Celebrating Holi Festival in Dallas

Living in Dallas has presented me with so many unique opportunities to experience new things. A week ago I got to attend a Dallas fashion show and just a day ago I attended my first Holi Festival! My little hometown in Maryland didn’t have much opportunity for cultural experiences beyond an annual Celtic festival. Having seen how beautiful the “Festival of Colors” is, I had to experience it for myself. While I didn’t get to travel to India to participate, I did get to enjoy it right here in Dallas! This cross-cultural experience was probably one of my favorite experiences and definitely one that was enriching.

My friend Laila and I got tickets to go to Dallas’ annual Holi Festival together. Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect. I don’t know much about Indian culture and certainly didn’t know what Holi even meant or was. After doing a little research though, I learned that Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrating the arrival of spring, end of winter, and traditionally a good harvest. The multi-colored powders used in the celebration are made from crushed flowers and other natural colors. At our celebration, festival attendees threw their brightly colored powders in the air and shouted “Happy Holi!”

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m as “white” as the day is long. Attending Holi was not an attempt to “culture appropriate” I believe the term is. It was a fun way to learn about a new culture and appreciate the exciting celebrations that happen around the world. Cross-cultural experiences are important because they allow people of all origins to learn about the customs of others and enjoy them without giving up their own culture. When I got to the festival, I didn’t have any “colors” on my skin or in my hair and several other attendees that were of Indian descent and knew what they were doing came up to me and patted my face with bright pinks and blues and wished me a happy Holi. How kind of them to share their traditions and celebrations with an obvious outsider?

Dancing, eating, and throwing Holi powder in the air were the best parts of the festival. I got to try several Indian dishes including this delicious one pictured above. After eating my weight in Chicken Manchurian, Laila and I made our way back into the crowd to dance off our food. As you can imagine, I don’t know many traditional Indian dances but I tried my best to follow along.

I loved this event and plan to go back next year! Dallas really is a melting pot of people. Enjoying other people’s culture while still appreciating my own is so important to my personal development not only as a Dallas blogger, but also as a person.

 

How to Enjoy Exercising Again

Hey readers! Hopefully you had a great weekend and did something fun! Every Sunday, David and I usually get brunch somewhere together but lately we’ve been spending our Saturdays checking out new places to hike or take a nice walk. We both try to stay healthy and in shape, so we wanted something fun and active to do on the weekends together. Exercising is not my favorite thing to do but I’m determined to find ways to enjoy it and so should you. Here’s a few tips on how to enjoy exercising!

Remember your budget

David and I are pretty budget conscious and like to find things to do that won’t break the bank. Most weekends we tend to eat our weight in fried food, so we decided to try a few hiking trails near Dallas to offset any weight gain. Mind you, I’m not a real hiker. I have no lung capacity and I’m not a big nature girl, but going on these hikes with David has turned me on to exercising options that go beyond an expensive yoga class.

Exercise goes beyond a gym

Going to the gym is a love-hate relationship for me. I like to walk at an incline on the treadmill and lift free weights but I absolutely hate the process of going to the gym. Finding an activity that’s fun as well as beneficial for your body is the key to achieving your fitness goals. No one wants to do something on a regular basis that makes them miserable. Search beyond traditional gyms and classes for a physical activity that you’ll genuinely look forward to! For some people it might be long boarding at a park, but for me it’s a hike with my boyfriend!

Buy cute work out clothes

Any time I need a little push to get back into my fitness routine, I head to Target and find something cute to add to my workout wardrobe. Since I’m a style blogger, everything I wear has to be at least somewhat cute even if I’m not taking photos for a blog post. When I workout, my gym clothes need to be flattering, fun, and functional. Treat yourself to a new sports bra or running shorts to get motivated again!

Workout with your best friend

David and I are each other’s best friend and favorite person to spend time with! We can be silly together (see embarrassing photo above) and laugh at the same dumb things. Doing something that you both genuinely love to do makes the physical fitness part much easier! Working out shouldn’t be a chore and it certainly should be done with other people.

Get motivated and get active! Go enjoy your week and find a new activity to get you going! Just a reminder- I’m currently taking on newbie or wannabe bloggers for my free consulting service! See this page for details!

The Ultimate Spring Break Style Packing List

February is (finally) ending and a lot of people are planning little spring break getaways to the beaches. If you’re lucky enough to be in college and have actual money to blow, or if you just need a break from the chilly winter months, then start packing your bags because spring break season is just around the corner! Whether you’re heading to Cancun or down to South Padre Island here in Texas, these spring break style must-haves need to be in your online shopping cart. Having gone to the beach so much growing up and in college, I’m sharing my top 5 must-haves! 

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = ‘//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1487732104044?cb=’ + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === ‘object’){ if(doc.readyState === ‘complete’){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, ‘script’, ‘shopsensewidget-script’); //shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%22589ea16c61d1dd7f31130583%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid3025-28872695-82%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D

Spring Break Essentials

1. Always, always pack some sort of beach cover up. Never leave your hotel room without it. A lot of restaurants near beaches require a bathing suit cover up be worn in the restaurant. You don’t want to be the only one in your group of friends who can’t get into the yummy Mexican place because you’re wearing a dripping wet bikini.

2. Sunscreen for your body and lips is crucial if you’re under a strong sun and down south, the sun is much more intense. I learned this the hard way. Sun poisoning does a number on your skin let me tell you.

3. Bring a plastic, sealable bag for your wet swimsuit. Quite a few times I’ve been at the beach and decided to change into dry clothes and I had no where to put my swimsuit. My least favorite thing ever is when stuff gets damp that shouldn’t be.

4. Comfy sandals like the ones pictured above are the perfect day to night shoe that requires minimal effort but still looks adorable. If you can only take one pair of shoes, ditch the heels because strappy sandals are even better!

5. Don’t forget your pool floatie! I admit, this isn’t a must-have technically. However, for the days that you rather just float in the pool with friends and listen to the poolside DJ, then you need a fabulous pineapple pool float. Flamingo pool floats are also a great option.

Enjoy your spring break! I’ll be staying in Dallas for spring break season but I’m there on the beach with you in spirit! Also, newbie bloggers check out my consulting page if you need free consulting for your blog!

Versatile New Year’s Eve Outfit Idea

Hey gals (and guys)! I’m sitting here writing this in 70 degree weather on my balcony in Dallas. Texas weather never ceases to amaze me. I love warm temperatures and this is exactly why I moved to Dallas in the first place. This New Year’s Eve weekend will be equally warm so I’ve been trying to find an outfit that looks festive but isn’t going to burn me up. SheIn sent me this really cute leather and boucle jacket to wear for New Year’s Eve!

New Year’s Eve Style

I love this New Year’s Eve outfit because it’s versatile and still stylish! The pearl and gold necklace is from Chico’s (gift from my future sister-in-law) and adds so much class to the outfit. It really compliments the jacket too. When I’m shopping, I try to buy things that are in the same style realm. For example, my closet is inspired by classic style icons like Jackie Kennedy and updated with a few trendy pieces. This is the perfect example of those styles mixing flawlessly!

This will be the first time I’ve spent New Year’s Eve in Dallas! If you’re local to the Dallas area, leave me a comment with great events and places to celebrate! Last year, I spent it with my boyfriend and his family and we had a blast! Unfortunately, a few of us (including me) nodded off a few minutes before midnight. I know, we’re lame. To bring in 2017, my boyfriend David and I are spending it together!

What are your New Year’s Eve plans to bring in 2017? Any resolutions? I’m still working on my resolutions for the year but so far, I’m hoping to start a daily devotional and lose 10 pounds by spring. I’m going to be testing out a few weight loss supplements in the next few months, so be sure to look out for those! Enjoy your New Year’s Eve!

 

 

 

 

 

*Sponsored by SheIn

 

New Year’s Eve Style Picks

Hello lovely! I hope your Christmas was wonderful and full of surprises. Mine certainly was! I spent Christmas in San Antonio with my boyfriends family and we had a ball. Of course, I missed my own family in my home state of Maryland, but this was just as nice! It seems like the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is so rushed that I don’t even get time to enjoy the little break or the good sales going on.

Speaking of New Year’s Eve, I’ve been combing my closet for something to wear this weekend and nothing seems to scream “wear me!”. I started browsing a few blogs for inspiration and thought I’d share a few New Year’s Eve outfit ideas with you! I want my life to sparkle and be exciting, and my style should reflect that! Enjoy your New Year’s parties and adventures!

New Year’s Eve Style Guide

//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/#/?options=%7B%22widgetId%22%3A%225861e3cc61d1ddebd9f4cd80%22%2C%22version%22%3A1%2C%22pid%22%3A%22uid3025-28872695-82%22%2C%22size%22%3A200%2C%22columns%22%3A3%2C%22rows%22%3A1%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fapi.shopstyle.com%2Fapi%2Fv2%22%2C%22iframeHeight%22%3A275%2C%22iframeWidth%22%3A705%7D