How to Style a Graphic Tee 3 Ways

How to Style a Graphic Tee - 3 Ways!


This post contains affiliate links.  Meaning I may be compensated for purchases made through links.  Read my disclaimer here

Are you stumped to how to style a graphic tee?  Have you seen other people all over the internet and wondering how they made a simple graphic tee look SO good?!  Well, I have some simple tips on how to style a graphic tee!

Just a little aside, I get most of my graphic tees from JaneJane is an online boutique marketplace that has so many independent vendors, with amazing products.  The great thing is, is that the inventory changes every three days!  This means that it is like a new store!  If you like something, make sure you scoop it up!

This less than $20 graphic tee is my ABSOLUTE favorite!  It says:  "Harvard Law.. Just Kidding".. And it makes me SMILE every time I wear it!  I have wore this shirt to boxing, working out, shopping, and hanging out around the house!

Which style do you like best?  1, 2, or 3?!


Look 1:  Gym-Ready


In this look for how to style a graphic tee.  Just simply add your favorite sneakers and leggings!  You're ready to go!


Look 2:  Workwear-Inspired 


You can wear a graphic tee as business casual!  You just have to do it the RIGHT way!  So how do I style a graphic tee for work?!  Simple.. Add a blazer and a pair of pointy pumps!  You're good to go!  


Look 3:  Casual & Trendy


Probably the most common way to style a graphic tee, is the casual way!  However, adding a chambray shirt, tied at the waist, and your favorite boots makes it super trendy! 


What is your favorite look?!  I would love for you to let me know!
Thanks for stopping by!!

💓-Ashley

The Benefits of Cheat Meals During a Diet |Fitness Fridays 4th edition


The Benefits of Cheat Meals During a Diet




Today I'm going to talk about CHEATS! ðŸ˜³ I know, I know.. This is probably not something you were expecting to read, but hear me out.. There are many benefits of cheat meals during a diet.

Cheat meals can be very beneficial while dieting. It can actually HELP with losing weight, it can help with mental clarity, and it can help you regain healthy balance with LIFE!

Remember this when you need a cheat, it is SO true!  I used to say this to myself when I had a really big cheat meal and beat myself up!  But that is OKAY!!

Now let's get into the benefits of a cheat meal:

1. It can help with losing weight! 

My trainer I was working with, during my bikini competition prep, never called it a "cheat meal", but rather a "re-feed". I could take a couple hours and eat WHATEVER I wanted. But then I had I had to go back to my diet. I did this EVERY week leading up to my competition. Guess what? I LOST weight!

The logic is this. When you are dieting, you are probably eating the same foods each and every day. Well after a while, your body is going to say "okay, I'm only going to burn x amount of calories, because that is what you give me." So when you give your body a "cheat" it has to work in overdrive because its not used to this, and jumpstart your metabolism, and burning more calories!

I only recommend a "cheat" or "re-feed" once you have been dieting a couple weeks and have seen the scale shift (negatively).  If you haven't lost weight yet (and that is your goal), then stay on your diet for another week and THEN refeed.  (Unless, that is, you REALLY need it for your mental health.  More on that next...)

2. It can help with mental clarity!


Quite simply, sometimes eating a donut is good for the soul. It HELPS, okay!? Comfort foods are there for a reason.. because they provide comfort! However, this is an instance where you eat ONE donut, and then continue dieting. I didn't say it is okay to eat a whole half dozen donuts! Sometimes your body needs sugar and carbs, especially if you have been dieting and working out very hard! Listen to your body!



3. It can help with a positive/ healthy balance with LIFE!


Save your cheat meal so you can enjoy (numerous) cookies at a wedding! (Literally, had SO many weddings to attend to when I was doing my competition). Go out to a movie and eat popcorn, go on a date night with your spouse, eating the waffles in the morning with your kid.

It is LIFE.. it is meant to be ENJOYED! Is it really worth starving yourself? It took me a very long time to come with this healthy relationship and balance with food. But really, are you being PAID to be so restrictive with eating?! If the answer is no, then give yourself some grace and eat the donut..



Tips for after your cheat/refeed meal:

1. Get back to your clean meals (don't derail you progress by having your cheat meal, become a cheat week!)
2. Try to do fasted cardio for your next workout.  (I would use all of those carbs/energy into my workout the next morning.)
3.  Eat a super clean meal for the next meal.  Try an veggie egg white scrambler the next morning.
4. Don't dwell on it.  Enjoy it, savor it, and move on!  Because if you were very depleted, then your body probably NEEDED it!


I really hope that you enjoyed this post today! I truly believe that you can have a happy, healthy life with balance and moderation.
Thanks for stopping by!
❤️- Ashley

Check out this article related to the benefits of a cheat meal:  https://aaptiv.com/magazine/benefits-of-cheat-meals
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**Please consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise routine. Also, I am not a personal trainer or dietitian; just a busy mom who has lived in the fittest and not-so-fittest of shoes; and have lived this. This advice is also taken from numerous articles and personal experiences.

Small Changes for Weight Loss | Fitness Fridays 3rd edition

Small Changes for Weight Loss




Fitness Fridays with Coffee and Hugs- 3rd edition!

Today I am talking about SMALL, LIFESTYLE changes that can make a BIG difference!

**I woke up like this. Literally, got out of bed and snapped a picture for you guys. It's not the best, I have no makeup on, and didn't brush my hair. Also, my abs are not the most ripped they've ever been, but I am proud of where I am today**

Do small changes that you can do in the long run, that will make a BIG difference! If you are on a diet that won't let you eat a specific food group, that is not sustainable!

The goal for next week should be to change ONE small thing and do it for an entire week. (These are all things that I have done to lose weight and get to where I am today). Some examples are:

Suggestions for Small Changes: 



1. Changing salad dressings! Do you eat ranch or bleu cheese? Swap that out for a balsamic vinegar or Italian dressing.

2. Snack healthier! I am ALL about snacks, but try to swap them for healthier options. Swap those for an apple, a cheese stick, or a handful of almonds/cashews! I would eat baked chips in the afternoon. While they were still baked, they're still not good. Now I eat an apple with peanut butter!

3. Don't drink your calories! If you drink a lot of sodas and juices, limit them to one a day. Or grab a flavored sparkling water and stop drinking them, all together!

4. Move your body! If you're sitting at a desk all day. Try to get up every hour and move around. Walk around the office/unit/ or up the stairs! If you're at home, walk up and down the stairs every hour!

5. Pack your lunch! You will save money AND calories! Pack a healthy lunch and eat it! I used to eat pizza or nachos at the hospital cafeteria for lunch. Not only is is expensive, it was also derailing my weight loss! Now I pack a large salad and eat that everyday for lunch!!

Here is an article about 10 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting --> https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/10-ways-to-lose-weight-without-dieting

I promise if you stick to small, healthy changes, you will consume less calories, burn more calories and lose weight. Also, these are ALL things that I have done that helped me lose weight!

What do you think? What will you try to do next week?

Thanks for stopping by!

❤️-Ashley




Casual Valentine's Day Outfit- How to Style a Graphic Tee 3 Ways

How to Style a Graphic Tee 3 Ways

This post contains affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure here.

My love for graphic tees goes deep! I love how festive they can be, and how you can wear them many ways!  I started my love for graphic tees on Jane.  It started with a Harvard Law, Just Kidding graphic tee.. and it hasn't stopped since.  Fall is in the air? There's a graphic tee for that.  Thanksgiving?  You know it!  Christmas and holidays.. OHHH yeah!

Also, if you haven't even shopped at Jane.. then you need to start.  It is an online marketplace that has deals for only 3 days.  Ohhh and the prices, CRAZY good!  Also, you don't know if a boutique is going to resell that particular item, again.  Most of the times, they do.  But you don't know when.  So I just buy it!  I have made well over 100 purchases on Jane and have only had to return 1 item.

You can search all of the graphic tees on Jane here!  They have some pretty incredible ones right now!  So.  Darn.  Excited!

So the reason for this post is to show you a couple different ways to wear a graphic tee.  I wear them under a blazer, or denim jacket.  Put it on over top of a dress, or wear it with a skirt.  The opportunities are endless, my friend!  You can also see my post how I styled a blazer numerous ways (two of them are with graphic tees!) here.

Without further ado, I will show you how you can style a graphic tee 3 different ways.  Please comment below on which look you like best.. 1, 2, or 3??

Look 1: Super Casual

The first look is a casual look that I wore my black butter denim, Muk Luk booties, and a plaid top! Have you even worn butter denim?!  They are called butter denim because they are AS SOFT AS BUTTER!  Seriously, so stretchy so SOFT!  They are under $40 (with free shipping and returns). Seriously, I LOVE them!  Size down one size.

Also, my boots are on MAJOR sale right now.  These are perfect for fall and winter as they are water resistant and WARM!


Look 2: Flirty with a Skirt and Denim Jacket

The second look is paired with a pleated skirt, denim jacket, and leopard pumps!  I love how this would be a great date night look.  Super cute, edgy, and FUN! 


Look 3: Polished Yet Casual

The final look is using the same denim jacket.  But swapping out the skirt for red pants and wedge booties!  This would be perfect for a work look.  You could swap the denim jacket for a blazer, if needed!!



What do you guys think!?  What is your favorite look?  I would love for you to vote here!  Also, if you needed some more inspo.. I did a post regarding how to style a blazer numerous ways.. and it shows 2 more graphic tee looks.  You can check it out here.

Thanks for stopping by!


💓-Ashley

How to Style Camo Leggings

#flatlay with my new favorite camo leggings and olive sneakers! I paired them with one of my new sweatshirts from Jane and my jean jacket! {This post contains affiliate links. Meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!}
Levi's trucker jacket, TTS: https://amzn.to/2W1yGUg
Similar cowl neck from Jane: http://shrsl.com/1eikg
Similar cowl neck: https://amzn.to/2FJJUHj
Leggings, only $14, size down: https://bit.ly/2U2dNGJ
Sneakers, TTS: https://amzn.to/2SYRnpL
Leather camo earrings: http://shrsl.com/1eikq
Leather wrap bracelet: https://amzn.to/2W6ObKS



Best Denim for Postpartum Women...Butter Denim!


Have you tried butter denim yet? Everyone who has tried them, LOVES them! Better yet, they are only $39 + free shipping and returns!! Had to try out the new black denim and it DID NOT disappoint!! Size down one size, who doesn't love to do that?!

(commissioned links)
Black butter denim: https://bit.ly/2H9X2aW
Regular butter denim: https://bit.ly/2TIiqpd
Madewell tank, size down: https://bit.ly/2H5YwDa
Similar denim jacket, only $20: https://bit.ly/2RIlF2M
Steve Madden sneakers (pictured), TTS: https://amzn.to/2RDfKfp
Steve Madden dupe sneaker, on sale $8.50: https://bit.ly/2RIpjJT

Healthy Breakfast Options for Weight Loss | Fitness Friday 2nd edition


Healthy Breakfast Options for Weight Loss



Fitness Friday with Coffee & Hugs- 2nd edition! 

Today I'm going to talk about healthy breakfast options for weight loss! 

"Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day. It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school. Those are just a few reasons why it’s the most important meal of the day.

Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight (webmd.com)."

I added a couple healthy and protein-rich breakfast options in the picture, for you to save! When I have time, I love making an easy veggie scrambler. This helps me keep me fuller, LONGER! I also like to try to incorporate vegetables in most meals, when I can. (This does require more meal prepping and planning ahead, though).

Do I always have time for a hot breakfast? No, I do not! But that is also why I gave different options like a simple vanilla greek yogurt with added protein, some berries, and granola! (This is my go-to for when I have to work early in the hospital).

Also, overnight oats is a really breakfast that take minimal prepping time, you can grab in the morning, and TASTE GREAT!

Check out this article with 8 different ways to make Overnight Oats! Flavors like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin, and Apple Cinnamon!! {https://lifemadesweeter.com/overnight-oats-8-ways/}

I hope you enjoyed today's Fitness Friday tip about healthy breakfast options for weight loss!! Thanks for stopping by!

❤️-Ashley

Weekly Top 5 Coolest Products!


Here are my Weekly Top 5 Coolest Gadgets/Products that I have found!  The only thing that I do not personally own is the first planner.. yet!  Let me know what you think about these products!

I found this pretty cool food + workout planner on Amazon!  It is a 90-day tracker and has SO many other cool features!!

https://amzn.to/2BYM56m (commissioned link)



The next are these blue-light blocking glasses!  Do you stare a computer screen all day? If so, then you need to try these blue blocker glasses! They help to prevent eye fatigue and headahces (on some people). These are non-prescription, so they would work if you were contacts! I used these last night to grade papers for 3 hours and could ABSOLUTELY tell a HUGE difference! Other colors available! Only $16!


These also work for the the cell phone or for video games!
(commissioned link)
Glasses pictured: https://amzn.to/2Vt3ehD
Other print glasses: https://amzn.to/2Vt3ehD

Next, is the most wonderful under eye concealer that I have found!  I use this all over my face, for any blemish that I need to cover!  It is FULL coverage and lasts all day!

https://amzn.to/2RBTB0I

If there is one product for your hair to buy, it would be this one!  It has helped with the volume of my hair since the FIRST use!  All you do is spray in your hair, while wet, BEFORE blow drying!  



The final product is what was featured on the first Fitness Friday with Coffee and Hugs!  It is a pre-workout with BCAAs!  I only use this when I really need a "kick", or after a really hard workout when I need some help to repair my muscles/muscle soreness!

Thanks for stopping by!
💓-Ashley



*Please note that my links listed are affiliated links.  If you click a link and make a purchase, I may get a small commission from the retailer at no additional cost to you.  
*Also, please note Amazon has wonderful deals and prices, which are subject to change at any time. 
*Please consult with your physician before taking any supplements that may have drug interactions and that you are healthy enough to take those supplements.

Preworkout Supplements for Beginners | Fitness Fridays 1st edition

Preworkout Supplements for Beginners| BCAAs




I told you I had big goals for the new year! And I also wanted to show that I listen to you! Thus, I'm SO excited to announce Fitness Fridays with Coffee and Hugs!!! Join me every Friday at 10am EST for your weekly fitness tip!
This may be a fun fact, a recipe, a workout, a product, a clothing item, or maybe a check in on fitness goals!!
Each week will be different! So make sure that you tune in so you don't miss a thing!!
Please read my disclaimer here
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P
Fitness Friday with Coffee and Hugs- 1st edition! 
Today I will be talking about preworkout supplements for beginngers, and the benefits of BCAAs.

I get a lot of questions regarding preworkout supplements. Typically, I just drink a cup of coffee as as preworkout. This gives me enough energy to complete my workout. However, there are times that I need a little extra kick, so I will use a preworkout. The one that I currently have and really like is ON Amino Energy (blue raspberry). This one is SO good! They also have SO many different fun flavors.https://amzn.to/2SxZoSg (commissioned links)

If you just want to try it; there are a 6-pack of sticks available for not a whole lot:https://amzn.to/2SA0Q6N

Also, this particular one has BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) in them. {BCAA supplements have been shown to build muscle, decrease muscle fatigue, and help with muscle soreness.}

So, I will use this if I know I will have a super tough workout/lifting session. Or even AFTER a hard workout. I "repaired" a partially torn tricep tendon with physical therapy, rest, and stringent BCAA supplementation many years ago.

Here is an article related to BCAAs: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-bcaa#section1

**Please note that typical preworkouts have caffeine in them (sometimes a lot of caffeine). I typically HALF the recommended dose for the first couple times of consuming, to see how my body reacts to it.**

**Also, please consult your physician before taking any supplementation to ensure that there are no drug interactions and if you should be taking them.

Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you enjoyed this reading by dropping a comment below!

❤️-Ashley