I love blogs. A large part of my morning routine is checking these blogs every day: 


Cupcakes and Cashmere: 
http://cupcakesandcashmere.com

Emily Schuman runs the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere. This was the first blog that I starting following. It is an amazing blog, that includes tons of tips and tricks for fashion, food, the home, and general ways to make your life better.  Her book is AMAZING and has sooo many tips on everything from decorating to parties. You can buy her book on her website, or on amazon. Make sure to check it out! 


Upnorthinjuly: 
http://upnorthinjuly.weebly.com

Katelin Wahl runs this blog (aka my sister.) Even though I am fairly partial to this blog, I'm sure even if I wasn't, I would love this blog. She describes everything so well, and is so relatable! She posts so many helpful routines and recipes.  Make sure to check her out!!!! 

Lauren Conrad 
http://laurenconrad.com 

Of corse Lauren Conrad is well known for her TV shows, books, and numerous fashion triumphs. Some people however, do not know she has a blog! It has everything! She has many helpful tips on how to dress, workouts, food, DIY's, how to nail an interview, and SOOOO many more!!!!!!! 


Do you have any favorite blogs? Make sure to leave a comment!

Have a great day - Sydney 

With spring coming right around the corner, I'm starting to pull out all my pastel and neon nail polishes. This year though, I seem to gravitate more toward Essie nail polish colors. Why? I really don't know. These Essie's have gotten my attention this Spring.

Mint Candy Apple: This color is by far my favorite. I have gotten endless compliments on it, and reach for it whenever I paint my nails. I constantly need to remind myself to put the bottle down, mainly because I have had the color on for weeks at a time. 

Honestly, when I first saw this color, I didn't think I was going to like it. I thought it would be too sheer. I finally decided to try it out on a whim while in Target, and  I'm so glad I did. This is a gorgeous pastel color, but is not sheer at all. It doesn't overpower a look, but people notice it (and in my experience, give lots of compliments!) 

This is my go-to color whenever I'm feeling girly. It has a summery feel to it, with just a little hint of sparkle. This is my newest addition to my Essie collection, but I can already tell that it will be one of my favorites. 

What are your favorite Essie colors? Feel free to leave me a comment! 
(PS. My twitter is @thegirlnextdior! Make sure to follow me for updates on this blog, fun contests, and to leave me comments! )

Have a great day - Sydney 

Picture credit: 
1. never-unpolished.com 
2. theblushbar.blogspot.com
3. thequeenofthenail.com

I have to admit, for some reason this year I am overly excited for spring. The warm weather, flowers, fresh food, and family time are so appealing to me. I can't wait. Living in New England, it is especially hard to get excited for spring, one day it is 75 and sunny and the next it is 45 and rainy. Needless to say, whenever those warm days show up I take full advantage of them. Here are my favorite ways to get into the spirit of the season. 


Eat Outside: 

My school's lunchroom is always crowded, loud, and I can never seem to figure out what the particularly unappealing smell is. So when the weather is nice, a group of my close friends and I go outside and eat in front of school on the picnic tables. Not many people know our spot, so it is perfect when we want to get away and have some quiet while we are eating, and it is great to be able to hear the birds chirping and see the flowers popping up. 

Change your meal up: 


Whenever spring comes around, I always look for fresh foods or summer classics to have for dinner. For me, hamburgers and grilled veggies, watermelon, rhubarb, and pickles are all foods that I regularly dine on during the warmer months. Having them incorporated into lunch or dinner adds a warmer feel to my meal. 

Exercise: 

Although my schedule is tightly packed with lacrosse practice every evening, I make sure I have time to go for a short bike ride, run, or even a walk. It is a nice way to appreciate the spring and get your daily exercise in at the same time ( I also love to pick up flowers along the way for my kitchen table!) 

Those are MY top ways to spring into Spring, I'd love to know yours! Make sure to leave me a comment with your steps to Spring into spring

Have a great day - Sydney