Barre, babe!

Happy Wednesday, loves!

I've been so busy lately! I hate when my life feels rushed. I'm going home for the weekend, and it's going to be a much needed break. Lately, I've found myself loving Barre classes. It's such a great way to de-stress (and it's a very challenging-but amazing workout!) I go to Barre3 here in Knoxville, and it's an awesome mix of ballet, yoga, and Pilates exercises! I bought my membership at the beginning of January because my friend recommended it to me, and I am seriously obsessed! So if any of you are looking for a change for your normal workout routine, I highly suggest Barre classes! They can be a little pricey, but I know the Barre3 studios have a student discount if you're in college like me! 

I hope you're all having a great week! Just a few days left until Friday! 

P.S. my water bottle is a S'well bottle! Have y'all heard of them? They have the cutest prints and colors, and they really do keep your drink cold (or warm) all day long. I love mine! You can view their website here. Mine is the Exotics Collection.

XOXO,

TAY

sneakers.

Is it really already Monday again??

I'm convinced the weekends are getting shorter and shorter. I had such a fun, relaxing weekend with friends! Saturday night, a bunch of us went out to a restaurant here in Knoxville where a live band was playing. It was the perfect time to break out two of my new favorite clothing pieces….

These boyfriend jeans from Nordstrom and these quilted sneakers from Target! 

The sneakers are only $25…and they're almost an exact replica of the Steve Madden version (which are $60!)

I'm obsessed with these shoes. I also purchased them in leopard print. They're so sporty and fun, but they can also be super casual or more dressed up! They're perfect with jeans or leggings and a chunky sweater or slouchy flannel. Honestly, they look good with everything. I'm super excited to wear them in the spring with blue jean shorts or a shorter, sporty skirt! 

I bought the boyfriend jeans last weekend from Nordstrom. I've been looking for a reasonably priced pair that fit me well! Because I'm pretty short, several pairs I've tried have looked entirely too slouchy on me. When I stumbled across these, I fell in love. The fit is perfect, and they (like the shoes) can be dressed up or dressed down. I love the slightly edgy look of boyfriend jeans! Super comfy, too!!

I hope you all have a fabulous Monday! 

It's raining here, and I have class from 8-3. (The worst combo!) However, I've been attending Barre classes (which I absolutely love), so I'm hoping to be able to make it to a class this afternoon. So challenging, but it's a major stress reliever! I already feel stronger. Have any of you ever taken a Barre class??

Have a great day!!

XOXO, 

Tay

Five Face Faves

I love products. Face products, skincare products, makeup products…you name it, I love it. So today I wanted to give a summary of my five favorite face products! These are the products that I use daily and that I cannot live without--my Five Face Faves!

From left to right:

Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil (Light), Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream, Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, Clinique Acne Clearing Gel, and Mac Fix+

Josie Maran Argan Oil (Light)

I. am. so. obsessed. with. this. stuff. Seriously, it's great. I'm sure everyone has heard of it, but it's worth mentioning because it is hands-down one of my favorite products I've ever used. My skin is very oily, so the initial thought of putting more oil on my face completely freaked me out. I contemplated for about a month over whether or not I should pay the $48 for this 1.7 oz bottle, but I'm so glad I did. I'm going on month 6 of the same bottle (which still has a little under half a bottle left in it), and now I don't know how I lived without it. I apply it every night after washing my face. I squeeze 2-3 drops onto the back of my hand and pat it all over my face. I've seen a dramatic difference in the amount of oil my face produces (WAY less since using this) and the texture of my skin is better than ever. So, if you're on the fence about paying the price, I promise it's worth it--plus, it lasts forever!

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

First of all, it's Bobbi Brown. When are her products ever not amazing? This eye cream is wonderful. I never used an eye cream before about a year and a half ago, and I'll never go back. I don't think I realized how dry and dehydrated my eye area was until I started using this. The skin surrounding your eye is extremely delicate. It should be treated with extra care and should always be well-moisturized. I use this every morning and every night, and I store it in the refrigerator so it cools and soothes my eyes when I wake up in the mornings. Another plus, your eye makeup application will be flawless after using this. It's $50, but I highly recommend it! One pot lasts me 6-7 months with 2x daily use.

Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

I use this every morning after washing my face. I use one or two pumps, and I rub it between my fingers for a few seconds to warm the lotion up in my hands. Then I just apply it evenly to my face! It has an SPF 15 so it's slightly protective and perfect for every day use. It's very lightweight and it absorbs in seconds. 

Clinique Acne Clinical Clearing Gel

I get occasional breakouts pretty much every month. One or two pesky pimples always seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times! I apply a small amount of this gel to each pimple whenever they pop up, and it seems to take the redness down a bit. I've used it for several months and I really love it.

Mac Fix+

I don't even think I need to do much explaining for this product. It's everywhere, but I know why. It's amazing. I hold it a few inches away from my face and spray a quick mist every morning to wake me up and freshen my face. It's even more perfect for applying makeup! I spray it on before and after makeup application, and it sets my makeup for the day! Plus, it leaves my skin refreshed, glowing, and natural looking. I couldn't live without it!

What are your favorite skin products?? I have so many, but these are the ones I can't go a single day without using!

Happy Tuesday!! 

Warmth.

Happy Wednesday!! 

We're halfway through with the week already!

I drove back to Knoxville yesterday and spent the entire night unpacking. Every time I go home for a break, I take my entire closet back with me because it never fails that the one article of clothing I'll need is the one I didn't bring back. Then, I regret this decision every time I have to come back and lug it all back in. Struggles.

Classes started back for me today, and I have a full day on both Monday's and Wednesday's (but hallelujah for Syllabus week!) So as I'm typing this quick blog post during my break, I'm realizing today how extremely thankful I am for warmth. My 20 minute trek to class from my little house in this 29 degree weather does nothing more than make my nose run and make me want to stay cuddled up in a blanket. 

So, what better way to warm up and cozy up in your room than with your favorite candle?

I thought I'd share with you mine. 

These candles are my all-time favorite. Seriously, they rock. 

If you've never had a Tyler Candle, you're missing out! They have the most lovely scents, and the candles are so classy and pretty. The one I'm burning currently is called Winter Wonderland--perfect for the terribly cold temperatures today. 

Some of my favorites for the winter are:

Mulled Cider

Warm Sugar Cookie

Winter Wonderland

A Christmas Tradition

Family Tradition

Cabin Fever

They're all to die for.

I hope you all have a fabulous hump day!

XOXO,

TAY 

Relaxation

Happy Sunday!!

Sunday's are in a close race with Saturday's for my favorite day of the week. I love the calmness and the feeling of being able to lounge around all day and do absolutely nothing. We got up this morning and went to church, and it was one of the best sermons ever. It was so uplifting and put me in the best mood, and it was the perfect message to start off 2015. 

Here's what I wore to church! I decided to go with only one arm today. (haha)

My turtleneck is from Old Navy! I'm sure you guys have seen it everywhere. They're so popular because they're perfect layering pieces (and SUCH a steal--I snagged mine for $9). My oversized cardigan is one of my favorite brands, Mystree! I bought it from a local boutique here in my town, and it's easily one of the most comfortable yet versatile pieces I own. I'm wearing my favorite Paige Tall Frye boots and just a simple pair of leggings!

I promise I'm working on getting better with my photos! 

I hope y'all had a happy Sunday!!

XOXO,

TAY

Resolutions.

Happy New Year, loves!

I have some explaining to do. I definitely didn't realize how hard it was going to be for me to learn how to balance classes, family, friends, and a blog! I'm working hard at finding that balance. My schedule for this upcoming semester is much more flexible than last, so I'm really going to try to get back into the swing of things, which leads me to my New Year's resolution…

I'm going to try my hardest to continue & keep up with my blog.

Doesn't it feel like that's everyone's New Year's resolution? It probably is. But I'm really, really excited about it. I loved starting my blog at the end of last year. It's such a fabulous way to share and express what I love and what I'm learning with everyone who wants to read it! I'm realizing that keeping up with a blog takes a lot of work and a lot of consistency, so that's my goal for this year! I'm super excited about it and I couldn't be happier to see where it takes me. 

So, just for an update, my Christmas break has been nothing short of amazing. It's been so relaxing! The Christmas season is my absolute favorite. It puts me in such a good mood and everyone seems happier around the holidays! We enjoyed so much family time and SO much food…seriously I have GOT to get back in the gym! 

As for 2015…I rang in the New Year in downtown Nashville with some of my best friends! We had a blast. Nashville is one of my favorite places on earth!

What's wrong with this picture? :)

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year! I'm so excited to keep up with y'all this year! (Also, I'm still trying to figure out my blog name. That's the hardest part!! I haven't come up with anything that I'm content with yet. How frustrating!)

Love, 

TAY

Sunday...Funday? (and a new name!)

Hey y'all!

I'm so sorry I haven't posted lately! I'm really going to try to start managing my time better...it's just been hard to find that initial balance! School has been overwhelming lately with studying and tests, but the hectic-ness will be over for a while after my last exam on Wednesday. I hope you guys have had a great Sunday! It was a beautiful day here in Knoxville, but I had to enjoy it through the comfort (or lack thereof) of my desk. I studied all. day. long. Bummer!

I'm sure you guys noticed...I changed the name of my blog! Light Pink & Lilies was my temporary name until I could think of something a little more...original. How sad is it that it took me an entire month to come up with the name "Pineapples and Pinstripes"?  I'm honestly the most indecisive person in the world. 

I've been gathering my ideas and sorting my thoughts over the past couple of weeks, and I'm finally starting to get more organized for my blog! I promise everything is going to keep coming together (and I am not going to go this long without posting ever again)!

Now that I got all of that out of the way...

Here is the new shirt I ordered from J.Crew that I promised I would show you guys! (I know that was forever ago...)

(Also working on better lighting and backgrounds for my pictures)

So this is it! It's an oversized black and champagne striped turtleneck, and it is so perfect. I'm all about stripes. Honestly, I have about four shirts in my closet that look almost identical to this. But I can't help it. It's a problem. The material is just a tad thicker than I thought it would be, but I love it. I have yet to wear it simply because it hasn't been cold enough yet here in Knoxville! But when I do, I know that it'll be a staple piece in my closet for the next few years. Pair it with skinny jeans or leggings with boots or booties or flats, pair it with a great flare jean and a cute fall wedge, pair it with a vest or an oversized sweater, pair it with mixed prints (cheetah, duh). Seriously, the possibilities are endless. I love buying investment pieces--pieces that I can see myself wearing next year and the next, and pieces that I can see  myself wearing with almost anything. I love it!

Want it? Here it is! And it's 25% off! Perfect. 

 I hope you guys like the new name, and I'm excited to really get back into my blogging kick full-force!

XOXO, 

Tay