There's no place like home

The weekend before last I went home to Richmond to spend time with the fam before heading off to Kiev, Ukraine in 2 weeks. I love going home, not only because of the escape from the reality of tests (haha and you thought college was the escape from the real world..) but also because when my family gets together we can have fun doing really anything (including shopping, which we did). 

My sister surprised me (on accident) and came down from Arlington as well so it was a fun family gathering. We went to the mall, of course, because Becca needed some business clothes for work (typical YP) and we also bought some shoes and a gel manicure set. (updates later for how that went) 

Maddie Potter..as we like to call her! This is how I relax at home haha

Since then I have been super busy studying for midterms and preparing to go to Kiev for Spring Break. I am going home on Friday for a day and a half before I have to be back in Cville at 5:30 am for the bus ride to JFK International Airport. I am going to need a lot of Tylenol PM and Benadryl to get through the 8 hour bus ride and then 10 hour plane ride to the Ukraine. But before then I get to go home, spend some time with my adorable puppy and family before they ship me off to the former Soviet Union.

Can't wait for Spring!!!

Can't wait for Spring!!! by arielleffron featuring long earrings

Madewell
$98 - madewell.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors white skinny jeans
$80 - nordstrom.com

Nine West high heels
$90 - nordstrom.com

Longchamp tote
$145 - nordstrom.com

Alexandra Beth Designs gold bangle
$90 - maxandchloe.com

Kate Spade long earrings
$58 - couture.zappos.com

Would you be my valentine?

So of course this year already I have seen many male college students gearing up for Valentine's day...not getting me flowers and chocolates..but personally I don't need them. I have my own Valentine-- my sister Becca! (Plus let's be real I don't need the calories..)

But for this Valentines day, I am going to treat myself to a pink and red day! All the pink and red items I would love to have in my room (and considering my favorite color is red..this won't be too hard for me to think of as they are going to be on my bank account)

I have been staring at these pumps for weeks....(maybe Valentines Day gift for myself?)

Betsey Johnson 'Caseyy' Pump

If you aren't boring, why should your Kitchen Aid mixer be?

Even though apparently you are more likely to get speeding tickets, a red BMW convertible wouldn't be so bad of a Valentines Day gift ...

And of course I NEED a red scarf to wear as I drive in my new convertible..

Juicy Couture 'Wavy Stripe' Scarf

And what every girl seems to want on Valentines Day, I want these rings, which may not be red, rose, or pink, but they are part of the Ariella collection which only seems appropriate and meant for me. I have also been wanting stackable rings for a long time.

Ariella Collection Multi-stone Stackable Rings

And last but not least.....my partings words for Valentines Day

What We See..

If I'm exercising, I better look damn Good!

I I'm exercising, I better look damn Good! by arielleffron featuring lightweight shoes

NIKE slimming pants
$60 - bloomingdales.com

Under armour
underarmour.com

NIKE lightweight shoes
$90 - nike.com

Pulse Watch
$85 - puma.com

New Health Kick

On March 31st, I am going to be participating in the Monument 10k in Richmond. In order to even possibly think about the idea of jogging about 4k of this race, I am going to need a little health kick (the obvious being exercise and food). I usually am a pretty healthy person, so it's really the running training that is going to come into play here.

I ran for the first time yesterday in months (and when I say run I mean walk/jog interval) and it felt so great! Last spring to run a 5k I used the couch 2 5k training plan and it worked really well. 9 weeks to jogging a full 5k. I have less time this season and no room for shin splint excuses so I am going to kick start my training starting in the second week, since I am not totally out of shape. I even splurged and bought the app on my iPhone for $0.99.

As far as the eating goes, I am going to have to be careful as we do buffet style here at the Zeta house. No seconds and lots of salad for me. This season it is going to be all about making the right choices. These are my favorite recipes and foods I am hoping I'll be able to make and eat while getting into shape!

Luna Bars

There are a ton of different kinds (my favorite being Chocolate Peppermint Stick and Vanilla Almond) and they are stacked with protein and other great ingredients for women. Whether you are on the go or just need a good mid afternoon snack to fill you up - these are great! (I really want to try the new Peanut Honey Pretzel!)

Fage Greek Yogurt

The best greek yogurt!! Again lots of protein and it fills me up from about 8:30am to 1pm. Plus the fruit and flavors aren't already mixed in so when you do its fresh and yummy!Just make sure you get the 0%.  If you don't feel like buying a bunch of little yogurts, you can easily get one of those large containers of plain greek yogurt and some frozen berries. Defrost the frozen berries and put in the yogurt and you are good to go!

Honeybunch Mango Chicken

I would love to make this if I had a real kitchen here...but it looks delicious! (Maybe over a break or when I go home..)

Fresh peppers are one of my new things that I love to snack on. Especially the yellow and orange ones!

Add some hummus and it's a great mid-afternoon snack.

Frozen Greek Yogurt

I haven't had this but found out about it through Hungry Girl. A great substitute for that pint of Half Baked Ben and Jerry's that you know won't last longer than 2 days and it isn't like those low-fat low-sugar ice cream sandwiches that are filled with chemicals!

Well here's to another new year's resolution that hopefully won't end after March 31!