Prints and Boots

 

 

Hey there! Long time no outfit post! We've finally had decent enough whether here in PA for me to shoot an outfit post. Usually, if there's a decent whether day, it's on a weekday when I'm at school and don't have time to shoot (plus when I get home, I'm usually passed out on the couch within minutes). The weekends have either been too cold, too windy, or to rainy. Who else is ready for summer?!

 

 

I will definitely be needing to do a major shop for a summer wardrobe as I  have hardly any decent summer clothes. That being said, would you guys like me to do a Summer Wardrobe Wishlist and/or a Summer Clothing Haul blog post? Be sure to let me know in the comments as that is definitely something I would love to do!

 

 

When I opened my closets and sifted through my clothes to see what I could shoot for a blog post, I cam across these unique printed pants and thought, "Okay, I need to create an outfit with these!" I could hardly believe that I hadn't shot an outfit with these pants but I was glad I didn't because like I said before, I've run out of clothes to shoot a.k.a a fashion blogger's nightmare.

 

 

Being the print on these pants are so busy, I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit very simple. I chose the only plain black, long sleeve shirt I own (how sad is that?!), my go-to tan ankle boots, and my all-time favorite handbag. As for accessories, I also wanted to keep it quite simply so I went for this chunky gold chained necklace.

 

 

 

 

One of my goals for my new wardrobe is to add variety. And the reason I say this is because...and don't hate me...but this entire outfit is from Forever 21. Yes, the whole thing. From top to bottom, even my socks! Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Forever 21 (as if you couldn't tell already). However, I think it is important for me, as a fashion blogger, to expand my horizons and spend my money in a variety of stores. This isn't to say that I will be shopping at high end stores, frankly because my wallet doesn't allow it, but there are so many stores that I just need to explore a little and I'm positive I will love as much as I do Forever 21. That being said, comment below (or tweet me @gababoutlife) your favorite online or in-store clothing stores!

 

 

Thanks so much for reading! I can assure you that as soon as the weather breaks and my school schedule isn't so hectic, there will be more blog posts to come including more fitness posts because I've been wanting to do those for such a long time! Talk soon!

 

Much love,

Gabriella xx

 

Links:

Pants (similar): http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=bottoms_pants&ProductID=2000052374&VariantID=

Top: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=top&productid=2000172527

Boots (similar): http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_boots&ProductID=2000162174&VariantID=

Bag (similar): http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_handbags-crossbody-bag&ProductID=1000170263&VariantID=

Necklace: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1000203815

 

 

Beginners Guide to Yoga: Guest Post

Have you ever wondered about the hidden magical properties of yoga? Why people indulge in this activity, what is so enjoyable about it, do you need some special abilities in order to practice it? All sorts of questions emerge, and luckily you can find all the answers right here. There is a lot to tell about this ancient discipline, so for anyone who is interested in why they should try yoga, who would actually enjoy it and where to start actually, this is the right place. Here is a basic guide that will help you understand more thoroughly about this practice:

Why You Should Give It A Try?

When someone mentions yoga, many people assume that it is only a low-impact exercise that provides no concrete results. This is far from the truth, as yoga guarantees long lasting results in many different areas of the human body and mind. Yoga actually represents a physical, mental and spiritual practice with a meditative and spiritual core designed to heal and nourish every aspect of a person. Practicing yoga can help relieve stress, calm your mind but also build muscle, increase flexibility, agility and prevent workout injuries.

Who Can Indulge In This Activity?

If you have thought that only middle aged women practice yoga, you have never been so wrong in your life. There is no age, gender or physical limit when it comes to yoga. Anyone who wishes to improve their abilities, become stronger both physically and mentally can indulge in yoga. The whole goal of yoga is to become one with yourself and learn to grow more every day. Every pose is designed to accommodate your personal needs, ailments or even injuries and disabilities. It is not about competing with others, rather it is a discipline that allows you to compete with your previous self. So basically, yoga is for anyone who wishes to become a better and improved version of themselves.

Where to Start?



Like any other activity, yoga requires some practice as well. But after a short period of time, those who really dedicate themselves to this discipline will be able to get the most out of it. But before that happens, there are few guidelines you should follow. For instance, if you plan on visiting a yoga class, it is a good idea to stay in the back, at least for the first few visits. This will allow you to get a better and clearer understanding of the poses and aid you in your development. Also, another important thing to keep in mind is to stay calm. Do not push yourself or get agitated if you cannot perform a certain pose – it takes time. And in the end, always remember to focus on your breathing. Deep breathing is one of the essential parts of yoga and can greatly contribute to your nervous system and cortisol levels.

What Do You Need?




One of the best things about yoga is that it does not require many things in order to conduct it properly. The most important thing you should have is your will and motivation. But besides that, there are a few things that could make this experience more enjoyable. A yoga mat and props like blocks or straps can aid you in performing certain exercises and poses. What is also very important for men and ladies alike is to invest in some quality and more importantly comfortable sportswear.

There are many benefits of practising yoga and hopefully after reading this article you will have a better understanding of what this discipline actually represents. So why not give it a try? Grab your mat and start practising.

About the author

Amy Mia Goldsmith is a personal trainer and an editor at Ripped.me fitness blog. She has a degree in nutrition and her goal is to teach people to live a healthy, happy life. You can contact Amy on her Facebook page.

 

I hope you all enjoyed this different type of post on my blog! This is my first featured guest post here on gababoutlife.com and it was so lovely connecting with Amy! Thanks for reading!

Much love,

Gabriella xx

 



Top Dream Travel Destinations

If you follow any of my social media accounts, you'll know how much I ramble on day in ad day out about how much I dream about traveling this beautiful world. Big cities, historical ruins, and tropical islands, I want to see them all. While I've got traveling on my mind so much recently, I thought it would be perfect to write a blog post about my top (dream) travel destinations. These are places that have a part in my heart and make me awe in admiration at their beauty. Without further adieu, here are my top 10 dream destinations to wander about!

1. Australia

Australia, oh Australia. If I could move to one country, it would 100% be this stunning country. So of course, it had to be number one on my list. With its sunny days, warm weather, and active community, Australia has everything I could eve want. (Well, minus the huge spiders!) In particular, I would love to visit Sydney (of course!) and take a trip to Bondi Beach and the Gold Coast. I would then head north to visit the stunning city of Brisbane and then travel west to Adelaide and Perth. Basically, I just want to experience life in the major cities of Australia. Australia has the best of both worlds for me with their beautiful cities just minutes from the beach. Honestly, you can't have it better than that!

2. England

You know what they say, "A bad day is still a good day in London!" I have dreamt of visiting England for years now and that will never fail. Of course, I would have to travel to the magnificent city of London to experience the rush of the city. I would have to see the beauty of the English countryside as well!  And you can't visit England without seeing the historical architecture such as Oxford University and Stonehenge. Plus, the inner One Direction fan in me would love to see where my favorite boys in the world grew up at!

3. The Maldives

For some reason, I just can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that a place as beautiful as this actually exists! Growing up in New Jersey, our beaches just don't quite live up to the clear blue water and white sand. The Maldives is a hot spot for a lot of people, especially bloggers. My favorite blogger (and probably yours, too!) Sarah Ashcroft is currently living the dream in the Maldives while the rest of us look at the pictures in complete awe. The Maldives is the definition of paradise and I could only dream of traveling here one day!

4. France

Je t'aime, France! While I would definitely need to have Google Translate on hand, France is definitely on the list of places I dream of traveling to.  And whether it's the City of Love or the City of Lights, I would obviously need to go to the magical city of Paris! Of course, I also have to take a trip to the city of Nice and experience both city life and the beaches!

5. Greece

When I first heard about Santorini in Greece from my favorite YouTubers including Zoe Sugg and Niomi Smart, I think my jaw was left dropped for a good few minutes. Not joking. I mean, just look at that blue water and the buildings! And the inner architecture lover in me, I would have to visit the historical Parthenon and Athens!

6. The Netherlands

If you couldn't tell already, I am fascinated by the beauty of architecture, historical or modern. In the case of the Netherlands, I would obviously have the visit the picturesque city of Amsterdam and stroll around the streets and stop by coffee shops. I told you I think about traveling way too much!

 7. Bali

Located in Indonesia, this stunning island is another glimpse of paradise. Pictures speak louder than words, so I'll just let you sit and take in the beauty of this island. Bali is definitely on the list for my dream travel destinations.

8. The Philippines

 

Nature and its beauty is something I've always appreciated and loved, so the Philippines definitely has a lot to offer for me here.  I would have to visit Boracay for the beaches, Mayon Volcano and Apo Reef. My nature loving needs would 100% be satisfied after a trip like this.

9. Italy

 

I'm part Italian, so it would only make sense to see where my ancestors came from. Plus, Italy is a truly beautiful country. Milan, Rome, Naples, Sicily, Verona, and many more, there's so much to see about this country and I want to see it all!

10. Hawaii

I can already picture watching the sunset while sipping on a (non-alcoholic) pina colada in Hawaii. This is another place I've always dreamed of traveling to ever since I was a little girl!

 

Well, if I have passed the traveling bug onto you after reading this post, my job here is done. Life is so short and this world is so beautiful. Of course money plays a huge role in traveling (hence the "dream" part in the title) but if you ever get the chance to travel to a different country and experience the beauty and culture, really try soak the experience all in and enjoy every single second of it. And if you're like me and dream of traveling the world some day, start saving now!

"We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us."

 

Be sure to let me know what your dream travel destinations are and if you have traveled, what your favorite place was! I hope you enjoyed this different type of post and let me know if you'd like to see more travel posts like this!

Much love,

 

Gabriella xx

Getting Back on Track: Meal Prep Edition

Spring has sprung and for all of my fellow fit friends out there, you all know what that means. It's time to buckle down on our diets and push hard in the gym to whip our bodies back into shape for the summer time to come. After far too long of having a sort of "YOLO" diet, I think it's time I start getting back on track with what I'm putting in my body. After all, it doesn't matter how hard you train. You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. For optimal results and just overall health, you need to be fueling your body with the best foods possible.

For this post, I thought I'd share with you all another one of my meal preps. This week, I was really determined to make sure I had all of my meals prepped. We all know what happens when we are tired, hungry, and just don't feel like cooking up a healthy meal. We opt for the unhealthy, quick foods with little nutritional value. I am a total culprit of doing this and that it the exact reason why I am now an avid meal prepper. Meal prepping is honestly one of the best things you can do if you find yourself short on time or simply too lazy to cook a meal. It truly makes reaching your fitness goals much more attainable and a heck of a lot easier!

 

On the menu for this week is...

Lunch for school: Grilled chicken with roasted butternut squash, zucchini, and steamed broccoli

Dinner (2 different meals): Homemade healthy burrito bowl and (because I'm a repeat offender...oops) the same meal I prepped for my lunch

 

Ingredients:

- Chicken breasts (can also use fish or if you're vegan, tofu would work great!)

- Butternut squash (or sweet potato)

-Broccoli

-Zucchini

-Corn

-Salsa

-Brown rice (or quinoa)

-Taco seasoning

-Seasonings of choice

I've mentioned my recipe for Healthy Butternut Squash 'Fries' multiple times on my blog so I'll spare you the reading. This recipe can be found in this post on my blog! Same instructions, same ingredients! Being I was prepping more meals this week, I actually used two big butternut squashes and one little one. I told you I was obsessed with these!

While these were roasting in the oven, I began the (absolute vile) process of cutting up my chicken breasts. Before grilling, I seasoned the chicken with the taco seasoning for the homemade burrito bowls and the rest with sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

 

 

Ninety second rice is the best time saving hack ever created, so just pop it right in the microwave and watch the magic happen. Don't forget to keep an eye on your butternut squash and flip the pieces from time to time!

After my rice finished up, I chucked a big bowl of frozen broccoli into the microwave to let it defrost. Frozen vegetables are a huge time saver being you don't have to chop them up yourself and the vegetables just need to be defrosted.

 

 

In the meantime, I portioned out all of my toppings for my burrito bowl. Once the chicken is all grilled and the butternut squash is done roasting, it's time to start assembling all of your foods into the proper portion sizes for each meal. For each meal, I typically have 4oz of my protein of choice and I follow the serving size for everything else. As for the butternut squash, I get about 150g for each meal. As always, you can always make more if needed!

 

 

In total, this week's meal prep took about 2 hours to complete and I made 12 meals! Now, I can simply pop my meals in the microwave and they are ready to be eaten. No more opting for quick, nutritionally lacking foods that won't keep you satisfied! It may seem overwhelming the first time you meal prep, but once you get the hang of it, you'll actually look forward to it (as least I do)!

I hope you enjoyed this meal prep post and let me know if you try out any of my recipes! Also, be sure to let me know if you would like to see more fitness related posts such as more recipes, what I eat in a day, and workouts!

 

Much love,

Gabriella xx

Hey Spring, We've Been Waiting For You

Nothing makes me happier than warm weather and sunshine. This past week has been absolutely beautiful. Blue skies and warm temperatures, I felt like nothing could bring me down. There's just something about this type of weather that puts the biggest smile on my face and makes me feel like I can conquer the world.

 

 

In addition to the positive psychological effects that this weather has on me, it also means it's time to break out the dresses, skirts, and t-shirts. Long gone are the days of having to bundle up in layers upon layers of clothes to stay warm. No more shivering and no more Rudolph noses. Spring is here, baby!

 

 

Nevertheless, it can still be a bit chilly in the mornings where I live, so I can't necessarily forgo the occasional jacket. That being said, one of my favorite pieces for this transitional season are sweater dresses. They add the perfect amount of warmth without completely covering you're entire body. I always like to pair a sweater dress with some type of boot as I feel that if you paired it with a sandal it looks a bit odd because sandals are more summer-y while sweater dresses are more of a cooler season piece.

 

 

I love the color combination of deep, emerald green and tan, so I paired my sweater dress with my favorite faux-leather chunky ankle boots. Seriously guys, you need a pair of boots like this in your life. They do wonders for your legs!

 

 

The spring season also means that I actually put more effort into what jewelry I'm wearing. (I told you the dark winter days suck the motivation out of me!) To accent the gold zipper on my boots, I went with my favorite gold chain statement necklace and a gold cuff bracelet. I think both if these accessories add the perfect touch to the outfit.

As you can see, I am totally loving this weather in this picture! Blue skies, happy lives!

 



I hope you enjoyed my first spring season post! There will be plenty more to come (once I go shopping that is!). Also, how would you feel about me posting more fitness posts on here? It could be anything from workouts, recipes, tips, and fitness clothes! Let me know in the comments because this is something I would really enjoy doing! Thanks for reading! Make sure to tag me on Instagram (@gababoutlife), tweet me a picture (@gababoutlife) or Snap me (gabby_autumn) your favorite Spring outfit! I would love to see what you are all rocking as the weather breaks!

 

Links:

Dress: ON SALE! http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=dress&productid=2000157344

Shoes: (similar) http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_boots&ProductID=2000156928&VariantID

Necklace: (similar) http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1000170467

Bracelet: (similar) http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1000168787

 



Spring Wishlist

 Photo source: http://blog.ashmillphotography.com/2011/04/friday-foto-spring-time/

Spring is on it's way (finally!) and you all know what that means. It's time to put those coats, sweaters, and scarves away and replenish that wardrobe. I don't know about you, but my closet is in some desperate need for some new clothes. If you follow me on Twitter (@gababoutlife), you might have seen my tweet about running out of clothes to shoot. Fashion blogger problems! That being said, I've spent some time this weekend have a look around different websites to create my Spring Wishlist to share with you all. It includes everything from clothes, shoes, and technology. I think it's safe to say that my wallet isn't going to be too happy about this...

 

 

 

 

When I saw some of my favorite fitness bloggers talk about this product, I automatically fell in love. I've been wanting one of these cool little gadgets for a while now but never saw a one I particularly liked...except when I saw this one. The main reason why I love this one is its sleek look plus the awesome features and touch screen. I think these fitness trackers are especially cool because they hold you accountable for maintaining an active lifestyle, even if you're not a gym-goer! Link: http://www.polar.com/us-en/products/sport/A360

 

I don't think I can find the right words to describe my love for these shoes...but I'll try my best. I always loved these shoes but all the ones I've come across were well above the price I would consider paying for a pair of shoes. However, Public Desire knows how to do stunning shoes for an insanely good price. I saw this style from one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Sarah Ashcroft, and (again!) instantly fell in love. After teetering back and forth between the nude and pink creepers, I've decided to opt for this color because of how versatile they'll be! Link: http://www.publicdesire.com/yinka-creepers-in-beige-faux-suede-and-gum-sole

 

 

Culottes are probably one of, if not, my all time favorite fashion trend. Whenever I see someone rocking these cool pants, I automatically think, "Damn, girl! You rock those culottes!" Honestly, you have to be confident in yourself to wear something different and daring like these. And that's exactly what I want to do. This spring, I am determined to step outside of my comfort zone of jeans and rompers and wear something that will turn people's heads. And what's better than this culotte set in this stunning rose color?! Link: http://www.boohoo.com/co-ords/rose-high-neck-crop+long-culotte-co-ord-set/invt/dzz84867

 

 

Now I know I literally just said that I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone of rompers, but look how beautiful this number is! Spring time is all about that bohemian-look and I absolutely adore the cut-out detailing on this playsuit. Plus, an off the shoulder piece will allow me to tan my snow white shoulders! Link: http://www.boohoo.com/new-in/ella-off-the-shoulder-chiffon-playsuit/invt/dzz83196

 

 

I don't think I've ever seen such a beautiful, yet different dress than this one from Forever 21. Forever 21 usually has some amazing pieces; however, they can sometimes be a little plain. When I saw this one on their website, my jaw dropped. This little number will 100% be in my wardrobe for this spring season. Pair it with a some strappy heeled sandals or even the gladiator ones like in the picture, and you've got yourself one kick-ass spring outfit! Link: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress&ProductID=2000168980&VariantID=

 

I could continue on forever with this list, but I think I'll stop here before this post goes on for miles. Some more pieces that I would love to add to my wardrobe are definitely boyfriend jeans, gladiator sandals, and some new tops (because you can never have too many of those!)

I hope you enjoyed reading about my newest obsessions that will hopefully be in my wardrobe (and on my wrist for that fitness tracker!) within the next couple weeks. I'll definitely be blogging about my new additions so keep your eyes peeled! Thanks for reading!

Much love,

Gabriella xx

Accepting the Change

Look at my face. It's the face of someone deep in thought, dreaming about being on a tropical island in the Caribbean sipping from a coconut and living in a bathing suit. Okay...maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. Can you tell how excited I am for summer?  If you follow me on social media, you'll know how much I talk about loving the warm weather. I might be a winter baby born in February, but my heart and soul resides on a beach in a warm climate.

 

 

But that's not what this post is about.  Recently, I've found that I've been feeling sorry for myself too often. As you may or may not know, I've have a really difficult time making friends since moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. I was so excited for the move; for a new change. However, I think I set my expectations a bit too high and I thought I would make friends as easily as I did after my previous move in eighth grade. As I spend quite a lot of time by myself, I find myself thinking of the past. Thinking about the friends I left behind in my old town and how I should have put myself out there more and had a better time while I was there. If you read My Story post, you'll know that a very hard time in my life caused me to isolate myself from my friends. I find myself thinking about all the laughs and memories I've missed out on because of what I was going through. So, my old town friends, if you happen to be reading this, I am sorry that I didn't tell you what was going on at the time. Read My Story and it'll explain it all.

 

But the past is in the past, and there's nothing anyone can do to go back in time. That means there's only one thing to do...appreciate what you have now. Think about all the opportunities that new change has brought you. We all go through tough changes in our lives and wish we hadn't done it. But I am a firm believer that what's meant to happen is going to happen. Everything happens for a reason. I, and you as well if you're going through something like this too, need to put things into perspective. Think about all the amazing opportunities that change brought to you. In my case, moving to PA has allowed me the opportunity to graduate early from high school and move onto better things and get a head start on saving money and working toward my future career. It allowed me to realize that I don't have to do what everyone else is doing. I don't have to go to college just because it's the thing to do and everyone else is doing it. Like Alfie Deyes always says, "Remind yourself that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing."

 

 

So the next time you and I start to think about the past and wish we could change it, let's take a step back. Let's not dwell on how life could be had we not made that one life changing decision . Let's think about how life changed for the better rather than the worse. Let's accept the change, move on, and keep our heads high. When the right people come around, I'll make friends and I'm sure they will be great friendships. If it's not meant to be, it won't happen. Maybe there's a reason why the universe doesn't want me to have an established friend group in my junior (technically senior) year of high school. Maybe it's because everyone already has their friend group and nobody wants to befriend the new girl. Or maybe it's because people just don't want to be my friend. Whatever the reason may be, I know my time will come to make some amazing friends. I just have to stay optimistic and be sure not to isolate myself. But enough about me. What about you? What do you have to do to make sure you make the best of your situation? Do you have to forgive and forget? Or do you have to move on and rid yourself of that negativity?

 

 

 Whatever it is that you have to do to accept the change, remember that everything happens for a reason and that life will go on. Don't feel sorry for yourself like I did because it doesn't help the situation. Figure out what you need to do to make the best of the situation and be happy. Accept the change and make the best of it. Life is short and we don't have time to be dwelling on the past. Keep your head held high and remember that you are strong, beautiful, and you have a purpose. Never, ever, give up.

 

Thanks for reading and I hope my ramble has helped at least one person. It felt good to write this down in words because spending my days crying over not having friends won't actually solve the problem. Let me know in the comments if you enjoy these types of posts or if you'd rather me not ramble on about topics like this.

Much love,

Gabriella

 

Links:

Jumpsuit: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=Jumpsuit_Romper&productid=2000154235

Boots: (most similar ones I could find for a decent price!) http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=shoes_boots&ProductID=2000156928&VariantID=

Necklace: (similar) http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Accessories/Jewelry-Watches/Necklaces/Glitter-Chevron-Collar-Necklace/pc/2116/c/2598/sc/2601/311528.uts?colorCode=301995216_001