Happy Birthday to Me!

Yup, it's my birthday and I've turned the big two three! Well, okay... it's not that big or important. I decided this go around I would share a few things I've learned through this past year. The good and the bad.

1. Do what makes you happy (even if it means you are broke most of the time).

2. Spread love not hate.

3. Take time to reflect on you and your life instead of others.

4. People don't always stick around in your life forever. So find that close group of friends or family who honestly have your back no matter what.

5. Be yourself. Why try to be someone you are not? What a waste of your life...

6. Dress for success. No matter if you are a doctor, office worker, or nanny, dress the part that you want to be in life.

7. Don't quit dreaming. There are so many things I still want to do in my life and I have got plenty of time to accomplish them. But start working towards those goals now, don't put them off forever!

Thank you,

Spencer 

Beach Bag Must Haves 2016!

Summer has officially arrived and everyone is headed to the beach! The scorching sun is no doubt a huge help in packing the beach full of families looking for some fun and college students ready to work on their tans! No matter if you are taking a day trip or are on vacation, your beach bag needs to be stocked with the essentials. I have a beach bag checklist to ensure that you are going to have a fun and safe time!

1. Sunscreen and Chapstick- Keeping your skin protected should be number one priority when spending hours outside in the sun's rays. I personally use three different types of sunscreen throughout the day. 

My favorites are... Coppertone Oil Free Faces SPF 30, Banana Boat Protect & Hydrate SPF 50, and Banana Boat Regular SPF 50. I also make sure to reapply chapstick with an SPF in it because sunburnt lips are awful! Remember they are part of your skin too! 

2. Big Hat- Another great way to keep your face, neck, and sometimes shoulders out of the sun. Plus it looks super cute! 

3. Sunglasses- All this talk of protecting our skin, what about your eyes? Don't forget to bring a lens cleaner because I can guarantee they will end up covered in sunblock and sand! 

4. Hair ties/clips and a Brush- Now that my hair has gotten longer, I carry extra hair ties with me everywhere. If you are headed into the Ocean, tie up your hair. It will be much easier to brush out and wash later. I also carry a brush for those windy days on the beach. We have all been there where your hair looks like a birds nest due to the wind. 

5. Water and Snacks- What good is a trip to the beach if you end up dehydrated? Bring a large water bottle that you semi-froze over night and it will stay cold for most of your time on the sand. Small snacks such as Goldfish, fruit snacks, and grapes are perfect beach food. 

6. Magazine or Book- Being at the beach isn't always about building sandcastles and swimming, for the most part it's about relaxing. This is where a great book or magazine comes in handy. 

7. Ear Buds and Phone- I always bring my phone and ear buds with me in a ziplock or water proof bag. This is for the occasions when you have very annoying beach neighbors or you want to tune your kids out and get a break! 

8. Beach Bag and Towel- A huge bag is key to throw everything in and go but you can't forget a small wristlet or, like me, a travel makeup bag for the smaller items. I love picking out a bright colored towel to take with me every year. These are items that allow you to show your personality at the beach. 

Safety Tips: In my family every year we try to use the same beach bags and similar color towels to help us locate where our "camp" is for the day. Another great tips is to make sure your children know what your umbrella and chairs look like so they can spot them from the ocean. Teach your children to look at lifeguard stand numbers next to where you have set up for the day in case they get lost or hurt. 

Enjoy the summer down the shore!

Thank you,

Spencer 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

With Mother's Day being right around the corner I thought I would share a few of my Mother's Day gift ideas! I've tried to put together the best collection of gifts that would benefit all types of mothers and in all different price ranges. I hope this last minute list will help a few of you in surprising your mom on her special day!

For the Sporty/Healthy Mom:

FitBit Alta in Teal

For the "I don't want Anything" Mom:

Sweet Sangria Candle

For The New Mom:

Q&A Journal for Mom's 

For the Beauty Addict Mom:

Tory Burch Jolie Fleur Rose Perfume 

For The Fashion Forward Mom:

Tommy Hilfiger Floral Wallet

For The Mom who is Always in the Kitchen:

3-Tier CupCake Stand

Wishing all the Mothers out there a very happy day. 

Thank you,

Spencer

FBF: Baby Fashionista!

It's a Flash Back Friday!

Thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of me from when I was younger. I have always loved fashion and being dressed up. Perfect for my mother who loved to dress me in anything frilly and lacey. While I have no memory of any of these clothes or events, I do remember being over dressed for every occasion. Still me to this day!

Easter 1994 (8-9 months)

Summer 1995 (2 years old)

My First Birthday July 1994

Thank you,

Spencer 

Photo Time!

I made the commitment! I got a bunch of photos I had taken last year printed. I am a huge believer in photos making a home more personal. I love having the ability to take an album off the shelf and looking through it at all the fun times within. In this digital age we live in, most people don't get their beautiful photos printed. I use Snapfish to print all of my photos, I even used them to print my graduation pictures. They are super cheap and always have some sort of deal on. Since I got over 300 photos printed, I needed a few albums to put all those memories in! 

I got really lucky and found a few albums that I absolutely LOVE at Walmart. Now I didn't think I was going to find anything I liked when I decided to look at Walmart but, boy was I surprised. So don't be afraid to look for things at those random stores! 

Thank you,

Spencer

Thoughtful Thursday- Clothing

Source

Me every single day of my life even after I've spent whole paychecks on new clothing! Help!

(These posts are just something I'm going to add in now and then for fun.)

Thank you,

Spencer

A Day in New York!

My favorite place in the World! NEW YORK! I was lucky enough to have this past week off for the Holiday and even luckier got to go to NYC with my Mom!

I received the best present over Christmas; tickets to see the Broadway show Jersey Boys. I have been waiting for years to see the show and let me tell you the wait was worth it!

We took a day trip to the city on the train and saw the sights as you do.

First stop was Macy's for their Flower Show.

Next was the Show! Jersey Boys is a fabulous show. It's very fast paced, full of music, but by no means family friendly. Lots of cursing so, be fore-warned ;) We also stuck around after the show to get autographs and pictures with most of the cast! 

All in all it was an amazing day! 

Thank you,

Spencer

The Fashion Tag

I thought it would be a fun idea to share some of my favorites with you in this fun questionnaire. I think this is a fun way to learn more about the different things I like and maybe discover something new yourself!

The Fashion Tag!

1. How would you describe your personal style?

Classic, Girly, and ever changing. I love the classic staples and silhouettes; however, I love adding the seasons trends into my personal style.

2. What are your wardrobe staples?

Black leggings, boots, circle or Aline skirts, and basic shirts. 

3. Most expensive item in your closet?

It’s either my Vintage Coach purse from the 1970’s or my new Kenneth Cole Down winter coat. 

4. Most wanted item?

A Chanel Classic Flap Bag. They are beautiful and something I feel will never go out of style. 

5. Favourite designer?

I don’t have just one! How can I pick? I love Oscar de la Renta, Zuhair Murad, and Elie Saab. 

6. How much do you spend on clothes?

It depends on what the item is. For seasonal I try to stay under $40 but for staple pieces I can spent up to $80 if its good quality. I have bought a few items that are way over that $80 mark but they are usually one time purchases or special occasion pieces. I don’t shop all the time, I do it seasonally. My last H&M order I spent over $300 which is a bit much for me too be honest. 

7. What are your favourite places to shop?

Some of my favorite stores are H&M, Loft, and 

8. Favourite fragrance?

I have two that I switch up now and then. I’m either wearing One Direction’s Our Moment or Marc Jacobs’ Daisy. 

9. What's your favourite way to do your hair?

I have naturally curly/wavy hair so I tend to just let it air dry and wear it like that. 

10. What is your go-to outfit when you have no idea what to wear?

I always go for and oversize sweater or shirt, black leggings, and black riding boots. Not too fussy. 

11. One fashion trend you wish would come back or stay?

I love everything to do with the 50’s/60’s. The big skirt and dresses! Love it! 

 12. Show us your most prized possession in your wardrobe.

I received a set of pearl jewelry for Christmas a few years ago. Since then I have worn the necklace for pretty much every holiday. I don't really wear bracelets ever and my ears aren't pierced so those items are being neglected. 

13. Tag some people.

I tag all of you! Leave your answers in the comments below! Would love to know what things you all like! 

Thank you,

Spencer 

Philadelphia 76ers Game

This past Friday I had the privilege to attend the Sixer's game with my dance studio (Stepping Stone Dance Studio) and it's Dance team. The dance team was invited to perform at the pregame show. The game was sponsored by A Wish Come True, a costume company, who paid for all the tickets to the game! With only 2 months to learn a Broadway/jazz dance number and with such a large age difference in the group, I think the girls were wonderful. I am so proud of how professional all the girls acted and performed. Below are some pictures from that night!

I really want to share more with you this side of my life and I hope you can appreciate my love of dance.

Thank you,

Spencer 

February Favorites 2016

The month of  February has come to a close. Throughout the month I have been loving a quite few products. I have a mix of fashion, beauty, and other things that have kept me happy through the month.

Fashion:

H&M Leggings- As you have probably seen from my last post I love H&M's Leggings! I buy new ones every time I'm in the store or if I order online. I live in leggings during the Fall/Winter, even into Spring. You can dress them up or wear them as lounge wear. H&M leggings are cheap but the quality is there, so comfy! If you are like me and wear them almost everyday of the week then by the end of winter you may need to purchase new ones. However, I put mine through the ringer between daily wear and wear in dance class!

Beauty:

The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet- I'm pretty new to the Body Shop cult but I will say that I am so happy to be apart of it! I have tried multiple products of theirs and the Vitamin E range has done wonders for my skin. I have probably recommended this before but I love it so much I need to share again. I tend to have either really dry skin or super oily skin. The Aqua Boost Sorbet has proved to work for my skin during both its oily and dry spells. I really like that it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky.

Benefit They're Real Mascara- Benefit mascara is amazing! I love this one so much I'm on my third purchase of it. It makes my lashes look so long and full without getting flaky during the day. It is really hard for me to find a mascara that lengthens my lashes with out them touching on my glasses after wards but this one works perfectly.

Other:

Sprinkle of Glitter 2016 Diary- The title of this is misleading if you aren't from Europe. This Diary is actually a yearly planner by a YouTuber called Louise (Sprinkle of Glitter). I love watching her videos and when she released this dairy I needed to have it. The design is completely my style. I have been using the dairy as more of a keepsake item than a planner. If something special happens on a certain day I write it in or if I find a quote I love I put it in on the day I found it. It's proving to be a great way to keep me writing and inspired.

Spotify- If you have been reading my Blog for a while you will know I am obsessed with music. Spotify lets me listen to all my favorite songs and find new artists without having to pay for each one. I personally use the free version but even to pay monthly isn't that pricey. Find my account here.

Thank you,

Spencer

Tuesday- FIT Graduation

For the past month, I haven't been keeping up with my blog and I was so upset that I had to put it aside for the time being. All of May I have been working on finals projects, papers, and Final Exams! However, all of this proved to be worth it because on May 21st I graduated from College! I attended the Fashion Institute of Technology for 3 years and finally have gotten my Associates Degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management. Now I could go on and tell you all the hardships I went through to get my degree but, instead I'm going to share some of my pictures from that day with you.

After what felt like the longest car ride of my life (only 2 hours), we made it to the Javits Center in NYC where my graduation was held. I was surrounded by my family who have helped me he most during my time at school. I also graduated with my best friends and could not have asked for a better day.

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of me in my dress without my gown on as well. I will most likely be doing another post about my outfit soon.

Thank you

xx Spencer