Mar 19, 2016

Time for a Change

After years of writing over here on Pink and Fabulous, I decided it was time for a little change...  You can visit me at A Dash of Pretty!

It's still a BIG work in progress, but I hope to be fully up and running very soon!!  I hope you'll join me there!

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Mar 11, 2016

Coming Soon...

Sorry for the mini blog break babes! I have some BIG changes coming very soon, so please bear with me as they all get put together!!

I can't wait to share with you all and make this space even better!

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Mar 9, 2016

Workout: Running, Motivation and More!

When my girlfriends and I were in Mexico we did a lot of talking about workouts, what we think works and doesn't and diets.  All of them (except me #fail) do a FitBit challenge and I am always so impressed with how they all stick with it and consistently kill their goals.  A few of us have done different diets together and have held each other accountable while we try to meet our goals (sharing is caring.)  

My one friend kept stressing how important she thinks running and weights are, and I fully agree with her.  Anytime I have needed to lose weight, consistently running and incorporating weights made such a difference.  She is also a yoga teacher and believes that is an important part of any workout routine, which I totally agree with - work those muscles and stretch them out.  Another point brought up was to always be changing things up, which is so key.  So many things I have read, and I do way too much reading into workouts and diet, have said to change things up and constantly keep your body guessing.  

So while I walked away from our trip with a mild hangover, I also came back with a totally renewed motivation to get into a great routine and change up what I had been doing.  Some fun new workout gear definitely helps with that motivation too!  I picked up these pants by Alo at my Barre3 and am insanely in love with them.  I have been wearing them twice a week since I got them and can't say enough great things.  I love my Lulu's, but Alo fits like a glove.  Size wise, they're pretty flexible.  I went up a size because that is all that was in stock, but I could have gone down one too and been ok.

Target has had the best workout clothes lately, and I scooped up this tank during an online sale.  It's under $20 and fits so well.  I love how long it is and the knot detailing in the back.  You have to shop fast though, because anything I have my eye on goes before I can even get it in my online shopping cart most of the time.  I ordered a bunch of workout stuff with this top and most of it got cancelled two weeks after the fact.  So the moral of the story is, if it's good, get it (you can always return it!)

I ordered these sneakers after my knees started hurting anytime I was wearing my other pairs based on the reviews.  I have never been a huge review person before, but now I am really into reading them and they're so worth perusing before you make a purchase.  These shoes run small so go up a half size.  They are deliciously comfortable after a solid day's wearing to break in.  I wear them for working out of just around, because they're so cute.  I can run in them without any pain and they look super cute pair with skinnies or black leggings.

Finally, TKO sent me their running belt to try and it has definitely helped motivate me to actually get outside and run more.  Running on a treadmill is so boring, but I hate running outside and holding my phone.  I can't do an arm band, it's just too uncomfortable and awkward, but the belt is awesome.  It looks small but it expands and holds my phone, keys and even a card or cash.  It's flat so it sets up against you and doesn't stick out.  Now that we have some reasonable temperatures I plan on getting a lot more use out of it with all of my goodies above.  

So where do you stand when it comes to working out and diet?  Do you like having people to motivate you and hold you accountable?  Do you think that running is the most solid workout there is with a side of weights?  I know a lot of you do yoga and barre so I really am interested to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions!  

Thank you for reading and have a fabulous day!  -xx

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Mar 8, 2016

Style: Transitional Gingham

Top: Chicwish // Jeans: Stitch Fix (ask for Courtney F!) // BraceletJohn Wind  // Bag: Chanel // ShoesSam Edelman (on sale!) // SunglassesAmazon (under $30!)

Is there anything better than a fun top to get you through the dreariest of Winter days and then bring right through Spring without a jacket and maybe even with some shorts?  I am loving this top for that.  It's warm enough to wear with jeans and fits under that big down jacket I have felt the need to wear every day for the last four months, but I know it's going to look so damn cute with some denim cutoff's and sandals.  And if the weather does as it promises, that could be happening this week!  Insert happy dance here!  

Seriously, they're saying we are going to get into the 70's this week and my mind is BLOWN!  It snowed on Friday and less than a week later it is going to feel like Spring!  I may have been raised on the East Coast and spent the snowiest four years of my life in Syracuse, but I am still a California girl at heart!  I spent enough time living there to say that, right?  Totally. (yes, I am answering my own questions, it's Tuesday and the week is long!)

When you look at this top on the website it looks navy and white, but it is definitely, 100% black and white, so make sure to take that to note.  It's still just as cute in black and white IMHO, even though I had originally ordered it thinking it was blue and white.  It definitely runs on the very large size, so be prepared for it to flow out big time.  It's perfect if you're pregnant or planning on eating an enormous meal and drinking a ton of beer, OR if you just like to wear things with extra flow and space.  I am definitely the extra flow type because something about extra material and space makes me feel even smaller (#mental.)  

My favorite part about all of our photo shoots lately is that Greyson feels a constant need to participate.  He is so cute and runs in posing and giving his best blue steel.  This kid is such a ham and always keeps me on my toes.  Four year old boys are no joke, the frustration and moodiness is like nothing else.  I will ask him to do something and he generally responds with a flat out "no."  I don't even know how to handle him sometimes and feel badly being so frustrated; sometimes being a parents really is the hardest thing and I wish someone could just tell me what to do to solve the ten million little problems that come up on a daily basis.  But then, when he is asleep every night, I creep in and try to wake him up so he will snuggle with me.  I'm a total creep and probably shouldn't admit that, but, hey, it is what it is!  I love his silly faces in every picture and hoard them on my computer because I know he won't be wanting to do this with me one day.  I'll take every silly moment while I can!  

Thank you for reading and have a fabulous day!  -xx

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Mar 7, 2016

Taste: Easy Granola Recipe

You guys, I have an addiction and it's pretty real:  I'm addicted to granola.  I was buying so much of it that I figured I needed to streamline the best way to make my own at home, because those little bags really add up in cost!  I like to make a big batch at the beginning of the week and either toss it on yogurt, or usually, just snack on it by the handful.  I keep mine very basic and easy.  I have tried a ton of recipes and basically got rid of what I didn't think we needed, and added in what I thought tasted the best.   

Easy Granola
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoons agave (or honey if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon ground flax
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- Preheat oven to 325
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Mix coconut oil, agave, flax, cinnamon, vanilla and salt together in a bowl
-  Add in oatmeal and toss to coat.  If it's to dry or sticky, add in a little more oil and agave.
- Spread everything evenly across baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes, tossing once or twice.  Watch it carefully because it can burn and it may not crisp up (depends on your oven type, etc.)
- Let cool and eat and enjoy!

I'm literally going to go make a batch right now!  We took the kids to see Zootopia this weekend (so cute btw) and I may have housed enough popcorn and candy to last me for a good long time.  I need not just granola, but a whole lot of other healthy goodies in my life.  Total sidenote: I'm catching up on Pretty Little Liars as I type this and it's so ridiculous this season.  Somehow I never thought it was that ridiculous before, but now that it is five years in the future, I just can't deal with the story lines.  I'll never stop watching though, let's be serious. 

Who is watching the Women Tell All tonight? Rumor is Olivia is not a favorite amongst the ladies. Shocker.  Team Lauren or Team Jojo?

Have a fabulous day and thank you for reading!  -xx

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Mar 4, 2016

Life: Mexico Vacation Recap

There a few things in life that are certain, but I know one to be true:  girls' trips are good for the soul.  We plan ours well in advance, and one of our friends is fantastic at researching and booking locations, hotels, travel, etc. which definitely makes my life easier.  We went to Cancun because it was a nonstop flight that didn't break the bank and had tons of all-inclusive hotel options.  

We left at the crack of dawn Thursday morning and came back super late at night Sunday.  Two full days plus two half days was the absolute perfect amount of time to stay.  We stayed at the Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun, which is adults only (not in the pervy way) and all-inclusive.  

The best part of arriving to Cancun?  The bar right at the exit doors to the airport.  Pure genius!  Back to the hotel.... the food was really good, which is not the norm for an all-inclusive.  We thoroughly enjoyed every restaurant and every meal.  My personal favorite was the french onion soup at the french restaurant and the nacho bar by the pool which we partook in daily.  The house wine was also surprisingly great, another big win!  The rooms were great and the whole space was awesome.  The only negative was the staff at check in/check out.  They weren't friendly or accommodating in any way and at the end became downright nasty and threatening.  If you plan on traveling there, definitely take that into account.  

The weather could not have been more perfect.  It fluctuated between the high 70's and low 80's during the day, but was a little chilly in the evenings.  Those are just dreamy temperatures in my book.  We usually started our day at the beach then moved to the main pool in the afternoon.  We met so many interesting (do with that term what you will) characters every day, and had enough shenanigans to make for stories for years to come.  

When you have been friends with people for well over ten years, you see each other grow and change as people.  As we settle into serious relationships, marriages, job changes and children, we become different people.  We discuss different things (health care, insurance!) and watch our children play together.  However, when we are on our own we come back to basics and are just friends.  These are the reasons trips like this mean so much and are a reminder of who we are and the strength of our friendships.  Sappy rant over!

I rounded up pretty much everything I wore the entire trip below.  A lot of the pieces are great staples and I think all but the white tee shirt and necklaces are on sale this week!  This is seriously the week to stock up for warm weather and I am literally going to be checking my door every five minutes today for my Shopbop goodies!

So while I won't be spending this Friday on a beach in Mexico with some of my favorite people in the world, I'll be snuggled up with my babes binge watching Fuller House.  Now that is wild!

Have a fabulous weekend!  Thank you for reading!  -xx

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Mar 3, 2016

Shopbop Sale!

It's no secret that I basically live for Shopbop's sales.  I know that's sad, but it is the truth!  They offer discounts on things I would normally buy anyway, and after waiting for a few months, it's so nice to finally be able to make those purchases!  Bloggers have been posting things for the last couple of days so I figured I would a few days before adding my list to the mix, in case you forgot the sale is still going strong!  I have done that before, where I meant to order and completely forget then all but tossed my computer off a balcony when I realized I missed my discount opportunity.  Sad, but true.

My picks are below!

I already own a bunch of the goodies above and would recommend them all!  Happy shopping babes!  -xx

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