Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Between school coming to an end, busy schedules, and all the other little things, Mother’s Day is approaching quicker than we know (May 12th!!). In order to get that perfect gift let’s make some time and get a head start.  Below are a list of some of my favorite picks to remind mom just how special she really is.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Love Edge Stud Earrings $42 

 

 

2. Mr. Boddington’s Mistral Soap $8.00

 

3. Printed Linen Scarf $55

 

4. Parisianne Cake and Dessert Stands $31 (set of three)

 

5. Scalloped Edge Glass Candle by Voluspa $30

6. Kate Spade Margherita Floral iPhone 5 Case $40

7. “Love you to the moon and back” Pillow $24

 

8. Christian Lacroix Surrealist Journal $25

 

9. Eiffel Tower Bookends $58

 

10. Round Recycled Glass Birdfeeder $39.95

 

I hope this is makes the process just a bit easier for you and puts a smile on Mom’s face. Enjoy Mother’s Day and don’t forget to let your mom know how much she means to you!  Please leave a comment below letting me know of any great gift ideas you have!

Xoxo,

Alli

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One thing that most people are lacking is sleep.  Being so busy with work and other personal activities a person would need something to help with their energy and still be a healthy option.  I’m very familiar with Herballife and I love their products!  They have so much to offer but our focus right now is on energy.   There are a few products I like to use and they include the following:

 

·         Herbal Tea Concentrate: This tea is a blend of herbs that contains antioxidants and supports and boosts energy and metabolism.  It can be taken hot or cold but either it’s delicious.  You should have something to eat before you drink it whether it’s yogurt or a full breakfast.  Just get a cup with eight ounces of hot or cold water no more than a teaspoon of the tea powder and a scoop of sugar (more or less if desired).  Do this and your body will be ready to go.

 

·         Lift Off: This tablet increases energy and improves mental clarity.  Just get eight ounces of water and drop the tablet in. Let it completely dissolve and you’re good to go.

 

·         H3O:  This powder mix provides electrolytes and supports cellular re-hydration.  It has energizing carbs to sustain energy levels along with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that cause fatigue and soreness.  Pour this into eight ounces of water and you’re ready to go.

 

My personal favorite is a mixture of all three.  It tastes great and I’m pumped for the day without the crash at the end.  Just use 12-16 ounces of water, a teaspoon of herbal tea concentrate, one lift off tablet, and one packet of H3O and you’re ready for the day!  So comment below and tell me what worked for you!  If you have your own product that you use then let’s hear it! Enjoy!

 

 

Top 5 Hairstyles for a Rainy Day!

It’s the month of April again and you know what that means. Rain Rain Rain and more Rain. Just when you think the weather is about to be warm and sunny you get stuck with something worse; humidity. Sure we can spend time every morning complaining about the weather and global warming, or instead we can focus that energy on effortless hairstyles that can stand up to the rain.

Below are the top five celebrity inspired hairstyles that can withstand rainy days. These hairstyles can be very simple, quick, and easy for those who like to run out the door in the morning, or they can be taken to a whole new level to create more detailed looks. TIP: Braids with any of these hairstyles will help your hair survive the humidity.

Through hoods, umbrellas, and gusty winds, these top five hairstyles will be sure to keep you looking and feeling great. Although the weather may be gloomy, don’t let your hair suffer!

1. Side Braid

2. Top Knot

3. Ponytail 

4. Headband 

5. Low Bun

Now I want to know more about you guys! Which of these works best for you? What are some of your own go-to rainy day hairstyles?

 -Autumn

The Mighty Coconut Oil!

Being someone that advocates a healthy lifestyle, when I heard all the buzz about the health benefits of coconut oil I was intrigued. Before going out to buy my hefty jar of this oil, I did my research on all of its extensive health benefits. 

I was shocked! Coconut oil is absolutely amazing for you, and the best part is how versatile it is. You can cook with it or add it in to your beauty routine. Lets just say that after buying my first jar, I used it so much I had to buy another one in just a few weeks. 

Now I won’t get in to all the scientific details of why Coconut oil is so good for you, because it really is quite extensive and there are lot of big scary words that can be tad confusing. 

However, I will tell you for what coconut oil is good for and how you should use it based upon my personal experience! 

Here are some of its awesome benefits: 

Now for the how! Here is my suggestions on how you should use coconut oil, based upon how I use it!

1. Cook with it! 

Since coconut oil consists of fatty acids that are good for our body, it makes an excellent tool to cook with. The flavor of the coconut is in no way overpowering and will not alter the taste of your food. It makes a healthy alternative to cook with, and can also be added to your smoothies in the morning a boost of energy and to promote healthy weight loss!

2. As a hair treatment 

Feeling a little dry and damaged from this long and rough winter? Then you MUST try coconut oil masque in your hair. Simply spread the oil all through you hair and leave in for 15-30 minutes. Wash out thoroughly and get ready to have some luscious and shiny locks. Not only will coconut oil hydrate your hair, but the nutrients in the oil will promote hair growth! 

3. As a moisturizer

I’m sure that the idea of putting an oil on your face is not very attractive, but if you suffer from dry or dehydrated skin this is the solution for you. For my personally it not only nourished my skin but it  corrected uneven skin tone and hyper pigmentation from acne scarring. If you suffer from rosacea or eczema coconut oil ill nourish your skin and treat the problem.  

 

In addition you can use coconut oil to promote healthy weight loss, treat infections, aid with digestion, build up your immune system AND MANY MORE!

If you want to read more extensively on the benefits of coconut oil click here!

This stuff is a miracle worker, and I will definitely continue to use it in my every day routine! 

You can purchase online on amazon, or stop by your local Trader Joes! 

Now it’s your turn! I want to hear if you guys have any other ways for using coconut oil, or stories on health improvements since you have been using it!

Until next time! 

xoxo,

Erika 🙂 

Bring The Outdoors In!

Lately I have been noticing more and more fun, colorful, and decorative terrariums everywhere I go.  Whether it is while Im shopping at a cool clothing store or relaxing at a coffee shop, it’s in my eye sight.  The more I see these, the more I wanted to create my own.  With just a few simple steps I realized just how easy this was to make!

What You Will Need:

• A glass container or other clear vessel with a large enough opening to place plants inside
• Small stones for drainage (gravel, pebbles, or river rocks work well)
• Sand (different varieties optional)
• Soil
• Plants (should have the same environmental needs)
• Fun landscaping accessories
• A funnel and chopsticks (tools to move objects around in the container)

Steps:

• Clean container to prevent bacteria
• Place drainage at the bottom on the container
• Incorporate different sands for a layered look
• Add soil (make sure to leave holes for plant roots to fit in)
• Place your plants into the soil and lightly pack the soil around them
• Add your landscaping accessories and have fun decorating!

Maintenance: 

• Water 1-2 times per week (avoid watering any moss, dried flowers, etc.)
• Lightly mist the terrarium daily
• Clean any dead foliage or over grown plants to avoid rotting
• Terrariums do best in natural, indirect light so avoid placing it in direct sunlight or any other hot areas

I hope that this inspirers and helps you to create your own little piece of nature!!  Be creative, have fun, and let me know if you have any other questions on the process!

Xoxo,

Alli

How to order at Starbucks: 8 Simple Steps

Ordering a Starbucks drink can be confusing and nerve racking. After working at Starbucks for a while, it amazes me how many people come in all the time and are still saying their drink wrong. No one blames you! Trying to remember a jumble of words with no structure can cause anyone to forget things or get frustrated! This is why Starbucks created a few simple steps to customize your drink so that it gets across correctly to the barista. With the system printed on the side of Starbucks cups, ordering can become easier, less confusing, and faster.

 

Many people order plain drinks because they are afraid and fairly do not know how they can customize it. Instead of getting your regular boring coffee or latte try something new and customize your drink!

 

1. Hot or Iced – If you want it hot (or frappuccino) skip this step. If you want it iced say “iced”
2. Decaf – If you want no caffeine say “Decaf” If you want half the amount of caffeine say “Half-Caf” If you just want it regular skip this step!
3. Shots – You can add as many shots as you want to your drink
   1. 1 –single (solo)
   2. -double (doppio)
   3. 3- triple (trippio)
   4. 4- quad

4. Size

               Short- 8oz. (only available for hot drinks)

               Tall-12oz

               Grande-16 oz.

               Venti-20oz for hot drinks and 24oz. for iced drinks

               Trenta-30oz. (only available for iced teas and coffee)

 

5. Syrup – This is where you say what kind of syrup you would like (if it doesn’t already come in the drink) and how many pumps. SF means that is comes in sugar free as well. Here is what we have:

                                               i.     Hazelnut (SF)

                                             ii.     Vanilla (SF)

                                            iii.     Caramel (SF)

                                            iv.     Cinnamon Dolce (SF)

                                             v.     Peppermint (SF)

                                            vi.     Classic

                                          vii.     Raspberry

                                         viii.     Vanilla Spice

 6.   Milk-

    -2%    -Non-fat      -Whole        -Half and Half       Soy

 

7.    Custom- This is where you can get creative! Some examples are no whip, light foam, extra hot, with two Splenda, with room, light ice

8.     Drink -Tell us what you want!

-Coffee

-Latte

-Cappuccino

– Americano

Mocha/white mocha

-Frappuccino

Espresso

-Misto

-Hazelnut or Caramel Macchiato

 

 

Non-coffee Beverages

-Tea

-Hot Chocolate

-Caramel Apple Spice

– Steamer

-Chai Tea Latte

 

 

 

 

Other Lingo

Skinny – Using non-fat milk and sugar-free syrup

Brevé –same as saying Half and Half

Espresso Con Panna – shots with whip cream on top

Espresso Macchiato – shots with foam on top

Half Caf – half decaf and half regular

Dirty – adding a shot to a non coffee drink

Red-eye – one shot of espresso added to a coffee

Black-Eye – two shots of espresso added to a coffee

Dry – extra Foam

Wet – less Foam

Ristretto – shorter and sweeter shot of espresso

Affogato – shots are poured on top of drink

Kids temp – steamed at 130 degrees, less hot!

 

 

Now lets try it!

-Iced triple grande two pump skinny vanilla latte

 

-Venti decaf brevé extra hot no whip mocha

 

So there you have it Starbucks lingo decoded! Any other questions comment below! Let me know how you like to customize your Starbucks beverages!

 

-Autumn

Coachella Fashion!

So this is the perfect follow up to my last post on summer music festivals! While I am an advocate of comfort during these sort of events, I am also not a top celebrity that gets to hang out in cool tents all weekend, and has the luxury of being backstage during shows. 

I really enjoyed getting to see all the fashion from the festival, as well as all of the different personalities expressed though the clothing of all the fashionistas! 

Here are some of my favorite looks from Coachella 2013: Weekend #1! 

1. Alessandra Ambrosio- Hippie Chic

2. Ana Beatriz- Boho

 

3. Katy Parry- Queen of prints

4. Alexa Chung- Proper Lady

I loved the variety of looks throughout the whole first weekend of Coachella, and I can’t wait until next weekend for round two of fashion spotting!

Did you guys have any other favorite looks? Would you recreate any of these for your upcoming festival? I would love to hear your feedback! 

I’m thinking I’m still going to sporting my running shoes and some comfy shorts for Lollapalooza this summer! 😉 Ahhhh, the life of being a VIP! 

Until next time! 

xoxo, 

Erika 

Blog Inspiration: Man Repeller

Of course, we all love the blog 4fashgirls, but what if you want to add a little spice to your blogging adventures?!  One of my all time favorite blogs is called Man Repeller.  I know, you’re probably thinking, what a weird name for a fashion blog.  That is exactly what I thought until I did a little research.  This blog has a hilarious definition of what a ‘man repeller’ is. As you can see, man repeller is a fun and quirky blog, but it also has a lot of great fashion information, tips, and style inspiration written in an easy to read short segment.  The writer and creator of the blog was a journalism major, which is why her writing is so entertaining. She also has amazing style!!  The more you read, the more you will fall in love with her.  She is adorable, funny, outgoing, and much more!  The website is colorful, eye catching, and has an easy to navigate, which are obvious factors in a good site.  There are many different sections to browse and I swear, you’ll get hooked for hours!!

Check out the blog at:  http://www.manrepeller.com/

Leave a comment below with your favorite blog!! 

Xoxo,

Alli

 

More than just your average run: Top 5 themed runs in IL

Who knew exercise could be so fun? Running can get boring from time to time. Personally I feel that I barely ever get motivated to just go out and run. I have recently discovered certain runs that have interested even me. These runs all have certain themes that range from intense obstacles to spending a creative day with family and friends. Below are the top five runs in Illinois that I want to complete on my bucket list.

1. Run for Your Lives

When: September 21^st 2013

Where: Byron, IL

What: Ever wanted to get up and run but nothing will motivate you? How about a pack full of zombies chasing you? Each participant is given a belt with three flags representing good health. Throughout the 5K runners will tackle obstacles such as the blood pit, smokehouse, and the maze. If those obstacles weren’t enough just picture zombies chasing you through it. Will you make it out alive?

2. Color Run

When: June 16^th 2013

Where: Chicago, IL

What: Enjoy a color crazy day with family and friends and make sure to wear white! This 5k run is for participants of all different speeds. At every kilometer reached participants are blitzed by sponsors, volunteers, and staff with a new color. By the end of the run participants will be as colorful as a rainbow.

3. Electric Run

When: Currently Being Decided

Where: Chicago, IL

What: This 5k is a celebration of art and life. Incredibly talented artists and lighting technicians come together to create a world to fill you with wonder. Come dressed in creative costumes that glow, blink, shine, and dazzle. Afterwards join the DJ, who will mix the latest electronic music, for a party on the main stage.

4. Spartan Race

When: July 20^th & 21^st 2013

Where: Mareseilles, IL

What: Requires total athleticism, absolute discipline, and mental toughness. Participants will overcome obstacles through fire, mud, water, barbed wire and many more. Participants can choose between the Spartan Sprint (3-plus miles, 15-plus obstacles), Super Spartan (8-plus miles, 20-plus obstacles), and/or the Spartan Beast(12-plus miles, 25-plus obstacles). If you complete all of these within a year you are the Ultimate Spartan. Test yourself mentally physically and emotionally.. are you tough enough?

5. Tough Mudder

When: May 18^th & 19^th 2013

Where: Seneca, IL

What: A 10 to 12 mile obstacle course/run which cannot be completed without good teamwork. Similar to the Spartan Race, the Tough Mudder has obstacles that test strength and stamina. However in the Tough Mudder, you are going to get very very muddy.

Those are the top five runs on my bucket list, what are yours? Comment below and tell everyone which runs you have been to and loved, and also which runs are on your bucket list. Who knew exercising could be so fun?

 

-Autumn

Bon Appetit!

I love to eat, but I decided I wanted to eat things that would be beneficial to my health.  I researched and asked around and below are a few things I tried out.

 

Lettuce less Salad

This is a very tasty salad that I can enjoy as lunch, a snack, or with dinner. It’s easy to make and it has six ingredients that include the following:

• 1 avocado
• 1 tomato
• Fresh basil (must be fresh)
• Natural mozzarella cheese (not shredded)
• Olive oil
• Vinegar

 

Cut tomato and avocado into wedges and place on plate however you’d like.  Next cut chunks of the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle over salad.  Then cut the basil and sprinkle over salad.  Lastly mix the olive oil and basil.  Start with a small amount so you can add according to how you like it.  Pour over salad and enjoy. *This recipe serves  1*

 

Parmesan Popcorn

This yummy treat just needs the following ingredients:

• Popcorn seeds
• Vegetable oil
• Butter flavor (if desired)
• Parmesan cheese
• And parsley flakes

 

First you want to pop the popcorn seeds in a little vegetable oil on medium heat until popped.  When ready pour popped popcorn into bowl and pour butter flavor on top.  Mix well.  Next sprinkle parmesan cheese and parsley flakes at desired amount. Mix well and ENJOY!

 

These are just some good options for better food.  Comment below and tell me how you enjoy these treats or give me some recipes of your own!