I’m not a gardener. I was not blessed with a green thumb. I once killed an Aloe Vera plant. Now that’s just sad, ya’ll. But I do love plants, I love gardens, I love flowers, I love how all of it looks. BUT. I don’t enjoy putting the effort into having a beautiful yard and garden. I don’t like to get my hands dirty. Yes, I’m that kind of girly-girl.

Instead of just admiring the beautiful gardens of everyone else this Spring/Summer. I decided to quit being a pansy and get out there and create my own. Nothing comes to those who watch life happen around them. You have to put in the hard work. You have to get out there and make things happen. I made this happen…

That’s turned into this…

As I was outside in the ridiculous 100 degree weather (we’re having here), elbows deep in the dirt, grumbling to myself how much I hated these stupid weeds that wanted to ruin my garden, I realized something. When I wanted to start losing weight, it was hard. I was working to create a new lifestyle for myself that I had no idea how to do. I had a few ideas of how it was done, but through trial and error, I worked my booty off to lose the weight. All the hard work, frustrations, little victories, everything, was all worth it. As I looked at this pretty little garden and all the evil weeds I just destroyed, I was reassured that with hard work and staying consistent, I knew this garden would be beautiful. So my one advice to growing a garden isn’t a list of what to do, because really… I’m still figuring that out a long the way. But what I can tell you is put in the hard work, be consistent and you will see results! No matter what your task is.

Now, I must tell you about a fun little ditty. I so wish all of you lived near me. I’m having a Fashion {Swap} Party this week and it’s going to be amazing fun! There are also going to be some great vendors there, one I want to mention is….

Ever heard of Stella&Dot? Super cute jewelry! My friend Laura will be bringing all her goods for everyone to check out. But the good news for those that can’t attend, is that you can order online from Laura’s website! Here’s the deets:

Go to Stella&Dot
Click “Can’t make it to the trunk show?“
Type in “Lauren Giles“
Shop away!

Easy Peesy! Have fun shopping!

We’re going to the Kentucky Derby in May and yesterday I went hat shopping…

I like the white/black one, a lot.

But didn’t come home with a hat. Instead I came home with a dress…

But not in that color. In WHITE. *deep breath* When did I become so brave, wearing an all white dress. Sheesh.

So now I’m on a hunt for the perfect hat and shoes. Any suggestions where to find a hat?

In other news, I got this in the mail last week…

Chobani sent me this big o’ box of greek yogurt. See, I’m skeptical when trying new things, often I just don’t try them. Ha! Chobani asked if I’d try out their yogurt and give my honest opinion…

I’ve only tried a few so far…

Yes, I burnt the bagel. Don’t judge, its hard sometimes to get it right.

So far I’ve played it safe with Chobani, I’ve had Blueberry, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana… the other day I did get brave and try the pomegranate. All of which have tasted really good. VERY creamy and rich, and I like that they’re not overly tart. I need to get crazy and try the pineapple or mango. Have any of you ever tried these? What do you think?

Zumba is calling my name my friends!

QUESTION: Would you rather wear a huge fancy hat everyday or your life or wear platform heels everyday for the rest of your life?

**I just got an email from Fitness Magazine, I made the 2nd round of voting for the Face of Fitness contest!! You can Vote for me here and you can vote everyday until Sunday. THANKS Ya’ll! I simply can’t believe it**

IT’S SPRING BREAK!!!!!! Woo hoo! Who’s excited? Ya know what that means? I get to go to Zumba EVERYDAY. How fun is that? Plus, I have the busiest schedule ever this week, so starting each day off with an awesome workout, is seriously going to be appreciated.

This weekend was a lot of fun. Friday, I got a killer Zumba workout in and shopped at Jcrew with the personal shopper of the store. But first we had Starbucks

Yes, my lil’sis is a personal shopper and knows fashion! Score. I tried on white jeans for the first time, ever. Whatcha think?

That evening lil’sis and the birthday boy came over for dinner. I made one of the Stonyfield Yogurt recipes, finally. I made the Alfredo recipes, but with whole wheat spaghetti noodles (and had some rice noodles too) instead of fettuccine. It turned out pretty tasty!

I didn’t follow the recipe to a T. Because, well thats just me. I didn’t mix the pasta and the sauce together, just added it on top of the dish. Really enjoyed it and didn’t feel yucky full afterward, like I normally do after having “real” Alfredo sauce.

Saturday Morning, I woke up with every intention to go for a run with the pup. But then I got to looking around and my house was a hot mess. So decided to clean the whole house top to bottom. I mean hardcore clean people. Like get-on-your-hands-and-knees-and-SCRUB-the-floors-with-Clorox-wipes-till-it-shines-kind-of-clean. Turned pandora on and got after it. My house was a shining masterpiece after. Felt great! I got a nice cardio workout in and I think having a clean house, helps you have a clean mind. When your living space is chaos, so is your thoughts. Ohhh, I even changed out my guest bathroom…

You like? The aqua blue really makes the bathroom look so much bigger! I really like it. Ah, clean house and fresh new bathroom look. Saturday was nice.

The rest of the weekend was spent with this girl

and doing silly things to this girl…

We just couldn’t help ourselves.

How was your weekend?

If you haven’t already, be sure to send me your pictures of “What’s in your Cart?” I’ve gotten some great emails already, can’t wait to post those this week! So be sure to check back!

I have two of the coolest sisters… ever.

And this weekend the three of us got away for a little retail therapy. My oldest sister’s birthday is this month, so we used that as the perfect excuse to drive to the outlets.

This is our disneyland.

The weather was chilly, sunny and beautiful.

We hunted shopped, laughed, made memories and had a wonderful time together.

And of course we fueled up on Starbucks…

And really, minus the Pottery Barn Outlet, our outlet about 30 minutes from us has the same stores… this outlet we went to is 3 hours away… but its not just about the shopping {but the sales at Pottery Barn are really a bonus }… you see its about spending time with those you love… unhurried time. Its not often the three of us get to spend a whole day together. So these times are cherished.