Health Challenge Update

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So far so good everyone.  Ever since I started my health challenge, I have been feeling so much better!  I am much more awake, I don't break out as often, and I just feel good.  I am also finding that I really, I mean really, love salad-- it is kind of addicting actually!  That said here are a few ways I have been getting healthier...

1. Salad:  When I started this challenge, I wanted to eat a lot better, and I have.  I have a salad almost every day and am now choosing it over sweets even-- I know crazy right?  The salad I like to eat is a spinach and romaine salad with Parmesan and croutons.  It is really plain, but oh so delicious!

2. Water:  Lots of it.  I hardly drink anything other than water now.  I just don't find anything else satisfying and getting a lot of water puts me in a much better mood.  I do occasionally have a latte if I am really tired, but, generally, I stick to water.  I also really want to try a fruit infused water sometime-- they look so yummy!

3. I Work Out:  Okay, so not quite yet, but I did get the running shoes for this summer and I can't wait.  I am kind of nervous, but it will be good for me, given that I don't die or faint while we run haha.

Are you joining me for the health challenge?  How has your health been lately?

Signature

While I was reading How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, I got to the section about a timeless essential.  It is different for every woman, but to that woman, it is something she can wear with anything, any day, any time.

This got me thinking, what is my timeless wardrobe piece?  I then realized, I don't think I have one.  I love my Mini Mab, but I don't associate it with Hunter Thiers, and I have quite a few favorite pieces of clothing, but I can't wear them everyday.  

So, now I am on the hunt for the perfect timeless piece-- it should be understated, go with everything, and look great no matter what!  Here are a few things I am thinking of...

 watch/jean jacket/sneakers/lipstick/hat/bag

A good leather bag, a pair of sneakers you can wear with almost any outfit, or a cute hat-- any of those I know would be items I would use all the time; however, I also really like the jacket too, and I need a new one!

I also love the watch and the lipstick (which I already own).  Both go with everything and are items I would use every day. 

What is your timeless signature piece?
 

Summer Shoes

wedges/mules/sandals/espadrilles

Now that it is getting warmer, it is time to bring out the summer shoes!  For me there are four pairs of shoes I wear all summer long-- wedges, mules, sandals, and espadrilles.

Each of these styles are comfy, can be dressed up or down, and never get too hot on your feet.  You can also find a lot of these shoe styles at Nordstrom Rack, so they tend to be very budget friendly too!

I also want to mention the Soludos pictured above.  They are a good price point for a good shoe (a pair ranges from 35-65).  On top of that, there are so many different styles, so you can choose whichever pair you think you would wear the most!

What are your favorite shoes for the summer?

Senior Prom

Senior year prom will definitely be the most memorable prom to date.  There were so many things that went wrong (our bus-- it ended up being a charter bus because the party bus broke down-- a ripped hem, and an argument), but also, so many things that went right.  

I got to be with all of my best friends and the best boyfriend ever.  We danced the night away, had lots of laughs, and just enjoyed our last prom (well, Seth will have two more haha, but me and my senior friends at least)!

 How was your prom?  Any fun prom stories?

Prep on a Budget Reads

Over the summer, I try to catch up on all of the books I want to read, but this year I get to start early because I am pretty much done with school at this point.  Besides the few AP exams I will be taking and a few classes, I haven't been doing too much, so there is a little time at the end of the day for me to read-- I love it!

Reading, to me, is such a relaxing habit and I hope to keep up with that habit through college.  Reading keeps me grounded and helps me understand my situation/rationalize what is going on in my life.  Here are two books that I am loving right now...

 

1. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas: This book is wonderful on so many levels.  The witty humor is so refreshing to read and I love hearing what french women have to say about the true french women.  I also enjoy the bits of life advice this book gives!

2. Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns by Lauren Weisberger:  If you have been following my blog since last summer, you know that I got hooked on The Devil Wears Prada.  When I found out about the second book in the series, I knew I had to read it.  I haven't started this book yet, but will after I finish #1!

What books are you loving right now?  Are you in the daily routine of reading?

The Laundress

One of the great perks of working retail: free samples!  Although we don't get many, we occasionally get sample through work and I always love when we do.  Last week, we got a free sample of delicate wash from The Laundress and I loved it!

  Granted, not everyone has time to hand wash delicates, but it is such a treat when you can.  I took the time out (okay like two in morning haha) to try out the Laundress and I must say, I think I may invest in some of their products for college.  Their products are all natural and smell amazing, and if you don't like scent they have products that are scent-free too!

Anthropologie carries some of the line's most iconic products, however, you can find all of their products here!

Have you ever tried the Laundress?

It's Decided

After a long period of debate, I have finally figured out where I will be attending school in the fall... NKU!  I love both schools I was deciding between, but NKU just seemed to be the best option.

That said, I am so excited for college next year!  I cannot wait to get started with all of my classes and meet some of my classmates.  I have already met a few and it will be great to get to know them better next year.

I am also super excited about dorms next year!  Hopefully I will have an apartment style dorm with a kitchen-- I love cooking my own food.  I'm nervous to meet my new roommates, but I bet everything will turn out just fine :)

Where are you going in the fall?  Anyone gonna be close to NKU?

 

Beach Bag Essentials

beach bag/water bottle/sunscreen/sunglasses/towel/book/sunhat

Over the weekend Sydney from Sincerely, Syd asked me to participate in her Beach Bag Essentials Link up with Victoria from Memphis Made and I thought it was a great idea since summer is on the rise.

In my beach bag, I always have the general beach essentials (towel, suncreen, etc.), but also some fun accessories.  I really want to get a sunhat before the summer to protect my head from getting sunburnt and, of course, Anthropologie has tons of cute options.  I also plan on bringing some reading along-- How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are is what I plan to read this summer!

Lastly, I always make sure to bring some water! 

What do you carry in your beach bag?

The Health Challenge

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It seems that April is becoming the month of challenges and resolutions for me.  Along with my no shopping challenge, which I am happy to announce is going along swimmingly, I am also going to start a health challenge.

Over the past couple of months, it has come to my attention that haven't been eating the best, drinking enough water, or feeling too great.  After I had a huge breakout last week, I decided it was time for a change.  From here on out I am cutting sweets out of my diet with the exception of chocolate (dark of course) and popcorn because, I just can't give those things up.

Although this challenge will be difficult, I know that it will be good for me and I can't wait to see how much it affects my life.

On top of the health challenge, I will also be attempting to work out in the summer.  After months of talking and persuading, Seth has finally gotten me to agree to run with him over the summer.  New running shoes are one great perk of that haha, and feeling healthier of course!

Are you making challenges for yourself?  What are some of the challenges you've created for yourself?

Wonder Forest T-Shirt Collection

Who doesn't love cats?!?  Okay, well some people probably don't haha, but I adore kitties and I was really excited when I saw this new t-shirt collection by Dana Fox of Wonder Forest!

Not only are these t-shirts cute and quirky, but they also go to a great cause.  A local cat shelter near Dana recently lost all of its funding from the city, but she wanted to make sure they still got funds to stay up and running, so she created these shirts!

Each shirt costs around $20 dollars and all of the proceeds go to Wasaga Beach Cat Rescue-- seriously all of them!!

You can find all of the designs here and you can check out Dana's site 

 for more on her project!

Do you love cats?  Then you should definitely buy a shirt in support :)

Check it Out

So, you may or may not have noticed that my blog changed a little bit... okay a lot a bit ;)  Prep on a Budget got a face lift that was in the works for about three months and I think it looks AH mazing!!  I cannot wait to start blogging more on this platform!

The reasons for the change:

1. I wanted something more streamlined

2. Something more professional

3. And something that matched me a little more

As I addressed in a post a few weeks ago, I no longer have a super preppy style, so now my blog matches more of what my style actually is and I love it!

What do you think of the new design?

P.S. If you want your blog re-designed please go to Anna from Undeniably Social.  She is fantastic and is great at listening to your design ideas:)

Going Bold with Curate

Over the summer I worked with a great local boutique, Curate in Hyde Park, and I finally used my gift card to buy something there!  There were so many great choices, but Curate has a great collection of high-fashion, bold pieces so I opted for one of those (a great structured bodice).  I love it!  Although it isn't something I could wear everyday, it is perfect for date nights, summer lunches, and fun strolls out on the town!

top (Curate-- currently unavailable)/jeans/bag/glasses (Anthropologie-- currently unavailable, similar ones here!)

Another item I love in these pictures-- my Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mab!  I found this one at Nordstrom Rack, but there are tons of new colors at Nordstrom!

If you haven't checked out Curate, you should!  They ship their items as well ;)

Do you own any bold pieces?  Which are your favorite?

 

Easter Sunday

 

Normally, my family doesn't do much for Easter.  We usually go out to eat or maybe go to a movie, but we never have a huge Easter celebration.  This year, however, we did!

Seth's family is pretty religious, so I went to Easter Sunday service with them at our local church and then my parents and I went over for an early Easter dinner!  It was so much fun and I loved getting to spend time with their family, even though I do all the time. 

Since I went to church this year, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for an Easter dress!  Of course, Anthropologie had just what I needed (I did not break my no spending rule, it was an Easter gift from my parents)!

How was your Easter?

60 Day Wardrobe Challenge

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So, that New Year's resolution of no shopping... well that may not have worked out so well.  I broke down probably half way through and it has been really hard to get off of the buying binge.  After today though, and seeing the status of my bank account, I decided the shopping needs to stop.  Not forever of course haha, but I'm thinking a two (maybe three) month hiatus; and I promised Seth, so that should make it much harder to give in!

That said, I am encouraging all of you to join the 90 day, no shopping challenge with me!!

What do you think?  Can you do it?

Dorm Goodies

Now that I am finally figuring out college, my mom and I have moved on to the more fun part of things-- decorating!  We have been looking for a few little things here and there that we think I will need for my dorm!  This includes a comforter, new sheets, a pillow case, probably some utensils, towels and so much more.  Here are a few essentials I have on my list right now!

Bedding: comforter/mattress cover/zebra pillow/bird pillow
Bathroom: green towel set
Kitchen: plate/cups 

As you can tell, I have been focusing a lot on bedding right now, but bedding is super important!  I got all of my bedding from Target because everything is super affordable and they sell Twin XL, which is what you will need for most college dorms.  I went with all white simply because it is clean and goes with everything!

The other item I have made sure to buy is a mattress cover that is bed bug proof.  I'm not a total germ-a-phobe or anything, but I definitely want to sleep in a safe, clean bed!
 
Have you gotten any dorm goodies so far?  What have you purchased?