4 products for the perfect blowout - without breaking the bank

Hi!!

I hope everyone is having a great start to their week! Hopefully not many of you forgot about the time changing and got late to work. 

Driving to work while it's still so dark is so much harder! I swear my eyes kept closing!

Anyways....

Today I wanted to share with you 4 steps, or products, to achieve a perfect blowout, without breaking the bank. 

There are sooo many products out there it is really hard to know which ones are worth it and which ones are just trash. It's also hard to know how much money you should spend on these products!

There are some products out there that are really amazing and that are some of my all time favorites, but let's be honest, sometimes spending more than $20 on a hair product is a little bit too much. Not to panic.... there are great options that are budget friendly and that can give great results as well! It just takes a little experimenting to figure out which ones. 

After trying out several brands and products I have declared these my current top 4 products for an everyday, great blowout, that will last all day, and not costing you and arm and leg. I do have to say these might not work for every hair type. My hair is very thin, oily in the roots and I tend to get split ends if I don't look after it. In order to style my hair right I need products that provide volume, hydrate my ends, and prevent oily roots. I also get highlights every few months. If your hair is similar to mine you will love these products. I will go over them in the order in which I use them

Make sure you wash your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. I will make a review on some of my favorite soon. Make sure you use shampoos and conditioners that are specific for your type of hair. It really does make a difference. 

1. After washing your hair comb it out and remove excess water with a towel.  Spray your hair all over with the Tresemme Heat Tammer Leave-In Spray. It is crucial to use a heat protector when you use any heat tools. It may not seem like it, but your hair really does get damage every time you style it if you don't protect it.  

2. Apply about a lemon size amount of the L'oreal Boost It Volume Inject Mousse on your hand and run it through your roots. focus on the areas where you most need volume and massage it.

3. Apply about a quarter size amount of the Fructis Full & Plush Voluptuous Blow Out on your hand and run it through your hair, not your roots. Massage it and just run it very lightly on your bangs or front part of your hair. 

Make sure you comb your hair to make sure all the products are evenly distributed. Blow dry your hair and style.

4. After blowing out your hair and styling it, apply a penny size amount of the Fekkai Color Protector Glaze on your ends. Do not apply anywhere near the roots. Focus on the areas where your hair feels dry. This glaze will help hydrate the ends and prevent split ends as well as prevent frizz. This is one of the only oils I can use on may hair that will not make an oily mess out of it. 

These products will provide protection from heat as well as protect your color. It will give you amazing and long lasting volume, prevent frizz and will not make you hair oily. I usually have to was my hair everyday because the roots are so oily and products usually make it worse, but with this combo I can actually go an extra day, if I don't workout (cause I sweat like a a pig). 

I hope you try it out! Let me know if you like it!

AB

My favorite lipstick

Hi!!

Don't you just love that feeling of purchasing a new lipstick... its so shiny and new and it just looks so pretty! I love trying out new shades and collecting lipsticks but I think we all have that one lipstick in our collection that is our go-to, the one that makes you feels the prettiest, that complements your completion perfectly, right?

If you don't have one lipstick that you just love I would really recommend you go out and experiment and find your lipstick soul mate. A lipstick that you can wear with your everyday makeup that will help you look effortlessly beautiful and put together. Something that complements your skin tone and complexion and that looks naturally beautiful. 

Which is my lipstick soul mate?! I don't even have to think twice!

The Chanel Rouge Allure  in number 129, Surprenante! Luminous Intense Lip Colour!

This lipstick is so smooth yet rich in color. The formula is great for your everyday-any time makeup that looks naturally beautiful. If you are on the hunt for a lipstick that you can just grab and go I really recommend this collection. I have been buying this lipstick for years, and even though I have found so many that I like, this just keeps being my #1 year after year. 

Which is your favorite lipstick?

AB

My Birthday

Hi!!

Birthdays are the one time a year when cake, chocolate and macaroons have no calories.

 It's the day when you get to choose exactly what you want to do, and you get to be the queen (or king) for the day.

The day when you can wear exactly what you want no matter where you are or what you are doing. Hey, if you want to wear a sparkly dress all day during your bday, even if its just to go get a burger, go for it. I would. 

It's also important to remember to take some time and think about your life. Think about the blessings you have received, the choices you have made, and the pat you find yourself in. Where are your headed? Are you happy? What can you change that would improve your life?

Sure, it is great to received gifts and get lost in the material things birthdays bring us, but birthdays should also be a day when we reflect on our life, give thanks for what we have, and adjust depending on what we want to do with our lives. 

Last year when I turned 25 I was a little bit sad. I thought "wow 25" that's very close to 30, but after a couple days that feeling faded. This year, as I turn 26 I don't find myself depressed, I find myself terrified! 30 feels like its just around the corner! There is so much I want to do and I feel there is just not enough time. For example, I have no plans to get married soon, but even that is putting a little bit of pressure I have to admit. Am I expected to get married before I turn 30? What if I don't get married before 30? Just thinking about all the things I want to accomplish, things I feel I am expected to do and things I feel I still have to experience just freak me out. 

Time just seems to fly and I guess what scares me the most is that it might just slip away. Having a crazy schedule, dealing with daily life sometimes makes you forget the important things, and you end up worrying about all the wrong things, wasting time and just letting it slip away. 

This year I want to focus on what I want to do with my life and make sure I am in the right path. I know it won't happen in a few days, it is a process, but this year I want to have the right attitude, remembering that time is precious and every minute is unique. Not one minute in our lives has a replacement; they all have an expiration date and when those 60 seconds are over, that minute s gone forever. 

Anyway.... after this little ramble, to lift up the spirits, I want to share my birthday outfit. 

My birthday started with a French theme breakfast which my adorable and loving mom surprised me with., She decorated everything and had the most adorable breakfast table ready for when I woke up. I was filled with croissants, truffles, macaroons, mimosas and cake!

After that delicious start to my day we went to a little town called Gruene, about 45 minutes away from San Antonio. We walked around the cute little shops and had lunch at the Gristmill restaurant by the river, where they have some amazing BBQ ribs!!!

I wanted to wear something very girly but comfortable for walking around the town.

her's what I wore:

AB

My Blown Beautiful Experience

Hi!!!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Yesterday was my birthday! So I am happy to report my weekend was wonderful :)

I will write a post about what I actually did on my birthday and show you some pictures but today I wanted to share with you my first experience at a blow dry bar. 

I have seen so many of these blow dry bars open all over town and have seen so many bloggers and beauty/fashion lovers checking them out that I decided I had to go investigate one of this salons myself. I booked an appointment at Blown Beautiful. They have two locations in San Antonio; I decided to go to the one in Alamo Heights. Saturday night I had  plans to go out with some friends to celebrate my birthday. I thought it was the perfect day for pampering and for big, extra pretty hair! I have to admit I was so excited about this appointment.

When I got to the salon it was pretty quiet; it was only me and another lady getting her hair done, which I liked. I don't like when the salon is super packed and everyone is just running around. First step was shampoo. My stylist did a little massage when she was shampooing and conditioning, which was very nice. After that she offered a deep conditioning treatment but I decided not to do it that day. When she was done we went over to her station. I told her I just wanted a simple haircut; I wanted to keep my hair long but cut enough to get rid of the split ends and make it look healthier. She was pretty quick I have to say. I really liked that she took the time to go over some pictures in magazines to make sure she knew exactly what I wanted. 

Step 3 was a the blow dry. I had requested the shampoo+cut+signature blow dry package. I usually blow dry my hair and curl it  to achieve a wavy look and this is what I wanted that day as well; I was surprised the signature blow dry did not include curling. I had to pay $10 extra for her to curl my hair. The blow dry was ok but the curling I have to say I was not a fan of. It was just too curly and too "made up". I like my hair to look natural and flowy and this looked just like too much hairspray and  a little up-do-ish (if that makes any sense). What I really did not like was the way she did the front of my hair but I always hate how they style it at any salon;I usually have to fix it when I get home. 

The overall look was ok. I was happy with it but I was not impressed. I think I could have done the exact same or better myself at home. The haircut was good; she did a good job capturing the length and style I wanted but again, nothing special. I think I like the way my regular stylist cuts it better. 

My honest opinion is this: 

If you are feeling lazy one day or just feel like having a pampering day - do it. It's fun and relaxing and hey, who doesn't like to get their hair done right? But really if you know how to style your hair and you are good at it I really don't see the point. Why pay $35ish dollars for a look that you can achieve by yourself! Now... if you don't know how to style your hair or you are just no good at it then yeah, definitely its a good option for you! I have some friends that just do not know how to style their hair and I would recommend these salons for them.

 They also offer up-dos and braids; I am not a fan of up-dos but I definitely want to go and let them try a nice braid on my hair. I will let you know how that goes. 

Have you liked these blow dry bars?

AB

OOTD - Print Pants & a Fluffy Dog

Hi!!

If you live in Texas you know these months are all about the crazy weather!

One day it's freezing, the next feels like summer is just around the corner, and some days are just gloomy and wet. It makes it a little hard to figure out what to wear in the morning because you really never know what the day will bring. 

I wanted to share my ootd with you to give you some more ideas of outfits you can wear during these days. It is a very simple outfit but I feel like it makes you look effortlessly stylish and put together. During the week I use variations of this outfit a lot for work. Lately I have been loving print pants. They are just so much fun and unique. Your outfit can be so simple but just the print makes it look so much more elaborate. 

I am wearing a simple dark blue turtle neck from Gap and my funny-looks-like-a-tablecloth print pants also from Gap. If you have not experimented with print pants before and are looking to try them go to Gap. I am a fan of their pants; I feel they fit my butt just right and they are so comfy. They have new prints all the time. I really recommend them.

I used my Tory Burch golden flats, my simple everyday gold jewelry and my new acquisition (and obsession)... my CH red handbag. 

BTW this is Lucy, my best friend and confidant. Shes my style adviser most days ;P

Lucy, or Lucifer some days, loves to swim almost everyday, chase pointlessly after squirrels, eat every minute of the day and watch movies. She had a bath four days ago and she's filthy already! I guess she just likes to be smelly.... shes a tomboy ;)

AB

The Big Easy

Hi!!

And so a new week begins.... wait... a new MONTH! 

I can't believe it is February! 

Where did January go?! I feel like I just came back from Christmas break. I just hate when time goes by so fast. Plus my bday is coming up and I just get weird lately instead of excited.... 

wrinkles stay away!!

This weekend I did a little cleaning and organizing and realized I had so many makeup samples! Truth is, if the samples are small I tend to never reach for them. I like the cute samples that look like the actual product but a mini version... they work great for when you are carrying a small handbag or when you travel. The tiny samples on the other hand just seem to accumulate in the drawer. So, in  an effort to try new things (and maybe find the fountain of youth-makeup) I decided to try the Benefit's Big Easy Foundation sample. 

The Big Easy Foundation is supposed to balance moisture and control oil, which in theory would be the perfect foundation for my since I have dry/combination skin. This makes it sooo hard for me to find a good foundation I like that doesn't feel dry, looks cakey and that does not make me oily and shiny. This foundation also claims to self-adjusts to skin tone and perfect with a powder-finish. It also has SPF 35 which is very nice and necessary. 

When I first applied the foundation it felt thick and I immediately thought it was going to be really oily and that it would make me shiny really quick. It took a bit long in my opinion to blend it out completely but I think this was because unfortunately the shade was a little too dark for me. The coverage is light/medium. I have to say I was surprised; at the end if the day my skin still looked great and I was not oily or too shiny like I had expected. I had a very busy day and never reapplied makeup or powder throughout the day and still looked good and with enough coverage. Even though I still like the foundation I use now more, I think this foundation is a great option for a person who likes light/medium foundation and has dry/combination skin. You still need powder to set it but overall I like the foundation. I want to try it in a shade that goes better with my skin tone. 

This reminded me how important it is to try new things.... you never know, maybe you find a new favorite, a better option or something to incorporate to your makeup routine. The foundation I use everyday is more high-end and pricey so I'm looking for a more affordable option to incorporate to my makeup bag for days when I want to use foundation but its for a more casual/active day, like going to the beach or a day by the pool, when you want to look your best but maybe feel like your makeup would be wasted in a way. Is it just me that feels this way? Maybe this makes no sense to you all but this will be added to my makeup bag for my "active/casual" days haha.

Have a fabulous day and let's enjoy February by trying new things!

AB

OOTD - Casual Friday!

Hi!!

Happy Friday!!! 

It's been a looooOOOOOnng week for me and I cannot tell you enough how excited I am for the weekend. Nothing special planned but just looking forward to some relaxing time, movies, and an epic cheat meal.... I'll keep you posted.

Anyways... Today I wanted to share more details about my OOTD. I know most people look forward to "casual Friday" but I just think this term is misunderstood so much. A lot of people think this means you get to wear baggy jeans and an old over-sized t-shirt you got for free at some event. No people, it does not mean you get to wear cloths like you are lounging or cleaning up your house. During these days you can be a lot more comfy but still keeping your style and looking put together. If you want to wear jeans, make sure they are nice jeans and you pair them with a nice top and shoes. Casual Friday is really more like a day when you are allowed a more casual everyday look but still looking professional. I will work on a post with more casual Friday ideas.

OK now that I got that out of my chest (haha) here is an outfit idea for a casual Friday:

1. Black sweater dress with a small cowl neck 

2. Loose black sweater with flower details; the dress is short sleeve and my office is super cold

3. Black tights; try to buy really opaque tights, they look a lot better. My favorite are Spanx tights not only because they make your butt look better, which everyone can benefit from, but they don't roll down like a lot of other brands or dig into your stomach. 

4. Over-the-knee slouchy black boots. 

This all black outfit is so comfy, but still look stylish and you look put together. I decided just to leave my hair naturally straight to give it a more casual vibe, and accessorize with small pear earring. For makeup I did a simple, thin cat-eye black liner and burgundy lips (which I love right now)

I hope this outfit inspires you to dig around your closet and create more casual Friday looks. 

AB

Bombshell Eyes

Hi!!!

I have a little product review for you today. 

I went grocery shopping during the weekend and of course I had to stop by the makeup section. I really believe that it is better to invest in one good quality makeup item than in 10 items of lesser or bad quality. Even though I have this little rule, the beauty section at the grocery store or drugstore is just so tempting! There is something about it... I feel like I want to try everything and buy everything. I have to remind myself of my little rule very often; even so, every now and then I end up buying something, just to try out. This weekend I left HEB with this 'Bombshell in a Box" kit by Covergirl. I was running low on mascara so I though "oh why not just try it".

This Bombshell in a Box kit was a limited edition for the holidays but there were still several left at the store. It includes the Bombshell Volume Mascara, the Bombshell Intensity Liner (both in "very Black) and the Bombshell Shineshadow in color 325, which is a brown/golden/shimmery shade. 

As soon as I got home I had to try all this right away. I'm like a kid with toys when it comes to makeup. I decided to follow the directions on the box to get the "bombshell look" this kit is supposed to deliver. I started by applying a thin layer of the Shineshadow on my lid. I used my finger to blend it out really trying to build up the color a little more on my crease. Here is a little sample of what the color looks like. I wanted to show you guys how it looks as you build up the color. 

 

Overall I liked the color. It is a very nice go-to-color and it would be great for those days when you are on the go and don't really have a lot of time to do your makeup.  I do have to say that it was very hard to get the liner to go on top of the cream eye shadow; maybe I should have waited a little longer for the eye shadow to dry so keep that in mind when applying it. 

Next I used the Intense Liner to line my eyelashes. I flicked the end to achieve a cat-eye look and makes my eyelashes look bigger. I didn't go for a very thick line because it was still early in the day and I wanted a day look. The liner has a good tip and it helps with creating an eve line but it was not as dark or intense as I like my liquid liners to be. If you are just starting to experiment with this type of eyeliners or with really just creating that thick cat-eye line this is a good product to practice with. As I mentioned, it was hard to put the liner on top of the cream eye shadow; it would work a lot better with regular eye shadows. 

Lastly I used the Bombshell Volume Mascara; this is a two-step mascara. Step one is supposed to give lots of volume. It it a thick plastic applicator, but not big enough that you get mascara all over the eyelid. I liked how it separated my eyelashes and it really did make them look long. 

Step two is like a finishing coat that adds black and seals them in to make them last all day. I have to say they really did last all day. I had no flakes throughout the day, which I usually have cause I tend to rub my eyes. It doesn't say it in the box but the step two almost makes them a little waterproof. The only thing I didn't love about this mascara was the fact that you can't really build it up to get really thick eyelashes and that you need oil-based makeup remover. Overall I was very happy with the mascara, I think it is a great budget-friendly option. I go through mascara so fast that I was happy to find an option that is more affordable but still with the results I want. 

Here is the final look:

Pardon my eyebrows.... I want to go for a thicker-brow look and they are still growing. I will get them shaped soon.. promise! I hope you enjoy this product review and that it inspires you to try out new things! :)

AB

Never enough time

Hi!!

I hope everyone is enjoying their short week.... one more day till the weekend!

I had promised to post my review and opinion on the 2015 hair trends but I wasn't happy with the pictures I had so I need a little bit more time for that - I am sorry!! 

Instead of that I want to share with you today my thoughts on time.

Lately I feel like there is never enough time. There have been days when I'm so frustrated because I feel there is just too much to do and too little time. I get an anxiety and frustration that I don't like at all. I am the type of person who enjoys being with other people but also just being alone, enjoying my home just spending time with myself. My mom says I'm like a hobbit (hahaha) who likes being at home a little too much and with some hoarding tendencies. For example, there are weekends were I know I have to make time for  friends, my boyfriend and my family.... and myself! I get really anxious juts thinking about how I will make all the plans fit into my weekend and still manage to have some time to relax and rest. During the week between work, gym and classes its just go go and intense all-the-time! Everyone needs some down time right?! 

Every year it just seems to get crazier and crazier. Don't get me wrong... I love to do all the things I do in my daily life but don't you feel like time just goes by too fast?! I remember when I was in elementary school I never had this anxiety about time. I feel like elementary lasted forever compared to these last few years that just seem to fly by. Why is that?! Is it because we just get busier as we get older? Maybe we have more things to worry about and more people depend on us? Or maybe it's just the fact that, maybe even unconsciously, as we get older we understand that time is irreplaceable and that one day our time does ran out. 

I have no idea how to attack this anxiety and frustration I feel, but I do know that it is important to remind ourselves of one thing: we only get one life, a certain amount of years, months, weeks, days and hours. We have one chance to enjoy what life offers us. If you enjoy, like me, having a little down time, then allow yourself to have it. We all have to learn to compromise and understand we can't do everything. We are not capable to traveling in time (hopefully soon) or being in two places at the same time. It's important to know how to manage time but it more important to know to prioritize and learn what is more valuable to you and where your time should be focused.

I wanted to share this with you because it is something that has really been on my mind lately. Maybe it's because my birthday is coming up and it is just freaking me out a little (I never thought I would be that girl that stressed about her birthday and age). Sometimes we need to sit down and analyze if our time is being well spent and make sure that when we look back we won't have any regrets on how we spent it.

 I leave you today with this:

"Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door"

-Coco Chanel-

AB

Friday Findings

Hi!!!

Happy Friday everyone!!! 

And guess what..... it's a long weekend! Yay!!!

Sometimes I like to go look around stores during my lunch break or when I have a little free time and I don't get enough stuff to make a haul post, but I sometimes find really cute stuff that I want to share with you, so I have decided to start writing my Friday Findings posts. If I find something cute during the week you will probably see it here on Fridays :)

Plus it can inspire you to do some treasure hunting too during the weekend haha.

I stopped by Neiman Marcus the other day and found the cutest gloves ever! ON SALE! I just had to get them, it would have been just silly not to. These Michael Kors winter white gloves are perfect to and some style to your cold days outfits. Gloves can be a tricky thing to find; these have a little gold chain that make them totally stylish and chic and very comfortable! Since your fingers are not completely covered you can still use them while working, driving or using your phone. 

Later during the week I stopped by Francesca's at the Quarry Market. I love to go every now and then because they have really cute and interesting rings and earrings. You have to go with an open mind and not pressed for time because you have to dig around a little to find something cute but luckily that day and I found an adorable three mid ring set that I just had to get. These are just a great everyday accessory and very original in my opinion. If you want to try wearing stacked rings but want to start slow or don't really know how to stack them, a set like this could be a great option. 

Last but not least I got an amazing candle from Bath & Body Works. It is called "Wine Down- Pomegranate Sangria". It is just AMAZING! I wanted a candle for my office, but something not too strong that would make me dizzy. This just keeps the air fresh and really helps my mood. I don't know what it is about candles but they completely change the atmosphere and mood. 

I recommend you to try this one! Plus the glittery top is just too cute.

I hope you like my Friday Findings!

Have a wonderful three day weekend!!

AB

Back to school OOTD

Hi!!!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week so far. Me... I'm still trying to get used to my routine again after the Christmas break. But I better get used to it again and soon because today....

I GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

I graduated from college in May 2012 and told myself I would give myself a year before starting my masters degree. Well, that one year turned into two and a half. I have no idea how, time just flew by! There is never enough time to do things don't you think?! Personally I think days should last 48 hours hahaha. So, finally, today I am going back. Since I work full-time I will take it a little slower. I am a person who actually enjoys school (yes, I am a nerd); I have no problem with studying but I fear that sitting in a classroom from 6:00 - 9:00 pm after working all day will be hard; I think some extra cups of coffee will be needed. I already drink a lot of coffee so we'll see how that goes- can you overdose on caffeine? I'm pretty sure you can right?

My undergrad was in fashion merchandising with a minor in marketing and a minor in business. I will now be pursuing an MA in Communication Arts. I really enjoy writing, that's one of the main reason why I chose this program. PR, marketing, advertising and event management are my forte and I have plenty of experience in it so I think this program will complement this experience well. 

Of course such a day like today calls for a great outfit. I wanted something comfortable, classy and chic. I don't know if I nailed it but I liked my overall look. 

I decided to go for a very puffy, black and white striped skirt, a classic long sleeve black shirt, opaque black tights, a simple winter white coat and my new French Connection heels. These heels are so comfortable for a long day but when you still want to be stylish. I am so glad pointy heels are back. I think they can add so much to a look. 

For accessories I decided to wear my chunky gold necklace (which I wear so much), a sparkly crossed ring, my everyday pearl ring (almost never go without it), a Kate Spade creme and gold bangle with a bow, and finally my bow from Kate Spade.

For my makeup I went with a classic look: black cat eyeliner and red lips. I think that when you are wearing a classic , almost all black outfit, you can never go wrong with this look. I has done my nails in black a couple days before so it worked out perfectly. 

Now all is need is a pretty pen, a gorgeous notebook....

 and maybe a new handbag (hahaha always an excuse) 

I will let you know how my first day goes!

Wish me luck!

AB

Coffee lover - fear calories no more!

Hi!!!

Happy hump day!!

When I wake up there are two thoughts that come straight into my head:

 1) I just want to stay in my bed all day 

 2) where's the coffee

I am a huge coffee lover and even though I do enjoy and savor a cup of really good coffee I have t admit I also love Starbucks. Yummmy!!! A delicious chai tea latte or the seasonal flavors! OMG I love them all but ohhh the calories!!! It's like a month's worth of calories! 500 calories per sip hahaha OK I'm exaggerating but still - it's a lot of calories!!!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have set some fitness goals for myself and have been trying to find ways were I can reach those goals but still enjoy things I like.

If you are watching what you eat try this option the next time you go to Starbucks:

Order a regular coffee

Ask for one pump of sugar free peppermint. If  they don't have it anymore (not sure if it's only for Christmas) ask for sugar free vanilla or cinnamon dolce.  

If you ask for room for milk make sure you only put in a little of non-fat milk

Add a little cinnamon

= a delicious coffee drink that won't ruin your diet!

(and a lo cheaper haha )

Hope you enjoy it!!!!

AB

Journey to fitness & my love for crossfit

Hi!!!

Happy Monday everyone!

Today I wanted to share with you my fitness plans with you.

I have always been active but it was just a couple of years ago when I really found an interest in fitness and health overall.

When I was 4 years old my mom enrolled my in ballet classes. Little did she know that it would become one of my greatest passions in life. I danced ballet until I was 18 years old. When I moved from Mexico to Texas I had a hard time finding a ballet academy that I liked, and long story short, I decided to quit ballet. This I regret almost everyday. After that my workouts consisted of regular gym session, sticking only to the cardio section. 

A little over two years ago, after weeks of hearing my boyfriend go on and on about crossfit I decided to give it a go. I had never lifted weights before so I have to admit I was a little scared - I really had no idea what to expect. To take the edge of I bought myself a nice workout outfit (cause shopping always helps with our problems right? haha) and off I went to my first class.

Day 1 - I was hooked.

I loved it since the beginning. Part of my problem when I would go to the gym was the fact that I would get bored and just stop or would never really pushed myself. Here it was a different workout every day mixed in with competition, a fast pace and the fun of working out with friends. I fell in love also with the environment... if you want to meet new people and make new friends then join now cause that's part of what you will get!

I hear a lot of people going on about how dangerous and unhealthy crossfit is.... to them I say: do you even work out? try it before you say anything about it. Just like anything in life.

It really is for everyone; I have seen people of all ages, fitness levels, body types improve so much with crossfit. There are no weak or loser individuals here. It is the only sport where the last person to finish gets cheered on the most. Every day is a challenge and a competition, but not in a scaring way, but in a way were you can see your progress so clearly. 

I invite you all to try it! My problem areas are really my legs, and crossfit has been the ONLY thing that has helped me tone and slim them down. So if this is your problem as well I say to you:

JOIN NOW! Trust me you will love it.

So this year here are my plans:

*Start eating clean not only during the week but during the weekend as well.

*Register for the crossfit open 2015 and kick ass

*attempt a muscle up 

*start running more - I want to focus on toning my legs more so I can wear shorts and feel completely comfortable with how I look.

*before the end of the year get to the point were I can wear shorts to workouts and feel comfortable. Right now I only wear leggings. I could wear shorts but I just feel wobbly haha.

These are my plans! I will keep you posted with my progress.

Have a wonderful week and let me know if you try crossfit!!!

AB

Belts on my wrists

Hi!!

Happy Friday everyone!!!

I am the kind of person who gets depressed when Christmas is over. Like.... really depressed.

I hate putting away the decorations which I feel like I just took out of the boxes two days ago. It all goes way to fast don't you think? The minute Christmas and New Year's is over BOOM - Valentine's Day stuff is flooding the place! It's crazzyyy.

So as I put away my Christmas teddy bear collection (yes I have a collection, bears for each year since I was born) I try to think of things that cheer me up like: January sales!!!!

NOW is the time to get some really nice winter/cold weather pieces at amazing prices along with other little things to upgrade your closet. 

I found these little belt bracelets in one of my treasure/sale hunting trips to the mall. I think they are adorable! I found them at Charming Charlie over the weekend. These would help add that little extra something to your outfit; perfect for when you are running in the morning and don't have enough time to analyze which accessories to wear. 

If you have a chance go and grab some. hurry before they are all gone!

AB

When in doubt.... put a bow on it

Hi!!

I have to confess I have a slight obsession with bows... ok... a huge obsession. 

I have been spotting bows everywhere and I am so excited to incorporate them more into my outfits. 

These bow gold earrings from Kate Spade are perfect if you want to try to mix in some bows but in a subtle way. They work perfectly with an everyday look, adding some preppy-cuteness to your look. I picture myself wearing these a lot on a night out with the boyfriend or going to a yummy dinner.

Kate Spade has a lot of bow jewelry at very good prices if you want to pick some up! 

If you live around the San Antonio area make sure to visit the San Marcos outlet, I have found great pieces there!

How are you going to add bows to your looks?! I would love to see :)

#bows

AB 

NAKED

Hi!!

Today I wanted to share with you my new obsession.... NAKED!

No, not being naked (dirty minds!) but with the Urban Decay Naked palette.

This was one of my Christmas presents. I had heard about these eyes shadows a lot but for some reason I was never convinced enough to buy them. My sweet sweet boyfriend got the Naked 2 palette for me and I have been in love with it and obsessed with trying new looks with it. 

The Naked 2 pallete has more gold and dark browns, which I think are perfect for everyday looks or to create a glamorous look. It also comes with a perfect "blackout" black. I always have a hard time finding a black that will actually go really dark when I put it on. This is really perfect for those really dark smokey eyes. 

My two favorite are the "half baked" and the "bootycall". I have hazel/green eyes and I love putting a golden eyeshadow in the corner of my eyes. "Bootycall" works amazing as a base and gives you an amazing dewy, angel-like look. 

The Naked 2 cover all the colors you need for your basic makeup kit in my opinion. If you are looking to by just a palette and you are not into buying or trying out new things all the time this would be the perfect option. It is also great for when you travel!

The palette comes with a two-sided brush that works well for creating an everyday look. I found it easier to build up the colors and create smokey eyes with my own brushes. When I try a darker eye shadow I like to use a very soft brush that will blend the colors easily, this brush is not very soft which made it difficult for me to create the smokey part of the look. Overall it works well on-the-go and for lighter/everyday looks. 

I am VERY happy with this present and it has quickly become one of my favorite makeup products. Every time I open it I get excited to see what look I will create. There are so many combinations you can create....endless!

I will show you some of the looks I create, promise! :)

AB

Happy New Year & the Three Kings!!

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

Today is back to real life for me. I have a full time job but luckily we had a long break from Dec 23 to Jan 4. I know a lot of my friends only got 2-3 days off so I really do feel lucky! I know the holiday season is starting earlier each year but for some reason I feel like Christmas went by so fast! I was looking at my tree last night and I felt like I had just put it up! My family and I keep our decorations longer than most people since we celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men, which is tonight!!

Tonight and tomorrow is when we celebrate the Three Wise Men, or Kings, arriving to see baby Jesus and present him with gifts. We celebrate by getting together and sharing a "kings cake" or "rosca de reyes" in Spanish with hot chocolate. yummy!!!! 

Hidden in the cake is a tiny baby Jesus; whoever gets it in their slice of cake had to buy tamales on Feb. 2nd, "Dia de la Candelaria" 40 days after baby Jesus was born.

Tradition indicates that children should put their best shoe under the tree and the Three Kings will visit the night of Jan. 5th to deliver presents (children and everyone that has been good ;P ) 

When I was a kid my parents would go all out. I would leave water, peanuts and oranges for the kings' animals: a camel, and elephant and a horse and wine, cake, and goodies for the Three Kings.

This is a Catholic tradition but I wanted to share it with you because I find it very interesting to learn about other people's traditions.Tonight I will be sure to leave my shoe under my tree but just like on Christmas, it is important to remember what really is important, not just what presents we will get. 

As we begin a new year I invite you to reflect on your 2014 experiences. 

2014 brought laughter, joy and success in my professional career, but it also brought painful moments and heartbreak in so many ways. In my mind I almost fear the start of the new year because I don't want any more pain or painful experiences. Sometime I feel like I have lost so much during these last few years it is hard to stay positive. 

This holiday season I have tried not to dwell on what hurt me, but rather give thanks for the blessings. Life is not perfect and sometime we blessed in ways we don't understand or don't even see. Let's start this year not with fear of what it might bring, but with an attitude to enjoy life.

This is my new year's resolution. What is yours?

AB