Friday Five: Respect

This week I finally returned to work, but that doesn't mean that I didn't have time to peruse the internet. I actually had 7 links saved for today's post so these are my five favorites. Each one of these I found relatable in some way, even if it was just that it caused me to realize how little things can impact something so greatly. Enjoy the post and the start to your weekend!

One: NYC Restaurant Compares Security Footage

#guilty

I am totally guilty of the food and social media trend. I have taken so many pictures of meals "to put up on my blog" that never make it up there. We are so attached to our phones these days and technology has definitely changed the culture. It is really interesting to see how the it has changed something as simple as the restaurant experience. Next time I am at a restaurant, I am definitely going to be more aware of being polite to the wait staff as well as the people that I'm with!

Two:13 Times Yoga Can Literally Save Your Life

I have become a bit of a yoga junkie. Seriously, I did a couple of Sun Salutations last night before bed because I hadn't been in 3 days and I missed it. It is amazing to see the changes that your body and mind go through when you start to do yoga! Plus, it is really fun to be able to add more advanced moves into your practice as you get stronger and more flexible.

Three: Why You Shouldn't Go Chi O

I will admit I was a tad confused when I saw this title after several Chi Os shared it on facebook, but I loved the article. Anyone in a sorority can relate to this, I hope. I love being a Chi Omega and thought this was a great way to engage readers who might judge a sorority by what the general superficial reputation may be.

Four: Humans Of New York Photo

In the wake of all the terrible things going on in the world today, it is always wonderful to hear about people who are just genuinely good and make the world a better place, even by saying something simple. This photo and the reason it was taken gave me goosebumps. If you don't follow Humans of New York on Facebook and/or Instagram, I would recommend doing it ASAP. 

Five: RE2PECT

As y'all probably know, Derek Jeter (aka my first crush) is retiring at the end of the season. He is one of the most widely respected and talented men to ever play the sport and my Yankees sure are going to miss him. On Wednesday, he played in his final All-Star Game, leaving the field to a standing ovation. This commercial also aired this week and it is amazing to see how many famous athletes and people are in this commercial tipping their cap to the Captain.

xx,

Erin

Monograms and Peach Ice Cream

The title of this post got me really excited. Seriously, two of the things I love the most and both have something going on today? What are the odds of that?

Life is better monogrammed. I firmly believe that. I have a ton of monogrammed items and if it isn't monogrammed, the thought has probably crossed my mind (though there are several things I do not want monogrammed and I think it is 100% possible to go a bit overboard...but anyways).

Today Marley Lilly has their monogrammed bandeau bathing suit tops on sale for 50% off...seriously! If you don't already have one, jump on this bandwagon because they are so cute, well-made, and will quickly become a regular addition to your bathing suit collection.

I have talked about how much I love my monogrammed derby hat from them before and this product is no different. If you have any questions about what size you want, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email and I will get back to you ASAP. I am actually sitting outside in my bandeau right now, attempting to get some sun on an afternoon off, but apparently the clouds had other plans...

In other news, today is National Peach Ice Cream Day and everyone should celebrate because who doesn't love peach ice cream?!? We don't have any at the house and technically I got a milkshake, but seriously, I love the Chick-Fil-A Peach milkshakes! I also discovered that we don't have an ice cream maker which was a bummer because I totally wanted to make some homemade peach ice cream today but instead, I will leave this recipe I found for those of you whose mothers love them enough to buy an ice cream maker ;) JK Momma, love you (mean it)! On a totally related unrelated note, my birthday falls on National Seafood Bisque Day...WTF?

original

Have a fantastic Thursday and get excited because the weekend is almost here!

xx,

Erin

The Opportunity Cost of Healthy Living

As some of you know, I started a "Healthy You In 42" challenge a while ago, and I just realized that I never actually followed up on it. One of the reasons for that is that through the process, I decided to make several lifestyle changes. So instead of focusing on 42 days of being healthy followed by a lifetime of going back to my old habits, I am focusing on fitness. You may notice that there is a tab for fitness next to fashion at the top of my page. I have actually really enjoyed this journey despite several days of feeling defeated and unproductive.

There are several text conversations with Meghan where I lament that despite all my hard work and focus on a healthy lifestyle, that I really haven't seen a change in my weight. The thing is though, I definitely have noticed a change in my figure, my mood, and my ability to perform at the gym. Spin class is never going to be easy, but my recovery time has dropped and resistance has increased. Oh, and my stomach is much flatter thanks to daily yoga. I might not be dropping sizes left and right, but my clothes fit better and I have received more compliments than I did before this challenge.

I think the most important thing that I learned from these past two months is that I am in charge of my body and that progress is what you make of it. Nothing is going to happen overnight, but it shouldn't have to. There is so much more to healthy living than just the number on the scale or the size of your pants. 

Everything in life is about making choices, good or bad, smart or thoughtless, hard or easy. We judge the opportunity cost of buying that shirt, eating that oreo, saying what is on our minds. I won't pretend that I make the healthy choice every time, but I am working on it, and I have certainly made strides in my diet and exercise regime. Instead of Healthy You In 42, I am focusing on being healthy for the rest of my life and I am really excited about it.

xx,

Erin

Simple Statement: Rayne Necklace

It always amazes me how some designers can take such a simple look and build an empire out of it. Kendra Scott's Danielle earrings are such an awesome statement piece and yet there isn't much flair to them. Recently, I picked up a Rayne necklace from Nordstrom and I am absolutely in love with it. I got the necklace in Colbalt because I wanted it to work year round and go with as many pieces of my wardrobe as possible.

I know the price tag for it is a bit steep, but it is a great addition to any jewelry collection, it's a quality piece, and if you love it as much as I do, it is worth it. I love pairing it with a white top and denim and actually wore the same top with it on the Fourth of July because the simplicity of the outfit makes the necklace the focus.

Also, I love love love these boyfriend jeans from Old Navy. I had a pair from Gap that I never wear because the cut is a bit off and they're too long, but these are the perfect summer fit. I got mine on clearance for $16, but they're still listed for $34.95 on the website so it might be worth going into the store to see if yours is getting rid of their inventory as well. If not, there is a 30% off sale on the website, so you can always save a bit with that!

top: old // jeans: Old Navy // necklace: Kendra Scott // shoes: Kohls // clutch: Target // sunglasses: Nordstrom

meet the perpetual photo-bomber...at least he's cute

latest snack obsession...seriously, i love these

xx,
Sugar Snap Pearls

Friday Five: Mixing It Up

Another week without work...actually, another week without work at my job would be more accurate. I am sort of enjoying this freedom to build my own brand that it has provided me, but I still would appreciate some employment and cash flow. I guess one of the perks of having this week off has been that I read through articles and blog posts that people have shared or recommend that I otherwise would've missed! Here is today's Friday Five...TGIF, y'all!

One: 4 Tips to Work From Home Like a Pro

I felt like this was relevant given my current situation. Despite not going to the office this week, I am still working and trying to maximize my productivity. My day started with my 5:15am spin class and was followed by emails, theSkimm and coffee. Actually, I am writing this post from the "Coffice" because I needed to get out and I also need to make a run to Target this afternoon (I know, it's a hard life). It might not be something that everyone enjoys or can do without getting painfully distracted, but it seems to be working for me!

Two: Cow Appreciation Day

{via}

Two Words: Free Chicken. I mean come on, all you have to do is dress up like a cow and you get a free meal so that is totally worth dressing up for. Luckily, Chick-fil-a has even provided this pdf so you don't have to come up with a costume yourself...and the costume is totally Sugar Snap Pearls approved ;) Actually though, anything that involves free chick-fil-a is worth the sacrifice! Oh, and it is free slurpee day at 7-11...woohoo

Three: Pin of the Week - Mixed Stripes

I am not one to stray away from stripes, especially navy stripes. I love how she paired the two different striped items so smoothly. I don't have a striped skirt, but now I am definitely wishing I did. If you want to recreate this look, make sure that the two items have a noticeable difference in the weight of the stripes so it doesn't look like you're trying to match the weight and style. 

Four: 11 Reasons We're Obsessed with Chrissy Teigen

I actually laughed when I saw this article on HerCampus (and this one on Huffington Post) and immediately posted it on my friend, Lucy's, Facebook wall because we "followed her before she was cool". We started following Teigen on twitter when we were sophomores in High School because we found her through her now-husband, John Legend, and totally appreciated her sarcasm and passion for cooking. This woman is the total package, can I just be her? Also, she has 3 bulldogs and I am obsessed with French Bulldogs, so...

Five: Raju the Elephant Cries After Being Rescued

I teared up reading this and I am not ashamed of it. Seriously, it is so sad that things like this happen and it really breaks my heart to know that abused animals can identify the relief of that moment when it comes to an end. Thank you to the amazing people who rescue animals, like Raju, every day. 

xoxo,

Sugar Snap Pearls

3 Steps to Recreating Pinterest Outfits

"The detail is as important as the essential is. When it is inadequate, it destroys the whole outfit."

-Christian Dior

There is something about minor details in an article of clothing that can take it from something that is so average to unique. Sure, I may have collected one too many navy items in my wardrobe, but that does not mean that they are all the same. Style is a reflection of self and an important form of expression. I love details in an outfit and I love the color navy. I think one of the reasons that I am so drawn to statement necklaces is because of my love for building on the basics and still wanting outfits to appear unique and interesting.

Just because I can't afford to wear all any designer duds, doesn't mean I can't fudge it a bit and look like I am wearing items that cost more than they did. Over the last year or so, I have noticed that people tend to compliment my outfits when I add an extra layer or accessory. The key is to add something that causes people to double take or stare at the outfit for an extra second to take it all in. I would encourage y'all to look at your fashion board on Pinterest and see what elements you are drawn to when pinning outfits. There is a good chance that you find outfits with a little extra detail to be exponentially more chic. And guess what, you can pull it off too! I love playing dress up with my wardrobe to figure out what to wear the next day, or even the next week. There are some outfits that I've never worn but can't wait to pull out one day in the near future.

{via}

3 Tips to Recreating Your Favorite Pinterest Outfits:

1. Layering

{via}

Whether you are layering articles of clothing or accessories, adding that extra layer draws the eye of the observer for another second or two. I know in the summer this might not sound like the ideal wardrobe move, but if you are working indoors and the clothing is lightweight, it really isn't that bad!

2. Play Dress Up

{via}

Turn on a sing-a-long playlist and stand in front of your closet picking out a couple of outfits. I love doing this, and it is definitely a procrastination technique I have used more than once to get out of some homework. Warning: There is about a 100% chance that you will try out an outfit that absolutely doesn't work or isn't flattering at some point while doing this, but no worries, it happens to all of us!

3. Shop Smart

{via}

Think about what details you like from those outfits on Pinterest next time you're surfing the web during lunch or shopping at the mall. Sure, you could go for yet another navy shirt (guilty...) or you could grab that awesome hammered gold bracelet for the same price and spice up countless outfits with it. Also, when shopping, think of at least 2-3 items you already own that you can pair anything you buy with. I know this sounds a bit dumb, but that cute, overpriced top that can be paired with only black jeans and is too unique to be worn regularly just isn't worth it, trust me...

{via}

By the way, this doesn't mean that every outfit you wear has to be the most fascinating thing you've ever worn. At the end of the day, just a t-shirt and jeans is 100% okay!

xx,
Sugar Snap Pearls 

When Life Hands You Lemons...Make Sweet Tea

Remember how I wished I could stay at the beach for another week? Well, I don't have work again this week so I guess that is sort of life's way of telling me that I should've been happy with the one week I had off. I don't do well with having nothing to do when I am not on vacation, I like to be productive with my days, or at least for the majority of the day. Seriously, I went to my 5:15am spin class yesterday even though I didn't have work (crazy...)

However, instead of sitting around and binge-watching Netflix all day, I am taking this time to do other things that I had been putting off because of my job. Despite having no work, I have a relatively full to-do list. The only difference is that I get to check things off of that list as I sit on the patio with a cup of coffee while listening to Mike and Mike on ESPN radio. As someone once said, when life hands you lemons...

...make sweet tea!
Is that not how that goes? Well it should, because there really is nothing better than a cold glass of sweet tea. Since I have the day off and plan to spend this hot day outside (mostly in the shade with a tanning break...obviously) I figured it was a perfect day to make some sweet tea! I know everyone has their own recipe and likes it with different levels of sweetness, but I am going to share the recipe that I love and my brothers cannot seem to get enough of...seriously, this stuff rarely lasts longer than a day or two in my house. Oh, and I made gallons upon gallons of this stuff for my sorority's recruitment without any complaints!

Smooth Sweet Tea

2 Cups Boiling Water

6 Cups Cool Water

6 Tea Bags

3/4 Cup Sugar

1 Pinch Baking Soda

Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda into a heat-proof, glass pitcher. Pour in boiling water, and add tea bags. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes.

Remove tea bags and discard; stir in sugar until totally dissolved. Pour in cool water, then refrigerate until cold.

xoxo,
Sugar Snap Pearls