Lilly for Target: My Experience and Purchases

As I'm sure many of you know, two Sundays ago,  Lilly Pulitzer released their collab with Target. I had been looking forward to this day since I initially heard about it way back in January. Everything in the collection was so bright and fun! 

Late Saturday night (around 1 am EST Sunday), I saw that the collection was officially available online. I was planning on venturing to my local Target the next morning, so I only purchased a shift dress in "Fan Dance" in a size 4. 

The next morning, my mom, my neighbor, and I met in our driveway at 7:30. We arrived at Target at 7:40 am and were 9th in line (nobody really dresses preppy where I live/wears Lilly, so I was surprised that anyone was there at all!). When we were let into Target at 8, people began to run (#preppygirlhungergames) and I was a bit frightened. I made a bee-line towards the women's clothes and was able to snatch a shift dress in "Upstream" in a size 6 (a bit too big, but still good). 

To my disappointment, my store did not carry any shoes, swimwear, or any of the beauty items. However, when on the search for the above, I saw the girl's XL shorts, and realized that they probably would fit (which they did, and for only $12!). Overall, I really like the collection and am glad that I was able to score what I did. Here's what I purchased:

shift dress in "Fan Dance"

shift dress in "Upstream"

girls' pompom shorts in "My Fans"

{Sorry about the delay in posting this- my dress just arrived a few days ago.}

What did you score at the Lilly for Target launch?

xoxo

Alyssa

My Skincare Routine

Skincare is something that I feel is very important. Taking good care of your skin is going to benefit you now, and in the long run as well. It is essential that you find out what regiment works well for you and your skin, as it is different  and unique for each person. My skin was bad about a year ago, so I visited a dermatologist which I highly recommend if you feel it is necessary.  By no means is my skin perfect, but it is definitely better. Now onto the products I use to keep my skin as clear as possible.

Morning

The first product I use on my face each morning is the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is really gentle and the container lasts for a really long time.

10 minutes later (my dermatologist gave me times to follow) I apply my morning topical, Aczone, which is prescription only. 15 minutes after that, I apply my moisturizer, which is the Up and Up Dual-Treatment Moisturizer. I really like this product because it is light-weight, but still does a good job of moisturizing.

Night

At night, I like to use a scrub. My favorite is the Up and Up Apricot Scrub. It has little beads that exfoliate, but are not too harsh. After that, I apply the Boots Botanics Matifying Toner with a cotton ball all over my face. This gets all of the excess dirt and oil that is on your face off, and you can see it when the cotton ball is dirty after (yuck!).

15 minutes later, I apply the same moisturizer as I did in the morning. After 15 more minutes, I apply Tazorac, which is another prescription-only topical. 





I have been following this skincare routine for about 7 months without switching up any of the products, and I really like it. I hope this post wasn't too long, and that you enjoyed it!

What is your favorite skincare product?

xoxo

Alyssa

Look For Less: Casual Layers

While browsing Pinterest, I have recently come across some really cute outfits. I thought it would be fun to find cheap pieces to put together and imitate the outfit in the picture. I love the laid-back vibe this outfit gives, and I think the layers make it perfect for Spring.

(via)

sweater | shirt | pants | shoes | sunglasses | bag

Most of the items are from H & M or Forever 21, as I think of these stores as having fairly cheap prices, while maintaining some-what good quality (if you know of other inexpensive stores, please let me know!).

xoxo

Alyssa

April Music Picks

For the past few months, I have been adoring Spotify. Free music? I think yes. While browsing a few of the already made playlists (love the Hanging Out and Relaxing one), I came across some awesome songs that have been on repeat non-stop. Here they are!

Stay Alive // Jose Gonzalez

Nothing Without Love // Nate Reuss

Stare Into The Sun // Graffiti6

L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. // Noah And The Whale

Comeback Kid (That's My Dog) // Brett Dennen

Celeste // Ezra Vine

New Soul // Yael Naim

What songs have you been loving recently?

xoxo

Alyssa

Easy and Healthy Junk Food Substitutions

I'm not going to lie and say that I don't like junk food, because I do. And eating french fries or a bowl of ice cream here and there is perfectly fine. However, I have recently come across a few recipes for food that can easily be substitutes for junk food. These options are a lot healthier, and still taste great too!

=one=
Energy Bites

These yummy and chewy bites are the perfect substitution for sugary granola bars, chocolate chip cookies, or even brownies. These are so easy to make, and they taste delicious!

Recipe:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup honey
1 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted and cooled
1/2 cup ground flax seed meal
6 tbsp chocolate chips (I used regular sized ones, but minis would probably work better)
(makes 25 bites)

Directions:
In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, vanilla extract, and honey. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until evenly distributed. Place the bowl in the fridge for around 15-20 minutes. Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls and place on a baking sheet. I then put the baking sheet into the fridge for a few minutes to insure that they would stay together, but you could probably skip this step. Transfer the bites into an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator.

Recipe from GimmeSomeOven.

=two=

Carrot Chips/Fries

These sweet yet salty fries are an awesome substitute for the ever-so-yummy french fries, and they are so quick and easy to make!

{these are what the fries look like before you cook them- I was unable to take a pic after they cooked because my parents started eating them!}

What you need:

3-4 large carrots

olive oil

salt

Directions:

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Next wash and peel the carrots, and then cut them into french fry-sized pieces. Put them into a bowl and pour a bit of olive oil over them (not too much or they will be soggy-yuck!). Place them on a baking sheet, and sprinkle salt on top. Finally, cook them in the oven for around 12 minutes.





 I think I may try to do more of these posts in the future, so let me know how you like them!

xoxo

Alyssa





Madewell: Looks I'm Loving

This past Saturday I went shopping, and for the first time in a few months I ventured into Madewell. I kind of freaked out. Everything was so cute, and I didn't see a single thing that I didn't like. Today I'm going to be sharing with you guys a few of my favorites that Madewell currently has.

=one=

Striped Tank

This tank is super cute, and would look adorable paired with high-waisted jean shorts and strappy sandals.

=two=

Seersucker Shorts

I love these seersucker shorts because the stripes are thinner, making the seersucker a bit more subtle. They would go with a ton of tops, and would be easy to style.

=three=

Dress (more colors!)

This dress is super cute and made of a comfy, stretchy material, and can be dressed up or down.  This color is great for both the springtime and summer.

=four=

Black and Brown Crossbody

Brown Crossbody

 Both of these crossbody bags are totes-adorbs! (see what i did there?). The only thing is that I'm not sure which one I like better!!



 Are you a fan of Madewell?

xoxo

Alyssa

Why I Love Crossfit

In November, I started doing crossfit. When I first began, a few of my soccer teammates and I did a beginners class that especially focused on technique and learning how to do everything correctly. Around 2 months ago, I transitioned to the regular adult classes, and I love it. Today I'm going to be sharing with you guys why I love crossfit.

(thanks Mom, for the action shot)

=one=
Individual

Crossfit is a nice break from team sports where it takes a group 's efforts to succeed. In crossfit, you do as well as you want to. Your success is based on how hard you work, not the people around you. In the beginners class, we did do some partner workouts, but in the normal classes everything is individual.


=two=
Change

Since I began crossfit, I have not done a workout twice. This helps keep things interesting, and helps you to stay excited. Your muscles will not get used to any workout, so each week is a challenge.


=three=
Fun

As crazy and strange as it may seem, I really enjoy crossfit and look forward to it throughout the day. Although it is hard, the workouts are situated in a way that make them fun (it helps if you have a friend in the class as well!).


=four=
The Environment

The environment at crossfit is the best. The instructors are very encouraging and make sure to tell you when you are doing things well or correctly, or they will correct you when your moves could use adjustments. The other crossfitters (not sure if that's a word?) are friendly and often give me high fives after the session.

=five=
Good For You!

Crossfit is an awesome workout for all over your body. It helps tone and strengthen your abs, arms, and legs. Your agility will improve, and so will your speed.

 

Would you ever try crossfit?

xoxo

Alyssa

Outfit: Spring Picture Day

 

Today was my school's Spring Picture Day. I was going to wear something a bit more bright and fun than what I ended up wearing, but the backgrounds for the pictures were very bright, and I didn't want to clash with the background.

This is my first outfit post (thanks Dad for the pics), so I apologize for the awkward poses (still getting used to "modeling") and for the "eh" lighting. It should be better in future posts.

Anyways, the sweater I wore was so comfy, and I got it a few days ago at H&M for $7!! I cuffed up my jeans to give the outfit a more springy vibe, and I wore my trusty Sperry's.

sweater (couldn't find it, but its from H&M) || jeans || shoes || necklace  || bracelet

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Alyssa