Valentine's Day and Date Night Outfits

If anyone has tips for finding time to blog I would love some inspiration! Many times when I find a task daunting I simply avoid it and my attempt at creating a cute and creative blog is a work in progress! Well I wanted to do my first official outfit idea post and wanted to use Valentine's Day as inspiration! I have learned to LOVE love day! However, with it being in February, the snow and cold can take the fun out of getting dressed up. (one of my favorite things!) This winter has been one for the books and has certainly tested my fashion skills and put a damper on wearing cute shoes! So here are my ideas that were for my own Valentine's Day looks and general ideas for cold weather date nights for all you northern ladies! I made sure to incorporate red and pink! I will let you know what I ultimately went with!

This outfit offers lots of layers with a touch of bling! A warm skirt, tights and boots are an easy way to get dressed up but stay warm!

Skirt, Sweater and Vest and Polka Dot tights: J. Crew Factory (sold out)

Necklace: Very Jane Similar Purple Peridot

            Boots: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors
Love and Crystal Wrap: Alex & Ani

Next I have a very comfortable look that can easily transition from a casual bite to eat to being comfortable at the movies or even look cute for a movie night at home! I love these Kohl's Elle brand jeggings! They are a true jegging with a lot of stretch and not super tight. Confession I actually own 2 pairs!

Thermal: Old Navy
Sweatshirt:Victoria's Secret Pink Similar
Jeans: Kohl's (last season)
Shoes: Minnetonka via DSW

Lastly is what I actually decided to wear: I am a sucker for red and also I love dressing in the holiday spirit. (I will probably be one of those moms that dresses in holiday attire always! haha) The red jeans are casual but different and are the perfect canvas for accessories. My shirt also had a little added spice with a lace back panel which is not shown and was also a Christmas gift from my guy last year!


 Jeans: Old Navy Similar
Shirt: American Eagle (last season)
Necklace: BrinaBox


I must say my typical date night outfits are more on the casual than fancy side. What are some of your favorite date night looks?

Pretty in Pink

Pants (similar)  Sweater (sold out online) Mug (in stores only) Naked 3 Palette 

Quick shopping post! No shop January went very well so last weekend I decided to treat myself with some GREAT deals. The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette I purchased several weekends ago online from Sephora while stuck inside on a snowy night! I blame it on cabin fever but hey, I did save on gas and used a gift card for it! I decided to jump on the bandwagon but I am overall very pleased. The colors are very different than other colors I have and I already own Naked 1. It will be a great transition into summer as well and blending these shades over the whole eyelid really make my blue eyes pop and give more of a complete eye look. I am still on the hunt for new combinations and check out YouTube for tutorials as well.

The sweater I found at J. Crew factory for only $13! It is merino wool and was on clearance plus I used my old (shh don't tell!) student ID for an extra 15% off. 

These pants are ankle length dress pant style pants at Target for...drum roll please... $2.48! These came with a belt I might add! I have a navy pair as well from the spring and they are great for the days that you want to be both cute and comfortable! This cute mug that says "I Love You a Latte!" is also from Target and for $2.99 was too adorable not to pick up... even if it was for me!

I have always loved pink but I guess my love for Valentine's Day and desire for spring is showing! I hope to post more about Valentine's Day and some outfits soon.

What are some of your favorite Naked 3 combos?

Happy Shopping! 

xoxo Lauren

Healthy Weeknight Meals

Why have I not made any recent posts?

Time, weather and just my own timidness have scared me a little for directions to take this blog. It is intimidating to put yourself out there (even if no one reads!) and also decide what to write about, how to post it and say what you need to say! As I decide the different directions to take this blog with some things up my sleeve for some posts that will be soon to come, I will talk about what I know: nutrition. With the new year in full swing, resolutions for all and busy schedules, as a dietitian I thought I would share some tips for weeknight meals to eat well during the week.

• Plan ahead! This is your biggest tool in eating healthy weeknight dinners. I would recommend to shop on the weekends and pick up additional, specialized ingredients for meals you have decided upon. Also take note to basics in your kitchen such as olive oil, rice and pasta, canned beans and fresh and frozen vegetables to see what you are running low on.  If you buy your meat on a week to week basis, check and see what you need for recipes. I hope to post some meal inspiration ideas soon!
• Bagged salad is OK! Do not assume you need to get fancy with your vegetables: Having a bowl of salad with your meal is better than not having anything at all! Keep toppings healthy with tomatoes, cucumbers or get creative with avocado or edamame. Watch your dressing portions and dip salad into dressing instead of spreading all over to save extra calories. Save "treat" toppings like crutons, crispy noodles or dried fruit for a once in awhile topping rather than everyday.
• Crockpots are your best friend! They can make anything taste good with a little meat, veggies and sauce. One of my favorite easy ideas is: 2-3 boneless chicken breasts, 2 cups of salsa, 1 can of black beans and 1 can of corn (each drained). Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a healthy fiesta when you get home!
• When all else fails: Eggs are excellent! Who doesn't like breakfast for dinner? Make 2-3 scrambled eggs with low fat milk or whip up an omelet with veggies like spinach, tomatoes and peppers! Keep cheese to 1-2 tbsp and always opt for the low fat variety.
• Fruit can always be a substitute for dessert! Try apples with 2 tbsp of peanut butter, sliced bananas and yogurt, or a handful of raspberries with a piece of dark chocolate. 

This is all making me hungry! Hope this helps!

What are some of your weeknight meal tips?

xoxo
Lauren