Monday, November 9, 2015

Repurpose Your Big Mac Wrapper for a Wedding Dress?


McDonald's debuted 20 looks, including a fast-food-turned-fashion wedding gown seen above, at their McDCouture Fashion Show during Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach last week. The looks were all created from McDonald's packaging by fashion students at the Miami International University of Art & Design.

The dress above was created by using over 900 sandwich wrappers and 20 fry boxes.

But is it weird that there are a few creations that could be mistaken for an everyday look on the street? That being said, the one thing I was thinking about while scrolling through the photos was ABC (Anything But Clothes) parties in college. Girls used duct tape, wrapping paper and cardboard boxes, but I have never seen anyone reuse their fast food wrappers.

I also have to wonder, was the McDonald's packaging previously used for actual food? If so, these models would not only have a unique look, but also a unique scent consisting of greasy burgers and salty fries.

What do you think of fast food fashion?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Perfectly Fake: An Important Message about Social Media

You may scroll through your instagram account everyday and secretly admire all those pretty girls or far off models from around the world, whom you have no connection to beyond the screen. They can be found lounging at exotic beaches, relaxing in a hammock, showing off their toned tummies, impeccable style and overall sought-after lives. With thousands or even hundreds of thousands of likes and followers, it's clear to see that you're not the only one envious.

Yesterday, a model from Australia who's known around the world for her social media accounts, Essena O'neill, admitted to just how perfectly fake all of her instagram photos and social media posts were. Not only did Essena come to realize how desperate she was to find the perfect angle and the perfect lighting in order to get the most likes on instagram, she also realized what it was doing to her self esteem and overall outlook on life. 

She has since changed her instagram account to Social Media is Not Real Life  and Essena's story has gone viral. Along with changing the title of her account, she has gone through and edited the captions of each photo, explaining her true feelings and the process of making that photo seem perfect - these captions speak volumes. She also has started her own website called Let's Be Game Changers to propel her message even further.

On Essena's website she states:
I was miserable. Stuck. Uninspired. Angry. I didn’t enjoy the act of creating art, writing or any forms of self expression like I once did as a child. When no one judged it, I created without limitation or filters. When it was for no one else but myself, I fell in love with it. And it loved me right back. It made me feel alive. It was like capturing and expressing real life, real feeling, real beauty — it gave me this joy that I still can’t explain. You know that feeling of inspiration, passion and purpose you get when you do something you just love? That’s why I do what I do. I don’t want approval anymore, it traps me into thinking I need more and more and more. I don’t want to be liked or judged either. I want a place where I can give with no expectations or outcome. I don’t want followers anymore. I want a world of individual beings.









In a world full of body shaming, discrimination and online bullying, I think it's important to be real in such a fake social media world. Girls are extremely critical of one another as we are also very critical of ourselves. I think that Essena has already affected many people by coming out with her message, and I hope that more social media users will come to understand the message she is sending: everyone's lives are not perfect and social media is not somewhere to create a fake life fueled by "likes," "views" or "followers." Live in the moment and put your daily efforts into something that will truly make you happy and affect the world in a positive way.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Friday Favorites - Halloween Edition 10/30/2015

This week's Friday Favorites include my favorite DIY Halloween costume, a fun and festive treat, and a punny Halloween graphic. 


Although Halloween isn't my favorite holiday, I love seeing all the different costumes that people come up with, especially the at-home DIY costumes! These were some of my personal favorites this year. 


If you and your girls plan on dressing up together, why not go as Taylor Swift and her "Bad Blood" crew? Taylor Swift happens to be in concert tomorrow in Tampa, so I'm sure tons of screaming fans will be dressed up just like this too. 



And of course, I had to include a fun and simple costume for your furry friend. This year my pups are being a "rufferee" and skeleton. Is it bad that I have costumes for them, but not for myself?


Need to make a spooky treat for a Halloween party? Make your own Dracula's Dentures by using chocolate chip cookies, mini marshmallows, red vanilla frosting and almond slivers. Click here to see the full recipe. 


Simple, yet punny :)


And not Halloween related, but it's quickly become my favorite new song...Ariana Grande released her brand new single, "Focus," last night.

Are you dressing up for Halloween tomorrow? What are your favorite DIY costumes from this year?What do you think of Ariana Grande's new single?

Friday, December 19, 2014

Friday Favorites: Christmas Edition

It's less than I week until Christmas and I can't believe it! The temperature here in Florida is in the 70's today, so I can't say it really feels like Christmas, but I guess I can't complain either. Here are some of my favorites of the holiday season including a few last minute gift ideas and a holiday parody video. 

It's perfect for the girl on the go, or the girl who's just addicted to her phone. I just got one for myself this past week in the cute gold and white glittery design below. It will be convenient when I'm visiting my boyfriend and don't bring my charger, or when I'm at the mall, roaming and searching for coupons and discounts, which always seems to drain my battery. It's the perfect size too, so even if you're planning a night out and only have a clutch and not enough time to charge your phone, no fear, the charge stick is here. They're great gifts for your girlfriends too!


Favorite Beauty Gift: Urban Decay Naked3
Besides the Stila Liquid Lipstick that I raved about on my Christmas wish list, I also love love love my Urban Decay Naked3 eye shadow palette. My brother gave it to me last year for Christmas and I use is basically every day. I almost always wear neutral eyeshadows, so this palette was perfect for me. I love all the versatile shades and the little shimmer for each shade.


Favorite Jewelry Gift: Bourbon & Boweties Bangles
Of course these are still my obsession. I can't get enough of them and they're unique and gorgeous bangles that you can gift to your girlfriends, mother-in-law, coworker or anyone in between! There are tons of different colored and sized stones, so there's sure to be something for everyone left on your list.


Favorite Fitness Gift: Nike Element Half-Zip
I'm obsessed with this shirt. Even though it's not nearly as cold here as it is up north, I still love this shirt for windy days or morning runs in the winter. The material is extremely soft and comfortable and I love the little thumb holes on the sleeves. It's a little pricy, but I've found them on sale when I get them.


Favorite Reader's Gift: Gillian Flynn & Liane Moriarty Books
I read Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" last year and loved it! It was such a page turner and once I finished it I read Flynn's other two books right after - "Sharp Objects" and "Dark Places," which were also amazing. I just recently read Liane Moriarty's "The Husband's Secret," which was very different and also addicting to read, so I'm on to Moriarty's next book, "Big Little Lies," which I'm about halfway through with (I plan to finish it by Christmas). These are great books for any reader, and I suggest seeing Gone Girl the movie too, after you read the book first of course!


Favorite Christmas Song Parody: Text Me Merry Christmas
This is basically just spot on...



Favorite Christmas Treat: Gingerbread Tree Cookies
I have the day off from work on Sunday, so I really want to do some holiday baking, including these adorable gingerbread tree cookies! I love having an excuse to bake, but I just haven't had the time this holiday season yet. Stay tuned for a recipe post on Monday!


What's your new favorite book? Do you have go-to gifts for your friends?

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Penne Rosa with Shrimp


Let's be honest - I love carbs, so I enjoy making a good pasta dish every once in a while. I love this penne rosa with shrimp recipe because 1) I love shrimp 2) I love pasta and 3) It's super easy to make and doesn't take too much time.


One of the best things about cooking your own meals is you can leave out things you don't like, substitute ingredients, or add in more that the original recipe didn't call for. That being said, I added in the broccoli to give the dish even more substance and nutrients and left out mushrooms because my boyfriend isn't a big fan, but I'm thinking that artichoke hearts or asparagus would be a good substitute as well.


I try to make clean eating/healthier replacements when possible, so I use whole wheat or whole grain pasta instead of regular or white, but again, it's easy to substitute if you prefer the latter. As far as the sauce goes, I just grabbed a jar of pre made vodka sauce this time, but you can opt for a healthier option by combining 1/2 cup marinara sauce (homemade or jar) and 1/3 plain greek yogurt.


Ingredients

1 box whole wheat or whole grain penne
4 cups of fresh spinach
1 head or case of pre-cut broccoli
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled
1 jar vodka sauce (or see healthier replacement above)
1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 or 2 pinches red pepper flakes
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

- Cook penne pasta as directed on box. Once cooked, drain and add into a large serving bowl
- Steam broccoli for about 5 minutes or until you reach your desired softness, adding to the serving bowl once completed
- In large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat
- Once heated, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 2 minutes, moving around constantly to ensure you don't burn the garlic
- Turn heat up a little bit and add in peeled shrimp with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked all the way through. Salt and pepper to your preference
- Remove shrimp from skillet and place in a large serving bowl. Take skillet off of heat, add in the spinach and cover, letting it wilt for about 2-4 minutes
- Add the spinach to the serving bowl along with the vodka sauce
- Stir thoroughly until incorporated throughout, serve and enjoy!