Seventeenth Birthday Celebration!

Yesterday was my 17th birthday. (Yes, I know! I'm young) I celebrated with friends and family and although the day was simple, I had a great time. I took the day off from my healthy eating plan and ate whatever my heart desired. Let me take you through my day :) I woke up around 9:30 and enjoyed some chocolate chip french toast with strawberries and some coffee. I just laid around for a bit, but then decided to go to Nordstrom Rack. I bought a few tops, an adorable pair of Tory Burch berry-colored pants that fit like a glove, and some cute Kate Spade jewelry. Starting my day off well if you ask me!

Next, I went out to lunch with my mom to this yummy indian place that we love. Not many people like indian, but it is one of my favorite things! Most assume that because it's indian it is probably spicy but that isn't the case. 

I began getting ready for what my friends told me was a surprise. All I was supposed to do was dress cute! I wore my new Tory Burch pants, a black cut out top, and some black sparkly sandals. My friends picked me up and we headed to my boyfriends house where we opened gifts. 

I got these super cute Michael Kors studded sandals in pink! They are adorable. The perfect way to spice up an outfit.

My boyfriend got me this cute tortoise shell bracelet and a matching ring. These will go perfectly with my watch! So excited to wear these. They will probably push me to dress up more so that I can wear them :)

We went out to dinner with a group of 7 of my good friends to Maggianos and enjoyed some good food and fun. I had a great time!

I didn't want to share all my gifts and get comments on being spoiled or ungrateful or anything like that so I am going to leave it at this. I loved everything and am super grateful and happy with how my birthday turned out! Hope you guys are having a great day and thanks for reading.

xoxo

Callie

Healthy and Easy Breakfast Ideas!

When I wake up in the morning, well... let's just say I'm not a morning person sometimes. I want something that's going to give me long lasting energy throughout the day. After joining Tone It Up, I have discovered some quick and yummy breakfast options that start my day off right. 

Steel Cut Oats with Fruit and Truvia
This is one of the fastest, yummiest breakfasts that will get you ready for your day. I buy frozen, portioned out steel cut oats from Costco by the brand "Every Day Made Simple". Stick it in the microwave for 3 minutes. Then I add fruit, normally strawberries and blueberries, along with half a packet of Truvia sweetener. Delicious!

Egg and Veggie Wrap
This breakfast takes a tad longer to prepare, but is yummy and filled with protein and some carbs to get you energized. First, I dice some red pepper and onion and cook it over the stove. Then I throw in two egg whites until they are fully cooked. Pour it all onto a whole grain wrap and roll it up! You have yourself a delicious breakfast.

Greek Yogurt with Granola and Fruit
This is another sweet breakfast. Take some greek yogurt, I usually choose either vanilla or plain Chobani. Put it in a bowl with your choice of granola. My favorite is the original Kashi Crunch granola. Top it with some fruit and you have a delicious breakfast with the occasional crunch!

Energizing Smoothie
Want something to make and take on the go? Grab a few of your favorite fruits and veggies and blend them up. It is also a good idea to include some protein, so I like to add some Perfect Fit brown rice protein to mine. Any brown rice protein you can find is good! I like to include things like banana, strawberries, blueberries, avocado, kale, and spinach. For liquids, I would recommend almond milk, coconut milk, or maybe even a little greek yogurt. Try different combos and see which is your fav!

Wake up a little late one day? That's okay, but don't skip the most important meal of the day. Grab a banana or an apple with some kind of bar. My all time favorite are Luna Bars, but I've heard Kind bars are a good option, too. Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know what your favorite breakfasts are.

xoxo
Callie

Michael Kors Watch & Wishlist!

So I think it was two years ago when my grandma got me my first expensive watch for my birthday. We had been flipping through a Nordstroms catalogue and I pointed out a watch I thought was cute. Next thing I knew, it was wrapped in a box waiting on my kitchen counter on my birthday! Although I haven't been able to track down a place still selling the watch, here is what it looks like.

Although it was a total splurge and one that I didn't myself need to make, it was completely worth the money that she spent. This is the most high quality watch I have ever had. I wear it all the time with my Michael Kors Padlock Bracelet:

After having the watch for a while and really testing out the quality, I am super excited to purchase my next one. Michael Kors comes out with tons of adorable watches for any style or occasion. I am seriously debating starting a Michael Kors watch collection. Here are some of the models that I am interested in purchasing.

This is the Taylor mini rectangular bracelet watch. I was really intrigued by this watch because I think gold looks really nice on a rectangular model watch. I know Kate Spade does a model sort of similar with rhinestones down the side of the face. Here is where you can purchase the watch for $180:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-kors-taylor-mini-rectangular-bracelet-watch-20mm-x-22mm/3490994?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=257&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_C

I am totally in love with this Preston chronograph bracelet watch! I think the combination of the white and the gold would look amazing and would definitely bring out a summer tan. You will probably be able to tell that I am big on gold, even though I still enjoy wearing silver every once and a while. Michael Kors has always made his white model watches with silver detailing, atleast as long as I can remember. I think the gold is a nice change! You can buy this watch for $295 here:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-kors-preston-chronograph-bracelet-watch-43mm/3492649?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=6086&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_17_D

The last watch I have been lusting over is this blinged out rose gold watch called the Runway logo dial bracelet watch. I don't own anything rose gold, but I think it looks super cute, especially with matching accessories. This is definitely a statement watch! You can buy this for $295 here:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/michael-kors-runway-logo-dial-bracelet-watch-45mm/3382736?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=1820&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-2_6_D

xoxo

Callie

Favorite Fall/Winter Boots!

Once the weather begins to cool down and it's time to wear pants and boots, I have a few pairs of boots that I would recommend to those looking for a pair. All of these options are comfortable and stylish, and they are convenient for many different weather situations! *All pictures taken from Pinterest*

The Riding Boot

When it comes to the typical "riding boot", I have a few pairs that I rotate through. My favorite pair that I own are these tan Tory Burch riding boots. They are a very high quality leather and completely worth the price in my opinion. I would recommend that if you are looking to get a pair of riding boots, you should invest in a nice pair. If you take care of them, they can last years. Other good riding boot designers include Michael Kors, Steve Madden, and Frye. If you are looking for a nice boot but are not willing to spend a ton of money for them, check your local Nordstrom Rack!

The Rain Boot

Although Hunter rain boots are probably the most popular and will last you a long time, I wanted to be different and bought a pair of the short Burberry rain boots. I figured that these would go well with a lot of clothing items since they are neutral and would be a stylish way to trek through puddles on those rainy fall days! Many of my friends own Hunter rain boots and really enjoy them. If you are looking for a specific color in a rain boot, I would obviously recommend the Hunter boots over these. If you would like your boots to go with many of your outfits, I would check out these. I wore mine to death last year!

The Winter/Snow Boot

These LL Bean boots are the perfect winter boot to get you through the cold weather and the wet snow. They have a rubber bottom and are neutral, so they look good with a lot of things! This boot is the perfect preppy boot to buy, especially at a steal of a price at only $99! They look best when paired with pants and cute socks peaking out of the top of them. If you would like an alternate for the typical Ugg winter boot and something that will last better through the weather, try these out!

As you can tell, it is super important to invest in good boots and take good care of them. You won't regret a purchase that will last you years, I promise! I am a little too excited to show off my boots this fall. If you are looking to buy a new pair of boots for the fall and winter, here are a few websites I would recommend checking out. *Note: the Tory Burch boots I own are no longer available unless you plan to look on places like eBay*

Great Boot Websites:

Nordstroms: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-boots?dept=8000001&origin=topnav

LL Bean: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/630?nav=gnro-hp&gnattr=artest4:artest4#/llb/shop/506708?gnattr=artest4%3Aartest4&nav=ln-630&page=boots

Hunter: http://usa.hunter-boot.com/shop/womens

Michael Kors: http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/templates/P6.jhtml?itemId=cat18501&parentId=cat121&masterId=cat000000&menuPath=cat000000_cat121_cat18501&navid=subNavBOOTSBOOTIES&navAction=menu

xoxo

Callie

One Week of TIU!

So I have officially been a member of tone it up for one week. Since I have been just starting to get a feel of it and change my lifestyle little by little, I skipped some workouts and really focused on the eating part because that is ultimately my weakness. Working at a bakery, I am around sweets constantly and have learned to be a snacker. Even in one week I have changed my diet almost completely. I had a few moments of weakness here and there but over all did a good job at "fueling" my body rather than feeding it. Here is an overview of the past week.

Saturday August 3rd
BC: 30 minutes elliptical
M1: Meta-D and Vanilla chobani yogurt w/ strawberries
M2: Luna BarM3: Baby Carrots w/ Basil Pesto Hummus and White TeaM4 and 5: Edamame and a California Roll (Kind of a splurge because of the rice!)Toning:Toned and Lean Beach-Day RoutineSunkissed ABS WorkoutCOWABUNGA! Total Body Toning

Sunday August 4th

BC: 30 minutes elliptical

M1: Meta-D and Whole grain wrap w/ 3 egg whites and red pepper and onion
M2: Banana
M3: Peanuts
No Night Toning or Meal 4 and 5... I was out all day and my friends went out to a burger joint so I had nothing healthy to eat!

Monday August 5th
BC: 30 Minutes of Elliptical

M1: Meta-D and Steel Cut Oats with a bit of Truvia, Strawberries and Blueberries
M2: Banana
M3: Quinoa w/ grilled chicken, red pepper, onion, and a little pesto sauce
M4 and 5: Pecan Roll
Toning:
Triathalon Stretching
Pop Challenge "Alive" w/ Blogilates
Dance with Me ABS w/ Blogilates

Tuesday August 6th

M1: Meta-D, brown rice cake with organic peanut butter, strawberries, blueberries, and coffee with almond milk

M2: none
M3: Quinoa with grilled chicken and basil pesto sauce
M4: Luna bar
M5: One slice of pizza with some buncha crunch candy. Oops

Wednesday August 7th

M1: Meta-D, coffee with almond milk, greek yogurt with truvia granola strawberries and blueberries

M2: Apple
M3: Quinoa with grilled chicken, red pepper, onion, and basil pesto sauce
M4: Carrots and hummus
M5: 1/2 a cheese burger and a handful of fries. (AAHH!)

Thursday August 8th

M1: Meta-D, coffee w almond milk, and steel cut oatmeal topped w truvia, strawberries and blueberries

M2: Apple
M3: Luna bar
M4: Quinoa w red pepper onion grilled chicken and pesto sauce
M5: none

Friday August 9th

BC: 15 minute walk (all i had time for!)

M1: Meta-D, coffee w almond milk, and steel cut oatmeal topped w truvia, strawberries and blueberries
M2: Apple
M3: Quinoa w red pepper onion grilled chicken and pesto sauce
M4: Chicken caesar salad
M5: none
PM Workout: 45 minutes elliptical  

Saturday August 10th

M1: Meta-D, a smoothie w/ avacado, kale, strawberries, blueberries, and coconut milk, and coffee w/ almond milk 

M2: Luna Bar

M3: Banana

M4: Chicken w/ chick peas and korma curry sauce

M5: none

As you can tell I ate a lot of the same stuff, but it was a majority of healthy things. Here is how my weight altered from last Saturday to this Saturday by doing strictly this schedule.

Saturday August 3rd: 135.4 lbs

Sunday August 4th: 134.4 lbs

Monday August 5th: 132.4 lbs

Tuesday August 6th: 131.8 lbs

Wednesday August 7th: 131.2 lbs

Thursday August 8th: 130.8 lbs

Friday August 9th: 129.4 lbs

Saturday August 10th: 128.6 lbs

Goes to show that it is okay to have a treat every once and a while as long as you live a healthy lifestyle. 

xoxo 

Callie

Fall Essentials...Yes, Already.

So the other day I glanced at the calendar and realized it’s already mid August. Two months of summer flew by me and now I’m left with less than a month before school. Before I let myself get all miserable, I tried to remind myself what few things I enjoy around this time of year... like back to school shopping! So I set myself on the job to present you a list of fall essentials for preps. Back to school clothing, backpacks, shoes, you name it. Everything and anything a preppy girl like me would consider important for the fall time, and I’m revealing it to you! Here are some things you should consider checking out:

School Essentials:

Vera Bradley BackpackSo even though about everyone and their mother has one of these. For those people who actually care about doing school work and worry about being able to carry around your books, get the campus style backpack. For those seniors or slackers like me out there, get the smaller one. Everyone wins!

Campus Style: http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Backpacks/Campus-Backpack/1001727/defaultColorVariantId/180226/pc/638/c/0/sc/876/p/1001727.uts

Monogram Coffee Cup or Tumbler
For those early mornings when you just want to take a crack at your period one teacher in the face, drink from your styling coffee cup instead! These are fun because their all yours and can help you get your day going in a positive direction when people constantly compliment your cup :)

Coffee Cup: http://www.marleylilly.com/Monogrammed-16oz-Coastal-Link-Travel-Mug-with-Slider-Lid-_p_3985.html
Tumbler: http://www.marleylilly.com/Monogrammed-16oz-Hot-Pink-Double-Wall-Acrylic-Cup_p_2111.html

Fashion:

LL Bean BootsDepending on where your located, these boots can be a savior or way too hot on your feet. (Either way they look cute) I was born and raised in Maine before I moved to Chicago, so LL Bean is basically what I grew up wearing. These boots are great for fall but especially winter, and are so much cuter than uggs. (I am so over that trend)

Original Bean Boots: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/35477?attrValue_0=Tan/Brown

Colored CorduroysIn the summer, everyone whips out their bright colored jeans. In the fall, I whip out my fall toned corduroys. Plum, navy, forest green, cranberry. Any darker colors look absolutely adorable tucked into that number three up there ^^. An array of colors to choose from can be found at J Crew.

J Crew Matchstick Cords: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/corduroy/PRDOVR~03903/03903.jsp

Quilted Vests *MY NUMBER ONE ESSENTIAL!*
Believe me when I say I am completely and utterly obsessed with the J Crew Quilted Vests. I have one in navy that I have worn to death. I’m dying over the forest green and the nude one, so those will probably be my next purchase at J Crew. If you are edgy, they offer a hot pink and a black and white patterned one. I might even buy the hot pink for those days when I’m looking to stand out :)

J Crew Quilted Vest: http://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/blazers_outerwear/outerwear/PRDOVR~92465/92465.jsp?color_name=dark-navy

Well that's all for now, folks. Thanks for tuning in! Let me know if you purchase any of these things.

xoxo

Callie

Taking Charge of How I View Myself

Every girl says it at one point or another. "I hate my thighs." "My love handles are huge." "Im fat." In the past, I have struggled with my weight just like any other teenage girl, trying out this cleanse, that diet, anything to try to make myself that Victorias Secret Model skinny. One day I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers, BreeLovesBeauty, and she mentioned that she was part of the TIU team. I came to learn that this was a community of women online who follow the same eating pattern (five small meals) with two workout sessions a day. You are supposed to purchase a $150 nutrition plan and follow it to your liking while doing workouts that are given to you, along with your own choice of cardio. This intrigued me. I was inspired by multiple success stories, and finally, about a month later, I bit the bullet and purchased the plan.

It isn't every day I would just spend $150 on some plan that was supposed to make me happy with myself and energetic at all hours of the day. I researched this to no end. I never once heard a single negative thing about Tone It Up. I even purchased the Perfect Fit Protein that the founders, Karena and Katrina, made themselves. I purchased the plan less than a week ago. Since then, I have skipped work outs and treated myself with sweets, but still managed to lose 5 lbs. Yes, you heard that right, five meals a day with minimal workouts. Although I plan to become more serious about the work outs, this was definitely a boost in my confidence in the plan.

I went out and purchased a bunch of essential items on the grocery list and stuck to the recipes, having a meal out here and there. I learned to love things like greek yogurt, granola, and especially quinoa as a replacement for pasta. Ultimately, I have been teaching myself to fuel my body rather than eat what sounds good. I am very proud of the way I have been eating and I really hope to stick with Tone It Up for a long time. I have learned to make short term goals and achieve them, making me more and more confident after each one. I hope to work for myself and eventually reach my desired weight.

xoxo
Callie