If you are ever in Orlando, FL around the holidays, you HAVE to make your way out to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for this amazing light show. I found out about this only four years ago and have been going back since. I filmed this on my GoPro Hero 3+ using the head mount.
Have you ever seen this amazing light show?
As I mentioned in a former post, i am a shopping addict. I snagged a Canon t5 from QVC for a great deal and now I am playing around with it. Bear with me as I am a DSLR newbie…
these tiny oreos make you feel a LITTLE less guilty
and here is an adorable picture of my pekingese, Charlotte 🙂
Have you ever used a DSLR?
A few posts back I talked about my Bahamas cruise. Below are a few clips from my trip – mostly the ATV excursion, which was AMAZING. This video was taken on my GoPro Hero 3+! 🙂
Admit it. You have a shopping problem and the holidays only remind you of this terrible awesome habit. I love to shop.. for myself, for others, just for the heck of it. A few years ago, I stumbled into in some financial difficulties that made it difficult for me to spend a lot at one time. I was also in a new apartment and in need of many things. Below is a list of some of the tricks that I use to make the most of holiday shopping.
1. QVC/HSN – This is my number one shopping strategy. I am sure that there are other websites/networks that are similar, but these two are my main choices. They offer easy pay on all of their higher-cost items, so you are able to pay for your purchase in 5-6 month installments. This does not require a credit check, and they simply withdraw the funds each month from your credit/debit card. I also don’t find that the item prices are raised much higher than any other stores. Even if they were, I am sure that it beats having to pay credit card interest! I bought myself a TV last year that was on sale and ended up paying only about $80/month! This year, it’s a DSLR camera for about the same!
2. Ross/Marshalls/TJ Maxx – These stores are incredible. I bought my mom a frying pan last year for $12 that I saw elsewhere for $40. You can buy brand name clothes (I love buying nike, adidas, reebok gym clothes) for dirt cheap. They also sell very inexpensive dumbbells, workout videos and other items for the gym rats on your list. I also like going to their candle/bath section. You can stock up on $3 candles and hair products at a very reduced price. These stores are also great for children’s toys. I bought most of my nephews toys at Ross when he was born.
3. Outlets – If you live near an outlet mall, ALWAYS shop there before going to the mall. While the coach outlet may not have the exact bag you’ve been eyeing, it will have bags for about $80 and you will get a coupon when walking into the store for another 20% off. That’s my experience, at least. Outlets are great for purses, brand name clothing and jewelry.
4. Department Stores – If you’re in a financial pinch and have a lot of women on your list, it is a great idea to go to a department store. During the holidays, they tend to give away a huge box of makeup with certain perfume purchases. If you get creative, you can make 3-4 gifts with that makeup. Buy glittery boxes, fill them each with 2-3 items from the box and hand them out. Then give the perfume to your mom, sister or yourself! 🙂
5. Candy/Sweets – If you know anyone who is traveling abroad before the holidays, it is always a good idea to ask them to bring back candy from the other country. Chances are that with the exchange rate you can buy several large bags of candy for under $20. You can then repackage these into adorable gifts for many people on your list. These are great office gifts, as they are cultural and help your friends learn about another country.
6. Dollar Store/Flea Markets/Tag Sales – I rarely buy gifts at these locations, but instead go there to buy home decor. During the holidays, we tend to switch it up every year. Last year I had a lot of gold decorations, this year I want silver. Instead of spending hundreds on new decorations, I go to these places to see what I can find for cheap. The dollar store is great for paper plates, candy dishes, pinecones, etc. Flea markets tend to have a lot of small toys, flowers and random decorations. Tag Sales will have trees, wreaths and a lot of other decorations!
7. Etsy – All women love jewelry. This is a fact. And while we love a good 3 ct diamond ring, it is not always practical to give that gift (sigh). Etsy is a great resource for homemade jewelry. I have purchased a ton of unique pieces from there that my friends always envy. You can also buy personalized gifts. Etsy goes beyond jewelry. You can buy scarves, clothes and many other novelty gifts!
8. Beach Body Videos – If you know a fan of Insanity, P90X, T25 etc, I would consider buying them a new beach body video set for the holidays. They offer the same type of payment plans as QVC and HSN, so that gives you more time to pay for the cost of the videos. While P90x and Insanity are on the higher price-range, there are more inexpensive videos that also give you great results!
These are just a few tips that may help you save some cash. I hope you try some of these out! Remember that its not the gift – but the spirit of giving that matters. Let me know how the holiday shopping is for you this year!
Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have BBQ. Then again, I live in Florida so I can basically do anything summer-y any season…but I digress..
Here’s a yummy, man-approved recipe for slow cooked BBQ ribs.
Ingredients:
3 lbs ribs
1/4 c brown sugar
3/4 c bbq sauce
1 tsp cayenne
2 yellow onions
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons of olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
1. Combine cayenne, brown sugar and barbecue sauce in a large bowl. Dip ribs into the mixture individually and save remainder.
2. Season ribs to taste and brown in the oven. Meanwhile heat oil in a pan, chop onions heat in pan with salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Caramelize for 20-30 min.
3. Place ribs into the slow cooker with caramelized onions and remaining BBQ sauce mixture. Combine and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. Change to LOW for remaining 2 hours.
4. Remove ribs and stuff your face!
5. Or be classy like me and make a hoagie!
Let me know what you think!
Who doesn’t love a good sub? They are delicious, wonderfully filling & take only a few minutes to put together. Since we cant possibly do anything halfway, I figured I would show you all a simple yet glam version of a healthy sub.
Get ready to show off…
One hoagie
One piece of tilapia (about 4 oz)
Olive oil
1/2 cup of spinach
2 slices of muenster cheese
one small tomato sliced
a few slices of red onion
Goya Adobo
salt, pepper, garlic powder, lime juice to taste
Since tilapia cooks rather quickly, this is the time to start toasting the bread. I have one of those toasters that looks like an easy bake oven – and those work great for when you don’t want to use your oven. I live in Florida….so that’s every day. Cook the tilapia in olive oil on medium high heat and season with the spices to your liking. I like to cut it up with the wooden spoon so it cooks faster. When thats done get your toasted bread, add the cheese, veggies and tilapia. Pour some lime juice on top. Smell. Drool. Eat.
I kid you not, this was one of the most delicious subs i’ve ever tried. To save some calories change to whole wheat bread and skip the cheese. I worked out so I decided I could treat myself…ha.
I hope you love it!
Hey now…
I feel that since I brought up the fact that I invested in a personal trainer, it’s only fair to give you an update. Well…..since I started working with my trainer two weeks ago I am down NINE POUNDS. No joke…
Now, I know that we tend to lose weight quicker in the beginning of a workout regiment..but nine pounds is significant and I am excited! My goal is to lose 35 by my college graduation (mid December) and I feel that it is attainable. I think weekly updates may be a good idea….we’ll see….
So do I think the trainer investment was worth it? YES AND YES. Now keep in mind, we only work out together once a week but she gives me workout plans for two more days. Then on the other days I focus on cardio.
Have any of you had results with personal trainers?
Good morning!
Who remembers being seven years old and waking up early to watch Looney Toons and going cookoo for Cocoa Puffs? I certainly do…
Unfortunately, we are now at that awkward phase in between having a slowed down metabolism and actually being able to afford going out to eat. Also, it is quite possible that while you’re starting out you will have to work on Saturdays and may need something quick & easy (and hopefully healthy).
So this lovely bowl of mush at the top is my solution! They are my *next day* chocolatey oats. I made extra oats yesterday and had to figure something out for these.
How To:
1/2 cup of oats (your choice, i’m not fancy)
1 cup of water
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 packet of stevia (i use the Truvia brand)
A dash of almond milk
A handful of blueberries
Half a banana
First, cook oats per instructions. Times can vary depending on the type of oats you are using. Then add the cocoa powder and stevia. Cook until it is all mixed together. Add almond milk. Cook for another 30 seconds or so. Serve. Top with blueberries and banana.
Although oatmeal is not the most aesthetically pleasing meal on Earth, it does the trick. This is certainly a good alternative to those sugary cereals we grew accustomed to loving in our youth. Try different flavors and fruits and soon you will become a believer…promise.
Do any of you have oatmeal recipes that help curb those cravings for sweets?
I know it’s August and fitness goals are so January…. BUT i’m going to post this anyway…HA! History lesson first! In the past year an a half i’ve lost forty pounds through working out at the gym, brief spurts of “insanity” workouts and boxing lessons. I still have a bit of a ways to go and seeing as I haven’t lost any weight in the past few months (lazy summers and all…) i’ve decided to invest in a personal trainer.
Now, I am in no way able to afford one of those fancy trainers who plan out your life and work with you every day. Instead, I invested in the personal training package at LA Fitness. I will say that in the first 35 minute complementary session – I sweat about twice as much as I do on my own and felt INCREDIBLY sore the next day.
The cost is 140/month (in Florida) to work out with a trainer once a week and get a workout plan for the rest of the week. I’ll let you know how it goes as time goes on..but so far, i’m pretty excited to get the last bit of weight off!
Have any of you ever worked out with a trainer?
I like to think of myself as organized (despite what anyone else may tell you). I love lists and find joy in checking things off. Seriously though…checking things off a list has to be the most amazing feeling EVER……
Anyway…here are some of the things that have helped me to become the most efficient version of myself. I hope it helps!
1. Buy (or make) A Planner
Life is hectic in your twenties. You have school or work (or both) and even the most organized person can forget things. I have an adorable Thomas Paul planner from Target and I carry it with me everywhere. I write my school & work schedules, assignments, personal events and bills on there. I cross things off as they are completed and nothing gets missed. I open it every morning and that is how I plan my day. I even write down which friends I have to contact in order to remember.
2. Keep Up With A Budget
I swear, payday is an emotional roller coaster of a day. In the morning, you are checking your bank account and jumping for joy and at night all of your money is gone and you feel depressed. It’s truly mortifying, I know. This is why we must keep a budget. If you haven’t heard of mint.com, you need to go check it out. You can set a budget on there, manage your bank accounts and set financial goals. It’s the financial planner for those of us who can barely pass algebra.
3. Network, Network, Network!
For some, getting to know new people is exciting. For others, this simple exchange is daunting. Either way, you need to get yourself out there. Being a young adult allows you the opportunity to ask for advice from virtually anyone and get a yes 90% of the time. Older professionals remember being in your shoes and feel honored to be considered a mentor. You also never know when those connections will come in handy. It might be tomorrow, next year, or never…but it’s better to have them than to not.
4. Find Time To Be Alone
I swear i’m not trying to contradict myself….really. Socializing is important. You need friends and mentors. That doesn’t take away from the fact that you NEED alone time. In your twenties, you are being pulled in 80 directions at a time. Give yourself a whole day (or half a day) each week to be alone. Put your phone on silent and essentially enjoy time alone. Do whatever you want but be alone. I can’t stress how important this is and how much you miss it when you skip it. You need to focus on your own thoughts and feelings…this is the way to do it.
5. Travel!
You are young, energetic and often times committed to no one but yourself. See the world! Work hard all year, and visit one new place on your yearly vacation. Even if you are in a committed relationship (I am), travel together! If you have kids, take a shorter trip – BUT GO. If they’re old enough, take them along. No book will do the justice that seeing the world for yourself can. Give up some luxuries and look up discounts. It’s worth it. Go book a trip…NOW. (I’m working to better myself in this aspect)
6. Keep A Journal
Because we’re 12 and want to talk about our crush on Justin Timberlake. Just kidding…I don’t do that….often. But seriously, write your thoughts. Have you ever gone on a rant and then immediately felt better? Me too. The problem is, I often wished I could take back those words. The great thing about journaling is that your thoughts are kept private, and you can even look back in the near future to find possible room for improvement. It’s free therapy for those of us who spent our shrink money on pizza and beer.
7. Watch What You Do Online
As mature as we may think we are, others don’t always see us that way. Always prove them wrong. Have all the fun you want, but leave no trace. Be conservative about what you say online and stay away from club pictures. Don’t give anyone a reason to underestimate you professionally.
8. Be A Renaissance Woman
Read books, watch tutorials, seek knowledge in any way possible. Know a little bit about everything. Make sure you can hold a conversation and know where to turn when you are confused. It helps you in every aspect of your life to be able to hold a conversation. It also keeps you away from awkward situations or issues with people trying to take advantage of you. Here’s a tip…whenever someone brings up a topic you are unfamiliar with, write it down (this girl and her lists…) and go home and do a bit of research. Everyone will take you more seriously and you will learn about topics you never even thought would interest you.
9. Do It Yourself
Learn to change your oil, cook and make things by hand. It will save you a tremendous amount of money and it will make you self-sufficient. I can’t tell you how many times my car has broken down and i’ve been able to get it back up and running without seeking the help of some creep standing on the street. Pinterest is amazing, btw.
10. Do What You Want, But Hurt No One
So Cliche, right? But this is my rule when a friend asks me for advice on a complicated issue. Is this what you really want? Are you hurting anyone (this includes yourself) in the process? Ask yourself these questions. Put things into perspective and it will help you make better decisions while still allowing yourself to experience what it is you want.
Now go on…make mistakes. Live life to the fullest, but do so intelligently. Fall down and get back up. [insert 50 more cliche’s here]…
❤
Caffeinated 20s 