beltastic

As per request, ::cough:: @David Schwartz ::cough::

snack time

Grab and Go: LARABAR

These chewy wholesome treats have just the right amount of sweet to fulfill a craving, but not send you over the edge by raising your blood sugar levels. Made with fruit (one bar counts as 1/2 serving of fruit), nuts, extra virgin coconut oil, and an occasional extra ingredient such as unsweetened chocolate, almost every bar is gluten-free, vegan, and kosher.

My favorite flavors:

Prepare it Yourself: Banana Ice Cream

*Credit goes to my grandma for this recipe

You Need:

1) 1-2 ripe bananas (should have a little sugar spotting)

2) knife and small tray

3) freezer

4) food processor 

Directions:

1) Slice bananas and place slices flat on tray

2) freeze slices (approx. 20 min)

3) chop up frozen banana slices in food processor until they become creamy

4) put in bowl and eat!

body image

Too many people have low self-esteem due to a poor body image. Some can't look in a mirror without crying; others refuse to brush their teeth in front of a mirror. This is beyond depressing. And it has led me to the conclusion: we need more Carson Kressley. Host of a self-improvement TV show, How To Look Good Naked, it is impossible to not love him. Not only do show participants leave with a newfound love and acceptance of their bodies, but viewers too learn how to feel better about their own "problem areas." Check out seasons 1 and 2 on Hulu.

the essential winter accessory: scarves

When it comes to scarves, feel free to spend a little extra money. Since they perform two functions, every day accessories  and a way to stay warm in the winter, why not treat yourself to the best one you can find?

This cashmere scarf by Sayami is soft and light so it is perfect for adding some flare to an outfit. The thin material also avoids the bulge created under your winter jacket with chunkier scarves. Major plus: no fringe to get stuck in your jacket's zipper! Think the black and grey color combo is boring? It also comes in baby blue and creme!

Cashmere Ombre Scarf, Bluefly.com, $88.80

If you like a scarf with fringe, this one by La Fiorentina provides the same benefits of a lightweight scarf as the Sayami. The double pattern on this piece makes it unique and playful.

La Fiorentina 'Squared Stripes' Wool Scarf, Nordstrom,  $58

Want a chunky scarf, but still want to avoid the bulk under your jacket? Opt for a snood! This uber warm scarf doubles as a hood.

Portolano Chunky Marled Loop Scarf, Bloomingdales, $40.80

more snow, more boots

Today, my friend at Dartmouth said to me, "I have decided if I need to wear snow shoes in order to get to class I really shouldn't have class." This inspired me to make a snow boot post.

Before college I only wore my snow boots to play in the snow. Wearing them otherwise was a sin. After the first snowfall in my first year at college I was in for a rude awakening--people DO wear snow boots as regular shoes in the winter. In fact, snow boots are the thing to wear, at least in the Northeast. So, everyone, if you're setting foot on a college campus located in the Northeast, make sure to hit up L.L. Bean before you go.

Traditional Duck Boot

Shearling-Lined Bean Boot, L.L.Bean, $149

Hiking Boot - Snow Boot Hybrid

Wildcat II Boot, L.L.Bean, $99

new year, new tops

I love a guy in a flannel button down. They are stylish, yet warm and cuddly. My love for males in flannel, however, is slowly being superseded by those in half striped tops. Stripes on the top half draw attention to the chest and face, contrasted against a solid block of color across the abs and lower back. Horizontal lines on top also emphasize your v-shaped torso, which we ladies love.

Barbarian Striped Henley, Urban Outfitters,  $88

Barbarian Rugby Cardigan, Urban Outfitters, $88

Pair them with a neutral colored, slim fit pant and you are good to go.

Sun-faded Stanton Pant, J. Crew, $69.50

leave jeans alone

Yes, jeans can be uncomfortable. There are days they just won't fly [lolz pun], but stretch pants aren't acceptable. Jeggings are here to save the day! As long as it is a thicker material than your average cotton/spandex legging, I'm cool with jeggings.--if you want it to look like you are wearing jeans, then we shouldn't be able to see the outline of any body parts that aren't visible in real jeans. 

What are not cool are pajama jeans. Q: WTF are they? A: Ugly, fake jeggings.

bootgasm

TOPMAN has the hottest boots of the season. Boys, prepare to fall in love.

Combat 

"Westland" Hudson Boot, 135

Leather Ankle Boot, 85

Oxford-Inspired

"Harvard" Brouge Boot, 65

Chukka

Bunished Desert Boot, 46

Worker-Inspired

Burgundy Leather Boot, 85

baby trees!!..?

Ok, so they're really called bonsai trees, but baby tree is a) cuter and b) more descriptive (in my opinion, anyway). According to the ever-so-trusty Wikipedia, bonsai literally translates into "plantings in tray"--"bon"=tray; "sai"=planting(s). For more info on baby trees, click HERE!! MEMEMEMECLICKME!

Today, while chillen with with grandparents in sunny Florida, my gma and I ventured to the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens while my gpa took his 20th catnap of the day. I'm a big fan of botanical gardens to begin with, but this place was just amazing. It was extremely relaxing and therapeutic.

why are the Japanese so cool?!

I don't care who you are--your gender, age, profession, sexuality--purchase a bonsai tree. They have a great lifespan and don't require a lot of care like other plants. In times of boredom, sadness, and even euphoria you can stare at your little bonsai and contemplate it's existence...or something else really existential like that. Or you could also just think, "damn, this tree is the illest," and feel really good about yourself for owning one. 

so cayoooot!

Flo-Rida got it right...

the club can't handle me. Ya know why? I'm wearing a killer outfit, that's why.

mandatory:
-spanx/shorts under your skirt: no surprises, please

-bag with a strong closure: it would suck to lose everything
-hair tie
-oil blotting papers: get rid of sweat and keep your makeup
-bandaids: in case you get blisters from new shoes

avoid:

-excessive sequins: they can fall off when rubbing against your dance partner

-multiple bangles: they will clang on your wrists all night long

-jeans and skirts with no stretch: how do you plan on getting low in those?

the awkward years

It seems as though there is never anything fun to do when I am home from college. At a certain point the movies, mall, and bowling alley just won't cut it anymore and only so much food can be consumed.

What's an 18-20 year-old to do? GO DANCING!!! Oh wait--you don't have a fake? Me neither. I don't even know where to get one. Plus getting caught using a fake isn't really worth facing the consequences.

I understand that bars and clubs have 21+ age limits because of alcohol, but it really isn't fair. "College nights," 18+ parties usually held on Thursdays, are awesome, but what about Fridays and Saturdays? All I want is a legitimate nightclub that is always 18+. Many nightclubs have multiple party rooms; why don't they make one of them 18+ and keep the others 21+ so they can still make revenue off of drink sales? There is a string of college bars by my house in Long Island, NY, and they're always 18+ (they're open Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday) but it's basically a frat party in a bar--just a lot of grinding music and creepers. There are no places to sit and no coat check. All I ask for is a classy place to dance with my girls. I don't need or want the alcohol; give me some house music and I am high as a kite.

dancing on top of a bar at Dizzy Lizard in Hempstead, NY

NY is pretty good with 18+ nights, but Boston, the biggest college town, is terrible. After 1.5 years there so far I have not found one 18+ club. WHAT IS WITH THAT? If you know where the 18+ clubs in Beantown are at, let me know. I will be eternally grateful.