January Lady Favorites

Is it just me, or has January flown by like a pigeon with an urgent message? <too weird? Sorry.

But, seriously! January has come and gone in a flash! I know everyone says that, but it's so true!

First off, I'd like to shout-out to both of my parents for January birthdays!

Dad's was January 3rd & Mom's is January 31st (aka tomorrow)!

Happy Birthday to you both! Love ya'll!

Ok, on to my favorites for the month!

Nike Free 5.0 V4 Running Shoes in Black/Metallic Silver/Anthracite

Ok, so ya'll know I've started working on my goal of living a healthier lifestyle this month. These running shoes have been getting me motivated to do this! Well, not my only motivation..that would be wrong..right? Maybe. Anyway, these are so light and comfy! I love wearing them during my workouts and even on days when I'm just running errands. The leopard print isn't super obvious which I really like, too!

Refinery29

I think the Refinery29 Facebook page is so much fun! I simply love the articles! If you're into reading fun, light-hearted articles like I am, you should definitely check this page out!

TV Show: Friends

Ya'll! Where the heck have I been? I now know why so many people are in love with Friends. I've been binge watching episodes on Netflix for weeks now and I am obsessed! I'd like to think I'm a Rachel, but I'm totally a Monica. Haha! I'm on Season 8 and will be super sad when I finish all 10 seasons. Anyone else get like that after finishing an entire series?

Lorac PRO Palette

I've been eyeing this eyeshadow palette for so long, so when I received a gift card to Ulta for Christmas, I went straight for it! I'm so glad I did because it is BEAUTIFUL! I love every shade so I can't choose a favorite. I've used it every single day since I got it and because there are so many gorgeous neutral shades, I can create soooo many different looks with this one palette! If you don't have this yet, RUN! Don't walk! You need this in your life!

Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation

This is the foundation I use for blog photos. I love that it blurs any imperfections I may have so that they are significantly less visible in pictures. See how it looks on me in any of my posts including Pop of Pink. Be sure to set it with a face powder if you decide to try it though! It will slide around if you don't. I'd say it's totally worth the purchase if you are photographed often. I even wear it (some days) when I'm not taking photos because it looks great in person as well.

Kayla Itsines Instagram

Looking for some fitspo (fitness inspiration)? This girl is it! She has the most amazing body ever and she seems like such an awesome person from her Instagram and email blasts! I'm itching to try her fitness guides as soon as I can!

Michael Kors Slim Runway Analog Watch in Silver

This watch had been on my list forever! Like at least a couple of years... I received it as a gift from my boss for Christmas and I am truly loving it! I like that the face is pretty big, but the band is still quite slim. I so needed a silver watch for when I decide to take that route with my jewelry! Can't go wrong with Michael Kors! You can see how I style it in many of my blog posts including Moto Madness.

Tobi Ridgeway Textured Sweater in Rust

This sweater is super cozy and comfy! Plus, I love the rust color because I don't have much in my closet in this shade. I like that it's not completely long sleeved because of this crazy Louisiana weather, too! See how I styled it for the blog in my Orange You Glad post! BTW, you can get it for 50% off right now on Tobi.com using the promo code SHOP50! Yay!

Beauty, fashion, and fitness,

Brittani

<3

PS-Don't forget that Tobi.com code {SHOP50} to get 50% off SITEWIDE right now! Shop til you drop, ladies!

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Lady Stands Up: Amour Propre

I'd like to talk a little about something serious today: bullying. I was recently contacted by Calvin Rafah, the CEO of a clothing company called Amour Propre who's mission is to create awareness of an epic problem in today's world. Amour Propre is an inspiring group that hosts events across the nation to encourage anti-bullying. Although I am thankful that I haven't experienced major bullying, I've fallen victim nonetheless and I know that many others are targeted way too often. No matter the degree, it hurts. We've seen so many instances that have actually made it to national and international news; it's alarming.

^Source: Amour Propre

I'd like to encourage anyone reading this to spread awareness. Let's join the anti-bullying movement and stand up against this widespread issue.

Calvin was nice enough to answer a few questions I had for him in a short interview.

Lady: What inspired you to begin the anti-bullying mission?

CR:I was bullied in grade school because I wore reading glasses, rocked a perfectly shaped bowl hair-do and was a little overweight. I was not athletically gifted and very awkward with girls. So now, I would like to help make a difference in the world we live in so the kids of today don’t have to go through what had  to .

Lady: How long have you been doing this and how has your work changed your life?

CR: For one year now, and yes my work has changed my life. It's made me the person I have always wanted to  become. Someone who lived on this planet and made it a better place.

Lady: What can people like me do to help create change and make progress in an effort to stop bullying?

CR: You can join our movement - We are a clothing line that sparked a anti bullying movement.

Lady: Are there any events going on right now in your company that we can participate in?

CR: Yes, we have Peer Mentor/Internship Programs with students which consists of many different events to help prevent and spread awareness.

Visit amourpro.com for more information.

Instagram: @officialamourpropre

Facebook: Amour Propre
Twitter: @AmourPropre2
Pinterest: Amour Propre
Youtube: Amour Propre

Happiness, positivity, and kindness,
Brittani
<3

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Pop of Pink

Ok, so we all know I love a great neutral outfit. Taupe and black are my go-to colors. Today, I'm spicing up the toned down look by adding a toned up coat! How FAB is this fuchsia hued number?!

Obvi, I love the taupe knit sweater paired with my sleek faux leather leggings.

I added this black and gold statement necklace to amp up my neckline.

My favorite taupe booties tie in the color of the sweater perfectly.

Let's be honest though, guys...the real star of this show is the coat! You can obviously do this with any color you'd like! I think a bright coat is a must have during these usually drab winter months. What a mood booster!

I added this scarf for another layer of black so that the look is put-together and polished.

Sweater: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar

Cami: Forever21 *similar

Leggings: Forever21 *similar

Coat: Forever21 *similar

Necklace: Charlotte Russe *similar

Scarf: Forever21 *similar

Booties: Steve Madden (DSW) *similar

Old favorites, warm lattes, and fancy outerwear,
Brittani
<3

PS-How do you spice up your winter wardrobe?!

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Lady gets Healthy-January Gym Schedule

Happy Fitness Friday! I hope your week was amazing!

Today, I'm sharing the workout schedule that's getting me through January. Please remember that I am not an expert by any means. I am at the very very beginning of my health and fitness journey. I'm only letting ya'll know what is and isn't working for me.

Ok! Here it goes:

During January, I've designated Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays as my gym days. I decided to start out with just three times a week. Whenever I have tried to start working out in the past, I would force myself to go every single day. This would last about a week. Sometimes even less; yes, I'm that pitiful. So this time around, I am taking it slow. Three days a week for one hour. So far, so good. I haven't skipped a gym day yet. Yay!

I start out by hitting the treadmill for 30 minutes to get my heart rate up. The treadmills in my gym are fairly outdated, but they get me moving. I use the "interval program" on the machine. I start out slow (3.0-3.5 mph) for about five minutes on a flat incline. Every couple of minutes the treadmill raises to a 3.0 incline. Once I feel I've warmed up a bit, I increase my speed to about 4.0-4.5 mph. Still  not a running pace, but a quick walk. The machine continues to go back and forth between a flat incline and a 3.0 incline every few minutes. After about 20 minutes, I slow down to 3.0-3.5 mph. My cool down is the last five minutes of my cardio workout.

After cardio, I do strength.

First up, leg extensions.

15 reps at 20 lbs.

Then, I use the same machine for leg curls.

15 reps at 30 lbs.

Next, chest presses.

12 reps at 20 lbs.

Last is the dip machine.

(click here to see how I use this machine)

10 reps

I do this circuit at least three times every workout.

The gym at my apartment complex doesn't have all that many machines, but there are more than just the ones I use. Maybe I'll try adding some new ones to the routine next month!

Bonus: Here's what this week's meals look like! Remember, I'm no nutritionist..I'm not even truly a health nut. Just thought I'd share to give you some healthier ideas!

Breakfast: black bean and spinach egg scramble with 1 whole egg & 1 egg white, with siracha drizzled on top & coffee

Snack: fruit or a handful of dry roasted almonds

Lunch: tuna salad (canned tuna in water, 1 tbsp. non fat greek yogurt, finely chopped celery, garlic powder, & black pepper) on a bed of baby spinach wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla

Dinner: whatever I feel like making haha! 

Baked tilapia seasoned with lemon pepper & steamed veggies,

Grilled chicken strips seasoned with lemon pepper and Tony Chachere's Low Sodium Seasoning (gotta have it), & steamed veggies, or

This Shredded Beef Tacos recipe! Yum!

Also, remember to drink tons of water throughout the day!!(:

Sweat, muscles, and tacos,

Brittani

<3

PS-I'll probably say this in every fitness post, but please please please feel free to leave tips and tricks below! Critique me if you feel I'm doing something incorrectly! I need to know these things!

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Moto Madness

Stumped on what to wear today? Putting your look together could be as easy as 1, 2, 3 with this simple outfit!

What's easier to throw together than a simple cami, a detailed jacket, and a pair of boots? Um, nothing!

For this ensemble, I'm wearing a solid black cami paired with this fun moto inspired gray jacket.

These comfy jeggings are a must-have for anyone's wardrobe. I cuffed them to show off the cute black booties I'm wearing. This helps to keep the look from getting sloppy. No one likes bunched up pants around their ankles. Not flattering.

For accessories, this black scarf and my usual black tote did the trick, along with simple silver jewelry.

Jacket: Forever21 *similar

Cami: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar

Jeans: American Eagle *similar

Scarf: Forever21 *similar

Boots: Forever21 *similar

Purse: Michael Kors *similar

Watch: Michael Kors *similar

Sunny days, peanut butter, and flash sales,

Brittani

<3

PS-What's your go-to "I have nothing to wear even though my closet is overflowing" outfit?! Let me know in the comments!

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Orange You Glad...

Knock Knock...

Who's there?

Orange...

Orange who?

Orange you glad I found this adorable sweater.

See what I did there? Ok, enough with the corny jokes..unless you'd like me to throw some more out there...no? Ok. On to this cozy look!

I had been eyeing this cozy sweater since before Christmas, so when I finally bit the bullet and ordered it, I was super excited about the endless comfort possibilities. 

Because of the chilly weather this time of year, I knew I would need to layer this look up for warmth and style, of course. I decided to go with this plain white, long sleeved t-shirt underneath the sweater for a nice pop against the orange.

I usually lean toward dark denim, but I was feeling adventurous for this post and chose to wear these light washed jeggings. I like that it's a little unexpected, for me at least.

Stuck with a choice between wearing a scarf and wearing a pretty necklace? Why not wear both, like I did here?! I wanted to wear this pretty statement piece to tie in the white of the long sleeved shirt, so you know what? I did!(: I also wanted to wear a heavy scarf for some warmth...so I did that too! By wearing a long gray one this way, my necklace is still visible and, at the same time, I have my scarf with me to wrap around my neck when it's super cold out. Double win!

I went with navy boot socks to contrast the rusty orange color of the sweater as well as to add a little darkness to the light washed bottom half of my look.

My favorite riding boots finished off my look! If you see me out in public in this outfit a million days in a row, don't judge me! It's comfy and stylish, my two favorite things!

Sweater: Tobi *similar

L/S Shirt: Aeropostale *similar

Jeans: American Eagle *similar

Necklace: Bauble Bar *similar

Scarf: Aeropostale *similar

Boot Socks: Target *similar

Boots: Apricot Lane Boutique *similar

PS-What are your go-to pieces for chilly winter days? I'd love to know!

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Lady gets Healthy-Intro.

I've decided to start a series about my journey to a healthy lifestyle. At the end of December, as most do, I took some time to think about my goals. Not only my "New Year's Resolutions", but my life goals. I scribbled a few things down that I'd love to accomplish at some point, then I broke those big goals down into smaller, more achievable ones that I could reach in the upcoming year. Of those goals, a few of them had to do with health and fitness.

1. Establish a fitness routine that I can stick to and build muscle doing.

2. Run one mile without stopping to walk or catch my breath.

3. Eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet that gives me sustainable energy.

These may not seem like much, but I really am starting from the ground. Ideally, I want to be in great shape. I want to have energy and tone up my body. Simple as that. I have a small body. I'm not looking to lose weight. But I have no muscle and very low energy (especially for a 24 year old).

I'm far from an expert on health and fitness, but I am doing tons of research and it may take some work to find what's right for me concerning fitness routines and meal plans, but I know there are so many people who struggle with similar things, so I'm ready to take this journey with you if you'll have me! I'll share resources and tools that I find along the way to help us in this endeavor and am super excited to see the things that (hopefully) you will share with me as well!Stay tuned for plenty of posts in the weeks to come.

Here's an idea of what you can expect:

Short-term & Long-term Goals

My Monthly Fitness Routine

Progress Updates

Inspirational People

Recipes I've Tried

Podcasts I'm Loving

Look Good, Feel Good (Fitness Gear)

Resources and Fitness Tools

I started this journey officially last week (the first full week of 2015). My starting point statistics were as follows:

Date: January 6, 2015

Weight: 117.2 lbs.

Treadmill distance: 1 mile

Time: 16:04 minutes

I hope to find better tools for tracking Body Mass Index, Body Fat %, etc., but until I do, this is it.

Also, I'd like to mention that while I know the number on the scale does not matter, I just like to make sure that I am within a healthy range for my height and body type, therefore, I track my weight to make sure I don't go above or below my healthy weight range.

I track my progress in my planner. This helps me to keep everything in one place.

I hope all of you are as excited as I am about this series!

Muscles, vitamins, & healthy bodies,

Brittani

<3

PS-Please feel free to leave tips, tricks, and tools that help you lead a healthy lifestyle in the comments section below or email me at itsthelifeofalady@gmail.com! I'm always learning!

Pamper Me

I don't know about you, but I find myself needing a small break at least once a week for some "me time". Just about an hour or two to pamper myself and get a little relaxation in. I try to do this every Sunday night. I've decided to share with you some of the things I do to get myself into chill mode.

Obviously, my first step is to turn on my tunes with this Bose Soundlink Mini Bluetooth Speaker (hello, Ed Sheeran). Then, I take a nice long shower. I wash my face with my usual cleanser, Murad Clarifying Cleanser. Then, I wash my hair with L'Oreal Everpure Smooth Shampoo and let my conditioner soak in while I exfoliate with a Bath & Body Works body scrub to really get my skin smooth. Finally, I rinse my hair out and dry off.

Once I'm out of the shower, I use this Jergens Skin Firming lotion on my arms and legs for super soft, moisturized skin.

Next, I dry my hair with my pretty pink Revlon hair dryer. I've been trying to avoid hair products to see if my skin stays clear longer. So far, I think it's working, which is great (yay clear skin!), but that means that it probably is the root of my skin problems, therefore no more fun hair products for a while..bummer.

Once my hair is dry, I like to slather on a nice face mask for that extra spa-like experience.

I've been using this Dead Sea Mud Mask that was sent to me by Insta Natural and I'm enjoying it. You get soooo much product in this huge container. It can be used anywhere on the body as a detoxifying mask, which is really cool. I've never owned anything like this. My skin feels super soft after using it and I don't find that it's irritating at all (I have really sensitive skin). I think this is due to the natural ingredients.

The consistency of the mask seems pretty thin when it's first applied. You don't need all that much for your entire face.

Pause, to send crazy Snapchats to my friends...

While my face mask sets, I perform an at-home mini manicure on myself. Tonight's color choice, Sinful Colors in Bare with Essie glitter in Hors D'oeuvres over that. I always finish off a mani with Seche Vite Topcoat. Why? Because I'm impatient, and this stuff dries as fast as lightening!

Ok, back to this face! When the mud mask is dry and I can't move my face (see this beautiful facial expression going on in the photo), I wipe away the mask with warm water and a washcloth, then wash my face one more time with my Murad cleanser. My final step for amazing feeling skin is, of course, moisturizer. My favorite is this oil-free one by Mario Badescu.

Voila! There you have it! My "Sunday me time" routine. I hope you take the time out every now and then to pamper yourself like I do. You deserve it!

Relaxation, bare faces, and amazing tunes,

Brittani

<3

DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED THE DEAD SEA MUD MASK COURTESY OF INSTA NATURAL AND TOMOSON TO TRY AND REVIEW. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND I AM NOT RECEIVING ANY COMPENSATION FOR REVIEWING THE PRODUCT.

PS-Let me know if there's anything you do that you think I should add to my routine! I love a great spa night!

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Vest Obsessed

How fun is this fuzzy vest?! You can find amazing furry vests pretty much anywhere these days because they are really hitting their peak on the popularity scale. This one is no exception! I love that it's a neutral cream color that can be paired with anything as far as colors are concerned...brown, black, red, blue, purple, or even olive green like in this post! 

What I truly love about this vest though, is the longer length. I think that's what set this one apart from most of the ones I've seen lately. I like the shorter ones just fine, but this one just has that unique quality to it.

I paired the vest with this basic olive turtleneck for a little bit of toned down color.

You guys know I love these amazing Free People pants, right? You've seen them before in my Back from the 70's post...& if you haven't, you totally should go check that one out.Well, here they are again! My only issue with them is that, even with heels, they are super long on me, so I may be knocking on my tailor's door soon.

I finished off my look with a long pendant necklace and this fab coat since it's freezing around here...well freezing for us Louisiana folks at least.

Stay warm, people!

Vest: Verty (The Spotted Zebra Boutique) *similar

Turtleneck: Merona (Target) *similar

Pants: Free People (The Spotted Zebra Boutique) *similar

Heels: Jessica Simpson (DSW) *similar

Necklace: Aldo Accessories *similar

Coat: Charming Charlie *similar

Fuzz, warmth, and chocolate kisses,

Brittani

<3

PS-How cold is it where you are? Come on guys, put me to shame!(:

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