January 7, 2015
Outfit Post: Snow Day
Sweater: Zara (old) | Jeans: American Eagle | Boots: Urban Outfitters (old) | Scarf: American Eagle | Mittens: Aerie |
Hat: Free People
pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh
I'm such a sucker for anything text lately. I got these mittens from my lovely sister-in-law for Christmas. Thanks to public transportation and technology, the flap mittens (aka glittens) are my favorite. I don't have to take them off on the train or to use my phone. Especially now with these Aerie mittens! They have a thumb flap!
What are your favorite winter accessories?
January 5, 2015
Weekend Wear: Brand New Year
Jacket: Zara | Shirt: Old Navy | Jeans: American Eagle | Shoes: Joe Fresh | Hat: Forever21 | Bag: Coach
pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh
New Years Eve has always been one of my favorite Holidays. As a kid, I spent it with my parents staying up late watching the Dick Clark countdown and toasting the New Year with sparkling cider. As an adult, I now celebrate it with my close friends and husband. As I get older I appreciate the more laid back way of celebrating; food, drinks, friends, and games. NYE is a bittersweet day. It not only marks the end of a year but also the end of the Holiday season. It's a sweet moment as you get to say goodbye to a year (especially if you thought it wasn't in your favor) and start fresh with a new one. If you didn't fulfill something in the year prior now is the time to do it. The new year brings a new slate, you get to create new stories, new adventures, and sometimes a new you. This year much like last I will continue to create new content on this blog. I intend on bringing some new features in such as fitness related post (like the Fitness Resolution post) as it's something that I love and find important. I'm focusing my life on new beginnings this year.
Do you have any resolutions or focuses for this year?
January 2, 2015
Keep Your Fitness New Years Resolution
My husband (at the time boyfriend) and I joined our local gym back in 2011. It was right after the New Year and our resolution was to get into shape...4 years later we are not only still members of our gym but part of their community. I remember when I first enrolled the person at the front desk was like "Just don't become one of those people that come for a few months and stop going." I made damn sure I wasn't, plus I had already paid for a full year anyway! Keeping a fitness resolution is pure dedication but it doesn't have to be a drag. After keeping up a fitness routine for a few years now I have learned some ways on how to stay active. Here are some ideas for you to keep in mind as you start on your fitness resolution.
1. Pick a gym that is local, fits your schedule and needs. You want to be able to hit the gym whenever you want or when you know you'll have the most time. If you know weekends are totally not do able but after work hours or lunch time fits in best then pick one closer to your job. If you want to be able to hit it whenever then pick one that is close to where you live, whether that's walking distance or a 5 minute drive. The easier it is to get to the less of an excuse you have. Before signing up check it out. If they offer a free pass take the offer and try it out. You don't want to be stuck in a place you don't like or doesn't offer what you want. If you want a variety of classes check out their class schedule, if you want to do more weight lifting make sure they have a big weight area, etc..
2. Pay for a year membership. If you hate wasting money then this should be a fire under your butt to get to the gym. Every time I didn't want to go I reminded myself that I paid for it so I should use it. This was enough motivation for me, especially in my first year. Don't sign a contract for more then a year. You don't want to sign a three year contract and have something come up and not be able to get out of your contract. If you can't afford to put a payment down for a year membership do a monthly but have them take it out of your credit card or bank so that you would be forced to actually cancel it rather then just stop showing up.
3. Take classes. I know classes can be scary and intimating. I remember my first jump rope class, I was so nervous but I forced myself to go and I'm glad I did. The trainer at the time was CRAZY and had us doing workouts I have never even seen before, I had never been sorer in my life...but it felt amazing. I'm glad I forced myself to try it out, it allowed me to feel confident enough to try a number of other classes, some stuck (kettlebells) and some didn't (spinning) but at least I went for it. This will help open you up to different experiences and exercises. This can also help shape your routine and help break up what can be mundane about the gym.
4. Buy good workout clothes...and ones that make you excited to put it on. Good pair of sneakers is super important! Go to a local running store or a sporting good store that can help you find the sneakers you need for your workouts. Try them out in-store. If they have a treadmill make sure to get on it and run for a bit to test them out. If you have the wrong sneaker you will continually hate working out as you will feel uncomfortable while doing so. Also make sure you are buying the right sneaker for the right workout, example if you are doing a bootcamp/weight training style workouts you want a sneaker that is light weight and allows your ankles to move. Same goes for workout clothes. Wear clothes that you feel most comfortable in while working out. There are so many companies out there now doing workout apparel, find ones that make you excited, confident and comfortable.
Remember gym's come in all different sizes and shapes. You don't need a traditional box gym to get in shape (you don't need a gym at if you are truly dedicated to getting into shape). As long as you find something that not only gets you moving but that you truly enjoy thats all that matters.
4. Buy good workout clothes...and ones that make you excited to put it on. Good pair of sneakers is super important! Go to a local running store or a sporting good store that can help you find the sneakers you need for your workouts. Try them out in-store. If they have a treadmill make sure to get on it and run for a bit to test them out. If you have the wrong sneaker you will continually hate working out as you will feel uncomfortable while doing so. Also make sure you are buying the right sneaker for the right workout, example if you are doing a bootcamp/weight training style workouts you want a sneaker that is light weight and allows your ankles to move. Same goes for workout clothes. Wear clothes that you feel most comfortable in while working out. There are so many companies out there now doing workout apparel, find ones that make you excited, confident and comfortable.
Remember gym's come in all different sizes and shapes. You don't need a traditional box gym to get in shape (you don't need a gym at if you are truly dedicated to getting into shape). As long as you find something that not only gets you moving but that you truly enjoy thats all that matters.
December 31, 2014
Year in Review 2014
1. When I met Dom Streater (Project Runway Winner) at NYFW Fall 2014 | 2. Glam Blogger dinner NYFW Spring 2015
3. At my Bridal Shower | 4. Me and my Bridesmaids in Miami | 5. One of my favorite pictures taken on our wedding day! |
6. Honeymoon in St. Lucia | 7. the view of the 4th of July Fireworks from our roof | 8. Jazz Age Lawn Party |
9. One of the first days we had Chubs home with us | 10. Amazing Under Armour Event with Mode Media |
11. Competing at the Civilian Military Combine | 12. Our first Christmas as the Cavanaugh Family |
13. In Hawaii
Can you believe we are on the brink of another New Year? I can't! I know I say this every year, but my goodness this year truly flew. I feel so blessed for this year. It's one of (if not) the best year of my life, thus far. Mostly because I got to marry my best friend. Though three weeks prior to our wedding it was a little like hell, the outcome was more then what we could have ever wanted. We went on a truly romantic Honeymoon to St. Lucia. And adopted our sweet little kitty, Chubs! I also had another chance to visit Hawaii, which is really becoming my home away from home. I also had the best bridesmaids and maid of honor who flew down to Miami for my bachelorette party and who helped my mom put on a beautiful bridal shower at my aunts house. So many amazing experiences this year through this blog and outside of it. This year is one for the books!
I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years Eve! Here's to 2015 let's make it sparkle!
December 25, 2014
Foodie Christmas: Gingerbread Donuts
Gingerbread Donuts with Vanilla Gaze
recipe from A Kitchen Addiction
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 C white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ⅛ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ C brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp molasses
- ⅓ C milk
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
For the Frosting
- 1 C confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tbsp hot water
- ½ tbsp + ½ tsp milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Lightly spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, salt, and brown sugar.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg, molasses, vanilla extract, milk, and butter. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer batter to a pastry bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe batter into donut pan filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 8 minutes or until edges just start to turn golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- While donuts are cooling, stir together all ingredients for the frosting. You may need to add up to another ½ teaspoon of milk to reach desired consistency. Dip tops of donuts into glaze and return to wire rack. Top with sprinkles and allow glaze to harden before serving.
- Best served same day but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container.
Maple Glaze recipe from A Pinch of Yum
For the glaze
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the glaze, melt 2 tablespoons butter with ¼ cup brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and boil for about 2 minutes. Add maple syrup and 1 tablespoon milk and bring back to a boil. Add powdered sugar, using the last tablespoon of milk to help thin out the frosting if needed. Keep over low heat (otherwise it will start to crystallize) and dunk each mini donut into the frosting. Frosting should set almost immediately.
Next time I make these I'm going to go a little more heavy on the spices like I do with our gingerbread cookies. They were lacking the gingerbreadness that I love. The dough itself was perfect and moist.
I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! I will be taken some time off from the blog to spend the Holiday with extended family and my Husband. I will see you all right before the New Year! Don't fret you can also follow me on instagram (@fashionistanygirl) to see all my Holiday celebrations!
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