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