a case of laziness.

Oh, hello! So I realize it’s been a good four days since I’ve made a blog post and I don’t even know if you could count my last one as a real post. Do you ever have those days where you just don’t feel like doing a dang thing? Yeah well consider it one of those weeks. It’s not that I don’t want to blog, I just don’t feel like it… ya catch my drift? I guess it also doesn’t help that I finally got around to starting the ever-popular Hunger Games series, so how can I possibly blog when I’m buried in a book?  Long story short, I’m still on the blog scene, just taking a week off to be lazy. I think everyone should do that once in a while, don’t you? :-)

P.S. Can you believe tomorrow is March?! How time flies…!

hello weekend!

A kind thought to start your weekend :)

Have a great Friday!

color block boho.

Outfit details: Earrings – gift from fiance via Francesca’s Collections; Forever 21 top – $2.75 @ Turn Style Consignment in Minneapolis; Liz Claiborne blazer - $5 @ MRCI Thrift Store in Mankato; Belt – $1.99 @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; Marc Jacobs skirt – $5 @ St. Vincent de Paul in St. Paul; Xhiliration boots – $15 @ Clothes Mentor in Edina.

cha cha chia!

My new health food obsession – chia seeds! (Yes, the ingredient to make chia pets). That aside, this little seed has been around for centuries, recognized as being a staple in the ancient Aztec and Mayan diets. Although this seed is tiny, it packs a powerful punch. Check out why this seed gets superfood status:

The benefits…

• High in: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and antioxidants
• Reduces cravings
• Assists in successful weight loss
• Stabilizes blood sugar
• Promotes lean muscle maintenance
• Plus more!

Chia seeds have a mild nutty flavor and tend to absorb the flavors of whatever they are mixed with. Bonus! – Unlike flax seeds, chia seeds don’t have to be ground up before you eat them to receive the most optimal nutrition.

Add them to…

• Yogurt
• Cereal
• Salad
• Smoothies
• Oatmeal
• Baked goods

All in all, chia seeds are a great way to sneak extra nutrition into your daily diet. Get ‘em at your local co-op or Whole Foods Market!

What are some of your favorite health foods?!

pretty pastels.

Outfit details: ELLE blouse – $9.60 (orig. $48) @ Kohl’s; Forever21 skirt – $7.80 @ Forever21; Xhiliration tights – $5 @ Target; MIA wedges – gifted from fiance via DSW.

Happy Monday!

a mix ‘n match mess.

Outfit details: Scarf – $3 @ Plato’s Closet in Mankato; LOFT button-up – $2.50 @ Valu Thrift Store in St. Paul; Gap long-sleeve – $10 (on clearance) @ Gap; Lands’ End corduroys – $5.99 @ Arc’s Value Village Thrift Store in Brooklyn Center; Old Navy wedges – $20 (on clearance) @ Old Navy.

Do you ever compile items from your closet to create an ensemble you think is going to be a real winner only to find that it’s a complete failure once you actually try it on? Well this outfit is a prime example of that. Instead of doing the simple thing and just changing into something else, I decided to roll with it anyways. I normally like to write blurbs on SimplyChic about what makes an outfit successful, but today I’m switching it up a bit by telling you what makes this particular outfit a mess. First of all - a striped scarf paired with a striped top… what was I thinking? And wearing a button-up as if it were a cardigan? Not my brightest idea. I could have made this outfit work by simply nixing the striped shirt all together, actually buttoning the button-up (as it was intended) plus tucking it in, and finally, wearing a belt to tie it all together. Lesson learned :) On a different note…

TGIF! Have a great weekend!

home is where the decor is.

I love mixing modern pieces with vintage ones to create an eclectic style when decorating. Here are some of my favorite items to dress up a room!

1. Candle wall art; gives visual appeal and a warm ambiance when lit with candles
2. Antique globe; adds old world charm and vintage flare
3. Table lamp; light up a room (literally) with a punch of color
4. Faux fur blanket; a simple way to make a room say ‘cozy chic’
5. Indoor plant; livens up a space and cleans the air, win-win!
6. Reed diffuser; both aromatic and attractive (I like Thymes and Woodwick)
7. Brass animals; to be used as paper weights, bookends, or just cute shelf decor!

What are some of your favorite home decor items?

oh valentine’s day…

Unfortunately I don’t get to spend Valentine’s Day with my loved one this year, (only about 10 weeks until he is home for good though) however, I thought I’d share some of my favorite suggestions for feelin’ the love on this special day :) Check it out:

How about start your day off with a big plate of these? Yum!

Do a little happy dance while listening to this song… or better yet, customize your own “little love song” to email to a friend or loved one.

You could always go the snail mail route and send a special someone a unique card.

Make a romantic snack paired with some champagne (while making sure to use this too-cute straw)!

You could always rent the Notebook, but I’d prefer settling in for the night with this movie and one or two of these.

Not feeling red velvet? Have a big glass of this instead!

While you’re at it, why not give yourself a Valentine’s inspired mani?

Lastly, the perfect quote to reflect on.

Happy Valentine’s Day! :-)

office attire basics.

Outfit details: Necklace – $4.50 @ Steeple People’s Surplus in Minneapolis; Express button-up – $3 @ Clothes Mentor in Minneapolis; Mossimo belt – $1.99 @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; Vintage clutch – $5 @ Sophie Joe’s Emporium in St. Paul; Antique ring - $12 @ Treasure Chest Antiques in Waseca; Gap silk pants – $4.98 (on clearance, orig. 59.95) @ Gap; Isaac Mizrahi heels – $14 @ Encore Consignment in Mankato. *Nail polish – Essie in “Overboard”

When you want to dress up your usual office attire, simply resort to the basics of black and white; it’s the easiest way to exude a touch of class in the most simplistic of ways.  Add some bold accessories and some bright nail polish (and/or lipstick!) to keep it from being too “blah” and more along the lines of ”ooh-la-la!” Happy Monday! :-)

a word on winter wardrobe transition.

Outfit details: Merona cardigan – $4.98 (on 75% off clearance) @ Target; Necklace – $8.80 @ Forever21; Gap dress – $7.97 (orig. $69.95) @ Gap; Merona tights – $5.60 (on 30% off clearance) @ Target; Xhiliration boots – $15 (new) @ Clothes Mentor in Edina.

I mentioned in the latest SimplyChic post my urge to ditch my winter wardrobe and dive into the vivid colors that spring fashion naturally brings. Since there is still snow on the ground here in Minnesota, I can’t exactly pack away my over-sized sweaters and wool socks just yet…wah, wah, wahhh. I’ve made the compromise to continue to sport my warm-weather gear but slowly adding a hint of spring into the mix at the same time. Pops of color and bold patterns [in small doses] creates an ideal balance. Fun-colored tights, bright nail polish, and floral accessories is an easy way to make a smooth transition into next season’s trends. Now my only question is… can it be spring already?!