(Let's Have A) Moment Monday

Hey guys!  Ok, so I know that Mondays are usually reserved for sparklegasms, but I need to have a moment with you all.  So, as you know, I've been moving this past week.  And it's been redonk.  Like pretty much everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong.  I've been yo-yoing between work, school, and moving, and since the beebs was gone for a week long trip for work, I was doing everything by myself.  Definitely hard.

Since I was so busy, I basically did nothing but go go go non-stop.  So, obvs I did not have time to go to the gym (I did do a lot of heavy lifting with the moving so it totes counts right?).

But here's the moment I want to have.  I missed going to the gym.  I.  Missed.  The.  Gym.

Hold the Phone bro.  Hold the Phone.

For someone who's meh about her fitness routine, this was a total shock.  I've never missed the gym.  I've never even liked the gym.  But last week, I was driven even more crazy by the fact that I couldn't go pound out some frustration at the gym.  And the only thing I've been pinning is stuff from the health and fitness section of Pinterest.  What the hell is wrong with me?

I guess all these fitness bloggers on the web really know what's up.  

Even though I still totally love having my margs and yummy delicious foods that aren't necessarily good for me, I've decided that I, Kendyl Taylor Work, love really like the gym.  This is a revelation.

So I just wanted to let y'all know that I, while I won't be a complete fitness blogger (I'm not that intense haha!), I am going to start posting a bit more fitness-y things.  Other than dance, I've never been a person who works out or eats the healthiest.  So I'm in the dark here.  So I will be starting to post my journey of sorts, maybe some cool recipes and shit like that.  Although, as stated before, it will probably be a slightly cynical journey.  But now I'm at least motivated to keep going to the gym.  Woo!

I promise next week, Monday will be back to awesome sparkles of justice.  See ya tomorrow for my review of my most recent KlutchClub box!

~K

Long Time No See!

Hey kiddy-kiddos!  So sorry I've been MIA.  This move has for serious been from hell.  On top of that, we didn't have internet until today.  Let me repeat:  To.  Day.  Verizon suriously dropped the ball.  They connected our service Tuesday but they forgot to send us a router!  Finally got here yesterday, but we had to have someone come out and connect it for us.  It was kind of intense actually because he had to legit climb a telephone pole behind our yard!  I was like, ok, fucking Spiderman....

Anywho, Verizon needs to get their shit together for the next time I'm without internet because I have been waiting FOUR whole days to watch Dance Moms.   What the hell is that mess? And even longer to watch last week's episode of Mad Men.  Is anyone else actually feeling sorry for Megan "Horseface" Draper?  Because I am.  I think it's because Don is cheating on her with an uglier woman.  I have a whole rantfest about Mad Men planned for a post next week, so don't worry.  I just wanted to let y'all know I'm still alive and I didn't forget about you :D

I'll be posting recipes and all sorts of cool shit soon- I have been brainstorming up a ton whilst without the interwebs.  Be prepared.  Unfortunately, I have schoolwork to catch up on (another thing you can't do without the internet.  Online School) and unpacking to do, so I'll see everyone on Monday!  Maybe I'll even post pics to prove my genius level interior design scheme.  I so missed my calling in life ;)

Talk to you soon!

~K

Thank you, Anonymous

As I explained in my Monday post, this week has been a little cray cray.  Moving is tough no matter how prepared you are for it!  Add in weird work hours (I got in at 6 this morning!!) and finishing up final projects for school and you have a recipe for disaster.  I'm sorry that I haven't posted since Monday my dears.  Next week will be better because I'll be all settled :D  Finally.

But this is necessary.  I feel the need to say Thank You, to someone I don't even know.

Yes I must say thank you with giraffes.  Duh.

Last night, my boyfriend called me up after he got off of work late (6:30ish) and said he wanted to surprise me and take me out to a nice dinner.  How sweet of my beebs!!  So I got all dressed up, and we headed over to one of our fave oyster bars in Va Beach- Chick's Oyster Bar.  BTW, they have the BEST blackened  mahi tacos ever.  And a delicious mango vodka drink called a mango crush.  I would highly recommend.  We had to be careful because Craig was in his whites from work!  I'm such a messy eater...

Anyway, we were having a great time, and dinner came to an end.  Craig gave the waitress his card to pay.  About 5 minutes later she came back and said "Someone paid for your meal to thank you for your service to this country".  

It. Blew. My. Mind. 

I have never experienced such kindness first hand.  As far as I was concerned, such a random act of kindness was relegated to blogs I read from afar.  I've never experienced such a big RAK.  I know it wasn't just for me, it was for my amazing boyfriend, but I was a part of the experience.  I've never been so proud of him, or of people who appreciate the service members of this country.  Especially in light of the horrible acts in Boston earlier this week (keep them in your prayers), it really restored my faith in humanity.  The fact that someone we don't even know would pay for our dinner because my boyfriend was wearing his uniform is crazy to me.  Crazy in a good way.  But crazy nonetheless.  It makes me so happy that someone appreciates what he does for our country enough to do that for him,when they don't even know him.  

We asked who was kind enough to pay for our meal to thank them personally, but apparently they wished to remain anonymous.  We told the waitress many times to thank whoever did this for us, and she said she would, but I thought I would put it out there.  Thank you, whoever paid for our meal and made my boyfriend proud to be a service member and proud of our country, from the bottom of my heart.  We both really appreciate it, and you really made our night.  You've also inspired me to start doing more random acts of kindness.  I can't imagine the great feeling you get from doing something like that for someone else.  I guess I'll have to try it :)

Have you ever done or experienced any random acts of kindness that just make you stop and appreciate life, and the people around you?  I can tell you that experiencing it really makes your day.  I can't wait to pay it forward!

Whoever you are, thank you again.

~K

Magpie Monday

Whaddup lovely people?  Today has flown by sooooo fast, even though I got up extra early and did lots of lame things.  I wish I could just snap my fingers and us be all moved.  Wishful thinking indeed.  Hopefully (fingers crossed!) we'll be all moved in by Saturday.  So far we've stayed on schedule pretty well.  I have about a bajillon things to do, school, moving and work wise, so if I miss a post, bear with me!

But...here's your weekly dose of sparkle!

This super cute peter pan necklace that I wanna rock with some dresses

This ridiculously expensive sequined jacket that I would wear everywhere.  I think this justifies the expense don't you?

This bralet that would look super cute peeking out of a loose tank and some high waisted shorts. 

These super adorable oxfords!  I want them peeking out from a pair of cuffed boyfriend jeans!

This cuff bracelet- I'm a sucker for anything rose gold 

I know there are only 5 this week, but I'm soooo tired!  I have a bad case of the Mondays for sure!  I'm gonna have me some berries and fro-yo and then go to bed.  Have a good rest of your Monday.  See ya later!

~K

Review: Stitch Fix

Oh yes my friends.  Even though it has been a busy weekend of moving and cleaning, I had to make time to share my monthly Stitch Fix box.  Arguably one of the best days of the month.  (See last month's review here).

The thing I was most excited about when I opened this box was the message enclosed inside.  Last month, I explained to my stylists that, as much as I loved the dresses, I couldn't wear a lot of them because they were too short and I have super duper long legs.  The stylists responded this month that they totally understood where I was coming from and included some longer dresses this month.  Yayyyyyyyy!  :D  It's so hard as a tall girl to find clothes that are long enough.  I have a normal torso so shirts are rarely a problem (unless they have a short waist because then I look disproportional) but pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses are always a pain in my ass.

So anyway...on to this month's haul of clothes!

Mystree Florence Colorblock Dress

Gah I lovedddd this dress when I pulled it out!  The navy is perfect for spring and summer because it's not as harsh as black, and the color blocking on the bottom is just adorbs.  However, when I tried it on, the top was a bit too blousy for my liking.  It made me look like I had no shape whatsoever.  I need all the help I can get with that, especially up top if ya know what I mean.  So unfortunately, I did not love this dress and will be returning it.  It hurts my heart, but I would never wear it.  

Miilla Joelle Asymmetrical Sheath Dress

This was just your basic navy dress.  You can't see it, but the "asymmetrical" part was on the back with the straps.  It was kind of weird and had no shape to it.  Just sort of hung on me and had a different strap on one side than the other.  Not my cup of tea.  Back she goes.

Zio Shilo Crossfront Hi-Lo Printed Top

Alright, so I liked the idea of this top.  The hi-lo hem and the print were pretty rad and I could totes see myself rocking it with a statement necklace and white jeans.  But when I tried it on, it hit my waist at a weird spot and just looked ill-fitting.  The back being a length that would have actually looked good on me made it even worse.  No thank you.  

41Hawthorn Geo Shape Studs Set

Love love love LOVE these studs from 41Hawthorn.  They are small enough to wear to work, but fab enough to wear out should I so choose.  I love jewelry with a little pizzazz, and have particularly been feeling green and gold together.  The other ones have that druzy look that's so big right now, and is something I've been wanting to add to my collection.  These babies are definitely stayin.

Alright so, the last dress I received was a DownEast Jocelyn Ikat Print Belted Dress.  I loved it so much I thought I would show myself in it.  You know, ANTM style (not quite lol).

I'm sure Tyra would appreciate the sunburn , no makeup, and the slightly glazed over look I'm giving the camera cause I'm tired.   I'm smizin like a champ though (not).

Gah I love it!  The rope belt is totally inspired, and the green ikat print is so fresh for spring and summer.  I feel that I could dress this up or down, and it makes me just want to go do something nautical (the rope belt obvs).  I can NOT wait to wear this baby...I may even attempt to make it work appropriate (I feel as though I could rock it for casual Friday with the right accessories).  So this dress is also staying.

So that was this month's haul.  I feel like the stylists are getting to know me because they're sending me lots of cute things I like now.  Pretty much the only problem is length and fit on my tall ass self, which is totally not their problem.  I like that they actual listen to the comments you leave them too, which makes me happy.  I'm already looking forward to next month's box!!

Alright, I'm dying of hunger and have a couple more homework items to cross of my list, so I'm off.  Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and I will see you tomorrow for a Magpie Monday :D

See ya!

~K

Mimosa Moments

Hello all!

So, in my quest to become more healthy, I discovered something very important:  I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to whey protein :O  Which I didn't know you could be allergic to unless you were lactose intolerant, which I am not.  Apparently you can be though, as my doctor confirmed this morning when I called her.  I've never had a protein shake before, but I did some killer interval training at the gym last night, and heard they were good as an post-workout snack.  So I got a smoothie with whey protein in it thinking I was doing some magical muscle repair or some shit.  It was a rough night.  I won't go into too much detail, but my tummy blew up like a balloon in the Macy's day parade.  :-/  Sad face.

SO I will not be imbibing much tonight, but since I haven't posted a recipe in a couple weeks I thought I would share my version of a classic mimosa today.  Aka drink of the angels.

Can't you hear the angels sing?  Can I get an AMEN?!?!  (annnnddddd....this is why I'm  probably going to hell.  But suriously...aren't they wonderful?)

So, usual mimosa recipes call for 2 ingredients:  O.J. and champagne.  Preferably dry, but as we all know, I have no problem with sweetness, so I'll take a semi-dry or even a sweet wine stand-in in tough times.  Honestly, it's all up to your taste buds.  But I don't like to stay at just 2 ingredients.  I, in Emril terms, like to kick it up a notch.

BAM is right.  This recipe will knock you on your ass, especially if you mix the two ;)

So here is my classic mimosa recipe (I give 2 variations, because depending on my mood, I'll do either):

**Triple Sec

**Champagne

**Orange Juice (if you're ambitious, fresh squeezed.  If you're like me, no pulp, low acid)

**Shaker (If you don't have a shaker, get two solo cups and college MacGyver it over a sink.  I've been there.  I won't judge.)

**Ice

**Brown Sugar

Directions to a Good Morning:

1.  Pour 1 shot Triple Sec into a champagne glass and fill the glass half way with O.J.  I like to do my measuring in the actual glass so I can make sure I have the perfect ratio of O.J., Triple Sec, and champagne.

2.  Pour the Triple Sec/O.J. mixture into the shaker filled with ice.  This step is important so they mix together and aren't awkwardly separated.  Add a pinch or two of brown sugar, and shake that baby like nobody's business.

KC and the Sunshine Band status.  Put it on while you're shakin' your bootay to make it even more satisfying

3.  Pour the now appropriately mixed O.J. into the champagne glass again.  Top with champagne.  Enjoy.

Variation:  Instead of Triple Sec (or hell, in addition to the TS if you wanna get a little cray cray) use a shot of orange vodka.  Steps are the same, but that shit gets intense real fast.  And, honestly, do yourself a favor and DON'T get Burnett's.  You're welcome.  I just saved you a massive ass hangover.

Now if you're having a partay and don't wanna have to keep playing hostess and making these drinks yourself (aka you want to have fun too) I would suggest making a large batch of the O.J. mixture with whatever your poison (honestly, this is the best way to get both triple sec and vodka in the mix) and just leave the champagne bottles out.  Everyone can refill at their leisure and you can stop playing bartender every 2-5 seconds.  It's a win-win.

Do you have a favorite classic mimosa with a twist recipe like this?

Stay classy

~K

Wonderful Wednesday: Fitness for the Normal Person

Hello everyone!  I hope your hump day has been going well.  I'm for reals in love with this weather we've been having- it was lovely today!

Ok so, we need to have a little chat.  I'm a busy person.  Between working full-time, going to grad school full time, volunteering with different things at the company I work with, being social and meeting people./going on dates with the beebs, and moving 2 times in 4 months it's to be expected.  That leads to a lot of eating out, drinking alcoholic drinks, and not going to the gym.  Therefore, fitness isn't high on my priority list lately.  And it's starting to show.  I'm gaining a lil weight and I'm definitely not in shapes.  I'm most definitely not one of those people who want to go to the gym, with their super cute workout clothes and their peppy attitudes.  It's great that they're so motivated, and part of me wishes I can be like them, but it's just so NOT me.

This on the other hand, I can get behind

Now don't get me wrong.  I don't think I'm fat.  Right now I stand at about 5'11" and am somewhere between 148-150 lbs, which is totally in the normal range of body mass index for someone my size.  BUT I did used to be a lot more fit and toned back in the day (I danced a lot).  So I'm big comparatively speaking (I used to weigh somewhere between 115-120).  And I'm pretty sure I'm starting to develop the dreaded Secretary Spread (that's where you have a desk job and your ass gets bigger cause all you do is sit on it.  I believe Capitol Hill Style taught me this phrase.  Love her btw.  So fab).  Anywaysssss...I've decided to start being like legit healthy.  Working out and eating properly 90% of the time.  My goal isn't necessarily to lose weight, but to tone up and get my shit together.  Bikini season is just around the corner, bitches!  Also let's be real...If I run into some people I don't talk to anymore, like an ex or old friends, I need to be lookin' FIERCE (like Asia from Dance Moms).

You know it's bad when a 7 year old has better biceps than you.  Work it girl.

But never fear my friends!  This will not turn into a fitness blog of happiness.  I will not continuously post photos of girls who are perfectly tan, skinny, and have huge boobs as "thinspiration".  I will not call you lazy for not going to the gym because let's be real, there are days when I won't go to the gym.  And honestly, I'm still gonna drink my mimosas and not feel bad about it.  Rather, I will occasionally post about all the BAMF things I do and all the lame shit I try in a slightly cynical attitude.  And I will totally keep posting wonderful alcohol beverages, awesome movie reviews, and some outfit posts (soon...probably more after we finish moving into our new place :D).  Because I'm a normal person who just doesn't like the gym that much and who likes to eat a lot of noms and drink a lot of wine.  And that is totes ok.  

My thoughts EXACTLY

So here are my goals for (the rest of) April.  I'm hoping to do the whole month but you never know!  I think maybe writing this down and sharing will help me be more motivated??  We'll see!

**** Drink a Gallon of Water a Day (which I have been doing for the past couple days and let me tell you...that shit is no picnic.  I have to pee like Seabiscuit every .5 seconds).  Apparently this torture is good for you.

****Eat some healthy shit.  Now I actually eat pretty healthy, but my problem is I tend to overeat/snack out like no one's business.  So this goal is for me to eat healthy in moderation.  Everything in moderation after all...including moderation ;)

****Do something active everyday.  And no, not picking up the TV remote.  I have a gym class/pinterest workout schedule of justice.  I'll share it if I actually do it all, which at this point, I have (it's been 2 days after all...I may just abandon this endeavor if I get bored).  I'll give it 2-3 weeks and if I'm still at it, I'll share with y'all what I'm doing and how I'm doing it.  I'd love to hear some ideas.

****Weight Lift at least 1x a week and Cardio at least 3x a week. Just lifted today and like died 20 times over.  For surious.  I'm worried I won't be able to lift my arms tomorrow! And....Once again, I don't run so cardio is gonna be zumba, cycling, or walking on the treadmill at like a bajillion degree incline.

****14 day ab challenge.  So I found this on Pinterest:

PS This shit hurts

And since my new resolution to be more fit started yesterday (I know the OCD in my is bothered it wasn't a Sunday or a Monday too) I've done this twice.  It is HARD- my poor lil abbys are screamin!

So I will keep you updated on my lazy journey of fitness, eating healthy, and staying motivated.  I usually get into a groove for about a month and then stop cause I get busy/don't care, but I'm gonna try this time.  For serious.  Who else who's totally lazy when it comes to fitness is with me?!?!  I'd love to hear exercises, recipes, motivational tips, anything really from yall.  Share so I can stay motivated!!

Stay fabulous (and sore!)

~K

Wardrobe Wants

Hello lovelies!

Sorry it has been forever and a day since I've posted.  School and work got away from me last week.  And then I went home and had a relaxing weekend.  Woo!  So now I'm back, feeling relaxed and ready to go.

Spring time is finally finally HERE and, with springtime comes new outfits, obvs.  So here are my wardrobe wants from one of my favorite stores, Modcloth.  They stock some of the best vintagey modern retro clothes and accessories and are super awesome.

The Dot You Look Lovely Dress- Lace and Polka Dots?!?!?  Sign me up!

The Hungover Cookbook that I totally want 

I'm in Louvre Top in Pastel- wear with jeans, a skirt...so so ADORABLE.  I die looking at that little bow.

The Lighthouse Keeper Dress that is so nautical and fun- I want to wear it out on a sailboat or some shit like that

The Windy City Dress in Confetti- I couldn't find a better picture than this (boo) but hit the link and check out how beautiful it is.  WANT.

The Topiary of the World Skirt- So springtastic.  I'm in loveeeeeeeee.

The Spring a Ding Ding Jacket for days when you're feeling casual (i.e. using the Hangover Cookbook) but still wanna look like you have your shit together.  In love with this print?  It comes in a dress too!!!

To the Nines Top- I love the polka dots and the collar detail.  Adorbs.

Jete through your Day- I'm a fan of girly details, and the lace toes of these flats make me smile.  Black+white is big this spring and for 30 bucks- ya can't beat it.

What are your wardrobe wants from Modcloth??  Let me know!!

~K

Monthly Favorites

 I cannot even believe that it's April right now!!  Where the hell did March go?!?!  Anyway here is my list of things I'm loving for April :D

1 and 2.  Double Feature:  Jurassic Park in IMAX 3D and Evil Dead

In case you couldn't tell, I love me some horror movies/tv shows.  I have a thing for movies...I love watching them, learning about them, all sorts of weird nerdy stuffs.  So can I tell you how EXCITED I am for the remake of Evil Dead?

This cult classic is super funny, gross, and awesome.  If you haven't seen it, drop what you're doing and go see the original.  Then get your ass to the theater to watch the remake.  But only if you can handle some serious grossness- I've heard that the remake is super gore tastic.  I've also heard they've dropped the humor (boo) but I won't believe it till I see it.

And then, ya have this:

Is it wrong that this is what I'm imagining him sounding like in this picture?

Hello?!?!  Velociraptors in 3-effing-D?!?!  Sam Neill and Jeffy Goldblum??  Sign me up!

3.  Library Card

#nerdalert

Alright so yes I'm a nerdy birdy.  I like to read all sorts of things.  And I FINALLY got my library card down here so I will be requesting books like nobody's business and reading all sorts of cool things.  For example, right now I have a trashy chick lit novel (hey...grad school classes is hard!), The Wheat Belly, and Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution on my to read list.  I'm so excited it's not even funnay.

4.  Spring Cleaning- Wardrobe

Ugh as if!

I have a lot of stuff I don't wear anymore that is taking up precious closet real estate.  Therefore I need to purge purge purge.  PLUS, purging old things will give me an excuse to buy new things right??  (and thus the vicious cycle continues....)

5.  MOVING! :D

I have no picture for this one, but as of next week ( :O ) me and the beebs will be moving out of the apartment to rent a house!!  Say whhhhhhhhattttttttttttttttt??  I know, cray cray right?  I'll be sure to post pics of all of the lovely, pinterest inspired designs that our house will have as Craig foolishly wisely gave me decorating control (muhahahahahaha).  On top of that, we technically still have the apartment until the end of April, so I don't have to have a stressful one-weekend-to-move-everything nonsense.  YAY!

So those are my faves.  What are you loving for this month?

~K

Magpie Monday

Whaddup kids.  I hope everyone's Easter weekends were full of yummy chocolates and noms and that you overindulged hardcore (because, as everyone knows, calories don't count on holidays).  It's that time of week again- the dreaded Monday.  For real, Monday is the worst.  But somehow, no matter how lametastic Monday is, searching for shiny things never ceases to put me in a good mood (I would highly recommend it ps.)  So here's this week's roundup of fabulously shiny things!

This fab compilation of vintage Chanel jewelry makes me very happy. 

I'm loving the green with the gold accent nail.  When my nails are long enough, first manicure right here.

These very exciting shoes that basically cost almost as much as my rent- but so  fun!  I have to look away!

This flapper dress that I want to wear to the Great Gatsby when it finally comes out!

This little clutch that would be so lovely with an LBD.  Not feeling the price tag?  This zip top purse has the same look but is a lot cheaper!

These fun heels from Zara that I wanna dance in, Hairspray style!

And this week's Lust Item:  This subtly sparkle-gasmic Alexander McQueen dress that I would totes wear if I were rich enough 

So there ya have it!  Hope I made your Monday a little brighter :) What's your inner magpie lusting after this week?

~K