 collaboration, I was so excited to see such a cute collection working for such a great cause! I first saw the shots from the Warby Parker 826 Collection, which launched this morning, and I died. The cuteness factor is over the top and I just can't get enough. 



Warby Parker launched eyeglass and sunglass styles in partnership with 826, and I don't think it could get any cuter if they tried. The classic styles are fabulous for anyone, so if you have someone to shop for, I would definitely recommend bumping the Warby Parker 826 Collection to the top of your list of ideas. 

For those who are unfamiliar, 826 National is a nonprofit organization started by Dave Eggers that offers creative writing and tutoring resources to students ages 6 to 18. Not only is 826 a great organization, but their good deeds will be beneficial in addition to Warby Parker's mission that already exists, which donates a pair of glasses for each pair purchased.



What do you think of the collection?
xoxo

Balanced Relationships


I struggle a lot with building relationships that flow equally both ways. Am I putting too much into this friendship? Is that person not reciprocating my efforts? Finding a healthy balance is something I desire to achieve, but working towards this goal is hard.

This weekend was incredibly eye opening for me in terms of this. I was forced to make a lot of decisions about relationships that I wasn't quite sure if I was ready for or not. Sometimes things worked out, sometimes they didn't, and I definitely learned that the hard way. 

The lesson I learned this weekend is to trust your gut. On Friday I made a decision that I needed to tell my friends about over the weekend. What I learned is that no matter how hard something might be, you need to do the right thing and it will all work out in the end. I'm not the best at handling situations, but it's important to always trust your gut when making a big one. On Sunday I definitely messed up and ditched a friend to hang out with someone else, which turned out to be way worse than expected. Never forget to see situations from all perspectives and to accept your wrongdoings whenever they may occur.

Have a great week, I'm back to school today after a long weekend!
xoxo

The Best of the Vests

I'm definitely a vest person. I seriously believe they can make an outfit, and they add an instant "pulled together" look to any ensemble, contrary to the fact that they're the easiest things to throw on over anything! Today I've rounded up a few of my favorite vests for fall.




{Click the black icon to be taken directly to the product}

Two of my favorites that I own are this Patagonia vest with my last name on it, and a black Burberry vest that matches everything.

Where do you suggest looking for vests?
xoxo

Transitioning into Fall with Julep



Not only is it time to switch over your summer wardrobe, but it's also time to bring out a few new favorite fall shades of nail polish! Today I'm teaming up with Julep to bring a little inspiration for transitioning your favorite summer shades into the perfect fall ensembles.


For transitioning lighter, more summery shades of green polish into fall, try accessorizing with a darker bag or clutch.


For me, sporting dark nail polish like a plum shade would be quite the risk. Try pairing bold polish with a more neutral outfit, but still with something that stands out like this cool fur vest.

What are your tips for transitioning your fall polish colors? What is your favorite shade for fall? Don't forget to shop some pretty new colors at Julep or their best sellers here.
xoxo

50% off At J. Crew Factory!



Shop a few of my picks from J. Crew Factory's anniversary sale in the widget above! Prices are marked at 50% off (amazing) for all womens' styles, so be sure to stock up while you can.

Have a great week!
xoxo

Je Ne Sais Quoi


My french exchange student arrives today!!! I'm excited to meet her and spend the next two weeks with her, but I am so nervous. I'm trying my hardest to go into this open minded, but I can't help but worry a little about what could happen! We've been emailing a lot recently, so I'm pretty sure she will be super nice. Because I don't have school tomorrow, I think I will take her to the grocery store to pick out some food she likes and to experience an American grocery store, take her downtown to the lake and to do a little shopping, and maybe meet up with some of my friends who also have french students!

However, I need your help. Have you ever had an exchange student before? Any tips? I'm all ears... I have no idea what I'm doing!!
xoxo

Fur







Shop the post here:


There simply is nothing I love more than finding the comfiest outfit possible that doubles as socially acceptable. Fur is the coziest for fall, and don't hate, but I am doing leggings as pants... oops!

xoxo

Friday Inspiration



Ahh, what a week! Coming back from a fun homecoming, and heading the boys' homecoming this weekend, I've been going full speed, non-stop, for the last five days. Of course, I won't get a break until Sunday after hoco, but did I mention my french exchange student arrives Thursday? Oh yeah, I'm a little excited.

Tonight I'll be going to the homecoming football game (always a fun one), and then Saturday will be spent prepping for the dance, and finally Sunday I think I'll go apple picking.. what better way to ring in fall 2014?

What fun things are you doing this weekend?
xoxo

Trends To Try This Fall

Happy October! Fall is my favorite season to dress for... cozy sweaters, lots of layers, and omg, riding boots. If you don't think riding boots are the best thing to happen to the world since sliced bread then I don't know what your method of living life is. Seriously, I'm a little obsessed. A few trends I want to try, however...


A bit riskier is the cape trend. I don't know how I would pull it off... probably skinnies and riding boots and purchase one in tartan? I think I might need to get on that.


The cowl neck sweater is a fall staple that I have yet to hop onto. I feel like I would look like I'm drowning if I sported one of these things... tips on how to avoid that?

What fall trends are you dying to try?
xoxo