BBQ Style

I've always considered Memorial Day as the unofficial kick-off to fabulous summer barbeques. Now that my mind is already set on lazy weekends, mountainside picnics, and warm weathered gatherings, it's time to pile on some serious backyard fashion… 

When it comes to everyone's favorite American tradition (a.k.a. the backyard barbeque), I always try to follow these three guidelines: comfort, style, and separates. The goal is to spend more time making memories and less time fussing with an overly complicated outfit. Your barbeque best should always reflect the latest summer trends, while still offering enough ease to participate in outdoor activities. Opt for minimal makeup, simple hairstyles like a ponytail or side braid, and never ever forget the all-important must-have: sunglasses. Squinty eyes are never photogenic. 
Below is my guide on how to dress for the Three BBQs of Summer: beach, bonfire, and backyards…
Beach BBQ

Follow these simple BBQ guidelines and save yourself from another last minute fash fret. Follow these simple BBQ guidelines and save yourself from another last minute fashion fret. 

Neon hues are the hottest and certainly the brightest trend hitting the scene this season and I can't think of a better backdrop to rock them than 
 favorite summer location—the beach! Beach barbeques inevitably involve quick dips in the water and impromptu games of volleyball or Frisbee, so appropriate attire is key to having a good time. Though the girl in the corner may look fabulous in her sky-espadrilles and super tight bandage dress, I can assure you she isn't having fun. To avoid heading home with a trail of sand in your wake, I suggest simple staples such as cutoff shorts. They're super easy to layer over your bathing suit and they leave enough skin exposed for the all-important suntan. As for shoes, leave your sand trapping, closed-toe flats at home and rock a great pair of strappy neon sandals instead. And finally for extra protection from those scorching rays, I recommend bringing a hat; they add an extra dash of style and keep your face sun-kissed rather than sunburned. 

Bonfire BBQ

I love wearing maxi skirts and cropped tops for BBQs that take place in the evening because they give you an easy breezy vibe, while still allowing you to be comfortable wherever your summertime get-togethers may take place. This is the perfect ensemble to wear whether you’re simply a guest at the event or the overachieving host. The neutral pallet will prevent you from blending into the night, while the extra fabric will help you stay warm whenever you stray from the fire. Go bohemian for this event and try accessorizing your look with a floral headband that will help keep your hair out of your face. And don’t forget to layer on a mixture of earthy accessories to finish off your look.

Backyard BBQ

Denim shorts are as all-American as you can get, so for this traditional setting, rock a killer pair of denim shorts. These fabulous LC Lauren Conrad summer must-have shorts from Kohl’s will make it easy to navigate from the kitchen to the back porch without restricting you from partaking in a game of basketball or simply visiting around a table with friends. Backyard gatherings are notorious for having chairs sprawled about for late night gossip, so to keep things ultra flattering I suggest a slouchy crochet top. The airy sweater will keep the outfit breezy, while also acting as great bathing suit cover up if you’re gathering is poolside. Cute wedges and a fabulous striped tote bag will put the final touches on this comfy backyard ensemble.  

Spring Cleaning - Declutter Your Closet

Stop making excuses and clean up the clutter in your home! It'll make you feel better and make your living space look better as well! Ask yourself these questions and get rid of your items based on your answers. And when I say dispose of your clutter, I mean either sell it, donate it, recycle it, give it away to friends and family, or throw it away.

1. Have I used this in the last year?

If your answer is no, it's time to toss.

2. If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?

If the current you wouldn't buy this item now, why would you even keep it?

3. Is the only thing that's keeping me from disposing this item that I don't want to waste money?

Think of it this way: you wasted money when you bought an item you don't use.

4. Am I holding on to this for sentimental value?

Be strict and keep only a few of the items in a small memorabilia box. Then take a photo of items you are throwing away so you can keep them forever.

5. Do I have a similar item that serves the same purpose?

If yes, then get rid of one of them.

6. Do I have a realistic plan to use this?

Remember, don't lie to yourself about how perfect an item would be for Halloween. Make sure you have a concrete plan to use the item, and if you don't use it within the time frame you set for yourself to use it, then toss it.

7. Does it fit me or my living space?

You may love it, but do you have space for the item or does it even suit you now? Think hard on what to keep — your space is sacred.

8. Am I holding on to the broken item to fix in the future?

Fix it now, or if you don't get around to fixing in the next two weeks, then toss it.

Renuzit Pearls Scents

I was recently sent Renuzit Pearls Scents to try and review. 

I was so excited when my package first arrived!

I couldn't wait to open it

I was pleasantly surprised with how my Renuzit Pearls Scents were so nicely packaged when they arrived. 

Purex did an amazing job packaging my Renuzit Pearls Scents sample. They made sure it wouldn't move around during shipping and get damaged.

 I truly appreciated this as I am sure most of you know USPS and UPS are not the gentlest on packages. 

When my Renuzit Pearls Scents arrived they were safe and sound in their box with no damage. 

When I got to dig in to my package I was impressed with how beautiful the Renuzit Pearls Scents were. 

It looks like it was designed to accent and highlight my home decor, and I knew it would look beautiful in my home. 

What a bonus! It looks beautiful and provides a long lasting scent. 

Here is a behind the scenes photo of what was in my package. 

Now time to put my Renuzit Pearls Scents into my home and enjoy the long lasting scent. 

I put one in the dining room to freshen up my dining room table. 

I love how sophisticated it looks, and how elegant it is on my table. 

The second Renuzit Pearls Scents I put up was in my living room on my side table. 

It is completely different from most home fragrances I had purchased in the past. The Renuzit Pearls Scents actually look nice on the table, and I am excited to display them around the house. 

They have been in my home for over a week now, and I have to say I am absolutely in love. 

I received the Sparkling Rain scent and love how fresh and clean it makes my house smell. 

Renuzit Pearls Scents come in six different scents: Blue sky breeze, sparkling rain, fresh lavender, and eucalyptus, chamomile, jasmine. 

You have chance to try your own and select the scent you love with the give away below!

I am excited to announce that for the first time I am hosting a 

GIVE AWAY!

One lucky winner will receive a coupon for a free Renuzit Pearls Scents of their very own. 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER

Thanks for Entering

To Enter simply follow these steps

1. Follow My Blog (Its Free & Fun)

2. Comment on this post with how you would use Renuzit Pearls Scents in your home, and add your email in the comment so I can contact you if your the lucky winner!

That's it! Super easy, and fun. 

You may enter once a day until May 30, 2015 (Only one entry per day will be eligible for entry)

I will choose the winner on May 30, 2015 and will contact the winner by June 1, 2015

Good Luck!

Yummy Healthy Breakfast

When I have the time, I like to whip up a nice breakfast for myself. Usually, I make an egg white omelet with vegetables. This makes for a great breakfast because the egg whites are full of protein and the veggies have lots of nutrients and fiber.

Below is the basic recipe I follow. Needles to say, I do mix it up based on what vegetables are in season and, more importantly, what’s available in my refrigerator. Sometimes I’ll have the omelet with a side of toast and berries depending on how much time I have…

Note: This recipe makes one omelet.

Ingredients

¼ cup egg whites (sometimes I add in a full egg, with the yolk)

1 handful of baby spinach

¼ teaspoon (about a pinch) onion powder

¼ cup halved cherry tomatoes

¼ cup shredded low fat (or skim) grated mozzarella cheese

Note: A few vegetables I like to sub in are steamed asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat together the egg whites, spinach and onion powder.
2. In a small skillet coated with olive oil cooking spray over medium heat, pour in the egg mixture and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Flip with spatula and cook another 2 minutes. (At this point it will look like a big egg pancake. Yum!)
4. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle on cheese and cherry tomatoes and then fold omelet in half (one side over the other). Cook for another minute or so to allow cheese to melt and then serve.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

This omelet is really simple, quick, and very easy to make! Plus, it’s a great way to kick start your day. The best part? You’ll notice that the egg + veggie combo will keep you feeling full longer.

Enjoy!

Cheers to 30 years

In just a few days I will be the big 3 - 0. 

It is crazy to think about. 

I was talking with Jake the other day about what it means to be 30.

 I was telling him that when I would dream about being 30 when I was 15, I didn't think my life would be where it is now. 

I always thought that I would have gotten married at 21 and had two kiddos by the time I was 25. 

Thankfully that was not God's plan for my life. 

I think that if I would have married the guy I was dating at 21 I would have been divorced by 25. Not that he was a bad guy, but more so the fact that I didn't know who I was as a person. I was still growing and exploring life. At almost thirty years I am just now feeling like an adult, and at 21 I was still so unsure of who I was. 

Even though life didn't go as fast as I wanted or dreamed of at 15, I am so so thankful of where I am today. I am happier now then I ever have been, and am excited to be in this time of my life. This is the time in my life that I will remember and cherish forever. I am strong in who I am, and know what I want out of life. 

CHEERS TO 30!

Healthy Spring Time Goodies

Here are a few recipes that are healthy and refreshing for spring, enjoy!

Tropical Sangria

There’s nothing like a pitcher of fruity sangria to get the party started! I suggest using a nice, light merlot or a similar wine that you like. I use lemon-lime seltzer in this recipe, which cuts the calories while amplifying the drink’s fruity flavor. It’s a refreshing alternative to other festive cocktails, which can be extraordinarily caloric—a single frozen margarita, for instance, can run you more than 500 calories. Yikes!

Ingredients

1 (750-ml) bottle red wine

1/4 cup orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier

1 orange (unpeeled), thinly sliced

1 lime (unpeeled), thinly sliced

1 (8- ounce) can pineapple chunks packed in 100% juice, with juice

2 cups naturally flavored lime or lemon-lime seltzer or club soda

Sliced citrus fruit, for garnish

Directions

1. Combine the wine, orange liqueur, orange and lime slices, and the entire can of pineapple, including the juice, in a large pitcher. Stir, and store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

2. To serve, strain out the soaked fruit if desired. Pour the chilled seltzer into the pitcher, and stir to combine with the wine.

3. Serve over ice, and garnish with fresh sliced fruit.

Grapefruit-White Wine Sparkler

                   

This cocktail combines sweet-tart grapefruit juice and herbal gin with sparkling wine for an effervescent drink that's perfect for any season.

Ingredients

1 cup gin

• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 bottle dry sparkling white wine or Champagne
• Ice
• 6 thin lemon slices

Directions

1. In a punch bowl or large pitcher, combine gin and sugar.

2. Stir until sugar dissolves, 1 minute.

3. Add grapefruit juice and bottle of sparkling wine; stir to combine.

4. To serve, fill six glasses with ice and wine mixture, then garnish with thin lemon slices

Cinnamon Cheesecake Fondue

Unlike chocolate fondue, this recipe requires no cooking and is not served hot, which means you can whip it up in a flash. It’s a great way to satisfy a craving for New York–style cheesecake without excessive calories, fat, and sugar. A bowl of this fondue makes the perfect ending to an informal party—it’s pure fun!

Ingredients

4 ounces (1/2 cup) low-fat cream cheese, at room temperature

3/4 cup nonfat sour cream

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cut fresh fruit (apples, pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, peaches, strawberries)

Directions

1. Combine all the ingredients except the fruit in a medium bowl, mixing them vigorously with a whisk until completely smooth. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

2. Serve with the cut fresh fruit for dipping.