We've already covered my f a v wedding looks from the first half of the year—there were cascading curls draped over one shoulder, flower crowns, braids galore & *oh* the romance. The second half of the year was all of that and more, so as we wrap on Creations' biggest year yet - swoop, curl, drape, tendril & swoon with me, would ya? 7.17.2015 - Ana + Billy Photo cred: Megan Cara Photography It may seem like an oxymoron, but this was the most intimate and beautiful local destination wedding. A little bit beachy, a little more beauty, and all tucked away right in Maryland! Who knew? These girls had tons of hair—if it wasn't Rapunzel length, it was thick as thieves, so we had to get creative with twisting & twirling it into updos, and they turned out to be some of my favs yet! {Seriously with the back shot—these are a hairstylists' DREAM. Thanks, photog.} 8.28.2015 - Sam + Brendan Photo cred: Love Life Images Event coordinator cred: Pop the Cork Designs Number one reason why I'm a stickler for wedding hair trials - because it helps you mull over what you really want on your big day. You can picture yourself with your trial hair, walking down the aisle towards your new hubby...orrrr, maybe not. Maybe after the trial you realize an updo is totally not you, and you're much more of a relaxed curl, effortlessly draped to the side, kind of girl. Had there been no trial, we never would have known that—and I'm so glad we did, because Sam's hair was so perfectly elegant & summery and most importantly—so Sam. {Can't claim fame to the 'do third from the left.} {That boho fishtail though.} 9.19.2015 - Bernie + Steve Photo cred: KT Nichols Photography Here's the thing about Bernie - she's the most chill, "whatever works," girl I've ever met in life. But ya know, being a bride does something to even the chillest girls. For Bernie, it didn't send her into a closet-bridezilla, but it did turn her into one of my most surprising brides this year. Girly & glitzy & glamourous to the utmost. She rocked my socks, all while staying as chill as ever. #dreambride 9.26.2015 - Teri + Charlie {Take 2} Photo cred: Erin Michelle Photography Two years ago, almost to the day, Erin & I dolled up Teri & her girls {my forever bridesmaids} & sent her down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams. Only...her photographers apparently didn't get the notice and missed out on some crucial moments {like THE kiss. I kid you not.}. With Erin this time behind the lens instead of behind the curling iron, we did a re-do: Operation Capture the Kiss. We enlisted the beachwaver, and a whole lotta lash. {I NOW pronounce you husband & wife. #officiallyofficial} 10.10.2015 - Lucia + Ryan Photo cred: Mike Busada Nothing wrong with starting hair at o'dark-thirty when you get to do it while watching the sunrise over the water. This was made to be one of those perfect days—gorgeous weather, gorgeous girl, and gorgeous hair {if I do say so myself ;-)} Oh, and the M O S T adorable flower girls of all time. Bias at its finest. {Just. stop.} 10.17.2015 - Becca + Nick Photo cred: Unforgettable Moments Lets talk about what makes an incredible wedding morning: bagels {check}, mimosas {check - but OJ for me, please - I'm a working woman}, and Beyonce {on repeat}. I kept getting confused about whether this was wedding day prep, or just a super glamorous girl's day—it was that fun - as evident by the endless giggles. The day was filled with a whole lot of big buns - and even bigger smiles. {Disclaimer: I would never not give credit to a photographer, which is why their business is listed above. However, due to the nature of their professionalism, they are not linked as I would not endorse them as a vendor. Unless, of course, you prefer to be yelled at on your wedding day :-)} {Epic. Royalty much?} 11.6.15 - Meghan + Pat Photo cred: Popcorn and Pandas {Bridesmaid & multi-tasker ;-)} The professional wedding pictures have not yet graced social media {thus, I can't stalk, steal & credit}, so for now you'll just have to swoon over this sneak peek from fellow Blogger-meets-bridesmaid. Thanks for capturing such perfect peeks, G! 12.12.2015 - Christine + Tony Photo cred: Erin Wheeler Photography I love a Winter wedding because they're so rare around here—it could be blizzarding, iced over, or, ya know, 65 degrees like it was on this day. Nothing instantly classes up a wedding like some stark red pops & Christmas decor! Another wee-peek before the full album of this day drops. CONGRATS to all my 2015 brides!! I expect to be doing first kiddie cuts in a few years ;-) Or, at least wifey-chops in the near future. Now booking for 2016 weddings! Email creationsalanikki@hotmail.com to inquire about pricing & availability. *Will travel* Psst...more pin-worthy wedding hair posts! 2015 Wedding Hair: Halftime Favorites Wedding Day Hair: Do's and Dont's Straight From the Stylist's Mouth #hair #beauty #hairstyle #SilverLiningsSalon

Every girl has her go-to beauty regimen, bag of Mary Poppin tricks & new finds that she's o b s e s s e d with. I, of course, take obsession to a whole new level. When I find a product I love I devote my life, spending money, hair, skin & nails to that product. Sure, I add a newbie into the mix every now & then, but seldom does it make the every day rotation. You've got to be GOOD—real good—to make that list. Needless to say, these top ten must have beauty products are T H A T good. You'll notice that there aren't any hair products on this list... Silly rabbit, don't you know me well enough by now?! There's a whole top ten dedicated to those must haves. Your flaky skin, dry hair, stagnant complexion, cracked lips, limp lashes & pasty skin will rue the day they met this list... 1. Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel {$32} - I can't tell you how many years ago I added this to my regimen, but I can tell you that it will never, ever, leave. And if it tries, I will findddd youuuu {nod to Wedding Crashers...anyone? Anyone?}. The best way I can explain this is that it's like milk for your face—it just quenches the heck out of your skin, & you're instantly oh-so-baby-soft. 2. Coastal Scents 22 Piece Brush Set {$32} - Once upon a time I had a gorgeous set of make-up brushes from Sephora on my Christmas list. Of course they cost way more than my face really deserves {let's be honest} & I didn't really do my research to see if they lived up to their pricetag. Enter the hubs—researcher extraordinaire—who came across this seemingly incredible deal on Amazon for a massive set of brushes that had 4.5 stars. Come Christmas morning I open said set of brushes that was NOT on my original list—skeptical, party of one! But all it took was one swipe across my cheek & I was SOLD. These are the b e s t brushes I've ever owned, & I have been around the block with some make-up brushes. At that price you can replenish every year—not that you would need to because they hold up amazingly! Bottom line: buy the brushes, and always trust your hubby's researching abilities. 3. Aquafor {$4} - I used to be a faithful Burt's Bees girl, & although it's still in a periodic rotation, this little tube gave it the regular rotation boot. I credit this marvelous find to my step-sis who swore up & down that it would patch every crack in your lips. Sunburn, windburn, winter cracks, summer chaps—this cures all. And yea, it's a measly $4 at your local drugstore, so stock up—for life. 4. Younique Moonstruck 3D Fiber Lashes {$29} - Remember how I got around with make-up brushes? Well, just consider me the pimp of mascara, because my bevy of tubes was nearly embarrassing. I had four varying kinds in my make-up kit at all times, with a sampler waiting in the wings to mix it up whenever I felt the usual tubes weren't cutting it. And then someone says, "you should try fibers!" One glance at a before & after & I was hooked. The proof is in the pudding...or, in this case, in the fibers. I love those little shreds of magic! Trust me on this one, the price, the oddity of painting fibers {of what look like shreds of carpet} on your lashes & the double tube application is every bit worth it the second you see your lashformation. 5. Coconut Oil {$9} - This isn't just a beauty product, it's a phenomenon. You can now find it anywhere from your local drugstore, to the grocery store, & even at bulk-buy warehouses like BJs and Sam's Club. And yes, yes you do want a massive tub of it, because you will go through it faster than you can say, "pass the coconut oil, please." How? Well, let's see, I've used it as a hair mask, while cooking or baking, on dry skin, to minimize mosquito-bite itching, & have heard tales of adding it to your coffee & using it on diaper rashes. You can literally put that shit on & in everything. E V E R Y T H I N G. 6. Kat Von D LadyBird True Romance Palette {No longer available ::sad face:: Similar & Similar} - Hi, my name is Nikki & I'm a total palette junkie. ::Hi, Nikki:: Ya see, palettes are like a beautiful collaboration of colors that just look so comfy cozy together that I just want to own them and give my face a chance to cuddle with them. Is that so much to ask?! My Christmas list is always laden with five+ palettes, and I use them all on rotation, as needed. But every now & then you come across a palette that you use once, maybe twice, maybe even t h r i c e a week! Now, I know this sounds crazy, but when you have 15+ palettes at your fingertips you don't want to show favorites, but, let's be real - a classic matte palette is just going to hit your make-up sweet spot. And this little LadyBird certainly did. 7. Pink Sugar Perfume {$30-$60} - While I also have at least 10+ scents on my vanity shelves at all times {half of which are of the Britney Spears variety—don't knock it 'til you've smelt it!}, this one is a l w a y s one of them. It's sweet, it's decadent & it just screams girly! *Shopping Score: scope it out at Nordstrom Rack or TJMaxx for half the price! 8. MAC Cosmetics: Prep + Prime Fix {$22} - When you work two jobs, are constantly on the go, by the end of the day your face starts to feel like it might crack from daylong stale make-up. No bueno! Spritz this little hydration-nation on your face and you will instantly be rejuvenated. It's more than water—it's magic in MAC bottle. 9. POND'S Cold Cream Cleanser {$4} - I'm going to let you in on a top family secret...come very, very close...closer now...POND'S, ya'll, POND'S. Yea, that tub of white cream that your grandma used to cake on her face—that's the stuff. Fun fact: Pond's cream was created all the way back in 1846, & there's a reason why it's still gracing drugstore shelves worldwide. It WORKS. My grandma used that stuff for as long as one can remember, & although she passed a couple years ago {insert heart emoji}, she did so with baby soft wrinkle-free skin. W R I N K L E-free, ya'll. Would I lie to you? No. Go buy some POND'S. 10. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist {$8} - As a licensed cosmetologist I have access to some of the finest self-tanning products, & while I still remain faithful to Tan Towels, I could never find a spray that 1.) was inside my monthly self-tanning budget, 2.) didn't stink like rotten bananas, & 3.) left me with a bronze-glow & not an oompa-loompa inspired-tan. That's when a bestie turned me onto this drugstore buy {or, if you're like me, you subscribe to it on Amazon and it shows up on your doorstep every month like clockwork... Time to tan!} & I'll never go back. If I ever hear one word muttered about it being discontinued I will buy the lot of it & never live a pasty day. #beauty #hair #shopping

Oh sweet naive girl. When Jonas first started to trickle down I was as giddy as a 6-year-old. It was the first real snowfall of the year and I was counting all of the ways to spend it—hot cocoa loaded with 'mallows, a nonstop fire in the fireplace, too many calories to keep track of, a constant stream of wine, shoveling for hours {only so I could count it as a workout and throw snowballs at the hubby}, and so so much binging on Scandal. Thirty inches, 5 days, and 10 pounds later, I am as bitter and annoyed as a 30-year-old—dying to get out of the house, wear something other than snow boots, and see other humans. But you know what, this time next year, when Justin Berk gears up his Faith in Flakes campaign, that 6-year-old will rear its ugly head again and I will fight the lines at the grocery store for three cartons of eggs - because who can bake cookies, cake, and brownies with no eggs?! Until then, here's a peek into how we survived Jonas... It's a rarity that the hubs is home during a snowstorm because this sweet man is usually called into 12-hour midnight shifts to make sure our emergency vehicles are up to snuff. I actually had him home for a full day & night during the storm and made every single minute worth it. You know, like dragging him around town in a foot of snow to take pictures of me :-) Don't worry - there was a massive steak at the end of the dragging. {This almost looks like a scene from Paris and I love it oh so much.} Con of snowstorm Jonas: Postponing two Caps games, both of which we had tickets to #whomp. Two missed opportunities to deck out in RED and nearly lose my voice. I had to do something to quench my Caps thirst. {This shoot happened so fast and was so fun that I didn't realize it was pouring snow. Sorry about that, hubs.} {This isn't even a 16th of the amount of Caps gear I possess. But I did try to pile on as much as possible—afterall, it was blizzarding.} {The man behind the cam <3} {SuperCaps.} After all of the wine, and beer, and cookies, and...okay, there was a lot—I needed to feel like my shoveling was really making an impact on my calorie intake. Thus was born my first little infographic! Blizzards do crazy creative things to you. When the hubs did finally have to venture in for that 12-hour shift, I couldn't send him off hungry! These were so easy to throw together and made the perfect amount for a bunch of hungry guys. I didn't get to taste the Croissant Casserole but I'm told it was devoured. I did however sneak a corner of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast...and it almost didn't make it out the door. Recipes for both coming SOON! Okay, now that I've reminisced, I could admittedly go for another five days inside. It's been real, Jonas. Keep those #FITF {for my DMV'ers who live and breathe by Justin Berk}! Psst...In case, like me, you need to work off some of those calories... My Fitness Frenemies: Workout DVDs for the Advanced #Realtalk #life #health #accessories #recipe

One week. O N E week, people. If you're not in wrapping mode, you're in panic mode. And if you're still in shopping mode - well, then, god save you, my child. Just kidding, just kidding. Breathe. Deep breaths. It's not too late. Thanks to Amazon Prime {sent from the gods} & late store hours, you have plenty {read: not many, so get your inner-elf in gear} of time to get your bestie//wife//girlfriend//fiance//mom//auntie//teach//coach//every other woman in the world the gift that will have her thinking you planned well in advance. Little will she know... These are a few of my favorite things... Cozy Cardi from The Loft {$80 + 40% off!} - The colorblock number is sold out online, but may still be found in stores. No matter the color, it is the coziest thing I've ever owned—worth the buy. THE Beachwaver {$129} - For the curling impaired and the experienced. I am a stylist and use a motorized curling iron and I am not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Quay, bae-bae {$50} - Quay is the new Ray. Okay, maybe they don't replace the classics, but they certainly mix it up! Styles vary - widely & cutely. They're real...really {$24} - Falsies in a bottle—every girl's dream. Plaid anything {$14} - If it's plaid, just buy it. In case you haven't heard - plaid is the new black. Infuse it {$20} - Plain water is so five years ago. If it's not infused with lemon, berries, cucumber, or whatever other concoction you cut up, it's just not worthy. Bootie {$39} - Any store with shoes will have booties because they are "running" rampant these days {see what I did there? ;-)}. But these happen to be uber comfy, the perfect height, and the most neutral color of all time. Oh, and affordable. #bonus Color me pretty {$10} - You have no idea how therapeutic coloring can be...especially when accompanied by wine. What?? I was told to color outside the lines. {Psst: Make sure to get some good coloring pencils to go along with this! Even better if you nab a sharpener, too.} Poncho Mama {$22} - Along with booties & plaid, you're going to find a poncho of any shape, size & pattern in just about any store. I fancy this one, but you can find them anywhere from Old Navy to Target to Nordstrom Rack {and beyond}. Ahem, are you seriously still here?! Tick-tock, Santa's helper! Happy shopping :-) Psst...More things to add to your list: Top Ten: My Must Have Hair Products Top Ten: My Must Have Beauty Products #fashion #Hair #beauty #style #hairstyle #shopping

I love, love, LOVE a good romper. My Spring & Summer wardrobes contain quite the collection of rompers—so much so that their designated section {are you surprised that I have "designated sections" in my closet? I didn't think so.} takes up nearly a 1/4 of my closet from April to October. With this devoted love of rompers I can't possibly go without them from November to March, but the freezing temps in the DMV don't really lend to a romper's functionality—ie itty bitty shorts. When the temps tease of crisp Spring air, the romper-lover in me starts to itch for that comfortable yet fashionable one-piece. But alas, my closet still wreaks of my Fall & Winter wardrobes, aka, heavy, cozy, frigid-fighting layers. When it's not quite time to dip into the Spring totes, but you just M U S T romp-it-out tonight, put together this transitional getup that fulfills all needs {and romper dreams}. Dip into your Fall/Winter wardrobe & channel Blair Waldorf's love of tights, boots that serve as fashionable ankle-warmers {and gracefully hide the warm fuzzy socks beneath} and a cozy vest that doubles as a warming layer & an understated "coat." You're fulfilling your hankering for rompers, keeping your current wardrobe in-tact & leaving the option to shed that outer layer in the case that Spring teases with that random day of warmth in March. It's a fashion win-win-win. This boho-meets-vintage look screamed for a hippy-meets-Brigitte Bardot 'do {say that five time fast}. Half crown braid + center part = the perfect modern-Bardot baby. Romper: Langford Market {no longer available} Similar & Similarly WANT // Vest: Wet Seal {an A N C I E N T find & one of my most prized bargain buys at $7!!} Similar {& MAJ sale} & Similar // Tights: Target {the B E S T—soft, stretchy & perfect thickness. I only have them in about 12 colors...} // Boots: Kohl's {oldies} Similar & Ca-UTE // Watch: Amazon, Similar & Yesss {all things elephant} // Rings: H&M, Forever21, gifted {random oldies} Similar {& p e r f e c t for this modern Bardot look—because Nicole Richie really is a modern Bardot.} & Similar // Necklace: Forever21 {no longer available} Super Similar {and a two-for-one!} #fashion #beauty #shopping #accessories #style

Floppy hats—are they practical? Sure. They shield from the sun, they guard celebs from the paps, and they do a K I L L E R job of hiding roots. But do we really wear them for that reason? #letsbereal No. We wear them because they are flippy, floppy & fabulous. Because they take any outfit from, "cute", to "hello, lover" <3 Brown, black, beige—I own them all, I flop them all. On another note—don't let your eyes deceive you - this incredible location is not an enchanting forest, although it does transform into one through the lens. Believe it or not, this is where I grew up. Not directly living except for a blip during my 20s, but I grew up going to every event, occasion & festivity under the sun at this land of enchantment. Though, then, it was just, "the farm." Nothing enchanting, magical or soul-wrenching about it. Then, a friendor {Misa*Me Photography} asked for location ideas—somewhere with open space, fields galore and glamorous outdoor charm {there is such a thing}, and I flippantly said, "well, my family has this land..." Being the fabulous photog she is, she saw something I never saw—the enchantment. So she gathered a team of the most beautiful, kind & glamorously enchanting people & props and turn "the farm" into "the enchanted forest." Now, it's the same ol' place...I just have a different perspective <3 {P.S. Photo cred to my raggamuffin-of-a-sister—who knew she was a closet bloggographer?!} Coat: JollyChic {the w a r m e s t thing you ever did bundle in} // Cardigan: JollyChic {if you haven't already noticed, this site is a shopaholic's k r y p to n i t e!} Also love this geometric style & asymmetric neon style. See—addiction! // Pants: J.Crew Factory {oldies} Similar & similar with bonus leather striping // Hat: Forever21 {gifted}, Similar in brown & black // Shoes: Kiki La'Rue {a FAV & a must!} // Necklace: Nordstrom Rack {in-store sale, no longer available}, Similar & Hello baby blue L O V E R {Wishlist} // Rings: Tribal Stackables - Forever21 {oldies}, Similar & MAJ{Wishlist}; Grey Chalcedony ring - H&M {no longer available}, Similar & ROCKS my world {pun-intended} {Wishlist} // Bracelet: DC Eastern Market {gifted}, Similar & Chevron-twist! // Lip Cocktail: Kat Von D in Rosary {hard to track down! May be able to scour Amazon} topped with Covergirl Lipstick Embrace 335 {also found at Target} #fashion #style #accessories #beauty #shopping

I don't mean to toot my own horn or anything, but I'm kind of known as the party-planner-extraordinaire around here. There isn't an occasion, a theme, or an event that I've encountered that I didn't embrace with open planning arms. A simple cookout turns into a full on feast, a baby sprinkle turns to a full fledged down-pour, and don't even get me started on a trifecta-party... I am nothing if not detail-oriented and theme-sessed. SO, how do you throw a party for the party planner?! When my hubs, sis, mom & besties said they had it in the bag, I was skeptical - and of course, I took to Pinterest to "slyly" do some pinning as a little ::hint hint nudge nudge:: When I walked in this fete, this F E A S T, this festivity of all festivities, it was clear that my pinning was not needed. They had out-planned the planner. I am so not worthy. ::Insert Wayne's World bowing:: Every detail—down to the spray-painted glasses—was incredible. And the FOOD, oh the food. I almost crunched the details of the grub at the end of this post when I realized that it would be doing it a grave injustice. The food needs its own post - it d e s e r v e s its own post! What was I thinking? Stand by for a rundown of the fanciest of finger foods, fit for a healthy gal's party... In the meantime, if you're planning a 30th birthday party like mine (or any aged party for that matter), a dinner party, a baby shower, or even a wedding rehearsal dinner (actually, let's be real - even a wedding itself), I hope you find some tidbits of party-inspo in this glittering, glamorous, pink & gold celebration! Photo cred: Renee Hollingshead Photography Photobooth cred: Built by the hubs <3 Photos by Erin Michelle Photography Decor: My insanely detailed-oriented and fabulous sis, hubs, mom & besties. MAJOR thanks to these crazy kids for the best. party. ever! #hostessinspo

Ninety-nine percent of fitness & nutrition enthusiasts will tell you, "it's 20% fitness & 80% food," and while I completely agree that nutrition is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle {as I detail in 10 Health Hacks for changing my life & body}, for me, a much larger part of my health journey {and challenge} came from fitness over food. Around the time I was 20 years old I decided that I wanted to get in shape for my 21st birthday. Why then? I have no idea. Other than the fact that we were having a huge party with all of our friends, and maybe for once I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin. I used to look at outfits and say, "I wish I could wear that—I'm totally a skinny girl trapped in a fat girl's body." But it never actually dawned on me that I could be fit {I now H A T E referring to myself, or anyone, as "skinny"—fit is the new skinny}, that I could actually wear those outfits. Where the heck does one even start!? I didn't set out on some major fitness journey—I never really had a fitness goal in mind, EXCEPT - I really, really, wanted to be able to run one whole mile straight, without stopping, and certainly without dying. One measly mile—THAT was considered a feat to me, my biggest challenge. Looking back, I chuckle at that challenge. But to that girl—to the out-of-shape and uncomfortable girl—one mile was a big damn deal. So for all of you out there thinking you'll never be able to run a mile, or do five push-ups, or hold a one minute plank, to you I say: you've got to start somewhere. And the first place to start is with a commitment. Commit to Fit Fitness should be just as much a part of your day as brushing your teeth—it should be an instantaneous action. There should be no debate in your head—don't even entertain the idea of talking yourself out of it! Would you talk yourself out of brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or getting dressed? Okay, fine, some days, but you'd better be really dang sick! Same goes for fitness—unless you're on your death bed, NO EXCUSES. Here are my commitments to fitness that keep me on track: 1.) Create a calendar: Not only do I create a workout inspo calendar every year to keep track of my workouts {you don't have anyone to beat but yourself—keep track so you can d e m o l i s h that last PR!}, I also plan out my entire workout schedule the week before. Some people plan their meals—I plan my workouts. When I'm following a program like PiYo {we'll get there later} or Hal Higdon for running it's easy because the schedules are made for me. But when I'm freestylin', I have to set them ahead of time, otherwise I'll hem and haw on which one to do until I end up doing nothing at all. Once you know what you're doing for the day, you can build yourself up for it! Or, you may dread it—but just like work, the dentist, and sitting in traffic, you're going to have to do it anyway, so suck it up buttercup! 2.) Get dressed ASAP: As soon as I walk in the door from work I walk right upstairs and change. You know how they say that once you put on the workout clothes you'll be more likely to actually workout? SO true. Try sitting around in workout clothes all night with the guilt of not putting them to use! If I sit, game over. Change, hydrate, power up the DVD player, press play. No going back now! 3.) Sweat in style: Speaking of workout clothes - invest in some CUTE ones. You know how when you go out on the town and you're in a super cute new outfit {you know what I'm sayin', guys!} and you feel that much more amazing?! Same goes for working out. If you're dressed frumpy & dumpy, you'll have a frumpy & dumpy workout. If you're cute & colorful you'll have a bright & intense workout! One of my go-to tricks is to wear a fairly tight tank because it makes me more aware of my core when I'm working out, which makes me suck it in more and e n g a g e those abs. Wearing a tank is a workout in itself! My fav sports bras are from Victoria's Secret; I've gotten some great yoga pants from Target; and Old Navy's workout tanks always motivate me to get my sweat on. 4.) Think about what you gave up: Did you get up super early for this? Did you already expend some of your day's calories on a little pre-workout fuel {a little PB, some GU Chomps, a little protein shake}? Did you already tell a friend {or Facebook} that you were "totally going to get your sweat on"? You've already lost your sleep and some of the day's calories—don't lose your dignity by NOT actually working out when you said you did! Sleep is valuable—I would be so mad at myself for wasting a morning of sleeping an extra hour and then not even working out. What was the point of getting up before the sun!? Don't make it pointless—make it worth it. 5.) Treat yourself RIGHT: I used to look at working out as punishment. What was I punishing? Myself, for being unhealthy, of course. Ate a poptart? That's 100 crunches. Had a swirly drink? That's 2 miles. Did some late-night pantry snacking? That's an early morning make-up session. No, no, no! You're not in "trouble" for allowing yourself to indulge. But you SHOULD treat your body with the love & respect that you would treat someone else. Stop torturing yourself—you deserve a treat every now and then. It doesn't make you a horrible person, or weak, or a failure. Instead of punishing yourself through a workout after indulging, why not "treat" your body the same way you just treated your taste buds? If I treat myself to a frozen margarita {did someone say margarita?!}, then I should also treat my body to a good HIIT. Don't be mad at yourself and take it out on your body—love yourself and show your body some fitness-sugar. Because there is nothing—n o t h i n g like the euphoria you experience when you finish a workout {exceptttt maybe a marg...kidding, I'm totally kidding}. You deserve that euphoric feeling—treat yourself to THAT. 6.) Remember WHY you're doing this: In one of Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution videos, when you're almost at your breaking point, she challenges you to "remember your why—WHY are you doing this!? Don't say to get fit. What does that MEAN?!" Why did you start this, why are you doing this video, or going to the gym, or squattin' it like it's hot? There's a reason at the end of that sweat-dripping workout. What is it?? Is it because you want to look amazing at your 21st birthday, or you want to walk into your high school reunion and put everyone to shame, or wear a bikini on your 20th wedding anniversary, or to prove to yourself that you can do it!? Whatever your 'why', whatever you're end game, focus on that and run, squat, burpee - S W E A T your way towards it. 7.) Sentencing to Fitness = Life: The most important thing to understand when you're making a commitment to fitness is that it's not a quick fix—it doesn't happen overnight, and once it doeshappen, it doesn't stay that way forever. Not without a lot of continued work. I used to think I would hit my goal and then ween back a little, or maybe even a lot. But every time I hit a goal, I found a new one—a new event to work towards, a new plateau's ass to kick, a new program to try. It sounds daunting, having to workout for-ev-Ver {make sure to pop your bottom lip on the "Ver" - Sandlot style}, right? Well sure, if you haven't started yet. But trust me, once you start and you see how great it feels, you'll never want to stop. Going a few days without working out I can instantly tell the difference - and it's not just about my body, it's about my energy, my mind, my whole outlook - everything is blah-zay. The second I start working out again I feel amazing—so amazing that I want to feel like this forever. Make a commitment to fitness. Start small—buy some cute workout clothes {that's the easy - and FUN - part!}, pick a workout program to try {recommendations coming soon!}, set a date & just go for it! You may have to do push-ups on your knees, or only squat down halfway, or only run a quarter mile, but I promise you, I PROMISE you will get there. I couldn't run a mile, ya'll. And in 2012 I finished a half marathon. I know, I know, it sounds like every other cliche fitness story—but it's real, and it was HARD, and a lot of the times I hated the whole dang process—but I did it, and I can honestly say that my weight journey is my most proud achievement to date. College graduation was cool, promotions are awesome, and launching a blog makes me giddy, but losing 80 pounds, crossing the finish line of a half-marathon, and looking at before & after pictures? That's the bee's-freakin-knees, ya'll. Commit, and feel it. Share how you commit to being fit in the comments, below!! What gets you going, what keeps you engaged—what is your WHY?! P.S. Did you ever notice how much I mention Jillian Michaels anytime I'm talking about a pain-inducing workout?! My full list of "personal" electronic trainers & my favorite {most hated} workouts coming soon! #fitness #health #workout

It's a hot Summer day, you hear a lawn mower in the distance, you smell a grill firing up, your mouth starts salivating, and all you can think is... B E E R. But not just any beer—a light, crisp, refreshing, citrus Summer beer. I remember the first time I tasted Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy. My senses were tuned in to all of the above, I took a sip out of this brightly colored can, and suddenly - Summer was literally dancing in my mouth. It sounds gross—it's not—it's delicious. But, sometimes you don't feel like drinking a beer {I know, the S H A M E, the horror! But it happens.}, yet you still want that citrus-shandy taste. That's when these cupcakes were born. And while I was making them, they just kept evolving. "Aha! I'll use lemon cake mix." "What if—what IF—I put a lemon Oreo on the bottom?!" And thus, in a beautifully 350 degree ceremony, lemon Oreos married Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy, and this beautiful baby was born. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While you're preheating, drop a lemon Oreo into each cupcake liner. {Let's talk about liners for a quick second. Did you know that you're supposed to remove the white liner inside of the Reynold's Foil cupcake liners? They are only placed there during manufacturing to ensure the foil doesn't stick, but they should be removed before baking. A little naive baking tip for you ::naive, party of one::} Second, douse your lemon Oreos with the Summer Shandy-induced lemon cake batter until they fill 2/3 of the cupcake liner. Third, bake those babies for about 18-20 minutes, until their tops are golden brown. Fourth, once cooled, glaze your cuppycakes to perfection. Seeing as how this glaze is a bit thinner and messy {thanks a lot Summer Shandy! I'm just kidding—please never leave me.} it would be quite difficult to pipe, so I just flip my cake upside and d u n k - just like a true Oreo should be dealt. The best part about glazed cupcakes? The drippage. "Oh, let me get that for you..." Baby got back. Or bottom, whatever—she's got it. I now pronounce you Oreo & Shandy—you may gobble the cupcake. Summer Shandy Lemon Oreo Cupcakes Makes 18-24 cupcakes Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes Ingredients 1 Box of Betty Crocker Lemon Cake {or any lemon cake mix. I don't discriminate against cake mixes - I'm not that sophisticated of a baker...} 1 Package Lemon Oreos 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil 3 Eggs 1 Cup + 2 Tbl of Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy {you're welcome to use any citrus Summer beer... but I DO discriminate with my Summer Shandy. Sorry, Sam Adams.} 1 Tub of Cream Cheese Icing Instructions Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 12-cup muffin pans - I like to use a sturdy liner like Reynold's Foil Cupcake Liners, because this cupcake is no joke. Plop a lemon Oreo into each cupcake liner. In a large mixing bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil and 3 eggs. Then slowlyyy pour in the Summer Shandy. Yes, it will fizz and bubble like you just sloshed around a bottle of beer—no worries, just let it settle. Then slowly fold it into the mixture until smooth. Fill your cupcake liners about 2/3 of the way, pouring the cake mixture over your Oreos. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. While your cakes cool on a wire wrack, whip up your icing. Combine the tub of cream cheese and two tablespoons of Summer Shandy in a bowl and then pop in the freezer to harden a bit. When your cakes are completely cooled, dunk them cake-side down into the Summer Shandy cream cheese glaze. Flip upright and let settle—I suggest placing them upright onto some parchment paper to catch drippage. Or place it in your hand to catch drippage, but that might make it difficult to continue dunking. Your call! Take a bite and TELL me that doesn't taste like a Summer Shandy! {Best kept in the fridge, like the real beer, duh.} #recipe

It's about to be the biggest day of your {hair's} life! It will likely be the most photographed, most gawked at, most coveted day of its existence since birth—when, let's face it, your "hair" was more of a peach fuzz. So, before your hair makes the biggest entrance of its life and walks down that aisle {where e v e r y o n e will be staring at the back of your style}, do yourself a favor and get a trial! I teamed up with {aka, gossiped with} some of my favorite stylists to bring you our inner-stylist thoughts about your trial—the good, bad, and just. DON'T. Even. If you still have questions about your trial {whether I'm your chosen wedding day stylist, or not!}, add them in the comments and I'll steer your hair in the right direction. DO Stalk your stylist's work. With social media access these days, it's near impossible not to catch a glimpse of some of your stylist's previous work. Make sure their style is your style. If you're looking for a soft, romantic, Taylor-Swift induced style and there's nothing even remotely in the realm of soft and romantic on your stylist's page, chances are that's not their style! DO Your prep work! Send your stylist pictures ahead of time with notes as to what you like. That way, at the time of the trial the stylist will be fully prepped and able to consult with you over the direction of your wedding hair. Typical trials include one, maybe two takes on a style - not ten. So make sure you have a pretty good idea of the direction you'd like to go. Which brings to me... DON'T Have the trial so far in advance of the big day that you a.) find another style on Pinterest that you'd rather try on your actual wedding day, b.) forget what you did/didn't like about the trial that you'd like to alter for the big day, or c.) didn't have your hair piece/veil in yet so you couldn't see how that would be incorporated into your 'do. The trial should be a part of the festivities leading up to your big day—I suggest having it done 3-6 weeks before the wedding so it's final, fresh in your mind, and lends to the festivities! DO Arrive with completely dry hair. Unless your wedding day hair will be a fancy blowout {which is usually reserved for the mother-of-the-bride & grams}, you should have pre-blown tresses when you walk in for your trial. Now, this isn't to say that you have to come pre-styled—we can work with just about anything, as long as it's not wet {get the point?} or stick straight. Curls are a plus! Anything that has a little built up grit {products, previously styled, a little dirty} is a bonus because it will help the style mold & hold. Trust me when I tell you that we'll have much more detailed hair-prep instructions for the big day, but for the trial, we can fly with dry! DON'T Show up with your entire bridal party, immediate family, second cousins, neighbors, Kindergarten BFF and grandma. This is your trial. While we do encourage you to bring your mom ormaid-of-honor or a chosen person {or persons - two is fine!} whose opinion you value greatly, we try to discourage from an entire peanut gallery. Sure, it gets crowded and we get a little overwhelmed, but this suggestion is really for your sanity. Your entire crew is not going to agree on a style, which will sway your feelings about your wedding 'do and ultimately lead to indecisiveness. Stand your ground! You want it down, not up. You want it curly, not straight. You have a very different style than grandma, so don't feel the pressure to beehive-it-out {though, I'm totally up for that}. This is your hair, your decision, your trial. DO Be open to suggestions. I know, I know - I just told you to freeze out the peanut gallery - but when it comes to your chosen group of trial attenders, and when it comes to your stylist, they may be seeing something you're not. Getting married in the thick of Summer with the DMV's humidity level? It may be time to consider an alternative to a completely down 'do. Will the back of your wedding gown be intricately designed? Time to ditch the lifelong dream of a half updo and let that dress shine with an updo that doesn't block the view! A stylist will ask you questions about your look for the entire day and you two will work together to come up with a style that compliments your look—and doesn't deter from it. Or, at least, that's what a stylist is supposed to do... DO Speak up! The whole point of a trial is to see what works—and what may not work so well. If you're particular about your swoop, let the stylist know. If you're afraid of being too Snookie-ish, speak now or forever sport your poof. Stylists have very thick skins—we have been beaten and bred and prepped for situations just like these. Your quirks about your hair are not insults to us—we want you to be completely in love with the look you wear on your big day! However, that's doesn't mean you can nitpick to death... DON'T Be a prickly picker. That flyaway piece, that droopy bobby pin and that curl out of place that you keep eying in the mirror—those aren't going to be there when you say 'I do'. The trial is to create the concept of the look, discuss the outcome, make tweaks and notes about how to edit it next time around, and then wait to see the 'do of your dreams come to fruition on the big day! Yes, I see that piece - no, it's not going to be like that on your wedding day. Duly noted. You picked us, now trust us, because we know how important your hair is for the biggest day of its life. Alright ladies, don't be shy - anything else you were wondering about the anxiety of a bridal trial?? Ask away! Psst... How about a little bridal trial inspo? 2015 Wedding Hair: Halftime Favorites #Hair #weddinghair #style

Let's flashback a bit, shall we? Childhood—I played soccer, softball, volleyball and basketball year-round, with a passion...and with as little running as possible. The name of my game was defense, aka, hang back and let the opponent come to me. Teenage years—I failed my ROTC physical training test because I couldn't run the course fast enough {or finish at all...}. I quit almost all sports that required a timed-run as part of the tryout. And I sure as heck was not running for "fun." {I also didn't understand this relation of "running" and "fun"—whose idea of "fun" was that?!} Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman {your first taste of my Britney-obsession—don't even try to knock it}—"Fun Runs", aka, 5K's, were becoming all the rage. I joined my first ever gym and stepped onto my first treadmill. The longest I could run at a 5mph+ speed was maybe—M A Y B E—three minutes. Three minutes, ya'll! The thought of running nonstop for 10 minutes or *gasp* 3.2 miles was laughable. I laugh in the face of 5K's! {insert evil laugh} Catch up to today and I am a {self-proclaimed} bonafide runner. I have completed a countless number of those daunting 5K's, crossed the finish-line of my first half-marathon two years ago, knock out at least nine miles on the weekly, and I'm currently training for a 10-miler (that's 15K!) in April. And I did it all while nonstop running. That's over 2 1/2 hours of straight running—if you're counting. So, from a barely three minute jog, to a 13+ mile trot, I am proof that anyone, at any size, any age {yes, any age}, and with any level of determination can build their stamina and L O V E for running. It's actually—dare I say—FUN!! Now that you know you CAN run, let's add in the r e a l fun part! Running on a straight & narrow road, or especially on the never-ending tread, can be total boresville—even with the jammiest of jams {like Brit-Brit}. My go-to running technique not only keeps me super distracted, but also constantly confuses my body & muscles to keep my cardio routines super-fresh! And my surefire way not to tire of the same ol' HIITs over and over again? I compete with myself! "How far did I run last time with 'HIIT-tastic'? Oh, is that so? Well, I see your three miles and I raise you .2 miles! What now!?" {You do all have pep-talks with yourself before a workout, right?!} My love of HIITs {High Intensity Interval Training} has manifested over time, and while I have countless HIITs pinned, I have started to create my own to mix it up even more and evolve with my level of running! From beginner to speedy-Gonzalez, I'll sporadically be bringing you HIITs to add to your routine. Let's get HIIT-tastic, ya'll! #fitness #health

Let's be real, it should really be called "Skin City," as it is one of the most fashionable cities in the US...with the least amount of clothing. From bikinis, to brunch, to bars—there's little left to the imagination. I for one like to keep it a little more "conservative"—well, conservative compared to Vegas standards. A peek here, a peek there, all while leaving a little to the imagination. I'm nothing if not a lady {don't tell my pool-cabana-behaving-self that}... This is what a girl in her element looks like... Scoured the stores for this hat prior to Vegas and finally gave up the day before we left. Two hours into being in Vegas, this hat found its way on to the top of my head. Don't you love when that happens!? Stop looking—it'll find you. When you're "posing" and the hubs makes a funny... Skirt: Marshalls {lucky sifter sale find!} Similar Michael Kors, Similar plain black {a steal!} // Crop top: Forever21 & Another super cute pattern // Sandals: TOMS {style no longer available}, Similar thong style, Similar cross-over style, Similar wedge style{someone get me off this site! TOMS are the b e s t} // Top hat: H&M & Love this two-tone // Bracelet: Kiki La'Rue {no longer available}, Super similar from JCrew & Similar // Ring: Oldie {somewhere in my shopping adventures...}, Similar // Earrings: American Eagle {no longer available}, Similar & Double-sided {SO cool!} // Purse {that you can't really make out, but I promise is cute...}: TJMaxx {oldie}, Similar from TJMaxx & Adorable bucket style from Forever21 While flats & top hats will suffice for the sunny daylight hours, a presto-chango is needed for the evening hours. Especially when there are mini replicas of the Eiffel Tower involved and celebrations to be had. {Peep the cut-out—see, skin city.} Dress: Charlotte Russe & so many more white-hot options, it's not even funny. Some more favs: all lace with tummy cut-out, two-piece crop top & midi skirt, mesh & lace long-sleeves & this floral lace open-back number // Shoes: BCBG {no longer available}, Similar from Nordstrom Rack & Similar from Lord & Taylor // Earrings: Francesca's {no longer available}, Similar & Similar My reason for celebrating, in case you were wondering <3 #fashion #accessories #style #beauty #shopping