i'm sleepy...

good evening lovers. 

so so sorry i've been bad about blogging the last few days. i'm tired. 

bad excuse i know.

fortunately i've come up with a whole list of posts that i think will interest you all and they will be put into effect starting TOMORROW! 

also, i'm very excited becauseeee

i'm visiting the dermatologist tomorrow! yay for clear skin! lets make it happen!

i'll keep y'all posted on how it goes. 

here are a few little pics i snapped in the last two days. i'm looking into getting someone to take my pictures for me so i can do more artsy and better quality shots. 

let me know what you think!

ootd: work: friday

beaded headband, anthropology, borrowed from lauren (i borrow a lot from her)

black "elle" earrings, kendra scott, $52 (gift)

grey v-neck, american eagle outfitters, $12

black maxi skirt, kohl's, $5

not shown: black and tan flip flops, old navy, $10 (my favorite!)

ootn: out and about: town square

gold embellished headband, goody, $10 for 4

gold spike earrings, agaci, $4 for 6 pairs of earrings

black crop top, h&m, $5

sheer burgundy maxi-skirt, forever XXI, $12

black hot shorts, danskin, $15

leopard wedges, target, $30 (gift)

handbag/clutch, cache, $17 

look at this little fashionista pup and her vintage coach!

too stinkin' cute!

have sweet dreams everyone!

XOXO.

-B

yesterday's post, today!

hello:)

i spent a lot of the day yesterday catching up on sleep. this week i've pulled an all-nighter and stayed up late to finish a project two nights in a row. blah. 

once i FINALLY woke up, my roommate and i decided to visit a local "watering hole".

i'll show you. 

lovely!

a little bit of fetch

amanda and i's perch

looks perfect doesn't it?!

we also decided to go out dancing last night. i had a blast!

(amanda in the background. haha!)

and...

a little ootd from yesterday morning:

wayfarer-style sunglasses, target, $5

black "elle" earrings, kendra scott, $52 (gift)

burnout tunic, forever XXI, free (sale items were buy one get one free)

legging w/ leather knees, jcp, $8

taupe wedges, target, $20 (gift)

black leather handbag (swing), rebecca minkoff, $240

have a fabulous friday!

i'll probably have another post later tonight for today's ootd and such.

hooray!

XOXO.

-B

a snip and a chop!

here i am again. 

up SUPER late because of my absurd procrastination problem. 

oh well.

so... i have exciting news...

IT'S GONE!

what, you may ask, is gone?

before: dried and fried

after: fabulous!

inspiration: karla's closet (fabulous blog. look it up.)

within the last few hours i've been told i look like jackie o. a bazillion times (quite the compliment aye?)

THANK YOU kate at salon sovay!! you were amazing! 

lets backtrack to how my hair got this damaged.

i had completely natural hair until i was 20. then, one semester, i decided to dye my ends black as an experiment. well i liked it. so i decided to dye my whole head burgundy shortly after that. thennn shortly after that i decided i wanted to dye my whole head jet black (it looked navy blue). after all of this nonsense grew out for the most part i decided to give ombre a try. all of this was within a very short period of time. i can safely say i don't see myself doing anything very damaging to my hair anytime soon. i'm considering this drastic cut a fresh start for my poor head.

can't wait to experiment with different styles:) 

welp, i need sleep. night loves.

XOXO.

-B

tuesday snooze-day turned productive

happy tuesday!

almost done with summer school! whoo hoo!

wish i was watching abc family's pretty little liars. unfortunately i don't have abc family:(

guess i'll have to go online and watch it tomorrow. whomp. 

today i spent the entire day, i repeat, the ENTIRE DAY searching for pieces for my bridesmaids' gifts. 

i think they're going to turn out really nicely! i'll post pics once i'm done with them:) 

vv here are some sneak peeks vv

is the suspense killing you? hope so:) it's going to be awesome.

also, here's a little ootd that i threw together while running SUPER late this morning.

black fedora, forever XXI, $5

diamond studs, kay jewelers, (gift)

grunge cross tank, forever XXI, borrowed from my sister

floral sports bra, forever XXI, $12

cut-off shorts, style & co., vagabond, $12

slip-on sandals, kemah boardwalk, $10 (gift)

rhinestone bracelet, american eagle outfitters, $3

yellow "arm candy" slap bracelet, kate spade, $2

annnddd.. 

i was thinking i'd do a "wants" list every so often. items that i'm really lusting over.

here are a few:

• a juicer
• a weights set
• mahogany brown sandals
• small louis vuitton cross-body bag
• blueberry coffee
• true match lumi foundation

and the list goes on. 

just watched the movie the call, featuring halle berry. i highly recommend it if you love suspenseful movies. there is blood so beware. ick. 

welp. have a great night! i'll be studying for an e-comm exam instead of sleeping.

wish me luck!

XOXO.

-B

back to business: work ootd and getting out of my food rut

hello hello!

these past two days have been food HEAVEN, but it's time to get back to the healthy basics.

got in a nice workout tonight to get the week started off right:)

ootd: work

diamond stud earrings, kay jewelers, (gift)

cord and rhinestone necklace, express, $3

white tunic, wet seal, $22

converse all-stars long vest, target, $24 (gift)

victoria's secret jeans, buffalo exchange, $10

neon cross-body purse, american eagle outfitters, $8

leopard wedges, target, $30 (gift) 

BEVERAGE BREAK!

my favorites:

double shot of espresso over ice w/ soy milk and splenda (above) OR

grande skinny iced dolce latte w/ splenda and a sprinkle of chocolate powder

pumpin' iron!

g'night lovlies! 

XOXO.

-B

first bbq of the summer && ootd

good afternoon everyone!

a little bit of work. a little bit of bbq'in. it's been a lovely summer day!

ootd: work

earrings, stolen from lauren, free

arrow ring, forever XXI, $3 (gift)

olive green button-up, american eagle outfitters, $10

corduroy skirt, goodwill, $2

tan heels, target, $10 

SWEET, SWEET SUMMERTIME

keeley gettin' some fresh air

kodey firing up the grill

snoozin'

diet a&w cream soda. my fave. 

almost done!

about to go CRAZY on his plate

de-LISH

aaand a movie to finish off the night:)

i hope everyone's having a fantastic night! 

XOXO.

-B

1:30 am blogging fun and ootd: work && play

late night post!.. early morning post?

i have had such a fun-filled day with some great people!

here are the highlights:)

ootd: work

rose gold/gold studs, forever XXI, $3 for set of 4

silver crystal necklace, target, (gift)

rose gold cross, claire's, $7

bleach-y denim vest, h&m, $20

(refurbished) rose gold watch, fossil, $45

blue ruffle zara dress, plato's closet, $12

raffia platform wedges, nine west, $50

ANNDD looky what i got as a surprise from my boo on my lunch break today...!!

new diamond studs!

isn't he the greatest?!

as if the day wasn't already fantastic enough, i got to see my best friend emilie and her amazing family at the lake house:)

me, amber, em, and silly tatum

not pictured: sweet, sweet baby ju-ju bug

ootd: play

pale pink sequin top, plato's closet, $5

high-waisted bleach-y shorts, papaya, $20

rose gold and white polka dot bathing suit top, victoria's secret, $10

goodnight sugar muffins.

XOXO.

-B

ootd: work

it's off to work i go!

floral elastic headband, claire's, $2

black "elle" earrings, kendra scott, $52 (gift)

noble u top, buffalo exchange, $20

xhileration skirt, target, $17 (gift)

waxing poetic monogram ring, coco and duckie, $128 (gift)

handbag (swing), rebecca minkoff, $240

taupe wedges, target, $12

have a great evening catching up on your favorite blogs while i'm working my bum bum off!

i'm not jealous...

ok maybe a little. 

XOXO.

-B

acne: the struggle is real: skincare routine

it's FRIDAY!

a little inspiration on this beautiful day:

"beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."

 -kahlil gibran

shine your light on EVERYONE today (and everyday)!

now...

here i am. make-upless. 

(i admit, i slapped on a little eos lip balm..)

i wanted to discuss acne and skincare. lately i have been breaking out (A LOT) and i don't know why. specifically cystic pimples. perhaps it's dirty make-up brushes. perhaps it's my foundation. i'll get back to you once i find out. 

let me know if you have any tips for me or if you can think of a reason for these random breakouts!

vv These are my current skincare products vv 

morning products

who's who? (from left to right):

• clean and clear advantage acne spot treatment, walmart, $6
• benefit it's potent eye cream, free from my roommate (sold at sephora)
• cerave moisturizing lotion, walmart, $8
• eos lip balm in strawberry sorbet, walmart, $3 (keeley thought it was a toy...)

night products

who's who? (from left to right):

• clean and clear advantage acne spot treatment, walmart, $6
• neutrogena oil-free acne wash in pink grapefruit, walmart, $6
• l'oreal lash serum, walmart, $12
• mary kay indulge soothing eye gel, any mk consultant, $15
• pond's cold cream cleanser, walmart, $8
• cerave moisturizing lotion, walmart, $8
• clarisonic mia, sephora, $120
• aquaphor healing ointment, walmart, $5
• not pictured: l'oreal hydrafresh toner, walmart, $7
• not pictured: facial cleansing wipes (assorted brands)

routines:

my morning routine is self explanatory. i rinse my face with cold water, pat dry, then i put all of the products pictured on my face and neck area. 

for my night routine i start by rubbing the cream cleanser all over my face to soften my makeup. i then wipe the cleanser off with a moist facial cleansing cloth. then i wash my face with the neutrogena acne wash and follow it up with a thin layer of hydrating toner applied with a cotton ball. throughout the week i alternate washing with the cleanser using my hands and my clarisonic so i don't over-exfoliate. after toner i apply my acne treatment to any imperfections, my eye gel around my eye area, and my eyelash serum to my lash line. sometimes i put on lotion before bed and sometimes i don't. last but not least i apply aquaphor to my lips to moisturize overnight. 

let me know your experiences with these products and if they worked for you. if you have any product suggestions i'd love to hear them. i love trying new things! 

XOXO.

-B

ootd: work &&& ootn: out and about! 6/20/13

hey all! 

about to head out to dance the night away!

do you have any fun plans for tonight?!

comment your favorite "pump up" song below for me to add to my night out playlist:)

ootd: work

sequin headband, claire's, $2

silver earrings, cache, $11

charm necklace, tiffany & co., $175 (gift)

asymmetrical top, target, $5

tweed-y cardigan, cache, $22

victoria's secret jeans, buffalo exchange, $10

target sandals, old gas station, $5 (gift)

handbag (swing), rebecca minkoff, $240

fossil watch, buckle, $120

silver embellished hair tie, goody, $10 for 4

ootn: out and about!

mint chandelier earrings, forever XXI, $4

old navy top, buffalo exchange, $7

pleather skirt, goodwill, $2

dot cuff bracelet, kate spade, $14

handbag/clutch, cache, $17

heels, target, $12

have a great night everyone!

XOXO.

-B 

summer school (blegh) and, as requested, workout routine!

good morning!

it's too early for me. waking up at 6:15am to get ready for summer school is the pits. 

this is what i get for wanting to graduate early! 

(side note: the clock for my blog isn't set correctly)

my classmate and i have decided to workout every morning after class for the next few weeks. i'm always happy to have a workout buddy. i've gotten quite lazy with my workouts ever since i hit my goal weight a month or so ago. many people  have requested my workout routine and diet plan so here goes...

lazy workout ootd:

leopard headband, forever XXI, $3

pink burnout tank, stolen from lauren, free

sports bra, old navy, $15

workout capris, aerie, free w/ cami purchase

flip flops, nike, $30

backpack, jon hart, $127 (gift)

stats:

5 ft. 3in. 

108lb. (orig. 136, jan. 2013)

the workout:

cardio: (for weight loss) when i wanted to lose the bulk of my weight i began running 4 miles a day almost every day (i was very determined) on a treadmill. i would walk 5 minutes (@3.5), followed by 10 minutes of running (@6) one after another until i had done this for 50 minutes. this led to some knee problems and i quit running for a period of time. (for toning) during this time i walked (@3.5) on an incline of 5.0 for 25 minutes a day most days. during finals i got lazy and stopped for quite a while. (for building endurance) lately i've been into HIIT (high intensity interval training) on the treadmill at 0 incline. with this i walk half speed (@4) for 30 seconds followed by 30 seconds of full speed running (@8). i do each 15 times to equal 15 minutes. that's all! it goes by really quickly and does the job. this usually equals about 1.6 miles. 

weights: i've had to build up my arm strength over a long period of time. at first i couldn't even curl 5lb. weights and now i'm at 15lbs, sometimes 20lb! you can do any different type of arm exercises with weights. i suggest googling different workouts to target different muscle groups. my suggestion is to do 3-5 different exercises, 3 sets of 8-12 reps. from research i've learned if you can do more than 12 it's too easy and if you can't do at least 8 it's too hard. i also use weights to work my abs and bum. for abs i stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a 20lb. weight at my side in one hand. i then put my other hand up by my head and side crunch opposite of the weight, bringing my elbow towards my hip. i do this straight to the sides and also angled slightly backwards to target love handles. for my bum i do squats with my legs in a straight line to the sides and knees bent at a right angle. i usually hold a 20lb. weight straight down with both hands while i'm doing this. from here i pump up and down (in a normal squatting manner) on flat feet 25x. i alternate this with 25 squats on my toes with my heels raised. i do each one twice to equal 100 squats. this is the only bum exercise that i do consistently. sometimes i'll throw in donkey kicks and glute bridges. 

me myself and i: when i'm at home and don't have any equipment i do 3 sets of girl pushups. some with arms out to the sides and some making a triangle with my hands positioned right under my chest. i also do leg lifts, crunches with my feet straight up, reaching for my toes, and side to side crunches. there are a lot of fun ab exercises on the internet. find what works for you. 

the diet:

i know it's cliche but i am not on a diet. i've changed my lifestyle to better myself from the inside out. when i started trying to lose weight i tried to cut carbs altogether and stick to lean meats, sharp cheeses, egg whites, and almond products, accompanied by lots of fruit and veggies (not corn, grapes, or starchy potatoes). i went through a faze where i would eat all whole grain pitas, pastas, and bread, or try to replace them with quinoa and gluten-free products, but decided to (mostly) cut carbs again. below i'll include an updated meal plan that i usually stick to. i also drink a TON of green tea. boatloads. i splurge pretty often but not in a huge way. you have to keep yourself sane! 

current meal plan:

breakfast: 

• lean and toned protein shake, $5 for 4 @walmart (100 cal)
• natural green tea

snack

• laughing cow light swiss cheese wedge (35 cal) OR
• nuts (wasabi almonds or walnuts)

lunch: 

• can of tuna or chicken with walnuts OR
• canned chicken on spinach leaves with walnuts, cheddar, and greek yogurt dressing OR
• light soups (180 cal) with a laughing cow light swiss cheese wedge OR
• deli turkey meat (45-90 cal) with mustard, a light cheese stick (45cal), and a can of green beans (70 cal) 
• natural green tea OR almond milk with sugar free chocolate syrup

snack:

• banana with almond butter OR
• light cottage cheese with peaches (no sugary syrups)

dinner:

• another item from the lunch list OR
• eggs or egg whites and turkey bacon or mild salsa OR
• ground turkey (used in different ways) with a can of green beans

LOTS of water throughout the day. bring a water bottle EVERYWHERE!

(i recommend a camelback because they're awesome)

now... i'm considering trying the "mean green" juice fast for a few days. i'll include a link for it below. because i'm not trying to lose an extreme amount of weight i think i'll let myself eat egg whites and lean meats during this process. what do you think? try it with me? 

"mean green" regimen:

http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/mean-green-juice/

i believe you drink 15-16oz, 5 times a day. joe (inventor of the juice) also made a movie called fat, sick, and nearly dead that is on netflix. check it out! 

disclaimer: i am not a professional trainer, nor a dietitian. this is just the process i've used to lose weight and get fit. 

let me know what you think or if you have any tips of your own!

XOXO.

-B

mystical fairy pup

fluffy godsend. 

this is keeley jo-lisa.

she is part shih-tzu, part border terrier (i think). 

i've had her for about 5 years now.

my best friend.

diva.

home depot trip!

snuggle bun bun.

do you have a pet that you adore? tell me about it!

XOXO.

-B

hey there!... again...: product review

i know this is an excessive amount of posts for one day, but i want my new readers to have something significant to look at during their visit. 

recently i uploaded a new picture to instagram with a few product purchases. this post is going to be a sort of review of said products, where to find them, etc. 

jouir de! (french: enjoy)

from left to right:

sally hansen xtreme wear nail color in white on, target, $2

i was not impressed with this polish. the texture was chalky and smeared everywhere. it easily looked clumpy and the poor quality added an extra 15 minutes to my usually quick at-home mani. i've heard a lot of white nail polishes have a funky texture. i don't buy it. i'm sure there's a great one out there. 

recommend? no

macadamia deep repair masque, ulta, $33

i've only used this masque twice. both times my hair has had a more manageable texture, smoother ends and smelled AMAZING. i've seen multiple beauty gurus rave about this product and after three dye jobs in one semester my hair needed some serious tlc. hopefully this will do the trick. so far, it's worth the money. i'll get back to you on it's permanent results. 

recommend? def. 

lollia perfumed shower gel in flowering willow & lotus, marshall's, $7

what a bargain?! this shower gel is usually sold in boutiques for over twice as much! this fragrance is WONDERFUL! does a perfectly good job as a body wash. doesn't dry out your skin and leaves you smelling delicious long after you rinse. yummy!

recommend? yess

it's a 10 miracle leave-in plus keratin, ulta, $20

another pricey one. i've heard so many great things about it that i couldn't contain my curiosity. i've heard that the formula with keratin is the best so i went with that version as opposed to the original. so far so good. i don't see any major effects but that could be because my hair is incredibly damaged (you'll be able to tell in my pics that i wear it in a bun an awful lot). as for now i like it. has a nice, soft scent and controls frizz.

recommend? i'll get back to you

nexxus phyto organics chromalife firm hold shine spray, marshall's, $8

usually $20, i thought this would be a good replacement for my empty garnier hair spray and i've heard great things about nexxus so i thought i'd give it a shot. works as a great medium hold hairspray. definitely adds shine, but does leave hair feeling slightly slick. the feeling doesn't bother me and i really enjoy a nice sheen. overall, does the job and the humidity resistant factor is a plus. 

recommend? nothing special but does the job

coach sunglass case, marshall's, $6

i thought this case was a great deal for being real leather and the white summery color caught my eye. it's a great smaller option for a hard case because most hard sunglass cases are HUGE. great deal. does the job and even came with the coach dust cloth. there were also versace and dolce and gabbana cases there but they were giant and not nearly as fun. 

recommend? yes

white sunglasses, target, $1

i've worn these shades at least 10 times since i got them and keep getting compliments on them. they are a wayfarer style and fit perfectly on my small head. the arms are a little short if you like using your sunglasses as a makeshift headband but i'm incredibly pleased with these for the money. they came in other bright, fun summer colors and are in the dollar section near the front of the store. 

recommend? yes

not pictured: the body shop pomegranate & raspberry body, room, and linen spray, marshall's, $5

smells heavenly! i leave mine in my bathroom but spray it ALL over the house. it's powerful stuff. the smell reminds me of gummy candy. mm mm mmmm. i thought this was a bargain since these sprays are usually $8 but i believe the body shop is having a sale right now where a few of these fragrances are on sale in store for $5. worth a look. 

recommend? oh yeah (delicious!) 

hope these helped! let me know what you think!

XOXO.

-B

ootd: denim on denim: 6/19/2013

current ootd:

chambray top, noble u, buffalo exchange, $20

cut-off shorts, style & co., vagabond, $12

leather belt, goodwill, $1

rose earrings, claire's, $3

sandals, kimchi blue, urban outfitters, $5

vintage cross-body bag, dooney and bourke, thrift shop, $45

if you follow me on instagram you know the last two days have been denim madness! do you wear denim with denim? let me know what you think:)

i know the posted pic is small. i'm working on photo quality and how to transfer my pictures from my iphone to here without ruining the quality. again, please bear with me. 

EDIT

i decided to revisit this post and add the previous ootd, where allll the denim love began. i really liked this outfit. what do you think?

rose gold studs, forever XXI, $3 for pack of 4 pairs

gap rose gold embellished tank, plato's closet, $8

bleach-y denim vest, H&M, $20

skinny jeans, maurices, $11

rose gold and raffia platform sandals, nine west, $50

blush woven leather handbag (kristin hobo), coach, $180 (i think..)

XOXO.

-B

p.s. if you don't follow me on insta, DO! 

kodey_beccap

blogs are confusing...

alright. humph. since i cannot figure out how to update my about me or pretty much any other section of this space, i've decided to do a quick overview of who i am. 

here it goes...

• my name is rebecca, but i go by becca, b, becca boo, bec, etc. get creative. 
• i'm engaged to my high school sweetheart, kodey. we're to be married may of 2014. there are bound to be some wedding posts here and there. 
• i've been pretty addicted to youtube beauty channels recently and since i'm not photogenic or videogenic(?) i will use this blog to post pictures of ootd, product reviews, food(!), fitness nonsense, basically whatever is currently going through my brain. 
• i love constructive feedback and suggestions so if there's anything that anyone would like me to blog about or review feel free to let me know. i also enjoy blogging tips since i'm new to this whole world. 
• i have a precious pup named keeley jo-lisa. she'll surely be making an appearance. 
• i'm currently a senior at a university and i'm studying fashion merchandising as well as minoring in business administration.
• i'm not sure what i want to do with my life. luckily i don't have to be. 
• i find inspiration everywhere and in everyone. i'd love for you to inspire me.
• if you have a blog and you'd like me to follow you back just let me know! 
• i'm a major thrift/bargain shopper and love a great deal.
• i'm a pretty consistent overdresser. fabulousness has no occasion.
• i'm a bit of a spitfire and love sharing my opinions. 

lets be friends:)

XOXO.

-B

a nice little pic from a recent river trip:

kodey, myself (and darcy), my roommate, my bestie

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome, WELCOME!

Hello world!

I'm Becca and I have WAY too many thoughts and opinions in my head to keep them all to myself so I'm sharing them here!

Enjoy!

P.s. I'm still learning how to do all this blogging mess and haven't figured out how to upload pictures yet so bear with me.

XOXO.

-B