Wordless Wednesday: New Hair!

Back to School: My Morning Routine

Back to school is such a hectic time, and one of my biggest struggles with going back is getting back on a normal sleep schedule. After months of long, late summer nights, shifting back to getting up early can seem like a monumental task. One of the best ways to combat this, and really just to be more organized and efficient all year, is to create and follow a routine for your morning. For me, this really cuts down the time it takes to get ready since pretty much every step is already planned out for me, and I can go from one thing to the other without having to put too much thought into it.

Here's a glimpse into my typical morning routine:

• 5:00- Wake Up
• Shower
• Throw on some cozy clothes
• Do my makeup, with my hair wrapped in a towel
• Catch up on blogs, email, youtube, etc. (usually while I'm doing my makeup...)
• Blow dry and style hair
• Eat breakfast
• Put on my outfit for the day
• Accessorize
• 6:50 Collect my phone, iPod, house key, wallet, lip product for the day, etc.
• Double check that my backpack is organized and ready for the day
• Take my lunch out of the fridge
• Make tea, coffee, etc., or grab a water bottle
• 7:15 Hop in the car and drive to school!

Of course, this routine varies depending on what time I get up and if I have any additional tasks to accomplish in the morning, but this is generally what I end up doing.

The most important thing about creating a morning routine is finding a pattern that makes the most out of your time and helps you to feel calm, prepared, and ready to start your day!

Back to School: What's in my Backpack?

It's hard to believe, but my senior year of high school begins in just over two weeks! I know so many of you are also about to go back, or have just started, so I figured I'd better get my butt in gear and get started with some back to school videos. My plan is to start with this general overview of what I take to school with me, then go into specifics, so here is part 1 of my back to school series, all about

What's in my Backpack!

Correction: It's the Deluxe backpack, not the Super Deluxe. Sorry about that!

In the video, I mentioned my "How-To: Preppy Monogrammed Binder Cover" post- definitely go check that out if you're looking to spice up your binders a little bit this school year!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Once again this week I'm linking up with Jamie at This Kind of Love for

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

I'm loving that I got a fabulous tan at the beach last week! I am not a fake bake kind of girl, but I love having natural color to my skin!

I'm loving that there is officially less than 3 weeks until school starts! I can't wait to get the ball rolling with senior year and get back on a consistent schedule!

I'm loving that my third set of senior portrait proofs came in and they (finally) look great! I have my favorite picked out and now all we have to do is order- I definitely plan on doing a reveal post when it comes in!

I'm loving my new cartilage piercing! As I mentioned in my vacation post, I'd been thinking about doing it for a while, and decided to just go for it! I knew I wanted to have it done with a needle instead of a gun, and there were quite a few tattoo and piercing shops around, so I shopped around and got it done.

Right after I had it pierced

I'm loving Pinterest so much. Seeing everything and grouping everything into my own categories never fails to inspire me and give me great new ideas! It is definitely a great way to spark your creativity! Check out my profile or let me know if you want an invite!

What are you loving this week?

Lunchtime Love: Pita Crisps!

Back to school time is quickly approaching, and one thing that's one my mind? Lunch. I hate school food. Like, would not touch it with a 39-and-one-half foot pole hate. Therefore, I'm always looking for tasty, healthy new options to brown bag take in my tres adorable VB lunchbox to school. 

While perusing this months issue of Seventeen, I came across an idea that looked both tasty AND super do-able for school: toasted pita!

I decided to put my own spin on their idea, so here's my recipe for homemade, healthy pita crisps!

1. Cut one whole pita (I used whole wheat) in half. Put one half away.

2. Cut the other half in half, and then in half again, to make 4 triangles.

3. Since pita is inherently doubled on itself, each of the 4 traingles can be cut on their crease to make 8 single crisps.

4. Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat. If it isn't Teflon coated, spray it lightly with olive oil.

5. Spray one side of each crisp lightly with olive oil.

6. Lightly sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 on the other side of each crisp, leaving out the garlic.

8. Place the crisps four at a time onto the hot frying pan, flipping midway through, until they are golden brown.

9. Serve with a side of salsa and lots of fresh veggies!

Here's one way I ate mine this week:

The great thing about homemade is that you can tailor this recipe to what you like- don't be afraid to mix it up and try all different seasonings and sauces for your crisps!

Happy Lunching!

My Fall Fashion Must-Haves!

Wow. This is my first post in over a week- so sorry ladies! It's been a hectic week, and tomorrow I'm headed off to the beach for a few days so I won't be posting much this week either (although I'm thinking of leaving a scheduled post...), but here's a little something I've been wanting to do for a while:

August is officially upon us. While some of us have over a month left and some just a few weeks, it is an undeniable fact that Summer 2011 will soon come to a close. But don't fret, because that just means my absolute favorite season is just around the corner: Autumn! There are so many things I love about Autumn- the crisp air and chilly weather, Halloween, going to a local orchard with friends, getting back into a school schedule, and, of course, getting back into all my fall clothes!

Here are a few of my fall must-haves that every lady should have in her closet:

A black turtleneck

A long sleeve, black turtleneck is the perfect combination of function and fashion. Not only will it keep you toasty warm, but it super easy to accessorize. I love to wear it with a statement necklace or bright scarf, and the black will match practically any color you choose! I have some from Target that I love, and they're a steal at only about $10 each!

Leggings

Leggings are definitely a staple in my wardrobe- I probably wear them more than I wear jeans or jeggings. They keep your legs warmer and are more comfortable with jeans. They look great with tons of different types of shoes, from flats to boots to pumps. I buy mine at Modell's because I've found that athletic leggings look and fit very similiar to the ones you'd find in a clothing store, but are so much more durable.

Jeggings

So many people hate on leggings, but I have to say I am a believer. I actually find jeans really uncomfortable, so jeggings give me the look of wearing jeans, but I end up being much more comfortable. Don't get me wrong, some are hideous- too much legging, not enough jean, but I've found that the secret to the perfect jegging is for them to be just a little more jean than legging. I love the pair that I got from Target, and at only $20, you can't go wrong!

Little Black Flats

Black flats are like the infamous "little black dress", but for your feet. They're a super versatile, classic way to complete almost any outfit, and definitely a go-to in my wardrobe. I actually wore out my last pair after only 2 seasons because I wore them so much, but I just scooped up the ones pictured above ( Sperry Top-Sider Women's Ashby Flat) at DSW and I cannot wait to wear them!

Cardigans

Cardigans are a super easy way to mix up your wardrobe. Layering one over a shirt automatically adds more depth and interest to your outfit, without bulking you up. They're also a great way to extend your clothes over multiple seasons- take your favorite summer tank, throw a cardigan over it, and you're set for a crisp fall day! A black one is pretty much a staple since it will go with practically anything, but don't be afraid to mix it up with other colors- I have  pink ones, blue ones, purple ones, etc. and I've found they add an awesome pop of color over a dark top!

What are your must-haves items for Fall?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Hey Everyone!

Today is Wednesday, so of course I'm linking up with Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Here's what I'm loving this week:

I'm loving that tomorrow is my mom's last day of radiation! After that she'll get some meds every few weeks and be on some pills, but the big stuff will be over!

I'm loving summer movies! Last weekend I went to see Friends with Benefits with a few girlfriends and we loved it! This weekend I'm hoping to go see Crazy Stupid Love when it comes out, and then in  August The Help and The Change-Up both look pretty good!

(Seriously, how cute is JT!?)

I'm loving watching Boy Meets World . It's one of my absolute favorite shows from yesteryear and I just picked up season 2 this weekend- I've been watching it nonstop!

I'm loving browsing Pinterest. I haven't requested an account (or however you even do it...) but looking at gorgeous pictures like these is definitely making me think about joining up!

I'm loving that it's almost time to start back to school shopping! Summer is great, but I love the feeling of starting out the year with brand new clothes and supplies, and getting back into a solid routine!

I'm loving "For Audrey" nail polish by China Glaze.

It's really thin, but I this week I finally figured out a way to make it work, and I've been loving it on my nails. 

It's a perfect summer color!

What are you loving this week!?