Currently, I am soaking up the sun in Hermosa Beach, enjoying a cafe latte by the pier. Fun right? I will say, getting here was not a walk in the park. I love to be organized. At times it's almost a game to see just how organized I can be. I was on the hunt for the perfect carry-on, carry all tote. I know this Lo & Sons one is probably the best but I am on a budget so that bag will just have to wait a few years. I found this Kate Spade Saturday (they are canceling this brand) bag that I thought just might be perfect. Since the bag was 50% off, I purchased it without thinking twice and was determined to make it work. While it fit everything very nice I was disappointed when I noticed my computer wouldn't fit. You will see my computer pictured but I actually ended up taking my ipad. Also, when I did squeeze my computer in there the bag was so heavy! Something I did not want to carry around in an airport.

Some travel essentials that I brought along:

We have this super adorable boutique downtown, it's a perfect combination of city and country (since we are in South Dakota). There is no doubt I am a city gal, I have longed to move to a bigger city for awhile now however, a huge part of me will always love the wide open spaces. The folks in the midwest are all about keeping things simple, a graphic tee is the perfect way to do that. I on the other hand like anything but simple (when it comes to fashion). I loved this clutch and the see-through side panel on the jogger pant, so fun! Have you tried a jogger pant yet? Let me know what you think!

I am not shy when it comes to showing you "the photos that don't make the cut." Too often I get wrapped up in making sure everything I post on this blog is perfect. Well, there is no such thing as perfection and I am far from that. I get so tired of comparing myself to other bloggers, so why do I do it? I don't think I will ever learn my lesson there so for now I am going to continue to own the imperfection that comes across this blog. Besides, bloopers show the "behind the scenes" of blogging that a lot of you don't see. It's a LOT of work…but I love it, and I am so thankful I have friends and family that put up with me when I take pictures of everything…for the blog of course:).

One fashion trend I have never tried before is gingham…something about the print always made me nervous. However, I decided to give it a try when my favorite boutique downtown got these adorable shirts in! I love the pink gingham and it looks even cuter with a bold statement necklace. It's finally starting to feel like spring here is South Dakota (high 60's to high 70's!) and there is nothing I love more than pulling all of my spring clothes towards the front of my closet. I am on the search for some basic spring pieces and this top is a good start; because let's be honest, gingham, florals, and pastels will never go out of style. At least not in my book:).

I love good chips and guacamole. I would rather eat that than anything else if I'm being honest. What I love even more is that the snack is relatively healthy for you and satisfying. Another thing I love? That I can make it homemade! My mom's guacamole is hands down the best…it tastes like all the ingredients came from your garden. The tortilla chips are also very easy to make too…bonus!


For the Guacamole:
1. Mash 2-3 avacados in a bowl
2. Cut up one cup of cherry tomatoes and add to mashed avocados
3. Cut up 1/2 cup red onion
4. Add small handful of FRESH cilantro…cut in small pieces
5. Slice a lime in half and add one half of the fresh lime to the mixture
6. Sprinkle salt and pepper and add some jalapeños if you like some spice.
7. Mix together thoroughly

(I do a lot of this by eyeballing and taste testing…I think that is the key to making this quac.)

For the Tortilla Chips:
1. Use a pizza cutter and slice corn tortillas into fourths.
2. Brush on some olive oil and salt…a little lime juice is yummy too.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes…or until crispy. Corn tortillas take longer than flour but I prefer them over the flour

Dip the chip and enjoy!!

I decided to try something new this week and list some of my favorite things from this week. With my work schedule being all overnights lately I have done nothing but work and sleep…not my favorite. I have today off so I am taking full advantage and doing a little shopping for my trip in two weeks! I will keep you posted on all of my purchases:)

1. This Kate Spade water bottle made my water drinking go up 10 points. I saw this, I had to have it. I will eventually own every color…but that is obsessive and unnecessary, so for now, we are sticking to this color.



2. I am loving this post by Carly from The College Prepster, she tells us how to make a handwritten font, how cool is that!? I am a font addict, probably like any other blogger. There is something about the font we use that pulls everything together…it can make or break your pictures, posts, blog, etc. I think it's fun to have your own handwriting on some things; it gives the readers a better idea of who you are. Love it!

3. Essie's new spring collection is out! I have been wearing "blossom dandy" all week and it is the perfect nail color to transition into spring. Have you tried a new spring nail color yet? Any recommendations?

4. Did you catch my recipe for a no-fail, low-cal, fruit smoothie? I have been drinking one almost every day this week; I want to keep nourishing my body since it's in overdrive with my crazy work schedule.


5. Since I am preparing for my trip I have been on the search for the perfect carry on bag. This post by The Everygirl was great inspiration but I couldn't justify spending more on a bag than I did on my plane ticket…never happening. Until I find the perfect bag this post will just keep reminding me to look harder!

I love a good snack. However, sometimes I turn to those snacks that just aren't as healthy as I would like them to be (chocolate, cookies, candy; you get it). Over the summer I started making smoothies…trying various recipes until I found one that is just perfect. This recipe is very basic but I like it that way. I think too often we think eating clean is a lot of work and no doubt it is, but there are recipes that are quick and easy…and this is just that!

This fruit smoothie is under 250 calories! Here's what you will need:
- 1 1/2 cup of fruit: Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and any other fruit you want
- 1 cup plain yogurt OR 1 cup 80 calorie Light & Fit Vanilla yogurt (my preferred option)
- Ice
- Honey (optional)
- Flaxseed (optional)
- Skim, Soy, or Almond Milk (Optional)


The Recipe is as follows: