With Insanity, you have to really motivate yourself because you have to do it 6 days a week or you mess up the schedule. I recently posted about how I lost 30 pounds doing Insanity so if you haven't read that, click here. I feel incredibly lucky that my office building has a gym where I take my laptop there at my lunch break and watch my Insanity videos while everyone else is using the machines in there. No shame. Gotta do it! The first thing that has helped me getting the motivation at work is wearing my sports bra under my chunky sweaters. This might not work for everyone but for someone with an A cup, no one can tell. :) Getting changed is half the battle so it really helps motivate me. A

Such an easy fall look. These jeans are pretty new since I needed some lighter color jeans for the fall, I got them at Zara. They do look a bit darker on Zara's website but these should be the exact pair. The shoes definitely run big so I sized an entire number down. I'm usually a 6.5 and I had to get a 5.5. That's why you saw me trying to sell my one pair earlier this year. It was so funny when I wore my 5.5 pair and people said they thought I sold them. No way! They are my favorite shoes I think I own. So cool and simple. Easy way to look stylish with just a bit of metallic. Paired with a simple collared H&M blouse. Viola! xo ela Wearing: Blouse | Jeans | Sunnies | Shoes Photography by Ste

My friends fiance recently asked me what items he should purchase because he needs to revamp his wardrobe. First thing I said was to get classic pieces that will last a while since most most men hate to shop and these pieces will definitely get some wear and tear. Neutrals are always easy and black as well because you can mix and match so easily and don't have to fuss around with patterns that don't go together. Most men really don't know how to match.. so the more classic of pieces they can get, the longer it'll last them and the easiest it will be for them to get dressed in the morning. I'm thankful that my boyfriend has a simple style and likes classic pieces because I don't know what I'd

Outfit posts are back after a one week hiatus due to some awesome DIY projects I did. Click here and here to check those out. Now on to this outfit! This DRESS feels way more expensive than it is. It is such a good price for this material and feels so airy. I love when that happens. I paired it with some white sneakers (for $12.99!) for a more casual look. I do have to say I wore heels wayyy more back in the day. Now I love dressing for comfort and I don't even have any kids yet... yikes. :) Wearing: Dress | Sneakers | Sunglasses (similar) Photography by Stephen Cheong Leen

I needed to redo this kitchen for yearssssssss but finally decided to pull the trigger. I first started with the backsplash tile, if you didn't see my backsplash tile painting post- click here. VIDEO of this project is at the end of the post. Whoever built this house loved the color pink so the backsplash tile had hints of pink, the countertop was a laminate pink, so we needed to get this gone. Years ago I read about Giani Countertop Kits and I'm pleased to say I finally used it and was surprised beyond belief. The kit gives you almost everything you need (minus a few things.) I used the White Diamond kit. Here's a picture of what they give you in the kit. Other than the kit, you'll need: -G

YOU GUYS! I am so excited about this. I thought of doing this on a Sunday and by Wednesday it was completed. (I only worked on it on Tuesday and Wednesday night.) In total it took me around 5 hours to complete this, not including drying times. I also painted Carrara marble countertops right after this..video below on the step by step process for both the backsplash and the countertops. Here's how I did the backsplash... THE BEFORE 1. I washed my backsplash with some hot water and a rag to remove any dirt or mess stuck on there. You can also clean it with rubbing alcohol after to insure everything is off but I just wanted to get started! (You'll learn I barely have any patience because I get

I've always stared at people's Instagram photos and was dying for a piece of clothing they were wearing or even wanted to recreate the whole outfit on myself. They FINALLY invented a way for you to find out where to buy the clothes and/or similar items and I've incorporated into my own blog as well! If you're ever wondering what I'm wearing in any of my instagrams, I've dedicated a page to just that. It's in the shop section and here is a direct link to go there. I'll update it often so you can find all the info you need right there and when you click on the item of clothing, it will take you directly to the site you can buy or view it online. In the event that the exact item I'm wearing isn

This outfit just screams summer. Why is it August already :( Off the shoulder blouses have been such a staple this year and such an easy way to make an outfit cute and trendy. I got this hat from Jcrew a few years ago so I linked it in hopes that it comes back to buy (I linked some others below that look similar just in case this one doesn't come back to life.) The hat just makes this outfit -it's all about the little details and accessories. Wearing: Shirt | Shorts | Shoes | Hat | Sunglasses Photography by Stephen Cheong Leen

I CANNOT believe it's already August. That means we need to soak up the rest of the summer! The running joke with my life is that I love being on elevated surfaces. Whether it's dancing on them or sipping a cocktail on a roof. Rooftops are my FAVORITE. Good views, feeling invincible, little girl syndrome I may have but I'll take it! There's been a few rooftops that have recently opened in Chicago and a few that are my all time favorites. Check these out! 1. Cabana Club at The Robey Chicago Hotel WICKER PARK Opened recently (I believe April) and it's amazing because its a little rooftop pool with drinks in WICKER! Apparently only guests from the hotel are allowed in the pool but anyone can c

I couldn't do outfit pictures without doing some at the beach. It's the calmest place in my mind and where I can relax the most. This striped dress is from Romwe, I linked a similar dress below because for some reason I can't find my exact one anymore! Paired with my fav sunglasses, you know by now.. and a great hat. I love this hat because it's not so stiff so it moves around well. Easy, simple outfit for a relaxing day. Wearing: Dress (similar) | Shoes | Sunglasses (similar) | Hat (on sale) Photography by Stephen Cheong Leen