Office Space Styling

I have been working extra hours from home lately.  The problem is I live in a small condo, so finding space to do my work has been difficult.  I often find myself bouncing around from dining room table, to couch, to bed, etc.  I decided enough was enough and I needed to find somewhere to set my laptop and do work in space I felt comfortable in.  Not only would this space be great for working from home, but it would also be a creative space for me to work on blog posts.

I have been souring pinterest for ideas on how to make a great work area with very little space.  I decided my space had to meet three qualities if I was going to feel comfortable in it:

1. Small but effective - I don't have a lot of space to work with, so making sure I have everything I need while not being over-cluttered is very important.

2. Inspirational - I love to have inspirational quotes all around me to keep me motivated and working hard.

3. Stylish - If I want to embrace my creativity, I need to style the space so that it fits my personality and looks beautiful as well.

After hours of Pinteresting, here are a couple of photos I found as inspiration for my work area.

photo credit: Homey Oh My! 

 

 photo credit: Style Me Pretty

photo credit: Pearls&Pastries on Instagram

I decided to put together some of the pieces I have been eying up for my work area.  I want it to be feminine, but professional.  I love using the colors mint and gold together, but I think a little bit of pink will add some brightness and cheer to the mix.

1. Quoted coffee mug - I drink a lot of coffee while I work.  It keeps me going.  I love this mug because it not only helps keep me caffeinated, but it also makes me feel important with the "like a boss" quote.

2. Fun notepads - I am constantly writing down notes and ideas while I work.  I love these Kate Spade notepads because they double as a functional item as well as a decor item with the cute covers!

3. Mouse pad - I must have a mouse while I work.  I cannot stand the track pad on lap tops so I always have a wireless mouse and mouse pad handy.   Zazzle has a lot of really cute and affordable options for mouse pads.

4. Desk Organizer - I always seem to collect a lot of desk nick-nacks such as pens, highlighters, scissors, etc.  This desk organizer by Nate Berkus from Target fits well with my work space style.

5. Flowers - Every space needs some flowers.  You can always count on One Kings Lane to deliver on the faux flower department.

6. File Folders - I always go through tons of folders.  These mint colored folders from Nate Berkus for Target are a perfect way to ad some style to an otherwise boring desk accessory.

7. Pens - forget the normal black and blue ink.  Opt for these gold and silver gel pens from PaperSource to add some flare to your notes.

8. Printed wall art -  I recently came across this cute Etsy shop, FashionandFeathers, from a fellow blogger, and you have to check this stuff out!  She has the cutest wall prints.  I love this #WorkIt print for some quick motivation.

I will definitely be posting pictures once the final product is complete... so stay tuned!

Friday Favorites: Spring Pastels

Happy Friday everyone! Well we made if through the first full week of spring; although it sure hasn't felt like it.  Even though the weather has not been the best here in the Northeast, I have been dreaming of spring and pastel colors all week!  My favorite clothing season is definitely fall, but I love all the colors that come with spring collections.  It gives me the opportunity to experiment with colorful outfits and new textures.  Here are some of the items I have been lusting over this week:

1. JCrew jeweled statement necklace // 2.Chicwish midi lace skirt // 3. Zara city bag // 4. Vince Nude peep-toe booties // 5. JCrew mint Carrie Cami // 6. Kate Spade jeweled earrings via Saks Fifth Avenue // 7. H&M Textured wool coat

Welcome Spring with Lavender Cupcakes

First of all, happy spring!  This winter has seemed like it has lasted an eternity.  I am so ready to shed the layers and start wearing open-toed shoes and short sleeves.  I am so sick of bundling up and wearing boots everywhere I go.

Anyway, I know I have been on a little bit of a blogging hiatus lately, but work has been super crazy these past couple of weeks.  My normal schedule has been wake up, go to work, go to the gym, come home and do more work.  I think things are finally going to slow down a little bit, so I can concentrate a little more on blogging again.  I have felt like something has been missing for the past couple of weeks, and I think that void has been all of you guys!  I figured I would welcome myself back with a new cupcake recipe.  Because this week marks the first full week of spring, I thought I would share a floral recipe.  Ever since I introduced myself to pinterest, I have been eying up these Lavender & Honey cupcakes.

I decided to make my own version of the cupcakes.  I decided to make Lavender cupcakes with a honey frosting topped with lemon zest.  I modified the cupcake recipe slightly, but I didn't want to make a cream cheese frosting, so I made more of a honey buttercream.   The lemon zest on top was the perfect addition to give the cupcake some zing (if that's a word).  Overall, I was very happy with how this cupcake turned out!  So perfect for spring! The taste was very refreshing, and they were not too heavy or overly sweet.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/4 cup sugar
3 eggs (2 yolks, 1 whole)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons lavender extract (found at Sur La Table)
2/3 cup cold milk
red & blue food coloring (optional)

For the frosting:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup honey

Topping:
2 lemons to zest

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 ° and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.

In an electric mixer, cream room temperature butter and sugar together.  Add in your eggs, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract. If you are using food coloring, you can add it in here.

In a separate bowl, mix your flour, baking soda and salt.  Slowly add your dry ingredients to your butter and sugar mixture, making sure to keep your electric mixer on a slow-medium speed while you do so.

Lastly, stir in your milk and lavender extract.  Fill your lined muffin tins about 3/4 of the way and cook for about 20-24 minutes.  Ovens tend to vary slightly in temperature, so make sure you check towards the end of the timer with a toothpick.  Once the toothpick comes out clean, your cupcakes should be done.  Be sure not to overcook, otherwise they will become dry and crumbly.  Let cool for about an hour before frosting.

To make the frosting, start with room temperate butter and cream on a medium-high speed for about 3 minutes.  Slowly add in your powdered sugar a little at a time.  Once the sugar and butter are well mixed, add in your honey and heavy whipping cream.  Put into a piping tube and frost with your favorite tip!

Lastly, zest two lemons over top of your cupcakes.  Not only does this add some great flavor, but it also looks pretty and adds some color to the top of your cupcakes. 

 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!!  I just got back from vacation on Wednesday and you have no idea how hard it was to come back to cold, snowy weather.  Take me back to sunny Cancun, please!  Luckily our flight was able to land, but yesterday we got bombarded with about 8 inches of snow.  I am so ready for spring and this winter weather to be over.

Since I had a snow day yesterday I did a lot of online browsing.  It was so hard not to with all of the great sales.  Shopbop has 25% off with code BIGEVENT15 and Francesca's has B1G1 50% off almost everything.  Here are some of the things I was lusting over yesterday as I did some "window shopping".

1. DANNIJO iPhon 6 case via ShopBop // 2. Bauble Bar ear crawlers // 3. Rebecca Minkoff Leo Clutch in winter mint via ShopBop // 4. "I love coffee" mug via Francesca's Collection // 5. Rachel Zoe Inigo Flat Sandals via ShopBop // 6. Two piece sheath dress via ShopBop  // 7. LuLu's Floral midi skirt // 8. Adriana Orsini pave snake cuff via Saks Fifth Avenue

Vacation Essentials

Happy Friday, everyone!  I am so happy the week is finally coming to an end, especially because I leave for vacation this weekend.  I will finally be heading out of the icy cold and into the warm sun!  It could not come at a better time. 

Since this will be my first vacation in several years, I had a lot of stocking up to do.  I may have went a little overboard, but hey, you got to look good on vacation, right?  Anyway, here are some of my essentials for the big trip! 

1.  high neck swim suite - Top Shop  // 2. Fun sandals - Target // 3. Floppy hat - Francescas // 4. Brightly printed shorts - H&M // 5. Tribal statement necklace - Bebe // 6. Romber cover-up - H&M // 7. Canvas beach tote - Jonathan Adler via Nordstrom // 8 Good book (see below!) // 9. New Shades - Tory Burch

One of the number one things I am looking forward to doing on this vacation is catching up on some good reading, and it just so happens that Joey over at Hodgespodges is selling her e-book for only $1.99 this week!  She is such a fabulous writer, as showcased on her blog, so I am sure the book is going to be just as great.

From now until February 28th, you can get her book on Amazon for $1.99!  So head on over and use this opportunity to catch up on some good reading as well!  She is such a great writer, so please share this post with your friends as well and support this amazing blogger!

8 Tips for Running in the Cold

This time of year is the worst for runners, especially if you are living in the Northeast.  It's cold, snowy, icy and dark the majority of the day. Now is the time to start training for spring marathons, so I want to know who thought it would be a great idea to make all these runs in the spring? 

I signed up for my 6th half marathon on May 3rd.  If I want to be ready in time, I need to start training now.  Unfortunately the weather has not been in my favor.  Last year was not any better with the polar vortex messing with my training runs.  However, I was motivated and determined to finish the training.  I began to research the best ways for keeping warm and searched running blogs for tips  from other runners.  I ended up surviving my winter training, but with the help of these affective tips:

 1.  Layer up   

 Layer, layer, layer.  Dressing appropriately can really make or break a run, whether it's 82 degrees or 28.   When it's as cold as it has been here in the Northeast, you can't rely on your body keeping you warm once you get going.  Wear as many layers that will allow you still have room to move.

2. Choose sweat wicking material 

Don't wear cotton as your number one layer.  It absorbs the sweat and once the cotton gets wet, it will give you a very unwanted chill.  Choose technical material, think Under Armer sweat wicking materials.

3. Keep your head/ ears covered 

Because heat escapes quickly from your head and ears, keep them covered.

4. Take care of your extremities 

Your hands, ears and nose are very susceptible to frostbite because they don't tend to have a lot of fat or muscle in them, so keep them covered.  They will be the first parts on your body to get cold.

5. Wear bright colors 

Because we see less daylight this time of the year, chances are you are going to need to train in the dark.  Make sure you are seen by wearing bright and fluorescent colors.  You also want to stay out of secluded areas.  You never want to run in the woods or on a secluded road at night.

6. Pick a buddy 

 It's always easier to stay motivated when you are running with a buddy.  Not only that, it's always a great idea to have someone by your side in case something happens.

7. Stay connected 

Bring your phone along with you.  If you were to slip and fall on ice, begin feeling the affects of frostbite, or find yourself in a dangerous situation, you want to have your phone handy to call home of 911.

8. Don't take chances 

If you think it's too cold or icy to run, don't do it.  You always want to be prepared, and if you think you may not be, than don't run.  Trust me, the run is not worth injuring yourself. 

Eva Franco for Lover.ly

If you don't know Eva Franco's designs, you should. Her collections can be found in stores like Anthropologie and Modcloth. The detail that goes into her vintage-feel designs are impeccable and like no other. Eva Franco scours the world for unique fabrics and textures to inspire her collections that are made for the everyday girl.

I am happy to announce that her designs are now available in the form of bridal!  Brought to you by Lover.ly, Eva's dresses are a unique spin on pieces made for your special day.  The best part?  They are super affordable.

What I love about the collection is that you can clearly see all the detail and texture that has gone into these designs.  I love that she has not only included dresses, but also two piece suites and jump suites.  With these unique pieces, you can really create the vision for your perfect day.

I love the idea of a two piece dress for you and your bridesmaids.  One of my absolute favorite pieces from the collection is this gorgeous, two -piece dress.  Even though it's white, I would love to see this as part of a wedding party.  Just look at the detail within the fabric!  How can you not be obsessed with this crop top/skirt combo?

I also cannot help but be obsessed with this jumpsuit!  Navy is the color of the season, and your bridal party will be so comfortable in this unique alternative to a bridesmaid dress.  I mean seriously... how can you not be in love with the idea a jumpsuit for the big day?  The collection even has an amazing white one that would be perfect for changing into for the reception!

Lastly, my absolutely favorite piece of the collection is this fabulous two-piece.  The texture is definitely something to be said for in itself.  It would be perfect for a boho reception or elopement in Paris.

This collection is not just for bridal parties.  At such a great price point, these dresses also make great cocktail dresses.  Check out Eva Franco's new collection at Lover.ly.com.