Tag: Weekend

5 Fun Ways to Stay Fit This Summer

It’s summer which means that you have plenty of free time to try new things, but you also want to stay in shape and break the cycle of watching Netflix on the couch all day. Here are some fun ways you can get out of the house and get a workout in without going to the gym! Grab some friends or go alone and have a blast!

1—Walking tours. Anyone who travels a lot knows that exploring a new city requires a lot of walking. Even if you’re not going on a European adventure or trip through the Amazon, most cities have some type of walking tours. Look for ones that are free and you can do at your own pace. You can even make your own! You’ll see some cool stuff and burn off the calories from all the trendy new foods you’ll find.

2—Hiking. Look up the local trails in your area and you can make a whole day out of your hiking adventure. This is something you’re probably going to want to do with friends because it’s much more fun and safer to go out with other people. Don’t be scared off by long distance hikes, you can go at your own pace and bring lunch and snacks with for breaks. Make sure to bring a lot of water!

3—Swimming. No, this doesn’t mean going to the pool and taking pictures with your swan floaties for your latest Instagram post, I’m talking about actually swimming. Swimming is an excellent way to get a workout, stay cool, and soak in some sun. Just make sure to put on lots of sunscreen and be aware of your own abilities. I recommend buying tinted goggles because they’re literally sunglasses underwater. Look for bathing suits which actually allow you to swim without falling off!

4— Water sports. If you live by any type of water, water sports that involve paddling can be a great upper body workout. Discover nature, work on your tan, and take some friends along. This can be a really cool way to get to places not accessible by road and these adventures are usually very peaceful. Bring your phone along in a waterproof case and you’ll be good to go. Remember to be safe and wear lifejackets, especially if you’re not a good swimmer!

5—Biking. Want to explore but don’t feel like walking for miles? Biking is an excellent workout for your legs and can really get your heartbeat up. You’ll get to enjoy the summer air and have the flexibility to travel along roads and trails. Plus, you help save the environment by lowering carbon emissions! Bike sharing is becoming more popular in cities, so you can check out affordable options near you.

Try out any of these fun activities or have some suggestions to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

Finding a Summer Adventure Without Breaking the Bank

While this lovely season often makes us want to spend our days on the coast of some tropical paradise, that can often become a little difficult when we’re busy with internships or on a student budget. FOMO becomes a reality with all those Instagram stories of white sandy beaches. Even if you do have an exciting trip coming up, it may seem years away while waiting for it to come around.

Perhaps it’s time to break out of routine for a bit, take a little adventure, and fulfill some of that wanderlust. There’s so much around us that we often don’t think about. So pack a backpack and get out there. You’d be surprised what you can find close by when you just search for things to do. For trips like these, it can be best to dress light, along with some comfy sneakers for walking.

If you’re in the New York City area, one of my favorite places to visit is Old Westbury Gardens. It’s a historic mansion surrounded by a hundred acres of fields and gardens. You can take a tour, but we chose to just walk around the home and gardens as we liked. We walked through rooms of classic decor and bright maze gardens. There was so much to see that it’s easy to get lost, and it was exciting to explore the place with that in mind. It was so entrancing that I would often forget to take pictures. 

It was comforting to know that I could get so much of an adventure out of something that was “right in my backyard,” without having to spend all I had saved up. So don’t be afraid to get outside in order to get the most out of your summer. It’ll be gone before you know it!

Do you have any summer adventure tips? Let me know in the comments.

How to Start Your Week by Having the Perfect Sunday

We all know about the “Sunday scaries,” that feeling of complete laziness and panic about the week ahead. Well, it’s time to turn those Sunday blues into one of the most productive days of the week. No matter what your schedule looks like, it is important to jump start your week with the ultimate day and set the intention for the rest of the week. Here are a couple of ideas to kick start your week the right way.

1—Wake up with intention. The first and hardest step to having the perfect Sunday is getting up at a decent time. Although it may sound tempting to sleep until noon, don’t! Set your alarm for 8 a.m. with the intention of being productive all day. Allowing yourself to sleep until noon may set you in a slump for the rest of the day.

2—Drink your morning coffee/tea with a view. Coffee is basically human fuel. Morning coffee and fresh air make a great combination. Use this time to reflect on your day and what you want to accomplish. Always be sure to give yourself time to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while wearing your trendy pajamas.  

3—Brunch with the girls. Nothing says “I wish I was from the Upper East Side but am stuck in the middle of Illinois” more than joining your friends at a cute coffee shop for brunch. Although most people are generally busy, designate time to spend with your friends in a different atmosphere. Who doesn’t love sipping on a chai tea latte while updating each other on the latest gossip?

4—Make time for a workout. Allowing yourself time for a Sunday workout is ideal. Instead of laying on the couch all day, get up and move. No matter what type of workout interests you, be sure to treat your body to a healthy sweat session. Some of my favorite workouts are biking, yoga, running, and hiking.

5—Pamper yourself. Always make sure you are treating yourself, no matter what. Unwind by making time for a mani/pedi, face mask, or a bubble bath while reading your favorite book. Be sure to add some luxury to your Sunday by treating yourself.

6—Get organized. You are important, and your schedule is important. Nothing screams #GirlBoss like having the ultimate planner. Use Sundays to organize your thoughts and goals for the week. This also helps to get a better feel of how calm or crazy your week is going to be. Set aside some time at the end of the day to get your ducks in a row for the week. You’ll be surprised at how much smoother the rest of the week will go.

Sundays set the tone for the rest of the week. No matter what your schedule may look like, try to designate Sundays for yourself.

What are some of your favorite things to do on Sundays? What is your pampering routine? Let me know in the comments below!

The Perks of Having a Food Instagram

Working in a different city can be quite intimidating. Many college students are interning in cities that are not their home. However, summer internships are great opportunities for new adventures and exploration. How does one do this best? I created a food Instagram.  A food Instagram is a perfect excuse to go out and discover parts of a new city. There are so many perks to having this new kind of account.

What’s more enjoyable than a waffle cone? A sweet treat is one of the best accessories to a cute summer outfit. One of the best things about the summer is the time you get to spend on brunch dates or late night eats (when you are not working, of course). Having a food Instagram gives me the chance to find some hidden gems in the new city I am living in. That city is Providence. Not only is it the creative capital of the world, but it also has some of the best eats in the country.

My new food profile allows me to interact with so many people that range from friends to strangers. A meal brings people together. Any reason you can get to make memories, take it. My food Instagram certainly gives me that chance. It also gives me the chance to venture out and try new foods. It certainly can push you to be different and embrace change.

Creating a new food alias is super fun and super easy! If you love Instagram and a good bite to eat, you will definitely enjoy having such an account. More and more people are starting to create their own accounts and this delicious trend is something that everyone should try.

Go put on a pair of sunglasses, take a drive, and go start your food Instagram. Be sure to tag @CFashionista with both your sweet treat and your even sweeter outfit.

Traveling to Miami Like a Local and Not Spending Like a Tourist

I have lived in Miami for 15 years of my young life. When I moved up to Orlando, you better believe that I missed that “rachetera” more than anything. There is nothing better than waking up on a Sunday morning to your kitchen smelling of croquetas and pastelitos de guayaba y queso. But for those who come to visit Miami without staying at a fancy hotel on South Beach, I promise you that there is more to this city than revving the engines of rented Lamborghinis on Ocean Drive. But I guess that would be nice, too.

Many times I have had friends visit Miami and never truly enjoy it because of a certain bad experience. I get it, Miami isn’t the best place for your wallet, but here is how to visit Miami and enjoy it like a local.

Learn to Love Pitbull

Yes, we actually do listen to Pitbull. Anyone who lives in Miami and says they dislike him is lying, I promise. We know every lyric to every song and all secretly wish to attend his New Year’s Eve party. Don’t forget your chancletas; we’re going to live it up with Mr. World Wide.

Unless Your Budget Allows It, Don’t Go to South Beach

South Beach is what every non-Miamian thinks of when someone says they’re from Miami. “Do you live next to the beach?” “Do you party every night?” Absolutely not. Of course, we enjoy a good beach day or a good night out, and sometimes we just put the two together and call for a “pachanga.” For a good time, Brickell is the place to go. There are bars, good food, and, unlike downtown, not many sketchy areas. 

Watch the Sunset at the Beach 

Admittedly, this is not something I can say many people actually do. But the sun rises in the east so why not take a trip to the beach and watch the sky turn to gold. Take a blanket and a bae for a perfect start to your day.

Eat at Nice Restaurants But Don’t Leave Out the Average Ones

Miami is a top city in the U.S. so of course, many chefs have their famous restaurants here. Go on a girl’s night out to one of them but definitely do not forget to stop at the local spots. Miami has Sergios, Finka, Pincho Factory, and basically every food from every nationality you can think of. Warning: you will fall in love with croquetas, so eat as many as you can.

Get the Lingo

Yea, no. No, yea. Two very different meanings. You don’t have to learn Spanish when you come to visit—we can switch from Spanish to English en un segundo. But many times our slang comes directly from Spanish phrases and we don’t even realize it until a foreigner has to ask what we mean by “pero, like.”

Show us your favorite Miami spots on social media and tag @CFashionista.

How a True Foodie Travels

When exploring a new city, I don’t want to waste any time. Show me the cutest coffee shops and the best dinner spots. I want to know which parks are great for picnics and a long list of the must-see attractions. If we’re being honest, Yelp just doesn’t cut it for me. I want something more focused toward my age group. I’m looking for an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, a meal that shocks my taste buds, and at a reasonable price that allows me to consider ordering another round of drinks.

I recently went to Chicago for the first time and would dare to claim I hit the jackpot. By using my usual “travel tricks” I arrived at the airport with my iPhone notes filled with several spots I was dying to check out. All of them found with a little (or a lot) of help from Instagram. By using the app wisely, you can find amazing spots to check out no matter where your destination is.

1—Find local bloggers. Local bloggers are always hungry for the next It spot, and will always be sure to sniff it out first. They can typically be found frequenting at any and every Instagram-worthy restaurant, so don’t forget to pack your Polaroid camera and your Ray-Bans. Start your google search with “Chicago fashion bloggers,” and pick a few that appeal to your style. Don’t hesitate to scroll down for miles, they’ve probably ventured quite a bit.

2—Stalk foodie Instagrams. For this trip, I typed “Chicago foodie” into Instagram’s search bar and was definitely not disappointed. This led me to the majority of restaurants I tried, and boy, were they good. Popular foodie Instagrams have a great variation of restaurants which is much needed when you are dining with a large group or your family that’s all ages. Once your group has decided on a cuisine, simply stalk a place that looks delish and grab a cab!

3—Scope out the location on Instagram. Let’s say you find a brunch spot on Yelp that has 4/5 stars. Not entirely convinced? Find the restaurant’s geotag on Instagram to see what everyone is posting. Perhaps their signature dish is to die for, and those posting can vouch for it. Scrolling through these pictures always gives you a good taste of what to expect, as well as great suggestions for what to order.

4—Ask and you shall receive. Always, always, always call your location! That gorgeous rooftop bar might not open until 5 p.m, or is booked that evening for an event. Your brunch spot might typically have an hour wait on Sundays, but perhaps they let you call ahead and put your name down. You never know. The hunt for great spots doesn’t stop when you’ve arrived—it has only begun. Grill your server about her or his favorite spots, and maybe you’ll find a great hole in the wall. As we all know, Chicago is known for their deep dish pizza. And after our chatty breakfast waiter told us we were wasting our time if we didn’t have dinner at Lou Malnati’s, that’s precisely what we did. Definitely worth the massive food baby I developed after scarfing down slice after slice.

Last but not least, don’t forget your essentials. My personal favorite is this leather wallet from Rebecca Minkoff. It’s a wallet, phone case, and a portable charger all in one. Talk about a travel must-have.

So now that I’ve shared my secrets, you share yours! Comment below!

When East Coast Friends Come to the Golden Coast

Being from the SoCal has its perks—In-N-Out, close-to-home beaches, and constant sunshine. So why move across the country for college? It’s always good to get away from home for a while and experience something new, but it’s even better to have somewhere as beautiful as SoCal to come home to.

Recently, a friend from Boston came to visit the Los Angeles area. It’s not often that my East Coast squad collides with my West Coast life. So, here’s what to do when your East Coast buddies want to experience that SoCal lifestyle.

1—Go somewhere that is trendy and popping. It’s hard to choose just one because SoCal has so many new hot spots. My friend and I decided on the very Instagramable ice cream place, Little Damage. Black cones and ice cream had us feeling like ice cream is the new black. The key is to go at a time when the line won’t be too long. Final verdict: yum!

2—Give them some beach vibes. The East Coast has great beaches, but California’s are next level. Santa Monica is an incredible beach with great views and great attractions for the whole squad. And we can’t forget the sick sunset snaps or beachy Insta pictures. Nature is a beautiful sight to see!

3—Eat some food that is best in the West. Shake Shack ain’t got nothing on In-N-Out. Your East Coast friends will be begging for more “animal fries” once they get a taste of the West Coast delicacy. Or venture into the OC and try out one of the many food court style places, like Irvine’s Trade Food Hall.

4—Go where the celebs go. California is known as a place to go for fame and fortune. Los Angeles, the celeb sight seeing hub, is ideal for this activity. Take your friends and go to Beverly Hills, hit up The Grove or Melrose Ave, pine over all the boujee stores on Rodeo Drive, and search for Kylie at Urth Caffé.

5—Do touristy activities. Just because you have lived in the sunshine state your whole life does not mean that your East Coast pals won’t enjoy doing as the tourists do. So, go to the Pink Wall, walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and go to The Broad or LACMA.

Most importantly, show your East Coast buds why you love where you’re from. California has a great rep for a reason, and it’ll call for good summer memories if you have more of your friends coming to visit because you showed them such a great time.

If you’re from the Golden Coast, where would you take your out-of-state friends? Let me know in the comments below!

A Fashionable Fourth of July in the Hamptons

As soon as school lets out for the summer in the beginning of May, I start planning what I am going to wear for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. I look forward to these summer events all year because I get to celebrate on the beach with a cute outfit. Although this summer I am juggling a job, an internship, and summer courses, I appreciated getting the day off, dressing up, and relaxing on the Fourth of July!

I started the day off by grabbing lunch at Dockside Bar. After lunch, we ventured by boat to see some classic Fourth of July fireworks on the beach, which was an amazing experience. 

My red, white, and blue dress is actually from Target. I personally love Target because I find that the store carries a lot of trendy, high-quality merchandise at a good price. Being a college student on a budget, I am always looking for ways to save! 

I got both my sandals and bag from Tory Burch. I am a Tory Burch addict; I love how classy and timeless her pieces are. Although Tory Burch is a little pricey, her pieces last for years due to their quality. This handbag is the Pebbled Peace crossbody and has a removable strap so the user can make it into a crossbody bag, a clutch, or a makeup bag.

I love how it is versatile this piece is. It makes me feel like I’m getting more bang for my buck. This bag is the perfect size to fit all of my necessities. The hanging charm with the bird and hearts is an adorable touch to the bag. The bag I am using was actually a Christmas gift from my best friend Sarah! Since it is a few months old, it is no longer in stock, but Tory Burch carries a lot of similar ones if you are interested. 

I didn’t wear a lot of jewelry because I didn’t want it to get damaged or lost on the boat, but turned to the pair of diamond stud earrings and bracelets that I wear almost every day. I love pairing my gold Cartier Love Bracelet with my silver bracelet with a heart-shaped tag on a daily basis because they both showcase love and were gifted to me by people who are dear to my heart. Although some may say the metals clash, I personally like the dual-tone look I get from the combo.

To protect my eyes from the sun, I added blue Ray-Ban Aviators to complete the outfit.

I had an excellent Fourth of July weekend, and although it signifies the end of summer, I can’t wait for Labor Day weekend!

Let me know in the comments section what you did and wore this Fourth of July, as well as what you are planning for the next holiday!

The Perfect Outfit to Stay Comfy and Cute

Now that it’s officially summer and everyone is enjoying their breaks off from school, it is time to experiment and try new trends and styles. Summer is all about experiencing new things and meeting new people. Luckily, I am living in Charleston, South Carolina for the summer which has a mixture of great food, the beach, and wonderful fashion. Personally, I love to be bold when putting together my outfits. With it always being hot in Charleston, the selection is a little more difficult.

Two of my favorite things to do during the summer is going to brunch with friends or walking down King Street and shop. While looking cute, you also need to be comfortable as you can because you’ll be out and about on your feet all day. It is summer in the south meaning it is extremely hot and being by the ocean it can even get very humid. Wearing something lightweight is key here. Your feet may start to ache from all the walking and shopping so you want to be wearing a good pair of shoes.

You can never go wrong with anything black, so I chose for my outfit of the month a black T-shirt graphic dress. For shoes, I wore a pair of pom-pom platform sneakers that can make any outfit a little more casual. You can never go wrong with having too many accessories! Add some necklaces, rings, or bracelets to make your outfit more fun. Personally, for me, the finishing touch to a perfect outfit is a funky pair of sunglasses.

This outfit is perfect for any occasion. It can be dressed up with some jewelry or dressed down and thrown over a bathing suit for a beach day. Figure out whatever you like best so that you can rock it and feel your best!

What’s your go-to comfy cute outfit this summer? Let me know in the comments!

5 Cheap Things to do During Summer When You’re Bored

Most of us Fashionistas usually work all summer long but when we get that coveted day off, we stay home in bed while we watch Netflix because there’s nothing better to do. Being a college student means I don’t have a ton of money to spend on elaborate activities, so I’m here to give you five cheap ideas on what to do during your summer break if you’re stuck in a rut.

1—Mini photo shoot. Gather your friends and go to a random field with flowers, a hiking trail, or even your backyard and have a mini photo shoot! Not only will you have bomb photos, but you don’t need a fancy camera to capture candid moments. You can use a disposable camera, an instant camera, or even your phone camera! The great thing about this is that this activity is basically free, you have everything you need.

2—Go to a plant nursery. Going to a plant nursery is one of my favorite summer activities because it’s cheap and plants are eco-friendly, obviously. My favorite sections are the ones with succulents and cacti because they are aesthetically pleasing and they are low maintenance plants. It’s a win-win. Nurseries also make the perfect place for a photo-op which is always a plus. Grab your favorite sunnies and go!

3—Girls’ night in. What’s better than a night with Disney movies and buttered popcorn? Nights in with the girls means unapologetic sing alongs and shameless dancing. The only things you need to purchase are snacks and drinks. Go grab your favorite pajamas, blankets, and pillows and let the relaxing commence.

4—Free days at museums and zoos. In Denver, our local museums and zoos make admission free on the first Saturday of the month! It encourages patrons to go and learn about various things for free. I think it’s a great way to exercise the mind since we are out of school. Make sure you have a sweet water bottle to hydrate after all of that walking!

5—Be active. Living in Colorado means that I have access to some of the nation’s most coveted hiking trails that are virtually free. If hiking isn’t your thing, step out of your comfort zone and go cliff diving or swim in a lake! I wear my Tevas when I go jumping so that I don’t have to worry about the bottoms of my feet getting damaged.

What are your favorite summer activities that don’t break the bank? Leave a comment below!