June 21, 2018 Leave a Comment

The ABC’s of Fashion: 26 Items Every Gal Should Own

We learned our ABCs when we were first learning out to dress ourselves, often in bright yellow rain boots, Bermuda shorts, and the most glittery top we could find. Now our style has changed, but the ABCs of fashion have remained iconic. Here are 26 items, A through Z that pretty much every gal should have in her closet.

The ABC’s of Fashion: 26 Items Every Gal Should Own

1. All-Star Chuck Taylors

Comfortable and classic, those Chuck Taylor All-Star shoes are all-star for a reason. They’re comfortable and cool for the chill girl on the go.

2. Boots

Every gal should own a pair of ankle boots and a pair of knee-high boots to cap off the perfect outfit.

3. Cardigan

A cardigan is practical, fashionable, and can be worn multiple ways with multiple outfits. Dress it up with a button-up shirt and slacks or dress it down with an old concert t-shirt and jeans.

4. Denim

Denim has been around since 1873 and though styles have changed, the material hasn’t—denim has serious staying power! Make sure you own a good denim jacket and a few killer jeans that fit you like a glove. It’s worth the extra money to splurge on jeans that flatter your body.

5. Eyelets

Eyelet fabric is a type of durable lace that has been around for centuries. It’s elegant, fun, and a great staple piece in your wardrobe. You can find eyelet blouses and eyelet dresses perfect for any season.

6. Flannel

Whether you live in the mountains or in a big city, every gal should own a flannel shirt. It says stylish, slightly rugged, and sporty. Tie one around your waist for a fun accent to a cool outfit.

7. Glasses

Eye candy is an essential part of the trendy wardrobe and sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure you own a good pair, whether they are aviators, cat-eye sunglasses, or oversized sunnies.

8. Handbag

Every woman deserves at least one designer handbag in her life. A little Kate Spade or Coach on your arm is like taking a good friend along with you.

9. Investment piece

Most of the time I jump for a good deal, but every once in a while, it is completely necessary to splurge. An investment piece might be that designer handbag or expensive piece of luggage. It might be a quality coat or tailored suit. Your investment piece is built to last a lifetime and you’re not allowed to feel guilt about it.

10. Jumpsuit

Okay, I realize this one is verging on uncomfortable territory, but if you don’t own a jumpsuit, it’s time to try one!

11. Khakis

Khaki is another thing that will never go out of style. A pair of khaki slacks and shorts should be a staple in any closet.

12. Little black dress

So notable that it even has its own acronym, the LBD (or little black dress) is as iconic as Audrey Hepburn herself. This one isn’t optional; every woman should own a LBD.

13. Moto jacket

A moto jacket is ultra cool even if you don’t own a motorcycle. Moto jackets look amazing with skinny jeans or a dress.

14. Negligee

Although worn underneath the clothes, lingerie is an important part of any woman’s wardrobe. The negligee is traditionally a silky night dress and every lady should own lingerie that she feels sexy in.

15. One-piece swimsuit

One-piece swimsuits are classic and flattering on every body type. It may take a few tries to find your perfect match, but when you do, it’s a keeper.

16. Pencil skirt

Every woman’s closet should have at least one pencil skirt in it. They are super flattering, showing off curves while still maintaining professionalism.

17. Quarter-length raglan

A raglan is a shirt with three-quarter-length sleeves and are usually sporty in nature. (Think a baseball shirt.) They are casual, fun, and let you show your athletic side.

18. Running shoes

Every single human being should own a pair of running shoes. They’re great for the gym and for on-the-go. You can slip them on quickly and they’re always in style.

19. Stiletos

There is nothing more style-astounding than the stiletto. Just think, one delicate shoe balancing over a hundred pounds on a twig-thin heel. It’s super impressive. If you don’t own a great stiletto, get to it!

20. T-shirt

When it comes to comfort, a t-shirt is where it’s at. Every sista needs to have a handful in her closet. I recommend a plain white tee and a faded concert tee.

21. Underwire bra

Ladies, a good underwire bra is like a frosty can of Diet Coke: it lifts you up and keeps you going for hours.

22. Vintage

Vintage clothing items definitely have a place in any wardrobe. Ask grandma for that vintage leather belt in her closet or her vintage pea coat. Ever closet should have something vintage in it.

23. Wide-leg pants

Wide-leg pants will always fluctuate in popularity, but they’ll never go out of style. First exploding on the fashion scene in the 1970s, wide leg pants are still just as cool today.

24. eXotic animal print

It may be a tiny stretch (‘x’ is a tough letter), but X stands for exotic animal print and the boldest fashionista knows that her closet wouldn’t be complete without it. Leopard print, giraffe print, even zebra print can make a big statement when done right.

25. Yoga pants

Yoga pants have to make the list because they are basically the best invention known to man. A good yoga pant goes with you from the gym, to the store, and maybe even to bed with you that night. Basically, yoga pants can (and will) be worn all day long. Hey, blame their creators for making yoga pants so dang comfortable.

26. Zip hoodie

Finally, to end-cap my A-Z list, is the zip hoodie. Like it’s BFF the yoga pant, the zip hoodie is ultra comfortable, with a fuzzy lining and convenient zipper. In fact, the two are often seen together. The zip hoodie may not be suitable for a night on the town, but it’s the only thing you want to unwind to when you get home.

June 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

7 Natural Anti-Aging Hacks That Your Grandma Wishes She’d Known

Getting older is not for the faint of heart, nor is it something that you happily accept. Signs of aging can start in your mid-to-late 20s with the appearance of fine lines that just weren’t there a few years ago. Everyone gets older; the trick is to age smartly. Check out these cool natural anti-aging hacks that I’m sure your grandma wishes she’d known about.

7 Natural Anti-aging Hacks

1. Moisturize with aloe.

The aloe vera plant is one of God’s gifts to humankind. Who knew that a plant so hard and, well, ugly on the exterior could contain such a wonderful substance on the inside? Aloe vera is one of the most powerful anti-aging plants on the planet. It’s gel can sooth burns, treat acne, and help rebuild the skin’s collagen. Use it as your daily moisturizer for an anti-aging secret weapon.

2. Go mineral.

It’s no big revelation that sunscreen is your skin’s most potent defense against the sun’s harmful rays, but some sunscreens are more effective than others. Many people are making the switch to mineral sunscreen because they use natural ingredients rather than chemicals. Another reason to make the switch is that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide found in mineral sunscreens are naturally equipped to block both UVB and UVA radiation where most chemical sunscreens only block UVB rays.

3. Pass the vitamin C, please!

Most people know vitamin C for it’s immune-boosting powers, but it is also a serious contender against aging. Vitamin C has been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and prevent damage. In fact, vitamin C is actually found on the skin and is the skin’s most available antioxidant. But when your skin is exposed to too much sun, the vitamin C breaks down by 30%. That’s why it’s important to supplement with vitamin C.

4. Cut back on sugar.

Rather than invest in spendy anti-aging products, try starting with your diet. Most of us consume way too much sugar, which is a huge detriment to our skin. Did you know sugar consumption affects the aging process? It’s crazy, but true. Sugar molecules cling to the collagen fibers in the skin and cause them to lose strength and flexibility, leading to wrinkles. You want to slow aging the natural way? Cut back on the sugar.

5. Maintain a life-long fitness routine.

Physical activity has endless health benefits, one being the support of healthy, vibrant skin. While we can’t stop aging, we can support healthy skin cells by increasing blood flow to them with regular exercise. So there’s just one more reason to get moving—exercise is a powerful anti-aging pill!

6. Water it down.

Our body is about 60% water and our skin is the largest organ in our body. It goes to reason that drinking plenty of water gives your skin a radiant, healthy glow. But besides drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of H2O, you can also add water to your skin by moisturizing your skin within a few minutes of leaving the bath or shower.

7. See the glass as half full.

Speaking of glasses, you can either see one as half empty or half full. Being optimistic can decrease stress, increase positive self-image, and in turn, help you live longer. If that’s not anti-aging, I don’t know what is!

The 20 Best Weight Loss Foods To Always Have on Hand

Have you ever got the bill for an item or service you purchased and had no idea it was going to cost that much? Your eyebrows raise as your stomach sinks and you think, “Crap, how did that happen?” That’s exactly how I felt when I realized that I’d gained 60+ pounds with my third child. Whoops. How in the heck did that happen? Wait, I know exactly how it happened…too many cookies and junk food.

If you’ve joined my private Kylee’s Korner Weight Loss group (Ask to join! It’s a group of positive women who cheer each other on and it’s really awesome!), you’ll know I’m on a journey to shake some excess weight and the first step is to make some changes in what I’ve been eating. Sayonara cookies…here are the 20 best weight loss foods that I’m keeping stocked up on to fuel some serious weight loss.

The 20 Best Weight Loss Foods To Always Have on Hand

In alphabetical order, here are the most powerful foods to sizzle fat and boost metabolism!

1. Raw Almonds

If you are a crunchy snacker like I am, switch out your chips and crackers for raw almonds. They have a delicious, satisfying crunch and are a great source of mono and poly fats (the good kinds!). A 1/4 cup serving contains 160 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein with added benefits of calcium, folic acid, and iron.

2. Whole Apple

That old saying An apple a day keeps the doctor away continues to be on point. The big reason that apples are such a powerful health snack is that they contain pectin which naturally slows digestion and makes you feel full. A whole apple is only 95 calories with 4 grams of fiber. Eating an apple before a meal may help you consume less calories.

3. Avocados

Guacamole is basically a food group in my book and it’s a good thing that avocados are a superfood. Slice a half of an avocado and put on toast or in a salad and you’ll get 117 calories of super goodness. Studies have shown that avocados are linked to improved vision, good heart health, and a reduced risk of cancer.

4. Bananas

Bananas are a phenomenal weight loss food because they are loaded with resistant starch, a chain of glucose that isn’t digested by the body—it just passes straight through. The resistant starch in bananas (the less ripe the better) reduce appetite and lower blood sugar levels in your body, supporting healthy weight loss.

5. Beans

Magic beans made Jack’s beanstalk grow, but they can have the opposite effect on your waistline. Legumes like black beans and chickpeas are a killer weight loss tool. They are a low-calorie food that is loaded with protein and fiber to keep you fuller longer. Keep them stocked in your pantry to put in salads, burritos, and homemade dips. (Heck, you can even hide them in brownies!)

6. Blueberries

Fruits with dark purple skins, like blueberries, are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals and protect your body from toxins, sicknesses, and pollutants. Blueberries make a yummy snack and at just 80 calories for an entire cup, they are an amazing weight loss food. Put them in yogurt, breakfast cereal, oatmeal, smoothies, salads, or just nosh on them by the handful.

7. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny little soldiers that pack a punch. Don’t underestimate them based on their size—chia seeds may be tiny, but one tablespoon gives you 4 grams of fiber and enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium to make a big difference in your health. Chia seeds are great in salad dressings, granola, and add a fun crunch to yogurt.

8. Coconut oil

Coconut oil was trending before that term was even invented and although it’s been around for decades, coconut oil is making serious waves in today’s health world. That’s probably because it has less calories than other fat sources (like butter and vegetable oil) and is a source of healthy fats and medium-chain triglycerides which your body can easily digest and turn into energy, increasing metabolism.

9. Edamame

This little green soybean is so yummy, but don’t let its cuteness fool you—it’s packed with a blast of nutrition. One cup of edamame has 17 grams of protein (a 4-oz. chicken breast has 25 grams) and nearly every vitamin and mineral that your body needs: iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and calcium.

10. Eggs

One of the biggest secrets of body builders and sleek physiques is the egg. Eggs make a great weight loss food because they are protein-heavy (7 grams per egg) and support strong, lean muscles. Eggs also aid in brain development and memory enhancement.

11. Grapefruit

In the 1930s, Hollywood was raging over something they called the grapefruit diet. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, celebrities ate nothing but grapefruits, hoping to zap fat. Although perhaps a bit zealous, the thought behind the diet was and is still spot on—grapefruits are an amazing natural superfood. Grapefruits are low in calories and are 90% water so they fill you up. A compound found in grapefruits can lower the body’s insulin (the fat storage hormone) and can in fact help you lose weight.

12. Greek yogurt

Thick, creamy, and swimming with protein (17 grams per cup), greek yogurt is a very smart snack. Greek yogurt has three times the protein as an egg and can help you lose weight the healthy way. Substitute plain greek yogurt for sour cream, add it to smoothies and protein shakes, or add a teaspoon of agave to one cup of plain greek yogurt for a treat.

13. Grilled Chicken

If you’re trying to lose weight, you’d best become BFFs with lean proteins. Research suggests that eating more protein can help a person lose fat and maintain muscle mass. It is recommended that a 150-pound person consume about 110 grams of daily protein to lose weight and maintain muscle. One grilled chicken breast has 25 grams of protein. Grill a big batch and keep it in the fridge or freezer to add to salads, wraps, or just to snack on.

14. Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal is not only satisfying and filling, but it’s a huge metabolism booster too. Whole grain oats tote complex carbohydrates and fiber that keep you fueled longer than most foods. In just a half a cup, oats provide you with 9 important vitamins and minerals, 13 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber, and only 303 calories making it a nutrient-dense, low calorie food.

15. Popcorn

With three kids, snacking is a big part of my daily life as we run to and fro. Popcorn (not the movie theatre kind) is a great healthy snack that satisfies crunchy cravings. Popcorn is part of the whole grain family and is low-cal for the amount of space it takes up. Three cups of air-popped popcorn has only 93 calories and about 4 grams of fiber.

16. Quinoa

Quinoa isn’t just a superfood fad, it’s a smart option when you want to lose weight. This grain is kind of like an edible seed that is small but mighty. Quinoa contains nearly every amino acid your body needs and can hide in nearly every dish. Try it in salads, stuffed peppers, pancakes, and even cookies!

17. Salmon

My favorite “splurge” item at a restaurant is always salmon. It is delicious, rich, and filled with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that speed weight loss and support heart health. Salmon is a great protein source as well.

18. Sweet potatoes

If you have had to learn to love sweet potatoes, you’re not alone. This root vegetable grows on you, especially when you realize that just one sweet potato contains 438% of your daily vitamin A. Talk about superhero strength! So don’t just save sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner; put them on your weekly rotation.

19. Any and all Veggies

Mom always said eat your veggies and she was 100% right. Vegetables like beets, broccoli, and spinach are low on calories and ginormous on nutrition. Pack your plate with veggies and you’ll find yourself eating less and feeling fuller.

20. Water

Last but not least, and technically not a food, water is an vital part of weight loss. Ditch the sugary drinks and diet sodas and opt for the most natural, healthiest beverages on the planet: H2O. Drinking water can flush toxins from your body, curb over-eating, and skyrocket your metabolism.

What do tall of these foods have in common? They come from the earth, not a factory. Fill your fridge with these 20 power foods and you’ll feel more energized and more adept to lose weight and keep it off for good.

March 28, 2018 1 Comment

8 Spring Fashion Trends To Add To Your Closet

There’s something exciting about spring that makes us want to shake our hair loose and reinvent our personal style. Spring fashions are exciting! It’s time to wear lighter fabrics and playful colors. Maybe it’s the fact that the weather is warming up and the flowers starting to bud and bloom that makes spring the perfect time to refresh your closet. Here are this spring’s hottest fashion trends that are worth trying out.

8 Spring Fashion Trends To Add to Your Closet

1. Feminine florals

After wearing dark colors all winter long, florals are a welcome change, and it’s a good thing because they are totally in fashion this season! Everything from floral blouses, to dresses, to shorts—florals are fun and organic and you can get them any which way from printed to embroidered. A floral accent makes a great outfit pop!

2. This season’s color: lavender

According to Vogue Italia, lavender tops the list as one of the top ten color trends for spring and summer. This color is forecasted to dominate runways and collections giving this season’s fashion a lovely airiness.

3. Stripes

Stripes were all the craze at London fashion week, especially bold striped bottoms and cropped pants like these. As Rachel Zoe says, stripes never go out of fashion and this season be bold and rock those lines!

4. A simple blazer or jacket

One item essential to any closet is a well-fitted blazer or jacket. Spring months are especially unpredictable as far as weather goes, so having a fashionable blazer or jacket to slip on and off is both practical and stylish.

5. Play with layers.

Spring is the perfect time to play around with layers. Get creative with cardigans and a cropped tops with a blouse underneath. Layer an oversized sweater with a dress or a vest with a feminine top. Have fun experimenting with textures, lengths, and prints. I loved these smart ways to layer from winter to spring.

6. A spring maxi

The maxi dress has staying power. This season, look for off-the-shoulder maxi dresses, wrap maxi dresses, and high-low maxi dresses that show off just a bit of leg.

7. Nod to the 60s

The 60s will always be one of my favorite decades as far as fashion goes. High-waisted, wide leg pants, collared shirts, and drop waist dresses are making a comeback. Look for them in spring collections and your favorite retailers.

8. The long skirt

Long skirts are the new sexy and you can see celebrities and fashionistas wearing them pleated, patterned, and belted. Here are some great ways you can join the long skirt trend!

You can spot my favorite denim jacket in this post, along with some more fun spring inspiration. Happy spring!

March 16, 2018 1 Comment

Celebrate Spring with FREE Mrs. Meyer’s Seasonal Scents

Every year, I look forward to the return of spring.

Spring means finally planting the seeds I ordered this winter, drying linens on the breeze, and baking a pie with the rhubarb that’s popping up in my garden. It also means Mrs. Meyer’s spring scents are here!

I eagerly wait all winter to see which new scents will come out and for the return of old favorites. This year, the limited-edition spring scents are mint, peony and lilac.

I’ll tell you more about each scent in a second, but first I want to tell you how you can get your hands on them for FREE. When you place your first order of $20 from Grove Collaborative using this link here, you’ll get this free kit in your choice of scents:

+Free Mrs. Meyer’s Spring hand soap
+Free Mrs. Meyer’s Spring dish soap
+Free Mrs. Meyer’s Spring multi-surface spray
+Grove Collaborative Spring apron (new! Pink linen)
+Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial

Existing customers will receive free Grove walnut scrubber sponges, which are perfect for spring cleaning.

Mint is Mrs. Meyer’s new scent this year. Like all of Mrs. Meyer’s scents, it has a garden-fresh smell thanks to plant-derived ingredients and essential oils.

I put the mint multi-surface spray to the test the other night after I made salmon and asparagus for dinner. It gets rid of cooking messes and odors, and smells like a refreshing spring breeze — even though it’s still too chilly to have the windows open!

Like the multi-surface spray, the dish soap is super effective on tough messes. You only need the tiniest amount, so this bottle will last us well beyond spring. I usually shy away from floral scents because they often smell like perfume, but Mrs. Meyer’s peony smells just like a bouquet of lush blooms.

Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap has me hooked, so I always have a bottle in our kitchen and bathrooms. The soap is thick and rich, and the pump dispenser is much sturdier than the ones you get at the grocery store. When my husband tried the lilac scent for the first time, he said, “Wow! This smells like lilacs. What is it?” I guess it’s safe to say I’ll be ordering more of this scent!

One of the things I love most about this Mrs. Meyer’s trio — aside from the lovely scents — is that the bottles come in such cheerful colors. That’s also why I love this blush linen apron. It’s almost too pretty to use, but I’ve been wearing it for cooking and potting plants and it does a great job of keeping my clothes clean.

That’s exactly the quality I’ve come to expect from Grove Collaborative. They hand-select natural products that really work and deliver them (carbon offset) right to my doorstep, on my schedule. Plus, they have their own line of amazing household products.

To show you how much you can save by using Grove Collaborative, here’s an example of what your first cart might look like:

+Free Mrs. Meyer’s Spring hand soap – FREE
+Free Mrs. Meyer’s Spring dish soap – FREE
+Free Mrs. Meyer’s Spring multi-surface spray – FREE
+Grove Collaborative Spring apron – FREE
+Arm & Hammer baking soda – $1.59
+Bon Ami powder cleanser – $1.49
+Walnut scrubber sponges – $3.95
+Method daily shower spray – $2.99
+Grove Collaborative recycled plastic loofah – $3.95
+Grove Collaborative dish brush – $6.95
+Seventh Generation disinfecting multi-surface wipes – $2.99
Total: $23.91

When you place your first order of $20 using this link here, you’ll also be signed up for the free 60 day VIP trial. For 60 days, save even more with free shipping, free gifts, price matching, exclusive sales and personal service.

This offer is good until 3/18/2018, but don’t wait! Mrs. Meyer’s mint, lilac, and peony are limited-edition scents, and these kits always disappear fast!

How it works:

Sign up for Grove Collaborative here. You will receive Mrs. Meyer’s Spring hand soap, Mrs. Meyer’s Spring dish soap, Mrs. Meyer’s Spring multi-surface spray, Grove Collaborative Spring apron (new! Pink linen), Free Shipping & 60 Day VIP Trial for free when you sign up!

To receive this offer, your order needs to be a minimum of $20. Choose the combination of products and scents you love and receive your first box within a few days.
You made it! Click Finish & Pay and place your order.

We love our Grove membership so much! Happy Spring Cleaning,