Rain, Rain GO AWAY!

Finally, Friday! So funny how excited we get every week for this beloved day. Our warm weather has already faded, and it's a little chilly today. I went from Rainbow sandals two days ago to Ugg boots today. Anyone else see what's wrong with the picture here? St. Patty's day is tomorrow (woohoo!) and it's raining. This just is not the ideal scenario to celebrate the luck of the Irish, so hopefully the rain lets up a little bit so that the festivities tomorrow can go on. I'll do a St. Patty's post soon also, probably by the end of the day since I got a question about what happens for the day here.

First order of business - I have 13 lovely followers now. You guys are the best! It's the quality not the quantity and I think that you ladies are just fabulous. I love all of you blogfriends dearly and am so glad I found this fun site to do, so thank you!

Second order of business - rainy day outfits. I do rainy day outfits in two ways, both of which I've organized in a nice little (thank you Polyvore) chart for you to check out.

1. So this is my go-to rainy day outfit. Yes I know, it's ultra boring but somedays (for me at least) when I wake up and look out the window to see rain I just have zero motivation to get dressed. Summed up, if it's rain city out there I'll go straight to a pair of black leggings, my handy North Face raincoat, my North Face backpack, some Nike sneakers, and of course...my trusty Bobble. P.S. people, invest in a bobble. They are under $20 and you just have to get replacement filters every 300 uses or something (aka not that often). It's like having a Britta filter at your fingertips to make sure you're getting the best water for your body.

2. If I'm feeling adventurous and willing to get dressed despite the depressing weather, I like to wear brighter colors to make the day a little more colorful and easier to get through. Here's an example of an outfit I'd wear if I got dressed for the rain. Cute rain coat, cute umbrella are always a must. I find myself wearing a lot of stripes in the rain...maybe because of the nautical theme, who knows. I like to wear bright jeans or leggings in the rain just to add a pop of color to my world, and of course...the trusty rainboots. I love any bright colored Hunter boots, especially the Tiffany blue ones. My rainboots right now are red ones from Henri Bendel in NYC. And of course, trust moisture surge lotion. Literally, this could save a life.

How about you guys? What do you feel like in the rain?

XOXO, Rosie

Thursday

Hey there!

One more day until Friday...we can do this, we can do this! Thursday's always get me excited, I feel like I just love the challenge of knowing that if I get through this day as fast and as easy as possible then the weekend will be there in the blink of an eye. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Today's post is just a scatterbrained list of everything on my mind right now, including some things that I'm either loving or hating.

1. Like I said yesterday, with the new warm temperatures this means outdoor workouts. Yippie! Amazing how during winter you have to drag yourself out to get a workout in, but once the warm temperatures roll in it seems like running becomes a form of relaxation! I know for me, being cooped up inside all day has made me want to do nothing else besides run outside. Something about the warm breeze on my back, mmm! Don't tempt me. Anyways - my hair gets super hot when I run and never manages to stay back as well as I'd like it, so something I'm loving right now is the Lululemon (why can't you be more affordable all the time...) slipless headbands. They stay put, look cute, and for some reason make the workout a little more enjoyable. Fun colors to pick from too.

Lululemon Slipless Headbands

2. The GAP pure body collection has gone from zero to hero on my list. To be perfectly honest I never really knew it existed, but if you are looking for simplicity and ultimate comfort - consider investing in some of their shirts. They are so versatile and so comfortable, you'll never want to take it off. I just bought a black pure tank top and I can't wait to start wearing it. Here's one of their classic pure shirts, check them out I swear you won't regret it. It's just a basic necessity, I mean, how could you not like a comfy shirt? PS...am I late to the party on the pure collection?

GAP pure shirt

3. When these lovely temperatures come around, my kind of feng shui my drink order. Call me boring, but there is nothing I love more in the spring/summer at Starbucks than a venti iced green tea. It's so refreshing, no added sugars, and for me it just hits the spot. You can't even feel bad about ordering it because it literally doesn't have any calories in it (don't quote me on that). It's just the best. Plus you get all those antioxidants in so it's kind of like killing two birds with one stone. Yum yum yum.

4. This one is kind of debatable. I really like the "Evian mineral water spray" but I feel so guilty about buying it. It's basically just a hydrating facial spray, and it's just good to carry around to refresh your complexion when you're sweaty or your makeup starts to fade off. I love it, but again I feel super guilty about buying it because to me it's basically buying water in a can. But I love it! It just makes you feel good to spray it on. It really is refreshing on the days where you just feel gross and bleh though. $14.

Evian Mist

5. Desperate Housewives last Sunday. As if I'm not depressed enough that the show is ending for good this season (I swear my heart skipped a beat when they first announced "series finale), they are now deciding to kill off the characters. On Sunday they killed off Mike Delfino in a drive by shooting when he was sitting on his front stoop. He and Susan had just finished having a heart to heart and I was so happy for them, and then boom. Mike's dead. I don't know if my heart and sanity can take it if ABC plans on killing off another character every week. Please, no!

Credits

That pretty much sums up my week and life for the past few days. I hope everyone is safe and happy and is enjoying this beautiful weather.

XOXO, Rosie

Let's Play Catch Up

Hey everybody!

Sorry I've been MIA for the past what, week? I'm swamped with work right now and midterms so I'm trying by best to balance everything out. I've been taking my study breaks to check out all your guys lovely blogs to see what's new with you, but unfortunately I haven't had the energy to post my own happenings. So for me today this means I'm going to double post, just to get back in the swing of things in case I decide to go awol again for the books the rest of the week.

After my Valentines day post I had a few messages (or questions) on what I do to workout, so I figured now that were in the 70 degree weather now would be a fun time to address those questions. Disclaimer: I have no business in telling people what to do and what not to do in terms of exercise - I'm not an expert but I do know what works for me, so for all of you that asked here are your answers.

1. For me, I have to want to work out. Usually I do, but somedays I just don't. People will disagree, but with me I found that the days I'm adamant about being a lazy bum I should just stay a bum. There's a reason my body doesn't want to work out, so I don't make it. Again, so many people will tell you otherwise but I've realized I have a better chance of having a "love" relationship with working out if I do it on my OWN terms. If you force yourself to do it when you don't want to then you'll just develop ill feelings towards getting active. Then you're really screwed.

2. You have to find the workout that you personally love, the one that works for you. This goes hand in hand with finding the diet that works for you as well. As much as it would be great if we could just follow the Victorias Secret angels diet plans, it just won't work out in the long run. Sure, we can try - but I think it's best to experiment with a few different diet plans and then combine bits and pieces to make your own. Personalize it, it's the best way for you to get the body you want. Also with working out - don't just follow one strict workout routine. For some this works, if they respond best to discipline. However, I've found with me that I can discipline myself to do a workout I love and then that gets me the best results. I like to run outside when it's warm, and I like to do treadmill sprints. I like to do kickboxing and I love to jumprope. I like playing sports too. If I incorporate these altogether into one big workout plan for me, I don't get bored and I actually enjoy myself.

3. Find your celebrity inspiration! Sure, don't copy every aspect of their diet - remember they get paid to look that good. But when you work out and get tired, if you think of your goal celebrity body then it can really push you to squeeze 10 more minutes of hard work in. Only do this though if you won't be disappointed if you don't turn out like them - I used to have the VS Angels bodies in mind as inspiration...but that just made me upset. I'm 5'2....I had to get real. Now, my inspiration for the moment is Kristin Chenoweth. I found her on GCB and if you watch one episode, you'll want that body she sports. Toned and fit. She's fabulous.

4. Pinterest, pinterest, pinterest! The fitness section of the site is 99.9% guaranteed to jumpstart a good workout for you. If you're lacking some "get up and go" spirit, check out their fitness section and all the pictures will definitely spark a mini fire in you.

5. I love working out alone, but when I do workout with a buddy it has to be one I've "pre-approved." For me it's hard to find someone I want to work out with, so if I'm going to workout with them I need them to be someone I have fun with, am competitive with, and can get a good sweat in with. For me, my best workout buddy is Kyle. We're very competitive, but we also have fun working out together. We vary up what we do as well too, which helps. He's my best workout buddy. Plus, bonding time...yay for that! Just make it someone who will A) have fun with you while working out B) challenge you to do better and C) make you complete the workout feeling good and exhausted.

So I hope for those of you who asked me about fitness got your answers here. Those are just 5 cardinal rules that work personally for me. Everyone is different and I encourage you guys all to find your workout niche. If you have any more questions feel free to message me again!

XOXO, Rosie

Thursday

Wow, could I get any more boring with the title of this?! Thursday's always such a pain - it's so close to Friday but still manages to be way too far from the weekend. It was supposed to be 70 degrees here today which got me so excited that spring was here, but it turned out to be a little too windy. Major bummer - hopefully you guys all have better weather luck than I do!

So yesterday Kyle said the funniest thing - which I found to be SO true yet so many of us don't listen to it. He said girls are so lucky that they get to wear sundresses. HELLO? Who doesn't love a sundress? He went on to tell me how comfortable they look and how easy they are...what a fella right? People always think that dresses mean you're dressed up, but quite the opposite: I think dresses show your maximum style with minimum effort.

I've been on the hunt for sundresses this year. I love anything with bright colors or stripes - so I have a pretty broad category. Here are just a few I've been looking at - all different price ranges, mostly different styles. Something I've learned being a dedicated shopper - you can find a great dress for $150, but an even better dress for $20.

Classic Chambray

Stripes

Flutter Sleeves

Lacey

Ella Dress

Maritime

Villa

Strapless Lace

Open Shoulders

Maxi

Unfortunately for me I wasn't blessed with the best of height. Hoping to get in a maxi dress this season and wear it proudly!! Anyone else having springtime fever? Can it be dress time already?! I can't wait until the stores are flooding (even more so than now) with bright colors and fun designs. May the best dress win!

XOXO, Rosie

Another Monday

Hi guys! Who else is totally bummed that the weekend is already gone? I know I am - but think of it on the bright side, 4 more days until Friday right?! I'm sick again, another terrible cold - why is it that whenever we hear someone say they have a cold it doesn't seem like they're actually sick, but when we get colds it's like the end of the world? Colds = miserable. Anyways today I wanted to do a little more about me stuff, but this time I want to tag you guys in it and have you guys post it on your blogs too! I found some interesting little questions that might make this Monday go by a little sweeter and faster. So...I tag Barbie and Monica and Emily to try and finish the survey on their own blogs with the same questions!

1. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

I think that it's worse to never try, because you always get left with the lingering thought about "what if," and I know from experience that it's better to have tried and failed then to be left wondering what could have happened if you had tried.

2. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

Pinterest would make me a billionaire if happiness was the currency! And I am SO serious about that! But really, just being with the people I love and exploring new things and new places would make me the happiest. If I got to go to every place on my bucketlist and just live that lifestyle for a little I would be so happy.

3. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

This is a toughie. I think more or less we control our lives, but that fate does play a big part too. I think we make decisions that fate had already planned for us if that makes sense. I don't try to control my life especially too much because I think everyone has a natural course they are going to follow. I think more than anything I've steered myself in the direction I want to go, but I most certainly haven't controlled where I've ended up.

4. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

I'm more worried about doing the right things. This is another hard question (which is the point of the post!), but I think personally I'm more worried about doing the right things. I think that as long as I do the rights thing then I'll naturally end up doing them right. If that makes sense.

5. Do you push the elevator button more than once? Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

YES! Guilty. This totally translates into my life too. I think the elevator will go faster the more you tell it to, and I think I have a bad habit of believing that the more you push people the better likelihood there is of getting what you want out of them. Not sure if that's an unattractive quality or not...

6. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

Tie. I can't pick. I don't want to lose any old memories, because old memories are what give you your you-ness. They are what make you who you are. But I still want to be able to make new memories, otherwise you won't have any new-old ones to look back at! Such an indecisive answer, but I can't choose.

7. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

I would love to have more work that I actually enjoy doing. I read a quote somewhere (everywhere) that said if you love what you do then you never work a day in your life. I love that quote - and I think it's very true. If you love something then you're never truly working, you're just having fun and enjoying yourself. Here's hoping that we all get lucky enough to have a job that we absolutely love!

8. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?

Sadly, yes. But I think that's normal in college. Everything is monotonous. There isn't really anything exciting that happens day to day, but I think it's also your own personal responsibility to put a little oomph and sparkle into your day so that your life doesn't get too lackluster.

9. If not now, then when?

I'm going to take the lazy way out and say "tomorrow." Terrible answer. This question is so vague but strangely deep...I think when something needs to be done you'll do it in the right time and fashion.

10. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

I think I'd go southern if I had to be in a different state! I love the east coast, but I feel like living in the south would be very refreshing. It's a whole different way of life, and I think it'd be so fun to go somewhere new and start over from square one.

Well - there's just a few questions. Some of them really make you think don't you? So now I started the game of tag, and I hope you guys will repost the questions to your blog and answer them for yourselves!! Happy Monday!!

XOXO, Rosie

Sunday, Sunday

Hey guys! Hope your weekends were great and that you're having a very relaxing and peaceful Sunday. I just fought tooth and nail with Blogger over template designs, and I lost. If anyone knows how to make the background and the border actually work together, PLEASE HELP!

What do you guys like to do for your lazy Sundays? I know for me, nothing is better than having a TLC day for myself. It's always fun to just relax, sit in bed, watch my favorite movies that I've seen too many times, and just unwind before another week begins.

I do have to go to the library today (wah) to get some work done. Hopefully that goes fast, I just want to get back in bed and relax! Another thing I love about Sundays is the television. Don't tell me I stand alone on this one! Besides Monday, Sunday is definitely a prime TV time. Tonight we have....

1. Desperate Housewives. Eek! It's the last season for the lovely ladies of Wisteria Lane, and I couldn't be more sad about it. I've been loyal to the show since day 1 and I'm going to need another Sunday show to fill the time slot once they decide to leave me for good. Tonight seems like it should be an interesting show though, lots and lots of good old TV drama. With a show that provides us with almost suicides, teenage pregnancy, affairs, and even more juicy stuff...how could you say no? Guilty pleasure. Also, Vanessa Williams addition to the show this season has been so loved by me. I was a huge fan of her on Ugly Betty and she still doesn't disappoint with the housewives.

Via Silvia Raffa

2. Khloe & Lamar is on tonight. Okay...this is a small situation of pot calling the kettle black. I have a love/hate with the Kardashian clan, especially Kim. Obviously I love watching their shows, who doesn't? But sometimes it just irks me how they get paid so much for doing what seems like so little. But, they are still fabulous to me in their own way (Kourtney especially). I hope tonight is a good episode, it's just so hard to get invested in when it's only 30 minutes!

Via Hulu

3. Non-TV related, my parents came to visit me this weekend which was very, very exciting for me! Although it was a short visit (sad) it was what you'd call short and sweet. I miss them very much, who doesn't miss their mom and dad all the time! Still I was very lucky that I got to see them this weekend. Rule of thumb, you need to call your parents and talk to them each on the phone at least twice a week. Trust me, it'll only benefit you.

Geez...do I miss that summer tan or what? Can't wait until our beach trip altogether this summer. Sun, sand, fish? Count me in!

That's all for now, have a great rest of your Sunday. Take it easy!

XOXO, Rosie

Where Have I Been?

Hello hello! Well, to answer the question I unfortunately have not been anywhere exciting. I've been in the wrath of school, to the point where I just haven't had a minute to get on blogger and post-up. I'm really going to make an honest effort to get on here more and continue daily postings - they are so much fun and I need to make more time for the happy fun stuff, as do the rest of you! Hopefully you all can sympathize with how hard it can be to post sometimes and the amount of time/effort it takes...this thing takes dedication! Instead of just diving back in I thought I would give you a glance of what I've been up to recently since Valentines Day.

1. Valentines Day was absolutely amazing this year. Kyle took me out to this great restaurant called Sullivan's. Neither of us had ever actually gone to dinner on Valentines Day, as we usually go the day before or after but this year we decided to go big or go home. The restaurant, true to form, and pink and red balloons everywhere as well as waitresses with adorable pink and red headbands with flowers. Very cute. We had delicious filet mignon with lobster tails, and for dessert a perfectly tasty chocolate mousse with berries. What can I say, the guy spoils me and knows the key to my heart (FOOD!)

2. Before I get ahead of myself, the biggest adventure on Valentines Day was a trip to the emergency room! I was trying to make my honey a nice red velvet cake for Valentines Day (Recipe link posted below!). Unfortunately for me, because I was so excited and flustered about the day, I ended up slicing my finger in the electric mixer. The blood was disgusting, and the ER was actually pretty quick, but I couldn't have gotten through it without Kyle. At least now

we have a scar to commemorate our fun Valentines Day! I'll save you the disgust of posting a picture of the finger, but by the way...the cake was delicious and super easy to make and I suggest you try it if you're a red velvet fanatic like myself.

Red Velvet Cake c/o Sprinkle Bakes

3. Now that summer (don't let me get too ahead of myself here...so spring) is around the corner, it's probably a good time to shed the winter weight and get ready for a summer in a bikini. If you don't have winter weight, I applaud you! I always fall into the two pound trap: you get to wear yoga pants around all winter so you don't realize how many hot cocoa's or cookies you've been eating. Hopefully the workouts will begin this Monday...Lord knows I need to get my booty back in the gym.

Well, I wish I had more for you today! I'm going to start putting up more soon hopefully, I hope to get back on track with posting. Can't wait until I get to post about which bikinis I have my eyes on for the 2012 sun season!

XOXO, Rosie