Packing: Mexico

After a rainy first day of spring, we are more than excited to jet to Mexico tomorrow. Ellie and I have been planning for the vacation for far too long and now its only hours till we board the plane. Although Ellie has been packed for weeks, I have had a harder time deciding what to bring. Tonight, I decided to use our destination as an inspiration and pack the most colorful items in my closet. If you know me well  you will understand that there are very few "colorful" items in my drawers. But hey, If I am going to wear something bright, it might as well be on the Beach in Cancun!

Bright Pedicure: Essential for a beach vacation! Bright colors will make your toes look all the better as you walk through the sand :)

Colorful Swimsuit: You can never have too many bright swimsuits. Feel free to mix and max!

Neon Athletic Wear: Perfect for sunset yoga on the beach.

New running shoes: A cute new pair always makes the run more enjoyable!

Party Dresses: It is so fun to play dress up after a long day at the beach!

Summery heels: These will spice up any outfit!

Hope you have an escape planned soon! Can't wait to share pictures from the trip :)

Maddie

Craft: Baby Apron

One of Ellie's close friends, and family running buddy, is having a baby girl this spring. For her baby shower we decided to make her something homemade as well as giving her something practical. The theme of the shower was elephants so we decided on this adorable grey elephant fabric and made a Bapron, by following this tutorial from Craftiness is Not Optional. The pattern is fairly simple, and now that we have made one, we feel confident we could make several more easily.

 Jay supervision the sewing!

Isn't the fabric adorable!

Mom ironing away on the second babpron.

Heading to the shower, Ellie got this new dress at Gap today, how could she resist when everything in the store was thirty percent off.

 Snacks at the shower!

The beautiful mommy opening her gifts. We love this baby carrier we got her, so pretty and stylish.

The finished bapron. Adding pink bias tape makes it pop.

 Maddie and the mom too be.

We had such a fun time celebrating. The shower was absolutely adorable. Our hosts had done an amazing job decorating, baking, and planning. They really made us feel welcome!

Ellie & Maddie

Fitness: Beach Ready Yoga

Later this month we are lucky enough to go on a family beach vacation to Cancun, Mexico. We are in quick need of toning fitness moves to get us bikini ready! It is not often in Portland that we get to wear our bikini, let alone show off our calves in all the rain. We found two great Jillian Michaels yoga videos that do the trick. They are challenging without feeling like you are bulking up. She uses a method of yoga with high intensity reps evolved from classic yoga moves. Here are some pictures of us doing  our favorite toning moves. 

Warrior Two pose:

Warrior One pose to Warrior Three pose done in repetitions:

Warrior One post repetition with arms out and in:

Goddess pose done in repetitions:

Plank pose into Three Legged Dog pose done in repetitions:

Camel Pose Repetitions:

Camel Pose: 

Here is the link to the videos, Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown Level 1 and Level 2. We were thrilled to have sunny weather in Portland this weekend because usually we practice yoga in Ellie's tiny bedroom. It can get quite cramped!

Ellie & Maddie

Friday Night Makeup!

After a long week of work and a less than optimal sleep schedule I am ready for a couple days off! My plans for the weekend: have a couple cocktails, enjoy the sunshine, and sleep in at least once! To change it up a bit I thought it would be fun to do a post about my easy makeup routine for a fun night out. My day to day makeup is similar but I rarely wear eyeshadow or heavy eyeliner. To be honest, it was a little scary to take photos without any make up on. This week has definitely darkened the circles under my eyes!

Before Makeup: 

 MAC Pro Longwear NW 25 Concealer leaves my skin begging for some bronzer :)

First Bronzer. Then brows and eyeliner.  I color my brows with a brunette creamy brow pencil and my favorite eyeliner is the Revlon Color Stay Liquid Eye Pen.

MAC MULCH eyeshadow works as a great smoky eyeliner.

Because Im headed out to meet some girlfriends, a little dark brown eye shadow in the crease is definitely appropriate. I use MAC WEDGE and then add some shimmer.

I am extremely picky about my Mascara. After trying everything, I finally found the perfect one: Voluminous False Fiber Lashes by L'Oreal. Honestly, try it.

Add a little lipstick and I am ready!

This routine literally take me less than a couple minutes and it really works!

Have an awesome weekend!

Maddie

Outfit: Workday Wednesday

I have to admit the drizzly, rainy, grey weather in Portland is getting to me! I am sick of wearing tights  and miss my favorite spring clothes that are buried in my closet. We are headed on a family vacation to Mexico in a few weeks and I am already counting down the days. I can't wait to be warm. This week I picked a bright top to cheer me up, and paired it with one of my go to black skirts.The skirt is from ModCloth and I absolutely adore it. It is girly and practical. 

What warm weather clothes are you excited to wear? I miss my open toed shoes and cropped pants. Happy Wednesday!

Ellie

Ellie's Outfit:
Skirt:ModCloth
Top:Target (Not available online anymore)
Boots: Nordstroms

Outfit: Is it spring yet?

Just as I am getting tired of the gray winters in Portland, March arrives and gives me hope for spring. I will surely miss chunky sweaters and boots but, I can't wait for the ability to easily throw on a lacy blouse and go. This outfit is my grab and go outfit for the colder months. First, leggings, a long sleeve, and some fabulous boots. Next, your oversized sweater of choice. 

My Outfit:
Leggings: Target
Long sleeve: Gap
Boots: Frye
Sweater: Nordstroms (Out of season)

Happy March! What is your chunky sweater of choice?

Maddie