On My Playlist | Summer Playlist No. 1

I have put together a list of songs that have currently been on repeat over my speakers.  They are so summery and fun - hope you enjoy!

1.  Kasey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow

2.  Lorde - Royals

3.  Lana Del Ray - Young and Beautiful

4.  Brad Paisley - Southern Comfort Zone

5.  Jayme Dee - Rules

6.  Vampire Weekend - Diplomat's Son

7.  Birdy - People Help the People

8.  The Weeknd - The Party and the After Party

9.  Jason Mraz - A Beautiful Mess

10.  Kip Moore - Hey Pretty Girl

I am totally in love with these songs (those who know me personally can attest - they are almost always on when my computer is out).  This certainly is my summer soundtrack for now!

Happy listening!

-xx, Beccy

Getting Healthy | The 30 Day Water Challenge

It is always a little awkward when I go out to dinner with friends.  Most of my gal pals are healthy eaters, which is great because I love food like sushi or a good Caesar salad.  However, whenever we order drinks, the conversation goes a little like this."

"What will you have to drink, ma'am?"

"Oh, I will take an ice water with lemon, please."

"Alright, and you?"

"Oh, water too, please."

"Water."

"Water."

"Water."

"Diet Coke."

Guess who that is.

I can't help the fact that I really do love the taste of Diet Coke.  My friends are constantly telling me how bad it is for my system.  I don't deny that the stuff is battery acid.  I know the negative effects of diet sodas have been studied and documented.  However, that doesn't stop me from going to the soda machine and putting a dollar in for 20 ounces of cold liquid goodness (with no calories - which makes me feel better about myself).

It's not my fault that it tastes so good...though it
probably is my fault for buying 64 ounces of the stuff....

I'm definitely wanting to change that mindset when it comes to caffeinated beverages.  My caffeine dependency only increased during my Junior year of high school - it got so bad that I would need a Diet Coke or two almost every day to function. My Senior year is coming up, and I would rather switch over to coffee (something I have not acquired a taste for yet) to be able to get the caffeine I need when there is a long day of work ahead.  As well as get more sleep and eat better (baby steps).

So here is the thirty day challenge:  I will strive to drink at least two bottles of water every day.  I will drink a bottle when I get a craving for caffeine, and I will drink the other before I have dinner.  I plan to try and slowly wean myself off of caffeine (specifically Diet Coke) within the next thirty days while avoiding the headaches and such.  There are so many benefits to increasing your water intake, such as:

1.  Healthier skin.

2.  Overall you will weigh less.

3.  It will give you more energy since it will stop dehydration (soda won't).

4.  It helps maintain a healthier heart.

5.  You can't get cancer from water (depending on where you get it from).

6.  It naturally cleanses your body.

7.  It can put you in a better mood (water intake boosts endorphin levels - who knew?).

8.  It supports your immune system.

9.  It certainly saves you money, given that water is free.

10.  It also increases cognitive function (layman's terms - it makes you smarter).

What is your water routine?

-xx, Beccy 

OOTD | Here Comes the Sun

Little known fact - I actually really like the color yellow.

I haven't worn a lot of yellow since I was younger.  My fashion-conscious, eight-year-old self was convinced  that blondes can't wear yellow - since, well, my hair is already technically yellow - so wouldn't that be too much yellow? (Again, I was eight.)

HOWEVER I have added more yellow into my wardrobe.  I love yellow when it is done right.  I have a simple rule for all to follow:

Yellow should make you feel like a daffodil.  Not a duck.  If you feel like a creature fit for water, you're doing it wrong.

I tend to dress in more soft, natural yellows.  Think lemon, pastel, sunshine, and daisy yellows.  Not school bus, yield sign, taxi yellows.  

I have a pair of chino shorts that I purchased from Banana Republic that I cannot get enough of.  With my J. Crew chambray shirt and gold-toned wedges, it is easily the cutest outfit for a sunny day.  

Aviators, pearls and a white braided belt complete the outfit with classy flair.

I have gotten so many complements from this outfit - anyone can wear it, its affordable and easy, and the banana yellow shorts are just so fun!

I suggest that if you have fair skin like me (I'm one step from albino), then stay away from the more neon colors.  Many neon colors can make you look more tan, but yellow will not have that desired effect - in fact it will wash you out even more.  However, if your skin is darker, wear neon (tastefully)!  I would suggest restricting neon to accessories, like jewelry, belts and sandals.  Too much neon will make you look more night club and less Nantucket.

Hope y'all have fun dressing like little rays of sunshine!

-xx, Beccy