Moody Girl Eats: Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

There are so many signs that autumn is finally here - the cooler air, the leaves changing colors, and of course let’s not forget the return of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte.  I have to admit that I used to buy this drink religiously over the past few years, but I haven’t bought one this season.  Mostly because I’m trying to cut back on eating or drinking anything with too many artificial flavorings and added sugars.  Don’t get me wrong, I still crave the taste of this pumpkin-y delight, but I’m trying to make better choices for my body. 

Another reason I haven’t bought this drink is because I recently read a blog post from the Food Babe that questioned some of the ingredients in Starbucks’ drink.  After I did a little research, I decided that I needed to take a step backwards to reevaluate my drink options.  Of course, I don’t know if the Food Babe post is accurate, but I am equally concerned regarding the amount of sugar used in the latte and the chemicals used in Starbucks’ signature pumpkin spice syrup.

So when I found this Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie recipe, I knew it was going to be my favorite treat.  It’s filled with real pumpkin, which is a great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, making it a healthy addition to your diet. This smoothie that has less sugar and fewer calories than the traditional Starbucks latte, but will still tackle that fall pumpkin drink craving. Check out the recipe below to get your Starbucks fix at home with infinitely more nutritional value.  If you decide to try it, let me know what you think. Happy blending!

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

[Inspired by this pumpkin spice smoothie from Lululemon.]

Ingredients:

1 cup of canned pumpkin

1 cup of almond milk

1 or 2 frozen bananas (depending on how sweet you want it)

2 dates

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and ginger, to taste

1 scoop of protein powder (optional)

A handful of ice cubes

Directions:

Makes 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Blend all ingredients together until you achieve the desired consistency.  Adjust flavorings as needed and add more almond milk or water if it’s too thick.  Pour the drink in a glass and Enjoy!

Moody Style: Camo and Stripes

Camouflage! You either love it or hate it.  Some people think it’s just a fashion trend that has invaded our favorite brands and others think that camo is a fad.  One thing is for sure is that you can't hide from camo this fall season because it’s everywhere.  And it doesn’t seem to be going out of style any time soon.  This trend continues to grow in popularity each year and designers are constantly updating the look in various colors, with neon trim and new accessories. 

Last year, I missed out on some great camo pieces when J.crew sold out of this shirt, this vest and these pants.  So, I was pretty happy that I was able to find this cute top from Target a few weeks ago.  And the best part was that it was less than $10.  Now all I need to do is find some camo pants with a great fit for a low price.   What are some of your favorite camo pieces?  Are you a fan of camo? Let me know in the comments.  

 {Shirt: Target Vintage Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee;

Skirt: Banana Republic Striped Skirt (similar here and here)

Earrings: Kate Spade Small Square Studs;

Watch: Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch;

Bracelet: J. Crew Factory Square Stone Bracelet;

Bracelet: Target Pave Stone Link Bracelet;

Shoes: Coach Marah Flats (similar here)}

Mood Swing - The Autumn Style Shift

Oh autumn! Ever since I was a youngster growing up in New Jersey, I’ve always looked forward to autumn.  Autumn has always been known for deep rich colors, apple picking or pumpkin picking, cool, crisp air, and of course, pumpkin spice lattes.  Now that I live in Florida, I especially welcome the fall weather for some relief from a long, hot spring and summer season. While the rest of the country is gearing up for cooler temperatures, it continues to remain ridiculously hot down here.  

As I continue to wrap up my summer wardrobe, I’m slowly transitioning some fall colors into my wardrobe.  Obviously, one of the quickest ways to transition into the fall season is to run to the stores and buy new clothes.  However, if you are like me living in a warm state or if you don’t have the budget to update your wardrobe right away, then you can start off small with accessories, makeup, or nail polish in prominent fall hues.  

Sometimes it can be a little tricky trying to figure out what colors will work best during the transition into the new season.  I’ve teamed up with Julep to show different ways to transition into fall with Julep nail colors.  If you’re not ready to grab new clothes and you want to start off small with nail color, then here is a chart from Julep to give you some color ideas for transitioning from summer to fall colors.  So ladies, it’s time to put away the bright and neon nail polishes from the summer and go for an autumn-inspired color palette.

I’ve picked out a couple of my favorite colors that are inspiring me this season and put together a layout of few accessories and clothing that will allow these colors to shine.  I love the look of Julep’s Brielle (Bombshell) and Anisa (Classic with a Twist) because these colors remind me of the leaves changing to an array of hearty oranges, golds and reds.   And I personally think that these colors look amazing on all skin tones.  

Do you have a favorite nail polish color for fall? Check out Julep for more color inspiration and let me know in the comments.

1. The Limited - Check Pencil Skirt…$69.95

2. Free People - Ventura Pant…$78.00

3. Vivetta - Orange Scalloped Martedi Dress…$455.00

4. Anthropologie - L'Orangerie Infinity Scarf…$48.00

5. Kate Spade New York - 'Metro' Embossed Leather Strap Watch…$195.00

6. Brooks Brothers - Wool Two-Button Jacket…$248.00

1. Tory Burch - Robinson Pebbled Triple-Zip Satchel…$535.00

2. J.Crew – Plaza Skirt in Crepe…$79.99

3. Hunter - Adjustable Back Gloss Rain Boot…$158.00

4. Ann Taylor - Tall Faux Leather Seamed Dress…$139.00

5. H&M - Peplum Top…$19.99

6. Alturzarra for Target – Velvet Tuxedo Ankle Pant…$39.99

Current Mood - Top 3

I just made a little visit to my local Anthropologie and I fell in love with a ton of items that will be perfect for fall - whenever it gets here.  The weather here is still about 90 degrees during the peak of the day.  So, I have at least a month or two before I can start pulling out my sweaters and jackets.  In the meantime, I’ll just continue to add a few more things to my wish list and create my fall wardrobe in my mind.   Have any of you checkout out Anthropologie lately.  Do any of you have any favorites that you can’t live without this month?  What’s on your wish list?

Atacama Jumpsuit

Fringed Veras Cardigan

 

Embroidered Glacia Gown

 

Moody Mondays: Target & Altuzarra

I’m so excited to share with all of you the news about Target’s newest collaboration.  I’m not sure where I've been, but I only recently learned about this information, so I figured that I would share it with all of you (in case you weren't already in the know). 

Anyways, Target has announced that they are partnering with Altuzarra to introduce a limited-edition collection of women's ready-to-wear & accessories for fall 2014.  Altuzarra for Target hits Target stores, Target.com and Net-A-Porter on Sunday, September 14, 2014 - so you know that’s where I’ll be.

The 2014 Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) Womenswear Designer of the Year winner, Joseph Altuzarra of Altuzarra, has created a collection for Target that is comprised of nearly 50 pieces priced from $18 to $90.  The collection includes everyday staples of pencil skirts, crisp button-down shirts and stylish dresses that are covered in python prints, rich velvets and romantic floral prints.  In addition to the clothes, there are a handful of beautiful accessories like waist-cinching belts, ankle-strap stilettos and there is even a pair of over-the-knee boots. 

As I mentioned before, I’m so excited about this collaboration that I’ve already started picking out some of my favorites.  You can check out the official lookbook here.  Here are a few things that I'm loving so far:

Velvet Blazer InRuby Red, $59.99; Embroidered Blouse In Red, $44.99; 

Velvet Ankle Tuxedo PantIn Red, $39.99; Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Maxi Dress In Black Orchid Print, $69.99; Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Structured Dress With Crane Embroidery, $49.99; Croc Effect Belt InBlack, $29.99; 

Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Blazer In Python Print, $49.99; Dress In Banker Stripe/Python Print, $49.99; 

Ankle Strap Shoe In Black, $39.99

Wrap Dress In Purple Orchid Print, $49.99; Over-The-Knee Boot In Black, $79.99

Tee Shirt In Python Print, $17.99; Flounce Skirt In Black, $34.99; 

CrocEffect Belt In Black, $29.99; Over-The-Knee Boot In Black, $79.99

I can’t wait to check everything out in person.  Are any of you looking forward to this collection?  Have you check everything out yet?  What are some of your favorites?