Christmas List

I don't know about you guys, but I love getting inspiration from other peoples Christmas lists. I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I'm hoping for this year! 

1. Pure Barre Membership

I was really skeptical about Pure Barre, I've never loved working out, but holy moly, this class made me want to kick some ass. I fell in love with their whole program. It's super intense, fun, and works your entire body. 

2. Aerie Underwear

I know this is weird, but there is nothing I love more than new underwear. Aerie undies are so soft, comfy, and come in a ton of cute colors. You can't go wrong with 10 pairs for $30.

3. Amazing Grace Ballet Rose

Okay I have to admit, I was an asshole and bought this for myself in Ulta the other day. I couldn't help it. It smells so pretty and so clean. It's a very fresh scent, and I've already received so many compliments on it! 

4. Michael Kors Cindy Crossbody, Large, Oyster

I adore crossbody bags. They are so easy to travel with, and they can really dress up an outfit. I love this one because it's not too small, not too large, it could fit my wallet for sure, and a couple of necessities like chapstick, lady supplies, and my keys! 

5. Milk and Honey, Rupi Kaur

I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this book of poems. I would absolutely love to try something new. I'm really never a poetry buff but I need to know what all the fuss is about. 

6. Vans Sk8-Hi Sneakers, True White

I think these looks so cool, with jeans and a flannel, or with leggings and a cozy sweater, I love the Hi-Top design. 

7. BeatsX Wireless Earbuds

Now that I'm really trying to become a gym rat, I now understand the need for wireless headphones. Seriously that cord is a pain in the ass, and I think these white ones look so cute! 

8. Crest 3D White Strips

I know this is weird, but I would never buy these for myself. It would be so wonderful to find these under the tree this year! I'm a little bit obsessed with dental hygiene and white teeth, my teeth need some TLC. 

Christmas in Newport

Holiday Dresses Under $100

Crushed Velvet Belle Sleeve Dress- Gabby Skye

$98.00

I am all about velvet this holiday season, it looks classy, and can be dressed up with heels and jewels, or dressed down with tights and boots.

Fit & Flare Velvet Midi- Old Navy

$44.99

Gillian Shimmer A-Line Dress- Francesca's 

$48.00

I think metallic dresses are so great because THEY are the focal piece of the outfit, it doesn't take a lot to finish the look besides a great bag and maybe some earrings! 

Sequin TShirt Dress- Soprano 

$65.00

Jumpsuit with Pockets- J.Crew Factory

$70.50

Cold-Shoulder Swing Dress- Old Navy

$39.99

Gold Pleated Fit & Flare- Vero Moda

$56.25

Twill Shirt Dress- Old Navy

$36.99

I love this plaid dress because it's perfect for the more casual Thanksgiving or Christmas, but could totally be worn again! With boots and tights, I would wear this to work or school. And who can beat $36.99?!?! 

Ruffle Cold Shoulder Shift Dress- Felicity & Coco

$58.40

High Waist Flare Dress- Lord & Taylor Design Lab

$59.99

OOTD: Fall Fun!

Top: Old Navy Jeans: Old Navy Jacket: J.Crew Shoes: Steve Madden 

Bracelet: KJP Bag: Longchamp 

Fall Favorites!

What's not to love about fall? The leaves change colors, we get to bust out our favorite cozy sweaters, and there is a crispness to the air that is positively intoxicating. As it is my favorite season, I have decided to share some of my favorites with you, be it clothing, drinks, foods,  places to go, and things to do! Let me know what you love about fall in the comments! 

1. The J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket; this thing is so versatile! And amazingly it's pretty warm. The moment it's chilly enough to wear this, I know fall has begun! You can find it in store and online, though it is a bit pricey at $148, the quality is unbeatable. 

2. Trader Joe's Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancake Mix; I don't have enough words to describe how good this stuff is. Seriously my family and I discovered it last year and are absolutely addicted. With a little whipped cream and cinnamon, they are the perfect Sunday morning breakfast! 

3. Harbes Farm; Located on the east end of Long Island, Harbes Family Farms are the epitome of Fall. They have the best apple cider donuts, a massive corn maze, a beautiful farm stand with fresh vegetables, and of course pumpkins as far as the eye can see. It has become a family tradition to spend the day out east taking tons of pictures and eating roasted corn until we explode.

4. Sperry Duck Boots; while we all know about the classic L.L. Bean Duck Boots, did y'all know Sperry makes almost the exact same shoe?? And it's cheaper?? Hello! Get with it folks! Sperry has adorable color options and the fleece lining keeps your toes toasty! 

5. Cozy Crewnecks; I have a crewneck from college that has been through the wash more times than I could possibly count, leaving it soft as hell. It is my favorite thing to throw on with leggings and converse when I'm heading out to do some shopping! 

6. Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha Latte; I will drink this hot or cold, in fact I would inject it if I could. The PSL is garbage and we all know it. SCM is WHERE IT'S AT. 

7. American Eagle Flannels; They are truly the softest thing in the world. If you hold out for Black Friday, they usually have them for only $20 each, which is more than half off. They are well worth the wait and can be dressed up or down! Pair with boyfriend jeans for an effortless look, or wear with a leather mini skirt and tights to spice things up! 

8. J.Crew Camp Socks; these are so cozy!! (Can you sense how much I love cozy things?) And they look great peaking out of duck boots or a good old pair of combat boots. J.Crew always has a ton of colors and patterns. At $16 a pair, they will honestly last forever. 

9. Mums; Mums mean fall, they are vibrant and hearty, I buy as many pots as I can and decorate indoors and outdoors. Plus they make a great background for instas! 

10. Apple Crisp; I don't know how to explain to you why you should be eating apple crisp 24/7. It is perfect. Warm it up and put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top- HEAVEN. And truly what is Thanksgiving without Apple Crisp? 

48 Hour Cure for Post Grad Blues

Shirt: Charlotte Russe Bralette: Aerie Jeans: Old Navy Shoes: Jack Rogers Bag: Anne Klein (Similar)  Lightening Bolt  Ring: Pura Vida

Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

In my quest to be basic on a budget, I felt it imperative that I find a way to make my own smoothie bowls. 
I spent a good part of my day yesterday watching Youtube tutorials, trying to figure out how to get the perfect consistency. Now, you might like yours a bit thinner than I do, but I went for a thick and creamy banana smoothie bowl with some fun goodies on top.

You will need:
1/2 Cup Almond Milk (or any milk you prefer, really doesn't make a difference!)
1 Oikos Banana Cream Greek Yogurt
1 Frozen Banana
1 Scoop of Vanilla Vega Protein Powder
1/4 Cup of Crushed Ice 

Toppings:
This is up to you! Fresh fruit, Coconut Flakes, Seeds, Nuts, Granola, Chocolate Chips, go crazy! 
I topped my bowl with Kind Banana Nut Clusters, Chia Seeds, and Strawberries


Now that you have all the ingredients together, all you have to do is throw it in a blender! Yea... it's that easy! I have a Magic Bullet (Thanks to my awesome brother) and I think it works perfectly for something like this, because it's so easy to measure out how much you're making! 
If, while you're blending, you find that it is too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk and continue to blend until you get the consistency you want!  

Now decorate it, pour yourself a delicious cup of coffee, and take a cute pic for Instagram! Tag me @MessyAndThriving and let me know how you made it your own! Get creative!