Spring Haul

It's been a while! I know my promise of a post every Monday and Thursday has not been accurate but instead of making excuses on what's been going on I would love to just focus on my exciting new post today and the news I have moving forward with this blog. So grab and a drink and lets get started...

Today's post is something really exciting for me. It's all about fashion and my Spring Haul. In the past, when I bought clothes or shoes I would just buy things that I saw and liked. I never thought about versatility. Boy, was I doing it wrong. Recently, I went through my closet and donated more then half my clothes. It felt so therapeutic. I realized how many things I had in my closet that I never wore or could only wear a certain way. So I made a decision that moving forward I would have clothing that's versatile but also fits my personal style. I think it's important that these pieces can make an entire outfit and can be styled individually to create different looks. Versatility also has to allow me to take my outfits from day to night. Often times I am on the go or out and about when my day time activities merge into my night. Instead of feeling underdressed/uncomfortable I feel like I can confidently go to different settings with these pieces.

To begin I'll go through my shoes! I posted a picture of my purchases on my instagram account (@Dawnonwards) and I was so excited to share it. I am loving the rustic colors and the wedge style. The number one reason why I love the wedges is that they are so comfortable and can be versatile.  They give you the ability to transform an outfit from day to night, a factor everyone should consider when buying clothes/shoes. 

When I was shopping, I saw that the current sandal trends are incorporating lace ups and had zippers.  got my shoes from JC Penny and I got them during the Easter sale. I also wanted a simple sandal. I felt that if I was out running errands and then I had to go to a nice brunch, these sandals have some unique details that make them look dressy. All three pairs together was $60. A great deal in my opinion when each one originally was priced for around $49.99. My suggestion for shoes is to wear something that is comfortable. Also, be willing to try new things.  I was never a fan of wedges but once I began seeing the trends and exploring I actually saw the potential in ways to style them.

My next part of the haul included bright floral or colored shorts. The shorts are literally everywhere. I absolutely loved these shorts because they can be either styled up for a night out or styled down for a casual day look. Your outfit is what you make it.  Both these shorts are from charlotte russe and I got them for $26.00 total. There is a 10% discount but unfortunately the lady who rang me up wasn't so nice because she failed to include my discount and was sassy about ringing it up again. So make sure you mention the 10% discount as soon as you get to the register. 

I also was just looking for a nicer loose white T-shirt to possibly wear with these shorts and I came across this adorable half sleeve white blouse from Forever 21. It's longer and I love it because I can wear it with these shorts and it would look great but I can also wear the blouse over jeans and wedges and they would look amazing. Other then having basic tee's I love having basic blouses because you can wear them so many ways. I think everyone needs to have these types of blouses in at least white and black. I got this top for $14.99, a steal in my eyes. 

The last two pieces I have are just plain scarves. Although it's technically "spring", where I live it often rains. Since it is spring I like to add a pop of color through my scarves. Like I said I own a lot of basic T-shirts and the best way to dress it up sometimes and especially in dreary weather is to add bright colors. So I found these two amazing scarves at Boscov's and they were on sale for $2.00 each! I thought it was a good deal and picked up a bright yellow and a rich blue. I think both are vibrant and add a statement to an outfit. 

That concludes my Spring Haul! I am excited to style these pieces so check back on my twitter and instagram (@dawnonwards) to see how I do it! 

So now for some exciting news like I promised: I am going to be traveling the next couple of months and also plan on moving to a new city this summer. Although this is a big step and a tough decision, I am so excited for the new opportunity. I plan on including a lot of DIY/Room inspiration/ Decoration posts in the near future. I would love for you to follow along and try some of my DIY. So look forward to a new section in my blog dedicated to just apartment decor and styling.

So until next time..

We crave a different kind of Buzz

I wrote this post on Monday but got delayed in publishing it. My goal today was to address my April plans. For me, April is the epitome of spring and a fresh start. So why not try something new and fresh this month? Thanks to my friend, Alexis, I was introduced to this "30- Day Green Smoothie Challenge!" by simple green smoothies. Each week they send you a "grocery list" with the items you need to prepare the smoothies for the week. These recipes contain a lot of nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins/minerals.

When I began this challenge I was hesitant. I have never really tried a challenge of any sorts and was not sure if it was something I would be able to keep up for a week let alone 30 days. I decided that it would be a worth a try because I was feeling overweight and lethargic. It seemed like my out look was improving but the baggage I carried was showing. So I headed off to the grocery store with my list and my mission to keep this challenge alive. I checked out and spent a total of $21.00. Yes, you read that correctly. I was shocked. A diet plan that is supposed to make you achieve your goal each week costs only $21.00? I really thought it was too good to be true at that moment.

The first day came around and I made one of the green smoothie in LESS THEN 10 MINUTES. Yes, once again you read that correctly. I will post the ingredients below if you are interested. The recipe was formulated by Simple Green Smoothies. I consumed a tall glass worth and let me just pause and say that glass changed my life. I had so much energy after it and I was not craving for snacks an hour later. I even mentioned to my friend Alexis that this was better then Coffee. Those who know me would be surprised by the previous statement.

Currently I am on day 3 of the challenge. So far there have been many changes I have noticed. I figured I would keep track and check in on this through out the month to update you on the status and opinion on this challenge/lifestyle. So far, I have a lot of energy after I have these drinks. I also seem more focused when it comes to completing tasks. The last two nights I have slept way better. I also have added in exercises to keep me going.

I really feel like I have discovered this secret that not a lot of people know about. Its seriously amazing and I really really love how we get emails each week with a detailed list. It makes the shopping easy and it gives me a reminder to keep up with it. I feel like this is something I will implement into my life far beyond the 30 days. If you guys want more information please check out Simple Green Smoothies.

As a added bonus I am sharing one of the amazing recipes that was sent to me as part of the 30 day challenge: I adjusted the recipe slightly to fit me. I hope that you guys try this and taste it and join the movement at Simple Green Smoothies.

My first day recipe consisted of:
1 cup of spinach
3/4 cup water
1 orange
1 banana
1 cup pineapple

Check out my instagram: Dawnonwards for more updates on my day to day things and this challenge update

until next time…..

March Cravings

Hey guys,

It's a beautiful day in my neck of the woods! I hope you guys are enjoying similar weather and sunshine. Its only fitting that on this beautiful day that I share the little things in my life that I loved this past month. Welcome to March Cravings…

Let's start with Beauty:

My favorite concealer this month has to be "Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer." This product has been on the market for a while and I have heard very good reviews. So I figured I would give it a try. The product is recommended to be used under the eye to erase dark circles. I loved the coverage that it offered. I liked it so much that I also used it to cover blemishes on my face , as well. It covers up really well and it was crucial product on my trip to California! I highly recommend it for someone looking for new concealers. They currently have 6 colors on their line. My only con would be that the tones that they have provided doesn't fit all skin tones so I hope they come out with more soon.


                                                                      

Favorite Powder: Keeping with the Maybelline line, I also used the "Instant Age Rewind the Perfector Powder." The concealer/powder combination was something I feel will be part of my make up bag for a long time. It's very light and perfect for day to day activities. However, I would not recommend using this combination if you plan on taking a ton of pictures because with time of wear they do tend to crease in little areas but for day to day wear its the perfect choice.

                                                                   

Favorite Scent:

I have recommended this personally to many people that I know. I was recently at the mall and just absolutely fell in love with it! The ultimate test for a good scent is to spray it on your hand and walk around. If with time the scent does not change then you have a winner.

In the past, I have gotten scents which smell amazing on other people but some how magically don't have the same results on me. Anyways, this month it has to be the "Pure seduction bloom" lotion and corresponding spray from Victoria's Secret. It is a limited edition scent so make sure you guys try it out before they remove it. It's described as a "spring fever inducing" version and Boy, do I agree.  I got so many compliments and let me tell you it will lift your spirits in a second!

                                                    

Favorite Nail polish:

Sadly, I haven't had a chance to order my new favorite nail polish colors yet but when I was at the nail salon recently I absolutely was drooling over the new OPI Brazil 2014 collection. The entire OPI Brazil collection is on point this season.  My top two favorites from this collection has to be the "OPI NLA67 Toucan Do It If You Try" and "OPI NLA68 Kiss Me I’m Brazilian." Both of these are just very springy and put a twist on the typical Pinks/reds/oranges that you tend to see in salons everywhere. I highly recommend it and think if you are not a pink/red person then look at the other side of this collection. Its perfect for everyone! Plus, I am loving their names and the versatile range. 

                              

So moving away from beauty my other favorites this month..

My favorite book: One more thing by BJ Novak. Its only fitting that after loving "The Mindy Project" that I went on a binge and re-watched Mindy's old romances and shows. Hence, BJ Novak enters. This book is just witty, short, and sweet. It's a light read and perfect for everyone looking for something. Let me know if you have read it!!

My favorite song: although "Dark horse" by Katy perry came out a while ago and is probably overplayed on the radio, it is easily my favorite this month. The beat is just sick and I can easily say that it was the song of my trip. 

I think that sums up the favorites this month. Let me know if you guys have any personal favorites you would like to suggest to me. I would love to try it/comment on them. 

Until next time…