Fitness Wish List

Hello Lovelies!

As you all know, I love fitness and running and health and all that stuff.  But just like anything else, you need certain things to continue your "hobby."  Not all of these things are necessary but they are things that I want and desire which is why this is a wish list.  I have no intention of getting any of these things, but if I get the opportunity I would buy these things in a heartbeat.

~ 1 ~

Skechers Flex Appeal Training Shoes in Black/White - $65

~ 2 ~

Nike Comfort Slides in Black/White - $30

~ 3 ~

Zon Ankle/Wrist Weights in Silver/Black - $12

~ 4 ~

Nike Womens Feather Light 2.0 Dri-Fit Hat in Black/White - $25

~ 5 ~

Runetz Chevron Gray Gym Bag in Large - $35.99

~ 6 ~

Reebok Womens Strappy Seamless Sports Bra in Dark Heather Grey - $30

~ 7 ~

Nike Pro Compression Shorts and Capris - $35, $30, $42

~ 8 ~ 

Victoria Secret PINK Apparel - $54.95, $39.95, $49.95, $49.95

Let me know if you guys have any awesome fitness related finds.  I know that a lot of running and fitness things are expensive so if you would like fitness on a budget let me know in the comments below.

Have a super wonderful day!

xoxo, Ana

Macarons... Again

Hey Lovelies!

If you have yet to notice, I am a big fan of the French culture.  French macarons are a classic pastry that I love to make!  Although I have yet to taste one and there is a macaron shop around my area, I have been determined for the past year or so to make them and continue improving upon them.

I did a post on them about a year ago and they came out alright, this time was imperfect as well, but better.  The basic recipe is quite simple, merengue with almond meal and lots of sugar.  But these little cookies take a lot of tender love and care.  I decided to do the bare minimum so that any mistakes I made can be corrected next time, but feel free to add coloring and flavors of your choice.

This is the link to the recipe:  Basic French Macaron Recipe 

Here is my experience this time around {with pictures, because pictures make everything better}:

Gather Ingredients

Sift Almond Meal and Powdered Sugar

Beat Egg Whites Until Fluffy

Beat Merengue So Stiff Peaks Form

Fold Dry Ingredients With Merengue

Bake at 280°F

Let Them Sit Until Cool

Completed Macaron!

Completed Macaron!

I will not share the filling recipe because my mother made it and it is a family recipe.  You can definitely find lots of different fillings on the internet.  These cookies are very versatile and can be made in various ways by changing the color, adding cocoa, or even incorporating fruits into the filling.

I love macarons and will let you all know any tips that I find in the future as I do plan on continuing to make them.  

xoxo, Ana

Organization Haul!

Hello Lovelies!

As I told you all before, I really enjoy going to Target as well as organization {an anything cute for that matter}.  I have been really into organizing, but have yet to venture out and buy an expensive planner because it is an investment as well as a commitment.  Although I did look into the planner I wish to buy, I will have to save up a little bit to get it.

With that being said, I still adore buying things that are adorable as well as functional.  My Target did not have much of a selection this time I went, but it didn't stop me from spending my last pennies on some really cute stationery {and some other adorable finds}.

Here is what I got!

~ 1 ~

Tulip Easter Socks - Am I the only person obsessed with socks?  I love all socks short ones, long ones, plain socks, decorative socks, all socks!  They make me happy and keep me warm, so I got these for only a dollar!

~ 2 ~

Bunny Easter Socks - Another awesome addition to feed my sock addiction.  These are for kids but they fit my small frame and they are just darling!

~ 3 ~

Pink Ombre Journal - I probably don't need another notebook, but I could not help myself!  This journal is adorable and is handy to keep when you need to write something and have it on hand constantly.

~ 4 ~

Coral Clipboard Notepad - I love this cute little setup to keep on your desk for to-dos.  It adds a touch of color as well as an organizational factor.

~ 5 ~

Polka Dot List Pad - I have quite a few of these as well, but I always use them up.  List pads are functional for shopping lists, to-dos, notes, etc.  I love sticking them to my board and writing reminders on them.

~ 6 ~

Gold and Pink Sticky Notes - If you are an organization freak you know that sticky notes can be gone in an instant.  It can be hard to find cute notes that aren't plain and yellow so when I saw these I took them in an instant!

~ 7 ~

Floral Sticky Notes - Another super cute addition!  I recently bought some sticky notes from target that were also floral and I am almost out.  These are a great replacement and they include a wide variety of spring pastels.

If you guys are also organizational freaks, let me know some of your favorite places to go for sticky notes, flags, stickers, and other cute tools!

xoxo, Ana

Nail Care Routine

Hey Lovelies!

As you know, I really enjoy pampering myself.  One of my favorite things to do is care for my nails, paint them, and relax as I wait for them to dry.  Hands tell a lot about a person and taking care of them, keeping them looking clean, is simply part of bring a classy, young lady.  But not all of us can afford to go to the nail salon every week,

I have done a lot of research and think I have almost perfected the at home nail care routine.  Some of the products I use are extras that help me.  My nails are very brittle, weak, and thin and I use certain products to prevent them from breaking and keep them looking their best.  I love the Sally Hansen Miracle Growth Serum as well as any lotion that keeps your cuticles hydrated.

Here are the steps to my nail care routine:

~ 1 ~

First, I get all my products together so that I don't have to walk around or interrupt my pamper session.  These products are some of my favorites.  Left to Right: CVA Nail Polish Remover, 4 Sided Buffer, Cuticle Pusher, Nail File, Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover Gel, Ms. Pedicure Nail Clipper, Cuticle Oil, Nail Buffer, Top Coat, Nail Polish of the Week

~ 2 ~

Remove previous polish or oils using acetone or some form of nail polish remover.

~ 3 ~

Push back your cuticles using your favorite cuticle remover or cuticle softener for better application.

~ 4 ~

Clip and file your nails.  Only clip your nails if necessary,  This is when you can experiment with shapes and different lengths of nails, don't be afraid to try something new.

~ 5 ~

Buff your nails thoroughly.  I like to change up the buffer I use depending on whether I am wearing nail polish or not.  I use the large yellow box when I wear polish and the skinny pink and red one when I want a natural shine.

~ 6 ~

My favorite step: application of nail polish.  I do not suggest that you consistently paint your nails as this will damage your natural nail, but it is fun to do maybe once or twice a month.  This week I am using two Essie polishes, one in Lilacism on four of my nails and 

~ End Result! ~

If you guys have any tips on caring for your nails make sure to leave them in the comments below!  I have a lot of new ideas and posts coming up. :D

xoxo, Ana

Spring Wishlist

Hello Lovelies!

As winter comes to a close, Spring is near!  I love the spring trends and they incorporate a lot of my favorite colors including the lighter, pastel colors.  Spring is also a time for new beginnings with Easter, little ducklings hatching, and the flowers blooming.  This time I will incorporate a lot more than just clothing items because I do enjoy other things, but I love the new trends and really, really love all the new clothing that is coming out.

~ 1 ~

I really need new sandals and these gladiators are adorable!  They come in silver or gold, both very neutral colors.  I love how they can be worn with almost anything and are extremely versatile.

Sana Metallic Thong Sandals
$25

~ 2 ~

Joggers are a definite must for the spring season.  These are super soft, super comfortable, and super adorable for a simple, everyday wear.  These are definitely in style and they are an easy way to dress down an outfit.

Soft Touch Jogger
$17.46

~ 3 ~ 

For the new sports season I really wanted a nice gym bag to keep all of my clothing, shoes, and other necessary things for working out.  I do plan on trying out for a team at my school and this would be so helpful.  Plus, this is such a good price!

Chevron Gray Gym Bag
$29.95

~ 4 ~

My old running shoes have deteriorated insanely!  These are super awesome pair of shoes that I already have in another color.  I love the black and think that it is an awesome way to be versatile while being comfortable.

Flex Appeal Spring Fever Training Shoes
$65

~ 5 ~ 

I have really been loving loose, sleeveless shirts recently.  These can be dressed down or dressed up and honestly it is super cute.

High Neck Cami
$19.50

~ 6 ~ 

Laptop stickers!  I love these super awesome quirky things and having them to look at everyday would be super awesome.

Laptop Sticker: Pink Rose Floral XOXO
$2.80

~ 7 ~

For spring I really would like to switch things up, and scent is one of those things.  I don't know if I would buy this particular one, but the Victoria's Secret/PINK fragrance mist smell really nice and add a touch of femininity to any lady.

Wild at Heart Body Mist
$18

Let me know whats on your spring wishlist in the comments below!  Have an awesome day.

xoxo, Ana

Fancy in Floral

Happy Easter Lovelies!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Easter and if you don't celebrate Easter I hope you're having an amazing day!  I wanted to share with you guys my outfit for Easter because it has been one of my favorite outfits that I have ever worn.  I am definitely a fan of Spring and Summer trends so this was a super fun outfit to put together.

I wasn't able to get the best pictures because my usual "photographer" {aka my older sister} wasn't present, but you guys will get the gist of the outfit.  My makeup was also super gorgeous and I fell in love with the bronzy, awake, natural look.

Here are the details:

~ Floral Jumpsuit: Target $19.99
~ Pink Cardigan: Very Old {but you can find similar ones anywhere}
~ White Strappy Heels: Target $24.99
~ Paris Charm Bracelet: Claire's $9.50
~ Silver Bow Ring: Kohl's $20.00
~ Gold Opal Cross Necklace: Gift

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend!

xoxo, Ana

Sunset Runs and Honey Buns

Hey Lovelies!

As you all know, I really enjoy running as an exercise and a time of relaxation.  They say the key to a healthy lifestyle is moderation in all aspects of your life.  But what happens when you love sunset runs as much as honey buns?

The struggle becomes extremely real.

A lot of us struggle with this same problem, we enjoy certain things in excess and we need to find balance in our lives.  I love, love, love to eat sweets and chocolate and bread and basically anything that is not beneficial to my health.  My mother has to often tell me that I am eating too much chocolate, bread, etc.  but she also to warn me when I am pushing myself to hard physically.

Honestly, there are times when all I eat is junk food and I completely disregard exercise.  Other times I am constantly exercising, but I am not eating a sufficient amount of nutrients to fuel my body.  Only one magical thing, one word, one extremely important part of life will help:

Balance.

In terms of fitness, balance is not easy to find.  People are constantly trying to change their habits, but they go cold turkey.  That is not the way to go, but neither is trying to exercise while stuffing your body with an insane amount of unhealthy foods.

So, I suggest starting small.  Begin by trying to increase your intake of water.  You can read more about the importance of hydration in my older post.  Once you have that down {this should take about a month} then try switching your snacks for equally satisfying, smaller substitutes.  And continue this until you slowly build up and try incorporating light exercise at first and then building it up, always doing something you enjoy.

This is not going to eliminate the ups and downs that come with enduring a change in life.  As I stated before, I am dealing with a really big craving for unhealthy foods right now mixed with my desire to do exercise.  Take my advice into consideration, but don't be discouraged if you have setbacks if not use those to improve in the future so you don't make the same mistake twice.

xoxo, Ana