Thursday, December 19, 2013

Fall Fashion Recap

Hey Readers,

It's been a busy few days getting ready for the holidays, but I thought I would end out my fall fashion looks with the week in recap!

With crazy weather changes my fashion looks went from bundled up to is it almost spring? As you can see, I had fun with every picture I took and I definitely want to thank all my friends who put up with me during this time!

1. SweaterTrouserBooties
2. Snakeskin JeansScreenprint Top| Flats| Leather Jacket
3. Necklace| Jay-Z Concert Tee| Skirt| Boots

See you soon,

xoxo

Saturday, December 14, 2013

His Picks - Day 10

It's not often that I let the honey dress me, but his opinion on this sweater turned out to be just right! This lightweight sweater was speckled with vibrant color trends and sported a fun full zipper at back. It was the perfect pair with colorful boot socks.

BootsSocksTopNecklace

xo,

Temple

Friday, December 13, 2013

Fall Fashion Continues - Day 9

Day 9 was a day full of celebration! Our department recognition meeting was held and your girl was recognized! Culture Superstar for the Quarter, I am extremely proud that my pursuit of growth and learning is perceived the right way.

It was a fun day and I had just as much fun rocking the look below...

Sweater | Denim | Denim Shirt | Wedge Sneakers

xo,

Temple

Thursday, December 12, 2013

What I Wore - Day 8

Read a new blog today: What Courtney Wore and I am in love! Her writing style and oh-so-chic pics got me thinking of my next blog post. Not only did she provide an inside look into her closet with perfectly-paired outfits, but she also offered readers a way to re-create the looks! Genius!

Soooo....in true Courtney Kerr fashion, I bring you an update to the Fall Fashion looks.


Looking to re-create this style: Leggings | Boots | Vest | Scarf | Top

xo,

Temple

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

It's Snack Time


I often say that eating is one of my favorite past times.  To make sure that I'm not only eating but I'm eating well, I try to choose meals and snacks that are balanced and easy to prepare. Today, I had a variety of snacks which I haven't had in a while.  Today's snack consisted of:

Red pepper hummus
Baby carrots
 Avocado
Pineapples

If you are new to preparing snacks, my recommendation is to pre-wash and pre-cut your fruits and vegetables because you will save a lot of time once you're ready to eat.  We all know that proper planning is the best way to stay on track with healthy living.  

Monday, December 9, 2013

Fall Fashion - Day 6

I've lived in Vegas just about 3 years now and there has never been a winter this cold!! Yes, I am a New Yorker but I think my blood has officially thinned out and I am no longer immune to 30 degree weather!!

One thing is true, I love cold weather fashion!! I just hate.......cold weather!





Is Yours Biodegradable?

One of the best trends of my time is upon us.  Healthy living!  Many of us have taken a stand to eat clean, exercise more or just adapt a new and improved lifestyle.  One key component that has been forgotten is being environmentally conscious.

I've taken a stand to reduce the amount of waste that I produce.  About a year and a half ago, I switched about 90% of the products that I used to the Melaleuca brand.  Not only are they biodegradable but they are concentrated which uses less plastic over time.



One of my all-time favorite products that I've used is the Melapower 6X Laundry Detergent.  This is the holy grail of all laundry detergents that I've used.  It can get out almost any stain with no pre-treatment and it's gentle on your clothes.  In addition to being good to our ecosystem, I love that I can pronounce each of the ingredients in the detergent.
Today, I challenge you to make one change that reduce waste.  It can be anything from using fewer paper towels to recycling in your community.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Who Said Ugly Sweaters Had To Be Ugly? - Day 5

Friday was my team's holiday outing and to keep with the festive spirit, our theme was Ugly Sweater! I attended my first Ugly Sweater Party last year and so, the below creation was born. Buying an "ugly sweater" is easy, but making one is a great way to add a unique and creative flavor.

Sweater: Saver's Thrift Store
Appliques: Jo'Anns Craft Store
Shoes: Big Buddha

Happy Holidays Readers!!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

My Reno Finds - Day 4

Last week during my Reno trip, I stumbled on a closeout sale and walked away with a few finds. Here's the look I put together!

For a recap check out blog post: Did That Just Say, "Everything Must Go?"

Boots: JustFab.com
Necklace: Claire's
Coat: H&M


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A Cold Winter Day - Day 3

With temperatures that felt like below freezing today, I bundled up for warmth without sacrificing style!

Jacket & Scarf: Forever 21
Shoes: Zappos.com
Shirt: Target
Cardigan: H & M









Day 2 - Skirts and Sneakers

Tuesday was more of a casual look!

Skirt and Scarf: Airport Boutique on a trip to Philly (I find time to shop EVERYWHERE!)
Tank: Forever 21
Button-Up: Target
Sneakers: $10.88 and Less Shoe Store (yes that is actually the name, lol.)



Tuesday, December 3, 2013

For The Love of Fall

A New Yorker at heart, I love everything about Fall fashion.  Boots.....scarves.....jackets, I want it all!

Boots: Bakers
Top & Jewelry:  Forever 21
Jacket: Savers Thrift Store
Jeans: Target
Watch: Zappos.com
 

 

Day 1 of My Love Affair

 

Sharp as a Knife



In addition to being healthy and feeling well physically, one of my primary areas of interest is maintaining mental acuity.  Over the years, I have read several studies that indicate different ways to boost your brain's sharpness and most of which are no-brainers.  Of course we've all heard that reading, learning something new and playing strategic games helps but I was just introduced to a new tip that I've been trying for myself! 

In reading last month's issue of Vitality for Life, I stumbled on an article that provided tips for how to keep your brain in tip-top condition.  The one suggestion that I had never been introduced to was the notion of using your non-dominant so that you can shake your brain out of the routine that it is used to.  I've been trying this for the last two weeks and I have to say, it definitely shakes my mind out of the cruise control state that I can normally operate in.  

Initially, I started with easy tasks as suggested in the article like brushing my teeth with my left hand and crossing my left leg over my right.  I've worked up to being able to text at a decent rate left-handed and even operate a lighter! 



If you want to try this out, you will be amazed at how more thought is required to work with your non-dominant hand.  I would suggest starting with tasks that require gross motor movements like carrying your bag with the opposite hand or drinking out of a water bottle.  Then, build your way up to the big league! You will be surprised at the difference a hand can make. 

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Queen of Greens

Kale is one of the forgotten superfoods that I've been making a conscious effort to add more of to my diet. It's is packed with iron and calcium which is great if you're trying a vegan diet.  On top of that, it has antioxidant properties which helps fight cancers and is anti-inflammatory which is great for people who have joint or autoimmune disorders. It also has tons of vitamins that include A, K and C and it's low in calories.  Needless to say, kale has rightfully earned the title of Queen of Greens because of the amazing benefits.

And as much as I like eating healthy, I also love flavor.  I decided to incorporate kale in my diet by making Curried Kale.  I totally winged this meal but I want you all to be able to check it out and possibly get some inspiration for how you can eat more kale.


If you want to try this out, I've included the ingredients below.  You can add the seasonings to your liking.  I've been enjoying the taste of curry so I added more because it gives the dish a more Caribbean flavor.

Curried Kale

Kale
1/2 white onion
2 Jamaican hot peppers
Fresh Garlic
Curry powder
Chili flakes
Sea salt
Old Bay Seasoning
Olive Oil

Put olive oil in a heated pan.  Add the onion, garlic and Jamaican hot peppers.  Sautee and then add remaining ingredients and cook.

If you haven't tried kale, you're definitely missing out.  Now that you see how easy it is to prepare, hopefully you'll be getting your dose of the Queen of Greens sooner rather than later.


Saturday, November 30, 2013

My Katniss-Inspired Obession

I am already a big scarf lover but the opening scene of Catching Fire stole my breathe away!!

I am in LOVE with this look!!!

Getting ready for the holidays, I can't wait for some scarf-layering fun!!


















Now only if the temperature in Vegas would drop low enough where I can rock this look!!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Did That Just Say, "Everything Must Go?"

Because this girl loves a sale, it's no wonder I went to Reno and came back with more clothes that I went there with. A little boutique in the hotel I was staying in was going out of business and the Everything Must Go sign screamed at me like a toddler tantrum from across the room.

While most of the clothes looked and smelled like they came out of my grandma's bureau, (old, out-of-date and dusty) I was able to walk away with the below trendy pieces.......for $10 bucks each.

  • This open-front blazer was just too cute to leave behind. With a fun, abstract print and convertible sleeves this works perfectly over any bottom. 
 


  •   You can never have one too many skirts!! Especially one with a fun print and vibrant colors. This season is all about mix and matching prints and I can't wait to pair this skirt with something fun! My new jacket, maybe?!
 


  •  Rompers! Rompers! Rompers! You've got to love this super cute fashion piece. With a low-cut back, I can easily take this look into fall with a button-up skirt, tights and boots!!

 
Hope you guys liked my closeout finds and stay tuned to see how I put these looks together.  Good Luck with Black Friday deals whether you're shopping in stores or online.

Be Safe and Stay Fabulous!!

Random Acts of Kindness

As early as my morning started, I could not wait to share some good news and random acts of kindness with everyone!

While picking up some coffee at a Starbucks in Reno, my spirits and emotional health were instantly lifted by the generous woman that came before me.

I hear about stories like this all the time but never have been so fortunate to experience it. To the lady that paid for my coffee I say, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! How awesome is that? A simple gesture of kindness has ignited my giving meter and has me thinking of how I could pay this kindness forward. 

Thankfulness is in the air people and as the holiday season rolls in, I ask that we all take a moment to think of how we can be kinder to one another!!!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The King, the Prince and the Pauper!!


While the title may be mis-leading, this post is by no means about your next royal boyfriend or any romantic ideas for your future dates. Instead it's about food and healthy dieting!

So I tricked you, however now that I've got your attention, read on:

Over the course of  6-8 months I managed to drop roughly 30 pounds exercising regularly and eating! That's right, eating. There was no extreme dieting or borderline starvation tactics and while I dropped my weight slowly, I managed to adopt a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing some of the foods that I love.

Here's how:

Breakfast like a King:

 Life can be busy and after hitting the snooze button 16 times and finally getting out the door for school or work, the last thing on your mind is getting breakfast.  BIG MISTAKE! I know you've heard it a million times and I am prepared to say it for the millionth and one. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is the perfect way to start your morning off right to avoid mood swings and unnecessary snacking.

A heavy, nutritious breakfast is the key to keeping you full longer. Try to avoid fatty dishes and foods high in sugar or "instant" energy. A good example of a nutritious breakfast is a cup of steel-cut oatmeal with fruit or honey, hard-boiled eggs and grain toast. If you choose to add a little honey to your oatmeal, a banana or apple on the side is also a perfect way of getting your fruit count for the day.

 


Lunch like a Prince:

Now if you're like me, I am a girl who likes to pack a lunch for work everyday. Preparing meals over the weekend takes the hassle out of making lunch during the week or having to settle for a not-so healthy option at work. A good lunch meal is a baked sweet potato, grilled chicken and lots of your favorite veggies. If 5 days of eating chicken is not for you, switch things up with a few days of salmon. Easy fix!

This kind of lunch offers good protein, complex carbs and a small amount of fat. Just what you need to keep your day going without piling on calories.


Dine like a Pauper:

While most people are use to eating a big family-style dinner at night, while trying to lose weight and eat healthy, I opted for lighter options. Right after work is usually the time I would hit the gym, so after working out, my meal consisted of protein and veggies or even a fruit smoothie and a waffle with almond butter. This way I still felt satisfied but I wasn't going to bed with a heavy meal on my stomach.
 

Now I know you are probably thinking, "Is this all that I am eating?" Definitely not, snacking throughout the day is only normal but what you snack on is the deal breaker.  Almonds and fruit are a constant staple at my desk. Anytime I am craving something sweet, I eat a banana or maybe a handful of dried fruits and I take in lots of water throughout the day. 

Trust me, I know dieting and trying to lose weight is hard, but the better you eat the better you feel!!! Fueling your body with what it needs for an awesome workout will only help you reap the benefits of a hot summer bod you can rock all-year round!

Monday, November 25, 2013

Do You Feel Me?

Dear Future Readers, 

Stylings from "Temple" to toe! is geared towards being your go-to site for all things healthy, fashionable and artistic! 

While it's an awesome idea to showcase current trends and ways to mix-and-match your wardrobe,  this site is designed to give you tools to a better you - all around! From "Temple" to toe one might say! (See what I did there?)

Most importantly I hope you guys love reading this blog, just as much as I love writing it.

xoxo

Temple


This painting was done by a good friend, #artbyingy. 
While it may have nothing to do with this current post, its a symbol of everything that I and this blog stands for. Powerful and beautiful, this photo to me, represents how all the struggles, hardships and mistakes of life help to carve out a beautiful individual.