Guest Post: Bring Back Teen Dramas!

Today I have the lovely Laura of Dating Advice for TV Characters with a post for you. Laura and I were freshman floor mates back in college and now both live in LA with our hubbies. Laura is a great writer who just graduated graduate school and is seriously one of the funniest people I know. You may remember her from a blogger interview we did a few months back. Without further ado, I give you Laura!

via PopSugar

I’m sure looking at that title you think that I’m insane because teen drama is obviously alive and well.  Yes, I’m quite aware, but what I mean is teen drama on television.  I’m guest blogging today for the lovely Liz so I guess I should start by introducing myself: I am an aspiring TV writer and I’m obsessed with teen dramas (and of course, the relationships).  Pacey and Joey, Chuck and Blair, Summer and Seth…I could go on forever (but I won’t put you through that). 

I think the exciting part about writing for teens/young audiences is remembering what you obsessed over at that age.  Everything seems so incredibly important when you’re a teenager – you’re convinced that your BF is your soul mate, that your academic career will be ruined forever if you get a C on a test, and that your social life will define the rest of your life.  Now doesn’t that make for some great drama?

Unfortunately, it seems that teen dramas are starting to become a thing of the past.  Why?  Are teens growing up faster than we did?  Are the stories becoming clichéd?  Are the show concepts flawed?  I don’t know why but I hope that they will return because I can’t imagine having gone through that period in my life without seeing Dawson go through similar issues with his parents or Rory struggle with leaving her mom to go to college or Ryan figure out how to find into a world in which he doesn’t belong.  And yeah, watching Summer and Seth’s Spiderman kiss was pretty spectacular too.

So please join me in keeping your fingers crossed that TV networks continue to see the value in teen dramas – the sentiments that still speak to us a decade later.  Tonight -- kick back, drink a glass of wine, and enjoy re-watching an episode of that show that you couldn’t wait to tune into every week when you were a teenager.

Oh, and if you need a little reminder of the best part of those shows (read: relationship drama!), check out my blog: Dating Advice For TV Characters.

Carry On or Die!

My family has always been a huge proponent of carrying on. Even when checking bags was free, when we travelled it was all in one suitcase a person. You had to carry what you packed, so carry ons were key. 

My trusty suitcase.

Even with a three week vacation ahead of me, I knew it was necessary to pack in a carry on and purse. Luckily I have gotten pretty good at this. Still here are my favorite tips and tricks for maximizing space in your carry on.

All my clothes for the trip.

1. Put out everything you want to take and then edit edit edit! It is always easier to edit than to try to do it one piece at a time. This way there is no possibility of forgetting something.

2. Choose a color pallet and stick to it. It will be easier to mix and match pieces on vacation that way and you will need less stuff. I went with red, white and blue (with a few pink accents) for this trip since there will be a lot of cheering on of the US and France during the World Cup.

3. Use dead space to stuff small items. Stuff socks, belts and underwear in shoes. Let scarves fill crevices, put cards in small nooks and crannies.

4. Pack anything you want accessible on your flight in your purse or small bag. I keep my chargers along with my headphones and electronics in my purse/tote along with my wallet and passport. You don't want to be that person digging around for a cord in your zipped luggage during the flight. Rude.

5. Use space saving travel bottles for toiletries. I bought a perfume atomizer that is the smaller than a tube of lipstick so I don't have to waste money on bottles less than 3oz or take up unnecessary space. I also have a reusable toothpaste container so I can always have my favorite kind on the road.

6. With that, pack light on the makeup and hair stuff. It's vacation you don't need to be dolled up constantly. Enjoy the sun and just take the essentials. I have a travel tinted moisturizer, creme blush that doubles as lipstick, one lipstick, one lip gloss, one eyeshadow duo, my navy eyeliner pencil and my mascara. That's it.

7. Valuables should always stay in your carry on. On long trips I like to wear one neutral necklace the whole trip and then vary my look with a number of earrings. They take almost no space but are a great option.

8. Wear your bulkiest outfit on the flight (as long as its comfy). I like to rock a maxi dress and scarf on the flight because it keeps me warm and comfy at the same time and maxis take up a lot of room in your bag.

9. Check that your bag will close continuously as you pack. It will save you a headache of having to remove stuff once you are done. 

10. If really tight on space, roll your clothes. If you need even more space, travel space bags are a great investment.

11. Pack a small bag to bring back souvenirs if you run out of space. Packing coming back is always harder than going. Luckily international flights still offer the first checked bag free.

What are your go to tips for packing light?

Top 10 Playlist - June Edition

June Playlist by preppy-lizzy on Polyvore

This month's playlist is actually an entire soundtrack instead of a traditional top 10. With my trip in Europe underway, I've been listening to the Midnight in Paris soundtrack for days now to get myself in the mood. I love the music of this soundtrack and find that I could listen to it for days and find something else to love each time.

Guest Post: Have A Good Day Everyday!

Today I took off for Europe and what a better way to start my vacation Guest Post series than with the lovely Jessie from Blush and Blonde. Jessie and I are both members of SoCal Bloggers Society and she has a wonderful blog that chronicles her amazing fashion choices and life. I knew instantly that I would like this girl when she said her favorite color was pink! Take it away Jessie!

I'm so happy to be visiting y'all over here on Headbands & Bagels today!!! Have you ever wished there was a secret formula to having a great day? A way to feel amazing all day and go to bed smiling? Well I have good news, there is! Here are 10 of my (almost) fool-proof tips and tricks to having a good day EVERY day. Now I don't always take my own advice, but when I do, I never fail to reach the end of the day feeling fabulous with a smile on my face! Try them out and let me know if they work for you too! 1. Rise and Shine, Gorgeous: Get up when you wake up! As tempting as it is to sink back into your fluffy pillows and sleep for another few minutes (or few hours), get those feet on the ground the first time you wake up!! Drifting in and out sleep for a little bit longer really won’t be that restful, and if you end up sleeping too long you’ll get dehydrated which can lead to a horrible headache for the rest of the day. Not fun! Plus, won’t you wish you had that extra ten minutes back when you’re frantically rushing out the door? Image via @chiaraferragi

2. Get Up Then Get Down: Downward Dog that is! Nothing will get your body loosened up and blood flowing like a quick morning yoga sesh. Use that extra five minutes from getting up early to stretch out the sleepiness. Get your body moving and get your muscles working, you’ll be glad you did after you’ve been sitting in front of your computer for a few hours!

3. Eat a Breakfast of Champions: Do. Not. Skip. Breakfast. Yes, in high school I though it was cool. Showing up to first period with a latte and no food? Tres chic. Or something. Thankfully I’ve wised up, because no one wants to deal with me when I’m “hangry.” Make sure it’s a GOOD breakfast too. No, a snickerdoodle from Starbucks doesn’t count. What’s going to get your metabolism going and keep you full all morning? Eggs? Oatmeal? Fresh fruit and yogurt? Just make sure you’re eating something healthy and balanced that will keep you from wanting to snack before 10. Image via @blushandblonde

4. Let’s Get Physical: I really do try to go to the gym most days, but there are plenty of times when I just don’t make it. Sometimes it’s because I’m busy, other times it’s because I’m just lazy. However, skipping the gym is no excuse to not be active!! On days I don’t make it, I still make sure to work fitness into my day, whether it’s pilates in my bedroom or taking my dogs for a walk around the neighborhood. No time for that? Get creative!! I’ve been known to do crunches while emailing, do lunges while walking from room to room, and even do squats while talking on the phone. Image via @peaceloveshea

5. Water Water Everywhere: So drink it!! Healthy skin, healthy heart, healthy body… There is no end to the list of reasons why you should drink plenty water. Especially in these hot summer months, it’s important to keep hydrated!! Invest in a reusable water bottle, it’s good for you AND the environment. My reusable water bottle is probably my most used accessory, it never leaves my side! 

6. Turn That Frown Upside Down: Did you know a smile can change your whole day?? Whether you’re giving it or receiving it, a simple smile can act as a major attitude adjustment. Turn “Grumpies” into “Happies” and can’ts into cans! Image via @gigihadid

7. Lend a Helping Hand: It doesn’t have to be extreme, I’m not talking about catching the next flight to Nigeria and #bringingbackourgirls. I mean hold the door for someone. Pay for someone else’s coffee. Bring in your neighbor’s trash bins for them. Doing little things for others will make you feel great about yourself! Besides, think about all that karma you’re racking up.

8. Eat Clean: I’m not saying you have to juice for every meal, I’m saying you should eat clean, good, REAL food. I’ll let you in on my biggest secret: I don’t diet. Ever. Nor do I eat anything that’s “fat free” or “sugar free.” I eat real butter, real cream, and plenty of carbs. I also eat tons of veggies, fruits, and green juice. I believe in eating real foods in moderation and staying active, just like people did before the advent of processed foods and fad diets. Your body will look and feel its best this way! 

9. Take Your “Me” Time: What makes you happy and relieves stress? Reading a book? Your favorite TV show? Playing a game? Whatever it is, make sure you take some time out of your day to do it!! Just make sure that you’ve finished everything you need to do for the day before you sit down to relax, putting off work really just leads to MORE stress in the long run. As for me, I love my reality TV. I guarantee I’m in a much better mood on Real Housewives days! Image via @hoskelsa

10. Splurge: No, I’m not talking about that Ferragamo bag, I’m talking about something a little easier on the bank account, like ice cream. Or a glass of wine. Giving yourself a guilt-free treat is good for the mind. Don’t rationalize it with thoughts like “I’ve been good all day” or “I deserve it,” do it because you WANT to and you CAN!!! It’s a healthy mindset to have, and I bet it’ll put you in a good mood. See you later, I’m off to pick up a bottle of pinot grigio. Xoxo. Image via @blushandblonde

In Flight Entertainment

In Flight Entertainment by preppy-lizzy featuring Kate Spade

Apple - MacBook Air - Design / Nintendo 3DS XL Blue/Black / Urbanears Plattan Plus On-Ear Headphones Lilac Apple Store / Tech accessory / Kate Spade tech accessory

With our trip coming up and two back to back 6+ hour flights planned for Friday, having in-flight entertainment planned is essential. Because I am prone to swelling in my legs after my knee surgeries, sleeping is challenging since I need to wear compression socks and get up to walk pretty frequently.

My keys for a good trip are the following:
iPad: I keep everything on my iPad. I have movies to watch, all my magazine subscriptions to catch up on, music and games to play. I also can draft some posts and take notes on my trip.

Kindle Paperwhite: I am an avid reader as my blog readers know. With my Kindle I can download books anywhere in the world thanks to its 3G service and keep all my books in my library easily
available.

Urbanears Headphones: I love my over ear headphones for long trips. It is much easier to sleep without the ear buds. With Urbanears you can also allow a friend to plug into your headphones so you can listen to the same thing, watch a movie together or a TV show.

Magazines: All on my iPad, it keeps me entertained while being very lightweight!

Knitting: I love that you can bring knitting needles through security and I find knitting to be really relaxing and soothing. It also lets me watch a movie while keeping my hands busy.

Nintendo 3DS: I am a gamer and with the 3DS I can take a ton of games with me and play on the go. Between Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart, Mario Party and Yoshi's Island, I have tons to keep me occupied.

Macbook Pro: Key for keeping my photos organized as we travel and to take notes during our trip, my computer is essential. Also with my Time Warner Cable internet subscription I can get online at any Boingo hotspot for free!

What are your travel essentials for in-flight entertainment?

Currently... June Edition

Currently... by preppy-lizzy featuring a faux leather purse

Reading: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald. F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite author to the point that I have read everything he has ever written multiple times. Hence I am now on to this acclaimed story about the woman in his life, Zelda. 

Eating: Mexican. With our trip to Europe pending, I am enjoying cultural dishes that I will be missing for a few weeks. And let's be honest, anyone who knows me, knows I love my Mexican food.

Listening: Avenue Q Soundtrack. I have a limited number of CDs at work since I stopped buying CDs a few years back and switch all to digital, so this little number has gotten some serious playtime lately. 

Watching: The World Cup. Sunday was heartbreaking but the US is still in it. Since I bleed Red White and Blue for both my country and my heritage, I am also cheering on Les Bleus (aka France) as well.

Craving: A new Longchamp. Mine is shot so I am thinking of replacing it this vacation.

Dreaming: France. It's been 8 years since I have been back and I cannot wait!

SCBS Monthly Link Up: Summer Entertaining

Today is all about Summer Entertaining. We are taking part in our Monthly SoCal Blogger LinkUp. This month, the lovely Kate of Nautical By Nature is the head blogger and no one better could be leading us on Summer Entertaining.

When I think of Summer Entertaining, I think of hosting a great cocktail party for friends. I love a good summer cocktail and living in California, I think of drinks with super fresh fruits and sparkling soda. I love hosting little gatherings for either a great night of TV like True Blood or to sit out on the patio or at the beach.

Summer Entertaining by preppy-lizzy featuring Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany Co kitchen dining / Boatman Geller serveware / Juice cup / ZENTS cocktail muddler / Bar tool / Kitchen gadgets tool / Sur La Table outdoor drinkware

Here are three of my favorite drinks to make for friends. The first is a Pineapple Blackberry Mojito and the second is a Tangerine Citrus Sparkler. The last is a classic Pina Colada.

For the Pineapple Blackberry Mojito you will need to muddle a handful of blackberries and mint into the bottom of a highball glass. If you want to get even fruitier, add some crushed pineapple to the muddle process as well.. Then add 2oz clear rum and 3oz pineapple juice. To finish add club soda, a blackberry and sprig of mint!

For the Tangerine Citrus Sparkler, take one can of Izzie's Tangerine Sparkling Juice, 3oz Citron Vodka, and a splash of simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and serve.

Finally for a classic Pina Colada, take 3oz rum, 2 oz crushed pineapple, 2oz pineapple juice, 2oz creme de coco (coconut), ice and blend. The trick is to add both the crushed pineapple and pineapple juice. It enhances the depth of flavor.

Enjoy responsibly!

 

Transitions

Transitions by preppy-lizzy featuring polarized wayfarer sunglasses

Floral lace dress / Jeans / Gap slim boyfriend jeans / Phax Swimwear short romper / Kate Spade espadrille wedge sandals / Kate Spade patent shoes / Imitation handbag / Neon pink purse / Ray-Ban metal sunglasses / 

Ray-Ban polarized wayfarer sunglasses

Since Saturday was the first day of summer officially, today is all about transitions. Specifically the transition from Spring to Summer. When I think of getting in the Summer spirit, I think of wedges, white jeans, beach bag toes, rompers and aviators. While I find myself breaking out into bright colors come spring, summer has pieces of clothing that can only be worn in summer months, like rompers! White jeans are also a total summer staple. And while I find myself in sunglasses year round in Southern California, I think for summer, one's sunglasses should be light and airy like these pink mirrored Ray-Bans. How do you transition to summer wardrobe?

#30DayNoRepeat Week 3

I was continuing my 30 day no repeat challenge this past week. I realize my challenge will only last 27 days as I am off on vacation shortly. But I am really loving rediscovering my closet! Here were my looks of the week!

Game of Thrones

Disclaimer from the start, I don't hide my nerdiness. I am a big Game of Thrones fan and not just of the show but the books as well. I love how the show as brought to life the characters I have imagined for so long and I wanted to dedicate this post to the ladies GOT and the fashions they inspire. Between Ceresi, Arya and Daenerys, all three girls are powerful warriors in their own right and inspire very different looks in my mind.

Game of Thrones by preppy-lizzy featuring a bracelet ring

Yves Saint Laurent black floral dress / Cushnie Et Ochs knee length cocktail dress / Diane Von Furstenberg royal blue gown / BLANK pastel dress / Sweetheart neckline top / Yves Saint Laurent skinny fit jeans / Alaïa black platform shoes / Casadei pointed toe shoes / GUESS brown flat sandals / Lana bracelet ring / Tory Burch bracelet bangle / Luv Aj studded jewelry / GUESS layered chain necklace / BCBGMAXAZRIA cuff bangle / Bill Skinner yellow gold necklace / Bowie gold spike necklace

For Ceresi Lannister the colors of scarlet and gold immediately come to mind. Not only are they the colors of their bannermen but the Lannisters live and die by their gold. If I were to imagine Ceresi for modern times, I think first of a red body con dress with cutouts and all gold accents including a lion pendant for her house.

When I think of Arya Stark, I think of Warrior Girl. She is a tomboy at heart and totally uninterested in dresses. I imagine a modern Arya in leather skinnies, a structured top with sharp lines like this bodice, studded heels and a chain mail necklace to represent her aspirations of being a knight.

Finally for the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, I am immediately drawn to the blues like her costumes on the show. She spends her times in the books to this point in the deserts south of Kings Landing where lightweight fabrics, flat gladiator sandals and simple gold jewelry balance her status as a queen with her status as an army general.

I totally admit to being a geek with this post but I think it is really fun to re imagine characters for a modern age, especially three women who are so different yet all powerful. Who is your favorite GOT female? How would you imagine them for modern age?

World Cup Fever

World Cup Brazil by preppy-lizzy featuring a wrap shawl

Tory Burch shelf bra / Orange scarve / Wrap shawl / ADIDAS ORIGINALS Brazuca Fifa 2014 World Cup Ball - White/Multi / River Island White World Cup trainer socks pack / France FFF #10 Football Soccer Men's Distressed Logo Crew Neck T-shirt... / Nike Womens Brasil / Brazil World Cup 2014 Soccer Jersey (Home) @... / Brasil World Cup 2014 Poster n 5 / BEATS BY DRE Mixr Headphones

With the World Cup Group Stage well underway and the USA topping Ghana on Monday, I had to share some World Cup inspiration. With our trip to Europe timed perfectly for Round of 16, Dan and I will be sure to be rocking our USA pride along with our heritage pride for France and Holland. Here are some of my favorite pieces to get in the FIFA spirit! I believe that we can win!

Wednesday Wishes: Pops of Color

Wednesday Wishes by preppy-lizzy featuring heeled sandals

Kate Spade fit and flare summer dress / Pink polo shirt / Coach heeled sandals / Tory Burch leather sandals / Nautical purse / Neon necklace / Kamali Kulture cateye glasses / Loop scarf / Pom Cord Collar / C. Orrico - Lilly Pulitzer Nigella Maxi

I love a good pop of color to enhance any outfit. Whether it is a great statement necklace, like these two from Baublebar, a colorful tasseled scarf from Lilly, a neon polo from Vineyard Vines, blue shoes from Coach or Tory, a fun nautical purse from J.Crew Factory, a colorful Kate Spade mini or patterned Lilly Pulitzer maxi or fun Lucite yellow sunnies, it is an easy way to add some personality to each and every outfit you rock. What is your favorite way to add color and personality to your look? Are you an accessories person or statement maker with your clothes?

What to Wear: Summer Weddings

What to Wear: Summer Weddings by preppy-lizzy featuring a cut out maxi dress

Rebecca Taylor long silk skirt / Kate Spade pocket dress / Alice Olivia cut out maxi dress / J Crew cotton floral dress / Jimmy Choo black suede sandals / Kate Spade patent pumps / L.K.Bennett leather wedge shoes / J.Crew wedge heel sandals / Reeds Jewelers round diamond earrings / Bohemian style earrings / J Crew multi layer necklace / J.Crew summer earrings / Ray-Ban mirrored sunglasses / J Crew glitter belt

Today's post is all about what to wear to your summer weddings this year. Tackling the four most popular attire requests for summer weddings I hope I was able to capture ideas for whatever type of nuptials you may be attending. 

Black Tie can go either cocktail length or floor length dresses and should be in darker more jewel tone colors. Pair these with a great pair of strappy heels and some gorgeous cocktail jewels. Pick one statement piece to allow the number one piece to stand out.

Formal attire is similar to black tie for ladies except that cocktail length is more acceptable and you can branch out into some brighter colors. I am a firm believer in navy for any wedding and this Kate Spade number is a great option. It is also on sale in black! Go with some pretty pumps and fun earrings with a higher neckline.

Beach Formal is one of those that is most common during the summer. These can be especially tricky since you are trying to balance the elegance of a more formal affair while dealing with sand, wind and spray. I would go for a flowing maxi or cocktail length in chiffon to compliment the breezy beach feeling. Wedges or flats are an absolute must for these kinds of weddings. Pair bold statement earrings with a maxi for a more relaxed vibe.

Finally Semi Formal. I personally feel that this is the most casual you can go for a wedding (even when they say casual). Pick a great summer day dress like this number from J.Crew and add some sparkle with a fun belt to define your waist, simple studs and espadrilles or flat sandals. 

Enjoy your wedding fun!

Also congratulations to Christy Peeples DuBois on winning the Francesca's gift card giveaway! Thanks to everyone who participated. Stay tuned for future giveaways!

#30DayNoRepeat Updates

Another week into the #30DayNoRepeat challenge with For Love of Curls and a whole new slew of photos to share with you all. Remember you can follow my journey daily on Instagram. I meant to post this Monday morning but ended up having a lazy day around the house instead.

Happy Father's Day

Love this guy.

Today is Father's Day and since I can't be with my dad, I wanted to shout from the rooftops how wonderful he is. He was my first best friend, I was his right hand man. He taught me everything I know about sports, tools, and the outdoors. He taught me how to grill, how to throw a ball, how to ski fearlessly, how to be courageous and how to love. He is my role model, my baseball buddy, my dad.

Dad and Dan riding the rail in Japan.

My sister, Dad and I in Greece.

I'll be able to celebrate a belated Father's Day with him in a few weeks but until then, I love you Dad! Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.

In France as kids.

Pinterest Hairstyle - Curl Guide

via Pinterest

This month, instead of sharing a hairstyle, I wanted to share this great curl guide I found on Pinterest. It is an easy reference to see which curling iron should be used for a specific tightness or look. It can sometimes be daunting when picking which curling iron or curlers to use and I love that I no longer need to wonder.
Also a reminder that I am co-hosting a giveaway to Francesca's. You can enter through Sunday! See the rafflecopter below.

$230 Francesca's Collection Giveaway!

The Giveaway goes live on Monday, June 9 at 12:00 am PST and ends Sunday, June 15 at 12:00 pm PST. Winner will be announced Monday, June 16

Life's A Party DLI // Headbands & Bagels // Penniless Socialite // A Good Hue // Blush & Blonde

It's Mostly About Fashion // Lisa A La Mode // Something Good // Bless Her Heart Y'all // Willfully Elegant

At The Streets of Gold // Fashion Fairy Dust // Tea & Sequins // Jasmin daily // Induffinitely Me

  Wilde In The City // Nicole To The Nines // Fashion Bling & OGT // Pretty In Her Pearls // I'm Perfectly Human

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Crafted

Correction: Crafted Fair at the Port of LA hosted an Etsy party. Sorry for the confusion. Thank you to Crafted for hosting such a wonderful party and for giving us bloggers a chance to experience the fun! Thanks too for the wonderful swag! Thank you readers for supporting the companies that Headbands & Bagels works with. All opinions are my own.

Last Friday, Leeann of Join the Gossip and I attended the Crafted Fair at the Port of LA. Crafted is a permanent space at the San Pedro port where local crafters have booths set up. There is food stuffs, jewelry, and more available. The space is a World War II era hangar that was converted and zoned by the city of San Pedro to arts related businesses.

Leeann and I

On Friday, Crafted hosted an event for Etsy where you could create crafts for $5 or less and peruse the local artisans pieces. The location is open every Friday-Sunday and is a great place to get immensely thoughtful gifts.

I was able to pick up a vintage 1923 Ball jar converted into a soap dispenser for the kitchen from Upcycled Mason Designs, a beautiful votive/vase, and some amazing handmade candles from Artisan Candles. We also got some amazing samples of gluten free cookies, pear jam, and more.

It was a great night!

Leann and I were also able to participate in a  few free crafts which included make your own wine glass markers and bottle cap earrings. 

My crafting on display.

Crafted put on an amazing party complete with an adorable VIP area where we could nosh and some awesome food trucks. Later this year a brewery will be opening up in the converted hangar across the way. There will also be cooking classes, brewery tours and a restaurant available.

You should definitely head down to San Pedro one of these weekends for a craftastic time!

Our gift bag swag.