A Little Preview of the Weekend

 

-xoxo

Tempt of Springtime

Tempt of Springtime by worrellb on Polyvore.com

I'm currently "vacationing" (road-tripping to the Dub!)...for the weekend, anyways. Hey, I'll take what I can get :) Spring Break is finally here for me...although for most people, it hasn't started yet. Maybe our early SB has to do with our last day of classes being April 12th?! Crazy how time flies. Regardless, enjoy the semi-warm weather that we're having and get inspired with some Spring fashion!

-xoxo

Ideal Spring Break

One of the biggest events in college is actually something that doesn't even take place at college. What am I talking about? Spring Break, of course. It seems like the majority of students head due South for some warm, sunny weather during their week-long break...since SB is usually in March, its a little bit necessary to head far South in order to find some warm weather!


I've only been somewhere "tropical" on Spring Break one time, on an Eastern Caribbean cruise...and it was amazing. What I'd give to go back right now....ah. I honesty don't know what's stopping me from going on a trip every year...if you get enough people together, its really inexpensive! (Maybe not a cruise, necessarily...but a hotel room on the FL coast isn't too much!). Well, I figured out what it is this year that's keeping me from traveling somewhere warm: my Spring Break is a week earlier than pretty much every other college or law school in the country...and all my friends are still in school. That's no fun!

To keep my sanity (because, Lord knows law school makes you crazy)...I'm headed down South to Wilmington for a long weekend. Sure, the temperature is about the same as it is here in Coastal VA, but there's just something about that place that always makes me happy. I've already decided I'm going to live there one day...and even picked out the beach house on Wrightsville Beach that I intend to buy...haha.

In an ideal world (where my friends and I were (a) rich and (b) had the same Spring break), I would choose to go to any of these places, in no particular order:
1. St. Thomas-I've been here once, and I'd go back in a heartbeat. LOVED every minute of it...perfect beaches, temperatures, gorgeous island!

Picture I took of Magen's Bay...doesn't even do it justice.

 

 

 

2. Puerto Rico-Been here too...but I was on a cruise and only had a few hours to explore. There's so much culture here. Not to mention a rainforest, amazing Sangria, and great nightlife! Oh yeah, and pretty beaches.

3. Punta Canta, Dominican Republic-Never been here, but everyone I know who's been to the DR has loved it!

4. Antigua-Always wanted to go here...don't worry, I will one day ;)

Clearly I want to go somewhere tropical and nowhere else. Of all the places I could go on Spring Break, I'd rather choose sun, warm weather, and beaches. Its only a week, and I just want to: relax, get a tan, have fun, party, and take pretty pictures. Obviously.

Where are you going on Spring Break? Where would you LIKE to go on Spring Break if there were no limitations?

-xoxo

ABCs...AKA, More Than You Ever Wanted To Know

A. Age: 21 (but not for much longer...what kind of age is 22? boring.)

B. Bed size: Full

C. Chore you hate: Well, I always put off cleaning the bathroom until its so dirty you can't tell the counter is white marble, so........

D. Dogs: Love them! I have a (very evil) Chihuahua and a Lab. Next up, I want a Chocolate Lab puppy!

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. I'm no good without it! Oh yeah and catching up on celeb gossip. Gotta keep on top of the important things in life.

F. Favorite color: Green

G. Gold or silver: Silver all the way.

H. Height: 5' 8"

I. Instruments you play: None. My mom tried to entice me to play piano....but I gave up after a few months.

J. Job title: Right now, Group Fitness Instructor. I have an excuse: I'm still in law school. haha.

K. Kids: Not for a very long time. Or as I always tell my family: never. Kidding, of course!

L. Live: VA. If I ever left, it would have to be for an even more Southern state...

M. Mom’s name: Tricia

N. Nicknames: Britt, Red, Spritsy...that's a dad-created nickname. Don't ask.

O. Overnight hospital stays: None.

P. Pet peeve: Bad breath. Ohhh and don't get me started on bad drivers. Have you ever heard the term "beating a dead horse?" Yes, I will do such a thing when I'm talking about bad drivers. Can't shut me up!

Q. Quote from a movie: "So it's not gonna be easy. It's going to be really hard; we're gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me... everyday."- from The Notebook. Yes, cliche and overused. But to me, it represents what a true relationship is all about!

R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: None!

T. Time you wake up: Depending on the day, 7:00am to 8:30am.

U. Underwear: A little TMI...

V. Vegetables you dislike: Cabbage. I like just about every other vegetable, though!

W. What makes you run late: If anything, traffic. I don't like to be late!

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Chest, teeth...I think thats it.

Y. Yummy food you make: Anything that I can bake. I'm a baker, but not a "chef." My specialty are my Chocolate Chip cookies ;)

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Hmm...do they have kangaroos at the zoo?

Make-Up Favorites

Admittedly, I wear some make-up almost every day. At night and on the weekends, if I'm home, I don't...but I'd say 3/4 of the time I do. Its mostly just habit now...I remember when I was really young, I was always into beauty products...but I wasn't allowed to wear it out in public until I was about 13 (I think...). My make-up style and routine has changed over the years, but one thing is for sure...if I had to choose one product to use every day, it would be mascara, hands down! If there is one way you can perk up your face, mascara is it. It instantly causes people to focus in on your pretty eyes, and prevents your face from being "washed out" which is every girl's worst nightmare, right?!

Having said all that, I do have a routine that I follow almost religiously every morning. I got hooked on using Bare Minerals makeup a little over a year ago, and I was so impressed by how even it made my skin tone that I don't plan to ever stop using it...unless something better happens to come along ;)

Here are the products I use daily, in order:
1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Clear Scrub, $7.99

2. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer, $34.00

3. Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer, $21.00

4. Almay Clear Complexion Concealer & Line-Smoothing Under-Eye Concealer, $9.99 each

5. Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation, $25.00

6. Bare Minerals Warmth All-Over Face Color, $18.00

7. Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, $19.00

8. NARS Blush in Orgasm (Naughty name...pretty color!), $27.00

9. Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara, $7.99

10. Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner, $4.49

11. Almay Intense i-color Trio, $5.00

Okay, now that we've established that I'm high-maintenance...I definitely recommend all of these products if you're looking for something new to add to your beauty routine! ;)

-xoxo

Race Review: VIFL 14k

Last Saturday (February 12), I ran the VA Is For Lovers 14k in Virginia Beach. This is the second year I've run it...and both times there was snow on the ground. Kind of unusual for Hampton Roads, if you're familiar with this area!

I really enjoy this race and the distance (8.67 miles) is perfect if you're in the process of training for a Spring half-marathon (Shamrock, anyone?). The course is in a good location. The majority of the race is on paved roads, but there are parts that take you on sidewalks and dirt and rock paths. Overall, its an easy race to run...very flat course. But you would expect that in this area ;)


There were at least three water and Gatorade stops along the course, and a stop for Valentine's candy about 2/3 of the way into the race. There were plenty of inspirational and cute love quotes along the way, and all of the volunteers were so friendly and helpful. There are DJs playing music all along the course, so if you don't use your iPod, there's something fun to listen to at certain points!

I waited until race morning to pick up my race packet. I don't recommend it, though-traffic in Virginia Beach is horrendous on race mornings...at any race! Even though I was running behind getting my race bib, it was set up efficiently and it took about 5 seconds to grab it and head to the start line. Another plus of this race: it starts at 9am! That seems really late compared to most races...if you don't live in Virginia Beach, you appreciate being able to sleep in a little bit :)

J&A Racing always puts on good races, so I was not disappointed! They give great race swag, too. I always find that the cost of the race is worth it. This year, we got a long-sleeved tech T, a finisher's medal, a pint glass with VIFL logo, gloves with VIFL logo, and women received a flower at the finish line. Also included in the race entry are two free Yuengling beers and food from Moe's.

Overall, I give this race a 9 out of 10. Both years I've run it, I've always had a good time and the atmosphere is great. Its pretty neat running through the Virginia Beach Amphitheater, too...especially if you usually only see it during concert season! I say, give it a try if you haven't done this race before :)

-xoxo

A Day Like Today...

On a day like today, I'd love to just lay outside (preferably at the beach...) and relax. But alas, I'm sitting in Starbucks...trying to write a paper. And blog, obviously ;) At least Starbucks is one of my favorite places...


On a day like today, I need:


1. The beach

2. Sunglasses
 

 













3. Starbucks...you're talking to an addict right here ;)

4. Music

5. And a cute outfit, obviously...

-xoxo

Warm Weather Fashion

Warm Weather Fashion by worrellb featuring a polka dot tote

The weather is going to be so nice this week. 81 degrees on Friday...in February?! Now if I only had a tan....

-xoxo

Faith

Please support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-Isaiah 41:10

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

-Psalm 147:3

-xoxo

Psalm 23.

Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Today may be the most difficult day my family has faced, but there is comfort in knowing God always has a plan for our lives and He is always there for all of us.

-xoxo 

Favorite Romantic Movies

I'm really not the romantic, sappy type of person in any way....but I do love me some romantic movies! There are so many good ones that I've always had a hard time choosing one clear favorite. I don't know if anyone noticed, but back in January, Titanic was on TV almost every night?! Yeah, I watched it every time I saw that it was on. It got me thinking...if I were to pick my favorite movie based on the number of times I've seen it and how many lines I can quote from it, Titanic would be a clear winner. And in close second, Sweet Home Alabama. People don't even like watching these movies with me anymore because I quote the entire movie while I'm watching!

Here's a list of ALL of my favorite romantic movies:

• Titanic
• Sweet Home Alabama
• The Notebook
• A Walk to Remember
• My Best Friend's Wedding
• The Wedding Date

I saw an article on Self.com that had poll results of readers' favorite romantic movies. I wasn't completely surprised with the results, since two of my favorites showed up in this Self poll! Here are the results:
1. Titanic (27%)
2. The Notebook (20%)
3. You've Got Mail (12%)
4. When Harry Met Sally (11%)
5. The Proposal (9%)

What do you think of these results...are they surprising to you? What are your favorite romantic movies?

-xoxo

Who Wants To Be A Vegan?

I've considered living a vegan lifestyle quite a few times over the past few years. I absolutely would not have a problem with this...I love fresh foods and could care less if I ate meat. I actually go days without eating any sort of animal product and don't even realize it. The biggest obstacle for me is the fact that I moved back home after college and while I attend law school. See, last Spring when I was living in my townhouse, I always cooked for myself and ate extremely healthy foods. I still eat healthy at home at least 95% of the time, but my family eats meat and dairy products. I would really like to experiment more with vegetarianism and eventually veganism, but I would have to make a huge commitment by cooking all of my own meals!

I've been seeing Oprah's "Vegan For A Week" idea all over the blog world, and I see a lot of people have jumped on the bandwagon. I haven't done enough research yet, but soon I would like to experiment with it. I love to cook, and I love living a healthy lifestyle. And I know that "healthy" does not mean you have to be a vegan or vegetarian. That's just what I think would be healthy for me.

Did you know that Americans eat an average of 197 LBS of meat per year?! And that the average American consumes 70 more lbs. per year than we did a century ago? Another interesting fact: on average, non-meat eaters live 6-10 years longer than meat eaters. Crazy! I found all of this info on Oprah's website.

Have you tried a vegetarian or vegan diet? What did you like or dislike about it?


-xoxo

Sweet Mood

When I need to cheer up, I like to bake. Does anyone else do that?! For me, cooking is therapeutic...and by cooking, I clearly mean baking sweets. My expertise is pretty much limited to baking cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. I don't do a lot of actual cooking, unless it involves tofu. Weird, I know.


Well, today was one of those baking days...and I totally just made this stuff up as I went along. I thought it turned out okay, but the real test is getting other people to try it. After all, I'm the girl who loves tofu and protein bars that have that protein "taste" to them...you protein bar eaters know what I mean. My family....ehh, we don't all have the same food preferences. So we'll see how these sweets go over ;)

I started with Black Bean Brownies. I saw a can of black beans and got inspired...I've read a lot about these brownies on different blogs and I've always been curious about how they taste. So I created my own recipe as I went along.....and I think they're edible. Good enough for me. haha. The only thing that would have made them better would be more sweetness. The cocoa powder made them a little bitter!

 

Then...because baking one thing is never enough, I decided to bake something else...not like we needed more sweets around the house or anything. Again, I just threw things together...I tend to do that a lot. Luckily, these turned out pretty good. Like a cross between a cookie bar and blond brownies. I added dried cranberries, walnuts, and butterscotch chips to the batter...really added to the flavor. And calories. haha ;)

Luckily for me, I am not much for eating desserts...so I can bake all day long and not worry about being tempted to stuff myself! The only downside to baking is this:

-xoxo

What's On Your List?

I'm such a dreamer...I can daydream all day about things that I have to do, plan to do, want to do. Am I the only one who feels this way? I doubt it, but I know that a lot of people are much more practical than I am. Sometimes I throw "practical" out the window, and allow my dreams to take over. The key is knowing when to be realistic and when to reach for your dreams! The aspirations that I have are what keep me going...if I have something to look forward to, or something I want to achieve, I get a boost of determination to reach for those things.

Admittedly, some of those things are materialistic. I know, I know...materialism is not all its cracked up to be. But I think it's human nature to have a desire for material things at some point. Truthfully though, the older I've gotten, the more emphasis I place on desiring more important things, like having incredible experiences independently AND with family & friends. I've gotten a much clearer perspective as of late, since I've seen family and friends go through tough situations and experienced some of those situations myself. I was flipping though the TV channels the other day, and came across The Bucket List. Ah, yes, the cliche bucket list.....I honestly was not a huge fan of this movie when I saw it the first time, but I really do like the concept of thinking of and listing things you hope to do in your lifetime. As a self-proclaimed "dreamer", I have thrown the idea back and forth of making my own bucket list. Likewise, as a self-proclaimed procrastinator, I have not made that list yet......haha.

I tend to think about things on a whim, so I plan to start this list by keeping a pen & paper in my purse and writing down things as they enter my mind. We'll see how this goes.....I have a few things I can think of off the top of my head:

• Backpack through Europe
• Run a marathon
• Own a Range Rover [Told you I had materialistic dreams.......haha]
• Become a successful attorney
• Live in California
• Have a beach house near Wilmington, NC [So much for not being materialistic ;)]
• Write a book

This is just a sampling of many, many things I plan to do in my lifetime....what kind of things would you put on your list???

-xoxo

Weekend Inspiration

Inspiration by worrellb featuring blue tops
Meeting a friend for lunch or coffee? Running errands? Shopping? Here's an outfit that is versatile and can be worn pretty much anywhere!

-xoxo