A "farewell" to the old me

When my alarm went off this morning, I didn't hit snooze four times. I shut off the noisy contraption, checked social media/emails for a few minutes, and got out of bed. As I sit here writing this blog post, I am monitoring a classroom and sipping on Starbucks (that I got up early enough to purchase before work). My hair is dry and styled, my outfit wrinkle free, my make up on.

When I get home from work this afternoon, I'll feed and play with my dog, work out to one of my Zumba videos, and begin dinner for Kyle and I. We will eat around 5:15, take the puppy on a walk, and I will spend the rest of the evening talking with my husband, studying for my upcoming GACE exam, and probably watching a little Netflix. Chances are I'll be in bed by 9:15.

This is who I am today, and it's a far cry from who I was. Anyone who knew me growing up can tell you that I was notorious for being late, sleeping through the afternoon, eating Mcdonalds every other meal, and showing up to social events with my hair still soaking wet from a last minute shower. That was the old me.

But that's the beauty of being a living breathing human being, isn't it? We change, evolve, and grow every single day. To define a person by who they were 10, 7, or even 2 years ago would simply be misinformed. Sure, there are certain traits that I'll carry with me no matter what changes: a little shy/awkward depending on my mood, addicted to sushi, sarcastic to the core, oddly in love with animals, etc. But the things about myself that could use improvement, well, I work on those as often as I can. That's what has led me to this point.

When I run into old friends (and sometimes even family) and tell them about what I've been up to, their eyes widen, they let out a chuckle and say something along the lines of, "Yeah right. You would never do that."


I politely smile and laugh along with them - not because they're right, but because I've just been given the opportunity to prove them wrong.


And I take advantage of it every single time.

Filling Smoothie Recipe

Hey guys!


So I've been testing healthy & quick alternatives for a gal that needs breakfast on the go, and I finally found one that works best for me. As a paraprofessional, I'm on my feet for most of the day and needing to stay active and alert is an absolute necessity. I need a breakfast that can keep me full and energized for long periods of time, and this easy-peasy strawberry banana smoothie recipe does the trick! This morning, I started sippin' on my smoothie around 7:45 a.m. and was completely full until around 1 p.m. For anyone that has spent any time with me, you will know this is a total miracle. HA! Check out the recipe below! :)

Here's what you'll need... 

 
-6 large strawberries
-1 banana
-1 cup of vanilla almond milk (tastes a million times better than regular milk and you're using a vegan product! yayz.)
-1 tablespoon of peanut butter
-1 packet of sweet & low or one teaspoon of honey (OPTIONAL!)
- 5-7 ice cubes


Serving Size: 16 ounces
Calories: 295

Add all ingredients into a blender. Blend on highest power until all products are fully mixed together. ENJOY!

 

Honestly, what makes this smoothie so great is the teeny bit of peanut butter you throw in. It keeps you way fuller than an average smoothie with no protein. Not gonna lie, I was a pretty happy camper this morning.

Let me know what you think!

Thursday Thoughts

I think...

I need all the bathing suits at Aerie. High waisted EVERYTHANG, y'all.

Only ten more days of school until summer time! WOOO!


I just really feel like I have my life together when I order a healthy smoothie instead of a white chocolate latte from Starbucks.


I've been participating in a squat challenge this month, and I can already tell a difference. Check it out below if you want to join in!

My sister got ENGAGED on Tuesday. Time to shop/plan/taste test! #yayz


I'm studying for my ESOL exam, and I am getting NERVOUS.


What's going through your mind on this b-e-a-utiful Thursday?! 

Hat Lady in Training

It's true, everyone.

I want to be a hat lady SO bad!

I follow countless bloggers who rock a hat with nearly every outfit, and y'all, it's giving me major hat lust (is that a thing?). For the most part, I'm gravitating toward hats that are creme & black or white & black. They go with just about everything, so I can pull one out whenever I'm having a bad hair day or just feel like adding a statement piece to my look. I've found a few contenders from Target that I'm looking to add to my wardrobe, but in true Bailey fashion, I can't decide which is my favorite. Maybe I should buy them all?! ;)

Check out a few of my favorites below:

1. Black Ribbon Floppy Hat - $14.99 - Get it here

 2. Women's Stripped Floppy Hat - $14.99 - Get it here

 3. Panama Hat with Bow Sash - $14.99 - Get it here

4. Fedora with Black Bow Sash - $12.99 - Get it here

 5. Straw Panama Hat with Aztec Print Sash - $12.99- Get it here

Which are your favorites?

~**KrAzI**~ in Kimonos

MAN, the title of this post is so lame. I just couldn't resist adding the ~*middle school flair*~ because of its lameness. I'm kind of weird sometimes. Anyway.

This past weekend, I was finally able to break out this adorable kimono.  I just knew it was going to be one of my favorite pieces the moment I laid eyes on it, and guys, it did not disappoint.  One of the things I love about this look is the fringe at the bottom of the kimono. It gives it such a edgy, sixties vibe! Pair it with a chunky necklace and some embellished sandals, and you're out the door with a cute & comfortable look.

Random Note: My dog was definitely convinced the fringe was her new play toy. Pet owners - you've been warned.

 

#diva

Kimono - similar here, Destructed Jeans - here, Gladiator Sandals - here (ON SALE!), Necklace - similar here, Aviators - similar here

What trends are you loving?

My first experience with Influenster

Hey, y'all!

For the past month or so, I've been experimenting with a very cool website called Influenster. For those of you who don't know, Influenster is a site that basically sends you goodies (FO' FREE!) based on your influence on social networks. You don't have to be a blogger to be chosen to test items; if you have active accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., you could absolutely be chosen! In return, all you have to do is let your friends and family know what you think of the products. Pretty simple, huh?

I received my first "Voxbox" from Influenster a few weeks ago that contained some products from Carefree's #FreshisFierce brand. Yes, I got women's hygiene products. Yes, I'm pretty stoked about it. What's not to love about receiving items that A. you actually need and B. are totally free?! Yes, please.

The Carefree Voxbox included twenty panty liners. As far as the actual product goes, they get high marks in my book. Comfy, absorbent, and (from what I've read) very affordable! I'm a happy camper.

For those who are interested in getting an account with this awesome website (and you should be), feel free to sign up here.


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.


With lots and lots of fierceness,