Weekend At JMU

This weekend I was finally able to go visit my best friend at her university in Harrisonburg Va (James Madison University). Although I have been to JMU a bunch of times, because it is my older sister's alma mater, this was a special trip just to visit with my person! 

On friday we had a much needed day of relaxation and laying around chatting about everything and anything. It seems like nothing changes between us from visit to visit. We ordered Hibachi in and                                                                                                             just stayed in our PJ's all night.                                                                                                               Best kind of date there is! 
On Saturday morning we decided to sleep in for a bit and go grab brunch instead of getting up super early. (thank you Rachel!)  P.S. ihop has a new french vanilla flavored coffee with whip cream on top... go try it immediately! Also, here is a picture of our outfits of the day. I am going to tag rachel's blog into this post so you can check out her description of her outfit, check her out... http://makeshiftmunch.blogspot.com/

What I'm Wearing:

White Polo Oxford

Quilted Tweed Puffa Vest

J Crew Beaded Flower Statement Necklace

Black yoga leggings

Cognac Outlaw Riding Boots

outfit of the day: simplicity

If you couldn't already tell, I am a huge fan of simplicity. I think it works wonders on girls of all ages and body types. Over fall break I threw together a quick and easy simple outfit for a day out with the family. I don't think I will ever stop loving my Forever21 jeggings, so naturally I used them as my base. Also, my wonderful friend, next door neighbor, and fellow blogger (jessisdesign.blogspot.com) let me borrow her gold and teal J. Crew necklace that looks very similar to the one above! The necklace became the statement piece of my outfit and was absolutely the perfect pop of color. Let me know what you think about simplicity and possibly leave some new ideas for outfits I could put together in the future! 
xoxo

Today is the Day!

Today is the day

So I've never been one for sticking to a work out routine, but today is the day. More and more lately I have been realizing that my dance body is completely gone, and I really need to kick myself back into gear. My boyfriend is also leaving for a three week long training on the boat that he will be deploying on in March (Marine Corps.) so I thought you myself... 25 days before I see him next, let's make this a nice surprise. Now I am not saying I am a girl that "needs" to lose weight to begin with, but every girl knows how good working out makes you feel about yourself. I have decided that the three weeks of no communication with the boyfriend might just be a bit easier if I have something to take up my spare time, and hopefully make me feel better about myself at the same time! 

I recently heard about an awesome work-out by Jillian Michaels from a fellow blogger (and my wonderful neighbor) jessisdesign.blogspot.com/ , go check her out! The work out is titled "30 Day Shred" and my 1st day of thirty is complete... I am not going to lie to you ladies, it is a challenge at first. I believe that it will only get easier with time, but I do understand that the first day of anything is rough. Hopefully I will be able to keep at it! Here is the link to the work out if anyone would like to try it with me...

Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred  

Comment below and let me know what you think, how you are doing, and if you have any motivation for me! Thanks. xoxo

Lazy day

Lazy day by hazlegroveva featuring brown strappy boots

My September Favorites

My September Favorites by hazlegroveva featuring carmex lip care

Okay y'all! Since it is October (where in the world did October come from?) I thought it would be interesting to go back and take a look at some of my September beauty favorites. I ended up realizing that I have quite a few so hold on to your seats while I take you through what is pictured above and a few that aren't. 

Mascara--

1. Mally Volumizing Mascara: So as you all know I have a subscription to Birchbox and this baby came in my September box and it was love at first application. This mascara makes my lashes look like I curled them with a curler even if I haven't touched them all day! I also think that it holds rather well for volumizing mascara and I love the dark black look. 

2. benefit They're Real! mascara: I can not tell a lie... this mascara is my absolute all time favorite! It works wonders to lashes that are not originally super long or curled. It holds my look for an entire day and the color is fantastic. My sister got this brand of mascara for her wedding in December and I just had to sneak a trial run with it and I ended up buying it for myself the very next day. I just knew I wouldn't be able to live without it!

Eye Primer--

So even though I posted a picture of Urban Decay's eye primer (which is absolutely fabulous) it is only taking the place of what is not pictured which is...

1. elf Eyelid Primer: Alright ladies, for $3 dollars you can't compete! This primer is priced at $3 dollars at Target yet compares to top brands such as U.D. eye primer. My lids hold shadow all day with a layer of this amazing product underneath. 

BB Cream--

Well my amazing BB cream is not pictured, but I do want to take a minute to rave about it. 

1. Marcelle BB cream in Golden Glow: Birchbox sent me a mini size of this product a while ago and I used it off and on with some other BB creams at the time so I wasn't truly understanding what it was doing for my face. Once I started using it as my main BB cream I suddenly saw a difference. This BB cream is perfect if you want perfect seamless coverage all day with a bit of color. I have a medium skin tone and the color that I got was perfect for me and made me feel like I had the right amount of glow. After I used up the entire mini product I just had to purchase the full size so I could continue feeling great about my skin!

Bronzer--

1. Rimmel Natural Bronzer in 021 Sun Light: There is no secret that this has been my go to bronzer for years now! I began using this bronzer back in middle school and can't get the courage to switch it up. There is no reason to be unfaithful to this product because it does wonders as a bronzer. This product gives you the right amount of glow without making you orange or too shiny. Make sure you match your color correctly though, no one wants that line of color on their chin. 

Eye Liner--

1. mally Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner in Sailor: This has been another one of my birchbox favorites. This color is a dark navy (almost looks like black) that makes my green eyes really pop. I have truly enjoyed using this liner because it does not smug or run like some others that I have tried in the past. It seems to really last throughout the day and it is smooth when applying. 

2. Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx: Here is a liner that you just can't go wrong with! I have been using this liner for ages and again will always come running back to CVS to pick up a new one when mine runs out. This is a perfect every day liner because it is a great black and doesn't smug or run in the least bit. I honestly swear by this liner!

Hand Cream--

1. Jurlique Rose Hand Cream (pictured): If you guys didn't already know I am a hand cream freak! I find myself using hand cream after every time I wash my hands because soaps tend to dry them out. I also use hand creams before bed just to give my hands an extra kick of moisture before hitting the hay. This has been one of my favorites, not just because of the smell which is to die for but because it seems to really be super moisturizing! I tend to carry this along with me because it is the perfect size and you don't need a ton at one time, plus it makes my hands smell like fresh roses!

2. Arangara body lotion in Olive and Rose (not pictured): Again with the rose... This body lotion smells amazing! Although, this packaging is a little bit more square and not as easy to carry with me in my make-up bag so this one stays on my counter next to my sink so I can apply it after I wash my hands. Once again, super moisturizing!

Eye Shadow--

1. MAC single in Naked Lunch: I absolutely swear by this color for almost everyone! Every since my best friend and amazing beauty guru (check out her blog: makeshiftmunch.blogspot.com) gave me one of these about three years ago I have not worn anything else as my daily eye shadow. I am pretty positive I will have a week of mourning for this shadow if it is every discontinued. This product is the perfect nude shadow with just the right amount of shimmer. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go out and try it!

Fragrance--

1. Hello by Harvey Prince: This little guy was another product sent to me by Birchbox and I have been loving it ever since. I tote it around with me for an extra pick me up during the day. It is the perfect everyday scent. Just the right amount of girly but not too "in your face". I always remember to dab a little bit on every morning!

Not so Classy, but Oh So Necessary--

1. Pond's S nourishing moisturizing cream: This is another product I will swear by because I have naturally oily skin, but I always seem to suck all of the moisture out after I wash my face. I put a thin layer of this on after I wash my face in the morning before I put on my make up and a thicker layer of it on after I wash my face before bed. It seems to be doing the trick and gives me softer feeling skin!

2. Carmex lip balm: I hope every single one of you at some point in your lives has purchased either the tube or the pot of plain jane carmex lip balm. If you haven't, PLEASE DO! I always use this lip balm before I put on my lip product for the day and another layer of it before bed at night. It keeps my lips super moisturized and it protects against cold sores, how can you not beat double duty!  

College "family dinner" Night

Okay, so something you should know about me is that I love to cook, but am certainly not the greatest chef. I think the feeling I get after making a decent meal is one of the most fun feelings out there! I truly believe that pinterest can turn anyone into a "half decent chef". Although it isn't the most fun compliment to get when one of my 20-something year old friends calls me a "housewife", I secretly enjoy it. My roommate was appreciative of tonight's meal as well and said she was a huge fan! I was able to experience that feeling I love oh so much for the first time in a week (because I have been mega lazy). 

I was scanning the yummy looking recipes on pinterest the other night like I normally do and came across a gem. Of course when I see the words "crock-pot" I immediately stop scrolling and see if it would be worth a shot... and this beauty made the cut. So if you are looking for something to make before you head off to classes (and/or work) and come home to smelling fabulous, this is your kind of meal. Try it on for size... 

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot
Cook Time: 4 or 6-7 hours

Ingredients

4-6	chicken breasts
1 c	packed brown sugar
2/3 c	vinegar (i used apple cider vinegar)
1/4 c	lemon-lime soda
2-3 Tbsp	minced garlic
2 Tbsp	soy sauce
1 tsp	fresh ground pepper
2 Tbsp	corn starch
2 Tbsp	water
pinch	red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1

 Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken (frozen, thawed or fresh) inside slow cooker.

2

 Mix together brown sugar, vinegar, soda, garlic, soy sauce, and pepper together. Pour over chicken

3

 Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

4

 Take chicken pieces out of slow cooker (mine basically fell apart) and pour remaining sauce into saucepan.

5

 Place saucepan over high heat. Mix together corn starch and water, pour into saucepan, and mix well.

6

 Let sauce come to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken and turns into a glaze.

7

 Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two (it will continue to thicken as it cools down).

8

 Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired. This can be served over rice, noodles or baked potato!

**I opted out of the red pepper flakes... but they are serious when they say the gravy can be served over potatoes. What college girl doesn't have instant mash potatoes hidden away in the kitchen somewhere. I whipped up some instant tatters and drizzles some of the glaze on top of those and yes, it was to die for. 

Let me know your thoughts if you try it out yourself!

Naturally Fabulous

I have been thinking about how much I love my BB cream and how I can put a bit on and feel like I can save the world in a day and not worry about my face. 

While I was thinking about my beloved BB cream I decided that I needed an outfit to go with the natural look that would look a little more appropriate for going out without having to put on a full face. 

I think I would try something like this...

What would you wear to match your natural look?