Expectations

I saw this and immediately related to it. There have been numerous times in my life when I had to stop and think to myself "am I expecting to much?", wondering if I ask to much of my friends. Then I realize that there is nothing I ask of them that I wouldn't do for them x10. At 20 years old I know that all the true friends I have in my life are amazing people and I'm so grateful everyday because I know I couldn't make it without them. I'm not talking about that friend who claims to be your "best friend" but you only hear from when they need something or when there is something fun going on. I'm talking about the kind of best friend who knows when something is wrong after 15 seconds of conversation, who calls you to tell you about funny/sad/happy thing that happened to her that day, the friend that is always there for you no matter what. Appreciate the real people in your life, they're hard to find.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2011

If you don't watch the Victoria's Secret Fashion show every year, you are seriously missing out. There is absolutely no denying that these women are gorgeous, they are a perfect mix of confident, sexy, and classy. I'm always afraid to blink while watching incase I miss something (thank god for my PVR). But I'm not going to lie, I think they would look a lot better with an extra 5-10 pounds on them. Regardless, the show always always ends up providing a little extra motivation to hit the gym harder, even though looking like these girls basically seems genetically impossible. 

Adriana Lima in the super-hero themed portion

Candice Swanepoel during the ballet-themed portion

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Miranda Kerr wearing the Fantasy Treasure Bra worth $2.5 million

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It Has To Stop

Bullying has to stop.

Be nice to everyone you encounter, you never know what they are going through.

Studs

Who wouldn't want a studded bra? Potentially a cute DIY.

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Winter Basics

Such an easy and cute go to outfit. I love the sheer, nude blouse paired with leggings/black skinnys and black booties. 

I'm absolutely loving knits this winter, they can be dressed up or down and are always cozy.

I've been trying to find a flattering pair of high-waisted skinnys this winter, no luck yet.

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OPI

Newest additions to my nail polish collection...

It's My Year

Flurry Up! Top Coat

My nails are currently coated with Midnight in Moscow (OPI) and Flurry Up! top coat.

Giovanna Battaglia

"The lower I feel, the higher the heel"

Shoes

Speaking of ShoeMint, I want these so bad! And they are a part of the ShoeMint lineup that is soon to be released.

ShoeMint

If you have ever heard of StyleMint or JewelMint, then you will probably be excited to hear they have now created ShoeMint. ShoeMint will be full of designs by Rachel Bilson, stylist Nicole Chavez, and co-designed by Steve Madden. Personally I cannot think of a better combo. I love Rachel Bilsons natural and effortless style, and I also happen to love Steve Madden's shoes. So with the two of them together, it couldn't get any better. ShoeMint is still in the process of launching but keep your eye out for it because the site officially launches November 25!

30 Day Challenge: Update

Day 30 was yesterday, all done the 30 day challenge. I wish I could say I completely it successfully, but I definitely did not. I completed 11 consecutive workouts, but after that it kind of fell apart. Between midterms, assignments, and other commitments, it was difficult to make it to the gym everyday. On the bright side, I have made it to the gym on a much more regular basis in the last month then I have in a long time, and thats a step in the right direction. I'm heading to Mexico in 5 1/2 weeks so hopefully I can get myself in some sort of beach body shape before then.

This Nike ad made me smile...not everyone is built like a model.

Boots

Winter in Edmonton may be pretty, but it's also always cold, long, and snowy. One of the only benefits of long and cold winters is that I have an excuse to shop for boots. 

These are the boots I wanted....

Ash Trash Biker Boots in black leather, priced at $385.00

A little unreasonable considering my student budget. 

So, I ended up with these instead...

Steve Madden Banddit Boots

I purchased them for $190.00 at Towne Shoes but the Steve Madden store sells them for $169.95. I really wish I lived in the U.S for shopping purposes. 

The $190 was a little more then I wanted to spend but it's so hard to find boots I actually like. I have 14 days to return/exchange so we'll see if I can find something I like just as much for a cheaper price before then.

Christmas/Valentines Day

I know it's not even Halloween yet, but I saw these and had to re-post because they are so cute and such a good DIY gift idea.

-heat oven to 350F

-line cookie sheet with parchment paper

-lay candy canes as shown in picture below and place a stick in-between

-place in oven and keep a constant eye on them, remove at first signs of melting and crackling on top

-quickly and carefully push melted candy onto the stick at the top and bottom

-let cool

-melt chocolate and spoon into the middle 

-wait a few minutes before adding sprinkles or crushed candies to prevent them from sinking to the bottom

-let cool

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Poseidon Undersea Resort

The above picture is from the Poseidon Undersea Resort located in Fiji. Yes that's right, it's an underwater hotel. It is located on "Poseidon Mystery Island" and if you can afford the $15,000US per person then I highly suggest you look into this. Some highlights of vacationing with Poseidon Undersea Resort are, once you land at the airport in Fiji you are picked up by a pilot and flown in a private plane to the Mystery Island, four nights in a luxury beach/over-water villa, two nights in a luxury under-sea suite, walks on the Lagoon floor with their Sea-Trek system, and many other very cool things. If you have $15,000 kicking around then you should definitely check out the Poseidon Resort.

Red

I love this picture. The bright red skirt and heels are gorgeous. Too bad for me I could never wear a skirt that length paired with heels that cut off around the ankle, I'm only 5'2 and it would make my legs look shorter then they already are.
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Yum

So just to contradict my last couple posts, I'm hoping to make these babies soon....

Those are rolo brownie bites, don't they look delish?

-1 box fudge brownie mix

-24 Rolo candies plus extras for the cook's snack 

-4 TBS. butter, softened at room temperature 

-4 oz. cream cheese, softened at room temperature 

-2 TBS. caramel sauce

1 cup confectioners sugar 

-refrigerate rolo candies

-preheat over to 325F

-prepare brownies according to package directions

-grease mini muffin tin and fill each cup 3/4 full with batter

-bake for 15-20 min, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

-remove from oven and immediately press a rolo in the center of each brownie until the top of the rolo is even with the top of the brownie

-allow to cool

-whip butter and cream cheese together until smooth

-add caramel sauce and blend

-add confectioners sugar and whip until smooth

-pipe frosting on each brownie and allow to chill before serving

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30 Day Challenge

This is my 30 day challenge. For the first 10 days I'll do one set a day, for days 10-20 I'll do two sets a day, and for the days 20-30 I'll do three sets a day. This is what I call a "no excuses" workout, it can be done at the gym or at home so no excuses! Also maintaining my regular gym work four times a week on top of this. I have huge issues with commitment when it comes to working out so wish me luck!

Regret

I need to keep this reality check in mind. Working out is painful for me, I hate going to the gym. The treadmill is easily on my top 10 enemies list. But, being healthy is so important. Twenty minutes spent on the stupid treadmill is better then zero. I know that in the end I won't regret it, but I will probably regret the cookie I ate that day. 

Neuschwanstein Castle

This is the Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria, Germany. This castle has the perfect picturesque setting amidst mountains and lakes. The construction of the castle began in 1869 but was still not completed by the time of King Ludwig II's death in 1886. Almost 60% of the rooms are unfinished, but the 40% that are completed look absolutely beautiful. I would love to see in person one day, especially in the winter as the snow makes it look even more charming. 

Fun fact, it was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle in Disneyland.

A.D.Z

This is a place where I'm going to post things that inspire me, motivate me, or make me feel any sort of happiness.