Busy Busy Bee

T-Shirt: H&M | Skirt: American Apparel | Tights: Target | Shoes: Kohl's | Necklace: H&M | Jacket: H&M

I told you I can't get over stripes! This skirt is my favorite piece of clothing right now (I may have worn it at least twice this past week). It is American Apparel's Interlock Pencil Skirt and it is 100% cotton, which means, its like leggings, in skirt form. Haha, now I know that sounds like a nightmare for most of us, but the skirt is fairly thick, providing a rather forgiving and slimming look (the stripes also help - another win for stripes!) 

This past week was a bit crazy from working long hours and other fun things like getting my iPhone replaced due to water damage (Apple Care Plus saved my butt) and getting stung by a bee (it was my first time!). I lived off frozen dumplings, hot pockets, chai tea and Costco pizza. Now, those are typically some of my favorite foods - but I'm ecstatic that I now have returned to real life with vegetables, fruits and food that doesn't come from the freezer :) 

On that note, I have 6 days until my half marathon! Yikes, I am nervous but also can't wait to run my first half marathon with some good friends! Time flies - especially when you're supposed to be running outside 3-4 times a week :) Any tips for week of marathon training? 

Ta-ta!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a product made from pulverized apples which is then fermented into alcohol and eventually into vinegar. Known for it's various uses such as an ingredient in salad dressings to a number of home remedies, Apple Cider Vinegar definitely grabbed my attention - and I wanted to try it out!

Some more popular benefits include balancing your pH alkaline levels, clearing acne, treating warts, aiding in weight loss, use as an aftershave, teeth whitening and so much more.

Can you guess which two sounded great for me?

 I, am SO excited that my skin is actually more prone to acne now - long after I've passed my teenage years where I was blessed with rare cases of acne. I really don't understand it. Even after switching up my daily facial regimen nothing has really helped!

With weight loss, and understanding that with my height and my BMI - I need to be 10 pounds lighter to be at my ideal weight. With that said, I am by all means not expecting natural remedies like Apple Cider Vinegar to do the trick, but I figure that it can't hurt as a layer on top of a better diet and consistent exercise.

I wanted to share with you my journey so far with ACV. I bought Trader Joe's Organic ACV, and have also seen the majority of women use Bragg's ACV. The way I integrate ACV into my daily routine is by mixing:

1 tablespoon of ACV
8 ounces of water
1-2 teaspoons of honey or agave

I drink that concoction about 30 minutes before eating lunch and dinner. Everyone cringes at the thought of ingesting ACV, but honestly it tastes like sour apple juice. You do have to be careful in fully diluting the ACV with water or tea because remember - it is acidic and will burn going down the hatch.

I started this routine about 2 weeks ago, and for the first couple days felt slightly bloated, and seemed to need to pee more often. After that, I have seen my weight lighten up an average of 1-2 pounds, which may be due to the running I've been doing to train for my marathon (I hit 10 miles this weekend! :)) - BUT, I haven't made any changes to my diet. I'm going to keep at it for the next 2 weeks to total a month, and will let you know how this goes! :)

I haven't started using ACV as a facial toner, but think I will start. The general directions are mixing 1 part ACV with 2 parts water and dabbing it all over your face with a cotton ball.

Want to hear how else you can use ACV? Check out some articles here, here, and here.

Has anyone else had success with ACV? Please share!! I'd love to hear your experiences!

I do want to warn that as with any natural product, all of the uses are considered home remedies and you have to understand the risks of consuming anything in excess- so make sure to be safe with ACV 
and any product!

Ta-ta!

Sea of Green, Splash of Pink

Jacket: H&M | Tank: Forever 21 | Skirt: Mossimo, Target | Tights: Target | Belt: Cotton On | Boots: Cathy Jean

After my inspiration post about some jackets on my mind, I may have checked in with H&M a couple times to find out when this jacket would available in their stores. I finally found it on the racks and haven't really stopped wearing it since (except today, when it was 80 degrees.)

I really can't believe it's already February! I'm still recovering from the holiday blur, and just put away my mini Christmas tree - which I slyly pushed behind the tv after the new year (though I could feel Snoopy's judgmental stare when I did it). 

On that note, with January flying by, it's just a reminder that we have one less month to reach our goals that we've chosen for 2013. It's time to get to it, and I'm excited to share some of my goals in my upcoming posts!

Ta-ta!

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