Fifteen

Today is my 15th birthday! While 15 certainly sounds older than 14, it feels exactly the same. 15 is kind of a strange, in-between age. I have been a teenager for a few years, but have not been granted the responsibilities that come with growing old. During my enjoyable time as a 14 year old, I did a lot. I moved from junior high to high school, started a blog, switched soccer teams,  made new friends, and traveled! Today marks the first day of being 15, and all of the new adventures that will come with it (eek- driving!). I'm so excited to bring you guys with me, and see all that will happen while I am 15. 

xoxo,

Alyssa

Sick Day Essentials

Unfortunately, it seems like many people I know have been sick lately- what a bummer! Sometimes we need a day off to get healthy again, and when I have a sick day, there are some things that I simply need. 

pajamas

Being cozy and comfortable when sick is one of the most important things, in my opinion. Fun pajama pants and a simple t-shirt will do.

slippers

Okay, who doesn't want to walk on pillows even when they're not sick? Keeping feet warm is essential when sick.

lip balm

Having chapped lips is the worst, especially when you're sick. Keep your lips moisturized and maybe even add a bit of a tint.

nail polish

When you're bored at home with a fever, it's the perfect time to paint your nails. Pick a color that will brighten your mood-perhaps a hot pink!

magazines (or a book)

I love gaining inspo from magazines on the daily, but they are a perfect way to keep you occupied when sick. If you're feeling adventurous, dive into that one book that you've been wanting to read for a while, or catch up on that book for English class and yes, I know it's boring.

candles

For some reason I love burning candles when sick, even though I can't smell it (ha!).

tea

Whenever I have a sore throat, I drink tea to soothe it. Find a tea you like (add some sugar) and drink away. 

water

When you're sick, drinking a ton of water is a must. It's so important to stay hydrated, and while drinking tea is good, it dehydrates you. If you're tired of plain water, try adding some fresh lemon juice to give your immune system a kick-start.

facial wipes

Having clean skin is essential. When you're sick you may not feel like hopping in the shower, but you can still refresh and cleanse your face using wipes. These have grapefruit in them and will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated

What are your sick day essentials?

xoxo,

Alyssa.

#GalPalHoliday: Outfit: Thanksgiving Day

dress (Cotton-On) | jacket | scarf (Target) | booties (similar)

Oh my goodness, it is absolutely crazy that November is almost over! I can't believe it. Anyways, today I'm here with the second installment in the #GalPalHoliday link-up, and the holiday we are celebrating is Thanksgiving! I realize that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, but I already know what I am wearing, so I thought that it may be helpful to share what I will be sporting on Thanksgiving. When it comes to Thanksgiving, my go-to outfit always involves a dress. They are so easy to throw on and are super comfy! It will be pretty cold here on Thanksgiving so I will be wearing a jean jacket and a scarf that I recently re-discovered  after being forgotten since Christmas last year #oops. You may have noticed that I recently cut off 4 inches of my hair- I have been loving it! Anyways, I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends!

xoxo,

Alyssa

How to Get the Perfect Haircut

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Haircuts can either be the best things ever, or the worst experiences. I personally really enjoy getting my haircut, and I seem to have somewhat mastered the art of getting the "perfect" haircut!

Do your research.

There are websites that can help determine your face shape, and can then determine what hair cuts will look good on you. Just remember that just because the haircut looks good on someone else, doesn't mean that it will look good on you. 

Show pictures.

Instead of attempting to describe exactly what you want (let's be honest- this never goes well), find a picture similar to the look you're going for. Try to find both a front and back view of the haircut so that the stylist knows exactly what you want.  When looking for haircut inspiration, my go-to is Pinterest. 

Ask them their opinion.

If you are unsure about a color or length that you are considering going for, don't be afraid to ask the stylist if you will look good with "XYZ" style of hair. They will either say yes or suggest a slightly different color or cut.

Speak up. 

If your stylist asks you if you want something longer or shorter or if it's fine the way it is, speak up and tell the truth! Sometimes I find myself saying that "it's okay" just because I don't want to hurt the hair stylist's feelings, when in reality I am the one who will have to live with the hair cut. Don't be afraid to speak up!

xoxo,
Alyssa

My Jewelry Essentials

I love to spice up my outfits with jewelry, and when I do so, I usually gravitate towards the same pieces everyday. These are my favorite jewelry pieces!

Monogrammed necklaces are an easy way to make any outfit look a bit more put together, and I love mine! 

My dad actually had this watch, which I have adopted, so it can't be found anywhere, but I think that watches help to make me look more professional and studious. 

I have talked about Alex and Ani bangles over and over again, but I just think that they are so fun! I have three: a Boston one, a Cape Cod one, and a lucky clover one (not pictured). They look super cute all stacked together and remind me of my travel adventures.

When I want to wear a necklace that is a bit more subtle, I love to wear my initial necklace. My mom has the same initials as me, so this necklace was her's when she was a girl, and she has since passed it down to me! It's so simple and I love it.

Although I would not wear these everyday, I think that fun earrings are essential! I purchased these on a family vacation in Yosemite National Park at a turquoise gift shop, and I think that they are so cute for adding a pop of color to any outfit!

What are your jewelry essentials?

xoxo,

Alyssa

Cute Cosmetic Bags

Cosmetic bags are one of those things that you can never have too many of. Although I own a few, it seems like I can never find them when I'm in need! I think that cosmetic bags are the perfect gift because you can fill them up with a gift card, makeup, candy, or just leave it empty, and you know that whoever receives the bag will use it. Here are a few super cute ones!

paisley | black | zebra | rope | pearl | crochet

How cute are these bags?

xoxo,

Alyssa

Lovely Links

Happy Friday, friends! It has come to my attention that I have never done a "links" post, so I thought that it was about time! Here are some links that have caught my attention lately!

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I got my hair cut on Monday and here's the pic that I showed the stylist

Need some Thanksgiving outfit ideas? Check out Katie's post!

I love this post about self praise!

The importance of taking time for yourself

How fun is this yellow jacket in Renee's post?

Okay, if this isn't house goals, then I don't know what is.

HOLY YUM

I'm convinced that this is the perfect Christmas skirt!

xoxo,

Alyssa

How to Eat Less Sugar

I would consider myself to eat pretty healthy, except when it comes to this time of year. Between Halloween candy (one piece? ha!), festive fall treats, and all the fun Christmas sweets coming up, it's hard to avoid sugar. Here are some tips that I use to keep from eating too many sweets!

Less is more.

Instead of having a bowl of 30 M and M's and then refilling that bowl 5 times, try only putting 10 M and M's in the bowl. You can still refill the bowl 5 times (although you probably shouldn't), and you will feel like you've had a lot when you have really just tricked yourself. 

Chew gum. 

Whenever you are tempted by sweets but you know you shouldn't have them, chew a piece of gum. It will give you a taste of sweetness and give your mouth something to do. 

Move the sweets out of sight. 

I don't know about anyone else, but when I see that my mom bought ice cream, I suddenly really want it! If I had never seen it, I wouldn't have wanted it. Move the sweets out of sight and you won't be reminded and tempted by them. 

Eat fruit.

Sometimes sugar cravings are signs that you're really just hungry! Instead of reaching for a few cookies, try eating an orange or an apple. You will get a taste of sweetness without the calories and fat!

Remember that I'm not saying to never eat sweets- everything is okay in moderation!

xoxo,

Alyssa

Holiday Wishlist 2015

It is no secret that the gift-giving season is fast approaching! Each year, I like to make a list of items that I have recently had my eye on that I would love to receive. With my birthday at the end of November and Christmas a few weeks after, I just use the list for both. By no means am I expecting to receive all (or any) of the items on this list; it is more of a fun, imaginative thing!

I mentioned in this post that California is supposed to have a very rainy winter, so of course I need some rain boots! These from J.Crew are just too cute. I love burning candles while doing my homework or blogging- you can never have too many! I've had my eye on this bag for months now, and I just love it! It's such a nice size and it's great quality. I've been meaning to pick up a bralette for a while now- they're super cute and really comfy. One of my favorite Instagram accounts (@humansofny) made a book! It's filled with the images and captions from his account. I have been wanting a set of simple rings that I could alternate each day, and this set is perfect! I've had my eye on a Clarisonic for a while now, and I think that the reviews have finally convinced me that I'm in need of one!

What's on your wish-list?

xoxo,

Alyssa

October Favorites

Okay, is it just me or did October fly by?? It's crazy that it's November already, but I am quite excited! November and December are by far my favorite months, and it's starting to cool down here after a much extended summer. Here's what I loved in October!

one: Booties
Okay, I'm sorry for talking about these booties non-stop; I just can't help myself! For the price, they are great quality and are super cute! Unfortunately, they are no longer on Forever 21's website, but check in stores (there are so many other cute pairs of booties there too!). 

two: Baking
In fall and winter I find myself baking more. Lately I have been making these apple chips, festive sugar cookies, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin cranberry scones. I can't wait to try some new fall recipes this month!

three: pumpkins
If you follow me on instagram (@lotsoflys), then you may have seen a few pictures featuring pumpkins! I have a cute mini pumpkin (literally the size of the grapefruit) on my desk at home, and I just find it so fun to decorate with pumpkins! Carving pumpkins is also super enjoyable, and overall I just love pumpkins and the fall vibe that they carry with them. 

xoxo,
Alyssa

Rain Fashion Essentials

I'm not sure how well known it is in other parts of the nation, but here in California I have been hearing about the El Nino non-stop! Weather experts have predicted an El Nino for this winter, which is basically a very rainy weather pattern. Because I live in So Cal and we have been experiencing a historic drought, my rain apparel is not very extensive, so I have been doing some browsing in search of the cutest rain gear I could find!

chelsea boots | umbrella | rain jacket | hunters

Boots are obviously an essential, as rain can ruin any shoe not suitable for water. I'm not sure if I like the more "traditional" rain boot height, such as Hunters, or if the chelsea boots are more my style. Either way, they're both super cute! As for jackets, I would probably go with a navy or greem jacket that repels water; nothing too crazy. An umbrella is such an essential and this one from Kate Spade is too cute. I'm not sure if you can read it, but it says " rain check?".

What are your essentials for rainy days?

xoxo,
Alyssa

Weekend Recap

Hey gals! I hope you guys had a great Halloween weekend. Mine was super fun, so I thought that it would be appropriate to share what I did! 

I caught a cold on Wednesday, and felt under the weather for pretty much the whole weekend. Hopefully I'll be healthy again soon! I didn't have school on Friday (#blessed), but I did have high school soccer practice at 6:30 am, which was less than ideal. After I got home from that, I showered and attempted to nap, but I can never nap so I ended up just pinning away on Pinterest #typical. Friday night was my high school's pink out football game, so I went over to one of my friend's house and got ready for that. If there had been a most pink contest, we would've won- ha! My high school crushed the opponent and it was a fun night. 

Saturday was Halloween! I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween, but this year's was definitely one of my favorites! In the morning, I carved my pumpkin (nothing like the last minute) and I think it came out super cute/looks like a 6 year old carved it.

Later, using the seeds from my cat-pumpkin, I made some cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds (recipe here).

I'm a freshman in high school, so this is probably my last year trick-or-treating, so I wanted to do something really fun. I invited 10 friends from school over and we ate and then went trick or treating, and then hung out after. 

One of my best friends,Victoria, and I dressed up as Blair and Serena from Gossip Girl, and I think our costumes turned out really well. I did a post all about my costume, which you can read here.

Here's a group photo of everyone "in-character". Everyone's costumes were really cute and creative (How funny is Donald Trump in the right corner? What's funnier is that he said "Trick or Trump" when we knocked on peoples' doors!). 

On Sunday, I didn't do much except homework and some blogging. Why is it that on long weekends we have more homework? Sigh. 

What did you do this weekend?

xoxo,

Alyssa