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Latest Obssesions: Fashion

| The Bee Life

With a lot of fun events coming up from bridal showers, to bachelorette parties, to weddings, and even engagement pictures at some point, my closet is in a serious need of an overhaul! I’ve always been a person who likes clothes, but never feel like I can pull anything off, well the things I would love to pull off.  Not to mention I pick pieces that’re for a specific event, and not cross-functional (especially my dresses!).  I have to many sleeveless dresses that I can only wear truly in the summer, I hate trying to find the perfect ‘cover-up’ for work  or other events when weather doesn’t permit. So here are some of my must haves for this upcoming event season and after!

Knee Length Skirts – One word. LOVE. Classic, elegant, and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.  They can even go from work to evening with accessories.  Knee Length skirts with high waits don’t work for everyone, but when pulled off correctly can give you a nice waist line and fabulous mood.

Knee Length Skirts - the bee life                                                                              01 | 02 | 03

Multiple-Occasion Dresses: What I love about these dresses is that you can wear them year-round and for different occasions whether it be a formal wedding, a date night, or in the office, you won’t be holding on to these to pull out every other year to avoid repeat photo opps.

Multi-Occasion Dresses - the bee life                                                                         04 | 05 | 06 | 07

Bags on a Budget: Since you’re spending so much on awesome skirts and dresses, save a little on the bag.  Plus if you’re like me, as much as I love the expensive bags I change my mind all the time about the size, shape, and color I want to tote around on any given day, so it just doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on these regularly! That’s why I like these bags on a budget to help in all aspects from traveling, work, even to nights out!

Bags on a Budget - the bee life                                                                             08 | 09 | 10 | 11

I am looking forward to doing some spring shopping and getting ready for all these fun events and parties and looking damn good at them!

Monday Challenge

| The Bee Life

After some last minute shopping this past weekend, one thing became VERY evident. There were very few happy or friendly people shopping… yes stores were packed and it was hard to maneuver, many people wouldn’t even look at you or say “excuse me” – no eye contact just moving around and pushing past one another, looking exhausted in line or annoyed with the rest of the world.  That isn’t very holly or jolly is it? Hardly.

Luckily I encountered two friendly folks over my weekend shopping, but only because I wasn’t afraid to make conversation or acknowledge them – it was refreshing to exchange kind words with a send off of “Merry Christmas!”
Merry Christmas - The Bee Life - emilyboylan.comI was reminded early in the Christmas season, that we are often discouraged to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in fear of offending someone or political affiliations.  But when you listen to any classic song Christmas and Christ are all over them .  So I have made it a point to say Merry Christmas as much as possible.

So here is my challenge to all of you, over the next four days; say Merry Christmas to as many people as you can, in passing, at the store, over social media – share the love! Even easier yet, just look at a stranger smile and say hello.

Hello and Merry Christmas!

Fitness Friday

| The Bee Life

This week’s Fitness Friday is all about partners. When you’re in need of some motivation, having someone there to encourage and push you is sometimes the best solution.

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Fitness Friday – The Bee Life http://www.emilyboylan.com

 

1. Join a Group Class – I was always nervous to join group classes, it was intimidating to walk into a class where there was groups of girls or the regulars who knew everyone and what to expect.  I got over that quickly, because I loved my instructors and the motivation they gave to me, not to mention they helped me refine my technique.  I don’t think I’ll ever get over the nervousness or intimidation walking into a new place, but having tested the waters with a few different class types (spinning, boot camp, etc.) I’m a little more prepared and excited to have someone tell me exactly what to do!

2. Find a Running Buddy – Whether it’s a spouse, coworker, or friend, find someone who will want to stay on track as much as you do. I tend to run better because we push each other to run a little farther or faster when we’re slowing down. This is especially helpful when you’re running in a race.

3. Regular Check-In’s – In the same vein as finding a running buddy, having someone to have somewhat regular check-in’s, will help hold you accountable and encourage you to get that workout in you might be more inclined to skip for one reason or the other.  Being honest is the most important part if you want to have success.

4. Find Inspiration on Social – You may be surprised by how many free workouts and free motivation are available right on your Instagram feed.  Short videos show workouts for you to replicate at home in a comfortable setting and quotes can inspire you to kick butt on your workout that day. Here are a few of my favorites:
@alexajeanfitness – short workout videos and her healthy lifestyle
@harnesscycle – a local spot that sends out sweet motivation
@nickhounslow – a stud as seen on E!s Hollywood Cycle;

If you don’t have a strong support system, whether it’s at your gym or fitness class or at home or friends – it’s important to try and find some.  The more motivation you have and people checking in on you the more likely you’ll be to finish the workout.

TGIF!

 

Throwback Thursday – Christmas

| The Bee Life

Since we’re just about at that week away point for Christmas, I wanted to share a little TBT of past Christmas’ a look back at the memories and traditions, and oh how I’ve changed over the years!

What I love about the holidays is making cut out cookies with my mom on Christmas Eve, listening to Christmas music non-stop and still having the same reaction whenever Mariah Carey’s – All I Want For Christmas comes on (which is getting so excited and belting it out!) I love getting excited to walk down the stairs in the morning to see all the presents (Yes, Santa is real). I love our big family parties we have (always after Christmas) – I love going home to see my family and dear friends and I love getting dressed up for Church and singing at the evening mass. I love the waffles and bacon my parents make for brunch on Christmas morning, now with mimosas! I love eating cut out cookies as soon as we go downstairs before any present opening commences. I love opening our stockings! I love when there is a fresh coating of snow on Christmas morning. I love the new traditions that’re being created, and I love remembering the old!

The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com
The Bee Life – Christmas TBT http://www.emilyboylan.com

Let the countdown commence!

Fitness Friday

| The Bee Life

Happy Friday! And I’m happy to introduce the first, Fitness Friday! Coming to you live every other Friday with tips and check-ins on your progress and goals (and mine!) and even some tips to help stay in check especially as the holiday season is right around the corner, literally!  And with those holidays, colder weather and darker nights – not the ideal conditions for motivation.

seasons greetings from the mckenzie's

Here are some easy tips to remember:

  1. Drink Water: If you aren’t drinking water consistently throughout the day you’re going to be paying for it later on.
  2. Dress for the part:  If you have cute workout clothes and new sneaks you’ll want to make your investment worthwhile and get sweaty!
  3. Stay focused, but mix it up:  Know the areas you want to work on and focus on those whether it be your arms, abs, butt, legs or all of the above – but remember your muscles will get used to and immune to the same 5 exercises so mix up the routine and add new workouts to your sets!
  4. Stretch: I recently took a 30-minute yoga class during lunch and I can’t tell you how much my body needed that, it was amazing!  If only I took a little more time (regularly) to stretch, my body and tense muscles would feel 10x better.  I’ve felt the difference the entire week since.
  5. Stay consistent: Getting into a pattern and routine is half the battle, as soon as you get into a groove, you won’t want to miss a beat!  The quicker you can start being consistent, the more likely you’ll be on your way to success.

Happy Friday!

Hosting Thanksgiving

| The Bee Life

Although I won’t be hosting a big thanksgiving dinner… maybe one of these year’s I’ll have the honor – that inner hostess in me can’t help but get excited at all the fun and easy ways to make an impact on your family and friends this upcoming meal.  Here are some easy ways to make this holiday personal and unique.

Name Tags: this is your time to get creative and personal, the more unique you make this, the better chance you have of making a genuine impression on guests.

  • Mini pumpkins are easy, inexpensive and cute as a place setting – paint the person’s first letter or name, they can even take these home as a keep sake.
  • Write each of your guests a person note upon their arrival at the table, tell them a few things you’re thankful for in regards to them and your relationship.
  • Find some free downloadable name tags like the ones here to print out and customize!
http://www.eleganceandenchantment.com/free-printable-thanksgiving-place-cards/
http://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/crafts/thanksgiving-tabletop-crafts/

Accents: mixing up different napkin patterns and glasses gives the dinner an eclectic look, it will also add a layer of effortlessness to the occasion and not make it feel so stuffy.

http://apartment34.com/2013/11/how-to-set-the-ultimate-holiday-table/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Apartment34+%28apartment+%2334%29
Rick E. Martin/Mercury News Styled by Vicki Thorne, napkin setting of a traditional Thanksgiving theme, with a vintage linen napking tied in a 1940’s millenery ribbon with miniature indian corn.

Ambiance: candles, lighting and music will also add an element to your entertaining.  My personal picks for music would be of the Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra era on Pandora.  A scattering of candles around the table and seating areas will add that cozy, welcoming feel.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spiced-wassail
http://fabyoubliss.com/2012/11/08/inspirational-holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas/

With the big day almost a week away, there is still plenty of time to put the finishing touches on the menu and the table!  I can’t wait to host a dinner one of these years and start new traditions while incorporating old.

Mini Apple Pies – The Recipe

| The Bee Life

After hosting our brunch, I found these Mini Apple Pies were the perfect, hand-sized treat for party goers, no mess, easy and delicious! So I just had to share the recipe with all of you, either for a fun and easy weekend treat or an upcoming tray to bring to Thanksgiving!  Of course, I first found the idea for Mini Apple Pies on Pinterest – but quickly adapted the recipe based on my mom’s go-to apple pie recipe! I did try and attempt to make these with the homemade ‘push’ crust (see original recipe below), that did not workout, so I was forced to make a normal sized pie (which turned out amazing!) … after testing and trying, I think I found the perfect combination of crust, filling and topping.

Ingredients Overview

Directions: 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  • Will make 24 Mini Apple Pies

Crust:

  • 2 boxes of Pillsbury Pie Crust (they come in 2-packs)
  • Take a wide coffee mug (I used a Starbucks mug – or a mason jar) to cut your circles for each pie crust, try to get 6-circles out of one crust
  • Grease cupcake pans
  • Place circles into cupcake openings

Filling:

  • Skin and chop apples (6-large apples) I used McIntyre
  • Top 1/2 cup sugar and 1-teaspoon cinnamon with a pinch of salt over chopped apples
  • Fill your cupcake tin with filling

Crumb Topping:

  • In a mixing bowl; use 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of flour
  • 1/3 cup of butter
  • Mix until forms pea-sized crumbs
  • Sprinkle generously over each mini pie

Bake for 18-20 minutes – once cooled, use a fork around the edges and they should glide right out!

Enjoy!

Original Recipes: Genesee Valley Apple Crumb Pie (NY State) || Mini Apple Pies

Race Cancelled.

| The Bee Life

Today I received an email from the Rock n’ Roll Marathon series informing me that they are cancelling the upcoming race that is nearly a month away!  I am so disappointed. Also, I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of a race, especially of this stature being cancelled so late in the game! They said it was cancelled due to “low levels of participation and local support.”

http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/cleveland

I had originally planned for this to be my last half marathon, but now I feel like I still need to run one more. I really enjoyed the Rock n’ Roll Marathon series, when it was in Cleveland last year, plus it was the Inaugural race in Cleveland, so it’s really a shame they they couldn’t keep it going for a second year.  The energy of the race and atmosphere was amazing! So I would like to try and find another RnR series… just now in a different city.  I am going to try and continue on with training (not that I have been doing a very good job) but also work to get more cross training into the mix.

Before I received the news of the race being cancelled, I had drafted this…

I made double digits this past week in training!!  But that is just an excuse I still missed out on 6 miles… I need to keep working up to more miles each week.

Week 6 Training – Recap

Monday – 4 miles

Tuesday – 2 miles or cross

Wednesday – 4 miles + strength
Complete – 36:28

Thursday – Easy Run

Friday – Rest

Saturday – 6 miles
Complete – 54:55

Sunday – Strength

Week Total Miles: 10 miles

Also, I got new running sneakers (thanks mom!), because I get black toe nails/loss my toe nails (sorry – TMI!) every half-marathon and training.  My aunt who is an avid, long-distance runner wears a size larger to help avoid that… which surprisingly for as long as I have run and as many races as I have completed, I haven’t heard that!  How many of you runners out there run with a size bigger to avoid black toe nails? Any other tips or tricks?

Happy Running!