Fun Ways to Exercise

Hey everyone!

Today I'm going to give you some fun ways to exercise this summer. Being active is such a great way to spend your break and I don't know about you, but I love the feeling of being accomplished and dripping wet with sweat. My favorite thing to do is to get moving in a way that is enjoyable for me and keep at it for a while so I can shed some calories! However, not everyone thinks running on the treadmill or doing squats is exciting. So the most important thing is to find a way to exercise that is fun for you! That way, you won't even notice you are breaking a sweat!

So without further adieu, here are some fun ways to get a workout this summer:

1. Bike to the mall with a friend and enjoy some frozen yogurt with fruit.

2. Go for a walk or jog with your dog around the neighborhood.

3. Find a pretty park to walk or jog around.

4. Do a run or walk for a cause you are passionate about.

5. Take a yoga or pilates class with your bestie.

6. Bike to your nearest Starbucks or cafe for a smoothie.

7. Dive in a pool and swim a couple laps.

8. Find an outdoor workout class to do with some pals.

And no workout is complete without a cute outfit, right?! This part gets me motivated more than anything else! I love going to Target for inexpensive workout clothes and if I'm in the mood to splurge on some babysitting money, ThomasKelly is the place to go!

How do you find fun ways to workout during the summer time?

Check out my blog Citrus & Style for more fun!

xoxo,

cYa

Cute Stationery

Who doesn’t love a handwritten note? I know fail to write them like I should, they are still a super exciting thing to receive in the mail! Especially when they are cute! There are so many etsy shops out there that have some!

I love this piece from Hedoe Paper. I love the colors and monogram on it. How adorable is the envelope?!

This is from MissEmPrints. I love having the full monogram on the very front. Look at all of the color choices!!!! I think it is such a classic look.

This one is from AlmostSundayInc I am not a fan of chevron. Well, I was; last summer. But like this for some reason. I think it is because of the colors of the chevron. They are so bright and cheery! I love the simple name on the white side. The chevron gives it the pop of color it needs!

What are your favorite stationery sets on Etsy?

XX,

Bailey

DIY :: Monograms

Monograms add the perfect personal touch to everything, so why not have ago at this great DIY to make your own monogram ornaments to adorn you room.

What you will need

• Cardboard letters (can be found at most craft stores), one for each of you initials and if possible have you last name initial a larger size
• matte paint, I just picked up a few of the sample pots from my local DIY shop
• glitter, rhinestones, pearls, lilly fabric for embellishing

1. Paint the cardboard letters , with at least 2 coats of paint to ensure it is entirely opaque
2. leave to dry over night
3. for added effect paint you first and middle name initials one colour and your last name initial another
4. once completely dry add glitter, rhinestones , pearls or fabric, to add a bit of personality to the ornaments
5. and viola you have a monogram ornament, this is a perfect gift to give to someone moving into a dorm.

Here are some pictures of the finished ornament 

and some inspiration on how to embellish them

XX,
Rebecca

Serving Those Who Serve Us

I firmly believe that part of being a well-rounded person is volunteering. In my opinion it is part of our civic duty as citizens. Plus, who doesn't like to give back? Since July holds within it's sweltering realms the anniversary of the birth of our nation, what a better way to give back this month than volunteering with veterans?

There are many wys to get involved and thank the men and women who protect our rights. It is a cause dear to me and I hope y'all will find it worthy, too!

Write letters/send care packages. This is perhaps the most simple way to show your appreciation for currently serving soldiers. Gather your 4H group, your youth group, or even just your family and package necessary items in shoe boxes. Include a letter introducing yourself and be sure to express how much you appreciate what they are doing. Go to www.operationshoebox.com for more information about the items to send ad where to send them!

Volunteer with the USO. USO stands for United Service Organizations and it was founded by FDR in 1941. It provides services and entertainment to soldiers. USO centers are usually found in airports or on military bases. It gives them a place to rest, play Xbox, and eat between flights, etc. They rely heavily on volunteers as it is a non-profit organization. Visit www.uso.org to find the center closest to you and how to volunteer!

XX,

Taylor

Exercise Motivation

 In the summer I am all about r&r, don't get me wrong - but, it is still important to stay healthy and active throughout the summer, so I have come up with three key tips on how to have motivation to exercise!

1. Create a Pinterest Board - This is definitely the simplest and easiest step. I have a whole board labelled, "Get Fit." with all different workouts as well as tips and tricks to stay healthy! {click here to check it out!} I honestly had no idea there were so many different workouts you could do for all different parts of your body!

Source: Pinterest

 2. Set a Goal - I'm not saying this in terms of losing but instead gaining. I have seen a dozen different calendars and planners for workouts on Pinterest like the one shown. I really want to do one of these because personally, for me - once I start something I need to finish it, so I will stay motivated and complete the month. For example, even though I am very active, a couple years ago I could barely do a plank... But, I decided to create my own workout where each time I would workout I would add an additional amount of time, whether it was five or ten seconds. By the end of this - I was astonished at how much I had improved and learned that: continuously making effort, no matter how little - makes a big difference!

Source: Pinterest

 3. Make Exercising Fun - I have recently become OBSESSED with the show Duck Dynasty, and one day I was scrolling through Pinterest and found a workout which correlates to the TV show. {ex. every time Miss Kay makes sweets do ten squats.} I tried this one episode - and it actually was a lot of fun! Another fun way to stay motivated is workout with another person or a small group of friends! You can be working out and catching up with your girlfriends at the same time! #DoubleWhammy




I hope you enjoyed this post and some of these tips you might help you out!

What motivates you?

XX
Grace

Trending

On my pinterest feed there has been one thing I have been noticing: Tulips. I might be the only one because of the people I follow but I really like looking at them. The pins are making me want to go buy some and put them in a vase in my room!

Look all of the colors! AHHH!

Mackenzie Horan buying white tulips (l-o-v-e)

XX,

Bailey

Getting the Best Out of Your Summer

As I am writing this I am sat out side during the hottest summer of my lifetime here in England. But, this summer is not only amazing because of the great weather but because it is the summer between school and university. An incredibly long one (4 months!!), full of opportunities .

It is so easy for the summer to fly by and at the end you fell like you have don’t hardly anything with your time.

Heres are some ideas for an unforgettable summer

• Organise day trips with your friends, be it to the beach, a theme park, the pool or just to a city you’ve never been before. If you have the ability make a road trip or holiday/vacation out of it.
• Do some volunteer work, over here in the UK we have something called National citizen service which is for 16/17 year old that allows them to meet new friends whilst volunteering in the community. It doesn’t have to be something externally organised perhaps just something yourself and a few friends organise a fundraiser or even take part in a sponsored run.
• Get a job. It may seem weird that this could be something fun to do in summer. But getting a job allows you to meet so many new people, make new friends and gets you out of the house into a routine a few times a week. Plus the extra cash wouldn’t go a miss.
• Stay busy. It is so easy when you live in rural areas to not see your friends for weeks, so try to plan to meet up at least once a week, be it to catch up over coffee, or have a bake day at someones house.

XX,

Beckie

Summer Activities

I really love summer. I love not having to worry about assignments but I am going to be straight with you. I get bored. I stay home until 5:30ish alone. I don’t have my license so I can’t go places whenever I want to. I do hang out with friends occasionally but even we get bored. Along with that, it has been raining everyday where I live which is pretty uncommon. To entertain yourselves and friends take the initiative to invite them over. I am a normally shy person so it’s rare that I actually do this. But sometimes my friends invite me to do these things!

Pool/ Beach Day: One of my BFFs has a pool so she almost always has someone over to swim! I have so much fun! I am also a member at a public pool. It’s also a water park and very new to my town so it’s constantly crowded but I go during the member’s only session before it gets crazy and get some sun! I just about always see someone  I know. Depending on where you live, you and your girlfriends can just pack up and head to the beach. Although I live just an hour away, my friends that have their license are very new driver’s so the drive can be nerve racking for the parents haha. Last week, my mom and I went down to my good friend and neighbor’s place and my mom hung out with my friend’s mom and I stayed for the rest of the weekend!

Sleepover: What girl doesn’t love a good sleepover?! You can do just about whatever you want. Jam sessions to your fav tunes, mani/pedis, and even a good movie! Just make sure you are stocked with good junk food haha that always seems to be my problem!

Cookout: I know this is more for adults but I really love dressing up and going to cookouts. You can always have your own! That’s what I am doing for my birthday “party” this year because I love the atmosphere of them! I do get bored but sometimes there’s always that eye candy (whether it be the dessert table or that cute boy!) They are always fun and interesting!

Movie Night: I have done this countless times! It is so fun! Make sure you have a funny or scary movie and popcorn and soda and you are good to go! If something is really funny you can rewind it and watch it countless times. I have done it with one of my friends and we couldn’t breathe from laughing so much!

What do you do with your friends during the summer?

XX,

Bailey

Summer Travels

One of my favorite things about the summer is traveling. Although I don’t go to many places per summer I love the long car rides and being on airplanes.

Over the years, I have gone to San Francisco, Chicago, and most recently Switzerland! The weather there in all of those places in phenomenal (in the summer at least!)

I visited San Fran the summer before my freshman year. In San Francisco, we visited fisherman’s wharf, that place was really neat! We also were able to take a dinner cruise ship from Alcatraz under Bay Bridge and see the Golden Gate Bridge at night! It was beautiful!

Oh Chicago! That has been my all-time favorite. I went when I was 9! I got to go to the top of the Sears Tower (Very touristy!), go to the Pier and visit Allstate’s Home Office (where my dad works). We had fabulous meals and got to do so much. Oh yeah it was the first American Girl store I ever went to!

Last summer, I went to Switzerland. All I have to say is WOW. It was amazing. It was sooooo different than what I used to. We stayed in Geneva. I cannot describe to you in words how pretty it was. We did a lot of walking around the city not really specific site seeing. We got to take a little cruise to historic village in France (It’s crazy how easy it is to get from Switzerland to France). It was beautiful. We also got to see a firework show on the water. We also did Paris in a day! It was so fun! I got to see the Eiffel Tower. It is HUGE!

The day our plane was supposed to leave was very interesting. We didn’t go back home. Luckily, we got to spend one more night in Geneva! Apparently, it was their “independence celebration” so we got to see a 5 million dollar firework show! You don’t know fireworks until you have seen these! We were so lucky!!!

XX,

Bailey

Summer Sports

Hey pretty ladies!

Today's post is all about exercise. Whether you are having a boring day with nothing to do or want to create a routine, it is really essential to exercise throughout the year, and especially the summer! Exercising is a great way to clear your mind and get moving. It is easy to fall into a lazy slump and stay inside on hot days so this is your way to make the most of your summer!

Here are some of my favorite sports and activities to get you moving this summer:

:: Tennis ::

I've been a tennis player all my life and really enjoy it. It is definitely a more leisurely sport but nonetheless a pretty good workout! Grab some friends and it makes for a fabulously good time!

:: Swimming ::

Hot days call for a trip to your nearest pool, lake or ocean! Swimming laps is really refreshing and can be a great way to shed some calories.

:: Biking ::

One of my favorite things to do on summer afternoons is bike a few miles and lunch with friends. You can be social and get moving at the same time! 

:: Take a Hike ::

Going on a little run, jog or walk is a delightful little way to spend a morning or afternoon, or night really! Running to a nearby Starbucks and meeting a friend or walking to the mall is a great alternative to driving there. 

The most important thing to remember while trying to workout this summer is to enjoy your exercise. Try to do as much physical activity outside as possible to assure you are making the most of your summer! Enlist some friends to come along with you and you are sure to have a blast!

Have a fabulous rest of your summer!

Check out my blog Citrus & Style for more ;)

XX,

Caroline 

What to Expect From the Royal Baby

At the time this post was being constructed, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, still had a tiny human in her uterus. While the name, gender, and birth date remained a mystery, I did some research on what all the Royal fans can expect from Kate and Will's baby.

- The baby will be riding in style! According to Good Morning America, Kate reportedly purchased a jewel-blue Bugaboo Cameleon3 carriage.

source

- The baby has a few nursery options. GMA reveals that Kate is preparing a nursery at the Kensington Palace (pictured below) as well as in her parents' Bucklebury estate. That means double the furniture, decor, and royal treatment!

source

- This baby is making (royal) history! ABC News calls the United Kingdom's revived legislation "a conquest of equality"; while the successors have always been male (with the exception that there is no male child), the new legislation states that the child will be the next heir no matter the sex. (Other sources say that this will not be the first heir to be given the "His/Her Royal Highness Prince/Princess of Cambridge" title, however.)

source

- This baby may be a billionaire right out of the womb! Based on net worth of the immediate members of the royal family, sources at Rediff.com believe the royal heir could inherit one billion pounds, which is equivalent to about $1.5 billion.

source

- The baby will definitely be photogenic! Take a look at the composites below, created by Forensic Artists, that extracted the parents' dominant features for the male or female offspring.

I wonder how fabulous this baby's life will be! Feel free to leave some predictions regarding the baby's upbringing, future career, or personality. (And don't miss out on exciting posts from yours truly here!)

XX,

Melanie

Summer Sandal Essentials

In the summertime, I am all about sandals - so I thought I would share with you all a couple of my summer sandal must-haves!

Summer Sandals. by preppyonthewestcoast

1. Old Navy Flip Flops - Really any brand of flip flop would work to wear to the beach or pool, but I love the Old Navy ones because they are so inexpensive (2 pairs for $5!) so if you accidentally lose one along the way, it isn't that big of a deal! They come in an assortment of colors and are made very well for the price! 

2. Jack Rogers - I love Jack Rogers because they come in an assortment of colors and are so versatile - you could easily style them from day to night. I'm currently eyeing the navy and white ones! Although these are a bit of splurge (around $110), they are very well made and you definitely will not regret the purchase! 

3. Wedges - If you are going to a summer party (i.e. wedding, family reunion, etc.) and you want to get a little dressed up and maybe get a little height - I definitely suggest a pair of wedges! Wedges are very comfortable and if the party is happening on grass, you don't need to worry about your heel getting stuck!

4. Strappy Sandals - I suggest a pair of strappy sandals, like these ones from Target (only $15!) for a couple reasons: they come in a handful of colors: yellow, green, black, pewter (shown), white, and plum - so there is a color there for you; they are super inexpensive - I mean $15 for a pair of sandals?! You cannot beat that price!; you could swap these out for your Jack Rogers to change up an outfit!

What are your favorite summer sandals? 

XX. 

Grace

Internships

So you’ve secured that elusive internship and now you want to ensure that you get the absolute most out of it, well here are my top tips to do so;

• Be proactive- once you have finished a task that has been set ask what else needs doing, if you show yourself to be a productive worker they will give you more tasks often of increasing difficulty
• Talk to your colleges- when you have a not so busy period (perhaps over lunch) ask colleges about their jobs, what academic backgrounds they come from and If they have any advice.
• Take a notebook and pens- I know during my law work experience I wrote a journal each day of the cases I read and those in court. I also wrote about the day-to-day workings of the court.
• Always be on time and be prepared to stay late. Showing dedication from the off, makes you look top notch as an intern and gives you a better chance of getting another internship or even a job from the firm
• Expect to make lots of cups of tea- remember you are at the bottom of the pecking order so don’t act above your station, others will not appreciate it.

Sometimes you will end up in place with a super efficient internship programme with lots for you to do, while other times you may feel almost in the way. Don’t let yourself be disheartened and don’t let one placement put you off a career, for every work place is different.

XX,
Beckie

Car Playlist

Taken by yours truly in Miami, FL!
I gotta warn you: When I make playlists, I get really cheesy. I choose songs that specifically mention the theme of the event or occasion. I think it makes the event more exciting. (Why else would they play love songs at a wedding?) I'm only half-kidding. I chose songs that are also about getting to that destination so badly that you're about to successfully invent the teleporter. Anyways, wherever your car takes you, I hope you enjoy the tunes I provide!

Bon voyage!
Melanie

Natural Sun Care Essentials

The best way to care for yourself during the summer is protecting the largest organ of your body: your skin. Not only are we trying to protect our skin from short-term damage, but possible long-term damage as well. The best bet for treating your skin right is using natural products. Below is a collection of products that are natural, affordable, and skin-loving!

1. Cover Your Body with Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This sunscreen is oil-free, lightweight, and highly rated for its Broad Spectrum protection. At less than ten dollars (for this size bottle), it's definitely worth taking to the nearest body of water!

2. Protect your pretty face with Aveeno® Clear Complexion BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

This Blemish Balm cream will keep your pores clear, your allergic reactions at bay, and your blemishes invisible! What's better than that?

3. Protect from the inside-out with Sun-Fighting Superfoods. Tomatoes, carrots, and strawberries contain sun-fighting vitamins and minerals such as lycopene, beta carotene, and Vitamin C (respectively). Even better news: pure dark chocolate has magic powers too!

4. Protect your sensitive eye area and contribute to another person's vision at the same time with Handcrafted Bamboo Sunglasses. For every pair you purchase (they are pretty pricey, to warn you!), the company will provide someone with medical treatment and prescription glasses.

5. There is skin on your head too! Protect your scalp and hair with Babo Botanicals Cucumber Aloe Vera UV Sport Conditioning Spray. Aside from being powerful protectants, this line of products are vegan, fragrance-free, and dermatologist tested.

What are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a fun summer with all the natural skincare essentials!

Peace & Sunshine!

XX,

Melanie

Book Review :: The Uglies and Matched Series

As with Harry Potter and Twilight, the Hunger Games left me wanting more. I've read two series in particular that are similar to The Hunger Games.

The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield is my favorite of the two. This series takes place in the future, and everyone wonders what it was like to live in our time. When citizens reach a certain age they must have an operation to make them "pretty." Tally, the main character, can't wait to have this operation. Her friend Shay does not agree, and decides to run away. The "specials," or what we would think of as the government, tell her that she has to find Shay and bring her back or not have the operation. I can't spoil the rest, you'll have to read it for yourself! 

Similarities: love interest; big brother is watching; contained, isolated city; surviving in the wilderness; going against authority; dystopian future

Matched by Ally Condie is very similar to both The Uglies and Hunger Games. In Matched, everyone's choices are made for them. Who you marry. Where you work. What you eat. Cassia is fine with this because it's all she's ever known. When she is matched with her future husband, she is delighted! She is given a microchip with information about him to study. Unfortunately, the person whose information is on the microchip is not the person she was matched with. It's her friend, Ky. Cassia knows that this was a mistake, and the officials really want her to be matched with Xander, but is Ky really her soul mate? Read to find out if Cassia chooses perfection or passion!

Similarities: love interest; big brother is watching; contained, isolated city; dystopian future; choosing between two loves

Have you read these series?

  XX,
Brittany

Workout Playlist

Nothing motivates me to workout like a good playlist. There is something about music that makes you want to get up off your butt and start moving! So download these songs, put in your headphones and start running!

Or... if you don't run, like a certain someone writing this post, just getting up and dancing is a great full body workout. Plug your iPod into a set of speakers and swim, it doesn't matter what it is, but if you're moving, it's good for you!

What songs do you like to listen to while you work out?

XX,

Taylor

Sale Alert!

It’s summertime, and that means we have too much time on our hands! I don’t know about you, but that means I end up shopping way too much, both online and in real life! So, if we are going to be spending, we might as well get the most for our dollars. Here are a few awesome sales that you should check out:

Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale

Technically the semi-annual sale has already ended. However, most stores still have some of the sale merchandise stuck around the store. It’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you have one of the bigger VS stores near you! Also, on VictoriasSecret.com, make sure you click on the “Clearance” section (under the “Sales and Specials” heading), and try out the “Shop Catologs” link (at the very bottom of the page). The items in these two locations don’t always show up in your search results, so you can find some hidden gems, or seemingly out-of-stock items there!

Coach Semi-Annual Shoe Sale

If you are going to splurge on anything designer, I highly recommend Coach shoes. They last forever, and fit perfectly! Right now, both in stores and online, Coach is having a super sale on all their shoes. Make sure to check it out!

ModCloth Summer Sale-ebration!

ModCloth.com is an amazing online retailer, with everything from clothing to home décor to gag gifts! Right now, they are having a HUGE sale on all sorts of items! Head over to the ModCloth Sale-Ebrationright away, before everything good is gone!

Did you score any sweet sale items recently? Tell me all about it on Twitter or on my personal blog! Happy shopping!

XX,

Emma

4th of July OOTD

One of my favorite parts of 4th of July is getting all dressed up in red, white, and blue - so I thought it would be fun to show you all what I wore!

I went for a casual and comfy outfit since I was just going to my cousins' house for a backyard barbecue. I also wanted the outfit to be lightweight because the weather reported it would be in the mid to high 90s!

I wore a navy and white t-shirt dress from Banana Republic (similar). I then tied in red by painting my nails, essie: E! Live From the Red Carpet and wearing my red Keds. I completed the outfit with a white bangle with gold trim which I picked up from H&M (similar) last spring. 

What did you all wear for the 4th of July? 

XX. 

Grace 

Summer Party Idea: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Theme

I love Victoria’s Secret! So what better theme for a summer party than a Victoria’s Secret theme?! The VS Fashion Show premieres in November or December each year. This makes summer the perfect time to host a party of this theme, because it’s been six months since the show aired! As we impatiently await the newest VS Fashion Show, a nice mid-year recap can never hurt! So the following are some ideas and tips to help you throw an amazing Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show party this summer.

• Hook up your laptop to your TV to re-view the fashion show. All you need is a simple cable, which Best Buy should carry (and they can help you figure out which cable it is you need, as well). Then you can easily stream the show to your TV screen, via CBS.com !
• Have pink balloons everywhere, along with pink streamers and any other cute pink decorations you may find.
• When inviting people, just tell the boys that they get to stare at the VS Angels. It will do the trick, and make up for being surrounded by pink craziness!
• Serve pink lemonade in pink plastic cups, on pink coasters.
• Bake at least two types of cookies to serve alongside some pink frosted & sprinkled cupcakes.
• Have pink tablecloths, pink plates, and pink napkins!
• Have pink-themed goodie bags for the girls. Some ideas for items to put inside: nail polish, simple bracelets, tiaras, any item with angel wings, pink pens, etc.
• Make a pink runway with a pink table-runner on the floor! Use some patterned pink wrapping paper on the wall as a photo backdrop.
• Get a couple wooden frames that are large enough for people to hold out in front of them for “framed” photos. Paint them pink and white. Use foam letters or scrapbook stickers to decorate. One idea would be to have a pink frame that says “Victoria’s Secret Angel” around the frame!
• Be creative with a rhinestone-ing station! Have a few glue guns, a bunch of rhinestones, and some of those plastic Wayfarer-style sunglasses for everyone to decorate as they watch the show.
• Play “Pink Pong”! Either use a pink tablecloth to make a ping-pong table fit the theme, or play Water Pong (the non-drunken version of Beer Pong) with some pink Solo cups!
• Host a giveaway for a Victoria’s Secret gift card at the end of the night! Just draw a name from a bowl to pick your lucky winner!

I hope you have a fun and safe summer! Tweet me at @itsemmaelise, and tell me all about your summer party fun!

XX,

Emma

Movie Reviews

Movie Reviews

In my menial 22 years on this planet, I have watch many movies. In fact, I have a consistent problem with remembering which movies I have actually watched, and which I have merely seen previews for that happen to give away the plot (thereby making me believe that I have watched said movie). Does anyone else have this problem? I should probably start keeping track of what I actually do watch! Anyways, I prided myself on having a Top Five Amazing Movies list. Except, recently, this became a Top 6…and then a Top 7. By the time I’m all old and wrinkly, it will probably be a Top 100. But, seeing as summer is a time for lounging around and being lazy, this is a perfect opportunity for me to share my favorite movies with you! So, without further ado, here are my Top 7 Must-Watch Movies. Enjoy!

Classic Movie: Breakfast At Tiffany’s

Ms. Audrey Hepburn is an American classic, and this is her most well-known movie. I have no problem being cliché here, because this movie truly deserves all the love! If you don’t enjoy it, you’re probably missing a subtly-hinted-at key point of the movie. I don’t want to give it away, but feel free to message me on my Facebook if you want the details!

Animated Movie: The Little Mermaid

She’s my favorite Disney Princess…enough said!

Pixar Movie: Monsters, Inc.

I have never been more in love with a cast of animated characters. This movie makes me bawl and squeal with excitement, all in the course of less than two hours. I definitely need to find time to see the new Monsters University while it’s in theaters!

Romantic-Comedy: Crazy, Stupid, Love

Like any typical girl my age, I love a good Rom-Com. But this movie legitimately portrays all of my beliefs about love, while also being hilarious and featuring my two of my favorite Hollywood stars – Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

Foreign Film: Run Lola Run

This German film (originally titled, Lola Rennt) is a complete mind-blower. It follows a German girl through a 20-minute segment of her day. The twist is that this movie cycles through those 20 minutes over and over again until everything plays out properly. It shows how the smallest thing, like accidentally bumping into someone on the sidewalk, can completely change the outcome of your life’s events.

Psychological Thriller : Black Swan

Once again, this movie has two of my top starlets – Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. I love how this movie, despite being low-budget, was flawlessly created. It’s another mind-blower of epic proportions. I highly recommend getting the DVD, so that you can watch the behind the scenes extras.

Book-To-Movie Remake : The Great Gatsby

I am one of those picky people that always disappointed by books that have been made into movies. I would personally prefer to have an eight-hour movie that follows my favorite books word-for-word! However, the recent recreation of Gatsby amazed me. I loved every second of it, and Leonardo DiCaprio was perfect for the role of Jay Gatsby. And that is saying something, because F. Scott FitzGerald’s work is one of my favorite books! I was disappointed that the movie didn’t include my all-time favorite quote from the book, but still loved it nonetheless!

XX,

Emma

Random Recipe :: Angus Barn Chocolate Chess Pie

We have one of the greatest restaurants known to mankind here in Raleigh, NC: The Angus Barn. We're talking delicious food, fine dining, high prices, eat there only a twice in your lifetime kind of deal. They also have to die for chocolate chess pie. They released their recipe and it is rather simple. What better feeling can you get than a homemade, from scratch decadent chocolate pie? None, that's what.

Ingredients

1 unbaked pie shell

1/2 cup butter

2 (1 ounce) bakers semi-sweet chocolate squares

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 dash salt

Directions

{one} melt butter and chocolate

{two} blend other ingredients together

{three} mix the butter/chocolate mixture with the other blended ingredients

{four} pour into pie crust and bake at 350 for 35 minutes

And that's that! Super easy and super delicious!

XX,

Taylor

Random Styling

My name's Melanie. I'm new here! I currently run my own little blog on tumblr, When Life Gives You Melanie. It's all about female empowerment and loving yourself. But it is so exciting to debut on Chit Chat with a random styling piece! And what better way to get inspired than rewinding to the Rosie the Riveter era? If you don't know what I'm talking about, all you need is a visual hint:

source 
I have created three different Polyvore collages that share a $15 Rockabilly Bandana (similar to Rosie's in the above poster). Get ready to bring out your inner feminist!

The outfit above, "The Modern Day Rosie the Riveter," has great separates that come together for a girl-next-door look. Even though 4th of July has passed, the color scheme is not accidentally patriotic. I decided to go with a Yes Style sleeveless denim top to flatter any size and shape, fire-engine skinny jeans from H&M to flaunt your assets, Ballerina Flats from Accessorize to represent your grace, a WildFox Couture Tote Bag to hold the essentials for saving the world, and a spiked Forever 21 bracelet for protection from the haters.

When it's time to take a break from wearing actual clothes, consider adding these items to your beachwear collection. I really think one-pieces should come back so that's why a Kamali Kouture suit is in this collage. The Honey Heart Flip Flops complete the stripes theme. But, the three essentials to this outfit are the Marilyn Monroe beach towel, the Forever 21 cat-eye sunglasses, and the Broad Spectrum Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Mist with SPF 45. If you live near a beach, like me, or if you just like to lounge at the pool club, topping this outfit off with the bandana will keep your hair from misbehaving in the summer heat!

Last but not least, we have an outfit that can serve as a staple for an internship, office job, or party go-to. I started the outfit with a pencil skirt from Ally Fashion and paired it with a fringed top from Zara. I then found these GORGEOUS Vera Wang heels to spice up the look. The other accessories bring in a pop of yellow to match your optimistic personality: a ModCloth "Bright Place, Bright Time" clutch and (my favorite) a POW necklace found on etsy!
While I LOVE this bandana (and Pin-Up style in general), the best accessory is always a smile.
Peace & Hugs,
Melanie

Random DIY :: Statement Necklaces

Hi Everyone! 

I don't know about you all, but I have an obsession with statement necklaces, so when I was given the topic of Random DIY, I knew which DIY I wanted to share with you all immediately! 

Back in September, sarahbelle93x did a video called, DIY: Statement Necklace, where she made an adorable statement necklace for around $15 with materials all from Michael's. 

Check it out! 

Will you be making your very own statement necklace? 

XX, 

Grace 

Exercise Routine

It's very easy to get out of the habit of exercising one we get into the summer holidays, yet this is the time of the year when we want to look our best whether we are wearing our swim suits at the beach or chilling out in our shorts.

Below is a simple but effective exercise regime that takes only 30-40 minutes a day!

Three to four times a week, perform a cardio-based exercise such as cycling, running or swimming for 30-40 minutes. Then 2-3 times a week complete a strength based circuit

1.Tuck ups

Lie down on your back, then simultaneously lift your chest and legs up at the same time so you are in a tucked position, balancing on your bum. Then lower down onto your back again. That is one rep. 3x 15 reps

2. Pliè rises 

Stand with your legs wide apart and your feet turned out. Slowly rise up onto your tippy toes and then back down. This is one rep. 3x 25 reps

3. Tricep dips

Find a chair and facing away from it, place your hands in front of you. Walk your feet out so that your elbows are bent a bit. Then slowly bend your arms and lower yourself to the floor and straighten your arms. This is one rep. To simplify this exercise, do it with bent not straight legs. 3x12 reps

4. Leg taps 

Lie down on your back, bend one knee, and place this foot on the floor for balance. Then with the the other leg, keeping it straight and toes pointed, lift a few inches off the ground and tap by moving it up very slightly. Each tap (up and down) is a rep. 100 on each leg

5. Vertical sit ups

Lie down with your legs up a wall and bum against the wall (legs can be bent if necessary), then perform the standard sit up motion with your upper body, being sure to keep you arms and head still. One sit up is one rep. 3x13 reps

Will you do these exercises?

XX,

Rebecca

Splurge vs. Save

If you're like me, you are sick of seeing cute items in magazines or online that cost way too much. So today, I've picked out a few super-cute, but overly expensive products...and found an equally awesome, inexpensive version. Who doesn't love a good deal?!

Clear-Frame Sunglasses SPLURGE: Ice Blue Sunglasses, Cutler and Gross, $470

SAVE: Clear Sunglasses, Forever 21, $5.80

Colorful Beaded Necklaces SPLURGE: Long Multi-Strand Seed Bead Necklace, LOFT, $39.50

SAVE: Long Two-Tone Seed Bead Necklace, LOFT, $19.50

White Tees SPLURGE: Classic V-Neck, Kain Label, $84

SAVE: Dolman Hi-Lo Tee, Aerie, $11.99

I hope you enjoy these wallet-friendly finds for summer!

Tweet me @itsemmaelise with your thoughts. And make sure to check out my personal blog, itsemmaelise!

XX,

Emma

Sorority Rumors

"I would never join a sorority. Those girls are..." Finish that sentence with what you have heard about sororities. Chances are, it's negative. That's because the media portrays Greek life in a negative light. In reality, joining a sorority is the most positive thing I've ever done.

Rumor #1: All they do is party. False.

Sorority girls do not party any more than anyone else. Some don't at all.

Rumor #2: They buy their friends. False.

Do members of honor societies buy their friends? No. Dues go towards the sorority, scholarship, and bettering ourselves as a whole. Having friends along the way just makes it better.

Rumor #3: They haze. False.

This could not be further from the truth. Sororities actually shower their new members with gifts. Hazing is strictly prohibited.

Sorority girls are some of the best leaders and have the highest GPAs. They are very involved on campus. These things are requirements of being in a sorority. The next time you hear rumors of sororities, remember that they were created by someone who doesn't have experience with them.

Fourth of July Festivities

Happy July everyone!

Whether you wake up early to attend your local parade, hit the beach or relax at home, the 4th of July is  the perfect day to start some new traditions. Every year my family and I attend 2 local parades with a festival after then take a short road trip to my aunt and uncle's lake house to swim and watch fireworks. My absolute favorite part of the day is jumping in the lake after the sun has set, swimming to the raft and watching the fireworks that are launched from the middle of the lake. I love reliving these memories every year and thought I would share some fun ideas with you to make your holiday even more unforgettable!

{Bike to your local parade}

While it may seem childish, make the most of your 4th of July by biking with friends to your local parade or festival! Watching little kids decked out in crazy red, white and blue ensembles always makes for a rather humorous time. And who knows -- it could even bring out the immature side in you! 

{Hit the water}

4th of July is practically known for the unbearable hot weather. I remember having the prior days being low 70's and then BAM 95 degrees and sizzling sun. Fix this problem by splashing around in any kind of water near you, whether it be a pool, lake, ocean or sprinkler!

{Unleash your inner baker}

If you find yourself with absolutely nothing to do on this occasion, get cooking! I munched on this fabulous cake at a friend's house a few years ago and have always wanted to recreate it. Find the recipe for a fruity American flag cake here!

{Light up the night}

 I love lighting some fireworks, fire crackers and sparklers when it gets dark (and taking some remarkably artsy pictures along the way!). Nothing says 4th of July like fire that glitters in the sky! It's the perfect activity to do with friends or family.

I hope I have given you some inspiration to make your day even more special!

Do you have any special traditions for the 4th of July?

XX,
Caroline