My New Favorite Salad Recipe

After getting my feelings out towards eating clean and living an overall healthier lifestyle, I really have been trying to buckle down with preparing meals at the beginning of my workweek. As much of a pain as it is to have to make the effort to make a weekly menu, shopping list, and spend a couple hours in the kitchen prepping meals ahead of time, it really does make a huge difference.

 

One of my favorite quotes to remind myself of is, "fail to plan, plan to fail." For me personally, this quote couldn't be more true.

I love salads, but I find that they can get really boring really quick, especially - for some odd reason - when I prepare them at home versus a store-made or restaurant/takeout salad. (My absolute favorite salad of all time is the salad bar at Ruby Tuesday; so good, so fresh!) I always think I'll love the salads that I prepare at home, and I do for the first couple of times, but they just get so boring for me. I think the difference with this salad is that it's super simple, but also the dressing is amazing!

 

Ingredients:

Romaine Hearts (I use the pre-cut leaves, because I'm lazy ;-) )

Chopped Mini Sweet Peppers

Red Pepper Flakes

Grilled Marinated Chicken, cut into strips (I marinade with this Cilantro-Lime Marinade)

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Wegman's Basil Vinaigrette (for those of you not blessed with a Wegman's, first off, I am truly sorry [it's THE BEST GROCERY STORE; us northeasters are very loyal to our Wegman's!] but here is another bottled option that's similar or some recipes for a homemade version.)

 

It's simple, quick, easy to prepare, and tastes so good! I would love to hear about some of your favorite salads to add to my menu!

 

 

Happy Eating! :)

 

 

 

xoxo UP <3

 



On My Wish List Vol. 1

Happy Sunday! I hope you've all had a great weekend and are ready to buckle down on a (hopefully) great week ahead! Here's what's on my wish list for this week...

 

 

 

JCF Pajama Bottoms & JCF Pajama Top // I'm a sucker for anchors and fun boxer sets for the warmer weather.

 

Pineapple Ice Tray // How cute would little pineapple-shaped ice cubes be for an outdoor get-together?!

 

Forever 21 Bike Pendant Necklace // Love this simple, small necklace.

 

Old Navy Patterned Espadrilles // Espadrilles are definitely becoming my go to shoes for this Summer; I love the patriotic print!

 

Fossil Bike Stud Earrings // I sense a bike theme going on for the Summer. (So cute!)

 

Macaron Pouch // I can never resist a cute macaron pattern!

 

Michael Kors Two-Tone Bradshaw Watch // How gorgeous is this watch?! I love the navy!

 

Old Navy Mule Sandals // Love this style shoe!

 

KSNY Flamingo Sheath Dress // The flamingo pattern is so fun for the Summer and this looks like such an easy outfit for hot weather.

 

 

Any special things on your wish list this week??

 

 

 

xoxo UP <3

 

 

 

Motivation Monday: "No Great Thing Is Created Suddenly"

I recently came across this quote on Pinterest and it really has stuck with me the past few days. 

 

*image

 

I wish that I could tell you that I'm an amazing, naturally-gifted athlete, with the self control of an Olympian when it comes to diet and exercise. But alas, I am not. I have been trying for quite some time to transform my mind and body into more of an athlete's and have been really frustrated with the results. I don't think I would call myself a failure when it comes to those goals, but in my brutally honest opinion, I must admit that I'm not far from it.

 

I know diet and exercise isn't always that important to some people, but to me, it is. I may not be an athlete professionally (very far from actually), but it's always been a goal of mine to be more like one habitually. Simply put, I want to live the life of an athlete (minus the cool sponsorships [hey, Nike!], insane bod, travel perks, and the potentially large paycheck. Not saying I wouldn't take a single one of those, I just know it's not realistic. At all.)

 

My point in all this - I know I'm rambling - is that things take time. And as unfortunate as that seems to me at the present moment, I think that will only make me #betterforit (again, hey, Nike!) in the future. Sometimes I think everyone (definitely myself included) needs to be reminded of that every once and a while.

 

Thanks for listening to me ramble, just one of those posts that I had to get "out there;" ya feel me?! :-)

 

 

 

xoxo UP <3

Gifts For Grads: Girls Edition

I recently did a post on what to get the graduating guys in your life, and now here's one for the girls! I tried to include various price ranges as well as some ideas for both high school and college graduates.

 

KSNY 'Glasses' iPad Case // perfect for protecting her iPad

 

KSNY Desktop Card Holder & Tiffany & Co. Card Holder // to hold & carry her new professional business cards

 

KSNY 'Metro' Watch // so she can be on time to class or her new job

 

KSNY Spiral Notebook & KSNY Hardcover Journal // perfect for taking notes in class (the sayings on the front are great for empowering her)

 

KSNY Pearl Earrings // because every girl needs a pair of pearls

 

Lilly Pulitzer Key Fob // perfect to carry her dorm or apartment keys on

 

Tiffany & Co. Cap & Tassel Charm Necklace & Alex & Ani Graduation Cap Charm Bangle // simple pieces of jewelry to commemorate her graduation

 

Ban.do Thermal Travel Mug // to keep her caffeinated at class or work

 

KSNY Color-Block Ballpoint Pen  // keep her looking smart while taking notes in class or on the job

 

 

 Hopefully this helps give you some ideas for all the graduating gals in your life!

Congrats to the Class of 2015!!!

 

 

 

xoxo UP <3



Shorts Season!

A few days ago, when I saw the weather report for the week I was shocked to see that there are a few days that have the potential to be 90-degree days! (Oh hey, Summer!) Not that I'm complaining, I just assumed I'd have Spring before Summer, but it's cool. So my Monday/Tuesday task (that's my weekend) was to switch seasons in my closet. That's when I quickly realized that I am really hurting in the shorts department.

 

Of course, in true shopper-addict

style, I immediately started my search for some more pairs of shorts for this Summer (and apparently Spring as well). I figure that if I'm a little overwhelmed and under prepared with hot weather fashions, that you might be as well; so here are some of my favorite shorts for the warmer weather...

 

 Old Navy Linen-Blend Shorts // these shorts are so comfy and easy; be sure to order a size down

Old Navy Running Shorts // perfect for running errands on a hot day

Lilly Pulitzer Callahan Shorts // such a fun, bold print for the Summer

J Crew Chino Shorts // these come in so many lengths & colors & need to be a staple in your wardrobe (I live in them)

J Crew Printed Pull-On Shorts // so effortless with the pull-on, but fun with the print

Old Navy Printed Chino Shorts // check out the other patterns, I just ordered the "blue scenic" color

Nike Running Shorts // I would live in these if I could

Gap Tencel Tie Shorts // I love the cut and tie on these shorts


Stay tuned for when I feature some easy Summer tops!



xoxo UP <3