Easy Dark Chocolate Coconut Granola Bars

Whenever Tom and I go on vacation, I tend to eat a whole lot of “whatever the heck I want”. You can be sure to find us sampling everything from sweet treats to local brews. Thankfully, calories don't count when your on vacation. If only right? In an attempt to keep our eating habits somewhat healthy, I like to pack homemade snacks. And our trip to Canada called for something extra special…

Dark Chocolate and Coconut Oatmeal Bars

Overboard: April Budget

Um so yea...I definitely spent much more than usual this month, by a lot. I would love to blame it on the Lilly Pulitzer for Target launch, but I've known about that for months so there is no excuse. I'm thinking that May might be a good time for my annual "no buy month", where I go the entire month without buying any clothes. For now, here is a look at my April spending.

ModCloth Oh Classy Day Hat 

  Original $20

Never really fancied myself a hat person, but this one called to me and has been perfect for all of my travel adventures. You will be seeing it a lot of it. See how I styled it here. 

Also, I'm not sure if I should me angry or happy with TJMaxx. I don't really know how I wound up in the shoe department, but they supplied my closet with flats and sandals for the season at a fraction of the original price! 

 Michael Kors Jelly Sandal 

   Original $70 Purchased via TJMaxx $35

 Lucky Brand Jeans Emmie Flat

   Original $60 Purchased via TJMaxx $30

Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal

   Original $70 Purchased via TJMaxx $25

Next I reacquainted myself with Old Navy. All the weight that I've been losing means that things are fitting differently. I normally wear a medium there so when the perfect dress was only available in small and large, I wasn't going to bother trying it on, but the small size fit! 

Old Navy Striped Teri-Fleece Dress in Dark Blue Stripe 
  Original $35 on Sale for $14

I actually originally purchased this dress for a little more, but it went on sale directly after. Old Navy honored the sale price and refunded me the difference. Great Customer Service! 

Old Navy Patterned Scarf

  Original on Sale for $12 with promo $7.44

Old Navy Maxi Tank Dress
  Original $30 on Sale for $20 

Loft Petite Curvy Skinny Jeans in Proper Blue Wash
  Original $60 on Sale for $30 with 60% off $12

I also placed a big order at Loft, including this blouse that I really wanted to work, but it was much too thin and sheer for my taste. The only items that I ended up keeping were these perfect pair of jeans and this bag for travel (different budget). 

You guys know that I am obsessed with all things Lilly so I definitely took part in the Lilly for Target Launch. My experience and my feelings with the whole crazy process are here. I've decided to keep all of the barware and beach goodies that I snagged, but most of the clothing items were a disappointment. I either wasn't impressed or had sizing issues when my items arrived in the mail so I only kept the following items.

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Embroidered Clutch
  Original $24 with 5% off $22.80 

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Satin Jumpsuit in "Boom Boom"
  Original $44 with 5% off $41.80

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Golden Pineapple Sandal

  Original $30 with 5% off $28.50

I totally thought that I was done for the month, but then I stopped into TJMaxx again for kitchen towels. Instead, I left with the most beautiful trench coat in my favorite color! No it's not pink...although I did pick up a pink trench in February. I'm obsessed with Sam Edelman shoes, so it stands to reason that I would love the clothing as well. I picked up this bold coral Sam Edelman trench for $60. It was fortuitous timing as this jacket was perfect for our Canadian getaway! Trip recaps & budget coming soon :) 

April Total: $316.54 

Yearly Total $1500-$50 [January]-$160 [February]-$75 [March]-$317[April]=$898 remaining for the year 

I've got less than $900 for the year, which averages at just over $100 per month, but I also have a J Crew order from this month. I've been traveling so I suspect it's been delivered to my place by now. If I keep anything from the order, I will share that in May, but I definitely think that next month needs to be a "no buy month". 

Linking up with Franish for Budgeting Bloggers

And We're Off!

Lately, the husband and I have been beyond busy. He is finishing up a project that has been a year in the making. And I just finished dealing with all the craziness and exams associated with the end of a semester. We have both been so stressed and anxious these last few weeks... 

Travel Hack: Travel on a Budget

Something that people are constantly asking me is how Tom and I afford to travel so much. And the answer to that question is pretty simple "we can't". We are both pursuing our doctorate degrees right now and school is our top priority so neither of us is working. Well technically, Husband works as a research and teaching assistant, but only because it is incorporated into his program. Regardless, we are definitely living the student lifestyle. To be quite honest, we can't afford much of anything, yet alone travel. But because our graduate schools are in different parts of the country, every time we see each other requires a plane ticket. This gets really expensive really fast! And to make up for lost time together, we do like to go on adventures to new places anytime that we have corresponding breaks. So if we can't afford it, then I bet you're wondering how we do it? 

We travel hack!

snapshots [4-21-15]

One of my favorite pieces to read from other bloggers are "Life Lately" posts. I find it so interesting to see all of the pieces that make up someone else's experience. You guys know that I love sharing snippets of my own life, so I thought that it would be fun to make this into a little series. Just another opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the small moments that turn into big occasions. On that note, here are just a few snippets from the past few days. 

#LillyforTarget

Today was the day that many of us have been anxiously awaiting. It's Pink Sunday! As you all know,  big news hit The Juice Stand a few weeks ago as Lilly Pulitzer and Target announced a collaboration. The bold prints and sophisticated style associated with the Lilly Pulitzer brand would now be available in an affordable location. Prepsters around the globe should have been rejoicing at such wondrous news, but instead there were a lot of negativity. 

Trending

There's no denying that the options are never-ending when it comes to personal style, but some fashion pieces have more popularity and staying power than others. As a 90's kid, I can recall my fair share of trends that would never fly now. Anyone remember the days of crimped hair and baggy jeans? It got me thinking about some of today's trendiest clothing...the pieces that I love and the ones that I hate. As a fashion blogger there is definitely pressure to conform to the "trendy factor" for the sake of generating blog traffic. But at the end of the day, I think it's important to remain true to an individual sense of style so I only purchase pieces that I truly love. On the other side of the coin, I thought that it would be fun to share some trending items that I hate....

Harpoon Brewery Tour

 When I was in Boston visiting Husband last weekend, we decided to swing by Harpoon Brewery. Tom has taught me an appreciation for craft brewed beer so brewery tours have quickly become one of our favorite things to do together. From Pale Ales to Porters--we love them all. Craft brewed beer is about seeking out diversity and creating new yet complex flavors. It's about exploring new avenues to create a better bolder beer. Craft beer has its own unique history and subculture, something that Tom and I have immersed ourselves in fully. 

Come join us!

When Life Gives You Lemons....

I cannot express how blessed Tom and I are to have both been accepted into doctoral programs, especially so early in our lives. Real life dreams coming true right here people! But we were tossed a big ole sour lemon when we realized that we would be attending schools in different parts of the country. Living apart isn't exactly ideal for a newly married couple, but these are the cards that we were dealt and we're making the situation work the best way that we know how. 

Snapshots of Easter 2015

I hope that everyone had an amazing Easter Holiday! I don't have Bright Monday off so unfortunately a good bit of my Easter was spent flying and driving back home, but it was worth it to have the opportunity to visit Tom in Boston this past weekend. I'm just popping in to share a few snippets from my Easter. 

Total Hipsters

Last night, the husband and I headed Downtown to Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art. The museum sits right on the water, providing exquisite views that add to its allure. On the first Friday of each month, the ICA hosts an event that offers a wide array of cultural experiences. It was the perfect place for a unique date night. As the sun set, we spent the evening discussing art, watching live performances, and drinking microbrews. After a night like that, how could we be considered anything other than Total Hipsters? 

My March Madness!

It's officially April and I'm ecstatic about it. Each day brings more beautiful blooms and warmer weather. Plus, I've got some big plans to look forward too. Seriously you guys, I can hardly contain my excitement. But before I get too ahead of myself, it's time to reflect on everything that happened during March.
 Fun dates, lots of Spring cleaning, studying, and making gains at the gym. This month flew by way too fast, so I'm taking a moment to pause and share my very own version of March Madness.

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis: (n.) a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism

Right now is a time in my life for profound changes. I'm transitioning from being a student to an actual doctor. I'm transitioning from an individualized mindset to realizing that others are counting on me. I'm moving towards a healthier more positive me. I'm changing into a better version of myself. 

My wardrobe is a form of self-expression so this dress is the perfect portrayal of my current life changes.