My favorite workout pants + 5 apps that help me stay fit

February 28, 2017

Sweater: Banana Republic, love this one, Bottoms: Old Navy, Sneakers: Nike c/o Nordstrom, Ring: Some random store in Barcelona, Earrings: Chloe + Isabel

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you my favorite workout pants and 5 apps that are helping me stay in shape. I just turned 26 yesterday and let's just say I've been celebrating the last couple of days with lots of food and drinks so thank God for these apps that have been SO helpful.

First of all let me say that petite active wear is hard to find. Yes, you'd think that active wear especially leggings/yoga pants and anything of the like would be like one size fits all or at least more available to petites but it's not! There are a few brands that have petite items and Old Navy has been my new favorite place to shop for these items. I have found my HOLY GRAIL workout pants, yep, I'm saying it. These will totally be my go-to pants from now on. I have these in so many colors and various sizes. I'm totally obsessed with them. They have various styles from capri, high-waisted, and straight leg I find them to be very comfortable, easy to wash, and really affordable. I'm loving these purple pair at the moment and for today only Old Navy is giving you 30% off your purchase with code MARDI!

It's hard for me to workout without my phone. I know some say I'm addicted to my phone, but for good reason. Lately I've been loving apps that help me track my health and fitness. When I made the new year's resolution to be more active, I researched tools that would keep me on the path to healthy living. After asking around and trying different apps myself I found these 5 that are my favorites.

MyFitnessPal - A free app that many say is very similar to the Weight Watchers app. It's an app that tracks your steps along with the food that you eat. You can easily put in what you eat for breakfast lunch and dinner and it tells you how many calories are in each item, and helps you track your total calories for the day. There is an option to purchase the premium version of the app that breaks down your macros and micros and gives you further details about your eating habits if you're interested! I find this app to be incredibly helpful and I feel like it's a game, I'm constantly pushing myself to take more steps and to stay within my desired calorie intake.

5K Runner  - I've never enjoyed running. Literally never, but I wanted to give it a proper shot. I wanted to inculde more cardio in my workout routine and really push myself to do something new. So I asked around for running apps, or runnings exercise for beginner's and was introduced to 5K runner. Essentially it's for the couch potatoes like yours truly that want to start running. It's an app basically helps you train for a 5K, while I have no desire to do one this app has helped me get comfortable with running, and actually enjoy it without burning myself out.

Nike+ Training App - This is my favorite app for home workouts! There are times when I'm running late from work or can't make it to the gym but want to get in a quick workout at home, this app creates personalize workouts just for you! You can put in what areas you want to work on and it creates custom exercises that can be done with our without weights and/or machinery. It's perfect for those who don't have gym memberships.

Aaptiv - This app is for those of you that are huge fans of workout classes, (soulcycle, class pass, etc.) If you're looking for an app that gives you unlimited access to all your favorite fitness classes then Apptiv is for you. For $9.99 a month you can get access to classes and routines for yoga, 10K training, cycling, outdoor running, treadmill and much more. As much as I love soulcycle, it can get pretty expensive so this app is a cheaper alternative and lots of fun.

Yummly - While living in NYC for the past year I've ordered more food off of seamless then I ever could imagine. I made it a resolution to cook more but it certainly hasn't been easy. Pizza from Sapore d' Italia in Bushwick will always be bae but Yummly has helped me cook on my own! It's such a fun app that has countless recipes for you to discover. You can save and share your favorites, very similar to Pinterest, but my favorite part is that helps you customize them based on how many people you're cooking for. I find it so difficult to cook for just myself especially when many recipes are created for 4-6 people. I end up with leftovers for days and days, I get bored with eating the same thing or it'll go bad in the fridge. Yummly is so easy and fun, you can create a profile, save your favorite cuisines, create recipe lists that match your taste and find recipes you can make right now with what you have on hand.

Hope you have a great week!

Xo,
Maia

Caitee Smith Photography

6 last minute gift ideas for Galentine's Day

February 11, 2017



It's that sweet time of year again! Valentine's Day is just days away and I wanted to share 6 gifts that I think would be perfect for that gal in your life. I love that Valentine's Day turned into Galentine's day because let's be real our best girlfriends will always be #1 in our hearts.

1. I've always been a Bobbi Brown fan. Since I saw her speak at a college a few years ago, and heard her tell her story about how she created her brand, it's made me like her even more. I like natural make up and all of the products that I've purchased are neutrals that just bring out one's natural beauty. I think this set is the perfect beginner's set. It's a great introduction to the brand if your gal pal has never tried it.

2. Seriously, how cute are these sunnies! I think they are such a fun pair and only $12!

3. Coco Mademoiselle is my signature scent and it's delicate, fresh and sweet. So romantic!

4. Send nudes -- nail polish that is, to your gal pal for Valentine's Day. Classic colors for the perfect manicure that she'll totally love.

5. These stackable rings are a great accessory that will go with any outfit, you can buy them here.

6. This adorable dish is under $25 and it's great for smaller pieces of jewelry. I have a similar one and I always put my rings and studs there.

Hope everyone has a great Galentine's Day!

Xo,
Maia

Winter White

February 9, 2017

Coat: J.Crew, Sweater: H&M, Jeans: Forever21, Scarf: old but loving this!, Earrings: old but want these, and these, Bracelet: Bauble Bar - a necklace that wrapped it around my wrist!, Ring: from a random store in Spain but love this set., Bag: old, Shoes: Louise et Cie - so similar here!


Happy snow day everyone and Happy NYFW! Kudos to all the ladies and gents braving the snow to go to the shows, y'all are the real MVPs. I'm cozied up in bed with some hot chocolate because that's how I roll when it's snowing outside. While we recover and dig ourselves out from the blizzard I wanted to share with you these photos that I took over the weekend with my friend Steph! She just moved up here from Miami and we spent the day taking photos around Washington Square park and spending the day the most NYC way possible. Waiting on a line to try a new cookie dough shop by NYU. Yes, you read correctly, we waited 2 hours in the cold for cookie dough. Was it worth it you ask? So.worth.it. Dō just opened a few weeks ago, and their popularity grew instantly. The first time I heard about it a few weeks ago, I went to go try it and there were only like 10 people on line. Within days, their videos and photos were all over my Facebook feed! We decided to give it a try again on Saturday and I was shocked by how long the line was but we decided to wait, especially since Stephanie had never had it before. My boyfriend Tom, and his friend Danny decided to join us and the 4 of us braved the cold. I will never do it again but at least I can say I did it!

We finally made it inside the store and ordered the amazingness that was the cookie dough. The store is super cute and does look like a happy, colorful, cookie wonderland. I went with a scoop or their cookie dough ice cream and a scoop of their confetti cookie dough which is sugar cookie dough with white and dark chocolate chips and sprinkles! Delish! So good! Stephanie got their heavenly which has Nutella in it, and the guys got milkshakes! Yummmm!

The cookie dough was wonderful and so was the weather so I decided to pull out my winter whites. I used to strictly follow the no white after labor day rule but the older I've gotten, the less I like to follow rules ;) I personally love white after labor day; I think it's such a pretty way to incorporate brightness into a winter wardrobe. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of wearing all black and dark colors for fall and winter but there's something about winter whites that I love! I've also been loving metallics, and these oxfords are perrrrfect! I actually wearing them ALL the time. Way more than I thought I would :) They are comfortable and I get so many compliments. 

I hope you all have a great weekend & go try Dō if you're in NYC but maybe wait a couple weeks for the line to die down ;) 

Xo,
Maia

The Executive Series: Navy Blue + Leopard Print

February 7, 2017

Sweater: LOFT - extra 40% now! Skirt: Ann Taylor - extra 60% now! Heels: Sam Edelman, Coat: J.Crew, Earrings: Chloe + Isabel, Clutch: Charming Charlie


Happy Tuesday, all! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and omg what a Super Bowl right? Never have I been so emotionally invested in a game!! I was literally at the edge of my seat, stuffing my face with tortilla chips because I was so anxious. But shoutout to the Rutgers alums that played on both teams #GoRU #BleedScarlet

I wanted to share a new outfit as a part of my executive series featuring some new favorites of mine from Ann Taylor and LOFT. For a while I assumed Ann Taylor was for older women but lately I've been loving their selection of classic pieces for work. They are providing a great selection of casual and trendy yet work appropriate, especially for a business casual, /business formal office like the one I work in. Their petite selection offers great fitting pieces. Even though I still have to get pants tailored because I'm super short, I love that their pieces fit my curves nicely. I'm obsessed with this sweater, it's cozy, includes the lace up trend and work appropriate. Sometimes I find it difficult to find pieces that are age appropriate, trendy yet professional. I want to look like I mean business but I still want to look like I'm 25. I think this skirt totally fits the bill and it was only $16!

These heels are my favorite and come in so many colors! They're a classic heel and trust me they are so comfy -- I can wear them all day with no problem.

What are your top places for work wear? Share in the comments below.

Xo,
Maia


I'm back!

February 1, 2017

Guess who's back, back again... let me stop while i'm ahead... but yay, I'm back! I'm so happy to be back blogging after a much needed break but I certainly missed it and I'm hoping to come back full force.

I hope everyone had a wonderful end of 2016, I know there was so much going on with the election,  and the chaos of the holiday season. I'll be honest, I went through such a whirlwind of emotions myself at the end of the year. Between long hours at work, emotions from the election, Christmas, New Years, trying to spend time with friends and family, sewing class (a new passion of mine!)I was all out of energy and did not have the time nor motivation to write. I was not thrilled with how some of my posts were coming out and I felt like they were missing my true voice - it got lost somewhere along the way. My goal is to make my posts more genuine, with my ideas, opinions and reviews.

Anyway...how was everyone's holidays?! I spent a lot of time with family and my brother who just finished his first semester in college. We spent Christmas in Delaware, watching movies, listening to Christmas songs on repeat (but my mom and I are OBSESSED with Christmas music -- seriously I start listening to it the day after Halloween because I'm crazy), and burning Christmas cookies (obviously not on purpose but I'm not the best baker!). One of my new years resolutions was to cook more and better. Clearly people agree because I got 2 cookbooks and a slow cooker for Christmas. NYE was a blur that I spent with friends and family. My roomie and I were crazy enough to throw our own NYE party at our place and it actually came out amazing!

Coat: J.Crew, Scarf: Loft (similar & similar), Sweater: Banana Republic old, Bottoms: ASOS (similar - only 19!), Sneakers: Nordstrom (different color here), Bag: Zara old, Earrings: Chloe + Isabel

I also got to spend my first holiday with my boyfriend which was really wonderful. I had mentioned on Instagram that he was moving up from Florida and he did in October. So we've been adjusting to being in the same city and we've finally experienced what it's like to date like a normal couple!

Well that's a little bit of what I've been up to, and again I'm so glad to be back. Let me know in the comments if there's anything specifically you want me to post about!

Xo,
Maia

Caitee Smith Photography





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