Bean Boot KeyChain

I found the most exciting thing today…a Bean Boot Key Chain!  Can we talk about how incredibly cute it is??

via bellesbourbonsandbowties, because I like her picture better than mine 🙂

Yesterday I stopped in a thrift store and saw it sitting on a table and instantly freaked out.  It has little tiny laces and it even has the same logos written in the same places on the boot.  I probably won’t use it as an actual key chain because I think it is way too cute for that.  I will more than likely use it as a decoration on my desk at home or put it somewhere in my apartment.  Any suggestions for what I should do with it??

xoxo,

Tiffany

NYC Packing List

In just more than a week I will be heading to NYC with my best friend and favorite travel partner.  We are so similar in our travel styles that it always works out perfectly for us to travel together.  We like to plan ahead, create an itinerary and coordinate outfits with the events we will be doing each day.  I’ve been doing a lot of research for what I need to be packing and how I need to prepare for a winter in NYC, and I’ve gotta tell you, I’m not sure how I am going to fit it all in my suitcase!

via whatsfab.ca

It is going to be really cold, and possibly snowing, and when it is not snowing, it is probably going to be slushy from the melting/salted snow from before.  Either way, a lot of our time will be spent outside, so we need to make sure we dress appropriately.  These are some of my favorite things I will be bringing!

1.  Fleece Lined Tights

Genius.  Really.  Pure genius.  I could not have asked for a better invention for this trip.  I love dresses and skirts, they are so feminine and really make an outfit look that much more well thought out.  I think this will really help with some of the wind and also will enable me to wear some of my most fabulous outfits!

2.  Riding Boots

I bought some riding boots last year at Marshall’s, so they weren’t terribly expensive.  I am definitely planning to wear these, they are comfortable and warm, but I also won’t destroy any of my favorite, expensive shoes.

3.  Booties

Booties are all the rage right now, so they are going to be paired with jeans and possibly with the outfit I’m going to wear to the Broadway show!

4.  Sequins

Somehow, I am going to include sequins in my wardrobe for the weekend.  I have an obsession with sequins and I really think they add something to your outfit.  They can easily go from day to night, which is great for light packing!

5.  Sweaters

I plan to wear my sweaters more than once so I can optimize the space in my suitcase.  I figure the things that are going to be seen the most are my coats and scarves, so it is more worth it to keep space for those.  (this was pointed out to me by my best friend.)

6.  Dresses

I have a couple of dresses I’m going back and forth on to bring.  I want to pack something that can go from day to night with ease so that I can save some space in my suitcase.  I will definitely wear a dress to the Broadway show and when we go out for drinks!

7.  Nail Polish

I absolutely need to bring nail polish to freshen up my polish if it chips or anything.  Enough said.

8.  Outerwear/Accessories

Coats, tights, gloves, scarves, hats, ear warmers, oh my!  I’ll be bringing multiple of each so I can make sure to look fresh each day and have a dry set to wear if I happen to get snowed or rained on the day before!

9.  Dressy Outfit

We’re going to brunch at the Plaza, so I’m going to need something that is ‘business casual,’ which we all know means “Something fabulous” in Tiffany terms.

10.  My Pinterest Board

I made this board to offer some inspiration for what I’m going to be packing.  I’m pretty much aware of the fact that it’s probably going to be a game-time decision, but this board is definitely somewhere for me to start!

Perfect Pillows

When I was shopping at C.Wonder during their huge (what was actually a store closing sale) sale, I bought several feather pillows.  They had no cases on them, but they were a great size and shape.  I bought four square and two small rectangular ones.  I have a pillow obsession, so these were a perfect buy.  I’m really excited to go to fabric shopping to find the perfect material to cover them with.  My apartment is currently really girly, so I want to make sure they tie in while still being flirty and pretty.  I’ve been searching Pinterest for some inspiration, and I’m really loving what I found!

1.  Sequin

via etsy.com

2.  Eyelashes

via popsugar.com

3. Monogrammed

via etsy.com 

4. Furry

via Target.com

5.  State

via cali-lou.com

6.  Lips

via styleathome.com

7.  Sequin Trim

via etsy.com

9.  Pineapple Print

via society6.com

10.  Anchors

via etsy.com

This is a great starting point for when I finally decide to take some time to sew!  Do you have any favorite pillows or patterns?

xoxo,

Tiffany

Finding Joy

Yukon river, Canada by Keith Williams via Flickr

One of my biggest resolutions for the new year is to find joy.  Pure, undeniable joy.  I struggle with getting caught up in the ins and outs of day-to-day life and tend to forget about the big picture.  I let myself get bogged down and upset by things that really don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.  I truly believe joy is something that you feel deep in your soul.  Something that is unshaken by anything.  Sure, you feel sad about things that are sad, but if you really are experiencing true joy then you won’t let it ruin your entire day, week, month, etc.  A lot of this resolution is a product of reading ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’  When I finished it, I became completely determined to find the inner peace that Elizabeth Gilbert found after her year of adventures around the world.  But, I want to find that peace right here at home.

Every day, I take a few minutes to focus on the things that make me happy and I try to hold on to those things throughout the day.  When works gets bad, I press through.  When 5:00 p.m. hits, I leave all the baggage at work, knowing I have plenty of things to look forward to when I get home, i.e. going to the gym, eating dinner (possibly dessert!), talking with friends, spending time with my boyfriend, etc.

Another good point that was made to me by a dear friend is that it takes more energy to be miserable than it does to be happy.  I completely agree.

Do you have a total sense of joy?  How did you get to that point?  Or are you like me, and you’re on your way?!

xoxo,

Tiffany

10 Things Under $10

1.  Anthropologie Mini Candle

I love candles so much and this one is so tiny and the perfect size to tuck away somewhere for when you need a little freshness to add to your home.

2.  Urban Outfitters Reactive Glaze Mug

I really like the texture of this mug.  It is the perfect size, in that you can get all your coffee and creamer in there without feeling like it’s either going to overflow or like you have to fill it up every five minutes.

3.  Pier1 Morning Joe Coffee Scoop

I drink a lot of coffee, so this would be really helpful in my kitchen, not to mention how cute it is.  It would look great hanging on the wall behind my coffee pot.

4.  Forever 21 Ruffle Umbrella

It has been raining in Raleigh a lot lately.  I have three umbrellas and I feel like they have all gotten their fair share of use.  All that to say, I wouldn’t mind adding this frilly, black umbrella to my collection to spice things up.  Plus, it reminds me a little bit of Mary Poppins’ umbrella.

5.  Papyrus Yellow and Pink Bling Pen

Pretty pens are the perfect way to dress up any meeting or occasion.  By having one in your purse, you are always prepared in style.  Think about it, are you more impressed by someone who pulls out a pen from their doctor’s office, or someone who has a pen that is a little bit more fancy and fits their personality?  For me, the answer is clear as day.

6.  Old Navy Faux-Leather Gloves

These gloves are faux-leather, but they look really nice.  The bright red will really brighten an outfit, especially during some of the more dreary winter days.

7.  Gap Mix-Dot Socks

When it’s cold outside, socks get a lot more use.  I feel like I keep seeing the same ones over and over again.  Socks never go out of style and, in my mind, you can never have too many.  They are so fun [and warm] and you can wear them as your fun little secret.

8.  Charming Charlie’s Double Dose Sunglasses

I like the tortoise shell outside with the blue inside.  The pairing is classy, with a hint of edge.  The shape is great, too, as they aren’t too big or too small, so they appeal to a wider range of people.

9.  H&M Bow Key Ring

This little key ring is less than four dollars.  I love bows and the pink color is perfect.  It would make the perfect decoration to brighten up your ordinary key ring, without breaking the bank.

10.  Target 2015 Desktop Calendar

Every time I go to Target I see this calendar and I think about getting it.  Then, I saw it at one of my best friend’s houses and loved it even more outside of the store.  It is pink with gold dots.  To me, it seems very Kate Spade-esque, while still being less than ten dollars.  I may not be able to resist much longer 🙂

I love buying small things that are ten dollars or less and tucking them away for if I ever have a party to go to or need something to give someone who needs a pick-me-up.  I always find such fun things when I am out an about.  I’ve got to say, T.J. Maxx also has some really great finds in their home goods section.  I’m talking jewelry dishes for five dollars and coffee mugs for six.  The options are seemingly endless.

Do you have any favorite items that are less than ten dollars?  Please share!

xoxo,

Tiffany

10 Best Dressed Women at the Golden Globes

I love sitting and watching awards shows where the world’s most famous celebrities walk down the red carpet, showcasing their amazing dresses and hair.  I can’t even begin to imagine how much time goes into getting ready for one of these shows.  As someone who loves fashion, I certainly appreciate the time and energy they put into being ‘Red Carpet Ready,’ but I appreciate it from the comfort of my couch…in my pajamas…with a glass of wine.

I have my top 10 fashion picks from the Golden Globes:

1.  Julianne Moore

instyle.com

I really, really love this dress.  The ombre is perfect, and then when it is paired with sequins and feathers, you couldn’t ask for a more fabulous combo.  Julianne Moore looked absolutely stunning, AND she got Eric Wilson’s vote for best dressed!

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture.

2.  Reese Witherspoon

instyle.com

I love Reese Witherspoon.  Ever since she starred in Legally Blonde as the legendary Elle Woods, she has been at the top of my list of favorite actresses.  I have yet to see a movie with her in it that I didn’t like.  Sure, there were some that made me sad (i.e. Water for Elephants) but her ability to portray characters is flawless.  Speaking of flawless, can we talk about this dress?  The silver goes perfectly with her classic blond hair, creating a timeless look that is perfect for the Red Carpet.

Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein.

3.  Amal Clooney

instyle.com

Hearts broke around the world when George Clooney got married, but I have to say, she is definitely a match for him.  I can’t even be sad that the 53-year-old is no longer a bachelor.  She is absolutely stunning.

Amal Clooney in Dior and Harry Winston jewels.

4.  Jennifer Lopez

instyle.com

I’m not usually one to say that showing a lot of skin looks good, but J. Lo has knocked it out of the park.  She looks incredible, without it being too much.  If someone had described this dress/ensemble to me, I probably would have winced a little bit, but she pulls it off very gracefully.  I also have to make a comment about her shoes.  I’m pretty much obsessed with them.  This style of shoe is definitely on the top of my list for trends of 2015, and I like hers even more because they have some sparkle to them!

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad with Stuart Weitzman shoes.

5.  Kate Hudson

instyle.com

This is a dress that can only be pulled off by Kate Hudson.  I swear, you can’t see any lines or anything.  If I tried to wear something like this, it would be bunching and lining all over the place.  The white looks fabulous on her and I love the cutouts on the side.  Is this Darcy Rhone or what?

Kate Hudson in Versace and Forevermark jewelry.

6.  Amy Adams

instyle.com

Amy Adams has a very traditional, vintage charm about her in this dress.  Especially paired with the hair.  It sort of reminds me of a modern-day spin on fashion from the 1940s.  The ruching and pleats are so flattering and make her look tiny, while still accenting her natural curves.  Also, did you notice that her shoes match?

Amy Adams in a Versace dress and Tiffany & Co. jewels.

7.  Salma Hayek

instyle.com

I love that her dress is white, textured and belted.  I love anything belted, I think it adds a little extra something to any outfit.  And the texture of her dress is perfect, with the cream color being a perfect compliment to her skin tone and hair.  I wonder what’s in her bag?  I’ve also wondered why more celebrities don’t carry bags.  What do they do with all of their stuff?

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen.

8.  Jennifer Aniston

instyle.com

Jennifer Aniston just gets more fabulous with age.  This black dress is incredibly flattering and makes her arms look great!  And again, with the shoe style I love.

Jennifer Aniston in Saint Laurent and Neil Lane jewels.

9.  Greer Grammer

instyle.com

I’ve never seen anything with Greer Grammer in it, but I loved her dress from the moment I saw it.  First, it’s pink.  Second, it’s sparkly.  And third, it is a ballgown.  Really.  I love the dress, and her hair really looks great.  (also, she has a purse too!)

Greer Grammer in Lorena Sarbu.

10.  Leslie Mann

instyle.com

Leslie Mann is quickly rising to the top of my list of favorite actresses.  She is hilarious!  Did anyone see ‘The Other Woman?’  I mean, really.  I could not stop laughing.  Even thinking about it, I’m chuckling.  She seriously rocked the yellow dress, which I know is hard to do.  It could easily go the Big Bird route, but she pulled it off perfectly.  I am also loving the ombre in her hair.

Leslie Mann in a yellow dress and jewelry by Kimberly McDonald.

Did anyone else watch the Golden Globes?  I feel like I should mention George Clooney’s speech and how he included a bit about his wife.  It was really, really sweet and definitely made me have that much more respect for him.

I got all the pictures from InStyle’s Red Carpet Arrival gallery.  You can view the gallery here.  Trust me, it’s worth the ten minutes it’ll take you to scroll through.

xoxo,

Tiffany

5 New Fitness Classes to Try

As part of the Tone it Up Love Your Body Challenge, I make weekly goals for myself.  One of my goals for this week is to try a new exercise class.  I try not to get stuck in a rut of going to the same classes over and over, but I have certain classes that I definitely favor.  I remember last summer when I decided to go to my first Body Pump class.  I was completely terrified and so nervous.  I had no idea what to expect, and I was worried people were going to judge me for not knowing what I was doing, because, trust me, I had no idea what I was doing.  But, it ended up going ok and I really enjoyed it.  Now, I try to go to class whenever I can fit it into my schedule.

Now, I still have a list of classes I have never been to that I would love to try.  I’m a member of Fitness Connection, so they have all kinds of classes included in my monthly membership, so all I have to do is show up.  It’s really humbling because the only thing that is holding me back is myself.  Thus, the goal of trying a new class.

1.  Sculpt

Sculpt is listed as a class that involved interval training with a mix of strength and cardio.  I think it could be a nice compliment to all of the running I am doing as I am training for this marathon in April.  They say that your strength training is just as important as the miles you put in.

2.  Body Flow

This class is described as a “pre-choreographed combination of yoga, tai chi and Pilates builds flexibility and strength while leaving you centered and calm. Controlled breathing, concentration and a carefully structured series of stretches, moves, and poses makes this class worth the time.”  This sounds perfect.  I do love yoga and Pilates, but I’ve never been to a tai chi class before so this combo might be the perfect first step.  Plus, it’s a great way to strengthen different muscle groups while stretching and finding balance at the same time.

3.  Zumba

A lot of my friends go to zumba classes and are obsessed.  I’ve never really been one to dance, ahem, at all, but I think it could be fun.  And who knows, maybe I’ll end up not being terrible.  Maybe.

4.  Kickboxing

Kickboxing is martial arts flavor exercises in a cardio format.  One of my friends has gone before and said that if you can get past the fact that you are essentially punching and kicking at the air then it is really fun.  I’ve seen it on the schedule a few times at the gym and have never taken the initiative to just go.  Maybe this week will be a good time to try.

5.  Body Combat

I get the idea that this is similar to Kickboxing, in that it has certain martial arts elements incorporated.  I have looked to see if there are any videos or more detailed descriptions so that I know what I am getting myself into.  Any light that can be shed would be super helpful!
Do you have any classes that are your favorites or that make you feel like you’ve worked super hard?  I’d love any suggestions!

xoxo,

Tiffany

Healthy Snacking

One of my lifestyle changes for the year has been to make my life more health centered.  I feel better when I am eating well and exercising often. Yes, it takes a LOT of time, but I think it is completely worth it.  I know I talk about Tone It Up a lot, but I really appreciate the way the trainers take time to encourage their followers.  They make fitness plans each week that can be easily incorporated into any lifestyle.  The community that comes with being a follower is also really great, everyone is always encouraging each other to keep up their hard work and continue to work toward their goals.

I get really hungry throughout the day, so snacking is a must for me.  I need a little something to help me get through the day, especially when I’m exercising as much as I am on a regular basis.  Plus, I just really, really enjoy food!

1.  Almonds

Almonds, or really any nut, make a great snack because they are full of all kinds of nutrients you need and you can easily throw them in a zip lock bag and put them in your purse for when you need a little pick me up.

2.  Granola Bars

I really like to have a granola bar with me at all times because I never know when I’m going to be out and about and start feeling hungry.  A granola bar is enough to tide you over until you can get home and eat your next meal.  Having one on hand also keeps me from making bad decisions when I’m passing a fast food restaurant.

3.  Deli Meat

I know Paleo is a huge thing right now, and I’m definitely not Paleo, but a light meat really does make for a great snack.  I like to roll up pieces of ham or turkey and put either cream cheese or hummus inside.  So good!

4.  Water

Sometimes when you think you’re hungry, it’s really just your body trying to tell you it’s thirsty.  Drinking lots of water helps with digestion and also keeps you from eating too much.

5.  Apples and Peanut Butter

Probably one of my favorite snacks of all time.  Really, it’s so good.  I also sometimes sprinkle a few oats on top for a little extra texture.  It is really filling and the perfect mix of crunchy sweetness.

6.  String Cheese

String cheese is super easy to pack up and carry around.  I prefer cheddar or jack cheese, so I will usually buy a big bag and keep it in my fridge for when I need something extra to add to my lunch.  They also come in small rectangles that you can eat if the stick/cylinder shape makes you uncomfortable.

7.  Grapes

Grapes are so good.  I really like to freeze them and have them as a late afternoon snack.  It’s almost like I’m eating candy, but it’s grapes!

8.  Yogurt

There are so many good things about yogurt.  I like it because one little container doesn’t have very many calories and the sweetness is usually just what I need.  I have a HUGE sweet tooth, and sometimes I get a craving for something sweet and yogurt really curbs that craving.

Eating healthy is so important to any fitness goal.  Sure, it takes a little bit more time, but you absolutely reap the benefits very quickly as you see yourself getting closer to attaining the goals you set out for yourself.

xoxo,

Tiffany

On My Radar

This has been a really big work week and fitness week!  I have been following Tone It Up’s weekly schedule to a T and I’ve been running at a more competitive pace.  I am trying really hard to make some of my fitness and productivity resolutions more of a lifestyle change rather than a change for the new year.  So, happy first full week of 2015!

1.  Shia LaBeouf in Sia’s New Video

Shia LaBeouf and Maddie Ziegler are so perfect in this video.  It’s a little different, but actually really really good.  I really like Shia and this seems to be a completely new role for him and I’ve got to say, he nailed it.

2.  Lilly and Target

Words can not begin to describe how excited I am about the Lilly Pulitzer and Target collaboration.  It’s going to make this spring that much more colorful, especially since things like pillows, beach towels, hammocks and many other home goods are going to be coming out!

3. Nicole Kidman and Jimmy Fallon

I mean, really.  Could this video be any funnier?  I was dying the whole time.  They are so funny and the conversation is incredibly comical.

4.  C. Wonder

I was so sad to see the news that C.Wonder is no longer going to be a thing.  I really liked a lot of their products, but I guess they just decided to move on to other things.  So long driving mocs.  I really did like you.

5.  Baby Panda Seeing Snow for the First Time

Oh. My. Word.  DYING from cuteness.  I feel like this is the way I feel when we get the first snow of the season.  Every year.  It’s like this panda put all of my excitement toward the first snow into action.

6.  “Slap Her” Video

This is such an inspiring video.  I really love the way each little boy responds to the guy who tells them to slap the little girl.

xoxo,

Tiffany

What’s In My Bag

Remember that amazing C. Wonder bag I bought a few weeks ago?  Well, I haven’t stopped carrying it since I bought it and I’m in love.  I definitely recommend it.  The little pockets on the inside are perfect for holding my phone and lipgloss, or whatever else I need.  These are some things that I currently have in my bag.

1.  Sharpie Pen

These things are seriously amazing.  I’m super particular about what I use to write in my calendar and other personal notebooks, and the Sharpie pen is definitely a go to.

2.  Chapstick/Clinique Chubby Lipstick

My sweet sister gave me the perfect shade of this lovely Clinique Chubby Lipstick and I’m obsessed.  I also carry chapstick in case the wind is super cold that day and my lips end up hurting.

3.  iPhone

I feel like I don’t even need to mention this, but I always have my phone with me.  Always.

4.  Minimergency Kit

This thing is seriously amazing.  I swear it has everything in it.  I’ve had this particular one since high school and I (luckily) haven’t had to use it yet, but you never know when it might come in handy.

5.  Altoids

Or really any type of mint.  I refuse to carry around my toothbrush, so mints are the next best thing for after coffee or lunch, or to calm my nerves before an important meeting.

6.  Wallet

I have a really cute black wallet that my grandmother gave me a few years back.  I love it.  I have no idea where she got it, but it is the perfect size and is super chic.

7.  Hand Lotion

I am a compulsive hand washer.  I wash my hands all.the.time.  I really don’t like getting sick and I interact with so many people on a daily basis that I end up washing my hands a lot.  During the winter, especially, they get super dry so I always try to keep a bottle of lotion handy.

8.  Nail Polish

I always carry nail polish with me for when I have an unfortunate chip.  When my polish chips I can’t focus on anything but that chip until I’ve either picked off all the polish or touched it up.  For me, touching up seems to be the better option.

9.  Hand Sanitizer

Again with the washing of the hands.  I don’t always have access to a sink, so hand sanitizer it is.

10. Coffee Mug

I love drinking coffee on my commute to work.  I have a 30 minute drive, so I turn on NPR or my favorite talk show (Bobby Bones) and sip on the coffee.  It is handy to keep the mug in my bag throughout the day for if I want to fill it up with water or save $.10 when I’m buying a fresh brew.

11. Deodorant

I swear my office is the hottest place in the building.  I never ever want to worry about how I smell, so I say it is better safe than sorry.  I would rather keep some deodorant with me and not need it than need it and not have it.

12. Flash Drive

I love writing and never know when I’m going to have some down time to jot down a few words, so I constantly keep my flash drive with me.

13. Kate Spade Agenda

I’m very traditional when it comes to my calendar.  I can’t get into keeping everything on my phone.  Plus, I love the act of writing it down.  I keep my agenda with me everywhere I go because I never know when I might need to check it or schedule something.

14. Something Borrowed

This is my all-time favorite book and I am reading it for the millionth time.  It’s fine.  And it’s worth it.  I really enjoy Emily Giffin’s writing style and this book is definitely worth the read if you haven’t read it already.

15. Gym Lock

I never know when I’m going to be hitting the gym after work, so it is easier to keep my lock with me so I can keep all of my stuff secure while I’m working out.  There’s nothing worse than a missing lock being the reason you decided not to go to the gym.  It’s 2015.  No excuses for me.

16. Hair Accessories

Now that my hair is getting longer, there are times when I just need to get it out of my face or off my neck.  I try to always keep at least two bobby pins and a hair tie in my purse at all times.

17. Starbucks Card

I love a good cup of coffee, and sometimes I really need that afternoon pick-me-up, so having a Starbucks card handy is super helpful (thanks Dad!).