Caution! Dip Ahead

Have you heard the saying, something along the lines of, be careful who you surround yourself with because those are the people you will become most like? 

Well y'all, it has happened to me... 

It's in no way what you're thinking. 

My boyfriend is addicted to an odd pear shaped, green fruit, the avocado. 

Any menu item that even mentions avocado as a possible ingredient he orders it within seconds. 

Guacamole doesn't even stand a chance! 

And now neither do I. 

This recipe is a gem I found online and boy is it delicious. 

And the best part is its easy! 

This completely vegetarian dip serves four, or in my case, two. 

Please send any recipes my way that include avocado and I will definitely be adding it to my summer to do list. 

Better With a Bow

Because what could be more girly than a bow? This oh so perfect preppy accessory is an easy way to add class to any outfit. Wrap yourself around the waist to make a statement or add a barrette to an up-do for a cute twist. 

I am officially in love with bows, my fall must have! What are any of you obsessing over for the upcoming season? 

Have You Ever Seen California

There are officially fourteen days left between myself and the beautiful sand beaches of California. The excitement is taking over every aspect of my life. I cannot focus on anything but planning day trips, picking out outfits and making sure this girl is toned for that beach.

Below is a playlist of some of my favorite songs referencing California. Just listening to them helps me envision my toes in the sand and a drink in my hand.

"Anywhere With You" -Jake Owen

"Hotel California" -Eagles

"Island In The Sun" -Weezer

"Dani California" & "Californication" -Red Hot Chili Peppers

"California" -Phantom Planet

Head Over Heels

Recently I have been obsessed, and that obsession has been all about shoes! I know how cliche right? What girl in her twenties isn't head over heels (pun completely intended) with gorgeous footwear? I have never understood the appeal of buying things I wear on my feet when I could spend that money on a new top or nowadays... groceries.

Salud.

With a month of summer officially under my belt I think it's time to make a toast!
A toast to summer.
A toast to adventure.
A toast to love.
A toast to sunshine and sun kissed skin.
A toast to the endless possibilities and the freedom of an unseen future.
I love the unpredictable nature of summer, the feeling of waking up to sunshine and wanting to seize whatever opportunity today will bring.
Grab a cold drink, a best friend, a good book and get lost in the possibilities.
Cheers!

I Can't Keep Calm... It's DIY

With all these crafty websites allowing everyone under the sun to post their ingenious ideas it is hard not to want to try some tricks out on your own. Today I began my journey with my very own do-it-yourself project. Yes, journey is the right word because whenever undertaking a project there are always surprise setbacks or unforeseen troubles.

 

Here is my first try at bringing back to life these thrift shop finds. Below are the "before" pictures (notice the original wood has been already coated with primer) hopefully some good ol' TLC and a lot of paint will do the trick!

 

 

 

Every Mile a Memory

The last i has been dotted and t crossed, all finals have been submitted and grades posted, lets just say this is the first time (in a veryyyyy long time) my stress level is at an absolute zero. The emotions of leaving college this year compared to last were very different. After my freshman I remember the heart break of not wanting to leave my new life; this year I was filled with excitement and the hope of what this summer and my future will bring.

It is hard to wrap my head around the fact that I am half-way through my undergrad. The reality of growing up is being cemented into my brain and with only two years left the real world approaches. My sophomore year of college was filled with life and love. I became closer to my best friends, let go of some and gained people in my life that will never be forgotten.

I cannot be thankful enough for the family, friends and support systems I have been blessed with. The possibilities of this summer are endless. I cannot wait to enjoy this life, and every minute of it.

fifty.one.

51 days...

the number of days since my last blog and boy does it feel like a lifetime!

During the 1224 hours I was unable to find one to write upon this wall and I can chalk that up to...

life.

In those 73440 minutes spent not blogging, life happened.

I spent a much needed spring break catching up with family and friends from my hometown. My last fun filled weekends were spent at school relishing every crazy moment with the amazing friends I am somehow blessed with.

 I finished up my job at the local YMCA as a swim lesson and water aerobics instructor and...

 

I got a puppy!

Yes, you heard correct. I welcomed a baby bichon/shih tzu into my family.

He was a 2.5 pound bundle of loving cuddles.

(pictures to come!)

4406400 seconds since my last blog post and what is written above is only a fraction of life I have experienced in that time.

Writings On The Wahl is back!

Enjoy as I try to find the beauty in simple things and discover inspiration at each and every turn.

Cheers to Health

April is approaching and soon summer will be upon us. This means bikini season ladies! If you are like me some toning and fitness are on the mind. I have always been one for the quick fix. What is the latest diet fad or exercise that will give me those abs... and fast! What I have come to realize is that fitness and being healthy is a lifestyle.

 

I never understood that abs were made in the kitchen and not in the gym. It is not all about what comes out of the body like sweat after one hell of a workout, but also the food that fuels the body. After all the research in the world (mainly Pinterest) I have discovered some steps shown below to help shape up and create a healthier lifestyle.

 

1. Smart Start: as soon as you wake up, have one cup of lemon water. The Vitamin C gets the metabolism going and kick starts the day. In addition to this drink a lot, a lot, and a lot of water throughout the day. This will keep you hydrated and the cravings to a minimum.

2. Eat Color: This means fruits and veggies ladies! The more eaten the better nutrients and vitamins you are using to fuel your body. This will result in feeling fuller longer with great benefits for the body.

3. Snack: Eat small meals throughout the day. Listen to your body. It is more beneficial to eat when hungry. Take snacks with you like raw almonds, a smoothie, or bran based foods to fill you up and keep the metabolism working.

4. Get enough Zs: This step cannot be emphasized enough. Besides food there isn't better energy for your body than enough sleep. Make sure the sleep is of quality without interruptions.



#DIY

For all of you dolls lucky enough to vacation to some other country this spring break or road trip to the coast for some sun and sand, what I wouldn't give to be in your shoes (hopefully adorable strapped sandals or even better none at all)! I will be venturing home for some much needed relaxation and time with my family.

 

While home I cannot wait to catch up on all my favorite TV series, books I have been dying read, and do some retail therapy. Also on the top of my list are do-it-yourself crafts I have been dying to try.

 

Some of my Pinterest favorites below like no-sew tshirts and decorative bottles are definitely easy and cute enough for me to accomplish.

 

Challenge accepted in order to fulfill my quota for bottles needed!

 

Emerald City

The color of 2013: Emerald Green

You no longer have to be a fiery red head to adorn this beautiful gem tone. The color of the year couldn't come at a more perfect time with St. Patrick's Day right around the corner. But this fun filled weekend shouldn't be the only time to rock such a fabulous color! Integrate emerald into your everyday wardrobe. Tips on how to are shown above.

Tick Tock

Daylight savings time starts this weekend! Tomorrow in fact. I know losing an hour of sleep is not ideal, especially it seems as my never ending checklists keep getting longer. But what a better reminder that spring is almost here. Soon the sun will shine and the snow will melt, enough for the flowers to bloom. I definitely am willing to give up sleep for that!

 

So remember to set your clocks, watches and car radios one hour ahead tomorrow with the anticipation of spring knocking at our door.

If warm, sunny weather is not enough to get you in the mood for spring, spring ahead with a look at some adorable watches for spring! My personal favorites below from the Kate Spade and Betsey Johnson collections.

 

 

Spring Fever

As the temperature slowly begins to warm and winter is left behind with no remorse, I cannot stop thinking about spring! Anxious and antsy do not even begin to describe my feelings; a full fledged spring fever is underway.

 

The only cure for this exciting time is daydreaming about spring fashions. The patterns, colors and accessories that my favorite time of year has to offer, are unmatched! Gypsy frocks and preppy attire, this versatile time is perfect for mixing and matching styles.

 

For those of you lucky enough to soak up the sun this spring break or even those of you stuck daydreaming about the sun and sand, the below pictures will get you inspired. Here are two must-haves I will be adding to my wardrobe this spring.

Mirrored Sunglasses

Sunglasses are an essential and these fun sunglasses come in a variety of shapes, colors, and patterns.

The bigger the better in my opinion. This spring I will be sporting the largest most colorful pair that can be purchased!

 

Turquoise

My favorite accessory color. Unmatched by any other, turquoise warms and brightens any look.

Add to a plain outfit for a pop of color or wear head to toe, this hue is a standard.



Manic Monday

Welcoming Mondays are hard, this one in particular. After an amazingly hectic weekend full of road trips and adventure, the start of a new week is last thing on my mind. Since there cannot be an added day of rest in between Sunday and Monday, my go to survival for the day? Coffee.

Once the caffeine starts flowing, stresses of the day are a little easier to handle.

 

 

And The Award Goes To...

Miss Rowland.

There are not even words for the beauty Kelly Rowland possesses.
She has come a long way from her days in all denim and camo, matching with the fierce Beyonce and fiery Michelle.
This 2013 awards season she stepped out like never seen before.
The transformation Kelly Rowland has gone through is obvious. She is truly an inspirational and beautiful woman, with confidence and a style that will be emulated. No one would dare deny the confident sexiness, but still classy, beauty of this best dressed woman.

Other amazingly stylish women this season?
Check out Alba, Lopez, and Rihanna below.

cheer up buttercup

"Mama said there would be days like this..."

Most of the time a cure to any ailment is a good laugh.

 E-cards just happen to be my go to solutions!

Try not to smile while reading through some of the best below.

I dare you. 

 

A Helping Hand

Faith. It is not logical, but meaningful. Nor is it a fact, but a trust. It cannot be proven but what is to say that makes it any less prominent and true? Faith can be a guide, a savior or bring with it a confidence unmatched.
Even in present day, symbols of faith are seen in countless numbers, bearing with them meanings and associations depending on person and experience. For me there has always been one to stand out among the rest... The Hamsa.

A sign of protection, that brings with it power and strength.

Deflecting the evil eye and in return bringing goodluck.

The Hamsa hand washes away and protects from negative energies.

Jealousy, hatred and envy are expelled and goodness, luck, and good health are brought in.

 

I Solemnly Swear I Am Up To No Good

Hello!

It has been a while since my last post, but most of the time when life hits, it hits hard. With the storm clearing of a stressful work and school week, I was finally able to catch up with those that mean the most to me.

An amazing weekend was spent with my boyfriend and best friends. I could not even dream of a better combination.

 

Friday night was perfect with an old-school slumber party! Complete with movies, pajamas and every snack under the sun. Not to mention a trip to our favorite frozen custard place. Their flavor of the night? Chocolate Peanut Butter Chocolate. A chocoholics dream.

 

By Saturday I was ready for a night out. A trip to the city to the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant, La Perla, curbed every craving. The night was topped off with many margaritas and a ride on a chili pepper! Yes, a chili pepper, with a little liquid courage this fun attraction is beyond appealing.

 

Ending Saturday and beginning Sunday with my boyfriend could not have been better! A delicious, hearty breakfast of waffles, omelets and pancakes were the last thing we needed but irresistible. We caught up on the weekend and happenings in the next week.

 

Sunday, what a fun day, and no time for rest! I was off to my best friend's (since first grade) 20th birthday party. A celebration was in order for our first reunion of the year. Tears flowed, memories were shared and made, love does not even begin to describe the feelings in the air. When dozens of people, from all walks of life, come together to share in the celebration of life, it is a pretty special feeling. One that ignites a spark and makes me realize how lucky I am to have such a great friend in my life. A best friend, that is loved by many and has so much love to give back. I know she will forever be in my life because I cannot even fathom life without her.

 

 

"some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.

delicious ambiguity..."

-gilda radner

Homeward Bound

There is no other feeling like coming home. After a stressful week I cannot think of anything better than family. Whether it be complete chaos or calming relaxation, family is always there to pick you back up and set you on your feet again. Plus, Mom's home cooked meals, there is nothing that can possibly top that, even if it means hitting the gym twice as hard the following week.

 

 

 

Family is defined as a group of parents and children living together in a household. But my theory of family is so much more than that. To me a family is based on love, respect and a bond so tight, it is impossible to break. No matter distance or disagreements, a family always remains together.

Home is truly where the heart is.

Take a Moment and Be Mine

Happy Valentines Day loves! Eat the candy, wear red and pass out those valentines, but most importantly share love with those that mean the most to you. There can never be too many reminders of the influence someone has in your life. A grand gesture is not needed to feel appreciated and loved. Most of the time it is three small words that have the biggest impact.

 

An incredible woman once said this inspiring phrase, a phrase that should be remembered and adopted into everyday life...

"Love yourself first and everything else falls into place."

Lucille Ball

Eat Well. Travel Often.

Being able to travel the world has always been a dream of mine. There are countless numbers of places I would love to go, from backpacking through Europe, experiencing Africa and discovering the ways of life in South America. These are places and experiences that would be amazing to enculture myself to.

The below words of wisdom confirm my desires, and the desires of many others, that the world is ours to be adventured, and doing so would be anything but foolish.

 

 

 

Every adventure is worthwhile, big or small.



Love in a Cup

With the weeks getting busier it is hard not to let stress take over. There isn't much that soothes the soul more and sends warm fuzzies throughout the body like a good cup of hot cocoa... or two, or three!

This warm holiday drink isn't just for the winter season. It is a fun way to bring the essence of any holiday around. Here is a fun way with frozen cool-whip that creates the feeling of an expensive drink at barely any cost.

 

 

 Freeze cool-whip then cut out the shapes free hand or with a cookie cutter. Freezing the cool-whip into shapes that represents the feel good, mushy, gushy hallmark holiday of Valentines Day is an easy way to add a cute flair to this classic drink!

 

Add this drink to your Valentines Day feast or a treat for after the night out! 

10 for $10

Need a fashion pick-me-up but the budget is tight after the holiday seasons?
Do not worry!

Even one lone Hamilton left in the wallet can go a long way.

Here are ten of my favorite pieces out for spring.

Each is under $10, leaving no room for guilt!

Save on spring with these 10 for $10 pieces.

 

 

Pick up one or all of these fun (and did I mention cheap!) accessories.

What are some other trends out for spring this season?

 

El-Oh-V-E

February is here! The holidays have passed and we have made it through the harshest of winter. As I'm sure you could have guessed I am already starting to think about Valentines Day. This hallmark occasion is just around the corner and there is nothing like a little love in the air to feel inspired.

 Here are some of my favorite pictures I have come across to spark some excitement for the upcoming V-day!

 

 

 

Enjoy this Valentines Day with the one who makes you feel anything but ordinary.

"Where you invest your love, you invest your life."

Mumford & Sons

xoxo



 

The Indoor S'more

Here is a little way to add some remembrance of the warm summer to the cold winter months, indoor s'mores! Not only when you close your eyes and bite into this summertime sweet will you feel as if you are sitting around the campfire, it will also leave you craving for s'more! Bake them in the oven just as you would around a campfire or add some flair by using cereal instead of graham crackers or drizzling chocolate across the top.

 

 

Bring the outdoors in with my favorite treat!

Enjoy,

xoxo

 

A Toast of Red

Cheers to the new black of the season, wine red. This romantic color is perfect for the cold winter months. The deep red stands out among neutrals, being the perfect accent color, adding flair and elegance to any outfit. It is a perfect color to wear with winter still knocking at our door before the soft, chic colors of spring set in.

Use red wine as an accent color to any outfit. It adds a pop of color to an all black outfit. A deep red is also the perfect nail and lip color during these cold winter months.

 

 

It is the perfect color for special occasions as well! As the main focus this almost plum red, stands out among the crowd and can be paired with almost any neutral you already own.



 

Raise a glass and try adding a few elegant pieces of this color to your wardrobe!