Bikini Series Goals and Inspiration

(Tone it Up)

This Sunday I will be starting my 3rd Tone it Up Bikini Series!! I've gone from a newbie to an obsessed member. But that's because it's changed my life. I've shared a little bit about that recently but today I am talking about the future, not the past! Today, I am putting my goals out there in hopes that I can stick to them for the next 8 weeks. There are a lot of things on this list and it may seem daunting but I've broken it down so that I can focus on each area. I love that Tone it Up is about so much more than eating well and working out. They want you to be your best self. Every year I finish the Bikini Series SO confident and ready to take on anything.

Nutrition: I didn't want to just say "eat more veggies" although I know I need to, these goals are more related to areas I really need improvement on. If I follow the Bikini plan, I should be eating enough veggies anyway ;) Meal prep...I know it is SO important but every time I get burnt out from doing it. K&K have really given me the tools to succeed so I want to utilize their grocery lists and menus more because I know it will mean taking a packed lunch v grabbing Panera or Chick-fil-a.

Workout goals: I haven't taken before pictures yet but I think for once I won't be embarrassed by them. I like my body now and it can only get better from there! I really want to challenge myself to do things I haven't tried before in hopes that I will see even bigger results! Some of my squad is even talking about doing a triathlon but I'm not quite there yet. I love that we each have our niches. I love doing classes like Zumba, Pound, yoga and some of the girls love running, biking or event different sports. One thing I particularly want to start again is playing tennis with my hubs!

Personal: These are my favorite type of goals to set. The Bikini series, although a challenge, is VERY FUN! Why? Because I am doing alongside some AMAZING women! It is the best community! Like I said, personally I am in a good place so now I want to help others in their journey.  And I am SO excited to be attending our very own little mini TIU retreat in September! It will be the ultimate meet up for girls in the area :D

Here is a little inspiration board I put together from Pinterest to give me an extra boost of motivation but summer approaching is actually enough for me...it's my favorite time of the year! I know the timing of this challenge will be hard because we have a lot going on during it: vacation, anniversary and it ends around my birthday.

Are you doing the Bikini Series? What are your goals and motivation? 

Young House Love Tells All

Today is an exciting day for me!!! I've been given the opportunity to attend the Inaugural "Full Disclosure from the Hipp" What does that mean?? Full Disclosure/NPR is hosting an event to benefit Caritas and my favorite, Young House Love will be there.

Not only is Young House Love a nationally known blog for home improvement but John and Sherry are FROM RICHMOND! How cool is that?

If you've been following along here, you know that I had the opportunity to meet them during their first book tour. I also attended the Richmond Homearama and got to see the show house that they designed. I am so glad that they are getting back out in the community and I can't wait to read their 2nd book.

Here's what you need to know. Its today, Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the Hippodrome Theater. The Doors open at 6:30 and the show begins at 7:30
Tickets are $50 and seating is general admission. Click here to purchase your tickets.

Full Disclosure, The NPR One show hosted by Richmond's Roben Farzad, hosts Young House Love's John and Sherry Petersik, the home improvement aficionados turned Internet rock stars. Roben will lead a discussion about morphing a passion into a living; reclaiming life-work balance; the hazards of too much social media and everything else they learned along the way. This is the first Full Disclose from Richmond's storied Hippodrome Theater, the vaudeville landmark built in 1913.

Come early for drinks and good conversation. Seating is limited.

A portion of ticket sales will go to CARITAS, which helps break the cycles of homelessness and addiction in the Richmond Community. Its Furniture Bank collects furniture and household items and distributes them to individuals and families in need.

And what better place to host than the Hippodrome? I've been inside once but never attended an event there so I cannot wait!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram- @designerinteal and snapchat- @designerinteal1 to see all of the details

Comment below and let me know you're coming!! And if you can't make it, please consider donating to Caritas. They are doing great things in the Richmond community but need your support!

Stitch Fix #1

Hi Lovelies! Today I'm gonna share my 1st Stitch Fix experience with y'all!

I've known about this company for a while but just recently got the guts to schedule my fix. I knew the clothes were more expensive than what I'm used to but I LOVE the concept.

Pros:

• someone else does the work for you
• get to try stuff on in your own home
• receive unique pieces that not everyone can get
• discount if you buy all 5 pieces
• fun surprise in the mail
• free shipping

Cons:

• no need to go shopping...and I LOVE shopping
• may take some time for your stylist to get your taste just right
• slow process...I was itching for some spring clothes and was too impatient to wait 3 weeks
• have to pay styling fee if you don't choose to purchase anything

If you're new to Stitch Fix I'll give you a short run down. You sign up and fill out a style profile. (I spent a lot of time on mine making sure it reflected what I want to receive.)

Next, you select when you want to receive your fix and then you schedule it. They will have a personal stylist curate a box for you. The box includes 5 items. (And now they even offer shoes!! So you can be dressed head to toe and accessorized!) Once it ships, they charge a $20 styling fee (which is credited toward anything you buy)

Once your fix comes, you try everything on at home and checkout online. Anything you keep they charge your account and anything you want to return goes in the prepaid bag! Its very simple.

In my note to my stylist I asked for spring attire that would be business casual but also creative since I'm a designer and all... I mentioned my favorite colors and pieces I was interested in receiving: a pencil skirt, romper, springy tops. mentioned patterns I like: geometrics, florals, leopard, etc and noted my style icon, Lauren Conrad! I also shared the link to my fashion pinterest board

Sorry in advance...some photos are blurry. But thank you hubby for putting up with all of my outfit changes :) Also, I am not a fashion blogger so please be kind!

FIRST OF ALL..I WANT TO MENTION THAT EVERYTHING FIT PERFECTLY!! I WAS SOOO HAPPY ABOUT THIS!

Item #1 Dinky Fringe Sandal- Return

Loved the idea but the color doesn't match very much in my closet and honestly they weren't very comfortable. Plus $60 for sandals is pretty steep for me. But I could tell they were very well made.

Styled them with my new dress from Target!

Item # 2  Ondrei Racerback Top- Keep!!

I love the fit of this top, the style, the pattern and the material! Basically everything! Now I need a white blazer though haha!

Love the back as well...I also think this top is versatile for multiple seasons!

Styled it with my J.Crew cropped pants and J.Crew flats!

Item #3 Hearst Cross Back Blouse- Return

I love the color...obviously and the material. It is sheer so it was challenging to find a good cami for it. I like the back detail. Ultimately its similar to a few pieces in my closet so its going back.

Back detail- styled it with dark denim jeans from Loft!

Item #4 Rinna Dress- Return

Felt too youthful to me. I want more sophisticated pieces. I understand why she chose this. I also think the all over polka dot was too much for my petite self. Its actually navy even though it looks black. Was very comfortable and stretchy.

I did LOVE the back...

Artie was watching me the whole time...he was overseeing the photo shoot!!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST....Item #5 Christiana Pencil Skirt---> want to keep!

I loveeeee this skirt. I'm sure it looks very plain BUT it fit perfectly. It was thin and stretchy. there is no zipper or anything you just pull it up. And this is the perfect color for me and my wardrobe. I have tons of stuff to complement it. It is $78 which is more than I spend on any clothes other maybe outerwear....or a designer bag haha HELP!! Can someone convince the hubs that its worth it??

See?? It is the perfect work attire staple!!

AND this is NOT stitch fix but I found a romper that I loved and couldn't pass up. Of course it's Target!

Please don't judge my pale white legs...can't wait to rock this over the summer with a tan!!

SO that's it! Have you tried Stitch Fix before??? If so, share your links. I'd love to see what you got. If not, try it out HERE