Countdown to Christmas Playlist!

Hello Everyone!

It is officially December 1st, with Thanksgiving behind us, we can now blast Christmas music! I've compiled a Countdown to Christmas Playlist consisting of...25 songs! It was definitely tough to pick out just 25 songs, because there are so many! I hope that this playlist will help with any finals, papers, projects that have to be due in the next two weeks! Time to start spreading the Christmas cheer! Happy Holidays everyone!

1. A Holly Jolly Christmas // Burl Ives
2. All I Want for Christmas Is You // Mariah Carey
3. Baby It's Cold Outside // Johnny Mercer & Margaret Whiting
4. Blue Christmas // Elvis Presley
5. Christmas Wrapping // The Waitresses
6. Feliz Navidad // Jose Feliciano
7. Frosty The Snowman // Ella Fitzgerald
8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas // Frank Sinatra
9. Ho Ho Hopefully // The Maine (feat. Brighten)
10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus // The Ronettes
11. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas // Michael Buble
12. Jingle Bell Rock // Bobby Helms
13. Last Christmas // Wham!
14. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! // Frank Sinatra & B. Swanson Quartet
15. Little Saint Nick // The Beach Boys
16. Mistletoe // Justin Bieber
17. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree // Brenda Lee
18. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer // Gene Autry
19. Run Rudolph Run // Chuck Berry
20. Santa Baby // Eartha Kitt, Henri Rene & His Orchestra 
21. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town // Jackson 5
22. Santa Tell Me // Ariana Grande
23. This Christmas // Chris Brown
24. We Need A Little Christmas // Glee Cast
25. You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch // Thurl Ravenscroft

Here's the Spotify version of the playlist!

Last Minute Thanksgiving Ideas!

Hello Everyone!

This semester has been a tough one for Angela and I, which is why we've been so absent! We'll be able to post more soon! :) It's crazy to think that Thanksgiving is TOMORROW! With that being said, if most of you have been as busy as we have, we know you'll need some last minute Thanksgiving ideas! Here are 5 things you can spruce up this holiday!

1. Thanksgiving Gifts // If you're in the mood for some giving this year but don't have much cash to spend or time to shop...these printables will help brighten up the smallest of gifts!

You can download the first one (along with the recipe) here, and the second one here! 

2. Place Cards // Spruce up your Thanksgiving party with some nice DIY place cards!

The Rosemary Sprig Place Card DIY can be found here, and the Turkey Feather Place Card can be found here!

3. Thanksgiving Desserts // My absolute favorite thing about Thanksgiving (other than being with my family, of course)...No matter how full your family may be, there will always be room for delicious desserts!

The recipe for the Pumpkin Roll can be found here, the recipe for the No Bake Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake can be found here!

4. For the Kids // Keep the kids happy with these DIY Projects! These will be great keepsakes for the years to come!

The Pinecone Turkey DIY can be found here, and the Popsicle Stick Scarecrow DIY can be found here!

5. For the Adults // Keep the Adults happy with some tasty beverages! These drinks will surely satisfy some taste buds!

 

The recipe for the Cider Rum Punch can be found here, and the recipe for the Bourbon Maple Apple Cider can be found here!

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL & HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Moto Monday // Sixteen!

Hello Again,

We've been slacking here. Angela and I have both been so busy with school and stuff! :) Here's a new Moto Monday for you guys! And I'm definitely going to be posting about my summer trip this week! No more slacking! :)

1. to move // Do It Daily // Give your workout the boost it needs with this warm up! 

2. to eat // Pumpkin French Toast Donuts // What better way to start your busy mornings than with some donuts? Recipe here!

3. to do // Study...Study...Study // Quit slakin' and study your lil' butt off! 

4. to wear // Scarves // Technically fall has begun...so breakout the cute scarfs! Unfortunately for me...Houston is still hot...so I'll have to hold off on the bulky scarves! But get ready, it'll get cold sometime!

5. to make // DIY Leather Clutch // Such a cute and easy clutch to make! Perfect complement to any outfit! You can find the tutorial here!

Don't be afraid of change. If you feel that you need to make a change in your life, DO IT. There's no need to sit around waiting for things to change around you. Make your own changes otherwise you'll be stuck living a life that you don't want!

Have a GREAT week! :)  

Moto Monday // FIFTEEN

Hello Everyone!

It's been a while since we've posted on here! Things just piled up a little bit, but I'm hoping we get back into the groove of things! :) I hope you guys had a great couple of weeks at school!

1. to move // Early Morning Workout // I think everyone should start their day off with some physical activity. Now is the perfect time to start since it's the beginning of the semester!

2. to eat // Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Cookies // I know that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is a big deal with Starbucks, might as well pair it with some pumpkin cookies! These look incredible, the recipe is here!

3. to do // Relax // If you're like me, you get stressed with a ton of school work! Make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy the people and things you have around you!

4. to wear // Tank + Shorts + Hat // I am obsessed with this look! If you live in Texas, you know the hot weather is going to be around for a while, and this is a perfect every day outfit!

5. to make // Wood Base Terrarium // If you're looking for a way to add a little nature into your home decor, this is perfect! It's small and easy to take care of! The DIY can be found here! 

Do whatever you can to live the life you want. Things can be tough to let go of, but if they're holding you back, you don't need them! Live the life that you've always imagined! Look forward and be proud of who you are!

Have a great week everyone!

I promise we'll get back into the swing of things! 

MOTO Monday : fourteen!

School is here! So, this week I have planned on sharing inspiration fitted for early mornings, quick breaks, and good times :) Have a great week!!

1. to move // Pilates Flexibility Workout Routine // pick a few or do them all - I believe the best thing you can do in the morning is a nice stretch to get you up and going!

2. to eat // Salad in a Jar // easy to make and extremely delicious (and cute!). I couldn't just select one so click HERE for tons of different recipes on Pinterest!!

3. to do // Set up a Study Nook // while this is a little harder, creating any space that is inviting to read, study, or just relax, can really encourage you to stay on top of your homework and enjoy your space! Make it as easy as throwing some pillows together or buy a desk to put in a corner with candles and other goodies! 

(this picture comes from "kids reading nooks" but all of these could easily be adapted to fit us bigger kids:)

4. to wear // Circle Skirt + Cozy Sweater // these looks are my favorite. Cute and comfy! 

5. to make // Back 2 School DIYs // this list for back to school DIYs is simply perfect! From pencil cases, letter magnets, pencil decor, and chalkboard pin boards - it is a wonderful slew of great ideas to get your creativity flowing!

It's easy to get discouraged at school, but don't give up and don't forget to ask for help. :)

Moto Monday // Thirteen!

Hello Everyone!

How is summer over already? It just flew right by us all! I don't know about you guys but I start school on Monday! I am so ready to just get back into the swing of things and not be so consumed with my work! Take advantage of the last week you have (if school hasn't started) or just take advantage of some extra time (if school has started)! Either way, I hope you all have a wonderful and positive week!

1. to move // Flat Belly Workout // I know how tough it is to get a flat belly, I've been trying forever! Doing something like this every day or maybe even every other day may just be the answer to our prayers!

2. to eat // Baked Tortellini Casserole // I absolutely love tortellini and this just looks down right delicious! You can find the recipe here! :)

3. to do // Buy a Planner // School is right around the corner for some of us, while others may be in school already. Planners are perfect for getting your homework/activities/life in order! I'll have a post up later this week with some planner suggestions! (This is actually the planner I'm going to be using for this school year, yay!)

4. to wear // Crop Top + Jeans // With the school starting soon, some people may try to take their first day a little too far. I'm here to tell ya to take it easy and rock a casual look. Something simple like this can be the perfect back to school look!

5. to make // Gold Pencil Holder //  Pencil holders are kind of tricky, I have one right now and I hate it. I only use it because it's the only one I have. It is absolutely hideous too (HAHA!). This is something that can spruce up your desk area and provide a ton of holding space! The DIY can be found right here!

With school starting today or next week, you should always put your best foot forward and be positive!  When you're positive all of the negativity will fall behind you! Things may get tough once in a while but you gotta remember to be positive and everything will fall into place!

Have a great week and a fabulous start to the school year! 

The Lemonade Cleanse... worth it?!

There are a lot of things that were OK with the Master cleanse and a lot of things that I didn't like. I know that already makes it sound like a terrible cleanse but... it's not. It's hard to explain. First let me tell you that the Master Cleanse is a lemonade drink that you make to drink everyday for ten days. But before I start rambling, let me just start with some pros and cons. 

PRO: it is relatively inexpensive compared to eating out and/or cooking food for ten days. 

It is easy to not have to worry about what you will be eating.

You really get to clean out your body.

You lose some weight (at least 8 pounds in ten days, I'd say)

You really feel good about yourself and it becomes a great motivator to eat healthy

Restart your mentality on what food you put in your body

You get to drink a lot of water (odd but a major PRO - the best thing you'll be drinking for ten days)

You are allowed to relax the entire ten days

CONS: The lemonade mixture is the only thing you are really consuming for ten days (besides water and a laxative tea)

The cayenne pepper can get a little spicy

It really sucks to not eat anything!

It can make you feel a little tired (results of this may vary) 

Getting off of it is complicated

Keeping the weight off is more complicated

There was one day when I really just did not feel good.

You will want to quit all of the time.

It will make you lose muscle if you work out a lot

You cannot workout during the cleanse (just easy, slow workouts)

Some things that I did differently:

I did not drink any of the salt water that gets recommended

I only drank the laxative tea at night (not in the mornings, too)

I did not use organic lemons (that gets really expensive)

I did not wean myself off of bad foods or caffein before I started the cleanse (but I felt fine the entire time)

I would say that there is a lot to read and look up before you jump into the master cleanse. This website (HERE) made it easy for me to understand how to get off of the cleanse and really made me feel comfortable. I would also highly recommend that you encourage someone to try it out with you. Luckily a friend of mine did it with me and we were able to encourage each other to stay on track and deal with the issues together - I don't think I could have stayed on it without her!

A week after the cleanse I weighed myself and was the same weight that I was the day after I ended! A few of the things I did to help this was eating a lot of soup (mainly the broth), only eating veggies, and walking around a lot more. 

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I am stumped at what else to mention to you guys about doing this cleans but I will say that I would recommend it. While it is hard, and you must understand .... IT IS HARD, it was completely worth it in the end. After the cleanse I felt clean internally and had a better mentality on what I should be eating. I no longer feel like I need desserts and unhealthy food all of the time and feel awesome about craving salads and vegetable soups! I feel great about my body and I feel as though this was finally the push that I needed to stick to a healthy lifestyle. 

After the cleanse I was certain that I would never do it again but now I think I might. 

If you have any questions about MY experience through out the cleanse, feel free to ask in the comments below :)

MOTO Monday // 12!

It's Monday! This week is going to be a big one for me (last week of my summer class) and planning outfits for an unexpected trip to Chicago this Sunday! Yikes! Wish me luck... but now I am here to help the both of us - here's some inspiration to get us through the week :)

1. to move // while this is not an exact workout routine I think this graph perfectly displays how you can work out to lose weight - It is all numbers! Adding a few of these daily or through out the week can give you the results you want. (You're welcome!)

2. to eat // Sweet Corn, Zucchini and Fresh Mozzarella Pizza // I am not a pizza person but this one is a definite YES for me. 

3. to do // Walk Somewhere // I know this might sound like a totally boring to do BUT this past week I have been challenging myself to walk to my favorite places. Roger and I have been walking to our favorite coffee shop every morning, walking around campus, and walking to get juices after a workout. Walking gives you a whole new view of your city and really makes you feel good! 

4. to wear // Tie-Back Dress // I just bought this dress from American Apparel and I love it. So simple and sexy! Don't be afraid to show some skin :)

5. to make // Chalkboards // I love chalkboards and I love that you can put them on almost anything! This is a favorite of mine and plan on doing this very soon :) 

It's easy to get yourself down on things that don't go exactly your way. Learning to take things as lessons instead of losses can really help keep your motivation high! You never lose!

Moto Monday // Eleven!

Hello Everyone!

It's the first Monday of August! I can't believe that summer is almost over, and school is going to start up again! Oh goodness! Let's take advantage of the time we have left! With that being said, here's this weeks Moto Monday :)

1. to move // Cat Lady Exercises // Lighten up y'all, don't let working out stress ya out! It's okay to take it easy some days! Also, if you don't have cats, no worries...just use weights!

2. to eat // Mango and Coconut Pops // In the blazin' Texas heat, we all need some lil' pops to help cool down! Check out the recipe here! 

3. to do // Go on a Picnic // Picnics are great! I think they're cute and a great way to just enjoy the company of others along with enjoying the great outdoors! Not sure of what to take, check out a previous blog post of ours: here! 

4. to wear // Floral Shorts // I've desperately been searching for some good floral shorts! I think it could kick your regular outfit up a notch! 

5. to make // Cactus Pillow // I recently took a trip to Arizona and I have become obsessed cacti! I think this could be the cutest little pillow for any room! The tutorial can be found here!

I know there are times where we all feel a little down, but keep in mind that you are responsible for your own happiness! If you're not happy, you can change that. You can go out there and do what you need to do in order to be happy! Go travel, fall in love, take chances...do what ever it is you need to do! Life is too short to be filled with sorrow. Fill your days with love and happiness! 

I hope that your week is great! Summer is almost over, don't hold back!

A + A's Plane Essentials

1. Purse/Backpack - I just bought this Henri Bendel backpack and I am absolutely in love! It's so amazing and you can change the straps to make it into a purse or anything you want! And it's black, it will basically go with anything!
2. Cell Phone - Who doesn't need their cell phone? It has a camera, games, social media, and contacts! Always stay connected y'all! Plus, you definitely need it if you want to check in with your loved ones!
3. Kindle/Book - I put down a kindle because I have one and it is super convenient and I absolutely love taking it on trips! I haven't picked a book for this trip but I'll update this list if I find anything!
4. Gum - Gum is the best way to keep your ears from popping, at least for me! But then again, gum is an every day essential for me!
5. Water - I don't know about you guys but when I ask for some water on the plane and they give it to me in a little cup I feel like it's just gonna spill everywhere! I'd rather buy my own bottle of water (at the airport since you can't bring it in) that way I can drink it when I please and not be scared of it spilling!
6. Notebook - I just think that you should carry a notebook everywhere! Inspiration can come out of the blue!
7. Makeup - I just like to have my makeup with me so I know it won't melt or spill or be thrown around! Having a cute little makeup bag to carry it all in is a major must!
8. Wallet - I love to keep everything in my wallet! My plane ticket, driver's license, and money! Something you definitely need to keep close to you at all times!
9. Lotion - I just like to have some lotion on my flight to help freshen up for when the flight is over! It's something that can make you feel so much better!
10. Music Player - YES, I know I'm probably like 1 of however many people to (still) have a zune! I love it! It's easy to download all of my music and I just buy the subscription so I can download all the music I want for my trip! It's super lightweight and easy to use! Plus, it helps beat the 2 hour boredom on the plane if your plane doesn't provide in-flight entertainment!

1. headphones - one of the most essential items you can take on any trip. Sometimes you need to zone out from the noise around you, watch your favorite TV shows, or be comforted by your favorite songs. 

2. iPad - this is my favorite item because it can hold just about everything you need to keep yourself occupied during a flight: books, movies, games, magazines, and the internet.  

3. good read - a great book can definitely transport you away from the noisy airplane. I suggest reading Where'd You Go Bernadette? A wonderful story about a mother-daughter relationship that takes you to Seattle and Antarctica!

4. sanitizer - we have all heard how dirty the airport and airplane can be, so carry some of this just in case! 

5. sweater - airplanes either make me super hot or super cold. Your favorite sweater solves that issue and works as a blanket or a pillow, too :)

6. socks - another way to stay a little more sanitary when having to take off your shoes in the airport or on the plane!

7. lip balm - this is more of an everyday necessity but especially on airplanes. Keeps your lips feeling fresh when dealing with changes in weather from travel!

8. travel wallet - perfect for holding all of your important items: plane ticket, passport, and more!

9. gum - solve all of the ear popping problems!!

10. backpack - the best place to put all of your essentials: an easy to carry backpack that is cute and functional!