Carrot Cake

It's been slightly cooler and rainy today, although it's nearing the end of July, so I figured it would be a good day for a little baking. I wanted to make something that was still a summery treat; a moist and airy cake. I had never made a carrot cake before, so I decided that that was the perfect option to satisfy my sweet tooth. After searching for a recipe with good reviews for quite some time, I stumbled upon one from Bon Appetite, the April 2002 issue.

DIY: Tumblr Inspired Room

I've been spending a lot of time on my computer as the long summer days continue on, but I figured I should be doing something a little more productive with my time. One of my favorite things to do about once a season is to spice up my room with new decorations and photos.

I don't know about you, but I will often see photos of rooms on Tumblr or We heart it, and and always pretty jealous of the decor. The simple fact is that there are a couple things you can do to get a similar looking room and it's not very expensive!!

☼ Summer To-Do List ☼

Hey Everyone!! Almost July, it is officially summer! As great as summer is, after a couple weeks of school being out, I tend to start getting kind of bored. Currently I am in California, but once I am home again, many days will be filled simply with me lazying around. I'm definitely not complaining about being able to sleep in and lay in the sun all day, but in order to keep the summer interesting, I like to create a To-Do list of things I want to do at some point. So here are my ideas; if you have any of your own, comment below!!

☀ Have a beach/lake/pool day! I know, going to the pool is not a very original idea, but make a day out of it. Get some friends together, and you can swim, have a picnic, bring a frisbee, etc.

☀ Have a bonfire with some friends. Similarly to a pool day, make an occasion out of this. I'm talking s'mores, music, blankets to lay on, and some fun games like mafia (or murder depending on what you call it).

☀ Get some summer reading done. School's out, and some people may not want to read, but personally I love reading. With lots of down time in the summer, it's the perfect opportunity to read.

☀ Work out! Whether it's by starting a running schedule, hitting up the gym, or joining a class, motivate yourself to get fit this summer.

☀ Work on a tan. I know this may not be for everyone, but I make it a little personal goal each summer to get a golden glow. Just make sure you're always aware of how much sun you're getting, and don't forget sunscreen!

☀ Take up a new hobby. For me, this summer I've decided to learn some guitar :)

☀ Have a spa day. Do a face mask, soak up some summer sun, try some new nail art! Pamper yourself!

☀ Slumber partaaaaay! Haha, you have to have some sleep over with your friends. Movies, popcorn, truth-or-dare: the works!

☀ Start a new TV series. This could also just be catching up on a series you already watch, but some lazy days, it's nice to just chill out on the couch with some snacks, and get a dose of TV.

I hope you can enjoy doing these things this summer!

xx

Erin

Style Steal: Shenae Grimes-Beech

Shenae Grimes-Beech, well known for her acting in 90210, is without a doubt one of my absolute favorite style idols! She always has an edgy, tom-boy vibe to her style, but it's not completely grunge, as she is often seen with floral prints and lace. Beside loving her style, one reason she is such a great icon, is because her style is 'wear-able' shall we say. Even if you're not buying designer clothing, by having the essential basic clothing pieces and then adding in some edgy and unique items and a couple more girly articles you can start to take on her style. The best part: Shenae always looks comfortable; from sweaters to maxi skirts to cut-offs, she never betrays the real key point of fashion: to feel confident, which means feeling good... I've never really been a firm believer of the say, If it ain't hurtin' it ain't helpin'.

Spring Beauty Essentials!

As the days get longer, temperatures rise, and things starting to bloom outside, I figured it was about time to switch up my usual beauty routine. Warmer weather definitely calls for coming away from thick sweaters, darker eye shadows, and sleepy Sunday mornings spent in a cocoon of blankets which have become the norm for the Christmas season, and the early months of the new year. So let's get into my favorite beauty tips for spring time!!

How to stay on a Healthy Diet!

Diet. We automatically jump to the assumption of weight loss as the goal, but really, a diet is simply the compilation of what we eat on a day to day basis. While exercising is a vital part of a healthy life, so is the the nutritional aspect. Balancing what you eat can lead to a desirable image for yourself--I personally think that people who have well-built, strong frames are most attractive--but it also will lead to a longer life, as eating right will ensure a good metabolism, reduce the risk of heart problems, and create a good circulatory system. While it is important to stay away from the big no-no's, such as processed food, or really fatty foods with high cholesterol, it's also important to be getting all the right nutrients that your body needs. So let's get to my tips for keeping on top of a healthy diet!

The 100 Workout

Where I live the weather is still unbelievably miserable for late March; it has been grey and rainy for the last couple of days, and tonight the temperature's supposed to drop, so we might even get some snow :( Not OK!!! Anyway, even if the weather refuses to admit it, it is officially Spring, so in light of that, I figured it was time to start getting more serious about working out. After all, bikini weather will be here before you know it, and my body is so not ready for that :P

I like to try to go to the gym either Saturday or Sunday morning so I can get in a bit of a workout both on the elliptical, as well as some various arm and leg machines, but a gym is not always available for when we want to just have a quick workout. While runs can be a great way to get in shape (especially as it's becoming nice weather outside--hopefully, that is), I often like to throw in some basic exercises that I can do first at home.

If I just want something quick that will get my endorphins going, but isn't too demanding after a long day, this is the perfect mini workout. I did not create this workout, but had seen it on weheartit numerous times and decided to try it... And it's been great!