When we think of Easter we think of family celebrations, church services, brunch, egg hunts, and the Easter bunny..but back in the day apparently Easter to a woman meant flowers, cocoa-cola, chocolates, and new Easter fashion. Take a look. Buona Pasqua everyone :)

Now that it is officially spring here in Dallas, I am more than ready to start mixing more color and texture into my life. Some of the easiest ways I find is through patterns. I have a board dedicated to prints and patterns on pinterest and find myself constantly saving them as my iPhone backgrounds for a pop of texture in my daily life. Here are a few ways I love my patterns:

1 - Home Decor

 
I have been on a search all winter for a framed print to help brighten up my bedroom..This print particularly caught my eye because of the color palette combined with the contrasting patterns on the pillows

I have toyed with the idea of putting up wallpaper on a wall in my apartment, especially ones that incorporate metallic. Apartment walls can get bland and boring, but adding this fairly inexpensive idea is kind of intriguing to me….Urban Outfitters has this wallpaper that might be a semi-inexpensive way to try it out

2 - Fashion

Florals seem to be the biggest trend for spring season after season, and I think a good way of breaking that up is by replacing florals with prints. Not only do I love bright and bold colors, I also am intrigued by patterns that turn up the glam factor in a more elegant way

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2013

Temperly London SS13

3 - Prints (Black & White)

I love the trend of black and white for spring. To me, it is timeless. I will never get sick of the combination.

endpaper - ink on hemp paper by Robert Hardgrave

Photo by Samm Blake

Since I am a girly girl who loves florals, I like this take on the black and white created floral image with a little pop of color.

What are your spring favorites?

Here are my two favorite looks from the Red Carpet…love love love!

Rihanna in Azzedine Alaia

Kelly Rowland in Georges Chakra

I love this new texture trend I’ve seen all over pinterest lately..these are the perfect set of nails to spice up and compliment any going out outfit! 

Images via @pinterest

I’ve always valued staying healthy and eating foods that not only are delicious, but also health conscious. Since starting working full time this fall, I’ve learned the importance of planning ahead. Not only does it help me stay on track, but it also allows me to be able to get a little more beauty rest before my 6:30 wake up call on work-days.

Oatmeal with fruit has always been my go-to meal for breakfast, so when I found this recipe for Banana Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate Chips you can imagine my excitement!! Baking a batch of these on a Friday night before the beginning of my working week (I work Saturday - Wednesdays…crazy right!?) will save me much needed time in the mornings!

So enjoy the recipe! (recipe and images via greenlitebites.com)

• 3 mashed bananas (the more ripe the better!)
• 1 cup vanilla Almond milk (or skim milk with some truvia sweetner)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp Baking powder
• 3 cups (240g) Old Fashion or Rolled Oats
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp (42g) mini chocolate chips (or try adding some blueberries instead for an even healthier option!)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Mix all ingredients except the chocolate chips together, and let sit while you prepare the muffin pans.

Spray a muffin pan and/or liners with with non-stick spray.

Stir the chocolate chips into the oatmeal batter.

Divide batter into 15 muffin cups. They should be just about filled.

Bake 20-30 minutes, you’ll see the edges just starting to brown and they will be firm to the touch.

The muffins may stick when hot but are removed easily when cooled for a bit.

Every season comes new fashion, new trends, and new inspiration when it comes to personal style. Lightweight leather, geographic prints, black & white, and boudior style seem to be the early favorites for Spring 2013.

Not only is it beginning to transition into spring, but it’s also getting to be that time of year again…AWARD SEASON! Every year, the fashion is what I look forward to the most. And kicking off the season last Wednesday was CBS’s People Choice Awards. Not only did Jennifer Aniston and Taylor Swift both snag awards, they topped my list for the best dressed.

Jennifer Aniston in Christian Dior - Leather

Right on trend, Jennifer Aniston wears a light leather, Dior dress. Leather is definitely an unconventional spring trend compared to traditional florals, but it helps add edge to feminine pieces. I have been incorporating leather and faux leather into not only my fall and winter wardrobe, but I also plan on rocking it for spring as well.
 

Taylor Swift - Ralph Lauren

White and black also seem to be big color (or lack of) trend for this spring, showing that white is no longer a “summer only” color. I love the versatility of the different shades of white: creme, pearl, and bright white. This helps the trend not only have multiple vibes, but also helps it be season friendly. Taylor Swift looks effortlessly chic, accenting the white gown with aqua earrings. A pop of color helps to accent this trend, especially bright colors.

This weekend is the Golden Globes, and of course I already have my DVR set for all the red-carpet looks. I can’t wait!!