For the Love of the Pin

A Girl's Best Friend

Yes this post is all about Pinterest! Mostly because it can be your best friend when there are no real people around.  There are always tips, and suggestions that it can make based on previous pins and interests and they are generally spot on.  It is also just a space filled with everything you could ever think of or search for.  The three main things that I search on Pinterest are Women's Fashion, Hair & Beauty, and Humor.  

The Women's Fashion tab is just a great way to look at different outfits and how I could use pieces that I have in my closet to recreate that look.  Most of my Pinterest time time is spent just browsing and pinning things that I like; however, I do often times use it to look up outfits for work or those days when you look in your closet and it seems like there is nothing.  

Hair & Beauty always has great tips and trick for skin care as well as a larger variety of things, as opposed to the Women's Fashion page which is all clothing.  This category has a variety of pins from makeup tutorials, skin care remedies, hair tutorials and nail ideas.  For me, this is a great way to get ideas for hair when going to different events. 

Finally Humor, and if you have never clicked on this tab then I highly suggest it, because it is always filled with hilarious images and stories.  I am always finding things to pin and send to my friends because they have me laughing so hard.  

To me Pinterest is the way I like to relax and just unwind. What's your favorite thing to search on Pinterest? Why do you like to pin? 

The Final Countdown

Finals 

As finals week is slowly approaching, the anxiety slowly creeps in and the stress begins.  While you constantly keep the coffee flowing through your veins and the snack pile constantly stacked, here are some good tips to keep you sane and your energy up.  

1. HYDRATE

Like my mother is always telling me, you need to drink more water.  While all that caffeine you are drinking is keeping your eyes open, drinking water helps keep your body functioning properly.  Drinking water while also drinking caffeine helps the caffeine last longer. 

     2. Chew Gum

Chewing gum not only will help satisfy your hunger when you feel like you can't stop snacking, but studies have also shown that if you chew gum while studying, and then chew that same type of gum while taking the exam, it helps you recall information.

     3.  Sleep

Significant loss of sleep, like during finals week, has shown that it can actually hurt your performance on that exam.  However if you have to stay up late to study, at least make sure that you get a good nights rest the night before, or get a nap in before your test if it's later in the day (just don't forget to set an alarm). 

    4. Clear your Mind 

Right before you take your exam look over your stuff one more time, and then take a couple to just breathe and relax.  Tensing up and cramming right before test time will actually make you remember less.

I hope you find these tips helpful and will try some these in the upcoming weeks.  Happy Studying! 

The Go-To

The Top-Knot 

Every girl has their go-to hairstyle when they're hair is just not cooperating, and for me its the top knot bun. It is just like your favorite pair of jeans, they fit perfectly and always make you feel good.  Whenever, my hair is just not working with me, or I'm just too lazy to do anything with it I just pull it up, twirl it around into a round little ball on my head and then seal it with a hair tie.  The picture tutorial I found on Pinterest, perfectly demonstrates exactly how I do my top knot bun.

The best thing is, there are so many things you can do with a bun this simple.  For instance if you wanted to dress it up a little, simply pull your hair up a little tighter,making the bun look sleeker, and then add a sparkly headband.  Another way to mix it up would be to put your hair in a braided ponytail, and then twirl that into the top knot bun.  This gives it a little different shape and a bit more dimension.

Everyone has their favorite go-to hairstyle be it a bun, a ponytail, a side braid, just go with what makes you comfortable.  Tell me what your go-to style is and why! :)

Humidity and Hair

Humidity and Hair

As April showers have shown to be force to be reckoned with this year, the rain's good friend humidity has also been showing April some love.  And as a female "blessed" with naturally wavy/curly/frizzy hair, humidity and I are not on such great terms.  The best example to me of what humidity can do a persons hair will always be when Monica from Friends goes to Barbados with everyone else and her hair ends up like this:

However, have no fear there are some tricks I have learned after many years of dealing with this "blessing."

1. Use anti-frizz product! The more consistently used the more it controls the frizz.  Also I find that using while your hair is still wet is when you get the best result. (My personal preference is the Jon Frieda anti-frizz serum. )
2. Let your hair air dry as opposed to using a blowdryer. From my own experience I have found that blow drying just speeds up the process your growing (wider, not longer).
3. Braid, braid, braid.  Knowing how to braid, or having a very kind friend or family member that is willing to braid can be your best ally.  There are all different types of braided hairstyles that can go with an type of occasion.  The best source I use for finding new braid hairstyles, is Pinterest (of course)
4. The Backup bun.  For those days when nothing is helping your hair, there is always the bun that will get the job done.  

Let me know if you find these helpful, or have any other tips or ticks :)

Easter

Easter Sunday

Growing up in a house with all girls, any holiday that people may dress up on is a big deal with us.  So naturally, Easter is one of those days.  As catholics we would always get dressed up for church in the morning and then go to my grandparent's house after.  I guess it has just become a tradition of ours that we will all go shopping for Easter dresses together.  However, since moving away I have not been able to participate with my sisters, but they still include me in the tradition by face timing me while they are shopping.

Here are some dresses that I found on Pinterest that I thought would be perfect for Easter: 

I really like the back of the dress above as well as the colors of the hydrangeas.  If you have read my other posts you'll know that I am more of a neutral colors person; however, I love the simplicity of this dress.

The next two dresses have similar waistlines and structure.  I chose the neon one because it's Easter and why not add some color on such colorful holiday, while the other was picked because of the beautiful lace overlay.  

This last piece is a fun and playful peplum dress that is more fitted than the other dresses.  Although there is a full floral print it is a little more muted which keeps it from being too much. 

All of these dresses are beautiful and great for Easter, or really any spring event.  I would have to try on these in order to which one I'd buy; however, my top choice would have to be the sunflower printed neon dress.

Comment below and tell me which one you like!

Field Day

Opening Day is Here

In honor of opening day for Major League Baseball, which is my hands down favorite sport to watch, I thought I'd dedicate a post to it.  Rule number one in going to a baseball game, come prepared.  This can be very different depending on the the time of day of the game and the time of the year.  For instance the outfit that I created below would be more for an afternoon game for this time of year in LA (L.A is my favorite team so I'm pretending that's where I'm going).  However, if this would be a night game, always, always, always bring a jacket, no matter where you are.  I have gone to my fare share of games, throughout the states and one thing I know of is that it always cools off at night and being cold and stuck at a game is not fun.  

The second rule, which is something my mother preaches religiously, put sunscreen on.  This goes hand-in-hand with the come prepared rule, but this is probably the most important thing you do not want to forget.  

Another little tip would be to look at the weather forecast a couple days before and also the day of, because those summer rain storms can be pretty spontaneous sometimes.  

The last thing is to just enjoy yourself.  A baseball game is great activity for friends, or family to go to and just spend time with one another without agenda or schedule.  Just enjoy the atmosphere and your company.  

Spring Fever

It's Spring but still not Summer 

Although according to our calendars it's spring but clearly the weather has not been informed, especially here in the Midwest.  So even though you may still have your shorts and tank tops still out from Spring Break, you may not be wearing them here for a little while.  Because the temperatures are so inconsistent I wanted to create a look that allows for early spring (or my version of mild winter).  You may not want to trade those layering pieces for t-shirts and shorts just yet.  

Because it is still pretty chilly out and has only warmed up a little bit (a little is better nothing),  I wanted to create an outfit that gets you out of those chunky, sad winter clothes and has a little more of a spring vibe to it.  

The light washed jeggings and cardigan are light and bright which I personally feel can really put you in the Spring mode.  However, this is a practical look because while looking cute is nice, looking cute while still being warm is a lot nicer.  Therefore, the cardigan is thick and the long-sleeve underneath add warmth as opposed to the regular layering tank or V-neck.  The leopard scarf also protects the neck and face from some of the bitter wind (I know I've experienced).

This is just an idea of a Spring look for when the temperatures are still a little low but you still want look cute and fashionable.

Back to Black

Not So Basic Black

Black is the last thing from basic.  In my opinion it is the most influential and used color in fashion right now.  It can be seen in so many famous designers upcoming lines.  Personally, it is my favorite color to wear.  There are so many different way that you can style it, that its not just the basic color that many think it is.

Above are three different looks for all the different seasons, and just some of the different ways to style it.  The left is Victoria Beckham wearing a black blazer, under shirt, pants and velvet boots.  Another thing that mixes up this look is the blazer, which has some shine on the color adding some more dimension. This would be my example of a fall/ winter look.  The thing that makes this look is that its not the same fabric or length or anything. If everything is the same material or cut then the look can become one- dimensional and sad.  

Styling an all black look with a vibrant color such as the girl in the center can add a little excitement to a look.  The center look is a spring/summer look that still is practical for the warm weather; even though it is all black.  The light weight top allows for breathing and won't stick to you in that summer heat.  Cute sequin shorts add a little sparkle for some fun.

Another great thing that you can play with is a mixing up silhouettes and shape.  This can be seen in my third example on the right which is definitely another winter/ fall piece.  This big chunky sweater gives little shape, while the slim fitting pants underneath show plenty of figure.  By offsetting the chunkiness of the sweater with the skinny legged pants, you can avoid the "blob" look, which is when everything is baggy and makes you look like a blob and can't see ones body shape (I just kind of made up that term).  This statement necklace adds a little personality to this look as well.  

Black is far from basic and through proper styling and playing with dimension, you can really take black to a new level.  It's no longer the boring, sad color that is used to be .  

Comment below and tell me some of your favorite things to do with black pieces. 

The Oscars

Oscars

Because the Oscars were last week and my post last week was about Disney World I wanted to make sure I did a post on one of the most glamorous nights for celebrities (also because there is always a part of me that wants an occasion wear something so fancy).  

So here's my favorite look of the night: 

I thought Kate Hudson looked AMAZING! I really like how its so sleek and goes back to old hollywood.  I'm pretty sure I would die if I got to wear something like that.  I do think that the front of the dress is better than the back.  Minimal jewelry was really smart styling because I feel if there would have been something more dramatic like a statement necklace, it would have been just competing with dress rather than enhancing the whole look. 

I also really loved what Jennifer Lawrence and Olivia Wilde wore.  Comment below and tell me who you think had the best look of the night. 

Disney World! 

Over the weekend my team and I traveled down to Orlando for a softball tournament at ESPN's Wide World of Sports.  This place is massive with over 20 softball/baseball fields, a minor league stadium, soccer fields and even indoor arenas for other sports like cheer or volleyball. Not only were the facilities awesome but the weather was too! Coming from Peoria where it is 30's on a good day with snow and ice still on the ground, to Orlando where the low was 60's and the high was about 80, it felt like heaven. 

We played all day Friday, and Saturday but only one game on Sunday early and we didn't leave until Monday morning so we had half a day to ourselves.  Naturally we wanted to do what most people want to do when they go to Orlando, and that was Disney World.  With the generosity of a few very kind parents, we were able to spend 7 wonderful hours in the Magic Kingdom.

Growing up in Southern California I had always gone to Disneyland and loved it, but had never been to the Magic Kingdom.  I loved everything about it going to to their recently redone Fantasyland to Tomorrowland, everywhere! Above is a picture of my teammates and I when we first got there in front of the castle, and we were all so excited.  Personally my favorite ride was Space Mountain, as it is at Disneyland as well.  Although I did notice a few differences in some of the other rides, I still thought they were so much fun. 

There were so many great things that I experienced at Disney World from taking the ferry boat into the park to eating a giant turkey leg and even just walking around the park with some of my teammates. This was a trip that I will truly never forget and am so thankful to have been able to go.  

P.s. I highly suggest the ice cream cookie sandwich from the sleepy hollow, it was HEAVEN 

B

If you could be any character from any TV show who would you be?

Mine is a no brainer for me I would be Blair Waldorf from the CW's Gossip Girl.  To me she represents a young power woman.  She has confidence, poise, intelligence and not to mention a great fashion sense. I used to watch this show religiously when I was in high school and she was one of the people that I aspired to be like.  Besides my mom she was the person I reference the most when looking for big decisions.  

She has shown viewers of the show the show that girls can be empowered, and strong, and keep up the boys.  Blair not only kept up with them but most of the time out-smarted them (and would throw in a nice little one liner from time to time).  

In short she takes nothing from no one, is strong, and refuses to let anyone put a limit on what she can do, all with amazing style.

Comment below and tell me who you would be!

'Merica!

With the Sochi Olympics going strong I thought why not look at the USA opening ceremony outfit.  There were some critics who thought of this ensemble as audacious; however, I personally LOVE them!  I think it is a great way to display pride for our country.  While the cardigans are busy, Ralph Lauren kept it classy and tasteful by keeping the pants and undershirt simple.  If you think about it this could have gone terribly wrong if it was kept so simple with every other piece of clothing besides the cardigan.  This captures the American spirit all the way down the designer behind the piece. Ralph Lauren, is a classic prominent American designer who has a clean and classic style.  

Overall, I thought this was a fun yet still classy way to represent the United States in the opening ceremonies, while showing lots of pride for our country. 

Travel Day 

The most difficult thing about traveling to different climates this time of year is knowing what to wear while traveling, especially if you are going to a place with a climate change.  I know that for my teammates and I we always have this problem because we tend to travel out West for preseason tournaments.  I also experience this when I go home during winter break because when I leave Peoria it could be 10 degrees but land in San Diego and it's 70 and sunny.  However, I have found some tips that can prevent you from being too hot or too cold in on climate, and be a little more comfortable. 

Layers being one of the biggest ones.  When going from a colder climate or frozen tundra if you live in the midwest, to a warmer climate like Arizona, wearing layers that can be easily taken off during the plane ride or in the bathroom at the airport allow you to adjust your clothing towards how cold or hot you are.  Some easy layering pieces like cardigans and scarves are both great at keeping you warm but also easy to take off and store in your carry on.

Another travel tip when going to a place with a completely different climate is, unless there is a place where you are going to do laundry pack an outfit for the trip back.  However, if you do plan on doing laundry during your trip I would suggest wearing the outfit you wore there that way you will have freed up space for anything else you may need.  

Shoes that are best when changing climates in the winter would n my opinion would be combat boots or riding boots.  While they are both stylish and in season in any climate they are also very easy to take off for the airport security lines.  Both styles of boots are in season in any climate that you go to and can be worn with a multitude of outfits.

I hope that some of these tips can help you when the next time your traveling.  If you have any other tips or tricks comment below! 

Debatable?

I found this quote on Pinterest and had think about this one a little bit.  Now growing up my mother told me to always leave the house looking presentable; however, now as a college student-athlete somethings have shifted.  Sweatpants have become an everyday necessity for myself and probably for most other athletes, or at least I know my teammates would agree.  We wear them because we have lift in the morning then straight from lift to class, and then if someone has class until it's time for practice they'll wear their practice uniform under their sweats.  So I guess what I'm trying to say is that while yes I do believe looking nice is a good thing, it is not everything and sometimes there are other things that take priority over getting ready.  What are your opinions on this quote?

 Softball is my passion. Fashion is my hobby.  This picture could not be more perfect...well if it was a softball cleat instead of a soccer cleat.