Schwinn Ambassador Series : Spring Flowers

With Spring in full bloom, there is no better time for me to announce that I am a Schwinn Ambassador for 2016! I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of such a great team, and I can't wait to post all of the fun adventures I will be having on my new bikes. I was so excited to receive this Meridian 3 wheel bike in person because I have ALWAYS wanted one. I love the basket in the back, and I love the dark red color of the bike. It's so perfect and beautiful for Spring, not to mention it rides like a dream.

I love being able to throw some things in the back, and ride wherever I need to go. This will come in handy, especially when picking up groceries from our local Farmer's Market, or running to my Mom's house to pick up anything I run out of while cooking (this happens often).

As you all know, I have been a huge Schwinn fan for a long time now, and I even made the cover of Momentum Magazine last year, with my favorite blue and white cruiser. I can't wait to show you guys what we have in store for the next year- it's a very exciting collaboration, and I really can't wait to travel throughout NJ with my favorite bikes by my side. 

I remember a few years ago when I started blogging how important it was for me to get a bicycle that I knew would last, and that was made well. I have adored vintage Schwinn bikes (with the banana seats) for as long as I can remember, and the brand itself always stands out in my mind as one of the best bicycle brands there is. It's crazy to think that I now get to work with one of my favorite companies. It feels too good to be true, but it also feels like the perfect fit. I hope you guys follow along on my journey with Schwinn as we adventure into the next few seasons together, and if you're from the state of New Jersey, please let me know if you have any suggestions for future locations!

 Dress / Flower Crown / Meridian Trike / Booties / Chloe Bag

/ Mustard Sweater /  Bag Holding Flowers (reversible)

My #CoffeeRoutine

Hey guys! Happy Monday! Nothing says Monday like a nice cup of coffee, am I right? The days lately have been so packed from start to finish, that coffee seems to be the only thing that is keeping me going. Since I am always running around, coffee has become my go-to drink whenever I need a pick-me-up, or whenever I want to get things done efficiently. 

Planning a wedding is a lot of work, and although there are great parts of planning, there are so many things that people don't tell you about that can be stressful, or extremely time consuming. Although everything is coming along nicely, I am very stressed throughout the planning process. When I do have time to sit and organize my thoughts, or plan my next move, I always enjoy relaxing with a cup of coffee by my side. 

My perfect cup of coffee includes a french vanilla flavor, along with a hint of cream, and a touch of Truvia Natural Sweetener. While I am on the run my coffee is always iced, but when I am enjoying it in the comfort of my home, nothing is better than a warm cup of joe. 

I think the most important part of my coffee drinking routine is that it's a time when I can sit and relax, and have a moment to myself that doesn't feel rushed or forced. It's my time to enjoy with no pressure.  

I bought all of my goodies to make the perfect cup of coffee, from Shoprite. It's always my go-to place to do all of my grocery shopping, and it's so convenient that I can purchase my favorite coffee from there too! (Psst: If you buy 2 participating coffee products and 1 participating creamer and get a free box of Truvia Natural Sweetener 40ct now thru 3/12, while supplies last.)

  
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® , The J.M.Smucker Company, White Wave, and Truvia Natural Sweetener, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CoffeeRoutine http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Mustard Love | The Malala Fund

Hey guys! Happy New Year! I am excited to be sharing my first post of the year, but also excited because this past year, I barely wore any dresses. If you look in my past archives, dresses are all I wore for a long time, but since then my style has transitioned, and I wear jeans/pants almost every single day. It's nice though, because wearing a dress now feels like a treat! 

Today I am collaborating with Schoola once again(read my last post, here), but wearing a dress donated by Modcloth. I am a huge Modcloth fan, so I love that their items are available through Schoola, which is helping raise money to empower girls through education. 

You can read more about how Schoola is connected here.  

 

Schoola is committed to raising $100,000 for the Malala Fund through the sale of clothing on their site, and have the help of some very generous corporate donors, including ModCloth and Athleta. 

They are offering 70% off retail prices , which is awesome, because these items are completely brand new, and in the process you are helping those in need.

 

You can shop dresses similar to the one I am wearing, or new items from Gymboree, Tea Collection, Modcloth and Athleta, as well as secondhand items donated by individuals.

So, I am sure you're wondering how can you help? You can request your very own Malala bag here (see bag below), to donate clothing on behalf of the Malala Fund, with 40% of proceeds going to help girls gain education around the world. I am sending over some of my gently used clothes, and the best part is that it's free, easy and every little bit helps!

Groomsmen Gifts | Master Your Blend

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Scandinavian Tobacco Group, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #masteryourblend  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Thinking about our wedding gets me really excited and is putting me in full on planning mode! Even though I haven't planned gifts for my bridesmaids yet, I have already started putting things together for Ryan's groomsmen. 

Prior to planning our wedding Ryan and I knew that cigars would be a huge part of our special day because it's something my Dad and brother in law really love, and a lot of our guests also enjoy it on special occasions. 

That's where Cubero Cigars come in. I love being creative when it comes to gift giving, so this is no different. I wanted to give the groomsmen something that they can all use and love, and I feel like wrapping it all together in a basket is perfect. I love the idea of using different ribbons to decorate, and I love these hand etched boxes for each groomsmen to use after the wedding is over. I love useful gifts, and these are gifts that they can enjoy at the wedding, and after!

To sign up for free coupons and to find a retailer near you visit Cubero Cigars website here. 

If you're curious about the flavors, here is some more information on how they pair well.

Blend 35- Sweet: fine tobacco with rum, a hint of mint and sugar cane for a sweet finish 

Blend 07- Wine: naturally sweet tobacco with a distinct taste of grape and an oak-like nuance 

Blend 12- Mocha: medium bodied tobacco that provides a smooth taste with chocolate and coffee overtones

Strawberry Basil Pasta Salad

If you guys have been following along for a while, you'll know that I love Barilla Pronto! A while back I made a Mediterranean pasta salad , and fell in love with Barilla Pronto pasta. This time around I wanted something a little different, but still delicious. My schedule has been very intense lately, so making meals in advance is extremely crucial. This pasta is so easy to make, and requires only about ten minutes of your time. It never needs to be drained, and uses minimal water- which is awesome because by the time you put it in a pot, it's time to take it off! 

I shopped for my groceries and pasta at Stop & Shop. Here's what you'll need for this delicious strawberry salad. 

In the salad you'll need:
Yellow Grape Tomatoes
1 box of Barilla Pronto (your choice of what kind!)
Basil Leaves
Peppers (tri color)

Cook the pasta following the directions on the box, and then allow it to cool off for approximately 20 minutes. Once it's cool add your peppers, tomatoes, and basil.

For the strawberry vinaigrette:
Strawberries (frozen or fresh)
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 of A Lemon's Juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Combine all ingredients and blend in a food processor. It is extremely easy and simple!

See how easy it is? I love that it tastes better and better as I eat it throughout the week. Sometimes the simplest recipes are best!

 

Make sure you grab some New Barilla Pronto Pasta next time you shop at Stop & Shop, Giant Food Stores, or Martin’s Food Markets.  Barilla Pronto Pasta is also available through Peapod!

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #AnytimePasta http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Healthy Snacks & Favorite Movies

You know that feeling of rushing to the store to get your favorite movie? I still love doing that! I rushed to Walmart to get Pitch Perfect Two and couldn't wait to have a girls night to watch it with my friends. As I get older "girls nights" are few and far between. We're all so busy living our lives, so catching up is extremely important. I love hosting fun nights, especially when a  good movie is involved. 

Since healthy eating is so important to me, I make sure that I create the healthiest snacks for us! I like to make a few different dishes so that way every one has a choice of food to eat. One of our favorite go to easy snacks is steamed edamame with roasted almonds. 

Between all of us, we're usually snacking the whole time- but when it's something healthy you definitely don't feel bad polishing the bowl off! 

This appetizer is extremely easy to make, and will be an awesome snack during the movie. 

Purchase edamame, and steam for approximately 4 minutes on the stove. Salt to taste, and then add the roasted sliced almonds. I usually purchase the almonds pre-sliced, and then roast them in the over for about 20 minutes. I love the crunch it adds to the edamame, and it's a great combination of flavors. 

I really loved this movie, and the first one is one of my favorites too. I wish I could sing like these girls, and I definitely wish I could dance like them too. My favorite character is Amy mainly because she is hysterical, and pretty much makes the movie the best.

If you want your own copy-head to Walmart to grab the exclusive Pitch Perfect Blu-Ray/Soundtrack combo pack. Soundtrack includes some of your favorite songs from Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2 (while supplies last).

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #ThePitchesatWMT http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

Chai Lover with TeaBox Express

With the winter months upon us I find myself drinking more and more tea. This month, I tried my luck with chai and as a first timer I must say I am very impressed. Tea Box Express sent me a whopping chai set in my November box and I wasn't sure what to make it of it at first since I have never actually tried chai. I tried it warm, and iced, and although I am usually an "iced" lover, I prefer warm chai. 

The scent of the chai is very aromatic and some of the spices that stick out most are cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper. I love that it's a mix of tea & milk. I never would have thought I would enjoy it, but here I am...LOVING IT. It's working wonders on this cold I have right now, and I can't wait to start feeling better.

My box this month also came with Masala Chai (loose tea) and pumpkin spiced moravian cookies, so delicious! If you haven't heard of TeaBox Express before, you should really check them out. If you're a tea lover you'll love their surprise boxes every month. All you have to do is choose your subscription, and then wait for it to come knockin' on your door! Every month is different with new teas, and new accessories, I can't wait to see what is in store for next month! 

Stay warm friends! xox

FALL in Love With Fall Booties From DSW

Who doesn't love the Fall? When the season rolls in it's time for new shoes, some fancy layered clothing, and hats of course. Summer is great of course, but nothing beats the feeling the Fall gives you. There's something about the crispness in the air, and the changing colors of the leaves that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Fall for me means finding the perfect staples for my closet, and that of course means finding the perfect shoes. Today, I am teaming up with DSW to show you guys how I style a pair of my favorite booties.

When you find a good pair of shoes, you never want to take them off! It's important to find a pair that can be worn in a few different ways, because that's the beauty of a closet staple. I love these booties, and I love how versatile they are. I decided to dress them up into three looks. My first look is a comfortable "day" look. This is something I would wear just lounging around the house, or going out for coffee with some friends. 

My second look is a look I would wear from day to night. It has a little bit of an edgier look, which  love! I usually throw a beanie on, and a moto jacket on a daily basis, so this look is a breeze. I don't usually wear heels so wedges are perfect for those days when you want to be comfortable all day long. I love being able to keep a pair of shoes on my feet all day without feeling tired.

My third and final look is the dressiest look of all. As seen in the outfit above, I love faux leather right now! This faux leather pencil skirt is great for date night , or a night out with my girlfriends. I layered a bodysuit & fancy bralette with a kimono to bring a little bit of color into the outfit. I love how the booties transitioned into any outfit I wore them with.

Which look is your favorite? 

That's the best thing about shoes, they can be worn so many different ways, and every outfit makes them shine in a different way. If you didn't already hear, October 25th is National Shoe Lover Day! Make sure you stop into your nearest DSW to celebrate this awesome day, and treat yourself. 

Who’s ready for October 25? It’s National #ShoeLover Day, and we’re partying it up with DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. Tell us why you love shoes and how you’re going to let loose on the big day!

DSW Zumba Bootie
Look 1: Poncho (c/o PBJshop) / Leggings / Hat
Look 2: Bag / Beanie / Moto Jacket & Jeans / Flannel
Look 3:  Bodysuit / Bralette / Leather Mini (c/o Lulus) / Kimono (c/o Marshalls)

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by DSW via Mode Media.The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of DSW.

Textured Curls with Garnier Fructis

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I am super excited to share a hairstyle with you today using Texture Tease by Garnier Fructis! Since I usually get asked about my curls, I want to share with you guys one of my favorite ways to wear them. The great thing about loose, wavy curls is that you can dress them up, or down depending on where you're going. It's not overly dressy, but it's also not extremely casual so it leaves you right in between.

What I do first is make sure my hair is nice and clean. I usually wash my hair the night before and then sleep on it. Once I wake up in the morning it's usually crazy and wild(lots of volume) which is what I love! If your hair is harder to manage this way, then just wash it and blow dry it as you normally would. You want to start with your natural hair, a little bit of wave is fine too! You should work with your hair, and no one knows it better than you!

Next, section off the hair into half up, half down. This helps maintain each curl separately and you can drop section by section as you curl. I wrap my hair around this 1 inch curling iron, and that works best for me. Regular curls don't hold in my hair, so I love that I get this wavy, all natural look with wrapping.

As soon as you curl a section, spray the bottom with the texture tease, and scrunch your hair with your fingers to give it that extra texture in between curls. 

Once you get to the top section of hair, take the texture tease and spray it into your roots. (This will be in between your top and bottom section. Since texture tease is backcomb in a bottle you can use your fingers to tease the product into your hair.

Once the product has successfully has been teased into your hair, you can continue curling the remaining hair from the top section.

Finish it off with a little Sleek & Shine Anti Humidity Hairspray and some texture tease underneath the hair for that perfect look! To add that extra touch, I added a flower crown to go with my textured waves!

Also, don't forget to enter the Garnier Sweepstakes! Pin your favorite hairstyle for a chance to win a $500 visa giftcard! Read more info below.

 Learn it, Do it, Rock it with Garnier Fructis Style.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Garnier Fructis via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Garnier Fructis.