#rocktober with Blogilates

Let's face it, Econ 101 was right, there is an opportunity cost for everything. Seriously though, when we choose one thing, we miss out on another. When I choose to watch Netflix, I miss out on study time or time to read my favorite book. One thing that I have really let slide this semester has been my fitness. This is a huge bummer for someone who spent the entire summer kicking her butt in early morning spin class and afternoon yoga. I just didn't prioritize it like I did then and I am definitely starting to notice it. Of course, Parents Formal is at the end of the month and I want to look good in my dress so I am using that dress as a goal for this. It's sort of like "sweat for the dress" except I'm not getting married. I actually don't even have a date in mind for the formal...

Getting back in shape again is not going to be pretty or fun, but it is going to be worth it...it always is. I am a bit worried about running with my feet, but I am going to start gradually getting back into it and in the meantime I am going to focus on other toning exercises. 

I've been following Blogilates for a while now and I am going to use this month to take advantage of the workout calendar she sends out each month when you sign up for emails. Her workouts are fun and effective. There are a few video workouts that I've tried, but the actual program she has set up has gotten great reviews. I am also going to do the 30 Day Pushup Challenge. I can already do a few, but I am going to use this as a baseline for where I should be at. Ugh, knowing that I could easily do 3x as many pushups over the summer stinks!

If anyone else wants a 30 day workout or is looking for a great site to get some information on, I would definitely recommend looking at Blogilates. If you want a buddy to keep you accountable for it, or just someone to talk to, I would be happy to become email buddies with any of y'all!

xx,
Erin

Flavors of Fall: Baked Goods

So my birthday is right around the corner and I still have quite a few things to check off of my 22x22 list! One of them is to make ten Pinterest recipes, which may have been a bit ambitious from the start. Luckily, I bake something for my Relay For Life committee meetings every week so I have been making some progress on these recipes through that. Right now I am loving all the fall recipes they're featuring and I wanted to share a couple that I've tried and a couple that I am looking forward to trying. Also, these haven't been Pinterest fails at all luckily for me, so I definitely recommend trying them!

Already Made

Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal Bars

I got really excited about making these since I love the taste and smell of pumpkin pie. They were a definite crowd-pleaser for those who actually like pumpkin, and even some of my committee members, who don't like pumpkin said they liked them! One little thing though, these do take a while to make and cool so don't make these if you are on a time crunch.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Okay, technically not totally a recipe, but it is important. I couldn't find pumpkin spice at Kroger yesterday, but luckily a quick search for Pumpkin Spice mix helped me make my own. Plus, now I have a couple more spices in my kitchen cabinet!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

I mentioned these in a Friday Five a long time ago and finally got around to making them a couple of weeks ago. They were amazing and I would totally make them again.  Salted caramel is one of my favorite flavors and this was the perfect amount without being totally overpowering

Want To Make

Apple Pie Cookies

How great do these sound? Its a nice variation on a traditional apple pie, especially if you don't have a pie dish. Plus this actually calls for apple pie filling instead of making your own, so it shouldn't take too long to make.

Buttery Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cookies

So I had no idea these were pumpkin flavored when I first went to pin this, I honestly just thought they looked delicious. Usually I just stick with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies when I want a pumpkin flavor, buy now I want to try these.

xx,

Erin

Movie Review: Mantervention

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mantervention . All opinions are 100% mine.

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted about reviewing the movie, Mantervention. At first I was a bit confused because, after watching the trailer, it was pretty obvious that it was definitely geared towards guys. The plot centers on Spencer getting over a breakup with the help of his 'professional ladies man' best friend, Coke. Coke decides that the best way for Spencer to get over his heartbreak is to sleep with a string of women and forget his ex. The two of them move into Coke's dad's beach house for a couple of weeks, get jobs at a bar owned by a drag queen, and, well, sleep with a bunch of women.

Okay, so you are probably wondering why I decided to watch this movie? Well, I decided that I would invite some girlfriends over for wine and this movie on a Thursday night and then collectively we could review this movie. You know you are watching the movie with girls when the first thing one of them says is "He was in Lemonade Mouth" referring to the film's star, Nick Roux. I think the best way to describe the movie was put by one of my friends when she said that it "pairs well with wine." We were cracking up at Spencer's ridiculous first hook up scene where he brings home a girl who really likes to "meow"...a lot. There are definitely some raunchy and mildly offensive scenes, but all in all we had fun drinking our wine and judging the actions of all the characters throughout the movie. We also enjoyed Travis Van Winkle's abs...they may have stolen the show, though his spandex swim trunks and norts were highly questionable. Believe it or not, there was an educational aspect to this film as one of my friends learned how to remove the burn from a jellyfish sting in one of the scenes.

If you are a fan of the American Pie franchise or just want a good laugh with your friends, check out this movie available on TV VOD, iTunes, Vimeo, Vudu and will be in limited theaters throughout the month of September (VOD and release details). Total Frat Move even said "Mantervention is the greatest raunchy sex comedy since Wedding Crashers.” I would say we had a pretty entertaining wine night watching this movie, but I will let y'all be the judge of that for yourselves. Fair warning though, TFM also enjoyed the movie because there were hot girls and boobs, so this is definitely not the ideal family movie night. 

For more about Mantervention, check out their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Don't forget to watch the trailer, get the movie for your next movie night, and if you leave a comment with your favorite quote from the trailer, you will be entered to win free Mantervention swag!

Also, big thanks to Dawson, Lizzie, Logan, and Meghan for coming over to review the movie with me!

Friday Five: Inspired

I kept telling myself I wasn't going to dedicate an entire post to Derek Jeter. It isn't exactly what my readers come here to read and I am definitely more invested in this man's retirement than most of y'all. So instead I went with a variety of links that are more generally appealing. All of these are inspirational in some way. You may not find Derek Jeter inspiring, but there are so many other ways to be inspired and so many people in this world who make you think.
I hope everyone has a great weekend, and if you're in the Charlottesville area, come out to Hops for Hope at Star Hill Brewery tomorrow. They're going to donate $1 from every pint to UVA Relay For Life and they'll broadcast the game too!

One: Derek Jeter's Walkoff Single Ends His Shortstop Career

He is going to play at Fenway this weekend, but not at shortstop. I can't begin to describe the emotions that go into this one for me. There are few professional athletes in history who have achieved his level of fame and respect both on and off the field. He was never ejected from a game, umps, players, and fans love him, and he loved baseball. I honestly get emotional writing about this because it really is the end of an era, but it couldn't have ended in a better way than it did. The heavens stopped pouring for his final game in the Bronx and he finished the game as a hero. He may retire, but his legacy and what he has done for this ball club is present now and will be for years to come. Farewell, Captain. I know there's no crying in baseball, but I think we can make an exception for this moment.

Two: Emma Watson Speaks to the UN

This is one of those videos that I am sure many of you have seen, but I think it is worth watching a couple of times. I think I've watched it 3 times now and it hasn't gotten old. I love seeing women stand up for each other and putting the campaign for gender equality in such a great light. This is especially great because it addresses the issue on an international level, not just as a problem in corporate offices or schools in developed countries.

Three: Life Isn't Perfect

This is a cute picture and such a great quote. I pretty regularly think about how many things in my life aren't perfectly in place or how I originally pictured them. Perfection is overrated so why not be happy with the awesome things that happen in life. Without the hard moments, the good ones would be less enjoyable!

Four: Stella Young's Ted Talk

This has to be one of my favorite Ted Talks ever. I love her frankness and the perspective she approaches life with. She is inspiring because she is confident and well-spoken, not because she has overcome a physical handicap. "What if you are that person?" You think telling them they're an inspiration is a compliment, but how would you feel if living was considered inspirational. Personally, I would be offended if someone came into this coffee shop and told me that they were impressed that I got out of bed and went to get coffee and work. 

Five: The History of the Power Suit

This is really interesting. I love seeing power suits pop up on Pinterest and around in the working world. I love that they ask if it can really provide power. It doesn't, but there is something about knowing you look good and the term gives a sense of empowerment. Make whatever you wear a power outfit, but 

6 Things to Love About Fall

Happy second day of fall! I got to wear my favorite vest today so you know it's going to be a good day...hopefully. Honestly though, Wednesdays are long for me, but there are so many positive happy things to think about right now, like early fall weather! This is my favorite time of year because I get less allergies than the seasonal transition to spring and I love layering sweaters, plus it is only for a few months so I can binge on these things and then wait 9 months for it to roll around again. Please note, my birthday didn't even make the cut...that's how much I love everything else about this season! It's hard to pick a few of my favorite things, but if I had to choose, these would be them.

1) Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Realistically, this is pumpkin flavored anything, but I do love this drink. There are a few recipes for homemade ones that I have yet to try, but I will let you know when I do. I love the smell and taste of pumpkin and I think it's because it is seasonal, but regardless...this is definitely a fall favorite.

2) Layering Vests

I love any look that is practical, comfortable, and cute. Believe it or not, I actually like wearing turtlenecks, and if I didn't, you'd never catch me in one. Layering is perfect for those cold, frosty fall mornings that warm up to be 70 degrees by the time you walk home from class. 

3) Bonfires

Okay, so you can do these any time of year. But wrapping up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate sounds pretty great if you ask me.

4) Fall Colors

...and fabrics. One of my favorite parts about going to Gold Cup with my family is seeing everyone in warm fall colors and suede, furs and tweed. Normally, I am not one to stray from my classic navy, but I love dark plums and burgundy this time of year.

5) Football

Does this even need explaining? It's time to tailgate and watch your favorite college, professional, or even High School team play. Also, this is a good time of year to re-watch Friday Night Lights...you know you want to.

6) Apple Pie

Really any pie or hearty fall dish actually, but fresh apple pie is always good. What's more fun than going to an orchard and picking a bunch of apples to make a pie with when you get home? Well, I think it's fun...

What are your favorite parts of fall?

xx,
Erin

Favorite Fall and Winter Booties

It's beginning to feel a lot like Fall! Ahh, I am desperate for a little fall weather in my life. Today I am breaking out my new booties to wear to work and I couldn't be more excited. The great thing about booties is that they are just as easy to style as riding boots, but the short length makes them perfect for transition weather. I actually wore mine with a skirt to chapter last week and today I am wearing them with my favorite pair of jeans and a button down.

You may recognize these booties from my fall staple outfit post, which is definitely a sign of how much wear these are going to get in the coming weeks. I love mine from Sole Society, and though I was a little nervous about ordering from a site for the first time, the product is great and I definitely recommend it! If you're looking for a pair of simple statement booties, check mine out! There are also so many other great options out there that fits anyone's budget or style.  Here are a few of my favorites from around the web. Although, in the interest of being honest, I am not a big fan of combat boots, but I included them here because some people can totally rock them...just not me.

Sole Society // Steve Madden // TOMS
Diba // C. Wonder // Sole Society
Rag & Bone // Madden Girl // Lucky Brand

What are your go-to fall booties?

xx,

Erin

Friday Five: I Can't Come up with a Clever Title

Every week I find myself desperately awaiting the weekend. I just want it to come so that I can do nothing for some time before frantically throwing myself back into school work on Sunday. That being said, today I realized that every week that passes is one step closer to the real world. It's sad and scary all in one, I just can't believe it is actually happening!

One: Project Social T

I got a little package from my momma the other day that included this shirt and I absolutely love it. She gets me, what can I say. I guess it's my inner Carrie Bradshaw coming through. I hadn't heard of this brand before, but I absolutely love the material they use and they have some cool graphic tees. Their products are carried at Urban, Nordstrom, Topshop, and other stores. My momma saw this shirt for me at Nordstrom Rack, so if you want to check there, I'm sure they have some too!

Two: Former NFL Player Retired so He Could Donate Kidney to His Brother

With all the bad press that the NFL and its players have been getting in recent weeks, this is a nice change of pace. There is no way that I am condoning anything that has happened or that the players are doing, but please understand that it is not fair to characterize all players this way. This story was incredibly touching and I really hope that they both live happy and fulfilled lives after this. 

Three: 13 Haikus to Cheese

Shoutout to my fellow cheese-lover grandlittle for this one. She and I love cheese and regularly talk about and share links involving cheese. Turns out, we both love goat cheese a lot. So here are 13 haiku to the reason that the paleo diet is a pipe dream for a girl like me.

Four: Danny Castellano is the Perfect New Yorker

First of all, it is missing the time that he says Fenway is the worst place on earth, but I'll let that slide. Danny is totally my dream man, all of my friends who watch the show can see it and this list totally proves it. Except he is from New York, as I said to Meghan, "I guess I like New Yorkers?" This is breaking news for me... *Disclaimer: I would not move to NYC...even for Danny...sorry. Oh, and here is Danny stripping, you're welcome.

Five: Bring Hannah Home

This admittedly takes the Friday Five on a somber turn, but I cannot sit here with a social media platform and not do everything I can to spread the word about Hannah. I am sure most of you have heard about her by now and know that the search is underway, but please keep sharing police updates and praying for her safety and for her family.

Okay, on that note, have a great weekend! Please, seriously, it is going to be hot in Virginia again...mother nature, what's your problem, girl?

xx,

Erin